This month we look at snack food favourites reinvented by local businesses. The Pastry Peddler in Millbrook has come up with its own version of the Passion Flakie, with different flavours every "Flaky Friday". Pictured is lemon curd, raspberry preserve, and fresh cream. (Photo: Brad Katz / Pastry Peddler)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher finds locally made recreations of junk food favourites, discovers a new vegan holiday market in Peterborough, finds Cobourg’s new Indian restaurant, browses The Monaghan Cafe’s new dinner menu, and learns how to make healthy holiday appetizers with Tiny Greens.
Food trend: mass-produced snacks reinvented
Mass-produced snack foods: so craveable and yet often so disappointing. Local businesses are creating their own homemade versions of some of your favourite guilty pleasures that will have even the naysayers digging in.
Vegan Sweet Home makes vegan s’more and strawberry pop tarts. (Photo: Vegan Sweet Home)
The Pastry Peddler (17 King St., Millbrook, 705-932-7333) celebrates Flaky Friday with its own version of the Passion Flakie, rotating the flavours every week.
The basic recipe is a puff pastry with cream and a flavoured filling. Past flavours have included lemon curd, raspberry, cherry and white chocolate, raspberry chocolate, and banana caramel.
Peterborough home baker Vegan Sweet Home (www.vegansweethome.com) has reinvented the Pop Tart. While not a weekly offering, Vegan Sweet Home offers its variation of the snack in both strawberry and s’more flavours.
Owner Courtney Vanden Anker says that the tarts bring people back to their childhood.
“I love how excited people get when I make them. Who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again?”
Have you noticed any other local businesses reinventing junk food favourites?
Vegfestivus: Peterborough Vegfest offers a new holiday popup
Vegfestivus is a new vegan holiday market with 25 vendors. (Photo: Peterborough Vegfest)
There’s a new vegan holiday market coming to Peterborough.
Vegfestivus will take place on Saturday, December 1st from 12 pm to 4pm at Emmanuel United Church (534 George St. N., Peterborough) The cost of admission is $2.
Vegfestivus is organized by Peterborough Vegfest. Natalie Stephenson of Peterborough Vegfest says that, after the success of the festival in September, a holiday popup was a natural next step.
The market will offer a variety of gifts and festive food items from 25 different vendors, all of which are vegan and vegetarian friendly. This will include vegan nut cheeses, baked goods, preserves, sustainable clothing, crafts, bath and body products and more.
Natalie sums it up as “great gift ideas for a greener and more compassionate holiday season.”
The emphasis is on local businesses, but Natalie says that there are still some vegan items that you just can’t buy locally.
“There are still some gaps locally that businesses should jump into, because the demand is so high. I really feel that we need more people doing local vegan products.”
The event is open to everybody.
“It’s a great place to find a gift for someone in your life that is looking for compassionate choices, or if you’re interested in treading lightly on the earth, there’s something for you. There’s something for everyone.”
Natalie also points out that the vegan marketplace is a great place to find foods that are allergen friendly.
Taste of Agra: Indian food in Cobourg
Taste of Agra in Cobourg offers authentic Indian food, including butter chicken, vindaloo shrimp, and a variety of meat and vegetarian curries. (Photo: Taste of Agra)
Cobourg now has an Indian restaurant: Taste of Agra (20 King St W, Cobourg, 905-372-1655) began its soft launch in late October and, since then, the crowds have been near constant.
Owner Rajah Kanapathippillai wanted to give Cobourg diners more options.
“There was no Indian restaurant in Cobourg and people love Indian food.”
He says that the number one dish is butter chicken, but vindaloo shrimp is also very popular. Rajah’s favourite dish is the lamb curry — with a side of naan of course. Vegetarian dishes are also available.
Chef S. Rahman of Taste of Agra has almost 40 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. Prior to Taste of Agra’s soft launch in October, there were no Indian restaurants in Cobourg. (Photo: Taste of Agra)
Rajah hired Chef S. Rahman, a veteran of Toronto and New York Indian restaurants with a total of almost 40 years’ experience.
The restaurant has been appointed in authentic Indian style. Rajah often vacations in India, and he ordered the restaurant’s décor directly.
“I just want people to come here and have it be comfortable and nice.”
The Monaghan Cafe dinner menu is casual fine dining at its best
The Monaghan Cafe has developed a reputation for innovative and exquisitely plated brunches. Pictured is a Turkey Benedict, created as a Thanksgiving special. The restaurant is launching a new dinner menu this month. (Photo: The Monaghan Cafe)
Beginning November 16th, The Monaghan Cafe (1017 Monaghan Rd, Peterborough, 705-743-4800) will offer a dinner menu.
Chef and owner Jeffrey Wilfong says the change is a response to customer requests, but also his previous tenure as chef at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton made him feel ready to expand.
“There has been really good feedback from our guests and it’s my background doing casual fine dining, homestyle with a twist. So I obliged.”
Jeffrey felt that it was important to offer local residents a place to gather in the evening.
“We want to be that little place in the neighbourhood, so people don’t have to go downtown.”
The Monaghan Cafe’s dinner menu launches on November 16, 2018. (Photo: The Monaghan Cafe)
What can you expect from the new menu? Jeffrey describes it as “fresh, local, and everything is in season.”
There is a braised lamb shank in a red wine rosemary sauce served with creamy risotto, or hand-made duck confit ravioli with a sundried cherry cream sauce.
Vegetarians can opt for a spicy coconut curry with eggplant and tofu, or “The Glorious Bowl,” which contains halloumi cheese, spicy pesto, and spaghetti squash.
The menu also includes a variety of starters, such as a house-cured salmon gravlax on a potato latke served with a pickled beet and goat cheese crème fraiche.
Healthy holiday appetizers, drinks, and desserts with Tiny Greens Plant Cafe
Tiny Greens is making the holiday season healthier for participants in their healthy holiday appetizers workshop. (Photo: Tiny Greens)
It can be difficult to eat healthfully over the holidays. After all, ’tis the season of cheese, chocolate, and egg nog.
However, Tiny Greens Plant Cafe (431 George St N, Peterborough, 705-874-7554) is offering a tasting workshop designed to offer some alternatives for the festive season.
Owner Tina Bromley says that the workshop is a great way to get some holiday inspiration in an interactive environment.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s all different plant-based, vegan, healthy appetizers geared toward the holiday season when you’re entertaining.”
Think vegan cheese platters, holiday tarts, kid-friendly fruit snacks, chocolate truffles, and superfood candy cane lattes. Many items are nut based.
As they learn, Tina encourages participants to taste their creations.
“Feel free to come hungry.”
Although healthy options are the focus, Tina says that you can still expect incredible flavour.
“Even though it’s a healthy take on the holidays, we always try to wow people with how delicious healthy eating can be.”
Every participant will be sent home with an edible microgreen centrepiece — a perfect item for the holiday buffet table.
The workshop takes place Thursday, November 15th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $37 and are available through Eventbrite.
Mayor-elect Diane Therrien will be sworn into office on November 26, 2018. The 32-year-old former Town Ward councillor is only the third woman ever to hold the office of Mayor in Peterborough. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
In late November 2014, just weeks after being elected to Peterborough City Council as a first-time representative for Town Ward, a just-glad-to-be-here Diane Therrien admitted to being “a bit nervous” over what laid ahead.
Four years on, nervousness has been replaced by confidence; apprehension substituted with optimism.
“When people say ‘Your Worship,’ I’m like ‘Oh please, don’t call me that’,” says the 32 year old who, on October 22nd, was elected Peterborough’s 62nd mayor. “I’m still me.”
Therrien is just the third woman to hold the city’s top elected position since 1850 — the others being Aileen Holt in 1962, appointed when Mayor Stanley McBride retired to become sheriff, and Sylvia Sutherland, from 1986 to 1991 and again from 1998 to 2006.
“Many people in this community are really hurting and struggling. The role of mayor isn’t daunting, but there are expectations and there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that. But this is a very caring community; we take care of each other. We need to do more of that. I am confident we can do a lot of good things and that we will.”
When mayor-elect Therrien, along with her 10 council colleagues, is sworn into office on Monday, November 26th — the open-to-the-public event is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Friends of the Library Community Room at the Peterborough Public Library — the city’s political landscape will take on a new dynamic with four elected female members among its number (Therrien along with Lesley Parnell, Kim Zippel, and Kemi Akapo) as well as two people of colour (Akapo and Stephen Wright).
Mayor-elect Diane Therrien sat down over coffee at Dreams of Beans in downtown Peterborough for an in-depth interview with kawarthaNOW.com writer Paul Rellinger. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
“When I first ran four years ago, I ran because I felt there were perspectives missing around the table,” says Therein, admitting, both then and now, she heard from more than one naysayer concerned about her youthfulness.
“It’s good to have people with experience, but you also need young people. We think in a different way and were raised to be more environmentally conscious and to seek out different perspectives. Under 50 (years old) are young for being on council in this town. This sets the tone that Peterborough is ready for change and is becoming more diverse.”
Sitting down for an early morning coffee at Dreams of Beans, Therrien reflects on the journey that has brought her to this place at this time. It’s clear early on that her bid for the mayor’s chair was rooted in much more than the lure of a better parking spot at City Hall.
“I talked to a lot of people when I first thought about running for mayor,” says Therrien.
“Some people were ‘Ya, that would be great’ and then there were people that were like ‘No, you should wait another four years.’ But once I made the decision (to run), I had a core team of people around me. I was ‘OK, let’s do it.’ Four years is a long time to wait when you feel that the city you love isn’t going in the direction that you would like to see, and when decisions being made are not made considering the long-term impacts on our community.”
That decision made, Therrien announced her candidacy on May 3, 2018. A few weeks later, Peterborough restaurateur Cameron Green did likewise and, just prior to the nomination deadline in late July, Mayor Daryl Bennett announced he was seeking re-election. When Green dropped his name from the ballot, the mayoralty contest became a two-horse race.
“That provided a really definitive choice,” reflects Therrien.
“There were people who didn’t want to vote for Daryl and there were people who didn’t want to vote for me. He (Green) would have taken votes from both of us. If there were a bunch of people running (for mayor) it would have been different, but it was very clear: do we want the status quo or do we want to try and do something more forward-thinking and creative?”
Courtesy of a wide margin — Therrien garnered a very impressive 19,254 votes for a 69 per cent share of the total votes cast for mayor — the status quo absorbed a good old-fashioned butt kicking.
Transportation, land annexation, term limits for members of council, and ranked ballot voting are some of the items Dianne Therrien plans to address during her term as Mayor of Peterborough. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
“My team thought it (the final result) would be close … I had a sense from knocking on doors that people were looking for change,” says Therrien, admitting to surprise over her margin of victory.
In the aftermath, she advises those who feel her lack of business experience will be a debilitating handicap had best think again.
“It’s important to recognize that City Hall has an entire staff that bring forward the reports and do the budgets and all of that, so you don’t necessarily need to have that same business experience,” she says.
“That said, I have managed budgets before and I have managed staff. This city doesn’t need to be run like a business. We’re not trying to make money for shareholders. Any money we make as a city we need to be reinvesting into our people.
“If you’re going to run it, it should be run more like a non-profit. Sure, it’s good to have some business acumen — I’ve worked in the private sector, so I get that — but we can’t forget our key job is to take care of our community.”
Born in Mississauga, Therrien attended McMaster University in Hamilton. After receiving her undergrad in History and Peace Studies, she came to Peterborough to attend Trent University. In 2012, she graduated with her Masters from the Canadian Indigenous Studies program and went on to a contract position as a policy advisor with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs in Toronto.
But Peterborough soon tugged at her heart and she returned, taking a three-year contract with the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network. In 2014, she set her sights on a city council seat and was elected at age 28.
“When I ran for council in 2014, people were like ‘Well, you’re not from here. Nobody knows who you are. You’re never going to win,'” says Therrien.
“There was a similar sentiment from some people this time around, even though I’ve chosen to build my life here. I met many people at the door who are also from away. There were also people from here who said it’s nice to have someone running who isn’t from here. Ten or 20 years ago, I’m not sure that would have happened.”
Anxious to meet with City staff, both those in management and the rank and file, Therrien makes few promises of what her first year as mayor will look like, but she does pledge a style of leadership will be “inherently collaborative.”
“There was a perception the last couple of years that council was divided,” she explains. “I want to move past that. I want everybody on board. We’ve got a bunch of new people and we’re going to be dealing with a bunch of new issues, so let’s come together as a team. Who cares about what happened in the last term of council? It’s a new page.”
Diane Therrien first ran for city council four years ago because she felt there were perspectives missing around the table. As Peterborough’s new Mayor, she will be leading a more diverse council. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
As for hot button issues that remain a challenge, such as The Parkway extension and land annexation, Therrien makes her position on each clear.
“Economically and environmentally, it (The Parkway extension) doesn’t make sense to me,” she says.
“I need to work with staff and council on a transportation solution, particularly for the north end. I know it’s bad. Chemong (Road) is a disaster. I want to get on that ASAP. We need to be doing things immediately to address the concerns around cut-through traffic on residential streets and speeding. There are some quick wins while we figure out the bigger transportation solution.
“I’m meeting with (Cavan-Monaghan mayor-elect) Scott McFadden this week to chat about annexation. I know there’s been interest in Selwyn doing a joint industrial park. The annexation proposal put forth a few years ago did not make sense financially. We don’t need that much land. As for the residential piece, we need to get our Official Plan in place before we even look at that.”
Also on Therrien’s radar is the implementation of term limits for members of council, as well as ranked ballot voting as opposed to the current first-past-the-post voting system.
Aware she will be under the microscope from the moment she first adorns the chain of office, Therrien is clearly anxious to get down to work. Her enthusiasm aside, what will success look like one year from now?
“Having a council that’s working together and agrees on the budget process will be an indicator of success.
“I’m going to be doing community drop-ins in the new year. If no one has yelled at me or thrown anything, that’ll be a sign of success.
“And if we can get some quick wins, that will be good.”
Editor’s note: The new City Council was originally to be inaugurated at Peterborough City Hall on Monday, December 3rd, followed by a general committee and a budget committee meeting. Instead, the inauguration has been moved to Monday, November 26th at the Peterborough Public Library to allow for more seating. The December 3rd meeting in Council chambers at City Hall will be dedicated to the Finance Committee, General Committee, and Special Council. The first meeting of the full council — and the only one before the New Year — is scheduled for Monday, December 10th.
Joel Wiebe and Terry Gueil of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) with Theresa Foley of Showplace Performance Centre, Jonathan Moreno of Wild Rock Outfitters, and James and Lena Wallwork of Lift Lock Escape, at the launch of the 2018 Holiday Shopping Passport Program at Wild Rock Outfitters on November 12, 2018. Showplace and Lift Lock Escape are two of the new organizations and businesses participating in this year's program. (Supplied photo)
Earlier today (November 12) at Wild Rock Outfitters in downtown Peterborough, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) launched its bigger and better Holiday Shopping Passport program.
The program rewards people for supporting local businesses by shopping, dining, and more in downtown Peterborough. More than 140 businesses and organizations are participating this year — including, for the first time, Showplace Performance Centre and the Market Hall.
Every time you spend $10 at a participating business or organization, a box on your passport will be stamped. When your passport is filled (20 stamps or $200 worth in spending), you complete the form and drop it off at a ballot box at one of the participating locations.
Each completed passport is a ballot for a draw to win “downtown money” (gift certificates that can be redeemed at participating businesses and organizations). Three early bird prizes of $500 in downtown money will be drawn on the first three Wednesdays of December (5, 12, and 19) with a grand prize of $1,500 in downtown money to be drawn on Wednesday, January 9th.
VIDEO: 2018 Downtown Peterborough Holiday Shopping Passport Program
For the first time, this year you can have your passport stamped when you purchase tickets at the box offices of Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) and Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St N, Peterborough).
Another new participant this year is Lift Lock Escape (351A George St. N., Peterborough). The entertainment business, which opened this past August, features an escape room, virtual reality gaming, and a board game cafe all in one location.
See a list of all 144 Holiday Passport locations below.
Also new this year is a complimentary stamp at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough). Sign out a book during passport season and receive a free stamp for using library services.
Once again in 2018, you can get a complimentary stamp (limit one per person) when you drop by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism office (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The Holiday Shopping Passport program, which Peterborough DBIA has been running annually for several years, has proven to be popular with shoppers and a boon for downtown businesses. When the program first launched, shoppers stamped $500,000 worth of passports. Last year, the amount grew to $1.9 million.
“It’s easy to understand why people love the Holiday Shopping Passports,” DBIA executive director Terry Guiel says. “Spend your money locally in downtown Peterborough for a chance to win more money to spend at your favourite shops and restaurants. This program just keeps getting bigger and better.”
You can also use the Holiday Shopping Passport on Black Friday (November 23), when more than 100 participating downtown Peterborough businesses are hosting some of their biggest sales of the year. And, beginning on Black Friday and until the end of December, you can park for free for two hours courtesy of the City of Peterborough Parking Division.
The Innovation Cluster and Trent Business Students Association have teamed up to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week this week with a series of events, including the Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition for Trent University and Fleming College students on November 15, 2018. Pictured are the winners of the 2017 Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition, where five teams each took home $500. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
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.
This week’s round-up of business news features the Innovation Cluster and Trent Business Students Association celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week with daily events, the Ontario government announcing grants for rural communities in the Kawarthas, the recipients of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Awards of Excellence, and the Digital Main Street grants program for small “main street” businesses and local business groups.
Also featured is the recognition of Peterborough Utilities as one of Canada’s safest employers, Kawartha Credit Union staff raising funds for neonatal intensive care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, a local entrepreneur appearing on CBC Dragons’ Den, and Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo being recognized for energy conservation.
New regional business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s breakfast meeting on augmented reality in business on November 13th, the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s business fundamentals workshop on November 14th, the application deadline for the federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund on November 15th, the Kawartha Family Business Group cannabis and the workplace seminar in Peterborough on November 19th, more details about the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum on November 20th, and a seminar in Peterborough on emerging issues in human resources law on November 27th.
Innovation Cluster and Trent Business Students Association celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week
kawarthaNOW.com publisher Jeannine Taylor (far left) at a FastStart Peterborough E-Connect networking event. Nancy Nickle and Tracey Ormond will be the speakers at the E-Connect event at The Venue in Peterborough on November 13, 2018 during Global Entrepreneurship Week. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
This week (November 12-16) is the ninth annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, an international initiative celebrated across six continents that connects entrepreneurs through networking events, organizations, educational groups, and more.
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas has partnered with the Trent Business Students Association (TBSA) to hold and promote various events for anyone interested in becoming more connected within the local entrepreneurial community.
Events are happening each day throughout the week, including the FastStart Peterborough’s E-Connect seminar, a women in business networking event, social gatherings, and the Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition.
“We are very excited to help host so many events this week for aspiring entrepreneurs and students to meet new people and learn more about the resources available in Peterborough,” says Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist at the Innovation Cluster.
“The events hosted this week are a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to meet potential collaborators, mentors, and investors.”
Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated in 170 countries, and has previously had 20,000 partners holding 35,000 events with 10 million people.
“Global Entrepreneurship Week is something the TBSA looks forward to every year,” says TBSA president Mackenzie Mills. “It’s incredibly exciting to be bringing together this community of entrepreneurs through a week of engaging events and networking opportunities.”
The list of events include:
Monday, November 12th: TBSA Entrepreneurship Week Opening Ceremony Breakfast Launch from 9 to 11 a.m. in OCA 203 at Otonabee College at Trent University and Startups in the City radio show (12:30 p.m. on Trent Radio 92.7FM)
Tuesday, November 13th: E-Connect networking event featuring Nancy Nickle and Tracey Ormond from 6 to 8 p.m. (The Venue, 286 George Street North)
Wednesday, November 14th: TBSA Women in Business networking event from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Ceilie (1770 West Bank Dr., Peterborough)
Thursday, November 15th: Meet the Entrepreneur Networking Social from 4 to 6 p.m. at McThirsty’s Pint (166 Charlotte St., Peterborough) and the Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition from 7 to 10 p.m. in Room B3250 at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough)
Friday, November 16th: Global Entrepreneurship Week Closing Ceremonies from 6 to 9 p.m. at Junction Nightclub (275 George St., Peterborough)
Ontario government announces funding for rural communities in the Kawarthas
Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MPP Laurie Scott (second from left) with representatives of Abbey Retreat Centre in Haliburton County, which offers integrative programs for people living with cancer and their primary support person. The centre is receiving $55,300 from the Ontario Govermment’s Rural Economic Development program. (Supplied photo)
Peterborough Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MPP Laurie Scott made several funding announcements in the Kawarthas last week (November 5-9) on behalf of Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman.
The funding announcements were made under the Ontario Government’s Rural Economic Development program to support rural communities. The announcements included:
$20,000 for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development to create an agriculture new entrant support program to reduce barriers and provide support for new entrant farmers in a centralized online platform
$22,500 for the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen to hire a consultant to develop an economic development and tourism strategy
$55,300 for Abbey Retreat Centre in Haliburton County to complete phase two of its retreat centre project, including a commercial kitchen upgrade, renovations to the lower garage, and training for leadership
$33,500 for the Township of Minden Hills to prepare a community improvement plan that will identify community priorities for revitalization of the historic downtown core
$5,000 for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce and the County of Haliburton to hire a consultant to develop a marketing video.
Under the Rural Economic Development program, more than 80 rural communities across the province are receiving funding to boost and diversify their local economy. Eligible projects include such things as developing a downtown revitalization plan or marketing, branding and promotional activities to attract investment to the community.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hands out 2018 Awards of Excellence
The recipients of the 2018 Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 2018 Awards of Excellence, from back to front, left to right: Jason Ross, The Regency of Lakefield; Susan Dunkley, Peterborough Humane Society; Alex Tindale, Peterborough Humane Society; Alex Gastle, Vetterview; Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts; Matt Logan, Logan Tree Experts; Ross Bletsoe, Lakefield Foodland; Laurie Siblock, Lang Pioneer Village Museum; Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society; Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing; Audrey Von Bogen, Shambhala Bed and Breakfast; Emily Wilkins, Adventure Outfitters; and Rachel Sloan, Trinkets and Treasures. (Photo: Erin Caitlin Photography)
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism announced the recipients of its 2018 Awards of Excellence last Thursday (November 8) at Lakefield College School. The recipients in each of the 11 categories were:
The Not-For-Profit Excellence – Peterborough Humane Society
Retailer of the Year – Trinkets & Treasures
Service Sector Excellence – The Regency of Lakefield
Tourism/Hospitality Excellence – Lang Pioneer Village Museum
Commercial Development or Renovation – Jack’s Lake Lodge Cottage Rentals
Entrepreneur Innovation – Vetterview
Customer Service Excellence – Logan Tree Experts
Young Professional Award – Emily Wilkins of Adventure Outfitters
Outstanding Business Achievement – Lakefield Foodland
Lifetime Achievement Award – Audrey Von Bogen
Citizen of the Year – Cindy Windover
Applications open for Digital Main Street’s Grants Program for small “main street” businesses and local business groups
Digital Main Street is a Toronto-based company that assists main street businesses in connecting to and adopting the right digital tools and technologies to help them grow and compete. (Photo: Digital Main Street)
Applications are open for Digital Main Street’s Grants Program in Ontario, supported by the Ontario government and the Ontario Business Improvement Area (BIA) Association.
Launched in October, the $12 million grant program is available to small “main street” businesses as well as BIAs (or Chambers of Commerce where BIAs don’t exist).
The program offers two types of funding:
The Digital Transformation Grant includes 2,000 grants of $2,500 each, available to qualifying small main street businesses to help them adopt new digital technologies
The Digital Service Squad Grant includes 300 grants of $10,000 each, available to qualifying business groups to develop and implement local squads of digital vendors and experts to directly help small businesses.
Peterborough Utilities recognized as one of Canada’s safest employers
Peterborough Utilities Group has received the Silver Award for the Utilities and Electrical category from Canadian Occupational Safety magazine.
This is the sixth time in the past seven years that Peterborough Utilities has received an award, receiving a gold award in 2012 and a silver award in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017. and 2018.
Launched in 2011, the awards recognize Canadian companies with outstanding accomplishments in promoting the health and safety of their workers.
The awards were presented at the Canada’s Safest Employers Winner’s Gala on October 18th in Toronto.
Kawartha Credit Union staff raise $1,050 for neonatal intensive care
Kawartha Credit Union staff have raised $1,050 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
Staff from Kawartha Credit Union in Peterborough recently donated $1,050 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.
The corporate head office product support department raised the funds through gift basket raffles.
The PRHC Foundation will use the funds to help equip the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the best technology so babies can get better and go home.
Government funding does not cover the cost of technology at hospitals, so communities must rely on fundraising.
Staff at Kawartha Credit Union in Lindsay also recently made donations to Five Counties Children’s Centre and to the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation.
Local entrepreneur appearing on CBC Dragons’ Den
Jeremy Hannan pitching the CobraMask, a full-face combination mask and snorkel, on CBC Television’s Dragons’ Den. The Whitby entrepreneur, whose family summers on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point north of Peterborough, will appear on the November 15, 2018 episode of the popular business reality show. (Photo: CBC Television)
Whitby entrepreneur Jeremy Hannan will be appearing on the next episode of CBD Television’s Dragons’ Den at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th.
Hannan, whose family summers on an island in on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point north of Peterborough, will be pitching his product called the CobraMask — a full-face snorkelling mask.
The mask eliminates some of the issues with the traditional separate mask and snorkel.
Hannan is hoping the Dragons will invest in his business so he can expand ecommerce, advertising, and manufacturing.
Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo recognized for energy conservation
The conservation department of Peterborough Utilities Group has recognized Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo for their contributions to energy conservation.
Ontario’s energy conservation framework aims to reduce 8.7 terawatt hours in electricity consumption in Ontario by December 31, 2020, through conservation programs delivered to residential and business customers across the province. Peterborough Utilities has a target of saving 37.8 gigawatt hours by the end of 2020.
Through a variety of efficiency projects, Trent University’s Facility Management team has reduced the university’s energy consumption by four gigawatt hours in the past four years, which represents 10 per cent of Peterborough Utilities’ mandated target. These projects have earned Trent over a half million incentive dollars through Save on Energy Programs delivered by the utility.
Ken Millard, Peterborough Utilities’ energy manager for Quaker PepsiCo, is receiving the Conservation Champion Award intended for Outstanding Performance and Excellence in Facility Energy Management for exceeding three gigawatt hours of electrical energy savings in 2017.
Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting on augmented reality in business on November 13
Sanu Somaweera and Chris Bollissimo of Kavtek Software. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Peterborough Chamber’s next breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Sanu Somaweera from Kavtek will speak on the topic “The Reality of an Augmented Reality Business”.
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast served at 7:30 a.m. (when you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The event is free (you only pay for whatever you order for breakfast).
Northumberland Chamber hosts networking event in Cobourg on November 13
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s next “Meet and Greet” business networking event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13th at Mann McCracken & Associates (1 Queen St., Unit 103, Cobourg).
In addition to networking with other local business people, you’ll have an opportunity to check out Northumberland’s most accessible legal service provider.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development business fundamentals workshop in Peterborough on November 14
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Profitable Operations”, the next workshop in its Business Fundamentals Workshop series, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14th at its offices at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The session offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the financial fundamentals and operational strategies to effectively run their businesses. Topics will include understanding budgeting, creating a sales forecast, and building an operating budget.
Peterborough Business Hub hosts its official grand opening on November 15
Located at 398 McDonnel Street, Peterborough Business Hub offers office rentals and coworking space. (Photo: Peterborough Business Hub)
Peterborough Business Hub, which offers office rentals and coworking space, is hosting its official grand opening celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th at its location at 398 McDonnel Street in Peterborough.
While the business has been open for a few months, the official celebration provides a chance to see the offices, meet the staff, and get to know existing clients and their businesses.
Pitch It! competition at Fleming College in Peterborough on November 15
FastStart Peterborough’s annual “Pitch It!” entrepreneurial competition for Trent University and Fleming College students takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th in room B3250 at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).
Three contestants (from 10 finalists to be announced on November 8th) will pitch their business ideas before a panel of industry judges in a Dragons’ Den style competition in three categories: Clean & Agriculture Technology, Trades and Retail Business and Information Technology / Media & Gaming.
Participating students can win $500, meet other like-minded entrepreneurs, and receive help to bring their innovative idea to market.
The November 15th event is free and open to the public.
Application deadline for federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund is November 15
The federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund will give funding priority to diverse women entrepreneurs, including women with disabilities, Indigenous women, women in rural or remote regions, recent immigrants, and more. (Graphic: Government of Canada)
The deadline to submit an application for the federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund is midnight on Thursday, November 15th.
The Women Entrepreneurship Fund is a $20 million program that offers up to $100,000 in non-repayable funding for 12 months to women-owned or women-led for-profit businesses with fewer than 499 employees.
More details, including an application guide, frequently asked questions, and the application form, are available at www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/128.nsf/eng/home.
Application deadline for Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition is November 16
The Win This Space entrepreneurial competition is returning for its third year in 2019. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
Entrepreneurs have until Friday, November 16th to put together a video application and submit it to the 2019 Win This Space competition, an initiative of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs.
The top 10 finalists will take several workshops to fine-tune their business plans before a winner is chosen on March 5th by a panel of judges.
The winner will then have their choice of available participating downtown locations free for one year. To cover rent payments, several sponsors are adopting a month and contributing $2,000 toward each month’s lease.
Visit winthisspace.com for the rules and regulations and application instructions.
Kawartha Family Business Group cannabis and the workplace seminar in Peterborough on November 19
The Kawartha Family Business Group (KFBG) is hosting “Weed and the Workplace” from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 19th at the Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn (84 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Chris Russell, Partner at LLF Lawyers, and Matthew Savino, Managing Partner and Senior Consultant at Savino Human Resources Partners, will discuss Bill C-45 and its implications and challenges for the workplace, including how to spot impairment and respond appropriately, the use of medical marijuana in the workplace, and updating workplace policies.
A question and answer period will follow.
Admission is free for KFBG Members and $75 per family for non-members. To reserve a ticket or for more information, email Michelle O’Neill at michelle@maxcommunication.ca or Jhane Brasier at jhane@maxcommunication.ca.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum in Peterborough on November 20
The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20th in the lower level of VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Co-hosted by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the Innovation Cluster, the event will bring together a variety of business funding programs under one roof.
There will be networking and a trade show in the morning, which will also feature two panel discussions on “Angel Investment for Startups” and “Overcoming Financial Challenges in Growing Your Business, followed by more networking and a trade show in the afternoon.
Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network with John Hucks on November 21
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its monthly Breakfast Network from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 21st at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
This month’s guest speaker is John Hucks, founding member of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership, who will be speaking about the value and untapped potential of newcomers and international students in Peterborough.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door. The Breakfast Network is open to everyone.
Tickets are $5 at the door, and the meeting is open to everyone.
Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition final pitch in Peterborough on November 22
Young entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas will pitch their business to a panel of judges at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough on November 22, 2018 during the fourth annual Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition, with a prize package valued up to $10,000. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
The final pitch event for the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 22nd at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).
An initiative of FastStart Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster, and the Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society, Cubs’ Lair gives entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29 the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes.
At the final pitch event, a panel of established business professionals will test the top five competitors’ knowledge of how they will grow the business and judge the best pitch.
Seminar in Peterborough on emerging issues in human resources law on November 27
Local consulting firm Laridae is hosting a free seminar on emerging issues in human resources law at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27th at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The seminar, exclusively for local non-profit and public sector leaders in Peterborough, will feature guest presentations from Kingston-based law firm Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP.
The spotlight will be on the latest in workplace issues, including cannabis, the #MeToo movement, and employee terminations.
The seminar is free to attend and will include a continental breakfast. For more information and to RSVP, visit laridaemc.com/workshops.
Jeremy Hannan pitching the CobraMask, a full-face combination mask and snorkel, on CBC Television's Dragons' Den. The Whitby entrepreneur, whose family summers on Katchewanooka Lake at Young's Point north of Peterborough, will appear on the November 15, 2018 episode of the popular business reality show. (Photo: CBC Television)
Entrepreneur Jeremy Hannan is about to dive into the Dragons’ Den with his full-face snorkelling mask.
The Whitby man, whose family summers on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point north of Peterborough, will pitch his CobraMask to the Dragons on the next episode of the CBC business reality TV series, which airs at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th.
The CobraMask combines a mask and snorkel into a single unit. Normally when snorkelling, you wear a mask to cover your eyes and nose and use a snorkel to breathe through your mouth.
Jeremy Hannan preparing to go on Dragons’ Den. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hannan)
“I’ve always used the traditional mask and snorkel so I just thought I could improve it,” Hannan, an avid snorkeller, tells kawarthaNOW.
“Either the mask is fogging up or you’re constantly purging water out of the snorkel. And it’s just generally uncomfortable having this giant piece of rubber in your mouth.”
Although other full-face snorkel masks already exist on the market, Hannan was inspired to create his design during his long-time job as a wood finisher.
“I wore a 3M respirator for 15 years while spraying lacquer,” he recalls. “That gas mask was really the inspiration.”
Hannan’s family owns an island on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point, where he learned to swim and where he first tested the CobraMask. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hannan)
Hannan says the CobraMask eliminates common problems with using a separate snorkel and mask. For example, with traditional snorkels you sometimes get a mouthful of water, but that doesn’t happen with the CobraMask.
“The check valve stops any water from coming down the spout,” he explains. “Whether completely submerged or just a wave over your head, nothing gets down the spout.”
Traditional masks often fog up because, when you exhale through your mouth into the snorkel, some air also gets exhaled through your nose into the mask, causing condensation. Divers commonly rub spit on the inside glass of their masks to minimize fogging. Hannan says that isn’t necessary with the CobraMask.
Jeremy Hannan is hoping the Dragons will invest in his business so he can expand ecommerce, advertising, and manufacturing. (Photo: CBC Television)
“The air flow comes down the top through the one-way valves and you exhale out the bottom, so that eliminates fog.”
He also says the CobraMask is more comfortable to wear, because it has spandex straps that won’t catch your hair as happens with traditional rubber or silicone straps.
As well as increasing the viewing angle up to 180 degrees (more than a traditional mask), the CobraMask also has a GoPro camera mount that doubles as a selfie stick. The spout folds down on a hinge for travel, making it ideal for taking on vacations down south.
As well as increasing the viewing angle up to 180 degrees, the CobraMask also has a GoPro camera mount that doubles as a selfie stick. The spout folds down on a hinge for travel, making it ideal for taking on vacations down south. (Photo: CBC Television)
Judging from some of the reviews on the Facebook page for the CobraMask, which comes in a children’s size and two adult sizes and in a variety of colours, his customers love it.
Hannan’s family owns an island on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point, where he learned to swim and where he first tested the CobraMask.
“The different underwater terrain on the Trent River allows for great snorkelling with a wide variety of marine life to enjoy,” he says.
Hannan’s family owns an island on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point, where he learned to swim and where he first tested the CobraMask. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hannan)
Hannan, who has been running his business for several years, will be pitching the Dragons for funding for ecommerce, advertising, and manufacturing.
“With growing interest from retailers and consumers I could really use their expertise and financing,” he says. “I started this company with personal funds and a small loan from my family and, with the ever-increasing operating costs, I thought it would be a great idea to audition for the show. I had nothing to lose.”
While Hannan isn’t revealing whether he reached a deal with the Dragons, he says the exposure from being on Dragons’ Den is a “huge perk”. Around a half million Canadian viewers watch each episode, and the show reaches millions of viewers worldwide through syndication.
Jeremy Hannan and his wife at the Toronto boat show. He has been displaying his Cobramask at trade shows and other events for the past two years. He says the exposure from being on Dragons’ Den is a “huge perk”. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hannan)
“I’ve been a huge fan of the show since the beginning,” Hannan says. “I didn’t think that I’d ever be on the show myself, so it was very exciting.”
While he says he was anxious and nervous prior to the filming of the episode, he also says that all disappeared once he was standing in front of the Dragons.
“I’ve been doing boat shows, events, trade shows, and markets pretty much every weekend for two years now, displaying my product, so I’m used to talking to large groups of people,” he explains. “So when I walked across the catwalk and down the stairs, I looked at the Dragons and all I saw were customers eagerly waiting to meet me and hear about my product.”
Dragon Jim Treliving tries on Jeremy Hannan’s CobraMask. Treliving is Hannan’s favourite Dragon: “If you want to impress him, you better come with something special and bring your A-game.” (Photo: CBC Television)
Hannan says he was in the Den for about 55 minutes and it was an experience he’ll never forget.
And his favourite Dragon?
“My favourite Dragon has got to be Jim Treliving,” he replies.
“He reminds me a lot of my grandfather, who was also an old-school police officer. I’ve always liked his no-nonsense approach with past pitchers on the show. His investment strategy on the show is unique and, if you want to impress him, you better come with something special and bring your A-game.”
You’ll have to tune in to CBC Television or online on November 15th to find out whether Hannan brought his A-game.
For more information about the CobraMask, visit www.cobramask.ca.
Ballet Jörgen's "The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition", featuring professional dancers as well as a selection of local youth dancers, will be performed on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jim Orgill)
Christmas is a double-edged sword. During the weeks prior, we knock ourselves out to the point of exhaustion — shopping, baking, wrapping, decorating, and generally making sure all is just right so we can finally relax for the briefest time with our family and friends when the big day does arrive.
Showplace presents Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
When: Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 7 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $35 ($30 for youth 12 and under)
Tickets available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Knowing that, we would be wise to take full advantage of the opportunity to slow things down before the madness by taking full advantage of a seasonal treat that has delighted young and old alike for close to 25 years. Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition returns to Peterborough on Thursday, November 29th.
Tickets to the 7 p.m. performance at the Showplace Performance Centre (290 George Street North, 705-742-7469) cost $35 ($30 for youth 12 and under) and are available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
The Christmas tradition of The Nutcracker originates from 1816, when German author E.T.A. Hoffmann wrote a story called “Nussknacker und Mausekönig” (“The Nutcracker and The Mouse King”), in which young Marie’s favourite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive. After defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, the Nutcracker whisks her away to a magical kingdom populated by dolls.
VIDEO: Ballet Jörgen Canada’s The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition
In 1844, French writer Alexandre Dumas’ retold the story as “Histoire d’un casse-noisette” (“The History of a Nutcracker”), with Marie renamed as Klara. It was this version of the story that was adapted 48 years later as a two-act ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov and set to a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. First performed on December 18, 1892, the ballet itself was not a success, but Tchaikovsky’s 20-minute suite from the ballet soon became one of his most famous compositions.
In the mid 20th century, the original Nutcracker ballet gained popularity through various productions and has since become a Christmas tradition, especially in North America, where its performances generate almost half of the annual revenue for major ballet companies.
Ballet Jörgen’s version was created and choreographed by the company’s co-founder and artistic director Bengt Jörgen. Debuting on November 1, 1995 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition has — as its name implies — a very definite Canadian theme.
In colloboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Ballet Jörgen’s “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” features dramatic 30-foot backdrops based on landscapes by famous 20th-century Canadian artists including Tom Thompson and Franklin Carmichael. (Photo: Lawrence Ho)
Set in a small village north of Algonquin Park, the production is rooted in a collaboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, with landscapes by famous 20th-century Canadian artists making up several dramatic 30-foot backdrops, along with images featuring snowflakes, lumberjacks, loons, forest creatures, and Mounties.
“It has become such a seasonal tradition,” acknowledges Jörgen, a classically trained ballet dancer who co-founded Ballet Jörgen in 1987 with Susan Bodie.
“The music is played everywhere during Christmas time, so it has become Christmas music. It wasn’t written as Christmas music when it first premiered in 1892. It’s beautiful music, but it wasn’t written to become this traditional thing that you’re going to hear in the shopping mall.
Bengt Jörgen, co-founder and artistic director of Ballet Jörgen. (Photo courtesy of Ballet Jorgen)
“The Nutcracker brings us back to a more traditional context of Christmas that may be lost a little bit. It gives us a sense of comfort. It’s a very happy story, a story about celebration and family.
“Families want to get together and celebrate. The Nutcracker is a story that does all of that for people in a way that is fun and gives people a sense of something that was never real to begin with.”
The Peterborough performance, not unlike all stagings of The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition, will see a large contingent of local youth dancers perform as part of the cast. Following an audition process, 11 youths aged 8 to 17 — members of Peterborough’s Studio 505, Revolutions Dance Studio, and Premiere Studio of Dance; Lindsay Dance Studio; Belleville Dance Studio; and Trenton’s Dance With Miss Liz — have been selected to dance the roles of various animals.
Auditions for those roles were held in late August at Showplace.
“It’s a way we can involve the dance community in a professional production, an educational process that allows us to connect with a community and do good beyond just coming and doing a show,” Jörgen says.
Following an audition process, 11 youth from various area dance studios were selected to perform in the roles of various animals in Ballet Jörgen’s “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition”. (Photo: Eva Mende-Gibson)
“We also have young dancers that are touring with the company, so children get to interact with other children around the province. The audiences get to experience children from their own community performing. A lot of work goes into that at the local level.”
Beyond being able to share the joy of an inspiring story, what really excites Jörgen is the opportunity to introduce the dance art form to audiences that wouldn’t typically take in a ballet performance.
“People that come and see ballet normally are not necessarily the same crowd that comes to see The Nutcracker,” he says. “We get to connect with so many people we don’t normally connect with. It’s a great way to broaden our art form. It gives us that connectivity with a broader community.”
Reflecting on the company’s start and remarkable growth since, Jörgen remains committed to ensuring accessibility to the arts isn’t restricted to just major Canadian cities.
“The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” is based on the 1892 ballet with Tchaikovsky’s famous score, which itself is based on the 1816 story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann which tells the tale of what happens after a young girl’s favourite Christmas toy comes alive. (Photo: Cynthia Smith)
“You always have ambitions to do the best you can, you always shoot for the stars and see where you end up, but this organization has evolved into something much greater than I ever anticipated,” he says.
“It carries my name but it really doesn’t need to anymore. We have a very large team that is focused on ensuring communities everywhere in Canada have access. We have grown to become the number one company in terms of delivering programming in any arts category across Canada. We’re doing really great but the need far outstrips anything we can meet. It’s a challenge for us to convince people that the arts should be just as accessible in Peterborough as it is in Toronto.”
“Engaging with people in their communities is very important. We feel really great about what we’re doing but we’re swimming against the tide. Delivering the arts in Peterborough is just as valuable as delivering the arts in Toronto. The big impact beyond the people we reach is making sure the arts are accessible.
“It’s impossible to have a dance company in every community in Canada. We haven’t been to Peterborough for a long time. We’re kind of rotating communities that we go to. People think the arts can only exist in the major centres. That’s a mindset we have to change. It’s a big job.”
Set in a small village north of Algonquin Park, “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” has a very Canadian theme. (Photo: Cynthia Smith)
Jörgen is also passionate about the decline in instruction in the arts in schools.
“We know that if you expose young children to the performing arts, they tend to grow up to be more actively engaged in their communities,” he says, noting Ballet Jörgen has a school visitation program.
“They volunteer more. They have a higher record of voting. They tend to be more engaged with life. They may not become artists, but they tend to have a more wholesome outlook on their community and engage with it to a higher degree. We need people to be engaged if we’re to build better societies. We need to ensure young people have access to the arts. It’s critical.”
Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker Local Participant Program gives young dancers the opportunity to perform with a professional dance company, interacting with professional dancers and gaining invaluable performance experience as they dance roles in “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” (Photo: Amanda Horn)
Still, more than 30 years after co-founding the company, Jörgen says such challenges have done nothing to diminish his enthusiasm for what’s ahead.
“When you do great art, it doesn’t matter where you perform. We perform in New York City. We perform in the smallest places in Canada you never heard of. We do the same show and it works just as well regardless of where you are. You get immersed in it and time stops and you just enjoy yourself. When you get to that place, that’s what it’s all about.
“I still love doing a great show. We have our off days but there’s a certain baseline. It’s always going to be good but sometimes it’s really good. That’s what gets me up in the morning: being able to share that with people and making sure it’s available and build a foundation so it’s going to be there when I’m gone. I’m part of a community that’s much bigger than myself but it’s still a new thing for many people. We’re trying to help build a platform that other people can build on and grow.”
For more information on Ballet Jörgen and The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition, visit canadasballetjorgen.ca.
Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for the Kawarthas today (November 10), with a wind warning also in effect for Northumberland County.
A brief period of heavy snow and reduced visibility is likely early this afternoon. Roads may become snow covered and icy.
A west-to-east band of lake effect snow has developed over northern Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and will move south across the area.
Areas under the most intense portion of this band could receive snowfall amounts near 5 cm.
Visibility will be significantly and suddenly reduced due to heavy snow and blowing snow.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
The unlikely trio of "Shrek: The Musical": Elizabeth Moody as Princess Fiona, Rowan Lamoureaux as Shrek, and Lindsay Barr as Donkey. The St. James Players production of the Tony-nominated musical runs from November 8 to 17 at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Opening on Friday, November 9th and running until November 17th, St. James Players presents its much-anticipated production of Shrek: The Musical, directed by Nate Axcell and Drew Mills and based heavily on the 2001 Oscar-winning animated film (as well as the original picture book by William Steig).
St. James Players presents Shrek: The Musical
When: Friday, November 9 & Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m; Saturday, November 10 & Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 2 p.m.; Thursday, November 15 – Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $29 ($26 for students or seniors and $23 for children under 13)
Based on the animated film. Music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Nate Axcell and Drew Mills. Starring Rowan Lamoureaux as Shrek, Lindsay Barr as Donkey, Elizabeth Moody as Princess Fiona, Taylor Beatty as Lord Farquaad, and many more. Tickets available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
A cast of local favourites bring Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona, and all the familiar characters from the popular film series alive on the Showplace Performance Centre stage in another family-friendly production in the classic St. James Players tradition.
Less than a year after the film Shrek won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, a stage musical version began development under the creative team of director Jason Moore, writer David Lindsay-Abaire, and songwriter Jeanine Tesori. Keeping the basic story but including all-new music, Shrek: The Musical took nearly five years to develop before it opened as a test run in Seattle in 2007.
After a successful month-long run, the show made its Broadway premiere at the Broadway Theater in December 2008 where it ran until January 2010. During its initial run, it was nominated for eight Tony Award nominations and won 12 Drama Desk Awards.
Shrek: The Musical tells the story of a miserable and reclusive ogre named Shrek (Rowan Lamouroux) who lives in seclusion far away from the society that fears him. However, that peaceful but lonely existence ends when a group of fairy tale characters are displaced from their homes in the Kingdom of Duloc by the tyrannical and vertically impaired Lord Farquuad (Taylor Beatty).
Shrek (Rowan Lamouroux) with some of the fairy tale characters exiled to his swamp by the villainous Lord Farquuad. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Determined to get his swamp back to the way he wants it, Shrek travels to Duloc to appeal to Farquuad to allow the fairy tale creatures to return to their homes. Along the way he comes upon an overly friendly donkey (Lindsay Barr), who decides to journey with him as his ever-talking travelling companion.
Upon arriving in Duloc, Shrek strikes a deal with Lord Farquuad to rid the swamp of the fairy tale invaders: so that Farquuad can marry her and become king, Shrek will have to save the beautiful Princess Fiona (Elizabeth Moody) from her imprisonment in a tower guarded by a dragon (Mallory McDonald) and her horde of skeletons. Taking on the quest, Shrek and Donkey go in search of the Princess and along the way discover friendship, acceptance, and love.
I am not overly familiar with the Shrek franchise and decided not to view the films prior to seeing the St. James Players production, so I could see it through the eyes of someone brand new to this fantasy world. As a stranger to the story, I found the narrative engaging, the characters charming, and the overall theme of the play to be uplifting. Shrek: The Musical is an imaginative fantasy filled with colourful characters and fun performances.
Taylor Beatty as the scene-stealing and vertically impaired Lord Farquaad. (Photo: Avery Cantello)
That said, Shrek: The Musical is also an unorthodox choice for St. James Players and a somewhat risky show to take on. However, the company steps up to the challenge and creates a show for the entire family.
One of the most interesting things about watching Shrek: The Musical is that all of the main roles are performed by actors who are not usually cast as leads in musicals. Made up of many of my favourite performers, all of the leads would traditionally be identified as “character actors.” The result is a refreshing audience experience as familiar faces move into the spotlight.
Under heavy make-up and with a prosthetic nose, Rowan Lamoureaux has the right size and girth to bring Shrek to life in all his green glory. There is no denying that Rowan plays Shrek very well, and both young and old fans of the character will delight at seeing him come to life so realistically on stage.
Rowan Lamoureaux as the curmudgeonly green ogre shrek Shrek with Lindsay Barr as his sassy travelling companion Donkey. (Photo: Nate Axcell)
But Rowan is more of an emotional actor than a comedic one, and his portrayal of Shrek becomes far more interesting when he is able to work with deeper material, primarily within the second half of the show. Rowan’s shining moment is during the second act musical number “When Words Fail”, which is the goosebumps moment of the show. Rowan does an admirable job in bringing Shrek to life, but even a greater job at bringing heart and depth to the character.
With previous roles as diverse as Shelly in Evil Dead, Janis Joplin, and Captain Hook within her repertoire, musician-turned-actor Lindsay Barr brings her brand of high-energy performance to Shrek’s comic foil Donkey. Filled with optimism and non-stop banter, Lindsay brings fun into every scene she’s in. But where she really steals the show is during her musical numbers — but then that’s what Lindsay does best.
Songs such as “Don’t Let Me Go” and my personal favourite “Make Your Move” (where Donkey is accompanied by the Three Blind Mice) are standout musical moments showcasing Lindsay’s dynamic showmanship. Donkey is a perfect role to showcase Lindsay’s emergence as a true triple threat on the stage: she acts, she dances, and she can really sing.
Mallory MacDonald as the Dragon and Lindsay Barr as Donkey perform the showstopping number “Donkey Pot Pie” with a horde of dancing skeletons. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Shrek: The Musical is the first leading role for Elizabeth Moody, despite her long presence on the Peterborough stage. Elizabeth is perfectly cast as the sometimes sweet and sometimes ferocious Princess Fiona. Once again, Fiona is as odd as her co-characters, with Liz making a delightful albeit unusual ingénue. Her chemistry with Rowan is delightful, and Shrek and Fiona make an adorable pair.
Although Shrek and Donkey are supposed to be the comedic pairing, I found many of Rowan and Liz’s interactions to be more comical and natural. Liz’s standout musical performance is a delightful song and dance number, “Morning Person”, at the beginning of the second act — performed with a delightful band of tap-dancing rats.
I’d also like to make mention of Liz’s performance of “I Know It’s Today” where she teams up with two of my favourite young stage performers: Macayla Vaughn, who played Jane Banks in last year’s production of Mary Poppins, and Aimee Gordon, who is better known to Peterborough audiences as Boo in Planet 12 Productions’ successful Boy Wonders. It’s a charming moment in the show when three Fionas come together in song.
Elizabeth Moody is perfectly cast as the sometimes sweet and sometimes ferocious Princess Fiona. (Photo: Nate Axcell)
The comedic moment of the night goes to Taylor Beatty in his outlandish role as pint-sized dictator Lord Farquuad. Traditionally appearing in less family-friendly musicals such as The Rocky Horror Show and Sweeney Todd, Taylor returns after a long absence from the Peterborough stage as this unusual and devious character. What makes it such a fun role is the hilarious and clever costume that allows Taylor to believably become a four-foot-high tyrant with a giant ego but small legs. Taylor steals each scene he is in.
I want to give a shout-out to Mallory MacDonald in the role of the Dragon. I’ve watched Mallory in the background of many musicals, but I had no idea how much of a big voice she has. She blew my mind with her performance of “Donkey Pot Pie”. Alongside a horde of dancing skeletons, Mallory stays toe-to-toe with Lindsay Barr in an outrageous duet. It’s a golden moment, and Mallory is a standout who left me stunned. She should be cast in much larger roles — there is a superstar behind that voice.
But it takes a huge cast of colourful characters to make up the world of Shrek, and each member of the ensemble plays multiple characters who are unique from one another. The cast is filled with so many of my favourite performers from the local theatre community, and it’s wonderful to see so many people I truly enjoy as both performers and people making up this cast.
Kaitlin MacMillan as Pinocchio and Grace DeMara as Little Red Riding Hood and Gingy, some of the fairy tale characters exiled from the Kingdom of Duloc. (Photo: Avery Cantello)
Standouts include the abrasive Pinocchio played by Kaitlin MacMillain, and the high-pitched Gingy performed by Grace de Mara (who also doubles as Little Red Riding Hood).
Meanwhile, the costumes for the fairy tale creatures developed by Rebecca Smith, along with the ambitious make-up designs by Christie Read and Liz Moody, make all of the characters in the show immediately identifiable and delightful to watch. It’s fair to say that the costumes and make up may be the true stars of the show.
Although Shrek: The Musical is a family production, I couldn’t help but find some interesting political and social subtext within the show that may go over the heads of younger audience members.
Lindsay Barr as Donkey, Taylor Beatty as Lord Farquuad, and Rowan Lamoureaux as Shrek. (Photo: Nate Axcell)
The lyrics to Lord Farquaad’s musical number “What’s Up, Duloc” read like an Aryan manifesto right out of the Third Reich, as the fairy tale characters are banished from their homes and into a swamp just as the European Jews were forced into ghettos. On the other hand, the fairy tale characters’ rousing second act number “Freak Flag” could pass for an LGBTQ+ anthem and, not surprisingly, the rainbow flag does make a subtle appearance on the stage.
Finally, there’s a message of unity and acceptance within the show. The finale is a call to celebrate one’s uniqueness and differences and to accept everyone for who and what they are. It’s an uplifting message in today’s bleak social dystopia filled with fear mongering and xenophobia. We need strong uplifting shows like Shrek: The Musical right about now.
Shrek: The Musical may have been a risky production for St. James Players to take on, but the company has created a charming show filled with lots of imagination, fantasy, and fun. People familiar with the film will enjoy seeing the characters on the small stage, and those not familiar with it will become engaged in a new type of fairy tale.
The cast and crew of “Shrek: The Musical”. (Photo: Nate Axcell)
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to sit down and finally watch the movie and discover this story all over again.
Shrek: The Musical opens on November 9th and runs until November 17th at the Showplace Performance Centre ((290 George St. N., Peterborough). Tickets are $29 ($26 for students or seniors and $23 for children under 13) and available in person at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
The recipients of the 2018 Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism's Awards of Excellence on stage at Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School on November 8, 2018. Cindy Windover (front row, third from left) was named Citizen of the Year. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
At the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Awards of Excellence last night (November 8), Cindy Windover arrived as the emcee for the event and left as Citizen of the Year.
She was among 11 businesses and individuals honoured at the 19th annual event, held for the first time at Lakefield College School.
In a departure from the past, the event began with a social gala rather than a sit-down dinner. At 6:30 p.m., attendees mingled while nibbling on hor d’oeuvres, enjoying wine and beer, and bidding on many silent auction items donated by local businesses, while local band Rhythm and Grace (featuring children and youth from the Duketow family) supplied the music.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 2018-19 board president Tonya Kraan takes a moment to honour the memory of late board member Garry Douglas. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
At 8 p.m., attendees moved into the Bryan Jones Theatre for the awards ceremony. Chamber board president Tonya Kraan (of Strexer Harrop & Associates) acknowledged the sponsorship of the event by Shorelines Casino Peterborough, remembered the late Garry Douglas (a board member who recently passed away), and introduced emcee and past president Cindy Windover (of Windover Plumbing).
Cindy, who was unaware of her pending selection as Citizen of the Year, recognized the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors of the event and entertained the crowd with her observations about small business owners, while also acknowledging the 80 nominees as well as the 27 finalists who were up for awards.
Emcee Cindy Windover, who later would receive the Citizen of the Year award, entertains the crowd with a slide demonstrating the perception versus the reality of achieving success in small business. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
A live auction of five experiential packages preceded the awards ceremony (both the silent and live auctions raise funds for the Chamber). Auctioneer Keith Monk engaged members of the audience with humour while managing to solicit high bids for most of the items.
One auction item of special note was the 4,000th blanket hand tied by Faith Dickinson, founder of Cuddles for Cancer, a charity that creates comfort blankets for people with illness, Canadian soldiers and veterans, and more.
While Faith was unable to attend as she is England, members of the charity’s newly created youth council were on hand to display the blanket for auction.
During the live auction, members of the new youth council of Cuddles for Cancer react with delight to a $1,000 bid from Roberta Herod for the 4,000th blanket created by founder Faith Dickinson. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Roberta Herod of Herod Financial Services surprised and delighted the crowd by preempting the bidding on the blanket by offering $1,000. Half of the winning bid will be donated back to Cuddles for Cancer to create more blankets.
After the live auction, the awards ceremony commenced. A representative of the sponsor for each award introduced the finalists and then announced the winner.
Not-For-Profit Excellence
The first award was for Not-For-Profit Excellence, sponsored by Darling Insurance.
The award recognizes an organization that exemplifies excellence in service for the betterment of the community.
The finalists were Cuddles for Cancer, Community Care, and the Peterborough Humane Society.
The winner was the Peterborough Humane Society.
The Peterborough Humane Society won the Not-For-Profit Excellence award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Retailer of the Year
The Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by Nexicom, recognizes a high level of sales and customer service, innovative products or services, and proven marketing techniques.
The finalists were Happenstance Books & Yarns, Style Boutique, and Trinkets & Treasures.
The winner was Trinkets & Treasures.
Trinkets & Treatures won the Retailer of the Year award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Service Sector Excellence
The Service Sector Excellence award, sponsored by Herod Financial Services, honours a business that excels in the service sector, including but not limited to the trades, health and wellness, and professional services.
The finalists were Kawartha Lakes Construction, Lakefield Herald, and The Regency of Lakefield.
The winner was The Regency of Lakefield.
The Regency of Lakefield won the Service Sector Excellence award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Tourism/Hospitality Excellence
Sponsored by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, the Tourism/Hospitality Excellence award honours a business that demonstrates the ability to promote the region as a tourism destination point, and/or provides exceptional service in the hospitality field.
The finalists were Greenbridge Celtic Folk Festival, Indian River Reptile Zoo, and Lang Pioneer Village Museum.
The winner was Lang Pioneer Village Museum.
Lang Pioneer Village won the Tourism/Hospitality Excellence award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Commercial Development or Renovation
The Commercial Development or Renovation award, sponsored by BALL Real Estate Inc., Brokerage, recognizes a significant contribution to the overall image of the region through physical improvements, or an ongoing effort to maintain high aesthetic standards.
The finalists were Jack’s Lake Lodge Cottage Rentals, Lock Stop Cafe, The Cozy Home, and The Regency of Lakefield.
The winner was Jack’s Lake Lodge Cottage Rentals.
Note: due to a family emergency, the owners were unable to attend to accept the award.
Entrepreneur Innovation
Sponsored by Gastle and Associates Registered Patent Agents, the Entrepreneur Innovation award recognizes use of innovative products, marketing techniques or services, as well as risk taking.
The finalists were kawarthaNOW.com, Molly’s Acres, Thirteen Moons Wellness, and Vetterview.
The winner was Vetterview.
Vetterview won the Entrepreneur Innovation award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Customer Service Excellence
The Customer Service Excellence award, sponsored by CIBC, recognizes customer service at a high level of excellence and being a model for other businesses in the community to follow.
The finalists were Happenstance Books & Yarns, Logan Tree Experts, The Regency of Lakefield, and Village Pet Food & Supply.
The winner was Logan Tree Experts.
Logan Tree Experts won the Customer Service Excellence award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Young Professional Award
Sponsored by Community Futures Peterborough, the Young Professional Award recognizes a young professional under the age of 35 who demonstrates innovation, risk taking, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional leadership.
The finalists for the award, which was presented in memory of Judy Heffernan, were not announced.
The winner of the award was Emily Wilkins of Adventure Outfitters.
Emily Wilkins of Adventure Outfitters won the Young Professional award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Outstanding Business Achievement
The Outstanding Business Achievement award, sponsored by the County of Peterborough, recognizes a leader in moving the region forward: expanding market share, product/service innovation, environmental considerations, and employee relations.
The finalists were Lakefield Foodland, Nightingale, and Salon Sorella & Day Spa.
The winner was Lakefield Foodland.
Lakefield Foodland won the Outstanding Business Achievement award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award, a special award for 2018 sponsored by ISL Insurance Brokers, was awarded to Audrey Von Bogen.
Audrey Von Bogen won the special Lifetime Achievement Award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year award, sponsored by RBC, is presented to a person who has been a leader in moving the region forward and has been responsible for the improvement and well being of the business community beyond personal or business gain.
The finalists for the award were not announced.
The winner was Cindy Windover — who was also the emcee for the evening and is the past president of the board of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
Cindy Windover won the Citizen of the Year award. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
For more details on the award recipients and the finalists, visit kawarthachamber.ca.
The winners of the 2018 Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Awards of Excellence. The owners of Jack’s Lake Lodge Cottage Rentals, which won the Commercial Development or Renovation award, were unable to attend the event. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Formed in Australia and based in Victoria BC, folk-pop trio Belle Miners (Felicia Harding, Marina Avros, and Jaime Jackett) perform at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, November 10, 2018 with Melody Ryan and Blue Hazel. (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, November 8 to Wednesday, November 14.
If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.
8pm - Anything Goes Cafe ($5 with $2 going to the Maynooth Food Bank)
Coming Soon
Saturday, November 17 9pm - Special Interest Group ($10)
Arthur's Pub
930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105
Thursday, November 8
8pm - Karaoke night
Friday, November 9
8-11pm - Shawn Nelson
Saturday, November 10
8-11pm - Shawn Nelson
Sunday, November 11
4:30-8pm - Celtic Sunday with Tom and Rick
Monday, November 12
7-9pm - Rob Phillips
Tuesday, November 13
7:30pm - Beatles Tribute w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman
Wednesday, November 14
8pm - Open Mic
Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub
4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450
Coming Soon
Friday, November 30 9pm - Knuckel Hed ($5)
Beard Free Brewing
649 Unit 4 The Parkway, Peterborough
(705) 775-2337
Friday, November 9
7:30-9:30pm - Trivia Night
Tuesday, November 13
7pm - Beer, Jazz, and Art with music by Larry Saidman Jazz Trio and art by Holly Young, Charlotte Melby, Graham Marshall, Jane Hall, Mike Taylor, Emmie Galen, Olivia Phillips
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, November 8
7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues - Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, November 9
5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - High Waters Band
Saturday, November 10
5pm - Sawyer Dundas; 8:30pm - House Brand
Sunday, November 11
3pm - Catfish Willie & The Buckle Busters
Monday, November 12
7-11pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie
Tuesday, November 13
7pm - The Randy Hill Band w/ Hillary Dumoulin
Wednesday, November 14
7pm - Nicholas Campbell & Friends
Coming Soon
Thursday, November 15 7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues - Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, November 16 5pm - Blue Hazel; 8:30pm - Classic Collective
Saturday, November 17 5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - 4 Lanes Wide
Sunday, November 18 3pm - Cindy & Scott
Boathouse Cafe at Golden Beach Resort
7100 County Rd.18, Roseneath
(905) 342-5366
NOTE
Closed for the winter season on November 12th and re-opening on April 1, 2019
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884
Coming Soon
Friday, November 16 6-9pm - Open Mic Night
Friday, November 23 7-9pm - Nathan Truax
The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg
38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029
Friday, November 9
7pm - Madman’s Window
The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)
1600 West Bank Dr., Peterborough
(705) 748-1011
Coming Soon
Friday, November 16 9pm - Dead Nouveau (all ages, no cover)
Champs Sports Bar
203 Simcoe St., Peterborough
(705) 742-3431
Thursdays
7pm - Open mic
Chemong Lodge
764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435
Thursdays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
Fridays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
Wednesdays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001
Thursday, November 8
8pm - Open Mic
Friday, November 9
8-11pm - Haley and the Pirate Queens
Saturday, November 10
8pm - Robert Keys
Wednesday, November 14
8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard
Coming Soon
Thursday, November 15 8pm - Tuborg
Friday, November 16 8pm - Al Lerman
Saturday, November 17 8pm - Morgan Rider
CJ's Tap & Grill
1 Strathy Rd., Cobourg
(905) 372-9784
Coming Soon
Friday, November 23 8pm - Small Town Justice
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Thursdays
10pm - Open Mic w/ Gerald Vanhalteren
Fridays
9:30pm - Karaoke Night w/ DJ. Ross
Wednesdays
7-11pm - Live music
The Cow & Sow Eatery
38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111
Coming Soon
Saturday, November 17 8pm - 22nd Anniversary Party ft Inside The Core at 9:30pm (no cover)
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Coming Soon
Saturday, November 16 1:30-5pm - Deluxe Blues Jam. Donations accepted to Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association.
Dreams of Beans
138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406
Thursday, November 8
8pm - Open Mic hosted by Jacques Graveline
Frank's Pasta and Grill
426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727
Friday, November 9
9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ
Saturday, November 10
8pm - Sludgehammer, Into Oblivion, A Day On Mercury and Titan Arum; 11:30pm - DJ
Wednesday, November 14
8-11pm - Open Mic
Coming Soon
Saturday, November 17 8pm - Hungerford Station; 11:30pm - DJ
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Saturday, November 10
2pm & 10pm - Gator James Band
Wednesday, November 14
8-11pm - Open Mic Night w/ Clayton Yates & Rob Foreman
Coming Soon
Saturday, November 17 2pm & 10pm - Brave and Crazy
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, November 8
9pm - Rory Taillon and Hairy Holler's Myke Pulito ($10 or PWYC)
Friday, November 9
9:30pm - The Do Good Badlies w/ The Goombas & Looking For Heather ($5)
Monday, November 12
8pm - Broken Harmony w/ Nicholas Campbell
Coming Soon
Thursday, November 15 5-9pm - Beaujolais Nouveau; 9pm - The Special Interest Group
Friday, November 16 9pm - Monique Barry and The Real Shade (PWYC)
Monday, November 19 7-10pm - The Hearing Trees w/ Mary-Kate Edwards & Black Knight Satellite
Golden Wheel Restaurant
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Wednesday, November 14
7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene Maskell ($7 per person, all levels welcome)
Coming Soon
Saturday, November 17 9pm - The Metrow Brothers w/ Patrick Kendall and Rob Nash ($5 in advance, $10 at door)
10pm - Nothing But the 90s w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600
Thursday, November 8
7-11pm - Karaoke w/ Jefrey Danger
Friday, November 9
8pm - Shaun Savoy
Coming Soon
Friday, November 16 8pm - Steve Stacey & The Stump Splitters
Sunday, November 25 3:30pm & 7:30pm - Live Improv ft The Yakety Yaks (Adam Martignetti, Lindsay Unterlander, Dan Smith, Andrew Root) and 2-course dinner ($40)
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
9pm - Live music with JJ Thompson
Fridays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Saturdays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Sundays
8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon
Mondays
9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green
Tuesdays
9pm - Vintage Tuesdays ft Brendan Lawless
Wednesdays
9pm - Live music
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100
Coming Soon
Saturday, November 24 8pm - Santa Day Open Mic hosted by David Evans
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010
Thursday, November 8
7-10pm - Open Mic hosted by Casey Bax
Saturday, November 10
1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays with Jacques Graveline
Partista Café
23 Bridge St., Bancroft
613-630-0063
Coming Soon
Friday, November 30 7-11pm - Open Mic hosted by John Foreman
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