Health unit to answer parents’ questions about COVID vaccines for kids

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November 22, 2021

By Lisa Gervais

With Health Canada’s approval of a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five to 11, local health care providers say they are working together to help families understand why vaccination is safe, effective and recommended for kids.

Health Canada has given the green light for the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine to be provided to children ages five to 11 years. On Nov. 22, the Ontario government announced that parents can start booking appointments through the provincial booking system starting Nov. 23.

Locally, parents can book appointments for their children at COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for Nov. 29 and onwards. Appointments are encouraged at all HKPR clinics for first, second or third doses, but walk-ins will also be accepted between 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at all clinics.

“Children can contribute to the spread of the virus at home and in other settings,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “In order for us to most effectively build community protection against COVID-19, we need to get as many people across all age groups, including children, fully vaccinated.”

To help answer questions parents may still have about vaccinating their child, the HKPR District Health Unit is teaming up with local primary care providers to offer a virtual panel discussion entitled Fast Facts on COVID-19 Vacs for Kids.

“We know some parents are questioning the need and the safety of the vaccine and this information session is the perfect opportunity to talk about those concerns and help clear up some of the misinformation and fear that may be circulating,” said Dr. Bocking. “While children are less likely to get really sick from COVID-19, there are still many reasons why they need the protection offered by the vaccine.”

When: Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m.

What: A virtual meeting with a panel of local health care providers. The session will be live streamed on YouTube and the recording provided after the meeting.

Why: The panel will share information on COVID-19 and the vaccine for children.

Who: Panel participants will include: Dr. Sheila Mae Young – family physician in the City of Kawartha Lakes (moderator); Dr. Bocking; Dr. Emma Smith, family physician with Northumberland Family Health Team and Brooke Mountney, Public Health Nurse, HKPR District Health Unit.

How: visit hkpr.on.ca for information on how to view the session and pre-submit questions.

Dr. Bocking said she understands parents may have many questions about COVID-19 vaccines. The Dec. 2 information session is designed to provide information about the vaccine, how to prepare children for vaccination, potential side effects of the vaccine, and the ways to book a vaccination appointment. With the variety of panelists, parents can have their questions answered and will receive information from public health representatives, as well as family physicians, the health unit said.

Parents/guardians with questions about COVID-19 vaccine for children are also encouraged to speak with their health care providers. The SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service also offers appointment-based phone service that provides a safe, judgement-free space to discuss COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth. To book an appointment visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service (sickkids.ca). As well, the Health Unit also has information, resources and videos on its website (hkpr.on.ca) for families to help decide what’s right for their child. Information on vaccination clinic locations, date and times for children is also available on the site.

Staffing challenges to impact ERs

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Lisa Gervais

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November 22, 2021

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HHHS File Photo.jpg web — A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Haliburton hospital.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services announced late this afternoon that due to challenges around staffing and nursing capacity, it’s very likely they’ll need to reduce service at one of the County’s ERs – including closures during certain hours and days – in the coming weeks. See the full story in Thursday’s Highlander.

Fire chief says man saved by smoke alarms

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Lisa Gervais

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November 22, 2021

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By Lisa Gervais

A hearing-impaired Minden man was able to safely escape his burning home this past weekend thanks to smoke alarms, fire Chief Nelson Johnson said.

Johnson said his fire department got a call to a Tennyson Road property at 12:30 a.m. Nov. 21.

The call from the 911 dispatcher said all occupants were out of the structure as volunteers headed to the scene.

Johnson said when the first crew arrived just before 1 a.m. they “encountered heavy smoke and flames. The roof was compromised and flames were spreading fast throughout the small, three-bedroom cottage.”

The department had an engine,water truck, rescue, two command units and 11 firefighters. The incident commander then called for mutual aid and the Dysart Fire Department brought two water trucks, a rescue, and 12 firefighters to assist. There was a total of 23 firefighters, one engine and three water trucks on site.

Johnson said crews began knocking down the fire and keeping it contained to the structure. The Minden Hills volunteers placed a portable pump in the lake to supply the engine with water.

Johnson said the occupant reported that he was sleeping in the cottage when insistent noise from the fire alarm woke him. He was roused to find flames and heavy smoke filling the cottage. He quickly ran out and called 911. Johnson said the occupant is hearing impaired and wears hearing aids.

“The occupant did not report any injuries, and the fire was considered out at 4 a.m.,” Johnson said. “The crews then switched to overhauling the fire to ensure that there were no hidden hot spots, leaving the scene at 5 a.m.

Johnson said no firefighters were injured either.

“The loss of a home can be difficult but we were very pleased that the smoke alarm functioned as it was supposed to and there were no injuries and the occupant was able to leave the building to call 911,” he added.

It was a busy weekend for the department. It had just finished extinguishing a large unattended brush fire when the structure fire call came in. Johnson said volunteers chocked up 37 hours of calls over Nov. 21 and 22. They included the structure fire, brush fire, a vehicle fire, medical calls, hydro lines down and the Minden Hills Santa Claus Parade.

“I am very proud of the volunteers that were able to assist this weekend and the long hours that were put in by all. The community should be proud of the volunteers that provide the township with the fire and rescue protection that they deserve, the volunteers always go above expectations when they are called upon.”

SIDEBAR: Fire alarms save lives

Johnson emphasized how working smoke alarms save lives. He said if they are properly installed and maintained, they play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. He said other tips include:

· Know the sounds of fire safety, hear the beep, get on your feet and get out, stay out.

· A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

· Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.

· Install alarms on every level of the home.

· Smoke alarms should be interconnected, when one sounds, they all sound.

· Test your smoke alarms at least once a month, press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

· Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Johnson said modern smoke alarms are more technologically-advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms and there are many types and devices for people with hearing difficulties, young children and for other situations.

He added when you are looking at replacing or upgrading any smoke alarm, you should consider having alarms with strobe lights. The flashing lights can assist with hearing difficulties. If the hearing difficulty is extreme there are devises that shake the bed or vibrate when the alarm goes off. There are also smoke alarms that connect wirelessly through the internet to your phone, this provides instant notification to you, even if you are not home.

Testing new turtle tunnel barriers

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Sam Gillett

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November 19, 2021

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One of the biggest risks an animal can take is Haliburton County is crossing a road.

On Nov. 15, The Land Between and Scales Nature Park worked together to make the journey for turtles just a safer one.

Using an excavator donated by Minden Rental, the two conservation groups dug out roadside fill and installed recycled metal barricades, welded from metal barrels. It’s all part of a system guiding turtles towards culverts, where they can cross under a road safely.

“It’s a turtle tunnel, basically,” said Leora Berman, The Land Between founder. “The shape can be backfilled and the road becomes permeable: any wildlife on the road can get off.”

They’re testing the system on a stretch of wetland-adjacent Glamorgan road, to see how the interlocking barriers handle winter frost.

“The issue with one large piece is it can shift, and that creates major maintenance issues,” said Berman.

There are 96 spots in the County that The Land Between and the Haliburton Land Trust have identified as needing turtle crossings.

Some, Berman said, don’t currently have culverts linking areas of wetlands, which poses an increased risk to the area’s turtle population.

“It’s really important that we have culverts so turtles can reach all parts of their territories,” Berman said.

All of Ontario’s turtle species are at risk. In the last 20 years, turtle populations have declined by more than 50 per cent; with drivers behind the vast majority of deaths.

Heat Bank nets $29k

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Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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SG-heat bank-2- — Nick & Benton performed at the 2021 Fuel for Warmth fundraiser.

The Haliburton County Heat Bank’s annual fundraiser in partnership with Carnarvon’s Rhubarb restaurant raised $29,183. The Nov. 14 evening was the most successful to date, said Tina Jackson, heat bank coordinator.

“Haliburton County has one of the highest rates of energy poverty in all of Canada,” said Jackson. “The Heat Bank’s working really hard to help folks overcome struggles related to heating and hydro, and this is our largest fundraiser of the year.”

Jackson said Rhubarb, and owner Terri Matthews-Carl, have been instrumental in helping the event succeed.

The restaurant was closed to the public and staff volunteered their time to serve a gourmet dinner while attendees had the chance to bid on donated items from various local businesses.

Musicians Nick and Benton sang and Ted Brandon hosted the evening as MC.

The Heat Bank, founded in 2013, aims to provide emergency access to heat and firewood for vulnerable Highlanders.

Their annual fundraiser at Rhubarb has raised over $124,000 since it began.

Singer releases anthem of mortality

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Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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If the cold months of fall ever needed a soundtrack, Fenelon Falls-based singer songwriter Shannon Roszell said her new single might fit the bill.

Day of the Dead released Oct. 29; just before Halloween.

It was a fitting ballad for spooky season, said Roszell. Inspired by indie rockers such as The National and Arcade Fire, Roszell’s voice echoes over top of menacing guitar riffs that build and drive the song along.

It’s a song about death, and legacy, she said. “I swear I’ve written more music about death than love.”

It was prompted by the passing of one of Roszell’s musical Icons, Lou Reed, reflecting on his legacy and, in turn, hers.

It’s also a symphonic exploration of mortality itself.

“It’s a perfect soundtrack to this time of the year when the veil between the living and dead is at its thinnest,” she said.

Roszell, who guest anchored and debuted the song on CanoeFM Oct. 29, has been slowly releasing singles ahead of a debut album drop, scheduled for the fall of 2022.

She’s been making music for more than a decade, but only recently partnered with award-winning producer Frank Gryner (Def Leppard, Rod Zombie) while preparing newer tunes.

For around 18 months, she recorded, wrote, and produced the album Track by Track.

Now the wait is on: Roszell is expecting a child in the spring of 2022. While all the songs are complete, she said it’s important to her they come out as a package.

“I had this body of work I wanted to honour,” she said. “They all have a sonic palette that’s pretty unified.”

Many of her songs are similarly complex as Day of the Dead.

She gave the example of Lullaby’s For the Lost and Living Dead, a song released late this year. “It is about that anxiety, mental health, and depression, waiting for mental health medication to kick in.”

The 39-year-old said she was a little self-conscious to release music at first: “It makes me think you’re 39, you’re putting out new music: you’ve ‘missed the boat’.”

But she’s excited about the future, and encouragement from friends, family and her producer have helped shift her mindset. “There is no boat, I’m trying to be patient, wait it out, see how things go.”

Roszell’s music can be found on all streaming services and her website: shannonroszell.com

BBQ artist brings the smoke to Fort Irwin

By

Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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Chef Shannon Brown’s passion for barbecue is a life-or-death affair.

When packing up for a catering gig in October, right before the planned opening of his new location in Fort Irwin, a transport truck blew a tire beside his Peterborough home, sending a piece of debris into his chest.

The owner of Till Death BBQ nearly lived up to its name and the injury meant he had to delay opening his Haliburton restaurant.

But after four blood transfusions, he’s back in action, serving up smoked meats, homemade fries and handcrafted sauces in Till Death BBQ’s first permanent location right next to the Fort Irwin Marina. He opened the doors Nov. 5.

“The way I do the food is so different than what others do,” Brown said. He uses a live smoking method, which means the fire is right in the smoker, making for higher temperatures and quicker cook times.

In the rich tradition of Texas-style barbecue, it was unorthodox. Most smokers run at around 250 degrees, Brown’s is usually more than 600.

“People that had been (smoking meat) their whole lives, they were laughing at us, until we started bringing the trophies,” Brown said.

A lifelong cook, a board behind the restaurant’s till is plastered with Diamond Awards from Peterborough: top chef, top restaurant, top caterer and more.

“I’ve been doing it my whole life, but it wasn’t until 2017 I thought I could do it well enough, to start making money off it.”

He said he keeps it simple: relying on different rubs for each meat and lots of sweetness to combine with the smokey inferno, which he is constantly monitoring outside behind the main kitchen.

At Till Death BBQ, Brown said brisket’s been a top seller so far, shifting more than 40 pounds on the restaurant’s opening day.

“The amount of people that have never had brisket before was absolutely crazy,” said Brown

Nearly everything on the menu, from pork to fries is from Ontario producers. Brown said he doesn’t use frozen or premade ingredients.

“It’s scratch-made from start to finish, and we try to go as local as possible.”

Brown found out the Fort Irwin location would be vacant, with the previous restaurant closing.

Peterborough, said Brown “is oversaturated when it comes to food places.”

He and his partner, Joy, who often helps out serving, plan to move to the County full-time.

Brown said creating a positive workplace has been a goal. Catering positions pay $30 per hour, and workers in the restaurant make between $20-25 dollars per hour depending on the shift.

“We pay way above the average for restaurants,” Brown said. “It’s a job that you do because you’re passionate about it, not because you’re going to make a lot of money: there’s no reason it has to be like that.”

For Brown, that’s been a winning strategy. “We’ve been almost six years in the business and all we’ve done is expand,” Shannon said.

Community ‘key’ in student housing need

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Sam Gillett

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November 18, 2021

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Fleming College’s Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD) is nestled in the woods, drawing students from across Canada and beyond for its integrated arts program, metalsmithing course and array of summer classes.

It’s difficult to learn, however, if you don’t have a place to live. That’s why Fleming is putting out a call for Haliburton households to open up to students.

“We’re in desperate need of accommodation options for students, especially within walking distance,” said Sandra Dupret, vice president of Fleming responsible for student experience.

The demand is heightened due to an influx of students starting in January.

Dupret said it can be a chance to earn extra income, or for those who live alone, a chance to have a friend around.

“Some really appreciate that companionship,” Dupret said. “We have found that people are very adaptable to what students’ needs are.”

This year, Dupret said a few students are finding it difficult to find places to live, especially within driving distance.

“Frankly that’s a challenge we’re seeing with the growth here. We can’t grow the enrolment in campus without having places for students to stay, so we’re really dependent at this point, on the support of the community,” Dupret said.

Until a planned residence building, to be located beside the college, HSAD will continue to build community partnerships.

“They’re a key player in helping this campus to thrive,” Dupret said.

West Guilford resident Pat Bain said she wishes she signed on to host students sooner. “All the students I’ve had have been wonderful people,” she said. “To have them in the house, that’s just a comfort to me, to know there’s someone else here.”

Bain has been invited to students’ weddings, even to a student’s family home in France. It’s a lot more than just extra income.

“I always tell them, as well as getting a place to stay, they’re getting a second mother,” she said.

For information on joining Fleming’s list of student apartment options, email och@flemingcollege.ca or call 705-749- 5530 ext. 112

Huskies move to 2nd in OJHL East Division

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Mike Baker

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November 18, 2021

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A depleted Haliburton County Huskies battled through a rare three-game weekend last time out, adding a win and two losses to their seasonal record and moving into second place in the OJHL’s East Division.

The first of the team’s triple header saw them make the hour-long trip south on Hwy. 35 to take on the Lindsay Muskies. In what was a tense, hard-hitting game Nov. 12, the Huskies dug deep and at times rode their luck as they battled to a 2-1 regulation win over their nearest rivals.

It’s a game that will be remembered for its unique stat line, with the two teams going a collective 0-6 on the powerplay but each registering a short-handed goal.

After an insipid opening period in which neither team made much of an impression in the offensive zone, it was the Muskies that got things going early on in the second – very much against the run of play. Shortly after Isiah Parris was issued a two-minute minor for interference, Muskies forward Duncan Scullion cut off a loose pass in the defensive zone and raced down the ice unchallenged, firing the puck past Christian Cicigoi at 4:59 in the period.

The lead wouldn’t last though, and it was a familiar face that came back to haunt the Muskies. Defenseman Will Gourgouvelis fired a hopeful shot from near the boards at 15:54, beating Muskies’ goaltender Ethan Fraser high over his glove. It was Gourgouvelis’ second goal of the season – the other coming way back on opening night Oct. 1, when the Huskies defeated the Muskies 3-2 at the same venue.

Heading into the final frame, the Huskies picked up the pace as they searched for a winner. Top scorer Oliver Tarr saw plenty of ice time as the team leaned on their top line for large periods. In the end, the gamewinning goal came from an unlikely source in fortuitous circumstances. Just 20 seconds after hometown boy Joe Boice went to the box for slashing, Sam Solarino went on the forecheck, chasing down a puck behind the Muskies’ goal. That effort paid off, with Solarino catching Fraser in no man’s land, stealing the puck and careening around the goal to fire in the winner.

“It was pretty hard to miss,” Solarino said with a smile after the game. “The goalie came out behind the net and coughed up a pretty bad one. I just followed it up and put it in.”

Head coach and general manager Ryan Ramsay was delighted with his team’s performance in what he called a “character win.”

“I think that performance really says a lot about the guys we have in our locker room, and the culture we’re trying to create here. We’re down a few players right now, and are running basically three lines, so to see those guys leave it all out on the ice, battle the way they did and come away with a huge two points … it was great to see,” Ramsay said.

Things didn’t quite go to plan on Saturday however, when the Huskies welcomed the table-topping Trenton Golden Hawks to town. Lucas Stevenson got the hometown team off to a perfect start, firing one in after just 1:44 in the opening period after being set up by Tarr.

The Huskies would then give up five straight as the Golden Hawks took charge of the game. Captain Nathan Porter notched a consolation tally late on in the third, before Trenton rubbed salt into the wounds, adding a sixth goal just minutes later. The final score at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena was 6-2.

On Sunday, the Huskies made a trip down to the city to take on the North York Rangers. The team had fond memories of playing at the Herbert Carnegie Centre, recording a 3-1 win at the venue on Oct. 10.

It looked like being another happy visit for the Huskies, who raced out to a 3-0 lead courtesy of goals from Nicholas Athanasakos and Tarr. But the Rangers fired back, netting two goals late in the second and another early in the third, before ending things in overtime.

The point gained from the overtime loss lifted the Huskies into second place in their division, just narrowly ahead of the Muskies and the Wellington Dukes. The hometown team now boasts an overall record of 10-6-1.

They play the Caledon Admirals on the road tonight (Nov. 18), before traveling to the city to face the Toronto Patriots on Saturday. The Huskies will next play on home ice on Nov. 26, against the Cobourg Cougars. That game is slated for a later than-usual start in Minden, with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m.

100 Women: ‘We give and we care’

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Mike Baker

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November 18, 2021

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Local group 100 Women Who Care Haliburton County is continuing its mission of supporting some of the Highlands’ most in-demand services.

Since the club’s foundation in 2016, members have donated more than $80,000 to various charitable organizations across the County. The Minden Community Food Centre is the latest beneficiary, receiving a cheque for $6,800 Oct. 27.

That money was raised in a single hour by the group, who met in-person for the first time since the onset of the pandemic Oct. 20 at the Dominion Hotel.

“A pretty special group, who get together three times a year to raise money and give back to the community,” said club executive, Sandra Slauenwhite-Box. “The original concept was centred around fundraising, easy fundraising in a short period of time to support a charity that does great work here, and really helps people.”

Prior to each meeting, members nominate an organization for consideration. All names are then put into a box, with three selected at random. Those charities are then invited to present at the next meeting, with a chance to win that night’s pot. Once presentations are over, those in attendance vote on who they would like to see receive the money.

Each member in attendance on the night donates $100, or if they’ve registered as a team of two they give $50 each.

Other regular fixtures at the events include the Haliburton Hospital Auxiliary, Fuel for Warmth, Volunteer Dental Outreach, Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS), and the Abbey Retreat Centre.

Pat Bradley and Tina Palmer were inaugural members when the local organization got going five years ago. Starting out with 34 members, they’ve since grown to 78.

“I never realized it would blossom into what it has. I thought it was a fabulous idea at the start, and now, looking at the money we’ve been able to raise, I think it’s even more fabulous,” Palmer said.

Since taking charge of the group last year, Slauenwhite-Box said she’s made it her mission to grow the organization so that it truly reflects its name.

“I would love to see us get to 100 women. I think we’re getting there – we’ve seen steady growth since launching five years ago, and we’re still seeing new members come on board, even now [during the pandemic],” she said.

There’s no annual registration fee to join. Anyone interested in becoming a member can learn more by visiting 100wwchaliburton.wixsite.com.