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Thursday, 18 December 2008 04:15

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Christmas Edition 2008 - Art Contest

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Christmas Edition - December 18, 2008Christmas 2008

Christmas Art Contest

Christmas Cakeby John Diamond

Christmas Messageby Rev. Jean Brown

Christmas Celebrations:a Photo Gallery

Early Literacy: Christmas Books

Festival Of Trees

How Chanuka Saved Christmas

Interview with Maryby Pastor Jeff Nault

Legalese:Holiday Legal Quiz

Prince Charles Students Talk about Christmas

Recipes

Remounting of a Long Short Story

The Special Giftby Hope Attaway

Christmas Art ContestThis year we had a large number of entries, especially in the oldest category, and we’re pleased to be able to share these drawings with our readers; Christmas through the eyes of a child is a wonder indeed.

While sugar plums weigh heavily upon the minds of children, it is important toremember the true meaning of Christmas: giving, sharing and love.As we put the paper to rest for another year, we thank you, our readers and advertisers for your support.

Overall winner

Matthew Barr, grade 1.

Ages 4-5

1st place, Keeley Cox, 5.

Ages 6-7

Above: 1st place, Rowen Lemke, 6. Above right: 2nd place, Julie Johnson, grade 2. Right: 3rd place, Leah-Anne Kolola-Muir, grade 2

Ages 8-10

Above right: 1st place, Josh Dewitt, grade 5. Above: 2nd place, Darian Malcolm, 8. Below right: 3rd place, Aaron, 10

Ages 11 & Over

Above left: 1st place, Jordon Freeburn, 11. Above right: 2nd place, Brandy Armstrong, 12. Right: Sarah, 11

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 18 December 2008 04:15

Xmas_celeb

Christmas Edition 2008 - Cristmas Celebrations

Back toHome

Christmas Edition - December 18, 2008 Christmas 2008

Christmas Art Contest

Christmas Cake by John Diamond

Christmas Messageby Rev. Jean Brown

Christmas Celebrations: a Photo Gallery

Early Literacy:Christmas Books

Festival Of Trees

How Chanuka Saved Christmas

Interview with Mary by Pastor Jeff Nault

Legalese:Holiday Legal Quiz

Prince Charles Students Talk about Christmas

Recipes

Remounting of a Long Short Story

The Special Giftby Hope Attaway

Christmas Celebrations

Verona Tree lighting ceremony, November 29

Young Amy Walton of Louborough PS shows her entrepreneurial spirit, selling hot chocolate for ther fourth consecutive year along the Sydenham Parade route November 29.

Entries in the Northbrook Parade. Above: Winning entry "Christmas Vacation". Above right: A Native Christmas. Right: Santa himself

Sharbot Lake Karate in the Sharbot Lake Parade, December 6

Santa in Harrowsmith, December 6

Below left: The Central Frontenac District 4 Recreation Committee brought the Grinch to the Parham-Tichborne parade December 7. Below right: Denise Nedow and her daughter Jessica of Heads or Trails Riding Stable, also in the Parham parade.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 18 December 2008 04:15

Trees

Christmas 2008 - Festival of Trees

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Christmas Edition - December 18, 2008Christmas 2008

Christmas Art Contest

Christmas Cakeby John Diamond

Christmas Messageby Rev. Jean Brown

Christmas Celebrations:a Photo Gallery

Early Literacy:Christmas Books

Festival Of Trees

How Chanuka Saved Christmas

Interview with Maryby Pastor Jeff Nault

Legalese:Holiday Legal Quiz

Prince Charles Students Talk about Christmas

Recipes

Remounting ofa Long Short Story

The Special Giftby Hope Attaway

Festival of Treesby Julie Druker

Festival of Trees Chair Elinor Bailey and Treasurer Mary Chiarot.

The popular Festival of Trees was back again this year after a one - year hiatus.

Presented by Villages Beautiful at the Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake, the event is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year and is a perennial crowd pleaser.

Elinore Baily has been the chair of Villages Beautiful for three years, and she helped steer the event as it made a triumphant comeback.

“We didn’t really worry whether people would still want to attend after our year off,” Elinore said, “because the phone rang off the hook last year with people wondering why the festival wasn’t happening. We tried running a dance instead last year and it was not as successful as the Festival of Trees. The public response was wonderful this year. People really enjoy the Festival.”

Villages Beautiful helps to fund projects in the small villages in Central Frontenac; including Arden, Parham, Tichborne, Sharbot Lake, Crow Lake and Mountain Grove, with beautification projects that each community individually formulates. Villages Beautiful projects in the past have included public benches, signage and gardens of shrubs, trees and flowers.

Local businesses and individuals from these villages were invited to purchase and decorate trees and to enter other seasonal items like wreaths and gingerbread houses in a number of entry categories at the festival.

A panel of judges then decided who the winners were.

The festival’s “kick off lunch” was held in Sharbot Lake last Thursday at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn and 70 people attended the event. Winners were announced for the various entry categories, which included gingerbread houses, wreaths, wall hangings and the “anything goes category.”

Rosemarie Bowick was presented with an award at the lunch in recognition for her hard work.

She commented, “I was honored and really flattered. I just couldn’t say a word. It was awesome.”

Event Secretary Doris Campsall was pleased to point out that thanks to Canadian Tire franchise owner Dennis McCullough, who is originally from Tichborne, all of the trees in the festival this year were donated by The Canadian Tire in Belleville, which was a huge boost for the event.

The event was widely attended and the Oso Hall was transformed into a seasonal winter wonderland with twinkling trees, glittering wreaths, and gorgeous gingerbread houses.

The sounds of local live musical entertainment brought the hall alive throughout the three day event. All the while a steady stream of people filtered through the hall, buying and signing tickets to be placed into the boxes in front of each item. A draw took place at Oso Hall on Saturday afternoon and the lucky winners took home all of the entry items.

In addition to raising funds to Villages Beautiful, the Festival raised $1100 along with food donations for the North Frontenac Food Bank.

Although the Villages Beautiful executive will not meet until April to decide if they will run the festival again in 2009, it seems that as the result of public demand the annual Festival of Trees event is likely here to stay.

And the Winners Are...

7.5 foot trees: Lake District Realty & W.A.Robinson’s Let it Snow (which placed 1st) was taken home by Jeff Lee. Sharbot Lake Family Health Team’s Warm Country Wishes (2nd) to Gail Lewis.

6 foot trees: North Frontenac Telephone’s Down Home Christmas (1st) to Cheryl Armstrong. The Royal Bank’s Winter Wonderland (2nd) to Nancy Whan. Sharbot Lake Pharmacy’s Tree Top Glistens (3rd) to Keegan Love. North Frontenac Little Theatre’s A White Christmas went to Bob Pollard. Sharbot Lake Seniors Home’s Memories of Christmas to Ann Goodfellow.

4 foot trees: 1st -Gloria McKinstry’s A Frosty Winter Day (at left) to Ron Henry. Cottage Country Landscape’s A Rustic Christmas (2nd) to Anita Moyst. The Arden Happy Gang’s Santa's Village Workshop (3rd) to Brian Scott. Tip Top Dollar Shop’s Red & White Christmas to Wanda Harrison. The Rising Bun’s The Gingerbread Tree to Brianna Drew. Treasure Trunk’s Village of Angels to Cristina Beaushaw. Village Palettes’ Signs of the Season to Riley Teal. The Frontenac Masonic Lodge’s Geometree to Lorraine Pickett. Sharbot Lake Dental Office’s Healthy Gum Tree to Dara-Lynn Matson. Angie Mallett & Friends’ Friendship Tree to Dawn Gillam.

Gingerbread Houses: 1st - Stephen Duggan Law Office’s Old Country Home (at left) to Elizabeth Laraby. Amelia & Derek Redmond’s Christmas Eve Service (2nd)to Daisy Vinkle. Northern Connections’ Pirates of the North Pole (3rd) to Keegan Bertrim-Teal. Ilona Cox’s A Barnyard Christmas to Steph Stinson. Joel & Hillary Howes’ Winter in Egypt to Chava Field-Green.

Wall Hangings & Wreaths: 1st - Arden TOPS’ Home for the Holidays (at left) to Betty Milson. Dragon Fly Herbs’ From the Garden (2nd) to Claire Graves. Gloria McKinstry’s Bounty of Christmas (3rd) to Pat Whan. Gray's Grocery’s Merry Christmas to Eva Coldwell. Lorraine Pickett ‘s Angus in the Village to Allison Board. Parham Happy Travelers’ Golden Moments to Janet Gutowski. Anne Howitt’s The Village Runner to Mardi Brown. North Frontenac Community Services’ Children's Christmas Darius Whan. Day Away Program’s (Parham) Let it Snow to Michelle Echlin.

Anything Goes: Clip It Hair Salon’s True Christmas (1st) to Kim Harper. Knowlers Plumbing’s Santa's Sweets (2nd) to Mona Winter-burn. Sharbot Lake TOPS’ From Our Family to Yours (3rd) to Lou Cucoch. Fit Plus’s Villagers' Treats to Martina Field. Chiarot Development Group’s Photography to Andrea. North Frontenac Pet Supplies’ Home Tweet Home to Keegan Bertrim-Teal. Sharbot Lake Country Inn’s Sleigh Bells Ring to Doug Steele. Deerwood Catering’s A Green Christmas to Christina Wotherspoon. Sharbot Lake High School’s Santa's Little Helpers' Stash to Sidney Drew. The Royal Canadian Legion’s Wine & Dine to Cory Thompson. Chris Bertrim’s Holiday Cheer to Ina Hunt-Turner. Ram's Esso Gift Certificates to Andrea. Arden Batik’s Christmas Angels to K. Wolsey. Pam Giroux’s Kissing Ball to Pat Whan.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 18 December 2008 04:15

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Christmas Edition 2008

Back toHome

Christmas Edition - December 18, 2008 Christmas Edition

Christmas Art Contest

Christmas Cake by John Diamond

Christmas Messageby Rev. Jean Brown

Christmas Celebrations: a Photo Gallery

Early Literacy: Christmas Books

Festival Of Trees

How Chanuka Saved Christmas

Interview with Mary by Pastor Jeff Nault

Legalese:Holiday Legal Quiz

Prince Charles Students Talk about Christmas

Recipes

Remounting of a Long Short Story

The Special Gift by Hope Attaway

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 18 December 2008 04:15

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Dec 18/08 - Lions Present Cheques

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Feature Article - December 18, 2008 Sydenham Lions present chequesBy Julie Druker

Peter Stewart, Jim Stinson, Lion's Treasurer Wray Gillespie and Tracy Holland

On Monday night at the Sydenham Townhall the Sydenham and District Lions Club met for a potluck supper and a meeting and also to make their bi-annual cheque presentations to local community groups.

A total of three cheques were presented to various recipients all leaders of important programs that serve the community in a number of ways.

The first cheque for $500.00 was presented to Peter Stewart, Logistics C-coordinator of the Loughborough Christmas & Emergency Relief Fund that will be used for their Christmas Food Basket program.

The second cheque for $1000.00 was presented to Jim Stinson manager of the Frontenac Community Arena and will be put towards the debt incurred by their recent renovation project.

This is the second of three donations that the Lions have put aside to fund the arena project which included new and improved dressing rooms and washroom facilities.

Stinson thanked the group and mentioned that the Lions name is one of many on the new sign that hangs in the arena’s main foyer.

The third cheque for $500.00 was presented to Tracy Holland, president of the Frontenac Soccer Association, the second of two installments that went towards the purchasing of new portable nets to replace the older dysfunctional nets made from PVC piping and also the makeshift pylon nets both of which hindered the performance of the players and the flow of the games.

Holland pointed out that the new nets serve over 800 children from the Frontenac counties and directly result in the improvement of skills especially in the younger players.

Lions president Jim Kelly stated, “Being able to turnaround and present the fruits of our labour to those people in the community who are making a big difference for others is something that we all enjoy.”

The donated funds were raised at various events put on by the Lions throughout the year including their poinsettia and Easter chocolate sales along with the annual BBQ raffle that is held at Point Park in Sydenham on Canada Day.

The three cheque recipients present at the presentation were not the only ones reaping the rewards of the Lions fundraising efforts. Cheques were also sent out by mail to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, Lions Camp Dorset and Lions District A-3 Youth Outreach Program.

The Sydenham and District Lions group was founded 4 years ago and in that brief time they have donated over $12,600 to a wide range of community groups and organizations.

The Lions present cheques twice annually unless there are pressing urgent emergency funds needed by community groups or members at certain times during the year

The Sydenham and District Lions continue to honour their commitment to serving the community and their work continues to benefit many community members in and around the Sydenham area.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 18 December 2008 04:15

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Christmas 2008 - The Special Gift

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Christmas Edition - December 18, 2008Christmas 2008

Christmas Art Contest

Christmas Cakeby John Diamond

Christmas Messageby Rev. Jean Brown

Christmas Celebrations:a Photo Gallery

Early Literacy:Christmas Books

Festival Of Trees

How Chanuka Saved Christmas

Interview with Maryby Pastor Jeff Nault

Legalese:Holiday Legal Quiz

Prince Charles Students Talk about Christmas

Recipes

Remounting ofa Long Short Story

The Special Giftby Hope Attaway

The special giftby Hope Attaway

Robby Benson and Tommy West were next-door neighbours, and very good friends. They lived in Ocala. Florida.

Robby was seven years old and his father had just bought him a BMX bicycle. He was so excited that he cycled over to visit Tommy.

"What do you think of my bike? asked Robby, his eyes sparkling. I got it for Christmas."

"It looks neat. I always liked your old bicycle."

"Yeah, I had that bike for two years but Dad bought me this brand new blue bicycle for Christmas."

Robby never noticed that his friend was a bit upset. Tommy did not have a bicycle. He had moved to the neighbourhood about two months before. His family sold his bicycle as they needed the room for household items and the furniture when they moved to their new house. Tommy’s father had promised to buy his son another bike but then he was laid off from his construction job. They had a nice Christmas together as a family, but it had been quite simple.

Tommy liked Robby’s old bicycle because it was a fire engine red. Robby let him ride it and Tommy had found it easy to ride as his feet could reach the pedals easily. Robby’s new bicycle was much larger and Tommy could tell he would have a difficult time keeping his balance.

"Want to ride my new bicycle?" asked Robby.

"No thanks. May I ride your other bike?"

"Sure."

Tommy was unaware that his father was watching him from the front window. Mr. West wished he could purchase a bicycle for his son. His face brightened when a thought came to him.

Saturday afternoon Mr. West came home with a green BMX Bicycle. Tommy was so excited. They had bought the bike at a yard sale. Tommy’s father explained to his son that as soon as he was working again he would buy him a brand new bike and his choice of colour but for now, this bike would be something to ride.

Tommy and Robby rode down the street. They were going to the library. They never noticed a boy about their age watching them carefully. As Tommy and Robby came outside still looking at their new books, they noticed something was missing.

"My bike, where is my bike?" said Tommy, his voice wavering.

"Perhaps someone moved it to the side of the building."

Poor Tommy. His bike was nowhere in sight. They were both puzzled too. Why was Robby’s bike not stolen? It was the new one.

“Possibly your bike was too big" said Tommy and rubbed his eye. He was near to tears.

"Let’s ride around the neighbourhood and see if someone just put your bike in another place. Big kids are always playing jokes," said Robby, trying to cheer up his friend.

They searched everywhere they could think of but the bike was not to be found. Tommy finally went home and told his father.

"I guess some boy was tempted too much and took your bike, Son. Something will turn up and perhaps I will get my job back soon,” said Mr. West and gave his son a hug.

When Tommy went to bed that night he prayed to the Lord about his disappointment.

Robby told his parents about Tommy’s bad fortune.

Suddenly an idea came to Robby. The more he thought about it, the more excited he felt. He then asked his parents’ permission.

It was Saturday morning. Tommy dressed and ate his breakfast slowly. He still was upset that his bicycle had

been stolen. He had prayed about getting another bicycle but it seemed it would be quite awhile before that could happen.

I think I will watch cartoons today” said Tommy quietly.

"Oh, Tommy, it seems like such a beautiful day for you to just stay indoors," said his mother.

"There is nothing to do outside. Robby is going to visit his grandmother today. They are going to be gone all day" sighed Tommy.

"Come on, Son, let’s play some baseball,” said his father.

"All right."

Tommy ran outside with his father following. Then he gave a gasp of surprise. Chained to the clothesline pole was Robby’s fire engine red bicycle. There was a note with the padlock key taped onto the bike’s seat.

"What does the note say, Dad? asked Tommy impatiently.

"It’s from Robby and he says he wants you to have his

bike. His parents have agreed that it is all right for him to give the bike to you. Are you happy, Tommy?" asked Mr. West and smiled.

“Yes, I am. Dad, could you get this bike loose?" said Tommy excitedly.

"Sure thing," said his father and chuckled.

The next afternoon Robby and Tommy rode down the street. Robby never told anyone that he had given his friend a bicycle. It would be their little secret. Robby did not give Tommy the bike so that he could brag to his other friends about what a good guy he was; Robby gave the bike because they were good friends and Tommy needed a bike.

Tommy was thankful to his friend and most of all thankful to the Lord for hearing and answering his prayer.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 18 December 2008 04:15

Recipes_08-50

Christmas Edition 2008 - Recipes

Back toHome

Christmas Edition - December 18, 2008Christmas 2008

Christmas Art Contest

Christmas Cakeby John Diamond

Christmas Messageby Rev. Jean Brown

Christmas Celebrations:a Photo Gallery

Early Literacy:Christmas Books

Festival Of Trees

How Chanuka Saved Christmas

Interview with Maryby Pastor Jeff Nault

Legalese:Holiday Legal Quiz

Prince Charles Students Talk about Christmas

Recipes

Remounting ofa Long Short Story

The Special Giftby Hope Attaway

Recipes

Caramel Shortbread, by Eleanora Meeks

Dark Christmas Cake, by Eleanora Meeks

Pineapple Fruitcake

Pink Lady Squares, by Jeam Brown

Unbakes Squares, byJoyce Smith

Caramel Shortbread

by Mary Barr

Bottom:

1 cup butter margarine cup brown sugar1 cups flour

Mix and pat into un-greased 9” by 13” pans. Prick with a fork. Bake at 275 Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until done. (Ovens and pans may vary).

Filling:

6 oz. Butter or Margarine6 oz. White sugar2 tbsp. corn syrup1 can condensed milk. Bring to a boil, Boil slowly for 5 minutes. Pour on cooled base.

Topping:

Melt 1 tbsp margarine in a saucepan. Add 1 cup melted chocolate chips. Blend together. Pour on top of cooled cake. Cut before hardening.

Dark Christmas Cake

byEleanora Meeks

3 cups Brown Sugar1 lb. margarine1 lb. raisins1 lb. mixed fruit1 pkg. walnuts chopped8 eggs2 cups milk1 cup molasses1 tsp. each; nutmeg, cloves, allspice, cinnamon1 lb. dates chopped1 jar of red cherries or 1 dish of candied cherries1 jar of green cherries or 1 dish of candied cherries1 cup of applesauce3 to 4 cups flour3 tsp. baking powder

Mix eggs, brown sugar, milk and molasses. Stir well then add the other wet ingredients and enough flour to thicken, as well as baking powder. Bake at 350oF for three hours or until a toothpick comes out clean. Bake in well-greased pan and shake flour in pan so it does not stick in pan.

Pineapple Fruit Cake 1 lb. raisins lb. each, red and green cherries1 16 oz. can crushed pineapple, including juice.Mix and let stand overnight. In the morning dust cup flour over this and set aside. cup butter2 cups all purpose flour1 cup white sugar3 eggs2 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. salt

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time. Beat well. Slowly add remaining dry ingredients. Stir in mixed fruit. Batter will be thin. Bake at 350 Farenheit 2-3 hours (2 large loaves or 4 small loaves)

“Pink Lady” Squares

by Rev. and “Pink” Jean Brown

2 cups Graham Wafer crumbs cup melted butter cup brown sugar1 Tbsp. flour1 cup Eagle Brand milk2 cups coconutPink butter icing

Mix the first four ingredients to make the crust and pat it into a 9 X9 inch pan and bake it at 300F for 15 minutes. Then put the filling (mixed Eagle brand milk and coconut) on the cooled crust. Bake at 350F for 15 to 20 minutes. When cool, ice with pink icing and enjoy served on pink plates with a pink serviette.

Unbaked Squares

by Joyce Smith

1 can Eagle Brand milk3 cups graham wafer crumbs cup walnuts cup coconut cup mixed fruit1 cups miniature marshmallows

Mix dry ingredients together. Stir in milk and press evenly into a buttered 9-inch square pan. Chill before cutting.

Published in 2008 Archives
Thursday, 10 December 2009 09:01

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Back to HomeFeature Article - December 10, 2009 NFLT: The Best Christmas Pageant EverBy Jeff Green

The Herdman hooligans:Back Vilet Skuce (standing), Kelsea Babcock, Devin Clarke, Harlen Skuce. Front: Cody Steeves, Johnny Skuce.

The North Frontenac Little Theatre presented a Barbara Robinson play about everything that can go wrong in a production of a Christmas pageant last weekend at the Sharbot Lake High School cafetorium.

The production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” featured a large cast of young actors, with a few adults thrown in for good measure.

The play was the second presented by NFLT within the past month, and it fits in the youth focus that began with their production of Peter Pan last fall. Craig Godfrey produced and Sarah Hale directed the production, which drew about 500 people over its four-day run.

Janet Revell, in her first ever role with NFLT, played the optimistic, but ultimately exasperated Grace Bradley, who was charged with running the church pageant when perennial pageant director, busybody Mrs. Armstrong (Martina Field) broke her leg and ended up in the hospital.

When Mrs. Armstrong keeps phoning Grace with unwanted advice, it leads Grace to make the following fateful statement to her husband, and unwitting assistant, Bob (Barry Harding): “She keeps telling me about the things that can go wrong, but nothing is going to go wrong.”

Then the six Herdman kids showed up for the first rehearsal.

The bickering, wild, Herdman kids (Imogene - Kelsea Babcock, Ralph – Cody Steeves, Leroy – Devon Clarke, Claude – Harlan Skuce, Ollie – Johnny Skuce, and Gladys – Violet Skuce) spark fear in the hearts of all the other children in town.

As Charlie Bradley (Cody Matson) points out, the real reason that all the kids in town go to Sunday school is because the Herdmans never come.

Not only do the Herdmans show up for the pageant rehearsal, they scare all the other children into letting them have all the major roles.

So, Imogene becomes Mary, Ralph becomes Joseph, and Gladys, the little terror, plays the angel that brings news of Jesus to the shepherds.

All sorts of problems ensue, and the children, led by the scorned Alice Wendlken (Dayna Stone), who would have played Mary in the pageant if it weren’t for the Herdmans, tell their parents what is going on at the rehearsals. The church ladies (Sandy Robertson, Cathy Ryan, Samantha Lusk, Angie Cowdy) begin talking on the phone, Reverend Hopkins (Lesley Pickard) gets involved and pretty soon the whole town is up in arms over the mess that Grace is making of the production.

When the dress rehearsal descends into a near riot, and the fire department is called in because Imogene lights a cigar in the church bathroom, it all leads to a packed church for the pageant on Christmas Eve.

Everyone expects an unprecedented disaster to occur, and when it doesn’t happen, and the Herdmans show an unexpected interest in the meaning of the Christmas story, it is declared the ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever.’

There were many stand-outs in the production, but first credit should go to Sarah Hale and Craig Godfrey for taking the production on, in spite of the theatrical maxim that it is best to “never work with children”.

One reason the production went off as smoothly as it did was that a good number of the parents of the actors did not just drop their kids off at rehearsals, they did a lot of work keeping the rehearsals moving and ended up taking on back stage roles as well, along with other community members.

Among the actors, Janet Revell brought a suitable naïve quality and a defiant spirit to Grace and she was well matched by Barry Harding as Bob, who really didn’t want to go to the pageant but knew enough to provide unquestioning support for his wife. Joelle Parr played daughter Beth. As the only character in the play who knew what the other characters were really all about, Joelle had to play the observant one. As her brother Charlie, Cody Matson had some of the best lines in the play, and he made the most of them.

The Herdmans were all good, constantly pulling each other’s hair, chasing the other kids, and bringing an air of mayhem with them wherever they went. The two girls had the juiciest roles, and as Imogene, Kelsea Babcock did a great job as the ringleader of the family, and the one character who undergoes a major change in the play.

For such a young performer, Violet Skuce certainly knows how to use her face and her eyes to convey a mischievous spirit. She stole every scene.

Among the other performers were Kaitlyn Hannah and Sidney Teal as narrators, Natalie Reynolds, Desiree Cyr, Keisha Ryan, Shirley Ryan, Keegan Love, Aaron Keefe, Logan Cowdy, Josh Keefe, Jack Revell, Owen Platenius, Amber Asselstine, Alex Revell, and Alexi Gray as church children, and Annika Putnam, Sarah Ryan and Alley Teal as baby angels.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” was also a boon to the North Frontenac Food Bank. Food was collected at the door in addition to cash donations. As well several hundred dollars was raised through the sale of 50/50 draw tickets, with all NFLT proceeds from the draws going to the Food bank. 

Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 17 December 2009 09:01

Country_xmas

Back to HomeChristmas Edition - December 17, 2009Christmas 2009

Art Contest

A Christmas Messageby Debbie Pelley-Hudson

Christmas Traditions in Ireland

Country Christmasby Kelly Calthorpe

Early Literacy: Opening More than Presents

Local Music to Stuff Your Stockings with

Recipes

The Brightest Star

The Christmas Quiltby Kelly Calthorpe

The Christmas Giftby Pastor Ken Walton

Country Christmasby Kelly Calthorpe (with a nod to O. Henry)

One evening, the fire was blazing in a small home in a quiet part of the country where there aren’t any streetlights, no corner stores, no traffic and where, when you looked up in the sky at night, you could see the stars shining brilliantly. An older couple had finished dinner and retired each to their own corner of the room where they pursued their hobbies. Now, it wasn’t like there was a line drawn down the middle of the room, but when Mike stepped onto Ellie’s side, amongst the fabric and quilting notions, he started wiping his hands on his pants and became unsure of why exactly he had crossed the line. And Ellie, when she found herself among the camo gear, the hunting bow and decoys, realized that Mike really didn’t really hear her speaking any more clearly than when she was behind the sewing machine.

While Mike was away at the camp, Ellie’s tender feelings for her husband and home returned and she decided to put up a Christmas tree to surprise him when he got home. And surprise him it did, for as Mike walked in the door, he bellowed, “What the hell is that?” and he pointed to the Christmas tree in the middle of the room. Now, perhaps there was a better way for Mike to express his joy at the efforts of his wife, but it was too late, Ellie’s feelings were hurt and for that reason, Mike found himself without a conversation companion, as Ellie had deemed that a suitable punishment and would be not speaking to the oaf that she lived with.

And so days turned into weeks, Mike watched Hockey Night in Canada with a beer in his hand, tuning his bow, and Ellie hunched over her sewing machine hidden behind a 2 watt lightbulb and the rattling of her sewing machine.

Well, it was bound to happen and one night it did, Ellie could not contain her vow of silence and muttered to herself, “This damn machine…it’s broken again!!” and continued to bang on it hoping against hope that beating the machine to death would fix it. Meanwhile across the room, Mike cursed his bow, “Damn thing, it’s broken again!!” And in the moment that followed, you could have heard a pin drop as Ellie’s eyes met Mike’s and they shared a long look that said, “I know where you are coming from. I understand.” Then, they looked away and continued to try to fix their broken machines, and their broken hearts, for in that moment, love found its way into their hearts once more and Mike thought, “Darn, wouldn’t Ellie be surprised if I got her that fabric kit and pattern book she loves for Christmas?” and Ellie thought, “Shucks, wouldn’t Mike be surprised if I got him some new arrows for his bow for Christmas?

The next question was, how is Mike going to pay for all that fabric? Mike thought and thought, there just wasn’t enough money in the account to get the fabric and pattern for the blanket that Ellie wanted. He did do snowplowing jobs on the side, but he had already spent that money on getting his cross bow fixed. He set his beer down on the coffee table next to his cross bow and he had an idea. It was a horrible idea, but what could he do? He realized he had broken Ellie’s heart and this seemed to be the only way to make it up to her. Mike went to town.

And how would Ellie buy some arrows for her Mike? She didn’t have enough in her “cash stash” to get the arrows for Mike that he wanted. She had already spent the money from her craft sales on getting her sewing machine fixed. She set her scissors down beside her machine, and then she had an idea. It was a horrible idea, but what could she do? She realized that perhaps she had carried on the conversation boycott for longer than necessary and this seemed the only way to make it up to him. Ellie went to town.

Christmas morning came as they knew it would. Ellie started some breakfast and Mike put on the coffee. When each had shared a warm smile and a warm breakfast, Mike suggested they look under the tree. Each was surprised to see a box for themselves.

Mike unwrapped his gift from Ellie. There were the finest arrows he had ever seen; nothing could get away from these babies, they felt warm and smooth in his hands, and the tips could clearly pierce a hide. Then he looked over to the wall where his cross bow was usually hung and dropped his eyes. Ellie saw this and also looked over and asked, “Where’s your bow?”, sheepishly Mike told her how terrible he felt for his harsh words and how he decided to sell his bow in order to buy her Christmas present that she had yet to unwrap. Ellie unwrapped the gift with her name on it and gasped in surprise as she pulled out a fabric kit and pattern for the quilt she had been wanting to make for a very long time. She caressed the tight weave and marveled at the colours and thought that she could not wait to see it pieced together. Then, she looked over to the empty space where her sewing machine used to sit and Mike’s eyes followed. “Where’s your sewing machine?” he asked. Then Ellie told him how terrible she felt for all these weeks of not speaking and pancake suppers and how she decided to sell her sewing machine so she could buy some new arrows for his bow.

Then she giggled, and then he chuckled, and then they were both snorting and laughing, trying to catch their breath and suddenly it seemed, the room was not divided at all.

Published in 2007 Archives
Thursday, 17 December 2009 09:01

Christmas_quilt

Back to HomeChristmas Edition - December 17, 2009Christmas 2009

Art Contest

A Christmas Messageby Debbie Pelley-Hudson

Christmas Traditions in Ireland

Country Christmasby Kelly Calthorpe

Early Literacy: Opening More than Presents

Local Music to Stuff Your Stockings with

Recipes

The Brightest Star

The Christmas Quiltby Kelly Calthorpe

The Christmas Giftby Pastor Ken Walton

The Christmas QuiltBy Kelly Calthorpe

When I was a little girlMy mama would sit and sewA beautiful quiltWith colours that glowed.

On Christmas EveThe last stitch was sewnAnd mama touched the blanket softlyAnd said, “Let’s go to town.”

We drove in the darkFollowing the same starThat the wise men followedBut instead of a camel, in our car

The quilt lay between usOn the front seatWe did not listen to musicAnd mama didn’t turn on the heat

We drove aroundAnd the streets were clearMost people were homeSharing Christmas cheer.I was getting impatient“Mama”, I asked, “where are we going to go?”And softly she answered“I will tell you when I know”.

She sighed and pulled the car over“This is the place to be.”And she walked up the path to a houseThat was cold and dark, and wasn’t much to see.

She hugged the quilt tightlyAnd laid it at the doorThen she rang the doorbellAnd ran around the corner.

A candle flickered in the darkAnd an elderly man came to the doorHe hollered out, “Who’s here?”But when he looked down he said no more.

He picked up the quiltAnd wrapped it around himself tightAnd carried it into the small houseWithout any lights.

Mama came to the carAnd sat for a short whileShe whispered, “Merry Christmas.”And drove away with a smile.

I saw the smile on her lipsAnd the happiness in her eyesI wanted to do something tooSomething, that would be just as nice.

“Mama”, I said, “I wish I could cut and sew.I wish I had a quilt to share.”And Mama told me about all the thingsI could do all year to show how much I care.

Mama said, “You could share a kind a wordYou could hold open a door.When you see garbage lying aroundYou could pick it up off the floor

You could share a snackYou could share some mittsYou could share the clothesThat no longer fit.

The blocks that you cutNeed not fabric beThey can be pieces of kindnessAnd acts of good deeds.

And while it’s valiant to startWith a large and just causeRemember that Heaven came to earthAs a wee little child.”

Published in 2007 Archives
Page 13 of 20
With the participation of the Government of Canada