New gym ‘extension of couple’s family’

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March 19, 2024

Kevin Etmanski and Kailey Bateman are changing the face of fitness in Haliburton.

The local couple are taking the leap in pursuing their joint dream of opening a gym, taking over space downstairs at Stedmans Mall. While the gym will be small, at just over 1,500 sq. ft., the pair say it will serve as a gateway for people looking to make connections in the community and improve their physical and mental health.

“We’ve been looking to do something like this for a long time – I’ve been hooked on weight training for 30 years, Kailey has been a personal trainer for the past four years, this just feels like something we’re meant to do,” Etmanski said. “This is all about helping people to reach their potential.”

The space will open April 1. It will boast a treadmill, recumbent bike, two stationary bikes, a quadricep extension machine, hamstring curl machine, free weights and dumbbells, a squat rack, cable crossover machine, and a leg press.

Bateman said she also plans to introduce some group classes, while the pair will offer personal training tips and packages.

“A lot of people can get discouraged in a gym setting because they don’t really know what they’re doing, they can get intimidated by the atmosphere. We’re trying to curb that by making ourselves available to assist anyone with anything – we want to make this gym almost an extension of our family,” Etmanski said.

“We will meet everyone individually. We’ll get to know our people. If you need someone to walk you through all the equipment and how it works to get started, we’ll be here. We’re in this for the long haul. We want to build an entirely new community in Haliburton,” he added.

Monthly membership is $60, Etmanski said, noting the gym will be accessible 24/7. Members will be provided with their own card to enter the building after hours.

Etmanski said he’ll split his time between the gym and his arborist company, Etmanski Tree Experts. Bateman will also have a regular presence at the gym. They say it will be staffed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The goal is to reach 100 members within the first year. Looking long-term, Etmanski said he wants to create a space of his own in Haliburton.

“I have a vision for what this place can become. I can absolutely picture us having our own building, a bigger space that can accommodate our growth, but also offer space to work with other like-minded business owners who have a passion for fitness,” Etmanski said.

He sees this new venture working hand-inhand with existing fitness operations, such as Sweat Social Health and Fitness.

A recovering alcoholic with 12 years of sobriety, Etmanski said he uses the gym to channel his addictive personality. He said working out is a great way to maintain a routine. He said the gym will also be a constant reminder of his dad, Gary, who passed away in 2022.

“We’re able to do this because of him – we want to make sure the money he left doesn’t go to waste. My dad was always in shape and pretty passionate about fitness, so I think this is a great way to honour him,” Etmanski said

There will be a community open house in the space April 5, with Etmanski and Bateman on hand to answer any questions. For more information, email haliburtonfitness@gmail.com.

U11 LL Carquest

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 14, 2024

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As the season has come to end, as the coach, I am so proud of all the boys and girls. We ended the season in fourth overall and lost out to go to the semi-finals by one goal.

We had one player, Reed Brown, that had an incredible season. In only his second year of hockey he was tied for overall points in all LL divisions and lead the U11 LL division in overall points as well as in the regular season.

Our captain Kora Reid was the backbone of our team and was the best person to take on that roll. Harper Hamilton (first time playing hockey) and Jaxon Demerchant both finished 16th and 23rd overall in points as well.

Also, I have to mention that every player on the team either scored a goal or had an assist, which show how much we played as a team to have everyone get a point.

All the other players showed so much improvement throughout the year. The team came together after the Christmas break and only lost one game.

Myself and all the other coaches; Jeff, Mike, and Jamie are so proud of our boys and girls.

Lastly, I need to speak of our AP U9 players. Nolan and Cohen Carpenter and Jackson Little. They supported all year from the stands and at practice until they were able to play. The three boys were a vital part of our success once they joined us as well.

U11 LL Cottage Country Building Supplies

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Lisa Gervais

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March 14, 2024

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The U11 Cottage Country Building Supplies Local League team had a fantastic season. We were a team to be reckoned with all year long with an impressive 13-2-1 record.

Supported on our back end with superb goaltending from Mason Bishop and Gavin Suke allowed us to be competitive every game and the two shared defensive duties when not in the cage.

Solid defensive play in front of our goalies from the likes of Brody Alton, Beau Gilmour, Grayson Thomas and Olivia Emmerson, allowed the team to capitalize in the offensive zone.

Continuous effort up and down the wings with evolved positional play led to many scoring opportunities for the likes of Aliyah Cox, Jase Jones, and Kylie Simms.

The heavy lifting up the middle was shouldered by three interchangeable pivots in Everett Bjelis, Miller Brown, and James Hamilton.

Going into MPSL playoffs, we were confident it was our bracket to lose, but unfortunately came up short in the semifinals.

Overall, a tremendous developmental season filled with lots of fun and great memories. It was a very tight knit group, always supportive of each other on and off the ice; working together to bring everyone’s skill set forward as a team.

A special thank you to Rachel Smith for all of her hard work in managing our team.

All the parents and bench staff – of Stefan Bjelis, Chris Bishop, and Ryan Emmerson – are very proud of this group in all of their accomplishments this season. It was a pleasure coaching this great group of players.

Playoff schedule

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 14, 2024

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• Game 4: March 14, 7 p.m. Cobourg

• Game 5: March 16, 4 p.m. Minden

• Game 6: March 17, 5:30 p.m. Cobourg

• Game 7: March 19, 7 p.m., Minden

Jerry and Dale Walker are arranging a bus to Cobourg for the game on Thursday evening, leaving Haliburton at 3:30 from Haliburton Home Hardware and 3:50 from Minden Home Hardware.

The cost is $40 cash only per person. If you are interested in reserving a seat, call Dale Walker at 705-457-3134.

There are 50 seats available on a first come basis and tickets can be purchased at Saturday’s game. Home game tickets can be purchased at Foodland in Haliburton or Minden.

It is likely they will be sold out and no tickets available to purchase at the door on game days.

Toothless Huskies down in first round

By

Mike Baker

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March 14, 2024

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The Haliburton County Huskies find themselves in a hole, down two games to one, in their OJHL first round playoff series against the Cobourg Cougars.

Boasting home ice advantage, the blue and white enjoyed a perfect start to the postseason March 9, downing the Cougars 3-2 in overtime in front of 625 fans at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena in the series’ opening match, before dropping game two 6-1 in Cobourg March 11, and game three 4-2 on Tuesday evening in Minden.

The atmosphere was electric inside a sold-out arena on Saturday afternoon as the Huskies kickstarted their post-season with a win. Patrick Saini got the home side off to the perfect start 9:59 into the opening frame, burying one past Cougars netminder Ryan Piros to send the home fans into a frenzy. The captain’s tally was assisted by fellow 20-year-old forward, Charlie Fink.

Alex Bradshaw doubled the lead at 16:57, assisted by Saini and Ethan Wright, as the Huskies took control. They looked comfortable through to the end of the second, with goaltender Brett Fullerton in peak form, turning away 23 shots across the two periods.

The Cougars came roaring back in the third, Michael De Sousa finding an answer for Fullerton at 1:54, assisted by Riley Pitt and Matt Mueller to make it a one-goal game. They peppered the Huskies goal throughout the period, outshooting the home side 16-3, but struggled to find another way past Fullerton.

With the clock ticking down, defenceman Tyson Rismond took a tripping penalty at 18:04, with Saini handed a second tripping minor at 19:24. The Cougars’ Jack Falkner made them pay, beating the buzzer to tie the game at 19:59 on a six-on-three powerplay, with Piros on the bench.

The Huskies weren’t to be denied though, Saini helping himself to the game-winner 5:45 into the extra frame, assisted by Fink and Noah Lodoen.

Cougars 6 Huskies 1

It was a much different story on the road in Cobourg on Monday evening, with the Cougars dominating much of the game.

Trevor Hoskin, the OJHL’s regular season points leader, notched his first of the series 12:03 into the first, assisted by Falkner and Pitt. Jordan Fuller extended the lead three minutes later on assists from Andy Reist and Parker Petruniak. Jonathan Kapageridis made it a three-goal game 2:18 into the second, assisted by Michael De Sousa and Lucas Stanojevic.

The Huskies showed some fight – Lucas Marshall making it a game at 6:43, assisted by Saini and Lodoen. After the Cougars’ Jesse English was sent to the box for boarding at 14:35, the Huskies powerplay went to work, but couldn’t find a way past Piros. Stanojevic stuck a dagger in Haliburton hearts at 15:58, scoring shorthanded to give Cobourg a 4-1 lead at the end of the second.

While the Huskies outshot their opponents in the third, it was to no avail – Hoskin added a fifth for the Cougars two minutes into the final frame, chasing Fullerton from the Huskies net, with all-star rookie Logan Kennedy brought in. He made three saves on four shots – giving up the game’s final goal to Logan Kelly on the powerplay at the 12-minute mark.

The Huskies ran up multiple penalties as the game drew to a close – Lucas Vacca earning a two minute minor for roughing and game misconduct for unsportsmanlike conduct, Milic two-minutes for cross checking, Lucas Stevenson two-minutes for slashing, Aidan Yarde two-minutes for roughing and a game misconduct for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Fink ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Cougars 4 Huskies 2

The Huskies were chasing their tail for much of Tuesday’s match-up in Minden. While the home side started well, they found themselves a goal behind after just five minutes, with Matt Mueller firing past Fullerton after being teed up by Kapageridis and Jack Lowry.

Fuller extended Cobourg’s lead 3:38 into the second, assisted by Hoskin. Saini made it a one-goal game at 16:01, scoring on the powerplay from Milic and Ty Petrou after Owen McKinnon’s two-minute slashing minor.

It was a tense opening to the third, with the Huskies digging in to kill off a two-minute Rismond boarding penalty. They had a powerplay opportunity of their own a few minutes in, after Kelly was sent to the box for tripping, but couldn’t find a way past the impressive Piros.

Andy Reist scored his first of the series at 8:01 on the powerplay after Antonio Cerqua was punished for tripping. Mueller made sure of the result at 13:26, assisted by Hoskin and Fuller, who had a three-point night. Saini added a late consolation for the Huskies at 19:07, giving him his sixth point of the series.

The Huskies are back in action tonight on the road in Cobourg, with Game 5 back in Haliburton March 16. Game 6, if needed, is in Cobourg March 17, with Game 7 in Haliburton March 19.

Symposium to feature top apple experts

By

Mike Baker

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March 14, 2024

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If County resident Luba Cargill has her way, Haliburton will soon be competing with New York City over the nickname ‘The Big Apple’.

Having launched ATIP Haliburton last year – an organization committed to finding and promoting the existence of apple trees in the Highlands – Cargill has organized a two-day symposium May 16 and 17, which she says will bring some of the continent’s top apple identifiers and researchers to the community.

It all comes after a game-changing discovery late last year, which Cargill said proves the existence of native Haliburton apples.

“The provincial government has established a line showing where apples grow in Ontario, and Haliburton County is north of that line. Apples shouldn’t grow here, but we know now that they do,” Cargill said, referencing an 1890 edition of The Canadian Horticulturalist, which discusses the Haliburton apple.

After a County-based reader mailed two apple samples to the publication, accompanied with a letter, the now defunct magazine published a response, saying, “this is no doubt a purely local apple.” It was described as medium in size and a paleyellow colour, save for the side exposed to the sun, which turns carmine red marked with splashes and streaks of a deeper hue.

Cargill credited this discovery to Steve Hill, recently retired curator of the Haliburton Highlands Museum.

“It’s such an important find, because it proves to us that apples have grown in Haliburton County for well over a century,” Cargill said.

Since launching ATIP Haliburton, Cargill said she’s identified 177 apple tree locations, including 10 orchards, the smallest featuring about 10 trees and the biggest more than 200.

When putting plans together for the symposium, Cargill said her primary goal was to provide information to people that own apple trees on how to properly care for and cultivate them. Then, following the Haliburton apple discovery, she decided she wanted to get into the history of apples in the County.

She was discussing a potential itinerary with friends, who said Cargill should reach out to renowned apple hunter and orchardist, Tom Brown. Based in North Carolina, Brown spends much of his time searching for lost heirloom apple varieties across North America.

He is one of five keynote speakers at the symposium, joining Helen Humphries, author of The Ghost Orchard; Brian Husband, a University of Guelph professor and lead of the Ontario Heritage and Feral Apple Project; Pauline Plooard, of Haliburton County Master Gardeners, who will discuss her group’s heritage apple project; and Carmen Galea, ATIP Haliburton coordinator, who will provide a historical context and preliminary inventory of apple trees in the County.

There will be other speakers throughout the two-day event, including Aisha Malik of Harvest Haliburton, Gena Robertson of SIRCH Community Services, and Scott Ovell, the County’s director of economic development and tourism, who will address the benefits of apple trees for food security, climate, business, and tourism.

“We don’t have many large events in May. This will be very educational, people will learn a lot about apples… then enjoy a drive around the County for our self-directed apple blossom tour,” Cargill said. “I’d really like to see this become a big, annual, recurring event.”

The symposium will be held in Haliburton village May 16 and 17, location to be determined. For more information, visit appletreeshaliburton.ca.

County-written classic returning at the opera

By

Mike Baker

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March 14, 2024

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Highlands Opera Studio (HOS) has released its 2024 season lineup with Mishaabooz’s Realm, a traditional Indigenous story created specifically for the local group, one of two featured operas – making its first appearance in Haliburton County in seven years.

HOS co-artistic director, Valerie Kuinka, said there’s lots for classical music enthusiasts to sink their teeth into this year. Celebrating their 18th season in the Highlands, HOS has 17 performances lined up for July and August.

Mishabooz’s Realm, written by Cree First Nation composer Andrew Balfour, will run for two nights Aug. 15 and 17 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion.

“It was conceived as a sesquicentennial project… with the intention of building a reconciliatory work combining a sort of cultural interaction between western opera and traditional Indigenous storytelling,” Kuinka said. “It tells the story of creation, colonization and hope for the future.”

Given the continued findings of residential school burial grounds in recent years, coupled with what Kuinka says is a complete lack of societal attention to murdered and missing Indigenous women, she feels it’s important to bring this production back.

“There are lots of very serious issues we deal with, and we’ve had more talks about how to appropriately portray them in a short, but powerful work. It’s all about educating people and bringing these things to the front of people’s mind,” Kuinka said.

The Barber of Seville is the other feature presentation, with four performances Aug. 22 to 25, also at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion.

“It’s a hilarious opera… from Bugs Bunny cartoons to movie soundtracks, The Barber of Seville, by Rossini, is one of the most popular and recognizable Italian comic operas,” she said. “Join us for the hilarious antics as Figaro helps Almaviva outwit the doddering and conniving Bartolo for the hand of the beautiful Rosina. Fun for all ages.”

There are four concerts scheduled, featuring local HOS acts – ‘Opera to Broadway’ Aug. 1 at St. George’s Anglican Church; ‘Pop Goes the Opera’ Aug. 7 at St. George’s Anglican Church; ‘Celebrations’ Aug. 10 at Abbey Gardens Performance Tent; and ‘Homecoming’ Aug. 19 at St. George’s Anglican Church.

Kuinka is also excited to bring back four community pay-what-you-can events – giving everyone the chance to catch HOS in action. ‘Why Choose Opera’ is pencilled in for July 29 at Abbey Gardens Performance Tent; ‘Music on the Water’ Aug. 3, a beach opera on a lake to be decided in Haliburton County; ‘Casual Song Soiree’ Aug. 12 at St. George’s Anglican Church; and a surprise pop-up performance Aug. 16 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion.

“I’m excited every year to bring this art form to Haliburton County. It’s a challenging time in the world… it seems today, there’s not much room for the arts. But music is fun. Bringing light and beauty into the world is our main purpose,” Kuinka said.

Tickets at highlandsoperastudio.com, or by calling 1-855455-5533 and using the code ‘Highlander24’.

Stop, collaborate and listen at The Space

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 14, 2024

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The Space in Haliburton is offering drop-in workshops, as well as open studio time.

Owner Scott Walling has already begun his ‘stop, collaborate and listen’ sessions, which are being held Tuesdays until April 2.

Coming up, on March 19, is ‘thrifted frame treasures.’ Walling describes it as “bring new life to your thrifted art treasures. Whether it’s just a frame that needs some love, your want to re-mat an artwork, or it’s a whole new makeover, I’m here to help.”

The next offering is on March 26. It is ‘needle-felted gnomes.’ Walling is urging people to “craft an adorable felt gnome to add a touch of whimsy to your home or as a present for a loved one.”

On April 2, it’s all about ‘working digitally’ with an opportunity to learn what is possible working in Photoshop, Lightroom and Illustrator. People can register for the workshops, with starting times of 1, 3 and 6 p.m. on offer

Walling said, “if you want a space to create with some materials, feedback/ critique or just someone to work and talk art with, whether you’re a seasoned artist or just discovering your own creative side, The Space welcomes everyone to join in, let your imagination run wild.”

Open studios run Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Stop in and create. Collaborate on some work, try your hand at something new and see what hidden talents you have,” Walling said. Follow them on @thespace_hali

Halco Electronics pulling the plug

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 14, 2024

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On a weekday afternoon, customers pop into The Source – Halco Electronics to wish owner Don van Nood and long-time employee, Ryan Urquhart, well as the two prepare to close the long-established Haliburton store this month.

They officially end their lease at 160 Highland St. March 31 but will likely start winding down the week before.

They are selling stock as well as business furnishings.

Van Nood has owned the shop since opening the May 24, 1999 weekend. This year would have been 25 years.

Bell announced Jan. 18 it was winding down operations at The Source, transitioning 165 stores to Best Buy Express, with the remainder closing.

Van Nood said it didn’t make economic sense to continue – and he could not find a buyer – so decided it was finally time to retire.

“The economic climate was not conducive to continuing, and The Source closing their shops at the same time made it uneconomical to continue. That was part of it.”

After a quarter of a century as a Highland Street mainstay, the proprietor said it was the end of an era. “As far as the world of electronics goes, we’ve worked with Radio Shack, then Circuit City, then The Source by Circuit City, and then Bell, and right now we’re working with Best Buy. It’s been a long run.”

He added they will miss their longtime customers, of whom many have become friends. There are also some aspects of the business they won’t miss, such as a 2018 robbery. Van Nood joked he won’t miss the downtown traffic and gridlock coming to, and going home from, work. He is looking forward to spending more time with two young grandchildren.

Urquhart has been with the business for 25 years, joining as a high school co-op student. Van Nood said he is like a son.

“It’s emotional… it’s going to be a change for sure,” Urquhart commented.

New business hopes to transform Highlands outdoor spaces

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 14, 2024

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Shannon Hulme got his first taste of construction in Haliburton County when he worked on the MNRF headquarters in Algonquin Highlands.

He started in the trade in 2000, beginning as a labourer, then a licensed carpenter, site supervisor, and clerk of works, or contract administration. He looked after three courthouse projects, 17 or 18 OPP forensics units, and four MNRF projects, including the one in the County in 2015.

Born and raised in southwestern Ontario, he met his American-born wife, Mary, when the two were doing a spartan race on a mountain in Quebec. She moved to Canada seven years ago from downtown Chicago.

They started a business called The Porch Doctor in 2017. And, two years ago in July, the couple and their children moved permanently to the Highlands.

They said their focus is on transforming outdoor spaces, primarily using premium waterproof deck coatings and custom aluminum railings. They specialize in a product called Flexstone. Shannon said it’s used on decks and flat roofs, porches, patios, balconies, sundecks, garage floors, pool decks, industrial floors, and wooden decks.

He noted it’s a seamless system with a 20-year warranty. As for the railings, Shannon said they come in four colours and have a 25-year warranty. They are also going to offer supply-only of PVC decking, fencing and railings. Next year, they will stock it.

Since finding Flexstone, Shannon, who’s become a certified installer, estimates they’ve done about 1,000 porches and balconies, and six multi-story apartment buildings. “Not just anybody can install.”

The couple think the Highlands – with its lakes and cottages – is a good home for what they are offering.

Shannon takes care of the construction, while Mary – who has a university degree in graphic design – does the sales and marketing. She is also on the board of Abbey Gardens.

They want to be part of the community. Mary said she joined the board two years ago because she wants to help make a difference. Shannon does some maintenance work onsite there. Their daughter works at the Hub.

The plan is to make their property on Hwy. 118, just down the road from Abbey Gardens, into a bit of a showroom. Shannon is in the process of building a deck. “Everybody driving by is going to see a built deck with what we’re offering.” He’s already built a 30 by 50-ft shop. The two plan to be at this year’s home show.

“Basically, we don’t have competition,” Shannon said. “We want to work with everybody. We’re trying to fit in. We’re a niche product.”

Mary added they would be an addition for a builder manufacturing a house. “It’s more of kind of finishing, but also fixing issues as well, for example if there’s a crack in a pool deck. So, it’s a solution and also an addition.”

As for their goals, Shannon said, “becoming a recognized brand up here that people trust and rely on, and providing new spaces for people to enjoy, and partnering with the local businesses to just provide something new.”

Mary added, “just integrate into the community, helping people boost their curb appeal… it could help sell a property, or just for them to enjoy themselves.”

Contact Sales@PorchDoctor.ca, 519-8594497, PorchDoctor.ca.