Health & Wellness

MORE HEROES AT HEART

Earlier this year, the RMH Foundation set up a special Heroes at Heart fund, supporting COVID related equipment and technology needs at Ross Memorial Hospital.

Individuals and local businesses have stepped up to give to this cause.

Queen’s Square Pharmacy

The team at Queen’s Square Pharmacy combined a key community need with frontline philanthropy when it launched a face mask fundraiser in the spring. With every sale of disposable face masks, the pharmacy collected the funds to donate to the RMH Foundation Heroes at Heart fund. After three months, Queen’s Square Pharmacy made a contribution of $1,860.

“Since this pandemic started, we all know that RMH was working hard towards flattening the curve,” said Beejal Kansara, owner of Queen’s Square Pharmacy. “As we are also front-liners, we thought we should do something that supports both our community and our hospital, and came up with a fundraiser idea involving the sale of masks. Our main intention was to raise awareness in the community of the importance of this protective measure.”

“Knowing how quickly businesses had to adapt to new safety measures and the work involved in keeping up, it’s heart-warming to see businesses such as the Queen’s Square Pharmacy also think about how they can do more for the community and for the hospital,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “We want to thank everyone who purchased disposable face masks there, knowing that their purchase would help them prevent the spread of COVID-19, and help the hospital team keep the community safe.”

Fenelon Falls Brewing

When Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. launched last fall, no one expected COVID and its impact on the world and the Kawartha Lakes community.

One of the founding principles of Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is to give back to the community and the people that need support most. In response, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. created an online fundraiser, with $2 from the sale of every case of 24 to be donated to the RMH Foundation’s Heroes at Heart fund.

“The response was extremely positive,” said Russell Gibson, Head Brewer. “The community really embraced it. And they were so grateful when we delivered their orders. It gave them something to look forward to.”

“As we pivoted the business, one of our tenets was to help our community along. We’re happy we were able to do that,” says Mathew Renda, General Manager.

On August 18, the Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. donated $1,500 to the RMH Foundation.

“There are so many ways businesses and organizations can play a role in patient care at the Ross,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “The team at the Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. show that business owners are also community leaders.”

Reid’s Valu-mart

At Reid’s Valu-mart in Lindsay, being involved in the community is a priority. Every year, the store supports various local causes that benefit local residents and make the City of Kawartha Lakes a healthy place to live.

That focus on community wellness was heightened with the arrival of COVID-19 in March. With the need for safety precautions impacting every aspect of the grocery business, the Valu-mart team worked long hours to ensure a safe experience for its patrons. And while their attention is riveted on the processes in place in the store, they continue to care about the welfare of others.

Valu-mart owner Mark Reid recently made a donation of $1,282 to the Heroes at Heart appeal. “During difficult times such as these it’s even more heart-warming to see the generosity of people for their local hospital,” said Erin Coons. “Reid’s Valu-mart is an exceptional local business leader, showing the high standards that can be met when a team is committed, and the impact that team can have on the community around it.”

SANTA DAY CANCELLED

The Santa Day organizing committee in Fenelon Falls has made the tough decision to cancel the 2020 edition of Santa Day.

In a post on their Facebook page, the group announced “Santa, his elves and the Santa Day Committee are very sad to announce that Santa Day 2020 has been cancelled. Due to COVID-19 we have decided that it is necessary to keep our community safe. We would like to thank all our wonderful supporters for their generosity and time in order to make it such a fun day. See you next year on Saturday, November 27, 2021.”

NOW OPEN

RURAL FAIRS CAN APPLY FOR FUNDING

The Ontario government is expanding eligibilty for agriculture societies to apply for funding to help offset the financial losses due to the cancellation of fall fairs, exhibitions and activities during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. For this year only, nearly $1 million will be made available to all qualifying agricultural and horticultural societies to help ensure operations. In previous years, organizations could only qualify for provincial funding if they operated fall fairs.

“Our agricultural and horticultural organizations are part of the backbone of rural Ontario. We know that the decision to cancel their fairs and events was a difficult but important one in order to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We are providing this funding to help continue operations and relieve some of the burden they are experiencing during this difficult time.”

“Our horticultural and agricultural societies have educated and entertained us on the importance of agriculture for more than a century,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton -Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This funding will help support this important sector of Ontario’s economy as the province recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.”

The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OASS) has reported that over 175 fall fairs and events have been cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The province provides some funding to individual agricultural societies through grant payments enabled through the Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act. Under the Act, Regulation 16 sets out that in the year an agricultural society is paid a

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BOBCAYGEON FAIR GOES VIRTUAL Submitted by Darlene Fell

The 162nd Bobcaygeon Fall Fair will have a different look this year. The Board of Directors of the Bobcaygeon Agricultural Society have been working diligently to determine how we can celebrate the Daddy of Em’ All while prioritizing the safety of our volunteers and guests. We will be recreating some of our competitions virtually and look forward to introducing some new and exciting events! Here’s a sneak peek of some of the fun to come:

For our crafty exhibitors, the Homecraft division has brainstormed a new list of categories to virtually showcase a variety of artistic projects, from garden bouquets to sourdough bread baking. Participants will share photographs of their projects via social media or email! We are looking forward to seeing and celebrating the creativity of our local makers.

For our local equestrians, the fair will be hosting an open virtual Horse Show with adult, youth and children classes.

For more details, visit www.bobcaygeonfair. com and follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@bobcaygeonfallfair). If you have questions, contact us through the website, social media, or at bobcaygeonfair@gmail.com. The 2020 “Virtual” Fall Fair promises to be fun and entertaining for the whole family!

TEEN FOLLOWS

IN FAMILY FOOTSTEPS

With high aspirations and a family history of farming in this area, 14-year-old Joka Stockli has started a business in the agricultural field that she hopes will help her pay for university.

A Bobcaygeon Junior Fair Ambassador in 2018/19 and the granddaughter of the late Harry VanOudenaren, Joka is passionate about environmentally-friendly, responsible farming. This year, with help from her parents, she started her business, raising naturallyraised meat chickens and turkeys for special holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“We started awhile ago with a few sheep and donkeys as a hobby,” Joka said, “We also had a couple of laying hens and cows but I liked chickens best. We

gave some to friends and food banks. Then my parents suggested I start up a business so I can make money for university where I want to study laser eye surgery.”

Joka’s been to the Bobcaygeon Vendor’s Market a few times this year, handing out information about what they do and how they do it.

“My chickens and turkeys are special because we make sure they are pasture and indoor and outdoor ranged,” she explained. “This way, they can move around naturally. They are fed local grains and we don’t use antibiotics or hormones, so people will know what they’re eating is truly fresh.”

You can find out more information at www. hopkinsfreerange.ca.

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BANNER OF HOPE

The Truth and Reconciliation Community Bobcaygeon (trcbobcaygeon.org) is a group of settlers on a journey to build relationships with Indigenous people. A banner with ten squares has been created to represent some of the experiences gathered along the way. We hope you enjoy reading about these stories that accompany the images of the squares over the coming weeks.

REMEMBERING MMIWG By Ann Davidson

After the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) produced their final report, entitled Reclaiming Power and Place, members of the Truth and Reconciliation Community Bobcaygeon met on four occasions in 2019 (under the guidance of Barb Cameron, an Associate Professor in the Department of Politics at York University and research member of the Centre of Feminist Research) to discuss the findings and Calls to Justice.

Close to 1,200 Indigenous women and girls were reported murdered or missing between 1980 and 2012, according to the RCMP’s 2014 final report, Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: A National Operational Review. It is highly probable that this number is understated.

My connection to learning the truth about the horrors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls lies simply with the circumstance that I was born female. For that reason alone, I have experienced being devalued, sexually harassed, discriminated against and my voice discounted at one time or another, in all realms of my life. And, I have also experienced white privilege in a white colonial

culture. So, my experience of oppression is a mere fraction of the oppression experienced by Indigenous women and girls.

I have learned that Anishinaabekwe are the protectors of water and the givers of life. They are sacred. Their roles are essential for our existence on this planet. Yet, too many Indigenous women and girls’ lives have been senselessly stolen as a direct result of colonization; and we, as a society, are poorer as a result, having been deprived of their gifts. Those no longer with us were mothers, grandmothers, aunties, cousins, spouses, daughters, and nieces. Their friends and families live with unimaginable grief and many are still dealing with ongoing violence, racism, and discrimination. Remarkably, resilience still thrives among Indigenous women and girls in the face of this

ongoing genocide. We need to honour and respect all Indigenous women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people: value their wisdom and restore their historic leadership roles if we, as a species are going to survive the planetary crises overwhelming us today.

My quilt square is intended to remind us of the fragility of our universe (the sun, the moon and planet Earth intertwined in an unknowable universe), the necessity for interdependence, and the profound urgency for renewed respect towards Indigenous women and girls.

THE MISHKODEH (MEADOW) AND STORY TELLING By Elaine Bird

Megwiich to Gidigaa Migizi, Anne Taylor, Julie Kapyrka, Dorothy Taylor, Freddy Taylor, Alice Williams, D.J. Fife, Shelley Knott Fife and all who have shared their stories with us, TRC Bobcaygeon. When Doug Williams told us about the Mishkodeh, it was an ‘aha’ moment. Here is a little of what he told us.

Before ‘contact’ with Westerners, for thousands of years, the Indigenous people of North America had ‘cultivated’ the landscape. In the Kawarthas, this meant creating mishkodeh or ‘meadows’.

Mishkodeh were clearings created by selective burning of the underbrush to create unique ecosystems. These places were often beside rivers and fostered plants, insects and animals that would not be found in the bush. Large trees would thrive in this environment. These places were developed and nurtured by the Mississauga Anishinaabe people for generations. What we now recognize as the old Boyd property in the heart of Bobcaygeon is likely an ancient mishkodeh site.

When I moved to Bobcaygeon 30 years ago, I was drawn to the Boyd property. It was my doorway into the community. I got involved in a project called “Village Housing” which came close to creating public space and housing for seniors and low income people. That was not to be as the “Downton Abbey” of Bobcaygeon burned to the ground.

Twenty-eight years later, the land has gone back to meadow. We have circled back to a place in time where we can come into a more balanced relationship with the environment and First Nation neighbours. What would be healing?

Would a venue close to or on the property promoting dialogue on issues such as Manoomin be possible? Signs and phone apps narrating the history and honouring First Nations are already happening in a partnership between TRC Bobcaygeon and Environmental Action Bobcaygeon. Kawartha Land Trust was successful in establishing a Land Trust for Big (Boyd/Chiminis) Island – would it possible to do the same with the Mishkodeh?

In the quilt square, you see the gray stone wall with the arch. The Bobcaygeon settler community calls this land “the Boyd property”. The colonial culture is decaying. The walls have come down. It is once again open space, waiting for a more “Just” relationship between Settlers and First Nations.

The bead shapes beside the arch represent sacred medicines: sage on the left and tobacco on the right. Tobacco is used in Anishinabek ceremony as a symbol of respect and gratitude. When an individual has a prayer request, tobacco is offered. Sage is used for cleansing and healing.

The buttons represent the story Doug Williams told about his grandmother selling baskets to cottagers on Sturgeon Lake. She was given very little money for her creative work for which she was renowned. Adding insult to injury, they gave her used clothing from which they had removed the buttons.

Doug’s response, as a young boy, was to call them Mr. and Mrs. Buttons. What I heard in the telling of this story was how what must have been an angry/painful memory for him was dealt with by using humour. This personal story speaks volumes. Indigenous women, even highly respected elders, more often than not, have been devalued by the dominant white culture. What does that unrelenting message do to an indigenous woman’s sense of self worth?

When Ann Taylor from Curve Lake led the Strawberry Teachings at the sunrise ceremony at solstice, she told us the story of two brothers. They fell in love with same girl. One brother tragically died. Eventually strawberries grew where the body was secretly buried. The lesson, it seems to me , is when you bury the truth, have amnesia/denial, all relationships suffer. A traditional part of this ceremony is sharing strawberries.

I am very grateful for our TRC group being included in these gatherings. We are learning to listen.The bear appeared in my dreams just as the pandemic started. In the Anishnabek tradition, the bear is a powerful healing spirit.

Megwiich Makwa!

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The VIRTUAL LEX

The Virtual LEX kicks off this week with chances to win 2021 Ride-All-Day Midway Passes, Swiss Fudge and more in the “Little Scavengers’ Hunt” and the “Little Bit Bigger Scavengers’ Hunt.” They are virtual, COVID-19 safe, scavenger hunts for ages 5 and under, and 6 to 12. Visit https://virtual.lindsayex.com/ scavenger-hunts/ for all the details. Next up will be the Community Scavenger Hunt for everyone else starting August 24.

Prize Books for the Virtual LEX are available for most departments on the LEX website (virtually every department will have competitive classes). Find out how to enter your favourite classes by visiting https:// virtual.lindsayex.com/prize-books/. New for 2020 will be “Community’s Choice” classes in each department where the class winner will be selected on social media by the community. So be sure to watch for your favourite competitors and classes and give them the votes they need to come out on top.

“We’ve worked all summer to reimagine the LEX in a virtual world,” stated Harry Stoddart, GM of the LEX, in announcing the kick-off. “We’ve tried to recreate the various aspects of the LEX in a manner that allows for social distancing but still lets people have some fun interactive experiences. Visit https://virtual. lindsayex.com/ regularly to watch for new details and new content.”

The LEX feeds on Instagram and Facebook will feature virtual farm tours as local farms do a “takeover” one day each week. As well, the “Taste of the LEX” online store is open to order Swiss Fudge, caramel corn, cotton candy, DooDoo the Clown’s Animal Balloon Kit, and more. Order before Labour Day and pick up your goodies starting September 21st – the traditional week of the LEX.

You won’t be able to come to the LEX to see the animals so the Virtual LEX is bringing the animals to you, virtually. Use the LEX Instagram augmented reality filters to put animated, life-like, 3-d farm animals in your backyard, living room, or anywhere else you think they might be happy – although the LEX takes no responsibility for what happens when your mom or partner sees video of a horse or sheep in your bedroom.

“We’ve spread the activity from 5 days over 8 weeks to give people an opportunity to experience more aspects of the LEX,” said Len Dawson, President of the Lindsay Agricultural Society. “The team has worked hard to ensure we have fresh, engaging content from now until the end of September.”

Remember, August 21st is the last day to order your LEX social distancing t-shirts!

About the Lindsay Agricultural Society

The Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) is a federally registered charity and governed by a volunteer board of directors. The LAS was established to improve agricultural knowledge within the community and create opportunities for dialogue between the agricultural community and the residents of the Kawartha Lakes. The mission of the LAS is “To showcase the vibrant agricultural industry in the Kawartha Lakes while enriching the life of the community through the Lindsay Exhibition, events, entertainment, and volunteerism.” The Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) is the annual agricultural fair hosted by the Lindsay Agricultural Society with the help of over 300 volunteers. Attendance averages over 45,000 visitors. The LEX Grounds located at the south end of Angeline St. are owned by the Lindsay Agricultural Society. The LEX Grounds host over 40 events each year in addition to the Lindsay Exhibition, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually. 2020 would have been the 166th Lindsay Exhibition and 2020 represents the first time in its history that a traditional LEX has not been held.

TAKE A SAFE TOUR

THROUGH HISTORY

There’s a unique exhibit opening in Lindsay on August 21. The Olde Gaol Museum is hosting the First World War Immersive Experience, a grand-scale indoor exhibit that you can experience entirely from your car.

The exhibit, which explores Kawartha Lakes’ contribution to the First World War, has been designed to meet and exceed social distancing limitations for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.

Visitors will experience several aspects of the First World War through full-scale dioramas and audio

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recordings. Learn about the heroes on the frontlines and on the home front, from the fighting forces to war artists to the farmerettes, as we continue to tell our untold stories. This exhibit is entirely inside the Commonwell Building at the LEX and will happen rain or shine.

This event is a fundraiser for the Olde Gaol Museum and the Lindsay Exhibition. Tickets are $40 per vehicle and are available online at www. oldegaolmuseum.ca/FWWtickets. Entry to the exhibit is specifically timed to enhance the visitor experience.

The event runs daily from 10am to 7pm until September 7 at the LEX Fairgrounds Commonwell Building, 354 Angeline Street South in Lindsay.

TUNING IN

TO CUSTOMER NEEDS

Hydro One has come up with some new tools to offer cost certainty and account customization for their customers.

Through their website, you can now choose your own billing due date, choose balanced billing and monitor your electricity consumption through notifications.

“As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, customers tell us that choice and flexibility will help them during this difficult time,” said Jason Fitzsimmons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Customer Care Officer, Hydro One. “As a customer-driven organization, we have an important responsibility to

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support customers with relief, flexibility and choice

According to recent research conducted by Angus Reid, 78 percent of Ontario electricity customers said balanced billing would help them better manage their finances. Balanced billing flattens out the spikes in electricity usage that commonly occurs in the summer due to air conditioning use and in the winter due to heating.

The research also found that 72 percent of customers would like to pick their own due date to better manage their finances. This feature is now included in Hydro One’s new customization bundle, which will be shared with customers through an awareness campaign. Other customization tools include alerts when electricity usage falls outside of the customer’s normal pattern, the ability to report outages online and the ability to receive text messages or emails when outages occur. Customers can visit www.HydroOne. com/Choice to learn more.

In addition to these customization options, Hydro One has also developed a number of customer support measures during COVID-19, including a Pandemic Relief Fund to offer payment flexibility and financial assistance to customers. The company is also extending its ban on residential electricity disconnections to ensure that no customer is disconnected at a time when support is needed most.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE

On September 2, there will be a blood drive in Lindsay at the Victoria Park Armouries from 1:30pm to 7:30pm.

Anyone aged 17 or older is encouraged to book an appointment to donate blood. Visit www.blood.ca, download the Giveblood app or call 1-888-2DONATE. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

If you have trouble booking online, please call 905-243-4690.

LETHAM ELECTED TO AMO BOARD

At the Annual Conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Andy Letham, Mayor, City of Kawartha Lakes and Chair, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), was appointed to the AMO Board of Directors, County Caucus. The Conference was held virtually this year earlier this month.

As a member of the Board, Letham will help set policy for the association and serve as a key municipal leader in the province.

AMO’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Province gives it the opportunity to provide input on decisions impacting municipal governments. AMO staff works on dozens of policy files that impact people’s daily lives – ranging from safe roads, public health and safety and many more.

“I look forward to serving on the AMO Board as a voice for rural municipalities. This goes hand in hand with the issues we’ve been tackling with the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus, on a larger and provincewide scale,” commented Mayor Letham.