Happy anniversary to all of us. Five years ago a group of parents sat together determined to bring programs, events and workshops for families to our small town, eliminating the need to travel long distances for children’s activities. To say that our dream has become a reality is an understatement.
It is so exciting to gather around and brainstorm, discuss and plan new events and programs to bring to our small towns. It is even more exciting to see more and more children coming out and enjoying them.
One of the big obstacles we faced when we became a group was getting the word out to families all over the Pontiac about programs and activities that we are planning. Five years ago, we began writing this column for THE EQUITY as well as our coming event ads and have since been told many times that people get their information from THE EQUITY. We are so grateful to THE EQUITY for their continued support!
We are indebted to so many people and organizations without whom our programs, events and workshops would not be possible.
The municipality of Shawville has been and continues to be a fantastic support and partner for many of our programs and events. We can’t express how much we appreciate it. Bristol has also been a great partner for us in funding some of our programs. We love the added programs we get to do in partnership with the library thanks to the joint funding from the municipalities of Shawville and Clarendon. In addition to the support of the municipalities, local organizations have kindly donated the use of their space to us so we can keep costs of programs low or non-existent to our parents and families.
Thank you to the Shawville Lions Club, the Shawville RA, New Hope Fellowship Church, Bethel Pentecostal Church, Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary School and Pontiac High School. We are also very appreciative of the businesses that have donated funds, supplies or anything else for any of our events, programs or workshops. There are truly too many businesses to name, which further demonstrates the incredible support we received from our community.
The Comité 0-5 ans has also been great to set aside funds for us in the budget. We have loved joining up with the Get Art community to offer art workshops.
It really drives home the fact that our community does want to help keep families close to home and satisfied with their way of life here in the Pontiac. A huge thank you to all those individuals and organizations that help us out in any way.
In addition to the programs we’ve run in years past, Shawville Shenanigans, Park Days, Story Time, LEGO Club, Creative Movements for Moms and Tots, this year we were able to add a few new programs and events as well. We were proud to offer Shenanigans with Erin which highlights a school readiness factor, new art workshops with Get Art artists, had a very successful Touch a Truck event, hosted a Third Annual School Supply Drive, had our Fifth Annual Christmas Party, welcomed the African storyteller, welcomed Junkyard Symphony back, hosted a Homework workshop, found a wonderful music teacher and have held Music with Sosun a number of times as well as organized an Acro Dance class at McDowell Elementary school.
We are currently working to bring yoga back as well. We are proud to have been able to host so many events, programs and workshops here in our town for local families.
If you’re interested in being a part of our committee we are always accepting new members. The Parents’ Voice strives to organize and plan events, programs and workshops that are of interest to all parents in our areas, we want to hear your voice. We are happy to hear your feedback, please check us out on facebook https://www.facebook.com/
theparentsvoiceshawville/ or email us @ parentsvoiceshawville@hotmail.com.
Thank you so much to our community for participating in what we bring to town. We are excited to bring more to our families in the coming year.
