Providence Bay
Alexia Hannigan
Alexia here with your friendly butterfly, dragonfly, mosquito, tick and blackfly! They鈥檙e back! That鈥檚 the price we pay for living here in the beautiful north country, we share our space with the winged and the wild and we are totally outnumbered! The hummingbirds, bees and butterflies have started their summer dance and it鈥檚 quite a marvellous sight to behold, so just roll with it and enjoy the views. Canada Day came and went like an Algonquin Park downburst and here we are in the true north at the beginning of July with big beautiful, sweet, sultry, sweaty, splashy summer ahead of us and we can鈥檛 wait! All the venues, restaurants, resorts, campgrounds, trails and open-air markets are booming now, we work our plan and plan our work and try to find the perfect balance between good business and good times spent with family and friends! It鈥檚 not about counting the days; it鈥檚 about making the days count, go get it!
Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 happening: Providence Bay Hall: Saturday, July 5 鈥淪ongs of Summer Music Bingo Fundraiser鈥- is sold out! Doors open at 7:30 pm Bingo starts at 8 pm – 19+ licenced event with proceeds and raffles in support of the Providence Bay Curling Club and Providence Bay Agricultural Society.
For the Manitoulin recreational events calendar with class schedules for Providence Bay Hall, Mindemoya Hall and Spring Bay Hall visit: events.centralmanitoulin.ca, contact Alison Sloss at asloss@centralmanitoulin.ca
705-377-5726.
Providence Bay Community of Christ Church: Check the Facebook page for services and events as times may vary throughout the busy season. Joys and community updates at 10:30 am and service at 11 am.
Providence Bay Curling Club: Check the Providence Bay Curling Club and the Providence Bay Lions Club Facebook page for information and 50/50 draw dates and winners!
The Providence Bay/Spring Bay Lions Club is reaching out to the community and local businesses for sponsors or silent auction donations for our upcoming golf tournament.
We cordially invite you to participate in the third annual 2025 Lions Golf Tournament. This fundraising event supports the Providence Bay Curling Club youth and junior curling programs and the 1st Western Manitoulin Girl Guides SEGPR. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at Manitoulin Golf. To submit your team鈥檚 registration contact Lion Chris Bryan at 705-348-0493 or by email chris_bryan84@outlook.com to confirm your attendance, donations and sponsorship.
Providence Bay Beach Boardwalk and Discovery Centre:
Officially open for the season seven days a week from now until the end of August – you can check their Facebook page or centralmanitoulin.ca for events. Wednesdays are event days. Stay tuned for updates or call 705-377-5025 for information.
Providence Bay Beach is an amazing 2 km sand beach on Lake Huron coast that is open to the public. Play safe and enjoy the beautiful beaches, boardwalk and views!
The Hiking Trails: Manitoulin has many hiking trails which take anywhere from a few hours to full day to navigate and they all have different difficulty levels and topography. For the casual walker there are nature trails and boardwalks in and around many of the townships. Be sure to always check the weather and marine reports before you venture out on land or on water and remember you are in bear country up here!
Manitoulin District Cenotaph and Memorial Gardens: Four distinct monuments; the Merchant Marines Memorial, the Manitoulin District Cenotaph, the Youth in Partnership with Veterans Memorial and the Women鈥檚 Memorial stand in this tranquil memorial garden located on Hwy 551/542 between Mindemoya and Providence Bay off Monument Road. These monuments are a tribute and ode to the men and women whose service, contributions and sacrifices for peace and freedom we honour and remember. The Cenotaph flags are those of Canada鈥檚 WW2 allies. We remember and give thanks.
Reuse/Recycle: The Providence Bay Reuse Shed is at the Providence Bay Transfer Station. For more information contact 705-377-5726. Visit the transfer station at 4077 Government Road. Summer hours are Thursday, Saturday or Sunday from 2-6 pm until the September long weekend.
The Lions Club Bottle drive continues next to the arena. This program is open to the public and we encourage everyone to drop off their used bottles and cans. Your empties help fund great local initiatives.
The Heavens: July 10: Full Buck Moon.
Manitoulin Island is a dark sky reserve so find a dark sky spot, bring your telescope and enjoy the wonders of the cosmos.
The Friends: Happy Birthday to all of you early July babies! We welcome you all to Manitoulin Island we wish you a wonderful, happy and safe summer holiday. Be sure to take lots of pictures and please keep our beaches, hiking trails and waterways clean and litter free for the health and sustainability of our ecosystems and wildlife. Check out your favourite local businesses, art galleries and restaurants social pages for special events.
For a more detailed list of galleries, events, hiking trails, accommodations and powwow schedules and guides visit ExploreMmanitoulin.com or pick up a copy of Manitoulin鈥檚 Magazine 2025 available everywhere.
Enjoy your Toulin鈥 time folks!
Kagawong
Team Fergmeijer
We are often mistaken for an adult because of our age. That said, you know you are maturing when you realize that your mom was right, but she could have worked on her tone.
The Manitoulin Tennis Club will be hosting some special tennis nights for any and all folks interested! Tonight (July 2) is Ladies鈥 Night, with free treats for everyone. Wednesday, July 9 is Students鈥 Night – high schoolers can get some summer competition play and younger students are welcome to try out the sport. The club meets Wednesdays from 6:30 until 8:30 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 12 noon at the Manitoulin Secondary tennis courts. Beginners and players of all ages and abilities are welcome!
Even if a bear is wearing shoes and socks, he will still have bear feet.
You know summer has started when the Anglican Church holds their annual summer yard sale and barbecue! This Saturday, July 5, stop by the Kagawong River Complex from 10 am to 2 pm to pick up some great deals and some tasty treats. All proceeds to support St. John鈥檚 Anglican Church.
The Manitoulin Art Tour is back, July 18 to 20! An annual, self-guided, Island-wide celebration of art and artists on Manitoulin, the Art Tour is organized by the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association. In Kagawong alone, you can explore nine artists in four locations. You can download a copy of the map of all the artists across Manitoulin taking part at .
Of all the martial arts, karaoke inflicts the most pain.
Did the timing of the library鈥檚 puzzle swap leave you puzzled? Not to worry! The library has now switched to their summer hours and you can go in and pick up a new-to-you puzzle at any time! The summer hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am to 12 noon and 1 to 5 pm. Stop in and meet Dana, our summer librarian! You can also bring the kids to the library every Tuesday morning this summer for a fun hour of stories, crafts and games. Check out the library Facebook page for more information (Fb.com/Kagawonglibrary).
The library board would also like to remind everyone that the annual book sale fundraiser is Saturday, July 19. Friends of Manitoulin Turtles and Manitoulin Streams will be joining us with amazing displays, a children鈥檚 book reading and fun activities. Rumour has it Science North might even be putting in an appearance!
Did you know? If you turn a canoe over you can wear it like a hat. Because it鈥檚 cap sized.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Old Mill in the village. In honour of its significance to our town and the wider region of Manitoulin and beyond, the museum has published a book that explores its venerable history. These can be purchased at the Billings Heritage Centre (conveniently located in the Old Mill) and at the weekly Wednesday markets.
One half of Team Fergmeijer keeps dreaming that she is slowly turning into a tree and her fingers are acorns. It鈥檚 a re-oakcurring nightmare.
Save the date! The Township of Billings Climate Action Committee is hosting a township yard sale on Saturday, July 25 at the Park Centre parking lot and Kagawong River Complex. Bring along any items you鈥檇 like to sell and take some time to browse for some new treasures, all while helping to keep items out of our landfill.
Team Fergmeijer is pleased to announce we are working on a new book on how to fall down the stairs. It鈥檚 a step-by-step guide. Have a great week!
Meldrum Bay
Elaine Bradley
On Friday, May 30 at cards, Janice Cada won the money jar with 85 points along with Lisa Townsend and Rose Van Vanevery, each with 82 points. Janice was high lady. Lisa was high man. Ladies鈥 lone hands went to Myra Duncanson with four; men鈥檚 lone hands went to Karen Noble with five; most euchres went to Brenda Carter with nine; the door prize was won by Mildred Kelly; Gene Cada brought home the 50/50 prize and the juice. We had a great time.
The next day was the Poker Paddle. I just attended the lunch, it was great. Everyone was having such a great time and the pirate costumes were fantastic. There were lots of fantastic prizes.
The week before we had a stew and chili luncheon, followed by a euchre tournament. Thanks to everyone who came out. This helped us to raise money for repairs to the Community Hall.
Tuesday was Kits and Quilts at the Meldrum Bay Hall. There鈥檚 always a good turnout. I was planning on going but last minute someone needed something and took me away from my plans. It always seems that I make plans and then break them.
We met a man in town from southern 小蓝视频 who was conducting a bird count. He was very interesting to talk to. He was pleased with the number of birds he found (over 60 species).
We took the Tesla on a quick trip to Sudbury. The nicest part about going somewhere is getting back home again.
Have a great week everyone.
Barrie Island
Enid Runnalis
As I type this there is a much-needed downpour breaking in the skies. The local farmers are glad as rain often skirts the shores of Barrie Island, but not today! It might stop the haying for a while so farm machinery will be repaired and an afternoon nap might be enjoyed.
Today (Friday, June 27) is the last day of school for Kaylee, Arie and Isaiah; we hope it doesn鈥檛 rain through recess and that the kids enjoy their summer holidays! Kaylee is looking forward to having Micah on the bus next school year!
Micah Runnalls graduated from day care this week. He and his group of playmates will be going down the hall to the 鈥榖ig school鈥 in September. But in the meantime, they will enjoy summer days with his cousins from Kagawong and Ottawa. Micah has a new battery-operated tractor and trailer and he loads up Pickle the dog in the back and zooms around.
Last Friday evening, Scott and Enid along with Jim and Sandy Miller had a little reunion with their cousins from Dominion Bay, Kath and Len Peet. They went to the Queen鈥檚 Inn for tapas on the verandah.
Enid was joined by Lisa Robbins and her mother Adeline Oslund on Saturday afternoon to the opening of Linda Williamson鈥檚 Art Show 鈥楪rounded鈥 at the Gore Bay Museum. The show features 32 of Ms. Willaimson鈥檚 works and will carry on through into September.
Oliver and Enid Runnalls were among friends and family at the Celebration of Life and interment of the Rev. Iain Macdonald at the Silver Water Cemetery last Monday. Iain touched the lives of so many during his time serving as minister of the United Churches in Silver Water and Gore Bay. Rev. Janice Frame, Rev. Irwin Thompson and Jef Hietkamp officiated the service. Afterwards there was a visitation with Lois Macdonald and daughters Margaret Macdonald, Christina and her husband along with baby Alden, who are all now living in Nova Scotia.
Sandy and Jim Miller hosted guests from Ottawa this week. Alex Nunn and her partner Mazan enjoyed their first trip to Manitoulin and found it to be peaceful and inspirational. They enjoyed kayaking on Julia Bay, a farm tour at Grandview Farms and visits to Enid鈥檚 Barrie Island Studio and to Hettmann Studio on Dominion Bay.
Enjoy the rain everyone and let鈥檚 hope that the sun shines on the hay fields and garden this coming week!
Silver Water
Karen Noble
On Friday night, June 20, Myra Duncanson, DonnaKay McDonald, Lois Wismer and I went to euchre in Meldrum Bay.
On Saturday morning we had a market in our yard. We had room in the garage to set up our tables and lots of chairs for the shoppers who braved the rain. We are continuing to raise funds for the Angel Bus for now.
On Saturday evening I went to Iris and Keith Clarke鈥檚 to play six-handed euchre with them, Myra Duncanson, Tom and Linda Rumley as well. Their son Ryan and grandson Hayden were here.
On Monday afternoon, there was a burial at the Silver Water Cemetery for Iain MacDonald. On Monday evening Myra and Ken Duncanson went with me to euchre at the Burpee and Mills Complex. There were 10 tables of players.
Wednesday, I went to the daycare to work for a few hours.
Thursday there was euchre at the Silver Water Hall with 23 players. I finally had a lucky streak and got 97 points to win the money jar.
Colleen and Eric Julseth arrived at the cottage for the summer.
Joe Addison was at his cottage for a few days.
Andy Cull is here staying with his mother, Ardith.
Alice Addison arrived at her cottage on June 23 with her sons Jim, Marc, John and his wife Jean as well as her son-in-law Ron May. They return to Ohio on Saturday but promise they will be back in a few weeks.
Jim and Julie Edwards have arrived at their cottage for the summer.
Heather Wilson, Gladys Duncanson and I have had a few swims in the past week. The water is just the right temperature for swimming.
There have been a lot of graduation ceremonies recently. Congratulations to them all.
Reminder to everyone that the caf茅 on Fridays starts June 27 in the basement of the Gore Bay
Community Hall at 9 am. Please come out to support the local churches fundraising.
Get well to Mildred Kelly.
Condolences to the family of Joy McVey.
Condolences to the family of Ginger Morrison.
