This year we could not have asked for a better month of October. With above normal temperatures, minimum rain and lots of sunshine, it was hard to think that we were in the season of autumn. From the weather specialists, it will likely be the middle of November before we have more seasonal weather which could mean that dreaded four letter word, snow. It’s not too soon to think about getting your snow tires on as who knows what kind of winter we will have and when it will begin.
Halloween was celebrated in great fashion this year as well. Youngsters made their way through the village shouting that famous phrase “Trick or Treat” and received their reward. They were also lucky to see some amazing displays that families had created. This year was no question the best that we have seen with animated creatures, huge blow up’s and creative ideas. There are reports however that we seem to be having a demographic shift as the number of children out was down in many of our neighborhoods.
Another successful kids Halloween party was held on October 25. There was pumpkin carving, crafts, dancing to name just a few of the activities. This was Max’s first time organizing and leading the event and with the help of other community members they did a fantastic job. Thank you for your support and from my discussion with Max, he’s prepared to take charge again next year and he already has ideas on how to make it more fun.
Next Wednesday is Remembrance Day. On November 11 we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifices and those who served and continue to serve our country. At 11AM on November 11, we stop and observe 2 minutes of silence. It was on November 11,1918 at 11AM that German and Allied services signed the Armistice Agreement that ended the Great Conflict.
Locally we have the opportunity to do our part by attending one of the Remembrance Day ceremonies. There is one in Elmvale at the cenotaph by the library. In Barrie the cenotaph is located downtown and this is a large event. Both of these services are organized and held by the local legion branch. At Springwater Provincial Park, a group of local volunteers organize and hold a service of Remembrance at the cenotaph located within the park. There are a couple of unique features about this service that you may not be familiar with. First is that it is totally organized by volunteers from the community and it is not associated with a legion as most services are. It was following the closure of the park by the province and in association with the Beausoleil First Nations that volunteers were able to start a service. In years past there was a Vespra Legion branch but due to declining membership it closed. Next is that the cenotaph is the only one in a provincial park in Ontario. This cenotaph, built in 1929 under the direction of Methven A. Adamson who was Superintendent of the Forest Station as it was known then was in honour of the Vespra Boys of World War 1. Two locals, Harvey Spence and Robert Mills are reported to have handcrafted the stone cenotaph. The names of those who perished were not inscribed as on most cenotaphs. Instead on the front there is a limestone plaque with the inscription, “ Lest We Forget, 1914 – 1918, In Memory of the Vespra Boys Who Died in the Great War” along with the Latin Inscription, “Dulce Et Decourm Est Pro Patria Morium” which translates means, “It is Sweet and Fitting to Die for One’s Country.” Following World War 2, staff in the park decided to recognize those who served during this war by creating a V for Victory display behind the cenotaph. It is reported to have been built following “V” Day, the official end of WW2 on May 8, 1945. This memorial is located behind the cenotaph and remains to this day as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice of those who fought for our country. The cenotaph itself is located in a quiet part of the park and its serene setting makes attending the service one that is very special and memorable. Springwater Park Remembrance Day service begins at 10:45. There is complimentary parking that day and all are welcome to join in the service.
Anten Mills likes to celebrate the Holiday Season with style. Every year now for many, the Anten Mills Community Recreation Association kicks off the holidays with the Christmas in the Village celebration. This year the events will be the weekend of December 12 and 13. On the 12th it will be the Tree Lighting at the community centre. Once again the huge tree will be lit up along with the ground displays. Sunday, the 13 will see the return of the best and usually the last,Santa Claus parade in the area. While it is not huge like other places, it’s a truly community event. Everyone is welcome to join in the parade and more details on both events will be announced soon both here in this space and on the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page. It’s not too soon to start planning your entry.
A few weeks back it was noted that construction had begun on new homes in the First View project on Davis Way. A recent visit saw that more new homes were underway and that several have been moved into. If you are new to the community and reading this article welcome, we hope that you will find the community welcoming, supportive and we encourage you to join in the activities.
That’s all for this week. You are encouraged to wear a poppy and if possible, attend one of the services on Remembrance Day. As always, THANKS for READING, BE WELL, STAY SAFE and SAY HI to YOUR NEIGHBORS!