Congratulations to Debbie Fountain, the 2009 EUP Fine Arts Council Volunteer of the Year. Debbie is never without a project. In addition to her many activities on behalf of the DeTour Area Board of Education, Debbie works at the school with the parent-volunteer groups, with the DeTour Museum and Botanical Garden as co-chair for the Happy Apple Scarecrow Festival, with the Friends of the Library as chair for the Scholastic Book Fair, with the Arts Council as their make-up person for many productions, and as a model for the fashion show. If there is a community project that needs assistance and organization, Debbie is the person to call. She also works with the DeTour Area Chamber of Commerce as the organizer of special events for children during Fourth of July festivities and as chairperson for Winterfest.

Debbie is currently working to organize this annual winter event and she has asked me to announce that the date has been changed from Saturday, March 6, to Saturday, February 27, so everyone can enjoy both the Winterfest activities and the Raber Sportsmen’s ice fishing contest the following week. There is a planning meeting at Fisher’s Restaurant Thursday, January 14, at 1 p.m. Anyone who would like to help or who has suggestions for activities is invited to attend. If you can’t be there but have ideas, call Debbie. It’s also time to think about an entry in the Chamber Snow Sculpture Contest for Winterfest. The theme this year is “Sweet Treats.”

If you haven’t gotten your ticket for the money raffle at the school, it’s not too late. The drawing is Thursday, January 21. All proceeds will support the computer lab at the high school. You just might win the $500 grand prize.

The DeTour Friends of the Library will accept items for their annual silent auction Wednesday, February 10, from Monday, February 1, through Tuesday, February 9. Chair for this year’s event is Sandy Wytiaz. If you have a new or gently used item or would like to purchase an item to donate, call Sandy and she will help. Be sure to stop by the library beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, and then return to place your final bid before bidding ends at 7 p.m. Funds raised from the auction help keep the library open during non-school hours.

Mayor Anthony Bosley said the final flooding for the ice skating rink at the pavilion should be completed by the time this news is published, and the rink should be open this week.

Have fun and enjoy winter in DeTour Village.