About

Roderick Benns

Publisher and Writer-at-Large

Roderick Benns grew up in Lindsay’s east ward. In the 1990s he won a first-place national newspaper award through the Canadian Community of Newspapers Association in the category ‘Reporter Initiative.’ He has interviewed former Prime Ministers of Canada, Cabinet Ministers, Senators, and Mayors across Canada and had written op-eds for the country’s major newspapers. Roderick is also the author of several books, including one on Basic Income. A father of two, he returned to his hometown in 2017 to start The Lindsay Advocate magazine and has since grown Fireside Publishing House into a multimedia enterprise.

Rebekah McCracken

Executive Editor

Rebekah McCracken brings two decades of expertise in customer service, sales, and management. Previously, she owned a retail clothing business in downtown Lindsay. Now, she thrives at Fireside Publishing House, where her diverse responsibilities span writing, editing, content creation, sales, and event planning for Fireside’s family of magazines and Kawartha Lakes Weekly.

Trevor Hutchinson

Contributing Editor and Writer-at-Large

Trevor Hutchinson is a writer, musician and not-for-profit executive. He lives in Lindsay with his wife and three of their children.

Sarah Fournier

Creative Director – Print Magazines

Sarah Fournier is the new Creative Director of magazines for The Lindsay Advocate, Kawartha Social, and Play Stay Live. She’s also a Creative Director/Partner at Colour and Code, a marketing, website, and design agency in Lindsay. With a background in PR and a passion for storytelling and design, she also writes feature stories for the magazines that help bring people together. Originally from Toronto, she moved to Kawartha Lakes with her husband on a whim 10 years ago and has never looked back. She loves taking her creativity offline by designing and creating unique stained glass panels.

Ian McKechnie

Writer-at-Large

Ian McKechnie is a graduate of LCVI, Trent University, and the Ontario Museum Association’s Certificate in Museum Studies program. He handles the popular ‘Just In Time’ local history column, occasional feature articles, and stories about the local theatre arts scene. A freelance writer and researcher by trade, Ian has compiled and edited three books. He can often be found enjoying the food and fellowship at Kindred, in Lindsay.

Kirk Winter

Municipal Affairs and Education Writer

Kirk Winter is a retired high school history teacher and coach who has had a lifelong interest in politics at all levels. Kirk can often be found sitting in the press gallery at City Hall observing and reporting on the vagaries of local government for the Advocate.

Geoff Coleman

Writer-at-Large

Geoff Coleman has been a freelance writer since the days of the Commodore 64.

When not fishing or in his woodworking shop, he can be found playing in an as yet undiscovered classic rock band.

Deron Hamel

Writer-at-Large

Deron Hamel has been a writer and journalist for more than 20 years. Aside from being a freelance journalist with Kawartha Lakes Weekly and The Lindsay Advocate, he has worked in newsrooms across Ontario and Manitoba, where he has covered issues including local politics, crime, business, health care and community news.

Denise Waldron

Writer-at-Large

Denise Waldron is a local radio reporter and feature writer for the Advocate and Kawartha Social magazine. She is ordained and marries couples in the Kawarthas. You will find her enjoying the local culture and outdoor amenities in Kawartha Lakes.

Nancy Payne

Writer-at-Large

Nancy Payne grew up on a farm near Reaboro and now lives northeast of Lindsay. A magazine editor, a former CBC Radio producer and a freelance writer and editor, she never ceases to be amazed at the fascinating people and places of Kawartha Lakes.

Ginny Colling

Environmental Columnist

Ginny Colling was passionate about the environment before retiring from teaching college communications students. After retiring she trained with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. She has presented to numerous groups about the climate crisis.

Sienna Frost

Photographer

Sienna Frost, born and raised in Lindsay, is a lifestyle and portrait photographer. She is also an early childhood educator allowing her to easily capture photos of children and families. She operates Frost Quality Photo, her studio on the outskirts of Lindsay. She loves capturing photos of the community for the Advocate.

Darren Hoiting

Marketing Specialist

Darren Hoiting grew up vacationing in Kawartha Lakes and made the permanent move to the region in 2018. Darren enjoys meeting new people, exploring the region, playing sports, and discovering the best local food. Passionate about supporting local businesses and building connections. Darren enjoys being part of the region’s continued growth and success.

Cara Baycroft

Marketing Specialist

With decades of experience in multi-media advertising and film, Cara has helped businesses craft impactful marketing strategies. A University of Toronto graduate, she has worked with award-winning magazines and newspapers and is proud to collaborate with the Fireside team to produce top-quality publications. Cara loves working with local businesses to support their growth. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom of two boys and the devoted owner of the cutest pup on the planet.

Kimberley Durrant

Web Developer

Kimberley Durrant is the only team member with the Advocate who doesn’t have a local connection, but her inspiring web development has made her integral to the team. Kim’s impressive background and skills, including her Master’s degree in Data Analytics, demonstrate her dedication to delivering high-quality work. Additionally, her passion for code and entrepreneurship showcases her commitment to innovative and forward-thinking approaches.