Christmas Eve morning saw Groundswell volunteers wrapping poinsettias for delivery to senior’s homes and valley churches to add beauty to their holiday.

The David Thompson EI student’s sparkling stars on the hill have stopped shining as the garden prepares to go back to sleep until spring.

Main Street Fun and Games was presented with The Favourite Tree Award by Edson Martins, Store Manager of Home Hardware. The Paul Mondragon tree sculpture will be as treasured as Main Street’s dragon that they decorated their tree with. Be sure to drop into their store for a close up look and a word of Congratulations.

Four Points Books was a close second with a classic blue and white theme pointing us in the direction of a better future by growing ourselves through our reading, and Mrs. Armitage’s JA Laird class was a big hit with Gramma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.

The trees were voted on by attendees over the 4 nights of Groundswell’s First Annual Garden of Lights.

Whether adding their wish for 2024 on the Wishing Tree, warming by the fire with friends or indulging in Carole singing along with Bryant Oleander and the Valley Voices …community celebrated the blessings of this valley as they contributed to the growing movement for Food Sustainability with Groundswell Community Greenhouse and Gardens and all their partners. We are working together to ensure that everyone who lives here goes to bed with a full, well-nourished tummy.

The Grinch waves good bye as he retreats to his mountain top to plan his return to upset your holiday in 2024. Hi Jinx creative designer, Arly Franson, has already started to dream of sugarplums
Ring in your new year by contacting us as a potential sponsor or volunteer for next year and make this valley even brighter.

Visit us at Groundswell later in January. Watch with your very own eyes the miracle of crisp lettuce, healthy kale, and new tomatoes sprouting under the leadership and green thumb of Marion Andrus, Groundswell manager Stephanie Stevens, and all the volunteers of Groundswell. Check out groundswellnetwork.ca/events.