Port Williams news

Between 250 and 300 people gathered in front of the Community Centre Sun., Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. for the Community Family Christmas Tree Lighting party. The evening started with the singing of Christmas songs and carols led by Rev. Dave Ogilvie, with Lewis Turner on guitar. Then the switch was thrown to light the large Christmas tree, this year donated by Troy Atwell in memory of his mother Marilyn Atwell.

The night was cold and dark, with the light from the children’s glowsticks and the Christmas tree making a holiday atmosphere.

Everyone kept singing to guide Santa to the Community Centre. Once Santa arrived on a PWVFD fire truck, everyone went inside to have refreshments and socialize. Some children waited in line to see Santa while others were well entertained by the youth group of the Baptist Church.

The Youth in Action puppet group performed and children could do colouring sheets and play a game. Princess Port Williams Kara Scallion was Santa's helper. This is a true community event with support by many local organizations and individuals.

Kids, do you like making crafts? If you are from 7-12, you’re invited to the library from 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 18. Please call the library at 542-3005 to register.

The Port Williams Health Auxiliary’s Christmas Dessert Party will be held Tues., Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the home of Elinor Miller. The Auxiliary will accept donations for Personal Care Kits that include large Ziploc baggies, combs, personal-sized Kleenex, small scent-free deodorant, hand lotion or shampoo, men's safety razor and shaving cream, toothbrush and small toothpaste, small unscented soap, small notepad and pen and quarter for the telephone.

The Winter Celebration this year at PWES is a multicultural musical called “It's December In Our Town” and every student in the school will take part. It will take place Thurs., Dec. 13 at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the gym.

Winter celebrations will include Divali - the Hindu Festival of Light, Hanukkah, the Nativity, a First Nations piece, Kwanzaa and the winter solstice. The storm date is Dec. 18.

The family of Lorraine Rand would be delighted to have friends and relatives share in the celebration of her 90th birthday. An open house will be held Sat., Dec. 15 from 2-4 p.m. at Lockwood Hall. Best wishes only.

The Cogswells invite friends and neighbours to their annual 3-D party Sat., Dec. 15 from 3 p.m. to midnight or thereabouts.

DanceTime at Port Williams will hold its Christmas Dance Party Sat., Dec. 15 from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Community Centre. There will be Ballroom, Latin and Social dancing. A buffet supper and a cash bar will be available. Door prizes.

Admission by tickets only. They are $25 per couple (supper included) and are available by calling Sandy at 542-5257.

The Playgroup at the Baptist Church will meet until Dec. 18 and then start up again Jan. 8.

The deadline for applications for Lions Christmas Hampers is Tues., Dec. 18. Please contact Brian Tupper at 542-3432.

Tickets for the Lions Club's Christmas Draw are available from any member of the Club and are three for $5 or $2 each. The draw will be Dec. 19.

First prize is 450 litres of furnace oil donated by West Nova Fuels; second prize is one night's accommodations for two donated by Old Orchard Inn and Spa; third prize is a $50 gift certificate donated by Jungle Jim's; and fourth prize is a $20 gift certificate donated by Port Bistro Pub.

The Fire Department will hold a New Year’s Eve Dance. Tickets are $25 per couple and are available at The Wharf Store or any firefighter.

Baptist Church Advent events: “Rumours of Angels” is the name of an Advent Bible Study led by Rev. Dave that began Thurs., Nov. 29. We will gather for four weeks in the Ladies' Parlour to explore the Christmas story as it’s told by Matthew and Luke, with special attention to the influence of “rumour” and the place of “angels” in this familiar tale.

It promises to be a great time of fellowship and study. Everyone is welcome. Come and bring a friend!

The Youth Group is making its yearly Christmas shopping trip to the city Sat., Dec. 15 (weather permitting).

Need something purchased in the city? Maybe we can help by being your shopping 'elf' and purchase the items for you. We'll even wrap it if you wish! Need more information? Call Marlene 542-2468.

The Vespers service “Christmas in a Minor Key”, is a brief, candlelit service of stillness, song, prayer and Communion Sat., Dec. 15. The Sunday School presentation of the Christmas story entitled, “Sounds Like Christmas!” will be part of the Dec. 16 service and will be followed at 11:15 a.m. by a Christmas reception in Lockwood Hall.

Greenwich United Church Advent events: Sun., Dec. 9 is White Gift Sunday. Gifts wrapped in white paper should be new underwear and socks for children and women. They will be given to Chrysalis House. White envelopes containing financial donations will be given to the Wolfville Area Interchurch Council for the purchase of 120 pies for the Christmas Food Hampers.

Horton musicians will perform at Greenwich Sun., Dec. 16. That night, at 7:30 p.m., is Christmas Palooza, a fun-filled evening of entertainment and pre-Christmas fun!

Got an instrument? Bring it for the Christmas songs and singalong! Got a talent to share -- juggling, reciting, joke-telling? Come and join the fun. Freewill offering toward the DEN’s mission trip.

On Sun., Dec. 23 the singers from the church will be available as per your request to go to the home (in the local area Greenwich, Port Williams, Wolfville and Grand-Pre) of a loved one, friend, neighbour or shut-in and sing Christmas carols. Contact the church office to book the Greenwich Singers. This is a freewill offering.

St. John’s Anglican Church Advent events: The service of lessons and carols will be held Sun., Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and the Sunday School Pageant will be held Sun., Dec. 23 at 11 a.m.

PWES: The school celebrated its 10th anniversary of the Port Williams Nutrition for

Health Association and the Nutritious Food Program Dec. 7 at their assembly, which focused on nutritious foods. They had as special guests the founding members of the association.

Afterwards, there was a small reception in the lunchroom for the adults while the children had a special rhubarb sauce in their classes to mark the occasion.

Horton High: It's that time of year again when Horton students participate in “Operation Christmas Box" collecting items (toiletries, jewelry, school supplies, miscellaneous clothing) and box the items in colourful boxes, which are then delivered prior to Christmas Day to some of our their own school families.

Last year, we were able to deliver boxes of items to 10 families and we would like to increase the number of families to which we can bring a little extra joy at an otherwise difficult time for many.

Please bring any donations of items (which must be new or nearly-new) to Student Services at any time!