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!