Although it was a little chilly, last Wednesday was the perfect night for hot chocolate, caroling and decorating Orono’s community Christmas tree. At the gazebo on the library lawn Bonnie Wilson with the help of some friends led everyone in song.
For the past 10 years, every other Friday Bingo has been a regular fundraiser for the Orono United Church. With a record attendance, the annual Christmas Bingo held on Friday, December 13 – was sadly, the last. Thank you to the Orono Bingo Committee for their time and dedication. Pictured front row (LtoR): Harry Van Staveren, Joan Sutcliffe, Gavin Gunn, Jane Ann Tillson and Brian Colville. Back row (LtoR): Pamela Werry, Millie Van Staveren, Charlene Perrin, Joan Moffat, Laurie Heard, Ruth Gray and Norm Tillson.
Orono Arena was the scene of a Public Information Centre hosted by the Ministry of Transportation on Thursday evening. The purpose of the event was to discuss the Preliminary Design and Environmental Assessment Study for the interchange of highway 35 and 115.
Kurt Swinghammer, a remarkably prolific Canadian artist, musician and composer based in Toronto, spent formative years in Newcastle in the early 1970’s, attending Clarke High School. His father was in the OPP and with every promotion came another move for the family, this time to Newcastle.
On December 9, the final stretch of Highway 407 and Highway 418 opened to drivers, connecting Highway 407 from the new Highway 418 to Highway 35/115. Highway 418 will provide another north/ south connection from Highway 407 to Highway 401.
Orono Public School had a great time on Thursday, December 5 at the Peterborough Petes game, and they did an amazing job of singing O’ Canada. Teacher and choir director, Mrs. Winslow is very proud of her group.
Growing up in a town so small, nothing really changes. The people you went to high school with, you also went to pre-school with. Not many move away, and if they do, they often make their way back to raise their families – as I did. When someone new comes; it’s usually for good.
Little changes day to day, and everybody seems to know everything about everyone’s life. When something happens, the best part about living in a small town comes out: people are there to wrap their arms around each other.
The Orono Figure Skating Club’s Sunday morning Adult program has been a huge hit,” according to Kaiti Boundy, OFS president.
It is interesting catching up with Jim Richards. Former activist and outspoken environmentalist, he has started to relax and stay home.