Port Williams news

The annual general meeting for the ratepayers and electors of the village of Port Williams was held June 26 in the multi-purpose room of the Community Centre.

Steve Wohlmuth was the recipient of the Harold B. Legge Volunteer of the Year award. Steve was the driving force behind the construction of a throwing field in the village (there isn’t another facility like it east of Montreal) and the coach of Launchers Athletics, the throwing club that operates from the field. Two provincial records, one in discus and one in shot put, have fallen there recently and it’s also the site of a week-long camp that introduces children to throwing events.

After the financial report, various community groups gave reports. Joyce Stevens gave a report for the Hall trustees and the Seniors’ group. The seniors had received a grant that they used to have speakers on various topics. They have also established an exercise program.

Fire Chief Philip Porter reported that the PWVFD has 24 active members and three junior members. They responded to 22 alarms in the village during the past year for a total of 1,200 hours, and 24 calls for assistance from other departments for a total of 1,600 hours. Their fundraising activities include dances, catering, chicken BBQs and other activities. This year they purchased an all-terrain vehicle and trailer and have taken possession of a new pumper truck, which replaces a 1970s-era one.

Outgoing King Lion Jerry Atwater gave the report for the Lions Club. The club has 21 members and has a new King Lion, Paul Benjamin. He outlined the many community services projects including Adopt-a-Highway clean-up, picnic park maintenance, construction and transportation of the princess float and sponsoring PW Days events. Financial contributions included their bursaries and financial support of village and local events and organizations.

Chair Wayne Blenkhorn outlined the work of the Recreation Committee, which included support of soccer and adult and children’s ball , Launchers Athletics, skating and tennis through maintenance of the facilities, and support of events like Winter Frolic, Christmas Tree-Lighting Party and skating on the rink.

Murdoch C. Smith Library Chair Elinor shared the events that had already taken place during the library’s 50th anniversary year and then unveiled an aerial photo of the village in memory of Al Ford, who had been assistant treasurer and treasurer of the Board for many, many years. The photo will be hung in the library with two other past photos of the village.

Debbie Benedict of the Women’s Institute said that their 24 members are busy with a wide variety of projects in the village, province and beyond.

Councillor Janet Newton began by saying that the Commission always gets very current information as the Council meeting is on the same day as the Commission meeting. She toured the Shur-Gain Mill with the bylaw inspector and it’s bad, but not bad enough. She is in touch with the owner and they are in negotiations with a purchaser.

The gas tax money is to be used for sewer, water and public transportation, but can’t be used for staffing. Gas prices and the failure of an earlier route to the village make another try in the immediate future unlikely. There might be the possibility of small feeder buses to the main route.

The village wants the well field lands out of agriculture. There was discussion on this and Brian Newcombe moved that all farmers operating on well field lands meet with the Commission’s well field group. The motion was carried.

Stanton Hancock, Superintendent of Public Works, reported on water usage for the past year.

Village Commission Chair Lewis Benedict gave his report, saying that new government regulations concerning water and sewer required much time and attention from Commissioners, as did the disposition of gas tax funds.

Commissioners will now receive $200 a month and the Chair $260.

The Secondary Planning Committee meets once a month and its results can be found on the county website.

The new generator will enable the Community Centre to be a warming shelter in case of weather/power emergencies. A seniors’ friendly apartment building is in the works for Starr’s Pt. Road (site of the old church/apartment building).

The new dog poop bins have proven effective and paving was done on Belcher St. The resignation of Village Clerk Dianne Hancock was accepted.

There was a fair bit of discussion about the proposed walking trail from Greenwich to Port Williams. This work is being done through the Caring Pathways organization. They have chosen to do a trail from Wolfville to Kentville first, as issues with the bridge and culverts make the Port Williams project more complicated and expensive. Residents interested in the trail were urged to join the Pathways organization.

Resident Leah Hennigar asked about the possibility of establishing a playground/park in the village (one suitable for toddlers and preschoolers). Lewis Benedict suggested that she work through the Recreation Committee and said that the county had been unwilling in the past to give the Village green space (they wanted money from developers instead).

Two positions on the Commission came up for election. Doug Gates reoffered and was re-elected. Craig Newcombe did not reoffer. He served for five years and as a token of appreciation a donation of $300 was made to the Kings County Kickoff Fund.

Scott Leier was elected to the empty seat. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Summer will be a busy time at the library. The Annapolis Valley Regional Library's annual Summer Reading Program began June 23! Hang Out and Read this summer!

All readers through age 18 will be asked to complete a reading goal in order to earn a free FastPass from our Summer Reading Partner, Upper Clements Park. Teen readers (ages 12-18) will earn a pass by reading for 25 hours this summer. Other great prizes can be won just by reading and entering our contests!

For anyone interested, the Library is offering one-on-one computer tutorials on topics such as: Internet Security, Digital Cameras, or any other topic of interest. A teen night will be held every Thursday night throughout the summer, starting July 3. Come along to hang out and play computer games.

Two special events July 16 are puppet-making workshops, led by Mermaid Theatre puppeteers. Call the Library to register (542-3005).

Musique Royale, a festival of music in historic Nova Scotia, will hold a concert entitled, 'Rejouissance', at held at St. John's Anglican church at 7:30 p.m., Mon., July 7. The music is from the Royal Courts specializing in the performance of 17th and 18th century music on period instruments. Tickets are $15 ($5 for students) and are available at the door or by calling Colleen Mansfield at 582-1736.

A 'Strawberry Tea in the Garden' will be held Sat., July 19 (rain date Sun., July 20) at Ron and Carol Buckley's, 48 Cooperage Lane. This is a fundraiser for the 140th anniversary project of the Baptist Church.