August 27, 2025

It is officially back to school time, and we’re sure parents and kids are both having big feelings about it (not necessarily the same feelings, though). It brings back a lot of memories for Team Fergmeijer. We went to a private school on a surfing scholarship - it was a boarding school. It had a great music program, but on the first day the teacher locked herself out of the classroom - her keys were on the piano. At one point, budget cuts meant the math teacher had to take a shift in the cafeteria, but at least it meant we were getting three square meals a day. 

In honor of the impending start of school, we present, “An Ode to Summer’s End”:

School bells ring, are you listenin’? 

New binders and backpacks, we’ll be christenin’,

A beautiful sight: new erasers and graphite, 

It’s time for back-to-school on the island!

And with the return to school this coming week drivers are reminded to watch for little ones getting on and off buses around the Island as everyone settles back into routine. 

Haven’t been able to make it to the Kagawong market this summer because you always have something on Wednesdays? Great news! The Kagawong Evening Market is back, Saturday, August 30th. Come by the Kagawong River Complex from 3:30pm to 8:30pm to shop from over 40 vendors showcasing unique, locally-sourced and handmade goods. There will also be live music and food available for sale on-site. See you there! And don’t forget there is still one more regular Wednesday market on September 3rd.

As we come to the end of another amazing summer season, we want to take a moment to thank the township summer students for all their hard work over the last months. You make a lot of amazing things possible in our little town!

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

We want to wish Susan S, Diane L, and Kagawong-adjacent Amy H a very happy 29th birthday this week. If your age is getting you a bit down, consider this: You aren’t over the hill. You’re at the peak of awesomeness!

Billings Library invites all Billings families to register their children (under 5) for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library! Each month, the Imagination Library program mails an age-appropriate book to registered children each month up to their 5th birthday, absolutely FREE to the family. 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! 

As students are gearing back up for English class, remember: pre- means before; post- means after. Using both at the same time would be preposterous. Have a great week!

August 20, 2025

We love walking the river trail and other off-the-beaten-tracks around the Island. We often indulge in deep, philosophical discussions as we trek, and the one thing that always stands out to us as we wander through this gorgeous landscape we live in is that squirrels always look and act as if it’s their first day being a squirrel. 

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

We wish a very happy 29th birthday to Meg M and Andrew T, as well as Kagawong-adjacent Mike Z, and extended Kagawongian family members Tijs T and Emma T. Some of you might be feeling your age, but just remember, in geological terms, you are still incredibly young.

Billings Library has officially launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Billings Township! Each month, the Imagination Library program mails an age-appropriate book to registered children (age 0-5), absolutely FREE to the family. 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! 

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

Some upsetting news: we’ve learned that there have been a number of thefts from local craft and fabric stores across the north shore. Based on the locations hit, the perpetrator seems to be following some sort of pattern. 

The Manitoulin Tennis Club is hosting an “End of Summer” tennis tournament, Saturday, August 23, beginning at 9am at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts. There will be singles and doubles competition, with players of all ages and abilities welcome. There will even be prizes! Age-specific categories available if enough players sign up. Register by contacting Chris at ctheijsmeijer@gmail.com. 

For students (and teachers), August really is the Sunday of the summer and the new school year is just around the corner. Grade 9 students can come out to the annual Grade 9 BBQ at Manitoulin Secondary on Wednesday, August 27th. Students can get their schedule, learn about high school, explore the school while finding their classrooms, and even meet some of their teachers. The day starts at 10am and includes a BBQ lunch. Parents are also welcome to attend! For more information, contact the office at Manitoulin Secondary School. 

While watching some classic tennis matches this week, we realized that 50% of Roger Federer’s name is ‘er’. Have a great week!

August 13, 2025

As followers of this column will know, Team Fergmeijer are quite the history buffs, and we have been using our summer holidays to read up on historical facts and stories that are new to us. For example, one of us is reading a biography about a famous man who rode a horse through South America with a sense of entitlement and a savoury tart. We are really enjoying learning about con-quiche-tadors. The other amazing fact the book covers is that seals were used throughout the early European medieval period for the official authorisation of important documents, until someone discovered that otters were cheaper and more cooperative. History is amazing!

The annual History Day in Kagawong hosted by the Billings Heritage Centre is this Thursday (August 14th) and features 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, both at the Kagawong Park Centre. Admission is free, though donations to the museum are appreciated. 

Need to entertain the littles for a bit this summer? Head for the library throughout August for Summer Fun Days! Youth 5-10 years old are welcome Tuesdays from 10-11am for games, stories, and crafts. 

Happy birthday to Dane T, Meg M, and Bonnie F as they all celebrate their 29th birthdays! We aren’t sure if they are going to go with vanilla or chocolate for their birthday cakes. Or maybe they are adding candles to a birthday pie. However you slice it, we wish you health and happiness on your big days!

We tried to come up with a new yoga pun, but it was a bit of a stretch. 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; the last one for the summer will be this Saturday (August 16).

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

The Manitoulin Tennis Club is hosting an “End of Summer” tennis tournament, Saturday, August 23, beginning at 9am at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts. There will be singles and doubles competition, with players of all ages and abilities welcome. There will even be prizes! Age-specific categories available if enough players sign up. Register by contacting Chris at ctheijsmeijer@gmail.com. 

Did you hear about the thieves who stole an entire store’s stock of energy drinks? We wonder how those crooks sleep at night. Have a great week!

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!

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!