July 30, 2025

As many of you know, Team Fergmeijer enjoys puttering about in the kitchen. We also quite enjoy a good cooking show. We have recently finished watching the final episode of the Australian Master Chef series. It was surprising to hear the audience clapping and cheering when the chef made a fancy meringue. In our experience, Australians normally boo meringues. 

The Manitoulin Tennis Club meets regularly Wednesdays 6:30pm until 8:30pm and Sundays from 10am to noon at the Manitoulin Secondary tennis courts. Beginners and players of all ages and abilities are welcome! Team Fergmeijer has only just started getting into tennis, and we were wondering if tennis players realized that if they hit the ball a little gentler, their friend could hit it back and they could play longer. 

Things are heating up at the library - they hold Summer Fun Days for youth 5-10 years old each Tuesday throughout the summer. Stop in from 10-11am for games, crafts and stories. 

The library’s next big summer event is the annual summer beach movie on Saturday, August 9th. This year’s offering is 80s classic, Labyrinth starring David Bowie! Show starts at 9pm; admission is by donation. 

This week we are sending out heartfelt birthday wishes to Mike C, Meredith C-N, Dawn N, and Beth G on their 29th trip around the sun. We wish you good health, happiness, and just a bit of magic. Failing all of that, we wish you doughnuts. 

On Saturdays we do Yoga! Seniors (55+) are invited to drop-in Yoga classes at the Kagawong Park Centre at 9:30am. Beginners and experienced yogis are welcome. Classes are $5 each and run Saturdays until August 16th.

On Tuesdays we paint! Tuesdays through July, the township of Billings invites everyone aged 55+ to Painting with Sheila from 1-4pm at the Kagawong Park Centre. These classes are $35 each and include all materials. Beginner painters welcome, refreshments and lots of laughter to be expected! Contact Mary at seniors@billingstwp.ca for more information or to RSVP. 

Please note that the pink Sic Sox containers are no longer available at the Park Centre. The company has unexpectedly discontinued the program, and the township is looking for alternative providers. 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Old Mill in the village. In honour of its significance to our town and the wider region of Manitoulin and beyond, the museum has published a book that explores its venerable history. These can be purchased at the Billings Heritage Centre (conveniently located in the Old Mill) and at the weekly Wednesday markets. 

The museum is also hosting its annual History Day in Kagawong on August 14th, featuring Kagawong’s favourite celebrity, Steve Paikin, who will be speaking with local historians Candy Tracey, Dianne Fraser, and Lois Linley. There will be historical photos and home movies dating back 100 years, and the Manitoulin Swing Band will be performing. Come out for the matinee at 3:30pm or the evening show at 7:30pm. Admission is free, though donations to the museum are appreciated. 

Billings residents, property owners, business owners, and other stakeholders are invited to review the proposed draft bylaw on shipping container use and to let council know your thoughts and suggestions. The proposed bylaw and the consultation form can be found on the township website (billingstwp.ca/townhall/by-laws-and-policies).

We bought a vinyl record called “Sounds Wasps Make” but when we got home and played it we agreed it sounded nothing like wasps. Turns out, we were playing the bee side. Have a great week!

July 23, 2025

We at Team Fergmeijer are strong proponents of life-long learning. For instance, we just learned that Albert Einstein was a real person. All this time we thought he was a theoretical physicist.

The Manitoulin Tennis Club meets regularly Wednesdays 6:30pm until 8:30pm and Sundays from 10am to noon at the Manitoulin Secondary tennis courts. Beginners and players of all ages and abilities are welcome! Team Fergmeijer has only just started getting into tennis, and we were wondering if tennis players realized that if they hit the ball a little gentler, their friend could hit it back and they could play longer. 

Things are heating up at the library - they hold Summer Fun Days for youth 5-10 years old each Tuesday throughout the summer. Stop in from 10-11am for games, crafts and stories. 

Many thanks to all the volunteers and dedicated book addicts who helped to make the library used book sale fundraiser a huge success! The library’s next big summer event is the annual summer beach movie on Saturday August 9th. This year’s offering is 80s classic, Labyrinth starring David Bowie! 

Because someone missed the Expositor submission deadline last week (we won’t name names), we have a slew of happy birthday wishes to send out this week! On the occasion of their 29th birthday, many happy returns go out to this chronologically gifted crew: Caroline B, Carol G, Linda R, Craig F, Jenifer F, Arik T, Ethan T, and Jen C. 

On Saturdays we do Yoga! Seniors (55+) are invited to drop-in Yoga classes at the Kagawong Park Centre at 9:30am. Beginners and experienced yogis are welcome. Classes are $5 each and run Saturdays until August 16th.

On Tuesdays we paint! Tuesdays through July, the township of Billings invites everyone aged 55+ to Painting with Sheila from 1-4pm at the Kagawong Park Centre. These classes are $35 each and include all materials. Beginner painters welcome, refreshments and lots of laughter to be expected! Contact Mary at seniors@billingstwp.ca for more information or to RSVP. 

The Township of Billings Climate Action Committee is hosting a community yard sale this Saturday, July 25 from 8am until noon at the Park Centre parking lot and Kagawong River Complex. Bring along any items you’d like to sell, and take some time to browse for some new treasures, all while helping to keep items out of our landfill. There’s no need to sign up in advance - come one and all! Tables are provided if needed.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Old Mill in the village. In honour of its significance to our town and the wider region of Manitoulin and beyond, the museum has published a book that explores its venerable history. These can be purchased at the Billings Heritage Centre (conveniently located in the Old Mill) and at the weekly Wednesday markets. 

The museum is also hosting its annual History Day in Kagawong on August 14th, featuring Kagawong’s favourite celebrity, Steve Paikin, who will be speaking with local historians Candy Tracey, Dianne Fraser, and Lois Linley. There will be historical photos and home movies dating back 100 years, and the Manitoulin Swing Band will be performing. 

In an effort to always be learning, we have also taught ourselves how to make a bunch of people unreasonably angry really quickly. We’re happy to share our tricks with you, but first we need to soak our cast iron skillet into the sink overnight before running it through the dishwasher. Have a great week!

July 9, 2025

It’s summer! Which means between the beach, the falls, the local eats, the marina, the markets, and ALL the goings-on, Kagawong is THE place to be! This week’s column is chock-a-block full of upcoming events, so much so that we have to be a little light on puns. 

Tonight (Wednesday, July 9) is Students’ Night with the Manitoulin Tennis Club. High schoolers can get some summer competition play, and younger students are welcome to come and try out the sport. The club meets regularly Wednesdays from 6:30pm until 8:30pm and Sundays from 10am to 12noon at the Manitoulin Secondary tennis courts. Beginners and players of all ages and abilities are welcome!

The Billings Library is hosting Summer Fun Days! Kids aged 5+ are welcome to the library every Tuesday through the summer from 10-11am for games, crafts and stories. Can’t make it during those times? The summer hours for the library are Tuesday - Saturday, 9am -12 and 1pm - 5pm. Stop in and check out the fabulous selection of childrens’ and young adult books, puzzles, games, and of course lots of books for the adults too! Visit the library Facebook page for more information (Fb.com/Kagawonglibrary). 

Also Tuesdays through July, the township of Billings invites everyone aged 55+ to Painting with Sheila from 1-4pm at the Kagawong Park Centre. These classes are $35 each and include all materials. Beginner painters welcome, refreshments and lots of laughter to be expected! Contact Mary at seniors@billingstwp.ca for more information or to RSVP. 

Beginning this Saturday (July 12th), seniors (55+) are invited to drop-in Yoga classes at the Kagawong Park Centre at 9:30am. Beginners and experienced yogis are welcome. Classes are $5 each and run Saturdays until August 16th.

The Manitoulin Art Tour coming up on July 18th, 19th and 20th! An annual, self-guided, island-wide celebration of art and artists on Manitoulin, the Art Tour is organized by the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association. In Kagawong alone, you can explore 9 artists in 4 locations. You can download a copy of the map of all the artists across Manitoulin taking part at www.manitoulinart.com.

Island-wise household hazardous waste collection is back! Residents of Billings Township looking to declutter (and keep harmful substances out of our landfill) can drop off batteries, electronics, paint, cleaners, pharmaceuticals, propane cylinders, pesticides, and more at the Mindemoya Roads Building (7 Lakeshore Road off highway 542/551) on Saturday, July 19 from 1-4pm. Check out the poster on the Billings Township Facebook page for more details on what you can and cannot bring.

The library board would like to remind everyone that the annual book sale fundraiser is Saturday, July 19th. Friends of Manitoulin Turtles and Manitoulin Streams will be there with amazing displays, a children's book reading, and fun activities. Rumour has it Science North might even be putting in an appearance! Stop in at the picnic pavilion in downtown Kagawong between 11am and 3pm to check it out.

The Township of Billings Climate Action Committee is hosting a township yard sale on Saturday, July 25 at the Park Centre parking lot and Kagawong River Complex. Bring along any items you’d like to sell, and take some time to browse for some new treasures, all while helping to keep items out of our landfill. 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Old Mill in the village. In honour of its significance to our town and the wider region of Manitoulin and beyond, the museum has published a book that explores its venerable history. These can be purchased at the Billings Heritage Centre (conveniently located in the Old Mill) and at the weekly Wednesday markets. 

And back by popular demand, August 14th is the annual History Day in Kagawong. This year, Kagawongian extraordinaire Steve Paikin will be speaking with local historians Candy Tracey, Dianne Fraser, and Lois Linley. There will be historical photos and home movies dating back 100 years, and the Manitoulin Swing Band will be performing. Save the date!

We mentioned that we’d have to be light on puns this week. Truth was we weren’t bright enough to think of any. Have a great week!

July 2, 2025

We are often mistaken for an adult because of our age. That said, you know you are maturing when you realize that your mom was right, but she could have worked on her tone. 

The Manitoulin Tennis Club will be hosting some special tennis nights for any and all folks interested! Tonight (July 2) is Ladies’ Night, with free treats for everyone, and Wednesday, July 9 is Students’ Night - high schoolers can get some summer competition play, and younger students are welcome to try out the sport. The club meets Wednesdays from 6:30pm until 8:30pm and Sundays from 10am to 12noon at the Manitoulin Secondary tennis courts. Beginners and players of all ages and abilities are welcome!

Even if a bear is wearing shoes and socks, he will still have bear feet. 

You know summer has started when the Anglican Church holds their annual summer yard sale and BBQ! This Saturday, July 5, stop by the Kagawong River Complex from 10-2 to pick up some great deals and some tasty treats. All proceeds to support St. John’s Church. 

The Manitoulin Art Tour is back, July 18th, 19th and 20th! An annual, self-guided, island-wide celebration of art and artists on Manitoulin, the Art Tour is organized by the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association. In Kagawong alone, you can explore 9 artists in 4 locations. You can download a copy of the map of all the artists across Manitoulin taking part at www.manitoulinart.com.

Of all the martial arts, karaoke inflicts the most pain. 

Did the timing of the library’s puzzle swap leave you puzzled? Not to worry! The library has now switched to their summer hours and you can go in and pick up a new-to-you puzzle at any time! The summer hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 9am -12; 1pm - 5pm. Stop in and meet Dana, our summer librarian! You can also bring the kids to the library every Tuesday morning this summer for a fun hour of stories, crafts and games. Check out the library Facebook page for more information (Fb.com/Kagawonglibrary). 

The library board would also like to remind everyone that the annual book sale fundraiser is Saturday July 19th. Friends of Manitoulin Turtles and Manitoulin Streams will be joining us with amazing displays, a children's book reading, and fun activities. Rumour has it Science North might even be putting in an appearance!

Did you know? If you turn a canoe over you can wear it like a hat. Because it’s cap sized. 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic Old Mill in the village. In honour of its significance to our town and the wider region of Manitoulin and beyond, the museum has published a book that explores its venerable history. These can be purchased at the Billings Heritage Centre (conveniently located in the Old Mill) and at the weekly Wednesday markets. 

One half of Team Fergmeijer keeps dreaming that she is slowly turning into a tree, and her fingers are acorns. It’s a re-oakcurring nightmare. 

Save the date! The Township of Billings Climate Action Committee is hosting a township yard sale on Saturday, July 25 at the Park Centre parking lot and Kagawong River Complex. Bring along any items you’d like to sell, and take some time to browse for some new treasures, all while helping to keep items out of our landfill. 

Team Fergmeijer are pleased to announce we are working on a new book on how to fall down the stairs. It’s a step by step guide. Have a great week!