Well thought I would let folks know of what has been happening around and in our area. The movie Still is about wrapped up and hear the folks are now headin’ out east to finish things up. Nice folks too and got to meet a lot of them when they stopped around at our store. Also should thank them for making it their place to shop. All were great folks and full of knowledge about their work, which my wife and I both enjoyed listening too. Kind of hated to see them leave.
On another note, I see the folks that like liberalism got their way again. Not for me to say who should have won, as the people of Ontario has spoken, so in turn, one just has to ride the wave. Norm Miller for our Parry Sound District got back in for the Big Blue I see, along with Vic Fedeli, a new face for Nipissing. Nice fellow actually, met him a few times in the past two years at different speaking engagements I have had. I have to say this though, when arriving at the Library in Loring, on first glance I noticed that we were having a great turn out at the polls, and mentioned it to my wife. I was then informed that they were having a soccer game out back of the school. So….that explained things, but it was nice to see so many folks out an about.
On the waterways of our District, Danny Brooks was busy this summer, putting together all the GPS coordinates and locations of properties on the water access properties, along with some metering for future development. Still more to do on adding the data to the 911 system and then putting up the signs, but… a big part is now finished.
The new Local Service Board has been brought to being for another year. Up for another year is Kerry Booth, Al Dare, Mike Legault, Dan Feasby, Nancy our secretary, great gal and myself George Walters. Lots of things on the old plate to get looked after and into, so thinking it will be a good all round year.
Business for the year in our area was maybe down a touch in some instances and then up again in others, so to say it was a bad year wouldn’t be true. Outlook for the upcoming year one would have to be optimistic and say, what will be will be.
Weather for our area this summer was one of the best, I would have to say, lots of sunshine, warm temperatures and best of all not a great amount of strong winds. Why do I mention the wind, well, the winds make the fishing not as good if to strong. Also with high winds taking the boat out of the water isn’t the easiest, especially when doing it yourself. Black flies weren’t that bad this year and the No See Um flies weren’t that bad neither. Or that is what I call them. They don’t bite, just annoy, just like….well I won’t get into that. The one fly this year that was particularly a pest, was the horse flies, can’t say I have seen them this bad in the nine years that I have lived here in Port Loring. But we made do and one has to remember, that they are only out there for a short time. Yellow jackets are out there now in full force and one has to learn to respect them suckers let me tell ya, as they have no compassion for us humans.
Trash & Treasures had a fair year also, not exactly sure of what they cleared money wise for the fire department, but will add it later once I talk to Kerry Booth or Danny Brooks. I did hear they did pretty well and folks are already dropping things off for next year. I have to say I enjoy browsing around their store, as one just never knows what he or she might find. Thing is you have to keep on going back, as different items are added every day, all summer long. Great place to pick up things for the cottage or home.
We also have a new News Paper that is in our area, called the Great North Arrow. You can read a write up about it here, click link. http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/8085466-great-north-arrow-launches-in-muskoka Free newspaper with a lot of nice articles and great writers too. If you need to get in touch with them you can reach Cyndi the owner at; greatnortharrow@gmail.com Nice Gal, you won’t meet any nicer.
Both of our Hardware stores got a new look with some fresh paint and new signs and things. Home Hardware and Ace Hardware both great places to shop and I have to say there is no reason for anyone heading off to the big cities for things, as we have pretty well everything you need right here. Also when shopping at either of these stores you get that country service, so just make sure you give yourself some time to chat, as we like to hear how your doing and that takes some time.
Our community centre this year is getting an add on. Once finished we will have change rooms, wash rooms for women and men, electrical room, and enough room left over so we can finally have our own Local Service Board Office, which will be nice, as now folks have a place to go too. Not that we didn’t have one before as we did, just that it wasn’t our own, was very small and in the fire departments building in Loring. Long time coming, but will be nice when all said and done
The Cornfest was back and this year for the first time, it was held at our Community Centre. Proceeds go to the Argyle Riders Snowmobile Club, which keeps our trails all in tip top shape among other things. All an all it was a great year for them and lots of folks dropped by, which is what made it so successful. Even had helicopter rides there this year and for most parts the weather cooperated too. So put that on your calendars for next year folks, as you won’t want to miss it.
The Legion here in town had a good year I hear with senior dinners and tons of other things. I got to give them folks credit for all they do for our community, without them it would be a pretty dull town. To all those that make it work, I would personally just like to say, thanks.
The Farmers Market went well also I hear that lots is on the go for next year too. Thing is folks, you have to support these farmers markets, as if you don’t they will cease to exist. Right now they are one of the last few places that you can buy quality fruit and vegetables, along with other items. My wife and I trucked fruit to the market in Orillia and Oshawa for a good number of years. I have to say we sure met a lot of nice folks. Had customers that came back every week just to buy our produce. Sold thousands of baskets let me tell ya. So come next summer make sure you get out and pick up a few things and help them out.
So that about wraps it up and if you have anything you would like me to add, feel free to drop them by my house, or Email me at gw@keepingnotes.com or call me at 705-757-1640