Shortly after school started on Oct. 12, the Grove was suddenly filled with the loud blaring of fire truck horns.
Every year during Fire Prevention Week, firefighters visit Forest Grove and Buffalo Creek schools to talk to the students about fire safety.
This year, deputy fire chiefs Ken Brown and Ron Lister focused their talk on the need for smoke detectors in every home and the importance of planning and practising a home escape route. The children were encouraged to work with their families to draw an escape map.
Sparky the Giant Dalmatian was on hand to lend his support.
Russell Kelsey from Forest Grove and Kazzdon Wilson from Buffalo Creek were chosen at their schools to travel to 100 Mile House in the fire truck for lunch at the Firehouse Diner.
Interesting traditions
Shawn Nelson is the fire prevention officer for the 100 Mile House Fire-Rescue and also principal of the Forest Grove Elementary School.
He offered the following insights into two longstanding traditions.
Fire Prevention Week commemorates the anniversary of the great Chicago fire that took place during Oct. 8-10, 1871, with Mrs. O'Leary's unfortunate cow taking the blame.
Dalmatians became firehouse dogs because they bond naturally with horses and are protective toward them. They would run beside the fire wagons, preventing other dogs from spooking the horses. They were also not disturbed by bells and sirens.
Guiding in the Grove
On Oct. 13, deputy chief Brown instructed the Forest Grove Girl Guides and Pathfinders on the function and proper use of fire extinguishers.
In other Guiding news, Leader Alice deViveiros reported the older girls are learning about the Canadian banking system as an ongoing project. They have set up a "bank" and are learning how to make deposits, write cheques and use a monthly allowance.
Later, they will visit a financial institution to learn about credit cards and how to plan for successful money management. The Guides meet on Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the school.
Lighting up the Night
The Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department is preparing to rock the Grove once again on Halloween night with its annual fireworks display.
Every year, we are treated to a pyrotechnical production that would rival that of any city. Cars line up at the community hall and school, facing the firefighters and trucks in the field across the way.
Show time is 7-7:30 p.m. Following the display, the ever-generous Butcher Bob and his wife, Lynn, will provide hotdogs. Hot chocolate will also be available.
The fireworks display is financed through donations and fundraising. Special thanks are extended to Bob and Vicky Hicks, the Forest Grove Store and Legion Branch 261 for their generosity.
Fire department members ask that folks bring a donation of non-perishable food or a new toy to the hall for the Loaves and Fishes Outreach group in 100 Mile.
Dancing with Witches
Legion entertainment director Janet Brown and her spooky crew are toiling over a cauldron of Halloween surprises for Oct. 29.
Costume judging will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. followed by a dance, featuring Border Run from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Halloween Hootenanny Cafe
On Oct. 29, a Halloween Hootenanny will stir up the night at the community hall beginning at 7 p.m.
Entertainment will include three bands, a bevy of beautiful dancers and ghoulish readings. To perform or for details, call Astrid or Steve Roy at 397-4103.
School news
The Community and Parents Advisory Council (CPAC) is holding elections at its AGM, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m.
CPAC is a community group, open to anyone interested in the school.