“Coco” the movie celebrates the beginning of Cultural Days in Potton
As part of it’s Cultural Days, the Potton Cultural & Heritage Committee, Cinema Potton and the Missisquoi North Volunteer Centre (CABMN) Youth Centre (YC) collaborated on Friday evening, September 28 in offering a movie for families under the stars in the YC backyard.
The evening began with a free BBQ for all to enjoy and then as nightfall came, the movie began with popcorn and treats available to attendees. Prior to the movie, volunteer Deborah Dimitruk animated a craft for the children while parents visited. A late September evening required warm clothing and blankets as families joined together for the show.
“Coco” is the story of a young boy (Miguel) who wants to be a musician following in the footsteps of his idol (Ernesto de la cruz). Wrapped in Mexican folklore and tradition, he soon finds himself talking to skeletons in the land of the dead. This highly acclaimed Pixar animated film has a deeply moving story, upbeat music and a message for everyone. It did not disappoint and while most could not help finding themselves wiping away a tear (or tears) during some of its more touching moments, the film gave families something to reflect upon.
The movie event had to be postponed from its original date due to last weekend’s questionable weather. On Friday evening over 50 people (parents and children) attended the event. Youth Centre volunteers: Shannon Derby, Deborah Dimitruk, Jeremy Eldridge, Julia Eldridge and June Peacock helped with food preparation and the craft alongside Youth and Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Jersey and Youth Animator, Ethan Ball in making the event a family affair. Jeanmarc Bourgeois and Therese Descary of Cinema Potton did all of the planning and projecting arrangements for the movie with the big screen and projection made possible through their efforts and through the Potton Cultural and Heritage committee.
“Without all of these organizations and volunteers, this event would not have been possible for our youth and their families,” shared Sarah Jersey who did a lot of the preparation. “We are so lucky to have such collaboration between the organizations in Potton and an amazing group of volunteers,” she added.
The youth centre staff and volunteers often comment on the joy they feel in watching families arrive with lawn chairs, blankets, sweaters and smiles for this event. With the smell of popcorn in the air and the large screen projection, it is almost a magical feeling defying the cold night air and damp grass as each group finds the perfect spot to view the show.
For Ethan Ball, it was a different experience.
“I have been a part of the Youth Centre programs since I was a toddler,” Ball shared. Now 21, he says, “I started working at the Youth Centre today as a Friday Animator and I can’t think of a better way to begin my job than being a part of this wonderful event.”
For more information about the CABMN Youth programs visit: www.cabmn.org or call the Youth Centre at 450-292-4886. For more information about the Cinema Potton visit: https://www.facebook.com/cin%c3%a9 ma-potton-117339445008717/