Harp on the Water – chapter 5: Panic Box

June 26, 2020

Detective Harry Harp and Constable Terry Becker walked up to a cedar-sided cottage fronted by a neat row of day lilies. They knocked on the door and after a moment, were invited into a large white space – kitchen, dining room and living room blending into one.

The two men took a seat, admiring the home’s eclectic interior – framed movie posters, retro light fixtures, a 1970s shag carpet. Harp said, “I guess you’re wondering why we’re here.”

“You bet we are,” Ariel Froome said, smiling widely and adjusting the wedding band on her finger. She was in her early 40s and had a no-nonsense air about her, conveyed in part by her plain white shirt and blue jeans. Mimi, who looked ten years younger, was sitting cross-legged on a white leather couch. Wearing a Clash T-Shirt and sweat pants, Harp clocked the wedding ring on her finger, too.

“I’ve seen you moving around the lake,” Mimi said. “What’s happened?” She had delicate features under a mop of dyed blonde hair.

Harp said, “Ida Calvert was murdered last night.”

The two women exchanged glances.

“That’s – awful,” Ariel said, pressing the palm of her hand against her cheek.

Mimi sat up. “What can we do to help?”

“Let’s start with last night. What were you doing between 10 and midnight?” Harp asked.

Ariel took the lead. “Sure. We finished dinner about 9:30, cleaned up and took the boat over to Bob and Heather’s for the fireworks show. Pyrotechnics are not really our thing but we want to fit in, so …” She smiled knowingly at Harp. “The show is always 11 until midnight and always the identical series of fireworks. Something wonderfully odd about that, don’t you think?” She laughed indulgently then remembered Ida Calvert’s murder and her smile vanished. “The show ended at midnight – we came home and went to bed.”

Becker leaned forward. “Do you remember anything unusual? Did you see or hear anything out of the ordinary?”

Mimi frowned at Ariel, then the older woman said, “Not that I can think of. But if anything comes to mind, I’ll be sure to get in touch – OH GOD!”

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP!

Ariel jammed her hands over her ears.

“The boat launch drives us crazy!” Mimi said to Becker by way of explaining her wife’s behaviour.

Through the window and beyond a clump of trees, Harp saw a large yellow speedboat being slowly lowered into the water by an SUV with tinted windows. A man stood on the dock shouting instructions at the driver. The beep of the reverse warning system filled the room and so, too, did the odour of engine exhaust. Ariel and Mimi ran around shutting windows.

When the cottage was sufficiently sealed, the women returned to the living room and took their seats. Both looked stricken – and not from the news of Ida Calvert’s murder.

Ariel massaged her temples, “That launch is supposed to be for WAOs only.”

“WAOs?” The lines in Harp’s forehead deepened.

“Water Access Only cottagers. Off-grid types with no road access. But every sports fisherman and party animal in the county uses the launch—because they can!” She threw up her hands.

Mimi said quietly, “We applied to have it removed but, well, because there still is one off-grid cottage ….”

“The Calvert place?” Becker said.

Mimi and Ariel nodded, each working hard to transform their features from bitter anger to sympathetic concern.

Harp said, “So you want them to sell?”

Ariel laughed derisively. “No! All Ida had to do was to allow the road to come to her property. Without off-grid cottages, there would be no need for the launch and our proposal to close it would go through. Simple.” She smiled, cat-like. “We’re professors and, not to boast, but we can write one killer proposal.”

Mimi looked at her admiringly. “We wanted to retire here but this issue has really changed things.”

Harp gestured in the direction of the boat launch. “But surely it was here when you bought the place.”

Mimi’s voice rose up defensively. “Our agent said it was for WAOs only. And since only the Calverts qualify, its use would be minimal. That’s what she said, anyway.” Mimi scowled. “Yeah, we should have done more research.”

Ariel ran a hand through her short-cropped hair. “Wait a minute, Mimi, we can re-submit the proposal. With Ida gone, it has a chance!”

All eyes turned to Ariel and the room fell silent. The only sound was the muffled roar of the speedboat’s twin engines as it took off from the launch.

“What?” Ariel recoiled defensively. “‘Mort change tout. I don’t mean to be callous but there may be some good that comes from this.”

“For you,” Harp noted dryly.

Ariel Froome’s eyes narrowed. “Look— – hat boat launch has taken a toll on us. We just got married two years ago and this place was our wedding gift to each other. It was supposed to be perfect – NOT SOME BLOODY LAKESIDE PANIC BOX!”

Becker turned to Mimi. “Did you ever talk to the Calverts about this?”

“We tried,” she said.

Having recovered from her outburst, Ariel smiled pleasantly. “I talked to them, I wrote letters, I have not yet sent carrier pigeons but I am willing to try anything. I have a file folder two inches thick detailing my campaign to introduce the Calverts to the modern era – and ourselves to the peaceful enjoyment of our property.”

“You have to think of property values, too,’ Mimi muttered under her breath.

Harp chose to ignore the comment. “What did Ida say when you asked her about bringing the road through?”

Ariel turned to Harp and gave him the most austere, professorial gaze she could muster. “Ida Calvert said, ‘Get off my land’.” The older woman shook her head. “I could have throttled that cantankerous old crone.”

“Someone beat you to it,” Becker said.

Ariel looked at him, then down at her hands, contrite, at last.

Harp walked over to the front window. The far shore’s terrain was level until the Calvert point emerged – a shimmering granite promontory topped with towering pine trees. Just then, he recalled something Grace Calvert had said.

He turned to the women.

“It must irritate you to see Grace leaving her boat at the launch when she walks into the village. Must be a constant reminder of how much better things could be if the Calverts would just – get with the program, right?” He grinned.

Ariel smiled. Mimi shifted on the couch.

“I can see how you’d want to get back at them,” he said with a conspiratorial wink. He raised his voice. “Do something, right? Some little poke to remind them what a pain they are. Something to make their lives difficult – nothing criminal – just something annoying to show them how annoying they are to you. Like untying Grace’s boat and setting it adrift, right? RIGHT!?” His voice echoed around the sealed room.

Suddenly, the 1970s shag rug fascinated Mimi. Ariel looked at her wife. Panic filled her eyes. “Mimi? MIMI—?”

Mimi looked up. Fear and defiance distorted her features and she said, slowly, “Other people do it, too. Not just me.”

Virtual runs for real causes

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

The ninth edition of Katie’s Run will be unlike any in the past.

The annual event to raise awareness of epilepsy, as well as money towards research, has had to go virtual this year as a result of COVID-19, spokesperson Trudy Pogue said.

“But we are working hard to make it a very real experience, and to raise real funds for a very real need,” she said.

Pogue said this year’s theme is about sharing stories of children and youth living with epilepsy. They can be found at katiesrun.ca.

She added the great thing about this year’s event is participants get to choose where they run or walk, and don’t have to travel to Haliburton.

“You can walk or run with your family right in your own neighbourhood. And, you can run your run or walk your walk anytime you like on Saturday, July 11,” she said. “It doesn’t get any easier.”

People are encouraged to register early because organizers are sending race kits by mail. Pogue said once people make the decision to join, they can start planning their route and getting creative. There will be prizes for the most outstanding outfit, the finest finish line, the most ridiculously random route, and the most moJJa purple peace socks in a pretty picture.

People can register for the 5K, 10K or 2.5K at raceroster.com/events/2020/29401/ katies-run-for-epilepsy-2020.

On the morning of July 11, participants can join Katie’s Run on Facebook and/or Instagram for a warmup, special guest appearances and a send-off. Walkers and runners are urged to take photos, post them, tag Katie’s Run and use the hashtags: #KR2020 #stillrunningforepilepsy #stillwalkingforepilepsy. If you like, you can also post your results.

Participants can check in all day long on social media for updates, photos, announcements and guest appearances by: ‘Man in Motion,’ Rick Hansen, Anthony Farnell and Storm the Weather Dog; Cassidy Megan, Purple Day Founder; Matt Duchene, NHL Nashville Predators and Alex Kopacz, Olympic bobsled medalist. There will also be an online auction. For more information, see katiesrun.ca, and on Facebook and Instagram. If you can’t make it, Pogue encourages donations to raceroster. com/events/2020/29401/katies-run-forepilepsy-2020/pledge/participant/9217056.

Katie’s Run was started by Haliburton girl, Katie Woudstra, who suffers from epilepsy, along with her mother Geri.

Terry Fox Run moves online

Meanwhile, Minden Hills Terry Fox Run organizer, Barb Millington, said their event will also be virtual this year.

The date is Sunday, Sept. 20.

On their Facebook page, they said The Terry Fox Foundation had announced that Canadians will continue to support cancer research through virtual runs from coast to coast to coast this September.

They added, “Terry once said, ‘anything is possible if you try.’ Today, now 40 years later, we will have to innovate as well – we can’t think of anything that Terry would appreciate more.

“Help us celebrate the 40th anniversary of Terry’s Marathon of Hope by joining us as you have in the past, just a bit different this year. On Sept. 20, participate wherever you are, around the neighbourhood of Minden, in your own backyard, or just donate to what we all know is a great cause. We will unite in spirit, not in person.”

For more, follow Terry Fox Virtual Run 2020

Highland Yard goes virtual

The 2020 Highland Yard will be a virtual home run/walk where people can pick their race and run it where, when and how they want. There’ll be the usual 2, 5 and 10km runs as well a heritage 7.3k race. It’s in recognition of the original Heineken Yard race distance, run between Camp Onondaga to the Rockcliffe Tavern in Minden, in 1971. However, organizers said there is also a freestyle category this year.

“Want to do a backwards 100 metres, 500 metres worth of laps around the living room, a one-kilometre walk or a 25-kilometre bike ride while wearing a snorkel? This is the race for you.”

For more details, see highlandyard.ca

Church finds ‘silver lining’ in COVID

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

Explaining the Holy Trinity by adapting the words from a Pirates of Penzance song is something Rev. Ken McClure would never have imagined pre-pandemic. However, he recently belted it out his version of the Major-General’s Song during a St. George’s Anglican Church virtual service.

“It’s gone viral with 5,000 views,” McClure said in an interview. “Suddenly, a little Anglican Church in Haliburton is being watched in places such as Australia, America, and Britain.”

COVID-19 has brought challenges to places of worship, but also silver linings.

The province announced May 8 that they could reopen as long as parishoners who are not from family groups sit six feet apart, and only fill 30 per cent of the building’s capacity.

However, Rev. McClure said St. George’s won’t be opening any time soon, and will continue with its Facebook Live and YouTube virtual services for the foreseeable future.

“We won’t be opening our doors until at least September,” he said, adding they’re following directives from church hierarchy. He said it will be onerous to meet the government’s requirements for social distancing, and much has to be worked out about things such as: not exchanging handshakes during the peace; communion and singing.

He added a large part of their congregation is from a vulnerable demographic.

“It’s going to look so very different,” he said.

However, he has thrived on digital infrastructure that has allowed him, organist Bill Gliddon, and his wife Becca McClure to socially distance in front of two cell phones to deliver live or recorded services.

“We’ve been livestreaming since mid-March. We provide visuals of the building, sing, people can sing from home, so we get to have the sensory experience of our worship that is familiar and comforting,” he said.

McClure added that there have been pluses with regards to reach.

“It’s no big secret there has been a decline in church attendance in some denominations. People are coming less and less. But since March 15, and going online, the number of participants has more than doubled what we get on a Sunday.”

He added the platforms has given him a lot of different opportunities to promote the Christian message, such as the Pirates of Penzance adaptation, which he called ‘The Very Model of a Modern Trinitarian.’

“There is an advantage and it draws us into what our calling is, which is to go out and preach the gospel, since gathering is so essentially important to the Christian experience,” he said.

He admitted it is pretty different preaching to empty pews.

“It’s me in front of the altar looking at two cell phones, one is recording it, and one is live streaming it. Bill Gliddon is six feet away on the organ and sometimes my wife Becca McClure is there.”

As for the rest of his ministry, he said he’s been making a lot of telephone calls in lieu of seeing people in person. He added they have a network of the St. George’s family looking out for each other. However, it has been hard with people going into hospital or passing away as he can’t be there in-person.

See haliburtonanglican.org for more.

Harp on the Water – Chapter 6: Hooked

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

After interviewing with the Froomes, Detective Harry Harp and Constable Terry Becker rowed south following the shoreline. They had left the two women inside their sealed, lakeside home with instructions to remain there until further notice.

Becker said, “Since Mimi Froome admitted to untying the boat, Grace’s story holds up. She slept in the woods.”

“But she still had the opportunity to kill her mother. We can’t rule her out,” Harp said.

As much as I’d like to, he thought.

The late afternoon sun cast a slippery haze over the water and insects skated in circles around the rowboat. In the distance, a dock appeared and Harp noticed a man standing on it. The man was Frank Gill.

After tying the boat, he led Harp and Becker up a short path to his small, woodsided cabin. Inside, Harp was greeted with the smell of mould and fried bacon. A smoke-stained fireplace took centre stage in the living room across from a small, grimy kitchen. For decor, Gill had pinned up posters of fishermen in action, a map of Spruce County and an out-of-date calendar.

There was another picture, too – a painting of a woman.

Gill arranged a couple of kitchen chairs and invited the men to sit down, then sat in the chair across from them – the one with a clear view of the Calvert point.

“I didn’t like leaving Grace alone. I sure hope she’s OK. ‘Course, I’ve been watching but I’ve seen no sign from the Calvert place. Not as yet.”

The three men sat in silence for a moment. Then Becker broke it. “Nice place you got here, Frank.”

He shrugged. “She’s old and nearly in the ground, much like myself. I reckon we’ll both go about the same time.”

Harp watched him turn his attention to the point. He asked, “How long have you known the Calverts?”

“Since the summer of ’61.” Gill leaned back, clearly on his favourite subject. “Ida was 16 and I was fishing on the lake that day – but by the end of the afternoon, it was me that got hooked.” He grinned at them then gestured at the portrait across the room. “Her picture was painted about that time.” He stared at it for a moment before continuing. “She came up with her parents every summer and then when she was 24, they died in an accident. Left everything to her, of course, so she had no worries – except grief. That’s when she moved up here.” He looked over at the point again.

Harp had the feeling he spent his days looking at the Calvert point.

“I think she wanted to hold on to the memory of her parents, the happy summers, her childhood. Anyway, she decided to stay, year round.”

Becker looked incredulous. “Is the Calvert place even insulated?”

Gill shook his head. “Nope. But it didn’t matter. She was determined. Anyway, the two of us got prepared for winter as best we could. I tell you, I was never happier – even though I knew it was foolhardy. See, we were together then. That is, until everything fell apart.”

Harp asked, “How so?”

“She got pregnant.”

Becker’s eyes widened then slowly narrowed. He blurted out, “Grace?”

The old man nodded. “I wanted to marry Ida. Make it all proper, you know? But she wouldn’t hear of it. And that’s when she went a bit off. Turned into a recluse. A hermit. Wouldn’t hardly go anywhere. So I set up on this side of the lake to be of help. Taking young Grace to school and back, running errands, you name it.” He sighed bitterly. “Been doing that all my life. Been a loyal servant to Ida Calvert.”

A fly bounced against the window trying to escape.

“Love sure does make a man a damn fool.” He scratched the stubble on his chin. “I think of that summer day back in ’61 and sometimes I wish I went fishing on another lake.”

Harp said slowly. “Does Grace know you’re her father?”

Gill shook his head and whispered, “Ida swore me to secrecy.” The old man leaned forward in his chair, muscles tense, eyes fixed on Harp’s.

The detective stared at him for a moment, then stood up and crossed to the painting hanging on the opposite wall. The artist had captured a smiling young Ida Calvert, her face tilted to the side like she had a secret she was considering whether or not to reveal. Her eyes were sparkling emeralds and she had wavy chestnut hair. Harp was suddenly struck by the realization that he’d seen that wavy hair earlier in the day—but it had been gray and fanned out over a blood soaked pillow.

Becker said, “What were you doing last night, Frank? Between ten and midnight?”

Gill leaped forward. “You think I did it? You think I murdered the only women I’d lay down my life for?” He jumped to his feet, his voice rising. “Sure, I loved her – and I hated her! Sure, she destroyed my life. But I would never ever do anything to hurt her, you hear me?” Using the back of his hand, he wiped spittle from his lower lip, turned and walked out of the cabin.

Silence filled the void—except for the creak of the screen door swinging free of its frame.

A gust of air ruffled the old calendar. Harp clocked the date: 1961. Since then, the old man’s life had been held in a kind of love struck limbo.

He’s right about one thing, Harp thought. Love makes a man a damn fool.

A couple of minutes later, the two men walked to the dock where Gill stood brooding.

“Look,” he said, turning suddenly. “I was here last night! And what are you wasting your time with me? There’s a killer out there!” He took a step towards Harp and in a second, the man’s hand gripped Harp’s forearm and yanked him close. “Useless city cop,” he hissed.

Becker quickly stepped between them. “Hey Frank? What’s – that?” He pointed down the lake in an attempt to change the subject.

“Huh?” Gill’s anger evaporated and Harp took the chance to free himself. He looked where Becker was pointing. In the distance a pale shape bobbed against the shore.

“Ida’s boat,” Gill, said finally. “Figured it would turn up somewhere.”

“We’ll get it on our way back,” Harp offered.

“NO!” Gill swung around. “I take care of the Calverts. Always have and always will.”

Back in the rowboat, Harp watched Gill slowly dragging the Calvert boat behind his outboard.

A loyal servant, Harp thought.

“Do you believe his story?” Becker asked.

“Most of it. But you saw the anger in him. It’s enough to make him commit an act of violence.”

“But to the woman he’s loved for 60 years?”

“Loved – and hated.”

On the Calvert dock, Harp saw that the two officers who had inspected the shore path and he hoped they had news.

Becker asked, “So what’s next?”

Harp rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. “Now,” he said, “We play a game. This bunch has been playing with us. Now it’s our turn.”

Oh Canada, we’re staying home this year

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

In a normal year, events committees across the County would be finalizing plans for Canada Day celebrations.

However, with COVID-19, Canada Day as we’ve known it in the past has been cancelled locally.

Minden Hills Coun. Jennifer Hughey said with the province’s state of emergency extended to June 30 and restrictions on public gatherings, the events committee had to naturally shelve the party for July 1.

However, she encouraged locals to join with other Canadians in viewing virtual celebrations across the land. In Minden, she said there’s no reason social circles can’t get together to mark the nation’s birthday at home or at the cottage.

“The committee is saddened not to be able to put on the show. We always attempt to be better and do better every year. But while discouraging for us, we encourage people to watch along with the nation, and celebrate at home with their families,” Hughey said.

Algonquin Highlands Mayor Carol Moffatt said they’re also disappointed that so many of their community events have been cancelled, including Canada Day.

“Our community volunteers work hard to put on events like Canada Day but we’ll re-group next year and be back to celebrate with bells on,” she said. “Hopefully folks will still celebrate Canada Day in their respective bubbles. It’s also my hope that we’ll take the opportunity to reflect on what this day means within the broader context of the recent global events; with the goal of acknowledging and seeking a deeper understanding of the full heritage of this great land and all its people.”

Highlands East Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Shannon Hunter said, “we are not holding Canada Day festivities. Hopefully next year will be bigger and better.”

Dysart et al always marks Canada Day with events in West Guilford but recreation co-ordinator Andrea Mueller confirmed it’s a no-go for this year as well.

Some virtual offerings:

• The Federal Government is leading a virtual Canada Day. Google, OH Canada! Canada Day 2020 or visit canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/ campaigns/canada-day.html

• snapd has created a virtual fireworks experience that will give people throughout the country something to commemorate Canada Day with from the comfort of their own backyards, balconies or living rooms. They say they’ll showcase a number of unique and memorable activities that families can enjoy throughout the day, culminating in fireworks, and featuring Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield at 9:30 p.m. People can access by downloading the snapd HUB app on their mobile device.

Couple opening food truck without wheels

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

County residents will soon have another eating option with Kate’s Burger Counter opening on Lake Kashagawigamog Lake Road.

Co-owner/operator Tanya Smith said, “it has been very trying to open during COVID and getting people in for repairs and getting permits but we are taking it one day at a time and know we will open when the time is right.”

Her life partner, Jon Tulk, is her business partner. Smith said she and Tulk are from Toronto. Smith’s been a horticulturist for the last 21 years, and was running her own garden maintenance company for the last five. Tulk was a high school teacher for 20 years.

“We both decided it was time to leave the city and find a new adventure,” Smith said. “We both love being in the kitchen, him cooking and me baking. We chose the Highlands because my partner’s family had a cottage on Haliburton Lake and we just fell in love with the location when we were shown the place.”

Smith said it all came about as the couple had always dreamed about owning a food truck. They also needed to find work wherever they moved.

“So, I found a space where we could live and work. When we found this place on Kashagawigamog Lake Road, and saw that it already had the working kitchen, it was perfect – our food truck without wheels. We saw the potential and knew we have several options with the space. We learned that it had been a few years since anyone was operating here.”

Smith said Tulk has some food experience from his youth, and from his teaching food and nutrition at his high school. For her, it is a steep learning curve but she will be mostly be at the front of the house with her years of sales experience. The two are owner operators and will hire a few part-timers to help during busy weekends.

“We are going to try our best to keep ingredients local, especially when in season, and we are going to use as little plastic as possible, especially in our take-out containers and water.”

Camexicanus plans summer camps

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

Camexicanus is planning week-long day camps in Haliburton, Minden and Wilberforce this summer.

But before that, they’ll start with some initial one-day programs as of the first week of July, program director Amy Leis said.

“Because we haven’t been able to secure facilities for early July, we will be running exclusively outdoor activities. We hope to run weekly camps at indoor facilities starting at the end of July and throughout August,” she said.

Camexicanus is looking for a location with both indoor and outdoor green space where they can run programs outside as much as possible.

“The more open space, the better – a space such as a dance studio, church, community centre, school gym, etc. would be perfect,” Leis said. “We’re pretty adaptive, though. We want to be able to have the kids do active classes (dance and sports activities), but we need to have them two metres apart at all times.”

She said the province highly recommends splitting large groups of kids into separate groups, to make social distancing easier, so they’re planning on dividing the group in half, and running classes indoors and outdoors at the same time. Mealtimes would be held outside.

“Usually, we run programs inside of churches or at community centres, as they tend to have nice open spaces for activities such as dance classes. We don’t need a kitchen, but washroom facilities/running water would be helpful,” she said.

She said the government hasn’t provided a cap for the number of kids who can attend day camp programs but has said that participants must be kept in groups of 10 participants maximum. She said they’re planning to limit the total number of children enrolled to a maximum of 10 per week and divide those 10 into two groups. If there is a lot of interest, they may change that.

As for safety measures, she said campers would be screened daily, including temperature checks. Parents won’t be allowed inside and anyone feeling unwell, or who’s been in contact with a possible case, will be asked to stay home. Staff will be regularly sanitizing any shared materials and high touch areas and do full daily cleanings and disinfecting. Things such as art supplies will be placed in individual bags. Staff won’t be preparing any food. Kids will be scheduled to hand wash. Staff will use PPE if they have to come into close contact with children.

Leis said they will be offering programming for Grade 1 to Grade 8-aged students. It will include art, dance, acting, music, film and photography, sports and games.

“With many parents returning to work, the need for safe and secure children’s programming in the County is even more vital than usual this summer, especially since children have spent the past three months without any socialization outside of their immediate families,” Leis said.

“We want to provide this for them, as an important part of the reopening process, even if that means running on a smaller scale than normal, doing shorter camp weeks with fewer kids or working outside more. As long as we are able to make something happen for the kids, we are happy.”

If any one in the community knows of available facilities, they are looking for suggestions. Registration information will be available on camexicanus.ca. People can also get in touch at info@ camexicanus.ca.

Minden will be Still Standing this fall

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

The excitement was palpable June 18 as members of Minden Hills Council gave two thumbs up to allowing the CBC television show Still Standing to film in the town next month.

The show’s story producer, Shayla Howell, and executive director, Anne Francis, made a virtual delegation to a special council meeting.

Still Standing is one of CBC television’s flagship shows, now filming its seventh season. Hosted by Canadian actor and comedian Jonny Harris, who is also in Murdoch Mysteries, Still Standing explores the challenges facing small communities across Canada and celebrates the people who call them home, Howell said.

She added that from coast to coast to coast, the show reveals Canada’s vast beauty and highlights the country’s unique and diverse characters.

“Viewers ride shotgun with Jonny on the ultimate road trip and learn that across the country, Canada’s small towns are built on community, grit and an enormous amount of heart,” the show producer said.

She said Minden is exactly the kind of community experience they look for, “where there is a significant challenge, and the community is working together to not only meet that challenge, but to move forward.”

She referred to flooding and Minden having declared four states of emergency (including the current one for COVID-19) in the past seven years. She said they’ve followed local news and know the community was able to raise money to rebuild after the floods, and was successful in changing provincial policy “thereby saving other communities from having to go through the same trials.

“This is the kind of terrific success we like to learn about. As the climate continues to change, communities will experience the upheaval that comes with it, which is why this kind of story is so relevant today.

“As a huge bonus, Minden is jaw-droppingly beautiful with an abundance of natural assets, all of which will be highlighted as we film,” Howell said.

She said they would also highlight things such as the town’s world-class white water preserve, its innovative entrepreneurial spirit, volunteerism and community support.

With an estimated one million viewers per show, she said feedback from other communities they’ve filmed in are economic spinoffs, including tourism and real estate.

With the pandemic, she emphasized that plans are tentative. In addition, up to this point, a significant component has been the live stand-up comedy show at the end of the week of filming, where Harris writes and performs. Howell said it’s not possible at this time for safety reasons so for now they will just film everything except the comedy show. Filming is scheduled for July 15-20 and the show anticipated to be aired in the fall of 2021.

Councillors supportive

Deputy Mayor Lisa Schell said, “I don’t see any downside to this. I very much look forward to this experience.”

Coun. Jennifer Hughey agreed. She said she’s a huge fan of the show and enjoyed the Wilberforce episode in 2017.

“The title of the show is Still Standing, and we are. We’ve been through a lot. I don’t see flooding, in this case for us, being a negative thing. We’ve learned how to do this, react to it, deal with it, better each time and I think that is something for us to showcase. Our community has learned how to sandbag faster. We have IT, machines and technology working for us now. We’ve obviously come a long way so I think it’s really great that you guys see this.”

An excited Coun. Pam Sayne said she, too, loves the show, and it makes her want to visit the chosen locales.

“This show is so important to this country. You are preserving cultural heritage. I’m so proud we can be part of this. I know the community is going to love it.”

Coun. Ron Nesbitt said, “Even though I was born in Haliburton, I love Minden. It’s a thrill. I’ve never been so happy about something happening as this.”

Coun Jean Neville said it was a fantastic opportunity for Minden.

Mayor Brent Devolin ended the meeting with, “We’re all terrifically excited to go forward with this. Four declarations in seven years, and certainly the COVID one in unlike any others.” He said the town’s perseverance and sense of humour will provide plenty of storylines for the film crew.

Part of them will always be Jaguars

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

The Jaguars took to video June 23 to celebrate their Grade 8 graduation.

J. Douglas Hodgson Elementary School Principal Andrea Borysiuk said, “This graduating class has stepped up and dug in. They’ve worked hard to make sure they’ve learned the valuable lessons we know they will require moving forward, like showing up on time and being prepared to do the hard work, that quality and effort and meeting a deadline are really important skills.”

She added they were always willing to lend a hand and get involved to make sure the school was inclusive, safe and a happy place to be. The principal said they’d been leaders throughout the school and had been instrumental in making sure events and activities ran smoothly.

“Graduates, please know that you are amazing. We are proud of your perseverance, your grit and your resilience. Over the past few months, we have learned important life lessons. Please remember them and practice them daily. Be patient and kind. You can learn, solve problems and create using your resourcefulness and the gift of togetherness should be cherished,” she said.

Trustee Gary Brohman also honoured parents and families, teachers and support staff. He offered a message about hope and perseverance, saying “It’s not how heavy the load is, it’s how you carry it … Graduates, I know things are hard right now but they will get better. In high school, you’ll do very, very well.”

The Class of 2020 had three valedictorians; Mikayla Sisson, Avery Degeer and Autumn Winder.

Mikayla said in part, “By experiencing so many different events and changes throughout our years at JDH, we’ve learned that sometimes we need to expect the unexpected and be able to improvise if something doesn’t go as planned. I’m sure many people are now thinking about the coronavirus pandemic that broke out this school year. This is just one of the many times we have had to come up with a plan B in order to continue with what was going on at the moment.”

Degeer recalled many good times, such as seeing the University of Brock, going to the top of the CN Tower, and riding Canada’s tallest roller coaster, on school trips.

Autumn touched on the experience of online learning. She said while tough, good had come out of it. She said they had developed new skills, which had made them more flexible and self-reliant. She joked parents had also saved a lot of money this year on dresses and tuxedoes.

She concluded, “We did it. We graduated. Now we can live the next chapters of our lives as a Red Hawk but part of us will always be a Jaguar. Congratulations class of 2020, you did it.”

Challenges didn’t stop graduates of Archie Stouffer

Lisa Gervais

June 26, 2020

Archie Stouffer Elementary School (ASES) made history June 22 with its first-ever virtual graduation.

Due to COVID-19 it was only the second time in school history there was no traditional grad. The last time was 1940, during the Second World War.

Valedictorian Mim Buwalda addressed the “pandemic of the century” in her speech, as well as other challenges in 2019-2020.

“Who knew we would end our years at Archie this way? Online learning, social distancing, and a global pandemic. Pretty crazy. This along with the differences of opinion between the provincial government and our teachers created some challenges that we would have to overcome in our graduating year. But that never stopped us from moving forward and graduating to high school.”

Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott filmed a congratulatory message.

“Like many of the milestones we’re accustomed to celebrating, this is very different than what we are used to,” she said. “While your ceremony may not involve walking across the stage with all your classmates, it isn’t any less of a milestone in your life.”

Principal Jane Austin said this year’s theme was black and white.

“Emulate the colour black. Be strong, set goals, be protective of others and our world, absorb the learning that is all around you, at home, at school and in our community. Embrace the colour white, be fair, be independent and celebrate fresh starts and new chapters. Be a reflection of your true self and of your deepest values.”

Mim’s mom, Rebecca Krawczyk said it was a tough end to the school year with labour unrest followed by a pandemic. She said the next challenge was online learning without reliable internet. However, she said it was wonderful when the ASES family showed up at their door to let Mim know she had been chosen valedictorian.

“I’m really proud of her.” Krawczyk said.

Mim definitely felt she had missed out on some things during this pandemic end to Grade 8, including the class trip to Niagara Falls.

Austin said many people contributed to the virtual grad “and we’ve had a lot of fun.” Students were able to keep their caps and gowns and received Grad 2020 baseball hats and T-shirts as a memento.

Austin Davidson-Burgess was just one of many of the grads who donned their caps and gowns and walked across the outside stage to get their diplomas before the camera crew and a photographer. While a different experience, Davidson-Burgess said he was, “just caught in the moment.”

Award winners

Science and Technology: Cheyenne Legace and Melanie Walter

English: Ireland Meyer and Sofia Scott

Music: Kaelem Little and Sam Hullah

Arts: Mim Buwalda

Geography: Macy Thompson and Sofie Mills

French: Sofia Scott and Charlotte Moynes

Math: Aleyeh McGovern and Sienna Inglis

Arcadian Masonic Lodge Award: Owen Mercer

Character Education Award: Jamie Crowe

Sarah Bloomfield Award: Mim Buwalda

Allan Walker Memorial Award for Citizenship: Macy Thompson

Academic Excellence Award: Melanie Walter

Athletic Sportsmanship Award: Macy Thompson and Evan Gilbert

Male and Female Athletes of the Year: Austin Boylan and Sofie Mills

Principal’s All-Around Award: Austin Boylan.

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