Kawartha Lakes Cultural and Heritage Network AGM on September 23rd
Submitted by Beverly Jeeves
The Annual General Meeting of Kawartha Lakes Cultural and Heritage Network will take place on Wednesday, September 23rd, at 1:30 pm. The AGM will be at Kawartha Settler’s Village Pavilion located at 85 Dunn Street, Bobcaygeon, and Ontario.
The objectives of Kawartha Lakes Cultural and Heritage Network are:
To provide a unified voice that promotes and speaks on behalf of the sector.
Encourage innovation in the cultural heritage sector through collaboration and coordination.
Share knowledge, skills and resources, and support its members in the conservation, preservation and showcasing of our local heritage.
Jointly plan, promote and market culture and heritage activities and events.
As outgoing Co-President of Kawartha Lakes Cultural and Heritage Network (KLCAHN), I look at those objectives and acknowledge that we were able to achieve some of them over the past few years, and some not at all. For 2021, the cultural and heritage sector, with the help of its communities will turn this sector back to what it was before Covid-19 and exceed where we were at the end of 2019.
My role now is in Communications and as Secretary. There are names put forth for President, Vice-President, Treasure and of course Secretary. There will be an election at the AGM on September 23rd. We are open to all representatives, from all parts of the Cultural, Heritage and local Community.
We need more voices!
Representatives of Kawartha Lakes Cultural and Heritage Organization and Facilities;
Members of the community who are experienced cultural or heritage practitioners
Members of the community wanting to raise awareness and improve understanding of the history and culture of the Kawartha Lakes
A person of all ages including youth, first nations and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
I am the KLCHAN representative for the Cultural Community Centre Feasibility Taskforce with our partners Kawartha Lakes Arts Council. Together KLCAHN and KLAC are strong advocates and voices to the City of Kawartha Lakes Council.
We need more voices, and
Representatives of Kawartha Lakes Cultural and Heritage Organization and Facilities;
Members of the community who are experienced cultural or heritage practitioners
Members of the community wanting to raise awareness and improve understanding of the history and culture of the Kawartha Lakes
A person of all ages including youth, first nations and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Before Covid-19 arrived, many cultural and heritage spaces in the Kawartha Lakes were becoming viable community partners that were driving tourism. It is because of our Heroes who protect and advocate for the arts, culture and heritage in Kawartha Lakes that we are surviving – barely – but surviving.
Heritage locations like the Olde Goal in Lindsay continued with online exhibit and held a “drive-thru” exhibition on World War II that was very successful. Armed with summer students and an incredible group of volunteers they are leading the heritage sector.
Maryboro Lodge – the Fenelon Museum were unable to open, as they were a City Owned location that prohibited staff into the museum or onto the grounds. However KLCAHN was able to work with City staff to ensure they Community Garden was open and feeding the local food bank with fresh produce. Glenn and Sharon Walker worked on online updates on showcase the Eco Poetry Exhibit in the gardens surrounding the museum. A successful partnership with the Fenelon Falls Horticultural Society provides a unique exhibit space.
Kawartha Settlers Village opened daily. Al Ingram and his staff worked tirelessly to ensure all Covid-19 protocols were followed for safety of all visitors. Al was proud to note that many families came to the village this year and he was proud to watch them “play” at the village. However many activities such as Music Camp and events were cancelled.
Kirkfield Museum was unable to open economically this year. However, they are working on their collection and with the help of local historian Ian McKechnie they are achieving their goals.
The Lab at the Globus Theatre opened in August to a seating capacity of 50 persons. As always the meal and the play were excellent and enjoyed by all. There was also a small drama camp on line, and Fall Drama classes are posted on their Facebook Page.
The Horseless Carriage Museum was open, with Social Distancing and masks required. The Museum is private and not part of KLCAHN, but I have to congratulate them being awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Award for 2020.
Boyd Museum ran a unique online exhibit and was able to have visitors. Their summer student helped with the collection and their hard working volunteers were there for Barb and her staff.
If you have a favourite cultural or heritage space not mentioned – make sure you check in on them through their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. KLCAHN also has a Facebook page “Kawartha Lakes Culture and Heritage Network” where we try to update all events daily.
We are adding two more objectives at the AGM:
Assist heritage and cultural sector with bursaries for professional development.
Assist the sector with grant writing and promotion.
A colleague told me they felt that the Arts, Culture and Heritage communities in the City of Kawartha Lakes were decimated as a result of Covid-19. - DON’T LET THAT BE TRUE!
Meet us at, “socially distancing” at KLCAHN Annual General Meeting of Kawartha Lakes Cultural and Heritage Network place on Wednesday, September 23rd, at 1:30 pm. Please bring a mask. If you would like to attend remotely or by email, please contact myself at: Beverly Jeeves, Jeevesbev51@icloud.com 905-431-5394
