Other Community News
Celebrate Springwater – By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com
Sep 15, 2024 – Thousands of folks from across Springwater Township descended on Midhurst’s Tree Nursery Sport Park Saturday afternoon to celebrate the township’s 30th birthday.
For hours, township residents – old and young – enjoyed food, fun and frivolity while the summer’s last blast of fantastic weather provided a picture-perfect backdrop. The closing fireworks provided the requisite exclamation mark. Gathered at picnic tables, spread out on blankets or huddled in groups, folks chatted with new and old friends alike while local musicians provided a soundtrack of live music.
“Tonight we celebrate Springwater, never forgetting who we were – or where we come from – yet embracing our future,” said Springwater Township Mayor Jennifer Coughlin, host and emcee of the event. “As we celebrate Springwater’s 30th anniversary, we are reminded of the community spirit that defines us. “Our communities aren’t just dots on a map, little boxes on a grid – they are places where people gather, connect, and support each other,” she added.
As township councillors served up ice cream and local Lions and Lionesses dished out barbecued goodies, the older party-goers took in displays from local service groups – Springwater Public Library, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Severn Sound Environmental Association – while the younger folks burned off earned calories on the climbing wall, the inflatables and a scaled down, portable version of a snow tubing run.
Shortly after opening the gates to the free event, local talent search winners Erika DaCunha and Ethan McBrien kicked off the live music – an all-Springwater affair that included Graham Scott Fleming, a rising country performer who got his start in show business on Broadway and headliner Dayna Reid, who releases her debut album, She’s Me, this coming Saturday, Sept. 21. “This is what makes Springwater special,” Coughlin told the crowd as she introduced the evening’s acts. “The reason we get to enjoy this talent tonight is not simply because they grew up here – it’s because they choose here. “And they choose here because of you – their family, their friends, neighbours – their career-long supporters – and the awkward fan-girls like me,” Couglin added. As the bands played on, revelers had the chance to get up close and personal with first-responders from police, fire and emergency services and the vehicles they use.
Italian dinner fundraiser for breast cancer awareness month
Submitted by GBGH
September 18, 2024 – A group of volunteers are partnering with the restaurant at Oak Bay Golf Club to host ‘A Night in Italy’, a four-course Italian dinner fundraiser on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The event, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will raise funds to help bring Mammography services to Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH).
Breast screening rates in North Simcoe are some of the lowest in the province, and improving access to mammography services for women in our region is a top priority for the GBGH team.
“We are designing this program to address our patients’ and community needs,” says Erin Kominek, manager of diagnostic imaging, cardiorespiratory and the lab at GBGH. “We will offer appointment booking by phone, email and online; have extended hours to accommodate patients outside of regular business hours; and plan for drop-in screening assessment days for when it’s a challenge to plan ahead.”
The event will take place at 6PM in the Oak Bay Golf Clubhouse, and will feature dinner music by Olimpia Marchetti. Attendees will also have the privilege of hearing more about the mammography program that GBGH is planning, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
“Everyone has been touched, in one way or another, by breast cancer,” says event organizer Adele Newton. “We look forward to bringing the community together to enjoy a wonderful meal and to raise money for the equipment needed to make mammography more easily accessible to the women of North Simcoe.”
Tickets for ‘A Night in Italy’ are $160 each and a charitable receipt of $50 per ticket will be provided by the GBGH Foundation. For more information, and to get tickets, visit https://gbghf.ca/a-night-in-italy/.
Photo: A group of volunteers are partnering with the restaurant at Oak Bay Golf Club to host ‘A Night in Italy’, a four-course Italian dinner fundraiser on Saturday, October 5, 2024 to raise funds for Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH).
2024 Georgian Bay Garden Tour raises $13,500 for Charity!
Submitted by JoAnn Warren, Community Engagement, Hospice
September 12, 2024 North Simcoe – August 10th saw over 300 people visit 11 gardens in the general area of Penetanguishene and Midland. There were a few rain showers that day but nothing could dampen the spirits of the gardeners or the participants as they explored gardens of all sorts, shapes and styles. From formal gardens to stump and whimsical gardens, on hillsides and level grounds, new and well-established, there was something to appeal and inspire each of the garden tour participants.
Today, gardeners, artisans, volunteers and committee members gathered to announce the results and presented the chosen charity, Hospice Huronia, with a cheque for $13,500!
GBGT Committee Chair, Kay Hawkins shared her thoughts “We are so proud of what the Tour raised this year and it’s thanks to our generous sponsors, the artisans and most especially the dedication and commitment of the gardeners. They very generously offered up their properties for viewing by the public and worked hard to give participants something special to view!”
“As a recipient of the Garden Tour proceeds and having been one of the gardens on the Tour this year, we are doubly grateful,” says Debbie Kesheshian, Executive Director at Hospice Huronia – Tomkins House. “We were pleased to have had so many visitors to our garden and participating in the silent auction that was hosted here during the Tour. It gives us a chance to show off the hard work and efforts of our gardening volunteers and raises awareness of what we do.”
Brian Scott, Board Chair of Hospice Huronia, grateful for the donation, stated “Proceeds from the Georgian Bay Garden Tour this year will support our rapidly expanding bereavement support program. The need in the community is so great for this service; this donation will help it in a big way.” Next year’s Georgian Bay Garden Tour is scheduled for July 26, 2025 and the committee is actively seeking new gardens for 2025 and 2026, right now. If you’re interested in being a host garden, email: gbgardentour@gmail.com. Check out their website gbgardentour.com or follow them on Facebook for information on next year’s tour!
Lindsay Schultz Kitchens + Cabinetry Presents the 2024 Showcase of Homes Tour Supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe
Midland, Ontario – September 12, 2024 – Lindsay Schultz Kitchens + Cabinetry is thrilled to announce the 2024 Showcase of Homes tour, supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe. This self-directed tour will take place on Saturday, October 5th, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This year’s tour features five stunning homes and a bonus cottage, offering a unique glimpse into some of the finest properties in the area.
Early Bird Tickets went on sale in August, and the community response has been fantastic, with over 150 tickets already sold. However, there are still tickets available for those who wish to participate.
Tickets are priced at $50 and can be purchased at the following locations:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters North Simcoe office – 366 Midland Ave
- Saturday Afternoons – downtown Midland
- Arbours Flower Shoppe (cash only) – downtown Penetanguishene
- Lindsay Schultz Kitchens + Cabinetry
Each ticket includes a $10 lunch voucher, valid at Dinos Deli, Restaurant Saint-Marie, The Dock Lunch, Uncle Jimmy’s, and Test Batches Brewery.
As in previous years, the tour will feature a floral raffle showcasing the talents of local florists. Attendees are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win beautiful floral arrangements displayed in the homes. Raffle tickets are priced at $5 each or 5 for $20.
All proceeds from this event, and other Big Brothers Big Sisters North Simcoe events, stay local and support youth mentoring programs, including Traditional 1:1, Group Mentoring, and School-Focused programs. These initiatives help support the youth in North Simcoe, igniting their potential and strengthening our community.
For more information on tickets, please contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters North Simcoe Office at 705-526-5051 or visit the office at 366 Midland Ave, Midland. Submitted by Big Brothers Big Sisters
GBGH progress constructing MRI building addition
Submitted by GBGH
September 11, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is making dramatic progress constructing an addition to its existing building which will house the future magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. The expansion of imaging services to include MRI marks a significant milestone in growing healthcare services for the communities GBGH serves. “Anyone who has visited GBGH in the past two months will notice a drastic and exciting change to the front façade of the building,” says Matthew Lawson, president and CEO, GBGH. “Since breaking ground in late June, we have made significant progress in our MRI project. We anticipate being just a couple months away from having the equipment arrive and then, just a few more months after that, we will be able to scan our first patient at GBGH in early 2025.”
MRI services at GBGH will enhance the overall patient experience, improve health outcomes, and reduce wait times as local patients will not be on the waitlists at other facilities in Barrie and Orillia. The hospital has been funded to operate the MRI for 2,000 hours annually, meaning approximately 2,000 patients will have an opportunity to receive this diagnostic procedure locally.
Some of the construction milestones reached to date include setting up the site, excavation, fortifying the foundation and footings, connecting plumbing, and pouring concrete for the columns and the slab. Next steps in construction include exterior framing (walls/windows), roof supports and drainage system installation, exterior doors and windows, interior framing and drywall, and mechanical/electrical rough-ins.
With a total investment of over $8 million, this groundbreaking project underscores GBGH’s commitment to providing more services closer to home. The GBGH Foundation has been fundraising for the MRI over the past 21 months with the goal of raising $4 million toward the project. The fundraising tally currently sits at $2.92 million.
“This incredible progress at GBGH is a testament to the hundreds of donors who have invested to make this project a reality,” says Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation. “And, we continue to work with our community to fundraise the remaining $1 million so that thousands of patients can receive this vital diagnostic service close to home.”
Corn roast brings community together for GBGH
Submitted by GBGH
September 17, 2024
On August 29, 2024, Larry and Liz Marshall hosted their fourth annual corn roast, raising $2,040 for Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH). The annual event brings together the Oak Bay community, with more than 75 friends and neighbours in attendance. This year, the funds raised will help fund the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, which will be installed early in 2025.
“This event is really all about community,” shares Liz. “We love bringing together new and long-time residents, giving them the opportunity to meet one another, and support each other by raising funds for our hospital.”
“My father always hosted corn roasts when I was a kid,” adds Larry. “It’s a tradition that I’m proud to continue.”
The corn roast has raised more than $5,500 over the past four years, mostly through donations from guests in attendance. The event has supported the MRI Fund for the past two years, and the purchase of annual equipment prior to that.
“We love seeing communities and neighborhoods come together for our hospital,” says Victoria Evans, key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation. “Larry and Liz have helped the hospital financially through this event, and they are spreading the word about the importance of supporting GBGH. We are honoured that they have chosen to invest in our hospital again this year.”
An MRI at GBGH will enhance overall patient experience and reduce wait times, improving health outcomes for individuals across the area GBGH serves. Construction on the 2,000 square foot addition to house the MRI began in June 2024, and is expected to be completed early in 2025.
The Foundation has a goal to raise $4-million by the end of this year, and as of today, just over $3-Million has been raised. Those wanting to learn more can visit: https://gbghf.ca/current-needs/mri/
Hospital Partnership Reaches Innovative Milestone in the Management of Electronic Health Records
Submitted by RVH
Sep. 16, 2024 – The partnership between Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH), Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and Headwaters Health Care Centre (HHCC), which created the CARE4 Health Information System (HIS) across the four sites in 2021, has reached another significant milestone by attaining Stage 6 of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM).
EMRAM is an eight-stage (0-7) model that measures the use and utilization of EMR capabilities within hospitals. Institutions that reach Stage 6 have robust capabilities for clinical decision support, a highly secure health information exchange, and a sophisticated level of EMR integration that enables improved safety, quality, and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
For patients, Stage 6 certification means a better hospital experience. Streamlined access and use of data creates more personalized care delivery, and personal medical information is more accessible to them and their care providers, while the data itself is more secure than ever.
Attaining EMRAM 6 is a monumental achievement for any hospital – less than dozen hospitals in Canada have earned it – but for the four local partner hospitals, it’s especially remarkable given the complex logistical coordination involved.
“Prior to our partnership, each hospital had its own unique processes, technologies and environment,” says Dave Brewin, RVH Vice President, Digital Health and Regional Chief Information Officer. “Creating a unified approach to EMR adoption required not only technical integration, but also a cultural shift towards clinical standards and processes.”
To meet the rigorous standards set by HIMSS, digital health strategies and operational goals had to be aligned and clinical workflows, data entry processes, and decision-making protocols standardized to ensure consistency and reliability across all sites.
Just as important as the technical prowess and logistical coordination required was the four partners’ commitment to doing the right thing for the communities they serve. The pursuit of certification was not an external mandate or provincial requirement. The four sites voluntarily chose to seek it to ensure that each person who walks through their doors receives care informed by the best possible use of technology.
Working together to earn EMRAM 6 certification displays the four sites’ commitment to leveraging technology to enhance patient care and drive innovation. It’s a reflection of a collective dedication to continuous improvement in healthcare delivery so that patients can be assured their health information is accessible, accurate, safer, and used to inform the best possible care decisions.
The Bay Studio Tour is Presenting their 15th Annual Artist Tour.
Submitted by Christine Marshall
Sep. 20, 2024 – Artisans welcome visitors to their Studios at 24 unique locations, showcasing 34 participants from Tiny Township, Penetanguishene and the shores of Georgian Bay. Visitors delight in the creative experiences at each Studio as they demonstrate their talents in this special event. Be sure to include this in your Fall Calendars: Painting, sculpture, pottery, jewellery, photography, fibre art, glasswork, woodwork, metalwork and mixed media will be offered.
OUR ARTISTS: Karen Amos, Roger Beausoleil, Cynthia Blair, G.K Boyter, Paul Breslin, Linda Brubacher, Jana Caissie, Bret Culp, Lorie Desroches, Heather Eland, Francis Forge, Antje Gagne, Rachel Gelderbloom, Deb Grise, Carol Hallman, Monica Ironside, Arthur Karasik, Heather Kertzer, Laura Kulson, Jerry (Yarko) Kulyk, Liz Lasky, Ingrid Lupp, Christine Marshall, Kim Maticiw, Julie McGregor, Rodrigo Moreno, Bev Owen, Don Petit, Rod Prouse, Melanie Robitaille, Sam Sgro, Barbara Simmons, Hilary Slater, Stephen St. Amant.
Days and Dates of Event:
Saturday, OCTOBER 5 and Sunday, OCTOBER 6
Time of Event:
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Locations of Event: 24 various locations near the shores of Georgian Bay
Type of Event:
FREE Self-guided Art Studio Tour
Details: 34 juried Artisans invite you to view exceptional creations.
Website: www.thebaystudiotour.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BayStudioTour
Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament raised $41,500
(September 19, 2024 – Midland, ON) The Town of Midland is pleased to announce that the inaugural Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament raised $41,500 in support of Midland’s Community Grant Program.
The funds raised through sponsorships, players fees and various fundraising activities during the tournament will be distributed to local not-for-profit organizations through 2025 Community Grant Program, which will open for applications in the spring.
“The tournament is a Council initiative in response to the growing financial needs of not-for-profit organizations within our community,” said Mayor Bill Gordon. “We are appreciative of the generosity and support of our sponsors, donors, players, volunteers, and staff who contributed to the success of this tournament.”
The Town thanks all of the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament sponsors including Coland Development Corp, Gajjar Development Group, Bourgeois Automotive Group, Kaitlin Corporation, and Delbrook Group, as well as local businesses and individuals who donated prizes and silent auction items.
The date of the 2025 Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament will be announced on the Town’s website, visit midland.ca/golf.
Craighurst W I August meeting
By Sheila Craig
September 19, 2024 – Craighurst Women’s Institute held our August meeting beside a miniature railroad track, know as Craighurst Pacific Railway. We picnicked at the Station, and enjoyed catching up on members’ summers. Several CWI folks now belong to the wonky knee club, so health care took some time from the meeting. As well the closure of the Penetang Road for culvert construction was on our agenda. Various neighbours have been following the big dig. It started with the Construction Company excavating the road right down to the clay bottom, and the bystanders could see remnants of the corduroy road that the pioneers had to use to cross the creek. The Dig was done to put in a box culvert, to give this small cold water stream a path to the Nottawasaga River and beyond. Our meeting venue was right beside that very stream.
The business part of the meeting was short. We have the next year planned and look forward to some interesting speakers and activities. Then we heeded the call “All aboard” and went for a ride in our private cars on the teensy railway. The engineer and owner stopped the train every so often to point out highlights like the bicycle in the tree and the duck signs at the overhead bridge – and I do mean duck as in quack quack. Both the young and old kids had a great time.
See you, dear readers, in September.
Rotary Club of Midland Boosts Habitat Naturalization in North Simcoe
Port McNicoll, Ontario – The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) is thrilled to announce a generous $2,450 donation from the Midland Rotary Club, aimed at enhancing biodiversity in the Severn Sound watershed. This funding will be instrumental in purchasing native seeds and plants for SSEA’s Biodiversity Enhancement and Education Parks (BEE Parks) and Severn Sound Engagement and Education projects (Project SSEED).
Through various external funding sources, SSEA collaborates with local municipalities and schools on these initiatives, creating tailored naturalization plans that consider soil and light conditions. “Thanks to the Midland Rotary Club’s contribution, we can now acquire a more diverse array of native wildflowers, seeds, trees, and shrubs to enrich municipal green spaces and school grounds,” said Jacqueline Laurin, Biodiversity Enhancement Intern with SSEA. “These activities support pollinators and wildlife and help raise awareness of the importance of enhancing natural areas in the watershed.”
SSEA also coordinates volunteers to help with planting. Municipal partners, schools and volunteers interested in participating in BEE Parks or Project SSEED can contact the SSEA for more information: (705) 534-7283 or sseainfo@severnsound.ca or visit: https://www.severnsound.ca/programs-projects/wildlife-habitat-2/pollinators/
