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What’s new from the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism – September 6, 2017

By kawarthaNOW -
The recipients of the 2016 Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism's Awards of Excellence Awards. Nominations for this year's awards, to be presented in November, close on Monday, September 11th.

Final Week for Awards of Excellence Nominations

Nominations Close: Monday, September 11th

Recognize your favourite local businesses and organizations and honour individuals and citizens who make a difference. Take a few minutes to submit a nomination for the 18th Annual Awards of Excellence. Awards are presented in nine categories. Nominations close Monday, September 11th.

Visit kawarthachamber.ca/nominations to submit your confidential nomination. The nomination form will only take a few minutes to complete, and can easily be completed on your mobile device.

Submit a nomination

 

18th Annual Awards of Excellence Gala on November 3rd – Special Room Rates Available

Awards will be presented at the 18th Annual Awards of Excellence Gala on November 3rd at Elmhirst’s Resort. Tickets are $85+HST. Reserve your tickets now! — they always sell out!

Elmhirst’s Resort is offering special room rates for those booking with the Awards Gala. Call Elmhirst’s Resort at 705-295-4591 for accommodation information and let them know you are booking for the Chamber Awards of Excellence Gala on November 3rd.

 

Business After Hours: Buckhorn Hop

Buckhorn Canoe Company is one of the stops on the Business After Hours Buckhorn Hop on September 20.
Buckhorn Canoe Company is one of the stops on the Business After Hours Buckhorn Hop on September 20.

September’s Business After Hours will feature Chamber Members in Buckhorn. Join the Chamber for the Buckhorn Hop on Wednesday, September 20th from 5 to 8 p.m. If you are unable to arrive at 5 p.m., please feel free to join at one of the other stops at the times listed below.

Participating business include:

  • Gallery on the Lake – 5 to 5:25 p.m. (arrive earlier if you need extra time for viewing.)
  • Buckhorn Canoe Company – 5:30 to 5:55 p.m.
  • Style Your Nest – 6 to 7 p.m. (networking, refreshments, and draws)

Register now.

 

B.O.S.S. How to Network Effectively – October 25th

The third installment of the B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Offering Solutions) workshop series will focus on networking, and how it can benefit your business.

On Wednesday, October 25th, from 5 to 7 p.m., visit Westwind Inn on the Lake, where Tonya Kraan of Strexer Harrop & Associates will discuss networking techniques with a panel of Chamber members.

Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to put their skills into action in a speed networking format.

Register now.

 

Act Now to Oppose Proposed Business Tax Changes

If your business is incorporated, then you could be facing a larger tax bill and big compliance costs from the government’s new proposals to change the way corporations are taxed.

Here are three things you need to know about the tax changes proposed by the federal government:

  • Do you employ family members? The government wants to scrutinize their compensation to apply a much higher tax rate on income they consider “unreasonable.”
  • Do you invest the profits from your business? The federal government is proposing to tax that income at an effective rate of 70%.
  • Do you want to pass your business on to your children? Tough new rules make it difficult for younger kids to get the capital gains exemption. They could be double-taxed.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses to send a letter their appropriate Member of Parliament. Click here for a template letter that can be personalized with your story. It would be appreciated if you would copy the Kawartha Chamber on your letter.

 

Accelerate to International Markets (AIM) Program

If you are interested in exporting internationally, but aren’t sure where to start, then Ontario Export Services is happy to be your partner at the outset of this exciting journey.

The two-day AIM workshops will help set you up for successful exporting of your goods and services abroad. They take place at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on September 26th and 27th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Learn more.

 

Cutting Red Tape in the Chemical Manufacturing Sector

Red Tape Challenge

Ontario is asking businesses and the public to help identify and improve regulations that are unclear, outdated, redundant or unnecessarily costly for the province’s chemical manufacturing sector.

Input received will help make it easier for businesses to interact with government, innovate, and grow without jeopardizing necessary standards that protect the public interest.

Feedback can be provided online by visiting ontario.ca/RedTapeChallenge. The deadline to submit suggestions is September 30th.

 

Applefest at Lang Pioneer Village – September 10th

Sample apple cake at the Milburn House, see how to make apple preserves at the Fitzpatrick House, enjoy mulled apple cider and freshly baked apple crisp and other treats at the Keene Hotel, watch cider-pressing demonstrations and buy purchase pressed apple cider and apples at the Cider Mill, and more during Applefest at Lang Pioneer Village. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
Sample apple cake at the Milburn House, see how to make apple preserves at the Fitzpatrick House, enjoy mulled apple cider and freshly baked apple crisp and other treats at the Keene Hotel, watch cider-pressing demonstrations and buy purchase pressed apple cider and apples at the Cider Mill, and more during Applefest at Lang Pioneer Village. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)

Come out to Lang Pioneer Village for a colourful fall celebration of apples and the harvest season during Applefest on Sunday, September 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hop on board a free horse-and-wagon ride through the historic village and enjoy the sights, tastes and aromas of apples and the fall season. Sample apple cake at the Milburn House and see how to make apple preserves at the Fitzpatrick House. Learn how apples were preserved in layers of sawdust in the apple orchard. Enjoy mulled apple cider, freshly baked apple crisp and other treats at the Keene Hotel, or purchase pressed cider and sweet juicy apples at the Cider Mill to take home with you.

Learn more.

 

Kawartha Outdoor Adventure Weekend

Catch the excitement in Buckhorn! Kawartha Outdoor Adventure Weekend events taking place on Saturday, September 16th at Scotsman Point Resort, and Sunday, September 17th at the Buckhorn Community Centre (BCC).

Who will be the FLW Canada 2017 victor? The Fishing League World Wide Canada Bass Tournament Championship Weigh In is taking place on September 17th, 3 p.m. at the BCC.

Learn more.

 

Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Workshops – September 21 to November 10

The Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Network invites you to attend any of the free workshops listed below. You will learn to recognize the warning signs of the abuse of older adults and how to respond safely, and supportively to help seniors at risk or experiencing abuse. Businesses who are often in contact with seniors, and family members are encourage to attend.

  • September 21st, 10 – 11 a.m. – North Kawartha Community Centre, Apsley
  • September 28th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – St. Matthews Church, Buckhorn
  • Friday, October 20th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Bridgenorth Community Hall, Bridgenorth
  • Friday, November 10th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Marshland Centre, Lakefield

Pre-registration is preferred, all walk-ins welcome! To register, contact Maggie Doherty-Gilbert at 705-742-7067 ext. 250 or email inraffiliateptbo@gmail.com. Supported by Community Care. Workshops also taking place in Norwood, Havelock, Millbrook, and Peterborough. Learn more.

BEL Rotary Bike for Hospice – September 16th

The BEL Rotary Bike for Hospice is sponsored by Peterborough Suburu.
The BEL Rotary Bike for Hospice is sponsored by Peterborough Suburu.

The Rotary Club of Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Lakefield presents Bike for Hospice Peterborough on Saturday, September 16th beginning at Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield at 9 a.m.

Adult entry fee is $65, and $40 for youth under 18 years of age. Youth participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Visit www.belrotarybikeforhospice.com for registration and sponsorship information.

 

Selwyn Township Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Survey

The Township of Selwyn is looking to revise its Strategic Plan and Recreation Services Master Plan and wants your feedback!

Please complete this online survey and have a chance to shape the township’s future. These plans are guiding documents that help support future township decisions.

 

Events This Week

  • Cruise Night at Craftworks at the Barn – September 7th
  • Lakefield Farmers Market – September 7th
  • Bridgenorth Farmers’ Market – September 8th
  • Classy Chassis Bike & Band Night – September 8th
  • Lakefield Curling Club Registration – September 8th
  • Lakefield Trail Historal Walk – September 10th

 

Upcoming Events

  • Curve Lake Pow Wow – September 16th & 17th
  • Apsley Autumn Studio Tour – September 16th & 17th
  • Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour – September 23rd & 24th

 

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.

Peterborough native Michelle McLeod has her breakout film role in Don’t Talk to Irene

By Bruce Head -
Michelle McLeod, who grew up in Peterborough's theatre community, has the leading role in "Don't Talk To Irene" which also stars Bruce Gray, Geena Davis, Scott Thompson, and Anastasia Phillips. The new film, written and directed by Pat Mills, premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2017. (Publicity photo)

Peterborough native Michelle McLeod has the lead role in a new feel-good movie that has its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Monday, September 11th.

Michelle stars in Don’t Talk To Irene, which also features Bruce Gray (Big Fat Greek Wedding), Geena Davis (Beetle Juice), Scott Thompson (Kids In the Hall), and Anastasia Phillips (Bomb Girls). It was written and directed by Pat Mills (Guidance).

Michelle, who currently lives in Toronto, began her acting career in Peterborough when she was eight years old, participating in her first St. James Players community play. She went on to take various roles in several St. James Players musicals and Peterborough Theatre Guild productions, where she won theatre awards from both groups.

"Don't Talk To Irene" is the breakout film role for Peterborough native Michelle McLeod, who currently lives in Toronto. As a youth in Peterborough, Michelle was involved in community theatre through the St. James Players, Peterborough Theatre Guild, and Arbour Theatre. (Supplied photo)
“Don’t Talk To Irene” is the breakout film role for Peterborough native Michelle McLeod, who currently lives in Toronto. As a youth in Peterborough, Michelle was involved in community theatre through the St. James Players, Peterborough Theatre Guild, and Arbour Theatre. (Supplied photo)

“My daughter grew up in the Peterborough theatre community,” says her father Greg McLeod, who shared Michelle’s achievement with kawarthaNOW. “She still says director Shirley Rolufs gave her first big break (at eleven years old) when she cast her in the St James Players production of The Music Man.”

Michelle continued to act in Peterborough until she was accepted into the theatre studies at the University of Guelph. After graduating, she went on to complete the film and television program at Humber College, and is also a graduate of Second City’s Conservatory program. Since then, she has appeared in commercials and on the web, and has also produced her own improv shows in Toronto’s comedy community.

In Don’t Talk To Irene, Michelle plays Irene Willis, an overeight teenage girl who lives in the fictional small town of Parc north of Toronto (the film was shot in Hamilton). Irene’s passion is to become a cheerleader — despite being called “the fattest girl in high school” by bullies and being discouraged from her dream by her overprotective mother.

After getting suspended from school, Irene is forced to do two weeks of community service at a retirement home — where she decides to organize her new circle of elderly friends into an unlikely dance troupe and sign them up for a talent-search reality show.

While the film’s age-old story of someone overcoming perceived limitations isn’t new, an early review of the film says “McLeod is a rare find and is able to carry the film well.”

Unfortunately, unless you already have tickets to TIFF, you’ll have to wait for the film to arrive in movie theatres or on streaming services — all four screenings of Don’t Talk To Irene are sold out.

Women’s Business Network of Peterborough embraces digital with online promotion for 2017/18 season

By Jeannine Taylor -
Members of the Women's Business Network of Peterborough (WBN), the preeminent networking organization for professional women in the Kawarthas, at a member meeting at the Holiday Inn Waterfront in Peterborough. We have everything you need to know about the WBN's 2017-18 season, which runs from September to June. (Photo: Women's Business Network of Peterborough)

It’s September, and that means a new season for the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN), the preeminent networking organization for professional women in the Kawarthas.

WBN member kawarthaNOW.com is this year’s online source for everything you need to know about WBN, including essential information as well as selected profiles of some of the organization’s 160 members.

We’ve just launched our special WBN editorial section to concide with the first WBN members meeting, which takes place on Wednesday, September 6th at the Holiday Inn Waterfront in Peterborough.

Denise Donlon, as photographed by Toronto's Lisa MacIntosh from her Great Hall Series. One of Canada's most successful broadcasters and corporate executives, Donlon will be the keynote speaker on September 8th at the first Women's Business Network of Peterborough members meeting of the 2017-18 season. (Photo: Lisa MacIntosh Photography, www.lisamacintoshphotography.ca)
Denise Donlon, as photographed by Toronto’s Lisa MacIntosh from her Great Hall Series. One of Canada’s most successful broadcasters and corporate executives, Donlon will be the keynote speaker on September 8th at the first Women’s Business Network of Peterborough members meeting of the 2017-18 season. (Photo: Lisa MacIntosh Photography, www.lisamacintoshphotography.ca)

It’s a special opening meeting, featuring keynote speaker Denise Donlon — business executive, television producer and host, and member of the Order of Canada — who will speak on the topic “Fearless as Possible”, based on her acclaimed November 2016 memoir. As with most WBN member meetings, it’s now sold out, although a waiting list is available.

We have the complete 2017-18 program in our WBN editorial section — you’ll want to check out upcoming member meetings featuring other engaging and dynamic speakers including Leslie Bradford-Scott (co-founder and CEO of Walton Wood Farm), happiness specialist Laila Ghattas, Victoria Lennox (CEO of Startup Canada), two amazing teenagers Tessa Smith and Faith Dickinsen, and more to be announced.

The new season of WBN also brings a new Board of Directors. These 12 women from a range of backgrounds will guide the organization through the coming year, including new President Lorie Gill who introduces this year’s theme of “Empower, Influence and Serve”.

WBN Past President Mary McGee, WBN External Communications Director Paula Kehoe, and 2017-18 WBN President Lorie Gill. (Photo: Women's Business Network of Peterborough)
WBN Past President Mary McGee, WBN External Communications Director Paula Kehoe, and 2017-18 WBN President Lorie Gill. (Photo: Women’s Business Network of Peterborough)

Our editorial section covers the many benefits of becoming a member of WBN, and highlights some of the WBN members who have been recognized as business achievers and community leaders.

We also look at the next wave of young professional women in Peterborough who are embracing the networking opportunities offered by WBN, featuring three younger members — Sarah Wild, Martha Sullivan, and Emily Ferguson.

We describe the work of WBN members in supporting the local community — particularly YWCA Crossroads — from the perspective of member Susan Dunkley, an extraordinary role model for volunteerism. And we offer testimonials from some WBN members about how they have benefitted from belonging to the organization.

Whether you're a young entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, WBN offers many opportunities to network and to promote your business or organization. Pictured are WBN Program Director Sana Virji, WBN member Marilyn Cassidy, WBN member Susan Dunkley, and WBN Director at Large Josée Kiss. (Photo: Women's Business Network of Peterborough)
Whether you’re a young entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, WBN offers many opportunities to network and to promote your business or organization. Pictured are WBN Program Director Sana Virji, WBN member Marilyn Cassidy, WBN member Susan Dunkley, and WBN Director at Large Josée Kiss. (Photo: Women’s Business Network of Peterborough)

But that’s not all — we also have a special section profiling some of the members of WBN and their businesses or organizations. This impressive group of professional women includes:

Learn more about the life and work of selected WBN members, including Suzanne Cody and Gwyneth James of Cody & James CPA, in our member profiles section. (Photo: Samantha Moss / MossWorks)
Learn more about the life and work of selected WBN members, including Suzanne Cody and Gwyneth James of Cody & James CPA, in our member profiles section. (Photo: Samantha Moss / MossWorks)

We’ll be adding more WBN member profiles over the coming weeks.

If you’re a professional women of any stripe — entrepreneur, aspiring entrepreneur, or employee of a business or organization — or if you simply want to share your business expertise, knowledge, and inspiration with like-minded women, you’ll want to join the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough.

To find out more, follow the links above and then visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net for details on how to join.

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Celebrate harvest season at Lang Pioneer Village’s Applefest on September 10

By kawarthaNOW -
Celebrate apples and the harvest season at Applefest at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene on Sunday, September 10, one of the stops on Otonabee-South Monaghan Township's Farms, Fields and Food Tour. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)

Harvest season is apple season, and you can help celebrate the simple yet delicious fruit during Applefest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 10th at Lang Pioneer Village Museum (104 Lang Rd., Keene).

Take a free horse-and-wagon rides through the historic village, sample apple cake at the Milburn House, and see how to make apple preserves at the Fitzpatrick House.

You can learn how apples were preserved in layers of sawdust in the apple orchard, and enjoy mulled apple cider and freshly baked apple crisp and other treats at the Keene Hotel.

Watch cider-pressing demonstrations at the Cider Mill, and then try your hand at using an old-fashioned apple peeler. While you’re there, you can purchase pressed apple cider as well as sweet juicy apples.

Listen to foot-tapping live music by Appalachian Celtic while you watch craft demonstrations on the Village Green, including spinning and rug-hooking demonstrations by the Northumberland Rug Hookers. You can even see socks created before your eyes by the fascinating 1910 mechanical knitting machines brought by the Horseless Carriage Museum.

Sample apple cake at the Milburn House, see how to make apple preserves at the Fitzpatrick House, enjoy mulled apple cider and freshly baked apple crisp and other treats at the Keene Hotel, watch cider-pressing demonstrations and buy purchase pressed apple cider and apples at the Cider Mill, and more during Applefest at Lang Pioneer Village. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
Sample apple cake at the Milburn House, see how to make apple preserves at the Fitzpatrick House, enjoy mulled apple cider and freshly baked apple crisp and other treats at the Keene Hotel, watch cider-pressing demonstrations and buy purchase pressed apple cider and apples at the Cider Mill, and more during Applefest at Lang Pioneer Village. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)

Listen to performances by M’Shkaaziwin Singers from Curve Lake First Nation at the Aabnaabin Camp and make your own sweetgrass braid. You can wave to the steam engine operator as the recently restored Sawyer Massey Steam Engine tours the village, or view a variety of antique clocks and timepieces brought by the Quinte Timekeepers.

Activities for the kids include schoolyard games such as sack races, an egg relay, rabbit sticks, and — of course — games with apples.

The Village will also feature variety of historic demonstrations including blacksmithing, weaving, carving, hand-log hewing, quilting, candle making, and more. You can learn more about how settlers preserved the fall harvest and prepared for the long cold winter.

Witness a special threshing demonstration powered by a 1933 Case Model C Tractor, and see how shingles are made at the Shingle Mill. Then stop by the Cheese Factory where there will be fresh Empire Cheese curd for sale.

Admission to Applefest is $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors, and $6 for youth ages five to 14 (free for children under five). Family admission is also available for $30 and includes two adults and four youth. All taxes included. For more information, visit www.langpioneervillage.ca.

Applefest is one of the stops on Otonabee-South Monaghan Township’s Farms, Fields and Food Tour on September 10th, so stop by the tour tent to get your Peterborough County Canada 150 Passport.

Other stops on the tour include Elmhirst’s Resort, Harley Farms, Traynor Farms, Escape Maze, Muddy’s Pit BBQ, Doo Doo’s Bakery, Stillbrook Riding Stables, Dorisdale Farm, Keendale Lodge Farms, and Indian River Acres. For more information, visit www.osmtownship.ca.

The Business Beat for September 5, 2017

By Stu Harrison -
DIY queen Erin Watson and Lou Brown vintage artist Anna Eidt of Watson & Lou. (Photo; Watson & Lou)

Watson & Lou

Watson & Lou is a new business in downtown Peterborough.

Another finalist in the DBIA’s Win This Space contest, entrepreneurs Erin Watson and Anna Eidt have teamed up to create a new gift boutique where they will showcase the work of over 30 local artists and makers. There is rentable workspace for artists, and regular workshops. The grand opening is this Friday evening (September 8) from 5 to 10 p.m.

You’ll find Watson & Lou on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and at www.watsonandlou.com

Raising the Bar Sales and Marketing Group

Aaron Garfat, owner of Raising the Bar Sales and Marketing Group, a full-service advertising and sponsorship sales agency in Peterborough.
Aaron Garfat, owner of Raising the Bar Sales and Marketing Group, a full-service advertising and sponsorship sales agency in Peterborough.

Aaron Garfat’s new business is called Raising the Bar Sales and Marketing Group.

Aaron has created a full-service advertising and sponsorship sales agency located here in Peterborough. Aaron brings 20 years of sports sales and marketing experience with the Peterborough Pete’s organization to his new business, which will specialize in facility signage and sport sponsorships, broadcast advertising and special event planning and sponsorship.

So if you want a full-service process to generate revenue for your business, facility or event, visit www.raisingthebarmarketing.com

VolksFest 2017

VolksFest 2017 is a vintage car show on September 9.
VolksFest 2017 is a vintage car show on September 9.

VolksFest 2017 is a vintage car show happening this Saturday (September 9) at Peterborough Volkswagen.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4 and includes a show, prizes, and BBQ followed by a cruise through the Kawarthas.

Check out the details at www.peterboroughvw.com.

CNIB Night Steps

CNIB Night Steps is a national fundraising event for CNIB coming to Peterborough on September 15, 2017.
CNIB Night Steps is a national fundraising event for CNIB coming to Peterborough on September 15, 2017.

CNIB Night Steps is next Friday (September 15).

Nights Steps is a national fundraising event for CNIB and involves participants walking up to 5 km, complete with a free t-shirt, glow sticks, entertainment, games and free food.

If you want to participate or help out, call Leslie Yee and Lynda Todd at 705-760-4899 or visit www.cnibnightsteps.ca.

Terry Fox Run

The Peterborough Terry Fox Run committee is looking for 150 Peterborough businesses to raise $150 each for the annual charity run taking place on September 17.
The Peterborough Terry Fox Run committee is looking for 150 Peterborough businesses to raise $150 each for the annual charity run taking place on September 17.

The annual Terry Fox Run is Sunday, September 17th at Nichols Oval Park.

This year, the committee is looking for 150 businesses to raise $150 each. Peterborough has an amazing track record with the Terry Fox Run, with St Peter’s High School alone raising over $1.5 million over the years.

If you want to get your business involved just email shannon.mckinley@tldsb.on.ca or devon.girard@live.ca or visit the event page on Facebook.

All photos supplied except where noted.

Drivers should be extra vigilant with kids heading back to school

By kawarthaNOW -
Hundreds of school buses will be back on the roads for the first day of school on September 6, so give yourself extra time when driving to work (photo: Ontario School Bus Association)

With thousands of children and youth across The Kawarthas returning to school on Tuesday, September 5th, it’s once again time to remind drivers to help keep everyone safe by adjusting their driving habits.

Give yourself extra time when driving to work on Tuesday morning and be especially vigilant in school zones, when approaching school crossings, and around school buses.

The following safety reminders are important during the entire school year, but especially on the first day of school when children are excited, parents may be distracted, and drivers have become accustomed to reduced levels of traffic over the summer.

School zones

  • Look for school zone signs and reduce your speed in school zones.
  • Watch for children in school zones and be prepared to stop at all times.
  • Be especially careful when driving near school drop-off and pick-up zones.
  • If you’re a parent dropping or picking up your children, always follow the rules provided by your school with respect to zones.

School crossings

  • Look for school crossing signs and reduce speed when approaching a school crossing.
  • Stop when a stop paddle is held up by a crossing guard, and don’t proceed until the guard has left the crossing.
  • Even when the guard has left the crossing, keep an eye out for stragglers before proceeding.
  • In the City of Kawartha Lakes, school crossing guards use a three-whistle system: the guard blows the first whistle before entering the crosswalk alone to stop traffic; the guard blows the second whistle to advise pedestrians they can safely cross; and the guard blows the third whistle when the crossing is clear of pedestrians and vehicular traffic can resume.

School buses

  • Never pass a stopped school bus that has its upper red lights flashing. This applies regardless of the direction you are driving (the only exception is on a highway separated by a median, in which case traffic coming from the opposite direction is not required to stop).
  • Once all passengers have boarded, the bus’s stop arm will fold away. Do not start driving again until the red lights have stopped flashing and the bus begins to move.
  • Vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus. For the first offence, fines range from $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points. Fines for each subsequent offence range from $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points, and possible jail time up to six months.
  • You can report a vehicle that doesn’t stop properly for a school bus to police immediately by calling 9-1-1.

In general, watch for children when driving near schools and be ready to stop at all times. If you see children waiting to cross the road, whether at a school crossing or not, try to make eye contact with them.

Also, don’t text and drive. Put your electronic devices away while driving and give your full attention to the safe operation of your vehicle. It’s against the law in Ontario to hold any electronic device in your hand while driving, whether you’re on the road, at a traffic stop, or at a pedestrian crossing.

Depending on the kind of licence you have and how long you’ve been a driver, penalties range from a $490 to a $1000 fine and three demerit points or a suspension of your licence. If you must use your handheld device, pull off the road to a safe area to do so.

Finally: if you’re a cyclist, remember that the rules of the road apply to you too.

For more information on school bus safety, please visit the Ministry of Transportation’s website.

More than 170 paddle artworks created for Algonquin Outfitters’ Tom Thomson Paddle Art Contest

By kawarthaNOW -
A few of the more than 170 paddles submitted to Algonquin Outfitters for their Tom Thomson Paddle Art Contest. The paddles will be auctioned off with proceeds going to support local arts. (Photo: Algonquin Outfitters)

Last spring, wilderness canoe trip outfitter Algonquin Outfitters decided to hold a contest to celebrate the company’s 55th anniversary, the 150th anniversary of Canada, and the 100th anniversary of iconic Canadian artist Tom Thomson’s death in Algonquin Park.

The idea? By the end of August 2017, get people to create 100 unique pieces of paddle art and donate them for a charity auction. For a registration fee of $25, Algonquin Outfitters would supply contest entrants with either an unfinished paddle blank or a rough paddle blank that they could then paint or carve — or implement whatever creative idea they had.

Algonquin Outfitters held the contest over the past year, to celebrate the company's 55th anniversary, the 150th anniversary of Canada, and the 100th anniversary of artist Tom Thomson's death in Algonquin Park. (Graphic: Algonquin Outfitters)
Algonquin Outfitters held the contest over the past year, to celebrate the company’s 55th anniversary, the 150th anniversary of Canada, and the 100th anniversary of artist Tom Thomson’s death in Algonquin Park. (Graphic: Algonquin Outfitters)

The contest was a huge success, with Algonquin Outfitters receiving more than 170 paddles by the end of the contest on August 31st. Beginning during the first week of September, they will be auctioning off the paddles for charity online at algonquinoutfitters.com/auction/ culminating with a live event in Huntsville as part of the launch of Culture Days District of Muskoka.

All proceeds from the auction will go to support local arts through Oxtongue Lake for Arts and Culture — a community group that promotes the connections of Tom Thomson, A.J. Casson, and The Group of Seven connections to the Oxtongue Lake area — and the Town of Huntsville reserved fund for future public art acquisition.

The Tom Thomson Paddle Art Auction live event takes place at the Algonquin Theatre (37 Main St. E., Huntsville) from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 29th.

The event includes an open house viewing beginning at 3 p.m., an open mic for artists to talk about their paddle creations at 6 p.m., an information presentation on Huntsville Culture Days at 7 p.m., a free viewing of The Canoe film by Goh Iromoto / Ontario Travel at 7:30 p.m., and music by Sean Cotton and an artist open mic at 8 p.m.

The online auction for the paddles, which begins the first week of September, closes at midnight on September 29th. Prizes will be offered to the artists whose paddles bring in the most at the auction.

Algonquin Outfitters has already posted photos of the paddles on its Facebook page and will be posting more information about each paddle, including the artist, on its auction page at algonquinoutfitters.com/auction/ when the auction goes live.

Here are a few examples of some of the 170 unique and creative paddles that people created for the contest.

A paddle by Jen Morgan Anderson. (Photo: Algonquin Outfitters)
A paddle by Jen Morgan Anderson. (Photo: Algonquin Outfitters)

Jen Morgan Anderson of Muskoka says she was inspired to create the above paddle from the Tom Thomson painting “Northern River”, with the colours sampled from the painting and the shapes being a highly abstracted version of the painting’s composition. She had already painted a paddle before hearing about the Algonquin Outfitters contest, and has since painted many more, and has also taught two paddle painting workshops in Bracebridge.

Peter McBurney with his wolf paddle. (Photo courtesy Peter McBurney)
Peter McBurney with his wolf paddle. (Photo courtesy Peter McBurney)

Peter McBurney of Niagara Falls, who has been travelling to the Muskoka/Algonquin Park/Haliburton region since he was a child, is fascinated by wolves and often uses them as a subject in his artwork (he paints from photographs of wolves). Having recently learned that his great-grandmother, who was also an artist, was friends with Tom Thompson, he decided to paint the above paddle when he heard about the Algonquin Outfitters contest.

Christopher Dutton took a musicial approach by creating this four-string “canjo” guitar made from a broken paddle from the Algonquin Outfitters store at Opeongo, old forks found in a fire pit, and trout lures.

A paddle by Katie Ohlke. (Photo: Algonquin Outfitters)
A paddle by Katie Ohlke. (Photo: Algonquin Outfitters)

The above paddle by Katie Ohlke of Stone Ridge Art Studio shows a map of Canoe Lake in Algonquin Provincial Park, a favourite location for Tom Thomson to paint and where the 39-year-old artist’s body was found on July 17, 2017.

Here is a photo gallery of only 22 of the 170-plus paddles submitted for the contest. You can see more photos on Facebook page and at algonquinoutfitters.com/auction/ (along with information about the artist who created each paddle) when the online auction begins later this week.

All photos by Algonquin Outfitters except where noted.

The Mane Intent is Jennifer Garland’s passion and life-changing work

By Jeanne Pengelly -
Sunny the horse with Jennifer Garland, owner and program director of The Mane Intent, which uses facilitated equine experiential learning to help teams, families, and individuals uncover their potential. (Photo: The Mane Intent)

From corporate conference room to horse barn — you’d be surprised just how one can lead to the other.

Jennifer Garland is well-acquainted with the bustling world of corporate communications and leadership coaching, having 25 years of experience both as a consultant and a full-time team member.

Six years ago, looking out at the empty fields of the farm she and her husband had purchased, she said, “I think I’d like to buy a horse.” And her husband said “Good idea.”

And so, Sunny (who has since earned the name “Sunny with a Chance of Tornado”) came to live with Garland and her family.

“I found when I spent some time in the barn with Sunny, who had a highly developed sense of fear, I went home feeling calmer with a clearer head,” Jennifer says. “He taught me about overcoming fear, being more confident, aware, and focused.”

VIDEO: Welcome to The Mane Intent

To Garland, the path was crystal clear: she became certified in FEEL™ (Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning) and, a year later in 2014, launched The Mane Intent Inc.

Now in 2017, The Mane Intent serves a variety of clients, ranging from individuals and couples, to corporate groups and those healing from trauma.

“The Mane Intent has become my passion,” she says. “This is life-changing work for me.”

The work is also life changing for participants. For people from all walks of life, the business offers individual and team effectiveness coaching, leadership development, and health and wellness workshops working with horses as natural coaches.

“Horses have a natural ability to give us clear, direct, and rapid feedback,” Jennifer explains. “There will be a moment during their session with the horse that is often a surprise for the client. It’s a moment of connection and that’s often the ‘aha’ moment where they see a pattern of behaviour that may not have been clear to them previously.”

The Mane Intent is now partnering with Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and Trent University to offer a free 12-week program for young women aged 13 to 18 who have witnessed or experienced family conflict, dating violence, or other forms of abuse. The program is designed to promote healthy self-esteem, emotional awareness, coping skills, and personal resilience and is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“Horses are remarkable animals and they gift us with some pretty amazing insights,” Jennifer says. “This kind of work is a natural for me to do and I am grateful for a wonderful herd of horses who do what they do best for our clients. I am also very grateful for a wonderful life partner who is supporting me every step of the way,”

The Mane Intenet is located at Renegade Ridge Farm (2410 Cameron Line, Indian River). For more information, call 705-295-6618, email jgarland@themaneintent.ca, or visit www.themaneintent.ca. You can also find The Mane Intent on Facebook and on Twitter.

Brenda Cowan of The Ear Depot is changing the conversation around hearing loss

By Jeanne Pengelly -
Brenda Cowan and her colleagues at The Ear Depot are primarily focused on understanding their clients' hearing health care needs. From their three locations in Peterborough, Bancroft, and Barry's Bay, they offer professional hearing testing, tinnitus solutions, earwax removal, and hearing aids. (Photo: The Ear Depot)

There’s nothing wrong with Brenda Cowan’s hearing. In fact, she’s happy to lend you an ear if your own hearing is failing … and even if it isn’t.

The owner and operator of Peterborough’s The Ear Depot has one goal: to change the conversation around hearing loss.

Brenda Cowan, owner and operator of The Ear Depot, is a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist who opened her first practice in 1991. (Photo: The Ear Depot)
Brenda Cowan, owner and operator of The Ear Depot, is a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist who opened her first practice in 1991. (Photo: The Ear Depot)

The Ear Depot’s roots begin in 1982 when Brenda applied for a job as a receptionist at a local hearing aid company. She interviewed well, and the owner asked her if she was interested in becoming a Hearing Instrument Specialist rather than a receptionist. Even though formal education in the field was not required at the time, she decided to attend Sheridan College to obtain it.

After nine years working as a Hearing Instrument Specialist, she opened her first practice in Peterborough in 1991. She moved in 1993 and rebranded as the Peterborough Hearing Aid Dispensary, and purchased an office in Bancroft the following year, expanding to Barry’s Bay in 1997.

Things were going well enough, she says, until the industry began to change. Corporations were moving into the market, and the focus was changing.

“The changes weren’t all for the good,” Brenda says. “I didn’t like was I was seeing and I didn’t like what I was hearing, pardon the pun.”

What Brenda was hearing was that sales of hearing aids were trumping service. It was becoming less about helping the client and more about money.

“It was all about the sale,” she says. “We’re all about the service.”

Brenda had a choice: fold or fight. Since she isn’t a ‘folder’, she leased a vacant building, rebranded her company to be called The Ear Depot, and refocused her business on the client rather than the hardware.

At The Ear Depot’s three locations (Peterborough, Bancroft, and Barry’s Bay), Brenda and her colleagues Matt Paige and Cindy Handke now also consider lifestyle of their clients. What are the signs their hearing might be becoming impaired? What kinds of noise do they regularly expose themselves to? Are they at risk for hearing loss?

“We are about ‘conversation made easy’,” Brenda says, repeating the company’s new motto. “Conversation can mean different things to different people. You have to consider the client’s lifestyle to know their needs.

“If you’re in a nursing home, conversation may mean hearing the nurse. If you’re a CEO of a business, you need to hear every single detail or you could miss a crucial detail that could cost the company.”

That, by the way, actually happened. A simple detail, missed, was a quarter-million-dollar error. That CEO needed precision hearing, and Brenda uses that example to prove the importance of looking beyond a standardized hearing test and the sale of a device.

Beyond serving clients who may or may not need a hearing device when they first visit, Brenda says she is trying to change the public conversation about hearing loss. Recent evidence is showing a link between hearing loss and dementia, cognitive decline, depression, impaired memory — even life span.

The health benefits of hearing-loss prevention are becoming clearer, and Brenda encourages everyone to treat their hearing as they treat their eyesight. To that end, The Ear Depot offers free seminars for the public every second Thursday.

The Ear Depot is located at 236 Parkhill Road East in Peterborough (705-749-0707), 229 Hasting Street North in Bancroft (613-332-3754), and 12 Dunn Street in Barry’s Bay (613-756-9550). For more information, visit www.theeardepot.com or email info@theeardepot.com. You can also email Brenda Cowan at brenda@theeardepot.com and connect with The Ear Depot on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

An experienced communicator, Paula Kehoe helps her clients stand out

By Jeanne Pengelly -
Paula Kehoe, owner and operator of Red Rock Communications, provides copywriting and brand journalism, media relations, social media strategy management and content, and event marketing.

From the ache of difficult times, comes — often — the blessing of contentment. Paula Kehoe’s story is proof.

After a jetsetting career in journalism that took her from her home in a tiny fishing village in Newfoundland to the Grenadine Islands, from the east coast of Canada to the west, Kehoe settled in Peterborough in 2015 — a bright future on the horizon, a young family in tow.

“Moving to Peterborough was one of the best decisions we ever made,” Paula says. “The people remind me a lot of Newfoundlanders — kind, hospitable, welcoming. It was like being home.”

But Paula and her husband had little time to enjoy that feeling before news came that would change their lives: their eldest son was diagnosed with severe autism.

“That day was extremely difficult for us,” she explains. She had just finished a maternity leave and was ready to re-enter the workforce. Her husband had just taken a new job, and the family had just relocated.

“But, by the end of the night, my husband and I had decided he would leave his job so we could share the family responsibilities equally, and we would both open our own companies.”

So he started his own engineering consulting service and Paula started Red Rock Communications — the name stemming from her childhood in Red Head Cove, Newfoundland. Being in business for themselves gave them the flexibility to share responsibility for the family as well as “stay in the game” career-wise.

In 2015, Paula didn’t know a single soul in Peterborough. So, building on her strength as a people person — and her aptitude for strategically approaching every problem — she bought a membership in the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN).

“I’ve been networking like crazy ever since,” she says.

And she’s good at it — in just two short years, she’s built her boutique communications business to the point where she sometimes has to turn away work. Among her clients? Peterborough Public Health, kawarthaNOW.com, Sun Life Financial, the WBN, and Active Chiropractic and Wellness Centre.

Red Rock Communications positions itself as a boutique, one-stop communications shop for clients that is rooted in integrity. Services range from social media and brand journalism to media relations and event marketing.

Paula says her goal is to form business relationships based on transparency, honesty, and good old-fashioned hard work. She prefers face-to-face meetings, and aligns her own work with clients whose mission and values match her own.

“It’s that feeling of accomplishment that I’m actually contributing to something that’s worthwhile,” she says.

Nowadays, whether she’s busy with a client, in her role as a board member of the WBN or on the planning committee of International Women’s Day, or with her family, Paula keeps front-and-centre that which inspires her every move: discovering the passion behind what people do.

“Getting to know people, their businesses, their lives — that’s what really carries me through into each new day.”

Red Rock Communications is located in Peterborough. For more information, visit redrockcommunications.ca. You can also connect with Red Rock Communications on Twitter and Instagram.

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