A business in East City was temporarily closed following a fire in a second-floor residential unit on April 30, 2019, thieves broke into the business and stole items including cash. The break-in took place sometime between May 1 and 6, 2019. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance following a break-in at an East City hair salon that was temporarily closed following a fire last Tuesday (April 30).
Sometime between Wednesday, May 1st and Monday, May 6th, an unknown person or persons broke into the business. Once inside, the thieves stole items including an amount of cash.
The building housing the hair salon was damaged by a fire in a residential unit located on the second floor of the same building. After responding to the fire, emergency services located one person inside the unit, who was subsequently air-lifted to a Toronto hospital with serious injuries.
The building was temporarily closed following the fire for an investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal, during which time the break-in occurred.
Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or stopcrimehere.ca.
This story has been updated to remove some incorrect information.
Cambium Consulting & Engineering) along with the panel of judges (Stuart Harrison, Sally Harding, Jonathan Bennett, Raymond Yip Choy, and Jeff Taylor). The three finalists will make a private presentation to the Community Futures Peterborough board on June 18th, and the winner (who will receive a repayable loan of $100,000 with no interest for three years) will be announced on June 26th. (Photo: Community Futures Peterborough / Facebook)
This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the three finalists for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 entrepreneurial competition, the winners for the Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope Chambers’ business excellence awards, the Green Party’s Nature Care Earth Day Awards recognizing local eco-friendly businesses (and more), the winners of the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, and Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. moving one step closer to opening.
Every week, our managing editor collects business-related news and events from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Also featured this week are the Peterborough DBIA’s “Digital Main Street” program, Peterborough Currents being nominated for Best Podcast at 2019 Digital Publishing Awards, Peterborough tech startup Wakhal launching its Community4E digital community-building platform, the Peterborough DBIA seeking sponsors for downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer, and Trent University and Noblegen receiving $797,104 in federal funding to advance clean-water technology in the mining industry.
New regional events added this week include the Peterborough Chamber’s PBX at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre in Peterborough on May 7th, the next Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting at VentureNorth in Peterborough on May 14th, FastStart Peterborough’s “E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” in Peterborough on May 14th, the Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Michael Gallant and Dawn Pond in Peterborough on May 15th, Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism’s annual partner meeting in Keene on June 18th, and the Peterborough DBIA’s 2019 annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 26th.
Three finalists chosen for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 entrepreneurial competition
Donna Rork, founder and owner of Cottage Toys, makes her presentation at the semi-finalist pitch event for the Community Futures Peterborough ignite100 entrepreneurial competition held at Fleming College on May 2, 2019. A panel of judges selected Cottage Toys, Goodwin Metal Products Limited, and Cambium Consulting & Engineering as the three finalists out of a field of eight semi-finalists. (Photo: Community Futures Peterborough / Facebook)
The three finalists for Community Futures Peterborough’s ignite100 competition were chosen before a live audience last Thursday (May 2) during the semi-finalist pitch event at the Fleming College Trade & Technology Building in Peterborough.
The finalists are Goodwin Metal Products Limited, Cottage Toys, and Cambium Consulting & Engineering.
A total of eight semi-finalists (Iron Equipment Ltd., Cottage Toys, Cambium Consulting & Engineering, Percheron Plastic Inc., At the Lake Distributing, Treewell Limited, Goodwin Metal Products Limited, and Keene Trucks) had five minutes to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges (Jonathan Bennett of Laridae, Jeff Taylor of Baker Tily, Stuart Harrison of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Raymond Yip Choy of Fleming College, and Sally Harding of Nightingale). Each presentation was followed by a five to 10 minute question-and-answer session).
Tyler Steeves, founder of Treewell Limited, which received the People’s Choice Award. Treewell Limited produces a natural sparkling maple sap beverage as an alternative to wine or champagne.(Photo: Community Futures Peterborough / Facebook)
In addition to the three finalists, a People’s Choice Award — determined by audience votes — was presented to Treewell Limited.
ignite100 is an innovation challenge where existing business in the Peterborough region compete for significant funding opportunities that support business expansion and growth. The competition’s grand prize is a repayable loan of $100,000, with no payments in the first year and no interest for the first three years (Community Futures Peterborough will pay the interest for the first 36 months).
The three finalists will make a private and formal presentation on their projects to the Board of Directors at Community Futures Peterborough on Tuesday, June 18th, and the winner will be announced at the organization’s annual general meeting and community barbeque on Wednesday, June 26th.
Winners announced for the Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope Chambers’ business excellence awards
The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce, Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce, and Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce each held a business excellence awards ceremony on April 27, 2019. At the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce Celebration of Business Excellence, Campbellford’s Dooher’s Bakery received the Community Impact Award. Accepting the award from sponsor Marc Trudeau of RBC Royal Bank are Kathy Mukanik, Cory Dooher, and Vicky Foster. (Photo: Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce / Facebook)
On Saturday, April 27th, three Chambers of Commerce in the Kawarthas (Bobcaygeon, Trent Hills, and Port Hope) each held their own annual business excellence awards and announced winners in various categories.
The winners for each chamber’s awards are listed below.
Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce
Employee Achievement Award: Maureen Lytle, Kawartha Settlers Village
Business Achievement: Douglas and Son
New Business Achievement: Kawartha Mediums / Zen Den
Not For Profit Achievement: Bobcaygeon Curling Club
Tourism Achievement: Kawartha Settlers’ Village
Creative Arts Achievement: Shawna Love Leigh, Studio 358
Citizen of the Year Award: Shaukat Mohamad
Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce
Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Rustic Mama Retreats Inc.
Excellence In Business (Retail): The Bakery Warkworth
Excellence In Business (Business): Kenetic Energy Ltd.
Pride And Progress: Trent Valley Lanes
Customer Experience Award (Service): Campbellford Paddle and Barefoot Paddle
Customer Experience Award (Retail): Dizzy Goose Toys Games and Curiosities
Community Impact Award: Dooher’s Bakery Ltd.
Non-Profit Organization: Trent Hills Therapy Dogs
Inclusive Community Employer Award: MacLaren IDA Pharmacy
Business of The Year: Centre & Main Chocolate Co.
Chair’s Award: Michael Metcalf
Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Young Professional: John O’Keefe
Next Big Thing / Innovation: Olympus Burger
Small Business: R. Brooking Tree Service
Customer First: Wellington Suites
Manufacturing & Skilled Trades: Arcadis Canada Inc.
Hospitality & Tourism: Haute Goat
Not for Profit / Service Club: Capitol Theatre
People’s Choice: Primitive Designs
President’s Award: Elliott Insurance
Advertisement - content continues below
Winners announced for 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition
Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical and Cheryl Gould of Electric Juice Factory have won the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition, with each taking home a cash prize of $8,350. The final pitch event was held on April 30, 2019 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bianca Nucaro / kawarthaNOW.com)
Dylan Trepanier of Alexander Optical and Cheryl Gould of Electric Juice Factory were the winners of the 2019 Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition.
The two entrepreneurs, who each take home a cash prize of $8,350, came out on top after six finalist pitched their businesses to a panel of judges before a live audience last Tuesday night (April 30) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
Trepanier won in the Innovation category for his business Alexander Optical, which organizes pop-up clinics with eye care professionals on site to perform comprehensive eye exams, to find eye wear solutions, and to provide an option for people to finance their eye care.
Gould won in the Goods and Services category for Electric Juice Factory, the business she founded with Will Harvey. Based in Port Hope with a retail location in downtown Peterborough, Electric Juice Factory manufactures organic, raw, cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies.
The four runners-up — Husayn Dharshi of Transit One and Jeremy Brooks of AVROD in the Innovation category, and Jen Wight of Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets and Hillary Flood and Pete Rellinger of PedalBoro in the Goods and Services category — each received a cash prize of $1,000.
Jen Wight of Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets also won the People’s Choice Award, as well as a free 2019/20 membership to the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough.
Green Party’s Nature Care Earth Day Awards recognizes local eco-friendly businesses
The second annual Nature Care Earth Day Awards were held on May 1, 2019 at Camp Kawartha Environment Centre. (Photo: Green Party of Peterborough-Kawarthas / Facebook)
The Green Party honoured several eco-friendly businesses at its second annual Nature Care Earth Day Awards at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre last Wednesday night (May 1).
Generation Solar was given in the Clean Economy award. The Peterborough business provides turn-key renewable energy systems for a variety of commercial, residential, and institutional applications, primarily in solar-electric and solar water heating technologies. The company was recognized for enabling the generation of millions of kilowatt hours of clean green solar energy and for helping hundreds of people and businesses reduce their carbon emissions.
Peterborough Certified Home Inspection, operated by Curtis Elliot, was recognized with an award for helping home-owners make their houses more energy efficient, and Pinchin Ltd was recognized with an award for its technical expertise in the renovation and construction of buildings to meet energy efficiency and environmental health standards.
Three local restaurants were recognized for minimizing their use of plastic or Styrofoam and focusing on using local or organic produce: La Hacienda, Dreams of Beans, and By the Bridge. By the Bridge’s co-operation with a local farmer who feeds their compost to her chickens was highlighted.
McLean’s Berry Farm was recognized for using and developing best practices for sustainable food production.
Along with these businesses, other awards recognized:
Brianna Salmon for her leadership at Peterborough GreenUP
Cathy Dueck, Glen Caradus, and Craig Brant for their nature awareness work through programs such as Pathways to Stewardship and Kinship, Adventures in Understanding, and the Forest Kindergarten
Dylan Radcliffe for his naturalist website and social media accounts Steward’s Notes
Transition Town’s Greenzine and Random Acts of Green for getting more people involved in actions that reduce and prevent waste, increase water and energy efficiency, alter transportation patterns, minimize the use of natural resources, or reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
Jazlyn Burrell for writing a Species at Risk Report for Old Growth Forests in Peterborough and the Kawarthas for Ancient Forest Exploration and Outreach
The staff and volunteers of Kawartha Land Trust for are caring for 4,101 acres of important diverse types of land
Tia Bankosky for volunteering with Sustainable Trent and the Trent Green Party Club as well as three other organizations.
Advertisement - content continues below
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is one step closer to opening
On May 7, 2019, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is scheduled to receive a brewhouse and cellar custom-made from Canadian company Criveller Group that will be delivered from Niagara Falls. Pictured in a sample of the type of equipment Criveller Group supplies for the brewing industry. (Photo: Criveller Group)
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co., Kawartha Lakes’ newest craft brewery, is one step closer to opening.
On Tuesday (May 7), an 18-wheel trailer from Niagara Falls will roll into Fenelon Falls to deliver a brewhouse and cellar to the historic building at 4 May Street.
The custom-made brewhouse was designed by Canadian company Criveller Group, and includes a 15-barrel system, fermenters, and brite tank (a vessel in which beer is placed after primary fermentation and filtering).
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. has hired Russell Gibson as its head brewer. (Photo: Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.)
Founded by husband and wife Vinh and Agatha Mac, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. has been busy transforming the building (which was once a livery stable and then a blacksmith shop) into a 5,000-square-foot brewery.
It includes a taproom (offering Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.’s two flagship beers, Fenelon Vienna Lager and Fenelon Red Ale, and seasonal exclusive brews), a retail bottle shop, and a unique event space that will feature local musicians.
The brewery has also announced the hiring of its head brewer, Russell Gibson. The Fenelon Falls native has a Bachelor of Science degree, completed the Niagara College Brewmaster program, and has worked in one of Ontario’s largest craft breweries.
Peterborough DBIA’s “Digital Main Street” program is underway
Yllka Bojku and Kate Storen make up the “Digital Service Squad” of the Peterborough DBIA’s Digital Main Street program to help downtown businesses improve their online presence. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
The “Digital Main Street” program offered through the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is now underway.
The DBIA received a $10,000 grant from Digital Main Street, an initiative of the Ontario Business Improvement Area (BIA) Association funded by the Ontario government that helps small businesses adopt digital tools such as e-commerce platforms and social media.
Along with from Community Futures Peterborough and the DBIA’s own resources, the DBIA has used the grant to establish a “Digital Service Squad” consisting of Yllka Bojku and Kate Storen, who will visit and assist downtown businesses at no cost to help them set up Google Business, conduct a digital-readiness assessment, and apply for a $2,500 grant from Digital Main Street.
Participation is open to all businesses in the downtown area, not just DBIA members. To be part of the program, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at joel@downtownptbo.ca or 705-748-4774.
Peterborough Currents nominated for Best Podcast at 2019 Digital Publishing Awards
A Peterborough podcast has been nominated for the fourth annual 2019 Digital Publishing Awards.
Peterborough Currents, created by Ayesha Barmania and Will Pearson, is nominated in the Best Podcast category for its Food, Housing, and Transitions episodes.
They are up against Love Me (CBC Podcasts), CBC Mic Drop, Missing and Murdered: Finding Cleo (CBC News), Rap carcéral (Radio-Canada for VICE), Front Burner (CBC News), En 5 minutes (QUB Radio), and Uncover: Escaping NXIVM (CBC Podcasts).
The Digital Publishing Awards are presented by the National Media Awards Foundation to recognize and promote excellence from Canadian digital publications and creators.
This year, 127 Canadian digital publications participated in the Digital Publishing Awards, submitting the best of their digital content, design, and innovation from the past year for consideration in 23 awards categories. The judges selected 118 nominations from 50 different digital publications for this year’s awards.
Peterborough tech startup Wakhal launches Community4E digital community-building platform
Peterborough tech startup Wakhal has officially launched its digital community-building platform called Community4E. (Graphic courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
Peterborough tech startup Wakhal has officially launched its digital community-building platform called Community4E (the four Es are Engagement, Empowerment, Education, and Entertainment).
Community4E is a collaboration platform for organizations and their stakeholders that offers the functionality of an intranet and an extranet, and includes tools to improve productivity and aid problem-solving.
“Using a white-label approach, the platform enhances organizational engagement by creating a community-branded social media site,” says Wakhal founder and CEO Rojit Sorokhaibam.
Community4E is currently being used by the Innovation Cluster in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, Spark Commercialization and Innovation Centre in the Durham Region, Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network, and more. More than 40,000 users in all participating communities have registered for the platform.
Community4E is currently available as a web browser application, with plans to develop mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Peterborough DBIA seeking sponsors for downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is seeking sponsors for the downtown trolley and Hootenanny on Hunter Street this summer.
The DBIA is bringing back the downtown trolley, first launched last summer, to transport people between downtown Peterborough and Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park throughout the summer on Musicfest evenings (Wednesdays and Saturdays).
To fund the operation of the trolley, which is owned by Michael Bryant and Pauline Kiely of Little Britain, the DBIA needs the financial support of more sponsors.
The DBIA is also looking for sponsors for this year’s Hootenanny on Hunter Street music festival, which takes place on August 10th. Last year’s festival was attended by 10,000 people. The DBIA is also seeking members and associate members who want a booth on the street during the festival.
If you are interested, or for more information, contact Terry Guiel at the DBIA at terry@downtownptbo.ca or 705-748-4774.
Trent University and Noblegen receive $797,104 in federal funding to advance clean-water technology in mining industry
Trent University researchers and Peterborough bio-tech company Noblegen have received $797,104 over three years from the federal Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council to develop green bio-filtration technology to make the mining industry more sustainable.
Dr. Neil Emery, vice president research and innovation and biology professor at Trent University, and forensic science associate professor Dr. Barry Saville are partners with former Trent Chemistry professor Dr. Celine Guegen in the research, which is support by Noblegen.
Using state-of-the-art molecular techniques including genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, the research will investigate the abilities of the protist organism Euglena to sequester metals in diluted mine waters and to facilitate their extraction. The Euglena-based filtration technology will allow extraction of economically valuable metals and it will reduce the environmental footprint of the tailing ponds.
The funding is part of a broader announcement by federal minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan of more than $44 million to recipients of strategic partnership grants. The funding, which focuses on collaborations between academia, businesses, government and other organization, will go to 75 projects across the country.
The Canadian mining industry accounted for 16 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product and 1.74 million jobs in Canada in 2016.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts Breakfast Club featuring County Warden Liz Danielsen on May 7
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7th at Sandy Lane Resort (17592 Highway 35, Algonquin Highlands).
Liz Danielsen, Haliburton County Warden and Deputy Mayor of Algonquin Highlands, is the guest speaker.
Tickets are $30 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members.
Peterborough Chamber PBX at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre in Peterborough on May 7
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is holding its next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7th at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (840 Armour Rd, Peterborough).
All are invited to attend the free networking event.
Sold out – Inclusive Advisory hosts “Conscious Shift” workshops on May 10 in Peterborough
Inclusive Advisory, a multidisciplinary firm practising accounting, law, and wealth management with offices in Peterborough and Port Perry, is hosting a series of workshops called “Conscious Shift” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10th at The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough).
With the tagline “leadership and management uncensored”, the workshops will feature four speakers sharing their experiences on leadership. Each speaker will give an original 20-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session.
The speakers are: Paul Bennett, owner of Ashburnham Realty; Mike Skinner, president and CEO of the Innovation Cluster; Chief Kelly LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scucog Island First Nation; and Sacha Lai-Svirk, director of digital health at Outpost379.
The workshops, which promise to “challenge the participants to step outside of their comfort zone” by introducing them “to alternative insights that challenge the status quo in management”, are designed for business owners, executives, managers, and community leaders.
Tickets are $200 each, with $150 from each ticket donated to The Mount Community Centre, Peterborough’s sustainable and inclusive urban village (charitable receipts will be provided).
Kawarthas Northumberland hosting regional ambassador training on May 13 in Peterborough
Kawarthas Northumberland (Regional Tourism Organization 8) is hosting a training session for regional ambassadors from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13th in the boardroom at the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
The half-day course is free to attend and open to all Kawarthas Northumberland tourism operators and tourism businesses.
Space is limited. Register by Wednesday, May 1st by contacting Julie at partner@rto8.com or 705-874-8505 ext. 102.
Next Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting at VentureNorth in Peterborough on May 14
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next “ChamberAM” breakfast meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
This is the first breakfast meeting held at a new location, following the announcement that long-time location (the Carousel Restaurant) is closing.
Networking begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by a “mystery guest speaker” at 8 a.m.
Admission is free; just pay for what you order for breakfast. Mega Experience will be sponsoring complimentary filtered coffee.
FastStart Peterborough hosts “E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” in Peterborough on May 14
FastStart Peterborough is hosting its next E-Connect seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough)
“E-Connect: Spring into Entrepreneurship” features speakers Brett Proud (co-founder of GuestLogix Inc. and Peterborough Region Angel Network Member) and Andrew Pyle (economist, branch manager, and portfolio manager at ScotiaMcleod).
Peterborough DBIA breakfast network with Michael Gallant and Dawn Pond in Peterborough on May 15
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its next breakfast network meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Guest speakers architect Michael Gallant and Downtown Vibrancy Coordinator Dawn Pond will be talking about a new public art project.
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with guest speakers at 8 a.m.
The event is open to everyone. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Kawartha Chamber presents B.O.S.S. cyber security seminar on May 15 in Lakefield
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is hosting its next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at Beachwood Resort (3043 Beachwood Dr., Lakefield).
A panel discussion will focus on concerns specific to small business, including as website security, email and telephone scams, and online banking security. Panellists include Detective Sargent Vern Crowley of the OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team, Brendan Quigley of acorn30, and Graeme Barrie of Netmechanics. The panel discussion will be moderated by David Wilson of Let’s Get Digital.
Venture13 celebrates one-year anniversary on May 21 in Cobourg
The VentureZone includes 24-hour secured access, fibre connection and public wifi, as well as web-based booking. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre is celebrating its one-year anniversary from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21st at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The agenda will include a review of the past year’s accomplishments, the economic impact to date, and Venture13’s future strategy, as well as announcements regarding funding, community partnerships, and innovation in action.
Tech expert and entrepreneur Takara Small will deliver a keynote address about creating and encouraging rural and urban linkages, driving innovation and growth, and creating the exchange and flow of people, investment, and resources.
Following the keynote address, there will be a self-guided tour of the VentureZone where booths and demos will be set up to showcase Venture13’s entrepreneurs and community partners. A community BBQ hosted by the Cobourg Police Service will be taking place just outside of the building, with all proceeds going towards Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland. P
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism hosts annual partner meeting in Keene on June 18
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, is the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partner meeting on June 18, 2019. (Promotional photo)
Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism is hosting its annual partner meeting from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene).
Open to active Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism partners whose tourism businesses reside within the region, the meeting provides the opportunity to meet board members, staff, ministry representatives and advisors, and to network with other tourism operators.
Dr. Nancy Arsenault, co-founder of the Tourism Cafe in British Columbia and an expert on experiential travel, will be the guest speaker.
Peterborough DBIA holds its 2019 annual general meeting in Peterborough on June 26
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is holding its 2019 annual general meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, although only DBIA members can vote.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
Eighteen artists and art advocates have been nominated for six Peterborough Arts Awards, including musician Washboard Hank, one of three nominees for Outstanding Senior Artist, and The Theatre on King and Fleshy Thud founder Ryan Kerr, one of three nominees for Arts Catalyst. (Photos courtesy of Washboard Hank and Andy Carroll for Public Energy)
The Electric City Culture Council has announced the shortlist for the second annual Peterborough Arts Awards.
Six awards of $2,000 each will be presented for outstanding achievement in the arts in Peterborough, as well as two Bierk Art Fund bursaries (from the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, established to honour the memory and celebrate the life of Peterborough resident Liz Bierk, wife of renowned artist David Bierk).
Nominations for each award were accepted until April 9th, and the shortlist was revealed on Friday (May 3).
The nominees in each category are:
Outstanding Emerging Artist
Sponsored by Tim and Shelley Barrie of Merit II Realty Limited
Bennett Bedoukian
Nimkii Osawamick
Niambi Tree
Outstanding Achievement By An Indigenous Artist
Sponsored by LLF Lawyers
Drew Hayden Taylor
Hilary Wear
Outstanding Mid-Career Artist
Sponsored by Betty and Bill Morris
Lester Alfonso
Beau Dixon
Justin Million
Patti Shaughnessy
Arts Catalyst
Sponsored by Kate and Alex Ramsay
Geoff Bemrose
Ryan Kerr
James McKenty
Outstanding Senior Artist
Sponsored by Outpost379
Ursula Pflug
Washboard Hank
Alice Williams
Arts Champion
Sponsored by Paul Bennett/Ashburnham Realty
Peer and Lori Christensen
David Goyette
Charlie Werger
The winners of each award will be announced on Friday, May 24th at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts, which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the McDonnel St. Activity Centre (577 McDonnel St., Peterborough).
Award-winning author Charlie Foran is the guest speaker at the Mayor’s Luncheon for the Arts. (Photo: James Lahey)
As well as the awards presentation, the luncheon will feature guest speaker Charlie Foran, author of Mordecai: The Life & Times, which won both the Governor General’s Literary Award for nonfiction and the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction in 2011.
There will also be performances by Dreda Blow, Justin Millon, Curtis Driedger, and more, as well a three-course meal provided by BE Catering.
Officials at the grand opening of Bond by the River on May 1, 2019. The affordable housing project in Lindsay features 12 three-bedroom townhouse units at a cost of $997 a month, 20 per cent less than the average market price. From left to right: Erika Robson for MPP Laurie Scott, KLH Housing vice chair Pat Dunn, KLH Housing CEO Hope Lee, affordable housing consultant Nadia Venafro, City of Kawartha Lakes mayor Andy Letham, and Dylan Robichaud for MP Jamie Schmale. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
Bond by the River, an affordable housing project in Lindsay, held its grand opening on Wednesday (May 1).
Developed by the non-profit Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Housing Corporation (KLH Housing), the housing development features 12 three-bedroom townhouse units at a cost of $997 a month. The rental cost is 20 per cent less than the average market price and nine of the units have a rent geared-to-income subsidy available.
According to the City of Kawartha Lakes, more than 1,700 households in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton are on a waiting list for affordable housing. Almost a quarter of those are family households, and many on the list will wait more than three and a half years for housing.
Bond by the River provides affordable housing for 12 families in Lindsay. More than 1,700 households in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, including almost 400 family households, are on a waiting list for affordable housing. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
Attendees at the grand opening included KLH Housing CEO Hope Lee, vice chair Patt Dunn, Dylan Robichaud on behalf of Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MP Jamie Schmale, Erika Robson on behalf of Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock MPP Laurie Scott, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation affordable housing consultant Nadia Venafro, and City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham.
“I’m very pleased we have provided homes for 12 families through this project,” Mayor Letham said. “We know there are many other families on the waiting list, to find a safe, affordable home. We will continue moving forward with projects such as this to create more opportunities for affordable housing.”
Attendees toured a unit and met some of the current tenants of the development
“I have mobility issues, so I really appreciated the layout of the units and that the showers have accessibility features,” said one tenant. “We appreciate everything that has been done for us, including the thought that went into the many decisions about the units.”
The cost of the Bond by the River project was $3.5 million, funded in part by $1.8 million in revenue from the sale of older homes. To reduce the costs of the project, the City of Kawartha Lakes waived development charges, planning application fees. and building permit fees. Some funding was also provided through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The housing project development was assisted by John O’Reilly Real Estate, Tim Welch Consulting, Wilcox Architects, MVW Construction, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Allan Seabrooke, the commissioner of community services with the City of Peterborough, has resigned from his position to become city manager of Red Deer in Alberta on May 13, 2019 (Photo: City of Peterborough / YouTube)
Alan Seabrooke is leaving the City of Peterborough, after a year in the position of commissioner of community services following three years as chief administrative officer.
Seabrooke has resigned from his position to move to Red Deer in Alberta, where he has accepted the position of city manager (equivalent to chief administrative officer).
He and his wife Teresa will move to Red Deer, where he starts his new job on May 13th.
Before working for the City of Peterborough, Seabrooke held positions with the City of Waterloo, Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, the City of Markham, the Town of Aurora, the City of Mississauga, the City of Elliot Lake, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
In 2015, Seabrooke was appointed chief administrative officer of the City of Peterborough. In 2018, he led a restructuring of the city’s senior management following the retirement of the city’s director of community services Ken Doherty.
The previous five director positions were restructured into three commissioner roles. Seabrooke moved into the community services commissioner position and Sandra Clancy, the previous director of corporate services, became the chief administrative officer.
“Allan has been a valued contributor to the city,” Clancy says. “We’ll miss his voice as part of our senior management team, but we wish him well as he continues his career in Western Canada.”
In the interim, Clancy will serve as acting commissioner of community services in addition to her duties as chief administrative officer.
“I have enjoyed working with council and the talented employees of our city,” Seabrooke says. “It’s a time I will always cherish. Having worked my entire career in Ontario, the opportunity to experience life in Western Canada, working with a growing and progressive community like Red Deer, was appealing.”
Red Deer has a population of 103,588 compared to Peterborough’s 84,230. Seabrooke was hired as city manager in Red Deer following a nation-wide search, and his appointment was unanimously approved by Red Deer city council.
Oshawa folk-rock singer-songwriter Hunter Sheridan will be performing a mix of originals and covers at the Next Door in downtown Peterborough on Friday, May 3rd, and will return on Sunday, May 12th to perform at the Black Horse. (Photo: Sandra Ivaz / kninvu.com)
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 2 to Wednesday, May 8.
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.
Sunday, May 18 6:30-9:30pm - Summer Kick-Off Dance with Gord Kidd and Friends
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 11 8pm - Doc Yates w/ Greg Williams & Kansas Stone ($20, available at www.docyates.com)
Dreams of Beans
138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406
Thursday, May 2
8pm - Open mic hosted by Jacques Graveline
Wednesday, May 8
5-7pm - Sarah Tohnin
Coming Soon
Wednesday, May 22 5-7pm - Sarah Tohnin
Frank's Pasta and Grill
426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2720
Friday, May 3
9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ
Saturday, May 4
7-10pm - Street Latin Social Dance; 10:30pm - DJ
Wednesday, May 8
8-11pm - Open Mic
Ganarascals Restaurant
53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 11 7pm - Steve Marriner
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Friday, May 3
8pm - Ontario Street Theatre presents Union Duke ($20)
Saturday, May 4
2pm & 10pm -Baz Little Rock Band
Coming Soon
Friday, May 10 8pm - Ontario Street Theatre presents Ode to Bob Seger ft 10 performers ($20)
Saturday, May 11 2pm & 10pm - Shenanigans
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, May 2
7-9pm - Peterborough launch of "Lands and Forests" short story collection by Andrew Forbes w/ Dorothy Cheng & Erin Funnell-Kononuk (no cover)
Friday, May 3
5-7pm - Forselli Fridays; 8pm - David Essig ($20)
Saturday, May 4
10pm - Yitzy and Izzy Heltai
Sunday, May 5
8pm - Excuses Excuses w/ Niall and Paper Shakers (19+, $8 or PWYC)
Monday, May 6
7-10pm - St. Arnaud w/ Katey Gatta ($10 at door)
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 11 8pm - Little Fire, Steelburner ($10)
Tuesday, May 14 8pm - Caribou Run w/ Mike Kerr & Mike Brunelle
Golden Wheel Restaurant
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Wednesday, May 8
6:30-8:30pm - Line Dancing w/ Marlene Maskell ($7)
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Saturday, May 4
9pm - Lucky Monkey w/ The Classic 45s ($10 at door)
Tuesday, May 7
8pm - Jordan Foisy in: The I'm Back On My Anti-Depressants Comedy Tour ($15, tickets at http://bit.ly/FoisyPtbo)
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 11 8pm - Limestone ($10 at the door, or $15 for two)
Friday, May 17 8pm - Mokomokai w/ Ian Blurton's Future Now and garbageface ($10)
Friday, May 24 9pm - The Kents and Basement Revolver w/ Rhys Climenhage Band ($10)
Junction Nightclub
253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550
Friday, May 3
10pm - Y2K Flashback w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600
NOTE
Closed May 6th and 7th for renovations
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
9pm - Live music hosted by Tony Silvestri and Greg Caven
Fridays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Saturdays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Sundays
8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon
Mondays
9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green
Wednesdays
9pm - Live music hosted by Kevin Foster
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100
Thursday, May 2
7:30pm - Open mic
Next Door
197 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(647) 270-9609
Advertisement - content continues below
Friday, May 3
9-11pm - Hunter Sheridan (no cover)
VIDEO: "Skin & Bones" - Hunter Sheridan
Advertisement - content continues below
Coming Soon
Friday, May 17 9-11pm - Lauryn Macfarlane (no cover)
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010
Thursday, May 2
7-10pm - Open Mic
Saturday, May 4
1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays w/ Jacques Graveline
Pie Eyed Monk Brewery
8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay
(705) 212-2200
Thursday, May 2
7-11pm - Two For The Show (no cover, reservations recommended)
Saturday, May 4
8pm - The Seven Man Trio ($15 in advance, $20 at door)
Publican House Brewery
300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743
Friday, May 3
7-9pm - Doug Horner
Saturday, May 4
7-9pm - Mike Graham Duo
Coming Soon
Friday, May 10 7-9pm - Shai Peer
Saturday, May 11 7-9pm - Mike Graham Duo
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Friday, May 3
9pm - Chuckle Buddies Comedy Open Mic (sign up at 8:30pm for a five-minute routine)
Monday, May 6
8-11pm - Sean and Chris Conway w/ guest
Tuesday, May 7
9pm - Open mic hosted by Davey Mac
Coming Soon
Thursday, May 9 9pm - Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace and Saint Asonia acoustic show ($15 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/24136/, $20 at door)
Friday, May 10 Kasadors
Saturday, May 11 9pm - Demolishit Fest ft Gag Order, Hotel Murder, High Anxiety, ELE ($10 at door)
Wednesday, July 24 8pm - Bonds of Mara & special guests ($20 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/24319/, Red Dog, Zap Records)
Riley's
257 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 750-1445
Thursdays
Travis Berlinbach
Fridays
Travis Berlinbach
Saturdays
Josh Gontier
Sundays
Josh Gontier
Mondays
Josh Gontier
Tuesdays
Josh Gontier & Cale Gontier
Wednesdays
Guest performers
Sapphire Room
137 Hunter St., Peterborough
(705) 749-0409
Thursday, May 2
7-9pm - Queer Trivia Night; 9-10pm - Amateur Drag Night; 10pm - DJ Pete Thibault
Simcoe Ptbo
172 Simcoe St., Peterborough
705-874-3825
Friday, May 3
9pm - Lobsterfest 2019 Fundraiser Party ft Deviants and The Odd Man Out, The Bayside Dropouts, Basement Dweller & more ($10 at door)
Saturday, May 4
9pm - Throne to the Wolves w/ Heir To The Throne, Dragged In, and Autumna ($5 in advance, $10 at door)
Coming Soon
Thursday, May 9 9pm - Moon Tan w/ Goodnight Sunrise, Antixx, and Merin ($10 at door)
Monday, May 13 8pm - The Human Project w/ Uniforms, Bonnavilles, Antixx, Ship of Fools (all ages, $5 in advance, $10 at door)
Friday, May 17 8:30pm - Skybound, Rival Town, This is a Crisis, Sonorous (19+, $10 at door)
The Social
295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 11 9-11pm - Steve Waters & Cartwright Boundary Band
On May 1, 2019, around 300 people gathered at Confederation Square in downtown Peterborough as part of the "May 1st General Strike Against Ford" and marched along George Street and Hunter Street. (Photo: Thayla Fortin)
A chilly and rainy Wednesday (May 1) didn’t deter approximately 300 people who participated in a “general strike” in Peterborough to protest funding cuts announced by the Ford government.
Local photographer Thayla Fortin was at the protest and shared her photos with kawarthaNOW.
People both young and old, some carrying signs, gathered at Confederation Square in downtown Peterborough and then proceeded to march along George Street and Hunter Street.
VIDEO: Protesters march up George Street in downtown Peterborough (by Esther Vincent)
The protest was one of 26 held across Ontario as part of the grassroots “May 1st General Strike Against Ford” campaign launched on Facebook by Florence O’Connell of Toronto and Dakota Lanktree of Hamilton.
The first event to be organized was at Queen’s Park and, as word spread on Facebook, an additional 25 protests were organized across Ontario.
Many hundreds of people participated in the Queen’s Park protest, which followed a massive health care protest held there the previous day that was attended by thousands of people from across the province.
Here are more photos of the Peterborough protest by Thayla Fortin:
Customers at last year's GreenUP Ecology Park Plant Sale show off their plant purchases. This year, this annual fundraiser for Ecology Park will be held on Saturday, May 18th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Photo: Karen Halley)
For many of us, May is a month of rejuvenation, revived energy, and awakening. For GreenUP, it’s also a month full of green events!
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Karen Halley, GreenUP Communications & Marketing Specialist.
As the natural world renews and refreshes with new leaves and blooms, so do we, with new vitality for a season of warmth, gardening, cycling, and outdoor fun.
GreenUP offers many resources, products, events, and workshops to support your month of green.
The GreenUP Ecology Park Annual Plant Sale runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18th this year. This is our biggest sale of the year and, for many Peterborough-area residents, it is the official start of the gardening season.
Advertisement - content continues below
The Peterborough Master Gardeners will be there to answer all your gardening questions and, while you’re there, you can also visit with the Ancient Forest Exploration & Research group to find out about old-growth forests and seed saving in the Peterborough area.
The Peterborough Master Gardeners will be at the Ecology Park Plant Sale on Saturday, May 18th to answer all your garden and planting-related questions. (Photo: Karen Halley)
The Ecology Park Garden Market officially opens that day too, with quality veggies, seedlings, and a large variety of wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees available. We specialize in varieties and species that thrive in our region of Ontario and that also provide important habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Throughout the season, GreenUP Ecology Park features a host of display gardens and naturalized areas, a native plant nursery, children’s programs, a garden market, skill-building workshops, and hands-on displays that all benefit from the funds raised at the Annual Plant Sale. GreenUP can then continue to offer the community everything we need to be good stewards of the land in our care.
May is also the month when many of us dig our umbrellas out of the basement and our bicycles out of the shed.
During the month of May you can track your bike, transit, and walking trips with Shifting Gears. Come out of hibernation and leave the car behind as you travel to work, school, the store, an appointment, or elsewhere in healthy and sustainable ways.
Register and get tracking now at peterboroughmoves.com. Those who are new to Shifting Gears this year will receive exclusive invites to New-to-Shifting workshops.
Leave the car at home and join Shifting Gears! The annual Peterborough Transportation Challenge is on again this May with workshops, trip tracking, prizes, and more. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Several workshops are being held at different locations in the city, during the first two weeks in May. Those who are new to taking transit, or commuting by bike or by foot are encouraged to attend to learn insider tips about making the shift to each of these modes of travel.
Advertisement - content continues below
Be sure to visit peterboroughmoves.com to register or visit Peterborough Moves on Facebook to view the list of workshops, dates, and locations.
During the month of May, you can also attend free hikes around town called Jane’s Walks, which are named after Jane Jacobs. Jacobs was a writer, urbanist, and activist who championed the voices of everyday people in neighbourhood planning and city-building.
Every year, thousands of people around the world take part in these free, citizen-led walking tours to discuss her ideas. These walking conversations make space for people to observe, reflect, share, question, and collectively reimagine the places in which they live, work, and play.
Residents of the Jackson Park Brookdale area in Peterborough enjoy a guided walk around their neighbourhood. Join a Jane’s Walk and be part of resident led conversations happening across Peterborough this May. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Jane’s Walks are organized and led by volunteers in hundreds of cities around the world. Walks take place each year in Peterborough in partnership with local organizations and on a variety of topics. Visit greenup.on.ca/events to view details about Jane’s Walks happening in May, or visit Jane’s Walk Peterborough on Facebook for a full listing of walks, locations, and themes.
While May is a time for activity and rejuvenation, it can also be a time for rain, higher water levels, and addressing flooding. If you are looking for green solutions for around your home to address flooding (or drought), join the GreenUP water department for the “Water you doing around your home?” workshop being held at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre on Monday, May 6th at 11 a.m.
Advertisement - content continues below
This informative and interactive workshop will explore ways we can develop a more positive relationship with water around our homes by integrating landscaping methods that keep water in mind. Learn water conservation techniques, how to rain-proof your home, how to mitigate impacts on water, and more. To register, call the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre at 705-742-0050
May is also the perfect time to collect rain to later use on your garden, saving you money on your water utility bill, while conserving water at the same time. Pop into the GreenUP Store at 378 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough to pick up a rain barrel.
Install a rain barrel this May and reduce the amount of municipal water you use on your gardens all season lon. Subsidies available for Peterborough Utilities customers at The GreenUP Store at 378 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Our rain barrels are sourced locally and are made from recycled olive barrels that have been retrofitted to collect and store rain water for personal use. For extra incentive to save water, Peterborough Utilities Group customers will receive an instant $25 rebate on their purchase of a rain barrel at the GreenUP Store.
For more information about many more green events happening in May and beyond, check out the GreenUP website events calendar at greenup.on.ca/events.
Ennismore singer-songwriter Melissa Payne and her new band (Kate Suhr, Marcel Rousseau, Derek Downham, Ian McKeown, and Jordan Rousseau) recently performed tunes from her soon-to-be-released new album "Darker Than Your Dark" at a concert at Knox Farm, a private converted barn north of Peterborough operated by music producer and event designer James McKenty and his wife Kellie. (Photo: Knox Farm Series / YouTube)
Check out this video of Ennismore singer-songwriter Melissa Payne’s new song “1000 Pieces”, which dropped today (May 1) on Spotify and Apple Music.
It’s from her soon-to-be-released new album Darker Than Your Dark.
Melissa debuted the tune in a live performance at Knox Farm, a private converted barn north of Peterborough operated by music producer and event designer James McKenty and his wife Kellie.
“1000 Pieces” – Melissa Payne
It was the first time she and her new band (Kate Suhr, Marcel Rousseau, Derek Downham, Ian McKeown, and Jordan Rousseau) performed the songs from Darker Than Your Dark before a live audience.
“Her upcoming record, Darker than your Dark explores an entirely different realm from the pages of her songbook,” declares her new website at www.melissa-payne.ca.
“Nine original tracks that take the listener through the peaks and valleys of the life of this highly emotive artist who is just gaining her stride. Her honest and vulnerable approach to the songs that comprise her latest effort are sure to win over her dedicated fans and first time listeners alike.”
“1000 Pieces”, the first single from Melissa Payne’s new soon-to-be-released nine-track album “Darker Than York Dark”, dropped on May 1, 2019 on Spotify and Apple Music. (Photo: www.melissa-payne.ca)
You’ll be hearing (and seeing) a lot of Melissa this spring and summer.
In addition to touring in support of her new album, Melissa will be performing with Kate Suhr and Kate Brioux as the Dixie Hicks at The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Campfires & Cocktails fundraiser on Saturday, May 6th.
She’ll be opening (along with Evangeline Gentle) for American singer-songwriter Carrie Alice Williams at the Market Hall in Peterborough on Wednesday, June 5th.
And both Melissa and Kate Suhr will be performing this summer for the first time at 4th Line Theatre at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook.
In Enter Stage Right's original production "A Good Man is Hard to Find", Taite Cullen (centre) is Carter Abbotsford, president of the Alpha Omega Psi sorority at Everleigh College, which is in competition with the Phi Beta Sigma for pledges. Things get more interesting when two homeless frat boys (Isaac Martin and Russell Wideman, not pictured) find a loophole that allows them to pledge to a sorority. Aslo pictured are Eden Ferris (left) as the exasperated Alpha Omega vice president Erica Sloane and Victoria Bell as the annoying fact-quoting Tiffany. The show runs from May 1st to 4th in the auditorium at PCVS in Peterborough. (Photo: Enter Stage Right)
From May 1st to 4th, Enter Stage Right returns to the PCVS auditorium with a brand new production A Good Man is Hard to Find.
Enter Stage Right presents A Good Man is Hard to Find
When: Wednesday, May 1 to Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 7 p.m. Where: PACE at PCVS (201 McDonnel St., Peterborough) How much: $15 adults, $10 students/seniors at the door
Written and directed by Greg and Jen Nugent and featuring Victoria Bell, Hannah Boyes, Britney Burton, Jaiden Charters, Eli Cox, Taite Cullen, Eden Ferris, Annika Goeckel, Jordan de Groot, Isaac Martin, Lena Ross, Hunter Sanderson, Sarah Theberge, and Russell Wideman. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Written and directed by brother and sister team Greg and Jen Nugent, A Good Man is Hard to Find is a throwback to the campus comedies that dominated pop culture in the early 1980s.
Sort of a Facts of Life meets Revenge of the Nerds, with a hint of Legally Blonde and Animal House thrown into the mix, this original production is a different kind of show than I’ve become used to from Enter Stage Right in previous years.
By being firmly based in reality, it creates new dramatic challenges for the young cast of players. As Enter Stage Right’s company grows up, so do the productions.
It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for Enter Stage Right, and visiting with the cast and crew of their productions is a highlight of my theatrical year each year. Led by the Nugents, Enter Stage Right is a non-profit group that brings high school students from across Peterborough to help create their own original musical.
Advertisement - content continues below
I’ve always thought of Enter Stage Right as the “little theatre company that could” and, with limited resources or funding, this dedicated group always put on a highly original production. Over the four years that I have spent with this group, I have come to find the entire Enter Stage Right cast and crew to be very endearing, which brings me back each year.
A Good Man is Hard to Find had a more organic origin than previous plays. In the past, the company has been presented with original scripts by Greg and Jen written the summer before production begins. However, when the company only had two male actors show up for auditions this year, alongside a dozen young women, Greg and Jen put away their planned script and developed a brand new story to accommodate this unique situation that a good man, in fact, is hard to find.
The two opposing sororities compete for pledges: Lena Ross, Sarah Theberge, Jordan De Groot, Hunter Sanderson , Hannah Boyes, Annika Goeckel, Victoria Bell, Taite Cullen, and Eden Ferris. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
Enter Stage Right welcomes you to Everleigh College, where the two campus sororities are in competition for pledges, not to mention pretty much everything else. There’s Phi Beta Sigma, led by pretty and popular Riley Hannigan (Sarah Theberge), who is pristinely dressed, armed with cookies, and ready for a good party. Then there’s Alpha Omega Psi, led by Carter Abbotsford (Taite Cullen), which was formed on traditional, if not outdated and wildly misguided, values.
In an eternal struggle for dominance on campus, the two sororities are in a bitter feud, which escalates via various subplots throughout the show.
Advertisement - content continues below
One plot focuses on new students Delany (Hannah Boyes) and Sam (Annika Goeckel), two best friends from high school who planned to come to college and join a sorority together. However, while outgoing Delany finds herself seduced by the glamour and popularity of Phi Beta Sigma, awkward Sam feels more at home with Alpha Omega Psi.
As the two split off to discover life in their chosen sorority, not only is their friendship threatened, but they begin to discover the strengths and flaws of the two houses.
Hannah Boyes and Annika Goeckel as Delany and Sam, whose friendship is in jeopardy when they join different sororities. (Photo: Enter Stage Right)
Meanwhile, two displaced male students, slacker frat boy Chuck (Russell Wideman) and his more serious studious best pal Addison (Isaac Martin), find themselves displaced when they are banned from all fraternities after an accidental explosion that Chuck caused. Homeless and facing the cutting of their funding, Chuck discovers a loophole allowing them to pledge to sorority houses. With Chuck heading over to Phi Beta Sigma, Addison pleads with Alpha Omega Psi to allow him in.
Discovering there’s little they can do to stop the boys from pledging, Riley and Carter decide to force the boys out. In doing so, a private bet is concocted for which house will drive the boys out first — with harrowing consequences to the losing sorority.
Advertisement - content continues below
But once the boys start to become part of the sorority life, feelings begin to change among the girls as alliances are formed, friendships are broken, sisters are betrayed, and romance blooms in a story with likeable characters and lots of heart.
One of the things I enjoy about Enter Stage Right shows is to follow the returning performers who come back each year and watch them grow as actors. I’ve been watching some of the performers for three shows now, and in A Good Man is Hard to Find I noticed a maturity in the performances of many of the returning actors, who have greatly stepped up their game with this show.
Russell Wideman as the slacker Chuck and Isaac Martin as the studious Addison, two frat boys who find themselves homeless but find a loophole that allows them to pledge to the sororities. (Photo: Enter Stage Right)
Taite Cullen, who caught my attention last year in After the Battle as angry underwater superheroine The Wave, has become a confident and strong leading lady in the role of Carter. She is able to lead this ensemble cast through a lengthy production with multiple plots.
Issac Martin, who in previous years played awkward characters such as Dilton in Everyone Loves Archie and The Bureaucrat in After the Battle, steps out of his previous typecasting into a more mature and emotionally conflicted character as Addison.
Jordan de Groot, who won over audiences last year as the hapless criminal The Gooch in After the Battle, continues to steal scenes as dumb but lovable Rosalie, who has not only a strong stage presence but many of the best lines of the show. Jordan always manages to make the scene glow when she takes centre stage.
Advertisement - content continues below
I was really impressed with Lena Ross, who graduated from saying apple puns in last year’s show to becoming the emotional powerhouse player this year. In the role of conflicted Phi Beta Sigma vice president Reagan Hanover, Lena creates a realistic and relatable character. Confident on stage, Lena is always interesting to watch.
New to Enter Stage Right this year is Russell Wideman, who becomes the audience favourite in the role of Chuck. The stereotypical sophomoric slacker, Chuck is fun to be with and, despite his shenanigans, always remains likeable. While the character could be in fear of slipping into a cocky obnoxiousness, Chuck keeps him laid back and likeable.
Chuck and Lena’s performance together at the finale could be my favourite moment of the show.
Lena Ross as Regan Hanover and Russell Wideman as Chuck in one of the show’s standout dramatic moments. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
I also really enjoyed the performance by Annika Goeckel as Sam. Reminding me as a teenaged Sarah Silverman, Annika is a standout because she is just so different from the rest of the girls in the show. Quirky and awkward yet fierce, Annika can project strong emotions not only through her dialogue, but also with her interesting uses of body language — most notably the hunched stance she often uses when leaving the stage defeated. I think Annika has the potential to become a very good character actress and I hope to see her on stage again.
I also want to give a shout out to the important performances by Britney Burton and Eli Cox as house mothers Helen LaRue and Miss Munn. Britney dominates the stage with larger-than-life confidence as the mean-spirited former president of Phi Beta Sigma, while Eli delivers the show’s best lines as the spaced-out but spiritually beautiful Miss Munn.
Advertisement - content continues below
Unlike some shows in previous years that relied heavily on chorus characters, in A Good Man is Hard to Find each character has a unique function and each cast member has a part to play in the movement of the plot.
The cast is rounded out by Hunter Sanderson as the conniving Staci Monroe, Eden Ferris as the exasperated Alpha Omega vice president Erica Sloane, Victoria Bell as annoying fact-quoting Tiffany, and Jaiden Charters as an exotic animal collector who causes havoc across campus.
Through each of these characters, a whole world of subplots and personalities make up campus life at Everleigh College.
Britney Burton (left) as overbearing Phi Beta Sigma house mother Helen LaRue, with Sarah Theberge as sorority president Riley Hannigan and Lena Ross as vice president Regan Hanover. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
A Good Man is Hard to Find isn’t without a noticeable weakness here and there, but for the times that it does fumble it makes up for it with the conviction of the performers and the noticeable heart that the Enter Stage Right company invests into the production.
Like every year, the company pulls off another production when the odds sometimes seem stacked against them, proving again that they are the little theatre company that could. As long as they are devoted to creating original theatre filled with heart and a sense of honesty, they will always be able to maintain my devotion to them.
A Good Man is Hard to Find runs from Wednesday May, 1st to Saturday, May 4th in the auditorium at PACE at PCVS (201 McDonnel St., Peterborough). Doors open at 6:#0 p.m., with the show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and #10 for students and seniors and are available for sale at the door.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
Submit your event for FREE!
Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free.
To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.
