Lakefield College School's production of "Mamma Mia!" is a showcase for the huge talent of Catherine Kim in the leading role of Donna Sheridan. The jukebox musical featuring the hits of Swedish pop supergroup Abba runs from November 27 to December 1 at the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School. Performances are free for the public. (Photo: Sara Connelly / SC Photography)
From Tuesday, November 27th to Saturday, December 1st, the students of Lakefield College School, under the direction of Geoff and Rachel Bemrose, present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Bryan Jones Theatre in Lakefield.
SOLD OUT
The entire run of Mamma Mia! is sold out.
Lakefield College School is one of the first groups to acquire the recently released rights to perform this musical theatre favourite that features the songs of the 1970s Swedish pop supergroup Abba, making this a very special entry into Lakefield College School’s roster of well-produced musicals.
The history of Mamma Mia! goes back to 1984, when Abba’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson met producer Judy Craymer while collaborating with Tim Rice on the musical Chess. Having parted ways with Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad two years earlier, thus dissolving Abba, Benny and Bjorn were looking for new horizons and Judy was convinced the music of Abba had a dramatic power that could become a stage musical all its own. Although Benny and Bjorn were slow to convince, they eventually gave Judy the green light for a musical project.
Judy hired Catherine Johnston to write the book for the show, and Mamma Mia! opened in London’s West End at the Prince Edward Theater in April 1999. Although it has changed theatres a number of times, the show continues to run today making it one of Britain’s longest-running musicals. The musical made its North American debut in Toronto in 2000, where it had a five-year hit run at the Royal Alexander Theatre. Mamma Mia! had a hard time transitioning to the US market, with brief runs in San Francisco, Los Angeles. and Chicago before premiering on Broadway at The Winter Garden in 2001, where it found its audience and ran for 15 years and over 5.000 performances.
In 2008, the original theatrical production team alongside producer Tom Hanks successfully brought Mamma Mia! to the big screen starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan, further popularizing the production far beyond the stage (and leading to the 2017 sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again). While Mamma Mia! has surprisingly never been won any major theatrical awards, the show has become a beloved favourite acquiring a cult following, popularizing the “jukebox musical” genre, and creating a second wave of Abbamania.
Catherine Kim and company perform “Money, Money, Money”. (Photo: Sara Connelly / SC Photography)
Mamma Mia! tells the story of Donna Sheridan (played by Catherine Kim in the Lakefield College School production), whose romantic entanglements from 20 years ago catch up with her when her daughter Sophie (Kate Bemrose) searches for the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding. Part of a pop trio in her youth, Donna gave up music when she got pregnant with Sophie while on tour in the Greek Islands in 1979. Settling down and creating her own successful holiday resort on the remote island paradise of Kalokari, Donna is a strong-willed business woman and mother who never looked for assistance from Sophie’s father.
In fact, Donna isn’t even sure who Sophie’s father is. Is he American architect Sam Carmichael (Liam Davidson)? The rugged writer and explorer Bill Austin (Zachary Chiagozie)? Or punk rocker turned British banker Harry Bright (Liam Cole)? Stealing her mother’s diary so that she might find out the identity of her father so he can walk her down the aisle, Sophie locates and invites all three men to her wedding. Now, as the island resort explodes with excitement of wedding celebrations, Donna’s past comes crashing down on her as old romantic wounds are reopened, secrets are revealed, and the definition of family is redefined.
There is no denying the popularity of Abba and Mamma Mia!, which is a guaranteed hit with any audience. Geoff Bemrose revealed to me that he and co-director Rachel had been waiting for the rights of this show to come up for 15 years and Lakefield College School is one of the first amateur companies to put on the show. With a team of 47 students (34 cast members and 13 crew) and five teachers working on the show for the past three months, Mamma Mia! is a true passion project for the school.
The cast performs “Voulez Vous”. (Photo: Sara Connelly / SC Photography)
One of the challenges in having this show performed by a very young company is that it has some very adult themes. As a result, the cast needs to find a fine balance between youthful energy and emotional maturity to make it work. As both theatrical professionals and respected educators, Geoff and Rachel and their team find that balance in their performers, and lead them in a fun — and sometimes provocative — musical journey through romance and Swedish pop.
Mamma Mia! becomes a showcase for the huge talent of Catherine Kim in the leading role of Donna Sheridan. Catherine first caught my attention in her small but mighty role of reporter Gloria Thorpe in Lakefield College School’s production of Damn Yankees last year. I described her as being a “spitfire” for her dancing and singing abilities.
Well, that performance was just the tip of the iceberg because Catherine proves herself to be a massive powerhouse in Mamma Mia! with her ability to dominate the stage, hit all the notes in her big musical numbers, and display a tremendous emotional maturity that allows her to transcend from student to middle-aged single mother.
Catherine Kim as Donna, Valetina Boren as Tanya, and Sierra Gibb as Rosie perform “Super Trouper”. (Photo: Sara Connelly / SC Photography)
Whether belting out fun pop numbers such as “Mamma Mia”, “Money Money Money” and “Super Trouper”, or emotional ballads such as “One of Us”, or her standout musical moment of the show “The Winner Takes It All”, Catherine proves herself to be one of the most impressive new musical theatre performers I have seen this year.
Catherine Kim musical superstar written all over her, and I can see a very big future for her in performance arts if she continues in that direction. If there’s one reason to see this production, it’s to take a first look at this emerging actress before she goes on to bigger roles on much bigger stages.
Although I have been aware of Kate Bemrose (who plays Sophie) for a number of years, Mamma Mia! is the first time I have seen this charming young performer in an acting role. Kate has a very unique and unconventional vocal style that doesn’t fit the traditional stage musical mold, but had me enchanted. Very gentle and fragile, with just a hint of vibrato, Kate’s voice is more in the line of Zooey Deschanel or Grace Vanderwall than Patti Lupone or Sarah Brightman, giving it that slightly unique flavour that stands out from other vocal artists.
Kate Bemrose performs “Under Attack”. (Photo: Sara Connelly / SC Photography)
From her opening lines in “I Have a Dream”, Kate exudes youthful optimism and a sense of romanticism, adding a layer of charm to the production. I don’t know if musical performance is something that Kate plans to pursue, but I know that I’d be interested in her potential as a singer beyond stage musicals.
I was very impressed with the casting of the three leading men in the show. For the three potential fathers, the production team chose three young men who couldn’t be more different from one another, and each maintaining their own sense of originality and charm. Liam Davidson, as Sam, has a sense of brash romanticism and real world sensibility; Zachary Chiagozie as Bill Austin is cool and worldly; and Liam Cole as Harry Bright is quirky and eccentric.
Each of the boys give his own outstanding musical performances, albeit it in the form of duets. Liam Davidson, who also has an unconventional yet powerful voice, gives a standout performance with Kate Bemrose with “The Name of the Game”. Liam Cole and Catherine Kim paint a charming picture of days gone by with “Our Last Summer” (I may be a bit biased because that is my favourite Abba song).
Zachary Chiagozic as Bill Austin, Liam Davidson as Sam Carmichael, Catherine Kim as Donna Sheridan, and Liam Cole as Harry Bright. (Photo: Sara Connelly / SC Photography)
Unfortunately, despite his great voice, Zachary doesn’t get very much vocal spotlight. However, he does have a great duet in the second act with supporting player Sierra Gibb with “Take a Chance on Me”. But watch Zachery closely in some of the big group numbers: he has some pretty killer dance moves when he lets loose.
I also want to give a shout-out to Sierra Gibb and Valentina Boren who play supporting roles as Donna’s former musical partners Rosie and Tanya. Armed with some of the funniest lines, they not only back up Catherine in some of the production numbers, but they provide an interesting vocal blend when they sing together on “Chiquita” and “Dancing Queen”. They also have their own outstanding moments, with Sierra’s above-mentioned “Take a Chance on Me”, and Valentina’s “Does Your Mother Know”. Performing in two fun character roles, Sierra and Valentina add a sense of spice to the show.
Beyond the story and the musical performances, the real strength of Lakefield College School’s production of Mamma Mia! lies in the giant production numbers choreographed by Rachel Bemrose. Rachel is one of the finest dance instructors in the area, and her big numbers are always the best of the best. Mamma Mia! is no exception to this. The big moments of the show are always when the entire cast is on stage: the more singers and dancers Rachel can pack into a number, the bigger and more electric it’s going to be.
Kate Bemrose as Sophie and Romano Watt as Sky. (Photo: Sara Connelly / SC Photography)
Production numbers like “Money Money Money”, “Gimme Gimme Gimme”, “Voulez Vous”, “Under Attack”, and “I Do I Do I Do” are very impressive. And only Rachel Bemrose could choreograph the male chorus of the show — led by Romano Watt as Sky, Alex Forde as Pepper, and Eric Xia as Eddie — in a number featuring them dancing in flippers while singing “Lay All Your Love on Me”.
At the preview performance I attended, the final post-curtain call finale was the rousing highlight of the show. As the cast assembled one more time for another trio of Abba favourites, the audience rose from their chairs, clapped, sang, and hollered while the Lakefield College School company exploded one last time on the stage.
Mamma Mia! is always going to be a crowd pleaser, as the entire world seems to be in love with the music of Abba. But the staff at Lakefield College School have really created something special in their arts program, and their theatrical productions are truly special.
Lakefield College School’s production of “Mamma Mia!” is co-directed by Geoff and Rachel Bemrose and choreographed by Rachel Bemrose. (Photo: Sara Connelly / SC Photography)
They not only provide a safe and positive space for young performers to flex their creative muscles, but become an arena for young talent to shine in the spotlight. Even more extraordinary, their productions are always free to the public. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Editor’s note: All five performances of Mamma Mia! at the Bryan Jones Theatre are sold out.
Peterborough musician Rick Young in 2017, before undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, holding a copy of "The Lost Album", his and his wife Gailie’s first record containing 16 original songs written by Rick. Almost a year to the date of a benefit concert to help Rick and Gailie with the costs of not performing while he underwent treatment, Rick is now back home recovering from recent surgery for skin cancer. (Photo: SLAB Productions)
“It’s me … I’m alive.”
With that brief but definitive confirmation, longtime Peterborough musician Rick Young made it clear Monday (November 26) that, despite yet another serious bout with cancer, he hasn’t lost his sense of humour or his optimism over what lays ahead in terms of his health.
Young, 66, is at home resting comfortably following surgery on November 22nd at Toronto General Hospital to deal with a new health threat — in the form of carcinoma.
“This is different than my lymphoma … it’s skin cancer,” says Young, who came home Sunday from the hospital.
“They did two surgeries here in Peterborough using a local anaesthetic. The third time, they sampled it and it was still there, so they said ‘Alright, we’re not horsing around anymore’ and sent me to Dr. (Jonathan) Irish at Toronto General (Hospital).
“This time I think they got it all out. They took some lymph nodes with it so it doesn’t spread anywhere. The incision is from behind my ear to across my neck down to my chest. I go for a follow-up in three weeks and they’ll let me know if anything else is needed or if I’m clear.”
It was in the fall of 2017 that Young began chemotherapy treatment at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, the body’s disease fighting network. Come March 2018, a CAT scan revealed he was clear of that cancer.
The ‘I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends’ benefit concert was held at The Venue in Peterborough on November 19, 2018 after Rick Young was unable to make his living playing music following treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (Photo: Catherine Bailie McGrath / Facebook)
Just more than a year ago to the day of his most recent surgery, Young, with his wife and longtime music collaborator Gailie, were the benefactors of a huge benefit held at The Venue to help them with costs incurred as a result of not performing.
The event, billed as ‘I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends’ — a nod to their trademark performance of Beatles music — saw 10 acts perform before a packed room, raising thousands of dollars to help them out while doing much to lift the couple’s spirits.
As was the case last year, Young prefers to keep a low profile when it comes to his personal health.
“Gailie said you were calling on the phone,” he says. “I said ‘Oh man, I don’t want any more publicity.’
“She said ‘Come on, people want to hear from you, they did the benefit for you and they have to know what’s going on.’ I appreciate that people are concerned. It’s kind of people to think of me, but after awhile it’s like ‘Geez…'”
Rick Young will be taking a break from singing while he recovers from his most recent cancer treatment, but his wife Gailie hopes he will be back on stage soon playing guitar. (Photo: SLAB Productions)
For her part, Gailie is “very positive” regarding her husband’s prognosis, adding “I know he’s going to get through this. I’m praying the third time’s a charm and they got the cancer out.”
On Monday, Gailie posted on Facebook that their regular gig at the Black Horse is on hold while Rick recovers. She will be at the George Street North pub tonight (Monday, November 26) for the weekly Crash & Burn event, joined by a number of musical friends.
She says that while Rick won’t be able to sing, it’s hoped that he will be back onstage next week at some point playing guitar.
“Since I posted on Facebook, many people have been sending love and hugs and healing thoughts,” Gailie says.
“It’s amazing. I’m just God smacked over the response.”
Watson & Lou, the contemporary gift boutique and creative hub in downtown Peterborough, is now offering private studio space to artists. The 1,300-square-foot space, which includes three private studios and an open-concept screen printing facility, features white walls, original wooden flooring, LED lighting, and large windows. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
While the dominant business news this week is the devastating announcement that General Motors is closing its Oshawa assembly plant, putting thousands of people out of work, there are also some positive business news stories we are highlighting this week.
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.
Featured this week is arts retailer and creative hub Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough expanding to include private studio space for artists, Peterborough video game company Canuck Play landing legendary quarterback Doug Flutie as the brand ambassador for its latest football game, and Trent University student Jeremy Brooks winning the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurial competition with his virtual reality platform for archaeological sites.
Also featured is Peterborough’s Michael Konopaski presenting a donation of $10,000 from Aligned Capital to YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, Fleming College business and tech students available to private and public sector organizations for applied projects, Peterborough heavy equipment manufacturer Quickmill celebrating its 100th ‘Intimidator’, and uranium processing supplier Cameco (with facilities in Port Hope and Cobourg) the runner up for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Citizen Award.
New regional business events added this week include a WHMIS 2015 certification training workshop in Lindsay on November 30th, a customer service workshop for small business in Lindsay on December 4th, a Christmas celebration at VentureNorth and Innovation Cluster Knowledge Partner and Client Showcase Party in Peterborough on December 4th, the Peterborough Chamber PBX Christmas Social on December 4th, and the Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting on attracting local shoppers on December 11th.
General Motors is closing its Oshawa assembly plant
General Motors is closing its Oshawa assembly plant as part of a global restructuring to focus on the production of electric vehicles. The Oshawa plant assembles the Chevrolet Impala, Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, and Chevrolet Equinox, and completes final assembly work on Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. (Photo: GM Canada)
General Motors confirmed on Monday (November 26) that it will be ceasing operations at its Oshawa assembly plant in 2019, which is also the location of its Canadian headquarters.
The decision is part of a global restructuring plan by the U.S. auto giant to focus on the production of electric vehicles. Along with the Oshawa plant, GM will be closing plants in Michigan (Detroit and Warren), Ohio, and Maryland, along with two unnamed plants outside North America.
GM’s Oshawa plant — which produces gas-powered cars and trucks — employs just over 2,600 people, including 2,522 unionized workers, many of whom commute from communities outside of Oshawa including Peterborough, Cobourg and Port Hope, and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
In addition to the job losses in Oshawa, the closure of the Oshawa plant will have downstream impacts on the auto parts sector and businesses that supply products and services to the workers.
Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough expands to include private studio space for artists
In addition to private studio space, Watson & Lou features the work of local artists such as Laurel Paluck (who created the piece in the window display), sells locally crafted gifts, provides shared studio space, and offers regular workshops. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
Contemporary gift boutique and creative hub Watson & Lou (383 Water St., Peterborough) recently completed an expansion to include a 1,300-square-foot studio space for emerging and established artists.
The space includes three private studios and an open-concept screen printing facility with white walls, original wooden flooring, LED lighting, and large windows.
Watson & Lou was launched in 2017 by owners and operators Erin Watson and Anna Eidt. The store sells prints, ceramics, stained glass, textiles, handmade jewellery, all-natural body products, kids items, home decor, and small furniture pieces.
In addition to the private studio space, Watson & Lou hosts a wide range of workshops in its main floor shared studio space.
Watson & Lou is currently accepting applications for one private studio available on December 1st. Interested artists can email hello@watsonandlou.com for details.
Peterborough video game company lands legendary quarterback Doug Flutie as brand ambassador
Former quarterback Doug Flutie is the brand ambassador for Peterborough video game comapny Canuck Play’s latest game franchise, Maximum Football. (Photo: Flutie Foundation / Facebook)
Peterborough-based Canuck Play, a video game company that developed the first Canadian football game on the market in 2017, has announced former quarterback Doug Flutie will be a brand ambassador for the company’s latest game franchise.
Maximum Football is the only video game me on the market that allows gamers to play with US College, Canadian, and U.S. professional styles of play. Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football will feature Flutie as a playable character and include multiple new game play features.
“We’re extremely excited to have Doug on board,” says David Winter, President of Canuck Play. “His accomplishments at all levels and styles of gridiron football are well known, and he is the obvious natural fit for our title.”
Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football will feature Flutie as a playable character and include multiple new game play features. (Screenshot: Canuck Play)
Flutie is a former quarterback in the NFL, CFL, and United States Football League. He first rose to prominence during his college football career at Boston College, where he received the Heisman Trophy and the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award in 1984. He played for the CFL in the 1990s, when he led the Calgary Stampeders to a Grey Cup victory in 1992, and the Toronto Argonauts to back-to-back Grey Cup victories in 1996 and 1997. He returned to the NFL in the late 1990s until his retirement in 2006, after which he served as an analyst and colour commentator for American television networks.
“I’m basically a kid at heart, who lives for playing sports in person or on the screen,” Flutie says. “This partnership gives me the chance to join the video game space and I’m looking forward to helping grow the Maximum Football brand. What drew me to Maximum Football was the innovative concept of including three different styles of football in the game.”
Published by Hamilton-based indie game publisher Spear Interactive, Maximum Football 2018 is now available on PlayStation and Xbox digital download stores. and partner Spear Interactive, an indie game publisher based in Hamilton,
Trent University student Jeremy Brooks wins 2018 Cubs’ Lair
Trent University archaeology grad student Jeremy Brooks won a prize package valued at more than $10,000 at the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurial competition held in Peterborough on November 22, 2018. Brooks has created an archaeological virtual reality online database (AVROD) that allows students to virtually interact with remote archaeological sites. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
Jeremy Brooks, an archaeology graduate student at Trent University, has won the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurial competition, held last Thursday (November 22) at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough.
Brooks won the grand prize package, valued at more than $10,000, for AVROD (Archaeological Virtual Reality Online Database), which turns remote archaeological sites into an interactive virtual reality experience for students.
The runners up were Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical, a health care service provider that organizes pop-up mobile exams clinics, and Noah Latendre of Dillon Ahola of Opened Minds, an inclusive clothing line.
Peterborough’s Michael Konopaski presents donation of $10,000 from Aligned Capital to YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
Michael Konopaski, CFO of Burlington-based Aligned Capital Partners Inc. and managing director of Inclusive Advisory in Peterborough, will be presenting a cheque for $10,000 on behalf of Aligned Capital to the YMCA of Central East Ontario on November 23, 2018. to support the charity’s local Strong Kids Campaign. (Photo: Barb Shaw / kawarthaNOW.com)
Peterborough’s Michael Konopaski, CFO of Aligned Capital Partners Inc., presented a cheque for $10,000 on behalf of Aligned Capital to the YMCA of Central East Ontario last Friday (November 23).
Aligned Capital Partners Inc. is an investment firm based in Burlngton that has its roots in a Peterborough company co-founded by Konopaski and his father.
The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign helps children, teens, and young adults participate in local YMCA programs they typically wouldn’t have access to due to limited financial resources. Aligned Capital’s $10,000 donation to the YMCA of Central East Ontario edges the local 2018 campaign much closer to its $267,000 goal.
Konopaski is also Managing Director of Inclusive Advisory, a multi-disciplinary partnership of accountants, financial advisors, and lawyers based at 521 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.
Fleming College business and tech students available to public and private sector organizations for applied projects
The Applied Projects program at Fleming College is looking for private and public sector organizations who can provide experiential learning projects to senior students in its business and technology programs.
Examples of projects could include developing marketing plans, international and global business strategy, project management, event planning and management, sporting goods management, blogging and social media, database management, website development, mobile app development, and more.
While there are no fees charged for student work, the sponsoring organization must cover other costs associated with the project (tools, materials, software) and operational expenses (travel, printing, communications).
The projects would ideally start in January and be completed in April.
The deadline for proposals is November 29, 2018. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit flemingcollege.ca/applied-projects.
Peterborough heavy equipment manufacturer Quickmill celebrates its 100th ‘Intimidator’
Quickmill has built and sold its 100th ‘Intimidator’ machine centre. (Photo courtesy of Quickmill)
Large-part gantry milling and drilling machine builder Quickmill (760 Rye St, Peterborough) is celebrating the 100th build and sale of its ‘Intimidator’ large part machining centre.
Quickmill president and CEO Jeff Driscoll is hosting a special celebration today (November 24) at the company’s Rye Street head office and production facility to recognize the team of 30 engineers and technicians who produce the company’s machining centres.
“This is a proud moment for the Quickmill team, both past and present,” says Driscoll. “This milestone is a testament to the engineering and quality of our company’s machining centres.”
At the celebration, the company will hand over the machine to its new owner — an expanding Canadian company — and a 100th machine decal will be affixed to the actual machine.
Quickmill’s origins began in 1984 when founder David Piggot, inspired by a need for innovation in his small machine shop, designed and manufactured a heavy-duty large table gantry drilling machine, now trademarked as The Intimidator.
The machining centre is used for applications such as large heat exchanger manufacturers, where millions of holes are drilled on manual radial arm drills. Each Intimidator is valued at between $500,000 and $750,000, and is used in other industry sectors including oil and gas, structural steel service centres, and bridge construction.
VIDEO: Quickmill Intimidator – Large Part Machining Centrer
Cameco runner up for Corporate Citizen Award at Ontario Business Achievement Awards
Cameco, a major supplier of uranium processing services with facilities in Port Hope and Cobourg, was a finalist for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Citizen Award. (Photo: Ontario Chamber of Commerce)
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) hosted its annual Ontario Business Achievement Awards in Toronto last Wednesday (November 21).
The OCC received over 350 nominations in seven categories, and one of the finalists in the Corporate Citizen Award was Cameco, a major supplier of uranium processing services required to produce fuel for the generation of clean electricity.
Cameco, which has a conversion facility in Port Hope and a fuel manufacturing operation with locations in Port Hope and Cobourg, was nominated by the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce.
Cameco focuses on local spending in the locations where it operates, with 70 per cent procured from local Ontario-based businesses.
The OCC Corporate Citizen Award, which recognizes a large business that has a sustained and long-term commitment to investing in the community in which it operates, was awarded to Hydro Ottawa with Cameco the runner up.
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.
Bobcaygeon Chamber holding annual general meeting on November 27
The Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27th in the upper level meeting room at the Bobcaygeon Service Centre (123 East St. S., Bobcaygeon).
Join the Chamber for a review of 2018 and to find out what’s being planned for 2019. There will be guest speakers from Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, City Council, and Impact 32.
Light refreshments will be included. Member and non-members are welcome to attend.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Business Summit in Peterborough on November 28
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting Business Summit 2018, a half-day conference focused on strengthening business, from 7 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28th at Ashburnham Funeral Home (840 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The summit will include opening remarks from Peterborough Mayor-elect Diane Therrien, who will then participate in a panel discussion on planning for the future along with Paul Bennett of Ashburnham Realty and Dave Haacke of DNS Realty.
Attendees can then participate in two of four workshops: “Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations” on the labour shortage or “Building a Cyber Resilient Business” and “Digitize Now – Transforming Your Business” or “Building a Marketing Plan”.
The cost is $25 for Chamber members or $35 for non-members, and includes a breakfast buffet.
WHMIS 2015 certification training workshop in Lindsay on November 30
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce and Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Enterpreneurship Centre are hosting a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015 certification training workshop from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, November 30th at the Lindsay Public Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Lavender Health & Safety Consulting will be providing a comprehensive WHMIS 2015 certification course developed in accordance with the Government of Canada’s 2015 Hazardous Products Act for the training of anyone who manufactures, works with, or is in proximity to hazardous materials in the workplace.
Taking the course will provide you the information needed to learn about the WHMIS 2015 standard and work safely while handling hazardous materials in the workplace.
The cost for the workshop is $25 per person. To register or for more information please, contact Manley Lavender of Lavender Health & Safety Consulting at 905-447-6226 or alavender64@gmail.com.
Port Hope Chamber hosts coffee break event with MPP David Piccini on November 30
The Port Hope Chamber of Commerce is hosting a coffee break event with Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini from 12 to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 30th in the council chambers at Port Hope Town Hall (56 Queen St., Port Hope).
MP Paccini will be updated Chamber members on the repeal of Bil 148 and Bill 47, the new “Making Ontario Open for Business Act”.
This free event is only open to Chamber members.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts breakfast and networking event with MP Jamie Schmale on December 4
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast and networking event with Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP Jamie Schamle from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4th at Camp Medeba (1270 Kennisis Lake Rd., West Guilford).
The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members.
Customer service workshop for small business in Lindsay on December 4
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting a “Creating a Positive Customer Experience” small business workshop from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4th in the lower level meeting room at the Lindsay Public Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
Facilitated by Sandy Greenberg (serial entrepreneur, business coach, and former business advisor at Centennial College Centre of Entrepreneurship), the workshop will cover customer relations best practices, including knowing how to identify what the customer wants and expects, understanding the benefits of a strong brand that all employees feel connected to, and how to surprise customers with an unexpected and positive experience in every situation.
Christmas celebration at VentureNorth and Innovation Cluster Knowledge Partner and Client Showcase Party in Peterborough on December 4
VentureNorth — home to the area’s economic development organizations and more — is hosting a Christmas celebration from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4th at 270 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.
There will be a decorated Christmas tree in the main lobby, Christmas music, and refreshments and beverages catered by “The Edison” by Amuse Coffee Co.
Following the celebration, the Peterborough Region Angel Network, will also be hosting an Innovation Cluster Knowledge Partner and Client Showcase Party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
Peterborough Chamber PBX Christmas Social on December 4
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s PBX (Peterborough Business Exchange) is hosting a Christmas social from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4th at the Holiday Inn – Peterborough Waterfront (312 George St. N., Peterborough).
The PBX event is a great opportunity for the business community, employers, consumers, and community agencies to make valuable connections.
The event is free and everyone is invited to attend.
Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting on attracting local shoppers on December 11
The Peterborough Chamber’s next breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
Terry Guiel, executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will speak on the top “Santa Keeps it Local – How to Attract Local Shoppers”.
Networking begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast served at 7:30 a.m. (when you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The event is free (you only pay for whatever you order for breakfast).
Kawartha Chamber holiday social at Kawartha Lakes Construction on December 12
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its Business After Hours Holiday Social from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12th at Kawartha Lakes Construction (3359 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield).
As part of the event, the team at Kawartha Lakes Construction will be again be running their employee contest for do-it-yourself Christmas trees, where they challenge staff to come up with creative Christmas trees and have guests vote on their favourite.
Kawartha Lakes Construction will also be collecting toys for the Lioness Club Toy Drive, as well as non-perishable food items for the Lakefield Food Bank.
General Motors' Oshawa assembly plant assembles the Chevrolet Impala, Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, and Chevrolet Equinox, and completes final assembly work on Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. (Photo: GM)
General Motors has confirmed it will be closing its assembly plant in Oshawa, sending ripples through surrounding communities like Peterborough.
“Not every auto worker that’s in the plant lives in Oshawa,” said outgoing Oshawa mayor John Henry in an interview Sunday evening (November 25) with the Globe and Mail. “It will affect a lot of communities, Port Hope, Cobourg, Peterborough, Lindsay, City of Kawartha Lakes and then all of Durham region.”
GM’s Oshawa plant employs just over 2,600 people, including 2,522 unionized workers. Many of those workers commute from communities outside of Oshawa.
The U.S. auto giant confirmed on Monday (November 26) it is closing five facilities in North America, eliminating 15 per cent of its salaried staff, to focus on the production of electric and autonomous (self-driving) vehicles. Assembly plants in Oshawa, Detroit, and Warren (Ohio) will be “unallocated” in 2019, according to the announcement, along with propulsion plants in White March, Maryland and Warren, Michigan. Two unnamed plants outside North America are also affected, as well as an assembly plant in South Korea whose closure was previously announced. Read the complete announcement.
Workers at the Oshawa plant walked off the job on Monday morning in protest of the announcement.
GM’s Oshawa assembly plant employs just over 2,600 people, including 2,200 unionized workers. Many of those workers commute from communities outside of Oshawa. (Photo: GM)
Unifor, the union representing the auto workers, is scheduled to hold a discussion with GM on Monday afternoon.
“Unifor does not accept the closure of the plant as a foregone conclusion,” says Unifor president Jerry Dias. “Oshawa has been in this situation before with no product on the horizon and we were able to successfully make the case for continued operations. We will vigorously fight again to maintain these good-paying auto jobs.”
The GM plant in Oshawa assembles the Chevrolet Impala, Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, and Chevrolet Equinox, and completes final assembly work on Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks.
Oshawa is also GM’s Canadian headquarters and where one of its two Canadian Technical Centres is located. The Oshawa centre focuses on chassis and body sub-systems, alternate fuels, specialty vehicles, cold weather development, and complex project delivery.
In addition to the assembly plant, GM operates one of its Canadian Technical Centres in Oshawa, focusing on chassis and body sub-systems, alternate fuels, specialty vehicles, cold weather development, and complex project delivery. (Photo: GM)
The announcement of the closure comes after GM recently completed a $500 million transformation of the assembly line at the Oshawa plant, making it the only one in North America capable of building both cars and trucks.
Ontario premier Doug Ford issued a statement on Monday regarding General Motors’ decision to close the Oshawa plant:
“Today is a difficult day for the workers at the General Motors Oshawa Assembly Plant,” Ford says. “It is a difficult day for the thousands of workers at hundreds of Ontario auto part suppliers that depend on the GM Oshawa Assembly Plant for much of their business, as well as for workers and small business owners throughout Oshawa and the wider Durham region.”
Ford says the Ontario government is “exploring measures to help impacted workers, businesses and communities cope with the aftermath of this decision.”
This includes authorizing Employment Ontario to deploy its Rapid Re-Employment and Training Services program to provide workers with targeted local training and job services. Ford will also bea sking the federal government to immediately extend Employment Insurance (EI) eligibility to ensure impacted workers in the auto sector can fully access EI benefits.
Production first began at the Oshawa plant in 1953 and, by the the 1980s, the plant employed around 23,000 people.
In addition to the 2,600 people currently directly employed by the Oshawa plant, thousands of other people employed by businesses in the auto parts sector would also be negatively affected by the closure, as well as businesses that supply products and services to the workers who will be losing their jobs.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Mike Melnik, former radio host and owner of Impact Communications in Peterborough, with his dog Rosie. One winter, Mike was out walking Rosie when he had a serious fall, requiring a trip to the emergency room at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and five days of treatment and recovery at the hospital. Private donations from people like you allow PRHC to purchase the technology and equipment to advance patient care, both in the emergency room and throughout the hospital. (Supplied photo)
When Mike Melnik, former radio host and owner of Impact Communications in Peterborough, was out walking his dog one winter, he had no idea he’d end up in the emergency room at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and spend Christmas at the hospital. Read Mike’s story in his own words below.
This is the first of a series from the PRHC Foundation to show how your donations to our hospital make a real difference in the lives of real people. Over the next five weeks, kawarthaNOW will be sharing these stories of hope from patients, doctors, and parents. This week’s story is how donations help advance emergency care at our hospital.
Many people don’t realize government funding only covers a portion of what hospitals need to meet the best practices in patient care. It’s private donations from people like you that allow PRHC to purchase the technology and equipment to advance patient care — both in the emergency room and throughout the hospital.
Please read Mike’s story, watch a video featuring PRHC’s Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. Mark Troughton, and hear from PRHC Emergency Department physician Dr. Alex Weiler. And then please consider giving more families the Gift of Hope by making a donation to fund urgently needed equipment and technology that makes world-class care possible at your hospital.
Mike Melnik’s story
Mike Melnik with his dog Rosie, an eight-year-old Golden Retriever. (Photo: Mike Melnik / Twitter)
Do you have a minute? I’d like to tell you about the time Rosie and I went for a walk and I ended up spending Christmas in the hospital. Not the holiday I was expecting.
It happened in the blink of an eye. One minute we were walking down the hill, the next I hit the ground and heard a sharp crack. I knew right away it wasn’t good.
I headed over to the Emerg at Peterborough Regional Health Centre where they took some X-rays that showed I had three broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung. Not going to lie. It hurt. I ended up spending five days in the hospital. Definitely the last thing I was expecting when Rosie and I headed out the door that day.
That’s the thing about emergencies. They happen when you least expect it. When they do, you want your doctors and nurses to have the equipment they need to do their job so you can feel better and go home as quickly as possible.
Looking back, I’m so grateful to everyone at PRHC. I had great care that led to a speedy recovery. But I’m also really grateful to the donors who funded the equipment and technology that made that care possible.
That’s why I support the PRHC Foundation and why I agreed to share my story. It’s donors who fund the equipment that makes up the backbone of patient care and supports quick, accurate diagnosis and treatment. Not only in the Emergency Department, but throughout the rest of our hospital.
We all have our reasons to give. This is mine. Please join me this holiday season by donating now and making great care possible for someone else.
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday,
Mike & Rosie
P.S. Rosie was totally fine and had a great Holiday at home! : )
Donor-funded technology and equipment advances emergency care
Dr. Mark Troughton, Chief of Emergency Medicine at PRHC, shares why he and his colleagues need state-of-the-art equipment in order to deliver world-class emergency patient care at your hospital.
Emergency Department physician Dr. Alex Weiler thanks donors
Dr. Alex Weiler, Emergency Department physician at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. (Supplied photo)
My name is Dr. Alex Weiler. As an Emergency Department physician at PRHC, I know my patients are never really ready for a medical emergency like the one that brought Mike through our doors.
And yet, the Emergency Department at PRHC is ready for the thousands of patients who turn to us each year, including those who will need our help this holiday season.
Our ED is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And every person who comes through our doors deserves access to the latest equipment to quickly diagnose their illness or injury.
Help us be ready for the 87,000+ patients who will need us this year.
The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation works with donors to fund the equipment and technology that form the backbone of patient care at PRHC — bringing new lifesaving services to our region, and helping attract and retain expert doctors, nurses, and staff. For more information, visit www.prhcfoundation.ca or call 705-876-5000. You can also follow the PRHC Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Located at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, Watson & Lou specializes in local and one-of-a-kind designed works by over 50 artists and makers from Peterborough and the Kawarthas, with even more unique contemporary gift items arriving continually from across Ontario and Canada. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
Contemporary gift boutique and creative hub Watson & Lou has expanded at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough to include a 1,300-square-foot space where emerging and established artists can hone their practice in a supportive environment.
The storefront, which celebrated its first anniversary this fall, unveiled the new space in early October, which includes three private studios and an open concept screen printing facility with fresh white walls, original wooden flooring, LED lighting, and large windows.
Owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt hope the expansion will provide opportunities for community building and collaboration, which can be harder to come by when artists are working in isolation.
“Many artists and makers need a space outside the home to get down to business and connect with other creatives,” says Anna. “As with most work, people want to separate their artistry from their personal life, and affordable studio space is scarce in our downtown.”
Offering private and shared studios was always part of the long-term dream, adds Erin.
“We have loved becoming a part of this creative community through our workshops and relationships with local makers, and found that many people were inquiring about private studio space. So when our landlord at Ashburnham offered to have his team renovate the second floor, we jumped at the opportunity sooner than expected.”
“Our original vision has held true in every aspect,” says Anna. “Boutique sales are great and the workshops have been amazing, and now the idea to create a larger, collaborative workspace is also unfolding before our eyes.”
For the shopper looking for unexpected gift ideas this holiday season, Watson & Lou has a seemingly endless collection of beautiful, useful, and comical items. Merchandise includes prints, ceramics, stained glass, textiles, handmade jewellery, all-natural body products, kids items, home decor, and even small furniture pieces. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
This evolution is one sign of the success and continual growth for Erin and Anna since they opened their doors in 2017. The store now offers thoughtfully designed works by over 50 artists and makers from Peterborough and the Kawarthas, with even more unique contemporary gift items arriving continually from across Ontario and Canada.
For the shopper looking for unexpected gift ideas, Watson & Lou has a seemingly endless collection of beautiful, useful, and comical items. Merchandise includes prints, ceramics, stained glass, textiles, handmade jewellery, all-natural body products, kids items, home decor, and even small furniture pieces.
Popular items so far this season include one-of-a-kind recycled fabric mittens and neckties by local sewing master Kathryn Bahun of Keetarella; t-shirts designed by James Hodgson of Nish Tees that celebrate Nogojwanong and Anishinaabemowin; and gorgeous screen printed pillows and wall hangings with a dose of sass by Emerance Baker of Stoney Lakes Textiles.
Support for local art
“We hope as the city continues to grow and change, our city counsellors will take measures to protect this community as an invaluable and vital hub of visual arts and culture in Peterborough”. Owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt celebrated the first anniversary of the store’s opening in September and unveiled new space on the second floor in early October, which includes three private studios and an open concept screen printing facility. The 1,300 square foot space will cater to emerging and established artists who can hone their practice in a supportive environment. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
“We’ve been blown away by how many people are making it a priority to shop local and reduce their carbon footprint,” says Erin. “It’s encouraging for us to see more people investing in small business, and valuing originality. We’re very happy to satisfy those needs and continue to search for more environmentally friendly items to offer our customers.”
Anna explains that despite typically having less foot traffic than Hunter Street and George Street, their Water Street location has also exceeded expectations.
“It feels like we fit in here. We love our neighbours at Needles in the Hay, the bars and restaurants are awesome, and the Commerce Building has a long tradition of artist studios. It’s a real privilege to be surrounded by multiple art galleries and get to participate in the First Friday Art Crawl. We feel we’ve been welcomed into the downtown arts community and are so grateful for that.”
“We hope as the city continues to grow and change, our city counsellors will take measures to protect this community as an invaluable and vital hub of visual arts and culture in Peterborough.”
Private studio space available to rent
Watson & Lou is currently accepting applications for one private studio available December 1st. Interested artists can email hello@watsonandlou.com for details.
The newest studio dweller will be in good company. The space is already home to three local creatives: herbalist Aryn Mahood of Sweet Song Herbals, Leslie Menagh of Madderhouse Textile Studios, and local caricature artist and illustrator, Jason Wilkins.
New workshops
Create a glorious winter wreath using only nature’s finest ingredients with Natalie Raponi of Heck Yes! at the “All Natural Winter Wreaths” workshop, one of sevearl workshops happening in November and December. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
For those looking to tap into their creativity, Watson & Lou continues to host a wide range of workshops in their main floor shared studio space. Here are some upcoming workshops (follow the links to register):
Handcrafted Holiday Body Products – Saturday, December 8, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. with Kathrin Brunner and Andrew Hodge of For the Love of Body
Leslie Menagh of Madderhouse Textile Studios will soon be running her own workshop schedule upstairs, focused on textile printing, design, and construction. Visit www.madderhouse.com for details.
Interested in selling your wares with Watson & Lou? Their selection committee reviews new submissions quarterly. Complete the online application.
And if you’re shopping from your couch, Watson & Lou also offers many of their products online at watsonandlou.com with flat-rate shipping within Canada.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the possibility of freezing rain this afternoon (November 24) and early evening in the northern parts of the Kawarthas.
The areas covered by the special weather statement are northern Peterborough County (including Apsley) and northern Kawartha Lakes (including Fenelon Falls), southern Haliburton County (including Haliburton and Minden), and Hastings Highlands (including Bancroft).
Precipitation is moving into portions of Central and Eastern Ontario this afternoon. Some freezing rain is possible this afternoon before temperatures rise above the freezing mark.
However, for some areas, particularly higher elevation areas such as the Haliburton Highlands, temperatures may remain below freezing until the evening.
Although any freezing rain is expected to be light and patchy, locally slippery conditions are possible this afternoon and early evening.
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.
A group of knitters at Needles In The Hay in downtown Peterborough, one of the sponsors of the first-ever Community Knots Stitch-a-Thon, a fundraiser for the United Way of Peterborough & District and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. On December 1, 2018, members of the crafting community are invited to fill 100 Lazy Boy Chairs at Bennett's Home Furnishings while working on projects to donate to local shelters. (Photo: Barb Shaw / kawarthaNOW.com)
Support for a safe and inclusive Peterborough community is being crafted one stitch at a time with the first-ever Community Knots Stitch-A-Thon in support of the United Way of Peterborough and District and the the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC).
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre presents Community Knots Stitch-a-Thon for United Way
When: Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Lazy Boy Gallery at Bennett’s Home Furnishings (105 Park St. S., Peterborough) How much: $25 in advance or at door, or get sponsored to make three projects
A fundraiser for the United Way of Peterborough & District and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. Buy advance tickets at eventbrite.ca or download sponsorship forms at www.kawarthasexualassaultcentre.com and get sponsored to make three projects for local shelters. Sponsored by Needles in the Hay, Bennett’s Home Furnishings, Sunset Gourmet, and Oldies 96.7.
Happening at Bennett’s Home Furnishings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 1st, members of the crafting community — knitters, chrocheters, rug hookers, felters, embroiders — are invited to fill 100 chairs in the Lazy Boy showroom while creating support for survivors of sexual violence and trauma.
Organized by KSAC with support from Peterborough’s own Needles in the Hay boutique, the event is set to raise awareness, much-needed funds, and a collection of hand-crafted hats, scarves, and mittens for those being supported by local shelters — while bringing together a supportive community of crafters and artisans.
Needles in the Hay owner Deanna Guttman knows just how meditative, therapeutic, and healing it can be to stitch.
Her shop supports a community of enthusiasts and artists who knit, crochet, weave, and felt and she is thrilled to partner with Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre on the event.
“Needlecraft is primarily a female endeavour and it’s great to be involved, as a feminist, in such a women-led industry,” Guttman says. “I know the centre uses this as a tool for mindfulness and so when (KSAC interim executive director) Lisa Clarke popped-in to the store and pitched me, it was a great opportunity.”
Guttman says knitters tend to work in groups so whole clubs are welcome at the December 1st event, but she stresses that individuals and solo makers are also welcome to fill one of the chairs at Bennett’s Home Furnishings.
“I’ve always got a number of projects on the go, so I’ll be working on those at the event,” Guttman says, stressing that there is no pressure to complete a certain item or project during the day of the event.
She explains the stitch-a-thon is about bringing people together, allowing for interaction, and sharing a love of arts and crafts.
“This is going to be about gathering more than it is about getting something done,” Gutmann says.
“Some people knit constantly, and they might be able to finish a hat at the event. I knit less now, after buying the store — go figure — but I’ve got a number of projects on the go, so that’s what I’ll be working on.”
Participants are asked to pay a $25 fee or, in lieu of the fee, to collect sponsorships for three hand-crafted projects that will be donated to local shelters. Hats, mittens, and scarves are all welcome.
The Community Knots Stitch-a-Thon takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 1st at Bennett’s Home Furnishings in Peterborough.
Guttman hopes that the event will be well attended and that it will be one more opportunity for people to understand the healing nature of needlecraft.
Already offered as a free weekly workshop by the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, “Purls of Wisdom” is a multi-generational knitting circle that involves older women who have been trained by the centre to provide mentorship, leadership, and wisdom to young people who have experienced trauma.
The intergenerational knitting circle offers valuable skills and strategies that assist young people with managing stress and anxiety, and Guttman says she’s really happy that the healing power of knitting is being shared in the community.
KSAC interim executive director Lisa Clarke agrees.
“Often, with the survivors of sexual violence we work with, we explore grounding and mindfulness techniques,” Clarke says. “One of the most creative of those is stitching — whether its knitting, crocheting, quilting or even needle felting.”
Clarke says the centre is grateful for the ongoing support of the United Way of Peterborough and District and everyone is looking forward to raising funds and awareness in this unique way.
“We thought, let’s all gather together, in those amazing Lazy Boy Chairs at Bennett’s Home Furnishings, and stitch, share, and celebrate together with the master knitters from Needles in the Hay,” she says.
At the event, there will be prizes for the top sponsor, most projects made for donation, and door prizes. One of the prizes is this knitting package from a yarn shop in Iceland! (Photo: KSAC / Facebook)
The Community Knots Stitch-A-Thon is open to everyone and, besides offering a chance to connect with other caring crafters while enjoying the beautiful decor at Bennett’s Home Furnishings, participants will be able to enjoy food supplied by Sunset Gourmet.
Tickets to participate in the event are $25, available in advance online at eventbrite.ca or at the door on the day of the event.
To waive the fee, get sponsored to make three projects for local shelters and bring your projects with your completed sponsorship forms to the event (forms can be downloaded at www.kawarthasexualassaultcentre.com).
At the event, there will be prizes for the top sponsor, most projects made for donation, and door prizes.
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (150 King St., 3rd Floor, Peterborough) is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence. In Peterborough, the centre offers individual counselling, group counselling and workshops, peer supports, public education, and professional training. For more information, visit www.kawarthasexualassaultcentre.com. If you are experiencing a crisis, call the 24-hour toll-free support line at 1-866-298-7778.
Trent University archaeology grad student Jeremy Brooks won a prize package valued at more than $10,000 at the 2018 Cubs' Lair entrepreneurial competition held in Peterborough on November 22, 2018. Brooks has created an archaeological virtual reality online database (AVROD) that allows students to virtually interact with remote archaeological sites. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
A self-proclaimed “digital Indiana Jones”, Trent University student Jeremy Brooks has taken home the grand prize in the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurial competition, held last night (November 22) at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough.
The archaeology graduate student won for his virtual reality platform AVROD (Archaeological Virtual Reality Online Database), which he created to advance the way archaeologists work and learn.
Working out of the Innovation Cluster incubator and using resources in The Cube’s Virtual and Augmented Reality Zone, Brooks has turned two archaeological sites (including one in Mongolia) into a virtual reality experience, where archaeology students can virtually interact with the archaeological sites.
“AVROD allows students to learn about global sites without having to travel there, not to mention avoiding potentially dangerous countries,” Brooks says.
The finalists of the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurial competition: Noah Latendre and Dillon Ahola of Opened Minds, Jeremy Brooks of AVROD, and Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
Brooks’ idea was one of five pitched to a panel of judges during the annual competition for young entrepreneurs, hosted by FastStart Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster and the Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society.
The judging panel was Kate Withers (business development manager with Ontario Centres of Excellence), Jennifer Olauson (academic chair of the School of Business at Fleming College), Diane Richard (president of Diatom Consulting), Jim Gastle (patent agent and owner of Gastle and Associates), and Helen Smith (CPA, CMA, and CGMA with Part Time CFO Services).
The judges commented that Brooks has high potential to grow his business, as there is a need for it in the industry and his platform is first to market. Statistics show the majority of virtual reality platforms created are for gaming, second being neuroscience, and the third being education like AVROD’s platform.
The finalists and the judges for the 2018 Cubs’ Lair entrepreneurial competition, held at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough on November 22, 2018 and hosted by FastStart Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster and the Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
In addition to bragging rights, Brooks has won a prize package valued at more than $10,000.
The package includes six months of incubation space at the Innovation Cluster (valued at $2,500), $1,500 worth of digital marketing services from WCKD Marketing, $1,500 in digital advertising from kawarthaNOW.com, and cash and financial, coaching, consulting services from various local businesses.
The runners up were Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical, a health care service provider that organizes pop-up mobile exams clinics, and Noah Latendre of Dillon Ahola of Opened Minds, an inclusive clothing line.
Warm up your weekend with Toronto's modern roots reggae band The Human Rights, who perform at the Red Dog in downtown Peterborough on Friday, November 23rd. (Publicity photo)
Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, November 22 to Wednesday, November 28.
If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.
8-11pm - Open Mic Night w/ Clayton Yates & Rob Foreman
Coming Soon
Thursday, November 29 8pm - Jimmy Bowskill and The Hometown Beauts ($15)
Friday, November 30 8pm - Jimmy Bowskill and The Hometown Beauts (sold out)
Saturday, December 1 2pm & 10pm - Blueprint
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, November 22
5-8pm - Forselli Friday ft Thermos Thomas; 9pm - The Koopa Troop, Octorock
Friday, November 23
9pm - Huttch w/ Paper Shakers ($10)
Saturday, November 24
9pm - BA Johnston w/ Remi Royale ($10)
Coming Soon
Friday, November 30 5-8pm - Forselli Friday ft Marcus Starr; 8pm - Caitlin Currie "Mean Old Woman" album release show w/ Kevin Lemieux and Olivia & The Creepy Crawlies (PWYC)
Saturday, December 1 6-8pm - Little Fire w/ Peachykine ($10 or PWYC); 9pm - Limestone
Golden Wheel Restaurant
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Thursday, November 22
7-9pm - Pop Country Line Dancing Lessons w/ Tina O'Rourke (beginner plus to intermediate, $7)
Wednesday, November 28
7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene Maskell ($7 per person, all levels welcome)
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Friday, November 23
8pm - Tim Munro in Sexual Burlap Live Comedy Album Recording hosted by Tommy Fitz ft Fabio Ricci, Jeffrey Davis, Naomi Duvall, Dan Smith, Saray McNeilly & more ($12 in advance, $15 at door)
Saturday, November 24
8pm - Tim Munro in Sexual Burlap Live Comedy Album Recording hosted by Tommy Fitz ft Fabio Ricci, Jeffrey Davis, Naomi Duvall, Dan Smith, Saray McNeilly & more ($12 in advance, $15 at door)
10pm - Mega Party mix of Top 40, Y2K, 90s, and Country w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)
Kawartha Coffee Co.
58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500
Friday, November 23
7pm - Karaoke Night
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600
Thursday, November 22
7-11pm - Karaoke w/ Jefrey Danger
Friday, November 23
8pm - Jef Leeson & Tyler MacDonald
Sunday, November 25
3:30pm & 7:30pm - Live Improv ft The Yakety Yaks (Adam Martignetti, Lindsay Unterlander, Dan Smith, Andrew Root) and 2-course dinner ($40)
Coming Soon
Friday, November 30 8pm - Cellar Door
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
9pm - Live music with JJ Thompson
Fridays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Saturdays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Sundays
8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon
Mondays
9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green
Tuesdays
9pm - Vintage Tuesdays ft Brendan Lawless
Wednesdays
9pm - Live music
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, November 22
7pm - King Street Brass
Coming Soon
Thursday, November 29 7pm - Down Beat
Moody's Bar & Grill
3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663
Saturday, November 24
2-5pm - Joe Hall and the Continental Drift (Tony Quarrington, J.P. Hovercraft, and George Dobo) - no cover
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100
Saturday, November 24
8pm - Santa Day Open Mic hosted by David Evans
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010
Thursday, November 22
7-10pm - Open Mic hosted by Casey Bax
Saturday, November 24
1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays with Jacques Graveline
Partista Café
23 Bridge St., Bancroft
613-630-0063
Coming Soon
Friday, November 30 7-11pm - Open Mic hosted by John Foreman
Pastry Peddler
17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333
Coming Soon
Friday, November 30 5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Marsala and the Imports ($45 per person)
Publican House Brewery
300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743
Friday, November 23
8-10pm - Andy Du Rego
Saturday, November 24
8-10pm - House Brand
Coming Soon
Friday, November 30 8-10pm - Joe Bulger
Saturday, December 1 8-10pm - Mike Graham Duo
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Fridays
8pm - Open mic hosted by Andy McDonald
Tuesdays
8pm - Open mic hosted by Bobby Watson
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Thursday, November 22
9pm - Red Dog Laughs hosted by Sean Quinlan ft Ian Fergus, Joey Harlem and headliner Jeremy Dobsk ($10 at door, partial proceeds to Downie Wenjack Fund)
7:30pm - Titan Arum, Depleted Uranium, After Sin ($10 at door)
Tuesdays
9am-12pm - Open mic hosted by Art Lajambe
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 8 6:30pm - An Evening of Punk and Metal ft The Albino Structure w/ Bsement Dweller & A Day on Mercury ($10 at door)
Sweet Bottoms Cafe
19 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-7506
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 1 7-9pm - Open Mic ft elementary school performers
The Trend
110 London St., Peterborough
(705) 750-1265
Wednesday, November 28
7-10pm - Trent Music Society presents Open Mic Night
Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant
64 John St., Port Hope
(905) 885-7200
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 1 10pm - Daniel Greer
The Twisted Wheel
379 Water St., Peterborough
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 15 8pm - Johnny Pandora from Tokyo Japan w/ special guests The Dreamboats ($10, tickets available at Twisted Wheel, Providence, and Bluestreak Records)
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
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