Thanks to the many members of Villages Beautiful, an army of volunteers, and not least, those who donated unique creations and/or their musical talents to this year's festival, the much-anticipated annual event once again made for a joyful start to the Christmas season. From December 10 – 12, the Oso Hall in Sharbot lake was again transformed into a warm, twinkling and colorful Christmas wonderland, where numerous local talents took to the stage to entertain, while guests had the happy task of choosing which of the beautiful trees, wreaths, gift baskets, wall hangings, anything goes or gingerbread creations they wanted to try to win. The entries were donated by individuals, organizations and businesses from in and around the local community. The theme of this year's festival, Christmas, Past, Present and Future, made for some very intriguing displays.

Hats off to the organizers and volunteers who worked so hard to bring the spirit of the holidays to downtown Sharbot Lake, and do not forget that the beauty of this event comes not just once a year. Proceeds from the festival support Villages Beautiful, who come spring will be busy helping our hamlets to come alive with flowers and shrubs in the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

---

2015 Festival of Trees Winners

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow was the theme for this year’s festival of trees, and those traditions were shown in many fine and creative entries. Winners were two-fold: those who entered an item, and those who took it home!

Large Trees: W. A. Robinson Asset Management Ltd. won 1st prize for their tree “Time Frame” and the lucky winner was Mackenzie Whan. The 2nd prize went to the Township of Central Frontenac for their decoration “Remember When”, taken home by Mike McGovern. The 3rd prize was Mike Dean’s Super Foods Store “Olde” which was won by Muriel Wager. “Brunfelsia” decorated by the Treasure Trunk went to Mary Raymond. St. Lawrence Employment Services “Out of this World Christmas” to Lorette Gray, and the Friday Night Ladies' “Santa Goes Back to the Future” to Shiobhan Weatherby.

Small Trees - First prize entry by North Frontenac Community Services “A Tree of Peace and Giving” was won by Steve Duggan; 2nd prize by North Frontenac Telephone Company, “Visions of Sugar Plums” went home with Cheryl Allan; and 3rd prize winner, “The Gift” by Subway went to Ainsley Thompson. “12 Days of Christmas” by RBC to Rob Harrison; “May the Light of Christmas Shine Through the Years” by the Sharbot Lake Pharmasave to Helen Hoogsteen; “Greetings Across Time” by Lake District Realty to Crystal Nedow; “Feeding Feathered Friends” by North Frontenac Little Theatre to H Ridell; and “Small Beginnings, Bountiful Future” by Flight Centre Associates to Alicia Cota.

Mini Trees: This new category was a great addition to the Festival. The CF Railway Heritage Society won 1st prize for their entry of “Getting Home for Christmas” which was won by John Lee. “Rewind, Play, Fast Forward” by Drapeau Automatic Sprinkler Corp. took 2nd prize and went to Deb Deline; and 3rd prize by Steve Duggan’s Law Office “Peace Tree” taken home by Ruth.Frontenac Plumbing’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to Anne Howes.

Gingerbread Creations: First prize went to “Santa’s First Christmas” by the Whan/Melkman Family and was won by Bryson Gibson. Second prize, “Santa Got Run Over by a UFO” by Northern Connections Adult Learning Centre went home with Ben J.; and third prize “Traditions Through Time” by Linda DeVries to John Lee.

Wall Hangings: Carol Raymo’s 1st prize “Another Moonlit Christmas Eve on the Farm” to Brian West; Arden Batik’s 2nd prize “Christmas in the Spiral Galaxy” to James Duthie; and Ann Howitt’s 3rd prize winner “Forever Snoopy” to Glenys Bender. The winner of “Christmas in the Woods” by Helene Riddell was J. Copes; “Christmas is by Glades Taber” by Clip It went to Shiobhan Weatherby; and Gordon Wright’s “Old Tyme Country Christmas” to Barb Neil.

Wreaths: “Christmas in the Country ca. 1900” by Arden Seniors received 1st place and was won by Joanne Delyea. The 2nd place wreath, “Indulgence”, created by the Community Living North Frontenac, went home with J.C.; and 3rd place, “Honour. Live. Dream.” by Black Kettle Catering to Rob Moore. “Christmas Bells” by Seeds, to Doug Steele. The wreath titled “Where the Future Meets the Past” by CREC Student Council went to Ryan Michie.

Anything Goes: “A Natural Merry Christmas” created by the Sharbot Lake 39ers received 1st prize in this category and was won by Dawn Ray. “Wishing you Happiness in the Future” by Linda DeVries took 2nd prize and was won by Ardith Arney. The 3rd prize, “Life” by George Allen went to Helene Riddell. “Inspiration for a Christmas Tomorrow” by Larocque Masonry & Donna Larocque’s Sign Shoppe was won by Sue Kerteston.

Baskets – Friday Night Ladies’ “Always Time for Tea” took 1st prize and was won by Pam Giroux; “Christmas Nostalgia” by Friends of Arden won 2nd prize and went home with Heather Eagen; 3rd prize, “T’was the Night Before Christmas” by the St. Lawrence Employment Services to Diane Morrow. “Reading Through Time” by Lakeside Readers – T. Cox; “A Hair Raising Holiday” by Dynamic Hair Design – Brenda Whan; “Christmas Gone By, Happening & Yet to Come” by Sharbot Lake and District Lions – John Sparks; “A Taste of Summer Past ” by Sharbot Lake Farmers Market – Paula Rupert; “A Taste of the Season” by Cottage Country Outdoor Supplies – Heather Card; “I Think I’ll Go Back to Using Reindeer” by Desrosiers Small Engine Repair – Diane Morrow; and “Relaxing was, is and will always be the best time” by Sharbot Lake Country Inn – Linda Cooke.

Table Decorations – “Timeless Beauty” by Ram’s Esso received 1st prize in this category. The three parts of it were won by Ruth Pearce (chocolate basket), F. Harvey (Nutcracker), and Glenys Bender (floral arrangement). “Luck in the Future” by Norma’s Barbershop & Hair Styling and was won by M. Gilchrist.

Gift Certificates – The Gibson’s Garage gift certificate for an Oil Change was won by Chris Johnson, and the Amazing Dollar Store certificate went to Tina McConnell. The food hamper, put together by Villages Beautiful, was won by Chris Bertrim and Villages Beautiful “Snowman Evolution” went to Penny McGonagel.

The People’s Choice Award went to “Inspiration for a Christmas Tomorrow” (Larocque Masonry & Donna Larocque’s Sign Shoppe). The Children’s Choice Award was “Visions of Sugar Plums” (North Frontenac Telephone Company).

Each year Villages Beautiful recognizes a person or persons who have contributed their time and effort to the festival over the years. This year that recognition went to the Township of Central Frontenac. .

Many others must be recognized too: there are those who, instead of making an entry, contribute “in kind”, either financially or through services needed by the festival. Villages Beautiful thanks the following: Woodwark Legal Services; Sharbot Lake Marina; Sharbot Lake Medical Centre; Sharbot Lake Dental Office; Sharbot Lake Lawn Service; Robinson’s Excavating & Trucking; Donna’s Sign Shoppe; Rebekahs Society; Home Hardware; Gray’s Grocery; RTR Tree Service; Angelo DiCintio; Mike Dean’s Super Foods; Tarasick Carpentry, Sydenham Veterinary Services; Leonard Fuels; Goodfellows Funeral Home; and Ken Young.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made this year another success.

Christmas traditions in Ethiopia are distinct, because Ethiopia has a unique Christian heritage, going back to the very beginnings of the religion. The traditions have remained intact partly because Ethiopia has never been colonized successfully, so European Christmas traditions have never taken hold.

There a reference in the New Testament to the conversion of an Ethiopian court official in the first Century AD by Philip the Evangelist, and Christianity certainly had a presence in East Africa over the next few hundred years.

In the beginning of the 4th Century, two young brothers from a Christian family, Frumuntus and Edesius, were traveling from what is now Lebanon on a ship with their uncle. At a Red Sea port, the ship was attacked and everyone on board was massacred, save for the two boys. They were made slaves to the king of a country called Axum, in the vicinity of what has become Ethiopia, and gained positions of trust over time. They were freed just before the king died. Instead of leaving, they were prevailed upon by the queen to help educate Ezana, the young heir to the throne. Frumentius made a trip with his brother to Alexandria, where he prevailed on Athanasius, patriarch of Alexandria, to send a bishop and some priests as missionaries to Ethiopia. Athanasius decided to consecrate Frumentius and send him back instead.

Frumentius returned, baptized the young king, and established the Ethiopian church. Ethopia became either the first or second country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, sometime between 328 and 346 AD. Frumuntus was sanctified for his efforts. The Ethiopian church later split with the church in Alexandria over theological differences.

The Tewahedo Church has 40 to 45 million followers and is the largest church in Ethiopia. About 60% of the population of 96 million are Christians. The Tewahedo Church follows the Julian calendar, celebrating the birth of Christ at the Feast of Ganna on January 7 each year.

Strict adherents of the church precede Ganna with a 40- day fast, so they have much to celebrate on January 7, although many only fast for one day, on Christmas Eve, January 6.

The rules of fasting, according to Ethiopianorthodox.org, are as follows: “Fast generally implies one meal a day to be taken either in the evening or after 2.45 p.m. with total abstention from meat, fats, eggs and dairy products. Instead they use cereals, vegetables and other type of food devoid of fats. Smoking is a breach of the fast.”

There are 250 fast days in the Tewahedo calendar, although only 180 are for everyone. The other 70 are only for clergy to follow. Among fast days there are not only the days of Lent, but Wednesdays and Fridays as well.

Tewahedo adherents also like to feast. There are nine major feasts of the Lord and nine minor ones, as well as 33 feasts of Mary. All of that makes for feasting or fasting about two-thirds of the time.

The number and character of fast/feast days in the calendar is reflected in Ethiopian food traditions. Since for over 1600 years they have had 180 one-meal days a year with no meat, fat, eggs and dairy, Ethiopians have developed a pretty tasty and nutritious vegan cuisine. They also make the most of meat, dairy and eggs in the dishes that are prepared for feasts.

Christmas Day (which is called Ganna, meaning birth) in the Tewahedo Church begins on January 7 at 4:00 in the morning - almost three hours before dawn. People dress all in white, and in rural areas many still wear a traditional garment, called a Shamma, on Christmas Day.

Tewahedo churches are circular, as are most of the rural houses. Some of the ancient churches, which are built entirely of stone, are still in existence in the country. The churches are set up in three concentric circles. The choir takes up the outer circle; the congregants are in the middle. On Christmas Day each congregant is given a lit candle and they walk in procession three times around the church before entering the middle circle to find a place to stand during the service. There are no seats in the church, and the men and women stand apart. At the center of the church is the inner circle where the priests, who are dressed in red and white, conduct the holy communion.

The Christmas mass lasts for three hours or more, and is followed by a full day of feasting and celebration.

The game of Ganna, a field game played with a wooden stick, called a Yeferas Suk, and a wooden or leather ball, is played by men and boys. There are two teams, and the size of the field is determined by the amount of flat land that is available to play on. It can be as long as a kilometre or more. The game is something like field hockey, and can be quite dangerous. The ball can only be picked up off the ground using the stick and transferred to the player's hand. It is tossed in the air and then hit with the stick, but during that process opposing players can either try to grab the ball, risking injury to their hand, or they can kick the player trying to hit the ball, risking injury to both players. Goals are scored when the ball passes a pre-set goal line.

A detailed description of the game, and its variations, can be found at the website gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca. The site includes the following cautionary explanation about Ganna.

“Ganna is played only in the afternoon and it lasts until dusk. It often ends peacefully. But on account of its roughness and disorderliness, heads sometimes are smashed, legs and hands broken or dislocated, cheeks torn, eyes lost and so on. However, in the game of Ganna there is no compensation whatsoever for any damage done to a player during the game because it is understood that no player does any harm to his adversaries deliberately.”

The festive season is not over at the end of Christmas Day. Twelve days later on January 19, a three-day feast called Timkat, celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ, is celebrated. Timkat is marked by feasting and special songs.

Two of the major Christmas traditions that are ubiquitous across geographic boundaries in other parts of the world, the Christmas tree and gift-giving, have never taken hold in Ethiopia.

Before looking in some detail at Ethiopian Christmas food, I should note that, even though this article celebrates the unique Ethiopian religion and culture over the centuries, it is impossible to avoid certain realities about what has gone on in the country since it was formally established as a nation under Emperor Meneluk II in the 1890s.

Among the historical factors were wars with Italy, including an occupation between 1935 and 1941, and the influence, both good and bad, of Ras Tafari, who became Emperor Haile Selassie, and was at the center of Ethiopian politics for 60 years until 1974. At that time the Marxist-Leninist Dergue regime under Mengitsu was established and lasted 15 years. The annexation, secession and a subsequent border war with Eritrea was an economic and humanitarian disaster, and the serious impact of drought on the agricultural economy has left Ethiopia an economic disaster. Forty-four million Ethiopians live under the poverty line, and 12 million are chronically or periodically food insecure. 1.3 million Ethiopians are living with HIV or AIDS.

On the brighter side, the economy of Ethiopia has been growing and there is a substantial amount of land that could be turned to agriculture. Coffee and other exports also show some promise as a greater source of revenue. Political stability and economic and technological reform are helping turn Ethiopia's economy around. Growth has been robust over the last 10 years and poverty rates have been falling.

Farms in Ethiopia are typically plots of one hectare or even less, and one aspect of the economy that has not changed is the dependency of the rural farming population on a sufficient rainy season each year.  

---

 

Recipes

Any major city in the world includes a number of thriving Ethiopian restaurants, invariably run by Ethiopian migrants.

The food in these restaurants is based on the kind of meals that Ethiopians consume daily and on feast days. There is a wide variety of meat, vegetable, and pulse-based dishes, all served on top of Injera, which functions as the grain base of the meal, the plate and even the cutlery. The amount of meat dishes served on the Injera are markers of wealth, honor, and feast days,

Since Injera is made with Teff, a tiny grain that happens to be gluten-free, and many traditional Ethiopian dishes are vegetarian, a traditional Ethiopian feast can satisfy the needs of any number of specialty diets. Vegans and Paleos, spice lovers and super tasters alike can enjoy an intimate shared meal.

It all starts with Injera, which means it can all start a day or three before the feast. Injera is a kind of hybrid between a bread and a pancake, and it is made using Teff flour, made of ground up Teff seeds. Teff seeds are tiny, 3000 to a gram, and the Teff grasses are native to Ehtiopia and Eritrea. Teff flour is available at Tara Foods and Bulk Barn in Kingston and at Foodsmiths in Perth.

Injera is a fermented pancake, and there are a number of ways to accomplish the effect of making these soft, spongy, slightly sour pancakes that are used to wrap up spicy Ethiopean dishes.

In North America it is common to combine Teff with wheat flours, and to add rising agents such as yeast or baking powder. There are also those who like to make a starter in the manner of a sourdough starter.

For our purposes I have included a simple recipe, using Teff and all purpose flour. While it is not the way Teff is made in Ethiopia, it has a better chance of being made successfully by beginners like us.

INJERA - start with a 50/50 mix of Teff and all purpose flour (feel free to substitute gluten-free flours or whole wheat flour.)

Toss 1 cup Teff flour in the bottom of the bowl, and mix with whatever other flour you are using for a total of two cups. Add 2-1/2 cups of water and mix together. Add a pinch of salt. Now you can either add a teaspoon of bread yeast or not, depending on whether you trust the Teff flour and wild yeast or not.

(The other option, which I will follow, is to do a half batch each way, just to be sure)

Mix until the batter is smooth. It should be quite thin. Cover with a cloth and let sit for one to three days. It can be used after one day, but the longer it sits the more it will have the distinctive sour flavor that sets off the spicy dishes it is served with. When ready, the mixture should be bubbly, and there may be a layer of water on top.

Mix it all together very well, using a blender if necessary to make a thin, pancake-like batter. Pour a thin stream of batter over a hot, 8-inch or more, non-stick or very lightly greased cast iron pan and shake the pan to spread the batter around the pan. There should be more batter in the pan than for a french crêpe but less than a standard pancake. Let sit in pan over medium high heat until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to solidify. Turn down the heat, cover with a pot lid, and leave for 45 seconds, until the top of the Injera is steamed. Do not turn the Injera. At this point you can remove it from the pan to a plate. Keep cooking as you would crêpes, if necessary placing parchment or wax paper between each one so they do not stick together.

They are either served flat, with other dishes piled on top, or rolled up on the side to mop up the other dishes.

There are dozens of recipes for Ethopian dishes that are all served with Injera. Many of them are spiced with sliced banana or Jalapeno peppers and Berbero spice mix.

RED BERBERO SPICE can be made using readily available spices. Here is an easy recipe.

Mix 1/2 teaspoon ground fenugreek, 1/2 cup dried chiles, 1/4 cup paprika, 1 teaspoon each of salt, ground ginger, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cardamon, coriander, 1/4 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon each of ground cloves, cinnamon, and allspice.

Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly and store in an airtight jar.

Now we are ready to cook.

DORO WOT (WAT)

This is one of the main Christmas dishes.

2 pounds skinless bone-in chicken thighs (about 8)

Juice of 1 lemon

Pinch Kosher salt

Tablespoon minced ginger

Tablespoon tomato paste

4 large eggs

1-1/4 cups chicken stock

2 large onions (finely diced)

1 tablespoon minced garlic

Berbere

Butter or Niter Kibbeh* (Ethiopian spiced butter)

Directions -

Toss chicken with lemon juice and 1 teaspoon kosher salt and leave stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Hard boil the six eggs. Cool, peel and set aside.

Put onions in large pan over medium/low heat and cook them, stirring constantly for ten minutes (note you did not oil the pan). The onions are cooked until the moisture is drawn from them. Add 1/6 pound of butter, 1/4 cup of Berbere, garlic, ginger, tomato paste and cook for one minute. Add the chicken and toss to coat with the butter mixture. Add the stock, bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low and cook at a gentle simmer for 40 minutes. Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium and simmer until the liquid is reduced and the sauce is thick.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the eggs. Cover and let rest for five minutes. Place chicken on plates or Injera and serve.

A similar dish is made using stewing beef - Key Wot - although not usually with eggs.

Here is a vegetable dish

TIKIL GOMEN (cabbage, carrots and potatoes)

1/2 cup canola oil

1-1/2 medium, yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 large carrots, peeled thinly sliced

2 white potatoes, peeled, cut in 1-inch cubes

1 tbsp crushed fresh garlic

1 tsp pureéd ginger

1/4 tsp each: turmeric, salt, black pepper

1 cup water

8 to 10 cups chopped, cored green cabbage

1 Jalapeno, chopped with seeds

In large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onion. Cook, stirring, 4 minutes. Add carrots. Cook, stirring, 4 minutes. Add potatoes. Cover; Cook 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add water. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add cabbage and jalapeno. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft, about 5 to 8 minutes. (Don’t let it burn.)

Finally, here is a berbere spiced pulse dish, an Ethiopian Dal.

YEMISIR WOT (Berbere lentils)

3/4 cup canola oil

1-1/2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup berbere spice blend, or to taste

1 tbsp puréed fresh ginger

2 tsp garlic crushed garlic

1 cup dried red lentils, washed

3 cups water + more if needed

1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste

In medium saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onions. Cook, stirring, 8 minutes. Stir in berbere, ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add lentils. Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add 3 cups water. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring often and adding water if needed, until lentils disintegrate and mixture is a thick stew, about 30 minutes.

 For a recipe fo Niter Kibbe go to Food.com and type Niter Kibbeh in the search engine on the site.

 

 

As I drive around our beautiful Frontenac area I notice many wonderful things. I see that people have decorated their houses with lights, snowmen, Santa Claus, the manger scene of Joseph and Mary and most importantly baby Jesus.

I hear many people saying “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” in stores and on the streets when greeting each other. I love this time of the year. We try and encourage each other, laugh with one another. It is a time of happiness, love and compassion. I see smiling faces and I listen to little children who are all excited about the gifts they are looking forward to receiving. I even hear some adults talking about what they are looking forward to giving to their children and even hoping to receive themselves, lol!

We all get so busy running here and there this time of the year. Going to school plays, work parties, visiting family and friends and many times we forget why we celebrate Christmas. What is the real meaning?

Over two thousand years ago God sent His Son into this world to teach us His love, compassion and most importantly His forgiveness. You see, we all mess up in life and do things that aren’t good and need forgiveness. We do things that sometimes hurt others and worst of all hurt God when we break His Ten Commandments. These things that break God’s Commandments are called sin. They separate us from God. But God has fixed that problem when He gave us His Son Jesus in Bethlehem, who would later be crucified and die.

Jesus was buried, but something wonderful happened three days later. He rose from the dead and gave us forgiveness. This is Easter. This isn’t some fairy tale but the truth. Not only is it in the Bible but also recorded by many historians who also witnessed and recorded these events. Whatever your celebration includes this year, let us stop and reflect on why we celebrate Christmas and realize it is all about Jesus and His love for us all! I know that there are a lot of things many people are facing this year. Some are dealing with loss of a loved one, suffering serious illnesses, facing financial difficulties and feeling all alone. I want to say that as a new resident here I have felt the wonderful love of many people. People have showed kindness, compassion and provided many things to make me feel at home which I am so thankful. I want to encourage you that no matter what you are facing in life there is hope, love and compassion from Jesus. He is a gift we all can receive. Just like He was given to us wrapped in swaddling clothes and in a manger over two thousand years ago, He is here for you today. Do you have room in your heart for Him this year?

I want to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas. I pray the Lord blesses, comforts and provides a wonderful Christmas to you all. Merry Christmas!

Rev. Kevin E. Tompkins,

Cole Lake Free Methodist Church

One more day like today and I'm cashing 'er in! Take me an early retirement. Get me a nice little villa at En Gedi on the Dead Sea - a nice little place away from everyone - dabble my feet in the water - a little sailing and surfing on the side. Sounds good, right about now.

Maybe tomorrow ....... but definitely before next Christmas. Well, this year was particularly bad with the census and all. Danged old Augustus anyway. I personally think it was a political ploy on the part of Quirinius. After all, he wanted to be appointed for another term as governor of Syria - so why not push something new and excitingly different to make a name for himself - like another stunned census. Me - I've no time for politicking. To me - the results are set in stone before they even get started. It's quite simple really. The emperor appoints the governor for a term of office - and he does what he's told. And if he wants to be appointed for another term of office, then he does that really, really well - and bing, bam, boom, pop goes the weasel - he's in for yet another term of office.

The politicians never consider the common bloke like you - or me - who has to scramble around making up the different with all the rules and regulations, laws and legislations, that they dream up. I mean, it's me who has to find extra accommodation for all the extras that show up here in Bethlehem during the course of time that the census is being taken. And I suppose Quirinius thinks he's doing me a big favour by providing me with more business .Ha!!

Now censuses would be all well and good for Quirinius - and me - if Quirinius would be good enough to supply me with some decent hired help during the course of time that the census is being taken. Gaius, the head ostler, got himself kicked by a camel a month ago and he's still in the hospice. The other three fellas who work in the stable are not bad lads, but they're a bit like old brooms - they don't work by themselves. Ephasus, the cook, left without notice, saying that his uncle had died - I think, and Silas, our head housekeeper decided to start taking fits three days ago, so I can't count on him for too much. Why do accidents, sicknesses, births and deaths all have to center around Christmas?

Guess I feel a little out of sorts 'cause I'm left without a wife for a while. Our baby, Appia, is due to have her first baby, so the wife left for Herodium to be with her and her hubby. She was due a week ago and still no word. Why do babies have to hang on around Christmas?

Well, we were all filled up by 9:30 in the morning. Camp cots all over the show for all the extras from every town and village, highway and byway known to Roman kind. Boy, oh boy, will I be glad to see the end of this fiasco, even though it is good for business. Then, if you can believe it, there was a loud knocking at the door at l0:00 o'clock at night. Demetrius had already tucked himself in for the night, so I went to answer it myself. There was a man standing there, looking just a little shame-faced, as well he might, looking for and expecting to find accommodation at this hour of the night. How could I help him? How could anyone help him? Some people do expect a lot!

I was just shutting the door, when I noticed, in the outside glow of his torch, a woman seated on a donkey. I also noticed that she was very pregnant, like our Apphia. Looked a little like her too, the gentle tilt of her head - the slender hand resting on the neck of her donkey. It could have been our Apphia, with no place to lay her head for the night, or even to have her baby for that matter.

"Hold on a sec," I told the man, as I hastened to open wide the door. "I've got not one square cubit of space inside, but if you don't mind, you could bunk down in the stable out back."

They graciously accepted, and I led them out there and they were most content with an unused stall, which I bedded down with some straw for them. They didn't even object to keeping company with their next door neighbours, the sheep and the goats. Better 'n nothing. After I returned inside, I bethought myself to take them out some space bedding, so the straw wouldn't be so scratchy like.

Quite a pair they were. Really impressed me with their dignity and peace. Bet we weren't that calm when we were expecting Apphia's birth. Wonder how she's getting along now?

......... And then, all that happened during the course of that night! Holy Jehoshaphat! If I'd have known that the baby was actually going to be born that night....... and that He would be the great Messiah, I'd have kicked someone out of their room. I might've even given them my bed.......... And all those visitors that arrived after the baby was born - the shepherds and astrologers. If I'd known there was going to be so much company, I would have ordered in extra victuals and prepared a repast for them. The great Saviour of mankind........ born in my little old stable, and at the time, I didn't even know it.

But I guess I weren't the only one who didn't know who he was.......

It would be next to impossible to not remember our mothers or for me to share with friends, family and neighbors anything in our daily lives without referring in some way to our mothers.

Sitting here with the sun rising on the land where they

brought children into this world I have to include Arlene and Marlene Hawley and their mother Myra Stinchcombe as part of this tribute. From where I sit, I see the laneway to Violet Asselstine Sly's home; her recipe for bread pudding I still cherish.

I used to make it for Mom and Dad. When Dad was by himself and Mom was in the seniors' home I still made it for him and usually told him it was Violet's recipe. Someday soon I intend to have Velma and Carmel over and have the pudding and we each bring recipes of our mothers and grandmothers to pass down. What a great idea - to make a recipe book of ours with recipes passed down from our generations and generations past.

I didn't learn by lesson, it was by example I guess.

Clothes frozen stiff, fresh from the line. She must have got up in the night or as I have done, just

stayed up. Water caught in a rain barrel or anything suitable to wash our clothes. In the winter, icicles, snow and water from I don't know where.

My niece Nicole recently sent me a disk of my sister Margery's pictures. Mom is standing by the stove and Margery is bathing Linda in the sink. it would have been about 1965. Violet is likely cooking side pork in the oven of her wood stove, maybe still in her kerchief she wore to the barn. I see her yet on the way to the barn in her kerchief and boots, often with a pail in hand followed by a number of cats. Their home is as vivid in my memory as my mother and dad's; what I didn't learn from my mother I did from Violet.

Throughout my home are quilts of every pattern and piece, tied with wool, cloth from clothes and material too good yet to discard, sewn by hand or on an old treadle sewing machine. Blankets piled high, covering her children. Nights when the fire was purposely let out; protected from the winter winds and cold, the weight of the blankets keeping us in bed; a thunder mug in case we had to get up.

Violet's blankets - stitches so fine. Mother's gathering to make quilts that now generations later cover her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one for each marriage to pass down to their children.

I talked of this the other day - in generations before and after, Violet's talk would be of marriages, births, deaths - who needed a newspaper to announce it? Word of daily events and happenings were part of the gathering as mothers, granddaughters and daughters learned the lessons of life from each other.

It is no surprise that marriages or the possibility of

future ones were discussed, passing down new lines and blood and the family ties that would last forever.

as they stitched and shared recipes and whatever home remedies worked best for the day. Back and forth these passed down the generations. The kettle

singing on Violet's, Myra's and Mom's stove, inviting anyone to sit and rest and share.

I have a couple of Mom's aprons, the ties made of red and white checked cloth, the rest of some other material that was originally one of her dresses, a pocket of sorts sewn and made part of the apron, something necessary, worn as she went back and forth from clothes line to stove to sewing machine, to a mustard plaster, to cutting up venison or pork that had been hung out to cool.

Pies made from the fat melted down in the oven of her cookstove from the pigs scraped and prepared for the coming winter. Sometimes for us and sometimes for her brother Fred or whoever came, stored in the old Hoosier cupboard.

Born in a tent in 1917. For her, memories of making whatever was available for her brothers and sister in the mining town of Timmins.

In the fires that went through northern Ontario in 1922, she would have been five and her sister Evelyn three. Grandma Coaty stood in the water protecting her children.

Mom taking us, whoever was at home, to our neighbors in the middle of a thunderstorm, doing what her mother did to protect her children while Dad worked.

Memories for me of Hurricane Hazel. I would have been four, watching out the back window as the

wind tore the clothes from the line. When it was over I'm sure Mom salvaged what was left, put it into a

quilt, or used it to wash dishes, maybe a piece tucked in her apron pocket to wipe a tear, a nose or a scraped knee.

Dad said Great Aunt Hannah (Scott) Drew would come for a visit in the early 1940s. She always brought something, maybe only a scrap of cloth. Are there some of those scraps in the quilt that covers my grown daughters?

Dad had struggles of his own in his last few years. To write of them now is another part of life we have to deal with, to see our parents face the changes age and life had brought. Our strength, especially mine, came from the mothers who endured and taught by example. Not something owed, not something we had to do. It was there to do.

A question with its own answer is "Who am I without them?" When I remember my mother's words and say to someone, "There are better days ahead." To give from the top, not what's left over. I am never

The Verona Community Association's annual Christmas in the Village event, now in its third year, continues to attract young and old to the Verona Lions den in Verona for a full day of holiday fun and activities for all ages. The free event, as always, took place in and out of doors and included lots of games, activities and crafts for the kids.

They were also treated to a visit from Santa, who handed out candy canes. Outside, the kids enjoyed trips on the Verona Express train, hay wagon rides and a special gathering for the official lighting of the Christmas trees, which took place at the outdoor pavilion at 5:15pm. Doors prizes were given out through the day and evening and guests enjoyed home made chili, soup and homemade donuts and other sweet treats, courtesy of Phyllis Harper and Yvonne Guthro.

New this year was the auctioning off of a number of Christmas wreaths and centerpieces created and donated especially for the event by individuals and businesses from the local community. The proceeds go to support the VCA's annual programming events, which include Music in the Park; the kids' fishing derby; the Verona Cattail Festival and more. Guests also enjoyed a number of live musical acts, including Glenda Nichol, famed trick fiddler Jessica Wedden, Don Cochrane, Bob Connors and Glenn Foster.

Linda Bates, vice president of the VCA and chair of the Christmas in the Village event said, “The aim of the annual event is to kick off the holiday season here in Verona. We want to have a fun free event to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season, which everyone is invited to come out to and enjoy.”

For many it is the local Santa Claus parades that mark the start of the Christmas season in these parts and the numerous parades that took place in North, South and Central Frontenac are always welcome and exciting events, especially for youngsters and the young at heart. This year's parades seemed especially festive with a plethora of colourful floats courtesy of the numerous businesses, organizations, service clubs and individuals, who despite the bustle of the holiday season took the time to put together their unique parade offerings. This year it seemed there were more colourfully clad youngsters, more live animals and more live music than in parades past. Whatever the reason, here are just a few snap shot memories from the parades that took place in Sydenham, Harrowsmith, Sharbot Lake, Tichborne/Parham, Northbrook and North Frontenac.

Sharbot Lake

Elsa waves from the Northern Frontenac Community Services' Disney inspired “Frozen” float

---

 Denbigh

It was a crisp evening for the Santa Claus Parade in the village; even still, a good number enjoyed the lights and sights. Mr & Mrs Claus had a warm welcome for everyone at the hall, as hotdogs, hot drinks and goodies were gobbled up. The children took their turn making their requests to the Man in Red, followed by a festive program presented by the Rec. Committee. Congratulations to the LCBO on winning people's choice for favourite float with their entry decorated in gingerbread and sweets.  

---

 North Frontenac

The North Frontenac Christmas parade took place on November 29, starting at the township offices in Plavna and finishing at the Ompah hall.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Ross. At right: the Plevna Pioneer Club’s float proclaims “Jesus is the sweetest gift”. ton Cottages float

On November 29, four student volunteers collected copious amounts of empty liquor and beer bottles at the LCBO in Verona for the Verona Community Association's annual Christmas for Kids program. This year the program will offer Christmas gifts to 63 children in the local community. Each child will receive a gift of hand-made pajamas, socks, underwear, toques, and mittens plus art and crafts supplies, books, puzzles and new toys. Mary Jo Dowker, who is heading up the Christmas for Kids Committee, said that new unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Asselstine Hardware and Verona Hardware stores in Verona until Sunday December 14. Any gifts dropped off after that date will be used for next year's drive. Volunteers will be wrapping the gifts, which will be delivered to local area schools where they will be picked up by parents in time to be handed out to the children on Christmas morning. For those who missed the bottle drive, a number of donation jars are also located throughout the community where cash donations can still be made. Thanks to these young volunteers and to the members of the VCA Christmas for Kids committee, many local youngsters will be receiving gifts that they otherwise may have gone without this holiday season.

Sydenham's annual Santa Claus Parade was the first holiday parade to take place in our coverage area and it attracted a large local crowd to downtown Sydenham on November 29, as well as young families from Kingston, who said that the Sydenham parade is one of their favorites of the holiday season. Numerous floats took to the main street and new this year were the owners of the Frontenac Friesians with a number of their locally bred silky black beauties, each decked out in festive red stockings and ribbons.

Christmas Special Edition Home | Local Weather | Editorial Policy

ChristmasEdition

December 15, 2005

. | Navigate | .

ArchiveImage GalleryAlgonquin Land Claims

Gray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics by Rural Legal ServicesNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinNight Skiesby Leo Enright

Following the Starby Reverend Will Keller, Senior Pastor of the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church

“...the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great, joy” MATTHEW 2:9-10 (NKJV).

With the approach of Christmas I was reminded of these verses of scripture as I was driving home the other night. It was one of those clear nights where stars filled the sky.

Have you ever gazed at the stars in the sky and wondered what Christ's star-the star of Bethlehem - looked like that first Christmas? What a magnificent star it must have been for the wise men to pack up and take off after it. They left everything to follow that star.

Many people have speculated about the exact physical nature of that star, but in the end, all speculations are merely guesses. We do know that this star heralded Jesus Christ's coming. It communicated His nature to us. The star of Bethlehem was a star of hope that led the wise men to the fulfillment of their expectations, the success of their expedition. Nothing in this world is more fundamental for success in life than hope, and this star pointed to our only source for true hope: Jesus Christ.

The star of Bethlehem was a star of joy. "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy." All true joy comes from Him. Deep within the well of our souls, Christ's joy bubbles up and overflows. Those who know Jesus the best, rejoice the most.

The star of Bethlehem was also a star of witness. It witnessed about the one true King and Messiah who came to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. This includes all of mankind.

But most of all, the star of Bethlehem was a star of guidance. The star guided the wise men through the desert and across great distances. It guided them to the Lord Jesus Christ. We also can be guided by “our Star” - God's Word- “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105). God's Word guides us to Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

Take opportunity this Christmas season to thank God for the love, hope, joy, witness, and guidance we gained when Jesus Christ was born under that star. Also, to allow the light of His star guide you this day and every day until together we bow down and worship Jesus with the wise men in Heaven.

It has been said that wise men and women still seek Him and perhaps this is what you are looking for this Christmas. I encourage you, like the wise men of old, to be open this year to the thought that what the Bible reveals to us about the birth of Christ is true and to investigate what impact this has for you!