Commitment from the rink to the track

By

-

July 16, 2021

Multi-sport athlete and long-time coach Marla MacNaull said she is “humbled” to be recognized in the first group of Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame inductees.

MacNaull excelled at whatever sport she played. Through her long career, she’s shown how determination, enthusiasm and hard work bring success on the track, crosscountry trails and ice rinks across Canada.

The Hall of Fame committee nominated MacNaull, writing that her stamina, toughness and perseverance “paved the way for equity and inclusion in sport” in Haliburton.

MacNaull laced up her skates and hit the rink with the Haliburton boys PeeWee team in 1977. There was no girls team – but that didn’t stop her.

“I really wanted to play hockey, so my dad made it happen,” said MacNaull. “Some parents on the Haliburton team and the teams we played against weren’t overly excited to have a girl on the ice.”

She quickly became a star on the team – a right winger with a knack for scoring goals and leading the team to wins.

“I did score a lot of goals – because I was good, I was definitely accepted a little bit more,” she said. She still often sees former teammates in Haliburton.

“I have fond memories of that time,” she said.

During high school, she dived into track and field – helping her 1,600-metre relay team reach the OFFSA championship.

In university, she joined the track team and advanced to the national university sports championship

But after realizing McMaster had a women’s hockey team, she decided to hit the Ice again. She found a pair of skates and borrowed some equipment. She tried out for the varsity women’s team – and made it.

That meant balancing three varsity sports alongside her academics: “I liked keeping my days busy,” MacNaull said with a laugh. Later, she narrowed her sporting focus.

“In my third year, I just focused on hockey,” said MacNaull. She became the team’s leading goal scorer in 1987-88 and was named MVP. While studying for her Bachelor of Education at Queens University, she helped the women’s hockey team capture a silver medal at the Ontario university championship.

After university, she played for both the Toronto Aeros and the Surrey Flyers in B.C. With both teams, she won provincial championships.

Despite leaving competitive sports to focus on her teaching career, she never left the gym, field or training pitch; she’s coached everything from basketball to curling.

“It just seemed natural to spend all that time at the gym and coach, so I did,” MacNaull said. “I kind of modelled myself after the teachers I had at the high school.”

Throughout her adult life, she spent summers and holidays in Haliburton. “Even in Toronto, I would always say, the Highlands is home,” MacNaull said. After retiring from her 32-year teaching career, she now lives in the County full-time.

She said she encourages athletes in Haliburton to take advantage of the positive community around them – a community that was so supportive of her growth as a hockey player.

“I think it’s really important that people realize, that even though Haliburton is a small community, that there are a lot of opportunities,” MacNaull said. “Particularly, the community coaches, the high school coaches; they formed who I am.”

Outdoors association surveying fish health

By

Lisa Gervais

-

July 16, 2021

0

The Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association (HHOA) wants to hear from anglers on the Kashagawigamog (Kash) chain of lakes.

They have released a survey that will run all summer.

Spokesman Tim Bahr said the lakes, which include Kash, Head, Grass, Soyers and Canning, are a vital part of the Highlands’ outdoors community.

“The HHOA is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing local fisheries and fish environments,” Bahr said. “This survey is designed to gather information on the fishing experiences of lake residents and other people who fish the chain. The results will be used to support efforts to improve fishing and fish habitat on the Kash chain.”

Bahr, who has had a cottage on Canning Lake for 25 years, said it was only this past April that the HHOA began tracking Walleye spawning for the first time in 10 years on two sections of the Drag River under a Walleye Watch program.

He said the HHOA has anecdotally heard about a drop in both quantity and quality of Walleye, sometimes referred to as pickerel, since around 2010, which is why they reinstated the watch.

Retired Fleming College Fisheries and Limnology professor Dennis McGee helped the HHOA with the survey and they have been working with the MNRF. Bahr said data will help them all better manage Walleye throughout the chain.

The HHOA is also awaiting permits in hopes of cleaning up the rocks that run under the bridge at Highway 118 over the Drag River. Cleaning the rocks would allow fish eggs to attach better. Bahr said one theory for why the Walleye population has dropped off is it hasn’t been cleaned in 10 years and rehabilitation could have a significant impact. He said winter road sand could also be having an effect.

He said the Drag River is one of most important Walleye spawning areas in the entire Highlands area so it’s very important that it be in good shape. But he said “something’s happening. Anglers are catching Walleye periodically but most are very big. There’s not a lot of young fish.”

He encouraged people to take a few minutes to fill out the survey.

“We’re going to learn a lot from this and use results to work with the MNRF to start a rehabilitation process to try to improve the fishing. The Kash chain is important to Minden and Haliburton. Walleye is a really sought-after fish.”

Go to the HHOA website to complete the survey at hhoa.on.ca

Rotary Clubs welcome new leaders

By

Sam Gillett

-

July 16, 2021

0

As the County emerges from COVID-19, the Rotary clubs of Minden and Haliburton will continue their fundraising and community improvement efforts under new leadership.

Heather Phillips has been appointed president of the Rotary Club of Haliburton, while Lynda Litwin returns as president of the Minden branch.

A central part of being a Rotarian, said Litwin, is “being part of the Rotary family. It’s so many people with big, big hearts.”

Litwin, who previously served as president in 2016, joined the club eight years ago, partly because of the impact she saw Rotary have on small communities and in her family’s life: her daughter benefitted from Rotary bursaries and sponsored trips.

“It was a pretty simple fit to join a club that provided so many opportunities for my daughter and my family,” Litwin said.

Once she hosted the first meeting with the Minden executive July 12, they’ll begin to chart a new year of fundraisers and initiatives.

“It’s a very, very supportive club. Hosting a meeting, as the president, is an honour and it’s something that you look forward to doing: taking your turn and being part of the process.”

She said that growing the group with new volunteers is a major focus: their work throughout the pandemic has shown the need for community care.

“There are so many that need various forms of support and compassion to get through the trials that the COVID pandemic has brought on individuals, businesses, and support groups that make up the community,” Litwin said.

Haliburton’s new president

Phillips is a new Rotarian; joining the club in 2019.

Her first few weeks in the role have been spent learning the ropes.

“It’s a lot of familiarizing myself with the processes of Rotary – being a member, you don’t see the administrative side,” Phillips said.

She said she’s thankful for the guidance of outgoing president Ted Brandon, who has been helping her adjust.

“I’m the president, but the club is behind me,” Phillips said. “We don’t really make any decisions without the club’s approval.”

For Phillips, engaging new members – especially younger people through the local Interact and Rotaract clubs – is a key priority.

“I’m just hoping to let people know what Rotary is all about – so they can get more information on the things we do and maybe come and join us,” Phillips said.

The clubs have been instrumental in volunteering for the health unit’s COVID clinics in Haliburton and Minden.

Striding for new doctors in Kinmount

By

Sam Gillett

-

July 16, 2021

0

An annual fundraiser is joining the effort to bring a new doctor – or two – to Kinmount.

Participants in the Kinmount District Health Services Foundation’s 23rd annual Journey for Health will gather community pledges before completing a walk of their own choosing on or before August 8.

In the past two years, the event has raised more than $15,000, which helps fund new technology, patient services, landscaping and more at the Kinmount Health Centre.

This year, organizer and board member Barb Millington said the goal is to fund travel costs or any fees which may deter doctors who might come to the area.

“So many people don’t have doctors – it’s hard to get on the waiting list even in Haliburton and Minden,” Millington said. “If we ever do find a new doctor you really do feel good about what you’ve done.”

She said the Kinmount Health Centre has space for three doctors – and the patient demand is high. A new doctor could drastically reduce wait times for appointments.

Due to COVID-19, the event is a solo affair, as opposed to the traditional walk along the Kinmount rail trail and group lunch.

Millington said she’s planning on hiking a portion of the rail trail – but participants can walk wherever and for however long they like.

Sponsor sheets are available for download at kdhc.ca or can be picked up at the Kinmount Pharmacy, Kinmount Downtown Pharmacy or the Kinmount Health Centre.

Raising money for the arts one foot at a time

By

Sam Gillett

-

July 16, 2021

0

A pop-up fundraiser will be selling donated art — by the square foot – all summer long in Haliburton.

For the annual Art Squared event, Haliburton County artists have donated 12-inch by 12-inch paintings. Each one costs $100 with all the money going to local arts organizations.

The fundraiser will run as a pop-up booth outside the Rails End Gallery at most Haliburton farmers markets. This year, each sale will funnel money to the Rails End Gallery.

Dagmar Boettcher, an Art Squared board member, said local artists have been eager to support the fundraiser.

“People have been really great about donating,” Boettcher said. “Big shout out to all the artists in our town that have given us a 12-inch by 12-inch painting that they could have sold for $350.”

On large wooden racks, the Art Squared paintings tackle diverse themes: vibrant chickens, inquisitive turtles, rustic homesteads and tranquil river scenes.

Art Squared board member and artist Deborah Reed said she enjoys donating art to the event because of how the arts community in Haliburton has impacted her life. Each summer, she took art classes at the Haliburton School of Art and Design. Now, along with her partner Boettcher, she lives in the area full-time.

“I’m fairly new to Haliburton, and I’m grateful to it. It’s such a strong and welcoming community,” she said.

Art Squared sprouted to life after board members met while taking art classes from Carole Finn, an artist and printmaker formerly based in Minden.

One of the people taking lessons came up with the bite-sized painting fundraiser, and after a meeting, Art Squared took off.

The first year it ran, the group raised $3,500 for an HSAD student bursary in painting and drawing; the second year also raised $3,500 for the Rails End Gallery.

Since then, they’ve developed relationships with local long-term care homes, and paintings which don’t sell are donated to add colour and vibrancy to their walls.

For Boettcher, Art Squared is a celebration of arts, community, and the importance of creativity.

“I think without art and music and all the cultural things a lot of people don’t think we should be spending money on, our lives are so less rich,” she said.

Art from dock to dock returns to Kennisis

By

Sam Gillett

-

July 16, 2021

0

An annual dockside art show will see artists and artisans set up shop on docks around Kennisis Lake again this year.

On July 17, the Art on the Dock event features 30 artists who will exhibit paintings, pottery, jewelry and more at their lakeside properties.

Event organizer, Janis Parker, said it’s a unique opportunity to celebrate Haliburton County’s vibrant arts sector.

“I think people are just in awe of how many wonderful artisans we have within our community and Haliburton County as a whole,” Parker said.

Besides purchasing art directly from the artists, the event raises money for the Artists in the Schools & Community program. Since it began seven years ago, donations at each art venue and sales of limited edition prints by artist Wilf McOstrich have raised over $20,000.

Since many of the artists have learned or taught at Fleming’s Haliburton School of Art and Design, Parker said art education is a worthy cause to donate to.

“As you get to talking with more and more people, a lot of them had a basic gift but did an awful lot of their training at the Fleming school for the arts,” Parker said.

Artists such as Barbara Larcina and Lynda Henry wrote in the tour’s brochure that they’ve been inspired by the school’s classes and arts community. It’s Parker’s hope that the event can help continue investments in arts education.

“We wanted to make sure the arts continued to flourish in Haliburton,” she said.

Savannah Tomev is an artist who creates colourful, intricate paintings of animals and landscapes on canoe paddles. This will be her third year showcasing art at her family’s cottage.

For Tomev, the focus of Art on the Dock isn’t about making money: it’s a way to connect with the wider arts community of Kennisis Lake and Haliburton.

“It’s a great way for people to make connections with other artists but also make new friends at the lake,” Tomev said.

Art on the Dock is July 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and July 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on the artists and exhibit locations, go to haliburtonarts.ca

A new era for vinyl and vintage shops

By

Sam Gillett

-

July 16, 2021

0

When Russell Red Records and Mixtape Vintage opened in 2019, neither owner thought their shops would be a permanent fixture on Haliburton’s main street.

Two years later, with a new location and renovated retail space, the businesses appear to be here to stay.

Heidi Hudspith of Mixtape Vintage and Dan Manley of Russell Red Records joined forces in 2019 while hosting a pop-up shop. After lots of interest, they moved into a retail space across from Highland Street’s Rexall. But that store didn’t feel like a permanent home.

“It always kind of felt temporary,” Hudspith said. “Now, we have room to grow.”

Their new shop is at 173a Highland St. Manley’s records are spread along each wall: classic rock, pop vinyls are placed alongside brand-new albums from artists such as Taylor Swift.

Mixtape Vintage takes up the back of the shop. Hudspith sources retro clothes and accessories which hang artfully on either side of a picture window overlooking Head Lake Park.

Manley explained how the pair had far more creative freedom when they designed the new store’s layout.

“Coming in here, we were able to start from scratch,” he said. After opening their doors in late June, business has taken off.

“Sales here have increased so much compared to last year,” Hudspith said. “I didn’t think it would start until Canada Day, but every day last week there was a huge wave of people coming through.”

She and Manley think that’s because their new spot is close to the park and a busier section of Highland Street.

“Essentially, it’s a difference in the location in town, there’s a psychological barrier in the location of the lights,” said Manley, referring to the intersection of Highland Street and Maple Avenue. “This [location] is just more conducive to people going by, coming up from the park.”

Besides busy foot traffic, the fresh start gave both business owners a chance to expand their selections.

“It’s turning a bit into a sustainable lifestyle store,” Hudspith said, gesturing to the cups, lamps and more which are recycled and given new lives with each purchase.

Hudspith said that picking out cool vintage products and connecting them with the perfect customer is a highlight of the job.

“The retail part of it is the fun part of it for me,” Hudspith said. “Seeing [customers] find something they love and take it home – that part is what makes it for me.”

That meant the last year, for both Hudspith and Manley, was especially tough.

COVID-19 forced the shops to close their doors to foot traffic multiple times. That, along with renovating and moving, made for a tiring year.

But the renovated space is now open; bustling with more customers, records and handpicked vintage goods than ever.

“When we found this location, that was kind of a big incentive to keep going,” Hudspith said.

Wizard waves magic wand for waste management

By

Sam Gillett

-

July 16, 2021

0

A new app is giving Haliburton County residents and visitors digital tools to sort garbage, recycling and compost.

The Haliburton County Waste Wizard is available in all four municipalities on iOS and Android devices, as well as web browsers.

After selecting a municipality, users can search the app’s database of common household waste items to find out what goes where.

According to Melissa Murray, environmental coordinator for Algonquin Highlands and project lead, the app could play a key part in the fight to effectively manage garbage and recycling.

“It’s another important tool in our toolbox – we’re trying to bring together as many resources that we can,” Murray said.

While the app’s main function is garbage sorting, users can also find landfill hours and be alerted to household hazardous waste days, landfill closures and more.

The app was developed by Recollect, a company that specializes in customized recycling and waste management tools.

Murray said that while Recollect produced the nuts and bolts of the app, several municipal staff were involved in the project.

“Collaborating on anything is always a big task so it’s great to see a collaborative project like this come together,” she said.

Murray and environmental workers across Haliburton County can also track the common items people search for, as well as receive feedback from users through the app.

“We want to hear from people – what’s working and what’s not working for them as well,” she said.

The free app is available on the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads, and the Google Play Store for Android devices. You can also access the service online through municipal websites.

Walk-ins can get COVID vaccinations

By

Lisa Gervais

-

July 16, 2021

0

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) is inviting anyone 12 years of age and older to visit its mass immunization clinic in Minden for a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

The health unit said no appointments are necessary and walk-ins are welcome.

“We are receiving a lot more vaccine which means we can offer more appointments and opportunities for people to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Our goal is to vaccinate as many residents as possible so we can all be protected from COVID and not have to see any further shutdowns, illness or deaths.”

While there are still thousands of appointments available at Health Unit clinics until the end of July, Dr. Bocking said residents can also now visit a clinic as a walk-in for their first or second dose. Anyone coming to a clinic is asked to bring their Ontario Health Card.

There is a clinic at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena – 55 Parkside St., Minden – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clinic dates are listed on the Health Unit’s website at hkpr.on.ca

Dr. Bocking said some people may still prefer an appointment, and there are many spots still available through the provincial booking system for Health Unit clinics throughout the region. As well, area residents can get vaccinated at local pharmacies, or through pop-up clinics being hosted by local hospitals, family health teams and community health teams. Walk-ins are also welcome at many of these clinics.

With so many opportunities to get vaccinated, Dr. Bocking is urging everyone who has a second dose appointment currently booked for August, September or October to get their second dose sooner. She said two doses offer better protection from the Delta variant, which is now prevalent throughout the province.

“We know the Delta variant is more transmissible and can cause more severe illness so it’s important people get their second dose as soon as they can to ensure they are protected,” Dr. Bocking said.

The other group Dr. Bocking hopes to see take advantage of the increased access to vaccine right now is local youth. With in-person learning expected to resume in the fall, Dr. Bocking said it’s crucial that youth aged 12 to 17 years get both doses before schools starts back in the fall.

“While most young people who got COVID did not suffer severe symptoms, we don’t know if that will be the case with the variants of concern we are seeing now,” Dr. Bocking said. “For their protection, and the protection of their family and community members, it’s important that our youth get vaccinated.”

Positivity rates

The Haliburton County Community COVID-19 Assessment Centre Positivity Rate Report shows declining COVID-19 cases in the area.

At the time of the latest report, there were no unresolved cases in the County.

For the period June 14-25, the positivity rate was 0.714 per cent. That was down from 2.49 per cent from the May 31-June 11 period. The assessment centre averaged 70 tests a week for the time period with zero cases of COVID variants.

There have been 122 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.

“Although the overall number of COVID19 positive cases are declining, it is critical that public health measures continue to be followed in order to help prevent further spread of the virus and the VOCs, particularly as the province moves ahead with its Roadmap to Reopen plan,” the partners said in a media release.

At 100, Robinson’s plans to keep on growing

By

Lisa Gervais

-

July 16, 2021

0

As Robinson’s General Store in Dorset turns 100, new owners Mike and Katie Hinbest are continuing a tradition of additions and expansions that have seen the once tiny 75 by 25-square foot original floor plan continue to grow over the last century.

Brad Robinson and the Robinson family sold the store to the Hinbests earlier this year and they have hit the ground running with a new Robinsons Marina and Powersports outlet just over the bridge, a Lake of Bays brewery outlet and a planned Affogato Café.

All the while, they are continuing to operate the iconic general store that the Robinson family established back in July 1921.

The Hinbests marked the occasion on July 10. They presented Brad with a painting of the store done by local artist, Mary An Blythe. They also had some limited-edition clothing made up for staff and family with some for retail, as well as some locallymade wood magnets and balloons at the store.

Mike Hinbest said when he and Katie first took over, they were “nervous” about ensuring they could continue the Robinsons’ legacy. They wanted cottagers and full-time residents to continue coming not just for groceries, but to make family memories.

However, hailing from Huntsville, they believe they share the values of the historic Dorset family.

“It’s everything for us,” Mike said while seated at a picnic table at the new marina. “How do we keep this iconic store so that it’s about making family memories for another 100 years?”

Mike said another key to their marketing platform and for the future of Dorset is to make it a year-long destination, not just a summer one. For example, he said the new marina will do small engine repairs, but not just on motorized watercraft. They hope to service snowmobiles and all manner of all terrain and off-road vehicles.

Mike said he got to know Dorset when he was a snowmobiler and there’s no reason it can’t be a hub to access water and land trails, offering fuel and food all year round.

It’s been a very busy spring and early summer but Mike said they are loving it.

He said they were taking their lifelong passion and pouring it into the Dorset business community.

Unlike some people who drag themselves to work on a Monday morning, Mike said he can’t wait to start each and every work day.

“I’m just so happy. I enjoy doing it.” Mike is a lot like Brad. They both love people and like to talk. Robinson told The Highlander back in January 2020, at the time he put the property on the market,

“You do in life what you want to do. If I’d wanted to go, I would have gone.”

Brad took over the family store at the age of 20 more than 65 years ago. He oversaw 14 additions and they now sell groceries, hardware and clothing.

It appears the Hinbests are on the same page as they continue to expand the Robinsons brand throughout the town.