By Gail Stelter

January is a time for new beginnings. No resolutions for me but good beginnings and a fresh start nevertheless.  It is time to think about winter fun or winter survival depending on your point of view. Either way a positive outlook will serve best so go forward into 2016 with good thoughts and new plans for a bright future. Haliburton Village is a great place for those new endeavours. We are so fortunate to have our village situated on a lovely lake with a great park. A day in town complete with great food at our restaurant store sales to entice and outdoor pursuits at the lake or park will make for a happy January. And please mark your calendars now for the Dysart et al Frost Fest taking place on Saturday Feb. 13.  I will have lots more information about this annual family fun day in next month’s column. In the meantime check out frostfest.ca.

Haliburton Village BIA is preparing for its annual general meeting taking place on Monday Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Dysart et al Council Chamber. All are welcome. In addition to the reeve’s address the year-end report with highlights of 2015 the financial report and the proposed budget this is the meeting at which the BIA executive for 2016 is elected. All BIA members are entitled to have their names put forward for election.

The executive consists of nine members eight of whom are elected annually and one who is the representative of the Dysart et al council. As of today the following current BIA executive members have indicated that they will be putting their names forward for 2016: Luke Shell (The Photo Shop) Chris O’Mara-Enders (Prettypaws Pet Boutique & Spa) Nelly Ashworth (BMO) Brad Park (Haliburton Foodland) Renzo Rosati (Moose FM) Sharon Rowden (Touch of Class Day Spa & Hair Salon) and Jennifer Little (The Echo).  The Dysart et al council rep will be Nancy Woods-Roberts. If you are a BIA member and are interested please contact me or Luke Schell for more information. Names can also be put forward at the AGM.

The Haliburton Village BIA is a not-for-profit organization of local businesses who come together and with the support of the municipality organize finance and carry out physical improvements; promote economic development; and conduct and participate in community events. The members of the BIA executive are volunteers who generously give of their time and talents as they work towards making Haliburton a vibrant place to work live and play. The BIA also consists of several committees open to all interested citizens.

From our BFF Committee (Banners Flowers and Flags) to the ColourFest committee there are many opportunities for you to get involved. Your input is also appreciated at any time. For example what is your feedback or advice about our recent Men’s Shopping Night Promotion or the BIA – Buy In And Win – contest? We are excited about 2016 and look forward to doing our best to promote a dynamic and prosperous community. We are committed to making your next visit to town a time when you will shop locally and to enjoy all that the village and surrounding area have to offer. It is my pleasure to work with the BIA executive as their BIA administrator and enjoy this unique opportunity to be involved in my home town.