The Nutty Bean Cafe in Lakefield is celebrating 12 Days of Christmas beginning December 13th and running until December 24th. Enjoy a different holiday treat or initiative each day. On December 14th, receive a free coffee with donation to the toy drive and, on December 15th, all tips will be donated to a local charity.
December Business After Hours and Christmas Drop In – December 13
The final Business After Hours of 2017 is being held in conjunction with Kawartha Lakes Construction’s annual Christmas Drop In today (December 13).
Join other Chamber members at KLC’s location at 3359 Lakefield Road. Contributions to the Lakefield Lioness toy drive, and Lakefield Food Bank are welcomed.
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)
New year, new you! Register for the January Business After Hours, Lakefield Hop. Join the Chamber for a visit to Lakefield businesses on Tuesday, January 23rd from 5 to 7 p.m.
Participating businesses include Salon Sorella & Day Spa, Robyn’s Nest Photography & Beauty, and Cuddles for Cancer. Most details to come.
Join a Chamber Committee or the Board of Directors
Join the Chamber’s board of directors or volunteer for a committee.
The Kawartha Chamber relies on the expertise and dedication of volunteers that make up its various committees and Board of Directors.
Chamber Committees
Join a committee to support your Chamber, the business community, and enhance your professional development. Committees include Finance, Human Resources/Governance, Marketing, Membership & Programs, Awards Gala, Nominating, and Public Policy. Complete the Volunteer Form here.
Board of Directors
The Chamber’s Nominating Committee is also seeking nominations from Members to let their name stand for election to the Board of Directors for 2018/19. Positions are for a two-year term. All positions are confirmed annually by the membership present at the Annual General Meeting in February. Chamber members in good standing (annual dues and other purchases are paid) are eligible to submit their name, or a current employee who would represent that member.
The Nominating Committee wishes to have representation from a broad cross section of the Chamber’s membership so do not hesitate to confirm your interest. Download the application form. The deadline for applications is Monday, January 8th, 2018 at noon.
For more information, contact Garry Douglas at 705-656-3757 or Chamber Staff at 705-652-6963.
Peterborough County Sign By-Law – Public Comment Period Extended
Peterborough County Council has extended the public consultation period for review of the Sign By-Law 2007-55 and are seeking input into the new sign by-law for the County.
Please direct written submissions to pwinfo@ptbocounty.ca or via regular mail to: Bush Country Sign Consultation, County of Peterborough, County Court House, 470 Water Street, Peterborough, ON, K9H 3M3. Submissions are due by Friday, January 5, 2018, at 2 p.m.
The Chamber would like to hear from any businesses impacted by the proposed change to the County Sign By-Law. Please send your thoughts to generalmanager@kawarthachamber.ca.
Retreat space, events, products, and services for women ready to make their self-care a priority and small groups seeking unique venue for gatherings.
The Nutty Bean Celebrates 12 Days of Christmas
The Nutty Bean Cafe will be offering shortbread cookies on Tuesday, December 19th as part of their 12 Days of Christmas promotion. (Photo: Nutty Bean Cafe)
The Nutty Bean Cafe (33 Queen St., Lakefield, 705-652-9721) is celebrating 12 Days of Christmas beginning December 13th and running until December 24th.
Enjoy a different holiday treat or initiative each day. On December 14th, receive a free coffee with donation to the toy drive and, on December 15th, all tips will be donated to a local charity.
EODP Information Session at Community Futures Ptbo
Community Futures Peterborough is hosting an Eastern Ontario Development Program Information Session at their office at 351 Charlotte Street in Peterborough.
Sessions are taking place at 12 p.m. on Friday, December 15th and Friday, January 12th. Workshops are free but spaces are limited. Sign up.
Economic Development Survey for Residents & Business Owners
The Township of Selwyn is on a mission to ensure local businesses thrive to increase employment opportunities and wants to hear what you have to say about the local economy.
As a thank you, each person who completes the survey before December 15th will be entered to win a $250 gift card to be used at a Selwyn business. Click here to take the survey.
Upcoming Events
Camp Kawartha Annual General Meeting – December 19th
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.
Grace De Mara as Cinderella and Dylan Macdonald as Prince Topher in Thomas A. Stewart Musical Theatre Program's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, running from Thursday, December 14 to Saturday, December 16 at the Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School auditorium in Peterborough. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
The holiday season is about to get a little more magical with the Thomas A. Stewart Musical Theatre Program presenting its production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella from December 14th to 16th.
Directed and produced by Sarah Tye, this version of Cinderella tells the basic story told to generations for centuries, but with some additional plot twists and characters for a story that goes far beyond the tale of a girl with a missing shoe.
Although countless versions of Cinderella have appeared in print, in film, and on the stage, this version has an interesting history.
TAS Musical Theatre Program presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
When: Thursday, December 14 to Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 16 at 2 p.m. Where: Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (1009 Armour Rd., Peterborough) How much: $15 adults, $12 students and children
Directed and produced by Sarah Tye and starring Grace De Mara, Dylan Macdonald, Hayden Henderson, Miranda Steiginga, Sara Lytle, Dalton Lain, Kaia Douglas, Noah Miller, Taylor Mosher, and more. Tickets are available online, from a musical theatre student, or from Kim Driscoll at kim_driscoll@kprdsb.ca or 705-743-5230 ext. 583.
In the late 1950s when television was going through its first golden age, Broadway plays were being televised with much success. After NBC struck gold in 1955 with a televised version of Peter Pan starring Mary Martin, the network wanted to do another family musical. Instead of adapting an existing Broadway show for the small screen, NBC approached musical heavy hitters Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein to create an original show for broadcast.
Having already had huge hits with Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, and The King and I, the pair decided to produce an original updated version of Cinderella. Upon discovering rival network CBS was also seeking to do an original televised musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein learned CBS had signed Julie Andrews (who was then starring on Broadway in My Fair Lady but was not yet a star) to a yet-to-be-announced project.
Wanting to work with Andrews, who they greatly admired, the pair jumped ship and brought Cinderella to CBS instead. Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella aired live on CBS on March 31, 1957. With 56 performers, six large set pieces, and over 100 costumes, the 90-minute production was considered one of the most ambitious and largest televised projects of the era. An estimated 107 million viewers tuned into the show, and Julie Andrews was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance, giving her one of her first successes beyond the theatre stage.
Unfortunately, no versions of the colourized version of the special exists, but a black-and-white kinescope of the performance is available on DVD. The play has gone through several rewrites over the decades for the stage. The version that the TAS program is performing is the latest version, which premiered on Broadway in 2013, with an updated book by Douglas Carter Beane.
Grace De Mara as Cinderella and Kaia Douglas as Crazy Marie. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
The thing that makes Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version of Cinderella unique is the way they play with the story and the characters. They take a story everyone thinks they know but — by adding new themes, dramatic situations, and characterization to flesh out the story — they make it more complex and, even today, more contemporary.
For people who think they know the story of Cinderella, if you haven’t seen this version you really don’t know how good Cinderella can be. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s take on the classic fairy tale is my very favourite version.
When Prince Topher (Dylan MacDonald) returns home from school, he finds himself under the thumb of the manipulative Lord Chancellor Sebastian (Dalton Lain), who is robbing the kingdom’s people of their money and land and leaving them living in squalor. After revolutionary student Jean-Michael (Hayden Henderson) begins to publicly speak of the injustice in the kingdom, Sebastian decides to create a distraction by marrying the reluctant prince off in a grand masquerade ball.
Hayden Henderson addresses the company as Jean-Michel. (Photo: Celia Fehr)
Enter the greedy and cruel Madam (Emily Reed) who lives in the village with her two daughters Gabrielle (Miranda Steiginga) and Charlotte (Sara Lytle) and her sweet but mistreated stepdaughter Ella (Grace De Mara). Romantically involved with Sebastian, Madam plots with the Chancellor to rig the masquerade so that Gabrielle will marry Price Topher. However, things don’t go as planned when the beautiful and kind Cinderella arrives at the ball and wins the Prince’s heart.
The audience knows the rest of the story including a fairy pumpkin, a pumpkin coach, and a missing glass slipper. But with some clever rewriting, the fleshed-out storyline in this version of the story is far more compelling than the story you’ve heard before.
With her bright eyes and sweet smile, Grace De Mara as Cinderella has a delightful stage presence and she just shines in the role, creating a heroine who is easy to fall in love with. (Photo: Celia Fehr)
Each year Sarah Tye manages to bring a new bright talent to the centre of the TAS stage, and this year is no exception with Grace De Mara in the role of Cinderella. With her bright eyes and sweet smile, Grace has a delightful stage presence and she just shines in the role, creating a heroine who is easy to fall in love with.
Radiating kindness, positivity, and gentleness, Grace’s Cinderella has more dimensions than other versions that have come before and after her. She gives a charming performance and is perfect in the role.
Meanwhile, Dylan MacDonald, as Prince Topher, creates a much different version of the story’s hero than other versions as well. Heroic but a bit naive, Prince Topher is hardly a sovereign who is in the know; he’s a bit clueless and a few cards short of a full deck.
In fact, more of the story is about Prince Topher getting his kingdom together and trying to discover the identity of the mysterious girl at the ball. Dylan creates a charming and lovable character by presenting a flawed version of this Prince Charming.
Dylan Macdonald as the heroic but naive Prince Topher. (Photo: Celia Fehr)
In my opinion, the more interesting romantic plot is that of Jean-Michael and Cinderella’s not-so-evil stepsister Gabrielle. Hayden Henderson and Miranda Stieginga are standouts in these colourful character roles, and create a new compelling storyline to give the audience something more than just the story that they know. The relationship between Cinderella and Gabrielle is refreshing and so different than anything seen before, and adds so much more to the show.
I was also really charmed by Miranda and Grace’s chemistry with one another.
I also want to give a shout out to Kaia Douglas in the role of Crazy Marie, a wonderfully comedic character. Kaia creates some extremely special moments on stage, and gives some of the stronger musical moments of the night.
A full orchestra of volunteer musicians under the direction of Ben Jackson with assistance by Justin Hiscox provide the musical accompaniment for the performers. (Photo: Celia Fehr)
Of course, the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein is always so notable and, backed by a full orchestra of volunteer musicians under the direction of Ben Jackson with assistance by Justin Hiscox, Sarah Tye’s company carries through a number of well-written songs that, somehow, never really made it into the classic Broadway canon of songs.
The musical performances of the night belong to Taylor Mosher and Hayden Henderson, who lead the cast in “The Prince is Giving a Ball”, and Sarah Lytle’s big number “Stepsister’s Lament”, in which she really maximizes her moment in the spotlight with tons of spunk.
Prince Topher’s men battle Noah Miller as The Giant. (Photo: Celia Fehr)
But beyond the great performances, the real magic of Cinderella is the onstage transformations and special effects created by Sarah Tye’s amazing crew. Elaborate set changes happen before the audience’s eyes, puppet animals turns into people and, in one of the most interesting spectacles of the night, Prince Topher and his men battle an actual giant!
Noah Miller wears a specially designed costume with running stilts that makes him tower over the rest of the cast, and Sarah revealed to me it took Noah two months of practice to master the ability to swiftly move on the contraptions. It’s a really cool moment early on in the show that really stands out.
But possibly the most impressive effect in the show is when Cinderella changes from rags to a beautiful gown in a spectacular on-stage costume change with a special dress created by grade eleven students Abby Goble and Abi Begg. I was able to take a closer look at the dress to see how it works, and I have to say that the design of the dress is pure genius and a truly inspired piece of costuming.
The production values of the show are excellent, with elaborate set changes, impressive special effects, and dashing and elegant costumes. (Photo: Celia Fehr)
Even beyond that dress, the entire cast looks dashing and elegant, and the students involved in designing all the costumes should be applauded for making this production look so good.
As an educator and a director, Sarah Tye knows how to get the kids she brings into her productions to excel at their craft, and their professionalism and passion show in the finished result. I was charmed by Cinderella and it is a perfect show for the entire family this holiday season. There is something in this show for everyone, young and old, to enjoy.
Cinderella runs form December 14th to 16th at the Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School auditorium. Performances starts at 7 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, December 16th. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and children. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit tasmusical.weebly.com/box-office.html.
VIDEO: A sneak peek from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Tourtière is a tradition for many families over the holidays, but you don't necessarily need to be a great cook to serve a great tourtière. Both Primal Cuts in Peterborough and The Bridgenorth Deli in Bridgenorth make their own tourtière.
This month, food writer Eva Fisher talks with an owner of the hotly anticipated new Lindsay brewery The Pie Eyed Monk, and she discovers delicious local tourtière with Primal Cuts and The Bridgenorth Deli. She proffers a winter appeal from Dave Ralph, Chair of the Board of Kawartha Food Share, and she gets the details on a new plant-based restaurant coming to Peterborough.
Excitement builds for The Pie Eyed Monk, a new craft brewery in Lindsay
The Pie Eyed Monk will be located in the historic C.L. Baker building, named after the Lindsay grocer who built it in the late 19th century. Over the years, the building has been home to the Royal Bank, The Watchman-Warden newspaper, the Baker Business College, and the Frost and Frost law firm. (Photo: Pie Eyed Monk / Facebook)
Excitement is brewing in downtown Lindsay for a new craft brewery and restaurant located in the historic C.L. Baker Building, directly across from the Lindsay Fire hall.
Partner Aaron Young anticipates The Pie Eyed Monk Brewery (8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay, 705-878-3200) will open in May of 2018.
Two brewmasters have been hired and recipe development is underway. Sandra Chadwick and Keanan Schiedel-Webb recently became certified brewmasters after attending VLB in Berlin.
Prior to going to school, the pair collectively have 10 years of brewing experience at Haliburton Highlands Brewing (Keanan is the son of owners Michael and Jewelle Schiedel-Webb).
The first five Pie Eyed Monk beers have been taste tasted and will be named, for the most part, after partners in the business.
Aaron’s wife and business partner Jennifer Boksman named hers “The Laughing Troll.” The group commissioned a logo that features a purple troll with Jennifer’s hairstyle: a blonde mohawk. “The Dirty Bird” is realtor Brad Bird’s brew of choice, and “Brownie’s Blonde” is Don Brown’s pick. There is also a hop happy beer dubbed “The First Responder,” a nod to the region’s EMS services, and “Murph’s Daily Ration,” named for partner Pat Murphy.
In addition to house-made beer, The Pie Eyed Monk will serve wood-fired pizza made in an imported Italian pizza oven. (Photo: Pie Eyed Monk / Facebook)
In addition to house-made beer, The Pie Eyed Monk will serve wood-fired pizza made in an imported Italian pizza oven. Aaron plans to have his chefs trained to make wood-fired pizza in Toronto once they are hired.
“You have to be humble enough to go out there and learn. The restaurant business is a tough business.”
That’s not to say that Aaron doesn’t have significant experience in the food industry. He founded Lindsay’s Ribfest with his wife Jennifer in 2009. They are bringing their love of barbecue to their current endeavour.
“Jen and I are building a sixteen-foot smoker at the moment. We got an old propane tank and we’re converting it into a three bay smoker.”
In October 2017, TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin filmed an episode about Lindsay’s basic income pilot project at The Pie Eyed Monk. In the background is part of a mural created by artist Mike Wills for the craft brewery restaurant. (Photo: TVO)
That means that their pulled pork pizza and poutine will be made with house-smoked pork, and their charcuterie board will have a barbecue slant.
In addition to the restaurant and brewery, the building will have a second floor event space with a Prohibition era theme and seating for up to 150 people.
The group has committed to use local companies during the renovation process wherever possible.
“Jen’s been here almost her whole life, I’ve been here since I was 15,” Aaron says. “We own businesses in the community that are very very important to us and our community’s really important to us. You work in the community that you’re from because you understand it, and hopefully you get supported in return.”
Aaron Young, one of the partners in the Pie Eyed Monk, the much-anticipated craft brewery and restaurant opening in Lindsay in the spring of 2018. (Photo: Jennifer Boksman Photography)
Aaron has been humbled by the support so far.
“The feedback we’ve been getting is outrageous. Everybody’s excited.”
Aaron points out that the excitement isn’t just from the Lindsay community.
“I probably field five to ten calls per day of people outside the community looking to see if we’re open.”
Two places to get great tourtière this holiday season
The Bridgenorth Deli’s tourtière, made with pastry from The Kawartha Butter Tart Factory, is big enought to feed a family of five. (Photo: The Bridgenorth Deli / Facebook)
In my family, tourtière, a French Canadian meat pie made with pork, beef, and a hint of fragrant clove, was a Christmas Eve tradition. It was served at my grandmother’s table from a Madame Benoit recipe with plenty of green tomato relish.
Fortunately for busy merrymakers in the Kawarthas, you needn’t spend hours in the kitchen to serve a tourtière worthy — we imagine — of even Jehan Benoit’s approval. Here are two places that make authentic French Canadian meat pie.
Primal Cuts
Primal Cuts (550 Lansdowne St, Peterborough, 705-775-6328) tourtière is made with their own Square Nail Pork, produced locally. Large English Black pigs are fed spent grains from the Publican House Brewery.
The Primal Cuts recipe is based on a traditional Quebecois recipe and also includes double-smoked bacon and real Canadian maple syrup.
Primal Cuts’ tourtière is available in store throughout the holidays, and their chefs are happy to work with you to create a custom tourtière based on your tastes.
The Bridgenorth Deli
The Bridgenorth Deli (871 Ward St, Bridgenorth, 705-292-5444) offers tourtière made with a recipe from the Trois-Riviere region of Quebec.
They use fresh beef and pork, never frozen, and they grind the meat as they are making the pie so it’s optimally fresh. Their pastry is supplied by The Kawartha Butter Tart Factory in Warsaw.
The Bridgenorth Deli’s tourtière is available from the cooler in store or by pre-order.
They recommend serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup. According to co-owner Jody Katzman, “it’s the only way to go.”
Help Kawartha Food Share battle hunger in your community
Dave Ralph, Chair of the Kawartha Food Share, stacks boxes of sorted food for families throughout the Kawarthas. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
What does a food bank user look like? Chances are they’re younger than you think — 43 per cent of food bank users in the Kawarthas are under 18 years old.
Kawartha Food Share (665 Neal Dr, Peterborough, 705-745-5377) supplies food to 37 local food banks, which in total feed 9,000 people per month. Every day, 51 school breakfast programs supplied by Kawartha Food Share feed 17,000 local children. They supply food programs throughout the Kawarthas, from Millbrook to Hastings.
Chair of the Board Dave Ralph took me through their 10,000-square-foot Neal Drive location, where food donations come in from a variety of sources.
People donate at grocery store collection boxes or bring the food directly to the Food Share. Grocery stores supply dented canned goods, and a few larger retailers regularly donate food.
A mountain of buns and cakes sit in the freezer, brought in at 8 a.m. from Costco. Dave points to a large stack of breakfast cereal: “That’s from Walmart.”
Quaker Oats makes regular donations, and Chewy Bars, popular with breakfast programs, have their own item number.
The donations are sorted into categories. Rice, pasta, dog food, canned soup, canned milk … everything is organized into boxes and labeled. That means that organizations including the Brock Mission, The Salvation Army, and YES Shelter for Youth and Families can place an order for exactly what they need.
With only two full-time and two part-time staff members, Dave says the community’s support is vital to their operation.
“We rely heavily on volunteers.” He says that a big commitment isn’t necessary. “If they want to come in an hour and help sort, or they want to come in for a couple of times a week they’re most welcome to.”
You can also help Kawartha Food Share by donating to the 2017 Three Loonies on the Street fundraiser, which takes place on Friday, December 15 from 7 to 10 a.m. at the corner of King and George Streets in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Kawartha Food Share)
Those with less time on their hands may want to consider a cash donation. For every $1 donated, Kawartha Food Share effectively has $6 of buying power. Dave says that people come in with empty beer bottles and jars of pennies, and every donation helps hungry families.
Every donation over $10 is issued a tax receipt. Cheques should be made out to Kawartha Food Share.
Dave says that people donating goods to the food share should consider personal care items, as they’re always in demand.
“I had no idea how expensive diapers were.”.
He also suggests donating pasta, pasta sauce, boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, crackers, juice boxes, and microwaveable food like canned soup and tinned ravioli.
For more information about Kawartha Food Share, including how to volunteer, visit www.kawarthafoodshare.com.
Soon you can veg out at a new plant-based restaurant in Peterborough
The General Copper is a popular menu item at The Copper Branch, coming to Peterborough this Spring. (Photo: The Copper Branch)
For those following a vegan diet, dining out can be a challenge. Franchisees Michael and Paul Carcone are planning to bring a new vegan option, The Copper Branch, to Peterborough in April 2018.
The new restaurant will be located at 1040 Lansdowne Street West.
The Copper Branch is a chain that originated in Montreal. They offer fast, casual, 100% plant-based meals with a mission to make vegan food more accessible.
Andrew Infantino, Marketing Director of the Copper Branch, explains.
“When we first started, we had the mission of bringing plant-based foods more to the mainstream. We have high aspirations for the brand but of course I think were really doing something positive, essentially changing the way in which people are perceiving vegan or plant-based foods.”
Think it’s meat? Think again. This sandwich is made with shitaake mushrooms. (Photo: The Copper Branch)
The restaurant is known for its power bowls, but they also offer burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, smoothies, and organic coffees and teas. Andrew recommends the General Copper Bowl, which is made with shitaake mushroom, fresh avocado, sriracha coleslaw, organic brown rice, broccoli and topped with a fresh pepper and tomato sauce.
A 45-year-old Fenelon Falls man has been charged with arson and murder in the death of a 75-year-old man.
At around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday (December 9), officers from the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP, the City of Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service, and the City of Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service responded to a report of a fully engulfed residential structure fire at a home located on Oak Street in the village of Fenelon Falls.
After extinguishing the fire, the lifeless body of an elderly male was located in the home. He was subsequently identified as 75-year-old John Livingstone.
Later that evening, police took 45-year-old Gregory Livingstone of Fenelon Falls into custody. Police have now formally charged him with arson and first-degree murder.
The accused has been remanded into custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay on December 14, 2017.
Planet 12 Productions director, writer, and co-founder Derek Weatherdon (with his back to the camera) during a kitchen meeting with the company's six talented young performers: Aimee Gordon, Emma Meinhardt, Emily Keller, Abbie Dale, Isaac Maker, and Samuelle Weatherdon. The company is staging a new version of "The Reluctant Dragon" for local schools and will be taking "Boy Wonders" to the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2018. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
In November 2016, I sat in the green room at the Peterborough Theatre Guild where I was introduced to a group of young actors performing in The Reluctant Dragon, last year’s annual holiday family show at the Guild.
With the show’s producer Nikki Weatherdon leading the discussion, I spent an hour visiting with Emily Keller, Aimee Gordon, Samuelle Weatherdon, and Isaac Maker — a bright and articulate group of young actors with a serious passion for performing.
At that time, little did I realize that for the next year I’d be following these same four kids, along with co-performers Abbie Dale and Emma Meinhardt, who would be selected by Derek and Nikki Weatherdon to form the cast of Planet 12 Productions.
Samuelle Weatherdon, Isaac Maker, and Emily Keller rehearse a scene from the new version of “The Reluctant Dragon” which Planet 12 Productions will be performing at area schools. (Photo: Derek Weatherdon / Planet 12 Productions)
A year later, I am sitting in the Weatherdons’ kitchen peering into their living room to watch the same group perform a brand new revised version of The Reluctant Dragon. Planet 12 is restaging the show, streamlined and with a far punchier script, for four special performances at area schools over this holiday season.
“It’s a crowded field this time of year,” says director, writer, and Planet 12 co-founder Derek. “There are a lot of shows going on, and there are a lot of opportunities for classrooms to go and see a show. But that takes permission forms and a lot of money: for a class of thirty kids it’s about four hundred dollars for one class.
“We are trying to reverse that and say ‘We’ll come to you’. We’ll show up, set up, and do a high-quality show. You have no permission forms, no busses, no hassles, and you don’t need to do anything but bring the kids to the school gym to see the show. As a teacher, I know how nice of a gig that is. You don’t deal with the hassle of a field trip, but you do get all the same entertainment as if you did.”
The cast of the updated version of “The Reluctant Dragon” is (top row) Isaac Maker, Abbie Dale, Emma Meinhardt, Samuelle Weatherdon and (bottom row) Aimee Gordon, Addison Wylie, and Emily Keller. (Photo: Amy Keller)
Following the same basic plot as last year’s show, Derek’s rewrite of The Reluctant Dragon has reduced the number of performers, resulting in a more cohesive production.
Taking place within a virtual reality video game played by an unnamed gamer (Aimee Gordon), The Reluctant Dragon follows the misadventures of Knee Cap (Samuelle Weatherdon), a bored shepherd who longs for adventure. Hearing tales of dangerous dragons by companions Fingers and Thumbs (Abbie Dale and Emma Meinhardt), she and her best friend Radishes (Emily Keller) meets a mild-mannered slacker dragon (played by adult actor Addison Wylie, recently seen in Evil Dead: The Musical).
Befriending the dragon, the pair soon must protect it from the cruel and selfish Prince Scumworth (Isaac Maker), who plans to permanently banish it from his kingdom.
Although I enjoyed last year’s production, I couldn’t help but notice how the new version is a far more coherent telling of the story, with a more intelligent script offering something for both adults and children to enjoy on an even field.
“I want the broad strokes to be appealing enough for young people to get it, but mindful that there will be teachers watching it and some grade seven and eight kids,” says Derek of the rewrite. “There has to be something there for everyone. There has to be a clever joke, or a way to make the characters relatable.
“Ultimately you want people watching the show to wish they were in it. It has to look contemporary — it can’t look like a cheesy or awful show, especially when going into a school. You can tell a story and make it intelligent at the same time.”
“A lot of people think that everything has to appeal to only the younger kids,” Nikki adds. “They don’t know how to make it appeal to the older kids and the adults at the same time. We think we managed to do that. We spent the first few rehearsals laughing through the script.”
After what has been an amazing year for Planet 12 Productions producing theatre aimed towards an adult audience (primarily at The Theatre On King), the restaging of The Reluctant Dragon represents the company’s return to producing theatre for children. Soon after the first production of The Reluctant Dragon ended, Derek and Nikki handpicked their players from their brightest cast members and, with the support of the parents of the performers, formed Planet 12 Productions.
The Planet 12 company at the Little Lake Cemetary Twilight Pageant in September. (Photo: Luc Matteau)
The company launched its inaugural show in June with the highly talked about Boy Wonders, which shocked audiences — expecting a kids’ play — with its mature content. A story about the real lives of teenage superhero sidekicks, Boy Wonders featured kid actors, but was definitely not a kids’ play.
After a small cameo in the Little Lake Cemetery Twilight Pageant in September, the company followed up in October (with the kids mainly behind the scenes) for Incident On Gun Mountain, a 1970s grindhouse-inspired thriller featuring Sasquatch lore.
Abbie Dale of Planet 12 Productions performing in “Incident On Gun Mountain”. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Through these productions, the Planet 12 performers have worked with a number of local theatre favorites including Brad Brackenridge, Lindsay Unterlander, Josh Butcher, Nathan Glovier, and Kelsey Gordon Powell.
The result has been a non-stop hands-on education in professional dramatic theatre that has helped the group of young performers really step up their game.
As I watched them rehearse the new version of The Reluctant Dragon, I couldn’t help but notice how much each of the performers have grown within the last year. Not only are they all much taller, they’ve also grown as performers. I’ve always been impressed by maturity and dedication of Planet 12 performers, but the education that they’ve received in theatre throughout 2017 really shows.
Although there will be no public performances of the new version of The Reluctant Dragon, classes at Chemong Public School, Lakefield District Public School, RF Downey Public School, and North Cavan Public School will be getting the special chance to see this latest Planet 12 offering.
However, there will be more chances for the general public to see the Planet 12 kids as they head into what is going to be an exciting second year for them, when they relaunch Boy Wonders on the Toronto stage as part of the 2018 Toronto Fringe Festival!
Despite having only a 12 per cent chance of being selected for Toronto Fringe, Planet 12 found out only a few weeks ago they won a slot in the renowned drama festival.
Planet 12 Productions will be performing “Boy Wonders” at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2018. Pictured is the cast of the original production: Samuelle Weatherdon as Test Tube, Aimee Gordon as Boo, Isaac Maker as Shiny the Glimmer Boy, Emma Meinhardt as Target Boy, Brad Brackenridge as The Mixer, and Emily Keller as Cow Poke. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
In July 2018, Planet 12 will be doing seven performances of Boy Wonders over two weeks at various different Toronto venues. This is exciting news for both the company and the performers, as the theatre community beyond Peterborough will get a chance to see these talented performers for the first time.
After watching a performance of Kate Story’s Festivus Rattus Rattus 2035 at The Theatre On King during the evening of the Fringe Festival lottery, Derek and Sam saw that Planet 12 got selected when they turned on their phones following the performance. The result has been a lot of excitement for the group.
“Sam texted all the kids to tell them that we got in,” Nikki recalls. “A few minutes later, I got a text from Aimee Gordon’s mother that read ‘Can I guess from all the screaming coming from Aimee’s room that we got into the Fringe festival?'”
Derek and Nikki are hoping they’ll be able to bring the same cast from the original show, but it’s too soon to tell. With their cast members, as well as adult performer Brad Brakenridge, often performing in other shows beyond Planet 12, schedules could be a bit tight. But as the Weatherdons explain, the families of the performers are all on board and understand what the opportunity to be seen at Fringe means for both the company as well as the kids.
“We talked to everyone before we applied for the festival,” Nikki says. “We explained to the kids and their parents what it would be mean. We were very blunt, and everybody got it.
“The interesting challenge we’ll have is with the marketing. Fringe has a kids’ stage, which isn’t because kids are in a show but because it’s a show for kids. Boy Wonders is certainly not a kids’ play. We’ll have to make sure that even if they see a cast of kids, they realize it’s an adult show.”
Planet 12 founders Nikki and Derek Weatherdon with their daughter, and Planet 12 player, Samuelle Weatherdon. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW.com)
What many people may not realize is the clever way Planet 12 has been weaving elements from all of their stories into one another, in a universe-creating project. Each Planet 12 show contains subtle references to the others. Characters from one show can be related to characters in another, places and events from other shows are referred to, and background objects may have obscure references from other shows. Even during The Reluctant Dragon, I was amused to find a reference to Incident On Gun Mountain.
“What we are doing is creating a solid world through our shows,” Derek explains. “We’ve been inspired by Quinton Tarantino in regards to that, and we take all the little bits and connect them.”
The most obvious repeated references are to the fictional La Grande family. Although yet to appear in any of the shows, Derek has referred to the family in all the shows he has written so far, starting as far back as a show he wrote for Queen Elizabeth School, where he teaches, called Rock and Roll versus Zombies.
“Rock and Roll versus Zombies took place at La Grande Music Hall” Nikki says.
“Then Boy Wonders takes place at La Grande Hotel,” Derek adds. “And the bourbon bottle in Incident On Gun Mountain is from the La Grande Distillery. Our next show is called ‘How Can You Tell if You’re Being Secretly Poisoned’ which will feature members of the La Grande family for the first time. It’s about the patriarch of the family who is the victim of an assassination plot. Our company is going to be playing the children of La Grande, and the patriarch will be trying to figure out which one of them tried to kill him.”
However, with Boy Wonders heading to Fringe, the next original Planet 12 Production possibly will not be launched until next fall. But 2018 will prove to be an exciting second year for the group. With the Toronto debut of Boy Wonders and more original world-building shows on the way, Planet 12 has just begun on what is becoming an amazing theatrical journey.
Personally, over the last year I have really grown fond of each of Planet 12’s six young performers. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them through their performances on stage, and to see them grow stronger as performers with each show. As someone who enjoys original theatre, knowing there is much more on the way from this group is an exciting thing for me, and one of the things I am most excited about in the upcoming year.
“The whole idea of Planet 12 was always to have something on the go,” Nikki says. “There is always something for them to do. We don’t have kids who act as window dressing. Our kids have more to do. They don’t just have one line. They are all too good to waste. There is no star — they are all the star.”
The Joneses is a new store that opened this fall in Millbrook. Run by partners Charlotte Clements, Jill Gemmiti, and Shirley Turner, the store specializes in estate furniture, up-cycled furniture, and decor and items from artisans, with a 50/50 split on consignment items. (Photo: Charlotte Clements / The Joneses)
This week, we look at The Joneses, a new Millbrook store that helps downsizing homeowners sell their loved items, a government investment of $600,000 in six Peterborough-based businesses (Gus’s Kitchen and Bath, ROTOSPA, Rad Tracker Corporation, G.B. Book Plastics Ltd., WORBO Inc., and Dufferin Concrete), the return of the PTBO Game Jam for aspiring video game developers and designers in February, the launch of Cleantech Commons at Trent University, and upcoming business events.
“The Joneses” store in Millbrook inspired by downsizing homeowners needing to sell cherished items
Partners Charlotte Clements, Jill Gemmiti, and Shirley Turner opened “The Joneses” store in Millbrook in late November.
They sell what they describe as “soulful furniture” — estate furniture, up-cycled furniture, and decor and items from artisans — with a 50/50 split on consignment items.
The store developed from a demonstrated need the three partners identified when selling real estate in the area (Shirley is a realtor, Jill is a property stylist, and Charlotte is a photographer). They found a demand from downsizing homeowners to sell their loved pieces, including heirlooms and unique items.
The three owners of The Joneses all work in real estate, and found that downsizing homeowners didn’t know what to do with their loved pieces, including heirlooms and unique items. (Photo: Charlotte Clements / The Joneses)
According to Shirley, locating in Millbrook was a perfect choice.
“We love Millbrook,” she says. “It’s an amazingly supportive community. From a business perspective, Millbrook had the look and feel and heritage building that we needed, but it’s also a strong growing community economically .”
On any given day, you will find one of the three owners in the store. By splitting their time in the store, Shirley says this allows them to provide great customer service.
Shirley gives her two partners full recognition as the “creative driving force and vision” behind the concept, while she focuses on the business operations.
Be sure to drop by soon for a visit at 15 King Street East in Millbrook (right beside Home Hardware). The store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation invests in six Peterborough-based businesses
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef with Troy and Douglas of Gus’s Kitchen and Bath, one of six Peterborough-based businesses receiving an investment from Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation. The family business, which offers kitchen and bath finishes and fixtures, will use the investment to purchase granite-cutting equipment. (Photo: Office of Maryam Monsef)
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (NCFDC) is investing up to $600,000 in six Peterborough-based businesses to create as many as 37 new full-time positions in the Kawarthas.
The funding, made under the Eastern Ontario Development Program’s Collaborative Economic Development Projects stream, will be matched by more then $2.2 million in incremental private investment.
The six businesses receiving the funding are:
Gus’s Kitchen and Bath, a family-owned and operated business offering kitchen and bath finishes and fixtures. Gus’s Kitchen and Bath is investing the funding in capital expansion through the addition of granite-cutting equipment. This investment will allow for productivity across product supply and turnaround times on orders to meet high customer demand within the area.
ROTOSPA, which offers portable and affordable one-piece free-standing hot tubs. ROTOSPA is investing the funding into manufacturing innovation, including enhancements of the rotational moulding process through automation and improved mould design, providing productivity, efficiency improvements, and increased production output.
Rad Tracker Corporation, an innovation-driven engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing company. The company is investing the funding into the startup and commercialization of patent-pending technology for high-speed tracked vehicles.
G.B. Book Plastics Ltd, a custom supplier of precision plastic moulded parts. G.B. Book Plastics Ltd is investing the funding into manufacturing innovation through the addition of a state-of-the-art all-electric molding machine. This capital expansion provides business expansion into new market segments, reduced production costs, and increased efficiency.
WORBO Inc., a world leader in thermal protection technology which manufactures and custom fabricates high-temperature insulation sleeves, curtains, covers and thermal barrier systems for a wide range of industrial applications. WORBO is investing the funding directly into the growth of the company and expansion of capabilities through business expansion and acquisition.
Dufferin Concrete, a division of CRH Canada Group Inc. and one of the country’s largest vertically integrated building materials and construction companies. The company is investing the funding into a pilot program at the Peterborough facility to test an innovative clean technology.
“Northumberland CFDC is pleased to announce this combined investment into the Peterborough area across these six recipients,” says Wendy Curtis, NCFDC Executive Director. “Not only will this result in growth expansion for these businesses and the area, it will also allow them to position themselves to compete in the global economy through innovation and technological advances.”
Peterborough “Game Jam” returns for the fourth time in February
Participants at a previous PTBO Game Jam. The event, which sees attendees design and develop their own video game with 32 hours, returns for its fourth time in February 2018. (Photo: PTBO Game Jam)
PTBO Game Jam 04 is taking place at Fleming College’s Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre (559 Brealey Dr., Peterborough) from Friday, February 23th to Sunday, February 25th.
Hosted by Peterborough-based game development studio dotBunny, the event will see video game programmers, designers, and artists — along with others involved in game-development disciplines — gather to plan, design, and create games in a 32-hour time frame.
In addition to the 32-hour game creation marathon (which begins on Saturday, February 24th at 9 a.m. and continues until Sunday, February 25th at 5 p.m.), the event will also offer two educational sessions taking place on the evening of Friday, February 23rd.
The youth educational session will focus on introducing youths under the age of 16 (accompanied by a guardian) to the world of game development via the provision of free toolsets geared to them. The block includes instruction on how to use MIT’s Scratch to create a simple game mechanic, showing how it can be easily changed and added onto to create fun and unique gameplay.
The adult educational session will provide an opportunity for those 16 years old and older who have wanted to create a game but didn’t know where to start. Again, instruction on the use of game creation industry toolsets will be provided to help participants create a simple game that can be expanded upon.
Trent University Research and Innovation Park rebranded as “Cleantech Commons at Trent University”
Adam Noble of Noblegen, Trent University President Leo Groarke, Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett, and others at the launch of Cleantech Commons at Trent University. (Photo: Daryl Bennett / Twitter)
On Thursday (December 7), the City of Peterborough and Trent University unveiled “Cleantech Commons at Trent University” as the new name and brand identity for the former Trent University Research and Innovation Park, in an effort to help attract “green and clean” businesses to Trent University.
The rebranding, designed by BrandHealth, includes the new Cleantech Commons name, logo, and tagline (“Canada’s Premier Cleantech Destination”) with a new website at cleantechcommons.ca.
“We wanted an identity that would communicate all of the potential that exists in this space for businesses, partners, researchers, workers and the community,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “It had to be imaginative and future-focused and this brand fit the bill.”
Members of the Cleantech Commons team include: Matt Braithwaite, Business Development Lead with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development; Neil Emery, Community Manager with Trent University; John Knight, Strategic Partnership Enabler with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development; and Allan Seabrooke, Chief Administrative Officer with the City of Peterborough who will also act as CAO for Cleantech Commons.
Peterborough Chamber AM with Heather Watson of Acorn 30 on December 12
Heather Watson of Acorn 30.
The Peterborough Chamber is hosting its monthly breakfast meeting at Carousel Restaurant (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough) on Tuesday, December 12th at 7 a.m.
This month’s speaker is Heather Watson, owner and operator of Acorn30, a Peterborough-based full service digital agency. A graduate of Fleming College’s Business Administration program for Marketing and Human Resources, Watson was a Chamber “Top 4 Under 40” winner in 2015. She’ll be speaking on social media marketing.
Networking begins at 7 a.m. with coffee followed by breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (when you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room), followed by the speaker at 8 a.m. The meeting wraps up by 8:30 a.m.
This is a free event for Chamber members (you just pay for what you order for breakfast).
Special holiday edition E-Connect featuring Michael Konopaski on December 12
The event features speaker Michael Konopaski, founder of Inclusive Advisory. Konopaski is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) who also holds a PhD in Entrepreneurship from one of the top 50 management schools in the world. He has spent more than 20 years studying “pain points” for entrepreneurs, business owners, and busy professionals. His research reveals there is a massive opportunity for a brand new industry and his firm is filling the gaps.
In celebration of the Christmas season, Kris Kringle will also make an appearance, and attendees are encouraged to wear their ugly Christmas sweaters for photos with Santa. There will be a prize for the best ugly Christmas sweater. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available.
Peterborough Chamber lunchtime seminar on digital marketing with Stradegy.ca on December 13
The Peterborough Chamber is hosting its monthly Lunch Box Learning session in the Chamber boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough) on Wednesday, December 13th from noon to 1 p.m.
This month’s seminar is the first part of a two-part session featuring Toby Macleod with Stradegy.ca, a Canadian owned and operated boutique digital marketing and training agency. The first part of the session will be on the topic “Digital Marketing Roadmap”, covering the digital marketing strategy businesses are using to generate more leads and sales.
The second session will be held on January 17th and will be on the topic “Website Roadmap”, explaining how to turn your website into a business asset.
The Chamber’s Lunch Box Learning seminars are free to attend for members of the Chamber as well as members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Business After Hours and Annual Christmas Social on December 13
On Wednesday, December 13th from 5 to 8 p.m., Kawartha Lakes Construction (KLC) will host the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s Annual Christmas Social at KLC’s location at 3359 Lakefield Road.
Mingle by the fireplace, check out the showroom, and enjoy holiday refreshments. KLC will be collecting toys for the Lakefield Lioness Club’s Toy Drive and donations for the Lakefield Community Food Bank, so please bring a new unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food item,
Once again this year, KLC will be running their employee DIY Christmas Tree challenge. Guests will be asked to help pick the winner.
Eastern Ontario Development Program information session at Community Futures Peterborough on December 15
If you run a business and are interested in opportunities under the Eastern Ontario Development Program, Community Futures Peterborough is hosting two lunch-hour information sessions.
Led by Community Futures EODP Program Co-ordinator Pat Peeling, each session will describe the program, who is eligible, and how to apply.
The sessions take place on Friday, December 15th and Friday, January 12th at Community Futures Peterborough (351 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Kawarthas Northumberland offers Ignite Experiential Training in Alonquin Park from January 22 to 25 – Register by December 15
Attendees at the last sold-out Ignite Experiential Training session in Alonquin Park, held in March this year. The training returns in January 2018 but you must register by December 15th. (Photo: RTO8)
Through Regional Tourism Organization 8, Kawarthas Northumberland is offering “Ignite”, an experiential training program, at Northern Edge Algonquin in Algonquin Park from January 22nd to 25th.
This isn’t the standard classroom or conference-type training. The program involves a combination of physical activity, cultural interaction, and engagement with companies that are well known and respected in the “Explorers’ Edge” region of Ontario.
This learning opportunity received rave reviews from those who attended the sold-out program last March. For $575, you’ll get three days of learning and networking while enjoying the off-the-grid splendor of award-winning Northern Edge Algonquin.
The cost includes transportation from and to Peterborough, farm-to-table meals, hands-on immersive experiences, and three nights’ accommodation. There are only 16 spaces available and applications are due by Friday, December 15th. To apply, visit rt08.com.
Nominations for Northumberland 2017 Business Achievement Awards open until January 5
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg are seeking nominations for outstanding business achievement in nine categories (Business & Consumer Services, Communications & Technology, Health & Wellness, Hospitality & Tourism, Manufacturing & Agribusiness, Non-Profit Sector, Retail Trade Sector, Skilled Trades Sector, and New Start Up).
To qualify, a business must receive three independent nominations and operate within the Town of Cobourg, the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, or Hamilton Township. With the exception of the New Start Up category, a business must have been operating for at least two years.
Nominations close on Friday, January 5, 2018, with the Awards Presentation Ceremony taking place on Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre.
For more information and to submit a nomination online, visit the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce at nccofc.ca/form/view/10851.
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.
Located at 11 Queen Street in Lakefield, The Chocolate Rabbit specializes in high-quality handcrafted truffles and chocolate specialties, as well as seasonal gifts, delightful wedding and business packages, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, tea accessories, jams, and much more. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
Chocolatier Lois MacEachen is a real-life Charlie in her very own chocolate factory. Though you can barely call it a factory — it’s a charming boutique and production venue, owned and run by Lois, where unique and individual handmade chocolates are created.
Lois has been building her business one chocolate at a time in Lakefield for 11 years. When you enter The Chocolate Rabbit, nestled away at 11 Queen Street, you are immediately greeted by sweet, sugary goodness.
Behind a large glass counter sit hundreds of her popular signature bonbons that carefully blend divine flavours and whimsical art.
Behind a large glass counter sit hundreds of the popular signature bonbons, all handmade by Chocolatier Lois MacEachen, that carefully blend divine flavours and whimsical art. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
An assortment of 24 chocolates are on display each day, from caramel milk (creamy milk chocolate and buttery caramel) and cappuccino (locally roasted coffee married with velvety milk chocolate) to the more unorthodox flavours of pacific breeze (tropical Malibu Rum and toasted coconut) and love potion (maraschino cherry in a cherry whiskey ganache).
The surface of each chocolate is painted by Lois, who gives individual attention to each one, and decorated with patterns and swirls or sprinkled with a mouth-watering topping.
Each chocolate is its own little masterpiece. They are so superb as works of art you won’t know whether to eat them or gaze at them with admiration — the struggle is real for chocolate enthusiasts! The good news is you can buy a single piece to savour or build a custom box of eight, 12, or 15 pieces.
An assortment of chocolates are on display each day, with typical flavours like caramel milk, hazelnut, strawberries and cream, rum, mint, and cappuccino, as well as unorthodox flavours like pacific breeze, zesty lemon, pistachio, and Grand Marnier. All chocolate is made fresh, with quality ingredients and no fillers. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
Lois is proud all of her chocolate is made daily from the finest ingredients, including fresh local cream and Swiss chocolate, with no additional sugars, extracts, oils, preservatives, or essences added to her special recipes.
“An important feature to our customers is the fact that all the chocolate is made fresh and with quality ingredients,” Lois says.
“My recipes are clean, meaning there are no fillers, so you can be assured you’re getting good, high-end chocolate.”
Owner Lois MacEachen (right) and her colleague Linda Anderson (left) pose with some of the items they make and design in-house. Lois is renowned for her unique designs like chocolate pizza and Linda is known for her red stiletto shoe design. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
All in-store chocolate is made on site in a small kitchen fully visible from the back of the store. If you take a peek inside, you will see three fully automatic chocolate-tempering machines running — one of each is dedicated to white, milk, and dark chocolate.
Christmas specialities include a range of handmade gift baskets, chocolate “kaboodle” kits, novelty-themed chocolates (stiletto, horse, cat, dog, bicycle, fire truck and tractor). You can choose from the selection of handmade milk chocolate pieces adorned with Santa, snowmen, wreaths, candy canes, and a Christmas tree – all perfect for stocking fillers. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
While the machines are operating, you can be sure to find Lois handcrafting truffles, combining subtle flavours and delightful textured aesthetics, or her associate Linda Anderson moulding giant chocolate letters, Santas, and snowmen, prepping for the holiday rush.
Truffles are not the only goodies to sink your sweet tooth into. You’ll also find chocolate-covered ginger, fudge, bark, and bars, as well as seasonal gifts, delightful wedding and business packages, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, tea accessories, jams, and much more.
Some of the chocolate is vegan, gluten free, and diabetic friendly.
The store also carries a large selection of specially blended organic and bio-grown teas.
Flavours such as loose leaf black, herbal, Rooibos, Honeybush, white, green and fruit teas are there to calm and invigorate your senses.
For Lois, the choice to add tea was a smart move in diversifying her business, knowing that in a small town she wasn’t going to survive on selling chocolate alone.
To pursue her passion and knowledge of tea, Lois is currently studying to become a certified tea sommelier under the Tea Association of Canada, with the hope of turning a customer’s teatime into a tasting experience with chocolate pairings.
If shopping isn’t your cup of tea, the cozy rockers located directly outside the store’s entrance are there for the enjoyment of those who want to take a break from their day and visit with a friend, or to treat themselves to a tea or coffee.
These shoes were made for walking – especially if they are made of chocolate! Plus, they won’t hurt your feet. These stilettos are handmade in-house by Lois’ sidekick and associate, Linda Anderson. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
Aside from Valentine’s Day and Easter, Christmas is the busiest time of the year for the chocolate shop. Christmas specialities include a range of handmade gift baskets, chocolate “kaboodle” kits, and novelty-themed chocolates (stiletto, horse, cat, dog, bicycle, fire truck, and tractor).
You can choose from the selection of handmade milk chocolate pieces adorned with Santa, snowmen, wreaths, candy canes, and a Christmas tree — all perfect for stocking fillers.
Happy to give back to the community, especially as it has been so positive towards her business, Lois has made it a point to support area artisans and crafters by featuring their items on her store shelves, including McMullen’s honey from Warsaw, biscotti from Pastry Peddler in Millbrook, maple products from Staples in Cavan, and jams from The Stone Kitchen in Bancroft.
During the holidays, novelty-themed chocolates like this chocolate tractor (avaiable in dark, milk, and white chocoloate) are becoming more popular than the typical chocolate Santa. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
In between working and talking, Lois smiles and tends to her customers who have dropped in to compliment her truffles — most specifically the pistachio flavour. She’s gracious and flattered by their kind words. It’s one of the reasons she loves being in Lakefield.
“There is a real trend with buying local and staying local,” Lois says. “The community has been tremendously supportive right from the beginning. We could not have survived without them.”
You can also follow The Chocolate Rabbit on Facebook and Twitter.
Handmade giant chocolate letters with someone’s initials or just the first letter of a special someone’s name is a perfect stocking stuffer for those with a sweet tooth. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
The Chocolate Rabbit is a proud member of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. The chamber represents members in Curve Lake First Nation and the municipalities of Douro-Dummer, North Kawartha, Selwyn, and Trent Lakes. Visit kawarthachamber.ca for more information.
22-year-old Jason Shaw of Minden Hills Township in Haliburton is missing. He was last seen walking his dog on December 3, 2017. (Photo: Jason Shaw / Facebook)
Update
On Sunday December 10, 2017, local property owners of a remote hunt camp west of Scotch Line Road in Minden Hills Township located Jason Shaw at the camp.
The owners, who are familiar with Shaw, checked their property in the belief that he might be staying there, after they had read the media release about Shaw being missing. Shaw was found safe and sound and brought out of the remote area by the owners of the property without incident.
The Haliburton Highlands OPP want to thank the community for their concerns and providing information to officers and also to media partners for their assistance because they played a significant role in bringing this missing person investigation to a successful conclusion.
Original story
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 22-year-old man from the Haliburton Highlands area.
Jason Shaw of Minden Hills Township was last seen on Sunday, December 3, 2017 walking his dog, a brown shepherd-collie mix, in the area of Reynolds Road.
Shaw is described as white, 6 feet tall, approximately 180 lbs, medium build, with short dirty blond hair and blue eyes.
He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured parka coat with a fur hood, camouflage winter pants, and black boots. He was also carrying a backpack.
Police and family members are concerned for Shaw’s well-being.
If anyone has any information of Shaw’s whereabouts, they are being asked to contact the Haliburton Highlands OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Since META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery opened at 164 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough in November, it has quickly become a top destination for fine art and craft. The retail gallery offers a compelling selection of work by over 120 of Ontario's finest artists and artisans. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
Upscale. Contemporary. Oozing creativity. These are the words best to describe META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery, the newest fine art space to recently join the heart of Peterborough’s downtown core.
The gallery, located at 164 Hunter Street West, made its debut in Peterborough in November and has quickly become a top destination for fine art and crafts. In a relaxed and inviting manner, META4 offers a compelling selection of work by over 120 of Ontario’s finest artists and artisans to customers.
If you’re looking to give the gift of art to a special someone this holiday season, perhaps an art aficionado or maybe just for yourself, this artistic hub offers an eclectic line of ever-changing work and a little bit of everything. Wander among paintings, glass works, pottery, sculptures, ceramics, and intriguing objects with no limit on style.
If you’re looking to give the gift of art to a special someone this holiday season, this artistic hub offers an eclectic line of ever-changing work and a little bit of everything. Wander through a large selection of paintings, glass works, pottery, sculptures, ceramics, and intriguing objects with no limit on style. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
“The space is not mainstream,” says co-owner Birgitta MacLeod, as she scans the light, airy room. “It’s delightful in the way that there’s so much to explore and see. You want to take your time and look around. There is a lot of beauty to take in.”
And, at the back of the gallery, sits a bright studio where talented instructors from all over Ontario are brought in to teach workshops and classes for adults and youth of any skill level to explore their creative side.
The Peterborough gallery at 164 Hunter Street West (beside The Night Kitchen) is META4’s second location, with their home base located in Port Perry since 2005. Owners Birgitta MacLeod, Jennifer Hardie and Bonnie Thomson spent some time driving to towns and cities in Ontario, and eventually landed on Peterborough as the preferred destination. (Photo: META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery)
Promoting artists within a 100-mile radius
Expect modernist, traditional and contemporary works — all carefully selected by Birgitta and business partners, Jennifer Hardie and Bonnie Thomson, who are all artists themselves (Birgitta, a painter; Bonnie, a glass artist and stone carver; and Jennifer, a sculptor and maker of jewellery and other accessories).
The trio only house Ontario-made art and crafts in their gallery and try to keep within a 100-mile radius of the gallery’s location when searching for new work at art shows and studio tours.
Owners Birgitta MacLeod, Jennifer Hardie and Bonnie Thomson are artists themselves. The trio only house Ontario-made art and crafts in their gallery and try to keep within a 100-mile radius of the gallery’s location when searching for new work at art shows and studio tours. ((Photo: META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery)
“We really enjoy and prefer to work with artists close to home,” explains Birgitta. “Our decisions are based on whether it’s the right fit for the gallery. Do our customers want it? Is it well made? Is it priced appropriately? And is it unique and original like the other work we have?
As artists are often too busy creating to market their own work, META4 provides a valuable service for local artists by helping to promote them. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
“There’s so much talent and great art close to home, so why go too far to get it? By promoting local, we get to have a good personal relationship with the artist whose work we sell. It’s more difficult to do that if you’re buying art from the other side of the country.”
With Birgitta, Jennifer, and Bonnie so highly regarded in the art community, local artists often seek the partners out to represent their portfolio.
Birgitta says they understand that as a working artist, it’s not enough to produce art. You need to promote it as extensively too.
“Having been on both sides, we know how challenging it is for some artists who are heads down in a studio to get out and promote their own work. It’s our job is help artists connect with art lovers and vice versa.”
To ensure an artist’s work reaches the right audience and potential buyers, META4 Gallery displays the selected artwork year round and features a new artist each month on their website and social media channels.
META4 Gallery offers the same level of professional service you would expect to find in any retail experience. The gallery takes all major credit cards and has a return policy. If you take a painting home, hang it on your wall and don’t like it, you can take it back. They also provide gift wrapping and gift certificates.
“All of this can be hard for artists to organize, so we do that for them,” says Birgitta.
To ensure an artist’s work reaches the right audience and potential buyers, META4 displays the selected artwork year round and features a new artist each month on their website and social media communities. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
Growing from humble beginnings
Almost every day, META4 has new work arriving, just in time for holiday shopping. In addition to daily specials until December 12, the gallery has extended shopping hours during December. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
This is the second location for META4, with their home base being located in Port Perry since 2005.
When Birgitta, Jennifer, and Bonnie were exploring options for a second gallery, they spent some time driving to towns and cities in Ontario, and eventually landed on Peterborough as the preferred destination.
“We thought this is a great place,” Brigitta says. “It has a good downtown and there’s no gallery here of this size and scope.”
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) welcomed their visit with information and support, and META4 soon became a contender in the DBIA’s “Win This Space” entrepreneurial competition last year.
While they didn’t win the contest, they realized that they had a solid business plan and already had most of the legwork done for finding their current location.
They officially opened their Peterborough store on November 3rd.
Studio classes and workshops
Whether you’re just looking to dabble, want to experiment with a new medium, or feel like channelling your inner Bob Ross, META4 offers a variety of artistic classes and workshops for beginners to advanced, taught by experienced instructors to guide and help unleash your creative potential.
Half-day, full-day, weekend, and weekly courses are offered ranging from oil painting, jewelry making, fused art glass, landscape painting, watercolour painting, acrylics, gelatin plate mono-printing, mosaics, and drawing.
Courses and schedules are regularly updated on their website at meta4gallery.ca. As a bonus, when you register for a META4 class or workshop, you’ll receive 15 per cent off all art supplies.
If you need art supplies, META4 carries a wide selection of artist quality acrylics, oils, watercolours, mediums, paper (including individual sheets), inks, brushes, graphite, coloured pencils, conte, charcoal, art markers, palette knives, easels, varnish, stretched canvas, wood supports, and much more. (Photo: Paula Kehoe / kawarthaNOW.com)
And if you need art supplies, META4 carries a wide selection of artist-quality acrylics, oils, watercolours, mediums, paper (including individual sheets), inks, brushes, graphite, coloured pencils, conte, charcoal, art markers, palette knives, easels, varnish, stretched canvas, wood supports, and much more. Show your student ID (high school, college, or university) and save 10 per cent on art supplies.
Some merchandise is also available to purchase on the META4 website at meta4gallery.ca.
While all items go through a selection process for inclusion in the store, Birgitta says they’re always exploring for new pieces and are updating inventory on a daily basis.
“The thing that drives us is connecting people with beautiful, original things,” she adds. “There are a lot of ways you can spend your money, but why not choose something that is high quality and locally made that could last forever — you’ll love it all of your life.”
12 Days of Christmas Special
Each week, META4 showcases new pieces in their gallery, like these new Santa wood folk art sculptures by Port Perry artist David Trant. (Photo: META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery)
Almost every day, META4 has new work arriving, just in time for holiday shopping. On December 1st, META4 began its “12 Days of Christmas” special, where you can receive 10 per cent off daily gift features. There are still four days left, with pottery featured on December 9th, necklaces on December 10th, platters and serving pieces on December 11th, and visual art on December 12th.
In December, META4 is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Extended hours will be offered on Tuesday, December 19th and Wednesday, December 20th, with the store open until 7 p.m. For last-minute Christmas shopping, META4 will also be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 24th.
META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery is located at 164 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough. For more information, call 705-874-9444, email info@META4gallery.ca, or visit www.META4gallery.ca. You can also follow META4 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Peterborough County is taking measures to curb littering by anglers on the James A. Gifford Causeway. Local realtor Brad Sinclair first brought the issue to the public's attention in August 2017 and has continued to advocate for a resolution. (Photo: Brad Sinclair)
The County of Peterborough is taking measures to prevent littering at the James A. Gifford Causeway, connecting Bridgenorth and Ennismore across Chemong Lake in Selwyn Township.
On Wednesday (December 6), county council approved staff recommendations to address the litter issue.
These include a new no-trespass by-law for the length of the causeway (the exterior areas along the guiderails and both shorelines) and the hiring of private security to enforce the by-law. The county will also increase the frequency of litter and garbage collection to three times per week from May to October.
The issue was first brought to the public’s attention in August of this year, when local realtor Brad Sinclair took to Facebook to post photos of garbage strewn along the shores of the causeway. Sinclair’s post was widely shared and commented on by people concerned with the situation.
Sinclair identified that the majority of the litter was left by people fishing at the causeway, and largely consisted of worm containers.
The county will apply to the Ministry of the Attorney General for the approval of set fine amounts for the no-trespass by-law.
“Council made a very sound decision today that took a balanced approach to ensuring public enjoyment of our region, with that of public safety,” said County Warden Joe Taylor.
The total estimated cost for the new measures is $27,000, an amount approved for inclusion in the county’s 2018 budget.
County staff will also work with local partners to raise awareness of the new by-law, the impacts and solutions for litter, and the introduction of a Clean Marine initiative to reduce litter.
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