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Potato harvest providing months of food for needy families

South Cariboo Food Security Committee digs spuds for fall hampers
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Jilda Bernat and Gordon Hoglund harvested potatoes at Paul and Cindy Whitehead's farm near Forest Grove on Oct. 3. South Cariboo Food Security Committee supporters dug up the potatoes for needy families in the South Cariboo.

On Oct. 3, folks were invited to help harvest potatoes at Paul and Cindy Whitehead's garden on Bradley Creek Road.

The students from Forest Grove Elementary School (FGES) planted nine rows of 45 seed potatoes on May 16. At the time, Paul said each row would probably yield more than 100 pounds of spuds.

The week before the harvest, Paul and Cindy delivered potatoes to the school for the students to share. They had thought the students might help dig up the potatoes, but tools and weather were an issue.

That's when the Whiteheads told the South Cariboo Food Security Committee (SCFSC) they could have the potatoes if the members wanted to come to the farm and dig them up.

Even though it was a cold, foggy morning, nine people showed up for the harvesting. Paul and Cindy also donated the rest of what was left in their garden – cabbage, beets, carrots and swiss chard – that can be stored or frozen for later use.

Cindy made a nice lunch for everyone who came to work. The smell of homemade swiss chard soup was in the air and no one turned it down.

Tables and chairs were set up in the garden, and tea, coffee and muffins were also there for everyone to enjoy while they worked.

SCFSC member Lisa De Paoli said she was very pleased with this new undertaking and added the donation would go along way to feeding needy families over the next few months.

The vegetables will be distributed by Loaves & Fishes Outreach, 100 Mile House & District Women's Centre Society and the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre.

De Paoli noted she wants to increase awareness of the need for food and would like to see more events like this in the future.

 

Bottle drive

On Oct. 19, the FGES is having a bottle drive and hotdog sale.

Folks can drop off their donations and buy a hotdog at the Forest Grove Public Storage area between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

If you can't drop off your bottles and cans, there is some door-to-door pickup available a long Upper Bradley Creek Road and along Ruth Lake/Eagle Creek Road to Forest Grove. If you aren't going to be home for the pick-up just leave your recyclables on your porch.

Fundraising is an ongoing effort for the FGES and all the proceeds will go towards the school and various programs for the students.

If you need more information contact Heather at 250-397-2991 or Richard at 250-397-2876.

 

Octoberfest dinner

The Forest Grove Legion will be putting on an Octoberfest dinner on Oct. 19, so on Sept. 30, four ladies got together to make almost 400 homemade perogies.

The dinner will include Ukrainian sausage, cabbage rolls, sauerkraut and, of course, perogies for $10.

The dinner will coincide with the meat draw, which runs from 4 to 7 p.m. and a cake for the October babies, so come out and enjoy the festivities.

 

Halloween dance

Dig out your favourite costume and dancing shoes because the Forest Grove Legion is having a Halloween dance Oct. 26 from 7 to 11 p.m., at a cost of $5 a person.

The music will be a mix of DJ selections and Dodi's Karaoke, so there will be something for everyone. Snacks will be on the tables and everyone is welcome to come and dance the night away or sing your favourite tunes.

 

Office Hours

Rehearsals are going well for Office Hours, the comedy being put on by 100 Mile Performing Arts Society this season.

The group usually puts on a musical in the spring, but this year, the offering is a comedy performed this fall.

Don't miss this production, which will be performed at Martin Exeter Hall on Oct. 25 and 26. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Didi's Boutique, Donex and Pharmasave.