Resilience.
When I think about Haliburton County, its capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and toughness really stand out for me.
And while COVID-19 is still a clear and present danger, there are examples of Haliburtonians overcoming challenges throughout this week’s Highlander.
Let’s start with Sally Moore. The Sunny Rock bed and breakfast owner courageously sent out a mass email informing people she is battling breast cancer. However, she is organizing a fundraiser for Minden Rotary and, well, to lift her spirits. How about that?
The folks on Black Lake, as well as the family of Anna Andrews, certainly proved their mettle this past weekend. With Anna turning 100, family and friends weren’t going to let a little pandemic get in the way of celebrating her century. Instead, they jumped in their watercraft, grabbed their noisemakers and cruised by Anna’s dock to wish her a happy birthday. Minden Hills Coun. Pam Sayne showed up with a plaque from the township to mark the accomplishment.
Word came in from Doug Norris at the Abbey Retreat Centre. They are the folks tucked up the back of the Abbey Gardens site who offer free retreats for cancer patients and their careers. Earlier this summer, they launched the Haliburton Highlands Challenge. On Aug. 27, they wrapped it up, raising an incredible $50,000. It will ensure the continuation of virtual retreats for now, and many in-person in the future.
The Highlands Hills United Church outreach committee gave me a call. They wanted to share that they are gathering masks for school children. They were purchasing some but also looking for materials and sewers.
The folks at Volunteer Dental Outreach were delighted to announce that their annual golf tournament had raised $40,000. That is going to lead to a lot of smiles at the free-of-charge dental clinic.
Art on the Dock announced its return for its annual art exhibition on Kennisis Lake and they brought in a tidy $5,000.
The Rotary Club handed its prize-winning cheque of $30,000 to Judy Neimann. The fundraiser this year was highly successful.
The Land Between charity has reached the hatching stage of its new turtle incubation program, with the first of its 1,000 eggs hatching Aug. 7. The program has started releasing turtles, which will continue for another few weeks.
We’re starting to see the arts scene return with a vengeance. We have pop-up art taking place this weekend, workshops and exhibitions being advertised for September and October.
In sports, kids are being registered for Highland Storm minor hockey.
Many other families are preparing to return to school.
And, of course, Minden Pride celebrated its fifth annual event in the County. Like many, it had to hold the bulk of its activities online. However, it staged an inclusive flagraising, a drive-in movie night and a show your Pride colours day. The iconic Pride flag was flown from houses, businesses and vehicles as people did not allow COVID-19 to dampen their week-long celebration.
While the experts are telling us this bug is going to be around until the end of 2020 and into the beginning of 2021, it would seem Haliburton County residents are starting to well and truly get on with it. After all, we are known for our resiliency.
