The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Seemingly overnight, 30 or so trees sprouted up in a variety of locations around Snow Lake. The trees Ð a collection of Green Ash and Paper Birch Ð were brought in by Snow Lake Home Building Supplies through Home HardwareÕs corporate partnership with Tree Canada, and were donated to the town on behalf of that group by local businessman Dave Mayer. During the first week in October, the town crew was out in full force placing the trees in the empty lot next to the Town Office, at Sunset Bay Park, along the fence at the beach, and as shade trees near the new beach boardwalk. With the watering they will need prior to freeze up, they should take hold and become a welcome addition to all of these locations. Mayer was on hand during the afternoon of October 8 to formally hand the trees over to town CAO Jeff Precourt. Precourt thanked Mayer for the donation and Mayer in turn thanked the town for planting the trees. In another matter, the Snow Lake Volunteer Fire Department responded to an alarm at J.H. Kerr School shortly after 1 p.m. on October 8. Prearranged between Chief Ivan Ward and school principal Dean Elliott, the departmentÕs response apparently went off without a hitch. In full gear and donning their Scott Air Packs, the department arrived within five minutes of receiving the call. Wanting to give some of his newer members a little experience responding to a call in a large structure, Chief Ward appears to have done just that. Two rookie members of Snow LakeÕs finest entered the building through the north entrance and methodically scanned and checked the schoolÕs bottom hallway before being called to stand down by their chief. Ward stated later that he would have had them go through the entire school, but he was cognizant of the fact that it was only a drill and the children would have had to stand in a cool drizzle and wait for the Ôall clear.Õ As it was, the staff and students were able to watch, up close, how their fire department responds to an emergency, and Chief Ward and his department gained some valuable experience in responding to an alarm in a large structure, housing multiple residents. Chief Ward brought all of his charges back to the school later that evening for a tour of the building and the opportunity to familiarize themselves with hazardous locations in the structure. Still at the school, elementary teacher Lynn Smith advises that students cannot go door to door this year to collect money for UNICEF. Apparently, it is because of a safety concern involving young children having to handle money. As most folks may still keep change around that was being earmarked for young trick-or-treaters collecting for UNICEF, they should realize that they can still donate it. Just drop it off at the school office and Mrs. Smith will pick it up and make sure it gets to those who need it. Nonetheless, people should be aware that the children are still doing their part. Smith says those at the school have come up with some other ideas. ÒEvery Friday the students can bring an iPod and a hat and wear them in class for the cost of a loonie for each item worn,Ó said Smith. ÒAlso, on October the 23rd, we will be selling popcorn at afternoon break for a loonie. As well, we are doing a raffle for four flower arrangements throughout the year. Tickets are being sold in the classrooms, the office, and the library, and there are certain dates that some staff and students will be at the bank and Cornerview. Last year the school raised $660 and we are hoping to meet or beat our total from last year.Ó My Take on Snow Lake runs Fridays.
