Welcome to the archive of Team Fergmeijer's Kagawong news column in The Manitoulin West Recorder and The Manitoulin Expositor.

Monday, December 23, 2024

Holiday Special 2024


'Twas the night before Christmas and we're working through,

We almost forgot that the Spoz column was due!

So sit back and enjoy, as we recall the past year!

To this fun rhyming meter, we’ll mostly adhere.


The puzzle swap beckoned in January’s chill,

Where jigsaws were traded with laughter and skill​.

New Sic Sox bins waiting for textiles to mend,

Ensuring old fabrics could find a new friend.


From the Winterfest cheers to the Crane Challenge coos,

Activities in Kagawong always seem so profuse. 

And the northern lights danced over Bridal Veil’s crest,

A cosmic ballet that left all of us blessed.


As the weather got warmer we welcomed the spring, 

Celebrating with a tradefair on outdoors and angling.

The township celebrated with a new tractor acquisition

Kagawong is now ready for any weather condition!


New lines for the water! New bridges for cars!

The many benefits to living in Billings are ours.

New township website! New signs at the falls!

Now if only they’d reopen the Kagawong Mall…


The farmers’ market was lively this summer, no doubt. 

With fresh produce, crafts, and even takeout.  

It’s a gem through and through, and has gained much renown. 

Ethel deserves all the credit for how it's grown since lockdown. 


Throughout the year the festivals came. 

Jabbawong and NorthWords keep upping their game. 

The Elemental Festival followed in stride, 

Exploring the land with artistic pride.


“The rink needs a new name!” Council cried, ‘right quick!’

But they overruled ‘Pickledome,’ (which was our first pick). 

‘The Kagawong River Complex’ has style aesthetics, 

It’s the township’s new home for year-round athletics. 


And who should appear in the Park Centre hall,

But Steve Paikin himself—oh, the thrill of it all!

History night was another one to remember,

New banners gave deeper meaning to 11th November.


A new CAO brought an outlook unique, 

She keeps the township running at a level that’s peak. 

Youth Rangers explored and learned from the land,

Evening markets brought the crowds with purchases in-hand.


Spring brought rains, to farmers’ delight. 

Summer brought tourists, we guess that’s alright.

The autumn brought with it a return to schoolery, 

And throughout, we continued our usual punfoolery.


Now Kagawong rests, under blankets of snow, 

A village that thrives in ways we’ll never outgrow.  

From festivals, markets, and tales we hold tight, 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!


Wednesday, December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

‘Tis the ho-ho-holidays and Team Fergmeijer just held our first dinner party last week. We have been wanting to host for a long time, and finally decided that there’s noel time like the present. We arranged it all in the St. Nick of time since we just missed the bad weather. On the night, the roads were right as rein(deer) for people driving over. Planning it was fun, though we spent a lot of time mulling over whether to have spiced wine or apple cider with dinner. In the end we just had both! There was Christmas Karaoke after dinner and we went with ‘Hold Me Claus-er, Tinsel Dancer.’ At the time, we thought we sleighed it, but in hindsight, we wonder if that mulled wine might have given us some false confidence. 

There will be a planned power outage this Friday, December 20th, for most of the island from 2am until 6am. Be sure to pile on the blankets that night!


With the holidays upon us, keep in mind Billings Township will have special holiday hours for many of its services. The Township office will be closed December 25th through January 1st, reopening January 2nd. Both the landfill and library will be closed Tuesday, December 24th, Thursday, December 26th and Tuesday, December 31st, but otherwise open their usual days and times. Checkout the township website for more information: http://billingstwp.ca


With the winter weather seemingly settling in on us, don’t forget that Billings council meetings are all available by remote Zoom link if you are not able to attend in person. You can find more information on their Facebook page (www.fb.com/billingstownshipkagawong) or contact the town office directly. 


If you tuned in to the last council meeting, you already know that council has approved the installation of a new bulk water access and payment system. Users soon won’t need a key, as they can pay at the new meter that should be up and running sometime in 2025. 


Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Brad Graham who passed away last week. He was larger than life and left a lasting impression on the village. 


Body Stories winter dance registration is open and there is still space available for the Kagawong sessions. Sessions run Mondays from January 20th to March 3rd with classes for the very young right up to adults. Check out their website for more information (www.bodystoriesdance.com). 


We are sending Happy Birthday wishes to Christine L-M who turns 29 this week. Some words of advice from your (slightly) older friends: aging is inevitable. Maturity, on the other hand, is totally optional. Cheers to being forever young!


Recent Manitoulin Secondary graduates and their families are welcome to attend the annual Awards Night on Thursday, December 19th at 7pm to celebrate those graduates attending post-secondary institutions. MSS is thankful to local businesses and individuals who contribute to over $60,000 in scholarship and grant money for students. 


Remember that AWESOME pun we had in our column that one time? Catch up on all of Team Fergmeijer’s past columns in our archive at https://teamfergmeijer.blogspot.com/


This holiday season we hope you get all you want and myrrh. Have a great week!


Wednesday, December 11, 2024

December 11, 2024

Team Fergmeijer hit the big city recently. We had to run a few errands, but also made plans to meet up with a friend. He texted us to meet at the vinyl shop in 45, but we actually made it in 33 (which was record speed). Afterwards, we wandered around the mall for a bit, though we didn’t stick around long. After all, once you’ve seen one shopping plaza, you’ve seen the mall. We only really spent time at the electronics store where there was a clearance sale sign that said, “Television for $1, volume stuck on full.” We knew that was a deal we just couldn’t turn down! 

Holidays are just around the corner! While you’re out running errands, keep in mind the Billings Township will have special holiday hours for many of its services. The Township office will be closed December 25th through January 1st, reopening January 2nd. Both the landfill and library will be closed Tuesday, December 24th, Thursday, December 26th and Tuesday, December 31st, but otherwise open their usual days and times. Checkout the township website for more information: http://billingstwp.ca


With the winter weather seemingly settling in on us, don’t forget that Billings council meetings are all available by remote Zoom link if you are not able to attend in person. You can find more information on their Facebook page (www.fb.com/billingstownshipkagawong) or contact the town office directly. 


The township is now accepting applications for those interested in joining the NEW Senior's Advisory Committee (SAC) If you are interested in this opportunity, check out the town website for more information and submit your application by December 11th (today!), 2024 at 4:00pm to tmills@billingstwp.ca


Party vibes and happy birthday energy go out to Katherine T who is turning 29 and to Hailey F who is not quite 29 yet. If the thought of another birthday is getting you down, remember - you aren’t old, you are just well-seasoned. We hope you have an extra spicy day!


The library wishes to thank everyone who took part in the annual silent auction fundraiser. It raised just over $4000 to support the library! A gentle reminder that auction winners can pick up their items by December 10th at the library (Tues & Thurs 4-7pm; Sat 10-1pm). Contact the library directly if you need to arrange a pickup outside of regular library hours. Any items not paid for/picked up by the deadline will be offered to the next highest bidder. 


Remember that AWESOME pun we had in our column that one time? Catch up on all of Team Fergmeijer’s past columns in our archive at https://teamfergmeijer.blogspot.com/


While we were out shopping, we decided to practice our haggling skills. We asked one salesperson if they could give us a better price since the item had today’s date on it. She told us we could either buy it at full price or put the newspaper back on the pile. Have a great week!


Wednesday, December 4, 2024

December 4, 2024

Every once in a while, Team Fergmeijer gets questions from our loyal readers and by far the most popular one is “where do you get your jokes from?” The answer is that we are always on the lookout for the most groan-inspiring puns and bad jokes. When we come across one, we make a note of it and file it away in our well-organized online dad-a-base (for all our “dad” jokes, you see). It lives there until we find just the right column to include it in. 

With the winter weather seemingly settling in on us, don’t forget that Billings council meetings are all available by remote Zoom link if you are not able to attend in person. You can find more information on their Facebook page (www.fb.com/billingstownshipkagawong) or contact the town office directly. 


The township is now accepting applications for those interested in joining the NEW Senior's Advisory Committee (SAC) If you are interested in this opportunity, check out the town website for more information and submit your application by December 11th, 2024 at 4:00pm to tmills@billingstwp.ca


All the snowfall this week really makes it feel like winter for most people. For us, it is the switch to Winter landfill hours. You can now access the landfill Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm-6pm, Saturdays from 1pm-4pm and Sundays from 10am-4pm.


Another question Team Fergmeijer often gets asked is “if you could go anywhere (other than Billings) where would you go?” We’ve actually been discussing taking a trip to Rome this year! Of course, we can’t travel in the winter for work reasons, and while the spring and summer of Rome is appealing, it is peak tourist season and we don’t relish the experience of all those crowds. It probably goes without saying that we really don’t want to experience the fall of Rome either. 


Any other questions you want answered by your intrepid reporters? Email us at fergmeijer@gmail.com


The Island Singers - which includes many Kagawongians - are hosting their holiday concerts this weekend! Join them on Saturday, December 7 at 3pm at the United Church in Little Current, and Sunday, December 8 at 3pm at Freshwater Church in Mindemoya. Tickets for either concert are $10 and are available at the door.


Got birthdays? Want to make someone you love feel special? When you send their info to us to include in the column, you can ensure they will get that warm feeling inside. Could be joy, could be embarrassment, but the point is, we can make it happen! 


The library wishes to thank everyone who took part in the annual silent auction fundraiser, and to remind you that auction winners can pick up their items by December 10th at the library (Tues & Thurs 4-7pm; Sat 10-1pm). Contact the library directly if you need to arrange a pickup outside of regular library hours. Any items not paid for/picked up by the deadline will be offered to the next highest bidder. 


‘Tis the season to appreciate family. Not many people know that one of our parents was born a conjoined twin, though they were separated when they were kids. It’s true! Of all our uncles, our favourite is on our father's side, once removed. Have a great week!

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

November 27, 2024

As the days get shorter and nights longer, we thought you might be needing something uplifting, so forgive us for leaning into a more motivational/inspirational lane this week. Remember, Count Dracula was 412 when he moved to America in search of new blood, Sauron was 54000 years old when he forged The One Ring, and Cthulhu had seen galaxies flare into life and fade to darkness before he put madness in the minds of men. In other words: it’s never too late to follow your dreams!

The township is now accepting applications for those interested in joining the NEW Senior's Advisory Committee! The Senior's Advisory Committee (SAC) will: act as a liaison to Council, promote ways to enrich and enhance the lives of seniors within the township, to identify barriers, to form partnerships with the community, provide recommendations to Council based on input received from the community to improve policies regarding the programs and services provided to seniors, identify barriers to access Township programs and services by seniors and those with accessibility issues, work with decision makers to achieve an Age-friendly community.If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your application no later than December 11th, 2024 at 4:00pm to tmills@billingstwp.ca. Check out the town website for more information. 


Not only have we moved from daylight savings time to standard time, but we’ve also gone from Summer landfill hours to Winter landfill hours. You can now access the landfill Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm-6pm, Saturdays from 1pm-4pm and Sundays from 10am-4pm.


This week we are wishing Nora U, Candy T, and Chantelle W a happy birthday, as they all celebrate the big 2-9! In banana years, you are ripe enough for bread, and the best is yet to crumb!


Thank you to everyone who took part in the Billings Library silent auction last weekend. It was a huge success, raising funds to support our local library. Auction winners are reminded to pick up their items by December 10th at the library (Tues & Thurs 4-7pm; Sat 10-1pm). Contact the library directly if you need to arrange a pickup outside of regular library hours. Any items not paid for/picked up by the deadline will be offered to the next highest bidder. 


The Manitoulin Community Choir will be performing in Kagawong this Friday, November 29th at 7:30pm at the Park Centre. They’ll be presenting a mix of songs & styles with a little something for everyone. Admission is $15 per person with tickets available at the door.


As we get older, Team Fergmeijer remembers all the people we have lost. In hindsight, perhaps a career as tour guides was not the best idea. Have a great week!


Wednesday, November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

It is important to take care of yourself these days. A therapist friend encouraged us to listen to our inner child to help us see things in a new light. We have been trying, but our inner child has to compete with an inner duck who always wants bread and our inner mouse that always wants cheese, as well as our inner focaccia dough which needs to rest for at least 12 hours in a cool, dark place alone before it is ready for anything. Of course, we are also trying to do our part for the planet, so we have started doing meatless Mondays. Though, we spell it “Meetless Monday” and involves staying home and not talking to anyone all day. It just feels good to do our part. 

Not only have we moved from daylight savings time to standard time, but we’ve also gone from Summer landfill hours to Winter landfill hours. You can now access the landfill Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm-6pm, Saturdays from 1pm-4pm and Sundays from 10am-4pm.


Happiest of happy birthday wishes go out to Dwyne C and Mel C. We hope you have a huge birthday party to celebrate. And don’t worry if no one shows up. It just means you can have your cake and eat it, too!


Thanks to all the vendors, volunteers, and visitors at last weekend’s Christmas in Kagawong! It was a great two-day event that had folks coming from all over, with the furthest traveler being from the North Pole! That’s right, St. Nick put in an appearance and helped us kick off the festive season.


Big news: the naming contest for the Pickle Dome has wrapped up and the winning name was the Kagawong River Complex! It’s really exciting that the Pickle Dome has an official name finally. We can’t wait to see if the town installs new signage on the Pickle Dome showing off its new moniker!


Tomorrow! The Billings Library will be holding their annual online silent auction starting on Thursday November 21st. All bidding is done via facebook.com/groups/libraryauction. Something for everyone will be available for bid. Trail rides? Check! Wheel alignment? Check! Basket of chocolatey goodness? Check! With the library now able to accept payment via credit and debit, it’s never been easier to take part in the auction. 


The Manitoulin Community Choir will be performing in Kagawong on Friday, November 29th at 7:30pm at the Park Centre. They’ll be presenting a mix of songs & styles with a little something for everyone. Admission is $15 per person with tickets available at the door.


If you need support, Team Fergmeijer is here for you. We are starting a group therapy session where we sit around to talk about our stresses and eat pasta. We’re calling it Penne For Your Thoughts. Have a great week!


Wednesday, November 13, 2024

November 13, 2024

You may know Team Fergmeijer as intrepid reporters, but we have recently been discussing what other ways we might fill our time. We started to brainstorm some ideas for businesses that might interest us. We started pondering an all marsupial fighting championship that we would call Mortal Wombat. Then considered a residential security company (Surelock Homes). There was a brief consideration of a fish and chip stand, but the name Frying Nemo seemed a bit dark and we moved on rather quickly. This all came about because our friend, Richard, a flooring contractor we affectionately call Lino Richie (his voice mail message is, “Hello, is it me you’re looking floor?”), formed a partnership with a company that specialized in floor and wall tile called Bonnie Tiler. We decided perhaps entrepreneurial life is the way to go. The current front runner is a gardening business called Back to the Fuchsia, but we haven't made any solid decisions yet. 

Thank you to the Kagawong Cenotaph Board for organizing and sponsoring the Remembrance Day service at the Park Centre on Monday. Remembrance Day may have passed, but you can still check out the banners around Kagawong honouring local veterans. Lest we forget.


We want to send out happy birthday wishes to former Kagawongian Rachel M and seasonal Kagawongian Dave T this week. As you ponder another trip around the sun, just remember that birthdays are like golf; way more fun when you don’t keep count. 


Get your lists and start checking them twice - Christmas in Kagawong is coming up on November 15th & 16th! On Friday, November 15th,vendors will be set up from 4-8pm at the Park Centre, and the Gore Bay Legion will be hosting supper. On the Saturday, vendors will be back from 10am-4pm. Rumour has it St. Nick himself will be putting in an appearance that day from 11am-2pm at the ice rink, where you can also pick up lunch hosted by the Billings Museum Board. Round out the day with a visit to the Anglican Church for their annual meat pie fundraiser, bake sale, craft table and gift bags. 


The Billings Library will be holding their annual online silent auction starting on Thursday November 21st. All bidding is done via facebook.com/groups/libraryauction. Something for everyone will be available for bid. Load of gravel or mulch? Check! Beautiful artwork? Check! Ripley’s Aquarium passes? Check! With the library now able to accept payment via credit and debit, it’s never been easier to take part in the auction. 


The Manitoulin Community Choir will be performing in Kagawong on Friday November 29th at 7:30pm at the Park Centre. They’ll be presenting a mix of songs & styles with a little something for everyone. Admission is $15 per person with tickets available at the door.


Last week’s time change had us really struggling to wake up on time. So we have officially replaced our alarm clocks with pet ducks. Now we get up at the quack of dawn. Have a great week!


Wednesday, November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Always keen to increase community spirit, as well as bring more people to town, Team Fergmeijer is putting together a proposal for a new event for the council’s consideration. We figure the salmon run has real potential to be the central feature of a fall festival. People are practically swooning at the sight of them jumping up the falls each year. Along with education around these amazing fish, we could incorporate music and art, bonfires and dancing; kind of like a smaller version of Coachella. We could call it Salmon-ella! It’s work in progress but we’ll keep you updated on our progress. 

If you have lived in or visited Kagawong over the past 20 years, you have likely seen the impact of the 4elements living arts organization. Over the years, 4e has shared art, writing and poetry, fibre arts, music, workshops, festivals, film screenings, and even a River School along the Kagawong River, with many events taking place within the township. A huge thank you to all the volunteers that have made 4elements the amazing organization that it is. 


We are pleased to have our Manitoulin Mom back after her extended stay in the big smoke. We hear the staff at her hotel were lovely, but the room could have used an upgrade. She is now home and enjoying being in her own space again. 


On Monday, November 11, at 11am, all are welcome to a Remembrance Day service at the Kagawong Park Centre. Sponsored by the Kagawong Cenotaph Board, there will be a silver collection, and a potluck lunch following the service. Before or after the service, be sure to take some time to see the banners around Kagawong honouring local veterans. Lest we forget.


MPP Mike Mantha will be holding constituency clinics at a variety of locations across Manitoulin this month. On Tuesday, November 12th you can book an appointment to offer your thoughts and ask questions of our local representative at the Kagawong Park Centre from 1 - 2pm. Contact the constituency office to make an appointment or for more information (1-800-831-1899 /  mmantha-co@ola.org )


Many happy returns go out to Jody K and Connie F who are celebrating their 29th birthdays. We just think it’s so cool that you were born in the 1900s!


Get your lists and start checking them twice - Christmas in Kagawong is coming up on November 15th & 16th! On Friday, November 15th,vendors will be set up from 4-8pm at the Park Centre, and the Gore Bay Legion will be hosting supper. On the Saturday, vendors will be back from 10am-4pm. Rumour has it St. Nick himself will be putting in an appearance that day from 11am-2pm at the ice rink, where you can also pick up lunch hosted by the Billings Museum Board. Round out the day with a visit to the Anglican Church for their annual meat pie fundraiser, bake sale, craft table and gift bags. 


The Billings Library will be holding their annual online silent auction starting on Thursday November 21st. All bidding is done via facebook.com/groups/libraryauction. Contact the library for more information. 


Did you know? You can tune a guitar, but you can’t tuna fish. Unless of course you play bass. Have a great week!

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

We here at Team Fergmeijer have long thought that the title of our favourite newspaper was perhaps a bit too long and could use a short form. (If you thought we were going to make some joke here about the Sudbury Star needing a nickname, joke’s on you! We would never be that predictable.) Anyhoo…The Expositor is a bit of a mouthful for some, and a possible moniker was suggested to us by a good friend, and loyal reader who let us know that, when the ‘Spoz’ arrives on their doorstep, the first thing they read is this column (after the obituaries of course). We quite liked how that sounds and almost burst a button laughing when we heard it. If you have a pet name for the paper, drop us a line and let us know. 

We’ll give you pumpkin to talk about! Trick-or-treaters are invited to stop by the Park Centre on Halloween for treats, courtesy of the Billings Park, Recreation and Wellness Committee. And they can detour up the stairs to the library after to maximize their Kagawong candy collection! For those staying home to hand out the candy, be aware that some MSS students may be coming around to collect non-perishable food for their Halloween for Hunger campaign. The goods all go to support families in need on Manitoulin.


Remembrance Day is quickly approaching and the museum board’s newest initiative to honour veterans is finally up and out for all to see. The flags around Kagawong honouring local veterans look amazing and remind us of how far our local soldiers went when called by their country. 


MPP Mike Mantha will be holding constituency clinics at a variety of locations across Manitoulin next month. On Tuesday, November 12th you can book an appointment to offer your thoughts and ask your questions of our local representative at the Park Centre from 1 - 2pm. Contact the constituency office to make an appointment or for more information (1-800-831-1899 /  mmantha-co@ola.org )


You’ve heard of elf on the shelf, but have you heard of shop-past-dark in the Park (Centre)? Christmas in Kagawong is coming up on November 15th & 16th! Mark the date in your calendar and get ready to explore all the Kagawong Christmas market has to offer on those two days. Including the Anglican Church’s annual meat pie fundraiser. Pop into the church on the Saturday and dinner is taken care of, then browse the bake sale for dessert and the craft table and gift bags just to round out the trip. 


Mark your calendars and get your bidding hand ready: the Billings Library will be holding their annual online silent auction starting on Thursday November 21st. Last year’s auction had over 70 items up for bid and this year is shaping up to be just as impressive (if the load of gravel isn’t your thing, how about a load of mulch instead?). All bidding is done via facebook.com/groups/libraryauction and with nearly 400 participants, it is always a lively event. If you would like to donate an item or service to the auction, or would just like more information, drop a line to billingsreads@gmail.com.


We want wish happy 29th birthdays to Diane N, Connie F, and Gail L who are all completing another trip around the sun. Of course, ‘happy birthday’ might seem like a lot of pressure in this crazy world that keeps throwing one thing after another at us, so feel free just to have a birthday. No pressure. We won’t judge. 


Deep thought of the week: Do Tetley employees get coffee breaks? Have a great week!

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

October 23, 2024

October 23rd is International Mole Day. It wasn’t made clear to us if it was referring to the furry rodent variety or the industrial espionage variety, though. And there’s a small chance there was a typo and it is really international molé day. Maybe it’s meant to be a bit more niche - a day to celebrate saucy rodent spies (molé mole moles). Have fun, however you celebrate the day!

The next Youth Rangers event by Manitoulin Streams is coming up this Thursday from 5:30-7pm at the Kagawong Park Centre. Children in grades 1-8 are welcome to come and learn about the salmon of Manitoulin. Rumour has it there may also be some sweet treats! Cost is $5 per child. Contact getinvolved.manitoulinstreams@gmail.com for more information or to register.


Remembrance Day is quickly approaching and the museum board’s newest initiative to honour veterans is finally up and out for all to see. The flags honouring local veterans look amazing and remind us of how far our local soldiers went when called by their country. 


Not only does the village now have TWO new bridges, there is also a selection of new signage along the river trail. The signage is just like your favourite columnists - informative and visually appealing. 


MPP Mike Mantha will be holding constituency clinics at a variety of locations across Manitoulin next month. On Tuesday, November 12th you can book an appointment to offer your thoughts and ask your questions of our local representative at the Park Centre from 1 - 2pm. Contact the constituency office to make an appointment or for more information (1-800-831-1899 /  mmantha-co@ola.org )


You’ve heard of elf on the shelf, but have you heard of art in the Park (Centre)? Christmas in Kagawong is coming up on November 15th & 16th! Mark the date in your calendar and get ready to explore all the Kagawong Christmas market has to offer on those two days.


Lately, the autumn leaves are gorgeous enough to inspire even the least poetic among us to appreciate a good verse. In honour of the humble mangel ​​wurzel,we present an ode to possibly the greatest of the vegetable throwing events (superior even to frozen pea throwing, we hear): mangold hurling.


Each year when Autumn comes to pass
And tawny owls do hoot
We take ourselves out to the grass
To hurl our sacred root

The maids do come to hope and pray
They'll be the one who's chosen
By the champion hurler of this day
In smock or lederhosen


Mark your calendars and get your bidding hand ready: the Billings Library will be holding their annual online silent auction from Thursday November 21st to  Sunday November 24th. Last year’s auction had over 70 items up for bid and this year is shaping up to be just as impressive (can anyone say 10 round golf card?!). All bidding is done via facebook.com/groups/libraryauction and with nearly 400 participants, it is always a lively event. If you would like to donate an item or service to the auction, or would just like more information, drop a line to billingsreads@gmail.com.


Best wishes go out to Rachel B and Meranda V who have completed another trip around the sun this week. Few things in this world age really well: wine, cheese, whiskey, and quality antiques. Hmmm, kind of forgot what point we were making there. Anyway, Happy birthday!


And a very happy, quite belated birthday to Paula M. We are embarrassed to have missed such a big day for you. You’ve turned 29 in Billings Township for a lot of years, and now that you are living outside the township, who knows how old you could be turning!? We wouldn’t get too worked up about it though. It’s not like you are going to jump from turning 29 each year to suddenly turning 75 or anything. Despite the tardiness, we hope you accept our most heartfelt and best wishes!


One half of Team Fergmeijer was actually in the hospital getting a weird looking mole checked out last week. Turns out she could have just left it in the garden. Have a great week!