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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-12-21, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017. Armstrongs' angel tree one of three for holidays Angels around the house Elaine and Brian Armstrong's angel tree is one of three in their Brandon Road home, just north of Brussels. The tree and its vast collection of ornaments come complete with quite the story for this year's Citizen of the Year Award winner. (Shawn Loughlin photo) By Denny Scott The Citizen Christmas at the Armstrong family house north of Brussels is a tale of family, volunteering and three Christmas trees. "I guess it's all about family," Elaine Armstrong, 2017 Citizen of the Year Award winner said. "We enjoy Christmas meals together and attend church at Melville Presbyterian Church." Christmas for Elaine starts weeks in advance as she is involved with several different church initiatives focused on giving at Christmas. "I co-ordinate the Samaritan's shoeboxes which are sent to children in need and set up the mitten tree for our church, which goes to the Huron County Christmas Bureau." Armstrong explained that the shoe box initiative, called Operation Christmas Child and run through Samaritan's Purse, sees packed shoe boxes delivered to children in third - world countries, as well as closer to home. "We also work with the Huron • May your season be aglow wits enlightenment and joy. For your kind patronage we are sincerely thankful. CI O Scott Mc General Carp For all your construction needs Fi • iiJ 11 42475 Moncrieff Rd., R.R. #2 Blyth, ON NOM 1H0 519.955.1215 County Food Bank," she said. "I also run the Sunday School Christmas concert. I get the plan ready for them." Her involvement at the church keeps her busy right up until Christmas Eve when she and her family attend a Christmas service. Armstrong's family includes her husband Brian, son and daughter-in- law David and Stephanie and their children, son Chris and daughter-in- law Holly and their children, son Richard and daughter-in-law Stephanie and their children and daughter Laura and son-in-law Peter. When it comes to Christmas, the Armstrong family goes "all in" according to Elaine, and said that one of their first traditions, when her children were younger, was that each would receive a new ornament every year. That tradition has continued with the grandchildren putting one ornament per day on the family's `Advent' tree. "They aren't here every day, so sometimes we need to do some catch-up, but it's fun," Elaine said. "We would also read The Night Before Christmas." The Advent tree is only one of three special holiday trees put up for Christmas. The second tree, a traditional tree with ornaments marking family events and cherished memories, is now put up by Elaine's daughter Laura. Elaine's angel tree also goes up, featuring her collection of different angels she has acquired over the years. "The first angel I bought for our first Christmas as a family cost $2.27 which wasn't inexpensive," she said. Elaine also has a family tradition revolving around Christmas clocks that she sets up throughout the house. "My children don't like it, but my grandchildren think the set-up is great," she said. Elaine explained that she sets up three different kinds of clocks: one that chimes, one that plays Christmas carols and one that plays the Nutcracker ballet theme. She Continued on page 11 • 0' Come, �tQIs,4dore(Him In this time of joy our remembrance of His birth, we join you in prayer and celebration, offering our hopes for a world filled with peace and love. Best wishes for a healthy, happy holiday. Dan, Heather and family thank you for your patronage in the past year. We wish to extend a heartfelt Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Dan's Auto Repair Westfield 519-523-4356 *** **** TFLM11� DRAINAGE 1 ALILA.V JIL1.• Walton, Ontario 519-887-6428 (Shop) 519-524-3543 (Ron) 519-955-1588 (Chad) Happy Holidays from our family to yours. We're proud to serve this community. Ron & Betty Chad & Crystal RISTITIOS M20 MAY McCONVILLE OMNI insurance brokers ltd. 1 Nib • FARM • HOME • AUTO • • BUSINESS • LIFE • • DISABILITY • Your Insurance Broker Understands 1-877-839-3742 www.omnibrokers.ca With joy in our hearts, we extend our warm wishes to you and your family for a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We appreciate your continued loyal support. CLINTON 8 Isaac St., Box 158 Clinton, ON NOM 1L0 519-482-3434 Fax: 519-482-1491 GODERICH 46 East St., Goderich, ON N7A 1W3 519-524-9899 Fax: 519-524-9699 4.0 LUCKNOW 634 Campbell St., Box 389 Lucknow, ON NOG 2H0 519-528-3824 Fax: 519-528-2531 444i7v a .,