Mural Magic: Discover the Fun at Georgian Shores Seniors Club
By Helmut Paddags, Sep 9, 2025
For too long Georgian Seniors have kept their activities hidden inside “The Place” in Balm Beach. Now you can see them all day in front of the building at 300 Balm Beach Road West.
There is a group of people ready to greet and encourage new members to join in the many activities that are available at the club. There is an exercise group staying fit while another lady is working on her sewing. On the other side is a shuffle boarder practising a shot and a couple dancing, surrounded by musical notes and refreshments. Always reminding those who wish more social activities there is a sign advertising TGIF, a book club and cards.
Come and see the new mural at Georgian Shores Seniors Club and be drawn into the fun.
705 526 5074- gssseniors2016@gmail.com, Website georgianshoresseniorsclub.ca
Keeping the Community Connected for a Brighter Future
By Simran Hotwani, Swoop, Sep 22, 2025
Reinforcing its commitment to community enrichment, SwoopFiber donated a variety of STEM, arts, and crafts supplies to Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe on September 9, 2025. This partnership will directly benefit the In-School Mentoring Program in Springwater and Wyevale schools for the 2025-2026 school year.
The donation is designed to provide engaging, hands-on activities that foster creativity and learning for youth between the ages of 6 and 17. The supplied items include robotics kits, a K’nex building set, a circuit market kit, board games, and various arts and crafts supplies like bracelet making kits and Play-doh. These resources support the program’s goal of building strong relationships between mentors and their mentees.
“We believe in the power of connecting our community, and that starts with investing in our youth,” said Alexia, CMO of SwoopFiber. “By providing these STEM and creative supplies, we hope to empower students to explore new interests, build confidence, and forge meaningful relationships with their mentors. It’s about helping to build a brighter future, one connection at a time.”
SwoopFiber encourages others to support the vital work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe. For more information on their programs or to find out how you can contribute, please visit their website at https://northsimcoe.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/.
Let’s come together as a community to ensure every child has the support and resources they need to thrive.
93 North Strikes a Chord for Charity
By Neil Lafaive, Sep 13, 2025
93 North donated almost $400.00 on behalf of those who donated during their Bayside Soirée performance. The Penetanguishene St. Vincent de Paul wishes to thank all those who donated to the cause. The money will be used by its food bank. The band thanks all who attended the performance, and the town for once again having it perform.
In conjunction with Big Chill, 93 North’s next fundraising event will be a November 1st Halloween soirée in the Penetanguishene Legion. Contact the Legion for advanced tickets and information.
Penetanguishene Public Library
Sep 12, 2025
Programs at the Penetanguishene Public Library
We’re Hiring!
We are looking for a student position to be filled here at the library. Applicants must have abilities in customer service, technology, programming, working with the public and telephone skills. Send your CV to lkeenan@penetanguishenepl.ca by Tuesday September 30th, 2pm.
Book Club
First Thursday of each month, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
The book club is resuming this fall. We meet once a month at the library to discuss a pre-selected book. October’s book is ‘Long Island’ by Colm Toibin. If you have any questions about the book club, please contact the library.
A minimum of 5 participants is needed to run the program.
Nancy Duval Author Talk
Monday October 20th, 3:00PM
Local author Nancy Duval is back to discuss her book ‘Whispers from beyond : a spiritual journey of healing, happiness, and mediumship’.
In honour of Public Library Week, this event is open to all members of the public.
Penetanguishene Public Library Open House
Wednesday October 22, 10:00-1:00
Learn about programs. databases, sponsors, seasonal materials, park passes, equipment, library apps, and community partners. Crafts, prizes, and refreshments throughout the day.
Legacy Cleaning
Thursday October 23, 10:30 – 11:30
Learn about decluttering while preserving your most precious memories. $2 for members, $5 for non-members. Non-transferable and non-refundable. September 8th – September 15th registration open to Penetanguishene taxpaying members with a valid library card. After September 15th registration open to everyone. Minimum of 5 participants required to run the program.
Day of the Dead Craft
Friday October 24th 10:30-11:30
The Day of the Dead – Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to honor those who have passed away. This celebration has become very popular in Canada in the past few years.
Registration is open for Penetanguishene taxpaying members with a valid library card. After September 18th Registration is open to everyone with a valid library card.
The program includes painting a skull, learning about tradition, and making a bookmark.
Ages 4 and up$2.00 for members, $3.00 for non-members. A minimum of 5 participants is
required to run the program.
Swift Party
Friday, October 24th, 2:00-3:00
Join us for a fantastic Swift party. Make a bracelet, a bookmark, sing and have some fun! Ages: 4-14, $2 for members, $3 for non-members.
September 11-September 18: Registration open to taxpaying members with a valid library card. After September 18: Registration for everyone. A minimum of 5 participants is required to run the program. Parents/guardians must stay in the building for the duration of the program.
Barrie’s Culture Days celebrate creativity and colour
September 19 to October 12, 2025
Culture Day events include the following:
- September 27: The Muscape Room: Let the Music Free You!
- September 27 and 28: Mural Paint “A Street in Barrie”
- October 4: Islamic Heritage Culture – Unity through Art Expression
- October 4: Landscape Painting Experience & Live Instrumental Music
- October 11: Poetry Night (ages 16+)
Visit barrie.ca/CultureDays for a complete listing of events and activities
Bass Pro and Cabela’s Funds River Revival in Nottawasaga
By Office of NVCA, Sep 19, 2025
UTOPIA, Ontario – The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is proud to announce support from Bass Pro Shops and the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for the Reshaping Rivers for Resiliency project—an ambitious initiative aimed at restoring river ecosystems in the heart of the Nottawasaga watershed.
Part of NVCA’s award-winning Nottawasaga River Restoration Program (NRRP), now in its eighth year, the project restores habitat for native and sport fish such as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and species at risk by improving degraded rivers and engaging communities through hands-on action.
Funding supports restoration at three key sites: the Nottawasaga River near Alliston, Sheldon Creek in Adjala-Tosorontio, and the Mad River at Carruthers Memorial Park in Clearview Township, along with fall tree planting events.
“Restoring our rivers means creating a more resilient watershed,” said Laura Wensink, River Restoration Technician with NVCA. “This grant is helping reshape damaged rivers into thriving ecosystems—and creating real opportunities for the community to be part of that story.”
Through summer and fall 2025, work will include stabilizing eroding banks, creating an oxbow wetland for amphibians, birds, and juvenile fish and rebuilding a side channel for young trout. Native trees and vegetation will be planted to cool water and stabilize soils, with volunteers joining restoration and stewardship activities.
These efforts will enhance nearly four hectares of aquatic and riparian habitat, protect another four from degradation, and prevent over 1,100 tonnes of soil from entering the river—reducing sediment and phosphorus pollution and improving water quality.
At Carruthers Memorial Park, a straightened stretch of the Mad River will be re-naturalized. On the upper Nottawasaga River, restoration will reconnect the river with its floodplain, stabilize banks, and create a new wetland. Tree planting and bank repairs along Sheldon Creek will protect the river from livestock impacts.
This partnership between NVCA and Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund supports the shared mission to inspire people to enjoy, love, and conserve the outdoors. Volunteer events will highlight the Outdoor Fund’s contribution, linking conservation with outdoor recreation.
Community members can join three upcoming restoration events. Dates and registration will be posted on NVCA’s website and social media as scheduled. Learn more at nvca.on.ca.
Craighurst WI Tackles Conservation, Quilts, and Community Concerns
By Sheila Craig, Sep 19, 2025
Craighurst Women’s Institute met Tuesday Sept. 16. We began as usual, with the Ode and Mary Stewart Collect. Role call was “what do you do for conservation?” Answers ranged from turning the tap off when brushing teeth to making old tee shirts into rags to drying clothes on a line. Minutes were deferred to October meeting, treasurer gave her report, and all settled in.
We dealt with the big quilt Simcoe Area is making, for which CWI has already embroidered our names, with by-laws upcoming at Area W I level, and with an honorary Life membership awarded to Joyce S.
We talked over the state of Horseshoe Valley train crossing (deplorable) and the need for lowered speed limits through Craighurst. “ Oh wait”, cried some members. “It will be us who get nicked.” We observe that it’s the 6 am motorcycle that zooms through the village and never gets caught that we worry about. OPP constables take notice, we are watching.
Then the program, “Sustainable Style, Mindful Consumption”. President Brenda led us through an Initiative by the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario. First we took a quiz, then listened. One big change in our way of thinking is the R’s – Reduce, reuse, recycle, regift, refuse, repair. “Oh” cried some members, “We could add renovate, rehash, repossess, repatriate, relax, rum and …no wait we have got recarried away.” Still good ideas and great facts. For instance, one sheds fewer microplastics into the wash water by running full loads. One must try to buy ethically – no sweat shop labour, no dodgy factories. And best fabric is linen. It’s natural, sustainable, cool to wear and yes you have to iron it.
That’s what the Women’s Institute is all about, education. Hope you gleaned some, gentle readers. Next month it’s “Navigating the Health Care System”. See Craighurst Foodland Outdoor Craighurst W I Bulletin Board for more details.