As of July 24, the Municipality of Central Manitoulin webpage lists that the latest fire ban was issued July 12 due to very dry conditions. It is still in effect (July 22). The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the province of Ontario has a website that gives you information on the laws surrounding a Restricted Fire Zone. It can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions There are some exceptions but once a Restricted Fire Zone is declared, it is illegal to set a fire for any purpose within the affected area. Failure to comply could result in a fine up to $1,000, three months in jail and/or financial responsibility for any costs incurred in fighting a forest fire. We did have some rain today, so maybe they will lift the ban once the township office opens on Monday, July 25. For updates, check their webpage at www.centralmanitoulin.ca
Gloria and Bill (Sandy) Sandercott had two of their daughters home to visit. Kelly and Gerheart Heinrich were here at a cottage for two weeks. Louise and John Tringham are here for the summer. She spotted a bear in town by Calvin’s garages last week. It’s important to practice safety precautions to deter bears to come into the community. You can find information on how to be Bear Wise at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise
The Manitoulin Island Dirt Riders Association (MIDRA) planned to hold back to back races at the track in Providence Bay on the July 23-24 weekend. Dirt bike and quad racing was available. Unfortunately there were not enough riders that showed up so they had to cancel. The track is still open to members of MIDRA for practices on Tuesdays and Sundays. The next scheduled races are scheduled for the third weekend in August. This is the same weekend as the Providence Bay Fair.
Ella (11) and Luke (7) are visiting Marlene and Unkie Bill Jewell from Louisville, Kentucky. They are accompanied by their parents Rob and Leslie. They are enjoying their second annual visit to the Manitoulin. While here, Luke will celebrate his 8th birthday. He has requested Unkie Bill’s famous Whoopie Pies with candles. Bike riding, bird house making, and general Island Time activities abound.
The work on the Providence Bay Village Square continues every weekend with a handful of dedicated volunteers. They’re out there every Saturday at 10 am for work bees. This past weekend they were out in that extreme heat planting 4 trees and topsoil was laid down getting ready for grass seed. We sure appreciate the efforts of the tireless volunteers and the equipment that was donated by Calvin Pearson.
Tim and Carol-Anne Parks were up for their annual visit to celebrate their 14-year anniversary with good friend Ingrid Blay and her husband.
There are a number of upcoming birthdays. Birthday wishes go out to George Strain Jr., Jane Bryan on July 24, and Tim McFarlane celebrates on July 28. He’s now living in London, United Kingdom and is married to Maciek Zielinski. They’ve done a lot of travelling together and just returned to their home from a trip to Croatia. Tim is living proof that there is life outside of Providence Bay, contrary to what we all think.
The Discovery Centre Team invites you to join them for a Fossil Walk on Friday, July 29 with a approximate 1 pm start time. They are inside the Harbour Centre by the beautiful beach in Providence Bay. Call 705-377-5025 or email discovery@eastlink.ca to register. Drop-ins are also welcome! They are also hosting a Scavenger Hunt Week for the week of Aug 3 – 9. Stop by and check it out. Stream Detective Tours are also available most Wednesday’s Cost is $10. This is brought to you by the Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association.
Nathalie and Alain are hosting a Meet and Greet at the Auberge Inn Hostel on Thursday July 28 from 2-5pm at 71 McNevin Street. Come and introduce yourself to the new owners of the Auberge Inn who will be taking over as of November 1, 2016. They are excited to meet the community in Providence Bay.
Gary and daughter Donna McFarlane have a full house this week. Pat McFarlane is home from the Little Current Manor to preside over her whole family who have returned for a week long visit. Visitors are daughter Sheila Cyr and her whole family who’ve come from down country. Places such as Niagara Falls and Cambridge. Daughter Shirley Dwyer and family who are here visiting from Sault Ste Marie. And son Doug McFarlane is also visiting from Sault Ste Marie. There are about 20 in all.
There is a Beach Action Day scheduled for Wednesday, August 3 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm rain or shine. This is sponsored by the Habitat Stewardship Fund of Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Municipality of Central Manitoulin, Manitoulin Streams, the province of Ontario, Nature Conservancy Canada, Winter Spider Eco-Consulting and the Campbell Horticultural Society. This is for the invasive species and weed removal to reduce non-dune plants. This is the day that we’ve all been waiting for to get some resolution to the mess that has become of the beach. Come to the Discovery Centre anytime between these hours to be directed to a work team. For more information, you can contact Mira Jones, Manitoulin Phragmites Project at 705-859-1027 or by email at transient19@gmail.com
If you have anything that you would like to contribute to the Providence Bay News and Notes please send in your submission by 3 pm each Sunday. It really helps the news if everyone contributes. You may call Cheryl at 705-377-7511 or you can email prov_chick@hotmail.com
