New wheels

Gary's been making good progress at the West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto. Earlier this week, we got a sneak peek at the wheelchair that will help bring him home:

His recovery continues at a remarkable pace. Gary even got into the summer swing of things by downing a bit of ice cream.

We're hoping to have have him back here real soon. Only one major obstacle still remains - getting a generator to power the equipment Gary will need once he's back here in Muskoka. Other than that, we're full steam ahead at bringing him home!

What's Up gives a shoutout to Gary

Our good friends at our award-winning local newspaper, What's Up Muskoka, took the time this week to share some kind words about our friend Gary.

This month, we are heading into ChautauquaFest, a new, 10-day celebration of arts and culture that runs from Aug.14-23. The festival is the culmination of nearly 20 years worth of hard work that Gary and his wife Gayle have put into Muskoka Chautauqua, its brand, its programs and its vision.

Unfortunately, while Gary is on the way home, it appears he will not be in Muskoka for this monumental occasion. This massive festival features over 20 events throughout Muskoka that encompasses the visual, literary, dramatic and musical arts - the essence of what Muskoka Chautauqua is all about.

Gary will be following along with this festival from his hospital bed. He is hoping his community will be having a great time on his behalf at this inaugural festival while he is away.

We're on track to bring Gary home, but a generator is still the major obstacle standing in the way of his return. Otherwise, the journey home continues at full speed.

Stay tuned friends!

Another encouraging step closer to home

More encouraging news this week for Gary. We've just learned that Gary has been accepted to a ventilator program at the West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto!

What this means is that now Gayle and volunteers will receive training on the ventilation system that will ultimately allow Gary to come home. The training is expected to begin soon. We've already received some interest from some locals, which include a volunteer firefighter from our local Port Carling station. However, we're always seeking the company of more friends, and are still taking in volunteers for this role.

The biggest challenge for now still remains in getting a generator to power the equipment for Gary once he comes home. But one way or another, we're hoping to be able to bring Gary home very, very soon.

Stay tuned!

The journey home begins

Plans are afoot for finally getting Gary home.

Gayle and Gary have applied to a ventilator training program at the West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto, and are now in the process of looking for a generator. The hope is that once a power source is secured, it can be installed at Gary's home in Port Carling. Friends and family will then be able to help care for Gary as he continues his recovery here in Muskoka.

Though this game plan has been struck, Gary's exact path home remains unclear at the moment. Gayle and Gary are looking for anyone in the community who is interested in taking the ventilator training, and for anyone who can assist in the process of acquiring a generator. If you think you can help, give us a call at 705-765-1048.

18 years and still going strong

Gary had good reason to be happy yesterday - he celebrated 18 years with Gayle at his side! Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary as he continues to recover. We're hoping that by the time he celebrates 19 years, he'll be right back here in Muskoka where he belongs.

Gary switches gears in recovery

Gary continues to pick up speed in his recovery, switching gears into the next phase of his rehab this past weekend.

A few days ago, Gary started using a new arm attachment for his cycling apparatus. It was only about half a year ago that he started using the same cycling machine with his legs. He continues to regain more and more of his fine motor skills each month, and his recovery overall is continuing at a steady pace. Staff here at Muskoka Chautauqua continue to be amazed at the volume of well wishes for Gary that flood through the phone lines every day. Though Gary's been away from Muskoka for well over a year now, Muskoka certainly has not forgotten him!

Flavours moves forward key ingredient in spirit

Though he's not physically in the mix this year, Gary continues to shape the taste of our annual culinary event - Flavours of Muskoka Chatuauqua - from areas afar.

It was around this time last year that Gary first fell ill, and though his recovery has taken him into southern Ontario, he continues to work with our staff and organizing committee to pin down every last detail of the gourmet food event from his hospital bed.

Flavours has always been a very special event for Gary, and though he's unable to attend this year, he's hoping the event will continue to bring rich flavour to the region for years to come.

A big Muskoka Chautauqua thank you goes out this week from us to the wonderful staff at our local newspaper What's Up Muskoka. This week's edition features an article detailing Gary's extensive involvement with Flavours over the years. Their talented staff covered the progress of Gary's recovery from the get go, and we're all deeply grateful for their ongoing support.

For tickets to Flavours, please visit www.muskokachautauqua.ca, or call 705-765-1048. This year, the event takes place on Sunday, June 15, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Resort and Spa in Minett.