Minden Hills’ new urgent care clinic will open for the first time next Friday, June 30 and operate noon to 6 p.m. throughout the Canada Day long weekend.

It will continue to operate on weekends until fully staffed, the Ontario government said in a press release announcing it is providing money to the Kawartha North Family Health Team (KNFHT) to open the clinic in the former Minden emergency department site.

The province made the announcement June 20.

The clinic will provide routine and urgent care to people in the community, and has been described as somewhere between a walk-in clinic and an ER department.

The ministry said it would also provide one-time funding to buy equipment.

KNFHT executive director, Marina Hodson, told a community meeting June 9, she did not think it would take long for the ministry to approve a clinic for the town after its ER was closed June 1, with consolidation of ER services at the Haliburton site.

“KNFHT has provided care to the Minden Hills community since 2007,” Hodson said of the announcement, adding, “we are very proud to be responding to a community need and continuing our commitment to service by operating an urgent care clinic at the Minden site.”

KNFHT has clinics in Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, with County residents attending those sites.

Planning is underway to operate up to seven days a week, based on the community’s needs. The clinic will be operated and staffed by KNFHT nurse practitioners and registered practical nurses who will provide care to patients with unexpected but non-life-threatening health care concerns through walk-ins and booked appointments.

‘Urgent care not same as ER’

The province said in order to accelerate implementation, it is “working quickly with the KNFHT and Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS).

“KNFHT is continuing to engage the community to determine how the clinic can best serve the people of Minden Hills,” the press release stated. “As a result, while the clinic itself will be managed entirely by KNFHT and its board of directors, it will be located at the former Minden emergency department site, so no major renovations are required.”

The province said HHHS is supporting the operation of the clinic.

“HHHS is pleased to support the KNFHT’s operation of an urgent care clinic at the Minden site,” said interim CEO Veronica Nelson. “This initiative has led to an expedited implementation of an urgent care clinic for our community.”

Minister of health, Sylvia Jones, added, “we recognize the need for all Ontarians to have access to convenient care, closer to home, no matter where they live in the province.” She added her government was proud to be a partner with community partners to help improve care for residents of Minden Hills.

Jones refused to step in after HHHS made the decision to shutter the Minden site, leading to its closure.

MPP Laurie Scott said, “the quick action taken by the KNFHT and supported by HHHS, with support from the ministry is good news, ensuring Minden Hills will have access to an urgent care clinic very soon. Thank you to everyone involved, for working together to make this happen.”

Current hours of operation will be posted on the KNFHT, HHHS and Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Ontario Health Team websites.

Patrick Porzuczek, spokesperson and founder of Save Minden ER and Minden Matters, said, “The Ford government funding the clinic does not mitigate the responsibility for allowing the Minden ER to close.

“The closure of the ER has negative impacts on traumatic instances like heart attacks, immediate cardiac care, strokes, allergic reactions, and urgent community health. The closure has created a hole in health care within the community, and will continue with the pattern we are seeing across the province.”

Porzuczek added urgent care is not the same as an ER and people need accessible local, immediate, access to emergency services when they are faced with life-threatening conditions.

“Hallway health and eight-hour-plus wait times are not acceptable. This does not equal quality health care in Minden or across the province.”

He said the ministry of health “must take immediate steps to reopen the ER as quickly as possible in order to save lives in the community.”

He noted it was the only ER located centrally between Lindsay and Huntsville.

Porzuczek went on to say, “the Ontario Government should be working closely with the Minden and Haliburton communities and learn from their mistakes. It’s not political gain. It’s not about the PC party or Laurie Scott taking accolades for urgent care coming to Minden. It should be about making health care better and stronger for rural Ontario and learning from this community. Together we can rewrite history and implement a health care system that will work collaboratively for all of Ontario.”

Christmas is coming a few months early for Haliburton-based thrifters as Dysart township prepares to host its second annual ‘New to You’ community yard sale.

The event debuted to much fanfare last summer, with over two dozen locals setting up shop at the parking lot at A.J. LaRue Arena, looking for new homes for items such as clothing, toys, furniture and more.

Organizer, John Watson, told The Highlander there has been significant demand for a second iteration.

“It was so well received last year – we had over 20 sellers, and hundreds of people stop by throughout the day. It’s a great opportunity for people to find all sorts of new to you treasures,” Watson, the township’s environmental manager, said. “It’s an important event for us because it helps to divert items from the landfill, supporting Dysart’s reuse activities.”

He noted the township has been recognized provincially for the event, winning a gold promotion and education award from the Municipal Waste Association. “We’re really excited about that because it shows other places are looking at what we’re doing here and can see that it’s working.”

The sale is taking place July 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’s space for 35 stalls, with registration costing $30 plus HST. Participants are asked to bring their own chairs, tables and cash float. If someone wishes to set up a tent, Watson said they must provide weights to secure it, as nothing will be allowed to penetrate the asphalt.

Having an event like this in a central location is appealing, Watson said.

“Because we’re so spread out in Dysart, it makes it hard for people to hold yard sales on their own property. Bringing everyone together in one space makes it nice and convenient for both sellers and shoppers,” he said.

“For me, it’s neat seeing all the different things people are selling. Last year, I heard so many people walk up to booths and go ‘oh, no way, I can’t believe you have this’, so it’s a great opportunity for people to add to their collections or make nice finds.”

Several other businesses and organizations are getting in on the action again this year. The Haliburton County Public Library is hosting a book sale at the Dysart branch, while the Lily Ann Thrift Store and SIRCH Thrift Warehouse are also hosting sales on the day.

Interested vendors can register until July 7 by visiting dysartetal.ca/newtoyou, or contacting the township at 705-457-1740.

U-Links is again inviting community groups in Haliburton County to submit their research project proposals for the upcoming academic year.

“This call aims to foster partnerships between community organizations and student researchers from Trent University and Fleming College to address important issues impacting the social, cultural, environmental, and economic aspects of the County,” program coordinator Frank Figuli said.

Since 1999, U-Links has connected community organizations with student researchers, resulting in numerous research projects. Figuli said by participating, organizations gain access to valuable research insights that can inform decision-making processes, increase capacity, and contribute to the betterment of the County.

Even if you have no research background, Figuli said U-Links’ staff can guide organizations through the process.

“All you need is an idea or identified problem within Haliburton County, and our team will assist you in developing a comprehensive project proposal and identifying the appropriate research questions.”

Figuli added whether project ideas relate to community development, health sciences, forensics, environmental sciences, or any other field, ULinks’ professionals will provide the necessary support.

A few examples of ongoing community-based research projects include: assessing Haliburton for agriculture and vendor needs; an evaluation assessment for Abbey Retreat Centre programs; and an evaluation of Haliburton County Lake Associations on water quality testing data and protocols.

In addition to research projects, U-Links also offers opportunities for communityservice learning (CSL). This unique form of experiential education allows students and community members to collaborate on specific activities or events with tangible outcomes. One example is the annual Haliburton-Muskoka-Kawartha Children’s Water Festival, where Environmental Science students from Trent University and community members work together to organize and facilitate educational activity stations.

The deadline for submitting project ideas or topics is July 14. U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research PO Box 655, Minden, ON K0M 2K0; 705-286-2411; admin@ulinks.ca; ulinks.ca . Figuli is at coordinator@ulinks.ca or phone the office.

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School athlete, Evan Backus, made the podium at OFSAA June 10, garnering a silver medal in the 300m hurdles.

Coach Karen Gervais said Evan started the day strong by winning his qualifying heat to make the finals.

Evan said, “I thought I wouldn’t do as well for the heats because I was put in lane eight, which I thought was a little bit of a disadvantage, but I ended up coming first in my heat.”

For the finals, Evan was seeded third but ran a personal best of 42.01 to place second in the province.

Running the race, Evan said he was aware of the hurdler in front of him, “and was trying my hardest to catch him, but once I crossed the finish line, I just didn’t care anymore, because I knew I got second place.”

Running the race, Evan said he was aware of the hurdler in front of him, “and was trying my hardest to catch him, but once I crossed the finish line, I just didn’t care anymore, because I knew I got second place.”

“It was really cool. Once I saw that there was a podium, all I really wanted to do was stand up there and have my name announced. It was a really cool experience to be up on there.”

Evan said making it required “lots of hard work.” He added he had a lot of help from coaches, senior athletes and friends.

Evan also finished 12th in the 100m sprint hurdles June 9.

Gervais said the top 24 athletes from the six different regions in the province compete at OFSAA.

“It has been many years since a Haliburton athlete has made the podium in track and field,” she added. “OFSAA is dubbed the third most competitive high school track meet in North America.”

Gervais said she asked Walter Tose, who used to coach at the school and keep records, when the last Red Hawk athlete to medal at OFSAA would have been.

Tose said, “I’m pretty sure that Matt Duchene was the most recent OFSAA medalist before Evan, winning bronze in the novice boys’ discus in 2006.

“Kate Campbell won gold in the 300m hurdles in 1998 and followed up with a bronze in the 400m hurdles two years later. Nicole Manary won bronze at OFSAA in novice girls discus in 2002, and Kate Dawson won bronze in senior girls’ javelin at OFSAA in 2005. And, of course, Lesley Tashlin won bronze at OFSAA in 1987. There are several other HHSS athletes who had top four to eight finishes at OFSAA as well over the years and several other ‘should have been, could have been’,” Tose said.

Last August, Ross Bateman, the brother of Robert Bateman, approached Minden Hills manager of cultural services, Shannon Kelly, with an “exciting” idea. The Bateman family wanted to do an exhibit at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden this summer.

“It would be based on their time at the family cottages in Haliburton County over several decades,” Kelly told a council meeting June 8.

The plan was for original paintings, and limited-edition prints, created by Robert Bateman, his brothers, Ross and Jack, Robert’s son, Alan, and Ross’s son, Brad, as well as photography by Robert’s wife, Birgit Freybe Bateman.

After that initial chat, Kelly continued to talk to Robert and Birgit, as well as Robert’s assistant, Kate Brotchie, in the early fall of 2022, and now – an exhibit date of July 6 to Sept. 2 is set.

The title of the exhibit is ‘Bateman Family: A Sense of Place.’

In outlining the details, Kelly said it would feature 46 pieces that are part of Robert’s personal collection, including 21 originals and 25 prints. Four originals from the collection of Ross will also be included.

Approximately 12 photographs of Birgit will be curated; three original pieces from Ross; one original piece from Jack; four original pieces and four reproductions from Alan; and eight original pieces by Brad.

The Bateman family cherish the memories of their summer holidays spent at the family cottages in Haliburton County. Their experiences over several decades are captured in this personal family exhibit,” Kelly said.

She added an exhibit catalogue is being designed by Andrea Hilo, and printed by Parker Pad & Printing. “The catalogue will include images of all artwork included in the exhibit, as well as personal notes from the artists, on selected pieces,” she said.

The catalogue will also include an original, personal, essay titled The Haliburton Paintings, written by Ross for the exhibit. The catalogues will be sold in the gallery throughout the exhibition, with proceeds going to the cultural centre.

Kelly said all art will be on site at the cultural centre the week of June 19. The exhibit will be hung the week of July 3 by staff and volunteers, with creative input from the Bateman family.

The Minden Hills Cultural Centre Foundation will be holding a members-only preview July 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. “There will be some members of the Bateman family present,” Kelly said.

The public opening reception will be held July 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. “All contributing artists have confirmed they will be present at the reception,” Kelly said. An artist talk has been scheduled form 1:30 p.m.

Due to the limited seating in the Welch Room, pre-registration is required for the talk. General viewing of the exhibit is open to all at the reception. Alcoholic beverages will be served at the reception on July 8. A Special Occasion Permit (SOP) has been applied for, and a bartender with Smart Serve has been booked for the event. Non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks will also be served.

Council designated the July opening an event of municipal significance during a recent meeting.

A selection of prints and books selected by the artists will be available for sale in the gallery gift shop. As per the exhibit contract, the gallery will receive 25 per cent of the proceeds from the sales.

In addition, the original painting, Castor Canadensis, will be part of the exhibit, and is the one original painting that will be available for sale. The sale price is $50,000 U.S., or approximately $68,000 CDN. As per the exhibit contract, the gallery will receive 25 per cent of the proceeds from the sale, Kelly said.

“This unique painting was inspired when Robert was driving home from his cottage in Haliburton and spotted a beaver on the side of the road. Growing up, he spent many summers at the cottage waiting patiently at the water’s edge, with mosquitoes buzzing around his head, hoping to catch a glimpse of the animal emerging from the water. During this chance encounter he pulled over quickly to the roadside and snapped a few photographs. The beaver’s wet, slicked back fur created a powerful image reminiscent of a bronze sculpture, which Robert enjoyed recreating in his studio.”

After taking part in a pilot program at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands, Scott Atkinson says former military personnel will benefit from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) officially approving the initiative.

It means the retreat on the shores of Maple Lake will be able to offer its ELEVATE for Veterans-Only Program monthly to participants starting in July.

Atkinson was in the military for 25 years before being released in 2018. He struggled with opioids and alcohol, admitting, “I was in a horrible spot at one time.” He continues to work on himself and with volunteers at CannaConnect, a drop-in clinic for vets in Ottawa.

He said things such as the 10-day pilot at Dimensions, “helps me move forward in life, and to help other people move forward in life.” He added the Haliburton County location helped him connect mind, body and spirit to better understand himself. He said the space and program allows vets to get to the “next level of where your mind can be, just with breathing, just with meditation. It really works to show how important this is in life and in healing.”

Atkinson added veterans today are open to things such as yoga, and ceremony, and want to learn. “They want to get away from the alcohol, the pills, and they’re learning this is a better way to do it.”

Not only do the vets benefit, he said, but their families too. He is now getting to know an estranged 29-year-old daughter and a granddaughter.

“It’s how much you put into it, right? I was in the army for 25 years. I was a rugby player. I was a drinker and now I’m becoming a yoga instructor. It’s not that every day is great, but you can learn to handle darker days.”

Co-founder and CEO, Chris Dawson, said getting the go-ahead from VAC is a game changer for Dimensions.

“It’s stabilizing for us as a new business. But more importantly, it really is a clinical landmark for the organization. And the group we’re looking to treat are amongst those most in need in this country, if not being right at the top of that list,” Dawson said. “So, for us to be approved by Veterans Affairs, which means that Veterans Affairs will pay for veterans to come for treatment, is also an endorsement of our program.”

Dawson said it’s a year-long program since there is thorough assessment and preparation for the 10-day retreat and follow-up. He said veterans can suffer from both mental and physical health issues, which can include pain management via massage. “We may weight things one way or the other, depending on the individual.”

He added they emphasize somatic psychotherapy in their treatment, or what he describes as the recognition the role of the body plays in our overall mental health. It helps people process trauma stored in the body and nervous system. They have more than 20 psychotherapists and clinicians.

“You’ll see a lot of what might, on the surface, look like spa like treatments, but they are designed to prepare the body for the psychotherapy that they’re about to receive. And it’s a recognition that our body and our mind are connected on things like PTSD. If we’re only looking at one or the other, then, for example, the body might force the mind back into old behavioural patterns.”

Dawson said with 17 cabins, they will likely take 14-15 vets at a time and move them through the program together to form a community.

He said the program was developed over three years, with researchers and clinicians from Queen’s University. The pilot ran in the summer of 2022.

“The goal of the program is to improve outcomes in psychological functioning and well-being for the veterans, as well as eliciting improvements in their pain experience. With the support of a lakeside setting in nature; psychotherapy; nutritious meals; daily breathwork; and bodywork practices, such as yoga, Qigong, and massage therapy, veterans identify the sources and triggers of their mental health and pain challenges. Through the various healing modalities, their central nervous system is reset, and stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms are reduced. Meals are created around guests’ retreat schedule and dietary specifications and preferences. The ingredients and preparations optimize gut health and brain health,” Dawson said.

While Minden may have lost its emergency department, members of the local health care auxiliary say it has no plans to abandon the community.

Since 2000, the volunteer group has raised and donated well over $500,000 to purchase new equipment at the Minden hospital and Hyland Crest long-term care home. Mickey Bonham, a member since 2009, said the auxiliary met in early May, shortly after HHHS announced it would be shuttering the Minden emerge, to discuss their future.

“We were all in a state of shock. We knew this decision was going to impact our ability to raise funds and attract new members… but we decided to keep going at least for another year,” Bonham said.

“We couldn’t abandon the 64 people [who live] at Hyland Crest. This isn’t their fault,” added Pat Bradley, a member since 2012.

The auxiliary held a sale at its gift shop in the main foyer at Hyland Crest, June 10. Bonham said it was to make way for new inventory, which will arrive next month. The store reopened last fall after being closed for two-and-a-half years due to the pandemic.

It’s one of the auxiliary’s primary revenue generators, alongside other staples such as the tag day fundraiser. Bonham admits it’s going to be “a challenge” for the auxiliary raising money now, considering the bulk of funds came from people who had received treatment at, and wanted to support, the Minden emerge.

The group is hosting a summer raffle, with 48 bottles of wine and a wheelbarrow up for grabs. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the gift shop. The draw will be done in October. All proceeds will support projects at Hyland Crest.

“We’re really hoping to focus now on beautifying that space. It hasn’t been updated since it was built in 2000,” Bonham said. “We want to have some murals painted inside, bring in some pieces of art, just make it more visually appealing for residents.”

Bonham didn’t rule out assisting any service that takes over the hospital space, with the Kawartha North Family Health Team applying to open an urgent care clinic. Bradley said the auxiliary is also planning to support efforts at the adult day program, which runs out of Hyland Crest.

“The big message we want to put across is all the money we raise will stay in Minden. Anyone who’s afraid the money will be going to Haliburton now our emerge has closed, no – that’s not our mandate,” Bradley said. “Our money stays here. This just opens doors for other areas, other groups that perhaps haven’t received support before.”

The auxiliary has around 25 active members, half the number they had prepandemic. Bradley said it’s a great group to get involved with.

“We need fresh blood. If you’re recently retired and looking for something to do, it’s a great cause. Promoting and furthering health services is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a volunteer,” Bradley said. “It’s easy for the people at Hyland Crest to feel abandoned, they can feel lonely. I feel strongly these are pillars of our community who are locked behind a door nobody seems to want to go beyond. Anything we can do to support these people, bring some smiles to their faces, it’s well worth it.”

The group meets three times annually for general meetings, with members required to complete at least one three-hour shift at the gift shop each month.

The gift shop is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from noon until 3 p.m.

For more information on the auxiliary, or to become a member, visit hhhs.ca or contact 705-457-1392 ext. 2927.