Anten Mills by Dennis Gannon
ANTEN MILLS
by Dennis Gannon
We are almost three weeks into the month of July and overall it has been a good summer so far. There have been some very warm days and sufficient rain to keep the grass green and the gardens blooming. Last Wednesday when the remnants of Hurricane Beryl came through, over 2 inches of rain was recorded here in Anten Mills. Fortunately the weather has not resulted in any local fire restrictions which is nice.
On Saturday morning a group of great volunteers gathered at the community centre to help do the monthly cleanup at the Anniversary Garden. Only three short years ago with the great donations of the community, the garden was planted. It has grown phenomenally with lots of plants for our pollinators. If you haven’t seen the garden lately, take a walk over and check it out for yourself. It makes a great backdrop for your photos.
In a past edition it was noted that the township was going to paint lines on the multipurpose pad for pickleball. The lines have been installed and players are welcome to use it on a first come first serve basis. No equipment has been supplied so you will need to bring your own including a net. If there are enough local players who wish to set up a group, the Anten Mills Community Recreation Association is willing to work with them and assist with developing a plan for the future.
The township has also committed to replacing the basketball equipment and hopefully this will be completed soon.
Springwater Township now has its own App. The site was released last week and a look at it indicates that it is very user friendly with lots of great links. It is available for iOS and Android users, just go to your app page and search for Springwater Township. As a little bonus, the township is giving away an iPad if you complete their contest details.
On the development front, the Estates of Springwater has three homes under construction. While they are down the street from the sales office, it is uncertain if they are model homes or pre-purchased ones. There are for sale signs on a number of lots and their website doesn’t indicate lots available.
Springwater Development Corporation which is developing the smaller 14 lot development that runs off of Luella and Wilson has been given a one year extension on their draft plan approval. They have completed a number of their requirements and are working on more so that they get the development registered and approved. Once that occurs lots will be available. It is unknown at this time if they will have a preferred builder or if they will permit owner construction.
There are a couple of opportunities for our young people that are coming to a close and require their attention. The first is that the County of Simcoe has 20 bursaries available for those going to or in post secondary education. The deadline to apply is July 31 and information is available on the County of Simcoe website.
The second opportunity is directed at young females aged 15 to 18 who would like to learn more about firefighting. Perhaps they have thought about it but weren’t sure if it is for them either as a career or as a valuable volunteer firefighter. The Barrie Fire and Emergency Services is hosting a camp for these young ladies known as Camp Molly. Camp Molly was started several years ago and has gained great success by permitting participants the opportunity to see if firefighting is something that they might want to do. Barrie Fire and Emergency Services is hosting their first Camp Molly in September and applications to join must be submitted by July 26. Go to the Camp Molly website for more details and encourage those future leaders to see if firefighting is for them.
The Thursday night pickup ball at the community centre ball diamond is still going strong and a fun way to still be active. They meet at 5:30 and all abilities are welcome.
If you missed the Family Movie Night under the pavilion this week it’s ok. There will be another one in August with the members of the Springwater Fire and Emergency Services as they bring their Hot Summer Nights edition to the community.
Stay tuned for more details which will be available on the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page.
In season produce is now available thanks to the great growing conditions this year. Blueberries are starting now and you don’t need to go far to pick your own. Clarke’s on Nursery Road has both pick and pick your own available. They also have their own grown vegetables and their roadside stand is open. Check them out and you won’t be disappointed.
Many times we see that there are special days or months proclaimed for a variety of reasons. The full moon this month which occurs on July 21 is known as the Buck Moon. It is believed that this is when the antlers on the deer begin to grow. Also on July 21 it is National Ice Cream Day. Perhaps the Ice Cream Hut on Bayfield St. Midhurst might be a destination to attend. On July 2, it was Forgetful Day. I forgot to mention it in my last column. Oops!
That’s all for this week. THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE.
