By Vivian Collings My Great-Grandmother once said to me, “truth is stranger than fiction,” and this year, I’m really believing it. I’m Vivian Collings, and I joined the Haliburton Echo and Minden Times team in…
Exercise democratic freedom
By Darren Lum The window of opportunity to serve your municipality has passed with nominations closing for municipal elections on Friday, Aug. 19.Although a few races never got started (as outlined with the article, Here…
Audible attribute worth valuing
By Darren Lum It’s easy to forget what you have when you’re not looking … or listening.This editorial may have a similar sentiment to last week, but there is never enough gratitude in this world,…
Absence makes the value of engaging worth savouring
By Darren Lum I heard somewhere grief is about having love you can’t give anymore.As I get older, the losses in my life have mounted, whether from time, circumstances or death. The difficult truth about…
It’s all around
There is beauty in the details of life.There were thousands of creations with varying depths of details showcased at this past Art and Craft Festival event held from July 22 to 25 at Head Lake…
Connecting to soul
By Darren Lum No matter how many advancements are made when it comes to communication technology there is unlikely going to be anything as fulfilling as the in-person interactions between people.This was evident as I…
Reliance on connectivity disconnects
By Darren Lum Walking through the woods early in the morning, it’s clear by the cacahopony of calls by birds that they can communicate as long as they have their voices.In our high tech world…
Saying goodbye with gratefulness
By Sue Tiffin When I first returned to the Haliburton County Echo and Minden Times as a reporter in 2017, it had been 21 years since I had been a co-op student at the Echo…
It’s a matter of perspective
Flags waved across Haliburton County saying hello to another Canada Day.For many it was a long-awaited weekend with family, friends and the optimism for summer, which brings promise of swimming and picnics at the beach…
Optimism for a new day
By Darren Lum Before the COVID-19 pandemic every school year ended the same. Full of hope and belief in a new future with the summer break and opportunity for a new start.Students crossed the stage…
We see you
I used to tell my step-son when he was younger that it didn’t cost us anything to be kind to people.It’s a sentiment I still believe in years later. However, the reality of not sharing…
Care for the carers
By Darren Lum As of June 11, the province has lifted its masking requirements in places such as hospitals and public transit, but not long-term care and retirement homes.Far be it for me to question…
Record for apathy set
By Darren Lum So, Ontario, where were you this election? There was a little less than 44 per cent of eligible voters who cast a ballot, which is a provincial record by 15 per cent.Doug…
Election exhibition of division
By Darren Lum Once upon a time I grew up in a country and a province that prided itself on not being American.It was nothing to brag about. And, yet, it was a belief we…
Memories, not tragedies
Long weekends are ripe for memory making.What kinds of memories is up to you and your decisions.With summer-like temps and the extra day, life for those that work the five-day work week, this Victoria Day…
Vote for what’s best
By Darren Lum Maybe life will get better.After more than two years of life during a pandemic, there has been a lot of uncertainty.Maybe it’s almost over. Maybe not. Vaccines are the answer to all…
Practice patience, exhibit compassion
By Darren Lum When I see a pickup truck deliberately run up and down Highland Street, spewing black diesel fumes in the air, I shake my head in disbelief. What kind of attention-seeking person does…
Taking lessons in loss
By Darren Lum We all need something larger than ourselves to be a part of. Find unity when you feel alone. Share in the ups and the downs. Have a memory that lasts and stays…
COVID-19 is a lesson
By Darren Lum Loss. The word itself is filled with sorrow.The pandemic has had a pronounced affect on our lives. Loss has and continues to be felt by everyone, whether it is visible or notWhat…
Athletics offers great highs and lows.
By Darren Lum On Sunday, March 27, it was a high for Canada when the men’s national soccer team advanced to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar with a 4-0 win over Jamaica at BMO…
It’s a matter of perspective
By Darren Lum When my father came to this country at 15 with a duffle bag of clothes and a hope for a brighter future he knew little about Canada. He just knew it was…