Gary Dalliday when he was inducted into the Peterborough District Pathway of Fame in 2017. In honour of the late sports broadcaster, the Peterborough Petes have presented the inaugural Gary Dalliday Award for community service to goaltender Hunter Jones. (Photo: Gary Dalliday / Twitter)
Peterborough Petes goaltender Hunter Jones is the recipient of the inaugural Gary Dalliday Award, a new trophy to be given annually to the Petes player who most excels in the community.
Jones received the award during the Petes’ annual year-end awards banquet on Friday evening (May 10) at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
“Perhaps no one in Peterborough recognized the importance of community more than The Diller,” said Petes President Dave Pogue. “For that reason, this season the Petes have introduced this award.”
The Peterborough Petes held its annual year-end awards banquet on May 10, 2019 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. (Photo: Peterborough Petes)
Gary Dalliday, who passed away in August last year at the age of 76 after his third battle with cancer, was sports director at CHEX Radio and Television for 35 years. Nicknamed ‘The Diller’, he was the radio voice of the Petes for 15 seasons, alongside his son Pete Dalliday — the only father-son broadcasting duo in the entire Canadian Hockey League.
In his younger years, Dalliday was a hockey player who played a few games for the Petes when the team was a farm club of the Montreal Canadiens. In March 2018, the Petes organization recognized his contributions to hockey by naming the Media/Scouts Room in his honour.
In 2001, Dalliday was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in a variety of categories, including athlete/builder, broadcasting, golf, hockey, softball, and stock car driving. Dalliday was known for his commitment to giving back to the community, and was inducted into the Peterborough District Pathway of Fame in 2017.
In addition to the Gary Dalliday Award, the Petes presented the following awards:
Mark Teevens Trophy (most assists) – Ryan Merkley (57 assists)
Ed Redmond Memorial Award (scholastics and hockey) – Tye Austin
Outboard Marine Veterans Trophy (sportsmanship and ability) – Nick Robertson
Black’s Family Trophy (rookie of the year) – Cameron Butler
Vince and Lottie Garvey Award (off-ice contribution) – Kevin Varrin
Molson Cup (most three star selections voted by media) – Chris Paquette
Don Marsh Award (most dedication to team) – Chad Denault
Ed Rowe Memorial Trophy (most goals) – Chris Paquette (29 goals)
Norm Bryan Award (most improved player) – Hunter Jones
Ushers Trophy (best defenceman) – Declan Chisholm
Bill Bennett Award (leading scorer) – Ryan Merkley (71 points)
Petes Executive Trophy (most valuable player voted by teammates) – Declan Chisholm
Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute, which opened in 1952, is the oldest operating public high school in Peterborough. (Photo: Wikipedia)
Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute (CVI) in Peterborough is one of 22 schools across Ontario that have been recognized by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) for strengthening students’ math skills.
EQAO is the Government of Ontario crown agency that develops and administers province-wide tests of literacy and math skills.
Kenner CVI and 21 other schools were recognized under EQAO’s Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement program, named in honour of the former Ontario Minister of Education and former Minister of Colleges and Universities.
The program recognizes Ontario schools that use data (including EQAO test results, and classroom, school, and school board data) to enhance and support the progress of their students.
Kenner CVI received recognition for analyzing EQAO data for Grade 9 students in applied and academic math to evaluate where students stand compared to the provincial standard, and for building teacher capacity to teach global competencies that help students apply what they learn to real-world situations.
Percentage of all Kenner CVI Grade 9 math students at or above the provincial standard. (Graphic: Education Quality and Accountability Office)
According to a media release from EQAO, educators at Kenner focus on closing achievement gaps for students. Teachers use evidence from conversations, observations, and student work to guide their professional learning cycles and to monitor students. They review their lessons and end-of-semester data to refine their practice.
Administrators gather timely feedback on the impact of the school learning plan through daily and weekly learning walks, talking to students about what they are learning, and seeking insights into students’ understanding of why they are learning match concepts. The learning needs of both students and teachers inform the school learning plan.
“We have created a culture of high expectations at Kenner, where students feel supported to achieve their best,” says principal Jennifer Knox.
“We have clear and consistent expectations in each classroom, and students know they cannot simply pass or choose not to do their work. This culture boosts student confidence and trust. Our teachers have formed a collective efficacy around the belief that we can make a difference for each of our students.”
EQAO recognized all 22 schools with the 2018 Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement for putting into place effective strategies to improve student performance compared to the provincial standard, as demonstrated by EQAO results over the last three years.
Toronto alt-rockers Future History (Kevin Ker, Justin Dillon, Todd Larter, Sarah Carmosino, and Braedon Garret) will be performing at The Twisted Wheel in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, May 11th in support of their new record "For", with special guests Say Ritual and Tijuana Jesus. (Photo: Mike Guymer)
Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, May 9 to Wednesday, May 15.
If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings, forecasting significant rainfall during the day and overnight on Thursday (May 9).
A strong low pressure system over northeastern Ontario will be preceded by rain, which will begin around noon on Thursday before tapering to scattered showers on Friday.
Total rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 millimetres are possible, with the heaviest rain falling on Thursday afternoon and evening.
The ground, already near saturation, has a lessened ability to absorb further rainfall. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
For information concerning flooding, please consult your local conservation authority or Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry District Office.
Bike riding is an excellent way for all ages to build a little physical activity into the day and it's a lot of fun too. (Photo: Lindsay Stroud)
In 2015, Peterborough was awarded a silver-level Bike Friendly Community status by Share the Road. Our community was acknowledged for advances made in bike-related infrastructure, partnerships, promotion and education.
It was an honour and no small feat, but also not completely unexpected. After all, Peterborough’s love of bike riding, for both physical activity and recreational enjoyment, has been obvious for decades.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Lindsay Stroud, GreenUP Transportation & Urban Design Manager.
Early inspiration and continued dedication to bike riding has led to an extensive trail system that weaves around our city, passing through and leading to many parks and landmarks. There are 44 kilometres of trails to explore, including the Trans Canada Trail, Rotary Greenway Trail and the Parkway Trail.
Peterborough’s trails are open year-round, but International Trails Day on June 1st is a great chance to find what our trail system has to offer.
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Find the Trails Scavenger Hunt in the City of Peterborough’s Fun Guide, or pick one up at the GreenUP Store at 378 Aylmer St. N. in downtown Peterborough.
There are also well-travelled, well-loved, and now well-signed road routes that stretch out into Peterborough County and beyond. The Peterborough Cycling Club, one of the largest per capita clubs in the province, leads nearly a dozen organized rides a week that are geared to all ages and skill levels.
Peterborough’s extensive trail network is a great place to test out your two wheels. Enjoy a family ride on International Trails Day with the Trails Scavenger Hunt provided in the City of Peterborough’s Fun Guide. (Photo: Lindsay Stroud)
Their expert knowledge has contributed to the thoughtful development of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Classics, which are three local road routes that offer short (45 to 65 kilometre) and long (80 to 100 kilometre) experiences.
Peterborough has long embraced bike riding as a vital component of active living, and now the number of people who self-report cycling for exercise sits near 24 per cent. With this level of interest, it is not surprising that residents are asking for more access to cycling opportunities.
Linear activities and facilities such as walking, cycling and cross-county skiing topped the list in Vision 2025 (2016), which is the City of Peterborough’s recreation and parks strategic plan. It states “Residents and stakeholders envisioned a city with fully integrated trails/pathways and an on-road cycling network that connects all parts of the City, reaches to every neighbourhood, connects natural heritage areas and compatible land uses, and links the countryside in all directions.”
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As the city begins an update to its cycling network later this year, watch for more opportunities to contribute your ideas about how to create a complete network that connects the places we live to those where we work, shop and play.
These connections enhance recreational cycling and help to make bikes a more viable transportation option in our community. Regular bike riding throughout adulthood can protect against a variety of age-related health issues. New research shows that compared to nonactive commuting and walking, commuting by bike is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer — two of the leading causes of death in the Peterborough area.
Get yourself ready to commute by bike with Shifting Gears this May. This year the program is providing bike gear, such as a rack or basket, to new participants looking to make the shift to bike riding. (Photo: Lindsay Stroud)
If you are interested in using your bike for daily trips around town, May is the perfect month to start doing so. The Shifting Gears transportation challenge runs throughout the month, with free bike checks, workshops, rides and gear giveaways to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your bike commute. For full challenge details, visit peterboroughmoves.com.
Building activity into our daily travel isn’t just a win for adults, but for children too. Currently, only 35 per cent of five to 17-year-olds meet physical activity recommendations. A 10 to 20 minute bike ride to and from school can go a long way to helping a child reach the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity.
This can improve physical fitness, along with mental, emotional and intellectual potential, since getting our bodies moving is shown to increase creativity and self-esteem and decrease anxiety and stress.
Pedal Power will run in five local schools this spring. The program teaches bike handling and safety skills to create more confident and competent young riders. (Photo: Lindsay Stroud)
To get more kids on bikes, GreenUP and B!KE have created Pedal Power, an in-school, on-bike cycling education program for elementary students. Active and Safe Routes to School Peterborough has found that though many students reported riding bikes daily or weekly, on average only two per cent of the school trips were made by bike.
Pedal Power aims to increase competence and confidence in young riders and their families so that more students can gain the benefits of biking to school. Pedal Power will run in five local schools this spring. This program is made possible with funding from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the City of Peterborough.
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If you want to get your child’s school biking this spring, schools can register for Bike to School Week (May 27th to 31st), a new program of Ontario Active School Travel. Teachers, posters and sample activities are available at ontarioactiveschooltravel.ca/bike-to-school-week/.
For families, Kids on Bikes will return to Millennium Park on Saturday, June 8th with a learn-to-ride zone, bike playground, bike decorating, and bike check-ups to help get your wee ones moving on two wheels. Visit peterboroughmoves.com to get all the details.
Building for bikes is one sure way to promote active living in our community. Peterborough is off to a great start. Could a Gold level Bike Friendly Community award be in our future?
In 2018 the provincial voice for cycling, Share the Road, released an infographic titled Bikes Can Do That! It details seven benefits that can be achieved when bikes become the daily vehicle of choice for more people in your community.
Throughout 2019, GreenUP will be exploring the benefits that can be achieved by a city and its residents, when it commits to valuing the bike as a significant, useful, (and fun) mode of transportation, through the #BikesCanDoThat series. This is the third article in the series. Also check out Reduce traffic congestion? Bikes can do that. and Want to build a vibrant downtown? Bikes can do that.
If you’d like to contribute ideas to the #BikesCanDoThat series, please contact Lindsay Stroud, Manager of Transportation and Urban Design Programs at GreenUP, at 705-745-3238 or lindsay.stroud@greenup.on.ca.
New Stages Theatre Company presents a staged reading of Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch's "What a Young Wife Ought to Know" on May 12, 2019 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. Moscovitch was inspired by a collection of letters written in the 1920s by real women and men to family planning pioneer Dr. Marie Stopes, who co-founded Britain's first family planning clinic ("The Mothers' Clinic for Constructive Birth Control") in North London in 1921. (Public domain photo)
On Sunday, May 12th, New Stages Theatre Company concludes its 2018-2019 season with a staged reading of Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch’s What a Young Wife Ought to Know.
New Stages Theatre Company presents What A Young Wife Ought To Know
When: Sunday, May 12, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) How much: $25 general admission ($15 students/arts workers/underwaged)
Written by Hannah Moscovitch, directed by Randy Read, and featuring Nikki Duval, Benjamin Sutherland, and Evelyn Wiebe. Part of The Page On Stage Reading Series. Tickets available in person at the Market Hall Box Office or by phone at 705-749-1146 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) or online anytime at markethall.org.
Directed by Randy Read and featuring Toronto-based performers Nikki Duval, Benjamin Sutherland, and Evelyn Wiebe, What a Young Wife Ought to Know is inspired by the letters of real women living in the 1920s and tackles a subject rarely acknowledged: women’s sexual health issues and birth control practices of the early 20th century.
Written by Hannah Moscovitch, one of Canada’s most acclaimed young playwrights, What a Young Wife Ought to Know debuted in 2014 at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax. Moscovitch developed the play after she read Dear Dr. Stopes: Sex in the 1920s — a collection of letters written by real women and men to Dr. Marie Stopes, scientist, author of the 1918 sex manual Married Love, and an early advocate for birth control who opened the first birth control clinic in England.
Through the letters included in the book, Moscovitch discovered a whole new dialogue about sexual issues and anxieties that have gone forgotten in our modern world of The Pill, IUDs, and other birth control devices.
“The voices of the men and women in these letters were distinct from anything I had read before,” Moscovitch writes. “The letters are explicit about ‘unmentionable’ topics: sex, desire, adultery, childbirth, and birth control. The style of the letters is stark, hilarious, and unflinching, and the vocabulary is amazingly frank and sexual. To me, the letters felt like a voyeuristic glimpse into what life was like before birth control.”
Playwright Hannah Moscovitch was inspired to write “What A Young Wife Ought To Know” after reading the book “Dear Dr. Stopes: Sex in the 1920s”, featuring letters written by men and women seeking advice from early birth control advocate Dr. Marie Stopes. Some of the dialogue in the play comes directly from these letters. (Publicity photo)
As New Stages artistic director Randy Read explains, Moscovitch’s use of real-life source material is one of the things that the makes the play so compelling.
“One of the great things about this play is that a lot of dialogue is taken from the letters that were written to Doctor Stopes by real women who lived at that time,” Randy says. “In some cases Hannah Moscovitch lifts the dialogue right out of these letters. The women in these letters were very open with their thoughts because they were doing it in writing.”
What a Young Wife Ought to Know centres on a young wife named Sophie (Nikki Duval) who is madly in love with her husband Johnny (Benjamin Sutherland), the former lover of her older sister Alma (Evelyn Wiebe).
In “What A Young Wife Ought To Know”, Nikki Duval performs as Sophie. Duval has appeared on stage in “Knickers! A Brief Comedy” (Globus Theatre), “The Pitchfork Disney” (Precisely Peter Productions), “Well Born” (So Co Theatre/ Truth and Lies Theatre), “Hamlet” (Hart House), “The Circle”, “Prey” (New Words Festival-NTS), and more. Her film and television credits include “Workin’ Moms” (CBC), “Murdoch Mysteries” (CBC), “Hyena Road” (Elevation Pictures) and more. (Publicity photo)
When Sophie finds herself pregnant with their fifth child, the reality of another difficult pregnancy and the burden of not being able to support another child becomes unbearable to her. In desperation, Sophie seeks console from the spirit of her sister — who herself died from a botched abortion.
“Sophie and Johnny have huge desire and affection for each other, but also a terror of having another child,” Randy says. “People (of that time) were terrified to have sex.”
What a Young Wife Ought to Know not only studies the early issues around female sexual health, but also the real-life damaging effect that an unwanted pregnancy can have on the family in an era where birth control was rare and ineffective.
In “What A Young Wife Ought To Know”, Benjamin Sutherland performs as Johnny. Sutherland has appeared on stage in “The Secret Garden” (Young People’s Theatre), “A Few Good Men” (Theatre Aquarius), “Peace River Country” (Tarragon Theatre), “Breathing Corpses” (The Coal Mine Theatre), “Hamlet” (National Theatre School), and more. His film and television credits include “Kim’s Convenience”, “Shadowhunters”, “Love Locks”, “Murdoch Mysteries”, “Saving Hope”, and “Mayday”, and more. (Publicity photo)
“Another child, in some ways, became a death threat to a family,” Randy notes. “You had families that were devastatingly poor, and had four or five kids already that they couldn’t feed.”
Filled with love, madness, desperation and moments of comedy, What a Young Wife Ought to Know takes the audience back to a bygone era with an entirely different set of sexual issues beyond those that we have today, but which are still immediately recognizable to a modern audience.
A unique way to watch a theatrical production, New Stages’ The Page on Stage Reading Series has actors performing a play in a dramatic script reading, but without any sets or costumes and with limited interaction on the stage. This allows the focus to be on the words and the meaning of the show, as well as allowing top talent to perform challenging productions that otherwise would not come to the Peterborough stage.
In “What A Young Wife Ought To Know”, Evelyn Wiebe performs as Alma. Wiebe is an actor, dancer, classical singer, and collaborator. She is a recent graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, where she performed in the role of Lady Macbeth in David Latham’s 2018 production of “Macbeth”. (Publicity photo)
What a Young Wife Ought to Know will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 12th (Mother’s Day) at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough).
General admission tickets are $25 ($15 for students, art workers, and the underwaged) and are available in person at the Market Hall Box Office or by phone at 705-749-1146 (12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) or online anytime at markethall.org.
While this is the final production of the current season, New Stages returns in September with its 2019-2020 season, when Randy plans to produce two staged readings and three productions:
Torch Song by Harvey Fierstein (Sunday, September 15, 2019)
Bang Bang by Kat Sandler (Sunday, November 10, 2019)
Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan MacMillan and Jonny Donahoe (Tuesday, January 14 and Sunday, January 19, 2020)
Canadian Rajah by Dave Carley (Sunday, March 8, 2020)
Iceland by Nicolas Billon (Sunday, May 3, 2020).
For more information about New Stages Theatre Company, visit www.newstages.ca.
At the Lakefield College School trustees' meeting in Victoria, British Columbia on May 4, 2019, John and Jane Hepburn (second from left and second from right) share a toast with Lakefield College School board chair Nicole Bendal (left), Lakefield College School head of school and foundation Anne-Marie Kee, and Lakefield College School Foundation board chair Jock Fleming in celebration of the Hepburns' $15-millon donation to the school. (Photo courtesy of Lakefield College School)
A former student and his wife have donated $15 million to Lakefield College School — one of the largest single donations ever made to an independent school in Canada.
John Hepburn, who graduated in 1968, is a trustee of the school’s foundation. He and his wife Jane made the announcement at the foundation trustees’ meeting in Victoria, British Columbia last Saturday (May 4).
The donation will support the school’s new dining hall, one of the major priorities in the school’s latest strategic plan. To be located at the heart of the 155-acre main waterfront campus, the dining hall will strengthen and enhance the student experience and be a gathering place for the entire community, according to a media release from the school.
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The new dining hall will be named in honour of the Hepburn family.
“Jane and I feel strongly that there is something very special at Lakefield,” Hepburn said when making the announcement. “We’re excited about the school’s vision and strategic direction and wanted to do our part to accelerate its realization. I feel very fortunate to be in a position, thanks in large part to the education I received at Lakefield, to help make the school even stronger for its students.”
The Hepburns have been long-time supporters of Lakefield College School. As well as helping students through tuition bursaries, they launched an initiative five years ago to encourage other alumni to donate to the school.
The Hepburn Alumni Challenge offers gift incentives to the school (up to $3,000 per alumnus over five years). In the five years since the launch of the challenge, donor participation among Lakefield College School alumni has become the highest among educational institutions in Canada.. The donations fund the Hepburn Alumni Challenge Bursary, which supports several students from alumni families.
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Besides supporting the new dining hall, the Hepburns’ $15-million donation will also be used to help implement the school’s other strategic priorities.
“The support we have received from John and Jane Hepburn over the years is truly extraordinary, and this gift will make a transformational difference for our school and our students,” says Anne-Marie Kee, head of Lakefield College School and the foundation.
“With this new dining hall will come an array of opportunities for us to connect and learn from each other, as one community in one inspirational space. Our school community is incredibly grateful for the Hepburn family’s leadership and support.”
Located on the shores of Lake Katchewanook in Lakefield, Lakefield College School provides a co-educational day and boarding experience for 365 students from over 40 countries in Grades 9 through 12. (Photo: Lakefield College School)
The Ontario Provincial Police have charged a Selwyn Township man with murder while they continue to search for his alleged victim.
On Monday (May 6) at around 7:20 p.m., officers from the OPP’s Northumberland detachment responded to a report of a man injured from an alleged assault.
When they arrived at an address on Centennial Lane north of Campbellford in the municipality of Trent Hills, police found evidence of a person who had been seriously injured.
Northumberland OPP officers, with the assistance of the OPP Central Region Emergency Response Team, Canine Unit, and Aviation Unit then conducted an extensive search of the area for the victim.
While they continue to search for the victim, police have arrested 62-year-old Stephen Murray Kelly of Selwyn Township and have charged him with first-degree murder.
Kelly is being held in custody for a bail hearing on Tuesday (May 7) at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg.
This investigation is ongoing by members of the OPP Northumberland Major Crime Unit, with the assistance of the OPP Forensic Identification Unit under the direction of Detective Inspector Brad Robson of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.
Police are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Northumberland OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact the Peterborough/Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
You can also submit information online at www.stopcrimehere.ca. Being anonymous, you will not be required to testify in court and information you provide may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Retiring from touring after more than 40 years, Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison will be performing in "Sharon, Bram & Friends: 40th Anniversary Farewell Tour" at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough on May 15, 2019. (Publicity photo)
Skinnamarink a dink a dink, Skinnamarink a doo, I love you …
Showplace presents Sharon, Bram & Friends: 40th Anniversary Farewell Tour
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $27 – $34
Tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough), by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Kids both young and old have one more chance to sing those lyrics along with Sharon and Bram when the iconic Canadian children’s entertainers come to Peterborough for the final time this month.
The “Sharon, Bram & Friends: 40th Anniversary Farewell Tour” takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison are retiring from touring 40 years after they, along with the late Lois Lillenstein, released their first record One Elephant, Deux Elephants as the trio Sharon, Lois & Bram.
A Sharon and Bram show is a sing-along concert for the entire family, featuring such well-loved favourites as “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain”, “Five Little Monkeys”, “One Elephant”, “Tingalayo”, and, of course, “Skinnamarink”.
VIDEO: “Skinnamarink” from The Elephant Show – Sharon, Lois & Bram
“We love singing with our audiences,” Sharon and Bram say. “The sound of families singing together, and the expressions of delight on the faces of parents and children as they share the music, bring us deep satisfaction.”
In the mid 1970s, Sharon, Lois, and Bram met when they were each hosting folk music workshops and performing concerts in public schools as part of the Mariposa in the Schools program. The folk singers soon discovered they shared a passion for creating music for people for all ages, and decided to record an album of music they hoped would appeal to parents as well as children.
After raising $20,000 from friends and family, the trio recorded their debut album One Elephant, Deux Elephants in the spring of 1978 in Toronto. It was released later that year, became the fastest-selling children’s record in Canada, and eventually went triple platinum.
Sharon, Lois & Bram self-financed their first record, “One Elephant, Deux Elephants”, in 1978. It became the fastest-selling children’s record in Canada.
That debut album included “Skinnamarink”, a song that Lois had heard for the first time after she asked her cousin’s daughter if she knew any good songs. None of the band members knew the origins of the song, and the track was attributed to “traditional”, but it in fact was originally written by Felix F. Feist and Al Piantadosi for Charles Dillingham’s Broadway production The Echo in 1910.
Sharon, Lois & Bram later sang it on their CBC television show The Elephant Show, which debuted in 1984, and it soon became their signature song (along with the movements performed with the song). The trio also used it for the name of their 1997 CBC children’s television show, Skinnamarink TV.
Since 1978, Sharon, Lois & Bram have sold more than three million records and have won three Juno Awards for Best Children’s Album (in 1980 for their sophomore release Smorgasboard, in 1981 for Singing ‘n Swinging, and again in 2000 for Skinnamarink TV). They have performed at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and at the White House in 1994 where they had breakfast with President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton.
Bram Morrison, Sharon Hampson, and the late Lois Lillenstein with President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton in 1994. (Photo: Sharon and Bram)
In addition to their musical career, they have supported many social welfare programs in both Canada and the U.S., including school breakfasts for learning and encouraging parents to inoculate their children.
They were also Goodwill Ambassadors for UNICEF in North and South America, for which they received the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award. In 2002, the three were made members of the Order of Canada.
In 2000, Lois retired from touring with the group, which then began performing as Sharon, Bram & Friends (with the “friends” referring to life-size animal puppets that appear alongside them).
Sharon, Lois & Bram (Sharon Hampson, the late Lois Lillenstein, and Bram Morrison) in a publicity photo for their CBC children’s series “The Elephant Show”. (Photo: Jim Allen)
While Lois subsequently performed with Sharon and Bram on occasion, including at a reunion show in 2009, she passed away in 2015 at the age of 78.
As well as performing as Sharon, Bram & Friends, Sharon and Bram also perform as a duo. In 2017, the two gave a free concert at the Peterborough Folk Festival.
A few tickets are still available for the May 15th show at Showplace. Tickets are $27 to $34, and are available in person at the Showplace box office, by phone at 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Peterborough Pulse, the award-winning open streets festival in downtown Peterborough, returns for its fifth year on Saturday, July 27, 2019. It's one of many popular events taking place in downtown Peterborough this summer. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for outside farmers’ markets, street festivals, food festivals, music festivals, and more.
And the best thing … you don’t have to leave town to experience any of it! Just head to downtown Peterborough. Here are the highlights of what you and your family can experience this summer in the downtown core:
What’s happening this summer in downtown Peterborough. (Graphic: Peterborough DBIA)
Wednesday and Saturday Downtown Farmers’ Markets (May to October)
Every Wednesday, Charlotte Street between Louis and George Streets in downtown Peterborough is transformed into the pedestrian-friendly Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market. (Photo: Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market)
There’s no need to wait for summer to enjoy the two outdoors farmers’ markets in downtown Peterborough.
The Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market opens for the season on Wednesday, May 8th on Charlotte Street between Louis and George Streets, which is closed to vehicles to create a pedestrian-friendly farmers’ market. The market runs every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. until October 30th.
At this producers-only market, shoppers can buy directly from farmers, growers, bakers, and more. Seasonal produce, meats, cheese, fresh flowers, baked goods, art, plants to grow, coffee, and lunches-to-go will be available. Along with monthly special events, guest chefs will provide samples, on-site cooking demonstrations, and innovative ideas on using market products throughout market season.
The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday at the AON Citi Centre Courtyard in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AON Citi Centre Courtyard at 235 Charlotte Street, which can be accessed from Charlotte Street, Aylmer Street, Bethune Street, and King Street.
Launching last year, this is Peterborough’s newest farmers’ market and it opened for the outdoor season on Saturday, May 4th. Sixty per cent of the vendors at the market are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100 per cent of what they sell. The remaining 40 per cent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists, and community groups.
The market runs until the fall, when it moves back inside the lower level of Peterborough Square for the winter season. For more information on the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market, visit www.ptboregionalfarmersmarket.org.
Taste of Downtown – Saturday, June 1st
The Taste of Downtown food, entertainment, and shopping festival returns to Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough on June 1, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
A unique family-friendly event featuring local food and entertainment, Taste of Downtown returns to Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1st.
Enjoy delicious cuisine from 24 local restaurants, enjoy a beverage in the beer and wine garden, and take in some amazing live entertainment.
You can also get some great deals as businesses along Charlotte Street put on a giant sidewalk sale during the annual event.
Mercedes-Benz Peterborough’s Father’s Day Car Show – Sunday, June 16th
Once again this summer, Mercedes-Benz Peterborough is bringing a wide range of classic and exotic cars to downtown Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 16th). The show takes place on the west side of Hunter Street in the Cafe District.
Featuring cars rarely seen on Peterborough streets as well as exclusive cars owned by locals, the car show will feature luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Lotus, McLaren, Alfa Romeo, Rolls Royce, Porsche, and more.
It’s also a family-friendly event, so there will be entertainment for the kids.
The car show is also for a good cause: it’s in support of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation and great care at your local hospital.
Canada Day Parade – Monday, July 1st
Celebrate summer and the founding of our nation during the 2019 Canada Day Parade on Monday, July 1st. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
Celebrate summer and the founding of our nation with the annual Canada Day Parade on Monday, July 1st in downtown Peterborough.
The theme of this year’s parade, which begins at 12 p.m. and travels down George Street to Morrow Park, is “I ♥ Canada!”.
There will be with pre-parade ceremonies at Peterborough City Hall at 10 a.m. featuring speeches, cake, music, and the annual bike decorating contest for the kids with prizes.
For more information (including a registration form for the bike decorating contest and a volunteer application form), visit the City of Peterborough’s website at peterborough.ca.
Kawartha Rotary Ribfest – Friday, July 12th to Sunday, July 14th
The Kawartha Rotary Ribfest food and music festival takes place in Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough from July 12 – 14, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The 17th annual Kawartha Rotary Ribfest returns to Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough from Friday, July 12th to Sunday, July 14th.
The popular summer food festival features live music every day from local performers, beer, and ribs and more from local restaurants as well as out-of-town vendors along the so-called “Ribbers Row”.
More details on the performers and local and out-of-town food vendors will be announced closer to the event.
Ribfest runs from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 14th.
Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is a fundraising festival supported by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and proceeds will be invested back in the local community.
Peterborough Pulse – Saturday, July 27th
The 5th annual Peterborough Pulse turns the streets of downtown Peterborough into a playground for one day on July 27, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The award-winning Peterborough Pulse returns for its fifth straight year to downtown Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 27th.
For one summer day, downtown streets are closed to vehicles and are instead filled with pedestrians, cyclists and roller-skaters, families pushing strollers, activity and sports demonstrations, art and music, and more.
The annual “open streets” event is part of a global movement to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and livable cities.
More details about the 2019 Peterborough Pulse will be announced in June.
Hootenanny on Hunter Street – Saturday, August 10
There’ll be dancing in the streets during the Hootenanny on Hunter Street on August 11, 2019, downtown Peterborough’s biggest live music street party. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The Hootenanny On Hunter Street, downtown Peterborough’s biggest live music street party, returns for its ninth year on Saturday, August 10th.
The annual one-day festival runs from 12 noon to 11 p.m. on Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets. Admission is free.
This is the second year that the festival is being organized again this year by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. You can expect an extra-special event in honour of Hootenanny founder Jonathan “Jonny Trash” Hall, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year.
The line-up of performers at this year’s Hootenanny will be announced in June.
Peterborough VegFest – Sunday, September 15th
Enjoy vegan food and celebrate a plant-based lifestyle at Peterborough VegFest in Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough on September 15, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Vegetarianism and veganism continue to grow in popularity, and Peterborough VegFest is the local expression of this global movement that celebrates the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of a delicious plant-based lifestyle.
The volunteer-run festival returns to Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough for its third year from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 15th.
The family-friendly festival offers 100 per cent vegan fare and goodies, notable vegan speakers, live music, a kids’ activity zone, live cooking demos, and more.
More details about this year’s Peterborough VegFest will be announced closer to the event date. For more information (including volunteering or becoming a vendor or exhibitor), visit ptbovegfest.ca.
Peterborough Pride Parade – Saturday, September 21st
The annual Peterborough Pride Parade takes place in downtown Peterborough on September 21, 2019, wrapping up Peterborough Pride Week festivities. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The 17th annual Peterborough Pride Parade takes place this year in downtown Peterborough at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 21st.
It’s the culmination of Peterborough Pride Week, the annual celebration welcoming all people regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, which runs from September 13th to 22nd.
After pre-parade activities at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, the parade begins at 2 p.m. and travels from City Hall south on George Street to Sherbrooke Street, east to Water Street, and then north to end at Millennium Park
That’s where “Pride in the Park’ festivities will run until 6 p.m., including a family picnic, live music, food, and a beer tent, as well as information booths related to the LGBTQ+ community and more.
Many hundreds of participants are expected to participate in this year’s parade, whose theme will be announced soon.
For updates and more information on Peterborough Pride, visit peterboroughpride.ca.
Purple Onion Festival – Sunday, September 22nd
Welcome the fall harvest of local food, celebrate local culture, and wear purple at the annual Purple Onion Festival on September 22, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Summer in downtown Peterborough wraps up on Sunday, September 22nd with the Purple Onion Festival, a family-friendly celebration of local food, culture, wellness and sustainability.
Organized by Transition Town Peterborough, the 9th annual festival welcomes the fall harvest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Millennium Park, where you can enjoy food samples from local vendors (celebrating local food month), craft beer, live music, and much more. And every year at 3 p.m., there is a family dance for the climate in the centre of the park.
Attendees of the festival are always encouraged to wear purple to demonstrate pride in Peterborough’s local farmers, local businesses, and local culture.
More details about this year’s festival will be announced closer to the event date. For more information and updates, visit the Transition Town Peterborough website at www.new.transitiontownpeterborough.ca/ttp/.
This story was created in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.
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