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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times-Advocate, 2002-11-20, Page 31HENSALL - Looking for something different in a Christmas House Tour? Tinker Tots Nursery School in Hensall has just the ticket for you - Christmas at Our House. As part of their 25th anniversary celebrations, Tinker Tots is hosting a tour featuring homes, the revitalized library, the Presbyterian church and the nursery school. The tour is planned on Nov. 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The difference is that these homes and loca- tions are decorated by the owners and the groups themselves with ideas that you can incorporate in your own home - not a flight of fancy that may have you wondering about cost and time. The century red brick home with pillars is what caught Butch and Sharon Hoffman’s eye when they viewed the house in 1969. The Petty family, one of the co-founders of Hensall (and distant rela- tions), built the home in the late 1800’s. The house has a study com- plete with a ceramic coal burning fireplace and pocket doors in the living and dining rooms. The original woodwork and hardwood enhances the tasteful mix of family heirlooms and modern furnishings to make this a warm and inviting home which hosts many visi- tors. Just a kilometer outside of Hensall is the home of Al and Sylvia Heyink. The 20 year old bungalow is a comfortable farmhouse for the couple and their three energetic boys, as well as the converted garage serving as Sylvia’s business location for Wave Lengths Hair Design since 1991. A beautiful pine ceiling is the feature of the living and dining rooms, com- plementing the pine trim throughout the house and the very appealing decor. At Christmas time, the three large decorated blue spruce trees in front of their home provide a striking scene. Inside, the main tree is accented with navy, burgundy and gold. Their sons provide the decorations for a chil- dren’s tree. Tucked cozily on Nelson Street is the gem of Hensall - the Carmel Presbyterian Church. Built in 1893, originally as a Methodist Church, in 1925 at the time of church union it became home to the Presbyterian congregation. Its mem- bership of welcoming folks have experienced many changes over the years and are currently blessed with the full time pulpit supply of Tracey Whitson-Bahro. Craftsmanship is evident in the beautiful curved seats and lofty gallery. The stain glass is simple and superb, glorifying the peacefulness of the church. Keeping with the graceful beauty of the church it will be decorat- ed with poinsettias, grapevines and natural elements. Val and George Pratt’s lives are busy - three chil- dren, three cats, a dog and two businesses, all living and working out of a large yellow brick 1890’s home. Purchased seven years ago to accommodate their grow- ing family, they added a new kitchen, bathroom and den, and most recently a pool and deck area. For 41 years this house was known as the Rowe House where Earl Rowe kept an extensive perennial and vegetable garden. The slate mansard roof is still intact and Val’s artistic ability is on display with her choice of colours to enhance the beautiful woodwork and hardwood floors in the home. Whimsically deco- rated with many unique Christmas pieces geared to children, there is a sur- prise around every cor- ner. Reopened in 2001, the newly expanded and ren- ovated Hensall Library is a testament to community spirit. With more than 750 hours of volunteer labour from the Friends of the Hensall Library, the Hensall & District Kinsmen and others, this project was completed quickly and below budget. As early as the 1890’s there was a library in Hensall which gained its permanent home in the Town Hall in 1915, a year after the Italianate style building was completed. Following municipal amalgamations in 2000, the Friends were given the go-ahead from Bluewater Council to pro- ceed with this project which would entail more than doubling the space while maintaining a decor reflective of the original era. The handsome fire- place and comfortable reading area are very popular but for the small- er folk, the children’s area with a playful wall mural by Darene Yavorsky is the place to be. Decorated as an Old Fashioned Christmas, the library will be reminiscent of times past. Aimee and Gary Parsons knew immediate- ly upon the realtor show- ing them the 100 year old house there was no need to search further - they had found their nest. A former car garage had been modified into a cozy sunken family room with a fireplace and gothic window. The renovated kitchen is a spacious bright room with a wall of floor to ceiling windows. A discovery of an authen- tic pine floor spurred a renovation of the dining room restoring the floor to it’s original state. While many may feel that older homes mean never-end- ing updates, the Parsons appreciate that vintage homes offer characteris- tics that make them unique - like their distinc- tive stained glass win- dows. Tinker Tots feels that 25 years of nursery school in Hensall is something to be proud of - so they’re cele- brating this year! Newly relocated in the heritage Carmel Presbyterian Church Hall, the nursery school is having a boom- ing year. To salute fami- lies with children and their importance in our community, the nursery school will be decorated as a “Kids Christmas”. The little hands of the students are busy helping prepare for this special event and time of year. Who doesn’t remember that wonderful excite- ment of Christmas as a child? Take time to admire all of the little touches while you enjoy your Christmas Tea included in the ticket. There are only 500 tick- ets available for sale, call Jen McClinchey, house tour co-ordinator, 263- 2533 and come home to Hensall for Christmas. Wednesday, November 20, 2002 31Exeter Times–Advocate Sharon and Butch Hoffman of Hensall, stand on the front porch of their home they have decorated as part of the “Christmas at our Home tour.” As well as various homes in Hensall,the Presbyterian church,the Library and the Tinker Tots nursery school will be taking part in the tour Nov.29 and 30th.(photo/Pat Bolen) Christmas tour features renovated library,church,homes ACW finishes Chrismon symbols By H. Davis SAINTSBURY CORRESPONDENT SAINTSBURY - On Nov. 12 the women of St. Patrick’s church met at 10 a.m. at Hazel Davis’ home for an A.C.W. meet- ing. They enjoyed coffee and muffins and watched a video of the A.C.W. 2000 annual meeting at St. Paul’s Cathedral enti- tled ‘Embracing Diversity’. They said the ‘Member’s Prayer’ in unison. Viola Atkinson led a prayer remembering the sick, especially Mary Atkinson. A prayer for God’s bless- ing was led by Stevie MacGillivray. Margaret Carroll led a prayer for the work of the church. Hazel Davis led in a short message which had been the theme at the Diocesan Retreat in Walkerton entitled ‘Ruth and Naomi: Friends’. Heather MacGillivray read the minutes of the last meeting. The Chrismon Symbols com- pleted over the past months were on display. They will adorn the trees at St. Patrick’s church for Advent and the Christmas season. A.C.W. Sunday will be held Nov. 23 at the Reign of Christ Service at St. Patrick’s. The work of the women in the parish will be recognized along with the last Sunday of the Christian Year. Letters of thanks were read from the Daily Bread program for money received from last month’s A.C.W. meeting. Hazel Davis gave an account of Great Chapter and a letter was read from the Perth Deanery representative. An update was given of the Diocesan A.C.W. Council members and representatives. A Christmas concert is planned on Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. with hotdogs and goodies before the con- cert at 7:15 p.m. Santa will also visit. The Christmas Eve ser- vice will be held Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m. The group sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Margaret Carroll who is celebrating on Sunday. The collection will be sent to Huron Church Camp. The December Christmas meeting will be held early in December. A report of bales was sent to the group’s Prayer Partner in northern Ontario. Hazel Davis attended the Council meeting of the Anglican Church Women at Huron Church House on Nov. 13. On Nov. 16 St. Patrick’s congregation celebrated the Compline service at 6:30 p.m. with Margaret Carroll leading assisted by Suzanne Davis. Katie- Scarlett and Caleb MacGillivray read the scripture lessons. The focus and message was entitled ‘Taking Risks’. Choir practice followed the service in preparation for next week’s worship. The Carrolls were din- ner guests with daughter Brenda and family on Sunday evening to cele- brate mother and grand- mother Margaret’s birth- day. Crowds roll into the Exeter recreation center looking for bargains at the South Huron Auxiliary rummage sale and auction.The semi-annual auction was held Oct. 23 at 7 pm and Oct. 24 at 9 a.m.The auction required 150 volunteers to stage, and raised just over $8,000 again this year with all funds going to patient care at the hospital.Treasurer Lee Thomas said they were quite happy with the results and the high school students were a big help.(photo/Pat Bolen) AAuuxxiilliiaarryy RRuummmmaaggee SSaallee POLICE BRIEFS Police charge man with assault with weapon HENSALL – Huron OPP were called to an apartment complex on King St. in Hensall on Nov. 10 at midnight. A 44-year-old man got into an argu- ment with an 18-year-old Hensall man about money owed. The older man was allegedly struck with a blunt object causing a head injury. He was treated in hospital. Lee Elson was charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a con- trolled substance after a small amount of suspected marijuana was found on him during his arrest. He is to appear in Exeter court Jan. 23.