The young actors in the Lindsay Little Theatre stage production of "The Breakfast Club" mimic the original theatrical poster for the 1985 film, with Brooklyn Currins as outcast Allison Reynolds, Tyrnan O'Driscoll (back) as rebel John Bender, Ce'nedra Goswell (centre) as nerd Brian Johnson, Colin Dussome as jock Andrew Clark, and Sophie Ballam (front) as the pampered Claire Standish. (Photo: Lindsay Little Theatre)
On Friday, March 29th, Lindsay Little Theatre brings John Hughes’ cult classic The Breakfast Club from the big screen to the small stage.
Adapted by playwright Altaire Gural, The Breakfast Club features a company of talented young local performers who bring to life the iconic characters from the famous 1985 film.
Lindsay Little Theatre presents The Breakfast Club
When: Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 2 p.m. Where: Lindsay Little Theatre (55 George St., Lindsay) How much: $15
Written by John Hughes. Adapted for the stage by Altair Gural. Directed by Nate Copeland and Logan Gerzymisch. Starring Sophie Ballam, Colin Dussome, Tyrnan O’Driscoll, Brooklyn Currins, Ce’nedra Goswell, Sophie Kourtsidis, and Nate Copeland. Tickets available in person or by phone at the Academy Theatre box office (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-911), online at ticketmaster.ca, or at the door the night of each performance.
As one of the most important films in the history of motion pictures, most audiences are familiar with The Breakfast Club. Quietly released in 1985 to an unsuspecting public, the film became one of the biggest hits of the decade, and launched the careers of Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall, and Judd Nelson, who became affectionately known to audiences as the Brat Pack.
The story of five misfits from different social cliques who are forced to spend a Saturday in detention together along with their strict principal made an emotional impact on viewers.
It revealed that outward perceptions may not be reality and that, despite coming from different social groups, people share a collective human condition.
The most unique aspect of The Breakfast Club and its characters is that they have a timeless appeal. Despite the film being more than 30 years old, it still manages to resonate with generation after generation of audiences, staying remarkably fresh and still having the same message and impact now as when it was first released.
“The film has stayed relatable,” states Logan Gerzymisch, who at age 16 is making her directorial debut as co-director of the production.
“As a teenager I watch it and I understand why the characters are feeling the way they do. Principals can be mean and irritating bullies, and then your home life is built into who you are during your time in high school. I think it’s important for teenagers to see that how they can relate to this old movie now, and see how even then kids were feeling alone and isolated and that they get it.
“The classic stereotypes are still in high schools, but I think they’ve mellowed out since the 1980s. I’m a preppy kid, but I know who the band kids, or the smart kids, or the sports kids are. We see it, but we all get along. Our friend groups don’t intersect as much, but it’s nice to see that we all hang out together and be friends a little bit.”
VIDEO: The Breakfast Club (1985)
“I think having a teenage co-director and mainly teenage actors in a play about teenagers is important for this show,” adds co-director Nate Copeland, who is acting as a mentor to Logan in her directorial debut.
“I think you need a young person’s perspective to do this show. The actors have been incredibly focused. We did have a rough start having to cancel rehearsals due to weather, so we are working on a shorter time frame. But everyone is coming to each rehearsal with personal character development and they know their lines. They’ve been building relationships with one another and they come to us with ideas.”
With one of the strongest youth communities of any theatre company in the Kawarthas, Lindsay Little Theatre’s production of The Breakfast Club is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talents of young performers. The play features Sophie Ballam as Claire Standish, Colin Dussome as Andrew Clark, Tyrnan O’Driscoll as John Bender, Brooklyn Currins as Allison Reynolds, and Ce’nedra Goswell as Brian Johnson, with Sophie Kourtsidis as Principal Vernon and Nate Copeland as Carl the Janitor.
The original movie poster for the 1985 film “The Breakfast Club”, which launched the careers of Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, and Molly Ringwald.
While they are portraying the same characters from the film, the actors have been encouraged to fill in the back stories of the characters more so than in the movie, which has led them to find new depths in the familiar characters.
“In the movie you get some back story on the characters, but you don’t get very much,” Logan points out. “We asked the actors what they think their back story would be if they would go deeper.”
“I’m still playing a teenage criminal, but I’m bringing my own take on his emotions,” says Tyrnan O’Driscoll, who takes on the role of ‘social deviant’ John Bender. “Ultimately Bender is a damaged person. People put their thumb over him and treat him like scum, so he just plays the role. But he really wants to connect, and he doesn’t know how to do it. He wants to be your friend, but he pushes you away before you push him away.”
“I feel like I already relate to Allison, so I’m not changing it a lot from the movie,” says Brooklyn Currins of ‘goth girl’ Allison Reynolds. “She’s pretty quiet and I can relate to a lot of her problems. I don’t talk a lot either, unless I trust someone. But at school I just don’t talk. If I was stuck in a detention room with a bunch of strangers, I’d probably sit at the back and be weird.”
Meanwhile, Ce’nedra Goswell is taking the task of playing the nerdy Brian despite the fact that she is a different gender than the original character in the film. Although she says she’s playing the character much the same as Anthony Michael Hall did, she is tweaking the character in other ways.
“I’m trying to be similar to the movie, but trying to do a different kind of nerd character,” Ce’nedra says. “Instead of being prim and proper, my version of Brian is more manic. He’s more concerned with getting As than with his appearance. He’s very academic based and doesn’t worry about how he looks.”
The cast of the 1985 film “The Breakfast Club”. The young actors in the Lindsay Little Theatre production are bringing their own interpretations to the familiar characters.
But not all of the performers in The Breakfast Club have actually seen the film. As Colin Dussome reveals, he’s never seen the movie, and now that he is in the stage show he is even staying further away from seeing it.
“I’ve never watched the movie, so I don’t know what’s different in what I’m doing,” Colin says. “I want to bring my own spin to the character, and I feel if I watch the movie at this point I’m just going to give out too much of Emilio Estevez instead of myself. I want to play me being Andrew, instead of me being Emilio being Andrew.”
“I tried to base Andrew after the kids I went to school that were athletes,” Colin continues. “They seemed to have a better posture than I did, because they were confident and because they played sports. They got the girls, and got whatever they wanted because they were athletes and thought they were more popular. I’m just carrying myself the way they would when they walked into the room. Everyone would look at them. I try to bring that to the character.”
Each member of the vibrant case brings something unique to the table, much like each of the characters they portray brought their own important element to the narration of the story. Together, they are rediscovering the depth of the characters, and the powerful meaning within the source material that has spoken to audiences for over three decades.
“When they first come on the stage the characters are all portrayed as stereotypes,” Tyrnan points out. “They are the criminal, the athlete, the brain, the weird girl, and the beautiful girl. But they are obviously not that at all. They are much more, and you see that through the course of the play.
“The characters feel that they have to be those stereotypes because society tells them they have to, but by the end of it they realize that, no, they don’t need to be. They can be more than the rich pretty girl, the brain, or the criminal. All of us are more than that when we walk in.”
“The feeling of not belonging in youth is never going to go away, and that’s a big part of this script of misfits being forced together,” Ce’nedra adds. “Society puts stereotypes on people, and you have to go out of your way to break those stereotypes in the way you act.”
No matter who you are and when you first saw it, The Breakfast Club remains a potent and important story about alienation, social constructs, and understanding that manages to speak to people of all ages, no matter the era they were teenagers in. This already ensures that The Breakfast Club will be a hit.
However, there is something special going on at Lindsay Little Theatre within its youth culture, and the young actors coming out of that theatre are among the most impressive in the area. Come to see The Breakfast Club to relive the story and the characters that you love, but stay to see it created by an exceptional company of players. Lindsay Little Theatre’s real-life Brat Pack make up some of the most dedicated and professional young talent in the area.
The Breakfast Club runs from Friday, March 29th to Sunday, March 31st. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are available in person or by phone at the Academy Theatre box office (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-911), online at ticketmaster.ca, or at the door the night of each performance.
The front cover of the 2019 SPARK Photo Festival catalogue demonstrates one of the photographic trends of this year's festival. Using image-editing software, Laura Berman meticulously paints over sections of a captured image pixel by pixel, creating a fusion of photography and painting. Berman's work will be on display at The Old Oriental Hotel in Castleton, with a reception on April 6, 2019. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
The SPARK Photo Festival is back for its seventh year for the month of April.
Founded in 2013 by Robert Boudreau, Bill Lockington, and Micky Renders, the annual celebration of photography and of those behind the camera lens has quickly grown to become one of Ontario’s preeminent photography festivals, with exhibits and events in locations throughout Peterborough, Northumberland, and the Kawartha Lakes.
“Since the first festival in 2013, SPARK has germinated a total of 351 photographic exhibits, representing hundreds of photographers and over 8,000 photographic works,” festival director and photographer Robert Boudreau writes in his introductory message in the 2019 SPARK catalogue.
Robert Boudreau, who will be departing as SPARK’s festival director after seven years, presents his “Let’s Dance” individual exhibit at Hunter Street Books in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
“But this is simply the numbers. Festivals also radiate positivity, a sense of belonging and identity achieved through a shared experience. SPARK is a great experiment by local lovers of photography asking the question ‘What if…?’ What if we had a local photo festival?”
Boudreau — who will be departing as festival director after this year to pursue personal projects — goes on to say that “what if” question has also guided the festival’s activities since it was founded: from the 2013 exhibit of the Balsillie Collection of Roy Studio Photos at Peterborough Museum and Archives as selected by photographers, to using photography at last year’s festival to integrate newcomer youth into the community.
Boudreau also points out that this year’s festival reflects current and future photographic trends, many of which are driven by technological advances.
‘Autumn Fence Lines’, a photograph by Tim Bellhouse, whose featured exhibit “Close to Home” is on display at the Kawartha Art Gallery in Lindsay. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
While everyone now carries a digital camera in their pocket or purse and can widely share their photographs on social media, Boudreau notes that artificial intelligence is threatening to transfer creative control from the human to the machine. On the other hand, post-processing software allows photographers to more easily manipulate their images, providing the tools to fully realize their artistic vision.
Some photographers are eschewing digital cameras to return to film-based photography, while others are embracing instant photography for its visual artistry.
Another trend is what Boudreau calls “collaborative portraiture”, where the photographer collaborates with rather than directs the subject, as evidenced in one of this year’s exhibits: Heather Doughty’s “Inspire: The Women’s Portrait Project”.
One of Bill Lockington’s photographs in his “Out of Africa” individual exhibit at the main branch of the Peterborough Public Library in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
As in previous years, this year’s festival features a wide range of featured exhibits, individual exhibits, group exhibits, community exhibits, and student exhibits.
The 2019 SPARK catalogue, pocket guide, and SPARK SPiN walking and cycling maps can be found at most exhibit locations, at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism at VentureNorth, at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, and at other locations around Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Family Life 2019 Exhibit and 2018 SPARK Juried Exhibit Results
‘Centre of Attention’ by Tere Deslippe won first place in the 2018 SPARK juried exhibit entitled “Reflections”. Results of the 2018 juried exhibit will be on display, along with photographs selected for the 2019 juried exhibit entitled “Family Life”, at the Peterborough Public Library in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
The official launch of the 2019 SPARK Photo Festival takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 5th at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N.), where this year’s juried exhibit takes place.
The 2019 juried exhibit theme, “Family Life”, is an invitation for photographers to look both inward and outward to define what family life means to them through their photographs. A panel of expert judges will select up to 30 images from all submissions to be printed, matted, and framed by SPARK for the exhibit. First, second, and third place awards along with the best in show award will be presented during the official launch.
The Peterborough Public Library will also host the results of the 2018 SPARK juried exhibit, which was entitled “Reflections”.
Best of High School Photography: 2018 Winners and 2019 Exhibit
Hayden-Grace Mann was awarded “Best in Show” for this photograph at the 2018 Best of High School Photography exhibit. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
This year’s 2019 Best of High School Photography exhibit, entitled “Person, Place, Or Thing”, will be shown at Peterborough Alternative & Continuing Education at Peterborough Collegiate (201 McDonnel St., Peterborough).
A reception and awards presentation takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9th.
Along with the 2019 exhibit, the results of the 2018 exhibit will also be on display.
Featured Exhibits
“Transcendent Sky” by Andy Christopher, part of his “Victoria Beach” featured exhibit at Alypsis Inc. in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
Andy Christopher at Alypsis Inc.
Absolute Eye Collective at City of Kawartha Lakes Gallery
Christopher Thorpe at The Natural
Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio (KAGS)
Peter Curley at Frameland Frame It For U Gallery
Nigel Dickson at Ah! Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth
Peggy and Walter Cracknell and Beverley and Paul Williams at Williams Design Studio
Heather Doughty and Katie Ellement at Art School of Peterborough
Geoff Fitzgerald at Colborne Street Gallery
Kathryn Grierson and Justin Sharp at Nancy’s Art & Framing Gallery
Roy T. Bowles at Douro Dummer Public Library Art Gallery
Tim Bellhouse at Kawartha Art Gallery
Individual Exhbitis
Educator, journalist, and activist Rosemary Ganley in Heather Doughty’s Inspire: The Women’s Portrait Project at VentureNorth in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
Barb Callander at Ashburnham Ale House
Robert Boudreau at Hunter Street Books
Bill Lockington at Peterborough Public Library
Heather Doughty at Venture North
Ken Powell at Peterborough Public Library
Laura Berman at The Old Oriental Hotel
Linda Cardona at Empress Gardens
Margaret Hamilton at Elmhirst’s Resort
Paul Hudson at Jo Anne’s Place Health Foods
Peter Hanmore at Cork and Bean Café
Patricia Calder at The Monaghan Café
Group Exhibits
One of the photos in the Kawartha Camera Club group exhibit at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
Kawartha Camera Club at Peterborough Golf and Country Club
The Absolute Eye Collective at Wash-O-Mat Express
Garry Barker, Steve Brittain, Ralph Colley, and Jennie Versteeg at Bridgenorth Library
Peter Clute and Ann Hilborn at Canterbury Gardens
Michael Harris and Dianne Lister at Hobart’s Steakhouse
Peterborough Photographic Society at YMCA Balsillie Family Branch
Community Exhibits
International Jazz Day Peterborough is presenting the photography of Bill Lockington in the lobby of Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
Brain Injury Association Peterborough Region
Aspire Program: John Howard Society of Peterborough
International Jazz Day Peterborough presents the photography of Bill Lockington
YES Shelter for Youth and Families at Pappas Billiards
Student Exhibits
One of the photographs in the “Capture the Moment” exhibit by Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School Digital Photography Students at Brant Basics in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
Thomas S. Stewart Secondary School: Digital Photography at Brant Basics
Thomas S. Stewart Secondary School: Film Photography at Nateure’s Plate
Brileigh Hardcastle at The Sapphire Room
David Bigg at Black’s Distillery
Cassandra DeFrancesco, Victoria Durrett, and Rishabh Sarswat at Trent Student Centre
SPARK Receptions
This photo of Bronson and Cole, a girl and her dog, is an ongoing collaborative effort between local photographers Katie Ellement and Heather Doughty. The photo forms the back cover of the 2019 SPARK Photo Festival catalogue. Doughty and Ellement’s work will be on display at the Art School of Peterborough, with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 12th. (Photo courtesy of SPARK)
Follow the links to the SPARK Photography Festival website for more information on each exhibit.
Peterborough City Hall is located at 500 George Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
At its meeting on Monday (March 25), Peterborough City Council approved a staff recommendation for $229,550 in grants to community organizations, as well as a separate $5,000 for an organization originally denied funding under the grant program.
In addition, council approved $21,450 in funding for the Peterborough Folk Festival.
The $229,550 in funding includes $209,500 in Community Investment Grants and $20,050 in Community Project Grants for various local charitable, non-profit, and community groups. The city provides grants to organizations in the fields of arts, culture and heritage, environment, health and social services, and recreation and sport.
See the full list of organiizations approved for 2019 grants below.
At the meeting, council also approved $5,000 for Bedford House, a community organization that works to address poverty. The organization had applied to the City of Peterborough for a $9,190 Community Investment Grant to create guidebooks for its Building Bridges Out of Poverty volunteer teams, but was denied funding.
Bedford House board member Mary Gordon addressed council to appeal the decision, explaining the organization had been denied funding due to a misunderstanding. Councillor Keith Riel then requested that Bedford House be granted $5,000 from the city’s contingency fund, as no more funds were available in the Community Investment Grant program, and the motion was approved.
Council also approved a $21,450 Service Grant for the Peterborough Folk Festival, comprised of $20,500 in unallocated funding under the Community Investment Grant program, along with $950 of unallocated funding from the Community Project Grant program.
The Peterborough Folk Festival has been a long-standing recipient of multi-year funding through the Community Investment Grant program, but had reached the maximum funding of $15,000 under the program in 2018.
Moving the festival to the Service Grant program recognizes that the festival provides a significant economic benefit to the city through tourism. It allows for a higher level of city funding for the festival as well as stable funding, since the organization does not have to re-apply for the grant every year.
2019 Community Investment Grant Funding
Artisans Centre Peterborough ($3,500)
B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop ($6,000)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough ($5,000)
Camp Kawartha for the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre ($4,000)
Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough ($8,500)
Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough ($15,000)
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region ($7,000)
Heads Up for Inclusion ($5,000)
Junior Achievement of Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka ($3,000)
Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program ($7,500)
Kawartha Potters’ Guild ($3,500)
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre ($13,000)
Kawartha World Issues Centre ($3,500)
Kawartha Youth Orchestra ($15,000)
Kawartha Youth Unlimited / Youth for Christ ($2,000)
Mysterious Entity Theatre ($3,500)
New Stages Peterborough ($8,000)
PARD Therapeutic Riding ($4,000)
Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee ($2,000)
Peterborough Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society ($2,500)
Peterborough Children’s Chorus ($5,000)
Peterborough New Horizons Bands ($7,000)
Peterborough Symphony Orchestra ($15,000)
Peterborough Theatre Users Group ($4,000)
PR Community & Student Association ($1,000)
Public Energy ($13,000)
ReFrame Film Festival ($12,000)
SPARK Photo Festival ($7,000)
Telecare Distress Centre Peterborough $7,000)
The Art School of Peterborough ($2,500)
The Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts ($4,000)
The Peterborough Singers ($6,500)
Transition Town Peterborough ($3,000)
Trent Radio ($1,000)
More details of the applicants for the 2019 Community Investment Grant Funding.
2019 Community Project Grant Funding
Autism Ontario, Peterborough Chapter ($750)
Borderless Records ($1,000)
Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter ($500)
Gobi, the Bactrian camel at the Riverview Park and Zoo, has unexpectedly died at the age of 10. Here he is pictured with his winter coat. (Photo: Riverview Park & Zoo)
Gobi, the Bactrian camel at the Riverview Park and Zoo, has unexpectedly died at the age of 10.
“It is with great sadness that the staff of Riverview Park and Zoo announce the death of our male Bactrian camel,” the zoo announced in a media release on Monday (March 25). “Gobi came to the Park and Zoo from the Elmvale Zoo in the summer of 2009. With his large size, expressive face, and inquisitive and engaging nature, Gobi was a favourite with many of our visitors.”
Gobi, who had previously been in good health, was found to be very ill when animal care staff arrived at the zoo on Saturday morning (March 23).
Although the zoo’s consulting veterinarian and animal health team provided Gobi with treatment and care through the day, he passed away overnight on Saturday night.
Gobi came to the Riverview Park and Zoo from the Elmvale Zoo in the summer of 2009. Bactrian camels, native to Mongolia and China, usually live between 20 and 30 years in captivity. Gobi died at the age of 10 from an unknown illness. (Photo: Riverview Park & Zoo)
Gobi’s remains have been sent to the animal health laboratory at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph for determination of the cause of death.
“Although he could be challenging to manage at times, Park and Zoo employees had formed a close bond with Gobi,” the media release states.
“His sudden death was an especially difficult loss for staff. We would like to thank our staff, staff from the Water Treatment Plant, and Dr. John Sallaway for their assistance in responding to Gobi’s sudden illness.”
Gobi’s death at 10 years old was unexpected. The normal lifespan of a Bactrian camel is 15 to 20 years in the wild, and 20 to 30 years in captivity.
Bactrian camels are native to Mongolia and China (Gobi was named after the Gobi Desert in northern China and southern Mongolia).
They are a critically endangered species, with fewer than 1,000 Bactrian camels left in the wild. Their population has been reduced by hunting (they compete with agricultural livestock for food) and because of mining and pipeline development through their habitat.
The semi-finalist showcase for the 2018 Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. This year's showcase, where 24 semi-finalists will be displaying information about their businesses and how they operate, takes place on March 26, 2019. Six finalists for the final pitch event on April 30th will be announced at the end of the showcase event. (Photo: Bears' Lair)
This week’s round-up of regional business news includes the upcoming semi-finalist showcase for the Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition, the Ontario government’s announcement of $3.8 million in one-time funding for rural municipalities in Peterborough-Kawartha, the Innovation Cluster launching the H2O Makerspace to support clean technology research, and Rustically Signed opening a new store and workshop space at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay this May.
Every week, our managing editor collects business-related news and events from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your business news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
Also featured is the Peterborough DBIA and GreenUP being nominated for an award for the Vibrancy Depave Project, Sarah Lazure leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra as its general manager, Trent University raising $114,300 for United Way Peterborough, and the opening of nominations for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 2019 Business Awards of Excellence.
New regional events added this week include the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala on March 30th in Haliburton, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough’s Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award Dinner on April 9th in Peterborough, the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council’s community celebration and annual general meeting on April 17th in Omemee, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber’s breakfast meeting with MPP Laurie Scott on April 23rd in Haliburton, and the Trent Hills Chamber’s Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 27th in Hastings.
Bears’ Lair finalists to be announced at semi-finalist showcase on March 26 in Peterborough
Members of the Bears’ Lair committee preparing final details for the semi-finalist showcase on March 26, 2019 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bears’ Lair)
The Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition is hosting its semi-finalist showcase from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough), where the six finalists will be announced.
Bears’ Lair is an annual competition for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
During the showcase event, 24 semi-finalists in two categories (Goods and Services and Innovation) will be displaying information about their businesses and how they operate.
The Goods and Services semi-finalists are Uff Eats, Zumbini with Amber, PtboDTS, Farmhill Wedding and Events, Electric Juice Factory, KEG for KCBF, Three Sisters, Direct Visual Care, You’re Welcome, Mink Magic Beauty Bar, PedalBoro, Solid Leather, Refreshingly New, Tiny Greens, Rasa Ayurveda, and Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets.
The Innovation semi-finalists are Netmechanics, AVROD, Alexander Optical, Biosphere GPS, Devout Fitness, Transit One, GWF, and Foreign Language 4 Life.
Attendees at the showcase event will have the chance to ask the semi-finalists entrepreneurship-related questions in a one-on-one Q&A session.
The Bears’ Lair committee judges, along with judges from the local business community, will select six finalists (three in each category) during the showcase and will announce the finalists at the end of the event.
The finalists will move on to the final pitch event on Tuesday, April 30th at The Venue, where they will compete for thousands of dollars in cash and business support services.
Ontario government announces $3.8 million in one-time funding for rural municipalities in Peterborough-Kawartha
Rural municipalities in the provincial riding of Peterborough-Kawartha will be receiving $3,783,351 from the Ontario government.
Last Wednesday (March 20), Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced $200 million in one-time funding for 405 small and rural municipalities, including $3,783,351 for municipalities in the provincial riding of Peterborough-Kawartha.
Funding is allocated based on the number of households in a municipality and whether the municipality is urban or rural. The breakdown of funding for Peterborough-Kawartha is as follows:
$725,000 for Peterborough County
$627,696 for Trent Lakes Municipality
$627,696 for Selwyn Township
$600,086 for North Kawartha Township
$611,047 for Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township
$591,826 for Douro-Dummer Township
The funding is intended for municipalities to modernize and improve the delivery of services. Municipalities will decide how to best target funding to benefit their local communities, but some examples could include service delivery reviews, development of shared services agreements, IT solutions, capital investments, or other projects.
Innovation Cluster launches H2O Makerspace to support clean technology research
The Innovation Cluster launched “H2O Makerspace: Powered by Franklin Empire Inc.” on March 21, 2019. The makerspace will offer cleantech startup clients equipment to aid in the research and development of cleantech in water testing and more. (Photo: Innovation Cluster)
Last Thursday (March 21), the day before World Water Day, the Innovation Cluster Peterborough & the Kawarthas launched “H2O Makerspace: Powered by Franklin Empire Inc.” at the organization’s business incubator in the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough.
At the H2O Makerspace, startups specializing in clean technology (“cleantech”) will have access to more than 30 pieces of equipment to aid in the research and development of cleantech in water testing and more. The equipment includes culture incubators, a sample transport kit, a plan achromatic microscope, membrane filters, petri dishes, sterile glass pipets, and more.
The October 2018 issue of Water Canada named Peterborough as the first best place to launch a watertech startup in Ontario and the second-best in Canada.
“As Peterborough is ranked the best place in Ontario to launch a watertech startup, we couldn’t think of a better way to further the region’s innovative developments than by launching a makerspace for research and testing,” says Innovation Cluster CEO and president Michael Skinner. “The Innovation Cluster is always looking for new ways to help cleantech companies in Peterborough and the Kawarthas reach a global marketplace.”
Geographer and entrepreneur Jennifer Pate, known for her passion towards environmental sustainability and social accessibility to global waterways, was the keynote speaker at the H2O Makerspace event. She spoke about the affects of pollution on our bodies of water.
Following the launch, a showcase was held featuring cleantech clients supported by the Innovation Cluster (including Aclarus Ozone Water Systems, SGS, and Simbi H2O) as well as representatives from Trent University, Fleming CAWT, Noblegen, and Cleantech Commons.
Headquartered in Montreal with offices in Quebec and Ontario including in Peterborough, Franklin Empire Inc. is the largest independent electrical distributor in Canada. Founded in 1942, the company supply electrical components for new construction, renovation and the maintenance of industrial plants, residential and commercial buildings, and also specialize in automation systems for manufacturing processes.
Rustically Signed opening new store and workshop space at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay this May
Stephanie Buckley and Holly Suddick are the owners and operators of home décor business Rustically Signed, which will be opening a new store and workshop space on the third floor of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay on May 4, 2019. (Supplied photo)
Rustically Signed will be opening a marketplace and workshop space on the third floor of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery (8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay) on May 4, 2019.
Holly Suddick of Little Britain and Stephanie Buckley from Lindsay started their home décor business in 2016 as a “side gig” three years ago, creating custom hand-crafted items, and it has since grown into a booming business.
They will be offering sign-making and woodworking DIY workshops in the new space, and are also looking for around 20 vendors selling unique handmade items to join the marketplace.
For more information on Rustically Signed and to become a vendor, visit rusticallysigned.com.
Peterborough DBIA and GreenUP nominated for award for Vibrancy Depave Project
Volunteers work in the fall of 2018 to remove 782 square metres of asphalt from Water Street in downtown Peterborough, as part of the Downtown Vibrancy project led by the Peterborough DBIA. The initiative has been nominated for an award from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough GreenUP have been nominated for an “Streetscaping and Public Realm Improvements – Large” award from the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) for the Vibrancy Depave Project.
GreenUP partnered with the Peterborough DBIA and the City of Peterborough in 2018 to bring the Depave Paradise project to downtown Peterborough, as part of the Downtown Vibrancy project led by the Peterborough DBIA. The first phase of the project saw 782 square metres of asphalt removed from an unused loop of road at the southern end of Water Street next to Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough.
The next phase of the project, to be completed in late spring, will see the creation of a rain garden on the site. More than 1,000 plants will be added to the garden, providing water management to help protect the water quality of the Otonabee River and to mitigate flooding in the downtown area.
The winner of the award will be announced on April 1, 2019 at the OBIAA Gala Awards Night in Ottawa.
Sarah Lazure is leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra as general manager
Sarah Lazure is leaving the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra to pursue another career opportunity. (Supplied photo)
The board of directors of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has announced that Sarah Lazure is leaving the organization in April to pursue another career opportunity.
Lazure has been the PSO’s artistic director since August 2015 and also held the role of general manager during the current season.
“Since joining us, Sarah has been on the ground floor of the PSO’s artistic and logistical planning,” says the PSO’s music director and conductor Michael Newnham.
“Her energy and commitment to excellence in everything she does has been a very large reason for the success that the orchestra has been experiencing in audience growth and expanding its profile in our community.”
The PSO is currently recruiting a new general manager. Until a new general manager is hired, the board of the PSO will guide the organization with the assistance of Newnham.
Trent University raises $114,300 for United Way Peterborough
Representatives from Trent University present a cheque for $114,328 to the United Way Peterborough. (Supplied photo)
Trent University faculty, staff, and retirees have raised $114,328 for United Way Peterborough & District’s 2018-19 campaign.
“We really challenged our faculty, staff and retiree’s by setting a $100,000 goal for the 2018 campaign, our highest ever,” says external relations and advancement vice-president Julie Davis “Trent University’s annual campaign is the largest corporate campaign in the community and it’s an important way for us to give back and support the Peterborough region.”
The funds were raised through payroll pledges and donations as well as many employee-led special events, including a chili cook-off, white elephant tables, and a gift basket raffle before the holidays.
Trent University has supported the United Way since 1965 and has raised more than $2 million for the organization.
Nominations now open for Kawartha Chamber 2019 Business Awards of Excellence
Nominations are now open for the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s 20th annual Business Awards of Excellence.
Any business, individual, or organization within Peterborough County or the City of Peterborough can be nominated in one of 10 categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Professional, Outstanding Business Achievement, Commercial Development or Renovation, Customer Service Excellence, Entrepreneur Innovation, Not-For-Profit Excellence, Retailer of the Year, Service Sector Excellence, and Tourism/Hospitality.
The awards will be presented at a gala event on October 10, 2019.
Peterborough Chamber hosts annual general meeting on March 26 in Peterborough
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 130th annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough)
Guest speakers include Ashley Challinor, vice-president of policy with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Trevin Stratton, chief economist with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber members will be asked to approve the chamber’s audited financial statements and the actions of the chamber’s board for 2018.
The cost for the event, which includes lunch, is $30+HST for members and $40+HST for non-members. For mroe information and to register by March 19th, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition hosts semi-finalist showcase on March 26 in Peterborough
The Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial competition is hosting its semi-finalist showcase from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
Bears’ Lair is an annual competition for up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Six finalists in two categories (Goods and Services and Innovation) will be selected to pitch their business to a panel of judges and the local community for a chance to win a cash prize.
The competition’s semi-finalists will showcase their businesses in hopes of competing in the top six at the final pitch event on April 30th.
Kawartha Chamber hosts Business After Hours in Peterborough on March 26
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its first Business After Hours of 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26th at The Canadian Canoe Museum (910 Monaghan Rd, Peterborough).
The evening features networking, learning about some of the non-profit organizations in the area, and exploring The Canadian Canoe Museum. Non-profits with small displays at the event will include Abbeyfield House Society of Lakefield, Camp Kawartha, Community Care, Cuddles for Cancer, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, Indian River Reptile Zoo, Peterborough Humane Society, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation.
To register for the free event, visit a href=”http://business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/register/10128″ rel=”noopener” title=”Business After Hours Registration – kawarthachamber.ca” target=”_blank”>business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/register/10128.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts inaugural Business & Entrepreneurship Conference in Peterborough on March 28
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is bringing together business owners from across Peterborough & the Kawarthas for the inaugural Business & Entrepreneurship Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28th at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
This is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs looking to learn from industry thought leaders, network with like-minded professionals to develop partnerships and collaboration, and grow and improve their business. Keynote speakers are Nikki Pett on the topic “Relationship Marketing” and Darrell Keezer on the topic “Digital Disruption”, wiht special guest speaker George Anastasopoulos.
There will be an afternoon panel on customer service in the digital age features local business people include Katie Dempsey of Blind Ambition, Bob Gauvreau of Gauvreau & Associates, Mike Watt of Providence/S.O.S./Flavour Fashion, Scott Murison of Wild Rock, and Nicole Truman of Fox Law.
The conference registration also includes the opportunity to participate in the “Headshot Photo Booth”, where business owners can get a professional photo taken.
Tickets are $55+HST ($40+HST for members of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce) and include breakfast and lunch.
This event is being presented with the support of Kawarthas Northumberland, Canada Business Ontario, and the Peterborough Region Angel Network.
Northumberland Chamber hosts 2018 Business Achievement Awards in Cobourg on March 29
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Business Achievement Awards from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 29th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
The annual awards recognize excellence and honour high achievers in the local business community.
Tickets for the gala, which includes a multi-course dinner, are $90+HST. Purchase tickets by March 25th by phone at 905-372-5831 or online at nccofc.ca/events/register/1364
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala on March 30 in Haliburton
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 13th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards Gala at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30th at Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre (4252 Haliburton County Rd. 21, Haliburton).
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Business Achievement, Customer First – Business, Customer First – Employee, Entrepreneur of the Year, Highlander of the Year, Innovation & Creativity, New Business, Not-for-Profit of the Year, Skilled Trades & Industry, Tourism & Hospitality, and Young Professional of the Year.
The event will feature a reception with live entertainment and cash bar along with a dinner and awards ceremony emceed by Mike Jaycock.
Peterborough Emergency Management and Safety Forum on April 4 and 5
The Peterborough Emergency Management and Safety Forum is taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4th and Friday, April 5th at Stonehouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. Peterborough).
This two-day event is an opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field of emergency management and safety planning and execution. The forum will cover incident management and mitigation, emergency planning and responses, public safety, business continuity planning, interoperability in times of crisis or serious event, and coordinated collaborative response.
There will be guest speakers from Orlando, Florida speaking on lessons learned from the Pulse Night Club shooting, Peterborough Police Chief Scott Gilbert speaking on the 2018 Toronto van incident, Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the O.P.P. speaking on communications and the media in a crisis, Tom McKay (President of the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners), and an expert panel on cyber security.
Women’s Business Network of Peterborough presents Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award Dinner on April 9 in Peterborough
Gwyneth James of Cody & James Chartered Professional Accountants (middle) was named the Business Woman of the Year at the 2016 Peterborough Examiner Women in Business Awards, with Bridget Leslie of My Left Breast (left) and Betty Halman-Plumley of Investors Group (right) as finalists. Now known as the Women in Business Award, the award is being presented in 2019, along with the Judy Heffernan Award, by the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. (Supplied photo)
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is presenting the Women in Business Award and the Judy Heffernan Award at an awards dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m on Tuesday, April 9th at Personal Touch Banquet Hall (1135 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
The Women in Business Award will be awarded to a women showing exceptional business leadership. The Judy Heffernan Award will be awarded to a women who demonstrates the empowerment of other women. Enjoy cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., speaker at 7:30 p.m. and the awards celebration at 8 p.m.
Rhonda Barnet, Chief Operating Officer of Steelworks Design and past chair of the National Board of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, will be the keynote speaker.
Cocktails and networking begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m., the keynote speaker at 7:30 p.m. and the awards celebration at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the awards dinner are available at a cost of $65 for WBN members or $75 for non-members (tables are also available). For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.womensbusinessnetwork.net/awards-event/.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism hosts second annual Rural Tourism Symposium on April 11 in Keene
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism is hosting the second annual Rural Tourism Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11th in the Agriculture Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village Museum (104 Lang Rd., Keene).
This symposium for tourism industry professionals will include a keynote presentation from Lisa LaVecchia, president and CEO of Destination Ontario, as well as presentations by: Beth Potter, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario; Trevor Benson, director of food tourism innovation with Culinary Tourism Alliance; Jewel Cunningham, director of Ontario Waterways with Parks Canada; and David Robinson of Destination Canada.
There will also be a tourism town hall by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, one of a series presented by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, Destination Canada, and local industry partners.
The cost of $125, which includes a continental breakfast and a market-style lunch. For more information and to register, visit ruraltourism.biz.
Kawartha Lakes Arts Council hosts community celebration and annual general meeting on April 17 in Omemee
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is hosting its 4th annual community celebration and annual general meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th at Coronation Hall (1 King St. W. Omemee).
The annual general meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by a tribute to artist Michael Poulton, a live auction of original artworks and creative experiences, a Neil Young tribute by Gerald Van Halteren, and more.
The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council is a not-for-profit volunteer organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the arts community in Kawartha Lakes by advocating for artists and the arts, promoting a vibrant arts community, fostering professional development and educational training, and cultivating investment and support of the arts in the community.
Haliburton Highlands Chamber hosts a breakfast meeting with MPP Laurie Scott on April 23 in Haliburton
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting The Breakfast Club with MPP Laurie Scott from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd at Mckeck’s Tap & Grill (207 Highland St., Haliburton)
Scott, who is MPP for Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, will talk about her role as Ontario Minister of Labour and what she is planning on for 2019.
Trent Hills Chamber hosts Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony on April 27 in Hastings
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Celebration of Business Excellence Awards Ceremony from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th at The Grand Maple (19 Abert St. E., Hastings).
Awards will be presented in the following categories: Excellence In Business (Retail-Based Business), Excellence In Business (Service-Based Business), Pride And Progress, Customer Experience Award (Service Business), Customer Experience Award (Retail Business), Community Impact, Non-Profit Organization, and the Chair’s Award.
A fixture of the Queen Street scene in Toronto in the 1970s with his band The Continental Drift, Joe Hall's music was compared to that of Frank Zappa and Tom Waits. Hall, who lived in Peterborough for the last 30 years, died on March 22, 2019 after a lengthy illness. (Photo: Joe Hall / Facebook)
Already reeling from the news of the sudden passing of club owner, DJ, and Hootenanny On Hunter founder Jonathan Hall, the Peterborough music community is now coming to grips with the loss of revered musician and highly respected mentor Joe Hall (no relation).
Longtime Toronto-based musician and 1998 Juno Award recipient Tony Quarrington posted news of Hall’s passing on Facebook.
“It is with profound sadness that I have to announce the death on Friday (March 22) of my dear old friend and collaborator Joe Hall,” wrote Quarrington.
“We just brought out a new recording in December; in his opinion and mine, the best ever. He will be missed. He was unique. He was the only Canadian songwriter I would seriously compare to Leonard Cohen.”
Joe Hall (left) on the cover of his 1972 album “Joe Hall and the Eyeball Wine Company”.
A fixture on the Toronto music scene for years with his band The Continental Drift, Hall called Peterborough home for the last 30 years. As highly regarded for his encouragement of, and inspiration to, young musicians as he was for his own talent, Hall worked with a number of local acts, including The Silver Hearts.
Hall recorded three albums with The Continental Drift — whose members included Tony Quarrington and his brother, the late Paul Quarrington — the first being 1976’s HJ Boenke recorded by brothers Bob and Daniel Lanois. The follow-up, On The Avenue, was recorded at the brothers’ Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton.
Later, Hall turned more frequently to recording and producing other musicians’ work.
The cover of Joe Hall and The Continental Drift’s 1976 album “HJ Boenke”, recorded by brothers Bob and Daniel Lanois.
Reached at his home on Sunday, bassist and Tonemasters member JP Hovercraft termed Hall’s passing “an incredible loss personally … he’s been family for years and years.”
“He wasn’t just a lyricist — he was a poet cutting right to the essence, whether it was deadly serious or insanely funny. He was not afraid to put anything into words. No social pressures kept Joe from saying what he intended to say. Absolutely one of the highlights of my career in music has been the work I was able to do with Joe.”
“He enriched the Peterborough music scene incredibly. He just loved that there was music everywhere. He wanted a life full of music, not just necessarily a life full of making music. That really was a bit of humbleness on his part because he was frigging giant.”
Joe Hall (centre) performing with Tony Quarrington and JP Hovercraft at JP’s 60th birthday celebration at the Gordon Best in Peterborough in 2012. (Photo: SLAB Productions)
Hovercraft learned of Hall’s passing on Friday (March 22nd) from Hall’s son. According to Hovercraft, he had been ill for quite some time.
“We were expecting it but it wasn’t supposed to be so soon. I wanted more time or even one more gig or something. We always think there’s going to be more time but that’s not necessarily so.”
“He put an awful lot of miles on his liver. He got into AA and got dry and had been that way for 20 years but it still caught up with him.”
“There’s this video that was made in Lee Morgan’s backyard. It was a party and some of the locals came and played music. There was Buzz Thompson playing Stand By Me with Lee on drums and Joe playing guitar and me on bass and Phil Marshall too was there. Here I am, the only one left from that. That’s spooky.”
Joe Hall with musician David Essig in Peterborough in 2013. (Photo: David Essig / Facebook)
To this day, Hovercraft clearly remembers the first time he heard Hall play.
JP Hovercraft with Joe Hall in an undated photo.
“In a musician’s life, you get these experiences where somebody says ‘Go see this band,’ so you take their word for it and you go,” he says.
“Sometimes you walk in and there’s something going on that’s just so incredible that you’re left dumbfounded, thinking ‘Holy shit, I wish I was in that band.’
“That was my experience the first time I saw Joe Hall and the Continental Drift somewhere on Queen Street (in Toronto).
“I was like ‘What the hell is this and why aren’t I part of it?’ The crowning moment in my career was when I got to join that band (The Continental Drift). I was excited and I was nervous. I got to keep doing it and it was wonderful every time. It was absolute magic.
“That’s what I’m really going to miss. I’m awfully blessed to have had that happen but it’s not going to happen again.”
VIDEO: Nos Hablos Telephones – Joe Hall & The Continental Drift
According to Hovercraft, a private family service will be held for Hall, although he suggests the local music community may come together at some point to honour him in some way.
“Joe would walk down the street and there would be somebody there with their hand out. He would go out of his way to give as much as he could. It was suggested to me that if anybody asks what can they give (in Hall’s memory), just walk down George Street and give to the first person that’s looking for a helping hand.”
kawarthaNOW also reached out to Hall’s long-time friend, local artist Joe Stable, but was unable to connect with him in time for this story.
VIDEO: Joe Hall at The Joe Show at Acme Art & Sailboat Company on November 2, 2018
Looking back at First Friday in November. Will the Xmas Frist Friday be as musical? Only way to know is by going out.
Posted by Bill Kimball on Friday, December 7, 2018
At the First Friday Art Crawl in November 2018, Stable held an exhibit called “The Joe Show”, featuring Stable’s artwork based on photographic portaits of Hall, with half of the proceeds going to help produce Hall’s final album.
Hall also performed at the exhibit, along with Tony Quarrington and Hovercraft.
Earlier today (March 24), Stable posted a simple message on his Facebook page, accompanied by one of his portraits of Hall:
“Mr. Joe Hall, we love you and will miss you so much.”
A portrait of Joe Hall by his long-time friend, local artist Joe Stable. (Photo: Joe Stable)
Others shared similar sentiments on Facebook upon learning of Hall’s death.
“Such a great artist,” wrote singer-songwriter and visual artist Kurt Swinghammer. “Wish I could see him play again.”
“Whenever I bumped into him, he never failed to say something memorable, meaningful, and hilarious,” wrote local musician and artist Robert Atyeo. “He was a mentor to me, introduced me to his friend Willie P. (Bennett) one day which changed my life.”
Jonathan "Jonny Trash" Hall DJing at The Twisted Wheel in October 2018. (Photo: Jack Martin)
kawarthaNOW has learned that Jonathan Hall has died.
A celebration of the life of Jonathan Hall will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at The Twisted Wheel (377 Water St., Peterborough). Please bring your photos, music, art and memories and join Jonathan’s family as we honour our friend.
Reports began spreading on social media on Saturday morning (March 23) that the popular local business owner and DJ had passed away.
Hall’s partner Kayley Duggan has confirmed that he died at home with her while being attended by paramedics early on Friday night (March 22).
Hall suffered a heart attack. He had just celebrated his 44th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17).
In 2018, he opened The Twisted Wheel in downtown Peterborough bar with co-owner Mike Judson.
Hall was also the former owner of Spanky’s, Splice, and Trasheteria and was the founder of the annual Hootenanny on Hunter Street music festival. As a DJ, he was known as “Jonny Trash”.
He and Duggan had just purchased Nostalgic Journey this month, an antique and collectibles store on Highway 7 at Drummond Line.
Duggan says information about funeral and service details will be made public once they are arranged.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation at support.heartandstroke.ca/goto/JonHall.
Cape Breton indie folk band Villages (Matt Ellis, Travis Ellis, Jon Pearo, and Archie Rankin) have just released a new record and will be performing at The Garnet in downtown Peterborough on Wednesday, March 27th with country and western musician Nathan Truax. (Publicity photo)
Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, March 21 to Wednesday, March 27.
If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.
Saturday, March 30 10pm - Megahits hosted by 88glam ($15, available at https://clubaria.ca)
Arlington Pub
32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080
Saturday, March 23
9pm - Mayhemingways ($10)
Coming Soon
Saturday, April 13 8pm - Russell deCarle ($25 in advance in Maynooth at the Maynooth General Store and at Sunrun Café and in Bancroft at Harvest Moon Whole Foods and Guitar Nuts Music Shop, $20 at door)
Arthur's Pub
930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105
Thursday, March 21
8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs
Friday, March 22
9pm - Two For The Show
Saturday, March 23
9pm - Bruce Longman
Monday, March 25
7-9pm - Local talent
Tuesday, March 26
7:30pm - Beatles Tribute w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman
Wednesday, March 27
8pm - Open mic
Coming Soon
Thursday, March 28 8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs
Friday, March 29 9pm - Shawn Wilson
Saturday, March 30 9pm - Shawn Wilson
Sunday, March 31 4:30-8pm - Celtic music
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, March 21
7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues ft Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, March 22
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - MJ & The Beetus
Saturday, March 23
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - 4 Lanes Wide
Sunday, March 24
3-6pm - Washboard O'Hank & The Shenanigans; 6:30pm-9:30pm - Joe Bulger
Monday, March 25
7pm - Rick & Gailie's Crash & Burn
Tuesday, March 26
7pm - Randy Hill Band w/ Marc Roy
Wednesday, March 27
9-11pm - Lazy Devils
Coming Soon
Thursday, March 28 7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues ft Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, March 28 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Jake Norris & The Side Street Band
Saturday, March 30 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Josh Gordon Band
Sunday, March 31 3-6pm - Tom Eastland Triage; 6:30pm-9:30pm - Morgan Rider
Saturday, May 11 8pm - Doc Yates w/ Greg Williams & Kansas Stone (tickets available soon at www.docyates.com)
Dreams of Beans
138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406
Thursday, March 21
8pm - Open mic hosted by Jacques Graveline
Coming Soon
Friday, March 29 9:30-11pm - Graham Show (no cover)
Frank's Pasta and Grill
426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727
Friday, March 22
9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ
Saturday, March 23
8pm - High Waters Band; 11:30pm - DJ
Wednesday, March 27
8-11pm - Open Mic
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 30 8pm - Mardi Gras ft. Johnny Sweet & The Project; 11pm - DJ
Ganarascals Restaurant
53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 30 2pm - Payadora Tango Ensemble ($20, email for tickets)
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Friday, March 22
8pm - Ontario Street Theatre presents Let's Rock N Roll! ft. Dimestore Playboys w/ Marsala Luckianchuk & Clayton Yates ($20)
Saturday, March 23
2pm & 10pm - Recovery Mode
Wednesday, March 27
8-11pm - Open Mic Night w/ Clayton Yates & Rob Foreman
Coming Soon
Friday, March 29 8pm - Ontario Street Theatre presents The Mighty Led Zepplin Experience ($20)
Saturday, March 30 2pm & 10pm - Bone Yard
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, March 21
7-9pm - Chiaroscuro Reading Series presents Kate Heartfield, Derek Junksken, Matt Moore (donations accepted); 9pm - Harea Band w/ Maple Grove ($10)
Friday, March 22
5-7pm - Forselli Friday; 8pm - Stillness and Stars w/ garbageface, Olias, & more
Saturday, March 23
9pm - Billard Blossom ($10 or PWYC)
Sunday, March 24
2pm - Corin Raymond and Mike T. Kerr ($20); 8pm - "The Musical Saw Playlist" ft Charlie Petch ($10 or PWYC)
Wednesday, March 27
8pm - Villages w/ Nathan Truax ($10)
VIDEO: "Maggie of the Cove" - Villages
Coming Soon
Thursday, March 28 9pm - Bring The War Home & garbageface ($8)
Friday, March 29 8pm - Lauryn Macfarlane w/ Kane Miller ($10)
Saturday, March 30 6-8pm - Author talk ft. Devon Code and Ursula Pflug
Sunday, March 31 7-9pm - Show and Tell Poetry Series ft. Esther Vincent, Myanna Hansen, Nic Taylor
Golden Wheel Restaurant
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Wednesday, March 27
6:30-8:30pm - Line Dancing w/ Marlene Maskell ($7)
Coming Soon
Saturday, April 13 7pm - Dinner and dance patry ft Rye Street ($20 includes dinner, $5 music only at 8pm)
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Saturday, March 23
7:30pm - Borderless Spring ft. Pantayo, SHIRAZI, The Watched Pots ($10); 11pm - Dj Federico & HOLA after party
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 30 8:30pm - 90s Night Dance Party and Drag Queen Show fundraiser to send photographer Samantha Moss to Zambia ($5 in advance at ww.eventbrite.com/e/90s-night-at-the-best-tickets-58861420092)
Hot Belly Mama's
378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544
Thursday, March 21
8pm - The Quickshifters (no cover)
Junction Nightclub
253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550
Friday, March 22
10pm - Y2K Flashback w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 30 10pm - DJ Cale Granton w/ DJ Justin Anderson
Kawartha Coffee Co.
58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 30 7-11pm - Mayfield ft. Bill Douglas of Douglas + Son (no cover)
Mckecks Tap & Grill
207 Highland St., Haliburton
(705) 457-3443
Coming Soon
Friday, March 29 6pm - Sheri Hawkins and The Rockin Eighty Eights (no cover)
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
9pm - Live music hosted by Tony Silvestri and Greg Caven
Fridays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Saturdays
10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey
Sundays
8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon
Mondays
9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green
Wednesdays
9pm - Live music hosted by Kevin Foster
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, March 21
6:30pm - Wendy Meadows Trio (no cover)
Moody's Bar & Grill
3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663
Saturday, March 23
2-5pm - Kim Doolittle W/ Emily Burgess
Wednesday, March 27
9pm - Kerry Jayne & Hillary Dumoulin
Coming Soon
Saturday, April 20 2-5pm - Max Mouse & The Gorillas
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010
Thursday, March 21
7-10pm - Open Mic
Friday, March 22
9pm - Jacques Graveline
Saturday, March 23
1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays w/ Jacques Graveline
Pastry Peddler
17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 30 7pm - Rick Fines w/ Matthew MacCleod ($25)
Publican House Brewery
300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743
Friday, March 22
7-9pm - Ace and the Kid
Saturday, March 23
7-9pm - Cale Crowe
Coming Soon
Friday, March 29 7-9pm - Reg Corey
Saturday, March 30 7-9pm - Mike Graham Duo
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 30 9pm - The Acoustically Hip (Craig McEarchern, Rod MacDonald, Dave Clarke)
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Friday, March 22
8pm - Officially Canadian Party to celebrate Nicole Spencley's Canadian citizenship ft live music with Noel Savage, Diamond Dave Russell, Sean Daniels, Joe Stats, and Jeremy Spencley
Saturday, March 23
9pm - Rainbow Romp ft DJ Mike Lee ($5 at door, all proceeds to Rainbow Service Organization)
Friday, April 26 8pm - Death by Art School album release w/ St. Homer and Bellyflop ($10 or PWYC)
Riley's
257 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 750-1445
Thursdays
Travis Berlinbach
Fridays
Travis Berlinbach
Saturdays
Josh Gontier
Sundays
Josh Gontier
Mondays
Josh Gontier
Tuesdays
Josh Gontier & Cale Gontier
Wednesdays
Guest performers
Sapphire Room
137 Hunter St., Peterborough
(705) 749-0409
Friday, March 22
9-11pm - Poet Niambi Tree w/ music by Azalyne ($10 or PWYC)
Wednesday, March 27
8-11pm - Peterborough Poetry Slam presents March Slam ft Mona Mousa ($5-10 or PWYC)
Simcoe Ptbo
172 Simcoe St., Peterborough
705-874-3825
Friday, March 22
9pm - Local Open Stage
Saturday, March 23
9pm - Local Open Stage
Wednesday, March 27
8pm - Jesse Stewart w/ Johnny No Cash & The Celtic Outlaws, Wayne Kennedy ($10)
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 30 9pm - Gutter Demons w/ Gunt ($10 in advance or at the door)
Friday, April 5 8pm - Heart Attack Kids w/ No Big Deal ($10)
Wednesday, April 10 9pm - West of Hell and Expain w/ Titan Arum & After Sin ($10)
The Social
295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724
Friday, March 22
9-11pm - Punch Douglas
Saturday, March 23
9-11pm - The Spirits
Wednesday, March 27
10pm - Cale Crowe
Coming Soon
Friday, March 29 9-11pm - Robyn Ottolini
Saturday, March 30 10pm - Man On The Wall
Southside Pizzeria
25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120
Coming Soon
Friday, March 29 9pm - Punks On Pizza: Cowapunka Duuude ft Heir To The Throne, The Watched Pots, Basement Dweller, The Space Wizards, Critical Hit, Dream Sculptor ($5)
Sticks Sports Pub
500 George St. S., Peterborough
(705) 775-7845
Saturday, March 23
7-10pm - Maxwell Williams (no cover)
The Thirsty Goose
63 Walton St., Port Hope
Thursday, March 21
7pm - Kevin Foster
Friday, March 22
8pm - Bruce Longman
Saturday, March 23
8pm - Brian Bracken
Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant
64 John St., Port Hope
(905) 885-7200
Saturday, March 23
10pm - Daniel Greer
The Twisted Wheel
379 Water St., Peterborough
Friday, March 22
CANCELLED - 10pm - Enchanters (no cover)
Saturday, March 23
10pm - Lipstick Drag Show ft Miss Divalicious w/ Violet Seductions ($5)
Coming Soon
Wednesday, April 3 8pm - Basement Dweller farewell show w/ St. Homer & Seyton
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
rock Mission executive director Bill McNabb (centre) celebrates the collective donation of more than $10,200 from members of the 100 Women Peterborough group at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on March 19, 2019. Brock Mission is the fifth local organization to receive a donation of at least $10,000 from group since its formation in early 2018. (Photo: Rosalea Terry)
100 Women Peterborough has done it again.
At their first meeting of the year on Tuesday night (March 19) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, the collective philanthropy group raised over $10,200 in under one hour for Brock Mission’s Cameron House.
The concept of 100 Women Peterborough is simple but very effective: four times a year, members of the group gather to hear presentations from three selected non-profits or charities in the region about projects for which they are seeking funds. Well before each meeting, the three organizations are randomly drawn from a larger list of organizations nominated by members.
Some of the members of 100 Women Peterborough at their first meeting of the year on Tuesday night (March 19) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, where they raised over $10,200 in under one hour for Brock Mission’s Cameron House. (Photo: Rosalea Terry)
After listening to the presentations, each woman places a blank $100 cheque into a box representing one of the three organizations. The organization with the most votes receives all the donations (including later donations from members who are unable to attend the meeting).
At the March 19th meeting, the three selected organizations — Brock Mission, YWCA Peterborough-Haliburton, and the Peterborough Public Library Foundation — made their presentations to the group. When all the votes were counted, Brock Mission came out on top.
“What an incredible experience to see 100 Women Peterborough at work,” said Brock Mission executive director Bill McNabb, who made the presentation to the group. “We are encouraged, inspired, and grateful for their generous support in getting some much needed repairs and improvements for our shelter facility.”
Cameron House, which opened in October 1996, is a short-term emergency shelter for women with 12 beds that supports 250 women annually. In 2011, Brock Mission added eight bachelor units to the site to create Cameron House, Too!, which supports women who have difficulty retaining stable housing.
Women staying in these units pay a modest rent, have the support of their familiar shelter, and also receive assistance with a Life Skills program. The program is customized to suit the individual, and provides education and training for independent living.
The donation from 100 Women Peterborough will help Cameron House fund a new laundry room, as well as much-needed upgrades to their current facilities.
Brock Mission executive director Bill McNabb with (from left to right) Catia Skinner, Alyssa Stewart, and Wendy Hill who, along with Rosalea Terry (not pictured), co-founded 100 Women Peterborough in 2018. Members of 100 Women Peterborough raised more than $10,200, which Brock Mission will use for improvements at Cameron House, a short-term emergency shelter for women. (Photo: Rosalea Terry)
100 Women Peterborough was founded in February 2018 by Wendy Hill, Alyssa Stewart, Catia Skinner, and Rosalea Terry, who were inspired by similar groups in other communities.
The collective philanthropy movement began in November 2006 when Karen Dunigan of Michigan formed the “100 Women who Care” group. After that group’s first meeting, the women raised over $10,000 for the purchase of 300 new baby cribs for a local organization.
The movement has grown over the past 13 years to include almost 100 chapters in North America, including at least 15 in Canada.
Since it was founded, 100 Women Peterborough has increased its membership to well over the original goal of 100 members, allowing the group to exceed $10,000 in collective donations. Last year, 100 Women Peterborough raised almost $50,000 in donations for four local organizations: Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Youth Unlimited, One Roof Warming Room, and New Canadians Centre.
“We are excited to see the group continuing to make a collective impact in its second year,” Terry says. “We can’t wait to see how this donation serves Brock Mission Cameron House and the women that they support.”
Women who interested in joining the group should visit www.100womenptbo.ca for more information.
This shot of a sunrise over Eels Creek in North Kawartha taken by Paul Hartley was the top post on our Instagram for February 2019. (Photo: Paul Hartley @paul_hartley_photo / Instagram)
Well, what can we say? Spring has sprung and we’re still posting snow pictures on Instagram! Who would have thought that there would be multiple phases of the never-ending winter?
Now that spring is here, what we can promise is that we’ll try to post pictures of melting snow and running creeks and rapids. Luckily, the bright pink sunrises are also returning.
But as I always say, there’s astonishing beauty in the Kawarthas in every season and our top photos from February prove it once again.
Do you want to get on our photographer list? All you need is an Insta account and to tag us using our hashtag #kawarthanow when posting your photo.
We share photos from across our readership area, which is the five-county area surrounding Peterborough which includes Peterborough, Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings (we sneak in the occasional Algonquin Park picture as well, particularly if it’s by a Kawartha photographer).
To see our daily shares of photos, follow us on Instagram @kawarthanow and check out our feed’s monthly highlight reels for recaps of every month in 2019.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
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