Long time between posts, I know. Hopefully, the jam-packed menu of Haliburton Highlands good times coming up in the next couple of weeks will make up for it.
I’m going to highlight a few favourites, then follow with all the information you need on the rest of the activities (and there are many!!)

Minden Hills Bluegrass Festival

Want to hear some of the finest bluegrass music anywhere? This may sound a bit naive but I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Canadian Bluegrass music–so if it were possible for me to warp speed myself out of the American Midwest to Minden Hills, Ontario I’d see you there. This event, which takes place over two days, July 16-17 is a must see.

Living History Days - Day with a Black Smith

Living History Days! Again, this sounds fascinating because I’ve not ever encountered a ‘black smith’ shop. And costumed characters seal the deal for me!

9th Annual Stanhope Heritage Day

In it’s 9th year, Stanhope Heritage Day is teeming with some of my favourite activities like a BBQ lunch and the Stanhope Museum‘s famous ‘Citron Marmalade.’ But there’s much more than food being offered. there is music all day and uniquely skilled local residents demonstrating and in some cases inviting you to try rush weaving, tatting, carving, bookbinding, tinsmithing and much more!

Where Are the Whip-poor-Wills?

On a more informative and serious note is this informative presentation about the decline of the Whip-poor-will population by a staggering 50% in the last several decades. When an iconic species such as this is disappearing at this rate it is time to get informed and hopefully, join together to discuss possible solutions.

Highlands Summer Festival Presents - 'Looking'

I’m just realizing that there are over 20 separate events, some taking place over days or months to browse through. I’m ‘thumbnailing’ them all here–just  click to enlarge them and read all about them. I’m ever-impressed by the creativity, strong love and commitment to community and commitment to the arts, be they culinary, artsy-crafty, or fine arts like the play ‘Looking,’ by Norm Foster (see above).

I strongly encourage you to indulge yourself. There is so much to relish in the Haliburton Highlands!

After the jump: The entire list! What’s Happening This Week! July 13 – 20, 2011–AND BEYOND

All this good stuff is brought to you by and thanks to:

Lake of Bays, Muskoka, Ontario, Canada on 3.16.11

March break is in full swing in the Haliburton Highlands!:

I’ve got a big list of diverse activities to enjoy that including playing, creating, eating and more!:

Let’s start with activities that are scheduled for March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day).

Though some folks enjoy green beer on St. Paddy’s Day I’ve always been partial to a good hearty, Irish meal. If you enjoy eating, too here’s a great suggestion for where to enjoy such a meal on Thursday, March 17, 2011: Between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Minden United Church (scroll down for location info.) dig in to St. Patrick’s Day Irish Stew and Biscuit Dinner.

St Patrick's Stew and Biscuits!

Earlier in the day on Thursday, March 17 there are several cool-sounding activities to take part in like:

Soapstone carving, wire sculpture, pillowcase sewing and design at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre through March 18 from 10:30 a.m. -  4 p.m. daily!

Culture Club in Minden

Also on March 17th, don’t miss ‘Bend It, Bead It’ at the Art Hive! This activity is open to ages 7+. See below for more details.

Art Hive

There are two March Break Children’s Concerts slated for March 17th.At 10:30 p.m. check out Rick & Terry at 10:30 a.m. at The Minden Hills Branch of the Haliburton Public Library and at the Dysart Branch you can do the same at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

Haliburton Public Library

Finally, on March 17 at the Art Hive is ‘Crafty Girls Playing with Paper’ in which you can learn to make paper beads and more. See below for all the deets!

The Art Hive

MUCH MORE after the jump including activities for March 18, 19 & 21!

At the Art Hive on Friday is ‘Captured Fairy/Troll‘ in which you make a specimen container for that “something” that lurks in your backyard.

Art Hive

Learn about ‘Pin Weaving – A Mini Tapestry’ at the Art Hive on Friday, March 18.  See below for more details!

Art Hive

Here’s one that I am extremely curious about–The annual ‘Wild Game Dinner’ on March 19 at the Haliburton Legion. Tickets are just $30 apiece or  $50 per couple. Get the details by reading below! Sounds delish and fun, too!

Wild Game Dinner

On March 21 (Monday) you’ll have  the opportunity to try Indoor Rock Climbing at the Climbing Club.  There’s activities for all ages. Read about all the details below!

The Climbing Club

Thanks to these fine folks for keeping  me up-to-date:

Thanksgiving at the Minden Wild Water Preserve
October 9 2010

Come and enjoy Thanksgiving at the Gull River. Enjoy the fall colours, get in a paddle on this amazing river and enjoy the company of people that have something in common with you – the Gull River. Spend the day or the weekend. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with all of the friends of the Gull River.

Minden Wild Water Preserve
Bethel Rd
(off County Rd #20/Horseshoe Lake Rd)
Contact: Donna Boadway, Cale Reeder
Tel: 1-888-322-2849
Email: info@whitewaterontario.ca
www.whitewaterontario.ca

If you’ve not yet firmed up your plans for the Thanksgiving weekend in the Haliburton Highlands, this virtual cornucopia of events should give you some great ideas. From the arts, to the art of finding edible treats in the outdoors to a yoga fundraiser to Thanksgiving at the Minden Wild Water Preserve and much, much more there is literally something for every taste and budget. Happy Thanksgiving! Much thanks to the Haliburton Highlands Tourism Department for assembling the information contained on this page.

Thanksgiving Dinner
October 10 2010

Contact the Dorset Recreation Centre for more details.

Dorset Recreation Centre Dorset
Contact: Melissa Alfano
Tel: 705-766-9968
Email: drc@algonquinhighlands.ca

Go Go Grannies Yoga Fund Raiser
October 9 2010
Saturday Oct 9th from 10:00- 12:00. Funds raised will go to the Steven Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign. Gail Holness will lead us in Yoga to an African beat. Terri Mathews will teach us some African dance moves. Fun for whole family. Please come out and support us.

Where: Haliburton Dance Arts HDA (The Source Building)
Hwy 21 Accross from TimBr Mart Haliburton
Contact: HOLNESS YOGA- Gail Holness
Tel: 705-455-9294

Haliburton County Studio Tour
October 9-10 2010

An opportunity to visit the studios of Haliburton County’s artists. 26 studios spread out across the County offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Haliburton County at this colourful year while visiting individual studios.
Haliburton County

Contact: Thom Lambert
Tel: 457-9110
www.haliburtonstudiotour.on.ca
Email: info@haliburtonstudiotour.on.ca

Tastes of Haliburton
October 9 2010

Join Yours Outdoors and discover the many Tastes of Haliburton! The unique local food producers and providers will be sure to wet your appetite – Haliburton style! Yours Outdoors offers a full-day home-grown taste tour which can also be enjoyed as half-day experience. Or simply join us for the ever-popular edible wilds hike in Snowden park for a morning!

Contact: Barrie Martin
Tel: 705-754-3436Email: info@yoursoutdoors.ca
www.youroutdoors.ca

Story of the Camera Exhibit
October 5-23 2010
Reg Holloway brings a fantastic camera collection and knowledge to you. Jose Smith utilizes his camera skills at the studio set up. Have your portrait put on Christmas cards or printed off for you. Check website for accompanying workshops/demonstrations.

Where: Minden Hills Cultural Centre
174-176 Bobcaygeon Rd
Contact: Minden Hills Museum
Tel: 705-286-3154

Tactile Memories
October 2-30 2010
Opening reception Saturday October 2 2-4 pm. Textiles from local collections and the stories behind them. This exhibition is curated by Wendy E. Bateman with Laurie Jones.

Where: Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre
23 York Street
Contact: Laurie Jones
Tel: 705-457-2330
Email: info@railsendgallery.com
www.railsendgallery.com

Carl Stewart: warehouse
October 2-31 2010
Opening reception Saturday October 2, 2-4 pm. “warehouse” is an installation project that honours the artist’s father and the story of a four generation family farm. Carl Stewart is an artist from Ottawa, Ontario and a member of the Enriched Bread Artists since 1997.

Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre
23 York Street
Contact: Laurie Jones
Tel: 705-457-2330
Email: info@railsendgallery.com
www.railsendgallery.com

Celebrity Portraits by Fred Phipps
October 1-31 2010
Fred Phipps had an amazing career working as the CBC photographer for over twenty-five years. Not only did he photograph Canada’s most celebrated TV personalities but was the one and only photographer to capture the famous images of Karsh. Viewing this exhibition is reviewing Canada’s TV culture from the 1960s onward. Stunning and rare these images are incredible but not as interesting as Phipps commentary and witty anecdotes on what it was like to photograph celebrities. This exhibition will be on display from September 15 – November 20.

Agnes Jamieson Gallery
176 Bobcaygeon Road Minden
Contact: Laurie Carmount
Tel: 705-286-3763

A Shriek in the Forest Night
October 1-31 2010

This exhibition will be on display from June 19 through November 6. Funny, insightful and full of extraordinary tales of Ron Lawrence’s sometimes dangerous encounters with wildlife over 41 years in the field, A Shriek in the Forest Night was first published in 1996. In this display find out the identity of the Star Washer, how Zorra returned to freedom after a debilitating accident, and which creature Lawrence had to bail out of jail.

R.D. Lawrence Place, Minden Hills Cultural Centre
176 Bobcaygeon Road Minden
Contact: Sheryl Loucks
Tel: 705-286-2298
Email: rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca
www.mindenculturalcentre.com

From Abstract to Landscape – Retrospective on John Lennard
October 1-31 2010

In this exhibition John Lennard’s life as an artist since 1964 will be realized. Works from his years at the Ontario College of Arts, Toronto and Student League, New York to his struggling years living in New York, where a number of significant influences occurred and a range of styles were tried, to his poignant discovery of landscape upon his return to central Ontario will be included. This exhibition will be on display from September 15 – November 20.

Where: Agnes Jamieson Gallery
176 Bobcaygeon Road Minden
Contact: Laurie Carmount
Tel: 705-286-3763
Email: gallery@mindenhills.ca
www.mindenculturalcentre.com

BIG Thanks to the Haliburton Highlands Tourism Department for assembling the information contained on this page!

Haliburton Highlands Genealogy Group 20th Anniversary Party
June 12 2010
Come and celebrate on Saturday, June 12th from 1:00-4:00 pm.
FREE admission to all!
Door prizes!
Genealogy booths
Refreshments
Opening Ceremony: 1:30 pm
Keynote speaker: 2.00 pm – Melody Richardson “Memoirs-Legacy Writing for Future Genealogists”

“Melody will explore with us the technique of memoir writing, a form of legacy writing for future genealogists in your families and communities.”

Visit Website
Place: Minden Hills Community Centre Minden
Contact: Linda Heeps Tel: 705 457-2064
Email: hhggroup@gmail.com

From the website:
*Haliburton County is located in Central Ontario Canada just to the southwest of Algonquin Park. The area was settled in the latter years of immigration (mid 1850s) when lands in Southern Ontario were all taken. Children of those settlers and new immigrants were led to believe that they might be able to establish farms in an area too rugged and rocky for that purpose but valuable mainly for lumber.

I knew about the lumber but until now hadn’t realized that people were told that the Highlands were good for farming!

Enjoy gardening but you’d love to extend the gardening season a bit and learn about cost effective and environment-friendly ‘low-tech greenhouses’? Read below about the Extending Garden Season workshop.

Finally, world renown pianist Lucille Chung is the featured performer on May 1st in the Haliburton Concert Series. Get more details below about the Concert Series and check out the music video of Ms. Chung in performance live at the Santander Festival, in Spain!

These are just a few of the exciting, entertaining, fun happenings in the Haliburtons Highlands so be sure to click through to the What’s Happening This Week website to find out what else is happening and what is up next!

The Epicurious Club
April 29 2010

Here are the details:

April celebrates Cajun cuisine of the Acadians – Join us at the home of Epicurious Club Member Joan Barton for Cajun favorites that are sure to inspire. For the Epicurious, come and enjoy food from around the world each month without leaving Highlands East! We meet the last Thursday of each month for a Pot Luck dinner. You bring a food or beverage item of the country or cuisine selected! It’s that easy, it’s free and we dine at members homes. This club is open to all ages, all genders and all foodies! Cheers to good food!

Extending Garden Season workshop
May 1 2010

View and learn about hoop-houses, tunnels, and cold frames…cost effective and environment-friendly ‘low-tech greenhouses’. 10:00 to 3:00 $5 Registration includes lunch. Sponsored by Environment Haliburton! Haliburton Highlands Local Food Coalition, and other local food advocates. To register call:

Melanie at HKPR Health Unit (705 457 1391 x245)
Home of David Bathe near Gelert Francis Road Minden
Contact: David Bathe Tel: 705-286-2950

1220 South Wilberforce Road
Contact: Joan Barton
Tel: (705) 448-3074
Email: highlandscultural@gmail.com

Haliburton Concert Series
May 1 2010

Lucille Chung

May 1st is the first concert for the year, and features pianist Lucille Chung. Lucille was born in Montreal and is now based in New York. She has performed all over the world with more than 50 orchestras. The concert is at 7:30p.m. The three-concert classical music series is sold only as a subscription. The total cost for three concerts is $50 for adults and $25 for students. The other concerts feature Quartetto Gelato on September 11th, and Made in Canada Ensemble (string and piano) on November 13th. To order your subscription, contact Brenda Robinson at 457-2695.

Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion
County Road 21 and Gelert Road
Contact: Brenda Robinson
Tel: 457-2695
Email: brobinson@interhop.net

bibianorucolina — June 18, 2008 — Lucille Chung, piano, plays 3 Scriabin Preludes. Live at the Santander Festival, Spain

Thanks to What’s Happening This Week! April 26 to May 2, 2010 for the great information!

This is an unsponsored post in support of the many activities and services in the Haliburton County (Ontario) area.

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.’

Photo: CBC

Again using the wonderful free community resource, “What’s Happening This Week In The Haliburton Highlands,” I’ve found yet another interesting artistic presentation that I would attend, absolutely. The name of the exhibition is is Sandra Hawkins: Ecology of Narrative Space, which is a sort of mysterious and intriguing-sounding topic, I think. Want to know what it is? I did, so I’m going to  give you my interpretation (I looked up “in situ” to make sure I was understanding it correctly). The title of this artistic endeavor refers to what the exhibition is composed of — 30 photo montage prints (there is a thumbnail example of one of them above). Taken all together, the photo montage prints have been named Arctic Crisis Project, Parts 1 & 2. In addition there is an in situ installation (in situ, within this context, means “in the original or natural place or site”) titled, Water Leak involving an aerial video projection.

Through aesthetic poetics of composition, light and sound, the artist “repositions” personal and public experiences in the Arctic thirty years ago, into a “contemporary aesthetic and socio-environmental discussion on identity.” That sounds absolutely mesmerizing! I would love to attend. I must editorialize further and say just how thrilling it is to read of the continued blossoming of the artistic community in the Highlands. It’s such a beautiful environment–so very inspirational! I know that for me as an amateur photographer it is endlessly inspiring.

Ms. Sandra Hawkins, the presenter of Ecology of Narrative Space is an in-demand workshop presenter as well as the author of “The Business of Art.”

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