Times Advocate, 1994-12-7, Page 23UNITYTimesAti‘vocate, December 7, 1994 Page 23
Selected for national program
EXETER - Reeve Bill Mickle an-
nounced Monday evening that Ex-
eter has been chosen as one of the
municipalities across the country to
take part in a Canada in Bloom fed-
eral project.
Exeter, said Mickle, will he a rep-
resentative of municipalities under
5,000 population. Stratford will be
representing municipalities under
30,000.
Mickle said he knew little of the
program, except that a federal com-
mittee would be visiting the town
in the fall for judging. The scenic
garden project should he well under
way, and the entranceway project
will have been completed, but
Mickle said the opportunity is there
to do more.
"This town can pull together and
make a real nice appearance," said
Mickle, adding it could put Exeter
on the "leading edge" of municipal
beautification.
"Hopefully...we can make this
town something to he proud of," he
said.
BILL HASKETT
Ac/rie‘ xday
Funeral Home
Limited
370 William Street,
Exeter, Ontario
(519) 235-1220
DAN HOUI,E
Christmas Mourning
By Dr. Phil Johnson
You can manage Christmas, or any other holiday, after the death of a
loved one. It's not always easy. But it is possible. How you deal with
this emotionally charged time of year will depend on the stage of grief
You're in. We all grieve in our own way and at our own pace. Accord-
ing to the American Institute of Stress, Christmas is the most stressful
time of year. It triggers our deepest feelings and our most vivid memo-
ries. Here are some suggestions to help you make it through Christ-
mas.
• Keep your family traditions. Like going to the Christmas Eve Can-
dlelight service or having a big turkey dinner or singing carols. In my
family each member opened one present on Christmas Eve. If cele-
brating in the same way is too painful, consider starting a new tradi-
tion.
• Talk about your past. Reminisce with family and friends about your
loved one. Talk about what life was like with them. Author James Mat-
thew Barrie wrote that "God gives us memory so that we may have
roses in December."
• Let your tears flow. Crying can release your sadness. A woman I
know seemed to be all right until she asked her family at their Christ-
mas Dinner who wanted pudding or pie. When her son replied, "Both",
just like her husband, the tears suddenly appeared.
• Write a letter. A personal letter to your loved one gives you a private
opportunity to express your feelings that may include guilt, loneliness,
sadness and anger. Many find this exercise indicates feelings that per-
haps would never be verbalized.
• Honour Your loved one. In my congregation a family honoured their+
young sons death by giving a manger scene to the church. Some'fnPh
ilies place a Christmas ornament on the Christmas tree as a sign of re-
membrance.
• Re -focus your attention. Put your energy into helping someone
else, supporting a cause or filling a community need. Make someone
else's holiday brighter. You may be surprised to receive more than you
give.
People have told me that the first Christmas without their loved one
was probably the most difficult. Fortunately, time often heals, even
though Christmas will never be the same.
May you and those you love be blessed with the peace of Christmas.
The Rev. Dr. Johnson is a United Church minister and the author of
Goodbye Mom, Goodbye, and Time-Outl Restoring Your Passion for
Life, Love and Work.
et! ON tM'O r uNE RAI.
SErMCE ASSOC MIPON
OnoancrNM
HOPPER HOCKEY FUNERAL HOME
Enter. OnA*rie
•
Hensall Public School
students, left, sang
carols for the ninth
annual lighting of the
Christmas Tree in
Hensall Sunday evening.
The ceremony, attended
by many residents,
marked the official start
of the holiday season in
the village. Santa Claus,
shown above, paraded a
flock of adoring children
down Hensall's King
Street Sunday evening
after the tree lighting.
He led them down tc
the arena for hot
chocolate and
free public
skating.
yogewiRgovormvpvglommislygmi.
Fresh Cut
Christmas . Trees
• Scotch Pine
• Blue Spruce
• White Spruce
• Fraser Fir
• Balsam Fir
M & L Veri
Christmas Trees
(in front of Exeter Produce)
Hwy. #83 West, Exeter
Open: Mon. - Thurs - noon - 6 p.m.
Fri. - noon'- 9 p.m.
Sat. & Sun -10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
t's Time to
Send Your
Christmas
Greetings
All you have to do is complete the handy coupon
below and make sure it reaches us.
Let over
18,000
readers see
your
Christmas
Greeting
. is . • . • • • . No ..•••••• Is No • moon No . . • . • • .'.. • .... .
Mail to: My Christmas Greeting is...
Times Advocate
Box 850,
Exeter, Ont.
NOM 1S6
.
■
■ Address
■
■
■
■
■
■
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD:
Master Card •
❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑❑ Card No. ❑ Visa ❑
Cheque Enclosed ID up to 25 words $7.00 Additional words 100 each
▪ ❑ Dec. 14 edition LI Dec. 21 edition ❑ Both editions $9 ;