MAHC enters partnership, join a Trails Committee, Tennis Courts delayed, Lions Lookout Field closed, HAS seeks board members, Gravenhurst call to artists, New SaveStations in Muskoka Lakes, New Heritage Map,

Select Muskoka Newsbites from various sources including our own reporting, media releases, and a few notes contributed by our friends at The Bay 88.7 FM.

MAHC and LEGs Enter Partnership

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) has entered into a formal partnership agreement with physician-based Local Education Groups (LEGs) in the region to enhance research growth.

A Local Education Group (LEG) is a group of physician clinical faculty who have joined together to assume responsibility for the provision of a significant, identifiable components of Northern Ontario School of Medicine University’s (NOSM) current academic mandate, explains Dr. Lisa Allen, Regional Research Coordinator, via press release. LEGs also support other academic activities such as professional development, research, and clinical innovation.

For more than a decade, MAHC has been involved in research projects led by physicians from the Huntsville, South Muskoka and Parry Sound Local Education Groups. The region has benefitted from over $1 million in research grant funding in the last seven years associated with over 50 research and quality improvement projects through the LEG collaboration.

“Physicians in Muskoka are very committed to research activities and leading formal academic investigation studies that are focused on improving clinical care and quality improvement,” says Allen. “Recently, studies have examined hospital readmissions, obstetrical emergencies, medication reconciliation, antimicrobial stewardship, exercise programs for cancer patients and survivors, penicillin allergy testing, and unattached patients.”

Research studies have achieved meaningful change for patients without a family doctor by supporting data collection highlighting the need for the unattached patient clinic at the Annex in Huntsville. Another study has prompted the use of SeamlessMD, a surgery patient portal using a smartphone app that provides remote support to a patient’s surgical journey using an interactive guide to prepare for their surgery beforehand and recover faster afterwards, all from the comfort of their own home.

Gravenhurst Seeks Committee Members

The Town of Gravenhurst is now accepting applications for its new Trails Committee, which will be comprised six people from the community and a council representative.   

“This is a great opportunity to be directly involved in the trail network we have in our community,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said via press release. “We invite all interested residents who have a passion for trails to apply to serve on the committee.”  

The committee will be responsible for maintaining the town’s trail network, helping draft annual budgets for trail maintenance, and helping plan events and programs that promote the town’s trails. They will meet in March, June, and September each year on the second Thursday of the month.   

The deadline to apply to serve on the committee is 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30.  For information check out the Town’s website.   

Tennis Court Projects Delayed

Due to poor weather conditions, specifically frequent rainfall, the Town of Huntsville has announced that the Utterson and Conroy Park Tennis Court projects have been delayed. The tennis courts are expected to re-open by the beginning of September.

The town issued an apology for the inconvenience in the news notice.

Lions Lookout Field Closed August 4

The Town of Huntsville issued a public notification that the Lions Lookout Field will be closed to the public during the day for a permitted evening event on Sunday, August 4.

HAS Seeks Board Members

The Huntsville Art Society (HAS) is looking for new volunteers. They are seeking interested parties to join its board of directors to fill the roles of co-chair, secretary, and treasurer, as of the non-profit art organization’s AGM on October 17, 2024.

As well, HAS will be in need of a newsletter editor as of the end of August and Community Partners Committee (Hospice, Library galleries) members immediately.

Training will be provided by the outgoing incumbents. Those interested can find out more or apply for a role by emailing co-chair Karen Cassian at hascurator@gmail.com.

Gravenhurst Arts Tour Call for Artists

The second annual Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour is taking place in Gravenhurst on September 28 and 29, 2024 and they’re looking for artists to take part. All Muskoka artists are welcome to register for the event. Learn more by emailing jennifer.brockett@gravenhurst.ca

Or register at Gravenhurst Autumn Arts Tour Registration Form

Two New SaveStations in Muskoka Lakes

The Township of Muskoka Lakes recently installed two new outdoor, year-round SaveStation automated external defibrillators (AED), one at the Walker’s Point Community Centre and the second at the Milford Bay Community Centre. These two facilities are community hubs for tennis, pickleball, basketball, hiking and more.

“The installation of these two new AEDs is a big step in safeguarding our community,” said Mayor Peter Kelley via media release. “While I do hope there is never a need to use either of these AEDs, it is reassuring knowing they are there and available 24/7.”

Both Savestations are located at the front door of each of the respective facilities. The wall-mounted AED lights up at night and is marked for public use. The technology built into this SaveStation allows for 24/7 monitoring to ensure it is always ‘ready for rescue’ and will take a picture, sound an alarm and flash a light strobe when the cabinet is opened. This cabinet also keeps the AED warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Similar to AED units located inside public facilities, once pulled and opened, the unit will guide the user through the step-by-step instructions to operate. If members of the public would like to learn more, they are encouraged to receive the appropriate CPR/AED training through a certified professional.

It is important to remember the SaveStations do not call 911. In the event of an emergency, it is important to dial 911 first.

Explore the New Interactive Lake of Bays Heritage Map

The Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee is excited to announce the launch of a new interactive Heritage Registry Map, offering a digital journey through the history and cultural significance of the Lake of Bays community.

The interactive map serves as a virtual tour of the Township’s municipal heritage register, highlighting historical properties of cultural value or interest. It offers a unique opportunity for residents, visitors, and history enthusiasts to discover the stories that shaped the identity of Lake of Bays.

To access the new interactive Heritage Map, visit lakeofbays.on.ca/HeritageMap.