February 12, 2025

Team Fergmeijer is all about life-long learning. This week we learned that we should not write Valentine’s day cards on an empty stomach. We ended up with some, shall we say, unique sentiments: I donut want to glaze over the fact that I love you; I love you s’more and s’more with each passing day; if you were a vegetable, you’d be a cutecumber; I love you a brunch; we were mint to be together; Our love is a hot dog - I relish it; I hope you like breakfast, because I love you a waffle lot. We know we tend to be hopeless ramen-tics, and want our friends and family to know that we love them—like, pho real, but these were a bit over the top, even for us.  

Kagawong Winterfest is back! Grab your skates and toboggans, and come on by the Kagawong River Complex on Family Day, February 17 from 11am-3pm. Outside there will be ice skating, a sliding hill, free pizza and hot dogs, maple taffy, snowmobile display, and a fire to help warm up those toes! Inside at the Park Centre there will be some educational and fun activities hosted by Manitoulin Streams and the Manitoulin Secondary School robotics team, a craft and hot chocolate and chili hosted by the Parks, Recreation and Wellness Committee, and a free Mindful Movement class and dance party hosted by Body Stories Dance Education & Performance. Wintry fun for everyone!

There is no time more suited to poetry than Valentine’s day and so this week’s Short Poems for a Short Month challenge leans into the season of love with a selection of adoring verse. 

Forget red and blue, 

Pizza’s the colour of love,

And chocolate too.

I had plans today, 

But then you smiled at me and…

What was I saying?

Big news! Billings Township will be offering senior active living programming for 2025. All seniors are invited to drop by the Park Centre at 1pm on Wednesday, February 19 to kick off the new program and help develop the schedule of activities for the year.

And for the younger crowd, applications are now being accepted for summer student positions with the township! Students (age 15+ upon commencement of employment) are welcome to apply for Marina Assistant (2 positions), Public Works Assistant (2 positions), Museum Assistant, and Library Assistant. Applications (cover letter and resumé) are due by email to tmills@billingstwp.ca by noon on Friday, March 7. 

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Old Mill in Kagawong and the museum board is planning a variety of ceremonial events and is looking for additional historical information. If you know of anyone who could help or who worked at the mill/hydro plant, the museum board would be grateful for any information (oldmillheritage@billingstwp.ca)

Break out your dancing shoes for Manitoulin Secondary School’s performance of Mamma Mia! you can dance, you can jive, and have the time of your life! The broadway hit will have you dancing, jiving, and having the time of your life, singing along to the songs of ABBA. Shows run over two weekends: Friday Feb. 14th (7pm), Saturday Feb. 15th (2pm matinée) and Friday Feb. 21st (7pm), Saturday Feb. 22nd (2pm matinée). Tickets are $20 at the door or in advance at select pharmacies across Manitoulin, or online at bit.ly/MammaMiaMSS 

Deepen your connection with your body with the free Inclusive Mindful Movement classes at the Park Centre Mondays, now through March 3rd (8-9pm). Come out for a gentle, joyful movement practice focused on helping you find more ease in your movement and alignment. No dance experience necessary. Space is limited. Pre-registration is encouraged. www.bodystoriesdance.com (647-213-1497). 

All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. Have a great week!