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businessNOW – February 11, 2020

By Bruce Head -
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre entrepreneurship officer Madeleine Hurrell (bottom left) with the successful applicants of the first 2020 intake of Starter Company Plus: (bottom row): Marlowe Bork, Katie Jackson, Dianna Graves, Sandra Lennox, Karen Kearney, Larissa Nicholson; back row: Matt Baylis, Jason White, Stephen Stamp, Kenny McGillvray, Eric Lennox. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)

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

Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.

The week’s news features Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre announcing the successful applicants in the latest intake of the Starter Company Plus program, private equity group 1440 Capital investing in Peterborough-based Aclarus Ozone, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism inviting public input into the development of its five-year tourism strategy, Nexicom matching public donations to 4th Line Theatre’s youth apprenticeship program, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.

New events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s lunchtime seminar on environmental due diligence and remediation in Peterborough on February 19th, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s new venture session in Peterborough on February 25th, and Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland’s “Scale Up Your Business” seminar in Cobourg on February 27th.

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre announces successful Starter Company Plus applicants

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre has announced the successful applicants of the first 2020 intake of Starter Company Plus, an annual program funded by the Government of Ontario.

Starter Company Plus is designed to provide business training for aspiring to experienced entrepreneurs, aged 18 and over in the City and County of Peterborough, who are launching a new business or expanding an existing business that has been operating for five years or less.

“Research shows that when entrepreneurs are provided with a team of support at all levels of their development, they are likely to thrive and stay in the community,” says Madeleine Hurrell, entrepreneurship officer with the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.

The successful applicants of the first 2020 intake of Starter Company Plus attend a Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre workshop as part of seven weeks of training under the program. At the end of the training, six of the participating entrepreneurs will be selected and awarded a grant of $5,000. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development / Facebook)
The successful applicants of the first 2020 intake of Starter Company Plus attend a Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre workshop as part of seven weeks of training under the program. At the end of the training, six of the participating entrepreneurs will be selected and awarded a grant of $5,000. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development / Facebook)

“Peterborough and the Kawarthas has a rich history of entrepreneurs operating successfully in the region,” Hurrell adds. “We know that in the future new job creation will come from our small businesses, so it is critically important to foster and support their growth at all stages.”

The successful applicants are:

  • Jenny McGillvray of Mobile Cuts
  • Katie Jackson of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience
  • Karen Kearney of K9 in Motion
  • Kerry McMaster and Stephen Stamp of Buckhorn Woods and Event Centre
  • Larissa Nicholson of Littleleaf Farms
  • Desiree Bandi and Matt Baylis of 1.5 Composting
  • Marlowe Bork of Marlowe’s Home Repairs & Custom Woodworking
  • Dianna Graves of The Self Discovery Centre
  • Jason White of Cat Prefab
  • Josh Keepfer of Kitchen Farmacy
  • Eric and Sandra Lennox of Kawartha Monuments

The program runs for seven weeks and aims to teach new entrepreneurs the necessary skills to start and grow their business. At the end of the training, six of the participating entrepreneurs will be selected and awarded a grant of $5,000, based on their businesses’ creativity, strength of business plan, and viability.

To learn more about Starter Company Plus, including future intakes, visit peterboroughed.ca/starter.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre is also hosting a winter workshop series designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners. For upcoming workshops, visit peterboroughed.ca/events.

 

Private equity group 1440 Capital invests in Peterborough-based Aclarus Ozone

Aclarus Ozone logo

Toronto-based private equity group 1440 Capital has purchased control of Aclarus Ozone, a Peterborough-based company that engineers, builds, and installs advanced ozone-based treatment solutions for water and wastewater treatment.

Founded in 2012, Aclarus Ozone now has over 900 installations in eight countries that treat municipal, industrial and commercial, and residential water and wastewater. Aclarus systems treat drinking water for six First Nations communities in Canada, wastewater in Cobourg, and its commercial applications include dairies, food and beverage production, agriculture and aquaculture, and groundwater treatment.

“This is an exciting milestone for Aclarus,” says Alcarus co-founder and president Michael Doran. “1440 Capital’s knowledge of and experience in the water technology sector is exactly what we were searching for to help accelerate our growth. This is a great collaborative partnership.”

 

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism invites public input into the development of its five-year tourism strategy

A painting of tourism attractions in Peterborough by local artist John Climenhage. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism)
A painting of tourism attractions in Peterborough by local artist John Climenhage. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism)

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of Peterborough, is inviting the public to attend two public information sessions as the economic organization develops a new five-year tourism strategy.

The Destination Development Strategy & Action Plan will guide the sustainable growth of tourism in the region. With efforts led by consulting firm Bannikin Travel & Tourism, the project is taking a three-phased approach overseen by a steering committee comprised of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism staff and tourism industry representatives.

The first phase, now underway, involves engaging tourism professionals in the region (business owners, accommodation and restaurant managers, and more) to provide their perspectives on tourism in the region, including strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Members of the public are also invited to share their perspectives at two public information sessions:

  • Tuesday, February 11th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lang Pioneer Village Museum Agricultural Heritage Building (104 Lang Rd., Keene)
  • Wednesday, February 12th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Canadian Canoe Museum (910 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough)

“A vital step of this process is gaining stakeholder insight,” says Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism director Tracie Bertrand. “Public contribution, whether by simply attending our information sessions or by contributing their perspectives, will be invaluable as we move forward in understanding how to best support the sustainable growth of our tourism sector.”

Feedback from the first phase will be used to inform the strategy and action plan developed in the second phase. The final phase will see the plan presented to the board of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development followed by City and County councils in July 2020.

For more information on the project, as well as regular progress updates, visit thekawarthas.ca/tourism-plan/.

 

Nexicom matching public donations to 4th Line Theatre’s youth apprenticeship program

Cast members of 4th Line Theatre's 2019 production of Ian McLachlan & Robert Winslow's "Carmel" featuring Kevin Bundy and Danny Waugh. In 2019, 62 youth actors were engaged in 4th Line Theatre productions, supported by the theatre company's Emerging Voices Youth Apprenticeship Program. (Photo supplied by 4th Line Theatre)
Cast members of 4th Line Theatre’s 2019 production of Ian McLachlan & Robert Winslow’s “Carmel” featuring Kevin Bundy and Danny Waugh. In 2019, 62 youth actors were engaged in 4th Line Theatre productions, supported by the theatre company’s Emerging Voices Youth Apprenticeship Program. (Photo supplied by 4th Line Theatre)

Millbrook-based telecommunications company Nexicom is supporting 4th Line Theatre’s Emerging Voices Youth Apprenticeship Program by matching any donations made to the program until Tuesday, March 3rd.

In 2019, 62 youth actors were engaged in 4th Line Theatre productions. To effectively train youth volunteers, the Emerging Voices Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually. Donations to the program are used for professional artist fees including workshops, vocal and dialect coaching, acting and movement coaching, choreography and fight direction, and technical production coaching to benefit youth volunteers.

Donations can be made online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca or by calling the 4th Line Theatre Box Office and Administrative Centre at 705-932-4445. Donations must be made by March 3, 2020 to qualify for a donation match by Nexicom.

For its 2020 season, 4th Line Theatre is presenting the world premieres of The Great Shadow by Alex Poch-Goldin (June 30 to July 25) and Wishful Seeing by Maja Ardal (August 4 to 29). Tickets are now available by phone at 705-932-4445, online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, or at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office located at 4 Tupper Street in Millbrook.

 

Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas

Home lighting and decor retail store de.Kor is now open at 97 Hunter Street East in Peterborough's East City. (Photo: de.Kor / Facebook)
Home lighting and decor retail store de.Kor is now open at 97 Hunter Street East in Peterborough’s East City. (Photo: de.Kor / Facebook)

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

  • In its third-quarter financial results report, Montreal-based dairy and cheese company Saputo announced it will be closing its facility in Trenton in September 2020, along with its facility in Saint John, New Brunswick. The current production of both these sites will be integrated into other Saputo facilities across Canada, affecting 280 employees at the two closing facilities.
  • Karen LaRiviere, who previously worked at Bennett’s Home Furnishings, has opened her new home lighting and decor retail store de.Kor. The store, located at 97 Hunter Street East at the corner of Hunter Street East and Mark Street in Peterborough’s East City, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit dekorptbo.com.
  • Creative hub Rustically Signed has opened at its new location at 12 Lindsay Street South in Lindsay, which features a makers market with more than 50 vendors and offers weekly workshops. Rustically Signed is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.rusticallysigned.com/.
  • Shakers Diner at 98 Queen Street in Lakefield is now open for breakfast and lunch. Located in the former Debbies Restaurant location, the renovated restaurant features home-style cooking and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Pet store All Creatures Great and Small (30 King St. W., Cobourg) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a celebration and sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 22nd.
  • The Kingston Musicians’ Union, which advocates for musicians’ rights in the workplace, is opening a Peterborough office for the first time in 28 years. Sean Hully is the Peterborough representative of the Kingston Musicians’ Union, Local 518, of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. The new office is located at 403 McDonnel Street in Peterborough, with a public grand opening taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 23rd.
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Launch and open house of Kawartha Lakes Incubator in Lindsay on February 11

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting a launch and open house of the Kawartha Lakes Incubator from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th at Kawartha Lakes Economic Development (180 Kent St. W., Lindsay).

The pilot project is a partnership between the Innovation Cluster and the City of Kawartha Lakes, with the support of FedDev Ontario through the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation, and will run through 2020.

The launch takes place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with three half-hour open house sessions running from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Members of the public who wish to attend one of the open house sessions must register for a timeslot in advance at eventbrite.com/e/kawartha-lakes-incubator-launch-and-open-house-tickets-91632183327.

 

Northumberland Chamber hosts business networking event in Cobourg on February 11

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special Valentine’s Day meet-and-greet networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th at BMO Private Wealth (76 King St. W., Cobourg).

Attendees will have a chance to tour BMO Private Wealth’s spacious newly renovated downtown office, meet investment advisors and staff, and do a little business networking in a social environment.

The event is free for Chamber members or $10 for non-members. Advance registration for this free event is required at nccofc.ca/events/details/nccofc-meet-greet-2645.

 

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts branding, marketing, and sales workshop in Peterborough on February 12

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Business Fundamentals: Branding, Marketing and Sales” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).

The session is designed to give entrepreneurs a robust structure for formulating and identifying their business’s brand, and developing a marketing strategy and a customer relations strategy.

The session is free, but advance registration is mandatory at eventbrite.ca/e/business-fundamentals-branding-marketing-and-sales-tickets-91892505959.

 

Peterborough Chamber presents “Power Hour” in Peterborough on February 12

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is presenting “Power Hour” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).

The annual chat with elected officials is an interactive lunch event and question-and-answer session with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, and Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones. A moderator will present questions from the audience.

Peterborough city and county councillors and chief administrative officers, as well as First Nations leaders, will also be invited to attend.

The cost is $65 for Chamber members or $75 for non-members (tables for seven are also available for $450 for members and $525 for non-members). For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

 

Kawartha Lakes Arts Council hosts social media for cultural businesses seminar in Bobcaygeon on February 12

The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is hosting “Social Media for Cultural Businesses” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12th on the upper floor of the Bobcaygeon Municipal Building (123 East St. S., Bobcaygeon).

Robyn Barton of Barton Creative will share tips on how to use social media platforms to promote your art, attract patrons and customers to your business, and sell your products and services online.

There will be a question-and-answer session at 8 p.m. followed by refreshments at 8:30 p.m.

The cost is $15 at the door for Kawartha Lakes Arts Council members or $20 for non-members and guests. No advance registration is required.

 

Port Hope Chamber hosts coffee meeting with MP Philip Lawrence and MPP David Piccini in Port Hope on February 14

The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Valentine’s Day coffee meeting with Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Philip Lawrence and Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 15th in council chambers at Port Hope Town Hall (56 Queen St., Port Hope)

Light refreshments will be provided by Empire Crossing. There is no charge to attend this members-only event.

RSVP by contacting the Chamber at admin@porthopechamber.com or 905-885-5519.

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Innovation Cluster hosts selling to government workshop in Peterborough on February 18

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting “Hands-ON: Selling to Government” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18th at the Innovation Cluster’s third floor office at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough)

Gregory J. Stulen, a specialist in strategic communications and public policy transformation at PathwayGroup Inc., will share information on becoming a vendor of record, accessing existing funds, creating new funding streams, and generating opportunities through regulatory change.

There will be a catered lunch supplied to workshop attendees.

The workshop is free, but advance registration is required at eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-selling-to-government-tickets-89786047485.

 

Peterborough Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on environmental due diligence and remediation in Peterborough on February 19

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Lunch Box Learning: Real Estate Due Diligence – Your Environmental Toolbox” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19th in the Chamber boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).

Presented by environmental firm Pinchin, the seminar focuses on environmental due diligence and remediation services such as environmental site assessments, building condition assessments, and asbestos, mould and air surveys.

The seminar is free to attend for Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.

 

Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts small business tax seminar in Lindsay on February 19

The Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency is hosting a tax seminar for small business owners from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18th in the lower level meeting room at the Lindsay Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).

This seminar is offered to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations. The presentation is geared towards sole proprietorship and incorporated businesses and will provide participants with the basic principles and resources needed to navigate the tax system.

Register for this free seminar at eventbrite.ca/e/canada-revenue-agency-tax-seminar-for-small-business-tickets-92108931293

 

Kawartha Chamber holds annual general meeting in Lakefield on February 19

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is holding its annual general meeting beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19th at The Village Inn (39 Queen St., Lakefield).

Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will feature highlights from 2019, networking, and light refreshments. Members will vote for the Chamber’s 2020-21 board and elect the executive. The 2018-19 annual report will be circulated before the meeting.

 

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.

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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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Peterborough’s epic snowbear has had a baby!

By kawarthaNOW -
The new snowbear cub hugging the original Snowlar Bear created in January by Jon Kolodziej and Dana Beren Watts outside of their home on George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Allison MacGregor @allison.macgregor / Instagram)

The epic snowbear on George Street in downtown Peterborough has just had a baby.

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Check out this epic ‘snowbear’ in downtown Peterborough

The so-called “Snowlar Bear”, created by Jon Kolodziej and Dana Beren Watts outside of their home in late January, is now accompanied by a snowbear cub.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the snowbear family is spreading a message of love, with the little one hugging its parent — whose “heart” is also on display.

According to Dana Beren Watts’s Instagram, he created the snowlar bear cub with the help of Mike Pignataro.

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The new addition to the Snowlar Bear’s family is once again bringing smiles to the faces of Peterborough residents.

“My heart can’t handle the cuteness!,” writes Allison MacGregor on Instagram. “Seriously, how SWEET is this?”

She goes on to thank Kolodziej and Watts “for making my commute happier.”

Laugh away your winter doldrums with klusterfork on February 21 at Peterborough’s Market Hall

By Sam Tweedle -
Linda Kash and Patrick McKenna perform an audience-selected improv scene as Deborah Kimmett, Meg Murphy, and Paul Constable look on during klusterfork entertainment's debut sold-out comedy show at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on November 22, 2019. klusterfork returns to the Market Hall on February 21, 2020 with "klusterfork It's Winter! Still." featuring Second City alumni Geri Hall from "This Hour Has 22 Minutes", Lisa Merchant, Ed Sahely, and Linda Kash and local performers Pat Maitland, Meg Murphy, and Andrew Root with special musical guest Dan Fewings. (Photo: Marlon Hazelwood / Hazelwood Images)

On a Sunday morning over coffee, Linda Kash and Pat Maitland are busy cutting out paper snowflakes.

klusterfork entertainment presents
klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.

When: Friday, February 21, 2020 at 8 p.m.
Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
How much: $35 assigned cabaret table seats, $30 general admission, $25 group rate (10 or more), $20 for students/arts workers/underwaged (all prices include all fees)

Featuring Second City alumni Geri Hall from This Hour has 22 Minutes, Lisa Merchant, Ed Sahely, and Linda Kash and local performers Pat Maitland, Meg Murphy, and Andrew Root with special musical guest Dan Fewings.

Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.

Recommended for audiences aged 14+. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

“I make the worst snowflakes,” Pat says, holding up one of her snowflakes.

“It looks more like a moustache,” Linda points out.

The snowflakes are props for Linda and Pat’s upcoming comedy show klusterfork It’s Winter! Still., which comes to the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on Friday, February 21st.

The second show under the klusterfork banner features Second City alumni Geri Hall from This Hour has 22 Minutes, Lisa Merchant, Ed Sahely, and Linda Kash with local performers Pat Maitland, Meg Murphy, and Andrew Root, as well as special musical guest Dan Fewings — known for his improvisational musical comedy with The Three Martinis.

Linda and Pat, along with Ian Burns, are the creative team behind klusterfork entertainment, the production company they launched last November with the goal of raising comedy in Peterborough to the next level.

Their first show, klusterfork It’s Christmas— which quickly sold out — brought Second City alumni Paul Constable, Patrick McKenna, Deborah Kimmett, and Ed Sahely to the Market Hall, performing along with Linda and Pat, Meg Murphy, Dianne Latchford, and special musical guest Paul Crough.

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“What we want to do with klusterfork entertainment is to offer a smorgasbord of comedic entertainment,” Linda says. “We’ll definitely have improv, but we want to bring in music and stand-up as well.”

“You never know what you’re going to get when you come to a klusterfork show,” adds Pat. “We’re going to work on the strengths of who we bring in.”

“Every show is going to be a unique performance,” Ian confirms. “You’re not just coming to an improv show. It’s a klusterfork show.”

Although the klusterfork shows will most often be based around holidays, Linda, Pat, and Ian decided that the upcoming show would be all about getting through the long, cold winter.

“It’s February, it’s winter” Linda says. “We’re all getting sick of it … although some of us love it. And March is a big fat lie because it’s also winter. But we are at least halfway.”

“Everyone loves winter in the first few weeks, around Christmas, but as soon as that’s done everything goes down,” Ian adds. “This is a chance for everyone to come together and have fellowship so we can get through winter together.”

“Why don’t we help everybody get through it, just like we helped everyone get through Christmas with the first show?” Pat asks. “We can’t fight it. It’s best to just put on our thermals and get out there and have fun with it.”

Pat Maitland, Linda Kash, and Ian Burns, the creative team behind klusterfork entertainment, whose latest comedy show "klusterfork It's Winter! Still." takes place on February 21, 2020 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Pat Maitland, Linda Kash, and Ian Burns, the creative team behind klusterfork entertainment, whose latest comedy show “klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.” takes place on February 21, 2020 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)

Peterborough has a known love for improv and comedy shows, starting with Impros vs. Joes, started by Linda’s late husband Paul O’Sullivan, which brought Toronto-based comedy professionals to Peterborough to intermingle with Peterborough improv enthusiasts.

klusterfork entertainment aims to continue this tradition by having big-name comedians take part in their shows. For the February show, two of Canada’s top female comedians are joining in the fun.

“We are really excited to have Lisa Merchant with us,” says Linda. “She’s been awarded best female improviser in Canada three times by the Canadian Comedy Awards. She’s crazy good. She’s inspirational, hilarious, and she never panics.”

“We sold tickets within 24 hours when people found out Lisa was coming,” Pat says. “She has quite a following.”

“We also have Geri Hall, who was on This Hour Has 22 Minutes,” Linda adds. “She’s a great gal and is looking forward to coming.”

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While the main goal of klusterfork entertainment is to make the audience laugh, they also want to give back to the community. So a portion of the proceeds from klusterfork shows will be given to local charities throughout Peterborough.

“We love our community, and we want to make a few bucks for local charities,” Linda explains.

“We pick a different charity every month,” Pat adds. “At Christmas, we chose Five Counties Children’s Centre and we were thrilled to give them one thousand dollars. This time, we are giving to the Youth Emergency Shelter.”

The cast of "klusterfork It's Christmas" on November 22, 2019 with representatives from Five Counties Children's Centre, which received $1,000 donated by klusterfork entertainment. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales from "klusterfork It's Winter! Still." on February 21, 2020 will support YES Shelter for Youth and Families. (Photo: Marlon Hazelwood / Hazelwood Images)
The cast of “klusterfork It’s Christmas” on November 22, 2019 with representatives from Five Counties Children’s Centre, which received $1,000 donated by klusterfork entertainment. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales from “klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.” on February 21, 2020 will support YES Shelter for Youth and Families. (Photo: Marlon Hazelwood / Hazelwood Images)

With booking continuing as far as December 2021, the klusterfork team have a lot of plans for the next two years. But klusterfork seeks to go far beyond just seasonal improv comedy shows. As a production company, they are seeking to revolutionize comedy in Peterborough.

While Peterborough audiences have an appetite for improv comedy, the comedy landscape has otherwise been sparse. klusterfork aims to change that by expanding opportunities for performance and education.

“We want to encourage local and touring companies to come to Peterborough,” Linda adds. “There is also an opportunity for teaching. We want to offer master classes with the people that we bring in from Toronto as well. That’s the next expansion.”

“Since we all have a history in production, we want to grow with that,” Pat says. “If someone is touring a show, we want to bring it in.”

The cast of "klusterfork It's Winter! Still.", which takes place on February 21, 2020 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photos via klusterfork.com)
The cast of “klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.”, which takes place on February 21, 2020 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photos via klusterfork.com)

Join Linda, Pat, Ian and all their guests at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 21st at the Market Hall as they forge a new era of comedy in Peterborough — and help us deal with the winter doldrums — at klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.

Tickets are $35 for assigned cabaret table seats and $30 for general admission ($20 for students, arts workers, and the underwaged). There is also a group rate of $25 for 10 or more people. Ticket prices include all fees. Tckets are available at the Market Hall box office at 140 Charlotte Street (third floor), by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.

For more information on klusterfork entertainment, visit www.klusterfork.com.

 

kawarthaNOW.com is proud to be a media sponsor of klusterfork entertainment’s klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.

Kawartha Rotary sends some Valentine’s Day love to Hospice Peterborough clients

By kawarthaNOW -
Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hos and board president Shelley Barrie with some of the customized Valentine's Day cards that members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha recently created for clients of the non-profit organization, which offers support to individuals and families living with or affected by life-threatening illness and grief. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha is once again sending some Valentine’s Day love this year to people in the community who especially need it.

At their breakfast meeting on January 16, 2020, Kawartha Rotarians created customized Valentine’s Day cards for clients of Hospice Peterborough.

Last February, Kawartha Rotarians created cards for residents of Rubidge Retirement Residence in Peterborough.

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Hospice Peterborough offers support to individuals and families living with, or affected by, life-threatening illness and grief.

The non-profit organization is partially funded by the Ontario government and also relies on community donations and volunteers to deliver its services and programs.

Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hos and board president Shelley Barrie, who attended the Rotary meeting and provided an update on the organization’s new facility, thanked the Rotarians for their thoughtfulness.

Liz Woosey, Brenda Booth, and Peggy Shaughnessey displaying a few of the customized Valentine's Day cards that Kawartha Rotarians recently created for Hospice Peterborough clients. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
Liz Woosey, Brenda Booth, and Peggy Shaughnessey displaying a few of the customized Valentine’s Day cards that Kawartha Rotarians recently created for Hospice Peterborough clients. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)

While Kawartha Rotary supports large charitable projects every year (most recently raising funds through the annual Kawartha Rotary Christmas Auction for an outdoor musical instrument play area at the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough), they also regularly take on what they call “small projects” to support the community.

For more information on the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha and their projects, email president Rino Andreoli at rino@tvhonda.com.

Our top nine Instagram photographers for January 2020

By Jeannine Taylor -
This photo taken by Allison MacGregor, of a snowbear in created by Jon Kolodziej and Dana Beren Watts outside their home in downtown Peterborough, was one of two comprising the top post on our Instagram in January 2020. (Photo: Allison MacGregor @allison.macgregor / Instagram)

January is finally over. Yes it is. I can’t recall a January where so many lamented the length of that month. But now we can step back and enjoy what January brought us on our Instagram, including great conditions for building a mega snowbear, scenic snow scenes, misty mornings, and more.

Do you want to get on our top photographers list? All you need is an Insta account and to tag us using our hashtag #kawarthanow when posting your photo.

We share photos from across our readership area, which is the five-county area surrounding Peterborough which includes Peterborough, Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings (we sneak in the occasional Algonquin Park picture as well, particularly if it’s by a Kawartha photographer).

To see our daily shares of photos, follow us on Instagram @kawarthanow and check out our feed’s highlight reels for recaps of every month in 2020.

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#1. Snowlar bear by @allison.macgregor and @silverbeancafe

Posted January 28, 2020. 8,089 impressions, 925 likes

This polar bear made of snow (“snowlar bear”) was created by Jon Kolodziej @onkolodziej and Dana Beren Watts @danaberenwatts outside their home on George Street in downtown Peterborough. After kawarthaNOW shared these photos on social media, the snowlar bear went viral, resulting in Dana Beren Watts being interviewed by CBC Radio’s Ontario Morning host Wei Chen.

 

#2. Marmora Mine by Aryan Mojiri @aryanmojiri

Posted January 4, 2020. 6,781 impressions, 416 likes

 

#3. Abandoned building in Curve Lake by Nancy Boast Photography @boastnancy

Posted January 10, 2020. 6,326 impressions, 449 likes

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#4. Warsaw Caves Conservation Area by Andy Holden @andy.holden

Posted January 2, 2020. 6,129 impressions, 625 likes

 

#5. Paudash Lake cottage road by Jeff Teräväinen @jeffteravainen

Posted January 3, 2020. 5,779 impressions, 477 likes

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#6. East City sunrise over the Otonabee River by Brian @bparypa73

Posted January 3, 2020. 5,694 impressions, 420 likes

 

#7. Pagoda bridge in Jackson Park by Harry Radford Photography @harryradfordphotography

Posted January 19, 2020. 5,690 impressions, 452 likes

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#8. Spring thaw in Bancroft by Tim Haan Photography @tim.haan.photography

Posted January 4, 2020. 5,653 impressions, 467 likes

 

#9. White Lake walk with Cooper the border collie by Chris Pudel @chrismpudel

Posted January 26, 2020. 5,469 impressions, 464 likes

Extreme cold warning in place for most of the Kawarthas on Friday and Saturday

By kawarthaNOW -

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for most of the Kawarthas, including Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands.

A period of very cold wind chills is expected, with wind chill values near -30°C expected Friday night (February 7) into Saturday morning.

Milder temperatures are forecast to return on Sunday.

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Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.

With extreme cold in the forecast, the hours for One Roof Community Centre (99 Brock St., Peterborough) will be extending its hours to provide daytime shelter from the cold this weekend.

Extended hours will be in effect Friday evening until 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Swipe right for comedy with ‘Laugh Out Loud (Cry Quietly)’ at The Theatre on King

By Sam Tweedle -
Erin Underhill as Kat, Tara Worrall as Nora, and Jessica Ernest as Carrie in a scene from Stacie Lents' "Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)", a play exploring the online dating experiences of twenty-somethings living in New York City. The Anne Shirley Theatre Company production runs for six performances from February 7 to 15, 2020 at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)

On Friday, February 7th, the Anne Shirley Theatre Company returns to The Theatre on King (TTOK) to present its first show of 2020, Stacie Lents’ comedy Laugh Out Loud (Cry Quietly).

Anne Shirley Theatre Company presents
Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)

When: Friday, February 7 and Friday, February 14, 2020 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 8 and Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: The Theatre on King (171 King St., Peterborough)
How much: $15 ($10 for students, seniors, and art workers)

Written by Stacie Lents, directed by Mary Grace Murphy, and starring Tanner Abramczyk, Jessica Ernest, Tara Worrall, Ceilidh Peters, Anand Kumar, Erin Underhill, Shamus Merkley, Mads Ferris, Raquel Grobe, Taytum Raven-Culliton, Nick Toth, and Connie Jordan-Turner. Tickets available at door and in advance during business hours outside of Wenjack Theatre and in the TCSA office until February 8th.

Directed by Mary Grace Murphy, the show is a witty look at the new language of dating in the modern world, full of profiles, texting, misunderstandings, anxiety, failure, and success.

Being single in the modern world is tough, and meeting people in a world where people are plugged in and obsessed with social media has made internet dating more common, especially for the current generation who has made it mainstream.

Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly) follows 16 twenty-somethings living in New York City, all connected in often obscure ways, as they go on the internet looking for love. More of an anthology of sketches than a traditional play, the storylines weave in and out in short through entertaining vignettes dealing with all aspects of modern dating and the various types of people you meet on the internet.

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Wile the show is about internet dating, what I found interesting is just how few actual dates are shown in the play. The majority of the show involves characters talking to their friends and family about their anxieties over online dating, or satirizing modern communication.

This makes for a much more interesting exploration of the modern phenomenon of internet dating, and the show becomes more character based than just a romantic comedy.

Through the vignettes, different ideas and opinions are showcased. Is online dating just a place for desperate individuals looking for love? Is it just full of weirdos and uglies? Is it possible to find love without it? Does it really work?

Taytum Raven and Mads Ferris as Amy and Sarah in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of "Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)" at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Taytum Raven and Mads Ferris as Amy and Sarah in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of “Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)” at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Shamus Merkley and Mads Ferris as Jeremy and Sarah in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of "Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)" at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Shamus Merkley and Mads Ferris as Jeremy and Sarah in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of “Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)” at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)

Mary Grace Murphy assembles a bright and likeable cast of Trent University students to bring Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly) to life. Anne Shirley Theatre Company veterans are mixed with some new faces, which means performances are sometimes uneven — but everybody is fun to watch.

One of the interesting things about the show is that all of the characters are likeable, and even the characters with the biggest flaws have their redeeming vignettes. Mary Grace really cast the show well in making these characters endearing to the audience, with all the players having their own moment in the spotlight.

Although there isn’t any real solid plot to the show, the strongest through-line connecting to the most characters is one involving three siblings: Jeremy (Shamus Merkley), Rachel (Raquel Grobe), and Jojo (Tara Worrall). Jeremy is a geeky guy who is fascinated with a bar with see-through bathrooms, Rachel is a smart girl who is unlucky in love, and Jojo is their vapid sister who is going all bridezilla days before her wedding.

Jessica Ernest and Tara Worrall as Mimi and Jojo in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of "Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)" at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Jessica Ernest and Tara Worrall as Mimi and Jojo in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of “Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)” at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Raquel Grobe and Shamus Merkley as Rachel and Jeremy in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of "Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)" at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Raquel Grobe and Shamus Merkley as Rachel and Jeremy in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of “Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)” at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)

Shamus and Raquel manage to create that warm bond that siblings posses, which is possibly why the audience is drawn to them the most. The “us versus her” relationship between Shamus and Raquel and their sister Jojo makes for some great comedy.

While Tara’s character Jojo is pretty awful, she manages to somehow bring a sweetness to her, making her redeemable. While these characters don’t drive the show, for some reason they seem to tie all the links together and become the audience focus.

Also stepping in the centre stage is Anand Kumr as Edward, a charming photographer working on a book about the different women he meets while dating online. With his own weird flaws, Anand brings a likeable energy every time he steps on the stage and he becomes an audience favourite.

Anand Kumar as Edward and Raquel Grobe as Rachel in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of "Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)" at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Anand Kumar as Edward and Raquel Grobe as Rachel in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of “Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)” at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)

In one of the only actual dates portrayed in the show, Anand and Raquel create some of the best comedic moments. You just can’t help but love Anand, even when you want to shake him and tell him to just stop.

Other stand-out performances include: Connie Jordan-Turner as Shelly, a desperate and slightly pathetic woman looking for a husband; Tatum Raven as Any, who wonders if her absent date really plays cricket; Nick Toth and Tara Worrall as Daniel and Mimi, who have trouble communicating in person; Ceilidh Peters as Jessica, who I’d watch eat just about anything; and Erin Underhill as Kay, who is both unphotogenic and unlucky in love.

A big shout out to Mads Ferris as the smart-mouthed waitress and Jeremy’s unfortunate girlfriend Sarah (seriously, she can do better).

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Mads has a strong stage presence and gives a natural performance, blurring the lines between actor and character. She makes some quirky choices in her performance, and I wish she was on stage more often — I and hope to see her perform more in the future.

What I loved about Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly) was the dry and awkward humour. Lines are thrown around in such a way that it sometimes takes a moment for a joke to sink in, creating a bigger laugh a beat later. The cast keep it subtle and witty without trying to be funny or delving into slapstick.

The script is naturally funny, and the players find a way to make it work without trying to hard. The result is a good-natured show filled with an endearing cast.

Nick Toth and Jessica Ernest as Daniel and Mimi in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of "Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)" at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Nick Toth and Jessica Ernest as Daniel and Mimi in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of “Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)” at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Connie Jordan-Turner as Shelly, Ceilidh Peters as Jessica, Jessica Ernest as Mimi Carrie, and Erin Underhill as Kay in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of "Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)" at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
Connie Jordan-Turner as Shelly, Ceilidh Peters as Jessica, Jessica Ernest as Mimi Carrie, and Erin Underhill as Kay in the Anne Shirley Theatre Company production of “Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly)” at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Andy Carroll)
In Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly), everyone will find a character or a situation they can relate to. The playwright does a good job at fleshing out the subject matter and incorporating many thoughts, feeling. and realities around dating in the internet age.

Through their experiences, you can stand back and laugh at your own. I personally related to Kay as the type of person who really wants nothing to do with online dating at all, and would rather relent to a life of loneliness and cats. I can get behind that.

Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly) is a good follow up to the Anne Shirley Theatre Company’s strong 2019 season and may be my favourite “dramatic” show the company has produced thus far. It’s a fun and light-hearted way to blow away the February blahs or to celebrate Valentine’s Day with someone you love.

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Perhaps if you’re so inclined, you can even go online yourself and find a first date for this show. It’s a great date night and a conversation starter. I had genuine laugh-out-loud moments, and the cast is delightful. By the end of the show, I wanted to swipe right for all of them.

Laugh Out Loud (Cry Softly) runs for six performances from Friday, February 7th to Saturday, February 15th. Shows start at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. Saturday matinees.

Tickets are $15 ($10 for students, seniors, and art workers) and are available at the door and in advance until February 8th during business hours outside of Wenjack Theatre and at the Trent Central Student Association office on the second floor of the Student Centre.

nightlifeNOW – February 6 to 12

By kawarthaNOW -
Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle (Al Black on drums, Dave Mowat on harp, Terry Wilkins on bass, Clayton Yates on guitar) bring their Chicago, Delta, and country blues to the Keene Centre for the Arts on Saturday, February 8th. The band will also be hosting the PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam at Dr. J's in Peterborough the following week on Saturday afternoon. (Photo: Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle / Facebook)

Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs 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 6 to Wednesday, February 12.

If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.


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Arthur's Pub
Black Horse Pub
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
Canoe & Paddle
Champs Sports Bar
Chemong Lodge
Coach & Horses Pub
Dominion Hotel
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
Dreams of Beans
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.
Fiddler's Green Pub & Grub
Ganarascals Restaurant
Ganaraska Hotel
The Garnet
Golden Wheel Restaurant
Gordon Best Theatre
Honkey Tonk Restaurant
Hot Belly Mama's
Keene Centre for the Arts
Local No90
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
Mckecks Tap & Grill
McThirsty's Pint
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
Oasis Bar & Grill
Pappas Billiards
Pastry Peddler
Pie Eyed Monk Brewery
The Publican House
Red Dog Tavern
Serendipitous Old Stuff Lounge
The Social
Sticks Sports Pub
That Little Pub (formerly Church-Key Pub)
The Thirsty Goose
The Twisted Wheel
The Venue

Arthur's Pub

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

Thursday, February 6

8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, February 7

9pm - Brian Bracken

Saturday, February 8

9pm - Courtney Bowles

Sunday, February 9

4:30-8pm - Celtic Music w/ Chris Devlin

Monday, February 10

7pm - Local Talent Night ft Jakob Daniel

Tuesday, February 11

7pm - 60s, 70s, 80s music w/ Don & Bruce

Wednesday, February 12

8pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 13
8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, February 14
9pm - Shawn Nelson

Saturday, February 15
9pm - Shawn Nelson

Sunday, February 16
4:30-8pm - Celtic Music w/ Tom & Rick

Black Horse Pub

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

Thursday, February 6

7:30-11:30pm - Mike Graham w/ Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, February 7

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Blue Hazel

Saturday, February 8

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - 4 Lanes Wide

Sunday, February 9

3-6pm - Catfish Willie & The Buckle Busters; 6:30-9:30pm - Jocelyn Gould

Monday, February 10

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

Tuesday, February 11

7-10pm - John & Amanda

Wednesday, February 12

7-10pm - Nicholas Campbell & Friends

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 13
7:30-11:30pm - The Rob Phillips Trio w/ Carling Stephen

Friday, February 14
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Courtney Bowles Band

Saturday, February 15
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Josh Gordon Band

Sunday, February 16
3-6pm - The Griddle Pickers; 6:30-9:30pm - Po' Boy Jeffreys

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault

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

Friday, February 7

7-9pm - Gerald Van Halteren

Coming Soon

Friday, February 14
7-9pm - Rob Barg

Friday, February 21
6-9pm - Open mic

Canoe & Paddle

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

Saturdays

8pm - Live music

Champs Sports Bar

203 Simcoe St., Peterborough
(705) 742-3431

Thursdays

7pm - Open mic

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

Thursdays

10pm - Open Mic

Fridays

9:30pm - Karaoke Night

Wednesdays

7-11pm - Live music

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 29
2-6pm - Leap Year Party ft Pinky Brown

Dominion Hotel

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

Friday, February 7

8:30pm - Open mic

Saturday, February 8

7-10pm - Jeff Moutlon

Coming Soon

Friday, February 7
6-9pm - Valentine's Day Dinner ft Trina West

Saturday, February 15
7-10pm - Gord Kidd and friends

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Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 15
1:30-5pm - PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam hosted by Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle (donations welcome, all proceeds to musicians in need

Dreams of Beans

138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406

Coming Soon

Friday, February 14
9pm - Innanfra, Erika Nininger, People You Meet Outside of Bars, Of Doom ($10-15 or PWYC)

Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.

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

Coming Soon

Friday, February 21
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

Sunday, February 9

1-5pm - Caleb Van Halteren

Coming Soon

Sunday, February 16
1-4pm - Darren Bailey

Ganarascals Restaurant

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

Coming Soon

Friday, February 14
7-10pm - St. Valentine's Day w/ Steve Marriner ($20)

Ganaraska Hotel

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

Saturday, February 8

2pm & 10pm - Big Bang

Wednesday, February 12

7pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 15
2pm & 10pm - Tungston

Sunday, February 16
2pm - Buck Tingley and Jimmy Bowskill ($10)

The Garnet

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

Thursday, February 6

8pm - Ben Mahony w/ Chris Culgin

Friday, February 7

5-7pm - Forselli Friday w/ Used Guys; 9pm - Ty Wilson and friends

Saturday, February 8

8pm - Aar-Ray ft. Aaron Lishmen and Ray Houle

Sunday, February 9

3-6pm - 12th Annual Blue Valentine tribute to Willie P. Bennett; 8pm - Boids, Avem

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 13
8pm - Joel Parkes, Kerry McMaster

Friday, February 14
5-7pm - Forselli Friday w/ Rock Bottom Love Matinee

Saturday, February 15
4pm & 9pm - Buck Tingley and Jimmy Bowskill ($15)

Sunday, February 16
9pm - Sunshine Express, BellyRub and Trash Bags (a.k.a. Will Dobbin) ($10)

Friday, February 21
8pm - Geoff Berner ($20 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/geoff-berner-live-at-the-garnet-feb-21-2020-peterborough-tickets-85591641905)

Golden Wheel Restaurant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Coming Soon

Friday, February 14
8pm - Valentine's Day dinner and dance ft Mainstreet ($25, includes dinner buffet at 7pm)

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

Saturday, February 8

9pm - Space Jam Rave osted by Dixie Q and featuring Teebs (DJ Pete) and Noah William (AwYeah!) ($5 in advance, $10 at door)

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 15
8pm - Ride to Conquer Cancer Fundraiser ft Pop Machine ($10 at door)

Friday, February 21
8pm - Forest Gumption, MC Shiro, Thelonious, Beepax ($10 at door0

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)

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

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

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Honkey Tonk Restaurant

871 Ward St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-7871

Coming Soon

Friday, February 14
5-8pm - Valentine's Dinner w/ Tami J. Wilde and Jimmy Deck ($50 per couple)

Hot Belly Mama's

378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544

Sunday, February 9

1-4pm - Monthly Jazz Jam

Keene Centre for the Arts

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

Thursday, February 6

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

Friday, February 7

7pm - Funhouse open stage/open mic/jam (doors open 6pm, suggested donation $5)

Saturday, February 8

7pm - Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle ($20 in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/dave-mowat-and-the-curbside-shuffle-tickets-87066130139)

VIDEO: "Cherry Street Blues" featuring Dave Mowat and Al Black

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 13
1-4pm - Sharon's Cafe open stage hosted by Sharon Marie Doughty ($5)

Friday, February 14
7pm - Valentine's Day w/ The Heartfuls (J.P Hovercraft, Chris Hiney, and Al Black) ($20, rose on every table, studio photos of you and your date, treats to share)

Saturday, February 15
7pm - The Muddy Hack ($5 at door)

Friday, February 21
7pm - The Lohrwoods ($15)

Saturday, February 22
7pm - Nephton Ridgerunners ($10 in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/nephton-ridgerunners-tickets-87066567447)

Local No90

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

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 13
6:30pm - Morgan Rider

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

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

Friday, February 7

8pm - High Waters Trio

Coming Soon

Friday, February 14
8pm - Gunslingers

Saturday, February 29
8pm - The Spirits

Mckecks Tap & Grill

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

Coming Soon

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 6

7pm - Greg Hannah Band

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 13
7pm - The Bravos

Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio

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

Thursday, February 6

7:30pm - Open mic hosted by David Evans

Wednesday, February 12

7-9pm - North Country Express w/ Jason Lynn

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Oasis Bar & Grill

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

Sundays

5:30pm - PHLO

Pappas Billiards

407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 772-9010

Friday, February 7

10pm - James Higgins

Pastry Peddler

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

Coming Soon

Friday, February 14
5:30pm & 7:45pm - Valentine's Dinner Night ft Terry Finn and Norma Curtis ($60 per person)

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)

Pie Eyed Monk Brewery

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

Sunday, February 9

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

Coming Soon

Sunday, February 16
4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Emily Burgess hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)

Sunday, February 23
4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Rick Fines hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)

The Publican House

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

Friday, February 7

7-9pm - Shai Peer

Saturday, February 8

7-9pm - Bobby Watson

Red Dog Tavern

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

Tuesday, February 11

9pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 13
10pm - Jeremie Albino w/ Luke LaLonde ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/27619/, $15 at door)

Saturday, February 15
10pm - The Tragically Hits ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/28150/)

Friday, February 28
10pm - Birds of Bellwoods ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/28149/)

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

Saturday, February 8

6-9pm - Cheryl Casselman

The Social

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

Wednesday, February 12

9pm - Live music (TBA)

Sticks Sports Pub

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 15
1pm - Jesse Slack

That Little Pub (formerly Church-Key Pub)

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

Saturday, February 8

9pm - James Higgins

Tuesday, February 11

8pm - Open mic

Wednesday, February 12

8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Thursday, February 6

7pm - Cale Crowe

Friday, February 7

8pm - Jeff Biggar

Saturday, February 8

8pm - Brian Bracken

The Twisted Wheel

379 Water St., Peterborough

Thursday, February 6

8-11pm - Dylan Ireland W/ Uncle Karl ($5 or PWYC)

Saturday, February 8

9pm - Nothing Serious, Mad Murdocks, Bonnavilles, Debt Cemetary ($10 at door)

Wednesday, February 12

10pm - Twisted Karaoke hosted by Cheyenne

Coming Soon

Friday, February 14
10pm - Jesse Stewart w/ Merit ($12 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/jesse-stewart-live-at-the-twisted-wheel-tickets-91032369267, $15 at door)

Thursday, February 20
8:30pm - Ersatz, Mary-Kate Edwards, ELMS ($10 at door or PWYC)

Sunday, February 23
9pm - Pain Chain, Goth Girl, Victuals, Olias, Noise Workers of Ptbo ($10-15 or PWYC)

The Venue

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

Sunday, February 9

2-9pm - Queensland Koala Crusaders benefit ft Colt Harley, Ian K., Lindsay Barr, 4 Front, & more ($10 in advance at PB's Peterburgers, $15 at door, children 12 and under free)

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 20
7pm - PUP ($25 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/pup-tickets-74847477821)

Saturday, February 29
8pm - PTBOStrong and Waste Connections Canada present Destroyer (KISS tribute) w/ Baz Little Rock Band ($15 at door, $10 students)

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/)

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

Up to 15 cm of snow forecast for the Kawarthas by Friday night

By kawarthaNOW -

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for most of the Kawarthas — including Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Hastings Highlands — for Thursday night (February 6).

Periods of snow with patchy freezing drizzle is possible on Thursday night.

Snow will become heavy at times into early Friday morning.

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Additional light snowfall is expected on Friday before the snow finally comes to an end Friday evening.

Total snowfall accumulations in the 10 to 15 cm range are possible by Friday evening.

Travel is likely to be impacted by this snowfall. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.

How to enjoy your home’s garden all year round

By GreenUP -
Enjoying the garden does not have to wait until summer. Practicing patience and slowing down to spend time in the garden during winter can teach us about our native plants and wildlife, and help us grow nicer gardens. For example, red osier dogwood is a popular choice to add a touch of red to your garden in winter. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Dawn Pond, Coordinator of GreenUP’s Downtown Vibrancy Project and Depave Paradise Program.

Winter can leave us impatient for summer. In a world increasingly full of distractions, patience can seem like a rare quality.

Winter is perhaps the best time to slow down and practise patience by spending time with nature, especially in a garden.

Here are some of the ways that slowing down can bring you more success in your garden.

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Plan now for your spring and summer garden

Leaving some perennials over the winter supports wildlife while also providing visual interest. This photo shows a residential garden in Peterborough with a variety of echinaceas and rudbeckia. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Leaving some perennials over the winter supports wildlife while also providing visual interest. This photo shows a residential garden in Peterborough with a variety of echinaceas and rudbeckia. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)

Winter is a great time to curl up with a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea to make plans for spring and summer gardening.

However, it is easy to overlook that ambitious garden ideas require work and time. Beware of taking on more than you can chew. Fast fashion does not apply to flowers. Commit to a manageable garden that allows you to care for it properly. The plants will reward you for this in spades (pun intended).

Some plants take inspiration from the tortoise rather than the hare when it comes to growth speed. The slow and steady members of the garden are often tree species, but some crop plants require patience too. Raspberries, for example, take approximately two years after they are planted before they produce a significant crop of berries. Asparagus from seed takes three years until it produces a harvestable crop.

Hayley Goodchild, GreenUP’s Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood (SUN) Program Coordinator, is a passionate home gardener. She shared with me her experience getting to know her garden and how she is gaining horticultural knowledge as she watches it grow.

“This will be my third full season at my current home,” Hayley says. “My partner and I grow annual vegetables, perennial food crops like asparagus and apples, and maintain non-edible perennial beds too. Each year we tackle another small project based on the knowledge we’ve gained in previous seasons.”

Cedar is a great option if you want to add a touch of green in your winter garden. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Cedar is a great option if you want to add a touch of green in your winter garden. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)

“We waited two years before planting asparagus, which we started from seed. Since asparagus plants can live for a decade or longer, it was important that we chose the site wisely,” Hayley adds. “It took us time and observation to determine where they should go”.

When designing new garden spaces, keep the growth rate of plants in mind. It takes three to five years for the average perennial garden to become established.

Anticipate increased watering needs during those first few years. Choose plants based on your water availability to make your life easier and more beautiful.

Tamarack is an eccentric and excellent local species for areas that stay wet in summer but get full sun. In the fall, the needles turn vibrant shades of yellow an orange before dropping. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Tamarack is an eccentric and excellent local species for areas that stay wet in summer but get full sun. In the fall, the needles turn vibrant shades of yellow an orange before dropping. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)

“Being patient in the garden has lots of rewards,” Hayley says.

“By spending lots of time observing how things grow, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the ways that plants and soil benefit one another. Patience makes for a more beautiful and productive garden in the long-term.”

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Enhance your winter garden

If you struggle to appreciate your garden when it is sleeping and unseen under a blanket of snow, here are a few ideas.

Coniferous species are evergreen trees and shrubs that hold on to their needles or leaves all year. Having cedar, pine, and spruce in the garden keeps some green in your winter garden, and they look lovely when snow collects on the branches.

Beech and ironwood trees keep their leaves through the winter, adding visual and auditory textures to your garden during what can otherwise be bare and silent time of year. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Beech and ironwood trees keep their leaves through the winter, adding visual and auditory textures to your garden during what can otherwise be bare and silent time of year. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)

Grasses are also beautiful in the winter. The dry, sandy-coloured grass blades and seed heads blow in the winter wind, adding movement and structure while also providing food and nesting material for animals.

Keeping a garden journal is a great way to learn from your garden. You can record wildlife sightings, budding trees, and any other activity and look back at this in future years as a reference.

It is a joy to watch and a lovely way to get your daily dose of Vitamin N (Nature) all year round.

Queen Anne's Lace is naturalized to North America and provides beautifully intricate texture and structure during the winter, with the flowers often reaching above 30 to 60cm in height. In growing season, Queen Anne’s Lace can also help boost tomato plant production, and it also helps provide a cooler microclimate for lettuce crops. Be aware that Queen Anne’s Lace can persist in the seed bank for two to five years. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Queen Anne’s Lace is naturalized to North America and provides beautifully intricate texture and structure during the winter, with the flowers often reaching above 30 to 60cm in height. In growing season, Queen Anne’s Lace can also help boost tomato plant production, and it also helps provide a cooler microclimate for lettuce crops. Be aware that Queen Anne’s Lace can persist in the seed bank for two to five years. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)

The true joys of the garden can be appreciated not only through summer blooms, but all year round. If you are spending some time this winter planning your garden, here are a few resources for you:

  • Learn more about reducing your water use while gardening with GreenUP’s Water Wise Recognition Program (www.greenup.on.ca/water-wise/). Starting in spring, recycled olive barrel rain barrels are available for purchase at the GreenUP Store (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
  • Learn more about pollinator-friendly gardens at the Peterborough Pollinators website at www.peterboroughpollinators.com.
  • Save the date for the Garden Market at GreenUP’s Ecology Park, which re-opens for the 2020 season on Saturday, May 16th on the Victoria Day long weekend. Located at 1899 Ashburnham Drive, Ecology Park is your destination for a wide variety of plants and trees as well as advice from the experts about what is right for your garden. For more information about the Garden Market, including hours and prices, visit www.greenup.on.ca/ecology-park/garden-market/.
  • Ecology Park’s annual Spring Plant and Garden Market Sale is also on opening day (May 16, 2020), so make sure to stop by for some deals.
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