Montana, the female bobcat who has lived at the Riverview Park & Zoo in Peterborough since 2004, has died as a result of complications from end-stage kidney failure. (Photo: Sarah Law / Riverview Park & Zoo)
The Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough has announced the death of the zoo’s female bobcat, Montana.
With her beautiful colouring, expressive face, and inquisitive nature, Montana was a favourite with many of the zoo’s visitors.
Montana came to Peterborough from the Toronto Zoo in the summer of 2004. In November 2018, she was diagnosed as being in the early stages of kidney disease.
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At that time, the zoo began a comprehensive course of treatment, including a new diet for Montana.
However, after more than two years living with kidney disease, Montana took a sudden turn for the worse last Friday morning (March 6).
Although the zoo’s consulting veterinarian and the zoo’s animal health team responded promptly to provide treatment and care, Montana died later that afternoon as a result of complications from end-stage kidney failure.
She was almost 20 years old. In the wild, bobcats live an average of seven years.
“We would like to thank our staff and Dr. John Sallaway for the ongoing care they provided to Montana,” the zoo writes in a media release.
Montana the bobcat at the Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough in a 2018 photo. (Photo: Riverview Park & Zoo)
Four of the 24 young performers during a dress rehearsal of Funfolk Theatricals' production of "Calling All Sidekicks!", written and directed by Cavan children's author Shan McFadden. The fun and affordable family play runs for four performances from March 15 to 17, 2020 at the Millbrook Legion. (Photo: Siobhan MacQuarrie)
This event has been cancelled due to concerns about COVID-19. It may be rescheduled in the future. Ticket purchases will be refunded.
On a Monday night, I find myself surrounded by a group of enthusiastic and energetic kids dressed in spandex, masks, and capes. One kid has a green mohawk, another wears a futuristic computer costume, there’s a vampire in the corner, one kid has told me about an invisible cow, and I think I just glimpsed a small child in a Wonder Woman outfit dashing around a corner.
Funfolk Theatricals presents Calling All Sidekicks!
When: March 15 at 3 p.m., March 16 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and March 17, 2020 at 2 p.m. Where: Millbrook Royal Canadian Legion Hall (8 King St. E. Millbrook) How much: $5 (free for kids under three)
Written and directed by Shan McFadden and featuring a cast of 24 young performers. Tickets can be ordered online at www.funfolktheatricals.com or by contacting Christine by phone or text at 705-772-3502 or by email at funfolktheatricals@hotmail.com. A limited number of tickets are available at the door, subject to availability.
No, I’m not at a comic book or cosplay convention. I’m at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in downtown Millbrook for the dress rehearsal of Funfolk Theatricals production of Calling All Sidekicks!.
Written and directed by Cavan resident Shan McFadden, Calling All Sidekicks! features 24 young performers ranging from the age of six to 16 in a fun-filled superhero epic created for the very young — as well as the very young at heart.
Calling All Sidekicks! is Funfolk Theatricals 12th annual production created in time for March Break. At only $5 a ticket, Calling All Sidekicks! is a fun and alternative way to entertain kids during the March Break, and affordable enough for the whole family to attend.
A writer of children’s audio books, Shan McFadden has been leading the group of kids and a band of loyal parent volunteers in creating colouful children’s theatre since his first play, The Princess and the Plumber, in 2016. Since then, Shan has created five shows for the group.
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“Funfolk was started 12 years ago by Loraine Scott and Jackie and Dave Franco as a means of bringing affordable theatre to the community,” Shan says. “When Loraine retired from the group, Pat Barr took her place as co-director, alongside Jackie Franco.”
“Eventually the group was passed on to me and I took over as writer and director, writing and directing original plays such as ‘The Princess and the Plumber’, ‘Tabitha and the Almost Impossible Quest’, ‘Two Kids, a Robot and a Time Machine’, and ‘The Horrible, Terrible, Pirate King.'”
What makes Funfolk Theatricals unique compared to other youth theatre groups in the area is that the company is a collective that maintains its actors year after year, only opening its ranks to new performers when a member leaves the group. Capping their cast at 24 performers allows Shan and his team to help their performers grow year after year, while maintaining a tight-knit family atmosphere.
Tickets for Funfolk Theatricals’ production of “Calling All Sidekicks!”, which runs for four performances from March 15 to 17, 2020 at the Millbrook Legion, cost $5 (free for kids under three).
“If you are a Funfolk member, you stay a Funfolk member until you choose to leave,” Shan explains. “So, if you were in the last production, you are guaranteed one of the 24 roles in the next production. Another spot only comes available whenever a performer decides they aren’t coming back for any given reason. This year we had four open spots for new kids to join.”
“The goal has always been to get kids to come in young with a small part, and every year to push them a little bit more every year into bigger roles. We have a girl who was in my first production at the age of four, and is nine now. In my first production she had one line, and now she’s a lead. So it’s a progression, guiding them to build their confidence and start to be more comfortable. We keep it small, but it works for us.”
In Calling All Sidekicks! Shan takes the ultra-popular superhero genre and flips it on its head by not only creating 24 uniquely identifiable characters, but also playing on themes of heroism, sibling rivalry, loyalty, friendship, vanity, and the dangers of social media in a play that has important messages but is still imaginative and fun.
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“In our story the superheroes are vain and lazy and don’t really do anything heroic,” Shan says. “They like to have their pictures taken, be on social media, and be famous while their sidekicks do all the work. It’s more a young generation versus old generation story being told.”
When I visited with some of the young cast members in the show, they helped flesh out Shan’s story.
“In this play the superheroes have lost their way,” says Shephira Curtain who, dressed in a long flowing cloak, plays the mind-reading heroine Mystico. “But the sidekicks don’t care about fame. They want to help people and want to create a better world, but they don’t have that much power.”
“The superheroes come in at the last minute and say they did everything,” adds Caoimhe MacQuarrie, who plays a feral character named Bearcat.
The cast of Funfolk Theatricals’ production of “Calling All Sidekicks!”, written and directed by Cavan children’s author Shan McFadden. In the family play, which runs from March 15 to 17, 2020 at the Millbrook Legion, the 24 young actors perform as superheroes, supervillains, and their sidekicks. (Photo: Siobhan MacQuarrie)
In the show, Shan has created an entire universe of superheroes, supervillains, and sidekicks of all shapes and sizes. What keeps the show entertaining is that each of the characters are uniquely individual, which allows each cast member to have his or her own moment in the spotlight, no matter the size of the part.
“All of the characters are based on, one way or another, stereotypes of existing superheroes,” Shan explains. “We have Kid Lightning who is sort of like The Flash, Paragon who is a little bit like Robin, and a character named Sparky who is like Cyborg. We also have a number of different characters who work into the story.”
While Shan was the mastermind behind creating the characters, he has allowed the actors to create their own origin stories for the characters.
“Everybody has a different idea of superheroes,” Shan says. “The younger kids have a friendly idea of superheroes, like Spider-Man, while the older kids have seen the darker superheroes and more action-based superheroes.”
“So in this play, different kids get to interpret their ideas about superheroes in different ways. Some of them are into the fame, while some are into service to the community. It’s fun to see the kids look at the different ways of being a hero.”
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When asking the kids about their origin stories, I was struck by just how much thought they put into the stories, often pairing up their origins with other characters in the play.
“Bearcat’s parents were superheroes that were a bear and a cat,” Caoimhe says. “But she also had a sister who had a genetic disease and a birthmark that looked like a snake on her hand. While I became good like my parents, she turned evil and became the Baroness, who is played by my friend Zoe. When we were growing up I kept telling her the snake was a disgusting animal, which is why we are arch rivals now.”
“Mystico and Paragon are sisters, but Paragon is the bossy one and is always telling me what to do,” Shephira explains. “One day when Paragon was ordering Mystico to clean her room, my character knew her sister didn’t (clean her own room), and that’s when she found out she could read minds. Mystico joined the sidekicks to try to prove that she was better than her sister.”
Three of the 24 young performers during a dress rehearsal of Funfolk Theatricals’ production of “Calling All Sidekicks!”, written and directed by Cavan children’s author Shan McFadden. The fun and affordable family play runs for four performances from March 15 to 17, 2020 at the Millbrook Legion. (Photo: Siobhan MacQuarrie)
When six-year-old Riordan MacQuarrie, who plays the villainous Foghorn, got tongue-tied while telling his origin story, his older sibling Saoirse, who helped him write it, helps him out.
“You were doing an experiment on fossil fuels, and you accidentally used the wrong ingredient and then got the superhuman ability to make disgusting loud burps.”
While the superhero genre has dominated the movie box office for the last 20 years, superheroes have been a perennial favourite with kids for generations through cartoons and comic books. Thus, the colourful characters in Calling All Sidekicks! will appeal to kids who continue to marvel at the adventures of costumed heroes.
“Superheroes don’t just fight bad guys,” points out Saoirse. “They work hard, and that’s how they win.”
“People want to be superheroes,” adds Danica Cowen, who plays the social media addicted hero Whirlwind. “So people like them because they want to be like them.”
“It’s fun for people of all ages to watch because they like the action and the fighting and seeing the good guys win,” Caoimhe points out.
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That spirit of fun is exactly what watching Calling All Sidekicks! is all about. During my first visit with Funfolk Theatricals, I was impressed by how Shan and his team have created a safe and positive environment filled with a sense of fun and comradery between kids both young and old. With their high energy and bright spirits, the kids were still focused and disciplined and put pride and a sense of ownership into the production they were creating.
While fun for all ages, Calling All Sidekicks! has been especially created for families of young children. The show opens at the Millbrook Royal Canadian Legion Hall (8 King St. E. Millbrook) on Sunday, March 15th at 3 p.m. and continues on Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th at 2 p.m., with one evening performance on Monday night at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $5 (free for kids under three) and can be ordered online at www.funfolktheatricals.com or by contacting Christine by phone or text at 705-772-3502 or by email at funfolktheatricals@hotmail.com. A limited number of tickets are available at the door, subject to availability.
Owned and operated by wife-and-husband team Marie and Chad Miller, Lofty Butter Company makes small batch cultured butter in Trent Hills. (Photo: Lofty Butter Company)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher learns about cultured butter at Lofty Butter Company in Trent Hills, enjoys old-school made-from-scratch baked goods at For the Love of Sprinkles in Peterborough, looks forward to the new brunch menu at Kit Coffee in Peterborough, discovers the Milk & Honey Eatery in Lindsay, and samples the beer and wine of Palestine at Nateure’s Plate in Peterborough.
New Lofty Butter Company makes cultured butter by hand
Husband-and-wife team Marie and Chad Miller, based in Trent Hills, have started a new small-batch cultured butter business called Lofty Butter Company.
Update
The Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. If you are interested in ordering Lofty Butter Company products, you can message the Millers on their Instagram or Facebook channels (links below).
Their products will debut at the Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival’s Artisan Show and Sale, held on the weekend of March 14th and 15th at the Warkworth Town Hall Centre for The Arts (40 Main St., Warkworth).
Co-owner and chief butter officer Marie Miller explains that cultured butter is ripened before churning, meaning that it is actually churned with crème fraiche instead of liquid cream.
“It gives it more of depth of flavour and a tangier smell and taste,” she says.
Lofty Butter Company will offer specialty flavours on rotation. Pictured here, clockwise from top left: garlic and herb, unsalted, red wine sea salt, and maple sugar. (Photo: Lofty Butter Company)
Cultured butter is also excellent for baking and cooking because it has a higher butter fat content than regular butter, as well as a higher smoke point for frying.
It’s also a flavourful choice for bread, pancakes, or anywhere where you would use regular butter.
Chad and Marie Miller are the husband-and-wife team behind Lofty Butter Company, which makes small-batch cultured butter in Trent Hills. Marie is also kawarthaNOW’s events editor. (Photo: Lofty Butter Company)
According to Marie, cultured butter used to be the norm.
“It’s the OG butter. This is what you would have had on the farm back in the day, because it would have taken several days for them to collect enough cream in order to make a batch of butter, so it would have just sat in a bucket on the counter. It would have fermented naturally.”
Marie says Lofty Butter Company has modernized the process for food safety.
“We use four different bacterial cultures that we add into the cream, so we can safely ferment it.”
Lofty Butter Company’s cultured butter is a flavourful choice for pancakes, bread, or wherever you would use regular butter. You can find Lofty Butter Company this summer at local farmers’ markets and special events. (Photo: Lofty Butter Company)
In the future, you will be able to find Lofty Butter Company at the Coddrington Farmers’ Market. The Millers are also currently applying for a number of farmers’ markets and food festivals.
For the Love of Sprinkles bakery and cafe now open in downtown Peterborough
Chocolate peanut ganache-covered peanut butter cookies with Chex mix are just one of the decadent treats offered at For the Love of Sprinkles in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: For the Love of Sprinkles)
For the Love of Sprinkles (57-360 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-874-2340) is a new bakery and cafe that opened on Tuesday (March 10) in the heart of downtown Peterborough.
It offers a variety of desserts as well as soup, sandwiches, and healthy lunch options.
Owner Amy Keller had a longtime dream of retiring early from her teaching career and starting a bakery. She says that as a teacher she was inspired to make change.
For the Love of Sprinkles will offer pies, cakes, and more for special occasions. (Photo: For the Love of Sprinkles)
“It’s incredible how kids’ lunches are just filled with chemically laden pre-packaged stuff,” Amy explains. “Nobody has anything homemade anymore. So a lot of the reason for doing this is to bring back that old school bakery thing where it’s made from scratch, with no chemicals or preservatives — just simple ingredients and quality ingredients.”
Guests can treat themselves to peanut butter cookies coated in a peanut ganache and sprinkled with Chex mix, or to a cookies-and-cream or candy bar cupcake.
The whole goal of it all is to have a beautiful space to come and enjoy something that is simple and deliciious,” Amy notes.
Kids (and grown-ups too) will love these fun and delicious cupcakes at For the Love of Sprinkles in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: For the Love of Sprinkles)
For the Love of Sprinkles is licensed, and Amy plans to use the space to host bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and baking classes, as well as a monthly “Failed It!” competition, where contestants attempt to create elaborate works of cake art with limited skillsets.
For the Love of Sprinkles is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit fortheloveofsprinkles.org or follow them on Instagram.
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Kit Coffee to offer brunch menu
Kit Coffee (144 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-927-6703) will soon be offering brunch from their downtown Peterborough bakery and cafe.
Owner Helen McCarthy says brunch will be on the menu daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by the beginning of April, in addition to baked goods and coffee.
“It’s a place you can come and it’s cozy and we have all-from-scratch baking and good coffee,” Helen explains. “It’s a place for community.”
Kit Coffee is unveiling a line of breakfast croissants, which will be offered as a grab-and-go option beginning in late March from their downtown Peterborough and Alexander Court locations. Brunch will be available daily at the downtown Peterborough location in early April. (Photo: Kit Coffee)
Brunch dishes will include options appropriate for a variety of diets, including vegan french toast made with sourdough and topped with a seasonal fruit compote and coconut whipped cream, or eggs benedict with Stirling butter hollandaise on a choice of sourdough or a gluten-free potato latka.
There will also be shakshuka, a traditional Moroccan brunch dish made with a tomato sauce and poached eggs in the centre.
The cafe is also debuting breakfast croissants with aioli, fried egg, cheese and a choice of greens or ham. These will be available as a grab-and-go option beginning in late March.
Sourdough bread will be used for French Toast and Eggs Benedict on the new Kit Coffee brunch menu. (Photo: Kit Coffee)
Helen has signed Kit Coffee up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) from Cedar Grove Organic Farm in Omemee, and plans to incorporate this into her menu this summer. A CSA provides direct access to local produce by purchasing a “share” of the season’s yields.
“I wanted to have the menu support our local farmers and eat the bounty that we have in this area,” Helen says.
You can find Kit Coffee at their downtown Peterborough location or at the Alexander Medical Building (849 Alexander Court, Peterborough). Brunch will be offered exclusively at the downtown location.
The caramelized onion and maple butternut squash soup from Milk & Honey Eatery in Lindsay won both the Judges’ Choice and Best Tasting Soup awards at Kawartha Lakes Soupfest in February 2020. (Photo: Milk & Honey Eatery)
Last Monday (March 2), 22-year-old Olivia Moore opened the doors to Lindsay’s newest cafe, the Milk & Honey Eatery (17 William St. S., Lindsay, 705-878-9998).
22-year-old Olivia Moore has opened Milk & Honey Eatery in Lindsay. (Photo: Milk & Honey Eatery)
Olivia worked in restaurants throughout high school and college, but after getting her business diploma she was ready to open her own cafe.
“Opening my own restaurant is something I’ve always wanted to do,” she explains.
“I’ve always liked the idea of being my own boss, and of being someone else’s boss, because I know I’m good at it.”
The menu at Milk & Honey Eatery offers a variety of lunch options, from gluten-free crustless quiches to paninis and grilled wraps.
The steak and cheese panini is a popular choice. It features roasted red peppers and onions, a sweet chili sauce, and homemade garlic aioli. Olivia’s caramelized onion and maple butternut squash soup was another early hit.
The dish won the Judges’ Choice and Best Tasting Soup awards at Kawartha Lakes Soupfest in February. But, with a rotating soup menu, it won’t regularly be available.
Milk & Honey Eatery also offers scones and baked goods. “I love baking,” Olivia says. “That’s mostly my passion.”
Milk & Honey Eatery is now open at 17 William Street South in downtown Lindsay, in the location of the former Pita Pantry and Common Grounds Coffee House. (Photo: Milk & Honey Eatery)
Olivia also collaborates with local businesses. Cake by the Lake in Bobcaygeon created a special honey cinnamon cheesecake exclusively for Milk & Honey Eatery. Local collaborations like this are an important part of Olivia’s plan.
“I like to do as much as I can locally, and then everything else is made by me.”
Taste the beer and wine of Palestine at Nateure’s Plate
Toronto-based social enterprise Palestinian Just Trade is hosting a beer and wine tasting event on Monday, March 16th from 7 to 9 p.m. at Nateure’s Plate (182 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-874-1215).
The event will feature beverages from Tayhbeh Winery and Taybeh Brewing Company, founded by Nadim, David, and Canaan Khoury in the Palestinian village of Taybeh.
You can try beer from Palestine’s Taybeh Brewery at a tasting event held at Nateure’s Plate in Peterborough on March 16, 2020. (Photo: Palestine Just Trade)
There will be tastings, as well as the Canadian premiere of Brewed in Palestine, a short documentary by Emma Schwartz featuring the brewery and winery.
Beer fans will want to try the Taybeh Golden, the original beer offered by the brewery: a bright golden beer with a subtle malt character and delicate hop notes. Karen Rodman, coordinator of Palestine Just Trade, says that most of the ingredients for the beer are from the Taybeh region.
“The beer is made from locally grown grains, malt from France and Belguim, hops from Czeh and Bavaria, along with Palestine’s own natural spring water and yeast.”
Wine from Taybeh Winery, which makes wine from grapes grown in Palestine. Palestinian Just Trade was established in Toronto in 2018 to promote the import of goods from Palestinian organizations. (Photo: Palestine Just Trade)
Wine fans might enjoy the flagship Grand Reserve Cabernet Savignon, or perhaps the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, which Karen describes as “a medium-bodied wine displaying rich aromas of citrus and green apple.”
She notes that the wine grapes are also grown in Palestine. “Taybeh is very careful to source its products locally.”
Palestinian Just Trade is an organization established in 2018 to promote the import of goods from Palestinian organizations. Any profits are reinvested into Just Peace Advocates, a not-for-profit international human rights organization working to support peace in Palestine. For more information, visit palestinejusttrade.ca
On March 9, 2020, Peterborough police raided illegal cannabis dispensary The Medicine Box (with signage that identifies the store as "Psychic Studio") at 181 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Google Maps)
A Peterborough man is facing drug charges after police raided an illegal cannabis dispensary in downtown Peterborough.
On Tuesday (March 9), Peterborough police executed a search warrant at The Medicine Box at 181 Charlotte Street, with signage that identifies the store as “Psychic Studio – Palm Tarot Card Psychic Readings” (the signage is from the business that was previously at this location).
Police located and seized a large quantity of marijuana and edibles and arrested and charged 36-year-old Nathaniel Berard, of Romaine Street in Peterborough, with possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling and sale of cannabis to an individual 18 years of age or older.
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Police released Berard from custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, March 24th.
In February, the Peterborough Examiner reported the store has been selling recreational marijuana for months and that police were aware of the store, which has been operating 11 hours a day, seven days a week.
“An investigation of a potentially illegal dispensary, and the shutting down of an illegal dispensary, is a complex process that requires extensive resources from our service and takes many months to complete,” wrote police spokesperson Lauren Gilchrist in an email to the Examiner.
Peterborough’s first legal cannabis store, Growers Retail at 225 George Street North in downtown Peterborough, is awaiting authorization from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario before opening. (Logo: Growers Retail)
The illegal cannabis dispensary has been operating while Peterborough awaits its first legal cannabis retail store, Growers Retail at 225 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.
Located near the corner of Sherbrooke Street and across from No Frills, the store will be open once the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has approved the business’s cannabis retail store authorization application.
Peterborough native Michelle Shaughnessy, who has had a successful career in stand-up comedy after moving to Toronto at 18 years old, is returning home to headline a dinner and comedy show at BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill in downtown Peterborough on March 21, 2020. Fellow Toronto comedians Joe Vu and Casey Corbin will also be performing. (Photo: Denise Grant)
This event has been postponed due to concerns about COVID-19. It will be rescheduled to a later date. Tickets will be honoured for the rescheduled date.
As someone who, from a young age, “tried really hard to make people laugh,” things have worked out very nicely for comedian Michelle Shaughnessy.
BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill presents Home Coming Dinner & Comedy Show
When: Saturday, March 21, 2020 (dinner seating from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m., show at 9:15 p.m.) Where: BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill (123 Simcoe St, Peterborough) How much: $42.99 for dinner and show, $23.99 show only (taxes extra)
Dinner and a comedy show featuring headliner and Peterborough native Michelle Shaughnessy with Joe Vu and host and emcee Casey Corbin. Tickets available in advance at bit.ly/32d6X6H or at the door. Seating is limited, call 705-874-7474 to reserve a table.
The 36-year-old Peterborough native has been making people laugh ever since, first paying her dues on the rough ‘n’ tumble comedy club circuit before landing appearances on The Comedy Network, W Network, Bite TV, CBC, iChannel, and MTV, as well as being heard in regular rotation on XM Satellite Radio.
Now, following a chance encounter with BrickHouse Craft Burger owner Steve Stewart, Shaughnessy is coming home to headline a night of comedy at the popular downtown Peterborough restaurant on Saturday, March 21st.
Billed as the “Home Coming Comedy Show”, the showcase will also feature Toronto comics Joe Vu and Casey Corbin, with the latter hosting the evening.
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Tickets to the dinner-and-show event cost $42.99 plus taxes (or $23.99 plus taxes for the show only) and are available in advance at bit.ly/32d6X6H. Dinner seating is from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. with the show beginning at 9:15 p.m. (seating is limited, so call 705-874-7474 to reserve a table).
According to Stewart, a late 2019 trip to Absolute Comedy in Toronto set the wheels in the motion for the first-ever comedy show at his restaurant.
“That particular night, lo and behold, Michelle was the headliner,” recalls Stewart, adding “We had no idea who she was or how good she is.”
VIDEO: Office Comedy – Michelle Shaughnessy
Back in Peterborough, Stewart and his wife drew up a seating plan for staging a comedy show at their establishment, including having a small stage put in place. Stewart then contacted Shaughnessy, who agreed to do the show once her busy schedule permitted her to do so.
“To be honest, I’ve said no to most shows in Peterborough — I keep my life and work separated,” Shaughnessy explains. “I never really want to feel like I’m at work when I’m at home. But Steve reached out as a fan and I was flattered. That helped me accept the booking for sure.”
A graduate of St. Peter’s Secondary School, making others laugh was something Shaughnessy always enjoyed doing but, as she grew older, getting a chuckle served another purpose.
“Humour was a defence mechanism for me,” she says. “I was never popular growing up and got teased a lot. I learned early on that if I made the cool kids laugh, I’d get picked on less.”
“My plan as a teenager was to be an actress. My mom actually steered me in the comedy direction. She constantly told me how funny I was. So I tried it and I just never stopped.”
Her comedy career began when she moved to Toronto at just 18 years old. Reflecting on her trial-by-fire experiences on the comedy club circuit, she says she never once reconsidered her career choice despite the challenges.
VIDEO: Michelle Shaughnessy at Absolute Comedy in Toronto (2017)
“It was tough — schlepping it out on the road, being broke, and travelling with comics who weren’t always nice to the newbies — but I always knew, for me at least, the toughness and unpredictability of it was sure a hell of a lot better then a nine-to-five job.”
“I’ve never understood how someone could wake up every day and work at the same place every single day. My mind wanders too much for that. To each their own but, for me, hating that so much made me work harder at comedy.”
That paid off in spades for Shaughnessy who, along with making a number of TV appearances, also found herself in great demand on the comedy festival circuit. Still, she has worked hard at remaining firmly rooted.
“When you start something like comedy at a young age, it becomes your whole life,” she says.
“It came to the point that that wasn’t what I wanted from it. It’s my job but it’s not everything I am. I have a few close friends in the business but, for the most part, I keep my life and my business separate.”
Among influences, Shaughnessy lists Gerry Dee, whose theatre shows she has opened.
Toronto comedian Joe Vu at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. He will be performing along with headliner Peterborough native Michelle Shaughnessy and Casey Corbin at a dinner and comedy show at BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill in downtown Peterborough on March 21, 2020. (Uncredited photo via joevucomedy.weebly.com)
“He has the talent and the business side figured out,” she says. “It’s really inspiring to work with him and to take that in. Another comic I admire is Kate Davis. I watched her headline when I first started and now I’m lucky enough to call her a friend. She has advice anytime I need it.”
As for her brand of comedy, Shaughnessy says that has changed as she has grown older.
“I was very dirty when I first started — in my jokes, not in my hygiene,” she jokes.
“A lot of new comics are pretty dirty when they start out. When you’re performing in bars and dingy clubs, you do what gets a quick laugh from the audience. I was also young with limited life experience. No one wants to hear a kid talk about politics and how hard their life is. I sure don’t.
As for writing jokes, Shaughnessy says “it comes when it comes”. She derives inspiration from her personal life, including her husband Stefan Brogen, an actor best known for his role as Archie “Snake” Simpson in the Degrassi television franchise.
“I can’t force it. I’ve had to jump out of bed to write and I’ve definitely sat and tried to write for hours with nothing coming to me.”
“I draw my inspiration from myself, from my life. I’m a newlywed, so right now I joke about my husband a lot. He pretends he’s okay with it, but he knows who he married.”
VIDEO: “It’s hard complaining to immigrant parents” – Joe Vu
While Shaughnessy is headlining the BrickHouse showcase, Toronto comics Joe Vu and Casey Corbin also bring their years of bring funny to the mix.
According to his website, Vu “abandoned his lucrative career in advertising to be totally disowned by his Asian parents.” He has since appeared on national television via the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, been featured on CBC Radio’s The Debaters, performed at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal and, more recently, has written for the hit television comedy Kim’s Convenience.
Corbin, meanwhile, brings close to 20 years as a comic to bear, things really taking off for him after back-to-back Canadian Comedy Award nominations in 2001 and 2002. He has since appeared at comedy festivals across Canada as well as hosted his own comedy special that aired on CTV and The Comedy Network. He has also shared stages with the likes of Mike MacDonald and Russell Peters.
Toronto comedian Casey Corbin will be performing along with headliner Peterborough native Michelle Shaughnessy and Joe Vu at a dinner and comedy show at BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill in downtown Peterborough on March 21, 2020. (Photo: Belinda J. Clements Photography)
While Stewart also presents live music events at his restaurant, he has no specific dates for future comedy shows. However, he says his vision is to present comedy at the BrickHouse on a somewhat regular basis moving forward. It helps now that he has an “in” with the host and emcee of the March 21st show.
“The good thing about Casey Corbin being involved is he’s really been around the business for a long time,” Stewart says. “He is really in the network, so we have a pipeline where I don’t think it’s going to be difficult to get decent acts.”
For more information about BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill, including upcoming shows and special discounts for ticket holders of events at other performance venues in downtown Peterborough, visit www.brickhousecraftburger.ca.
VIDEO: Driving in the Dark by Casey Corbin (explicit language)
At the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and Town of Cobourg's 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala on March 6, 2020, Cobourg pet grooming business Grooming By Bri won the Business & Consumer Services Award. Awards were also handed out in 11 other categories. (Photo: Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce / Facebook)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
The week’s news features the recipients of the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and Town of Cobourg’s 2019 Business Achievement Awards, Northumberland CFDC launching the DELIA business loan platform for female entrepreneurs in eastern Ontario, and the federal government’s announcement of $1.2 million in funding for 26 businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Also featured this week is Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s upcoming business count survey, Linz Hunt of Royal LePage Frank Real Estate in Peterborough raising $17,820 for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, the launch of RTO8’s tourism professional development video series, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.
New events added this week include the Innovation Cluster and Fleming College’s “Electric City Talks: An Evening with Manjit Minhas” in Peterborough on March 10th, the Northumberland Chamber’s “Meet & Greet” networking event in Cobourg on March 10th, Alterna Savings’ free micro business start-up workshop in Peterborough on March 19th, the Innovation Cluster’s hands-on workshop on mastering cash flow in Lindsay on March 19th, Sustainable Peterborough and Farms at Work hosting a local food networking event in Peterborough on March 24th, the Peterborough DBIA hosting a business county survey information session in Peterborough on March 25th, and the Trent Hills Chamber hosting a mini video bootcamp in Campbellford on March 26th.
Northumberland Chamber and Town of Cobourg hand out 2019 Business Achievement Awards in Cobourg
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg handed out the 2019 Business Achievement Awards at a gala event at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre on Friday (March 6).
The annual awards recognize excellence and honour high achievers in the local business community.
At the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg’s 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala on March 6, 2020, The Rustic Bean Coffee Co. won the New Start-Up of the Year Award and Craft Food House won the Hospitality & Tourism Award. (Graphics: Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce / Facebook, Photos: Fred Gouveia / snapd Northumberland West)
The recipients are:
Garry Liboiron of Century 21 All-Pro Realty (1993) Ltd. – The James Crossen Award
The James Crossen Award, which recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement and contribution to the business community, was awarded to Garry Liboiron. A strong community and local business supporter and an active member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg, Liboiron’s values centre on contributing locally, giving back to his community, helping others, and embracing his family business.
Grooming By Bri – Business & Consumer Services Award
A multi-award winning groomer with several certifications, Grooming By Bri expanded its team in 2019, including the addition of an experienced groomer who is also a veterinary technician. This provides a broader spectrum of knowledge within the business, and builds upon the team’s national reputation (owner Bri was nominated for Canadian Groomer of the Year by her peers).
The New Classical FM 103.1 – Communications and Technology Award
With a local business history of over 35 years, Classical 103.1 FM was Canada’s first commercial classical radio station. While it has since expanded to major markets, the station maintains its local presence with special programming, arts and events, weather, sponsorships, and advertising pertinent to Northumberland County and the surrounding region.
Bodilogix Fitness – Health & Wellness Award
Recognizing a brief window of opportunity in the local market, the owners of Bodilogix Fitness responded quickly and developed a plan to build the business and better serve the community. They expanded the gym by 1,100 square feet, renovated existing facilities, and hired two full-time staff and eight group instructors as well as new part-time positions. As a result of these changes, the business has experienced a 100 per cent increase in membership.
Craft Food House – Hospitality & Tourism Award
After expanding the size of its kitchen by more than double through renovations and new equipment, Craft Food House had its most successful year to date in 2019. One of the most popular lunch destinations in Cobourg, the restaurant continues to build its catering service and enjoys great success with popular themed pop-up dinners. Craft Food House is rebuilding its website to include a new online ordering platform and is currently developing an app so customers can order take-out meals.
Lions Club of Cobourg – Chamber Chair’s Award
The Chamber Chair’s Award was established to recognize a business, organization or individual who has made a significant contribution to the Chamber of Commerce and its mandate to support the local business community. The Lions Club of Cobourg and the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce have worked in partnership for well over two decades, and this award represents the Chamber’s gratitude and respect for this valued community partner.
Northumberland Players – Non-Profit Sector Award
Since 1976, the Northumberland Players have been bringing top-quality theatrical productions to the community. In the 2018-19 season, move than 13,000 people bought tickets to Northumberland Players productions. It takes thousands of volunteer hours both on and off the stage to deliver such a successful season, and this remarkable volunteer community theatre group show no signs of slowing down.
National Shunt Service Ltd – Mayor’s Award
A family-oriented business that has been innovating since its early beginnings in 1999, National Shunt Service has remained true to their core mission of being “dependable, trustworthy, and flexible while providing a cost-effective integrated system.” Their hands-on approach is consistently applied to everything they touch, whether they are volunteering with sport teams, supporting youth in the community, or facilitating strategic moves for Fortune 500 retailers.
Kott Lumber Company – Manufacturing and Agribusiness Award
One component of a large building supply company, Kott Cobourg manufactures pre-fabricated wood roof trusses. In response to reduced regional demand, the company chose to make the investment and significantly expand its market area in 2019. As a direct result, there were no reductions to staff at the Cobourg facility, and an additional driver was hired to service the expanded service area.
The Rustic Bean Coffee Co. – New Start-Up of the Year Award
A community-based café, The Rustic Bean has made a significant investment in Cobourg’s downtown business district, partnering with many other businesses and organizations and actively participating in local events. They have added to their business with the introduction of a bespoke catering service, invested in a portable mobile coffee shop and, most recently, opened a complimentary sister business (the King Street Deli & Bar).
Friendly Fires – Retail Trade Award
Recognizing that online shopping poses an increasingly significant threat to traditional retail businesses, Friendly Fires decided to be proactive and introduce their own online store. As a direct result, they have already shipped thousands of items worldwide and have customers in every Canadian province and territory as well as throughout the United States. Interestingly, the online store has helped with local sales as well, combining online convenience with local service.
Stadtke Plumbing & Heating Ltd. – Skilled Trades Award
In 2019, Stadtke Plumbing & Heating relocated to a larger facility and expanded their team by 90 per cent, including the addition of licensed in-house ductwork services, licensed heating and air conditioning technicians, a new plumbing apprentice, full-time office staff, and local students. The investment has paid off with improved service response times, the creation of local jobs, and increased business.
Northumberland CFDC launches DELIA business loan platform for female entrepreneurs in eastern Ontario
On Monday (March 6), Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) launched DELIA: an Ecosystem Fund for Women.
DELIA — an acronym for Develop Educate Lead Innovate Accelerate — provides fintech-driven loans and entrepreneurial acceleration for women-owned and women-led ventures across rural eastern Ontario.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the objective of DELIA is to help women start, scale up, and expand innovative high-growth potential ventures. The initiative will support a minimum of 30 businesses by 2023, on a first-come first-served basis.
“This is a breakthrough pilot initiative that will revolutionize our approach to achieving gender equity in entrepreneurial finance and development,” says Northumberland CFDC executive director Wendy Curtis. “We are pleased to be leveraging Canadian fintech innovation and partnerships to advance women’s economic empowerment, with the support of FedDev Ontario.”
VIDEO: DELIA: an Ecosystem Fund for Women
Developed in partnership with Corl Financial Technologies, DELIA offers applicants a contemporized loan automation and credit engine powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and bank-level security that streamlines funding opportunities. The online application delivers instant pre-approval decisions on commercial loan applications from $25,000 to $50,000, in $5,000 increments.
DELIA also offers the inaugural cohort of 30 businesses an opportunity to connect and advance their businesses through exclusive skills training opportunities. Successful loan recipients will have access to concurrent entrepreneurial development programs delivered in partnership with Singularity University Canada, Valkerie (growclass), and with perks from TELUS Business Solutions, IBM Canada and more.
DELIA entrepreneurs will have access to more than 200 coaching and mentoring hours, $7,500 in funded wrap-around services, technical group training, accelerator perks, pre-qualification for N100 Evolution: Artemis Edition, and experiential learning and events both virtually and on location at the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg.
Federal government announces $1.2 million in funding for 26 businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef (left) with Community Futures Peterborough exeuctive director Gail Moorhouse and Northumberland CFDC executive director Wendy Curtis (second and first from right) along with some of the 26 businesses and organizations receiving $1.2 million in funding from FedDev Ontario’s Rural Innovation Initiative of Eastern Ontario program. The funding was announced on March 5, 2020 at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough. Regional funding is administered by Northumberland CFDC and local funding is administered by Community Futures Peterborough. (Photo: Office of Maryam Monsef)
The federal government is investing almost $1.2 million in 26 businesses in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. The funding comes from the Rural Innovation Initiative of Eastern Ontario (RIIEO) program funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Seven businesses (Canadiana Cabinets Ltd, Dynacast Ltd, Havelock Metal Co., Kingdon Lumber Limited, Quickmill Inc., Ritz Plastics Inc., and Savage Arms (Canada) Inc.) are receiving up to $700,000 in RIIEO regional funding, matched by a total of $1,905,701 in incremental private investment.
Businesses receiving RIIEO local funding include Nurse’s Emission Testing & Repair, Woodaholic Ecocraft, At The Lake Distributing Inc., Iron Equipment, Cambium, Black and Smith Ironworks, Kawartha Metals Corporation, Keene Truck, Woodleigh Farms, Percheron Plastic, Nero Performance Materials, Steelworks Design Inc., Community Alternative Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., BOSTL, Diatom Professional Consulting and Training Inc., Lucky Strike Bait Works Ltd, Red Tracker.
Economic development organizations Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development are also receiving RIIEO local funding.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development launching region’s first annual business count survey in May
Steven Tripp, Business Retention & Expansion Officer at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, is leading the organization’s business count survey project, which will take place from May 1 to August 30, 2020. Results from the survey will provide insight into the state of the region’s economy. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) will be launching the region’s first annual business count survey over four months beginning on Friday, May 1st.
Led by Business Retention & Expansion Officer Steven Tripp, four PKED staff will conduct, administer, and report on a brief survey intended to provide insight into the state of the region’s economy.
Along with contact information, the survey will ask questions about the year a business was established, a business’s number of employees, whether a business is home-based, a business’s total floor space (or acreage for farms), legal status and ownership, skills shortage, and more.
Contact information will be kept private, with other data may be made public in an aggregated form (i.e., not identifying individual businesses). The data will be used by PKED and area municipalities to obtain an annual snapshot of the region’s business community, to provide improved regional workforce data, to assist in making better-informed decisions for community development initiatives, and more.
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will be hosting a breakfast information session about the survey with PKED president and CEO Rhonda Keenan on Wednesday, March 25th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St,, Peterborough).
Linz Hunt of Royal LePage Frank Real Estate in Peterborough raises $17,820 for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton
Peterborough realtor Linz Hunt met with representatives of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton on March 4, 2020 to present a cheque for $17,820 in support of YWCA Crossroads Shelter. The funds were raised as part of Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s 2019 Sahara Desert Challenge for Shelter. (Supplied photo)
Linz Hunt of Royal LePage Frank Real Estate in Peterborough has donated $17,820 to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Crossroads Shelter in support of women and children fleeing abuse.
She raised the funds by participating in Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s 2019 Sahara Desert Challenge for Shelter, where a group of 120 Royal LePage professionals journeyed to Morocco in November to trek 100 kilometres across the Sahara Desert over five straight days.
In total, the event raised $1.2 million for women’s shelters and domestic violence prevention and education programs across Canada.
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RTO8 launches tourism professional development video series
Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) has released the first video in a professional development video series called “Let’s Talk Tourism”.
Hosted by Scott Adams of Peterborough marketing agency Birchbark Media, each episode will explore a different topic related to how tourism-related businesses can make the best of their digital marketing budget and improve marketing efforts to attract more visitors. The first episode is entitled “What is an RTO?”.
VIDEO: “Let’s Talk Tourism: Ep 1 – What is an RTO?”
RTO8 is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries to promote regional tourism activity in the area that is now branded as Kawarthas Northumberland (The City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough & the Kawarthas, and Northumberland County).
For more information and for future episodes of the “Let’s Talk Tourism” video series, visit rto8.com.
Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Peer and Lori Christensen (left) at Hospice Peterborough with the painting Peer created and donated to Hospice Peterborough. (Photo: Peer Christensen / Facebook)
Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:
Signage has been added to Peterborough’s first cannabis retail store, Growers Retail at 225 George Street North, located near the corner of Sherbrooke Street and across from No Frills in downtown Peterborough. The store will be open once the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has approved the business’s cannabis retail store authorization application. For more information and updates, visit growersretailcannabis.ca.
Milk & Honey Eatery, a café-style restaurant located at 17 William Street South in downtown Lindsay, officially opened for business last Monday (March 2). Owned and operated by 22-year-old Olivia Moore, the eatery offers breakfast and lunch (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options), with all meals are available for dining in or take out. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit milkhoneyeatery.ca.
The 16th annual YWCA Empty Bowls fundraiser on February 28th raised $24,201 in support of YWCA Nourish Food Programs. Led by YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, Nourish is a collaborative initiative that connects diverse stakeholders across Peterborough region and engages them in the process of building community and opportunity through food.
Trinity Development Group Inc., the owners of Northumberland Mall at 1111 Elgin Street West in Cobourg, are planning to build a new one-story multi-unit building with seven commercial units, including one with a drive-through facility. Other changes at the mall include a renovation at the Metro grocery store, the addition of Booster Juice and Sunset Grill as new tenants, and a relocation of the driveway from in front of Metro along with parking areas.
Rustically Signed held a grand opening of its new creative hub at 12 Lindsay Street South in Lindsay last Saturday (March 7). Holly Suddick of Little Britain and Stephanie Buckley from Lindsay started their home décor business in 2016 as a “side gig” creating custom hand-crafted items. They opened their first store on the first floor of the Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in 2019. The new makers market is located beside the Academy Theatre for Performing Arts and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit rusticallysigned.com.
Local artist Peer Christensen (owner of the former Christensen Fine Art gallery and custom framing business in downtown Peterborough), has donated a 40-by-60-inch painting entitled “October Day, Rice Lake” to Hospice Peterborough.
Jody Burnie from the Business Development Bank of Canada has joined the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 board of directors in the role of treasurer.
Innovation Cluster and Fleming College host “Electric City Talks: An Evening with Manjit Minhas” in Peterborough on March 10
The Innovation Cluster and Fleming College are hosting “Electric City Talks: An Evening with Manjit Minhas” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Manjit Minhas is the president and CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Winery and one of the celebrity investors on CBC’s Dragons’ Den reality television series.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Minhas will deliver a talk entitled “Empowering Women: Achieving Business Success in Male-Dominated Industries”.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with Minhas’ keynote at 7 p.m. followed by a question and answer session at 7:30 p.m. A cash bar will be available.
Northumberland Chamber hosts “Meet & Greet” networking event in Cobourg on March 10
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next “Meet & Greet” from 5 to 7 p.m. at the offices of Baker Tilly (17 Queen St., Cobourg).
The monthly business networking event is hosted by a Chamber member on the second Tuesday of every month. Baker Tilly Cobourg is a part of one of the country’s largest associations of chartered professional accounting firms.
The event is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members.
Peterborough Chamber and partners host business summit in Peterborough on March 11
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and RT08, is hosting “Business Summit 2020: Future Ready” from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11th at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (840 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The half-day conference focused on strengthening business features author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Daniel Lewis, the owner of the award-winning tea shop T by Daniel, as keynote speaker along with a panel discussion on marketing and workshops on succession planning, sales, sustainability, and digitization.
The cost is $75, which includes breakfast and lunch. Register at peterboroughchamber.ca.
Innovation Cluster hosts tax workshop for start-ups in Peterborough on March 12
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting “Hands-ON: Tax Prep for Startups with BDO” from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th in the large ground-floor boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Facilitated by Matthew Schneider, Alex Archibald, and Jess Conlin of BDO’s Peterborough office, the workshop will provide attendees with information about business structures, the importance of bookkeeping, basic tax filing requirements, HST, and more.
Trent Hills Chamber holds annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 12
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).
The event features networking and light refreshments at 6 p.m. followed by the annual general meeting, including a review of the Chamber events, activities, and programs that took place in 2019, at 6:30 p.m.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on March 18
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Business Fundamentals: Business Planning” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).
The session is designed to give entrepreneurs a strong foundation in business planning and to explain the importance of a comprehensive business plan. Tools available for creating a business plan will be shared as well as top tips for creating a plan ready to share with banks and funding agencies to secure financing.
Alterna Savings hosts free micro business start-up workshop in Peterborough on March 19
Alterna Savings is hosting a free micro business start-up workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 19th at Peterborough Community Savings (167 Brock St., Peterborough).
The workshop will provide business and financial literacy information including business model work-through, financial fundamentals, and cash flow and business plan analysis.
Innovation Cluster hosts hands-on seminar on mastering cash flow in Lindsay on March 19
The Innovation Cluster is hosting “Hands-ON: Mastering Cash Flow with BDC” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 19th in the boardroom at Kawartha Lakes Economic Development (180 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by Heather Hallahan of the Business Development Bank of Canada, the seminar will cover items including how to plan your cash flow, taking control of inventory management, and more.
Trent Hills Chamber hosts members-only coffee chat with MP Philip Lawrence in Warkworth on March 20
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a members-only coffee chat with Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Philip Lawrence from 8 to 9 a.m. on Friday, March 20th at Glover’s Farm Market (14260 County Rd. 29, Warkworth).
There is no cost to attend, and muffins and coffee or tea will be served.
Sustainable Peterborough and Farms at Work host local food networking event in Peterborough on March 24
Sustainable Peterborough, in partnership with Farms at Work, is hosting its fourth annual food networking event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Douro Community Centre (2893 Highway 28, Peterborough).
The business-to-business event is for local producers, processors, restaurants, caterers, retail stores, and institutions looking to make business connections. Each buyer and seller will be scheduled for a tailored series of mini-meetings based on what products are on offer and what the buyers are looking for.
Kawartha Chamber hosts sexual harassment in the workplace seminar in Lakefield on March 25
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar, on the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace, takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25th at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).
The seminar will help you to understand the duties and responsibilities of businesses and organizations including training, obligations to report and investigate, resources, domestic violence, how to deal with a disclosure, what can be considered sexual harassment, and more. The speaker (to be announced) will use real-life examples and encourage discussion amongst the attendees.
Peterborough DBIA hosts business county survey information session in Peterborough on March 25
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting an information session from 7:30 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St, Peterborough).
The information session on the upcoming business county survey being launched by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) will feature guest speaker Rhonda Keenan, PKED president and CEO.
A $5 breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
Brighton & Cramahe Chamber hosts 2020 Business Achievement Awards in Colborne on March 25
The Brighton & Cramahe Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Business Achievement Awards from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25th at Keeler Centre (80 Division St., Colborne).
More details will be forthcoming closer to the event date.
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on March 26
Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli will be the keynote speaker at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting on March 26, 2020. (Photo: Vic Fedeli / LinkedIn)
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th at The StoneHouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
The meeting will include a look back at 2019 and will feature Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli will be the keynote speaker.
Chamber members will be asked to approve the audited financial statements of the corporation and the actions of the board of directors for 2019, as well as proposed by-law changes.
Registration takes place at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., business at 12 p.m., and the guest speaker at 12:30 p.m.
The cost for the meeting, which includes lunch, is $30 plus HST for members and $40 plus HST for non-members. Register at www.peterboroughchamber.ca (registration deadline is Thursday, March 19th).
Trent Hills Chamber hosts mini video bootcamp in Campbellford on March 26
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a mini video bootcamp from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th at Campbellford Community Resource Centre (65 Bridge St. E., Campbellford).
Hosted in partnership with Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, the seminar on how to use video to attract your ideal customer will be presented by local videographer and strategist coach Christine Althouse
Bobcaygeon Chamber hosts Awards of Excellence celebration in Bobcaygeon on April 25
The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Awards of Excellence celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th at Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The event includes a cocktail reception, a sit-down three-course meal, and the awards presentation. Tickets are $55 per person or $440 for a table of eight.
Port Hope Chamber hosts Business Excellence Awards in Cobourg on April 25
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 23rd Annual Business Excellence Awards from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th at Dalewood Golf and Country Club (7465 Dale Rd., Cobourg).
More details will be forthcoming closer to the event date.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
Linz Hunt of Royal LePage Frank Real Estate in Peterborough in the Sahara Desert in November 2019, when she trekked 100 kilometres along with 120 Royal LePage professionals to raise funds for women's shelters and and domestic violence prevention and education programs across Canada. Hunt raised $17,820 in support of YWCA Crossroads Shelter. (Supplied photo)
Linz Hunt of Royal LePage Frank Real Estate in Peterborough has donated $17,820 to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Crossroads Shelter in support of women and children fleeing abuse.
Hunt raised the funds by participating in Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s 2019 Sahara Desert Challenge for Shelter, where a group of 120 Royal LePage professionals journeyed to Morocco in November to trek 100 kilometres across the Sahara Desert over five straight days.
“As a realtor, my job is to sell people homes and I can’t imagine associating a home with fear and danger,” Hunt says. “I chose to contribute more intentionally to the YWCA by taking part in the Sahara trek because of the people I know and love who have experienced gender-based violence.”
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Each member of the trek had to raise a minimum of $5,000 to be eligible to participate.
Hunt raised a total $22,275 from her participation in the event, and chose to donate 80 per cent to YWCA’s Crossroads Shelter and the other 20 per cent to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.
In total, the event raised almost $1.2 million for women’s shelters and domestic violence prevention and education programs across Canada.
Peterborough realtor Linz Hunt met with representatives of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton on March 4, 2020 to present a cheque for $17,820 in support of YWCA Crossroads Shelter. The funds were raised as part of Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s 2019 Sahara Desert Challenge for Shelter. (Supplied photo)
“Every day throughout the trek, we read letters from women and children who had escaped their abusers thanks to the shelters we were supporting,” Hunt says.
“These letters were heartbreaking but they reaffirmed that our journey was nothing in comparison to what these families have gone through. I truly had the experience of a lifetime supporting such an important cause.”
Canadian comedian Brent Butt, creator and star of the award-winning CTV "Corner Gas" sitcom, returns to Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough for a stand-up comedy show on March 30, 2020. (Supplied publicity photo, uncredited)
COVID-19 UPDATE – This event has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. Showplace Performance Centre is suspending its operations until Monday, March 30th in compliance with Ontario’s chief medical officer suggesting the immediate suspension of all gatherings over 250 people because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Showplace is working with its booking agents in an effort to reschedule any affected shows and will keep patrons informed in the coming days.
Most all of us have a happy place.
For some, it takes years to discover where that is while others know early on and, from that day one, make it their mission to get there.
Showplace Presents Brent Butt
When: Monday, March 30, 2020 at 8 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $54 ($49 seniors and students)
Tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
“Once I saw that it was a thing, stand-up comedy made more sense than anything else to me,” reflects Brent Butt of his pre-teen “epiphany moment” that resulted from seeing a stand-up comedian perform for the first time via the family television in Tisdale, Saskatchewan.
“Until then, I didn’t know it (stand-up comedy) was something you could do for a living and, second, it was the only thing that made sense to me,” he says. “When I saw that guy standing there talking and trying to be funny … well, it was what I tried to do with my siblings and my friends all the time.”
“It immediately became my career path. I told my mother that day I wanted to be a stand-up comedian. I thought if I could do that and make a living doing it, I would probably be the most content human being on the planet.”
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On Monday, March 30th, a very content Brent Butt — feet firmly planted in his happy place — will perform at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George Street North, Peterborough, 705-742-7469).
Tickets to the 8 p.m. performance cost $54 ($49 for seniors and students) and are available in person at the Showplace box office, by phone at 705-742-7469, and online at www.showplace.org.
While best known for his role as Brent Leroy on the CTV sitcom Corner Gas, Butt is no one-trick pony. Besides creating Corner Gas and starring in it, he also contributed to its writing and co-executive produced. Later, he wrote and produced the CTV comedy series Hiccups, and co-wrote and starred in the dark comedy No Clue and Corner Gas: The Movie.
VIDEO: Brent Butt on Jeff Dunham @ JFL
Still, for all his various projects, stand-up comedy remains Butt’s thing.
“Stand-up is where I’m most me,” says Butt, who made his debut in February 1988 at a Saskatoon comedy club before joining Yuk Yuk’s roster of comics, eventually moving to Toronto, and performing as part of the touring group, including appearances in Peterborough.
“If I didn’t have a background as a stand-up comedian, if I didn’t continue going on stage and exercising those muscles, it would really hamper my ability to do the other things that I do. I get very itchy if I don’t do a stand-up show in awhile. I miss it and I want to get at it.”
“Every time I step on stage I feel I’m re-realizing the dream that this 12-year-old kid had. I know the vast majority of people aren’t fortunate enough live whatever their childhood dream was. I did and that’s never lost on me.”
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The success of Corner Gas remains something that Butt marvels over. He notes he pitched the idea to his friend and director David Storey, who in turn pitched it to CTV.
“Somehow we convinced them to let us do 13 episodes but, A, surely nobody is going to watch it and, B, there’s not likely to be a season two because sitcoms in Canada, at that time, didn’t have a long and glorious track record,” Butt recalls. “It was ‘Let’s just make a show that we like, that we’re proud of, because that’s all we’re going to be able to take away from this.'”
“Well, the first episode was watched by three times as many people as what we thought our high-water mark would be. It just grew from there. It connected and resonated with people in a way that surprised us all. None of us saw it coming.”
VIDEO: “Corner Gas” Highlights Reel
Set in the fictional town of Dog River, Saskatchewan where Corner Gas, owned and operated by Butt’s character, is the only gas station for miles around, the sitcom aired 107 episodes over six seasons from early 2004 to spring 2009. With a remarkable average of one million viewers per episode, it won nine Canadian Comedy Awards, six Gemini Awards, including two for Butt for Best Male Performance (TV), and an International Emmy Award.
“Who knows what made it work? It if was a recipe, I would have 11 shows on the air, each doing multiple seasons,” says Butt.
“I do believe we did a really good show. I think it was smart, funny, well-acted, well shot … it was all those things. The network did a good job marketing it and was very supportive. But a lot of times shows will have those same things and they don’t click, so there’s some lightning in a bottle that I don’t think anybody will ever be able to put their finger on.”
“Sometimes I wonder if the fact that we didn’t think anybody would watch it made us not worry about whether anybody was going to watch it. The result of that was an intangible authenticity. We weren’t trying to make a show to make people watch. We were trying to make a show we could be proud of. That created a certain authenticity that maybe audiences picked up on.”
Brent Butt’s animated revival of his popular “Corner Gas” sitcom has featured cameos by several Canadian celebrities, including singer Jann Arden, Primer Minister Justin Trudeau, singer Jann Arden, astronaut Chris Hadfield, and actor Michael J. Fox (pictured). The third season of the series premieres later this year on CTV Comedy Channel. (Photo: Brent Butt / @brentbutt Twitter)
The success of the original sitcom (which can currently be streamed on Crave) led to an animated revival on CTV Comedy Channel in 2018, created and co-written by Butt. Corner Gas Animated features the voices of all the original Corner Gas characters, except for Janet Wright who passed away in 2016. CTV Comedy Channel has renewed the show for a third season, airing later this year. As of last fall, U.S. viewers can also stream the series, along with the entire Corner Gas catalogue, on Amazon Prime Video’s IMDb TV.
When it comes to stand-up, as a highly respected and successful member of Canada’s comedy fraternity, Butt remains well positioned to assess the current state of his craft.
“I think, especially at the club level, we’re in a really strong time,” he says. “When I came along, there was a real comedy boom. Every place in the country had a comedy night chicken wing special. But the fact that it was such an in-demand thing led it to become populated with a bunch of comedians who probably shouldn’t have ever gotten into the business.”
“What resulted was that (stand-up) comedy became weak, with audiences hearing the same four jokes reformulated over and over and over. That caused a crash but that crash led to a culling, which was good because a lot of people who were in comedy for the wrong reasons got out.”
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“Comedy again became a thing that not everybody thought they could do and that led to a resurgence of real original thinkers. When I go to a club now to work on new material and see a bunch of comedians in their 20s, I’m really impressed with how different and original and unique so many of them are. I think we’re in great shape. Stand-up is competitive but in a good way, and incredibly supportive. If comedians think you’re funny or decent, they will go to the wall for you, even if they barely know you.”
Butt says his Showplace audience can “expect a dude coming out talking and trying to be funny … a greasy nightclub comedian.” Other than that, anything can happen and often does — “One of the things I learned early on is if I lay out the things I’m going talk about, it loses some spontaneity.”
VIDEO: “Corner Gas Animated” Trailer
“I have way less hair now and I weigh less but, stylistically, I haven’t changed a lot. Like anything, the more you do it, the stronger you get at it. I’m certainly better now at crafting a joke but for the intrinsic part of it, the nuts and bolts, I’m the same.”
“When you’re 20 or 21, you know how the whole world works but my comedy has always sprouted from the stance of ‘I don’t know what going on’. My comedic footing is I don’t understand things, so I was never really that type of person. But I have noticed that there are some things that I did in my act early on that I kind of chuckle over now.”
“I had a really strong stance on certain things then and that could not have been more clear to me at the time. I don’t know that I have the same thoughts now that I’m older. I’m wiser now, but the 20-year-old me set the bar low in terms of wisdom.”
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Currently writing a feature film he hopes to see made, Butt is also writing treatments for other shows. And then of course, there’s his happy place, making with the funny in front of a live audience.
“No complaints on this end,” says Butt. “You hear people say they’re living the dream. When I hear that, it really hits home for me. It’s like ‘Yeah, goddamn … I am.'”
For more information on Brent Butt, visit his website at www.brentbutt.com.
A 20-year-old man is dead after falling through ice while being towed on a toboggan behind a snowmobile.
The incident happened on Bass Lake, northeast of Bobcaygeon, on Saturday afternoon (March 7).
Peterborough County OPP attended the scene after responding to a report of a missing male at around 5:15 p.m.
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The Trent Lakes Fire Department and OPP Aviation Services joined the search on Saturday evening but were unable to locate the missing man.
The OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit was called in to assist with the search on Sunday morning (March 8) and, at around 11:45 a.m., located the man’s body.
Police have identified the victim as 20-year-old Tyler Christine-Bourgeois of Azilda, a community northwest of Sudbury.
His body will be transported to Toronto for a post-mortem examination.
This shot of a shoreline hockey rink in Bobcyageon during the sunrise by Travis Tedford was the top post on our Instagram in February 2020. (Photo: Travis Tedford @travistedford / Instagram)
Oh February! It’s the month of love — don’t miss our Heart Lake photo below — but it’s also the month when many of us lament the long winter and Mother Nature’s wrath of in the form of snow and ice.
But if anything is clear from our selection of top photos this month, it’s that our followers and local photographers still love to get outside. We are persistent in our pursuit of enjoying the Kawarthas in all seasons! I hope you enjoy this month’s selection.
Do you want to get on our top photographers list? All you need is an Insta account and to tag us using our hashtag #kawarthanow when posting your photo.
We share photos from across our readership area, which is the five-county area surrounding Peterborough which includes Peterborough, Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings (we sneak in the occasional Algonquin Park picture as well, particularly if it’s by a Kawartha photographer).
To see our daily shares of photos, follow us on Instagram @kawarthanow and check out our feed’s highlight reels for recaps of every month in 2020.
Posted February 11, 2020. 8,268 impressions, 1,003 likes
Peterborough residents Jon Kolodziej and Dana Beren Watts added a baby to their original snowlar bear just in time for Family Day (and then, later, they added a second baby).
#3. Linda Kash as the Philly Cream Cheese Angel by kawarthaNOW @kawarthanow
Posted February 26, 2020. 8,175 impressions, 322 likes
A photo of Peterborough’s own Linda Kash as Canada’s iconic Philly Cream Cheese Angel, supplied by Philly Canada for our story about the company’s casting call for the next Philly Angel.
Posted February 10, 2020. 7,807 impressions, 842 likes
Local wildlife photographer Dave Ellis captured this young adult bald eagle coming in for a landing. “Notice it still has just a touch of brown on its head indicating that it is not quite a fully matured adult,” he writes.
Posted February 14, 2020. 6,498 impressions, 623 likes
We posted this drone shot of Heart Lake near Ompah (in Frontenac County southwest of Ottawa) in honour of Valentine’s Day. The lake is so popular among Instagrammers that Frontenac County issued a caution in fall 2019, as people were trespassing on private property and walking through Crown land during hunting season without wearing the proper attire.
Posted February 9, 2020. 6,177 impressions, 609 likes
North America’s indigenous peoples had names for full moons throughout the year, which settlers adopted and translated into English. A full moon in February is called the Snow Moon, but is also known as the Hunger Moon or the Storm Moon, reflecting the conditions of the season.
#8. Husky and a winter sunset by Travis Tedford @travistedford
Posted February 4, 2020. 5,445 impressions, 501 likes
Photographer Travis Tedford, who also took the #1 photo on our Instagram this month, scores again with this dynamic shot of a husky running across the ice in Bobaygeon.
Posted February 19, 2020. 5,404 impressions, 472 likes
Amateur nature photographer Keith Manser captured this barred owl resting on a fence post near his home. Also known as a hoot owl, the barred owl’s “who-cooks-for-you” call is often heard in forests across North America.
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