Have you noticed that the sun is going down earlier each night? The last night that saw the sun go down after 9PM was on July 15. Since then we are losing approximately 2 minutes of daylight each day. Today, July 30 the sun will set at 8:45PM with 14:42 hours of daylight. It’s time to enjoy it while you can as it’s only 7 more weeks until Autumn Equinox on September 22.
As we move into August it is a wonderful time to look to the skies at night as the Perseids meteor showers are now occurring. This annual event starts in the middle of July and the peak is around August 12 – 13 around this area. If you haven’t gazed up to the stars and looked for them you are missing an amazing spectacle.
Most people are aware that the municipal elections will be held this year on October 26. Every 4 years we as the electorate decide who will be responsible for our community for the next 4 years. There is a slate of individuals who have put forth their names to run for the positions of ward councillors as well as for the mayor and deputy mayor. In our Ward 3 only one individual has offered their name. Running for council is the grass roots of democracy. While federal and provincial governments look after the big picture, it’s our local residents that have been elected by us that look after our immediate needs and interests. Springwater Township website has a page on municipal elections. They are also attending events so that you may ask questions as well as determining if you are eligible to vote. Candidate information is also available and if you think you could make a difference you have until August 21 to declare your candidacy. Candidates are already out canvassing throughout the municipality and if they come knocking on your door be sure to ask them the hard questions that you have. Informed electors vote for candidates that have the ability to make a difference in our municipality.
If you haven’t decided on running for Council for the upcoming term but still have an interest in serving the community then why not consider applying to become a member of one of the committees that assist Council. There are a number that you could consider such as the Committee of Adjustment, the Library Board or the Property Standards Committee. You can find more information about them on the Township of Springwater website.
Last Wednesday the first movie night under the pavilion was held. With the air quality advisory issued the week before the movie was postponed for a week. Thanks to the Chapman family for hosting and to all who came out. Another movie night is being considered for August and when details are available they will be posted on the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page.
Are you a local artisan or crafter? How about a fabulous chili chef? If you are have you booked your spot for the Anten Mills Autumn Craft Fair and Chili Cookoff? This annual event will be held on Saturday,September 26 at the community centre. It’s not too late to enter so if you are interested send Roslyn an email at farmview@on.aibn.com and she can give you the details.
The County of Simcoe updated the construction work being performed at the intersection of Horseshoe Valley Road and Crossland Road. Lane reductions are in place from Monday to Thursday from 9AM to 4PM and on Friday from 9AM until noon. Obviously the County recognizes that there is significant traffic on both roads particularly Horseshoe and it would be prudent for them to look at reducing the speed through the village. Horseshoe is a county road but the traffic volume has increased significantly over the past years such that it’s now a highway going through a community and the community deserves recognition. Long before the amalgamation of the former Flos and Vespra Townships, the two townships had petitioned the County to reduce the speed limit from 60 kph to 50 kph. The County declined at that time. If you travel further east along Horseshoe you will observe that in the Horseshoe Valley Resort area the speed limit has been reduced to both a 50 kilometer per hour section as well as a 40 kilometre section as well as a community safety zone. Along our area there is a church, a community centre, a park and a private school, pieces required for a community safety zone. When future members of council come knocking on your door perhaps that’s the hard question that needs to be asked. What are they going to do to get the speed limit reduced and enforced?
The Springwater Fire and Emergency Services has relocated their headquarters to the new Midhurst fire station along Snow Valley Road. That should mean for those living along Horseshoe fewer sirens being heard as the the trucks responding to the northern portion of the township will be leaving from the new station and not the Minesing hall. Anten Mills is still covered by the Minesing station and the volunteers who responded to it.
That’s all for this week. As always. THANKS for READING, BE WELL, STAY SAFE and SAY HI to YOUR NEIGHBOURS!