June 2
If the people planning the events at Beachville marking the 175th anniversary of the first baseball game in North America could have planned the weather it would have been a perfect event. It was very evident that much work had gone into making the two weekends of celebration well worth attending. I had the honour of placing the ball on the T for the T-ball competition. I think for the little ones there was probably some confusion regarding the very crude equipment they were given and the original rules used for the other games but it would be a day for them to remember. Congratulations to everyone for a great effort for our community.

June 4 
Zorra Council learned today our speed sign has arrived and will be placed at various locations in the Township. It will serve as a reminder to people of speeds they are driving as compared to legal limits and hopefully will at least make them aware of the need to slow down particularly in the more built up areas. I am hoping people living near to these locations will take time to observe the speeds recorded so they also get a true idea of what speeds are being noted. Certainly when you are standing on the street vehicle speeds seem to be faster than they really are so this will help everyone get a better idea of what the infractions are.

Just this morning I received a very interesting report detailing the types of tickets being issued, where the infractions occurred and where the person stopped was from - Zorra or from out of the Township. I am going to ask if this can be posted on the Township website as I think many of you will find it to be very interesting.

The Recreation Department will be drafting a 5 year Capital plan for its department. Other departments are being considered as we need to do serious planning for future projects and make plans for their financing. Also ZRAC will be reviewing the Alcohol Management Policy written last year. So many changes are being made by the Provincial Government and LCBO that affect service at events that we have to keep up with the new regulations. A bylaw was passed which will see the beginning of the Rural Oxford Prosperity Corporation which is how the four rural townships in Oxford – East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich, SWOX and Zorra will organize themselves for Economic Development.  The afternoon session was given to reviewing the Urban Design Guidelines study with Bernie Hermsen, MHBC Planning, the company who conducted the study and Paul Michaels, from the County Planning Department. This report is also on our website. We are hoping we can encourage potential developers in Zorra to incorporate at least some of the ideas in plans for new housing.  The study incorporates more modern ideas of welcoming communities that provide the kind of living standards people are looking for. You will hear more about this later this year.

Update on Landfill Proposal
The Draft Terms of Reference has been released. You will find it on the Township website. It outlines the proponent’s work plan for the studies that will take place. You are encouraged to submit your comments—both favourable and unfavourable to Walker by June 21st, 2013. Then Walker will review all comments and may make revisions to the Terms of Reference which will then be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment - likely by July 26. Walker will be publishing this as a “Notice of Submission of Terms of Reference”. Again you are encouraged to submit your comments - this time to the Ministry until August 26, 2013.  From this date until sometime in October the formal Ministry review will occur and sometime in October/November we will learn of their decision on the Terms of Reference.

It is critical that you make your comments during these two time periods as this is your opportunity to do so - when the people who will be making decisions will be listening. I realize there are some who are encouraging residents not to make comments to Walker during the first commenting period but this is really very bad advice. Nothing will be gained by holding back concerns and information. This is the time to get them on the table for inclusion and study.

June 6
A great night for Thamesford for this year’s first market in the centre of town. It was a wet night but the crowds were steady and the vendors well pleased with sales. The bakery table was loaded with goodies. I purchased an apricot, peach and mango pie, (I have never before even heard of this combination) and some excellent rhubarb. Yes, this farm lady no longer has a rhubarb patch in production and I am having to buy it by the stock this year. As well I saw asparagus, fresh garlic, strawberries, and tomatoes - all locally grown, excellent produce. Selection will grow as crops come into production. The maple syrup vendor had samples and his sales were brisk. Be sure to come each Thursday 3-8pm—or until sold out.  

From the market I travelled to Kintore for the AJ Baker Fun Night. There was an excellent turnout. Because of the weather all events were indoors but this just seemed to heighten the energy of the evening.  I was pleased to be the successful bidder on several items which will help me enjoy even more locally produced food.  

June 7
I noticed a sign at the Embro restaurant indicating that as of June 16 they will be open on Sundays from 8am to 3pm for breakfast and lunch. This should be very much welcomed by the community - especially those looking to go out for lunch after church. My husband and I enjoyed our lunch today. We won’t be needing much for supper - and we were pleasantly surprised with the low price.