February 9, 2018

Because we miss complaining about the heat and humidity of the summer, it’s time for Team Fergmeijer’s Mid-Winter Coping Strategy! One important thing to remember this time of year is that the tv remote still works from under the covers when you are bundled up on the couch.

Happy 29th birthday to Susie H last week, and Heather S next week!

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Ron Becks last week, and our sympathies go out to his family and friends. His trademark dry wit, intelligence, and extensive knowledge and passion for all things green will be deeply missed by many on the Island.

We also lost a long-time pillar of the Kagawong community last week, with the death of Muriel Hunt. Muriel served on many community groups and boards and could be counted on to be at just about every event around the township. We offer our condolences to Muriel’s family - she was one of a kind.

Did you miss the beginner computer classes at the library last month? Did you attend them, but feel you could use more help and practice? You are in luck - the library is offering their popular Computer Basics course again! Sessions are each Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 - 3:30 starting February 27th until March 8th. Bring your own laptop, or use one of the library computers. Advanced sessions on Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint start March 13th. Spaces for all sessions are limited, so contact Bob at bobcat100@gmail.com or 705-662-8215 to pre-register.

WINTERFEST is HERE! Come out for some winter fun tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 10), from 10am-2pm at the Kagawong Park Centre. Enjoy olympic-themed games, a bonfire, snow mountain, ice rink (weather pending), kids’ games, maple taffy, dog sled demonstration, Billings Fire Dept. information station, and vintage snowmobiles. Inside the Park Centre, you’ll find delicious treats at the Snowflake Café, serving chili, sausage, hot dogs, hot and cold beverages, and desserts. There will also be an activity/warm-up station available inside. Don’t miss it!

Another winter coping strategy to consider is just skipping the northern winter all together and head south to somewhere that the air doesn’t hurt your face. That might be considered cheating, though.

We at Team Fergmeijer know that it’s not quite spring yet (you DID see that article about groundhog Shubenacadie Sam biting a reporter and making a break for freedom on Groundhog’s Day, didn’t you?), but it’s never too early to start being green! The Billings Go Green Committee invites everyone to take part in the Plastic Purge Challenge! Check out their blog (https://gogreenkagawong.wordpress.com/) for more information.

Love cupcakes? Love music? Love love? Then don’t miss the Cupcakes & Cupid Valentine’s Angel Bus fundraiser, February 14, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Park Centre. Paul Best will be crooning your favourite love songs; $15 at the door gets you an evening of lovely music, as well as dessert and coffee or tea. Don’t miss it!

Euchre continues every Wednesday night at 7:30pm at the Park Centre.

Don’t let Valentine’s day chocolate get in the way of your new year’s resolution! Zumba has resumed regular Thursday classes and the Kagawong Fitness Club (KFC) is also open 24/7. Stay fit!

How do you feel about raindrops on roses? What about whiskers on kittens? Bright copper kettles, or warm woollen mittens? If these are a few of your favourite things, have we got the show for you! The hills are alive with The Sound of Music at Manitoulin Secondary School! Their latest production opens on Thursday, Feb. 15 with a special sing-a-long show, then continues on Friday Feb. 16 and Saturday Feb. 17. The curtain opens at 7pm each night. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at select pharmacies.

Our final and most important piece of mid-winter coping advice is about the best way to dress for cold weather:
1. Take off pants
2. Climb back into bed

Have a great week!