“We are excited to announce our 2022 Keynote Speaker is Sapna Sharma,” said Scott Young of the Conservancy. “Sapna will help us understand how climate is changing and highlight the ecological, cultural, and public health ramifications of losing lake ice.”

Sapna Sharma is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and York Research Chair in Global Change Biology. She studies how lakes worldwide respond to climate change, including rapid ice loss, warming water temperatures, degrading water quality, and changing fish distributions. She is a dedicated science communicator, generating millions of media impressions by clearly conveying complex research and as founder of SEEDS, an outreach program for refugees. Her keynote presentation is titled: On thin ice: are lakes feeling the heat?

Muskoka Conservancy is the nature conservancy of Muskoka that permanently protects 3,200 acres of beautiful land, 60,000 feet of natural shoreline, and 600 acres of wetlands in Muskoka.

Muskoka Conservancy is a member-based organization. Anyone may attend the meeting, but only members can participate in voting. You can become a member at muskokaconservancy.org or by calling (705) 645-7393 ext. 200.

The post Muskoka Conservancy Annual Meeting Coming Up On June 10 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The online session for families takes place Monday, May 2 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Dawson and her colleague, Dr. Richard Guare, have co-authored the books Smart but Scattered and Smart but Scattered Teens, as well as several books on this topic for educators, mental health professionals and families. She is a school psychologist with expertise in the assessment of learning and attention disorders.

Dr. Dawson’s workshop for educators introduces the 11 executive skills featured in the Smart but Scattered model and provides school-based strategies for strengthening each skill across the grade levels.

The workshop for families describes how these skills develop throughout childhood and suggest strategies that can be used to help children acquire the critical skills they need to be successful students.

The Smart but Scattered website says executive skills “refer to the brain-based cognitive processes that help us to regulate our behaviour, make decisions and set and achieve goals.” They include task initiation and follow through, planning and organization, working memory, performance monitoring, inhibition of impulses and self-regulation. Dr. Dawson believes these skills are “absolutely critical to school success.” Learn more about how Dr. Dawson defines executive skills here.

She is past president of the National Association of School Psychologists, the International School Psychology Association and is a recipient of NASP’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

NNDSB invites members of the community to attend Dr. Dawson’s using this link. People can also attend by phone. Find your local dial-in number here, then use Meeting ID: 833 3486 5926 and Passcode: 020746.

The post Workshops Explain How Executive Skills Promote School Success appeared first on Muskoka411.

Prior to entering medical school, Charles Hayter studied English and Drama at Queen’s University and earned a Masters in Drama at the University of Calgary. He received his M.D. from Queen’s University and subsequently trained as a radiation oncologist. He is a former Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Toronto, and a former President of the Canadian Society for the History of Medicine. His book An Element of Hope (McGill-Queen’s, 2005) received widespread recognition for its trailblazing exploration of radium and cancer treatment, and for providing context for current problems in cancer control. His plays include Radical, about Dr. Vera Peters and her fight with surgeons to abandon the radical mastectomy, and Lady-in-Waiting, about a doctor with a secret life as a drag queen, won the award for best writing in a solo show at the 2008 Fresh Fruit Festival in New York City.  His new book Cancer Confidential, in which he weaves his personal story of dealing with his father’s terminal cancer into stories inspired by encounters in his oncology practice, is forthcoming from University of Toronto Press September 2022.

To learn more about Charles Hayter, please visit www.charleshayter.com

Zoom Room opens at 6:50 pm; meeting starts at 7:00 pm.

Fee: MAA Members: Free, Non-Members: $20

For more information and to register, visit Muskoka Authors.ca and click on UPCOMING EVENTS or  call David Bruce Patterson at 705-801-8074.

Registrants will receive a link to the ZOOM event via email from info@wendiedonabie.com

The post Writing Medical Stories With Award-Winning Playwright Charles Hayter appeared first on Muskoka411.

At Get to Know Georgian, not only will you learn about our programs and services – we’ll waive the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) fee if you apply on the day of the event with a Georgian program as your #1 choice.

Whether you’re thinking about attending Georgian yourself or are a parent or supporter of a future student, this event is your opportunity to connect with the friendly recruitment team about all things Georgian.

Get to Know Georgian is a great opportunity to:

1. learn about Georgian’s flexible study options, including 130+ programs and opportunities for full-time, part-time and online study
2. get information on the many supports available to students
3. find out about student clubs and how you can get involved at college
4. understand Georgian’s admission requirements, our application process and key dates
5. discover financial aid options
6. and more

There will also be a Q&A session where people can ask specific questions about Georgian.

“Get to Know Georgian is the ideal opportunity to find out what we have to offer as you or your loved one explore postsecondary options,” said Kristy Linklater, Associate Director, Marketing and Recruitment. “Our knowledgeable and friendly student recruitment team is here to answer all your questions, and assist you with applying to college. We can’t wait to meet you virtually!”

Register online and get full details at GeorgianCollege.ca/GetToKnowGeorgian.

Campus tours are back in Barrie and Orillia! If you’re thinking about studying at the Barrie or Orillia campuses you can now book a campus tour.

The post Georgian Offering Virtual Events For People Who Have Questions About College appeared first on Muskoka411.

The MQFF Committee had hoped to be able to hold this year’s festival in-person, but unfortunately with the uncertainty of public health restrictions, the decision was made to hold it as a virtual event.

On March 18, 19, and 20, MQFF will present 14 films (3 feature, 11 short) celebrating different sides of queer life, produced both in Canada and internationally including the United States, Spain, Australia and a total of seven countries. Each day will also feature chats with directors and festival jury members, and other exclusive content, as part of the broadcast.

“This is an exciting and ambitious project that builds on the success of our first two year’s festival. We’re thrilled to be showing these films to the world from Muskoka,” says Merv Taylor-Morin, President of Muskoka Pride. “It was hard to choose from all the great films submitted for selection to our festival, however, we believe we’ve created a diverse lineup of short and feature films that will resonate with the people who tune in to see them.”

He adds that while disappointed the film festival can’t be live and in person, this is an opportunity to build on the success of the 2020 and 2021 online festival, which each had over a hundred attendees.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite on a “Pay What You Can” basis with a recommended donation of $25. Ticket holders will be emailed access information to a private Facebook Group for the broadcast.

Muskoka Queer Film Festival will also honour directors with two awards. The Festival Favourite will be selected by the MQFF jury while the Audience Choice award will be voted on by festival-goers online.

Michelle Emson and her partner Lenny Emson of Sanctuary Studios, a multi-media production company based in Muskoka, are international human rights activists and filmmakers, and they were integral to making the online presence of the festival a reality.

“In these times of isolation, we understand how important it is to stay together united by common views and sharing common values,” says Michelle Emson. “We are happy to apply our technical skills and make Muskoka Queer Film Festival happen despite all the odds and to be available for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or place of residence. We welcome everyone to join us online and share the festival atmosphere of an historic event for Muskoka.”

The films selected for MQFF 2022 are: The Power of We, The Commitment, Before the Eruption, Fallacy, Stories from Land Back Camp, We All Lie My Darling, Emergence – Out of the Shadows, Safe Distance, Parental Guidance Suggested, The Clinic, TRANS – I Got Life, WorkWear, My Mother’s Girlfriend, and The Out-Fit.

While the festival can be viewed on any device, the festival committee strongly recommend the use of a computer for interactive segments and for discussing the films as they play.

The Muskoka Queer Film Festival is a collaboration of Muskoka Pride and Sanctuary Studios Inc., and is sponsored by the Government of Canada through Heritage Canada’s BCAH grant and McMaster’s Muskoka Fine Foods.

For details about the films and to purchase tickets to join the festival online, please visit mqff.ca.

The post Muskoka Queer Film Festival Remains Virtual For Third Annual Event appeared first on Muskoka411.

Hrdlitschka’s mother always gave her kids a choice: help with the chores or read a book. (Clearly she knew the value of reading). Shelley opted to read and she still chooses to read when she should be doing chores. In fact, she’d rather read than do almost anything else.

While teaching elementary school she discovered she had a huge passion for children’s literature. This inspired her to try writing her own books. Hrdlitschka is now the author of eleven novels for teens, two illustrated children’s books and one adult novel.

He Y/A novels explore complex themes such as religious polygamy, teen pregnancy or self abuse. She has received a number of recognitions and awards for them. One was short-listed for a Governor General’s Literary Award, and two were Canadian Library Association honour books. A few have been nominated for Ontario’s White Pine Award and her book, Dancing Naked, was the very first White Pine recipient.  The author’s illustrated books deal with lighter themes, the grizzly bears of Grouse Mountain and a grandmother who celebrates the cultural diversity of her grandchildren. Her co-authored adult novel is written in epistolary form between three friends facing their fears at the start of the pandemic.

Shelley Hrdlitschka currently live in North Vancouver, BC. When she’s not writing (or reading), you’ll find her hiking, snowshoeing, volunteering at a thrift shop or hanging out with the grizzly bears and reindeer at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

More info here:  shelleyhrdlitschka.ca/

Zoom Room opens at 6:50 pm; meeting starts at 7:00 pm.

Fee: MAA Members: Free, Non-Members: $20

For more information and to register, visit Muskoka Authors.ca and click on UPCOMING EVENTS or call David Bruce Patterson at 705-801-8074.

After you register for this event, you will be sent a link to the ZOOM event via email.

The post Author Shelley Hrdlitschka Talks About Publishing appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Trust will kick off Heritage Week celebrations with a free virtual tour of Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site on Monday, February 21. Throughout the week, free programs will also explore the historical significance of Ashbridge Estate and Enoch Turner Schoolhouse in Toronto, and Fulford Place in Brockville.

“Ontario offers the world in one province — whether it’s through touring our museums, visiting our cultural sites or hiking in a nature preserve, there are many wonderful opportunities to experience its many historic offerings,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “I encourage all Ontarians to embrace Heritage Week virtually or in person, safely explore these historic sites, and learn more about Ontario’s rich and unique history.”

Ontario Heritage Trust’s Heritage Week 2022 schedule:

Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site virtual guided tour 
February 21; 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Limited availability, registration required

This 60-minute live virtual tour will bring the history of the Underground Railroad to life through artifacts, a walking tour of the museum’s historical buildings, interactive activities and incredible storytelling. Book through Eventbrite.

For more programs related to Black history and heritage, visit Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site’s special events and programming page.

Fulford Place: Virtual tour
February 21-27; Pre-recorded
No registration required; join online 
Learn about the Fulford family and explore the interior of their 1,858-square-metre (20,000-square-foot) Edwardian mansion overlooking the St. Lawrence River in Brockville.

Mrs. Henderson’s classroom: A virtual field trip
February 22 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Registration required
Go back in time and experience the classroom rules and responsibilities of a Victorian school child through a lively re-enactment of a morning at an 1858 Toronto school. This tour is for kids Grades 1-6. Book through Eventbrite.

200 years of history: A walking tour of the Ashbridge Estate
February 23 and 26 at 2 p.m.
Registration required. COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place.
On this outdoor walking tour exploring the grounds of the site, visitors will learn about the Ashbridge family (one of the early settler families of what is now Toronto), explore some of their stories, as well as the history of Toronto and Canada itself. Book through Eventbrite.

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse: A virtual visit
February 24 at 2 p.m.
Registration required
During this tour, participants will learn the history of Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (Toronto’s first free school), discover the ins and outs of a Victorian schoolteacher’s work, and the many uses the schoolhouse has seen. Book through Eventbrite.

On Thursday, February 24, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will join John Ecker, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, to present the 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards. This annual awards program recognizes exceptional achievements in heritage conservation. The recipients of this year’s awards will be announced publicly the following day.

Communities across Ontario will also celebrate Heritage Week with special programs. Visit the Trust’s Heritage Week community events and activities list for more information.

Each year during Heritage Week, the Trust announces its interpretive theme for the coming year of commemorative activities. In 2022, the Trust will explore Ontario’s design heritage and history – from architecture to technology, landscape design to urban planning, and the stories behind the creative minds who have shaped, and continue to transform, the lives of Ontarians.

“There is so much to learn and celebrate about our province during Heritage Week. From historic places and museums to natural spaces and trails, we encourage all to participate through activities that will enrich your knowledge of Ontario,” said John Ecker, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust. “Join the Trust throughout 2022 as we explore the transformative power of design and look back on its rich history in Ontario – the past can serve as a source of inspiration for architects, planners and innovators imagining safer, sustainable spaces and technologies for a better future.”

SOURCE Ontario Heritage Trust

The post Celebrate Ontario’s Heritage During Heritage Week, February 21-27 appeared first on Muskoka411.

ETERNITY MARTIS: An award-winning Toronto-based journalist. She was a 2017 National Magazine Awards finalist for Best New Writer and the 2018 winner of the Canadian Online Publishing Awards for Best Investigative Article. Her writing has appeared in Vice, Huffington Post, The Walrus, CBC, Hazlitt, The Fader, Salon, and on academic syllabuses around the world.

Her work on race and language has influenced media style guide changes across the country. She is the course developer and instructor of Reporting On Race: The Black Community in the Media at X University, the first of its kind in Canada, and the 2021 Asper Visiting Professor at UBC. She earned an honours BA and a Certificate in Writing from Western University and an MJ from X University. In 2020, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by Women’s Executive Network.

Her bestselling debut memoir, They Said This Would Be Fun, was a “Best Book of the Year” pick by Globe and Mail, Apple, Audible and Chapters/Indigo. CBC called the book one of “20 moving Canadian memoirs to read right now” and PopSugar named it one of “5 Books About Race on College Campuses Every Student Should Read.” This year, They Said This Would Be Fun won the Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Non-Fiction.

ZOEY ROY: Artist. Activist. Educator. Zoey Roy is a force. Her performances weave storytelling, rap, theatre and rhythm and blues together to confront colonialism, explore how it impacts Indigenous people, and find pathways of healing: “What I love most about spoken word is that I can synthesize deep and complex narratives in a way that they become socially acceptable and palatable for a wider audience. I feel a sense of empathy and understanding can be gained by the collective in these moments.”

Zoey is dedicated to working with young people and brings her messages of anti-colonialism and healing into classrooms around the country. She has earned a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Public Policy, and is pursuing a PhD in Education. Through her doctoral studies, she is working toward building schools that are not dependent on the colonial system. She calls it “the HYPE Institute: Helping Young People Engage”.

She has written two books: the memoir, Homecoming (2016), and The Voyageurs: Forefathers of the Métis Nation (2019). Memorable performances include the Regina and Calgary Folk Festivals, Canada 150 on Parliament Hill, BIGSOUND in Australia, and the Dubai Expo 2020. Zoey has been awarded many honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Youth Leadership Award (2013), Indspire Award (2016), and the Saskatchewan Arts Award for Arts and Learning (2019).

Zoey is Nehithaw-Dené Métis, a member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation with roots also from the Black Lake Denesuline Nation, and Green Lake, Saskatchewan. She is now based in Kingston, Ontario, but calls Saskatoon home.

“I want people to know that I am actively working on healing, and that I have tools I’ve picked up along the way that I am open to sharing with them, if they’re willing to listen.”

DR. ANNE-MARIE ZAJDLIK: Founder of Masai Center and Bracelet of Hope. Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik is a family physician and regional HIV specialist. She is the founder of ARCH Clinic Guelph and Waterloo, a provincially funded HIV clinic. ARCH Clinic provides care to over 700 HIV positive patients in Guelph-Wellington, Grey Bruce and Waterloo Region.

Dr. Zajdlik is founder of Bracelet of Hope, a charitable community based organization that raises awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub Saharan Africa and funds for HIV/AIDS relief in Lesotho, Africa. She is a previous board member of the Ontario Hospital Association’s OHAfrica project and member of the OHAfrica Canadian Medical Team that helped open the first HIV/AIDS clinic in Lesotho, Africa.

The Bracelet of Hope Campaign raised over $1 million for the Tsepong Clinic in Lesotho, providing the funding necessary for the clinic’s 2009 operating costs, keeping 21,000 HIV positive people enrolled into care and 11,000 patients on HIV treatment. Bracelet of Hope has now raised over $5 million for HIV/AIDS treatment and relief in Lesotho. The organization is now focused on mobile mobile health units which serve 16,000 people in remote areas of Lesotho providing HIV care, primary care and prevention and COVID-19 education, testing and vaccination.

Anne-Marie is a recipient of the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement award, Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Guelph, Guelph Mercury’s Female Newsmaker of the Year in 2005. She was inducted into the McMaster University Alumnae Gallery in 2011 and received the Order of Ontario in 2010. She is a recent recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

YWCA Muskoka To Host International Women’s Day Event

The post Meet The Speakers For YWCA Muskoka’s Third Annual She Talks Event appeared first on Muskoka411.

Eternity Martis – Award-winning journalist, course developer and instructor of Reporting On Race: The Black Community in the Media at X University, and author of best selling memoir, They Said This Would Be Fun.

Zoey Roy – Celebrated artist, activist and educator whose performances weave storytelling, rap, theatre and rhythm and blues together to confront colonialism, explore how it impacts Indigenous people, and find pathways of healing.

Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik – Founder of Masai Center and Bracelet of Hope whose work as a family physician and regional HIV specialist provides care to over 700 HIV positive patients in Guelph-Wellington, Grey Bruce and Waterloo Region.

The event will be hosted by public speaker and facilitator Krishma Goraya. She has held various leadership roles within the YWCA movement and represents YWCA Muskoka on the Muskoka Parry Sound Torstar Community Advisory Council.

“This year’s She Talks speakers will share honest stories and lessons to inspire us, challenge us and help shed some light on what the path forward can look like as we try to navigate our way through this pandemic and beyond,” said She Talks Committee Chair Laura Sundy.

She Talks Muskoka is a key fundraiser for YWCA Muskoka, a charity that provides community outreach programs and advocates for positive change for women, youth and gender diverse people.

“Women have been among the hardest hit demographics over the past two years, so funds
raised from this year’s She Talks are incredibly important to our charity,” said Sundy. “This is a virtual event, but our hope is that people can gather with their loved ones to watch, while connecting with and celebrating the women in their lives on International Women’s Day.”

A virtual silent auction is currently open for bidding. People tuning in from the Muskoka area can order take-out meals from participating restaurants and a portion of the meal sales will be donated to YWCA Muskoka. Local restaurants who would like to be involved can reach out to YWCA Muskoka.

All event details and tickets are available now on the She Talks webpage.

If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring She Talks Muskoka or donating to the silent auction, please contact Laura Sundy at YWCA Muskoka: lsundy@ywcamuskoka.com.

Meet The Speakers For YWCA Muskoka’s Third Annual She Talks Event

The post YWCA Muskoka To Host International Women’s Day Event appeared first on Muskoka411.

The college is offering a series of Get to Know Georgian events – Tuesday, Jan. 25, Tuesday, Feb. 8 and Tuesday, Feb. 22. These events run from 5 to 6 p.m. and they’re virtual so you can attend from wherever you are.

For highly competitive programs, after Feb. 1, colleges consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until programs are full. Many programs continue to accept applicants after Feb. 1 but it’s always a good idea to explore your options and apply early.

At Get to Know Georgian, not only will you learn about our programs and services – we’ll waive the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) fee if you apply on the day of the event with a Georgian program as your #1 choice.

Whether you’re thinking about attending Georgian yourself or are a parent or supporter of a future student, this event is your opportunity to connect with our friendly recruitment team about all things Georgian.

Get to Know Georgian is a great opportunity to:

1. learn about Georgian’s flexible study options, including 130+ programs and opportunities for full-time, part-time and online study
2. get information on the many supports available to students
3. understand Georgian’s admission requirements, our application process and key dates
4. discover financial aid options
5. and more

There will also be a Q&A session where people can ask specific questions about Georgian

“Get to Know Georgian is the ideal opportunity to find out what we have to offer as you or your loved one explore postsecondary options,” said Kristy Linklater, Associate Director, Marketing and Recruitment. “Our knowledgeable and friendly student recruitment team is here to answer all your questions, and assist you with applying to college. We can’t wait to meet you virtually!”

Register online and get full details at GeorgianCollege.ca/GetToKnowGeorgian.

The post Georgian Offering Virtual Events For People Who Want To Get To Know Them appeared first on Muskoka411.