THORNTON NEWS
by Cathie Miller

Thornton Area Action Committee members braved the cold to serve hot chocolate and treats to the many folks who attended the 4th Annual Light Up Night at the Gazebo in Thornton on Sunday, December 3 photo by Dave Miller

Oops, I made an error in my column last week. The Barrie Thornton Old Time Fiddlers Night is not tomorrow night as I stated but actually next Thursday, December 14th at the Lions Hall. My apologies to anyone who went on the wrong night because of my error. Be sure to stop in on December 14th and hear some festive fiddle music for just $3 per adult and children are free. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. sharp. All fiddlers, singers, callers, dancers and listeners are welcome. Call Cec Denney for more information at 458- 9996.

Sunday evening the Thornton Area Action Committee and Essa Parks and Recreation held Light up Night at the Thornton Creek Gazebo. Everyone kept warm with hot chocolate along with Timbits and bags of chips for treats. With Christmas carols playing in the background, Councilor Rick Newlove led the count down to the lighting of the trees at the front of the gazebo. As we all sang 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town" Santa appeared to visit with the children. Despite the cold and wind everyone enjoyed themselves catching up with friends and neighbours. It was good to meet some of our newest neighbours that had come out for the first time; we hope that they make it an annual tradition. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success and to Santa for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit with us.

Santa visits with the children at Thornton's Light Up Night on Sunday, December 3 photo by Dave Miller

The Thornton Community Turkey Shoot was held on Saturday, December 2 at the farm of Steve and Marg McCabe. With the numbers up from last year, it was a very successful shot with 91 rounds being fired. The winner of the Proplan High Shot of the Day was Bill Patton of Lisle with 47. The winner of the turkey was Mel Barko of Thornton and the ham winner was Jim Moore of Innisfil. Steve and Marg McCabe can't be thanked enough for the use of their farm, it sure is appreciated. Thank you to everyone who sold tickets this year, you were very successful by selling more than has ever been sold for any of the turkey shoots. And not to be forgotten is everyone else who helped with the organization of this event, the set up and during the shot day, thank you so very much. And thank you to Bill, you mustn't be forgotten.

The Thornton Lions have their Christmas Trees all set up and ready for sale. There will be someone manning the lot week days from about noon until 9:00 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m. until evening. They sell the best trees around and the funds raised go to good causes that benefit us all.

Trinity United Church's UCW are inviting all the women of Trinity and friends to their Christmas Get Together on Monday, December 11 starting at 7 p.m. Their Christmas Dessert Social will be held at Trinity where they will be sharing the Christmas Spirit with carol singing, games, fellowship all while enjoying a delicious dessert. Please RSVP by December 8th if you are interested in attending at 424-9433.

The Thornton Firefighters and Santa will be touring the village collecting donations for the food bank and spreading Christmas Cheer on Saturday, December 16. Listen for the sirens coming down a street near you.

The next Ontario Early Years date at the library will be December 12 starting at 10 a.m. The theme will be clap your hands and the children will participate in fun activities including songs, crafts, stories and more. This is a free event but you are asked to register at the library or by calling 458-2549.

The Thornton Library is presenting a special Christmas event for the whole family. They will be holding a "Night Before Christmas" Story time on Wednesday evening, December 20 from 7 to 8 p.m. This event requires no registration and is free for everyone. Children are encouraged to wears their PJ's, stocking caps and bring along their favourite bedtime buddy. There will be a special reading of 'The Night Before Christmas' and a Christmas carol sing along and other special surprises.

Both branches of the Essa Public Library will be

accepting new unwrapped toys for the Barrie & District Christmas Cheer campaign. Toys will be accepted until December 15th,

Also at the library until December 16 your kids can pick up a "Letter to Santa" form, fill in all their wishes and return it to the library. Santa and his elves will send a letter back to every child who returns their letter before the deadline. Don't forget your full name address so he doesn't send his reply back to the wrong person.

If you'd like your children to correspond with Santa in the tradition way, they can send their letter to Santa at: Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO. Busy elves at Canada Post will help Santa send replies back to every child who includes their return address. You can also go to the Canada Post Website at www.canadapost.ca/santasco rner to send your letter, play games, and find out Santa's favourite recipes and more.

The Christmas Eve Service will be held at Trinity United Church starting at 6:30 p.m., December 24th. It is always a beautiful service and everyone is welcome to attend. The choir at Trinity is

looking for some new members for the Christmas season. They meet after the service every Sunday. Call Pat at 424-9433 or the Church office at 458-9701 for more information.

Need something for the kids to do over the Christmas Break. Essa Parks and Recreation will be holding "Kids Wacky Winter Week" at the Thornton Arena from January 2 to 5. The cost is just $15 per day per child and $20 per day for bus trip days. The bus trip days are Wednesday with a trip to Base Borden for bowling and on Thursday they'll go to Thornhill for the "Wonderful World of Circus." Fun activities will be held at the arena on the Tuesday and Friday such as skating, crafts, crazy bingo and a movie. Children ages 5 to 12 are welcome. To register call the Park and Recreation staff at 424- 9770.

If you have any news, meetings, weddings, anniversaries or special occasions, I'd be happy to write about them.

You can email me at thornton news@rogers.com or by telephone at 458-0869, or drop it off at 25 Robert Street.

Bye for now...