September 10, 2025

Team Fergmeijer is always working at being healthy. We spent several afternoons last week sitting in front of the Chocolate Works working on staying well hydrated (mostly carbohydrated, but whatever). While there, we did a bit of people-watching and saw a number of locals out and about in warm, woollen sweaters that all appeared to be one size too small. It really is wonderful to live in such a tight knit community.   

This week, a very special happy birthday wish goes out to local aging expert Jamie Ward who turned the big 2-9 this week. We asked him for some words of wisdom on the eve of this momentous birthday, to which he replied: “Dance like no one is watching; sing like no one is listening; eat pizza like somebody might try to take it away from you at any moment, yo!” 

After an incredible summer, the village is settling into the quieter fall season. The Old Mill Heritage Centre is now open Wednesday - Sunday from 10am-5pm, and the library is back to their winter hours (Tuesday & Thursday 4-7pm; Saturdays 10am-1pm). The landfill remains on its current schedule (Tuesdays & Thursdays 2-6pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm) until October 31st. 

Fun fact: koi fish will always travel in groups of 4. If attacked, koi A, B and C will scatter leaving behind the D koi.

The Kagawong Seniors Active Living Program presents Fitness with Kelly! This program is starting up again Thursday, September 11, 10am at the Park Centre. Contact Mary for more information at 705-348-2285 or seniors@billingstwp.ca.

Parents of littles who reside in Billings! Register your children (under 5) for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and each month, your child will receive an age-appropriate book in the mail, absolutely FREE. To take part, complete and return the registration form found on the library’s Facebook page (FB.com/kagawonglibrary), or visit the library in person for a paper copy and more information! 

Hear that? Ever so faintly in the distance we can hear those sleigh bells jinglin’. Santa must be on his way! Pencil November 14-15 in your calendars for Christmas in Kagawong!

Here at Team Fergmeijer, we’re never not thinking about what amazing things we’ll find at the library’s annual silent auction. This year’s online auction is November 13th - 16th. Mark your calendars! And if you or your company would be willing to donate goods or services to the auction, the library would love to hear from you (billingsreads@gmail.com). 

Legitimate question: why doesn’t the word coward mean “to move in the direction of a cow”? Have a great week!

September 3, 2025

Today is the first official day of classes for students across Manitoulin. We wish all students and staff a happy and productive start to the new school year. Team Fergmeijer will never forget the inspirational words our teacher once said to us: she said we were just like Superman, except that he had super vision and we needed supervision. 

Good luck, too, to all the young (and young-at-heart) Kagawongians moving away for post-secondary studies. Always remember the important life lessons that Kagawong has taught you: you have to show up early if you want the best baked goods, never swim in the plunge pool after the salmon have spawned, and always alternate your ice cream scooping arm for balanced muscle development!

Kagawong has closed the door on another market season and we would like to thank all the marketers who help create such an iconic event each week. Most of all, we need to offer heart-felt thanks to the one and only Ethel Newburn who works tirelessly to organize and manage all the moving pieces that make the market happen. We appreciate everything you do!

We’ve had a new book idea! It’s a crime novel where the twist is that the chicken did it. It might not win a lot of awards but we are hoping for a pullet surprise.

Body Stories Dance has announced their 2025/26 dance schedule for classes in Kagawong, which include offerings for children, youth, adults & seniors. You can register on their website: www.bodystoriesdance.com

Happy Birthday to our Manitoulin Mom who turned 29 last week. Age is just a number, but you know you are getting up there when people call at 9pm, only to apologize and ask if they woke you up. 

After an incredible summer, the village is settling into the quieter fall season. The Old Mill Heritage Centre is now open Wednesday - Sunday from 10am-5pm, and the library is back to their winter hours (Tuesday & Thursday 4-7pm; Saturdays 10am-1pm). The landfill remains on its current schedule (Tuesdays & Thursdays 2-6pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm) until October 31st. 

Today we saw a man dragging a clam on a leash behind him. It must be difficult to walk with a pulled mussel. 

Want free books for your little ones? Billings families can register their children (under 5) for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library! Each month, your child will receive an age-appropriate book in the mail, absolutely FREE. To take part, complete and return the registration form found on the library’s Facebook page (FB.com/kagawonglibrary), or visit the library in person for a paper copy and more information! 

Getting paid to stand in line for others is a strange ocqueuepation. Have a great week!