Anten Mills by Dennis Gannon
Do You Want to Build a Snowman? If you remember the movie, Frozen, then you will recognize that those words were part of the song by the same name that almost every parent and grandparent heard repeatedly from the children. Now, generally we can make a good snowman when we have nice wet packing snow and when we had that nice snow dumping a couple of weeks ago, the snow was perfect to build a snowman. We don’t usually see a snowman at this time of the year but if you drive along the east end of Horseshoe Valley Road in the community, you will see that the Laycock’s have created not only a snowman, but one that is at least 15 feet tall and well crafted. There was a large snowman most of the winter at their home but this one wins the award. Take the drive and check it out before Spring arrives on Monday with some warmer temperatures. Looking at the long range weather forecast we still seem to have fluctuating temperatures but hopefully we will be on the plus side of 0 celsius soon.
While Spring is in our headlights we can almost be thinking about gardening and the return of our pollinators. Recently an article was published about a grass roots Canada wide program called the Fly Home Project. This environmental initiative is designed to give away seeds to interested people and community groups to support the work of vital species of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Last year the group gave away milkweed seeds to promote a home for the monarch butterfly. This year the organization is providing seeds for Black Eyed Susans. To find out more about the work of the group and to get your free seeds check them out at flyhomeproject.ca.
Springwater Township is also looking to assist pollinators with the No Mow May project. This project asks that homeowners let their lawns get a little greener and longer during the month of May so that pollinators find shelter and food so that they don’t starve before the summer season begins. Springwater will have more information about what they will be doing and asking in the coming weeks.
After months and a year of watching, Fibre High Speed internet has finally come to Anten Mills. What started in the fall of 2021 and saw work slowly make its way through the village this past Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter now seems to be somewhat complete. This past week representatives from Bell dropped notices off in mailboxes announcing the fibre internet was now available. Checking the Bell website you can put your address in and see what services are available at your location. The fastest speed that Bell offers seems to be Gigabit Fibe 3.0 which gamers would rejoice with. Many people in the community who were working from home found our community speeds very slow so hopefully this will help out immensely. Comments on the Anten Mills Community Facebook page from a few who have already upgraded seem to be positive so far. Check it out if you are looking to increase your internet connection.
The Rope Flow sessions on Monday afternoons are going well and the participants are enjoying the new exercise program. This is a core based program and is beneficial as you do what you can and the ability to modify is easy. There are some misconceptions about individuals’ abilities needed to participate. There is no jumping involved and if you have difficulties with your shoulders, there is no need to worry as it is in fact a way to regain some range of motion. The group meets Monday afternoons at 4:30 in the community centre. For your first visit all you need is a skipping rope if you have one and a desire to watch and learn.
Another couple of activities that are happening regularly are Thursday evening euchre which seems to be increasing in attendance. It begins at 7 PM and all are welcome. Sunday morning PlayGroup is going strong and will resume next Sunday, March 26 at 10. Watch the community Facebook page for details.
Easter is just a few weeks away and the Anten Mills Community Recreation Association is pleased to continue the tradition of the Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday April 8. The organizers are in the planning stages and while not confirmed as yet, there will likely be a Bunny Run of two different lengths for the kids to participate in. Along with that there will be the Easter Egg hunt for the different age groups. Volunteers and donations are appreciated so if you can help or donate please contact me or any member of the Anten Mills CRA. More details will be available in the next edition as well as on Facebook.
Tomorrow, Friday March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you are Irish or not, it’s a great day to celebrate. As this is it for this week’s edition, Thank you for Reading, Be Well and as the Irish Blessing goes, May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face: the rain fall soft upon your field and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
