A missing person has been found dead in a submerged pickup truck northwest of Carnavon in Algonquin Highlands.
According to a media release, on Tuesday (October 29) at around 9 p.m., members of the Haliburton Highlands detachment of the OPP were called to investigate a missing person in Algonquin Highlands.
Police patrolled the area of Highway 35 and surrounding area searching for the missing person.
On Wednesday morning (October 30) at around 8:30 a.m., a family member located the missing person’s pickup truck submerged in Kushog Lake next to Highway 35.
Members of the OPP’s Underwater Search and Recovery Unit were called in, confirmed a deceased person was located inside the vehicle, and assisted with the removal of the body.
The deceased person has been transported to the Ontario Forensic Pathology Unit in Toronto for a post-mortem examination. Police are withholding the person’s name pending notification of next of kin.
Highway 35 remains closed while OPP members trained in collision reconstruction investigate and gather evidence. Police continue to investigate the cause of this collision.
You’ll need to bring an umbrella when you head out trick or treating with the kids this year, as lots of rain is forecast for Halloween night on Thursday (October 31).
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for potentially significant rainfall across southern Ontario, including the Kawarthas.
A low pressure system will approach southern Ontario from the southwest, with rain forecast to begin on Wednesday afternoon (October 30) and end by Friday afternoon.
Rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm are possible, with the heaviest rain occurring on Thursday evening. Strong northwesterly to westerly wind gusts of 70 km/h are possible on Friday morning into Friday afternoon.
If visibility is reduced during driving, turn on headlights and maintain a safe following distance. Be extra careful if driving on Halloween night, as pedestrians — including young children in costumes — are more difficult to see when it is dark and raining.
The same weather is forecast for much of the northeastern U.S., prompting some communities to reschedule trick or treating to the weekend.
A detail of Amanda McCavour's 'Pink Field, Blue Fog' (2011-2019, thread/machine embroidery) on display at the Art Gallery of Northumberland beginning November 2, 2019 at the Art Gallery of Northumberland. (Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of Northumberland)
This November, art abounds with mosaics by Julie Sperling at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden, a textile-based installation by Amanda McCavour at the Art Gallery of Northumberland, and fundraisers at the Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth and the Art School of Peterborough.
There is an ode to Inuit art produced by the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative on display at the Colborne Street Gallery in Fenelon Falls, and a First Friday coming up in downtown Peterborough including Victoria Wallace’s new studio space open to the public, abstract paintings by Holly Edwards at Atelier Ludmila, and new work by Paul Oldham and Joe Stable at Acme Art and Sailboat Company. There is also a colourful painting show by Cathy Ogrodnik at Black Honey.
There are also a number of craft shows and sales happening at this time of year, so keep your eyes peeled for festive posters and flyers advertising these events.
The Agnes Jamieson Gallery features Julie Sperling’s ‘By Our Own Hands’
A detail of one of Julie Sperling’s mosaic pieces, on display at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden. (Photo courtesy of the Agnes Jamieson Gallery)
‘By Our Own Hands’ by Julie Sperling explores a range of themes related to the Anthropocene — the geologic era we are now experiencing, during which human activity has been the dominant influence on the climate and the environment.
Julie has created 10 mosaics reflecting different aspects of the Anthropocene. Her work explores environment, science, and policy through mosaic and, in doing so, deals with environmental concerns and educates the viewer.
The show opened on October 24th and will be on display until December 21st. For more information about the artist and her work, visit sperlingmosaics.com.
Art Gallery of Northumberland presents ‘Pink Field Blue Fog’ by Amanda McCavour
Amanda McCavour’s ‘Pink Field, Blue Fog’ (2011-2019, thread/machine embroidery) on display at the Art Gallery of Northumberland beginning November 2, 2019 at the Art Gallery of Northumberland. (Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of Northumberland)
Textile artist Amanda McCavour is known for her installation work. This installation, ‘Pink Field Blue Fog’, turns the gallery into a neon field of pink with a blue fog above — all created from string sewn with a machine into forms of flowers and water droplets, as one might see them through the lens of a camera.
It is an imaginative and magical take on a field of flowers on a foggy day. Suspended from the ceiling with string, the installation floats in the air, and creates many different visual effects as it is viewed from different angles.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 1 p.m. and the exhibit will run until Sunday, January 5th.
The Art Gallery of Northumberland is located at on the third floor of the west wing of Victoria Hall (55 King St. W., Cobourg). Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit www.artgalleryofnorthumberland.com.
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The Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth annual fundraiser on November 16 hosted by Jeanne Beker
“A Night for Ah!” on November 16, 2019 is a fundraiser for the Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth. (Poster: Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth)
On Saturday, November 16th, the Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth is putting on “A Night for Ah!”, their annual fundraiser at the Warkworth Town Hall.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the festivities — including music and live and silent auctions — will commence at 7:30 p.m. The evening will be hosted by journalist, media personality, and fashion entrepreneur Jeanne Beker.
Tickets are only $30 (available at various locations in Warkworth, see the poster) and include a free drink, the show, and the auctions. The Warkworth Town Hall is located at 40 Main Street in Warkworth.
Ah! Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth is located at 35 Church Street in downtown Warkworth. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit ahcentre.ca.
Colborne Street Gallery in Fenelon Falls features ’60 Years: West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative Anniversary Exhibition’
‘Lazy Duck’ by Saila Pitaloosie, one of the members of the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative. (Photo courtesy of the Colborne Street Gallery)
This exhibit at Colborne Street Gallery in Fenelon Falls, which opened on October 18th, honours the 60th anniversary of the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative.
Over the last 60 years, printmakers from the North have left an indelible mark in the annals of Canadian art, and are now known around the world for their striking work. Inuit printmaker Ashevak Kenojuak may be the best known of these seminal printmakers. This cooperative in Cape Dorset has become internationally recognized and is now known as Kinngait Studios. The studio remains the longest-running print studio in Canada.
The exhibit is on display until Thursday, January 2nd.
Colborne Street Gallery is located at 44 Colborne Street in Fenelon Falls. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about the space or upcoming exhibits, visit colbornegallery.ca, email info@colbornegallery.ca, or call 705-887-0997.
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The Art School of Peterborough presents ‘Squared’ art show and sale
The ‘Squared’ fundraiser takes place during November at the Art School of Peterborough. (Poster courtesy of Art School of Peterborough)
It is time for ‘Squared’, the Art School of Peterborough and Launch Gallery’s annual 50/50 fundraiser.
This show is, as the title suggests, made up entirely of square pieces made by artists, instructors, and students affiliated with the Art School.
Half of the proceeds from the show and sale will go towards programming at the school, while the other half will go to the artists.
This is a great way to get a few unique Christmas gifts while supporting the arts community.
The opening reception will be on Friday, November 1st from 6 to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the First Friday Art Crawl, and the show and sale continues until Saturday, November 30th.
The Launch gallery is located at the Art School of Peterborough (174A Charlotte Street, Peterborough). Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit artschoolptbo.org/launch/ or call 705-742-3221.
Atelier Ludmila presents ‘Folding In’ by Holly Edwards and Acme Art and Sailboat Co. presents new work by Paul Oldham and Joe Stable
One of the abstract works by Holly Edwards on display at Atelier Ludmila. (Photo courtesy of Atelier Ludmila)
Created during Holly Edwards’ recent residency in Newfoundland, ‘Folding In’ reflects an exploration of the rocky shores and outcrops that define the landscape of this eastern province.
During her residency, Holly spent her time examining these features and was drawn to the soft folds that presented themselves hewn from stone along the rocky shorelines. These forms became the focus of this body of work.
An opening reception will take place on Friday, November 1st from 6 to 11 p.m. in conjunction with the First Friday Art Crawl.
Acme Art and Sailboat Company, which is just up the stairs, will feature new work by Paul Oldham and Joe Stable in the Copper Closet opening on the same evening.
Atelier Ludmila and Acme Art and Sailboat Company are both located in the Commerce Building (129 1/2 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), with Atelier Ludmila on the second floor and Acme on the third floor. For more information about Atelier Ludmila, visit atelierludmila.com and, for more information about Acme Art and Sailboat Company, visit Acme’s Facebook page.
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Victoria Wallace opens her studio space in Peterborough to the public
Victoria Wallace’s shared studio space at 280 Perry Street in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Victoria Wallace)
Artist Victoria Wallace is opening her shared studio space in Peterborough to the public from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, November 1st in conjunction with the First Friday Art Crawl.
There will be live music by local band Chic’n Pot Pi beginning at 7:30 p.m. and a festive atmosphere!
Victoria plans on running some classes from the space, which she shares with fellow artists Marcia Watt and José Miguel Hernàndez.
For more information about upcoming events and classes, follow Victoria on Facebook.
Victoria’s shared studio space is is located at 280 Perry St., Unit 10A (two and a half blocks west of the Art Gallery of Peterborough).
‘Poppies’ by Cathy Ogrodnik on display at Black Honey in downtown Peterborough
Some of Cathy Ogrodnik’s work in her ‘Poppies’ exhibit at Black Honey. (Photo courtesy of the artist)
This November, Black Honey is showing ‘Poppies’, a series of bright colourful paintings by Cathy Ogrodnik.
In this fun show, abstracted depictions of poppies create colourful designs and patterns. Stop in and have a coffee and a sweet treat while you look at the art.
‘Poppies’ will be on display until Sunday, November 24th.
For more information, follow Cathy Ogrodnik Studio on Facebook and Instagram.
Black Honey Dessert and Coffee House is located at 221 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough.
Dan Kitchen of Servo Socks (right) accepting the grand prize from Dawn Hennessey of the Business Development Bank of Canada at the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards in Lindsay on October 25, 2019. (Photo: Servo Socks / Facebook)
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 and organizational news features robotics company Servo Socks winning the grand prize at the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards, Paper Planter Project and Eco-Care Project winning FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! competition, Showplace Performance Centre naming its lobby in honour of Sean Eyre, 4th Line Theatre recommending playwrights to receive funding, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.
New regional business events added this week include the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture’s AGM in Keene on October 30th, the Trent Hills Chamber’s coffee chat with Mayor Bob Crate in Campbellford on November 1st, the WDB/LEPC’s information session for employers on managing different generations in Cobourg on November 6th, and the WDB/LEPC’s Experiential Learning Fair in Peterborough on November 8th.
Other newly added events include the Peterborough Chamber’s breakfast meeting in Peterborough on November 12th, the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre marketing strategies and social media workshop in Lindsay on November 12th, Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland’s marketing seminar in Cobourg on November 13th, Port Hope Chamber’s lunch seminar on managing stress in Port Hope on November 20th, and the Bobcaygeon Chamber’s AGM in Bobcaygeon on November 27th.
Robotics company Servo Socks wins grand prize at the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards
Servo Socks produces cases made out of recycled plastic that snap over a servo motor, used in robotics. (Photo: Servo Socks)
Servo Socks took home the grand prize in the 21st annual Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards last Friday (October 25) at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club.
The Kawartha Lakes company, owned and operated by Dan Kitchen and Jon Edwards, produces cases made out of recycled plastic that snap over a servo motor, used in robotics. The cases can be cut, drilled and otherwise modified to fit over the servo motor.
Servo Socks are intended to improve access to robotics by simplifying the motorization process, while making it less intimidating and more fun.
Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics and Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics, the second and third place winners at the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards in Lindsay on October 25, 2019. (Photos: Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation / Facebook)
Cyber security firm Netmechanics won second prize for its web-based platform Trybersecurity, which helps small-to-medium-sized businesses perform their own cyber security risk assessments, and implement tailored awareness training to staff and management through “gamified” video learning.
Aging GPS, a consulting firm for seniors and their families that helps them identify care solutions in the Kawarthas for their needs, won third prize.
Servo Socks won a cash prize of $750 for first place, Netmechanics won $500 for second place, and Aging GPS won $250 for third place.
Paper Planter Project and Eco-Care Project win FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! competition
The winners of FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! competition on October 22, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
Two teams of student entrepreneurs won FastStart Peterborough’s 5th annual Pitch It! competition, held last Tuesday (October 22) at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough.
The competition, which was limited to students from Trent University and Fleming College, saw 13 student groups competing for prizes at the final pitch event.
Paper Planter Project, led by Vanessa Mathieu, won first place and a $350 cash prize. The social enterprise uses compostable planting containers as educational modules to teach children through experiential learning about gardening, growing their own food, sustainability, and patience.
Eco-Care Project, led by Shane Willis, won second place and a $150 cash prize for providing lawn care services in an eco-friendly way by reducing the use of traditional gas engines by using electric engines.
The Dragons’ Den style competition was judged by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development president and CEO Ronda Keenan, Peterborough Region Angel Network executive director Yves LaFortune, and Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis.
Showplace Performance Centre lobby to be named in honour of Sean Eyre
Sean “Sunshine” Eyre. (Supplied photo)
Downtown Peterborough performance venue Showplace Performance Centre will be officially naming its lobby to honour well-known Peterborough personality Sean “Sunshine” Eyre.
The native of Timmins began his career in 1961 as a weather man at CHEX TV in Peterborough, where he later hosted the “Live from the Wired Woodshed” country music program on CHEX radio for 12 years. Eyre also was an actor with the Peterborough Theatre Guild, served as Peterborough’s Town Crier, was a member of Peterborough City Council, and was a founding board member of Showplace Performance Centre.
As well as running his own record label, which promoted artists including the Leahy family, he formed independent production company Rocklands Entertainment in 1981 with Brian Edwards. In 1998, Eyre established the “Pathway of Fame” that recognizes people from all walks of life in the Peterborough area for their support and dedication to their community.
Eyre will be at a public ceremony and recpetion for the naming of the Showplace lobby in his honour, which takes place at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 1st, on the occasion of Eyre’s 80th birthday. The public is welcome to attend, meet Eyre, and have some birthday cake.
4th Line Theatre recommending playwrights to receive funding
4th Line Theatre in Millbrook is Canada’s premier outdoor theatre company. (Photo: 4th Line Theatre / Facebook)
4th Line Theatre in Millbook will be recommending playwrights to receive funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to develop new works through the Ontario Arts Council’s Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators program.
Ontario-based professional theatre artists and artists’ collectives are eligible to apply to 4th Line Theatre by the closing date of January 17, 2020 at 1 p.m. The Ontario Arts Council (OAC), an agency of the government of Ontario, is the primary funding body for professional arts activities in the province.
4th Line Theatre will administer the granting program, with the primary goal of supporting as many worthy regional playwriting projects as possible. As a secondary priority, the theatre company will also be looking for projects that align with its artistic mandate: to preserve our Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of regionally based, environmentally staged historical dramas.
Special consideration will be given to culturally diverse artists and collectives, artists living with a disability, and regional playwrights.
Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC in Haliburton with their President’s Club Award from GM Canada, awarded to the top 10 per cent of 500 GM dealers across Canada for sales, service, and customer satisfaction. (Photo: Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC / Facebook)
Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:
New grocery store development planned for Milltown Mini Golf Site on Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough
Bank of Montreal building in downtown Peterborough conditionally sold
Lakefield Pantry celebrates its 39th anniversary
High-end flooring company Dane and Jute opens in Port Hope
Ontario government provides $400,000 for extension of Pemberton Drive in Port Hope
Merrett Home Hardware Run for Mental Health raises $21,063.66
Beaver Club Gala raises $107,375 to support educational programming at The Canadian Canoe Museum
Sharpe’s Food Market in Campbellford won a 2019 Master Merchandising Award from the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC in Haliburton receives President’s Club Award from GM Canada.
Annual TD Economic Outlook Luncheon in Peterborough on October 30
TD Bank Group vice-president and deputy chief economist Derek Burleton will speak at the 2019 TD Economic Outlook Luncheon. (Photo courtesy of Derek Burleton)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, along with TD Bank Group and Baker Tilly, are presenting the 2019 TD Economic Outlook Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30th at Peterborough Golf and Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The annual event explores trends, opportunities, and challenges within communities in Peterborough and the Kawarthas and across the globe. It features TD Bank Group vice-president and deputy chief economist Derek Burleton and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development president and CEO Rhonda Keenan.
Note: Registration for this event closed on October 23rd.
Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture holds its AGM in Keene on October 30
The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture is holding its annual general meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30th in the McCloskey Great Hall (the new barn) at Lang Pioneer Village Museum (146 Lang Rd. N., Keene).
All Peterborough County farmers are invited to attend the AGM, which will feature several guest speakers, including Peterborough County deputy mayor, City of Peterborough deputy mayor Andrew Beamer, Peterborough & Kawartha Economic Development president and CEO Rhonda Keenan, and more.
This free event will update local members on past achievements and help develop a new strategic plan for 2019-2020. Elections will also be held for new board members.
Trent Hills Chamber hosts coffee chat with Mayor Bob Crate in Campbellford on November 1
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a coffee chat with Trent Hills mayor Bob Crate from 8 to 9 a.m. on Friday, November 1st at the Campbellford & District Curling & Racquet Club (381 Front St. N., Campbellford).
This event is for Chamber members only and there is no cost to attend. Muffins, coffee, and tea will be served.
Haliburton Chamber presents The Breakfast Club with Catherine Oosterbaan in Irondale on November 5
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is presenting its next Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5th at Bark Lake Leadership and Conference Centre (1551 Bark Lake Dr., Irondale).
The event features Catherine Oosterbaan, agriculture and rural economic development advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, on the topic “The Role of Business in Community Economic Development”.
Peterborough Chamber hosts PBX at the Holiday Inn in Peterborough on November 5
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough)
All are invited to attend the free networking event.
WDB/LEPC hosts information session for employers on managing different generations in Cobourg on November 6
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) is hosting “Managing Different Generations”, an information session for employers, from 8 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The event features guest speaker Michelle Dagnino, executive director of the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre in Toronto, who will be sharing best practices for employers to navigate the issue of managing different generations in the workplace.
For those unable to attend in person, a webinar opportunity is available.
Kawartha Chamber hosts speed networking event in Burleigh Falls on November 7
Kawartha Chamber members participate in a speed networking session. (Photo: Kawartha Chamber)
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is hosting a speed networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 7th at Burleigh Falls Inn (4791 Highway 28, North Kawartha).
With speed networking, you spend a few minutes of one-on-one time with another participant, and then rotate to the next person when the bell rings.
WDB/LEPC hosts Experiential Learning Fair in Peterborough on November 8
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) is hosting the Experiential Learning Fair from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, November 8th at the Holiday Inn – Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough).
The event features a morning information session, where guest speakers will describe the benefits of experiential learning to employers, and an afternoon trade show where employers can connect with organizations offering funding for experiential learning opportunities.
Equinox Family Consulting hosts parenting a child with autism workshop in Peterborough on November 9
Sue Simmons of Equinox Family Consulting is hosting a workshop on November 9, 2019 for mothers of children on the autism spectrum.
Sue Simmons of Equinox Family Consulting is hosting a workshop for mothers of children on the autism spectrum from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 9th in the mutli-purpose room at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
Simmons is a Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner and Emotional Success Coach, a Certified Professional Coach, ASD Parenting Coach (RDI trained), and a mother of two young adults with autism.
During the experiential workshop, she will share how EFT — also known as “tapping”, a gentle and evidence-based mind-body technique — can bring relief to your emotional suffering.
The event will also be streamed live online for those who can’t attend in person.
The cost is $25 per person, and light refreshments will be served. Register at parentingautism.eventbrite.ca/ or call 705-875-4605.
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Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on November 12
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast orders taken at The Edison at 7:30 a.m. At 7:45 a.m., you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by a mystery guest speaker at 8 a.m.
There is no cost for the event (order what you like and pay for what you order).
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre presents marketing strategies and social media workshop in Lindsay on November 12
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is presenting a workshop on marketing strategies and social media from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12th in the downstairs meeting room at the Lindsay Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by Sandy Greenberg, established business coach and former business advisor at Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship, the workshop will cover topics including target marketing, developing your brand, reviewing your marketing channels, online and offline marketing strategies, and monitoring the effectiveness of your marketing activities.
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland hosts marketing seminar in Cobourg on November 13
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN) is hosting “Stand Out, Connect & Grow: Creating & Sharing Exceptional Marketing Messages” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13th in the BECN boardroom (600 William St., Cobourg).
Kevin Bulmer will provide a fun and engaging group coaching session on crafting unique and effective marketing messages and creative online content to help attract, sustain and grow new sales to your business.
Port Hope Chamber hosts lunch seminar on managing stress in Port Hope on November 20
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Lunch and Learn: 10 ways to simplify the Holidays!” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20th at the Port Hope Public Library (31 Queen St., Port Hope).
Professional organizer Louise Nettleton of Simplify will discuss ways for you to lower stress during the holiday season.
Haliburton Chamber hosts lunchtime bookkeeping seminar in Haliburton on November 21
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a lunch-and-learn seminar from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 21st at the Chamber office (195 Highland Ave., Haliburton).
Angelwings Solutions will lead the seminar, called “Bookkeeping 101”.
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).
The Chamber is currently accepting applications from members in good standing for new directors for 2020. The directors will be confirmed at the meeting.
For more information and to apply, download a PDF application at bobcaygeon.org.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
The indoor winter location of the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market in Peterborough Square is a popular destination with shoppers who want to support local producers. The 2019-20 indoor market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning November 2nd. (Supplied photo)
Beginning Saturday, November 2nd, the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market (PRFM) is moving indoors for the winter season.
Once again this year, the indoor winter market will be located in the lower south level of Peterborough Square (340 George St. N., Peterborough) by Princess Gardens. Signage for the market is available at all mall entrances.
The market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Along with local farmers, prepared food vendors, and artisans, the indoor market also features a kids’ zone.
In collaboration with Camp Kawartha, PRFM is also offering a four-week day camp for children 6 to 11 years of age this fall and winter.
The program, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every second Saturday from November 2nd to December 14th, features food and farming education, with opportunities for children to connect with farmers, learn about food production, and prepare healthy snacks with food from market vendors.
VIDEO: The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market
Activities will include urban hiking, outdoor games, exploring urban wild spaces, nature awareness, crafts, storytelling, music and drama, healthy cooking, food education, agricultural education, leadership and teamwork, habitat stewardship, and plants and gardening.
Also new this season are prepared food vendors offering Korean and Italian food, as well as the launch of a reusable dish program, where market goers can enjoy prepared food items on reusable dishes that will be washed by volunteers. The program is part of the PRFM’s initiative to promote environmental sustainability.
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“Reducing single-use take away containers will help build new habits and help Peterborough become a cleaner place,” says PRFM sustainability chair Elsbeth Callaghan.
All PRFM farmers are verified and only sell what they have grown, raised, or produced. Three new verified farmers will be joining the indoor market this season.
One of the dolls that will be on display at the Creepy Doll Museum at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough on October 29 and 30, 2019. The installation features dolls collected by Kathryn Bahun and Ben Hatcher, accompanied by doll stories by local authors Michelle Berry, Devon Code, Sarah Higginson, Mike Pettit, and Matt Snell. (Photo courtesy of Ben Hatcher and Kathryn Bahun)
On Tuesday, October 29th and Wednesday, October 30th, collectors Kathryn Bahun and Ben Hatcher invite you to The Theatre on King (TTOK) to view their strange and haunting collection of creepy dolls, just in time for Halloween.
Kathryn Bahun and Ben Hatcher present the Creepy Doll Museum
When: Tuesday, October 29 & Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. Where: The Theatre on King (171 King St., Peterborough) How much: $5 admission at the door
Drop-in anytime between 7 and 9:30 p.m. Also featuring stories by local authors.
Alongside stories written by local authors, Kathryn and Ben’s Creepy Doll Museum installation is the first of its kind in Peterborough.
On a rainy Monday night, I met Kathryn and Ben in the basement of The Cork and Bean in downtown Peterborough, where they brought a selection of the dolls for me to preview. With cracked heads, blank eyes, distorted faces, and other unusual features, the grouping is a strange one, but oddly appealing at the same time.
“These are dolls that have been discarded,” Kathryn says of the collection. “If a child had a choice between one of these dolls or a brand new one, they wouldn’t want one of these. These dolls are the underdogs. All the pretty dolls can find homes, but these ones won’t. That’s why I love them.”
For nearly two years, Kathryn and Ben have been assembling the collection via yard sales, thrift shops, and donations from other collections. With more than 50 dolls between them, the pair have wanted to find a way for the dolls to find their way into the spotlight.
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When I ask Kathryn about the origin of the collection, she tenderly picks out a small baby doll with distorted eyes, wild hair, and a massive forehead. Although it’s supposed to look impish, I think it has a slight resemblance to Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
“This is my favourite one,” Kathryn says. “Six months before finding him, there was a loss in my family that I was having a hard time with, and grief kept coming back. When I saw this doll with its huge forehead and creepy face and the milky eyes, it was weird and absurd and made me laugh.”
“That was something I really needed at that time. I would see it in my house and laugh, and I have always used humour as medicine. This is the only one I allow into my bedroom.”
Ben Hatcher and Kathryn Bahun with two of the dolls from their collection, which will be on display at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough on October 29 and 30, 2019. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
After a few months of accumulating more strange castaway dolls, Kathryn brought her love of them to her friend Ben by gifting him one as an odd birthday present.
“My birthday is around the Gilmor Street garage sale, and Kathryn showed up at my birthday party with one that she had bought there that day,” Ben recalls, holding a little boy doll with a mischievous grin. “Its name is Little Scamp. He looks like he likes to start fires.”
“I don’t like to turn up at birthday parties empty-handed and I thought that Ben would appreciate him,” Kathryn laughs.
“After that, we started talking about the beauty of these dolls,” Ben adds. “We’ve been collecting together ever since.”
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As a group, the dolls have a strange energy about them, which fascinates me but also puts me on edge.
Some of them are fully intact, cursed with strange sculpts or unfortunate hair styles or outfits. Some of them find their creepy appearance from being damaged, with gashes in their faces, missing eyes, or unfortunate chunks missing out of its faces.
One doll, who looks like a Christmas elf (but Kathryn explains is a sea captain), isn’t wearing pants.
Ben hands me one unfortunate little monstrosity, whose porcelain head has paled from exposure to the sun and with a massive hole in the back of its head — looking like it’s been bashed in by a hammer.
Kathryn Bahun and Ben Hatcher have been collecting discarded dolls for almost two years, and have amassed a collection of 50 of them. Even illuminated by a bright light, the dolls still have a strong creep factor. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
“An archivist from Trent University gave this one to me,” Ben says. “She found it in the bowel regions of Trent when cleaning out some old room. It was in boxes covered in dust. There were four of them, and this is actually the least creepy.”
To clarify for people coming to see the collection, these dolls were not originally designed to be scary. They are not part of the Living Dead doll line that manufactures macabre dolls for adult horror fans. These are toys that, for some reason, have an eerie quality to them.
I ask Kathryn and Ben what they think makes a doll creepy, with some surprising answers.
“Dolls can witness everything going on in your lives,” Ben says, grinning. “They are watching you, so if they and the ability to turn on you they could really ruin you.”
“It’s also because they represent innocence and childhood and playthings, so when it goes wrong it is even worse because you don’t expect it,” Kathryn adds. “But mostly it’s their eyes. It’s the eyes more than their expression.”
“But I don’t find them creepy. I can’t judge how creepy other people will find them, because I don’t find them creepy anymore. I think they’re beautiful. I love them.”
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Kathryn tells me that her portion of the collection is currently on display in her home year round.
“I have them on display in my home. They are to fabulous to be put away. They want to be seen. I have two kids and my daughter loves them also. My son is not so much of a fan, but he’s gotten used to them.”
“I’m not allowed to have mine out at home,” Ben admits. “They are in the display cabinet, and the really creepy ones are in the freezer.”
Sam Tweedle spending some quality time with one of Kathryn Bahun’s dolls. “I’ve had it haunt my dreams,” Sam writes. (Photo courtesy of Sam Tweedle)
With the legends of haunted dolls coming back into popularity as a result of the Annabelle films (based on the real-life haunted doll owned by famed supernatural investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren), I obviously question if any of the dolls could be haunted.
Kathryn picks out a porcelain doll from the group and hands her to me. Wearing a purple dress, the doll’s skin is pale white, with her blonde hair wild and matted. Painted on her cheek is a silver teardrop.
“This doll was at Vinnies, and there is something different about it,” Kathryn says. “When I was walking around with it at Vinnies, I had to keep her turned away from me. When I brought her home and had her on the table I had to turn her over. Eventually I couldn’t stand her looking at me, so I brought her downstairs and put her in the freezer.”
“Later I had a nap and when I woke up, I swore I heard something whispering my name. I went downstairs and she was still in the freezer. But I knew I had better treat this doll right, and now she sits on a shelf in my kitchen. I’m aware it was probably just my overactive imagination, but nonetheless she’s the scary one.”
“The tear drop only means one thing — that she’s killed someone.” Ben says ominously. “Or perhaps it’s a prophesy and someday she will.”
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The TTOK event is presented as a museum installation with stories about some of the dolls written by local authors Michelle Berry, Devon Code, Sarah Higginson, Mike Pettit, and Matt Snell. Kathryn and Ben will also be on hand as the curators of the collection to talk about the dolls and to answer any questions.
“The event is being framed as if we are a home for wayward dolls,” Ben says. “We’re able to divert their demonic entities into more positive pursuits, so that helps them behave well in society. We are hoping to have the museum as an annual event if we have fun doing it, and so far it’s been awesome. But we’ll need new dolls to change it up next year.”
An unusual Halloween event, Kathryn and Ben’s Creepy Doll Museum is a good excuse to come out on a weeknight. The event is deemed spooky but not gory and, as a result, is appropriate for kids who enjoy the strange and macabre.
“Jasmine Doyle”, one of the creepiest dolls from Ben Hatcher and Kathryn Bahun’s collection. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
This is a collection that must be seen to be believed, and will get you in the mood for Halloween fun. Unusual and captivating, these dolls will bore their eyes right into your soul.
After spending time holding Kathryn’s haunted doll, even I’ve had it haunt my dreams. These dolls have a profound effect on the psyche.
The Creepy Doll Museum is at TTOK for two nights only, October 29th and 30th. You can drop in anytime between 7 and 9:30 p.m. There is an entry fee of $5 at the door. For a preview of the dolls, visit @creepydollmuseum on Instagram.
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) is presenting the Experiential Learning Fair on November 8, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront in downtown Peterborough. The free information session and trade show will share information with employers about the practical benefits of experiential learning such as apprenticeships and cooperative work placements and connect employers with local organizations that provide opportunities and funding for employers to take advantage of experiential learning.
Is your business or organization experiencing challenges recruiting new talent, especially younger employees with the skills you need? Are you interested in opportunities and funding to groom job seekers and students as potential future employees?
WDB/LEPC presents Experiential Learning Fair
When: Friday, November 8, 2019 from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough) Cost: Free
Featuring a morning information session and an afternoon trade show. A free breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments will be provided. Register at eventbrite.ca.
If so, you’ll want to attend the Experiential Learning Fair, a free information session and trade show presented by the Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC) on Friday, November 8th at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront in downtown Peterborough.
Experiential learning is a way for job seekers and students to get hands-on experience with a business, helping to ensure the next generation of employees enters the workforce with the competencies and skills businesses need.
Apprenticeships, cooperative work placements, and summer student programs are just a few examples of experiential learning.
“There isn’t a lot of awareness about experiential learning,” says Rachel Brown, WDB/LEPC community development and communications coordinator. “Co-op and apprenticeship programs are starting to become such an integral part of education. We have to bridge the gaps somewhere and make people aware of the programs, the funding, and everything that’s out there to support employers and the people looking for opportunities.”
The Experiential Learning Fair will not only demonstrate the practical benefits of experiential learning for employers, but will also provide opportunities for businesses to connect with local organizations providing both the opportunities and funding for experiential learning.
To make this event invaluable for employers, WDB/LEPC has brought together guest speakers and trade show exhibitors from a wide range of local economic development organizations, post-secondary institutions, and employment service agencies from across Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton.
“The day is broken up into two parts,” Brown explains. “The first part is about getting first-hand knowledge. Presenter topics range from their own experience with experiential learning in their workplace and how it’s benefited them to the scope of experiential learning opportunities available, as well as highlights from WDB/LEPC’s experiential learning report.”
Experiential learning is a way for job seekers and students to get hands-on experience with a business, helping to ensure the next generation of employees enters the workforce with the competencies and skills businesses need. The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC)’s Experiential Learning Fair on November 8, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront in downtown Peterborough will not only demonstrate the practical benefits of experiential learning for employers, but will also provide opportunities for businesses to connect with local organizations providing both the opportunities and funding for experiential learning.
“The next part of the day is about networking — bridging connections with the people who are focused on experiential learning.”
The morning begins with breakfast and networking, followed by presentations and guest speakers that include Heather Reid, operations director of Abbey Gardens in Haliburton, a not-for profit charity that promotes sustainable living, local food, and renewable energy.
Reid will share her story about offering experiential learning opportunities at Abbey Gardens and the benefits the organization has seen as an employer.
Experiential Learning: The Building Blocks for Employers’ Success
In March 2019, WDB/LEPC released a report entitled Experiential Learning: The Building Blocks for Employers’ Success, focused on the benefits of experiential learning for employers. The publication provides four success stories from local employers in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism to illustrate the widespread benefits of experiential learning. A copy of the report is available for download in English or French.
Other speakers from Trent University and Fleming College will explain how experiential learning opportunities are becoming an integral part of many post-secondary educational programs, while speakers from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the Innovation Cluster will describe the scope of experiential opportunities that are supported by industry partners.
Representatives from VCCS Employment Services and Employment Planning and Counselling will provide an overview of the employer supports currently available to local businesses, and the WDB/LEPC will also present findings from a report on experiential learning they completed earlier this year — a report that prompted the creation of the Experiential Learning Fair.
Following lunch, the afternoon trade show will connect employers with a variety of local organizations that provide specific opportunities or funding to support experiential learning.
At the trade show, business owners can also learn more about the employer benefits of hosting students and job seekers in the workplace through experiential learning programs.
The Experiential Learning Fair is a unique opportunity for employers, from small businesses to large organizations, to find out everything they need to know about experiential learning and to network with key local organizations that can support it.
All of this can happen in a single day and at no cost other than the investment of your time — an investment that will pay dividends by increasing the pool of qualified employees and quite possibly saving your business money in the future.
If you are interested in hearing the morning presentations but are unable to attend in person, a webinar option is also available. Register for further instructions about participating online.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
This story was created in partnership with WDB/LEPC.
The St. James Players' production of "Mamma Mia!" stars (left to right) Keevin Carter as Harry Bright, Mark Gray as Bill Austin, Christie Freeman as Tanya, Warren Sweeting as Sam Carmichael, Natalie Dorsett as Donna Sheridan, Gillian Harknett as Sophie Sheridan, and Lyndele Gauci as Rosie. The hit musical featuring songs from Swedish pop icons ABBA runs for seven performances from November 8 to 26, 2019 at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of St. James Players)
Community theatre company St. James Players brings one of the most popular musicals of the modern era to Peterborough when they present Mamma Mia! at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for seven performances beginning Friday, November 8th.
St. James Players presents Mamma Mia!
When: Friday, November 8 & Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, November 14 – Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 9 & Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 2 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $27 adults, $23 seniors/students, $20 children/youth (plus fees)
Written by Catherine Johnson based on the songs of ABBA composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Directed by Jacquie Butler, with musical direction by Dustin Bowers and choreography by Melissa Earle. Starring Natalie Dorsett, Gillian Harknett, Keevin Carter, Mark Gray, Warren Sweeting, Christie Freeman, Lyndele Gauci, and more. Advance tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office, by phone at 705-742-7469, and online.
Directed by Jacquie Butler, with musical direction by Dustin Bowers and choreography by Melissa Earle, Mamma Mia! has a powerhouse cast of local musical theatre favourites bringing the magic and energy of Swedish pop sensations ABBA once again to the Peterborough stage.
One of the most popular pop bands in the world, ABBA is a perennial favourite that bridges generational gaps, ensuring an instant audience anytime their name is involved on the stage. Formed in Stockholm in 1972 by song-writing partners Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and female singers Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, ABBA found international fame in 1974 when they won the Eurovision song-writing competition with “Waterloo”.
The song quickly hit the top of the charts on every continent, and for the next eight years the band put out hit after hit, including a total of 20 on the Billboard Top 100.
“I watched ABBA when they won the Eurovision song competition in 1974 and we were all hooked in Europe,” says director Jacquie Butler, who originally comes from the U.K.
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“England always did well in the European song contest, but when Sweden came in they all knocked us out of the water with Waterloo,” Jacquie recalls. “And then ABBA just went up and up. Every song they put out was a hit. I grew up singing ABBA songs. I don’t know what it is. They are obviously well written, but they just have that certain something. I’ve always liked them.”
“So when I was approached by the board of St. James about directing a show I said ‘Definitely Mamma Mia!’ I am very passionate about the show, and I’ve told the cast that many times. It’s an uplifting and fun-filled show. When the audience comes out, they leave feeling good.”
Mamma Mia! Sneak Peek
At noon on Saturday, October 26th, several cast members of the St. James Players’ production of Mamma Mia! will be performing a sampling of favourite songs from the production in the food court of Lansdowne Place Mall (645 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson and originally opening in London’s West End at the Prince Edward Theatre in 1999, Mamma Mia! has become a worldwide theatrical phenomenon that continues today. Ensuring its popularity on the cultural landscape, the play was turned into a hit film in 2008, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan, once again bringing the music back to mass popularity, and making the story and characters familiar to audiences beyond the theatre world.
While Mamma Mia! has surprisingly never been won any major theatrical awards, the show has become a beloved favourite, acquiring a cult following, popularizing the “jukebox musical” genre, and creating a second wave of ABBAmania.
VIDEO: Mamma Mia! promo
In the St. James Players’ production of Mamma Mia!, the audience is invited to the fictional Greek island paradise of Kalokairi, where one woman’s romantic past is about to return to her life in a very real way. Weeks before her wedding, 20-year-old Sophie Sheridan (Gillian Harknett) reaches out to three men she has never met — one of whom may be her father — to come to her wedding, but without telling her fiery and independent mother Donna (Natalie Dorsett) about her plan.
Part of a pop trio in her youth, Donna gave up music when she got pregnant with Sophie while on tour in the Greek Islands in 1979. Settling down and creating her own successful holiday resort, Donna has lived her life as a strong-willed business woman and mother who never looked for assistance from Sophie’s father.
As the guests begin to arrive to the Island for Sophie’s big day, all three men show up … but which one is her real father? Is it American architect Sam Carmichael (Warren Sweeting), thrill-seeking explorer Bill Austin (Mark Gray), or punk-rocker-turned banker Harry Bright (Keevin Carter)?
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Now, with the island exploding with excitement for the upcoming wedding, Donna’s past comes crashing down on her as old romantic wounds are reopened, secrets are revealed, and the meaning of family is redefined.
Meeting with the cast during a Sunday afternoon rehearsal at St. James Church, I was surprised by the amount of thought and depth the primary cast has put into their roles, as they weave together the back story between the various characters. Having seen Mamma Mia! multiple times, I have never thought of it as a complex show, but my conversation with the cast made me realize that there is more to this story than perhaps I initially believed.
“There are a lot of layers to this show,” says Christie Freeman, who takes on the role of Tanya, one of Donna’s friends and former bandmates. “The show may seem one dimensional, but once you start analyzing the relationships you can start picking and prodding and moving the pieces around.”
“It’s our job as actors to project to the audience that the show is not one dimensional, and that there is depth to these relationships,” adds Warren Sweeting. “I think some groups that put on the show don’t look at it in depth, and I’ll admit that this is the first time I’ve thought that much about it.”
In the St. James Players’ production of “Mamma Mia!”, Sophie Sheridan (Gillian Harknett) invites the three men who might be her father — Harry Bright (Keevin Carter), Bill Austin (Mark Gray), and Sam Carmichael (Warren Sweeting) — to her wedding on a Greek island. (Photo courtesy of St. James Players)
“It’s easy to be in a musical and have it just be a musical,” Natalie Dorsett says. “But if you don’t take a musical to that next level, then it isn’t going to be relatable. Mamma Mia! is relatable. You all know people like each of these characters. You all know a Tanya. You all know a Rosie. You all know a Harry.”
Starring as Donna (portrayed by Meryl Streep in the film version), Natalie is performing a dream role that she’s wanted to play since she was a teenager.
“I love playing Donna,” she explains. “I first saw Mamma Mia! in Toronto when I was 18, and it was the first date my husband and I went on. We were watching it and he said to me ‘So, do you want to play Sophie?’ and I said ‘Hell no, I want to be Donna!’ I like that she’s strong, she gets things done, and she raised Sophie by herself. Sophie is an amazing person. I love that. I think there will be the people on the audience who will also want to be Donna.”
“I find Donna layered,” Natalie continues. “She has walls up, but she’s super vulnerable. You can see Sophie trying to be the opposite of her mother, but by the end she finds that she is exactly like her mother. That’s also a relatable story for people.”
Although faced by a trio of potential fathers, Donna finds her romantic foil in Warren’s character Sam.
“Sam is like the clandestine love interest of the show,” Warren says of his character. “We know what’s going to happen at the end of the show, but there is a battle between him and Donna through the whole show. Do they like each other? Do they not like each other? Are they playing angry because they are covering up the fact that they like each other? Sam is not hugely different from myself, so it’s not hard to walk into the role.”
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“Sam is also the only one who is able to break through Donna’s walls, because her walls are sky high and four feet thick,” Natalie adds.
“It’s because Sam shows some backbone throughout the show, while the other guys kind of bend a little bit,” Warren replies. “Sam is the first person who took Donna to the island, and he took their dreams and made them a reality that he never knew about. That’s says a lot about the relationship as it was.”
“It’s because there is investment in the relationship,” Natalie points out. “The other two guys were just flings. Sam was a short-term love affair, while the other guys were just rebounds.”
One of the “other guys” is played by Mark Gray, who makes his St. James Players debut in the role of dashing travel writer Bill.
“I like the role of Bill,” Mark says. “It fits with me. Bill is the intrepid traveller and writer, gets in adventures all over the world, and writes about it. That fits with me. I like the bush and go solo camping. I like to write and have travelled to 14 countries around the world. I’ve been using that to connect to the character.”
However, as Mark notes, the majority of his scenes are not with Natalie, but are instead with Gillian who plays Sophie.
“When Bill starts to discover that he could be Sophie’s father, he’s nervous about it,” Bill says. “Nothing has pinned him down in his whole life, so by having a 20-year-old daughter in front of him he’s got to come to turns with that. But she’s such a beautiful young woman, so why wouldn’t he want to be her father? I hope to portray how nervous he is because that could change his life.”
In the St. James Players’ production of “Mamma Mia!”, Natalie Dorsett plays Donna Sheridan, the strong-willed mother of Sophie (Gillian Harknett), who is getting married. Unbeknownst to her mother, Sophie has invited the three men who might be her father to the wedding, forcing Donna to confront her past. (Photo courtesy of St. James Players)
In the role of Harry, the third potential father, Keevin Carter plays a man not only searching for a version of himself from the past but one who also reveals something unexpected to his former lover.
“Harry is very successful and works in London in the finance sector,” Keevin says. “But he is in a place where he feels his life has become boring and routine and he is fearful that his partner feels the same way. So he comes back to the island to revisit his past days where he was spontaneous and a head banger and completely different from what he has become. He wants to share who he really is now with Donna, which he wasn’t able to do all those years ago. There might be some people in the audience who will say ‘Wow, I didn’t see that coming!'”
As the comedic relief in the drama, Christie Freeman and Lyndele Gauci play Donna’s best friends and former musical co-horts Tanya and Rosie.
“Rosie and Tanya are opposites,” Christie says. “Tanya is insecure and self-absorbed, while Rosie isn’t. We represent double sides of a coin. Playing Tanya is fun because she’s so different from me. Tanya has had an interesting life of numerous marriages and jet setting round the world, and I’m still an immature flirt. I’m the comic relief I suppose.”
“I’m typecast,” laughs Lyndele, who returns to the Peterborough stage after a four-year hiatus. “Rosie is also comic relief, but she is more practical. She’s the kind of girl who doesn’t take crap, but she’s super fun. I really relate to the character. I definitely see a lot of myself in her, but I also find that I’m learning from Rosie. I admire her confidence, and I see that’s where I am in my life.”
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I was invited to watch the cast, a large ensemble spread across multiple generations of performers, be put through their paces by choreographer Melissa Earl during the massive “Voulez Vous” number. High energy and larger than life, the number beautifully fuses together the drama of Mamma Mia! with the music of ABBA which, at its core, is the backbone of the show.
There is no denying that now, more than ever, ABBA’s music is always a hit with any audience.
“Globally ABBA has had so much radio play,” Mark says. “Musically it defines a time when it first broke. For older audiences, it takes us back to when we danced and when we sang along. It’s also fun music — fun to sing along to and very danceable. It propels people to want to move. It did then, and it does now with younger people. I think there is an infectious quality to the music. That’s what draws people to it.”
“There is a certain age group that grew up with ABBA,” Warren adds. “In my household, when growing up, ABBA was on every day. It was fun music. It’s entertaining and uplifting. In Mamma Mia!, it’s amazing that they are able to take all those songs and insert them into a cohesive story in a meaningful way. That just amazes me.”
“But after a while it you start to forget that it’s ABBA music,” Natalie points out. “Eventually it becomes Mamma Mia! music.”
From tribute bands to karaoke bars, anything involving ABBA is going to find its audience, and Mamma Mia! is always a favourite. The St. James Players’ production combination of the endearing music, high-energy performances, and powerhouse cast made up of truly lovely individuals left me feeling excited and uplifted after the rehearsal. Based on my what I saw, I believe Mamma Mia! will be the feel-good musical of 2019.
Manma Mia! opens on Friday, November 8th and runs for seven performances until Saturday, November 16th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough). Tickets are $27 for adults, $23 for seniors/students, or $20 for children/youth (plus fees) and are available in person at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at showplace.org.
The first of four buildings Ashburnham Realty is proposing for a development in East City bordered by Hunter Street East, Rogers Street, Robinson Street, and Maria Street. The six-storey building fronting Hunter Street East east of the Rotary Greenway Trail will feature a restaurant on the ground floor, commercial tenants on the second floor, and apartments on the upper floors. It is the largest of the four buildings planned. (Rendering courtesy of Ashburnham Realty)
East City remains at the centre of the Peterborough universe for residential property developers.
On Thursday night (October 24) at Mark Street United Church in Peterborough, a public information session featured updated plans for, and details of, mixed-used residential-commercial developments proposed for four properties bordering the Rotary Greenway Trail south of Hunter Street East.
The affected addresses are 109, 115, 125 and 127 Hunter Street East, 367 Rogers Street, and 124 Robinson Street.
A number of area residents attended to ask questions of Ashburnham Realty owner Paul Bennett, who is developing the properties. Also fielding enquiries was planner Kevin Duguay, as well as representatives of Lett Architects and Engage Engineering.
Ashburnham Realty owner Paul Bennett (right), who is developing a number of East City properties for mixed-use residential-commercial purposes, interacted with a number of residents Thursday night (October 24) who attended an open house and information session at Mark Street United Church. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
Bennett’s plan for the properties marks another in a series of major East City residential developments. East of Ashburnham Drive in the shadow of the Peterborough Lift Lock, the Ashborough Village subdivision will see 700 units built — houses, townhouses and apartments — while East City Condos, a nine-storey building developed by Toronto-based TMV Group, is set to rise at the southwest corner of Hunter Street East and Armour Road.
Bennett’s development features a six-storey building fronting Hunter Street East east of the trail with a restaurant on the ground floor, commercial tenants on the second floor, and apartments on the upper floors. It is the largest of the four buildings planned.
Bennett is also developing property west of the trail, also fronting Hunter Street East, and a strip of land also on the trail’s east side that extends close to Robinson Street. In total, 90-plus units will be developed.
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“It (East City) is a pretty special spot that has all the services right here at our fingertips but if you want to walk downtown, you can get there in five minutes,” says Bennett, an East City native.
“Working with the city, it was one of those things we both felt could be bigger and better, so we focused on some other parcels of land and tried to achieve a real extension of Hunter Street by almost continuing it through to Robinson Street.”
“I think we’ve done that. The architects have done a beautiful job in terms of designing what that connectivity could look like. When you can take old parking lots and old gas stations and give them new life, and hopefully add a lot of the services that aren’t in East City right now, that’s the fun stuff.”
With the plan now to start construction next year (pending city approval of any site plan amendments required), Bennett says commercial tenants for the two Hunter Street-facing buildings are already in place or in the process of being finalized.
A drawing of the four buildings in the proposed development along the Rotary Greenway Trail between Hunter Street East and Robinson Street in East City. The drawing was part of an information package was distributed to area residents informing them of the October 24 information session.
The challenge, Bennett adds, isn’t a new one — namely, developing in an established neighbourhood.
“You’re not grabbing a three-acre piece of land on the outskirts of town that has no issues,” he explains. “Every parcel of land in this project has an issue, and they link to cause more issues. Navigating through that with the city is a challenge from the planning and engineering side, but I hope at the end of the day it’s well worthwhile.”
“If you walk down there right now, it’s not the nicest area. That part of East City deserves better.”
For his part, Duguay says there are too many positives to this development to be ignored.
“Hunter Street is being reinforced through this development,” he notes. “Our main commercial activity is being placed at the front face on the south side of Hunter Street. We are enhancing the Rotary Greenway Trail as it crosses Hunter Street from its existing location.”
“We’re aware that we’re developing half a municipal block, a long linear property that had some historical use as an old rail line, an old warehouse, an old fuel storage yard, and surplus parking spaces for the hospital. That was its setting: an undeveloped, under-utilized, vacant collection of properties.”
“When you advance a development, you want to be respectful of what’s around it,” Duguay adds. “We’re respecting the main street of Hunter Street, we’re respecting the trail, and we are being considerate of the adjacent low-density residential properties. The development we’re seeing today is mixed use on a main street in a downtown of our vibrant community. It ticks all the boxes.”
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Karen Kaufman, an eight-year resident of East City, was among those who attended the open house. Her main concern focused on potential increased traffic impacts.
“What’s my message to the developer? Let’s discuss infrastructure. Let’s look at the roads and how the traffic will impact neighbourhoods. I don’t know if that has been addressed. That’s why I’m here.”
“You’ve got to know when to say ‘Stop’ so we can maintain quality of life. We’ve been here for awhile. This is our home. We don’t negate what they’re doing. It’s bound to be done, but let’s do it right. We’re watching.”
Ashburnham Realty owner Paul Bennett (left) and architect Michael Gallant of Lett Architects (second from right) engaged a number of residents Thursday night (October 24) at an open house and information session concerning plans for the mixed-use residential-commercial development of several properties in East City. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
Duguay readily admits the development “will generate some traffic” but not enough that it will “overwhelm the streets.”
“Some time later, if we’ve done our job right and responsibly, we will see an end product that’s built, that is being enjoyed, and is utilized by the community. That’s the goal. That it works and it blends in.”
As for the residential building ‘boom’ that East City is seeing, Bennett notes it’s reflective of an “urbanization theme” seen in communities across North America.
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“For the longest time, people did ‘sprawl’ and looked for the cheapest piece of land,” Bennett says. “From a healthy activity and mental mindset, and for the environment, it’s much more important for us to start looking at how we can live differently and that includes living closer to the core and higher densities. It’s a market trend to start moving closer to the middle and living more healthy, active lifestyles.”
Duguay points out the soon-to-be-completed connection of Highway 407 to Highway 115-35 is already producing a demand for living space in the Peterborough area.
“There are very few building lots available in the city. Most of our green field lands are spoken for. Our outlying rural settlement areas — Norwood, Havelock, Lakefield — those lands are being prepared and designed for future development.”
“The 407 connects Peterborough to a marketplace that is starting to look at Peterborough and the Kawarthas because of the quality of life we offer. The growth that is contemplated is realistic. Our community has an opportunity to embrace and celebrate that.”
Praising Bennett as “a developer that cares about his community,” Duguay stresses all involved in the project’s development are local and committed to getting it right.
Bennett adds what he heard from those who dropped by the open house was “super positive. We’re excited to get going.”
As for two other major Ashburnham Realty projects in the works (luxury condo buildings planned for Lake and Crescent streets near Little Lake and “a more rent-conscious” building at Rink and Olive streets), Bennett says “We’re still pushing forward with those.”
A statutory public meeting about the proposed East City development has yet to be scheduled. The city’s planning department will be issuing a formal notice of that public meeting in the future.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for significant rainfall on Saturday night (October 26) for southern areas of the Kawarthas.
This includes Peterborough and Lakefield and southern Peterborough County, the southern Kawartha Lakes including Lindsay, and Northumberland County including Port Hope and Cobourg.
A low pressure system will approach southern Ontario late Saturday, with rain developing over the area on Saturday evening.
Rain, heavy at times, will continue through Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Total rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm are possible, with the heaviest rain falling overnight Saturday. Gusty easterly winds up to 60 km/h are possible.
Rain will taper to scattered showers by Sunday evening.
Environment Canada does not expect to issue rainfall warnings, but recommends that storm drains are clear of leaves and other debris. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods as well as water pooling on roads.
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