Hello readers!  What a fantastic weekend we just had. Such a nice change from the previous weekend.  We certainly deserve some sunshine.  It was great to have everyone out and about getting their yards tidied up and ready for the blooms to arrive.

I will say a big welcome to the new residents who have recently moved to our village.  Some are returning from growing up in the area and some are new to Springwater Township all together.  We know you will love our community.  The school is great, the people are fantastic and the activities that take place are all well run and welcoming to all.  The mosquitos and blackflies, you probably won’t be too excited about.

We do have a website, for those who aren’t aware, at www.minesing.ca and this website will let you know of upcoming events.  There is also a sign that you will see when you are heading towards Highway 26 on the right side that will notify people of upcoming events.  Volunteers are often needed for activities so if you have an interest in becoming involved or if you have a student in your household that needs hours for their schooling, feel free to contact anyone on the Recreation Committee members on the website.  For those people who are not computer savvy you can always contact me and I can put you in touch with someone who can help you out.

I also want to welcome home all of the students who have been away at post-secondary school.  I’m sure you have worked hard and made some big adjustments for those who were first year students.  To the students who are preparing for graduation and prom in public and high school, good luck with dress and suit shopping.  It’s a fun time and a memorial one.  Enjoy!

Until next time, enjoy your day.

Have you gotten your woolies out, put them away, pulled them out again and still waiting to put them back in storage for the year again?  Well, you are not alone that’s for sure.  I think Mother Nature is playing a pretty rotten trick on all of us.  I guess we can’t do a whole lot but just wait and see what tomorrow brings.

I do apologize for no articles in the last few papers.  When I don’t receive anything to write about from anyone, I tend to run out of things to say.  Many of you may find that hard to believe as I am rarely without something to say.  So if you are reading this and you have something exciting coming up, like a birthday for someone in your house, an anniversary or you just want to let us know about your children’s sports team participating a tournament or a meeting being held, let me know.  I will gladly include it in our section of Minesing Moments.

Please note that for those who enjoy having bon fires in your yard, as of February 1^st this year you will be required to pay $15 for your Recreational Burn Permit.  These can be done on line on the Springwater Township website or I believe you can continue to obtain your license at the Township offices for the same price.

Living near the Minesing school yard, by the ball diamonds, I tend to see many people who walk and run with their dogs in the field.  I appreciate the need to get your dogs out and exercised, but please remember to clean up after your pets.  This is the school yard and many people also play sports in the field so please be considerate of this and take a bag when you are out with your pets, even if it is just for a walk.  Thanks!  The kids appreciate it and so do the parents who do their laundry.

The following is a little picture I saw of phrases that are often incorrectly pronounced.  I found it interesting and know that I hear several of these things quite often.  It never hurts to learn something so take a peek, have you learned something new today?

Until next time, keep the hats and mitts handy but don’t have the sunscreen and flip flops too far away!

Another Mini-Fest has come and gone.  Wow!  What a good turn out for our small community even in the -20 temperatures.  I have to say I am really impressed at the involvement of the young adults in our village for putting in floats and keeping Mini-Fest alive.  Way to go.  This year our well deserving recipient of Citizen of the Year was Dorothy Scott and the Youth of Year was Danica Weir.  Congratulations to both of you for making such a difference in our community and around the world.   Congratulations to the “Elbow Benders” for taking first place in the Bowling Tournament on Friday night, two years in second place could only mean you were meant to win eventually.  Way to go.  As usual, the Euchre tournament was a good time had by all as well.  Saturday night “Scott and Colin” had their 80’s tunes going and kept the dance floor full all night long.  Great job guys, you sounded fantastic as usual.  The outfits worn by a good portion of the people at the dance sure lit up the hall with the neon and bright colours.  Good participation everyone.

Swampy made his way up from the Swamp for a brief appearance at the parade.  He must have been pretty cold though.  I’m sure he’s back to keep cozy for the next few weeks that are left of winter.  It was good seeing you Swampy.

A great BIG thank you to our Recreation Committee who have kept Mini-Fest going and put endless hours into organizing and pulling off another successful weekend.  Your village appreciates everything you do.

To all of the people who have vacations coming up for the March Break, please remember to travel safe and have your neighbours check on your home in your absence by picking up your mail and newspapers.  Also try to have someone clear your driveway to make it look as though someone is home.  Safety first.

Until next time, have yourself a super day and don’t put your shovels away yet, we are apparently going to be doing some more digging out.

Happy New Year to the residents of Minesing and surrounding areas.  I hope that everyone got through the holiday season without catching any flu bugs or colds.  I know there were a lot of things going around, so hopefully it skipped your house.  Is your house free of the Christmas clutter yet?  I know that each year, I end up forgetting at least one decoration that I have put out for the holidays.  I think I may have found it last night but I’m not sure if it was the last one, we shall see.

I am not sure how far the power outage spread on Sunday night but I know in the village it was off for approximately four and a half hours.  It was fun for the first hour or so with candles lit and no technology to cloud our minds.  My teenaged daughter wasn’t so excited that the wifi was down, but she survived of course.  After the next couple of hours with our Sunday night preparations for the week, it wasn’t as convenient but I have to say, five hours was not too bad, it could have been worse for sure.  It reminded me that I needed to get some more flash lights from the camping gear to have handy in case it happens again. Have you got yourself prepared for a power outage?  You know our winters are unpredictable so after you finish reading the Springwater News, go gather up the contents and make sure you have everything ready, just in case.

This part here is for the Ontario Hydro workers that spent that evening in the horrible blowing wind and snow, we thank you very much for your quick response.  I can’t even imagine being out in that kind of weather let alone working in it.  Well done, we appreciate your work.

Minesing’s 44^th Mini Fest is just around the corner!  Mark February 12^th and 13^th on your calendar.  Start thinking about putting in a float this year’s parade, the theme this year is the 80’s.  As you know the Mini Fest is the host of many events, beginning on Friday night with the family skate, euchre tournament and adult bowling.  Saturday hosts the pancake breakfast, citizen/youth of the year, parade, colouring contests, a chili cook-off, a magician and later that night, an adult dance with music by Minesing’s own Scott and Colin.  Get your citizen and youth nominations in by February 1^st.  For more information, please see Facebook and Minesing’s website at www.minesing.ca.  Watch for flyers and buttons on sale.  Volunteers are needed to pull off this activity filled weekend so if you can help out in any way, please call Wanda at 705-739-7260  .

Until next time, be prepared for power outages, gather your necessities and keep them handy.

Recent terrorism attacks around the world have definitely caught everyone’s attention.  We have seen horrific footage in the media and hope that this type of terrorism never reaches our country.  What can we do though?  It’s scary to think that this type of thing could ever happen in Canada.  As individual citizens, sadly I don’t know that there is anything that we can do.  We can always be cautious when travelling the globe, we can send our best wishes to countries who have suffered and pray that it never happens again.  It’s difficult as we because get a feeling of helplessness.   Unfortunately I don’t think we have seen the end of this type of unnecessary killings, it is very scary.  I am sure that those in control of the military and countries are doing their best to put an end to this.   We hope that Paris and other areas suffering from the recent attacks know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of Canadians.  Hugs your loved ones a little tighter today.

The Community is looking for someone who can do the snow shovelling at the Community Centre.  This is a paid position or if you need community hours, that will work great too.  We need someone reliable to clear the snow by all entrances and lay salt on the sidewalks and stairs.  If you are interested in this position, please contact Wanda as soon as possible at 705-725-6517  .

I’m not sure if anyone else recently witnessed the aftermath of the collision at George Johnston and Ronald Road last week, but my understanding is that it resulted after someone failed to stop at the stop street.  Thankfully there were no injuries but I’m sure there is vehicle damage and some scary recollections of it for those involved.  Accidents do happen, that is for sure, but let’s be safe in our community each day so it becomes habit to stop completely at the signs.  Also, keep note of the frost on the roads in the mornings as you head to work or school.  They are frosty and can be very slippery.

And last but not least…let’s light up Minesing with Christmas lights and displays to show our Christmas spirit.  This week is supposed to be a warm one, so it may be a good time to get up on the ladder (carefully of course) and not freeze your fingers off.

Until next time…do something kind for someone today.  It feels great.

Recent terrorism attacks around the world have definitely caught everyone’s attention.  We have seen horrific footage in the media and hope that this type of terrorism never reaches our country.  What can we do though?  It’s scary to think that this type of thing could ever happen in Canada.  As individual citizens, sadly I don’t know that there is anything that we can do.  We can always be cautious when travelling the globe, we can send our best wishes to countries who have suffered and pray that it never happens again.  It’s difficult as we because get a feeling of helplessness.   Unfortunately I don’t think we have seen the end of this type of unnecessary killings, it is very scary.  I am sure that those in control of the military and countries are doing their best to put an end to this.   We hope that Paris and other areas suffering from the recent attacks know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of Canadians.  Hugs your loved ones a little tighter today.

The Community is looking for someone who can do the snow shovelling at the Community Centre.  This is a paid position or if you need community hours, that will work great too.  We need someone reliable to clear the snow by all entrances and lay salt on the sidewalks and stairs.  If you are interested in this position, please contact Wanda as soon as possible at 705-725-6517  .

I’m not sure if anyone else recently witnessed the aftermath of the collision at George Johnston and Ronald Road last week, but my understanding is that it resulted after someone failed to stop at the stop street.  Thankfully there were no injuries but I’m sure there is vehicle damage and some scary recollections of it for those involved.  Accidents do happen, that is for sure, but let’s be safe in our community each day so it becomes habit to stop completely at the signs.  Also, keep note of the frost on the roads in the mornings as you head to work or school.  They are frosty and can be very slippery.

And last but not least…let’s light up Minesing with Christmas lights and displays to show our Christmas spirit.  This week is supposed to be a warm one, so it may be a good time to get up on the ladder (carefully of course) and not freeze your fingers off.

Until next time…do something kind for someone today.  It feels great.

Snow already…wow.  I bet that surprised many of the readers.  We knew it wouldn’t stick around but it’s a good reminder that winter isn’t far off.  Get those snow tires on and dig out your shovels and window scrapers.  Remember the early morning frost on the roads that can also make driving tricky and very dangerous.

First and foremost I want to address something that has been mentioned several times on the Minesing Facebook page.  The speed limit on Ronald Road and the roads surrounding the school.  Residents of Minesing, both young and old, this road is not a freeway.  This is a road that travels adjacent to the school, beside the community centre, beside several residences and beside the park/pavilion.  Please, please slow down!  There are families, children and cars turning into and out of the parking lot.  We realize everyone is busy, but someone’s life is not worth your extra thirty seconds you have gained while speeding down the street.  For those who have young drivers in their house, please read this to them.  We know they don’t read the newspaper so if you can please draw this to their attention it would be greatly appreciated.

PIN SETTERS NEEDED!  It’s that time of year for Men’s Bowling and these men need some pin setters.  The pin setters (hopefully 2 or more) should be 12 years of age or older to apply.   The league is on Monday nights beginning at 7:15.  If you have a student looking to earn some money, contact Earl Giffen at 705-728-2760   to get signed up.

The ghosts and goblins will be parading around the neighbourhood on October 31st, this being a weekend, we ask that EVERYONE be very careful if you are out driving.  Have fun and be safe kids!

The Minesing United Church is holding their Christmas Tea and Bake Sale on Saturday November 7th from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Tickets are on sale at the door and they are $6 per person.  Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.

Until next time, let’s do lots of cheering for the Blue Jays!  Go Jays Go!

Have you picked up everything you need for any gatherings you have this Thanksgiving weekend?  The turkey, the vegetables, cranberries, the pumpkin pie and of course the whip cream?  Or are you taking it easy and just enjoying a long weekend away from work?  Whatever you are doing, stop and think about a few things that you may be thankful for.  Your health, good friends, a close family, or even a roof over your head?  There are so many things that we take for granted that it’s nice to stop every once in a while and remember how lucky we do have it.

The pumpkins are all ready for picking, and decorating.  I’ve seen several places that you can pick up all sizes, Harris’ Farm, Barrie Hill Farms, a private family on George Johnston Road have them for sale in their front yard too as you drive down the highway.  I found it interesting to see one of the grocery stores with small “drills” for carving the pumpkins.  I had to laugh because I usually find one of my biggest kitchen knives and carve the pumpkin top in a way that makes me wonder if I’m going to slip, miss and end up in Emerg with a knive sticking out of my hand, arm or stomach.  I may have to take a closer look at one of those drills I think.

I’m sure there will be a lot of travel around the province to visit family, attend special functions, fall fairs (Elmvale has one this weekend), and for those students are making their first trip home from school, I hope every travels safely and leaves plenty of time for heavy traffic.  For those students who have been cooking on their own and living off of Kraft Dinner and grilled cheese sandwiches, I’m sure they will be digging out the Tupperware containers for care packages full of left overs.

There isn’t a whole lot going on in the village lately but I do know that hunting season is approaching so if you are out walking, be sure to wear plenty of bright colours (preferably bright orange) and also look into protecting your pets with bright coloured collars or vests as well.  We want everyone to enjoy nature safely.

Until next time enjoy time with family and remember to take the gizzards out of your turkey before you cook it!

Well, it’s here…a new season.  Autumn, my favourite season of all!  The cool nights, crisp mornings, fresh smells and the changing leaves.  AND…kids are back in school, the humidity is gone and mosquitos have left the village.

I know that several families in the village are experiencing students leaving home for the first time to go to university or college.  I’m sure you are all experiencing the same thing I am…fewer miles on the car, less laundry, cheaper groceries and a little quieter around the house.  Though I’m sure we are all missing our kids, the kids will be doing just fine.  Here’s wishing them all good luck in adjusting to their next chapter of life.  I’ve got nephews and nieces at several different schools throughout the province but it’s hard to believe how quickly it happened…weren’t they just graduating grade 8?

Cicco’s will be hosting Scott and Colin this Saturday September 26th in the evening.  Come out and watch our local musicians entertain!

To the construction crews on Highway 26…thanks for making our roads smoother and better quality. I know we will all be happy to see you move onto your next project so our morning drive to work isn’t delayed.  I don’t know how many times I get onto Highway 26 and groan that I didn’t take the other route to Barrie.  Have you done the same?  We do appreciate that you are doing a lot of work at night time to lessen the interruptions.  You have all been working a crazy number of hours to get the job done.  Thank you.

Until next time…91 days until Christmas, have you started shopping yet?

Minesing United Church is hosting a Coffee Break for the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County on September 23^rd, 2015.

Starting at 7:00 am stop by on your way to work and we will bring a coffee and muffin to your car!

At 9:00 am Make Your Coffee Count by joining us in the CE wing.  Enjoy Coffee and Goodies with friends and neighbours while supporting this great cause!

Last year we raised the most money for all the local churches in our area.  Help us do it again!