August 18, 2021

Summer holidays are wonderful. We especially like the freedom to just take things as they come and not have to have a definite plan for our days. For example, tomorrow, Team Fergmeijer is heading into Sudbury where there are so many fun things to do. First, we’re going to pick up our new glasses from the optometrist. After that, we’ll see! 

Join local businesses as they celebrate the first (hopefully annual!) Younge Street Festival, September 3-5! This festival will have it all - artisans, musicians, fun contests for the young and old, and live chainsaw performances by the Carver Kings! All are welcome! Pop in to the Sugar Bush Canadian Coffee House or Bare Naked Beauty for more information, or to purchase tickets for the evening concerts. More information can also be found at https://www.facebook.com/youngestfestival/

If you’ve walked the River Trail in Kagawong recently, you may have noticed a group of young thespians creating new stories and rehearsing new works for the Kagawong River Stories / Gaagigewang Ziibing Dibaajimowinan project in conjunction with 4elements living arts. ​​Keep an eye on the 4elements Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/4elementslivingarts/) for details on upcoming performances!

The bad news is that there are only two more Wednesdays before August is over. The good news is that there are still two more Wednesdays in August to get out to the Kagawong Market! Check out over 40 vendors 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.

Happy birthday to Bonnie F who turns 29 this week, as well as a trio of Theijsmeijers who celebrate their birthdays next week! Let there be cake! Lots and lots and lots of cake… 

We had some younger nieces and nephews up to visit and got talking about possible future careers they might like to pursue. We discussed how opportunities in waste management are on the rise; apparently, the jobs are really picking up. One of the uncles mentioned how he had his own tree surgery business, and was so busy that he was thinking of branching out. We wondered if working as a barista was fun or mostly just a grind. We decided not much would be worse than working for Revenue Canada (really taxing). It was speculated that while being a programmer probably bytes, being a mechanic and changing tires would be wheelie fun, even if it is a bit of a balancing act. One of the aunties mentioned that her mother-in-law works in apparel and it had made her very clothes minded. She also said that when she had met her husband, he’d been working at the zoo; she knew right away that he was a keeper. Working at the liquor store was ruled out entirely. No one ever cheers for you, only booze.

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.  

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)

Be careful out there, dear readers - it’s a dangerous world. Why, we were at the pharmacy the other day when a display of bottles of omega-3 pills fell on us. Luckily, our injuries were only super fish oil. Have a great week!