With Team Fergmeijer’s obvious obsession with Japanese haikus, it was only a matter of time before we started exploring other art forms with similar roots in the country. That’s right, the art of folding paper! We’ve been following the art for some time. In fact, it was in the news just this morning: the World Origami Museum in Tokyo was vandalized last night. (We’ll keep you updated on the story as it unfolds.) Once our interest was peaked, we went online to find the World Origami Championships (talk about papercut-throat competition!). Sadly, we weren’t able to watch because it was paper view. We contacted the library and checked out a book called “How to become an expert in Origami.” It’s harder than it looks; so far, we've made nearly 1000 paper snowballs. We hired a private tutor to teach us, but they quit after the first week. Claimed it was too much paperwork. But, during lockdown we’ve had time on our hands and with our interest in-creasing by the day, we have persevered. Over the last few weeks our origami skills have improved - tenfold!
Team Fergmeijer was saddened to hear that this would be the last issue of The Manitoulin West Recorder. It was many moons ago, when we were just a pair of spring chickens (reporting on the goings-on of wild turkeys), that we were allowed to cut our journalism teeth with this column. We truly appreciate the opportunity they gave us (and the apparent lack of any oversight or quality control). Be sure to continue following our puntastic reporting of local events in The Manitoulin Expositor, beginning next week!
A very happy birthday goes out to Morgan E next week. With a half dozen adorable little ones (both 2 and 4 legged), be sure to count your blessings (and not your grey hairs).
Due to the extension of the stay at home order, the Old Mill Heritage Centre has had to once again reschedule its season opening. The Empress of Ireland exhibit will have an Honour Guard until provincial COVID-19 guidelines allow the museum to open for the season. Once open, this will be an exhibit not to be missed! Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more details.
According to the newly issued Provincial Order, the boat launches at the Small Craft Basin and the Aus Hunt Marina, as well as the basketball court, are now open and available to be used. Please be sure to maintain physical distancing, and wear a mask where appropriate.
The government has approved vaccines for youth ages 12 years and up, and they are available on the Island. Book your child’s appointment by calling 705-674-2299 or visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
A reminder that with the provincial lockdown, the Municipal office is closed to the public. Most staff are working remotely to provide municipal services via telephone and email; however, telephone response time may be delayed. Staff email addresses are available on the town website at www.billingstwp.ca. All council meetings are being held via Zoom meeting. Contact the office (tmills@billingstwp.ca) for the link to attend.
The Late Bloomers are hard at work sprucing up the village! Keep your eyes open as the flower boxes and gardens around town are slowly coming to life thanks to these green-thumbed volunteers.
