Dynacast manufactures precision engineered metal components at its plant at 710 Neal Drive in Peterborough, just beside Highway 115. (Photo: Google)
Jeff Leal, MPP Peterborough and Minister Responsible for Small Business, announced today (August 31) an investment of $137,700 into Dynacast’s Peterborough operation.
A die casting and metal injection molding company, Dynacast operates 25 manufacturing plants in 16 countries around the world, including the United States, China, Italy and Tunisia.
The company is upgrading its Peterborough facility to accommodate new equipment. It will also provide training to staff on the use of the new machinery. This will help the company boost its productivity and efficiency, increasing exports and creating jobs.
Ontario is investing $137,700 from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund for this project, supporting an additional investment of $1,009,800 from Dynacast.
The project is expected to be completed by December 31, 2019.
Dynacast is a leading manufacturer of precision engineered metal components. The company specializes in die casting and customized small component assembly systems, with products ranging from cell tower parts to gaming headsets. Its products are used around the world in various industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and health care.
Dynacast’s Peterborough plant was originally operated by FisherCast Global, founded as Fisher Gauge in 1942 by Bill Fisher. At its peak, FisherCast Global employed 750 people in five countries, including 300 in Peterborough.
The impact of the 2008 economic crisis on the automotive sector, which accounted for over half of FisherCast Global’s business, resulted in the company entering bankruptcy protection. It was acquired in 2008 by long-time competitor Dynacast, which then downsized the workforce at the Peterborough operation.
Today’s announcement is unlikely to assuage fears of the health of Peterborough’s manufacturing industry, since General Electric Canada announced last week the closure of its manufacturing division in Peterborough, resulting in the loss of almost 360 jobs.
Sometimes families feel that with going back to school, summer activities must come to an end, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Keep the fun activities going for trips to school: walking or biking and being active on the way to school can help students get some needed exercise and then settle in and concentrate in the classroom. (Photo; GreenUP)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Jaime Akiyama, GreenUP Transportation & Urban Design Programs Coordinator.
The end of August is always a conflicting time. Families are switching into back-to-school planning mode, organizing indoor shoes and school supplies, scrubbing out lunch boxes, and helping to prepare little ones for new classes and teachers. There is the excitement of heading back to school, but there is also the feeling of not wanting to let go of the good times of summer.
Many families are trying to squeeze in just a little more outdoor summer fun. Sometimes we feel that with going back to school, summer activities must come to an end, but it doesn’t have to be that way — we can keep the fun activities going for trips to school.
Being active throughout the summer is great for kids’ health and well being (adults too), so keep it up by committing to being active when travelling to school. ParticipACTION’s 2015 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity found that only 9 per cent of five to 17 years olds are getting the minimal 60 minutes for recommended physical activity. Walking, biking, or scooting to and from school can add needed activity into a student’s day.
Going back to school can be exciting, but it can also be difficult for students to transition from the carefree days of summer to the demands for focus and concentration at school. Walking or biking and being active on the way to school can help students get some needed exercise and then settle in and concentrate in the classroom. A Danish study (2012) found that students five to 19 years of age performed measurably better on tasks demanding concentration, after walking or biking to school.
Children who ride a bus can also fit some activity and fun into their journey. Families can commit to walking or biking on the way to and from the bus stop. Students can be active and have fun by meeting up with friends and getting some fresh air while waiting for the bus.
Walking, biking, or busing to school is beneficial to students’ health beyond getting their needed physical activity; it can also have positive impacts on their air quality and safety. A study in the scientific journal, Atmospheric Environment, which focuses on looking at air pollution found that, “At times vehicle emission levels in school zones were similar to conditions that you would experience if you were standing within about 100 meters of the 401 during rush hour.”
School zones are busy places during drop off and pick up times. Committing to walk, bike, or ride the bus will help decrease traffic congestion.
Some families may have great intentions to walk, bike, or bus to school but when the reality of the busy morning routine sets in, good intentions can go out the car window. A little planning can go a long way in moving from intention to action. Most families will have kids stocked up and ready to enter school on the first day, but have they planned how to travel to school on the first day? Are they ready for a new travel routine?
This last week of August is a great time to plan for travelling to school. While the weather is great and your family is eager to get out for walks or bike rides, why not check out the route to school? Grab a Peterborough & the Kawarthas Cycling & Trails Map, available at the GreenUP Store or at peterboroughmoves.com, and plan out a route that suits your family. You’ll want to consider your child’s age, ability, and the built environment of your neighbourhood.
One common barrier preventing families from walking, biking, or busing is that adults have time restraints and need to get to work. Test out the journey. You might be surprised that walking or biking doesn’t take up as much time as perceived, and it’s definitely more fun.
Time how long it takes for your practice walk or ride, and talk with your kids about how to navigate any tricky areas. Discuss how to be ready for all types of weather. The beautiful days of summer will help motivate your travel, but be prepared to embrace the upcoming cooler mornings and the fun, puddle-jumping rainy days of fall.
If you’d like some help making these plans or would like to meet some other families who are doing the same, join GreenUP and B!KE on Thursday, August 31st for Bike Night: Bike to School Route Planning. We can help you prepare with maps and tips! Register at peterboroughmoves.com.
Once you are set, share your plans and commitments with your friends and neighbours. Maybe they’ll want to join you for the walk to school! Meeting up with friends adds to the fun, helps build a sense of community, and can decrease parents’ safety concerns if students are travelling without adults.
If driving is absolutely necessary, consider parking and striding; park away from the busy school zone and enjoy a walk for the last few blocks to and from school. Meet up with friends, get to know the surrounding community, and add some physical activity to your trip.
Active and Safe Routes to School promotes the use of active and sustainable transportation for the daily trip to school with the Car Free Wednesdays program. Schools are provided with promotional material and supports that motivate students to walk, bike, scoot, and roll to school. Schools that register and submit monthly travel surveys are eligible for prizes. Interested schools or parents can find out more information at peterboroughmoves.com.
For more information and to register for Car Free Wednesdays, please contact Jaime Akiyama, Active and Safe Routes to School Coordinator at 705-745-3238 ext 210 or visit peterboroughmoves.com.
Participants in the second round of Starter Company Plus, a program offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Government of Ontario, held over the summer. Starter Company Plus is designed to provide business training for aspiring to experienced entrepreneurs. On September 14 at Elmhirst's Resort, seven of the 15 entrepreneurs who participated in the second intake will be selected to get a share of $25,000 in grant money. A third intake Starter Company Plus opens in September, with the deadline to apply September 29th.
With a pot of gold at the end of the Starter Company Plus rainbow, 15 small business owners participating in the second round of this program delivered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre recently competed against each other for a share of the riches.
But a strange thing happened in their quest to secure a chunk of grant money up for grabs: they unselfishly helped each other in their bids to be one of seven participants taking home a cheque.
“The support and the feedback within the group was awesome,” says Shelley King, the owner of Puppeteria.
“We all came with our own strengths and experiences. There was a lot of sharing between participants in the development of business plans. Other people noticed things that might not have even occurred to me.”
Back in 2013, after several years working as a social worker and educational assistant, King called upon her expressive arts experience to use puppets as a means of connecting with others to assist them with problem solving, conflict resolution and other life challenges.
Buoyed by her plan to develop an online course component as part of her business, King was one of more than 30 who applied to be among 15 accepted into the second intake of the entrepreneurship program funded by the Government of Ontario.
On Thursday, September 14th at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene, King will be among those anxious to see if their business start-up or expansion pitch impressed enough judges to secure a portion of the $25,000 available.
Madeleine Hurrell, Starter Company Plus Program Coordinator at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, shares information with Starter Company Plus participants at a summer workshop.
According to Starter Company Plus program co-ordinator Madeleine Hurrell, seven program participants will be awarded.
“Seeing the transformation of participants from the first workshop to the pitch competition,’ says Hurrell, when asked what aspect of the program brings her the most satisfaction.
“A lot of that transformation comes from the participants structuring and gaining a little bit of control over their business. We had a lot of participants where the business was running them, rather than them running their business.
“Having that structure, having processes in place — maybe they had to create new policies, maybe they performed a bit more market research — and then seeing them come up and pitch confidently, that’s the exciting part for me.”
King says she would “highly recommend” the program to any entrepreneur, new or seasoned. She admits to never having had a business plan when she started Puppeteria.
“I always thought ‘I know what I’m doing, I know what I want, I know how to get there’ — which is true to a point. But going through this process of developing a business plan and doing the cash flow sheet really forced me to to look closely at the actual cost involved in delivery, to re-assess that and make adjustments.”
Aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs participating in a workshop day in July hosted by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. Workshops included topics such as market research, marketing, finances, customer relations, and networking.
Maureen Brand echoes a similar experience. The owner of Buckhorn-based Garden of Eden, which sees her create, market, and sell reusable cloth menstrual, incontinence, and nursing pads, Brand admits she started her enterprise last year with little to no business experience, her aim being to simply “keep the bank account on the plus side.”
“At first, Starter Company Plus was a bit intimidating. You’ve got this huge spreadsheet, this Lean Canvas [a one-page business plan template], these are all the things you’re going to do. You’re a bit overwhelmed. You just work through everything methodically.
“There were great conversations with the other business owners. It was a huge investment of time but I never felt like it was wasted time. There was something I got out of every class.”
Adding “it was nice to meet people who are doing really cool things,” Brand also came away very impressed with how supportive each participant was of each other — “We all wanted each other to succeed.”
With business partner Ben Carlsen, Devin LeBel owns and operates Rhyzosphere, which sees them grow and harvest vegetables at a half-acre micro farm in Cavan and deliver weekly, in a box they produce, vegetables to customers.
While searching online for local initiatives that help small businesses, he stumbled upon Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre and applied for entry into the second Starter Company Plus intake just before the deadline.
“Coming from a university background, I was expecting a lecture where you would sit down and learn whatever you could,” LeBel says. “But it turned out to be way more interactive than that, with lots of people contributing to the information I was learning.
“There were lots of chances for specific questions that pertained to me and my business. There was lots of time to work on a business plan. Anything you were struggling with, you could brainstorm a solution. I was a little bit surprised at how nervous I was in front of the four judges, but it was a great experience to talk about our business in such a high-pressure situation.”
As he waits to find out if Rhyzosphere will share in the grant money, LeBel says the outcome won’t change the fact that he’s now equipped with a business plan “we can go forward with” — a tool that he says will prove invaluable in the pursuit of other grant opportunities.
In the Starter Company Plus program, everyone competes equally. There’s no preference given whether you’re starting up a new business or expanding an existing one.
Of the seven businesses that will be awarded grant money, Hurrell notes that two are new start-ups and five are expanding existing enterprises.
“Everyone competes equally,” she ssays. “There’s no preference given whether you’re a start-up or an expansion.”
As part of the announcement at Elmhirst’s Resort, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre will host “BAC At The Bonfire”, a networking event that will see both aspiring and established entrepreneurs share their stories and, as Hurrell puts it, “stoke the flames of inspiration.”
A third application period for Starter Company Plus opens in September 2017. Applicants are required to attend one of four Starting Point sessions, being held September 6th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
A third intake for Starter Company Plus opens in September. To be eligible for Starter Company Plus, you must be 18 years of age or older, not attending school, and either starting a new business or expanding an existing business operating for five years or less. You must also attend one of four Starting Point sessions being held in September.
You don’t need to register in advance to attend a session, but you must be 18 years of age or older and not attending school, as well as interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing business that has been operating for five years or less. The deadline for third intake applications is Friday, September 29th at 4 p.m.
Successful applicants will participate in the program through October and November, with grant recipients announced in December.
“I highly recommend it,” Puppeteria owner King says. “It was so jammed full of information. There was a lot of work involved in between sessions as well. The learning that comes from that is certainly something I’m going to keep coming back to.”
Garden of Eden owner Brand concurs, if for no other reason “just to see if what you have flies, if it really makes economic sense.
“For people who are just starting out and have no formal business acumen, it’s so helpful. It told me that what I’ve got going on here is pretty good and this is how I can improve it.”
Owners and renters of detached, semi-detached, town and row homes can register to have a new smart thermostat installed. (Photo: Green Ontario Fund)
Note: As of June 19, 2018, incoming Premier Doug Ford has cancelled this program.
If you want to save money for your home heating and cooling costs, you can now get a free smart thermostat installed in your home courtesy of the Ontario government.
Ontario has launched the Green Ontario Fund, a new not-for-profit provincial agency that will deliver programs and rebates to help reduce energy costs in homes and businesses.
The agency is part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by $377 million in proceeds from the province’s cap on pollution and carbon market.
“Taking strong action on climate change means making it as easy as possible for people and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home and work, while also saving money,” says Chris Ballard, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
“That’s why our government created the Green Ontario Fund, which will give homeowners and small and medium-sized businesses improved access to low-carbon technologies and services.”
This includes the new GreenON Installations program, which opened early registration today (August 30). Interested and eligible households can register now to have a Green Ontario Fund-trained technician visit and install a smart thermostat at no cost.
The technician will also provide advice and tips as well as personalized suggestions for additional energy-saving upgrades.
The offer is open to both owners and renters of detached, semi-detached, town and row homes (renters must have their landlords’ permission to register).
More GreenON programs for residents, businesses and industry will be announced in the coming months.
For more information about the Green Ontario Fund, visit www.greenon.ca.
Tickets are on sale now for the 18th Annual Awards of Excellence Gala on Friday, November 3 at Elmhirst's Resort in Keene. Elmhirst's Resort is offering special room rates for those booking with the Gala.
Recognize your milestones and achievements by nominating your business for a Business Award of Excellence! Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged.
In the Young Professional category, for example, you can recognize a staff person under the age of 35 who had made significant contributions to your business.
Elmhirst’s Resort is offering special room rates for those booking with the Gala. Call Elmhirst’s Resort at 705-295-4591 for accommodation information and let them know you are booking for the Chamber Awards of Excellence Gala on November 3rd.
Business After Hours: Buckhorn Hop
Join the Chamber on Wednesday, September 20th for Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. to visit Chamber members in Buckhorn including:
Gallery on the Lake
Buckhorn Canoe Company
Style Your Nest
Times to be confirmed. Learn about these unique businesses in the hamlet of Buckhorn. Register now.
Save the Date: Effective Networking B.O.S.S. on October 25th
Mark Wednesday, October 25th on your calendar for the next seminar in our B.O.S.S. Business Owners Offering Solutions series.
This seminar will take place at Westwind Inn on the Lake and will focus on effective networking skills and how it can benefit your business.
Watch for more information in a future update.
Act Now to Oppose Proposed Business Tax Changes
If your business is incorporated, then you could be facing a larger tax bill and big compliance costs from the government’s new proposals to change the way corporations are taxed.
Here are three things you need to know about the tax changes proposed by the federal government:
Do you employ family members? The government wants to scrutinize their compensation to apply a much higher tax rate on income they consider “unreasonable.”
Do you invest the profits from your business? The federal government is proposing to tax that income at an effective rate of 70%.
Do you want to pass your business on to your children? Tough new rules make it difficult for younger kids to get the capital gains exemption. They could be double-taxed.
Building Better: Setting up the Next Ontario Long-Term Infrastructure Plan for Success
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released Building Better: Setting up the Next Ontario Long-Term Infrastructure Plan for Success, a report calling on the Ontario Government to implement key recommendations in its imminent Long-Term Infrastructure Plan (LTIP) that will help ensure accountable planning and building resilient, adaptable infrastructure for the future.
With relatively stagnant infrastructure investment since the 1970s, the province of Ontario currently faces a significant infrastructure gap, where it would need an estimated $19 billion to improve current infrastructure alone. The gap exists because governments have not invested in upholding original infrastructure and Ontario’s harsher climate has contributed to the deterioration of the province’s infrastructure. Read the report here.
Accelerate to International Markets (AIM) Program
If you are interested in exporting internationally, but aren’t sure where to start, then Ontario Export Services is happy to be your partner at the outset of this exciting journey.
The two-day AIM workshops will help set you up for successful exporting of your goods and services abroad. They take place at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on September 26th and 27th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Learn more.
Cutting Red Tape in the Chemical Manufacturing Sector
Ontario is asking businesses and the public to help identify and improve regulations that are unclear, outdated, redundant or unnecessarily costly for the province’s chemical manufacturing sector.
Input received will help make it easier for businesses to interact with government, innovate, and grow without jeopardizing necessary standards that protect the public interest.
Feedback can be provided online by visiting ontario.ca/RedTapeChallenge. The deadline to submit suggestions is September 30th.
Lloyd Wilson “Canadian Shield” Exhibit at Gallery on the Lake until September 29th
“Northern Marshland” by Lloyd Wilson is one of the oil paintings on display at the Gallery on the Lake in Buckhorn. (Photo: Gallery on the Lake)
The Gallery on the Lake is honoured to present works of Lloyd Wilson in a new exhibit entitled “Canadian Shield.” An opening reception where you can meet the artist takes place on Saturday, September 2nd from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibit continues until September 29th.
“Canadian Shield” is an exhibit that highlights his appreciation for nature and the Canadian Shield together with spending time in the North Country, which has had a strong influence on his subject matter. This new exhibit features classic Wilson pieces that showcase his attention to fine detail. Visit www.galleryonthelake.com for more information.
Performing Arts Lakefield 2017/18 Tickets On Sale Now
The Weston Silver Band performs The Beatles at Performing Arts Lakefield on September 29. (Graphic: Weston Silver Band)
Performing Arts Lakefield kicks off its 2017/18 Concert Series on Friday, September 29th with Weston Silver Band – Beatles Go Brass. Other performances include:
November 3rd – Penderecki String Quartet
February 2nd – Valdy
March 23rd – Motus O – The Prisoner of Tehran
April 6th – The Happy Pals New Orleans Party Orchestra
Series tickets are available for $130 for adults, and $45 for students. Single-show tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Visit www.performingartslakefield.org for more information or to purchase tickets.
Strexer and The Harrop Group Join Forces
Strexer announced it is joining forces with Bridgenorth-based Harrop Group as of September 1, 2017.
Tonya Kraan and Adrienne Harrop have created a joint ownership of a new entity operating as Strexer Harrop Incorporated to market their consulting services throughout Durham Region, Peterborough, and the Kawartha Lakes.
Strexer Harrop has a team of visionaries, strategic thinkers, and brilliant designers. They solve complex problems and open the door to new opportunity. They partner with clients to build brands and improve the customer experience. Read more.
BEL Rotary Bike for Hospice – September 16th
The BEL Rotary Bike for Hospice is sponsored by Peterborough Suburu.
The Rotary Club of Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Lakefield presents Bike for Hospice Peterborough on Saturday, September 16th beginning at Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield at 9 a.m.
Adult entry fee is $65, and $40 for youth under 18 years of age. Youth participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Network invites you to attend any of the free workshops listed below. You will learn to recognize the warning signs of the abuse of older adults and how to respond safely, and supportively to help seniors at risk or experiencing abuse. Businesses who are often in contact with seniors, and family members are encourage to attend.
September 21st, 10 – 11 a.m. – North Kawartha Community Centre, Apsley
September 28th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – St. Matthews Church, Buckhorn
Friday, October 20th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Bridgenorth Community Hall, Bridgenorth
Friday, November 10th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Marshland Centre, Lakefield
Pre-registration is preferred, all walk-ins welcome! To register, contact Maggie Doherty-Gilbert at 705-742-7067 ext. 250 or email inraffiliateptbo@gmail.com. Supported by Community Care. Workshops also taking place in Norwood, Havelock, Millbrook, and Peterborough. Learn more.
Selwyn Township Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Survey
The Township of Selwyn is looking to revise its Strategic Plan and Recreation Services Master Plan and wants your feedback!
Please complete this online survey and have a chance to shape the township’s future. These plans are guiding documents that help support future township decisions.
Lakefield Youth Unlimited Survey
If you live in Lakefield or the surrounding area, please complete a short survey for Lakefield Youth Unlimited. Click on the survey below that applies to you; it will take approximately two minutes to complete.
As we approach the new school year of 2017-18, the results of these surveys will be a huge help to gain understanding of needs of the youth and families in Lakefield and area.
Upcoming Events
Warsaw Cruise Night – August 30th
Cruise Night at Craftworks at the Barn – August 31st
Free Movies in the Park – August 31st
Classy Chassis TGIT Ride Night – August 31st
Lakefield Farmers Market – August 31st
Bridgenorth Farmers Market – September 1st
LAWS Yard Sale & BBQ – September 1st & 2nd
89th Annual Douro Doings – September 2nd-4th
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
Toronto-based funk/soul band Something Extra, featuring frontman Vance McKenzie, is coming to Peterborough for the first time for the Peterborough LIVE Dance Party fundraiser on September 2 at the Red Dog. (Photo: Vance McKenzie)
On Saturday, September 2nd at 7:30 p.m., Peterborough LIVE invites you to The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) to dance away the final days of summer as they revive the Red Dog’s dance hall tradition with four acts calculated to get you on the dance floor.
The Dance Party on September 2 at The Red Dog in downtown Peterborough is a fundraiser for the Peterborough LIVE music festival.
Peterborough LIVE’s dance party is a unique smorgasbord of music including swing, funk, R&B, rock n’ roll, soul and blues. Performers include Oshawa-based funk/soul band Something Extra, local favourite Bridget Foley, the 16-piece swing band Knightshift and Peterborough’s newest musical sensation — 12-year-old rockabilly prodigy Nicholas Campbell.
The event is a fundraiser for Peterborough LIVE, a music festival held every spring in downtown Peterborough (this year’s festival, held over five days in May, featured more than 100 acts performing at more than 20 venues).
“My Mom is 75 and my dad is 76,” says Peterborough LIVE founder Wendy Fischer, who has been working hard to put together this unique show.
“Mom told me that she always came to the Red Dog when they were young for dances. I asked ‘Was it a weekly dance?’ She said ‘No, I think it was every night. There was a band and there was the dance floor and that’s what we did. We went to dances at the Red Dog.'”
Taking inspirations from When the Night is Young, a series of dances organized by Laurie Davis a number of years ago, Wendy realized that the tradition of going to the Red Dog to dance has somewhat become lost on the community. By bringing together four dynamic acts that perform in different genres highly associated with dance music, Wendy hopes to revive the tradition with this show.
VIDEO: Vance McKenzie and Something Extra
Playing for their first time ever in the Kawarthas is Something Extra, featuring frontman Vance McKenzie, first established in 1972. Vance relocated to Oshawa in 1981 where he transformed his band into a high-octane six-piece hybrid of funk, blues, soul and R&B. Touring throughout the world and nominated for a Juno, Vance and Something Extra will be doing a set combining covers with original material.
Looking at an 18-minute video of Something Extra on YouTube, I was impressed by their unrelenting energy and power as they plow through a medley of hits by a diverse cross-section of performers including Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind and Fire and The Doobie Brothers.
“You need to play to the pulse of the room and the atmosphere and you’ve got to play exactly what the audience wants,” says Vance of Something Extra’s set. “Once you’ve got them on the dance floor, you’ve got to keep them there. You can’t take any pauses in between songs. You got to keep the beat. You’ve got to be like a live DJ. You’ve also got to know a lot of songs. That’s the key to keep the audience involved. If the song isn’t working, you’ve got to get rid of it and get into another one.”
However, as Vance points out, it’s important to him that Something Extra is far more than a cover band. Although they do perform cover material, it’s all about giving the audience something new to listen to.
“Let me tell you about cover songs,” Vance says. “We don’t try to play cover songs like you’d hear it on the record. We make it ours. No matter what it is, we’ll put a reggae funk vibe to it. We hit the rock, and we hit the ska, and we hit the rap and we make it totally different.”
Knightshift is a 16-member big band performing swing music.
On the other side of the spectrum is Peterborough’s Knightshift. Formed five years ago, Knightshift is made up of 16 primarily retired musicians who get together to perform the great hits of yesteryear. From Glen Miller to Frank Sinatra, Knightshift brings back the dance hall days of the 1940s and 1950s.
“We’re all mature musicians,” Knightshift’s spokesperson Tim Roway observes with a chuckle. “We’ve been playing music longer than most of the other performers have been alive.”
However, while Knightshift is made up of older musicians, Tim acknowledges that swing music is even a throwback for the band itself.
“For most of us, swing music isn’t what we grew up with,” Tim says. “It’s the music that we learned while we were in high school, when we were playing in concert bands and many dance bands. That music was the stuff that was written for those kinds of bands. We grew up on Elvis and folk music like The Kingston Trio. But that’s not the music that was written for the instruments that we were listening to in high school.
“But swing has a melody and the music has stood the test of time. It has classic melodies and you can’t just help yourself to move to it. It’s coming back with guys like Michael Bublé. They’re either writing songs in that style, or giving new life to the old tunes.”
Usually playing gigs at weddings and private parties, this will be Knightshift’s first show at The Red Dog for what will prove to be a busy weekend for the band, who perform the next day at the Riverview Park and Zoo.
12-year-old Nicholas “Nick” Campbell has been playing regularly at The Black Horse in downtown Peterborough over the summer.
The night also features the music of Nicholas Campbell who, at the age of 12,, gained his own following this summer when he and his group held court every Wednesday evening at The Blackhorse Pub.
A regular at the popular night spot’s open mic night, Nicholas was offered a regular night after catching the attention of owner Ray Kapoor.
“I was doing July on Wednesdays, and then the owner asked me if I wanted to August too,” says Nicholas. “I only have one more gig there though because of school, which sucks.”
When asked to describe his sound Nicholas says “It’s raw acoustic and it’s like almost swing, but at the same time it’s not. It has a swing beat to, but more of rock n’ roll mixed with country.”
Performing hits by many of rock n’ roll early legends like Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, and Carl Perkins, Nicholas found early musical inspiration while listening to Elvis Presley.
“My dad started playing guitar and I wanted to play too,” Nicholas explains. “Then I was listening to some Elvis, and what Elvis did in his earlier years was rockabilly. I liked the sound and the style, and I started playing all that. I used to play acoustic, but I started playing electric and that helps a lot.”
VIDEO: “That’ll Be The Day” performed by Nick Campbell with Dean James Band
Bridget Foley will be singing something a little different at The Red Dog on September 2.
While Bridget Foley is a well-respected local musician, it’s difficult to imagine her in this quartet of performers. But, as she says, people who attend this event are going to see a very different side of her come out in the music.
“I’m really excited because I’ll be performing the kind of music that I don’t get to perform much of,” says Bridget. “I want to be able to bridge the gap between Knightshift being a swing band and Something Extra being a funk one. It’s going to be mostly R and B funk, but hopefully something danceable.”
A favourite at the Black Horse’s Thursday night Jazz Jam, Bridget is a popular vocal coach and has worked with a number of local musicians, most notably Beau Dixon. A gifted vocalist, Bridget is ready to put on a brand new musical hat and show the audience how much soul she has.
“If I’m playing the Black Horse, the crowd that comes out is not necessarily a funk crowd,” Bridget explains. “This is an opportunity to narrow down a niche. Funk is a bit of a guilty pleasure, because it’s the one thing that can get me up to dance every time. So I’m happy to be part of this dance party.”
VIDEO: “Chain of Fools” and “It Must be Love” performed by Bridget Foley and the Gospel Girls
By presenting something a little bit different, Wendy hopes an early crowd will show up and be joined by more people later as the night goes on. She also notes the support of Mike Stone at The Historic Red Dog and Dave Searle at guerrillaSTUDIOS for sponsoring this event and helping to make it possible.
Tickets are $10, available at the door or in advance online. Limited reserved table seating is also available for $15 per person, in advance and at the door (if still available).
All proceeds from the show will go towards the next Peterborough LIVE music festival in 2018.
“Peterborough LIVE is more than just an annual festival,” Wendy says. “We want to support all genres and an inter-generational fusion of music and dance.”
Showplace Performance Centre kicks off its fall lineup by presenting veteran musician Pat Temple and The Hi Lo Players on Friday, September 15. There are five more "Showplace Presents" shows from September to December, including Tonic@Twenty, a fundraiser with all proceeds going to support the non-profit organization.
This fall, head out for a night of entertainment while supporting one of downtown Peterborough’s most-loved performance venues. As part of its fall lineup, Showplace Performance Centre is presenting six great shows showcasing music (including rockabilly, folk, celtic, and more), comedy, and variety:
Over the course of its 20-plus years, Showplace has faced and overcome its fair share of challenges as a non-profit organization. When the 640-seat performing arts venue opened on October 5, 1996, an inspiring rendition of the song “From This Moment” filled the space. Cue a rousing rendition of “I’m Still Standing” two decades later as Showplace — despite a deficit and a long list of facility infrastructure needs — embraces the “show must go on” approach that has been a guiding principle of the arts since time immortal.
Emily Martin is the Interim General Manager of Showplace Performance Centre. (Photo: Paula Kehoe)
The show is certainly going on this coming fall with the diverse lineup of entertainment scheduled for both the main stage and the more intimate Nexicom Studio space, including the six “Showplace Presents” offerings, among them Tonic@Twenty — a homegrown fundraiser that will see all proceeds go directly to the organization.
“Tonic At Twenty is going to be amazing,” enthuses Showplace interim general manager Emily Martin.
“Pat Hooper, Beth McMaster, Len Lifchus, and Danny Bronson have teamed up to present this show. Anyone who knows local arts knows those four are a force to be reckoned with. They’ve been working their behinds off. We’re really grateful that the four of them have come together to help Showplace out.”
“The focus of the show is on the building, kind of like a Showplace-through-the-decades idea. We’re celebrating 20 years of Showplace and celebrating almost 80 years for this building. It’s going to be really fun.”
In determining what shows Showplace should present — a process that sees Showplace promote and market each show — Martin explains that not competing with other scheduled presentations is paramount.
“We look at what’s already been rented,” she says. “People will rent the space sometimes up to two years in advance. If someone has rented the space to bring in an Elvis tribute, we know not to book an Elvis show ourselves.”
Canada’s East Coast comes to Peterborough on Sunday, October 1 as guitarist Gordon Belsher and fiddler Richard Wood perform an intimate concert in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace. Like the other “Showplace Presents” shows, any net revenue from this concert will go back into supporting the operation of the non-profit organization.
An added benefit is that any net revenue from the shows goes back into supporting the operation of the non-profit organization, although Martin points out that not the motivation behind the “Showplace Presents” shows.
“Our goal is to break even. We do these shows for our mission. The purpose isn’t necessarily to make a profit. It’s to bring that artistic vision, and bring these artists, to the people.”
As for the challenges of late, Martin stresses Showplace “is alive and well … we’re going forward, full speed ahead”, adding there’s an education component that comes into play when it comes to appealing for support.
“We are a non-profit charitable organization. A lot of people think we are run by the City of Peterborough. While we do get service grants from the City, we’re independent. And we actually own the building we’re in. If the roof starts leaking, it’s on us to find the money to fix it.”
While Showplace’s focus is primarily on supporting the shows at the venue, Martin acknoweldges the organization has capital needs and is taking steps to address them.
“It’s an older building. People know the seats need to be replaced. There are campaigns in place to raise money and bring awareness to those things we need help with.”
If you want to support Showplace so it can keep bringing great performers to the stage in downtown Peterborough, make sure you buy tickets to one or more of the upcoming “Showplace Presents” shows, available now at Showplace — especially the two Tonic @ Twenty performances as all proceeds from those shows will directly support the organization.
You can purchase advance tickets in person at the box office (290 George St. N.) or by phone (705-742-7469 or toll free at 1-866-444-2154) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, or anytime online at showplace.org.
Pat Temple
Friday, September 15, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio, $25
Pat Temple is a local favourite. While he calls the Peterborough area his home, he has performed extensively across Canada, the US, and the UK. With 30 years of songwriting and performing under his belt, Pat has developed an impressive, and unique, body of work. His music is informed by western swing, jump blues, rockabilly and roadhouse soul. For his Showplace appearance, Pat brings his Hi Lo Players: Kyler Tapscott on lead guitar, Rob Foreman on stand up bass, and Alan Black on percussion and harmonic. Pat will be releasing a vinyl version of One Song at a Time, originally released on CD in 2000.
VIDEO: “Say So” – Pat Temple and the Hi Lo Players
The Marigolds
Friday, September 29, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio; Tickets are $29 in advance, $31 at the door
Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick and Caitlin Hanford, three of Canada’s top singer-songwriters, have combined their talents to form The Marigolds. Backed by Randall Coryell, The Marigolds are part blues, part jazz, and part traditional country and bluegrass, specializing in angelic harmonies and gutsy playing. With Suzie on lead guitar, Caitlin on rhythm guitar, Gwen on electric bass, and Randall on drums, they’ll perform a variety of songs including tunes from their second Juno-nominated album, That’s The State I’m In.
VIDEO: “Sometimes I Think I Can Fly” – The Marigolds
Gordon Belsher and Richard Wood
Sunday, October 1, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio; Tickets are $30
Canada’s East Coast comes to Peterborough as Prince Edward Island singer-songwriter and guitarist Gordon Belsher joins forces with fiery fiddler Richard Wood. As a duo, Belsher and Wood enthrall audiences with their roller coaster ride of exhilarating jigs, reels, and beautiful airs.
VIDEO: Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher
Tonic @ Twenty
Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 29, 2 p.m.; Tickets are $25
Showplace brings back the Spring Tonic shows from a few years ago to fill the stage once again with comedy, song, and dance. With script by Beth McMaster and musical direction by Danny Bronson, under the guidance of director Len Lifchus and producer Pat Hooper, there will be two performances of this show, a fundraiser for Showplace.
Tonic@Twenty is a fundraiser for Showplace Performance Centre.
Lorne Elliott
Friday, November 24, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio; Tickets are $30
Comedian, musician, author and award-winning playwright Lorne Elliott gives his original, captivating, and hilarious take on contemporary trends and politics.
VIDEO: “The Night We Got Grannie Plastered” – Lorne Elliott
Patricia O’Callaghan
Thursday, December 14, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio; Tickets are $35
Canadian soprano Patricia O’Callaghan performs the songs that have made her a sensation across Canada and well beyond, including her stunning rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
VIDEO: “Carol of the Bells” – Patricia O’Callaghan
The new children's treatment centre at 800 Division St. in Cobourg was built with funding from the Government of Ontario. (Photo: Five Counties Children's Centre)
A new centre for children and youth with special needs in Cobourg has officially opened.
The location at 800 Division St. in Cobourg combines two older Five Counties Children’s Centre branches into a single new and central location. It has larger and more accessible treatment spaces, and provides a modern facility for children, youth, and families to access the care they need.
“Our new site is the realization of a dream,” says Adam White, Chair of the Five Counties Children’s Centre Board of Directors. “It’s wonderful to have this bright, open and fully accessible site that allows our children, youth and their families to more easily navigate the building. The improved space allows our staff to better provide the level of therapy and support families expect from Five Counties Children’s Centre.”
Five Counties helps children and youth who have physical disabilities, speech disorders and developmental co-ordination disorders. The organization offer a range of services, including social work, audiology, and therapeutic recreation and has additional branches Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Northumberland counties.
The Province of Ontario invested $450,000 to help Five Counties Children’s Centre build the new treatment space, and Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services Michael Coteau, along with Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland – Quinte West, officially opened the centre today (August 28).
“Our government is working with communities to develop a more co-ordinated system to help children and youth with special needs receive timely, integrated services,” Minister Coteau said.
“With financial support for our partners at Five Counties Children’s Treatment Centre, we have demonstrated our ongoing commitment to provide these children with the help they need to participate fully at home, school and in the community.”
Ontario supports 21 Children’s Treatment Centres and helps more than 76,000 children and youth receive rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech language therapy. In 2016-17, the province invested more than $500 million for programs and services for children and youth with special needs and their families.
Brothers Bill and Keith Carroll, owners of Lifestyle Home Products, at their 150,000-square-foot sunroom, window, and door manufacturing facility on Crawford Drive in Peterborough. All Lifestyle sunrooms are 100% Canadian-made in Peterborough. (Photo: Lifestyle Home Products)
Lifestyle Home Products
Lifestyle Home Products celebrated its move to Peterborough with a big party last week.
Brothers Bill and Keith Carroll purchased the 150,000-square-foot former NHB building at 944 Crawford Drive where they manufacture sunrooms, windows and doors, porch enclosures, metal roofing and awnings. The growing company is giving back with a donation to Brock Mission.
Ontario Vapes is a vaping retail and education destination in downtown Peterborough.
Ontario Vapes is a new e-cigarette and e-liquid store located at 443 George Street, just north of Brock, in downtown Peterborough.
Owner Jeff Westwood is focused on helping people quit smoking, so he bills his store as a vaping retail and education destination. Jeff will be starting a smokers anonymous support group within the store. He carries dozens of different brands from starter kits to advanced devices and products.
Lyndia Ramsay’s business is called Pretty Petal Designs, located at 854 Wentworth Street in Peterborough.
She has just opened a new studio to showcase her work. Lyndia’s designs include one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings at affordable prices. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or by appointment, be sure to stop into the grand opening and open house this Wednesday (August 30) anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
New Stages Theatre Company has announced its new season with four staged readings of remarkable plays and a cabaret evening, plus an added bonus event for subscribers only: a reading of a new play by Dave Carley.
The season subscription is just $100. Details at www.newstages.ca.
Love Local Business Expo
The Love Local Business Expo on September 27 is almost sold out.
And be sure to book your booth for the Love Local Business Expo. The annual business trade show for Peterborough Chamber of Commerce members is a good way for local businesses to reach more than 1,000 potential customers in one afternoon.
The Expo is September 27, but book your booth soon as there are only about 10 left. Just call Karen August at the Chamber at 705-748-9771 ext 200 or visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
This fall, Champions Gymnastics in Peterborough continues its tradition of offering recreational programs for kids and youth. Gymnastics is one of the best activities for contributing to the overall development of a child as it provides the foundation for participation and success in all other athletic activities. (Photo courtesy of Champions Gymnastics)
Whether your kids were inspired by the stunning flips, spins, and acrobatics of the Canadian gymnasts at the 2016 Summer Olympics, or you just need a safe place for them to burn off some of that endless energy, gymnastics provides a great introduction to sports.
Often called “the foundation of sport” for its conditioning qualities and its focus on strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility, gymnastics is one of the best activities for contributing to the overall development of a child. It provides the foundation for participation and future success in all other athletic activities.
Gymnastics is often called “the foundation of sport” for its conditioning qualities, focus on strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. (Photo courtesy of Champions Gymnastics)
For 30 years, Champions Gymnastics (1931 Lansdowne St. West, Peterborough, 705-743-9338) has been offering safe and high-quality gymnastics programs for kids and youth at all levels of performance — providing the perfect balance of fun, challenge, risk taking, skill acquisition, team spirit, and achievement.
This includes recreational gymnastics for boys and girls from toddlers to late teens, and competitive programs including interclub, provincial, and national training opportunities for athletes.
Registration for the fall recreational gymnastics programs is now open and will run for eight weeks. Each program is offered in five sessions between September and June, with an additional session offered in the summer.
For 30 years, Champions Gymnastics has been giving kids the opportunity to experience a wide variety of gymnastics skills and basic fundamental movements such as swinging, landing safely, jumping and running. (Photo courtesy of Champions Gymnastics)
Designed to be fun and non-competitive, the classes encourages kids to work at their own pace. They have the opportunity to learn a wide variety of gymnastics skills and basic fundamental movements such as swinging, landing safely, jumping, and running.
“Gymnastics is a way for kids to experiment with their bodies in a controlled environment,” says owner and head coach Marcel Rene.
Champions Gymnastics hosts in-house expositions twice a year, called Gymfest, for all gymnasts in the recreational programs to showcase routines and learned skills to family and friends.
Humble beginnings
As the club’s slogan states, “this is where the dream begins,” Rene says. “Champions Gymnastics is all about helping children reach their personal best, no matter the level they are participating in. That has been our goal from day one.”
Champions Gymnastics is all about helping children reach their personal best, no matter the level they are participating in. (Photo courtesy of Champions Gymnastics)
The gymnastics curriculum is designed to nurture each child whether he or she dreams of mastering Olympic-level twists and flips or simply wants to experience the excitement of seeing what their bodies can do.
Rene, who has coached gymnastics for nearly 45 years and is Level 3 certified, has seen many champion athletes start from humble beginnings at their facility. Some are now coaching and advising younger children participating in the recreational programs and even judging some of the friendly competitions like Gymfest.
“They recognize this is where they began,” he says. “In some cases, we’ve watched two- and three-year-olds do the gymnastics program here at our club, and now, 10 years later, these kids are competing at a very high level at 12 and 13-year-olds.”
A development sport
Gymnastics provides a bonanza of benefits from independence to mental training to camaraderie — a “great development sport lending itself to almost any activity a child wants to pursue in the future,” notes Rene.
“It’s a team sport in that we really foster a team environment but, when they go out there, it’s completely individual and they are totally on their own. This tends to generate a lot of self-confidence.”
Highly trained staff
Rene says his staff work with each child to identify individual strengths, teach proper technique and encourage them to reach their highest potential.
All classes are taught by nationally trained and certified coaches who love to share their passion for gymnastics.
“I have got the best coaching staff by far,” he says. “We put a lot of time into coaching development and always look for ways to improve.”
Gymnastics is a great way for kids to experiment with their bodies in a controlled environment. (Photo courtesy of Champions Gymnastics)
Registration
Interested parents should act fast, as spaces fill up quickly and are usually full by the time the open house — held on September 5th and 6th (details below) — rolls around. But there’s good news: if you’re unable to register for the first batch of sessions, you can pre-register for the next round.
Open House: Sept 5 & Sept 6. The open house is for children for youth interested in trying gymnastics for the first time, touring the facility, and meeting the coaches. Free gymnastics classes will offered during the open house with varied class times for different age groups. To see the open house schedule, visit champions-gymnastics.ca, call 705-743-9338, or email championsgymnastics@on.aibn.com.
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