The Highlands Buckslide Blues Society held its high school competition throughout May and June – for music students to compete in the genre for a chance to win an all-expenses paid spot at the Grand River Blues Camp at the Kitchener Blues Festival.

The student musicians were judged in areas such as originality, content, vocals, instrumental and stage presence. The judges were Mark Riemenschneider, of the HBBS board, Rich Anton, a local harmonica player, and CanoeFM Blues radio show host, Judy Timgren, who sings and plays the guitar. They were joined by Penny Randall Mowbray, a host with CanoeFM, and another local musician on ukulele and guitar.

Austin Bacon finished first, and Viliya Ianovskaia second, while Lillie Fendley got an honourable mention.

What set the winners apart was “definitely their skill,” said Louise Ewing, chair of the HBBS.

“Austin also sang when he played, which is a really difficult thing to do, so we recognized that was more challenging than just singing or just playing,” said Ewing of Bacon’s first-place win.

Bacon said, “it means a lot to me [to win first place], because music’s had a big influence in my life. I’ve always loved music, and music’s been a big part of my life.”

Ianovskaia said, “I was very happy when I realized I got second place. I didn’t expect it. I liked the competition. I had fun while participating in it. I love music. It gives me reassurance in my passion and my skills, and I want to pursue music in the future. So, it does mean quite a lot.”

Ewing added, “we’re all about encouraging youth into the genre so that it can continue on.”

The blues society promotes blues music culture, education, and supports youth and artists through venues and projects that unite blues societies worldwide.

When Ayal Lesh decided to return to school at the age of 61 – to study blacksmithing of all things – he said his family and friends were surprised.

He said some of the responses included, “does blacksmithing still exist? So, you’ll be learning to make horseshoes? But you don’t have a tattoo. Does this mean you will be getting a tattoo? That would be very cool.”

Stepping through the big red doors at the Haliburton School of Art + Design in the fall of 2023, Lesh said he did so with trepidation and self-doubt. He was a mature student joining a physically-demanding certificate program, amid younger, and his opinion, more gifted artists.

However, he had been inspired by his daughter, an artist in her own right, to take the plunge. He reiterated he was “petrified” on day one, but took solace in the fact there were many mature students on campus in Haliburton. There was also a spirit of camaraderie amongst students, faculty and staff.

He said it was an honour to represent his fellow HSAD grads. “Many of you overcame significant life challenges to reach this milestone and all of you worked diligently, often putting in 70 to 75 hours each week… but we did it and we’re here today to celebrate our accomplishments, and we can be very proud.”

He added the moral to his story was for people to venture beyond their comfort zones. “Don’t let fear of failing stop you.”

HSAD faculty member Juliette Arsenault said when Lesh arrived, “he quickly established himself as a natural leader on campus and encouraged fellow classmates from day one.”

She said he instigated Thanksgiving meals for students who could not go home; organized a pizza and movie night; and a collaborative project at the endof-year exhibition for all programs. She added he personified Fleming’s values of collaboration, inclusiveness, responsiveness, innovation and accountability

The HSAD graduates joined peers from the other two Fleming campus’ June 11 for the graduation ceremony in Peterborough.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Fleming College hosted convocation at the Peterborough Memorial Centre before moving it to the Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton campuses. Fleming decided to return to the Memorial Centre, “to ensure convocation was accessible and inclusive for everyone,” said college spokesperson Sarah Deeth.

A livestream of the event was (and still is) available on Fleming’s YouTube channel, allowing friends and family from around the world to join in the festivities.

“The virtual component ensured that everyone, regardless of location, could share in the pride and joy of convocation,” Deeth said.

She added, “Fleming College is proud of our graduates and their accomplishments.

These students are heading into the workforce ready to make meaningful impacts in their chosen careers and in the communities in which they will serve.

“As these graduates embark on their professional journeys, Fleming College remains committed to supporting their success through its extensive alumni networks and professional development opportunities. Congratulations, class of 2024.”

John Middleton is happy Haliburton County is becoming more aware of resources available for gay people.

Middleton is the only gay person at Extendicare Haliburton that he knows of. He is in a wheelchair, and at 84 years old, needs to be helped to events.

On a recent warm sunny day, Middleton and a bunch of other seniors from the community came together at the SIRCH Bistro to talk about allyship, support one another, and boost visibility.

Middleton is a frequent attendee to events that Aging Together as Community (ATAC) puts on.

Peter Ferri, of ATAC, said “that was the intent, to come together socially, and get to know people, and to bring that group together to show a presence in the community.”

Middleton was at first “reticent” about coming out at Extendicare, citing concerns about being ignored or left alone.

“I decided that ‘hell, come what it may, I’m coming out’,” Middleton said. “I was surprised the majority of staff, and others, have been very accepting, because it’s a nonissue for them.” He added his goal in coming to the event was meeting new people.

Being in fellowship with others who identify as part of the same group boosts morale and gives people a sense of belonging, which promotes mental and physical health, and allows individuals to flourish in all aspects of their lives, according to the Belonging Project at Stanford University.

Allan Guinan, the chair of Minden Pride, said the theme of the meeting was for everyone to help each other. He said it was also important to Minden Pride to help peers and seniors. Guinan himself wanted to support everyone in the community, including different age groups – youth and seniors.

Minden Pride is present at a lot of events throughout the County each year, including the Pride Festival in August. They have a community resources section on their website for people needing support.

“Over the eight years we’ve been doing this, we started out with more skeptics, maybe a little bit more hostility around the queer community, and eight years on, the fact that we’re being invited to go to all the different county fairs and Canada Day celebrations and farmers’ markets, makes people see the importance of being inclusive to everyone,” Guinan said.

In terms of hosting the event, Gena Robertson, the executive director of SIRCH, said these types of events match their core values. “I think it extremely fits; our goal is to promote inclusivity and supports, and if we can do that in a very small way by offering space, I think we need to do that.”

ATAC puts on social events for LGBTQ+ seniors and allies on the last Sunday of each month.

“I’m happy to see that people are willing to come out and not be afraid or ashamed of who they are. That’s important,” Middleton said.

It’s a stifling hot day as Jennifer Semach and volunteer Aimee Bain of Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association Inc. – and their therapy miniature horses, Sweet Pea and Sassy – travel to Hyland Crest Long-Term Care home in Minden.

The main doors open and the two handlers and their horses make their way to the lounge room where about a dozen residents, accompanied by staff, and some caregivers, are gathered. Semach carries a bucket and some cleaning equipment in the event of any horse messes.

One of the horses makes a beeline for Lorraine Patterson. It sticks to her like glue as she tells Bain how her daughter has ridden at the stables just outside of Minden. Bain says it’s unusual behaviour as the horse “likes to say hello and move on.”

Across the room, Semach tells the story of meeting a resident who told her he used to ride a horse to school, then simply let go of the bridle, and the horse would make its way home.

Resident Linda Kellett wants to know the horse’s ages and is told Sweet Pea is 12 and Sassy 17.

As a horse makes its way to Donna Brown, it appears to be almost sleeping on its feet. It’s been a hot day and the pair had not been in the paddock, perhaps causing the drowsiness. Semach gives the horse a mint, “a nice sugary snack” and it perks up. So much so that it nuzzles Semach’s pocket for more, and at one-point leaves what she jokingly calls “a wet fart” on the floor. She bends to clean it up.

Semach then explains to Joan Chambers that the horses have had a bath for their visit. “We use Dawn dish soap. It’s cheaper than horse shampoo.” Chambers leans down and gives the horse a hug.

At one point, Bain takes one of the horses down the hallway to visit Regis Doige in her room. She and Semach and their equine friends then jump in the elevator to head to another floor. The two say the horses are fine with elevators.

The visit is all part of the new Recreational Equine Assisted Participation or REAP program, Semach explained.

“In part, because there are higher barriers to participation in long-term care facilities, we are pleased to offer our mobile miniature horses,” Semach said. They also visit Highland Wood and Extendicare, and accept visitors to their farm.

Semach said, “horses provide full sensory engagement and spark renewed interest in movement for even the most participant-reluctant residents.”

Walkabout encourages the caregiver and staff to be on hand as “connecting with horses erases the hierarchy and puts both the caregiver and the non-ambulatory or cognitivelydisabled person on the same playing field through an activity that can be shared together.

“These sessions also remind the caregiver that it’s ok to find time for themselves, even while providing care for a loved one,” Semach said.

She added that movement through grooming, leading, holding, hugging or petting activates the autonomic nervous system and releases endorphins brought about by the physical activity “thereby lifting the mood and contributing to a sense of well-being.”

Haliburton Highlands Health Services life enrichment manager, Brittany Burton said Hyland Crest and Highland Wood “are so thankful to Jennifer for our regular visits from Walkabout horse farm.

“Sweet Pea and Sassy have been the highlight to our summer.”

Burton said interest in the program far exceeds regular programming, “which attests to how valuable it is for our residents. We cannot thank them enough and we hope we are able to continue this program through good weather months for years to come.” She added the residents can’t wait to visit Sweet Pea and Sassy at their home this summer.

Walkabout is a registered charitable organization that facilitates fully inclusive therapeutic/adaptive horseback riding, equine experiential learning, equine assisted psychotherapy, and youth outreach initiatives. For more go to walkaboutfarmtra.com.

It’s been a big year for the Haliburton Highlands chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, with the group recently celebrating its 20th anniversary and earning a provincial recruitment award.

Haliburton United Church hosted a birthday bash for the local chapter June 6, with dozens of women donning their Sunday best as they socialized and enjoyed treats provided by SIRCH Bistro. Presentations were made by Wendy Taylor, CFUW regional director, and Cheryl Grigg, looking back on two decades in the Highlands.

The Highlands group formed in 2004 as a way for like-minded women to come together, make new friends, and support the community. Cindy Vesey, incoming president, said its mandate is to encourage higher education for women and take an informed interest in public affairs.

“I’ve been involved for a couple of years now and this is a special group of ladies. CFUW is a community within the community committed wholly to improving the community,” Vesey said.

Susan Keith, a member since 2014, said CFUW helped give her a purpose after she relocated to Haliburton County from the city. Not knowing anyone locally, Keith saw an ad for a CFUW event being held at Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD) and decided to attend.

“I had so much fun that I’ve been coming back ever since,” Keith said.

Members meet for monthly meetings, while there’s always lots for people to do through the dozen-plus interest groups and committees that host events weekly. Focuses include reading, card games, cooking, health and wellness, academia, the environment, sports, gardening, hiking, and fitness. Most take place in-person, but people can attend virtually – Vesey said this helps keep snowbirds connected while they’re away.

Outgoing president Susan Tromanhauser said the Highlands chapter has seen a huge uptick in membership in recent years. Pre-pandemic, the group had around 40 members. As of press time, they had 92.

Taylor delivered a certificate on behalf of the CFUW Ontario council, recognizing the local group for recruiting more members than any other chapter in 2023.

“The word is getting out there – because we have so many committees and interest groups, people find something they’re passionate about, make connections, and it sticks,” Tromanhauser said. “During the pandemic especially, our Zoom meetings were a great way for people to find that social interaction. That’s how I got involved. I’m a COVID transplant from the city. I didn’t have anyone to talk to or hang out with before reaching out and joining CFUW.”

The Highlands group received $500 for its recruitment efforts, which will be used to bolster its annual bursaries. Each year, CFUW Haliburton Highlands awards a scholarship to graduating female Haliburton Highlands Secondary School and HSAD students pursuing further education. The bursaries have typically been $500, but this year will be $1,000. Tromanhauser said CFUW is a great way for women of any age to come together and make a difference in the community.

“The camaraderie is my favourite thing – we’re like one big support system for one another. If someone is going through a tough time, dealing with an injury or an illness, other members will step up to help out,” Tromanhauser said. “But we also do a lot for the area. If anyone wants to hang out with a bunch of great, sociable, non-judgmental women that try new things with a ‘can do’ attitude, CFUW might be for you.” To learn more, visit cfuwhh.ca.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge district health unit (HKPR) launched its annual beach monitoring program this week.

Each year, the health unit provides regular E. coli test results for 56 public beaches during the summer. The program will run June 17 to Aug. 30 this year. Results are updated every Friday and are available online, at hkpr.on.ca/beachcheck, and on the health unit’s social media channels.

HKPR has adopted a three-colour system to report beach results. Green means low-risk, where a beach is open and considered safe for swimming; yellow is moderate-risk, which serves as a warning that high bacteria counts may be present and swimming is not advised; and red is high-risk, which indicates a beach is closed due to elevated levels of bacteria.

Bernie Mayer, HKPR health protection manager, said people should always check to make sure a beach is safe before visiting.

“Our 2022 resident survey showed that 69 per cent of respondents did not review the beach water test results before entering the water,” Mayer said. “Enjoy your summer, but please also prioritize your health by staying informed.”

As of press time, the health unit has not provided updates for any on the 19 public beaches in Haliburton County. They include the Dorset Parkette and Elvin Johnson Park in Algonquin Highlands; Eagle Lake Beach, Haliburton Lake Beach, Pine Lake Beach, Rotary Head Lake Beach, Sandy Cove Beach, Sandy Point Beach, and Slipper Beach in Dysart et al; Glamour Lake Beach, Gooderham Lake Beach, Paudash Lake Beach, and Wilbermere Lake Beach in Highlands East; and Bissett Beach, Forsters Beach, Horseshoe Beach, Rotary Park Lagoon, Rotary Park Main, and Twelve Mile Lake Beach in Minden Hills.

Swimming in water contaminated with E. coli can result in sickness, with symptoms usually beginning three or four days after exposure. The most common signs are diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody, stomach cramping, pain or tenderness, and nausea and vomiting.

Exposure to E. coli can lead to kidney failure in young children and older adults, according to the Mayo Clinic.

HKPR encourages residents to contact a doctor and seek treatment if symptoms are severe, or last longer than a week.

Stay cool

With temperatures soaring, the health unit issued an extended heat warning alert for Haliburton County this week.

Environment Canada reported temperatures reaching 31 degrees Celsius June 17, with the warm weather continuing for much of the week.

HKPR issued a media release Monday, stating it issues heat warnings when daytime temperatures are expected to be 31 degrees Celsius or higher, with a minimum overnight low of 20 degrees Celsius or higher, for two consecutive days. A heat warning can also be issued when the humidex is forecast to be 40 or higher for two straight days. The health unit is warning people to be aware of heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Symptoms can include tiredness and weakness, dizziness and fainting, rash, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing, headaches, extreme thirst, and decreased urination.

“To help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses… ensure you drink lots of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and try to spend time in an air-conditioned home or public building, such as a shopping mall, library, or community centre,” HKPR spokesperson Ashley Beaulac said. Minden Hills set up a cooling centre at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena.

A recommendation to hire a contractor to cut the grass at cemeteries in the township proved contentious at a Minden Hills council meeting June 13.

Director of community services, Candace McGuigan, put forth the hiring of The Lawn Squad at a cost of $45,000 plus HST, bringing the total to more than $50,000 for the season.

McGuigan said staff felt it was the only option after reaching out to other townships for shared services and finding that wasn’t an option.

“The township requires an immediate solution for the remainder of the 2024 cemetery lawn care and maintenance season,” McGuigan said, with an intention to re-tender for 2025.

She said the work is needed at 12 Mile, Minden Hills, Bethel, Gelert and Milburn cemeteries. She estimated total lawn cutting of 47.5 hours every other week from June 24 until Nov. 30, as well as fall clean up. She added they received three quotes, with The Lawn Squad charging $75-80-an-hour.

The decision would have come in over budget by more than $28,000, with the director recommending it come from surplus or reserves.

This did not sit well with Coun. Ivan Ingram.

“I have some real concerns with the numbers I’m getting here. It’s time to hire our own staff and have them look after the cemeteries.” He said they did so for 30 years “and it worked fine, not a problem, not a complaint.” He added one person could work the cemeteries for eight months and then go to the roads department for the other four months to do snow removal.

“It’s just too much money as far as I’m concerned when we can hire a full-time person to do it and use them in other places.”

CAO Cynthia Fletcher said staff were prepared to look at the option, “but the challenge we have right now is we have an immediate need. The community services department isn’t resourced with the equipment or the staff to take on an immediate need so that was why we were recommending an external service to get us through 2024.” She said they would come back with a report in the fall about the township doing the work. However, to recruit and get equipment would take time, “given the importance of the service,” she said.

Ingram replied they had a current staff person who used to do cemetery maintenance. Coun. Tammy McKelvey added she thought there was a mower at the sewage treatment plant.

Fletcher said council can move staff around, but it takes them away from other work, such as parks and trails.

Deputy mayor Lisa Schell said she wasn’t impressed by the numbers either, “but that’s what’s before us.” She agreed that next year they should look at the possibility of bringing the service in-house.

She said they have had issues for several years about how the cemeteries look and, “it is a very sensitive subject with the public.” She was prepared to accept the staff recommendation for this year, but not to tender for next year, and look to bring it in-house.

McKelvey said any contract could end in October, not November. She said she could not support taking $45,000 out of reserves for operations. “Reserves are never supposed to be used to cut grass.” She added if contracting out, she needs more administrative details. She said other issues include monuments, and graves collapsing, and a full-time person could help with these issues. Ingram wanted to defer a decision until the June 27 meeting and the majority of council concurred. Fletcher said staff will continue to maintain cemeteries until then.