August 26, 2026

Team Fergmeijer knows that readers are often blown away by our puns. And we hear we have a lot of fans. But if we can step back from shooting the breeze for a moment, we wanted to report on the results of this summer’s Kagawong Cup: a sailing race across Mudge Bay that is making a comeback. Unfortunately, this year the weather conditions were too windy to race. Without blowing things out of proportion, it turns out the organizers’ relationship with the wind is complicated, as it comes and goes. It’s anyone’s gust as to whether or not this race will be attempted again next summer. Instead of results, we could share a joke about the wind, but we don’t want to blow it.

Today! The Billings Township fire department is celebrating 50 years of service! On August 26th, stop by the fire hall anytime between 10am and 2pm to help celebrate (we hear there will be cake!). There will be a special re-dedication ceremony at 1pm. All are welcome!

The library has had the great good fortune to have summer librarian Dana working all summer long to keep things running smoothly and freeing up the regular librarian and board members for their summer fundraising activities (like the fantastic movie night, book sale, and market table). The library board and her many patron fans would like to wish Dana the best of luck as she wraps up here and heads off Island to finish her education program!

In related news, the library will be returning to regular hours this week. They will be open 9-5pm this week, but on Saturday, regular hours kick in. From that point on, the library will be open Saturdays 10-1pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-7pm.

Sew cool! Local seamstress extraordinaire Heather P, as Manitoulin Threads, is offering sewing classes and workshops on the island for beginners and expert sewists alike. Group workshops are available for friends, guilds, and community groups of 3-10 people, while private group bookings are also available. Check out https://www.manitoulinthreads.com/ for more information.

We hate to be the bearer of bad news (as opposed to a bad news bear), you’re running out of Wednesdays to get out and explore the Kagawong market! It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping, so come on out and support local producers, artisans, and organizations. While you’re in town, stop in to the many fantastic businesses throughout the village as well!

Yoga continues at the Kagawong Park Centre Mondays at 9am, brought to you by the Seniors’ Active Living program. And coming this fall, there will be an 8-week strength class starting Tuesday, September 8th. Text or call Mary at 705-348-2285 for more information.

A very happy 29th birthday to Tijs T, Diane L, Amy H, and a happy not-quite-29th birthday to Andrew T, and Emma T-T. Don’t forget to make a wish when you blow out your candles. Just be careful what you wish for. Once a friend of ours wished to be happy, and ended up living with six dwarves and working in a mine. 

There are not one, not two, but FIVE Kagawongians performing with the choral ensemble Voices North on Saturday, September 12 at 7pm at the Mindemoya Community Hall. All are welcome to an evening of acapella choral singing including classical, jazz, folk music, and more. They will also be joined by special guest cellist David MacDonald from the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra. Call 705-282-4955 for more information or for tickets.

Fun fact: if you hold the sole of your foot up to your ear, you can hear the sound of your hip dislocating. Have a great week!

August 19, 2026

One of the things we at Team Fergmeijer like most about travelling is all the interesting people-watching you can do and all the interesting conversations you hear on the plane or train. Just last week we were on the ferry heading to Tobermory and these two older women were chatting very animatedly. At one point we heard them say, “I think those two weirdos are eavesdropping." 

Free Mindful Movement is back at the Kagawong Park Centre this month! From 10am-11am August 19th (today!) and 26th, join Candice Irwin of Body Stories Dance for a free workshop helping participants connect with their bodies through guided movement sequences, improvisation activities and gentle stretching. All are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact marissa.mccready@nthc.ca or 705-968-0173. 

The Old Mill Heritage Centre swept the series last week with two sold out presentations of Hockey Day/Night in Kagawong! It was the audience members who scored big with a hat-trick-plus-one of panellists, facilitated by the one and only Steve Paikin. But wait - the game is going into overtime with an online auction of hockey memorabilia and other items. Check out “Auctions by the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong” on Facebook for more information and to bid on these “Holy Makinaw”-worthy items!

Kagawong hosts the largest market on the island each Wednesday throughout the summer. Pop down to browse the incredible vendors from 10am-3pm at the Kagawong Park Centre (and pickledome, and cabanas, and pop-up tents). While you’re in town, stop in to the many fantastic businesses throughout the village as well!

Happy 29th birthday to Mike Z, Dawn R, and Dane T. Consider this your regular reminder that birthdays are the universe’s way of encouraging us to eat more cake. Don’t let the universe down!

The township is looking to hire a public works operator to assist in the maintenance of municipal roads, building and facilities, as well as public spaces within Billings Township. Visit www.billingstwp.ca/townhall/careers/ to learn more. The posting will remain open until the position is filled. 

Next Wednesday! The Billings Township fire department is celebrating 50 years of service! On August 26th, stop by the fire hall anytime between 10am and 2pm to help celebrate. There will be a special re-dedication ceremony at 1pm. All are welcome!

Yoga continues at the Kagawong Park Centre Mondays at 9am, brought to you by the Seniors’ Active Living program. And coming this fall, there will be an 8-week strength class starting Tuesday, September 8th. Text or call Mary at 705-348-2285 for more information.

Last time we travelled, the airline lost our luggage, so we sued them. Unfortunately, we lost the case. Have a great week!

August 12, 2026

Team Fergmeijer knows the pain of adulting. Last week one of us had our oven stop working just before family was coming for a visit. Thankfully, the repair man arrived right away but he told us it looked like the oven stopped working because of a bad transformer. We obviously had to correct him that, actually, those are called Decepticons, but at least he got the oven working again. 

We would like to remind our faithful readers that due to printing schedules, Team Fergmeijer has to submit these columns a week in advance. With that in mind, Billings Library would like to thank everyone who came out for the library beach movie last weekend! Unless it got postponed due to weather. In which case, check out the library’s Facebook page (FB.com/KagawongLibrary) for the rain date! 

Free Mindful Movement is back at the Kagawong Park Centre this month! From 10am-11am August 12th (today!), 19th, and 26th, join Candice Irwin of Body Stories Dance for a free workshop helping participants connect with their bodies through guided movement sequences, improvisation activities and gentle stretching. All are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact marissa.mccready@nthc.ca or 705-968-0173. 

The puck drops tomorrow! Get your tickets for either the afternoon or evening Hockey Day in Kagawong event on August 13th and don’t miss this first line of amazing guest speakers and hardware. Visit the Old Mill Heritage Centre (on Facebook or in person) for more information. But wait - there’s more! There are some exciting items coming up for bid in an online auction for the museum on August 14. Check it out and support our local museum!

It may be August, but there’s still lots of market left. Don’t miss out - visit the largest market on the island Wednesdays from 10am-3pm at the Kagawong Park Centre (and pickledome, and cabanas, and pop-up tents… did we mention it’s the largest market on the island?). 

Rumour has it that orthodontists across Ontario are planning to go on strike, so brace yourselves.

Kids can stop in to the library on Tuesdays for some free summer fun with summer librarian Dana! Youth ages 5-10 are welcome from 10-11am for games, crafts and stories. Email billingsreads@gmail.com for more information.  

Happy birthday to Lisa H, Dane T, and Bonnie F who are all celebrating their 29th birthdays! On your big day, we hope you really live it up. In other words: party now, nap later! Though at your age, napping may be what you consider a really good time. No judgement. 

The township is looking to hire a public works operator to assist in the maintenance of municipal roads, building and facilities, as well as public spaces within Billings Township. Visit www.billingstwp.ca/townhall/careers/ to learn more. The posting will remain open until the position is filled. 

Save the date! The Billings Township fire department is celebrating 50 years of service! On August 26th, stop by the fire hall anytime between 10am and 2pm to help celebrate. There will be a special re-dedication ceremony at 1pm. All are welcome!

The Angel Bus is raffling off another quilt this year! You can get your tickets Wednesdays under the pickledome during market hours. All proceeds go to helping seniors and those with mobility challenges get to appointments and activities around Manitoulin. 

Yoga continues at the Kagawong Park Centre Mondays at 9am, brought to you by the Seniors’ Active Living program. And coming this fall, there will be an 8-week strength class starting Tuesday, September 8th. Text or call Mary at 705-348-2285 for more information.

The Institute of Unfinished Research has concluded 6 out of 10 people. Have a great week!

August 5, 2026

Dog-gone it! It’s officially August, the dog days of summer. (For those who are new to this literary pawty, you may be thinking, ‘howl they ever tie this into some puns and jokes?’ Don’t worry; you’ll be giving us a round of apaws for our howl-arious writing by the end.) Speaking of dog days, if you have a dog (or two, or three), don’t forget about the Kagawong Canine Social Club, an off-leash dog park on Carter Crescent (near the Old Church on the Hill). After a ruff day, there’s nothing more relaxing than taking your best pal out to the park. The reminder might not be necessary for some of you. We’re sure some pups hound their owners regularly to go have a ball at the dog park. Fur real, the space may not be terribly pawsh, but it is still quite fetching and a lot of fun. Though a fur-endly word of advice, be careful when it rains. The water tends to gather in some areas and you risk stepping in a poodle. 

Breakout the rainbows - it’s time for Pride Manitoulin, y’all! Join others across the island in celebrating love  August 6th - 9th, with activities such as a sunrise ceremony, medicine walk, queer music bingo, drag 101, trivia night, beading, concerts, dancing, and more! Visit https://www.facebook.com/PRIDEManitoulin/ for more information. 

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 to the library (cash or card accepted). Bring your own beach chair or floatie!

We’re just one week away from Hockey Day in Kagawong! Get your tickets for either the afternoon or evening event on August 13th and don’t miss this first line of amazing guest speakers and hardware. Visit the Old Mill Heritage Centre (on Facebook or in person) for more information. But wait - there’s more! There are some exciting items coming up for bid in an online auction for the museum on August 14. Stay tuned for more details!

The Kagawong market continues to grow! There’s now a new record of SIX colourful cabanas, adding to the over 70 vendors set up in the rink and the Park Centre parking lot Wednesdays from 10am-2pm. Stop by and check it out!

It’s nice to see tourists (and locals) back enjoying the falls. The river trails are still closed, but the stairs from the parking area and the pool of the falls itself are open to the public. The township has indicated they have significant plans in place to tackle the extensive damage caused by the spring floods, and hope to have the trails partially open in the relatively near future. Follow the Township of Billings website and social media to get the most recent updates. 

Kids can stop in to the library on Tuesdays for some free summer fun with summer librarian Dana! Youth ages 5-10 are welcome from 10-11am for games, crafts and stories. Email billingsreads@gmail.com for more information.  

Happy birthday to Meredith N-C, Lisa H, Meg M all of whom turned 29 recently. Congrats on hitting that special age where a quiet weekend in is the gift you really want. And a special shout out to Fergmeijer extended fam, Emma R-F who celebrated last week (and has a ways to go to hit 29 still). 

Save the date! The Billings Township fire department is celebrating 50 years of service! On August 26th, stop by the fire hall anytime between 10am and 2pm to help celebrate. There will be a special re-dedication ceremony at 1pm. All are welcome!

The Angel Bus is raffling off another quilt this year! You can get your tickets Wednesdays under the pickledome during market hours. All proceeds go to helping seniors and those with mobility challenges get to appointments and activities around Manitoulin. 

We’re curious how it works - do dog catchers get paid by the pound? Have a great week!

July 29, 2026

Never let it be said that Team Fergmeijer can’t take a hint. We can’t be sure, but cutting part of our column from publication a few weeks ago (fear not! You can always get your full pun fix at teamfergmeijer.blogspot.ca!) may have been a subtle reminder that with so much going on in all the communities on the island, it’s tough to fit in all the Friends and Neighbours news. We get it. So this week we’re going ultra-brief. But don’t get used to it. 

Burn ban?? Check the township website for updates that are, ahem, hot off the press.

Manitoulin Tennis Club! Still meeting Sundays and Wednesdays. Free lessons! Everyone welcome! Lob yourself on over to Manitoulin Tennis Club on Facebook.

Summer Market! Largest on the island: Wednesdays from 10am-2pm. No address needed - get yourself to Kagawong and you’ll find it!

Bridal Veil Falls is open again! The trail is still closed. We’ll take what we can get!

Two boats fell in love: it was a true row-mance. 

Library Summer Fun Days! Youth (ages 5-10) welcome 10-11am on Tuesdays for games, crafts and stories with Dana. 

Library beach movie night! Saturday, August 8; showing Labyrinth. Don’t get lost on your way! Free admission, BYO floatie.

Happy 29th birthday to Dawn N and Beth G. Getting old isn’t always fun, but it’s better than the alternative!

Don’t be caught offside! Hockey Night… uh…. History Night in Kagawong is coming August 13. 

Turkeys! Be on the lookout for baby turklets (or is a baby gobbler a goblet?).

Live in Billings? Make sure you are registered to vote by visiting registertovoteON.ca

That’s it for this week. Short and sweet, just like Team Fergmeijer. Have a great week!

July 22, 2026

Team Fergmeijer has been told by our doctor that we need to get more active and suggested we take up a new sport. So we joined the Manitoulin Tennis Club and after a couple of weeks we can tell you that things are going fine. It’s exhilarating, and we are having a good time, but it’s not without its challenges. When we are on the court and we see the ball speeding towards us, our brains immediately say, ‘To the corner! Backhand! To the net! Smash! Go back!'”  To which our bodies respond with, “Who? Me? You must be kidding!” 

At the time of writing, there is a total burn ban in Billings Township. The hot, dry weather creates a significant danger, so before doing any burning of any sort, check with the township (705-282-2611)just to be on the safe side. 

The Manitoulin Tennis Club meets every Wednesday (6pm) and Sunday (10am) at the Manitoulin Secondary School tennis courts. New players of all ability levels are always welcome! Free lessons for youth (ages 8-13) are still available Sunday mornings at 9:30am July 26th, while free lessons for adults are available at 6pm on July 29th. No racquet or tennis balls required! Absolute beginners and novice players welcome. Pre-register if possible by emailing ctheijsmeijer@gmail.com. Check out Manitoulin Tennis Club on Facebook for more information.

Don’t forget to take a turn around the market on Wednesday from 10am-3pm. There are new vendors and old favourites offering crafts, snacks, plants, books, clothes, and much much more! Our favourite thing is seeing (and petting) all the dogs that visit the open air market. 

We have a handful of locals (and not-so-locals) celebrating their 29th birthdays recently: Randy N, Mike C, Arik T, Ethan T, Jen C, and Meredith C-N can all say they successfully made it once more around the sun. In the spirit of this week’s tennis theme, we hope you raised a real racquet on your big days!

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 with summer librarian, Dana!

Also, the library’s annual used book sale will be this Saturday (July 25th) 11am-3pm. Wander down to the red-roof pavilion by the tennis court to browse thousands of used books. Grab lunch provided by the Anglican Church while you are there. The library has a point-of-sale machine to accept credit and debit card purchases, so no need to limit your shopping! 

One half of your favourite reporting duo once dated a tennis player. It was tough because all his compliments were backhanded and he was all about morning dates (we’d meet most days around ten-ish).  

Please note that the Bridal Veil Falls and the Kagawong River Trail remain closed to the public due extensive washout damage from the floods this spring. Repairs are currently being undertaken; updates from the township will be provided as more information becomes available.

While you are enjoying the sun this summer, don’t forget that come the fall you’ll be voting in municipal elections. Make sure you are on the voter list! Visit registertovoteON.ca to make sure your name is on the list and to get it added if it’s not.

The most depressing thing about tennis is accepting that no matter how good you get, you’ll never be as good as a wall. Have a great week!

July 15, 2026

Fun fact, Team Fergmeijer has at least one English degree between us. This means we have often stumbled across odd literary trivia. For example, did you know Cinderella’s real name is actually just Ella? Cinderella is actually a derogatory nickname given to her by her stepsisters because she’d be covered in cinders and ash from cleaning the fireplace. Of course, by that logic, when she was working in the kitchen they could have called her mozzarella. When she had to go out in the rain, they called her umbrella. When she would sing, they likely called her acapella; when she wrote short fiction, they called her novella. When she recited what she wrote, she was Tella Novella. 

Don’t forget to check out all the fantastic stops along the 2026 Manitoulin Art Tour this weekend (July 17, 18, 19). There are 39 tour stops across the Island (4 in Kagawong!) representing a wide range of artists: graphic artists, painters, artisans, photographers, and craftspeople. You can visit FB.com/ManitoulinArtTour for more information. 

We’ve been contemplating the fantastic market held in Kagawong each Wednesday throughout the summer. It feels like it needs a proper name. Given that it’s held at the Park Centre and on the covered rink, we wonder if calling it the Pickledome Market gives it a certain cache that the plain old ‘Kagawong Market’ doesn’t quite achieve. Let us know your thoughts (fergmeijer@gmail.com). In the meantime, check out the market Wednesdays from 10am - 3pm.

We’d like to wish a very heartfelt Happy Birthday to a number of Islanders celebrating their 29th birthday this week: Caroline B, Carol G, Linda R, Ardiss F, Craig F, and Jenifer F. Quick question for you all - is it weird being the same age as old people? 

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 16th, 23rd, and 30th. The acclaimed environmental artist will help participants explore a range of materials, ecological voices,and nature observations in a series of sessions designed for children and adults. Different activities each week! Pre-registration via Sophie’s website is encouraged (www.sophieanneedwards.ca).  

The Manitoulin Tennis Club is still meeting every Wednesday at 6pm and Sundays at 10am at the Manitoulin Secondary School tennis courts. New players of all ability levels are always welcome! Free lessons for youth (ages 8-13) are available Sunday mornings at 9:30am July 19th and 26th, while free lessons for adults are available at 6pm July 22nd and 29th. No racquet or tennis balls required! Absolute beginners and novice players welcome. Pre-register if possible by emailing ctheijsmeijer@gmail.com. Check out Manitoulin Tennis Club on Facebook for more information.

While summer librarian Dana keeps the Billings Library ticking along (summer hours 9am-noon; 1-5pm) and running the kids activities Tuesdays from 10-11am, the library board is busy manning the market table on Wednesday (now with snow cones!), prepping for the annual used book sale (Saturday, July 25th), and organizing the annual beach movie night (Saturday, August 8th). 

Sadly, but necessarily, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Kagawong River Trail remain closed to the public due extensive washout damage from the floods this spring. Repairs are currently being undertaken; updates from the township will be provided as more information becomes available.

While you are enjoying the sun this summer, don’t forget that come the fall you’ll be voting in municipal elections. Make sure you are on the voter list! Visit registertovoteON.ca to make sure your name is on the list and to get it added if it’s not.

Another fun fact: raisin cookies are why we have trust issues. Have a great week!