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Rockin' & Talkin' - Christmas comes to Marketplace this weekend

Zee Chevalier's monthly column of news and events from the Clinton Seniors' Association.

Old Autumn’s shown up once again

to set the trees aglow

with vibrant shades of gold and rust

before the north winds blow.

It whispers to the silent birds:

“Get ready for your flight!”

It paints the pumpkins,

ripens fields,

Frosts windows late at night.

Yes, Autumn’s made its

presence known;

We feel its chilling breath

and rush to get the harvest in

before its kiss of death.

But Autumn days are golden days

with promises to keep,

For Spring is certain to return

when Winter falls asleep.

November  -  cold, frosty mornings, bright, sunny days. Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 3.  Remember to change your clocks back one hour.

Clinton Seniors Association members are preparing for the Marketplace Nov. 2 in the Clinton Memorial Hall from 10 am until 2 pm. Many vendors will have tables of new and used goods, home baking, jewelry, crafts, Christmas items, etc. There will be a concession, Peel ‘n’ Pay Raffle and much more. Come and get a jump start on your Christmas shopping! Call Eleanor, 459-2339 if you’re still wanting a table. There may have been a cancellation.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month while Nov. 14 is World Diabetes Day honouring Frederick G. Banting, born in 1891, founder of insulin. Be aware of your risks and watch for signs - if you have unusual thirst, frequent urination, weight change, extreme fatigue, blurred vision and tingling or numbness in hands and feet - see your doctor.

On Aug. 28 Integris Credit Union held a Hot Dog Day. Proceeds, by donation, were earmarked for the Clinton Seniors Association. How pleased and privileged we felt to receive a cheque in the amount of $175.10 from the generous donors in the community through the efforts of the Credit Union employees. Thank you all so much!

The poppy is the official symbol of Canada’s Remembrance Day since 1921. It is a visual reminder of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for war.

The origins of the poppy can be traced back to the Napoleonic wars in France. During these times of unrest and battle, many soldiers went in to final resting places in graves in Flanders, France. History tells us that poppies grew so thickly and vibrantly over these graves, in soil that once did not produce much vegetation.

Years later, a soldier, John McCrae would be instrumental in bringing the symbol of the poppy to the hearts and minds of Canadians. When he served in World War One, he was stationed near Ypres, Belgium, the area traditionally called Flanders. He observed how the poppies grew so well among the makeshift graves of the soldiers, which were marked by wooden crosses. When he lost a fellow soldier and close friend, he penned a poem called “In Flanders Fields” and portrayed the picture of war and the poppy flower. To this day, McCrae’s poem remains among the most memorable war poems ever written.

Come out to the Cenotaph Service in the Clinton Memorial Hall at 11 am on Nov. 11 where participants all wear a poppy on their lapel and pay tribute to our veterans and fallen military.

On Oct. 17, Candace Martin of Service Canada addressed Clinton seniors on the subject of CPP and OAS pensions. Approximately 30 gathered in the Seniors Centre to listen to Candace and took the opportunity to ask questions afterwards. The session was deemed informative and worthwhile.

Cards and Games are held every Monday at 1 pm in the Seniors Centre. Come and enjoy and socialize over cards and coffee.

Next regular General Meeting of the Clinton Seniors Centre is Nov. 21 at the Seniors Centre, 217 Smith Ave., following noon lunch. Annual General meeting and Elections will follow the General Meeting. All seniors welcome! Membership fees are $15 annually.

Zee Chevalier