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!