Forestville The Good Life by Lucy Hardcastle - March 2018
Have you done one of those DNA tests yet? Any surprises? I was sort of hoping I’d have something interesting show up in mine. But science tells me I’m still mostly Irish. The traditions from my childhood have formed me. The songs my mother sang doing the dishes. The lullabies to put us to sleep. The food. The folk dances. The proud green ribbon in my hair on
Community Gatherings: Of course I’m excited about the fabulous St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on St. Patrick’s Day March 17 at the Hollydale Club 6 pm. It’s one of Forestville’s favorite feasts. They use a 150 year-old recipe from the Knockmealdown Mountains not too far from my ancestral home. $17 will not only get you delicious Corned Beef and Cabbage with all the fixings, you’ll be dancing your socks off to the Irish band the Thugz. An Irish tradition—when bad things happen (think stock market, politics, senseless death) you pick yourself up, gather with friends and learn to celebrate the life we have left. It’s precious don’t you know, as my mother would say.
Speaking of Irish, the Methodist Church has their Irish Potato Dinner March 11 with music, an auction and dance, all for free! But to be fair, donations are appreciated.
And don’t forget the HUGE RUMMAGE SALE at the Church March 10 from 8 am to 2 pm. You can start dropping off gently used items March 8th. And no, you can’t foist off your exercise equipment or electronics, which means that exer-cycle Bob and I got for our new knees remains a clothes rack. The volunteers who put this on do an amazing job. 6550 Covey Road. Did I mention it’s HUGE?
Something else that’s huge, and not upbeat at all is the huge deficit the West County High School District has coming up. It’s horrid as our beloved El Molino High is tops in the country. I’m proud of the newly formed Education Fund headed by Mary Bracken. They are determined to save classes like Drama, French and Woodworking. Along with the Principal and the Boosters Club they launched the 600 LIONS Campaign.
We are looking for 600 students, former students, parents, former parents, teachers, former teachers, neighbors and friends who will contribute $100 by March 15 and save as many of these jobs as possible. I noticed some businesses were giving much more. Bob and I have done it. Are you one of the 600? Do it now. Drop a check off at the high school or go online to donations.elmolino.org. Don’t ever forget this little community can do amazing things.
LIVE Theater - Madagascar starts March 16. In fact, a child going through Forestville Schools gets top notch training in the arts starting early. Noelle Huberty’s amazing plays and musicals have involved kindergarteners to 8th graders for years. In fact, their Spring Play begins March 16. It’s Madagascar -A Musical Adventure JR. You’ll delight in the antics of Marty, Melman,Gloria and Alex. We may all be ready to escape the “zoo” we are in and join them on their adventures. Super talented group and great fun to watch. I highly recommend these performances. Memorable.
West County Charter Schoolhosts a meeting for 6th grade parents at 6 pm on March 1 in the library. They are having a “Double Decker Family Fun Night”on March 11. $49 gets you 2 hours of bowling for 6 people including shoe rental and pizza. That’s a pretty good deal.
Another fun event for sure is the Award Viewing Party March 4 at the Rialto Theatre, a fundraiser for Food For Thought to see who wins an Oscar. A $30 admission gets you food, beverages, tons of prizes, trivia and more! I’ve been several years now and its way more exciting on the big screen than sitting at home. The Rialto really goes all out for this one.
And whether you are a genuine Irishman or just one for a day on March 17th, may the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. And remember, we could all use a little luck now and again. Let’s welcome it in if it comes knocking.
