May 18, 2022

We were reminiscing about how we used to entertain ourselves when going out in public wasn’t a thing during Covid. One of our favourite activities was to drive around and count deer like when we were kids. One evening we got stuck behind a real slowpoke. Their licence plate was G4ND4LF  and they wouldn’t let us pass. At some point, we discovered we can play piano by ear (it is way easier if we use our hands, though). We thought maybe we would finally learn how to drive a stick shift, but could’t find the manual. We toyed with the idea of trying to tame Australian wild dogs, but the first try dingo well at all and we gave up. Team Fergmeijer also got into the baking craze. We already knew how to bake bread, so we jumped to the next logical thing. Turns out, when churning butter, there isn’t a lot of margarine for error. We are looking forward to a summer of friends, family and togetherness!

Don’t miss it! Your chance to meet and hear from the provincial election candidates is TONIGHT, at 7pm at Manitoulin Secondary School. Attend in-person, or by live stream. See today’s Expositor for more details.

 

All this sunny, summery weather has been lovely, but the lack of rain has left things pretty dry. At the time of writing, the municipality is in a burn ban, and all burn permits have been suspended until further notice. Check the township website (http://billingstwp.ca) for any new information on the ban.

 

Feeling the lure of the courts? The Manitoulin Tennis Club is happy to announce that the Blackfly Tennis Tournament is back! This ​​recreational doubles tournament is perfect for shaking off the winter rust. All ages and abilities are welcome! This Saturday, May 21 (rain day will be Sunday if needed) beginning at 10am at the Manitoulin Secondary School tennis courts, no partner required. Visit the Manitoulin Tennis Club Facebook page for more information.

 

It’s spring cleaning season! If you have clothing, household goods, or other items that you’d like to see out of your house, consider joining the community garage and trunk sale on May 28th. It is a collaborative event courtesy of Sugar Bush Coffeehouse, Bare Naked Beauty, Cultural Seeds, and Manitoulin Climate Collaborative. Email kim.neale0@gmail.com for more information.

 

The Late Bloomers is a group of local gardeners who volunteer their time and energy to beautify the village. Each Bloomer ‘adopts’ one or two flowerboxes around the community, planting their individual choice of flowers. The result is a beautiful collection of plantings for all to enjoy! If you would like to join the Late Bloomers and adopt a planter, email jferguson@manitoulin.net for more information.

 

Another sign of summer is upon us! The Old Mill Heritage Centre re-opens to the public this weekend, and The Captain looks forward to welcoming you back to see the Empress of Ireland exhibit. Don’t miss it!

 

Do you know a citizen of Billings that goes above and beyond and deserves special recognition? Nominate them for Billings’ Citizen of the Year! There are two categories - under 18 years old and over 18 years old. Submit your nominations to tmills@billingstwp.ca by June 1st. 

 

With all this election excitement, don’t forget that this fall we’ll be having a municipal election. Anyone interested in being a candidate for councillor or mayor in the upcoming municipal elections can register at the township office between now and August 19th. Check out the Vote Billings blog (https://votebillings.blogspot.com/) to learn more about what is involved in being on council or some helpful information on running a campaign. 

 

With all these nominations, don’t forget about Team Fergmeijer’s omnomnominations for most delicious sammich on Manitoulin! Candidates must be made on the Island, must meet the basic definition of a sandwich, and must be available to the public. To register your candidate, submit a picture of the sammich, a basic description of it, and where people can get said sammich to fergmeijer@gmail.com. Omnomnominations close the last week of May. Voting will begin the first week of June. The sammich with the most votes gets bragging rights as the winner of the Team Fergmeijer Great Sammich Search 2022! 

 

Happy Birthday to TCO (The Cute One) who celebrated her big day earlier this week. Although no longer living in Billings, based on her current photos, it is clear Rachel is still only turning 29 this year.

 

What is made of leather, a foot long and sounds like a sneeze? A shoe. Have a great week!