September 29, 2021

After some serious introspection, your intrepid reporters have come to realize that we don’t make enough time for ourselves because we are always helping others. We are working on this. For example, just as we were settling in to meditate, our friend Jef called, freaked out because he thought he was a deck of cards. Instead of jumping up and talking to him right that moment, we continued what was necessary for us. We decided we could deal with him later.  

There is still time to support local legend Mary Buie as she participates in the 2021 “CIBC Run for the Cure” on  Sunday. She will be walking for the event, starting on Rainbow Heights, and welcomes everyone to join. Reach out to Mary to find out more! Donations can be made by searching “CIBC Run for the Cure” online, and then clicking on the DONATE button to search for Mary’s name. 

If you need proof of vaccination, visit http://covid19.ontariohealth.ca to print out your vaccination receipts. If you need help, stop in at the township office or library during their regular hours and someone will be happy to help you. 

Team Fergmeijer is fully vaxxed, despite our recent realization that we rarely finish anything we start. You might say, we have a black belt in partial arts! In an effort at self-improvement, we’ve been working to improve on this flaw and made a point of finishing what we start. So far, we’ve finished a bag of chips, a pint of ice cream and a box of donuts. 

The 4elements Living Arts Elemental Festival was an amazing event last weekend! It was wonderful to see all the people out to enjoy the live music and workshops. Thanks to 4elements for another fantastic event. You out-do yourselves each and every year! 

We were sad to hear that Christmas in Kagawong will not be running this year. We will be keeping our ears open for news of other holiday markets on the Island. 

The Manitoulin Tennis Club members continue to meet at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts, Sundays at 9:30am and Wednesdays at 6pm. Whether you are a tennis ace, or just absolutely LOVE the sport (see what we did there?), all are welcome to come out and play.

 

The newly minted edition of “How It All Began” had an initial printing of 100 copies. Those have sold out, but if you missed getting your hands on a copy, good news! A second printing is in the works and will be available in the next few weeks.  

Many people used the extra time during the pandemic lock downs to hone a talent or learn a new skill. We were no different. Yours truly looked to go old school with learning how to make several common condiments from scratch. It’s tougher than it looks - when churning butter, there isn’t a lot of margarine for error. Have a great week!

September 22, 2021

Team Fergmeijer has been brushing up on our culinary skills. Lately, we’ve been making so much food, we’ve had to share. We made a chicken salad yesterday. We don’t think it was very good though - she only ate the croutons.

At time of writing, local breast cancer survivor Mary Buie has raised just over $1200 so far for this year’s CIBC Run for the Cure, placing her second on the Sudbury fundraising leaderboard! On Sunday, October 3rd, Mary will be starting her walk for the event on Rainbow Heights, and welcomes everyone to join. Reach out to Mary to find out more! Donations can be made by searching “CIBC Run for the Cure” online, and then clicking on the DONATE button to search for Mary’s name. 

Our Manitoulin Mom told us we need to grow up. We were absolutely speechless. Of course, it’s hard to say anything when you have 45 gummy bears in your mouth. 

There is a special council meeting (public meeting) TODAY (Wednesday, Sept. 22) at 7:00pm at the Park Centre to discuss the current lease of the Kagawong Generating Station with the Oakville Energy Corporation (OEC). Two representatives from OEC will be present during the meeting. If you are interested in attending please register with Tiana Mills (tmills@billingstwp.ca) by 3pm on Wednesday September 22nd, 2021. Proof of vaccinations will be required for entry as per the Ministry of Health guidelines.

If you need proof of vaccination, visit http://covid19.ontariohealth.ca to print out your vaccination receipts. If you need help, stop in at the township office or library during their regular hours and someone will be happy to help you. 

Happy birthday to Barb E who is 29 this weekend! We spent a long time trying to list all the words of wisdom we wanted to pass along to you on your special day. It’s still blank. Happy birthday anyway!

The 4elements Living Arts Elemental Festival is this weekend! Enjoy Kagawong River stories, live music, and storytelling! It’s going to be a fabulous event. Musical artists Medusa, and Smith & Stam will be headlining, with more acts throughout the festival, Follow 4elements on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/4elementslivingarts) for more details.

Part of the the Living Arts Festival will be the Gaagigewang Ziibing Dibaajimowinan: Kagawong River Stories, a storytelling nature walk featuring short works, poetry, and song by youth storytellers. Check it out September 25th & 26th at 5pm at the Kagawong River Trail. Starts at the Riverbend Stage parking lot; free admission, with donations accepted. There is limited availability - to book email festival@4elementslivingarts.org

The Manitoulin Tennis Club members continue to meet at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts, Sundays at 9:30am and Wednesdays at 6pm. Whether you are a tennis ace, or just absolutely LOVE the sport (see what we did there?), all are welcome to come out and play.

 

The newly minted edition of “How It All Began” had an initial printing of 100 copies. Those have sold out, but if you missed getting your hands on a copy, good news! A second printing is in the works and will be available in the next few weeks.  

Fun fact to end on this week: Penguins produce an oil that helps their feathers to retain more body heat. It’s true what they say - the oily bird gets the warm. Have a great week!

September 15, 2021

We recently heard about a new novel in which Schrodinger’s cat and Pavlov’s dog team up for a cross-country adventure. We called up the Billings library to see if they had a copy. The librarian said that the description of the plot rang a bell, but she wasn’t sure if it was there or not.  

Speaking of the library, don’t forget, they have returned to their regular hours: Tuesday & Thursday 4pm-7pm; Saturday 10am-1pm. 

Happy birthday to Jamie M and Keith M, who both turn 29 at some point this month. We’ve had a bit of confusion with our birthday notes, so that’s as close as we can get right now. Regardless, congratulations on reaching the age where you wake up at the time you used to go to sleep on a Saturday. 

Continuing with our efforts to include some international news and events to our column, did you know that the town of Dull in Scotland has been twinned with the town of Boring, Oregon since 2012? It’s true! And in 2013, the town of Bland, Australia joined them in what has become known as the ‘Trinity of Tedium.’

The 4elements Living Arts Elemental Festival is set for September 25-26 right here in Kagawong. Kagawong River stories, live music, and storytelling… oh my! It’s going to be a fabulous event. Follow 4elements on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/4elementslivingarts) for more details.

Similar to last year, the annual Terry Fox Run (last held in Kagawong in 2019!) will be a virtual event. Run, walk, or cycle from anywhere! Check out https://terryfox.org/terry-fox-run/, and join walkers and runners from across the country this Sunday (September 19th) to raise funds for cancer research. 

 

One half of Team Fergmeijer joined the Manitoulin Tennis Club this weekend! She took her overnight bag by mistake and had to play in her dressing gown and slippers. Still, she won comfortably. The Manitoulin Tennis Club members continue to meet at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts, Sundays at 9:30am and Wednesdays at 6pm. Whether you are a tennis ace, or just absolutely LOVE the sport (see what we did there?), all are welcome to come out and play.

 

Get out and vote on Monday the 20th. The local polling station for Billings is the Park Centre in Kagawong and will be open from 9:30am until 9:30pm. COVID precautions will be in place to protect poll workers and the public. Voting is democracy in action. Not voting is democracy inaction. Your voice counts!

 

Billings Township and Municipality of Central Manitoulin have received a grant from Digital Main Street’s Ontario Grants Program for a Digital Service Squad. The DSS is a team of street-level digital specialists who help local small businesses grow and manage their operations through technology. The squad has begun visiting businesses this week!

 

The newly minted edition of “How It All Began” had an initial printing of 100 copies. Those have sold out, but if you missed getting your hands on a copy, good news! A second printing is in the works and will be available in the next few weeks.  

We had a bit of a scare this week. The police tried to arrest us on suspicion of keeping circus animals in wooden huts in our backyards. They had to drop the charges because they couldn’t produce a single shed of elephants. Have a great week!

September 8, 2021

The nice weather has continued into September and Team Fergmeijer is hoping for a beautiful fall season. We truly love the outdoors. We’ve got quite a collection at this point. They take up most of the garage and none of them match, but we love them anyways.  

A very happy birthday goes out to Kim B, who is turning 29 this weekend. On their birthdays, some people see the glass as half empty, and others see the glass as half full. We say, just drink as many glasses as you want on your big day!

The township is hiring! Billings Township is looking for a Full-Time Financial / Administrative Support Worker. Check out the township website (http://billingstwp.ca) for more information. The deadline to apply is September 8th at 12noon.

Last weekend was the amazing Younge Street Festival! At least, we are assuming it was amazing - we had to write our column  on Thursday because of the holiday. Given that it had artisans, musicians, contests and games for all ages, as well as the Carver Kings… well, how could it not be amazing!

If the Younge Street Festical whetted your appetite for fun, frolic and fantasy, then good news - Billings’ next big event is almost here! The 4elements Living Arts Elemental Festival is set for September 25-26 right here in Kagawong. Kagawong River stories, live music, and storytelling… oh my! It’s going to be a fabulous event. Follow 4elements on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/4elementslivingarts) for more details.

Our Manitoulin mom just found out that we replaced her bed with a trampoline. Man, did she ever hit the roof!

While we are all greatly enjoying our smooth new roads and sidewalks through the centre of Kagawong, construction’s not quite done yet! Hard surfacing will begin in the next few weeks on Range A Sideroad, Monument Road, and Old Mill Road (from the bridge to the bottom of Graham Hill). Stay tuned for more information on dates!

 

With an eye towards branching out into a more international audience, yours truly have been making an effort to stay up on current events around the world. Did you know that Sweden elected the CEO of IKEA as president?! Word is he’s still assembling his cabinet. 

 

Have you picked up your copy of “How It All Began”? The third edition of the beloved local history book is available for purchase ($30) at the library and the Heritage Centre. 

Don’t forget, the library has officially returned to regular hours: Tuesday & Thursday 4-7; Saturday 10-1. Come in and browse the stacks and check out our new book shelves. 

Last week, our mechanic was throwing free car parts to people, but we weren’t able to grab  what we needed. We just can’t seem to catch a brake. Have a great week!

September 1, 2021

With the Island under a tornado watch, yours truly decided a movie marathon with homemade funnel cake snacks was the best way to spend the evening. We watched Twister, The Wizard of Oz, and all 5 Sharknados. There was one other tornado movie we watched even though we weren’t familiar with it, and the big twist at the end blew us away! It had a mad scientist who creates a huge fire tornado (some people just want to see the whirled burn). 

Today (Wednesday) is the last market day of the summer! Over 40 vendors will be set up from 10am-3pm with arts & crafts, clothing, baking, produce, books, home decor, and more. 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.

It was with great sadness that we learned about the passing of Lloyd Neganegijig this past weekend. Lloyd was a great friend to many in our community. He was a hard worker, happiest when he had a project on the go or when he could help out a friend. Lloyd always had a smile and a joke to share. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

The township is hiring! Billings Township is looking for a Full-Time Financial / Administrative Support Worker. Check out the township website (http://billingstwp.ca) for more information. The deadline to apply is September 8th at 12noon.

Remember when live music - leaving your house to enjoy a concert - was a thing? Time to dust off those dancing shoes! The Kagawong Younge Street Festival is this weekend! They 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/

Happy birthday to Susan S who turns 29 tomorrow. It’s your big day, so celebrate however you want to - eat cake in bed, get drunk on champagne, buy a motorcycle, or a monkey, or get a full back tattoo of the raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy. Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy every moment of it!

The 4elements Living Arts Elemental Festival is set for September 25-26 right here in Kagawong. Kagawong River stories, live music, and storytelling… oh my! It’s going to be a fabulous event. Follow 4elements on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/4elementslivingarts) for more details.

 

While we are all greatly enjoying our smooth new roads and sidewalks through the centre of Kagawong, construction’s not quite done yet! Hard surfacing will begin in the next few weeks on Range A Sideroad, Monument Road, and Old Mill Road (from the bridge to the bottom of Graham Hill). Stay tuned for more information on dates!

 

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 ($30) at the library, the Heritage Centre.  

This week Billings Library bid a fond farewell to long-time summer librarian Emily as she heads back to school for the fall. Many thanks for your dedication and hard work over the summer! The library has now returned to regular hours: Tuesday & Thursday 4-7; Saturday 10-1.

Speaking of tornados, we heard a local rooming house was struck by a tornado once. Roomers were flying about that one! Have a great week!