Providence Bay
Alexia Hannigan
Just like that, we are stocking the pantries, jarring and processing meat from the hunt, trimming the trees, unravelling the ribbons, wreaths, lights and bows, all the while managing the holiday parties, kids’ sports, Christmas concerts, cards, calls and office closures. And you’re busier than Santa’s Elves with the long overdue- glow-ups of your houses, halls, families, elf-on-a-shelf full scale productions and even yourself! Don’t forget the impromptu, emergency, cat-dog-squirrel-toddler rescues from in and under the Christmas trees and snowbanks! These are the things that keep the Season bright and downright Squirrely! We slid unknowingly and toques first from the excitement and bounty of the orange blaze season straight into the blitzed blue, red and greens while driving with the high-beams on and doing light-speed in our millennium falcons at half past four. Wherever you are going this Silly Season, be sure to take deep breaths, to remember that if you can’t be with the ones you love, no one will see you eating the six or seventh mince pie/butter tart/pecan pie. Besides, if you made it this far nobody’s counting anymore. Not even six-seven. Count only your blessings, your hugs, your kisses, your days, your songs, your stories, because those are the things that really matter. Remember that you are well-loved and that you are surrounded by friends.
Here’s what’s happening:
Providence Bay War Memorial Community Arena (5143 HWY 551, Providence Bay). Public skating: Wednesdays and Fridays, 4:30 to 6 pm and Sundays, 1 to 3 pm.
Learn to skate: Sundays 12 noon to 1 pm.
Sponge puck: Sundays 3 to 5 pm.
The space is available and used for summer markets, weddings and festivals. The winter operating season at the Providence Bay Arena is from mid-December until the end of March and is the host site for the Pearson Brother Memorial and the Bradly McAllister sportsman 4 on 4 hockey tournaments.
Providence Bay Hall: Manitoulin recreational events calendar with class schedules for Providence Bay Hall email centralmanitoulin.ca or contact Alison Sloss at asloss@centralmanitoulin.ca 705-377-5726.
Providence Bay Public Skating Wednesdays 4 to 6 pm, Saturdays 1 to 3 pm.
Providence Bay Community of Christ Church: Joys and community updates Sundays 10:30 am; Service Sundays 11 am. Check the Providence Bay Community of Christ Facebook page for announcements and updates!
On Monday, December 22 join us for some Christmas carols, a warm fire and bring a DIY decoration to put on the Christmas tree!
Providence Bay Curling Club: Everyone is welcome at the Providence Bay Curling Club! Junior Curling is back Saturdays starting November 8 until the end of March. Ages SK to Grade 8 – equipment provided $25 per curler. For more info visit: provcurling.ca/junior.
Providence Bay Curling Club is selling $10 tickets for the Providence Bay Curling Club Youth Program for the win booze/beer for a year draw in March. These make great stocking stuffers. For more information on upcoming bonspiels, tickets and events Contact David at providencebaycurling@gmail.com or 705-377-4668 to register your team!
The Heavens: Manitoulin Island is a dark sky reserve so find a dark sky spot, bring your telescope and enjoy the wonders of the cosmos. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or just love watching shooting stars and auroras.
Winter Solstice; December 22 to 23, Ursid Meteor Shower; and December 24, Santa’s Sleigh.
The Friends: Happy Birthday to all of you Christmas babies! Happy Birthday, Linda!
Go easy out there on the roads. The cold is here and that means more animals are on the move and more hazards and unpredictable conditions on the roadways so plan ahead of any weather and go easy. If you are visiting Manitoulin Island-welcome!
You can also visit the Central Manitoulin Township webpage at CentralManitoulin.ca or visit ExploreManitoulin.com for updates on all the events happening near you. Happy Christmassing and commutes – be safe out there!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Christmas season! I will be back here in January! Newspaper Deadlines are as follows: The last issue is December 24, early deadline is December 18.
First paper back is January 7, deadline is January 1.
A Message by George Carlin:
“The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
“Less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
“We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
“We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.
“We’ve cleaned up the air but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more but learn less. We plan more but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
“These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
“Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
“Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
“Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart, and it doesn’t cost a cent.
“Remember to say, ‘I love you’ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
“Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
And always remember life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
– George Carlin
Kagawong
Team Fergmeijer
Twas the night before Christmas, no cranes to be seen.
They’d long since flown south for pastures more green.
The village was quiet — at least for tonight —
Which gave us the chance to reflect and to write.
With fellowship, fun, and music galore,
Reporting on Billings is never a chore.
We dusted off keyboards and got right to work,
Much like Rovi, the town’s new deputy clerk.
We’ve reminiscing to do (and it’s mostly sincere);
To traditional rhyme schemes we’ll try to adhere.
From spring’s first light through the salmon run’s peak,
Guided tours and stories were the talk of each week.
We marked a century of sawdust and spin,
The Old Mill stands proud with its heritage within.
From timber and toil to the paths that now lay,
The village remembers, still proud to this day
Spring brought a tradition both earnest and keen,
To spot (or first hear) a sandhill crane on the scene.
The times all came rolling, by phone and by word,
With Peter still reigning, and Willa in third.
Then came a great contest – a hullabaloo –
For glory and bragging rights: Billing’s best coo.
Some practiced all winter, some winged it with flair,
With dignity optional, a rumpus affair.
Wednesday markets were hopping, making summer complete.
Ethel kept it running, a logistical feat!
Local’s vendors sold treasures to visitors who,
Left with full bags and a story or two.
The Sic Sox vanished, much to our grief,
No pink bins for fabrics, no textile relief.
Yet Steve Paikin’s visits brought joy through the town,
Hosting History Day with that charm so renown.
After summer markets and handmade delights,
We welcomed cool breezes and quieter nights.
For Christmas in Kagawong, the village was bright,
With Santa and crafts, and pies baked just right.
The River Complex (aka Pickledome),
Where sneakers and skates all found room to roam.
Pickleballs popped and the ice shone bright,
Meldrum Bay
Elaine Bradley
Thursday night of last week we went to Silver Water to play cards. Four others from Meldrum Bay were there as well. We had a good time.
Friday night at cards in Meldrum there were three full tables plus one sit out. High lady was Myra Duncanson; high man was Rick Bradley; ladies lone hands went to Rose VanEvery; men’s lone hands went to Murray Duncanson; Diane McCallum won most euchres; Karen Noble won the 50/50; Lois Wismer took home the juice and won the door prize. For another week the money jar is safe. We play at 7 pm, Friday nights, so come and join us.
Saturday morning, we had a fun time visiting friends for breakfast. We’ve never been invited out to breakfast before; it was quite delightful. They have done some renovations, so we got a full tour. Everything looks really nice.
Saturday night we went out again for a potluck dinner at the Meldrum Bay Hall. It was a fundraiser to help with the renovations that we needed to do at the hall. Food was good, we had a good time visiting. I particularly liked the home-made bread. Thanks to everyone who brought baking and for their generous donations to the hall renovations.
My brother-and sister-in-law got a new water softener and water purifying system put in. We decided to do the same, with a new water softener. It was installed this week. A nice job was done. We are glad to say goodbye to super hard water.
Rose and my brother have each had furnace issues. It is a bad time of year to have home heating act up.
Have a great week everyone and Merry Christmas from Meldrum Bay to the rest of Manitoulin.
Barrie Island
Enid Runnalls
It’s been a winter wonderland here so far this month and the Barrie Island meteorologist is pretty sure that it will be a White Christmas. At least there is a 50 percent chance of that.
The farmers are full-on feeding cattle and trying to get things in the right place for winter. The yearling calves have been processed, and they are part way through with processing this year’s group.
Carolyn Lane-Rock arrived on the Island last Friday and stayed the weekend at the home of Scott and Enid Runnalls. From there she was able to visit friends and other family, as well as attend a few seasonal events.
In spite of the snowy weather, the Gordon/Barrie Island Christmas Market vendors welcomed shoppers on Saturday. It was a real municipal event, with all hands-on deck. Greeting the community at the door was Councillor Isobel Harry and our very own local clown MaD HoTdeR. Johnny and Sylvia Fletcher’s peanut brittle was sold out in the first few minutes! Carrie the Clerk was circulating in the crowd and along with Morgan the office staffer, served hot soup to hungry shoppers. Enid represented the artist and artisans of Grandview Farms, Barrie Island at her table. Reeve Lee Hayden was there to shop and found a few things to check off of his Christmas list.
Meanwhile, after the Market shuttered for the day, the community braved the snowflakes on the way to Gore Bay and participated either on floats or as viewers of the Santa Claus Parade! Gingerbread-Man-Micah joined a cast of cuties smiling and waving from the Dental Queen’s ‘CandyLand’ float. Also waving from the float were his dad Cameron and Reece (both Lollipops). It truly was the sweetest float of the evening, and I hear that it was awarded First Prize! The other floats of the parade must have been close contenders for the prizes: there was the Mickey Mouse Club Float, the well-lit Rob Dearing and Sons, Deanna Hardy riding a reindeer (bale) on Bill Fogle’s forklift, as well as a pair of OG goats, Manitoulin Transport’s winter wonderland, Henry Chaytor’s school bus, Roger’s dumptruck, Fire Engine, Paramedics, a teddy bear in a side-by-side, and of course Santa Claus! Please jog my memory if I’ve left anyone out.
On Sunday, Frances Hore was selling her jams and jellies, made from berries in her backyard and Linda Lane had a table of Christmas decor at the Burpee-Mills Christmas Market. Later in the evening some Barrie Islanders found themselves back in town tucking into turkey dinner at the Annual Lyons Memorial United Church Christmas Party at Waters Edge.
On Tuesday the Campbell Horticultural Society held their Christmas Party in Spring Bay. Enid reports that there are many gardening gurus in the group who generously share their knowledge of native plant species, pollinators, floral design and best gardening practices.
Sending wishes for a good recovery to Garth Baker, who is recuperating at his sister’s home in Billings.
Please give me a call if you have any news to share.
Silver Water
Karen Noble
On Friday, December 4 in the morning, I went to town to work for a short time. I did some errands and then headed home. I went with Kay Everett and Myra Duncanson to the funeral for Adeline Sampson in Sheshegwaning.
We went home in time for Kay to go with Lorna Cambria to the Christmas dinner potluck at the Burpee / Mills Complex.
Myra and I picked up Lois Wismer and went to play euchre in Meldrum Bay.
Saturday morning, Albert Meijer and I picked up Robbie Baldwin and went to the Anglican Church cookie walk in Gore Bay. Everyone that was purchasing cookies was grateful for all the work done by the church members and other volunteers.
We went to the Christmas Market at the Gordon / Barrie Island municipal building next. There were a large number of vendors inside and we did some shopping. Soup and homemade rolls were being sold for lunch for $5 so we had some.
My weekend was spent working on lots of projects including some mittens for Christmas presents. Sunday, we made dozens of cookies.
Monday morning, I made strawberry pies for the Christmas dinner at the Silver Water Hall.
In the afternoon, the recycle bins were open from 1 to 2pm. There was a good turnout.
Monday, I took Myra Duncanson to euchre at the Burpee / Mills Complex.
Tuesday, I worked from home in the morning and then more knitting.
Wednesday, I went to Gore Bay in the morning to do a number of errands.
Thursday Albert and I spent the day making tourtiere pies. Some got handed out as early Christmas presents. Some went in the freezer for later. The extra dough made pumpkin pies.
Thursday evening there was euchre at the Silver Water Hall.
