Honouring three generations of military service
A poignant presentation was made to a long-time local family at the Norwood Legion’s annual honour and awards night held on Saturday.
Don Johnston, a well-known village resident, was to receive his service pin for 60 years continuous membership in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 300 Norwood, but sadly he died Oct. 25, a little more than week before awards night.
On Don’s behalf his granddaughter Elli accepted his pin with her father Ken and grandmother Doris by her side. The Johnston family has a long tradition of military service; Don served with the Royal Canadian Navy in the mid-1950s; one of his stations included time aboard the HMCS Quebec as a Radar Technician during several deployments. His eldest son Ken served with the Royal Canadian Air Force for more than 36 years, and his granddaughter, Ellie joined the RCAF in 2010 and is currently serving with 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Trenton, making three generation of the Johnston family in service to their country.
The Norwood Legion presenting a host of other worthy individuals with a number of awards and commendations during their annual awards night, however their stories will be the subject of next week’s column.
The Legion will be holding traditional services at our local cenotaphs on Saturday for Remembrance Day. Westwood services will be held first this year at 9 a.m. Norwood services will start at 11 a.m. followed by refreshments at the branch.
Santa Claus parade
The official start to the holiday season in Norwood, their Santa Clause Parade will roll down the village streets on Nov. 25. This year’s theme is Families Come Together. Organizations and families are encouraged to show their Christmas spirit by entering a festive float in the parade. Contact Pam in the town office soon to find out how the register at 705-639-5343.
Movie night
A free Christmas themed movie night is planned for Nov. 17 in the Norwood Town Hall, 2357 County Rd 45 starting at 6 p.m. The featured movie will be the animated Santa’s Apprentice were Santa must choose his replacement from the thousands of children called Nicholas. All ages are welcome, bring the kids and a couple of blankets and settle in to enjoy the show. Come hungry as hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided by the Norwood Lions Club, children under 12 dine for free, and for adults it is $6 with the proceeds going to help Norwood’s Summer Youth Camp. Diners dinner
The next Norwood Community Care Diners Dinner will be held Nov. 14 at noon in the Norwood United Church (at the lights). Get a few friends together and enjoy some good food, a little fellowship and usually some entertainment or an interesting guest speaker. Call the Community Care office at 705639-6531 to let them know you are coming.
Bridal fashion show
A unique fundraising fashion show featuring a large selection of historical and vintage wedding dresses aptly called “Brides through the years” is taking place at Island Park Retirement Residence, 18 Trent Drive Campbellford on Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. Admission is by donation with the proceeds earmarked to help fund the building of a hurricane proof home for a struggling family in the Dominican Republic. Refreshments will follow.
Pleasant Meadow Manor
Pleasant Meadow Manor, 99 Alma St., is hosting their annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and find a tasty treat or two from the bake table or a unique Christmas gift from the craft table and make sure to try your luck at their raffle table. All proceeds will be used to ensure that all the residents receive a present this Christmas.
Living Christmas tree
A bus trip has been organized to go and hear the living Christmas tree at the Lindsay Presbyterian church on Nov. 25 (performance starts at 4:30 p.m.). Reserve your spot to see this unique presentation, where the choir is organized in the shape of a Christmas Tree by calling Annalene Miles at 639-2093 or 705930-9570.
Tree and Twilight Festival
The Asphodel-Norwood Historical Society will present a Tree and Twilight Festival at the Norwood Town Hall from Dec. 1 to 3. The holiday themed fundraiser for the society will transform the town hall into a festive forest of decorated Christmas trees and décor and will kick off with a Gala Evening on Dec. 1 featuring tasty appetizers and musical entertainment. Tickets for the gala are $15 and are available in advance only. The second day of the festival Dec. 2 features a Christmas Market and a Children’s Tea Party in the Northwoods. The final day, Dec. 3 will feature a hearty lunch and tea; tickets are available for $8 in advance only. Local businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to sponsor and provide a tree, donate a door prize or sponsor one of the events. For more information call Paula Warr at 705-772-0136 or Brenda Bullock at 705-837-2064.