Toss for a Cause: Hospice Huronia’s First Cornhole Tournament – By JoAnn Warren, Hospice, Aug. 11, 2025
What combines fun, laughs and friendly competition? Cornhole! This game, the tossing of bean bags towards a box with a hole is something people of all ages enjoy … at home, at the cottage, sometimes even at work, with friends and family.
Hospice Huronia invites YOU to come out on Saturday, September 13th for an afternoon of fun and friendly competition and help raise funds for your hospice home – Tomkins House and the services provided for end-of-life care, home visiting, caregiver respite and bereavement support. No experience is needed!
“Cornhole for Hospice” is being held at the covered Tay Rink at Port McNicoll on Saturday, September 13th. It starts at 1 pm with check-in and practice beginning at 11:30 am. Pre-registration is required and can be done with a phone call (705-549-1034) or a few simple clicks on their website: www.hospicehuronia.ca. A team of 2 people is required for registration ($130/team) and spectators are more than welcome to just show up and cheer people on. More information is available at www.hospicehuronia.ca/events
“With extra activities to entertain our participants and spectators, prizes and music, we know that people are going to have a great time. We hope to see some of the families we’ve touched in the last 5 years since opening the doors of Tomkins House and meet a lot of new people too!” says Debbie Kesheshian, Executive Director of Hospice Huronia. “It is a fun way to raise part of the 50% of funds needed to provide the essential programs we offer at no cost to the individuals or families.”
Hospice Huronia has been offering in-home volunteer hospice visiting, caregiver respite and bereavement support for over 30 years and opened Tomkins House in April of 2020 to provide end-of-life care to individuals and support for their families. They recently opened a 6th bed to meet the growing need for end-of-life care in North Simcoe. All services and programs are free to the individuals and families needing them thanks to generous donors, community support and fundraisers.
Christian Island welcomes modern, new ferry to replace Sandy Graham
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, Aug 11, 2025
Ferry rides just became a lot more modern to-and-from Christian Island, as the Niigaan Enaazhek arrived at its new home over the weekend.
Translated as ‘Shine Forward’ from Anishinaabemowin and symbolizing progress and a bright future for the community, the custom-made double-ended Ice Class Super 1A vessel built in 2024 reached its destination on Saturday after a week of travel from Fraser Shipyards LLC in Superior, Wisconsin.
“This vessel represents a critical infrastructure investment for the island community of Chimnissing, ensuring a reliable, year-round transportation link to the mainland for its members,” said marine consultant Arnold Jamieson Jr.
Serving nearly 700 full-time residents (as per the 2021 Census), the Sandy Graham had been built in 1955 as an interim measure for vehicle ferry service, while attempts were made in the early 2000s to provide a more stable replacement.
“The Niigaan Enaazhek is set to replace the community’s long-serving ferry, the Sandy Graham,” noted Jamieson Jr. “The acquisition was a multi-year project made possible through the dedication of present and previous Beausoleil First Nation Chief and Councils, staff, and significant funding from Indigenous Services Canada and other government partners.”
The Niigaan Enaazhek has a passenger capacity of 150 and vehicle capacity of 36; an approximate 50 per cent increase over the 99 passenger capacity and 26 vehicle capacity of the Sandy Graham. As well, max speed of the new vessel is 11.5 knots compared to 8.5 knots of its predecessor.
Gross tonnage of the new ferry is 569, well over the 212 gross tonnage of the former. Additionally, the diesel-electric Niigaan Enaazhek was engineered to break through ice up to roughly 60 centimetres (or 24 inches), allowing consistent service through winter months.
As a means to provide a seamless transition for ferry service, Jameson Jr. stated that the Sandy Graham would “be kept in place as a redundant, backup vessel until December 2025.”
A feast and ceremony for stakeholder and community guests will be held on Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. on the island. Engagement with Beausoleil First Nation Chief and council, community elders, residents, and ferry crew will be available, as well as a walkthrough of the Niigaan Enaazhek including pilot house and engine room.
Information on costs, departures from Christian Island and Cedar Point, and other information on the ferry schedule can be found on the Chimnissing website.
Brushes Fly at Art Slam
By Stephanie Rumball Aug. 6, 2025
Quest Art School + Gallery Announces Art Slam: True North With Presenting Sponsor Larmand Group Private Wealth Management
Midland, Ontario (August 5th, 2025) – Quest Art School + Gallery is thrilled to announce the return of Art Slam, Midland’s most electrifying live painting competition, taking place on Friday, September 12th, 2025, at the Midland Cultural Centre. This year’s edition, Art Slam: True North, is proudly presented by Larmand Group Private Wealth Management, whose generous sponsorship is helping bring this dynamic celebration of Canadian creativity to life.
A highlight of the local arts calendar, Art Slam: True North promises an unforgettable evening of art, energy, and community connection. Audiences will watch 20 artists go head-to-head in three adrenaline-fueled, 30-minute rounds, transforming blank canvases into powerful works of art live and in real time. “There’s something electric about watching art come to life right in front of you,” says Lawrence Sagar, Executive Director of Quest Art School + Gallery. “Art Slam isn’t just about the competition, it’s about the shared experience, the energy in the room, and the way creativity connects us all. It’s a night that stays with you, and one of the best in Midland in our opinion!” The audience plays a starring role in the night’s excitement, voting after each round to determine who advances. The final face-off features the top contenders from rounds one and two battling it out for the title of Art Slam Champion…and of course, all-important bragging rights.
All artwork created during the evening will be available for purchase, meaning guests have the opportunity to own these one-of-a-kind pieces. Round one and two works will be offered through a silent auction, while the finale works will be sold in a live auction, sure to keep guests on the edge of their seats.
This year’s theme, True North, invites artists to explore what it means to be part of this vast and diverse country, from awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant cityscapes to the deep cultural roots and enduring stories of its people. Each interpretation helps paint a richer portrait of our collective Canadian identity.
Early bird tickets for Art Slam are available now at www.questart.ca for just $25 until August 11th, followed by general admission for $30 and $35 at the door the evening of the event. Event Details: Art Slam: True North Date: Friday, September 12th, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Location: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King Street, Midland, ON Tickets: $25 (Early Bird until August 11), $30 Regular Admission, $35 at the door
Quest Art School + Gallery gratefully acknowledges the support of Larmand Group Private Wealth Management, whose commitment to the arts continues to uplift and inspire our community.