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Peterborough adults with Down syndrome launch their own business

Josh, a member of The Biz Group, displays two of the group's hand-painted mugs created for Y Drive and Peterborough Challenger Baseball. The group is also selling "love mugs" and plans to expand with hand-painted tote bags and t-shirts. All proceeds from the sales of items go directly to members of The Biz Group, an initiative supported by the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough)

A group of local adults with Down syndrome has launched their own business.

The Biz Group is a new initiative supported by the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, a non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to support and enrich the lives of individuals with Down syndrome so they reach their fullest potential.

Members of The Biz Group are currently creating unique, hand-painted “love mugs” that are available for purchase for $10 each. All proceeds go directly to The Biz Group members.

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The Biz Group has already created mugs for Y Drive, a Peterborough-based designated-driver service, and Peterborough Challenger Baseball, a local special needs baseball team.

Down Syndrome Association executive director Sharon Crane tells kawarthaNOW in an email that significant challenges exists for anyone with a disability, including those with Down syndrome, to obtain any kind of meaningful work.

“The latest statistics suggest that one in 20 businesses will not even look at hiring anyone with a disability,” Crane explains. “The barriers are huge for our adults with Down syndrome. These opportunities are rare and difficult to obtain.”

The Biz Group's custom, hand-painted "love mugs" are available for $10 each, with all proceeds going to Biz Group members. (Photo courtesy of Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough)
The Biz Group’s custom, hand-painted “love mugs” are available for $10 each, with all proceeds going to Biz Group members. (Photo courtesy of Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough)

The Biz Group will also be adding hand-painted tote bags and t-shirts to their product line, and creating a few items for 2020 World Down Syndrome Day on Saturday, March 21st.

“I am amazed at the pride of achievement within this group, and the amount of joy and true happiness they have expressed when knowing that someone has purchased their creations,” Crane adds.

For more information about Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, visit downsyndromepeterborough.ca. If you are interested in purchasing products from The Biz Group, email info@downsyndromepeterborough.ca or call 705-749-6695.

VIDEO: The Biz Group thanks Peterborough Challenger Baseball for their custom mug order

A HUGE shout out to Challengers Baseball PTBO for allowing the Biz Group to make custom mugs for you!

Posted by Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough on Wednesday, February 26, 2020

nightlifeNOW – February 27 to March 4

Edmonton hard rockers Royal Tusk (Daniel Carriere, Quinn Cyrankiewicz, Sandy MacKinnon, and Calen Stuckel) are performing at the Gordon Best in downtown Peterborough as part of their "Thunder on the Tundra" tour on Wednesday, March 4th with special guests Brkn Love and Ready The Prince. (Photo: Brandynn Pope)

Every Thursday, we publish live music events at pubs, clubs, and restaurants in Peterborough and the Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, February 27 to Wednesday, March 4.

If you’re a pub, club, or restaurant owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.

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Arthur's Pub

930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105

Thursday, February 27

8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, February 28

9pm - Exposure Exposure

Saturday, February 29

9pm - Exposure Exposure

Sunday, March 1

4:30-8pm - Celtic music

Monday, March 2

7pm - Live music TBA

Tuesday, March 3

7pm - Live music TBA

Wednesday, March 4

8pm - Open mic

Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, February 27

7:30-11:30pm - The Rob Phillips Trio w/ Carling Stephen

Friday, February 28

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Midnight Shift

Saturday, February 29

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Pop Machine

Sunday, March 1

3-6pm - Bluegrass Menagerie; 6:30-9:30pm - Bailey Jordan Neil

Monday, March 2

7-11pm - Rick & Gailie's Crash & Burn

Tuesday, March 3

7-11pm - Open Mic w/ Cameron Fraser

Wednesday, March 4

7-10pm - Jesse Slack

Coming Soon

Thursday, March 5
7:30-11:30pm - The Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, March 6
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Hitcher

Saturday, March 7
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - House Brand

Sunday, March 8
3-6pm - Catfish Willie & The Buckle Busters; 6:30-9:30pm - Mark McGuire

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault

148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884

Coming Soon

Friday, March 6
7-9pm - Gerald Van Halteren

Canoe & Paddle

18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111

Saturdays

8pm - Live music

Chemong Lodge

764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435

Thursdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Wednesdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Coach & Horses Pub

16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006

Thursday, February 27

10pm - Open Mic

Friday, February 28

9:30pm - Karaoke Night

Saturday, February 29

2-6pm - Leap Year Party ft Pinky Brown

Wednesday, March 4

7-11pm - Live music

The Cow & Sow Eatery

38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111

Sunday, March 1

5-7pm - Acoustic music w/ Ken

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 14
8pm - Darren Bailey

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Saturday, February 29

7-10pm - Highlands Trio

Coming Soon

Friday, March 6
8pm - Open mic

Saturday, March 7
7-10pm - Chad Ingram and Friends

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Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 15
1-5pm - PMBA presents Internatival Women's Month Deluxe Blues Jam featuring Jane Archer and frinds including Emily Burgess, Kim Doolittle, Christine Atrill, Hillary Dumoulin, Tami J Wilde, Bridget Foley and Peggy Voight (donations welcome, all proceeds to musicians in need)

Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.

4 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 215-9898

Saturday, February 29

12-8pm - Leap Year Party ft live music, special menu, tournament games, prizes and more

Sunday, March 1

2pm - Music Bingo

Coming Soon

Friday, March 20
7-10pm - Open Mic Night hosted by Andrew Bain (first come basis, sign-up starts at 6pm, each musician has up to 3 songs and 15 minutes in total, all skill levels welcome)

Fiddler's Green Pub & Grub

34 Lindsay St. St., Lindsay
(705) 878-8440

Saturday, February 29

9pm - Leap Year party ft Gravy (no cover)

Sunday, March 1

1-4pm - John Turner

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 7
10pm - Pinky & the Vanhalteren Trio

Sunday, March 8
1-5pm - Caleb Van Halteren & Lauren Julia

Ganarascals Restaurant

53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888

Coming Soon

Thursday, March 5
7-10pm - Hulagoons ($20)

Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Saturday, February 29

2pm & 10pm - Bone Yard

Wednesday, March 4

7pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 7
2pm & 10pm - Braze & Crazy

The Garnet

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107

Friday, February 28

5-7pm - Forselli Friday w/ McDonnel Street Gospel Quartet; 8pm - Doogie & Dun (ft. members of The Ceedees and Whiskey Jack)

Saturday, February 29

9pm - FIRSTBØRNSØN w/ Rhude, James Higgins

Monday, March 2

8pm - Open jam and potuck hosted by The Bucklanders

Tuesday, March 3

8-11pm - Focused, Sarah Tohnin, Death By Art School

Coming Soon

Thursday, March 5
9pm - Kelly McMichael w/ Claire Whitehead ($5-10)

Friday, March 6
8-11pm - International Women's Day Variety Show ft. Star Davey, Little Fire, Saskia Tomkins, Sara Shahsavari, and Kerry McMaster ($5-10)

Saturday, March 7
9:30pm - Wine Lips w/ Belly Flop and Palmer Joss ($10)

Golden Wheel Restaurant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 14
8pm - St. Patrick's Day dinner and dance ft Rye Street ($25, includes dinner buffet at 7pm)

Gordon Best Theatre

216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884

Friday, February 28

9pm - Black History Blowout ft Beth Bekele, Don Soul, Mongiwa Khumalo, Boho Fab, JONCRO, Dixie Que, & more ($10 at www.bestptbo.com/upcomingevents/bhmshowcase)

Saturday, February 29

8pm - Peterborough Folk Festival presents Michael C Duguay, Oberge, Sing Leaf ($12 in advance at The Only, $15 at door)

Wednesday, March 4

8pm - Royal Tusk w/ Brkn Love and Ready The Prince ($15 available in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/royal-tusk-brkn-love-ready-the-prince-tickets-84798078335, $20 at door)

VIDEO: "Die Knowing" - Royal Tusk

VIDEO: "Aftermath" - Royal Tusk

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 7
8pm - David James Allen, Nick Prosychyn & The Bad Milk, Little Rapids ($10 or PWYC)

Saturday, March 14
8pm - St. Patrick's Party w/ Chris Molyneaux Jazz Trio ($10 in advance at www.bestptbo.com/upcomingevents/cmjt, $15 at door)

Saturday, March 21
7-10pm - Texas King w/ The Jailbirds, The New Blue, Fiasco ($15 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/texas-king-the-jailbirds-the-new-blue-fiasco-tickets-86408011689)

Saturday, March 28
8pm - Cancer Bats and the Anti-Queens w/ D Boy, Cross Dog, Marion Cinder (SOLD OUT)

The Grand Experience

177 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 324-9444

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 14
7pm - St. Paddy's Jam ft Sean Jamieson and Ryan Burton, Joe Dehaan, Vanessa Houthuys, The Dad Bods (Ryan Mcintyre, Glenn Danger, Riley Paxton, Adam Airhart), and Steve and Adam Airhart

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Keene Centre for the Arts

12 1st St., Keene
(519) 993-0079

Thursday, February 27

1-4pm - Open stage hosted by Sharon Marie Doughty ($5)

Friday, February 28

7pm - Still Picking Country Band ($10, in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/still-picking-band-tickets-94077049989)

Coming Soon

Thursday, March 5
1-4pm - Open stage hosted by Sharon Marie Doughty ($5); 7pm - The Kitchen Party Open Stage Jam

Friday, March 6
7pm - Douglas MacKenzie

Saturday, March 7
8pm - Road Waves 2020 Foresight Tour ($15 in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/road-waves-the-keene-centre-for-the-arts-tickets-83974186051)

Friday, March 13
7pm - Cellar Door ($10 in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/cellar-door-tickets-94081380943)

Friday, March 14
7pm - The Breezeway Band ($20 in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-breezeway-band-tickets-87067056911?)

Tuesday, March 17
7pm - St. Patrick's Day ft Irish Millie and Mike MacCurdy ($15)

Friday, March 20
8pm - Austin Young (Dean Austin and Kevin Young) ($12.50 in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/austin-young-tickets-94082231487)

Local No90

90 Mill St. N., Port Hope
(905) 269-3373

Thursday, February 27

7pm - Brian Bracken

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600

Friday, February 28

8pm - Cellar Door

Saturday, February 29

8pm - The Spirits

Coming Soon

Friday, March 6
8pm - Jesse Slack

Mckecks Tap & Grill

207 Highland St., Haliburton
(705) 457-3443

Friday, February 28

7pm - Beat the Blues ft The Swingin' BlackJacks (no cover, call for reservations)

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Thursdays

9pm - Live music

Fridays

9:30pm - Live music

Saturdays

10pm - Live music

Sundays

9pm - Open mic

Tuesdays

9pm - Live music

Wednesdays

9pm - Live music

The Mill Restaurant and Pub

990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177

Thursday, February 27

7pm - Lotus White

Moody's Bar & Grill

3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663

Saturday, February 29

2-5pm - Michael C. Duguay

Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio

3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 14
8pm - The Kelly Brothers & Jason Lynn

Next Door

197 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(647) 270-9609

Thursday, February 27

9pm - Emily Burgess and Marcus Browne

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Oasis Bar & Grill

31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634

Sundays

5:30pm - PHLO

Pastry Peddler

17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333

Friday, February 28

5:30pm & 7:45pm - Ladies of Jazz Dinner Series ft Lenni Stewart performing music of Ella Fitzgerald w/ Michael Monis on guitar and Howard Baer on bass ($50 per person)

Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue

6675 Highway 35, Coboconk
(705) 454-8100

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 14
6pm - Fiddler Jay

Friday, March 20
8pm - B&B Blues Band

Pie Eyed Monk Brewery

8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay
(705) 212-2200

Sunday, March 1

4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Lance Anderson hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)

Coming Soon

Sunday, March 8
4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Sunday School Blues (Chris Murphy, Brian Mcdonnell, Sandy Murphy, Pat Murphy) hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)

The Publican House

300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743

Friday, February 28

7-9pm - Joe Bulger

Saturday, February 29

7-9pm - House Brand

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078

Saturday, February 29

8pm - Live music

Red Dog Tavern

189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400

Friday, February 28

10pm - Birds of Bellwoods ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/28149/)

Tuesday, March 3

9pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Friday, March 6
10:30pm - Celebrate Bob Marley with Dub Trinity ($10)

Saturday, March 7
2pm - Celebrate Bob Marley with Dub Trinity (all ages, $5); 9pm - LAWS fundraiser ft Living Dead Girl w/ Maybe May, Bonnavilles, Antixx ($15 in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/living-dead-girl-charity-birthday-bash-w-maybe-may-bonnavilles-tickets-9214097112)

Saturday, March 14
10pm - Bonds of Mara ($20 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/28147/)

Saturday, March 28
10pm - My Son the Hurricane ($20 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/28051/)

Serendipitous Old Stuff Lounge

161 Old Hastings Rd., Warkworth
(705) 924-3333

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 14
6-9pm - Cheryl Casselman and Allan Fehrenbach

The Social

295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724

Friday, February 28

10pm - Live music (TBA)

Wednesday, March 4

9pm - Live music (TBA)

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 18
9pm - Grace 2 Celebrating the Tragically Hip ($12 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/grace-2-celebrating-the-tragically-hip-peterborough-tickets-85069664657, $15 at door)

Sticks Sports Pub

500 George St. S., Peterborough
(705) 775-7845

Coming Soon

Friday, March 6
6-10pm - Darren Bailey

That Little Pub (formerly Church-Key Pub)

26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001

Friday, February 28

8:30pm - Darren Bailey

Saturday, February 29

8:30pm - Deb O'Connor

Tuesday, March 3

8pm - Open mic

Wednesday, March 4

8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Thursday, February 27

7pm - Tyler Cochrane

Friday, February 28

8pm - Brian Bracken

Saturday, February 29

8pm - Jared Brown

The Twisted Wheel

379 Water St., Peterborough

Thursday, February 27

8pm - Dylan Ireland (no cover)

Friday, February 28

8pm - The Hype hosted by Billy Marks ft. P Doc, Whiteboy Scummy, DBDroh, B. Moss, Mvckro ($15 at w/ $5 to Canadian Red Cross in support of Australian bush fire victims)

Saturday, February 29

8pm - Tripsonix w/ Scarlett Grace and Van V.

Wednesday, March 4

10pm - Twisted Karaoke

The Venue

286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008

Saturday, February 29

8pm - PTBOStrong and Waste Connections Canada present Destroyer (KISS tribute) w/ Baz Little Rock Band ($15 at door, $10 students)

Coming Soon

Saturday, March 7
7-11pm - Peterborough Folk Festival presents A Tribe Called Red ($34.50 at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/peterborough-folk-festival/events/atribecalledredmarch7thpeterborough//)

Friday, March 13
7-11pm - Peterborough Folk Festival presents Bedouin Soundclash ($23 at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/peterborough-folk-festival/events/bedouin-soundclash-friday-march-13th-presented-by-peterborough-folk-fest/)

Saturday, March 14
8pm - We Own The Night benefit for first responder mental health initiatives ft Gunslingers ($10 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/we-own-the-night-tickets-86529553223 or at door)

Tuesday, March 24
7-10pm - Matthew Good w/ Ria Mae ($39.50 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/84749388703)

Blowing snow advisory in effect for the Kawarthas for Thursday

Environment Canada has issued a blowing snow advisory for all of the Kawarthas for Thursday (February 27).

Westerly winds gusting to 70 km/h are combining with the freshly fallen snow to give very localized reduced visibility and poor road conditions in blowing snow to some exposed areas.

If visibility is reduced while driving, turn on your lights and maintain a safe following distance.

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Winds are expected to slowly diminish on Thursday night.

Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market moving to Peterborough Square courtyard in 2020

The Farm on Argyle, a family-oriented urban micro farm located just 2.5 kilometres from downtown Peterborough, at the former summer location of the Peterborough Regional Farmers' Market at AON Citi Centre courtyard at Charlotte and Aylmer Streets. The Peterborough Regional Farmers' Network board of directors has announced the summer market will be moving to the newly renovated Peterborough Square courtyard on Charlotte Street between Water and George effective May 2020. Between 80 and 100 vendor stalls will be accommodated at the new courtyard location. (Photo: Jenn Austin-Driver)

The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market is moving its summer outdoor location to the just-renovated Peterborough Square courtyard, according to a statement by the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Network board of directors on Wednesday afternoon (February 26).

“We are pleased to inform you that the process of determining our long-term winter and summer locations has come to a successful conclusion,” the statement reads. “After consultation with vendors and stakeholders, discussions with the City to confirm street closures, and with the continued support of our landlord, we have secured the Peterborough Square location year-round.”

The market currently operates its winter inside location in the lower level of Peterborough Square and will continue to do so.

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The previous outdoor location was at the AON Citi Centre courtyard at Charlotte and Aylmer Streets in downtown Peterborough.

The market will set up at its new location at the Peterborough Square courtyard on Saturday mornings beginning in May. Between 80 and 100 vendor stalls will be accommodated at the new courtyard location, according to the board’s statement.

Charlotte Street between Water and George will be closed on market mornings, and the parking spaces on the west side of Water Street adjacent to the courtyard will be unavailable.

“We understand there will be some challenges with setting up in a new market space, but we feel very confident that we can all work together and make this transition smooth and successful,” the board states.

The board says it will be reviewing applications from new and returning vendors this week, with the market’s manager working with successful applicants to assign stall locations during March.

Sixty per cent of the vendors at the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market are primary producers who have gone through a third-party inspection process to verify they grow 100 per cent of what they sell.

How to slay the environmental ‘dragons of inaction’

"Dragons of inaction" are psychological barriers that we all must overcome to take positive action against the climate crisis, one of which is the perception that what we do individually won't make a difference. You can slay this dragon by taking personal responsibility for your own actions, such as by choosing reusable metal or glass water bottles instead of single-use disposable plastic bottles. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)

Climate change is huge and will impact every aspect of our lives. Considering that impact, why do we struggle to change even the smallest aspects of our lives for the benefit of the environment?

According to Robert Gifford, professor of psychology and environmental studies at the University of Victoria, there are two kinds of barriers to taking climate action: structural and psychological.

Structural barriers can be things like a lack of good public transit and protected bike lanes that keep us reliant on cars. Overcoming these barriers often requires co-ordinated action from multiple government and industry stakeholders.

The second kind of barrier to climate action is psychological. Gifford has identified 40 of these psychological barriers, calling them the “dragons of inaction”.

Unlike some structural barriers, these psychological barriers are largely within our power to control as individuals.

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You may be thinking, ‘Well, this doesn’t seem too difficult! I think I can change.’

The challenge, however, is that humans are in many ways hard-wired to prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term goals or collective good. We tend to hedonistically focus on immediate gratification and ignore the negative future consequences of our actions.

Here are descriptions to help you recognize four of the dragons of inaction and figure out how to overcome them.

1. Perceived lack of self-efficacy

When it comes to fighting climate change, if we all take small actions, they can add up to a big difference. Property owners in Peterborough can reduce their impact on the environment and climate change by making smarter use of their space. Installing a rain barrel can reduce use of drinking water. With GreenUP's Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods Planting Guide, residents can also learn how to design gardens that need less water and reduce flood damage. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
When it comes to fighting climate change, if we all take small actions, they can add up to a big difference. Property owners in Peterborough can reduce their impact on the environment and climate change by making smarter use of their space. Installing a rain barrel can reduce use of drinking water. With GreenUP’s Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods Planting Guide, residents can also learn how to design gardens that need less water and reduce flood damage. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)

This dragon argues “Climate change is a huge, global issue. As only one individual, your actions are too small to have any noticeable impact on the world. There is no point in trying.”

This is the most dangerous dragon. To fight this dragon, point out that only you can be responsible for your own contributions to climate change. You can take responsibility for your contributions, or you can deny your responsibility and continue to be part of the problem.

As Canadians, we have a greater responsibility to reduce our individual impacts than individuals in many other countries. Canada, Australia, and the U.S.A. are collectively responsible for nearly 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“That is a massive climate impact for only three countries that make up about five per cent of the world’s population,” points out Dr. Brett Favaro in his book The Carbon Code.

Our actions as individuals do have a significant impact globally, especially as residents in Peterborough and Canada.

It may seem pointless to plant a tree or bike instead of drive. Trees will still be cut down. Other people will still drive. Do not let this dragon make you feel too small to make a difference. A journey of a thousand kilometres starts with just one step.

Your actions reduce your impact, and that matters locally and globally.

2. Optimism bias

Rather than ignoring environmental problems in the hope someone else will fix them, you can take personal actions like cleaning up litter and reducing how much garbage you produce to help reduce your impact on the environment and climate change. In partnership with GreenUP's Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods program, approximately 100 students and staff from King George Public School in Peterborough organized a clean-up of Armour Hill on April 5, 2018 in celebration of Earth Day.  (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Rather than ignoring environmental problems in the hope someone else will fix them, you can take personal actions like cleaning up litter and reducing how much garbage you produce to help reduce your impact on the environment and climate change. In partnership with GreenUP’s Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods program, approximately 100 students and staff from King George Public School in Peterborough organized a clean-up of Armour Hill on April 5, 2018 in celebration of Earth Day. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)

This dragon argues “Just keep a positive attitude. Ignore evidence and consequences that threaten your positive attitude. Those threats and consequences will go away.”

Humans are hard-wired to find information that reinforces our preferred viewpoints rather than gaining knowledge that could force us to revise or reject our preferred viewpoints.

Fighting this dragon is all about prioritizing self-control and long-term planning with clear measurements.

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For example, you could notice how much garbage you throw out each week and work on reducing that. Refuse single-use disposable plastics. Reduce food waste by making meal plans that inform your shopping. Reuse bags and containers. Recycle. Compost whatever you can.

I could go on, but more waste reduction tips and resources are available in Bea Johnson’s book Zero Waste Home and at www.wrwcanada.com/en/resources.

As another example, you could also make plans to count and reduce how many trips you make by car. Instead, walk, bike, or take transit when possible.

Commit to learning more each week and each month about how you can reduce your impact and use that knowledge to improve your plans.

3. Technosalvation

Technology already exists to help us reduce our impact on the environment and climate change, but it doesn't help if we don't change our behaviours. For example, Fleming College students conducted a waste audit on behalf of the County of Peterborough, capturing waste generation habits by analyzing contents of garbage and recycling. Results showed that 50 per cent of residential garbage bags are filled with organic waste that could be composted instead of ending up in landfill. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Technology already exists to help us reduce our impact on the environment and climate change, but it doesn’t help if we don’t change our behaviours. For example, Fleming College students conducted a waste audit on behalf of the County of Peterborough, capturing waste generation habits by analyzing contents of garbage and recycling. Results showed that 50 per cent of residential garbage bags are filled with organic waste that could be composted instead of ending up in landfill. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)

This dragon argues “There is no point in taking action right now, because technology will just come along in the future to solve all our problems.”

To fight this dragon, you can use a two-point approach. First, the timeline in which we need to act is too aggressive to expect new technological innovations alone to reduce our emissions. If we are to reduce our emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and to net zero by 2050, we need action on all fronts, including but not limited to technological innovations.

Second, we already have technologies that can dramatically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. They do not work if we do not use them appropriately.

For example, the transportation sector accounts for about 30 per cent of emissions in Ontario. Nearly one half of transportation emissions come from personal transportation (moving people).

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Creating safe and accessible infrastructure for cycling, walking, and other forms of active transportation could dramatically reduce these emissions. All the technology needed to make those changes is already available to us right now. For details, read GreenUP’s Bikes Can Do That series.

Another example of technology is the materials we use to build with. Builders for Climate Action (www.buildersforclimateaction.org) is a local organization that offers innovative resources for how we can use alternative building materials (like hempcrete) to store greenhouse gas emissions rather than producing more emissions.

We do not need to wait for technology. What we need are actions and plans that phase in the technologies that reduce our emissions and phase out the technologies that contribute to climate change.

4. Mistrust of information

Instead of being so overwhelmed by information about climate change that we do nothing, we can instead be positive advocates for climate action, such as by encouraging forms of transportation that do not emit C02. Evidence in Peterborough shows that investments in more bike infrastructure, such as Peterborough's first protected bike lane that was installed in 2019, can positively impact our transportation system. Geographically, Peterborough is fairly compact and an ideal city for biking. Surveys show that we travel a median distance of 2.7 kilometre per trip on weekdays, and 73 per cent of all our trips made are less than five kilometres. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Instead of being so overwhelmed by information about climate change that we do nothing, we can instead be positive advocates for climate action, such as by encouraging forms of transportation that do not emit C02. Evidence in Peterborough shows that investments in more bike infrastructure, such as Peterborough’s first protected bike lane that was installed in 2019, can positively impact our transportation system. Geographically, Peterborough is fairly compact and an ideal city for biking. Surveys show that we travel a median distance of 2.7 kilometre per trip on weekdays, and 73 per cent of all our trips made are less than five kilometres. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)

This dragon argues “You can’t trust the information presented to you about human-caused climate change. It could be false or exaggerated. There is no point dedicating time and consideration to the information.”

To fight this dragon, focus on two things: do not be paralyzed by information and be a positive advocate for climate action.

There is a lot of information out there about climate change — it is overwhelming. Keep trying to understand more about the situation from reputable sources. Do not let information overload paralyze you: doing more to reduce your impact is always better than no action at all.

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One of biggest threats to successful climate action is silence. We need to talk about climate action every day, from the smallest of actions to the most complicated of issues.

As Brett Favaro points out in The Carbon Code, it is important to be a positive advocate for climate action: “In positive advocacy, you support action, rather than arguing against something harmful.”

These four dragons are just a few of the dozens that you and I encounter every day. There are many more dragons you need to fight, and more tools to empower your battles in the resources mentioned in this article.

You can book a campsite online this year at Peterborough’s Beavermead Campground and Warsaw Caves Conservation Area

Otonabee Conservation is launching a new online reservation system on its website so campers can more easily book a campsite at Beavermead Campground in Peterborough and Warsaw Caves Conservation Area in Warsaw. Pictured is the view of Indian River from the Lookout Trail at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area. The campground has 52 campsites nestled in a beautiful hardwood forest in the heart of the Kawarthas. (Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation)

For the 2020 camping season, you will be able to go online to book a site at Beavermead Campground in Peterborough or Warsaw Caves Conservation Area in Warsaw.

Otonabee Conservation, which operates both campgrounds, is launching a new online reservation system at otonabeeconservation.com at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 2nd.

The online reservation system will allow campers to view a map of each campground, select a site, and then book, pay for, and schedule their stay.

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“The new online reservation system will allow families to plan their outdoor vacations well ahead of time,” says Otonabee Conservatio manage of conservation lands Jessie James. “It will provide peace of mind to those who wish to ensure they can reserve their favourite campsite for their required dates.”

Beavermead Campground, located in Beavermead Park in the heart of Peterborough, is owned by the City of Peterborough and operated by Otonabee Conservation.

It features 97 campsites including four fully accessible sites with barrier-free picnic tables, and a paved surface pad. Construction is currently underway on a new $653,000 comfort station featuring fully accessible washrooms and showers, scheduled for completion in early summer 2020.

Located in the heart of the City of Peterborough, Beavermead Campground features 97 campsites including four fully accessible sites with barrier-free picnic tables, and a paved surface pad. Construction is currently underway on a new $653,000 comfort station featuring fully accessible washrooms and showers, scheduled for completion in early summer 2020.  (Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation)
Located in the heart of the City of Peterborough, Beavermead Campground features 97 campsites including four fully accessible sites with barrier-free picnic tables, and a paved surface pad. Construction is currently underway on a new $653,000 comfort station featuring fully accessible washrooms and showers, scheduled for completion in early summer 2020. (Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation)

Beavermead Campground is a short walk to Little Lake, where campers can enjoy a sandy beach, paddling, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, as well as take in numerous festivals, restaurants, and shops in nearby downtown Peterborough.

Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, located only 20 minutes from Peterborough and within two hours of the Greater Toronto Area, has 52 campsites nestled in a beautiful hardwood forest in the heart of the Kawarthas.

Visitors can enjoy spelunking, hiking trails, paddling, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, and swimming. You can go to Warsaw Caves Conservation Area for a day or stay at the campground to thoroughly enjoy all of the trails and activities that are offered.

For more information about Otonabee Conservation, visit otonabeeconservation.com.

Peterborough high school student actors play high school student actors in one-act comedy ‘Typecast’

In Amanda Murray Cutalo's one-act comedy "Typecast", gym-teacher-turned-drama-teacher Ms. Ball (Taite Cullen, left) casts normally typecast student actors, including Jane "The Control Freak" (Lena Ross, right), against type in a high school play. Presented by youth theatre group Enter Stage Right, the play runs for one night only at the Peterborough Collegiate auditorium on February 29, 2020. (Photo: Dakota Hamilton)

On Saturday, February 29th, local youth theatre organization Enter Stage Right returns to the auditorium at Peterborough Collegiate (formerly PCVS) to present playwright Amanda Murray Cutalo’s one-act play Typecast.

Directed by Greg Nugent and Emily Chute, this one-night event will also feature musical performances by members of the cast following the show, as well as presentations of this year’s Enter Stage Right scholarships.

Started in 2014 by brother-and-sister team Greg and Jen Nugent, Enter Stage Right (ESR) is an alternative theatre company for local high school students looking for opportunities to develop stage productions beyond those available at their high schools. Traditionally, ESR’s annual show is an original musical production, but this year the group decided to change gears and present a previously written one-act show that highlights their individual talents.

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“What been interesting this year is that we’ve been able to give the kids a lot more ownership of the company,” Greg says. “In the past the kids have always been involved in everything, but this year they’ve been more involved in finding the script, choreographing, directing, trying different things, and taking on new leadership roles.”

For Typecast, a 2015 comedy by American playwright and high school English teacher Amanda Murray Cutalo, ESR’s cast of high school student actors play high school student actors (and a couple of teachers).

“Typecast is a show within a show,” Greg explains. “There are all these actors auditioning for parts in their high school play. The drama teacher, who has been teaching for many years, already has the show precast in her mind. But through some comedic episodes, she ends up not directing.”

The cast of Enter Stage Right's production of Amanda Murray Cutalo's one-act comedy "Typecast". Front, left to right: Meagan Hewie, Eden Farris, Annika Goeckel, Julian Pawchuk, and Lena Ross. Back, left to right: Jenny Berry, Alexis Mantler, Taite Cullen, and Aisling MacQuarrie. (Photo courtesy of Greg Nugent)
The cast of Enter Stage Right’s production of Amanda Murray Cutalo’s one-act comedy “Typecast”. Front, left to right: Meagan Hewie, Eden Farris, Annika Goeckel, Julian Pawchuk, and Lena Ross. Back, left to right: Jenny Berry, Alexis Mantler, Taite Cullen, and Aisling MacQuarrie. (Photo courtesy of Greg Nugent)

“The new director casts the roles in the polar opposite of what the actors normally would be playing. So it’s kind of neat to see the characters introduce themselves having certain stereotypes, but then you watch them break out of that mould.”

Typecast revolves around a high school production of a show called “Cinder White”, in which drama teacher Ms. Diane Thespis (Aisling MacQuarrie) has cast her show based on the individual strengths and personalities of her students.

The students are based on stereotypes: Debra “The Diva” (Alexis Mantler), Juliet “The Ingénue” (Annika Goeckel), Jane “The Control Freak” (Lena Ross), Myra “The Slacker” (Meagan Hewie), Audrey “The Ensemble Girl” (Eden Farris), Willow “The Politician” (Julian Pawchuck), and Heidi “The Mom/Sidekick” (Jenny Berry).

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When Ms. Thespis has to leave the production suddenly, gym teacher Ms. Colleen Ball (Taite Cullen) takes over the show and mixes up the casting, forcing the actors to step out of their traditional roles into ones for which they are not as well suited.

Made up of a group of returning players from previous ESR shows and some new members of the group, Typecast is a testament to the dedication of the students who have put the show together.

“It came together very quickly over a month and a half of really hard work and really extensive rehearsals,” Greg recalls. “It’s really amazing how dedicated the kids are. We had barely a rehearsal where anyone has been away, and we’ve put in really long hours on Saturdays. It’s impressive, when you have a group that really wants to do something, to see how much heart and effort they put into it.”

In Enter Stage Right's production of Amanda Murray Cutalo's one-act comedy "Typecast", Julian Pawchuk plays Will "The Politician", one of the student actors cast against type in a high school play. (Photo: Dakota Hamilton)
In Enter Stage Right’s production of Amanda Murray Cutalo’s one-act comedy “Typecast”, Julian Pawchuk plays Will “The Politician”, one of the student actors cast against type in a high school play. (Photo: Dakota Hamilton)

“Some are graduating students that have been with us for a while, and some are newcomers and this is the first time they’ve been working with us,” Greg adds. “Right from the get-go it was clear this was a group who wanted to put something together and was very dedicated to doing so.”

To assist with the quick turnaround of the show, Greg brought on a former member of ESR, Emily Chute, to co-direct the show. Now a third-year university student, Emily worked with ESR between 2014 and 2016, marking her return to the group after four years.

“Something I really enjoyed when I was in Enter Stage Right was getting to meet a bunch of new people and make a bunch of new friends,” Emily says. “As an alumnus, I really enjoy watching all of these new people come in and make friends and meet people. Truly two of the best parts of Enter Stage Right are the co-founders Jen and Greg. Jen is so much fun and makes everyone so happy and Greg is so sweet and just cares so much about the whole cast. ”

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Although the visibility and opportunities for young actors have certainly grown since Greg and Jen started ESR, the program continues to be a unique one because of the collaborative nature of the group, which creates strong bond between the actors as they are given opportunities to shape the shows in ways far beyond other student theatre groups.

“When I first started acting with ESR I realized that it was not like a lot of other experiences I had,” says Taite Cullen, who has been with ESR for four years, making her a senior member of the group. “Everyone who is part of the show cares about the show. We feel like part of a team and I don’t feel like I’m working by myself. There is a sense of comradery where everyone respects each other and their creative opinions. You have the opportunity to talk and share ideas, and no one feels bossed around.”

In Enter Stage Right's production of Amanda Murray Cutalo's one-act comedy "Typecast", Eden Farris plays  Audrey "The Ensemble Girl", one of the student actors cast against type in a high school play. (Photo: Dakota Hamilton)
In Enter Stage Right’s production of Amanda Murray Cutalo’s one-act comedy “Typecast”, Eden Farris plays Audrey “The Ensemble Girl”, one of the student actors cast against type in a high school play. (Photo: Dakota Hamilton)

“ESR is unique because we are all involved in building the show from the ground up,” adds Lena Ross. “You really get to be involved with all aspects of the creative process.”

But ESR is also important as it gives Peterborough youth a safe and inclusive space to create theatre of their own.

“ESR is important because it is inclusive for everyone,” points out Megan Hewie. “It’s truly just a great place where we can all just be ourselves and show our talents. There is absolutely no judgement and we all just have a great time.”

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ESR is a theatre program in Peterborough that remains close to my heart. While I love and am committed to other youth theatre programs in the Kawarthas, with each having its own strengths, the kids in ESR remind me so much of the type of teenager I was.

There seems to be a much more grassroots and hands-on approach to the shows that they do. They work so hard to piece together shows with limited resources — except for their own dedication, passion, and tons of spirit. That’s why supporting ERS is so important and why the students in these shows are so endearing to me.

In Enter Stage Right's production of  Amanda Murray Cutalo's one-act comedy "Typecast", Alexis Mantler plays Debra "The Diva", one of the student actors cast against type in a high school play. (Photo: Dakota Hamilton)
In Enter Stage Right’s production of Amanda Murray Cutalo’s one-act comedy “Typecast”, Alexis Mantler plays Debra “The Diva”, one of the student actors cast against type in a high school play. (Photo: Dakota Hamilton)

I hope that the community will join me on Saturday night at the Peterborough Collegiate auditorium to support this ambitious group of performers.

Typecast will be performed on Saturday, February 29th at the PCVS Auditorium (201 McDonnel St., Peterborough). The show will be followed by musical performances by Taite Cullen and Joseph Roper, Annika Goeckle, Aisling MacQuarrie, Isaac Martin, Julian Pawchuk, and Lena Ross.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m.

Linda Kash says you could be the next Philly Cream Cheese Angel!

Peterborough's Linda Kash, known for her stint as the iconic Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese Angel in the beloved TV commercials from the 1990s, is searching for her successor. To audition, share a short video on social media using #PhillyCastingCall showcasing why you are perfect for the role. (Photo: Kraft Heinz Canada)

Peterborough performer Linda Kash, whose claims to fame include her stint as the iconic Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese Angel in the beloved TV commercials from the 1990s, has put out a casting call for the next Philly Angel.

On behalf of Kraft Heinz Canada, Linda is inviting Canadians to share a short video on social media using #PhillyCastingCall, showcasing why they’re perfect for the role. Beyond bragging rights, starting in early May the new angel will star in Philly Cream Cheese programming.

“After years of spreading a little cream cheese love across Canada, I’ve had an amazing time being the Philly angel,” Linda says. “I am so excited to be back and searching for my successor.”

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According to a media release, as casting director for the next angel, Linda is looking for a “charming, clever and relatable person” who can carry on her legacy and bring a fresh outlook to the role. Eligible candidates must be 18 years of age or older and be legal residents of Canada.

You also must love Philly cream cheese, especially on a bagel — and be able to pronounce bagel properly, Linda jokes.

“My biggest piece of advice to wannabe-Philly angels is to be yourself,” Linda says. “Have fun and show me what makes you different. Oh, and remember it’s pronounced bayg-gel — not bagg-el. I seriously won’t look at submissions with bagg-el pronunciations!”

Calling all Canadians! I’m back! & YOU could be the next Angel! Share your video online using the #PHYLLYcastingcall by March 10th!!! Anyone and everyone is welcome to post Its a great gig. Do it! ??

Posted by Linda Kash on Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Those looking to audition should submit their videos from a public social account using #PhillyCastingCall from Wednesday, February 26th until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10th. Videos can be shared via Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook.

There is no required length for your audition video, but it must display your face and voice. There’s no requirement listed for a specific gender.

If Kraft Heinz Canada likes your audition video, they may reach out to you either through direct messaging or in the comments section of the social media account(s) where you posted the video.

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For more information on the Philly casting call, visit www.kraftcanada.com/~/media/Kraft Canada/brands/images/Philadelphia/philly-casting-call-guidelines.pdf.

VIDEO: Linda Kash as the Philadelphia Cream Cheese Angel (1995)

Winter storm warning now in effect for all of the Kawarthas

Environment Canada has now issued a winter storm warning for all of the Kawarthas, including Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands.

Light snow is expected to develop on Wednesday morning (February 26) and become heavy late in the day. Heavy snow will then continue through Wednesday night into Thursday morning, before tapering to flurries late Thursday.

In the southern Kawarthas, total snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm are likely by late in the day Thursday.

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Total snowfall amounts of 20 to 40 cm are likely in the northern Kawarthas, including northern Peterborough County, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands.

Locally higher amounts in excess of 40 cm are possible, especially near the Quebec border.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.

Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.

businessNOW – February 25, 2020

Watson & Lou owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt display their new "economic nutrition label", which is designed to show shoppers where the money they spend goes. The two entrepreneurs, whose core mission is to do retail differently, were inspired by the economic nutrition label developed by Shorefast, a registered Canadian charity on Fogo Island in Newfoundland. (Photo: Heather Doughty)

businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.

The week’s news features downtown Peterborough creative arts hub Watson & Lou launching a new ‘economic nutrition label’, Telus Business forming a strategic alliance with Venture13 in Cobourg to develop next-generation IoT solutions, Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation announcing its new executive director Vincent Killen, Community Futures Peterborough announcing its new business and loan manager Braden Clark, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.

New events added this week include women leaders in hospitality hosting an International Women’s Day Feast fundraiser in Peterborough on March 8th, the Kawartha Chamber hosting sexual harassment in the workplace seminar in Lakefield on March 25th, and the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce holding its annual general meeting in Peterborough on March 26th.

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Downtown Peterborough creative arts hub Watson & Lou launches ‘economic nutrition label’

Owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt in front of Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough. Their creative hub helps local artists and makers reach a wider audience, offers a broad range of unique locally made goods, and hosts popular maker workshops. (Supplied photo)
Owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt in front of Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough. Their creative hub helps local artists and makers reach a wider audience, offers a broad range of unique locally made goods, and hosts popular maker workshops. (Supplied photo)

Erin Watson and Anna Eidt, owners of creative arts hub Watson & Lou (383 Water St., Peterborough) have launched a new “economic nutrition label” designed to show shoppers where the money they spend goes.

A close-up of Watson & Lou's economic nutrition label, which displays a percentage of how much of an item's purchase price goes towards production processes, brick-and-mortar operations, and other areas such as marketing. The label also shows the geographical economic benefit of the purchase. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
A close-up of Watson & Lou’s economic nutrition label, which displays a percentage of how much of an item’s purchase price goes towards production processes, brick-and-mortar operations, and other areas such as marketing. The label also shows the geographical economic benefit of the purchase. (Photo: Heather Doughty)

Based on the familiar food nutrition labels, the economic nutrition label provides a percentage of how much of an item’s purchase price goes towards production processes (such as materials, design and development, and labour), brick-and-mortar operations (such as rent, utilities, and labour), and other areas such as marketing and charity.

The label also shows the geographical economic benefit of the purchase.

Watson and Eidt were inspired by the economic nutrition certification developed by Shorefast, a registered Canadian charity launched by Canadian businesswoman and social entrepreneur Zita Cobb. Shorefast’s mission to build economic and cultural resilience on Fogo Island in Newfoundland.

Shorefast’s economic nutrition labels are available for most of The Woodshop on Fogo Islands’ retail items as well as for the cost of a stay at Fogo Island Inn.

Watson & Lou — home to a gift shop, workshop space, and several private artist studios — showcases and celebrates local handmade art and goods. The Shorefast approach resonated with Watson and Eidt, whose core mission is to do retail differently, in a way that continually reinvests in the local community.

 Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough is home to a gift shop, workshop space, and several private artist studios where local handmade art and goods are showcased and celebrated. (Photo: Watson & Lou / Instagram)
Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough is home to a gift shop, workshop space, and several private artist studios where local handmade art and goods are showcased and celebrated. (Photo: Watson & Lou / Instagram)

“Since our very first conversation about going into business together, we’ve talked about doing things in a way that align with certain core values,” Watson says. “So our model is more about financial sustainability than profitability.”

The economic nutrition label not only lets shoppers know where their money is going, it helps Watson & Lou gather feedback on ways they can improve their business model.

“As consumers, we want to know who benefits from the money we spend,” Eidt explains. “So, as store owners, we want to be as transparent as possible.”

“We think more and more that companies need to do this in the for-profit sector. We’d love to see other local businesses join us in this initiative.”

For more information about Watson & Lou, visit www.watsonandlou.com.

 

Telus forms strategic alliance with Venture13 in Cobourg to develop next-generation IoT solutions

Representatives from Telus Business and  Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg at the February 19, 2020 announcement of a new strategic alliance. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Cobourg)
Representatives from Telus Business and Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg at the February 19, 2020 announcement of a new strategic alliance. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Cobourg)

Telus Business has entered into a strategic alliance with Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg to provide the centre with additional membership accelerator perks, mentorship and programming opportunities, and new hardware for Venture13’s MakerLab.

Venture13 and Telus Business will provide direct support to entrepreneurs, supplying access to both innovative tools and industry experts to help accelerate their businesses.

“We are thrilled to welcome Telus Business to not only the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre but to our community as well,” said Cobourg Mayor John Henderson. “This partnership will further accelerate and empower our entrepreneurs to leverage IoT technologies to improve their businesses and reach their connectivity goals.”

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals, or people that are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Telus Business’ world-class LTE-M network was purpose-built to connect IoT devices, offering secure, reliable connectivity so developers can design and deploy innovative IoT solutions for virtually any situation.

“Telus believes in the power of technology to create meaningful change on our communities,” says Telus VP of IoT Michael Cihra. “Supporting an organization like Venture13 that is working to foster Canadian innovation is a perfect fit and we’re pleased to provide support for that effort. Working together, we are confident that we can advance Venture13’s already stellar programming and provide the necessary resources for the innovative companies and individuals in their programs to thrive.”

The alliance will offer all VentureZone clients a three-month Telus LTE-M Starter Kit and support from Telus Business, enabling developers and tech companies to rapidly prototype cellular-connected IoT devices on their LTE-M network. They will also provide LTE-M Starter kits to Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation’s (CFDC) Top 10 finalists for N100, Northumberland biennial open invitational $250,000 technology startup competition, as well as Northumberland CFDC’s soon-to-launch DELIA program.

 

Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation announces new executive director Vincent Killen

Vincent "Vince" Killen is the new executive director of Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation. (Photo courtesy of KLCFDC)
Vincent “Vince” Killen is the new executive director of Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation. (Photo courtesy of KLCFDC)

Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC) has announced the appointment of Vincent “Vince” Killen as the organization’s new executive director effective February 11th.

Killen is a strategic economic development and financial services professional with more than 25 years’ experience in finance, banking, project management, and government investment strategies for entrepreneurs. He was previously executive director of the Community Futures Eastern Ontario Network and program manager for the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment and Innovation (SOFII), during which time he worked closely with KLCFDC.

“I look forward to working with the board of directors and staff of KLCFDC, along with our local community stakeholders and partners to enhance and elevate the terrific work that has been done at the KLCFDC for many years,” Killen says.

“As we move into a new innovation economy, we look forward to working with our government partners to deliver new initiatives, spur growth, and help entrepreneurs and small business owners scale their businesses, realize their dreams, and contribute to our local economic prosperity.”

Born and raised in Peterborough, Killen attended Trent University and is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying hiking and kayaking as well as spending time with his family.

 

Community Futures Peterborough announces new business and loan manager Braden Clark

Braden Clark has joined Community Futures Peterborough as business and loan manager. (Photo: Braden Clark / LinkedIn)
Braden Clark has joined Community Futures Peterborough as business and loan manager. (Photo: Braden Clark / LinkedIn)

Community Futures Peterborough has announced Braden Clark is the organization’s new business and loan manager.

Well established in the Peterborough business community, Clark was previously an innovation specialist with the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, where he was chair of the economic development committee. He is founding director and vice-chair for Norwood Pride, a non-profit organization supporting the local LGBTQ+ community, and is also a board member with YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

In his role at Community Futures Peterborough, Clark will be taking the lead in providing funding for entrepreneurs.

 

Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas

Peterborough Petes forward Nick Robertson and Heads Up for Inclusion staff with donated socks intended for Peterborough Youth Services. (Photo courtesy of Heads Up for Inclusion)
Peterborough Petes forward Nick Robertson and Heads Up for Inclusion staff with donated socks intended for Peterborough Youth Services. (Photo courtesy of Heads Up for Inclusion)

Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:

  • Heads Up for Inclusion, a Peterborough not-for-profit organization that encourages full and meaningful community participation and belonging of any individual facing barriers to inclusion, has donated 390 pairs of socks to Peterborough Youth Services and Brock Mission. The socks, which were donated during the Hockey is for Everyone evening with the Peterborough Petes, will provide vulnerable individuals with a warm pair of socks this winter season.
  • Nominations are now open for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s 14th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards in 11 categories. Nominations close on Monday, March 2nd, with the awards gala taking place on April 4th at the Haliburton Legion on April 4, 2020. For nomination forms, visit www.haliburtonchamber.com.
  • Last Tuesday (February 18), Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) announced the launch of the Venture13 Policetech Accelerator in partnership with Cobourg Police Services. The accelerator will receive $100,000 in funding through FedDev Ontario’s Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario, matched by a $150,000 investment by Cobourg Police Service, to enable the development of transformative police technologies, resulting in the creation of up to 10 new full-time jobs. The Northumberland CFDC will provide additional investment of up to $150,000 through a competitive intake process-along with V13 VentureZone co-working space and strategic project support. The accelerator will offer research and development partnership opportunities, technology pilots (demonstration and validation) and investments through two streams (policetech start-ups and policetech scale-ups).
  • Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation will be launching its fintech lending platform called DELIA (Develop Educate Lead Innovate Accelerate) on Monday, March 9th. DELIA will provide an easy online application process and instant decisions on commercial loan applications up to $50,000. The priority of DELIA will be investment in innovative women-owned and women-led enterprises in Eastern Ontario. Successful recipients will be automatically inducted into a concurrent program providing advisory support services, networking opportunities, accelerator space and entrepreneurial skills development through Venture13 in Cobourg.
  • MicroAge Peterborough-Whitby has been named one of the 50 best-managed IT companies in Canada by TechnoPlanet, out of more than 6,000 applications received. In order to be chosen, companies must demonstrate their ability to excel in various areas of management including processes, financial management, and human resources and are evaluated through independent assessment and bench-marking protocols.
  • RTO8’s 2020-2021 Partnership Allocation Program is now accepting applications within the Kawarthas Northumberland region. Available categories include experience development and enhancement, photography and videography, and workforce development and training. Up to 50 per cent RTO8 funding is available for all projects, with a minimum of three partners committed to a project. For program guidelines and application forms, visit rto8.com/partnership/allocation/.
  • The Innovation Cluster and the City of Kawartha Lakes are accepting applications for the new business incubator in Lindsay. To apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/application/.
  • The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg have announced that Garry Liboiron of Century 21 All-Pro Realty (1993) Ltd. is the recipient of this year’s James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award, to be officially presented at the Business Achievement Awards on Friday, March 6th at the at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre. The James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement and contribution to the business community. The award is named after James Crossen, founder of Cobourg Car Works and one of Cobourg’s earliest and most successful entrepreneurs. Liboiron is a strong community and local business supporter who is an active member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg.
  • The Town of Cobourg has revoked all taxicab owner licenses for A1 Taxi, in accordance with the provisions of the town’s by-law to licence, regulate and govern taxicab owners and drivers, as A1 Taxi has failed to comply with the provisions of the by-law. This means that A1 Taxi is no longer a municipally licenced taxicab business in the Town of Cobourg and does not have the capacity to provide taxi services legally within the Town of Cobourg.
  • Michael Eatson, dealer principal at Peterborough Volkswagen, will become the new president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) — which represents more than 1,100 franchised, new car and truck dealers across Ontario — for a one-year term effective April 2020.
  • After a fire destroyed its Highway 36 location in December 2019, RDS Quality Cleaning Products has reopened in the LCBO plaza at 449 Kent Street West in Lindsay. RDS Quality Cleaning Products is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
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Trent Hills Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on WSIB in Campbellford on February 25

The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “lunch ‘n’ learn” seminar on the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the boardroom at Team Eagle (10 Trent Dr., Campbellford).

Find out more about the program and how it can help your bottom line. Bring your own lunch and a refreshment to the meeting.

There is no fee to attend, however -registration is required in advance at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/lunch-n-learn-wsib-health-safety-excellence-program-4507.

 

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts new venture session in Peterborough on February 25

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a “New Venture Session” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).

Intended for entrepreneurs starting a new business, the session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, how to work with the Business Advisory Centre to build a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist

The session is free, but advance registration is mandatory at eventbrite.ca/e/new-venture-session-tickets-91890871069.

 

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on February 26

Due to popular demand, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting another “Business Fundamentals: Business Planning” workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).

The session is designed to give entrepreneurs a strong foundation in business planning and to explain the importance of a comprehensive business plan. Tools available for creating a business plan will be shared as well as top tips for creating a plan ready to share with banks and funding agencies to secure financing.

The session is free, but advance registration is mandatory at eventbrite.ca/e/business-fundamentals-business-planning-tickets-94657385789.

 

Port Hope Chamber holds annual general meeting in Port Hope on February 26

The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26th in the Sculthorpe Theatre at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope).

Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will include a review of by-law changes and “Fostering an ecosystem of entrepreneurship”, a presentation by Lindsay Jeremiah, manager of entrepreneurship services at Durham College.

A light lunch will be served by Brandon Manor Bed & Breakfast.

To RSVP, contact the Chamber at admin@porthopechamber.com or 905-885-5519.

 

Brighton & Cramahe Chamber hold annual general meeting in Colborne on February 27

Brighton & Cramahe Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 27th at the Golden Rooster (5 Toronto St., Colborne).

The meeting will begin with breakfast and a guest speaker from Friends of Presqu’ile Park, followed by details from the Chamber’s new strategic plan.

Chamber members are encouraged to attend and others are welcome. The cost is $15 to cover the breakfast.

 

Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland presents “Scale Up Your Business” seminar in Cobourg on February 27

Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN), in partnership with local chambers, is presenting “Scale Up Your Business” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th in the BECN boardroom (600 William St., Cobourg).

This practical seminar for existing businesses, presented by Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch, will cover topics including how to create a business vision, how to set 10-year goals, how to determine your core focus, how to create a simple marketing strategy, how to set financial targets, and more.

The cost is $20 plus HST. Advance registration is required at forms.northumberland.ca/BECN/Scale-Up-Your-Business-Seminar-Feb-27-2020.

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Peterborough Chamber hosts networking event at Showplace in Peterborough on March 3

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) networking event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3rd at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).

PBX is for anyone in business looking to interact with other businesses, influencers, and community leaders. See what Showplace has to offer and take a tour of their facilities.

Everyone is invited to attend this event. Chamber members are welcome to bring a door prize for a plug at the podium.

 

Northumberland Chamber and Town of Cobourg host 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala in Cobourg on March 6

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg are hosting the 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6th at Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).

The awards recognize excellence and honour high achievers in the local business community. Gala attendees can network during cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards ceremony beginning at 6:45 p.m.

The cost is $90 per person plus HST. Purchase tickets online at nccofc.ca/events/details/2019-business-achievement-awards-2641 or by phone at 905-372-5831.

 

Women leaders in hospitality host International Women’s Day Feast fundraiser in Peterborough on March 8

International Women's Day Feast

Susan Houde of Two Dishes Cookshop, Lisa Dixon of Black Honey, Bonnie Kubica of BE Catering, and Shannon Mak of Le Petit Bar have come together to host International Women’s Day Feast at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 8th at St Veronus Cafe and Tap Room (129 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).

Designed by Dixon, Kubica, and Houde, the five-course menu will feature: sour cherry and goat cheese terrine; two-way smoked trout with winter greens, apple and walnut; roasted sweet potato and red pepper soup; lemon thyme roasted Three Forks chicken with quinoa gravy and wild rice stuffing; and white chocolate-pumpkin mousse and almond dacquoise Napoleon. Wine and beer pairings will be provided by certified sommelier Shannon Mak.

The cost is $125 per person, with all proceeds benefitting YWCA Peterborough Halliburton. Tickets are available at Black Honey (217 Hunter St. W/, Peterborough,) and Le Petit Bar (399 Water St, Peterborough).

 

Peterborough Chamber and partners host business summit in Peterborough on March 11

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and RT08, is hosting “Business Summit 2020: Future Ready” from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11th at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (840 Armour Rd., Peterborough).

The half-day conference focused on strengthening business features author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Daniel Lewis as keynote speaker along with a series of workshops and a panel discussion.

The cost is $75, which includes breakfast and lunch. Register at peterboroughchamber.ca.

 

Trent Hills Chamber holds annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 12

The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).

The event features networking and light refreshments at 6 p.m. followed by the annual general meeting, including a review of the Chamber events, activities, and programs that took place in 2019, at 6:30 p.m.

There is no cost for Chamber members to attend, but advance registration is required at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/annual-general-meeting-for-the-trent-hills-chamber-of-commerce-4505.

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Kawartha Chamber hosts sexual harassment in the workplace seminar in Lakefield on March 25

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar, on the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace, takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25th at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).

The seminar will help you to understand the duties and responsibilities of businesses and organizations including training, obligations to report and investigate, resources, domestic violence, how to deal with a disclosure, what can be considered sexual harassment, and more. The speaker (to be announced) will use real-life examples and encourage discussion amongst the attendees.

Breakfast will be catered by Jack’s Family Restaurant. The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Register at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/register/11408.

 

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on March 26

Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli will be the keynote speaker at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce's annual general meeting on March 26, 2020. (Photo: Vic Fedeli / LinkedIn)
Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli will be the keynote speaker at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting on March 26, 2020. (Photo: Vic Fedeli / LinkedIn)

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th at The StoneHouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).

The meeting will include a look back at 2019 and will feature Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli will be the keynote speaker.

Chamber members will be asked to approve the audited financial statements of the corporation and the actions of the board of directors for 2019, as well as proposed by-law changes.

Registration takes place at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., business at 12 p.m., and the guest speaker at 12:30 p.m.

The cost for the meeting, which includes lunch, is $30 plus HST for members and $40 plus HST for non-members. Register at www.peterboroughchamber.ca (registration deadline is Thursday, March 19th).

 

For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.

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