August 30, 2023

A friend of Team Fergmeijer (aka a FOTF) let us know that they had just started dating a firefighter. She was very excited to tell us about her new flame. She said that although he was a bit of a hot-head, there were definitely sparks flying between them right off the bat. We didn’t want to put her in the hotseat, but we were very curious about this new man. We had a lot of questions, like what bugs him most in the summertime (fireflies), if he had ever been interviewed on tv (we wondered if he was flamous), and if he enjoyed his job (he got very fired up at this one; turns out he has a burning passion for firefighting). Boy, are we on fire with these flaming hot puns! We thought they would be a surefire way to light up your day.

We would like to wish a very Happy 29th birthday to Mike Z, Amy H, Diane L, Amanda G, and Susan S. Can you believe we used to think people our age were adults and had their life in order?

The Billings Township Library would like to thank everyone who came out to the beach movie last weekend. You were a fun and enthusiastic crowd! If anyone has suggestions for next year’s beach movie, email billingsreads@gmail.com. 

The library is wrapping up its summer hours this week. Thursday August 31st is the last day of summer hours. On Saturday, September 2nd regular hours begin again (Tues-Thurs 4-7pm; Sat 10am-1pm). Many thanks to summer librarian Emily who kept the place running like clockwork. Local bibliophile Jamie Ward was overheard saying, “I really appreciate that Emily runs things by the book, yo!”

Manitoulin Secondary School is hosting a Grade 9 BBQ on Wednesday, August 30th. Incoming Grade 9 students can attend to pick up their timetables, get tours of the school, get their lockers set up, and meet some of their teachers. The event is free. Contact the school for more information. First day of classes - for both elementary and secondary schools - will be Wednesday, September 6. 

Island daredevil Hailey F attended Camp Molly in Azilda last week. The four-day camp gives young women in grades 11 and 12 an inside look at a career in fire and emergency services. They took part in a series of activities based on Firefighter Level 1 training, such as Fire Investigation and Fire Dynamics, Medical Scenarios, Auto Extrication, Firefighter Survival and Forcible Entry, and more. Hailey kicked butt and took names - she and her teammates beat the volunteer firefighter organizer team by a whole half-second in the challenge obstacle course on the last day.

If you are a LEGO fan, you may be familiar with Andrew T and his summer business - Island reBrick - that he ran at the Kagawong market this year. Andrew launched his business as part of the Summer Company 2023 program, which provides training, experience and networking for young entrepreneurs. Last week, Andrew was honoured, along with seven other local youth, with a certificate of achievement from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Congratulations!

Speaking of the market, the last Kagawong Market of the 2023 season will be September 6th (from 10am-3pm), so it’s not too late to peruse the many vendors showcasing amazing, creative, delicious, and practical things, all at the covered rink beside the Park Centre. 

The Township is requesting proposals for a five-year comprehensive strategic plan, as well as a corporate website. Interested? For more information on the request for proposals, check out the township website at billingstwp.ca, or contact Emily Dance, CAO/Clerk at edance@billingstwp.ca. 

Body Stories Dance Instruction is offering dance classes at the Park Centre in Kagawong this fall, for ages five through adult. Check out their fall schedule for more information, or to register: https://www.bodystoriesdance.com/schedule#schedule

4elements Living Arts has announced the return of the annual Elemental Festival, September 23rd and 24th this year. The festival celebrates the beauty, bounty and history of Mnidoo Mnising. There will be singing, dancing, artistic workshops, and a new dinner & performance event with chefs and performers collaborating to highlight the delicious bounty grown here on Manitoulin. Visit the festival Facebook page for more information. 

We’re not entirely sure who invented fire, but they were probably a really bright spark. Have a great week!

August 23, 2023

Team Fergmeijer has been doing a bit of online research on a variety of topics; most recently, we’ve been learning all about animals. We learned that dolphins swim in salt water because pepper water makes them sneeze. And grizzlies can dance (though just bearly). What we were really after in our research was to find out why elephants aren’t kept indoors, but nobody wanted to talk about that. We know these animal jokes are pretty sealy (though very amoosing). Just be glad we didn’t throw in all the puns about pigs. We left them out so as not to boar you half to death and have to call the hambulance. 

There are a bevy of birthdays to celebrate this week! Best wishes go out to Ezra and Andrew T (even though they are not quite 29 yet), as well as Emma T-T (who is getting dangerously close to 29). MBB, Jen C, Tijs T, Meredith C-N and Beth G are also celebrating, but they have all reached the ripe old age of 29. Of course, we dare not forget our Manitoulin Mom, who is celebrating on the weekend. I’m sure her children have something fantastic planned (assuming they want to stay in the will, anyway). 

The Manitoulin Tennis Club postponed their tennis tournament, so it’s not too late to register! Players of all abilities are welcome to come out this weekend to the Manitoulin Secondary School courts for some friendly sets. Contact Chris at 705 618-7155 for more information or to register, or check out the Manitoulin Tennis Club on Facebook.

Manitoulin Secondary School is hosting a Grade 9 BBQ on Wednesday, August 30th. Incoming Grade 9 students can attend to pick up their timetables, get tours of the school, get their lockers set up, and meet some of their teachers. The event is free. Contact the school for more information.

We have been pondering whether to take up horseback riding this fall. It’s a big decision and we’ve been going back and forth over it. Really, Shakespeare said it best: To be or not to be, that is equestrian. 

Parks Recreation and Wellness Committee looking for community feedback on rejuvenating or possibly repurposing the cedar maze. Email your thoughts and ideas to tmills@billingstwp.ca by October 13th, or stop by the maze itself! There’s a chalkboard on the door to the maze where you can share your ideas.

The Township is also requesting proposals for a five-year comprehensive strategic plan, as well as a corporate website. Interested? For more information on the request for proposals, check out the township website at billingstwp.ca, or contact Emily Dance, CAO/Clerk at edance@billingstwp.ca. 

American Sign Language instructor Andrea Wist generously spent several days over the course of the summer (and during her own holidays no less!) offering free ASL lessons in the village. In all, 10 participants completed the sessions (nearly the equivalent of a college-level course). Congratulations to you all, and huge thanks to Andrea for her time and enthusiasm this summer!  

Body Stories Dance Instruction is offering dance classes at the Park Centre in Kagawong this fall, for ages five through adult. Check out their fall schedule for more information, or to register: https://www.bodystoriesdance.com/schedule#schedule

4elements Living Arts has announced the return of the annual Elemental Festival, September 23rd and 24th this year. The festival celebrates the beauty, bounty and history of Mnidoo Mnising. There will be singing, dancing, artistic workshops, and a new dinner & performance event with chefs and performers collaborating to highlight the delicious bounty grown here on Manitoulin. Visit the festival Facebook page for more information. 

It makes us sad to think there are only a few Wednesdays left this summer, which means there are only a few more times the Kagawong Market will be up and running! It’s not too late to visit with the approximately 70 vendors showcasing amazing, creative, delicious, and practical things at the largest market on the Island. Check it out Wednesdays from 10am-3pm all through August at the Park Centre. There’s lots of parking available down in the village. 

Have a birthday or news you’d like shared here? Reach out at fergmeijer@gmail.com. We love hearing from you. Team Fergmeijer received an email just last week explaining how to read maps backwards. It was spam. Have a great week!

August 16, 2023

Don’t throw a hissy fit, but Team Fergmeijer has it on good authority that there has been an uptick in the number of snakes in the village lately. What kind of snakes, you asp? On a scale of harmless to venomous, all the local snakes are harmless, so no need to be rattled.

At time of writing, the fire ban has been completely re-instated for Billings Township. No burning whatsoever is permitted, including fireworks. Check the township website at billingstwp.ca for up-to-date information.

Happy birthday wishes to Bonnie F and Meg M who both turn 29 this week. We recommend that you treat your birthday like you would a game of golf. If you don’t keep count, it’s way more fun. 

Congratulations and thank you to the Old Mill Heritage Centre on hosting another successful History Night in Kagawong last week, featuring the history of trains on Manitoulin, and a commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the JFK assassination. Don’t forget - for the rest of the summer you can check out the vintage camera exhibit at the museum. Snap to it!

Huge thanks to 4elements Living Arts and Kagawong Concert Series for bringing Georgia Hathaway and friends to Kagawong last week for an Mindful Music afternoon workshop, followed by an evening concert. 

We have been seeing lots of familiar faces visiting in the last week or so. There was a bevy of Buies, a legion of Lawrences, a troop of Theijsmeijers, a pack of Parks, and a rally of Rhubys just to name a few. 

In related news, members of the Mudge Bay Floating-Boating Club (MBFC) gathered from far and wide for their quinquennial meeting and general shenanigans. Legend has it the organization was initially formed in the 1950s when some local and summer resident luminaries/rascals were looking for a way to raise money and support the local community (while still affording members the opportunity to get together for drinks and the aforementioned shenanigans). And so, the MBFC was born, a mascot was chosen (a skunk), and members gather in Kagawong every five years to reconnect, celebrate, and continue the long and proud tradition of hijinks. Does anyone else remember Aussie’s cheating snakes? 

 

Team Fergmeijer is tickled pink (and all colours of the rainbow, actually!) that Pride Manitoulin is back, August 17-20! There’s a whole host of events happening all over the island, beginning with raising of the Pride flag at the Little Current waterfront on Thursday (6pm) culminating in a parade and BBQ in Little Current on Sunday, August 20th. There are way too many events and activities for us to list here, so be sure to check out Pride Manitoulin on Facebook for a full schedule and listing of events.

The Manitoulin Tennis Club is hosting their annual summer tournament on Sunday, August 20th, at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts. All players of all abilities are welcome! Contact Chris at 705 618-7155 for more information or to register, or check out the Manitoulin Tennis Club on Facebook.

Put your thinking caps on… the Township of Billings is requesting proposals for a five-year comprehensive strategic plan, as well as a corporate website. Interested? For more information on the request for proposals, check out the township website at billingstwp.ca, or contact Emily Dance, CAO/Clerk at edance@billinstwp.ca. 

The new pedestrian bridge across the lower Kagawong River 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.

Save the date! The next Island-Wide Waste Management meeting in Kagawong is coming up on September 14th at 7pm. And be sure to check out the recent update on the Billings Climate Action Committee blog at https://billingscac.blogspot.com/ 

Did you know? A snake that’s 3.14 feet long is a pi-thon. Have a great week!

August 9, 2023

As far as Team Fergmeijer is concerned, this time of year is all about renewal. Renewal of our driver’s license, our health card, and our passports. Because of this, we headed to the Service Ontario office and ended up in line, stuck behind Satan for nearly an hour. We knew it was him, because the devil takes many forms.   

Big news for those who use the post office in Kagawong. The post boxes are slated for upgrades, which means Canada Post will be reducing the total number of boxes available. This means some users may lose their post box. Those without a post box, as well as general delivery users, will be assigned to new community boxes that will be going in at an undecided location in the community. The changes are set for September this year. Canada Post will be sending notices to affected customers. 

Pride Manitoulin is back! Mark your calendars for August 17-20 and stay tuned for more details on events. 

You probably know that the Beverly Hills postal code is 90210. But did you know the Dawson's Creek post code is 90108 (...for our lives to be over).

At time of writing, the fire ban has been partially lifted for Billings Township. Backyard campfires are permitted, however fireworks and burning brush/yard waste (any burning that requires a permit) is still prohibited. Check the township website at billingstwp.ca for up-to-date information, and if burning, please exercise caution. 

Happy birthday to Meg M who is turning 29 this year. Don’t let the fact that you are getting older get you down. When you get to be your age, getting back up again can be difficult.

Tomorrow! History Night in Kagawong is back on Thursday, August 10th. Explore some of the history of Manitoulin Island, as well as commemorate the 60th anniversary of the JFK assassination at the event. Admission is free to either session: a 3:30pm matinée or 7:30pm evening event, both at the Kagawong Park Centre. Donations are always welcome for the Old Mill Heritage Centre.

On Friday afternoon, 4elements Living Arts is excited to offer a free Mindful Music workshop with Georgia Hathaway and friends. The session will focus on mindful awareness, vocal discovery, and improvisational play. The aim is to help you gain a deeper sense of attunement to the present moment as well as a connectedness with self and others through the voice, breath, and body. Stop by the Riverbend Stage in Kagawong from 2-4pm!

After an afternoon of musical zen, get those toes-a-tapping at the 4th installment of the 2023 Kagawong Concert Series! On Friday evening (7:30pm), join Georgia Hathaway and Friends at the Old Church on the Hill for fantastic live music. Check out Kagawong Concert Series on Facebook for ticket information.

Anyone want to “have fun storming the castle” this weekend? On Saturday you can watch the family friendly cult classic, The Princess Bride, on the beach courtesy of the Billings Public Library! The show is byoc/byof (bring your own chair/floatie) and admission is by donation. 

Our neighbour can’t figure out why her dog Buster gets all riled up when the mail is delivered to the house each day.  Especially since it’s almost never for him.

Manitoulin Tennis Club has a couple of summer events coming up that tennis players of all levels won’t want to miss! Tonight (Wednesday, August 9th) is Ladies’ Night at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts. Racquets available to borrow if needed, come by anytime after 6:30pm. Did we mention there will be chocolate? Later in the month on Sunday, August 20th, the club is having their annual summer tournament. All players welcome! Stay tuned for more details, or check out the club on Facebook.

Save the date! The next Island-Wide Waste Management meeting in Kagawong is coming up on September 14th at 7pm. And be sure to check out the recent update on the Billings Climate Action Committee blog at https://billingscac.blogspot.com/ 

Local funny-man Jamie Ward has taken a job with Canada Post in order to pursue a new career in stand-up comedy: “I need to work on my delivery, yo!” Have a great week!

August 2, 2023

Team Fergmeijer received a lovely complement last weekend from long-time fan, Bonnie K. She was overheard saying that she loves this column and never misses a week. The comment from the Manhattan resident really made our day a little NYC-er. 

At time of writing, the fire ban has been partially lifted for Billings Township. Backyard campfires are permitted, however fireworks and burning brush/yard waste (any burning that requires a permit) is still prohibited. Check the township website at billingstwp.ca for up-to-date information, and if burning, please exercise caution. 

Team Fergmeijer has been inspired by the recent poet laureate visits to Kagawong for both the Jabbawong and NorthWords festivals. And while we’ve become quite the haiku and limerick enthusiasts over the years, we believe we’ve found a different niche:

With these columns, we spin some good storyates. 

We try not to be tedious or boriates.

We’ll put a twist on a word, 

Sometimes a little absurd. 

We’re Kagawong’s self-appointed Pun Laureates!

Happy birthday to Willa W who may or may not have celebrated her 29th birthday last week, and to Lisa H and Beth G who definitely are celebrating their 29th birthdays. We heard you might be gluten sensitive, so we will refrain from toasting you on your big day.  

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. Snacks will be provided! Drop-ins are welcome, or register at bit.ly/manitoulincoding

Team Fergmeijer superfans from Thamesford are visiting the island for the week, including visits to Kagawong and the far western reaches of Meldrum Bay. It’s always great to see them.

Did you hear that a car full of garlic, ginger, and lemongrass ran the red light at the bridge in Little Current? It was a fragrant disregard for public safety.

History Night in Kagawong is next week!! On Thursday, August 10th, explore some of the history of Manitoulin Island, as well as commemorate the 60th anniversary of the JFK assassination. Admission is free to either session: a 3:30pm matinée or 7:30pm evening event, both at the Kagawong Park Centre. Donations are always welcome for the Old Mill Heritage Centre.

Concert #4 in the 2023 Kagawong Concert Series is coming up! On Friday, August 11th at 7:30pm, join Georgia Hathaway and Friends at the Old Church on the Hill for some fantastic live music. Check out Kagawong Concert Series on Facebook for ticket information.

And to top off a fantastic week, come out to the main beach on Saturday the 12th to watch The Princess Bride courtesy of the Billings Public Library! The show is byoc/byof (bring your own chair/bring your own floatie) and admission is by donation. We know what you’re thinking - a cult-classic, family friendly movie you can enjoy while lounging on the beach or floating in the bay? Inconceivable!

We entered a “Name That French City” competition. We were determined not Toulouse because the first prize was a trip to a city on the French Riviera. In the end, we only came in second, but it was a Nice try. Have a great week!