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Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum annual Time & Talent Live and Silent Auction set for Sept 17

For those looking for a little retail therapy or want to get a head start on holiday shopping, the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum is hosting their annual Time & Talent Live and Silent Auction on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Selkirk Centennial Community Centre (34 Main St. W., Selkirk).

The popular annual event has something for everyone including gift baskets, gift certificates, baby quilts, wreaths, flowers, household items, craft items, antique milk bottles, artwork, tools and more.

The silent auction will take place from 5-7 p.m., followed by the live auction at 7:30 p.m., hosted by auctioneer Ken Mercer.  All transactions can be made by cash or a cheque payable to Haldimand Museums.

Shelly’s Family Dining of Kohler will be serving up beef or chicken-on-a-bun with a choice of sides and apple crisp & ice cream.

Proceeds from the auctions will support educational programming at Haldimand Museums.

For additional information about this event, or to donate items to the auction, please contact Dana Stavinga at (905)-776-3319 or museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Cayuga Heritage Centre announces August program schedule

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is pleased to offer an exciting mix of programs for the month of August.

August 9 (6 pm) – Presentation: Historic Mystery Series – True Crime
The Haldimand County Courthouse has been the scene of many notable trials. This series of three programs will look at a different historic trial in each session. Participants will have an opportunity to hear the facts and solve the case before hearing the actual outcome. Each historic crime will remain a secret until the date of the presentation.

August 10 ( 1pm) – Presentation: Senator Lachlan McCallum
This presentation explores the life & times of Lachlan McCallum, a Scottish immigrant who settled in Sherbrooke Township and became a successful lumber merchant, boat builder, Member of Parliament. McCallum was later appointed to the Senate in 1888.

August 16 (6 pm) – Presentation: Royal Spares
The Royal Family’s reign spans 37 generations and 1,209 years. Throughout history, the role of the second or third royal sibling of a reigning monarch has not always been easy. Siblings from the last four generations of the Royal Family have clashed over their formal and family duties. Join us as we explore the ups and downs of being a royal spare.

August 17 (1 pm) – Presentation: Jane Austen
A talk pertaining to  Jane Austen, an English novelist known for her six major books. This talk will highlight the role she played in the early beginnings of women’s suffragette movement and how the movement affected Canada and Haldimand County.

August 20 (12:30 pm) – Presentation: Historic and Obscure Bylaws
There are a number of by-laws that date back to the early 1800s that are still on the books today. For example: horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry are banned from running at large in Haldimand and it is illegal to make a snowman taller than 30 inches in Prince Edward Island! This amusing talk will take a look at a number of  historic and obscure by-laws in Haldimand and across Canada.              

August 24 ( 1pm) – Presentation: Royal Rules
There are a number of etiquette guidelines and traditions that the Royals have to adhere to when in public. For example, did you know that members of the family have to bow or curtsey to the Queen or that when the Queen stops eating, everyone else has to stop eating too? Join us for this fun presentation as we explore another aspect of the life of the Windsors.

The cost for all programs is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Registration may be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca  or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga).

For more information about programs and activities, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or e-mail
museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

The Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre.

 

Haldimand County seeking resident input to shape Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Haldimand County is currently seeking resident input to help shape its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

The plan will outline how Haldimand County will continue to identify, mitigate and remove barriers that people with disabilities may face when accessing municipal programs, services, facilities, information and employment.

The development of a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is a requirement for all municipalities in the province under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and public consultation is an important part of the process.

An online survey has been launched to collect citizen input at www.HaldimandCounty.ca/accessibility.  Members of the public are encouraged to complete the short survey and provide their unique insights on accessibility within Haldimand County.

Some questions include:

  • When seeking information or accessing services with Haldimand County, has your experience been fully accessible and inclusive?
  • Have you encountered barriers to participating in a County led program or activity?
  • What changes do you think would help Haldimand County be a more accessible and inclusive community?

Physical copies of the survey are also available at all library branches and at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn St. S, Cayuga N0A 1E0). Completed paper copies may be dropped off in person at the administration building or mailed to the attention of the Accessibility Coordinator.

The survey will close on Monday, August 29.

For more information on Haldimand County’s accessibility policies, procedures or related, matters, visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/accessibility or e-mail accessibility@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

New digital sign at the Hagersville Fire/EMS station supports community engagement and information-sharing

With the installation of a new digital sign for education and information-sharing, the Hagersville Firefighters Association is continuing its long tradition of active engagement with the community and supporting local activities for the benefit of residents and visitors.

The Hagersville Emergency Services Station #2 (Fire and Paramedic) was constructed in 2017, and plays a central role in the community through its provision of essential fire and paramedic services. In 2019, the Association proposed a digital sign at the roadway as the final capital installation for the Station.

“This is a great enhancement to the Fire and EMS Station,” says local Councillor, Tony Dalimonte. “I was happy to support the digital sign project with Community Vibrancy Fund monies, as the Hagersville Firefighters Association is a hard-working volunteer group, and this new asset will allow the members to share important information with the community more quickly.”


L-R: Retired Station Captain and Project Coordinator Cary Slote, Councillor Tony Dalimonte, and Hagersville Fire Station #2 Chief Doug Fess.

‘Read your way to the Fair’ with Haldimand County Public Library

The Caledonia Agricultural Board and the Haldimand County Public Library have partnered to ensure more local children get to experience the fun of this year’s Caledonia Fair on Friday, September 30.

Children entering kindergarten to grade 8 can come into any Haldimand County Public Library branch throughout the month of August, sign out books and receive one free pass to the 2022 Caledonia Fair. Available while supplies last.

In addition to picking up a free Fair Pass, children aged 12 and under can register for the Summer Junior Reading Club and teens aged 13 to 18 can sign up for the Teen Summer Reading Club. Participants in both clubs will receive a ballot for every library book they read throughout the summer, entering them into draws for a chance to win cash and other prizes. Draw dates are posted at each branch. In addition to the cash prize draws, Junior Reading Club participants will also get to choose a special prize from the library treasure chest for every 15 library books they read.

Haldimand County to offer additional pickleball programs for adults and youth

After an extremely successful launch, Haldimand County is pleased to announce additional pickleball programs for both adults and youth. Running throughout August, the programs offer both introductory workshops to learn the fundamentals of the sport as well as skill-building workshops for intermediate players.

Pickleball Intro Workshops (Adult)

This workshop is for new players who are just starting out and want a basic introduction to playing pickleball. Serves, returns and other basic strokes/rules will be covered.

  • August 9 – Dunnville Lions Court, 6-8 p.m.
  • August 16 – Caledonia Lions Court, 6- 8 p.m.
  • August 23 – Jarvis Lions Court, 6-8 p.m.

Pickleball Drill the Skills Workshops (Adult)

This workshop focuses on building and improving a player’s technical shot inventory and decision-making abilities, such as third shot decisions, managing hard-hitting opponents, the ABCs of dinking, and refusing to ‘pop-up’ the ball.

  • August 11 – Jarvis Lions Court, 6-8 p.m.
  • August 18 – Caledonia Lions Court, 6-8 p.m.
  • August 25 – Dunnville Lions Court, 6-8 p.m.

Youth Intro to Pickleball Workshops (9 to 14 years)

With a fast learning curve, smaller court, and shorter paddles, pickleball is an ideal introduction for kids to racket sports. This workshop focuses on a fun engaging and active experience to build basic skills.

  • July 30 – Dunnville Lions Court, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • August 6 – Caledonia Lions Court, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • August 13 – Jarvis Lions Court, 6-8 p.m.

For more information, or to register please visit the County’s online registration system.

What is Pickleball? 

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in Ontario. It is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The game is played on a badminton size court with a whiffle ball, about the size of a tennis ball; and a solid smooth surface, short handled paddle larger than a ping pong paddle. The game is easy to learn and you do not have to be a great athlete to play.” (Pickleball Ontario, 2022)

New grant funding allows Haldimand County Digital Service Squad to continue to help small businesses adopt online technologies

Haldimand County, in partnership with Grand Erie Business Centre, has announced that it has received a $118,000 grant from the Digital Main Street program for a two-year Digital Service Squad program, which provides small business owners with the tools and support needed to digitally transform their businesses.

“Haldimand County and our partners Grand Erie Business Centre are thrilled to be able to offer the Digital Main Street program through to March 2024. Since the first introduction of the program in the Fall of 2020, we’ve seen a significant impact to local businesses. To date 123 businesses within Haldimand County have received a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant and 529 businesses have received assistance and we’re pleased that the program will be continuing.  Businesses who connect with a member of our Digital Service Squad receive valuable one-on-one assistance to successfully navigate today’s digital landscape helping to enhance the economic strength of Haldimand County and apply for a Digital Transformation Grant.” Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism, Haldimand County.

Digital Service Squads (DSS) are the cornerstone of Digital Main Street (DMS), with trained specialists who meet with brick-and-mortar small businesses, at no cost, to help them complete an online assessment and to introduce them to online training modules designed to build their digital knowledge and skills. This one-on-one DSS assistance includes support for basic website setup, Google Business Profiles, 360⁰ photos, social media presence, and much more. Squad members are also trained to help qualified small businesses with the development of their Digital Transformation Plan and then with the application process for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant.

“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director, OBIAA. “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support Haldimand County’s squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance provide the means for more small businesses in communities across Haldimand County to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”

The Digital Transformation Grant application window is open and will close on October 31, 2022.  All interested Haldimand County business owners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  Digital Main Street has also extended its ShopHERE program. This amazing opportunity creates online stores for independent small businesses and artists at no cost.  For more information about the Digital Transformation Grant, the ShopHERE program, or to book an appointment with the Digital Service Squad, email opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call (905) 318-5932.

Summer camp at Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum celebrates a year of holidays in one week

The Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum is offering children a week of imagination and inspiration in a country setting at Haldimand County’s original one-room schoolhouse museum with Camp Discovery Days: Home for the Holidays.

For children aged 5-12, Home for the Holidays runs July 18-22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with the option of an extra hour of care before and/or after the camp day. Camp fees are $163.25 per child per week and include all supplies. Extended care is an additional $5.25 each from 8-9 a.m. or 4-5 p.m. Registration can be completed online or in-person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Throughout the week, museum staff will work with campers to celebrate a year of holidays including Thanksgiving, Halloween, Remembrance Day, Christmas/New Year, Valentine’s Day and Easter. Campers will create one-of-a-kind arts and crafts for each holiday using woodworking, painting, gardening,   and other techniques. The day will be rounded out with old-fashioned games and activities, in keeping with the traditions of the old schoolhouse.

For more information about Haldimand Museums or Camp Discovery Days, please email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call (905) 776-3319. Residents are encouraged to register early as spaces are limited.

The Heritage Centre announces July program lineup

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga has announced its lineup of programs for July featuring presentations, workshops, a walking tour through Cayuga, and a new gallery exhibit, “As the Wheel Turns,” which highlights the history of the textile industry in Haldimand County.

The cost for all programs is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Register online or in-person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

July 13 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Royal Fashions
The Heritage Centre’s Royal Series continues with a look at royal fashions from King Henry VIII’s court to the present day. Many of the royals were trendsetters for the rest of the world. Attendees to this presentation will learn more about the impact of the royals on fashion.

July 19 (6 p.m.) and July 23 (12:30 p.m.) – Architecture Walking Tour
Focusing on the history of Cayuga and the Grand River, this walking tour features the architectural splendour of Judge Helen Kinnear’s house and the Courthouse and includes a trip down the trail to experience the history of the river. Two dates are available: Tuesday, July 19 and Saturday, July 23.

July 20 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: You Can’t Live Without It
Advertising has played an influential role throughout history. As trends and attitudes changed so did buying habits and how consumers were influenced by the manufacturers of the day. This presentation will take a look at the birth of advertising from its beginning to the present day.

July 27 (1 p.m.) – Workshop: Finding Your Roots
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the process of finding your family’s history utilizing online resources and the Heritage Centre’s Archives, as well as providing tips and tricks to finding information in unexpected places. Materials included.

July 29 (2 p.m.) – Presentation: Celebrating Emancipation Day
Highlighting Emancipation Day, this presentation will share stories of some of the escaped slaves and their descendants who settled in Haldimand County.

For more information about programs and activities, contact the Heritage Centre at (905) 318-5932, ext. 6613 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand County launches new online property tax account portal, encourages residents to go paperless

Haldimand residents may now sign up for and manage their online property tax accounts at www.HaldimandCounty.ca/mytaxes.

Property owners who sign up will be able to:

  • view property tax account balances;
  • make payments;
  • set up or change Pre-Authorized Payment Plans (PAPs);
  • look up property assessments;
  • receive correspondence/reminders, and
  • obtain tax certificates – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Residents who sign up by July 10 will automatically begin receiving their tax bills via e-mail starting in July.

The new online property tax portal makes it more convenient for residents to manage their property tax accounts and – with the gradual switch to eBilling – will reduce Haldimand County’s environmental footprint by significantly decreasing the amount of paper used.

The introduction of this new online property tax portal was made possible through funding provided by the Provincial government through the Municipal Modernization program, which intends to help municipalities find efficiencies and implement new initiatives to digitize and streamline programs and services.

Residents and property owners who wish to sign up may do so at www.HaldimandCounty.ca/mytaxes. Individuals should have a tax bill on hand that shows their roll number, which is required to create an online property tax account.

Paper billing will continue to be offered, however, residents are strongly encouraged to activate their online property tax accounts and make the switch to eBilling.

Individuals who do not have access to a reliable internet connection or need assistance creating an account may call 905-318-5932 or visit a myHC kiosk at any Haldimand County Public Library branch.

For more information on property taxes and other online services available, visit the county website.