Veteran actor William Colgate stars as Billy Bishop (and 18 other characters) and 16-year-old Cameron Gibson stars as the pianist in the Dot the T Productions production of John MacLachlan Gray and Eric Peterson's iconic Canadian play "Billy Bishop Goes to War", which runs for one performance only on June 12, 2018 at the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre. (Photo: Dot the T Productions)
Peterborough audiences will have one chance to see the classic Canadian play that CBC calls “essential viewing”, when Dot the T Productions brings Billy Bishop Goes to War to the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12th.
First staged 40 years ago, the two-man musical play was written by playwright and composer John MacLachlan Gray (18 Wheels, Rock and Roll, Don Messer’s Jubilee, Health, Amelia: The Girl Who Wants to Fly) and actor Eric Petersen (Street Legal, Corner Gas, and This is Wonderland).
Dot the T Productions presents Billy Bishop Goes to War
When: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 2 p.m. Where: Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $30 ($25 seniors)
Written and composed by John MacLachlan Gray and Eric Peterson. Directed by Joan Bendon. Starring William Colgate as Billy Bishop with Cameron Gibson as the pianist. Tickets available in person at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, on online at www.showplace.org.
The two men also performed in the original 1978 production in Vancouver. The play went on to tour for Canada for 16 months and played in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, London’s West End, the Edinburgh Festival Mainstage, and both on and off Broadway. It eventually won the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama, the Chalmers Award, and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award. It was made into a 2010 film also starring Peterson and Gray, who also reprised their roles in a Soulpepper production in 2009, 2010, and 2017.
The Peterborough production, directed by Joan Bendon, stars William Colgate as Billy Bishop (playing 18 character roles) with Cameron Gibson as the pianist. Dot the T Productions toured the show across Muskoka last year at sold-out venues.
“William Colgate’s portrayal of the Canadian flying ace (and numerous other characters) transported us directly into the recruitment office, the barracks, the cockpit and finally the aerial battle dances of the First World War,” says Peterborough resident Janet Lafortune. “We left having spent an intimate evening, not with an actor, but with Billy Bishop himself. Truly a ‘tour de force’.”
VIDEO: “Billy Bishop Goes To War” with William Colgate and Cameron Gibson
One of the most popular and widely produced plays in Canadian theatre, Billy Bishop Goes to War dramatizes the story of William Avery “Billy” Bishop Jr., the Canadian flying ace of the First World War.
When he was 15, Bishop launched his first flying craft (built out of an orange crate and bed sheets) from the roof of his house, only to crash into his mother’s rose bushes. At the age of 17, he entered the Royal Military College of Canada, where he was soon deemed a “convicted liar, a cheat and the worst student — the bottom of the barrel.”
However, he would then go on to shoot down 72 enemy planes during the First World War, receiving the Victoria Cross (the United Kingdom’s highest award for gallantry “in the presence of the enemy”), and eventually rising to the rank of Air Marshal. During the Second World War, the Owen Sound native also played an important role in recruiting for the Royal Canadian Air Force and in promoting the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
The musical play “Billy Bishop Goes to War” dramatizes the life of First World War Canadian flying ace William “Billy” Bishop, pictured here in 1917 in the cockpit of his Nieuport Scout while he was with No. 60 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. (Photo: DND Archives, AH-407A)
In Billy Bishop Goes to War, Bishop recounts his battles and the ecstasy of flying, occasionally singing and enacting his exploits as a fighter pilot. The play begins with a nostalgic look back on his early days as a cadet and very quickly jumps to the haunting triumphs and tribulations of his days as Canada’s celebrated WWI flying ace.
Through anecdotes and memories, music and song, the story explores the themes of the realities of war, survival, the nature of heroism, and the formation of Canada’s national identity.
“We’re excited to be working with Dot the T Productions to bring this exceptional Canadian musical to Peterborough audiences in the Nexicom Studio,” says Showplace General Manager Emily Martin.
Air Vice Marshal William “Biily” Bishop chats with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in England in 1940. (Photo: DND Archives, PL-091)
Portraying Billy Bishop, William Colgate has been a professional actor for almost 40 years. A selection of his stage work includes Map of The World (Canadian Stage), The Tempest (Dream In High Park), Pal Joey (Tarragon Theatre), and Sister Mary Ignatious Explains It All For You (National Arts Centre).
Cameron Gibson, as the piano player, is only 16 years old but already has years of acting to his credit having begun his theatre life at the age of seven as a Lollipop Kid and Citizen of Oz in the Huntsville Festival of the Arts/Rotary production of Wizard Of Oz. He has completed his Royal Conservatory grade 8 piano exam and is currently studying repertoire at the grade 9 level.
The show is directed by Joan Bendon, who has created and directed both original and adapted live entertainments and films for the corporate sector. For the theatre, she has directed works including What The Butler Saw and Lion In Winter for Cyclos Theatre, The Dumbwaiter at Toronto Fringe, and A Christmas Carol for Huntsville Theatre Co.
Directed by Joan Bendon, “Billy Bishop Goes to War” starts William Colgate as Billy Bishop and Cameron Gibson as the pianist. (Photos: Dot the T Productions)
The Peterborough production, sponsored by Farquharson Pineiro Law Office, will be staged at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12th in the Nexicom Studio. Tickets are $30 ($25 for seniors) and are available now in person at the Showplace Box Office (290 George St. N., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, on online at www.showplace.org.
On May 15, 2018, Unimin Canada Ltd. donated $100,000 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation in support of the hospital's regional cancer care programs. Pictured from left to right: Mike Bouchard of Unimin Canada Ltd; Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation; Charlotte Forster of Unimin Canada Ltd; Dr. Nancy Martin-Ronson, PRHC Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive, and Chief Information Officer; Alex Vanags of Unimin Canada Ltd; and Shane McShane of, Unimin Canada Ltd. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
This week’s business news includes a $100,000 donation by Unimin Canada Ltd. to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, the Downtown Peterborough Vibrancy Project’s plans to convert waterfront “dead space” into greenspace, and the official opening of the Venture13 innovation and entrepreneurship centre in Cobourg.
We also feature the opening in Lakefield of the only store in North America for German-made Leguano barefoot-style shoes, the announcement of Dr. John Beamish as Medical Director for the new Hospice Peterborough residence, and the rebranding of Peterborough Family Resource Centre as Peterborough Child & Family Centres.
New regional business events added this week include the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosting Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock all-candidates meeting on May 28, Next Level Peterborough featuring Ribbett, Teatro, and OUTDOORsmart! on May 30, and the Artspace annual general meeting on June 13.
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Unimin Canada Ltd. donates $100,000 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation
Unimin Canada Ltd., one of North America’s leading producers and distributors of non-metallic industrial minerals, has donated $100,000 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation in support of the hospital’s regional cancer care
programs.
“Many of Unimin’s employees and their families have experienced the first-class care of this great community healthcare centre,” said Carl Horvat, Regional General Manager of Unimin Canada. “As our company makes further investments to secure our long-term sustainability in the Peterborough region, we also want to help sustain important pillars of the communities in which our employees live and work.”
Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, said that the donation will support PRHC’s Centre of Excellence for Cancer Care by supporting fast, accurate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment through investment in laboratory innovation.
A photo of a barred owl taken by Dianne Fox, an accounts payable clerk at Unimin Canada at Blue Mountain, for the 2016 edition of the Wildlife Habitat Council’s “Corporate Homes for Wildlife” calendar and day planner. Along with an office in Peterborough, Unimin Canada Ltd. operates two mining and manufacturing facilities in central Ontario, one in Nephton north of Havelock and the other at Blue Mountain near Collingwood. Unimin actively supports the Wildlife Habitat Council invovling the community in wildlife and biodiversity educational opportunities. (Photo: Dianne Fox / Unimen)
Unimin Canada Ltd. representatives visited the hospital last Tuesday (May 15) where they presented a cheque in PRHC’s Breast Assessment Centre. where a room has been named in honour of the company’s generosity.
Heighway commented that the placement of their recognition plaque was particularly appropriate, given that the company’s support will also greatly benefit breast cancer patients.
“It’s incredible the number of tests that must be performed in order to support a patient during their cancer journey,” Heighway told the Unimin Canada Ltd. representatives.
“It’s hard to imagine the kind of stress they and their loved ones are under while they wait for results. Your investment will help decrease wait times for test results and treatments, increasing patients’ chances of overcoming this terrible disease. Thank you.”
Plans unveiled for Downtown Peterborough Vibrancy Project
Michael Gallant of LETT Architects shares plans for the Downtown Peterborough Vibrancy Project at the DBIA’s May 16, 2018 breakfast meeting as DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel looks on. (Photo: LETT Architects / Twitter)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and partners are planning to transform around 300,000 square feet of “dead space” on the Peterborough waterfront into new greenspace.
The plan, described at the DBIA breakfast meeting last Wednesday (May 16), would affect the southern portion of Water Street behind the No Frills grocery and adjacent to the Rotary trail between Millennium and Del Crary Park.
The Downtown Vibrancy Project, which is being proposed by a group of DBIA members including Michael Gallant of LETT Architects and partner organizations, would beautify that section of the Peterborough waterfront and create new sustainable greenspace.
The plan would include the removal of 12,000 square feet of pavement that is no longer being used, as well as installing public art on street corners.
As well as LETT Architects, Peterborough GreenUP, Public Energy, and Basterfield & Associates landscape architects will be contributing time and expertise to the project.
The DBIA has earmarked $87,000 for the proposed redevelopment, which would need to be approved by Peterborough City Council (the Mayor and several city councillors attended the DBIA breakfast meeting). The group is planning to make a presentation to city council in June.
If approved, the work would commence immediately with a planned completion date by the end of summer.
Venture13 innovation and entrepreneurship centre opens in Cobourg
Venture13 in Cobourg features The VentureZone, a flexible co-working and business accelerator space for technology startups and entrepreneurs supported by the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Northumberland County’s new innovation and entrepreneurship centre, Venture13, officially opened in Cobourg last Thursday (May 17).
The facility, located at 739 D’Arcy Street in Cobourg at the former “Building 13” site, includes The VentureZone, a flexible co-working and business accelerator space for technology startups and entrepreneurs supported by the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation.
There’s also The MakerLab, a full-service lab with cutting-edge equipment that can be used for custom desktop manufacturing and 3D printing, prototyping and engineering that will be the home for the Northumberland Makers community organization.
Venture13 also features an 80-seat lecture hall with adjoining seminar rooms that offers a community space for discussions and workshops.
Cobourg Police Services will be locating heir administrative operations and growing technology business unit on the second floor.
Fleming College will deliver a technical programming component at Venture13, offering courses in Business and Leadership as well as Trades and Technology.
New Leguano shoe store opens in Lakefield
The new Leguano shoe store located at 55 Queen Street in Lakefield officially opened on May 19, 2018. (Photo: Leguano / Facebook)
The new Leguano shoe store officially opened on Saturday (May 19) at 55 Queen Street in Lakefield.
Previously unavailable in North America, Leguano barefoot shoes are designed in Germany by a group of movement specialists and barefoot professionals. They re designed to protect the wearer’s feet without restricting their full range of motion.
The machine-washable shoes have highly flexible wear-resistant soles, making them suitable for a wide variety of outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and camping.
VIDEO: Leguano Barefoot Shoes
The store is operated by Karl and Debbie Kustor, who also own Harbour Town McCracken’s Landing on Stoney Lake (which is currently up for sale).
“Recently when my wife and I were visiting Germany we came across the a true natural barefoot shoe know as Leguano,” Karl writes on his LinkedIn profile. “They were the most comfortable shoe I had ever worn. After buying several pairs of Leguano, I inquired as to their availability in North America.”
The Kustor’s Lakefield store is now the exclusive importer and distributor of Leguano for Canada, USA, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Dr. John Beamish announced as Medical Director for new Hospice Peterborough residence
Dr. John Beamish is the medical director for the new Hospice Residence in Peterborough. (Supplied photo)
Hospice Peterborough has announced that Dr. John Beamish has accepted the position of medical director for the new Hospice Peterborough residence being constructed at 325 London Street in Peterborough.
The 10-bed Hospice Residence will provide around-the-clock, active, end-of-life care in a supportive environment for Hospice clients and family members — a first for the Peterborough community.
Dr. Beamish was one of the founding members of Hospice Peterborough in 1988 and has been a continuous presence with the organization since that time, offering support to staff and volunteers, and most lately as a member of the organization’s Every Moment Matters Campaign Cabinet.
In his role as medical director, Dr. Beamish will provide medical insight and leadership to both the Hospice Residence and the Peterborough Palliative Care Community Team.
Peterborough Family Resource Centre is now Peterborough Child & Family Centres
Peterborough Family Resource Centre has rebranded as Peterborough Child & Family Centres.
The charitable and non-profit organization has offered programs and services for families of young children — from parent education to parent-child programs to breastfeeding clinics, — for more than 30 years.
The rebranding includes a new name, logo, updated website, and tagline “Share, Learn, Grow”.
Peterborough Child & Family Centre is an EarlyON Centre for Peterborough City and County, and the local site of the federally funded Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program and Community Action Program for Children.
Peterborough Business Excellence Awards Deadline on May 23
The winners of the 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre on October 17, 2018. (Photo: Peterborough Chamber Of Commerce / Facebook)
The deadline for the Greater Peterborough Chamber Of Commerce’s 2018 Peterborough Business Excellence Awards is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd.
Awards for businesses include Entrepreneurial Spirit, Skilled Trades, Tourism, Hospitality, Micro Business – Fewer Than 5 Employees, Retail, Professional Services, Customer First, Local Focus, Innovation / Research & Development, Commercial Development or Renovation, Marketing & Promotion, Environmental Practices, Health & Wellness, Not-For-Profit, and Employer Of The Year.
Awards for individuals include Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year, 4-Under-40 Profiles, and Business Citizen of the Year.
Finalists will be announced on Thursday, August 9th with the winners announced at the awards ceremony on October 17th at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough.
Innovation Cluster hosts Futrepreneur seminar in Peterborough on May 23
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting “Futrepreneur”, its next Hands-ON seminar, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Ryan Ounjian, Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur Canada, will teach you everything you need to know about what Futurpreneur has to offer, a walkthrough of their business plan writer, breaking down sections of a business plan, characteristics of an entrepreneur, and more.
Ounjian has extensive knowledge in business operations, specializing in marketing activities and business strategy and business start-ups.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hosts Peterborough-Kawartha all-candidates meeting on May 23
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is also hosting a meeting of Peterborough-Kawartha candidates for the upcoming Ontario election from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield0.
Liberal incumbent Jeff Leal, PC candidate Dave Smith, NDP candidate Sean Conway, and Green Party candidate Gianne Broughton will all be attending.
The meeting will feature a question-and-answer session moderated by David Goyette.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.
Lakefield Farmers’ Market opens for the season on May 24
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market opens for the season from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 24th in the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre parking lot beside Isabel Morris Park.
This season, the Lakefield Farmers’ Market will be selling freshly brewed coffee as a fundraiser for the market, and will be offering it for free on opening day along with tasty treats.
The market will be featuring the work of Nourish Lakefield in its community booth. After having been involved in launching a community garden at the school, Nourish Lakefield is extending its reach through cooking and canning workshops and this year vendors at the Lakefield Farmer’s Market will redeem Nourish Market Dollars.
Peterborough and Kawartha Tourism will also be at market on opening day with a mobile visitor center showcasing all the great things to see and do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and the musical duo of Ean & Eleanor will be providing market customers with lively music throughout the day.
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market is verified by the MyPick program, so all the farmers at the market have been third-party verified as selling only what they have grown. The market also has a wide variety of prepared food vendors who use local ingredients and artisans selling their handcrafted wares.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosts Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock All-Candidates Meeting on May 28
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting an all-candidates meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 28th at Pinestone Resort (4252 Haliburton County Rd. 21, Haliburton).
Hear from the candidates for MPP in Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock. The event is free and open to the public.
Next Level Peterborough featuring Ribbett, Teatro, and OUTDOORsmart! on May 30
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting Next Level Ptbo from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
This month’s event will feature Sana Virji and Ribat Chowdhury from Ribitt, Lynn Teatro from Teatro, and Cameron Taylor from OUTDOORsmart! Inc.
Learn how these three Peterborough entrepreneurs are taking their operations to the “Next Level”.
The event is free for Chamber members, or $15 for non-members. To register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas hosts its annual general meeting on May 31
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting its annual general meeting from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Beginning at 2 p.m., the public can tour The Cube, the Innovation Cluster’s 10,000-square-foot business incubator, and meet some of the region’s most promising start-ups.
The annual general meeting, which is open to the public, takes place at 3 p.m. and will include highlights from 2017.
Lindsay Chamber of Commerce 2018 Evening of Excellence on June 1
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Evening of Excellence from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 1st at the Lakeview Arts Barn (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon).
The 2018 award nominees are Lindsay Little Theatre, VCCS, Kawartha Care Wellness, Graham Bashford, Stewart Morrison Insurance Brokers, Days Inn & Suites Lindsay, Mariposa Dairy, Happy Days House Boats, Kawartha Art Gallery, Horizon Family Dentistry, A Place Called Home, Randy Burke, Pawz & Company, Di Bello Towing, Adelaide Clinic, and Adam Hawyard.
The evening will feature networking and a silent auction with a gourmet dinner and award presentations. Catering will be provided by Lakeview Arts Barn with photography by Laura Elizabeth Photography.
Tickets are $120 per person or a table of eight for $800. Tickets are limited and must be reserved by Friday, May 25th. To register, visit www.lindsaychamber.com/ or call 705-324-2393.
Artspace hosts its Annual General Meeting on June 13
Artspace, Peterborough’s non-profit artist-run centre that assists artists with the presentation of new work, is hosting its annual general meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th in the main gallery at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
Artspace will review the previous year’s operations and the organization’s audited financial statements, and will seek nominations for new members for the board of directors.
All members of the community are invited to attend, but only members in good standing with the centre are eligible to participate in voting.
The meeting will be held in a physically accessible space, and a cash bar and light refreshments will be provided.
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Annual General Meeting on June 27
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 27th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. with business at 6 p.m. The meeting will include updates on what’s happening in downtown Peterborough, as well as a general election of the board.
Everyone is welcome to attend, although only DBIA members can vote.
For more information on joining the board, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at 705-748-4774 or joelwiebe@peterboroughbia.com.
Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting on June 20
Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator will be the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting. (Photo: Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre)
RTO8’s Kawarthas Northumberland is inviting tourism operators from within the Kawarthas Northumberland region (City of Kawartha Lakes, City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County) to its annual partners meeting (annual general meeting) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Iron Horse Ranch (804 Ontario 7A RR1, Bethany).
The meeting will provide tourism operators with the opportunity to meet Kawarthas Northumberland board members and staff, along with representatives and advisors from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and to network with other tourism operators.
The guest speaker at the session will be Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator. Lucier will speak on how tourism operators can leverage their own resources to build new and exciting visitor experiences, with an appreciation for the importance of community collaboration.
The event is free, but advance registration is required by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 8th. Register at Eventbrite.
Residents and visitors to Bancroft, Ontario were greeted over the Victoria Day long weekend by knitted and crocheted turtles, hand-crafted by a volunteer group with Hospice North Hastings to raise awareness of local turtles and hospice. The turtles will remain on display until May 26. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)
After months of knitting and crocheting in secret, a small army of volunteers gathered in Bancroft last Thursday (May 17), ready to “yarn bomb” the town with hundreds of hand-crafted turtles.
What’s a “yarn bomb”?
Also known as a yarnstorm, a yarn bomb is a type of street art or graffiti using colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk. Yarn bombing is also called yarn storming, guerrilla knitting, kniffiti, urban knitting, or graffiti knitting.
The yarn bombers, who belong to the Hospice North Hastings craft group “Knittervention”, were ready to make their mark. With the sun streaming in through the windows of the Vintage on Hastings thrift shop, and Hospice coordinator Heather Brough perched on the cash desk, volunteers received their instructions.
They grabbed bags of colourful turtles, knit panels, wire, zip ties, ladders, and signs and then they were off — up and down Hastings Street as the Town of Bancroft grew quiet for the night.
Volunteers with the Hospice North Hastings craft group “Knittervention” yarn bombed the Town of Bancroft on May 17, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)Motorists couldn’t miss the hand-crafted turtles on the gateway entry signs to the Town of Bancroft. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)Sergeant Sandy Adams from the Bancroft OPP Detachment participated in the yarn bomb. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)
Bancroft’s Mayor, Paul Jenkins, dropped in for the ceremonial placement of the first turtle, and Sergeant Sandy Adams from the Bancroft OPP Detachment also joined volunteers to kick off the yarn bomb.
By the time the sun went down, hundreds of hand-knit and crocheted turtles had taken over Bancroft to welcome back tourists for the Victoria Day long weekend — the traditional weekend to open the cottage for the season — and to remind motorists to watch for turtles crossing local roads and highways.
From the moment the installation began, comments started showing up on social media and the response was overwhelmingly positive. There were posts of gratitude, jokes, and lots of sharing of the local story.
To encourage people to interact with the turtles, a scavenger hunt was made available at Vintage on Hastings and families started dropping in on Friday to track the turtles. Prizes were given out once the hunt was completed.
The hand-crafted turtles are intended to raise awareness among motorists to look out for turtles crossing local roads, as well as the work of Hospice North Hastings. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)The hand-crafted turtles will remain on display until May 26, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)
But then on Saturday morning, a group of stumped parents and kids returned to Vintage on Hastings: they could not find the final turtle in the scavenger hunt.
“We knew something was wrong because they were looking for the Royal Wedding Turtle,” Brough explains. “It was really an obvious one, with a Union Jack on the shell, and we had posted pictures of it on social media for the wedding earlier that morning. So we checked — and it was gone.”
An announcement was made on social media about “Ro’shell” (the name of the missing turtle) and the response was huge.
Ro’shell, a turtle honouring the Royal Wedding, is missing and the Bancroft Brew Pub is offering a $100 gift certificate for her safe return. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)
Almost immediately, the Bancroft Brew Pub offered a $100 gift certificate as a reward for the safe return of Ro’shell and the online sharing continued.
Another turtle has been kidnapped by the “Squirrels for a Safer Tomorrow” gang. Officer Paddy has come out of retirement to help solve the case. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)
By Sunday morning, there was more turtle news.
While the Hospice team searched for Ro’shell, a ransom note showed up at Vintage on Hastings for another turtle that was being held by a group calling itself “Squirrels for a Safer Tomorrow”.
They demanded $50 in nuts and media coverage of their message to keep squirrels safe on the roads too.
Brough took it all in stride.
From a previous yarn bomb at the Village Playhouse, the Knittervention team still had a three-foot crocheted police officer. They brought him out of retirement to help investigate the turtle kidnapping.
“Officer Paddy is on the case,” Brough laughs.
The turtle yarn bomb will stay on display in Bancroft until Saturday, May 26th. Brough says she can’t wait to see what happens with this initiative in the days ahead.
With World Turtle Day on Wednesday, May 23rd, the project — created in partnership with Kelly Wallace and the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative — is certainly raising awareness for turtles on our roads.
Vintage on Hastings, the social enterprise operated by Hospice North Hastings, will continue to operate as Turtle Headquarters during the 10-day display. This is where people can grab turtle information as well as details for a scavenger hunt challenge. (Photo courtesy of Knittervention)
However, it’s also raising awareness of Hospice North Hastings,
“We want everyone in our community to know that Hospice is about living,” Brough says. “Sometimes Hospice can seem scary, but we want people to know that we are here, providing care and comfort in the community, and that we’re all about making the best of every moment and having as much fun as possible.”
Vintage on Hastings, the social enterprise operated by Hospice North Hastings, will continue to operate as Turtle Headquarters during the 10-day display. This is where people can grab turtle information as well as details for a scavenger hunt challenge.
Local folks and visitors to Bancroft are encouraged to interact with the turtles, choose favourites and to interact on social media using the hash tags #turtlebomb, #bancroftyarnbomb, and #worldturtleday — all in the name of raising awareness for the turtles on our local roads.
Toronto-based progressive rock band The Divided Line is one of the bands performing at Peterborough LIVE Music Festival's "Mayhem" show at The Red Dog on Saturday, May 26th. The festival runs from May 24 to May 26, 2018. (Photo: Raph Nogal)
The annual Peterborough LIVE Music Festival is back in 2018 for its fifth year from Thursday, May 24th to Sunday, May 27th.
LIVE is an acroynm for “Local Independent Venue Events” and the festival features live music by more than 90 acts featuring over 300 performers at 11 venues in downtown Peterborough and more.
But there’s also spoken word and comedy and — new this year — a songwriters’ circle and a trade show and gear swap for musicians.
As with past festivals, there’s music from almost every genre, including rock, hard rock, blues, folk, Celtic, jazz, punk, country, electronic dance music (EDM), hip hop, and indie (from traditional to avant garde to post-punk to alternative). To make it easier to find the music and performances you like, the festival has organized themed shows.
Ennismore rapper Forest Gumption will perform at Peterborough LIVE Music Festival’s “Mic Drop” show at the Gordon Best on Friday, May 25th. (Photo: Jill Armstrong)
This year’s festival features 10 ticketed shows and nine shows with free admission or admission by donation. If you want to see everything, you can purchase an all-access festival pass for $15. Or you can purchase individual tickets for one of the 10 ticketed shows for $10 each. Both passes and individual tickets are available at the door of each show, or in advance at ticketscene.ca.
With the exception of age-of-majority events at the Sapphire Lounge, The Garnet, and Dobro, each show is all ages.
The festival opens on Thursday, May 24th at 7 p.m. with “Songbirds” at the Gorden Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough). Hosted by Raphael Nawaz, this “writers in the round” evening features artists sharing the stories behind their favourite songs and the inspiration that set them on their journey into music.
Peterborough singer-songwriter Hillary Dumoulin, who recently released her new full-length album “Fool’s Gold”, is one of the artists participating in Peterborough LIVE Music Festival’s “Songbirds” songwriters’ circle at the Gordon Best on Thursday, May 24th. (Photo: Hillary Dumoulin / Facebook)
Artists include Grace Hatherly, Owen Wright, Emily Erhart, Aiden Pothier, Nathan Bottomley, Suzy-Q, people you meet outside of bars, James Higgins, Sherwood, Jordan Mowat, Niall, Michaela Hetherington, Kalen Davidson, Nathan Miller, Ryan Van Loon, Hillary Dumoulin, Raphael Nawaz, Lance Isaacs, ad Chantelle. The cost for this event is $10 (or free with an all-access pass).
The festival also kicks off on Thursday with a night of rock and roll at “Rockafellas” at The Red Dog (189 Hunter St. W.). Hosted by Brandon Humphrey and Dawson McManus, the show features performances by local bands Broken Harmony, Peace Sand Rest, MJ & The Beetus, The Goombas, and Rhys Climenhage. The cost for this event is $10 (or free with an all-access pass).
If dancing is more your thing, Thursday night also features “Grindhouse Vol. I”, an evening of EDM beginning at 9 p.m. at The Sapphire Room (137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough). Hosted by DJ Thibault and featuring Oblique, DJ Matte Black, and Ricky Scatman, this is a free sponsored age-of-majority event.
Peterborough LIVE continues on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with lots more music (see the full list below), but we want to highlight a couple of special events taking place during the festival.
Hank to Hendrix Guitar Company is one of the local musical instrument and sound production experts who will be participating in the Trade Show and Gear Swap for musicians on Saturday, May 26th. (Photo: Hank to Hendrix Guitar Company)
On Saturday, May 26th, there will be a Trade Show and Gear Swap for musicians from 12 to 6 p.m. at Circle Kung Fu & Tai Chi (280 Perry St., Unit 8). You can bring in your old (or new) equipment you want to trade and you can meet with some of the community’s musical instrument and sound production experts.
Porter Sound, Bench Tech, Hank to Hendrix Guitar Company, Maar’s Music, Alexander James Guitars, and Tribute Audio will all be there. There will also be an open mic hosted by Ryan Van Loon. This free sponsored event takes place in the Perry St. Industrial Complex, just across the hall from Wayne O’Connor’s Hank to Hendrix.
On Sunday, May 27th at 8 p.m., the festival closes with “Peterborough LIVE Industry Night” at the Gorden Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough). This is a free event to celebrate the volunteers and artists who contributed to the festival, and will feature performances by Fortune Killers, The Boo Radley Project, Eleanor Shore, Brandon Humphrey Experience, and Puppet, followed by one last open stage for performers to jam and have fun.
Below is a complete list of all the Peterborough LIVE Music Festival events for 2018. For updates and any last-minute changes, be sure to visit Peterborough LIVE’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ptbolivemusicfest/.
Thursday, May 24th
Songbirds, 7 – 10 p.m. at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass
Enjoy an evening of song and reflection as artists share the stories behind their favourite songs and the inspiration that set them on their journey into music. Hosted by Raphael Nawaz and featuring Grace Hatherly, Owen Wright, Emily Erhart, Aiden Pothier, Nathan Bottomley, Suzy-Q, people you meet outside of bars, James Higgins, Sherwood, Jordan Mowat, Niall, Michaela Hetherington, Kalen Davidson, Nathan Miller, Ryan Van Loon, Hillary Dumoulin, Raphael Nawaz, Lance Isaacs, and Chantelle.
Rockafellas, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Red Dog (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough), 10 or included in $15 all-access pass
A great night rock and roll featuring some of our most energetic and driving local talent. Hosted by Brandon Humphrey and Dawson McManus and featuring Broken Harmony, Peace Sand Rest, MJ & The Beetus, The Goombas, and Rhys Climenhage.
Peterborough alt-rockers MJ & The Beetus perform at Peterborough LIVE Music Festival’s “Rockafellas” show at The Red Dog on Thursday, May 24th. (Photo: MJ & The Beetus / Facebook)
Grindhouse Vol. I, 9 p.m. – 1:30am at Sapphire Lounge (137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), free admission, 19+
Time to put on your dancing shows and get groovy! Come enjoy a classy melange of EDM styles in our hippest local cocktail lounge. Hosted by DJ Thibault and featuring Oblique, DJ Matte Black, and Ricky Scatman.
Friday, May 25th
Sweet Dreams, 2 – 6 p.m. at Dreams of Beans (138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), free admission
A classic coffee house experience in one of Peterborough’s original trendy cafés. Have a sip and relax with hosts Zach and Steve and special guest Shane Eyers. The event begins with an open stage until 4 p.m., with performers of all types e welcome to join in the fun. The open stage will feature the Peterborough Poetry Slam Youth Team.
Mic Drop, 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), 10 or included in $15 all-access pass
This variety show has something for everyone, with a comedy and poetry slam pre-show hosted by Chatell Motherboard, followed by Just Laugh Peterborough featuring Dave Cave, Richelle Nantais, and Charmaine Magumbe, and Peterborough Poetry Slam Collective featuring EJ. The hip hop and DJ show features a collection of artists and styles from our local scene, including Chatell Motherboard, Swervey, QdaSauce, Gibb, Luqman, NSY, and Forest Gumption.
Blues Breaker, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Dobro (287 George St. N., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
Get down, chill, boogie woogie, and shake your thing to the groovy sounds of Peterborough’s blues scene. With acts from the newest and brightest to the seasoned best, this show is guaranteed to put some mojo in your step. Hosted by Kate Kelly and featuring Nicholas Campbell, Bobby Watson and Kate Kelly, and Al Black & The Steady Band.
Holy Folk!, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
Enjoy some some good old indie folk in true Peterborough fashion. Hosted by the charming and witty Lance Isaacs, a great selection of powerhouse vocals featuring Lance along with Blue Hazel, St. Homer, and Nathan Miller.
Grindhouse Vol. II, 9 p.m. – 1:30am at Sapphire Lounge (137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), Free admission, 19+
Time to put on your dancing shows and get groovy (again) with a classy melange of EDM styles hosted by DJ Thibault and featuring Poet and ravioli.
Saturday, May 26th
Trade Show & Gear Swap, 12 – 6 p.m. at Circle Kung Fu & Tai Chi (280 Perry St. Unit 8, Peterborough), free admission
This is a new and exciting event for Peterborough LIVE geared for musicians. Our community is full of talent and the production of instruments and sound reinforcement are no exception. Come bring that old stomp box you want to trade and meet our community’s technical experts at Circle Kung Fu, located in the Perry St. Industrial Complex across the hall from Wayne O’Connor’s Hank to Hendrix. Featuring Porter Sound, Bench Tech, Hank to Hendrix Guitar Company, Maar’s Music, Alexander James Guitars, and Tribute Audio with an open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon.
Celtic Jam, 6 – 9 p.m. at McThirsty’s Pint (166 Charlotte St., Peterborough), free admission
What better way to enjoy a nice cold pint than with some great bites, good friends, and some foot stomping tunes? Relax and get loose with this traditional Celtic jam at the friendliest bar in town! Hosted by Kane Miller of Hunt the Hare and featuring Fiddling Jay and Kane Miller and friends.
Mayhem, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Red Dog (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass
Get groovy with some kicking alternative and hard rock mayhem in this high-energy line up. There are some real shredders here, so you definitely don’t want to miss this one. Hosted by Brandon Humphrey and featuring The Divided Line, Odd Ones, Jagged, My Affected Reality, Outshined and Present Tense.
VIDEO: “Phylliidae” – The Divided Line
Indie-go, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
With a little taste of avant garde, traditional, pop, and alternative, this show is a mix of all things indie. Whether you’re a little hip, square, post-punk, folkie, or anything else, there’s a sound for you here at one of Peterborough’s most eclectic spaces. Hosted by Whitney Lu and featuring Shirazi, Paper Shakers, Nathan Bottomley Band, and Niall.
Boot Knockers, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Dobro (287 George St. N., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
Get your boots out and come kick it at the Dobro! Enjoy some good old fashion country tunes some great local artists. Hosted by Michaela Hetherington and featuring Kayla Howran, Jason O’Brien, Michaela Hetherington, and Pat Rees.
Punk and Morty!, 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass
Get shwifty with the head-bashing and chord-smashing antics of Ontario’s finest selections from the dedicated punk scene. Hosted by Tyler Smith and featuring Antixx, Deviants and Odd Man Out, Beaver Slap, Death Sticks, The Beat Abattoir, Muddy Hack, and ELE.
Sunday, May 27th
Dandelion Day Sun Stage, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Millennium Park (130 King St., Peterborough), free admission
Peterborough LIVE is at the 4th Annual Dandelion Day Festival, which celebrates healthy lifestyles and local prosperity. Featuring Healing Chants with Janet McCue, Tonya Bosch Band, Michaela Hetherington, Steve Clarke, and Kirtan with Tony Tavares and Sasha Lambrinos.
Jazz Gumbo, 12 – 5 p.m. at Hot Belly Mama’s (378 George St. N., Peterborough), free admission
Come out and cut your teeth on some great jazz jams and delicious creole cuisine. A great mix of food and fun for all hosted by Larry Saidman and featuring Pete Woolidge and Friends, Ambrose Veno Trio, Devil May Care, and Luxury Mammals Jazz Collective.
Luxury Mammals Jazz Collective, students and grads of St. Peter Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough, will perform at Hot Belly Mama’s on Sunday, May 27th. (Supplied photo)
Music in Nogojiwanong, 2 – 5 p.m. at Emmanuel United Church (534 George St. N., Peterborough), admission by donation
Hosted by Curtis Driedger and featuring Three Alarm Choir ($5 for a song sheet), X Pollinators, and The Boo Radley Project.
Jump, Jive, & Wail, 4 – 11 p.m. at The Red Dog (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough), $10 or included in $15 all-access pass, 19+
Put your dancing shoes on and get ready for swinging jazz, with a funky mix of big band, gospel, and blues styles that will keep you jitterbugs grooving all night long. Hosted by Malcolm Byard and Paul Rellinger and featuring Bridget Foley and The Gospel Girls, Avery Cantello Blues Band, L’ll Big Band, and Knightshift.
Elora/Guelph band The Boo Radley Project, an eight-piece genre-bending collective that fuses funk, indie, abd jazz, performs at the Peterborough LIVE Industry Night on Sunday, May 27th. (Photo: Dan Dunlop)
Peterborough LIVE Industry Night, 8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), free admission
This is the closing event of the festival to celebrate the efforts of the festival’s volunteers and artists both old and new. This event is open to the public, but is dedicated to everyone who has contributed to Peterborough LIVE. There will be a hodgepodge of acts and the evening will close out with an open stage for artists to jam and have fun.
Performers include Fortune Killers, The Boo Radley Project, Eleanor Shore, Brandon Humphrey Experience, and Puppet.
Three of the child actors portraying Simon, Piggy, and Ralph during a rehearsal of "Lord of the Flies: The Musical". The family-friendly production from Ida Brown of The Little Town Theatre, based on the classic novel by William Golding and featuring the music of Pink Floyd performed by a live band, runs for two performances on May 25 and 26, 2018 in Norwood. (Photo: Ida Brown)
A cast of children, a gruesome literary classic, and the music of Pink Floyd.
The Little Town Theatre presents Lord of the Flies: The Musical
When: Friday, May 25 and Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 7 p.m. Where: Norwood Town Hall (78 Colborne St., Norwood) How much: Free (donations encouraged)
Written by William Golding and adapted and directed by Ida Brown. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Licensed event. Advance tickets are available at Hastings House (27 Front St. W., Hastings), Salon Iris (14 Front St. E., Hastings), and Ball Real Estate (2371E County Rd 45, Norwood).
These are the elements that create what may be one of the most unorthodox pieces of theatre to hit the Kawarthas in a long while. On Friday, May 25th and Saturday, May 26th, Hasting’s The Little Town Theatre presents Ida Brown’s original play Lord of the Flies: The Musical at the Norwood Town Hall.
Over the past few weeks, there’s been a lot of chatter about this family-friendly production based on the William Golding novel and set to a classic rock score of Pink Floyd hits. Seeming to come out of nowhere, the unusual combination of Lord of the Flies and Pink Floyd has had the theatre community curious about how this show came to be and what it’s all about.
The buzz led me to an after-school rehearsal on May 8th at the Norwood Town Hall, where I can attest to the fact that the production is indeed a spectacle to behold. Ths show features a cast of 10 kids between the ages of nine and 15 from Norwood, Hastings, and Warkworth, along with four adult cast members primarily made up of parents,
I watched the children run their lines while working through Floyd songs such as “Comfortably Numb”, “Goodbye Blue Skies”, “Wish You Were Here”, and “Another Brick in the Wall”. The kids are raw, but have an infectious spirit about them that flowed throughout the town hall as writer and director Ida Brown watches them with conviction for her unique theatrical vision.
The main cast of “Lord of the Flies: The Musical” includes Helen Genge, Laura Cassidy-Lobb, Chaiora Haylestrom, Dakota Pukarowski-Brown, Jack Greer, Hannah Paddison, Ava Rutherford, Kelsey Scott, Anna Genge, and Cate Adams. The cast is made up of kids between the ages of nine and 15 from Norwood, Hastings, and Warkworth. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
I was surprised to learn this is not the first time that Ida and her company have put on this show — it’s the third production of Lord of the Flies: The Musical since 2006. Although relatively new to the Kawarthas, Ida and her family have been bringing together children and their parents in producing theatrical productions since 1999 throughout the various communities in which they’ve lived.
“We would have play group practices in my house which would include parents and children getting together to do shows,” Ida says. “It all started because drama classes were expensive. The kids would love it because every week they’d get together, and often the parents would take on acting or production roles.
“But often the kids would get really wild. This one time all the kids were picking on this one boy and someone said ‘It’s like Lord of the Flies in here.’ So we decided that we would do Lord of the Flies.
“But I always do musicals. One of my favourite bands was Pink Floyd, so I started writing the script and putting Pink Floyd songs into it. Every week I would write an act while looking at the book, and then I’d choose a Pink Floyd song.”
Musical director Bethany Brown with her mother, writer/director Ida Brown. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Pregnant at the time, Ida wrote a scene each week by writing out scenes directly from Golding’s source material and matching it to a Pink Floyd song.
“I’d scribble it in handwriting, and then my friend would type it out, and then we’d do it with the songs,” Ida explains. “Then we’d present it, and the kids would always have ideas of how it could be better.”
Ida reads a passage from the script that she took out of the book.
‘We’re all drifting and things are going rotten. At least at home we had a grownup to ask. How I wish … oh, what’s the use?’
‘I wish my father was here,’ said Simon.
‘I wish my Auntie was here,’ said Piggy. ‘They know things, and they’d meet and have tea and discuss and then things would be alright.’
“Those lines are right from the book and they go perfectly with Wish You Were Here,” Ida tells me. “Every single song that we chose works perfectly in the dialogue.”
Ida and her company first produced Lord of the Flies: The Musical in Hamilton at the Staircase Café Theatre in 2006, and then revived it in 2012 at the Fergus Grand Theatre in Fergus. Not long after, Ida and her family moved to Hastings where the family cottage was located, and Ida brought her small theatre company to the Kawarthas.
The adult members of the cast includes Theresa Butler as the Nurse, Randy McCaugherty as William Golding, Margaret Lobb as The Lordess of the Flies, and Ken Scott as The Naval Captain. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Since 2015 the Little Town Theatre has put on productions of Oliver, The Secret Garden, and Peter Pan, but it is definitely the surreal concept of Lord of the Flies as a musical that has captured the attention of the larger theatre community.
Each time Ida has done this show, one or more of her own children have stepped into the cast or production team, making it a true family affair. This production is no exception, with her youngest son Dakota playing Piggy and her oldest daughter Bethany stepping in as the show’s musical director.
Bethany, who has been involved in the original production as a child actor in 2006, has had a unique relationship on both sides of the show.
“I think it’s interesting how each show brings something new and develops differently,” Bethany says.
A band of local musicians (Ken Tuck, Mac Palmer, and Tom Batten), pictured with musical director Bethany Brown, will perform music from Pink Floyd during the production. (Photo: Ida Brown)
To create the unforgettable and all-important Pink Floyd soundtrack for the show, Bethany has recruited Peterborough musicians Ken Tuck, Tom Batten, and Mac Palmer. Having played together for nearly 30 years, the combo call themselves E1.
“I put out a post on Facebook saying I need a lead guitar player, and someone left Ken’s name in the post and he and I agreed to meet,” Bethany recalls. “He said he played at the Dobro every Wednesday, so my Mom and my stepfather went and saw them and then we said ‘Come do this free show with children’ and they agreed to do it. I thought it’d be a harder sell.”
“We’ve played a lot of Pink Floyd in the past,” Ken says. “But I don’t know how anybody could ever organize it to have a bunch of kids to sing Another Brick in the Wall Part 2. That doesn’t come off very often, so I’m very happy about it. Also, we’re introducing a new generation to the music and the ideas as well.”
kawarthaNOW’s theatre reviewer Sam Tweedle poses with the pig’s head, one of the props from the production.
“The kids really lift me up,” fellow musician Mac adds. “I love it.”
At the centre of Ida’s production is a strong message about anti-bullying and the impact that cruelty has on people of all ages.
“I hope that the kids learn that they shouldn’t tease or hate each other for what they look like or who they are,” Ida says. “I was bullied as a kid, and I’m open to eradicating bullying. With this group of kids, you never see any kids teasing any kids about anything.”
I have seen some pretty strange things in my time, but I have to admit that Lord of the Flies: The Musical is one of the strangest. Created with pride and performed by a young amateur cast with tons of vigour and spunk, Lord of the Flies: The Musical will be a special experience.
The production will be performed on Friday, May 25th and Saturday, May 26th at the Norwood Town Hall (78 Colborne St., Norwood). Each show starts at 7 p.m. and is free, with a cash donation collected at the door in support of the further artistic endeavors of The Little Town Theatre.
Maddy Paulson-Carlin, a student at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Lindsay, is working towards her high school diplomas while learning the skilled trade of welding through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. (Photo: Galen Eagle / PVNC Catholic District School Board)
Maddy Paulson-Carlin started high school like most kids: uncertain of her future plans. When she was given a chance to explore the trades, she was immediately drawn to the welding profession.
Welding has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated trade, but this has never discouraged Maddy from pursuing her goals.
With the laser-like focus of a welder making a precise plasma cut, and with the help of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Maddy can see a clear path leading directly from her secondary school education to her post-secondary apprenticeship — and eventually, her dream job.
Maddy, along with her fellow student Owen Robinson, each start their morning with a complimentary bus ride to the Durham College’s Whitby Trade Centre, where both students are part of the OYAP welding program.
Owen Robinson, who attends St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School in Bowmanville, will graduate high school having completed Level I training in welding through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. (Photo: Galen Eagle / PVNC Catholic District School Board)
Maddy hails from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in Lindsay while Owen attends St. Stephen Catholic Secondary School in Bowmanville.
Getting an early morning start to catch the OYAP bus is well worth it for these welding students. Both Maddy and Owen will finish high school having completed Level I training in their field — a considerable advantage in the race to securing employment post-studies.
For Maddy and Owen, the path to a happy vocation is clearly via the trades. Not only do they enjoy what they do, but through their OYAP co-op placements they are learning the value of contributing a small part to a larger project.
Maddy and Owen are part of the OYAP welding program at Durham College’s Whitby Trade Centre. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
Owen notes that seeing a completed project, and knowing how welding contributed to it, makes the role of a welder very meaningful to him.
Maddy adds that learning a skilled trade is a great path toward future job security.
“You’re always in high demand, so you’re always guaranteed a job — and you’ll make good money no matter what you go into.”
And for anyone curious about OYAP, or the skilled trades in general, Maddy has some good advice.
Maddy has wanted to become a welder since the ninth grade, when she first tried her hand at welding. Her guidance counselor helped her to discover the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
“No matter whether you’re a guy or a girl, try something in the skilled trades. You may not think of it as a life-long career, but you’ll definitely get some good skills out of it.”
Through OYAP, students can explore many of the skilled trades while working towards their high school diploma. The program began as a three-year pilot project in 1996 and is funded today by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. Multiple school boards and levels of government have worked in tandem to create the opportunities provided to OYAP students.
“Students apply for the OYAP program when they’re in Grade 11,” explains Margaret Murray, a Student Success Consultant and OYAP Coordinator for the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC). “They sign on to a training agreement with the ministry and hopefully it will continue after they graduate the following year.”
Books, safety equipment and transportation costs are all covered while students attend classes at the Whitby Trade Centre.
“When the OYAP students are not in school, they are in a co-operative education placement related to the trade,” Margaret says.
It can be challenging for some students to find the best skilled trade for them. Owen Robinson changed his path more than once before entering the OYAP program, finally selecting welding with the goal of becoming a firefighter and utilizing his skills in emergency situations.
Owen says he was a good welder in metal shop, but didn’t see the potential for a career in welding until he enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. (Photo: Galen Eagle / PVNC Catholic District School Board)
Owen admits he was a “good welder in metal shop” but he didn’t really “see the potential for a career in welding” until he began OYAP.
For her part, Maddy knew that she wanted to be a welder since she was in ninth grade, first trying her hand at welding in the Exploring Tech program. Her guidance counselor was very supportive of her plans and helped her to discover OYAP.
While she has rarely faced prejudice about being a young woman interested in what has been a traditionally male-dominated trade, there has been some.
“I was one of two girls to start in a plant for co-op,” Maddy says. “When I first started, there were comments from some of the men.”
While there were some comments from men when she first started welding, Maddy says male peers like Owen are very supportive and accepting of their female counterparts entering into the skilled trades. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW.com)
But Maddy claims that as more girls choose to enter the skilled trades, things are getting better.
Girls in the trades “stick together” but, despite this, Maddy doesn’t isolate herself from her male peers, who she says are very supportive and accepting of their female counterparts entering into the trades.
That may be because an increasing number of female students like Maddy are choosing to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Over the past three years, PVNC has witnessed a number of young women succeed in OYAP.
“We’ve seen a female plumber, automotive service technician, carpenter, industrial millwright mechanic, and a welder graduate from high school with their OYAP Level I,” Margaret says, “and successfully be hired as second-year apprentices in their respective fields.”
Maddy hopes to score her second-year apprenticeship and complete her Red Seal trade in Ontario. She dreams of one day living and working somewhere near the Alberta/BC border.
Maddy hopes to score her second-year apprenticeship and get her Red Seal endorsement, a national trade standard, in Ontario. She dreams of one day living and working somewhere near the Alberta/BC border. (Photo: Galen Eagle / PVNC Catholic District School Board)
Owen would also like to travel west to British Columbia to work once he has completed his education.
In addition to a head start in their trade, OYAP students are also given financial opportunities that make it less of a financial burden to complete their trade’s entry level.
“We were given welding gloves, our own shop coat, and, if we don’t have our own helmet, they have a cabinet of helmets to use as well as all the tools you need,” Maddy says.
Both Maddy and Owen share a passion for working with metal and have even created art with their welding skills in the past.
Maddy’s advice to anyone considering trying welding is to “just go for it.”
“Whether you take it for the artistic factor or are actually considering it as a career — it’s still a great skill to have, as well as any other trade”.
Applied learning and the future of the OYAP
Students like Owen, shown here welding, owe their success to experienced instructors at the Whitby Trade Centre like William Joy, who has been a welder for 40 years. (Photo: Galen Eagle / PVNC Catholic District School Board)
The long-term success of OYAP students like Maddy and Owen wouldn’t be possible without experienced and passionate instructors.
Take William Joy, who has been a welding instructor at the Whitby Trade Centre for five years and a welder for 40. He believes that applying what they learn during their placement is essential to the success of his students.
“For them to come here to be instructed and then to use those things they’ve learned out in the work force, it’s a big plus for their future employment,” William says. “It’s a really well-rounded program.”
William also has noticed an increase in female interest in both the OYAP and welding.
“It’s important to get the word out on social media and by word of mouth. I find the [OYAP] students are very successful, both male and female.
“Being in the trades, you are so engaged in what you are doing you’re never really looking at the clock. And there is a satisfaction to being involved in projects that you can see to completion.”
Speaking of welding projects, PVNC Student Success Consultant Alexander Duketow notes that the school board is currently installing 36 new and fully equipped welding booths across its six secondary schools.
Alexander says the initiative was inspired by “industry demand, a local job summits hosted by MP Maryam Monsef, and ultimately by our teachers who have observed tremendous enthusiasm by their students who learn the skill of welding.”
Gas lines for metal inert gas (MIG) welding and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding in the Weld Shop at at Durham College’s Whitby Trade Centre. Partly inspired by the enthusiasm of students to learn welding, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board is currently installing 36 new and fully equipped welding booths across its six secondary schools. (Photo: Galen Eagle / PVNC Catholic District School Board)
And to ensure the students are taught the latest real-world techniques, Alexander says that a partnership with the Canadian Welding Bureau Foundation and local heavy equipment manufacturer McCloskey International includes welding skills training for teachers.
OYAP intends to create even more opportunities for students who wish to learn welding skills, while also supporting local industry with a consistent stream of skilled welding apprentices.
As Alexander says, it’s a “win-win”.
High school students who are interested in attending trade school should contact their Cooperative Education Department for information about the OYAP program.
Arhitect's rendering of the completed Shorelines Casino Peterborough. (Graphic: Chris Dikeakos Architects Inc.
If you’re looking for a full- or part-time job, you might want to check out the Shorelines Casino Peterborough job fair from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 24th at Fleming CREW Employment Centre (1550 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
Construction of Peterborough’s new casino on Crawford Drive at The Parkway is nearing completion, with a grand opening expected in late August or early September.
The 50,000-square-foot facility will have 500 slots, 20 gaming tables, a lounge, restaurant, and multi-purpose spaces.
The Shorelines Casino Peterborough building under construction on May 19, 2018. Aurora-based company Matheson Constructors is managing the project, which is expected to be completed by late summer. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
The casino is looking to fill up to 150 new gaming and hospitality positions (around 150 other positions are to be filled by current employees transferring from Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs in Fraserville).
“The time has come for us to start looking for dynamic, high-energy individuals who are driven by service excellence and want to join the Shorelines Casino family,” says Bryan Buchanan, General Manager of Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs, in a media release.
The casino is looking for people to fill full-time and part-time positions in the following roles: card dealers, table games supervisors, food and beverage supervisors, bartenders, food and beverage servers, sous chef, cooks, and various other positions.
Previous gaming experience is not necessary to apply for the gaming positions.
“Appropriate paid training will be provided by our in-house trainers,” Buchanan says. “We are focused on creating employment opportunities that offer personal and professional development in career-track roles.”
Those who are unable to attend the job fair can apply online during the last week of May at gcgaming.com/careers.
Shorelines Casino Peterborough is owned and operated by the Ontario Gaming East LP, in which Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, is the majority shareholder and lead operator. It was selected at the successful proponent by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to operate gaming facilities in the East Gaming Bundle, including the new casino in Peterborough.
The Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, when many people go camping and open their cottages for the season.
Victoria Day, celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday (May 24, 1819), was first declared a holiday in Canada in 1845. It was originally observed on May 24 every year unless that date was a Sunday, in which case it was celebrated on May 25. In 1952, the federal government changed the date to celebrate Victoria Day on the Monday preceding May 25. From sunset to sunrise on Victoria Day, the Royal Union Flag (the “Union Jack”) is flown alongside the Canadian flag at federal buildings, airports, military bases and other federal buildings and establishments across Canada.
The Victoria Day weekend is colliqually known as the May Two-Four weekend, referring both to the Queen’s birthdate and Canadian slang for a case of 24 beers (a popular beverage during the weekend). It’s informally considered to mark the beginning of summer, and many people go camping, open their cottages, garden, or travel during the weekend. Victoria Day itself is traditionally celebrated with fireworks displays on Monday night.
Since Victoria Day is both a federal and a provincial statutory holiday, government offices, post offices, libraries, and schools are closed, as are liquor stores and beer stores. Many grocery stores are open, as are some shopping malls, pharmacies, banks, and large retail stores. Most tourist attractions, medical clinics, smaller stores, restaurants, museums, and theatres are usually open. Some stores that are closed on Monday have extended hours on Sunday (check with the store).
For your convenience, we provide this list of 258 selected businesses, services, and organizations from across the Kawarthas. While we strive to make the information on this list as accurate as we can, you should call first to confirm hours if you’re travelling any distance (we’ve included phone numbers). If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form.
Bewdley Transfer Station 7650 County Rd. 9, Hamilton 905-342-2514
CLOSED
Brighton Landfill 1112 County Rd. 26, Brighton 613-475-1946
CLOSED
Canada Post Mail Delivery / Offices (Note: post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business
No collection or delivery
City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall, Municipal Service Centres, and Administration Offices 26 Francis St., Lindsay 705-324-9411
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, arenas, and pools Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Public Libraries Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Waste and Recycling Collection 26 Francis St., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
Moves to Tue May 22 (May 22 to 23, May 23 to 24, May 24 to 25)
City of Peterborough Day Cares Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
City of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
No change
City of Peterborough Green Waste Pickup Peterborough 705-876-1600
No change
City of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 705-876-1600
No change
City of Peterborough Social Services Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
County of Haliburton Administration Offices 11 Newcastle St., Minden 705-286-4085
CLOSED
County of Northumberland Waste and Recycling Collection 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg 1-866-293-8379
Moves to Tue May 22 (May 22 to 23, May 23 to 24, May 24 to 25)
County of Peterborough 470 Water St., Peterborough 705-743-0380
CLOSED
County of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
Check your township at ptbocounty.ca or install My Waste App
County of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 705-775-2737
Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd cuts the ribbon officially opening Venture13, Cobourg's new innovation and entrepreneurship centre for Northumberland County, along with repreentatives from the Town of Cobourg, Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, Cobourg Police Service, Fleming College, Northumberland Makers and more. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
“Welcome to the Rural Renaissance”.
On Thursday (May 17), Cobourg Mayor Gil Brocanier acted as emcee for the grand opening of Venture13, Northumberland County’s new entrepreneurial hot spot, heralding it as a “great day for Cobourg and all of Eastern Ontario”.
Brocanier said the Town of Cobourg and Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) have a lot to be proud of — and the journey has just begun.
“This remarkable journey, that included repurposing one of our existing municipal properties into a state-of-the-art innovation and entrepreneurship centre, would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation and the support of FedDev Ontario,” he said.
VIDEO: Cutting the ribbon for Venture13 in Cobourg on May 17, 2018
“The Town of Cobourg is extremely proud of the educational opportunities and community engagement that will be made possible at Venture13 as we work with Fleming College, Northumberland Makers, and all of our partners, to position Northumberland County and Eastern Ontario for the innovation age.”
A place for business start-ups
Venture13 is located at 739 D’Arcy Street in Cobourg at the location formerly known as “Building 13”. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
On Thursday, Venture13 — known as V13 for short — officially opened its doors at 739 D’Arcy Street in Cobourg with a grand opening celebration that included a ribbon cutting and a tour of the facility.
The new innovation and entrepreneurship centre features three “essential components” to assist business start-ups.
The VentureZone is an accelerator space supported by the Northumberland CFDC. The MakerLab is a full-service lab with cutting-edge equipment that can be used for custom desktop manufacturing and 3D printing, prototyping and engineering. The third essential component is an 80-seat lecture hall with adjoining seminar rooms that offers a community space for discussions and workshops.
The new Venture13 innovation and entrepreneurship centre features the VentureZone, the MakerLab, an 80-seat lecture hall with adjoining seminar rooms, and more. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Also in attendance for the grand opening was Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd, who kicked off her message to the community with a congratulatory video from the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
“Venture13 is one of the most exciting projects ever undertaken in Eastern Ontario,” Rudd said.
“I firmly believe it will be the crown jewel in any ongoing innovation strategy for the region. I want to give credit to the efforts of Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, the Town of Cobourg, and Cobourg Police Services. Their dynamic collaboration is jump-starting a new era in rural innovation.”
About the Site
This mural reflects the history of “Building 13” in Cobourg, once the site of a Canadian Forces Base and the Town of Cobourg’s largest employer in the 1950s. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
The building itself is an inspiring place for learning and innovation.
With the vision of local architect Reno Piccini, the impressive open-concept 15,000-square-foot first floor of the building includes a 80-seat lecture hall, demo space and two seminar and activity rooms. The site also includes the 800-square-foot MakerLab and a scannable tool library.
“The planning for this site was a labour of love,” Piccini said.
Some of the partners located in Venture13. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
The colour red can be seen throughout the building. According to Northumberland CFDC Executive Director Wendy Curtis, the red is “Canada Red”, a strong nod to our country and commitment to shaping the economic future of our nation. A 30-foot mural greets visitors near the entrance, and natural light floods the space from its many windows.
The building was once the site of a Canadian Forces Base known as “Building 13” — hence the Venture13 name. During the 1950s, Building 13 was the Town of Cobourg’s largest employer at its peak. With Cobourg Police Services signed on to inhabit the second floor of the site, the Town is hopeful that Building 13 will once again be a major source of jobs for the local economy.
The VentureZone
The VentureZone is a flexible co-working and business accelerator space for technology startups and entrepreneurs. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
With The VentureZone, the Northumberland CFDC has created a flexible co-working and business accelerator space for technology startups and entrepreneurs. The VentureZone includes 24-hour secured access, fibre connection and public wifi, as well as web-based booking.
“Together with the Town of Cobourg, and with the support of the Government of Canada and FedDev Ontario, we have designed and created a unique and inspiring platform — a truly local response to the imperative of innovation in the twenty-first century,” said Wendy Curtus, Executive Director of the Northumberland CFDC,
The VentureZone includes 24-hour secured access, fibre connection and public wifi, as well as web-based booking. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
The MakerLab
The MakerLab is supported by a community organization known as the Northumberland Makers. Teaching applied skills and offering experiential learning, the lab is an inspiring space with cutting-edge equipment for prototyping and engineering.
“We believe that making is a skill that should be accessible to all who wish to learn,” says Northumberland Makers President Phil Mandryk.
Venture13’s MakerLab is a full-service lab with cutting-edge equipment that can be used for custom desktop manufacturing and 3D printing, prototyping, and engineering. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
“We cannot wait to have a home base at Venture13 to deliver community programming that offers individuals the opportunity to ‘learn through doing’ in an accessible social environment.”
The MakerLab aims to play a major role in positioning Northumberland County and Eastern Ontario “as a place for technology entrepreneurship and innovation”, Mandryk said.
The MakerLab is supported by Northumberland Makers, a community organization that will use the space to teach applied skills and offer experiential learning. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Programming will focus on STE(A)M education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) with bi-weekly safety and equipment training, a Tedx-inspired talk series, and a one-week “Lego robotic camp” for children in the summer.
Innovation and Law Enforcement
When it comes to Venture13’s second floor, while no uniformed officers will be working on site, the presence will definitely be blue upstairs.
Cobourg Police Services have found a home for their administrative operations and growing technology business unit at this new location.
VIDEO: Official promotional video for Venture13
Cobourg Chief of Police Kai Liu believes that job creation will continue to grow on the second floor, as the police add secure servers and other innovative technological advancements to their practices.
Innovations in policing will be paramount and access to the second floor will be highly restricted.
According to Liu, this initiative is ground-breaking by nature as it is “unique amongst police services” to have a dedicated place to focus on the use of new technology in policing.
Education
Fleming College, which joined the strategic board of innovation partners in November 2017, will deliver a technical programming component at Venture13. Courses will be offered in Business and Leadership as well as Trades and Technology and will be booked on a regular basis at the centre.
“We are delighted to support the Venture13 initiative in partnership with the Town of Cobourg and the Northumberland CFDC,” said Tony Tilly, President of Fleming College. “We see a clear alignment between our innovative programming and the needs of those developing new and growing enterprises throughout the region”.
The grand opening celebration of Venture13 on May 17, 2018 also included a presentation of the innovation and entrepreneurship centre’s development. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
“As a primary post-secondary partner, Fleming College is committed to providing training experiences that are responsive to employer needs and areas of job growth,” added David Francis, the college’s Dean of Professional and Continuing Education.
“We are also committed to bringing the Fleming College experience more broadly to Cobourg and Northumberland County in terms of providing guest speakers and linkages to the community.”
While post-secondary students are currently first in line to benefit from the new centre, plans to include younger students at the high school and elementary school levels are likely in Venture13’s future. In the meantime, parents who are interested in getting younger kids involved are welcome to look into age-appropriate workshops, camps, and seminars.
Partnerships
Collaboration between partners has been at the foundation of Venture13. Pictured are: Dereck Paul, President & CEO, Lakefront Utility Services Inc.; Kai Liu, Police Chief, Cobourg Police Service; Wendy Curtis, Executive Director of the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation; Gil Brocanier, Mayor, Town of Cobourg; Stephen Peacock, Chief Administrative Officer for The Town of Cobourg; and Phil Mandryk, President, Northumberland Makers. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
According to Curtis, partnerships are essential to the success of Venture13. She said collaboration has been at the foundation of everything accomplished to date and will continue to play an ongoing role in the future successes of the centre.
“We are not alone in this endeavor,” she explained. “We have brought together local innovation-focused community organizations with our wider network of regional innovation centres from Oshawa to Peterborough to Cornwall, and across Eastern Ontario.”
N100 Evolution: a pitch-based competition for tech start-ups
N100 Evolution is an enhanced version of the previous N100 invitational technology startup competition. It’s now biennial with a larger prize of up to $250,000 in investment funding. (Photo: Northumberland CFDC)
Curtis also announced the inception of N100 Evolution, Northumberland’s “biennial open invitational technology startup competition”.
With start-up funding from $100,000 to $250,000 up for grabs, projects with high-growth potential that are technology-driven and that will have a presence and impact in Northumberland County are invited to pitch their ideas for a chance to make their business dreams a reality.
The deadline to apply for the first N100 Evolution is Friday, July 13, 2018. Eight semi-finalists will be selected to compete in the N100 Pitch Contest at Venture13 on Thursday, September 13th. The top three finalists will then present their investment proposals in October, with the winner announced in November.
If you’ve got a great business idea and need help to get it off the ground, N100 is now accepting applications for the 2018 technology start-up competition. Visit www.n100.ca to find out more and to apply.
To learn more about how you can get involved and support Venture13, visit venture13.ca.
In "My Heart's A Suitcase", Anwen O'Driscoll (right) plays Chris, an angrily impoverished waitress who shares a flat with Hannah (Ilan O'Driscoll), a philosophical ceramics teacher in the early stages of multiple sclerosis. The role of Hannah will also be performed by Mackenzie Kruyf (not pictured) on different nights of the play, which has a five-performance run at Lindsay Little Theatre until May 27. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
On Friday, May 18th, the Lindsay Little Theatre opens up some heavy emotional baggage with director Rebecca Bloom’s production of late British playwright Clare McIntyre’s My Heart’s A Suitcase.
Featuring the talents of Anwen O’Driscoll, Mackenzie Krunyf, Ilan O’Driscoll, Tori O’Neil, Andre Canivet, Katisha Shaw, and Vasco J.W. Silva, this award-winning British play sports strong performances in an emotionally charged show.
Lindsay Little Theatre presents My Heart’s A Suitcase
When: Friday, May 18 & Saturday, May 19 at 8 p.m.; Friday, May 25 & Saturday, May 26 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m. Where: Lindsay Little Theatre (55 George St W., Lindsay, 705-880-2445) How much: $20
Written by Clare McIntyre, directed by Rebecca Anne Bloom, and starring Anwen O’Driscoll, Mackenzie Krunyf, Ilan O’Driscoll, Tori O’Neil, Andre Canivet, Katisha Shaw, and Vasco J.W. Silva.
Tickets are available in person or by phone at the Academy Theatre box office (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-911), online at www.kawarthatickets.ca or at the door the night of the performance. Advance tickets by phone or online are subject to a $2 surcharge.
Making its debut at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1990, My Heart’s A Suitcase was one of the celebrated plays to come from Britain’s feminist theatre movement that emerged in the 1980s. Containing a multitude of various subjects, including PTSD, depression, illness, fear, and class conflict, the play earned McIntyre the most promising playwright award from The London Evening Standard and quickly became a fixture of feminist literature.
Chris (Anwen O’Driscoll), an angry waitress suffering from PTSD from a recent emotional trauma, accepts the offer to stay in a beach-side flat owned by an old flame who has become wealthy. Although reluctant to stay in the sparsely decorated apartment, Chris succumbs to the encouragement of her best friend Hannah (Mackenzie Kruyf / Ilan O’Driscoll), a good-natured ceramics teacher who has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
However, it’s quickly established that this isn’t going to be a blissful weekend getaway for either of them. As Hannah embraces life, Chris wallows in self-pity and fear, which manifests in the form of two figures in her own mind: the motherly and religious Luggage (Katisha Shaw) and the horrifying Pest (Vasco J.W. Silva), a product of her mental and emotional trauma.
Playwright Clare McIntyre died from multiple sclerosis at the age of 57 in 2009, 24 years after she was first diagnosed with the disease.
Meanwhile, the girls encounter another pair of intruders in their ill-fated weekend getaway: the flat owner’s uppity wife Tunis (Tori O’Neil) and an alcoholic businessman named Elliot (Andre Canivet). Forever searching for an answer to their place in the world, the girls seek solace in an uncompromising world where, ultimately, their only sense of peace is based on their frame of mind.
My Heart’s A Suitcase is a well-acted and produced production, although the script suffers from some structural flaws that left me searching for more. But through the talents of the performers on stage, the problematic script is well executed.
CBC viewers will recognize Anwen O’Driscoll, in the lead role of Chris, as the actress who plays Taylor Matheson on the hit dramatic series Burden of Truth. Angry, depressed, and self-isolated, Chris is captive to her emotional fears as well as her crippling cynicism. Obsessed with her role in life and the fact she is not part of the elite, Chris is angry at the world to the point that she can’t even go out into it.
CBC viewers will recognize Anwen O’Driscoll, in the lead role of Chris, as the actress who plays Taylor Matheson on the dramatic series “Burden of Truth”. (Photo: CBC)
Anwen manages to bring something likeable and sympathetic to her hostile and toxic character. This is partially due to her inner conversations with Luggage and Pest, but mainly because of the conviction in her performance.
The role of Hannah will be played by two different performers, Mackenzie Kruyf and Ilan O’Driscoll, on different nights. The performance I watched featured Ilan, who happens to be Anwen’s real-life sister. Although a supporting character in the piece, Ilan’s performance makes her the audience favourite — not only because she creates Hannah’s sunny disposition which evens out Chris’ darkness, but also because of her perfect sense of comedic timing and subtle yet effective delivery. Ilan makes every sentence count with her unusually quiet and understated tone that steals every scene.
The two sisters have a natural patter with one another, with Ilan getting the cute moments. Her performance not only steals the show, but steals the audience’s hearts. Ilan O’Driscoll is someone to keep an eye on, especially when she makes her big screen debut in a character part in the big-screen adaptation of DC Comic’s Shazam in 2019.
Anwen O’Driscoll as Chris with Vasco J.W. Silva as the horrifying Pest, a subconscious product of her emotional trauma, in some of the most disturbing and tense moments of the show. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
The show is assisted by strong supporting character roles. Katisha Shaw plays the maternal Luggage with passion and kindness, bringing heart to an often-harsh script, while Vasco J.W. Silva gives an unnerving performance as Pest in some of the most disturbing and tense moments of the show.
In his stage debut, Andre Canivet creates the pathetic figure of a sad and hopeless man in Elliot, who proves that having money will not bring you happiness. He also has a disturbing chemistry with Ilan, whose on-stage fear of the strange man brings forth a very real sense of potential danger.
But it’s Tori O’Neil, in the role of pompous and privileged Tunis, who proves to be another stealing performer. Deliciously blunt in her delivery, Tori creates tension on the stage that can be both funny and hostile. Paired with Ilan, the two create the highlight of the show with their painfully awkward conversation as one woman who is unsatisfied despite having everything and another woman who is happy despite having nothing.
Tori O’Neil (left), as the pompous and privileged Tunis, with Anwen O’Driscoll as Chris and Ilan O’Driscoll as Hannah. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Tori’s chemistry with Anwen is like mixing gasoline with fire, creating the explosive crux of the production. I found Tori O’Neil, in spite of the obnoxious bitchiness of her character, to be delightful to watch.
Although My Heart’s A Suitcase is a highly regarded play, I couldn’t help but find flaws within its structure and narrative that left me feeling slightly empty by the end. The play begins as a journey through Chris’s battle for her own sanity, but somehow switches to become a materialistic battle between the haves and the have-nots.
The performers create a beautiful sense of tension that foreshadows either a horrific tragedy or an emotional breakthrough, but the play’s resolution is confusingly anti-climactic. While I came to care about the characters, I’m not certain anything is ever resolved.
Andre Canivet as Elliot and Katisha Shaw as Luggage. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Perhaps what is more potent about the play is the underlying theme of invasion in the lives of Chris and Hannah. Although they should feel safe with one another while on holiday, their space and safety is continually compromised by both hostile and potentially frightening intruders who barge into their lives, as well as the demons who live in Chris’ self-conscious.
These intrusions and the lack of safe spaces send a powerful, albeit understated, message that the women are not in control of the world around them.
Despite some structural flaws in the source material, My Heart’s A Suitcase contains fine performances by a fantastic cast of actors, and has been created with passion by Rebecca Bloom and her company. Filled with emotion, the play will mean different things to different people.
My Heart’s A Suitcase runs at the Lindsay Little Theatre on May 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and on May 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Lindsay Academy Theatre Box Office or by calling 705.324.9111 or online at www.kawarthatickets.ca.
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