Debbie Smith is a Certified Financial Planner with IG Wealth Management in Peterborough. She relates strongly to the needs of women who come to her for help and guidance with their finances. (Supplied photo)
Statistics tell us that women still have to take “time-outs” from their careers to have children, care for ageing parents, or manage family health emergencies.
All of this can have an impact on women’s future financial security, goals, and risk tolerance.
No one understands this better than Peterborough-based Debbie Smith, a Certified Financial Planner professional, mother, and grandmother.
“Women in the 45-plus demographic have money needs that differ significantly from those of men,” Debbie says. “I find that women want a financial plan — but more than that, they want a genuine relationship with their planner.”
“If they are widows or going through a divorce, they want to be educated and informed. They want to be able to make sound financial decisions, and to feel the confidence to seize any opportunities that present themselves.”
Women want to be educated and informed. They want to be able to make sound financial decisions, and to feel the confidence to seize any opportunities that present themselves.”
Debbie points out that her own path has been anything but straight, and yet it’s prepared her well to help other women.
Her history includes a major time-out to return to university when her youngest son was two — so that she could earn a longed-for degree in sociology — and eight years helping her husband to build a successful local busines
“After building Signarama, together with my husband Morgan, from $400,000 in revenues to over $2 million annually, I understand the challenges, the time, and the effort that goes into owning and operating a successful business,” she says.
After all that time spent learning the basics of running a business, Debbie answered an inner nudge and stepped away to restart her own career on a completely new path: financial planning for women.
She relates strongly to the needs of women who come to her for help and guidance with their finances.
And the reality for women continues to differ, Debbie observes. She cites statistics that, due to taking time off to have children and to care for elder parents, women only work 75 per cent of the years that men work but spend 28 per cent longer in retirement — while living 4.1 years longer.
“This sometimes creates lower incomes, fewer investments, and lower CPP contributions,” she says.
Women want a financial plan to help them deal with that reality and life’s surprises such as illness or divorce, she notes, or guidance on vitally important choices such as insurance and power of attorney.
Debbie says that, even if women are handling a healthy inheritance or the benefits of a life insurance policy from a deceased spouse, there can still be special challenges.
For example, a significant number of baby boomers are in danger of using up their money to help their children buy homes or meet expenses — thereby putting their own future security at risk.
A 2017 survey found one quarter of boomers are providing financial support to either their children or grandchildren. Two thirds say this is preventing them from saving enough for their own retirement, and more than a half report feeling financially stressed as a result.
“Whether independent or in a relationship, women benefit from taking control of their finances,” Debbie explains.
“Increased longevity means more and more women are controlling a majority of the wealth, and it is expected they will continue to do so. I can help them create their financial safety net and maintain their independence so that they can concentrate on enjoying life.”
This is a general source of information only. It is not intended to provide personalized tax, legal or investment advice, and is not intended as a solicitation to purchase securities or insurance. Debbie Smith is solely responsible for its content.
Debbie Smith, B.A., CFP, RRC, works with Investors Group Financial Services Inc. at 1743 Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough. For more information on this topic or any other financial matter, call 705-876-1282, email debbie.smith@investorsgroup.com, or visit advisor.investorsgroup.com/en/debbie_smith. You can also connect with Debbie on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Messy winter weather is coming to the Kawarthas beginning overnight on Monday (February 17).
Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for all of the Kawarthas, in effect for overnight and Tuesday.
A low pressure system will emerge from Texas and track towards the Great Lakes on Monday. This system will bring a band of snow with it, arriving in eastern Ontario after 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
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Snow will continue well into Tuesday morning with total amounts of 5 to 10 cm expected by Tuesday afternoon. Locally higher amounts of 10 to 15 cm are possible in a few localities just north of Lake Ontario.
Poor winter driving conditions from accumulating snow and low visibility in briefly heavier snow are likely by Tuesday morning.
The morning commute will be affected. Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destination.
Snow will change over to rain or drizzle Tuesday afternoon as a warm front moves through and temperatures rise above the zero degree mark.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region encourages area residents to donate their new and gently used items at any of the three ReStore locations at 300 Milroy Drive (pictured) and 550 Braidwood Avenue in Peterborough, and at 55 Angeline Street North in Lindsay. If you have bulky items you're unable to transport yourself like large appliances and furniture, a pickup can be arranged where ReStore staff can come to you to assist with the items. By donating to ReStore, you are not only keeping items out of the landfill but are helpiing local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
Spring is just around the corner. For many people, it’s a great time to renovate or declutter. Naturally, during the spring-cleaning process, clearing out the clutter also means deciding what to do with it once it’s ready to leave the home.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region wants you to consider bringing your new and gently used items to them. Donations can be made at any of their three ReStore locations (open to the public Monday through Sunday) at 300 Milroy Drive and 550 Braidwood Avenue in Peterborough, and at 55 Angeline Street North in Lindsay.
By donating your household items and building materials to Habitat for Humanity, you’ll be making eco-conscious choices (keeping them out of landfills) while supporting building projects for affordable housing in your community.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore will accept donations of kitchen cabinetry, sinks, toilets, lighting, furniture, building materials, scrap metal, and more. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
Donations for safe, decent, and affordable housing
Making donations to your local ReStore means investing in safe, decent and affordable housing for members of the community who need it most. What can you donate? Almost everything — including the kitchen sink. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore will accept donations of kitchen cabinetry, sinks, toilets, lighting, furniture, building materials, scrap metal, and more.
“When someone is decluttering or renovating, we encourage them to bring any unused or previously loved items to the ReStore,” says Christina Skuce, Director of Philanthropy & Communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “We welcome quality new and gently used furniture, home décor, housewares, appliances, DIY and renovation materials, and so much more.”
The ReStore will accept donations of electronics (working or not), kitchen cabinets, dishes, books, movies, artwork, outdoor furniture, vacuums, and even your new or used car. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
The ReStore will also accept donations of electronics (working or not), kitchen cabinets, dishes, books, movies, artwork, outdoor furniture, vacuums, and even your new or used car. While they do not take clothing donations, they do offer donation bins on site for one-stop donors.
“To make donating items easier for our customers, so that they can donate all of their items in one location and avoid multiple drop offs, we have clothing and textile donation bins on site that are shared with our other charity partners,” adds Skuce. “We can not accept mattress donations, anything damaged or excessively stained or dirty, and we can’t accept anything with a safety rating on it such as strollers, highchairs, and cribs.”
While mattresses are not accepted, bed frames and headboards in good condition are welcome. Tools, windows, doors, lawn equipment, electrical or plumbing supplies and hardware can also be donated. You can find a complete list of what is and is generally not accepted on the ReStore website at www.habitatpkr.ca/restores.
The ReStore will accept donations of new and gently used furniture, home décor, housewares, appliances, DIY and renovation materials, and more. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
“If you’re decluttering or remodelling, moving or downsizing, or if it’s just time to renew your space, think ReStore,” says Skuce. “Whenever you donate excess household goods or building materials to a ReStore, you’re helping to support local families and the environment, by enabling the ReStore to recycle perfectly re-usable household items — reducing your environmental footprint.”
“This as an environmentally conscious decision as well as an opportunity to help local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance.”
Large donations for pick up, scrap metal, e-waste and vehicles wanted
Habitat Peterborough’s kitchen removal experts will remove your unwanted kitchen cabinetry or pick up your already disassembled cabinetry, free of charge. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
For donations to the Restore, size doesn’t matter. If you have items that you’re unable to transport like dishwashers, dryers, or tables, a pickup can be arranged. ReStore staff can come to you to assist with larger items.
You can even enlist the help of Habitat Peterborough’s kitchen removal experts. They will remove your unwanted kitchen cabinetry or pick up your already disassembled cabinetry, free of charge. Donation pickups can be arranged within the City and County of Peterborough and in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
E-waste — waste that is electronic (both functioning and non-functioning items) — can also be useful to the ReStore. Scrap metal is also considered a worthy donation.
Both functioning and non-functioning electronics can also be useful to the ReStore. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
Even if something doesn’t work or seems like it cannot be used, it’s worth bringing to the store before dumping in a landfill.
“You can turn your old electronics into homes for Habitat,” explains Skuce. “Don’t dump it, donate it. Maybe it’s an old TV or VCR that doesn’t work or get used anymore, or an old stereo. Our ReStores provide a free recycling program that raises funds to build Habitat homes by collecting your unwanted electronics.”
A new or used vehicle donation is yet one more way that you can support Habitat for Humanity’s work in Peterborough and the Kawartha Region.
Tools, windows, doors, lawn equipment, electrical or plumbing supplies and hardware can also be donated. You can find a complete list of what is and is generally not accepted on the ReStore website. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
Beyond your donation, how to get involved
In addition to donating items to the ReStore, shopping in the store is another way to support Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. As a Habitat ReStore customer, you’ll never have to pay tax and you’ll always get a great deal. Purchases made in store help to finance ongoing build projects within your community.
“Every purchase in the ReStore creates the opportunity for a better life, and helps local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership,” Skuce notes. “So by supporting a Habitat ReStore in Peterborough or in Lindsay, you contribute to one of our upcoming or ongoing home building projects.”
An architectural rendering of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region’s planned 41-unit affordable condo development at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. (Graphic courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
“One of our big projects coming up this year will be starting in the spring. We will begin construction of a 41-unit affordable condo building in Peterborough,” Skuce points out.
If you’ve already decluttered and are looking to get involved, volunteers are always welcome. You can help by volunteering in the ReStore to test products, greet customers, stock shelves, and accept donated items. High school students and youth volunteers are also encouraged to get involved.
“Volunteers are the heart of our organization,” says Skuce. “They are involved in every aspect of the organization from the ReStore, to the build site, to the office, to committees and the Board. We would not be able to get more families into decent, affordable homes without the generous support of our volunteers.”
Volunteers are always welcome in the ReStore to test products, greet customers, stock shelves, and accept donated items. High school students and youth volunteers are also encouraged to get involved. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
While spring may be a great time to declutter and donate to the ReStore, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region accepts donations year-round and is always looking for new items to restock their inventory. Don’t be afraid to bring in your new or gently used items any time of year.
“Every donation made to a ReStore helps create the opportunity for a local family to build a better life,” says Skuce. “All proceeds stay local and are invested into building safe, decent and affordable homes in the City and County of Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes.”
To make your donation today, visit your local ReStore Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.habitatpkr.ca.
Family Day is observed on the third Monday of February, except in British Columbia where it’s celebrated on the second Monday of February.
First celebrated in Ontario in 2008, Family Day is a statutory holiday under the Employment Standards Act and Retail Business Holidays Act, so all provincial and most municipal offices and services are closed. All liquor and beer stores are closed, as are most shopping malls and large retail stores. Many grocery stores are also closed, although some are open in rural locations. Drug stores, smaller retail stores, and restaurants are usually open, as are cinemas, tourist attractions, recreational facilities, and museums — often with special family-oriented events.
Since Family Day is not a federal statutory holiday, federal government offices and many federally regulated businesses remain open. Regular collection and delivery of mail occurs on Family Day.
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For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 263 selected businesses, services, and organizations across the Kawarthas. This information comes from their websites and social media accounts, which may or may not be up to date, so please always call them first to confirm their hours, especially where indicated and if you are travelling any distance (we’ve included phone numbers). If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form. We do not include hours for restaurants, as there are far too many to list!
Bewdley Community Recycling Centre 7650 County Rd. 9, Hamilton 905-342-2514
CLOSED
Brighton Community Recycling Centre 1112 County Rd. 26, Brighton 613-475-1946
Brighton Community Recycling Centre
Canada Post Mail Delivery / Offices (Note: post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business
Regular collection and delivery
City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall, Municipal Service Centres, and Administration Offices 26 Francis St., Lindsay 705-324-9411
Regular hours
City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, arenas, and pools Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411
Regular hours
City of Kawartha Lakes Public Libraries Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411 x1291
Peterborough police are encouraging local residents to see if they can help in solving some outstanding crimes by visiting the police service’s “persons of interest” web page.
The web page displays bulletins including surveillance photographs and will be updated regularly.
Police say the bulletins will also be shared on their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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One of the bulletins from the Peterborough Police Service’s “persons of interest” web page. (Graphic: Peterborough Police Service)
According to the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Service, a person of interest is “a person whose background, relationship to the victim or the opportunity to commit the offence(s) warrants further investigation, but no evidence currently exists to suggest culpability in the commission of the offence.”
If you have information on any of the persons shown, call the Alternative Response Unit at 705-876-1122 ext. 274 or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at stopcrimehere.ca. When calling, quote the incident or occurrence number provided on each bulletin.
Halifax roots-blues musician Brent "Buck" Tingley will be performing at The Garnet for an afternoon and evening show on Saturday, February 15th with special guests Jimmy Bowskill, Steve Marriner, and Jerome Avis, and at the Ganny in Port Hope for a matinee show on Sunday, February 16th with special guest Jimmy Bowskill. (Photo: Nathan Boone)
Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, February 13 to Wednesday, February 19.
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.
6:30pm - Mike Graham Band (reservations recommended)
Arthur's Pub
930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105
Thursday, February 13
8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs
Friday, February 14
9pm - Shawn Nelson
Saturday, February 15
9pm - Shawn Nelson
Sunday, February 16
4:30-8pm - Celtic Music w/ Tom & Rick
Monday, February 17
7pm - Local Talent Night ft Mark Hanson
Tuesday, February 18
7pm - 60s, 70s, 80s music w/ Don & Bruce
Wednesday, February 19
8pm - Open mic
Coming Soon
Thursday, February 20 8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs
Friday, February 21 9pm - James Higgins
Saturday, February 22 9pm - Greg Downey DC Guitarman Celebration
Sunday, February 23 4:30-8pm - Celtic Music w/ Bill Craig
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, February 13
7:30-11:30pm - The Rob Phillips Trio w/ Carling Stephen
Friday, February 14
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Courtney Bowles Band
Saturday, February 15
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Josh Gordon Band
Sunday, February 16
3-6pm - The Griddle Pickers; 6:30-9:30pm - Po' Boy Jeffreys
Monday, February 17
7-11pm - Rick & Gailie's Crash & Burn
Tuesday, February 18
7-10pm - Marc & Phaedra Roy
Wednesday, February 19
7-10pm - Nathan Miller
Coming Soon
Thursday, February 20 7:30-11:30pm - The Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, February 21 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Emily Burgess & The Emburys
Saturday, February 22 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Rye Street
Sunday, February 23 3-6pm - Pays d'en Haut; 6:30-9:30pm - Lance Isaacs
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884
Friday, February 14
7-9pm - Rob Barg
Coming Soon
Friday, February 21 6-9pm - Open mic
Canoe & Paddle
18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111
Saturdays
8pm - Live music
Castle John's Pub & Restaurant
1550 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
705-740-2111
Saturday, February 15
9pm - Odd Man Rush
Chemong Lodge
764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435
Thursdays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
Wednesdays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Thursdays
10pm - Open Mic
Fridays
9:30pm - Karaoke Night
Wednesdays
7-11pm - Live music
Coming Soon
Saturday, February 29 2-6pm - Leap Year Party ft Pinky Brown
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Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Friday, February 14
6-9pm - Valentine's Day Dinner ft Trina West
Saturday, February 15
7-10pm - Jeff Moutlon
Coming Soon
Saturday, February 15 7-10pm - Gord Kidd and friends
Saturday, February 22 7-10pm - Jim Love and friends
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Saturday, February 15
1:30-5pm - PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam hosted by Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle (donations welcome, all proceeds to musicians in need
Dreams of Beans
138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406
Friday, February 14
9pm - Innanfra, Erika Nininger, People You Meet Outside of Bars, Of Doom ($10-15 or PWYC)
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.
4 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 215-9898
Coming Soon
Friday, February 21 7-10pm - Open Mic Night hosted by Andrew Bain (first come basis, sign-up starts at 6pm, each musician has up to 3 songs and 15 minutes in total, all skill levels welcome)
Fiddler's Green Pub & Grub
34 Lindsay St. St., Lindsay
(705) 878-8440
Saturday, February 15
9:30pm - Jake Norris and The SideStreet Band (no cover)
Sunday, February 16
1-4pm - Darren Bailey
Ganarascals Restaurant
53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888
Friday, February 14
7-10pm - St. Valentine's Day w/ Steve Marriner ($20)
Coming Soon
Thursday, March 5 7-10pm - Hulagoons ($20)
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Saturday, February 15
2pm & 10pm - Tungston
Sunday, February 16
2pm - Buck Tingley and Jimmy Bowskill ($10)
VIDEO: "Let's Get High" - Buck Tingley & the Hardlookin' Tickets
Wednesday, February 19
7pm - Open mic
Coming Soon
Saturday, February 22 2pm & 10pm - The Spirits
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, February 13
8pm - Joel Parkes, Kerry McMaster
Friday, February 14
5-7pm - Forselli Friday w/ Sean Conway's Postmodern Cowboys; 10pm - Mr. NotMuchFun’s Loveless Lament (PWYC)
Saturday, February 15
4pm & 9pm - Buck Tingley w/ Jimmy Bowskill, Steve Marriner, and Jerome Avis ($15)
VIDEO: Buck Tingley performing at Bearly's House of Blues
Sunday, February 16
9pm - Sunshine Express, BellyRub and Trash Bags (a.k.a. Will Dobbin) ($10)
Saturday, March 28 8pm - Cancer Bats and the Anti-Queens w/ D Boy, Cross Dog, Marion Cinder
Honkey Tonk Restaurant
871 Ward St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-7871
Friday, February 14
5-8pm - Valentine's Dinner w/ Tami J. Wilde and Jimmy Deck (SOLD OUT)
Keene Centre for the Arts
12 1st St., Keene
(519) 993-0079
Thursday, February 13
1-4pm - Open stage hosted by Sharon Marie Doughty ($5)
Friday, February 14
7pm - Valentine's Day w/ The Heartfuls (J.P Hovercraft, Chris Hiney, and Al Black) ($20, rose on every table, studio photos of you and your date, treats to share)
Saturday, February 15
7pm - The Muddy Hack, Garbageface, The Tenembaums, Antixx ($5 at door)
Coming Soon
Thursday, February 20 1-4pm - Open stage hosted by Sharon Marie Doughty ($5)
Friday, February 21 8pm - Stephen Francis & Keith Robertson
Friday, February 28 8pm - Cellar Door Saturday, February 29 8pm - The Spirits
Mckecks Tap & Grill
207 Highland St., Haliburton
(705) 457-3443
Coming Soon
Friday, February 28 7pm - Beat the Blues ft The Swingin' BlackJacks (no cover, call for reservations)
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
9pm - Live music
Fridays
9:30pm - Live music
Saturdays
10pm - Live music
Sundays
9pm - Open mic
Tuesdays
9pm - Live music
Wednesdays
9pm - Live music
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, February 13
7pm - The Bravos
Coming Soon
Thursday, February 20 7pm - Andy Earl
Moody's Bar & Grill
3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663
Coming Soon
Saturday, February 29 2-5pm - Michael C. Duguay
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Next Door
197 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(647) 270-9609
Friday, February 14
9pm - Dylan Ireland (no cover)
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 772-9010
Coming Soon
Friday, February 21 10pm - Joel Parkes
Pastry Peddler
17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333
Friday, February 14
5:30pm & 7:45pm - Valentine's Dinner Night ft Terry Finn and Norma Curtis ($60 per person)
Coming Soon
Friday, February 28 5:30pm & 7:45pm - Ladies of Jazz Dinner Series ft Lenni Stewart performing music of Ella Fitzgerald w/ Michael Monis on guitar and Howard Baer on bass ($50 per person)
Pie Eyed Monk Brewery
8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay
(705) 212-2200
Sunday, February 16
4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Emily Burgess hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)
Coming Soon
Sunday, February 23 4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Rick Fines hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)
Sunday, March 1 4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Lance Anderson hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)
Saturday, February 29 8pm - PTBOStrong and Waste Connections Canada present Destroyer (KISS tribute) w/ Baz Little Rock Band ($15 at door, $10 students)
Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for all of the Kawarthas for Thursday night (February 13).
Bitterly cold wind chills near -30°C are expected overnight on Thursday and into Friday morning.
Temperatures should rise on Friday morning.
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Environment Canada issues extreme cold warnings when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.
Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets and jumper cables.
If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.
Spending time in natural spaces at a summer camp has both educational and health benefits for children. Not only do campers connect with and learn about the natural world, but the physical activities offered at summer camps counteract our increasingly sedentary lifestyle. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
We are still be in the depths of winter, but parents and guardians are already making summer plans and registering children for camps.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Matthew Walmsley, Head Counsellor, GreenUP Ecology Park Earth Adventures Camp.
Whether or not you attended a summer camp as a child, recent research shows that there are clear developmental benefits to attending summer camp. In 2010, the Canadian Camping Association and the University of Waterloo undertook the Canadian Summer Camp Research Project. This project was the first of its scope in Canada to study the positive growth and development of children in summer camps.
Researchers considered five benefits: socialization, being more active, building empathy, developing self-confidence, and increasing environmental awareness.
To help with your planning for this summer, here is an overview of these benefits, including some tips about preparing for camp and choosing the right camp for your child.
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Socialization
Summer camp provides an immersive environment for children to make new friends and develop their social skills.
To support positive social development at camp, both parents and counsellors need to prepare for the first day at camp. Children may feel excited and slightly outside their comfort zones as they say goodbye to their parents, meet a bunch of new friends, and get introduced to their counsellors and the camp environment.
The introduction to the camp should be welcoming and comfortable so that all this excitement encourages the development of social skills rather than unhealthy stress or anxiety.
Summer camp provides an immersive and welcoming environment for children. Sharing experiences and discoveries are key ways that summer camps help develop social skills and soft skills, like these two new friends in the Children’s Garden at GreenUP Ecology Park. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
A solid counsellor training program provides counsellors with a toolkit of activities, games, and techniques to ensure all campers feel at home in their new environment.
Parents may consider talking in advance about any questions or concerns their children may have. Parents can also reach out in advance to camp directors about the first day at camp to ask about supports and answer questions for nervous campers.
Being more active
One of the top benefits of summer camp is that it encourages activity and counteracts our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
Two recent studies from Statistics Canada show that children are spending more time with digital devices and less time getting their daily dose of physical activity. Video games, social media, and a lack of free time all conspire to prevent most children from getting the recommended one hour of exercise per day they need for healthy development.
Participants in Ecology Park’s Earth Adventures summer camp study insects that live in the tree canopy. Summer camp not only immmerses children in the natural world but also encourages children to be physically active. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
When selecting a summer camp, the choice and variety of activities can be important. Combinations of formal and informal games help keep campers active for much of the day.
When selecting a camp, parents can ask if campers will have a range of activity choices or not. Some children, for example, prefer individual sports to team sports. If you think your child will benefit from a range of options, try to find a camp that offers them a choice of activities.
As you consider camps, ask about their electronics policy. Some camps have a ban on electronics, which ensures that campers will be more engaged both with the activities and with their fellow campers.
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Building empathy
Many camps highlight the advancement of hard skills such as canoeing, archery, chess, computer coding, dance, and others. Soft skills, however, are equally important and often not as easy to demonstrate or build.
Summer camp is a great opportunity to build soft skills. Camps can offer immersive experiences in which campers learn how to process their emotions and watch as their new friends do the same.
Counsellors are key facilitators in the development of soft skills. Many counsellors are masterful at providing an open space for discussions.
Camp counsellors are key role models and facilitators in the developmental benefits of a summer camp experience. Counsellors model enthusiasm for learning and empathy for others and in turn inspire campers to develop these same traits. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Ending the day with a check-in, for example, gives campers a chance to share the positives and negatives of their day. Sharing and listening to how other campers are feeling can develop self-aware campers who can relate to others emotionally.
When selecting a camp, consider that low camper-to-counsellor ratios support these deeper connections and the development of soft skills.
Developing self-confidence
Failure can be a valuable learning experience. Yes, that’s right: experiencing failure in supportive environments can be a positive and transformative experience.
Many activities at camp are designed to have campers learn from failure. Performing a skit, putting up a tent, or crawling through mud are all opportunities to try new activities and learn from failure. When campers are allowed to fail, they can feel empowered to try out a new tactic.
Camp is also an opportunity for students to shift gears after a full year of school. I have seen campers arrive at camp feeling down after a tough school year. Only one week later, these campers returned home inspired by the change in environment and a new sense of freedom in their learning.
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Increasing environmental awareness
Youth today are growing up between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, youth are bombarded by news of the climate crisis and, on the other hand, youth often suffer from a lack of connection with the natural world.
A recent study found that this combination can contribute to anxiety and depression in ways that impact youth more than adults.
One of the solutions to this is to spend more time in nature. Spending time amongst trees and natural spaces can heal us, and education about our natural environment can empower us to protect our natural world.
A group of campers study wetland habitat at the Earth Adventures summer camp at GreenUP Ecology Park. Education about our natural environment can empower us to protect our natural world. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Many camps provide the opportunity for campers to immerse themselves in the outdoors. This allows for a deeper connection to the natural world. For some campers this may be their first time in a mostly green space.
Even in urban areas, camps are able to provide an opportunity for children to participate with the natural world.
In the Peterborough area, Camp Kawartha, TRACKS, and GreenUP all offer programs that focus on nature connection and awareness.
Summer camp is far more than just somewhere to put the kids when school is out. Summer camps provide social, emotional, and confidence-building experiences, as well as essential physical activity and environmental awareness.
With registration now open and quickly filling up for many camps, this is the time to consider which camp is right. I hope you and your children are as excited about summer camp as I am this year.
Keith Goranson as Harry, Tyrnan O'Driscoll as Rainman, and Jack Roe as Harry in the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of "Frozen Dreams", written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. The critically acclaimed play, often referred to as "the play about the homeless people and the turkey", runs at the Guild Hall in Peterborough from February 21 to March 7, 2020. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
On Thursday, February 21st, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is proud to remount Robert Ainsworth’s acclaimed 2002 play Frozen Dreams. The Guild’s entry into this year’s Eastern Ontario Drama League’s full-length spring festival, Frozen Dreams is a frank but realistic look at the plight of people living on the streets of Toronto filled with emotion, humour and drama.
Peterborough Theatre Guild presents Frozen Dreams
When: February 21 & 22, 27 – 29 and March 5 – 7, 2020 at 8 p.m.; February 23 & March 1, 2020 at 2 p.m. Where: The Guild Hall (364 Rogers St., Peterborough) How much: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $15 students
Written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. Starring Jack Roe as Sam, Keith Goranson as Harry, Tyrnan O’Driscoll as Andrew/Rainman, Gillian Wilson as Lilly, Sheila Charleton as Ginny, and Hugh Mallon as the police officer. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 705-745-4211 (if not open leave a message) or online attheatreguild.org.
The play, which premiered at the Peterborough Theatre Guild 18 years ago, has since been produced several times across Canada. For the restaging of the play, Rob has brought back with Jack Roe and Gillian Wilson to reprise their roles as Sam and Lilly, along with Keith Goranson, Tyrnan O’Driscoll, Sheila Charleton, and Hugh Mallon.
As Rob explains, it was an odd photo of a homeless boy in Toronto that was the original inspiration for the show that eventually became Frozen Dreams.
“I saw a picture of a homeless boy holding a frozen turkey,” Rob recalls. “He had gone to Honest Ed’s in Toronto and had lined up at Christmas. He was given this uncooked frozen turkey and was looking into the camera as if to say ‘What am I to do with this?'”
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In Frozen Dreams, which takes place in a back alley in Toronto on Christmas Eve, Rob brings the boy and his frozen turkey to life on the stage, fleshing out their story and how it affects the life of the people around him.
The play centres around a street-smart homeless man named Sam (Jack Roe), who lives in the alley with his comical pal Harry (Keith Goranson) and the boy, Andrew (Tyrnan O’Driscoll), affectionately known as Rainman. When Rainman comes back to the alley excited about the frozen turkey, he tells Harry and Sam about a Christmas memory during better times.
Touched by the boy’s story, Sam and Harry decide to try to find a way to give Rainman a touch of Christmas again by trying to get the turkey cooked. But, of course, the task is not as easy as it might seem.
Other players come in and out of the drama, including Lilly (Gillian Wilson), a kindly bag lady suffering from dementia, as well as Ginny (Sheila Charleton), a street nurse who has a special relationship with Sam and an interest in trying to get Rainman off the streets.
The trio of men also contends with a fair but authoritarian cop (Hugh Mallon), whose business is displacing the men so that they’ll be invisible to visiting delegates arriving in Toronto.
Not only is Frozen Dreams one of the plays most requested for remounting by Peterborough Theatre Guild members but, with Peterborough’s homelessness crisis, it is still timely — despite having been written 18 years ago.
Gillian Wilson as Lilly and and Jack Roe as Sam in the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Frozen Dreams”, written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. Gillian and Jack reprise the roles they performed when the play premiered at Peterborough Theatre Guild in 2003. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
“Because of Tent City last year, the homeless got some really bad press,” Rob explains. “So I felt that it was the right time to remount Frozen Dreams. People have been asking me for many years to do this show again. An opportunity came up with this time slot and I decided it was time to do it.”
Jack Roe, who reprises the role of Sam, is known to many Peterborough residents as the former local correspondent for CBC Radio’s Ontario Morning. He held the part-time job for 35 years, until CBC cutbacks in 2017.
“The story is about putting a face on the homeless and finding out who they are,” he says. “We find out quickly that any one of us can be on the street — we are a pay cheque away from not having a home. So we have people of all kinds of backgrounds: you have a kid who’s been abused, you have a woman who lost her husband. We don’t know much about my character Sam, other than he tried to help someone before and ended up in jail as a result. Harry was married, but alcohol has taken him on the street. The nurse has her own reasons for helping us.”
“The fact is that people living on the street aren’t any different than anybody else. They have a sense of humour. They have moments when they are depressed about things. They get angry about stuff. They have relationships that develop, so they love one another and protect each other. But there are these odd moments. You see it all over the place.”
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A character-driven show, Frozen Dreams brings a sense of humanity to people who are homeless without turning them into caricatures. The actors allow their characters to maintain their individuality and their dignity.
“To play someone who is homeless, you just play the role like if they are a person,” says Tyrnan. “You can’t just act homeless. Being homeless doesn’t put a halt on life.”
“That’s why Rob’s scripts are so wonderful to work with, because you know exactly who the characters are,” adds Gillian.
“I always feel that Rob is able to capture real people,” says Hugh. “Even in deep, dark situations, there is real humour.”
Tyrnan O’Driscoll as Rainman and Jack Roe as Sam in a scene from the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Frozen Dreams”, written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Although the plight of the frozen turkey is the element that ties the story together, Frozen Dreams is really about the connections between the characters who inhabit Sam and Harry’s alley. Those relationships are the emotional element that keeps the audience engaged and the show so human.
“Even though the show is about the homeless, really it’s just about people,” Rob says. “And all of their relationships and demons and the things that have gone on in their lives that shape them to where they are now.”
While the three men are widely different in nature, Jack, Keith, and Tyrnan form a strong bond on stage as Sam, Harry, and Rainman. They look out for one another and take care of one another. Although Sam and Rainman’s relationship is the dominant one in the play, Sam’s comradery with Harry brings a spirit of friendship to the stage.
“There is a lovely friendship between Sam and Harry,” Jack points out. “They’ve been supporting each other for years. They are very much like The Odd Couple.”
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Meanwhile, sparks fly between Jack and Sheila who have a playful antagonistic relationship as Sam and Ginny.
“Ginny and Sam have a rapport,” Sheila explains. “They do go back and forth, but they have heated discussions, especially in regards to the welfare of Andrew. Ginny has her own frailties but, through what happens with the interactions with Andrew, she comes to realize that she has to deal with her own issues. Sam helps her come to that better understanding.”
All the characters look out for Mad Lilly, who, in returns, takes care of them. Reprising their roles as Sam and Lilly, Jack and Gillian bring a lot of warmth to their characters.
“Sam and Lily have an incredible bond, almost like nephew and Aunt,” Jack says. “There’s a lot of love between them.”
“A lot of psychology is going on in these characters,” Tyrnan adds. “Ginny is scared to change her life in case she ends up on the street. Harry is scared of conflict, so he’s always making a joke out of everything. Rainman is always trying to escape the moment. The cop has a bit more fear than all of us.”
Sheila Charleton as Ginny and Jack Roe as Sam in a scene from the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Frozen Dreams”, written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Although Hugh’s part as the cop is small, as Rob points out, it’s one of the most important roles in the play, because it is a representation of the fear and attitudes of people who don’t live on the street.
“The cop is there as a reflection of the audience that is not homeless,” Rob points out. “He’s the one who says ‘You’ve got to get off the street, there are plenty of shelters out there.’ He’s us, looking at the homeless and watching.”
A well-written and compelling drama filled with moments of finely crafted humour, eloquently created characters, and tons of heart and compassion, Frozen Dreams is more than just a play about people who are homeless. It’s a show about friendship, acceptance of others despite their backgrounds or situations, and it creates a deep sense of community as the characters care for and support one another.
Frozen Dreams brings to the stage a story as real as the photo that inspired it almost two decades ago, reminding us of the humanity that is in danger of being overlooked as Peterborough goes through its own homelessness crisis.
“I remember telling someone about the show when we were originally doing it and they said ‘I don’t want to feel guilty about the homeless around Christmas time,'” Rob recalls. “Well, this play isn’t about feeling guilty. It’s funny at times, but it still gets the message across. It doesn’t have to be this heart-wrenching story that makes you feel guilty. It’s just about people.”
Frozen Dreams opens on Friday, February 21st and runs until Saturday, March 7th. Performances begin at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees on February 23rd and March 1st. Tickets are $25 ($22 for seniors and $15 for students) and are available by calling the box office at 705-745-4211 (if not open leave a message) or online at theatreguild.org.
The new business incubator, located at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay, is part of a joint pilot project of the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas and the City of Kawartha Lakes to support startups in Kawartha Lakes. It was officially opened during a launch and open house event on February 11, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
There’s a new business incubator for entrepreneurs in the Kawartha Lakes.
The business incubator — which helps create and grow young businesses by providing them with necessary support, financial, and technical services — is part of a joint pilot project by the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The pilot project is being supported by Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario, a project funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Kawartha Lakes business incubator, at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay on February 11, 2020, was attended by dignitaries including Kawartha Lakes mayor Andy Letham, Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis, former Innovation Cluster president and CEO Mike Skinner, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott and MP Jamie Schamle, and Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation chair Jil Quast. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
On Tuesday morning (February 11), the new incubator was officially launched at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay, with speakers including Kawartha Lakes mayor Andy Letham, Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott and MP Jamie Schamle, and Kawartha Lakes CFDC chair Jil Quast.
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The launch event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house where members of the public had an opportunity to tour the space.
“We are excited to launch our incubator in the heart of Lindsay to give current and future startup clients the opportunity to access our resources closer to home,” says Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis.
Rebecca Mustard, manager of Economic Development at City of Kawartha Lakes, makes remarks at the official launch of the new Kawartha Lakes business incubator at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay on February 11, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
“The Innovation Cluster has been supporting clients in the Kawartha Lakes for a number of years remotely, and many of those clients have been driving into Peterborough to work in our world-class incubator. They have been waiting for us to make this expansion happen,” Gillis adds.
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A not-for-profit economic development organization, the Innovation Cluster launched its downtown Peterborough business incubator, known as The Cube, in 2017. Since then, the 10,000-square-foot space has provided a space for more than 80 startups, along with coaching, mentoring, and business development support services.
Throughout 2018, the Innovation Cluster supported eight businesses in Kawartha Lakes, resulting in 22 jobs and an economic impact of over $2.3 million.
Joanne Ilaqua, founder and owner of Mamasoup, a mobile app and blog that provides connections, support, and community for moms, working at Kawartha Lakes’ the new business incubator at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay on February 11, 2020. The Kawartha Lakes resident, a client of the Innovation Cluster, previously needed to travel to Peterborough to make use of the Innovation Cluster’s incubator there. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
This led to a March 2019 presentation by former Innovation Cluster president and CEO Michael Skinner to Kawartha Lakes city council, proposing an expansion into the City of Kawartha Lakes, including an office in Lindsay. Kawartha Lakes city council subsequently approved a staff recommendation to develop a joint partnership with the Innovation Cluster.
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“The Innovation Cluster has been crucial to the success of Mamasoup,” says Joanne Ilaqua, a Kawartha Lakes entrepreneur and Innovation Cluster client. “The support and guidance provided by the sponsors, knowledge partners, staff and other startups make me a stronger entrepreneur and I can’t wait to be part of the incubator in Lindsay, closer to my home.”
Through the partnership between the City of Kawarthas Lakes and the Innovation Cluster, startups working in more remote areas throughout the Kawarthas will have easier access to programming, network connections, funding, investment and business opportunities, as well as marketing and commercialization support.
Former Innovation Cluster president and CEO Michael Skinner, current president and CEO John Gillis, and board chair John Desbien at the launch of the Kawartha Lakes business incubator in Kawartha Lakes at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay on February 11, 2020. In March 2019, Skinner proposed a partnership between the Innovation Cluster and the City of Kawartha Lakes to more directly support entrepreneurs working in the municiaplity, which was subsequently supported by Kawartha Lakes city council. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
Business incubators provide many benefits for entrepreneurs starting their businesses. Office and manufacturing space in incubators is offered at below-market rates or for free, and incubator staff supply advice and expertise to entrepreneurs in developing their business and marketing plans, as well as helping to fund startups.
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Companies typically spend an average of two years in a business incubator until they are able to strike out on the own and accelerate their company’s growth.
“The Innovation Cluster has been instrumental in the success of Horizon Aircraft thus far,” says Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft Inc., another Innovation Cluster client based in Kawartha Lakes. “Their deep business experience, high-quality network, and strong leadership have helped our company sharpen our business plan, attract investors, and launch a brighter future for all of aviation.”
The Kawartha Lakes business incubator at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay was launched on February 11, 2020. Through the partnership between the City of Kawarthas Lakes and the Innovation Cluster, startups working in more remote areas throughout the Kawarthas will have easier access to programming, network connections, funding, investment and business opportunities, as well as marketing and commercialization support. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
“We are excited for this opportunity to become available for the many talented entrepreneurs in Lindsay. The result will undoubtedly be more jobs and a strengthened economic base in Lindsay and the City of Kawartha Lakes.”
As part of the pilot project, the Innovation Cluster will also hold eight new events and a number of workshops through 2020 to support innovation and technology startups in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
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