This year's annual Kawartha Rotary Christmas Auction aims to raise $28,000 for the purchase and training of Isaac, the newest member of the Peterborough Police Service's Canine Unit, pictured with his handler Constable Bob Cowie. Featuring around 250 items, the auction opens on Monday, November 19th and closes on Sunday, December 2nd. (Photo: Dean Ostrander / Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
For Dean Ostrander and his fellow Rotarians, it’s begun to feel a lot like Christmas — and that’s music to the ears of the Peterborough Police Service.
Along with Kim Groenendyk, Ostrander is co-chair of the Kawartha Rotary Christmas Auction which, this year, aims to raise $28,000 for the purchase and training of Isaac, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois cross that will become a full-fledged member of the service come late December.
Set to open at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 19th and close on Sunday, December 2nd, the annual online auction will see some 250 items up for grabs to the highest bidders.
Payment can be made online via PayPal or the following week at the item pick-up location at Realty Executives Alison Ltd. (77 Lansdowne St. W., Suite 100, Peterborough). Cash and debit are preferred so more of the proceeds can go to support the addition of Issac to the K9 unit, but VISA and MasterCard will also be accepted.
“(Rotarian) Carl (Brown) brought it up for the club to help with the purchase of Isaac,” recalls Ostrander, a relatively new member of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha that meets early Thursday mornings at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.
“I looked at Kim and we both had the same idea: this would be fantastic for the auction. We felt it was a really good fit. You’re looking to breathe new life into the auction. It’s been going on for more than 20 years. To have something like this to get behind is just a lot of fun.”
That was clearly evident on October 26th when several Rotarians, club president Brian Prentice among them, gathered at the Peterborough police station to meet Isaac and his partner, Constable Bob Cowie.
This is the second year that Ostrander and Groenendyk have co-chaired the fundraiser. Last year, under their watch, the auction raised $25,000 that went towards the club’s commitment to the construction of the Rotary Outdoor Gym at Beavermead.
Last year’s Kawartha Rotary Christmas Auction raised $25,000 for the construction of the Rotary Outdoor Gym at Beavermead Park, a gift from the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha and the Peterborough Rotary Club with support from the City of Peterborough. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Items available to bid on typically run the gamut — from Leaf tickets to gift certificates from local equipment suppliers, from Showplace tickets to items donated by local businesses.
“This project does involve every member … that’s how we get to that 250 items,” explains Ostrander, noting many members who are business owners themselves donate items.
“I’m always very amazed at the level of giving in this community. I can only imagine the number of requests (for donations) that businesses get. Everybody steps up so well for so many things.”
Being a Rotarian is a perfect fit for Ostrander. As donor relations lead for Community Care Peterborough, his volunteer work on the service club’s behalf is an extension of what he does for a living. Becoming a member some 1-1/2 years ago simply made sense.
Isaac is a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix who is in training to become the newest member of the Peterborough Police Service’s Canine Unit, thanks to support from the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha. (Photo: Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
“I knew (Rotarian) Doug Lockington and, after I did a presentation (on Community Care) to Rotary, I talked to him,” recalls Ostrander.
“What drew me was the impact Rotary has on the community, not just locally but globally as well. I also found the Four Way Test (Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?) stuck with me.
“These are great people that come together to do great things for the community. I’ve always been community-minded, having volunteered in the past for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. It resonated with me that this is one more step I can take to help out with community events.”
Still, like members of service clubs throughout the area, Ostrander is aware that increasing membership remains a challenge, what with varying demands on people’s time.
“We tick along pretty good but membership is something we’re always striving for,” he says, noting his club has just more than 40 members.
“We’re only as strong as our membership. We have to let people know the impact Rotary has, not just on a local level but on a global basis too. There are so many opportunities to explore things you never thought you could explore. Rotary has given me that opportunity.”
In the past, the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha also funded the acquisition and training of K9 Harris, pictured here with his handler Sergeant Jeff Chartier. Harris retired in 2011 and died in 2015. (Photo: Peterborough Police Service)
Rotarians have been collecting donations for the auction since September, but items are still welcome. Those who would like to donate an item can call Ostrander at 705-957-4209 to make arrangements or connect via the club’s Facebook page.
The raising of money for the purchase and training of a police service dog isn’t new for the Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club. In 2004, K9 Harris — named after Rotary founder Paul Harris — was likewise funded. Harris served until his retirement in 2011 (he died in 2015).
For more information about the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, including how to become a member, visit portal.clubrunner.ca/220/.
The ReFrame Film Festival returns for its 15th year under new leadership from January 24 to 27, 2019. Creative Director Amy Siegel and Festival Director Jay Adam have been working diligently with their programming committee over the past several months to bring almost 70 thought-provoking films to the 2019 festival. Early bird tickets and festival passes available now. (Supplied photo)
For 15 years, the ReFrame Film Festival has brought critical awareness of social justice to Peterborough filmgoers in its annual celebration of documentary film and art.
According to the dynamic new team now leading the next era for the festival, resistance and youth will be strong themes in the near 70 films that will be shown during the four-day festival, which takes place at multiple venues in downtown Peterborough from January 24 to 27, 2019.
A new leadership team and a newly redesigned website are some of the changes for the 15th annual ReFrame documentary film festival, running January 24 to 27, 2019 at multiple venues in downtown Peterborough. (Graphic: ReFrame Film Festival)
Sneak peeks
Early bird tickets and festival passes on sale now!
January 24 to 27, 2019 will mark the 15th annual ReFrame Film Festival that celebrates documentary film and art and raises awareness of social justice, profiling activists and activism locally and internationally. Opening night will take place Thursday. January 24, 2019 at Showplace Performance Centre and tickets (along with a limited number of early bird festival passes) are now available online at the new ReFrame website at reframefilmfestival.ca.
“The program this year is full of inspiring stories from near and far,” says ReFrame’s new Creative Director Amy Siegel.
Amy isn’t giving away any secrets but can’t conceal her excitement about the line-up of films that promises to promote action for positive change.
“We had a record number of 200 submissions this year and worked hard with an incredible programming committee to shape yet another thought-provoking season of films. Keep an eye out for some exciting post-film happenings at The Theatre on King, as well as experiential exhibits at other downtown locations as part of the 15-year anniversary celebration.”
Festival Director Jay Adam — another new addition to the festival team who replaced festival co-founder Krista English after she departed on last year — concurs.
“We strive to engage the community in thoughtful dialogue about diversity, human rights, and environmental responsibility,” he says. “This year, we’ll be asking our audience to give us critical feedback about how we’re doing, and where we should be heading, to help us make sure that the next 15 years are even more successful.”
An audience gathers for a screening at the 2018 ReFrame Film Festival at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. The documentary film festival returns for its 15th year under new leadership from January 24 to 27, 2019, with early bird tickets and festival passes available now. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
There will be many opportunities for filmgoers to have their say in surveys, online, and at ReFrame venues as part of this year’s community art project.
Adam says he’s looking forward to working with new and returning community partners this year and welcomes organizations and businesses out there to join in the collaboration.
“ReFrame is made by and for Peterborough — from the dozens of film sponsors that connect ReFrame stories, to great work being done in the community, to the generosity of our local business partners, and our amazing team of year-round volunteers.”
The Board of Directors of the ReFrame Film Festival (left to right, front to back): Deborah Berrill. Richard Peachey, Carolyn Kay (secretary), Mbo Mtetwa (vice chair), Susan Bacque (Chair, Strategic Planning Working Group), Jordan Bowden, Julia Harrison (Chair), An Kosurko, Shaoling Wang, and Glen Jones (incoming Treasurer, February 2019). Not pictured: current Treasurer Grant Conrad. (Supplied photo)
Chair of the board of directors Julia Harrison reflects on Reframe past, present and future.
“ReFrame has steadily grown from a grassroots organization to a major presence on the Peterborough arts calendar,” she says. “Our 15th anniversary allows us a chance to reflect on all that the festival has contributed socially, culturally, artistically and economically to our community.
“Jay and Amy, our new staff team, working with a crew of dedicated volunteers and short term staff are ready to launch ReFrame into its next exciting chapter. Join us on the journey!”
“ReFrame Types: A Community Art Project” was one of the special events at the 2018 ReFrame Film Festival. The 15-year anniversary celebration of the 2019 festival will feature some post-film events as well as experiential exhibits. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
Great news for ReFrame fans: the Festival Pass returns
In response to feedback from festival audiences, ReFrame will be bringing back the Festival Pass that includes all shows from Friday to Sunday, a change from having to buy tickets separately for evening features.
Festival Pass holders will receive discounted pricing on the Thursday evening opening presentation. For early bird pricing, visit reframefilmfestival.ca (a limited supply will be available online only).
Regular in-store ticket sales will open on December 3rd, 2018 in Peterborough at the GreenUP Store (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough, 705-745-3238) and Watson & Lou (383 Water St., Peterborough, 705-775-7568), in Lakefield at Happenstance Books and Yarn ()44 Queen St., Lakefield, 705-652-7535), and in Millbrook at Pastry Peddler (17 King St. E., Millbrook, 705-932-7333).
In response to feedback from festival audiences, ReFrame is bringing back the Festival Pass for 2019. The pass includes all shows from Friday to Sunday, a change from having to buy tickets separately for evening features. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
See you in January!
There are plenty of ways to get in on the fun for ReFrame 2019.
You can also kick off the giving season and support a local event by helping REACH for ReFrame through a one-time or monthly donation. ReFrame is a registered Canadian charity, so all donations over $25 are tax-deductible.
A volunteer at the 2018 ReFrame Film Festival at Showplace in downtown Peterborough. Volunteer opportunities are available for the 15th annual festival that runs from January 24 to 27, 2019. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
For full details on how to get involved, visit ReFrame’s newly redesigned website at reframefilmfestival.ca, where you can also get ahead on stocking stuffers and grab your Festival Passes now to benefit from the early bird pricing,.
And don’t miss out on raffle tickets, which will be available at ticket locations.
ReFrame is grateful for early support as it gets things up and running for a smooth festival. Watch for the full lineup of films and events early in the New Year.
A native of Ireland now living in PEI, Irish Mythen brings her heartfelt and powerful songs to the stage of the Market Hall in Peterborough on November 21, 2018. Toronto singer-songwriter Jory Nash will be opening. (Publicity photo)
As part of an Ontario tour, acclaimed PEI singer-songwriter Irish Mythen is performing at the Market Hall in Peterborough on Wednesday, November 21st, with special guest opener Jory Nash.
Market Hall presents Irish Mythen
When: Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) How much: $23 general admission, $28 assigned cabaret table seat
With special guest opener Jory Nash. Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
As you might have assumed from her first name, Mythen was born in Ireland. In County Wexford in fact, with her full name being Jane Irish Theresa Monica Bernadette Mythen.
She went to school in Dublin but, as her father worked worked for Aer Lingus (the Irish airline) as an engineer, the family moved around a lot. When she was a teenager, the Mythen family moved to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
“I hated it,” she says in a 2018 interview with The Irish World. “I hated being taken from free Ireland, where I could do anything I wanted, to be there which was so restricting.”
To keep her busy, her parents got her a guitar, which she taught herself how to play. She soon she discovered she also had a talent for singing and songwriting. So much so, her parents took their 15-year-old daughter to a folk night at the Al Ain Palace Hotel.
“That was my first gig and the minute I got up on stage it was like electric,” she recalls. “For me it was just incredible.”
VIDEO: “Tullamore Blues” – Irish Mythen
Growing up, she was only allowed to listen to her parents’ music — traditional Irish music, Irish folk musicians like Makem and Clancy, and American folk musicians like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter Paul & Mary.
“At the time I thought I was stuck with my parents, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” Mythen tells Roger Levesque in a 2018 interview in the Edmonton Journal. “What really got me going were the live performances of Irish troubadours and bands, true and absolute entertainers. That’s what really drew me to being the performer that I am.”
Later she went to the “rock school” at the Ballyfermot College of Further Education in Dublin, where she learned the business and performance side of being a musician (but not to write or read music, which she still does entirely by ear).
VIDEO: “Jesus” – Irish Mythen
At the age of 19, she moved to Sweden from where she toured extensively across Europe, recording her debut album Republic of One in 1999. She then moved to Australia, where she recorded her EP Appreciate in 2003.
In 2006, she performed at The Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso, Nova Scotia, where she has played every year since. She recorded her second EP Fallen Me in 2006, and then her second album Sweet Necessity in Ontario in 2007. During this time, she lived in Nova Scotia and then New Brunswick before settling in Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island in 2007.
“I just fell right in love with it,” she says. “Like it was this mini Ireland.”
VIDEO: “Did You Ever” – Irish Mythen
In 2011, she released her third album Open Here, which was nominated in the Roots Traditional Recording of the Year award category at the 2012 East Coast Music Awards. Her latest album, the self-titled Irish Mythen, was released in 2014 and gained her recognition around the globe and accolades at home, winning the East Coast Music Association 2015 Roots Album of the Year and the 2016 PEI SOCAN Songwriter of the Year for the track “Gypsy Dancer”.
Mythen’s diminutive stature (she’s only five feet tall) belies her powerful voice, aggressive guitar playing, and charismatic performances.
“I had no idea what to expect when this five foot nothing lady took the stage, all smiles and twinkling eyes and guitar,” says Lisa Schwartz, director of the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
“Then, she opened her mouth and out flew a voice that came straight from the Heavens with all the power and the glory and the truth of someone destined to be a singer. I’ve been blessed with seeing and hearing a lot of talented musicians in my life, but I have never experienced anyone quite like Irish Mythen. She is a force of nature and a gift from Almighty Herself.”
VIDEO: “Gypsy Dancer” – Irish Mythen
Mythen is sometimes compared to k.d. lang, but perhaps only because she also wears her hair short and is openly gay (she has given talks in colleges and universities about the challenges of being gay in the music business).
“Usually, if it happens, I get it pre show,” she says of the lang comparison. “But I never get it post show. Being compared to a great artiste like that is never a bad thing, but there is the short hair and the lesbian issue and that kind of thing that they sometimes compare.”
Those familiar with Mythen’s music and those who have seen her perform recognize her as a great artist in her own right. She has a devoted following in Australia, and in Canada she has been voted the third most-requested artist to return to the Mariposa Folk Festival — after Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot.
Mythen’s next album is planned for release in December 2018. The 12-track record will feature guest musicians including Catherine MacLellan and Joey Landreth, and songs on timely and controversial topics ranging from the Catholic church to immigration.
“There’s no point in putting your hand up and saying you’re a folk musician if you don’t make people think, if you don’t make people uncomfortable at times,” she says.
“I like to make people hold the mirror up a little, but with great care. I don’t see the tragedy of this time as the turmoil we’re living in. The greatest tragedy is we keep repeating the same shit.”
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Jory Nash, who has just released his nine album, will be opening for Irish Mythen at the Market Hall in Peterborough on November 21, 2018. (Publicity photo)
Opening for Mythen at her November 21st show is Toronto-based singer-songwriter and storyteller Jory Nash, who will perform his original blend of folk, jazz, blues, pop, and soul. The award-winning musician has recorded nine critically acclaimed albums over his 20-year career, with the latest being Wilderness Years released this past summer.
Tickets are $23 for general admission, or $28 for an assigned cabaret table seat, available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
This month we look at snack food favourites reinvented by local businesses. The Pastry Peddler in Millbrook has come up with its own version of the Passion Flakie, with different flavours every "Flaky Friday". Pictured is lemon curd, raspberry preserve, and fresh cream. (Photo: Brad Katz / Pastry Peddler)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher finds locally made recreations of junk food favourites, discovers a new vegan holiday market in Peterborough, finds Cobourg’s new Indian restaurant, browses The Monaghan Cafe’s new dinner menu, and learns how to make healthy holiday appetizers with Tiny Greens.
Food trend: mass-produced snacks reinvented
Mass-produced snack foods: so craveable and yet often so disappointing. Local businesses are creating their own homemade versions of some of your favourite guilty pleasures that will have even the naysayers digging in.
Vegan Sweet Home makes vegan s’more and strawberry pop tarts. (Photo: Vegan Sweet Home)
The Pastry Peddler (17 King St., Millbrook, 705-932-7333) celebrates Flaky Friday with its own version of the Passion Flakie, rotating the flavours every week.
The basic recipe is a puff pastry with cream and a flavoured filling. Past flavours have included lemon curd, raspberry, cherry and white chocolate, raspberry chocolate, and banana caramel.
Peterborough home baker Vegan Sweet Home (www.vegansweethome.com) has reinvented the Pop Tart. While not a weekly offering, Vegan Sweet Home offers its variation of the snack in both strawberry and s’more flavours.
Owner Courtney Vanden Anker says that the tarts bring people back to their childhood.
“I love how excited people get when I make them. Who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again?”
Have you noticed any other local businesses reinventing junk food favourites?
Vegfestivus: Peterborough Vegfest offers a new holiday popup
Vegfestivus is a new vegan holiday market with 25 vendors. (Photo: Peterborough Vegfest)
There’s a new vegan holiday market coming to Peterborough.
Vegfestivus will take place on Saturday, December 1st from 12 pm to 4pm at Emmanuel United Church (534 George St. N., Peterborough) The cost of admission is $2.
Vegfestivus is organized by Peterborough Vegfest. Natalie Stephenson of Peterborough Vegfest says that, after the success of the festival in September, a holiday popup was a natural next step.
The market will offer a variety of gifts and festive food items from 25 different vendors, all of which are vegan and vegetarian friendly. This will include vegan nut cheeses, baked goods, preserves, sustainable clothing, crafts, bath and body products and more.
Natalie sums it up as “great gift ideas for a greener and more compassionate holiday season.”
The emphasis is on local businesses, but Natalie says that there are still some vegan items that you just can’t buy locally.
“There are still some gaps locally that businesses should jump into, because the demand is so high. I really feel that we need more people doing local vegan products.”
The event is open to everybody.
“It’s a great place to find a gift for someone in your life that is looking for compassionate choices, or if you’re interested in treading lightly on the earth, there’s something for you. There’s something for everyone.”
Natalie also points out that the vegan marketplace is a great place to find foods that are allergen friendly.
Taste of Agra: Indian food in Cobourg
Taste of Agra in Cobourg offers authentic Indian food, including butter chicken, vindaloo shrimp, and a variety of meat and vegetarian curries. (Photo: Taste of Agra)
Cobourg now has an Indian restaurant: Taste of Agra (20 King St W, Cobourg, 905-372-1655) began its soft launch in late October and, since then, the crowds have been near constant.
Owner Rajah Kanapathippillai wanted to give Cobourg diners more options.
“There was no Indian restaurant in Cobourg and people love Indian food.”
He says that the number one dish is butter chicken, but vindaloo shrimp is also very popular. Rajah’s favourite dish is the lamb curry — with a side of naan of course. Vegetarian dishes are also available.
Chef S. Rahman of Taste of Agra has almost 40 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. Prior to Taste of Agra’s soft launch in October, there were no Indian restaurants in Cobourg. (Photo: Taste of Agra)
Rajah hired Chef S. Rahman, a veteran of Toronto and New York Indian restaurants with a total of almost 40 years’ experience.
The restaurant has been appointed in authentic Indian style. Rajah often vacations in India, and he ordered the restaurant’s décor directly.
“I just want people to come here and have it be comfortable and nice.”
The Monaghan Cafe dinner menu is casual fine dining at its best
The Monaghan Cafe has developed a reputation for innovative and exquisitely plated brunches. Pictured is a Turkey Benedict, created as a Thanksgiving special. The restaurant is launching a new dinner menu this month. (Photo: The Monaghan Cafe)
Beginning November 16th, The Monaghan Cafe (1017 Monaghan Rd, Peterborough, 705-743-4800) will offer a dinner menu.
Chef and owner Jeffrey Wilfong says the change is a response to customer requests, but also his previous tenure as chef at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton made him feel ready to expand.
“There has been really good feedback from our guests and it’s my background doing casual fine dining, homestyle with a twist. So I obliged.”
Jeffrey felt that it was important to offer local residents a place to gather in the evening.
“We want to be that little place in the neighbourhood, so people don’t have to go downtown.”
The Monaghan Cafe’s dinner menu launches on November 16, 2018. (Photo: The Monaghan Cafe)
What can you expect from the new menu? Jeffrey describes it as “fresh, local, and everything is in season.”
There is a braised lamb shank in a red wine rosemary sauce served with creamy risotto, or hand-made duck confit ravioli with a sundried cherry cream sauce.
Vegetarians can opt for a spicy coconut curry with eggplant and tofu, or “The Glorious Bowl,” which contains halloumi cheese, spicy pesto, and spaghetti squash.
The menu also includes a variety of starters, such as a house-cured salmon gravlax on a potato latke served with a pickled beet and goat cheese crème fraiche.
Healthy holiday appetizers, drinks, and desserts with Tiny Greens Plant Cafe
Tiny Greens is making the holiday season healthier for participants in their healthy holiday appetizers workshop. (Photo: Tiny Greens)
It can be difficult to eat healthfully over the holidays. After all, ’tis the season of cheese, chocolate, and egg nog.
However, Tiny Greens Plant Cafe (431 George St N, Peterborough, 705-874-7554) is offering a tasting workshop designed to offer some alternatives for the festive season.
Owner Tina Bromley says that the workshop is a great way to get some holiday inspiration in an interactive environment.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s all different plant-based, vegan, healthy appetizers geared toward the holiday season when you’re entertaining.”
Think vegan cheese platters, holiday tarts, kid-friendly fruit snacks, chocolate truffles, and superfood candy cane lattes. Many items are nut based.
As they learn, Tina encourages participants to taste their creations.
“Feel free to come hungry.”
Although healthy options are the focus, Tina says that you can still expect incredible flavour.
“Even though it’s a healthy take on the holidays, we always try to wow people with how delicious healthy eating can be.”
Every participant will be sent home with an edible microgreen centrepiece — a perfect item for the holiday buffet table.
The workshop takes place Thursday, November 15th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $37 and are available through Eventbrite.
Mayor-elect Diane Therrien will be sworn into office on November 26, 2018. The 32-year-old former Town Ward councillor is only the third woman ever to hold the office of Mayor in Peterborough. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
In late November 2014, just weeks after being elected to Peterborough City Council as a first-time representative for Town Ward, a just-glad-to-be-here Diane Therrien admitted to being “a bit nervous” over what laid ahead.
Four years on, nervousness has been replaced by confidence; apprehension substituted with optimism.
“When people say ‘Your Worship,’ I’m like ‘Oh please, don’t call me that’,” says the 32 year old who, on October 22nd, was elected Peterborough’s 62nd mayor. “I’m still me.”
Therrien is just the third woman to hold the city’s top elected position since 1850 — the others being Aileen Holt in 1962, appointed when Mayor Stanley McBride retired to become sheriff, and Sylvia Sutherland, from 1986 to 1991 and again from 1998 to 2006.
“Many people in this community are really hurting and struggling. The role of mayor isn’t daunting, but there are expectations and there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that. But this is a very caring community; we take care of each other. We need to do more of that. I am confident we can do a lot of good things and that we will.”
When mayor-elect Therrien, along with her 10 council colleagues, is sworn into office on Monday, November 26th — the open-to-the-public event is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Friends of the Library Community Room at the Peterborough Public Library — the city’s political landscape will take on a new dynamic with four elected female members among its number (Therrien along with Lesley Parnell, Kim Zippel, and Kemi Akapo) as well as two people of colour (Akapo and Stephen Wright).
Mayor-elect Diane Therrien sat down over coffee at Dreams of Beans in downtown Peterborough for an in-depth interview with kawarthaNOW.com writer Paul Rellinger. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
“When I first ran four years ago, I ran because I felt there were perspectives missing around the table,” says Therein, admitting, both then and now, she heard from more than one naysayer concerned about her youthfulness.
“It’s good to have people with experience, but you also need young people. We think in a different way and were raised to be more environmentally conscious and to seek out different perspectives. Under 50 (years old) are young for being on council in this town. This sets the tone that Peterborough is ready for change and is becoming more diverse.”
Sitting down for an early morning coffee at Dreams of Beans, Therrien reflects on the journey that has brought her to this place at this time. It’s clear early on that her bid for the mayor’s chair was rooted in much more than the lure of a better parking spot at City Hall.
“I talked to a lot of people when I first thought about running for mayor,” says Therrien.
“Some people were ‘Ya, that would be great’ and then there were people that were like ‘No, you should wait another four years.’ But once I made the decision (to run), I had a core team of people around me. I was ‘OK, let’s do it.’ Four years is a long time to wait when you feel that the city you love isn’t going in the direction that you would like to see, and when decisions being made are not made considering the long-term impacts on our community.”
That decision made, Therrien announced her candidacy on May 3, 2018. A few weeks later, Peterborough restaurateur Cameron Green did likewise and, just prior to the nomination deadline in late July, Mayor Daryl Bennett announced he was seeking re-election. When Green dropped his name from the ballot, the mayoralty contest became a two-horse race.
“That provided a really definitive choice,” reflects Therrien.
“There were people who didn’t want to vote for Daryl and there were people who didn’t want to vote for me. He (Green) would have taken votes from both of us. If there were a bunch of people running (for mayor) it would have been different, but it was very clear: do we want the status quo or do we want to try and do something more forward-thinking and creative?”
Courtesy of a wide margin — Therrien garnered a very impressive 19,254 votes for a 69 per cent share of the total votes cast for mayor — the status quo absorbed a good old-fashioned butt kicking.
Transportation, land annexation, term limits for members of council, and ranked ballot voting are some of the items Dianne Therrien plans to address during her term as Mayor of Peterborough. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
“My team thought it (the final result) would be close … I had a sense from knocking on doors that people were looking for change,” says Therrien, admitting to surprise over her margin of victory.
In the aftermath, she advises those who feel her lack of business experience will be a debilitating handicap had best think again.
“It’s important to recognize that City Hall has an entire staff that bring forward the reports and do the budgets and all of that, so you don’t necessarily need to have that same business experience,” she says.
“That said, I have managed budgets before and I have managed staff. This city doesn’t need to be run like a business. We’re not trying to make money for shareholders. Any money we make as a city we need to be reinvesting into our people.
“If you’re going to run it, it should be run more like a non-profit. Sure, it’s good to have some business acumen — I’ve worked in the private sector, so I get that — but we can’t forget our key job is to take care of our community.”
Born in Mississauga, Therrien attended McMaster University in Hamilton. After receiving her undergrad in History and Peace Studies, she came to Peterborough to attend Trent University. In 2012, she graduated with her Masters from the Canadian Indigenous Studies program and went on to a contract position as a policy advisor with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs in Toronto.
But Peterborough soon tugged at her heart and she returned, taking a three-year contract with the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network. In 2014, she set her sights on a city council seat and was elected at age 28.
“When I ran for council in 2014, people were like ‘Well, you’re not from here. Nobody knows who you are. You’re never going to win,'” says Therrien.
“There was a similar sentiment from some people this time around, even though I’ve chosen to build my life here. I met many people at the door who are also from away. There were also people from here who said it’s nice to have someone running who isn’t from here. Ten or 20 years ago, I’m not sure that would have happened.”
Anxious to meet with City staff, both those in management and the rank and file, Therrien makes few promises of what her first year as mayor will look like, but she does pledge a style of leadership will be “inherently collaborative.”
“There was a perception the last couple of years that council was divided,” she explains. “I want to move past that. I want everybody on board. We’ve got a bunch of new people and we’re going to be dealing with a bunch of new issues, so let’s come together as a team. Who cares about what happened in the last term of council? It’s a new page.”
Diane Therrien first ran for city council four years ago because she felt there were perspectives missing around the table. As Peterborough’s new Mayor, she will be leading a more diverse council. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
As for hot button issues that remain a challenge, such as The Parkway extension and land annexation, Therrien makes her position on each clear.
“Economically and environmentally, it (The Parkway extension) doesn’t make sense to me,” she says.
“I need to work with staff and council on a transportation solution, particularly for the north end. I know it’s bad. Chemong (Road) is a disaster. I want to get on that ASAP. We need to be doing things immediately to address the concerns around cut-through traffic on residential streets and speeding. There are some quick wins while we figure out the bigger transportation solution.
“I’m meeting with (Cavan-Monaghan mayor-elect) Scott McFadden this week to chat about annexation. I know there’s been interest in Selwyn doing a joint industrial park. The annexation proposal put forth a few years ago did not make sense financially. We don’t need that much land. As for the residential piece, we need to get our Official Plan in place before we even look at that.”
Also on Therrien’s radar is the implementation of term limits for members of council, as well as ranked ballot voting as opposed to the current first-past-the-post voting system.
Aware she will be under the microscope from the moment she first adorns the chain of office, Therrien is clearly anxious to get down to work. Her enthusiasm aside, what will success look like one year from now?
“Having a council that’s working together and agrees on the budget process will be an indicator of success.
“I’m going to be doing community drop-ins in the new year. If no one has yelled at me or thrown anything, that’ll be a sign of success.
“And if we can get some quick wins, that will be good.”
Editor’s note: The new City Council was originally to be inaugurated at Peterborough City Hall on Monday, December 3rd, followed by a general committee and a budget committee meeting. Instead, the inauguration has been moved to Monday, November 26th at the Peterborough Public Library to allow for more seating. The December 3rd meeting in Council chambers at City Hall will be dedicated to the Finance Committee, General Committee, and Special Council. The first meeting of the full council — and the only one before the New Year — is scheduled for Monday, December 10th.
Joel Wiebe and Terry Gueil of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) with Theresa Foley of Showplace Performance Centre, Jonathan Moreno of Wild Rock Outfitters, and James and Lena Wallwork of Lift Lock Escape, at the launch of the 2018 Holiday Shopping Passport Program at Wild Rock Outfitters on November 12, 2018. Showplace and Lift Lock Escape are two of the new organizations and businesses participating in this year's program. (Supplied photo)
Earlier today (November 12) at Wild Rock Outfitters in downtown Peterborough, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) launched its bigger and better Holiday Shopping Passport program.
The program rewards people for supporting local businesses by shopping, dining, and more in downtown Peterborough. More than 140 businesses and organizations are participating this year — including, for the first time, Showplace Performance Centre and the Market Hall.
Every time you spend $10 at a participating business or organization, a box on your passport will be stamped. When your passport is filled (20 stamps or $200 worth in spending), you complete the form and drop it off at a ballot box at one of the participating locations.
Each completed passport is a ballot for a draw to win “downtown money” (gift certificates that can be redeemed at participating businesses and organizations). Three early bird prizes of $500 in downtown money will be drawn on the first three Wednesdays of December (5, 12, and 19) with a grand prize of $1,500 in downtown money to be drawn on Wednesday, January 9th.
VIDEO: 2018 Downtown Peterborough Holiday Shopping Passport Program
For the first time, this year you can have your passport stamped when you purchase tickets at the box offices of Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) and Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St N, Peterborough).
Another new participant this year is Lift Lock Escape (351A George St. N., Peterborough). The entertainment business, which opened this past August, features an escape room, virtual reality gaming, and a board game cafe all in one location.
See a list of all 144 Holiday Passport locations below.
Also new this year is a complimentary stamp at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough). Sign out a book during passport season and receive a free stamp for using library services.
Once again in 2018, you can get a complimentary stamp (limit one per person) when you drop by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism office (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The Holiday Shopping Passport program, which Peterborough DBIA has been running annually for several years, has proven to be popular with shoppers and a boon for downtown businesses. When the program first launched, shoppers stamped $500,000 worth of passports. Last year, the amount grew to $1.9 million.
“It’s easy to understand why people love the Holiday Shopping Passports,” DBIA executive director Terry Guiel says. “Spend your money locally in downtown Peterborough for a chance to win more money to spend at your favourite shops and restaurants. This program just keeps getting bigger and better.”
You can also use the Holiday Shopping Passport on Black Friday (November 23), when more than 100 participating downtown Peterborough businesses are hosting some of their biggest sales of the year. And, beginning on Black Friday and until the end of December, you can park for free for two hours courtesy of the City of Peterborough Parking Division.
The Innovation Cluster and Trent Business Students Association have teamed up to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week this week with a series of events, including the Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition for Trent University and Fleming College students on November 15, 2018. Pictured are the winners of the 2017 Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition, where five teams each took home $500. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
Every week, our managing editor collects business-related news and events from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
This week’s round-up of business news features the Innovation Cluster and Trent Business Students Association celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week with daily events, the Ontario government announcing grants for rural communities in the Kawarthas, the recipients of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Awards of Excellence, and the Digital Main Street grants program for small “main street” businesses and local business groups.
Also featured is the recognition of Peterborough Utilities as one of Canada’s safest employers, Kawartha Credit Union staff raising funds for neonatal intensive care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, a local entrepreneur appearing on CBC Dragons’ Den, and Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo being recognized for energy conservation.
New regional business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s breakfast meeting on augmented reality in business on November 13th, the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s business fundamentals workshop on November 14th, the application deadline for the federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund on November 15th, the Kawartha Family Business Group cannabis and the workplace seminar in Peterborough on November 19th, more details about the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum on November 20th, and a seminar in Peterborough on emerging issues in human resources law on November 27th.
Innovation Cluster and Trent Business Students Association celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week
kawarthaNOW.com publisher Jeannine Taylor (far left) at a FastStart Peterborough E-Connect networking event. Nancy Nickle and Tracey Ormond will be the speakers at the E-Connect event at The Venue in Peterborough on November 13, 2018 during Global Entrepreneurship Week. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
This week (November 12-16) is the ninth annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, an international initiative celebrated across six continents that connects entrepreneurs through networking events, organizations, educational groups, and more.
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas has partnered with the Trent Business Students Association (TBSA) to hold and promote various events for anyone interested in becoming more connected within the local entrepreneurial community.
Events are happening each day throughout the week, including the FastStart Peterborough’s E-Connect seminar, a women in business networking event, social gatherings, and the Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition.
“We are very excited to help host so many events this week for aspiring entrepreneurs and students to meet new people and learn more about the resources available in Peterborough,” says Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist at the Innovation Cluster.
“The events hosted this week are a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to meet potential collaborators, mentors, and investors.”
Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated in 170 countries, and has previously had 20,000 partners holding 35,000 events with 10 million people.
“Global Entrepreneurship Week is something the TBSA looks forward to every year,” says TBSA president Mackenzie Mills. “It’s incredibly exciting to be bringing together this community of entrepreneurs through a week of engaging events and networking opportunities.”
The list of events include:
Monday, November 12th: TBSA Entrepreneurship Week Opening Ceremony Breakfast Launch from 9 to 11 a.m. in OCA 203 at Otonabee College at Trent University and Startups in the City radio show (12:30 p.m. on Trent Radio 92.7FM)
Tuesday, November 13th: E-Connect networking event featuring Nancy Nickle and Tracey Ormond from 6 to 8 p.m. (The Venue, 286 George Street North)
Wednesday, November 14th: TBSA Women in Business networking event from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Ceilie (1770 West Bank Dr., Peterborough)
Thursday, November 15th: Meet the Entrepreneur Networking Social from 4 to 6 p.m. at McThirsty’s Pint (166 Charlotte St., Peterborough) and the Pitch It! entrepreneurial competition from 7 to 10 p.m. in Room B3250 at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough)
Friday, November 16th: Global Entrepreneurship Week Closing Ceremonies from 6 to 9 p.m. at Junction Nightclub (275 George St., Peterborough)
Ontario government announces funding for rural communities in the Kawarthas
Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MPP Laurie Scott (second from left) with representatives of Abbey Retreat Centre in Haliburton County, which offers integrative programs for people living with cancer and their primary support person. The centre is receiving $55,300 from the Ontario Govermment’s Rural Economic Development program. (Supplied photo)
Peterborough Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MPP Laurie Scott made several funding announcements in the Kawarthas last week (November 5-9) on behalf of Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman.
The funding announcements were made under the Ontario Government’s Rural Economic Development program to support rural communities. The announcements included:
$20,000 for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development to create an agriculture new entrant support program to reduce barriers and provide support for new entrant farmers in a centralized online platform
$22,500 for the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen to hire a consultant to develop an economic development and tourism strategy
$55,300 for Abbey Retreat Centre in Haliburton County to complete phase two of its retreat centre project, including a commercial kitchen upgrade, renovations to the lower garage, and training for leadership
$33,500 for the Township of Minden Hills to prepare a community improvement plan that will identify community priorities for revitalization of the historic downtown core
$5,000 for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce and the County of Haliburton to hire a consultant to develop a marketing video.
Under the Rural Economic Development program, more than 80 rural communities across the province are receiving funding to boost and diversify their local economy. Eligible projects include such things as developing a downtown revitalization plan or marketing, branding and promotional activities to attract investment to the community.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hands out 2018 Awards of Excellence
The recipients of the 2018 Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 2018 Awards of Excellence, from back to front, left to right: Jason Ross, The Regency of Lakefield; Susan Dunkley, Peterborough Humane Society; Alex Tindale, Peterborough Humane Society; Alex Gastle, Vetterview; Tracy Logan, Logan Tree Experts; Matt Logan, Logan Tree Experts; Ross Bletsoe, Lakefield Foodland; Laurie Siblock, Lang Pioneer Village Museum; Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society; Cindy Windover, Windover Plumbing; Audrey Von Bogen, Shambhala Bed and Breakfast; Emily Wilkins, Adventure Outfitters; and Rachel Sloan, Trinkets and Treasures. (Photo: Erin Caitlin Photography)
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism announced the recipients of its 2018 Awards of Excellence last Thursday (November 8) at Lakefield College School. The recipients in each of the 11 categories were:
The Not-For-Profit Excellence – Peterborough Humane Society
Retailer of the Year – Trinkets & Treasures
Service Sector Excellence – The Regency of Lakefield
Tourism/Hospitality Excellence – Lang Pioneer Village Museum
Commercial Development or Renovation – Jack’s Lake Lodge Cottage Rentals
Entrepreneur Innovation – Vetterview
Customer Service Excellence – Logan Tree Experts
Young Professional Award – Emily Wilkins of Adventure Outfitters
Outstanding Business Achievement – Lakefield Foodland
Lifetime Achievement Award – Audrey Von Bogen
Citizen of the Year – Cindy Windover
Applications open for Digital Main Street’s Grants Program for small “main street” businesses and local business groups
Digital Main Street is a Toronto-based company that assists main street businesses in connecting to and adopting the right digital tools and technologies to help them grow and compete. (Photo: Digital Main Street)
Applications are open for Digital Main Street’s Grants Program in Ontario, supported by the Ontario government and the Ontario Business Improvement Area (BIA) Association.
Launched in October, the $12 million grant program is available to small “main street” businesses as well as BIAs (or Chambers of Commerce where BIAs don’t exist).
The program offers two types of funding:
The Digital Transformation Grant includes 2,000 grants of $2,500 each, available to qualifying small main street businesses to help them adopt new digital technologies
The Digital Service Squad Grant includes 300 grants of $10,000 each, available to qualifying business groups to develop and implement local squads of digital vendors and experts to directly help small businesses.
Peterborough Utilities recognized as one of Canada’s safest employers
Peterborough Utilities Group has received the Silver Award for the Utilities and Electrical category from Canadian Occupational Safety magazine.
This is the sixth time in the past seven years that Peterborough Utilities has received an award, receiving a gold award in 2012 and a silver award in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017. and 2018.
Launched in 2011, the awards recognize Canadian companies with outstanding accomplishments in promoting the health and safety of their workers.
The awards were presented at the Canada’s Safest Employers Winner’s Gala on October 18th in Toronto.
Kawartha Credit Union staff raise $1,050 for neonatal intensive care
Kawartha Credit Union staff have raised $1,050 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
Staff from Kawartha Credit Union in Peterborough recently donated $1,050 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.
The corporate head office product support department raised the funds through gift basket raffles.
The PRHC Foundation will use the funds to help equip the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the best technology so babies can get better and go home.
Government funding does not cover the cost of technology at hospitals, so communities must rely on fundraising.
Staff at Kawartha Credit Union in Lindsay also recently made donations to Five Counties Children’s Centre and to the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation.
Local entrepreneur appearing on CBC Dragons’ Den
Jeremy Hannan pitching the CobraMask, a full-face combination mask and snorkel, on CBC Television’s Dragons’ Den. The Whitby entrepreneur, whose family summers on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point north of Peterborough, will appear on the November 15, 2018 episode of the popular business reality show. (Photo: CBC Television)
Whitby entrepreneur Jeremy Hannan will be appearing on the next episode of CBD Television’s Dragons’ Den at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th.
Hannan, whose family summers on an island in on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point north of Peterborough, will be pitching his product called the CobraMask — a full-face snorkelling mask.
The mask eliminates some of the issues with the traditional separate mask and snorkel.
Hannan is hoping the Dragons will invest in his business so he can expand ecommerce, advertising, and manufacturing.
Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo recognized for energy conservation
The conservation department of Peterborough Utilities Group has recognized Trent University and Quaker PepsiCo for their contributions to energy conservation.
Ontario’s energy conservation framework aims to reduce 8.7 terawatt hours in electricity consumption in Ontario by December 31, 2020, through conservation programs delivered to residential and business customers across the province. Peterborough Utilities has a target of saving 37.8 gigawatt hours by the end of 2020.
Through a variety of efficiency projects, Trent University’s Facility Management team has reduced the university’s energy consumption by four gigawatt hours in the past four years, which represents 10 per cent of Peterborough Utilities’ mandated target. These projects have earned Trent over a half million incentive dollars through Save on Energy Programs delivered by the utility.
Ken Millard, Peterborough Utilities’ energy manager for Quaker PepsiCo, is receiving the Conservation Champion Award intended for Outstanding Performance and Excellence in Facility Energy Management for exceeding three gigawatt hours of electrical energy savings in 2017.
Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting on augmented reality in business on November 13
Sanu Somaweera and Chris Bollissimo of Kavtek Software. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Peterborough Chamber’s next breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Sanu Somaweera from Kavtek will speak on the topic “The Reality of an Augmented Reality Business”.
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast served at 7:30 a.m. (when you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The event is free (you only pay for whatever you order for breakfast).
Northumberland Chamber hosts networking event in Cobourg on November 13
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce’s next “Meet and Greet” business networking event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13th at Mann McCracken & Associates (1 Queen St., Unit 103, Cobourg).
In addition to networking with other local business people, you’ll have an opportunity to check out Northumberland’s most accessible legal service provider.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development business fundamentals workshop in Peterborough on November 14
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Profitable Operations”, the next workshop in its Business Fundamentals Workshop series, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 14th at its offices at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The session offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the financial fundamentals and operational strategies to effectively run their businesses. Topics will include understanding budgeting, creating a sales forecast, and building an operating budget.
Peterborough Business Hub hosts its official grand opening on November 15
Located at 398 McDonnel Street, Peterborough Business Hub offers office rentals and coworking space. (Photo: Peterborough Business Hub)
Peterborough Business Hub, which offers office rentals and coworking space, is hosting its official grand opening celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th at its location at 398 McDonnel Street in Peterborough.
While the business has been open for a few months, the official celebration provides a chance to see the offices, meet the staff, and get to know existing clients and their businesses.
Pitch It! competition at Fleming College in Peterborough on November 15
FastStart Peterborough’s annual “Pitch It!” entrepreneurial competition for Trent University and Fleming College students takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th in room B3250 at Fleming College (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).
Three contestants (from 10 finalists to be announced on November 8th) will pitch their business ideas before a panel of industry judges in a Dragons’ Den style competition in three categories: Clean & Agriculture Technology, Trades and Retail Business and Information Technology / Media & Gaming.
Participating students can win $500, meet other like-minded entrepreneurs, and receive help to bring their innovative idea to market.
The November 15th event is free and open to the public.
Application deadline for federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund is November 15
The federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund will give funding priority to diverse women entrepreneurs, including women with disabilities, Indigenous women, women in rural or remote regions, recent immigrants, and more. (Graphic: Government of Canada)
The deadline to submit an application for the federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund is midnight on Thursday, November 15th.
The Women Entrepreneurship Fund is a $20 million program that offers up to $100,000 in non-repayable funding for 12 months to women-owned or women-led for-profit businesses with fewer than 499 employees.
More details, including an application guide, frequently asked questions, and the application form, are available at www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/128.nsf/eng/home.
Application deadline for Win This Space 2019 entrepreneurial competition is November 16
The Win This Space entrepreneurial competition is returning for its third year in 2019. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
Entrepreneurs have until Friday, November 16th to put together a video application and submit it to the 2019 Win This Space competition, an initiative of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs.
The top 10 finalists will take several workshops to fine-tune their business plans before a winner is chosen on March 5th by a panel of judges.
The winner will then have their choice of available participating downtown locations free for one year. To cover rent payments, several sponsors are adopting a month and contributing $2,000 toward each month’s lease.
Visit winthisspace.com for the rules and regulations and application instructions.
Kawartha Family Business Group cannabis and the workplace seminar in Peterborough on November 19
The Kawartha Family Business Group (KFBG) is hosting “Weed and the Workplace” from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 19th at the Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn (84 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Chris Russell, Partner at LLF Lawyers, and Matthew Savino, Managing Partner and Senior Consultant at Savino Human Resources Partners, will discuss Bill C-45 and its implications and challenges for the workplace, including how to spot impairment and respond appropriately, the use of medical marijuana in the workplace, and updating workplace policies.
A question and answer period will follow.
Admission is free for KFBG Members and $75 per family for non-members. To reserve a ticket or for more information, email Michelle O’Neill at michelle@maxcommunication.ca or Jhane Brasier at jhane@maxcommunication.ca.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum in Peterborough on November 20
The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Funding Forum takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20th in the lower level of VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Co-hosted by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the Innovation Cluster, the event will bring together a variety of business funding programs under one roof.
There will be networking and a trade show in the morning, which will also feature two panel discussions on “Angel Investment for Startups” and “Overcoming Financial Challenges in Growing Your Business, followed by more networking and a trade show in the afternoon.
Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network with John Hucks on November 21
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its monthly Breakfast Network from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 21st at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
This month’s guest speaker is John Hucks, founding member of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership, who will be speaking about the value and untapped potential of newcomers and international students in Peterborough.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door. The Breakfast Network is open to everyone.
Tickets are $5 at the door, and the meeting is open to everyone.
Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition final pitch in Peterborough on November 22
Young entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas will pitch their business to a panel of judges at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough on November 22, 2018 during the fourth annual Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition, with a prize package valued up to $10,000. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
The final pitch event for the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 22nd at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).
An initiative of FastStart Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster, and the Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society, Cubs’ Lair gives entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29 the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes.
At the final pitch event, a panel of established business professionals will test the top five competitors’ knowledge of how they will grow the business and judge the best pitch.
Seminar in Peterborough on emerging issues in human resources law on November 27
Local consulting firm Laridae is hosting a free seminar on emerging issues in human resources law at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27th at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The seminar, exclusively for local non-profit and public sector leaders in Peterborough, will feature guest presentations from Kingston-based law firm Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP.
The spotlight will be on the latest in workplace issues, including cannabis, the #MeToo movement, and employee terminations.
The seminar is free to attend and will include a continental breakfast. For more information and to RSVP, visit laridaemc.com/workshops.
Jeremy Hannan pitching the CobraMask, a full-face combination mask and snorkel, on CBC Television's Dragons' Den. The Whitby entrepreneur, whose family summers on Katchewanooka Lake at Young's Point north of Peterborough, will appear on the November 15, 2018 episode of the popular business reality show. (Photo: CBC Television)
Entrepreneur Jeremy Hannan is about to dive into the Dragons’ Den with his full-face snorkelling mask.
The Whitby man, whose family summers on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point north of Peterborough, will pitch his CobraMask to the Dragons on the next episode of the CBC business reality TV series, which airs at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th.
The CobraMask combines a mask and snorkel into a single unit. Normally when snorkelling, you wear a mask to cover your eyes and nose and use a snorkel to breathe through your mouth.
Jeremy Hannan preparing to go on Dragons’ Den. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hannan)
“I’ve always used the traditional mask and snorkel so I just thought I could improve it,” Hannan, an avid snorkeller, tells kawarthaNOW.
“Either the mask is fogging up or you’re constantly purging water out of the snorkel. And it’s just generally uncomfortable having this giant piece of rubber in your mouth.”
Although other full-face snorkel masks already exist on the market, Hannan was inspired to create his design during his long-time job as a wood finisher.
“I wore a 3M respirator for 15 years while spraying lacquer,” he recalls. “That gas mask was really the inspiration.”
Hannan’s family owns an island on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point, where he learned to swim and where he first tested the CobraMask. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hannan)
Hannan says the CobraMask eliminates common problems with using a separate snorkel and mask. For example, with traditional snorkels you sometimes get a mouthful of water, but that doesn’t happen with the CobraMask.
“The check valve stops any water from coming down the spout,” he explains. “Whether completely submerged or just a wave over your head, nothing gets down the spout.”
Traditional masks often fog up because, when you exhale through your mouth into the snorkel, some air also gets exhaled through your nose into the mask, causing condensation. Divers commonly rub spit on the inside glass of their masks to minimize fogging. Hannan says that isn’t necessary with the CobraMask.
Jeremy Hannan is hoping the Dragons will invest in his business so he can expand ecommerce, advertising, and manufacturing. (Photo: CBC Television)
“The air flow comes down the top through the one-way valves and you exhale out the bottom, so that eliminates fog.”
He also says the CobraMask is more comfortable to wear, because it has spandex straps that won’t catch your hair as happens with traditional rubber or silicone straps.
As well as increasing the viewing angle up to 180 degrees (more than a traditional mask), the CobraMask also has a GoPro camera mount that doubles as a selfie stick. The spout folds down on a hinge for travel, making it ideal for taking on vacations down south.
As well as increasing the viewing angle up to 180 degrees, the CobraMask also has a GoPro camera mount that doubles as a selfie stick. The spout folds down on a hinge for travel, making it ideal for taking on vacations down south. (Photo: CBC Television)
Judging from some of the reviews on the Facebook page for the CobraMask, which comes in a children’s size and two adult sizes and in a variety of colours, his customers love it.
Hannan’s family owns an island on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point, where he learned to swim and where he first tested the CobraMask.
“The different underwater terrain on the Trent River allows for great snorkelling with a wide variety of marine life to enjoy,” he says.
Hannan’s family owns an island on Katchewanooka Lake at Young’s Point, where he learned to swim and where he first tested the CobraMask. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hannan)
Hannan, who has been running his business for several years, will be pitching the Dragons for funding for ecommerce, advertising, and manufacturing.
“With growing interest from retailers and consumers I could really use their expertise and financing,” he says. “I started this company with personal funds and a small loan from my family and, with the ever-increasing operating costs, I thought it would be a great idea to audition for the show. I had nothing to lose.”
While Hannan isn’t revealing whether he reached a deal with the Dragons, he says the exposure from being on Dragons’ Den is a “huge perk”. Around a half million Canadian viewers watch each episode, and the show reaches millions of viewers worldwide through syndication.
Jeremy Hannan and his wife at the Toronto boat show. He has been displaying his Cobramask at trade shows and other events for the past two years. He says the exposure from being on Dragons’ Den is a “huge perk”. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Hannan)
“I’ve been a huge fan of the show since the beginning,” Hannan says. “I didn’t think that I’d ever be on the show myself, so it was very exciting.”
While he says he was anxious and nervous prior to the filming of the episode, he also says that all disappeared once he was standing in front of the Dragons.
“I’ve been doing boat shows, events, trade shows, and markets pretty much every weekend for two years now, displaying my product, so I’m used to talking to large groups of people,” he explains. “So when I walked across the catwalk and down the stairs, I looked at the Dragons and all I saw were customers eagerly waiting to meet me and hear about my product.”
Dragon Jim Treliving tries on Jeremy Hannan’s CobraMask. Treliving is Hannan’s favourite Dragon: “If you want to impress him, you better come with something special and bring your A-game.” (Photo: CBC Television)
Hannan says he was in the Den for about 55 minutes and it was an experience he’ll never forget.
And his favourite Dragon?
“My favourite Dragon has got to be Jim Treliving,” he replies.
“He reminds me a lot of my grandfather, who was also an old-school police officer. I’ve always liked his no-nonsense approach with past pitchers on the show. His investment strategy on the show is unique and, if you want to impress him, you better come with something special and bring your A-game.”
You’ll have to tune in to CBC Television or online on November 15th to find out whether Hannan brought his A-game.
For more information about the CobraMask, visit www.cobramask.ca.
Ballet Jörgen's "The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition", featuring professional dancers as well as a selection of local youth dancers, will be performed on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jim Orgill)
Christmas is a double-edged sword. During the weeks prior, we knock ourselves out to the point of exhaustion — shopping, baking, wrapping, decorating, and generally making sure all is just right so we can finally relax for the briefest time with our family and friends when the big day does arrive.
Showplace presents Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
When: Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 7 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $35 ($30 for youth 12 and under)
Tickets available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Knowing that, we would be wise to take full advantage of the opportunity to slow things down before the madness by taking full advantage of a seasonal treat that has delighted young and old alike for close to 25 years. Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition returns to Peterborough on Thursday, November 29th.
Tickets to the 7 p.m. performance at the Showplace Performance Centre (290 George Street North, 705-742-7469) cost $35 ($30 for youth 12 and under) and are available at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
The Christmas tradition of The Nutcracker originates from 1816, when German author E.T.A. Hoffmann wrote a story called “Nussknacker und Mausekönig” (“The Nutcracker and The Mouse King”), in which young Marie’s favourite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive. After defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, the Nutcracker whisks her away to a magical kingdom populated by dolls.
VIDEO: Ballet Jörgen Canada’s The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition
In 1844, French writer Alexandre Dumas’ retold the story as “Histoire d’un casse-noisette” (“The History of a Nutcracker”), with Marie renamed as Klara. It was this version of the story that was adapted 48 years later as a two-act ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov and set to a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. First performed on December 18, 1892, the ballet itself was not a success, but Tchaikovsky’s 20-minute suite from the ballet soon became one of his most famous compositions.
In the mid 20th century, the original Nutcracker ballet gained popularity through various productions and has since become a Christmas tradition, especially in North America, where its performances generate almost half of the annual revenue for major ballet companies.
Ballet Jörgen’s version was created and choreographed by the company’s co-founder and artistic director Bengt Jörgen. Debuting on November 1, 1995 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition has — as its name implies — a very definite Canadian theme.
In colloboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Ballet Jörgen’s “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” features dramatic 30-foot backdrops based on landscapes by famous 20th-century Canadian artists including Tom Thompson and Franklin Carmichael. (Photo: Lawrence Ho)
Set in a small village north of Algonquin Park, the production is rooted in a collaboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, with landscapes by famous 20th-century Canadian artists making up several dramatic 30-foot backdrops, along with images featuring snowflakes, lumberjacks, loons, forest creatures, and Mounties.
“It has become such a seasonal tradition,” acknowledges Jörgen, a classically trained ballet dancer who co-founded Ballet Jörgen in 1987 with Susan Bodie.
“The music is played everywhere during Christmas time, so it has become Christmas music. It wasn’t written as Christmas music when it first premiered in 1892. It’s beautiful music, but it wasn’t written to become this traditional thing that you’re going to hear in the shopping mall.
Bengt Jörgen, co-founder and artistic director of Ballet Jörgen. (Photo courtesy of Ballet Jorgen)
“The Nutcracker brings us back to a more traditional context of Christmas that may be lost a little bit. It gives us a sense of comfort. It’s a very happy story, a story about celebration and family.
“Families want to get together and celebrate. The Nutcracker is a story that does all of that for people in a way that is fun and gives people a sense of something that was never real to begin with.”
The Peterborough performance, not unlike all stagings of The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition, will see a large contingent of local youth dancers perform as part of the cast. Following an audition process, 11 youths aged 8 to 17 — members of Peterborough’s Studio 505, Revolutions Dance Studio, and Premiere Studio of Dance; Lindsay Dance Studio; Belleville Dance Studio; and Trenton’s Dance With Miss Liz — have been selected to dance the roles of various animals.
Auditions for those roles were held in late August at Showplace.
“It’s a way we can involve the dance community in a professional production, an educational process that allows us to connect with a community and do good beyond just coming and doing a show,” Jörgen says.
Following an audition process, 11 youth from various area dance studios were selected to perform in the roles of various animals in Ballet Jörgen’s “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition”. (Photo: Eva Mende-Gibson)
“We also have young dancers that are touring with the company, so children get to interact with other children around the province. The audiences get to experience children from their own community performing. A lot of work goes into that at the local level.”
Beyond being able to share the joy of an inspiring story, what really excites Jörgen is the opportunity to introduce the dance art form to audiences that wouldn’t typically take in a ballet performance.
“People that come and see ballet normally are not necessarily the same crowd that comes to see The Nutcracker,” he says. “We get to connect with so many people we don’t normally connect with. It’s a great way to broaden our art form. It gives us that connectivity with a broader community.”
Reflecting on the company’s start and remarkable growth since, Jörgen remains committed to ensuring accessibility to the arts isn’t restricted to just major Canadian cities.
“The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” is based on the 1892 ballet with Tchaikovsky’s famous score, which itself is based on the 1816 story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann which tells the tale of what happens after a young girl’s favourite Christmas toy comes alive. (Photo: Cynthia Smith)
“You always have ambitions to do the best you can, you always shoot for the stars and see where you end up, but this organization has evolved into something much greater than I ever anticipated,” he says.
“It carries my name but it really doesn’t need to anymore. We have a very large team that is focused on ensuring communities everywhere in Canada have access. We have grown to become the number one company in terms of delivering programming in any arts category across Canada. We’re doing really great but the need far outstrips anything we can meet. It’s a challenge for us to convince people that the arts should be just as accessible in Peterborough as it is in Toronto.”
“Engaging with people in their communities is very important. We feel really great about what we’re doing but we’re swimming against the tide. Delivering the arts in Peterborough is just as valuable as delivering the arts in Toronto. The big impact beyond the people we reach is making sure the arts are accessible.
“It’s impossible to have a dance company in every community in Canada. We haven’t been to Peterborough for a long time. We’re kind of rotating communities that we go to. People think the arts can only exist in the major centres. That’s a mindset we have to change. It’s a big job.”
Set in a small village north of Algonquin Park, “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” has a very Canadian theme. (Photo: Cynthia Smith)
Jörgen is also passionate about the decline in instruction in the arts in schools.
“We know that if you expose young children to the performing arts, they tend to grow up to be more actively engaged in their communities,” he says, noting Ballet Jörgen has a school visitation program.
“They volunteer more. They have a higher record of voting. They tend to be more engaged with life. They may not become artists, but they tend to have a more wholesome outlook on their community and engage with it to a higher degree. We need people to be engaged if we’re to build better societies. We need to ensure young people have access to the arts. It’s critical.”
Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker Local Participant Program gives young dancers the opportunity to perform with a professional dance company, interacting with professional dancers and gaining invaluable performance experience as they dance roles in “The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition” (Photo: Amanda Horn)
Still, more than 30 years after co-founding the company, Jörgen says such challenges have done nothing to diminish his enthusiasm for what’s ahead.
“When you do great art, it doesn’t matter where you perform. We perform in New York City. We perform in the smallest places in Canada you never heard of. We do the same show and it works just as well regardless of where you are. You get immersed in it and time stops and you just enjoy yourself. When you get to that place, that’s what it’s all about.
“I still love doing a great show. We have our off days but there’s a certain baseline. It’s always going to be good but sometimes it’s really good. That’s what gets me up in the morning: being able to share that with people and making sure it’s available and build a foundation so it’s going to be there when I’m gone. I’m part of a community that’s much bigger than myself but it’s still a new thing for many people. We’re trying to help build a platform that other people can build on and grow.”
For more information on Ballet Jörgen and The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition, visit canadasballetjorgen.ca.
Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for the Kawarthas today (November 10), with a wind warning also in effect for Northumberland County.
A brief period of heavy snow and reduced visibility is likely early this afternoon. Roads may become snow covered and icy.
A west-to-east band of lake effect snow has developed over northern Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and will move south across the area.
Areas under the most intense portion of this band could receive snowfall amounts near 5 cm.
Visibility will be significantly and suddenly reduced due to heavy snow and blowing snow.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
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