Victorian Christmas Celebration
Visitors to Clinton on Saturday, Dec. 8 may be forgiven for questioning where they were. It isn’t every day that you see Mr. and Mrs. St. Nicolas wandering the streets of Clinton.
As part of the Victorian Christmas Celebration, St. Nick himself (AKA Jon White) and Mrs. St. Nick (Alice Crosson) dropped in to several Clinton businesses on Saturday morning to visit with owners and shoppers alike.
The First Annual Victorian Celebration was a great success. I can’t speak for the other retail owners but I know the Merchant Madness Sale was a success in my shop (thanks to my son, Mark who took over while I went out and about taking photos, etc.).
I dropped into the museum where Lynn Shook and here daughter, Michelle proudly displayed the decorations they had made for the Christmas tree. Then I met up with the St. Nicks at the Gallery Mallet.
Then it was off to the south end of Clinton and to the Legion basement for a quick bowl of soup for lunch.
I dropped in to see the newest retail business in town, ‘The RopenRhinestone’ operated by Tanya Zimmerlee. She describes her business as “western wear with bling!” She has a great selection of shirts, jeans, purses, belts and jewellery in the building beside the Credit Union.
There were only a few kids out for the ‘Skate with Santa’ (AKA Roland Higginbottom). Those who did attend enjoyed their time with the Old Man.
The Seniors Association Christmas Tea was well attended with patrons enjoying dainty sandwiches, shortbread and scones. The ladies were dressed in traditional Victorian maid costumes to serve the treats.
A large crowd was on hand for the lighting of the official Village tree on the lawn of the Municipal Building. Mayor Jim Rivett did the honours, lighting the tree to cheers exactly at 5:30 p.m.
Then it was off to the Memorial Hall for the annual Bethel Pentecostal Church Community Banquet. The meal was terrific (as usual) with turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. Then the church singers entertained with traditional Christmas songs. Pastor Nick Astle left attendees with a comforting message of the season.
The Legion Children’s’ Christmas Party was held on Sunday, Dec. 9 with 42 children under the age of 12 signed up. Unfortunately I was unable to attend but I hear it was a fun time for all the little ones.
Early Christmas present
Congratulations to Councillor David Park and Jennifer Bolster on the birth of their twin daughters, Sophia and Ella, sisters for big brother, two-year old Mitchell.
Health Centre News
Friday, Dec. 14 is the final day of work for Marcia Begin, RN who has managed the Clinton Regional Health and Wellness Centre in Clinton for over 10 years. Although Marcia is retiring she assures us that she will still be an active resident of Clinton. Friends gathered on Monday, Dec. 10 for a Retirement Tea in Marcia’s honour.
Meghan Nairn has been hired to fill the position in the Health Centre. She orientated with Marcia in December, will be working casual in January and then start full time in February. Please take the time to welcome her to Clinton.
Village Office Hours
The Village of Clinton Office will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2.
Arena Hours
The 47 Mile Sports Complex (arena) will be closed Dec. 24-27 and then Dec. 31 to Jan. 2. The arena will be open Dec. 28-30.
Holiday Wishes
Since this is my last column of the year I will take this opportunity to thank those who help keep me informed and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.