THORNTON NEWS
by Cathie Miller

(top) Santa Claus and Sparky the Fire Dog made a surprise visit to the Thornton Library on Wedensday evening at their special "Night Before Christmas" story time. (right) Library Volunteer Janet reads Christmas stories to the children gathered for the special Christmas Storytime at the Thornton Library.

I had a pleasant surprise when I opened my door on Wednesday evening to the sounds of children and their parents caroling. They sang “Jingle Bells,” wished me a Merry Christmas and went on their way to the next house. Thank you for making me smile.

The Thornton Library held a special “Night Before Christmas” story time last Wednesday evening. The children gathered all dressed in their favourite pj’s to hear Christmas stories read by library volunteer Janet. When singing “Here Comes Santa Claus,” Santa appeared along with his pal Sparky the fire dog to visit with the children. Santa shook the hand of every child there. As he was leaving one young lad rushed to catch up to him and personally gave Santa his Christmas list. He got it in just in time. After Santa left everyone was led by Janet singing more Christmas Carols accompanied by Janine on the piano. The evening was topped off by the reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Loot bags were given to each family and a candy cane to each child. You could tell by the smiles on their faces that the children enjoyed their special story time at the library. The library will be opened today for regular hours and on Saturday. They return to their regular operating hours on January 2nd.

photos by Cathie Miller

Now that Christmas is over, you’re probably wondering what to do with your Christmas tree? In Essa and Innisfil, Christmas tree pickup is scheduled for the week of January 22nd. Your tree must be at the side of the road by 7 a.m. on Monday, January 22. The trees will be collected during the week. The tree must not be bagged, have any decorations left on it or frozen in the snow bank or they will not take it.

In case you haven’t noticed the speed limit has been reduced on Innisfil Beach Road from the traffic light to just east of Camilla. It is now 50 instead of 80. If you are interested in

skating, the Tim Horton’s free skate at the Thornton Arena will be held on December 28 from 3:30 until 4:50 p.m. and again on December 29 from 8:30 until 9:20 p.m. Public skating will also be held on December 30 from 8:00 to 9:20 p.m.; December 31 from 1:00 until 2:50 p.m.; on January 2 from 5:00 to 5:50 p.m. and on January 6 at 8:00 p.m. until 9:20 p.m. The public skating fees are $2.50 per adult; seniors and children are $1.25 and preschoolers are free.

Thank you to all my readers who support me in writing this column every week. I appreciate all the information and events that you pass along to me to pass along to everyone else. Without you I couldn’t do this. To everyone, I wish you all the happiest of New Years in 2007. As always, if you have any news, meetings, anniversaries or special occasions, I’d be happy to write about them. You can email me at thorntonnews @rogers.com or call me at (705) 458-0869 or drop it off at 25 Robert Street. Bye for now…..