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COVID-19 Cancellation Credits and Refunds
Submitted by Kawartha Lakes Community Development
In response to the Government of Ontario’s emergency declaration, and to help protect our clients and the public from COVID-19, all City of Kawartha Lakes recreation facilities, including recreation complexes, community centres, arenas, halls, parks, and swimming pools are closed until further notice.
City programs, including drop-in swimming and skating and fitness classes, are cancelled. The information below provides you with information regarding credits and refunds for cancelled programs.

Community Care continues to offer Meals on Wheels service
Submitted by Graeme Morrison
During this difficult time, we’re pleased to share that Community Care continues to operate its Meals on Wheels service across the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Both frozen and hot meal deliveries are still taking place, and we are still accepting new clients. We’re happy to be able to provide this service if it means helping keep people comfortable at home during a time when social distancing is so important.

Over $70,000 raised for the Bobcaygeon Relief Fund
Submitted by Stewart Morrison Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Businesses across Kawartha Lakes are showing tremendous leadership by pledging over $70,000 since the fund announcement last week to help with the urgent needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We’re so grateful that those who can in the community have stepped up and come together to help support the patients, loved ones, and healthcare workers dealing with the devastation of the virus. I want to personally thank the companies and individuals who have already donated,” said Marlene Morrison Nicholls, Stewart Morrison Insurance president and founding director of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes.

Staying Connected in Difficult Times
Submitted by Marina Hodson
Well, we are three weeks into the current measures and, speaking personally, every day continues to feel new and strange. I hope that whilst you continue to practice physical social-distancing to reduce the spread, you are able to remain in contact with loved ones and take this opportunity to reach out to someone who may need someone to check on them. We may not be able to go visit, but that certainly does not mean that we should not practice random acts of kindness or reach out to those who are struggling during this difficult time.

Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show Reschedules for June 2020
Mark your calendars — the 36th annual Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show has been rescheduled for June 19-21, 2020. This decision was made with the overall hope that our lives will have a sense of normalcy by then and based on the availability of the Fenelon Falls Community Centre.
The Country Living Show committee is taking every necessary precaution and continues to monitor our current situation amidst the global pandemic. Any advisement provided by government or health officials will be taken into account to ensure that the event can run safely and smoothly. The number one priority of the Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Country Living Show committee is the safety of our vendors, visitors, and volunteers.

A Coronavirus Update from Kawartha North Family Health Team
Submitted by Marina Hodson
No! Not more about the Coronavirus…
I have no doubt that you are just about ready to never hear the words Coronavirus or COVID-19 again, I know I am. Unfortunately, these are difficult and unprecedented times and ignoring the facts will not help anyone. Of course, there is so much information and it changes so rapidly, that it can be difficult to find out what the facts actually are. Well at the time of writing this is what we know and what it may mean for you.

Medical Officer of Health Declares Community Emergency with COVID-19
Submitted by Kendra Fleming
The local medical officer of health is echoing today’s announcement by the provincial government to declare an emergency related to COVID-19. Due to this declaration, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health has activated the agency’s emergency response plan. This activation prompts local municipalities to set up their own emergency operation centres (EOCs) in order to move supports and resources in place for their communities.

How to Best Support Our Local Food Bank
The Salvation Army Fenelon Falls Food Bank thanks you for your continued support while we all do our part to #flattenthecurve. Items can be dropped off in the food bin at Sobey’s. Financial donations can also be made by phone 705-887-1408. Click read more for a list of their most needed items.

Thank You for Supporting Cupcake Days at The Kawartha Store
Submitted by The Kawartha Store
We want to thank everyone who came out for our Cupcake Days last weekend. Especially to our baker, Joanne, from The Little Pie Shack who baked 8 dozen delicious cupcakes. The donation box I’m am holding is full of money and we’ll let you know how much was raised when the Humane Society counts it. Thank you for helping the animals Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes because not every dog is as spoiled as ours.

Volunteer Opportunities with Parks, Recreation and Culture
Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture Division is pleased to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities this Spring and Summer. Whether you are a student looking to gain valuable community service hours are just looking to become more active in your community.

Salvage Kings Coming to Fenelon Falls - An Update
A few weeks ago we shared that the History Channel show Salvage Kings is looking to come to Fenelon Falls to film their show that features salvage and demolition of a building in disrepair. We'd like to clarify that they are also looking for straight salvage opportunities as well! Maybe someone has a property full of stuff that's sitting vacant. Perhaps an old business is no longer operating, but all the goods are still inside just waiting to get cleaned out.

Hospice Offers New Grief Support Group
Submitted by Community Care Health & Care Network
Are you or someone you know grieving the loss of a loved one? At Community Care Hospice Services, we believe that nobody should have to grieve alone. Our Grief Support programs are starting up in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Fenelon Falls, offering a safe, comfortable space to share your experience and connect with others who are going through similar situations.
For more information on our Grief Support programs, please contact our Hospice Services at 705-879-4123 or hospiceinfo@ccckl.ca

Pandemic Declaration Does Not Change Local COVID-19 Response
Submitted by Kendra Fleming
Although the World Health Organization today declared COVID-19 a pandemic, the area’s Medical Officer of Health says there is no need to panic. “At this time, we still do not have any local cases,” says Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “And while we may eventually see cases in our area, we have been working with our hospitals and health care partners to ensure we have supports in place to protect our residents and contain the spread of the illness when it arrives.”

New Rural Zoning By-law Update and Discussion Paper
The Planning Division held public information sessions in the fall of 2019 regarding the consolidation and update for a New Rural Zoning By-law. The sessions and conversations both introduced this Project and started the discussion on what needs to be considered in the development of a New Rural Zoning By-law. We would like your comments and input to help the City as we start to prepare a draft New Rural Zoning By-law over the next several months. Please provide comments by March 15, 2020 to ruralzoningbylaw@kawarthalakes.ca.

Upcoming Seminar: The Essential Support Role hosted by ABLE
For parents caring for an adult son or daughter with disabilities, the right paid help can provide the support for a good life, along with respite for family. But how do you ensure the support you engage is providing what you and your family member really need? Janet Klees, Executive Director of Durham Family Resources, and a longtime advocate for families challenged by disability, will address this question on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Shiloh Christian Centre, in Fenelon Falls, at 7 pm. in a seminar called “The Essential Support Role: Interviewing, Hiring and Guiding Paid Workers.” The event is being hosted by ABLE, a local family support network. Shiloh Christian Centre is located at 183 County Road 8, 2 km west of Sobeys in Fenelon Falls.

Fenelon Falls Robotics Kicks Off Their Season
For the third consecutive year, the students at FFSS have been competing in FIRST Robotics, an international series of tournaments designed to encourage high school-aged teams to compete head-to-head on a special playing field with robots they have designed, built, and programmed. In conjunction with the Robotics course being offered at the school, and with the generosity of local sponsors, the Robotics Club has spent hundreds of hours designing, coding, creating, and testing their creation in preparation for this season’s upcoming competitions in Oshawa, North Bay, and Mississauga.

Watson's Village Shop Closing: Rhonda is Retiring!
Things are changing on Colborne Street: after 55 years in business here in the downtown of Fenelon Falls, Watson's Village Shop is closing their doors! Rhonda, the shopkeeper and a very friendly face around town has decided to retire. Ahead of the store’s closure, Watson’s Village Shop is currently having a 50% off Retirement Sale and everything must be cleared out. For now, the shop is open Wednesday to Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Merchandise won't last long, so come on in and take home a little piece of Fenelon Falls history from the historic Watson’s Village Shop. Congratulations on your retirement, Rhonda!

Meet the Dietitian Events Provide Helpful Nutrition Advice
Submitted by Kendra Fleming
Healthy eating advice to nurture childhood growth and development will be served up to families in Kawartha Lakes in the coming weeks. The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is again offering free Meet the Dietitian events between now and mid-May at local EarlyON Child and Family Centres. Registered Dietitian Laura Abbasi will share her nutrition expertise with parents of infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Important note for curbside collection
Reshared from Kawartha Lakes News
Residents are reminded to follow the curbside waste and recycling collection requirements, to ensure all your items are picked up every week:
Bagged recycling will not be picked up. All recycling must be loose, rinsed of food residue and placed in an approved container for pick up
Waste and recycling must be accessible from the road: Waste, recyclables, leaf and yard materials and bulky items shall not be placed atop or behind a snow bank or other visual obstruction and out of the path of the snow plough or other maintenance equipment
Bins and bags should not weigh more than 40 pounds (18 kg)

Calling All Artists
Submitted by Belinda Wilson
The Kawartha Arts Festival is expanding! We invite new and returning artists to submit an application to be part of this year’s event. Established in 1989, we are one of the largest juried Art Shows in Southern Ontario, with free admission, free parking and a free shuttle service between the Fenelon Fairgrounds and downtown Fenelon Falls. Featuring artist demonstrations, live music and a food concession, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, and is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their talents in a wonderful outdoor setting.