Staying on the sunny side of life
CHURCHILL NEWSby

Despite the fact that we had terrible thunder and lightning storms with torrential downpours this past weekend, the temperatures were quite moderate and between the rain, the days were pretty nice.

My husband, son, nephew and a neighbour all went ATVing at the cottage near Burk's Falls, where I later learned, it hadn't hardly rained at all, just intermittent showers that didn't prevent them from going knee deep in mud and water.

This apparently is their definition of fun. However it isn't mine, which is likely why I stay home during these excursions. To each his own I always say. Even though it's belated, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Library News

Churchill Branch: Branch Manager: Debra Mann. Phone number: 705-456- 2671.

Paws to Read program (Oct. 30, 15 minute sessions from 6 to 7 p.m.). These gentle, lovable dogs just love it when children read them books!

Sign up today for the chance to read them a story! Perfect for beginning readers, struggling readers, shy readers or any child that loves to read to dogs! Some spaces still available. Please register by phone or inperson for these two activities.

"Why do you love your public library?" is a contest in honour of Ontario Public Library Week (Oct. 15 to 21). From Sept. 24 to Oct. 8, students from the Innisfil area elementary schools will be invited to come in and fill out a ballot telling us why they love their public library. Winners will be drawn from the entries received at the library branches and at each participating elementary school on October 18th.

Movies: Nancy Drew: Oct. 6, 1 p.m.; Transformers: Oct. 20, 1 p.m. Tickets $2, snack and a drink for $1.

2007 Seepe Writing Contest: Children and youth in grades 6 to 12 entered Innisfil Public Library's annual story writing contest.

Prizes will be awarded by age group, and the best overall story will win the Seepe award. All winning stories will be published. Winners will be contacted. The award ceremony will take place during Ontario Public Library Week (Oct.15 to 21), the date to be announced.

Upcoming Halloween Fun: Spookfest - Join the library for chills, thrills, and a spooky good time! Sign up (if you dare) for the library's spookiest Spookfest ever - wear your Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize! Saturday, October 27 at 11:30 a.m., ages five and up, cost $3.

Pumpkin Decorating - You supply the pumpkin and the creativity, we provide the craft supplies! Come prepared to make a fabulously spooky pumpkin. Take it home with you or keep it at the library for a couple of days and enter it in our best dressed pumpkin contest. This program is for all ages, but children five and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tuesday October 23, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, cost $1.

Please register for these two events, either in-person, at the library or by telephone.

Best Dressed Pumpkin Contest - Bring in your decorated pumpkin (not carved, please!) to the library by the morning of Saturday, October 27th , and let the public vote for their favourite pumpkin! Family entries are welcome - remember to name your pumpkin. Voting will take place all day Oct. 27. Any pumpkins not picked up by Wednesday, October 31st will be made into pumpkin pie for library staff!

GDHS: The Annual General Meeting of the Gilford and District Horticultural Society will be held at the Churchill Community Centre, Yonge Street, on Nov. 11, at 5.30 p.m.

This will be a great pot luck dinner affair. The next years executive will be voted in and trophies will be presented. Make a note of the date, you will not want to miss our great yearly event. Further notices will be posted. For Information, call president Cathy at 905- 853-8785.

Churchill United Church News

New website: The Reverend Glen Eagle and the congregation at Churchill United welcome their new website: www.churchillgilfordunitedc hurches.org. Check it out!

Oktoberfest Dinner: Churchill United will be holding an Oktoberfest dinner on Saturday, October 13th with sittings at 5 and 6:30 p.m.

Music night: Join us at Churchill United Church on Saturday, November 17th at 7:30 p.m. for a music night featuring The Mudde Family. There will be refreshments following the performance.

Churchill Sunday School is looking for helpers for the upcoming year. Please contact Betty Stewart at 435-4267 or Lynn Rutledge at 456-5677 if you are interested in being a teacher or assistant. There will also be youth groups for grades 5 to 8 and 8 to 12. If you have any questions please e-mail zanywlp@yahoo.ca or call 456-4692.

Churchill Community play group meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at the Churchill United Churchill on Highway 11 in Churchill. Toys, crafts, songs, books and snacks are available along with coffee and friendship. Please call Kim for information at 705-456- 1859.

Junior and senior youth groups: The Parish of St. Peter's and St. John's (St. PJ's) youth group's next meeting is Oct. 11 at St. Peter's, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is for youth aged 9 to 12 years. Call Pam at 705-735-3484 for information.

The senior youth group (ages 12 to 18) will meet on Oct. 14 at St. John's in Cookstown for lunch and discussion, as they begin a seven week study on challenge from the Serendipity Youth Identity series. Come out to explore your faith and meet new friends. For more information, please contact Pam.