Would you call them our “uniform”? Or maybe our “costume”? Or perhaps our “sign of membership”? Those red aprons instantly identify our group in events. New aprons, with the new logo, are almost sure to be ready at the Extravaganza in a few days time (Friday November 29 2-7, Saturday November 30 10-4, Quality Resort Bayside in Parksville).
If you would like to buy a red apron with the new logo for $20 even, email Carolyn Dodd cadodd@shaw.ca with your name and phone number.
What happens when two Grandmothers to Grandmothers groups join forces? More of a very good thing!
The Nan Go Grannies of Nanaimo are contributing outdoor Christmas wreaths and door swags to the Extravaganza (Friday Nov 29 2-7, Saturday Nov 30 10-4, Quality Resort Bayside, Parksville). First pioneered last year, these wreaths are constructed on a base of grape vine and willow prunings, greened with evergreen cuttings from members’ gardens and decorated by their group to become unique expressions of the Christmas spirit. When hung outside they last at least 3 months. They’re pricing them at $25 — and all proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Look for their display at the entrance to the Quality Resort at Bayside.
Crafting, stitching, working with wood — the grandmothers and grandothers (our families, friends, supporters) are actively working on products for the upcoming Extravaganza. Ann Tardiff reminds us to bring to the meeting November 19 (9:30am, Knox United Church) a sample of crafts that we’re contributing, and to pick up from her the g2g logo price tags to attach. She’ll also be circulating a sign-up sheet to help with the Extravaganza as we set up the market and host the public.
Behind all of our creative efforts lie awareness and a strong sense of our purpose — to help the African grandmothers assisted by the Stephen Lewis Foundation to raise their orphaned grandchildren. A Santa to decorate the Christmas table, a beautiful and sturdy tote bag, a finely woodworked nutcracker, a plate of home baking, a crafted wreath — all of these seem so far away from the school fees of a child half a world away. But they’re not.
Please remind everyone you know about the Extravaganza Friday November 29 (2-7) and Saturday November 30 (10-4) at the Quality Inn Bayside in Parksville.
The following message comes from Jacquie and is for those grandmothers who are making angels and gingerbread houses.
Angels: Thanks to all the angel ladies who have offered to make angels for the Extravaganza. I have started to receive many very beautiful angels. Elaine has made up new cards so we will be using them instead of the cards we have been using up until now. I will bring the sheets of them to the meeting on Tuesday for you to attach to your angels. I am trying to keep an inventory of all the angels, so could you please bring them to the Bayside on Friday Nov 29 so I can set them up for the Extravaganza or bring them to my place on Thursday. If you would still like to make more, I have materials, heads and bodies and jewellery. For the ladies who are making the stand-up angels, I have the larger head ready, along with the dowels. And for the huge angels – I have huge heads also ready for pick up. Just let me know what you would like.
Gingerbread houses: Four ladies have shown an interest in making the gingerbread houses. My plans for this workshop are:
If you have any questions for Jacquie, you can contact her on email. Best wishes to all of you creative folks.
By supporting the grandmothers you are supporting the orphans who are living with us. As a grandmother, I will make sure that before I sleep, everyone has eaten, and everyone has actually been taken care of. All of them.
The declaration above from Thulisile Dladla, Swaziland, was only a part of her report on what life is like for the grandmothers of subSaharan Africa who are given support by the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The Tribunal in Vancouver in September gave a forum for six grandmothers to tell their stories. Their stories, along with the resolutions toward action of the panel of judges, have just been circulated in a special Fall 2013 edition of the Grassroots newsletter, available online. (Click here.) The newsletter makes fascinating and moving reading, and it reminds us of why our fundraising in Oceanside, far removed from the lives of the African grandmothers, is truly worthwhile.
From the summary of the Tribunal
Friends, Judges, and Grandmothers: We have heard your voices and I know all of us feel the searing sting of injustice, the agony of loss, and the profound determination, strength and love that you have brought to meet the ravages of AIDS in your families and communities. The tenacity and intelligence of your responses to the scourge of AIDS are breathtaking, and we could not be prouder in this moment to stand here with you as witnesses and passionate allies in the struggle.
The Oceanside Concert Band and the Oceanside Grandmothers present Comfort and Joy – an afternoon of music for the entire family. The 4th annual Family Christmas Concert will take place on Sunday, December 15th from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. at Knox United Church, 345 Pym Street, Parksville. This year’s concert welcomes back soloist Rosalee Sullivan and features Second Wind, a saxophone trio.
Admission is by donation with all proceeds shared equally between the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign and the Salvation Army Mt. Arrowsmith Community Ministries. Settle into the holidays and enjoy some of your seasonal favourites. Doors open at 2:00 p.m.
We are saddened to learn that one of our members has passed away. Shirley Pawson was one of the original members of Oceanside Grandmothers and while she was able, was an active and involved member. Shirley and her family originated the first “board” sign that we used to advertise our events. We will miss her.
Oceanside Grandmothers to Grandmothers 