By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
The event, which was sponsored by the Hastings Parent Group (HPG), is the group's primary fundraiser. According to Shannon Vallee, the chair of the HPG Winter Festival committee, the group helps fund the school's enrichment program which includes cultural and arts oriented experiences, procurement of learning tools and sponsorship of other family events at the school.
Activities were set up through-out the school. Arts and crafts stations were in some of the rooms so kids could make sand art, bracelets, and valentines, and get their face painted. Kids were encouraged to do physical activities too such as jump in a bounce house, take shots on a street hockey net or try their luck at basketball. The Morgan Scott trio performed jazz in the library for anyone who wanted to dance. And Munsey's Magic also provided entertainment during the night with a magic show.
No one went hungry either, with pizza and lots of sweet treats being offered in the school's cafeteria.
Peter Marino, attended with his two sons, Joseph, 5, and Teddy, 2, who were relishing every bite of their lavishly frosted cupcakes.
“These are really good,” Joseph said.
Shehnaz Kataria, and her two sons, Ayush, 5 and Ayan, 19-months, enjoyed participating in many of the evening's events.
“It's such a wonderful night, we are having a lot of fun,” she said. “And it's for a great cause.”
“It was a great night for the Hastings community,” Valle said. “The money raised from the event will go towards the Hastings enrichment program which finances supplemental programs to support curricula.”
“HPG would like to offer special thanks to the many Hastings staff and teachers who donated their time to support the event,” she added. “In addition, HPG offers a huge thank you for the generosity of numerous parents and local businesses who donated time and money to the event.”
