The photo of back country camping at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park was the top photo on our Instagram for July 2018. (Photo: Jasmine Starr @jasminenstarr / Instagram)
July 2018 in the Kawarthas was hot, steamy and dry, but it certainly had its soggy moments too. Regardless of the conditions, our intrepid local photographers always find inspiration on the trails and waterways. It’s our pleasure to curate a wealth of talent monthly.
Here are the top nine photos by impressions on our Instagram account in July, with links to the photographers’ Instagram accounts. To be considered for a feature, remember to tag us #kawarthaNOW on Instagram.
To see our daily shares of photos, follow us on Instagram @kawarthanow and check out our feed’s monthly highlight reels for recaps of every month in 2018.
#1. Back country camping at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park by Jasmine Starr @jasminenstarr
Posted July 24, 2018. 6,707 impressions, 503 likes
#9. FastStart Peterborough’s Camp Startup by Mossworks @mossworksp
Posted July 3, 2018. 5,725 impressions, 163 likes
We posted this photo by Peterborough photographer Samantha Moss of participants at the Kawartha Backcountry Entrepreneurship Experience, now known as Camp Startup.
After a local woman was bitten by a rabid bat, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District (HKRP) Health Unit reminds residents to take precautions against rabies.
The health unit says the incident took place recently at the woman’s home, when a bat that had entered the dwelling bit the woman as she slept.
The woman was provided with a post-exposure vaccine for rabies and is recovering well. The bat was later captured, sent for testing, and tested positive for rabies.
“Contact with any wild animal, including bats, should be avoided if at all possible,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Environmental Health Manager with the HKPR District Health Unit. “It’s never worth the risk, especially when rabies is involved.”
Rabies is transmitted via the saliva of an infected animal through a bite, lick, or scratch. A post-exposure vaccine is available for people in the event of contact with a rabid animal. If left untreated, rabies is almost always a fatal disease caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including people.
Bats in the home can be a nuisance and potential hazard to you and your family, Ovcharovich notes. Bats are also capable of transmitting rabies to humans and other animals.
Although most animal bites are readily apparent, bites inflicted by bats can be harder to notice, especially if it involves an infant, child or those with cognitive impairments.
When it comes to bats, the health unit offers these tips:
If you suspect you may have been bitten or had contact with a bat, immediately report this to your family doctor and your local health unit.
If you are bitten or scratched by a bat that is discovered in your home, leave the room, close the door and contact a professional pest control company or wildlife removal company. Do not touch a bat with your bare hands. If there was no human contact (bite or scratch), open a window and allow the bat to get out.
If you have bats living on your property and want to remove them, contact a professional pest control company or wildlife removal company.
If you discover a bat outdoors that is injured, acting strange or dead, do not touch it.
As bats can transmit the rabies virus to pets like dogs and cats, ensure rabies vaccinations are up to date. Health units often work with area veterinarians to offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics.
Bat-proof the home. If bats are found in the home, seek advice from an animal control or wildlife conservation authority. If doing it yourself, carefully examine your home for holes that might allow bats entry into your living quarters, then take steps to seal them. For instance, caulk any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch, ensure all doors to the outside close tightly, and use window screens, chimney caps, and draft-guards beneath doors to attics.
A highlight of every Ecology Park Family Night is the Lantern Walk, where participants can make their very own lantern and follow through the Ecology Park trails to music led by the Paddling Puppeteer. This year's event, sponsored by Healthy Kids Community Challenge, takes place on Thursday, August 23rd at Ecology Park, 1899 Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Danica Jarvis, GreenUP Environmental Education Coordinator.
GreenUP invites you to join us for our annual Family Night and Lantern Walk on Thursday, August 23rd at 6 p.m.
The event will be held at GreenUP Ecology Park at 1899 Ashburnham Drive, and is a family favourite for the nature-loving, Peterborough community. Plenty of parking is available at the Beavermead lot via Marsdale Drive.
This year, attendees can look forward to activities such as face painting, scavenger hunts (including prizes), a stream study, and a special puppet show.
The lantern festival marks the end of summer in Peterborough. Before families prepare for the upcoming school year, it is a chance to get outside and enjoy our urban ecology.
“We look forward to GreenUP’s Family Night and Lantern Festival every year,” says Jennifer Pendrith, whose children attend the Ecology Park Earth Adventures camp.
“It gives us a chance to spend time together as a family, exploring Ecology Park, and engaging in some really fun activities. It’s always a memorable experience for all of us and it’s a great way to wrap up the summer.”
Children enjoy the skunk and fox costumes in the willow tunnel at Ecology Park’s children’s garden, which will be all set up as usual this Family Night with interactive nature activities, puppets, and more. (Photo: Karen Halley)
This community event is an opportunity to showcase many of the programs that exist at GreenUP. If you are curious about what we do, this event is for you!
The GreenUP Water Department will be hosting a filtration activity that demonstrates how water is cleaned in our natural environment and in urban landscapes. Families will have the opportunity to build their own water filter while learning about clean drinking water.
If you appreciate bubbles as much as we do, you’ll also get to try your hand at the giant bubble-making station.
Don’t forget to bring your bike! Ecology Park is located along the Trans Canada Trail in East City offering a great opportunity to ride the trail.
Everyone is encouraged to ride their bikes up the Trans Canada Trail right into Ecology Park, where GreenUp will provide plenty of bike parking and a bike decorating station and face painting for the whole family to enjoy. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Bring your bike lights for the ride home; the GreenUP Transportation and Urban Design department will provide plenty of bike parking and a bike decorating station for the kids.
Join The Paddling Puppeteer, Glen Caradus, at the camp circle for a puppet show and music. The Plugging into Nature puppet show tells the story of Edward, and his journey towards trading in screens for some ‘vitamin N’.
“This show is about the fast-paced world we live in,” Caradus says. “Being outside connects us to all that sustains our lives, like clean air and water, the pollinators and plants.”
Generously sponsored by the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, this special show will begin at 7 p.m.
Having worked at the park as an educator for the past 20 years, Caradus reminds us: “The Ecology Park is a place to come together as a community and have fun while enjoying the outdoors.”
The Paddling Puppeteer, Glen Caradus, pictured here at the 2017 GreenUP Ecology Park Family Night, will present the puppet show, Plugging into Nature, at this year’s Annual Family Night & Lantern Walk event at Ecology Park on Thursday, August 23rd. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Join GreenUP Ecology Park staff for various activities, including a guided stream study and face painting. Bring your sense of adventure and complete our scavenger hunt for a chance to win a native bee hotel!
Children are encouraged to make a lantern at Family Night and then follow along a fluted lantern walk throughout the Ecology park trails. The walk will begin at 8 p.m.
“The highlight for my daughter is the evening lantern walk, which has become a tradition,” says Pendrith.
This year at Ecology Park Family Night, enjoy a stream study including dip netting and invertebrate identification along the banks of Meade Creek that runs right though the park.(Photo: Karen Halley)
At this year’s Family Night, you’ll also have the opportunity to see the progress that’s been made on our new Ecology Park Children’s Education Shelter. This significant project is the first phase of GreenUP’s Growing Ecology Park Five-Year Investment Campaign, and when completed, it will ensure that we can continue to offer high-quality environmental education programming for the next generation of students.
The new facility is being constructed as part of a one-month Sustainable Building Intensive Course offered through the Endeavour Center for Sustainable Learning, Building, and Living. Co-directors of the Endeavour Centre, Chris Magwood and Jen Feigin, will be on-site from 6 to 7 p.m. to talk about the project and to highlight some of the key sustainability features.
This is very exciting for parents like Kathleen Crossley.
The annual GreenUP Ecology Park Family Night & Lantern Walk is a free event taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
“The Ecology Park is a true treasure,” she says. “We are so lucky to have this little gem, and the people that run it, in the heart of Peterborough.”
Crossley has been bringing her children to Family Night for years.
“We love GreenUP’s family events, as the educators inspire us all to connect with nature, and our community in a free fun-filled evening. There is no other place where your children can run free with excitement and you (the parent) can be so relaxed.”
For more information about the Family Night event, please check our website greenup.on.ca or contact Danica Jarvis at danica.jarvis@greenup.on.ca or by calling 705-745-3238 ext 216.
Judging from its success to date, the Peterborough Regional Farmers' Market's "local food you can trust" message is resonating with the community. Sixty per cent of the market's vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100 per cent of what they sell, with the remaining 40 per cent including bakers, prepared food vendors, artists, and community groups. Pictured is primary producer The Farm on Argyle, a family-oriented urban micro farm located just 2.5 kilometres from the market, that follows organic growing practices to produce a variety of fruit and vegetables. (Photo: Jenn Austin-Driver)
Only two months after opening in their Citi-Centre Courtyard space in downtown Peterborough, the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market is enjoying a harvest of success.
Governed by the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Network (PFRN), the new market has been building trust with patrons while supporting primary producers, who go through a complex verification process before they are allowed to participate.
“We are a verified farmers’ market,” explains PFRN Board Chair Neil Hannam. “This is about local food you can trust.”
And trust is important to shoppers in the community, judging from the outstanding success of the market since its debut in early June — despite there already being two other farmers’ markets in Peterborough.
Local producer Hunnabees in Millbrook, beekeepers located 23 kilometres from the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market, produces different varieties of natural honey, infused honey, and creamed honey as well as beeswax products. (Photo: Jenn Austin-Driver)
Operating on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in a family-friendly and accessible space that nurtures community interactions, the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market is booming.
There’s little doubt that patrons of the market are connecting with the idea of buying directly from the farmer who grew, raised, harvested, or foraged the products that are being sold.
That’s because 60 per cent of the vendors at the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market are primary producers who have gone through a third-party inspection process to verify they grow 100 per cent of what they sell.
Local producer and MyPick-verified Chick-a-biddy Acres, a small farm located 30 kilometres from the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market, produces a variety of leafy greens, herbs, and other vegetables. (Photo: Jenn Austin-Driver)
Each primary producer must be verified either under MyPick®, a program started in 2006 by Farmers’ Markets Ontario, or another accepted third-party verification program.
Besides being a verified market, the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market has also quickly become a social asset for the community.
The design of the market provides areas where shoppers can sit, eat, visit, engage, and linger. There’s a festive atmosphere featuring live music, and the market is family friendly, with a kids’ zone that includes crafts, colouring, and water toys.
As well as local food, the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market is a social asset for the community, with areas where shoppers can sit, eat, visit, engage, and linger, and family friendly, with a kids’ zone that includes crafts, colouring, and water toys. (Photo: Jenn Austin-Driver)
And, most importantly, there’s the food, with so many different flavours — including some you wouldn’t expect to find at a local farmers’ market.
Like agretti, which is grown locally using seeds imported from Italy. Also called saltwort, this salt-tolerant succulent has a lemony flavor that shoppers are going crazy for.
There’s also cinnamon cap mushrooms (they are great in risotto), lion’s mane mushrooms (offering a tremendous amount of protein and mouth feel to vegans), sprouts, and even squab (young pigeon).
At the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market, you can find unique products not normally found at a local farmers’ market, such as agretti (grown locally using seeds imported from Italy), cinnamon cap mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms, and even squab. (Photo: Jenn Austin-Driver)
And thanks to the focus on 60 per cent of the market being represented by primary producers, hard cider is now available, as well as coffee from Carolinas Colombia which has been growing coffee on their own farm in Colombia and selling roasted coffee in Peterborough since 2012.
The market is also encouraging innovation and growth, with local farmers developing and building passive solar-supported greenhouses, so that local greens are now available eight months of the year.
According to Hannam, the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market looks forward to more collaboration and growth as more and more foodies, families, and eco-conscious consumers make it their Saturday destination.
Local prepared food vendor Two Dishes Cookshop, whose business is located near the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market on Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough, offers take-away home-cooked meals, salads, breads, and scones and other baked goods. (Photo: Jenn Austin-Driver)
“It’s about enjoying the experience, slowing down, and having tons of fun,” Hannam says. “This is not just about feeding stomachs, it’s also about feeding minds.”
The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market is located at 307 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough and is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Kawartha Country Wines, the first winery in the Kawarthas, is located 46 kilometres from the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market and offers fruit wines, fruit vinegars, jams, and jellies. (Photo: Jenn Austin-Driver)
Environment Canada has ended the special weather statement for heavy rainfall and issued a severe thunderstorm watch for this afternoon (August 21) for the Kawarthas.
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and torrential rain.
The threat of severe thunderstorms will begin this afternoon and persist through this evening.
Although the primary threats associated with these thunderstorms are torrential downpours and damaging winds, there is also the chance of an isolated tornado.
Fast-moving water across a road can sweep a vehicle away. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!
Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
Regardless of the size of your boat, "Boating 2: Beyond The Basics" will help you acquire new boating skills or brush up on the skills you already have. Registration is now open for the course, offered by the Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron, which runs every Monday evening for six weeks beginning on September 17, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron)
In a sink-or-swim world, the Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron, while hopeful we can do the latter, is hard at it ensure we never do the former.
Since 1959, the local unit of Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons has trained thousands of pleasure boaters in safe practices and knowledge of area waterways via a number of training courses.
Starting Monday, September 17th, “Boating 2: Beyond The Basics” will be offered anew, allowing holders of the required Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card to acquire new boating skills and/or brush up on skills that have long laid dormant. Course instruction is each Monday evening for six weeks through November 5th.
The course will be held at Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute (175 Langton St., Peterborough). The cost is $145 for squadron members ($165 for non-members) with registration available online at www.boatingcourses.ca/cities/Peterborough.
“This course that talks about navigation, safety, anchoring, lines, ropes, knots … it’s a little bit of everything,” explains Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron commander Nick Cliteur.
Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron commander Nick Cliteur who, along with other squadron members, is an instructor of the “Boating 2: Beyond The Basics” course. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron)
He says this is the third year Boating 2 has been offered, noting it evolved from the breaking up of a much more comprehensive course into two smaller courses.
Upon completing the Boating Two course — all pass, assures Cmdr. Cliteur — those interested can opt to take Boating 3, which focuses on marine navigation skills.
“We try to convince you that if you stick around for another six weeks, we’ll introduce you to charts and how to navigate, and how to get round safely using a compass, bearings and that sort of stuff,” Cmdr. Cliteur says.
“Some people are happy just taking the Boating 2 course, and then some say ‘Hey, that was so interesting, I’m sticking around for Boating 3.’ We average seven to 10 students in our courses and can accommodate a maximum of 20.
“The nice thing about that is we have seven to 10 instructors, people who have been on the water boating for years and years. It’s one-on-one. That’s why we know that by the time they’re finished the course, they will pass.”
All instructors are squadron members, Cmdr. Cliteur among them.
“We’re very fortunate to have some very talented people instructing. We have a guy who knows everything about anchors. He teaches that part. I’m pretty good with spring and fall lay-ups: how to get ready for the boating season and how to put things to bed. Trent-Severn (Waterway) always has a person come and join us just to talk about how to get through the locks.”
The “Boating 2: Beyond The Basics” course also includes information on how to navigate through the locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron)
With the Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron set to mark its 60th anniversary next year — its charter was granted June 17, 1959 upon the passing of the basic piloting exam by 10 members of what was then the Peterborough Piloting Club — a number of outreach activities are being planned. Details will be posted on the squadron’s social media platforms as well as its website at www.peterboroughsafeboating.org.
According to Cmdr. Cliteur, one can look no further than the membership to explain the squadron’s track record of success.
“Every organization, including us, would love to increase membership but we’ve been very consistent,” he says.
“I’d love to find a way to meet and greet younger people and invite them to come and join us with their ideas. Whatever works for them, we’d love to get them involved. Everybody likes to do something, so we try and find out what those somethings are.”
In partnership with Transport Canada, the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons offer a free recreational vessel courtesy check to confirm compliance with Transport Canada;s Safe Boating Guide. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron)
“For the tenth year, we’ve gone out and dedicated a few hours at various locations and met other boaters and made sure their boats are safe as a free courtesy,” Cmdr. Cliteur says.
“It shows people the passion we have for boating and for boating safety. On August 25th, we’ll be meeting people at the locks in Buckhorn for the Rock The Locks event. It’s a chance for the people on my bridge to get out and answer questions and have a fun activity for three or four hours.
“We have some of the most enterprising members. We like to do more than just boat. During the winter months, when the boats are put to bed, we like to get out and do things like bowling or curling, just for a day or evening out.”
Among its activities, the Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron does educational outreach in the community. Pictured are squadrom members at an awareness and information booth at St. John’s Anglican Church in Lakefield in June, which featured a special “Boaters Blessing” service. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron)
On a personal level, Cmdr. Cliteur is proud to join a long line of predecessors who have guided the squadron and kept it true to its mandate.
“I took an oath to promote boating safety, to support the members of the bridge, to support the membership in ensuring that everything that we can do to take our membership to the next level, by listening, being involved, and working with the national team,” he says.
“Recreational boating is as strong as ever. People are finding it a little more difficult to buy bigger units but, on the other hand, we’re seeing a huge increase in the number of people using personal watercraft. That’s as much a vessel as a 30 or 35-foot unit.
“We’re trying to figure out a way to reach out to those people to teach us how we can make it safer for them or give them information to stay safe out there. That is the one challenge we have. It’s critical that they understand the importance of being safe on the water and that we work together to ensure that.”
Peterborough Power and Sail Squadron, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2019, is a unit of Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, which celebrated its 80th anniverary this year. (Graphic courtesy of Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons)
Canadian Power Squadron (CPS) was founded in Windsor in 1938 after a group of boaters travelled to the Detroit Power Squadron to take the United States Power Squadrons Coastal Navigation Course. Upon their successful completion of the course, they formed the Windsor Power Squadron. There are now 166 squadrons in all provinces and the Yukon Territory.
CPS was incorporated in 1947 and, in 1985, changed its name to Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. At that time, the French name, Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance, was formally adopted.
Local restaurant entrepreneurs Rejean Maranda and Cameron Green, owners and operators of Kettle Drums and McThirsty's Pub in Peterborough, have officially opened their latest venture: The Thirsty Goose pub and restaurant in downtown Port Hope. (Photo: The Thirsty Goose)
This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the grand opening of The Thirsty Goose in Port Hope, the 20 young entrepreneurs selected for FastStart Peterborough’s Camp Startup, the re-opening of Kawartha Credit Union’s branch at Chemong Road in Peterborough, and the closing of the Nordia call centre in Lindsay.
Also featured is a review by the City of Peterborough of residents’ concerns for transportation and storm water related to the proposed Ashborough Village development in East City, a donation by Christensen Fine Art to the Brock Mission, and the rebranding of Dr. Doug’s Family Chiropractic Centre in Peterborough.
Regional business events added this week include Lift Lock Escape’s grand opening in downtown Peterborough on August 21st, the Peterborough Chamber PBX at the Innovation Cluster on September 4th, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough 2018-19 season kick-off meeting on September 5th, the Port Hope Chamber’s 17th Annual Golf Tournament on September 13th, and the Lindsay Chamber’s Fall Golf Classic Tournament on September 20th.
We publish businessNOW every week. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Rejean Maranda and Cameron Green’s latest venture The Thirsty Goose officially open in downtown Port Hope
Cam Green and Rej Maranda (third and fourth from left) and Eric cut the ribbon officially opening The Thirsty Goose at 63 Walton Street in downtown Port Hope. Also pictured is Paul Mintha, Vice President of the Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce, Councillor Terry Hickey, Martha Ciana of the Port Hope HBIA, and Councillor Jeff Lees. (Photo: Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce / Facebook)
Although it’s been open for business since late July, The Thirsty Goose at 63 Walton Street in downtown Port Hope held its official grand opening last Friday (August 17th).
The Thirsty Goose is a joint venture of local restaurant entrepreneurs Rejean Maranda and Cameron Green, owners and operators of Kettle Drums and McThirsty’s Pub in Peterborough.
Located next to Furby House Books, the pub offers a range of domestic, imported, and craft beers.
The menu includes soup, salad, nachos, a burger, sandwich, and several varieties of chicken wings, and some unusual offerings including “Stirling’s Delight” — a fried donut topped with cinnamon apples, whipped cream, candied pecans, Canadian maple syrup and bacon.
There’s also weekly live entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays.
The Thirsty Goose is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday to Saturday (open past 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays).
Twenty youth entrepreneurs selected to participate in Camp Startup at Camp Kawartha in September
Some of the 20 youth entrepreneurs selected for the Camp Startup business bootcamp at Camp Kawartha from September 14-15, 2018. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
Last Wednesday (August 15) at its E-Connect event at Publican House Brewery in downtown Peterborough, FastStart Peterborough announced the 20 successful applicants for the upcoming Camp Startup entrepreneurial bootcamp.
Richard Mathieu, Kasandra Gill, Abdullah Alvi, Conor Lynch, Amber Pula, Katrina Schouten, Ranvijay Singh, Sulfiya Moideen, Amitozdeep Singh, Vinny Lana, Krishma Gabba, Geoff Wolfer, Gaurav Ahuja, Erica Rankin, Reilly de Jong, Meet Nakrani, Tyson McDonald, Atam Goyal, Dylan Trepanier, and Timothy Bissonnette will all be participating in Camp Startup, which takes place from September 14th to 16th at Camp Kawartha.
The participants — all between the ages of 18 and 29 — were selected based on their innovative business ideas, ranging from helping the environment to increasing accessibility, during the application process.
FastStart Peterborough is a youth entrepreneurship training partnership that brings together Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster
“Each year we present this event for 20 new aspiring youth entrepreneurs to experience getting out of their comfort zone and learning new skills,” says Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist of the Innovation Cluster. “This year, we have re-envisioned the experience to be a more inclusive and well-rounded experience, going to Camp Kawartha for outdoor activities rather than a canoeing portage trip.
The 20 successful applicants will participate in a weekend of business, networking, and leadership challenges. Campers will arrive at Camp Kawartha Friday evening for an icebreaker night, following Saturday and Sunday with team-building exercises while implementing their own enterprise ideas.
To end the experience on Sunday, campers in their group will pitch to a panel of established judges in entrepreneurship and business, that they will have been preparing throughout the weekend. Members of the winning team will split $500 in cash to go towards entrepreneurial pursuits.
“This exercise is a great way to combine everything the participants have learned over the weekend to convey in a business pitch,” Terry says. “When the youth finish the trip, they are always more confident in a group setting and the abilities they have as an entrepreneur.”
Many past participants of the experience have since went on to build businesses through both the FastStart program and the Innovation Cluster.
Kawartha Credit Union celebrates grand re-opening of Chemong Road branch in Peterborough
The Chemong Road branch of Kawartha Credit Union. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Credit Union)
Last Wednesday (August 15), the Kawartha Credit Union celebrated the grand re-opening of its retail location on Chemong Road in Peterborough.
“We are very excited to further invest in the Peterborough community with this renovation to our Chemong Road branch,” says Kawartha Credit Union CEO Robert Wellstood. “It offers us the opportunity to better serve our Peterborough members through our innovative service model, and round out access to our competitive products and services in every corner of the city.”
Led by branch manager Dana Chambers, the Chemong Road location offers features included a a branch ambassador who greets members and determines how their needs can best be met, private offices (not teller stations) where staff can have confidential conversations about members’ financial needs and provide wealth management advice and lending services, and two 24-hour ATMs.
The reception area of the renovated Kawartha Credit Union branch at 1091 Chemong Road in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Credit Union)
“We will be moving all of our branches to this new format over the next few years,” Wellstood says. “It has been well-received by members at our Peterborough branches and also in Brockville and Kingston.”
The branch at 1091 Chemong Road is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Nordia announces Lindsay call centre to close in December 2018
The Nordia call centre located at the Whitney Town Centre on Kent Street in Lindsay. (Photo: Nordia)
Nordia announced last Wednesday (August 15) that it’s closing its Lindsay call centre effective December 21, 2018.
Located at the Whitney Town Centre on Kent Street, the call centre currently employees 63 people (48 customer service representatives and five management and support staff, with another 10 employees on leave). The call centre was previously operated by American multinational corporation Sykes Enterprises.
Nordia director of communications Philip Van Leeuwen says the decision to close was made because of the high cost of rent, the difficulty of attracting employees, and the limited opportunities for business growth in the area.
Nordia operates 14 call centres with more than 5,000 employees across Canada in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario — including 300 employees at its Peterborough call centre.
Van Leeuwen says the Lindsay employees will be able to apply for positions at Nordia’s other call centres. Nordia will offer severance packages to eligible employees, and will offer job skills training and assistance with resume preparation and job searches.
In September 2016, employees of the Lindsay call centre voted to join the United Steelworkers union, joining employees at Nordia call centres at Kitchener, Quebec City, and Sherbrooke who were already members of the union. Those three call centres continue to operate.
City of Peterborough to address resident concerns for storm water management and transportation related to proposed East City subdivision
The draft plan for the proposed 700-unit Ashborough Village development east of Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough’s East City. (Graphic: City of Peterborough)
Following a community meeting on Ashborough Village (the proposed development of a 700-unit subdivision east of Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough’s East City), the City of Peterborough has announced it will address concerns raised by residents about traffic and storm water management.
In response to residents’ concerns, City Council will be asked to commit funds for a transportation review in early 2018. The new development will also be required to address storm water management on its site.
“The planning application process is facilitating conversations between residents, the applicant, and the City on existing situations as well as on new conditions that we expect to change with the projected growth in that part of the City,” says Brad Appleby, subdivision control and special projects planner with the City of Peterborough.
As part of the subdivision agreement, the city will acquire a block of property currently owned by the Ashborough Village developer to address off-site storm water management concerns raised by residents who live north of the proposed development. Once the property is in city ownership, the City will have the ability to implement improvements by directing water to the newly acquired property, subject to the approval of the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority.
A full report from City staff on the draft plan of subdivision application for Ashborough Village will be released on Thursday, August 23rd and it will go to the General Committee on Monday, August 27th. Residents will have an opportunity to speak to City Council on the item during the meeting on August 2th.
City Council will consider the item at its meeting on Monday, September 10th.
Christensen Fine Art to donate $4,352 to Brock Mission
Peer and Lori Christensen of Christensen Fine Art have announced they will be donating $4,352 to the Brock Mission for its new building fund.
The Christensens raised the money during a close-out sale when they moved from their downtown storefront location earlier this summer.
The pair will present a cheque to Bill McNabb, Executive Director of the Brock Mission, on the building site at 217 Murray Street at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 21st.
Dr. Doug’s Family Chiropractic Centre to rebrand as Peterborough Maximized Living Chiropractic Centre
The new name and brand of Dr. Doug’s Family Chiropractic Centre.
Dr. Doug’s Family Chiropractic Centre (354 Charlotte St, Peterborough) is being rebranded as Peterborough Maximized Living Chiropractic Centre.
Owned and operated by well-known local chiropractor Dr. Doug Lukinuk, Dr. Doug’s Family Chiropractic Centre will officially reopen under its new name on Wednesday, September 19th.
The grand reopening takes place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and will feature tours, demonstrations, and refreshments. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take at 2 p.m. and will be attended by Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett and other dignitaries and guests.
According to a media release, Peterborough Maximized Living Chiropractic Centre will include new and expanded services such as wellness, workshops, and fitness classes.
Lift Lock Escape grand opening in downtown Peterborough on August 21
Find out if you have what it takes to save humanity from nuclear Armageddon in the Judgment Day escape room at Lift Lock Escape. The new entertainment business in downtown Peterborough, which also offers virtual reality gaming and a board game cafe, has its grand opening on August 21, 2018. (Photo: Lift Lock Escape)
Lift Lock Escape in downtown Peterborough is having its official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21st.
Located at 351A George Street North, Lift Lock Escape is an entertainment business featuring escape rooms, virtual reality systems and games, and a board game cafe.
Designed for groups of two to eight people, escape rooms are real-life interactive story quests where you have to find hidden objects, figure out clues, and solve puzzles to achieve an objective within a designated time limit. Lift Lock Escape is launching with the Judgment Day escape room (“Will you be able to save mankind from nuclear Armageddon?”) with Super Jail Breakout (“Can you get out in time?”) coming soon.
Lift Lock Escape will also offer two virtual reality stations, featuring the Oculus and HTC Vive VR systems and a catalog of games, as well a board game cafe.
Peterborough Chamber PBX at Innovation Cluster on September 4
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next PBX (Peterborough Business Exchange) event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4th at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., 3rd Floor, Peterborough).
Women’s Business Network of Peterborough Season Kick-off Meeting on September 5
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) launches its 2018-19 season with a kick-off meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5th at the Holiday Inn Waterfront (150 George St., Peterborough).
The meeting will feature three WBN members — 2018 Member of the Year Tracey Ormond of That’s A Wrap Catering, Monika Carmichael of Trent Valley Honda, and photographer Heather Doughty — sharing their stories with other members.
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the speakers at 7:30 p.m.
The event is free for WBN members but anyone can register online for $50 and come as a guest (space permitting). For more information and to register as a guest, visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net.
Port Hope Chamber 17th Annual Golf Tournament on September 13
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 17th Annual Golf Tournament beginning at 11:30 a.m. (shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.) on Thursday, September 13th at the Ash Brook Golf Club (7215 Dale Rd., Port Hope).
The event includes lunch, 18 holes of golf (cart included), and a steak dinner. There will be a best ball fun tournament and prizes.
Business After Hours in Bridgenorth on September 19
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business After Hours event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19th.
During the “Bridgenorth Hop”, the Chamber will visit members in Bridgenorth, including Bridgenorth Deli, Style Boutique, and TCB Office Furniture & Supplies.
More details will be announced as the date nears.
Lindsay Chamber Fall Golf Classic Tournament on September 20
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Fall Golf Classic Tournament from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 20th at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club (282 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay).
The event fee of $141.25 includes a BBQ lunch, 18 holes of golf (cart included), and dinner. There will be prizes for women’s and men’s closest and longest drive, most honest and winning teams, and putting and chipping contests.
New Venture Session on September 26, 2018 is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs or startups looking for support in the business community. (Photo: Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development)
Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a workshop for entrepreneurs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26th at St. Matthew – St. Aidans Church (1946 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn).
The “New Venture Session” is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs or startups looking for support in the business community. The session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs that are available for entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, the business model canvas exercise, how to access support from the Business Advisory Centre, and getting started on the “Startup Checklist”.
Next Kawartha Chamber B.O.S.S. session takes place on October 3
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) session is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2nd at Camp Kawartha (1010 Birchview Rd., Douro-Dummer).
The session will explore team building programs, practices, and activities, and discuss the importance of establishing trust, setting goals, and honouring the goals of others. Refreshments will be provided.
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s Love Local Business Expo will take place this year from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3rd.
The region’s largest business showcase, in previous years the Expo took place at the Morrow Building during September. While spacious, the location was also somewhat uncomfortable during the heat of late summer and required a lot of carpets to cover up the concrete floor.
This year’s Expo is taking place at the Envinrude Centre, which features air conditioning and hardwood floors.
Watch for more details as the date gets closer, but you can register for a booth now at peterboroughchamber.ca.
Juno-nominated folk-soul singer-songwriter Bobby Bazini performs a free concert at Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough on Wednesday, August 22, 2018. (Publicity photo)
Issuing a tremendously successful debut album is truly a double-edged sword.
Peterborough Musicfest presents Bobby Bazinik
When: Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: free
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent for $4/chair). VIP seating available for Sponsors and Fest Friends. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighborhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
What musical artist doesn’t want his or her first recording to be well received by the masses? Besides the financial reward that brings, such success is vindication that his or her music is striking a chord, so to speak, with an audience that’s forever craving a new sound for its collective ears.
But then the age-old adage comes into play: a great first act is indeed tough to follow. The bar has been set very high.
Surpassing — even matching — that benchmark is a daunting task. Several are the rewards for those that do; obscurity is often the lot of those who come up short.
Bobby Bazini (born Bobby Bazinet) has walked this walk.
In March 2010, his debut album Better In Time debuted at #4 on the Canadian Albums Chart, fuelled by its lead single “I Wonder”. With more than 80,000 units sold, that was one very tough act to follow.
VIDEO: “I Wonder” – Bobby Bazini
Toss in Bazini’s two 2011 Juno Award nominations for New Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year, and suddenly it seemed that everyone was talking about the young talent from Mont-Laurier, Quebec.
On Wednesday, August 22nd at Del Crary Park, Peterborough Musicfest will provide full evidence that Bazini has not only fully met the expectations set early on but has well surpassed them, in the form of yet another platinum-certified album and a growing legion of fans.
Admission is free to the 8 p.m. show.
Bobby Bazini shared the stage with the legendary Booker T. Jones (of Booker T. & the M.G.’s) in July 2015 at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. (Photo: Photo Agencie QMI / Phillipe Olivier Contant)
Bazini’s gravitation to music has a familiar ring to it — a guitar gifted at a young age and the presence of recorded music in his life.
“Johnny Cash is the one who made me want to start playing guitar and sing,” recalls Bazini in a May 2015 interview with Jenna Melanson of Canadian Beats Media.
“When I was 12, my parents divorced. I didn’t want to choose between which of my parents I would live with, so I went to live with my grandmother instead. Her favourite singer was Johnny Cash and his music was often playing in the house. Music suddenly became very important at that point in my life.”
Just six years later, he found himself performing at a festival in his hometown of Mont-Laurier.
VIDEO: “Cold Cold Heart” – Bobby Bazini
“Hugo Sabourin, who was the musical director of CFLO, the local radio station, saw me perform there and we became friends and started working together,” Bazini says. “He helped me find a management team in Montréal and he made me realize I had a voice. That’s when everything started for me.”
Although he grew up with French as his first language, he sings only in English. Bazini took it upon himself to learn English by watching TV and listening to music, his motivation being that all his favourite artists — Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan were other big influences — sang in English and did pretty well.
Signed by Warner Music Group, the aforementioned debut album Better In Time catapulted Bazini from obscurity. Come 2014, ready to produce a follow-up, he upped and left Montreal for California to record with legendary producer Larry Klein.
VIDEO: “Bubblegum (I Can’t Stop This Feeling)” – Bobby Bazini
Just five days after meeting Klein over breakfast, Bazini went to work at Village Recorder, a studio where, among others, Johnny Cash himself recorded. The result was Where I Belong, released by Universal Music Canada.
In less than 12 months, that tough first act was followed and then some. The new album sold some 125,000 copies, making it the best-selling Canadian album of 2014. It too was certified platinum, led by the single “Cold Cold Heart”.
Predictably, Bazini was now very much in demand for live appearances. Sold-out performances were the norm, not the exception. In June 2014, some 60,000 caught his act at the Montreal Jazz Festival.
VIDEO: “Blood’s Thicker Than Water” – Bobby Bazini
Bazini arrives in Peterborough with an expanded song arsenal that includes his newest album Summer Is Gone. It was recorded in London, England and produced by Martin Terefe, who has worked with Shawn Mendes, James Blunt, and James Morrison. In addition, Bazini worked with songwriters who have Adele, One Direction, Ed Sheeran, and Amy Whitehouse listed among their credits. Clearly he had upped his game.
“The first album (Better In Time) we just recorded what I had; the second album (Where I Belong) was more about trying to sit down and write a record,” says Bazini in a November 2016 interview with Brendan Kelly of the Montreal Gazette.
“There was a little bit of pressure because of the success of the first one. Looking back now, I think I was very close to my influences (on the second album). This one (Summer Is Gone), I just wanted to make a record that reflects me and the artist that I am. I hope people like it as much as I do.”
VIDEO: “C’est La Vie” – Bobby Bazini
Indications are people do indeed like Summer Is Gone and its lead single “C’est La Vie” — and not just people in his native province.
“I started writing that song in the sessions with Terefe in London. He was the one who said, ‘How about we call it C’est la Vie?’ I was surprised because I always write in English. My three albums have been English. And it’s funny that you have to travel so far, to London, U.K., to write a song with a French title.”
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 18 free-admission concerts featuring a total of 20 acts during its 32nd season — each staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights at Del Crary Park.
Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the entire 2018 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
Two people have been murdered in two separate incidents in the Kawarthas over the weekend, in Trent Hills and in Kawartha Lakes, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
On Saturday (August 18) at around 4:15 a.m., officers from the Northumberland Detachment of the OPP responded to a reported shooting at an address on Church Street between Trent River Road and Daley Road, north of Campbellford in the municipality of Trent Hills.
Officers arrived on scene to find 43-year-old Scott MacDonald suffering from obvious trauma from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local area hospital where he later died.
According to witnesses, two suspects were observed departing from the scene.
The homicide is being investigated by members of the OPP Northumberland Major Crime Unit, OPP Central Region Forensic Identification Unit, OPP Emergency Response Team, and the OPP Canine Unit, under the direction of Detective Inspector Gerald Scherer of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
Police do not believe there is any threat to public safety as a result of this incident. They are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Northumberland OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
In the other weekend incident, on Sunday (August 19) at around 9:25 a.m., officers from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the OPP responded to an apparent murder-suicide at an address on Spen Haven Road in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Officers arrived at the residence to find a 51-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation has concluded the woman’s death is a homicide.
The incident is being investigated by members of the OPP City of Kawartha Lakes Major Crime Unit, OPP Central Region Forensic Identification Unit, under the direction of Detective Inspector Matt Watson of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
The names of the two deceased people are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Police advised there is no threat to public safety as a result of this incident, and are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 705-324-6741.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Dewey Via is coming up from St. Augustine in Florida to perform in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough on September 11, 2018. (Publicity photo)
If John and Vicki Cranfield were beach people, this story would end right here.
Showplace Performance Centre presents Dewey Via
When: Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at 8 p.m. Where: Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $30
Tickets available in person at the Showplace Box Office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Fortunately for local live music fans, the Peterborough couple likes to explore when on vacation.
Such was the case during a trip to historic St. Augustine, Florida in early 2015.
It was there, in that city’s quaint downtown, that their senses were first awakened to the sounds and sights of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Dewey Via (pronounced Vi). So impressed was Cranfield that he invited Via — urged would be more precise — to bring his abundant talent to Canada for the first time.
In September of that same year, before a packed Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre, Via headlined at venue’s former Elite Blues Series. Now, three years to the day, Via returns to the same space on Tuesday, September 11th. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show cost $30 at the box office or online at www.showplace.org.
VIDEO: “Soliciting The Affections (Of My ‘Ole Lady)” – Dewey Via
“John and Vicki were repeat visitors (to the Mi Casa Café) and we struck up a friendship,” recalls Via, 55, of making the Cranfields’ acquaintance.
“They really liked the music. John kept at it … ‘Why don’t you come to Canada?’ He was involved at that time with the blues thing at Showplace. I also went to Midland and did a performance there. We have a pretty good following from up that way that comes to St. Augustine every year. We’ve made a lot of good friends from there, so it’s nice when can go back up and have a good time hanging out with everybody.”
Cranfield says curiosity brought him and his wife to the Mia Casa Café, but a deep appreciation of Via’s talent and onstage persona has brought them back every year since.
Dewey Via performing in Villano Beach, Florida, in 2017. (Photo: Dennis Miele / Facebook)
“We wandered around St. Augustine and kept hearing his name,” says Cranfield.
“Walking down the street one day by this pub, we heard this amazing voice and guitar and went in. He’s very talented but he’s passionate too. I’ve never seen him just deliver a song with no passion. There’s a saying down there when people are talking about him, that he should do an album called Better Than. Every time he does a cover, he puts his own twist on it or he combines it with another song and everyone comes up and says ‘That was better than the original.'”
A native of Virginia, Via was a plumber before trading in his toolbox for a guitar case full time. Soon enough, St. Augustine, with its bustling live music scene, beckoned.
“I did my family thing and career earlier and decided in my later years I want to try and play music,” says Via.
VIDEO: “Wake Me Up” – Dewey Via
“I’m not trying to be a star or anything. I want to make a decent living at it and we do okay. St. Augustine is a good place to be able to do that. There’s this cool vibe here. It’s akin to living near a theme park without really living near a theme park. It’s the nation’s oldest city, so we draw a huge number of tourists every day of every year. A lot of them come for the music and the art.”
Describing his music as “organic,” Via says his talent “comes from inside,” adding “I don’t use any gadgets or anything. I might run a little delay on the board once in awhile but that’s about it. I try to keep it interesting for myself and the audience.”
A typical set sees Via serve up a wide mix of genres.
“I’m doing some Lionel Ritchie and bluegrass tunes and a Bill Withers song and then a John Prine song … Americana I would say. But I also do The Beatles, The Who, stuff like that. I also do a fair amount of original material. I just released a double album that I recorded about a year or so ago with The Moses Creek Band, a live project. I prefer live stuff. That’s what people really want to hear. They come to buy an album and they say, ‘Hey man, we want to hear what you do here.’
Dewey Via with his wife Tara earlier this year in Key West in Florida. (Photo: Dewey Via / Facebook)
According to Cranfield, the plan was to bring Via back to Peterborough last year but Via’s wife Tara — they married in June prior to his first Peterborough visit — was in the midst of battling breast cancer.
Via says she’s doing “really well” now” and, as a talented artist herself, remains the creative anchor of his merchandising.
Along with his Nexicom Studio show, Via will perform a gig at the Publican House Brewery and play at the wedding of the Cranfields’ daughter Kim. As well, he’ll head to Midland again for a gig there. In between, he’ll indulge his passion of fishing. Last time here, he got out on Chandos Lake.
“I was surprised how much the countryside up your way looks like Virginia,” says Via.
“The people were amazingly nice and respectful of the music. In Canada, it seems, the audience is quiet. They don’t want anybody talking while you’re playing. That’s so different from here.”
VIDEO: “Sleeping on the Floor” – Dewey Via
There’s another difference, notes Cranfield, and it bothers him to no end.
“It’s the same situation as here, in that musicians don’t get paid by the bars,” Cranfield says.
“What we noticed down there is Dewey has a big tip jar. Most nights it’s full. Not just ones, but twenties, tens, fives. That’s how he’s making his living. We go to the Black Horse and nobody tips. It’s just not done in Canada. I don’t know why that is.
“You go for dinner, a couple of beers, so you’re willing to pay for that but you don’t pay for the music. I think it’s a sad statement. If I’m there for three hours or even an hour listening to somebody play, I should be paying him. The Americans just do that. Musicians here are playing for fun basically.”
VIDEO: “Small Town” – Dewey Via
His trek north aside, Via says his St. Augustine performance schedule — he plays four shows weekly at the Mi Casa Café and one at a sports bar — suits him just fine.
“I get a lot of advice about going on the road and doing this and that but it would have to be awfully appealing,” he says.
“I enjoy my job and being here. I get to see so many different faces. We meet a lot of friends here. I drive five minutes to work. It gives me the opportunity to fish a couple of days a week. I am pretty blessed.
“I was a plumber for a long time and that’s great work. I loved it but I wanted to try and do this. It wasn’t easy at first. I had to keep my day job for a long time, but I eventually got to where I could just do this.”
Now working on another solo CD release — he says it will “probably” be a live project again — he and wife Tara may hit the road at some point and “maybe flip over across the pond” to Europe. Wherever his music takes him, be it St. Augustine or Peterborough or Midland or points as yet unknown, the opportunity to bring his music to people is something he says he’ll never take for granted.
“It’s always humbling,” says Via. “My job is to make people happy. I don’t do politics or religion or anything in my show.”
“You come to a show and we’re going to make music and have a good time, have a few drinks and relax and leave the world behind for awhile. I see all the smiles when I’m playing. That’s a huge reward right there. They’re here (in St. Augustine) on vacation to enjoy themselves. My job is to help them do that. It’s very gratifying.”
“I could push and press but I really have no delusions about being a star. I’m just here to entertain people and that’s what I do. I’m looking forward to doing it as long as I can.”
And if the Cranfields continue to bring their friend back home with them, is Canadian citizenship a possibility?
“Who knows? It’d sure be easier to get across the border.”
For more information on Dewey Via, visit www.deweyvia.com. To check out Showplace’s full fall and winter lineup and for ticket details, visit www.showplace.org.
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