A Night at the Museum was a success
THORNTON NEWS
by Cathie Miller

Ever wondered what happens at a museum after dark?

Well on Saturday April 5th, the Thornton Skating Club presented A Night at the Museum and answered all those questions. The Royal Thornton Museum is filled with all kinds of interesting exhibits and once the lights are out they all come to life. After a check by the security guards, tiny golden Ahkmenrah's Tablets from the Ancient Egyptian exhibit spread their magic and bring all the other exhibits in the museum to life. From the Stone Age exhibit, there was a group of cavemen brandishing clubs. Then in came Fred and Wilma Flintstone in Fred's foot powered car, while Pebbles and Bambam came next followed by a beautiful flock of butterflies in Wings of the Past.

From the Wild West Exhibit were horses, cowgirls, trail blazers and a solo by Sacagawea, Indian princess, portrayed by Justine Vanderpost. All was quiet when the Dustbusters came in and dusted off the some of the exhibits, but as soon as they turned their backs, out came the wildlife from the African exhibit. Zebras, lions and elephants took their turns dancing around the museum and were followed by the Swingin' Safari Hunters. Then, in swept a beautiful bird of paradise portrayed in a solo by Katie Allington, after which a flock of lovely birds swooped around the museum. Some not so ancient Egyptians made an appearance, followed by a lone mummy, perfectly portrayed by Charlene Richter.

More mummies from the ancient tombs escaped their confines to roam the museum in the dark and the Prince of the Pyramids made an appearance in a solo by Kirsten Noonan.

Not wanting to be left out, the warriors of the past came to life. The Huns strutted about and there was even an appearance by Attila the Hun in a solo by Elan Hulme. Roman gladiators and the Madcap Military Men had their turns in roaming the museum before the security guards returned and they had to go back to being statues. Now we all know what happens after dark at the Royal Thornton Museum, it is filled with fun, laughter and beauty, just as it is in the daylight.

The Thornton Skating Club and all the skaters did a wonderful job of presenting their skills at Saturday's carnival. Everyone from the very youngest skater to the most accomplished did a wonderful job. The guest appearances by the Ice Flames, Juvenile Synchro Team and the Old Smoothies rounded out the show.

It was a pleasure to watch the Old Smoothies dance around the ice, proving that even grandparents can still have fun skates. I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the crowd, who cheered everyone on, especially that of the young boy sitting beside me. He clapped and cheered wholeheartedly for everyone. Well done Thornton Skating Club, can't wait for the next one.

You are invited to join Ruby Smith and her family as she celebrates her 90th birthday. The celebration will be held at Christ Church St. Jude's in Ivy from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday April 12. Everyone is welcome to attend.

There's been an increase in the number of car breakins in nearby communities recently. Please lock your vehicles at night and don't leave anything of value in them. It's much easier to do that then to have to complete police reports and deal with insurance companies.

Thursday April 10 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.

The Thornton Happy Social Club will begin meeting again on Thursday April 10 from 1 until 3 p.m. at the Thornton Lions Hall. Join them for bid and regular euchre and a 50/50 draw followed by lunch and social hour for just $1. For more information, call Maudie Rodgers at 458-4504.

The Barrie Agriculture Society is holding an open house regarding the relocation of the Barrie Fair to Essa Township. The Open House will be held Tuesday April 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Ivy Community Centre (Orange Hall) at 5085 20th Sideroad. For more information, call 737-3670.

Everyone is invited to Hear Spring Sing, an evening of musical talent and special guest performances followed by refreshments at the Ivy Presbyterian Church on Sunday April 20 starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a free will offering in support of the Turn on the Tap program. If you're looking for a small church with a big heart, how about joining the church family at Ivy Presbyterian? Sunday morning services start at 10 a.m. with nursery and Sunday school provided.

The Dream Auction at Trinity United Church will be held on Friday April 25, with viewing starting at 6:30 p.m. and the auction at 7 p.m. Donated auction items are needed to make this year's auction the best one ever. For more information or to donate an item, call Pat at 424-9433.

Ivy Minor Baseball will be holding their registration on Saturday April 12 at the Ivy Orange Hall from 9 a.m. until noon. You can sign your children up for T-Ball, Junior and Senior Rookie, Tyke, Peewee, Bantam and Midget teams. For more information, call Charlene at 739-9226.

Ontario Early Years will be presenting a positive discipline workshop at the library on Monday April 14 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The workshop deals with common parenting concerns such as when children are very active, when children get angry, children that whine or siblings that fight. The workshop focuses on actions that parents might use that aggravate the problems and gives techniques that could increase positive behavior from your children. Visit the library for more information or to register.

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