Omicron gives present we want to send back

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December 22, 2021

Sarah Anderson was excited to introduce her baby boy to family in Haliburton over the holidays, but recent COVID restrictions forced her to cancel travel plans.

Now living in Melbourne, Australia, Anderson was due to fly to Toronto Dec. 19 with her husband, Ben, and son, Jett, the first-time home in over two years.

“I am extremely close with my family. I’ve always been OK living abroad, because I always went home at least once or twice a year,” Anderson said. “Australia was quick to shut its borders, and it has only just started reopening them in the last month or so … When the borders opened up for my state, I was quick to purchase some tickets to Canada.”

In the weeks since, a fifth wave has run rampant across much of the world. Canada has been affected with Premier Doug Ford saying it’s “unlike anything we have ever seen.” On Dec. 15, Australia issued a travel advisory warning of the risks of flying into Canada. Anderson was worried about not being able to get back home, her husband’s travel visa, and travel insurance. “Our bags were literally packed, we had just gotten our negative PCR test results and were ready to go.

“My family was heartbroken, but they definitely understand. They want to meet Jett so badly, but they want to do it when it is safe to do so. I still have a pit in my stomach as I feel I’ve let everyone down. I’m trying to stay positive, and will just try to get there as soon as I can.”

Restrictions

Social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors; 50 per cent capacity limits are imposed on most businesses; a maximum of 10 people may be seated together at restaurants or bars; bars and restaurants are required to close by 11 p.m.; the sale of food and drink at recreational facilities has been temporarily outlawed. Clay Glecoff, of Glecoff’s Family Store in Haliburton, says all businesses have been down this road before, so know what to expect.

He hasn’t seen a change in shopping habits, or numbers, since Omicron hit the news, or in the days since the new restrictions. Glecoff said he’s fortunate his store can hold 80 people, so capacity restrictions haven’t had much of an impact. “Fortunately, we’ve almost made it through December. If it [greater restrictions] happens in January or February, it won’t hurt as much.”

Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit, said Omicron is quickly becoming the dominant strain in Ontario. She said so far it appears much more highly infectious than the Delta variant.

That makes prompt intervention important so hospital admissions and ICU occupancy don’t reach unsustainable levels in early January, she added. The health unit announced two new vaccination clinics in Haliburton, with 400 doses available Dec. 23 and 30.

Bocking said more dates are being added. With some criticism of family gatherings being curtailed while 9,000 people can be in Scotiabank Arena, Bocking said she understands, “however, people need to limit their contact with others regardless of the setting.”

Dr. Norm Bottum, with the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team, doesn’t believe another lockdown is forthcoming. “I am optimistic Omicron is not going to create as much serious illness as what we’ve seen with the other variants,” he said. He said contagiousness is the concern.

That’s why he’s behind the provincial government’s decision to implement certain restrictions over the next few weeks. “Experts are predicting all of us are going to be exposed to Omicron.

What we don’t want is for there to be 10,000 positive cases every day, where even one per cent of those cases need to go to the hospital. It’s that rush on the health care system that could cause real problems, and is what the province wants to avoid.” Booster shots are a good weapon, Bottum said.

“A lot of early evidence is suggesting this could be the last wave of COVID. It may turn out that this latest version of the disease is actually the cure for us.

A big outbreak of Omicron, with less serious illness, will lead to people developing immunity, and might be just what it takes to get through this, especially for third world countries who don’t have access to vaccines,” Bottum said. Haliburton Highlands Health Services said there may be some reductions of nonemergency programs and redeployment of staff, with new rules for visitors to acute care and emergency departments.

As of Dec. 21, only one essential visitor is being permitted at those sites, and all visitors must show proof of vaccination. Some exceptions will be made for palliative, critically ill and pediatric patients.

New COVID restrictions imposed across Ontario

By

Mike Baker

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December 21, 2021

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LG-new MOH — Dr. Natalie Bocking says it's important to limit interactions over the holidays to stop the spread of COVID-19.

By Mike Baker

Last-minute Christmas shopping and family gatherings will look a little different in the Highlands over the coming days and weeks after the Ontario government implemented a new set of restrictions designed to flatten the spread of COVID-19 as the super-spreader Omicron variant runs rampant across the province.

Premier Doug Ford said the rapid increase in daily cases, up to 3,783 on Monday, is “unlike anything we have ever seen.” As such, he introduced a list of health measures that came into effect Dec. 19.

Social gatherings are being limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors; 50 per cent capacity limits have been imposed on most indoor businesses; a maximum of 10 people may be seated together at restaurants or bars; bars and restaurants will be required to close by 11 p.m.; singing and dancing in restaurants and bars and other select settings has been prohibited; and the sale of food and drink services at indoor sporting events, concert venues, theatres and cinemas, casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments has been temporarily outlawed.

Businesses having to abide by the capacity limits include restaurants and bars; personal care services; gyms and fitness facilities; retailers; shopping malls; photography studios; marinas and boating clubs; clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities; concert venues; theatres and cinemas; meeting and event spaces; museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and fairs, rural exhibitions and festivals.

HKPR medical officer of health Dr. Natalie Bocking “strongly encourages” Haliburton County residents to reconsider large holiday gatherings last week, as the health unit detected its first case of the Omicron variant in the region.

As of Dec. 20, there were 56 active cases of COVID-19 in the HKPR region, although none of those are in Haliburton County.

“We are seeing a steady increase now associated with both a higher number of outbreaks, as well as a higher number of total cases,” Bocking said. “As we look at the next couple of weeks, we are highly encouraging everyone to be cautious in their interactions.”

She recommended that people engage in small gatherings over the holidays, limited to two households.

While the Omicron variant is still being tested, it’s found to be more transmissible than the Delta variant, and is predicted to be the dominant COVID-19 strain in the coming weeks. Booster shots are more important than ever in defending vulnerable populations from the virus, Bocking said.

Over the past week, the health unit has added 4,000 additional appoints at vaccinations clinics in the region, with two new dates added in Haliburton. A total of 800 appointment slots have been filled for Dec. 23 and 30 at the Haliburton Legion.

As of Dec. 21, everyone 18 years old and up are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot. Highlands residents can book a shot through the provincial booking system at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine.

with files from Sam Gillett

Highlands Opera Studio announces 2022 schedule

By

Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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Tales of heartbreak cascaded over a rapt Abbey Gardens audience in August. A brandished revolver, a descent into hell itself: it was all wrapped up into The Leporello Diaries, a fully-staged opera performed by Highlands Opera Studio for a socially distanced and masked audience.

“We were thrilled to see people coming out and being moved to tears once again,” general and co-artistic director Valerie Kuinka said.

While the studio performed a few concerts in 2021, Kuinka said they’re excited to raise the curtain on a full 2022 season, “reconnecting to the reason why live performance is special.”

That includes a pay-what-you-can concert where studio members will perform non-operatic tunes and chat about what drew them to the classical practice. Other performances such as Pop Goes the Opera will mix show tunes and opera classics. Kuinka said the genre can feel intimidating to those unfamiliar with it who may think shows call for fancy dress or prior knowledge.

“The people in opera, good heavens they’re anything but stuffy,” Kuinka said.

She described how some newcomers who were brought by friends were skeptical at first. “They found they were unbelievably moved by being in the same room as this artistic expression.”

Many requested operettas this year, said Kuinka. The shorter and lighter shows deal with the fun themes a modern audience might find familiar from romantic comedies.

“It’s more just girl like boy, they fall in love; everything works out,” Kuinka said.

Co-director and seasoned opera performer Richard Margison will also offer multiple vocal classes with 2022 studio members in late July.

Reflecting on diversity

Many within the art world point to the 2020 murder of George Floyd and ensuing discussions about racial inequity as a wake-up call. Kuinka said it sparked more conversations within the world of opera about areas the industry falls short.

“It’s a problem,” Kuinka said. As a studio she said they want to increase the diversity of performances and performers; the vast majority of opera singers worldwide are white.

Celebrating Diversity on Aug. 11, 2022 will be a showcase of diverse composers from Canada’s past and present, and Kuinka said the studio will strive to uplift sexually and ethnically diverse performers and composers as it plans future seasons.

It’s part of a renewed focus of recognizing “the unbalance in our society: including and respecting and promoting equity,” Kuinka said.

Opera, Kuinka said, is for everyone, telling stories that resonate through time.

“The word opera can scare people. Opera is theatre to music, and the stories are absolutely opera is theatre to music, and the stories are absolutely human and timeless.”

More information and tickets for 2022 shows are available at highlandoperastudio. com.

Radiothon raises $43K for food banks

By

Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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Phone lines at Haliburton’s 93.5 MooseFM were ringing off the hook Dec. 9 and 10 as the radio station held its 15th annual festive radiothon. The fundraiser supports the efforts of the Minden Community Food Centre, Haliburton 4Cs Food Bank and the Central Food Network during their busiest period of the year. This year’s event brought in $43,800. “The money raised is distributed proportionately to all of the food banks in Haliburton County,” said MooseFM morning show host Rick Lowes. “The generosity of Haliburton County never ceases to amaze me, just a wonderful place to live.” The radiothon ran from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. last Thursday and Friday, and featured special guests such as Minden Community Food Centre manager Joanne Barnes, 4Cs manager Judy MacDuff, MP Jamie Schmale and MPP Laurie Scott. Since launching the event in 2007, MooseFM has raised between $350,000 and $400,000 for the three food banks in Haliburton County. (Mike Baker).

MooseFM morning host Rick Lowes was in great spirits last week as the station held its annual festive radiothon in support of Haliburton County’s food banks.

Wilberforce curlers excited to get back on the rings

By

Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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The Wilberforce Curling Club wasn’t sure if it would be able to open at all this year. However, with 24 new members signed up and COVID-19 protocols in place, the group is back to slinging stones and enjoying a community atmosphere. Club president Gord Fitch said the season so far has been “fantastic. It’s busier than ever.”

He said many of the new members are new to the County. “They want to get out in the community, they wanted to get some activity going,” he said.

While no bonspiels, club tournaments are scheduled so far. Fitch said they’re currently curling five days a week. That’s more than ever.

There’s even a Friday morning ladies coffee club. The curlers are also back to hosting events such as an upcoming potluck. “We aim to have a good community and fun. It’s competitive, but not too much,” Fitch said. He said the club is passionate about “giving back to the community” of Highlands East. That’s why they donated $1,000 to the Wilberforce Elementary School’s snack program. “We have been doing that for about six years now, we missed it during COVID because we’re not open,” Fitch said. “This is coming back to it, giving back to the community again.” Interested curlers can join the club for its season starting Jan. 18 by contacting wilberforcecurling@gmail.com.

Spreading the spirit of the holidays at Highland Wood

By

Mike Baker

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December 16, 2021

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Everyone needs a little Christmas cheer in their lives this time of year, and Boshkung Brewing Co. is partnering with Highland Wood LongTerm Care Home to ensure some of our most vulnerable residents have something to smile about on the big day.

Deb Banks conceptualized the ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ initiative several years ago while she was working in another community. Having recently relocated to the Highlands, she was on the lookout for something similar she could support here.

Banks contacted Highland Wood and got talking to Brenda Wingerden, a nurse who has worked at the home for several years. She quickly learned that no such program exists in Haliburton County. “It’s Christmas, the whole idea behind this is to spread the spirit and help people feel special at this time of the year,” Banks said. “With COVID, things have been really difficult for people living in long-term care homes. They haven’t been able to see their relatives or friends, and maybe haven’t had much of anything around this time of year, so we wanted to step in and kind of help brighten the holidays for them.”

Stockings have already been put together for the 28 seniors who reside at Highland Wood. They are filled with personal care items, toiletries and small treats designed to “bring a smile to their faces,” Banks said.

Wingerden confirmed this was the first time an initiative like this had been brought to Highland Wood.

“Our staff were really excited when they heard about this … The last year and a half has been very stressful for residents. They haven’t had a whole lot to be happy about,” Wingerden said. “I think this program is great. It’s helping the generation that has done so much for us. It’s not much, but it’s something that will make a big difference in their lives.”

Banks said she is still taking monetary donations to cover the cost of some of the stockings, noting residents can sponsor a stocking for $10. Boshkung Brewing Co. is also running a festive food drive, with all proceeds going to area food banks. Boxes for non-perishable items have been set up at their locations in Carnarvon and Minden.

All stockings will be delivered to Highland Wood by Christmas Eve.

“We have had generous donations already from people supporting this program. I’m just excited that we were able to pull this off. Our seniors paved the way for us, so I feel it’s important that we let them know we appreciate all they have done for us, and that we care,” Banks said.

Jan bringing smiles back to seniors’ faces

By

Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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COVID-19 outbreaks in the province’s long-term care homes laid bare gaps in funding and support for personal support workers. However, Jan Saugh, an activation manager, said the role of socially stimulating residents, commonly called activation, is still overlooked despite the province making moves to shore up the sector.

That’s why Saugh is starting Activity On Wheels With Jan, a company that will provide customized activity plans and social interaction for seniors.

“The purpose of my job is to put a smile on people’s faces,” the Carnarvon resident said.

For people living with dementia, or those living in isolation, Saugh said “engaging a person one-on-one” can have long-term benefits on a person’s quality of life.

Throughout her decade-long career as an activation manager in Huntsville and an activation worker at Haliburton Highlands Health Services, she’s seen how engaging with residents can lift spirits and revitalize their enthusiasm for life.

“My job is to go over there, make them smile, take their hand – reach them at their level,” she said. That means conversation, playing cards, helping with outings or even researching a person’s interests. Saugh could become an expert on golf if that would spark conversation and connection with a patient, for example.

She said music often unlocks memories. “You put on an old sing-along with music from their era: you see their faces light up,” she said.

Saugh said she once sang the hymn Jesus Loves Me to a patient with dementia who was non-verbal. “She looked up, and she started singing. That was the greatest feeling.”

With her independent practice, Saugh will visit clients around the County at their residence after developing a care plan. That includes an interview with caregivers to find out a person’s interests, abilities, and possible conversation topics.

Saugh uses that information to determine how she can fill gaps in care.

“We need the basics of healthy living,” she said. Even if a person receives home care, Saugh said “there’s still that one missing piece. We all need social interaction. we all need to be socially stimulated.”

Saugh can be reached at 705-644-9074 or jancares@hotmail.com.

Continuity for everybody’s benefit, four-term warden says

By

Lisa Gervais

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December 16, 2021

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Sworn in for her fourth consecutive term as County Warden, Liz Danielsen said continuity is key as the public continues to navigate a global pandemic and weighty issues such as the shoreline preservation bylaw and service delivery review.

In a Dec. 9 interview prior to a virtual ceremony Dec. 14, Danielsen said she was proud to be the first warden to serve an entire municipal term.

In the past, County council rotated the warden’s position among lower-tier municipalities, changing the head of council every year.

Danielsen said she wasn’t the only warden who felt, “one year doesn’t cut it, you’re just getting your feet wet, you’re finding out what the process is and getting comfy with it, a little more continuity is important.”

She noted the warden also becomes part of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, which deals with “really weighty issues so much broader than the County. A longer term is appropriate.”

She said another reason for continuity is a byproduct of COVID-19.

“We have gone through a really tough time, learned to do things differently, the population is generally unhappy, tired of this pandemic. More issues are being raised than we might ordinarily see. We’re all very busy, very distracted … for everybody’s general benefit continuity is the word of the day.”

Danielsen said she is proud of the work done during her tenure, such as the service delivery review and shoreline preservation bylaw.

“That’s been a really important project,” she said of the SDR. “There were expectations of amalgamation by some people who may not truly understand the full ramifications of that. We couldn’t even go down that road without really looking very carefully at the services we’re delivering. Is there a better way? I don’t know if it will be more expensive, but a more efficient way of delivering services, more consistent across the County, opportunities to examine the willingness of the four municipalities and the County to work together.”

As for the shoreline preservation bylaw, she said it’s unfortunate it’s become as contentious and divisive as it has, but she’s proud County council is “trying our very hardest to look at what needs to be done to protect our environment here and that can only be a good thing.”

She said that in many ways, the County and its four lower tier townships have learned to work, and communicate, better.

“I’m really happy to be able to continue to do the work. I like it.”

HE tightens road allowance policy

By

Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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Hand-drawn development plans won’t cut it in Highlands East after council voted in new rules governing shoreline road allowance purchases Dec. 14.

Junior planner Kim Roberts presented revised rules to council, including requirements for all land surveys to include reference to structures on a property.

Previously, applicants could sketch buildings themselves when applying to purchase municipal land abutting bodies of water. Often that results in measuring mistakes which then require minor variance applications, for example when measuring a setback to a property’s high-water mark.

“This is just providing some clarification as to what we want as far as seeing buildings,” Roberts said.

The new format outlines specifics such as what a shoreline road allowance is, who can and cannot purchase a road allowance, as well as procedures for a revision.

“It’s kind of like putting together a puzzle,” she said.

Revisions include a summary of key terms and rationale, such as why the township sells shoreline road allowances and the necessary features of any application.

The municipality will also charge a nonrefundable $200 fee for merging lots and a $350 non-refundable administration fee.

The changes come as Highlands East adjusts to raised shoreline road allowance purchase fees, which previously were lower than any surrounding municipality.

Highlands East experienced unprecedented building activity in 2021, with build values sitting at $39.7 million, a more than 300 per cent rise over 2020 figures.

Holiday traditions with COVID caution

By

Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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Gail and Peter Stelter celebrated Christmas with their extended family just a few months ago. The socially-distanced, outdoor summer celebration was out-of-season, with COVID-19 delaying the festivities multiple times.

“Such is life in COVID times,” said Gail. This year, the Stelters are excited to welcome their family from the GTA back to the Highlands for Christmas in season.

“It’s really special for us, and it’s a lot of fun,” Gail said.

All of the Stelters’ eligible family members are double vaccinated, and their gathering will be under the HKPR recommended number of 25 guests for indoor private gatherings.

“Everything we are asked to do is for our own protection and the protection of people we love,” she said.

In a Dec. 8 press release, chief medical officer of health Dr. Natalie Bocking said “the reality is that we are still in a pandemic and with the new Omicron variant, we must remain vigilant to stop the spread. Small gatherings, smart planning and safe practices are the best ways to make the season merry and bright.”

For Haliburton’s Betty Mills, gathering still feels “a little bit scary, even with all the precautions we’ve decided to take.”

Mills and her husband David Mills will welcome extended family back into their home. Just like the Stelters, COVID-19 safety will be a priority: they’ll have a soup and beef on a bun meal, “so there’s not a lot of contact, bowls being passed around or shared cutlery,” Betty said.

Instead of their usual “steal a gift game,” which requires passing presents back and forth, David said each family member will donate $15 and name a charity: the winner of a draw gets all the money to donate to the charity of their choice.

Some of the couple’s great-grandchildren who aren’t vaccinated won’t be coming: both the Mills and the children’s parents decided it was the best route to protect all involved.

“Family-wise, we’ve all been pretty diligent,” said David.

Despite extra work planning a safer Christmas this year, the Stelters and Mills said they’re both excited and grateful to be able to see family face-to-face this year.

“The spirit of Christmas is to be thankful,” Gail said.

HKPR tips for safe Christmas gatherings

The HKPR health unit outlined a few tips for safe Christmas gatherings this year:

• Reminding guests to stay home if they feel sick, even if symptoms are mild.

• Encouraging people to frequently wash their hands by providing all necessary supplies, including hand sanitizer, soap and water.

• Keeping a list of attendees in case the Health Unit needs this information for contact tracing.

• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently.

• Following all rules and requirements at an eatery if the visit with family and friends involves eating at a restaurant. This includes providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination.