Ontario Delivering Support to Agricultural and Horticultural Societies: Funding will help offset lost revenue from cancelled fall fairs and exhibits
WOODSTOCK - The Ontario government is providing $5 million to support the province's Agricultural and Horticultural Societies impacted by the pandemic. The funding is flowing through the Agricultural and Horticultural Support and Recovery Funding Initiative.
Programming details were announced today by Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association annual general meeting.
"Agricultural and horticultural societies play a vital role in agricultural education while making significant contributions to the economy of rural Ontario," said Minister Hardeman. "This funding will help support these societies during a difficult period so they can operate future fall fairs and exhibits and participate in our future economic recovery."
Societies have been unable to hold revenue generating events over the past 10 months due to health and safety concerns around COVID-19.
This one-time initiative features two funding streams:
"The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS), is grateful for the support from the Ontario Government," said Vince Brennan, Manager, Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. "Their investment shows the confidence and appreciation the government has for Ontario Agricultural Societies and their impact, especially during these challenging times. This funding will help support our Agricultural Societies and their communities."
"On behalf of the 273 societies/clubs of the Ontario Horticultural Association, we extend our gratitude for your generous financial support," said Katharine Smyth, President, Ontario Horticultural Association. "As you know, the societies/clubs have seen reduced membership numbers and have been unable to raise funds to continue their community involvements. Your consideration and response to their needs during the pandemic, by way of providing them extra finances will go a long way to support them through this crisis."
Agricultural and horticultural societies have played a critical role in educating Ontarians on the importance of agriculture for more than a century. Supporting this sector at this time will ensure the long traditions and economic contributions of the societies will not be lost as the province recovers from the impacts of COVID-19
Programming details were announced today by Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association annual general meeting.
"Agricultural and horticultural societies play a vital role in agricultural education while making significant contributions to the economy of rural Ontario," said Minister Hardeman. "This funding will help support these societies during a difficult period so they can operate future fall fairs and exhibits and participate in our future economic recovery."
Societies have been unable to hold revenue generating events over the past 10 months due to health and safety concerns around COVID-19.
This one-time initiative features two funding streams:
- $1.8 million Base Support Funding will provide eligible agricultural societies with $7,000, and eligible horticultural societies with $1,140 in funding to support their continued delivery of agricultural and horticultural education across Ontario.
- $3.2 million Hardship Funding for eligible agricultural societies will provide additional support, which will be based on their reported gate receipts from 2019. This will help off-set operating losses, liabilities, and fixed overhead costs.
"The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS), is grateful for the support from the Ontario Government," said Vince Brennan, Manager, Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. "Their investment shows the confidence and appreciation the government has for Ontario Agricultural Societies and their impact, especially during these challenging times. This funding will help support our Agricultural Societies and their communities."
"On behalf of the 273 societies/clubs of the Ontario Horticultural Association, we extend our gratitude for your generous financial support," said Katharine Smyth, President, Ontario Horticultural Association. "As you know, the societies/clubs have seen reduced membership numbers and have been unable to raise funds to continue their community involvements. Your consideration and response to their needs during the pandemic, by way of providing them extra finances will go a long way to support them through this crisis."
Agricultural and horticultural societies have played a critical role in educating Ontarians on the importance of agriculture for more than a century. Supporting this sector at this time will ensure the long traditions and economic contributions of the societies will not be lost as the province recovers from the impacts of COVID-19
2017 OHA Convention Competition Results
Eileen Fisher (Englehart Society) 2nd prize in Free Verse “My Favourite Time in the Garden”
3rd place in "Perfect Partners in the Garden"
Bill Thiffault (Kapuskasing Society) 2nd in Creative Song Writing
3rd place in "Perfect Partners in the Garden"
Bill Thiffault (Kapuskasing Society) 2nd in Creative Song Writing
In Memoriam 2017
Vickie Wiemer, North Bay, ON
With great sadness we are reporting the death of Vickie Wiemer. She had been unwell for several years and passed away on Wednesday, September 6. Vickie was a cherished member and past president of the North Bay Horticultural Society and, at one time, a member of District 12. With reassignment of the North Bay Society to District 18, she served there as District Director and also served as OHA President. Her dedication and enthusiasm will sorely be missed. Cards can be sent to: Rupert Wiemer and family, 1836 McKeown Ave., North Bay, P1B 7N4. (http://yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oId=1040432)
Timmins Horticultural Society: 2016
"Flower Power" new video from CTV Northern Ontario - great publicity for the Timmins Society!
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Timmins Horticultural Society: 2014 Activities
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Green thumbs in full bloom
By Jeff Labine, Timmins Daily Press
Sunday, August 17, 2014 3:10:09 EDT PM
The Timmins Horticultural Society president Kees Stryland checks over his flowers at the annual Summer Flower and Vegetable Show, held Saturday at Covenant United Church.
TIMMINS - The Timmins Horticultural Society gave flower enthusiasts a chance to stop and smell the roses.
The society held its annual Summer Flower and Vegetable Show at the Covenant United Church on Saturday. There was plenty of flora to see besides roses including vegetables, dallies, and marigolds. There was also a judging competition to see who had the best flowers and vegetables.
Timmins Horticultural Society president Kees Stryland said when growing flowers it all depends on the season. He likened flowers to people as each have their own unique characteristics. He said there was lots to see despite the poor weather this summer.
“Some plants do well in this weather,” he said. “Roses are a little bit tricky because they like the sun, dry weather and good soil. It takes someone with expertise to grow them. Lilies take the rain a little bit more. They're not as temperamental.”
Besides the weather, local horticulturalists also had to content with various insects and fungi. He explained that when it is wet slugs come out.
He said many had to go through a lot of plants to be able to bring in the best flower possible to the show.
The society has been around for about 90 years and has about 400 members, but over the past couple of years, Stryland has noticed more people becoming more interested in horticulture.
He said many people grow but the society's biggest challenge is having those people bring their plants in.
“We try to get a lot of advertising,” he said. “A lot of people say 'well, my stuff isn't good enough so we don't want to bring it in.'
“For people who are not professionals like florists they have done really well. Some people kind of short change themselves. They don't want to give themselves credit for some of the nice things they grow.
“I'm amazed how well they have grown and how many people have brought.”
By Jeff Labine, Timmins Daily Press
Sunday, August 17, 2014 3:10:09 EDT PM
The Timmins Horticultural Society president Kees Stryland checks over his flowers at the annual Summer Flower and Vegetable Show, held Saturday at Covenant United Church.
TIMMINS - The Timmins Horticultural Society gave flower enthusiasts a chance to stop and smell the roses.
The society held its annual Summer Flower and Vegetable Show at the Covenant United Church on Saturday. There was plenty of flora to see besides roses including vegetables, dallies, and marigolds. There was also a judging competition to see who had the best flowers and vegetables.
Timmins Horticultural Society president Kees Stryland said when growing flowers it all depends on the season. He likened flowers to people as each have their own unique characteristics. He said there was lots to see despite the poor weather this summer.
“Some plants do well in this weather,” he said. “Roses are a little bit tricky because they like the sun, dry weather and good soil. It takes someone with expertise to grow them. Lilies take the rain a little bit more. They're not as temperamental.”
Besides the weather, local horticulturalists also had to content with various insects and fungi. He explained that when it is wet slugs come out.
He said many had to go through a lot of plants to be able to bring in the best flower possible to the show.
The society has been around for about 90 years and has about 400 members, but over the past couple of years, Stryland has noticed more people becoming more interested in horticulture.
He said many people grow but the society's biggest challenge is having those people bring their plants in.
“We try to get a lot of advertising,” he said. “A lot of people say 'well, my stuff isn't good enough so we don't want to bring it in.'
“For people who are not professionals like florists they have done really well. Some people kind of short change themselves. They don't want to give themselves credit for some of the nice things they grow.
“I'm amazed how well they have grown and how many people have brought.”
Timmins Rose Show, July 2014
http://www.timminspress.com/2014/07/10/rose-show-in-full-bloom
Rose show in full bloom
By Len Gillis
Thursday, July 10, 2014 10:37:33 EDT PM
Sharon Ollila shows off one of her winning roses, a yellow-orange Love and Peace variety that took the red ribbon at the Timmins Horticultural Society rose show held Thursday.
TIMMINS - So much has been written about roses over the years that it’s easy to see the appeal.
Sharon Ollila of the Timmins Horticultural Society has a simpler reason.
“They’re so beautiful,” she said Thursday, in her quiet voice, at the rose show held at the Timmins Museum and National Exhibition Centre.
Ollila is something of a legend among local gardeners for growing some of the most beautiful roses in Timmins.
Well-known local gardener Kees Stryland, who also produces several varieties of these appealing flowers, said he wasn’t surprised to see that Ollila took the most first-place ribbons at Thursday’s event.
Ollila said it was hard to remember how she first got interested in the process of growing roses, something that many gardeners see as the elite effort when it comes to growing flowers.
“My father-in-law really liked roses. He had a rose garden at the cottage. When he passed on, I carried on with the rose garden,” she said.
The cottage is near Raven Lake, south of Timmins, she added.
Like many Northern gardeners, Ollila likes to try her hand at growing many things, but says roses are the most challenging.
“A lot of them need more care than other flowers. They need more sunshine. You have to keep the bugs away, the caterpillars, the rose slugs, spider mites...”
Her voiced trailed off as she picked up one of her winning entries, a large single yellow-orange creation, called Love and Peace. She said it is easy to enjoy roses.
“It’s the fragrance and they look so beautiful. They call them the queen of the garden.”
Ollila said there are dozens of varieties that can be grown in the North and she took some pride in describing them. She pointed at a large red hybrid tea rose.
“I called that O Canada. It bloomed on Canada Day,” she explained.
She said larger roses require a lot more care, especially from the cold.
Ollila pointed to another, smaller, darker red variety, which she said is popular in the North.
“I really like these. They’re a more hardy type rose. They’re from the explorer series, called Alexander Mackenzie,” she said. “They usually bloom in July and August.”
All is not perfect in the rose-growing world though. Ollila advised that prize-winning flowers need care, lots of care.
She explained that she was away from home in the week before the rose show and came back to discover that caterpillars had eaten through three of her rose bushes.
“So next year I will have to make sure I am not away,” she said, smiling.
http://www.timminspress.com/2014/07/10/rose-show-in-full-bloom
Rose show in full bloom
By Len Gillis
Thursday, July 10, 2014 10:37:33 EDT PM
Sharon Ollila shows off one of her winning roses, a yellow-orange Love and Peace variety that took the red ribbon at the Timmins Horticultural Society rose show held Thursday.
TIMMINS - So much has been written about roses over the years that it’s easy to see the appeal.
Sharon Ollila of the Timmins Horticultural Society has a simpler reason.
“They’re so beautiful,” she said Thursday, in her quiet voice, at the rose show held at the Timmins Museum and National Exhibition Centre.
Ollila is something of a legend among local gardeners for growing some of the most beautiful roses in Timmins.
Well-known local gardener Kees Stryland, who also produces several varieties of these appealing flowers, said he wasn’t surprised to see that Ollila took the most first-place ribbons at Thursday’s event.
Ollila said it was hard to remember how she first got interested in the process of growing roses, something that many gardeners see as the elite effort when it comes to growing flowers.
“My father-in-law really liked roses. He had a rose garden at the cottage. When he passed on, I carried on with the rose garden,” she said.
The cottage is near Raven Lake, south of Timmins, she added.
Like many Northern gardeners, Ollila likes to try her hand at growing many things, but says roses are the most challenging.
“A lot of them need more care than other flowers. They need more sunshine. You have to keep the bugs away, the caterpillars, the rose slugs, spider mites...”
Her voiced trailed off as she picked up one of her winning entries, a large single yellow-orange creation, called Love and Peace. She said it is easy to enjoy roses.
“It’s the fragrance and they look so beautiful. They call them the queen of the garden.”
Ollila said there are dozens of varieties that can be grown in the North and she took some pride in describing them. She pointed at a large red hybrid tea rose.
“I called that O Canada. It bloomed on Canada Day,” she explained.
She said larger roses require a lot more care, especially from the cold.
Ollila pointed to another, smaller, darker red variety, which she said is popular in the North.
“I really like these. They’re a more hardy type rose. They’re from the explorer series, called Alexander Mackenzie,” she said. “They usually bloom in July and August.”
All is not perfect in the rose-growing world though. Ollila advised that prize-winning flowers need care, lots of care.
She explained that she was away from home in the week before the rose show and came back to discover that caterpillars had eaten through three of her rose bushes.
“So next year I will have to make sure I am not away,” she said, smiling.
Northern News, May 9, 2014
PERRY KONG • for Northern News
KIRKLAND LAKE - The Kirkland Lake and District Horticultural Society hosted the District 12 Northeastern Ontario Horticultural Association Annual General Meeting recently at the Royal Canadian Legion. Celebrating their 80th year with fresh ideas and inspiration, the local club is far from being put out to pasture.
"On Golden Ground" was this year's theme and brought in gardeners from across District 12 which included Kapuskasing, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Timmins, Porcupine, and Englehart. The day was filled with speakers, a silent auction, competitions, demonstrations and recognition of the Society's milestone moments.
"We have an amazing group here," praised local president Shellie Kolomeitz-Warman. "The people - our members of our Kirkland Lake and District Horticultural Society, came out of the woodwork, and assisted in all kinds of ways and they're the ones who made that happen."
"We're very pleased," added Kolomeitz-Warman of the day's events. "A lot of work goes into a meeting like this and so you want to have a good turnout. I'm also looking forward to having Suzanne as our new District Director. She's a local member so that's going to be great for us." Suzanne Stamper-Bull has been acclaimed to the position of District Director. She is replacing Kees Stryland who is also the president of the Timmins Horticultural Society. Kees is also the past president of the Ontario Horticultural Association which is made up of 19 districts. Stryland and current president James Graham were among the guest speakers.
"We were so happy that James took the time out of his schedule to get up here," continues Kolomeitz-Warman. "We were told he was witty, but he stole the show. He had us all in stitches, and we felt very empowered as a horticultural society after his words of encouragement. He reminded us that we can have a positive change in very small ways, being welcoming, being willing to look at things from a new perspective, and not being afraid to try new things because sometimes, you know, we get comfortable with some things and we get stuck in a rut. But actually you've got to embrace new ideas and change, and that sometimes brings out new members too."
Both Graham and Stryland commended Kolomeitz-Warman and the hosting club for such a well attended event, and their growing success.
"They were very accommodating," praised Stryland. "The people are very friendly and I think that's the most people we've ever had. A lot of people came. That was a nice surprise."
"I think they are doing well," continued Stryland, "and there's a lot of interest and I hope they keep it up. I hope they keep going and enjoy it, and hope people appreciate what they have here, and how creative people are with both plants and flowers."
"Today was a great day," praised OHA president and retired chef James Graham. "This is a very congenial group. They visit with one another, they share ideas, they were interested in what's going on. I think that's a really positive thing. When a meeting - there's no conversation, and it's all dull, that meeting is a failure. When there's interaction, and laughter, and conversation, I think that's a positive sign for a meeting."
"We are always targeting new membership, we are always looking at membership, and today I spoke about membership. And I said, 'if you people aren't having fun at your meetings you're not having a very good time.'
"You've gotta have fun," adds Graham. "People want to be a part of something. And many municipalities want to build community. So by bringing people together in the horticultural society, you're growing your community. You're making a stronger community. And that's an important feature of the horticultural societies. It's not just the growing it's the socializing too. And that's what's happened here today. Marvelous socializing. People are here from Cochrane, they're here from Kirkland Lake, they're here from Timmins, and they see one another occasionally so they come together and, 'Oh Mary, it's so good to see you', and that's what you want. It strengthens the community."
"They're fun," praises Graham. "Good natured and lots of humor. I think they've done remarkably well."
"You have been very well blessed in this district. You have people who have led the province and led out and about. Thank you so much for everything and keep up the good work."
PERRY KONG • for Northern News
KIRKLAND LAKE - The Kirkland Lake and District Horticultural Society hosted the District 12 Northeastern Ontario Horticultural Association Annual General Meeting recently at the Royal Canadian Legion. Celebrating their 80th year with fresh ideas and inspiration, the local club is far from being put out to pasture.
"On Golden Ground" was this year's theme and brought in gardeners from across District 12 which included Kapuskasing, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Timmins, Porcupine, and Englehart. The day was filled with speakers, a silent auction, competitions, demonstrations and recognition of the Society's milestone moments.
"We have an amazing group here," praised local president Shellie Kolomeitz-Warman. "The people - our members of our Kirkland Lake and District Horticultural Society, came out of the woodwork, and assisted in all kinds of ways and they're the ones who made that happen."
"We're very pleased," added Kolomeitz-Warman of the day's events. "A lot of work goes into a meeting like this and so you want to have a good turnout. I'm also looking forward to having Suzanne as our new District Director. She's a local member so that's going to be great for us." Suzanne Stamper-Bull has been acclaimed to the position of District Director. She is replacing Kees Stryland who is also the president of the Timmins Horticultural Society. Kees is also the past president of the Ontario Horticultural Association which is made up of 19 districts. Stryland and current president James Graham were among the guest speakers.
"We were so happy that James took the time out of his schedule to get up here," continues Kolomeitz-Warman. "We were told he was witty, but he stole the show. He had us all in stitches, and we felt very empowered as a horticultural society after his words of encouragement. He reminded us that we can have a positive change in very small ways, being welcoming, being willing to look at things from a new perspective, and not being afraid to try new things because sometimes, you know, we get comfortable with some things and we get stuck in a rut. But actually you've got to embrace new ideas and change, and that sometimes brings out new members too."
Both Graham and Stryland commended Kolomeitz-Warman and the hosting club for such a well attended event, and their growing success.
"They were very accommodating," praised Stryland. "The people are very friendly and I think that's the most people we've ever had. A lot of people came. That was a nice surprise."
"I think they are doing well," continued Stryland, "and there's a lot of interest and I hope they keep it up. I hope they keep going and enjoy it, and hope people appreciate what they have here, and how creative people are with both plants and flowers."
"Today was a great day," praised OHA president and retired chef James Graham. "This is a very congenial group. They visit with one another, they share ideas, they were interested in what's going on. I think that's a really positive thing. When a meeting - there's no conversation, and it's all dull, that meeting is a failure. When there's interaction, and laughter, and conversation, I think that's a positive sign for a meeting."
"We are always targeting new membership, we are always looking at membership, and today I spoke about membership. And I said, 'if you people aren't having fun at your meetings you're not having a very good time.'
"You've gotta have fun," adds Graham. "People want to be a part of something. And many municipalities want to build community. So by bringing people together in the horticultural society, you're growing your community. You're making a stronger community. And that's an important feature of the horticultural societies. It's not just the growing it's the socializing too. And that's what's happened here today. Marvelous socializing. People are here from Cochrane, they're here from Kirkland Lake, they're here from Timmins, and they see one another occasionally so they come together and, 'Oh Mary, it's so good to see you', and that's what you want. It strengthens the community."
"They're fun," praises Graham. "Good natured and lots of humor. I think they've done remarkably well."
"You have been very well blessed in this district. You have people who have led the province and led out and about. Thank you so much for everything and keep up the good work."
Kirkland Lake Horticultural society honours past members
)
Monday, July 23, 2012 8:44:50 EDT AM
Northern News, Kirkland Lake
By Brad Sherratt
KIRKLAND LAKE - The Kirkland Lake Horticultural Society honoured three of its most distinguish past members this past Wednesday with the unveiling of three memorial trees at Swastika Park.
Kaarine Evans, Hazel Joy and Dorothy Konapaski were each honoured and after their trees and plaques were unveiled society members spoke about the passion each had for the society.
Gwen Kydd stated "Dorothy was an avid gardener. She had a garden, she shared it with a partridge, she looked for it everyday and if it didn't come out, she was worried...We travelled a lot, and she like to observe the flora. She brought a a plant which looked like a marigold but it was a ground cover. She tended it and it did well. She had her own place in Dane...with her raspberry patch.... It became too much to handle, and she moved into town.... I decided to start a Junior Garden Club and Dorothy was right there with me. Dorothy was a shy person, a quiet person, but don't get her ire up because then she could be outspoken. She was a family person, she was a good person, she'd do anything for anyone."
On behalf of the Evans family Kaarine's daughter Lynn Lenardon spoke of her mother's passion for gardening.
"Thank you to the Society for doing this. My mother would have really appreciated and enjoyed it. She moved here in 1947 with my dad, I was a year old. The whole area here (Swastika Firemen's Park) was a garden with an old shack. A man who we all called Peter the Gardener would take care of it. My mother was one of the few people Peter would allow into the garden....After the 2000 Swastika reunion, there was leftover money which we used to build the gazebo. My mother was in TPR, but we brought her to our house every three weeks or so because she liked to check on my gardens and make sure everything was right. My husband Joe brought her up here in a golf cart so she could see the gazebo and the planter boxes. On behalf of the family, thank you for this dedication."
On behalf of Hazel Joy, Shellie Kolomeitz-Warman shared with the crowd Joy's love of the society and gardening in general.
"Hazel Joy was one of those people that everybody knew, perhaps partly because she worked for so many years at the old A and P store. At our Horticultural Society, Hazel was known as a tireless at all our activities. She liked to work more behind the scenes than in the spotlight but was always considered consistent and dependable.
One member, Mary McLenaghan remembers Hazel's generosity the most. Hazel habitually brought plants to the meetings for the members, sometimes just a few, but at other times she would have a plant from the A and P for almost everyone there. A stalwart of the society for many years, its an honour for me to dedicate this tree to the memory of long-time member Hazel Joy."
Monday, July 23, 2012 8:44:50 EDT AM
Northern News, Kirkland Lake
By Brad Sherratt
KIRKLAND LAKE - The Kirkland Lake Horticultural Society honoured three of its most distinguish past members this past Wednesday with the unveiling of three memorial trees at Swastika Park.
Kaarine Evans, Hazel Joy and Dorothy Konapaski were each honoured and after their trees and plaques were unveiled society members spoke about the passion each had for the society.
Gwen Kydd stated "Dorothy was an avid gardener. She had a garden, she shared it with a partridge, she looked for it everyday and if it didn't come out, she was worried...We travelled a lot, and she like to observe the flora. She brought a a plant which looked like a marigold but it was a ground cover. She tended it and it did well. She had her own place in Dane...with her raspberry patch.... It became too much to handle, and she moved into town.... I decided to start a Junior Garden Club and Dorothy was right there with me. Dorothy was a shy person, a quiet person, but don't get her ire up because then she could be outspoken. She was a family person, she was a good person, she'd do anything for anyone."
On behalf of the Evans family Kaarine's daughter Lynn Lenardon spoke of her mother's passion for gardening.
"Thank you to the Society for doing this. My mother would have really appreciated and enjoyed it. She moved here in 1947 with my dad, I was a year old. The whole area here (Swastika Firemen's Park) was a garden with an old shack. A man who we all called Peter the Gardener would take care of it. My mother was one of the few people Peter would allow into the garden....After the 2000 Swastika reunion, there was leftover money which we used to build the gazebo. My mother was in TPR, but we brought her to our house every three weeks or so because she liked to check on my gardens and make sure everything was right. My husband Joe brought her up here in a golf cart so she could see the gazebo and the planter boxes. On behalf of the family, thank you for this dedication."
On behalf of Hazel Joy, Shellie Kolomeitz-Warman shared with the crowd Joy's love of the society and gardening in general.
"Hazel Joy was one of those people that everybody knew, perhaps partly because she worked for so many years at the old A and P store. At our Horticultural Society, Hazel was known as a tireless at all our activities. She liked to work more behind the scenes than in the spotlight but was always considered consistent and dependable.
One member, Mary McLenaghan remembers Hazel's generosity the most. Hazel habitually brought plants to the meetings for the members, sometimes just a few, but at other times she would have a plant from the A and P for almost everyone there. A stalwart of the society for many years, its an honour for me to dedicate this tree to the memory of long-time member Hazel Joy."