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businessNOW – January 8, 2018

By kawarthaNOW -
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)
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

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)
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

FastStart Jan 9 2018 Econnect

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 logo

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)
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.
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.

To register, visit kawarthachamber.ca.

 

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 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.

Farmers’ Markets Ontario responds to issues at Peterborough Farmers’ Market

By kawarthaNOW -
The Farmers' Markets Ontario "MyPick Verified Local Farmer" program certifies that Farmers’ Markets Ontario has visited the farmers and has verified that they’re selling only what they produced. The organization is recommending that the Peterborough Farmers' Market and the local community fully embrace the program. (Graphic: Farmers' Markets Ontario)

Farmers’ Markets Ontario, a network of 180 member markets across the province, released a statement today (January 8) regarding ongoing issues at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market.

The statement was sent to Wayne Jackson, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Utility Services at the City of Peterborough, in response to a media release on the Peterborough Farmers’ Market issued by the city on January 3rd.

The text of the letter is provided below.

This is Farmers’ Markets Ontario’s statement in response to the City of Peterborough Media Release of January 3, 2018.

It is unfortunate that the Peterborough Farmers’ Market has been undergoing such disruption and conflict among the vendors which has now expanded to encompass the community and beyond. The good news is that consumer awareness is increasing about the issue and need for transparency on behalf of vendors in farmers’ markets.

The unfortunate thing is that the core issue has been lost in many ways because of the focus on reselling and the more ‘sensational’ symptoms of the conflict between vendors. The core issue, as some have continued to point out during this recent time of high visibility, is not about resellers at farmers’ markets. It is about transparency and the growing need and desire on the part of consumers, to be able to identify where their food is coming from and who produced it.

People go to farmers’ markets to buy fresh-picked produce and support local farmers. Many assume that if you’re a vendor at a farmers’ market, you’re a farmer selling what you grow or produce on a farm nearby. A lot of the time, as we know, that isn’t the case.

Farmers’ Markets Ontario has been advocating and enabling transparency related to vendors and their products at markets throughout Ontario for decades. FMO developed and launched a program in 2008 that verifies local farmers and their products at the market(s) where they sell. The fact that this MyPick Verified Local Farmer program exists province-wide, is in direct response to these issues now coming to light in Peterborough.

One challenge undermining a province-wide adoption of the program is a low awareness among consumers that there is a need for verification/transparency and that they should therefore look for it. The other challenge is that it’s a voluntary program so there are many farmers who do not yet participate in it.

The issues in Peterborough — which are shared by many markets in the province — would benefit greatly by key stakeholders (ie the City of Peterborough) acknowledging the existence of the MyPick program that has been in place for years — promoting and leveraging it as a pre-existing solution.

It is disturbing and discouraging, to say the least, that in all the media coverage and public statements and commentary about this issue, there has been little or no mention of this program or the fact that FMO has been advocating transparency with markets in Ontario for decades.

It has been identified by research over the years, that many consumers who visit farmers’ markets do so in order to connect with real farmers, buy food produced locally and in so doing, feel good about supporting the local food economy and local farm families.

Would it not make sense for local stakeholders and community leaders to work with their local market(s) and FMO to reconnect with the original intention and purpose behind the inception of farmers’ markets and support their ongoing success by using this program within today’s markets?

Let’s work together to raise awareness, promote the experience and the virtues of having access to fresh, local food within our communities and celebrate the fact that as a society we still have farmers’ markets. Local farmers are the backbone of our local food economy. FMO is advocating honesty and transparency … and the need to refocus our attention on the idea of ‘community’ — which is a significant part of the experience that draws people to their local market.

The MyPick Verified Local Farmer program is in place. It’s what the new Peterborough Market vendor signage is based on. If fully embraced by the market and the community, it enables everyone to focus back on community — the ‘coming together in unity’ around the opportunity to access, experience and celebrate fresh, local food.

Sincerely,

Catherine Clark
Executive Director Farmers’ Markets Ontario Chair

Jay Howell
Farmers’ Markets Ontario Chair

Cars left parked on Peterborough streets overnight will be towed

By kawarthaNOW -

Don’t leave your car parked on a Peterborough street overnight or it will be towed and you’ll pay a fine.

The City of Peterborough is advising residents that all vehicles must be removed from streets tonight (January 8) to facilitate snow clearing operations.

Snow clearing operations will begin at 11 p.m. on Monday and continue until 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

Vehicles must be off all streets, including streets in the downtown. Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, the King Street Parkade, and the Simcoe Parking Garage. Vehicles parked overnight at either parking garage can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry to the garage to be used for a free transit trip home.

The fine for failing to remove vehicles from the street is $80 and the vehicle will be towed.

All vehicles north of Parkhill Road will be towed to Milroy Park located at 242 Milroy Drive, with all other vehicles being towed to Morrow Park located at 171 Lansdowne Street West.

All towed vehicles must be claimed on Tuesday. After 24 hours, all unclaimed vehicles will be towed to an impound yard at the owner’s expense.

For more information, call the city’s parking division at 705-742-7777 Ext. 2802.

How to get your free $25 Loblaw gift card

By kawarthaNOW -

As of today (January 8), you can register for a $25 gift card from Loblaw online at loblawcard.ca.

Related story

After fixing bread prices for 14 years, Loblaw is offering its customers a $25 gift card

You will be asked to complete a registration form providing your name, birth date, and address and confirming your eligibility. If you don’t want to complete the registration online, you can call the toll-free number at 1-855-465-8881 and request that a paper registration form be mailed to you.

You are eligible for gift card if you are over 18 years of age and purchased certain brands of bread between January 2002 and March 2015 at Loblaws, Atlantic Superstore, Bloor Street Market, Cash & Carry, Club Entrepôt, Dominion (in Newfoundland and Labrador), Extra Foods, Fortinos, Independent City Market, Loblaws City Market, Maxi, Maxi & Cie, No Frills, Presto, Provigo, Provigo Le Marché, Real Canadian Superstore, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Valu-mart, Wholesale Club, Your Independent Grocer, or Zehrs,

The brands of bread are Ben’s Bread, Bon Matin Bread, Country Harvest Bread, Dempster’s Bread, D’Italiano Bread, Gadoua Bread, McGavin’s Bread, No Name Bread, Old Mill Bread, POM Bread, Weston Bread, and Wonder Bread.

Only one card will be issued to each customer.

Although registering for the $25 gift card will not affect your right to participate in any class actions relating to the overcharging on the price of packaged bread, you must agree during registration that $25 will be deducted from any compensation you are entitled to receive from any class action settlement or judgement against Loblaw. For example, if you were entitled to compensation of $35 from a class action settlement or judgement, you would only receive $10 if you accepted the gift card.

“You may wish to obtain independent legal advice, including by contacting one of the intended class action firms,” before agreeing to this condition, the website states.

After submitting your registration form, you will be emailed a registration ID, which you can use (along with a password) to check the status of your registration online.

The Loblaw Card Program website says all registrations will be reviewed and, if approved, you will receive your card in the mail within six weeks.

“In some cases, however, registration processing (including fraud management) and card delivery may take up to 12 weeks,” the website states.

You must register by May 8, 2018 to be eligible. However, you may not want to wait too long as “Loblaw reserves the right to limit the total number of cards that will be issued under the Loblaw Card Program,” according to the website.

If you don’t need the $25, many people have suggested registering for the card and then donating it to a local food bank.

However, food banks have requested that you use the card yourself and, in lieu of donating the card, donate $25 in cash instead. Cash will have a greater impact, as food banks can use the money to purchase wholesale food from various locations, instead of only purchasing food at retail prices only from Loblaw stores.

Snow for the back-to-school commute on Monday

By kawarthaNOW -

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for all of southern Ontario, including Peterborough and the Kawarthas, for snow overnight on Sunday (January 7) and into Monday morning.

Snowfall totals will average about 10 cm across southern Ontario, with higher amounts to the northeast of the Great Lakes.

The snow will spread from west to east this evening and tonight, and then taper off from west to east on Monday.

Snow will be falling over all areas during the Monday morning commute. Untreated roads are expected to be slippery.

Garnet Rogers recalls life on the road with his legendary brother Stan

By Josh Fewings -
Folk Under The Clock presents folk singer-songwriter Garnet Rogers, along with Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman, at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough on January 21, 2018. (Photo: Bruce Dienes)

Garnet Rogers’ life has settled down quite a bit since touring in the 1970s and early 1980s with his older brother, the late great Canadian folk music legend Stan Rogers.

Folk Under The Clock presents
Garnet Rogers and Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman,

When: Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 4 p.m.
Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough)
How much: $40.50 assigned seatings ($28 for students)

Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.

While he has a few shows upcoming in the near future — including a January 21st show at Peterborough’s Market Hall with Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman — Garnet’s days of month-long tours have come to an end. He and his wife Gail live on a quiet farm outside of Brantford, and these days he’s been chasing the songwriting muse.

“I’m mostly trying to do some playing, a little bit of writing, which doesn’t seem to be coming to fruition that easily,” Garnet tells me. “They seem to get harder to find as you get older. What was it Leonard Cohen said? ‘If I knew where the good songs came from, I’d go there more often.'”

The pace of life is quite different for Garnet now than it was when he toured with Stan.

“We had to tour all of the time,” he recalls. “We just toured and toured and toured. We never stopped and we were never home. We were always broke. It wore you out, especially back in those days.”

Garnet vividly brings “those days” to life in his 731-page memoir Night Drive: Travels With My Brother. He published it independently and sells it from his website at garnetrogers.com. First released in 2016, the book became popular in 2017 (Garnet was interviewed by Tom Powers on CBC Radio’s q in August). The book has now had several printings since its initial release.

Garnet Rogers published his memoir, "Night Drive: Travels With My Brother", in 2016. (Photo: Ball Media)
Garnet Rogers published his memoir, “Night Drive: Travels With My Brother”, in 2016. (Photo: Ball Media)

Garnet and I chatted about his book among many other things, and he always seemed to return to themes of hardship, fear, and even violence.

“There were not nearly as many places to play back then. Stan and would find ourselves in these situations where you’re in some bar and you think ‘We should not be here, oh god.’ It was like a western movie where the music stops and everyone turns around and stares at you, and you know at some point there’s going to be a shoot out.”

Looking back, Garnet suggests his brother was not necessarily the simple and peaceful folk singer that many people assume. In fact, their touring years were rife with trouble.

“There’s was a lot of involvement with police,” he says. “Stan was actually charged with attempted murder at one gig [he was later let go]. That’s not really part of the public legend of this big hearty folk singer who wrote Barrett’s Privateers. He was broke, terrified, and full of anger all the time.”

VIDEO: “Night Drive” – Garnet Rogers

Garnet had to delve deep into those memories when writing Night Drive. Although the years of touring were extremely tough for both he and his brother, Garnet still found humour in dark places as he was writing.

“There was always something bizarre going on. There was drugs and booze and police and weirdness. You know, young people acting badly.

“I’d just be sitting in the chair giggling most of the day and my wife would be reading a book and she’d say, ‘OK, what now?’ So I’d have to read her the passage. She’d either laugh or say ‘You really can’t write that!'”

VIDEO: Garnet Rogers reading from his book “Night Drive”

Overall, Garnet found the act of putting those memories to paper a positive one.

“I really miss doing it now. You’re remembering this terrifying stuff, or weird things, or people who came through our lives and who were wonderful to us. Some of those people are long gone now. I got to hold them up to the light and say how great this person was. Pete Seeger or Odetta or Noel Harrison — these people we met in the folk world.”

While Garnet says there are some similarities with writing songs, the process of writing a book was mostly a different experience.

“With my songs I tend to find some tiny little thing I can celebrate, in a poetic way, and find the best way to convey the message,” he explains. “You’re trying to find the most evocative, and usually the funniest, way to convey the story,”

But to write the book, he realized he had to dig much deeper to expand on these stories from his past. Over the years, Garnet had told some of the stories on stage and to friends and, after being urged to write them down, he decided to embark on the book.

VIDEO: “Soul Kiss” – Garnet Rogers

While the experience seemed daunting at first, it ended up being quite natural for him.

“It came pretty easy once I sat down to it,” he says. “I actually read that book on writing by Stephen King [On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft]. I read it over a weekend. When I got up on Monday morning, I thought ‘I know how to do this now’. I sat at the keyboard and I pretty much didn’t get up until eight months later.”

Although he enjoyed working on the book, Garnet also loves the stage and is looking forward to returning to Peterborough to perform at the Market Hall.

“I’m excited to get back to Peterborough,” he tells me. “I love that town and I love the room.”

VIDEO: “Shadows on the Water” – Garnet Rogers

Presented by Folk Under The Clock, the concert will also feature New York folk duo Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman, who Garnet praises.

“I don’t even know where to begin with them,” he says. “Karen is an incredible songwriter, with beautiful poetic lyrics. Her songs are full of funk and poetry and sex and rhythm. They can break your heart and have you laughing within a few sentences.”

As for Peter, Garnet describes him as one of his top 20 guitar players.

“I put him right up there with people like John Martyn and Prince, he’s just so incredibly innovative. He does not sound like anyone else.”

VIDEO: “Without Me” by Karen Savoca with Pete Heitzman

The three artists toured a lot together between 2000 and 2004, and that is the last time they were in Peterborough together as well.

The January 21st show will be memorable for a whole bunch of reasons, including great musicianship, lots of laughs, and at least a few incredible stories from when Stan and Garnet Rogers traversed Canada week after week.

Tickets are $40.50 for assigned regular seats and $28 for students (all tickets include fees). You can get tickets at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org. Doors open aat 3 p.m., with the show beginning at 4 p.m.

MonkeyJunk has been reinventing the blues for 10 years

By Bruce Head -
Matt Sobb, Steve Marriner, and Tony Diteodoro are MonkeyJunk. The award-winning Ottawa trio is performing at Peterborough's Market Hall on January 9, 2018. (Publicity photo)

“I’m talkin’ about the blues, I ain’t talkin’ about monkey junk.” – Eddie James “Son” House Jr. (1902-1988)

Narket Hall presents
MonkeyJunk

When: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 8 p.m.
Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough)
How much: $20 general admission (cabaret table seats are assigned)

Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.

In the 1960s, when American delta blues singer and guitarist Son House described how contemporary musicians played the blues, he dismissed it as “monkey junk” instead of actual blues music.

So it’s self-deprecating but not entirely inaccurate for Ottawa-based blues-rock trio MonkeyJunk to have proudly chosen the phrase as their moniker.

“The truth of the matter is that we aren’t exactly a blues band,” says frontman Steve Marriner. “In the beginning that was true, but now we write our own songs, and let them come out however they may.”

While the band’s musical prowess draws from iconic masters of country and delta blues like Lightnin’ Hopkins and John Lee Hooker, they push the boundaries of the genre by incorporating swampy blues and rock stylings along with intelligent and thougtful lyrics. They also listen to music from bands such as JJ Grey & Mofro, The Black Keys, Sit Down Servant, Tedesschi Trucks Band, and more.

VIDEO: “Time to Roll” – MonkeyJunk

“We don’t owe the blues nazis, the blues purists, a thing,” Marriner says in a 2013 interview with The Toronto Star.

Formed in March 2008, MonkeyJunk is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and is kicking off a tour of southern Ontario, followed by a tour of the U.S., with a concert at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough on Tuesday, Jaunary 9th.

The band consists of Marriner (lead vocals, baritone guitar, harmonica, and Hammond organ), Tony “D” Diteodoro (lead guitar, vocals), and Matt Sobb (drums and percussion, vocals).

The band doesn’t have a bass player, in the tradition of blues bands like Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers and Moreland & Arbuckle, which also helps form their unique sound. Marriner often plays a baritone guitar, which is tuned to a lower pitch than a standard guitar, to fill out the bottom end.

Tony D and Steve Marriner performing at Ottawa Bluesfest in 2015. (Photo: Dan Nawrocki)
Tony D and Steve Marriner performing at Ottawa Bluesfest in 2015. (Photo: Dan Nawrocki)

Marriner, the youngest member of the band at 33, first garnered attention in the Ottawa blues scene in his early teens as a blues harmonica prodigy. Prior to forming MonkeyJunk, he performed in Ottawa bands the Johnny Russell Band and the JW-Jones Blues Band.

As well as being a producer, sideman, and session player, Marriner has toured the world performing alongside Harry Manx and has shared the stage with musicians such as Randy Bachman, Colin James, and Big Sugar. He’s performed at The Dobro in downtown Peterborough in the past, most recently this past December (MonkeyJunk has also played at The Dobro several times).

Diteodoro, who was born in Italy before emigrating to Canada with his family when he was very young, began playing the trombone in school. He was good at it, but switched to guitar when he was 13, inspired by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin (“You can’t pick up chicks with a trombone”). At the age of 19, he performed for three nights in Buddy Guy’s band and, at the age of 29, opened for the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan.

These events helped propel him into a long-standing career with his own popular project, The Tony D Band. He has also toured with some of Canada’s greatest blues musicians, including the late Dutch Mason.

VIDEO: “Once Had Wings” – MonkeyJunk

Sorb played his first gig when he was 18, when the drummer in his brother’s band didn’t show up for a rehearsal. Although he wasn’t a very experienced drummer at the time, Sorb sat in and by the end of the rehearsal was the new drummer (“It was baptism by fire”).

Before joining MonkeyJunk, he was a very busy session drummer around Ottawa. He has backed up several regional, national, and international artists live on stage, both touring and in studio. Sorb has performed with Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds), Jeff Healey, Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond), The Tony D Band, his brother’s band Marty Sobb and The Mobb, among many others.

MonkeyJunk has released five records: Tiger in Your Tank in 2009 (re-released in 2014), To Behold in 2011, All Frequencies in 2013, Moon Turns Red in 2015, and their latest album, Time To Roll, in 2016.

So far, they’ve won two Canadian Independent Music Awards, a Blues Music Award, a Juno Award, and an astounding 20 Maple Blues Awards — with three nominations for the 21st annual Maple Blues Awards on January 15th including Songwriter of the Year and best harmonica player and drummer.

VIDEO: “You Make A Mess” – MonkeyJunk

William Shatner, who hosted the 2012 Juno Awards where MonkeyJunk won for best blues album for To Behold, called the band “The Sultans of Swamp R&B.”

The band was also a favourite of the weekly syndicated radio program Elwood’s BluesMobile, hosted by famous actor and Ottawa native Dan “Elwood Blues” Aykroyd. The program, which began as House of Blues Radio Hour in 1993, showcased blues and blues-based music until it ended in July 2017.

Come out to the Market Hall at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9th to help MonkeyJunk celebrate its 10th anniversary. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.

As legendary Canadian guitarist David Wilcox has said, “MonkeyJunk are keeping the spirits of Muddy Waters and the other roots giants alive with their own unique brand of music. Check it out — you won’t be disappointed.”

Two unattended cars stolen while warming up in driveway

By kawarthaNOW -

Police are reminding the public not to leave cars unattended while warming them up during the extreme cold weather.

Two of five recent stolen vehicle investigation by the Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) involved owners who said they left their vehicles running in their driveways idling with the keys in the ignition.

In another case, the owner left a set of keys in his unlocked car.

All but one vehicle has since been recovered; a blue 2005 Nissan Murano with Ontario licence plates #BYEN192 remains outstanding.

Police advise an unlocked car is an open invitation to thieves to steal any valuables you have left inside. And if you leave keys in the ignition or a spare set in the glove compartment, this can lead to far more serious consequences.

A thief can commit other criminal acts with your car, knowing that the car is not registered to them. They can also drive dangerously when approached by police leading to devastating consequences.

Unless your vehicle is equipped with a remote starter so the vehicle can be warmed up but not driven, the best advice is to always stay with your vehicle.

Do not leave keys inside your vehicle, even if locked in the glove compartment. Police also advise not to leave garage door openers inside your vehicle. There have been incidents where thieves have entered a vehicle and then used the garage door opener to gain access to homes.

And don’t leave your insurance or vehicle permit in your glove compartment. Thieves can also steal these documents to commit fraud or steal your identity.

Get a free coffee in Lindsay and Peterborough on January 10 and pay it forward

By kawarthaNOW -
Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault in Linday and Kyoto Coffee in Peterborough are participating in Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group's second annual "Common Kindness Day" on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. The insurance company is pre-paying for 1,000 free coffees or teas across Ontario, asking customers who receive a free beverage to "pay it forward" by pre-paying for another customer's coffee or tea. (Photo: Kyoto Coffee / Twitter)

You can get a free coffee (or tea) in Lindsay and Peterborough when Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s “Common Kindness Day” event returns on Wednesday, January 10th — and the chance to make someone else’s day brighter.

Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault (148 Kent St W. Lindsay) and Kyoto Coffee (2621 Lakefield Rd., Peterborough) will be offering 100 free coffees or teas to the first patrons through their doors.

The complimentary beverage comes with just one simple request: to pay the kindness forward by buying someone else a coffee or tea, creating a ripple effect.

The Commonwell will be pre-paying for a total of 1,000 coffees in nine communities across Ontario: Lindsay, Peterborough, Perth, Barrie, Belleville, Alexandria, Midland, Whitby, Ottawa, and Stittsville.

Kyoto Coffee owner Tracy Cosburn with Stu Harrison at last year's Common Kindness Day. (Photo: Kyoto Coffee / Twitter)
Kyoto Coffee owner Tracy Cosburn with Stu Harrison at last year’s Common Kindness Day. (Photo: Kyoto Coffee / Twitter)

The insurance company first launched Common Kindness Day — and the ‘pay it forward’ coffee event — in January 2017 as a way to bolster community spirit.

After the first event, The Commonwell president and CEO Tim Schauf said the response was overwhelming and “far exceeded our wildest expectations.”

“The ‘pay it forward’ donations from generous locals kept the free coffee pouring for several days, so much so that Common Kindness Day became a week-long celebration,” Schauf said.

Last year, 90 customers of Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault in Lindsay received a free coffee and paid for 82 coffees for other customers. In Peterborough, 30 customers received a free coffee and paid for 12 coffees for other customers.

The most generous community was Belleville, where 106 customers received a free coffee and paid for 101 coffees for other customers.

Gail Moorhouse appointed interim executive director of Community Futures Peterborough

By kawarthaNOW -
Gail Moorhouse has been appointed interim executive director at Community Futures Peterborough. (Photo: Community Futures Peterborough)

The Board of Directors at Community Futures Peterborough has announced that Gail Moorhouse has been appointed as the economic organization’s interim executive director.

Moorhouse is replacing Jeff Day who announced his resignation in December.

Related story

Jeff Day is resigning as executive director of Community Futures Peterborough

Moorhouse was a member of the Community Futures Peterborough board, but has resigned from her position from the board during this interim appointment. She has more than 20 years experience in various sales, management, training and marketing roles. She currently runs her own business in Ennismore and has previously held positions with Microsoft, HP, and Catalyst Finance.

“We are confident Gail is the best person to lead the organization through this transition and maintain stability for our clients during this time,” says Board Chair Peter Gaffney.

“In addition to her successful career, her service on the Board provides her with the skills, knowledge and experience to oversee the organization during this transitory period.”

Community Futures Peterborough is recruiting a permanent Executive Director. The job description is available at communityfuturespeterborough.ca.

Gail Moorhouse (middle) replaces Jeff Day (left), who announced his resignation from the executive director position in December. Also pictured is former board member Kim Appleton.
Gail Moorhouse (middle) replaces Jeff Day (left), who announced his resignation from the executive director position in December. Also pictured is former board member Kim Appleton.
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