Bad Bug Season ... Watch Out for Deer, Moose

According to a CTV report by John Musselma dated July 2, the bugs are driving moose and deer onto Ontario roadways. Police and wildlife experts are warning drivers to be on the lookout for moose and deer on highways in cottage country. Insect experts say last fall's wet season, combined with the snowy winter, has created many breeding grounds for mosquitoes and blackflies. The cooler, wetter spring and early summer have also contributed to an increase in the number of active mosquitoes and blackflies. As a result, the moose and deer are trying to escape by coming out of the woods more often. Police officers have reported an increase in vehicle-wildlife collisions so far this year. Accidents with moose in particular can cause serious injury or even death. Two years ago, an OPP officer was killed when his cruiser struck a moose on Highway 169 in the Muskoka area. The Muskoka Wildlife Centre's Keith Packer says drivers should not stop and take pictures if they see moose at the side of the road because the animals will begin to think cars won't hurt them. If you're driving by and you see a moose or deer, the best thing to do is honk and scare it off the road so that it becomes afraid of cars and people. Wildlife experts say the bugs will remain a problem until there is a bout of hot, dry weather.

Bring it on.

Highland Games July 12

There is a little Scottish in all of us, so all you lads, lassies and wee ones are cordially invited to come and celebrate your heritage at the Haliburton Highland Games in Head Lake Park, Haliburton, on Saturday, July 12, 2008. Thrill to the colour and sound of Massed Pipe Bands. Gates Open at 9:00 am, Parade starts at 11 am. "A Call To The Games" Official Opening at 11:30 am.

Relay For Life Breaks Record - over $184,000 raised

The Survivor's Lap
Congratulations to the organizers, supporters, participants and volunteers in this year's Relay For Life. The overnight event, which took place June 13-14 at the Haliburton High School, raised over $184,000, surpassing last year's total of over $130,000. Funds raised through Relay For Life support the Canadian Cancer Society’s mission to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life for Canadians living with cancer. Way to go, Haliburton County!

Highland Storm
Minor Hockey Association

Registration

Great Entertainment This Summer!

Coming right up: a season of laughs, a few tears, murder, mayhem and beautiful music. The Highlands Summer Festival and the Highlands Opera Studio are gearing up for the coming season. The summer lineup includes the Larry Shue Comedy, The Foreigner; the award winning play, Trying, by Canadian Joanna Glass; the thriller, Deathtrap; the first Concert of the season, Double Trouble; another outstanding Festival Concert, Under the Influence; the Highlands Opera Studio, with Artistic Directors Richard Margison and Valerie Kuinka; an Opera Excerpts Concert; and Three Fantastic Nights of Opera, with two, one-act comedic operas. With an invitation to "Do Something Dramatic This Summer", Festival Producer David Mills notes, "It doesn’t have to be an expensive evening out. We have great talent, a varied program and a comfortable experience in the air conditioned Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion in Haliburton at a very affordable price." Tickets for each event, at just $25, are available through the Highlands Summer Festival box office. (Opera Master Class tickets are available only at the door, Minden United Church). Call 705-457-9933 or email tickets@highlandssummerfestival.on.ca. For more information about the Highlands Summer Festival and the Highlands Opera Studio, visit www.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca.

How cute is your pet?

The Minden Emergency Animal Care (MEAC) is having its 2nd annual pet photo contest for its 2009 calendar. The primary purpose of the contest is to raise funds to provide medical treatment for injured and sick, local homeless pets. Since its creation in April 2007, MEAC has treated and found loving homes for numerous abandoned and injured cats and dogs. Happy endings are the best part of belonging to and supporting MEAC. Enter your pet photo for a spot in the 2008/2009 calendar. The grand prize photo will be published in The County Voice newspaper. Entries can be made until July 21, 2008 at a cost of $10 per entry. Email entries to MEACphotos@gmail.com or drop them off at the Minden Animal Clinic. Entry forms are available around town and at the Minden Animal Clinic. Last year, 161 wonderful pet photos were entered by local and seasonal residents. The entries were capably judged by Martha Perkins and the Times/Echo staff and 48 winning pet pics were printed in the 2008 calendar. This year, Joanne Irvine and the County Voice/Communicator crew will be the judges. Have some fun and help some unfortunate local animals.

American Express Teams Up With Cottage Dreams

American Express has launched a campaign to help raise money for Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative. This one-of-a-kind charity provides time away at a donated, private cottage to bring recent cancer survivors and their families together to celebrate recovery. From May 16 until September 1, 2008, American Express will donate to Cottage Dreams, 5% of total American Express Card purchases from participating cottage country merchants, up to a maximum of $50,000. With the money raised through Amex’s Shop and Dine program, Cottage Dreams will be able to touch the lives of hundreds of people who have been affected by the cancer diagnosis of a loved one. American Express Cardmembers can use their cards at over 70 participating merchants in Bracebridge, Huntsville, Port Carling, Gravenhurst and Haliburton to help benefit Cottage Dreams. For a full list of participating merchants, or for more details on the American Express campaign, visit www.cottagedreams.org/news/americanexpress.

Old Fridges ... Your Time Has Come

That old, inefficient second fridge of yours is wasting up to $150/yr in electricity. Hydro One will come and pick it up for FREE. It's the Great Refrigerator Roundup! They'll haul it out of your basement for you and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner. After recycling and reclaiming the material, all that’s left for the landfill will just about fit inside a cowboy hat! If you have an old fridge (at least 10 years old) in working order, you can schedule a pickup appointment. Please note that you must be on a road that is serviced year round by the municipality. Call 1-877-797-9473 or visit everykilowattcounts.com/roundup.