April 26, 2023

Sometimes yours truly starts to ponder the really deep questions in life, and this week we found ourselves trying to decide which songs would go best with Shakespeare’s greatest works. We thought perhaps “Back Stabbers” (The O’Jays) might work well for Julius Caesar. Othello is of course paired with “Suspicious Minds” (Elvis), King Lear has to be Neil Young’s “Old Man” and Romeo & Juliet get’s the Amy Winehouse treatment with “Love is a Losing Game.” Antony and Cleopatra feels like a “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga), while the Merchant of Venice would have to be “Money” by Pink Floyd. What about “The End” by The Doors for Hamlet? And of course, the song that fits best with Macbeth has to be Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” Did we miss any or get any wrong? Let us know! Fergmeijer@gmail.com 

In a whirlwind, Cinderella story, the robotics team at Manitoulin Secondary School - Manitoulin Metal - qualified for the world championship in Houston! The team, including Kagawongian Daphne C, had to do some seriously creative efforts to raise the funds needed to fly themselves, and their robot, Bumblebee, down to Texas, but the Island community came through once again, donating more than $20,000 to the cause! At the time of writing, the team has completed the first day of competition with some stunning victories. We are confident they will continue to do Manitoulin proud!  

We lost Mary Buie last week, and the whole Island and beyond has felt the loss. She was a force to be reckoned with and lived her life to the fullest. A quiet day for Mary was one where she had only 6 things on her agenda! There was very little that Mary did not have a hand in: Guides, church, choir (sometimes 2 or 3 at a time!), Burns Wharf Theatre, self-appointed welcome wagon and biscuit-maker, her work as nurse and midwife (not to mention her unofficial shifts as village nurse treating sprains, advising on aches, and removing the odd set of stitches), world travel, dancing in Carnivale, flower arranging at the cafe, coffee dates with friends, community Christmas concerts, caroling, the list goes on. And that doesn’t even touch on her love of her family and her friends.  

Mary’s celebration of life will be Sunday April 30th at the M’Chigeeng arena from 1-3pm. Mary left strict instructions that there should only be bright, cheerful colours at the event. 

It’s not just the grass that is looking a little greener! This past weekend was Earth Day, and the Billings Climate Action Committee hosted a circular economy swap event, as well as a community clean-up and composting dehydrator demonstration. Looking to learn more about how our township is working to become greener? Check out https://billingscac.blogspot.com/

The Billings Volunteer Fair is on from 2-8pm today (April 26) at the Park Centre. Stop in to meet the many organizations that work to make our community so special. Learn about their efforts and events, and you are sure to find a comfortable fit for you.There will be refreshments as well as prizes to be won.

Looking to do a little toe-tapping? Kagawong Concert presents bluegrass and roots music by The Barrel Boys at the Old Church on the Hill this weekend! Swing on by Saturday, April 29. Doors open at 7:00pm and the music starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and free for kids 12 and under. Check out the Facebook event “Kagawong Concerts Presents: The Barrel Boys” for more information

Are you a business owner within the municipality of Billings Township? Come out to the Billings Business Group meeting on May 10th. Starting at 7pm at the Park Centre in Kagawong, take the opportunity to meet other business owners and discuss issues of concern and opportunity! Contact westman@lambac.org or 705-282-3215 for more information. 

Not sure how to celebrate Mother’s Day? We’ve got you covered! Treat Mom this Mother’s Day and bring her out to the Anglican Church Mother’s Day Lunch, Saturday May 13th. The church is offering delicate sandwiches and delectable desserts from 11-2pm. The cost is $20 per person.

Don’t forget - the landfill is now operating on summer hours. The Billings landfill will be open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2pm-6pm, and Saturdays & Sundays from 10am-4pm.

Some fashion advice this week. We at Team Fergmeijer feel that there are just some things women shouldn’t wear. Like the weight of other people’s expectations and judgements. Have a great week!