For four years now the Beer Store and its employees have done an annual bottle drive in aid of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

You probably have known a friend, colleague or loved one who has experienced a battle with cancer–perhaps you’ve fought it yourself.  Despite great progress in helping people live with cancer certain types of cancer can be more persistent and deadly and so efforts  to fight this battle must also persist. The Beer Store wishes to help and you can help, too–it is super-easy!

On May 29 & 30 donate your empty beer, wine and spirit containers at your local Beer Store to help find a cure for leukemia and other blood cancers. For more information or to volunteer, please go to www.bottledrive.ca or call 1-866-600-0567.
Volunteers are needed at Beer Store retail locations across Ontario to assist in greeting customers and collecting their empties on:

Saturday, May 29 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 30 between noon and 5 p.m.
You do NOT need to be employed by The Beer Store
Anyone interested in helping this great cause is welcome to come out and volunteer! If you are interested in helping out, please contact the Beer Store, indicating what days and times you’d be available, your community, and the location of The Beer Store nearest you.
All Beer Stores over Ontario
Tel: (866)-600-0567

Fundraising Book Sale
May 29 2010

The Gooderham Fire & Rescue Auxiliary is holding a large Fundraising Book Sale on Saturday, May 29 from 10am -2 pm. All proceeds from this event go to support the Gooderham Volunteer Fire Department.

There will be a a large selection of books from many genres:, romance, fiction, children’s books, cookbooks and more–like records/CD’s, puzzles and knick knacks! There will also be a hot luncheon available. This fundraiser is in support the Gooderham Volunteer Fire Department. You can give to this worthy cause while enjoying a relaxing book-browsing experience as you are “bound” to find some great reading and great bargains.

If you have any books you would like to donate for the sale, please contact Jennifer at 447-2556

Gooderham Community Center Off County Road 507 entrance to Hunter Lumber
Contact: Jennifer Horner
Tel: 705-447-2556
Email: goodhorner@bell.net

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Lunchables. All opinions are 100% mine.

My best memories of my son’s grammar school years are  when we went on field trips with the school together. Whether it was a local symphony or the Chicago Symphony, an architectural boat cruise down the Chicago River or a biology field trip to preserved prairie-land, these trips held great meaning for me personally as a shared scholastic experience with my children.

More importantly though was what the kids gained from the experiences.  A field trip is a unique, beyond-the-classroom immersion into real-life situations that would otherwise not be experienced. The depth of meaning, the level of comprehension, the enjoyments of “these up close and personal” activities all serve to pull the children into the experience like no textbook can. Further, an immersive group experience can sometimes be the light that flips the switch of true comprehension about a particular idea, place or thing(s).

To my great disappointment, with my younger son, field trip activities began to appear less and less until they simply were non-existent. The reason cited was a simple one: not enough money in the school budget for anything “extra.” As a mother this really broke my heart, not only for my son but for all children who might never otherwise experience some of the wonders beyond the classroom.

I’m very happy to be able to talk today about Field Trips For All which is the first effort from the folks at Lunchables as part of their new initiative called “Project Potential.”

Project Potential is an effort to literally help kids reach their life enrichment potential that otherwise they might not ever get a chance to do.

This is enormously important because field trip elimination is affecting scores of school districts across the spectrum. Huge numbers of school districts which are grappling with tight school funds/budgets that just don’t stretch far enough for anything “extra” are cutting out fieled trips all together.

There is some hope on the horizon with the very good news that Lunchables is aware of this dilemma and is taking action to address it by encouraging, as I am doing as well right now, anyone over the age of 6 to nominate a deserving classroom by clicking over to http://www.lunchables.com/potential/ and submitting a nomination for that classroom to receive a worthwhile, outside-of-the-classroom enrichment experience.

I’m sure without too much thinking you yourself can think of a deserving classroom to be nominated to be one of 50 lucky classrooms who will be selected to go on an inspiring, educational field trip and quite possibly have an experience that will be cherished for years to come.

Why not talk this contest up?  There’s only gain to be had and speaking for myself it is very easy to think of some great classrooms with fantastic teachers and kids who deserve the nomination.

The more that word of this contest gets around the more classrooms will have a chance to be one of the 50 winners–so go ahead and drop a comment here about who you nominated and a bit about why you nominated them! Who do you think this educational prize should go to? I’m picking Mrs. Parr’s class at Hunting Ridge school in Palatine, Illinois because they are the greatest bunch of kids ever and because she is the most dedicated, motivated, committed teacher I may ever have met.

An example of "pocket art." There are many ways to approach creating artist trading cards. This example is from 'How to Paint Sparkling Ocean'.

March Break: Artist Trading Cards Afternoon Drop In
March 17-19 2010

You and your family can become part of a world wide trading card phenomenon! Tomorrow Wednesday, March 17 as well as Thursday & Friday from 1-3 p.m., we’ll be making and trading artist trading cards at the Rails End. Just like baseball cards in size, these individually made works of art are being collected all over the planet by young and old. Catch the creative wave as Gallery staff introduce you to techniques using pen/ink, watercolour and collage to create and embellish your cards. Fun for the whole family. Plan to spend some time at the Rails End on your March Break. All materials supplied. FREE

Email: info@railsendgallery.com

www.railsendgallery.com

Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre

23 York Street Haliburton
Contact: Laurie Jones

Tel: 705-457-2330

Thanks to “What’s Happening in the Haliburton Highlands for the great, informative newsletter!”

An example of “pocket art.” Image above is from ‘How to Paint Sparkling Ocean.’

The Dorset Recreation Centre has announced a new day for it’s FREE Moms & Tots Playgroup.

The Moms and Tots Playgroup is now meeting on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm.

All infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children and their caregivers are welcome to to participate in this free weekly program.
Playgroup is a time for some fun and socializing with other kids & adults. Toys, books, crafts and more are provided free of charge by the Dorset Recreation Centre. The Moms and Tots Playgroup is self run so please bring your own beverages and snacks.

For more information, call Cheryl at 705-766-0874.

Dorset Recreation Centre
1051 Main Street, Box 99 Dorset

Email: drc@algonquinhighlands.ca

This is a non-sponsored post done as a community service for the Haliburton Highlands.
Special thanks to the fine folks who author the What’s Happening This Week! newsletter.

Haliburton Highlands – A Natural Work of Art

Tourism Information Centre
www.haliburtonholidays.ca
tourism@county.haliburton.on.ca
Tel:705-286-1777 or 1-800-461-7677

Upcoming Events

Free Skating – Wilberforce
Free Skating – Minden Hills
Public Skating – Haliburton
Solstice Samba
Northwood Inn
Yours Outdoors
Pinestone
Pinestone

Free Skating – Wilberforce Arena:
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Should you have any questions or concerns contact 613-339-2442.

Free Skating -
S.G.Nesbitt Memorial Arena, Minden

Tues., Dec 22nd 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Subway Development-Kenfield Enterprises Ltd.

Wed., Dec 23rd 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Thurs., Dec 24th – closed at noon
Fri., Dec 25th – closed
Sat., Dec 26th – closed

Sun., Dec 27th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Minden Pharmasave

Mon., Dec 28th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Tues, Dec 29th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Floyd Hall Limited

Wed., Dec 30th 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Minden Pharmasave

Thur., Dec 31st 11:00am-1:00pm sponsored by Tim Hortons

Fri., Jan 1st – closed
For more information please contact the Minden Arena at 705-286-1936

Public Skating – Dysart Arena

Monday, December 21st 11:00-12:30
Tuesday, December 22nd 11:00-12:30
Wednesday, December 23rd 11:00-12:30

Thursday, December 24th No Public Skating
Friday, December 25th No Public Skating
Saturday, December 26th No Public Skating

Sunday, December 27th 12:00- 1:30
Monday, December 28th 11:00-12:30
Tuesday, December 29th 11:00-12:30
Wednesday, December 30th 11:00-12:30
Thursday, December 31st 11:00-12:30

Friday, January 1st No Public Skating
Saturday, January 2nd No Public Skating

Sunday, January 3rd 12:00- 1:30

Price is $2.00 per person.
For further information please contact
the Dysart Arena at 457-2083

Solstice Samba

Winter Solstice (Credit: Photobucket)

December 20, 2009
Celebrate the darkest night of the year by drinking deeply of winter’s magical gifts with winter rumi’nations. Bring a couplet or quatrain of wisdom to guide us out of the dark days into the light. The words may be from Rumi, Hafez, or your own, or from your favourite mystic or poet. Also bring drums or something to beat, stomping feet, and prayers that are sweet. Gaia Centre, Sunday, Dec. 20. 7:00 pm Fire circle RSVP Carol or Paul, info@gaiacentre.org
Visit Website www.gaiacentre.org
Gaia Centre West Guilford
Contact: Carol Tel: 705-754-2427
Email: info@gaiacentre.org
Pre Game Show Live at the Northwood Inn
December 26 2009

LIVE BAND!!! Pre Game Show returns by popular request. Show starts at 10pm.
Visit Website www.northwoodinn.ca

Northwood Inn, Haliburton, Ontario

13588 Hwy 118 Haliburton
Contact: Bonnie Tel: (705) 457-1710
Email: info@northwoodinn.ca

Make Peace with Winter – One Day Sampler Adventure
December 30 2009

Try a little winter. Embrace the winter wonders of the Haliburton Highlands with a full day sampler of unique, fun, and active adventures. You will start the day with dog sledding followed by your choice of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the afternoon. Along the way we will indulge in a tasty bush lunch. This fully guided one day package is available with or without accommodation. Please book at least one week in advance.

Visit Website www.yoursoutdoors.ca
Haliburton County Haliburton
Contact: Barrie Martin Tel: 705-754-3436
Email: info@yoursoutdoors.ca
New Year’s Eve Magical Family Gala
December 31 2009

A fun-filled evening for the entire family featuring not one, but two delectible buttets, one decked out and dazzling for Mom & Dad, and one just for the kids. There will be an interactive magician during dinner and live magic show after dinner. Complete with marshmallows and hot chocolate for all. Dinner, show and campfire: adults $59.95, kid’s $28.95, children 5 and under $9.95. To book you reservations call the Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre at 705-457-1800 or 1-800-461-0357. Visit their website at www.pinestone-resort.com
First Night Celebration Dinner
December 31 2009

Join us in Heatherwood Restaurant for an intimate dinner with friends, or just for two. Enjoy a menu planned especially for this evening. Finish the evening off by ringing in the New Year enjoying Highlanders Lounge. (There is no cover charge for the Heather Restaurant dinner guests.)
To reserve contact the Pineston Resort & Conference Centre at 705-457-1800 or 1-800461-0357 or visit their website at www.pinestone-resort.com

Credit:
“From all of us at the Visitor Information Centre for the County of Haliburton we would like to extend warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.
See you in 2010.

Sincerely,
Amy Brohm, Ann Lavery, James Stewart and John Stark”

Thanks from me to the above-named staff of What’s Happening this Week in the Haliburton Highlands–the Haliburton Visitor’s Information Centre.

I believe in 2009 they have outdone themselves with the depth and breathe of their highly-informational Highlands Newsletter.

There is quite literally something for everyone with a (pleasantly) surprisingly diverse range of activities that will take you right through winter 2010 in the Haliburton Highlands–all of which you can find out about through reading the newsletter in your email–FREE. I never miss them!

Happy Christmas!

Cyn

In reading the Haliburton “What’s Happening This Week” newsletter I came across mention of the Gaia Centre. I had not heard of it previously so I clicked through and read about this not-for-profit organization. They have philosophy that I believe we each could and should strive for. I would love to participate in one of their workshops or events. I’m certainly going to check their website before I return to Maple Lake. The link above will take you to their site where they explain about their mission and philosophy as well as providing a calendar of current and future events that you may be interested in participating in.

The Gaia Centre is a not-for-profit organization committed to nurturing the human spirit through advancing understanding, appreciation and love for Mother Earth. The Gaia Centre’s aim is to provide the Highlands community a space to help find and celebrate our place within Nature. By creating a common awareness of the environmental, social and spiritual benefits of sustainable living within Earth’s means, a path is created to making a minimal impact upon the environment.

Gaia Center wishes to facilitate our living and working within Nature’s means through programs in earth-based spirituality, ecology, sustainability, reinvention of work, and the arts as meditation.

The leaders of Gaia Centre are selected because of their expertise and commitment to educate for change. Every Gaia Centre program is offered for its ability to awaken us to earth-consciousness, with the goal being learning for transformation.

Gaia Centre teaches that it is necessary at this time in human history to experience, protect and revere the natural world and all beings.

The Gaia Centre is committed to bringing important local, national, and international teachers to Ontario and welcomes invitations from communities of any kind.

Fleming Collage, Haliburton Campus (Photo: Roger Corrao)

Hey there!

I’m spreading the news about  the Internet Outreach Program’s series of courses through Fleming College that is being offered to folks in the Haliburton County. It’s been a long time coming but with the funds from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farm, and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) finally released Haliburton County can finally join the information age with the Internet. I’ve supplied all the information you should need (below) no matter if you are an absolute beginner, beginner through intermediate, or perhaps a business person building a brand on the world wide web.

I’m truly impressed with the diversity of offerings and the token fee involved for each series that should make this endeavour one that anyone can undertake.

It’s my understanding that broadband service is now or soon will be available to 95% of Haliburton County residents and  the cost is extremely low.

I’m looking forward to taking advantage of this service next summer. Unfortunately, since the funding was held up and I needed to work from the cottage my spouse and I committed to a 2-year contract with a satellite Internet provider and the cost is ridiculous. I’ve been told by a Broadband Outreach Program representative that this provider will need to lower his rates to be competitive but I’m not holding my breath as he’s made no offer yet.

As my cousin’s spouse remarked, this guy should be paying us as we agreed to be the point of origin for his satellite dish so he could offer services to the folks on Maple Lake.

I thought he’d put some effort into marketing as we were promised a lower fee when 5 more people signed up. He never did much–at least not via his website–and he certainly won’t now and it’s become a real pain. Lesson learned. I simply wanted to spend more time at the Lake but the reality was I couldn’t afford to do so without working. Now I’m paying over two years many times more than I made in the sum total of two months using the service.

But back to you smart people for whom the waiting is now paying off. All the info on the almost-free Internet classes is below.

Enjoy!

County of Haliburton- Broadband Outreach Program
Internet Courses for individuals and businesses
at Fleming College for only $10