July 26, 2023

Little known fact: team Fergmeijer once worked as programmers for an autocorrect company. We were only there a brief time before being fried for no raison. Shortly after that, our doctor diagnosed us with “Autocorrect Syndrome.” We didn’t even know we were I’ll. Thank goodness it’s treatable. It’s really annoying to constantly be using words we didn’t Nintendo. 

Last weekend’s NorthWords Festival was a fantastic success. Thank you to all the participants who took part, and to the volunteers who kept everyone on the same page when it came to the many events and activities over the course of the festival. 

Congratulations go out to Meranda and Brett Varey on their newest addition! Big sister Paisley was a bit confused by the sheer lack of fur when baby Harper arrived home, but we are assured that they are getting along just fine now. 

This is a busy week for birthday wishes! Jen C, Jen F, Mike C, Craig F, Meredith C-N, and Dawn N have all turned 29 in recent days. Mid H also celebrated, though not quite 29. Happy birthday to you all! Keep an eye on the mail for a special gift from Team Fergmeijer. We ordered something special for your big day, but we had some issues with autocorrect, so just a heads up, you might be getting a birthday pheasant. 

The next session of free American Sign Language (ASL) classes are August 1st and 3rd. Join ASL instructor Andrea Wist at 10am at the market pavilion near the Old Mill to learn some foundations of ASL. Classes are open to all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). For more information, email the library billingsreads@gmail.com. 

The MSS robotics team, Manitoulin Metal Team 6865, is hosting free interactive coding workshops for youth across Manitoulin in August. Kagawongians in elementary school can take part at the Park Centre on August 7th. Grades 1-4 will be at 10am-noon, and grades 5-8 will be 1-3pm. The workshops will include foundational skills in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), as well as exploring the environment with technology. Snacks will also be provided! Drop-ins are welcome, or register at bit.ly/manitoulincoding

Penny L made her annual visit to Kagawong this past week, taking in the sights in the village and out at the point. Always enthralled by the wildlife, she was sure to keep up her fitness regimen while visiting.

Hot on the heels of Speaker’s Night in Kagawong with Steve Paikin and Arthur Milnes this month, the Old Mill Heritage Centre presents the annual History Night in Kagawong on Thursday, August 10th. Explore some of the history of Manitoulin Island, as well as commemorate the 60th anniversary of the JFK assassination with rare home movies, photographs, and exclusive interviews with witnesses who were there. Admission is free to either session: 3:30pm matinee or 7:30pm, both at the Kagawong Park Centre. Donations are always welcome for the Old Mill Heritage Centre.

We’ve all seen the trail sign, and now the new pedestrian bridge across the lower Kagawong River it has been promising is finally being built! The trails remain open, however be on the lookout for minor trail detours. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of September. For more information, contact Todd Gordon at (705) 282-2611 extension 224.

The Angel Bus fundraising committee is at it again - they are selling tickets for a chance to win a fabulous, hand-made quilt all summer long. You can find them at the Kagawong market on Wednesday and on Fridays at the Gore Bay market. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. Funds raised supports the ongoing operating costs of the Angel Bus. 

This was a tough column to write. We had a lot of funny jokes, but autocorrect kept ruining the lunchline. Have a great week!