What a way to end the summer with a heat wave! The weather was just perfect in Providence Bay with a nice breeze this past long weekend for people to enjoy the swimming, park and boardwalk. A good indication it was a hot weekend is when the Huron Island Time Ice Cream shop is down to their last three tubs of ice cream on Labour Day Monday. The Lake Huron Fish and Chips had another great summer and staff had their last day on Sunday, September 6—they are now closed for the season.
Thanks to volunteers erin-blythe, Jane and Blair who kept the Discovery Centre open this past weekend. They had over 100 people drop in to learn about the history and ecology of Providence Bay. Did you know there are many native plant species on the dune ecosystem here in Providence Bay including: Great Lakes wheat grass, American beach grass, milkweed and horsetail. It is especially important to keep native plant species on the beach because they maintain the fine sand grains that are enjoyed by recreational beach users. The native plants act to capture and store sand in dunes and also prevent the sand from blowing off the beach during strong windy days.
You can also check out the invasive plant species display at the Discovery Centre. You’d be surprised how many you probably have in your own backyard including trees like Manitoba maple, plants like English ivy, periwinkle and gout weed. It is best to plant native trees in your garden including: sugar maple, white ash, red mulberry and chokecherry. To learn more check out this website: http://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/tree-atlas/ontario-northeast/
Another beautiful wedding was held on the beach on this past Saturday with 160 friends and family and many beachgoers taking in the Ainsley wedding. It’s great to see someone who was raised here (actually grew up at what is currently the Auberge Inn Hostel), move away, then return to get married here. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Johnboy and Lynn Ainsley née Thibeault.
Salmon fishing has moved into the bay and there have been quite a few people catching them along the shoreline. The boats are marking them at 10 feet. Some fall colours have already been spotted around town and with the geese and sandhill cranes starting to gather and prepare for their fall migration and back to school, it is definitely starting to feel like the fall is starting to settle in despite the heat wave.
The Coffee Club’s first Thursday monthly pancake breakfast had 50 people attend on September 3. Larry and Ruby from Caledonia, Tom and Lynda Boyd from Calgary and Emily Noble of the Soo all want to say “delicious” and thank you to all who came out to enjoy and support the curling club. Don’t forget coffee and toast is served weekdays from 7 to 9:30 am at the Providence Bay Curling Club. All are welcome.
Did you know Providence Bay has a library? It is in the basement of the Hall and open Tuesday evenings: 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Wednesday from 1 to 3:30 pm and Friday from 1 to 4:30 pm.
The Maddens’ cottage is just about complete and Carolyn and Dave had the chance to enjoy their new cottage that has been in construction all summer.
Steve and Kerry Barclay are back for another two-week visit.
Condolences go out to Lisa Langridge and family following the recent passing of her husband Jerry who lived in Providence Bay for many years.
