August 6, 2025

The nice weather has folks out to use the covered rink at the Kagawong River Complex (or as we still fondly refer to it: the Pickle Dome). It has been a great addition to the community, and while we at Team Fergmeijer appreciate the current minimalist feel of the dome, it has been suggested that it might be time to zhuzh it up a bit. Which, predictably, has led us to launch a completely informal, not-affiliated-with-the-township, and unlikely to get approval, mural design competition. We were thinking perhaps pickles playing tennis, but have your say and send us your suggestions for imagery to be added to the giant blank canvas that is the roof of the rink (fergmeijer@gmail.com). 

Love without limits, pride without borders. Pride Manitoulin is back! Beginning tomorrow and lasting all weekend (August 7-10) there are activities for all ages happening all over the island, including concerts, creativity workshops, drag shows, worship services, trivia nights, bingo, and more. And YES there’s a parade! Check out pridemanitoulin.ca for more information, times, and locations.

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. 

You remind me of the babe. What babe? The babe with the power. What power? The power of voodoo. Who do? You do. Do what? Remind me of the babe! Calling all 80s babies - this Saturday the library is hosting their annual summer beach movie, showing Labyrinth starring David Bowie! Show starts at 9pm; admission is by donation. Bring your own beach chair or floatie!

Happy birthday to Lisa H as she celebrates her 29th birthday. We cannot express how wonderful we think it is that you were once so very young. 

Today is a very special day for Kagawong power couple Mel and Jim Clark as they celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary! It really does give us proof of the power of love (and maybe noise-cancelling headphones). 

If you missed the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the township’s draft waste management by-law, here’s an opportunity you can’t, ahem, refuse. A second public consultation period is now being held to gather additional feedback on the revised version of the by-law and the supporting policy. No trash talking though - serious comments only as Billings Township looks to modernize waste management. The consultation runs until August 22, and can be found at https://www.billingstwp.ca/live-here/waste-and-recycling/

We never thought yoga would fix our posture, but we stand corrected! On Saturdays, 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 museum is hosting its annual History Day in Kagawong on August 14th, featuring Kagawong’s favourite celebrity, Steve Paikin! He 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 have another pun to share about the roof of the outdoor rink, but it might go over your head. Have a great week!