The Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakefield Muskoka 2018 Business Hall of Fame inductees: Robert Gauvreau, Monika Carmichael, Carl Oake, Sally Harding, Alf and June Curtis, and Paul Bennett (not pictured: Paschal McCloskey). Two posthumous inductees were also announced: John A. McColl and James H. Turner, and John James (Jack) Stewart. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Paul Bennett’s entrepreneurial journey, while still a work in progress, continues to bring him personal and business riches.
But as the owner of Ashburnham Realty noted Wednesday morning (January 10) at the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough, each business success journey is different and, as such, young people need to be reminded there is no set path to success.
As one of nine 2018 inductees into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, Bennett says it’s important “to highlight that a lot of people that took different routes,” adding the annual induction does just that.
The announcement of the inductees for the 2018 Business Hall of Fame took place on January 10, 2018, in the foyer of the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
“Kids can look at each story and realize they don’t have to go to this school or that school or they don’t have travel this path or that path. They can find their own way and embark on their own path. There is no magical success story. The journeys are all so totally different.”
Before a large crowd that included several past inductees, the 2018 inductees were revealed.
John McNutt, President & CEO of Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakefield Muskoka, also announced as the establishment of a Legacy Fund to be used exclusively for the creation and running of entrepreneurship programs. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
John McNutt, president and CEO of Junior Achievement Peterborough Lakefield Muskoka, said a selection committee considered a record number of nominations through December before settling on the final list as follows:
Alf and June Curtis, founders of Alf Curtis Home Improvements Incorporated
Paul Bennett, owner of Ashburnham Realty
John A. McColl and James H. Turner, founding partners of McColl Turner LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants
John James (Jack) Stewart, founder of J.J. Stewart Motors
Sally Harding, president and CEO of Nightingale Nursing Registry Limited and Nightingale Home Maintenance Incorporated
Monika Carmichael, dealer principal and general manager of Trent Valley Honda
Robert Gauvreau, president and CEO of Gauvreau and Associates Chartered Professional Accountants
Paschal McCloskey, president and CEO of McCloskey International Limited
Carl Oake, founding broker/owner and Century 21 United Realty
All will be formally inducted Thursday, May 24th at The Venue — McColl, Turner and Stewart posthumously. Details on that event will be provided as it draws nearer.
Plaques of this year’s and previous years’ inductees will be installed at the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Each inductee will have a plaque denoting the honour displayed alongside those of past inductees at VentureNorth.
“Their (inductees) understanding of their community and the leadership that they provide to their staff,” said McNutt of traits shared by all being honoured.
“Most of them have staff that have been with them a long time. That always tells me something. You get loyalty because you got respect. That’s the thread that runs through all of this.”
Paul Rellinger interviewing Junior Achievement board chair Paul Ayotte for kawarthaNOW.com. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Junior Achievement board chair Paul Ayotte added each has not only created opportunities for others but has given back to the community.
“I can remember Alf Curtis put in some windows in for me. He then started supplying other installers here. The next thing you know he’s got the Castle Building Centre going, creating more jobs here, and he’s got one in Lindsay and one in Belleville, contributing to those communities as well. That’s the story we want to get out there. You see a niche and you create work.”
To a person, each inductee wore broad smiles, clearly delighted with their induction, with Carmichael admitting to being “overwhelmed…really honoured. I’ve got goose bumps all over me. It makes you want to do even more.”
“Much of my work now is giving back and doing what I can do to inspire younger people. That’s what Junior Achievement does, so it’s a really nice connection,” said Carmichael, who has been with Trent Valley Honda for 27 years now and oversees a staff numbering more than 50.
“Never stop learning and never give up” is her advice to young people starting out.
“Failure is part of the learning process,” Carmichael added. “We don’t always get it right the first time. Take time to listen to those around you and take advantage of programs. Learning never ends.
“For me, the big thing is young women. They can be anyone they want to be, they can do anything they want to do, but they have to have the confidence to try and if they fail, to get up and keep going.”
Jeff Day, former executive director of Community Futures Peterborough, and Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, were two of several VIPs who attended the 2018 Business Hall of Fame announcement. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Meanwhile, Alf Curtis, who with June started his business in 1975 with two employees, used the opportunity to offer those starting out some sage advice.
“Don’t figure you’re going to make any money at the start,” he said.
“If you do make a few bucks, remember the days ahead are going to be lean. Those first five years will determine if you’re going to make it or not. The first two years is really bad. It takes five years to get things situated right.”
Previous Business Hall of Fame Inductees
2016: Erica, Harry and Meyer Cherney; Cameron Taylor; Charlotte and Robert Nicholls; Bill, Chester and Frank Fisher: Keith Brown; David Fife; James Stevenson; and Ross Smith
2017: Jack McGee; Robert Young; Joseph James (JJ) Duffus; Isadore Black; Darrell Drain; Rhonda Barnet; John Bowes; and Michael Skinner
Also announced at the event was the establishment of a Legacy Fund which, according to McNutt, will be used exclusively for the creation and running of entrepreneurship programs. That fund sits at $5,000, half of that courtesy of the present partners of McColl Turner.
Established in 1955, Junior Achievement Canada has been inspiring and preparing youth to succeed by providing opportunities to learn financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness skills with engaging programs and the help of dedicated volunteers.
Since 2007, Junior Achievement Peterborough, Lakefield, Muskoka has served an area stretching from the Grey-Bruce Peninsula to the Ontario-Quebec border. That effort has been aided by a number of corporate and media sponsors, KawarthaNOW.com among them.
Other cities like Toronto have a community bus service that connects riders with popular destinations, providing an alternative to regular transit. Peterborough Transit will be launching its community bus service in March 2018 and is seeking feedback on one of two possible route options. (Photo: Toronto Transit Commission)
The City of Peterborough is seeking feedback from residents on two possible routes for a new community bus.
Beginning in March, the community bus will serve malls, grocery stores, seniors’ homes, medical clinics, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. It will operate hourly Monday through Sunday from 9:20 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.
The community bus will be available to all residents, and will also provide an additional transit option for people who normally use the Handi-Van or find using the regular bus challenging.
The service will use a mini-bus that has no stairs and has seats for 10 to 15 passengers, along with four spots for wheelchairs.
Through public consultation last summer, transit users indicated many places they would like to go on the community bus.
Based on community feedback, Peterborough Transit has created two potential routes for the bus and is seeking additional feedback on which route would be preferred by potential users.
Details on the route options and the survey are also available at the transit terminal in downtown Peterborough.
Peterborough Transit staff will also be at the Community Counter of Lansdowne Place on Thursday, January 18th to answer questions about the Community Bus. Copies of the survey will be available there as well.
All survey responses should be submitted by Friday, January 26th. Once the route has been finalized, the map and schedule for the community bus service will be made available.
Emmatt Digital Solutions is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018. Pictured are owners Chris Calbury (middle) and Kim Appleton (second from right) with some of their staff. (Photo: Emmatt Digital Solutions / Facebook)
Salon Sorella & Day Spa is one of the Lakefield businesses participating in the Business After Hours Lakefield Hop on January 23. (Photo: Salon Sorella & Day Spa)
The January Business After Hours on Tuesday, January 23rd is a Lakefield Hop where Chamber members will be visiting Cuddles for Cancer, Robyn’s Nest Photography & Beauty, and Salon & Day Spa.
Visit Cuddles for Cancer’s new drop-in location at 15 Queen Street in Lakefield, and help Faith Dickinson make cuddles blankets. Cuddles for Cancer swag will also be available for purchase.
Emmatt Digital Solutions is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018! Founded in 1998 by Chris Calbury and Kim Appleton, Emmatt’s web department has grown into a full-service, web development agency. The scanning service bureau side of the business, steadily endures despite a a downturn in the industry.
Emmatt has a number of special sales and events planned for 2018. Watch Twitter and Facebook for ways you can join in the celebration of this major milestone in the company’s history.
New PolarFest Event – Snow-Pitch Tournament
A snow-pitch tournament will take place at the Ennismore Softball Diamond during the PolarFest weekend, on Saturday, February 3rd from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $150 per team, with proceeds going to Buckhorn Under 11 softball. For more information, call Matt at 705-750-7867 or email matt_fairfield@hotmail.com.
Upcoming Events
Free Senior Skating, Lakefield – January 12th (and every Tuesday & Friday)
Apsley Winter Carnival – January 27th
Performing Arts Lakefield, Valdy – February 2nd
PolarFest – February 2nd-4th
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
Married couple Louise and Wayne Earle were found dead following a house fire in Brighton in Northumberland County on January 10, 2018. Police now say the fire was the result of a homicide. (Photo: Pete Fisher / Twitter)
Two people died in a fire this morning (January 10) in Brighton in Northumberland County, 41 kilometres east of Cobourg.
The fire broke out inside a home on Harbour Street overlooking Presqu’ile Bay at around 7:25 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the home was fully engulfed by flames.
While battling the fire, firefighters found one of the victims outside the home in the backyard and located the second victim inside the home after the fire had been extinguished.
The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and it is unknown whether the home had smoke alarms and if they were working.
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has been contacted to investigate the fire.
The renovated Peterborough Public Library features a new children's books area on the lower level, with a central staircase connecting to the main level. The open concept design features lots of natural light coming from the glass windows at the front of the library. (Photo: Peterborough Public Library)
Over the past two weeks, the Peterborough Public Library has been busy moving into its newly renovated and expanded Aylmer Street location.
The $12 million renovation and expansion took 18 months to complete, about six months longer than expected due to unforeseen complications with the building.
New shelving and furniture was installed in December, and the library expects to complete the move of the library collection, office furniture, and other items by Saturday, January 20th.
New shelving was installed in December, and staff are now placing books on the shelves. (Photo: Peterborough Public Library)
The library has not yet announced an official grand opening date, but library CEO Jennifer Jones expects the opening will happen during the last week of January.
The Peterborough Square temporary location permanently closed on December 30th (the book drop will remain open there until the renovated library opens).
According to library CEO Jennifer Jones, old shelves and unneeded furniture from the temporary location will first be offered to other departments of the City of Peterborough, and then to other libraries or non-profit organizations.
Staff are busy moving the library’s collection back into the Aylmer Street location. (Photo: Peterborough Public Library)
The renovated library includes 6,000 square feet of new space, for a total of 9,000 square feet of public space.
One of the most striking features of the new library is the prominent and naturally lit central staircase that runs from the library’s street level down to the children’s books area on the lower level. The open concept design allows for a lot of natural light on both levels.
The new location also includes two enclosed individual study rooms on the main level, designed for independent learning and one-on-one meetings, as well as one group study room.
The renovated library features two individual study rooms and one group study room on the main level. (Photo: Peterborough Public Library)
There are also new administration offices, a new café location, and two new accessible elevators.
In the spring, the lot beside the library will be transformed into green space.
On-street parking will be available, as well as a few accessible parking spaces in the green space area when it is completed.
While the books and office furniture are being moved into the new location and library staff stock the new shelves, workers are making finishing touches on the interior in advance of the opening.
The glass windows at the front of the renovated library allow lots of natural light into both the upper and lower levels. (Photo: Peterborough Public Library)
Expect a roller coaster in the Kawarthas over the next few days, as temperatures gradually rise to well above freezing and then plunge again over the weekend.
For today (January 10), Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Hastings, and Haliburton. The temperature will reach a high of 0°C, with some freezing rain possible late this afternoon and evening across portions of central and eastern Ontario as a warm front approaches the area.
The freezing rain will be fairly light and patchy. Temperatures are expected to rise above the freezing mark this evening with the passage of the warm front, ending the threat of freezing rain.
Early spring-like temperatures arrive on Thursday (January 11), when the temperature will rise to 7°C during the day and remain just above freezing overnight, with a 60% chance of showers.
On Friday (January 12), the daytime temperature will get just above freezing at 1°C, but will drop to -14°C overnight. There will be periods of snow during the day and overnight.
For the weekend, we’ll have a high of -9°C on Saturday (January 13) during the day, but the temperature will then plunge to -24°C overnight. More snow is expected during the day and overnight.
It will be sunny on Sunday (January 14), but the high is only expected to reach -13°C, and will drop to -23°C overnight.
If you were hoping to skate on the Trent-Severn Canal beside the Peterborough Lift Lock, the red flag is up — indicating conditions are unsafe and skating is not permitted.
African Mission-Growth Market is bringing a taste of Africa to Peterborough. The Simcoe Street shop, run by Tokunbo Deborah Adebamiro (right), offers fresh produce like okra and yams. Tokunbo suggests blending the okra to make a soup. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
This month, Eva Fisher finds a piece of Africa in Peterborough, discovers a new truly local premium vodka, discovers Wee Wok’s new eat-in location, learns what Kawartha Coffee Company is doing in the Doctor’s Office, and offers her opinion on the Peterborough Farmers’ Market vote.
African Mission-Growth Market brings a delicious taste of Africa to Peterborough
Fans of African food will be happy to know that they can now buy many of their favourite items in Peterborough.
African Mission-Growth Market (6-193 Simcoe Street, Peterborough, 647-469-5801), which opened in December, stocks a variety of Nigerian and Ghanaian food and clothing.
The store is run by Tokunbo Deborah Adebamiro. She and her family are missionaries from Nigeria, where Tokunbo ran a similar store. Four years ago they came to Canada, and a year ago they arrived in Peterborough. Tokunbo noticed that it was difficult to get African food.
“There are a lot of Nigerian students at Trent. They can’t go to Toronto to buy food. They told me that they are hungry for African food.”
Michael Obidey, Moses Adebamiro, Tokunbo Deborah Adebamiro, and Bukola Esther Adebamiro of African Mission-Growth Market are bringing Nigerian and Ghanaian food and clothing to Peterborough. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Tokunbo saw an opportunity. She and her family stocked the shelves with some of their hard-to-find favourites.
Son Michael Obidey took me through the shelves. Palm oil, used in soup and beans. Melon: seed or ground, which can be combined with palm oil, meat, and vegetables. Dried fish, also known as stock fish, which has a distinctive rich aroma.
Some foods also act as medicine. Bitter leaf is good if you’ve had too much sugar. It can be cooked in a stew with vegetables to encourage appetite in someone who is having stomach trouble.
Tinned palm nut can be used to make banga soup, popular in Southern Nigeria. Just heat it in a pot and add spices and it’s ready to eat.
Cassava flour, fufu flour, yam flour, beans okra and African drinks like malta and vamino (a soy drink) line the shelves.
The shop offers African food that can be impossible to find locally. Bukola says that these noodles are very popular in Nigeria. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Tokunbo suggests that those who are new to African cuisine try the yellow fufu flour, made from plantain. Fufu is eaten throughout Africa. Add water to make a paste and serve with soup.
Tokunbo says that the reception for her shop has been warm.
“Everybody who comes in is so happy. They tell me they’re so glad, this is Africa coming to Peterborough.”
African Mission-Growth Market is open Monday through Saturday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.. You can also find them on Facebook.
Black’s Distillery set to open in East City
Robert Black and Barb Matchett are almost ready to open Black’s Distillery in East City. (Photo: Robert Metcalfe)
Black’s Distillery (99 Hunter St. E.) is hoping to open by the end of January.
“Most of the equipment is in place now and we’re just putting the finishing touches on the nuts and bolts, so to speak,” says owner Robert Black.
Black’s Distillery will make and sell gin, heritage vodka, rye whiskey and barley whiskey — all made grain-to-bottle in East City.
Among other options, Black’s Distillery will make vodka using local Red Fife Wheat. (Photo: Robert Metcalfe)
The vodka is made with local Red Fife Wheat. Robert chose Red Fife Wheat because of its local significance.
“The Red Fife Wheat was locally developed here in Otonabee Township by David Fife in 1840. That’s a marquis grain that our grains are developed from today.”
He sources his wheat from a local farmer who still grows the original heritage grain.
The gin is infused with nine botanicals: juniper, coriander, lemon peel, apple, lavender, angelica, cardamom, cubeb and sage.
The barley whiskey is similar to a Scotch. Robert says that his barley whiskey “has a nice essence of the grain. A little bit smokey, a little bit of vanilla.” He notes that in Canada you can’t call a whiskey a Scotch, but Scotch is made from Barley grain.
Robert also hints at a seasonal specialty: “I’m really excited about that one as well. I can’t tell you what it is, it’s top secret.”
Black’s Distillery plans to sell out of its Hunter Street storefront and the L.C.B.O. For updates, follow them on Facebook.
Wee Wok is ready to Wok a new location: Dragon Yan opens on Braidwood
Lo Mein is a popular menu item at Dragon Yan, a new restaurant opened by Ron Kam and Yun (Cherry) Lian of Wee Wok Express. (Photo: Dragon Yan)
Ron Kam and Yun (Cherry) Lian of Wee Wok Express (337 George St S, Peterborough, 705-748-3388) have opened a new location.
Dragon Yan (422 Braidwood Ave., Peterborough, 705-750-1888) serves a similar menu to Wee Wok, but offers a dine-in option.
Ron and Cherry worked in the small kitchen at Wee Wok with Ron’s brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, mom, and dad with two front of house staff.
“Can you imagine being in a small elevator with your family all day? Though we can bump heads sometimes, in the end, it if weren’t for family, Wee Wok wouldn’t have produced these kinds of results. We count on, rely and trust each other.”
Wee Wok Express and Dragon Yan are both family endeavours. Wee Wok Express’s kitchen will now be run by Ron’s father. (Photo: Dragon Yan)
The second location will give them more space and allow them to cut down on wait times. Ron says that their food is even better in the dining room.
“The food actually loses its freshness, crisp, and bite after it gets steamed all the way back home. If you thought our food was good at Wee Wok, wait until you try it after 20 seconds off the wok. Piping hot, fresh, and crisp!”
Their most popular dish is sweet and sour chicken balls, which Ron says you won’t find in China.
“It’s not even real Chinese food — there is not a single chicken ball in China. But it’s just so popular here.”
Ron says that while Western Chinese food has become its own phenomena, he tends toward more traditional options.
“I personally love in a big bowl, half steamed rice and half wok stir-fried vegetables with some meat in garlic black pepper sauce. In China, combo plates were like that and included a soup. In the western world, a combo plate is an egg roll, chicken balls, fried rice, and a portion of vegetables.”
Lemon Chicken may not be an authentic Chinese dish, but it is a well-loved menu item. (Photo: Dragon Yan)
Still, Ron isn’t ready to offer a full menu of authentic Chinese food.
“People ask ‘Will you offer real authentic dishes?’ If I did, I think I would get three customers a day. I would love to offer Peking duck, steamed fish with with head and tail attached, whole chicken with head and feet, soup with bones in it, stir-fried dishes with bones in it.” But he doesn’t think the market is ready.
For now, Dragon Yan’s focus is on quality Western-style Chinese food with lots of fresh vegetables.
“We won’t give you extra batter on that chicken ball or load dishes with unappetizing fillers like onions and carrots. We make it colourful with a variety of the best vegetables, balanced flavours — filling and satisfying.”
Kawartha Coffee Company moves to iconic Bobcaygeon location
The Kawartha Coffee Company has closed at its 49 Bolton Street location. The popular eatery is moving across the street to an iconic Bobcaygeon building and will reopen in the spring. (Photo: Kawartha Coffee Company / Facebook)
Kawartha Coffee Company (49 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon, 705-738-1500) is moving across the street to a new location this spring.
According to Kathleen Seymour, owner of the Kawartha Coffee Company, the new building at 58 Bolton Street (just beside Foodland) has a long history.
“I’m not sure what it was originally, but in the 70s and 80s it was a doctor’s office. Then it turned into a restaurant and bar called The Doctor’s Office.”
The building at 58 Bolton Street was once a doctor’s office. It then became a restaurant and bar called, as you might expect, The Doctor’s Office. (Photo: Google Maps)
Kathleen also has a personal history with the building.
“I actually met my husband in there and the funny thing is he is now a doctor!”
Kathleen is looking forward to bringing new life into the old building.
“It has been sitting empty for many many years and leaving a bit of a hole on that main street. It needs love and life again. I’m very excited for this project. ”
Kawartha Coffee Company doesn’t just serve coffee. They are also a bakery and cafe with a Mexican-influenced menu. (Photo: Kawartha Coffee Company / Facebook)
The location also has a large patio, and offers an opportunity for Kawartha Coffee Company to shake things up.
“I hope to switch it up a bit and do some different things, as well bring in more artists, more music, interactive events — make it a real community hub.”
No decision, gag order in effect following Peterborough Farmers’ Market meeting
Circle Organic in Millbrook was one of the local vendors at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market whose membership status was up for a vote at a special meeting on January 8, 2018. No decision was reached at the meeting. (Photo: Circle Organic)
On January 8th, members of the Peterborough Farmers’ Market met to vote on whether to evict seven members: Otonabee Apiary, Mclean Berry Farm, Neccessitea Elixir, Chef Marshall, Finest Gourmet Fudge, Ashburnham Farms Gaelic Garlic, and Circle Organic for “behaviour detrimental to the corporation.”
No decision was reached, and a gag order is currently in effect for all vendors.
As a food columnist I have followed this story closely. Here is what I am certain of: you should support the farmers that you have relationships with, whether they are part of the seven or not, whichever side of this vote you fall on. Buy from their farms directly, or go to the market.
Support farmers. Because local food isn’t just about enjoying the freshest and best food available, it’s about community. Right now this community needs to heal, and you can be a part of that.
Canadian Celtic rockers Mudmen (Mike Meacher, Sandy Campbell, Dan Westenenk, Robby Campbell, and Jeremy Burton) return to Peterborough's Market Hall on January 13, 2018 for their 20th anniversary tour. (Photo courtesy of Mudmen)
For the third January in a row, Canadian Celtic rockers Mudmen are performing at Peterborough’s Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.
Market Hall presents Mudmen
When: Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) How much: $20 general admission, $25 assigned cabaret table seating
Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
In a happy coincidence, 2018 is the 20th anniversary of both Mudmen and the Market Hall. In fact, the Mudmen concert on Saturday, January 13th takes place the night after “Lights Up!”, the Market Hall’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Mudmen was founded by Robby Campell and his older brother Sandy in March 1998 in Alvinston (near Petrolia). The brothers, who play bagpipes in the band, originally began performing as The Campbell Brothers in 1993.
In 1998, the brothers changed their name to Mudmen, based on their occupation before forming the band: mixing mortar and carrying bricks for bricklayers.
VIDEO: Mudmen Promotional Video
The band’s music is a fusion of hard rock and punk with traditional Scottish music, well represented by the kilt-wearing brothers. They were exposed to Celtic music as children, with both their mother and grandparents being musicians who frequently brought fiddlers into their home.
“My brother was supposed to learn the fiddle but the fiddle teacher died,” Robby says. “The barber in town was offering free bagpipe lessons if you joined the pipe band. Sandy and I were both 13 when we started.”
The other members of Mudmen are Mike Meacher (lead vocals, guitar, banjo), Dan Westenenk (bass guitar, vocals), and Jeremy Burton (drums).
Over the past 20 years, Mudmen have performed more than 2,600 concerts and have released nine studio albums: Mudmen (2001), Overrated (2003), Defending the Kingdom (2005), The High Road (2009), Another Day (2010), Donegal Danny (2012), Where I Came From (2013), Train (2015), and Old Plaid Shirt (2016). Originally signed with EMI Records, they have been producing their records independently since 2005.
They are now working on their 20th anniversary record, expected to be released in July 2018. Robby is also writing an anniversary memoir for the band, 20 Years of Mud, to be released this spring. The book will cover the band’s challenges and successes from their origins as The Campbell Brothers to present day.
Mudmen was formed in 1998 by the Campbell brothers. (Photo courtesy of Mudmen)
Some of those successes include meeting and performing for Queen Elizabeth II on Canada Day at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, reccording the new version of the Hockey Night in Canada theme song, and performing at the 1984 Edmonton Oilers reunion with Wayne Gretzky. They’ve also opened for The Guess Who and ZZ Top, toured with Jonny Reid, and their music has been featured on television and in video games.
Calling themselves “Canada’s Celtic Rock Warriors”, Mudmen are known for their high-energy and family-friendly live performances. There’s a reason why Mudmen have performed in Peterborough for the past three years in a row: they’ve build a solid local fan base through regular performances.
“Fleming College was Mudmen’s first show in Peterborough, opening for Bif Naked,” Robby says. “We were standing in the hallway outside of the dressing room waiting for show time and the crowd started chanting, ‘MUDMEN, MUDMEN, MUDMEN!’ You can’t buy that feeling.”
VIDEO: “Where I Came From” – Mudmen
Advance tickets for Mudmen are $20 (including fees) for general admission seats or $25 (including fees) for assigned cabaret-style table seating.. Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
Congratulations to our VIP reader Yvonne Guerin, who won a pair of tickets to see Mudmen courtesy of the Market Hall. To qualify for exclusive free tickets and other giveaways from kawarthaNOW.com, sign up for our weekly VIP enews.
4th Line Theatre, which stages outdoor plays every summer at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook, has instituted a strict "no tolerance" policy for all its employees against sexual harassment. (Photo: 4th Line Theatre / Facebook)
At the Golden Globes last night (January 7), the issue of sexual harassment dominated the ceremony, with stars wearing black and various presenters and recipients using the opportunity to express solidarity with victims.
Host Seth Meyers opened the awards by saying “Welcome ladies and remaining gentlemen. It’s 2018 and marijuana is finally allowed and sexual harassment finally isn’t. For the male nominees in the room tonight, this is the first time in three months it won’t be terrifying to hear your name read out loud.”
Meyers was of course referring to the flood of sexual harassment accusations that began with Hollywood film mogul Harvey Weinstein and then spread like wildfire to include various male actors, sports figures, and other celebrities, prompting the #MeToo movement on social media where women recounted their own experiences of sexual harassment.
At the Golden Globes on January 7, 2018, the issue of sexual harassment in the film and television industry dominated the awards, with stars wearing black to express solidarity with victims. (Photo: Golden Globes)
In Canada, recent accusations by four women of sexual harrasment against Albert Schultz, former artistic director of Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre, continue to dominate the headlines. Just today, 280 artists — including actor Mia Kirshner, filmmaker Sarah Polley, and author Ann-Marie MacDonald — signed an open letter supporting the four women, calling on Soulpepper’s board to “acknowledge the harm these women, and others, have suffered.”
While there have been no accusations of sexual harassment yet within the local arts community, it could only be a matter of time.
That’s why Kim Blackwell, Managing Artistic Director at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook, has written an anti-sexual harassment for her organization, which was unanimously approved by the 4th Line Theatre board in November.
“4th Line has already had in place a harassment and bullying policy,” Kim tells me. “But at the end of October, with the news of the Harvey Weinstein situation and the Me Too movement, I felt we needed to have a clear ‘no tolerance of sexual harassment’ policy in place.”
Kim Blackwell, Managing Artistic Director at 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook, wrote the theatre company’s new anti-sexual harassment policy in October, in the wake of scandals in the entertainment world. (Photo: 4th Line Theatre)
Kim says the policy communicates to all 4th Line Theatre employees, both permanent and seasonal, that sexual harrasment in any form — from unwanted physical or verbal activity to sexual comments of any kind — will not be tolerated.
“Sexual harassment is a prevalent issue in the arts community and we needed to communicate that 4th Line Theatre has zero tolerance,” she says.
Kim recently shared the policy on Facebook, where she wrote “Every single person working at the theatre will receive this document as a hard copy and electronically. And believe me when I say it will be the law of the land.”
“Since posting online about our policy on my personal Facebook page, I’ve had many colleagues in the arts community thank me and indicate that they would potentially be using our policy in their own organizations,” Kim says.
” I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon.” At the Golden Globes on January 7, 2018, Oprah Winfrey became the first black woman to receive the Cecil B. de Mille Award for lifetime achievement. She delivered a moving speech that brought men and women in the audience to their feet.
With the new policy in place, I asked Kim how she would respond if a claim of sexual harassment was brought to her attention by an employee.
“I would consult with our board and allow them to guide us forward on this,” she says. “We have HR and legal expertise on the board and I would rely on their guidance.”
She also says that Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) would be a valuable resource. 4th Line is currently working with the organization in advance of the theatre company’s staging of Who Killed Snow White? this summer, a play written by Judith Thompson which Kim is directing.
“There are potential triggers in this play and we want to be prepared,” Kim explains. “We hope to have KSAC resources embedded in our process for the company, and potentially on site during performances as well.”
Who Killed Snow White? tells the story of a 15-year-old girl who, after being sexually assaulted at a party, endures additional victimization when photos of the assault are posted on social media. There was a reading from the play at a KSAC event in June 2016 — a full year before sexual harassment came to dominate the headlines.
The world premiere of Who Killed Snow White? takes place from August 6th to 25th at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook. Tickets for the summer season go on sale on February 12th, but you can can buy gift certificates now. For more information, visit www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca.
4th Line Theatre’s Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy
4th Line Theatre is committed to providing a workplace that is free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in the workplace is against the law and will not be tolerated. When 4th Line Theatre receives an allegation of sexual harassment, it will take prompt and appropriate corrective action.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a type of discrimination based on sex. When someone is sexually harassed in the workplace, it can undermine their sense of personal dignity. It can prevent them from earning a living, doing their job effectively, or reaching their full potential. Sexual harassment can also poison the environment for everyone else. If left unchecked, sexual harassment in the workplace has the potential to escalate to violent behaviour.
Some examples of sexual harassment are:
asking for sex in exchange for a benefit or a favour
repeatedly asking for dates, and not taking “no” for an answer
demanding hugs
making unnecessary physical contact, including unwanted touching
using rude or insulting language or making comments toward a person
calling people sex-specific derogatory names
making sex-related comments about a person’s physical characteristics or actions
saying or doing something because you think a person does not conform to sex-role stereotypes
posting or sharing pornography, sexual pictures or cartoons, sexually explicit graffiti, or other sexual images (including online)
making sexual jokes
bragging about sexual prowess.
4th Line Theatre’s Responsibilities under this Policy:
If 4th Line Theatre receives an allegation of sexual harassment, or has reason to believe sexual harassment is occurring, it will take the necessary steps to ensure that the matter is promptly investigated and addressed. If the allegation is determined to be credible, the Theatre will take immediate and effective measures to end the behaviour. The Theatre is committed to take action if it learns of possible sexual harassment, even if the individual does not wish to file a formal complaint.
The Managing Artistic Director and the General Manager are the main contact point for questions or concerns about sexual harassment. They have a responsibility for investigating or overseeing investigations of alleged sexual harassment. They are committed to ensuring that all investigations of sexual harassment are conducted in a prompt, thorough and impartial manner. If the Managing Artistic Director or General Manager is the harasser then the allegation must be taken directly to the Board of Directors.
Supervisors and other responsible Theatre officials who observe, are informed of, or reasonably suspect incidents of possible sexual harassment must immediately report such incidents to the Managing Artistic Director or the General Manager, who will either initiate or oversee a prompt investigation. Failure to report such incidents will be considered a violation of this policy and may result in disciplinary action.
The Theatre will seek to protect the identities of the alleged victim and harasser, except as reasonably necessary (for example, to complete an investigation successfully). The Theatre will also take the necessary steps to protect from retaliation those employees who in good faith report incidents of potential sexual harassment. It is a violation of both provincial law and this policy to retaliate against someone who has reported possible sexual harassment. Violators may be subject to discipline.
Employees who have been found by the Theatre to have subjected another employee to unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, whether such behaviour meets the legal definition of sexual harassment or not, will be subject to discipline or other appropriate management action. Discipline will be appropriate to the circumstances, ranging from a letter of reprimand through suspensions without pay of varying lengths to separation for cause. A verbal or written admonishment, while not considered formal discipline, may also be considered.
Employees’ Rights and Responsibilities under this Policy:
Any employee who believes he or she has been the target of sexual harassment is encouraged to inform the offending person orally or in writing that such conduct is unwelcome and offensive and must stop.
If the employee does not wish to communicate directly with the offending person, or if such communication has been ineffective, the employee has multiple avenues for reporting allegations of sexual harassment and/or pursuing resolution.
Employees are encouraged to report the unwelcome conduct as soon as possible to a responsible Theatre official. It is usually most effective — although it is not required — that the official be within the employee’s supervisory chain. Responsible Department officials include first- or second-line supervisors, the offending person’s supervisor, the Managing Artistic Director or the General Manager or Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.
Stephanie Hayes and Jennifer Avis, owners of doula and prenatal education service Hello, Baby!, will be opening their new pregnancy and parenting hub in downtown Peterborough on March 2, 2018. (Photo: Hello, Baby!)
This week we feature doula and prenatal education service Hello, Baby! moving into a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Peterborough, Mark’s Work Wearhouse moving into its new expanded location, a new Vinnies thrift store that opened in Lakefield, and upcoming business events including E-Connect!, a free financial literacy clinic for businesses, and more.
If you have business news or events you want to share with our readers, email us at business@kawarthanow.com.
Hello, Baby! to create new pregnancy and parenting hub in downtown Peterborough
Doula and prenatal education service Hello, Baby! is opening at a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Peterborough in March.
They will be moving into 239 Charlotte Street at Aylmer, just across the street from the Shoppers Drug Mart.
Over the past year, owners Jennifer Avis and Stephanie Hayes have been renting space for classes and events at Peterborough Living Yoga and The Monocle Centre for the Arts. In December, they received a grant under the Starter Company Plus program administered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.
Doula Stephanie Hayes, co-owner of Hello, Baby! with Maggie, a baby of one of her clients. (Photo: Hello, Baby! / Facebook)
At their new location, Jennifer and Stephanie will be expanding Hello, Baby! to provide more classes, groups, events, and workshops. They will also be offering products for people focused on fertility through pregnancy, birth, and the first year with babies.
The space will be safe and inclusive, breast and bottle feeding friendly, and will include a sitting area for group meetings as well as a studio for classes and workshops.
Hello, Baby! is currently seeking class and group facilitators as well as local vendors and makers. For more information and for updates on the new location, visit www.hellobabyptbo.com.
Mark’s Work Wearhouse in Peterborough opens in new location on January 12
Mark’s Work Wearhouse will open at its new location in Peterborough on Friday, January 12th.
Previously at Parkway Place at 1135 Lansdowne Street West, the casual and industrial apparel and footwear retailer is moving into a renovated building at 1230 Lansdowne Street West.
The building, previously occupied by Floor Trends, is located between Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods and Canadian Tire, which is the parent company of Mark’s Work Wearhouse.
The new location will be about 22,000 square feet, making it one of the largest Mark’s Work Wearhouse stores in Canada (the other being located at West Edmonton Mall).
As well as renovating the existing building, Mark’s Work Wearhouse added parking behind the building. The store will have entrances from Lansdowne Street and Clonsilla Avenue.
The Parkway Place location is currently closed while the relocation takes place. The new store will open on Friday, January 12th.
Mark’s Work Wearhouse originally opened in Peterborough in 1977 and moved into Parkway Place in 1989. The chain was acquired by the Canadian Tire Family of Companies in 2001.
New Vinnies store opens in Lakefield
The Lakefield Vinnies store is located at at 144 Queen Street. (Photo courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul Peterborough)
St. Vincent de Paul Peterborough, which operates the Vinnies thrift store at 99 Erskine Avenue, has opened a second location in Lakefield.
The organization opened the second smaller store, located at 144 Queen Street, to help the community support those in need, mainly in the area of clothing vouchers.
“While Lakefield already has an amazing food bank, the community needed extra help with clothing vouchers,” says Sue Mazziotti-Armitage, client care coordinator with St. Vincent de Paul Peterborough. “We knew that we could provide support with clothing, and the opportunity became available to us with this location. We are grateful to be able to help build on the services being offered in the community.”
All money raised through the store remains in the community. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
Photographers Jennifer Moher and Hugh Whitaker at E-Connect! on January 9
The first E-Connect! event for 2018 takes place on Tuesday, January 9th and features photographers Jennifer Moher and Hugh Whitaker.
The two photographers, who specialize in wedding photography, will be speaking on their journey as entrepreneurs in the photography world. There will also be a question-and-answer session following their presentations.
The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough). It’s free, but you are asked to register at Eventbrite.
E-Connect is the monthly forum connecting Peterborough’s entrepreneurs and start-ups with the region’s most accomplished advisors, experts, and investors. It’s hosted by FastStart, a partnership between Trent University, Fleming College, and the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas.
Peterborough Chamber breakfast meeting and Peterborough Business Exchange on January 9
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its breakfast meeting and Peterborough Business Exchange event on Tuesday, January 9th.
The Chamber AM breakfast meeting takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Carousel Restaurant (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough), featuring guest speaker Gwyneth James of Cody & James CPAs Professional Corporation. She will be speaking on the topic of Bill 148.
Later the same day is the Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) networking event taking place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Community Care Peterborough (185 Hunter St. E., Peterborough).
Both events are free (you pay for what you order at the breakfast event) and are open to Chamber members or those considering Chamber membership.
Peterborough County Cattlemen’s AGM on January 9
Peterborough County Cattlemen is holding its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9th at the Douro Community Centre (2893 Highway 28 and County Road 4, Douro).
To vote or stand for office, beef farmers must have paid check-off in 2017. All resolutions must be delivered to President Dave Cavanagh prior to the beginning of the meeting.
For more information, contact Dave Cavanagh at 705-740-5212 or a Cattlemen’s Director.
Business Hall of Fame inductees to be announced on January 10
Junior Achievement of Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka will be announcing the inductees for the 2018 Business Hall of Fame on Wednesday, January 10th.
The event takes place at 10 a.m. in the front foyer of VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The organization will also be unveiling its future Hall of Fame at the event.
Women’s Business Network of Peterborough Annual Member Tradeshow and Workshops on January 10
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is hosting its annual member tradeshow and workshops at Highland Park Funeral Centre (2510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough) on Wednesday, January 10th.
In addition to a showcase of businesses and organizations of WBN members, the event features two workshops related to human resources: “Diverse Hiring” by Lori McKee and “Developing High Performing Teams” by Colleen Carruthers.
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. WBN members can register at www.womensbusinessnetwork.net.
Free financial literary clinic for businesses on January 16 in Peterborough
Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants is offering a free financial literacy clinic from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16th at Canterbury Gardens (1414 Sherbrooke St. Peterborough).
The hour-long session will be on the topic “Understanding Financial Statements”. This is a basic session explaining the terms and concepts of financial statements. By taking this session, participants will be able to assess how their business is doing, why a balance sheet is needed, and learn more about their cash flow.
The clinic is being held in conjunction with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada’s financial literacy program. The program assists Canadians in gaining the financial skills, knowledge and confidence required to make the best choices for their circumstances.
This clinic is free and open to the public, but space is limited. If you’re interested, you must register by Friday, January 12th. Email info@codyandjames.ca or call 705-876-6011 to register.
Trent University at Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Breakfast Network on January 17
Julie Davis and Alison Scholl of Trent Unversity’s External Relations and Advancement will speak at the monthly Peterborough DBIA Breakfast Network on January 17. (Photos: Julie Davis / Alison Scholl, Twitter)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will be hosting two speakers from Trent University at the monthly DBIA Breakfast Network on Wednesday, January 17th.
Julie Davis, Vice-President of External Relations, and Alison Scholl, Advancement Community Relations Officer, will be speaking at the event, which takes place at Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. followed by the guest speakers at 8 a.m. Tickets are $5 at the door, and the event is open to everyone.
Peterborough Chamber Lunch Box Learning on January 17
The next Peterborough Chamber Lunch Box Learning session takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17th at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Toby McLeod of Stradegy.ca will speak on the topic “Website Roadmap: Learn how to turn your website into a business asset that makes you money, instead of costing you money and opportunities”.
The session is open to Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Business After Hours Lakefield Health and Wellness Hop on January 23
Robyn Jenkins and Evelyne Derkindren of The Robyn’s Nest Photography Company & Beauty Boutique in Lakefield, one of three businesses participating in the Business After Hours Lakefield Health and Wellness Hop.
Members of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will be visiting three Lakefield businesses on Tuesday, January 23rd from 5 to 7 p.m. to learn tips and tricks for wellness in the new year.
The Business After Hours Lakefield Health and Wellness Hop takes place at Salon Sorella & Day Spa, Robyn’s Nest Photography & Beauty, and Cuddles for Cancer.
Launch & Learn at Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre in Cobourg on February 7
Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre is offering a “Launch & Learn” session about corporate and wellness day retreats offered at the farm on February 7. (Photo: Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre / Instagram)
Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre (3517 Rowe Rd, Cobourg) is hosting a “Launch & Learn” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7th.
Owners Linda and Tony Armstrong are inviting representatives from organizations to find out more about corporate and wellness day retreats offered at the farm, which is located 10 minutes north of Highway 401 between Port Hope and Cobourg.
The preview includes a sampling of Headwaters’ food and mocktails, a tour of their activity and meeting facilities, a presentation about what the centre has to offer, and a choice of three sample workshops.
To reserve your complimentary spot, email info@headwatersfarm.ca by Wednesday, January 31st.
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