Oct. 6, 2024 – By Dennis Gannan
The 4th Anten Mills Autumn Craft and Food Fair held on September 28 was a tremendous success. The morning started off with the 2 Tonnie Pancake Breakfast in support of the Elmvale and District Food Bank and thanks to the community support, $565 was raised. This surpassed last year’s donation and was a welcome addition for the food bank. Stephanie and her helpers did a wonderful job and it is much appreciated.
With close to 40 vendors, the craft show offered a unique variety of crafts and food items that shoppers were willing to purchase and many did. Local artists included Lady Jane who had specialty products, artist Brian Kearsley who displayed his fabulous paintings, Jan Cox with her storybooks and art and Briana Starr with her handmade cards and jewelry. Not to be missed was the event coordinator, Roslyn who had her tasty jams and jellies. Roslyn’s dedication to the event is something that we all say thank you for and appreciate all she did.
New this year was a chili cookoff. Five local cooks vied for the bragging rights to say that they had the best chili in the community. Over 30 residents judged the entries and 3rd place went to Dorothy Smith, 2nd to Alden Fotherby and the grand prize winner of the golden garlic press went to Ash Goolab. Congratulations to all who entered and this will no doubt become an annual part of the event.
An enthusiastic group of people met at the community centre on September 10 to brainstorm how we as a community could celebrate our 150 history next year. Discussions included updating the history of the village with those families that have been here for many years, looking to showcase certain areas with QR codes, holding a reunion and family events along with including a logo in all upcoming events in 2025. As this was a brainstorming session, all ideas were discussed and in the end one was decided on. That was holding a 150 logo contest. Creating a visual image that can be seen throughout the year and beyond is an important way to recognize this significant event. Details were posted on the Anten Mills Community Facebook page on what the design should include with a closing date for submission of October 23. It is hoped that the designs can be displayed during the Halloween events and the winning design be announced on November 15. This is open to all residents of all ages and hopefully a great design will come forward. For more information you can email antenmills150@gmail.com.
Halloween is just a few weeks away and there is a terrific crew of community members preparing for two events. The first is the Witches Walk on Friday, October 25. Starting at the community centre, the Witches will walk about the village and return to the pavilion where they will be entertained by Bombshell, a local band that provided superb music last year. This is an adults only event and admission is by your generous donation. Then on Sunday, October 27 it’s the kids’ time. Starting at 11 and running until 1 there will be games, activities, a photo booth and of course pumpkin carving. Kids should be in costume and will receive a bag of treats. In order to arrange enough treats, pre registration is required. Details are on the community Facebook page so don’t delay.
Following Halloween a more somber occasion is Remembrance Day on November 11. We take the time to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who serve and protect our rights and freedom. For many years a small but dignified service has been held at Springwater Provincial Park. Located within the park is a cenotaph, the only one in a provincial park, dedicated to those who served and did not come home. During WW1 more than 25 men who resided in Anten Mills, Midhurst, Minesing, Grenfel and vicinity died. Many were very young. Last November 11 a good contingent of residents came to the service at the park. A new group of volunteers have stepped forward this year to continue the tradition and to ensure that those who served are remembered in a dignified manner. In an important move forward, wreaths are going to be placed this year by our communities. There may be families of those who served or gave their life who have thought of honouring them with a wreath. It would be a privilege to have this take place and to find out more information you may contact Joan by email at sweetgannon@gmail.com to get more details. The service will occur on Monday, November 11 starting at 10:45 at Springwater Park and entrance to the park will be waived that day.
Have you heard about Matheson Creek Camp? The most likely answer is no and where is it and what is it about. Matheson Creek Camp is owned and operated by Communities Connecting for Children, a registered nonprofit charity. For those who have lived in the area for a number of years they may recall that on Gill Road just outside Midhurst a Girl Guide camp was built about 30 years ago. The Girl Guides organization, through a long process which involved lawsuits, closed the camp. Some of the original founders of the camp managed to purchase the property and started the new charity. There are six individual camping areas within the property all with a heritage significance. The camp was renamed Matheson Creek Camp and on Saturday, October 26 they invite you and your youngsters to participate in a Halloween Open House from noon to 3PM. For more details about the charity and the camp check them out on Facebook or their website, Mathesoncreekcamp.com.
We are well into short daylight and long nights. As a quick fact, we won’t see the sunset after 7PM until the return of daylight saving time on March 9. The good part is the days will start getting longer after the Winter’s Solstice which is December 21
Many homes in the village decorate for fall and Halloween. In order that the displays can be seen by many, you are invited to submit photos and along with photos taken, they will be posted on our Facebook page at the end of October.
This weekend is Thanksgiving and we have much to be thankful for. This was a great growing season, our weather was enjoyable and we enjoy many freedoms. From my family to yours, may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with those that are close to you.
That’s all for this week, THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE.