Participants in the annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser for Hospice Peterborough cross the bridge from Millennium Park on their way to Roger's Cove in East City on September 22, 2024. (Photo: Anne Leavens)
The annual Hike for Hospice has raised a record-breaking $136,000 for Hospice Peterborough.
Held for the first time in three years as an in-person event, almost 250 participants gathered on September 22 to walk in support of the non-profit organization that offers — at no cost to those who need it — support to individuals and families living with or affected by life-threatening illness and grief, including palliative care.
According to a newsletter from Hospice Peterborough, many of those who participated in this year’s event did so in memory of a loved one who had died.
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The event began in Millennium Park with opening ceremonies that included drumming and singing by local women’s drumming group Unity and opening remarks from Hospice Peterborough’s executive director Hajni Hos, with a reflection from Hospice Peterborough’s supportive care counsellor and podcast host Red Keating and music by the Hospice Singers.
Participants then walked from Millennium Park to Roger’s Cove in East City, with the option to continue to the beach at Beavermead Park.
For the past 22 years, Hike for Hospice has been Hospice Peterborough’s largest annual fundraiser. It was held as a virtual event from 2020 to 2023 due to the pandemic, returning as an in-person event this year.
“Hospice Peterborough extends a massive thank you to hikers, donors, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who made the event a success,” the organization’s newsletter states.
The cast of Globus Theatre's 2021 holiday panto "Mother Goose". Known for its annual traditional British panto, the Bobcaygeon theatre company is holding auditions for this year's panto, "Aladdin" by Sarah Quick, on October 6, 2024. The production runs from December 4 to 15. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)
Globus Theatre is putting the call out to young performers in Kawartha Lakes to audition for the Bobcaygeon theatre company’s annual holiday panto.
Auditions will be held at the Lakeview Arts Barn on Sunday afternoon (October 6) for Aladdin, a traditional British panto running from December 4 to 15.
Globus Theatre is looking for talented — or just very enthusiastic — young performers over the age of six who want to work alongside professional actors in a busy production and learn each step of taking the page to the stage.
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Written by Globus Theatre artistic director Sarah Quick, Aladdin is a comic version of the classic tale that the whole family can enjoy. The audience will follow the titular hero on a thrilling, madcap adventure where he meet many characters, including the evil Abanazar, Aladdin’s mother the Widow Twankey, the rather clumsy Genie-of-the-Ring, and the object of Aladdin’s affections, Princess So Shy.
While students of Globus Theatre’s School of Dramatic Arts will be given priority when auditioning, everyone who signs up for an audition will be considered for parts, and roles may be double cast. As well as young performers, Globus welcomes anybody of any age who would like to work backstage, paint scenery, build sets, find props, sew costumes, or do make-up.
Audition times on Sunday afternoon are 2 p.m. for ages 6 to 9, 3 p.m. for ages 10 to 13, 4 p.m. for youth over 14, and 5 p.m. for adults. Globus Theatre asks those who are auditioning for performance roles to prepare a one-minute monologue and also to be prepared to read from the script.
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To register for an audition timeslot, call 705-738-2037 or emailing Sarah Quick at sarah@globustheatre.com.
Performances of Aladdin will be held for area schools during the day on December 4 and 5, with public performances taking place at 7 p.m. on opening night (December 6) and at 8 p.m. on December 7 and 13 and 14, and at 2 p.m. on December 7 and 8 and 14 and 15.
For more information about Globus Theatre and its current season, and for tickets to Aladdin, visit globustheatre.com.
Sarah Budd, outgoing CEO and president of Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the launch of the chamber's inaugural Luminary Awards, held at Bennett's Furniture and Mattresses in Peterborough on September 18, 2024. With five categories, the awards celebrate women in business in the city and county of Peterborough, both those in leadership roles and those who lead from behind the scenes. Nominations are now open until January 17, 2025. (Photo: Heather Doughty Photography)
With the aptly named Luminary Awards, Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is putting a spotlight on local women in business.
“As women, we really know the power of women supporting women, but also how important it is to give back and inspire the younger generation,” says Sarah Budd, outgoing president and CEO of Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
Open to women and those who identify as women in the city and county of Peterborough, the awards celebrate the achievements of those who shape and inspire the community, whether from leadership positions or from behind the scenes. With five categories, the inaugural Luminary Awards are open for nominations until Friday, January 17th.
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Budd wanted to introduce awards for women in business since before she began leading the chamber two years ago. Between learning about other chambers of commerce hosting similar initiatives and seeing how connections are formed between women at the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, it’s a project that has always been in the back of her mind.
“I really benefited from mentorships early on in my career, and just being around a bunch of other women,” Budd says, noting how eagerly community members seemed to want an award like this. “As soon as we started talking it up, we knew we were on to something.”
When asked why she thinks it resonated so much with community members, chamber vice chair Susan Dunkley referred to the collection of portraits of past chamber chairs that hung in the chamber’s board room until about a year and a half ago. Save for three, all the photos — covering upwards of 130 years — were of men.
“I think that’s why people are excited, because it has always been about the men,” Dunkley explains. “That’s not to say men don’t deserve it, but there have been women who have been doing amazing things for years but not being recognized. Right now, there’s some really amazing women coming to the forefront and shining a light on all the rest of us.”
Female business and community leaders gathered at Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses in Peterborough on September 18, 2024 to celebrate the launch of Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Luminary Awards. Celebrating women at all levels in business, the awards feature five categories ranging from employees to emerging entrepreneurs to legacy entrepreneurs. (Photo: Heather Doughty Photography)
Including one award specifically for a “barrier-buster employee,” all the Luminary Awards are intended to recognize the added barriers that women in business face compared to their male counterparts. Dunkley points out that women, while managing their own careers, are also more likely to be the ones who manage their families by keeping track of appointments and kids’ schedules.
“You’re trying to do that and run a business and that’s a huge barrier, because I do not feel we equally share responsibility of home life,” she says, noting other barriers in the workplace like gender disparity and pay gaps.
“I would never give up my being a mom and being a grandmother — they’re the most important things in the world to me,” Dunkley says. “My businesses is also super important — my clients all mean the world to me — but my kids and being a mom, that’s my number one job and that should not diminish me as a business woman in any way, and yet it does.”
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For her part, Budd says that because so many men are in leadership positions, this influences how women feel they are expected to act in the workplace to move up the career ladder.
As an example, she recalls a story she recently heard about a woman in business feeling she had to order a hamburger and beer instead of the salad and wine she preferred while at a lunch meeting so as to “fit in” among her male colleagues.
“If there were more of us that were at the top, there would be more salads around the table as well as hamburgers,” Budd laughs. “Neither is wrong, it’s just that we feel we have to assimilate and become more male. That wouldn’t be the way if we had more female role models.”
Martha Sullivan of Sullivan Law Ptbo speaks at the launch of Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s first annual Luminary Awards, held at Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses in Peterborough on September 18, 2024. Sullivan Law Ptbo is the presenting sponsor for the awards that celebrate women in business. (Photo: Heather Doughty Photography)
While the Luminary Awards will certainly shine a light on female business leaders in the community, Budd notes it’s also essential to recognize those women who are behind the scenes as with the “One to Watch – Employee” award.
“Not everyone’s going to run their own business or be the CEO, so it’s really important to recognize and to be inspired by those that lead from behind as well,” she says.
“I know so many women that I’ve worked with over the years that are not going to be the CEO, but we would not have been able to accomplish what we did without them. Those stories need to be told.”
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The Luminary Awards will also honour those women in business who have built a legacy in the community and have guided others, while also recognizing emerging entrepreneurs.
“It’s really important that we have the full circle, and it’s not just about the new and under 40,” says Dunkley. “It shouldn’t be focused on one thing — it should be the whole gamut.”
“I think everybody that is a female that is pretty successful will say they remember women in their lives that they aspired to be,” Budd adds. “They inspired them to think they could do that, too, and that’s what the Luminary Awards is all about.”
Award-winning kawarthaNOW founder and publisher Jeannine Taylor introducing the “One to Watch – Employee” award during the launch of Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Luminary Awards on September 18, 2024. kawarthaNOW is the presenting media sponsor for the awards that celebrate women in business. (Photo: Heather Doughty Photography)
While people can certainly submit nominations on behalf of a friend or co-worker, Budd and Dunkley notes that self-nominating ensures that everything on a woman’s resume will be included in the nomination.
“We definitely want to encourage women to toot their own horns — that’s the whole point of this,” says Budd.
“We want them to be proud of their accomplishments and we want to celebrate them for those accomplishments, so whether they’re nominated by their peers or they nominate themselves, that’s great.”
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Having both received their own share of awards and accolades, Budd and Dunkley note that the Luminary Awards are not just great marketing opportunities for nominees to gain more traction in their business, but the recognition is significant for their own sense of self-worth.
“Anytime you win an award, it really does make you step back and see that what you do everyday matters,” Budd explains. “Sometimes we just really need that pat on the back because often, as women, we are our harshest critics.”
“Because we do that balancing act between kids and family and business, many women aren’t sure if we’re giving enough or giving too much. It’s honestly immeasurable to get that validation from the public and from your peers. I’m sure it will inspire them to want to do even more, or become mentors themselves.”
Susan Dunkley, vice chair of the board of Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the launch of the chamber’s first annual Luminary Awards, held at Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses in Peterborough on September 18, 2024. Tickets are now available for the awards luncheon, taking place on May 8, 2025, where the inaugural award recipients will be celebrated. (Photo: Heather Doughty Photography)
An awards luncheon for the Luminary Awards will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 8th in the Great Hall at Trent University’s Champlain College, featuring networking, keynote speakers, and a celebration of the award recipients.
“It’s good to be excited about everybody, but I feel that it is time for us to be excited in particular about women,” says Dunkley.
Visit www.luminaryawards.ca for the list of award categories and to submit a nomination by Friday, January 17th. You can also purchase tickets for the awards luncheon, with an early bird price of $75. Table sponsorships, which include eight tickets, are available for $1,000.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the presenting media sponsor of the Luminary Awards.
Owner Nancy Wiskel has rebranded Dan Joyce Clothing as DJC Modern Apparel and is hosting a grand opening at the store's new location at 1525 Chemong Road on October 5, 2024. (Photo courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
Just as fashion trends are ever-changing, Peterborough entrepreneur and style guru Nancy Wiskel knows all too well how a business and its customers can evolve.
That’s why, alongside a move to a new location, she has re-branded her women’s clothing business with a new name that reflects that it’s about so much more than clothing — it’s about the women who wear it.
At a grand opening on Saturday (October 5), Wiskel will officially launch her new store DJC Modern Apparel at 1525 Chemong Road.
Nancy Wiskel’s DJC Modern Apparel is located at 1525 Chemong Road in the same location as outdoor furniture retailer Shop the Lake at 1525 Chemong Road. Both businesses are finalists for the Retailer Award at the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Business Excellence Awards. (Photo courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
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“My focus is all on helping women find their own unique style, and making women feel confident in what they want to wear,” says Wiskel. “DJC Modern Apparel has a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives and in doing so, has fostered an environment where women find support, community, and clothing that make them look and feel great.”
When Wiskel purchased Dan Joyce Classic Clothing in downtown Peterborough in 2019, she understood the pressure and responsibility that came with taking the reins of a long-established business.
“I knew I was taking over a 40-year business that had built up a lot of trust and was known as a legacy business in Peterborough,” she says. “I knew I could honour that legacy but still bring my own strengths right to the forefront and help evolve the shop.”
With lots of easily accessible free parking and with the showroom located on a single floor, DJC Modern Apparel offers a more accessible and streamlined shopping experience than the previous location of Dan Joyce Classic Clothing on Hunter Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
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With the arrival of the pandemic a year later, Wiskel says she spent all her time and effort keeping the business afloat and didn’t have the chance to look at what she wanted it to be in the future.
“Now that we’re out of the pandemic, the whole marketplace has changed and the way women relate to clothing now is a little bit different,” she says. “With my own evolution as a business owner, I now really have that focus on what I want the next stage of the business to be.”
The rebrand of Dan Joyce Classic Clothing to DJC Modern Apparel is happening in tandem with the store’s move to 1525 Chemong Road, where it will share the building with outdoor furniture retailer Shop the Lake. The move from the “beautiful, older” building at 87 Hunter Street West to the “brighter, more modern” building is aligned with Wiskel’s vision for the business and the changes she has seen in women’s clothing.
The thin and neutral-coloured lettering in the DJC Modern Apparel logo represents the kind of clothing items shoppers will find in store. The “DJC” recognizes the legacy of the original business, with the stylized J in the shape of a pocket representing that coming into the store “is like having a stylist in your pocket.” (Graphic courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
The new brand logo sports a minimalistic design with the three letters “DJC” printed in thin font with a dark circle around the words “Modern Apparel.” The thin and neutral-coloured lettering make for a sophisticated, elegant, and simple look — not unlike the styles you might find at DJC Modern Apparel when shopping for pieces to round out your wardrobe.
“When I use DJC, it still respects the legacy of Dan Joyce Clothing but in a more modern way, while the Modern Apparel very much reflects the direction that we’re going into with our offerings,” says Wiskel, also noting how the ‘J’ in the logo is stylized to look like a pocket. “The pocket in the logo represents that, when you come to our store, it’s like having a stylist in your pocket.”
With lots of easily accessible free parking and with the showroom located on a single floor, DJC Modern Apparel’s new location also offers a more accessible shopping experience. Labels using the circle from the new logo categorize the lines of clothing throughout the store, including the basics, travel clothing, and capsule collections — interchangable clothing items coordinated around a common colour palette that mean you can create a wide variety of outfits with just a small selection of items.
“We can concentrate a little bit more on the whole concept of capsules and putting wardrobe essentials together for women,” Wiskel says. “At our store, women can find curated collection of quality clothing made to last and the expertise to help them find confidence and joy in their choices. Our ethos is that each item should contribute to an integral, cohesive wardrobe where all the pieces work together.”
DJC Modern Apparel inspires and supports women by not just offering the latest fashions and quality brands, but by helping women find confidence and joy in their choices. The new brand’s ethos is centred around helping women find and curate a cohesive wardrobe where all clothing items work together, with a focus on wardrobe capsules. (Photo courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
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Despite the rebrand and move, Wiskel’s business continues to do what it has always done: offer high-quality clothing for women while focusing on what matters to the contemporary shopper.
“We’re the antidote to fast fashion,” Wiskel explains. “We’re very much focusing on minimal amounts of clothes in your closet of higher quality and making it cohesive so that everything works together. Although you can see the latest looks in our shop floor, we aren’t just about the latest trends — we’re about helping women express themselves through what they wear.”
Wiskel notes that operating in a shared space with Shop the Lake is a great partnership because of their shared values. In fact, both businesses are finalists in the retail category for the Business Excellence Awards from the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
“You’re going to get an elevated experience regardless of whose store you’re in so that was really important to both of us,” Wiskel says. “It’s quite exciting to be able to collaborate with another business who have a similar demographic, so I think we’re going to have a lot of fun too with collaborations going forward.”
“I’m also super excited to be able to take more lifestyle photography with the inventory that they have,” she jokes, referring to the modelling she does herself to show off the clothing available at her business.
Owner Nancy Wiskel describes DJC Modern Apparel as “the antidote to fast fashion,” because her business encourages women to curate their closets with limited amounts of high-quality, made-to-last clothing that can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits. (Photo courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
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Before introducing new lines and brands at DJC Modern Apparel, Wiskel is going to evaluate who shops in the new store, the types of clothing they’re seeking out, and whether DJC Modern Apparel will tap into some of Shop The Lake’s cottager demographic. For now, she says, nothing is changing.
“I’ve stayed tried and true to what I know my existing clientele is going to like,” she says. “But I’m going to see who comes in and then I can start to bring in some different lines based on what I’m seeing. My hope is that we are going to see some change while still being able to serve our existing clientele who have been very loyal.”
If there’s not enough to look forward to, DJC Modern Apparel will soon be launching a “wearhouse” group on Facebook of sale and bargain items. Online shoppers will be able to place holds on items and pick them up in store.
“It’s another way that people can reach us,” Wiskel says. “Follow along there and you’ll get some really good deals.”
Owner Nancy Wiskel is hosting a grand opening of DJC Modern Apparel at 1525 Chemong Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 5, 2024 with Oldies 96.7 broadcasting live on location, complimentary refreshments and bites for shoppers, draw prizes, and goodie bags. (Photo courtesy of DJC Modern Apparel)
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While DJC Modern Apparel is now open at its new location, Wiskel is hosting a grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday (October 5). The day will include Oldies 96.7 broadcasting live on location, complimentary refreshments and bites for shoppers, draw prizes, and goodie bags.
“I’ve been really pleasantly surprised with the amount of enthusiasm the customers have shown for this move,” Wiskel says. “It wasn’t an easy decision to make. Always at the back of my mind is whether customers would appreciate the move and whether they would come with me, but the response has been very, very supportive.”
For more information about DJC Modern Apparel and to shop online, visit www.djclothing.ca. You can also follow DJC Modern Apparel on Instagram and Facebook.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with DJC Modern Apparel. If your business or organization is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Left to right, top and bottom: the Small Town Shorts Film Fest, work by The Studio Tour Haliburton Highlands' artist Susan Hay, John Sheard and his band's "Homeward Bound - An Intimate Evening of Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits," Rob Kempson of Port Hope's Capitol Theatre, Public Energy's presentation of "Is This Tap?" with Bill Coleman, and Leisa Way and her Wayward Wind Band's "Early Morning Rain - The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot." (kawarthaNOW collage)
encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.
This week, Paul highlights the Small Town Short Film Fest at Campbellford’s Aron Theatre, the 37th coming of The Studio Tour Haliburton Highlands, Victoria Hall’s hosting of tribute to Simon & Garfunkel, Capitol Theatre’s 2025 season reveal, the opening presentation of Public Energy’s 31 season, and a celebration of Gordon Lightfoot’s life and music at Bobcaygeon’s Lakeview Arts Barn.
Short film showcase at Campbellford’s historic Aron Theatre
VIDEO: Small Town Shorts Film Festival
If you’ve been looking for a reason to darken the door of Campbellford’s historic Aron Theatre, the Small Town Shorts Film Fest is as good as any prompting to check out what’s promoted as The People’s Theatre.
Set for 6 p.m. Thursday (October 3), the juried event will see 17 films — each less than seven minutes long — flicker across the big screen. Each film was produced and submitted by residents of Trent Hills, Marmora & Lake, Stirling, and Madoc. When the lights come back on, the “Scrappy Awards” will be given out based on age level categories.
The aim here is simple: encourage collaborative creation, provide the opportunity for each filmmaker to see his or her work presented on the theatre’s screen, and move film submitters from simply consuming content to creating it.
The venue itself is quite the attraction. Opened in November 1947, it has been home to concerts, film screenings and other events ever since. In 2010, the theatre was given a new lease on life when the Aron Theatre Co-Operative came into being and bought the theatre a year later. The volunteer-driven organization has since fundraised and overseen major renovations to the theatre, including the addition of digital projection and sound, and new seats.
Tickets to the 6 p.m. festival cost just $5 and are available at arontheatre.com.
Haliburton artists put out their studio welcome mats
The self-guided Studio Tour Haliburton Highlands takes place on October 5 and 6 and 12 and 13, 2024. (Photos: The Studio Tour Haliburton Highlands)
With the advent of the fall season, we’re a short trek away from taking in the splendour of nature’s changing colours. To be able to do that while enjoying the work of local artists simply adds to the experience.
While the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour and the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour are now in the rear-view mirror, The Studio Tour Haliburton Highlands returns for its 37th year on October 5 and 6, and again on October 12 and 13.
The self-guided tour offers the rare opportunity to visit and spend time with 36 artists working in their studio spaces in a variety of disciplines, including glass, jewelry, visual art, pottery, textiles, metal, wood, and photography.
Organizers of the tour have again made it easy to participate, providing an in-depth brochure that gives a description of each artist as well as a QR code that puts a tour map at your fingertips. Visit www.studiotour.ca to access both. Tour hours each day are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Both the Apsley and Art Gallery of Peterborough’s studio tours have been very popular year after year, and the Haliburton tour is no different. And who knows? You might just be able to put an early check mark on your Christmas gift list. That’s never a bad thing.
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Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel at Cobourg’s Concert Hall at Victoria Hall
VIDEO: Homeward Bound – Simon & Garfunkel Greatest Hits
When the conversation turns to timeless music, how can Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel not be included? As Simon & Garfunkel, the New York City-born folk pop/rock duo — they met in elementary school — dominated radio airwaves in the 1960s before artistic differences saw them go their separate ways.
Simon & Garfunkel left behind a musical legacy that has few peers. Of their three number one hits — “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” — the latter two captured Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, in 1968 and 1970 respectively. Other notable singles include “The Boxer,” “Cecilia,”” and “Homeward Bound.”
Reunited a few times since, including a 1990 performance at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, the pair have remained an enigma of sorts, their longtime riff still a thing but their chemistry musically frozen in time.
On Sunday (October 6) at Cobourg’s Concert Hall at Victoria Hall, Homeward Bound – An Intimate Evening of Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits will see an all-star lineup of musicians pay homage to the duo.
At the helm is John Sheard who, from 1997 to 2016, served as music director of CBC Radio’s The Vinyl Café hosted by the late Stuart McLean. An accomplished musician who has produced and written music for a number of television shows, Sheard’s touch is golden and this tribute to Simon & Garfunkel will provide clear evidence of that.
Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre reveals its 2025 season at gala
Pictured during the 2024 season reveal, Capitol Theatre artistic director Rob Kempson will once again emcee the historic Port Hope theatre’s 2025 season reveal, taking place on Tuesday, October 10. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
I’d like to provide details of the 2025 season at the Capitol Theatre but I can’t — it’s a secret of sorts that will be revealed Tuesday, October 10th at the historic Port Hope theatre.
Doing the big reveal will be Capitol Theatre artistic director Rob Kempson, who will emcee what’s being billed as “A Place To Call Home.”
Anyone who has spent any amount of time with Kempson knows he’s the right guy to get our engines running with excitement over what’s ahead. Very much at home on stage and equally engaging one-on-one, Kempson is gifted with a natural enthusiasm that’s as infectious as it is refreshing.
The season launch will also feature musical entertainment, a sneak peek of upcoming productions, and “a few special surprises.”
I’ve saved the best part for last: it’s free to attend, with attendees having access to special promotions and door prizes up for grabs. Quite the party. But you still require a ticket, which can be ordered at capitoltheatre.com.
I’ve got my ticket and can’t wait to share what’s coming. Watch kawarthaNOW for full details once the secret is out.
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Season 31 of Public Energy performances takes flight October 10
The mysterious Three-Legged Man will make an appearance during Canadian dance legend Bill Coleman and Dutch multi-media artist Edwin van der Heide’s “Is This Tap?” at Showplace Performance Centre on October 10, 2024, the opening presentation of the 31st season of Public Energy Performing Arts. (Photo: Wayne Eardley)
Just last week, Public Energy Performing Arts revealed details of its 2024-25 season — a lineup comprised of six shows, including a season-ending on-ice dancing-and-skating extravaganza that will be presented in April 2025 at Peterborough Memorial Centre.
You can read full details of the Public Energy’s 31st season in my September 24 story for kawarthaNOW, including the October 10th season opener at Showplace Performance Centre.
Is It Tap? features Peterborough-rooted Canadian dance legend Bill Coleman. No stranger to Public Energy audiences, he has been featured in shows since 1994 when Peterborough New Dance was founded by Bill Kimball.
Joining Coleman is Edwin van der Heide, a Dutch native and accomplished multi-media artist. Billed as “an immersive theatrical experience,” the mysterious Three-Legged Man will make an appearance. At the season launch, he was there and believe me when I say it’s quite something to witness.
As an aside, this season marks Kimball’s swan song with Public Energy. He’s announced his retirement and the search is on for someone to fill his shoes. That will be no easy task, believe me.
What I love about Public Energy, and you should too, is the Kimball-led effort to make shows as accessible as they can be by having in place pay-what-you-can ticket options and tickets priced as low at $5 for some shows. Kimball believes strongly that all should have the opportunity to take in the arts and, to that end, he’s walked the walk like few others on the local cultural scene.
For more information about Public Energy, including ticket details for each upcoming show, visit publicenergy.ca.
Gordon Lightfoot’s life and music celebrated in Bobcaygeon
VIDEO: “Early Morning Rain – The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot” (2023)
In my opinion, there are but two Canadian singers-songwriters who music best epitomizes what it means to be Canadian and perfectly capture the beauty of this country’s landscape coast-to-coast-to-coast.
One is Stompin’ Tom Connors. The other is Gordon Lightfoot.
From October 15 to 19, Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre presents a tribute to the latter in the form of Early Morning Rain – The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot. Featuring Leisa Way and her Wayward Wind Band, this celebration of the late singer’s life and music promises to bring forth strong memories of the Orillia native’s songs and what they meant to a country that, in many ways, was searching for an identity of its own and, arguably, still is.
Expect all the classic Lightfoot hits such as “Early Morning Rain,” “Canadian Railroad Trilogy,” “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Rainy Day People,” “Carefree Highway,” and “Sundown” — which Lightfoot wrote on the shores of Stoney Lake while staying for a bit at the late Ronnie Hawkins’ home.
Performance dates at the Lakeview Arts Barn on Pigeon Lake Road are 8 p.m. on October 15 and 17 to 19, with 2 p.m. matinees on October 16, 17, and 19. Tickets are $50 for the show only, as the optional dinners before all evening performances are already sold out. For tickets, visit globustheatre.com.
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Encore
I cannot believe it has been two years since The Pig’s Ear re-opened after six years of sitting empty and desolate on Brock Street. Prior to the pub’s second coming in September 2023, owners Steve Robertson and Ashley Holmes promised much of the look and feel of the pub would be maintained. They held true to their word and here we are, with The Piggy again a favourite downtown haunt. In 2025, The Pig’s Ear will mark 50 years and the building itself will mark a mind-boggling 160 years as a pub.
Peterborough Performs has a 2025 date, with the fifth iteration of the United Way-supported fundraiser for local shelters and homelessness initiatives returning to Showplace on Wednesday, March 26. To date, the multi-act two-stage showcase has brought in close to $110,000. Full details of the stage lineup are coming but expect the show and ticket details to be listed at the Showplace website before Christmas, providing a great opportunity for a stocking stuffer for the local live music lover in your life.
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is gearing up for the 17th annual "Walk a Mile" fundraiser on October 5, 2024 in Cobourg. The event aims to support women and children in Northumberland County who have been impacted by gender-based violence and to help spread awareness about the issue. (Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre)
“No person should ever live in fear.”
That statement is what is motivating one Northumberland County resident to fundraise and “Walk a Mile” for Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre (Cornerstone) in Cobourg.
Cornerstone is gearing up for its annual instalment of Walk a Mile, which runs on Saturday (October 5). The event aims to support women and children in Northumberland County who have been impacted by gender-based violence and to help spread awareness about the issue.
“Cornerstone has helped so many great people in our area,” said Preston Parkinson, a Brighton resident who’s participating in his sixth Walk a Mile event.
“I got involved to help raise awareness and funds to help support Cornerstone and the great people they help every day,” he told kawarthaNOW. “No person should ever live in fear.”
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Cornerstone invites residents to extend their support for the 17th annual Walk a Mile, which takes place in downtown Cobourg during the Cobourg Harvest Festival.
Last year, Cornerstone provided service to almost 2,000 women, children and youth through shelter, counselling, housing, and prevention programming, the organization noted. The family-friendly walk is one of Cornerstone’s signature events that brings the community together to raise awareness and funds for Cornerstone’s programs and services.
“We look forward to this event every year, it is a great way to see the community come together to support families,” said Nancy Johnston, Cornerstone’s executive director, in a media release. “We encourage everyone to come out to enjoy a great morning and show your support, bring your friends, family, and even pets.”
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“This event would not be possible without all our incredible sponsors,” Johnston added. “Special thanks to Balder Corporation for their generous support as our Stiletto Sponsor this year, and many thanks to our two Challenge Sponsors, Canadian Tire Cobourg and Post Consumer Brands.”
The team at Balder Corporation noted it is looking forward to the event.
“Supporting the 17th annual Walk a Mile is our way of showing solidarity with those who have faced unimaginable challenges,” Balder Corporation stated. “We at Balder believe in Cornerstone’s work and are committed to helping raise awareness and funds to prevent family violence and provide essential services to those in need.”
Members of the Cobourg Police Service wearing red high-heeled shoes during a past “Walk a Mile” fundraiser for Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre)
Registration and breakfast on the day of the event begins at 9:30 a.m.
In addition to the walk, there will be breakfast provided by the Cobourg Lions Club, coffee and treats provided by Starbucks Cobourg, and a “first responders challenge” to help kick off the event before the Cobourg Legion Pipes & Drums lead the walkers through downtown.
While many participants have traditionally worn high-heeled red shoes to symbolize walking a mile in the shoes of women affected by gender-based violence, the walk can be done in any footwear. There is a registration fee of $20 for adults and $10 for those under 18, with walkers encouraged to collect additional pledges to support Cornerstone.
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The event has evolved from a few people walking down King Street to a large diverse crowd, including families and their pets, joining the cause, the release noted.
Over the past 16 years, Walk a Mile has raised a total of $553,232, which has helped local families rebuild their lives after experiencing gender-based violence.
To register for the event or for more information about how to get involved through participation or donations, visit cornerstonenorthumberland.ca/walkamile/.
A 60-year-old cyclist suffered life-threatening injuries in a hit-and-run on Highway 35 south of Rosedale in Kawartha Lakes late Saturday morning (September 28).
At around 11 a.m., City of Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency medical services responded to a report of a serious collision between a bicycle and a commercial vehicle on Highway 35 at Wrenhaven Road.
A passer-by found the injured cyclist, a 60-year-old man, and contacted the police. The victim was transported by air ambulance to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
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Highway 35 and Wrenhaven Road was closed for several hours while police conducted an investigation.
The commercial vehicle that struck the bicycle failed to remain at the scene of the collision. With the assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the OPP posted photos of the suspect vehicle on social media.
As a result of an investigation, police located the driver of the vehicle and arrested 35-year-old Christopher Craig of Fenelon Falls, who has been charged with failing to stop after an accident resulting in bodily harm and failing to leave one metre while passing a bicycle.
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The accused man was released from custody and will appear in court at a later date.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and who has not spoken with police is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
This is the second hit-and-run incident in Kawartha Lakes in the past week.
On September 25, 19-year-old Alana Lowey was killed and her 19-year-old boyfriend Aiden Vella was seriously injured when they were walking alongside County Road 36 just north of Bobcaygeon and a vehicle struck them and fled the scene. Police later arrested and charged 86-year-old Carl Lee of Bobcaygeon.
A young girl gets some help pressing apples for cider 19th-century style at the 2023 Applefest at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene. The popular annual family event returns for 2024 on Sunday, October 7. (Photo: Heather Doughty Photography)
You can celebrate the fall harvest season and all things apple by bringing your family to Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene on Sunday (October 6) for Applefest.
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the popular annual event includes activities for the entire family and, of course, lots of apples.
Tour the village by horse-drawn wagon and find out how 19th-century settlers prepared for the winter by viewing a variety of historic demonstrations throughout the village, including cider pressing at the Cider Mill, threshing, mattress repair and stuffing, natural dyeing, chair caning, broom making, log hand-hewing, sheep shearing, wood turning by the Peterborough Artisan Centre Wood Turners, spinning by Shepherd Hill Farms, rug hooking by the Northumberland Rug Hookers Guild, and more.
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You can view an antique clock and timepiece display brought by the Quinte Timekeepers and visit the Ayotte Cabin where historic reenactors, the 41st Battalion of Brockville Rifles, 1st Company, will be performing drills and demonstrating military marching.
Live entertainment includes harvest hymns in the Glen Alda Church, harvest dance performances in the courtyard by the Peterborough Scottish Country Dancers, traditional music performed by Al Kirby, and a crankie theatre — a 19th-century moving panorama — performed by Glen Caradus.
An apple festival wouldn’t be an apple festival without apples. Play a game of apple tic-tac-toe on the Village Green and make an apple craft to take home with you. Bushels of apples and fresh apple cider will be for sale to take home with you, and you can also purchase hot or cold apple cider and freshly baked apple treats at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building and the Cheese Factory. Competitive apple enthusiasts can also take part in an apple pie-eating contest at 2 p.m. on the Village Green.
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Other food options include chili and buns available for purchase in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, with traditional fall kettle corn and candy floss from Ben’s Kettle Corn, and fresh Empire Cheese curd and bread for sale in the Cheese Factory.
Admission to Applefest is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $7 for youth ages five to 14 (free for children under five). Family admission is also available for $40 and includes two adults and four youth. Tickets are available in advance online or when you arrive at Lang Pioneer Village. On-site parking is available on a first-come first-served basis, with overflow parking available at McIntyre Park.
Organized by Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride to celebrate and support Peterborough's 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the annual Pride parade took place on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)
Pride Week in Peterborough culminated on Saturday afternoon (September 28) with the annual Pride parade followed by Pride in the Park. Once again, Peterborough photographer Sean Bruce took photos of this year’s parade and shared several of them with kawarthaNOW.
Organized by Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride to celebrate and support Peterborough’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the parade began at Peterborough city hall before travelling down George Street to Millennium Park, where the family-friendly Pride in the Park celebration took place.
The parade reflected this year’s Pride Week theme of “Educate. Activate. Celebrate!”
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Before Pride Week began on September 20, Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal made a statement to recognize and celebrate Pride Week.
“Peterborough is a city that values diversity and inclusivity,” he said. “Let’s take time to celebrate our 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their invaluable contributions to the social, cultural and economic life of our city. Let’s take time to learn about the struggles and triumphs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in their ongoing fight for a more inclusive and equitable society — discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia continue to hurt members of our community. Let’s take action to ensure that everyone is safe, valued, and loved, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
“Let this week serve as a reminder of the importance of standing together against discrimination and hate. As we attend the events and festivities, let us take the time to listen, learn, and join the voices of those who continue to advocate for a more inclusive and welcoming community. We can all be allies in our daily lives.”
Some of the participants in the annual Pride parade on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)
On Saturday afternoon, Mayor Leal also made remarks at the opening ceremony before joining the parade along with city councillors Joy Lachica and Matt Crowley. Many individuals, organizations, groups, and businesses marched in the parade and/or had booths at the Pride in the Park celebration that took place outside the Silver Bean Cafe in Millennium Park. Here are some of them:
Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute
Bridgenorth United Church
Canopy Support Services
Church of St. John the Evangelist
Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario
Emmanuel United Church Peterborough
First Five Club
Five Counties Children’s Centre
Fleming College
GM Financial
Kawartha Land Trust
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society
Kinark
KWIC Peterborough
Lakefield Pride
New Canadians Centre
Norwood Pride
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation
OPSEU Local 351
OPSEU Local 365
PARN
Peterborough and District Labour Council
Peterborough Area Roller Derby
Peterborough Federal Liberal Association
Peterborough Kawartha NDP
Peterborough Native Learning Program
Peterborough Public Health
PFLAG Canada Peterborough
St. James United Church
Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough
United Church of Canada
YES Shelter for Youth and Families
YMCA of Central East Ontario
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Although with information booths from groups and agencies that support the queer community, the Pride in the Park event after the parade featured performers, music, and a family and children’s area. A Pride open house was also held in the afternoon at the Gordon Best Theatre followed by a Pride dance in the evening, with the official Pride After Dark afterparty taking place at The Venue.
Although Pride Month is marked in June, Peterborough’s Pride Week takes place every year in September. The origins of Peterborough Pride go back to 2003, when Peterborough’s then-mayor Sylvia Sutherland proclaimed September 13th as “Gay Pride Day.” On that day, 300 people gathered in front of city hall to participate in the very first Pride parade in Peterborough.
Since then, Peterborough Pride has grown into a full week of fun and informative events in mid-September to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, culminating in the Pride parade and Pride in the Park event at the end of the week. The choice to celebrate Pride Week in September rather than June also recognizes the many young people who come to Peterborough in the fall to study at Trent University and Fleming College.
Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride’s annual Pride parade on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride’s annual Pride parade on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride’s annual Pride parade on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride’s annual Pride parade on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride’s annual Pride parade on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride’s annual Pride parade on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride’s annual Pride parade on September 28, 2024 in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sean Bruce)
This story has been updated to indicate that councillor Matt Crowley also participated in the parade along with Mayor Jeff Leal and councillor Joy Lachica.
During Circular Economy Month in October, Clean Up Peterborough is encouraging residents, schools, and businesses and schools to collect their used and broken writing instruments for recycling. The collected items will then be supplied to the non-profit organization TerraCycle through their free recycling program at Staples stores. TerraCycle then cleans the items, separates them by material type, and recycles them into raw formats that manufacturers use to make new products. (Photo: Barta IV / Flickr)
Volunteer group Clean Up Peterborough is encouraging community members to divert waste from the landfills by organizing two collections for hard-to-recycle items during October.
With one collection for used and broken writing instruments and the other for used batteries, the collections are in recognition of Circular Economy Month, a national campaign aimed at showing the benefits of a production model centred around the reuse and regeneration of materials in a sustainable way.
“In general, a lot of people try their best to do proper litter sorting, recycling, and composting,” says Clean Up Peterborough founder Steve Paul. “But now, circular economy teachings encourage not just considering the three Rs but the five Rs that include refurbishing and repurposing. It’s about trying to extend the life of items that we already have.”
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Since its launch in April comprised of residents of the city and county of Peterborough, Clean Up Peterborough has collected 110 bags of litter around Peterborough’s trails, businesses, and streets.
However, Steve says much of what gets collected can’t be recycled.
“Litter can be very dirty and it’s hard to separate clean recycling,” he explains. “And if some of it is dirty, there are risks involved.”
For that reason, he notes, the collections during Circular Economy Month aim to divert the waste before it becomes waste.
This fall, Clean Up Peterborough attended a volunteer expo held at Trent University, where Steve Paul discovered just how many people are unaware that TerraCycle provides a free recycling program through Staples stores to collect and recycle broken and used writing utensils. That encouraged him decision to launch a collection for writing instruments in support of Circular Economy Month in October. (Photo: Steve Paul)
The writing instrument collection is asking residents, schools, and businesses to provide their used and broken pens, markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils, and associated caps for TerraCycle’s free recycling program at Staples stores. TerraCycle will then clean the items, separate them by material type, and recycle them into raw formats that manufacturers use to make new products.
“I was involved in the Trent University volunteer fair and I talked to 40 or so students and staff, and almost 100 per cent of everyone said they didn’t even know about the program and they threw everything away instead,” Steve says. “Billions of pens alone across the world get thrown into the landfill each year.”
Interested participants can make their own donations directly to Staples for recycling, or work with Clean Up Peterborough to arrange collections with other participating businesses. Steve is also working with schools around the city as well as Trent University to make donations boxes available for students and staff to drop in their used writing instruments.
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“It comes at no cost to people and it allows us to do more together to make a difference,” Steve says. “Even beyond Circular Economy Month, we can do something with this that will be sustainable in the future, and have students and businesses across our region learn and do this going forward. We might only get 100 markers diverted in October, but what if we get 10,000? That’s a huge number that we can do locally.”
Alongside the writing instrument collection, Clean Up Peterborough is launching a battery collection for all used household, watch, cellphone, e-bike, and other types of batteries under five kilograms.
While attending Fleming College, Steve launched a student volunteer group and did a national battery collection in 2012 to raise money for the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. For the charity, the group collected 17,307 batteries — the most in the province.
In 2012, Clean Up Peterborough founder Steve Paul collected more than 17,000 used batteries to raise funds for the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre. This month, he is launching a similar effort across Peterborough City and County, inviting organizations and businesses to properly recycle their used batteries. The initiative is one of two collections the volunteer group is running in support of Circular Economy Month in October, alongside a drive for used and broken writing instruments. (Photo: Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre)
Steve says he found through that collection that many people and businesses keep their used batteries, storing them in a drawer or box with the intent of getting them properly recycled.
“What I don’t think people understand is sitting on a bunch of old batteries and waiting to put them out curbside or to bring them somewhere to drop off, does offer potential fire hazard and risks ” Steve says. “There are proper ways to care for those batteries.”
According to Call2Recyle, for which Clean Up Peterborough is now an ambassador, steps to ensure batteries are recycled safely with reduced spark and fire threat include storing them in a non-metal container, storing them in a cool and dry place, and taping the terminals or sealing them in plastic bags.
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To reduce the risks of storing used batteries, Steve explains it’s important for people to know there are 24 locations in Peterborough that accept batteries for recycling, inclusive of Staples, City Hall, and the Peterborough Public Library.
“We’re really just trying to divert (waste) and educate people about how to properly recycle them and create a safer environment and make sure that they don’t go in the trash,” Steve says. “Everything matters in terms of diversion, because there’s lots of nasty things in batteries and they’re also extremely recyclable.”
Beyond the projects for Circular Economy Month, Clean Up Peterborough is also collecting other disposable goods like bread tags, milk bags, and pop tabs. The initiative was inspired by Earthub, a group in Ottawa which, among other initiatives, turns milk bags into sleeping mats for unhoused people.
During Circular Economy Month in October, Clean Up Peterborough is organizing a writing instrument collection and a battery collection. kawarthaNOW is proud to be a supporter of Clean Up Peterborough’s Circular Economy Month collections. (Graphics: Clean Up Peterborough)
“We’re going to find local partners and community groups that might be able to use these items to do good for our own community,” Steve says, noting that Kawartha Food Share already has use for egg cartons. “That’s an example of something that, even though it can be recycled, (has) an opportunity to have its life extended to do something good. There are so many opportunities, and I think there’s so many great things that can come out of these partnerships.”
Those interested in working with Clean Up Peterborough on the writing instrument or battery collections, or another circular economy initiative, are encouraged to reach out to cleanuppeterborough@gmail.com.
More information on Clean Up Peterborough can be found on its Facebook group.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a supporter of Clean Up Peterborough’s Circular Economy Month collections.
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