ARCOLA — Winter months, especially January and February, can bring on the winter blues. That’s why the Grow Your Community grant, available through the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast District, was created to support uplifting initiatives.
Vanessa Dahl has been Arcola’s recreation director for two and a half years. Each year, she applies for several grants, including Grow Your Community.
She has previously secured this grant for projects such as snowshoes, but this was the first year she planned a floral gathering.
Applicants must specify how the grant will be used and align with a theme. The grant is available in spring and fall, followed by a waiting period to see if funding is approved.
This grant presented an opportunity to host a winter event that would encourage people to get out of the house, have fun, and combat seasonal gloom.
The goal of the workshop was to bring people together for an evening of social interaction while lifting spirits.
Dahl reached out to Che Cormier, owner and operator of Fengche Flowers in Carlyle, to see if she would host a floral arrangement workshop if the grant was approved.
Cormier, who has hosted many flower workshops over her nine years in business, happily agreed. Many of her past workshops were held at the Happy Nun Café and her flower shop.
The grant came through, and when the event was posted for 25 participants, it filled up in just 20 minutes. To accommodate demand, attendance was increased to 34.
“I had no idea it would fill up so fast,” Dahl said.
On Feb. 24 at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex Hall, tables were arranged in a rectangle so no one sat with their back to another participant.
Seats quickly filled as eager attendees gathered for an evening of Petals and Positivity, where they created floral arrangements set in fancy teacups and saucers.
Cormier brought all the supplies—colourful flowers, ribbons, greenery—and two assistants to help make the process smooth.
Participants only needed to bring scissors or clippers if they had them, along with a smile; everything else was provided.
Cormier guided the group in arranging flowers efficiently while minimizing waste.
Cathy Burton, Arcola’s administrative assistant, was on hand to help with setup and supplies. She also surprised attendees with three flavours of homemade cheesecake, a treat that was well received.
Dahl was thrilled with the overwhelming response and looks forward to possibly hosting another event in the future.
