After two years of searching, Dan Manley and the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation (HHACF) has secured a prime location for a new performance facility in the community.

It was announced June 25 that Dysart et al is gifting 14 acres along Wonderland Road, near the intersection to County Road 21, to the group. The deal includes a five-year window where HHACF has to prove work is proceeding, or the land will transfer back to the township.

“This is a momentous day for anyone involved in, or who enjoys the performing arts in Haliburton County,” Manley told The Highlander. “Six years on from the inception of the foundation, finally having a home for a new facility is a huge game changer for us and really skyrockets this project forward.”

Manley said HHACF approached Dysart council in January about the parcel – after being told the township would not consider donating any of the 91.5 acres on County Road 21, just outside the village, it bought last year.

He feels the location is the perfect spot for a future facility.

“It’s a pretty big parcel of land – we’ll be able to do everything we want there, it’s a nice location being close to Haliburton village. We’re really excited about the potential for what this could become,” Manley said.

In November 2022, HHACF released details of an arts centre feasibility study, completed by consulting firm Janis A. Barlow and Associates, which determined the Highlands could support a facility with a capacity of between 300 and 400 people.

The estimated cost was approximately $48 million, though the facility, once up and running, could be expected to generate approximately $1.14 million annually for the local economy.

Manley said he’d like the centre to also include a rehearsal hall, professional backstage facilities, front of house lobby with concessions, music studios, and educational space.

HHACF is now working with Peterborough-based The Dennis Group to move the project forward. Manley said late summer and fall will be spent revisiting an old fundraising study to come up with a strategy to pay for the build. He says the group will be flexible and would consider removing certain elements of the project to bring costs down if necessary.

The foundation will be required to apply to rezone the land and will need to complete various studies before any work can begin. Manley said that process will begin imminently. A soft fundraising campaign will be launched in the winter, when HHACF will also begin with public consultation – to find out what locals want to see in the space.

“Then we’d retain an architecture and consulting team to help us redream the centre as per whatever our latest budget is,” Manley said.

He expects a formal fundraising campaign to kick-off by summer 2025, with design finalized and submitted to the township by the end of next year.

Manley hopes to break ground by the fourth quarter of 2029.

Appearing before council on Tuesday morning, Manley asked if Dysart would consider waiving approximately $17,000 in rezoning and study fees – mayor Murray Fearrey said council would consider the request.

Fearrey felt this project would be a good thing for both Dysart residents and the wider County community.

“It’s a fairly major project – they’re convinced with the study they did that this is viable for Haliburton,” Fearrey said.

Chelsea Adamson has been living her dream these past two years, building her Sweat Social Health and Fitness brand in the Highlands. She celebrates another milestone this weekend, unveiling a new gym space in the heart of Haliburton village.

Since launching fitness programming at the Wellness Hub on Industrial Park Road in 2022, Adamson has grown her “team” to approximately 50 people. Whether you’re a seasoned pro when it comes to weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and general training – or a novice – Sweat Social has you covered, Adamson said.

“This is a place for people who want to take fitness seriously – our classes are set up to progress you no matter where you’re starting out,” she said. “I want to turn this space into the most professional, well-rounded fitness facility you can get around here.”

The gym is located at the rear of 713 Mountain St., in the building beside the Haliburton Legion. Adamson said it has been custom designed, so while there’s only an extra 400 sq. ft. of floor space, it feels much bigger than the old facility.

Ten new pieces of equipment have been installed, including leg press, hack squat, and chest press machines. There’s 12 pieces of cardio equipment, including a stairmaster, airbikes, and rowing machines. A 14-by-sixfoot steel training rig contains 10 pull up bars and four working stations for people to do things such as barbell squats.

Adamson said there will be a range of free weights, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, plyo boxes and gymnastic rings. There’s a 200 sq. ft. space that will be used for small classes, such as the popular babies and barbells program for new moms. The gym space, with all the equipment, is approximately 1,300 sq. ft.

“I wanted to give people a facility where they can crush their fitness goals no matter how drastic they are, or whatever niche thing they’re into. If you’re a gymnast training for an upcoming event, we have apparatus for you. If you’re a bodybuilder preparing for a show, we have a top-of-the-line leg press and stairmaster,” Adamson said.

Monthly memberships are available, but Adamson said people will be able to purchase day passes. She thinks this could help attract vacationers and cottagers who want to keep up with training while away from home. Due to the location, she also thinks parents dropping off kids for hockey or dance could squeeze in a quick workout.

There will be familiar faces – John Watson, Nicole Mee, and Robyn Stehr will be back offering their expertise in bodybuilding, powerlifting, and CrossFit. Mee is also partnering with Adamson on programming to address the stigma around mental health and fitness. She hopes to open the gym on Sundays for newcomers just starting out.

She believes relocating to downtown Haliburton is the best move Sweat Social could make.

“Just the connections – I walked out to Castle for a coffee this morning and ran into a member. On my way back to the space, to show them what I’ve been up to, we ran into my bookkeeper who tagged along, then one of our coaches saw us so tagged along. It’s just so nice to be downtown – we’re more accessible and feel like we’re more a part of the community,” she said.

The gym will be open Monday to Saturday, from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. A grand opening is taking place June 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit sweatsocialfitness.com.

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.