Happy Canada Day to everyone!  I hope you all enjoyed the day off with your family and friends celebrating Canada’s birthday.  I’m not sure who invited all of the mosquitos but they show up every evening and this year I think they may be even bigger than they have been in the last few years.  I recently read an article about theconsideration of getting rid of mosquitos and I found out something really interesting.  Apparently when the mosquitos lay their eggs, they can remain dormant until they are wet again.  So, even if there is drought for several years and the eggs are rained on or a water source rises, those eggs will be activated by the water and more mosquitos will hatch.  Apparently the scientists who study these pesty bugs, cannot find a use or reason for mosquitos but indicated that in past experiences, messing with the eco system can be detrimental somewhere along the way.  Looks like we are stuck with them!

On a more local level, I read on the Facebook page of our neighbouring community, Anten Mills, that there was some vandalism to mailboxes and recycling bins in their village.  This apparently took place on the evening/early morning hours of Thursday the 25^th of June.  There were mailboxes completely damaged and the flags broken off a lot of them.  If anyone knows anything about this unacceptable behaviour, please notify the police immediately.  This type of thing is not welcome in our area and we as residents have to make sure to report anything like this in order to stop it.   This is now costing our residents money to replace their damaged mailboxes.  No one needs this. Please also talk to your teenagers about this (rumour has it they may have been teenagers) because word usually gets out and there is always someone who will tell another friend and they will get found out.  To have this kind of thing on their criminal record, could affect their futures.  Criminal record checks are done for most jobs now that it could eliminate their dream job because of something they thought was a fun thing to do when they were a teenager.

Summer holidays will be taking place now that the kids are all out of school.  We ask that you drive and travel safely during your holidays.  Don’t be in a rush, leave plenty of time to get to your destination.  We know that Minesing is a direct route to Collingwood and Wasaga Beach so be careful when pulling onto George Johnston Road and always remember to stop at the signs!

Until next time, enjoy the strawberries and fresh vegetables that are ready for picking in our local gardens!

We are closing in summer as we near June 21^st which should hopefully mean some nicer weather.  The 21^st of June also brings Father’s Day.  Remember to stock up on black socks or crazy ties for your dad.  Truly though, what do you do for your father?  A phone call, a golf game or maybe a nice dinner with family.  I’m sure any efforts put forth are appreciated.  It’s fun to recall the items that children make for their dad’s at school or daycare that will make the day so much more special for Dads everywhere.  The crooked bird house, the painted paper weight, the items made of popsicle sticks that are given to Dad by their proud child.  These creations are all given a special shelf or places in our homes and offices and often stay there for years.  The time that the children spend and the effort to impress “dad” with their skills is more than the gift itself.  So, to all those dad’s, grampa’s, uncles, step-dad’s and men in your lives who step in and do “dad’ things for you, please have a wonderful Father’s Day.

School is nearing the end of the year again, wow where did that year go?  Best wishes to all those students who are graduating grade 8 and entering into high school and to those students in Grade 12 who are graduating high school and moving onto college or university.  Also good luck to those who are still trying to figure out what direction they are wanting to go, it’s hard to know what you want to do at this age.  This time is exciting for each of you and the hard work you put forth will eventually pay off in the long run.  Remember this during the time you are studying for exams in the next couple of weeks.  It is all worth it.

I would like to mention that the baseball games have started in Minesing at the diamonds.  I can hear the cheers and crack of the bat on week nights.  If you are looking for something to do in the evenings, pop down to the diamonds and watch the local teams play.  The Minesing Mallards are our local Men’s Fastball team and play some great ball so come check them out at Doran Park, on most Thursday nights, with either a 7:00 pm or an 8:45 p.m. start.

I have been lucky to frequently see a beautiful cardinal who has taken up residence here in Minesing.  I believe he has visited homes on George Johnston Road as well.  I’m not sure if you have been lucky enough to hear or see him but keep your eyes and ears open because he is a beautiful red and sounds so nice above the squawking crows, blue jays and of course barking dogs.

Until next time, remember your sunscreen and bug spray, both are necessities at this time of year.