New-ish to Manitoulin feature connects flying enthusiasts
EDITOR’S NOTE: This week will see a minor change to The Expositor front page, as the volume number in the left-hand corner under the flag will change from 144 to 145, marking 145 years that Northern Ontario’s longest continuously published newspaper has served the Manitoulin community. For nearly a century and a half, The Expositor has chronicled the news and events of importance to the residents of the world’s largest freshwater Island and we are able to continue to bring you. Local news thanks to the support of our loyal subscribers and advertisers—and those that pick up a copy at their local newsstand. Thanks to you, local news is alive and well here on Manitoulin Island.
by Heather Marshall
MANITOULIN—Ann and Jack Sargent had only visited Manitoulin a few times to visit their daughter Cathy prior to moving permanently to Bay Estates in 2022 following the death of Cathy’s spouse. The couple had previously lived a literally jet-setting life, as Mr. Sargent was a commercial pilot with Air Canada for 35 years of his long-running aviation career. The couple travelled frequently between their homes in Southern Ontario and Florida for several decades, since pilots’ flying hours are limited and they had plenty of free time on their hands. When Jack retired and they sold their property in the United States, they switched to travelling around the world, often flying to catch a cruise ship to a new destination.
After being on the move for so much of their 58-year long marriage, settling down to a quiet life on Manitoulin took a bit of adjustment. As much as they love being close to their daughter and grandson again and are very happy with their beautiful waterfront home on Lake Huron, the couple found it took more time than they expected to get to know local people and settle into the community.
All that changed when a story about Ann and Jack in the Valentine’s Day edition of the New-ish to Manitoulin column ran in February 2024.
Following the story’s publication, Wanda and Ian Whittington reached out to The Expositor asking for contact information as they wanted to connect with the newcomer couple with whom they share a passion for flying.
“In the few years we’ve had our plane and been flying, we’ve been amazed at the close camaraderie among local pilots,” said Ms. Whittington. “We wanted to make sure Jack and Ann were welcomed not only to Manitoulin, but to our flying community as well.”
While the couple have yet to meet in person, Mr. Whittington, an Island engineer and flying enthusiast has been exchanging emails with the new couple.
“We hope to get together in-person soon,” said Ms. Whittington. “The Manitoulin East Municipal Airport has interesting winds and the pilots like to get together when they can.”
“We like to meet new people who are moving to Manitoulin,” continued Ms. Whittington.
In fact, The Expositor is a great way to get to know the community for newcomers and, with Ms. Marshall’s column ‘New-ish to Manitoulin, a great way for the community to meet newcomers.
