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Electric or acoustic, Rick Fines is always at home playing the blues

Peterborough blues/roots veteran Rick Fines will be performing an electric show with his band on June 9, 2018 at the Kawartha Craft Beer Festival in Millennium Park in Peterborough, and a solo acoustic show in Kinmount on July 12, 2018. (Publicity photo)

For all that he has accomplished musically over the past 30 years, it’s most strange to hear blues/roots guitarist and singer Rick Fines admit to needing proof he’s on the right track.

“There are still insecurities that come up and you ask ‘What are these people coming to see me for?'” says the Peterborough native.

“(Recently) I did a couple of concerts and I just felt like the audience was completely there. They listened to the stories and we were bouncing off of each other. I thought ‘I’m doing exactly what I want to do.’ As a musician, you do need validation and you need to balance that with something where it’s got little to do with you and you’re just simply the medium.”

If you too are looking to give Fines some musical validation, you only have a couple of chances to see him in the Kawarthas in the next couple of months.

He’ll be performing an “electric” show with his band as part of the fourth annual Kawartha Craft Beer Festival this weekend (from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 9th) at Millennium Park in Peterborough. He’s also scheduled to perform a solo acoustic show at Kinmount’s Austin Sawmill Heritage Park at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 12th.

“What a treat it is for me to be able to play with people I know and have loved for all my life,” says Fines who, for all his travelling across Canada performing and leading music workshops, is always thrilled to perform in his hometown.

“Aside from my sentimental attachment to the city, I can hop on my bicycle and, five minutes later, I’m out in the country. I can experience the four seasons here. There are parts of the country where you don’t get the fall colours like we do here. Swimming in the same lake you’re going to be skating on later. What a treat all of that has been and still is.”

VIDEO: “No Expectations” – Rick Fines

And what a treat Fines has been, and still is, for live music fans, not just locally but coast to coast to coast — initially for 15 years as a member of Juno Award-nominated Jackson Delta with band mates Gary Peeples and Alan Black and, since 2003, as a highly acclaimed solo act with several albums to his credit, the latest being 2015’s electric effort Driving Home.

“To stay alive in this business, you have to re-invent yourself all the time,” assesses Fines.

“I have a pile of notebooks of bits and pieces of ideas for songs. I wake every day eager to get to my guitar and work on some new ideas. Music has never stopped drawing me in, over and over again every single day. That’s what it’s about, that constant growth.”

“I suppose everybody, on some level, would like bits of their past back but at the same time nobody really wants to go back and be a teenager again. The great thing for me is I’ve made a living playing music with my friends and I still get to do that.”

Any recounting of Fines’ career has to include his staunch commitment to music education and empowering others, particularly young people, to push themselves to be all they can be.

Rick Fines is a strong supporter of musical education. Here he is with Jesse James Gon (aka Diga) at the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Edzo in the Northwest Territories in April 2018. (Photo: Rick Fines / Facebook)
Rick Fines is a strong supporter of musical education. Here he is with Jesse James Gon (aka Diga) at the Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Edzo in the Northwest Territories in April 2018. (Photo: Rick Fines / Facebook)

He recently made his ninth trip to the Northwest Territories, working in a community there with Diga, a longtime friend and Indigenous musician best known for fronting Tlicho and English language band Digawolf.

“That has been very rewarding for me, whether I’m working with an adult guitar class or doing songwriting or arrangement and horn lines with students in a classroom setting,” says Fines.

“I think it’s very important to share the knowledge that we have and our insights. What I like to say, especially to younger students, is the more you express yourself in a way that you can then examine afterwards, that you can critique and that you can reflection, the better you’ll know yourself. That helps you grow and helps you understand yourself and you’re better prepared for the world.

“I play traditional instruments, guitar and other string instruments, but a lot of the music that younger people are hearing is more electronic and may have more to do with the computer than with hands-on playing of traditional instruments. There’s going to be somebody in that room who suddenly it occurs to them ‘Oh, I like that.’ Maybe they come from a household where they’re not being told expressing themselves is important or they’re not hearing that somewhere else, so maybe I can be that person.”

Just back from western Canada where he performed a series of solo shows — an annual trek that includes teaching and performing at the Hornby Island Blues Workshop in British Columbia — Fines says his excitement lies in reuniting with friends he hasn’t seen since his last trip west.

Rick Fines in May 2018 on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, where he performed a series of concerts. (Photo: Rick Fines / Facebook)
Rick Fines in May 2018 on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, where he performed a series of concerts. (Photo: Rick Fines / Facebook)

As well as performing at his upcoming shows in the Kawarthas, Fines also enjoys being back home as he can spend more time with his wife Lise and their daughter Claire, who turns six this month.

“She now understands a little better that daddy has to go away to work and I have to pour on the steam and pay my mortgage,” says Fines, noting a trip to Newfoundland is also planned, where he and Lise will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

Still, as has been case for the past three decades, music will never stray far from Fines’ mind.

“I’m writing and rehearsing for a new album … I hope to have it out by Christmas if not then, early next year,” says Fines.

“The thing that got me started on this was I’ve been crazy about playing slide guitar, so I thought ‘You know what? I always record one or two cuts with that instrument on it. Why not make an entire album of that?’ Into the writing I realize that not everything is going to be on those instruments, so it’s going to be more of an acoustic album.

“I make my money travelling solo, duo and trio for the most part. It’s just too expensive to tour a five-piece band. Because that’s what people see, it’s what they want to buy when they buy your product at the end of a concert. I kind of got my ya-yas out with my electric project (Driving Home). Now it’s back to what I’m known for.”

Rick Fines performs at the Hank To Hendrix repair shop in Peterborough during a filming session with Jeremy Kelly of filmkelly.ca. (Photo: Jeremy Kelly)
Rick Fines performs at the Hank To Hendrix repair shop in Peterborough during a filming session with Jeremy Kelly of filmkelly.ca. (Photo: Jeremy Kelly)

Whether playing electric or acoustic, or leading a workshop or a classroom session, Fines remains grateful to have been able to make a living doing what he loves.

“The truth is so many people enter into the music business with stars in their eyes and a goal of making it,” he says.

“Truth is the music business, sooner or later, will disappoint everybody and quite often regularly. However, music never disappoints, and if you remember what you’re in it for, then there’s a lifetime to be happy and celebrate that.”

“I certainly don’t have any plans to change careers. I love it but if it ever gets to the point where I’m not, then I’m sure there’s another path. I don’t want to ever find myself feeling embarrassed getting up in front of people and not being what they deserve.”

VIDEO: “Ridin’ The Rails” – Rick Fines

Michael VanDerHerberg receives Fleming College’s Alumni of Distinction Award

Michael VanDerHerberg is the recipient of the 2018 Alumni of Distinction Award from Fleming College. (Supplied photo)

Social advocate and Silver Bean Cafe co-owner Michael VanDerHerberg has received the 2018 Alumni of Distinction Award from Fleming College.

Below is a statement from Fleming College on VanDerHerberg’s award.

 

Fleming College is pleased to announce that Michael VanDerHerberg, a Geomatics Technician graduate from Fleming College Class of 2005, is the recipient of the 2018 Alumni of Distinction Award. This prestigious award is given to an alumnus who attains outstanding career success and professional achievement.

Michael is a compelling advocate for causes in social housing, refugee settlement and community development, in both his professional and personal endeavors. Michael’s work with New Canadian Centre (NCC) began in 2009 and saw a tremendous amount of growth, beginning as an Employment Counsellor, then becoming an Employment Services Coordinator and later becoming a Refugee Resettlement Coordinator.

Michael has faced the refugee crisis first hand having spent a week along Syrian and Iraq borders. It was this experience that led to such a strong motivation to take refugee settlement to new and significantly higher levels.

Michael has helped more than 125 newcomers find and retain work in his city. Resettlement goals over the past year and a half had set out to help 36 Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) families. Michael surpassed that goal, helping 43 families.

To avoid disparity in service between NCC and refugee families, Michael recruited more than 300 volunteers and developed teams of 10-12 people to embrace each family that arrived. His innovative approach drastically improved service and reduced isolation, in turn, reducing crisis. This allowed Arabic-speaking caseworkers to focus on more complex issues such as emergency health issues. Michael’s unique resettlement methods were adopted by refugee centres across Canada.

In a pursuit to support a larger population in need within the community, Michael pursued a career with Peterborough Housing Corporation, a social housing provider. He was named Director of Services based on his achievements and heroism in the Peterborough community.

Along with his wife Andrea, Michael owns and operates Silver Bean Café, a community-style restaurant they established in 2004. It is a popular community hub of buzz, ideas and infectious spirit that patrons call the “waterfront cottage in the city”.

In November 2017, VanDerHerberg was honoured as a Premier’s Awards Community Service nominee for outstanding college graduates. Fleming College presented the 2018 Alumnus of Distinction Award to Michael at the Frost Campus Convocation Ceremony on June 1 at the Lindsay Recreation Complex, Lindsay.

businessNOW – June 4, 2018

This week’s business news includes the opening of Electric Juice Factory in downtown Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster’s annual general meeting, Bernie Kottelenberg joining Farm Life, City Electric Supply opening a new location in Lindsay, local entrepreneur Heather Watson running for Douro Ward council, and a new farmers’ market opening at Fowlers Corners in June.

New regional business events added this week include Habitat for Humanity’s grand re-opening of Lindsay ReStore on June 2nd, the City of Kawartha Lakes Downtown Dreams contest winners and business showcase on June 6th, the Innovation Cluster’s Hands-ON workshop with Michael Konopaski of Inclusive Advisory on June 6th, Community Futures Peterborough’s Financial Friday on succession planning on June 8th, and the Peterborough Chamber’s Leaders Lunch Series on trade and potential of student ambassadors on June 20th.

We publish businessNOW every week. If you want your business news or even to be featured in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.


Port Hope’s Electric Juice Factory expands to downtown Peterborough

 Electric Juice Factory's Peterborough location is now open at 181 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Electric Juice Factory / Facebook)

Electric Juice Factory’s Peterborough location is now open at 181 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Electric Juice Factory / Facebook)

Healthy juice company Electric Juice Factory has opened a new location at 181 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough (beside Tribal Voices).

Based in Port Hope, Electric Juice Factory is the region’s first and only manufacturer of raw, organic, cold-pressed juice.

The company offers bottled cold-pressed juice blends, juice diet plans, “superfood” smoothies, vegan salad bowls, gluten-free and vegan baked goods, and fine espresso.

They also deliver to locations in the Kawarthas and you can find them at the Saturday farmers’ market in Cobourg and the Wednesday farmers’ market in Whitby.

For more information, visit www.electricjuicefactory.com.

 

Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas hosts its annual general meeting

The Innovation Cluster held its annual general meeting on May 31, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)
The Innovation Cluster held its annual general meeting on May 31, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster)

Last Thursday (May 31), the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas held its annual general meeting in downtown Peterborough.

The event offered an opportunity for the public to hear what the local organization has been working on in the past year, including supporting businesses and employment with an economic impact exceeding $10 million.

Speakers included: John Desbiens, Chair of the Board for the Innovation Cluster; Dr. Neil Emery, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Trent University; Michael Skinner, Innovation Cluster President and CEO; Tony Tilly, President of Fleming College; Tim Barrie, Peterborough Region Angel Network; John Fielding, Regional Director ofBusiness Development at Ontario Centres of Excellence; Ribat Chowdhury of Ribitt; and Brian Robinson of Horizon Aircraft.

The speakers highlighted the diversity of projects undertaken by the entrepreneurs at the Innovation Cluster’s business incubator known as The Cube.

 

Bernie Kottelenberg joins Farm Life Financial Planning Group (Farm Life)

Farm Life senior advisor Bernie Kottelenberg and his wife also operate a dairy, hog, and crop farm in Orangeville. (Photo: Bernie Kottelenberg / LinkedIn)
Farm Life senior advisor Bernie Kottelenberg and his wife also operate a dairy, hog, and crop farm in Orangeville. (Photo: Bernie Kottelenberg / LinkedIn)

Farm Life Financial Planning Group (Farm Life) has announced Bernie Kottelenberg as the newest advisor to join the fast-growing Peterborough-based company.

Based at his home farm near Orangeville, Kottelenberg will continue to work with farming clients across southwestern Ontario. With over 20 years’ experience in agriculture banking leadership, team coaching, and finance strategy development, he has extensive experience working with families on their farm business growth strategies.

He also maintains a dairy, hog, and crop farm where he and his wife are already teaching their nine children about the agriculture industry.

“Bernie’s extensive experience in agri-banking across southwestern Ontario provides us with another diverse offering for our clients,” says Darrell Wade, founder of Farm Life. “He is known across the industry for his integrity, commitment to his family and faith and will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Farm Life Financial Planning Group was founded in 2015 with a mission to ensure Canadian farmers can keep farming. It works with families across Ontario to build continuity of the farm through succession, transition, and tax-efficient estate plans. Farm Life currently has representatives across the province with its headquarters in Peterborough.

 

City Electric Supply opens new location in Lindsay

City Electric Supply

Canadian electric wholesaler City Electric Supply is opening a new location in Lindsay effective June 4th.

The new 5,000-square-foot branch at 3 Commerce Place, Unit 101 offers energy-efficient LED light fixtures, with remote monitoring and management to further save on energy, reduce emissions, and improve building operations.

A grand opening event will be held on Friday, June 15th, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon along with a Texas-style BBQ from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Formerly Torbram Electric Supply, City Electric Supply was founded in Mississauga in 1991 and now has 65 branches across Canada. It is part of a privately owned electrical wholesale network with 850 branch locations in eight countries around the world.

 

Local entrepreneur Heather Watson running for Douro Ward council

Heather Watson, founder and CEO of local marketing agency acorn30, is running for  Douro Ward Councillor. (Photo: acorn30)
Heather Watson, founder and CEO of local marketing agency acorn30, is running for Douro Ward Councillor. (Photo: acorn30)

Heather Watson, founder and CEO of local marketing agency acorn30, has announced she is running for Douro Ward Councillor in the Township of Douro-Dummer in the upcoming municipal election.

Watson, who has lived the ward for almost 20 years, was part of the Warsaw Fire Hall Park fundraising group and a board member with both the Kawartha Chamber and Peterborough Agricultural Society. She serves as the Vice Chair of the Douro Library Board and spent time as a Big Sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Peterborough. In 2015, she was recognized by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce of one of their “4-Under-40”.

For more information, visit www.voteheatherwatson.ca.

 

New farmers’ market opening at Fowlers Corners in June

A new farmers’ market is opening at Fowlers Corners in June.

The Cottage Country Farmers’ Market at the Barn begins on Saturday, June 16th at Craftworks At The Barn (124 Lindsay Rd., Selwyn).

The new market will run every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, until the Thanksgiving weekend.

Vendors at the market must grow, make, or raise at least 70 per cent of the products they sell at the market.

For a vendor application, visit www.peterboroughcraftworks.ca/pages/become-a-vendor

 

Habitat for Humanity host a grand re-opening of Lindsay ReStore on June 2

Lindsay ReStore

At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 2nd, Habitat for Humanity and community representatives will be celebrating the grand re-opening of the Habitat ReStore at its new location on 55 Angeline Street in Lindsay.

Ceremonies will include a ribbon cutting featuring City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham and special remarks, with doors opening to shoppers immediately after.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are home and building supply stores and operated by Habitat for Humanity that accept and resell quality new and used building materials. All proceeds from the stores are used to cover Habitat for Humanity’s administration costs, so that donated funds go directly to building homes in partnership with low income families.

For more information, contact Emily Ferguson at Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region at 705-750-1456 ext. 226 or emily@habitatpkr.ca.

 

Northumberland Chambers host Small Business Access Workshop in Colborne on June 4

The four Chambers of Commerce in Northumberland County are hosting a Small Business Access Workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 4th at The Keeler Centre (80 Division St., Colborne).

You can learn about Small Business Access and the programs and resources available to help Ontario small businesses, including the Ontario government’s new Small Business Access portal and hotline, funding for hiring youth and training apprentices, programs and rebates to help reduce your energy consumption and save money, and resources to help you access global markets.

Registration and networking (with light refreshments) takes place at 6 p.m., with a presentation from Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland at 6:30 p.m. and the Small Business Access Workshop at 7 p.m.

The event is free, but advance registration is required at business.trenthillschamber.ca/events/details/small-business-access-workshop-3.

 

Innovation Cluster Hands-ON workshop with Michael Konopaski of Inclusive Advisory on June 6

Hands-ON workshop with Michael Konopaski of Inclusive Advisory

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas is hosting a workshop entitled “Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6th at the Innovation Cluster (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

Inclusive Advisory’s Michael Konopaski will be discussing how happiness drives an entrepreneur’s success. He will help you explore your belief system, introduce you to the “Ten Mind Stimuli”, give an in-depth review of “Flow Psychology”, and more.

Michael is the Managing Director of Inclusive Advisory and the Chief Financial Officer of Aligned Capital Partners. Inclusive Advisory is a local, third generation, multi–discipline partnership of accountants, lawyers and wealth management professionals. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has a PhD from one of the top business schools in the world.

The workshop is free, but you must register in advance at www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-maintaining-mindfulness-as-an-entrepreneur-michael-konopaski-of-inclusive-advisory-tickets-45802385167

 

City of Kawartha Lakes to announce Downtown Dreams contest winners at business showcase in Lindsay on June 6

Downtown Dreams

The City of Kawartha Lakes is hosting a Downtown Dreams Business Showcase from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6th at the Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay) where the city will announce the winners of the contest.

Downtown Dreams is a business attraction program partially funded by the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, in support of the province’s Downtown Revitalization program.

The showcase will highlight businesses from Coboconk, Norland, Fenelon Falls, Omemee, and Lindsay that have participated in training and mentoring to complete a business plan.

These businesses are also competing in the Downtown Dreams contest and will be awarded more than $4,000 in products and services from community sponsors.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with networking and the business showcase in the Academy Theatre lobby, followed by an announcement of the contest winners by Mayor Letham at 5:45 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Catered food from participating communities and a cash bar will be available.

 

Community Futures Peterborough hosts Financial Friday on Succession Planning on June 8

Financial Friday on Succession Planning

Community Futures Peterborough continues its “Financial Friday” series with a seminar on succession planning with Adam Crowley of Gauvreau & Associates from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Community Futures Peterborough (351 Charlotte St., Peterborough).

Succession planning is a critical and often overlooked process. Whether it is determining a succession of future family members, whether it is making the business ready and available for sale to a third party, or whether it is ensuring that a business is appropriately structured for an internal employee to carry on the business, succession planning requires expertise and advanced planning.

You will learn the differences in business structure (corporation versus sole proprietor/partnership), the tax consequences of the different business structure types, types of business sales (share sale or asset sale), the best time to create a succession plan, common succession planning problems, and succession options.

Presenter Adam Crowley is the Manager of Taxation and Advisory Services at Gauvreau & Associates. Crowley, who received his CPA designation in 2016, has worked in public accounting for five years and provides consulting, advisory, and taxation services to our business and personal tax clients.

Financial Fridays are a free monthly initiative by Community Futures Peterborough to further support small businesses and entrepreneurs in the community.

The event is free, but you are encouraged to register in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/financialfridays-succession-planning-tickets-45864721617.

 

Peterborough Chamber Breakfast Meeting with Michael Konopaski on June 12

Michael Konopaski of Inclusive Advisory speaking at a FastStart E-Connect event in December 2017. (Photo; Inclusive Adivsory / Twitter)
Michael Konopaski of Inclusive Advisory speaking at a FastStart E-Connect event in December 2017. (Photo; Inclusive Adivsory / Twitter)

The next Chamber AM, a breakfast meeting hosted by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough) with a presentation from Michael Konopaski, who will speak on the topic “The Truth About Finding Happiness for Entrepreneurs”.

Michael is the Managing Director of Inclusive Advisory and the Chief Financial Officer of Aligned Capital Partners. Inclusive Advisory is a local, third generation, multi–discipline partnership of accountants, lawyers and wealth management professionals. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has a PhD from one of the top business schools in the world.

His research interests include the connection between happiness and entrepreneurship. Over the years, Michael has studied hundreds of entrepreneurs to find out how they built their business while simultaneously achieving happiness. His presentation will focus on helping you increase your well being while keeping ahead of your competition.

Networking begins at 7 a.m. with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (where you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room) followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.

The event is free to attend (pay for what you order). To register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

 

Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hosts Business After Hours: Woodview Hop on June 13

 Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake. (Photo: Viamede Resort)

Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake. (Photo: Viamede Resort)

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its next Business After Hours event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th in Woodview.

The “Woodview Hop” begins at 5 p.m. at Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake (595 Mount Julian – Viamede Rd.) and then travels to Woodview on the Lake (6242 Highway 28) at 5:45 p.m. for networking and refreshments from 6 to 7 p.m., including beef tenderloin on a bun, fruit and cheese, cupcakes, and wine and beer.

Business owners from the Woodview area will also be in attendance to speak about their businesses.

 

Artspace hosts its Annual General Meeting on June 13

Artspace, Peterborough’s non-profit artist-run centre that assists artists with the presentation of new work, is hosting its annual general meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th in the main gallery at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).

Artspace will review the previous year’s operations and the organization’s audited financial statements, and will seek nominations for new members for the board of directors.

All members of the community are invited to attend, but only members in good standing with the centre are eligible to participate in voting.

The meeting will be held in a physically accessible space, and a cash bar and light refreshments will be provided.

 

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre Annual General Meeting in Cobourg on June 19

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is holding its annual general meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19th in the Rotary Room at the Cobourg Public Library (200 Ontario St., Cobourg).

David Quesada, Community Outreach Officer with Horizons of Friendship, will be giving a special presentation on that organization’s partnership with Cornerstone, and will outline the itinerary for the upcoming gender-based violence knowledge exchange in Guatemala in which Cornerstone will be participating.

Cornerstone provides immediate shelter, counselling, and prevention services throughout Northumberland County.

To RSVP, email ghuth@cornerstonenorthumberland.ca.

 

Peterborough Chamber hosts Leaders Lunch Series on trade and potential of student ambassadors on June 20

Leaders Lunch Series on trade and potential of student ambassadors

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its latest Leaders Lunch Series, “Harnessing Trade Opportunities and the Potential of Student Ambassadors”, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Fleming College’s Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).

Dignitaries from Brazil, China, and India will discuss trade opportunities and harnessing the potential of student ambassadors.

Keynote speakers are Sarah Kutulakos (Executive Director of Canada China Business Council), Mr. Anil Shah (National Convenor of Canada India Foundation), Mr. Ademar Seabra da Cruz Junior (Deputy Consul of Brazil to Toronto), and Ms. Paola Saad (Vice-President of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce).

Other speakers will include Douglas Kennedy from the Centre of Global Enterprise (Toronto) and more.

The lunch costs $20. Register at www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

 

Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Annual General Meeting on June 27

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 27th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).

Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. with business at 6 p.m. The meeting will include updates on what’s happening in downtown Peterborough, as well as a general election of the board.

Everyone is welcome to attend, although only DBIA members can vote.

For more information on joining the board, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at 705-748-4774 or joelwiebe@peterboroughbia.com.

 

Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting on June 20

 Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator will be the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting. (Photo: Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre)

Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator will be the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting. (Photo: Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre)

RTO8’s Kawarthas Northumberland is inviting tourism operators from within the Kawarthas Northumberland region (City of Kawartha Lakes, City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County) to its annual partners meeting (annual general meeting) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Iron Horse Ranch (804 Ontario 7A RR1, Bethany).

The meeting will provide tourism operators with the opportunity to meet Kawarthas Northumberland board members and staff, along with representatives and advisors from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and to network with other tourism operators.

The guest speaker at the session will be Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator. Lucier will speak on how tourism operators can leverage their own resources to build new and exciting visitor experiences, with an appreciation for the importance of community collaboration.

The event is free, but advance registration is required by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 8th. Register at Eventbrite.

The Spades are reuniting for the 2018 Peterborough Folk Festival

At the 2018 Peterborough Folk Festival, The Spades (James McKenty, Tommy Street, and Josh Robichaud) are performing in front of a live audience for the first time in five years.

The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced three of the musical acts performing at the 2018 Peterborough Folk Festival.

The free 29th annual festival takes place from Thursday, August 16th to Sunday, August 19th at Nichols Oval in Peterborough.

VIDEO: “See You When The Weather Breaks” – The Spades

The Spades — James McKenty (vocals and guitar), Tommy Street (drums and vocals), and Josh Robichaud (bass and vocals) — will be reuniting to perform in front of a live audience for the first time since the band disbanded in 2013.

One of Peterborough’s most popular indie rock bands of the early 2000s, The Spades will be performing on Saturday, August 18th along with headliners Bedouin Soundclash.

Toronto-based reggae-ska-punk band Bedouin Soundclash — featuring founding members Jay Malinowsk (lead vocals) and Eon Sinclair (bass) — first formed in 2001 and has since released four albums.

Bedouin Soundclash
Bedouin Soundclash

In 2004, the band released their second album Sounding a Mosaic, with the single “When the Night Feels My Song” becoming the band’s breakthrough single on Canadian radio.

In 2006, the band won a Juno award for Breakthrough Group of the Year and “12:59 Lullaby”, a tune from from their 2007 album Street Gospels, was featured in an episode of the U.S. television series Grey’s Anatomy. In 2017, the band released “Clock Work”, its first new single in almost seven years.

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Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Basia Bulat will headline and close out the 2018 Peterborough Folk Festival with a performance on Sunday, August 19th.

Bulat — who plays guitar, autoharp, charango, and piano — has released four albums since 2007. Her most recent record Good Advice was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize.

She has shared a stage with artists including Arcade Fire, The National, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Daniel Lanois, St Vincent, Sufjan Stevens, Destroyer, and Andrew Bird.

Basia Bulat. (Photo: CBC Music)
Basia Bulat. (Photo: CBC Music)

Organizers of the Peterborough Folk Festival will be announcing more performers soon, including the ticketed kick-off concert on Thursday, August 16th.

The festival is also accepting nominations for the 2018 Emerging Artist Award, whose past recipients include Serena Ryder, James McKenty of The Spades, Beau Dixon, Melissa Payne, Mary-Kate Edwards, and more.

For more information about this year’s festival and to apply for the Emerging Artist Award, visit www.peterboroughfolkfest.com.

VIDEO: “Infamous” – Basia Bulat

Police charge Little Britain man with murder in death of Heeley Rae Balanga

Yesterday (June 2), police arrested and charged 44-year-old Ross Ronald Dion of Little Britain in connection to the death of 35-year-old Heeley Rae Balanga.

Dion has been charged with first degree murder and arson — disregard for human life. He has been remanded into custody and will next appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay on June 7, 2018.

On May 29th, officers from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Department responded to a house fire on Aino Beach Road in Mariposa Township, north of Little Britain.

A woman was found deceased in the residence.

A post-mortem examination conducted on May 30th identified the woman as Balanga, and police announced they were investigating her death as a homicide.

The investigation is continuing under the direction of Detective Inspector Paul Rosato is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ontario Provincial Police tip line at 1-844-677-5050.

Take a tour of the Peterborough and Area Garden Route

The free, self-guided Garden Route will take you to seven local gardening businesses in Peterborough and the surrounding area. You can visit speciality growers, browse garden boutiques, and see some gorgeous display gardens, like this one at Griffin's Greenhouses south of Lakefield. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough and Area Garden Route)

Summer-like weather has arrived with a vengeance, which means that gardening season is in full swing. It also means it’s a perfect time to tour the Peterborough and Area Garden Route at gardenroute.ca.

Most people have heard of a fall studio tour, where you take a self-guided tour of local artist studios and even watch them at work. The concept of the Garden Route is similar, except it’s a self-guided tour during spring and summer for those who want to buy plants from local specialty growers, browse garden boutiques, and see some stunning display gardens.

First launched several years ago, the Peterborough and Area Garden Route is a collaboration of selected local gardening businesses who are promoting the benefits of shopping locally for your gardening needs, while also providing an attraction to draw visitors to the area.

Look out for the Peterborough and Area Garden Route logo to let you know when you've arrived at a stop along the route.
Look out for the Peterborough and Area Garden Route logo to let you know when you’ve arrived at a stop along the route.

It’s been a successful collaboration on both counts, with the Garden Route featured in Canadian Garden Centre and Nursery magazine in 2010 and winning a “Promotion of the Year” award in 2013 from the National Garden Tourism Conference — joining winners from around the world including Portugal and Japan.

This year’s Garden Route features seven gardening retailers: The Avant-Garden Shop, Blossom Hill Nursery, Gardens Plus, The Greenhouse on the River, Griffin’s Greenhouses, Johnston’s Greenhouses, and Keene on Gardens.

So why buy your plants at a local gardening business instead of in the parking lot of a grocery store or a big box store?

Peter Green, co-owner of The Greenhouse on the River, and Brenda Ibey, owner of The Avant-Garden Shop, are two of the original members who started the Peterborough and Area Garden Route. (Photo: Clayton Ibey)
Peter Green, co-owner of The Greenhouse on the River, and Brenda Ibey, owner of The Avant-Garden Shop, are two of the original members who started the Peterborough and Area Garden Route. (Photo: Clayton Ibey)

Experienced gardeners know that, for the best quality plants, you should always buy them from a local gardening retailer. Often, they grow their own plants, and in the same climate where they will be planted — ensuring hardier plants that will actually thrive.

Local gardening retailers also have a wider and better selection of plants because that’s their business, unlike big box chains who bring in truckloads of plants from outside the area for only a couple of months in the year.

The same goes for local retailers like The Avant-Garden Shop that specialize in gardening decor, gardening supplies, local art, and more: you simply can’t find the same variety and quality of items anywhere else.

Brenda Ibey, owner of The Avant-Garden Shop, in 2013 displaying the Promotion of the Year award for GardenRoute.ca from the National Garden Tourism Conference. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough and Area Garden Route)
Brenda Ibey, owner of The Avant-Garden Shop, in 2013 displaying the Promotion of the Year award for GardenRoute.ca from the National Garden Tourism Conference. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough and Area Garden Route)

But perhaps most importantly for gardeners — whether newbies or veterans — is the level of customer service and expertise you will find at local gardening retailers. Their staff have the years of experience and accumulated knowledge needed to help you find exactly the right kind of plants you need, whether for a hanging basket or a comprehensive landscaping project.

Most local gardening businesses also host special events and workshops through the gardening season, so you can learn how to make your green thumb even greener.

The Peterborough and Area Garden Route does all this and more. As well as providing an excellent source of plants, you can tour the Garden Route to view some amazing display gardens and find unique gardening-related decor. The route even suggests some places to dine along the way and, if you’re visiting from out of town, places to stay.

Unlike big box stores, local gardening retailers often grow their own plants, have a much wider variety of plants to choose from, and have very experienced and knowledgable staff.  (Photo courtesy of Peterborough and Area Garden Route)
Unlike big box stores, local gardening retailers often grow their own plants, have a much wider variety of plants to choose from, and have very experienced and knowledgable staff. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough and Area Garden Route)

You may wonder why these local gardening businesses, which are normally competing with one another, are collaborating instead. It’s because each stop on the Garden Route is different, with each business having its own specialty.

For example, The Avant-Garden Shop in the heart of downtown Peterborough (165 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough) offers distinctive garden-themed décor, artisan gifts, bird feeders, gardening supplies, and more — making it a perfect stop before or after you’ve picked up plants from one of the other stops on the Garden Route.

Blossom Hill Nursery, located just northwest of Peterborough at Fowler’s Corners (681 Fife’s Bay Rd., Selwyn), specializes in delphiniums and peonies, growing them and other hardy perennials in their beautiful display gardens.

Gardens Plus in Donwood in Peterborough County (136 County Rd. #4, Peterborough) focuses on hosta and other easy-care perennials like daylilies, cone flowers, grasses, and coral bells.

The Greenhouse on the River, located in Douro-Dummer on the Otonabee River just south of Lakefield (4115 County Rd. 32, Douro-Dummer), grows their own plants and provides hanging gardens, custom containers, annuals and perennials, succulents, tropicals, and shrubs and trees.

Each stop along the Garden Route  is different, with each business having its own specialty. For example, Blossom Hill Nursery, located just northwest of Peterborough, specializes in delphiniums and peonies, growing them and other hardy perennials in their beautiful display gardens. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough and Area Garden Route)
Each stop along the Garden Route is different, with each business having its own specialty. For example, Blossom Hill Nursery, located just northwest of Peterborough, specializes in delphiniums and peonies, growing them and other hardy perennials in their beautiful display gardens. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough and Area Garden Route)

Griffin’s Greenhouses, also just south of Lakefield (3026 Lakefield Rd., Selwyn), is a full-service garden centre offering containers, hanging baskets, garden decor and more, and is a grower of annuals and perennials. They also have gorgeous display gardens.

Johnston’s Greenhouses, in the south end of Peterborough just off Highway 115 (871 Crawford Dr., Peterborough), is a full-service garden centre offering a large selection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, as well as garden decor and gardening supplies. They also offer professional landscaping services.

Last but not least, Keene on Gardens is a full-service garden centre, located in a rural setting in Otonabee south of Peterborough (1589 Keene Rd., Otonabee), providing a variety of perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees, soil and mulch, and more.

Another great thing about the Garden Route is, if you visit one stop and they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can refer you to another stop that does. That’s yet another benefit of shopping locally for your gardening needs.

So take a tour on the Peterborough and Area Garden Route — look out for the Garden Route logo to know you’ve arrived at a stop. Garden local, and support local.

Below is a map of the Peterborough and Area Garden Route, as well as descriptions supplied by each of the seven participating gardening retailers — along with their contact information, websites, and social media accounts.

 

The Avant-Garden Shop (165 Sherbrooke Street, Peterborough)

The Avant-Garden Shop

The Avant-Garden Shop is located on Sherbrooke Street in Peterborough’s downtown core just steps away from the beautiful Otonabee River and Millennium Trail.

The shop is filled with an alluring collection of functional and decorative accessories for the home and garden. Focusing on Canadian made, the shop features unique ornaments, wall art and statuary, premium garden tools and supplies, mailboxes and address plaques. We have many beautiful gifts for the gardener in your family.

In addition to gardening items we carry the best selection of bird feeders and accessories in Peterborough. Top-quality bird feeders from birding experts such as Droll Yankees, Squirrel Buster and Aspects, Canada’s best bird seed from Millcreek, pole systems, baffles, CDs, identification books and many other accessories have become customer favourites. The Squirrel Buster Plus is our best-selling bird feeder. It truly is squirrel proof. Guaranteed!

The Avant-Garden Shop

We continue to seek out new lines from local artisans, so that any gift you choose, as always, will be very special. Over 50 artisans from across the country are represented at The Avant-Garden Shop all with a theme towards gardening or bird watching. Ask for your “Tour across the Country!”

Owned by Brenda Ibey, an avid gardener and Horticultural Society member, the shop has grown into a favourite of gardeners and backyard bird watchers from near and far.

Our customers are continually delighted and surprised by the truly special and one-of-a-kind products that we find, many of which are produced by local or Canadian artisans.

The Avant-Garden Shop offers homeowners and gardeners the finest in home and garden décor, gardening accessories and backyard birding supplies.

We support many Canadian artists. More than 75 Canadian artists in the shop and online.

For more information about The Avant-Garden Shop, call 705-743-0068 (1-877-886-0869 toll free), email info@avantgardenshop.com, or visit www.avantgardenshop.com. You can also find The Avant-Garden Shop on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

 

Blossom Hill Nursery (681 Fife’s Bay Road, Selwyn)

Blossom Hill Nurser

Blossom Hill is situated high amongst rolling hills with a breathtaking view of the area.

Owned by Joe, Hazel and Amy Cook and established in 1994, this nursery is the home of an extensive breeding program for Delphinium elatum.

Hundreds of tall, strong spikes of blue, purple, white and pink amaze visitors.

Blossom Hill Nurser

Growing information and advice is provided.

For more information about Blossom Hill Nursery, call 705-742-9923, email info@blossomhillnursery.com, or visit www.blossomhillnursery.com. You can also find Blossom Hill Nursery on Facebook.

 

Gardens Plus (136 County Road #4, Peterborough)

Gardens Plus

Gardens Plus is more than just a perennial nursery… Take a stroll around the beautifully maintained display gardens, note great combinations, and then take your list and shop in the greenhouses or even have plants shipped to your home or elsewhere as a gift.

Extensive selection of the newest as well as the most popular Hosta, Daylilies, Cone flowers, Coral Bells and Grasses. We take pride in our selection, quality and value. Our loyal customers — from the cottager to the gardener with a postage stamp lot in the city — keep coming back to visit.

Gardens Plus

Our focus is on low-maintenance perennials so you can enjoy your gardens, not just work in them.

Come see why ‘Gardening Life Magazine’ chose us as one of the ‘Top 40 Boutique Nurseries in Canada’!

Buses and groups welcome. Gardens/Greenhouses open May-July annually (See Gardens Plus website for more details and hours).

For more information about Gardens Plus, call 705-742-5918, email info@gardensplus.ca, or visit www.gardensplus.ca. You can also find Gardens Plus on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

 

Greenhouse on the River (4115 County Road 32, Douro-Dummer)

Greenhouse on the River

We grow our own!

For 20 years, the Greenhouse on the River, has been the Kawartha destination for the best in container and hanging gardens. From the sun worshippers to the shade tolerant, you will find the best seedlings and starters; the new, the exotic, grasses, tropicals, herbs and heritage tomatoes, tried and true favourites, ready for a home in your garden.

Our houses are informal with the unhurried atmosphere of an open-air market. You will find knowledgeable staff to help you select the plants best suited to your unique garden environment. We are committed to bringing excellent quality, refreshing choice and innovative custom design at an affordable price to our customers.

Greenhouse on the River

Nothing says “welcome” like a beautiful garden oasis on the patio, deck or balcony. For plants that work, let us welcome you to our houses.

For hours, location and information on our services, please visit our website.

For more information about Greenhouse on the River, call 705-652-8154, email thegreenhouseontheriver@gmail.com, or visit www.greenhouseontheriver.com. You can also find Greenhouse on the River on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

 

Griffin’s Greenhouses (3026 Lakefield Road, Selwyn)

Griffin's Greenhouses

Griffin’s Greenhouses is a family business celebrating over 30 years of success.

Ann and Jack Griffin began a small road-side plant stand in 1976 and the business has grown to encompass three large greenhouses, an extensive outdoor sales area, a renovated barn housing interesting garden decor and an award-winning display garden surrounding the natural irrigation pond.

Victoria and Kyle, Ann and Jack’s children, are General Manager and Greenhouse Manager respectively.

Griffin's Greenhouses

It is also not unusual to see Victoria and Kyle’s children on site helping their parents and grandparents — Griffin’s is truly a family business!

For more information about Griffin’s Greenhouses, call 705-652-8638, email info@griffinsgreenhouses.com, or visit www.griffinsgreenhouses.com. You can also find Griffin’s Greenhouses on Facebook.

 

Johnston’s Greenhouses (871 Crawford Drive, Peterborough)

Johnston's Greenhouses

Johnston’s Greenhouse (est. 1945) is a full-service garden centre located in Peterborough just off Hwy. 115. Our greenhouses grow a superior selection of annuals and perennials with an emphasis on selection.

Get your garden off on the right foot. Come to Johnston’s for all your plant and plant accessory needs. Our selection of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs are at their peak. The greenhouse is positively bursting with colour. The choices available to you have never been better.

At Johnston’s you’ll find the largest selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees in the area, all in one location.

Johnston's Greenhouses

Also, check us out for some interesting ideas on pots, planters, garden ornaments and furniture all designed to make your time spent in your garden memorable.

Johnston’s Landscaping is proud of our reputation and our relationships with our customers.

We have been graciously voted as Peterborough’s favourite landscape company for the last 6 out of 8 years. We do not take this honour lightly and we continue to commit ourselves to provide the best possible service and landscapes. We have a full-service landscape division that can follow your dreams from design to installation.

The garden centre contains four display ponds and several display gardens for those that wish to browse and get inspired. Displays change weekly with plants coming into bloom and reaching full potential.

For more information about Johnston’s Greenhouses, call 705-745-3042 or visit www.johnstonsgreenhouse.com. You can also find Johnston’s Greenhouses on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Keene on Gardens (1589 Keene Road, Otonabee)

Keene on Gardens

“It’s Where Gardeners Go” for all their needs. Our knowledgeable staff are Horticulturists and have worked in the gardening, landscaping and design business for years and share your passion for plants and gardening.

We can help you determine the best plants, shrubs, arrangement, to help your gardens come alive with colour and style.

We provide a relaxed, shopper-friendly atmosphere with a rural setting, that will inspire you to create the garden of your dreams.

Keene on Gardens

Drop by and talk to one of our experienced staff — we can help you design and maintain and exceptional garden. Find out when the best time to plant is, what products work best, and tips and techniques to get the most of your garden experience.

For more information about Keene on Gardens, call 705-760-9292, email info@keeneongardens.ca, or visit www.keeneongardens.ca. You can also find Keene on Gardens on Facebook.

New Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market now seeking public donations

Some of the perks the Peterborough Regional Farmers Network is offering backers of its crowdfunding cmapaign to raise funds to cover $15,000 in start-up costs for the new farmers' market. (Photo: Peterborough Regional Farmers Network)

Just one week before the new Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market is set to open, the people behind it are now asking the public to help cover the costs of starting up the market.

Earlier today (June 1), the Peterborough Regional Farmers Network (PRFN) issued a media release announcing the launch of a Kickstarter campaign to support the market, which opens on Saturday, June 9th in the Citi Centre Courtyard at 307 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough.

The PRFN says it hopes to raise $15,000 to help cover the start-up costs of the new market through the crowdfunding campaign. According to the media release, the campaign will include six different donation tiers ranging from $10 to $500.

Depending on the donation tier, backers will receive perks ranging from buttons labelled “I (heart) Local Dirt”, to embroidered patches, decals, caps, t-shirts, and hoodies with a “Local Dirt, Local Worth” logo reflecting the theme of the campaign.

Those who give $500 will be invited to a “harvest dinner experience” in September at McLean Berry Farm, one of the farms behind the new market.

The campaign will run until Saturday, June 30th and will culminate in a celebration at the July 14th market where backers will be able to collect their perks.

The Kickstarter campaign is located at www.kickstarter.com/projects/2025612209/peterborough-regional-farmers-market.

A farmer-led not-for-profit group, the PRFN grew out of the Saturday Peterborough Farmers’ Market’s refusal to approve applications submitted by seven returning vendors. At the root of the dispute were board-expressed concerns over the source of food sold at the market and how that was represented to the public.

Correction: an earlier version of this story indicated the upper donation tier was $100 instead of $500.

Innovation Cluster generates economic impact of more than $10 million

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas held its annual general meeting on May 31, 2018, which included a public tour of its business incubator space The Cube. According to Innovation Cluster President and CEO Mike Skinner, while 80 per cent of startups normally fail within the first two years, that number is reduced to less than 30 per cent when entrepreneurs are supported through a business incubation program. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas held its annual general meeting on Thursday afternoon (May 31) at the downtown incubator on George Street.

The event offered an opportunity for the public to hear what the local organization has been working on in the past year — including supporting businesses and employment with an economic impact exceeding $10 million.

John Desbiens, Chair of the Board for the Innovation Cluster, proudly relayed the various successes of the organization.

“I’m sure we’ve exceeded the imagination and expectation of the founders,” Desbiens said. “I think they would be proud of what the Innovation Cluster team and entrepreneurs have accomplished.”

Dr. Neil Emery, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Trent University, addreses the crowd at the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas annual general meeting on May 31, 2018. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Dr. Neil Emery, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Trent University, addreses the crowd at the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas annual general meeting on May 31, 2018. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)

Dr. Neil Emery, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Trent University, explained to the audience that the Innovation Cluster, which started at Trent as the DNA Cluster focusing on forensics and life sciences, has continued to positively impact the community and young entrepreneurs since its inception in 2004.

The newly renovated Innovation Cluster now focuses on four key sectors: clean technology, agriculture technology, digital technology, and health care technology. The organization supports startups, helps with relocation or expansion of companies, facilitates the creation of new jobs, and assists clients in the process of procuring public and private investments.

At the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas annual general meeting on May 31, 2018, Innovation Cluster President and CEO Mike Skinner reported the economic organization has supported 77 companies, who now employ 141 people with an overall economic impact of $10,950,587. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)
At the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas annual general meeting on May 31, 2018, Innovation Cluster President and CEO Mike Skinner reported the economic organization has supported 77 companies, who now employ 141 people with an overall economic impact of $10,950,587. (Photo courtesy of the Innovation Cluster)

“This success is only possible with the combination of the history of everyone involved, combined with our current staff, board of directors and most importantly the entrepreneurs that are willing to take the risk to follow their dreams,” said Michael Skinner, Innovation Cluster President and CEO.

Skinner told the audience that, while 80 per cent of startups normally fail within the first two years, that number is reduced to less than 30 per cent with an incubation program like the one offered at the Innovation Cluster.

The organization, said Skinner, has proven that startups can succeed if there are programs to support them.

The Innovation Cluster reports it has supported 77 companies to date. These companies now employ 141 individuals, with an overall economic impact of $10,950,587 — surpassing the organization’s own targets.

“That money from sales gets re-invested into our community,” Skinner said.

Other speakers at the organization’s annual general meeting included: Tony Tilly, President of Fleming College; Tim Barrie on behalf of Peterborough Region Angel Network; John Fielding, Regional Director, Business Development at Ontario Centres of Excellence; Ribat Chowdhury of Ribitt; and Brian Robinson of Horizon Aircraft.

Alex Bushell stands beside the CapTrack, a device he developed with his partner Steve Wright that caps specimen tubes for medical laboratories. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Alex Bushell stands beside the CapTrack, a device he developed with his partner Steve Wright that caps specimen tubes for medical laboratories. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)

These speakers highlighted the diversity of projects undertaken by the entrepreneurs at The Cube, as clients and employees refer to the Innovation Cluster’s business incubation space.

Alex Bushell of Lab Improvements has been working out of the Innovation Cluster for three years, beginning when the organization was operating as the DNA Cluster at Trent.

Bushell and his partner Steve Wright developed CapTrack, a device that caps specimen tubes for medical laboratories.

It is a simple task that can now be done by a machine, Bushell explained. Prior to this development, capping was done manually.

Bushell emphasized that his device does not aim to replace people’s jobs with machines.

“The device optimizes people’s time,” Bushell said. “Automation sometimes gets a bad reputation for replacing jobs that people could do, but this device still requires highly trained workers. It just makes their work more efficient.”

Sanu Somaweera and Chris Bollissimo of Kavtek Software. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Sanu Somaweera and Chris Bollissimo of Kavtek Software. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)

In another part of The Cube, Sanu Somaweera and Alexandra Campbell of Kavtek Software have developed an augmented reality app for Apple and Android phones.

The home remodelling app allows users to digitally design a space by adding content on top of real images.

“The idea is that a realtor could use the app to re-imagine the entire space,” said Chris Bollissimo of Kavtek Software. “For example, a user can scan an area in front of them, such as a carpeted floor, and put hardwood floor on the space. You can also add furniture, like chairs, which are actually available to purchase.”

Kavtek is a home remodelling app allows users to digitally design a space by adding virtual content on top of real images. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Kavtek is a home remodelling app allows users to digitally design a space by adding virtual content on top of real images. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)

While interior design software is available to real estate professionals, not many software options exist that allow users to instantly redesign a space.

A common theme among entrepreneurs at The Cube was identifying a potential market for their product vision.

Brooke Hammer, Founder of Chimp Treats, has successfully tapped into a market in the vegan food industry.

Hammer was in her last year of school at Trent University when she developed Nice Cream, a brand of frozen fruit products that is now selling coast-to-coast in 150 different stores across Canada. She discovered no one on a commercial level was manufacturing a product from bananas, and knew from people she talked to that there was a need for a healthier option. Nice Cream is vegan, non-dairy, contains no added sugar, and is low fat.

Brooke Hammer, founder of Chimp Treats, which produces Nice Cream, a vegan ice cream alternative made from bananas. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Brooke Hammer, founder of Chimp Treats, which produces Nice Cream, a vegan ice cream alternative made from bananas. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)

Hammer first brought her product to market through Jo Anne’s Place, a local health food store with two locations in Peterborough and one in Lindsay.

“I made it in my kitchen and brought it in a tupperware container,” she said. “I would buy packages, make and print out labels, and put it all together and deliver it to Jo Anne’s.”

Hammer said she wants to maintain the integrity of the product as her company continues to grow.

“Product quality has always been a top priority,” she explained. “I like that the product is so accessible to everyone. Even babies can eat it. As we expand, I want to stay true to the vision of making a product that is just fruit. I want to be able to say we are entirely fruit.”

Whole Foods was the first large company to carry Nice Cream in June 2017 and, since then, Chimp Treats is now carried by Sobey’s, Metro, stores in the GTA, and even IGA and online retailers in British Columbia.

Despite the growth that Chimp Treats has experienced, Hammer still manages to do most of the product demonstrations herself.

“It’s a great chance to talk to people and see how your product is being received. It’s the best research. Do people care about low fat? Do people care about sugar content? You find out what matters to people.”

Chadd Williams, Sana Virji, Ribat Chowdhury, and Basil Alias of Ribitt, an app that allows users to collect points by shopping at local vendors registered on Ribitt. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Chadd Williams, Sana Virji, Ribat Chowdhury, and Basil Alias of Ribitt, an app that allows users to collect points by shopping at local vendors registered on Ribitt. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)

Ribat Chowdhury, who also addressed the crowd during the annual general meeting, believes in supporting local businesses.

Chowdhury, along with his co-founder Sana Virji, developed Ribitt, an mobile app that rewards people for shopping locally.

The app allows users to collect points by shopping at local vendors registered on Ribitt and those points can then be transferred to dollars.

Ribitt services Peterborough and the Roncesvalles neighbourhood in Toronto. So far, the app has been downloaded 5,000 times.

Chowdhury’s vision is to have Ribitt in every community.

“We want to empower local business and bring them together, and we’re glad to be able to build our product from Peterborough.”

Networking and partnering with organizations and individuals within the local community is an invaluable experience that the Innovation Cluster offers clients.

Lab Improvements’ Bushell said his experience at The Cube has been fantastic.

“There’s such a wide range of business experience here. There are a lot of resources at your fingertips and you get to work with many different partners.”

Brian Robinson of Horizon Aircraft describing his X3 hybrid electric aircraft for personal transportation use. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)
Brian Robinson of Horizon Aircraft describing his X3 hybrid electric aircraft for personal transportation use. (Photo: Amy Bowen / kawarthaNOW.com)

Other entrepreneurs relayed similar positive experiences at The Cube.

In his address to the crowd, Brian Robinson of Horizon Aircraft said the organization offers “access to incredible resources.” He’s been working on his project — a hybrid electric aircraft for personal transportation use — for a decade and noted access to resources as a barrier.

Geoff Wolfer of Front Office Hockey, an online registration platform for hockey camps, clinics, and lessons, stated that working at The Cube is inspiring and keeps him motivated.

“It’s motivating to be around other people that are in the same position as you. It motivates you to keep going.”

Likewise, Kavtek Software’s Somaweera and Bollissimo described their experience as phenomenal.

“I don’t think we’d be where we are without The Cube,” said Somaweera.

nightlifeNOW – May 31 to June 6

Folk duo The BelleRegards (Matthew Kingsley and Melanie Hilmi) kick off the "Live Music on the Boardwalk" series at the Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on Tuesday, June 5th. (Photo: Ashley Murrell Photography)

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 31 to Wednesday, June 6.

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.

Arlington Pub

32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080

Saturday, June 2

9pm - Derek Harrison and Bobby Dove ($10)

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 9,
9pm - Broken Harmony ($10)

Arthur's Pub

930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105

Thursday, May 31

8pm - Karaoke night

Friday, June 1

8pm - Busker Brothers

Saturday, June 2

8pm - Madman's Window

Sunday, June 3

4:30-8pm - Celtic Sunday w/ Tom And Rick

Tuesday, June 5

7:30pm - Beatles Tribute w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman

Wednesday, June 6

8pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Friday, June 8
8pm - Andy Earle

Saturday, June 9
8pm - Bill Craig

Sunday, June 10
4:30-8pm Celtic Afternoon With Ugly Horse

Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub

4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450

Thursday, May 31

8pm - Jam Session w/ Wino Blues Band and Open Mic Night (bring your own instruments)

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 16
9pm - Curtis' Charity Drag Party ft Simma Downe, Penelope Strange, Lizzy Strange, Mona Pleazure ($25)

Beard Free Brewing

649 Unit 4 The Parkway, Peterborough
(705) 775-2337

Saturday, June 2

2-5pm - Gordy Craig

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 9
2-5pm - Mr J.

Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, May 31

7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues w/ Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, June 1

5-8pm - Cheryl Casselman; 8:30pm - Pop Machine

Saturday, June 2

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - House Brand

Sunday, June 3

3-6pm - Bluegrass Menagerie

Monday, June 4

7-11pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie

Tuesday, June 5

7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill

Wednesday, June 6

7pm - Nicholas Campbell

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 7
7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues w/ Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, June 8
5-8pm - Sean Hully; 8:30pm - Groove Authority

Saturday, June 9
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Christine Atrill Band

Sunday, June 10
3pm - Buckle Busters

Boathouse Cafe at Golden Beach Resort

7100 County Rd.18, Roseneath
(905) 342-5366

Wednesday, June 6

6-9pm - Derrick Zuber

Coming Soon

Wednesday, June 13
6-9pm - Tyler Cochrane

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault

148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884

Friday, June 1

7-9pm - Gerald Van Halteren

Coming Soon

Friday, June 15
6-9pm - Open mic

Canoe & Paddle

18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111

Coming Soon

Tuesday, June 12
8pm - Hunt the Hare ($10)

The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg

38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029

Friday, June 1

8pm - The Quickshifters

Coming Soon

Friday, June 8
8pm - Tyler Cochran

The Cat & The Fiddle Lindsay

49 William St. N., Lindsay
(705) 878-4312

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 23
6pm - Summer Bash fundraiser for Haliburton & Kawartha Lakes Victim Services ft Harry Peterson Band ($10)

Champs Sports Bar

203 Simcoe St., Peterborough
(705) 742-3431

Thursdays

7pm - Open mic

Chemong Lodge

764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435

Friday, June 1

7-11pm - Ken DeChamp & Earl Wilfong

Saturday, June 2

7-11pm - Live music TBA

Coming Soon

Friday, June 8
7-11pm - Waters Edge

The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse

26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001

Thursday, May 31

8pm - Open mic

Friday, June 1

5pm - Queen & Sons; 8pm - Disco Night with Billy

Saturday, June 2

8pm - Shawn Dore

Monday, June 4

Trivial Pursuit

Tuesday, June 5

OpinioNation w/ Bill Davenport

Wednesday, June 6

8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 7
7pm - Open Mic

Friday, June 8
5pm - David Papple; 8pm - Sue & Mike

Saturday, June 9
8pm - Tim Bastmeyer

Coach & Horses Pub

16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006

Thursdays

10pm - Open Mic w/ Gerald Vanhalteren

Fridays

9:30pm - Karaoke Night w/ DJ. Ross

Wednesdays

7-11pm - Live music

Dobro Restaurant & Bar

287-289 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9645

Friday, June 1

10pm - Live music (TBA)

Saturday, June 2

10pm - Live music (TBA)

Wednesday, June 6

Open stage

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Coming Soon

Friday, June 8
8:30pm - Open Mic

Saturday, June 9
8pm - Blues with Mike Biggar ($10, in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/blues-with-mike-biggar-tickets-45578139442)

Saturday, June 16
8pm - Canadian Blues Legends: Jesse O'Brien and Chris Caddell ($20, in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/o/dominion-hotel-7925441443)

Frank's Pasta and Grill

426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727

Friday, June 1

9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ

Saturday, June 2

5pm - 6 Year Anniversary Celebration w/ guest of honour MP Kim Rudd and music by Aaron & Deanna (5pm) and Head Case (8pm) w/ DJ McPimpin at 11:30pm

Wednesday, June 6

8-11pm - Open Mic

Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Friday, June 1

10pm - DJ Loco Joe

Saturday, June 2

2pm & 10pm - Spitfire Kings

Coming Soon

Friday, June 8
10pm - DJ Loco Joe

Saturday, June 9
2pm & 10pm - Marty And The Mojos

The Garnet

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107

Thursday, May 31

8pm - Teenage Wedding and with Martian Broadcloak ($8)

Friday, June 1

8pm - Steelburner, The Quadrupeds of North America ($7)

Sunday, June 3

9pm - Cruel Bloom, The Corporate Life, & more ($7 or PWYC)

Tuesday, June 5

8pm - Bad Strangers & Paper Shakers ($10 at door)

Golden Wheel Restaurant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Thursday, May 31

7-9pm - Pop Country Line Dancing Lessons w/ Tina O'Rourke (beginner plus to intermediate, $7)

Saturday, June 2

8:30pm - Jade Eagleson fundraiser for Centreville Presbyterian Church Youth Mission Trip w/ DJ Vince Steeenburg ($15 in advance, $18 at door)

Wednesday, June 6

7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene Maskell ($7 per person, all levels welcome)

Hot Belly Mama's

378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544

Thursday, May 31

6-8pm - Keigan & Whitney; 8pm - Quickshifters

Junction Nightclub

253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550

Friday, June 1

10pm - Y2K Flashback w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)

Kawartha Coffee Co.

58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500

Coming Soon

Friday, July 6
6-9pm - Impact 32 presents Bloom Town Bash ft food, karaoke, henna artist, and more. Themed attire encouraged, all proceeds to support Vibrant Village initiatives ($25 til June 25, $30 after, available at www.visitbobcaygeon.com, Kawartha Coffee Co., Impact 32 Welcome Centre at the locks)

Marley's Bar & Grill

17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545

Friday, June 1

7-10pm - Patrick Maloney

Saturday, June 2

7-10pm - Blue Hazel

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600

Thursday, May 31

7-11pm - Karaoke w/ Jefrey Danger

Friday, June 1

8pm - Scott Maybee

Saturday, June 2

8pm - Gillies' Live Mic

Wednesday, June 6

7-10:30pm - Open mic

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Thursdays

9pm - Live music with JJ Thompson

Fridays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

SatSaturdays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Sundays

8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon

Mondays

9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green

Tuesdays

9pm - Vintage Tuesdays ft Brendan Lawless

Wednesdays

9pm - Live music

The Mill Restaurant and Pub

990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177

Thursday, May 31

7pm - Ryan Lacroix

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 7
7pm - Jazz Tonic

Moody's Bar & Grill

3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 16
2pm - Emily Burgess Band

Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio

3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100

Tuesday, June 5

7-9pm - North Country Express

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 7
8-11pm - Open Mic Night

Oasis Bar & Grill

31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634

Thursdays

6:30pm - Live music

Sundays

5:30pm - PHLO

Wednesdays

6:30pm - Live music

Pappas Billiards

407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010

Saturday, June 2

1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays with Keigan & Whitney

Publican House Brewery

300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743

Friday, June 1

8-10pm - Shai Peer

Saturday, June 2

8-10pm - Cindy and Scott

Sunday, June 3

3-6pm - Wylie Harold

Coming Soon

Friday, June 8
6-11pm - Kawartha Craft Beer Festival After Party with Tony Silvestri

Saturday, June 9
6-11pm - Kawartha Craft Beer Festival After Party with Kate Suhr, Melissa Payne, and Kevin Foster

Red Dog Tavern

189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400

Thursday, May 31

10pm - Bif Naked ($25 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20815/)

Friday, June 1

9pm - Rock For A Cure 2018 breast cancer fundraiser ft Kerry Jayne, Niall, Ty Wilson, Dandy Lyon Wine, Paper Shakers, FAF, Communal Darts (all ages, $10 or $15 for two tickets)

Tuesday, June 5

9pm - Open mic w/ Matt Diamond (sign up at 8pm)

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 7
David Bowie Tribute

Friday, June 8
8pm - Broken Harmony "Time Will Tell" record release party ($10, advance tickets at www.ticketscene.ca/events/21155/)

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

Riverside Grill & Gazebo - Holiday Inn

150 George St, Peterborough
(705) 743-1144

Coming Soon

Friday, June 22
6-10pm - Friday Night Blues Series featuring Jack de Keyzer ($10)

The Social

295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724

Friday, June 1

10pm - Nashville Night

Saturday, June 2

10pm - Ivory Hours w/ Paper Shakers

Southside Pizzeria

25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120

Fridays

9am-12pm - Open mic ($2)

The Twisted Wheel

379 Water St., Peterborough

Thursday, May 31

7-10pm - Washboard Hank's Weekly Live Music Backroom Bazaar w/ special guest Terry McEvoy

Tuesday, June 5

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night w/ Jonny Trash

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 9
7-10pm - Grand Opening Party ft live music, food, drink specials, games, vinyl DJs, and dancing

The Venue

286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008

Friday, June 1

7pm - RiseUp TV Tour Spring 2008 hosted by Roger Boucher and ft Ian Kurz, Taylor Merrick, Missy Knott, and more ($10)

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 23
8pm - Matt Mays w/ Modern Space ($19.99 or $22.50, available in advance at www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1678499)

White House Hotel

173 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 741-2444

Friday, June 1

4-8pm - Christine Atrill Band

Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort

1045 Settlers Line, Keene
(705) 295-4591

Tuesday, June 5

7-9pm - Live on the Boardwalk ft The BelleRegards

VIDEO: "Stay Live" - The BelleRegards

Coming Soon

Tuesday, June 12
7-9pm - Live on the Boardwalk ft The Al Black Trio

Police investigating death of woman in Mariposa Township house fire as homicide

Police have released the name of a woman found dead after a house fire in Mariposa Township on Tuesday (May 29).

A post-mortem examination conducted on May 30th at the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service in Toronto has identified the woman as 35-year old Heeley Rae Balanga.

Police are investigating her death as a homicide.

On Tuesday at 5:09 a.m., officers from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Department responded to a house fire on Aino Beach Road in Mariposa Township, north of Little Britain, where a woman was found deceased in the residence.

Investigators are currently in the process of piecing together Balanga’s last days that ultimately led up to her death.

The investigation is being conducted by detectives from City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Crime Unit, OPP Forensic Identification Services (FISU) and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, under the direction of Detective Inspector Paul Rosato of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

Police are asking for the assistance of the public and, specifically, anyone who may have known the victim.

If any member of the public observed any suspicious vehicles or other activity in the area of Aino Beach Road and Rainbow Bridge Road between 9 p.m. on Monday, May 28th and 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29th, they are asked to contact the OPP tip line at 1-844-677-5050.

Investigators will remain at the scene on Aino Beach Road and further information will be provided as the investigation permits.

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