Thornton gazebo plays host to Santa Sunday
THORNTON NEWS
by Cathie Miller
Despite the miserable weather on Sunday evening many came out to the Christmas in the Village, at the Thornton Creek Gazebo. Everyone counted down to the lighting of the trees while enjoying hot chocolate, treats and visiting with friends and neighbours. The little ones were excited by the visit from Santa and joined in the singing of Here Comes Santa Claus. The older kids had fun in the snow, tossing snowballs around and playing with their friends.

Thank you to the Thornton Area Action Committee and Essa Parks and Recreation for bringing us another community event to enjoy.

The Thornton Lions are now open for business for Christmas tree sales. Their lot is located on Barrie Street north of Robert Street. They always have great trees and the proceeds go to support the good work that the Lions do.

The Thornton Skating Club will be holding registration on Friday December 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Thornton Arena for power skating and adult later skate. Both programs will run once a week for 10 weeks, with power skating beginning Friday January 4. The later skate begins Wednesday January 9. Adult later skate is for the over 18 crowd who'd like to learn to skate or improve their skating skills. For more information, call Charlene at 739-9226.

Many of the local churches have special services during December and the Ivy Presbyterian Church is no different. This coming Sunday is their Very Important Christmas Pageant during the 10 a.m. service, followed by a pancake breakfast. On Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. is Songs of Christmas which is their annual old fashioned Christmas carol sing. Then there is the Christmas Sunday 10 a.m. service on Dec. 23, followed by their Christmas Eve service at 7:30 p.m.

Trinity United Church right here in Thornton will be holding a special Christmas Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 23, featuring seasonal songs and a bell choir. Their Christmas Eve service will be held at 8 p.m. It's always a beautiful service and a good way to start your Christmas celebrations.

The Volunteer Firemen's Santa Tour is on Saturday December 15 starting at about 10:30 a.m. Listen for the sirens coming down a street near you. Nonperishable food donations will be collected for the food bank by our volunteer firefighters as they escort Santa around our village.

This coming Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. is the Cookstown Santa Claus Parade starting at the Foodland Plaza and heading east. Many of our local children take part in this parade, so come out and support them. After the parade there will be a meet and greet at the Cookstown fire hall so that the kids can meet with Santa and get their wishes in early. All children under 12 will also receive a treat bag from Santa.

Santa's Mailbox is at the library waiting to be filled with your letters. Children can pick up special lists at the library, fill them in and return them to Santa's Mailbox before Dec. 17 to receive a personal reply. Also, the Christmas Cheer toy drive will have a box at the library until Dec. 15. When out doing your own shopping remember the children who won't have a Christmas and pick up something a little extra for them and drop it off at the library. The Ontario Early Years' next story and craft session will be on Dec. 11 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the library. There is no cost for this fun filled morning. Call the library at 458-2549 to register or for more information.

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