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!