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2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, December 21,1994 Section Two He Canadian statesman Fomer Publishers • Rev. W. R. Climie, 1854 -1878 • M. A. James, 1878 -1935 • George W. James, 1935 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 Fax 905-623-6161 For 140 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher -John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A. James Plant Manager - Donald J. Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenburg, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Ralph Rozema, Jim Sr.oek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Laverne Morrison Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturmari, Marilyn Rutherford Season of Hope At least once in the frantic month which leads up to December 25th, the average person stops to wonder whether all the hoopla over Christmas is really worthwhile. About that time, one wonders if Ebenezer Scrooge was entirely wrong about Christmas. We may find it easy to criticize old Ebenezer for his lack of Christmas spirit. But, there is a little of Ebenezer Scrooge in all of us. There are some of us who feel a tinge of sympathy for the old miser. While most of us find the sentiments of peace on earth and goodwill to mankind easy to accept, there is a certain amount of humbug associated with Christmas. People who are normally busy the other 11 months of the year find that Christinas unleashes a whole string of added obligations that have little to do with the more noble sentiments of the season. Things like sending Christmas cards to people you barely know. Things like the endless shopping, baking, decorating, gift-wrapping, travelling, traffic, visiting and dozens of special events which somehow get crowded onto the Christmas calendar. Fortunately, the benefits of the Christmas season far outweigh the disadvantages. Unlike Ebenezer, most of us don't require visitations from three Christmas spirits to learn that lesson A couple of cups of eggnog, the familiar refrains of Christmas carols or the sight of a whole galaxy of Christmas lights twinkling under a light snowfall usually accomplish the same objective. For, like Ebenezer, many of us have discovered that much of the joy of Christmas consists of giving and sharing. And it appears to us that the increasing number of food drives and toy drives in this community is ample evidence that this aspect of the Christmas spirit has not been overlooked. It's safe to say that almost every school, church and business has some Christmas project aimed at helping those less fortunate than ourselves --- a project designed to help total strangers in need. And that is what the Christmas spirit is all about. Of even greater importance is the possibility of extending some of that Christmas spirit into the coming year. We don't call it Christmas spirit then. It goes by names such as love or generosity or altruism. But, it adds up to the same thing. Christmas remains the time of year when we celebrate these values and observe the birth in Bethlehem of the one who embodied these values so perfectly. Humain beings need special occasions and festivals. And the Christmas season clearly fills that need. However, the trick to really enjoying Christmas is to think about making those Christmas virtues a year-round habit. Don't wait until Christmas to practise the virtues we prize so much during the Festive Season. If you like to visit, do it at other times of the year. If you like to give presents, choose other meaningful occasions of the year to show your generosity. If you feel the need to help those less fortunate, do it on a more regular basis. If you like to bake special goodies, do it in January or July too. And, above all, don't wait until the last month of the year to offer the gifts of kindness and generosity. To return to the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, you may recall that the old reprobate's newly-discovered Christmas generosity was not something he put away with the decorations once December 25th had passed. Rather, he extended his generosity into the entire year. Perhaps that is why it was said of Ebenezer that he knew how to keep Christmas better than any other person. So, as we pause in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we naturally want to wish our readers the compliments of the season. But, may we also extend the hope that you will capture some of the feelings of joy, peace, and goodwill that are so abundant at this time of year and use them to light your way in the coming 12 months. Merry Christmas! Everyone Welcome to Enjoy Christmas Dinner in Newcastle Supports Haines' Stories S™ After reading the letter to the editor editor on December 7th regarding the Max Haines stories printed in your paper, I feel that some of your readers readers do not understand why Max Haines writes these stories. I have read 6 of his books, enjoy the stories and I am very glad that they do appear appear in the paper. I feel that some of your subscribers should understand that Max does not report on these true events to promote violence but Ü to show the public that in certain ways that some things have not changed. If some of the people in this community are having a problem with his writing then they don't understand understand the purpose of the story and should not try to take away the reading reading enjoyment of others. I guess some of the readers have nothing better better to do with their time, and I feel these stories add a nice variety to your paper. D. Henry Dear Brian and Ryley: Just V short not to say "Thank you" for your initiative with this special special Christmas project and a thank you to all the individuals who took the time to drop off a treat. Your generosity generosity and thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. Once again, thank you and have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Sincerely, Scott Rose, Program Manager Community Services Department Dear Sir, Will you please print this letter as conspicuously as you most generously generously publicized the Christmas Dinner to be served, free of charge, at Newcastle Newcastle Community Hall on Christmas Day, from 12 to 3:30? May I add to your kind story that although a donation of turkeys set the" ball rolling, there could be no Christmas Christmas Feast without the many contributions contributions from merchants in Bowmanville Bowmanville and Newcastle. As you stated in your article, many volunteer offerings offerings of cooked vegetables, salads, or desserts will provide the 'trimmings' for the turkeys. Almost enough volunteers volunteers have each offered to stuff, roast one of the 24 birds and make a bowl of gravy. We still need a few more volunteers to get them all cooked. It is a noble offering of time and energy on a busy Christmas morning. Fortunately, the turkeys arc not large, averaging twelve to fourteen fourteen pounds. And the carving will be done at the Hall. The cooked birds should be delivered to the Hall by twelve or one o'clock. There will be volunteers working in the Hall all morning, ready for any early delivery of turkeys on Christmas Day. So you see, Mr. Editor, many hands and hearts will provide this Dinner. Now, all we need are the guests to join us at the Feast: Seniors, single parents, students unable to get home for Christmas, those on limited income, anyone who might be alone this Christmas Time. Or anyone who just feels like doing something different different this year - bring the children and come to Dinner and Sing-Along! Yes, there will be music. Thank you, Mr. Editor, for printing printing this. Sincerely, Isobel Rappaporl We Asked... How do you think the municipality should deal with people who do not clear the snow from the sidewalks which abut their homes or businesses? .. .And You Said Lynn Burke Bowmanville "First talk to them to try to see the need for it and ticket them if they don't cooperate." Jane Vatcher Bowmanville "If you park in the wrong place then you get a ticket. People who don't follow the by-law should get a ticket in their door." Steve Godsmark Bowmanville "They should get z fine." Marilyn Johann Bowmanville "The by-law should be enforced and there should be a fine or some consequence." Next week's question: Will you be making any New Year's resolutions you intend on keeping? B