A tale of two countries: Local man’s life in Japan
e Generations: Different worldviews, same hopes and dreams
Behind the scenes with Globus eatre
JENNIFER JENNIFER ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A NURSE. LIKE FAMILY, PATIENTS DESERVE THE VERY BEST CARE.
Jennifer Chipp-Smith learned a lot about hospitals as a child, witnessing the care her sister received for Batten’s Disease. It made an impression, and today she is dedicated to helping families like hers get the best care in the safest environment.
As an RN and director of emergency and critical care at the Ross, Jennifer knows that expansions in the Emergency Department and the ICU will save lives. YOU CAN HELP. Your donations will support critical hospital projects.
Please watch for Jennifer’s letter in the mail or give online.
EAR CLINIC
SOUND SOLUTIONS FOR A CLEAR TOMORROW
At Lindsay Ear Clinic, our goal is to provide comprehensive audiological assessments. From the results of these assessments, we will educate, and inform our patients so they can make an informed decision about their hearing needs.
Your story is our priority, we’re here for you!
ARE A FULL SERVICE
Choose from one of our three locations in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon or Bancroft
One of our Audiologists will run you through a series of tests and then discuss options to help you return to better hearing.
We’re confident we can find the perfect device to suit your needs.
ANNE MARIE SINASAC
M.Cl.Sc., AuD., Doctor of Audiology, Registered CASLPO Audiologist
DENYSE ROWE
M.Cl.Sc., Aud(c), Registered CASLPO Audiologist
BRENT ROBINSON
M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO Audiologist
Cara Baycroft
Getting to know one another at the Advocate photo shoot. On the left, Peter Sanderson chats with Sue Allen. On the right,
1016
Please send editorial inquiries to Roderick Benns at roderick@lindsayadvocate.ca or 705-341-1496.
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lindsayadvocate.ca • @lindsay.advocate
e stage is set for Globus eatre’s new season.
30
Mark Hamilton has now spent decades in Japan. And it all started with a simple high school exchange.
Five generations, five ways of looking at the world. letters to the editor 6 • benns’ belief 9 • mansur’s musings 23 business today 26 • KL public
our mission
Fireside Publishing House is the premier print media company in Kawartha Lakes through its family of magazines and all-local weekly newspaper. We believe that community-based media can bring people together and change lives for the better through the power of storytelling, reflecting local culture, and creating informed and engaged citizens. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality and relevant content that reflects the diverse voices and experiences of our communities. We believe in the transformative power of local media to inspire, educate, and empower.
Zarina Decambra speaks with Sage Stapleton. Photo: Sienna Frost.
Cover image: From
to R: Sue Allen, Zarina Decambra, Sage Stapleton, Peter Sanderson, Jason Ward. Photo: Sienna Frost.
to the editor
Medical office administrator reminds patients to be kind
Please be kind to the staff at your physician’s office. We are the ones who work behind the scenes 10 hours a day assisting your physician.
Please know that we are people too. We have families that worry about us, our emotional, physical, and mental states. We do not leave the work behind as we walk out the door of the office. We are the ones who wake up two or three times a night and can’t get back to sleep because we’re thinking about you.
Please do not raise your voice with us over the phone if we can’t give you an appointment within a couple of days. Please do not yell and swear at us when you decide to call one morning for an appointment for a problem you’ve had for over a month, but today’s the day you want something done about it and I can’t give you can appointment until next week.
Please do not yell at us if the office is running 15 or 20 minutes behind schedule because someone is having an emotional or mental crisis and the physician is taking extra time to deal with them.
e next time you visit your family physician’s office please consider the fact that your physician sees patients for six or seven hours a day and then has another two to three hours of paperwork on top of that. We do so much behind the scenes that you have no knowledge of. Physicians are burning out at an alarming rate. So are their office staff. A lot of us have many, many years of experience, and what we are experiencing these days is unprecedented. Yes, we blame so much on isolation from COVID but we seem to have lost our social skills and our knowledge of how to interact on a dayto-day basis.
Please be kind. Please know that we do care about you.
— Sheila Croome, Kawartha Lakes
Fertilizer and climate change
It was so refreshing to see a column under the banner “Cool Tips For a Hot Planet” (April Advocate: e green green grass of home) that took a reasoned, practical approach to the issue of nitrogen fertilizers and climate change. So often we hear only one side of the story from climate activists and zealots. Here’s the sentence that hits the target: “Right now, without them (nitrogen-based fertilizers) it would be hard to feed the eight billion souls that share our planet.” At last, an acknowledgement that sometimes practicality has to be put ahead of idealism when it comes to real world problems associated with carbon emissions and climate change. For too long, the issue of carbon emissions from the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, was promoted to the point where it threatened sufficient food production for the world’s population. Sri Lanka is the most widely cited modern example of an abrupt government-imposed ban on chemical fertilizers that precipitated a drastic drop in yields. ere have been plenty of others. Great to see a shift, from one of the most dedicated climate activists, toward common sense solutions to the most complex problems related to climate change.
— Carl Sweetman, Lindsay
Retired woman says local clubs helped her feel more connected
Re: A Newbie’s Guide to Making Friends (Mansur’s Musings, March Advocate). As a recently retired newcomer to Lindsay, almost 20 years ago, the first thing I did was look for clubs and organizations, such as the Kawartha Field Naturalists, the garden clubs and the local Humane Society, where I could meet people with interests similar to mine. ere are also several social clubs, as well as organizations who need volunteers, where there are lots of opportunities to meet new people. As a result, I now have a long list of friends and acquaintances that I enjoy spending time with.
— Judy Kennedy, Lindsay
e Advocate welcomes your letters. We do not publish anonymous letters unless it’s a matter of public importance and/or someone risks harm by writing us. We publish under strict guidelines & only if we can verify the person’s identity. Keep your letters to 200 words or less. Simply email roderick@lindsayadvocate.ca.
Join Community Care’s annual Hike for Hospice
On Sunday, June 1 Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes (CCCKL) will host its annual Hike for Hospice, inviting residents from across the region to walk in support of individuals and families facing life-limiting illness and grief.
Check-in begins at 11 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 1 p.m. before the walk begins at CCCKL’s new building, located at 21 Angeline Street North in Lindsay, across from Ross Memorial Hospital. Registration or donate online at hikeforhospice.ca.
Now in its 21st year, Hike for Hospice is part of a national movement, but it holds deeply local significance, according to a media release. Every dollar raised stays within the community, directly funding hospice, providing essential, nocost support to individuals at the end of life and to families navigating bereavement.
Attendees can look forward to a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with snacks, treats from Kawartha Dairy, and giveaways. All members of the community are welcome to attend and participate, including children and four-legged companions. For those unable to attend in person, organizers invite participants to “Hike Where You Are” and submit photos of their hike to be included in the event’s celebration of community involvement.
e fundraising goal for this year is $30,000, all of which will go toward continuing to provide hospice and palliative care, emotional support, and bereavement services in Kawartha Lakes. Donations can be made directly at hikeforhospice.ca. is year’s Hike for Hospice is supported by Gold Sponsors Economy Wheels Nissan and Lakeland Funeral and Cremation Centre, whose contributions help make this event — and the programs it supports — possible.
For more information about Hike for Hospice or CCCKL Hospice Services, contact hospiceinfo@ccckl.ca or call 705-3247323 ext. 550.
SUPPORTLOCAL JOURNALISM
I started The Lindsay Advocate in 2017 to make a positive difference in my hometown. Then last summer, our small, independent team revived an all-local, traditional weekly newspaper — Kawartha Lakes Weekly.
Visit our website and choose Support Us or contact 705-341-1496 or roderick@ lindsayadvocate.ca.
Thank you to everyone who has chosen to support local journalism.
– Roderick Benns, Publisher
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Alan Gregory, Al Kingdon, Anne Melanson, April Scott, Audrey Burrows, Barb Taylor, Bill & Heather Peter, Bob & Carol Barkwell, Bruce & Debbie Peck, Cam Finley, Carol Bryans, Carol & Brian Kelsey, Catherine Hennings, Christine Wilson, Colleen Newson, Cordula Winkelaar, D Ann Ostafichuk, Dale Urekar, David & Margaret Robertson, David Holloway, David MacMillan, Deborah Smith, Doreen Amos, Don Sangster, Donna Gushue & Jim Buchanan, Drew Davison, Edith Wood, Edna Calhoun, Elaine Heyes, Eileen MacDonald, Elizabeth Anne Patterson, Elke Danziger, Ellen Roberts, Gail Motzok, Garth & Marian Mackay, George Meyer, Glenda Morris, Grace King, Hannah Marnoch, Heather Muir, Hilary Grice, Jack Kyle, Jane Porter, Jane Walling, Janet Smith, Jean Wood, Jeremy Kraemer, Jim Buchanan, Joan Shippel, Joanne Young, John & Elizabeth Gundy, John & Pauline Hunter, Joyce Dunning, Kevlyn Given, Laurie Jones, Lauren Drew, Lee Steeves, Leslie King, Linda Friend, Lorna Green, Lynda Palmer, Mike Vanderburg, Marci Stainton, Margaret Anthony, Maria Bennett, Marie Geelen, MarieFrance Leclerc, Marnie Nelles, Maureen Kalmykow, Maurice & Marie Jackson, Mehran Qaaboos, Mieke Schipper, Mike & Cathy Puffer, Nanci Byer, Neil Campbell, Nelson Gingrich, Nora Steffler, Norma Downes, Norman & Molly FeldmanSwan, Patricia Apac, Pamela Burtt, Paul Skipworth, Peter & Kathy Anderson, Peter & Sandra MacArthur, Ray & Lorna Smith, Ron & Claudie Chartrand, Ross & Susan Beattie, Sandra Scott, Sharon Tracy, Shirley Harnden, Susan Ferguson, Susan Gleeson, Susan Stitt, Tegan Osmond, Vickie Schuett, Viona Smith, Wanda Percival, Wayne & Cathy Alldred, Wayne Alldred, William Steffler, Zita Devan
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries
Lindsay Optimist Club In Memory of Ken Found
Heather Richardson Angus McNeilWaylon Skinner Nicole Moore
Becoming a better human
By Roderick Benns Publisher
I am writing this column at the end of March, during the monumental ice storm. Jack Frost’s parting shot has robbed most of us of precious electricity, while scarring our landscapes like a Homeric battle.
A day before the power died, the sound of cracking branches and trees being hauled down kept most of us awake, creating unity in the uncertainty of fitful, icy shatters.
In my old, central Lindsay home, I am fortunate to have a wood burning stove in my living room. I am not much of an outdoorsman,butIdidgrowupinatiny home that mostly relied on heat from a woodstove. So, in one of the few gifts my father ever gave me, I know how to chop wood and tend a fire. For the first time ever, I am using my woodstove to boil water to make myself green tea. (In some way, this has been deeply satisfying, and it somehow tastes better than usual.)
My youngest, at 18, has never known a world without the internet. And the youngest generation among us, Generation Alpha (born after 2010) will have never known life without artificial intelligence.
Our cover story this month, written by Sarah Fournier, is on the generations and how they all see the world through different lenses. My late grandmother, born in 1916, only got electricity to her rural Apsley-area home in the early 1950s. Her parents never experienced the miracle of a flushing toilet or the precious glow of a lightbulb.
My youngest, at 18, has never known a world without the internet.
And the youngest generation among
us, Generation Alpha (born after 2010) will have never known life without artificial intelligence.
Yet for now, draped in irony (and a cozy couch blanket), I write by candlelight. Some online voices, via Facebook mostly, complained more than they were grateful, and yet they were truly drowned out by the number of people who surrendered to their better angels, offering hot showers, food, or charging stations to those without.
e pace of accelerated learning and discovery is now unparalleled in humanhistory.Of course,eachgeneration says this. And yet this time, anchored by AI, invention itself is now iterative and generative, marking a new frontier in our world’s growth. As Reid Hoffman and Greg Beato write in Superagency, “A machine that can think like a human — strategically, abstractly, and even creatively, at the speed and scale of a computer — will obviously be revolutionary.”
e question isn’t what our AI future will do for us in terms of new technology, but whether it can free us to better focus on what unites us. Can we offload routine and mundane tasks to AI, to more easily focus on what truly defines our humanity: creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and interpersonal connections. If we can seize this agency for ourselves, as the authors argue, AI can free us from the “tyranny of the everyday,” allowing us to engage in activities that cultivate our human spirit.
On a technical level, maybe AI will ensure we won’t lose power as often as we do. But more importantly, maybe we’ll take this gift of time and learn what inspires us – and what connects us – and just become better human beings.
Follow Roderick on Instagram @roderickbenns
Going backstage in Bobcaygeon
Globus eatre acquires Lakeview Arts Barn and sets the scene for a new season
By Ian McKechnie
Whether they be longtime patrons or newcomers, visitors to the Lakeview Arts Barn are likely to notice a significant change when they pull up in front of the iconic pink structure on the southern outskirts of Bobcaygeon for a concert, a pantomime, or a murder mystery. Gone will be the enormous LAB sign, replaced with new signage announcing that this building is now Globus eatre.
What is going on? Are they not one and the same? Yes and no – and this season’s change in signage reflects an exciting development in the history of a renowned player in the local arts scene.
Globus eatre, the brainchild of Sarah Quick and James Barrett, had its origins in England more than 20 years ago. It began as a professional touring company, and after setting up shop in Kawartha Lakes, Globus rented space in Lindsay’s Academy eatre. By 2006, Quick and Barrett had acquired a picturesque old barn steps away from the shores of Pigeon Lake. is venue operated separately from the producing theatre company as an event space – not only did it give Globus a home in which to stage its productions, it also functioned as a kind of community hub.
People came from far and wide to exchange their wedding vows beneath the barn’s photogenic beams. Others sought it out to play host to conferences and community meetings. All these things generated revenue for the LAB that enabled it to, among other things, provide space in which Globus could produce and perform its assorted shows.
And then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived.
No longer was it feasible for the LAB to function as an event venue – large gatherings went on an indefinite hiatus. What didn’t go on hiatus was the public’s love of live performances. “While it was disastrous, it created something new and very exciting,” says Globus’ artistic director Sarah Quick of those uncertain years, when live theatre was especially hard hit. “How do we contribute to society during this time when people need each other?” Quick recalls asking.
Undeterred, Globus organized online shows, outdoor shows, play readings, and other events. It had already established a solid reputation across Ontario for quality theatre productions – but it was still a tenant. Having come into its own, it needed to have a permanent home. anks to the generosity of donors and other funding sources, Globus
eatre was able to raise $1.7 million by the end of 2024 and has now purchased the Lakeview Arts Barn outright.
Although the events for which the LAB was known – weddings, for instance – will continue in a limited fashion, the focus now is on moving forward with a remarkable variety of live theatre offerings. Once a primarily summertime operation, Globus’ season now runs from May through December.
For Quick and her team, the fun and hard work begins with coming up with a season that audiences will get excited about. “We try to focus on new Canadian plays, or plays that are new to Canadian audiences,” Quick tells the Advocate. “You are always going to see a Norm Foster play; his plays are great audience-pleasers. ey have humour with heart.” (Foster cut the ribbon opening the LAB nearly two decades ago.) “We will always have a concert in the season,” Quick continues. “You will always see a murder mystery. ere is something for everybody.”
Left: Hurry Hard from the 2023 season.
Right: Sarah Quick in Screwball Comedy from the 2022 season.
e Globus eatre box office.
Once plays have been selected, Globus will apply for the rights to produce the shows. ese administrative details being completed, it’s on to auditions, which take place in Toronto. Globus draws on a wide range of talent; some 150 actors might show up to an audition. ey also participate in “generals” with other theatres: at these events, Quick explains, actors might be seen by seven or eight artistic directors. (As one of Ontario’s leading theatrical companies, Globus is tapped into a tightly-knit network of theatres that share many similarities in terms of funding structures and overall philosophy about the performing arts. e encouragement and exchange of ideas facilitated by this kind of collaboration grew out of the pandemic, says Quick, and has been going strong ever since.)
Callbacks happen with three or four actors who have been cast in a particular role. “You want to work with people who are like-minded and friendly,” Quick says of the decisions
that go into casting. A typical season might feature up to 30 or more actors, of which about half will be new to Globus. ese performers live in the community during the course of their four-week contracts and, as Quick points out, contribute to the local economy by patronizing local restaurants and other businesses.
It’s a big commitment, with performers engaged in rehearsal for eight hours a day, six days a week, for more than two weeks before showtime. is is aided in no small part by the building’s soundproof rehearsal hall downstairs, so the cast and crew of one show might be running their lines while audiences are taking in a performance in the space above.
And thanks to Globus’ 30,000 printed brochures and other intensive promotional efforts, those audiences keep coming back for more. “We are constantly getting new people coming to our shows,” says Quick enthusiastically. “We are a very positive team and are always looking ahead.” LA
Reader Survey Results 2025
To better understand who our readers are, we recently conducted a survey. Most of you filled it out online, but many took the time to mail the paper copy we included in our Feb. issue. We are honoured by your support. It is our intention to continue to serve you with the best all-local, thoughtful and relevant magazine journalism. Here's just some of what we learned about you, our readers.
84% of readers shared additional feedback and comments
23% emphasized the importance of local and community content
20% said the content was amazing, great, excellent, or awesome
15% said they loved some or all components of the Advocate
The rest said they enjoyed, appreciated, were thankful for, or found the Advocate informative
Zarina Decambra, Silent Generation, speaks with Sage Stapleton, Gen Zed generation. All photos: Sienna Frost.
e Generations
We talked to five different people from five different generations
– Silent, Boomers, Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Zed – on managing change, finding connection, and the planning for the future.
By Sarah Fournier
ey say, ‘If you want to know where you’re going, ask someone who’s already been there.’ But has anyone ever been exactly where we are now? e world keeps changing — faster than ever — and what worked in the past doesn’t always translate to the present. Although the advice offered to younger generations may come from a place of wisdom, it can also feel like a roadmap to a place that no longer exists.
From typewriters to TikTok, we’ve lived through radical shifts in how we work, talk, connect, and understand the world. e story we often hear is one of division—Boomers rolling their eyes at Millennials, Gen Z criticizing how Gen X’ers are stuck in the past, everyone quietly ignoring the Silent Generation—the truth, as it turns out, is far more complicated.
We sat down with five people from different generations in Kawartha Lakes, and what emerged wasn’t a culture war, but a layered story of contradiction, a desire to improve, and a surprising amount of hope for the future.
As an Indian immigrant born in the Silent Generation, Zarina Decambra’s early years as a single child were bathed in silence. “I was raised in a time when girls and women were not to be heard before we were seen. My parents would never ask how my day at school was,” she remembers. “I swore to myself I would not allow my children to be quiet.” She
praises her mother’s decision to send her to boarding school — a place she first experienced true connection and community.
Peter Sanderson, a lifelong Lindsay resident and proud Boomer, grew up in a very different environment — one buzzing with play and chatter. “We didn’t have to worry about safety and security the way parents do now. Neighbourhood community was the norm,” Peter recalls fondly. “We were always watching out for younger people.”
Another long-time Lindsay resident, Jason Ward of Generation X, sees his cohort as the critical bridge between Peter’s playful, community-driven world and the digital spaces inhabited by younger generations. “ ere used to be several taverns in Lindsay where people would go to hang out,” Jason remembers. “Now, playing games online is primarily how kids socialize.”
Representing Gen Z, Sage Stapleton reinforces these beliefs about this generation born into a digital world. “Nothing I do is paper,” she confesses readily, highlighting her complete immersion in online platforms for both social and educational purposes. For Sage, digital tools aren’t replacements for community — they define her community experience.
Somewhere in the middle of these hyper-connected and play-intense upbringings is Sue Allen, a Millennial mother
World War II 1940s
Spaceflight 1950s
The Great Depression 1930s Disco 1970s
Silent Generation 1928-1945
of two actively navigating the intersection between digital and physical. She deeply feels the tension of raising this next generation, known for their early and extensive exposure to technology.
“Technology is an integral part of our life now,” Sue acknowledges. “We’ve inadvertently become reliant on it and don’t have to use our brains as much as we should.” Peter, reflecting on his experience with the seismic shift of technology entering everyday life, admits the results of the tech revolution weren’t all bad. As a young teacher in the
Zarina Decambra
Silent Generation
Standard key traits: Resilience, discipline, and a strong sense of duty. ey are known for being thrifty, respectful, and adhering to traditional values and norms.
Zarina’s best advice to future generations: “Speak less and listen more.”
Standard key traits: Hard workers, optimism, and a strong sense of community. ey value individual choice, strive for self-actualization, and have a strong desire for a high quality of life.
Peter’s best advice to future generations: “It’s important to understand our history, but you can’t dote on it. We have to learn the lessons our parents learned so we don’t make the same mistakes.”
early 1980s, he witnessed first-hand how technology could drastically change lives when used as an aide. He compares today’s digital revolution to the historical transition from radio to TV, recognizing smartphones and digital tools as double-edged swords. “It moved us away from play-based interactions to screen-based ones, changing how we communicate and connect,” Peter adds.
Generation X 1965-1980
Zarina has also witnessed this massive shift in communication styles, amplified by her experiences living in a multi-generational home shared with her two daughters, son-in-law, and granddaughter. As someone who truly feels connected to the “Silent” part of her generation, Zarina admits the energy and openness of her family’s communication can feel overwhelming at times. “ e first year was horrible,” she says about the transition of living together. “But the blessings of it are magnified now that we’ve sorted things out.”
While Zarina sometimes struggles with the constant flow of conversation, younger generations thrive on immediacy and openness. Sage argues that the methods older generations criticize as superficial are actually more efficient. “We communicate in a direct, immediate way instead of waiting for a call… or a carrier pigeon,” she laughs. Yet, Sage openly admires older generations’ ease with direct communication — without apps or distractions — and acknowledges the challenges posed by digital dependency. “One thing I admire about older generations is their ability to easily make a phone call.”
is blend of critique and admiration isn’t unique to Sage. In fact, each generation seems to view the others with a mix of curiosity and contradiction. And not surprisingly, many believe their own childhood was the best. Sue wishes younger generations could experience the same freedom and spontaneity without screens Millennials had. “I want Gen Z to know how fun our childhood was,” she insists, “and how fun childhood can be.” Hers was marked by outdoor exploration and offline fun, something she thinks today’s children sorely need.
Peter echoes this sentiment. For his generation, community wasn’t a concept; it was reality shaped by unstructured time spent outdoors. “Kids played just for the sake of play,” he says, emphasizing a freedom he worries has faded. is freedom, Peter believes, fostered lasting friendships and taught kids how to structure their own time.
e ability to roam free, along with significant cultural transformations, united Jason’s generation and defined his childhood. He fondly recalls walking Lindsay’s Kent Street in a leather vest and work boots, blasting Motley Crue and death metal. “My kids are shocked that I ever did that,” he
Generation Z
laughs, “but that was cool back then.” Jason passionately describes how Gen X found solidarity through powerful music and movies. “ ere was a huge creative movement in the 80s, when heavy metal surged, punk went away, and hard rock and roll was on the rise,” he explains. “ at music gave us our voice.”
is deep sense of unity older generations experienced might appear to have been lost, but it could have simply shifted locations. Sue points out how digital tools have
Jason Ward
Gen X Generation
Standard key traits: Independence and adaptability. ey are resourceful, and comfortable learning new technology, being the first to grow up with personal computers.
Jason’s best advice to future generations: “You don’t know anyone’s story, so never judge…kindness and compassion are still how you should guide your life.”
kept her connected with people she’d otherwise lose touch with. Even Jason acknowledges his kids may be getting just as much out of their virtual connections as he once did in person.
Whichever way you look at it, digital dependence has generated unfair stereotypes. “Millennials are thought of as lazy and not as hard-working because we use technology to work and get things done,” Sue says, “but it’s made us creative problem-solvers.” Having experienced adolescence during the transition from analog to digital, Millennials uniquely bridge these worlds. “We know how to look for answers in the encyclopedia or search Google for information,” Sue explains. “We’re actually incredibly determined to see things through, which is something I think we’ve adapted from older generations.”
Sage also pushes back against generational stereotypes. “ ey assume that because we use tech, we’ve been dumbed down. It’s unfair to make this generalization,” she says.
Sue Allen Millennial Generation
Standard key traits: Tech-savviness, strong work-life balance preferences, and diverse perspectives. ey are known for being ambitious, curious, and valuing education. Sue’s best advice to future generations: “Learn how to manage your money, specifically how to budget and plan for things you want.”
Sage Stapleton
Gen Zed Generation
Standard key traits: Digital natives, with a strong desire for authenticity and social responsibility. ey are also pragmatic, entrepreneurial, often seeking flexibility and purpose-driven careers.
Sage’s best advice to future generations: “Make your own way. No matter what your parents believe, you should go out and have your own experiences and your own opinions.”
“ ey think we’re ‘unproductive’ but not all of us are.”
Jason sees it a bit differently. “Boomers taught me that there’s no substitute for hard work,” he asserts. “It’s challenging to get kids to do physical tasks these days, especially when there’s a universe they can escape to online.”
Unsurprisingly, economic shifts underline many of these generational divides. Peter, who grew up in a secure postwar era, recognizes the stark differences in job stability today. “We valued long-term employment and were loyal to our employer,” he says. “It’s easy for us to question why Gen X-ers can’t hold a job, but that’s not a reasonable expectation these days. Opportunities to work in one setting are not nearly as plentiful.” Reflecting further, he acknowledges today’s struggles. “It’s much tougher now, without question. Growing up, we never wanted for anything and weren’t aware of everything globally. ose aren’t givens anymore.”
Jason agrees that times have changed economically and expresses concerns about younger generations’ struggles in building financial independence and maintaining interpersonal skills. “We survived without emotional and financial support from parents,” Jason says. “I often question whether my kids will be able to accumulate as much financial independence as they need.” Sue echoes the importance of learning financial responsibility and actively teaching her children to budget — with the help of banking apps. “I want my kids to be aware of how they spend money, which is hard when we tap for everything these days,” she explains. ese financial concerns are closely tied to generational shifts in parenting. Jason marvels at how the parenting style of his youth — independent, free-range — has given way to more cautious, highly involved approaches. “Public school pick-up shows this whole new way to parent. e streets are lined with parents waiting in their car to pick up kids instead of having them walk home or take the bus,” he says.
“Block parents could never survive today. ey were just good people that offered a safe place for kids, but today we would be suspicious about why people would want to volunteer as one.”
As a front-row spectator of her granddaughter’s upbringing, Zarina sees today’s parenting as a positive evolution. “I had a deferential relationship with my parents. You suffer quietly, and that’s how it is,” Zarina explains. “My family’s communication is so joyful to watch. e openness they share, I so admire.”
at candidness and emotional presence mark just one part of a broader generational shift. Peter observes another change — this time in how younger people experience leisure and connection. “If there’s one thing other generations
can learn from Boomers, it’s dealing with unstructured time,” he says, referring to young people’s dependence on phones for entertainment. As a proud member of the Optimist Club, Peter aims to shift this mindset by leaving a legacy that emphasizes play-based activities and fosters community. He hopes younger generations can learn to balance technology use with genuine social connections. Sueagreesthatmasteringthisbalanceisessential.Although she admires younger generations’ rapid adaptability, she emphasizes that kids need to learn to be mindful of what they’re watching and consuming. “With full accessibility to the world, you need to know when to turn it off,” Sue says. Even Sage has considered stepping away from platforms like Snapchat due to their potential harm to genuine relationships. “I think younger generations should avoid social media as long as possible,” Sage advises. “It’s hard to get past the addiction and constant need for stimulation.”
Yet even with these challenges, Peter carries a vision for something better ahead. “I have great hope for the future,” he says. Surprisingly, Sage agrees. She expects her generation will be remembered for its commitment to inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and proactive engagement with global issues. “We may spend a lot of time online, but this makes us deeply connected and informed,” she stresses. “I think we’re actually the most inclusive of others because we were born into knowing things weren’t okay.” Growing up in a world more attuned to inclusion and equality has shaped how her peers think and interact.
Not everyone sees the world through the same lens — but across generations, a sense of mutual respect and hope quietly threads its way through. “I admire everything about the new generations,” Zarina concludes. “ ey will fight; they will speak up. I have a lot of hope for this world.” LA
Sue Allen, left, a millennial, talks with Gen X’er Jason Ward and Sage Stapleton from Gen Zed.
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this together
By Aliyah Mansur Contributor
In March, my family and I experienced this year’s much anticipated basement flooding. As winter’s record-breaking snowfall was much like the filth of Sarumon – washing away – we had to deal with several hours of vacuuming up and hauling out the water from our house. One of the upsides of having an old school dirt basement is not having to worry about water damage to drywall or flooring. So, it ended up being a fun little adventure in passing buckets of muddy and fungally enough, mushroom-filled water, from one person to another, up stairs and outdoors or down toilets, reminding me of something beautiful and ironic. My cup floweth over.
Since moving in with my mom, aunt, uncle, and grandmother, daily life has hugely improved. Everyone has their chores, which are somewhat divided according to joy and or indifference to the task, so if one person hates dishes but likes vacuuming and another person feels the opposite way, neither person has to do the chore they loathe. It’s a symbiotic dynamic. We each get to play to our strengths and have support with the tasks we’re weaker at. But aside from the practicalities, it’s really just nice to live in a full house.
For much of my life, as an only child to a single mom, home has always been quiet (despite my own propensity for loudness). Because of this, I was told that I would have a hard time adjusting to sharing space, particularly when I moved into my sorority house with eight other young women several years ago. As it turns out, I thrive with company and moving back into a full house has reminded me that this is a completely viable way to live, even
after university. It’s worth having the tough conversations that are an inevitable feature of shared and, particularly, multigenerational living. We may not agree all the time, and varying social needs can put undue pressure on the introverts, leaving the extroverts a little dejected. But if you’re open to learning new things about yourself, things that are more readily discovered through the experience of multigenerational living, then you’re in for a wild ride of introspection and selfgrowth.
We may not agree all the time, and varying social needs can put undue pressure on the introverts, leaving the extroverts a little dejected.
Fair warning, this way of life is not for the faint of heart. You must be willing to face hard truths about yourself and what I’ve learned to be the inevitable contradictions between your own personal values. We are all fallible. We are all works in progress. But we can help each other way more than we’ve been led to believe.
e standard expectation of moving out, living on our own until we get married and/or have kids, is just one way to exist. ere are plenty of other configurations for living with each other; the only limits are what we can imagine is possible.
BUSINESS Today
Kawartha Lakes, Launch Kawartha, and its regional partners were excited to be a part of the recent DiscoveryX showcase in Toronto.
DISCOVERYX PUTS FOCUS ON INNOVATION
Living and working in Kawartha Lakes is a unique opportunity
By Rebecca Mustard and Corey Norman
DiscoveryX is Canada’s premier innovation event, hosted by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). Each year, OCI brings together entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, government, and industry leaders to showcase the power of Ontario innovation. Hosted in Toronto, DiscoveryX is where “next” happens in Ontario.
In April, Kawartha Lakes and Launch Kawartha joined our regional partners, Fleming College, Trent University and the Innovation Cluster at DiscoveryX. Here are a few insights from our time with the leaders of innovation in Ontario.
Innovation takes an ecosystem: Innovation doesn’t happen without the many contributions of people and organizations in the region playing a part. It was clear at DiscoveryX that our region shows up.
e Kawartha Lakes value proposition for entrepreneurs is attractive: After countless discussions with entrepreneurs over two days, one thing was abundantly clear – living and working here is an opportunity many want to capitalize on. e desire for life balance while grinding away at building a company has never been more important. e ability to go for a hike, swim in a lake, take a kayak down a river, and then work on the dock are not just a dream here. Our resources are competitive: While we can’t offer the same things as Toronto or Waterloo, we do have many of the same conveniences, and fewer of the inconveniences. Maintaining mental and physical health have become critical aspects of many entrepreneurs (and employees) decisions on where to work. It is no longer a ‘nice to have.’ row in good internet, comparatively affordable housing and office space – and many additional supports for businesses – and it is a recipe for success.
GIDDY-UP
Western attire store opens in Lindsay’s downtown
By Deron Hamel
Owner Andrea Lehman with daughter, Anika.
ere’s a new family-run one-stop shop for Western fashion in downtown Lindsay, and the owner says she’s excited to be bringing the latest clothing and accessories in this style to town.
Located at 181 Kent St. West, Hollowbrooks held its grand opening April 12 to a packed crowd, which Andrea Lehman says is a testament to the popularity of the items she’s selling and the strong support she’s received from the community.
Lehman is no stranger to the Kawartha Lakes business community. Since 2021, she has owned Hollowbrook Highlands, a wedding venue on a scenic Pontypool farm that predates Confederation.
With many of her Hollowbrook Highlands clients opting for Western-themed clothing to be in concert with the farmland surroundings, Lehman wanted to open a clothing store to meet their fashion needs.
But Lehman also recognized an opportunity to tap into the local need for a store that caters to those looking for Western fashion, a trend, she says, that is “highly popular right now,” especially among younger crowds.
Lehman underscores that Hollowbrooks sells high-quality clothing and accessories as opposed to “Western wear.”
“It’s not wear-on-the-farm kind of clothes; it’s more Western fashion, it’s more what you would wear to go out on the town – that’s what we’re geared for,” she says.
Working alongside Lehman are her three daughters and son. Daughter Anika works at Hollowbrooks full time. Providing employment to her children has been an added perk of the business, she says.
Lehman says she’s also grateful to the local community for its support, adding she’s enjoying operating a downtown business. “I love the people; I love the interaction and hearing their stories.”
ROSIE’S DOCKSIDE THRIVES ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT
By Deron Hamel
Rosie’s Dockside is a family restaurant in the truest sense of the term.
Located in Coboconk, the restaurant is owned by Tammy Bradimore, but Tammy says the star of the show is her mother, Rosie Bradimore, for whom the eatery is named after.
Rosie has been a fixture in Coboconk’s food scene for nearly a half century – she’s been cooking in the community’s restaurants since July 1975 – and her meals have kept locals, cottagers and those passing through town coming back, Tammy says.
Open year-round, except for Christmas and Boxing Day, Rosie’s Dockside serves lots of diner favourites, including omelettes, fish and chips, burgers, sandwiches and meatloaf.
But with so much to choose from, what are the must-tries at Rosie’s Dockside?
“ ere’s a lot; we make homemade hamburgers, which are popular, but we’re probably most known for our breakfasts,” Tammy says.
Asked what the best thing is about running a smalltown restaurant, Tammy doesn’t skip a beat in her reply. “It’s the community,” she says. “We get a lot of community support.”
Japan calling
As Mark Hamilton retires from teaching in Japan, he reflects on national identity, values, and living 10,000 kilometres away from Kawartha Lakes
By Roderick Benns
“I, for one, know of no sweeter sight for a man’s eyes than his own country.”
— Homer
Mark Hamilton never expected to be bathing naked with his Japanese host family when he arrived in the Pacific nation as an exchange student in 1987. But that’s a cultural norm in Japan – at least in a hot spring or in a public bath.
Known as “onsen” in Japanese, communal bathing is a deeply rooted tradition — a practice of relaxation, social bonding, and even spiritual cleansing. A tradition that was influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism over centuries, communal bathing is seen as a way to connect with others and unwind.
It was something Hamilton calls “perhaps the most challenging experience” during his first summer in Hokkaido. As awkward as that was for a shy Lindsay-area boy, his experiences in Japan left an indelible mark.
But getting to that point all started in the halls and classrooms of I.E. Weldon Secondary School in 1986. As a Grade 12 student, that’s where and when Hamilton met Hiroshi Hasumune. Hasumune was an exchange student from Nayoro, the small town in Japan twinned with Lindsay.
“Hiroshi was shy like me, but fun-loving, and we became close friends.” Hamilton applied the following summer as part of the alternating exchange under the Nayoro-Lindsay sister city agreement. “I was chosen to represent I.E. Weldon and Eliza Gardiner accompanied me from LCVI.”
It was that moment where the seeds of a lifelong cross-cultural friendship were planted. is early experience, facilitated by the Weldon program and the sister city initiative, became the cornerstone of a remarkable journey for Hamilton that would span continents, careers, and personal transformation.
A Leap Into the Unknown
Hamilton’s first journey to Japan came on his 18th birthday, in June 1987. (Full disclosure: Hamilton and I have been friends since high school.)
It was Hamilton’s first time flying, and his first long stay away from home.
“To mark the occasion, the pilots and flight crew presented me with a first-class signed menu and a mini bottle of champagne. I recall them saying we were in Alberta airspace at the time, so I was legal drinking age,” he says.
e 14-hour direct flight landed at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, and the size of the city left the young man from Lindsay in awe.
“ at would be my only glimpse of Tokyo on this trip, as we rushed to make our 90-minute connecting flight. A shuttle bus and welcome delegation from Nayoro delivered us to a
Above: Committed to friendship and cultural exchange, Mark and Mikako pose in front of a commemorative stone in Nayoro-Lindsay Park, marking the occasion of the 50th anniversary of sister city relations.
Left Page: Surrounded by students, colleagues, and friends, Hamilton reflected on his career as a university professor with a “last lecture” in January.
hotel in Sapporo 45 minutes away. Unfortunately, my nervous stomach got the better of me, and I left a trail of champagne and airline food out the bus window.”
Many of Hamilton’s early impressions of Japan came from ninja and Karate Kid movies popular in the mid 1980s. “I was a little disappointed to discover samurai, geisha and martial arts masters were not so common in modern Japan.”
At the same time, his high-tech image of Japan was also washed away when he encountered his first squat toilet.
Over the course of the summer, he stayed with 10 host families. It wasn’t just the communal bathing he found challenging at first.
“Each family, despite limited English skills, extended a warm welcome and spoiled me with Japanese delicacies including sashimi and sushi. Raised on meat and potatoes, I struggled to adjust and rather preferred Japanese style barbecues and ramen noodles.”
Hamilton returned to Ontario to complete Grade 13 at Weldon before starting agri-business studies at the University of Guelph. Perhaps without knowing it consciously yet, he had already been changed by his experience in Japan. Upon graduation, he filled a six-month contract with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Kitchener.
A shuttle bus and welcome delegation from Nayoro delivered us to a hotel in Sapporo 45 minutes away. Unfortunately, my nervous stomach got the better of me, and I left a trail of champagne and airline food out the bus window.”
After the contract ended, he applied for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme and was delighted to be placed back in Nayoro.
After two years teaching there, he realized he enjoyed the
classroom and decided to return to Canada to get his teaching license and B.Ed. through one year of study at the University of Western Ontario.
But it was three time’s a charm for Hamilton when it came to Japan, at least in terms of convincing him to stay. He completed his M.Ed. at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, by compiling a Canadian Cultural curriculum for children. Learning English in elementary schools “was a new initiative in Japan at the time, and my efforts were well received.”
As he was completing his Master’s in Japan, that’s when he met Mikako.
Where would one most likely meet a Japanese woman? In an Irish pub, of course. Owing to a hockey injury, Hamilton was scheduled to be hospitalized for six weeks to keep his leg immobilized and to follow a strict rehabilitation regimen. He wanted to enjoy a few drinks, knowing it would be a dry month and a half ahead.
While in the pub, the two struck up a conversation about his hockey injury and planned to have lunch together the next day. “We had a great lunch with a Japanese colleague of hers visiting from Canada. Afterwards, I took her to my favourite cafe and we talked all afternoon.”
With their connection blossoming quickly, Hamilton even invited her to Hawaii, where he was scheduled to MC a friend’s wedding there six months later.
Prior to his surgery, Hamilton says Mikako visited him at the hospital a day later and noticed the patient information panel at the head of his bed.
“Although much of our conversation in the bar was a bit fuzzy to her, she clearly remembered my left knee injury. Somehow the hospital had mistakenly scheduled surgery on my right knee.”
Mikako notified the nurses, Hamilton said, joking their relationship “got off on the right foot.”
Hamilton would end up spending 24 years at a private university as a professor of International Communications.
“At Tokai University’s Sapporo Campus, in addition to teaching, I managed our incoming and outgoing international programs, advanced to department head and served as vice chancellor on our campus in Hawaii.”
Life in Japan
Hamilton says one of the biggest misconceptions people might have about life in Japan is the iconic scenes of crowded streets and flashing neon lights of Tokyo. While Tokyo’s 13 million people makes it the largest city in the world, the country also has many smaller cities and rural towns, which people don’t realize.
“Hokkaido, with four distinct seasons, expansive forests, mountains, and lakes, and a relatively recent ‘pioneer’ history, remarkably resembles Canada,” he says.
And Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital, and Japan’s fifth largest city with around two million people, is similar to Toronto. Hamilton notes Nayoro and Lindsay have been sister cities for 55 years, and although many differences naturally exist, many citizens might be surprised by the similarities.
Unlike in North America, the perceived value of homes depreciates in Japan, typically reaching a value of zero after 30 years.
“Both cities lie at the same line of latitude 44 degrees north. As such they share similar climates.” (But Nayoro gets five times more snow – 829 cm annual average versus Lindsay’s 168cmannualaverage).Lindsay’spopulationis22,367(2021 census) and Nayoro’s 24,702 (January 2025 estimate). Both cities have strong agricultural sectors with Nayoro boasting some of Japan’s best glutinous rice, the kind used to make mochi rice cakes. Both cities are bisected by rail (Nayoro’s still active) and rivers that are closely tied to their history as regional commercial hubs.
Another misconception may be related to prices, according to Hamilton. While many things are imported and lead to higher costs in general, “I would say Japan is relatively affordable. Even Tokyo’s ranking in terms of cost of living has dropped in recent years, and it’s no longer among the most expensive cities globally.”
Hamilton and wife Mikako renovated an abandoned 55-year old home on a forested rural property in the southern outskirts of Sapporo.
Compared to Canada, real estate prices are significantly lower, especially in rural areas. Unlike in North America, the perceived value of homes depreciates in Japan, typically reaching a value of zero after 30 years. at’s because in Japan, there’s a strong preference for new homes, and newer buildings generally have higher resale value. is is partly due to the perception that new homes are more durable and have better seismic resistance in the earthquake prone nation.
Taking advantage of that fact, Hamilton and his wife purchased a half hectare forested property on the southern outskirts of Sapporo. e house – 55 years old – had been abandoned for at least five years and was home to various wildlife enjoying the overgrown gardens.
“We decided to take on an extensive renovation that took over a year to complete.”
In an effort to blend both Japanese minimalism and Canadian rustic charm some unique features to the home include a wood fireplace, two-door garage, wood-fired sauna and cauldron bath, and a Japanese style tatami room for guests (becoming less common in modern homes).
“On the surrounding property we tap maple trees in spring, grow a vegetable garden in summer, enjoy the colours in autumn and make a skate rink in winter.”
Hamilton’s life in Japan is rare, considering the Pacific country is considered one of the most ethnically homogenous in the world.
“When I first came here 37 years ago, I think 99 per cent
of the population identified as Japanese. Recent census figures now put that figure around 97 per cent.”
is is a great contrast to the multicultural society of Canada “and was a big culture shock,” he admits.
With a former history of isolationism, Japan still tends to have an outsider/insider mindset, he says, “and as such it takes time and commitment to fit in.”
Hamilton realized early on that to make friends and understand the culture, it became imperative to learn the language and customs – like communal bathing.
“One could even argue it is the most common leisure activity among Japanese. Many hotels and resorts are built around sources of natural hot springs.”
Today, with his home in the forest, and only a 15-minute drive to a hot spring village, he now enjoys bathing with friends on a weekly basis.
e Rolling Stones and Anthony Bourdain
Prior to becoming a professor, Hamilton fulfilled another life-long dream of making it on a professional hockey team.
“Former Ops teammates will not be surprised that I was not a player, but rather the two-way interpreter for the Canadian coach and five Canadian import players,” he says. e coach, Willie Desjardins, went on in his career to become the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks.
One of the greatest challenges of Hamilton’s role was the
Hamilton worked as a location coordinator and interpreter for Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” tour of Hokkaido in February 2011. Pictured with Mark and Anthony are former students, Yusuke Sunami and Shunsuke Sasaki .
Nayoro-Lindsay connection
In 2019, Nayoro and Lindsay recently celebrated 50 years of sister city relations with reciprocal anniversary delegations visiting. Unfortunately, this period was followed by COVID and was a challenging time for overseas exchange. But ultimately, the exchange of students between the two cities has resumed. In the summer of 2024, Zachary Knight was hosted by Nayoro and this summer it will be Lindsay’s turn to reciprocate, hosting a Japanese student.
Hamilton says the Lindsay-Nayoro Twinning Committee is now in the capable hands of Dylan Robichaud, who was a former exchange student to Nayoro in 2009.
“I hope my story speaks for the importance of maintaining our relations with our sister city and dispatching and welcoming youth from our respective communities. e Lindsay-Nayoro exchange shaped my life, helped me establish lifelong bonds, and gave me career opportunities beyond my dreams.”
Identity
pressure of live post-game “hero interviews.”
“I still recall the confusion on a TV reporter’s face when I gave a literal translation to “I was glad to finally get the monkey off my back,” when our goalie was asked about his shut-out.”
Coordinating the 24-hour translation services for the Rolling Stones when they came to Sapporo on their Bigger Bang Tour in 2006 was another career highlight for Hamilton.
He also worked as a location scout
and interpreter for Anthony Bourdain and his “No Reservations” film crew in February 2011. Despite the appearance of on-the-spot visits, Hamilton spent a month in advance researching and securing all the restaurants and locations and then spent a week on the road with the crew.
“While my role was to remain off camera, I have a milli-second accidental cameo, but was grateful to have two of my students appear as extras in the first ‘ramen alley’ scene.
One of the more remarkable aspects of Hamilton’s journey is the way his life in Japan has reshaped his personal identity. “Many Japanese friends and students tell me that I am more Japanese than they are,” he says. For him, this sentiment embodies the spirit of omoiyari — a profound sense of empathy, compassion, and thoughtfulness that goes beyond simple politeness. In Japan, mutual respect and a commitment to societal harmony are fundamental values. Although these values are not alien to Canadian culture, Hamilton notes that in today’s politically divisive North America, he finds a refreshing sense of security and unity in Japan.
“At the same time, having lived in the relatively monocultural environment
Mark Hamilton keeps a great Canadian tradition alive on his property each spring, tapping trees for maple syrup.
of Japan, I feel a much deeper appreciation for Canada and Canadians including their commitment to multiculturalism and tolerance, politeness and friendliness even among strangers, and a strong desire to build community.”
But after 30 years in education, Hamilton has taken early retirement, or, as he calls it, “a great leap into the unknown.”
He is consciously taking six months to think about next steps, but other than preparing for a visit from his sister, he is considering a few options. ese include starting a farmer’s market in his neighbourhood; beginning an organization that provides team-building leadership training and outdoor adventure experiences; kick-starting a Terry Fox Run in Nayoro; keeping the “jungle at bay” in the surrounding forests and gardens of their home; assisting the Lindsay-Nayoro Twinning Committee; providing tours of Hokkaido for small groups of visitors from Canada.
Home Sweet Home
e legacy of exchanges like those between Nayoro and Lindsay have changed lives irrevocably, as it did for Hamilton. In the quote from Homer at the beginning of this article, one’s “own country” is the focus. And yet what is such an identity predicated on? Place of birth? Years spent living somewhere? Values fit? Other than place of birth, Hamilton could obviously make the case for both nations – and eloquently does.
His life is a reminder that sometimes the greatest rewards are found when we strike out, tear ourselves away from the familiar, and yes – even strip everything away – to try something new.
In the shared meals and unexpected relationships we build, what remains is a life worth living. LA
Interested in learning more about the Nayoro-Lindsay exchange program? Contact Dylan Robichaud at lindsaytwinning@gmail.com.
Mark Hamilton with five students at Tokai University.
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Passed away April 4, 2024. We all miss you. He was a high school teacher and department head of technology at LCVI. Richard was also a volunteer firefighter with Station 9 in Janetville. After he struggled with early onset dementia for six years, he passed away very peacefully at the age of 58.
Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Find new adventures with Kawartha Lakes Public Library!
Celebrate International Museum Day on Sunday, May 18 by visiting local museums. Kawartha Lakes Public Library offers community passes for the Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives in Lindsay, and e Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, allowing you to visit for free. Simply place a hold on your desired pass through the online catalogue and enjoy a day of exploration and learning.
A reminder that all library branches will be closed on Monday, May 19. However, our Digital Library and website remain available 24/7, offering access to digital resources at your convenience.
On Tuesday, May 20, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Chatty Cafe will host a Guest Speaker event to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. Join local birding expert Rob Stavinga as he shares 12 key strategies to help you transform your backyard into a safe haven for birds, offering tips and insights to support migratory bird populations. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can make a positive impact on local wildlife!
On Saturday, May 24, the Lindsay branch will host a Plant Swap from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. is event invites participants to exchange seeds, seedlings, clippings, and houseplants. Plants should be pest-free, in good condition, and clearly labelled.
For a complete list of offerings, check out kawarthalakeslibrary.ca.
Rotten on the Inside
Across
1 ___ the hills (ancient)
6 Shoot down an icy chute
10 Canadian songstress Moore
13 Pays, as the bill
14 "It just keeps going and going and going" sloganeer
16 Extra traction booster
18 "What'll ___?" (barkeep's question)
19 Pink Pearl's pink part
20 Medium skill
22 Cause ___ (notorious event)
24 Swashbuckling Flynn
26 Byron's "before"
27 Steve Miller song with the lyric "I wanna reach out and grab ya"
31 Red astronomical twinkler
33 Publisher's "not my typo"
34 "Once ___ my mind to ..."
35 Suspends parliament
39 "___ ever meet again ..."
42 Robitaille of hockey
43 ___ ghost (is spooked)
47 Cinematic sob stories
51 Blue Jays' org.
52 Get the feeling
53 Gold-coloured coins of Canada
55 "Whenever you're ready," in text lingo
56 Spitting beasts of Peru
60 Acid related to gout
61 Government lifeline for a failing business
64 Situps targets
65 Belonging to a "Little Women" girl
66 TV's Nat ___ Wild
67 London derriËre
68 Tangy salad green
1 Desk-jobber's workplaces
2 They take stock during a riot?
3 Knight's under-armour garment
4 "If ___ Falls" (Bruce Cockburn tune)
5 Edmonton-to-Calgary dir. 6 Creepy eyeballer
7 Eye part whose name means "grape" 8 Gets set? 9 Earth: Ger. 10 French month of La FÍte des MËres
11 Words ending in -ly, often 12 Sty, or literally, stye 15 Goofed up 17 Parsley, sage, rosemary or thyme 21 ___ du jour (menu feature)
23 TV comic Roseanne
25 Breed, as cattle or pigs
28 "Aw, put ___ in it!"
29 Smoke or butt, for short
30 Prefix with puncture
Barbara Olson
32 Monkey-see-monkey-doers 36 "°Bravo!" 37 Play that first used the word "robot"
Crossword
PetroCanada rival
"___ long way to Tipperary ..."
Horse's oats holder
Ambitious type, informally
Mideastern territory
"Jingle Bells" vehicles
Dental infection
Hospital dessert, often
Pass, as time 50 Pink, in Italian
Kitchen zapper 57 Casa ___ (Toronto castle) 58 Master violinist Leopold
59 The Rockies, e.g.: Abbr.
62 Bachelor's last words 63 "The National" channel
Pests, or pesticides?
When my daughter was a tad, I read a brochure from an American pediatric doctors’ group. It suggested that pesticide use around the home could increase cancer risks in kids and pets.
at was it for me. When an insect infestation hit our yard, no pesticides would be used. Over my dead body. I’m still standing. at was two-and-a-half decades ago. Since then, many studies, for and against, have appeared. Which ones should we listen to? Perhaps we can look at what others are doing.
e European Union has banned or not approved over 380 active pesticide ingredients because of their suspected toxicity. Of those, Canada has done the same for about 30. Interestingly, our national pesticide regulatory body has strong connections to the pesticide industry.
Figures from Canadian researchers show Canada falls behind almost 90 per cent of countries in banning harmful pesticides. at term includes chemicals that kill weeds, insects and fungi on plants. ey are used in agriculture, forestry, landscaping and for cosmetic purposes on our lawns and gardens. Over a recent 10-year period, use in Canada jumped 47 per cent, so there’s more out there for us to absorb through our skin, by inhaling the stuff, or eating it in our food.
Pesticides have been found in amniotic fluid, breast milk and in more than 98 per cent of kids tested in Quebec. Glyphosate, sprayed on foods and forests, is found in Round-up and several other herbicides. And it’s been detected in the bodies of 70 per cent of Canadians tested.
What’s the problem with that? Glyphosate is a probable human carcinogen, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Canadian Physicians for the Environment, and other groups, point out pesticides also have
been linked to reproductive issues, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Research suggests even non-toxic levels of exposure may be contributing to the increase in attention deficit and autism spectrum disorders.
Another issue: they don’t specifically target the nuisance. ese harsh pest killers reduce the soil’s ability to store carbon and they kill beneficial bugs. Spray for spiders and you might find a few dead bees nearby. ey’ve been linked to the rapid decline of pollinators, and to harming aquatic life. Birds Canada also raises serious concerns about the impact on bird populations. Fewer insects mean less bird food. Studies have shown harm to migrating birds eating neonicotinoid-coated agricultural seeds. ree main types of neonics are still used in Canada. ey can be effective against sucking insects like mosquitoes and ticks. But there are those other harms.
When I spy bugs nibbling in my garden, I’m not concerned. If they’re aphids, I look for non-toxic ways to reduce them. If they’re caterpillars, they’re probably going to become a moth or butterfly, so munch away my little friends. Our monarchs are now on the endangered list. LA
Birds Canada is pushing for stricter controls on pesticides. It suggests ways we can help:
• Contact your MP, MPP and municipal councillors. Ask them what they are doing to reduce the harms of pesticides on birds and other wildlife.
• Avoid using pesticides. ey harm the critters we share this world with. And as more and more research shows, the chemicals intended to kill things aren’t great for us either.
Pedal power: e bicycle craze of 1890-1900
e return of warmer weather after a long winter likewise heralds the start of cycling season. Bicycles of every description that have spent a quiet hibernation in garages across the region will be taken down from their hooks and out for a spin – but not before receiving a tune-up at the Bike Garage or Down To Earth, to name two local businesses catering to the needs of cyclists. And while dedicated bike lines remain few and far between throughout Kawartha Lakes, the quiet country concessions and well-maintained network of trails more than compensate, allowing those of us on two wheels to make our way hither and yon, sans the fumes of an internal combustion engine.
Of course, history has a way of repeating itself. Local advocates promote the physical and environmental benefits of active transportation; their forebears were saying much the same thing in the 1890s, when the so-called “bicycle craze” swept across North America. John Kemp Starley, an English inventor, is credited with developing the safety bicycle and putting it on the market in 1885. His design would eventually supplant the infamous high wheelers (also known as “penny farthings”) that imperilled anyone trying to mount, ride, or race them. Within less than a decade, variants of Starley’s safety bicycle were becoming hot properties and everyone wanted to cash in on the trend.
Here in Lindsay, one of the most enthusiastic promoters of the bicycle was Joseph R. Riggs. Born in 1847, Riggs came to this area in his early twenties and was a man of many interests. He cut hair, sold cigars, and by 1892 was dealing in Humber, Rover, and Psycho safety bicycles.
Customers looking for secondhand bikes could also find them at Riggs’ store. Two years later, Riggs bragged about how he was “booming the town” with his sales of Brantford, Columbian, Whitworth, and other makes of bicycle. By 1897, he was carrying a full line of supplies to meet cyclists’ every need: bicycle lanterns, Dunlop tires, and wire toe clips were but a few of the items Riggs stocked.
Not to be outdone was one W. Webster, a toolmaker, machinist, and locksmith who opened a bicycle repair shop at 23 William Street North in the early summer of 1895. Among his customers might have been the Rev. J.W. MacMillan, who that same year was inducted as the minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, located across the street. An avid cyclist, MacMillan once rode across very muddy roads to attend a meeting in the village of Sonya, some 30 km to the southwest.
Messrs. Riggs and Webster were soon joined by other merchants wishing to take advantage of the bicycle trend. J.G. Edwards sold Cleveland bikes in his hardware store downtown, while W.A. Goodwin touted the finer points of
Joseph Riggs placed this advertisement in the May 7, 1896 issue of e Warder newspaper at the height of the bicycle craze.
Clipper bicycles at his paint and wallpaper shop. Goodwin, always on the lookout for a new product, may well have been inspired by a pair of nephews who, the year before, had constructed an unusual three-wheeled bicycle in London, Ontario. (Not a tricycle in the traditional sense, this machine apparently resembled two bicycle frames fitted together lengthwise.)
e proliferation of bikes on the streets of Lindsay and other communities in the Kawarthas naturally led to the formation of a bicycle club, which would advocate for the needs and interests of local cyclists. As reported in e Watchman, one Mr. Steers, a local barrister, went before Town Council on May 17, 1897 to comment on “the horrible state of Kent street, especially the stone crossings, which were a menace to bicyclists.” Steers’ deputation followed on the heels of an editorial comment in the same paper a week before, which bluntly noted: “If every member of the council rode a bicycle it is safe to say there would be fewer stones on the streets about town. ese stones are a constant source of annoyance, danger, and at times profanity to the riders of the steed.”
ese hiccups aside, local cyclists had
reason to be thrilled as the 1890s drew to a close. “ ere will be a large addition to the bicycle club this season if we may judge by the way wheels are selling in town at present,” noted e Watchman in the early spring of 1897. “Every agent reports liberal sales, with hundreds of inquiries.”
For those who wanted to take a “wheel” out for a ride without investing in one, J.G. Edwards and Joseph Riggs teamed up to open a bicycle livery that rented out bikes. Another livery opened in Omemee, and in 1898 reported that it had difficulty keeping up with the demand.
Cycling enthusiasts would leave town in groups for rides around the countryside that were 20 or more km in distance. Others enjoyed racing events organized by the bicycle club at the fairgrounds, with the first such event in 1896 attracting well over 700 people. Prior to his death in a cycling accident in 1902, Hartley’s own Archie McEachern was a familiar face at these races and was described as “one of the fastest men on a bicycle in North America.”
Market saturation saw the chain come off North America’s bicycle craze around 1900. Yet everything old is new again, and cycling remains as popular as ever in Kawartha Lakes. LA
A pair of dapper-looking gentlemen take their “wheels” out for a spin on Lindsay Street in Fenelon Falls around the turn of the 20th century. Maryboro Lodge: e Fenelon Museum Collection.
I’m glad that’s (not) over
By Trevor Hutchinson Contributing Editor
I chose to vote on the first day of advance polling on Good Friday last month. My plan was brilliant: I would pop into the polling place (in my case, the Lindsay Curling Club), quickly do my civic duty and then go to work for a few hours of uninterrupted bliss. I got to my station and was quickly able to see that I was not alone. e lineup was out the door, like the music clubs I used to attend so long ago. And like those lineups of old, rainy weather wasn’t deterring me or anyone else. It turns out that all of us there were part of a new Canadian record that saw more than two million Canadians voting on the first day of advance polls.
e whole experience was just so…. pleasant. And polite. On account of some (hopefully temporary) mobility issues, the hour in line was a little challenging. At least four of the very polite Elections Canada staff members (locals, all) offered me a chair to rest.
So as the not-20-year-old me wobbled in the voting line, I found myself feeling really good. Of the 60-odd people in line, I only knew how one of them was likely to vote. My happiness wasn’t about party, it was about country. I’m sure others in my line felt the same. I was actually enjoying the whole process, if only because of the privilege of it.
According to Freedom House, the oldest American centre for the support and defence of democracy, only 20 per cent of the world population was living in a free country, by their long-established methodology. How did Canada do you may ask? We fin-
ished tied for third in a list of 10 countries such as Ireland, Sweden and New Zealand. Sadly, however, Canada achieved this in a world where the freedom index showed a 19th consecutive decline in world-wide freedom.
Of the 60-odd people in line, I only knew how one of them was likely to vote. My happiness wasn’t about party, it was about country.
For we lucky few, democracy and freedom are not static nor some God-given forever-place. ey are ways of living communally, protected by a rule of law, the separation of state and religious power, the freedom of press and religion and a robust and impartial legal system, to name just a few attributes. And most importantly democracy and freedom must constantly be protected and improved upon, through due process. And there’s always room for improvement. Myself, I would wish for the return of two election workers at the table where you get your ballot. And I’d love every local candidate at the start of a campaign to jointly declare that destruction of election materials is against the law and to urge their supporters to practice civility when debating online or in the public square. I’d also like to see this joint declaration re-released during the campaign, as necessary.
As a Ward 5 resident, last month marked my third election since late February.
I’m sure glad that’s (not) over.
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ANNALENA SEEMANN moved to Cameron in 2024.
Lindsay Advocate: Why did you choose to move here?
SEEMANN: After getting divorced, I wanted to have an acre of land for my chickens and a quieter rural lifestyle and it was more affordable to buy land and a house in Kawartha Lakes than York Region, where I came from.
Lindsay Advocate: What is your favourite thing about Kawartha Lakes so far?
SEEMANN: e connection with the people here and the strong feeling of community. e neighbours on our street pull together to help each other all the time. ere is not a lot of traffic. I love the nature and all the outdoor activities available, and that people drive their snowmobile or ATV to the local restaurants. To hear loons on Sturgeon Lake through my bedroom window is just amazing!
Lindsay Advocate: What are your favourite local restaurants or shops?
SEEMANN: Murphy’s Lockside in Fenelon Falls is my favorite restaurant both for food and the scenery, and the Cat and the Fiddle in Lindsay has a great atmosphere. Designs by Dylan in Fenelon Falls has a great selection of home design items, and Dylan is so artistically talented and helpful.
Lindsay Advocate: What do you think is missing from Kawartha Lakes?
SEEMANN: ere are not many business networking groups or opportunities for networking here. I don’t mind that the stores close earlier than a larger town, and I plan trips to Costco and Home Depot when needed. Being single and trying to date in my 50s has also proven to be a challenge. It would be nice if there were events and dances offered for singles.
Lindsay Advocate: How were you involved in your previous community and how might you like to get involved in Kawartha Lakes?
SEEMANN: I was a 4H leader for a decade, when my children were young, in York Region. Each one of my four children actually showed 4H Dairy at the LEX in Lindsay. I have joined the Fenelon Falls Ladies Wine Club here, and I played volleyball at the high school until I hurt my wrist. I go line dancing in Woodville weekly. I might join the Chamber of Commerce to get business connections for my portrait photography business. I love to be a part of a strong local community and will look for volunteer opportunities in the future.
Are you new in town? If you moved to Kawartha Lakes within the past two years and want to be featured here, email us at info@lindsayadvocate.ca.
