A March Break Thaw
Day Lights Saving time started across our communities this week, bringing an extra hour of sun light to our days. The sun has made quite an appearance, thawing the massive walls of snow to puddles awaiting a pair of rain boots to send it flying. The robins start our days with their song while awaiting a worm to pop through the newly thawed ground for breakfast. The rainy days and sun that follow through these next few weeks bring growth and new life to our communities. This time always gives us an opportunity to take a break, specifically a March one. March break will begin next week for school kids; Spring Break will shortly follow for the young adults. An opportunity to put away the schoolbooks and rest, reset and remind us of what brings joy to our lives. Many take the opportunity to get away and explore new sights and experiences afar. While others enjoy the opportunity to enjoy the quiet and presence of life at home. Our communities create lots of opportunities for us to reconnect and enjoy a break locally. The Midland, Penetanguishene and Springwater Libraries will be hosting several events and activities over the March Break for families to enjoy. Providing affordable or often free opportunities for us to enjoy time together and reconnect. Have some family-friendly fun this March Break by visiting the Simcoe County Museum explore Youseum, an exciting temporary exhibit that puts YOU in the curator’s seat! This hands-on experience lets visitors of all ages discover what it’s like to design and build their very own museum exhibit. Get ready to create, experiment, and innovate with hands-on challenges! Build the longest marble run you can imagine, launch a paper airplane to sky-high heights, and put your egg to the test in the ultimate splat-proof challenge. Plus, don’t miss the B.I.G. Zone where you can jump into a variety of Big Interactive Games set up throughout the Simcoe Gallery for some oversized, unforgettable fun! There are several local businesses offering March Break camps and fun activities, giving our children the opportunity to interact within our communities with their peers. Whether enjoying fun and connecting from afar or taking the opportunity to locally. This is a time for us to still and absorb the changes of seasons bring. A busy summer of grown and memories shortly will be upon us.
International Women’s Day – By Kari Belcourt North Simcoe Springwater News
Each year on International Women’s Day, communities around the world pause to recognize the contributions, strength and achievements of women. From mothers and grandmothers to teachers, volunteers, business owners and community leaders, women help shape the places we call home. The day is both a celebration and a reminder that progress toward equality continues. It is an opportunity to thank the women who guide, support and inspire us while continuing to work toward a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to succeed. Across Canada, women continue to shape our communities in meaningful ways. Today, women make up nearly half of the country’s workforce and represent the majority of post-secondary graduates. Yet the path toward equality is still unfolding. On average, women in Canada earn about 88 cents for every dollar earned by men and remain underrepresented in many leadership and political roles. These numbers remind us that while progress has been made over generations, the work of building equal opportunities for women and girls is ongoing. Days like International Women’s Day give us a moment not only to celebrate achievements, but also to reflect on the steps still ahead.
Locally, the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce and the North Simcoe Business Centre hosted their 3rd Annual International Women’s Day event on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Bourgeois Community Centre.
With more than 200 attendees, the event featured six local speakers who shared their personal journeys, accomplishments and experiences in life and business. Speakers included Ashely Downs of Saturday Afternoons, Shannon McGregor of Shannon’s Kitchen & Irish Pub, Melissa Maurice of Washing Well, Suzanne Marchand of CSC Chigamik CHC, Yvonne Moir of Wayfarer Wellness, and Christy Bell of Gnarnia Craft Ceremony Co.
Lunch was provided by MegaMindful Living, and several local dignitaries were also in attendance to show their support for the organizations and the local business community.
The event was presented by Collaborative Haus Marketing and supported by additional sponsors including Kelly Moss – Mortgage Advisors, BDC, Sunday Restoration, Olive Oil Co., ION Print & Promo, and Phil’s Catering.
Organizers expressed their appreciation for the continued support of the local business community. With attendance growing each year, they look forward to future events celebrating the accomplishments and leadership of local businesswomen.
The North Simcoe Springwater News was honoured to attend this year’s event. It was both motivating and inspiring to see the number of local women thriving in business, politics and other high-pressure careers. Equally powerful was the openness and support shown as speakers shared their personal and professional journeys, offering encouragement and insight to others in the room. Events like this highlight the strength of our local business community and the importance of supporting and celebrating the women who help it grow.