The 100th Anniversary Committee of AB Ellis Public School is busy these days leading up the big celebration this summer.
Chair, Wendy Ashton, says the homecoming is slated for the August 3rd civic holiday weekend with various events taking place at the Espanola Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 over the three days including a wine and cheese grand opening, barbecue, dance and brunch.
Ashton adds the finishing touches are being made to the community-driven recipe book and the public has until April 15th to submit their favourite cooking secrets.
For more information on the celebration, or to submit a recipe, go to the link at: myespanolanow.com/myalgomamanitoulinnow.com
Packing groceries on the weekend of March 15th and 16th was a successful fundraiser, as was the Ethiopian dinner on March 2nd.
Upcoming fundraisers include: a Bake Sale at the Espanola Mall on Saturday, April 20 from 9:00am to 3:00pm; a Spring Tea at the Seniors’ Drop In Centre on Friday, May 10th and a trunk sale (location and date to be finalized).
The commemorative cookbook is being compiled, hopefully in time for Mothers’ Day, at a price of $15, or $12.50 if prepaid.
The committee is still looking for recipes/and short anecdotes about the school from anyone who had anything to do with Espanola Public/A.B. Ellis School, either as a former student, teacher, custodian, volunteer, parent, assistant, student teacher, etc.
Recipes can be submitted, by April 13: online to: [email protected]; at the Espanola Library or by calling 705-869-1137 to arrange a pickup, or transcribing over the phone. Volunteers are also needed and for anyone interested in doing so, either call or email at the contact information above.
SO FAR, the weekend celebration includes a welcoming wine and cheese party and in person registration on Friday evening at the Royal Canadian Legion; a barbeque starting at noon, cake cutting at 2:00 pm, visiting and a walk down memory lane (hopefully at the former Espanola Public/A.B. Ellis School building) on Saturday afternoon; visiting with new-found friends and former classmates, teachers, colleagues early Saturday evening at the Royal Canadian Legion, followed by a dance Saturday night (Legion); Sunday, they’ll be having a brunch at the Legion, everyone can promise to keep in touch, then carry on with their long weekend.
Registration will be in person, or on Eventbrite, at a cost of $25/adult, with children of elementary school age (14 and under) free if accompanied by a registered adult. The committee will notify The Moose when registration is available online.