April 28, 2010

Cultivating Community: Glenmore Gardeners Celebrate One Year!

KELOWNA, BC: It’s been a year of hard work and hard won awards for the students, parents and teachers of Glenmore Elementary’s “Grow Up Greener” garden project.  One year ago, the garden was just taking shape under the guidance of Grade 5 teacher Natalie Perrier, parents and students.  Now the project is in full bloom and it’s time to celebrate the accomplishments and look to the future.

On May 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m., the “Grow Up Greener” garden project will host an evening of film, food and music at Habitat. 

“It’s not only a great way to fundraise for the garden,” says Perrier, “but it’s a great way to unite people who have different interests.”

The theme for the event is "Locally Grown," so local filmmaker, poet and Okanagan College professor Marc Arellano will screen his recent documentary "Strange Fruit: A Changing Landscape in the Central Okanagan,” which documents the pressures faced by today’s family-run orchards.

Following the screening, there will be music by local talent from Glenmore Elementary and Okanagan College, as well as John Lent, Tom Esson with Blue City, and Arch Doody with his band, The Rowdymen.

“This event reflects the values of our garden project,” states Perrier. “It’s about understanding what brings us together as a community and about creating a healthy, viable approach to sustainable living.”

Tickets are limited and are available online at www.thehabitat.ca for $11.50 including tax and service charges, or in person for $10 at Leo's Video, Perc's Place (Cooper and Glenmore), and École Glenmore Elementary.  Tickets at the door will be $15.

For those wishing to have dinner prior to the event, the doors will open at 6:00 p.m.  Keeping with the theme of eating locally, the Habitat will feature food specials made up of regional ingredients.  The film screening starts at 7:00 p.m. followed by music at 8:30 p.m.  “The evening is an incredible value,” boasts Perrier.

.Approved by the Superintendent and Natalie Perrier on April 28, 2010

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For comments, please contact:

Natalie Perrier, Teacher, Glenmore Elementary School, (250) 762-3209

Hugh Gloster, Superintendent of Schools, School Board Office, (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284