Strong start to new program

Published Nov. 6 2018

To the Editor

It is remarkable to live in a vibrant community filled with people who are ready to step up and make exciting things happen. This became very apparent with the planning of the Writer-In-Residence Program a new initiative of the Arts Council Haliburton Highlands.

Haliburton County Development Corporation and the Haliburton Highlands Writers and Editors Network stepped up to provide essential funding to the arts council. The Haliburton School of Art + Design offered space for the Evening with Frances Itani and volunteers from the Minden and District Horticultural Society created decorative floral arrangements to enhance the environment.

People willingly volunteered their time to engage in planning and implementation of the events that were held over a two week period at the end of October.  Door prizes and items for the silent auction table were graciously donated by members of the community and Mike Jaycock did a wonderful job of not only setting the tone for the event but keeping everything on time and on point. Erin Kernohan-Berning stepped up to help advertise the event and then created a warm and entertaining environment for a natural conversation with Frances.

It truly takes a community to create such a wonderful new event and on behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way. Frances Itani felt very welcome and valued. It was an encouraging start for this new event.

Marie Gage