The Canadian Forces Snowbirds flying nine jets in the big diamond bottom side formation. The aerial demonstration team will be performing at the Peterborough Airport's air show in September 2019, part of the airport's 50th anniversary celebrations. (Photo: Corporal Sebastian Boucher)
Next September, for the first time in 15 years, the Canadian Forces (CF) Snowbirds aerial demonstration team will be performing in Peterborough.
The CF Snowbirds will perform during a two-day weekend air show on September 21 and 22, 2019 at the Peterborough Airport, which will also include other aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays, local food vendors, and activities for kids.
The air show is part of the Peterborough Airport’s celebration of 50 years of operation in 2019.
“The 50th anniversary of the Peterborough Airport is a celebration of the city’s connection to the aviation sector and a tribute to the many people who have contributed to the airport’s success,” says Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien.
“The city’s investment in the airport over the past decade has delivered significant economic growth for our region and this will be a great opportunity for the community to experience it.”
The CF Snowbirds represent the Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force and work as a team to bring thrilling performances to the Canadian public. Serving as ambassadors of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the CF Snowbirds demonstrate the high level of skill, professionalism, teamwork, discipline and dedication inherent in the men and women of the CAF and they inspire the pursuit of excellence wherever they go in North America.
“We are excited to mark the 50th anniversary by presenting the CF Snowbirds to the public that have supported the airport over the past half century,” says airport general manager Trent Gervais. “About 16,000 people visited the Peterborough Airport during the Air Legends event in 2018 and we look forward to building on those numbers.”
More details about the air show, including the schedule, features, and ticket information, will be coming in 2019.
Alice the Camel with Toronto actor Armon Ghaeinizadeh, who plays Ali Baba, at a reherasal of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves", Globus Theatre's family panto version of the classic Middle Eastern folk tale. Written by Sarah Quick and also starring Sarah, James Barrett, Siobhan O'Malley, and a rotating cast of 50 children, the play runs from December 7 to 16, 2018 at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Pantomime (noun) – a theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, that involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale or nursery story, usually produced around Christmas.
“Someone lift the camel’s head! It looks like she had a stroke,” yells Sarah Quick at two performers in a floppy-headed camel costume on the Lakeview Arts Barn stage.
The theatre audience, comprised mostly of children, bursts out in high-spirited laughter.
Globus Theatre presents Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
When: Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2 p.m.; Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 2 p.m. Where: Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Road, Bobcaygeon) How much: $27.50+HST adults, $17.50+HST children (theatre only); $60+HST adults, $40+HST children (dinner and theatre)
Written by Sarah Quick. Directed by Sarah Quick and James Barrett. Starring Armon Ghaeinizadeh as Ali Baba, Sarah Quick as Kai Ote, James Barrett as Dame Fatima Fandango, Siobhan O’Malley as Princess Fortunia, and a rotating cast of six adults and 50 children. A three-course table d’hôte menu is available at 6 p.m. prior to every evening performance. For tickets, visit the box office at Lakeview Arts Barn or call 1-800-304-7897 or 705-738-2037.
This is the high type of energetic fun brought to Globus Theatre’s annual Christmas pantomime. A holiday tradition for the last 13 years, this year Globus Theatre, under the direction of Sarah Quick and James Barrett, is presenting Sarah’s original production of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Opening on Friday, December 7th, the pantomime stars Toronto-based performers Armon Ghaeinizadeh as Ali Baba and Siobhan O’Malley as Princess Fortunia, with Sarah as the villainous Kai Ote and James as Dame Fatina, alongside a rotating cast of 50 children and six adult performers.
Sarah has been working with a huge group of children for six weeks; organizing the performers, who are separated into two different casts so that the most number of children can have the opportunity to experience acting, has been a massive undertaking. I am impressed how Sarah — despite dealing with a wide age range of actors, from elementary school age kids all the way to performers in their early teens — manages to keep everyone focused and engaged through the fast-paced rehearsal.
James and Sarah have welcomed families, as well as school audiences, back year after year in an annual performance that has become a tradition for many families in the Kawarthas. With Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves being the third pantomime I’ve seen at Globus, it has also become an unlikely yearly tradition for me. I thought I didn’t like pantomimes, until Sarah and James challenged me to attend their 2016 pantomime based on Little Red Riding Hood — which I found, much to my surprise, delightful. I allowed myself to fall under the magic of the performance, and became as involved as the kids.
First performed in 2009, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is a revival of Sarah’s original take on the classic Middle Eastern folk tale from the Arabian Nights. What seems like an unusual choice for a Christmas pantomime is in fact, according to Sarah, a traditional one in England, from where she originates.
“It might seem unusual in Canada, but in Britain it’s one of the ones that gets done all the time,” she explains. “I don’t know why. It’s just one of those old stories. Although we are doing it again, it’s not exactly the same show. We have more kids now, and I write more topical jokes, but there was a camel then, and there is a camel now.”
The camel that Sarah speaks of is one of the highlights of the show, and even the performers are excited to see the two-piece camel prop come out. Complete with a fez placed on her head, Alice the Camel was created in 2009 by Victoria Schilling who went on to design costumes for Stratford.
Taking time out during a brief break from rehearsal, I quickly get some photos with the camel and get to have a visit with this year’s lead, Armon Ghaeinizadeh. A recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s theatre program, Armon made his Stratford debut at age 11 in South Pacific, and has gone one to act, direct, and choreograph productions throughout Toronto including a one-man show, Lemon Lemon, in August 2018.
After finding out about Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves from his friend Katherine Cappellacci, who played the title character in Globus’ Snow White pantomime last year, Armon is performing for the first time in the Kawarthas.
“This is my first pantomime,” Armon reveals. “When an opportunity comes knocking at your door, you just answer it. When Katherine told me about the audition notice, I ran out (to audition) and here we are.”
For Armon, it’s also a new experience working with such a large cast of children.
“I’ve worked with kids before and I’ve worked as a child performer, so I know what it’s like from both sides. But I’ve never worked with this many kids before. Fifty children is a lot. It’s a completely new experience but I’m ready.
“I think it’s important to create a love for theatre in the next generation of performers. Things like opera and theatre and ballet are starting to lose the cool factor with the younger generation and, in my experience, it’s not as accessible and not targeted to younger audiences.
“So I think it’s good to bring in these younger people from within the community and say you can also be on stage and you can also do theatre. That way the younger generation finds a love for theatre and we don’t lose this incredible art form.”
James Barrett reprises his annual role as this year’s dame, one of the most important figures in the traditional British pantomime. This year, James plays Dame Fatima Fandango, the highly vivacious mother of Ali Baba.
“Never until I met Sarah did I think I’d do this every year,” James admits. “I had heard of pantomime but I never saw one until we did our first one here. Sarah told me what it was and we just did it.’
In British pantomime, the dame is a female character — often an older matronly woman — portrayed by a male actor in drag.
“In the UK there are many different types of dames,” James explains. “(Some actors’) whole career is playing dames. The first one we saw was a very sexy drag queen dame in sexy outfits. I could never be that person, but you don’t have to be. I’ve become my own type of dame, and even then there are different characters. But I’m not the singing, dancing person with legs up to my eyes. It’s whatever skills that you have.”
As Globus Theatre’s resident dame, James has taken the traditional role for 13 years, requiring him to create different characters while still maintaining his unique style. James has found his own personal voice when performing as the dame, a character that remains popular with both children and adults.
“The fun of it is that the dame is in charge, and she can take control of anything that goes on the stage,” James says. “That, to me, is so much fun. The fact that I can deal with the audience in any manner I see fit is good fun. If someone (in the audience) is answering their phone, I can call them out on it. It’s not a regular thing where the play stops, but now they become part of the play.”
But as James points out, in our ever-evolving society the dame plays a more important part in the family pantomime now than ever before.
“The dame is not a drag queen, but more of a clown,” he points out. “It’s not realistic make up. It’s exaggerated and highlighted. But there are still kids walking out of the show who think I’m a woman, or are skeptical but don’t know for sure.”
The annual British pantomime at Globus Theatre has become a tradition for audiences across the Kawarthas. (Poster: Globus Theatre)
James explains that the dame appeals to both adults and children for different reasons.
“It’s funny for adults because I’m a funny-looking woman,” he says. “But for kids I’m just a different-looking person than anybody they’ve ever known before, and that’s okay. They can like them and have fun. In this world I think it’s important to just say it’s for fun. You can dress up and do what you like and be what you want to be.”
One of the things that I think is so winning about the Globus pantomime is that, while it’s an over-the-top show for the kids, it’s also filled with subtle adult humour providing something for parents to enjoy too. Instead of being cute and patronizing, Sarah has a quality to her writing where the comedy comes from cleverness instead of slapstick.
“It’s a style that I’ve grown up with in England,” Sarah reveals. “Even if you watch something like Coronation Street, you see so much panto-esque comedy and writing in that. People getting the wrong end of the stick, and double entendres, and slips of the tongue.”
Filled with genuine laughs, charming performances, and a little bit of magic, Globus Theatre’s Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is a holiday family show worth seeing. I was enchanted with the cast at the rehearsal I attended, and I can’t wait to go back to Globus for an actual performance.
Christmas at The Lakeview Arts Barn is a beautiful experience, and a perfect destination for your own holiday celebration. It’s no wonder that entire families return year after year to the Globus pantomime. Although a new tradition for me, it’s one that I plan to continue for years and years to come.
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves has eight evening and matinee public performances: December 7th and 8th and 14th and 15th at 8 p.m., and December 8th and 9th and 15th and 16th at 2 p.m. A three-course table d’hôte menu is available at 6 p.m. prior to every evening performance.
Theatre-only tickets are $27.50 plus HST for adults and $17.50 plus HST for children (15 and under). Theatre and dinner tickets are $60 plus HST for adults and $40 plus HST for children. For tickets and dinner reservations, call 1-800-304-7897 or 705-738-2037.
Peterborough native Carley Smale wrote the screenplay for "Christmas Pen Pals", starring Sarah Drew (best known as Dr. April Kepner in the TV series "Grey's Anatomy"). The new TV movie will premiere on December 15th in the United States on the Lifetime channel, followed by the Canadian premiere on December 22nd on Super Channel. (Supplied photo)
Those whose business it is to be creative know full well that inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere and all points in between.
While attending Humber College, Peterborough native Carley Smale kept up correspondence with her grandmother, exchanging letters with her on a regular basis.
“I asked her to be my pen pal,” recalls Smale, 28.
“Even though I’ve known her my whole life, I was learning new things about her through her letters. I thought the concept of two people writing back and forth and kind of falling in love would be a cute idea.”
Peterborough native Carley Smale has enjoyed continued success as a screenplay writer. (Supplied photo)
Two years ago, Smale put that “cute idea” on paper, writing the script for Christmas Pen Pals, also inspired by past similarly themed films like The Shop Around The Corner (1940) and You’ve Got Mail (1998).
There things sat until Lifetime came calling, informing Smale that her script would be produced as a new TV movie. On December 15th, Lifetime will premiere Christmas Pen Pals in the United States with the Canadian premiere following on December 22nd on Super Channel.
Directed by Siobhan Devine and shot on location in Fort Langley, British Columbia, the film stars Sarah Drew (Dr. April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy), Canadian actor Niall Matter (The Predator, Primeval: New World, and Eureka), and Michael Gross, best known for his role as Steven Keaton on the hit comedy sitcom Family Ties (1982-1989).
Following an unexpected breakup weeks before Christmas, Hannah (Drew), a tech wiz and creator of the dating app Perfect One, heads home for the holidays, challenged to save her failing business by re-conceiving a new romantic dating model.
Upon her return, she runs into her high school boyfriend Sam (Matter), who she has carefully avoided for years, and reluctantly makes a deal with her dad Ted (Gross) to sign up for the town’s Christmas Cupid, an anonymous holiday pen pal service.
Sarah Drew and Niall Matter in a scene from Christmas Pen Pals. The new TV movie, based on a screenplay written by Peterborough native Carley Smale, will premiere on December 15th in the United States on the Lifetime channel, followed by the Canadian premiere on December 22nd on Super Channel. (Supplied photo)
Hannah is smitten by each letter she receives and starts to believe her Christmas pen pal could be her soul mate. It’s not until Christmas Eve that everyone must reveal their true identities to their pen pals, even if it means coming face to face with the last person they ever expected.
“When I started writing scripts, I never really thought that they would every actually get made into films,” says Smale.
“That has happened quite a few times now but it truly never gets old. I’m always so blown away by it. I’m very grateful because it has been my dream.”
“Christmas Pen Pals”, based on a screenplay written by Peterborough native Carley Smale, also stars Michael Gross, best known for his role on the TV series “Family Ties”. (Supplied photo)
An avid writer and movie fan as a youth, the Crestwood Secondary School graduate moved to Toronto to attend Humber College where she studied film and media. While in college, she interned with a production company that made TV movies. Smale’s first produced screenplay, The Christmas Parade, premiered on the Hallmark Channel.
2014 was a breakthrough year for Smale, seeing her produce and direct her first feature film, Cold Season, which won Best No-Budget Feature at the 2015 Toronto Independent Film Festival. Then, in December 2015, Smale’s original story concept titled On The 12th Day Of Christmas premiered on the Hallmark Channel and was the #1 TV movie of the weekend with 5.4 million viewers.
Buoyed by those successes, Smale went out on her own to pursue writing full time. In December 2017, her screenplay for the comedy-drama Snowed-Inn Christmaspremiered on Lifetime.
VIDEO: Christmas Pen Pals Sneak Peek
“I wake up every morning and sit at my desk and write,” says Smale. “It definitely does not come easily. I find it extremely difficult to sit at a desk and spend a day by myself and get pages out.
“It’s hard to continue to be inspired every day because a lot of the time you’re sitting alone. You can get a little stir crazy, for sure. I create a vision board for how I see the movie and that keeps me motivated and inspired.”
Peterborough native Carley Smale, who wrote the screenplay for “Christmas Pen Pals”, spent a few days on location in Fort Langley, British Columbia where she met the new TV film’s cast members, including Giles Panton. (Supplied photo)
Smale, joined by her mom Wendy, was able to spend a few days on the set of Christmas Pen Pals. She describes the experience of seeing and hearing actors speak the words she wrote as “surreal”. And while she is pitching films rooted in different genres, Smale is cognizant of the fact that Christmas-themed script writing has proven lucrative for her.
“Christmas movies are very wholesome,” she assesses.
“I think people enjoy that kind of escape, especially at this time of year when they are wrapping presents or decorating the tree. There’s a charm that draws people in. There’s definitely nostalgia too.
“A lot of people say ‘Well, they’re all just the same’ but it’s not true. There is a formula to it, but writing characters that have personalities and writing a story that keeps an audience engaged is not as simple as it may seem.”
While she lives in Toronto, Smale gets home to Peterborough on a regular basis. For the fourth time, she has organized the Warming Room Christmas Party.
Set for Thursday, December 13th, 7 p.m., at The Venue (286 George Street North, Peterborough, 705-876-0008), the featured performers are Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, Kate Brioux, and Paper Shakers. Admission is pay-what-you-can with all proceeds going to Warming Room Community Ministries, which provides shelter for the homeless and daily meals for those dealing with food insecurity.
“I used to work there (at the Warming Room) and it was an extremely eye-opening experience,” says Smale.
The fourth annual Warming Room Christmas Party on December 13, 2018 is a fundraiser for Warming Room Community Ministries.
“It made me realize how much my perspective was wrong about people that don’t have a home. (Warming Room director) Christian Harvey is doing pretty amazing things. I’m really proud to be a part of it.”
As for her professional career, Smale is in the midst of script pitching season — the period from November through January when producers review scripts for potential production.
“In the new year, I could be unemployed,” she says.
“Everything is kind of up in the air at this time of year. Hopefully there will be something but it is still fun and pitching is an exciting time.”
And, as expected, she’s anxious to see the film her script anchored.
“The director is going to send me a link (to the movie) in the next few days. I always try to watch by myself first so I can really analyze every frame of it.
“I am very excited. When I went to the set and saw Sara Drew and Niall Matter doing scenes together, I was pretty blown away by how much passion they gave to their characters and how much chemistry they had.”
The sedimentation tank of a sewage treatment plant. (Stock photo)
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit has issued a warning to residents who draw their water from Scugog River to ensure they use a proper filtration and disinfection system before drinking the water.
Please note
Those homes and businesses that are connected to municipal water from the Lindsay Drinking Water System are not affected by this spill and the water continues to be safe to drink.
The warning comes after a sewage spill occurred today (December 4) at the Colborne Street pumping station in Lindsay that saw 126,000 litres of raw sewage released into the river.
The spill reportedly occurred at 10:30 a.m. and was contained within 20 minutes.
Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Environmental Health for the Health Unit, said the impact of this spill on the water quality would be minimal given the dispersion rate, but that residents living downstream from the pumping station should be aware of the spill and take precautions.
Ovcharovich also recommends that anyone drawing their water from any lakes or rivers, including Scugog River, should ensure they have a proper treatment system with filtration and disinfection to make sure their water is safe.
“Surface water can be contaminated by viruses, bacteria or parasites that can cause illness,” he says. “It’s important to treat the water before drinking or using the water to be sure it is safe.”
The City of Kawartha Lakes is investigating the cause of the sewage bypass. Currently, all pumps at the pumping station are working and there are no further issues.
You and your family might catch a glimpse of a Great Grey Owl during "Christmas at Ken Reid" on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the Ken Reid Conservation Area north of Lindsay. The free day-long event features activities for the entire family, including interactive Indigenous storytelling and drumming, guided interpretive family hike, live music, an interactive wildlife show, kids' indoor and outdoor crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more. (Photo: Mark Majchrowski / Kawartha Conservation)
You can celebrate the holiday season this year in the great outdoors when Kawartha Conservation presents the first-ever “Christmas at Ken Reid”, a free family event from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 8th at the Ken Reid Conservation Area north of Lindsay.
The day features a variety of activities, including interactive Indigenous storytelling and drumming (with Jake Charles of the Chippewas of Georgina Island and owner of First Nations Cultural Tours), a guided interpretive family hike through the Cedar Forest, live music from a number of local performers (including Mary Kate Edwards and Emily Erhart), an interactive wildlife show (featuring skunk, fox, opossum, ground hog, and bobcat), indoor and outdoor crafts for kids, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more.
Visitors can also sing carols by a campfire, participate in a scavenger hunt along the Escarpment Loop, take selfies throughout Ken Reid Conservation Area, enjoy free coffee and hot chocolate, and take photos with Santa (who is expected to arrive in the afternoon).
Santa will feel right at home at the winter wonderland that is Ken Reid Conservation Area. He will be available for photos during “Christmas at Ken Reid” on December 8, 2018. (Photo: Kawartha Conservation)
“We have a day filled with wonderful events and activities inspired to create lasting memories,” says Kristie Virgoe, Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands at Kawartha Conservation.
“Throughout the day Lola’s Great Canadian Food Truck will be on site for those who would like to purchase food, as well as the Lindsay Optimist Club who will have Christmas trees available for purchase.”
Balsam fir trees will be available for $50 and spruce trees for $40, with all proceeds funding community-based youth projects.
“Christmas at Ken Reid” was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Aviva Community Fund, with additional support provided by local community organizations and businesses.
Ken Reid Conservation Area features a number of trails, and “Christmas at Ken Reid” on December 8, 2018 will include a scavenger hunt along the Escarpment Loop. (Photo: Kawartha Conservation)
“We really wanted to create an event that offered something for everyone,” Virgeo says. “We are excited to be able to partner with so many people and businesses within the community to put on what we think will be a magical and memorable day.”
Local businesses and organizations supporting the event include Van Halteren Music Centre, Boiling Over Coffee Vault, Fenelon Falls Tim Hortons, For The Birds Seed Company, the Lindsay Optimist Club, Pie Eyed Monk, and the Days Inn and Suites Lindsay.
“Christmas at Ken Reid” is a free family event from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2018. (Graphic: Kawartha Conservation)
There is no charge for either the event or for parking, but visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
Ken Reid Conservation Area is located at 277 Kenrei Road in the City of Kaawartha Lakes. From Highway 35, turn east onto Kenrei Park Road for 2.7 kilometres; the conservation area will be on the left.
Schedule of Events
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — Indigenous Story Telling and Drumming – Camp Fire Adjacent to Dog Park Pavilion
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. — Guided Family Hike – Cedar Forest
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Live Music – Camp Fire Adjacent to Dog Park Pavilion
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Interactive Wildlife show – Beach Area
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Indigenous Story Telling and Drumming – Camp Fire Adjacent to Dog Park Pavilion
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Family Hike – Cedar Forest
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Live Music – Camp Fire Adjacent to Dog Park Pavilion
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Interactive Wildlife show – Beach area
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. — Family Hike – Jingle Bell Walk Boardwalk Trail
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Santa’s Workshop
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Interactive Wildlife Show Beach Area
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Live Music – Camp Fire Adjacent to Dog Park Pavilion
People in the Peterborough area who don’t have health care provider such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner can take advantage of preventative care clinics offered by the Peterborough Family Health Team (PFHT) over the next six months.
The weekly PFHT clinics for women’s wellness and for blood pressure take place at the Morton Community Health Care Centre (150 Strickland St., in Lakefield), with the women’s wellness clinic taking place every Tuesday starting December 4th and the blood pressure clinic taking place every Thursday starting December 6th.
The women’s wellness clinic will screen female patients for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers by arranging mammography appointments, providing take-home Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits, and conducting PAP smears at the clinic.
The blood pressure clinic will check patients’ blood pressure to ensure it falls within the appropriate range. If patients fall outside of the recommended range, the nurse practitioner will offer appropriate treatment and follow-up care.
“I am very excited to start these new weekly clinics to provide health screenings for residents without a family doctor or nurse practitioner,” explains Lorie Dunford, nurse practitioner with the PFHT Clinic. “The clinics can identify any health ailments early so that they can be treated.”
According to PFHT executive director Lori Richey, people without a health care provider normally do not have access to this type of primary care.
“This all-encompassing model provides patients with many types of preventative screenings and also takes a holistic look at the patients to see if there are any social determinants of health that we can assist with,” Richey explains. “This can include where the patient lives, their income, ability to access healthcare and other social services. Our clinicians are always looking at the bigger picture as a means to provide the best care possible.”
Beauty salon Union Studio won the 2018 Holiday Window Contest sponsored by the Peterborough DBIA for this creative display of vintage hair products as Christmas trees. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The children have spoken: beauty salon Union Studio has won the 2018 Holiday Window Contest sponsored by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
This past weekend, a judging panel consisting of players and supporters of Electric City Special Needs Hockey as well as children from Five Counties Children’s Centre visited storefronts in downtown Peterborough.
In the end, the judges awarded first place to the window display at Union Studio (391 Water Street), which used a creative display of vintage hair products as Christmas trees — embracing the “green” theme of this year’s contest.
Second place winner Needles in the Hay at 385 Water Street. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)Third place winner Pammett’s Flower Shop at 208 Charlotte Street. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)Honourable mention: The Toy Shop of Peterborough at 176 Hunter Street West. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Second place was awarded to Needles in the Hay (385 Water Street), with third place to Pammett’s Flower Shop (208 Charlotte Street), and an honourable mention to The Toy Shop of Peterborough (176 Hunter Street West).
“We have some really creative businesses downtown that put a lot of work into decorating their window displays for the holidays,” says DBIA executive director Terry Guiel. “It’s also a lot of fun to see how excited the kids are to be a part of this as our judges.”
The top three windows received cash prizes of $300, $150, and $75 respectively.
Additional prizes were provided by PDI Save On Energy, including an Energy Efficiency Gift Basket (valued at $250) for Union Sudio. Each participant can receive up to $4,500 of free efficient upgrades through PDI’s Small Business Lighting and Business Refrigeration Incentive Programs.
DBIA executive director Terry Guiel with first place winner Union Studio at 391 Water Street. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The Foley family and friends, with the support of Showplace Performance Centre, present the 15th annual A Cozy Christmas on December 15, 2018 at Showplace in downtown Peterborough. The concert will raise funds to pay each teacher at a small village school in the West African country of Liberia one month's wages. (Supplied photo)
It can be difficult for Canadians, with our publicly funded education system, to imagine being unable to afford to send our children to school — or being unable to afford to pay the people who teach our children.
Showplace and Humanwave.com present the 15th Annual Cozy Christmas
When: Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 2 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $20 adults, $10 students/underwaged
A fundraiser to pay wages for teachers in a small school in Liberia West Africa. Tickets available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
But that’s exactly what’s happening in a small village school in the West African country of Liberia. Sometimes for months on end, the school can’t afford to pay its teachers, yet they continue to teach their students.
Ever year, Humanwave.com changes that with its annual ‘A Cozy Christmas’ benefit concert, which takes place this year at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 16th at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough
Also sponsored by Showplace, the 15th annual concert will raise enough money to pay each teacher one month’s wages, which Humanwave.com will send on to the teachers in time for them to buy food for Christmas.
Master storyteller Hugh Foley, left, and Colleen Anthony (Foley), right, will perform at A Cozy Christmas. (Supplied photos)
Aside from raising funds, ‘A Cozy Christmas’ is also a wonderful afternoon of stories and music (including classical, R&B, traditional Christmas carols, and fun Christmas songs) to get you in the Christmas spirit.
With the theme “Timeless Treasures of Christmas”, the show will feature music by Bridget Foley & the Gospel Girls (and guys), 4 Front (Theresa Foley, Terry Finn, Sheila Prophet, Norma Curtis), Colleen Anthony (Foley), Christina Heath from Hamilton, The Stage Cafe Band, Amelia Foley, Janina and John Kraus and family, Lizzeh Basciano, and Murray and Sibernie James-Bosch (Murray is from Peterborough but plays with Classic Albums Live bands such as Meatloaf).
Thanks to a sponsorship through Humanwave.com, Abraham Koroma graduated this year from Booker Washington Institute, a post-secondary agricultural and vocational school in Liberia, West Africa. This year’s A Cozy Christmas will raise funds to pay each teacher at a small village school in the West African country of Liberia one month’s wages. (Supplied photo)
The show will also feature stories about Christmas traditions by master storyteller Hugh Foley, who is well known from his involvement in Foley’s Irish Pub and Foley’s East Coast Pub.
The Foley family is always front and centre at ‘A Cozy Christmas’ because Theresa Foley (who is also Showplace’s Box Office Manager) is a co-founder of Humanwave.com, along with Peter Brown.
Since the 1990s, the charity has been raising awareness and making a difference in the world, including in Africa by raising funds for the drilling of safe water wells, the creation of school food program, the sponsoring of students whose families can’t afford to pay school fees, and by helping to pay teachers in those schools.
However, although Humanwave.com raised more funds last year than ever before, the proceeds sent to Africa were less than ever before — because the funds are paid in American dollars, and the Canadian dollar is at its weakest value in 15 years.
So, to try to make up the difference, this year’s A Cozy Christmas will also include a silent auction and a small shopping village.
Bridget and the Gospel Girls will perform at at A Cozy Christmas. (Supplied photo)
Local businesses that have donated items to the silent auction include McLean Berry Farm, Sue Gentle (Pampered Chef), Showplace Performance Centre, Under One Sun, Stephs’s Sweet Scrubs, and more. If you’d like to donate an item to the silent auction, call Theresa Foley at 705-760-6437.
The shopping village will be located in the Nexicom Studio and will be open for an hour before the show and during intermission.
The village will feature the silent auction table, along with vendors selling small gift items and stocking stuffers, including natural wreaths and wooden items from Barb Newman’s “Thistles and Sticks”, tree ornaments and charms made of polished beach glass and pebbles from Rose St. Thomas’s “Heartfelt Shore”, handy kitchen accessories from Sue Sevigny Gentle’s “Pampered Chef”, original art from Charlene Foley’s “Abstract Art”, and more.
The Kraus family will perform at at A Cozy Christmas. (Supplied photos)
While you shop at the village, Fiddling Jay Edmunds will be supplying Christmas music and the lower bar will feature rum and eggnog as well as the usual fare of beverages for you to enjoy.
“A Cozy Christmas” takes place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 16th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Tickets are $20 for adults or $10 for students or the underwaged, and are available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Peter Brown, Theresa Foley’s parter in Humanwave.com, with students from a school in Liberia, West Africa. Humanwave.com has been sponsoring children at the school since 2007, and is currently sponsoring 13 students. (Supplied photo)
The lobby of VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough, the location of many of the area's economic development organizations, is decorated for the holidays in advance of a Christmas celebration, one of several business-related holiday celebrations
on the afternoon of December 4, 2018. (Photo: VentureNorth)
This week’s round of business news includes a slew of business-related holiday celebrations in downtown Peterborough on December 4th, a request for proposals for a food service operator for the Peterborough Public Library and Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, the City of Peterborough’s “AA” credit rating, and artist Brianna Gosselin closing her Peterborough creative workshop studio.
Also featured are the grand openings of Ella & Duke Salon and Spa and the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge in Peterborough, the launch of Elizabeth Healey’s MyDaughter Life Enrichment Service for seniors, Bob Gauvreau named a Fellow of CPA Ontario, and the Kawartha Chamber seeking nominations for its 2019-2010 board of directors.
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.
New regional business events added this week include the Electric City Culture Council’s annual general meeting on December 4th, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s holiday gala and auction on December 5th, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors’ annual Christmas breakfast on December 5th, and the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre’s Starter Company Plus small business showcase and celebration in Lindsay on December 5th.
Other new events include the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre’s Starter Company Plus showcase and funding announcement in Peterborough on December 6th, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber’s holiday open house on December 11th, the Northumberland Chamber’s Christmas meet and greet in Cobourg on December 11th, and the Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre’s small business workshop in Lindsay on December 12th.
Business-related holiday celebrations in downtown Peterborough on December 4
The now-decorated lobby of VentureNorth at 270 George Street North in downtown Peterborough is the location of a Christmas celebration from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4th. (Photo: VentureNorth)
If you’re in downtown Peterborough in the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, December 4th, there are several business-related holiday celebrations happening.
First up is Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) hosting a grand opening holiday celebration from 2 to 3 p.m. at its new offices at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough). Light refreshments will be provided. CFP is also promising to make a “big announcement” at the event.
Then, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., VentureNorth is hosting a Christmas celebration in the lobby, where you will have a chance to network with the many economic organization like CFP that are located in the building. Lindsay Brock, owner of The Edison (Amusé Coffee Co.’s location in VentureNorth) will be supplying holiday drinks and refreshments.
From 4 to 6 p.m., the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its PBX (Peterborough Business Exchange) Christmas Social at the Holiday Inn – Peterborough Waterfront (312 George St. N., Peterborough).
And, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Innovation Cluster and Peterborough Region Angel Network are hosting a Knowledge Partner and Client Showcase Party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
City of Peterborough seeking food service operator for Peterborough Public Library and Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre
The City of Peterborough is requesting proposals for a food service operator to supply cafe services at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough) and the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).
Proponents wishing to submit a proposal must register for a mandatory site meeting at both locations on Wednesday, December 12th (9 a.m. at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre and 10:30 a.m. at the Peterborough Public Library).
Credit rating affirmed at “AA” for the City of Peterborough
The City of Peterborough’s bond rating agency, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), has affirmed the city’s credit rating at “AA” with a stable outlook for the City of Peterborough in a rating sheet released on November 22nd.
The report is issued annually from S&P, a financial services company that offers services including credit ratings, data analysis, and equity research to both the private and public sectors worldwide.
“We are affirming our ‘AA’ long-term issuer credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Peterborough,” the report states in part.
“The stable outlook reflects our expectations that, over our two-year outlook horizon, Peterborough will maintain operating surpluses of about 15% of operating revenues, while capital expenditures at about 25% of total spending will keep deficits after capital expenditures close to 5% of total revenue.”
Brianna Gosselin closing The Studio to pursue her art full time
Peterborough artist Brianna Gosselin is closing her creative workshop studio in December to pursue her art full time. (Photo; Brianna Gosselin)
Peterborough artist Brianna Gosselin has announced that she is is closing The Studio as of December 13th.
Gosselin, who has been running creative workshops at the 302 Park Street location for the past two years, has decided she wants to pursue her art full time.
“I will be leaving the space and will be working from home to pursue my art and participate in two amazing apprenticeships,” she writes.
The final workshop will take place at The Studio on Wednesday, December 12th.
Gosselin says she plans to run the occasional pop-up workshop in the community, and will reopen the studio sometime in the future.
Ella & Duke Salon and Spa opens in Peterborough
Ella & Duke is a new salon and spa in Peterborough. (Photo: Ella & Duke Salon and Spa / Facebook)
Ella & Duke Salon and Spa (55 Lock St., Peterborough) held its grand opening last Friday (November 30).
Open Monday through Saturday, the full-service salon offers manicures and pedicures, waxing, eyelash extensions, and professional make-up application and skin care services.
Boardwalk Board Game Lounge opens in downtown Peterborough
Boardwalk Board Game Lounge is now open in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Boardwalk Board Game Lounge / Instagram)
Brothers Dylan and Connor Reinhart held the grand opening of their new Boardwalk Board Game Lounge (261 George St., Peterborough) last Thursday (November 29).
Located beside Riley’s in downtown Peterborough, the lounge features a board game collection of more than 300 titles, which customers can play for as long as they want after paying a small cover fee.
The lounge will also offer food and beverages; co-owner Dylan is a certified chef who worked most recently at The Riverhouse Co. in Lakefield.
The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Elizabeth Healey launches new “life enrichment” service for seniors in Peterborough
Elizabeth Healey was inspired to launch MyDaughter Life Enrichment Service after helping her own mother in an independent living retirement home. (Photo: Elizabeth Healey)
Elizabeth Healey has launched a new service for seniors called MyDaughter Life Enrichment Service.
Healey was inspired to create the business after supporting her own mother, a resident in a local independent living retirement home. After frequent visits and helping her mother with various tasks, several other residents commented “Oh, I wish I had a daughter.”
MyDaughter will offer one-to-one services for seniors, including running errands (groceries, dry cleaning, pharmacy, etc.), gardening, decorating, wrapping gifts, clothes shopping, and more.
“With multiple demands on baby boomers, my family and I see a gap in senior support,” Healey says. “There is a real need for this type of support in our local community. It’s about meeting an emotional need within our growing elderly population.”
Peterborough accountant Bob Gauvreau named Fellow of CPA Ontario
Peterborough’s Robert Gauvreau is now a Fellow of CPA Ontario, the highest honour that can be bestowed on a Chartered Professional Accountant. (Photo: CPA Ontario)
Bob Gauvreau, President, CEO, and Partner at Gauvreau & Associates CPA, has been selected as a Fellow of Chartered Professional Accountants Ontario.
Gauvreau, along with 51 other Fellows of CPA Ontario, will officially receive the honour at the Fellow Evening of Distinction at the Carlu in Toronto on December 4th.
Each year, CPA Ontario honours select members who exemplify high ethical standards, strategic insights, and a capacity to identify solutions to complex issues in today’s business world.
Kawartha Chamber seeking nominations for 2019-2010 board of directors
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is seeking nominations from members for its 2019-2010 board of directors.
Positions are for a two-year term, with all positions confirmed annually by the membership at the Chamber’s annual general meeting in February.
Chamber members in good standing (with annual dues and other purchases are paid) are eligible to submit their name, or a current employee who would represent that member.
The deadline for applications is noon on January 7, 2019. For more information, call Cindy Windover at 705-657-9943 or the Chamber at 705-652-6963.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts customer service workshop for small business in Lindsay on December 4
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a “Creating a Positive Customer Experience” small business workshop from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4th in the lower level meeting room at the Lindsay Public Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by Sandy Greenberg (serial entrepreneur, business coach, and former business advisor at Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship), the workshop will cover customer relations best practices, including knowing how to identify what the customer wants and expects, understanding the benefits of a strong brand that all employees feel connected to, and how to surprise customers with an unexpected and positive experience in every situation.
Electric City Culture Council hosts its annual general meeting in Peterborough on December 4
Jeff Macklin, whose Artsweek 2018 project was “Roll-o-matic: Public Acts of Printmaking”, will be one of the artists speaking at the EC3 annual general meeting on December 4, 2018. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) is hosting its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4th at Lett Architects (138 Simcoe St., Peterborough).
The not-for-profit service organization serves the arts, culture, and heritage sector in Peterborough and the surrounding region.
The EC3 board and staff will be recognizing its achievements in 2017/2018, including the success of Artsweek, and providing a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2019.
Artists Jeff Macklin, Anne White, and Wes Ryan will talk about their Artsweek 2018 projects with curators Hannah Keating and Leslie Menagh, and videos by Rodney Fuentes will be on display.
Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors hosts annual Christmas breakfast in Peterborough on December 5
The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors is hosting its annual Christmas breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 5th at the Envirude Centre (911 Mongahan Rd., Peterborough).
The association will be presenting its Realtors Care Foundation support cheques for 2018 to six local charities: Five Counties Children’s Centre, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, Autism Home Base Durham Inc., Heads Up for Inclusion, Community Care Peterborough, and Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation.
The association will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army Food Drive, as well as Santa Stocking donations for the Christmas Hamper Program and children’s pyjamas for Sweet Dreams Foundation.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts Starter Company Plus small business showcase and celebration in Lindsay on December 5
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (KLSBEC) is hosting a Starter Company Plus small business celebration and showcase from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5th at the Celebrations Event Venue (35 Lindsay St. N., Lindsay).
Funded by the Government of Ontario, Starter Company Plus is a locally administered program designed to provide business training for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs. At this event, you can meet the graduates of KLSBEC’s Starter Company Plus program, visit their displays, and learn about their individual journeys.
Women’s Business Network of Peterborough hosts Holiday Gala & Auction in Peterborough on December 5
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is hosting its annual fundraising holiday gala and auction on Wednesday, December 5th at the Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).
WBN’s goal this year is to raise $25,000 in support of the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Crossroads Shelter’s Safe Nights Program.
The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., features both a silent auction and a live auction.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre hosts Starter Company Plus Showcase and Funding Announcement in Peterborough on December 6
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development will be announcing a new round of grant recipients from the Starter Company Plus program from 4;30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 6th in the lobby of Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Starter Company Plus is an entrepreneurship program funded by the Government of Ontario and offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. The announcement will also include a showcase of the funding recipients and an opportunity to meet with entrepreneurs that are growing their business with the support of this program.
Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting on attracting local shoppers on December 11 in Peterborough
The Peterborough Chamber’s next breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Terry Guiel, executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will speak on the top “Santa Keeps it Local – How to Attract Local Shoppers”.
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).
Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce host a Holiday Open House in Haliburton on December 11
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Holiday Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11th at the Chamber offices (195 Highland St., Haliburton).
The event will celebrate the past year and feature treats and hot beverages.
Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce hosts Christmas Meet & Greet in Cobourg on December 11
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Christmas Meet & Greet from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
This networking event is open to all local business people and is free both for Chamber members and non-members.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts small business workshop in Lindsay on December 12
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a “Building a Strong Small Business Community and Networking ” small business workshop from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12th in the lower level meeting room at the Lindsay Public Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by Sandy Greenberg (serial entrepreneur, business coach, and former business advisor at Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship), the workshop will explore the benefits of creating a strong business community, including the importance of breaking down barriers to creating a collaborative environment, the value of strategic alliances, and creating buying programs, cross promotions, and shared resources with other community businesses.
Kawartha Chamber Business After Hours Holiday Social at Kawartha Lakes Construction on December 12
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its Business After Hours Holiday Social from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12th at Kawartha Lakes Construction (3359 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield).
As part of the event, the team at Kawartha Lakes Construction will be again be running their employee contest for do-it-yourself Christmas trees, where they challenge staff to come up with creative Christmas trees and have guests vote on their favourite.
Kawartha Lakes Construction will also be collecting toys for the Lioness Club Toy Drive, as well as non-perishable food items for the Lakefield Food Bank.
Canada's legendary alt-country rockers Blue Rodeo (Mike Boguski, Colin Cripps, Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, Bazil Donovan, and Glenn Milchem) are performing a benefit concert for local health care at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on December 28, 2018. (Photo: Dustin Rabin)
December is typically a happening music month. It is of course filled with holiday-themed concerts and performances, but great local and touring acts also bring their regular, non-festive show to the area. Here is an eclectic mix of interesting shows coming up in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, both holiday-tinged and otherwise.
Remember, these are just a few of the upcoming live music events — you can find more in the Concerts & Live Music section of our website and in our weekly nightlifeNOW column.
Jennifer Castle at The Red Dog in Peterborough on December 1
This is a great way to start up the month: the Peterborough Folk Festival presents Jennifer Castle at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Saturday, December 1st.
Castle brings her unique flavour of indie to town, having had critical acclaim heaped on her studio albums. Her music is smart, witty, catchy, and has a sound that is all hers.
Tickets are $15 in advance and are available online at ticketscene.ca
Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m.
VIDEO: “Texas” by Jennifer Castle
Hurly Burly Early Music Ensemble at St. John’s Anglican Church in Peterborough on December 2
There are old-timey Christmas concerts, and then there are really old-timey Christmas concerts. The latter will be on display on Sunday, December 2nd when the Hurly Burly Early Music Ensemble presents “Rejoice and Be Merry:an English Christmas” at St. John’s Anglican Church (99 Brock St., Peterborough).
Hurly Burly is a vocal and instrumental group performing medieval and renaissance music with period instruments. Active members are Kathleen Adamson (voice and violin), Kathy Axcell (voice and flute), Karina Bates (voice, recorders, rebec), Roy Hagman (voice, vielle, citole, lute-guitar, pipes), Tanah Haney (voice, harp, recorders), Cindy Ellen Morgan (voice, dulcimer, harp), and Leigh Symonds (voice and flute).
This show will trace the celebration of Christmas in England, from the earliest known manuscripts through to the early modern period.
Settle in and enjoy this one. Tickets are $10 and the show begins at 2:30 p.m.
VIDEO: Hurly Burly Christmas Concert
In From the Cold at the Market Hall in Peterborough on December 7 and 8
In From the Cold is a seasonal tradition beloved by Peterborough and area audiences. Two performances of the concert, which raises funds for the YES Shelter for Youth and Families, take place on Friday, December 7th and Saturday, December 8th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
With performers including Carried Away, The Convivio Chorus, Curtis Dreidger, Michael Ketemer, and Tanah Haney, the concert features Celtic and contemporary carols as well as seasonal favourites.
In From the Cold will warm your heart and put you in the Christmas spirit while raising money for vulnerable youth and families in Peterborough. Tickets are $20 ($15 students/children) and include all fees. You can get tickets at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: In From The Cold
Donegal Fiddlers Orchestra at the Norwood Town Hall on December 8
Here’s your chance to dance, socialize and listen to some great fiddle tunes with The Donegal Fiddlers Orchestras on Saturday, December 8th at the Norwood Town Hall (2357 County Road 45, Norwood).
The Donegal Fiddlers Orchestra began in 2002 when a group of Norwood-area musicians with a passion for traditional old time music coalesced to form a fiddle orchestra. Over time, the fiddlers added vocalists and rhythm and harmony sections. The orchestra’s repertoire also expanded to include Scottish and Irish jigs and reels, Cape Breton Celtic tunes, big band, and country dance tunes and music for pattern dances.
The December 8th show features special guest Don Cameron from Peterborough on piano, who will be leading a Christmas sing-along. There will be a finger food potluck lunch as well.
Tickets are only $5 and the evening runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Contact jayg_sherwin@yahoo.ca for more information.
Photo: Donegal Fiddlers Orchestra.
Warming Room Christmas Concert at The Venue in Peterborough on December 13
Another great charity Christmas show takes place on Thursday, December 13th when the fourth annual Warming Room Christmas Concert hits The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008).
Artists for the performance include the trio of Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, and Kate Brioux, along with Paper Shakers.
Tickets are pay what you can, with all proceeds are going to Warming Room Community Ministries, an organization that provides shelter for the homeless and daily meals for those affected by food insecurity.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert starting at 7:30 p.m. Note this is an age-of-majority event.
VIDEO: “A Life That’s Good” by Kate Suhr with Kate Brioux
VIDEO: “September Skies” – Melissa Payne
The Good Lovelies at Trinity United Church in Cobourg on December 16
The Good Lovelies (Kerri Ough, Sue Passmore, and Caroline Brooks) initially formed as a trio to perform Christmas and holiday songs many years ago in the Port Hope area. Of course, since then they have continued on to a great career so far with several studio albums, and successful tour after successful tour all across the world.
The group brings their Christmas 2018 tour to Passmore’s hometown of Cobourg on Sunday, December 16th at Trinity United Church (284 Division St, Cobourg). This will be a Christmas concert full of charm, great harmonies, and an excellent vibe.
Tickets are $37 and are available at ticketscene.ca. This show will sell out, so get your tickets now.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
VIDEO: “Mele Kalikimaka” (Hawaiian Christmas Song) – The Good Lovelies
Solstice Ceildh and Contra Dance Party at the Old Church Theatre in Trenton on December 21
Celebrate the coming of the winter solstice on Fruday, December 21st with a Solstice Ceildh and Contra Dance Party at the Old Church Theatre (940 Bonisteel Rd., Trenton).
Saskia Tomkins, Steafan Hannnigan, and Martha Cooper will be performing Celtic music and call dances, ceildh-style, to go with the music.
Go for the great music and learn how to contra dance! No experience or partner is necessary to participate.
Tickets are $21 and are available online at universe.com. The party runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
VIDEO: Steafan Hannigan and Saskia Tomkins
Blue Rodeo at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on December 28
Legendary Canadian rock/country crossover band Blue Rodeo returns to Peterborough on Friday, December 28th at the Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough) for a fundraiser supporting local health care across Peterborough City and County.
The band is known for hits like “Lost Together”, “Try”, and “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet,” among many others. Blue Rodeo has won numerous Junos, been awarded the Governor General’s Award, and has released many very successful studio albums.
Tickets are $42.50 to $75 (plus tax and service charges) and a portion of ticket sales will go to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation.
The show will begin at 7 p.m.. Don’t miss out on tickets! Also … there is a chance that Bailieboro’s own Jimmy Bowskill will be a part of the band for this one.
VIDEO: “I Can’t Hide This Anymore” – Blue Rodeo
VIDEO: “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” – Blue Rodeo
Mokomokai at the Red Dog in Peterborough on December 31
It will be a heavy metal New Year’s Eve at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Monday, December 31st as local vintage metal favourites Mokomokai celebrate the ringing in of 2019.
The band will also be celebrating the release of their second full-length album Shores of the Sun. These guys are old-school metal: mostly clean vocals, heavy riffs, and an unmistakable sound.
Opening the show will be Peterborough’s Living Dead Girl.
Tickets are $15, available at the door or in advance at ticketscene.ca.
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