July 27, 2018

If you are a procrastinator who is interested in taking part in local politics, the deadline for nominations for Billings mayor and council is TODAY at 2pm. Yes, the office is officially closed at noon, but we have it on good authority that submissions will be accepted up until 2pm. Despite encouragement from our loyal readers, we have decided not to run for local government this year, but have not ruled out a Team Fergmeijer 2022 run for office.

Despite dire predictions of bad weather, Summerfest 2018 was a rousing success this past weekend! It goes without saying (though we are saying it anyway) that the success of this event is due to the hard work and dedication of the many committees, organizers, and volunteers that put a lot of their time, effort and talent into making it happen. Thank you to all of the above for another great Summerfest!

The only element that didn’t run this weekend was the outdoor movie which had to be postponed due to wind and rain. But don’t despair! The movie will be rescheduled in August. Stay tuned for updated information here in your trusty column and also on the Kagawong Facebook page (Facebook.com/Kagawong).

There are many July babies celebrating another trip around the sun this week. Happiest of birthdays goes to Jen C, MBB, Merideth N, and Beth G who are all celebrating 29 fabulous years!

What has 18 legs and catches flies? A softball team! Not enough softball in your life? Sunday nights at 7pm there is softball for all ages at the Ice Lake ball field. Batter’s up!

Despite the recent rain, at time of writing, the fire ban continues in Billings township, as well as restrictions on use of town water for lawns and gardens. Contact the town office for the most up-to-date information.

Inquiring minds want to know… is it coo coo ca choo or goo goo g'joob? Find out this Saturday as local musicians explore the classic hits and hidden gems of the Beatles at the yet-to-be-renamed St. Paul’s church in Kagawong. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved in advance at Main Street Cafe, or purchased at the door. Show starts at 7pm.

Continuing the string of amazing musical events happening this summer in Kagawong, we are pleased to announce the return of Mimi O’Bonsawin on August 3! Mimi will be Rocking the Dock at 8pm. This is a free event, though donations are gratefully accepted. Don’t forget to bring your own seat! Following that, Ian Tamblyn will be playing at St. Paul’s on the Hill on August 18. More details coming soon!

July 18th saw a good turn out for Euchre. In first place was the team of Brad Parkinson & Bill Traynor (who also took most loners); in second was the dynamic duo of Mike & Susan Arbour; third was double trouble Laura Mahoney & Bob Cacciotti. Coming in fourth was terrific twosome, Graham & Sheila Fogal with low score going to partners-in-crime Kal Merrilees & Wilma Wright. The next summer euchre tournament will be Wednesday, August 15 at 7:30pm at the Park Centre. All are welcome!

Have a great week!

July 20, 2018

Team Fergmeijer’s tips on how to survive a hot summer: 1. Go to the beach. 2. Find a cooler full of ice. 3. Sit in the cooler.

Summerfest starts TONIGHT! July 20th, are you brave enough to watch the movie Jaws while dangling your toes in Mudge Bay? Bring your blanket, chair or floaty to the main beach tonight for the 9pm start. Tomorrow (July 21), take part in all the amazing activities around town like the fire department’s head-to-head challenge (noon), or get an up-close and personal look at artisans at work - canoe making, quilting, wool spinning and more! Kids can get in on the fun with games from 11-3. Kids of all ages can take in some music at dusk with Flathead Ford as they rock the dock that evening.

Did you know that softball is the first sport mentioned in the Bible? In Genesis, it is written “In the big inning…” Not enough softball in your life? Sunday nights at 7pm there is softball for all ages at the Ice Lake ball field. Batter’s up!

Rumour on the street says they moved to Kagawong just in time to celebrate their birthdays… just so they could make it into this column! Happy 29th birthday to Arik, and happy not-quite-29th birthday to Ethan! Kagawongian/Calgarian Jen B is also celebrating her 29th birthday next week. Many happy returns!

Speaking of happy returns, one half of Team Fergmeijer is happy the other half has returned; word of Steve Paikin sightings must have made it all the way to South Africa! The column can now go back to being excessively punny.

The dry, crunchy weather continues… there is a total fire ban on in the township, as well as restrictions on use of town water for lawns and gardens.

The market is up and running every Wednesday from 10am until 3pm in the pavillion. Stop in to check out local artisans’ wares, as well as tasty baked goods and local produce.

Team Fergmeijer has been working to get in better shape recently. We added squats to our daily routine by moving the chocolate to the bottom shelf of the fridge.

Manitoulin Family Resources now presents Early Learning playgroups throughout the year at the Park Centre! Families with children aged 0-6 are invited to stop in July 23, August 6 and August 20, from 9am-11:30am, for songs, stories, snacks, and learning through play. Contact 368-3400, ext. 1, for more information.

The next summer euchre tournament will be Wednesday, August 15 at 7:30pm at the Park Centre. All are welcome!

The police came knocking on Team Fergmeijer’s door this week. They said that our dogs had been chasing after local kids on bikes. Which is ridiculous. Our dogs don’t even have bikes.

Have a great week!

July 13, 2018

As some of you may have heard, half of Team Fergmeijer is off exploring South Africa. We are pleased to present a first-hand account of how life in South Africa differs from life in Kagawong…

We’d be lion if we said South Africa was anything like Northern Ontario. Games of all sorts are popular, but nobody plays euchre here because there are too many cheetahs. It's nice not to have to be worried about wild turkeys roaming everywhere, though we would be hippocrits if we didn't admit the many baboons wandering around here weren't enough to giraffe you crazy. It seems where you are in the world is irrelephant; there are always going to be pests to deal with. One of the big surprises was when a friend on the trip celebrated her 30th birthday. That NEVER happens in Kagawong!

Speaking of birthdays...many happy returns to Ardis F on Tuesday as she turns 29!

There is currently a total fire ban on in the township. No fires, please!

The market is up and running every Wednesday from 10am until 3pm in the pavillion. Stop in to check out local artisans’ wares, as well as tasty baked goods and local produce.

Best wishes go to Mike and Karen as they embark on new adventures off-island. We hope to see you again soon! Along the same line, the number of Theijsmeijers residing in Kagawong is tripling this week - welcome Arik, Melanie, Ethan, and Andrew!

July 20th and 21st make sure to clear your schedule, because Summerfest will keep the whole family hoppin’! Friday night, are you brave enough to watch the movie Jaws while dangling your toes in Mudge Bay? Bring your blanket, chair or floaty to the main beach for the 9pm start. Saturday, take part in all the amazing activities around town and then take in some music at dusk with Flathead Ford when as they rock the dock.

Manitoulin Family Resources now presents Early Learning playgroups throughout the year at the Park Centre! Families with children aged 0-6 are invited to stop in July 23, August 6 and August 20, from 9am-11:30am, for songs, stories, snacks, and learning through play. Contact 368-3400, ext. 1, for more information.

Have you got a great idea for a name for the former St. Paul’s on the Hill as it is reimagined into an entertainment centre? Drop a note to the town office with your best ideas.

Manitoulin Tennis Club is pausing for a few weeks while the courts at MSS get repainted. Any students looking for volunteer hours can contact Chris at 705-968-0404.

Have a great week!

July 6, 2018

Let us take this moment to officially welcome everyone to the hot and hazy days of summer! What an excellent chance hit the beach and try out those new floaties and water wings. Be sure to keep yourself cool! We don’t want to draw too much attention to how hot it’s been, but one half of Team Fergmeijer just watched two hobbits throw a ring into their backyard...

Speaking of things being hot, hot, hot, there is currently a fire ban on in the township. No open fires, please!

There was a great turnout at the market pavillion on July 1 to recognize the opening of the Billings Connections Heritage Trail. Cake, music, celebrations, oh my! What a great way to mark Canada Day!

And just like that, Kagawong is hoppin’ with goings-on! Tomorrow (July 7), stop by market pavilion from 10am to 2pm for the St. John’s yard sale and BBQ. The Billings Recreation Committee is also having a car wash from 9:30am onwards - stop in and get all the back road dust washed off the car, with funds raised going to a good cause.

On July 11th, it’s the annual Billings Library book and bake sale! The library will be offering free cake with each lunch purchase to celebrate their 50th anniversary! Any high school students looking to get some volunteer hours can contact Ruth Farquhar (ruthfar@vianet.ca).

The market is also up and running every Wednesday from 10am until 4pm in the pavillion.

July 20th and 21st make sure to clear your schedule, because Summerfest will keep the whole family hoppin’. Friday night, are you brave enough to watch the movie Jaws while drifting on a floaty in Mudge Bay? It’s happening! Saturday, take part in all the amazing activities around town and then take in some music with Flathead Ford when they rock the dock.

Manitoulin Family Resources now presents Early Learning playgroups throughout the year at the Park Centre! Families with children aged 0-6 are invited to stop in July 9, July 23, August 6 and August 20, from 9am-11:30am, for songs, stories, snacks, and learning through play. Contact 368-3400, ext. 1, for more information.

Have you got a great idea for a name for the former St. Paul’s on the Hill as it is reimagined into an entertainment centre? Drop a note to the town office.

Manitoulin Tennis Club is pausing for a few weeks while the courts at MSS get repainted. Any students looking for volunteer hours can contact Chris at 705-968-0404.

Did we mention school is now out for the summer? Team Fergmeijer overheard a teacher speaking with some parents last weekend: “Tag, you're it!”

Have a great week!