On Thursday, Sept 5 the students of Arcola School, parents and the community came out to enjoy a barbecued hotdog or hamburger, juice and a doughnut. Secure Energy provided the barbecue and Taylor Hoey, who set it up and stayed to cook alongside Principal Ron Wardrope. With Austin Davidson volunteering to carry the cooked burgers and dogs to the serving table, they made quick work of the long lineups of hungry people. Staff and students gave their time after school to set up tables and chairs and Plainsview Credit Union donated money to help offset the cost of the food. Wendi Matthews, head of the School Community Council, was the organizer of the well-run evening. The SCC also had a table set up with school-branded clothing available for order, for those wishing to do so.
        Besides the food, there were many community groups represented as well. The Guiding movement was well represented by Aynslee Sararas and Jackie Perkins, who lead the older girls in Pathfinder and Rangers for girls in Grades 4 to 12. They are looking for volunteers to help provide leadership to Sparks and Brownies for girls ages Kindergarten to Grade 3. Anyone who might be interested in taking on one of these groups can get contact information from the town office or apply on the Girl Guide website.
        Teresa Johnston of Rising Hope Ranch was in attendance to share information about her Equine Assisted Learning program. The program creates an environment of learning through various obstacle courses with people and horses, developing life skills such as trust, self-confidence, active listening, teamwork, communication, respect and relationship building.Â
        The Â鶹ÊÓƵ East Regional Library was represented by volunteer Delaine Kendall and Arcola Day Care director, Kayla Breti, spent her time applying temporary tattoos on anyone who wanted them.
The Arcola Skating Club took advantage of the large number of people attending to hold their registration night.
        OneChurch.ca of Carlyle was in attendance with two of their bouncers, providing a place for the children to wear off some extra energy while waiting for their supper or their parents to finish visiting.
                 All in all, everyone had a lovely evening and it was a good way to start off the school year.
