June 11, 2025

We came across an interesting summer job opportunity, and Team Fergmeijer decided to go for it! We applied for jobs sorting bugs at an insect farm. We were called in for an interview and everything seemed to go pretty well - the person interviewing us said we boxed all the right ticks. 

Have your say! The township is revamping how we use the landfill, drafting a new waste management bylaw. Council is keen to hear your thoughts and are accepting constructive criticism of the draft bylaw over the month of June. You can access the bylaw and the public at the township office or on the township’s website (www.billingstwp.ca/news). All comments must be submitted in writing via the comment form or via email to bylaw@billingstwp.ca. All comments must have your name and contact information included. 

Thinking of burning brush as you tidy up your yard? Don’t forget that burn permits are required in Billings! Stop by the township office to get your free permit, which is valid for one week. Burn permits are not required for a small bonfire.

Happiest of happy birthday wishes go out to the one and only Karlene S. May your presents be filled with joy and your cake be calorie free.

June 28th is Team Aelick’s annual stroll for liver in support of Liver Canada. This 5k walk through the village starts at the Park Centre at 11am. You can join the stroll, support from the sidelines, and donate through their team page (bit.ly/teamaelick). Donations over $20 qualify for a tax receipt. 

The Old Mill Heritage Centre is now open five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Stop by and check out the amazing “ship model” exhibit of all the ferries that serviced Manitoulin for over 100 years! The museum is also gearing up for its big celebration of the 100th anniversary of the mill on July 19th. 

If you are looking for a fun and easy way to get more involved in the community, the library is looking to fill a spot on its board. Contact billingsreads@gmail.com or stop in at the library to chat with the librarian for more information. 

Billings library’s annual used book sale is only a month away! On Saturday July 19th, rain or shine, there will be thousands of books up for grabs, and you will be turtley surprised by some of the developments in the works!. Did you know that the members of the library board and volunteers get first dibs on books? If you would like to volunteer at the sale, reach out to the library. Volunteer hours are available for any high school students who would like to help out. 

The library will also be holding their annual beach movie on August 9th. They will be showing the a-maze-ing 80s classic, Labyrinth!

As if that wasn’t enough library info for one column, the popular Blind Date With a Book fundraiser for the library is happening again this year! Choose from 30+ new books wrapped in plain brown paper with just the genre and general clues to the story visible. A true choose your own adventure! As any good date should, each Blind Date book comes with a box of chocolates from Manitoulin Chocolate Works. This fundraiser starts July 3rd and is only available at the library’s table at the Wednesday market in Kagawong.

Now, last, but not least - don’t forget that it’s t-minus 2 Wednesdays until the Kagawong market kicks off for another season!

One half of Team Fergmeijer couldn’t figure out why Siri kept calling her Shirley this morning. It was getting pretty annoying, but then she realized she’d left her phone on Airplane mode. Have a great week!