Providence Bay
Alexia Hannigan
Alexia here with your friendly frozen fly!
It’s hard to wrap my head around the weather and world events these days. The west coast fire footage looks like the napalm scene from Apocalypse. Now while here in the East it looks and feels like Planet Hoth and the sky aka planes are literally falling from the sky on almost a daily basis. What can we do here in Providence Bay except stay safe and warm and reach out to donate and help the animal shelters and volunteer agencies who are going full tilt globally. It’s all doom and gloom to say the least, but lean in, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: broadcasters hold the motto: “if it bleeds it leads” news stations and national newspapers will always cover the worst, most horrific stories because bad news will render better ratings. Remember that! Humans are resilient and always fight the good fight and rise above. With that, it’s important to know that for all the bad news these days, there are also incredible stories of survival, triumph, success, miracles, human connection, human solidarity and strength, even during the worst of times. History has proven time and time again, that humanity will always rise like the Phoenix from the ashes and prevail. So, keep the faith, take good care of yourself and of the friends and neighbours in your community, this too shall pass. 2025 will be a wild one for sure, keep calm and carry on, you’re doing great.
Here’s What’s Happening:
PUCK DROP: Providence Bay Arena Pearson Memorial was a success. Well done volunteers and teams!
Learn to Skate is Sundays from 12 noon to 1 pm; Public Skate is Sundays from 1 to 3 pm; Family Sponge Puck is Sunday from 3 to 5 pm. Sponsored by the Spring Bay/Providence Bay Recreation Committee. Helmets required.
McAllister Tourney coming soon! Stay tuned.
Providence Bay Curling Club: the curling club season is popping and well underway! Youth Curling continues Saturdays, and regular league meets continue in the evenings. Check out the Providence Bay Curling Club Facebook page for regular updates and events. Annual ladies’ bonspiel at the Providence Bay Curling Club is February 14-16. This year’s theme is Diamonds and Denim! First 16 teams accepted. Guaranteed three games and Saturday evening dinner and entertainment. $220 entry fee (+$20 Calcutta), email providencebaycurling@gmail.com or call 705-377-4668 to register.
Providence Bay Community of Christ Church Sunday Service: 10:30 am meet-up; 11 am service.
Providence Bay Town Square and Hall: Winter workouts are back on Friday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 am till March 14 at the Providence Bay Hall.
Tai Chi Classes continue Mondays and Thursdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Contact Jean Pearce at 705-885-8444.
Fundraisers: Providence Bay/Spring Bay Lions Club bottle drive continues, drop off your empties next to the arena for a good cause!
The Heavens: Don’t miss these spectacular Astronomical events in January 2025! Monday’s full moon of the year is also known as the Wolf Moon.
On January 16 Mars will reach opposition, making its closest approach to Earth in over two years. This marks the best opportunity to observe the Red Planet in all its glory through a telescope or even with the naked eye; January 21 to 25 there will be a spectacular planetary parade which will occur as several planets appear to line up in the night sky from Earth’s perspective. Don’t miss this rare and awe-inspiring event.
Happy birthday Tilley, Ashley, Stephanie, Rhonda and all of you wonderful January babies.
From the ashes, a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring…” — J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
Kagawong
Team Fergmeijer
As Team Fergmeijer was writing this week’s column we got a little peckish; we were down right Hungary. We had a deadline to meet and no time to waste, but we decided we would Russian to the kitchen and Czech the fridge to see if there was any Turkey. We found it, but sadly, the holiday leftovers were covered with a fine coating of Greece. Although we thought we Canada bit of Chile to it, we finally had to admit there is just Norway we could eat it at all. Although we’re Havana good time with these puns and Congo on and on with them, it’s probably best if we go ahead and Finnish this intro, now.
We are saddened to share that local village greeter Sadie crossed the Rainbow Bridge recently. She was a team Fergmeijer superfan (well, a superfan of everyone, really), and she will be missed.
Deepen your connection with your body with the free Inclusive Mindful Movement classes at the Park Centre from Monday, January 20 to Monday, March 3 from 8 to 9 pm. Come out for a gentle, joyful movement practice focused on helping you find more ease in your movement and alignment. No dance experience necessary. Space is limited. Preregistration is encouraged at www.bodystoriesdance.com or call 647-213-1497.
We thought we’d try our hand at a slightly more poetic birthday shoutout as we wish Vera C. a very happy 29th birthday:
Under time’s still hand,
a bright flame flickers softly—
your words light the years.
International Puzzle Day is at the end of January. To celebrate, the library will host another free puzzle swap on Saturday, January 25. Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle (or five). No puzzles to bring? No problem. There are always lots to go around!
Want to stay up on local politics, but don’t relish venturing out in the cold and dark? Not a problem! Billings township council meetings are available by remote Zoom link. You can find more information on their Facebook page (www.fb.com/billingstownshipkagawong) or contact the town office directly.
Calling all dancing queens and super troupers, save the date! Manitoulin Secondary School is presenting the jukebox musical Mamma Mia! February 14, 15, 21 and 22. Ticket information will be available soon.
Self-appointed Kagawong pun laureates, Team Fergmeijer, invite you to catch up on all our past punny columns in our archive at https://teamfergmeijer.blogspot.com/
Just a quick note of appreciation for our fans. Sometimes we think “Oman, this column is Ghana be of no interest to the readers” but every week, you guys are like, ‘give us Samoa!” Have a great week!
Meldrum Bay
Elaine Bradley
We’ve turned the corner. Days are getting longer and the sunshine is brilliant. We’ve seen some people fishing at the pier. We were driving by and did not stop to ask if they caught anything. Today a couple were sitting where the docks are in summer, on lawn chairs, bundled up against the cold and it looked delightful. The view across the Bay is amazing.
Some of the Christmas decorations are down, but some remain, which is nice as they look so cheerful.
On Sunday, January 19, it will be the monthly meeting at the Meldrum Bay Church and a get together is being planned after the service.
On Friday, January 3 at cards we had 13 people, three full tables plus a sit out. Lois Wismer won high lady with 76 points; Doug Carter won high man with 71 points; men’s lone hands went to Rick Bradley with five; ladies’ lone hand went to Elaine Bradley with three; Karen Noble won most euchres with seven; Gene Cada won the 50/50 draw; the door prize was won by Brenda Carter; the money jar is safe for another week. We had a great time. Thanks to everyone who came out.
Have a safe, enjoyable week.
Barrie Island
Enid Runnals
It has been a slow news week on Barrie Island, not surprising as we have only 35 year-round residents and only two children under the age of five. Gone are the days when we would report that one of our local farmers journeyed by horse and Democrat to Mindemoya to see the Doctor, followed by readers turning to the page on Mindemoya news to see if they got there, who they stayed with and when said farmer had returned to Barrie Island.
As such I will give you a little tidbit of the past (something I learned from Jack McQuarrie’s “Through the Years” publications from Volume 1, No. 1) – “settlers arrived here in 1975 and named the island after a naval officer from Kingston, Commodore Barrie, who visited here in the 1820s.”
For those of you who are interested in local history, there is a wonderful Group on Facebook where pictures and stories are being shared. I believe that Lola Lane, Carolyn Lane-Rock, Bob Lane and others are contributing information.
So long, please let me know if you have some news to share or even if you go to Mindemoya or something!
Silver Water
Karen Noble
On Friday, January 3 it was Albert’s birthday. We had invited company but when they heard that he had contracted a head cold, the company decided to stay home.
On Friday evening we went to euchre in Meldrum Bay. There were 13 players.
On Sunday afternoon we went to the euchre tournament in Tehkummah. There were 11 tables full of players.
On Monday evening we went to euchre at the Burpee/Mills complex.
On Tuesday there was exercise class at 1 pm at the Silver Water Community Hall.
On Thursday the UCW held their first meeting of the new year at St. Andrew’s United Church in Silver Water. There were 11 ladies in attendance. Elections were held and everyone stayed in the same positions.
On Thursday evening there was euchre at the Silver Water Community Hall.
Watch for details for upcoming events such as the lunch and euchre tournament on Family Day which is on Sunday, February 16 at the Meldrum Bay Hall.
Get well wishes to John Wickett.
Condolences to the family of William Fogal.
Condolences to the family of Gail Middleton Hunter.
Condolences to the family of Loretta Roy.
