PaBIA's eBlast August 4, 2021

PaBIA's Vision: To Preserve This Unique Natural Habitat for Generations to Come

Volume 13 No. 22

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When boating, safety should be our first priority!

Above is a reminder for everyone boating in narrow channels (think Steamboat or Back Channel to the Ojibway):

that children & adults, dogs, and wildlife swim in narrow channels!

No one wants an accident to occur only to look back and say - "I wish I had gone slower or out and around..."

Consider talking to all your family members about safety on this subject...

As well, the wakes created behind boats are NOT for seadooers to jump over!

Consider, should the boat slow up unexpectedly, the situation could have untoward results.

We are fortunate to have the Open waters with plenty of waves for all those seadooers looking for excitement!

Greetings!

How did it get to August so fast! We hope all Canadians enjoyed their long weekend with friends and family! And let's hope August brings more sun and warm temperatures!

Please check out the Gorgin' on Georgian as TODAY is the last day to submit your favourite recipe(s)!

And today is the start of the Ojibway Art Show ONLINE @ 10 a.m...so don't miss out! Everyone, no matter where you live, can participate!

We also hope you have signed up (or are about to) for PaBIA's Triathlon on August 14th and/or the second PaBIA Naturalist the next day. Are you curious to learn what has happened to Mother Earth since the fires of Parry Sound 33 of 2018??

Per the cartoon above, might we consider narrow channels as Slow Ride areas...as an example, one high-traffic narrow channel is the 'backchannel' leading east from the Ojibway gas docks toward Cambria Island. If you must go fast, please go out, around, and through the main channels to get to your destination! The swimmers there would greatly appreciate it!

As the weather warms up (we hope) and the water temperature rises - it is truly summer in PaB! Come out and celebrate the return of our American friends and neighbours on August 20th. Everyone is invited!

In this eBlast:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL BOATERS

The S-Turn Flashing Red Light is STILL NOT Back in Service by Tom Lundy, Director of Member Safety

TODAY & TOMORROW

PaBIA's Gorgin' on Georgian Contest - TODAY Last Day to Post
Ojibway Art Show - Sales Begin TODAY ONLINE @ 10 a.m. EDT

AUGUST

PaBIA's Sailing Race - Saturday, Aug 7 @ 2 p.m.
PaBIA Boat Handling Coaching - 9:00 a.m. on August 11 with Randy Johnson, PaBIA Boating Chr & Royal Squadron Trainer
PaBIA's AGM has been moved to a Zoom Meeting on September 21
Flare Disposal Day in Parry Sound August 7
PaBIA Triathlon August 14
Celebration of Life for Bill Kennedy, native PaBer and owner of CC Kennedy's
PaBIA Naturalist - Key River Fire: Remember Parry Sound 33? August 15
PaBIA/Ojibway Welcome Home Party - Everyone is Welcome - August 20
GBB Climate Speedier Webinar August 26

OF INTEREST

FOCA's Be Wake Aware
UPDATED: Americans Traveling Requisites - No TEST needed if Returning to USA by Land
Americans Returning: Understanding Ontario COVID Requirements
Literally, on the Bay Janet Irving, Education Committee
PaBIA Cairns Need Rebuilding or Repainting Jim Rogers, Markers Chair
Sandhill Cranes by Trudy Irvine, Education Committee
This Week: The Balance Between Precipitation and Evaporation by Helen Bryce, Education Committee
PaBIA/GBLT Partnership - by the Marine Patrol
Florence Church Rummage Sale Canceled for 2021
Lake Michigan-Huron Water Levels - July 30, 2021
Yearbook Update 2021 from August 1

OF INTEREST

Be Wake Aware

FOCA, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Association, has put out a video to help everyone understand the impact their boat's wake has on others...wildlife as well as human life! Click on the picture and consider where one might rather waterski - close to shore or out in the middle of a large bay?!

Markers ALERT UPDATE -

The S-Turn Light REMAINS OUT

Submitted by Tom Lundy, Director of Member Safety

Please be advised that the S-Turn Flashing Red Light remains

OUT OF SERVICE until further notice!

We repeat, please plan any night boating accordingly.

Americans Returning to PaB:

Understanding Ontario’s COVID Requirements

Because Americans are coming from various parts of the USA where the COVID rules can vary tremendously depending on where one comes from, PaBIA would like to alert every American coming 'home' to their beloved Canadian islands of what all of Ontario is doing with regard to requirements for masking, social distancing and size of crowds, to name just a few.

Ontario works with the tier system - and presently, as of July 16, is in the 3rd tier allowing for certain size crowd gatherings WITH certain protocols: social distancing, group sizes and masking indoors public places, etc. Please familiarize yourself with Ontario's guidelines (which could change depending on the variants). Being fully vaccinated doesn't release anyone from Ontario restrictions.

So when you are shopping, at your marinas or a friend's cottage and/or going to the Ojibway Club, it is each person's responsibility to be aware of and follow all protocols as requested.

Having asked the Ojibway Club for their guidelines, here is John Siddall's (General Mgr) response:

Step 3 restrictions:

Mask must be worn inside all buildings of the Ojibway Club and whenever physical distancing is compromised. Please bring your mask – if you forget it, masks are available for purchase at the Club for $1.
The only time masks may be removed is when one is sitting at a dining table on the veranda or screened porch
When inside the Snack Bar or under the roofline of the veranda/porch, the maximum number of people who may be seated at one table is 6.
If hosting an outdoor event, members & guests are required to maintain a 2M (6 ft) physical distance from someone who is not in their bubble or household
If you are not feeling well or have signs of COVID, please get medical attention and self-isolate
For more information about visiting the Club, visit the Ojibway Club website.

COVID Tests for RETURNING to USA REQUIRED ONLY for Air Travel

The following is meant as a guideline ONLY...sharing respected websites for each person to obtain the accurate information that applies to each individual situation.

Please continue to check the Canadian Government Website for ANY last-minute changes to border requirements as is deemed necessary by Canadian Officials for arrival into Canada. Check to be sure which tests are accepted for arrival into Canada.

UPDATE: For returning to the US via land border crossing, the CDC does NOT require a negative COVID test Please check with the newest updates/changes at CDC website for ANY last-minute changes to border requirements by the USA government.

Traveling to CANADA, aside from the regular documentation and showing proof of being fully vaccinated, everyone will need to fill out the ArriveCAN app, and almost everyone will need a COVID test (check which type of test is accepted) within 3 days before crossing the border. If flying, the 3-day period is the 3 days before the flight’s departure as the test validity does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test was administered.

CHANGE

RETURNING to USA for AIR TRAVELERS ONLY (for land crossing, the tests are NOT required):

ALL those traveling by air will require a negative COVID test within 3 days of traveling. Neither the PaB Nursing Station nor the Assessment Centre in Parry Sound does testing for travel, only for those with symptoms. However, the PS Shoppers Mart does do the rapid antigen test for air travel purposes so long as you have been in Canada for 14 days*. Check the CDC Website and, if flying, your airline's website, to be sure that is still the case when you are about to depart back to the States.

*One will need to make an appointment at the PS Shopper's Mart for the Rapid Antigen Test costing $40 CN. Once taken, the results will be provided in about 15 minutes while you wait.

Sandhill Cranes

by Trudy Irvine, Member of Education Committee

Sandhill cranes tend to be heard more than seen along the Georgian Bay shoreline. Their rolling, trumpeting calls can be heard from miles away, and their unique tone is a product of their anatomy: they have long tracheas that coil into their sternums to give them a lower pitch and rich harmonics. Groups of these birds can

be heard calling together, (or click on the picture) and mated pairs engage in “unison calling”- where the pair stands close together, vocalizing in a synchronized and complex duet. Listen to this wonderful section of “songs and calls”.

Sandhill cranes are also known for their dancing. Courting cranes stretch their wings, pump their heads, bow, and leap into the air in gangly, exuberant dances for each other. Cranes mate for life, which can mean two decades or more, and they stay with their mates year-round.

All this courting leads to having to make a nest, which the pair builds together. The nest site can be among marsh vegetation in shallow water (sometimes up to 3’deep) or sometimes on dry ground close to water. The nest is made of a mound of plant material pulled from around the site, and it may be built up from the bottom or floating, anchored to standing plants.

Sandhill cranes are omnivorous, and their diet varies widely with location and season. Major food items in our area include insects, rodents, snails, snakes, amphibians, berries, and the roots of aquatic plants. When the cranes are migrating back to their wintering grounds in the southern US and Mexico in the autumn, cultivated grains such as corn are a favourite food source along the way.

Cranes will form enormous flocks while they are migrating and in their wintering areas. Watching them glide gracefully by the thousands on thermal air currents must be truly remarkable. On Georgian Bay, the cranes are not so numerous. In-flight they can be distinguished from herons, as they fly with their head and legs extended- unlike the heron’s curvy retracted neck. Cranes also tend to flock together and fly in small groups or pairs, instead of staying on their own like the heron.

For more information and some really wonderful photos and video of sandhill cranes, visit this overview

Literally, on the Bay

Book recommendations by Charlotte Stein, owner of Parry Sound Books

Edited by Janet Irving, Education Committee.

There is nothing – absolutely nothing - like reading a book on a summer’s day on Georgian Bay! This summer we suggest some books that are literally set on the Bay – or feel so much so that we just had to include them.

In the Footsteps of the Group of Seven by Jim and Sue Waddington details the decades this couple spent, on the water and on foot, locating and photographing the landscapes painted by members of the Group of Seven. Lavishly illustrated with both paintings and photographs.

Rescue at Lake Wild by Terry Lynn Johnson is a novel for young readers about the adventures of three friends who find themselves rescuing beaver kits and challenging their community to find ways to live in harmony with nature. The author is a conservation officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Northern Ontario – and a very fine writer.

PaBIA Cairns Need Rebuilding or Repainting

Jim Rogers, Markers Chair

The high water and ice levels of the past two years have played havoc with PaBIA's painted white rock cairns, that along with our markers, indicate safe passage. If you know a spot where there once was a cairn or where there are remnants of one that needs to be rebuilt and repainted, please contact me by email with the map section location.

Some members have made it a family project to restore cairns on their islands. Let me know if you accept that challenge!

We plan to repair or restore these missing cairns before the end of the season so that they are more visible once again.

Safe boating!

What Impacts Our Water Levels,

What Does The Future Bring, and

What Can We Do About It?

This week: The Balance Between Precipitation and Evaporation Previous Weeks: Precipitation & Evaporation

by Helen Bryce, Director of Education

(editor's note: this is the comparison between the Precipitation and the Evaporation in this series of articles on water levels. Though best read all at once here, the eBlast is bringing it to our readers in segments)

By far the biggest influence over GBay levels is the combined interactions between precipitation and evaporation. Science has demonstrated that there are no other factors in existence today as influential as these natural processes on water levels - not Great Lakes inflows and outflows, not Great Lakes regulatory modifications and diversions as they currently operate.

THE BALANCE BETWEEN PRECIPITATION AND EVAPORATION

Before Climate Change

When we refer to climate, we mean the long-term weather trends (and not the weather we see out the window each day). Over the last century, before climate change, we had more of a water balance between precipitation and evaporation.
Those trends made our climate more predictable.

Climate Change Begins

Beginning in the middle of the 20th C, human activity intensified during the post-war Industrial Revolution increasing the dumping of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere.
Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil has pulled sequestered carbon deposits from deep beneath the Earth’s surface and put more carbon dioxide (CO₂) into our atmosphere.
The permafrost in the polar regions is also melting which activates microbes releasing methane into the earth’s atmosphere. Methane is one of the gases adding to the greenhouse effect and has 80 times the warming power of CO₂.
These accumulating gaseshave trapped more and more heat in the atmosphere causing the Earth to warm up.

The impact of Climate Change on Precipitation and Evaporation

The warming of the earth is causing changes in precipitation and evaporation. Both of these natural processes are being modified by human activity and are expected to become more intense and less predictable.
This is already happening. Wind speeds have been measured since the 1980s and show about an 18.8% increase in the last 40 years.
The results of stronger winds include more run-up on the shoreline causing low-lying areas to be overwhelmed where docks, marinas, boathouses, etc. can be found.
Scientists look at models to try and predict how this activity will change water levels over the coming decades, but they do so now with less confidence.
We are already seeing the impacts of changes to the delicate balance between precipitation and evaporation:

xxxxxxx1.Changes in the balance between precipitation and evaporation will affect water levels.

xxxxxxx2.The speed at which water levels move between extreme highs and extreme lows will increase.

A ray of sunshine? … Methods for estimating the hydrological cycle are always improving; both in the Great Lakes and around the globe. Scientists need to present their data within a context that is consistent and transparent. New methods should always be compared with old methods when time and resources allow. This is an ideal area for research and one that is being taken on right now by the University of Waterloo through the Great Lakes Intercomparison Project. (GLIP).

PaBIA / GBLT Partnership

For the last many years, the Marine Patrol has worked closely with the Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT). GBLT’s mission is to preserve our unique Archipelago by protecting areas of ecological, geological, and historical importance, which is why there are restrictions to some activities on these islands.

Therefore, when visiting a GBLT property, please always:

Remove all trash
Leave it as you found it
Keep wildlife wild
Manage your Dog
Keep it small and short
Eat cold, not hot
Keep it Light

We are incredibly lucky to have an organization like GBLT to conserve and protect these beautiful islands in our neighbourhood. There are 14 GBLT islands in the Pointe au Baril area. Your Marine Patrollers act as additional stewards helping to keep these beautiful islands as close to their natural state as possible by reporting use and notable species on the islands.

Members of the public are also encouraged to fill out property reports when visiting the GBLT islands especially if an endangered species is seen. Feel free to visit the Marine Patrol office during our office hours to learn more about GBLT and what the Marine Patrol does for them.

Florence Church Rummage Sale

Canceled for 2021

Sadly, the Church's Rummage sale will not take place in September as had been hoped. This means that there will be NO collection of goods during the summer of 2021.

The committee is so appreciative of all the support the islanders and community have continually shown throughout the years.

But they look forward to starting back up next Summer and will welcome your donations in 2022!

TODAY

PaBIA's Gorgin' on Georgian - TODAY Last Day to Post

CONTEST ALERT – Gorgin’ on Georgian!

Whether it’s an appetizer, picnic treat, main, or dessert, we want to see all your favourite cottage recipes!

Here is how it works:

From July 21st – August 4th, share your favourite cottage recipe on Facebook or Instagram. Be sure to tag PaBIA and use the hashtag #GorginOnGeorgian21 so we see your post.

From August 5th – 12th you get to vote on your favourite recipes to decide the winner in each category! The categories are

Picnic goodies,
Appetizers,
Main, and
Dessert.

At the end of it all, all recipes will be compiled into a digital cookbook for everyone to enjoy.

Time to get cooking!

2021 Ojibway Club Art Show ONLINE TODAY - 10:00 a.m.

August 4^th - 8^th

Sales Open TODAY!

The 2021 Ojibway Club Art Show opens today at 10:00 am and continues until August 8th at 10:00 pm. Featuring over 90 artists with lots of incredible paintings, photographs, mixed media, sculptures, woodwork, quill art from Manitoulin Island, and Marketplace items.

A sampling of these pieces is displayed in the Lounge now until Sunday so come wander through the art gallery at your leisure. This is your chance to see some of our local cottager artists’ work in-person.

To view and purchase all artwork available for sale, go to the Art Show website.

Plus, don’t miss this week’s additional events:

ART SHOW DINNER - Wednesday, August 4

This is a SOLD OUT event. For those with tickets, the dinner begins at 6:00 pm tonight.

MARKETPLACE KICK-OFF COCKTAIL RECEPTION – Friday, August 6

The Marketplace returns with a kick-off cocktail reception on Friday from 5-7 pm. Come shop and support our local artisans while enjoying music from guitarist Joel Saunders. All are welcome!

MARKETPLACE – August 6-8

Vendors will be open on Friday 5-7, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday 10-2.

BREAKFAST WITH THE ARTISTS – Saturday, August 7 (9-10 am)

Enjoy a continental breakfast with featured artists Deborah Farquharson, Bob Hambly, and Claustro who will discuss and answer questions about the process and inspirations for their work. Limited tickets are still available. $30 per person. To reserve tickets, call or email the office at 705-366-5085 or email.

MARKETPLACE – August 6 - 8

Vendors will be open on:

Friday 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.,
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and
Sunday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

BREAKFAST WITH THE ARTISTS – Saturday, Aug 7 (9 -10 a.m.)

Enjoy a continental breakfast with featured artists Deborah Farquharson, Bob Hambly, and Claustro who will discuss and answer questions about the process and inspirations for their work.

$30 per person. To reserve tickets, call 705-366-5085 or email the office

For more Art Show information: Website, Instagram, Facebook: Ojibway Club Art Show or Email.

August 2021

PaBIA Sailing Race - Aug Series 3&4

Saturday, August 7 @ 2 p.m.

Upcoming PaBAR & Jr PaBAR August 14th

We will try again to sail in 'The Open'; leave Ojibway Bay through Empress or Ugo Igo Channels. The course will be set to the North of Kishkadena. If it is too windy or poor weather, the race will be held in Ojibway Bay. An eBlast will go out by 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning to confirm the race location.

PABAR and Junior PABAR (awarded to boats with all sailors 25 yrs. and younger) is on Saturday, August 14 starting at 10:30 am. If you or your Juniors need a boat to sail, please contact Margie Wheler. The PABAR dinner and awards ceremony is that evening at 6 p.m. Please call the Ojibway Office to reserve.

In order to get the complete sailing and rendezvous information, you need to receive the Sailing eBlasts. If you are not receiving these regular eBlasts, please contact Margie Wheler.

In-Person Boater Coaching

with Randy Johnson, Royal Squadron Trainer

August 11 at 9:00 a.m. Ojibway Back Docks

For anyone who is interested in one to one student/coach sessions, Randy has set up two 1 hour sessions on the signup sheet found at the MP office door

fully vaccinated and
wishing some in-person boater coaching (how to dock that boat in the wind),

Randy will meet you at the back Ojibway docks.

Bring your own boat and learn from the Pro! Sign Ups at Marine Patrol Hut

A reminder for the Rescheduling of PaBIA's AGM - Postponed to September 21 @ 7:00 p.m. EDT

PaBIA's AGM has been postponed to Tuesday, September 21^ston Zoom. More information to come! Put it on your calendar NOW!

OLD Emergency Flares DISPOSAL

Please see the full flyer about the disposal of old flares or visit this website for a full description of which flares are accepted at Sound Boat Works in Parry Sound and which ones are not.

Celebration of Life for Bill Kennedy - August 14^th

The Celebration of Life for Bill Kennedy, life-long Pointe au Baril native and owner of CC Kennedy's Grocery and Hardware Store at the Station, will be held on Saturday, August 14. Everyone is welcome to the PaB Community Centre to pay their respects and have a light lunch from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Please share your memories of Bill by placing a written note into his memory box. Please wear masks and social distance.

PaBIA's Triathlon Saturday, August 14^th

Missing competing in the junior or senior regattas this year? Just two weeks to register for this year's triathlon! Starting at 9 a.m. at the back swim pavilion on Ojibway Island, August 14, the event is open to all PaBIA members, and you can compete as an individual or a pair with prizes for top male, female, and pair. See the map to explore the route that will take you all over Ojibway island! Don't have your own kayak or canoe? No problem, we can provide one! Come out for a fun day and participate at any skill level.

We are also looking for a few volunteers that would like to help assist on the day, if interested please email Myelle!

Key River Fire: Remember Parry Sound 33?

What Happened to This Fire-Scorched Land? What Is Being Learned?

Sunday, August 15 @ 10:00 in the Movie Hut

Dr. Mike Waddington will return to PaBIA's Naturalist Program to share with 25 of us what McMaster's University has been doing at the Key River since the fires...what are they learning and what sort of things are they doing to assist in the regrowth of plant and turtle life, using both Indigenous and Western knowledge. Click on the YouTube video or ad below to watch an 8-minute explanation of some of the landscape they explored (French River) and what they are presently doing - then come to the presentation with your questions and learn more about the wonders of nature! Please RSVP by email to Helen Bryce as numbers are still restricted to 25 people.

GBB - Climate Action:

Project SPEEDIER

Thursday, August 26, 2021 10:00 AM EST

Project SPEEDIER aims to create a grid that builds towards a net-zero smart community in the Town of Parry Sound. This is a unique opportunity where a rural municipality is pledging to be net-zero in partnership with Bracebridge Generation.

Join GBF's Lunchtime Webinar on

Tackling Plastic Pollution

Georgian Bay Forever’s Tackling Plastic Pollution Webinar Series is a collection of one hour webinars aimed at raising awareness about the abundance of plastic litter entering our local and global waterways. Each webinar will end with descriptions of programs GBF has put in place to combat each issue and ways and alternatives you can implement in your life to reduce plastic waste.

The lunch-time webinar is:

Plastic Waters:

Thursday, August 26^th @ 12 - 1 pm

Lakes Michigan/Huron Water Levels July 30, 2021 To better read the charts, please click on the chart for the Daily or Six Month Forecast Water level chart and the corresponding websites

Yearbook Update! (as of Aug 1^st)

With each eBlast, we will provide you a list of names for those members who have provided updated contact information. The details of all the changes since the 2021 yearbook came out in late April are provided in THIS printable format for you to print out and insert into your own Yearbook!