September 16, 2016

It’s starting to feel like autumn! Say what you will about the shorter days, but with less humidity lately, it is now safe to open a bag of chips without having them go soggy within the first ten minutes. You can also have a shower in the morning without having to take another shower 20 minutes later. Autumn - not just pretty leaves!

Happy Birthday to Keith M who celebrated in style on the weekend!

The Kagawong Canine Social Club celebrated 5 years as Manitoulin’s only off-leash dog park. The park was hopping with party hats, goodie bags, and good friends. Here’s to another 5 years of play in the park. Thanks to Carol Corneau and the fabulous Recreation committee for organizing the event.

If back-to-school has got you down (or perhaps you are a parent celebrating the occasion), come on out to the library’s movie night tomorrow. X-Men: Apocalypse is playing at 7pm. Admission is free!

Got creative inspiration? Submit your ideas for permanent outdoor sculptures that will be part of the Billings Art and Heritage Trail to 4elements by October 24th. Check out the Kagawong Facebook page for more details or contact 4elements (www.4elementslivingarts.org) to get your submission package. Team Fergmeijer started working on our scale model this week; so far we’ve lost one eyebrow, scared the dogs next door, and managed to glue our fingers together. Twice. Not bad considering our regular track record.

4elements is also looking for submissions for their haiku contest! Tweet out your original haiku on the theme of “walking” to @4eLivingArts, with the hashtag #4eFestivalHaiku. Don’t forget: a haiku is a poem with 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 pattern. Here is an example:

Hey! Team Fergmeijer!

Why do you always have to

include my quotes, yo?

(submitted by Jamie Ward)

Yet another part of the Elemental Festival coming up Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 is a series of concerts, featuring Kagawong’s very own Jamie Ward and friends! Jamie performs on Oct. 1 with a number of familiar faces to back him up. See the full page ad in The Expositor for more details.

Zumba starts up again this coming Thursday (Sept. 22) at the Park Centre! Bring your sneakers and get your groove on starting at 7pm, and running most Thursdays until December.

We might still see a last gasp of summer weather, but Team Fergmeijer is really looking forward to fall. There are many things we love about this time of year:  pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie, cherry pie, lemon meringue pie turkey pot pie...

September 9, 2016

That colossal sound you heard last Wednesday morning? That was the collective wail of young people, teachers, and bus drivers across the Island as early morning alarm clocks went off, leaving summer vacation behind and starting up the back to school routine.

A reminder to drivers that as school has officially started, we need to be especially watchful for children getting on and off the bus. Remember, if a bus stops so should you, no matter which direction you are travelling in.

Take the sting out of going back to school; take in a pre-DVD release movie at the library every second Saturday this fall and winter! Pop by the library Facebook page to find out upcoming titles.

This isn’t just a big week for human children, it’s a big one for fur babies as well. Bring your dogs out tomorrow from 12noon-2pm to celebrate 5 official years as Manitoulin’s only off-leash dog park. You and your pup can come, sit, stay and play at Bark in the Park while you visit with other dog owners, play games, and take home a goodie bag! Check out www.Facebook.com/Kagawong1 for more information.

Can’t make it on Saturday? Come out for Sunday’s meeting of the Kagawong Canine Social Club. Every Sunday at 1pm local people and pups meet up to chat, play and socialize.

The township and 4elements Living Arts have issued a call for proposals for permanent outdoor sculptures that will be part of the Billings Art and Heritage Trail. The theme is ‘Learning from the past; creating a shared future” and will include seven permanent sculptures. Initial proposals are due in to 4elements by October 24th; works will be selected by jury. Check out the Kagawong Facebook page for more details or contact 4elements (www.4elementslivingarts.org) to get your submission package.

A very happy birthday to Kim B, who turns 29 on Monday! We hope you have a lovely day.

As we all head back to school, Team Fergmeijer decided to outsource our words of wisdom this week. Here is what some of the local children offered for advice:

Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time. - Kyoyo, 9.

Tell your wife she’s pretty even if she looks like a truck. - Ricky, 10.

Never trust a dog to watch your food. - Patrick, 10

If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse. - Naomi, 15

When you get a bad grade in school, show it to your mom when she's on the phone. - Alyesha, 13.

September 2, 2016

Welcome to another long weekend - sadly, the last of the summer. It’s an exciting time of year for both students and teachers, though. Be on the lookout for school buses as everyone settles back into routine.

Come, sit, stay and play at Bark in the Park, celebrating the dog park’s 5th birthday next Saturday (Sept. 10th). Visit with other dog owners, play games, and take home a goodie bag! Check out www.Facebook.com/Kagawong1 for more information.

The heartiest of happy birthdays goes out to Linda F who has joined Kagawong’s 29 club. A rather large crowd of well-wishers descended on Main Street Cafe on Saturday morning to help her celebrate, and set a new record for number of breakfast sandwiches ordered before 10am. Local sous-chef Jamie Ward, who happens to be also celebrating his 29th birthday this coming week, commented, “Age is just a number, yo.” If you see Susan S. while you are out and about today, be sure to wish her a happy birthday, too. Three guesses how old she will be turning. That’s right - 29!  What a vibrant community of young whipper-snappers we have!

After a summer of ice cream cones, poutine, birthday cake, and slushies, get ready to dust off your boogie shoes - Zumba starts up again September 22 (and most Thursdays thereafter) at 7pm at the Park Centre. Everyone is welcome, and no experience (or coordination) is required - much to Team Fergmeijer’s relief.

Close out the summer with a movie at the library! Tomorrow’s movie will be Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles starting on the big screen at 7pm. Check out http://www.facebook.com/kaglibrary for more details.

The library would like to thank Emily for all her hard work this summer. Her last day is today, and we wish her the best of luck as she heads back to school. Without Emily, the library will be returning to their usual Fall and Winter hours (Tuesday & Thursday 4-7pm; Saturday 10am-1pm) starting tomorrow.

As summer winds down, Team Fergmeijer has been contemplating life, the universe and everything, pondering the really important questions and making some significant realizations. Here are some ‘Deep Thoughts” by Team Fergmeijer:

If the left side of your brain controls the right side of your body, then are only left-handed people in their right mind?

If two people on opposite sides of the world each drop a piece of bread, for that one moment does the Earth becomes a sandwich?

Before you criticize someone you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them you are a mile away and have their shoes.

(It’s probably a good thing summer is ending and we’ll have a bit less time on our hands.)

August 26, 2016

Thank you to everyone who has been giving us feedback on our column! We’ve been told, however, that we’re not entertaining enough. So we’ve decided to pepper this week’s column with the best we could come up with. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

First, though, some serious stuff: Our sincerest condolences to the Tuomi family on Bob’s passing last week. He was a mainstay of the community and he will be dearly missed.

Kagawong’s dog park is still the only off-leash dog park on Manitoulin, and it will be celebrating it’s 5th official birthday this year at the annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, September 10th! Join other dog lovers from across the Island to sit, stay, fetch, and play from 12 - 2pm. If you’ve never been to the dog park, just turn at the fire hall; it’s the first driveway on your right.

What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot.

Happy early birthday to Amy H, Diane L, and Amanda C. Although born on different days, they are all turning 29 next week. Funny how that works out. Young master Chapman also has cause to celebrate - he’s turning 1 this week! Congratulations on your first trip around the sun - here’s to many more!

What’s white and can’t climb a tree? A fridge.

The Buies had another influx of family this week. Of course, at this point, the only one that really matters is granddaughter Charlotte, but it’s still nice to see Rob and Kathryn, too.

What’s blaze orange and white and can’t climb a tree? A fridge wearing a hunting vest.

The Billings Library is hosting the next movie night on Saturday, September 3.  Come out on the long weekend to catch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen! Show starts at 7pm, and admission is by donation. Check out http://www.facebook.com/kaglibrary for more details.

Team Fergmeijer has a confession - we used to be addicted to soap, but now we’re clean.

Still haven’t been to the Kagawong Farmer’s Market this summer? Be sure to stop in this Wednesday from 10am until 4pm and see what local artisans, bakers, and growers have to offer. We tried to come up with something funny for this section, but couldn’t come up with any vegetable jokes - if you have one we could use lettuce know.

Don’t forget, if you have an event or interesting tidbit you would like included in this space, let us know. Otherwise, we’ll just keep making stuff up to fill the space. As local news-hound Jamie Ward was overheard saying, “give them the deets, yo! Also, why do you keep quoting me?”

August 19, 2016

If you like piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain, this was the week for you! We were relieved to get the much-needed rain, but keep in mind things are still pretty dry. Please refrain from any sort of fire as the conditions are extremely dangerous and even a small fire can easily get out of control. Contact the town office for more information.

Last Saturday was another busy day in Kagawong - as per usual for the summer! Despite the rainy weather, many people took part in the community yard sale and the Fun on the Water day activities. The concert by Mimi O’Bonsawin was moved indoors to the Park Centre, and an impressive crowd found its way in to enjoy the brilliant performance. Thanks to the EDC for organizing the yard sale, and Mike Coomes and North Wind Adventures for organizing the Fun on the Water events. Kagawong is a bright and vibrant community because of dedicated volunteers like these.

Happy birthday goes to Mike Z who celebrates his 29th on Wednesday! Hope the girls help you celebrate in style. Bonnie F is also celebrating the big 2-9 this week. There were more celebrations out on Maple Point last week as a whole lot of Theijsmeijers gathered to toast one branch of the family’s tenth islandversary. A good time was had by all, despite a few rather heated games of Slammo and Texas Horseshoes.

Kagawong’s dog park is still the only off-leash dog park on Manitoulin, and it will be celebrating it’s 5th official birthday this year at the annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, September 10th.

The Billings Library is hosting the next movie night tomorrow (Saturday, August 20th).  There has been a last-minute change in movie; the library will be showing The Nice Guys. TMNT has been delayed and will be shown on Sept. 3rd. Admission is by donation; show starts at 7pm on the big screen. Check out http://www.facebook.com/kaglibrary for more details.

Team Fergmeijer loves summer sun and heat, but we have been hoping for a bit more rain lately. In fact, we wouldn’t mind if it started to rain cats and dog, as long as it doesn’t rein deer.

August 12, 2016

How are you liking this weather? We don’t want to complain about the heat too much, but yesterday, as Team Fergmeijer sat in the livingroom watching the olympics, two hobbits showed up and asked where they should throw the ring. Oh, August: the time when we find out if our cats like us for more than just body heat.

This year’s History Day is now in the past, but it was one for the history books. Knowledgeable presenters wowed the crowd and shed light on some significant moments in Canadian history as well as our local history. If you enjoyed this History Day, make sure to visit the Heritage Centre in the Old Mill to check out their always impressive exhibits. While you’re there, leave a donation to help them continue to highlight and preserve the unique history of Billings.

With heat warnings and brown grass as far as the eye can see, it’s no surprise that the township has issued a burn ban again. Please refrain from any sort of fire as the dry conditions are extremely dangerous and even a small fire can easily get out of control. Contact the town office for more information.

Heat wave gettin’ you down? Hit the water for Kagawong’s Fun on the Water day on Saturday. Get out on whatever you’ve got that you can propel across the water and enjoy the beauty that is Mudge Bay! Join the Poker Run any time between 1pm and 5pm - it’s not a race, so start whenever you like (entrance fee of $5 can be paid at the Austin Hunt Marina). At 6pm head for the marina for a potluck dinner and live music by Mimi O’Bonsawin at 7:30pm.

This Saturday is the one day a year when asking someone if they have junk in their trunk will not get you a smack. That’s because Billings (courtesy of the EDC) is holding a huge community yard sale in and around the market pavilion between 9am and 1pm.  Contact: zazoom5575@gmail.com for more information.

Did you know that August is referred to as the dog days of summer? Better bring poochie out to the dog park to join the Kagawong Canine Social Club, Sundays at 1pm, to celebrate! And mark September 10th on the calendar; it’s the 5th birthday of the dog park and the Social Club is celebrating with Bark in the Park.

The Billings Library is hosting the next movie night on Saturday, August 20th. Come out and bring your kids for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. Admission is by donation; show starts at 7pm on the big screen. Check out http://www.facebook.com/kaglibrary for more details.

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on whether the chicken or the egg would arrive first in the mail. We have to admit, we made that story up. We’re just a couple of comedi-hens! On that note, we’ll leave you with some words of wisdom: a boiled egg is hard to beat. Have a great week!

August 5, 2016

Hello, August! Team Fergmeijer continues to enjoy the summer sights, sounds, and tastes of the island. There’s no end to the fun in sight! In our down time, occasionally we surf the Internet. Just today we ordered a chicken and an egg online, just to see which one arrives first. We’ll keep you posted.

As the calendar rolls over to August, don’t miss any opportunity to visit the Farmers’ Market every Wednesday, starting at 10am at the pavilion in Kagawong. Check out goods from local farmers, artists and crafts-people. There are some amazing vendors there every week, but get there early to get the best stuff.

This past Wednesday, Kagawongians put on their buffet pants and feasted in friendship at the annual community potluck event. Local gourmand Jamie Ward was overheard saying, “I couldn’t eat another bite, yo!”

Next week, be sure to come out for History Day on Thursday, August 11th! There will be a matinée presentation at 3:30pm as well as an evening show at 7:30pm, both at the Park Centre. Topics include the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition, and a short history of the naval career of local veteran Allan Tustian.

Need more stuff? Or looking to get rid of more stuff? Take part in the EDC’s Community Yard Sale on Saturday, August 13th, from 9am to 1pm, at and around the market pavilion. Want to register a table for free? Contact: zazoom5575@gmail.com

Did you know that August is referred to as the dog days of summer? Better bring poochie out to the dog park to join the Kagawong Canine Social Club, Sundays at 1pm, to celebrate!

The Billings Library is hosting the next movie night on Saturday, August 6th. Make your summer boredom disappear like magic by coming out to watch Now You See Me 2! Admission is by donation; show starts at 7pm on the big screen. Check out http://www.facebook.com/kaglibrary for more details.

Speaking of magic, the O’Grady clan visited Maple Point last week, and demonstrated the amazing ability to pull rabbits out of a hat and chicken out of thin air at the dinner table, to satisfy even the youngest visitors. Amanda and Tyler Chapman were home on the island visiting last week. The youngest fisherman in the family, Graham, even got out on the water, catching fish with Papa.

Happy birthday to Lisa H, who turns 29 on Friday. This month also marks an exciting anniversary – Team Fergmeijer is celebrating one full year of writing this column! We’d like to thank the readers for putting up with us. As long as we continue to entertain ourselves, we will continue to write! Here’s to another 52ish columns.