It’s been well-established that Team Fergmeijer are keen history buffs, and we’ve been brushing up on our European history. We were intrigued to learn about Lord Nelson, one of Britain’s greatest naval heroes (not to be confused with MBB, one of Britain’s greatest navel heroes). There are many amazing facts about Lord Nelson - did you know he suffered from sea sickness?! But most fascinating to us was that he stood just over 5 feet tall in life. Now, Lord Nelson’s statue in London’s Trafalgar Square is 15 feet tall. That’s Horatio of 3:1!
As we noted last week, the state of emergency for the Township of Billings due to the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. As a result, all meetings of Council and Committees of Council have returned to in-person status only. For more information on upcoming meetings, contact the Township office (705-282-2611).
Don’t forget that all committee meetings are open to the public. If you would like to attend an Economic Development Committee, Parks, Wellness and Recreation Committee, or Climate Action Committee meetings, just contact the town office to confirm dates for upcoming meetings. Meeting dates can also be found on the township website (www.billingstwp.ca)
Another historical figure we have been learning about in our spare time was Samuel Morse. Quite the renaissance man, Morse is best known for his role in the invention of a single-wire telegraph system and Morse Code. He was also an accomplished painter and by all accounts, quite the ladies man. Seems women found him to be quite dashing!
The Kagawong market has grown so much this year - last week there were 50 vendors! Check them out each Wednesday from 10am-3pm sprawling out in all directions from the pavilion in the lower village. Please remember to wear your masks, use the provided hand sanitizer, and social distance where possible. Take the stress out of finding a parking spot - park at the Park Centre or along Henry Drive.
Sandy beach is swimmable again! Keep an eye on swimming conditions across Manitoulin Island at the Public Health Sudbury and Districts website: https://www.phsd.ca/about/news-alerts/
One of the documentaries we watched in our Brit-history binge was on internationally renowned actor Dame Helen Mirren. Turns out, though she is confident and outgoing today, in her youth it was not the case. As a child, she was very shy and it cost her the role of ‘The Talking Rock’ in her school play. Her teacher told her she just needed to be a little boulder.
Happiest of happy birthdays goes out to Meg M who has successfully completed 29 cycles around the sun! She is one smokin’ hot mama! Though it is possible it’s just that her cake is on fire...
Billings Library and the Old Mill Heritage Centre are pleased to announce the long-awaited publication of “How It All Began”! This third edition of the beloved local history book has been a year-long joint effort between the two organizations, with the full support of the township to see it through. Copies will be available for purchase at the library, the Heritage Centre and at the Friends of Billings Library table at the Kagawong market.
Since this week’s column has ended up with a historical theme, don’t forget to explore the Old Mill Heritage Centre’s amazing Empress of Ireland display! Wander through and experience the story and artifacts from the mother of all Canadian shipwrecks.
One last tidbit of history for you: when Renoir was asked why he worked in the impressionist style, he’s said to have replied, “I do it for the Monet.” Have a great week!
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