'Martha Stewart' hosted Sam Hawkins in the RJC cafeteria this year, an event where every boy is given a girl to ask to a themed meal followed by an evening activity. 'Martha' (Russell Martens) pulled in the support of local businesses to make the event a success. We saw many beautiful outfits from the local MCC, "Martha's Custom Clothing", fresh flowers from Green Brier and a trendy new deconstructed dessert, from the Station Arts Centre.
Over supper, 'Martha' showed a few clips from her hit TV series 'Martha Stewart Living', which were only occationally interrupted by Body Break with Hal Johnson (Matt Love) and Joanne McLeod (Graeme Rinholm). It was a beautiful meal shared with wonderful company. It was shaping up to be a wonderful evening full of relaxation and maybe even a little craft making when things took a turn for the worse.
The local RCMP arrived to inform all of the guests that they were under arrest for insider craft trading. Students were escorted to prison (the gym) where they were given information about Martha's craft trading syndicate. Students then issued out of the gym in search of craft supplies available only in safe houses hidden around the RJC campus. To make their search more difficult, DC members Brenden Bayda, Cecil Peters, Cole Friesen (K-9 partner Mitchell), Curtis Wiens, Matt Wiens and Russell Martens as well as Day Student Rep Erik Epp patrolled the grounds as security guards. Any prisoner found on the grounds was taken to the holding cell and then transported by RJC Prison bus to Maximum Security Prison (the English classroom) where they needed to perform a song or dance to be set loose again. The collected craft supplies were then to be assembled and presented to the Prison warden, Gail, who was secretly a Martha Stewart craft collector and would award her "favour" upon the best crafter(s) in the form of prizes that once again supported local businesses.
It was a wonderful event. Special thanks to Karalee, Mel, Bev, Jim and Gail for helping out with the evening game. Hat's off to the guy's DC who did an excellent job with the event and finally made the long standing dream of a Prison themed RJC event a reality with the help of Martha Stewart.
Chandler Ericson-Lemaigre and Colton Regier invite their dates by serenading them with a song
Dorm council tranforms the dining hall for the banquet.
The student body receiving instructions from the warden after their arrest.
Students being transported by 'the prison bus'
Carissa Brockman, Cara Warkentin and Krista Dueck present their craft to the Warden Gail Schellenberg for evaluation!
Students learn to trust one another and they are led blinfolded through a maze.
The chapel opened with prayers from Ian Epp and Jenn Regier. The opening hymn, "If the War Goes on" was led by Richard Janzen. Staff member Ryan Wood shared a message of remembrance, complete with a challenge to work for peace. Brendan Bayda, Levi D. and Jordan Kopp shared about the history of the White poppy, Red poppy and MCC button campaigns. Carissa Brockman read and reflected on the famous WWI poem "In Flanders Fields". Jesse W. prepared a slide show and shared about his cousin who was killed in Afghanistan. After this emotional presentation the student body sang "O Healing River" and Ian and Jenn closed in prayer. The words and thoughts shared in chapel were moving and reminded everyone how fortunate we are to live at a time of relative peace in this land. We remember, and we work for peace.
Her political foresight predicted a Conservative minority, a Liberal opposition and a strong showing for the Bloc Quebecois. Her predictions for all parties were accurate within a few seats.
Encore, a vocal ensemble from Winnipeg, thrilled the audience with its wide repertoire of music. The group included former RJC staff member Doug Pankratz.
Mary Ann Kirkby, author of I Am Hutterite, captured the attention of the audience with her stories of her family and their experiences moving from colony to "mainstream society" and her subsequent journey to reclaim her cultural heritage.
All students participated in colouring a piece of the dove collage that now adorns our rehearsal hall wall and provided a backdrop for our sessions. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this a successful event!
Next time you are at RJC come by the chapel to view the tree on the chapel wall and see how many names your recognize!
The NDP platform is shared...
...and the Conservatives...
...don't forget the Green Party...
...or the Liberals.
Rachel Stock casts her vote
Erik Epp, Steven Tetreault paddle off with Spencer Russell pointing the way.
Torrey Falconer, Heather Epp and Taylor Epp
Baily Neufeldt, Shauna Regier, Allison Goertzen and Laura Schmidt perform at the coffeehouse.
Ryan Wood and Jesse Wozniczka enjoy the view from the Crying Rock
A group of students at the top of 195 steps.
