February 12, 2021

Team Fergmeijer has always been avid readers, and with this continued stay-at-home order we’ve had plenty of time to dedicate to our second favourite hobby (the first is eating cupcakes). Recently we finished a novel about a short ballerina. It was called “The Girl With the Dragging Tutu” and we highly recommend it! We are looking forward to this Family Day long weekend to get into our next read, “The Pun Also Rises.”

Heather J (a Kagawongian from a long line of Kagawongians) celebrated her 29th birthday earlier this week. Former Kagawongian Neil L and current Kagawongian Heather S are also joining the ‘29 club’ in the next few days. Honourary Kagawongian Chase C isn’t quite 29, but he’s celebrating anyway. Happy birthday to you all! 

The skating rink is getting a lot of use - it’s great to see the kids (and some adults) getting out and using the facilities (in a socially distanced way, of course). The volunteers are going above and beyond to keep the rink in tip-top shape. Thank you!

The province-wide stay-at-home order has been extended into February. Please do everything you can to keep yourself healthy, and protect the people in your bubble. The township office continues to be open by appointment (705-282-2611). Council meetings have reverted back to the virtual format; anyone wishing to view the meetings live can contact mbonenfant@billingstwp.ca to get access to the Zoom meet details. The next council meeting is Tuesday Feb. 16th at 7pm. 

Going stir crazy? Have an abun-dance of energy and need an outlet? Manitoulin Zumba has gone virtual! Contact Casey via Facebook (Zumba Fitness on Manitoulin Island) to arrange for the Zoom link and payment. 

Early On Child and Family Centre is offering free kid-friendly activities online, as well as tips and tricks for parents. They have family fun kits for families with children 0-6 years old. Check out www.mfresources.net or email earlyon@mfresources.net for more information. 

Help the township create their Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) by visiting www.climatesurvey.ca and answering a few questions. The 10-minute survey will be used by municipal staff, leadership, and the Climate Action Committee to help prioritize actions in the CEEP. Participants who register with their email address are eligible to win one of two free composters. Have your say today! 

Books, movies, and board games - oh my! Although patrons cannot browse the physical library at this time, you can visit their website (www.billings-library.com) for updated book lists, including new books as they are added. Contact the library (billingslibrary@vianet.ca   705-282-2944) with your wishlist. The staff will do their best to package them up for pickup on the next regular library day. 

In preparation for Valentine’s day, here are some romantic sentiments to help those of you who struggle to express yourself at this time of year. We have a lot of options for all different kinds of people!

You can go the general route: ‘Are you a locksmith? Because you have the key to my heart.’

Maybe he or she is a foodie? In which case we might go with, ‘We make a great pear; will you brie mine?’ Or maybe a simple, ‘I loaf you’ or ‘you’re the one pho me.’ 

For the animal lover, perhaps try, ‘I’m very fawn’d of you, my deer. You give my life porpoise.’

A card sharp? You can’t go wrong with, ‘We’re perfectly suited to one another.’

A crafter might be susceptible to something like, ‘You’re sew special to me; wool you be mine?’

Does your sweetie love bowling? Then definitely consider, ‘You are right up my alley.’

If your partner is into lab coats and experiments, you can try, ‘We have serious chemistry together, and I sulfur when you argon. My love for you simply radiates.’

For the flower aficionado, how about, ‘I’m a succ-er for you’ or the ultimate in romantic declarations, ‘Will you take the jump from “cacti” to “cactus”?’

Have a great week!