In "Fluff Stories", the first show at The Theatre On King's new space at 171 King Street in downtown Peterborough, Kate Story and Ryan Kerr perform while author Joe Davies read three short stories on the concept of "fluff". (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Fluff (noun) – 1: a covering of soft fluffy feathers; 2: something fluffy // dandelion fluff; 3: something inconsequential; 4: blunder, especially: an actor’s lapse of memory
On Thursday, September 20th, The Theatre On King (TTOK) not only opens its 2018-2019 season with Fluff Stories, but also debuts its new home at 171 King Street in downtown Peterborough.
Fluff Stories
When: Thursday, September 20 – Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 8 p.m. Where: The Theatre on King (171 King St., Peterborough) How much: $15 at the door or pay what you can
A multidisciplinary performance work collaboratively created by Joe Davies, Matthew Hayes, Annie Jaeger, Ryan Kerr, Justin Million, Elisha Rubacha, and Kate Story, with Eryn Lidster. With bird, buried press chapbook launch of Joe Davies’s Fluff Stories on Thursday, and storefront readings by Justin Million on Friday and Saturday.
An multidisciplinary showcase featuring acting, movement, film projection, sound scape and prose, Fluff Stories is directed by Kate Story and features three dramatic presentations of stories read by local author Joe Davies.
Making the show come to life is a grouping of artists consisting of on-stage performances by Ryan Kerr and Kate Story, filmmaker Matthew Hayes, set designer Ann Jaeger, and special effects and tech by Eryn Lidster, amongst others.
The September 20th opening will also double as a book launch for Joe Davies’ Fluff Stories, with Elisha May Rubacha of bird, buried press creating the books in the TTOK lobby in front of the audience.
Also make sure to check out the poetic erasures created by local poet Justin Million in the new street front window of the theatre in conjunction with the show (Justin will be giving storefront readings on Friday and Saturday).
A unique event, Fluff Stories is a perfect piece to show off the capabilities of the new home of TTOK.
There is a lot going on in this show, but at the core of Fluff Stories are the three short stories by Joe Davies. On stage throughout the entire presentation, Joe gives haunting “matter of fact” readings of his Fluff trilogy as performers and film projection dramatically punctuate the stories, bringing them to life for the audience.
At the core of “Fluff Stories” are three short stories by author Joe Davies, a master storyteller who creates a hypnotic effect while reading his works. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Joe’s Fluff Stories are exactly what they claim to be: stories about fluff. The first story tells of a housewife’s battle with fluff and its concerning effect on her family. The second story, More Fluff, is the tale of juvenile delinquent Ronald Reginald and his quest for drugs. The third story, Fluff Ends, tells of a young couple’s bike ride through the country, and the surprising discovery they make.
Joe Davies is a master storyteller, who creates a hypnotic effect while reading his works. Although the stories may sound simple when described, they are actually quite complex in their delivery and the audience holds on to every word, as if something in the timbre of Joe’s voice is guiding them on a journey through the mysterious fluff. Even without the dramatic lighting and stage performances, Joe’s reading is a show all its own.
But what exactly is the fluff Joe writes about? In each story, the meaning and subtext seems to change, and in the end it is all up to the individual audience member’s perception. Fluff can be terrifying, romantic, soft, or deadly.
In the first story fluff seems to be a metaphor for boredom, compulsive behavior, dissatisfaction, and insanity. In More Fluff, it’s an allegory for justice when it becomes a predator, judge, and jury. Fluff Ends, on the other hand, is a creation story — the Genesis of Fluff — which explains nothing yet explains everything, with a beautiful and haunting effect to end the evening.
Kate Story and Ryan Kerr performing while Joe Davies reads from his third “fluff” story, about a young couple’s bike ride through the country. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
But really, this is just my interpretation of Fluff Stories. The stories are open for interpretation by individual audience members. The meaning of fluff is so fluid that one person’s interpretation might be completely different than another’s. You really have to come and experience this show yourself to truly understand it. It’ll be a show that will be sure to create discussion afterwards.
What is most intriguing about Fluff Stories is just how Joe’s stories create so much out of something that people rarely actually think about. It’s a brilliant trio of stories that are sometimes charming, sometimes horrifying, but always brilliant and beautifully told.
Fluff Stories has been described by Ryan Kerr as a performance that could not have been produced at the old TTOK space, and for the show the TTOK team experiment with the space through staging as well as the projection of Matthew Hayes film for More Fluff, shot on a bicycle while riding through downtown Peterborough parks.
I was lost in the film trying to identify the locations that drift in and out, from being familiar to completely alien. All the while, the film manages to illustrate Joe’s story with strong visual points. It’s an interesting and original effect.
The Theatre on King’s new and larger location at 171 King Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: kawarthaNOW.com)
As mentioned, for those who enjoy Fluff Stories, a limited number of books created by bird, buried press will be available for purchase the nights of the show for $10. These books will certainly go fast. I’ve already put my order in for two copies.
Although Fluff Stories is a perfect example of what you love about TTOK, there is no denying the dramatic difference created by the new space. It is an exciting time of change at TTOK, and Fluff Stories is the perfect production to usher in the future of this beloved institution.
Come and experience the new TTOK, buy a book and discover Fluff Stories for yourself. You’ll never think of fluff the same way again.
Fluff Stories runs from Thursday, September 20th to Saturday, September 22nd. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 or pay what you can, and are available at the door.
The Holy Cross Bee Club is a teacher-led group of 12 students who steward three hives at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough. At Myrtle's Kitchen at Peterborough Public Health on September 17, 2018, Holy Cross Bee Club member Emily Berardi uses a comb to uncap the honey cells in trays that were removed from the hives, before the trays are placed in a honey extractor to remove the honey using centrifugal force. Holy Cross Bee Club member Jacob Duda helps to drain honey from the honey extractor into buckets, that will then go through several stages of filtering. (Photo: Karen Halley)
The mission of the GreenUP Community Beekeeping Program is to promote the awareness and appreciation of pollinators as a healthy part of our community through beekeeping, education, and advocacy. In total, GreenUP stewards five hives with a team of experienced beekeepers that have been buzzing about the hives located at Lock 20, the Peterborough Lift Lock, and Ecology Park.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Karen Halley, GreenUP Communications & Marketing Specialist.
In addition, this year GreenUP supported the Holy Cross Bee Club, who steward three hives at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough. Starting earlier this spring, a group of 12 students — led by their teacher Mike Halloran — have been suiting up in protective bee suits, conducting hive checks, treating the hives for mites, and learning all there is to know about the honey bee life cycle.
Students in the Holy Cross Bee Club are members of the Eco Club who have a special interest in bee keeping. While all of the members of the club eagerly admit how fun the experience is, Emily Berardi also shares, “Understanding bees is really important because bees pollinate our crops and our gardens, and without them we wouldn’t have fresh vegetables and fruits to eat.”
Holy Cross Bee Club member Jacob Duda helps to drain honey from the honey extractor into buckets, that will then go through several stages of filtering. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Beekeeping programs like this help to promote the awareness and appreciation of pollinators as a healthy part of our community through bee keeping education and advocacy.
Understanding honeybee life cycles and ecology is an important step in learning to coexist with critical pollinators, particularly in urban areas where there has been as much as 60 percent loss of bee populations.
“Stewarding the Lift Lock hives and helping with the Holy Cross Bee Club has given me the opportunity to talk to people, show them the hives, and help them understand the importance of bees, which will help bees recover from their losses,” says volunteer community beekeeper Quentin Day.
Holy Cross Bee Club member Emily Berardi takes a turn at stirring honey through the stage one of the filtering process. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Holy Cross Bee Club member Jacob Duda agrees.
“Going right into the hive in the spring was the best experience. It is really interesting to see how the bees interact with their hive and see what is in the comb; I really like learning about what makes the hive healthy.”
This week, the students in the Holy Cross Bee Club extracted honey with the GreenUP Community Beekeepers. Together they harvested 86 jars of honey from three hive locations in Peterborough.
A student in the Holy Cross Bee Club squeezes honey through a fine filter during the second stage of filtering. (Photo: Karen Halley)
You may already know that the sweet, thick liquid that you enjoy in your afternoon tea is the food bees make after foraging nectar from flowers. But did you know that nectar is converted to honey when the bee regurgitates the liquid and stores it in honeycombs inside the beehive? That’s right, honey is actually evaporated bee vomit.
Bees ingest and regurgitate the nectar many times until it is high enough in sugars to be stored as their food source. They continue to fan the honey in the honeycombs with their wings to continually evaporate more water from the liquid, which prevents fermentation. The bees then cap the cells with two layers of beeswax to seal them with honey for consuming later.
The process of extracting the honey from the hives involves removing the honeycomb frames from the hive, unsealing the capped honey cells, placing the frames in a honey extractor, which removes the honey using centrifugal force, and then using a series of sieves and filters to remove impurities.
Once honey is extracted from the trays, the remaining beeswax is scraped off and can be used for a number of purposes such as candles, lip balm, cooking, and more. (Photo: Karen Halley)
It takes 12 bees their entire lives to make only one teaspoon of honey, which is something to really appreciate the next time you drizzle that teaspoon onto your breakfast toast.
The colour and taste of honey will differ depending on the source of nectar or the species of flowers in bloom in the vicinity around the hive. Each flower has its own unique nectar and flavour that is reflected in the taste of the honey.
Growing and blooming seasons will also determine the taste of honey. For example, clover honey is light in colour and mild in flavor whereas buckwheat honey is quite dark and strong tasting. When honey is collected after corresponding growing seasons, different flavours and types of honey can be separated and packaged. In Ontario, many interesting honeys are available including blueberry, lavender, and goldenrod.
The honey in these jars came from three different hives in the GreenUP Community Beekeeping Program: the Holy Cross hive on the left, the Lift Lock hive in the centre, and the Lock 20 hive on the right. Each has its own unique colour determined by the pollen that the bees in the hive collected at each site. (Photo: Karen Halley)
“Helping the students at the Holy Cross hives and showing them how to extract honey, along with talking to people in the community who come to see the hives throughout the summer, are ways for me to help others understand the importance of pollinators,” explains Day. “And I really do like the taste of honey!”
To learn more about the GreenUP Community Beekeeping program visit greenup.on.ca and to follow along with Holy Cross students’ experiential learning activities, follow them on Twitter at @HolyCrossPTBO
Ryan Kerr and Kate Story are two of the performers in "Sorry about what happened at the mall", a contemporary dance work set inside Peterborough Square on the escalators and lower hallway. It's one of more than 40 events reflecting the theme 'Art In Unexpected Places' of Artsweek 2018, which runs from September 21 to 30 at various locations in Peterborough. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
There are those who back down from a challenge and there are those who embrace the most daunting of tasks. To the great benefit of the Peterborough arts community, and by extension the community at large, Su Ditta stands firmly with the latter.
Better still she’s not alone, as a member of the like-minded team bringing Artsweek back to the city from Friday, September 21st to Sunday, September 30th. The arts festival was officially launched at an event held Wednesday (September 19) at 418 George Street in downtown Peterborough, a space donated by project sponsor ünicity to serve as the festival’s headquarters.
With the theme ‘Art In Unexpected Places’, the biennial showcase of new work by more than 100 local artists will see more than 40 events staged at various locations. Millennium Park, The Canadian Canoe Museum, Peterborough Square, the Downtown Farmers’ Market, and Riverview Park and Zoo are among the venues.
Artsweek 2018: September 21st-30th!!
Artsweek has a theme song! Sing along! Music by local poet of repute and prestige Derd Wormlinger (also know as Washboard Hank) Also featuring Kate Story, Ryan Kerr, Janette Platana, Laurel Paluck, These are Horizon Days,Hilary Wear, Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Joeann Argue, Thomas Vaccaro, The Flying Canoe, Jeff Macklin, Beany John and many more!
Equally varied is the art form menu that includes dance, theatre, poetry, visual arts, film, puppetry and live music. Admission is free to all events, a full listing and description of which can be found at artsweekptbo.com.
“There’s nothing like Artsweek in any other community our size,” says Ditta, Artsweek’s executive producer.
Artsweek 2018 executive producer Su Ditta (right) with artistic producer Hannah Keating and Bill Kimball, president of the board of The Electric City Culture Council and artistic director at Public Energy, at the launch announcement for Artsweek 2018. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
“I was really lucky to work with Liz Bierk on the first Artsweek in 2005,” Ditta recalls. “I keep thinking at the beginning (of each Artsweek planning process) that I’m going to be bored with it and then I just get more and more excited. This year, Gloria Proctor Bennett did these (promotional) videos. A whole bunch of them came in a batch. I watched them and I started to cry. I was so happy. I thought ‘Oh yes, this is what it’s about and it’s so good.'”
“The work gets better every year, the promotion gets better every year and, with the number of partners increasing, we know we’re on the right track. It’s a win-win for everybody. It’s something that’s socially important to do and imaginatively important.”
In 2005, when the City marked its 100th anniversary as an incorporated municipality, then mayor Sylvia Sutherland appointed a committee to organize a year-long series of projects and events. The theme of the 2005 Centennial Celebrations was ‘Imagine Peterborough’ and most of the activities focused on cultivating an investment in, and recognition of, Peterborough as a creative city.
Kate Story and Ryan Kerr, who perform in the contemporary dance work “Sorry about what happened at the mall” during Artsweek 2018, at the launch announcement of the biennial arts festival on September 19, 2018. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Ditta, along with Bierk, was on that committee, charged with coming up with ideas to created designated legacy projects in the arts. From that effort, Artsweek, an annual event, was born.
There things stood until late 2014 when responsibility for Artsweek was assumed by the Electric City Culture Council (EC3), Peterborough’s newly formed municipal arts, culture, and heritage organization. After Artsweek was staged in 2016, the decision was made to present the event every two years moving forward. That, said Ditta, simply made good sense.
“Going biennial was an absolutely correct decision,” she said. “It was something that was recommended by a focus group that we held. It brought together people that were coming to Artsweek events and also those who weren’t. We heard ‘Fewer projects, please’ and ‘More money invested in every project’ and ‘More opportunities to see each project.'”
“We knew we needed more time to plan the festival and give artists more time to do their work, and to get our fundraising strategies in place, so we approached the City and asked if we could do that. They were giving us $25,000 a year. That money still comes but now we have $50,000 to invest at the start of each festival.”
VIDEO: “Imaginarium” test by Lester Alfonso at the Peterborough Public Library
A major player in the formation of this year’s Artsweek schedule is Hannah Keating. She says serving as the event’s artistic producer is “an honour” that has her more excited as the Friday, September 21st Artsweek kick-off nears — featuring the world premiere of filmmaker Lester Alphonso’s new film Imaginarium, which will projected on the Peterborough Public Library’s 16 front windows.
“It’s balancing so many projects, so many artists and so many locations,” says Keating of Artsweek’s logistical challenge.
“But so many locations in Peterborough have said ‘Please come here’ or, when we approach them, ‘We would love to have you.’ It makes those partnerships really easy when community organizations are willing and happy and able to welcome our projects in.”
“We really made a strong effort this time around to do a lot of outreach leading up to the festival. All through the summer we were at various events spreading the word and reaching out to specific partners, like the Council for Persons with Disabilities, the New Canadians’ Centre, and Peterborough Pride.”
There are more than 40 free events featuring more than 100 artists at various locations across Peterborough during Artsweek 2018. A printable version of this placemat, along with a printable program guide and a listing of all the events, is available at artsweekptbo.com. (Illustration: WeDesign)
When all is said and done, success, adds Keating, will show itself in various ways.
“It will be a real success if we get good numbers out to all of the events and we’re reaching new people. I think success is also the artists feeling great about the work that they’ve done. Most of works are brand new pieces. I think that’s one of the things we should be most proud of. If the artists feel gratified and fulfilled, that’s a huge success.”
For all the fine tuning that has occurred since 2005, Keating notes one Artsweek staple remains sacred: presenting artistic performances and work in public spaces where people typically gather. Ditta concurs, noting Artsweek remains a work in progress in terms of things learned and applied, year to year.
Kate Story is one of more than 100 artists participating in Artweek 2018, which has been funded and sponsored by three levels of government along with many local businesses and organizations. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
“There are things that we learned in 2016, everything from volunteer management to what we need on site,” Ditta says.
Artsweek 2018 Team Members
Su Ditta, executive producer; Hannah Keating, artistic producer; Esther Vincent, production manager; Eva Fisher, program coordinator; Anna Boulanger, project assistant; Anna Currier, outreach assistant; Susan Newman, bookkeeping; WeDesign, graphic design; Jeffrey Macklin, additional graphic design and social media; Gloria Proctor Bennett, additional social media; Sarah Mackillican, editorial; and Andy Carroll and Matthew Hayes, documentation.
“This year we’re really proud that we have one performance designated as a relaxed performance that’s more welcoming to people with autism or uber sensory stimulation. The incredible people at the Council for Persons with Disabilities went to every single site with Hannah to see what we couldn’t do and what we could do to make them more accessible.
“And I think things went more smoothly with the artists than ever just because we learned through experience how much we need to know up front, when to push people, what kind of deadlines to set. We sought as much information about a piece as we could because we want to attract the biggest audience possible to see their work.”
Ditta adds the very fact that Artsweek is staged successfully in Peterborough is a huge credit to the artists involved.
“(Trent University president) Leo Groarke, whenever he’s talking about what it’s like to live in Peterborough, talks about the arts community and mentions that within three months of being here, he really could feel the arts community here punch way above its weight, as he put it,” she says.
“Bill Lockington is the chair of Community foundations Canada. He travels a lot. He says as soon as he goes anywhere and says he’s from Peterborough, the first thing people say is ‘Wow…there’s a great arts community there.’ It’s extraordinary because although we have a Cultural Studies program at Trent University, we don’t have a Fine Arts program. Typically you wouldn’t see this level of artistic practice in a city without a fine arts program.
“It’s a very supportive community for emerging artists. Senior artists helping starting artists without any question.”
kawarthaNOW.com — whose predecessor quidnovis.com provided the first online presence for Artsweek back in 2006 — is proud to be a project sponsor of Artsweek 2018, along with Bell Media, ünicity, and LLF Lawyers.
Artists sponsors are Jo Pillon of Royal LePage Frank Real Estate and Ashburnham Realty, and event sponsors are Laridae Communications and Lett Architects. Artsweek Muses are Core Chiropractic, Collins Barrow, Locks Salon and Spa, Sherbrooke Heights Animal Hospital, Farquharson Pineiro Law Office, Bryston, Peterborough Square, and Cherney Properties.
In the short film "50 People. 1 Peterborough" unveiled by campaign chair Megan Murphy at the launch of the United Way Peterborough & District's 2018 fundraising campaign, a woman expresses her worries about her mother dying from cacner. The film reflects the "Local Love" theme of the 2018 campaign. (Photo: FILMkelly)
It sure doesn’t hurt to have a filmmaker at the helm of your fundraising campaign.
At the launch of the United Way Peterborough & District’s 2018 fundraising campaign held earlier today (September 19) at the Evinrude Centre, campaign chair and local filmmaker Megan Murphy — best known for her acclaimed feature documentary Murphy’s Law — unveiled “50 People. 1 Peterborough” produced with filmmaker Jeremy Kelly.
The film, which asks 50 residents of all ages at the Peterborough Exhibition what they worry about the most, is intended to change the conversation about need in the community and highlight the impact of the United Way in addressing these concerns.
VIDEO: 50 People. 1 Peterborough. “What do you worry about?”
It includes a moving segment with a daughter who is worried bout her mother dying from her cancer, and the mother who is worried she won’t live to see her daughter grow up.
“My vision for this year’s campaign is put the ‘you’ back in United Way through storytelling and our guerrilla marketing #ChalkTalk campaign,” Murphy explains.
“I want Peterborough to understand that we own both the poverty and privilege in our community and to truly feel the impact that their donation makes.”
A sample of the “Local Love” theme for the United Way Peterborough & District’s 2018 fundraising campaign. (Graphic; United Way Peterborough & District)
The film reflects the 2018 campaign theme, “Local Love”, which was unveiled by United Way CEO Jim Russell at the launch event, attended by over 200 people.
“We are all responsible for our community, for each other, for our friends and neighbors, and indeed strangers in need,” Russell says.
“This year’s campaign provides the opportunity to make manifest Peterborough’s ‘local love’. The 2018 campaign is about unleashing the power of local love to create change and take action on the pressing issues found in our community.”
The United Way Peterborough & District’s 2018 campaign goal of $1.85 million was unveiled at the launch event on September 19, 2018 at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough. (Photo; United Way Peterborough & District)
Murphy and Russell also unveiled this year’s campaign goal of $1.85 million, which is the same as last year’s goal.
Later in the day, the County of Peterborough also hosted a campaign launch at Lang Pioneer Village to celebrate the start of the campaign in the county.
Instagram star Owen the Griff, a Brussels Griffon owned by Lisa Besseling and Marlon Hazlewood of Lakefield, is the leading fundraiser for the annual "Strutt Your Mutt" walk in support of the Peterborough Humane Society, which takes place Sunday, September 23rd at Beavermead Park in Peterborough. (Photo: @owenthegriff / Instagram)
The evening will begin promptly at 5 p.m. at TCB Office Furniture & Supplies, 874 Ward Street. At approximately 5:20 p.m., attendees will split into groups and visit the following businesses:
Bridgenorth Deli, 871 Ward Street
Style Boutique, 827 Ward Street
Pioneer Water Conditioning, 827 Ward Street, Unit 3
At approximately 6:20 p.m., attendees will meet at Whelan’s Flooring Centre, 2512 Chemong Road for refreshments and networking.
Please visit and learn about these Bridgenorth businesses, network with fellow members, and learn more about the Kawartha Chamber.
The Chamber thanks its networking event sponsor, Blue Diamond Window Cleaning.
Upcoming Municipal All-Candidates Meetings: Selwyn And Douro-Dummer
The Kawartha Chamber is proud to be a partner on the following municipal All Candidates Meetings.
Township of Selwyn All-Candidates Meeting
Wednesday, October 10th at Bridgenorth Community Hall (836 Charles St., Bridgenorth)
The program begins at 7 p.m. Hosted by the Bridgenorth Business Association, Lakefield Herald, and the Kawartha Chamber.
Township of Douro-Dummer All-Candidates Meeting
Thursday, October 11th at Douro-Dummer Community Centre (2893 Hwy. 28, Douro-Dummer)
The program begins at 7 p.m. Hosted by Dummer News and the Kawartha Chamber.
Submit Your Questions
If you would like to submit a question for any of the meetings listed above, please email your question to info@kawarthachamber.ca. Please include the subject line “All Candidates Question: [Insert Township Name Here]”, and specify if the question is for a specific candidate, or directed at all candidates.
As you may know, the Kawartha Chamber has formed a Women’s Build Team for the Habitat for Humanity build in Curve Lake First Nation.
The Chamber would like to extend a big thank you to recent donors Clearview Cottage Resort, Kinetic Therapeutics, Salon Sorella & Day Spa, Strexer Harrop & Associates, The Cozy Home, and Windover Plumbing.
The Chamber is planning on doing its build next Monday, September 24th from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you would like to join the Chamber’s Women’s Build team, please email Stacey at membership@kawarthachamber.ca.
Register Now: B.O.S.S. Team Building
The Chamber’s B.O.S.S (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) Team Building event is just two weeks away! You can register now.
Join the Chamber on Tuesday, October 2nd at Camp Kawartha for a discussion on the importance of establishing trust, setting goals and honouring others’ goals.
There are so many benefits of team building. For instance, team building:
Breaks down barriers, builds trust and strengthens morale.
Increases employee engagement and improves group dynamics in the office.
Encourages communication, risk taking and responsibility among employees.
Fosters creativity, collaboration and reduces employee turnover.
This event is free so it’s a great opportunity to bring along your staff and learn about team building. Refreshments will be provided.
Community Foundation: Applications Open
The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough is now accepting applications for the 2018 Vital Community Grants program.
The funding opportunity is open to local charities in the Peterborough area that are working towards strengthen community connections. Funding of up to $5,000 is available.
Applications are open until 5 p.m. on October 4th. Apply online.
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and Destination Ontario announced the finalists for it 2018 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence.
Big congratulations to Elmhirst’s Resort in Keen for their nominations under Destination Ontario’s Tourism Marketing and Travel Media Awards of Excellence.
Elmhirst’s Resort was nominated for two awards:
Tourism Marketing Campaign Under $50,000 for their “Real Life Looks Different Here” campaign (Elmhirst’s Resort and Kawarthas Northumberland)
Tourism Digital Marketing Award for their “Real Life Looks Different Here” videography (Elmhirst’s Resort, Kawarthas Northumberland, Agency Next Door).
The Tourism Marketing and Travel Media Awards of Excellence recognize those who contribute to Ontario’s tourism industry through impactful partnerships, marketing activities and media relations.
Winners will be announced on October 24th. Congrats!
Lakefield Youth Unlimited: RSVP Now For The 2018 Fundraising Dinner – October 18th
Celebrate 15 years of ministry with Lakefield Youth Unlimited! They are hosting their 2018 Fundraising Dinner at the Lakefield Royal Canadian Legion on Thursday, October 18th.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a chicken dinner at 6 p.m.
There is no ticket price for the meal. Instead, the cost of food for the meal ($20) will be deducted from the charitable receipt for your donation received.
If unable to attend, you will be receipted for your full donation. You can make a donation at Lakefield Youth Unlimited under “Donate” or make cheques payable to “Youth Unlimited” and memo “Lakefield Dinner”.
Performing Arts Lakefield Concert Series – September 21st
Ensemble Vivant is Sybil Shanahan (cello), Corey Gemmell (violin), Catherine Wilson (piano & artistic director), Jim Vivian (bass), and Norman Hathaway (viola). Not pictured: Don Thompson (vibraphone).
Performing Arts Lakefield is kicking off its concerts series this Friday, September 21st with the internationally acclaimed Ensemble Vivant.
Ensemble Vivant will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School.
Tickets for this event are $35 for adults and $10 for students. If you’re interested in attending all five concerts, adult ticket packages are $150 and student ticket packages are $45.
Ensemble Vivant is Catherine Wilson (piano & artistic director), Corey Gemmell (violin), Sybil Shanahan (cello), Norman Hathaway (viola), Jim Vivian (bass), and Don Thompson (vibraphone).
Peterborough Humane Society: Strutt Your Mutt
The Peterborough Humane Society is holding its annual Strutt Your Mutt fundraiser this Sunday, September 23rd at Beavermead Park in Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. followed by the walk at 11 a.m.. There are two walk distances, 1km or 2.5km.
Enjoy music, face painting, food vendors, games for dogs, swag bags and more while supporting the Peterborough Humane Society.
The goal is to raise $25,000 so that the Peterborough Humane Society can continue improving the lives of animals through rescuing, providing shelter, healing, facilitating adoption, and reducing pet overpopulation.
For the first time ever, the Township of Selwyn will be using internet and telephone voting for the upcoming municipal election!
The Township of Selwyn is hosting three ‘How-To” workshops in order to help voters learn this new voting technology. At the workshops, you will be able to check if you are registered as well as learn how to vote online.
Workshops will be held at the following times and locations:
Thursday, September 20th at 1 p.m. at Bridgenorth Library, 836 Charles St.
Monday, September 24th at 10 a.m. at Ennismore Library, 551 Ennis Rd.
Wednesday, September 26th at 10 a.m. Lakefield Library, 8 Queen St.
The BCC is looking for a director to lead and implement changes to the festival to increase attendance and sales, as well as strengthen the community engagement.
If your business or organization has a job opportunity you would like to advertise, you can add it to the Chamber’s website through your Member Information Centre account (or submit the description to info@kawarthachamber.ca) and the Chamber will share it in its next Newsflash.
Ennismore Scarecrow Contest: Registration Opens This Friday
The grand prize winner of the 2017 Ennismore Scarecrow Contest. (Photo: Ennismore Scarecrow Contest / Facebook)
Attention all Ennismore residents: the Ennismore Scarecrow Contest is back by popular demand.
This Friday, September 22nd is the first day to register for the contest. You can register at Sullivan’s General Store from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or stop by the Ennismore Public Library between September 22nd and 29th. It costs $20 to enter (cash only).
The contest runs from October 1st to 22nd.
Proceeds from this year’s contest will be split between St. Martin’s Youth Group and The Ennismore Public Library.
Scarecrows will be judged on creativity, originality and craftsmanship by grade 6, 7 and 8 students in St. Martin’s Youth Group. The contest prize is a Family Fun Package of vouchers valued at $500.
A detail from “Looking Up” by Lakefield artist Peter Rotter, one of the artists participating in this year’s Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour. (Photo courtesy Art Gallery of Peterborough)
The Art Gallery of Peterborough is hosting their 34th annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour this weekend, September 22nd and September 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore the visual arts and crafts and the beauty of the Peterborough area. It is a self-driven tour and admission is free for all locations.
It’s a great opportunity for the public to visit artists where they live and work. All artists on the tour have been juried, and studios and galleries will be open to display a rich diversity of arts and crafts, including fine art, ceramics, glass, jewellery, sculpture, wood, fibre, metal and printmaking.
Download a map with a list of participating artists and locations or stop by the Chamber’s office at 12 Queen Street in Lakefield to pick one up.
Upcoming Events
Lakefield Farmers’ Market – Every Thursday Until October 4th
Farmers’ Market at Craftworks at the Barn – Every Sunday until Thanksgiving
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
Peterborough DBIA executive director Terry Gueil (holding sign) announced the return of the Win This Space entrepreneurial competition for its third straight year in the lobby of the VentureNorth business hub in downtown Peterborough on September 18, 2018. The winner of the competition will win a free lease for a year of a vacant downtown storefront along with other prizes. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA)
The 2019 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition was officially launched yesterday afternoon (September 18) at the VentureNorth business hub in downtown Peterborough.
This is the third straight year for the competition, where entrepreneurs compete for a chance to win a year’s lease of a vacant downtown storefront for their business, along with other prizes.
The initiative was developed by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) in 2017 as a way to stimulate new downtown storefront businesses and create jobs. Since then, other communities in Ontario and across Canada have launched similar competitions in their downtowns.
“This program has been hugely successful for our downtown and has been an inspiration for communities across the country,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the DBIA. “Win This Space gets people excited about the potential of what they could do with a downtown storefront.”
Tina Bromely of Tiny Greens, which produces edible microgreens, was the winner of the inaugural Peterborough competition in 2017. Nadine McCallen, owner of natural skincare business The Willow’s Bark, was the winner of the 2018 competition and opened her natural wellness store called Ritual Apothecary this past July.
Nadine McCallen, winner of second annual Win This Space entrepreneurial competition, opened her new store Ritual Apothecary at 196 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough in July 2018. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Entrants must be 19 years of age or older, legally living in Ontario, and have a business as sole proprietorship or in partnership (no franchises, cafes, or restaurants will be considered).
Interested entrepreneurs have until Friday, November 16th to put together a video application and submit it to the Win This Space competition at winthisspace.com.
A panel of judges will then select the top 10 finalists, who will take several workshops to develop their business plans. The 10 finalists will submit their business plans and make their final pitches to the judges, who will choose the winner on March 5, 2019.
The winner will then have their choice of one of several available participating downtown locations, free for one year. To cover rent payments for the winner, local sponsors will each adopt adopt a month and contribute $2,000 toward that month’s lease. As well as the free lease, the winning entrepreneur will also receive products and services from the competition’s sponsors, which last year totalled over $40,000 in value.
“There’s only one winner, but it’s encouraging to see so many people get connected with the business services in Peterborough and go on to open a local business with the support of our community,” Gueil says.
For more information about the Win This Space competition and to apply, visit winthisspace.com. The deadline for application is November 16, 2018.
Win This Space is a Peterborough DBIA initiative in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Community Futures Peterborough, and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs.
Monthly adopters (sponsoring the lease) are the Peterborough DBIA, Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough Community Savings, Ashburnham Realty, Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, and Inclusive Advisory.
Gold sponsors are StudioPTBO, WCKD, Birchview Design, LETT Architects , NV Media, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Sofie Andreou & Associates, Ontario Carpet Supermart, Red X Technologies, and Inclusive Advisory. Silver sponsors are The Publican House Brewery, MossWorks Photography, Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, Marketing.Ink, Brant Basics, Studio-N, Commercial Press and Design
Media sponsors are kawarthaNOW.com, Moving Media, Oldies 96.7, 90.5 Extra, Snapd Peterborough, The Wolf 101.5, Global Peterborough, Fresh Radio 100.5, PTBOCanada, Peterborough This Week, and the Peterborough Examiner.
Tina McFarlane of YMCA Peterborough Haliburton (centre) accepts a cheque for $10,000 from representatives of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group: Chief Strategy Officer David Blodgett, Jennifer Hope, Gena Scott, and Michael Leach. The funds will be used for the YWCA's Homeward Bound program. (Photo courtesy of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group)
Home and auto insurance company The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group has announced $36,500 in charitable donations to local organizations as part of its Create a Ripple Effect (C.A.R.E.) initiative.
Four organizations in the Kawarthas are the recipients of the funds — 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook; Victorian Order of Nurses – Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton; YWCA Peterborough Haliburton; and Kawartha Haliburton Victims Services in Lindsay — along with two organizations in Perth and Renfrew.
4th Line Theatre has received $5,000 to be used for funding youth programs, Victorian Order of Nurses – Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton has received $5,000 to fund home foot care services, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has received $10,000 for its Homeward Bound program, and Kawartha Haliburton Victims Services has received $5,000 to directly support victims of serious crime, sexual assaults, human trafficking, elder abuse, and domestic violence.
4th Line Theatre’s artistic director Kim Blackwell (kneeling, right) and Caitlin McGill (far right) accept a cheque for $5,000 from representatives of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group: Sarah Steele, Chief Strategy Officer David Blodget, Karen Willette, Wendy Norris, Michael Leach, Amanda Kruk of Sentinel Risk Insurance, Trevor Anderson, Julie Bryant, Nicky Burns of Sentinel Risk Insurance, and Jennifer Hope (kneeling, left). The funds will be used for the theatre’s youth programs. (Photo courtesy of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group)
In addition, Yak Youth Services in Perth has also received $6,500 to directly support victims of serious crime, sexual assaults, human trafficking, elder abuse, and domestic violence, and St. John’s Ambulance in Renfrew received $5,000 for supplies to expand the organization’s CPR and first aid training programs.
“The range and quality of these excellent local programs speaks to the commitment of volunteers and communities to make them happen,” says Tim Shauf, President and CEO of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group.
“We are very pleased to do our part to help keep them running and funded so we can give back to all the communities where we live and work.”
The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group was established in 2014 as an amalgamation of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company (Lindsay), Glengarry Mutual Insurance Company, and Lanark Mutual Insurance Company. For more information about how The Commonwell donates its time and funds to local communities, visit thecommonwell.ca.
New Stages Theatre Company opens its 2018-19 season with a performance by comedian Deborah Kimmett of her acclaimed monologue "The Year of the Suddenly" on September 23, 2018 at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. Directed by Peterborough's own Linda Kash, the performance also features accompaniment by Toronto musician Nichol Robertson. (Photo: Cassandra Rudolph)
On Sunday, September 23rd, New Stages Theatre Company opens its 2018-19 season by bringing popular comedian Deborah Kimmett back to the Market Hall stage with her show The Year of the Suddenly.
Based on Deborah’s true-life experience, The Year of the Suddenly is directed by Linda Kash and features musician Nichol Robertson.
New Stages Theatre Company presents The Year of the Suddenly
When: Saturday, September 23, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) How much: $30 general admission($15 students/arts workers/unwaged)
Written and performed by Deborah Kimmett and directed by Linda Kash with musical accompaniment by Nichol Robertson. Tickets available in person at the Market Hall Box Office or by phone at 705-749-1146 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) or online anytime at markethall.org.
In The Year of the Suddenly, Deborah explores her relationship with her younger brother Kevin, who she only finally got to know when he was diagnosed with cancer.
She has toured the show, described as part comic monologue and part eulogy, throughout Ontario since its debut at Toronto’s Second City in June 2017.
“The Year of the Suddenly fits the sensibility of New Stages,” says New Stages artistic director Randy Read. “The subject matter at its core is very serious, but it’s handled with a great deal of humour. There’s a wonderful balance of humour and the reality of humanity. I believe that balance is in the best plays. The humour is there to understand the tragedy of it.”
“Also, people respond to Deb,” adds Randy, who last brought Deb to Peterborough for his Hits and Misses Cabaret last December. “I had a lot of feedback from people, who loved her. People will enjoy what she will bring to the stage.”
This is the second time Deborah will perform The Year of the Suddenly in Peterborough. The first time was only days after its debut in Toronto, when sheh performed the show at the former Catalina’s in downtown Peterborough for a one-night-only performance.
“The Year of the Suddenly” is Deborah Kimmett’s funny and moving monologue about rediscovering a relationship with her younger brother Kevin after he was diagnosed with cancer. (Photo: Cassandra Rudolph)
“I brought the show to Catalina’s after its debut because I didn’t want to do it in Napanee and Kingston where we grew up, because I thought in Peterborough nobody I knew would come,” Deborah says. “But half the people in Catalina’s that night drove in from Napanee. But they loved it.
“I’ve had every relative come and see it now, so I have no fears. You always wonder if you’ve said something offensive. I know it was hard the first few productions. In Kingston, it was everybody I knew and they were okay with it. My Mom came — and that was the hardest because I was worried that she’d be too upset to watch it — but she really liked it.”
The title of Deborah Kimmett’s show refers to her teaching a writing class about the use of the word “suddenly” when she found out her brother Kevin had been diagnosed with cancer. (Photo: Cassandra Rudolph)
Raised in a large Catholic family, Deborah was the oldest of six children, while her brother Kevin was the middle child.
“Kevin really wasn’t in the inner circle of the family,” Deborah says. “I was the oldest and the leader and I thought I was amazing, and he, of course, didn’t think that all the time.”
Although they knew each other their entire lives, for the most part Deborah and Kevin were virtual strangers — until he got ill, where an unlikely relationship between the two siblings grew.
“When my brother was ill I found out how interesting and talented he was,” she admits. “And, for the first time in my life, he became interested in me as well.”
Through their visits together, Deborah began to draft the first version of The Year of the Suddenly.
“I wrote down the story of my brother through the course of the time that he was sick,” she explains. “We weren’t as close until he was sick, and at that time we had a lot of conversations and I learned a lot about him. He was very smart and extremely funny.”
While Kevin’s illness is an important part of the narrative of the show, Deborah stresses that it is only a plot point and not the theme of The Year of the Suddenly.
“It’s not a show about cancer,” Deb says. “It’s about a brother and a sister. It’s a family relationship. It’s all about family and how we treat each other.
“I have this line that says ‘You don’t update your files on family for forty years.’ You can be the nicest person in the world, but your family doesn’t realize that you’ve changed since you were six. This whole story is nothing about cancer, but updating the files on a brother and sister relationship.
“A brother and sister treat each other different than, say, a sister treats a sister. There were always little factions in the family and groups you could hang out with. My two sisters and I were close, and my two brothers were close, and Kevin was in the middle and I just didn’t know him well growing up.
“We went to family gatherings, but the boys would be in the living room yelling about politics, and the women would be in the kitchen yelling about women’s rights, and we never really knew each other. The boys loved us, but they never really did anything with us. We never really talked to each other. So we went to these family events, and we’d get stuck into these roles.”
Deborah Kimmett’s “The Year of the Suddenly” is directed by Peterborough’s Linda Kash. (Publicity photo)
Although Kevin’s illness was a difficult time for Deborah and her family, she has been able to find the comedy amongst the tragedy for her show.
“When somebody is really ill, a lot of comedy comes out of human error,” she explains. “I always wanted to be a great sister, and I wanted to help out, but I’d blow it a lot. Even if you start out wanting to be a saint, at the end of it you realize that you weren’t as friendly as you thought you were. The humour comes out of our mistakes as people. I never mock his illness.”
“I also think comedy is all about falling down as a person,” she adds. “You go in with high ideas of yourself, and failing at those high ideas is where the humour comes from. So I walked in thinking I could be a nurse or a kind person, and all of that, and then my foibles as a human being failed me.”
Deborah has been performing The Year of the Suddenly for over a year, and since her Catalina’s performance the show has managed to change and evolve. One of the most obvious changes is the addition of musician Nichol Robertson to the show.
Toronto guitarist, banjo player, and singer-songwriter Nichol Robertson will provide musical accompaniment during Deborah Kimmett’s performance. (Publicity photo)
“My brother loved country and western music, and Nichol is this amazing guitar player,” she says. “He really can play any type of music. He does this thing where he dresses like a country gentleman and he’s got a great sense of humour. We’ve really rehearsed him into the show and he’s brought a lot into the piece. Music is used to tell the story. He really is an integral part of the show.”
Another change in the show is the emotional context for Deborah’s performance, now that some time has passed since her brother’s death from his illness.
“When I first wrote it, it was very raw and emotional because I had just gone through my brother having died,” she explains. “But lately it feels like we’ve included the audience more. The audience sings, and I dance with them, and eventually it became like a communal celebration of life. It’s emotional for the audience, but I’m not as emotional doing it.”
Still, with each performance, Deborah continues to keep her commitment to her brother’s memory alive when she goes on stage.
“I want to make sure that there was nothing I say in the show that would upset Kevin if he were alive,” she says. “I treated the material very carefully. I always say a little commitment to him before I go on stage, that he’ll be good with what I’ve written, and to also honour him.”
Deborah Kimmett will perform “The Year of the Suddenly” at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on Sunday, September 23, 2018. (Poster: New Stages)
The Year of the Suddenly is a perfect way to open New Stages’ upcoming season of thought-provoking and often hard-hitting shows. Randy Read always brings the best talent to Peterborough for everything he produces, and Deborah Kimmett is no exception. She is a funny woman with a magnetic stage presence that goes right to the soul of the audience, and it is a true gift to have her perform at the Market Hall.
The Year of the Suddenly will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 23rd at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. Genearl admission tickets are $30 ($15 for students, art workers, and the underwaged) and are available in person at the Market Hall Box Office or by phone at 705-749-1146 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) or online anytime at markethall.org.
The family-run Dooher's Bakery in Campbellford has been voted the "Sweetest Bakery in Canada" in a nationwide contest sponsored by Dawn Food Products. Pictured is owner Cory Dooher (centre) with her proud parents Christine and Peter. (Photo: Dooher's Bakery / Facebook)
This week’s round-up of business news features Dooher’s Bakery in Campbellford winning the “Sweetest Bakery in Canada” contest, the return of the Cubs’ Lair competition for young entrepreneurs, and the arrival of Uber Eats food delivery service in Peterborough.
New business events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s lunch-time seminar on the blockchain on September 19th, Community Futures Peterborough #FinancialFriday seminar on mortgage financing on September 21st, workshops on new regulations under Safe Food for Canadians Act in Peterborough on September 25th, and the Peterborough Chamber’s Leaders Lunch Series on strategic planning in Peterborough on September 27th.
We publish businessNOW every week. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Dooher’s Bakery in Campbellford voted the “Sweetest Bakery in Canada”
Dooher’s Bakery owner Cory Dooher (second from right) celebrating the title of “Sweetest Bakery in Canada” with her children Spencer, Jeremy, and Hannah, all of whom work in the family-run bakery. (Photo: Dooher’s Bakery / Facebook)
Dooher’s Bakery (61 Bridge St. E., Campbellford) has been named as the “Sweetest Bakery in Canada” in a contest sponsored by Michigan-based Dawn Food Products, Inc. for the first time.
The results of the national contest, when began in April with both online and mail-in voting, were announced last Friday (September 14).
Judging from the reaction on Dooher’s Bakery Facebok page (over 4,600 “likes”, 785 comments, and more than 3,000 shares), a lot of people agree with the result.
The family-run bakery was founded in 1949 by Muriel and Harry Dooher, and is currently operated by the founders’ grandaughter Cory Dooher. Using special family recipes, the bakery produces sweet rolls, pastries, squares, pies, short breads, muffins, donuts, cookies, and more.
In addition to bragging rights, Dooher’s Bakery also receives a prize package valued at $10,000, which includes national and local recognition (including a full-page ad in Bakers Journal), an award plaque, a local celebration party, national and local public relations support, and more.
Pontiac Home Bakery in Shawville, Quebec, and The Rolling Pin Bakery in Hope, British Columbia, were the Eastern Canada and Western Canada national winners.
For more information on Dooher’s Bakery, visit www.doohers.com.
Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurship competition returns to Peterborough for its fourth year
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)
Cubs’ Lair, the largest competition for young entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, is returning for its fourth year.
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.
After applying online, participants will attend a series of three mandatory workshops at the Innovation Cluster that will help them build skills in creating a business model canvas, financing, marketing, and preparing their pitch to a panel of judges.
The final pitch event takes place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 22nd at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough. A panel of established business professionals will test competitors’ knowledge of how they will grow the business and judge the best pitch.
VIDEO: Cubs’ Lair 2018
Richard Cochrane of Status Exempt won the 2017 competition for his platform that allows First Nations to obtain tax exemption online. Judges chose Cochrane based on having a comprehensive business plan and creating a first-of-its-kind solution.
This year’s prize package of up to $10,000 includes incubator space at the Innovation Cluster, a social media package from PTBOCanada, two-year cash flow budgeting support by Gauvreau & Associates, with more prizes to be announced.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/programs/cubslair/. The deadline to apply is Saturday, October 27th.
Uber Eats food delivery service is now available in Peterborough
Uber Eats food delivery service is now available in Peterborough at 15 fast food chains and restaurants with more to come. (Photo: Uber Eats)
Food delivery service Uber Eats is now available in Peterborough.
Created by ridesharing service Uber in 2014 out of San Francisco, the service launched in Toronto in 2015 and is expanding to 100 cities across Canada.
Users can order food from participating restaurants — mostly fast food chains that don’t have their own delivery service — on their websites or using the Uber Eats smartphone app. Meals are delivered by couriers using cars, bikes, or on foot.
Participating Peterborough restaurants so far include McDonald’s, A&W, Popeye’s Louisana Kitchen, Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, Jeff Purvey’s Fish & Chips, Pita Pit, Caribbean Sizzle, Boston Pizza, and Firehouse Subs with more to come.
Another Canadian food delivery service, SkipTheDishes, has already been operating in Peterborough since December 2017, with 45 restaurants currently prticipating.
As for the ridesharing service Uber, the company has no plans to make the service available in Peterborough.
Venture13 in Cobourg hosts seminar on University of Toronto internship program for startups on September 18
The Impact Centre in partnership with Northumberland CFDC and Venture13 is presenting a lunch and learn seminar on course-based internship program for early-stage startups offered by the Impact Centre at the University of Toronto.
“Exploring New Ventures Closer to Home: Helping your Startup grow with top talent from UofT” takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18th in the seminar room at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
Students in the Exploring New Ventures Closer to Home (ENV-C2H) program will work with your company (unpaid) for either 100 or 200 hours, learn about entrepreneurship, and earn an academic credit.
The seminar is free and lunch will be provided. Register at Eventbrite.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts BAC at the Bonfire at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on September 18
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre hosts its annual BAC at the Bonfire event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18th at Elmhirst’s Rerort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene).
BAC at the Bonfire brings together entrepreneurs around a cozy campfire to share their stories and mingle with like-minded professionals.
This year’s theme is how to scale your business for growth and remain competitive. Gain valuable insight guest speakers Marissa McTasney of Moxie Trades and Craig Mortlock from Mortlock Construction.
Peterborough DBIA’s monthly Breakfast Network with Paul J. Bedford on September 19
Renowned city planner Paul J. Bedford will be the guest speaker at the Peterborough DBIA’s September Breakfast Network.
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA)’s next monthly Breakfast Network takes place at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 19th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Renowned planner Paul J. Bedford will be the guest speaker. A member and fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners, Bedford has 45 years of experience in urban planning, including as Toronto’s chief city planner for eight years.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The meeting is open to everyone, and tickets are $5 at the door.
Peterborough Chamber hosts lunch-time seminar on the blockchain on September 19
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next Lunch Box Learning seminar takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th in the Chamber boardroom at 175 George Street North in Peterborough.
The topic will be “What is Blockchain and why should I care?” presented by Anthony Evelyn from RBC Wealth Management, followed by a question-and-answer session. Blockchain — a “digital ledger” stored in a distributed network — is the technology the underpins digital currency like Bitcoin but is being used for more than just currency and transactions.
Lunch Box Learning is a noon-hour seminar series that’s open to Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN).
The seminar is free to attend, but please bring your own lunch.
Note: this seminar replaces the one on the topic “Business Relationships in the Age of Machine Intelligence and Automation” originally scheduled for this date.
Port Hope Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on marijuana in the workplace on September 19
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Marijuana in the Workplace: Is Your Workplace Ready?” from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th at the Port Hope Council Chambers (56 Queen St., Port Hope).
The seminar will provide information on the rights and responsibilities of employers regarding the upcoming legalization of marijuana. Jason Schmidt of Schmidt Law Legal Services will be leading the discussion, along with Peter Treacy, Field Consultant from Peninsula Canada – Human Resources & Employer Advice.
Bring your own lunch (beverages will be provided). The event is free, but please RSVP by emailing admin@porthopechamber.com or calling 905-885-5519.
Kawartha Chamber presents Business After Hours in Bridgenorth on September 19
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business After Hours event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th.
During the “Bridgenorth Hop”, the Chamber will visit members in Bridgenorth, including Bridgenorth Deli, Style Boutique, and TCB Office Furniture & Supplies.
More details will be announced as the date nears.
Port Hope Chamber hosts community economic development workshop on September 20
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Community Economic Development 101” from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, September 20th at the Port Hope Lions Recreation Centre (29 Thomas St., Port Hope).
The interactive workshop, intended for municipal candidates, staff, community volunteers, and business professionals, will teach the basics of economic development and provide practical tools to help your municipality attract jobs, investment, and tackle economic development barriers.
The workshop is free, but advance registration is required by emailing admin@porthopechamber.com or calling 905-885-5519.
Lindsay Chamber Fall Golf Classic Tournament on September 20
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Fall Golf Classic Tournament from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 20th at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club (282 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).
The event fee of $141.25 includes a BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf (cart included), and dinner. There will be prizes for women’s and men’s closest and longest drive, most honest and winning teams, and putting and chipping contests.
Innovation Cluster hosts workshop on alternative financing options in Peterborough on September 20
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas is hosting “Hands-ON: Alternative Financing Options with SME Bancorp Inc.” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 20th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The workshop, presented by Peter Browning of SME Bancorp, will cover the topics of financing accounts receivable or factoring, using credit insurance to eliminate your credit risk and reduce your cost of borrowing, financing purchase orders, how to fund the purchase of assets such as inventory and the services you need to run your business, and financing equipment.
Community Futures Peterborough hosts a seminar on mortgage financing on September 21
The next in the #FinancialFriday seminar presented by Community Futures Peterborough takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, September 21st in the Judy Heffernan Memorial Board Room at Community Futures Peterborough (351 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Grace Reynolds of Northwood Mortgage Ltd. will present on the topic “Mortgage Financing – Getting Your House In Order!”. The session will cover what banks look for when qualifying you for a mortgage, how much income you need to show on tax returns, and how to maximize your tax minimization.
The #FinancialFriday series is designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs with information on finance and business acumen.
Workshops on new regulations under Safe Food for Canadians Act in Peterborough on September 25
Diatom Consulting is offering two workshops to help local businesses prepare for new regulations under the federal Safe Food for Canadians Act that come into effect in January 2018.
The new regulations will result in potential changes for local food manufacturers to record keeping, facility licenses, and oversight from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The two workshops, entitled “Safe Food for Canadian Regulations – What You Need to Know” and “Safe Food for Canadian Regulations – Building a Compliant PCP Process”, take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough). Each workshop costs $199 or $269 for both.
New Venture Session on September 26, 2018 is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs or startups looking for support in the business community. (Photo: Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development)
Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a workshop for entrepreneurs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26th at St. Matthew – St. Aidans Church (1946 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn).
The “New Venture Session” is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs or startups looking for support in the business community. The session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs that are available for entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, the business model canvas exercise, how to access support from the Business Advisory Centre, and getting started on the “Startup Checklist”.
Leaders Lunch Series on Strategic Planning in Peterborough on September 27
The third event of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s Leaders Lunch Series for 2018 takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 27th at Personal Touch Banquet Hall (1135 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
Ali Lajevardi, Director of BDC Advisory Services, will deliver a keynote address on “The Benefits of Strategic Planning” followed by a question-and-answer session featuring panelists Rhonda Barnet, Jonathan Bennett, and Matt Tanguay.
The cost is $20 and includes networking and lunch. For more information and to register, visit peterboroughchamber.ca.
Next Kawartha Chamber B.O.S.S. session takes place on October 2
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) session is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2nd at Camp Kawartha (1010 Birchview Rd., Douro-Dummer).
The session will explore team building programs, practices, and activities, and discuss the importance of establishing trust, setting goals, and honouring the goals of others. Refreshments will be provided.
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s Love Local Business Expo will take place this year from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3rd.
The region’s largest business showcase, in previous years the Expo took place at the Morrow Building during September. While spacious, the location was also somewhat uncomfortable during the heat of late summer and required a lot of carpets to cover up the concrete floor.
This year’s Expo is taking place at the Envinrude Centre, which features air conditioning and hardwood floors.
Cultivate hosted its long table launch dinner at Headwaters Community Farm and Education Centre on Friday, September 7, 2018. The dinner, which featured eight local chefs making eight courses featuring local ingredients, launched the annual farm-to-festival celebration of local food and drink, which culminates with the festival weekend from September 21st to 23rd in downtown Port Hope. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
“A family dining experience,” coined Cultivate festival organizer Jeffrey Alan Bray while opening the official long table launch dinner for Cultivate 2018.
The unique multi-course outdoor dining event was held last Friday (September 7th) at beautiful Headwaters Community Farm, nestled in the Northumberland Hills.
The annual long-table launch party is an intimate dining experience meant to kick off the festival with a preview of dishes and beverages crafted from the locally sourced ingredients Cultivate is known for.
Place settings for 100 people to enjoy local food and drink during the Cultivate long table launch dinner at Headwaters Community Farm and Education Centre. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
Diners are seated at a long table outdoors, and the experience is not unlike a large family reunion or picnic. Diners are likely to be seated next to (or across from) strangers and are encouraged to pass dishes, converse, share, and enjoy the experience of dining with new people.
Tickets to the opening event are always available in advance. The experience is a great opportunity to learn more about farm-to-table options in Northumberland — while getting a sneak peek at what the festival has to offer.
For the price of a ticket to this limited attendance event, the value of the experience greatly exceeds the cost of $100 per person. If you missed the opportunity to attend, be sure follow Cultivate online and watch for 2019’s long table launch party next year.
The Festival Begins
The Cultivate festival weekend takes place at Memorial Park in downtown Port Hope from from September 21 to 23, 2018. (Photo: Cultivate)
Hailed as a “farm-to-festival celebration”, Cultivate celebrates local food, drink, art and culture.
During the festival. you can expect to find a variety of local food producers, chefs and culinary artists, vintners, brew masters, musicians, artists and more. Collaboration between different groups is integral to the festival’s success.
“Obviously this takes a lot of work and it doesn’t happen without a lot of helping hands,” Bray said.
Cultivate festival organizer Jeffrey Alan Bray at the long table launch dinner at Headwaters Community Farm and Education Centre. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
The long table launch marks the beginning of many festival events that happen during the month of September leading up to the “big” weekend (September 21st to 23rd in downtown Port Hope).
The festival is a way to encourage foodies, music enthusiasts, and people of all interests to dine together and discover culinary delights sourced locally in Northumberland.
For this reason, the festival is a cornucopia of sensory delights and the inaugural long table dinner is the earliest opportunity to begin sampling the food, beverages, and music Cultivate is known for.
The Long Table Courses and Chefs
The 2018 kick-off event was hosted by Headwaters Community Farm.
Chef Matthew Ness of Centennial College opened the dinner with a first course of farmstead spreads and breads. The course included cornbread from Stapleton and a Chicken Liver Mousse with ingredients sourced from local chicken farmers.
Chef Matthew Ness of Centennial College opened the dinner with a first course selection of fresh-baked breads, flavoured butters, dips, and crudités. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
“I just want everybody to pass everything around, to break bread,” Chef Ness explained, breaking the ice for diners to begin sharing and conversing during the meal.
Accompanied by a sample of William Street Beer, the second course of dehydrated tomato, kale, and goat cheese stuffed mushrooms included locally foraged ingredients from South Pond Farms and was created by Chef Isaac Meadows of The Mill Restaurant and Pub in Cobourg.
“Foragers Farms provided local kale and dehydrated heirloom tomatoes for the dish and ground cherries were foraged earlier in the day by South Pond Farms,” explained Chef Meadows.
The third course included cedar-wrapped, oven-poached Ontario trout compliments of Chef Signe Langford, food editor of Harrowsmith Magazine.
“Farmed, sustainable, clean — eat Ontario fish,” Chef Langford said of her phenomenal dish.
The course was accompanied by an apple cider crafted by Empire Cider Co. in Codrington, Ontario.
Following the fish, Team Headwaters and Foragers Farms served a locally sourced salad with ingredients that included Swiss chard, kale, and roasted root vegetables. The salad was dressed with a sumac and honey dressing.
Tony and Linda Armstrong, owners of Headwaters Farm, sourced the ingredients for this course from their own farm.
“It’s kind of bigger than salad to us,” Bray explains. “We met Tony and Linda and they had an idea for what this farm would become and it’s really evolved a lot in three years — but the best part about it is that they want to share this with everybody.
“Headwaters was a big part of the 2017 festival. Part of what’s great about the food community we have here is that everyone is in it together and it’s nice that people want to share what they have.”
The salad was accompanied by a refreshing cold-infused sumac beverage with honey and mint.
“Two of the big flavours we deal with a lot in late summer are sumac and honey,” explained Tony Armstrong.
Chef Riley Wanke of South Pond Farms (right), accompanied by Tyler from Rare Grill House in Peterborough, created a unique Squash “Porchetta”, a vegetarian take on an Italian meat dish, for the seventh course at the (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
Team Cultivate took the fifth course, serving a delicious mushroom and barley risotto.
New to Cultivate this year, Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro provided a red marquette to sample. Winemaker Jonathan Drew has been open for three months and the ingredients in his wine are 100 per cent grown in Northumberland.
For the sixth course, Chef Matt DeMille of EAT with Matt DeMille served fire-roasted spring chicken with Piri Piri sauce. Local chicken farmers Kendal Hills Game Farm supplied the meat for this course.
The seventh course was a vegetarian take on an Italian meat dish. Chef Riley Wanke of South Pond Farms, accompanied by Tyler from Rare Grill House in Peterborough, created a unique Squash “Porchetta”.
“The squash is from Luna River Farms and the Wild Rice is special because it comes from Curve Lake — you can’t get any more local than that,” explained Chef Wanke.
The evening wrapped with a dessert course featuring fire-roasted s’mores. Chef Robb Hogg of Nosh and Nourish added a twist to this classic campfire treat with chocolate bark, fruit compote, and maple marshmallows.
The 2018 Festival Music Lineup
Fred Penner, who has performed previously at the family-friendly Cultivate festival, is the host for the Sunday live music line-up, which includes headliners The Good Lovelies. (Photo: Cultivate)
Diners were also treated to a live performance from Peterborough’s fuzz-folk duo Mayhemingways, who recently released their latest record Skip Land.
Music is an integral part of the festival weekend. Here’s an overview of what to expect at this year’s festival:
On the first day of the festival (Friday, September 21st), the musical entertainment will include headliner Lindi Ortega, Jade Eagleson, Melissa Payne, and renowned harmonica player Carlos Del Junco and the Blues Mongrels.
On Saturday, September 22nd, the entertainment will include headliner Donovan Woods and the Opposition, Union Duke, Kellylee Evans, Kate Boothman, Cale Crowe, Ganaraska Sheiks, Billard Blossom, Northern Hearts, Pop-Up Choir, Hill and Landing.
Finishing up the weekend, Sunday performances — hosted by children’s entertainer Fred Penner — will include headliners The Good Lovelies, Kobo Town, Oh Susanna, and the Hometown Beauts.
Attend the festival for the food and drink, and stay for the entertainment!
Butter Tart Taste-Off
The maple pecan butter tart from Kawartha Shortbread in Fenelon Falls was the “Best of the Best” champioon in the 2017 Butter Tart Taste-Off.
Hosted for the past two years at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market, this year the Kawarthas Northumberland “Butter Tart Taste-Off” is taking place at Cultivate on Sunday, September 23rd.
Declared the “sweetest event of the year”, the free event takes place outside the festival along the adjacent streets and river banks.
More than 20 world-class butter tart bakers from Kawarthas Northumberland will showcase the butter tarts they’re known for.
The taste off includes awards for the best classic butter tart, the best gluten-free tart, the best “100 mile” tart (made with mostly local ingredients), and a fun category “Arts ‘n’ Tarts” where artistry and creativity are judged.
Cultivate Festival Weekend Extras
Over three days, the Cultivate festival celebrates local food, drink, art, and culture through promotion, education, and collaboration. The festival features: locally grown and crafted food choices; craft beer, wine, cider and spirits; live, interactive art installations; educational workshops; an open-ended and creative children’s play area; and 24 hours of live music. (Photo: Cultivate)
It’s important to note that Cultivate is a family-friendly event. One festival perk is that kids aged 12 and under can attend free. So don’t be afraid to bring your entire family and enjoy the festival together.
Cultivate also boasts live art installations, culinary workshops, and a 60 vendor marketplace to keep you busy while you’re attending the festival.
The 2018 Cultivate Festival will be held in Port Hope’s Memorial Park (on Queen St. between Walton and Augusta) from September 21st to 23rd.
A weekend pass is $69, with day passes available on Friday ($29), Saturday ($39), and Sunday ($29). VIP passes are also available, ranging from $99 to $139.
A free “swag bag” is available for weekend pass holders.
For more information about Cultivate — including pre-festival weekend pop-ups — and to purchase tickets for the big weekend, visit the festival website at cultivatefestival.ca.
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