Hi everyone.  I hope that this issue finds everyone healthy, happy and ready to take on 2015.  I’m not sure if anyone else felt it, but it this year did not seem as true to Christmas as it would have with snow.  Yes the gatherings, the food, the music and decorations were the same, but the green grass and rain didn’t make it seem like it was really Christmas time.  Perhaps by New Year’s Eve we will have a little more of the white stuff to make it seem true to the season.

Santa made his annual tour through Springwater Township on Christmas Eve and we have the Springwater Fire Department to thank for that.  They ensured that Santa got to see all of the excited children, and adults too, waving and calling out to him their last minute wishes.  It’s always such a nice tradition that they do this.  It’s not something I have heard that they do in many areas so we are lucky that we can experience this each year.

I don’t have much else for news in this issue but I always encourage those in our community to send me an email if you have an event, birthday, anniversary or any other message you would like our community to know about.  You can send it to lorachalli@sympatico.ca and I will do my best to get it in the next issue.

Until next time, I wish you each health and happiness for the New Year.  Take care.

Saturday December 13^th was the Minesing Treelighting at the Community Centre.  There were special visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus who took time out of their busy schedule to visit with the children and listen to their wishes for this year.  Swampy also made a trek out of the swamp for a few hours to make his annual appearance.  It was great to see so many people out to support our community and the food bank.  A special thanks to the Community Recreation Board for organizing this wonderful event and to Bill Scott, the vendors who attended, the craft helpers and to Cicco’s Restaurant.  Everyone’s help made it a successful evening.

Cicco’s Ristorante in Barrie will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Celebration combined with their First Anniversary at the Barrie location.  Tickets are $60 each and, there will be a live band.  If you would like more details, please visit www.ciccosristorante.com or call them at 705-721-005.   You can also visit them on Facebook at Ciccos Risorante.

The days are running out for those who still have some shopping to do.  I wish you luck in the parking lots and lineups as the crowds have increased this month.  Try to be patient, remember that everyone is in the same situation.   I know this is easier said than done, but if shoppers and drivers can be considerate of others, it may make your trek to the mall a little more enjoyable.

To those travelling during the holidays, we hope your travels are safe and you reach your destinations without any difficulties.  Remember to leave lots of space between the vehicle in front of you and ensure you have lots of time to get where you are going so there is no need to speed or hurry.

Until next time, I would like to wish all of my family, friends, neighbours and readers of the Springwater News, both near and far, a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a healthy, happy New Year.  Cheers!  Lorrie

The Christmas lights have started to light up our village and surrounding areas.  It’s always nice to see how many Minesing residents participate in celebrating the season and lighting up their homes and yards.  Let’s try to be brighter than ever this year!

The Minesing Recreation Committee will be hosting the annual tree lighting again this year.  It will be held on Saturday December 13^th – 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Community Centre.  There will be an opportunity to take your own pictures with Santa Claus, children’s crafts, face painting with Mrs. Claus, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and hot chocolate will be served.  Articles of non-perishable food items are going to be collected as donations.

Sadly I would like to mention that Minesing recently lost one of their long-time residents.    Jean Adams passed away peacefully on Sunday October 26th, 2014 at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Jean Adams in her 86th year beloved wife of 66 years to Ray Adams. Loving mother of Beth (Don) McRae, Cliff (Judy), Rick, Paul (Deb) John (Kari) and Susan (Ken) Flieger. Predeceased by her son Don, her granddaughter Carrie and great grandson Jacob.  I know that this would have been seen in previous issues, but many of the relatives of Jean are personal friends of mine and want them to know that the people of Minesing pass on our condolences to your family and know that she will be terribly missed.

I try to mention this each year, but it never hurts to remind people to take their time driving and adjust your speed to the weather.  As we know, the Christmas season is approaching and people will be attending parties and gatherings.  Please remember to have a designated driver or call a taxi to arrive safely wherever you may be travelling.   There are also many services that will drive you home in your vehicle as well and you don’t have to worry about leaving your vehicle behind.

I’d also like to mention as a reminder that you have changed the batteries in all of your smoke detectors when the time changed last month and to make sure that you also have carbon monoxide detectors in your home as it is now law that you have one.

Until next time, remember to put your winter safety articles in your car!