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MANITOULIN MIX - November 2, 2005
The Manitoulin Tourism Association held their annual general meeting and dinner on Thursday, October 20, 2005 at Carol & Earl's Restaurant in South Baymouth. There was a good crowd in attendance and information on water regulations as well as another cooperative printing project was discussed. Last year, the MTA spearheaded a very successful drive for the creation of new colour brochures for its members bringing together private and public sectors and government funding to contribute to the printing costs and the hiring of a graphic artist to create the brochures.
The Manitoulin Snowdusters are now selling their permits for the 2005/2006 winter season. They are available at Annetts Automotive in Little Current, Manitoulin Chrysler in Mindemoya, Manitoulin Co-op in Manitowaning and Fogals in Gore Bay. Betty Heis is the secretary for the organization and is authorized to sell one day passes as well as seven day passes. Seasonal permits cost 180.00 if they are purchased before December 1st and 230.00 if purchased after December 1st. For the snowmobiler, a season permit is an ideal Christmas gift.
The flu shot clinics are running on the Island. The Mindemoya Doctor's Office is holding evening sessions on October 27th and again on November 9th and the Sudbury and District Health Unit is holding clinics around the island at other dates and times. Most of the clinics are being held at the public schools in the various communities.
The "60th" birthday celebration for Manitoulin Expositor publisher, Rick McCutcheon was very well attended. The party took place at the Expositor office and offered cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, coffee, juice and drinks as well as desserts and a beautiful cake created by Tammy Albers of Little Current. Since Rick is a proud Canadian and loves the fall, the cake was decorated with a Canadian Maple Leaf and leaves of fall colours including red, brown, orange and yellow. Rick, Julia and Alicia McCutcheon were there to greet those who attended and the afternoon was enjoyed by all.
There was a full house in attendance at Lambac's Marketing for Small Business session held upstairs in the meeting room at the Anchor Inn. The session was a celebration of Small Business Week and featured guest speaker Steven Beites who is the Business Centre Coordinator at the Sudbury Regional Business Centre. Those in attendance benefited from tips in marketing, pricing of products, various advertising strategies, the importance of follow through customer service and the importance of information gathering through consumer studies.
November 5th is the beginning of the Christmas Teas and Bazaars. The first one of the season is being held on this day at the Community Hall in the town of Tehkummah from 2 - 4 PM. It is being sponsored by the Jr UCW who are also holding a Halloween Party for the children in the neighbourhood on Monday, October 31st. The Christmas Fair held at the Manitoulin Secondary School is scheduled for Friday evening, November 18 from 7 - 9 pm and again on Saturday during the day from 10 -2 and the popular Manitoulin Farmer's Market Christmas Fair is being held in Gore Bay at the community hall on Saturday November 5th from 10 - 3:30 pm. A lunch will be available from 11:30 - 2 pm.
The whitetail deer hunt rifle season will soon be upon us and the hunt camps around the island will start filling up on Saturday, November 19, 2005. Many of the communities on the island take advantage of having these hunters around by holding dinners at their community halls. Of course the hunters love it because they get good wholesome cooking and a wonderful assortment of home made pies to choose from.
There is talk in the air that by 2008 all Canadians and returning Americans will need a passport to enter the United States. Since 9/11 there has been increased concern and awareness raised about border security and that is understandable but, can you imagine what that will do to tourism in our area and our province? The paperwork required by American tourists to cross the border to come into Canada for holidays will be a total hassle for them as they will need a passort to re-enter the United States.
Sure wish they would settle the strike in Little Current. Things are getting nasty and in a small community like the island and Espanola these kind of anxieties pit neighbours against neighbours and co-workers against co-workers. Do we really have room for this kind of stress in our neighbourhood?
Happy Trails!!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
MANITOULIN MIX - November 9, 2005
The fall colours in our park and on the island have been phenomenal this year, incredibly beautiful and certainly very inspiring. I've been doing the reporting of the fall colours for the OTMP (Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership) and I think the Island and Lacloche have some of the most beautiful colours and scenery out of all those areas that are featured in the "Ontario Great Fall Drives". Package that in with the fish spawning in Kagawong and Michael's Bay and the fall bird migration and SandHill Cranes and we would find our area Manitoulin, Lacloche and Espanola with an extended season for sure.
Sadly, yesterdays wind took the last of the maples but todays sunshine shining on the wet leaves on the forest floor is making up for that. The yellow of the birches and the oranges of the Tamarack mixed in with the greens of Cedars and Evergreens are the last of the colours for the season and right now they are at their prime, very pretty especially in the Sheguiandah area.
Walking in the leaves and hearing them rustle and seeing birds and partridges, deer, squirrels and chipmunks scattering about foraging for food is also a very special fall time treat. Halloween night was a very warm, damp and sometimes wet night. Certainly very dark very early too with the clocks having been moved back with Daylight Savings Time. The party at the community hall in Tehkummah was very well attended and the children were rewarded with lots of treats and candy by the members of the Junior UCW.
The Manitoulin Tourism Association's Annual General Meeting and Supper was well attended with over 40 persons enjoying a beautiful home cooked style meal at Carol & Earl's Restaurant in South Baymouth. A presentation on the new water regulations was presented by Dan Burns of the Sudbury and District Health Unit as well as from representatives of the Testmark Laboratories in Garson. The Tourism Association announced it would like to repeat the popular cooperative print campaign from the previous year and asked by a show of hands of those who would be interested in participating again. The directors for the 2005/2006 season are Bill Ferguson, Rick McCutcheon, Austin Hunt, Rick Rusk, Ken Ferguson, Al Douglas, Cynthia Moniz, Charles Spence, Brian Cornish, Kyla Jansen, Paul Wyatt and Gary Brown. Manager Jennifer Sayyae presented Innukshuks, symbols of direction, as a token gift of presentation to outgoing director Wade Kearns and past president Al Frank.
The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership has a new look on its Outdoor Adventure website www.ontariooutdoor.com. The changes came about through input from committee members, stakeholders, research staff and consumer focus groups. The site is much more user-friendly and easy to maneuver. The OTMP is still accepting information for input on winter packages for the 2006 season. If you are providing an outdoor winter adventure at your operation contact the OTMP for instructions on submitting this information for inclusion.
The Manitoulin Snowdusters are looking forward to the winter season with permits already on sale at many local outlets. The group was busy this summer when they hosted three fundraising fish dinners, the last being held in September in Silverwater with over 190 people in attendance. The club is hoping to print new maps for the 2006 season with business ads running 100 - 150.00 per ad. The maps will be given out free although a value of $2.00 will be noted on each. The Snowdusters are part of the Rainbow Country Snowmobile Association that also includes Espanola, Killarney, Massey and Nairn Snowmobile Clubs. Dennis Lendrum is the President of the RCSA.
Gordon's Park has a collection of miniature villages for sale including some beautiful needlepoint villages as well as ceramic villages and accessories including trees, benches, carollers, skaters, animals, deer, lampposts and more. The needlepoint villages were handcrafted by a talented local Island resident who has since passed away. If you are interested in purchasing these beautiful villages to add to your collection call 705-859-2470.
Don't forget the annual Christmas Luncheon and Bazaar at the Little Current United Church on Saturday, November 12, 2005 from 11:30 - 1 PM. Also, the Ticklebone Theatre production of "Seniors Follies" November 24, 25 & 26 in Sheguiandah and the dinner theatre "Greater Tuna" being held at Abby's Restaurant December 1st - 4th and again December 8th - 11th.
Happy Trails!!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
MANITOULIN MIX - December 28, 2005
Greetings and wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my readers and Mid North Monitor patrons. We have snow, and lots of it here on the Island, so this morning things are looking very much like a typical Christmas wonderland. The trees with their branches are hanging low with the weight of the snow and everywhere you look there are birds, animal tracks and sightings of deer. We are having our fallen cedars logged from our swamp the old fashioned way with a logger and horse team so watching this traditional way is like re-enacting those lovely winter scenes from Christmas Cards past.
There were lots of folks that took in the Christmas Bird Count over the weekend in Mindemoya and Gore Bay. The Count was coordinated by Chris Bell of Green Bay and Terry Land of Gore Bay. There were some very interesting sightings this year including gold finches, blue jays, downy woodpeckers, pine grosbeaks, mourning doves, purple finches, cardinals, chickadee's, snowbirds and more.
Most of the lakes on the island are now frozen with the exception of Lake Manitou, the largest inland freshwater lake on an Island in the world. Lake Manitou has a mind of her own and usually holds out until January before it freezes over. It is a popular lake on which to ice fish for Lake Trout as well as being a favourite route for snowmobilers making their way about the connecting trails on the island.
As I write this there is enough snow on the ground on which to slide and cross country ski. Signs along the snowmobile routes have been posted in preparation for the season and the local Snowdusters are hoping folks can get out and enjoy the trails over the holiday season. Groomer operators Bert Woestenenk, Gary Hunter and Rick Bond are ready to get at it and with 546 kilometers of trails to groom these operators will be working around the clock.
New Years celebrations vary on the island with many locals preferring to relax and lay low while others kick up a storm at community halls and area bars. There is a licensed New Years Eve Dance at the Tehkummah Hall with music by Mel Fredricks & Band that includes party favourites and a midnight buffet. Tickets are being sold in advance only and cost $20.00 per person and can be purchased by calling Ward's Store at 705-859-3110. The Assiginack Curling Club is also holding a dance and tickets are $10.00 per person and can be purchased at the Musky Widow Restaurant. For those who prefer non alcoholic events, there is a dance at the hall in Sheguiandah featuring popular area DJ Dave Draper that includes a lunch and costs $20.00 per couple and $10.00 for singles with advance tickets available by calling Freda at 368-2654. And for families, you won't want to miss the New Years Eve Event being held from 4 - 8 pm at the Little Current Recreation Centre that includes skating, ice painting, food, music, curling and a wonderful mock countdown at 8 pm. The cost is $5.00 per adult and children are free however they must be accompanied by an adult. There is a limited number of tickets so if you are interested you must purchase your tickets in advance at either Breakaway Sports, Emma's Hilltop or at the arena.
Live, Love and Laugh this Holiday Season!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
rita@gordonspark.com
www.gordonspark.com
MANITOULIN MIX - November 16, 2005
Congratulations and welcome to Rosalind Raby, our new editor for the Mid North Monitor. I thought it was interesting to read her editorial about how small the world really is, and it is so true. Certainly our writings have crossed paths over the years, in the MidNorth Monitor, Trail Rider, Sudbury Star and in several other publications. I'm looking forward to working with Roz and Cindy and the rest of the MidNorth Monitor staff and to meeting with them and the rest of the correspondents over lunch on November 16th, 2005 in Espanola.
We enjoyed a visit to Espanola for a meal out and to do some shopping. We really enjoy the Chinese Food restaurant and being able to shop at Canadian Tire, Winkels, Giant Tiger, Home Hardware and some of the other stores downtown and in the mall. Met alot of island folks over for the day doing the same thing. The new Hart store is filled to the brim with shelves and shelves of household goods, electronics, clothing, shoes, etc. - you name it, you can get it.
If you are interested in having our government invest more money into our highways visit www.fixourhighways.ca TIAC, (Tourism Industry Association of Canada) is encouraging Canadians to go online and register their dissatisfaction by adding their names to an e-petition that will be sent to the Prime Minister. Of course the benefit to all of us would be better highways, less traveling times, less vehicle damage and greatly improved safety on our roads.
Congratulations to MP Brent St. Denis who recently got married on the island at a small church near Elizabeth Bay. We wish Brent and his new wife and their families many years of happiness together. Get well wishes to Espanola resident Phyllis Sheppard. Hello to Merwyn and Sandra, Kevin and Carol Sheppard. Also to Lillian Spry and family. Hope everyone is climatizing to the cooler weather and staying warm.
The Farmer's Market Christmas held at the Community Centre in Gore Bay was very well attended. The hall was packed with shoppers and vendors
selling all things made on Manitoulin and there were lots of folks buying up these one of a kind treasures. Community Living hosted the luncheon downstairs which included Chili & a bun, juice, coffee or tea and delightful sweets and goodies of all kinds. Coming up this weekend is the Christmas Fair being held at Manitoulin Secondary School on Friday evening from 7 - 9 and again on Saturday from 10 - 2.
This weekend marks the start of the annual deer hunt on the Island. Hunters from Espanola, Sudbury, Elliot Lake, North Shore and Southern Ontario will converge on Manitoulin Island with hopes and anticipation of getting the big buck. Hunting is good for the local economy as the hunters buy gas and groceries and patronize grocery stores and restaurants. As well they support the community suppers put on by church groups that take advantage of the increase in the population on the island by the hunting community.
The high winds the past several days have taken the remainder of our leaves off the trees. There were lots of wild waves hitting the docks in South Baymouth and the water was a deep deep brown blue, the kind of colour that makes lakes look stormy and angry. The wolves are getting louder and braver at this time of the year and we are seeing and hearing them more often. The deer are in a rut so it is not uncommon to spot deer along the roadside a bit stunned these days. There are lots of markings on the trees from the rubbings of the antlers.
Flu season is here, don't forget to get your flu shot!
Happy Trails!!!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
MANITOULIN MIX - November 23, 2005
Has anyone been moongazing as of late? Moongazing offers many interesting sights from craters and domes to escarpments and mountain ranges and is particularly fun to do when there is a full moon. Try it on December 15th when the "Moon Before Yule" appears full and bright in the evening sky.
Hunting season is now over and things will now quieten down on the Island as we head into the cold of winter. Our first snowfall of the season came on Thursday, November 17, 2005 although it was just a skiff and none of it remained. The winds over the past two weeks have done more damage than the snow did as there are lots of fallen trees and broken branches and some parts of the island experienced power outages.
Manitoulin Island is going to have a Santa Claus Parade. It will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2005 in Little Current and is being organized by Alicia McCutcheon, Events Coordinator for the Township of North-Eastern Manitoulin & the Islands. Everyone is encouraged to become part of the celebration which will include floats, marching bands, dressed up persons and of course jolly Ole St Nick.
There are still tickets for the Ticklebone Theatre production of "Seniors Follies" taking place November 24, 25 & 26 at the Seniors Hall in Sheguiandah. The cost to attend is $12.00 per person and the proceeds are going to local charities. For more information call Freda Bond at 368-2849. The Manitoulin Swing Band will be performing at a dinner and dance being held on Saturday November 26, 2005 at Abby's Restaurant in M'Chigeeng. Cost to attend is $25.00 and you can make reservations by calling 377-4028.
Hockey is in full swing on the island. The South East Manitoulin Lions Club are hosting the first tournament for the season on December 1 - 4 at the Manitowaning Arena. There are two divisions, mens and womens, and the first eight teams registered will be accepted. The event is licensed all weekend long and there is a dance on Saturday night featuring the band Rum Runners.
The new Guardian Pharmacy in Little Current has opened up its doors at its new location on Hwy 6 across from the ValueMart Grocery Store. The store has lots of parking, is nice and bright and is well stocked, and also includes a large gift section in addition to the pharmacy items.
Are you watching the news? Should be an interesting federal election coming up!
Happy Trails!!!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
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MANITOULIN MIX - November 30, 2005
The strike in the Northeastern Manitoulin Township continues to drag on. The spirit of the community specifically in Little Current where it is common to see picketers and striking workers on the main street, is dismal and sad. Residents are fed up and they want council and the workers to settle.
The Espanola Snowmobile Club and the Manitoulin Snowdusters have been clearing and brushing 2km of trails on the D110 route that connects the two communities. Workdays were held on Saturday, November 19th and again on Saturday, November 26th. The route when done will connect Espanola, Massey, Whitefish Falls, Manitoulin Island and Killarney. Volunteers from the Snowdusters also attended the annual signage training meeting that was held on November 17th at the Canadian Tire Store in Espanola.
Our sincere condolences to Merwyn & Sandra Sheppard and Kevin & Carol Sheppard on the recent passing of their mom, Phyllis Sheppard. Phyllis was a very active member of the Espanola community belonging to the Horticultural
society and to the UCW. She could always be counted on to participate and help at fundraisers and with displays and sales in the mall for various charitable organizations. The funeral was held on Friday, November 18, 2005.
The stores on Manitoulin Island are gearing up for Christmas with lots of in store sales and celebrations and extended hours. This week we have noticed that lots of Christmas lights have been put up and the towns are beginning to sparkle. Soon it will be time for the kids to start writing their letters to Santa.
The deer hunt in our area of the island was down considerably this year. The cold weather and the high winds kept the deer in the sheltered areas and the thickets of cedar bushes and area swamps.
If you are a fan of the Manitoulin Islanders Hockey Team you will want to check out their website at www.manitoulinislanders.net. The next couple of games coming up will be held out of town with the first against Northern Michigan being held December 3rd in the Soo, Michigan. Then on December 4th they will play against Sault Ste Marie in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Their next home game at the arena in Little Current won’t be until December 9th, 2005.
Don’t forget the Santa Claus Parade in Little Current on Saturday, December 10th, and the Christmas Bazaar and Tea at the Assiginack Curling Club on Sunday, December 11, 2005 from 1:30 – 4 pm.
Happy Trails!!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
MANITOULIN MIX - December 7, 2005
Wow, only 17 days left to go until Christmas. The month of November has slipped by so quickly and now here we are already heading towards the middle of December. Where did the time go? It seems this fall has been busier than other years, partially because of the number of hunters that came to the island this year and the huge success of the hunters suppers in Providence Bay, Tehkummah and other areas on the island.
We are spotting lots of ring necked pheasants in our area. These beautiful birds are not that common on Manitoulin Island so getting to observe them is very special. The cedar trees are just starting to go into hibernation and there is still lots of grasses, straw and hay stubble in the fields and meadows for various wildlife including deer and raccoons to eat.
Decorating of the halls, sitting rooms and common areas at the Centennial Manor in Little Current has begun. There are lots of big red bows and lights and decorations to cheer up the residents and their families and visitors alike. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to pay a visit to some of the elderly in our retirement homes and to show our appreciation and gratitude for their contributions to our communities.
Journey to Bethlehem in Mindemoya took place this weekend. The production is a collaboration of three churches, the United Church, Catholic Church and Missionary Church. Over 100 volunteers take part in the re-enactment and in years past over 300 people have attended the event. Three busloads from Sudbury were expected to attend this years celebration in addition to regular island residents and visitor alike.
There are still lots of Christmas events coming up. Little Current Public School is home to the Candy Cane Festival being held on Thursday, December 8, 2006 and the Santa Clause Parade on Saturday, December 10th. Also in Little Current, the Manitoulin Hospital Auxiliary is holding their annual cookie walk at the United Church on December 10th beginning at 10 Am. There is a Christmas Craft Bazaar at the Pontiac School in Wikwemikong beginning at 9 Am on Sunday, December 11, 2005. Featured will be native art work and crafts for sale and in Manitowaning at the Curling Club there will be a Christmas Tea and Bazaar on Sunday, December 11, 2006 from 2 - 4 PM. In Gore Bay on Sunday, December 11th at the Community Hall, there will be an Old Fashioned Christmas Concert that will include music, songs, recitals, the Christmas story, Santa and more.
Happy Christmas Trails!!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
MANITOULIN MIX - February 5, 2006
Today is February 5, 2006 and we are in the middle of the snowstorm of the season. The snow began late afternoon yesterday and as at the time of writing is still falling. The roads are slippery and visibility is next to nil due to drifting and blowing snow.
Patrick & Mary, students from South Korea here learning the English language will be departing our island on February 12, 2006. They have been staying at the Travellers Inn and studying English under the tutelage of TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certified educator, Christine Lee. Another three students from South Korea are expected to arrive this summer.
MANITOULIN MIX - January 24, 2006
We are into a New Year and already mid way through the month of January. Happy New Year to all, may 2006 be a happy and prosperous year for all of us!
We have had an extremely mild winter to contend with on the island so far with temperatures hovering just above zero during the day for the past six weeks or so. Unbelievable really, and truly it is hard not to enjoy the warmer temperatures although our winter activities of snowmobiling and ice fishing and snowshoeing are certainly sufferin
TESL (Teaching English as Second Language) teacher, Christine Lee of Tehkummah is playing host to two students from South Korea who are staying with them at the Travellers Inn and learning the English language. The students arrived in December for a two month period of learning about our culture and our English language. They are both in their early teenage years and have adjusted to our colder winter climate very well. They have enjoyed building an igloo, skating, making Canadian friends, learning how to play poker, playing scrabble and the private one on one teaching style Christine provides. Because they are immersed in the English language they learn much quicker and in Korea it is very important to be able to speak English both in school and in the workplace. The students leave to go back to South Korea on February 16, 2006.g.
Arik Theijsmeijer is the Community Economic Development Officer for Manitoulin Living, a consortium of partners promoting Manitoulin Island as a perfect place to retire. Manitoulin Living will be promoting the Island lifestyle at the Cottage Life and the Cottage Fest Shows in Toronto, as well as the Sudbury Sportsman Show, Hamilton RV & Camping Show, London Fishing & Leisure Show and at the Manitoulin Trade Fair being held on the island in May.
Sadly, the community hall in Tehkummah has been shut down due to problems with the floors caving in on the new addition that was added a few years ago. The hall is owned by the Township and operated by the Tehkummah Seniors Triangle Club. Regular events at the hall included Monday nights bingo, Tuesday nights dancing and Thursday nights euchre. As well the hall is popular for talent shows, weddings, dances, community teas, luncheons and bazaars. Once per month, the seniors would gather to celebrate birthdays that included entertainment, birthday cakes and a friendly get together social. The seniors will be applying for a grant to cover the costs of the repairs and expect the hall will remain closed until sometime in July.
NorthEastern Manitoulin & the Islands (NEIMI) is holding an ice sculpture contest and snowmobile poker run as part of their winter carnival celebrations planned in February. To register your sculpture or for more information on the weekend activities contact the town's events coordinator Alicia at 368-2825.
Wikwemikong will be the host community for a national governance conference being held on the reserve August 15 - 17, 2006. There will be over 300 participants from across Canada in attendance and the goal of the conference is to foster community based success of self governance in schooling, land claims etc. The conference is the first national conference that Wikwemikong has hosted and the organizers are busy organizing and preparing to facilitate the event.
Don't forget Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Enter your favourite poem in the Valentines Day Poetry Contest being sponsored by the Manitoulin Expositor. You can enter online by emailing your favourite to editor@manitoulin.ca or you can drop off your entry at the Expositor office. The deadline for the contest is February 2, 2006.
Happy Trails!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
Our hard working Manitoulin Mix author will be taking a well deserved break for a few weeks. Watch for the next edition!
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MANITOULIN MIX - April 30, 2006
Spring has sprung on Manitoulin Island. Smelts have finished their run, the buds on the trees are opening up into leaves and the birds are busy making their nests. The forest has a variety of green hues as the leaves from the various types of trees progress into full bloom. It is my favourite time of the year to watch nature unfold.
There have been several fires on the island, some in Little Current area, Mindemoya and some in Tehkummah and Sucker Creek. The grasses are very dry even though the ground underneath is still wet. A fire in Tehkummah required water bombers assistance to get the acreage under control. With the heat of the day and the heavy gear and running of the hoses over fields of grass and hay for over eight hours the firefighters in our Township of Tehkummah deserve a much needed rest. Municipalities need to exercise extreme caution when issuing fire permits at this time of the year.
The ferry service starts this coming Friday. Her maiden voyage will be from Tobermory to South Baymouth. The boat underwent some retrofitting this past winter so hopefully everything will work properly and the ship will have smooth sailings. The stores and museum and operators in South Baymouth and on the island are busy getting their operations ready to open for the season.
There will be an official unveiling of the Township of Tehkummah Community Display Board at the Manitoulin Tourism Association Welcome Centre in Little Current on Thursday, May 10, 2006. Reeve Jim Anstice and councillors, MTA board of directors as well as community members and the interested public are invited to attend. The volunteer committee of Rita Gordon, Chair, Christine Lee, Secretary Mike Hodgson, Photographer and Dave Brown, artist has been working on this display board over the winter season. Cake and coffee will be served.
The farmers markets in Little Current, Gore Bay and Mindemoya should be up and running soon. There should be some new vendors and more Made on Manitoulin products for sale. JD's Garden Centre is now open for the season, seven days a week from 9 - 6 pm. The Loon Song Gardens offers organic products and Our Garden offers various jams and jellies. Both of these operators will be participating in a Wellness Journey weekend at Gordon's Park taking place July 14 - 16, 2006.
The Villager Outdoors has opened a second location on the island in addition to their flagship store in Kagawong. The Little Current location is across from the Beer Store and at this location they will be selling canoes, kayaks pedal boats, outdoor furniture and more. Two Cows & A Cone, located in this same area is also now open for the season.
Lots of events starting to happen, we'll keep you apprised as they begin to happen.
Happy Trails!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
Michael's Bay Restaurant is looking for a certified chef to operate and manage the kitchen of this popular summertime restaurant situated in the pristine waterfront setting of Michael's Bay. The Roller Mills Restaurant in Manitowaning has closed its doors and is now up for sale. The SchoolHouse Restaurant in Providence Bay is offering theme nights throughout the month of February including Thai, Italian and Greek foods and the Island Pub & Restaurant as well as Abby's Restaurant offer brunch every Sunday.
Valentine's Day is coming up and everywhere you go to shop on the island you are greeted by hearts, cupids, chocolates and other delictable treats. Restaurants will be offering romantic meals and special dishes to mark the occassion and flower shops will deliver flowers all over the island. Shan's Gift Baskets out of Little Current also offers a variety of treats in a gift basket delivered anywhere on the island. Don't forget to enter the Valentine's Poetry Contest with the Manitoulin Expositor. You could win dinner for two to a restaurant on the island of your choice.
The Gore Bay Manitoulin Lions Club is holding a ham, bean & scalloped potato supper at the Gore Bay United Church from 5:30 - 7 PM on Friday, February 10, 2006. There is a Valentine's Day Dance on Saturday, February 11th at the Nemi Recreation Centre Hall. The cost is $10.00 per peson and includes a midnight lunch and music by DJ.
Congratulations to Alvern Nighswander, who was presented with a Women's Institute ring in honour of her 53 years of membership in the Big Lake Women's Institute.
This column will be the last column until the middle of March. See you then!
Happy Trails, Stay Warm!
Rita Gordon
Manager
Gordon's Park
Manitoulin Island
705-859-2470
