A trip to see one of the world's most famous authors
THORNTON NEWS
by Cathie Miller

A week or so ago I had wandered down to the library to return some items and came home with an exciting opportunity. I had won tickets to take three children to meet J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books. Essa Public Library had entered both branches in a contest sponsored by the Ontario Library Association and the Thornton branch was one of the lucky winners. The tickets were to meet J. K. Rowling at the Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto during her only stop in Canada, as part of the International Festival of Authors.

I first called Rebecca Uprichard and asked if she would be interested. Then, once my daughter Emily was home invited her and her friend Catherine Alksnis. From the screams that erupted, you would have thought that I had asked them to the hottest concert in town.

The event was held on Tuesday October 23 at 10 a.m. We left Thornton at 7 a.m. thinking that we had plenty of time, but rain made for traffic tie ups everywhere.

We parked at Yorkdale and hopped the subway to the downtown core. We arrived at the theatre with just minutes to spare, ducking around the crowd of news media outside and an anxious fan wanting to buy our tickets inside. We had just taken our seats when the lights went down and we were all welcomed by Seamus O'Reagan from Canada AM.

During his opening remarks he noted that people had come from every province and territory in Canada.

You could feel the excitement in the air and people jumped to their feet for a standing ovation when J. K. Rowling walked onto the stage. She spoke to us for a moment then read a passage from her latest book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."

Everyone was mesmerised. Following her reading, 12 lucky fans were able to ask a question. These fans had entered a contest and their questions had been selected.

It was evident by her answers that they weren't scripted in advance and she took her time with each one. After the question and answer session, Rowling was presented with two books of well wishes from Potter fans from across the country.

The books were so large and heavy they had to bring them onto the stage with a dolly.

It was apparent that she was touched by the presentation and all the thoughtful notes that had been written to her. Then came the intermission, while they set the stage for the book signing, and the room was buzzing with excitement.

Everyone in attendance would receive a copy of the latest and last Potter book, personally signed by Rowling. Some people just went quickly across the stage, nervous about being so close to their favourite author; others took their time hoping for a chance to speak to her.

When it was our turn, she looked up at Emily, smiled and said "nice earrings." It was thrilling to have the most popular author in the world and second richest woman in the world notice my daughter's earrings. It was thrilling just to be in the same room with someone who had, almost single handed, got a generation to read.

As we left the theatre we took a moment to look around, it was beautiful, well worth the trip just to see it. It was a fitting location to meet the author of the Potter books.

We rounded off our day with a walk up Yonge Street to the Eaton Centre for lunch and some window shopping. Then we hopped the subway again to head home, back to our quiet lives in Thornton, where meeting celebrities isn't an every day occurrence.

This week a special presentation will be made to the Essa Public Library, Thornton Branch from the Thornton Tim Hortons.

They ran a very successful Smile Cookie campaign, raising $1,650 earlier this month. The donation will go towards chairs, tables and a white board for the new community room at the library. Thank you to the community and Tim Hortons for their generous support.

Thursday November 8 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.

Free flu shot clinics are being held around the region in the coming weeks. There will be one held right here in Thornton at the arena on Wednesday November 14 from 3 until 8 p.m. If you can't make it on that date there are many being held around the region. The closest clinics will be held at the Health Unit Office at 2- 25 King Street South in Cookstown on Nov. 8, 22, 29 and Dec. 6 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more locations check out www.simcoemuskokahealth.o rg.

There is a growing list of guest vendors at the upcoming Country Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale.

It will be held on Saturday November 17 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Trinity United Church. The guest vendors will be selling candles, children's books, fleece blankets and jewellery. The bazaar will also include the usual crafts, a white elephant table, silent auction and home made baking. They will be serving a continental breakfast of fresh baked muffins, scones, tea biscuits, fruit and juice or coffee for only $4. The proceeds from the breakfast will go to the Mission and Service fund. If you are interested in renting a table at the craft show, they are available for $20. Call 458- 1353 for more information.

The Sir Frederick Banting Educational Committee is proud to present the 12th Annual Banting Day's Diabetes Expo on Saturday November 3, from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. It will be held at Shilton Hall in St. John's United Church, located at 56 Victoria Street East in Alliston. There will be keynote speakers presenting a variety of topics related to diabetes. For more information call the Museum on the Boyne at 435-0167.

The 15th annual Innisfil Studio Tour will be held on the weekend of Nov. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. The artisans of Innisfil invite you to browse through their studios and also meet their guest artists. There will be many original items available for sale including pottery, folk art, jewellery, quilts, paintings, leather work and glassware. Refreshments will be available at each location. There is no admission charge, just come out and see what beautiful things your neighbours can make and perhaps get a jump start on your Christmas shopping. For more information visit www.innisfilstudiotour.com.

Tonight is the night to welcome all kinds of ghosts, goblins and other creatures to your door for some Halloween treats. If you need to be out driving watch out for excited children running across the streets. Don't forget to change your clocks this weekend.

If you have any news, announcements, or coming events, you can e-mail me at thorntonnews@rogers.com, call me at (705) 458-0869, or drop it off at 25 Robert Street. Bye for now.