This May Pinch A Bit

bboyce • December 9, 2022

This May Pinch A Bit

By Monica Alyea

This May Pinch a Bit

 

Have you been busy lately? Not busy like in the depths of covid when getting dressed sometime during the day constituted busy. Or braving a drive to the grocery store, list in one hand and mask in the other to be as quick as possible in getting your provisions and getting back home. Or having two Zoom calls in a week instead of just one. “Got to go. It's 10 a.m. and I have a Zoom call at 2 to get ready for.” Well maybe that's not your life – but it feels like it has been largely mine for the last couple of years.

 

Now, oh joy, we're back to restoring community! The Regent is running and so is the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatics Centre pool. Hockey is back as are the Elks' dinners and Christmas bazaars, Pumpkinfest, and Milford Fair. Ameliasburgh Museum is active again as is Mt Tabor Playhouse. The list goes on and on as our community reaches for another kind of healing. And did I mention live music – yes, please and thank you!

 

People gathering. Masks optional.

 

And then – gotcha! Out of nowhere, but from somewhere, covid laid me low. Then two of my close friends got a nasty bout and we're pretty sure from me. Ouch. Much as I have appreciated really getting in touch with my introverted side during mainline covid time, being ill with it has, truthfully, been kind of scary. For weeks afterward I've had a fatigue that has held me at a distance from the me I know. Covid conversations these days seem to take up less airtime. However, when they arise, it's often about how we're different now – individually and collectively.

 

I've sat on the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation board since 2011. Over those years I've noticed that there are community conversations around healthcare that also take up less airtime. We've had challenges for sure – no need to list them here. But we have had promising and inspiring opportunities to sort out what really matters in healthcare for our community moving forward. As Quinte Health progresses through the stages of building our new hospital, they are right beside us as we work to raise the money that is our community's share. The Municipality and the Family Health Team have an understanding and engagement in supporting a new hospital and in finding medical personnel to replace our retiring doctors who, individually and collectively, have devoted many years to our community. Each of us knows someone, a family member, a neighbour, a friend who currently works in healthcare. If you are one of those reading this who provides, or has provided, a care service to us – thank you.

 

The other day I went for my flu shot. One day soon I'll be in line for my next covid vaccine. On the delivery end of those vaccines are scientists and researchers who are developing and improving them, the people taking my health card information and the person who says to me “this may pinch a bit.” They are all special people in these times.

 

As some of us tackle our personal budgets to deal with inflation, we are feeling another meaning of “pinching a bit.” We know some of our charitable non-profit community will have more folks to serve. We know our Foundation has a goal to reach for our new hospital. We're close but not there yet. This may be a tough stretch ahead for a while. So when you are making your gift wish list this season, please consider adding a wish for a donation with a meaningful human impact – to a local foodbank, Reaching for Rainbows, the ROC, hospice, or your local hospital.

 

You too can be special folks in these times. Thanks for a pinch – of sugar!

 

For information about our hospital, or to make a donation call 613-476-1008 ext. 4425, or visit the foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.

 

October 31, 2025
BLOOMFIELD, October 28, 2025 – What began as a way to bring isolated people together safely to make cherished holiday memories during the Covid pandemic … grew over 5 years resulting in over 3,000 people (and countless pets) being photographed at ANDARA Gallery’s annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event … raising over $35,000 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.  Today, Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi are proud to announce that this beloved program will be transitioning over to The Eddie Farm & Hotel for the 2025 Holiday season … and beyond. “We have loved every minute of our five years hosting this special holiday fundraiser! The program has grown so much and now requires more energy and resources. We couldn’t be more thrilled to hand the reins of this beautiful annual tradition over to the stewardship of Alex Portman and Michael von Teichman at The Eddie Hotel and Farm … the epitome of “Christmas in the County”. We know their team will do a great job continuing this treasured tradition for County residents and visitors in support of our beloved hospital”, said Tara Wilkinson, co-owner of ANDARA Gallery. Artists Tara and Andrew will continue to focus on creating, exhibiting and selling contemporary fine art paintings, photography, digital art and ceramics year-round from their colourful ANDARA Gallery - named one of Ontario’s Top 10 Best Art Galleries by TripAdvisor earlier this year. ANDARA Gallery’s upcoming holiday art show and sale, “LUMINOUS” will run November 15th through December 6th and then December 16th to 23rd from 11 AM to 5 PM. For more information, visit www.andaragallery.com. The 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event will take place at its new location, The Eddie Hotel and Farm located at 15786 Loyalist Parkway (between Bloomfield and Wellington) in Prince Edward County … Thursdays through Sundays between Noon and 6 PM starting on Thursday, December 4th and running through Sunday, December 21st, 2025. The event will now be known as “Holiday Photos at The Red Barn”. Residents and visitors can now make an advance reservation for their group photo time through www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. Guests will check in a Nellie’s Cheese Shop located in The Red Barn where they can make their donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign, purchase a snack, hot chocolate, mulled cider and other holiday gifts. You then bring your own fully charged camera and choose from one of 3 photo areas in and around The Red Barn. Eddie staff will be available to assist with taking your photo or you can use one of the iphone camera stands available at each photo location. All they ask in return is for a donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign. “We suggest a donation of $10 per group, but a larger donation is welcome if you can afford it, and less is fine if you can’t” says Alex. An income tax receipt will be issued by the PECMHF for all donations over $100. To make your reservation for the 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, go to www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. “We are delighted to be taking over the annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event from Tara and Andrew at ANDARA Gallery and bringing it to The Eddie Hotel and Farm. It seemed like such a good fit since our property is already so decorated after The Red Barn Holiday Market - which takes place the last weekend of November each year. We loved the idea of people being able to capture their family memories over the years against the backdrop of “The Eddie”, says says Alex Portman, Co-owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “We are delighted to continue this wonderful tradition of providing such a joyful experience for our community that brings people together to create holiday memories while raising much needed funds for the new hospital,” says Michael Von Teichman, Co-Owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “Thank you to Andrew and Tara of ANDARA Gallery and everyone who has supported this event over the past five years. We look forward to continuing this wonderful holiday tradition with Alex and Mike at The Eddie Hotel and Farm. No matter the size, every donation makes a difference in the care you and your family will receive in our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “We look forward to everyone coming out to support this festive fundraiser again this year as we work to modernize and enhance health care services to ensure people living in and visiting our community continue to have access to care close to home.” The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital. -30- PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Holiday Photo in the Barn Founders and ANDARA Gallery Co-Owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson, celebrate the transition of their annual fundraiser over to The Eddie Hotel and Farm in Prince Edward County with (Centre) Nancy Parks, PECMHF Back the Build Chairperson and (R), the Eddie’s Co-Owners, Michael von Teichman and Alex Portman. Photo Credit: Staff, The Eddie Hotel and Farm.
October 28, 2025
The inaugural Partners in Pink Golf Tournament, held on October 9, was a swinging success, raising just over $64,000
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160
October 17, 2025
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is grateful to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 in Wellington for their generous $3,000 grant from the Poppy Fund to support the purchase of a new mammography machine for our new hospital.
Merrial Leslie
October 15, 2025
PECMH Foundation Planned Giving - Merrial Leslie built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community.
September 24, 2025
Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record PICTON, September 24, 2025 – The sweet smell of success filled the air at the Picton Fair as the 16th annual Bake Off Challenge raised a record-breaking $18,700 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF). With more than 50 entries and enthusiastic bidding, the community once again proved that a passion for baking can translate into life-changing support for local health care. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a digital mammography machine, a critical tool for early breast cancer detection. Since 2007, the Prince Edward Agricultural Society, who host the Bake Off has raised over $64,500 for the hospital. This year’s event included a special one-time memorial apple pie category in honour of the late Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young, who was the inaugural Bake Off winner in 2007 with his unforgettable apple pie. A total of 26 apple pies were entered in his honour, raising an incredible $8,250 on their own. Jim’s parents, Colleen and Murray, and daughters, Dahnon and Kendyl, were present to celebrate his legacy. Entries were judged by Ken Menlove, a local lawyer; Jordan Smart with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary Unit; Mike Roy, a community member; and Chris Malette, MP for Bay of Quinte. The auction produced plenty of highlights. Firefighter Autumn Benlap’s Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake topped the apple pie category and sold to Dr. Sarah Waterston, and Elizabeth Lodge’s Lemon Cream Pie, named best overall pie, sold to Herman Prinzen. “The Bake Off is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community spirit and generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of a new digital mammography machine for the new County hospital, and we are so grateful to every baker, bidder, and volunteer who made that possible.” “The Bake Off has become a highlight of the Picton Fair, and it’s inspiring to see how much it has grown,” said Susan Harrington, president of the Picton Fair Board. “The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze us. Thank you to everyone who baked, bid, or volunteered to make this year such a success.” The Agricultural Society also expressed its gratitude to the many individuals and local businesses who made the event possible. “There’s something truly special about seeing friends, neighbours, and businesses come together over pies and cakes to support health care,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “This event proves that even the simplest of traditions can make a lasting impact on our community.” The Foundation is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Agricultural Society and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to next year’s Picton Fair. The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital. 
Picton Fair Bake Off Honour Deputy Jim Young
August 26, 2025
Picton Fair Bake Off to Honour Deputy Jim Young - Funds raised will support the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
MLP Residence Donates $5,000 to PECMH Foundation's Back the Build Campaign
August 20, 2025
MLP Residence is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation’s Back the Build campaign.
Base31 partners with Quinte Health and PECMH Foundation
August 14, 2025
PECMH Foundation and Quinte Health are pleased to announce a partnership with Picton’s Base31 that ensures air ambulance services are continuing while construction on the new hospital is underway.
How a Daycare Found Wonder in a Hospital Build
August 13, 2025
"My New Hospital” – through little eyes - At the HUB Child & Family Centre, our youngest neighbours have a front-row seat to the action next door — the building of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital!
PECMH Foundation Celebrates Record-breaking Fundraising Year
By Tanya Moore July 4, 2025
PECMH Foundation Celebrates Record-breaking Fundraising Year - The PECMH Foundation reported that the community stepped forward to help raise over $6.2 million in the 2024/25 fiscal year ending on March 31.
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