A view of Victoria Beach on Lake Ontario in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Linda McIlwain)
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at 85 beaches in the Kawarthas — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of August 14, 2019, the following beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming:
Norwood – Peterborough County
Bewdley Beach – Port Hope – County of Northumberland
Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the local health unit websites at Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. As noted above, the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are tested every business day so the results listed below may not be current.
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Peterborough City/County
City of Peterborough Beaches (sampled each business day)
Roger’s Cove (131 Maria St, Peterborough) – sample date 2019/08/13 – SAFE
Yukon band The Lucky Ones bring their authentic country-roots music to The Arlington Pub in Maynooth on Saturday, August 10th and the Ganaraska Hotel in Port Hope on Tuesday, August 13th. You can also catch them at the Peterborough Folk Festival in Nicholls Oval Park on the weekend of August 17th. (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, August 8 to Wednesday, August 14.
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.
Saturday, August 17 1pm - Saturday afternoon jazz w/ Chris Smith; 7:30pm - 5th Business
Sunday, August 11 12-3:30pm - Sunday Afternoon Gospel w/ Gord Kidd and Fat Fingers Slimm
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 17 1:30-5pm - PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam hosted by The Lindsay Barr Band (by donation, all proceeds to musicians in need)
Dreams of Beans
138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 15 8pm - Open mic hosted by Jacques Graveline
Friday, August 16 7pm - Low Insight Tapes Vol. 1 Release Party ft. Reign Boi, Michael Morse, Rob Hailman, Jeff Curtis, Parker Nicholls ($5 or PWYC, $10 includes copy of LIT Vol. 1)
Saturday, August 17 9pm - OhH Honey! Drag Show & Dance ft Dixie Q, Janis From Acounting, Quxxn The Drag Queen, & more ($20 at door)
Ganarascals Restaurant
53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888
Saturday, August 10
7-10pm - Mayhemingways ($15, call or email to reserve your tickets)
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Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Friday, August 9
8pm - Fridays at The Ganny presents Comedy, Burlesque and Draft ft headliner Lianne Mauladin, Nerd Girl Burlesque, and Allysin Chaynes ($20)
Saturday, August 10
2pm & 10pm - Bone Yard
Tuesday, August 13
8pm - The Lucky Ones
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 17 2pm & 10pm - Gator James Band
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Sunday, August 11
9pm - Douleur Fantôme, Anthems of the Void, Olias ($8)
Tuesday, August 13
8pm - Test Their Logik, Holy Void, People You Meet Outside of Bars, Garbageface ($10 at door or PWYC)
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 15 8pm - The Leanover, Peachykine, Erika Nininger, The Kommenden ($10 or PWYC)
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 24 8:30pm - Dopewolf XII ft Pessimist Prime, Recos, DJs Chronokinesis, No Guilty Pleasures, Molly Millions, & more
Saturday, August 31 8pm - Rogue Tenant, Nikki Fierce, Nick Procyshyn & The Bad Milk
Saturday, September 7 7pm - Marksman Entertainment presents "Going Green" ft Taylor Landry, The Back Row Society, DJ Taktikill, Champagne, Billy Marks, DJ Hooked on Cronic, Empress, Maceo, S-Ka Paid, 3llls, 420 Klick ($15)
Hot Belly Mama's
378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544
Thursday, August 8
6-8pm - Live music
Junction Nightclub
253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550
Friday, August 9
10pm - Nothing But the 90s hosted by DJ Bill Porter (no cover)
Kawartha Coffee Co.
58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500
Saturday, August 10
8pm - Karaoke w/ Kelly Burrows
Tuesday, August 13
7-9pm - Open mic hosted by Nathan Truax
Coming Soon
Friday, August 16 7:30-11pm - Pint of Blarney
Sunday, August 18 2-5pm - Andy and Moe Show
Friday, August 23 8pm - Karaoke w/ Kelly Burrows
Saturday, August 24 8pm - Kelly Burrows Trio
Mainstreet Landing Restaurant
1939 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
(705) 657-9094
Sunday, August 11
1-4pm - Wylie Harold
Marley's Bar & Grill
17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545
Friday, August 9
7-10pm - Hillary Dumoulin
Saturday, August 10
7-10pm - Sonny & Cloudy
Coming Soon
Friday, August 16 7-10pm - Chris Culgin
Saturday, August 17 7-10pm - Freeman Dre
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600
Friday, August 9
8pm - Janet Jeffery Band
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
9pm - Live music hosted by Tony Silvestri and Greg Caven
Fridays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Saturdays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Sundays
8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon
Mondays
9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green
Wednesdays
9pm - Live music hosted by Kevin Foster
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100
Tuesday, August 13
7-9pm - North Country Express (patio)
Next Door
197 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(647) 270-9609
Friday, August 9
9pm - Sly Violet
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010
Thursday, August 8
7-10pm - Open Mic
Saturday, August 17
1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays w/ Jacques Graveline
Publican House Brewery
300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743
Friday, August 9
6-9pm - Bobby Watson
Saturday, August 10
6-9pm - House Brand
Sunday, August 11
3-6pm - Ace and The Kid
Coming Soon
Friday, August 16 6-9pm - Fun Cam (Cameron Fraser)
Saturday, August 17 6-9pm - House Brand
Sunday, August 18 3-6pm - Ace and The Kid
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Saturday, August 10
8pm - High Waters Band
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Thursday, August 8
9pm - The Weber Brothers present Timothy Bracken ($10)
Friday, August 9
9pm - Silver Hearts w/ Mike Begin and the Professionals
Tuesday, August 13
9pm - Open mic
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 15 9pm - The Weber Brothers present Jocelyn Marie Gould ($10)
Saturday, August 17 11pm - Peterborough Folk Festival After Party ft Fast Romantics w/ Paper Shakers ($5 at door)
Sunday, August 18 8:30pm - Peterborough Folk Festival After Party ft Fred Penner & more ($5 at door, free for PFF volunteers wearing t-shirt)
YMCA of Central East Ontario board chair John Mastorakos presents Peterborough educator and activitist Rosmary Ganley with the 2018 YMCA Peace Medal on November 23, 2018 as Ganley's grandaughters Ava and Emma look on. Nominations for the 2019 Peace Medal are now open. (Photo: YMCA of Central East Ontario / Facebook)
The YMCA of Central East Ontario is seeking nominations for the 2019 YMCA Peace Medal.
Each year, YMCAs across Canada celebrate acts of peace by recognizing individuals and groups who — without any special resources, status, wealth, or position — have demonstrated a commitment to building peace within their community or communities elsewhere in the world.
“We know that there are some outstanding people in our community,” says Cindy Mytruk, Peace Week Coordinator at the YMCA of Central East Ontario’s Balsillie Family Branch.
“By recognizing the ways that these individuals and groups are working towards peace, we have the opportunity to learn, share and make our own commitments to get involved in peace work.”
In 2018, Peterborough’s Rosemary Ganley was honoured with the Peace Medal for her work as an educator, humanitarian, feminist, journalist, and activist.
Peacemakers are selected through a nomination process. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to community building, empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, advocating positive change in the community, building and strengthening community connections and inspiring others to foster peace.
Toronto-based AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck is performing at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough on August 10, 2019. (Photo: Jeff Shaw / jeffshaw.ca)
Thunder will roll in on August 10th at Del Crary Park — but you can leave your umbrella at home.
Peterborough Musicfest presents Thunderstruck
When: Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent for $4/chair). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
On that Saturday night, Peterborough Musicfest patrons won’t have to worry about what’s over their heads. Instead their ears will be pounded by the guitar-driven, bass-thumping signature sound of Australian rock band AC/DC as served up by Thunderstruck — the third and final tribute act presented by the summer concert series as part of its 33rd season.
Admission to the 8 p.m concert is free, thanks to the support of sponsors.
Formed in 2001 “from the ashes of other AC/DC tribute bands,” Toronto-based Thunderstruck captures the over-the-top energy that is the trademark of the Young brothers-founded band that has sold more than 200 million records.
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What started out as a weekend gig close to band members’ homes is still going strong as a part-time gig close to 20 years later — a period which has seen Thunderstruck tour across Canada and the United States as well as on entertain on cruise ships.
“The power of Thunderstruck mirrors the pure strength, energy, and sound of a live AC/DC show,” says lead vocalist Blair Briceland in an interview with Glenda Fordham of Fordham PR. “We formed in 2001 and have been touring for almost 16 years. We perform as detailed impersonations of each band member which includes the authentic guitars, amps, drums, and the trademark school boy outfit.”
The band — whose other members are Rich Trevor on lead guitar, Chris Newman on rhythm guitar, Pete Stewart on bass guitar, and Niall Mellors on drums — has even toured with AC/DC’s very first vocalist Dave Evans, who sang with the band for one year in 1973, appearing on their debut single, before being fired and replaced with Bon Scott.
VIDEO: “If You Want Blood” by AC/DC performed by Thunderstruck
VIDEO: “TNT” by AC/DC performed by Thunderstruck
VIDEO: “Let There Be Rock” by AC/DC performed by Thunderstruck
Fans of AC/DC — there remains millions worldwide — can expect the straight ahead, no-holds-barred sound the Australian rock band has brought around the globe since 1973 via signature hits such as “Highway To Hell”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”, “TNT”, “Back In Black”, “Hell’s Bells” and, of course, “Thunderstruck”, to name but a few song choices.
In choosing Thunderstruck as its name, the quintet selected a rock anthem that, via its hypnotic “thunder” chant and guitarist Angus Young’s trademark song-opening riff, solidified AC/DC’s rightful place as the ultimate good time party band. Those looking for something deep both lyrically and musically, be warned: this is all about rock music for the sheer fun of it.
The lead single from AC/DC’s 1990 album The Razors Edge, “Thunderstruck” peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks listing and was platinum certified in Canada. Since being made available via digital download, the track has sold more than a million copies.
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“It started off from a little trick I had on guitar,” recalls Young in the liner notes for the 2003 re-release of The Razors Edge.
“I played it to Mal (his brother Malcolm Young) and he said ‘Oh, I’ve got a good rhythm idea that will sit well in the back.’ We built the song up from that. We fiddled about with it for a few months before everything fell into place. Lyrically, it was really just a case of finding a good title. We came up with this thunder thing, based on our favorite childhood toy ThunderStreak and it seemed to have a good ring to it. AC/DC equals power. That’s the basic idea.”
Since the AC/DC’s 1973 inception, Angus Young has made wearing a school uniform, complete with a backpack, a very cool thing. While that visual has been and remains entertaining, there’s a lot of substance here, as evidenced by the band’s enduring success and corresponding tributes from around the world, including the band’s 2003 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
VIDEO: “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC
VIDEO: “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC
VIDEO: “You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC
AC/DC, which has recorded 17 studio albums to date, survived the 1980 death of lead singer Bon Scott, who died of acute alcohol poisoning. The band didn’t miss a beat, enlisting Brian Johnson as its front man and subsequently enjoying continued recording and touring success.
Since the 2016 departure of Johnson and the death of Malcolm Young the following year following a lengthy illness, the band has been comprised of brothers Angus and Stevie Young along with Chris Slade and, having joined them to finish out a 2016 tour, Guns ‘n’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose.
At present, there is talk of a new album being recorded followed by a tour — perhaps with Johnson back in the mix.
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Win VIP passes to MusicFest!
As a returning sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest, kawarthaNOW.com will be giving away VIP seats to every one of this summer’s concerts again this year.
While the concerts are free to all, VIP seats are not available to the general public — only to festival sponsors. You are guaranteed a chair near to the stage for the best view.
The giveaways are exclusive to subscribers to our weekly e-news. For your chance to win, sign-up to our weekly e-news at k-n.ca/subscribe.
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission, sponsor-supported concerts featuring a total of 21 acts during its 33rd season — each concert staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights at Del Crary Park.
Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the entire 2019 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
Environment Canada has just issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Kawarthas for Thursday (August 8).
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rain.
Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
Environment Canada issues severe thunderstorm watches when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.
A highlight of GreenUP Ecology Park's Family Night is the Lantern Walk, where participants can make their very own lantern and travel the park's winding nature trails. This year's event, which takes place on Thursday, August 15th, also features a scavenger hunt, bike decorating, bubble making, and face painting. (Photo: Karen Halley)
After another wonderful summer of environmental programming at the vibrant GreenUP Ecology Park, we would like to cordially invite you to help wrap up the season at our annual Family Night and Lantern Walk from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 15th.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Vern Bastable, Manager of GreenUP Ecology Park.
Family Night marks the end of the summer for GreenUP Ecology Park. And before we become focused on preparing for the upcoming school year, this event provides families with an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature for an evening — maybe even to stay out past bedtime one more time!
Don’t have kids or they are all grown up? While many activities are kid focused, you can come out to relax in our display gardens or to take part in the beautiful lantern walk. All are welcome at Family Night.
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Throughout the evening, we will have lantern-making stations set up, and children will be encouraged to craft their own candlelit lantern. At 8 p.m., everyone will be invited to take their lanterns along a fluted walk through Ecology Park’s winding trails, creating a beautiful glow as the sun sets.
The kids can have their faces painted at GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night and Lantern Walk on August 15, 2019. (Photo: GreenUP)
But wait, that’s not all: park staff have been working hard to put together a fun evening with lots of other games and activities.
Join GreenUP Ecology Park’s education co-ordinator Matthew Walmsley, along with other park staff, for a variety of activities including a guided stream study and face painting.
And don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure and competition, as you complete our scavenger hunt for a chance to win a prize.
A giant bubble-making station will be set up at GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night and Lantern Walk on August 15, 2019. (Photo: GreenUP)
This year’s events will take place in our brand-new Children’s Education Shelter.
This shelter was constructed as part of a sustainable building intensive program offered by the Endeavour Centre for Sustainable Learning, Building, and Living. The co-directors of the Endeavour Centre, Chris Magwood and Jen Feigin, will be on-site from 6 to 7 p.m. to talk about the project and to highlight some of the key sustainability features.
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There will be a new show this year: stunt ventriloquist Tim Holland. Gather around a camp circle at 7 p.m. to enjoy Tim’s quick comic banter with puppets, all while accomplishing various feats of juggling, magic, and mastering a high unicycle.
The performance is wonderful spectacle for all ages and is not to be missed.
New this year, “stunt ventriloquist” Tim Holland will perform puppetry, ventriloquism, juggling, and unicycling at GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night and Lantern Walk on August 15, 2019. (Publicity photo)
This community event will also showcase many of the programs that GreenUP offers. If you are curious about what we do, or have any questions about how you can get involved, this night is for you.
GreenUP’s Water Department will be there to demonstrate how water is cleaned in our natural environment and in our urban landscapes. Families will have the opportunity to build their own water filter while learning about clean drinking water.
Additionally, if you love blowing bubbles (and who doesn’t?), you’ll also get to try your hand at the giant bubble-making station.
GreenUP’s Transportation and Urban Design department will host a bike decorating station for kids at GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night and Lantern Walk on August 15, 2019. (Photo: Karen Halley)
GreenUP’s Transportation and Urban Design department will host a bike-decorating station for kids. If you love biking, here’s your chance to say it loud and say it proud.
All this, along with our beautiful display gardens, nature viewing dock, and children’s play area, will make for a fantastic evening.
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There is no admission to participate. However, donations to cover the cost of Lantern Night will be graciously accepted, as they enable us to keep this event returning each year.
Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that will prevent mosquito bites and that will be okay to get dirty while making lanterns, bike decorating, and playing in the good old outdoors.
At GreenUP Ecology Park’s Family Night and Lantern Walk on August 15, 2019, families will have the opportunity to build their own water filter while learning about clean drinking water. (Photo: GreenUP)
Most importantly, bring your sense of wonder and interest to learn more about ecology in our beautiful city.
GreenUP Ecology Park is located at 1899 Ashburnham Drive. Plenty of parking is available at the Beavermead lot via Marsdale Drive.
Better yet, arrive by foot or people-powered wheels — Ecology Park is located along the Trans Canada Trail in East City, offering a great opportunity to enjoy the trail. Ample bike parking will be available, and don’t forget your bike lights for the ride home.
Halifax singer-songwriter Ben Caplan will perform at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on September 7, 2019, with Niagara country-folk musician Spencer Burton opening. (Photo: Jamie Kronick)
Speaking on the phone from Halifax, the tone of Ben Caplan’s voice makes one thing abundantly clear: it’s good to be home.
Market Hall presents Ben Caplan with Spencer Burton
When: Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) How much: $23 including fees
Cabaret table seats are assigned, with the remainder of the seats general admission. Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
Make no mistake. The Hamilton-born folk singer and musician loves being in front of an audience. That hasn’t changed since he struck out in 2006 to make a living as a troubadour.
But having just completed a number of performances in Europe, well, home is home.
But little rest, if any, for the weary. Caplan will recharge his batteries in August but early September will mark the start of another tour that will see him return to Europe as well as headline a series of Canadian shows, including a concert on Saturday, September 7th at Market Hall in downtown Peterborough.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. performance — fellow troubadour Spencer Burton will open — cost $23 including fees and are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
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“I’m touring with a bunch of really great musicians,” says Caplan, noting this marks his second trek to Peterborough, the first a club date “about six or seven years ago” (he performed at The Spill, since closed, in Feburary 2012).
“Probably a third of the music will be from Old Stock. We’ll be playing some songs from the other records as well and we’ll throw in a cover or two.”
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story is a musical theatre piece written by Hannah Moscovitch, featuring songs written by Caplan in collaboration with Christian Barry and Geoff Berner. Inspired by the experiences of two Jewish Romanian refugees who came to Canada in 1908, the musical premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has since won numerous accolades, including six Drama Desk Award nominations in the wake of a seven-week off Broadway run in New York City.
VIDEO: The Making of Ben Caplan’s Old Stock – Ben Caplan
In 2018, Caplan released Old Stock. A collection of songs from the musical, the album is Caplan’s third, preceded by In The Time Of Great Remembering (2011) and Birds With Broken Wings (2015).
“It (Old Stock) seems to have really resonated with a lot of people,” says Caplan.
“A lot of people come and talk to me about their own stories and the stories of their grandparents. A lot of people strongly identify with that story. To be honest, it (the musical’s reception) has been flabbergasting. I believed in the work when we were making it and, when it was done, I felt it was a very strong piece of work but I certainly didn’t expect the degree of positive response nor the scale of it.”
VIDEO: “Birds With Broken Wings” – Ben Caplan
With immigration the focus of much political back-and-forth, particularly south of the border, Old Stock has a particular relevance. That’s not lost on Caplan, who explains he wrote the songs in response to the emerging refugee crisis in 2015.
“It’s sort of a response to that tragedy. But for me, the music is not about the particulars of the specific story that is told in that play, but more about the specificity of humanizing individuals going through that experience and trying to find ways of looking at the universality of that experience.”
That Caplan gravitated to theatre-based songwriting and performance makes sense. In Hamilton, he attended theatre school at a young age and continued with that until age 18 — an undertaking that satisfied what he recalls as “an impulse to get up in front of people.”
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“I also grew up loving music. I remember my older brother playing records in the house while I was getting ready for school. Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead … typical teenage brother stuff. As I got into my teen years, I discovered Bob Dylan and Neil Young and Joni Mitchell and got really deep into American folk revival kind of stuff. It was a natural progression. I got a guitar and learned songs and that translated into a drive to get on stage and try to create my own stuff and here we are.”
As for folk music being his genre of choice, Caplan says that initially developed out of his love for “the natural sound” sound of acoustic instruments, adding, “I guess I was a bit of hippie wanna-be in my early teens, so that probably played some kind of a role.”
“I have no gripes with the success of pop music, R&B, hip hop and all the different styles (of music). I listen to other kinds of music as well. There is a richness to each of the genres. But there’s something about hearing human fingers on an acoustic instrument; hearing the sounds being created by real analog machines. It’s deeply satisfying. I really get off on hearing the sound from someone who has achieved that level of closeness with their instrument.”
VIDEO: “Under Control” – Ben Caplan
His personal satisfaction aside, Caplan’s mastery of his instrument, combined with his resonant baritone vocals, has earned him considerable industry praise. He’s been nominated for seven Nova Scotia Music Awards, winning Entertainer of the Year honours in 2012. In addition, the East Coast Music Awards granted Caplan the Rising Star Recording of the Year trophy in 2013.
“I try to keep a modest relationship with the awards,” he reflects. “It’s deeply meaningful but it’s simultaneously totally meaningless. An award doesn’t put food on the table. I’m my harshest critic. It’s important for me to maintain that relationship to not allow my head to grow and sort of keep myself humble. I’m as good as the work that I’m capable of today.”
Terming touring “definitely my forté,” Caplan says performing live is “a different animal” from recording in the studio.
“They both require different skills and different thought processes. I’ve had 1,200 to 1,300 chances to practice getting up on stage but I’ve had just three chances to practice making a record. Yes, I’m much more comfortable being on a stage than I am in a studio.”
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Maintaining there are new fans of the folk music genre to be won — “I meet young fans regularly” — Caplan says the drive to get up on stage “is still very present,” although he admits to being more selective as to what shows he agrees to play.
“I’ve sort of already passed all the goals that I ever had. I’ve played in 28 countries and played on some pretty big stages. It’s pretty surreal. Now I want to make sure I’m focusing on maintaining a reasonable quality of life and have a measure of balance. This is a difficult industry to make a living in. I’m figuring out how to keep it going but also, as I push into my mid 30s, figuring out ways to treat my body that are not as punishing due to the unusual demands.”
VIDEO: “40 Days & 40 Nights” – Ben Caplan
Looking ahead beyond the upcoming fall tour — a trek that, beyond his Market Hall appearance, includes several performances of Old Stock in London, England and Ottawa — Caplan says he’s “slowly starting to pick away at a new album” as well as having discussions regarding the possible creation of music for another theatrical production.
“I feel a deep sense of great fortune and luck,” says Caplan.
“I like to live by the creed that luck is when opportunity meets with preparation. I’ve certainly done a lot of preparation but I’ve also had a lot of opportunity. I don’t take that for granted. I’ve been very blessed and privileged to have had the opportunities that have come my way.”
VIDEO: “Widow Bride” – Ben Caplan
“I count my lucky stars that it has just sort of panned out. The right mentors, the right influences, the right people around me, the right moments. I’ve made the right mistakes at the right time and very few of the wrong mistakes at the wrong time.”
For more on Ben Caplan, including his full touring schedule, visit his website at www.bencaplan.ca.
Niagara country-folk-pop singer-songwriter Spencer Burton is opening for Ben Caplan at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on September 7, 2019. (Photo: Colin Medley)
Based on his cowboy-esque photo, you’d be forgiven for believing Niagara singer-songwriter Spencer Burton has been performing country-folk music his entire life.
While he does in fact now live on a farm in Ridgeville with his wife and two daughters, the 35-year-old Burton actually began his musical career playing punk as the electric guitarist in the Welland-based indie band Attack In Black.
When that band went on hiatus in 2010, Burton began his solo career and — under the name Grey Kingdom — released three EPs and two full-length records, Eulogy of Her and Her and Her (2011) and Light, I’ll Call Your Name Out “Darkness” (2012), all of which had a somewhat dark country-folk sensibility.
VIDEO: “Death of Gold” – Spencer Burton
He has since firmly established himself as a roots troubadour and, having dropped the Grey Kingdom moniker, has released three albums under his own name: 2014’s Don’t Let The World See Your Love (co-produced with his friend and former Attack In Black bandmate Daniel Romano and featuring songs he wrote in Peterborough), 2015’s Some That Were, Some That Are and Some That Will Be, and, most recently, 2017’s Songs of.
That latest album, recorded in Nashville with producer Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray For The Riff Raff) and featuring members of country singer-songwriter Margo Price’s band, has been universally lauded by music critics for its mix of folk narratives, pop melodies, and rich production values.
Songs of also demonstrates a songwriting maturity that comes from having settled down, both figuratively and literally.
VIDEO: “End of the Summer” – Spencer Burton
“This is the first album I’ve ever written where I had really truly good things to write about,” Burton says in an interview with David DeRocco of GoBe Weekly. “Not that every other song I’ve written was about sad and depressing things. I travelled a lot before because I never really had anything keeping me here.”
“Songs Of is really the first time I’ve ever written a bunch of songs where I had a wife and children and a home that I was comfortable enough with to want to stay at.”
In his career, Burton has shared a stage with the likes of City and Colour (Dallas Green) and Old Man Luedecke, and will be opening for Canadian rock icon Burton Cummings in August at the CNE in Toronto.
"Surfacing" is an original film from Frank Flynn, Rachel Bemrose, and Blake Richardson which, through spoken word and original music and choreography, tells the story of the mental illness of Flynn's wife Angela, her eventual suicide, and the impact on Flynn and their two daughters as they grieve and evenutally begin to heal. The film, which premiered at the 2017 ReFrame Film Festival, is available for online viewing. Pictured are dancers Oliver Moriarty, Kate Bemrose, and Madison Sheward. (Screenshot)
Four months after the death of his wife Angela in 2014, local writer Frank Flynn had a near-death experience when his heart stopped beating.
“I had what they call a cardiac pause,” Frank recalls. “Basically your heart stops. Losing my wife to suicide literally broke my heart.”
If it wasn’t for the efforts of his two daughters, who were only young teenagers at the time, Frank wouldn’t have been able to tell the journey his family has taken, which became the subject of Flynn’s 2016 short film Surfacing.
Produced by local arts group Art for Awareness and directed and scored by Blake Edwards, with choreography by Rachel Bemrose, Surfacing made its debut at the 2017 ReFrame Film Festival and is now available for online viewing (see video below).
Surfacing tells the journey of Angela, Frank, and their two daughters through poetry and dance, taking the viewer through an emotional story of love, illness, sorrow, death, grief and recovery. It tells of Angela’s battle with a crippling mental illness, her life with Frank and their daughters, and her eventual suicide in 2014.
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It also features Frank’s near-death experience, as well as Frank and his daughters’ grief and recovery following Angela’s death. While the primary themes are suicide and mental illness, at its core Surfacing is a story about the strength of a family’s love and how, even in the face of tragedy, this love can heal deep wounds.
VIDEO: Surfacing (2016)
“Watching my wife’s mental health disintegrate over an extended period of time was incredibly painful,” Frank says. “We were grieving my wife’s passing, and then I had this cardiac event. Everything was a total disaster. After her loss and trying to parent my kids while also trying to reconstruct my life, I felt like something beautiful had to happen. I don’t know what … but something beautiful had to happen.”
Well known as a writer and playwright, it seemed the obvious thing to do was for Frank to write about it. However, this was something Frank struggled with.
“People asked me if I was going to write a play or some prose about it,” he recalls. “I thought about that but I just couldn’t do it. The pain I was in was beyond words. I just didn’t have the words to tell that story.”
“I thought that the pain that I and my kids were in was cellular; it was in our bodies. So I thought about how to express that, and I realized that it had to be told with bodies in motion. Instead of telling it outwards, it should be told in dance.”
After seeing a dance performance created by Rachel Bemrose and Blake Edwards at one of Public Energy’s Dusk Dances in 2016, Frank approached them about turning his family’s story into a dance piece.
“Rachel and Blake had done a piece called Eau (Water) and it was beautiful and I thought it would be amazing to work with them. I approached them and told them my story, and said I wanted to tell the story with dancers. They said let’s try this. So I said I would write something and give them.”
“I had no idea what I was going to write. I just sat down and put something on paper and I didn’t over-think it. I just decided to tell the story by using words that dancers could interpret, or that a composer could put into music.”
Through spoken word and original music and choreography, “Surfacing” explores the impact of mental illness and suicide on writer Frank Flynn’s family. Originally intended to be a live dance performance, it was instead turned into a film that is now available for online viewing. Pictured are dancers Oliver Moriarty and Sierra Richardson. (Screenshot)
While Frank narrates the film, that wasn’t part of his original vision.
“Blake asked me to come to his house and record the text,” Frank says. “I asked him what the point was and he said ‘I want to hear your voice saying these words while I compose the music.’ So I went to his house and recorded myself saying the text and I left it with him.”
“A month later and said ‘I’m going to send you an audio file but I don’t want you to make any judgments about it. I want you to hear it and then we will talk about it.’ When I opened the audio file, Blake had created the music around my vocal track, which was not what I had intended.”
“I must admit I had major reservations. So when Blake and Rachel and I sat down, I said ‘I’m not comfortable with the text as part of the soundtrack.’ Rachel said ‘Not everybody gets dance … if you include the text as the voice narration it’ll help people who don’t understand dance get into it and follow the story.'”
After thinking about it, Frank agreed and proposed getting an actor to read the text.
“Blake said ‘Why would we get an actor when we have the original? That makes no sense at all.’ Well, he had me there. So with a great deal of reluctance I agreed to have my voice and the text be part of the piece.”
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Preparation for Surfacing began in 2016 as a live performance piece but, while casting the show, the concept changed once again and it was decided they would turn the performance into a short film.
“When we started the casting and rehearsal it became apparent we weren’t going to get those dancers in the same place at the same time for a live performance,” Frank explains. “So Blake said ‘Why don’t we just film it?'”
“I’d go to rehearsals with the dancers and I have to say it was the most satisfying creative experiences I ever had. To get on the floor with dancers and walk them through the story, and to tell them what I was going through, what my wife was going through, and what my kids were going through, and to talk to the performers that were going to portray us was amazing.”
“It made me feel great. It made me feel like the beautiful thing I wanted was happening.”
The debut of Surfacing at the 2017 ReFrame Film Festival revealed a different type of challenge for Frank.
“Watching it with an audience at ReFrame was intense and, quite frankly, very uncomfortable,” Frank admits. “It’s really difficult subject matter, and it puts an audience in an awkward place. We don’t know how to talk about mental illness or suicide, and we certainly don’t know how to talk to it with people who have experienced it.”
The film’s title “Surfacing” refers to the eventual journey towards healing of writer Frank Flynn and his two daughters (represented here as their younger and older selves) following the loss of their mother to suicide. Pictured are dancers Lilly Manning, Laine Andrews, Oliver Moriarty, Madison Sheward, and Kate Bemrose. (Screenshot)
“At the premiere, there was a very strange response from the audience afterwards. On the one hand, it doesn’t seem appropriate to say ‘I loved it, I really enjoyed that!’ It’s not a comedy. But on the other hand, people don’t want to say ‘Oh my god, that was depressing!’ People just don’t know what to say.”
“I did not realize how deep the problem of language is on the subject of mental illness and suicide until this film came out. It’s a real challenge for people to put words to it. But we have to have a starting point and a place to have a conversation. What does it mean to you and what does it mean to me? It’s difficult and it’s hard, but it’s necessary.”
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Surfacing can now find a new audience on the internet, where it can reach far beyond the Peterborough community. Two years after its debut at ReFrame, the film continues to be a powerful piece. Despite the difficult subject matter, it’s presented with beauty and dignity.
“I find it hard to look at the film and be objective about it because it’s my own story,” Frank reflects. “One of the things I wanted to achieve was to talk about suicide in an honest way and to give people insight into how mental illness affects families and marriages and kids, as well as the broader community … and to do it in a way that is sensitive and honours, in this case, my wife.”
“I also wanted to deal with the devastation that is left after a suicide. The challenge is how to fuse those two tasks: to be truthful and honest, and to show what suicide is, what it does, and how it affects the people left behind, but do it in a way that still honours the deceased person — to do it in a way that represents that person’s life, and all of their joys and their sorrows, and everything in between.”
“I hope that some people who have experienced suicide might see this and realize that you can recover from it,” says Frank. “I don’t think you move on, because it’s always with you, but you can move forward. You just live with it in a different way.”
The cast and crew of the film “Surfacing”, with writer Frank Flynn crouching in the front. (Supplied photo)
Central Smith Creamery owner Ian Scates (second from left) and vice-president/marketing Jenn Scates (right) present a cheque for $13,420.25 to Jane Lovett (left) and Lesley Heighway (second from right) of PRHC Foundation on August 1, 2019 at the dairy's location at 739 Lindsay Road in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
This week’s business and organizational news includes Central Smith Creamery raising $13,420.25 for Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Peterborough engineering company Lab Improvements partnering with Peterborough Regional Health Centre to develop an innovative laboratory device, Savage Arms (including the company’s Lakefield location) purchased by private investors, Graphic Packaging International of Cobourg receiving $50,000 in federal funding, and Min-Tech of Campbellford receiving $65,000 in federal funding.
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.
Also featured this week are Play Cafe Peterborough celebrating its fourth anniversary, Cobourg’s Woodlawn Inn earning a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, the New Canadians Centre seeking a new executive director, Vinnies opening its third location in Peterborough on August 24th, and the Kawartha and Peterborough Chambers announcing their respective award finalists this week.
New regional business events added this week include the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce hosting its Chamber Cocktail Connection in Bobcaygeon on August 12th, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosting The Breakfast Club in Dysart et al on September 10th, and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hosting Business After Hours in Apsley on September 19th.
Central Smith Creamery raises $13,420.25 for Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Kids enjoy ice cream during Central Smith Creamery’s “Ice Cream Social” on July 20, 2019. The event raised $13,420.25 for equipment and technology at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. (Photo: Ken Powell)
Central Smith Creamery, located at 739 Lindsay Road in Peterborough, held an “ice cream social” fundraiser for Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on July 20th. Hundreds of people attended the family-friendly event, which featured an ice cream eating contest.
Last Thursday (August 1), it was announced the local dairy had raised $13,420.25 for the PRHC Foundation.
The funds raised by Central Smith Creamery will help fund essential equipment and technology at PRHC. While government funds around 85 per cent of the hospital’s operating costs, there is no ongoing commitment of government funding to upgrade and acquire new technology and capital equipment.
Central Smith Creamery owner Ian Scates and his family have a long history of volunteering and supporting the hospital, and decided to hold the fundraiser to show their thanks to the doctors and nurses at PRHC.
Peterborough engineering company Lab Improvements partners with Peterborough Regional Health Centre to develop innovative laboratory device
PRHC laboratory manager at Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Lab Improvements CEO Alex Bushell with SlideTrack, the new benchtop automated slide sorting and filing machine that is the first of its kind in the world. (Photo: PRHC)
More than 1.8 million laboratory tests for patient diagnosis are performed at Peterborough Regional Health Centre every year, and laboratory staff spend six hours each day manually filing and sorting slides containing tissue and cell samples — a situation common in hospital labs around the world.
Now, Peterborough start-up Lab Improvements has partnered with PRHC’s laboratory manager Bernard Schaan and technologist Lori White to develop SlideTrack, an automated slide sorting and filing machine that is the first of its kind in the world.
The benchtop device allows PRHC’s laboratory team to find samples more quickly, ultimately leading to faster patient diagnosis. Staff now spend minutes filing slides, rather than hours, freeing them up to do more valuable work.
SlideTrack was designed and developed in a way that would work for PRHC and for other labs across Ontario. PRHC and Lab Improvements received a $25,000 development grant and a $15,000 procurement grant from MaRS (North America’s largest innovation hub) for the project.
VIDEO: SlideTrack poised to improve patient care at PRHC and around the world
“This brand-new device was developed in Peterborough, by a Peterborough lab and a Peterborough company,” says Alex Bushell, CEO and co-founder of Lab Improvements. “That makes it very unique. In terms of laboratory inventions, these things usually come from really high-level, multinational companies. Very rarely is something like this developed in a small Ontario city.”
Lab Improvements is a client of the Innovation Cluster, a not-for-profit organization that assists technology-based startups in the formation and growth of their companies. As a client of the Cluster, Lab Improvements was able to make essential connections in the community to enhance their product development.
Interest in the new device has begun to spread, and a number of other hospitals have already visited PRHC to see SlideTrack in action.
To recognize PRHC and the Peterborough community for their support, Lab Improvements has committed to donating $2,000 to the PRHC Foundation for each SlideTrack sold. These funds will support future investments into necessary equipment and technology for the PRHC laboratory.
Savage Arms, including Lakefield location, purchased by private investors
Savage Arms Canada in Lakefield is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded as Lakefield Arms in 1969, the business was acquired by U.S. gun manufacturer Savage Arms in 1994. A group of private investors headed by Savage Arms CEO and president Al Kasper has re-acquired the company from previous owner Vista Outdoor. (Photo: Savage Arms Canada / Facebook)
On July 9th, Vista Outdoor announced it completed the sale of its Savage Arms and Stevens Arms brands to a group of private investors headed by Savage Arms CEO and president Al Kasper.
Savage Arms operates plants in Lakefield and in Westfield, Massachusetts. The Lakefield plant was founded as Lakefield Arms in 1969 and was acquired by Savage Arms in 1994, which was subsequently acquired by ATK (Vista Outdoor’s predecessor) in 2013.
The total purchase price for the sale is $170 million, consisting of $158 million paid at closing and $12 million to be paid upon maturity of a five-year seller note.
“Divesting our Savage brand was a key aspect of our transformation plan,” says Vista Outdoor CEO Chris Metz. “While it was a difficult decision to sell such an iconic brand, I remain confident that this was the correct choice to help Vista Outdoor grow in those categories where we can have leadership positions.”
Having sold its firearm brands, Vista Outdoor intends to focus on ammunition, hunting and shooting accessories, hydration bottles and packs, outdoor cooking products, and cycling/ski helmets and accessories.
“Savage is a fantastic business, and it deserves to continue to evolve into other firearms categories,” Metz says. “At this time, however, we simply do not have the resources to transform Savage into the full-service firearms company that it deserves to be and, therefore, we determined the brand would be better off with a different owner. We’re excited to see Savage reach its full potential under new ownership.”
Savage Arms produces rifles and shotguns for hunters and target shooters. After the 2018 mass shooting in Parkland in Florida, Vista Outdoor was targeted by gun-control advocates for supporting the National Rifle Association and opposing restrictions on the purchase of long guns.
Graphic Packaging International of Cobourg receives $50,000 in federal funding
Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd (third from left) at the announcement of $50,000 in funding from the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario for Graphic Packaging International of Cobourg. (Photo: Office of Kim Rudd)
Last Thursday (August 1), Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd and officials of Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) announced an investment of $50,000 in Graphic Packaging International in Cobourg.
The funding comes from the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO), a project funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Graphic Packaging International, which designs and manufactures packaging for commercial food service products, will use the funding to support advanced manufacturing innovation in recyclable and compostable paperboard packaging as well as business expansion.
The funding is expected to result in the creation of up to 11 new full time jobs in Northumberland County.
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Min-Tech of Campbellford receives $65,000 in federal funding
Last Friday (August 2), Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd and officials of Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) announced an investment of $65,000 in Min-Tech in Campbellford.
The funding comes from the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO), a project funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Min-Tech, which turns post-industrial plastic waste into new products, will use the funding towards the purchase of state-of-the-art production technology to develop a new plywood alternative made from recycled plastic.
The funding is expected to result in the creation of up to 50 new full-time jobs in Northumberland County.
Play Cafe Peterborough celebrates its fourth anniversary
The first play gym area at Play Cafe Peterborough, which is celebrating its fourth anniversary. (Photo: Play Cafe Peterborough)
Play Cafe in Peterborough is celebrating its fourth anniversary.
Located at 809 Chemong Road, the family activity and play studio offers a daily drop-in play space, classes, workshops, events, and parties.
“The first time I had the idea for a parent and child cafe was over 12 years ago,” writes owner and operator Sarah Susnar on Facebook. “I was still living in Toronto and was going to ‘strollercise’ classes with my first baby. After class all the moms would head to a coffee shop/cafe on the Danforth. We could sit and drink our coffee but there was nowhere to put our babies down to play.”
Six years later, she moved to Peterborough and, after having two more children, going back to school to get her Early Childhood Educator Diploma, and working in child care, she finally realized her dream.
To celebrate her fourth year in business, Susnar is holding a celebration and open hour from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th. Play Cafe will be showcasing its fall programs as well as having free play, prizes, and cupcakes.
Cobourg’s Woodlawn Inn earns TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence
Woodlawn Inn in Cobourg, which is rated #1 among Cobourg restaurants and B&Bs and inns on TrioAdvisor (Photo: Woodlawn Inn)
The Woodlawn Inn in Cobourg has received a Certificate of Excellence from travel site TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor gives a Certificate of Excellence to accommodations, attractions, and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers.
Woodlawn Inn is rated #1 of 62 restaurants in Cobourg, and #1 of 7 beds and breakfasts and inns in Cobourg.
New Canadians Centre seeking new executive director
The New Canadians Centre in Peterborough is seeking a new executive director.
Hajni Hõs, the organization’s previous executive director, resigned in July to take over the reins as executive director of Hospice Peterborough.
New Canadians Centre is a non-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. It is dedicated to supporting immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers in the Peterborough and Northumberland regions.
The full-time executive director position has a salary range between $74,962 and $81,028 with a start date in the fall of 2019.
Vinnies third location in Peterborough to open August 24
The Vinnies thrift store location at 539 George Street North in Peterborough is opening on August 24, 2019. (Photo: Vinnies / Facebook)
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Peterborough will open its third Vinnies thrift store location at 539 George Street North in downtown Peterborough at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 24th.
The lay Catholic organization opened its first thrift store in Peterborough in the late 1960s and eventually moved the store to its current location at 799 Erskine Avenue in Peterborough under the name Vinnies.
A second Vinnies location, at 144 Queen Street in Lakefield, opened in January 2019.
All funds raised through the Vinnies thrift stores goes back into the Peterborough community to help the less fortunate.
VIDEO: Vinnies/Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Peterborough
Kawartha and Peterborough Chambers to announce award finalists this week
Both the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce will be announcing their award finalists this week.
The Kawartha Chamber will announce the finalists for its 20th annual Awards of Excellence on Wednesday (August 7) and the Peterborough Chamber will announce the finalists for its 2019 Business Excellence Awards on Thursday (August 8).
businessNOW will list all the finalists in next week’s column.
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Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on August 13
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13th 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).
Rebound Child & Youth Services hosts Northumberland Chamber’s next networking event in Cobourg on August 13
The Northumberland Central Chamber Of Commerce’s next Meet and Greet event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland (700 D’Arcy St. N., Unit 20).
The monthly business networking events are hosted by Chamber members on the second Tuesday of every month. This is an opportunity both for networking and to learn more about the services provided by the host Chamber member.
FastStart Peterborough hosts “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship” seminar in Peterborough on August 13
The next FastStart E-Connect seminar, “Goodbye Summer, Hello Entrepreneurship!”, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13th at the Silver Bean Cafe in Millennium Park (1130 King St., Peterborough).
Donna Floyd, founder and CEO of Cottage Toys, and Jillian Scates, sales and operations analyst with Central Smith Creamery, will discuss family business and working in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
FastStart Peterborough is a partnership between Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster.
Innovation Cluster hosts “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur” workshops in Peterborough starting on August 14
On Wednesdays in August, the Innovation Cluster is hosting “Hands-ON: Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur”, a three-part series emphasizing mindfulness for entrepreneurs.
“No Stress Zone: Pilates with the Healthy Sweet Potato” is a Pilates class at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough) on August 14th, followed by “Managing Stress and Burnout with Legendary Coaching” on August 21st, and “Pause for Paws – Therapy Dogs” on August 28th, when East Central Therapy Dogs will bring in volunteers to do an hour of de-stressing with their dogs.
All workshops will have a limited amount of space and registration is mandatory. Registration for the series will open in August, and businessNOW will have all the details when available.
Port Hope Young Professionals and Port Hope Chamber host a “house party” in Port Hope on August 16
Port Hope Young Professionals and the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce are hosting a “house party” starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 16th at the Penryn Park at the Port Hope Golf & Country Club (82 Victoria St. S., Port Hope).
The event for the Port Hope business community will feature live music by the Brown Bag Tour Company, local food, a cash bar, and more.
More details will be available closer to the event date.
Venture13 hosts The Employer Event in Cobourg on August 20
The Community Employment Resource Partnership, Northumberland County, and the millennial team of Canada Summer Jobs students at the Community Training and Development Centre are presenting “The Employer Event” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20th in the lecture hall at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The focus of the event is how to recruit, retain, and train millennials (employees aged 20 to 45) who, by 2025, will make up 75 per cent of the workforce. You will learn information from experts in recruitment, retention, and training, explore a variety of techniques and resource, and discover innovative ideas, insights, and strategies.
Comfort Keepers Peterborough hosts its grand opening in Peterborough on August 22
Corey and Alyssa Rowe are the owners of Comfort Keepers Peterborough. (Photo: Comfort Keepers Peterborough)
Comfort Keepers Peterborough will be hosting a grand opening from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 22nd at Peterborough Business Hub (398 McDonnel St., Peterborough).
Corey and Alyssa Rowe are the owners of the local franchise, which offers senior care, dementia/Alzheimer care, personal care and grooming, meal preparation, transportation services, palliative and end-of-life care, new mother services, brain injury support, post-surgery or car accident support, and more.
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and light refreshments will be available.
Bancroft Chamber hosting Mineral Collecting Tours now until August 31
The Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting Mineral Collecting Tours now until Saturday, August 31st at various locations in Hastings County.
Registration is held at 9 a.m. at the Chamber office (51 Hastings St. N., Bancroft) on the day of each tour, with tours departing at 9:30 a.m. The tours take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with each tour lasting around five hours.
Participants are responsible for their own equipment (mandatory safety glasses and closed-in footwear and rockhounding equipment) and transportation. The cost is $17 for adults, $12 for youth aged 16 and under, or $50 for a family of up to five people. Additional fees are required for specific sites.
Bobcaygeon Chamber hosts Chamber Cocktail Connection in Bobcaygeon on August 12
The Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce, which normally hosts morning networking meetings, is hosting its first “Chamber Cocktail Connection” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12th at Kawartha Coffee Company (58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon).
There will be a cash bar, and the chamber will provide snacks.
While the event is for Chamber members, non-members are also welcome.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts The Breakfast Club in Dysart et al on September 10
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10th at Abbey Retreat Centre (1150 Garden Gate Dr., Dysart et al).
The guest speaker is John Purkis, senior associate with The Natural Step Canada, who will speak on the topic “Incorporating Environmental Sustainability Into Your Organization”. Purkis is a sustainability expert, facilitator, and systems change specialist who works with municipal governments and other organizations in Canada and around the world to implement sustainability into their operations and planning.
Lang Pioneer Village Museum will go into mourning for the day on August 10, 2019 during “When Death Was in Fashion", an exploration of the Victorian obsession with death. You can learn about the traditions associated with death in the 19th century, including funeral fads and fancies, mourning novelties, memorial traditions, and mourning attire. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
If you ask people to describe the Victorian era of the mid-to-late 1800s, “prudish” and “repressed” are probably two words you’ll hear in response.
While the notion of Victorian prudery is largely a myth (no, the Victorians did not cover table legs because they were offensive), there is one obsession the Victorians did have: death.
That’s why Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene is hosting a brand new event this summer called “When Death Was in Fashion”, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 10th.
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Victorians were obsessed with death, including elaborate displays and mourning etiquette, for several reasons. Death was a common fact of life for Victorians, with the average lifespan at the time half of what it is today due to the lack of modern medicine.
During “When Death Was in Fashion” on August 10, 2019 at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene, see a horse-drawn hearse on loan from M.G. Daly Funeral Home. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
More significantly though, Queen Victoria (who ruled England from 1837 to 1901) publicly mourned the death of her husband Prince Albert for 40 years. She wore black every day and kept her home exactly as it was when her beloved husband died at the age of 42, including having servants continue to lay out his clothing daily.
In the Victorian era, women were expected to dress in mourning attire for as long as two years after the death of a close relation. Queen Victoria set the standard for mourning, dressing in black every day for 40 years following the death of her husband Prince Albert. Learn more about 19th century mourning etiquette and attire during “When Death Was in Fashion” on August 10, 2019 at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
Women of the era were expected to mourn close relations for as long as two years by wearing black attire and isolating themselves from normal activities (gradually, they could begin to wear shades of purple, grey, and white to reenter normal society). They shrouded the mirrors in their homes, covered their doorknobs in black crepe, and even locked the piano so no music could be played.
While men were largely exempt from these practices, they were equally obsessed with spiritualism during this era, with perhaps the most famous practitioner being Sherlock Holmes’ author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
During its “When Death Was in Fashion” event on August 10th, presented in partnership with Pickering Museum Village, Lang Pioneer Village will be in mourning for the day to explore the traditions associated with death in the 19th century, including funeral fads and fancies, mourning novelties, memorial traditions, and mourning attire.
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Among other things, the day will feature a fashion show and costuming competition, where attendees are encouraged to wear mourning clothing from all eras (as well as steampunk and neo-classical pieces).
The juried competition will be judged in five categories — most authentic reproduction (historical), vintage treasure, most creative, judge’s choice, and people’s choice — with certificates awarded to winners in each category.
Decorative homemade wall wreaths, like this wool and felt one in display in Milburn House at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene, were a décor item unique to rural Ontario. The wreaths were also made of other materials including as feathers, seeds, shells, and even the hair of loved ones. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museu
Registration runs from 10 to 11 a.m. in the MacKelvie Room, with the fashion show and awards ceremony taking place on the Village Green at 2 p.m. Entering the competition is free with museum admission.
Here’s a list of what you can do on August 10th at Lang Pioneer Village:
Try a sample of Funeral Cakes in the Milburn House.
Find out how black and mourning shades were obtained during the natural dyeing demonstrations at the Fife Cabin.
Learn about Irish wakes in the Fitzpatrick House.
Meet Dr. Bruce Lindsay, an embalming surgeon, to find out more about historic embalming practices in the Douro Town Hall.
Learn about the printing of death notices and funeral cards at the Register Print Shop.
Listen as special guests the Peterborough Concert Band perform a concert on the Village Green at 11 a.m., featuring a series of funeral hymns.
Take some time to remember a loved one in the Glen Alda Church and check out the historic horse-drawn hearse on loan from M G Daly Funeral Home.
Watch as the carpenter works on a coffin in the Carpenter Shop and the blacksmith hammers ironwork for coffins and graveyards in the Blacksmith Shop.
View silver-plated tin death plates in the Tinsmith Shop.
Make a button string to leave to your loved ones during a craft workshop on the Village Green.
In the Keene Hotel parlour, learn about the fascinating world of mediums and spiritualism that took the Victorians by storm.
Check out the mourning exhibit in the Salesman’s Room upstairs in the Keene Hotel or grab a drink in the bar room while learning about the infamous “Dead Man’s Hand” card spread.
Hear about funeral follies in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building at a special seminar at 11:30 p.m. led by Julie Oakes, the Costume Mistress from Pickering Museum Village.
Stop by the Marie Dressler Foundation Vintage Film Festival display for a chance to win tickets to this year’s festival in September.
See the quilt created by the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group.
Leave your mark on history at Lang’s giant visitor bucket list in the “Before I Die” display.
Embalming surgeon Dr. Bruce Lindsay will be at the Douro Town Hall at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene to talk about historic embalming practices. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
Everyone attending this event is encouraged to come dressed in mourning colours (black, grey, and purple).
Admission to “When Death Was in Fashion” is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14), and free for children under 5. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes two adults and up to four youths (ages 5-14). All taxes included.
For more information about When Death Was in Fashion, visit the Lang Pioneer Village Museum website at www.langpioneervillage.ca.
Creating memory strings (also called charm or button strings) was a popular pastime of young women in the late 19th century, where buttons and other small mementos that were gifts from friends, family, suitors, and others were strung together. Learn the story about this artifact during “When Death Was in Fashion” on August 10, 2019 at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene. (Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum)
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