Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes and a snowfall warning for Northumberland.
The advisory and warning replace the special weather statement previously in effect.
A strengthening low pressure system is expected to bring significant snowfall to the region beginning Sunday (December 1) in the late morning or early afternoon.
Very heavy snowfall rates with poor visibility are likely for a few hours this afternoon. Total snowfall amounts of between 10 and 15 cm are expected, with the bulk of the snowfall occurring this afternoon.
Strong wind gusts up to 60 km/h and local blowing snow further reducing visibility are also possible.
Travel on roads will likely be very hazardous. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
Precipitation should diminish to light snow or freezing drizzle tonight.
Yukon roots musicians Gordie Tentrees and Jaxon Haldane are performing at The Garnet in downtown Peterborough on Monday, December 2nd. (Publicity photo)
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, November 28 to Wednesday, December 4.
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.
Thursday, December 5 7:30-11:30pm - Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, December 6 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - The Cadillacs
Saturday, December 7 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - House Brand
Sunday, December 8 3-6pm - Catfish Willie & The Buckle Busters; 6:30-9:30pm - Cheryl Casselman
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884
Friday, November 29
7-9pm - Keith Kirkpatrick
Coming Soon
Friday, December 6 7-9pm - Gerald Van Halteren
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)
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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
Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Saturday, November 30
7pm - Gary and Rough Ideas
Coming Soon
Friday, December 6 8:30pm - Open mic w/ John Dawson
Saturday, December 7 7pm - Johnny Cox and The Magnetic Line
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 21 1:30-5pm - PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam hosted by Bywater Call (donations welcome, all proceeds to musicians in need)
Fiddler's Green Pub & Grub
34 Lindsay St. St., Lindsay
(705) 878-8440
Sunday, December 1
1-5pm - John Turner
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 7 9pm - Wayside Blues
Sunday, December 8 1-5pm - Bill Dickson
Saturday, December 14 9pm - UJimmy
Ganarascals Restaurant
53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 21 6-8pm - Cairdeas (Saskia Tomkins, Steáfán Hannigan, and Marsala Lukianchuk) ($20, with $5 going to Sounds of the Next Generation)
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Friday, November 29
8pm - Ode to The Rolling Stones ft Garage Dog, The Irelands, Savoy Farrell Kowalyk ($20)
Saturday, November 30
2pm & 10pm - Midnight Jewel
Coming Soon
Friday, December 6 8pm - Bon Jovi Christmas
Saturday, December 7 2pm & 10pm - Baz Little Rock Band
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, November 28
9pm - Excuses Excuses w/ Niall ($5)
Friday, November 29
5pm - Forselli Fridays w/ Used Guys; 9pm - The Venisons w/ The Stagger Inn Band
Every year, GreenUP educators introduce over 1,000 children to the wonders of nature in Ecology Park, a five-acre urban sanctuary in the heart of Peterborough. In this photo, children learn about the development of monarch butterflies. Instilling both passion and appreciation for nature in our children is fundamental to encouraging future behaviours that protect the environment and reduce our impact on our local environment. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Located in the heart of Peterborough, GreenUP’s Ecology Park is a five-acre urban sanctuary that immerses thousands of annual visitors in pollinator habitats and demonstration gardens, complemented by excellent educational programming for children and adults.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Leif Einarson, GreenUP Marketing and Communications Specialist.
With your help, GreenUP is growing Ecology Park. We are developing new facilities and working to make the site more accessible — so that everyone may appreciate first-hand how solutions to climate change can be both easier and better for our quality of life than the wasteful habits we’ve become accustomed to.
This is GreenUP’s first capital campaign and we didn’t start small. The five-year Growing Ecology Park Campaign began in 2017. In our first year, donors generously helped us build a beautiful children’s education shelter and open-air classroom. In 2019 alone, over 1,000 children and students enjoyed ecological programs in that facility.
Participants in the Earth Adventures summer camp study insects that live in the tree canopy at GreenUP Ecology Park. Visible in the background are the new children’s education shelter and open-air classroom that were completed in 2018 thanks to generous community donations. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
As 2019 concludes, we are completing the installation of a new low-water irrigation system in our native plant and tree nursery.
Next May and June, when you visit the Ecology Park Market Garden, you’ll be able to see how the low-water irrigation system can help conserve one of our most precious resources, while also growing local seedlings and trees for gardens across Peterborough.
Next year, we plan to significantly increase the accessibility of Ecology Park, while demonstrating the possibilities for sustainable development.
GreenUP will use donations raised this holiday season to enhance the open-air classroom and children’s shelter by replacing the wood chip surface with permeable accessible flooring that will enable the space to be used by all persons. Other areas of Ecology Park that are to be made accessible include a new permanent washroom and pathways connecting with the Trans Canada Trail. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
The 2020 Growing Ecology Park projects include the following:
The construction of a low-impact, barrier-free washroom that will help ensure that we are able to accommodate 100% of the school classes, community groups, and visitors that desire to participate in our programs.
The installation of accessible, permeable pathways will link the Ecology Park to the existing Trans Canada Trail (now called The Great Trail). These pathways will allow visitors and program participants to access key facilities at the park with greater ease and independence, while also ensuring that rain can permeate into the earth to maintain a healthy water cycle.
The addition of a permeable foundation in our newly constructed children’s education shelter will ensure that this space can be safely and easily accessed by persons of all ages and abilities, including by persons using mobility devices.
The installation of solar panels on our children’s education shelter will better light the outdoor classroom and key access routes. This will extend our working season, support programming, and enhance safety and security while demonstrating off-grid, sustainable energy generation.
Participants in the Earth Adventures summer camp conduct a soil study within the new open-air classroom that was built in 2018 thanks to donations to GreenUP. Funds raised this holiday season will be used to install solar panels and lighting on this building, amongst other projects. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
“Our volunteer program at Ecology Park already engages people with disabilities in activities such as garden maintenance and plant nursery stock care,” explains Ecology Park manager Vern Bastable.
“If we can overcome our current physical barriers to access at Ecology Park, then it will allow an even greater number of people with disabilities to volunteer and will support greater mobility for people who are already participating.”
Your donations this holiday season will make these projects a reality in 2020. You can make a one-time donation or monthly donations. You can even gift a donation to a loved one or friend in combination with a gift certificate, so they can enjoy a new green product from the GreenUP Store or buy some new plants from Ecology Park.
A child chases a soap bubble during Family Night at GreenUP’s Ecology Park. Every year, the park immerses thousands of visitors in pollinator habitats and demonstration gardens, complemented by excellent educational programming for children and adults. Donations to Ecology Park will allow GreenUP to make the park even more accessible to visitors. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
GreenUP is a non-profit charity, so all donations and profits from sales at the GreenUP Store and at Ecology Park support our projects. For more information and to donate, visit greenup.on.ca.
“GreenUP is committed to environmental programming that builds our region’s capacity to meaningfully address the challenges yet to come,” says GreenUP executive director Brianna Salmon.
“By focusing on projects that increase resilience for people and places that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, we are able to support and enable meaningful action for people of all ages and abilities.”
As we look toward the future, community support remains vital. We are excited to continue strengthening our facilities to increase GreenUP’s capacity, to educate future generations and current residents, and to collectively build environmentally healthy and sustainable communities.
This story has been published in partnership with GreenUP.
The Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of "Little One" picked up four awards at the Eastern Ontario Drama League's annual fall One Act Festival, held in Perth from November 8th to 10th. Pictured after the awards luncheon at Code's Mill on the Park in Perth are Lee Bolton (director) with the Best Director Award, Chris Whidden (Aaron) with his Acting Award, Peyton Le Barr (Claire) with her Acting Award, and Quin White (stage manager) with the Best Production Award. An encore performance of "Little One" takes place at the Guild Hall in Peterborough on November 28, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild)
The Peterborough Theatre Guild is presenting a one-night-only encore performance of its award-winning production of Hannah Moscovitch’s dark family drama Little One, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th at the Guild Hall in Peterborough.
Directed by Lee Bolton and starring Peyton Le Barr and Chris Whidden in the lead roles of Aaron and Claire, Little One is a chilling look at what happens in the nicest of neighbourhoods and in the nicest of families, raising complex questions about good intentions, irreversible damage, and the nature of love.
The play was originally presented from October 16th to 19th at the Guild Hall in Peterborough.
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Little One was the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s entry in the Eastern Ontario Drama League’s annual fall One Act Festival, which was held this year from November 8th to 10th in Perth.
Along with Little One, the three-day festival presented eight plays by community theatre groups Studio Theatre Perth, Theatre Night in Merrickville, Domino Theatre (Kingston), Rural Root Theatre (Ottawa), Belleville Theatre Guild, Old Church Theatre (Trenton), and Rural Rogues Theatre (Haliburton County).
Awards for the festival, which was adjudicated by Annette Procunier, were presented on Sunday, November 10th at Code’s Mill on the Park in Perth. The Peterborough Theatre Guild picked up four awards for Little One, including the Best Production Award, the Best Director Award for Lee Bolton, and Acting Awards for Chris Whidden and Peyton Le Barr for their performances as Aaron and Claire.
Chris Whidden (Aaron) and Peyton Le Barr (Claire) during a dress rehearsal of “Little One”, which ran from October 16 to 19, 2019 at the Peterborough Theatre Guild. Whidden and Le Barr each received an acting award at the Eastern Ontario Drama League’s annual fall One Act Festival, held in Perth from November 8th to 10th. The production also won the Best Production Award, with director Lee Bolton receiving the Best Director Award. An encore performance of “Little One” takes place at the Guild Hall in Peterborough on November 28, 2019. (Photo: Lee Bolton)
The Peterborough Theatre Guild is presenting a one-night-only encore performance of Little One at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th at the Guild Hall (364 Rogers St., Peterborough).
Tickets are $10 and are available by calling the box office at 705-745-4211 (if not open leave a message) or online at theatreguild.org.
Needles in the Hay owner Deanna Guttman in front of her popular yarn shop at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough. The independent locally owned business, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2020, has everything for your knitting and crocheting needs, including free weekly instructional sessions. Needles in the Hay is offering several special promotions, beginning on Black Friday and running all weekend or until supplies last. (Photo: Amy E. LeClair)
When we choose to support locally owned independent businesses, it’s good for us because it’s good for our community. Choosing local first means more of the money we spend stays in our community, resulting in higher-paying jobs and contributing more to the local tax base.
Choosing local first also nurtures the unique character of our community, while reducing our impact of the environment. And local business owners are also residents of our community, supporting local charitable causes as well as other local businesses — creating a domino effect throughout the local economy.
Needles in the Hay
Starting Black Friday and running all weekend, Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough is offering several special promotions, including $31 off a project bundle that includes this Hipster Shawl pattern by Joji Locatelli and five skeins of Myak baby yak medium. (Photo: Joji Locatelli)
Peterborough’s favourite yarn shop, Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough, is owned by local resident Deanna Guttman, who purchased the independent business from store founder Bridget Allin in the summer of 2016.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020, Needles in the Hay is a place where you can find high-quality natural fibres in a myriad of beautiful colours, and socialize with people who share your passion for fibre arts.
Guttman and her staff work hard to bring you the best selection of high-quality yarns at a variety of price points, and search high and low to make sure you’re getting the best products at the best value.
They have a special passion for wool, but you’ll also find yak, cashmere, alpaca, silk, linen, and more at the shop. Needles in the Hay is one of only a handful of stockists in Canada that carry the famous Brooklyn Tweed line of yarns.
As well as selling yarn and accessories for hand knitting and crocheting, Needles in the Hay also provides support for and builds community around the fibre arts in Peterborough. The shop recently began offering weekly “Knit Doctor” and “Crochet Doctor” sessions. Knit Doctor (knitting only, basic to advanced) runs Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. with Deanna, and Crochet Doctor (crocheting, but also some basic to intermediate knitting) runs Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. with Grace. The sessions are open to everyone (no purchase necessary).
On Friday, November 29th, Needles in the Hay is open extra hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and is offering special Black Friday deals running until Sunday, December 1st (or while supplies last):
Brooklyn Tweed Bundle: 15 per cent off your project, when you buy the pattern and yarn together (includes Ranch 02). This promotion runs all weekend starting Black Friday.
Selected clearance Bulky Skeins for $10. These skeins are all 200g and up. In store only, while supplies last.
Selected clearance yarns for $4.50 per ball. In store only, while supplies last.
10 per cent off all Lopi Blankets (100 per cent Icelandic wool, made in Iceland) all weekend starting Black Friday.
$31 off Hipster Shawl (by Joji Locatelli) Bundle. Includes the pattern and five skeins of Myak baby yak medium. On sale for $125 (regular price is $156). This promotion runs all weekend starting Black Friday.
Owner Deanna Guttman in front of the wall of yarn at Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough, which is one of only a handful of stockists in Canada that carry the famous Brooklyn Tweed line. Needles in the Hay is launching BT by Brooklyn Tweed, two quick and fun patterns, written with the beginner knitter in mind. Great projects for gift giving, and free with with yarn purchase, they’re only available until December 4th. (Photo: Amy E. LeClair)
The Brooklyn Tweed Bundle, Lopi Blankets, and the Hipster Shawl Bundle will also be available for purchase on Needles in the Hay’s website at needlesinthehay.ca starting 8 a.m. on Friday, November 29th. Other promotions are available in store only. Note: No discount stacking on promotions (for example, Needles in the Hay cannot apply a loyalty points reward on top of Black Friday promotions).
In addition to the Black Friday weekend promotions, Needles in the Hay is also launching BT by Brooklyn Tweed. These two quick and fun patterns, written with the beginner knitter in mind but which can be enjoyed by knitters of all abilitiies, are great projects for gift giving. The patterns will only be available at Brooklyn Tweed stockists, including Needles in the Hay, until December 4th. Free with yarn purchase.
Needles in the Hay is located at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough. For more information, call 705-740-0667 or email info@needlesinthehay.ca. For more informaton about products, classes and events, and to order online, visit needlesinthehay.ca. You can also follow Needles in the Hay on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Do you own a local independent business? If you’d like to be featured in our “choose local” promotion, contact kawarthaNOW Publisher Jeannine Taylor at 705-742-6404 or jt@kawarthanow.com.
Hans and Christine Keppler plan to donate their 295-acre property, located in North Kawartha township near Chandos Lake, to Kawartha Land Trust to ensure it is cared for in perpetuity. Along with numerous vernal pools (pictured) that provide critical habitat for species at risk, the new Keppler Nature Sanctuary contains wetland, mixed canopy forest, and permanent streams. More than 40 species of birds, including an an active heronry, have been observed on the property. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Land Trust)
Thanks to Hans and Christine Keppler, Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) plans to create a new nature sanctuary in North Kawartha township near Chandos Lake.
The new Keppler Nature Sanctuary is one of two new properties that KLT — the only non-governmental charitable organization committed to protecting land in the Kawarthas — is working to protect before year end.
Hans, a retired developer and past president of the Peterborough Home Builders Association, and his wife Christine intend to donate the 295-acre property to KLT to ensure it is cared for in perpetuity.
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Years ago, the Kepplers and their two young daughters were hiking on a property close to their Chandos Lake cottage when they got lost. While walking over the land trying to find their way back, they discovered it was a nature lover’s paradise. They loved it so much they ended up buying it.
After enjoying the area for many years, the Kepplers want to make sure the property continues to thrive and provide a home for the many species of animals and plants found there, and so they have decided to donate it to KLT.
The Kepplers, who have always understood the importance of connecting to nature and the benefit it provides, want to protect the property because they recognize how environmentally sensitive it is. They have already witnessed how the landscape has changed over time.
Hans and Christine Keppler intend to donate their 295-acre property, located in North Kawartha township near Chandos Lake, to Kawartha Land Trust to ensure it is cared for in perpetuity. The property, which features an active heronry (pictured) as well as at least 40 species of birds, contains wetland, mixed canopy forest, permanent streams, and numerous vernal pools that provide critical habitat for species at risk. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Land Trust)
Hans moved to Canada in 1954, and he later met Christine while on vacation in Bavaria. She moved to Canada in 1967 and they agreed that, if she could last through a Canadian winter, they would get married. She made it through and they got married the next May.
The couple have two daughters, and have great memories of cross country skiing on the property in the winter and taking walks in the spring. Weekends at their cottage and walks on this beautiful property helped them recover from the stress of the work week.
The Keppler Nature Sanctuary contains a wetland, mixed canopy forest, permanent streams, and numerous vernal pools that provide critical habitat for species at risk. In just one visit, a KLT volunteer identified more than 40 species of birds including yellow-billed cuckoo, pileated woodpecker, eastern wood-pewee, and rose-breasted grosbeak.
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There is even an active heronry (breeding colony of herons) on the property.
While there is evidence of past logging on the property, today the forests are very healthy. Sugar maples dominate the uplands, and lowland hemlock and cedar stands are the two major types of forests. The forest itself is diverse, teeming with many species of ferns and under-story species.
The wetlands include meadow marshes, a dewatered beaver pond, and forested swamps. A permanent stream flows through the northwest corner of the property and feeds into the surrounding marshes that fill with water in the spring.
The new Keppler Nature Sanctuary, one of two new properties Kawartha Land Trust is working to protect by year’s end, is located in North Kawartha township, northeast of Apsley, near Chandos Lake. Hans and Christine Keppler originally bought the 295-acre property year ago after getting lost while hiking near their cottage, and have now decided to donate it to Kawartha Land Trust to ensure it is cared for in perpetuity. (Map courtesy of Kawartha Land Trust)
KLT is currently protecting 17 properties covering more than 4,101 acres of diverse and significant land, and working to protect two more properties — including the new Keppler Nature Sanctuary — by year’s end.
The work of KLT is essential in helping to protect biodiversity in the Kawarthas, which is under its greatest threat from habitat loss. For example, a recent study has found that there are 2.9 billion fewer birds in Canada and the U.S. than there were in 1970.
To formally protect this special place and others in the Kawarthas, KLT needs to raise enabling funds and increase its land stewardship fund. You can help advance conservation in the Kawarthas by donating at kawarthalandtrust.org.
This story has been corrected to indicate that the Kepplers have not yet donated the property to KLT.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) executive director Terry Guiel and marketing committee member Julie Morris with Gail and John Martin, owners of John Roberts Clothiers, one of 100 downtown businesses participating in Black Friday and the Holiday Shopping Passport program, where you can win prizes by choosing local first for your holiday shopping. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
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.
This week’s business news features a focus on choosing local with 100 businesses participating in Black Friday in downtown Peterborough on Black Friday, Treetop Trekking winning an international award for its innovative Treewalk Village for kids, Curated in downtown Peterborough celebrating five years in business by launching a new online auction service, and other notable business news from across the Kawarthas.
New regional business events added this week include the Women In Business Social Community hosting a board game social in Peterborough on November 27th, the Port Hope Chamber hosting an information session on the new WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program in Port Hope on December 5th, Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosting a sales and customer retention workshop in Lindsay on December 3rd, the Innovation Cluster hosting a hands-on workshop on business structures in Peterborough on December 4th, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosting a future workforce event in Peterborough on December 6th, the Northumberland Chamber hosting its annual Christmas meet and greet in Cobourg on December 10th, the Innovation Cluster hosting a hands-on workshop on digital marketing in Peterborough on December 11th, and the Haliburton Chamber hosting a fraud and scams workshop in Haliburton on December 12th.
Head to downtown Peterborough on Black Friday, choose local, and win prizes
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) marketing committee member Julie Morris and John Roberts Clothiers co-owner Gail Martin kick off Black Friday in downtown Peterborough. John Roberts Clothiers is one of 100 downtown businesses participating in Black Friday and the Holiday Shopping Passport program, where you can win prizes by choosing local first for your holiday shopping. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
This Black Friday (November 29), head to downtown Peterborough and choose local. Not only will you find great deals, but you’ll be supporting our community by spending your money in our community.
Look for the Black Friday posters and balloons at 100 participating downtown businesses, including fashion, furniture, restaurants, salons, music, toys, collectibles, sports, and more.
Even better, by bringing your Holiday Shopping Passport with you, you’ll also have a chance to win $3,000 in prizes. For every $10 you spend at participating locations, you’ll get a stamp on your Holiday Shopping Passport.
Every full passport becomes your ballot for $500 draws in downtown money on December 4th, 11th, and 18th, with a grand prize draw for $1,500 on January 8th.
And, beginning on Black Friday, parking in downtown Peterborough is free for two hours thanks to the City of Peterborough Parking Division.
Here’s a list of participating Black Friday locations:
Absolute Hair
African Mission-Growth Market African Dishes
Arken Beauty Supply
Art School of Peterborough
Bluestreak Records
Boardwalk Board Game Lounge
Boater’s World
Brant Basics
Brothers Pizza
Buck or Two Plus!
By The Bridge
Cahill’s Outerwear
Chalk Therapy
Charlotte Jewellers
Charlotte Street Comics and Collectibles
Charlotte’s Web
Chumleighs
Cork & Bean
Cottage Toys
Cozy Home: Designs by Lacey
Curry Village
Dan Joyce’s Classic Clothing
Dodrio
Dreams of Beans
Dueling Grounds
Electric City Works
Euphoria Wellness Spa
Fab Factory
First Stop Swap Shop
Flavour
Fontaine’s Source for Sports
Fresh Dreams
Full Tilt Cycle
Fusion Bowl
Gentry Apparel
Gerti’s
Green Street
Grey Guardian Games
Hi Ho Silver
Hobies Sports Ltd.
Hock Shop
Hunter Street Tavern
Iceman Video Games
Insight Optical
John Roberts Clothiers
Just Like New
K & C Costumes
Kingan Home Hardware
Kit Coffee
Knock on Wood
La Hacienda
La Mesita
Larry Electric & Motor Service
LCBO
Lift Lock Escape
Lili’s Convenience
Marie Cluthé Antiques and Collectibles
Mercado La Hacienda
Mr. Brock Barber Shop
My Own Clouds
Naked Chocolate
Needles in the Hay
Needleworks
Nielsen’s Watches and Jewellery
Nosh & Nip on Queen
Pammett’s Flowers
Pensieri Shoes operating as Blue Shoes Ptbo
Peterborough Inn & Suites
Peterborough Photo Service
Pettigrew Spa & Salon
Pipe Dreamz
PJ’s Diner
Providence
Rawscoe’s Sport Collectibles
reBOOT Canada
Ritual Apothecary
Runner’s Life
S.O.S.
Sam’s Place
Simply Delicious
Smiles to You
Sugar Me Right
T-Elle Boutique
The Black Horse Pub
The Cell Shop
The Cheese Shop
The Pasta Shop
The Publican House Brewery
The Unicorn
Things from Mom’s Basement
Tiny Greens
Tribal Voices
Turnbull Café
Under One Sun
Wild Rock Outfitters
Wing House
You’re Welcome
Zap Records
Treetop Trekking wins an international award for its innovative Treewalk Village for kids
Treetop Trekking, with five locations in Ontario including the Ganaraska Forest near Port Hope, won the Best New Kids Attraction award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) in Orlando, Florida on November 20, 2019 for its innovative “Treewalk Village” kids adventure park concept. First introduced at its Stouffville location in 2015, Treewalk Village parks are a nature-based activity designed specifically for kids, allowing them to explore the forest in a fun and interactive way. (Photo: Mike Pochwat)
Adventure company Treetop Trekking, with five locations in Ontario including the Ganaraska Forest between Port Hope and Peterborough, won the Best New Kids Attraction award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) in Orlando, Florida last Wednesday (November 20).
The award, part of IAAPA’s annual Brass Ring Awards, recognizes Treetop Trekking’s innovative “Treewalk Village” kids adventure park concept, which it first introduced at its Stouffville location in 2015. Treewalk Village parks are a nature-based activity designed specifically for kids, allowing them to explore the forest in a fun and interactive way.
Treetop Trekking president Stéphane Vachon after receiving the Best New Kids Attraction award from the International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions, in Orlando Florida on November 20, 2019. (Photo: Jamie Hesser)
The centrepiece of each Treewalk Village park is a network of custom treehouses connected by suspension bridges, ramps, and slides. Other features include giant elevated nets suspended in the trees, underground tunnel labyrinths, mini-ziplines, and other forest games.
The company opened a second location in Hamilton at Binbrook Conservation Area in 2019 and has plans to open a third Ontario location in 2020.
The IAAPA’s Brass Ring Awards honour excellence from around the world in the attractions and amusement park industry. Other winners at this year’s Brass Ring Awards included Disney Parks, the San Diego Zoo, and Europa Parks. Treetop Trekking was one of two Canadian winners this year, with the other being Vancouver’s Pacific National Exhibition, which won in the Training Innovation category.
“I am so humbled to have our company recognized on the world stage, amongst so many big players in our industry,” says company President and co-founder Stéphane Vachon. “In a world where kids spend so much time with their screens and on other electronics, we are really proud to create and be recognized for our authentic experiences that bring people outside into nature.”
Curated in downtown Peterborough celebrates five years in business by launching a new online auction service
Curated in downtown Peterborough has launched an online auction service to help its clients sell items. (Screenshot)
Over the past five years, Curated in downtown Peterborough has evolved from a boutique to a service-based business, working with clients to manage their collections of art, antiques, and collectibles.
Owner Melinda Richter says people find Curated when they are in a moment of transition: moving to a new home, downsizing to a smaller place, clearing out some clutter, settling an estate, or insuring a new purchase. The process starts with a valuation of items in a collection, so owners can decide what to keep, donate, sell, or give away. Since sometimes that means sending items to auction, Curated has now launched its own online auction service.
Through Curated Auctions at curated.hibid.com, clients can sell a few items on consignment or hire Curated to run an auction in their own home. Curated organizes household contents into lots, catalogues the lots with descriptions and pictures, lists the items in the online auction, manages the purchase of items, and oversees pick up of items after they are sold.
Anyone is welcome to bid on Curated Auctions. Local bidders can pick up their items and Curated can arrange shipping for out-of-towners. If you’d like to consign an item or host an auction in your own home, visit www.curated-peterborough.ca for more information.
Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:
Play Café (1434 Chemong Rd., Peterborough) is hosting a grand opening celebration of its new location from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 30th. You can explore the new space, including its dedicated playroom and two program rooms. The grand opening features free play, prizes, and cupcakes.
Fleming College students Vanessa Mathieu, Joao Borges, Alesha Colaco, and Jo Ho won the 2019 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition for their Paper Plant Project, a social enterprise that produces paper planters from recycled paper waste as educative kits for schools to promote biodegradable practices.
CAE Inc. (formerly Canadian Aviation Electronics) has teamed up with Jazz Aviation (a Halifax-based regional airline that operates Air Canada Express) and Seneca’s School of Aviation to train new pilots at the Peterborough Airport.
Lance Nachoff and Bernadette MacNeil recently opened Millbrook Mercantile (28 King St. E, Millbrook). Described as a “year-round farmers’ market”, the store offers a full deli, home-made prepared meals and locally sourced foods, local art, local and international hand-crafted jewel and fashion, home decor and design, health and wellness, and body and beauty products.
Marsel Khakimi recently opened Mr. Brock Barber Shop (221 Brock St., Peterborough), where brothers Jack and Aiden Wilson provide classic cuts, buzz cuts, beard trims, and hot-towel shaves. The shop also offers a VR room, discounts for seniors, and free parking.
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Kawartha Chamber hosts cyber security session in Lakefield on November 27
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s next B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) session takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27th at Beachwood Resort (3043 Beachwood Dr., Lakefield).
The event will feature a panel discussion and question-and-answer session about cyber security for you and your business. Panellists include Detective Sergeant Vern Crowley of the Ontario Provincial Police Cybercrime Investigations Team, marketing specialist Brendan Quigley of acorn30, and CIBC financial services representative Lisa Callaghan.
Bobcaygeon Chamber holds its AGM in Bobcaygeon on November 27
The Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual general meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27th at the Bobcaygeon Municipal Service Centre (123 East St. S., Bobcaygeon).
Chamber members will hear a report on activities and successes of the past year and learn about organizational initiatives for the year ahead.
All are welcome to attend.
Women In Business Social Community hosts board game social in Peterborough on November 27
A Board Game Social for business-minded women takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27th at Boardwalk Board Game Lounge (261 George St. N., Peterborough).
The cost is $7 for space at a table and all the games you can play. Food and beverages can be ordered from the Boardwalk’s full menu.
This is a monthly event, with the next Board Game Social taking place on Wednesday, December 18th. Depending on the group of attendees, the games played change every time, as do the topics.
The Loomex Group hosts Peterborough Aerospace Summit in Peterborough on November 28
The Loomex Group is hosting the 4th annual Peterborough Aerospace Summit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th at Studio YPQ (925 Airport Rd., Peterborough).
The summit will explore local impacts of the global aerospace market with guest speakers and business leaders from local aerospace and aviation companies.
There will be presentations on the Peterborough Airport, Nav Canada, Team Eagle, Fleming College, Safran, Flying Colours, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, the Southern Ontario Airport Network, and the Southern Ontario Municipal Aerospace Council.
Haliburton Chamber presents Inspiring Women’s Luncheon in Haliburton on November 28
Inspirational speaker and trainer Sharon Campbell Rayment is the keynote speaker at the inaugural Inspiring Women’s Luncheon in Haliburton on November 28, 2019. (Publicity photo)
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is presenting the first annual Inspiring Women’s Luncheon from 12 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th at the Haliburton Legion (719 Mountain St., Haliburton).
The event features a keynote from inspirational speaker and trainer Sharon Campbell Rayment. She will speak about strategies and tools you can use to thrive in the midst of challenge and change, overcoming adversity and remaining focused, effective, and productive.
This cost for the event, decorated by Elegant Events Inc. and catered by McKeck’s Fine Catering, is $30. Note: This event is now sold out.
Trent Hills Chamber hosts smartphone video lunchtime seminar in Campbellford on November 28
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a seminar called “Promote your business with video from your smartphone” seminar from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th at Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).
Presented by videographer Christine Althouse, you will learn three simple steps to create eye-catching video from your smartphone to promote your business.
This one-hour brown bag lunch session begins with 15 minutes of networking, a 30-minute presentation from the guest speaker, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Free succession planning focus group and workshop for employers in Northumberland on November 28
The Workforce Development Board – Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) is presenting a free succession planning workshop and focus group for owners, managers, and directors of any type and size of business or organization in the Northumberland area on Thursday, November 28th at the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (600 William St. Suite 700, Cobourg).
Through succession planning, employers can develop existing employees with leadership potential, so they are ready to be promoted to critical roles when needed so there isn’t a gap in service and organizations can save money on recruitment
Project manager Carrie Wakeford will begin the session with a focus group, where employers can share their opinions about succession planning needs and learn more about succession planning in the process. This will be followed by a practical succession planning workshop led by business coach Colleen Carruthers, who has extensive experience training business leaders. In the workshop, employers will have the opportunity to work on their business’s or organization’s own succession plan.
Brighton & Cramahe Chamber offers digital tools for small business seminar in Brighton on November 28
The Brighton & Cramahe Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, is offering a “Free Digital Tools for Small Business” seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th at King Edward Park Community Centre (75 Elizabeth St., Brighton).
This seminar is targeted at do-it-yourself business owners who want to know how to generate more business through their online presence without spending more money. Attendees will come out with knowledge search engine optimization techniques and skills that will help them attract more business.
The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. To register, call the Chamber at 613-475-2775.
Peterborough economic development organizations host a holiday social in Peterborough on December 3
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, the Innovation Cluster, Community Futures Peterborough, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development are hosting a holiday social from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
This event is an opportunity for the business community, employers, consumers, and community agencies to make valuable connections.
The event is free, but attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for Kawartha Food Share.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts sales and customer retention workshop in Lindsay on December 3
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a workshop called “Effective Sales and Creating a Positive Customer Experience” from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd in the downstairs meeting room at the Lindsay Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by business coach Sandy Greenberg, the workshop will cover the sales cycle, sales prospecting techniques and channels, evaluating and qualifying customer needs, closing the sale, and customer retention strategies.
Bring your own laptop (wi-fi access is available) and refreshments.
Innovation Cluster hosts hands-on workshop on business structures in Peterborough on December 4
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting a workshop called “Hands-ON: Sushi & Structures” from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th in the small boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Led by Stephenson Law Group of Toronto, the workshop will provide information on business structures, partnerships, equity, and agreements. A sushi lunch will be served.
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation holds its AGM in Cobourg on December 4
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation is holding its annual general meeting at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The meeting will take place in the lecture hall in the Innovation Commons.
Port Hope Chamber hosts information session on new WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program in Port Hope on December 5
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an interactive session on the new WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th in Council Chambers at Port Hope Town Hall (58 Queen St,, Port Hope).
WSIB will be launching its new Health & Safety Excellence program in 2020. The new program will be a WSIB performance-based rewards program integrating the strengths of the previous WSIB Small Business, Safety Group, and Workwell programs. This new model provides a clear road map for Ontario businesses to improve workplace health and safety.
The session is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development celebrates Starter Company Plus grant recipients in Peterborough on December 5
Starter Company Plus grant recipients Jordan Porter, Kristin Cole, Calvin Woodcock, Alon Nozik, Nicole Cooke Bottom L-R: Sonja Martin, Sean Thornton, Katelin Turcotte, Ashley Webster, Brett Pritchard, and Anna Perry. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre is celebrating the latest round of Starter Company Plus grant recipients at 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
The participating businesses and their owners are Your Second Family (Anna Perry), Momentum Property Management (Alon Nozik), Grady & Woodcock Security Services (Calvin Woodcock), Nufas Media (Jordan Porter and Sean Thornton), Kawartha Complete Care (Kristin Cole), Rooted Lavender (Sonja Martin), AW Media Consulting (Ashley Webster), Wilde Beauty Ptbo (Katelin Turcotte), B&B 3D Designs (Brett Pritchard), and Nicole Cooke.
The event is an opportunity to connect with the people behind the businesses and learn more about the products or services they offer. Six of the business will be selected and awarded a grant of $5,000 based on creativity, strength of business plan, and viability.
For more information on the Starter Company Plus program, visit peterboroughed.ca/starter. Applications for the next intake will open in January 2020.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts future workforce event in Peterborough on December 6
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, along with the Kawartha Manufacturers’ Association, is hosting “Building PTBO: Future Workforce” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, December 6th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Meet with representatives from the University of Waterloo, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, and Fleming College to learn more about the internship, co-op, and experiential learning programs available at these educational institutions.
Northumberland Chamber hosts annual Christmas meet and greet in Cobourg on December 10
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Christmas meet and greet from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10th at Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
Innovation Cluster hosts hands-on workshop on digital marketing in Peterborough on December 11
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting a workshop called “Hands-ON: Digital Marketing Strategies” from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Presented by strADegy.ca, the workshop will cover the big marketing problem organizations face, how consumers discover and purchase what they need in today’s “always on” digital economy, the sales mistake businesses make and how to avoid it, and a six-step digital marketing strategy.
Kawartha Lakes Construction hosts Kawartha Chamber’s Business After Hours Holiday Social in Lakefield on December 11
Kawartha Lakes Construction is hosting the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s annual Business After Hours Holiday Social from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11th at Kawartha Lakes Construction (3359 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield).
This drop-in celebration of the season is also a networking event.
Guests are asked to bring a monetary donation for the Peterborough Humane Society or one of the items on the society’s wish list at peterboroughhumanesociety.ca/wishlist/.
Haliburton Chamber hosts lunch-time fraud and scams seminar in Haliburton on December 12
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Lunch & Learn – Avoiding Fraud and Scams” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 12th at the Chamber office (195 Highland St., Haliburton).
Richard Wannan, branch manager at Haliburton BMO, will speak about how to avoid fraud and scams. A light lunch will be served.
Kawartha Conservation hosts agricultural conference in Lindsay on December 13
Kawartha Conservation is hosting an agricultural conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, December 13th at the Ops Community Centre (2569 Highway 7, Lindsay).
The theme of the conference is “Working Together to Improve Soil and Water Quality on the Farm”. Funding opportunities for projects that support water quality and soil health will also be presented.
The day will feature a variety of speakers and updates from a variety of organizations and government officials.
Attendees will learn about what farmers in southwestern Ontario are doing to address water quality with a presentation from Charles Lalonde of the Thames River Phosphorus Reduction Collaborative. The presentation will focus on an overview of the phosphorus challenge for food production, the pathways and timing for phosphorus runoff into our waters and efforts to remediate agricultural impacts.
Kawartha Conservation’s Water Quality Specialist will provide an update on the state of the Kawartha watershed, and Kawartha Conservation’s Agricultural Stewardship technician will provide information on cost sharing funding opportunities for farmers, while local farmer Bernard Leahy will speak about his water quality improvement project and his experience with applying for cost sharing funding programs.
Updates from organizations including Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will also take place.
In the afternoon, a discussion panel will provide an opportunity to discuss specific issues with peers and experts.
Tickets are $25 plus HST and include the full day of speakers and presenters as well as a hot BBQ chicken lunch.
Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Warren Ball (left) and members of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab team (Terri Matzke, Kate Graham, and Jeff Dunlop) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) thank donors for their continued generous support of the Cath Lab. This holiday season, the PRHC Foundation is asking people to help "keep your heart here" by making a donation in support of the Cath Lab to replace and upgrade life-saving equipment. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
As the old saying goes, home is where the heart is — even more so during the holidays, when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the season. And if you suffer a heart attack, keeping your heart close to home can mean the difference between life and death.
Thanks to life-saving care provided by the Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), thousands of people from across central eastern Ontario are still here to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.
In fact, patients come from across Peterborough and Peterborough County, Lindsay and the City of Kawartha Lakes, Campbellford, Cobourg and Port Hope, the Durham region, all the way north to Haliburton Highlands, and all points in between.
VIDEO: How keeping your heart here can save your life
That includes people like Ernie, who suffered a heart attack due to a blocked artery. When he arrived at PRHC without a pulse, his heart muscle was dying with every second that passed. He needed a stent to clear the blockage.
Fortunately for Ernie and his family and friends, Dr. Warren Ball, an Interventional Cardiologist in the PRHC Cath Lab, found and reversed the blockage so that Ernie’s heart — and his life — could be saved.
“My colleagues and I can stop a heart attack in its tracks,” Dr. Ball says. “But we can’t do it without the help of donors. Their generous support is the reason we have the two Cath Lab suites here at PRHC. Without them, we’d have to transfer patients like Ernie to another hospital hours away, at a time when every second can make the difference between life and death.”
Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Warren Ball and his colleagues at Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab treat thousands of patients from across central eastern Ontario every year. Patients come from across Peterborough and Peterborough County, Lindsay and the City of Kawartha Lakes, Campbellford, Cobourg and Port Hope, the Durham region, all the way north to Haliburton Highlands, and all points in between. (Promotional photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
More than 40,000 people in Canada suffer a heart attack each year. Surviving a heart attack has everything to do with time. When a heart attack happens, “time is muscle” according to Dr. Ball — 500 heart cells can die every second. Delay in diagnosis or treatment can seriously impact recovery and, in many cases, it means the difference between life and death.
Last year, the PRHC Cath Lab performed 2,918 cardiac procedures including 885 stenting procedures. Amazingly, 213 of these procedures were performed while a heart attack was taking place.
But now, after a decade of being used to diagnose, prevent, and treat serious cardiac emergencies and chronic conditions — after a decade of saving heart muscles and saving lives — the PRHC Cath Lab need to be replaced.
“Just like your laptop or smartphone, there have been many advances to medical technology in the past 10 years,” Dr. Ball explains. “That’s why we need the latest equipment in our Cath Lab — we want our patients to benefit from those advancements.”
This holiday season, the PRHC Foundation is asking people to help “keep your heart here” by making a donation in support of the PRHC Cath Lab. Many people don’t realize the government does not fund hospital equipment or technology. That’s why the most generous communities have the best hospitals.
Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Warren Ball at work in Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Last year, the PRHC Cath Lab performed 2,918 cardiac procedures including 885 stenting procedures, 213 of which were performed while a heart attack was taking place. When a heart attack happens, 500 heart cells can die every second, so any delay in diagnosis or treatment can seriously impact recovery. In many cases, it means the difference between life and death. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
Not only will your donation keep expert care close to home, but it means the PRHC Cath Lab will be able to take higher resolution images of heart arteries — more quickly and using less radiation — so Dr. Ball and his colleagues can make an accurate diagnosis and deliver the best possible treatment to patients.
Upgrading to state-of-the-art technology also helps PRHC attract and keep the best and brightest healthcare professionals. Talented physicians want to join a hospital where they have access to leading-edge technology so they can take the best possible care of their patients — including patients like Ernie who, thanks to the world-class treatment he received at the PRHC Cath Lab, is able to enjoy the holidays this year with his loved ones.
“This holiday season I hope you’ll consider making a donation to the PRHC Foundation,” Dr Ball says. “Together we’ll reinvest in the most advanced technology for our regional Cath Lab, allowing my colleagues and me to continue to provide the highest level of cardiac care possible to save more heart muscle — and more lives.
Give today and help us keep your heart here tomorrow. Call 705-876-5000 or visit prhcfoundation.ca.
This story was created in partnership with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation.
Storm the Stage is an annual arts showcase, hosted by local theatre company Enter Stage Right, that features performances from secondary students in the Peterborough and surrounding area. The event, which takes place on November 29, 2019 at the PCVS Auditorium in downtown Peterborough, boasts acts such as singing, dancing, instrumental music, and spoken word, and displays student works of art, photography, and sculpture. Pictured is students in the Kenner Dance Program performing a salsa-inspired partner routine to Chayanne's "Salomé" at Storm the Stage in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Enter Stage Right)
On Friday, November 29th, Enter Stage Right will hold its annual student talent showcase, Storm the Stage, at the PCVS Auditorium in downtown Peterborough.
A chance for local students in Peterborough and the surrounding area to perform in front of a local audience, the event is also a fundraiser for Enter Stage Right, a community-based theatre company for secondary students focused on collaborative creation.
With Storm the Stage happening each year at the beginning of the holiday season, I always assumed it was a holiday show. However, as the company’s student spokesperson Taite Cullen explains, the show is a much broader event that doesn’t necessarily celebrate the holidays as much as the talents and achievements of the area’s young performers and artists.
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“It’s not a Christmas pageant,” Taite says. “It’s more of a concert. We get a bunch of the Enter Stage Right performers, as well as local groups and individual artists from different high schools, and they all come and perform. It’s a really awesome event because we have a lot of talented groups that are fun to watch.”
This year, Storm the Stage will not only feature performances by members of the Enter Stage Right company, but also sets by local bands The Nicotines, Out By Lucy, and Drift and Collide, an appearance by the Adam Scott Collegiate improv troupe The Disappointments, and more.
The show is heavily music oriented, with some spoken word and comedy included in the evening, and will also have a student art collection on display in the lobby. Storm the Stage takes place on November 19, 2019 at the PCVS Auditorium in downtown Peterborough. (Graphic courtesy of Enter Stage Right)
“It’s an opportunity for high school students to perform and showcase their art, which is important when you’re a budding performer — you need to play everywhere,” Taite points out. “It’s really fun to see because, when these bands and performers are famous Broadway stars or musicians, we can all say that we saw them first on Storm the Stage in Peterborough.”
Traditionally, the final act of Storm the Stage is a preview of Enter Stage Right’s upcoming spring production. This year, the group will be presenting an original musical number written by Taite and Enter Stage Right’s co-founder Jen Nugent for the upcoming production of Of Mortals and Myths, set to premiere in April 2020.
“Of Mortals and Myths is a really fun show,” Taite says. “It’s about a high school on Earth where Gods from Mount Olympus have come to choose their prodigies. I really like the humour in the show, because it’s a lot different from other shows Enter Stage Right has done. We also have a massive cast this year of 20 people.”
Traditionally, the final act of Storm the Stage is a preview of a scene from Enter Stage Right’s upcoming spring production. In April 2020, Enter Stage Right will be premiering “Of Mortals and Myths”. Pictured is Enter Stage Right presenting a preview performance of “Welcome to Butternut Grove!” at Storm the Stage in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Enter Stage Right)
Enter Stage Right was formed by brother-and-sister team Greg and Jen Nugent in 2014, when they noticed insufficient opportunities for high school students to get involved in theatre because of shrinking arts programs. The pair, who both work as educators, created their company so that local high school students who are unable to get involved in a school production can still have that experience.
Since 2014 the group has put on a number of colourful and fun original productions including Welcome to Butternut Grove, Everybody Loves Archie, and After the Battle.
Now in her third year with Enter Stage Right, Taite has become the company’s student liaison and has been visiting local schools to talk to students about getting involved with the company — explaining the heavy turnout this year for auditions for Of Mortals and Myths.
The cast of Enter Stage Right’s “Of Mortals and Myths”, which is premiering in April 2020. Proceeds from this year’s Storm the Stage event will support the spring musical, as well as the company’s scholarship fund. (Photo courtesy of Enter Stage Right)
“If you’re a teenager in Peterborough and want to do community theatre, there are always adults taking the roles in adult shows, and kids that get the roles in kid’s shows,” Taite says. “”Jen and Greg are amazing because they take us seriously as teenagers and as artists, they give us responsibilities, and they trust us to act like adults to learn and to grow. It’s an amazing opportunity. We are like a family, and we all get along well because everyone in the show takes the show seriously.”
“Everyone gets a role, and that role is written for you. The show is written to be performed by our peers and so we all like the show, which is really important. We hope everyone else likes the show because it’s really fun to create. It’s perfectly targeted to people our age or older.”
To continue the development of Peterborough’s artistic community, it’s important for the existing community to support the next generation of performers That’s why Storm the Stage is such an important event.
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Not only does it allow us to see and encourage young performers, it also gives Enter Stage Right — a not-for-profit organization — financial support to continue its programming and to grow as an important theatrical institution.
“Enter Stage Right is a growing company,” Taite says. “It’s grown exponentially in the last few years, and I think it’s only going to get bigger. It’s really awesome being a part of it when it’s just getting started, because one day it’ll be a big company in Peterborough. I’d like to see more people get involved now, so we can continue to grow and get more talent involved and more people putting their creative energy into it.”
Storm the Stage takes place on Friday, November 29th at the PCVS Auditorium (201 McDonnel St., Peterborough). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door, with proceeds supporting Enter Stage Right’s spring musical, as well as the company’s scholarship fund.
The Norwood District High School Guitar Club performing at the PCVS Auditorium in downtown Peterborough during Storm the Stage in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Enter Stage Right)Lindsay Rudkins singing “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret at Storm the Stage in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Enter Stage Right)The Time Fillers improv troupe, featuring Zac Houghton, Taylor Gauthier, Ashton Kelly, and Grace Arnold, performing at Storm the Stage in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Enter Stage Right)
Play Café founder and owner Sarah Susnar has created a successful business by providing a welcoming environment where young children and their caregivers can connect, create, explore, and play. Due to demand, Sarah recently relocated to her new expanded location at 1434 Chemong Road in Peterborough that features a dedicated play room and two separate program rooms. (Supplied photo)
Sarah Susnar, founder and owner of Play Café Family Activity and Play Centre in Peterborough, is excited that her business has outgrown its original location.
On November 1st, she moved the business to 1434 Chemong Road in Peterborough. The new event space, play place, and learning centre is for all parents and caregivers with babies and children up to six years old. The new location includes an outdoor play area and many more options for her community of parents.
Sarah established her business with a vision of a place where moms could convene without having to juggle young children. She quickly learned there was also a need for special interest, exercise, and creative programming for young families — a need she could better fulfill with more space.
“We outgrew our space two years in,” Sarah says. “I didn’t realize that people would want to sign up for our programs as much as they have. I thought the play area would be popular, but I quickly realized that while people wanted to get out with their babies — they also wanted experiences like mom and baby yoga and mom and baby art class.
“We’ve just moved into a bigger space and we have two program rooms as well as a play room. So we’re excited to offer a lot more programs and party options.”
Grand opening on November 30th
Play Café is hosting a grand opening celebration of its new location at 1434 Chemong Road in Peterborough from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 30th. You can explore the new space, including its dedicated playroom and two program rooms. The grand opening features free play, prizes, and cupcakes.
Sarah thought her café’s play area would be popular because the idea struck her while struggling to socialize with other new moms. With her firstborn in her lap, Sarah conceived the idea that would one day become her own business.
“I first had the idea when I was a new mom 13 years ago living in Toronto,” Sarah explains. “I was part of a strollercize group and would go out to café’s with other moms. I noticed that there was nowhere for babies to go to be safe and the idea came to me.”
Sarah often discussed her dreams of opening a café with a play area for babies on walks with her mother. It wasn’t until after she relocated to the Kawarthas that she opened her business in 2014/15.
Play Café’s popular play room keeps children busy with developmentally appropriate toys, puzzles, books, and more. (Supplied photo)
“We moved to Peterborough and I went back to school to study early childhood education,” says Sarah. “I worked in a daycare for a bit. I had two more kids and then I left my job. I was hoping to get a position with the school board. Now I had three young children.”
“I didn’t get in with the school board after interviewing twice. I was heartbroken and didn’t know what to do. I decided to work for myself — and the idea for Play Café came back to me. I started researching it and that’s how we got started.”
Fast-forward to 2019 and now, providing a positive mental health environment for moms and babies is among Play Café’s many accomplishments since opening.
“I suffered from post-partum depression with my second baby and there was nowhere to go,” Sarah recalls. “So one of the things I do now is run a mom and baby group to encourage moms to get out of the house, meet people, and discuss the struggles and joys they’re experiencing in this new chapter of their lives.”
As a result, moms often thank her for providing this platform. She has received many cards, letters, and encouragement from the families she’s met.
“A lot of moms thank me,” Sarah says. “On days when I think running a business is hard, a mom will send me a message that says ‘Thank you so much for being here’, and I know the roller-coaster of running a business is worth it.”
Play Café also offers programs including yoga for all ages, baby and mom groups, family paint nights, and a preschool program. The new location at 1434 Chemong Road in Peterborough has a dedicated play room as well as two separate program rooms where owner Sarah Susnar and her staff can offer even more programs as well as more options for party and private event bookings. (Supplied photo)
To make entrepreneurship a little bit easier, Sarah also chose to participate in the Women Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) mentorship program last year. She says she has benefited from the experience and advice of other successful women in business.
“I love going to WBN meetings,” she says. “Before I joined, I’d attended meetings as a guest a few times and wasn’t sure if it was for me. Last year I wanted to hear a particular guest speaker, so I attended and made a few connections. I thought, ‘This is the place to be if you have a business. A lot of the women here have been in your shoes and they can offer a lot of advice and mentorship’.”
Sarah says she joined WBN immediately after attending this event, and her business continues to blossom and grow.
Play Café is located at 1434 Chemong Road (Unit 1 and Unit 2) in Peterborough. Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, with Sundays are reserved for party and private event bookings. For more information, call 705-874-3517, email playcafeptbo@gmail.com, or visit playcafepeterborough.com. You can also follow Play Café on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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