YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
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88 PAGES
Inside
Carleton Place Santa Claus parade takes place this Saturday
COMMUNITY
By TARA GESNER tgesner@perfprint.ca
Regional recreation network launches in Lanark County. – Page 3
FEATURE
Photos by TARA GESNER
The local Salvation Army kettle campaign kicked off Nov. 16 at Steve’s Independent Grocer in Carleton Place, above. During the holiday season, volunteer bell ringers will collect donations at the local grocery store, Walmart and LCBO. Campaign funds help support many people in poverty who turn to the Salvation Army for aid. Participating in the launch is, from left, Major Faith Cameron of the Salvation Army, the organization’s thrift shop manager (Maggie Swanson), local kettle campaign coordinator Melba Jarvis, Carleton Place Mayor Wendy LeBlanc, and store manager Serge Robichaud. Below, the kettle campaign also launched at Patrice’s Independent Grocer in Almonte. From left, volunteer Donna MacDonald, Jarvis, Cameron and storeowner Guido Patrice. The campaign runs until 12 p.m. on Dec. 24. For full details please see story page A/CP11.
Struck by tragedy, woman shares tale of dealing with forgiveness. – Pages 7, 8 & 23
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EMC News – Carleton Place is always a great place to visit, but every November and December it’s magical. The Santa Claus Parade, an initiative of the local Business Improvement Association (BIA), is always a hit with the kids – adults, too. Once again, thousands of spectators are expected for Saturday’s (Nov. 24) parade, which begins at 5 p.m. Starting at Townline Road it will travel the full length of Bridge Street, turning onto Lansdowne Avenue. “It has become a destination event in the (Ottawa) Valley,” said BIA coordinator Cathie McOrmond with a smile. The theme this year is Twelve Days of Christmas, which will be reÀected in the various entries. “We hope to see more creative input in the Àoats,” said McOrmond. Entrants should utilize the theme and take their Àoats to the next level. This year the parade was limited to 100 approved units, and pre-registration was mandatory. Furthermore, a $10 fee was charged. The money collected will be donated back into the community. “One of the most exciting changes to the 2012 parade is the introduction of the Best Overall Trophy,” said McOrmond, “and the winner gets to keep the award for a full year.” MacDonald’s Sports Excellence in Carleton Place created the custom trophy, which consists of a rich burgundy ceramic base (three tiers) and is topped with a silver cup and Santa Claus. Also offering enticement for participants are plaques, which are awarded to the ¿rst, second and third place entries in a handful of categories: Best Walking Entry (¿rst, second and third), Best Use of Theme (¿rst, second and third), Best Commercial Entry and Best Small Independent Business. Giving is an important part of the Christmas season – and
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not just to those close to us (family and friends). In dif¿cult times it is vital for the more fortunate to reach out and help others. The annual Santa Claus Parade supports the Lanark County Food Bank and Christmas Basket Fund. “Pushing carts along the route, the Carleton Place and District Civitan Club will be collecting non-perishable food items on behalf of the Lanark County Food Bank,” said McOrmond. Financial donations will also be accepted, all of which will go to the annual Christmas Basket Fund. And of course, it is always the last Àoat that everyone anxiously waits for – Santa and Mrs. Claus, who wave to the spectators and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Holiday ambiance The festive atmosphere is intensi¿ed, owing to the luminous cascade of LED Christmas lights that decorate the trees along the municipality’s downtown thoroughfare – another BIA initiative. As Christmas is about lights, more than a few years ago, the BIA made the decision to switch the parade to an early evening time slot, and with the dazzling illumination, the excitement never seems to fade. McOrmond reminded there would be no parking permitted on Bridge Street after 4 p.m. on Saturday, from Townline Road to Lake Avenue. For additional information about the parade, contact 613-257-8049 or cmcormond@carletonplace.ca. Tree lighting After the parade, everyone is invited to the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital, located at 211 Lake Ave. E., for the 15th annual Tree Lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., which has become the hospital Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser. There will be free hot chocolate and Christmas carols will be sung, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there.
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