The Advocate Podcast – Stories from Kawartha Lakes

Episode #66 Lindsay’s sidewalk saga. Big donation to APCH. The boss is watchin.’ New word. Pigat’s pickin’ tune.

They’re new. Again. And this version of bricks on Lindsay’s main street does look great. But what’s the story behind the crumbling ones that were installed just a short time ago and had to be replaced? The city’s Juan Rojas, Director of Engineering and Corporate Assets with the C of KL, meets us – on said sidewalk – to explain.

Jennifer Lopinski of APCH says she was expecting, maybe, some kind of donation when she was contacted by a charity group that was ceasing operation. But not THAT big a donation.

If you have at least 24 co-employees, your employer may be monitoring your work habits. But now there are rules about how they keep a watchful eye on how – and when – you’re using their devices and/or vehicle. Calvin Chan of Wards Lawyers explains.

A former Reaboro church is now a lovely home – and a venue for home concerts. We’ve got music from Paul Pigat, who’ll be there November 4. And a new “Well-Defined” word, courtesy of Lyndsay Heffernan of Kawartha Lakes Library.

 

 

SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE

The City of Kawartha Lakes has a new mayor. And The Advocate Podcast was at the Victoria Park Armoury as results officially rolled in and displayed via a giant screen. Doug Elmslie was there, too. We spoke to the former Ward 3 councillor - and now mayor-elect - moments after he learned he’d been elected to the City’s top job.

Episode # 65 Letham Leaves. Stata staying. Stella sings. GNO @ LAB. Tiny Home teaching moment.

He said he’d be a two-term mayor, and he kept that promise. Andy Letham looks back on eight years at the helm of City Council – and offers some advice for his soon-to-be successor. Bobcaygeon’s Jennine Profeta gathered some friends for a girls night out. But not just any friends - but improv, standup and sketch comedian friends. The result: Girls Night Out (note the caps, this time) returns to the Lakeview Arts Barn.

Are tiny homes really a viable solution towards solving a housing crisis? Alicia Stroobach offers some first-person insight.

In a previous episode we spoke to the director of an upcoming documentary titled The Movie Man. Well, this time we speak to The Man himself, Keith Stata, moments after the final screenings for the season at his Highland Cinemas. It may have been a tough couple of years for the beloved independent theatre, but the pride of Kinmount prevailed and vows to be back for Opening Night in Spring 2023. And new music from Omemee's Stella Panacci.

Episode #64 Stata’s cinema story. Barton-Dyke retires. A Hundred (+) Men get one big surprise

It’s remarkable that a documentary has never been done about our cherished Highland Cinemas and its compellingly unique founder and operator, Kinmount’s Keith Stata. Film maker, Matt Finlin, aims to change that. The director shares his very personal inspiration behind creating “The Movie Man.”

Penny Barton-Dyke spent 18 years as executive director of The United Way - a role she cherished and will dearly miss in retirement. None of the members of The 100 Men Kawartha Lakes saw it coming. Indeed, Tim Wisener’s presentation to the charity group came with one string attached – an extremely unselfish one.

Episode #63 School’s fluid rules. Contractor/client disputes. First Peoples Art. Randy’s legacy.

Unlike elementary and secondary schools in Ontario, universities and colleges have considerable autonomy in setting their Covid rules. Omemee native Madeline McColl describes, first-hand, some very stringent rules at her university.

Who ya gonna call when that contractor didn’t do the job to your liking? Or if the client doesn’t wanna pay? Calvin Chan of Wards Lawyers explains how and when contractor/client disputes should involve the law. A new art exhibit celebrating First Peoples opened in Bobcaygeon and we captured the sounds of that launch. His passing recently has left a huge void in Fenelon Falls. But Randy Meredith’s legacy will live well beyond the eclectic – and Gr8 – store he owned.

Episode #62 Two wheelers together again. Back-to-school looking brighter. Julian Taylor music and conversation

Sure, you can hold a cycling event virtually and raise lots ‘o money for a worthy cause like A Place Called Home. But the real thing is wayyyy better. A cyclist participating in the recent return to the in-person Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour explains why. The upcoming back-to-school won’t be like the one 2019. But it’s way better than the one in 2021. And let’s not even discuss 2020? Wes Hahn, Director of Education for the TLDSB, explains what students and parents can expect for the 2022 version.

Singer songwriter Julian Taylor draws on his unique roots to create a sound all his own, with smart, thoughtful lyrics and remarkable guitar work. And we’re not just sayin’ that cuz he’s now a neighbour! We sit down and chat with Julian at his new (part-time) home near Cameron.

Episode #61 EV experienced first-hand. Teachers Abroad. Coffee’s return

The C of KL is hosting a free EV info day Saturday August 20 – your chance to see some of the non-gas sipping cars up close and ask questions. But our host got his own green test drive and info session, courtesy of EV owner Ginny Colling. Secondary school teacher Cat Duvall interrupted her summer to…teach! But not summer school. Duvall is a volunteer – and then some – with Teacher Mentors Abroad.

And we hear from two entrepreneurs who – thank goodness – are bringing coffee (and couches, we hope!) back to Lindsay.

Episode #60 Jenna’s voice. Norland’s new park project. Pavement art. New word.

We head to Norland TWICE. Once to check in with Kawartha Public Library’s Lyndsay Heffernan for a new Well Defined word. And again to learn about a special public garden project that promises peace, relaxation – and a fountain! An alley walkway by any other name is just a strip of pavement. Until it’s transformed into a mural. That’s the plan, explains Melissa Wemyss of Wards Lawyers, whose office is right next to this art-in-waiting.

Not long after Jenna Warren found her artistic voice as a stage, TV and film actor, she took it a step further. The Lindsay native is also the voice behind several animated children’s shows, including My Little Pony.

Episode #59 Cassie tours. Chris fishes. Karissa on cottage transfers.

There have been more than a few false starts for touring musicians these past few years. But this time, it’s full-steam ahead, right? Not just LOCAL shows, right? Well, maybe not FULL steam ahead. But so far, not stops at least. Cameron-based singer songwriter Cassie Noble chats with us, mid-tour, about a return to the more familiar.

Sure, that cottage holds many warm, family memories. Want that feeling to continue after mum and dad bequeath it to you and your siblings? Lawyer Karissa Ward offers some sage advice in that emotion-filled transfer.

Who says that favourite fishin’ hole has to be wayyyyyy off the beaten path? Certainly not Lindsay’s Chris Morasse.

Episode #58 Kayla and Nathan chat ‘n sing

What a way to kick off Canada Day! A full episode dedicated to musical artists, Kayla Mahomed and Nathan Truax - partners in dispensing some great country music. And we’re talkin’ DEEP country, here. The singer songwriters sit down with our host to discuss their appreciation and downright love for a musical genre at it rootiest. (Yes, that may be the first time you’ve seen “genre” and “rootiest” in the same sentence). And they’ll explain how it not only brought them together on stage, but (spoiler alert!) OFF stage, too! Oh, and they perform live in our host’s living room. Engaging conversation. And a wonderful live performance. Pretty great, eh!