Out walking the dog last night I noticed how bright the stars were, and how many there are in the dark winter sky. I don’t think there is a better place to see the stars then on Manitoulin, maybe I’m being a bit bias, but other than living in the far north of Manitoba and seeing the displays of the the aurora borealis, there is no night sky to top the ones here at home. There has been so many dull cloudy days lately it was a nice sight to see. Try to take a few minutes if you can to check it out when the night is clear and cold.
It has been a pretty busy weekend here in Sheguiandah. The museum had over 200 people come out to the craft fair on Saturday. The vendors who were selling their wares did a fabulous job. Detlef and Ruth Heiser had a nice variety of wood products, knitted toys and handmade mitts. Detlef was showing us a shaker box he had made from spalted maple, which is a fungus that grows on the wood and harvested at just the right time to make such a beautiful design in it. The one he showed us looked like a old man’s face. It really was a piece of art.
Loraine Loranger and Faye Reid had many paintings and drawings and also some nice wood products that Loraine’s husband had made. Many of the paintings they had were of nature and old cabins while Faye had some beautiful ones of old castles and scenery. Julie Shortt had a lot of her wood worked pieces for sale. She makes hand made cribbage boards with different scenes of wildlife or the map of Manitoulin on them. These really make a great gift for the men or someone living off the Island. She also had loons or ducks on coat racks and trays for carrying your casserole. Lori Mastlelko showed her creative side with lots of knitted items like, socks, mitts, and tea towels. She had her greeting cards with pictures of Silver Lake. Sheila Armstrong also had knitted items, nice thick woolly socks for those cold winter days ahead. She had homemade jams as well.
Bev Morphet and her son-in-law Wallace Hallett were selling her daughter Cathy’s homemade chocolates. They were a really nice treat for a special guest or office gift, as well as her rug hooked ornaments. Peter Baumgarten had a display of photographs, some were of local scenery and many just lovely pictures for your home. He also had nice matted greeting cards. Sophie Pheasant Jones had handmade jewellery done in such beautiful colours of black, blues, orange and other hues, really a lovely gift. Nancy Kains from Big Lake was a big hit with her honey and bees wax candles. She was telling me about all the bees they keep and the work that goes into the harvesting of the honey, it was so nice and clear.
Wes Newhaumm from Kagawong had his scroll saw work, done in small ornaments, but all the shapes were of the Manitoulin Island map. How unique that was. He said he has been working on this type of pattern for some time. Dorothy Chapman from Manitowaning was there with her fine handmade jewellery. She had a nice assortment of earrings and bracelets for every day and special ones for Christmas. So all in all, everyone seemed to enjoy the day shopping for some last minute gift items, visiting with friends and enjoying the lunch of hot chili and rolls.
Taoist Tai Chi group would like to thank the Sheguiandah United Church for allowing them to hold their classes there while the Seniors’ Hall was being rebuilt. They are really happy to be back meeting at the wonderful, new Sheguiandah Seniors’ Hall. Thanks to all those who helped to make this happen so quickly. We will be hosting an open house and registration for Taoist Tai Chi on Friday, December 20 and Friday, January 3 from 10 am to noon. Please come and see what we’re all about. Our beginner classes will start on January 17. It’s a wonderful practice for better health, for your body, mind and spirit. Everyone is welcome regardless of age, gender or disabilities.
Come give us a try. For more information, you can call Wendy at 705-368-3059.
Sunday was the annual Christmas potluck supper at the new seniors hall, of course everyone was looking forward to seeing the inside of the new hall! And amazing they are. What a great job the many volunteers did. The hall is much bigger and brighter. The kitchen is much bigger with new cupboards.
There was a large crowd for the potluck supper and it certainly was a delicious meal. Everyone had their fill of the good food and desserts. After dinner Gail Gjos led us in a couple of games to win a Christmas gift. I think we all know for sure what direction right and left are now! There was also a card game for a few extra presents and many gifts changed hands a few times. The draw was made for the handmade quilt. It was won by a lady from Michigan. The door prize of a lovely flower arrangement donated by the Hawberry flower Shop and was won by Donna Corbett. Thanks to everyone. It was a really an enjoyable evening.
We send our condolences to Georgina Lovelace and Betty Gammie on the loss of their brother Carl Bond. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Our family was saddened this week to hear of the passing of our Aunt Vivian Pidgin. Some may remember her and her husband Arden from their time in Silverwater and the latter in Little Current. Aunt Vivian was the last remaining family member of my father, Elmer Lovelace’s family.
Some of the deer hunters had to return home empty handed this year. Our cousin Rod enjoyed the two weeks he was here to hunt at his camp in Rockville. There was a deer hit by a vehicle on the highway in front of our neighbour’s house on the opening morning and two local ladies got their deer the same way when it jumped out in front of them at the top of the hill by Orr’s Sideroad. Sorry to hear your car was a write off, Sue, but glad no one was hurt.
Happy birthday to those celebrating this week. Especially to “Pops” Marcel from North Bay on the 10th and Lynn Spry on the 14th.
If you have any news or special events that you like to put in this column please give me a call and I will send it in for you. Keep smiling.
