Haliburton County food banks gearing up for Christmas

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December 15, 2022

Minden Community Food Centre volunteers share conversation and laughs, but rarely an idle moment on a frosty Monday morning in early December.

In the kitchen upstairs, Wendy Harding carefully spoons apple sauce into meal kits, while Cliff Harding cleans the meat slicer, which just helped provide more than a dozen families with hearty protein.

Downstairs, Joan Stoner is one of three women sorting groceries, clothes, and bulk foods. “I’ve been so lucky in my life. This is my chance to give back,” she said.

Each holiday season, dozens of fundraisers funnel non-perishable food or monetary donations to food banks across the Highlands. As volunteers such as Stoner prepare to distribute Christmas hampers, vouchers, holiday meals, and warm clothes, the 2022 festive season arrives alongside rising food and energy costs.

It’s driving demand for food bank services up. “We are struggling to keep up, there are times I come into the food bank and volunteers are so busy, they are struggling to keep the shelves stocked,” said Tina Jackson, executive director for the Wilberforce Central Food Network.

She said, on average, the centre had 176 visits every month in 2022. Last year, it was 158. She said more new people, who haven’t previously accessed food bank services, are coming through the doors. Judy MacDuff of the Haliburton 4Cs food bank said 20 new clients started regularly coming to the food bank in 2022.

The 4Cs will distribute food vouchers to 178 families and individuals Dec. 15. A letter to Minden Hills council from Don Veno, Minden Community Food Centre board chairperson, claims the centre has seen a 15 per cent rise in usership, with 800 local households accessing its services in 2022. Once non-perishable food donations arrive at the Minden Community Food Centre, they go into a storage area before being sorted by volunteers such as Sue Waite.

“I’m fairly new to the community,” Waite said, as she hoisted paper bags of food just donated by Dollo’s Foodland in Minden. “I thought it would be a good way to give back.” She added she’s enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers. Donated food is brought to “the pantry,” a sort of miniature grocery store separated into food categories.

“We do have a large variety of foods we try and cover,” Minden Community Food Centre manager Jean Munroe said. The grocery area, complete with a counter, shelves and lots of choice, is designed with the shopper in mind. Starches, produce, snacks and more are all separated into sections. “We don’t make them feel like they’re taking from us, we make them feel comfortable, we joke around with them,” Munroe said.

Other donations arrive through Feed Ontario, a provincial food bank charity, or other goods purchased, in part, with community donations. “It’s very important, and very timely, especially at this time that we have donations,” Munroe said. Meat, fresh produce and more gets stored until the kitchen crew upstairs puts it to use in carefully planned meals ready for pick-up. Up the staircase, the industrial kitchen buzzes to life each morning the centre is open.

Volunteers make about 15 or 20 sandwiches for local families each day. Munroe just started in her role in March, but said she’s found the community support motivating. “I’m proud to be part of a community that is so supportive and understands the need here,” she said.

Items in need

Men’s jackets are a hot commodity at the Minden Community Food Centre.

“When we have them, they go out the door quickly,” said Stoner as she folded sweaters and jackets onto shelves.

Along with men’s clothes, Munroe said hygiene items such as razors, as well as sheets and towels are sometimes overlooked by holiday fundraisers. Jackson, in Wilberforce, echoed the call for items such as paper towels, deodorant, toothbrushes and laundry soap. “When people are at the store, these items are often the things that are skipped altogether,” Jackson said.

The Minden food bank is also on the hunt for childrens’ toys, especially ones geared towards kids aged 10-13.

Toy Drive drop-off locations can be found on the Minden Food Bank Facebook page. While the Highlands feels the pinch of rising food costs, the community’s charitable spirit continues. At a Haliburton County Huskies game Dec. 12, the Minden Community Food Centre hosted a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and collected food bank donations.

Before the teams hit the ice, food bank board member and local business owner Brandi Hewson addressed the hockey fans, telling them about the increase in use and demand for help. “We appreciate, and desperately need, your support,” Hewson said.

Rent hike bowls over Minden businesses

By

Lisa Gervais

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December 15, 2022

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A GoFundMe has been launched to try to keep Fast Lane Bowling in Minden open for the winter after the landlord notified owners Ron Crump and Debbie Gerzymisch Dec. 2 of a substantial rent increase.

Owners of other businesses in the Shell complex are also facing big jumps.

However, landlord Hamza Khalid said Bank of Canada interest rate hikes have forced his hand and even with the rent increases, he is still charging less than market rent.

Trina West launched the GoFundMe after Fast Lane notified community members they were likely to close later this month. “The closure of the lanes would affect many seniors, children, adults and our special needs community by preventing us from having this recreational outlet and we don’t want to lose it. Please help,” West said.

Crump and Gerzymisch said they were notified of a pending 140 per cent rent hike that would take it to approximately $3,220 a month with taxes, from $1,350. Khalid said that initially he asked to bump it up to $2,850 a month but has since reduced it to $2,100. That is a 75 per cent jump.

Crump said, “it shuts it down. We just don’t make that kind of money.” Gerzymisch added, “especially in the summer. We’re dead. And in the winter, we have an extra high hydro bill because of the heating.”

Their hope is that the GoFundMe can get them through to the end of the winter bowling season, which now boasts four leagues, as well as parties, fundraising events and drop-ins. “After that, we’ll go back and try to decide, but basically it will be closed,” Crump said. The two added it, “sucks for everybody involved.”

Crump said managing the bowling alley was his retirement plan, to supplement income if there were any profits, but also to give himself something to do. Gerzymisch added they have gotten to know the County bowling community.

She said bowlers will miss their routine, including the Red Wolves Special Olympians.

Red Wolves upset

Tracey Pratt of the Special Olympics said they are “shocked and upset … it’s the only sport where all of our athletes compete.”

She added without the opportunity to bowl locally, they won’t be able to qualify for provincial and national competitions. For example, Pratt’s daughter and other Special Olympians went to nationals in P.E.I. a few years ago for the “experience of a lifetime.” Pratt said even going to the local lanes is huge for Special Olympians, particularly after two years of COVID-19 restrictions. “Everyone was so excited that everyone was back at bowling. It’s not just the bowling. It’s the friendships they’ve made with coaches and volunteers and other athletes. They all look forward to it every week.”

Susan Andresen of Pet-Tyme-Animal Krackers! said she was informed her rent would be tripling. Khalid said he initially told her the increase would be from $500 a month to $1,450 but he has since put it at $1,250. That’s a 150 per cent increase. Andresen conceded she had been paying below market rent. “We’re looking at all options, whether we stay, or whether we negotiate, or whether we move,” she said.

Andresen added while she wishes her business had not been put in this position – and would have preferred incremental increases and not getting the news just before Christmas – she also recognizes the landlord is a business person too. “Certainly, we don’t need to vilify them.” There are three commercial spaces for rent in Minden Hills listed on realtor.ca. The prices range from $4,800 a month to $8,400 a month, with an average $6,633 a month.

Khalid said his new rents are not even half of the average on realtor.ca He added with the Bank of Canada continually increasing its rates, it has affected his mortgage, with an anticipated increase of $800-a-month in January.

“After increasing the interest rate, the Bank of Canada left no choice for us [but] to increase the rent. We don’t want to increase but we have no choice.”

Boil Water advisory issued for areas in Minden

By

Sam Gillett

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December 13, 2022

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A boil water advisory has been announced for certain properties on Bobcaygeon Road and Fleming Road in the village of Minden.

The advisory encompasses the following addresses: 155 to 211 Bobcaygeon Rd. and 1969 to 1993 Fleming Rd.

“For your protection and until further notice, it will be necessary to boil all water, which is to be used for human consumption, for at least one minute,” states a Dec. 13 notice from the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA).

Minden Hills’ director of public works Mike Timmins said a valve in the water system malfunctioned, causing a pressure drop in the system servicing those roads.

As of Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., he said there wasn’t a firm estimate for when the system would be fixed.

OCWA offered the following guidelines for residents in the affected area:

– Water used for drinking, making baby food, mixing formula or fruit juices, ice, washing fruits and vegetables, or teeth brushing must first be boiled. Begin timing for one minute only after the water has reached a full rolling boil on your stove or in your kettle.

– Store the cooled, boiled water in a container, which has been sanitized and has a lid or other means of covering the container. Sanitize the container by washing it in a solution of 750 mL (3 cups) of water plus 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of unscented household bleach. Clean your countertops, sinks dishes and utensils using this solution as well. Do not drink this solution.

– Thorough hand washing with soap is an important step in preventing the spread of bacteria. Make sure hands are properly washed after using the toilet, handling diapers, pets, livestock and before preparing food. Wash your hands with soap under running water. After hands are washed and thoroughly dried, apply 60 per cent alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub hands together with the amount specified on the label until the hands are dry. Cover all surfaces of the hands. The alcohol content of the sanitizer completely evaporates as it dries. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are disinfectants that contain at least 60 per cent alcohol, ethanol, isopropanol or a mixture of both.

– Adults may shower with untreated water as long as no water is swallowed. Adults or young children should sponge-bathe instead of using tub baths. Use a clean supply of water if possible.

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is monitoring the water quality incident. You will be notified when the problem is resolved. For more information visit hkpr.on.ca or call 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5006

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A breath of fresh air for Haliburton Life

By

Lisa Gervais

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December 9, 2022

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The Carnarvon-based Voima Group has purchased social community platform Haliburton Life. Owners Amanda Virtanen, a former County of Haliburton director of tourism, and her partner, Geoff Schultz, announced the acquisition Nov. 14.

Jen and Pasi Posti launched Haliburton Life in 2014. Virtanen and Schultz said it was originally created for the Postis to share their love of Haliburton.

“The social community quickly grew with user-generated content from across the Haliburton Highlands. The social platform showcases a true taste of the Haliburton life,” Voima’s co-owners said. In 2020, the Postis sold to Jessica Lawrence, owner of Haliburton Lake Wear.

Jessica has managed the community since, however, Virtanen said she is busy with her own work so decided to pass it on to the Voima Group.

“It seemed a natural progression for us to take on Haliburton Life, as it’s an incredible community of people who share the same passion for Haliburton as we do,” Schultz said. “Our love for the Haliburton Highlands is at the core to everything we do, at work and in life.”

Virtanen added, “when the opportunity to acquire Haliburton Life came up, it seemed a natural fit for us personally, professionally and with my past experience as Haliburton County’s tourism director.” Lawrence said she was also pleased with how things turned out.

“I’m excited that Haliburton Life will carry on and I know it’s in good hands with Geoff and Amanda. I look forward to working with them on some projects in 2023.”

The Voima Group said Haliburton Life will remain community-driven and, “continue to showcase all that the Haliburton Highlands region has to offer to the audience of nearly 10,000 followers.”

They said it is early days and did not want to elaborate on some of their ideas going forward, other than to say they have some, “exciting plans to expand the lifestyle brand into 2023.” The platform can be found on Instagram @ HaliburtonLife.

Make this a local Christmas

By

Lisa Gervais

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December 9, 2022

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The Bank of Canada increased interest rates, again, Dec. 7, this time by 50 basis points, to 4.25 per cent. In other words, if you’ve got a variable rate mortgage, the ‘ouch’ continues. The rate started the year at 0.25 per cent and was 3.75 per cent prior to Wednesday.

Some say there are signs the economy and inflation is slowing, however, the labour market remains stubbornly strong. We’ve also been told that Canadians should brace for further ballooning of their grocery bills next year. The most recent edition of Canada’s Food Price Report predicts another five to seven per cent price jump.

That means a family of four can expect to pay $16,222.80 in 2023 for groceries – an increase of $1,065.60 from 2022 prices – according to the report. Energy prices are also expected to soar. The federal government is unlikely to dole out much of a helping hand.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation claims Canada’s federal debt is growing by $878 per second, which is $52,701 per minute, $3.1 million per hour, or $75.9 million every single day. The debt clock is currently over $713 billion and Canada’s federal debt continues to grow daily. At the provincial level, the Government of Ontario’s debt is $348.9 billion and growing.

As Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter said during his council’s inaugural council meeting, no white knight, no Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and no Marvel Comics character is going to bail out Haliburton County residents. We have to do it ourselves.

Let’s start with Christmas.

Statista, a retail and trade website, states the average Canadian household spends about $2,375 on Christmas. That includes $451 on food, $616 on decorations and $1,308 on presents. Faced with rising interest rates, inflation, government and personal debt, why in the world would we do that again this year?

The Globe and Mail reported this week that consumer debt in Canada topped $2.36 trillion in the third quarter, up 7.3 per cent from last year It’s time we collectively lowered our holiday expectations. It may seem trite but why not buy fewer, less expensive, gifts?

There have been plenty of Christmas craft markets featuring locally-made items at reasonable prices, where you can eyeball the very person you are giving your money to.

As always this time of year, we also implore you to shop at local businesses, and not online.

When you purchase at locally-owned businesses rather than nationally-owned, more money is kept in the community because local businesses often purchase from other area businesses, and service providers. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses, as well as the local tax base.

While out for my daily walk, I ran into a chap who has had a good financial year. He told me he practices the ancient art of tithing. In olden days, people would give one tenth of their crops to the landlord. Others have given to their churches.

Today, tithes are voluntary and often paid out to charities. If you can pay it forward, we urge you to do so. Many in our community cannot give onetenth of their net earnings.

Curtain rises on Highlands Opera Club

By

Sam Gillett

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December 9, 2022

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Many teens and young adults might not realize how their passions intersect with the world of opera.

The Highlands Opera Studio’s new Opera Club is aimed at helping youth explore music, performance arts, set design, wardrobe creation, makeup and more, all through the lens of the operatic arts.

“It’s a really great way for youth and young adults in the community to experience opera and see it’s allowing us more access to different types of music and theatre,” said club director Corina Mansfield. “It all kind of goes together for opera.”

Any young adult older than 13 is invited to attend, “even if it’s not the opera that they love,” Mansfield said.

“Maybe they’ve discovered something in the musical arts that they want to aspire to, or even just have opera as a wonderful hobby. We don’t have to be great at things to love them.”

While the group kicked off meetings with a meet-and-greet Oct. 24 and a trip to Toronto to watch Carmen, regular events and activities will depend on the interests of group members. “It’s not going to be like every week or anything like that because I know that youth in the community are busy,” Mansfield said.

She and Highlands Opera Studio hope to show how the skills picked up in learning about opera can be transferred to other artistic practices, whether painting set backdrops or composing music.

Mansfield gave the example of sitting directly behind the conductor during a performance and being able to see how the music on the page translates onto the stage.

“The dork in me just goes insane,” she said. If a teen is interested in cosmetics, for instance, they could spend their time in the club picking up how different methods help tell stories about characters or accent how they appear to the audience.

“All these different interests, all these different professions, all these different careers and they come together to seamlessly make this amazing thing that you don’t think about it when you’re watching it.”

For more information on future meetings, contact Mansfield at info@highlandsoperastudio.com

‘Forgotten’ exhibit showcases Haliburton’s emerging visual arts talent

By

Sam Gillett

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December 9, 2022

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The Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre is serving up 11 moments of creative introspection, courtesy of the creative minds roaming the halls of Haliburton Highlands Secondary School. ‘Forgotten’ is a group art show planned, produced and presented by the school’s graduating class of artists, on display at the Haliburton gallery until Dec. 17.

The class decided on the theme together, after compiling images they found inspiring. “There were a lot of broken, abandoned objects, structures… and I was thinking we could broaden the idea, expand a bit,” said Riley Boermans.

He suggested ‘Forgotten’ as a unifying theme and it stuck.

Each student has crafted an original piece of art speaking to the idea. Boermans painted his grandfather’s rusted truck, lost amidst towering trees and grass.

Other students, such as Colleen Petric, found inspiration in the way memories are made and fade. “Present experiences influence our views on past memories, and past memories influence our present experiences,” she wrote in an accompanying artist statement.

Petric told The Highlander she found her final piece looked slightly different than she expected as she navigated colour and acrylic painting techniques.

“I thought it might look a lot gloomier but I like the outcome, too,” she said.

Boermans, as well, chose a medium he wasn’t completely used to. He said painting, unlike drawing, was confusing. “Going from being able to put something on, and being able to [erase it] to once you put it on, it’s on, and you have to work around it,” he said.

The Rosetta Thing, by Lucas Wingell, is a three-dimensional piece inspired by the Rosetta Stone. “I was sort of ‘think of forgotten cultures.’ So, I thought of forgotten languages,” Wingell said. He incorporated carved letters from medieval Latin, Elder Futhark and the now-extinct Tocharian languages.

“These three scripts represent not only the ancient languages but also the forgotten people and cultures of the past,” Wingell wrote in his statement.

He questions what other languages might disappear as English becomes ever-more dominant throughout the world. For teacher Karen Gervais, the show is a chance to see her students’ work through a creative process collectively. “It’s neat to see it from the start, right from concept to development of the final work,” she said. “It’s definitely a bit of pressure we’re under, since it’s a pretty short timeframe, a semester.”

Students also had the chance to develop their own artists’ statements and present their work to friends, family and the public at a reception Nov. 25. “I think it provides good learning with reallife deadlines and sometimes having to burn the midnight oil. It always comes together in the end,” Gervais said. The Rails End Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday.

CanoeFM host named Blues Booster of the Year

By

Sam Gillett

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December 9, 2022

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CanoeFM radio host Patrick Monaghan has been named Blues Booster of the Year by the Toronto Blues Society.

Host of The Buckslide Blues Cruise Tuesday nights, Monaghan is “well known as one of the biggest supporters of Canadian blues musicians,” said the society in a Nov. 29 media release. “A champion enthusiast like a few others, Patrick Monaghan is a classic Blues Booster,” said Derek Andrews, president of the Toronto Blues Society.

“CanoeFM is lucky to have Patrick as an advocate, as are all blues musicians who benefit from his passion.” Monaghan’s 40-year love affair with the genre has seen him travel across Canada and the United States to festivals and concerts, as well as developing an international radio audience and the Haliburton-based Buckslide Blues Society.

Monaghan has also been awarded multiple honours for his radio show through the National Campus Radio Association, hitting 300 shows in Jan. 2022.

Achieving the milestone was a goal Monaghan had in mind during a stretch of difficult months receiving treatment for cancer.

“I would like to thank the Toronto Blues Society for choosing me for this prestigious award,” Monaghan said. “I am honoured and thrilled to receive the Blues Booster of the Year Award. “I would also like to thank my peers, colleagues and the blues community for their support. Many kind and helpful people have helped me along the way.

About four years ago, I was diagnosed with a serious illness, again many members of the blues community stepped up to the plate ready to help in any way that they could. I am very grateful for their efforts. I consider my job as ‘keeping the blues alive’ but the last few years, the blues have been keeping me alive.”

The Buckslide Blues Cruise sets off each Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Monaghan will be formally presented the award at the 26th annual Maple Blues Awards gala on Jan. 30 in Toronto.

Haliburton County Huskies’ Saini out to prove himself at World Jr. A Challenge

By

Mike Baker

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December 9, 2022

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Haliburton Huskies vs Oakville Blades — OAKVILLE, ON - OCTOBER 21: Patrick Saini #75 of the Haliburton County Huskies is interviewed by The OJHL Tonight after the game at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex on October 21, 2022 in Ontario, Canada (Photo by Michelle Malvaso / OJHL Images)

Haliburton County Huskies forward Patrick Saini has been rubbing shoulders with some of the best up-and-coming players in the country this week after being invited to attend the Canada East team camp ahead of the World Jr. A Challenge.

Taking place in Cornwall, ON from Dec. 11 to 18, the showcase – returning for the first time since 2019 – will feature two Canadian teams as well as invitees from Latvia, Sweden and the U.S. Speaking to The Highlander before heading south, Saini said it would be “a dream come true” to make the Canada East roster.

Thirty-three players from Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes were invited to a three-day camp, beginning Dec. 5, with a 22-man roster to be announced Dec. 8. “As a young hockey fan, you grow up watching Team Canada all the time. To be a part of that, and to wear the jersey would be such an honour,” Saini said. “It’s an exciting opportunity. I just have to enjoy it, not get too focused on making the team and see what happens… I know what kind of player I am, so if I do my thing and work hard, then I’ve got a good chance.”

The World Jr. A Challenge has been running since 2006, providing a platform for junior hockey players under the age of 20 to show their skills on a national level. Future NHLers such as David Pastrnak, Kyle Turris, Cale Makar, Andrei Svechnikov and Nikolaj Ehlers have competed in past tournaments.

While rosters for the visiting nations have yet to be announced, there will likely be some big-hitters competing again this year. Latvia, Sweden and the U.S. will each compete in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, being held in Halifax, NS and Moncton, NB from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. In years past, teams have used the Jr. A Challenge as a tune-up for that event when it’s held in Canada.

No matter the opponent, Saini is confident he’ll be able to hold his own. The 19-yearold centre has been in fine form for the Huskies this season, putting up a team-high 50 points in 27 games in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). While recognizing linemates Ty Collins and Christian Stevens, Saini also heaped special praise on Huskies’ trainer Owen Flood for helping him to take his game to a new level this year. Haliburton’s Matt Duchene also played a role, Saini said.

“I worked so hard during the summer with Owen. He was able to take the best parts of my game and elevate them even further, and then helping me in areas that could use some work. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him,” Saini said. “I also skated with Matt Duchene in the summer, and I learned a lot from him.” Should Saini crack the Canada East roster, he will miss four games with the Huskies, returning after the holidays for a Dec. 30 tilt on home ice with the Mississauga Chargers.

Curling sweeps back to normal in Highlands

By

Mike Baker

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December 9, 2022

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Haliburton Curling Club president Wanda Ruddy said it’s been nice getting back to regular curling action this season. Photo by Sam Gillett

Curling is alive and well in the Highlands, with all three clubs across Haliburton County reporting substantial increases in membership for the new winter season.

With back-to-back seasons impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs in Haliburton, Minden and Wilberforce are operating without restrictions this year, though are maintaining enhanced cleaning practices and encourage members to wear a mask when not on the ice.

John Sexton, a member of the Minden executive, said it’s been an emotional couple of months as he’s seen many long-time players return to the rink.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be back. Curling is such a social sport. We missed out on so much the past couple of years. It’s wonderful to have curling as we know it, and as we love it, running again,” he said. With the first of two 10-week sessions underway, the Minden club has 190 curlers registered for the year.

That’s up from 120 last season. Sexton said there are nine active leagues, including competitive options for men and women, co-ed recreational and a new ‘BS’ league, which is run in partnership with Boshkung Social. “That’s more about getting out, having fun and meeting new people. We have a lot of younger players involved in that.” Sexton said the Minden club has welcomed around 40 new, first-time curlers this season.

It’s a similar story in Haliburton. Of the 235 registered curlers playing across 10 leagues, there are 43 new members.

Club president Wanda Ruddy said this put the club’s membership back to pre-pandemic levels, after having around 120 players last year. Haliburton runs three, eight-week sessions in order to accommodate snowbirds who travel south before the holidays. The first session wrapped up Nov. 30, with session two running until Jan. 31.

The final session will run in February and March.

Planning is underway for a series of big, session-ending bonspiels – the first in Haliburton since 2019. The Skyline men’s competitive bonspiel is happening Jan. 21, with a mixed competitive competition taking place the first weekend in February.

That tournament will feature 24 out-of-town teams, Ruddy said. The ladies’ Highland Lassie bonspiel is scheduled for March. Operations at the Wilberforce Curling Club are better than ever according to president, Darrell McQuigge.

The organization has seen a 70 per cent increase in its membership from pre-pandemic levels, now boasting 71 active members. “That’s brought lots of new energy and fresh volunteers to help us keep things going. Now we’re looking at how we can make things even better,” McQuigge said. The club held an in-house glow in the dark bonspiel Nov. 26 and has several other events, some involving out-of-town teams, lined up for early next year. Also returning this year are complementary ‘Learn to Curl’ sessions, where seasoned curlers will spend a day teaching novices about the ins and outs of the game.

A similar initiative is also offered in Haliburton.

“We have free sample curling on Wednesdays where people can come out to see what we’re about… a bunch of our members have been trained to be instructors through the Ontario Curling Association,” McQuigge said.

“It’s a great sport to get into – it doesn’t cost a lot to play, and the social engagement is huge. There’s always plenty of smiling faces on curling night.” To learn more about each club, visit haliburtoncurlingclub. com, mindencurlingclub.com, or wilberforcecurling.com.