The annual Shifting Gears community challenge in May encourages people to try other transportation options such as carpooling, a great way to save on gas and time and sometimes get a few extra zzz's during your commute. New online carpool matching tools are available this year through Shifting Gears. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Over the past 15 years, the Shifting Gears challenge has become an annual tradition in our community. Each May, as participants from across the city shed their winter coats, they also shed old transportation habits, take the pledge, and embrace new ways of travelling from place to place.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Lindsay Stroud, GreenUP Manager of Transportation & Urban Design Programs.
Shifting Gears participants log their daily trips online as they walk, bike, take transit, and carpool around town. They encourage friends and co-workers to join in on the fun, and there is always a little friendly competition between workplaces and organizations throughout the month. During May, they are congratulated for their efforts with great perks and prizes!
This program model, whereby participants become a part of a community, working together to meet their goals over the course of the month, has been a terrific success. Each year, more than 100 workplaces and 1,000 participants take part, logging tens of thousands of kilometres worth of active and sustainable travel.
And it appears that these new travel habits stick. The City of Peterborough reported last year that use of active transportation in our city is on the rise. In 2016, 10.2 per cent of city residents walked or biked for daily trips when only 6.7 per cent were recorded using these modes a decade earlier. And another 4.3 per cent use transit.
Peterborough Transit riders are encouraged to participate in Shifting Gears this May. A 10-ride bus pass is a great backup for those who regularly ride, walk, or carpool, but need a quick way home in a pinch. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Earlier this year, we reached out to past Shifting Gears participants to find out how they’ve made the shift to new transportation options. They had such practical helpful tips that we decided to package them up into New-to-Shifting workshops for transit, commuting by bike, and commuting on foot.
Each of these 45-minute workshops will be offered to all new Shifting Gears participants through the weeks of April 22nd and May 9th. At the workshops, participants will receive how-to information, a Q&A session with the workshop mentors, an opportunity to sign up for a one-on-one consultation, and a bonus gift that will set them on track to making their shift stick.
A move to active and sustainable transportation brings with it many benefits that participants are drawn to, including reduced traffic congestion, better air quality, and more daily physical activity. Although these are motivators, participants are also quick to say that their new transportation choice has turned out to be convenient, purposeful, and often even fun!
Participants find new routes around town at the Shifting Gears booth at the Farmers’ Market. Shifting Gears will be at the Wednesday Downtown Peterborough Farmers’ Market on May 1, 2019. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
“The walk home from work in the afternoon gives me some time to process the day and separate work and home life,” Super Shifter Kate reflects.
People ride bikes and walk along the multi-use trail on Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough. Log your walking, biking, transit, and carpooling trips this May to win prizes. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
By tacking on a couple of extra blocks to his walk each day, Kylie says he can catch up on a favourite podcast on the way to work.
The sounds of wildlife and water set the day off right for transit user and Super Shifter Karen.
“I recently realized that the Trent Express runs quite regularly along Water Street, so now I like to walk down the laneway to the bus stop and watch the river, ducks, and sometimes an occasional osprey while I wait for the bus.”
Did you know that, in Peterborough, the median trip distance travelled on weekdays in our city is only 2.7 kilometres and that 73 per cent of all trips are under five kilometres?
“Most of my trips around town are less than three kilometres,” says Super Shifter Jaime, “so I find it quite fast to get around town by bike.”
Those who have already made the shift are important mentors and motivators in our Shifting Gears community. Through surveys, social media, and at events, our Super Shifters have even more ways to share their tips, tricks, and stories in 2019.
Registration is now open online for new and returning participants. The challenge will run from May 1st to 31st, with a celebration and awards event in June. In May, Shifting Gears will be popping up around town. We will be at the Wednesday Downtown Farmers’ Market on May 1st and hosting bike rides in late May. Check out our events listings online.
We hope to support you in a successful shift to active and sustainable transportation this spring, so register today at peterboroughmoves.com. This program is run by Greenup and the City of Peterborough, in partnership with B!KE, the County of Peterborough, and Peterborough Public Health.
For more information on how to participate in the Shifting Gears challenge and the New-to-Shifting workshops, please get in touch with Lindsay Stroud, Shifting Gears Coordinator at lindsay.stroud@greenup.on.ca or 705-745-3238 x209.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region recently opened a new 14,000-square-foot ReStore retail site at 300 Milroy Drive in Peterborough to sell new and gently used household items and building materials at a discounted price. Habitat also has ReStore locations at 550 Braidwood Drive in Peterborough and at 55 Angeline Street North in Lindsay. All ReStore revenues are used to cover the charitable organization's administrative costs, so 100 per cent of donations can go towards supporting building projects for affordable housing. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region)
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region has opened a new 14,000-square-foot retail site in Peterborough to sell new and gently used household items and building materials at a discounted price.
Official Grand Opening on May 15, 2019
Habitat for Humanity is hosting an official grand opening of the ReStore location at 300 Milroy Drive on Wednesday, May 15th from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The celebration features a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., along with a BBQ, giveaways, a kids’ area, and DIY demonstrations.
The ReStore, located in the north end of the city on 300 Milroy Drive, is another important source of revenue for the non-profit organization, and Habitat expects the new addition to further boost its proceeds as well as its profile in the community — which will help Habitat to build even more affordable housing in the community.
This is Habitat’s third ReStore operating in the region, servicing the north end of Peterborough, Bridgenorth, and Ennismore. The first original Peterborough ReStore is located at 550 Braidwood Drive and the second is located in Lindsay at 55 Angeline Street North.
The steadily evolving inventory at the north end ReStore will be a repeat draw for customers looking for a range of household items including vintage-style furniture, appliances, home décor, cabinetry, vanities, lighting, tools, plumbing supplies, and much more. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region)
The Habitat for Humanity administrative offices have moved from the Braidwood location to the Milroy one, allowing for an additional 1,700 square feet of retail space at Braidwood to house more donations from the area.
“The support Habitat is receiving from the community is growing,” says Christina Skuce, director of philanthropy and communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region.
“We didn’t have the space at the Braidwood site to house all of the donations coming in. There is a crisis for affordable housing in our region. To build more affordable housing, we need to raise more money and a second ReStore can help us do that.”
One of the great successes of ReStore is that it “offers a green alternative and diverts perfectly good items from the landfill,” Skuce adds.
The ReStore is organized as a home would be, with living room, dining room, bedroom, office and entertainment items grouped together making the space easy to navigate for customers. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region)
The steadily evolving inventory at the north end ReStore will be a repeat draw for customers looking for a range of household items including vintage-style furniture, appliances, home décor, cabinetry, vanities, lighting, tools, plumbing supplies, and much more.
The ReStore is organized as a home would be, with living room, dining room, bedroom, office, and entertainment items grouped together making the space easy to navigate for customers.
“We also carry what some people don’t except to see in the ReStore and that is brand new items that have been donated by our generous corporate partners. Most of the time, they are discontinued or overstocked items and customers can buy it at our ReStore at a discounted price,” says Skuce.
Christina Skuce, director of philanthropy and communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region, organizes new items that were donated by Habitat’s generous corporate partners. Items like kitchen cleaning products and paint supplies are often discontinued or overstocked and can be bought at a discounted price at the ReStore. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region)
With Habitat’s constantly changing inventory, prices well below retail, frequent markdowns, and one-of-a-kind items, Skuce recommends customers stop by often.
“If you miss a day, you might just miss a deal,” she says.
Even though ReStore will take almost anything in resalable condition, Skuce notes that they are selective in what they stock. Items not accepted include mattresses, baby car seats and cribs, industrial supplies, or anything in rough condition.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region’s new ReStore 14,000-square-foot retail site at 300 Milroy Drive in Peterborough now also houses the charitable organization’s administrative offices, freeing up an additional 1,700 square feet of retail space at the Braidwood ReStore to hold even more donated items. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region)
In any case, once an item is purchased, those funds make a big difference for Habitat for Humanity.
All ReStore revenue goes towards covering Habitat’s administrative costs, which means that the organization can guarantee that 100 per cent of cash donations go to home building projects.
The need for affordable housing in Peterborough and the Kawarthas is great, notes Skuce.
“The lack of affordable housing for low to moderate income families and individuals has become a major problem in our community. Habitat’s goal is to help hard-working families realize their dream of home ownership and break the cycle of poverty.”
For partner families, Habitat for Humanity offers an interest-free zero-downpayment mortgage, with affordable monthly payments that are based on the family’s income.
All families who partner with Habitat are required to achieve a minimum of 500 ‘sweat equity’ hours by volunteering on the build site, at the ReStore and through other Habitat initiatives.
In April, Skuce says three new Habitat homes will be completed: one in Curve Lake and two in Lindsay. In May, work will start on a second home in Curve Lake and, in June, work will begin on two homes in Bobcaygeon.
The Mills family and the Sorenson family are now the proud owners of two new homes at 39 and 41 Hamilton Street in Lindsay, thanks to Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. A home dedication ceremony took place on April 16, 2019. Habitat for Humanity offers families a hand-up, not a hand-out, by providing an interest-free zero-downpayment mortgage with affordable monthly payments that are based on the family’s income. In exchange, a family must demonstrate the ability to make monthly mortgage payments, agree to invest 500 “sweat equity” hours in their new home, and attend workshops on financial management and home maintenance to ensure they have the proper knowledge and skills to become successful long-term homeowners. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region)
She adds that Habitat is finalizing plans to build more than 60 units of affordable complex-style developments through three separate projects in Peterborough and Lakefield. In its 17 years, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region has served more than 37 families to date.
Full revenue from ReStore proceeds covers Habitat’s administrative costs, which means that the organization can guarantee that 100 per cent of cash donations go to home building projects. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region)
If you’re remodelling, cleaning out, downsizing, or just getting organized, consider donating your excess household goods and building materials to Peterborough’s Habitat ReStores to help stock the stores and support local families. Free pickup of most large items is available, and can be scheduled by calling your local Habitat for Humanity office.
As a donor, you’ll realize many benefits: removal of bulky items you no longer need, a potential tax deduction, the knowledge you’ve helped Habitat fund its mission, and the sense of not having trashed a good piece of furniture.
Volunteers are needed to help with day-to-day operations at the store. Whether you have retail experience in merchandising or customer service, or no experience at all and simply enjoy giving back and working with others, there are fun and fulfilling opportunities to help out at ReStore, says Skuce.
“ReStore is a volunteer-operated store and we have an urgent need for more volunteers in the Milroy location,” she says. “We’re also accepting high school students needing volunteer hours. We have a variety of shifts and opportunities available.”
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region also offer do-it-yourself (DIY) workshops to teach community members and donors how to makeover, repurpose, and put their own personal touch on items they find at the ReStore. For a list of upcoming workshops, visit habitatpeterborough.ca/habitat-events.
The new north end ReStore is located at 300 Milroy Drive in Peterborough, and is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 705-750-1456 or visit habitatpeterborough.ca/restore.
This story was created in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region.
Easter is the most important Christian religious holiday. Easter Sunday is the Sunday immediately following the paschal full moon (related to, but not the same as, the first full moon after the spring equinox). It can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25. Good Friday is the Friday two days before Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday.
As Good Friday is a statutory holiday across Canada, all government offices, libraries, beer and liquor stores, banks, and schools are closed, as are many grocery stores and retail businesses (some restaurants and tourist attractions may remain open). On Easter Sunday, almost everything is also closed (some grocery stores are open). On Easter Monday, government offices, libraries, and schools remain closed, but some liquor stores, all beer stores, and most other businesses are open with regular hours.
For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 258 selected businesses, services, and organizations across the Kawarthas. We do not include hours for restaurants, as there are too many to list! 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 (we’ve included phone numbers), especially if you are travelling any distance. If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form.
Bewdley Community Recycling Centre 7650 County Rd. 9, Hamilton 905-342-2514
CLOSED
CLOSED
8:30am-5:00pm
Brighton Community Recycling Centre 1112 County Rd. 26, Brighton 613-475-1946
CLOSED
CLOSED
8:30am-5:00pm
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
No collection/delivery
Not applicable
No collection/delivery
City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall, Municipal Service Centres, and Administration Offices 26 Francis St., Lindsay 705-324-9411
CLOSED
CLOSED
Regular hours
City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, arenas, and pools Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411
CLOSED
Regular hours
Regular hours
City of Kawartha Lakes Public Libraries Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
CLOSED
Regular hours
City of Kawartha Lakes Waste and Recycling Collection 26 Francis St., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
Not applicable
Not applicable
Regular collection
City of Peterborough Day Cares Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
City of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
Moves to Mon Apr 22
Not applicable
Fri Apr 19 collection
City of Peterborough Green Waste Pickup Peterborough 705-876-1600
Moves to Mon Apr 22
Not applicable
Fri Apr 19 collection
City of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 705-876-1600
Moves to Mon Apr 22
Not applicable
Fri Apr 19 collection
City of Peterborough Social Services Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
County of Haliburton Administration Offices 11 Newcastle St., Minden 705-286-4085
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
County of Northumberland Waste and Recycling Collection 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg 1-866-293-8379
Not applicable
Not applicable
No change
County of Peterborough Administration Offices 470 Water St., Peterborough 705-743-0380
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
County of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
Check your township at ptbocounty.ca or install My Waste App
Not applicable
Check your township at ptbocounty.ca or install My Waste App
County of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 705-775-2737
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands.
A Colorado low that will track over northeastern Ontario on Thursday (April 18) will bring rain to the area on Thursday afternoon, which will become heavier on Thursday evening and into Friday.
Rainfall amounts of 25 to 50 mm are possible by Friday evening. Periods of rain will continue into Saturday with an additional 10 to 20 mm of rain possible.
For Northumberland, Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement indicating 40 to 60 mm of rain are possible by Sunday.
The ground, which is still frozen in places, has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.
Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks.
The Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market opens for the 2019 season on Wednesday, May 1. To accommodate ongoing construction of the new urban park at Louis Street, this year's market will again be located on Charlotte St. between George and Louis, which will be closed to traffic while the market runs from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market)
April showers bring May flowers … and farmers’ markets!
After being delayed for a week due to said April showers, the Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market reopens for the 2019 season on Wednesday, May 8th.
Once again this year, Charlotte Street between Louis and George Streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., transforming the area into a bustling pedestrian-friendly farmers’ market.
The Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market runs every very Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. until October 30th. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market)
The market will continue every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. until October 30th.
The 22-year-old market is a producers-only market where shoppers can buy directly from farmers, growers, bakers, and more. As always, seasonal produce, meats, cheese, fresh flowers, baked goods, art, plants to grow, coffee, and lunches-to-go will be available.
New vendors this year include Hard Winter Bread Company with their sourdough bread and bagels, Tyler Scott with his locally sourced fried chicken and sides, Johnston’s Farm Market, Freskiw’s wild blueberries, Lil Puffs pancakes and smoothies, and more.
Along with monthly special events showcasing seasonal bounty, guest chefs will provide samples, on-site cooking demonstrations, and innovative ideas on using market products throughout market season.
To learn more about the Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market’s policies, regulations, vendors, seasonal produce, special events, and more, visit www.ptbodowntownmarket.com.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith performs at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on April 23, 2019. (Publicity photo)
Juno award-winner Ron Sexsmith is often described as a songwriter’s songwriter.
Market Hall presents Ron Sexsmith
When: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) How much: $38 assigned seat, $48 assigned cabaret table seat
Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
That’s because Sexsmith, who will be performing at Peterborough’s Market Hall on Tuesday, April 23rd, has had his songs covered by famous musicians including Elvis Costello, Feist, Rod Stewart, Nick Lowe, Emmylou Harris, k.d. lang, and Michael Bublé. In some cases, the songs penned by Sexsmith have gone on to become hits for those musicians, including Bublé’s version of “Whatever It Takes” and Feist’s version of “Secret Heart”.
It’s also because other famous musicians — including Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ray Davies, Steve Earle, and Sheryl Crow — have expressed their admiration for his music and songwriting talent.
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But while his music is critically acclaimed and while he has a loyal following of fans, Sexsmith has never quite reached the heights of commercial success of other Canadian singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell or Sarah Mclachlan. It’s not by choice.
“I could never figure out how to take what I’m doing and make it so that people can get it,” he say in a 2017 interview with Steve Klinge of Magnet Magazine. “I always wanted hit records.”
Ironically, the tune “Radio” from his latest album, 2017’s The Last Rider, received considerable airplay in Canada. In the song, Sexsmith longs for the golden age of radio and laments the state of the music industry: “Time was when people could move you / With just a voice and a song / I wish all those hacks would go back to where they belong.”
VIDEO: “Radio” – Ron Sexmith
“I never feel quite established,” the 55-year-old Sexsmith admits to Klinge. “I always feel like any minute now I might have to go back to my job as a courier or something.”
That courier job is a reference to his early music career.
Born and raised in St. Catharines, Sexsmith enjoyed creative writing as a child and got into music by playing lead guitar in his high school band, and started his own band when he was 14 years of age.
VIDEO: “Saint Bernard” – Ron Sexmith
By the time he was 17, he was playing regular gigs at the pub at Brock University and the Lion’s Tavern in Port Dalhousie, where he gained a reputation as a “one-man jukebox” for his ability to play any request.
In 1985, he became a father for the first time (he now has two grown children, Christopher and Evelyn) and moved to Toronto where he worked as a courier during the day while continuing to pursue his musical career. He formed the band The Uncool and self-released two cassettes, Out of the Duff followed a year later by There’s a Way.
He continued performing while maintaining his day job as a courier, but didn’t release his next album until 1991’s Grand Opera Lane, credited to “Ron Sexsmith and the Uncool” and recorded by Blue Rodeo’s Bob Wiseman.
Ron Sexmith pictured on the cover of his 1995 self-titled solo debut. (Photo: Interscope/Warner)
That record helped land him a recording deal with Interscope Records, and he released his critically acclaimed self-titled debut in 1995. Since then, he has released 13 more albums, every year or two, with 2017’s The Last Rider being his most recent.
Sexsmith has been nominated a staggering 15 times for the Juno Awards, winning three times: Roots & Traditional Album of the Year in 1998 for Other Songs, Songwriter of the Year in 2005, and Adult Alternative Album of the Year in 2014 for Forever Endeavour.
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Despite all that critical acclaim, commercial success has remained elusive for Sexsmith.
“I think the lack of commercial success has been more annoying to the folks around me,” he says. “I sometimes get people saying ‘Why aren’t you playing stadiums?’ Well, it’s certainly no mystery to me why I’m not. It’s just not that kind of music.”
VIDEO: “Can’t Get My Act Together” – Ron Sexsmith
The discrepancy between Sexsmith’s songwriting prowess and commercial success may be due in part to his self-effacing manner, his introspective lyrics, and his distinctive singing style. His songs are often described as “melancholic”, a label he doesn’t care for.
“I’ve been sort of pigeonholed as a balladeer which I never really understood,” he says. “Maybe I’m not as convincing when I try to ‘rock out’ sometimes. At home I listen to mostly ’50s radio. I think my sound has always been a combination of the folk singers and British Invasion artists I’ve always admired.”
The pursuit of commercial success is the subject of a 2010 award-winning documentary called Love Shines, which follows Sexsmith as he attempts to turn his niche following into mainstream success by recording his album Long Player Late Bloomer with legendary producer Bob Rock.
VIDEO: “Love Shines” Documentary Trailer
Along with the release of The Last Rider, 2017 was something of a milestone year for Sexsmith.
He made his literary debut with the short novel Deer Life, a quirky and dark fairy tale that follows a charming but hapless boy named Deryn Hedlight who accidentally gets on a witch’s bad side (Sexsmith is working on a musical version of the book).
He also moved from his long-time home in Toronto to Stratford with his wife, musician Colleen Hixenbaugh.
VIDEO: “Can’t Get My Act Together” – Ron Sexsmith
“It sort of looks like Downton Abbey,” he says of his Stratford home, in an 2017 interview with Sarah Greene of NOW Magazine.
“It’s far off the road, it’s got this stately driveway lined with trees on both sides. And it has this cool addition off the garage that looks like a swingin’ Burt Bacharach party room, with a fireplace and wall-to-wall carpeting. Joel Plaskett and his band were here the other night until four in the morning.”
Sexsmith last performed at the Market Hall in Peterborough in 2012, when he played a free show to make up for an earlier concert where he performed while suffering from laryngitis.
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Tickets for the April 23rd show at Market Hall are $38 for an assigned seat ($48 for an assigned cabaret table seat), and are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
After his Market Hall concert, Sexsmith is heading to Orillia where he will be headlining the Roots North Music Festival on April 26th and 27th.
Public health units and health advocates across Ontario are reacting with alarm to the province’s announcement that it plans to reduce the number of local health units across Ontario from 35 to 10 over the next two years and slash annual funding by $200 million.
The Peterborough board of health is holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday (April 16) to discuss the potential impacts of the changes and what they mean for the residents of the City and County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.
The 2019 budget released on April 11th contains a section entitled “Protecting Health Care for the People – Modernizing Ontario’s Public Health Units”, where the province proposes replacing the 35 existing health units with “10 regional public health entities and 10 new regional boards of health with one common governance model by 2020–21”.
In addition, the province proposes reducing the current budget of $743 million by $200 million, or 27 per cent. The budget states that savings will be found “by ensuring public health agencies focus their efforts on providing better, more efficient front-line care by removing back-office inefficiencies through digitizing and streamlining processes.”
Public health units and boards of health were blindsided by the announcement, which the province made without any prior consultation with boards of health or municipalities.
Peterborough medixal officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra says that the $200 million reduction goes far beyond any cost savings that could be achieved from administrative inefficiencies.
“It will entail cutting into the meat and bone of public health services and may cause huge, disruptive changes that put lives at risk,” Salvaterra states in a media release. “Investing in upstream health protection and promotion should be seen as an essential component of reducing hallway medicine.”
Public health units in Ontario are jointly funded by the province and municipalities. On average, the Ontario government funds up to 75 per cent of mandatory programs while the local municipality funds 25 per cent.
Salvaterra says that public health units are responsible for some of the biggest returns on investment in reducing health care costs, through campaigns such as vaccinations, lowering smoking rates, community water fluoridation, and the promotion of food security and daily physical activity to prevent chronic diseases.
She provides the example of Ontario’s $500-million campaign to promote smoking cessation, which saved the province an estimated $5 billion in tobacco-related health care costs.
Members of the Peterborough board of health are also expressing concerns about the budget announcements.
“This move by the provincial government to unilaterally reduce our local health system causes me great concern,” says board of health member and city councillor Henry Clarke. “Moving to ten mega health units without seeking public input or the guidance of the 35 local boards that have delivered public health to our communities for over 100 years is short-sighted.”
Ironically, while reducing the number of health units and their funding, the province has also proposed a new dental program for low-income seniors who lack benefits — with dental services to be provided “in public health units, community health centres and Aboriginal Health Access Centres across the province”.
Peterborough Public Health is celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2019. Throughout the 20th century, local boards of health were primarily responsible for improving the health of local residents. They identified that unpasteurized milk was killing children and recommended the establishment of local bylaws mandating the pasteurization of milk. They also worked with municipalities to provide safe drinking water, treat sewage, make food safer, immunize school children, and control outbreaks.
The board of health’s emergency meeting begins at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16th at Peterborough Public Health at 185 King Street in downtown Peterborough. The meeting, which takes place in the J.K. Edwards boardroom on the third floor, is open to the public.
Guests are asked to use the buzzer located on the wall to the right of the main front doors to alert Peterborough Public Health staff when they arrive.
For 4th Line Theatre's 2019 season, Peterborough musician and actor Kate Suhr will make her 4th Line Theatre debut as Tess in Beau Dixon's "Bloom: A Rock 'n' Roll Fable" in July, and Peterborough musician and actor Melissa Payne will make her debut as Audrey Barstow in Ian McLachlan and Robert Winslow "Carmel" in August. (Supplied photos)
4th Line Theatre in Millbrook has announced the casting for its two world-premiere plays this summer, including a play written by Peterborough actor and musician Beau Dixon and the latest in 4th Line’s popular series of plays about the Barnardo children.
Peterborough musician and actor Kate Suhr will make her 4th Line Theatre debut as Tess in Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable, written by Dixon and directed by 4th Line’s managing artistic director Kim Blackwell.
The play, which features original songs by Beau Dixon and David Tough with arrangements by Dixon, stars real-life bandmates Owen Stahn and Griffin Clark as Eli and Neph, the bandleaders of the fictional rock band The Spruce Street Ramblers from Assumption, Ontario.
In Beau Dixon’s “Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable”, real-life bandmates Owen Stahn and Griffin Clark will star as Eli and Neph, the bandleaders of the fictional rock band The Spruce Street Ramblers from Assumption, Ontario. (Supplied photos)
Based on stories collected from some of Peterborough’s most renowned rock and roll personalities, Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable follows the lives of the two best friends from their childhood in the 1950s to the heady music days of the 1970s.
The play also features the 4th Line Theatre debuts of Sebastian Sage and acclaimed Toronto actor and musician Jack Nicholsen, one of the original members of the 1980s Toronto folk-rock band Leslie Spit Treeo.
“Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable” also features the 4th Line Theatre debut of acclaimed Toronto actor and musician Jack Nicholsen, one of the original members of the 1980s Toronto folk-rock band Leslie Spit Treeo. (Supplied photo)
Also returning to the 4th Line stage to perform in Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable are Liam Davidson, Matt Gilbert, Geoff Hewitson, Justin Hiscox, Mark Hiscox, and Shelley Simester (and the lead actress in 4th Line’s 2012 production of Queen Marie). In total, the ensemble cast will feature 22 professional and volunteer actors.
Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable runs from July 2nd to July 27th at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook.
The second world premiere is Carmel, the third in the Barnardo children series of plays (Doctor Barnardo’s Children and Wounded Soldiers).
Written by Ian McLachlan and 4th Line Theatre’s creative director Robert Winslow (who also directs), Carmel will feature four actors in their 4th Line Theatre debuts: Kristina Nicoll as Abigail, Kevin Bundy as Walter White, Peterborough musician Melissa Payne as Audrey Barstow, and Jonathan Shatzky as Billy Fiddler.
Kristina Nicoll and Kevin Bundy will make their 4th Line Theatre debuts as as Abigail and Walter White in the world premiere in Ian McLachlan and Robert Winslow “Carmel”, the latest in 4th Line’s series of plays about the Barnardo children. (Supplied photos)
Set on the Carmel Line in Cavan Township in 1937, the play follows the struggles of a family to hold on to the farm during the Great Depression. This bittersweet work also explores Peterborough labour history and features original music inspired by country and folk music traditions of the 1930s.
Also returning to the 4th Line stage to perform in Carmel are Mark Hiscox, Andrew Pedersen, Kelsey Powell, Courtenay Stevens, and Danny Waugh. In total, the ensemble cast will feature 22 professional and volunteer actors.
Carmel runs from August 6th to August 31st at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook.
4th Line Theatre managing artistic director Kim Blackwell will direct “Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable” and 4th Line Theatre creative director Robert Winslow will direct “Carmel”. (Supplied photos)
Both plays feature musical direction by Justin Hiscox (with Carmel also featuring his original compositions) with costume design by Meredith Hubbard and set design by Esther Vincent.
Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable includes choreography by Monica Dottor and Carmel includes fight direction by Edward Belanger. The stage management teams include Sarah Flanigan, Alanna Wrenshall, Emily Brown, and Tristan Peirce.
Tickets, gift certificates, and picnics for 4th Line Theatre’s 2019 season can be purchased by phone at 705-932-4445, online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, or in person at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office at 4 Tupper Street in Millbrook or at the ticket outlet the Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter Street East in Peterborough.
2019 Women in Business Award winner Monika Carmichael (second from right) and 2019 Judy Heffernan Award winner Kim Appleton (right) along with Tara Spence from Trent University and Jo Oanh Ho from Fleming College, the recipients of the 2019 Female Business Student Award. Not pictured: Erin McLean and Bridget Leslie, the two finalists for the 2019 Women in Business Award. (Photo: Bianca Nucaro / kawarthaNOW.com)
This week’s round-up of regional business news includes Trent Valley Honda’s Monika Carmichael receiving the 2019 Women in Business Award, a second intake now open for the Million Dollar Makeover program in the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Bank of Montreal closing its branch in downtown Peterborough, and the opening of nominations for the Lindsay Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Awards of Excellence.
Every week, our managing editor collects business-related news and events from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Also featured this week is the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough’s new expanded executive team, the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group donating $5,000 to Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, Sweet Beast Fine Meats & Fish opening in Peterborough’s East City this week, and Milltown Mini Golf in Peterborough opening for another season in 2019.
New regional events added this week include the Peterborough DBIA’s breakfast network meeting with Celine MacKay of Sustain on April 17th in Peterborough, the Trent Hills Chamber’s members-only breakfast meeting with MP Kim Rudd on April 18th in Campbellford, the Port Hope Chamber’s breakfast meeting on the Ontario budget with MPP David Piccini on April 24th in Port Hope, the Bancroft Chamber’s Biz after Biz networking event on April 24th in Bancroft, and Kawarthas Northumberland hosting regional ambassador training on May 13th in Peterborough.
Trent Valley Honda’s Monika Carmichael receives the 2019 Women in Business Award
2019 Women in Business Award winner Monika Carmichael (second from right) and 2019 Judy Heffernan Award winner Kim Appleton (right) along with Tara Spence from Trent University and Jo Oanh Ho from Fleming College, the recipients of the 2019 Female Business Student Award. Not pictured: Erin McLean and Bridget Leslie, the two finalists for the 2019 Women in Business Award. (Photo: Bianca Nucaro / kawarthaNOW.com)
Last Tuesday (April 9), the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) presented the 2019 Women in Business Award to Trent Valley Honda owner and general manager Monika Carmichael.
The award recognizes outstanding female business leadership. The two runners-up for the award were Erin McLean of McLean Berry Farm and Bridget Leslie of My Left Breast as the two finalists.
Local businesswoman, mentor, and volunteer Kim Appleton received the 2019 Judy Heffernan Award for her efforts at empowering other women.
Tara Spence from Trent University and Jo Oanh Ho from Fleming College were the recipients of the new Female Business Students of the Award, honouring one student from each institution.
Second round of Million Dollar Makeover program in the City of Kawartha Lakes now open
The City of Kawartha Lakes’ Million Dollar Makeover offers up to 50 per cent in matching funding for properties that completed a Downtown Revitalization project, including Lindsay (pictured), Omemee, Coboconk, Norland, and Fenelon Falls. The initiative is also offering loans to property and business owners across the City of Kawartha Lakes at a low interest rate over a five-year term. (Photo courtesy of the City of Kawartha Lakes)
A second intake for the City of Kawartha Lakes’ Million Dollar Makeover program is now open.
The funding program supports property and business owners who want to improve the visual and functional aspects of their commercial, mixed-use commercial/residential, or heritage-designated residential buildings.
The first intake for the program ended in January 2019, and 17 business and property owners were successful applicants in the first round of the program. So far, almost $400,000 of the $1.1 million in funding for the program has been allocated for 2019.
Makeovers for the 17 businesses in the first round are expected to begin this spring in Bobcaygeon, Coboconk, Fenelon Falls, Kinmount, Lindsay and Omemee. In total, eight loans totalling $300,325.80 were executed or conditionally approved and 12 grants totalling $67,114.25 were allocated. The most popular programs approved were façades, signage, and building repair renovations.
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In addition to the initial funding, another $100,000 in grants has been approved by City of Kawartha Lakes council. The funding is open to all areas within Kawartha Lakes, with a priority on downtown and main street areas. Previously available only as a loan, the city has opened the accessibility improvement program for grant applications.
The application process for the second intake of Million Dollar Makeover program will remain the same. Business and property owners are encouraged to complete an expression of interest prior to submitting their funding application.
Bank of Montreal branch in downtown Peterborough is closing in August
The BMO Bank of Montreal building at Water and Simcoe Streets in downtown Peterborough is closing on August 9, 2019. The building was constructed for the bank in 1960 and was designed by German-Canadian architect Eberhard Zeidler. (Photo: Google Maps)
The BMO Bank of Montreal branch at 130 Simcoe Street in downtown Peterborough will be closing on August 9th, according to a notice posted at the branch last Tuesday (April 9).
Regulations under the Bank Act require federally regulated financial institutions to provide four months’ notice when they are planning to close a branch.
Various banks have continued to close branches, particularly in rural communities, citing changing client behaviour as people switch to online banking.
BMO has two other branches in Peterborough, one in Lansdowne Mall at 645 Lansdowne Street West and one in Portage Place at 1154 Chemong Road (which will be moving to an expanded location in the mall in September).
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BMO owns the building at 130 Simcoe Street, which was constructed for the bank in 1960. The building was designed by German-Canadian architect Eberhard Zeidler, who worked for the former architectural firm with Blackwell and Craig in Peterborough. Zeidler also designed the Beth Israel Synagogue, the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the Peterborough Museum & Archives, and the Cherney House at 99 Roper Drive.
The BMO building is considered a landmark modernist building, notable for its frieze executed in gold mosaic tiles and the book-matched panels in black marble on the south and east elevations. It is currently not protected by a heritage designation. However, the building is listed on the City of Peterborough’s heritage registry, which would require 60 days’ notice to the city if the current or future owner wanted to demolish or significantly renovate the building.
Nominations open for Lindsay Chamber’s 2019 Awards of Excellence
Nominations are now open for the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Awards of Excellence.
All residents, businesses, and organizations within the City of Kawartha Lakes are eligible for the awards, which include the following categories: Marketing Excellence, Arts And Cultural Excellence, Customer Service Excellence, Innovation Excellence, New Business Of The Year, Agricultural Excellence, Not-For-Profit-Excellence, Tourism Excellence, Health And Wellness Excellence, Youth Excellence, Design Excellence, Employer Of The Year, Business Leader Of The Year, and Citizen Of The Year.
Nominees do not need to be members of the Lindsay Chamber, and self-nominations are encouraged. The awards will be presented at a celebration on Friday, June 7th at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon,
Nomination forms for each award category are available at lindsaychamber.com. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 26th. You can also purchase tickets for the June 7th Evening of Excellence celebration.
Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough announces expanded executive team based on shared leadership model
The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough’s new expanded executive team consists of Nicole Gagliardi, John Good, and Jennifer DeBues. (Photo: Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough / Facebook)
The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, a charitable organization that invests in improving the quality of life in the City and County of Peterborough, has announced an expanded executive team based on a new shared leadership model.
The organization’s existing staff, Jennifer DeBues and Nicole Gagliardi, will be joining John Good, who has served as executive director since 2014, on the executive team.
As director of operations and granting, DeBues will oversee the foundation’s granting activities and internal operations. As director of strategic initiatives, Gagliardi will direct the foundation’s community relations and special initiatives. John Good will take on the role of director of fund development to help local donors realize their philanthropic goals.
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According to a media release, the foundation’s board of directors adopted the new leadership model after a year of careful planning and deliberation with staff and stakeholders.
“As a board, we feel strongly that the new executive team will provide the foundation with the knowledge and experience that we need to continue building our vital community in the years to come,” says board chair Diane Richard.
The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group donates $5,000 to local Alzheimer Society
From left to right: Courtney Hope and Allison Walsh of the Alzheimer Society, Karen Willette and Teri Lawrence of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, Pamela Wilson or the Alzheimer Society, and Miki Paczek of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. (Photo: The Commonwell)
Insurance company The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group has donated $5,000 to the “Minds in Motion” program of the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton.
The donation was made under the company’s C.A.R.E. (Create A Ripple Effect) philanthropy program.
The Commonwell has regional offices in Lindsay, Alexandria, and Perth.
Sweet Beast Fine Meats & Fish opens in Peterborough’s East City this week
Sweet Beast Fine Meats & Fish is a new butcher shop opening soon in Peterborough’s East City. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Sweet Beast Fine Meats & Fish, a new butcher shop in Peterborough’s East City, hosted a soft launch on Saturday (April 13) in advance of their official opening this week.
Owned by Grant Slavin, the former head butcher at the Community Butcher Shop in downtown Peterborough (which closed in 2017 after two years of operation), Sweet Beast promises “traditionally raised” beef, pork, and chicken from southern Ontario and the Kawarthas.
Sweet Beast is located at 95 Hunter St. E., in the plaza at the southwest corner of Hunter Street and Mark Street.
For updates on their official opening, visit them on Facebook or Instagram.
Milltown Mini Golf in Peterborough opening for another season in 2019
Originally scheduled to be closed in 2017, Milltown Mini Golf is opening again in 2018 due to delays for a new development on the site. (Photo courtesy of Milltown Mini Golf)
One of Peterborough’s favourite family attractions, Milltown Mini Golf (933 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough), is staying open for yet another season.
Owners Barry and Lynda Cross originally announced they would be closing in the fall of 2017 after 33 years in business when their landlord sold the two-acre property to local developer. However, an application for redevelopment was delayed, allowing Milltown Mini Golf to operate again in 2018.
As the developer still lacks the necessary rezoning to proceed with a proposed 35,000-square-foot grocery store on the site and is awaiting a decision from the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal,
Milltown Mini Golf will be reopening for the 2019 season on Wednesday, May 1st, weather permitting.
Milltown Mini Golf, which calls itself a “family fun centre”, doesn’t just offer mini golf. They also have batting cages, rock wall climbing, treasure hunts, and more. It’s also been a popular location for wedding proposals and receptions, birthday parties, family gatherings, and more. The business has 12 employees.
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network meeting with Celine MacKay of Sustain on April 17 in Peterborough
Celine MacKay of Sustain, pictured with her husband and co-owner Jonathan, is the guest speaker at the Peterborough DBIA’s Breakfast Network on April 17, 2019. (Photo: Sustain)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA)’s next breakfast network meeting takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Celine MacKay of eco-lifestyle Sustain will be the guest speaker. The winner of the 2019 Win This Space competition, Sustain sells eco-friendly and sustainable household and personal care products.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door, and the meeting is open to everyone.
Peterborough Chamber hosts lunch seminar with Ashley Lamothe of Creative Kwe on April 17 in Peterborough
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Lunch Box Learning session takes place from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th in the chamber’s boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Ashley Lamothe of Creative Kwe will host the seminar on the topic “Creative Team Building Made Simple”.
Lunch Box Learning is free to attend for Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development hosts meet and greet on April 17 in Fenelon Falls
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC) is hosting a meet and greet from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th at Home by Tim + Chris (44 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls).
You can find out about some of the recent projects KLCFDC has supported in Fenelon Falls and hear more about what the organization does for the community.
Light refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome to attend.
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Kawartha Lakes Arts Council hosts community celebration and annual general meeting on April 17 in Omemee
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is hosting its 4th annual community celebration and annual general meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th at Coronation Hall (1 King St. W. Omemee).
The annual general meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by a tribute to artist Michael Poulton, a live auction of original artworks and creative experiences, a Neil Young tribute by Gerald Van Halteren, and more.
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is a not-for-profit volunteer organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the arts community in Kawartha Lakes by advocating for artists and the arts, promoting a vibrant arts community, fostering professional development and educational training, and cultivating investment and support of the arts in the community.
Trent Hills Chamber hosts members-only breakfast meeting with MP Kim Rudd on April 18 in Campbellford
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a members-only breakfast meeting with Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd from 8 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 18th at Riverview Restaurant (6 Front St. S., Campbellford).
The event is free for Chamber members to attend, and a continental breakfast will be served.
Register by Monday, April 15th at 2 p.m. by calling 705-653-1551 or emailing admin@trenthillschamber.ca.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts a breakfast meeting with MPP Laurie Scott on April 23 in Haliburton
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breadkfast Club with MPP Laurie Scott from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd at Mckeck’s Tap & Grill (207 Highland St., Haliburton)
Scott, who is MPP for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, will talk about her role as Ontario Minister of Labour and what she is planning on for 2019.
Port Hope Chamber hosts breakfast meeting on Ontario budget with MPP David Piccini on April 24 in Port Hope
The Port Hope Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast meeting with Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24th at Railside Restaurant (112 Peter St., Port Hope).
Piccini will discuss the Ontario budget that was announced on April 11th and answer questions.
The event costs $20, which includes a hot breakfast, coffee, and juice.
Kawartha Chamber hosts Business After Hours on April 24 in Young’s Point
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its next Business After Hours event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24th in Young’s Point.
The “Young’s Point Hop” will visit several businesses in the area, including Old Bridge Inn, Young’s Point Personal Training Services, Clearview Cottage Resort, and Kinetic Therapeutics.
Admission is free for Chamber members. Non-members can attend once for free and then $25 for any following Business After Hours event if they do not join the Chamber.
Bancroft Chamber hosts Biz after Biz networking event on April 24 in Bancroft
The Bancroft Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Biz afer Biz” member networking event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24th upstairs at Canadian Tire (341 Hastings St. N., Bancroft).
The spring-themed Biz after Biz will be hosted by Ron Landry of Canadian Tire Bancroft and will feature guest speakers and special treats.
Venture13, the Business Development Bank of Canada, and the Northumberland Manufacturing Association are presenting the Venture13 Funding Forum from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, April 25th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Meet with various funding organizations, including the Northumberland CFDC, FedDev, OMAFRA, and more, to learn about the funding programs and services they have to offer.
Innovation Cluster hosts breakfast meeting on clean energy and technology on April 26 in Peterborough
The Innovation Cluster’s next “power breakfast” event takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Friday, April 26th at Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn (84 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough)
The topic will be “Clean Energy and Technology” and will feature organizations working in the clean tech industry: Marcelo Sarkis of Prima IP and Jason Wight, director of engineering at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (Ontario Power Generation).
Trent Hills Chamber hosts Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 27 in Hastings
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th at The Grand Maple (19 Abert St. E., Hastings).
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Excellence In Business (Retail-Based Business), Excellence In Business (Service-Based Business), Pride And Progress, Customer Experience Award (Service Business), Customer Experience Award (Retail Business), Community Impact, Non-Profit Organization, and the Chair’s Award.
Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce Awards of Excellence on April 27 in Bobcaygeon
The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce presents its 2019 Awards of Excellence dinner and awards ceremony from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th at Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The event includes a cocktail reception, a sit-down three-course meal, and the awards presentation.
Tickets are $55 per person (table purchases of eight or 10 tickets also available). For more information and for tickets, visit www.bobcaygeon.org/AOE2019.
Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition hosts final pitch event on April 30 in Peterborough
The Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition is hosting its final pitch event from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30th at The Venue (268 George St. N., Peterborough).
Six finalists in two categories (Transit One, AVROD, and Alexander Optical in the Innovation category: Electric Juice Factory, Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets, and PedalBoro in the Goods and Services category) will pitch their businesses to a penal of judges.
One winner from each category will be announced at the end of the event.
Deadline for nominations for Kawartha Chamber 2019 Business Awards of Excellence is April 30
The deadline for nominations for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 20th annual Business Awards of Excellence is Tuesday, April 30th. The nomination period for this year’s awards has moved from the fall to the spring.
Any business, individual, or organization within Peterborough County or the City of Peterborough can be nominated in one of 10 categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Professional, Outstanding Business Achievement, Commercial Development or Renovation, Customer Service Excellence, Entrepreneur Innovation, Not-For-Profit Excellence, Retailer of the Year, Service Sector Excellence, and Tourism/Hospitality. The awards will be presented at a gala event on October 10, 2019.
Sold out – Inclusive Advisory hosts “Conscious Shift” workshops on May 10 in Peterborough
Inclusive Advisory, a multidisciplinary firm practising accounting, law, and wealth management with offices in Peterborough and Port Perry, is hosting a series of workshops called “Conscious Shift” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10th at The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough).
With the tagline “leadership and management uncensored”, the workshops will feature four speakers sharing their experiences on leadership. Each speaker will give an original 20-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session.
The speakers are: Paul Bennett, owner of Ashburnham Realty; Mike Skinner, president and CEO of the Innovation Cluster; Cheif Kelly LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scucog Island First Nation; and Sacha Lai-Svirk, director of digital health at Outpost379.
The workshops, which promise to “challenge the participants to step outside of their comfort zone” by introducing them “to alternative insights that challenge the status quo in management”, are designed for business owners, executives, managers, and community leaders.
Tickets are $200 each, with $150 from each ticket donated to The Mount Community Centre, Peterborough’s sustainable and inclusive urban village (charitable receipts will be provided).
Kawarthas Northumberland hosting regional ambassador training on May 13 in Peterborough
Kawarthas Northumberland (Regional Tourism Organization 8) is hosting a training session for regional ambassadors from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13th in the boardroom at the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
The half-day course is free to attend and open to all Kawarthas Northumberland tourism operators and tourism businesses.
Space is limited. To register, contact Julie at partner@rto8.com or 705-874-8505 ext. 102.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
Peterborough native Murray James-Bosch will perform lead vocals when Classic Albums Live returns to Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough on April 24, 2019 for a song-for-song and note-for-note creation of Elton John's 1974 "Greatest Hits" album. (Photo courtesy of Murray James-Bosch)
More often than not, when one reflects on where life has taken him or her, a moment in time from the past comes clearly into focus, no matter how many years have passed.
Classic Albums Live presents Elton John Greatest Hits
When: Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $42
Tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
For singer Murray James-Bosch, that moment occurred in the mid-1970s in Peterborough when youthful curiosity and a touch of mischievousness led to his raiding his older sister’s album collection.
It was then that he first laid eyes upon Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, Elton John’s ninth album release.
“The album cover blew me away,” recalls James-Bosch, who attended St Peter’s Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough.
“I opened it up and there was a booklet inside with lyrics. That was really the first album that I listened to. There was just so much emotion there. Elton gives a vocal performance that perfectly fits what (lyricist Bernie) Taupin was trying to say. When I sing Elton now, it’s with a reverence for the working relationship between them.”
On Wednesday, April 24th, James-Bosch returns to his childhood home to perform lead vocals when Showplace Performance Centre presents Classic Albums Live’s recreation of Elton John’s 1974 Greatest Hits album.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. concert are $42, available in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Murray James-Bosch performs with a full band to perform a note-for-note recreation of Elton John’s 1974 “Greatest Hits” album when Classic Albums Live returns to Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough on April 24, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Classic Albums Live)
“To be able to stand on stage, as someone who loves his music so much, and sing Someone Saved My Life Tonight, and have the full power of the band playing with the same reverence, is incredible,” says James-Bosch. “It’s a very spiritual experience for me.”
James-Bosch, who has a three-and-a-half octave vocal range, has incredibly never received formal training as a singer.
That was, and still is, of no consequence to Toronto native Craig Martin, who founded Classic Albums Live in 2003 and has since presented thousands of concerts that see musicians perform classic albums in their entirety — song for song and note for note. It was in 2004 that Martin reached out to James-Bosch after receiving a recording of him singing “Roxanne” by The Police.
Toronto’s Craig Martin founded Classic Albums Live in 2003 and has since presented thousands of concerts that sees musicians perform classic albums in their entirety, song for song and note for note. (Photo courtesy of Classic Albums Live)
“I was working at the time as a technical writer and I got a call from Craig at my workplace,” James-Bosch says.
“He said, ‘We’re going to be doing a Police show. Can you get into rehearsals in two weeks? We’re going to do the show in about a month. Can you sing a little bit of The Police over the phone?’ So it came together pretty quickly. I did my first show with Classic Albums Live in July 2004 at The Phoenix Club in Toronto. We did the first two albums by The Police (Outlandos d’Amour and Reggatta de Blanc).”
Elton John’s current worldwide farewell tour — and the much-anticipated late May theatrical release of biopic Rocketman — has the 72-year-old five-time Grammy Award winner with 300 million-plus album sales very much in the news, providing host venues a nice boost in terms of Classic Albums Live: Elton John ticket sales. That said, the show has been toured for some 10 years now.
VIDEO: Classic Albums Live – Elton John featuring Murray James-Bosch
Martin is quick to point out that Classic Album Live is all about recreating the music exactly as it was originally recorded. It’s not a typical tribute concert where the performers try to replicate the exact vocal style and appearance of the artist or group.
“My job is to give audiences exactly what we said we were going to give them, and that’s a note-for-note performance of the greatest albums ever recorded,” says Martin, noting that has been the objective since day one and remains the focus. “If you come to our show and you want to see a guy wearing a white glove doing the moon walk, you’re going to leave disappointed. But if you come thinking ‘I really need to hear Someone Saved My Life Tonight performed perfectly, you’ll be thrilled.
Greatest Hits (often referred to as Elton John Greatest Hits in North America) was Elton John’s eleventh official album release and the first compilation. Released in November 1974, it spans the years 1970 to 1974, and includes “Your Song”, “Daniel”, “Honky Cat”, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”, “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)”, “Bennie and the Jets”, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, “Border Song”, and “Crocodile Rock”.
VIDEO: Classic Albums Live – “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” featuring Murray James-Bosch
“We live in a society where everything looks like American Idol and Canadian Idol; everything’s all glitzy and glammy. We’re so used to seeing these huge light shows. We need a return to more purity. You don’t need any of that stuff if you have excellent musicianship.
“If you want that, there are tons of crap bands out there. Spend your money there. But if you’re a music lover, if you care about the music, come see our show. We’ll take you back to a time in your life when you had the time to listen to an entire album.”
As for James-Bosch, Martin says he nails the musicality of Elton John.
“Murray is the best. He grew up with this music. Sometimes you get a guy who’s like ‘I’ve got to sing this show; I grew up with this music.’ Murray’s that guy and, wow, when he starts singing Elton, it’s so beautiful. You can just tell that it’s natural. The audience can smell a phony. Being in the room with that voice, that’s pretty good.”
For his part, James-Bosch says while he loved singing as a youth (‘My mom says I used to sing on the potty’), he never envisaged singing before an audience. After high school, however, he formed the band Endpieces with some high school friends. Over three years in the early 1980s, it performed in Peterborough bars, got airplay on CKPT, and recorded some demo tapes as well as an EP.
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When Endpieces folded, James-Bosch set his sights on college, eventually taking journalism at Centennial College in Scarborough. All the while, he kept at it on the music side of things, singing with Genesis and Police tribute bands, but things were taken up a huge notch when Martin interrupted his workday in 2004.
“It’s not a question of whether you can sing, it’s a question of whether you can communicate,” he says of the template at the root of Classic Albums Live’s success.
“Because Elton John is an honest singer, I try to bring honesty to it. I don’t try to sound like him. I don’t pretend I’m him. What I try to do is understand his honesty and convey and uphold that. I’m not just up there singing.”
VIDEO: Classic Albums Live – “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” featuring Murray James-Bosch
Still, there are challenges.
“Your Song is very low,” James-Bosch says of Elton John’s 1970 single that also appeared on his self-titled second studio album. “I’m a high tenor. I have to work really hard to sing that song.”
To understand Martin’s drive to maintain the high standards set by Classic Albums Live over 16 years, with 170 shows scheduled across North America this year, is to understand Martin’s fierce and somewhat reckless determination to start the concert series.
“I didn’t have a business plan, I didn’t have any money. I just decided I’m going to do this. I maxed out my credit cards, I went into lines of credit, I cashed in my RRSPs, I spent my inheritance. I just went further and further into debt. I didn’t even think about it. I had to do it and it all worked out.”
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“This is classical music by definition. It’s music that has endured. It’s not going to go away. No other generation cared as much about their music as our generation. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones … all this music will endure. Fifty years from now it will still be talked about and performed.”
Both Martin and James-Bosch are looking forward to the Peterborough performance, albeit for different reasons.
For James-Bosch, seeing longtime Peterborough friends and performing at what was one the Odeon Theatre where he watched moves as a teen is “pretty special”, while Martin remains “thankful for being able to share this with everyone.”
“I really feel there’s a community being built around what we do,” Martin explains. “It feels like it’s important to people. This is important music to so many of us. It’s our job not to fuck it up.”
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