Palgrave pond a great feature

I lived in Bolton on Alan Drive for nearly 15 years. I was a child of four when we moved there from Toronto. I lived among many fields surrounding our new subdivision. In these fields were many ponds. Every winter my older brothers and I would gather friends and head over to the pond for some good old fashioned pond hockey. This was an integral part of growing up in the country.

As kids, we all knew how much work it was to shovel the snow off the pond and everyone had to take turns. Being the little sister, I was eager to do my part just to be included in the game.

I have lived in New Tecumseth (Tottenham and Alliston) for a combination of 16 years. I now commute to Bolton a few days a week to work. As I drive past the Palgrave Pond during the winter months, I am continually impressed with the area that parents, kids, aunts, uncles and friends have worked so hard to clear. I remember years ago, while driving by, thinking, "what a great place for pond hockey." Then it seems like with each year the pond gets more and more heart put into it and now you can find two hockey areas, a cleared oval for laps, nets, lights, benches, garbage cans and recycling cans (well done!). As I drove past recently, I saw a banner that now lives among this proud little community project. The banner proudly reads, GO LEAFS GO!

If this isn't the pinnacle of what small town Ontario means in the winter, then I don't know what is. Palgrave residents, you have a lot of heart! I commend you on your tireless efforts to keep such a great project going and to provide kids with childhood memories that define the essence of small town Ontario!
Michele Carmichael
          (nee Watters)