Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for all of the Kawarthas for Thursday night (February 13).
Bitterly cold wind chills near -30°C are expected overnight on Thursday and into Friday morning.
Temperatures should rise on Friday morning.
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Environment Canada issues extreme cold warnings when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.
Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets and jumper cables.
If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.
Spending time in natural spaces at a summer camp has both educational and health benefits for children. Not only do campers connect with and learn about the natural world, but the physical activities offered at summer camps counteract our increasingly sedentary lifestyle. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
We are still be in the depths of winter, but parents and guardians are already making summer plans and registering children for camps.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Matthew Walmsley, Head Counsellor, GreenUP Ecology Park Earth Adventures Camp.
Whether or not you attended a summer camp as a child, recent research shows that there are clear developmental benefits to attending summer camp. In 2010, the Canadian Camping Association and the University of Waterloo undertook the Canadian Summer Camp Research Project. This project was the first of its scope in Canada to study the positive growth and development of children in summer camps.
Researchers considered five benefits: socialization, being more active, building empathy, developing self-confidence, and increasing environmental awareness.
To help with your planning for this summer, here is an overview of these benefits, including some tips about preparing for camp and choosing the right camp for your child.
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Socialization
Summer camp provides an immersive environment for children to make new friends and develop their social skills.
To support positive social development at camp, both parents and counsellors need to prepare for the first day at camp. Children may feel excited and slightly outside their comfort zones as they say goodbye to their parents, meet a bunch of new friends, and get introduced to their counsellors and the camp environment.
The introduction to the camp should be welcoming and comfortable so that all this excitement encourages the development of social skills rather than unhealthy stress or anxiety.
Summer camp provides an immersive and welcoming environment for children. Sharing experiences and discoveries are key ways that summer camps help develop social skills and soft skills, like these two new friends in the Children’s Garden at GreenUP Ecology Park. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
A solid counsellor training program provides counsellors with a toolkit of activities, games, and techniques to ensure all campers feel at home in their new environment.
Parents may consider talking in advance about any questions or concerns their children may have. Parents can also reach out in advance to camp directors about the first day at camp to ask about supports and answer questions for nervous campers.
Being more active
One of the top benefits of summer camp is that it encourages activity and counteracts our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
Two recent studies from Statistics Canada show that children are spending more time with digital devices and less time getting their daily dose of physical activity. Video games, social media, and a lack of free time all conspire to prevent most children from getting the recommended one hour of exercise per day they need for healthy development.
Participants in Ecology Park’s Earth Adventures summer camp study insects that live in the tree canopy. Summer camp not only immmerses children in the natural world but also encourages children to be physically active. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
When selecting a summer camp, the choice and variety of activities can be important. Combinations of formal and informal games help keep campers active for much of the day.
When selecting a camp, parents can ask if campers will have a range of activity choices or not. Some children, for example, prefer individual sports to team sports. If you think your child will benefit from a range of options, try to find a camp that offers them a choice of activities.
As you consider camps, ask about their electronics policy. Some camps have a ban on electronics, which ensures that campers will be more engaged both with the activities and with their fellow campers.
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Building empathy
Many camps highlight the advancement of hard skills such as canoeing, archery, chess, computer coding, dance, and others. Soft skills, however, are equally important and often not as easy to demonstrate or build.
Summer camp is a great opportunity to build soft skills. Camps can offer immersive experiences in which campers learn how to process their emotions and watch as their new friends do the same.
Counsellors are key facilitators in the development of soft skills. Many counsellors are masterful at providing an open space for discussions.
Camp counsellors are key role models and facilitators in the developmental benefits of a summer camp experience. Counsellors model enthusiasm for learning and empathy for others and in turn inspire campers to develop these same traits. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Ending the day with a check-in, for example, gives campers a chance to share the positives and negatives of their day. Sharing and listening to how other campers are feeling can develop self-aware campers who can relate to others emotionally.
When selecting a camp, consider that low camper-to-counsellor ratios support these deeper connections and the development of soft skills.
Developing self-confidence
Failure can be a valuable learning experience. Yes, that’s right: experiencing failure in supportive environments can be a positive and transformative experience.
Many activities at camp are designed to have campers learn from failure. Performing a skit, putting up a tent, or crawling through mud are all opportunities to try new activities and learn from failure. When campers are allowed to fail, they can feel empowered to try out a new tactic.
Camp is also an opportunity for students to shift gears after a full year of school. I have seen campers arrive at camp feeling down after a tough school year. Only one week later, these campers returned home inspired by the change in environment and a new sense of freedom in their learning.
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Increasing environmental awareness
Youth today are growing up between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, youth are bombarded by news of the climate crisis and, on the other hand, youth often suffer from a lack of connection with the natural world.
A recent study found that this combination can contribute to anxiety and depression in ways that impact youth more than adults.
One of the solutions to this is to spend more time in nature. Spending time amongst trees and natural spaces can heal us, and education about our natural environment can empower us to protect our natural world.
A group of campers study wetland habitat at the Earth Adventures summer camp at GreenUP Ecology Park. Education about our natural environment can empower us to protect our natural world. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP Ecology Park)
Many camps provide the opportunity for campers to immerse themselves in the outdoors. This allows for a deeper connection to the natural world. For some campers this may be their first time in a mostly green space.
Even in urban areas, camps are able to provide an opportunity for children to participate with the natural world.
In the Peterborough area, Camp Kawartha, TRACKS, and GreenUP all offer programs that focus on nature connection and awareness.
Summer camp is far more than just somewhere to put the kids when school is out. Summer camps provide social, emotional, and confidence-building experiences, as well as essential physical activity and environmental awareness.
With registration now open and quickly filling up for many camps, this is the time to consider which camp is right. I hope you and your children are as excited about summer camp as I am this year.
Keith Goranson as Harry, Tyrnan O'Driscoll as Rainman, and Jack Roe as Harry in the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of "Frozen Dreams", written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. The critically acclaimed play, often referred to as "the play about the homeless people and the turkey", runs at the Guild Hall in Peterborough from February 21 to March 7, 2020. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
On Thursday, February 21st, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is proud to remount Robert Ainsworth’s acclaimed 2002 play Frozen Dreams. The Guild’s entry into this year’s Eastern Ontario Drama League’s full-length spring festival, Frozen Dreams is a frank but realistic look at the plight of people living on the streets of Toronto filled with emotion, humour and drama.
Peterborough Theatre Guild presents Frozen Dreams
When: February 21 & 22, 27 – 29 and March 5 – 7, 2020 at 8 p.m.; February 23 & March 1, 2020 at 2 p.m. Where: The Guild Hall (364 Rogers St., Peterborough) How much: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $15 students
Written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. Starring Jack Roe as Sam, Keith Goranson as Harry, Tyrnan O’Driscoll as Andrew/Rainman, Gillian Wilson as Lilly, Sheila Charleton as Ginny, and Hugh Mallon as the police officer. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 705-745-4211 (if not open leave a message) or online attheatreguild.org.
The play, which premiered at the Peterborough Theatre Guild 18 years ago, has since been produced several times across Canada. For the restaging of the play, Rob has brought back with Jack Roe and Gillian Wilson to reprise their roles as Sam and Lilly, along with Keith Goranson, Tyrnan O’Driscoll, Sheila Charleton, and Hugh Mallon.
As Rob explains, it was an odd photo of a homeless boy in Toronto that was the original inspiration for the show that eventually became Frozen Dreams.
“I saw a picture of a homeless boy holding a frozen turkey,” Rob recalls. “He had gone to Honest Ed’s in Toronto and had lined up at Christmas. He was given this uncooked frozen turkey and was looking into the camera as if to say ‘What am I to do with this?'”
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In Frozen Dreams, which takes place in a back alley in Toronto on Christmas Eve, Rob brings the boy and his frozen turkey to life on the stage, fleshing out their story and how it affects the life of the people around him.
The play centres around a street-smart homeless man named Sam (Jack Roe), who lives in the alley with his comical pal Harry (Keith Goranson) and the boy, Andrew (Tyrnan O’Driscoll), affectionately known as Rainman. When Rainman comes back to the alley excited about the frozen turkey, he tells Harry and Sam about a Christmas memory during better times.
Touched by the boy’s story, Sam and Harry decide to try to find a way to give Rainman a touch of Christmas again by trying to get the turkey cooked. But, of course, the task is not as easy as it might seem.
Other players come in and out of the drama, including Lilly (Gillian Wilson), a kindly bag lady suffering from dementia, as well as Ginny (Sheila Charleton), a street nurse who has a special relationship with Sam and an interest in trying to get Rainman off the streets.
The trio of men also contends with a fair but authoritarian cop (Hugh Mallon), whose business is displacing the men so that they’ll be invisible to visiting delegates arriving in Toronto.
Not only is Frozen Dreams one of the plays most requested for remounting by Peterborough Theatre Guild members but, with Peterborough’s homelessness crisis, it is still timely — despite having been written 18 years ago.
Gillian Wilson as Lilly and and Jack Roe as Sam in the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Frozen Dreams”, written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. Gillian and Jack reprise the roles they performed when the play premiered at Peterborough Theatre Guild in 2003. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
“Because of Tent City last year, the homeless got some really bad press,” Rob explains. “So I felt that it was the right time to remount Frozen Dreams. People have been asking me for many years to do this show again. An opportunity came up with this time slot and I decided it was time to do it.”
Jack Roe, who reprises the role of Sam, is known to many Peterborough residents as the former local correspondent for CBC Radio’s Ontario Morning. He held the part-time job for 35 years, until CBC cutbacks in 2017.
“The story is about putting a face on the homeless and finding out who they are,” he says. “We find out quickly that any one of us can be on the street — we are a pay cheque away from not having a home. So we have people of all kinds of backgrounds: you have a kid who’s been abused, you have a woman who lost her husband. We don’t know much about my character Sam, other than he tried to help someone before and ended up in jail as a result. Harry was married, but alcohol has taken him on the street. The nurse has her own reasons for helping us.”
“The fact is that people living on the street aren’t any different than anybody else. They have a sense of humour. They have moments when they are depressed about things. They get angry about stuff. They have relationships that develop, so they love one another and protect each other. But there are these odd moments. You see it all over the place.”
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A character-driven show, Frozen Dreams brings a sense of humanity to people who are homeless without turning them into caricatures. The actors allow their characters to maintain their individuality and their dignity.
“To play someone who is homeless, you just play the role like if they are a person,” says Tyrnan. “You can’t just act homeless. Being homeless doesn’t put a halt on life.”
“That’s why Rob’s scripts are so wonderful to work with, because you know exactly who the characters are,” adds Gillian.
“I always feel that Rob is able to capture real people,” says Hugh. “Even in deep, dark situations, there is real humour.”
Tyrnan O’Driscoll as Rainman and Jack Roe as Sam in a scene from the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Frozen Dreams”, written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Although the plight of the frozen turkey is the element that ties the story together, Frozen Dreams is really about the connections between the characters who inhabit Sam and Harry’s alley. Those relationships are the emotional element that keeps the audience engaged and the show so human.
“Even though the show is about the homeless, really it’s just about people,” Rob says. “And all of their relationships and demons and the things that have gone on in their lives that shape them to where they are now.”
While the three men are widely different in nature, Jack, Keith, and Tyrnan form a strong bond on stage as Sam, Harry, and Rainman. They look out for one another and take care of one another. Although Sam and Rainman’s relationship is the dominant one in the play, Sam’s comradery with Harry brings a spirit of friendship to the stage.
“There is a lovely friendship between Sam and Harry,” Jack points out. “They’ve been supporting each other for years. They are very much like The Odd Couple.”
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Meanwhile, sparks fly between Jack and Sheila who have a playful antagonistic relationship as Sam and Ginny.
“Ginny and Sam have a rapport,” Sheila explains. “They do go back and forth, but they have heated discussions, especially in regards to the welfare of Andrew. Ginny has her own frailties but, through what happens with the interactions with Andrew, she comes to realize that she has to deal with her own issues. Sam helps her come to that better understanding.”
All the characters look out for Mad Lilly, who, in returns, takes care of them. Reprising their roles as Sam and Lilly, Jack and Gillian bring a lot of warmth to their characters.
“Sam and Lily have an incredible bond, almost like nephew and Aunt,” Jack says. “There’s a lot of love between them.”
“A lot of psychology is going on in these characters,” Tyrnan adds. “Ginny is scared to change her life in case she ends up on the street. Harry is scared of conflict, so he’s always making a joke out of everything. Rainman is always trying to escape the moment. The cop has a bit more fear than all of us.”
Sheila Charleton as Ginny and Jack Roe as Sam in a scene from the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Frozen Dreams”, written and directed by Robert Ainsworth. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Although Hugh’s part as the cop is small, as Rob points out, it’s one of the most important roles in the play, because it is a representation of the fear and attitudes of people who don’t live on the street.
“The cop is there as a reflection of the audience that is not homeless,” Rob points out. “He’s the one who says ‘You’ve got to get off the street, there are plenty of shelters out there.’ He’s us, looking at the homeless and watching.”
A well-written and compelling drama filled with moments of finely crafted humour, eloquently created characters, and tons of heart and compassion, Frozen Dreams is more than just a play about people who are homeless. It’s a show about friendship, acceptance of others despite their backgrounds or situations, and it creates a deep sense of community as the characters care for and support one another.
Frozen Dreams brings to the stage a story as real as the photo that inspired it almost two decades ago, reminding us of the humanity that is in danger of being overlooked as Peterborough goes through its own homelessness crisis.
“I remember telling someone about the show when we were originally doing it and they said ‘I don’t want to feel guilty about the homeless around Christmas time,'” Rob recalls. “Well, this play isn’t about feeling guilty. It’s funny at times, but it still gets the message across. It doesn’t have to be this heart-wrenching story that makes you feel guilty. It’s just about people.”
Frozen Dreams opens on Friday, February 21st and runs until Saturday, March 7th. Performances begin at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees on February 23rd and March 1st. Tickets are $25 ($22 for seniors and $15 for students) and are available by calling the box office at 705-745-4211 (if not open leave a message) or online at theatreguild.org.
The new business incubator, located at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay, is part of a joint pilot project of the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas and the City of Kawartha Lakes to support startups in Kawartha Lakes. It was officially opened during a launch and open house event on February 11, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
There’s a new business incubator for entrepreneurs in the Kawartha Lakes.
The business incubator — which helps create and grow young businesses by providing them with necessary support, financial, and technical services — is part of a joint pilot project by the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The pilot project is being supported by Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario, a project funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Kawartha Lakes business incubator, at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay on February 11, 2020, was attended by dignitaries including Kawartha Lakes mayor Andy Letham, Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis, former Innovation Cluster president and CEO Mike Skinner, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott and MP Jamie Schamle, and Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation chair Jil Quast. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
On Tuesday morning (February 11), the new incubator was officially launched at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay, with speakers including Kawartha Lakes mayor Andy Letham, Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott and MP Jamie Schamle, and Kawartha Lakes CFDC chair Jil Quast.
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The launch event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house where members of the public had an opportunity to tour the space.
“We are excited to launch our incubator in the heart of Lindsay to give current and future startup clients the opportunity to access our resources closer to home,” says Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis.
Rebecca Mustard, manager of Economic Development at City of Kawartha Lakes, makes remarks at the official launch of the new Kawartha Lakes business incubator at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay on February 11, 2020. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
“The Innovation Cluster has been supporting clients in the Kawartha Lakes for a number of years remotely, and many of those clients have been driving into Peterborough to work in our world-class incubator. They have been waiting for us to make this expansion happen,” Gillis adds.
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A not-for-profit economic development organization, the Innovation Cluster launched its downtown Peterborough business incubator, known as The Cube, in 2017. Since then, the 10,000-square-foot space has provided a space for more than 80 startups, along with coaching, mentoring, and business development support services.
Throughout 2018, the Innovation Cluster supported eight businesses in Kawartha Lakes, resulting in 22 jobs and an economic impact of over $2.3 million.
Joanne Ilaqua, founder and owner of Mamasoup, a mobile app and blog that provides connections, support, and community for moms, working at Kawartha Lakes’ the new business incubator at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay on February 11, 2020. The Kawartha Lakes resident, a client of the Innovation Cluster, previously needed to travel to Peterborough to make use of the Innovation Cluster’s incubator there. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
This led to a March 2019 presentation by former Innovation Cluster president and CEO Michael Skinner to Kawartha Lakes city council, proposing an expansion into the City of Kawartha Lakes, including an office in Lindsay. Kawartha Lakes city council subsequently approved a staff recommendation to develop a joint partnership with the Innovation Cluster.
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“The Innovation Cluster has been crucial to the success of Mamasoup,” says Joanne Ilaqua, a Kawartha Lakes entrepreneur and Innovation Cluster client. “The support and guidance provided by the sponsors, knowledge partners, staff and other startups make me a stronger entrepreneur and I can’t wait to be part of the incubator in Lindsay, closer to my home.”
Through the partnership between the City of Kawarthas Lakes and the Innovation Cluster, startups working in more remote areas throughout the Kawarthas will have easier access to programming, network connections, funding, investment and business opportunities, as well as marketing and commercialization support.
Former Innovation Cluster president and CEO Michael Skinner, current president and CEO John Gillis, and board chair John Desbien at the launch of the Kawartha Lakes business incubator in Kawartha Lakes at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay on February 11, 2020. In March 2019, Skinner proposed a partnership between the Innovation Cluster and the City of Kawartha Lakes to more directly support entrepreneurs working in the municiaplity, which was subsequently supported by Kawartha Lakes city council. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
Business incubators provide many benefits for entrepreneurs starting their businesses. Office and manufacturing space in incubators is offered at below-market rates or for free, and incubator staff supply advice and expertise to entrepreneurs in developing their business and marketing plans, as well as helping to fund startups.
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Companies typically spend an average of two years in a business incubator until they are able to strike out on the own and accelerate their company’s growth.
“The Innovation Cluster has been instrumental in the success of Horizon Aircraft thus far,” says Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft Inc., another Innovation Cluster client based in Kawartha Lakes. “Their deep business experience, high-quality network, and strong leadership have helped our company sharpen our business plan, attract investors, and launch a brighter future for all of aviation.”
The Kawartha Lakes business incubator at 180 Kent Street West in downtown Lindsay was launched on February 11, 2020. Through the partnership between the City of Kawarthas Lakes and the Innovation Cluster, startups working in more remote areas throughout the Kawarthas will have easier access to programming, network connections, funding, investment and business opportunities, as well as marketing and commercialization support. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
“We are excited for this opportunity to become available for the many talented entrepreneurs in Lindsay. The result will undoubtedly be more jobs and a strengthened economic base in Lindsay and the City of Kawartha Lakes.”
As part of the pilot project, the Innovation Cluster will also hold eight new events and a number of workshops through 2020 to support innovation and technology startups in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
'Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness', taking place on March 5, 2020 at Showplace Performance Centre, features 16 musical acts raising funds for United Way Peterborough & District. The event will be emceed by Megan Murphy and Jordan Mercier, with all proceeds going exclusively toward homelessness and shelter-related initiatives undertaken by United Way-supported agencies. (Photo: United Way Peterborough & District)
Some issues seem simply too daunting to tackle.
Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness
When: Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 7 – 11 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $50
A fundraiser for United Way Peterborough & District hosted by Showplace with emcees Megan Murphy and Jordan Mercier and featuring The Weber Brothers Band, The Austin Carson Band, The Three Martinis, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr, Danny Bronson, Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, Hillary Dumoulin, James Higgins, Jacques Graveline, Elyse Saunders, Tami J Wilde, Phil Stephenson, Nick Ferrio, Victoria Pearce with Mike Graham, Jake Dudas, and Michael Bell. Advance tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough) or at the United Way of Peterborough and District (277 Stewart St., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, and online at at www.showplace.org. Presenting sponsor RBC; event sponsors kawarthaNOW.com, Long & McQuade, Peterborough Examiner, RMS Events, Porter Sound, and Showplace Performance Centre.
Take climate change, for example. We know our planet, along with its associated systems, is changing and not for the better. Each day, we’re faced with clear signs of that. The majority of us know we need to do something, anything, to reverse climate change, but then we question if acting on it as an individual or family will really make any difference. The result? Climate change, which we know we must address, edges closer to a fait accompli.
Eradicating homelessness is a similarly formidable challenge. A sustainable solution remains elusive despite the best efforts of a number of steering groups and organizations. There have been wins, no question, but a permanent fix remains an all too often frustrating work in progress.
The challenge facing affordable housing advocates lies in overcoming a widespread perception that homelessness is someone else’s problem. In other words, until one is homeless, there really isn’t a problem. And then there’s the desire of those who want to be part of any homelessness solution but remain unconvinced of how, in their own small way, they can really make a difference.
“I’ve been criticized for saying this, but what was good about Tent City last summer is that it forced conversations around homelessness to dinner tables,” says Jim Russell, chief executive officer of United Way Peterborough & District.
“It put homelessness in people’s faces. That forcing of the conversation was a really important exercise. We’re just evolving in our response to homelessness. There’s a role for faith groups, there’s a role for individuals, there’s certainly a role for municipal government, and there’s an absolute role for federal and provincial dollars.”
“I actually think Tent City was a gift because it forced us all to think about how we’re going to respond strategically moving forward.”
On Thursday, March 5th from 7 to 11 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre, ‘Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness’ will provide the opportunity for those who want to do something to do something concrete.
Performers in the Erica Cherney Theatre during ‘Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness’ on March 5, 2020 at Showplace Performance Centre are (left to right, top to bottom): The Weber Brothers Band, The Austin Carson Band, the Peterborough All-Star Band fronted by Rick and Gailie Young, Kate Suhr and Melissa Payne, Danny Bronson, and The Three Martinis. An additional 10 acts will be performing in the Nexicom Studio and in the Showplace lobby.
All proceeds from the event, which features 16 local music acts performing free of charge in both the Erica Cherney Theatre and the Nexicom Studio, will go directly to United Way-funded agencies that provide housing and shelter to the marginalized. There will also be a silent auction offering a number of unique items and experiences.
Close to $49 of each $50 ticket purchased will go directly to where it can do the most good immediately. Tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough) or at the United Way of Peterborough and District (277 Stewart St., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, and online at www.showplace.org.
Among the local agencies providing affordable housing and shelter that will benefit from the fundraiser is the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge. According to its director of programs and services, Gord Langill, housing is “a big issue” for CMHA clients.
“We have more than 300 housing units that, over time, different people are coming into in a precarious or stressed housing situation,” explains Langill.
“The common denominator for our clients is mental health issues. Anybody who’s experiencing homelessness or is at the risk of homelessness, a focus on their housing is going to become front and centre.”
“Stable housing is the primary foundation for people being able to work on recovery long term,” adds Jennifer Bain, CMHA’s program manager of supportive housing.
“We partner with other organizations to provide support and sustainability. It’s one thing to be housed but it’s another thing to stay housed. Sustainability is important, which is where the support for the mental illness comes in. Homelessness cannot be resolved by one agency. It needs a community approach.”
According to a Peterborough Performs backgrounder on the local homelessness challenge and shelter needs, Peterborough has the highest percentage of rental households with unaffordable housing costs in the province.
In addition, it cost about $1.4 million to house people in Peterborough shelters in 2018 — a 7.6 per cent increase over the previous year. As well, in the Peterborough region, the average rent increase from 2017 to 2018 was 7.1 per cent, well above average income increases. According to Langill, the current homelessness count for Peterborough is in the range of 600.
Peterborough emergency shelter costs (2017 vs 2018) and the average number of people sheltered per night (2011-2018) in Peterborough. (Source: 2019 Housing is Fundamental Report / United Way Peterborough & District)
But as sobering as those numbers are, progress is being made and it’s rooted in collaboration between organizations and committees working daily to, if not end homelessness, put a major dent in it.
“One group actually manages the list of names and the availability of affordable housing units when they come up,” explains Langill.
“Who is sitting at the top of that list? Who’s the next person who has been identified through our assessment tool as having a critical housing need or a need that matches the support available? Some are high support, some are low support to really no support. The group meets to assign those units and house those individuals to really try and end their homelessness.”
Homelessness, adds Langill, is “everybody’s problem.”
“Government and big business and people who have money need to step up at that level and change the regulations so, if a corporation is building housing, a certain percentage of that housing must be dedicated to affordable housing. Housing should be a right in this town, not a purchased privilege.”
Acoustic performers in the lower-level Nexicom Studio during ‘Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness’ on March 5, 2020 at Showplace Performance Centre are (left to right, top to bottom): Hillary Dumoulin, Elyse Saunders, Tami J. Wilde, Michael Bell, Jacques Graveline, James Higgins, and Nick Ferrio. Also performing (not pictured) are Phil Stephenson and Victoria Pearce with Mike Graham. Jake Dudas (not pictured) will be performing in Showplace’s street-level lobby.
For her part, Bain admits some frustration around the low vacancy rate but is encouraged by the commitment of various organizations, including her own, to come up with solutions.
“We’re trying to be innovative and think outside the box and come up with creative ways to house people, whether it’s in communal settings or whether it’s in in individual apartments based on their need. The creative brainwork that people are doing has helped resolve some of the issues.”
“I do feel encouraged. As long as we continue to be creative and match people with appropriate supports and housing, they’ll be able to sustain that and lighten the load on the shelter system.”
Speaking specifically to Peterborough Performs and its potential impact on the broader issue of homeless, Russell stresses the proceeds are going directly to programs such as those in progress at the CMHA and the YES Shelter for Youth and Families.
“What I worry about is people becoming anaesthetized to the issue,” he says, noting the real value of Peterborough Performs, not unlike Tent City, lies in its keeping homelessness on the radar of all and shows they can indeed be part of the solution. Folks get overwhelmed and ask ‘What can I do?’ People have to have a personal response to homelessness and Peterborough Performs provides that.”
“But the more important thing is putting a face to those who are living homeless. People are going to find, if they haven’t already, that some quirk of fate, some misstep, some mental health issue or illness or addiction, often leads to homelessness — and there, but for the grace of God, could go anyone.”
kawarthaNOW.com is proud to be the exclusive digital media sponsor of ‘Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness’.
Chef Elaine McCarthy (right) coaches participants at the the Council for Persons with Disabilities' Active Together cooking class. The cooking classes, which are open to anyone over the age of 18 who self-identifies as living with a disability, run every Friday morning during the spring at Peterborough Public Health. (Photo: Council for Persons with Disabilities)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher discovers a new Vietnamese restaurant and oyster bar coming to downtown Peterborough, touches base with Lakefield’s newest classic diner, learns about a cooking class that builds skills and community, and feasts in distinctly Trent Hills fashion with the Incredible Edibles Festival.
Vietnamese kitchen and oyster bar Hanoi House set to open on Hunter Street
Susan Tung, former owner of The Golden Wheel Restaurant, is opening a new Vietnamese kitchen and oyster bar, Hanoi House, in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Hanoi House)
Hanoi House (213 Hunter St W, Peterborough, 705-775-5888), a new Vietnamese kitchen and oyster bar, will open later this month. Owner Susan Tung is looking to create authentic, fresh, and accessible Vietnamese cuisine.
“It’s going to be authentic Vietnamese food that people will want to come eat on a regular basis.”
Susan previously owned and ran The Golden Wheel (6725 Highway 7, Peterborough, 705-749-6838) with her parents Mei and Patrick Tung. After selling The Golden Wheel two years ago, Susan found herself wanting to get back into the business.
Hanoi House is renovated and ready for a soft opening in mid February. (Photo: Hanoi House)
“When you’re a business owner, it’s really hard to not be a business owner any more.”
Her decision to open a Vietnamese restaurant came from her own love of Vietnamese food.
“I’m Chinese but Vietnamese food is my passion. The flavours … it’s super healthy … I feel like I was supposed to be Vietnamese in another life.”
Hanoi House will offer an authentically Vietnamese menu including pho, vermicelli bowls and broken rice.
Hanoi House will soft launch in mid-February with a menu of vermicelli noodle bowls, broken rice bowls, and pho. There will be a plain beef pho, but you can also opt for more authentic ingredients like tripe, beef meatballs, and tendon.
The grand opening will be in mid-March, at which point they will also offer a daily menu of oysters.
Mother-and-daughter team Lynne and Rebecca Shakespear reopened their classic diner, Shakers Diner, in Lakefield on January 30th.
Lynne and Rebecca ran Shakers in Bobcaygeon for four years, but when the building went up for sale, they decided to make the move to Lakefield (98 Queen St, Lakefield, 705-651-6608).
The menu will be the same as it was in Bobcaygeon, which Rebecca says is the culmination of years of work in the industry.
Shakers Diner is now open at 98 Queen Street in Lakefield.
“We’ve been in restaurants — working, not owning — for years now. It was a conglomeration of all of the menus we’ve worked with. We’ve put everything we liked into one.”
For breakfast, Rebecca recommends the Breakfast Bowl, a scramble of three eggs with onions, sweet peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and spinach, topped with a three-cheese blend.
Shakers Diner has moved from Bobcaygeon to Lakefield, but their classic menu remains the same. (Photo: Shakers Diner / Facebook)
Their most popular offering is the club sandwich, made the classic way with cheese, bacon, tomato, lettuce, white meat turkey, mayonnaise and three slices of bread, cut into quarters.
There’s even fried bologna: the “Down Eastern” comes with two eggs, fried bologna, and calico beans.
Processed meat is the exception, not the rule on this menu.
“We roast our beef and turkey in-house, we don’t use deli meat or anything like that — it’s all real meat. We use real potatoes for home fries; we fry them on the grill with onions. We’re trying to keep things fresh and stay away from the processed as much as we can. It’s just simple home cooked food.”
For more information, visit Shakers Diner on Facebook.
Active Together cooking classes bring people together over food
The Council for Persons with Disabilities Active Together Program is offering a series of cooking classes for those looking to expand their skills in the kitchen.
Active Together coordinator Lynda Todd and Chef Elaine McCarthy will run classes every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from April 17th to May 8th at the Peterborough Public Health (185 King St., Peterborough).
Participants can expect to learn to prepare a variety of healthy dishes, with classes covering vegetarian, beef, fish, and chicken dishes.
The Active Together Cooking Class will teach participants to cook a variety of healthy and fresh foods. (Photo: Council for Persons with Disabilities)
The classes are open to anyone over the age of 18 who self-identifies as living with a disability.
“That’s a very broad category.” Lynda explains. “People don’t have to disclose to us. There’s no form to fill in and disclose what your disability is. Disability could be someone who’s in a wheelchair to someone who’s going through depression. We don’t ask. Anyone who wants to show up and join in, they’re more than welcome.”
Lynda says that cooking classes are a great way to build community.
“Our whole society is about people getting together and eating. This isn’t even just about showing people how to cook healthy meals, it’s about bringing people together.”
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Lynda encourages everyone to come and give it a try, even if you’re feeling nervous about the idea of taking a cooking class
“Many people come and they’re very shy or they’re feeling insecure about their disability and if they’ll be able to do things. It’s nice to see the progression of how people come out of their shell and gain confidence in being able to do something that they haven’t necessarily done before. It is very exciting to see the accomplishment that people feel and the friendships that develop. That’s really what it’s all about.”
These classes are free to attend, and participants will leave with a $10 grocery store gift certificate. To register, email Lynda at lyndatodd2012@gmail.com or call 705-760-4899.
Eating in season with Campbellford’s Incredible Edibles Festival
Campbellford’s Incredible Edibles Festival is presenting “Eating in Season: A Mid-Winter’s Feast”, which will involve some of the top chefs and farms in Trent Hills. (Poster: Incredible Edibles Festival)
Do you have a case of the winter food blahs? Campbellford’s Incredible Edibles Festival is presenting the perfect antidote.
“Eating in Season: A Mid-Winter’s Feast” will bring some of the region’s top chefs to the Campbellford Curling Club (381 Front St. N., Campbellford, 705-653-4433) for an evening celebrating local food. The feast will take place on Saturday, February 29th from 6 to 10 p.m.
Incredible Edibles Festival chair and coordinator Amanda Solmes says that this event marks a new direction for the festival.
“The Incredible Edibles is really looking this year to focus more on showcasing our farmers and bringing the entire food system together.”
Farming is an important part of the history and culture of Trent Hills, and the festival wants to honour that.
“We’ve traditionally been a farming community since the time that Trent Hills was settled and we want to bring that to the forefront, showcase that to our visitors, and bring the community together as well.”
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The ingredients for the feast are all being sourced from local farms, and will include rabbit and beef cheek freshly butchered, lettuce grown indoors in Warkworth, frozen berries, root vegetables, and Empire Cheese.
“The farthest away from us is just outside of Port Hope.”
An impressive lineup of chefs is slated to cater the event, including Doug Hope from Sper Food & Farm in Warkworth, Ron Csenar (the original owner of Capers in Campbellford), Melissa Smeets from Melly Rolls, Mike Metcalf (the chef and owner of McGillicafey’s Pub and Eatery), and Jackie Bloom (the new owner of Banjo’s Grill in Hastings).
“They’re definitely our top chefs around the area,” Amanda notes.
The event is a fundraiser for the Incredible Edibles Festival, which takes place in downtown Campbellford on July 11, 2020. (Photo: Incredible Edibles Festival)
The event is a fundraiser for the Incredible Edibles Festival itself takes place in downtown Campbellford from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th. For more information, visit incredibleediblesfestival.com.
The federal government is providing $6 million towards the total cost of $15.3 million for the City of Peterborough's composting facility and household organics collection and processing program.
The federal government is providing $6 million in funding to the City of Peterborough to build a composting facility in Peterborough and to implement a city-wide curbside organics collection program.
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef made the announcement on Tuesday (February 11) on behalf of Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson during an event held at Beavermead Park in Peterborough.
The $6 million in funding will support the development of a centralized composting centre for food and waste that will prevent around 32,000 tonnes of organic debris from entering the landfill each year.
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The funding will also support the city-wide expansion of the City of Peterborough’s pilot “Green Bin” curbside organics collection program.
“Peterborough has been piloting a composting program for years,” Monsef said. “Our government sees Peterborough as a leader in environmentalism and climate action. Today’s investment of up to $6 million to expand Peterborough’s composting program is a vote of confidence in our community.”
The funding comes from the partnerships stream of the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Challenge, which invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money, and create jobs.
The City of Peterborough was originally going to receive $7.4 million from the Ontario government to help pay for a composting facility but, after that funding fell through in 2019 following the change in provincial government, the city applied to the federal government’s Low Carbon Economy Challenge for funding.
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Under that program, municipalities can receive up to 40 per cent of the project cost in federal funding. The total cost of the Peterborough organics project is expected to be $15.3 million.
“We are excited about a city-wide organic waste collection and composting program,” said Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien. “It will reduce both greenhouse gas emissions as well as our reliance on landfill. In addition, it will create composted material that will benefit our environment. It’s a service that our residents have long been asking for that we’re pleased to be able to deliver with support from the federal government’s Low Carbon Economy Fund.”
In September 2019, city staff stated that, should federal funding be approved, household organics collection and processing would begin in September 2023.
It is estimated the City of Peterborough’s climate change initiative is equivalent to removing 25,000 cars from the road for one year.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre entrepreneurship officer Madeleine Hurrell (bottom left) with the successful applicants of the first 2020 intake of Starter Company Plus: (bottom row): Marlowe Bork, Katie Jackson, Dianna Graves, Sandra Lennox, Karen Kearney, Larissa Nicholson; back row: Matt Baylis, Jason White, Stephen Stamp, Kenny McGillvray, Eric Lennox. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
The week’s news features Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre announcing the successful applicants in the latest intake of the Starter Company Plus program, private equity group 1440 Capital investing in Peterborough-based Aclarus Ozone, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism inviting public input into the development of its five-year tourism strategy, Nexicom matching public donations to 4th Line Theatre’s youth apprenticeship program, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.
New events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s lunchtime seminar on environmental due diligence and remediation in Peterborough on February 19th, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s new venture session in Peterborough on February 25th, and Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland’s “Scale Up Your Business” seminar in Cobourg on February 27th.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre announces successful Starter Company Plus applicants
The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre has announced the successful applicants of the first 2020 intake of Starter Company Plus, an annual program funded by the Government of Ontario.
Starter Company Plus is designed to provide business training for aspiring to experienced entrepreneurs, aged 18 and over in the City and County of Peterborough, who are launching a new business or expanding an existing business that has been operating for five years or less.
“Research shows that when entrepreneurs are provided with a team of support at all levels of their development, they are likely to thrive and stay in the community,” says Madeleine Hurrell, entrepreneurship officer with the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.
The successful applicants of the first 2020 intake of Starter Company Plus attend a Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre workshop as part of seven weeks of training under the program. At the end of the training, six of the participating entrepreneurs will be selected and awarded a grant of $5,000. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development / Facebook)
“Peterborough and the Kawarthas has a rich history of entrepreneurs operating successfully in the region,” Hurrell adds. “We know that in the future new job creation will come from our small businesses, so it is critically important to foster and support their growth at all stages.”
The successful applicants are:
Jenny McGillvray of Mobile Cuts
Katie Jackson of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience
Karen Kearney of K9 in Motion
Kerry McMaster and Stephen Stamp of Buckhorn Woods and Event Centre
Larissa Nicholson of Littleleaf Farms
Desiree Bandi and Matt Baylis of 1.5 Composting
Marlowe Bork of Marlowe’s Home Repairs & Custom Woodworking
Dianna Graves of The Self Discovery Centre
Jason White of Cat Prefab
Josh Keepfer of Kitchen Farmacy
Eric and Sandra Lennox of Kawartha Monuments
The program runs for seven weeks and aims to teach new entrepreneurs the necessary skills to start and grow their business. At the end of the training, six of the participating entrepreneurs will be selected and awarded a grant of $5,000, based on their businesses’ creativity, strength of business plan, and viability.
To learn more about Starter Company Plus, including future intakes, visit peterboroughed.ca/starter.
The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre is also hosting a winter workshop series designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners. For upcoming workshops, visit peterboroughed.ca/events.
Private equity group 1440 Capital invests in Peterborough-based Aclarus Ozone
Toronto-based private equity group 1440 Capital has purchased control of Aclarus Ozone, a Peterborough-based company that engineers, builds, and installs advanced ozone-based treatment solutions for water and wastewater treatment.
Founded in 2012, Aclarus Ozone now has over 900 installations in eight countries that treat municipal, industrial and commercial, and residential water and wastewater. Aclarus systems treat drinking water for six First Nations communities in Canada, wastewater in Cobourg, and its commercial applications include dairies, food and beverage production, agriculture and aquaculture, and groundwater treatment.
“This is an exciting milestone for Aclarus,” says Alcarus co-founder and president Michael Doran. “1440 Capital’s knowledge of and experience in the water technology sector is exactly what we were searching for to help accelerate our growth. This is a great collaborative partnership.”
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism invites public input into the development of its five-year tourism strategy
A painting of tourism attractions in Peterborough by local artist John Climenhage. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of Peterborough, is inviting the public to attend two public information sessions as the economic organization develops a new five-year tourism strategy.
The Destination Development Strategy & Action Plan will guide the sustainable growth of tourism in the region. With efforts led by consulting firm Bannikin Travel & Tourism, the project is taking a three-phased approach overseen by a steering committee comprised of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism staff and tourism industry representatives.
The first phase, now underway, involves engaging tourism professionals in the region (business owners, accommodation and restaurant managers, and more) to provide their perspectives on tourism in the region, including strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Members of the public are also invited to share their perspectives at two public information sessions:
Tuesday, February 11th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lang Pioneer Village Museum Agricultural Heritage Building (104 Lang Rd., Keene)
Wednesday, February 12th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Canadian Canoe Museum (910 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough)
“A vital step of this process is gaining stakeholder insight,” says Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism director Tracie Bertrand. “Public contribution, whether by simply attending our information sessions or by contributing their perspectives, will be invaluable as we move forward in understanding how to best support the sustainable growth of our tourism sector.”
Feedback from the first phase will be used to inform the strategy and action plan developed in the second phase. The final phase will see the plan presented to the board of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development followed by City and County councils in July 2020.
Nexicom matching public donations to 4th Line Theatre’s youth apprenticeship program
Cast members of 4th Line Theatre’s 2019 production of Ian McLachlan & Robert Winslow’s “Carmel” featuring Kevin Bundy and Danny Waugh. In 2019, 62 youth actors were engaged in 4th Line Theatre productions, supported by the theatre company’s Emerging Voices Youth Apprenticeship Program. (Photo supplied by 4th Line Theatre)
Millbrook-based telecommunications company Nexicom is supporting 4th Line Theatre’s Emerging Voices Youth Apprenticeship Program by matching any donations made to the program until Tuesday, March 3rd.
In 2019, 62 youth actors were engaged in 4th Line Theatre productions. To effectively train youth volunteers, the Emerging Voices Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually. Donations to the program are used for professional artist fees including workshops, vocal and dialect coaching, acting and movement coaching, choreography and fight direction, and technical production coaching to benefit youth volunteers.
Donations can be made online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca or by calling the 4th Line Theatre Box Office and Administrative Centre at 705-932-4445. Donations must be made by March 3, 2020 to qualify for a donation match by Nexicom.
For its 2020 season, 4th Line Theatre is presenting the world premieres of The Great Shadow by Alex Poch-Goldin (June 30 to July 25) and Wishful Seeing by Maja Ardal (August 4 to 29). Tickets are now available by phone at 705-932-4445, online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, or at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office located at 4 Tupper Street in Millbrook.
Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Home lighting and decor retail store de.Kor is now open at 97 Hunter Street East in Peterborough’s East City. (Photo: de.Kor / Facebook)
Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:
In its third-quarter financial results report, Montreal-based dairy and cheese company Saputo announced it will be closing its facility in Trenton in September 2020, along with its facility in Saint John, New Brunswick. The current production of both these sites will be integrated into other Saputo facilities across Canada, affecting 280 employees at the two closing facilities.
Karen LaRiviere, who previously worked at Bennett’s Home Furnishings, has opened her new home lighting and decor retail store de.Kor. The store, located at 97 Hunter Street East at the corner of Hunter Street East and Mark Street in Peterborough’s East City, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit dekorptbo.com.
Creative hub Rustically Signed has opened at its new location at 12 Lindsay Street South in Lindsay, which features a makers market with more than 50 vendors and offers weekly workshops. Rustically Signed is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.rusticallysigned.com/.
Shakers Diner at 98 Queen Street in Lakefield is now open for breakfast and lunch. Located in the former Debbies Restaurant location, the renovated restaurant features home-style cooking and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Pet store All Creatures Great and Small (30 King St. W., Cobourg) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a celebration and sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 22nd.
The Kingston Musicians’ Union, which advocates for musicians’ rights in the workplace, is opening a Peterborough office for the first time in 28 years. Sean Hully is the Peterborough representative of the Kingston Musicians’ Union, Local 518, of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. The new office is located at 403 McDonnel Street in Peterborough, with a public grand opening taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 23rd.
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Launch and open house of Kawartha Lakes Incubator in Lindsay on February 11
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting a launch and open house of the Kawartha Lakes Incubator from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th at Kawartha Lakes Economic Development (180 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
The pilot project is a partnership between the Innovation Cluster and the City of Kawartha Lakes, with the support of FedDev Ontario through the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation, and will run through 2020.
The launch takes place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with three half-hour open house sessions running from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Northumberland Chamber hosts business networking event in Cobourg on February 11
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special Valentine’s Day meet-and-greet networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th at BMO Private Wealth (76 King St. W., Cobourg).
Attendees will have a chance to tour BMO Private Wealth’s spacious newly renovated downtown office, meet investment advisors and staff, and do a little business networking in a social environment.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts branding, marketing, and sales workshop in Peterborough on February 12
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Business Fundamentals: Branding, Marketing and Sales” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).
The session is designed to give entrepreneurs a robust structure for formulating and identifying their business’s brand, and developing a marketing strategy and a customer relations strategy.
Peterborough Chamber presents “Power Hour” in Peterborough on February 12
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is presenting “Power Hour” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
The annual chat with elected officials is an interactive lunch event and question-and-answer session with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, and Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones. A moderator will present questions from the audience.
Peterborough city and county councillors and chief administrative officers, as well as First Nations leaders, will also be invited to attend.
The cost is $65 for Chamber members or $75 for non-members (tables for seven are also available for $450 for members and $525 for non-members). For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Kawartha Lakes Arts Council hosts social media for cultural businesses seminar in Bobcaygeon on February 12
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is hosting “Social Media for Cultural Businesses” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12th on the upper floor of the Bobcaygeon Municipal Building (123 East St. S., Bobcaygeon).
Robyn Barton of Barton Creative will share tips on how to use social media platforms to promote your art, attract patrons and customers to your business, and sell your products and services online.
There will be a question-and-answer session at 8 p.m. followed by refreshments at 8:30 p.m.
The cost is $15 at the door for Kawartha Lakes Arts Council members or $20 for non-members and guests. No advance registration is required.
Port Hope Chamber hosts coffee meeting with MP Philip Lawrence and MPP David Piccini in Port Hope on February 14
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Valentine’s Day coffee meeting with Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Philip Lawrence and Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 15th in council chambers at Port Hope Town Hall (56 Queen St., Port Hope)
Light refreshments will be provided by Empire Crossing. There is no charge to attend this members-only event.
Innovation Cluster hosts selling to government workshop in Peterborough on February 18
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting “Hands-ON: Selling to Government” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18th at the Innovation Cluster’s third floor office at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough)
Gregory J. Stulen, a specialist in strategic communications and public policy transformation at PathwayGroup Inc., will share information on becoming a vendor of record, accessing existing funds, creating new funding streams, and generating opportunities through regulatory change.
There will be a catered lunch supplied to workshop attendees.
Peterborough Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on environmental due diligence and remediation in Peterborough on February 19
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Lunch Box Learning: Real Estate Due Diligence – Your Environmental Toolbox” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19th in the Chamber boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Presented by environmental firm Pinchin, the seminar focuses on environmental due diligence and remediation services such as environmental site assessments, building condition assessments, and asbestos, mould and air surveys.
The seminar is free to attend for Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.
Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre hosts small business tax seminar in Lindsay on February 19
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency is hosting a tax seminar for small business owners from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18th in the lower level meeting room at the Lindsay Library (190 Kent St. W., Lindsay).
This seminar is offered to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations. The presentation is geared towards sole proprietorship and incorporated businesses and will provide participants with the basic principles and resources needed to navigate the tax system.
Kawartha Chamber holds annual general meeting in Lakefield on February 19
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is holding its annual general meeting beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19th at The Village Inn (39 Queen St., Lakefield).
Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will feature highlights from 2019, networking, and light refreshments. Members will vote for the Chamber’s 2020-21 board and elect the executive. The 2018-19 annual report will be circulated before the meeting.
Trent Hills Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on WSIB in Campbellford on February 25
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “lunch ‘n’ learn” seminar on the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the boardroom at Team Eagle (10 Trent Dr., Campbellford).
Find out more about the program and how it can help your bottom line. Bring your own lunch and a refreshment to the meeting.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts new venture session in Peterborough on February 25
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a “New Venture Session” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).
Intended for entrepreneurs starting a new business, the session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, how to work with the Business Advisory Centre to build a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist
Port Hope Chamber holds annual general meeting in Port Hope on February 26
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26th in the Sculthorpe Theatre at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope).
Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will include a review of by-law changes and “Fostering an ecosystem of entrepreneurship”, a presentation by Lindsay Jeremiah, manager of entrepreneurship services at Durham College.
A light lunch will be served by Brandon Manor Bed & Breakfast.
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland presents “Scale Up Your Business” seminar in Cobourg on February 27
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN), in partnership with local chambers, is presenting “Scale Up Your Business” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th in the BECN boardroom (600 William St., Cobourg).
This practical seminar for existing businesses, presented by Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch, will cover topics including how to create a business vision, how to set 10-year goals, how to determine your core focus, how to create a simple marketing strategy, how to set financial targets, and more.
The new snowbear cub hugging the original Snowlar Bear created in January by Jon Kolodziej and Dana Beren Watts outside of their home on George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Allison MacGregor @allison.macgregor / Instagram)
The epic snowbear on George Street in downtown Peterborough has just had a baby.
The so-called “Snowlar Bear”, created by Jon Kolodziej and Dana Beren Watts outside of their home in late January, is now accompanied by a snowbear cub.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the snowbear family is spreading a message of love, with the little one hugging its parent — whose “heart” is also on display.
According to Dana Beren Watts’s Instagram, he created the snowlar bear cub with the help of Mike Pignataro.
Linda Kash and Patrick McKenna perform an audience-selected improv scene as Deborah Kimmett, Meg Murphy, and Paul Constable look on during klusterfork entertainment's debut sold-out comedy show at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on November 22, 2019. klusterfork returns to the Market Hall on February 21, 2020 with "klusterfork It's Winter! Still." featuring Second City alumni Geri Hall from "This Hour Has 22 Minutes", Lisa Merchant, Ed Sahely, and Linda Kash and local performers Pat Maitland, Meg Murphy, and Andrew Root with special musical guest Dan Fewings. (Photo: Marlon Hazelwood / Hazelwood Images)
On a Sunday morning over coffee, Linda Kash and Pat Maitland are busy cutting out paper snowflakes.
klusterfork entertainment presents klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.
When: Friday, February 21, 2020 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) How much: $35 assigned cabaret table seats, $30 general admission, $25 group rate (10 or more), $20 for students/arts workers/underwaged (all prices include all fees)
Featuring Second City alumni Geri Hall from This Hour has 22 Minutes, Lisa Merchant, Ed Sahely, and Linda Kash and local performers Pat Maitland, Meg Murphy, and Andrew Root with special musical guest Dan Fewings.
Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
Recommended for audiences aged 14+. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to YES Shelter for Youth and Families.
“I make the worst snowflakes,” Pat says, holding up one of her snowflakes.
“It looks more like a moustache,” Linda points out.
The snowflakes are props for Linda and Pat’s upcoming comedy show klusterfork It’s Winter! Still., which comes to the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on Friday, February 21st.
The second show under the klusterfork banner features Second City alumni Geri Hall from This Hour has 22 Minutes, Lisa Merchant, Ed Sahely, and Linda Kash with local performers Pat Maitland, Meg Murphy, and Andrew Root, as well as special musical guest Dan Fewings — known for his improvisational musical comedy with The Three Martinis.
Linda and Pat, along with Ian Burns, are the creative team behind klusterfork entertainment, the production company they launched last November with the goal of raising comedy in Peterborough to the next level.
Their first show, klusterfork It’s Christmas— which quickly sold out — brought Second City alumni Paul Constable, Patrick McKenna, Deborah Kimmett, and Ed Sahely to the Market Hall, performing along with Linda and Pat, Meg Murphy, Dianne Latchford, and special musical guest Paul Crough.
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“What we want to do with klusterfork entertainment is to offer a smorgasbord of comedic entertainment,” Linda says. “We’ll definitely have improv, but we want to bring in music and stand-up as well.”
“You never know what you’re going to get when you come to a klusterfork show,” adds Pat. “We’re going to work on the strengths of who we bring in.”
“Every show is going to be a unique performance,” Ian confirms. “You’re not just coming to an improv show. It’s a klusterfork show.”
Although the klusterfork shows will most often be based around holidays, Linda, Pat, and Ian decided that the upcoming show would be all about getting through the long, cold winter.
“It’s February, it’s winter” Linda says. “We’re all getting sick of it … although some of us love it. And March is a big fat lie because it’s also winter. But we are at least halfway.”
“Everyone loves winter in the first few weeks, around Christmas, but as soon as that’s done everything goes down,” Ian adds. “This is a chance for everyone to come together and have fellowship so we can get through winter together.”
“Why don’t we help everybody get through it, just like we helped everyone get through Christmas with the first show?” Pat asks. “We can’t fight it. It’s best to just put on our thermals and get out there and have fun with it.”
Pat Maitland, Linda Kash, and Ian Burns, the creative team behind klusterfork entertainment, whose latest comedy show “klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.” takes place on February 21, 2020 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Peterborough has a known love for improv and comedy shows, starting with Impros vs. Joes, started by Linda’s late husband Paul O’Sullivan, which brought Toronto-based comedy professionals to Peterborough to intermingle with Peterborough improv enthusiasts.
klusterfork entertainment aims to continue this tradition by having big-name comedians take part in their shows. For the February show, two of Canada’s top female comedians are joining in the fun.
“We are really excited to have Lisa Merchant with us,” says Linda. “She’s been awarded best female improviser in Canada three times by the Canadian Comedy Awards. She’s crazy good. She’s inspirational, hilarious, and she never panics.”
“We sold tickets within 24 hours when people found out Lisa was coming,” Pat says. “She has quite a following.”
“We also have Geri Hall, who was on This Hour Has 22 Minutes,” Linda adds. “She’s a great gal and is looking forward to coming.”
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While the main goal of klusterfork entertainment is to make the audience laugh, they also want to give back to the community. So a portion of the proceeds from klusterfork shows will be given to local charities throughout Peterborough.
“We love our community, and we want to make a few bucks for local charities,” Linda explains.
“We pick a different charity every month,” Pat adds. “At Christmas, we chose Five Counties Children’s Centre and we were thrilled to give them one thousand dollars. This time, we are giving to the Youth Emergency Shelter.”
The cast of “klusterfork It’s Christmas” on November 22, 2019 with representatives from Five Counties Children’s Centre, which received $1,000 donated by klusterfork entertainment. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales from “klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.” on February 21, 2020 will support YES Shelter for Youth and Families. (Photo: Marlon Hazelwood / Hazelwood Images)
With booking continuing as far as December 2021, the klusterfork team have a lot of plans for the next two years. But klusterfork seeks to go far beyond just seasonal improv comedy shows. As a production company, they are seeking to revolutionize comedy in Peterborough.
While Peterborough audiences have an appetite for improv comedy, the comedy landscape has otherwise been sparse. klusterfork aims to change that by expanding opportunities for performance and education.
“We want to encourage local and touring companies to come to Peterborough,” Linda adds. “There is also an opportunity for teaching. We want to offer master classes with the people that we bring in from Toronto as well. That’s the next expansion.”
“Since we all have a history in production, we want to grow with that,” Pat says. “If someone is touring a show, we want to bring it in.”
The cast of “klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.”, which takes place on February 21, 2020 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photos via klusterfork.com)
Join Linda, Pat, Ian and all their guests at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 21st at the Market Hall as they forge a new era of comedy in Peterborough — and help us deal with the winter doldrums — at klusterfork It’s Winter! Still.
Tickets are $35 for assigned cabaret table seats and $30 for general admission ($20 for students, arts workers, and the underwaged). There is also a group rate of $25 for 10 or more people. Ticket prices include all fees. Tckets are available at the Market Hall box office at 140 Charlotte Street (third floor), by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
For more information on klusterfork entertainment, visit www.klusterfork.com.
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