THORNTON NEWS
by Cathie Miller

Saturday morning Kay McKiernan was taken on an outing to do a little gambling. Returning home, pleased that she had won a bit of cash, she was surprised to find her daughter's yard decorated with blue balloons and a big banner declaring that it was Kay's 90th birthday. Inside was a surprise birthday party for her, which was the best kept secret in town engineered by daughter Terry Greensides and sons Bob and Bill McKiernan. Many friends and family members gathered over the afternoon to offer their best wishes and to help Kay celebrate her milestone birthday. She was presented with plaques from dignitaries such as the Governor General of Canada, the Prime Minister, Ontario's Premier, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and several MP's. Each plaque was read and presented by a different grandchild. The huge smile on her face throughout the afternoon made it apparent that she was enjoying herself and appreciated all the visits and birthday wishes from everyone who stopped in. Kay and her family wish to thank everyone who stopped in and made her surprise birthday party a success.

Tonight, starting at 6 p.m. Bell Mobility will be holding a Public Information Meeting at the Thornton Arena They are proposing to erect a tower 70 metres tall (230 feet) on Concession 6 in Innisfil, which is behind the former Auto Wrecker's just south of the village on Highway 27. Concerned citizens would like to see the tower relocated further from the built-up area of Thornton. This tower will just be a short distance from the new soccer pitches which our children will be playing on and not far from new and existing homes. A survey will be handed out at the meeting for attendees to express their concerns which will be forwarded to the Innisfil Council. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Thursday, March 8th is the next Barrie Thornton Old Time Fiddlers Night. It will be held at the Lions Hall and the admission price is $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.

Essa Parks and Recreation will be holding March Break Mania from March 12 until the 16th at the Thornton Arena. It runs from 8 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily costing $15 per day per child or $20 per day per child if there is a field trip. Some of the fun activities planned are skating, crafts, snow tubing and glow in the dark golf. To register, visit the Essa Administration Centre at 5786 County Road 21. For more information call 424-9917 and ask for Parks & Recreation.

To fund raise for the new Angus Library and the addition at the Thornton Library, Essa Public Library book bags are available for sale at both branches. For just $10 you can purchase a high quality canvass book bag to carry your library books and materials in. The proceeds from the sale of the bags will remain at the branch at which it was purchased.

You have until the end of March to purchase your dog tags. You can purchase the tags at either branch of the Essa Public Library or at the Essa Administration Offices. They cost $20 each and you must bring proof that your dog has received its rabies vaccination.

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…..