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Y Yes Virginia, Midland does have a Santa Claus by Dugmar Kanzler The ringing of reindeer bells grows louder and louder - twenty cherubic heads turn expectantly to the door. There's a booming '"'ho-ho-ho"' on the other side of the door, ddenly it's flung open r a robust figure in red Qgnd white stands framed in the doorway. Twenty pairs of eyes light up in delight. Santa Claus* has arrived! With bells still ringing, Santa does a little jump and dance, then plops himself smack in the middle of the circle of the kindergarten students. "T usually sit on the floor with them first," explained Santa Claus one free afternoon. 'And then I'll go to a chair and talk to each one of the little ones individually." "But," he stresses, '"'I never promise them anything." Herb Carpenter has been hoisting Midland's Santa Claus faithful (and those who are still young enough to want to believe) onto his knees for the last 16 years. And no, neither his knees nor his arms hurt after a good day's workout. "T wouldn't do it if I didn't get a kick out of it," Santa explains matter-of- factly. "'Some days I will have 200 to 300 on my knees but I just love them all." "T feel really that one of the most rewarding things a person can do is get out and work with kids." One leg of Santa's red suit is though worn quite smooth - not at all sur- prising after 14 years of brightening the Midland Christmas scene. For the first two years he did rent a costume, "but I had to go out with a needle and thread all the time to keep it together,"' that prompted the Mrs. to whip nine yards of sumptious red velvet into a most presentable suit for Santa. And to com- plete the authenticity of the outfit, Herb Carpenter made sure his wig, beard and "moustache were™ made of the real thing (human hair, that is). " The Santa Claus role is a very real thing tor tnis fatherly gentleman. Barely five minutes into the "exclusive" interview and out comes the The nursery school class at the YMCA had a surprise visitor last week. You pearances at kin- 'dergartens, -- elementary grades. the YMCA, company Christmas parties....the list goes on guessed it, it was Santa Claus. Games way headgear, the 100 year old bells and chimes which originally belonged to Carpenter's mother's farm, and the throaty, all- and on....that bookings are taken as early as July or August. The week before season is literally ex- pected to be everywhere at once. With the faithful assistance of Mrs. "Claus" he does however Is it really Him? were quickly discarded as Santa en- tered the room and all eyes turned his Staff photo manage to accommodate all requests. 'By the time Christmas rolls around, I'm usually too beat to move around much," "School, it fell to someone to be Santa and I was it." Now Santa is "in such demand for ap- pistmas Plessings ( May this holy holiday shine down its blessings on all our neighbors, friends. Thanks for the kindness shown to us. Compliments of Christmas-is though the busiest and the om- nipresent spirit of the too-familiar Santa laugh. "I'm really the biggest clown in the world," comes from behind the cloud of white. Car- penter's eyes twinkle - yes Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus. There's no doubt that this Santa puts all he has - and then some - into reaffirming the belief of Midland's young. You get to the stage where you don't mind doing it at all, the more you get into it, the easier it becomes, Carpenter admits. And after 16 years, it has become second nature. The usual Sunday school circuit is how it all started sixteen years ago. **My kids went to Sunday Carpenter admits but the contented smile almost v7! im | fa: ; 4 A 4 \ Holy Night ore May the Spirit of Christmas. which is Peace fill your hearts with love and contentment this Holiday Sea- son The Lahnsteiners and Management and Staff Ludwig Motors ELMVALE Glory Midland-Penetang Ironworks Limited Ler the Divine Light that shone brightly upon the shepherds on the day of our Saviour's birth {ESS bring joy to you and your family this season. T.R. McKENZIE Esso Agent belies his fatigue. And there are the memories. Recollections of tugs at the beard snuck in when cherubs presumed Santa wasn't looking, innocent gazes fixed on a_ story-book character that had suddenly come to life, the little girl who gave Santa a nickel (her only money) so he could buy himself something for Christmas. And then, just last week, the little girl who asked Santa to pray that her grandfather, hospitalized with a Stroke. would be better by Christmas "If that doesn't bring tears to your eyes...."" says Santa and I can see that it did With only a few days left in his agenda of visits, the 5,000 lollipops pur- chased at the beginning of the Santa season are dwindling, as is Santa's Stamina But his knowledge of what toys are in hot demand this season is at its peak. As early as September or October Carpenter makes sure he has the depart- ment store catalogues on hand so that he can start acquainting himself with this year's flow of new products Santa Clausing is We would walk miles to wish you the best of the Christmas season. We appreciate your coming to us and we hope that we will always be fit to help you. Ces and Georgette MAILLOUX'S omen 3 Simcoe St., Penetanguishene unquestionably more than a two week job. "I'll stop when I don't enjoy it any more,"' says Santa in closing the interview Judging by the gusto and dedication of this Santa Claus a few more generations' faith in Santa will be kept intact be sure of your spring fertilizer Be prepared for the spring fertilizer buying rush... avoid it! Buy your CO-OP* fertilizer now and have your spring supply ready when you need it save too. Product taken in December guaranteed at $3.50 below spring prices. You can also order your bulk fertilizer at a set price. Call us to- day. SIMCOE CO-OP SERVICES 259 Innisfil St. Barrie 726-6531 "A Pleasant Place to Deal" P.O. Box 518 John M. Gammell, B.A. and Gregory A. Rice, B.A., L.L.B,, wish to announce that as of Dec. 16, 1976, they will continue the practice of law as partners under the firm name of GAMMELL & RICE 298 First St., Midland and, Ont. L4R 413 [oe a 526-9353 Elmvale a = May the Blessings of the Le with you this Christmas Season and alorays. Gene, June and Staff MINNINGS ELECTRIC 322-1307 Holy Child ee ee ee ee * ( Best wishes for a joyous Noel to all our wonderful friends. May the best of the holiday season be yours! ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Branch 68 - Penetanguishene " service directory kd Town of Midland ONTARIO AN INVITATION Members of the Midland Municipal Council will be considering appointments to Its various Boards and Committees early in the New Year. An invitation is extended to those citizens, except employees of the Municipality, who are interested in serving on any Board or Committee to so signify by notifying the undersigned on or before January 3rd, 1977. Clerk, Town of Midland Wm. A. Hack, ARCHER COLWILL HOME SERVICE _ AARONMAR KENNELS REG'D Dogs Boarded R.R. 3 Elmvale County Rd. 23, 1 Mile East of Waverley 322-2915 Drywall Problems? Insulation Boarding Taping Spraying Handmade Ceilings 20 yr. experience Call Louis 526-7251 Dusome Building Products specializing in Alcan Aluminium Siding, Troughs and Windows 549-8597 Box 240 Penetanguishene HOME HOME SERVICE SERVICE Authorized Quality Carpet les sere lectrolux Care Centre ( Canada) Limited STEAM ry alt a are brancn CLEANING Pa tel: (705) 728-3392 also require full or part time UPHOLSTERY sales person CLEANING Shoes Da ee REYNOLDS ELECTRIC Wyevale Wiring - Plumbing FREE estimates Heating Pickup & Delivery 322-2300 Residential and commercial MINNINGS Peeutarg svi anes ELECTRIC Elmvale Electrical Contractor BELANGER 322-1307 ALUMINUM SALES Specializing in Aluminum Siding Soffit and Face Board Windows, Doors, 5" Seamless Eavestrough Harrison Metal Works For Free Estimates on Aluminum Windows Doors-Siding-Awnings Patio Doors and INSULATION in choice of 4colours Insulated Glass Les! sci» Phone Eollect ot nepe Sales, Service, Rapaire : : ' . Blown eLoose 338 Eighth St. - Midian Vinden St. 526-6 Barrie, Ontario 726-8904 -- Auctioneer*Appraiser eBatts eStyrafoam \ al eMicafill Selling Successful Sales Since 1957 Sear ter | 526-8573 evenings ELECTRICAL INSURANCE / TV TOWER DUTCHER& Steak y 4--I0ft. Section __ BUMSTEAD'S CORBETT LTD. here is no more appropriate time than the Pipe and Rotor Electric & Plumbing INSURANCE MERRY CHRISTMAS | ; . ca nmrnewa,, | srveanoa Holiday Season to say Thank You" and express our sincere pipet it dil 322-2613 322-1533 ' a on the marke Wyevale, Ontario Fred Harpell May the holidays fill us, appreciation for the confidence you have placed in us and Includes. : young and old, with the wonder of SB and FM childhood. Best wishes the opportunities you have given us to serve you. pie a iad pe per oe MORTGAGES - .00, : _and thanks to our good neighbors. iin tices atl Telephone FINANCIAL LIVINGSTON'SM n W May the coming year be a Happy and Healthful one for or repairs a rare ENTERPRISES e S @ar made to any make, ge 5 Mortgage Brokers : . any season te) 225 King St., Midland you and your loved ones. JAMES WOOD industria Phone 726.7130 526-6581 322-1880 Hillsdale, Ontario es. Wednesday, December 22, 1976, Page 11 i a i A A hh ee ee ee ee