May 29, 2020

Team Fergmeijer is still going through Paikin withdrawals, so we looked him up online. Did you know, our favourite local celebrity is a big sports fan? He cheers for the Leafs, the Red Sox, and the Tiger Cats. You know, it occurs to us that it might be time to consider starting up a Kagawong based sports team. We could be the Not-Wild Turkeys, or the Chocoholics… we’ll get back to you on this one. 

A reminder that the falls and river trail, the playground at the main beach continue to be closed until further notice. On the upside, the dog park is OPEN. The township asks that users practice responsible social distancing from other humans in the park, but feel free to get up close and personal with the pooches!

If you happened to look out your window this past week and found yourself blinded by a flash of chrome and sparkling mirrors, chances are you caught a glimpse of the shiny new Public Works truck! Rumour has it Floyd has installed a boot cleaner for the workers to use before they are allowed into it. He had developed a bit of an unhealthy addiction to washing and polishing the new truck, but he’s currently working hard to get clean. 

Another update to the landfill hours! The landfill will be open for garbage and recycling deposit Thursdays AND Sundays from 2-6pm. Yard and construction waste will now be accepted. Please ensure your waste is well-organized prior to attending the landfill in order to keep wait times to a minimum.

Don’t forget that the township has a volunteer network in place. If you are in need of help (grocery delivery, pharmacy pickup, etc) or if you know of anyone who may need this type of assistance, contact the town office. (705-282-2611; mbonenfant@billingstwp.ca). 

Happy birthday to Morgan E who turns 29 this weekend. We’d like to think that he will celebrate by having a lovely sleep in, eating a leisurely breakfast, and then lounging around relaxing and contemplating the answers to life, the universe and everything, but he has several small children, so we all know that won’t happen. We are sure it will be a joyous (if slightly less relaxed) birthday regardless. 

Got broken electronics? Old cans of paint or liquid chemicals? Batteries or fluorescent light bulbs? Save the date! The next Hazardous Waste Collection day will be July 4 in Mindemoya. More details will be shared closer to the date.

Thanks to Noojmowin Teg for co-ordinating the distribution of fresh fruits and veggies in our community over the past few weeks. Tune in to the Kagawong Facebook page (Facebook.com/Kagawong1) and the Township of Billings page (Facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong) to find out when the next free pick up will be!

 

The Billings Public Library has launched their new pickup service. Simply call or email the library with your ‘wish list’ items by Saturday of each week. Your order is pulled from the shelves, and can be picked up on the library porch the following Tuesday and Saturday. Precautions are being taken, including contactless pick up and quarantining returned books for at least 72 hours before reshelving. Full details, including book lists, can be found at www.billings-library.com

As you know, we here at Team Fergmeijer often ponder the ‘big’ questions in life. We wonder if Mr. Paikin, with his wealth of knowledge and experience, would have the answers. Answers to questions like, is cereal a soup? What about gravy? Is a hot dog a sandwich or a taco? As you ponder these and other great mysteries, have a great week!

May 22, 2020

Over the past few days, the warm weather has finally caused the trees to start popping their leaves! We thought, to honour the occasion, we would branch out and try something new. We decided we wouldn’t get sappy and start telling a-corny jokes. We were considering sprucing up our act a bit, but were kind of stumped on how to go about it. We put a treemendous effort in, working from the ground up; we logged many hours thinking it over and trying to get to the root of the problem. In the end, we had a bit of a face-palm moment: we realized that true Fergmeijer fans woodn’t want us to change our ways; it’s what makes us so poplar. So there you have it - we walnut stop! 

The Kagawong landfill has updated their hours. The landfill will be open for garbage and recycling deposit Thursdays from 2-6pm and Sundays from 2-4pm. Yard and construction waste will not be accepted until further notice. Be patient and have a kind word for our hard-working township employees!

Happy birthday to the zestiest, zootiest, zitella of Zumba - Casey B! She makes 29 look easy!

A reminder that the falls and river trail, the playground at the main beach, and the dog park continue to be closed until further notice.

However, the municipal boat launches at the Small Craft Harbour and the upper Kagawong River are now open in ‘use at own risk’ condition. Note that no dockage will be installed to facilitate launching. The launch at the A.H. Hunt Marina remains closed, as do all other marina amenities. In addition, the municipally-owned shoreline area at the mouth of the Kagawong River in Mudge Bay, north of Old Mill Road, will be open for walk-through use and as access to Mudge Bay for physically-distanced fishing purposes.

With the thought of fewer summer guests around this year, Team Fergmeijer is beginning to exhibit initial symptoms of Steve Paikin withdrawal. He must be missing us as well, as he featured Kagawong’s own Rick Nelson on The Agenda last week. Congratulations, Rick, on representing Billings, as well as speaking to the state of museums and art galleries in these unusual times.

Thanks to Noojmowin Teg for co-ordinating the distribution of fresh fruits and veggies in our community over the past few weeks. Tune in to the Kagawong Facebook page (Facebook.com/Kagawong1) and the Township of Billings page (Facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong) to find out when the next free pick up will be!

A reminder that the township has a volunteer network in place. If you are in need of help (grocery delivery, pharmacy pickup, etc) or if you know of anyone who may need this type of assistance, contact the town office. (705-282-2611; mbonenfant@billingstwp.ca). 

The Billings Public Library is pleased to announce a new system that allows patrons to request books for pick up each week. Searchable book lists will be posted to the library Facebook page; simply call or email the library with your ‘wish list’ items (3 per person; 6 per household). Staff members will put orders together on a first come, first serve basis and have them ready for pick up on the porch. Orders received by Saturday night will be available for pick up the following Tuesday and Saturday. All reasonable precautions will be taken including contactless pick up and quarantining returned books for at least 72 hours before reshelving. More specifics can be found on the library page (Facebook.com/kagawonglibrary).

Think you’ve heard olive our jokes before? We don’t mean to throw shade, but we fernly beleaf that these qualitree puns will surprise you. We just hope you didn’t find them overwh-elm-ing. Have a great week!

May 15, 2020

It was National 
Haiku Day last week, you know.
Had to have some here! 

The Kagawong landfill has updated their hours. The landfill will be open for garbage and recycling deposit Thursdays from 2-6pm and Sundays from 2-4pm. Yard and construction waste will not be accepted until further notice. Be patient and have a kind word for our hard working township employees!

 

I dig and we dig, 

she digs, he digs, and they dig.

Poem’s ugly, but deep.

 

A reminder that the falls and river trail, the playground at the main beach, and the dog park continue to be closed. Please be aware that the OPP will be out and enforcing the 2-meter distance and maximum gathering size requirements put in place by the province.

Haiku for horses?

No way! Are you serious?

They can’t even read.

 

In an effort to prevent potential spread of COVID-19, M’Chigeeng is restricting movement through the community. The band office has advised Billings that Jerusalem Hill, and south on Monument Road to Highway 542 is the preferred detour for us to get to and from Mindemoya. Residents of Billings can apply to M’Chigeeng band office for a travel permit. 

There was a young man

From Cork who got limericks

And haikus confused

OCWA began flushing the water distribution system yesterday and will continue the annual maintenance program today. Work will be completed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Properties connected to the water system may experience lower than normal water pressure. If you notice discoloured water, run your cold water tap until it clears. Avoid doing laundry during this period, if possible. Contact the municipal office if issues persist.

How much can I fit

Into a haiku format

Oh no I’m out of

 

A reminder that the township has a volunteer network in place. If you are in need of help (grocery delivery, pharmacy pickup, etc) or if you know of anyone who may need this type of assistance, contact the town office. (705-282-2611; mbonenfant@billingstwp.ca). 

 

And lastly, we offer our loyal readers some advice...

When life shuts a door

Just open it. It’s a door,

That is how doors work.

 

Have a great week!

May 8, 2020

As physical distancing continues, Team Fergmeijer finds ourselves pondering the big ideas behind life, the universe, and everything. For instance, does the word “dumplings” imply the existence of a larger dumple? If so, sign us up!

As a precautionary measure, a state of emergency has been declared in the Township of Billings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An emergency declaration provides an opportunity to highlight action being taken under the municipal emergency response plan if it becomes necessary.

A reminder that the falls and river trail, the playground at the main beach, and the dog park are all closed. Please be aware that the OPP will be out and enforcing the 2-meter distance and maximum gathering size requirements put in place by the province.

Spring continues to have sprung! If you are looking longingly at your gardens, you may be wondering, can I plant flowers during the quarantine? Never fear - you can! It’s only impossible if you haven’t botany, of course.

In an effort to prevent potential spread of COVID-19, M’Chigeeng is restricting movement through the community. The band office has advised Billings that Jerusalem Hill, and south on Monument Road to Highway 542 is the preferred detour for us to get to and from Mindemoya. Residents of Billings can apply to M’Chigeeng band office for a travel permit. 

The Kagawong landfill has updated their hours. The landfill will be open for garbage and recycling deposit Thursdays from 2-6pm and Sundays from 2-4pm. Yard and construction waste will not be accepted until further notice. Be patient and have a kind word for our hard working township employees!

Spoiler alert: the milk has been in the fridge for 3 weeks. 

OCWA will be flushing the water distribution system on May 14th and 15th. This is part of their annual maintenance program. Work will be completed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Properties connected to the water system may experience lower than normal water pressure. If you notice discoloured water, run your cold water tap until it clears. Avoid doing laundry during this period, if possible. Contact the municipal office if issues persist.

The library building may be closed, but you can still access books for free online! Contact the librarian (billingslibrary@vianet.ca) to get your patron number so you can log in to the OverDrive app and download books to your heart’s content. 

If you know of someone in the community who may need assistance, OR, if you are interested in volunteering to help, please call or email the township office (705-282-2611; mbonenfant@billingstwp.ca). 

They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. These days, it’s more like coffee, leggings, and dry shampoo. Have a great week!

May 1, 2020

These days of quarantine have made staying in shape and healthy more difficult than usual. A lot of our time has been spent stress eating.  Currently, our beach bodies are looking like they have great personalities. Seriously, if you want to impress us with your car, it better be a food truck. Snacking can be a way to deal with the stresses of these days; just remember - it’s okay, even healthy, to fall apart sometimes. Tacos fall apart all the time and we still love them. Team Fergmeijer is trying not to complain about the situation too much. After all, it’s not like we have to go out and hunt down our own food. We don’t even know where tacos live…

As a precautionary measure, a state of emergency has been declared in the Township of Billings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An emergency declaration provides an opportunity to highlight action being taken under the municipal emergency response plan if it becomes necessary.

A reminder that the falls and river trail, the playground at the main beach, and the dog park are all closed. Please be aware that the OPP will be out and enforcing the 2-meter distance and maximum gathering size requirements put in place by the province.

In an effort to prevent potential spread of COVID-19, M’Chigeeng is restricting movement through the community. The band office has advised Billings that Jerusalem Hill, and south on Monument Road to Highway 542 is the preferred detour for us to get to and from Mindemoya.

A new feature Team Fergmeijer is trying out for the column - a lonely hearts section! This week we have one submission: Single man with toilet paper seeks single woman with hand sanitizer for some good clean fun. Responses can be sent through Team Fergmeijer’s email. 

NEW! The Kagawong landfill has updated their hours. The landfill will be open for garbage and recycling deposit Thursdays from 2-6pm and Sundays from 2-4pm. Yard and construction waste will not be accepted until further notice. Be patient and have a kind word for our hard working township employees!

OCWA will be flushing the water distribution system on May 14th and 15th. This is part of their annual maintenance program. Work will be completed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Properties connected to the water system may experience lower than normal water pressure. If you notice discoloured water, run your cold water tap until it clears. Avoid doing laundry during this period, if possible. Contact the municipal office if issues persist.

The library building may be closed, but you can still access books for free online! Contact the librarian (billingslibrary@vianet.ca) to get your patron number so you can log in to the OverDrive app and download books to your heart’s content. 

The library is also looking for new board members. Contact the library or new chairperson Willa Wilson if you are interested. Duties of a board member are very light, especially these days!

If you know of someone in the community who may need assistance, OR, if you are interested in volunteering to help, please call or email the township office (705-282-2611; mbonenfant@billingstwp.ca). 

For all you nerds and geeks out there (and Team Fergmeijer includes themselves in that group!) - May the Fourth be with you, and have a great week!