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Ol’ Tyme Family Night seeks more community involvement
Susan Thompson
for Express
The future direction of Ol’ Tyme Family Night could depend on you.
Smoky River Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is looking for community input on the future of the Ol’ Tyme Family Night program.
The program was started two years ago, in January 2007, and FCSS feels it’s time to see what changes, improvements or ideas should be incorporated into the program.
Musicians, singers and volunteers and the Royal Purple and the Jean Cote Community & Cultural Association have been involved in making the program a success so far. The Royal Purple has taken responsibility for the first Friday of each month in McLennan, while the Jean Cote association has been working with FCSS to help set up the pot lucks and music in Jean Cote on the third Friday of each month.
“If there are other groups that would like to get involved then this is the time to speak up so we can move in the direction of more community involvement,” says FCSS Director Penny Fox.
“Our board feels that the program is still important and wants to see it continue in whichever format the community wants.”
Donna Buchinski, board chair, says, “We continue to be amazed at the continued support for the program and as we start to plan our programs, resources and staff time in 2010, we wanted to make sure that this program was working best for everyone involved. We asked ourselves what mechanism was in place for members of the community to shape what this program looked like.”
That conversation led to the decision to hold a public meeting and let everyone have a chance to get involved and give FCSS their ideas.
“Often FCSS start programs and ideas and once it gets to a point where another group or organization wants to take on the project – then FCSS hands it off to them. Our board is wondering if this is the case with Ol’ Tyme Family Night or if people still feel that it is important that this program be overseen by FCSS,” says Fox.
FCSS will be holding a supper on Nov. 24 at the Elks Hall in McLennan, followed by a meeting for anyone who wants to help decide what future direction the Ol’ Tyme Family Nights should take. The supper will begin at 5:30 pm and the meeting will begin at 6 pm.
To date over 6000 people have attended Friday nights. Highlights have included the first anniversary supper with MP Chris Warkentin and the second anniversary Duane Steele concert.
“No big plans have been made for our third anniversary yet but we will recognize the milestone in some way,” says Jean Moore of FCSS.
“We are thinking of a smaller and simpler approach this year to recognize all the people that have helped along the way.”
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