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What’s new from the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism – February 28, 2018

By kawarthaNOW -
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 21st at The Village Inn in Lakefield, electing the Chamber's 2018-19 Board of Directors.

B.O.S.S. Features Young Professionals – March 20th

Lisa Besseling of Stony Lake Furniture Co.
Lisa Besseling of Stony Lake Furniture Co.

Join the Chamber on Tuesday, March 20th for the next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) session, featuring some of the Chamber’s Young Professional award recipients.

The panel will include Lisa Besseling of Stony Lake Furniture Co. Located on Stanley Street, Stony Lake Furniture Co. is Lakefield’s best-kept secret when it comes to beautifully designed furnishings and decor for your home or cottage. In addition to the retail component, design services are offered which helps to keep the business viable all year round.

Lisa uses various social media platforms to showcase product and design skills, and Style at Home magazine has published articles featuring her design work.

When Lisa received the Chamber’s Young Professional award in 2015, she had the following advice for other young professionals:

“Trust your gut and take the jump. The worst that can happen is that you fail, but at least you tried and you are still learning from the experience for the next time you try.”

Matt Logan of Logan Tree Experts and Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm will also be on the panel, which will be moderated by Julia Wood of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.

The BOSS seminar is being held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77, 10 Nicholls Street, Lakefield from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20th. A hot breakfast will be provided by Jack’s Family Restaurant. Cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for future members. Register now.

 

Recap of Annual General Meeting on February 21st

The Chamber thanks everyone who who attended the Annual General Meeting on February 21st — there was a great turn out once again.

The Chamber thanks the following refreshment donors for supporting this event: Chemong Lodge Steak & Seafood, Lakefield Foodland, Lakefield Pantry, M&M Food Market, Subway – Lakefield, The Nutty Bean Cafe, and The Village Inn.

2018-19 Kawartha Chamber Board of Directors

The Chamber’s incoming Board of Directors was elected at the AGM. The 2018-19 Board, in alphabetical order, is as follows:

  • Chris Wilson, Let’s Get Digital
  • Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing
  • Garry Douglas, North Kawartha Design and Kawartha Lakes Construction
  • Jillian Harrington, Clearview Cottage Resort
  • Kevan Herod, Herod Financial Services
  • Leslie Nunes, Kinetic Therapeutics
  • Mike Walker, Agilec
  • Penny Wilson, The Cozy Home
  • Scott Matheson, CIBC
  • Sheri Hockaday, Salon Sorella & Day Spa
  • Tom LaBranche, Village Pet Food & Supply
  • Tonya Kraan, Strexer Harrop & Associates
  • Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts

2016-17 Annual Report

In preparation for the AGM, the Chamber’s 2016-17 Annual Report was released last week. The report highlights the Chamber’s events, programs, and accomplishments from the 2016-17 fiscal year. View the Annual Report.

Retiring Board Directors

At the AGM, the Chamber recognized three retiring Board Directors: Bryan Kingdon of ISL Insurance, the Chamber’s longest-standing Board member having served seven years; Brian Harrington of Clearview Cottage Resort, who represented the Chamber on the RTO8 Board for three years; and John Penny of JC Penny Accounting & Tax Services, who joined the Board in 2014 and served a term as Treasurer.

Retiring Directors were recognized with:

  • A donation to Royal Canadian Legion Branch #77 (Lakefield) on behalf of Bryan Kingdon
  • A donation to Lakefield Youth Unlimited on behalf of Brian Harrington
  • A plaque presented to John Penny

Networking Event & Professional Development Sponsors

Chamber Board president Cindy Windover (right) thanks Lynn Woodcroft of Royal Lepage Frank Real Estate, who has renewed as the Chamber's Professional Development Sponsor for 2018-19. Gerry Heron of Blue Diamond Window Cleaning has also renewed as the Chamber's Networking Event Sponsor.

Chamber Board president Cindy Windover (right) thanks Lynn Woodcroft of Royal Lepage Frank Real Estate, who has renewed as the Chamber’s Professional Development Sponsor for 2018-19. Gerry Heron of Blue Diamond Window Cleaning has also renewed as the Chamber’s Networking Event Sponsor.

The Chamber extends a very special thank you to Lynn Woodcroft, Sales Representative, Royal Lepage Frank Real Estate, and Gerry Heron, Blue Diamond Window Cleaning, for their dedicated support of the Kawartha Chamber.

Lynn has graciously renewed as Professional Development Sponsor for 2018-19 and Blue Diamond Window Cleaning has renewed as the Networking Event Sponsor for the third year in a row.

Community Support

The Chamber is proud to support events and organizations in its communities. In 2017, the Chamber supported 21 community events and initiatives.

At the AGM, the Chamber presented cheques to Jennie MacKenzie, Lakefield Village Merchants Ice Sculpture Carvings; Doug Northey, Chair of PolarFest; and Dot Smith, Lakefield Horticultural Society.

 

Welcome New Member

Oxford College of Arts, Business and Technology
360 George Street N, Peterborough, 705-742-5565, www.oxfordedu.ca

“Oxford College’s accredited diploma programs can have you in your career in as little as 30 weeks. With 5 locations we are fortunate to have one located in the heart of Peterborough. With classes running morning, afternoon and evening you can maintain a schedule of work and school. The small class sizes allow for a more personal approach to learning. Oxford offers multiple financial aid options, career services assistance, ESL classes and more.”

Oxford logo

 

Canadian Chamber Looks to Budget 2018 to Improve Competitiveness for Canadian Businesses

The federal budget is set to be released Tuesday, February 27th. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement last week in regards to the federal budget:

“Canadian competitiveness is eroding across the board and our membership-which includes thousands of small- and medium-sized businesses across the country-is deeply concerned.

“We regularly hear from businesses that the rising cost of running a business in Canada and the uncertainty caused by potential changes to the tax system are having a negative impact on their ability to grow, to create jobs and to compete for investment and customers at home and abroad. The Canadian Chamber looks forward to the federal budget to see what concrete steps the government will take to address these concerns.”

Read more.

 

Chamber Members Are Hiring

 

Notice of Public Consultation Meeting – Peterborough Utilities Inc. Dam 24 Hydro Project – February 28th

Peterborough Utilities Inc. (PUI) is proposing the development of the Dam 24 Hydro Project on the Otonabee River in the Township of Selwyn.

A public consultation meeting is being held on Wednesday, February 28th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre in the Neils Pind Room.

PUH will be presenting information on the project and soliciting feedback from the public.

 

Career Fair & Community Information – March 1st

Career Fair

A Career Fair and Community Information session is being held on Thursday, March 1st from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).

Learn about job openings, job search support, local services, and information. This is a free event for job seekers of all ages, employers and community agencies.

Employers include Beachwood Resort, Kawartha Lakes Construction, Oxford College, Savage Arms, Six Foot Bay Resort, Westwind Inn on the Lake, and more.

The event is hosted by Agilec, City and County of Peterborough, Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Township of Selwyn.

Learn more.

 

Rural Women’s Summit in Buckhorn – March 2nd

Maryam Monsef, MP Peterborough-Kawartha and the Minister of Status of Women, will be the evening keynote speaker at the Rural Women's Summit on March 2, 2018. The goal of the free event, which also includes an afternoon panel and participant dialogue, is to discuss the empowerment of rural women and girls in Peterborough-Kawartha. (Photo: Office of Maryam Monsef)
Maryam Monsef, MP Peterborough-Kawartha and the Minister of Status of Women, will be the evening keynote speaker at the Rural Women’s Summit on March 2, 2018. The goal of the free event, which also includes an afternoon panel and participant dialogue, is to discuss the empowerment of rural women and girls in Peterborough-Kawartha. (Photo: Office of Maryam Monsef)

The First Annual Rural Women’s Summit is this Friday, March 2nd, at the Buckhorn Community Centre from 2 to 8 p.m.

From 2 to 5 p.m. there will be an afternoon panel, participant dialogue, and action planning, and from 5 to 8 p.m. there will be the evening keynote speaker, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women and MP Peterborough-Kawartha, with music and refreshments.

Admission is free and all are welcome. To register, visit mmonsef.liberal.ca/events, call 705-745-2108, or email maryam.monsef@parl.gc.ca.

 

Public Meeting for Buckhorn Greenspace/Streetscape Design Plan – March 7th

The Municipality of Trent Lakes Economic Development Committee invites you to attend a public meeting for the Buckhorn Greenspace/Streetscape Design Plan.

The meeting is taking place on Wednesday, March 7th from 7 to 9 p.m. in Hartley Hall at St. Matthews Church, 1937 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn.

Everyone is welcome to attend this public meeting to learn about this exciting project, meet the project representatives and, most importantly, to provide input.

 

Peterborough County Award Nominations Deadline – March 15th

The County of Peterborough invites nominations for the County of Peterborough 2018 Recognition Awards. Nominations will be accepted for any resident or group residing in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to our community.

The nominee shall not have received a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years. Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category. Read more.

The nomination form is available here. Nominations close March 15th.

 

Upcoming Events

  • Free Senior Skating, Lakefield – March 2nd
  • Kawartha and Haliburton Trapper’s Carnival, North Kawartha Community Centre – March 3rd
  • Public Skating, Apsley – March 3rd
  • Paint Nite at the Buckhorn Community Centre – March 7th

 

For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.

All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.

Publican House Brewery raises $7,289 for The Canadian Canoe Museum

By kawarthaNOW -
Marty Laskaris, co-founder and president of Publican House Brewery, with Carolyn Hyslop, general manager of The Canadian Canoe Museum. Publican House Brewery has raised $7,289 for the museum through sales of its Paddler's Ale. (Photo courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum)

Publican House Brewery in downtown Peterborough has raised $7,289 for The Canadian Canoe Museum from sales of the brewery’s Paddler’s Ale.

Publican co-founder and president Marty Laskaris presented a cheque to the museum’s general manager Carolyn Hyslop earlier today (February 27).

“We are grateful to partner with Publican House Brewery on a product that appeals to the paddling community,” Hyslop says. “Paddler’s Ale has become a favourite at museum events including our Silver Canoe Receptions, Volunteer Potluck, and Annual Beaver Club Gala.”

Developed in May 2017, Paddler’s Ale is a coarse-filtered ale with a hint of citrus, with 4.5 per cent alcohol by volume. The colourful can is adorned with paddles and canoes along with the text “paddle your own canoe” and “Do your part to help support a part of Canadian History – raise a glass of Paddler’s Ale.”

Publican House Brewery's Paddler's Ale, available at the brewery as well as Sobeys on both Towerhill Road and Lansdowne Street in Peterborough, and LaMantia's Grocery in Lindsay. (Photo courtesy Publican House Brewery)
Publican House Brewery’s Paddler’s Ale, available at the brewery as well as Sobeys on both Towerhill Road and Lansdowne Street in Peterborough, and LaMantia’s Grocery in Lindsay. (Photo courtesy Publican House Brewery)

It can be purchased in 473 ml cans from the brewery’s retail store (300 Charlotte St., Peterborough), Sobeys on both Towerhill Road and Lansdowne Street in Peterborough, and LaMantia’s Grocery in Lindsay. The beer is also served on tap at Publican House Brew Pub.

“We are thrilled to have a Canadian icon like The Canadian Canoe Museum located right in our community,” Laskaris says. “This collaborative effort to promote both of our brands for Peterborough was a natural fit.”

A portion of every can sold goes directly to support the museum’s ongoing growth and upcoming move to a waterfront location on the Trent Canal at the Peterborough Lift Lock.

“Community support is integral to the Canoe Museum so we, as a collective, can continue to build Peterborough and Kawarthas as an international destination,” Hyslop adds.

Comedian Dave Cave revisits Lindsay Lohan’s musical career

By Sam Tweedle -
"Nobody asked for this." Peterborough comedian and performer Dave Cave will sing Lindsay Lohan's 2004 album 'Speak" in its entirety at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Dave Cave)

On Thursday, March 1st, Peterborough comedian Dave Cave returns to The Theatre on King (TTOK) with the debut of his brand new show Lindsay Lohan’s Speak: A Classic Album Comes to Life.

A follow up to his 2014 one-man musical Madonna What the Hell: The Worst Hit Musical, in his new show Dave takes the stage to revisit a moment in pop culture history that time hasn’t really cared about.

“Nobody is asking for this,” says Dave of the concept of his new show. “Nobody is remembering this, or shining a light on this moment in pop culture history.”

Dave Cave presents
Lindsay Lohan’s Speak – A Classic Album Comes to Life

When: Thursday, March 1 to Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Theatre on King (159 King St., Suite 120, Peterborough)
How much: $10 at the door or pay what you can

Songs from Lindsay Lohan’s 2014 album Speak performed on piano and sung by Dave Cave.

Years before Lindsay Lohan became a tabloid sensation for her bad reputation and self-destructive behaviour, she tried her hand at transitioning from a teen actress to pop star. Under contract with Walt Disney, Lindsay released a few singles via Disney Radio, which led to the release of her debut album Speak in December 2004.

Although two of the album’s songs, ‘Rumors’ and ‘Over’, would appear on the music charts, and despite the album selling over 4.5 million copies worldwide, Lohan’s music career was a minor blip in not only the world of pop music, but in her own career. As an album, Speak has had no legacy.

But maybe Dave Cave can change that.

“This is not drag,” Dave clarifies. “I’m not performing as Lindsay Lohan. I’m just performing her entire album from beginning to end. I’ll be going over her career during the time she released the album, and going over some of the interviews that she’s done. I’ll be dissecting her career and persona, especially during that time period, and how it relates to that album.”

Obviously a unique idea for a performance piece, Dave’s interest in Lindsay’s album is to examine the way society looks at sexual identities between male and female celebrities.

“I’m not really a Lindsay Lohan fan to be honest,” Dave admits. “I didn’t even really care about the album until I thought of it as an idea for a show. I’m more interested in how she’s been handled, and how the conversations around her have developed.

“Culture dehumanizes people of low status, but it also dehumanizes people of extreme high status. I think the way that Lindsay was acting in her early twenties is what a regular guy does. If a rugby team had the same behaviour, they’d still be heroes though. Artists like Enimen, who talks a lot about addiction and compulsive behavior, has this sort of hero status. But when a female artist does it, she’s deemed out of control and she has to get her life back on track.”

For six months, Dave has taken the time to learn all 12 tracks from Speak on the piano, which he plans on performing for a captive audience for a three-night run at TTOK. Part of the appeal to Dave is how forgettable and unimpressive Speak is as an album.

VIDEO: “Rumors” – Lindsay Lohan

“I’m always interested in the type of art that I call ‘Hotel Lobby Art’ — art that is not polarizing,” Dave explains. “It’s not so good that it became a classic, and it’s not so bad that it became a cult classic. It’s art that has someone put so much effort into to have it go essentially nowhere in either direction. It’s also from a time period that’s not even old enough to be retro yet.

“When people find out I’m doing this they say ‘I remember when that album came out.’ They don’t say ‘I had that album’ or ‘I remember those songs’ or ‘Those were great songs’. They just remember that Lindsay Lohan did an album.”

So has Dave uncovered a hidden musical gem that has gone overlooked by the public? Will the TTOK audience rediscover a cultural touch point forgotten by the ages? Dave doesn’t think so.

“These songs were bad at the beginning, they were bad during, and they are still unenjoyable,” Dave says. “This was not a fun experience. There is no joy in this for me. I thought at first when I started that I could really rework these songs and people are going to leave wanting to buy the album. But it quickly became apparent that there is no way that will happen. I wondered, if a man sings these songs in a more revered way on piano would it make these songs good? The answer is also no.”

So if even the performer has difficulty finding a sense of substance or love for Lindsay Lohan’s Speak, why should anyone attend his show? Because it’s going to be funny.

VIDEO: “Over” – Lindsay Lohan

A clever comedian and performer, Dave has created hilarious one-man performance pieces such as Win a Date with Dave Cave and Can Everybody in the Audience Tell Me What’s Wrong with Me. With his dry yet witty delivery, Dave makes awkwardness into an art form.

Personally, I think taking a forgettable album by a notorious celebrity is a clever piece of performance art. This is something nobody should ever think about doing, but Dave is up for the challenge.

Although the TTOK performances are the show’s world debut, Dave does plan to bring the music of Lindsay Lohan to other cities and performance spaces, perhap allowing her forgettable music to find a new audience.

“Some of these songs have never been performed live by Lindsay Lohan,” Dave points out. “There were plans for a tour in Taiwan, but it got cancelled. So I’ve wondered if I could go on tour with this. I didn’t do all this work for nothing.

“I think it’d be funny if these songs toured more with me than with Lindsay Lohan. Not that I’m in competition with Lindsay Lohan at all, but I think that’d be the most ultimate thing about this.”

Lindsay Lohan’s Speak: A Classic Album Comes to Life is also being presented in conjunction with PARN, who is presenting a free workshop at TTOK on Friday, March 2nd. Hosted by Ariel O’Neill, the workshop is aimed towards women, service providers, and researchers in tackling stigmas surrounding women who use drugs.

Lindsay Lohan’s Speak: A Classic Album Comes to Life opens on Thursday, March 1st and runs until Saturday, March 3rd. Shows start at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door, or pay what you can.

VIDEO: Lindsay Lohan Catches Up with Ellen

For Stephen Fearing, the journey is more important than the destination

By Josh Fewings -
Singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing will be performing a solo concert at Peterborough's Market Hall on April 17, 2018 in support of his latest record "Every Soul's A Sailor". (Photo: Mark Maryanovich)

Stephen Fearing is not just a singer/songwriter — he’s also a philosopher. On his latest record Every Soul’s A Sailor, he continues his exploration of the journey being more important than the destination.

“The journey is this great metaphor and it’s been what I’ve been writing about for a long time and probably will be for a long time,” Fearing explains from his home in Victoria, B.C.. “Physically travelling and using it as a metaphor provides so many different ‘ins’ as a songwriter.”

Market Hall and kawarthaNOW.com present
Stephen Fearing

When: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 8 p.m.
Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
How much: $33

Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by calling 705-749-1146, or online at www.markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

That’s no surprise given that Fearing’s life is a story of travelling.

Born in Vancouver in 1963, when he was six years old he moved with his mother to Dublin, where his schoolmates included future members of U2.

In 1981, he moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and immersed himself in the music scene to learn the fundamentals of song writing and performing. He returned to Vancouver in 1984 to build his career as a professional musician.

In 1994, he moved to Guelph and then, in 2008, to Halifax, relocating to his current home in Victoria in 2015.

VIDEO: “Every Soul’s A Sailor” – Stephen Fearing

“There’s regret, you’re leaving things behind, you’re going towards something, and there’s what you’re observing on the way, which is a huge part of it,” he says. “Songwriters are observers. When you travel through somebody else’s turf, you see things that they don’t see.”

Fearing’s journey takes him back to Peterborough on Tuesday, April 17th for a solo concert at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, presented by kawarthaNOW.com and the Market Hall. He last performed solo in Peterborough at an intimate concert at The Spill in 2013. Since then, he also performed at the Market Hall with Irish singer-singer Andy White in February 2015, and most recently last October when he played at the Market Hall with bandmates Tom Wilson and Colin Linden (Blackie and The Rodeo Kings).

Known for his poetic storytelling, rich vocals, and masterful guitar playing, Fearing has released nine solo albums along with two collaborations with Andy White, as well as nine records with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings. He’s performed countless shows at intimate venues and on the concert stages of festivals and theatres across Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe.

VIDEO: “Home” – Stephen Fearing

Along the way, he’s been named Traditional/Roots Performer of the Year at the 1991 West Coast Music Awards, received a Juno Award in 2000 for Best Roots & Traditional Album: Group for the Blackie and The Rodeo Kings’ record Kings of Love, was named Best Songwriter (English) at the 2006 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and received the Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Solo Juno Award in 2007 for Yellowjacket.

In Fearing’s mind, being a touring musician is a “sacred job,” with rewards that go beyond tangible accomplishments.

“It’s not about a big award like a Juno or even being nominated for a Juno,” he says. “It’s really just about showing up every day and doing the work.”

VIDEO: “Wheel Of Love” – Stephen Fearing

It’s not only travelling that he waxes philosophic about, but he digs deep into his music as well. Fearing made his latest record with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings rhythm section Gary Craig (drums) and John Dymond (bass). Although he has worked with Craig and Dymond over the years, he explains how the process for Every Soul’s A Sailor was different.

“It was a big challenge. I’ve had records where I’ve had players come in, but to think ahead and know that I wanted to record it as a trio, I had to change my guitar parts and think about it differently.”

He boils it down to the nature of a trio being much different than solo arrangements or ensembles.

“The trio format is uniquely skeletal and odd,” Fearing says. “It’s like there’s a big hole in the middle that you’ve got to fill and so trying to do that has been really interesting.”

Stephen Fearing's latest record, "Every Soul's A Sailor", was released in 2017 and features Gary Craig and John Dymond of Blackie and The Rodeo Kings.
Stephen Fearing’s latest record, “Every Soul’s A Sailor”, was released in 2017 and features Gary Craig and John Dymond of Blackie and The Rodeo Kings.

This adjustment led to a different approach with song selection in his recent shows, which have split evenly between trio and solo performances.

For his April run of shows, including Peterborough, Fearing will be touring solo. He spends a lot of time considering the best configurations for certain songs, and aims to be true to the songs as they were written.

“It’s an interesting thing to think about, rather than just play the same set with a band or without a band,” he says. “There are some songs like Blowhard Nation that are really important parts of the record, but it’s definitely a different version solo.”

Fearing’s process of writing has morphed over the years.

“In some ways it has become more truncated because I just don’t have the luxury of time anymore,” he says.

VIDEO: “These Golden Days” – Stephen Fearing

After a chaotic year in 2015, he looked ahead and knew that there was a window for creating a new record. Despite not having new tunes in hand, he booked the studio, looked towards a January 2017 release, and worked backwards to get it done. He went to a friend’s cabin in Wells, British Columbia for a week and wrote most of the tunes.

“I think all the years of doing this has given me the balls to say ‘Alright, I’m just going to go off and write and album in a week.’ It’s a little bit scary because you wonder, ‘What if I don’t get the songs? Then what?'”

Fearing’s favourite approach to writing is one that allows him to fully focus on the process.

“In my life it’s been hard to know if I’ve created the chaos or if the chaos has come, but one way or another I seem to have to have a bunch of things on the go. And I some point I need to thrust everything off the table and go ‘OK, I need to write songs!'”

One of those songs ended up being ‘Blowhard Nation’, the first single from the new record. It’s a tune about Donald Trump when he was running for the Republican nomination. Fearing saw a picture of the eventual U.S. President on the cover of one of the magazines in the candy section while he was shopping in Quesnel near Wells.

VIDEO: “Blowhard Nation” – Stephen Fearing

“There was such an arrogance,” he recalls. “A blowhard arrogance that really prompted the song.”

With inspiration from a few Merle Haggard records, he wrote it as a protest song injected with a little humour. Now, ever since Trump became president, Fearing says he’s been addicted to following coverage from the U.S.

“I have to stop myself from checking the phone in the middle of the night. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I don’t know if this is the new norm.”

Fearing believes there is a big role for songwriters in difficult political times. He suggests it’s important for songwriters to have the courage to write about important issues.

“I think the onus is to write stuff that’s actually coming up, rather than trying to avoid it.”

Stephen Fearing. (Photo: Mark Maryanovich)
Stephen Fearing. (Photo: Mark Maryanovich)

Fearing will be performing a solo concert at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $33 for general admission and assigned cabaret-style table seating, and are are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by calling 705-749-1146, or online at www.markethall.org.

Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

Inquest announced into 2013 death of Haliburton construction worker

By kawarthaNOW -
John Francis Smith died on on July 31, 2013 following injuries sustained after he fell from a roof while working at a construction project in Haliburton County. (Photo: Smith family)

Dr. Paul Dungey, Regional Supervising Coroner for East Region, Kingston Office, announced today (February 26) that an inquest will be held into the death of 37-year-old John Francis Smith.

The Haliburton resident and father of two died in hospital on July 31, 2013, as a result of injuries sustained when he fell 25 feet from a roof while working at a construction project in Haliburton County.

An inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act.

The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.

The inquest is expected to last two days and to hear from approximately six witnesses.

The inquest will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at the Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre (4252 County Rd. #21, Haliburton). Dr. Mary Beth Bourne will preside as inquest coroner and Rebecca Griffin will be counsel to the coroner.

Ontario PC leadership candidate Christine Elliott in Peterborough on Tuesday

By kawarthaNOW -
Lawyer and businesswoman Christine Elliott will be holding a campaign rally in Peterborough on February 27, 2018, for her bid to become the next leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. (Photo: Christine Elliott)

Christine Elliott, who is vying for leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC) Party, is making a campaign stop in Peterborough on Tuesday (February 27).

Elliott will be at the Peterborough Naval Association Club House (24 Whitlaw St., Peterborough) from 4 to 5 p.m.

Dave Smith, the PC candidate for Peterborough-Kawartha, publicly endorsed Elliott on Saturday, February 24.

The 62-year-old lawyer and businesswoman was elected MPP for Whitby-Oshawa in 2006, after her husband, the late Jim Flaherty, resigned his seat in the Ontario legislature to run for the Conservative Party of Canada. She previously ran for the Ontario PC leadership in 2009 but lost to Tim Hudak. She served as Ontario PC Party Deputy Leader from 2009 to 2015 under Hudak.

She ran again for the Ontario PC leadership in 2015, but lost to Patrick Brown. Following that loss, she left politics and was appointed by the Liberal government as Ontario’s first Patient Ombudsman in 2016.

Elliott is competing for the leadership with former Toronto city councillor Doug Ford (who held a campaign rally in Peterborough on February 21st), lawyer Caroline Mulroney (daughter of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney), and Catholic school parent advocate Tanya Granic Allen.

Former Ontario PC party leader Patrick Brown, whose resignation on January 24th after allegations of sexual misconduct resulted in the search for a new leader, has withdrawn from the race as of today (February 26).

Members of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party will be voting from March 2nd to 8th for the new leader, with the winner to be announced at a March 10th convention in Toronto. This year’s Ontario election will be held on June 7, 2018.

businessNOW – February 26, 2018

By kawarthaNOW -
Brad Willcocks of Arthur's Pub accepts the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce 2017 Hospitality & Tourism Award from Alexis Smith and Dereck Paul of sponsor Lakefront Utility Services. The awards ceremony was held on February 23, 2018 at at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre in Cobourg. (Photo: Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce)

This week we feature the winners of the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Achievement Awards, free cigarette receptacles for businesses in downtown Peterborough, a lease agreement between the City of Peterborough and Trent University for the new Cleantech Commons business park, and local mortgage agent Grace Reynolds selected as finalist in 12th annual Canadian Mortgage Awards.

Upcoming business events over the next week include the Win This Space finale on March 1st, the FastStart Peterborough E-Connect featuring four female entrepreneurs on March 5th, and more.

Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce 2017 Business Achievement Award winners

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce held its 17th Annual Business Achievement Awards on Friday (February 23) at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre in Cobourg.

The Chamber received almost 300 nominations in nine different business categories. A panel of judges selected the winners, who were announced at the celebration:

Deputy Mayor John Henderson, on behalf of Mayor Gil Brocanier, presents The Mayor's Award to Aiden Rose, accepting on behalf of his father Al Rose of Stalwood Homes. (Photo: Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce)

Deputy Mayor John Henderson, on behalf of Mayor Gil Brocanier, presents The Mayor’s Award to Aiden Rose, accepting on behalf of his father Al Rose of Stalwood Homes. (Photo: Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce)
  • Nourish Boutique Spa – Business & Consumer Services
  • Ste. Anne’s Bakery – Retail Business
  • Sage Relocation Services – New Start-Up
  • Arthur’s Pub – Hospitality & Tourism Award
  • Stadke Plumbing & Heating – Skilled Trades
  • Structural Panels – Manufacturing & Agribusiness
  • Creative Collective – Communications & Technology
  • Absolute Therapeautics – Health & Wellness
  • Beyond the Blue Box – Non-Profit Sector

In addition to the business awards, the Chamber presented the James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award to the Burnham family of Cobourg, the Chair’s Award to the Council of Alnwick Haldimand, and The Mayor’s Award to Al Rose of Stalwood Homes.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.

 

Free wall-mounted cigarette receptacles available for downtown Peterborough businesses

Volunteer Donna Reid, who also coordinates the annual Butt Blitz in Peterborough, disposes of a cigarette butt in one of the new receptacles in downtown Peterborough as DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel looks on. The DBIA is offering the free receptacles to its members. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
Volunteer Donna Reid, who also coordinates the annual Butt Blitz in Peterborough, disposes of a cigarette butt in one of the new receptacles in downtown Peterborough as DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel looks on. The DBIA is offering the free receptacles to its members. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)

As part of its efforts to make downtown Peterborough cleaner and greener in 2018, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is giving away free wall-mounted cigarette receptacles to downtown businesses.

The cigarette receptacles are free to all DBIA members, with the condition that the business is responsible for installing and emptying the receptacle.

“Too many people are littering their cigarette butts downtown,” says DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel. “The DBIA has already given 20 urns away and, due to popularity of the program, we have to order more. Soon we will have more than 50 new cigarette urns downtown, so there’s no excuse for throwing a butt on the ground.”

Many people are not aware of how significant an impact discarded cigarette butts have on the environment. Although smoking rates have been decreasing, cigarette butt litter continues to be a major problem. Worldwide, it’s estimated that over 4.5 trillion butts, amounting to 1.69 billion pounds, are discarded into the environment every year.

The butts are not biodegradable — they contain a plastic called cellulose acetate that lasts up to 25 years — and they contain all the toxic and carcinogenic chemicals (like arsenic, benzene, lead, and toluene), heavy metals (like cadmium), pesticides, and nicotine that make tobacco use the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.

Besides being unsightly, discarded cigarette butts also have huge implications for for the health of our ecosystems, our wildlife (animals consume the butts), and our own health. There’s also an economic impact on taxpayers, as between 25 and 50 per cent of all collected litter items from roads and streets are cigarette butts.

Research shows that, for every cigarette receptacle, the littering rate for cigarette butts decreases by nine per cent.

Volunteer Donna Reid will collect the discarded cigarette butts for recylcing trough TerraCycle, with proceeds donated to charity (one pound of butts generates $1). Reid is also the coordinator for the annual “Butt Blitz” in Peterborough, which takes place this year on May 5, 2018.

Supply of the cigarette receptacles is limited and will be given out out on a first-come, first-serve basis. To request a free cigarette receptacle, DBIA members should contact Guiel at 705-748-4774 or terryguiel@peterboroughbia.com.

 

City of Peterborough to enter into head lease agreement with Trent University for Cleantech Commons

An architectural rendering of a $50-million, 300,000-square-foot facility planned by biomaterials company Noblegen for the Cleantech Commons business park. (Graphic: Noblegen)
An architectural rendering of a $50-million, 300,000-square-foot facility planned by biomaterials company Noblegen for the Cleantech Commons business park. (Graphic: Noblegen)

At its general committee meeting tonight (February 26), Peterborough City Council is expected to endorse a head lease agreement with Trent University for Cleantech Commons.

The business park, previously called the Trent Research and Innovation Park, is to be located in an industrial zone on 85 acres of Trent lands, 46.25 of which is suitable for development. Construction of the park, located on the northeastern side of the Trent campus, is expected to begin in 2018.

The vision of Cleantech Commons is to become Canada’s premier green technology research and innovation site, hosting a cluster of companies and start-up enterprises in environmentally focused fields including clean technology, environmental services, advanced material sciences, biotechnology, agri-food, and agri-business. Biomaterials company Noblegen is the featured tenant of the business park.

VIDEO: Cleantech Commons at Trent University

A head lease is a lease to an entity that will subsequently grant leases to sub-lessees, who will be tenants in possession. Under the head lease agreement, Trent University will be the landlord and the City of Peterborough will be the tenant.

Trent University will retain ownership of the land, but the 85 acres will be leased to the City based on a 110-year term. This will allow the City to offer 99-year subleases to tenants for the first 11 years. Each tenant will pay an annual “rent” for the land exclusively occupied, with the rent payment shared between Trent and the City.

For the first nine years of each sublease, the City will receive 80 per cent of revenue and Trent University will receive 20 per cent. Over each subequent nine-year period, the City’s share will decrease and Trent’s share will increase. By the 40th year of each sublease and onward until the end of each 99-year term, the City will receive 20 per cent and Trent will receive 80 per cent.

By signing the head lease, the City is committing to be the developer of Cleantech Commons. The capital budget forecasts a total cost of $10.1 million for internal servicing, lot preparation, and landscaping, to be expended in phases in response to market demand. Depending on how quickly development occurs in the 46.25 developable acres of the research park, the City estimates its $10.1 million investment plus carrying costs could be recovered between 45 and 50 years.

 

Mortgage agent and WBN board member Grace Reynolds selected as finalist in 12th annual Canadian Mortgage Awards

Grace Reynolds (third from left), pictured here in her role as Secretary on thee 2017-2018 Board of Directors of the Women's Business Network of Peterborough, has been selected as a finalist for "Best Newcomer Individual Agent/Broker" for the 12th annual Canadian Mortgage Awards. Also pictured (left to right): Tracey Ormond, Josée Kiss, Colleen Carruthers, Paula Kehoe, Lorie Gill, Shelley Barker, Lori McKee, Sana Virji, Karen Copson, and Mary McGee (not pictured: Diane Wolf). (Photo courtesy of WBN Peterborough)
Grace Reynolds (third from left), pictured here in her role as Secretary on thee 2017-2018 Board of Directors of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, has been selected as a finalist for “Best Newcomer Individual Agent/Broker” for the 12th annual Canadian Mortgage Awards. Also pictured (left to right): Tracey Ormond, Josée Kiss, Colleen Carruthers, Paula Kehoe, Lorie Gill, Shelley Barker, Lori McKee, Sana Virji, Karen Copson, and Mary McGee (not pictured: Diane Wolf). (Photo courtesy of WBN Peterborough)

Grace Reynolds, a licensed mortgage agent based in Peterborough who is also the Secretary of the 2017-2018 Board of Directors of Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, has been selected as a finalist for “Best Newcomer Individual Agent/Broker” for the 12th annual Canadian Mortgage Awards, the longest-running and only independent awards in the Canadian mortgage industry.

Canadian Mortgage Professional (CMP) is the leading mortgage-focused resource with more than 40,000 readers across North America. CMP readers voted in their thousands to select finalists in 21 categories, chosen for their stand-out services, employee focus, and corporate social responsibility.

Winners will be selected by a panel of industry experts and announced at a black-tie event on April 20, 2018 at The Liberty Grand Toronto. Hosted by Jessi Cruickshank of CBC television’ Canada’s Smartest Person and the co-host of the network’s new daytime talk show The Goods, the event will be attended by more than 600 of Canada’s top brokers and mortgage professionals.

For more information about the Canadian Mortgage Awards, visit canadianmortgageawards.com

 

Bill 148 and the construction industry breakfast session on February 27

The Great Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough Construction Association are hosting a breakfast session about the impact of Bill 148 on the construction industry.

The session takes place on Tuesday, February 27th at Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).

Experts from Sherrard Kuzz LLP will discuss changes to employment law resulting from Bill 148 and what they mean to the construction industry.

This presentation will go beyond changes to minimum wage to address all aspects of the new law and how it impacts business.

The breakfast buffet opens at 7 a.m. with speakers presenting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. There will be time for questions after the presentation.

The cost of the session is $20+HST. Register here.

 

Tax preparation seminar for startups on February 28

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting a “Hands-ON” session with Adam Crowley of Gauvreau & Associates on Wednesday, February 28th.

The seminar will cover the tax differences between sole proprietorships and corporations, the tax return for sole proprietors including the Statement of Business Activities, special rules for deductible business expenses, how to record capital assests, filing deadlines and more.

The session takes place from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough). There’s no cost to attend, but you must register in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-tax-prep-for-startups-tickets-42239792356

 

2018 Win This Space competition finale on March 1

The 10 finalists in the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The 10 finalists in the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)

The finale of this year’s Win This Space entrepreneurial competition takes place on Thursday, March 1st at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).

Ten businesses are competing to win a storefront for one year lease-free in downtown Peterborough, along with other prizes.

The 10 finalists are The Bicycle Museum by Dandyhorse Media, Bonita’s Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio, The Willow’s Bark, StayFit LifeStyle, Argania Natural Health Clinic, Alexander Frames, Best Wishes in a Basket, Baby Bop Teething Accessories, Escape Maze, and Scars and Strops Ltd.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and networking from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by the finale from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit winthisspace.com.

 

Hello, Baby! officially opening in downtown Peterborough on March 2

Stephanie Hayes and Jennifer Avis, owners of doula and prenatal education service Hello, Baby!, will be opening their new pregnancy and parenting hub in downtown Peterborough on March 2, 2018. (Photo: Hello, Baby!)
Stephanie Hayes and Jennifer Avis, owners of doula and prenatal education service Hello, Baby!, will be opening their new pregnancy and parenting hub in downtown Peterborough on March 2, 2018. (Photo: Hello, Baby!)

Hello, Baby! is hosting the official opening of its new pregnancy and parenting hub in downtown Peterborough on Friday, March 2nd.

Located at 239 Charlotte Street at Aylmer, just across the street from the Shoppers Drug Mart, the hub includes “The Gathering Space”, a safe and inviting place or you to feed babies, take a workshop, or join a club or group, and “The Wellness Studio”, which will host speakers, yoga and fitness classes, and mini-retreats.

Before opening their first brick-and-mortar location, owners Jennifer Avis and Stephanie Hayes were previously renting space for classes and events at Peterborough Living Yoga and The Monocle Centre for the Arts. In December 2017, they received a grant under the Starter Company Plus program administered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.

The baby and toddler friendly official opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a celebration featuring music, cake and refreshments, and goody bags.

 

FastStart Peterborough presents “E-Connect! Female Founders” on March 5

E-Connect! Female Founders

FastStart Peterborough’s March E-Connect! forum features a panel discussion with four local female entrepreneurs: Lindsay Brock (founder of Amuse Coffee Co.), Rhonda Barnet (co-Founder of Steeleworks Design), Jeannine Taylor (co-founder of kawarthaNOW.com), and Peggy Shaughnessy (serial entrepreneur).

The forum takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 5th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough). Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.

The event is free, but you must register in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/e-connect-female-founders-tickets-37220379156.

 

“Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop for employers on March 7

The City and County of Peterborough Social Services, along with Agilec, Employment Ontario, Employment Planning & Counselling, Fleming Crew Employment Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, are hosting a free workshop for employers on “Bridges out of Poverty”.

The Bridges out of Poverty framework, which originated in the U.S. and has been adopted by other communities in Canada, aims to help people who grew up in poverty and educate the agencies who assist them. The workshop will provide information on the framework as well as the variety of financial incentives available for employers in the community. It will also provide information on understanding and retaining employees.

The free workshop takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th at Agilec Peterborough office (Brookdale Plaza, 863 Chemong Rd, Unit 20-A). Refreshments will be served.

Space is limited. Register at bridgesforemployers.eventbrite.ca.

 

Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism B.O.S.S. Seminar on March 20

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism continues its B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) seminar series on Tuesday, March 20th with a focus on young professionals.

So far, the seminar features Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm and Matt Logan of Logan Tree Experts.

The seminar takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 (10 Nicholls Street, Lakefield), with a hot breakfast provided by Jack’s Family Restaurant.

The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. To register, visit kawarthachamber.ca.

 

Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on March 21

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce AGM will be held on March 21 at the the Kawartha Art Gallery. (Photo: Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce)
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce AGM will be held on March 21 at the the Kawartha Art Gallery. (Photo: Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce)

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21st at the Kawartha Art Gallery (190 Kent St. W., 2nd Floor, Lindsay).

At the AGM you can find out about the Chamber’s activities and successes of the past year, learn about Chamber initiatives for the coming year, review the financial statement, and pass a motion to accept the slate of Board members as presented.

There will also be an opportunity to view the Annual Student Juried Art Exhibit, featuring the talents of Lindsay secondary school students.

Chamber Members should RSVP to Colleen Collins at 705-324-2393 or colleen@lindsaychamber.com.

Researcher seeking family of Peterborough airman shot down in 1944

By Bruce Head -
The Douglas C-47 Dakota was a military transport aircraft used extensively by the Allies during World War II. On September 24, 1944, Dakota KG653 was transporting 23 airmen, including Corporal William Howard Campbell of Peterborough, when it went off course and was shot down over Neuleiningen, Germany. Researcher Erik Wieman is trying to contact Campbell's descendants. (Supplied photo)

Erik Wieman, co-founder of a German historical group, is seeking the descendants of a Peterborough-area man who died during a military airplane crash during the Second World War.

Corporal William Howard Campbell was one of 23 airmen (including 20 Canadians, one Australian, and two British airmen) who were on C-47 Dakota KG653 when it was shot down on September 24, 1944 over Neuleiningen, Germany.

William Howard Campbell (1918-1944) of Peterborough, Ontario. (Supplied photo)
William Howard Campbell (1918-1944) of Peterborough, Ontario. (Supplied photo)

The plane was one of 15 Dakotas on a special flight from the RAF Pershore base in England to transport 300 troops to Cagliari on the Italian island of Sardinia, with an ultimate destination of Karachi in Pakistan.

En route to Cagliari, Dakota KG653 went off course and ended up flying over Germany, where it was shot down by German fighters. All 20 passengers and three crew died.

“From England it should have flown down south over the free French countryside to Sardinia, then to India to help build up two new squadrons in the fight against Japan,” Wieman tells kawarthaNOW.

“It lost its way and, due to bad weather and navigational problems, flew into Germany in broad daylight, alone, and was shot down.”

Wieman leads a volunteer research group called IG Heimatforschung Rheinland-Pfalz which recovers remnants from crash sites and provides the families of airmen killed in action with keepsakes of the wreckage. Wieman, who is originally from the Netherlands and whose grandfather fought against the Germans in Rotterdam, has been living in Germany since 1992.

“As with all our research and crash site excavations, we plan to contact descendants, tell them about our findings, and plant a memorial at the crash site after the excavation is over,” Wieman says. “Often descendants do not know where exactly the crash occurred and what happened exactly.”

William Howard Campbell was born on February 2, 1918 in Keene, Ontario, and was the son of Robert Henry Campbell and of Jane Ann (nee Humphries) Campbell of Peterborough. He enlisted on September 6, 1940 in Toronto and his service number was R/72053 Royal Canadian Air Force.

The remains of the airmen who died in the crash of Dakota KG653 were originally buried in a cemetery in Neuleiningen and later relocated to Rheinberg, Germany. (Supplied photo)
The remains of the airmen who died in the crash of Dakota KG653 were originally buried in a cemetery in Neuleiningen and later relocated to Rheinberg, Germany. (Supplied photo)

Wieman had already researched the crash and read a book by the Luftwaffe fighter pilot, Julius Meimberg, who claimed he had shot down the aircraft. He also knew the approximate area of the crash site in Neuleiningen, which is not far from where he lives. After reaching out to a local German newspaper that published a story about the crash, 15 eyewitnesses of the crash contacted Wieman, allowing him to pinpoint the exact location where the plane went down.

Wieman has visited the site, recovering several remnants of the plane from the ground’s surface. His group is applying for a permit to search the entire site with metal-detecting equipment to discover what may be under the surface of the ground. According to Wieman, the bodies and remains of the airmen who died in the crash were buried in 16 graves at the Neuleiningen cemetery, with some airmen buried in the same grave. The graves were later exhumed and the remains are now resting in Rheinberg in northern Germany.

The goal of Wieman’s group is to contact all 23 families of the men who died in the crash.

“They gave their lives for their country, and we should remember them,” Wieman says. “People walk by this crash site, where so many people died, without knowing. It should, in our opinion, have a memorial to remember them. This crash site and the fates behind it should not be forgotten.”

If you are one of William Howard Campbell’s descendants, or have any information about Campbell or his family, you can contact Wieman via email at erik.wieman@gmail.com or kontakt@ig-heimatforschung.de .

The names of the 20 passengers on Dakota KG653 from the original report after the aircraft went missing on September 24, 1944. (Supplied photo)
The names of the 20 passengers on Dakota KG653 from the original report after the aircraft went missing on September 24, 1944. (Supplied photo)

Dinesen Financial’s comprehensive one-stop solutions help business owners thrive

By kawarthaNOW -
Dinesen Financial co-owner Vanessa Dinesen has been assisting individuals, small-to mid-sized companies, and home-based businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas for 10 years, with everything from tax preparation to data entry, accounting services to schedule management, and website creation to social media management. (Photo courtesy of Dinesen Financial)

We’ve all heard the saying, time is money. For business owners, this couldn’t be a truer phrase. It’s easy to get bogged down with the day-to-day mundane tasks that can’t be ignored, and ultimately keep owners from dedicating their time and energy on what matters the most: finding ways to make more money.

Need someone to prep your taxes? Do your weekly bookkeeping? Organize your cluttered inbox? Or update your social media accounts? For busy professionals with no time to spare, one company that can be the answer to your problems in the name of productivity is Dinesen Financial.

Operated by wife-and-husband team Vanessa and Wayne Dinesen, Dinesen Financial has been assisting individuals, small-to mid-sized companies, and home-based businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas for eight years — with everything from tax preparation to data entry, accounting services to schedule management, and website creation to social media management.

Vanessa has been doing tax preparation for 10 years, performing basic to full bookkeeping and accounting services for individuals and businesses.

Having studied Business Administration – Accounting at Fleming College and having graduated with an Honours Degree in Business Administration at Trent University, Vanessa’s knowledge of financial topics is extensive. Wayne works more on the technical side of things, including website development and updates and IT infrastructure.

With a post-secondary education in Business Administration and Accounting, Vanessa Dinesen's knowledge of financial topics is extensive. She has taught adults at a local college on everything from basic skills to computer applications to bookkeeping. She also offers workshops to local business owners on topics including tax preparation and financial planning. (Photo courtesy of Dinesen Financial)
With a post-secondary education in Business Administration and Accounting, Vanessa Dinesen’s knowledge of financial topics is extensive. She has taught adults at a local college on everything from basic skills to computer applications to bookkeeping. She also offers workshops to local business owners on topics including tax preparation and financial planning. (Photo courtesy of Dinesen Financial)

“Whether you have a year’s worth of records to be sorted through and calculated into financial statements, need help jump-starting a business, creating a budget, or need a trustworthy bookkeeper to take over, we can certainly assist in those areas,” says Vanessa. “Obviously the bookkeeping and income tax services are a priority and take precedence over everything else we do.”

With tax time looming over the next two months, this can be most comforting to those looking for assistance with tax preparation and filing.

“Tax season seems to be everyone’s worst time of year, but it’s my favourite,” Vanessa says. “I like to pride myself in that I take that burden from my clients completely, whether that’s keeping track of their receipts or helping them figure out what they can and can’t claim.

“I don’t want them to worry about their financial situation. I give each client a check list that they have to complete. Once they provide me with that info, I do the rest.”

When she provides income tax support, Vanessa is always on the client’s side.

“I enjoy helping put money back in people’s pockets. My goal is for them not to pay more than they’re legally required to pay. That’s when I get really excited, when I’m working with a tax return and I get to watch that number change and get better for my client.”

But what happens if you miss filing your taxes by the deadline — or have decided to skip doing your taxes entirely? Vanessa says at that point it depends largely on whether you owe taxes or not, but it can certainly “raise a red flag” with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

“Last year, I prepared taxes for a gentleman who had not had filed his income tax for six years,” Vanessa recalls. “He ended up with a refund for each of those six years, and that surprised him because the only reason he had avoided doing his taxes all those years was because he thought he owned money.”

Dinesen Financial co-owner Wayne Dinesen works more on the technical side of things, including website development and updates and IT infrastructure. (Photo courtesy of Dinesen Financial)
Dinesen Financial co-owner Wayne Dinesen works more on the technical side of things, including website development and updates and IT infrastructure. (Photo courtesy of Dinesen Financial)

It’s not uncommon for business owners to simply lack awareness about the process or the deadline when doing personal or business tax returns. That’s why translating financial details into a language that clients can understand is critical to getting it done right the first time around, particularly when completing the T4 slip and T5018 slip (typically used by companies to report income paid to subcontractors).

Vanessa is there to help clients stay clear of a tax trap by keeping tabs on expenses and including all the information required, to make sure they don’t miss filling any sections out on the form, and ensuring they include all their earnings.

For more information about Dinesen Financial, call 705-768-5970 or visit www.dinesenfinancial.com.
For more information about Dinesen Financial, call 705-768-5970 or visit www.dinesenfinancial.com.

If you are side hustling as a freelancer, contract worker, or direct marketing salesperson while working a full-time job, the CRA still considers you to be the owner of a business. The good news, Vanessa says, is that having a business income — even if you didn’t make a profit after you deducted all your costs or register your business — makes you eligible to claim business expenses.

“I have developed a workshop for a number of direct sales leaders who have me teach a tax workshop to their sales team, so they can fully understand what they can write off because there is a large grey area around that.”

Partnering with financial planner Adam McInroy of Investors Group Financial Services, Vanessa and Adam are offering a free, five-week financial series workshop called “Six Pillars of Financial Planning” for her valued clients.

The seminars will offer insights on how to develop and implement a financial plan, reduce your taxes, and grow your wealth no matter what stage of life you are at. Seating is limited. To register, contact Vanessa at info@dinesenfinancial.com no later than Friday, April 13.

“We want to help business owners who are passionate about what they are doing to thrive. At the end of the day, I want to help them make money and give them some security. Many of my clients hire me to do the tasks that they don’t like doing because it takes them away from what they need to focus on in their business. For me, I love doing the jobs that need to get done. I’m good and I’m fast at it.”

For more information about Dinesen Financial, call 705-768-5970, email info@dinesenfinancial.com, or visit www.dinesenfinancial.com. You can also find Dinesen Financial on Facebook and Twitter.

Freezing rain likely on Sunday

By kawarthaNOW -

Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for Sunday for all of the Kawarthas.

A fast-moving low pressure system over Missouri this afternoon (February 24) will cross the Great Lakes tonight into Sunday.

It will spread freezing rain or ice pellets into the region beginning late tonight or early Sunday morning.

Several hours of freezing rain are possible before a changeover to rain later Sunday morning.

Roads and other cold untreated surfaces will likely become glazed and slippery Sunday morning, before temperatures rise above freezing in the afternoon.

Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas.

Environment Canada issues freezing rain warnings when rain falling in sub-zero temperatures creates ice build-up and icy surfaces.

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