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SECTION A THE HERALD Monday December Christmas in Acton helped by the IODE On top of his game St Vincent helping out IT left and Carolyn washirarn right of Nerval were two of the winners who received at Melody Acres recently hey held their end of year award Collier middle the manageress and presented the award was the high point winner for performance In English and Western Carolyn Washburn won the Command Clan In Development offers help for parkland community centre A sac Is also to the roads There will proposed in the north end also be a block to the of the development to northwest of the access to the most ment which will be northerly lots The road retained as bush to would have a 24foot protect an paved surface and shall- tally sensitive area open ditches to carry Hams to donate cairn- their hampers Christmas tree origins it German tradition ByTONYRECCHI Herald Special A deep forest some where in Germany was the setting for the first Christmas tree According to legend the English missionary Christian church it converted entire nations During the Middle Ages Christians found a pro phecy about Christmas trees in the book of the prophet Isaiah The pro phet foretold the St Boniface used a com- of the tree of binatlon of courage and Jesse the father of King quick thinking to convert David who was an pagan Germans to Chrt- of Jesus Christ By HANNAH Herald Special Erin Township real dents may have many questions about the benefit of allowing a subdivision on the west corner of this hamlet but they agree the parkland which goes with the development is sorely needed Res Idents were given a chance last week at a public meeting to hear what developer Hank Burnett wants to do with his 42 acre development Under plan six acres of parkland would be dedicated to the muni cipality to expand the current community centre grounds A new soccer field and ball diamond have been suggested Tor the expan ded facility but it is yet to be decided If the town ship or residents will finance the Reeve Bert said the land will to the township immediately but warn ed converting it from a field to a park will not come overnight Caun said Ihe township has a reserve fund for- park- WwJeswOuthaiUfowfcOlULl ui tuij Thg p peace and eternal life through the fir Scandinavians also of branches deeply moved Germanic stock had a him Luther put a fir tree similar legend St Win in his home and deco- frcd a missionary from rated It with candles to the eighth century symbolize Jesus Christ chopped down an oak as the light of the world tree and a young fir tree People in other Euro- miracuiously sprung up countries adopted in its place told the German custom A his converts the green royal marriage brought leaves symbolized eter- the Christmas tree to England when Prince The Christmas tree is Albert the German only one of many pagan husband of Queen Vic- symbols and rituals toriadecoratedatreeat baptized by the early the royal palace In 1B41 If you were In need of a food hamper for Christmas years a go Actons IODE Lakeside Chapter were there to help Even today the IODE it used to stand for the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire but the name has since been discon tinued are very In making sure no families are hungry dur ing the Christmas season Lost year the worked with the Salva tlon Army who are headquartered in Acton and serve the Hal ton Hills area including Wellington and Eden Mills The Salvation Army were able to coordinate their efforts to help the IODE collect food and toys for children when they moved into their new building t Street last year goods Some church held white gift Sun days and each of the schools encouraged students to bring in presents of food for the needy At one time the IODE collected used clothing as well as gifts but that was discontinued some time ago said Helen The ladies separated all the canned goods and wrapped them up while the Rotary Club men were active driving the parcels to recipients Now the Salvation Army place ads In the paper for people who wont a bosket They fill in an eligibility form at the Citadels then return later to pick up their hamper Joyce estimat es about 100 baskets were filled for families In the district covered Mill by the Salvation Army in Acton Until then the Itcertalnlydoesglve vice organization were you a lot of satisfaction on their own depending them com on the goodwill of Acton Ing into the building for Some people have a lot or pride and won t ask for food hampers during Christmas says Father Ralph Diodati of St Josephs Roman Cathol ic Church One of the major challenges of the St Vincent Paul Society In Acton Is to search out the people who are needy he says The St Vincent Paul Society is a Roman Catholic church based organization that is part of a world wide network The Acton group consists of members of St Josephs who help to assess the needs of families that require help during Christmas They are one of two organizations In Acton work to make Christmas more enjoy able for the underprl The other Is the Salvation Army who work with the service club to collect food and toys for distil This years campaign is better organized Father Ralph says This year we going out to look for people he says The need for food baskets hasnt grown dramatically over the years he says Last Christmas about 1520 were serviced by the St Vincent Paul Society Members of the Socie ty work In pain and go to homes that need help sllanity and give them a symbol of their new faith On Christmas Eve In Boniface found a group of pagans prepar ing to sacrifice a boy before a giant oak tree to god Boniface struck the oak and it crashed to the ground He pointed to an Historians mention three decorations made by German settlers along the eastern Baltic In the early 1500s Most credit Martin Luther leader of the Protestant Reformation In Germany for introduc ing lighted Christmas trees On Christmas Eve German Immigrants The custom spread brought the Christmas like wild fire and tree tradition to North communities competed America The first with each other to erect attempt to place a tree In the most lavishly deco- church sparked a rated or tallest tree virtual riot in 1851 Rev Although Pasadena Henry Scfawan placed a California Is already decorated tree in his famous for the In Cleveland of Rosea Parade Ohio Congregation its citizens made history members said Christ- by being the first to mas trees smacked of decorate a Christmas paganism but Schwan tree with electric lights held firm In 1909 Chris checks lie action out en an air hockey game which was one of the Item available at Georgetown District High Schools on Saturday Money raised from the bazaar win be going towards the various dobs in he school with a portion donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Herald photo Vest Vislics Heres hoping Santa brings you all the things you wish for including health and happiness SILVER CREEK SERVICE CENTRE 1 GEORGETOWN 8779042 green tree andtotdtbe walked through a account One homeowner accused council of ing residents requests for fencing or buffering lo protect them from their future neighbors Deputyreeve Schneider denied the allegation saying considered requests for buffering and a walkway between the proposed develop ment park and existing residences but decided against It because of the high maintenance it would need Fencing requirements would be worked out as part of the subdivision agreement Mr Wheeler said as will the Question of phasing the develop ment Mr Burnetts planner John Cox said the proposal was for more than homes on half acre lots but that was reduced to lots ranging In size from three quarters to 1 3 acres in size following the recommendations of health authorities Each home would be served by a drilled well and septic system and a road pattern has been proposed with entries on Trafalgar Road the town line west of the Christmas May the message of hope and peace spread throughout the year Jakes Auto Service 89 Guelph 8776353 I TO JILL s tat Mis ini CARPET CORNER ACTON 8534620 I Christmas were wishing you the happiest of holidays GIVE A HAWAIIAN TAN FOR CHRISTMAS HAIR DE8IGN 8778722 greetings to one end vour holidays be prosperous and blessed with THE MANAGEMENT OF LOU RICCI MASONRY 8774032