Haliburton’s Tour de Forest back for 15th year with 23 artists

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July 22, 2021

An annual summer studio show is set to bring cottagers, tourists and locals into the galleries of creatives across Haliburton County.

The Tour de Forest Summer Studio Tour, in its 15th year, features 23 potters, painters, sculptors and jewellers.

It will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 31 to August 1. An online map displays the locations of all 12 studios which are involved, stretching from Tory Hill to Minden to West Guilford.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing people and welcoming them to the event,” said organizer Charlene McConnell. McConnell creates glazed pottery decorations and serving ware out of Purple Door Pottery Studio on Eagle Lake Road.

“I enjoy meeting the artists face to face — having conversations about the process,” McConnell said.

After an isolating year, she said she’s excited that people will be able to experience art in person throughout the tour.

From the vibrant painted landscapes of James Goodliff to intricate carved to molded creations by Renée Woltz, the tour is a celebration of the Highland’s artistic diversity and skill.

In a written statement, acclaimed painter Jane Selbie wrote that supporting artists through tours like this is important to the health of the community.

“The history of Haliburton County is built on family operations, often extending from one generation to the next. It’s what gives small communities their particular character,” Selbie wrote.

“The artist sector is alive in Haliburton County … each artist [is] a small business operator.”

Boundless continues to gain altitude: Haliburton Director scoops up awards

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Lisa Gervais

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July 22, 2021

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Haliburton movie directed by Hannah Sadlier

Haliburton native Kate Campbell’s short film, Boundless, made its Canadian debut at the Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto in March and continues to screen across the globe – scooping up 11 awards at 15 festivals

Campbell told The Highlander she and her team wish they could have attended some of the festivals in person, but have been unable to due to COVID 19 which was made most of them virtual.

“But we are very grateful for the opportunity in the middle of this pandemic. Also, very grateful for all of the hometown support,” she said July 16.

The Haliburton Legion Branch 129 sponsored high school students and young adults from the community to help out the film set and the Haliburton County Development Corporation provided financial support.

It’s been quite a year so far for the filmmaker and her cast and crew.

The 10-minute short about Second World War female pilots had its international premiere in India in late 2020.

Campbell said, “I’m definitely enjoying the film festival tour so far. Very proud of our team. And it’s great to have such interest in the project from different corners of the world.”

Shopping the film to festivals was the first step in a much larger project to eventually produce a miniseries, Campbell told The Highlander in the fall. It’s been more than a decade of interviewing, travelling, writing and researching to get to this stage, she added.

Being from Haliburton, it was important for her to include the County in the production. Tammy Rea is one of the producers and Anabelle Craig, Joey Varga and Hannah Sadlier helped on set. The Haliburton County Folk Society and Nick Russell assisted with the soundtrack.

Campbell said she’s very excited to share the film and everyone’s hard work with the world, and ready for the next Boundless adventure.

The project was inspired by her grandmother, Betty Greply (nee Ward), who became a pilot to conquer her fear of heights in the 1950s at Buttonville Airport, flying with her husband. She was a member of the Ninety-Nines Flying Organization, which began in 1929, and for which Amelia Earhart was a president.

Dini Petty plays the older version of the lead character, Betty. The Canadian broadcast icon was the first woman in the world to pilot a helicopter while broadcasting over the radio at the age of 23.

“My grandmother and Dini flew out of Buttonville at the same time in the late 60s and early 70s,” Campbell, who is a student pilot and member of the Ninety-Nines, added.

Between 1942 and 1944, more than 1,000 female pilots flew a collective 60 million miles in service in a specialized training program to free the male pilots for battle. The program was based out of Sweetwater, Texas and was headed by famed aviatrix Jaquiline Cochran.

Campbell said, “As the war was ending, the women were abruptly disbanded, denied military status, shamed for taking the jobs of men returning from war, and were forced to pay their own way home.

“It’s a really important untold story that was not in our history books, so being able to share this education is significant.” Boundless continues to gain altitude

So far, the film has won:

• Gold award – The Spotlight Short Film Awards in Atlanta Georgia.

• Best story, best costume design, best production design at the Women’s International Film Festival in Massachusetts.

• Best cinematography award for a war film and best cinematography award annual nomination at the Cinematography Awards – London, UK.

• Best director at the London Director Awards – London, UK.

• Remi award at Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival.

• Best super short film – International World Photography Awards – Slovakia.

• Best narrative short – Toronto Women International Film Festiva.l

• Best director – French Riviera Film Festival.

Updates can be found on the Boundless Film Facebook page and on Instagram @boundlessfilm or @ A scene from Boundless. Photo by Hannah katecampbellfilmmaker

Spotlighting the best in Haliburton Highlands business

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Lisa Gervais

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July 22, 2021

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Did an organization, business, business owner or employee exceed your expectations last year?

You can recognize and spread the word about that excellence by nominating them for a Countywide award.

Nominations are open for the Business and Community Achievement Awards presented annually by the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s important to get the word out there about the amazing organizations, businesses, and individuals that enrich our community,” said executive director Amanda Conn.

“Especially with the difficulties that so many businesses and our community as a whole have experienced [during the COVID-19 pandemic], it’s essential to recognize the work, innovation, and commitment our local businesses, organizations, and individuals have shown. We all want to hear stories of those who have thrived, innovated, and made the lives of others better.”

Award categories include Innovation & Creativity, Customer First – Employee, Customer First – Business, Skilled Trades & Industry, Tourism & Hospitality, Business Achievement, New Business of the Year, Not-For-Profit of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Highlander of the Year.

This year’s awards presentation gala will be held virtually. Details will be announced when finalized.

For awards information and to submit nominations, go to haliburtonchamber.com/ nominations-now-open-for-the-businesscommunity-achievement-awards/. To arrange for offline nominations, email Conn at ed@haliburtonchamber.com or call the office at 705-457-4700.

Nominations close July 29 at 4 p.m.

Mould problems keep Dorset rec centre closed

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Lisa Gervais

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July 22, 2021

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Despite relaxed COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Dorset Recreation Centre will remain closed until further notice following the discovery that mould and moisture issues are more extensive than originally determined.

In a report to Algonquin Highlands council at the July 15 regular council meeting, AH staff noted that testing by an environmental consultant in March found mould on some basement surfaces. A remediation company was hired to address it, but test results on May 27 showed slightly elevated mould counts.

AH staff conducted further investigations on May 28 and found additional mould in the basement washrooms and changerooms. Staff removed the affected materials and the remediation company deep-cleaned those areas. Test results received July 6 indicated mould counts were still elevated. The remediation company recommended carpet removal downstairs and upstairs and additional cleaning.

While the environmental consultant had advised that the mould issue was caused by water filtration through the foundation and a pipe leak in the ceiling, staff reported that the latest discovery indicated those were not the only sources. Frequent ice damming on the roof has caused water to enter the building in the past, so on July 7 staff cut holes in ceilings and walls in the affected locations, finding mould in several areas.

Staff reported that $19,000 has been spent on the mould issue to date, excluding any restorations, and that the full financial impact of a final resolution is unknown, but will be substantial.

Council approved the staff recommendation that professional services be procured to assess the building and provide guidance to resolve the mould and moisture issues, and that a proposed HVAC works project be put on hold until the mould issues have been addressed.

Dysart seeks artists for sibling murals

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Sam Gillett

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July 22, 2021

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Dysart et al is seeking artists to paint two new murals on the A.J. LaRue arena.

Athletes and siblings Taly Williams and Lesley Tashlin will be depicted on the arena’s exterior, alongside five other murals of celebrated Haliburton County sports stars.

The project, estimated to cost $30,000 will be fundraised by public donations. As of July 16, a GoFundMe had raised nearly $6,000 and Dysart et al has collected $1,525. The Rotary Club of Haliburton also donated $2,000 to the project.

After receiving applications from artists, a review committee will select who will complete the project, bringing their decision to the cultural resources committee for a final decision. That committee will approach Dysart council for approval.

“Ideally, we want to have something up before the snow flies,” said Jim Blake, chair of the cultural resources committee. The window to submit applications closes on August 13.

Williams and Tashlin will have input into the murals as well. “We want the mural to be something they are proud of,” Blake said.

Grade 7 and 8 students at J.D. Hodgson Elementary School sparked the effort to honour the athletes. Inspired by William’s football career and Tashlin’s record-setting track and field stint, they said they were disappointed that the legacy of the Black athletes didn’t seem to be recognized in the County.

“I’m hoping that this opens up the conversation and starts allowing others who feel left out and not a part of Haliburton to start connecting to it,” said Williams, who now operates a water infrastructure investment firm in Los Angeles.

“[Haliburton] is our home and we are forever connected to it,” added Williams in an email. “But being recognized with a mural in your hometown is a completely different type and level of connection. It’s no longer just about me being connected to my hometown. It feels like a two-way street now. My hometown is acknowledging and connecting to me.”

Dysart et al’s events and recreation coordinator, Andrea Mueller, was impressed by how quickly the project has progressed.

“I think it’s amazing — they brought this forward in March and it’s July,” Mueller said, mentioning how the students played a key part in the project’s momentum. “Their dedication to it really sparked that desire and that attitude to make it happen quickly.”

Of the five other murals, three were donated privately. Mueller said the municipality is unsure how the first two murals were funded.

For more information or to donate, visit hertrackhisfield.ca or dysart.ca/muralwall The murals of Lesley Tashlin and Taly Williams will be painted on panels and fastened to the side of the A.J. LaRue Arena. If all goes to plan, they could be finished by late fall.

Emotions run high as Haliburton County gyms reopen

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Sam Gillett

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July 22, 2021

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Heather Seabrooke opened the door to Step of Grace training and conditioning studio for the first time in more than three months July 16.

“For me it was super emotional,” said Seabrooke, who co-owns the gym with Brittany Burton. Seabrooke said her first class was filled with happy cheers and a “crazy” energy.

“I’ve been staring at people on a piece of glass for 16 months, and now they’re walking through the door.”

Under Ontario’s reopening plan, indoor fitness facilities can run at 50 per cent capacity for the first time since March 31.

Burton hasn’t worked in the gym since March — she said she’s excited to get back to training.

“I was getting texts midway through [lockdown] saying ‘when do you think we’ll get back? I really need to get exercising’,” Burton said.

Working out, added Burton, isn’t all about physical fitness: “we’re a little bit like therapists.”

Seabrooke agreed, mentioning how important fitness has been for her client’s mental health.

“A workout isn’t just lunges — it’s a whole mental rescue,” Seabrooke said.

Her online classes were popular with clients, but Seabrooke said it’s hard to teach and monitor workouts through a Zoom screen.

“There’s delays online — it’s not live, there’s no feedback. They can’t feel my emotion.”

Sonya Smith, who takes classes at Step of Grace, said it feels “great” to get back into the gym.

Smith said workout class online during the pandemic motivated her to stick to her fitness routine.

“I at least have to have one class a day, and I walk as well, so it’s very important to me.”

Capacity limits mean that some gyms, such as Meghan Cox’s Just Movement Fitness, are remaining outdoors.

“Opening the doors actually limits the amount of people I can have,” Cox said. She runs outdoor fitness classes, which typically have five to nine people, at her property between Haliburton and Minden.

With multiple lockdowns forcing massive pivots for her business, she said she’s hesitant to switch indoors in case rules change again.

“The fitness industry has been through very traumatic experiences in the last months,” Cox said.

Despite being limited to the outdoors, getting together with her “people” is a refreshing experience.

“In losing our ability to get together as a fitness family, it’s been really challenging for them,” she said.

Those challenges haven’t impacted her desire to help others reach fitness goals.

“My passion is more important than the shutdowns, than the discouraging things that are happening in the world.”

Trailer theft related to drug, weapons charges

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Lisa Gervais

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July 22, 2021

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When Theresa and Gary Fahl moved from Holland Landing, they had a hard time finding a new place so rented an apartment in Belleville for awhile.

Theresa recalls their daughter-in-law asking, “Are you sure you want to live there? The crime is really high.”

However, the Fahls were victimized when they moved to Minden Hills, having their 28-foot trailer stolen from a compound at Hunter Creek Estates.

They reported the theft to the OPP July 12. Theresa said they have been renovating their new home and occasionally went down to the trailer to get things. Last Monday, they went looking for bathroom hooks.

“When we got there, there was no trailer. I was stunned,” Theresa said. “And my husband even walked further down the compound thinking maybe somebody moved it.”

She said the trailer hitch had been locked so someone would have had to have broken that to hook up the 2008 Forest Surveyor. Not only was the trailer stolen, but all of its contents.

Theresa put out a message on a local Facebook site seeking help to find the travel trailer and it got a lot of attention.

Trailer connected to drug overdose

“People shared it and there was a lot of support out here,” she said.

She added that the online traffic may have resulted in the trailer being spotted in a field near Kinmount. Theresa said she and Gary got a call July 15 that it had been located.

Theresa said she believes the trailer was being used in an “unconventional” way and possibly for drug production.

OPP confirmed July 20 that the trailer theft was related to an incident they reported to the public late last week.

In that release, they said they had charged a man with multiple offences after a drug-related investigation July 15.

Police said that at 3:10 a.m., they responded to a drug overdose at an address on County Road 121 in Minden Hills.

They said a man was located in possession of a significant amount of drugs and stolen property.

With help from the Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes Community Street Crime Units, a warrant was executed on a trailer for further investigation.

Police seized a quantity of controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately $14,000 and a loaded firearm.

They charged a 27-year-old Minden Hills man with a raft of offences, including:

Unauthorized possession of a firearm

Breach of firearms regulation – store firearm or restricted weapon

Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm

Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking

Unauthorized possession of a weapon

Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts

Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order – two counts

Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000

Theft over $5000

The accused was remanded into custody and appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice July 16. Police enacted

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, which became law in Canada on May 4, 2017. The act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.

The law does provide protection against charges for possessing drugs and violating conditions of a court order for a simple drug possession charge. It does not, however, provide protection against charges for trafficking illegal drugs, outstanding arrest warrants or violating conditions of a court order for an offence that is not simple possession.

Theresa Fahl said the OPP took the travel trailer to a compound in Fenelon Falls. She said the Fahls were told there was some damage, including broken windows but she thought it would be fine with just some exterior damage.

“So, when we got there, the lady said it’s around the back. I saw the corner and I got so excited. And then when I saw it, my heart just sunk. There were broken windows, the canopy was damaged and the stairs were ripped off. They had been cooking meth or something in there. It reeked of narcotics. And all of our stuff that we had accumulated over the years had been disposed of.”

Theresa said the trailer is still in Fenelon Falls awaiting a visit from an insurance adjustor.

She said when she called her daughter-in-law to tell her about the stolen trailer, she commented, “and you were worried about Belleville. You should be worried about Minden.”

Theresa said ever since finding out about the theft, “I’m very uneasy now. I don’t sleep well at night.”

Man facing multiple charges after drug investigation

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Lisa Gervais

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July 16, 2021

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Members of the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged a male with multiple offences after a drug related investigation.

On July 15, 2021, at 3:10 a.m., officers from the Haliburton Highlands OPP responded to a drug overdose at an address on County Road 121 in Minden Hills Township. When officers attended the scene a male party was located in possession of a significant amount of drugs and stolen property. With the assistance of the Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes Community Street Crime Units (CSCU), a warrant was executed on a trailer for further investigation. Police seized a quantity of controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately $14,000, and a loaded firearm.

As a result, Carter McInnis, 27 years-of-age, of Minden Hills Township has been charged with the following:

Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Breach of firearms regulation- store firearm or restricted weapon
Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking
Unauthorized possession of a weapon
Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose – two counts
Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to Prohibition order- two counts
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
Theft over $5000

The accused party was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on July 16, 2021.

The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act became law in Canada on May 4, 2017. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. The law does provide protection against charges for possessing drugs and violating conditions of a court order for a simple drug possession charge. It does not, however, provide protection against charges for trafficking illegal drugs, outstanding arrest warrants or violating conditions of a court order for an offence that is not simple possession.

Hopping in to explore the arts at Frog Hollow

By

Sam Gillett

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July 16, 2021

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The Frog Hollow Integrated Art Tour combines art, spirituality and the wonder of Haliburton County’s natural landscape.

On Friday, July 2, Tory Hill artist Biljana Banchotova hosted a grand opening of the art tour at her new Whirling Wisdom studio.

On the first weekend of the month from May to October, guests will be invited inside Banchotova’s studio space and forested property for a night of art experiences including live music, dancing, and art exhibitions.

“This is the nice thing about our tour – we’re a little innovative from the traditional viewing tours. We’re participatory,” Banchotova said.

Currently, The Frog Hollow tour will include Banchotova’s space and the nearby Earthdance Studio.

Liz Feyerabrand, an artist whose work is filled with bright, flowing colours and natural designs, is the first guest artist, displaying her work in a tent on Banchotova’s property.

Banchotova said she hopes the tour will expand across Ontario to other artist spaces which celebrate the integration of an artistic lifestyle.

“It celebrates a new era for Frog Hollow,” Banchotova said.

At Friday’s events, guests toured the new vibrant red studio which features Banchotova’s murals on the walls; the floors painted with cosmic designs.

Darlene Dove and Shawn Arscott of Earthdance studio, co-founders of the Frog Hollow Art Tour, said they’re excited to welcome people into their studio space as well.

“Our idea is to show people how [they] can integrate art into their lives,” Dove said. Through the arts, she said she believes people can lead rich fulfilling lives, more attuned to their natural settings. Earthdance Studio is on a 45-acre property which Dove and Arscott have filled with paths and ponds that wind around mineral pathways.

On Friday, as the sun began to dip below the thick forest ringing Banchotova’s studio, the crowd listened to local musician Albert Saxby strum original songs on guitar, watched Joanna Lordess Camillery perform twirling aerial dances on outdoor gymnastic hoops and participated in a smudging, led by Karen Warner.

“Biljanna is a special talent – a lot of people don’t understand what it takes to create art,” Warner said as she drummed a song about collective power.

That act of creation, Banchotova said, is meant to be shared with others. That’s what the Frog Hollow Integrated Art tour seeks to do.

“It’s the way of coming together with the people – I feel that’s what’s most needed at this time, channeling this art,” Banchotova said.

While no artistic experience is necessary to attend the event, Dove said she hopes more artists hop on board to show art: whether at Banchotova’s studio, Earthdance’s wooded property or around Ontario.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for artists to gather together and show their work: it’s like a full range experience,” Dove said. Banchotova said the grand opening of her studio, and the beginning of the tour, is an invitation; come enjoy art, and see how experiencing it together can change lives.

“This is our call – that’s the idea. The call is being sent out,” she said.

For more information on upcoming Frog Hollow Integrated Art Tour events, or to register as a guest artist, visit froghollowarttour.com

Brotherhood anniversary screening

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Lisa Gervais

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July 16, 2021

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An upcoming prime time broadcast of the movie Brotherhood is scheduled to coincide with the 95th anniversary of the true events that claimed the lives of 11 teenaged boys.

Director Richard Bell said the movie will be on the Super Channel Entertainment Network, at 7:15 p.m. on July 20.

Haliburton audiences might remember the movie screened during the Haliburton International Film Festival in 2019.

The movie is based on the true story of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew leadership camp which, in 1926, encountered a freak summer storm on Ontario’s Balsam Lake.

After a wave overturned their 30-foot war canoe, the young men struggled through the night, clamouring to keep each other above water and alive.

Bell said the broadcast is poignantly timed to begin at the same time as the boys were gathering on the dock to prepare for their adventure across the lake.

Brotherhood is the 2020 winner of the Canadian Screen Award for Achievement in Visual Effects.