April 30, 2021

If you hear a joyful Yoda-lay-hee-hoo! echo across Mudge Bay this week, it is just Team Fergmeijer marking one of our favourite days. In the immortal words of Yoda himself: Celebrate May the 4th, you must! Now, your friendly neighbourhood Fergmeijers are admittedly obsessed with all things Star Wars, but we have a friend who went just that little bit too far. She decided to get a tattoo of her favourite character - right on her cheek. We could tell that she instantly regretted it once she saw it in a mirror. You should have seen the Luke on her face! 

As per the COVID-19 Provincial Order, the Aus Hunt Marina boat launch, the small craft basin boat launch, the picnic pavilion, and the basketball/tennis court have been closed. However, landfill hours will remain the same throughout the lockdown: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2pm-6pm, and Sundays 10am-4pm. Please remember to use clear bags for household waste and to separate out your paper and co-mingle items (plastics, tetra pack juice/milk cartons, cans).   

What did Yoda learn to ride as a child? A do-cycle. Because there is no tri.

 

Why compost? Because a rind is a terrible thing to waste! The climate change engagement survey report is in, and along with it, the winner of the new composter! Congratulations to Melanie H, who will be composting in style from here on out. Check out the full survey report at the township website, http://billingstwp.ca.

What is the Emperor’s favourite thing to eat when he visits Canada? Pal-poutine!

Looking to get the little ones started with some gardening? The Billings Library has free GOOD IN EVERY GRAIN kits to give away! The kits include two different types of grain seed, pot, soil, colouring pages and information booklets. A great educational bundle for a wide range of ages. Supplies are limited, so contact the library (billingslibrary@vianet.ca) to reserve yours today and arrange for contactless pick-up starting on Thursday! Kits are courtesy of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

 

What’s the difference between Boba Fett and the time machine from Back to the Future? One’s a Mandalorian, and the other’s a manned DeLorean. 

Are you between the ages of 14 and 25? Do you have an interest in storytelling, performance, writing and connecting with nature? Would you like to share and learn stories about the Kagawong River? 4elements Living Arts invites you to join Theatre Maker Lisa Hamalainen and Anishinaabe/Onkwehón:we Cultural Coordinator Shelba Deer for two weeks of creative exploration along the Kagawong River Trail! A great opportunity to connect with nature, learn about community and gain performance experience. Space is limited for this free initiative, and early registration is encouraged. Please email kagawongriverstories@4elementslivingarts.org for information and registration, or phone 705-282-0444.

Darth Vader to the Emperor at an auction, “What is your bidding, Master?”

Throughout the roads construction project, there will be updates every two weeks on the township website (http://billinstwp.ca) and the township Facebook page. Check it out if you are curious!

A reminder that township committee meetings are being held electronically via Zoom. Anyone interested in attending a meeting should email Tiana Mills (billingsadmin@billingstwp.ca) by 3:00 pm on the day of the meeting to obtain connection details. A computer/tablet/mobile phone and internet connection, or a telephone, are required.

Hopefully all these Star Wars jokes haven’t felt too Forced. Have a great week!

April 23, 2021

As lockdown in the north stretches into yet another week, it can be a bit difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even if we could, it would probably be a train anyway. Always keen to find the bright side of things, your favourite journalists (no offense, Tom), are looking to the future to overcome the stress of current COVID restrictions. To choose the first place we’re going to vacation in once the pandemic is over, we put a map of the world on the wall and threw a dart at it. Turns out we’ll be spending two weeks behind the refrigerator. 

As per the COVID-19 Provincial Order, the Aus Hunt Marina boat launch, the small craft basin boat launch, the picnic pavillion, and the basketball/tennis court have been closed. However, landfill hours will remain the same throughout the lockdown: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2pm-6pm, and Sundays 10am-4pm. Please remember to use clear bags for household waste and to separate out your paper and co-mingle items (plastics, tetra pack juice/milk cartons, cans).   

A very happy birthday goes out to three fantastic women this week: Marilyn P, Jean W, Kristy C all turn 29 on Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively. Remember, more candles means a bigger wish! 

We try to be as upbeat as possible, but spending so much time inside at home is difficult. We are starting to understand why dogs chew the furniture!

Being award-winning journalists (participation medals count, right?) has its perks. Team Fergmeijer recently had the opportunity to preview a new children’s book written by seasonal Kagawongian Mark Denomme. Priscilla Searches for a Friend (and Saves the Village of Kagawong!) “is a whimsical tale of individuality, fitting in, and friendship.” There are lots of familiar people and places included in the story, and the watercolour illustrations are absolutely beautiful! Mark very generously donated a copy to the library, and you can purchase your own copy at retailers in the village. 

Throughout the roads construction project, there will be updates every two weeks on the township website (http://billinstwp.ca) and the township Facebook page. Check it out if you are curious!

A reminder that township committee meetings are being held electronically via Zoom. Anyone interested in attending a meeting should email Tiana Mills (billingsadmin@billingstwp.ca) by 3:00 pm on the day of the meeting to obtain connection details. A computer/tablet/mobile phone and internet connection, or a telephone, are required.

It’s just as well the weather is getting nicer these days. If we keep quarantine stress-eating, the buttons on our shirts will start socially distancing from each other! Have a great week!

April 16, 2021

Welcome to spring on Manitoulin, where no matter what jacket you choose, you’re wrong. 

As the weather improves and more people take to the river trail, remember that the old bridge midway along the river path is unsafe and not open for public use. The township has drafted a proposal for a new bridge on the Kagawong Trail system; with luck we will have a replacement before too long! 

A very happy 29th birthday goes out to Maya H! Remember to enjoy these days, because one minute you are young and carefree and the next you are turning down the stereo in your car to see better. 

With the stay-at-home order, perhaps you haven’t been out and about in Kagawong lately. In case you haven’t seen, Kagawong is once again making the leap to BIG CITY STATUS with our very own stoplight! Commuters between uptown and downtown can expect delays for the foreseeable future. As we noted in this column the last time there were stoplights in our village, due to the large amount of wildlife in the area, motorists are reminded to remain in their vehicles when stopped. The last thing we need is a rogue turkey joyriding in a minivan. 

As part of the hill construction , residents in and around Kagawong will be without power on Sunday from 9am to 1pm while new hydro poles are installed. Throughout the construction project, there will be updates every two weeks on the township website (http://billinstwp.ca) and the township Facebook page. 

A reminder that township committee meetings are being held electronically via Zoom. Anyone interested in attending a meeting should email Tiana Mills (billingsadmin@billingstwp.ca) by 3:00 pm on the day of the meeting to obtain connection details. A computer/tablet/mobile phone and internet connection, or a telephone, are required.

One half of Team Fergmeijer recently broke up with their partner because he just wouldn’t stop counting out loud. No regrets, but some days she does wonder what he’s up to. 

Thank you to all Township of Billings residents that participated in the climate change survey and public engagement throughout February! The results of the survey will be available mid-April. The composter prize will be drawn on Thursday April 22 (which also happens to be Earth Day)! Winners will be contacted via email and with permission announced via Facebook. 

Billings has recently begun implementation of a fill and closure plan to extend the lifespan of the landfill. The plan hinges on everyone committing to waste diversion through recycling. Please remember to use clear bags for household waste and to separate out your paper and co-mingle items (plastics, tetra pack juice/milk cartons, cans).   

We know that we need to start our spring cleaning soon, but it’s such a pain. Those darn things bounce all over the place. Have a great week!

April 9, 2021

The nice weather over the weekend had us out and about. We know it’s problematic being out in crowds during a pandemic; just so everyone is clear, we put our glasses on. Don’t worry, we maintained responsible social distancing at all times during our outing. Weirdly, we ended up adopting an adorable piglet with laryngitis. He’s currently a bit disgruntled, but we are confident he’ll be back to full squealing health soon. To make him feel better we decided to get him a toy. We thought a classic Schwarznegger doll might do the trick. When we got to the store and asked where we would find one, we were told, “Aisle B; back.”

A very happy 29th birthday goes out to Sharon A! Our words of advice for this momentous day: Cake will always be the answer. The question is irrelevant. 

When is the best time to buy a trampoline? Spring time, of course! And with spring time comes spring break! It’s a little later than usual, but the postponed March Break is from April 12-16 for elementary and high school students. Enjoy!

It was quite an egg-citing time at the Park Centre last Saturday, as the Easter Bunny’s helpers (aka the Parks, Recreation and Wellness Committee) gave out treats to the young and old. Thank you to everyone who hopped on by! We hear that next on the schedule, the committee is hoping to organize a hide and seek tournament, but apparently good players are really hard to find.

Now that winter appears to be over, it’s time to begin the next season here in Canada - road construction season, that is! The reconstruction on the main hill into Kagawong begins April 12, and there will be a virtual public information session on April 15 at 7pm. If you would like a Zoom invitation to the information session, please email Tiana Mills at billingsadmin@billingstwp.ca by 3pm on April 15th. Throughout the project, there will be updates every two weeks on the township website (http://billinstwp.ca) and the township Facebook page. 

With the hill under construction, there likely won’t be the traditional “Running of the Balls” fundraiser this summer, but we’re just around the corner from running of the smelts! No word on whether there will be COVID limitations again this year. 

Thank you to all Township of Billings residents that participated in the climate change survey and public engagement throughout February! The results of the survey will be available mid-April. The composter prize will be drawn on Thursday April 22 (which also happens to be Earth Day)! Winners will be contacted via email and with permission announced via Facebook. 

Billings has recently begun implementation of a fill and closure plan to extend the lifespan of the landfill. The plan hinges on everyone committing to waste diversion through recycling. Please remember to use clear bags for household waste and to separate out your paper and co-mingle items (plastics, tetra pack juice/milk cartons, cans).   

As the weather improves and more people take to the river trail, remember that the old bridge midway along the river path is unsafe and not open for public use. The Township has drafted a proposal for a new bridge on the Kagawong Trail system; with luck we will have a replacement before too long! 

We at Team Fergmeijer have always strongly believed in eating healthy. Or, at least, eating healthy portions. Lately, we’ve started telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried grapes. It’s all about raisin awareness. Have a great week!

April 1, 2021

Team Fergmeijer has been feeling a little run down today. No wonder considering the tough 31-day March we just finished. 

Happy birthday to former Kagawongian Micki B who turned 29 this week! We hope you have a fantastic day way over there on the far side of Billings!

The annual Sandhill Crane Cooing competition scheduled for April 1st had to be unexpectedly cancelled at the last minute. There was some uproar involving the KGB, the cranes filed a complaint, there was a protest, a fight, and a small spat of rioting; it was a real Sharks vs Jets thing there for a bit. Needless to say, we decided not to get involved as we didn’t want to be seen as taking sides. Keep practicing for next year!  

At time of writing, Manitoulin Island remains in the Grey, lockdown zone. This means that the Municipal Office is closed to the public. If you would like to make a tax payment in person please call the office first, (705) 282-2611 ext. 221. The township office is still accepting mailed-in cheques and will be receiving online bill payments through all major banks and some credit unions as per usual. You can get more information on all things township by visiting their website (www.billingstwp.ca) or cruising by their Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong).

During lockdown, the Library is maintaining regular hours (Tuesday and Thursday 4-7; Saturday 10-1), for pick up and drop off only. Contact the librarian through the library Facebook page, phone or email, to request titles, authors, or even general genres, and she will put a bundle of books together for you to pick up! As always, books are quarantined for 72 hours before being reshelved. In addition, you can dive into some ebooks and audiobooks through the library OverDrive system. Call or email the library (705-282-2944;  billingslibrary@vianet.ca) to get your patron number, download the free OverDrive app and get reading for free! 

It can be difficult over traditional holiday times to deal with the restrictions of Covid-19, but especially with the variants of concern, we need to limit our close contacts to our immediate household, and to maintain responsible social distancing practices everywhere else. Please do everything you can to keep yourself healthy, and to protect the people in your bubble. Following the Public Health guidelines will keep you safe as well as everyone else! Remember, this too shall pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

Don’t forget about the Easter treat giveaway at the Park Centre parking lot on Saturday, April 3rd at 11am. Goodies will be handed out drive-through style; volunteers ask that you stay in your car and wear a mask. 

At Manitoulin Zumba’s online sessions, you’ll never be told to check your attitude or and at no pointe will you feel bored. Look up Casey Boisvert on Facebook (Zumba Fitness on Manitoulin Island) for days and times, as well as to arrange for the Zoom link and payment. Unlike our dentist, she won’t kick you out for flossing during the session. 

 

The Late Bloomers (a group of local gardeners who volunteer their time and energy to beautifying the village) have a big job on their hands. They will be tackling a whack of flower boxes and planting locations around the village this spring. With each Bloomer taking one one or two flower boxes and planting their choice of flowers, the result will be a beautiful collection of plantings for all to enjoy. We can’t wait to see what they come up with this year! The group is always open to new members; if you would like to take part in their efforts, email kagawong@live.ca for more information. 

In an effort to let our readers get to know the Team a bit more, we thought we would give you a top three list of our favourite things to wrap up the column this week. So here goes - our three all time favourite things are eating our families and not using commas.  Have a great week!