December 28, 2022

We here at Team Fergmeijer were thrilled to have won the “wittiest and punniest column ever” award from the Expositor, as announced in the editorial on Wednesday, December 14th. To be honest, it was an honour to even be nominated. Like many of our farmer fans, apparently we are outstanding in our field. It’s been quite the year. You may not have heard: we also almost won the 2022 Best Neckwear Award (but it was a tie). Last year we won the award for most secretive writers. We can’t tell you how much that meant to us! And we couldn’t have done it all without you, our loyal readers.

Don’t forget! The municipal office is closed through to January 2nd, and will re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Likewise, the municipal landfill will be closed January 1st, and the Library will be closed December 31st. 

 

We have a bevy of birthdays to share! Happy birthday to Matt G, Darren H, Deb F, Melanie H, Jen W-F, Chris T, Bev W, Harrison N, Kirby P, and Team Fergmeijer’s Mainland Mom! Birthdays are a great time to stop and appreciate gravity. Sure, it makes things sag as you get older, but it also keeps your cake from floating all over the room so you don’t have to chase it.

 

Last year for her birthday, one half of Team Fergmeijer received a t-shirt that says, “I’m a nudist.” She hasn’t worn it yet. 

 

It was a dark day in Kagawong last week. The darkest day of the year, in fact. But now that the winter solstice has come and gone, our days are slowly getting longer again. Bring on summer!

 

Usually we wouldn’t mention when we think someone has had a bit of work done, but in the case of the lighthouse, it’s pretty hard to miss. The soil remediation work around the lighthouse structure has been completed, and it will be dressed up with some grass come spring time. 

 

There’s just a few days left to get your guess in! The Billings Library has a Dig and Doug cedar bookcase up for grabs in a fundraising candy jar challenge. Examine the jar in the library - $2 gets you guess (or three for $5). Closest estimate walks away with the bookcase! Okay, they’ll let you put it in your vehicle and drive it away if you must. 

 

We find a lot of our jokes and puns on the internet. This week we tried looking up ice cream puns online, but then the browser froze. Later we tried a different direction, and googled “Missing medieval servant.” It came back “Page not found.” 

 

The township is looking for interested volunteers to join a variety of committees. Applications are being accepted until Friday January 6th, 2023. You can find the application form on the township website (https://billingstwp.ca/committees/). If you have any questions please contact Tiana Mills at (705) 282-2611 x225 or tmills@billingstwp.ca

 

The fire hall remains off limits due to dangerous structural issues that have come to light during the renovations. The township is investigating the options put forth by the engineering company, but until a solution is implemented, the access to bulk water from the fire hall is completely off-limits. Please utilize the water at the public works garage at 34 Carter Crescent. There are two hoses available: one between the two truck bays, and the other next to the main door. Please be mindful of the bay doors, and do not leave your vehicle unattended.

 

For anyone in the lower village that has been hearing loud spaceship/laser noises (if you’ve heard it, you know what we’re talking about), it is just the sound of snow buildup sliding down the sides of the new rink roof. And this might be the weirdest *real* thing we’ve ever written in this column. 

 

A bit of advice this week: be careful when cleaning after the holidays. One half of Team Fergmeijer was dusting their bookshelves and a copy of “A Christmas Carol” got knocked off and fell on their toe. It hurt like the dickens! Have a good week!

Holiday Special 2022

'Twas the week before Christmas and in a surprising twist:

We are ahead of the game; the column deadline's not missed.

Let’s take a look back at the year as it was,

And celebrate our town with a round of applause:

 

Kagawong is bustling and busy once more, 

As we’ve emerged from lockdowns, stage two, three, and four.

 

We could once again get our holiday skits and a verse in, 

As the Community Christmas Concert was back in-person.

 

We hosted festivals and concerts and expos galore, 

Not bad for a wee village right on the lakeshore!

 

With elections, retirements, and building improvements,

There was never a dull moment, and so much amusement. 

 

We welcomed new councillors, Hilliard, Grogan and Cahill.

Hunt & Barker returned, already knowing the drill.

 

And to Kathy we bid a tearful adieu.

We hope she enjoys her new retirement milieu!

 

A new township clerk has joined the crew.

Be sure to stop in for a quick ‘how d’you do!”

 

The Gobble Brigade was as ubiquitous as ever, 

Bossy and loud, and the furthest from clever. 

 

The housing market was hot, but then started to cool,

Some ‘arrogant’ new Kagawongians arrived for their first yule.

 

June saw the summer market season extended,

With over 60 vendors, the shopping was splendid!

 

The Late Bloomers returned, with garden spades in-hand,

Their spiffy cedar flower boxes made our township look grand.

 

We said goodbye to Sugar Bush, and Riverside too, 

But the Buttercup Ice Creamery saw its retail debut.

 

With funding announced, a bridge this spring is quite possible, 

In an effort to make the river more crossable. 

 

Once again, Willa and Peter had much ado

About the crane spotting competition and the melodious coo.

 

Meranda got married, John got some new digs,

There’s a new bylaw out about chickens and pigs.

 

Our community rink grew both upwards and out, 

This will again be a popular hangout, no doubt!

 

As we all settle in for a season so festive, 

Put your feet up, enjoy this time to be restive. 

 

We’ll continue to report on things that transpire, 

But for now, happy holidays, from Team Fergmeijer.

December 14, 2022

With the completion of the rink, Team Fergmeijer has started planning the next big community event. We are pleased to announce that the Kagawong Gobble Brigade will be partnering with Fergmeijer Productions to create a music and ice dance extravaganza: "KGB on Ice"! We feel we've cooked up something that audiences will absolutely gobble up. Especially after having to go cold turkey on entertainment during the last years due to COVID. You'd think that teaching the turkeys to move in a synchronised dance would be the hardest part but actually, it's getting the skates laced up tight enough around their tiny ankles. Stay tuned for more details as the show takes shape. We hope it all goes smoothly, but there have been rumours of the KGB getting an agent and wanting to talk turkey about wages. It's always something with these showbiz types.

What goes up but doesn’t come down? Your age! Unless you’re living in Billings and the greater Billings area (aka Manitoulin), of course. Happy 29th Birthday wishes go out to two strong and creative Island women: Katherine T and Christine L-M! If you ever start to feel old, consider visiting an antiques auction. As long as no one bids on you, you aren’t doing too bad! Also celebrating this week is Hailey F. She’s not quite 29 yet, though she’s well on her way attitude-wise! No idea where that comes from…

 

The Billings Library has a Dig and Doug cedar bookcase up for grabs in a fundraising candy jar challenge. Examine the jar in the library - $2 gets you an estimate attempt (or three for $5). Closest estimate walks away with the bookcase! Okay, they’ll let you put it in your vehicle and drive it away if you must. 

 

The Billings Fire Department has a fantastic crew of volunteers who train hard and work together to help keep all of us safe. The Fire Department works with the strengths of each volunteer to allow each individual to contribute to their best ability. If you are interested in joining, contact the township office for more information! 

 

Congratulations to councillor David Hilliard who was appointed as deputy mayor recently. It got us thinking about whether we should have a deputy member of Team Fergmeijer. Interested applicants can submit their resumes to fergmeijer@gmail.com The job would be mostly light office work, laughing at our jokes, tracking turkeys and sourcing very small skates. 

 

The fire hall remains off limits due to dangerous structural issues that have come to light during the renovations. The township is investigating the options put forth by the engineering company, but until a solution is implemented, the access to bulk water from the fire hall is completely off-limits. Please utilize the water at the public works garage at 34 Carter Crescent. There are two hoses available: one between the two truck bays, and the other next to the main door. Please be mindful of the bay doors, and do not leave your vehicle unattended.

 

Please note that the municipal office will be closed December 26th through to January 2nd, and will re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Likewise, the municipal landfill will be closed December 24th and 25th as well as January 1st, and the Library will be closed December 24th and 31st. 

 

What did the turkey say when it tried skating for the very first time? Wobble wobble… Have a good week!

December 7, 2022

If there's one place Team Fergmijer just can’t stand, it’s at the ice rink. Last year, we tried to organize a skating party out on the lake, but it fell through. The new cover on the rink looks axel-ent, and we can’t wait to go down and have lutz of fun when the ice is ready. We’ve been thinking it should have a name and are taking suggestions on what to call it. One suggestion was the Kagawong Kanopy; another is the Lutz Lounge. What are your thoughts? Drop us a line with your suggestions at fergmeijer@gmail.com

We would like to wish a belated happy birthday to Team Fergmeijer superfan Laurie Z. Like us, she likes to maintain a low profile and has asked us to keep her identity a secret. We would never let this west end icon down by revealing who she is. Former principals can be pretty scary when you cross them, and we definitely intend to stay on her good side, so our lips are zipped. Also celebrating are Rob B and Katherine T. All are turning the big 2-9! We truly feel that laughter is the best gift we can give to the world, so don’t be expecting any packages from us for your big day. 

 

The Billings Fire Department has a fantastic crew of volunteers who train hard and work together to help keep all of us safe. The Fire Department works with the strengths of each volunteer to allow each individual to contribute to their best ability. If you are interested in joining the Fire Department, contact the township office for more information! 

 

Reminder that the access to bulk water from the fire hall is completely off-limits while work is being done on the structural integrity of the building. Please utilize the water at the public works garage at 34 Carter Crescent. There are two hoses available: one between the two truck bays, and the other next to the main door. Please be mindful of the bay doors, and do not leave your vehicle unattended.

 

A friend lost some weight by wearing bread on her head. It’s a new loaf hat diet she’s been trying. 

 

Please note that the municipal office will be closed December 26th through to January 2nd, and will re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Likewise, the municipal landfill will be closed December 24th and 25th as well as January 1st, and the Library will be closed December 24th and 31st. 

 

We recently took up archery and really enjoy it! The only drawback is when you have to yank hard on the string before you release the arrow. Have a good week!

November 30, 2022

‘Tis the season for holiday parties and events! We went to an unusual one last week. It was an archaeology party where they were only looking for the remains of a lower leg. It was quite the shindig. 

With the roof on the community skating rink in place, Team Fergmeijer has realized that the newest structure in town has yet to be named! And of course we’re looking for suggestions. How about Skatin’ Haven? Or the Kagawong Glissade Palisade? Stable with a Gable? Let us know which you prefer (or suggest something different entirely!) by contacting us at fergmeijer@gmail.com.

 

The Christmas cheer continued in Kagawong this past weekend with the first in-person Community Christmas Concert since 2019! It was great to welcome back previous performers, as well as see some new faces up on stage. And special thanks to everyone who made donations to Manitoulin Family Resources - $452 will be going to support Island families!

 

The seasonal music continues this weekend with a pair of Island Singers Christmas concerts: Saturday, December 3 at 7pm at the United Church in Little Current, and Sunday, December 4 at 3pm at the Freshwater Community Church in Mindemoya. Tickets are available at the door for $10 each, or $20 for a family. Come on out and let the music fill your soul!

 

Billings library was feeling the love this weekend as people from far and wide bid on items in the silent auction fundraiser, raising nearly $3500 for the library. Thank you to everyone who participated and to everyone who donated. With 71 fantastic items it was the largest silent auction yet! 

 

Happiest of birthdays goes out to Kagawong-adjacent Chantelle W, who is turning a milestone of a birthday at 29! We hope you have a magnificent birthday weekend. Also turning 29 this week is Candy T. Take the day off from the shop and put your feet up. You deserve it!

 

Head’s up! The municipal office will be closed Tuesday, December 6 for staff training. 

 

A man walks into a pet store and asks for a dozen bees. The clerk carefully counts 13 bees out onto the counter. "That's one too many!" says the customer. The clerk replies "It's a freebie."

 

Reminder that the access to bulk water from the fire hall is completely off-limits while work is being done on the structural integrity of the building. Please utilize the water at the public works garage at 34 Carter Crescent. There are two hoses available: one between the two truck bays, and the other next to the main door. Please be mindful of the bay doors, and do not leave your vehicle unattended.

 

Please note that the municipal office will be closed December 26th through to January 2nd, and will re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Likewise, the municipal landfill will be closed December 24th and 25th as well as January 1st, and the Library will be closed December 24th and 31st. 

 

Why can’t you breed an eel with an eagle? Because it’s Eeleagle. Have a good week!

November 23, 2022

Well, for goodness flake, Mother Nature seems to have thrown a switch shifting things from autumn to winter all of a sudden. We did have a bit of snow earlier in the month, but it didn’t stick around and it looks like we are at the point of snow return now. Mother Nature will snow us no mercy for the next few months. For anyone worried about making it through the winter, don’t flurry, be happy! It’s a winterful life on Manitoulin when there is snow on the ground. Team Fergmeijer tends to get quite s-mitten with things like sledding and skating parties, although we always remember that with great powder comes great responsibility. We make sure we have our winter tires on and always keep our walkways cleared. 

It wasn’t just the snow that made things festive this past weekend! Thanks to everyone - visitors and vendors alike - who made the first Christmas in Kagawong since 2019 a fabulous experience. Even Santa was impressed! Team Fergmeijer heard him say so while he stopped in to collect letters from young Kagawongians on Sunday. 

 

Didn’t quite get all your shopping done this past weekend? Then be sure to check out Billing Library’s silent auction fundraiser! Join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/libraryauction for more details. The auction will go live tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 24th) at 9am and closes at 6pm on Sunday, Nov. 27th. All proceeds go to support Billings Library.

 

And then keep that holiday spirit going with the Kagawong Community Christmas concert this weekend! Join the fun Saturday November 26th at 7pm at the Park Centre. Admission will be by cash donation with all funds raised supporting Manitoulin Family Resource. As always, enthusiasm trumps talent - if you are interested in reciting a poem, singing a song, doing a skit, or engaging in generally silliness, contact fergmeijer@gmail.com 

 

Reminder that the access to bulk water from the fire hall is completely off-limits while work is being done on the structural integrity of the building. Please utilize the water at the public works garage at 34 Carter Crescent. There are two hoses available: one between the two truck bays, and the other next to the main door. Please be mindful of the bay doors, and do not leave your vehicle unattended.

 

Mnidoo Mnising Sharing and Learning Centre for All is offering some exciting activities for kids this month! Don’t miss Storytelling With Nature, where kids will gather indoors for story time and will explore nature through indoor play. The Gore Bay Union Public Library will host on Friday Nov. 25th (10:30-11:30am) and Billings Public Library will host on Tuesday Nov. 29th (4-5pm). Contact melaniefrancis@kenjgewinteg.ca to register. 

 

Happy birthday to Nora U who celebrates her 29th trip around the sun next week! May your birthday cake be moist, and may no one use that word to describe it. 

 

Please note that the municipal office will be closed December 26th through to January 2nd, and will re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Likewise, the municipal landfill will be closed December 24th and 25th as well as January 1st, and the Library will be closed December 24th and 31st. 

 

Words of wisdom for the week: be the change you wish to ski in the world. Have a good week!

November 16, 2022

Team Fergmeijer was reminiscing on the different jobs we have held over the years (before we became your friendly neighbourhood reporter here on the Island, of course!). One of us worked at a restaurant that was very secretive about their recipes. Signing a legal agreement promising not to share their flatbread recipe was required before joining the team. It was a standard naan disclosure agreement.  

Ding Dong Merrily on High! Christmas in Kagawong is this weekend! Friday night fun at the Park Centre runs from 4pm - 8pm, and carries on Saturday 10am - 3pm. And you better watch out… Santa will be visiting on Sunday the 20th! 

 

Also this weekend, the Anglican Church will have a variety of crafts, gift baskets and goodies available for sale, including homemade meat pies, lasagna and perogies to take home for dinner! Visit the church Saturday the 19th from 9am - 2pm to check out all the treats.There are limited supplies of the meat pies, lasagna and perogies, so don’t wait until the last minute! 

 

While you are out getting in the spirit of things, be sure to pop over to the Manitoulin Secondary School Christmas Shopping Spree at the M’Chigeeng complex. Doors open on Saturday 10am - 4pm. With dozens of vendors to choose from, you can fill your stockings while helping support MSS teams and clubs at the same time!

 

Team Fergmeijer challenged themselves to a new sport last week: blindfolded archery. If you haven’t done that before, you should try it too! You don’t know what you’re missing.

 

Access to bulk water from the fire hall is completely off-limits while work is being done to improve the structural integrity of the building. Please utilize the water at the public works garage at 34 Carter Crescent. There are two hoses available: one between the two truck bays, and the other next to the main door. Please be mindful of the bay doors, and do not leave your vehicle unattended.

 

There’s been excellent progress on the community rink roof this past week, which makes us anxious to strap on our skates and go for a glide! Stay tuned for the opening day of the new facilities as the weather continues to get colder.

 

Have you ever wondered how come there are Pop-Tarts but no Mom-Tarts? It’s because of the pastryarchy. 

 

Mnidoo Mnising Sharing and Learning Centre for All is offering some exciting activities for kids this month! Exploring and Playing in Nature will have participants wandering along nature trails to discover, play and explore nature. This Friday will be the Noble Nature Trail in Gore Bay, and on Tuesday it will be along the Kagawong River. Both sessions will run from 10:30-11:30am. The second opportunity is Storytelling With Nature where the kids will gather indoors for story time and will explore nature through indoor play. The Gore Bay Union Public Library will host on Friday Nov. 25th (10:30-11:30am) and Billings Public Library will host on Tuesday Nov. 29th (4-5pm). Contact melaniefrancis@kenjgewinteg.ca to register. 

 

Happiest of happy birthdays go out to local icon, Mary Buie who is turning 29 this weekend. Since it’s Mary, we know she will be counting her blessings rather than her candles. 

 

The library is amassing quite a collection of fantastic items for the annual silent auction. You can see some previews of what will be up for bid by joining the Facebook group (www.facebook.com/groups/libraryauction). The auction will go live Thursday, Nov. 24th at 9am and closes at 6pm on Sunday, Nov. 27th. All proceeds go to support Billings Library.

 

The Kagawong Community Christmas concert is back and in-person! Join the fun Saturday November 26th at 7pm at the Park Centre. Admission will be by cash donation with all funds raised supporting Manitoulin Family Resource. As always, enthusiasm trumps talent - interested performers can contact fergmeijer@gmail.com 

 

We’ve been thinking this whole time that it was the dryer shrinking our clothes. Turns out it was the refrigerator all along. Have a good week!

November 9, 2022

Team Fergmeijer hopes everyone took advantage of the extra hour on the weekend. We would normally be telling you about how excited locals were to turn back all their analog clocks, but that would be second hand information. It’s good to know that if we ever run out of puns, we’ll have Daylight Savings Time jokes to fall back on.

The Billings Heritage Centre will be holding an in-person, indoor Remembrance Day service at the Park Centre on Friday. Several military guests will be in attendance along with local MPP, Michael Mantha. Different themes will be acknowledged during the service, including the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, Canadian Peacekeeping, and remembering the Cold War. Lest we forget.

 

Mnidoo Mnising Sharing and Learning Centre for All is offering some exciting activities for kids this month! Exploring and Playing in Nature will have participants wandering along nature trails to discover, play and explore nature. Friday Nov. 18th will be the Noble Nature Trail in Gore Bay, and on Tuesday Nov. 22nd it will be along the Kagawong River. Both sessions will run from 10:30-11:30am. The second opportunity is Storytelling With Nature where the kids will gather indoors for story time and will explore nature through indoor play. The Gore Bay Union Public Library will host on Friday Nov. 25th (10:30-11:30am) and Billings Public Library will host on Tuesday Nov. 29th (4-5pm). Contact melaniefrancis@kenjgewinteg.ca to register. 

 

Happy 29th birthday goes out to Jody K - you certainly aren’t showing your age. Or acting it. Keep up the good work!

 

The Billings Landfill is officially back to winter hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6pm, Saturdays from 1-4pm, and Sundays from 10am-4pm. 

 

Our friend Joseph went on the Dolly Parton diet. We were skeptical at first, but it has definitely made Joe lean. 

 

Christmas in Kagawong is swiftly approaching like a herd of flying reindeer! It runs November 18-20th. Friday night fun at the Park Centre runs from 4pm - 8pm, and carries on Saturday 10am - 3pm. And you better watch out… Santa will be visiting on Sunday the 20th! 

 

During the Christmas in Kagawong weekend, the Anglican Church will have a variety of crafts, gift baskets and goodies available for sale, including homemade meat pies, lasagna and perogies to take home for dinner! Visit the church Saturday the 19th from 9am - 2pm to check out all the treats.There are limited supplies of the meat pies, lasagna and perogies, so don’t wait until the last minute! 

 

While you are out getting in the spirit of things, be sure to pop over to the Manitoulin Secondary School Christmas Shopping Spree at the M’Chigeeng complex. Doors open on Saturday, November 19th from 10am - 4pm. With dozens of vendors to choose from, you can fill your stockings while helping support MSS teams and clubs at the same time!

 

The library is amassing quite a collection of fantastic items for the annual silent auction. You can see some previews of what will be up for bid by joining the Facebook group (www.facebook.com/groups/libraryauction). The auction will go live Thursday, Nov. 24th at 9am and closes at 6pm on Sunday, Nov. 27th. All proceeds go to support Billings Library.

 

Speaking of the library, we are writing a book about all the things we should be doing with our lives. Yep, we’re writing our oughtobiography. 

 

It’s back! The Kagawong Community Christmas concert is back to an in-person event, Saturday November 26th at 7pm at the Park Centre. Admission will be by cash donation with all funds raised supporting Manitoulin Family Resource. As always, enthusiasm trumps talent - interested performers can contact fergmeijer@gmail.com 

 

This week’s words of wisdom: Courage is knowing it might hurt, and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. And that’s why life is hard. Have a good week!

November 2, 2022

We hope you all had a fang-tastic Halloween night. Team Fergmeijer tries to live by the motto, go big or gourd home, and so we still dress up and go trick or treating. We can sometimes get a bit silly when we have too much sugar, but since we were in disguise, we are hopeful that our wild behaviour (after goblin candy all night) didn’t give people pumpkin to talk about. We are BFFs (best fiends forever), and we always have each other’s backs. For instance, when one of us ripped a hole in our pants on Halloween night, the other (who always has her sheet together) was quick to fix it right up with a pumpkin patch. Of course, one of the best parts of Halloween is being able to break out all of our most candy corny puns!

In a candy-coated full circle, this year Halloween marks the last day of Chocolate Works deliciousness for the year. We will miss their smiling faces and hot coffee, as well as their unofficial brunch offerings. Enjoy a well-deserved break, and we will be first in line when you open again in the spring. 

 

Many happy returns go out to Gail L who turns 29 today. They say that with age comes new skills. Like being able to laugh, cough, sneeze and pee all at the same time! 

 

The Billings Heritage Centre will be holding an in-person, indoor Remembrance Day service this year. After 2 years of COVID limitations, the service will return to the Park Centre on November 11th beginning at 11am.   Several military guests will be in attendance along with local MPP, Michael Mantha, to lay a wreath. Different themes will be acknowledged during the service, including the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, Dianne Fraser reflecting on Canadian Peacekeeping and remembering the Cold War, with Rick Nelson delivering a speech covering the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Lest we Forget.

 

Congratulations to the new slate of Billings Township Councillors, elected last week, and thank you to the current council for helping us weather the past few years of pandemic. 

 

Take note - the Billings landfill will be closed early tomorrow (Thursday, November 3). Be sure to drop off anything you need to drop off by 5pm. Also, as of this week we are also back to winter landfill hours. Until March 31, the landfill will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-6pm, Saturdays from 1-4pm, and Sundays from 10am-4pm. 

 

There’s been lots of exciting activity at the outdoor rink this past week as the roof gets put into place. We wanted to include a roof pun here for the occasion, but thought it might go over your head. 

 

Anyone using the fire hall fill station can still access water during the renovations and remediation, but please always use caution when in the proximity to the fire hall and workers. 

 

Christmas in Kagawong is swiftly approaching like a herd of flying reindeer! It runs November 18-20th. Friday night fun at the Park Centre runs from 4pm - 8pm, and carries on Saturday 10am - 3pm. And you better watch out… Santa will be visiting on Sunday the 20th! 

 

During the Christmas in Kagawong weekend, the Anglican Church will have a variety of crafts, gift baskets and goodies available for sale, including homemade meat pies, lasagna and perogies to take home for dinner! Visit the church Saturday the 19th from 9am - 2pm to check out all the treats.There are limited supplies of the meat pies, lasagna and perogies, so don’t wait until the last minute! 

 

While you are out getting in the spirit of things, be sure to pop over to the Manitoulin Secondary School Christmas Shopping Spree at the M’Chigeeng complex. Doors open on Saturday, November 19th from 10am - 4pm. With dozens of vendors to choose from, you can fill your stockings while helping support MSS teams and clubs at the same time!

 

The library’s annual silent auction is back for 2022! Join the auction Facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/libraryauction) to see sneak previews of some of the fantastic items that will be up for bid. There are the always-popular items like gravel and mulch, beautiful art and crafts, as well as tickets to some exciting attractions in Sudbury and Toronto. The auction will go live Thursday, Nov. 24th and closes Sunday, Nov. 27th. All proceeds go to support Billings Library.

 

Have a good week!

October 26, 2022

What better time than autumn to fall in love! A friend of Team Fergmeijer was telling us about the person they have been dating. Turns out, they have never shared a single joke. Not a pun, a knock knock joke, nothing! It’s a very serious relationship. 

You may have noticed that the fire hall is getting a bit of a facelift. During the renovations and remediation, the township will maintain access to the water fill station. Be advised that despite best efforts, there may be short periods when access isn’t available. Always use caution when in the proximity to the fire hall and workers. 

 

And just because the fire hall is under renovations, doesn’t mean our fire department volunteers are taking it easy. Did you know they have a smoke machine that you can borrow to run emergency escape drills with your family?! Contact the fire department for more info. 

 

As always, Kagawong will be flooded with little boos and ghouls trick or treating on Halloween night. Make sure to stop in to the Park Centre for treats courtesy of the Parks, Rec and Wellness committee (5-7pm). The library will be open for the evening so be sure to take in their annual video display - and take in more candy, of course!

 

The township’s Junk in the Trunk event on Saturday was a great success. On vendor mentioned they arrived with four items and left with four items, but they were four completely different (and new to them) items. Thanks to the participants and the Climate Action Committee!

 

Happy birthday wishes go out to several Kagawongians: Jim C, and Diane N have both recently celebrated milestones (29 IS a pretty big deal after all). At your age, people expect you to be calm, dignified and sober. We’re happy to see you have continued to disappoint them for another year. Meranda V will be celebrating almost 29 this weekend. Let’s face it, we’re all jealous of your youth so just blow out the candles quickly so we can eat cake and feel better about ourselves…err… so we can celebrate your big day! Of course, we kid because we love; best wishes to you all!

 

October 24th was municipal Election Day. Can you believe the drama!?!?!? Actually, we have to submit this column by Monday morning, so we have no idea what happened. We are sure the community elected those they feel will best serve the needs of the township, and that in the coming months the transfer of power will be peaceful. 

 

Take note - the Billings landfill will be closed early on Thursday, November 3. Be sure to drop off anything you need to drop off by 5pm on that date. 

 

Save the date - yule be sorry if you miss it! Christmas in Kagawong is back November 18-20th. There will be lots of ways to treat yo’elf and have a festive good time. We’ll share more information as it becomes available.

 

The library’s annual silent auction is back for 2022! Join the auction Facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/libraryauction) to see sneak previews of some truly amazing items over the next few weeks. Bidding does not open until Thursday, Nov. 24th and closes Sunday Nov. 27th. All proceeds go to support Billings Library.

 

Our final submission to our call for short poetry really takes you on a journey.

 

Two roads diverged

In a wood, and I took

The one on the left

Because the one on 

The right looked muddy

And I had nice

Shoes on. 

 

Have a good week!

October 19, 2022

We tend to forget how much we love autumn, but as the weather cools, it’s fall coming back to us now. Although the weather has been unbeleafably wet this week, we hope you have carved out some good times with friends and family anyway (while squashing any dinner table drama). We hope it’s not too acorny of us to say, but it really is the most wonderfall time of the year (you autumn know by now that we love a gourd play on words). 

The township’s Junk in the Trunk event is back, just in time for Waste Reduction Week! Hosted by the township’s Climate Action Committee and the Parks, Recreation and Wellness Committee, come on out Saturday, October 22nd to the Kagawong Pavilion from 10am until 2pm to reduce, reuse and recycle. Got some items to trade, give away, or sell? No registration required - just show up at the pavilion downtown, set up a table or pop your trunk and you’re good to go!

 

Save some money at the Junk in the Trunk event, and then save some power the very next day! Don’t forget about the island-wide planned power outage Sunday, October 23rd from 7 am to 2 pm. Be sure to plan accordingly.

We are sending happy birthday wishes east this week to Fergmeijer superfan Joanne T who yesterday turned… whatever people off-Island turn on their birthdays.  Celebrating on-Island, and all turning 29, are Rachel B, Ken F, and  Sue W.  Best wishes to you on your special days, and if another birthday is getting you down, just remember, at least you’re not as old as you will be next year!

 

October 24th is municipal election day. There are no in-person polls, and you should have received your ballot in the mail earlier this month. We’re past the deadline for mailing in your ballot, but you can still drop it off at the town office any week day right up to and including the 24th. Have your say in municipal representation! 

 

This time of year is always a good time to check out the salmon running up the Kagawong River. Be sure to stay safe along the riverbanks as you cheer our fishy friends on their quest to the falls! Instead of coming up with our own fish pun, we’re hoping salmon else can create one for us. 

 

Take note - the Billings landfill will be closed early on Thursday, November 3. Be sure to drop off anything you need to drop off by 5pm on that date. 

 

Save the date - yule be sorry if you miss it! Christmas in Kagawong is back November 18-20th. There will be lots of ways to treat yo’elf and have a festive good time. We’ll share more information as it becomes available.

 

The library’s annual silent auction is back for 2022! Join the auction facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/libraryauction) to see sneak previews over the next few weeks. Bidding does not open until Thursday, Nov. 24th and closes Sunday Nov. 27th. All proceeds go to support Billings Library.

 

Last call to become a published poet! Submit a poem to fergmeijer@gmail.com and we’ll get it in the column. We’re not sure how original this one is, but we’re always up for a good animal limerick:

An elephant slept in his bunk,

And in slumber his chest rose and sunk.

But he snored — how he snored!

All the other beasts roared,

So his wife tied a knot in his trunk.

 

Get out there and enjoy every moment of this a-maize-ing time of year. But it does get chilly, so be sure to grab apple-over before you go out. Have a good week!

October 12, 2022

Team Fergmeijer was on the lookout for members of the Kagawong Gobble Brigade this past weekend as they moved around town, trying to avoid becoming part of a Thanksgiving feast. We had heard shocking rumours that they were loudly shouting some pretty fowl language. They tried to ruffle our feathers, because that’s what they do best. No one is safe from these fluffy ruffians - they’ll cross the road to get to you just to show that they’re not chicken.

Thanks to everyone who organized the in-person All Candidates Meeting at the Kagawong Park Centre last week, and special thanks to Sandy C who facilitated a Zoom connection for those who couldn’t make it. A healthy turnout had lots of questions for the candidates. Don’t forget to mail in your municipal election ballot ahead of the deadline listed on your mail-in ballot!

 

According to research, salmon don’t like to watch cable television. Apparently they prefer streams. This time of year is always a good time to check out the salmon running up the Kagawong River. Be sure to stay safe along the riverbanks as you cheer our fishy friends on their quest to the falls!

 

Happy birthday to Team Fergmeijer superfan Jef as we think he celebrates his 29th trip around the sun this week (but we can never be sure how birthdays work off-island). Survive and thrive, high-five and jive!

 

The last thing Team Fergmeijer wants to do is leave our readers in the dark about what’s going on in Billings Township. So consider yourselves warned! There will be an island-wide planned power outage Sunday, October 23rd from 7 am to 2 pm. Be sure to plan accordingly.

 

Save the date! Christmas in Kagawong is back! Mark November 18-20th on your calendars and prepare yourselves for a festive good time in Kagawong. We’ll share more information as it becomes available.

 

We’re once again putting out the call for your original short poems/haikus/limericks and the like. Submit them  to fergmeijer@gmail.com and we’ll get them in the column! As long as they are PG. The Expositor editors only let us get away with so much. Here’s one of the more dill-icious entries:

 

A funny young fellow named Perkins

Was terribly fond of small gherkins.

One day after tea, 

He ate ninety-three,

And pickled his internal workin's.

 

Have a good week!