July 31, 2020

With phase 3 rolling out across the province, this week Team Fergmeijer decided to venture out finally and shop for our own groceries (oh the luxury!).  We carefully read up on what the requirements were for stores, and made sure to follow the guidelines that say it’s enough to just wear a mask while we are inside. Boy were we in for a surprise when everyone else had pants on! Truthfully, that wasn’t the first time we’ve left the house, just the first time shopping in-person. We’ve gone for many walks and scenic drives. Our Manitoulin mom is perhaps a bit over-cautious and always tells us to be sure to put the mask on any time we leave the house. And we do, but you have to wonder if the cats aren’t sick of that movie by now. 

Today is the LAST of the free fresh fruits and veggies that have been made available courtesy of Noojmowin Teg. Pickup is today (Friday) from 1:30pm to 3:30pm (or until supplies last) at the Billings Fire Hall (95 Main Street). This final bundle of food includes mini cucumbers and oranges!

Felicitations go out to former Kagawongian Beth Gordon who turns 29 today. She certainly doesn’t look her age. Or act it!

Curious about construction? There is an in-person, public information session on the Kagawong Main Street reconstruction engineering design 2020-2021 coming up on Tuesday, August 11. There will be two identical sessions: one in the afternoon, and one in the evening; both will be in the Kagawong Pavilion across from the Municipal Office. Contact tgordon@billingstwp.ca or 705 923-6189 for more information.

And what’s summer without a little roadwork? Hard surfacing is expected on the following roads between now and September 1st: Rainbow Heights, Upper Street, and the south end of Monument Road. Be patient with the construction crews, and think about how smooth your ride will be when the roads are done!

The library is welcoming patrons again! They have instituted some precautions, like masks and hand sanitizing being required inside the library. The library’s free wifi will continue to be available 24/7, but must be accessed from outside; library computers and workstations are unavailable at this time. The “BOOK A BOOK” pickup service is still available if you prefer. The library board appreciates your patience as they navigate this reopening. 

Your favourite Kagawong columnists, Team Fergmeijer, have partnered up with the Billings Public Library with a pun-draiser! Check out the library’s Facebook page or website (billings-library.com) for a very fine selection of pun-themed shirts, tote bags, onesies, and face masks. All proceeds from sales go to the library.

Your trusty correspondents have dug into the issue of the giant boulder that mysteriously disappeared last week. We investigated as deeply and accurately as we do all of our reports, but have been unable to solve the case. We did come across a picnic table upside down in a giant patch of poison ivy near the power station on the river trail. Coincidence? We think not! If you have any information on this or any other Billings mystery, reach out to us (kagawong@live.ca)

And mask, but not least, our words of wisdom for this week: Mask not what your community can do for you, mask what you can do for your community. Have a great week!