Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Tuesday (October 1) for all of the Kawarthas, including Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Hastings, and Haliburton.
Severe thunderstorms with local damaging wind gusts are possible on Tuesday afternoon and early evening.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of a cold front in areas near Lake Huron and Georgian Bay by early afternoon.
These storms are then expected to track southeastward across southern Ontario during the afternoon and early evening hours.
The storms will likely move through the GTA late this afternoon.
Damaging wind gusts may be associated with some of these storms as well as torrential downpours, frequent lightning, and hail. There will also be the risk for an isolated tornado.
Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management recommends that you take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.
Brad Katz of Millbrook bakery Pastry Peddler, which won first place overall in the Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour Top Tart Taste-Off, held on September 22, 2019 at the Cultivate Festival in Port Hope, for their 'Peddler Saloon' butter tart with a whiskey-infused filling loaded with pecans and topped with candied whiskey pecans. (Photo courtesy of Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
This week’s business and organizational news includes Millbrook’s Pastry Peddler winning first place in the 2019 Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour Taste-Off, Peterborough’s Artspace marking its 45th anniversary with celebratory event on October 18th, applications now open for FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition, and local game developer Canuck Play releasing its third Canadian football title.
New regional business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on October 8th, Small Business Week events in Port Hope from October 21st to 25th, and a disability and accessibility in the workplace information session in Lindsay on October 29th.
Millbrook’s Pastry Peddler wins first place in the 2019 Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour Taste-Off
The Pastry Peddler of Millbrook won first place overall for its Peddler Saloon’, with a whiskey-infused filling loaded with pecans and topped with candied whiskey pecans. (Photo courtesy of Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour)
The Pastry Peddler of Millbrook won first place overall in the Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour Top Tart Taste-Off, held on September 22nd at the Cultivate Festival in Port Hope.
Their winning butter tart was the ‘Peddler Saloon’, with a whiskey-infused filling loaded with pecans and topped with candied whiskey pecans.
Second place was claimed by Antonia’s Bistro of Campbellford for their maple honey butter tart.
Antonia’s Bistro of Campbellford won second place and The Bakery Warkworth of Warkworth won third place. (Photos courtesy of Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour)
The Bakery Warkworth of Warkworth won third place for their maple tart.
The annual Butter Tart Taste-Off competition is hosted by the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour, Ontario’s largest food tour dedicated to butter tarts with over 50 bakeries, restaurants, and cafes located throughout Kawarthas Northumberland.
Peterborough’s Artspace marks its 45th anniversary with celebratory event on October 18
The original location for Artspace, Peterborough’s artist-run centre, at 440 Water Street at Brock Street, a building that no longer exists. (Photo courtesy of Alex Bierk)
Artspace, Peterborough’s artist-run centre, is marking its 45th anniversary with a special celebratory event beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18th.
“Speculative Histories and Possible Futures of an Artist-run Centre” takes place at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough), a site of historic significance both in the history of Artspace and in the city’s cultural landscape.
Five panelists — Lori Beavis, Andrea Fatona, Bill Kimball, Fynn Leitch, and Jeff Macklin — will reflect on the history of Artspace and consider the ways artist-run centres have supported and continue to support professional arts practices in Canada.
Following the panel discussion, the celebration will continue with musical guests The Ceedees, Susan Newman and Rob Fortin, and Deejays Billy the K and Johnny Q.
Artspace was founded in 1974 by Dennis Tourbin and David Bierk, along with a collective of local artists. (Photo courtesy of Artspace)
Artspace was founded in 1974 by Dennis Tourbin and David Bierk, along with a collective of local artists, and received non-profit incorporated charitable status in 1977. Originally located at 440 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, it was also located for several years on the second floor of 188-190 Hunter Street West (where La Hacienda and Sam’s Place are now).
It relocated to, and operated, the Market Hall in the early 1980s, after the venue was converted from a gymnasium into a performing arts centre. In all, Artspace had six locations in Peterborough before opening at its current site at 378 Aylmer Street North in 2006.
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Applications now open for FastStart Peterborough’s Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition
The winning teams and judges of the 2018 Pitch It! student entrepreneurial competition held at Fleming College on November 15, 2018. Four student teams from Trent University, Fleming College, and a local high school each took home $500 for their winning business idea. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
Applications are now open for FastStart Peterborough’s firth annual Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition, where students from Trent University and Fleming College pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of winning up to $350.
Styled after the CBC television reality series Dragons’ Den, the competition culminates at a free public event held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22nd at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Interested Trent University and Fleming College students can apply at innovationcluster.ca/programs/pitch-it/. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 11th.
FastStart Peterborough is a collaboration between Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster.
Local game developer Canuck Play releases its third Canadian football title
Canuck Play president David Winter, a client of the Innovation Cluster in downtown Peterborough, announcing the official release of the game developer’s third Canadian football title, “Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019”. (Supplied photo)
Last Friday (September 27), Peterborough-based video game development startup Canuck Play released Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019. its third title that celebrates Canadian football, for the PS4 and Xbox One game consoles.
“The response for Maximum Football 2018 was phenomenal, and this title brings even more elements of Canadian Football to life, including having Doug Flutie as a character in the game,” says Canuck Play president David Winter. “Many players have expressed their enthusiasm to try it out and our team has been very excited for this moment to come.”
As a client of the Innovation Cluster, Winter has worked in its downtown incubator to make Canuck Play a reality, officially launching the company’s first game instalment Canadian Football 2017, followed by Maximum Football 2018.
“Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019” is available now for the PS4 and Xbox One game consoles. (Supplied photos)
Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019 features multiple game options between Canadian, college, and US pro football. Gamers will also have the ability to play full seasons, hone skills in practice mode, customize team and players, full post-play replay with free camera control, multiple player body styles and game weather that impacts game play.
As with the two titles the company has released before, Winter says he will continue to add updates to the game as needed.
Venture13 hosts TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge in Cobourg on October 5
The TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
This event is part of the global CyberLympics, sponsored by SiberX, Durham College AI-Hub, and Venture13. The purpose of the event is to encourage developers to bring forward innovative ideas for cybersecurity applications that are technically feasible and commercially viable.
Teams will have one day to advance their concepts and pitch them to a panel of experts. Mentors and advisors will be available to help teams rapidly iterate their concepts and prepare a pitch presentation to the judges. The winner of the TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge and the $1,000 cash team prize will be announced at the Cyberlympics finale at Durham College on October 26th, 2019.
TechXpo is sponsored by Venture13 VentureZone Members Eagle Aerospace and ConnexHealth Inc. and the Cobourg Police Service.
Venture13 presents cyber security tech talk in Cobourg on October 5
Venture13 is presenting a tech talk called “I to Eye : Thinking Like A Hacker” from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Keynote speaker Mahdi Raza, co-founder of SiberX, will be speaking on cyber security. SiberX is a roaming customized platform for training, events, and skills development in the cyber security field.
Venture13 presents Fireside Chat on Technology Adaptation and Healthcare in Cobourg on October 7
Venture13 is presenting its next Fireside Chat, on the topic “Technology Adaptation and Healthcare”, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, October 7th in the Innovation Commons at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg)
Sponsored by ConnexHealth, the free event features a keynote by Dr. Mukesh Bhargava (Chief of Staff, Northumberland Hills Hospital) and a panel discussion with Dr. Bhargava, Ryan Doherty (President and Founder, Empower Health), and Medha Saraiya (Founder and CEO, ConnexHealth), moderated by Rhonda Cunningham (Director, Northumberland CFDC and Executive Director, Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation).
Peterborough Chamber hosts Chamber AM breakfast meeting in Peterborough on October 8
The next Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8th 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).
Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland in Cobourg on October 10
The second annual Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
Presented by Northumberland County, Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, Destination Ontario, and Kawarthas Northumberland, the one-day high-level business growth conference is designed to educate, motivate, and promote collaboration.
Keynote speakers include Ron Tsang on the topic “Influential Communication for Entrepreneurs” and Andrew Patrico on the topic “How to Cost and Price Your Products and Services Profitably”.
The cost is $45+HST, which includes breakfast and lunch.
Kawartha Chamber hosts Awards of Excellence and Social Gala in Lakefield on October 10
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its 20th Annual Awards of Excellence and Social Gala from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield).
There will be a silent and live auction, light hor d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a social hour for networking in Upper Hadden Hall before the presentation of the awards in the Bryan Jones Theatre.
IBM Lunch and Learn seminar in Cobourg on October 15
Venture13 is presenting Lunch and Learn session with Sarmad Ibrahim, Tech Evangelist at IBB, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Find out about the IBM I3 program, discover IBM’s artificial intelligence, internet of things, and blockchain opportunities, network with entrepreneurs and innovators, and more.
Peterborough Chamber hosts 2019 Business Excellence Awards in Peterborough on October 16
Awards in 20 categories will be presented at the 2019 Business Excellence Awards at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough Chamber of Commerce)
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2019 Business Excellence Awards at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Awards will be presented in 20 categories, including Business Citizen of the Year.
The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. on the Nexicom Studio followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. in the Erica Cherney Theatre.
Tickets are $50+HST, available at excellencepeterborough.ca/tickets. Your tickets includes one complimentary beverage and light hors d’oeuvres catered by The Imperial Tandoor.
Small Business Week events in Kawartha Lakes from October 21 to 25
Kawartha Lakes Small Business Week takes place the week of Monday, October 21st, culminating with the presentation of the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 25th at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club (292 Lindsay st. S. Lindsay).
Nominations are now open for the awards, which feature a first prize of $750, a second prize of $500, and a third prize of $250.
For a list of all the events during Kawartha Lakes Small Business Week and to submit a nomination for the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards, visit www.smallbizweek.net.
Small Business Week event in Port Hope from October 21 to 25
On Tuesday, October 22nd from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the Port Hope Chamber and the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) are offering a bus tour for local businesses and contractors. (Graphic: Port Hope Chamber)
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is presenting a series of events during Small Business Week in Port Hope the week of Monday, October 21st.
On Monday from 12 to 2 p.m., the Port Hope Chamber is hosting “Ask a Professional” at the Port Hope Town Hall Council Chambers (56 Queen St., Port Hope). At this free event, local professionals in the fields of accounting, finance, and law will be on hand to answer questions you may have about business. Professionals include John O’Keefe of O’Keefe Accounting Group, Scott McCracken of Schmidt Law Legal Services, and Adrian Pepper of the Bank of Montreal.
On Tuesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the Port Hope Chamber and the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) are offering a bus tour for local businesses and contractors from a perspective of the PHAI project and cleanup. Space is limited to 18 registrants.
On Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 a.m., the Port Hope Chamber and the Business Development Bank of Canada are hosting “Women in Business” at Jack Burger Sports Complex (60 Highland Dr., Port Hope). The workshop features a presentation for local women in business from the Business Development Bank of Canada on the topic “Supporting your growing business with flexible financing and practical advice”. Light refreshments will be provided.
On Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., the Port Hope Young Professionals group is hosting a trivia night at The Thirsty Goose (63 Walton St., Port Hope). There will be a cash prize for the winning team.
On Friday at 11 a.m., the Port Hope Chamber is hosting “Coffee Break with David Piccini” at the Port Hope Town Hall Council Chambers (56 Queen St., Port Hope). This event, open only to Chamber members, offers an opportunity to talk business with Northumberland-Peterborough MPP South David Piccini.
Disability and accessibility in the workplace information session in Lindsay on October 29
In collaboration with the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce and My Lindsay Downtown, the Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council is hosting “Employer Education Series – Disability & Accessibility Information Session” from 8 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29 at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lindsay (134 Angeline St. S., Lindsay).
Guest speaker Barbara Condie, accessibility coordinator with the City of Kawartha Lakes, will be sharing best practices for employers to navigate the issue of disability and accessibility in the workplace. Condie has extensive experience with research and resource information, development of policies, corporate procedures, and communications pertaining to disability and accessibility.
Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Steve Poltz, founding member of the indie-rock band The Rugburns and co-writer for singer Jewel, performs at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on October 19, 2019. He has been described as "part busker, part Iggy Pop, and part Robin Williams, a freewheeling folkie with a quick wit and big heart". (Photo: Laura Partain)
October is a lovely time to get out for some live music, with the cool fall evenings making an outing to a warm cozy venue all the more pleasurable. Peterborough and the Kawarthas are full of music for fans of all genres. Here are just a few of the concerts happening in the area in October.
Evangeline Gentle at The Theatre on King in Peterborough on October 4
Peterborough singer-songwriter Evangeline Gentle continues to make waves in the Canadian music scene with their amazing voice and songs that strike chords with all ages.
On Friday, October 4th at The Theatre on King (171 King St., Peterborough), Gentle and band will celebrate the release of their debut self-titled album. The album was produced by Ottawa-area producer/songwriter Jim Bryson in his Stittsville studio and was released on Rae Spoon’s COAX Records in September.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m.. Mike Teevee (a.k.a. Cormac Culkeen) will be opening.
VIDEO: “Sundays” – Evangeline Gentle
Rick Fines at the Market Hall in Peterborough on October 4
Award-winning local singer-songwriter and bluesman Rick Fines has written a new collection of songs for his upcoming eighth album, and he’ll be performing them an intimate concert at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Friday, October 4th at 8 p.m.
Fines’ new album is an all-acoustic one, featuring his Dobro and National guitars along with his trusted six-string. He’s written a couple of songs with Matt Anderson and local poet PJ Thomas.
Fines will also be asking the audience at the Market Hall concert how they want to purchase songs from the new album (streaming, CD, LP, etc.).
Tickets are $35 for general admission ($25 students or artists) or $40 for cabaret table seats, available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
Sean Burns at The Garnet in Peterborough on October 5
Sean Burns, originally from Oshawa but now residing in Winnipeg, is one of the hardest-working musicians in Canada. He is almost always criss-crossing Canada with his old-time country stylings.
On Saturday, October 5th, he returns to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) along with pedal steel player Skinny Dyck.
Also on the bill are Peterborough’s favourite country-rockers Diamond Dave and the Smoke Eaters.
The show begins shortly after 9 p.m. and will cost $10 at the door. Put on your best Western shirt and cowboy boots and get ready for a country-filled hootenanny!
VIDEO: “Invitation to the Blues” – Sean Burns & Lost Country
Breabach at the Market Hall in Peterborough on October 6
On Sunday, October 6th, check out contemporary folk band Breabach from Glasgow, Scotland at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
Breabach’s music shifts from traditional folk stylings to contemporary tunes and original compositions that expand on exactly what it means to be a ‘folk group’. The award-winning group’s latest record is entitled Frenzy of the Meeting and continues to show an expanding and developing sonic space for them.
The show is a matinee beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 for a regular seat and $38 for a cabaret table spot. You can get them at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Knees Up” – Breabach
Long Range Hustle at the Tweed Kiwanis Pavillion on October 11
The Tweed and Area Arts Council presents up-and-coming roots-rock band Long Range Hustle on Friday, October 11th at the Tweed Kiwanis Pavillion (137 Victoria St. S., Tweed).
The Tweed/Stirling area band — featuring Paul Brogee (vocals, guitar, violin), Jay Foster (vocals, piano), Mike Brogee (bass, vocals), and AJ Fisico (drums, vocals) with Ryan Pritchard (guitar) — brings an infectious energy to the stage, along with catchy songs that have been lighting up audiences in Canada and the U.S.
The show costs $15 and is an all-ages licensed event. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show runs from 8:30 to 10 p.m. It’s a great way to start your Thanksgiving weekend.
Carolyn Mark at The Garnet in Peterborough on October 15
Vancouver Island’s Carolyn Mark is a songwriter who is always worth seeing live. Her tunes range from quirky to relatable to downright sad.
On Tuesday, October 15th, Mark returns to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) to play my birthday party!
Come and share a few laughs, some pints, and check out one of Canada’s best-kept secrets in Carolyn Mark’s excellent music.
Tickets will be $10 at the door and the show begins at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Miles from Nowhere in a Valley Off The Highway” – Carolyn Mark
Steve Poltz at the Market Hall in Peterborough on October 19
There’s no one quite like singer-songwriter-madman Steve Poltz.
Although Poltz may be best known for co-penning “You Were Meant for Me”, a huge hit by Jewel in the mid-90s, his career is much more broad and interesting than that. His tunes and his performance are always full of laughs and twists.
Poltz comes to Peterborough on Saturday, October 19th at 8 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146). Tickets are $35 and you can get them the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: “Ballin’ On A Wednesday” – Steve Poltz
Jimmy Bowskill at The Garnet in Peterborough on October 20
Bailieboro’s Jimmy Bowskill has been a professional musician since before he was a teenager. His solo career began with the blues, and has evolved through bluegrass and beyond as his influences have broadened.
Beyond his own fantastic music, Bowskill has been playing with a couple bands you may have heard: The Sheepdogs and Blue Rodeo. On Sunday, October 20th, he will bring his own band, The Hometown Beauts, to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) for a pair of intimate shows: a matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening show at 8 p.m.
Jim Cuddy at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay on October 24
Two words: Jim Cuddy! That’s right, fans of the long-time Blue Rodeo co-founder, he is coming to the Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-9111) on Thursday, October 24th.
Cuddy just released a brand new record called Country Wide Soul and his voice and tunes continue as strong as ever. He’ll be performing a show as The Jim Cuddy Trio along with guitarist Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo, Jim Cuddy Band) and fiddler Anne Lindsay (Jim Cuddy Band, The Skydiggers, John McDermott).
Tickets are $79.50 plus taxes and fees. Tickets are available at the Box Office, by phone at 705-324-9111, or online at www.academytheatre.ca.
VIDEO: “Back Here Again” – Jim Cuddy
Death By Art School at The Garnet in Peterborough on October 31
Head to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Thursday, October 31st for a rocking Halloween party with Death By Art School.
The group is an outrageous high-energy mix of rap, rock, and glam electro music. There will be costumes, guns shooting fake money, and enough music to make it a super-fun night. Guests to be announced soon.
Mentalist and magician Spidey will mess with your mind (but in a good way) at his show "Make Believe - Magic of your Mind" at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough on October 18, 2019. (Publicity photo)
Showplace Presents Spidey: Make Believe – The Magic of Your Mind
When: Friday, October 18, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $35
Advance tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office, by phone at 705-742-7469, and online. Note: This show has been moved to the Nexicom Studio with cabaret seating.
Promising to deliver “an emotional rollercoaster,” acclaimed mentalist and magician Spidey returns to Peterborough this fall, this time spinning his mind-blowing web at the Showplace Performance Centre.
“There are things that happen in my show that people would describe as supernatural,” he says in a March 2017 interview with kawarthaNOW that precluded his last visit to the city.
“There are very intense moments, extremely happy moments, really funny moments, and deeply emotional moments.”
For most, those ingredients are at the centre of pure entertainment, and entertain Spidey will when he takes to the stage of the downtown Peterborough venue on Friday, October 18th.
VIDEO: Spidey: Make Believe – Magic of your Mind
He promises to bring his popular magic and mentalism tricks to the Showplace stage, from playing a heart-racing game of Russian roulette and ‘mind Pictionary’ to tapping into someone’s happiest memories and revealing impossible details.
Spidey (his real name is Bedros Akkelian) has entertained and amazed millions via North American and international tours, numerous television appearances, and several viral YouTube videos — including one clip that sees him exercise the power of suggestion to dodge getting a speeding ticket. He also appears as a guest star in three episodes of the 2018 Netflix original series, Brainchild, which is available in 21 countries.
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A Canadian Magician of the Year nominee and a Canada’s Got Talent finalist, Spidey has performed for, and been consulted by, numerous celebrities, the famed magic duo Penn and Teller among them.
In 2014, performing in front of a studio audience for a taping of the reality TV series Wizard Wars, Spidey’s mentalism skills caught the full attention of the duo, including a rare vocal outburst from the typically silent Teller. Leaping to his feet, he cried ‘Bravo!’ repeatedly.
“It was one of most iconic moments of my career … that was huge for me,” recalls Spidey, noting it led directly to his appearing on Penn and Teller’s television series Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
VIDEO: Spidey and Joel Meyers on Penn & Teller Fool Us
A graduate of Montreal’s Concordia University with a degree in social psychology, Spidey practised card tricks while in high school. His eventual stage name can be traced back to his time as a camp counsellor. A fan of comic books, and with the Spiderman film big in theatres at the time, he adopted that handle as his camp name.
Spidey’s increasing fascination with the mental aspect of magic took him in a new direction. In a June 2018 interview with Lindsay Carlton of Fox News, Spidey recalls “That was when the real spark hit where I got really into the more mental stuff”..
“I thought it (mentalism) was a really great way to connect with people, to break the ice, and it’s something that I just became so passionate about.”
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According to Spidey, mentalism has at its heart four subcategories: prediction, clairvoyance, telekinesis, and telepathy. That said, he adds mind reading isn’t what most think it is.
“It’s not like we look at the person and we see or hear their thoughts,” he says. “Through a combination of deductive reasoning, magic, and psychology, we know what they’re thinking.”
He adds using psychology to manipulate people’s minds shouldn’t be confused with being psychic.
“When people see mentalism, their first guess typically is that it involves some sort of psychic ability, but it’s not,” Spidey explains.
“I think that even psychics are using trickery and deceptive methods. The only difference is what they claim it is. They say it’s real — ‘I’m tapping into your energy, and I’m reading your mind, and I can see your aura’ — whereas for me, it’s ‘I’m just entertaining you with this’.”
VIDEO: Spidey uses the power of suggestion to get out of a speeding ticket
Spidey makes it clear he doesn’t view his talent as a gift. Rather, he says, it’s all about technique.
“It’s something you learn and develop, akin to learning to play a music instrument.”
That in mind, he advises to aspiring mentalists to practice over and over.
“Because mentalism is so much about connecting with someone, the best way is just to get out there and do it as often as you can, for as many people as you can. You’re going to mess up at first — it’s going to happen — but then, as you get more comfortable with it, you get better.”
For more information about Spidey, visit his website at www.spideymagic.com.
These Grade 2 students harvested 122 pounds of onions at Edwin Binney's Community Garden in Lindsay on September 27, 2019, pushing the total weight of produce harvested in the garden's first year of operation to more than two tons. The fresh produce was donated to local social service agencies, food banks, shelters, and children's programming agencies. (Photo courtesy of United Way City of Kawartha
United Way City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) has announced Edwin Binney’s Community Garden in Lindsay has now produced more than two tons of fresh produce in its first year of operation, with all food donated to the community.
The milestone was reached on Friday (September 27) with the help of a Grade 2 class that harvested 122 pounds of onions, pushing the total weight of fresh produce harvested to 4,109 pounds.
Edwin Binney’s Community Garden comprises 30,000 square feet of Crayola Canada’s previously unused land that the United Way and Fleming College staff have developed into a fully operational community garden. The garden is maintained by staff from both United Way CKL and the Sustainable Agriculture program at Fleming College Frost Campus, as well as several volunteers from Crayola Canada, Farm Credit Canada, and the community.
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The main goal of the garden is to provide fresh produce to people who need it in the City of Kawartha Lakes through social service agencies, food banks, shelters, and children’s programming agencies. In the garden’s first year, 11 different agencies received fresh produce.
FoodRescure.ca — operated by Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization — was instrumental in distributing the fresh produce.
“Thanks in large part to United Way City of Kawartha Lakes, we are seeing 95 per cent of all donations going through FoodRescue.ca be fresh and nutritious produce — items which such non-profits might not often come by or which can be expensive to purchase for their programming,” says FoodRescue.ca coordinator Jessica Topfer.
“This has helped non-profits immensely by saving them some of their already limited financial resources, but most importantly, it has given members of our community an opportunity to access good food which can provide them the nutrition and energy they need as they work toward strengthening their future.”
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A partnership with Frost College’s Sustainable Agriculture program at Fleming College has meant that the garden uses a science-based crop rotation plan, which will allow even more produce to be grown in future years. Students in the Sustainable Agriculture course are also able to receive practical experience that will count towards their diploma while working on site at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden.
Along with college students, children of all ages have enjoyed learning at the garden. Through a grant from TD Friends of the Environment, United Way CKL was able to hire an educator to create curriculum-based workshop materials. Fifteen school classes and summer camps, with children ranging from 3 to 17 years old, were able to visit the garden this year. A total of 300 young people gained hands-on experience in food literacy, numeracy, agriculture and biology through plant identification, scavenger hunts, crafts, and various other activities.
Pictured is 456 pounds of fresh produce harvested from Edwin Binney’s Community Garden in Lindsay. The garden is located on 30,000 square feet of Crayola Canada’s previously unused land that the United Way and Fleming College staff have developed into a fully operational community garden. In the garden’s first year of operation, 11 different agencies received fresh produce from the garden.(Photo courtesy of United Way City of Kawartha Lakes)
“This is an amazing accomplishment, way beyond any expectation we had when this project started,” say representatives from Crayola Canada. “It is a result of a combined effort from so many local partners. Crayola is very proud to be a part of such a significant community initiative.”
Plans for the second year of Edwin Binney’s Community Garden are underway, with the goal of increasing produce yields and student involvement.
Anyone interested in getting involved in Edwin Binney’s Community Garden can contact Elly Millington, projects and communications coordinator at United Way CKL, at office@ckl.unitedway.ca or at 705-878-5081.
It is legal in Canada to grow up to four cannabis plants for personal use. (Photo: Wikipedia)
Although you can now legally grow up to four cannabis plants, you might want to think twice about growing them in an area where they are visible from the street.
A Lindsay man was arrested on Thursday (September 26) after he was caught with stolen cannabis plants.
At around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, a resident of Melbourne Street West in Lindsay contacted Kawartha Lakes Police Service to report that a man had just entered their backyard and stole a cannabis plant that was growing on the property.
A short time later, officers located a man walking in the area with several mature cannabis plants in his possession. The man was arrested for the theft.
Further investigation revealed the man had also stolen two cannabis plants from two other properties.
Police have charged 44-year-old Matthew Cork of Lindsay. with three counts of theft under $5,000, three counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and three counts of failing to comply with the conditions of his probation order.
The accused man will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice at 440 Kent Street West in Lindsay on October 31, 2019.
The cast of Lindsay Little Theatre's production of "Moon Over Buffalo" (left to right): Kaitlyn Thiodeau, Michael Chapman, Colin Dusome, Jeff Condon, Lorna Green, Shannon Peters Bain, and Michael Hart. Not pictured is Bonnie Kelly. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
On Friday, September 27th, the curtain goes up on Lindsay Little Theatre’s 2019-2020 season with Ken Ludwig’s farcical comedy Moon Over Buffalo.
Lindsay Little Theatre presents Moon Over Buffalo
When: Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 8 p.m., Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: >Lindsay Little Theatre (55 George St. W., Lindsay) How much: $20
Written by Ken Ludwig. Directed by Pamela Brohm and Beth Harrington. Starring Michael Chapman, Lorna Green, Shannon Peters Bain, Colin Dusome, Michael Hart, Kaitlyn Thiodeau, Jeff Condon, and Bonnie Kelly. Tickets are available in person or by phone at the Academy Theatre box office (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-911), online at www.lindsaylittletheatre.com, or at the door before each performance (subject to availability).
Directed by Pamela Brohm and Beth Harrington, Moon Over Buffalo is a likeable comedy lampooning the backstage antics of repertory theatre and the ambitions of aging actors who have seen better days.
Written by award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig, Moon Over Buffalo debuted directly on Broadway in 1995, where it saw the return of comedian Carol Burnett on stage after 30-year absence. A hit with curious audiences, the play saw Tony nominations for Burnett and her co-star Phillip Bosco, and was the subject of a documentary by famed filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker. The show ran for 300 performances and has had a life on the stage ever since.
Set in 1953, Moon Over Broadway centres on the fading careers of married actors George and Charlotte Hay (Michael Chapman and Lorna Green). Once famous on Broadway, the couple were the darlings of New York and even appeared on the cover of Life magazine.
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However, after a failed attempt to make it in Hollywood, where they perished in B-movies, George and Charlotte are now appearing in repertory theatre in Buffalo during an era where the advent of television is replacing people’s interest in theatre. Performing daily performances of Cyrano de Bergerac and Private Lives, things are about to go from bad to worse for the couple.
When George and Charlotte’s daughter Rosalind (Shannon Peters Bain), who gave up acting to live a ‘normal’ life, arrives in Buffalo to introduce her parents to her new fiancé Howard (Colin Dusome), she doesn’t expect to run into her old flame Paul (Michael Hart), who is producing the couple’s show.
Furthermore, an unexpected night of passion paired with the return of an old flame threatens to break George and Charlotte up, marking the end of the theatre company. But everyone soon needs to get things together because it is revealed that famous Hollywood director Frank Capra has lost his leading man to an accident on the set, and he is on his way to Buffalo to see the couple perform as possible replacements.
From that moment on, everything goes wrong, leading to mistaken identities, misinformation, disastrous performances, and plenty of slamming doors in the classic comedic farce style.
In the Lindsay Little Theatre production of Moon Over Buffalo, Michael Chapman and Loran Green are well cast in the roles of George and Charlotte Hay. The audience can find comedy as George, a likeable cad, has the worst day of his life.
As George, Michael is highly energetic with expressions that fall somewhere between actor Tom Ewell and comic book hero Plastic Man. He meets his match in Lorna, who remains spot on and steady through the entire production.
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However, some of the funniest scenes are between Michael and co-star Michael Hart, who plays stage manager Paul. The pair have an unlikely comedic chemistry, and Michael gives a delightful performance.
The highlight of the show for me was a hilarious reading of Noel Coward’s Private Lives by Michael and Shannon Peters-Bain. While Michael keeps it straight, Shannon plays it bored and haughty, making for the biggest laughs of the show.
Supporting performances are by Kaitlyn Thibodeau as Eileen and Jeff Condon as Richard, whose romantic entanglements threaten the future of the theatre (not to mention George and Charlotte’s marriage), and Bonnie Kelly as Charlotte’s crusty mother Ethel, who has most of the show’s best zingers.
Micheal Chapman as George and Michael Hart as Paul in Lindsay Little Theatre’s production of “Moon Over Buffalo”. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
A special shout-out goes to Colin Dusome as hapless weatherman Howard who, despite mostly being shoved out doors or maliciously manhandled, gives the funniest and most charming performance in the play. A very funny character actor, Colin lights every show he is in and provides a much-needed comedic rescue for Moon Over Buffalo.
About the play’s title
“Moon Over Miami was a popular film in the 1940s and was thought of as the epitome of romance. One day while writing the play, the title just popped into my head. The notion was that Buffalo is generally thought of as the antithesis of romance and by juxtaposing “Moon Over” with a city like Buffalo instead of the (then) glamorous Miami, it would be a funny statement about where my protagonists are in their lives. They’re not playing London or New York or Miami; they’re playing Buffalo.” – Playwright Ken Ludwig
Although the farcical antics makes up the majority of the show, the real fun begins when the actors fly into the world of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward. Donning fabulous costumes by Meg Duncan, the mixture of stage fiction and stage reality is a joy to watch and is when the actors really get into the spirit of the show. Wait carefully for the second scene in act two for some truly fun moments.
Moon Over Buffalo is an interesting choice for the opening of Lindsay Little Theatre’s new season. Although the material is slightly dated at times, the company puts a lot of passion into it. For audiences that enjoy a classic farce, Moon Over Buffalo is a perfect opportunity to visit one of the most endearing theatres in the Kawarthas.
Moon Over Buffalo will be performed at Lindsay Little Theatre (55 George St. W., Lindsay) at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 29th and again on Friday, October 4tyh and Saturday, October 5th. Tickets are available in person or by phone at the Academy Theatre box office (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-911), online at www.lindsaylittletheatre.com, or at the door before each performance (subject to availability).
The West End Riverboat Band (John Williams on clarinet and vocals, Ben Lee on tenor banjo and vocals, and Chris Adriaanse on double bass) will be performing old-time New Orleans jazz and folk at The Arlington in Maynooth on Saturday, September 28th and then again at the Black Horse Pub in downtown Peterborough on Sunday, September 29th. (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, September 26 to Wednesday, October 2.
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.
Hydro One is advising of a planned power outage on Sunday morning (September 29) in the Peterborough area, to allow crews to complete required upgrades to ensure safe and reliable power.
Between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m., Hydro One will disconnect power to 8,489 customers in the Smith, Curve Lake First Nation, Douro, Harvey, Lakehurst, Buckhorn, Burleigh, and Cavendish areas.
The power outage will also affect Lakefield, which is served by Peterborough Utilities Group.
Hydro One crews will be completing required upgrades and maintenance in the area, which includes replacing poles and switches. An outage is required to ensure the safety of crews.
Hydro One customers requiring additional information can call 1-888-664-9376.
On Saturday, October 5th, GreenUP's Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods (SUN) program invites the public to enjoy a community celebration and BioBlitz at Kawartha Heights Park in Peterborough. During the BioBlitz, GreenUP's expert volunteers will help you learn about the fascinating plants and animals living within the park. The event also includes tree planting, a live performance by Washboard Hank, and the official release of the Kawartha Heights and East City-Curtis Creek Neighbourhood Action Plans. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
GreenUP’s Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods (SUN) program is inviting the public to enjoy a community celebration and BioBlitz at Kawartha Heights Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Brittany Harding, GreenUP Education and Outreach Coordinator.
A BioBlitz is an event where scientists and members of the public work together to identify and inventory all the species of flora and fauna within a given geographic area, giving a snapshot of biodiversity in the area.
At the Kawartha Heights BioBlitz, our expert volunteers will help you learn about the fascinating plants and animals living within the park.
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The day also includes tree planting, a live performance by Washboard Hank, and the official release of the Kawartha Heights and East City-Curtis Creek Neighbourhood Action Plans.
Over the past three years, SUN has collaborated with residents, the City of Peterborough, and other partners to develop two Neighbourhood Action Plans. The plans identify 10-year goals related to rainwater management and watershed health, habitat and urban forests, healthy and active transportation and recreation, community building, energy and climate, and local food security.
Key actions identified in the plans provide specific steps toward the realization of sustainability goals. These actions will help each neighbourhood adapt to the projected impacts of climate change in the Peterborough region, such as greater precipitation and more extreme temperatures.
VIDEO: October 5th BioBlitz & celebration of Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods Program
Climate change is a daunting issue that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and even hopeless. We often think, ‘I’m just one person, what can I do?’
A 2017 report by the American Psychological Association, Climate for Health, and ecoAmerica acknowledges that it is common to be “deeply affected by feelings of loss, helplessness, and frustration due to an inability to feel like (we) are making a difference in stopping climate change.”
The SUN Action Plans address these feelings by identifying specific, clearly defined, and attainable actions.
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The plans identify many projects that residents can undertake and support, especially at home. For example, installation of rain barrels and rain gardens can help capture rainwater where it falls. Rain barrels and rain gardens can reduce demands on municipal storm water infrastructure and maintain the health of local watersheds.
Actions like these are achievable and remind us that we are part of a much larger, human and non-human, community. What we do at home can directly and indirectly impact the health and well-being of others. We all reap the benefits of climate action.
Interested in learning more about sustainable landscaping projects, their benefits, and how to get started? Check out our guide Planting for a Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood at www.greenup.on.ca/sun.
A BioBlitz is an event where scientists and members of the public work together to identify and inventory all the species of flora and fauna within a given geographic area, giving a snapshot of biodiversity in the area. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Many of the actions emphasize the value of collaboration and the multiple benefits of local initiatives. For example, enhancing local parks is one of the main focus areas of the action plan in Kawartha Heights. The October 5th BioBlitz offers residents an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
It will also provide SUN, the City of Peterborough, and other partners with more information about local plants and animals that live in this important greenspace so we can protect and enhance the park. In other words, we can achieve a lot when we work together.
Don’t live in a SUN neighbourhood? No problem. The actions described in the existing plans can give you some great examples of things that can be done in any neighbourhood to adapt to climate change.
The October 5th BioBlitz at Kawartha Heights Park in Peterborough will also see the official release of the Kawartha Heights and East City-Curtis Creek Neighbourhood Action Plans. Over the past three years, GreenUP’s Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods (SUN) program has collaborated with residents, the City of Peterborough, and other partners to developthe plans, which identify 10-year goals related to rainwater management and watershed health, habitat and urban forests, healthy and active transportation and recreation, community building, energy and climate, and local food security. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
This fall, SUN will be working with neighbourhood residents, the municipality, and other partners to begin implementing the action plans. If you are interested in learning more about Kawartha Heights and East City-Curtis Creek Action Plans, or if you would like to support a specific action, please contact Hayley Goodchild, SUN program co-ordinator, at hayley.goodchild@greenup.on.ca.
Following their release on October 5th, the SUN Action Plans will be available online at www.greenup.on.ca/sun, and can be picked up in the Greenup Store at 378 Aylmer Street in downtown Peterborough.
Guided nature walks will depart from the playground at Kawartha Heights Park at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Peterborough Field Naturalists will be leading a Junior BioBlitz for kids starting at 10:30 a.m. A live performance by Washboard Hank will begin at noon. Any attendees participating in the guided nature walks or tree planting will be required to wear close-toed shoes and long pants.
Interested in volunteering? We are looking for volunteers to make this event a success. If you are interested in helping to lead or support BioBlitz groups or SUN partners, please contact Brittany Harding at brittany.harding@greenup.on.ca or 705-745-3238 ext. 224 for more information.
The SUN program is a three-year initiative funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and facilitated by Greenup. SUN is modelled on and delivered in association with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Sustainable Urban Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP). SUN is administered in partnership with the City of Peterborough, Otonabee Conservation, and Nourish.
As well as guided nature walks, the October 5th BioBlitz at Kawartha Heights Park in Peterborough also includes tree planting and a live performance by Washboard Hank. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
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