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!