07/25/2026
ARDBEG GAZETTE- Issue #6
Front Page News!
🎡 We're Heading to the Dunchurch Fall Fair!
If you're heading to the Dunchurch Fall Fair, make sure you stop by the Ardbeg Community Club table. We promise we'll be easy to find...just follow the smiling faces, laughter, and probably someone trying to convince you to volunteer (don't worry—we're very friendly about it!).
We've packed our table with plenty to see, including:
• Community photos from our events
• Copies of our Community Scavenger Hunt (if you haven't picked one up yet from the Club, Library, Municipality or Duck Rock Store)
• Our famous "Guess How Many Spaghetti Noodles" contest for your chance to win a $25 Rock & Duck Restaurant gift card
• And...one more surprise!
No hints. No spoilers. You'll have to stop by our table to find out what it is. We promise it's worth the visit!
Whether you've been part of the Club for years or have never stopped in before, we'd love to meet you. Come say hello, show us pictures of the Scavenger Hunt, ask questions, share ideas, or simply stop by for a chat. That's what community is all about.
🧵 Moccasins, Mitts & More Workshop
Calling all crafters...and those who always wanted to learn!
Our Moccasins, Mitts & More Workshop is coming this October (3rd & 4th weekend), and excitement is already building. Whether you're an experienced maker or you've never threaded a needle before, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to learn traditional skills, meet new people, and spend a weekend filled with laughter, creativity, and good company.
The best part? You'll leave with something you made yourself—and probably a few new friends too.
Spaces are limited and they're filling quickly, so don't wait until your neighbour tells you they got the last spot!
For registration details, email:
[email protected]
or visit our page for all the information.
🍝 You Asked...We Listened!
It's official...
The Spaghetti Dinner is BACK!
After hearing the same question about a hundred times...
"When's the next spaghetti dinner?"..we're thrilled to announce that our next Homemade Spaghetti Dinner will be held on:
Saturday, September 19
If you've been before, you already know why everyone keeps asking.
If you haven't...well, prepare yourself.
Our homemade spaghetti sauce has developed something of a local reputation. Some say it's the secret recipe. Others think it's all the love stirred into every pot. We suspect it's a little bit of both.
Bring your family, bring your neighbours, bring your appetite—and maybe wear pants with a little extra stretch.
Mark your calendars, set a reminder on your phone, tie a string around your finger...whatever it takes.
We can't wait to see everyone around the table again.
🏗️ Heritage Grant Update
Things are moving right along!
We're happy to report that all of the paperwork for our Heritage Grant has now been completed. We're currently working through the permitting process and, if everything continues on schedule, construction should begin soon.
It's exciting to think about the improvements coming to our Club. Every renovation brings us one step closer to creating an even better gathering place for our community—not just for today, but for future generations.
Stay tuned...the best "before and after" pictures are still to come!
📚 The Library is in the House!
Did you know the library visits the Club every other Monday?
It's the perfect excuse to stop in for a visit, borrow a book, exchange a puzzle, enjoy a craft, or simply catch up with friends over a cup of coffee.
Upcoming activities include:
July 27
🎨 Tie-Dye Day
August 10
👕 Sublimation Day
Bring your own t-shirts, bags, or other polyester items if you'd like to personalize them. The higher the polyester content, the brighter your masterpiece will turn out.
Who knows—you might leave with your new favourite shirt!
Meet Our Executive/Board Members
I am Mary Ellen Slykhuis, recently appointed Secretary of the Ardbeg Community Club. I didn’t set out to join the Club — it found me. My husband and I were first invited by Norm and Muriel Stiles to help with the building renovations, and what began as a simple volunteer project quickly became something much deeper. I stayed on as a board member, and today I’m proud to serve as Secretary.
We discovered our home on Lake Wahwashkesh in 2002, and over the years it has become the centre of our lives. The people we’ve met and the sense of community here take me right back to my childhood on a dairy farm in Belhaven, where neighbours looked out for one another and everyone belonged. Watching the Club come back to life — seeing the building revitalized and the community grow — has been a great experience.
Some of my favourite moments happen during our music nights and dinners. There’s something special about seeing volunteers come together, each person adding their own touch. Those evenings give me a true sense of belonging. And when I’m not at the Club, you’ll usually find me on the lake — kayaking, swimming, boating, snowmobiling, or ATVing with our five kids and six grandchildren. They all share our love of this place. I grew up on rock music, but Thursday nights have given me a whole new appreciation for country.
I’m an early riser, and coffee is a staple in our home. We don’t spend much time on the couch — we’d rather be by the campfire or out on the water. I tried to describe myself in three words but needed four: My heart is full. Nothing makes me laugh more than my grandchildren, especially watching them grow up in the best environment imaginable.
My career was spent in banking and finance, and one of the most interesting chapters came later in life when as a Certified Financial Planner I started my own investment business. It was challenging, but deeply rewarding — not because of the numbers, but because of the people. Helping clients reach their life goals was a privilege.
Giving back has always been part of who I am. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with the Kinettes, Eastern Star, Nutrition for Learning, served as Chair of the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, and contributed to the Lake Wahwashkesh Conservation Association.
Being part of the Ardbeg Community Club is more than a role — it’s a chance to be involved in something meaningful, welcoming, and fun. I’m grateful every day to be part of it.
Final Word
Until next time, keep waving at your neighbours, lend a helping hand when you can, come out to a Club event, and remember...
A community isn't built by buildings—it's built by the people who walk through the doors.
See you at the Club! 🍁
📰 And that, dear readers...is front page news.
