Will those April showers bring May flowers? Let’s hope so but there is no question that we received those showers. Since the last issue until this past Sunday we have recorded 101.6mm, or 4 inches of rain. Last year’s ice storm resulted in a number of homes having water damage due to a lack of hydro and sump pumps not working. This year there are again many homes struggling with water as their pumps are not keeping up with the deluge of water they are receiving. Many ditches have been full of water to the road level, a sight not seen in this community where there is a tremendous sand base. With any luck this will be the last of our issues this year.
This week, from Sunday April 19 to Saturday April 25 is National Volunteer Week in Canada. The year 2026 has also been declared International Year of Volunteers by the UN General Assembly. We are fortunate that in our community we have a variety of volunteers who are able and willing to help us with our community events. Many work behind the scene at events and there is a core group that most people don’t know about. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week let me introduce you to some of them and the contributions that they make.
The Anten Mills Community Recreation Association is the group responsible for all community activities. As a board of the township they are accountable to the township and are to abide by the appropriate bylaws. Lawrence Pavan is the chair. A longtime resident Lawrence has served as the chair for over 6 years and been a member for 10 or more. Karis Able stepped up several years ago to be the secretary for the association. At the time Karis was a relatively new member of the village but saw the benefits and joined right in. There are to be 3 directors of the association but at this time there are just 2. Rick Hutchinson, like Lawrence, has had many years of association experience. As a director and volunteer he assists with directing the needs of the community. The final spot is currently held by myself. Along with being a director other responsibilities include being the community events coordinator and liaison to municipal staff and Council. Membership as an active member and volunteer goes back to the early 1980’s when our family moved to the area. According to bylaw, the CRA is to have an annual general meeting at which time the directors are to be appointed or elected. It has been difficult over the past several years to have sufficient members attend a meeting resulting in the current volunteers remaining in the position they hold.
Many hands make light work. If you think about how active the community is then you need to know who is making it possible. Let’s start with the sign board along Wilson. Celebrations, announcements and business postings all assist in raising needed funds for our community activities. Under new leadership, Karis is the individual who responds to the emails and arranges the post. New to helping out but another longtime resident is Kelly who puts up the post. You can get more information on the sign by emailing antenmiilssign@gmail.com.
Another popular means of connecting is the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page. There are 4 administrators who approve posts and messages. That duty falls to Lawrence, Karis, Becca and myself. As volunteers we all strive to check and approve posts and members as quickly as possible.
Have you been to Thursday night euchre? After many years of looking after it, Pat and Gord relinquished their responsibilities last year. Now the responsibility lies with Judy and Laurie who reignited the event and are doing an amazing job with great results.
One group that is making a huge social impact are the Knotty Knitters. What is perhaps unique about this group is that they collectively decided who and what they are donating to. There is one attendee who liaises with the CRA but all attendees take responsibility.
If you took in the Rabbit Run or Easter Eggstravaganza this year you can thank Becca and Lindsey and the group of people who helped out. This is one of the primary events and largest of the year. Lindsey and her family also look after the movie nights in the summer. Becca served a term as the chair and is always ready to assist with graphics or other duties.
We had a tremendous ice season this past year. The work Casey and Matt, Paul, Max and Miles did was outstanding. They spent many hours keeping the rink in great shape. It was the earliest and perhaps one of the longest seasons in many years.
Keeping the anniversary gardens in top shape is thanks to Judy. Last year she accepted the challenge and calling on others the gardens looked superb. She will be looking for help soon for this season.
September will see Roslyn heading up the annual Artisan, Crafters and Food Fair. Running now into its 5th year it’s a great morning when combined with the pancake breakfast that supports the Elmvale and District Food Bank.
As you can see our community has a tremendous core group who are supported by many others. On this National Volunteer Appreciation Week the community salutes all of you. Congratulations and a huge thank you. It would be remiss not to acknowledge our Springwater volunteer firefighters. We are fortunate that we can call on them to assist us when we ask. Thank you as well for your work in the community when those in distress call upon you. May 1 is First Responders Day in Ontario. We appreciate all that you do.
By the time that you read this the Laycock snowman will be like Frosty the Snowman, gone. The rain did a number on it and it won’t be around until May like I predicted. His departure is to be celebrated as we don’t need any more snow and cold weather until November at the earliest.
Who doesn’t like butter tarts? Did you know that they got their start locally in Barrie? There is a movement about having a National Butter Tart Day on April 19, the birthday of the lady who created the recipe. A petition has been started with the support of local MP Adam Chambers. 500 signatures are required to get it before the House so if you are interested check Adam’s website or Facebook page.
That’s all for this week. As appreciated, THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE.