For a printer friendly version click here. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010 New Year! Two Thousand and Nine is going to be hard year to follow with so many wonderfully funded projects concluded and those underway for completion in this year, our Sesquicentennial year-round birthday party celebrated throughout the 2009 year and the snow storm of the Century! What a banner year! Special thanks and appreciation goes to the Minden Sesquicentennial Committee for their hard work and endurance throughout the whole 2009 year. This Committee did a tremendous job, the driving-force team and the volunteers that assisted them. Some of the innovative events held as special Sesqui events were so well received, they will continue into 2010. I am extremely proud to work with the people of our community, not only as a local business owner, but also to serve as their Reeve since 2005, as well as many other positions on local Council for over 20 years. Our small but enthusiastic community has undergone tremendous changes during that time, with the decision making of a Council with a strong vision for the future and our qualified staff. The success of Minden Hills is also as a result of the friendly, passionate and helpful seasonal and full-time residents that contribute so much of their valuable time for the benefit of our community. It is thrilling to be part of this fine group of people who are bringing Minden Hills through the 21st Century with grace and style and the realization of how special our community is. We have boundless treasurers in Minden Hills, and the County of Haliburton, and are happy to share our unique experiences we already enjoy with anyone wishing to explore and discover them. We encourage you to make Minden Hills a "Destination". I would feel remiss in not publicly applauding the many organizations and volunteers that assist in making the downtown and surrounding area a wonderful place to live, visit and experience, from the beautiful well-kept flower beds, the unique third annual artists banner displays highlighted throughout the downtown streets during the summer months, the expansion of the Minden Riverwalk loop-trail project and boardwalk, the live theatre and programs at the Cultural and Community Centres year-round, the Ice Racing Series during January and February, as well as all of our other annual events - just to boast a few. All of this support only strengthens the bonds that hold our community together. We anticipate that the new businesses coming to Minden Hills will provide a greater economic base, new jobs for our youth and assist us in revitalizing our whole community. The energy in Minden Hills is exhilarating. This year will be a far more difficult year due to funding cuts, the balancing of a difficult budget and the October 25th, 2010 election. Projects will be required to be finished this year under specific funding criteria, and I am hopeful members of this municipal Council will unanimously be able to complete their term on a positive note, balancing both the needs and special projects for the betterment of our community. If you have any concerns with regard to the needs within our community, I invite you to contact me. Sincerely, Reeve Jim McMahon