PC40 - Special Section, Circ under 9,999 - Barry's Bay, The Valley Gazette

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Merry Christmas,from our family to yours

These past 12 months at the Valley Gazette have been a whirlwind. From winter carnivals in January and February, to Canada Day celebrations in July, we were incredibly busy covering the stories and news that matter most to our community.

It’s hard to believe that we are in the final month of the year, and have officially released another Christmas feature. In these pages, you will find everything to help you get into the Christmas spirit; from stories about returning to grandma’s house to Christmas carols, to everything in between.

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank the number of advertisers who supported this feature. You will find names of local businesses and stores thanking their customers throughout the pages of this feature. Without the support of these local businesses, we would not be able to bring such a wonderful Christmas feature to fruition. Please consider supporting these businesses in the coming year.

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget to take time for oneself. With that in mind, brew a cup of your favourite warm beverage, cozy up, and enjoy the magic that these pages hold. We hope you enjoy this special Christmas edition of the Valley Gazette.

Publisher Michel Lavigne with his Mom

From our family to yours, we wish you a truly spectacular Christmas season, and happiness and abundance in 2020.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Best wishes to our community members and supporters for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

It's our sincere hope that our friends and neighbors here at home and all around the world find peace, joy and love in their hearts and their communities this holiday season.

From the Board, Staff, Volunteers and Auxiliary of the St Francis Memorial Hospital

Trimmed With Our Thanks

We are so grateful for the support and generosity of our kind donors, not only at Christmas, but throughout the entire year.

Thank you for opening your hearts to the needs of your local healthcare organizations and for making a significant impact on the excellent care we all receive, close to home.

We simply could not do what we do without you, our most valued partner!

Special thanks to everyone who has helped give the gift of the PICTURE THAT’S PRICELESS by making a donation to the Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign. Together we will help our Hospital with a critical upgrade for the X-ray Machine this year!

Each and every kind gift is very much appreciated!

St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation

Wishing peace and goodwill to all mankind.

John Yakabuski, MPP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke

Constituency Office: 84 Isabella Street, Suite 6, Pembroke, ON K8A 5S5 Phone: 613-735-6627 or 1-800-267-2515 Fax: 613-735-6692 Email: john.yakabuskico@pc.ola.org Web Site: www.johnyakabuski.com

Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Cultivating love at grandma’s house Family tradition is now a way to give back for Nicholson family CHRISTINE HUDDER Managing Editor BARRY’S BAY – Christmastime at grandma’s house is always magical. Love is in the air as families gather under one roof to break bread and bond.

Although the Nicholson siblings are now grown with grandkids of their own, coming back to grandma’s house is still an annual tradition.

For the past 10 years, Myrtle Carroll (nee Nicholson) along with her siblings Barbara Ann, Michael, Danny, Lorna, and John, have been gathering at what used to be their grandparents home at 503 Queen Street in Barry’s Bay. They are the children of the late Henry and Agnes Nicholson.

When they were kids, the Nicholsons would always go to their grandparent’s home, whether it was staying overnight on school nights or visiting during the holidays.

“We always came to this house,” Carroll said.

Carroll, who was the first to leave home, had bought her grandparent’s home overlooking Kamaniskeg Lake. She had tenants living there, before transforming the house into a cottage for the family. The siblings would originally gather at Henry and Anges’ home, but when that homestead sold, they decided to hold the annual Christmas get-together at the cottage – grandma’s house.

Every November, exactly a month before Christmas, the family travels from all over Ontario to the cozy home in Barry’s Bay. A simple sign hangs over the garage door, with the text: Grandma’s House.

The siblings come from Barrie, the Sturgeon Falls area, Ottawa and Pembroke, so this is the

Members of the Nicholson family gather for the annual Christmas gathering a month before Christmas at 503 Queen Street.

Photos submitted perfect opportunity for everyone to get together before the bustling holiday season.

“We look forward to it,” Carroll said.

Each family has their own Christmas traditions, so it’s near impossible gathering closer to the holiday.

Sadly, John passed away in recent years, but still, 32 family members gather every year for the time-honoured tradition. The gathering includes children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren of the original six Nicholson siblings.

Carroll laughs thinking how crowded the cozy home gets with 32 people all together under one roof.

“It’s getting big,” Carroll chuckled.

It’s a full weekend event, full of food, laughter and fun. Some stay overnight in one of the four upstairs bedrooms, others rent a local hotel room and those who live closer by in Pembroke travel back home.

Aside from recycled gifts used as prizes for the young ones, no gifts are exchanged between the families. Instead, each person brings a new toy, or several, to the event. All of the presents are then donated to the Community Resource Centre (CRC) in Killaloe.

According to the CRC, this year, a total of 260 children in need will be gifted presents from the toy drive. They live in communities

like Whitney, Palmer Rapids, Barry’s Bay and Eganville. That number increased by 10 per cent over the year prior. The goal is to give at least one new Christmas gift to children in need during the holidays.

Carroll explained that the early Christmas party is a way to come together and do something good for the community that they grew up in. Her brothers always helped with fundraisers when they were younger, including charity ball tournaments.

“Barry’s Bay has been good to us,” she said.

“We live in a day and age where we don’t need anything anymore.”

The Nicholson family looks forward to the event every year. Carroll said she has a designated box in her house, so when she finds a good deal on toys, she stores them there in anticipation to the annual gathering.

“We start early in the year,” she explained.

Nobody has a designated list on hand; instead, they attempt to buy for kids in the greatest need. Carroll said the CRC told the family that teenagers are often overlooked this time of year.

So this year, a third of the gifts raised this year by the Nicholsons focused on items for teens.

The family toy drive has been growing over the years. Neighbours of Carroll’s sister, Lorna, in Barrie, have also contributed to the event.

This November, a grand total of 62 toys were donated. Carroll hauled the three bags of toys to the post office for pick up.

Carroll hopes the story of the Nicholson’s family gathering inspires other families to fundraise for those in need this holiday season.

“We would like to put the challenge out to others in the community,” Carroll said.

She also hopes that the tradition of early Christmas parties will be passed on from generation to generation, and the Nicholson decedents continue to meet at grandma’s house for many more years to come.

Hope Your Christmas Is A Classic Wishing you a Merry Christmas trimmed with your favourite holiday traditions.

MAY THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS FILL YOUR HEART AND HOME WITH PEACE, JOY AND CONTENTMENT. Our thanks and best wishes for a happy holiday reside with you, our community and friends, Merry Christmas.

pirited S y l l Natura Council and Staff of the Municipality of Hastings Highlands

Township of Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards 1 John Street, Killaloe, ON

613-757-2300

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Herb Farm brings Christmas spirit to manor CHRISTINE HUDDER Managing Editor BARRY’S BAY – On a colder-than-normal December 1, representatives from the St. Francis Herb Farm spent several hours at the Valley Manor long term care home in Barry’s Bay decorating evergreen trees as residents watched from inside.

The initiative was spearheaded by the St. Francis Herb Farm’s social committee, comprised of a handful of employees.

Business owner Paul Rivett-Carnac told the Gazette that the committee was formed five years ago as a way to communicate initiatives with employees in the two Combermere locations and to give back to the community.

“It’s a chance for us to come together and to have fun together and create some team spirit. It’s a chance for us to provide company updates to the whole employee base,” RivettCarnac said. “The last few years now we have been focusing on the community end of it.

I think businesses nowadays are becoming more community minded. They understand that there is a social responsibility to what they do. It’s not all about making a living and making money. It’s about building, helping contribute to the local community. So that just means a lot to us.”

Employees have a chance to serve on the volunteer social committee for two terms, before new employees are offered the opportunity to give back.

Rivett-Carnac said this ensures that employees have a chance to directly impact their own hometown. The Combermere-based business has employees from all over the

region, spanning from Maynooth to Killaloe.

The social committee offers employees a chance to give back to their own communities.

Past initiatives include rebuilding the playground at the public school in Maynooth, and giving to the Killaloe Community Resource Centre.

“We try to spread the focus,” Rivett-Carnac said. “We want to be aware of where all of our employees come from and make sure that we are covering all of the areas.”

Spokesperson from the social committee Leta Mayhew-Hasler said this year, the committee chose the manor as the lucky recipient of good will.

“We just wanted to volunteer here. So we approached the activities director and we were all on the same page with doing some decorating for them,” Mayhew-Hasler said.

“We really want to thank the people who donated to help us.”

A tree was donated by Peter Mayhew, lights and decorations were from Barry’s Bay Home Building Centre, Killaloe Hardware, Madonna House and by some of the committee members’ friends and coworkers including Kerrie Voldock, Jackie Bouchard, Bobbie Briscoe, and Kathy Brillinger.

It took several hours on a brisk Sunday afternoon to complete the decorating, but that didn’t seem to bother the committee. With music, treats, and refreshments to fuel the volunteers, decorating went smoothly.

Lisa Yantha, who is the activities director at the Valley Manor, thanked the committee for helping spread some holiday cheer to the residents of the manor.

“We are very appreciative of the social

committee from the St Francis Herb Farm who spent their afternoon decorating the outside of Valley Manor for the holiday season,” Yantha said. “These individuals were so enthusiastic to add additional festive décor for our residents to look at daily. These little gestures mean so much to our residents here

at Valley Manor.”

The St. Francis Herb Farm was founded 30 years ago by Monique and Jeremy RivettCarnac. Today, their son Paul and daughterin-law Caitlin are the new owners of the herb farm. They sell their natural healthcare products in Canada and around the globe.

Pictured, standing, left to right: Lily Hasler, Paul Rivett-Carnac, Caitlin Rivett-Carnac and Tiffany Cybulski. Crouching is Leta Mayhew-Hasler, Teresa Platt, Raphaela Platt and Patsy Voldock. Photo Christine Hudder

Afor YouWish at the

Holidays A

L AC E T O S ZY P TA CO Y

W

Y HI BA LE I N BARRY`S

We hope every moment of your holiday season shines with happiness. May your holiday be filled with love, laughter and kindness.

From our family to yours, Yvette, Mark, Hayden Phone 613-756-1333 Toll Free 855-756-1333 378 John St., Barry’s Bay, ON www.pinewoodinn.ca

May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright new year.

Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

At this wondrous time, we wish you the hope and happiness that are so much a part of this miraculous season.

Asking the Christ Child to Bless you for all your support over the last 30+ years!

from the Board, Administration, Staff and Residents of Valley Manor

Council and Staff,

Township of Madawaska Valley

Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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How to make holiday wreaths the easy way There are many different ways to decorate homes and businesses for the holidays. Tall evergreen trees are among the most visible symbols of the holiday season. However, wreaths hung on doors, windows or fences also are ubiquitous this time of year.

Wreaths adorn homes primarily during the holidays of Easter and Christmas.

Wreaths have also been worn around the head or neck in ceremonial events around the globe for centuries. It is believed the first wreaths date back to ancient Greece and Rome. Members of the Greco-Roman society were known to hand-make ringshaped items using fresh tree leaves, small fruits, flowers, and twigs. Oftentimes these headdresses symbolized a person’s social status. Others suggest wreaths evolved to

become a Christian symbol of immortality.

Regardless of how wreaths are viewed, many people like to display wreaths for the holidays. Wreaths can be purchased premade, but making a wreath on your own can make the holidays even more fun.

One of the easiest ways to make a wreath is to design it around a circular floral foam form. Gather supplies to make the wreath. For traditional wreaths, supplies will include sprigs of evergreen (real or

artificial), ribbon, floral wire, bows, and artificial berries. Working around the foam form, arrange the boughs of evergreen, using the floral wire to wrap or pin into the foam itself. Keep the layers coming until you get the desired coverage. Embellish with a ribbon or place a bow.

Creating a wreath jig is an easy way to make a wreath. Cut a dollar-store laundry basket bottom from the top ring to make a template, on which you can place wreathmaking

Enjoy an eco-friendly holiday season The color green is synonymous with the holiday season, as Christmas trees, mistletoe and holiday wreaths feature prominently throughout the month of December. But there are ways to make this holiday season even greener.

Going green around the house can save homeowners substantial amounts of money and benefit the planet in various ways. Yet come the holiday season, many people unintentionally eschew eco-friendly practices in an effort to make their homes as festive as possible. Fortunately, there are several ways to enjoy an eco-friendly holiday season. · Choose LED holiday lights. Holiday lighting displays help make the season even more special. But traditional incandescent holiday lights consume considerable amounts of energy and burn out much more quickly than more eco-friendly alternatives.

According to Energy.gov, LED holiday lights consume less energy than incandescent

holiday lights, and they’re also safer because LED lights burn cool, reducing the risk of combustion. In addition, LED lights are more resistant to breaking than incandescent bulbs, which should please homeowners who want to avoid broken or burned out bulbs that can ruin holiday lighting displays. · Get creative with wrapping paper.

Household w a s t e increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. That translates to about one million extra tons of waste in the roughly five-week holiday season. Much of that waste is wrapping paper. Instead of purchasing holiday wrapping paper that will ultimately end up in landfills, wrap gifts in reusable gift bags or old newspapers lying

ood Things ustomers, upport. Wishing You All Good Things

materials so they keep their circular form.

Use floral wire or natural jute string to tie the materials together. Experiment with fresh evergreen, twigs, holly branches, or whatever materials you choose.

Thick card stock also can serve as the wreath template. Attach artificial flowers or leaves, spray snow, ornaments, or other items to the card stock ring with a firm adhesive.

Many craft stores sell wreath forms made of natural vines that have been strung in a ring. These can be decorated in their entirety or left a little sparse to let the natural twine show through.

Wreaths may seem like complicated creations. But a little imagination and the right materials is all it takes to create a homemade wreath. around the house. If you must use wrapping paper, choose recycled paper. In addition, save bows, ribbons and undamaged wrapping paper to use again next season. · Turn down the thermostat. Holiday music fans know that the weather outside can be frightful during the holiday season.

But holiday hosts inviting friends and family over this year can turn down the thermostat to save energy and make conditions inside the home more comfortable. Extra bodies inside the house will warm the place up, allowing homeowners to turn down the thermostat during parties. If you’re traveling for the season, program your thermostat so you’re not heating an empty home. · Send e-cards. Holiday cards are a tradition in many families. But paper cards contribute heavily to that extra million tons of holiday-related waste. In lieu of paper cards, send e-cards. E-cards can be emailed to friends and family, saving the cost of postage and the fuel required to deliver those cards. In addition, e-cards save families the hassle of signing each individual card.

The holiday season is not the most ecofriendly time of year, but celebrants can take steps to reduce their carbon footprints between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

We couldn’t wish for better friends and customers, and we thank you for your kindness and support.

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Christmas Wishes 2019

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This Christmas season, it’s important to remember what you have, not dwell on what you don’t. This poem, A Place Called Palmer Rapids, written by Lena Marquardt, tells the story of Palmer Rapids’ humble beginnings.

A place called Palmer Rapids

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Memories Submitted by Nelson Boehme

Written by Lena Marquardt May 24, 1972

This place called Palmer Rapids Where three hundred people dwell They are all very neighbourly And know each other well.

Now, there are the Budaricks, Their homes count up to ten They were the first to settle here Both women and their men Then there are the Beaudries, The Lentzs, Boehms and the Blooms The Chisans and the Eastons All made the village bloom.

The Kriegers and the Jessups, Mantifels and Lidtkies too, Somehow they got together That’s how Palmer Rapids grew The only store was Proudfoot’s And a fortune they did make The farmers’ goods and cash The merchant sure did take Now, the Wasmunds and the Seafields We just dare not forget For they had such stoney farms They had to work until they sweat Much like the other folk around They strived from morn till night;

The life those pioneers had Was really quite a sight A small log house, a coal oil lamp An unpainted kitchen floor, A washtub and washboard Hardly any more.

The men, they had an axe and saw A crow bar and a hammer, A pick, a shovel, horse and cow, And wife, these men from Palmer.

Now this second generation Why, it’s all so different now The farmers all have tractors Not a walking plow!

The women all have wash machines, Electric stoves and fridges They drive the family truck or car On the county roads and bridges.

They teach the class at Sunday school Raise money for the rink They well deserve all they have Such as a kitchen sink So let’s all be grateful To these folks who did stay And started up this growing place

COMBERMERE - Lynn-Michelle Boehme (now Yantha) in front of her parent’s home in Combermere in 1963.

In which we spend each day.

And where we have our churches To worship as we please, Plus all the comforts of this life Which we all live at ease.

A 10-room school our children have And buses by galore So what on earth can anyone

Really wish for more?

So hats off for this land of ours Where we can work or play For at the end of every month We get our cheques to payOur rent, our food and all things good So let us not complain.

Peace & Joy to you and yours!

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we rejoice in the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. His precious gifts and the goodwill of our friends and customers here in the community fill us with gratitude during this holy season.

Thank you for your kind support all year, and please accept our heartfelt wishes for a wonderful Christmas.

Cathy,Terry and Margaret

Christmas Wishes 2019

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This Christmas season, it’s important to remember what you have, not dwell on what you don’t. This poem, A Place Called Palmer Rapids, written by Lena Marquardt, tells the story of Palmer Rapids’ humble beginnings.

A place called Palmer Rapids

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Memories Submitted by Nelson Boehme

Written by Lena Marquardt May 24, 1972

This place called Palmer Rapids Where three hundred people dwell They are all very neighbourly And know each other well.

The life those pioneers had Was really quite a sight A small log house, a coal oil lamp An unpainted kitchen floor, A washtub and washboard Hardly any more.

Now, there are the Budaricks, Their homes count up to ten They were the first to settle here Both women and their men Then there are the Beaudries, The Lentzs, Boehms and the Blooms The Chisans and the Eastons All made the village bloom.

The Kriegers and the Jessups, Mantifels and Lidtkies too, Somehow they got together That’s how Palmer Rapids grew

The men, they had an axe and saw A crow bar and a hammer, A pick, a shovel, horse and cow, And wife, these men from Palmer.

Now this second generation Why, it’s all so different now The farmers all have tractors Not a walking plow!

The women all have wash machines, Electric stoves and fridges They drive the family truck or car On the county roads and bridges.

The only store was Proudfoot’s And a fortune they did make The farmers’ goods and cash The merchant sure did take Now, the Wasmunds and the Seafields We just dare not forget For they had such stoney farms They had to work until they sweat Much like the other folk around They strived from morn till night;

They teach the class at Sunday school Raise money for the rink They well deserve all they have Such as a kitchen sink So let’s all be grateful To these folks who did stay And started up this growing place

Thank you for choosing us.

Your trust in us is what makes our work most meaningful at the holidays and all year.

VICKY YAKABUSKI

JOE VERMAIRE

JOHN BORYSIAK

Cell: 613-633-0838

Cell: 613-318-8320

Cell: 613-312-9207

Broker

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

COMBERMERE - Lynn-Michelle Boehme (now Yantha) in front of her parent’s home in Combermere in 1963.

In which we spend each day.

And where we have our churches To worship as we please, Plus all the comforts of this life Which we all live at ease.

A 10-room school our children have And buses by galore So what on earth can anyone

Really wish for more?

So hats off for this land of ours Where we can work or play For at the end of every month We get our cheques to payOur rent, our food and all things good So let us not complain.

Peace & Joy to you and yours!

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we rejoice in the many blessings He has bestowed upon us. His precious gifts and the goodwill of our friends and customers here in the community fill us with gratitude during this holy season.

Thank you for your kind support all year, and please accept our heartfelt wishes for a wonderful Christmas.

Cathy,Terry and Margaret

Team Realty, Brokerage

Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Tips for baking better Christmas cookies Cookies and other baked treats are everywhere come the holiday season. It’s not uncommon to give cookies as gifts or arrive at holiday gatherings with cakes and other decadent desserts.

Cookies are a classic holiday treat, and some families even build entire traditions around baking Christmas cookies.

Novice bakers making cookies for the first time may be a little overwhelmed when perusing recipes. Baking is a science, and sometimes it takes practice to get the results just right. However, there are some tips that can help yield better, buttery bounties.

Handle butter with care Butter can make or break a cookie recipe, as butter is often the glue that holds the cookie together. Therefore, it is key to follow the directions carefully regarding how to handle butter. Smithsonian.com says to leave butter at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes to properly soften it. This takes patience, but fiddling with butter too much can damage its delectable integrity. While purists may say butter is best, margarine may be acceptable if it has a high fat content; otherwise, cookies may spread out and flatten.

When it comes time to cream the butter with sugar, be

sure to do so thoroughly to incorporate air into the butter and remove the grainy texture of the sugar.

Measure flour properly Measuring flour the right way can ensure cookies come out right. The Cooking Channel says to spoon the flour lightly into a dry measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Do not dip the measuring cup into the flour or tap the knife against the cup. This will pack too much flour into the measuring cup and result in dry, tough cookies.

Use a bottom rack Too much heat may compromise cookie integrity. The food experts at Delish say to try moving cookies onto a lower rack in the oven if they aren’t retaining their shape when baked. Put an empty cookie sheet on the top rack. That will block the cookies from the most intense heat that rises to the top of the oven.

Mastering cookies takes a little patience and some trial and error.

Once bakers get their feet wet, Christmas-cookie-baking becomes even more special.

Slow down the eggs Add eggs one at a time to make sure each will emulsify properly with the fat in the butter. Adding eggs en masse may cause the emulsification to fail.

Chill out Follow recipes that call for chilling cookie dough carefully. This process is important for making sliced and shaped cookies.

By chilling, the dough becomes more malleable for rolling and even slicing.

Here Comes

Santa Claus!

Another Christmas is rolling in, and we hope it delivers everything on your wish list!

Thanks for being an important part of our year.

Your friendship and support have made 2018 a great ride for us, and we wish you all the best this holiday season and in the coming year.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, from the Management and Staff at...

SUMMERS BROS Queen Street, Killaloe, Ontario

P: 613-757-2171 or TF: 866-733-2833

www.summersbros.com

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas in Canada’s north Gazette Staff

BARRY’S BAY - Madawaska Valley CAO Librarian, Karen Filipkowski grew up in Sydney, Nova Scotia. She met her husband Rob in Ottawa at a spinal cord ward outreach program to help teens become more independent.

The two spent part of their careers in the far north. They shared their experience of their first Christmas up there.

“We had taken the plunge as a young couple to go north for work back in 1987. Teaching jobs were hard to come by. Baker Lake, N.W.T., where we ended up, might as well have been another country to us. It’s the centre of Canada, but it was still a two-day plane trip covering thousands of kilometres. As Christmas approached, most of the southern teaching staff made their travel preparations to be with family, leaving us with a decision to make. We’re each from large families, and our holiday traditions featured a couple of short drives to our parents’ places, presents under a real tree, tables overflowing with food, and enough family and visitors to wear you out. How would it be Christmas without all that? We realized that a trip south would be too expensive for us that year, so we made plans for a quiet northern holiday time. It was hard to imagine we’d have a different kind of Christmas away from home. We broke the news to the families, and we were surprised that Rob’s mom decided to make the long trip up to keep us company. So, it would be three instead of two, a few more gifts under the little artificial tree, and we weren’t feeling so glum. Christmas got closer, and we took care of Christmas shopping by mail-order

catalogue. Then three of our northern friends took pity on us, and decided they’d stay north as well. So, it’s now six to Christmas dinner, and we’d borrow a few chairs and fit everyone in around the table. Rob’s mom arrived, and jumped into the preparations with a big smile. Then, a week before the big day, we found out about a few more singles staying north, and we asked them to join. Now it’s eleven coming to dinner, wrap a few more presents, scrounge an extra table and chairs and figure out how to squeeze everyone in. Christmas Eve arrived, and off we went to church for a beautiful candlelit service. In the morning we shared presents, and reflected that it was a pretty good Christmas after all, and we got ready to host dinner for our lonely heart friends. At the last minute, one friend had a quiet word to say his colleague was stranded away from home, and would we please make room for her as well? Somehow everyone got a place at the table, and the day ended up being filled with family, friends, too much food, and warm hearts. A pretty good Christmas away.”

“We lived on the north coast of B.C. for a while, and had a great time getting to know the Nisga’a community of Gingolx, at the foot of the Nass Valley. It’s a gorgeous place, with views of mountains and ocean, clouds and eagles and fishing boats. The Nass communities have strong traditions of community feasts, elaborate clan ceremonies, and a history of marching bands, among others. Our first New Year’s there was spent with our little boy, counting down the hours and minutes to midnight. We clinked our

Happy Holidays from Management and Staff

CIBC Killaloe Monday to Friday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm 613-757-2910

Karen and Rob Filipkowski recount their Christmases up north.

Karen Filipkowski photographed on one of her stays in the North West Territories.

Photo submitted

glasses and called out our celebration to the new year, but then we were startled to hear the sounds of gunfire. The CB radio soon clarified that the shots were a happy part of the annual tradition, and nothing to alarm us. So our heart rates settled, the little one was put to bed, and we clinked a little more before turning in. Early the next morning we were roused by a strange booming noise, and then by the telephone, and an urgent message from a colleague: “The Council is coming!

Get ready!” Bleary-eyed and mystified, we made ourselves presentable, all while that booming got closer and closer. Just as we

finished dressing, a pounding knock came at the door of our little house. On opening the door, who should be there but the entire Council, arrayed in their finest, and sporting the biggest marching band drum we’ve ever seen. In they came, looking a little blearyeyed from too much clinking themselves, each one mumbling a very happy New Year, and each one extending the hand of friendship, punctuated by the booming big drum. Off they went, to visit every household and to make sure every person had a good start to the New Year, courtesy of the Council’s marching band.”

As another holiday season comes swirling in, we’d like to extend our very best wishes for a blessed and happy Christmas.

May all of your dreams and wishes come true!

Wishing you a season filled with every little happiness.

We’re grateful for all you’ve done Thank you for being such great to make our dreams come true in 2016. customers and friends!

We owe our success to kind customers and friends like you.

Thanks & Happy

Holidays

From the management And staff at 157 Queen Street Killaloe, ON

Banking that fits your life.

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Eganville Country Depot

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C.A. Reiche & Sons Ltd.

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Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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18 ideas for making holiday memories Counting down to Christmas Day means many different things to people across the globe. Although families likely have several different traditions they anticipate each year, it can be fun to incorporate some new merrymakers into the festivities.

Here are some festive ideas to include in the days leading up to Christmas - a special family calendar of fun finds.

1. Annual memento: Have the kids or adults make one new handmade ornament each year. This way the tree is always evolving, and everyone can track milestones.

2. Cookie day: Devote one day to making Christmas cookies.

Invite friends or family members over. Distribute some cookies to elderly neighbors.

3. Holiday classic: Spend a night in and watch a classic Christmas flick you’ve never seen before. Streaming movie services often put classics and obscure titles into rotation during the holiday season.

4. Christmas concert: Host a gathering of children where they can sing or perform their favorite tunes for an audience.

Take it on the road to a nearby nursing home.

5. Dine out: Take a break from cooking, shopping and hosting and stop into a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. Keep it local to support nearby businesses.

6. Adopt a child/family: Volunteer with a charitable organization that provides for less fortunate families. Answer the Christmas desires of a needy child or family by purchasing an item on their wish lists.

7. See the sights: Pack the children into the family car to tour nearby areas and look at Christmas lights displays. Bring along cookies and hot chocolate.

8. Trim a tree: Get together with adult friends at a treetrimming party. Rotate the hosting house each year.

9. Play dress-up: A gentleman can dress up as the man in red and pop into a friend’s holiday gathering.

10. Wilderness walk: Enjoy the crisp air and snow and see a local park from a winter perspective.

11. Acts of kindness: Choose any act of kindness and make it happen this Christmas. It can include feeding the hungry or helping a disabled person shop for the season.

12. Kids’ Secret Santa: Spread the joy of giving by having the kids choose a sibling or friend’s name from a hat and purchasing or making a gift for that person.

13. Hand out hot chocolate: Make a big thermos of hot chocolate and give it out to shoppers or workers who have

been out in the cold.

14. Read religious stories: Understand the true meaning of the season by reading Biblical passages.

15. Camp-in: The first night the tree is decorated, allow the kids to sleep beside it under the glow of Christmas lights.

16. Scavenger hunt: Plan holiday-themed trivia questions and hide small trinkets for children to find.

17. Surprise box: Put a gender and age nonspecific gift into a box. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the person who finds a hidden gift tag under their chair at dinner gets to open the box.

18. Family portrait: Wear your holiday finery and pose for a portrait that actually will be printed and framed.

Thank you for your support, and our very Best Wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyful holiday.

We look forward to continuing the warm association we share in the coming New Year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Marie Yantha -John and Lynne and Staff of Yantha Backhoe and Trucking -Fabian, Jody, Jonathon and Jamie of Yantha Enterprises

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas tree tips and tricks Christmas trees are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether they are personal trees nestled in the corner of a living room for families to enjoy or towering evergreens serving as the focal point of a town square, Christmas trees are a wonder to behold.

Many people have fond memories of time spent around the Christmas tree sharing gifts and family traditions. Live trees and their pine-like aroma can be especially nostalgic trees to include in holiday plans.

While freshly cut trees can be particularly beautiful and aromatic additions to the season, they require a bit more work than artificial trees in order to remain beautiful and thrive throughout the holiday season. Maintenance can help keep Christmas trees as perfect as possible.

- Even though it is tempting to buy a real tree as early as possible, their shelf life is limited even with the best care. Dural Christmas Tree Farm advises that, under the best conditions, a real tree should last up to four weeks before drying out.

- Consider the needles when looking for a real tree. Pull your hand toward your body along the branches. If many needles fall off, the tree is past its peak.

- Think about the room in which the tree will be located. Leave at least six inches between the tip of the tree and the ceiling, accounting for the height of the tree stand as well.

- If needle retention is a goal, the Scotch pine variety has the best needle retention and a high survival rate, lending to its

popularity, offers Precision Tree and Landscape. Douglas fir and balsam fir are other durable trees.

- If possible, buy a freshly cut tree from a reputable nursery or tree farm, advises The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many precut trees sold elsewhere were likely cut weeks before and may not be fresh.

- Cut the bottom of the tree trunk before bringing it home to facilitate the uptake of fresh water daily. Trees can absorb as much as a gallon of water in a day, so make sure the tree gets fresh water every day.

Happy Holidays!!

RD FROM THE RIVER IN OUR BACKYA Crew Stefi, Katrina, Claudia, Dirk, and the MKC

- Keep trees away from as many heat sources as possible and away from direct sunlight to prolong longevity.

- According to Karabin Farms, to make a Christmas tree last longer, boil a gallon of water and then dissolve one cup of sugar in the water. Allow to cool. After freshly cutting the trunk, pour in the warm sugar water. Continue to add fresh, cool, plain water to the tree stand afterward.

Once needles begin to fall off with frequency, the tree is reaching its prime.

Remove it so it does not become a fire hazard.

From Our Family to Yours, Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas!

Thank you for your patronage this year.

We look forward to serving you again soon, and we wish you the merriest of holidays. We feel truly blesssed to be a part of this fine community.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Electrical, Plumbing & Heating Your Kohler Generator Dealer 613-757-2955 Killaloe

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Christmas Wishes 2019

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

How to create a durable gingerbread house Gingerbread cookies and houses are one of the many symbols of the holiday season, alongside Christmas trees and twinkling lights. In fact, few confections symbolize the holidays more so than gingerbread.

Many a child (or a child at heart) has spent hours carefully trying to create decorative gingerbread houses. Although gingerbread recipes span various cultures, gingerbread houses originated in 16th century Germany.

The fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” helped solidify the popularity of gingerbread, which became part of Christmas traditions.

Even though gingerbread houses can be fun to make, there’s no denying it can be exacting work - especially for those who strive for perfection. Prepackaged kits attempt to take some of the guesswork out of the equation, but those who are crafting from scratch can employ these tips as they build their gingerbread houses. · Go for form and not flavor. Few gingerbread houses ever get eaten, so focus on finding a dough that will bake up rock hard as opposed to one that tastes good.

· Get the right icing texture. Pastry artist Catherine Beddall says royal icing is the preferred “glue” to adhere gingerbread pieces. Beddall says icing should be thick

like peanut butter and not runny. · Mind the dough. Do not roll out the gingerbread dough too thin or it may become brittle after being cooked. Always

cut out shapes before the gingerbread is baked. Let the baked pieces sit overnight to cool completely before using them to build. · Patience is key. Allow the icing to dry for at least a couple of hours after adhering each piece and before moving and handling the house, says Beddall. Work in stages so that individual items can be decorated and allowed to dry. Then the walls can be put together, followed by the roof pieces. · Kids likely will need help. Children may not have the patience or steadiness to handle complete gingerbread construction.

They can decorate the separate pieces of the house while the components are laying flat, which is easier for kids. Adults can do the main assembly later on. · Utilize a template. Free-handing may not be easy. Cut out templates using cardboard or posterboard for various gingerbread pieces.

One of the most important tips is to have fun. Don’t take gingerbread house making too seriously as a novice. Rather, enjoy the experience and the centuries-old tradition.

Homemade gingerbread men Ingredients 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/3 cup molasses 1 large egg, room temperature 2 tablespoons water 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice Frosting of choice

Instructions Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg and water.

In another bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients minus frosting; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half.

Shape each into a disk; cover. Refrigerate until easy to handle, about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/8in. thickness. Cut with a floured four-in. gingerbread man cookie cutter. Place two in. apart on greased baking sheets.

Bake until edges are firm, eight to 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost as desired.

Wishing You A Model YeAr As another year hits the road, we’d like to acknowledge all the people who have been key to our success and wish you all a very, very merry season and a truly memorable year.

W TUBES* O N S E V A H *WE NOW

Thanks for your valued business and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT 613-338-3000

33010 Hwy 62 N., Maynooth, ON

www.HighlandsHotTubs.ca • Nancy@HighlandsHotTubs.ca

613-332-1410 / 1-800-55VANCE

www.vancemotors.com

Station & Hastings St, Downtown Bancroft

Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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“Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.

Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’

Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET. VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond.

Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Merry Christmas & Season’s Greetings

Season’s Greetings To Our Friends With our THANKS for your valued patronage.

We look forward to sharing more good times with you in the year ahead.

Madawaska Outdoors 19551 Opeongo Line Barry`s Bay (613) 756-2007

Wishing you & your loved ones a healthy, happy 2020. From Paul and Caitlin Rivett-Carnac and the boys, as well as all of us at St. Francis.

SFHF_Christmas_ Greeting_2019.indd 5

2019-12-09 12:20 PM

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Sharing the gifts of food, friendship and hope at Christmas GAYLE DAVIS Freelance BARRY’S BAY – Hunger. It’s a daunting reality at any time of the year, but especially at Christmas.

Many people experience food insecurity on a weekly basis and, as Christmas approaches, the need is more intensely felt. Unable to put even a meager meal on the table, people face not only hunger but also feelings of hopelessness and depression. It has been said that people do not function well when they experience the stress caused by hunger and a lack of money to buy food. How can one be joyful when hunger gnaws at the belly and an uncertain future is your constant companion?

But there is a glimmer of hope in the darkness. Community Food Banks help families and individuals feeling challenged by their economic situation. And when the help is given with compassion and respect, how much better that gift is received.

The Madawaska Valley Food Bank, located in Barry’s Bay, is a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to provide basic food needs as well as offering encouragement to many in the Barry’s Bay area.

Described by one client, the MV Food Bank is a ‘welcome and important place in time of need.’

Many Food Bank volunteers consider it a privilege to serve in this way, to brighten someone’s day with a smile while helping

May the warmth and wonder of the season surround you and fill your world with happiness!

them choose some basic food that they otherwise are unable to acquire.

As one user recently said, “The volunteers are great! They really help take some of the sting out of poverty.”

Madawaska Valley Food Bank Director Terry Newcombe took some time to share his feelings about the work he does. Newcombe has been a resident of Barry’s Bay for 10 years and has served at the Food Bank for eight of those years. Retired from Ottawa, Newcombe has become a very active member of the community.

“Most people visit the Food Bank an average of three times per year,” explained Newcombe. “We usually have about 50 clients show up, but at Christmas it swells to probably 75.”

The provision of basic food is always appreciated, but at Christmas the MV Food Bank is also able to provide a few turkeys to needy families. As meat is a rare commodity on a limited food budget, these turkeys are very much appreciated.

In the past, members of the community have supplied the Christmas turkeys. In the event that donations are not received, Newcombe advises that the MV Food Bank will purchase the turkeys from both Metro and ValuMart in Barry’s Bay. Without community support, the work of the food bank would not be possible. Area church groups, the Lions’ clubs of Barry’s Bay and Palmer Rapids as well as the students

Wishing you all the best this Holiday The Yuill Family Season and Staff

Customers like you are the reason we love what we do, and we thank you for choosing us.

The Yuill Family and Staff

at Madawaska Valley District High School, just to name a few, all contribute time, money from fundraising, and food donations to the food bank as a way of serving their fellow community members.

As to how this impacts Terry personally, he shares, “We’re all very tired come Christmas Day. But I think to myself, Wow! I am so fortunate to have what I have. I am also grateful for the hidden blessings of serving clients of the food bank in whatever way I can.”

As a note, The Food Bank in Barry’s Bay will be open an additional day in December to accommodate the Christmas holidays. The Food Bank will open Tuesday, December 31 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. to assist clients.

Contact Patricia Whitfield at tishewhitfield@ gmail.com for more info or to donate.

In Killaloe, St. Andrew’s Parish on Queen Street houses the Killaloe Food Bank in their basement, on the first and third Mondays of each month from 12-2.

Volunteer Isabel O’Reilly established the Killaloe food bank in 1988, while she was still the principal at St. Andrew’s school.

O’Reilly recently was awarded the Warden’s Community Service Award for her years of outstanding devotion to the work of the food bank.

“I accepted the award on behalf of all the Food Bank Volunteers,” explained O’Reilly, “and for those who are no longer with us namely, Rita Foran, Teresa Roche and Anne Skelly.”

As the surrounding community generously donates, the food bank is able to somewhat meet the ever-increasing food needs of a population that struggles with how to stretch limited financial resources.

At Christmas, the Killaloe food bank is also able to provide a turkey or a bbq chicken to families, while at Easter they provide a ham.

Says O’Reilly resolutely, “No one should go hungry at any time of the year.”

Contact Isabel O’Reilly at 613-757-2209 for more info or to donate.

The North Hastings Community Cupboard, established in 1991, is located in Bancroft.

Currently situated at 11 Madawaska Street, it serves the needs of the Bancroft area.

NHCC has seen an increasing need for food assistance, with demand being up 30 percent in the last 10 years. Generous donations of cash and food from the community allow Bancroft’s Food Bank to assist 313 families and 647 individuals who rely on them to ‘make ends meet’ every year.

Fruit and vegetables from the Good Food Box program arrives for pick up at the North Hastings Community Cupboard.

Photo submitted It has been said that most of us are just one pay cheque away from hardship. If something unforeseen happens, our financial stability takes a hit and we can be left floundering.

A volunteer shared that some feel bad that they have to use the Food bank, but an emergency arose or an unexpected bill arrived which left them with no money to buy food.

Since there can be a great stigma associated with poverty and hunger, the NHFB makes sure that their clients feel welcome, especially during Christmas which is a very difficult time for many.

As one client of NHCC put it, “‘My husband is in hospital and I got laid off. I never used a food bank before. Now that I know what it’s like to need help, I should have donated more cash and food before.”

The food bank volunteer summed it up, “[Donations] will not only feed a hungry child a lovely Christmas dinner, but it also gives them hope; it shows them they are cared for.”

As with all food banks, there is a greater need for food donations approaching Christmas. Money or grocery cards can help the food bank purchase items that have not come in by donations.

Call 343-476-0177 or email northhastingscc@gmail.com for more info or to donate.

Since Christmas is about sharing and caring, how better can we demonstrate this than by helping our community neighbours find the nourishment and encouragement they need, for both body and soul, during the holidays.

Food banks help bridge the gap with actual food while extending compassion and offering hope. It is, after all, the season for giving. What better way to celebrate the joy and hope that is Christmas than to share.

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Laura Graham Sales Representative 613-332-8891 613-332-1338 Laura@RevaRealty.ca

Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Kashubian Christmas in Lëpùsz, Kashubia Europe

By Aleksandra Troka, English teacher from primary school in Lëpùsz Editor’s note: Madawaska Valley Township is twinned with the community of Lëpùsz, Kashubia. We were fortunate enough to get a firsthand account of Christmases in Lëpùsz from Aleksandra Troka, an English teacher in the community.

LEPUSZ - The Christmas season in Lëpùsz Kashubia Europe starts with Advent.

Advent is a Latin word that means ‘coming’. It is the time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

Kashubian people avoid entertainment, attend ‘roraty’ (a Holy Mass in the early morning) and they usually have their special resolutions for that time.

The current pace of life has largely mutilated this period of internal silence.

The older Kashubs nostalgically recall meetings on long Advent evenings, when entire families, neighbours and friends came together to listen to various stories and sing church songs together.

A characteristic Kashubian custom are carolers (‘kòlãdnicë’). These are groups of children (from five to 15 people) visiting the houses in the evenings from the beginning of Advent until Christmas. Their arrival announces the bells. Among the costume stars, there are many characters with different meanings: a whistler also called a whistle (star), death, a goat (personification of harm), a horse (treated by the Kashubians as an animal with a unique connection with the world of the dead), a bear (a symbol of seriousness, devil (symbol of evil). They sing carols and get sweets or money from the inhabitants of the house.

The period from Christmas to the Epiphany, Kashubians refer to the name Gòdë. There are many Kashubians traditions

connected with this time.

The custom of putting a Christmas tree in homes appeared in Kashubia quite late, only at the beginning of the 20th century.

This custom came from Germany. Initially, it appeared in the cities, and then in richer country houses.

A Kashubian Christmas tree is called ‘danka’. In the past, it was decorated on Christmas Eve and this custom is still cultivated in many homesteads. Most often, the host of the family, helped by children, decorate the tree. Ornaments are prepared by the children and hung on the Christmas tree. In the past, they were made of coloured paper, e.g. chains, straw, silver and gold ornaments with chocolate and

sweet packaging.

In addition, people hung apples, nuts, and cookies in the shape of stars, human and animal figures. Small candles were also placed on the tree, which were lit only on Christmas Eve. Often, a small nativity scene with figures of Saint Mary, Joseph, Jesus and animals were placed under the tree.

Special care is given to animals that receive better than usual food on Christmas Eve. It is still believed that we can hear animals speaking the human language on this day.

Throughout the day, people try to refrain from eating dishes. The Christmas Eve supper after the sunset is also quite modest.

The signal for its beginning is the appearance of the first star in the sky. The host of the

family reads the fragment of the Holy Bible.

Homes will also leave free tableware at the table intended for a stray wanderer and for close relatives of the dead. Another custom in Kashubia is the practice of placing a sheaf of rye in a corner of the room. It was a symbol of good harvests in the coming year.

After the Christmas supper, children await their presents from Gwiôzdór. He is dressed in a thick coat, wears a fur or wool cap on his head, covers his face with a larva, i.e. a mask, has a white beard. His attributes is mostly zwónk (bell), which announces his arrival. Gwiôzdór task is to question the children about the knowledge of the prayers and find out from the parents whether the toddler was polite. Naughty children are chastised by the rod and good ones get their presents.

Christmas songs were sung during Gòdy (Christmas). All carols were song in the Kashubian native tongue. At midnight people attend Pasterka (a Holy Mass).

The first day of Christmas was spent with family. On the second day of Christmas, neighbours were visited to make wishes.

Kashubian Christmas traditions are joyful and merry. They encourage whole families and communities to spend time together.

They are returning to our culture more and more often not only as an element of folklore, but as living habits.

From Europe’s Kashubia, Merry Christmas ( Wiesołëch Gòdów) to all the Kashubs in Canada’s Kashubia.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR

TO YOURS

Taylor Creek III

Hope Your Holiday Is a 5-Star Experience Without reservation, we’d like to wish everyone here in town a wonderful Christmas and very happy New Year! It’s been our pleasure serving you in 2019, and we look forward to making more great memories with all of you in the year to come.

Spect acle Lake LODGE

Your Friendship & Support Warms Our Hearts & Makes Us Remember How Fortunate We Are To Know People Like You.

Thanks!

Thank you for choosing us and for making our year so meaningful with your visits!

Barry’s Bay 306 John St. (613) 756-2007 (800) 463-0262

Combermere 1142A Farmer Rd. (613) 756-2436 (800) 374-2436

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Santa visits with the Lehovitch family. Pictured, left to right: Eve, Heather, Tyson and Santa.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Santa visits with Emma Brotton, Shaylan Betournay and Cadence Schweig.

Santa’s visit to

Combermere Photos Christine Hudder

Rhett Marquardt, left, and Malaika Marquardt, right, chat it up with jolly old St. Nicholas.

Kaiden Schutt, 9, enjoys some one-on-one time with Santa.

Georgina Kuiack gets into the Christmas spirit.

May Peace Joy & Beauty Thank you for all your support and patronage throughout the years.

Wishing you all a safe and prosperous new year!

CO COUNTRY MARKET NEW! LCBO Convenience Outlet 39258 Combermere Rd, COMBERMERE 613-756-1113

Surround You All Season At this special time of year, we’d like to share our best wishes with the friends, customers and neighbors who have made our year simply spectacular. Your support and trust mean the world to us, and we are grateful to be a part of this vibrant community.

Thank you for making us feel so at home here.

May your days be merry and bright at Christmastime and throughout the New Year. We hope all of your wishes come true!

Miles Tettemer

Miles, Jodie & Staff Commercial & Residential

Landscaping • Bobcat, Excavator & Backhoe Trucking • Paving & Sealing Natural Rock • Snow Removal

613-756-9218 Cell 613-639-1515

Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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RJ Serran enjoys a treat and spends some time with Santa.

The halls are decked, the lists are checked; Christmas is here, bringing good cheer.

There’s just one thing we’ve left to do: Send our very best wishes to each one of you!

Thanks to our customers and neighbours all around town for your friendship and support. We wish you and yours all the best at Christmastime and in the New Year. Happy Holidays!

Greg Kelly and Staff

27 Bay Street, Barry’s Bay 613-756-0066

Madalynn Phanenhour, left, and Aubrey Phanenhour, right, grin with Santa.

We’re Filled With

Gratitude!

As we gear up for Christmas, we’d like to share

our thanks and best wishes with you, our valued customers and friends here in the community. Your support and goodwill have really made our year special, and we sincerely appreciate your patronage.

Merry Christmas!

221 John Street, Eganville 613-628-2617 Toll Free 1-888-580-0137

Serving Folks Like You Is A Real Treat For Us!

We couldn’t have asked for a better batch of friends and neighbours than you!

Happy Holidays!

Barry's Bay

ESSO C-Store Hwy 60 & 62, Barry’s Bay

613-756-3614

19407 Opeongo Line, Barry's Bay

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Local painter known for outdoors scenes inspired by grandmother MARK JONES Staff Reporter BARRY’S BAY - When she was growing up, Marylynn Kargus spent a lot of time at Leonard Quade’s General Store in the village of Quadeville. It was owned by her grandparents.

Kargus’ grandmother, Mary Sharfe had come to Canada with her parents when she was seven years old from Yorkshire, England.

Her grandmother was a source of inspiration for Kargus growing up in Renfrew County, with her art and stories of back ‘home’.

“My grandmother was quite an artist,” Kargus said. “What really struck me about my grandmother was she had this beautiful painting of Winston Churchill. I was always in awe of that because it looked so much like him. I always thought, when I grow up, I want to see this beautiful English countryside that she always talked about.”

After her grandmother died, the family found receipts from paintings she had sold.

“None of the family knew she had sold any paintings,” Kargus said.

Art interested Kargus when she was in school.

“I went to a one room school. There was a lower school and an upper school. The lower school, I believe, was built in 1902. It was grades one to four. We had a pot bellied stove in the middle of the floor. Someone was assigned each week to go out and bring in water for drinking water. We had an outdoor privy for the longest time.”

She knew she was late for school when she heard the bell on the school roof toll.

“I was always interested in the art aspect. I was the one that drew the Christmas scene on

Marylynn Kargus stands with a selection of her watercolours at the Opeongo Seniors’ Centre in Barry’s Bay. Photos Mark Jones the real blackboard. I liked to doodle a lot.”

When she left school, she first went into social work. She quickly decided that was not a good fit for her.

“I became too involved with my clients and I was worried…that I might burn out.”

Fetching the Christmas tree is a painting inspired by local tradition.

Kargus took a different turn with her career and went into banking. First she worked in Ottawa, then Belleville before transferring to Pembroke. That allowed her to live near Barry’s Bay, which meant she had to drive back and forth.

“I always felt comfortable. I always felt if I had to go into a snowbank or something there’s always just a house down the road. I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable about getting out of my car and going and asking for help.

That’s the nice thing about this area, you have wonderful people. You always have people who are willing to help you out. You just feel good about saying you live in Barry’s Bay, on a lake. It’s just a nice place to be.”

It was in retirement that Kargus had the chance to explore her artistic skills further.

“I had this in the back of my head that I really wanted to do water colour. I heard it was a hard medium to work with, but I like a challenge.”

It was a gradual process exploring the medium.

“I just started off slowly. I just started doing things and I thought, that didn’t turn out badly. Then people started to show an interest in what I was doing. I actually sold quite a few of my paintings. Not that I need the money or anything like that. It’s not to make a living or anything. I really enjoy doing it. I enjoy sharing it with people and seeing them smile when they see something that they or maybe their loved ones would like.”

Kargus loves to paint, especially landscapes. She has 150 paintings.

Then she started to frame them herself, add the matting and mount the paintings.

She also produces cards and bookmarks.

She has yet to develop a consistent style.

“I don’t think anyone can look at my work and say that is definitely me. I find they are all very different.”

Kargus focuses on her love of scenery, both locally and from her trips abroad, especially in rural England.

She spends two weeks a year in the English countryside walking and taking photographs.

The act of painting has many attractions for Kargus.

“It’s very relaxing, it’s very rewarding. It’s soothing. The biggest thing though is when I sit down and do something and three hours go by and it is like I just sat down. I love the countryside and I just like to put it out there.”

Winter is when she does most of her paintings because she is outside in the summer and fall.

She likes to explore the crown land near where she lives on snowshoes.

“With snowshoes you can go anywhere. I like to get to the top of some ridges just to be able to look out over the expanses…You are up there by yourself. There’s nobody around.

Very often you might come across an animal of some kind. There are lots of wolf tracks, a lot of deer tracks - a lot of tracks you wonder about. Is that a bobcat, haven’t seen a bobcat in ages. It’s very peaceful.”

Snowshoes allow her to take in the surroundings.

“One of the last ones I did was a Christmassy one. I called it father and son.

That magic tree. They are just bringing in the Christmas tree. This is very common around this area.”

Though she is self-taught, Kargus has been helped by one of her grandmother’s art books.

“I was leafing through it one day and I realized, ‘my goodness, it hasn’t really changed that much as far as the paint brushes you use, the textures and one thing and another. I felt I was right there with her because she would put little notes up in the corners.”

“It makes me very happy to be able to do this.”

Christmas is a time to celebrate the people we most appreciate. Thank you to our clients, real estate representatives and colleagues for allowing us the opportunity to serve you in 2018. Your support is appreciated. May you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year and we are looking forward to serving you in 2020.

May the wonder and beauty of the season surround you and fill your heart with joy.

Patricia, Barb, Al, Pamela, Sam, Mike and Jamie

At the holidays and always, we thank you for your trust in us, and we wish you all the best.

Micheline J. Leveque Barrister and Solicitor Email: Micheline.Leveque@bellnet.ca 11 Fairway Boulevard. P.O. Box 1361. T: 613.332.0406 Bancroft, Ontario K0L 1C0 f: 613.332.0609

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Wishes 2019

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A Season of Wonder.

A Season of Prayer.

The origins of Christmas caroling

The festive nature of the holiday season makes it an ideal time to sing, especially in groups.

Perhaps it’s no surprise then that caroling, a tradition that dates back many centuries, ultimately collided with Christmas.

Caroling and Christmas caroling are two different things. According to History.org, the origins of modern Christmas caroling can be traced to wassailing, a term that has evolved for more than a millenium.

What started as a simple greeting gradually became part of a toast made during ritualized drinking. Time magazine notes that the word “wassail,” which appeared in English literature as early as the eighth century, eventually came to mean the wishing of good fortune on one’s neighbors, though no one can say for certain when this particular development occurred.

During medieval times, farmers in certain parts of Britain would drink a beverage to toast the health of their crops and encourage the fertility of their animals.

By 1600, farmers in some parts of Britain

were still engaging in this ritual, and some were by now taking a wassail bowl filled with a toasting beverage around the streets. These wassailers would stop by neighboring homes and offer a warm drink, all the while wishing good fortune on their neighbors.

During this period, wassailing had nothing to do with Christmas, but that began to change in Victorian England, when Christmas became more commercialized and popular. It was during this time when publishers began circulating carols, forever linking the tradition of wassailing with Christmas.

C h r i s t m a s c a r o l i n g a s Vi c t o r i a n Englanders knew it might have fallen by the wayside. But while carolers may no longer go door-to-door singing Christmas songs and wishing their neighbors good fortune, those intent on seeing the modern manifestation of this tradition that dates back more than a millenium may be able to find some carolers at their local mall or church.

May all the treasured blessings of Christmas be yours, and may His love light your way straight through the New Year.

Thanks to all the kind folks who have blessed us with their support and friendship this year. We are truly grateful for neighbors like you.

Merry Christmas from, Erin & Chris Briggs & Staff

Lorraine’s 19566 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay, ON • 613-756-2013

HOLIDAY STORE HOURS

Sunday, Dec. 22nd..................................11am to 4pm Monday, Dec. 23rd..............................9am to 6:30pm Tuesday, Dec. 24th..................................9am to 4pm Wednesday, Dec. 25th.................................CLOSED Thursday, Dec. 26th....................................CLOSED Friday, Dec. 27th.................................9am to 6:30pm Saturday, Dec, 28th.............................9am to 5:30pm Sunday, Dec. 29th.......................................CLOSED Monday, Dec. 30th..............................9am to 6:30pm Tuesday, Dec. 31st...................................9am to 5pm Wednesday, Jan. 1st.....................................CLOSED

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Joy to the world – a different experience for some GAYLE DAVIS Freelance BARRY’S BAY - Years ago, my father passed away in early November, about eight weeks before Christmas. I was 28 years old.

The ‘losing’ began when his ill health of several years was diagnosed as stomach cancer that summer. He had been given a poor prognosis. He opted for surgery – there was a brief glimmer of hope - but he passed away a mere seven weeks later.

The grief was overwhelming.

What did we do that Christmas? It is hard to remember because, as many people know, after such a profound loss, the brain and the heart go into ‘shock’. I was able to function somewhat but not really connect deeply with what was going on around me.

The one thing that kept me going was caring for my infant daughter. She needed me but, truth be told, I needed her more. In spite of the empty chair at the dinner table, we made Christmas as merry as we could.

Barry’s Bay residents Ursula and John Jeffrey are no strangers to loss. Their son, Scott, passed away in September of 2018 at the age of 41. Fifteen months after saying goodbye to their beloved son, the family is now facing their second Christmas without him.

Ursula shared, “We still get together as a family. He was quite often away at Christmas when he was out west.”

Ursula now has a special ornament with Scott’s picture on it that she places on the tree at Christmas. The inscription says ‘Remembering You’.

Another way that the family remembers him is serving a special dish he really liked.

“We make his special bread pudding recipe that has croissants instead of bread,” continued Jeffrey. “It is the best.”

Ursula, a grieving parent, offered some advice for those who are missing loved ones at this season, “Remember all the good memories. Talk about them in conversations rather than avoiding talking. When they have been a big part of our lives, we remember them in death as well as in life. Never stop praying for them,” said Jeffrey.

There’s grief at the loss of a loved one who has died, but there are other kinds of grief, too. Grief of loss by estrangement, divorce and broken families. The chair at the kitchen table is still empty but the loss has just taken a different form. And, unlike a death, it is a loss without ‘closure’. No funeral. No ‘goodbye’. A closed door left open ‘just a crack,’ just enough to allow an unsettling sadness to slip through at each thought of the person who is no longer a part of our lives.

“The grief and loss are ever present,” says relationship expert, Meghan Tuohey. “The first year of estrangement at least, is full of the same milestones that come with the death of a loved one.”

I recall a Christmas some years ago when our daughter Pam was away, working on a cruise ship. The opportunity had come up suddenly, and the next day she was gone. I missed her terribly. She was the ‘baby’ of the family and I had not anticipated her absence, especially at Christmas.

We somehow made it through that Christmas. Celebrating with our first grandchild was a blessing and provided a much-needed distraction, even though we missed our ‘baby girl.’

Pam eventually returned home the following September and went on to college. She was back in the family fold and resumed her rightful place. All was restored.

However, some are not so fortunate.

Phoebe’s story is one of loss and bewilderment. Phoebe (named changed at her request) is the mother of two grown daughters, one of whom has been estranged for a number of years.

In this case, there was no illness, no accident, nothing to really explain why. Phoebe’s daughter suddenly decided to cut all ties with the family.

When asked the reason for the estrangement, Phoebe answered, “We simply don’t know.”

“The first Christmas was okay. We mentioned her name and remembered some crazy things we had done over the years. We knew she wouldn’t be coming,” continued Phoebe.

When asked if she hopes for reconciliation, Phoebe shared, “Always. She is my baby.”

When asked for advice for others in this situation, Phoebe feels that we should continue to love the estranged family member and pray for them.

Whether it be loss by death or loss by estrangement, we are changed forever. Each one has to decide how best to deal with that loss, as each of us has our own way of grieving.

Holidays magnify the loss, putting focus on ‘never more’ areas of our lives, turning them into wounds that never quite heal.

The sadness can be overwhelming but we can choose to cherish the good times we shared with them. Perhaps the greatest gift was the time we spent together. As time passes, the comfort of these memories can help us through the sadness of the loss.

Holidays can also leave many of us with a sense of not being able to live up to the ‘norm’.

With joy all around us all we feel is profound sadness.

For some, honouring the loss helps to release the pent-up feelings. The person may not be present but what remains inside of us

The Christmas ornament that Ursula and John Jeffrey hang on their Christmas tree each year in memory of their son, Scott.

Photo submitted are memories of happier times. And through traditions or special rituals, we can pay homage to the person who is missing while acknowledging our sorrow in whatever way we choose.

We can also take comfort in the friendship of others. Groups such as ‘Help For The Holidays’ in Barry’s Bay bring people together to share their grief and provide support for each other.

Isolation can be a poor choice at this time of the year. Allowing others to help us cope is not a sign of weakness but of great strength. It also assures us that we are not alone as we work through this ‘season’ in our lives.

So, to all those who are grappling with the season of ‘loss’ this Christmas, take heart.

Observe the holidays in whatever manner you choose. Take comfort that you are not alone.

Allow others to share in your feelings and help you to process everything in a healthy way.

‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.’ Ecclesiastes 3:1.

May you be blessed at Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

“Unto us a child is born.... His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace.”

Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed & Happy New Year FLCC Family Life Christian Centre

FLCC Christmas Program “The Birthday of a King” December 22nd at MVDHS 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Service December 24th at Barry’s Bay Legion 6:30 p.m.

Barry's Bay Dental Hygiene Clinic P: 613-756-5679 C: 613-639-5745

P: 613-756-6884

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Wishes 2019

Barry’s Bay Santa Claus Parade

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Silent night at the cop shop Submitted by Nelson Boehme

Chris and Marcia Daly, with grandson Ryan Mitchell, handing out 100 turkeys, as they do each year, outside the arena after the parade.

Special delivery from Canada Post.

Choristers from Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, from left to right; Barry Lamont, Mandy Haines, Julia Gutz.

Photos Mark Jones

Tidings of Peace, Comfort & Joy

This photo was taken by the Peterborough Examiner newspaper in 1954. The article outlines a quiet Christmas at the communications department of the Ontario Provincial Police during Christmas. On the left is Corporal Russel Pollard, who, at one time was posted in Barry’s Bay. On the right is Nelson Boehme, transferred from Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay). The setting is the radio communications room at number eight D.H.Q. in Peterborough. Boehme is now a resident of Combermere.

Merry Christmas from Madawaska Valley Association For Community Living

We’d like to thank everyone for generously supporting our Food and Toy Drive. Your donations made all the difference!

Wishing you and your four-legged family members a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year from the Staff at Algonquin East Animal Clinic.

Ann M. Burkart, DVM 613-756-1984 19162 Highway 60, Barry’s Bay www.algonquineastanimalclinic.ca

Thank-you for your Support!

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

CAROLS Let it snow!

Up On the Housetop lyrics

Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Let It Snow!

Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we’ve no place to go, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping, And I’ve bought some corn for popping, The lights are turned way down low, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight, How I’ll hate going out in the storm!

But if you’ll really hold me tight, All the way home I’ll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying, And, my dear, we’re still good-bying, But as long as you love me so, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Up on the housetop reindeer pause, Out jumps Good Old Santa Claus Down through the chimney with lots of toys For all the little good girls and boys Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick First comes the stocking of little Nell Oh, dear Santa fill it well Give her a dolly that laughs and cries One that will open and shut it’s eyes Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go? Oh, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick Next comes the stocking of little Will Oh, just see what a glorious fill Here is a hammer and lots of tacks A whistle and a ball and a whip that cracks Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Oh, ho, ho!

Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick

O Holy Night

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friends.

He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.

And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim!

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Jingle Bells Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go Laughing all the way.

Bells on bob-tail ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight. chorus: Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh, O Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago I thought I’d take a ride And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side; The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot, We got into a drifted bank And there we got upsot. chorus A day or two ago The story I must tell I went out on the snow And on my back I fell; A gent was riding by In a one-horse open sleigh He laughed as there I sprawling lie But quickly drove away. chorus Now the ground is white, Go it while you’re young, Take the girls tonight And sing this sleighing song.

Just get a bob-tailed bay, Two-forty for his speed, Then hitch him to an open sleigh And crack! You’ll take the lead.

O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond’ring love.

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n; So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child, Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild; Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door, The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; Oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

The First Noel The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east, beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star Three Wise Men came from country far; To seek for a King was their intent, And to follow the star where’er it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, Over Bethlehem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those Wise Men three, Full reverently upon the knee, And offered there, in His presence, Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heav’nly Lord That hath made heaven and earth of naught, And with His blood mankind hath bought.

Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Christmas Recipes

The perfect Christmas turkey 1 (18 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed 2 cups kosher salt 1/2 cup butter, melted 2 large onions, peeled and chopped 4 carrots, peeled and chopped 4 stalks celery, chopped 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 cup dry white wine

Instructions

Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt. Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture.

Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with one onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, one sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover with the white wine.

Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to four hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.

Simply stuffing 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter plus more for baking dish 1 pound good-quality day-old white bread, torn into 1” pieces (about 10 cups) 2 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions 1 1/2 cups 1/4” slices celery 1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided 2 large eggs

Easy creamy mashed potatoes 2 pounds (1kg) potatoes, (Russet, Yukon Gold, Dutch Creams, Creme Gold, Creme Royale) 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup hot milk, or more 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (close to room temp is best) 1/4 cup sour cream (reduced fat) 6-8 cloves fresh garlic finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese, optional Salt and Pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley to garnish, optional to garnish

Instructions

Peel and cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise. Remove any spots, lumps or knots.

Place potatoes in a large pot (6-quart) and cover with cold, salted water by an inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat down to medium-low and allow to simmer until fork tender (about 15-20 minutes).

Drain cooked potatoes, add in the hot milk, butter and sour cream.

Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth, adding a little extra milk if needed. (OPTIONAL: Use a strong wooden spoon OR electric beaters to beat further until smooth. Be careful NOT to over beat or they will become gluey.)

Add in the garlic and parmesan cheese (if using) and salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250°F. Butter a 13x9x2” baking dish and set aside. Scatter bread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until dried out, about 1 hour. Let cool; transfer to a very large bowl.

Meanwhile, melt 3/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onions and celery. Stir often until just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Add to bowl with bread; stir in herbs, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle in 1 1/4 cups broth and toss gently.

Let cool.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk 1 1/4 cups broth and eggs in a small bowl. Add to bread mixture; fold gently until thoroughly combined. Transfer to prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of dressing registers 160°F, about 40 minutes.

DO AHEAD: Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Uncover; let cool. Cover; chill.

Bake dressing, uncovered, until set and top is browned and crisp, 40-45 minutes longer (if chilled, add 10-15 minutes).

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Christmas Wishes 2019

Christmas Recipes Continued

Cinnamon-spiced sweet potato soup with maple croutons

4 tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. carrots (about 4 large), cut into 1/2-in. pieces 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper pinch of nutmeg 1 lb. sweet potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled and cut into 3/4-in. pieces 2 tbsp. chicken or vegetable bouillon base 2 dried bay leaves 2 slices leftover bread, cut or torn into 1-in. pieces 1 tbsp. maple syrup

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are starting to brown at the edges 8 to 10 minutes. Add the spices and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add the sweet potatoes, bouillon base, bay leaves and 6 cups water and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from heat, drizzle the maple syrup over the top and toss to coat.

Discard the bay leaves. Using an immersion blender (or standard blender in two batches) puree the soup until smooth. Serve with the maple croutons.

Deviled eggs

12 large eggs 4 slice bacon 1/2 c. lowfat plain yogurt 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. Dijon mustard kosher salt Pepper 1 tbsp. mixed chopped fresh chives and dill 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Place the eggs in a large saucepan, add enough cold water to reach 2 inches above submerged eggs and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover the pan, and let stand for 12 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. When cool enough to handle, crumble into small pieces.

3. Drain the eggs and return them to the saucepan. Gently shake the saucepan to crack the eggs all over. Run under cold water to cool, then peel eggs, discarding the shells.

Cut the eggs in half lengthwise. Transfer the yolks to a small bowl and mash with the yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard,1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Transfer half the mixture to a small bowl and stir in the chives and dill. Spoon into half the egg whites and sprinkle with additional herbs. Mix the paprika into the remaining yolk mixture. Spoon into the remaining egg whites and top with crumbled bacon.

Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes; I love Thee, Lord Jesus!

Look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle ‘til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray; Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there.

And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there.

Christmas Wishes 2019

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Sherwood Public School Gr 2 & 3 Dear Santa, How are you doing Santa? How many toys can you make in 60 days? I have been a very good boy. I want a Nintendo Lite for Christmas.

Love, Sawyer Grade 3 Dear Santa, Hi. How is it going up in the North Pole?

I bet you it’s cold up there. I’ve been a very good girl this year. I have three things I would really like. I would like a OMG Winter Disco and a colour revel Barbie doll and a big batch of gum Love, Sonya Grade 3 Dear Santa, Hi, how have you been doing? Can you tell me one of the elf names? What has cupid been up to? How fast does your sleigh go? I have been a good boy for a long time. I would like a BMX and a remote control boat because I can use it in the summertime.

Love, Keegan Grade 3

Dear Santa, How have you been lately? What is the hardest toy to make? I think it is a xbox. How are Mrs. Claus cookies? I have been a good boy this year. I would like some Lego please.

Love, Matteo Grade 3 Dear Santa, How have you been doing? Santa how do you deliver presents in one night?

Have I been a good boy? I do not know.

I want Lego and toys and a iPod for Christmas and one cookie.

Love, Elliot Grade 3

Dear Santa, Santa can I have a ride in your sleigh and where do you live? How are you the elves and your reindeer? Have I been a good boy this year? For Christmas can I have some jewellery, a real baby dog with some toys and food for him.

I would also like some new angry bird movies except for number 1 and 2. I would like Xbox to watch TV and play games on. My favourite reindeer is Polly.

I would to meet him. I love you Santa and if you fall you can stay at my house anytime.

Love, Phoenix Grade 2

Dear Santa, How have you been doing? How are your reindeers? What are your reindeers names? I think they are as cool. I have been a good girl. I would like Lego. I would like a LOL Doll. I would like candy.

Love, Michaela Grade 2 Dear Santa, How are the elves dong? I have been a good girl this year. I hope I am on the nice list. What’s your favourite thing to eat? For Christmas this year, I would like a BMX bike for Christmas.

Love, Lily Grade 2

Dear Santa, How are you doing? I think you are doing good. How do you deliver all of those presents in one night? I’ve been very good this year. I want a mini fourwheeler and a mini skidoo and a mini seadoo for Christmas.

Love, Rayne Grade 2

43 Stafford St, Box 513, Barry’s Bay, ON K0J 1B0 Phone/Fax 613-756-2003 Heubnerfuneralhome.ca

Warren, Megan, William & Edward Heubner, and Joe Bratley

In this the most joyous of seasons let us reflect on those family and friends who are spending their first Christmas in Heaven.

WE HELP YOU

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Richard Ellis John Seafield Helen Stevens John Chartrand Jacqueline Luckasavitch Kenneth Thom Dickson Kuehl Genevieve Dombroskie Theresa Yantha Terry Hoffman Benoit Pintaudi Lawrence Sullivan David Brotton Robert Young Patricia Bloski Sylvester Glisinskie Ken Musclow Edward DelGiudice Joan Purves Emma Zelney Viola MacGregor Mary Luckasavitch Constance Buder Mark Golka Doug LaBarge Barbara Robinson Hubertus Schaefer Shirley Bellisle Helen Hilderbrandt Shirley Weir James Bush Shirley Olmstead Ingrid Coulas Magdalene Glofcheskie Mary Jane Elmslie Marie Langlois Gertrude Blank Neville Charrington Stella Rumleskie Nelson Burchat Angeline Ducker Robert Shulist Stanley Peplinski Stanley Zilney Ambrose Ostroskie Catherine Golka Phyllis Hilderbrandt

Irene Shulist William Green Theodore Dombroskie Joseph Hogan Kenneth Norlock Kenneth Burchat Erle “Sandy” Rose Robin Rowe Sophie Bellisle James McLaren Stanley Shushack Raymond Norlock Evelyn Yantha Diane Dugan Sylvester Rekowskie Garry Gutz Tony Yarascavitch Dowdall Murray Ken Abbott William Weatherbed Terrance Pastway Adolph Burchat Theresa Yarascavitch Irene De Roche Dr Irena Michalska Fr Gerhard Wallner Jacqueline O’Brien Marjorie Conley Dwain Thompson Dianne Ross Judy Nelson Ambrose Recoskie Linda Lambeth Jacqueline Duncan Alina Slusarz Zofia Stohandel Mary Kay Florence Glisinskie Andrew Lapenskie Katherine Chartrand Frederick Cybulski Kathleen Dupuis Daniel Bard Ernest Keller Richard Lorbetskie Gladys Bolduc Agatha Dombroskie

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Killaloe Public School Grade 1/2 Dear Santa, It’s me, Ella May. How are the elves. I have tried to be good all year. I tried to not let my anger control me and not to fight with my sister, Can I see you on Christmas? Or you can wake me up so I can see you and the reindeer? Can I please have a remote control horse or could I have something with horses? Thank you.

Sincerely, Ella May Dear Santa, It’s me, James. I have tried to be good all year.

I tried to not fight with my brothers. I would really like a skateboard and a toy remote control that is heavy duty. Thank you!

Sincerely, James Dear Santa, It’s me, Willa. I have tried to be good all year.

I have cleaned my room and tried to help my friends. I would really like Barbies and I would like a Barbies doll castle. Thank you!

Sincerely, Willa Dear Santa, It’s me, Liam. I have tried to be good all year. I helped my sister watch Paw Patrol. I would really like triple baby robots and Toy Story 4 DVD and a bow and arrow.

Sincerely, Liam

Dear Santa, It’s me, Sholene. I have tried to be good all year. I cleaned the table. I would really like a toy dragon, a stuffed dragon, LOL dolls and Barbie dolls. Thank you, Sincerely, Sholene Dear Santa, It’s me, Kalem. I have tried to be good all year.

I helped my mom wash the laundry. I would really like an Xbox and a mic. Thank you, Sincerely, Kalem Dear Santa, It’s me, Emmara. I have tried to be good all year. I tried to keep my room clean and I tried to not to let my anger control me. I would really like a pig and a lot of LOL dolls and a LOL doll glamper and a giant LOL doll and OMG dolls workout kit and a glemar. Thank you!

Sincerely, Emmara Dear Santa, It’s me, Rowen. I have tried to be good all year.

I have been good at school. I would really like a truck and a trailer and a robot horse. Thank you!

Sincerely, Rowen Dear Santa, It’s me, Dakota! I have tried to be good all year.

I set the table and tried to not get in trouble at school. I would really like toy dragons. Thank you!

Sincerely, Dakota

Silent Night Holy Night

Dear Santa, It’s me, Corben! I have tried to be good all year.

I set the table! I would really like a four wheeler.

Thank you!

Sincerely, Corben Dear Santa, It’s me, Bentley. I have tried to be good all year.

I have tried to be good at home. I would really like Lego fire station and a construction Lego.

Thank you!

Sincerely, Bentley Dear Santa, It’s me, Brantley. I have tried to be good all year. I helped my papa set up a tent for a cousin’s birthday party/ I would really like a Buzz Lightyear toy. Thank you!

Sincerely, Brantley Dear Santa, It’s me, Cadence! I have tried to be good all year.

I tried to not let my anger control me. I tried to use my manners. I would really like a pink jewel dragon egg in a cage, a hunting kit and Purrmaids seven to 10. Thank you!

Sincerely, Cadence Dear Santa, It’s me, Logan! I have tried to be good all year.

I helped clean the house, and I listened my mom and dad. I would really like a skateboard, laser R.C. car and a Bakugan Dragon Ball, transport and a laser gun. Thank you!

Sincerely, Logan

Dear Santa, It’s me, Ezra. Is Rudolph eating his carrots? I have tried to be good all year. I tried to be good at school. I would really like a red dragon and a electric toothbrush and a robot buddy. Thanks!

Sincerely, Your friend Ezra` Dear Santa, It’s me, Finn. I have tried to be good all year. I do my chores. I would really like a medium drone.

Thank you!

Sincerely, Finn Dear Santa, It’s me, Nessia. How are you? I have tried to be good all year. I got daddy’s phone for him. I helped make cake and cookies. I would really like the bees to live longer, a sky toy and a dragon toy.

Thank you!

Sincerely, Nessia Dear Santa, It’s me, Rivley. I have tried to be good all year.

I have trying to be good at school. I would really like a narwhal that is black and white on the horn and white spots and all black. And a white dragon.

Thank you!

Sincerely, Rivley Dear Santa, It’s me, Max! I have tried to be good all year. I help my mom do the dishes. I would really like a dragon toy and Pokemon cards. Thank you!

Sincerely, Max Dear Santa, It’s me, Delilah. I have tried to be good all year.

I walk my dog. I love my dog. I would really like a bunny and a dog. Thank you!

Sincerely, Delilah

With exceeding great joy, we bid all of our friends and neighbours a most joyous and harmonious season.

Neil, Connie, Gerard and the staff at Barry's Bay Metro wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Barry’s Bay

28 Bay Street, Barry’s Bay 613-756-7097 Mon-Sun 8 am - 9 pm CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day

Rejoice!

May the song of the angels fill your heart with peace, joy and contentment at this special time of year.

As we rejoice in the spirit of the season, we reflect on the many blessings we have been so fortunate to receive, including the friendship and support of kind customers and neighbors like all of you.

We thank you for your business, and we wish you a blessed Christmas.

Afelskie Shoes BARRY'S BAY AND KILLALOE

Best Wishes at Christmastime A blanket of snow covers the ground, the feeling of Christmas is all around.

At every moment and in every way, we hope it’s a wonderful holiday.

With Our Thanks, Jeff Burchat and Staff

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Wishes 2019

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Palmer Rapids Public School Gr 1 and 2 Dear Santa, I like that you bring presents. For Christmas I would like a LOL OMG Winter Disco Doll and a Nintendo Switch Lite. I like Christmas because you bring presents.

Love, Mckinley Grade 1 Dear Santa, I like that you give us presents. I would like a LOL Surprise Sister Confetti Pop. I like Christmas because I like cookies.

Love, Katrina Grade 1 Dear Santa, I like that you make me happy. I love Mrs. Claus and cookies. And I like your elves. And I like you Santa. I want a toy car.

Love, Klae Grade 1 Dear Santa, I like your reindeer. I like that I want a Super Mega Grave Digger. I like Christmas because I get presents.

Love, Braxton Grade 1 Dear Santa, I would like a baby doll. I like Mrs. Claus.

Love, Julie Grade 1

Dear Santa, I like your white beard. My tradition is first we open the presents at our house, then we go to our grandmas and grandpas house to open the presents they got for us. The gift I want for my little brother is a toy truck. Can I please have a remote control Lamborghini Aventador SV? I should get it because I take care of my brothers.

Love, Isaiah Grade 2 Dear Santa, I like how you talk. And how are your reindeer and how are your elves? Do you want a brand new sleigh? I want a Lamborghini Aventador remote control and a Xbox One. Love, John-Michael Grade 2 Dear Santa, How are the elves? How are the reindeer? My family tradition is I go to my aunt’s house. I get to see Declynn and Leighton and Evanee and William. For Christmas I would like a guitar and LOL dolls and gel pens and clothes, and my dog would like a big bone. For my other dog, seven pink collars, and three blue ones for her puppies!

Love, Aviana Grade 2 Dear Santa, Santa, I really like your suit. My family tradition is eating my Santa cake with pieces of candy canes in it. Santa, why do you wear a

red suit? Do you like cookies? Please can I have a doll with a stroller and a computer that I can play games on. And for four of my friends, can I get Caitlyn some rainbow gel pens with glitter, and for Skye a new sweater and pens.

For Aviana I will get her a candy cane and a slinky, and for John-Michael, I will get him a dirt bike, books and a toy elf and cookies.

Love, Kinsley Grade 2 Dear Santa I like your red and white suit. I think you are very kind. How do you get the presents?

I hope you get to all the people in the world.

Are your elves working hard in your work shop? Do you pay your elves? At Christmas, we always put out lemon bars and dried mushrooms, and last year I put out a present for you, but you did not take it. Last year, I heard your sleigh bells, and it woke me up. I knew that you had come. I think my friend Kinsley would like an Elf on a Shelf.

I would like a LOL Surprise Camper, a LOL Surprise Chalet, and a Elf on a Shelf. I was very good this year.

Love, Caitlyn Grade 2 Dear Santa, I like your reindeer. I would like a LOL Disco Pet. I like Christmas because you give us presents.

Love, Leola Grade 1

Dear Santa, You work hard. I would like a dirt bike. I like Christmas because you give us presents.

Love, Jaxson Grade 1 Dear Santa, I hope you get to every house in the world. Every year I go to my Grandma and Grandpa’s house with my family. I hope Misae gets perfume for Christmas. I want a LOL. Love, Izabella Grade 2 Dear Santa, I think you are nice. We go to my Grandpa and Grandpas. My brother would like a trail cam. I would like a computer for Christmas. I should get it because I am kind.

Love, Skye Grade 2 Dear Santa, How are your elves? My family tradition is I go to Grandma’s house and open my presents there. My mom wants a Zelda and the old Zelda too, and my brother wants a toy drum set, and I would like a Nintendo Switch Lite and Yoshi’s Crafted World and controllers for PS3, PS4, PS2 and Switch, a big monster truck and a big race car track. I should get it because I listen at home!

Love, Corbyn Grade 2

With Our Thanks, As we end another year, we’d like to wish our members and the community a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 406

Barry’s Bay • 613-756-3018 email: rclegion406@hotmail.com

Facebook: Barry's Bay Legion Branch 406

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Christmas Wishes 2019 The Valley Gazette

Wednesday, December 18,, 2019 Wednesday, ____ __ 2019

Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 12:6

Into Blessed arms came the Hand of God PASTWAY PLANING LIMITED Combermere, Ontario