The Aylmer News

FRIDAY, Dec. 23/11

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MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY NEW YEAR! TANews WILL RESUME JAN. 2

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AYLMER, EAST ELGIN TODAY:

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-Tim Hortons Free Skating, EEC Complex: Dec. 28 6-8pm; Dec. 30 – 5-6

-New Years Eve Party at EEC Complex (see story below)

-Jan. 1st – Legion Levee, 1pm

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STOPPING FOR ‘FUEL’ FOR TOMORROW??

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CHRISTMAS EVE CLOSINGS:

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-Hills Uptown – 4pm

-Spicers – 6 pm

-Liquor, Beer Store – 6pm

-Tim Hortons –  3pm, Closed Dec. 25

–Valu Mart – 5pm

-Library – 1 pm

-Shoppers – 5 pm

–Studers – 8pm; Closed Dec. 25

-Campbells – 4 pm

-Canadian Tire, 5pm

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EESS SPORTS THUR.:

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-GIRLS VBALL = SR = StJoes 3 EESS 0; JR = St Joes 3 EESS 2

-BOYS BBALL = SR = EESS 58 StJoes 25; JR = StJoes 36 EESS 18

-CURLING = BOYS = EESS 9 PCI 5; GIRLS – EESS 8 PCI 1

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CHRISTMAS CARE DELIVERIES TODAY

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AYLMER – (Christmas Care boxes are being packed this morning for delivery after lunch – they expect the same number, about 350,  as last year. Information on the program, provided by Carolyn Buis Aylmer Christmas Care Co-ordinator, is reprinted from a story in 2009)

“In 1990 we moved to Immanuel Christian School and packed 209 boxes. This year we packed 353 food hampers. They were packed in just under one hour.  The setting up of the assembly line of grocerries, bagging of the apples, oranges, cookies, sweet potatoes and packing of baby food takes all the prep time before. The arrival of the fresh produces, turkeys and hams and the donated goods that have been collected by schools, business and parades etc. all needs  to be co-ordinated to their designated spots.

We had approximately 75 volunteers ranging in age from 7 yrs to 80 years. The wrapping of the boxes occurs on the evening before we pack. It is very impressive in the morning to see the rows of wrapped boxes.The deliveries start as soon as the packing is completed. For Straffordville, Vienna and Port Burwell the boxes and the toys from the Optimists are picked up by members of the Lions Clubs and the Legion and then are distributed or picked up at the respective places. The length of time of delivery depends on the number of communty members who show to do this part of the project.

The basic grocery list varies little from year to year. Joanne Mantel and I order the groceries in early December.  We follow Canada’s Food Guide to provide and encourage balanced and healthy eating ie.  Cereal, butter, cheese, canned milk, canned fruit and veggies, fresh lettuce, carrots, apples, oranges, canned meat, fresh turkey or ham depending on family size. Special treats of a package of cookies, candies and hot chocolate, jello and dessert topping are added.

The donated/collected goods are added to the boxes also. These will vary in quantity and variety from year to year, but usually consist of  dry and canned pasta and sauces (lots of kraft dinner and mr. noodle), dry and canned soups, tuna, canned fruit and veggies and stove top stuffing and cranberry sauces etc.

John and Joanne Mantel have been with this project from its beginning approximately 40 years ago. My husband Ron and I have been with this project approx. 25 years. We have many individuals and families who return each year to lend a helping hand. That is very likely why everything moves so smoothly and quickly.  We stand amazed every year at the number of volunteers.”

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OBITUARIES:

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DALE, Patrick – of St. Thomas, on Thursday, in his 80th year. Survivors include: wife Barbara (Bain) Dale etc. Pat was born in Aylmer. A public memorial service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held at WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, 45 Elgin St., St. Thomas on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Cremation has taken place.

DUNN, Bruce “Skip“ – In Sarnia, on Thursday, at the age of 65. Survivors include: sister Penny (Bruce) Tolmie of Aylmer. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place in Union, On. A celebration of Bruce’s (Skip’s) life will be held at a later date.

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AYLMER’S USED CHRISTMAS TREES:

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(Information from Rod Tapp, Aylmer’s Director of Operations) – “As per Council’s endorsement last year, the Town will continue to provide a Drop-off Depot annually for residents to dispose of their Christmas Trees at the Parks and Recreation Parking Lot at 8 Parkview Heights.” (Trees may be dropped off between December 26 and January 15/ All decorations need to be removed/ Trees left at the curb will not be picked up.)

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NEW YEAR’S EVE AT EEC COMPLEX

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(Contributed) – “The East Elgin Community Complex invites you to the 8^th annual Family New Year’s Eve Party on Saturday, December 31^st, 2011 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm…face painting, cotton candy, crafts, carnival games, inflatables, and Val the Snake Lady…plus public skating in the Kinsmen Arena with rental skates available for only $2 a pair…cost is just $10 per family…New this year we have a Photo Booth, only $2 per photo session, and includes a strip of four photos! Thanks to our sponsors the Kinsmen Club of Aylmer and EastLink.” 

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