$4,500 in grants for community projects approved by council

Connor Luczka, Echo Correspondent

Thamesford Minor Ball Association (TMBA)’s pitch for a new portable mound was a homerun last month.

On Nov. 20, Zorra Township Council approved funds for both the TMBA and the Zorra Caledonian Society as part of its community partnership program, an initiative whereby community groups can request grants for upcoming big purchases that will be a benefit to not only the organization but the community.

Jennifer Dyer of the TMBA delegated on its behalf, running council through the need for a portable pitching mound for slow pitch and other maintenance work at North Park.

The needs for slow pitch are different than baseball, as Dyer said, and the mound at the North Park is quite low. The portable mound, estimated at $4,000, would be able to go over the mound, secure in place using spikes underneath, and be removable.

“As a former slow pitch player, I know their needs, as far as the pitching mound, is different,” Coun, Paul Mitchell said after Dyer’s presentation. “If it's something we can use to broaden the usage and the quality of usage for multiple groups, I think it's something we should support.”

Just prior to Dyer’s presentation, Angela Langlois, Scott Thomson, Nicole Barnett, and Elizabeth Bruce delegated for the purchase of a water refill station, an asset that is much needed, according to Barnett.

For example, for any events that take place outside the Embro Community Centre (such as the Embro Highland Games), there is no drinking water available on the grounds and organizers have to invest in disposable water bottles.

The idea that they had was a water refilling station – a small, fridge-sized unit that uses potable water and needs to be plugged in or attached to CO2 cannisters but is otherwise portable.

“We want to continue to operate our events in a way that is sustainable, comfortable for our patrons, and is an affordable solution for our organizations,” Barnett said. “We really can't do this alone, though. We really felt like the purchase of a unit like this is a bit more than our organizations could afford and really manage, because it would just be another task for already really stretched volunteers, and it might just be beyond our capabilities.”

She later clarified that use of the station by other community groups is being considered and they will strike something that is fair for the whole community, though exactly what that would look like is not finalized yet.

Council approved 30 per cent of the projected $10,000 water refill station ($3,000) be included in the 2025 capital plan, in addition to 30 per cent of the projected $5,000 portable mound ($1,500) as well.