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I'age 10 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, December 2, 1998 Section Two Christmas Shopping Season Kicks Off in Downtown Bowmanville by Jennifer Stone Staff Writer Downtown Bowmanville will kick off the Christmas shopping season with a little Moonlight Magic. The event, which will feature lots of activities, happens happens Friday, December 4th. Downtown streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 p.m. until midnight, says Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) spokesman Garth Gilpin. The tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Temperance Street North, starting at 7 p.m. Bleachers will be set up to accommodate those who wish to take part. A carol sing-along will take place, and Mayor Diane Hamre will be on hand to throw the switch on the Bowmanville Rotary Club's Tree of Hope. The children won't want to miss the event, which may even feature a surprise guest. "We're hoping for a visit from Santa Claus," shares Gilpin. After the Tree-Lighting, Santa and his wife will wander wander about downtown, visiting with the children they meet. Starting at 7 p.m., visitors to the downtown area will be able to enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides. As well, a handbell-choir will help set the mood in front of the Bank of Montreal. Later in the evening, the Maranatha Church choir will entertain with Christinas carols and the St. John's Anglican Church carillon will be playing Friday evening. The Salvation Army will have people downtown, playing musical instruments also, says Gilpin. Another attraction will be a demonstration by a wood carver who will display his craft. "The stores will be open until midnight, and may have specials throughout the evening," says Gilpin, adding warm drinks, cookies, and even surprises for the children will be available from the merchants. After Moonlight Magic, Santa will be in downtown Bowmanville every Saturday until Christmas. He will be in his real sleigh next to the Bank of Montreal on Temperance Street from 10 a.m. until noon, and 2 to 4 p.m. For just $3, children can have their photo taken with Jolly Old St. Nick. The photo will be mounted into a frame. Gilpin has some advice for people planning to attend the special events next Friday. "If you're coming down to the tree lighting, come before 7 p.m. if you want a seat in the bleachers," he says. GREENHOUSE GUESTS--Tate and Claire Simpson check out this year's crop of poinsettias at the Rekker greenhouses in Maple Grove. They were among the scores of visitors who toured the facility Saturday, November 28th, during the Rekker's Garden Gallery Poinsettia Festival. Greenhouse tours, featuring about 50,000 of the festive flowers, were offered throughout the day. Crime Stoppers Fight Insurance Fraud Crime Stoppers in partnership with the Canadian Coalition Against Insurance Fraud and Durham Regional Police arc asking asking that we all do our part in solving the crime of Insurance Fraud. Nobody wants to be the victim of a Crime. When someone makes a false claim, exaggerates a genuine claim or makes à false statement on an insurance application, they commit a criminal offence. Each year in Canada 1.3 billion dollars is paid out in false claims. When the toll on police and fire resources is factored in, insurance fraud costs an additional one billion dollars per year. That cost is paid by honest policyholders through increased insurance premiums. Don't let criminals steal your hard-earned dollars or abuse our vital community services and resources. Insurance fraud is estimated to be the second leading source of criminal profits in North America, second only to illegal drug sales. If you are suspicious of or arc aware of persons committing this crime, do your part and give us a call at Durham Regional Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for any information that will help solve this type of offence. Callers never have to give their name or testify in court and we do not use call display. display. Remember Crime Stoppers in interested in what you know, not who you arc. Our numbers are: 436-8477 or 1-800- 222-TIPS. G GOODS 8:00 p.m. Shakespeare Tackle Bag $21 oo 'S'- 9:00 p.m. Shimano F/X Rods 6'6"M $| Ç95 80 KING ST. W. BOWMANVILLE (905) 697-2546 Bowmanville Native Safe in Honduras Despite Devastation of Hurricane Mitch A former Bowmanville resident and his wife, who are now living in Honduras, safely escaped the fury of Hurricane Mitch last month. Phyllis McRobbie said her son, Dan, and his wife, Brenda, are living on the island of Roaton, in the Atlantic Ocean, off the mainland of Honduras. They run a small business business on the island that includes an e-mail and fax service as well as light lunches and breakfasts. The island is a well-known tourist destination, especially especially for recreational divers. According to e-mail and phone calls the McRobbies have received, Dan and his wife waited out the storm with neighbours neighbours in a well-protected home. They left their house, which is located on a hill, when they learned of the approaching hurricane. hurricane. But, they prepared for the rough weather by putting valuables in the shower stall (the best-protected best-protected part of the house) and by leaving windows open to let the wind through the building and avoid putting additional pressure on the walls of the home. Of course, they batted down everything they could, before leaving. The strategy seemed to work because the house appeared to have survived intact, although it was wet and dirty as the result of the hurricane. "There's a lot of work to be done down there, but they're getting things back in order," said Phyllis McRobbie in summing up the situation. She said it would appear that the portion of the island where her son is living was not as hard hit as other parts of the island or parts of the mainland. arm's 'Deticatessen Specializing in Fine European Foods 29 King Street East, Bowmanville 623-1533 Save Valuable Time Pick up Dinner at Norm's and still have time to shop! Schnitzel, Cabbage Roll $C95 and Perogies Visit Norm's during Moonlight Magic to order your Fresh Free Range TURKEY for Christmas or our Special "Christmas Kolbassa Ring" PLANNING A PARTY? We Specialize in Party Trays for all occasions. Made to order Meats, Cheese, Vegetable, Hof and Cold Buffet Items »? s.uosres • sbuiyaab s,uoros • sbuuaaab s.uosvas » sbunaaab M» Hooper's Jewellers McmMdd Moufl US I 'At Menu), Specials Jggg J Ut/uuujhoid Ute done! 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