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!

July 8, 2026

The always-topical Team Fergmeijer intended to start the column this week with references to all the buzz going around about a local roaming swarm of bees, however the recent heat wave has melted our brains and all we can think of are weather related puns and jokes. It’s so hot, cows are giving evaporated milk; we saw a bird pull a worm out of the ground with an oven mitt; chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs; Optimus Prime transformed into an air conditioner; hot water comes out of both taps; catfish are already fried when you catch them; the only waves at the beach were heatwaves; and you need a spatula to remove your clothing. In fact, it’s been so hot outside we’re pretty sure we spotted two hobbits throwing a ring off our roof.

Don’t forget to check out all the fantastic stops along the 2026 Manitoulin Art Tour, 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. 

Great deals and tasty treats were enjoyed by all at the annual Anglican church yard sale extravaganza last weekend! Many thanks to all the organizers who go to great lengths to gather, organize and haul the huge collection of items for our shopping pleasure. 

Have you been to the Kagawong market yet this summer? Once again this year there is an incredible lineup of vendors under the roof of the pickledome, in the colourful cabanas, and set up all throughout the parking lot. Check it out Wednesdays from 10am - 3pm in the Kagawong Park Centre lot.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Laura H this week as she celebrates her 29th birthday. Don’t let anyone tell you you are old. You are a young person at heart. A young person who has been alive a long, long, long, long, long time.  

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 9, 16, 23, 30 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 Sunday at 10am at the Manitoulin Secondary School tennis courts. New players of all ability levels are always welcome! Free lessons are coming in July; 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.

Well, that’s Team Fergmeijer’s hot take on this week’s goings-on. Until next week, “Sun’s out, puns out!” Have a great week!

July 1, 2026

As Canada Day approaches, we've been reflecting on what it means to be Canadian. Some say it's our politeness—after all, one of the best ways to get a Canadian to apologize is to step on their foot. Others point to our resilience, forged by living in a country where sunburn and frostbite can happen on the same day. Maybe it's our patience, because Canadian summers prove that good things come to those who wait.  Now, we aren’t saying Canada is perfect, but we do have universal health care and All Dressed chips, which is  pretty close. We're lucky to call this country home. Even if Canada geese are proof that nature occasionally creates something simply to keep humans humble. 

The St. John’s Anglican church is holding its annual yard sale extravaganza this weekend! Saturday, June 4th come out to the covered rink to browse a huge selection of glassware, mugs, dinnerware, books, household items, lamps, outdoor goods, books, DVDs, toys, and collectibles. The sale runs from 10am - 2pm and with a delicious lunch available for purchase, you can make a day of it. 

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.

The Kagawong summer market is all dressed up and ready to go for Canada day! Stop by between 10am and 3pm at the Kagawong River Complex / Park Centre parking lot. We can’t wait to see you there! 

A fixture in Kagawong over the past few years, Team Aelick will be taking a break from their Stroll/Move for Liver fundraising walk through the village this summer. Instead, they will be hosting a yard sale on June 27th, at 30 Maple Drive in Kagawong with proceeds going to Liver Canada, supporting public understanding and awareness of liver diseases, and providing support to those affected. Visit liver.ca to find out more!

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 9, 16, 23, 30 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).  

Want to know if there is currently a ban on fires/burning in the township? Since we have to submit this column a week before the paper gets delivered to your mailbox, we are not a reliable source of information for that question. Best to check with the township office, or on the township Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong

The library will be starting their summer hours starting this Saturday (July 4th). During July and August, the you can check out the library Tuesday - Saturday 9-5 (closed noon-1pm). Summer librarian Dana will be holding things together at the library while the library board tackles the various fundraisers and activities running throughout the summer. There’s the annual used book sale on Saturday, July 25th (11-3pm at the red-roofed pavilion), beach movie night on Saturday August 8th (showing Labryrinth!), and of course their busy table at the market each week. 

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.

Thanks for poutine up with us as we celebrate another Canada Day and all the wonderfully strange things that make this country unique. Happy Canada Day and have a great week!

June 24, 2026

One half of Team Fergmeijer suffered a bit of an unfortunate accident over the weekend. She was taking a group photo for a family visiting the village when a giant wheel of cheddar fell from the sky, crushing her leg. It’s especially tragic as the family being photographed tried to warn her. 

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.

It’s finally here! The first Kagawong market of the summer is today! Stop by between 10am and 3pm at the Kagawong River Complex / Park Centre parking lot. We can’t wait to see you there! 

A fixture in Kagawong over the past few years, Team Aelick will be taking a break from their Stroll/Move for Liver fundraising walk through the village this summer. Instead, they will be hosting a yard sale on June 27th, at 30 Maple Drive in Kagawong with proceeds going to Liver Canada, supporting public understanding and awareness of liver diseases, and providing support to those affected. Visit liver.ca to find out more!

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 9, 16, 23, 30 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).  

Want to know if there is currently a ban on fires/burning in the township? Since we have to submit this column a week before the paper gets delivered to your mailbox, we are not a reliable source of information for that question. Best to check with the township office, or on the township Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong

The library is pleased to welcome back Dana as the summer librarian this year. They will be starting their summer hours starting the Saturday after Canada Day (July 4th). Dana will be holding things together at the library while the library board tackles the various fundraisers and activities running throughout the summer. There’s the annual used book sale on Saturday, July 25th (11-3pm at the red-roofed pavilion), beach movie night on Saturday August 8th (showing Labryrinth!), and of course their busy table at the market each week. 

Happy 29th birthday to occasional Kagawongian, Abbie N who is celebrating her big day this week. They say wisdom comes with age, and we know that’s true from our own family. Our favourite great-aunt has enough wisdom to fill a library. She has the soul of a poet, the memory of an elephant, and advice for just about every situation. She also has the heart of a lion and a lifetime ban from the zoo, which raises a few questions. 

The starting lineup has been announced! Don’t miss former MCTV Sports Director John Walton, Keeper-of-the-Cup (yes, that’s THE cup!) Phil Pritchard, and former NHL veteran Rod Schutt live and in-person at “History Day in Kagawong” on August 13th at the Park Centre. Also joining the celebrations that day will be the Conn Smythe, Norris, and Canada Cup trophies, courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame! Tickets on sale now at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong.

We’ve been getting into romantasy novels lately and it has raised some important questions. For example, do wizards with ADHD have trouble with hocus focus? Would they be prescribed Abracadadderall? Have a great week!

June 17, 2026

We had a couple of odd conversations this week. On the same day a friend asked us why we always sit leaning forward with our knees pressed up to our chests (we had to tell her, it’s just how we roll), we also got a call from our bank wanting to let us know about the outstanding balance we had. We said: “Thanks! We used to do gymnastics,” and hung up the phone. 

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.

Kagawong residents who normally pick their mail up at the post office in the village should note that Canada Post will be moving service to community boxes which will be installed this summer. Starting June 18th, for a time during the transition, you will need to drive to Gore Bay to get your mail. Contact Canada Post for more information. 

Get some financial, legal, and safety information (as well as breakfast and snacks!) at Manitoulin Legal Clinic’s Wise Futures: Sharing Safety, Estates, and Financial Knowledge, an all-day community event held at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre tomorrow (Thursday, June 18th). Learn from experts on elder safety, estates & financial planning, advocacy supports, and community resources, visit information booths, be entered for door prizes and give-aways! Register by phone: 705-368-3333 or email: info@mlc.clcj.ca 

Oh boy oh boy oh boy! The first Kagawong market of the summer will be Wednesday, June 24 from 10am until 3pm at the Kagawong River Complex / Park Centre parking lot. We can’t wait to see you there! 

A fixture in Kagawong over the past few years, Team Aelick will be taking a break from their Stroll/Move for Liver fundraising walk through the village this summer. Instead, they will be hosting a yard sale on June 27th, at 30 Maple Drive in Kagawong with proceeds going to Liver Canada, supporting public understanding and awareness of liver diseases, and providing support to those affected. Visit liver.ca to find out more!

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 9, 16, 23, 30 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).  

Want to know if there is currently a ban on fires/burning in the township? Since we have to submit this column a week before the paper gets delivered to your mailbox, we are not a reliable source of information for that question. Best to check with the township office, or on the township Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong

Never run out of summer reads! Stock up at the Billings Library used book sale Saturday, July 25th. Thousands of books will be available at the red-roofed pavilion (or the Pickledome if it has the nerve to rain on our parade). And that’s not all: August 8th, it’s BYOF (bring your own floatie) at the library’s annual beach movie. 

Happy birthday to FOF (Friend of Fergmeijer), Stephanie M. As a non-Islander, there’s no telling how old she is, but we wish her many happy returns anyway. One of the bright sides of getting older is that it can actually save you money. Why bother with alcohol when you can get the same effect just standing up too fast?

Don’t wait until double overtime to see the new hockey exhibit at the Old Mill Heritage Centre! The museum is now open 7 days a week.

Save the date! Former MCTV Sports Director John Walton will join the hockey panel at “History Day in Kagawong” on August 13th at the Park Centre. Also joining the celebrations that day will be the Conn Smythe, Norris, and Canada Cup trophies, courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame! Tickets on sale now at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong.

Any time you are feeling a bit insecure about yourself, just remember that the mosquitoes (and black flies, and horse flies) find you very attractive! Have a great week!