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christmas is special the tribune wednesday december si ugl a stouffville christmas has always been pretty much the same says eighty- seven year old george styles a time for friends and family to get together and share each others company george who now stays at green gables manor in stouffville was born in england and came to canada when he was only seven speaking about christmasses past george feels folks were friendlier in those days people were much more neighborly back then he said they would never lock their doors or turn anyone away without a meal he added that when he lived in toronto a few years back he didnt even know those living next door as far as gifts go george claims there is no comparison between christmas now and then its undoubtedly better now he said just look at the toys children receive today he also feels christmas has become too commercialized the big stores start advertising weeks in advance he said and theyre only doing it for their own cause george noted it was not always easy to arrange family gatherings back in those days as they often lived many miles apart residing in the parry sound district with his family of six george explained that times were pretty hard most people were very poor living from hand to mouth he said but we would do the best we could and always exchanged a gift of some kind he added when he was a boy he usually received an apple or an orange in his stocking we also made our own entertainment said george everyone would get together for a square dance which would end with the singing of christmas carols according to george that is one thing that hasnt changed the carols now are much the same as they were in my day he said the tradition of putting up a tree at christmas is another that hasnt changed over the years we used to go out in the bush and cut our own said george then the children would decorate it of course we didnt have electric lights back then but they would make fancy things out of paper and always put a star on top christmas dinner is another thing that hasnt changed ac cording to george a large meal was always enjoyed it wasnt as heavy as todays but bigger than usual he said we wouldnt have turkey like now either usually venison with potatoes vegetables and pie for dessert as george puts it christmas is still pretty much the same a time for friends and family to get together and celebrate the birth of jesus christ successful dear editor our thanks to the rotary club of rich mond hill on dec 3 and 4 the third annual tv auction was held once again and proved to be a very successful event to all involved- families and friends of rotarians community people who kept the telephones ringing and the staff at classicomm tv we express our appreciation the phoenix program of the york centre for learning disabilities will receive the proceeds on behalf of the young people and their families thank you very much sincerely alice frey executive director the york centre for learning disabilities l jjmm1jiihviii iuuiuot 0m0w mjukium starts friday fri sat 79 sun thurs 8 pm if wonderful comedy time bandits pg heres charlie editors mail happy to pay share don harron alias charlie farquhar- son well known actor comedian and author was in stouffville saturday to autograph his most recent publication 1982 town and country appointment book now available at john lords book store on main street east mr lord is shown here with charlie along with carol rae of stouffville greg coates dear mr thomas mayor eldred kings suggestion that recreational fees be equalized is fine in theory however in practice it wont work nor should it when we sign our son up for hockey we realize the cost involved and were more than happy to pay our share if the fee goes beyond our means our son can always turn to bowling we do not expect financial help from parents whose sons and daughters play softball and soccer besides im sure a survey would show that many of the same kids play both at least a summer and a winter sport of some kind i feel the powers that be should endeavor to keep the fee schedule within reason regardless of the ac tivity when the rate threatens to go beyond reason then a greater share will have to be carried by the taxpayer sincerdv michael woods stouffville rr 2 contentment bloom driqrltly throliqilout a coiorfui christmas allans shell service rr 1 gormley 8881041 merry christmas from stouffville sales service 6401814 cbci5tma5 ho ho ho its that time again were glad to say hope you have a very happy day thanks for your patronage from leo jean jim gary claremont 6492083 brock central f jvjay this holiday be filled with adventure and excitement from beginning to end from the management ouararrtjd cam ohm vlm 81 main st w stouffville telephone 6404000 one more than you got bef ore cet 2 free replacement films with every roll of colour print film brought into any photoking store photoking j has got your best shot r 0rff rtc from dec 10 ini to jan i lj 206 wellington w markham 2945614 over 50 locations tnrougnout ontario to serve you better commission and staff of markham hydro extend to all best wishes for the holiday season town of markham hydro electric commission 60 bullock drive markham ontario up 3p2 telephone 2343810 chairman o h cockburn vice chairman dvmcnabb commissioner alma m walker commissioner wiluam l burnett commissioner mayor anthony roman