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!