Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Kim E. Strom/Daily Globe Iris LaBo, 4, paints a tree ornament for Christmas during Erwin Township's "Paint Your Holidays" Saturday at the Erwin Township Hall. Iris is the daughter of Jamie LaBo of Ironwood.
ERWIN TOWNSHIP - The Erwin Township Community Club held its first "Paint Your Holidays" event Saturday at the Erwin Town Hall. Several families came throughout the afternoon to paint Christmas tree ornaments and to get to know their neighbors while enjoying hot drinks and cookies.
Chris Johnson and her granddaughter Jillian Johnson, 9, both of Montreal, enjoyed the outing. "We're having fun, making a big mess," said the elder Johnson.
Iris LaBo, 4, of Ironwood took her work seriously as she bent over to paint a round ornament red.
"She's an avid painter," said her mother Jamie LaBo. "She loves painting and does it all the time."
LaBo said she is new to the area and heard about the event through a friend. "We're just out trying to make friends and meet people."
"It's good to see people getting out and doing things," said treasurer Helen Slining who helped organize the event. She said she wasn't aware that the club's president was her neighbor or that she had children until Saturday.
What's left from a small fee for materials will be used to help fund the Erwin Township Community Club Scholarship Fund, said Slining. The club gives a $1,000 scholarship in May to a high school senior from Erwin Township each year.
Last year's student was into sports, was an A-student and did everything well," Slining said. "He even sent a thank you note."
In order to be chosen, candidates must write a letter saying why they believe they deserve the scholarship. Grade point average and attendance are also considered. The club makes a decision from there, said Slining.
Other fundraising events are held through the year to fund the scholarship such as an annual bake sale, the cranberry festival and an upcoming Christmas party on Dec. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m., said Slining, adding the event will include kids games, crafts, gift bags and a cookie exchange.
There will also be more craft days scheduled for the future such as rock painting and making wind spinners out of driftwood.
The club plans to hold "Paint Your Holidays" again in 2020, Slining said.
