Born and raised in Peterborough, Michelle Shaughnessy has been pursuing her career in stand-up comedy in Toronto since she was 18 years old. (Photo: Michelle Shaughnessy)
Peterborough native Michelle Shaughnessy is vying to be crowned the best comic in Canada.
Shaughnessy is one of 18 semi-finalists in SiriusXM’s Top Comic for 2017 competition.
Beginning today (July 28) and over the next three weeks, Canadians from across the country will vote for their favourite performance videos from all the semi-finalists. The six comics with the most votes will become finalists, along with two wild cards.
All eight finalists will perform live at the SiriusXM Top Comic Comedy Finale during JFL42, Toronto’s comedy festival, on September 28th. A panel of judges will select one winner to be crowned SiriusXM’s Top Comic, who will take home $25,000 to support their comedic career development.
Shaughnessy, who was born and raised in Peterborough, moved to Toronto at the age of 18 to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. She’s landed television appearances on The Comedy Network, W Network, Bite TV, CBC, iChannel, and MTV. She’s performed in the Sudbury Comedy Festival, Moncton Comedy Festival, Global Vancouver Comedy Festival, and both CBC’s Winnipeg Comedy Fest and Halifax Comedy Fest.
The Peterborough Police Service is warning residents not to fall victim to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tax scam.
Within the past two days, the police have received around 10 complaints about the scam, in which a caller pretends to be a representative from CRA and demands some form of payment for outstanding taxes fictitiously owed to the federal government.
On June 27th, a person received a phone call from someone pretending to be with the CRA. The caller told the victim he owed $3,500 and, if he did not pay it by that afternoon, his assets would be seized and they would come and arrest him. Believing the threats to be real, the victim then made five money transfers totalling $2,400 using Flexpin, a money-wiring service. The victim then called back the number and provided the fake CRA agent with the security PINs to release the money.
More recently, on July 24th, a 71-year-old Cavan-Monaghan woman received a fraudulent phone call from someone stating she owed the CRA money. The caller instructed the woman to go to a local store to purchase $800 in gift cards. The victim purchased the gift cards and then relayed the numbers back to the caller. She was also told to get a loan from a bank to provide further money, but the loan application was denied and the call was later reported to police.
Variations on the CRA scam involve callers pretending to be other authority figures and demanding payment of taxes allegedly owing.
On July 26th, a 71-year-old Peterborough woman received a phone call from a man identifying himself as a police officer. The man told the woman she was behind on her taxes and owed money. The male then explained to the woman that she would be in trouble with “the law” if she didn’t pay.
The woman was told to go to her bank and withdraw cash then purchase gift cards and that another man would come by her house the next day to collect the money and gift cards. The woman obtained more than $5,000 in cash and gifts cards, but grew suspicious about the call and reported the incident to police.
Remember, the Canada Revenue Agency will never use aggressive language or tone, threaten to arrest you or send police if you owe taxes, or request payment by prepaid credit cards or gift cards. For more information on how to recognize CRA telephone or email scams, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/fraudprevention/.
If you receive a call from someone pretending to be from the CRA, do the following:
Do not take any immediate action.
Hang up and verify the information. Call a trusted family member, friend, or your bank to get a second opinion on the call.
Verify the caller’s ID and the request by calling the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281.
Elderly people are often most vulnerable to this type of scam. If you have an elderly parent, relative, or friend who you think could fall victim to this scam, share this information with them and ask them to call you if they ever receive a phone call or email from someone claiming to be from the CRA.
As of August 2, 2017, the following beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming:
Beavermead – Peterborough City/County
Rogers Cove – Peterborough City/County
Centennial Park West – Eldon Township Area – City of Kawartha Lakes
Omemee Beach – Emily/Omemee Area – City of Kawartha Lakes
Norland Bathing Area – Laxton Township Area – City of Kawartha Lakes
Bond Street – Fenelon Falls Area – City of Kawartha Lakes
Here are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
Peterborough Public Health samples the water quality of popular city beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day during the summer. The health unit will post signage if a beach is unsafe for swimming, such as this sign at Rogers Cove from last year. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the local health unit websites at Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. As noted above, the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are tested every business day so the results listed below may not be current.
Ron Camilleri performs the hits of Elton John in his acclaimed tribute band Elton Rohn, which performs a free concert at Peterborough Musicfest on Saturday, July 19. (Publicity photo)
While Dorothy found great adventure following the yellow brick road, Ron Camilleri’s discovery of a magical place remains rooted in his singing farewell to that same path.
Peterborough Musicfest presents Elton Rohn
When: Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 8 p.m Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: free
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent for $4/chair). VIP seating available for Sponsors and Fest Friends. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighborhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
“You can perform Elton in one of two ways,” says the Mississauga native in an interview with the Hudson/St. Lazare Gazette in Quebec.
“You can go up there, have a party and everyone sings Elton songs, or you can really try to recreate the way Elton did it. All the guys in the band sing, so we’re doing everything. We’re doing all the harmonies. We’re trying to recreate Goodbye Yellow Brick Road the way it was done.”
Trying and succeeding, as will be fully evident on Saturday, July 29th at Del Crary Park when Camilleri, as Elton Rohn, headlines Peterborough Musicfest.
His seven-piece band will perform the best of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road — the groundbreaking 1973 album that produced signature Elton tunes “Candle In The Wind”, “Bennie And The Jets”, “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” and the title track — as well as deliver a generous helping of numerous other hits that rocketed the British pop-rock icon to worldwide fame in the early to mid 1970s.
VIDEO: “Philadelphia Freedom” performed by Elton Rohn
“There’s a few magical moments when you’re trying to become someone else,” Camilleri says.
“The first thing I noticed is how iconic it is. When I play, I look at the audience and they’re always mouthing the words. I get to feel what it must be like for him to experience that kind of love of his music. I walk out in my big sequin outfit and the crowd goes crazy. They’re cheering for the fact that it’s Elton John.”
It doesn’t hurt matters in the least that Camilleri resembles Elton John and, more crucially, has mastered the singing voice that remains instantly recognizable to millions worldwide.
“When you’re playing the songs, you’ve got to kind of envision him and think ‘How would he do it?’ When you do Bennie And The Jets, you feel like Elton John for that very brief moment. It’s a fun thing to go through.”
VIDEO: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” performed by Elton Rohn
As a youth, Camilleri attended dozens of concerts with his father, a former quarterback with the Toronto Argonauts who became an executive with CBS Records Canada. He first saw Elton John perform in 1975. Following graduation from the University of Toronto, Camiller worked in the Canadian music industry, eventually heading up Columbia Records for Sony Music Canada.
As he recalls, a phone call from his brother (also a record executive) changed his life forever.
“He said ‘Let’s make a band … let’s have some fun.’ I was a guitarist. Every time I would sit down and play an Elton John song, the whole place would go crazy. So the band said ‘Why don’t we just do Elton John all the time?’ We started doing that and it just took off from there.
“I don’t want to take away from Elvis performers, but his voice is easier to sing. Elton is difficult to sing. I’ve heard a few Elton John performers who bring the keys down. They’ll stay away from the hard songs. I can still sing like Elton used to, knock on wood. There are a lot of guys that want to put a bow around their neck and go out and pretend they’re Elton. They’re more a tribute to the fun of the artist than trying to be just like him.”
VIDEO: Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” performed by Elton Rohn
As Elton Rohn, Camilleri brings to the stage both the music and the persona of arguably the most popular rock-pop singer/composer of the past 50 years.
Since teaming up with lyricist Bernie Taupin in 1967, Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide and charted more than 50 Top 40 hits. At age 70, he still performs around the globe, his concerts always selling out. His September 2012 show in Peterborough at the Memorial Centre created a demand for tickets never seen previously or since.
Elton Rohn’s Musicfest appearance is sponsored by the Peterborough Destination Association.
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 17 free-admission concerts featuring a total of 22 acts during its 31st season — each staged every Wednesday and Saturday night until August 26th.
Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert and/or the 2017 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist David Ross Macdonald, who Acoustic Guitar Magazine compared to "a collaboration between Nick Drake and a mid-1970s Bruce Cockburn", is performing with Toronto's Brian Macmillan at the Pastry Peddler in Millbrook on Sunday, July 30th. (Photo: David Ross Macdonald)
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, July 27 to Wednesday, August 2.
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.
The annual Buckhorn Fine Art Festival and its tradition of world-class art returns to the Buckhorn Community Centre Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20, marking the 40th anniversary of the festival combined with Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation. 3,000 people are expected to attend over the festival weekend, rounding out one of Ontario's favourite outdoor summer events. (Photo: Buckhorn Fine Art Festival)
The annual Buckhorn Fine Art Festival and its tradition of world-class art returns to the Buckhorn Community Centre (1782 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn, 705-657-1918) from Friday, August 18th to Sunday, August 20th, marking the 40th anniversary of the festival combined with Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.
The event will showcase some of the province’s most talented artists, live music, culinary delights, hands-on activities, and a wide variety of special events to an anticipated 3,000 attendees, rounding out one of Ontario’s favorite outdoor summer events.
“Buckhorn Fine Art Festival is one of those events where it’s not just an art fair — it’s a community event,” says Allyson Allin, director of the festival.
“We try to make it a family affair so there’s something for everyone. I think people have a great time when they come to this festival.”
The festival is a professionally juried fine art show featuring a diverse selection of artwork including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and wood turning. (Photo: Buckhorn Fine Art Festival)
According to Allin, there will be over 80 exhibitors with some returning and some new, bringing never-before-seen artworks to feast your eyes on.
“The artwork is across the spectrum. We will have some different work that people may not have seen in the past,” says Allin.
The festival, which relies on fundraising, sponsorships and donations to keep its doors open, is a professionally juried fine art show featuring a diverse selection of artwork including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, wood turning, and more from artists across Ontario and even a handful from Quebec. Since its inception in 1978, thousands have shown and sold their artwork at the festival.
Over the weekend, avid art collectors and festival-goers will have an outstanding variety of fine art to browse and purchase as they walk among the diverse range of works in the indoor and outdoor galleries that accommodate the booths.
Avid art collectors and festival-goers will have an outstanding variety of fine art to browse and purchase as they walk among the diverse range of works in the indoor and outdoor galleries. (Photo: Buckhorn Fine Art Festival)
This year, there is much to celebrate.
The festival will commemorate four decades of community spirit and the love of art with a cake cutting ceremony on opening night, along with a special exhibit commemorating Canada’s 150th named “Oh Canada! Our True North”.
“Off to School”, acrylic on canvas, by Marlene Bulas, one of the many artists whose work will be on display at the annual Buckhorn Fine Art Festival. (Photo: Buckhorn Fine Art Festival)
For this initiative, Buckhorn Fine Art Festival alumni were invited to enter images they believe depict Canada.
Twenty-five entries were chosen by a jury committee and will be on display the entire festival weekend.
“Let me just say that there are some very creative ideas about what the reflection of Canada is to them,” Allin hints.
She notes that some of the alumni who have been around for a long time and may not be regular exhibitors at the show decided to come back for the 40th anniversary and participate in the special exhibit.
“It’s nice to see that they are still interested and want to be involved,” she says.
To add to the merriment, the festival was recently rated as one of the top 100 festivals in Ontario for the tenth consecutive year.
What makes this fine art show a must-see destination year-after-year?
“I think it’s the community spirit, dedication of the volunteers, and quality of the art,” says Allin. “We have a criteria of fine art and we have always kept it at that level.”
“I’m in awe about how things get done around here. None of the Buckhorn Community Centre programs would be available if it weren’t for the efforts and dedication of the volunteers who join us each year. They deserve the recognition for keeping this place alive.”
Buckhorn Community Centre relies on fundraising, sponsorships, donations and the dedication of its volunteers to keep its doors open. (Photo: Buckhorn Fine Art Festival)
Opening night on Friday, August 18th from 6 to 10 p.m. will feature a garden party at the Buckhorn Community Centre, with the OPP Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums kicking off the evening with a live performance.
They will be followed by headline performers and Juno-award winners The Good Lovelies during Friday evening. Complimentary appetizers will be available throughout the evening and refreshments will be available for purchase.
The festival will continue over Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The OPP Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums will kick off the opening night garden party with a live performance at the Buckhorn Community Centre on Friday, August 18. (Photo: Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums of the Ontario Provincial Police / Facebook)
In addition to the variety of artwork, the festival will offer a wide range of daily activities that the whole family can enjoy, like the interactive ARTivity Zone where anyone can try their hand at various art forms.
Advance tickets to the opening night are $20, and $25 at the door, and provide admission to the festival all weekend.
Saturday and Sunday day tickets are $8 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. Admission for group of four is $25.
Headline performers and Juno-award winner, The Good Lovelies, will perform at the festival’s opening night garden party on Friday, August 18. (Photo: The Good Lovelies)
You can also follow Buckhorn Fine Art Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
Buckhorn Fine Art Festival is a proud member of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. The chamber represents members in Curve Lake First Nation and the municipalities of Douro-Dummer, North Kawartha, Selwyn, and Trent Lakes. Visit kawarthachamber.ca for more information.
Visitors to Rogers Cove in Peterborough enjoy the waterfront, despite the beach being posted as unsafe. When bacteria counts exceed 100 E. coli per 100mL of water, the beach is considered unsafe for swimming. Primary inputs of E. coli in Peterborough area beaches are due to the presence of waterfowl faeces. (Photo: GreenUP)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Jenn McCallum, GreenUP Water Programs Coordinator.
Over the last two weeks, to the disappointment of many area residents and visitors, some local beaches were posted as unsafe in Peterborough, Douro, and Norwood, and at Squirrel Creek.
With this lovely warm weather, many Canadians’ first impulse is to go directly to the beach with sunscreen, hat, and towel in hand.
However, as Peterborough area residents may have noticed, our urban beaches, notably Rogers Cove and Beavermead Park, are sometimes considered unsafe for swimming due to high bacteria levels.
Why do we see so many beach closures and who decides when it is unsafe to swim? Peterborough Public Health monitors the water at public beaches for bacteria levels, notably Escherichia coli, or E. coli for short.
“E. coli is a bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals,” explains Public Health Inspector Ganesh Vallamkonda. “It is released from the bodies of warm-blooded animals in their faeces, which can then contaminate the water.”
Inside the lower digestive tract, E. coli is a normal part of our bodies’ system, but this bacterium can cause us to become very sick, or can even be fatal if consumed in food or through drinking water.
“We test the beaches, and if bacteria counts exceed 100 E. coli per 100mL of water, then the beach is considered unsafe for recreational use,” adds Vallamkonda. “We inform the public and post the beaches as unsafe for swimming.”
The primary inputs of E. coli in the lakes and rivers in and around Peterborough are from the faeces of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. In other areas, sources of E. coli may be from urban runoff, agriculture, faulty septic systems, or sewage treatment overflow.
When it rains, the rainwater flows over the landscape including surfaces such as lawns, rooftops, driveways, and roads. Any contaminants that might be present on these surfaces, such as animal poop like waterfowl faeces or dog waste, along with other contaminants such as lawn fertilizers and leaking oil and gas, are also transported with the rainwater into the nearest storm sewers. Rainwater along with these contaminants then directly enters our waterways, without being treated.
E. coli counts can also elevate when it is warmer outside.
“Bacteria will multiply more quickly in hotter temperatures,” Vallamkonda says — which is why we see unsafe swimming conditions during the hottest summer months.
Anyone can play a role in reducing E. coli (and other contaminants) in our waterways and beaches. Many human practices and behaviours can attract waterfowl, and especially Canada geese, whose waste around our shorelines can quickly run off into waterways and contribute to E. coli inputs, especially after a good rain.
Vallamkonda suggests that one way to avoid attracting geese to the shoreline is “by not feeding them”. It is also important to note that human foods are unhealthy for waterfowl, so you can help them out by letting them forage for their own natural food sources.
Additionally, if you live along the shorelines of the Otonabee River or Jackson Creek, you can reduce the number of Canada Geese on your property by ensuring you do not mow right up to the water’s edge. A mowed shoreline provides ideal habitat for Canada Geese, whose poop then contributes to E. coli in the water.
If you would like to reduce the number of geese on your property, try planting trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to make your shoreline unsuitable habitat for them, and thus reducing E. coli inputs into the waterway. GreenUP Ecology Park carries a number of great native shoreline plants, such as dogwoods, alders, and wildflowers that will help make your shoreline less attractive to Canada geese, and more attractive to you.
Another action you can take to protect waterways from E. coli contamination is to pick up after your pets; stoop and scoop after your dog does their business. Throw the bag into the garbage, or, to be even more environmentally conscious, throw the pet waste into an anaerobic digester, while throwing away the bag.
You may also consider installing a rain garden on your property. In 2015, the Township of Selwyn and Otonabee Conservation constructed a rain garden at the Lakefield Beach to protect water quality by filtering runoff from the parking area.
Rain gardens can be used to protect water quality even if you are not living directly on the beach. While debris such as cigarette butts, pet waste, and contaminants are washed into waterways (and to our beaches) when it rains, rain gardens interrupt the runoff and capture these pollutants in the soil. Once captured, microbes break down these pollutants, releasing cleaner water into streams and lakes.
For more information about rain gardens, visit www.greenup.on.ca/rain/ or check out the GreenUP Calendar of events for ongoing workshops and learning opportunities.
Otonabee Conservation also runs the local chapter of the Yellow Fish Road Program, which raises awareness about pollutants in our waterways by painting yellow fish near our storm drains. If you are a local teacher, interested parent, or Scout or Girl Guide leader, you can contact Otonabee Conservation to organize a Yellow Fish Road program.
Keep an eye out for signage at our local beaches before diving in! If you want to help improve the quality of our waterways, consider these actions that will benefit the community at large.
For more information about the monitoring that is conducted by Peterborough Public Health, and the results found at Peterborough-area beaches, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
Editor’s note: kawarthaNOW also publishes a weekly beach report every Friday during the summer months with water quality testing results for the City and County of Peterborough as well as the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton.
At a news conference today, the OPP in partnership with the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and the Office of the Chief Coroner unveiled a three-dimensional model of what is believed to be a young male, whose remains were discovered by a hiker in Algonquin Park in 1980. (Photo: OPP)
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has released a three-dimensional facial reconstruction based on human remains first recovered in Algonquin Park back in 1980.
The reconstruction is of what is believed to be a young man who died in the park sometime between 1971 and 1978.
Police hope the reconstruction will prompt the public, friends, or co-workers from that time to provide new information to identify the person and bring resolution to his family and friends.
The human remains were first discovered on April 19, 1980, by a hiker using the Hardwood Lookout Trail near Whitney. The hiker had taken a shortcut off the trail and found the remains approximately 77 metres from trail marker number five.
A map of the location where the man’s remains were found in 1980 and again in 1995. (Graphic: OPP)
A subsequent search of the immediate area located more evidence, including a size 11 Greb-brand boot, a wallet containing no identification, clothing, a black sleeping bag, a camp stove, and an aluminium cooking pot. In 1995, another search of the area resulted in more remains being recovered.
Forensic anthropological analysis suggests that the remains were from a Caucasian male aged 18 to 29 years. He had blonde hair varying in length from six to 11 inches, which may have been worn in a ponytail. His belt showed wear at the 32-inch hole.
Another view of the reconstructed face. The man had medium-length blonde hair which he may have worn in a ponytail. (Photo: OPP)
The cause of the man’s death is not known, but information recovered from the scene and a stamp found in the wallet led analysts to determine that his death occurred between July 1, 1971 and spring of 1978.
Anyone with new information on the case can call a dedicated missing persons hotline toll-free at 1-877-934-6363 (1-877-9-FINDME) in Canada only, or 1-705-330-4144 from outside Canada. You can also submit information by e-mail at opp.isb.resolve@opp.ca.
Dr. Koren Bennetts and Dr. Verona Sulja, formerly with Cornerstone Family Dentistry, are opening their new dental practice Electric City Dental in September 2017. (Photo: Electric City Dental)
Almost a year after their colleague and friend died following a tragic accident, two local dentists are launching a new dental practice in Peterborough.
Dr. Verona Sulja and Dr. Koren Bennetts are opening Electric City Dental at the corner of Lansdowne and The Parkway in early fall.
The two dentists formerly worked at Cornerstone Family Dentistry, which the late Dr. Judith Buys established on Reid Street in 1987.
Dr. Buys died in August 2016 as a result of serious injuries suffered after a tragic accident at a cottage near Burnt River.
“I think of her every day,” Dr. Sulja tells kawarthaNOW. “I do not have a sister and she was like my sister. We did everything together. And every day I think of her and talk about her and find so many others were impacted by her also.”
Dr. Verona Sulja (left) and Dr. Koren Bennetts (right) with their friend and colleague, the late Dr. Judith Buys, who died following a tragic accident in August 2016.
Dr. Sulja worked with Dr. Buys for 23 years at Cornerstone Family Dentistry. Dr. Bennetts also worked with Dr. Buys and Dr. Sulja for eight years at Cornerstone.
The two dentists, who share similar values and practice philosophies regarding patient care, decided earlier this year to open their own practice. They have 35 years of combined experience in dentistry.
Electric City Dental is currently under construction at 999 Lansdowne St. W. in Peterborough (located behind Mastermind Toys) and is expected to open in mid September. The new practice will provide a full range of dental services.
Dr. Bennetts and Dr. Sulja on site at Electric City Dental at 999 Lansdowne St. W. Once the new practice is open for business, they will offer a full range of dental services. (Photo: Electric City Dental)
“It’s a huge undertaking to start a practice and be completing renovations as well, but we’re really excited for our new start,” Dr. Sulja says.
The name of the new practice was inspired by Peterborough’s historical nickname “The Electric City”.
Not only was Peterborough the first town in Canada to use electric streetlights, but General Electric’s first manufacturing plant in Canada was founded in Peterborough in 1892 by Thomas Edison (Dr. Bennetts’ husband works at General Electric). The interior design of Electric City Dental will have a retro feel, complete with Edison bulbs.
The 162nd Annual Lakefield Agricultural Fair takes place from July 28 to 30 at the Lakefield Fairgrounds. Pick up your entry tags and advance ride passes at the Kawartha Chamber office.
Nominations for the Kawartha Chamber Annual Awards of Excellence open the first week of August.
Nominations will open for the 18th Annual Awards of Excellence next week! If you have recently received superb service, know of a business, organization, or individual who is excelling in their respective field, or going above and beyond for the community, be sure to submit a nomination.
Watch for category descriptions and nomination forms in the August/September Newsletter which will be circulated Tuesday, August 1st.
Awards will be presented at the Awards of Excellence Gala on November 3rd.
Power Lunch with Minister of Energy
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce presents a lunch with Ontario Minister of Energy Glenn Thibeault on Friday, July 28.
Kawartha Chamber Members are invited to join the Greater Peterborough Chamber for a Power Lunch with the Minister of Energy, Glenn Thibeault, at Peterborough Golf & Country Club on Friday, July 28th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
You will have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions on the Fair Hydro Plan. Kawartha Chamber members qualify for ‘Chamber Member’ pricing. Learn more.
5 Minutes for Business: The Explosive Debate around Minimum Wage
Big increases to minimum wage are becoming fashionable in Canada: first Alberta (from $12.20 currently to $15 in October 2018), then B.C. (from $10.35 to $11.35 in September 2017)m and now Ontario (from $11.40 to $15.00 in January 2019, a 30% hike in 18 months). Are workers better off or does it mean fewer jobs?
In this edition of 5 Minutes for Business, Hendrik Brakel, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director, Economic, Financial and Tax Policy, reflects on the debate.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce releases 5 Minutes for Business, a publication written by Hendrik Brakel, the Senior Director of Enconomic, Financial and Tax Policy. In these publication, Hendrik briefly describes current issues that affect the Canadian economy and provides insight on what it will mean for Canadians today and the future.
Peterborough-Kawartha Poverty Reduction Strategy Town Hall Report
A report is now available from the Poverty Reduction Strategy Town Hall held on June 28. (Photo: Office of MP Maryam Monsef)
On June 28th, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef hosted a local consultation in order to provide feedback on the development of a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Sixty people participated to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas. A report was developed following this consultation and was delivered to the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development. Click here to view the report.
Welcome New Chamber Members
Robyn Jenkins and Evelyne Derkinderen of Robyn’s Nest Photography & Beauty. (Photo: Robyn’s Nest Photography & Beauty)
Our vision at Robyn’s Nest Photography & Beauty in Lakefield, is to celebrate women and their beauty by helping them enjoy their true self. We at Robyn’s Nest provide beauty services that enhance what women already have and also capturing those beautiful moments with photography to hold the memories forever and share them. With skills and styles brought from Vancouver, British Columbia our vision is of quality, beauty and high end pampering to help women feel and look their best.
rPM3 Solutions Canada Inc.
1676 8th Line, Lakefield, rpm3solutions.com, 705-917-3375
Are you wrapped up in your day-to-day business? Do you have a strategic plan that is all in your head? Do you know the risks that your plans are facing? Small and medium sized businesses need to plan as much as, if not more than, large businesses. By developing a formal plan you can increase your chances of success by 30 to 50%. I have developed a two and a half day program that can give you a new insight into your business with the application of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) to reach your goals.
“Buying the Moose” at Buckhorn Community Centre
Wednesday, July 26th and Thursday, July 27th
Buckhorn Community Centre presents the Hall’s Bridge Players in “Buying the Moose” on Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 27th.
Grab a group of friends or neigbours and make it a fun night out! Area restaurants are offering a discount or special for ticket holders — Pizza Alloro, Honey’s Diner, and Frederick’s at Beachwood.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the play starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22 each and include the live comedy, dessert, and coffee/tea. Tickets are on sale now; call 705-657-8833. Visit www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com for details.
Funny Business Pig Roast & Comedy in Support of Community Care
Community Care Buckhorn is holding a fundraiser on Friday, July 29th at the Buckhorn Community Centre to support its mission “Empowering you to live at home in the City and County of Peterborough.”
Funny Business is an evening of dinner and comedy, which includes a whole roasted pig carved for dinner and The Citiots, an improv troupe that will entertain with their hilarious comedy.
Tickets are $40, advance tickets only. Contact 705-657-2171 for more details.
Lakefield Agricultural Fair July 28th to 30th
The 162nd Annual Lakefield Agricultural Fair is coming up this weekend starting on Friday July 28th and continuing until July 30th, at the Lakefield Fairgrounds on William Street.
Fair Tags & Ride Passes Available at Kawartha Chamber Office
Pick up your entry tags and advance ride passes at the Kawartha Chamber office, 12 Queen Street (under the town clock) in Lakefield. Advance Ride Passes are $20 each.
Crocs After Dark at Indian River Reptile Zoo
Crocs After Dark takes place on July 28 at the Indian River Reptile Zoo.
On Friday, July 28th, the Indian River Reptile Zoo is hosting Crocs After Dark from 9 to 11 p.m. This is a thrilling experience where you can witness alligators and crocodiles in complete darkness, with only the aid of a flashlight.
The night includes a complete guided dinosaur tour, a crocodile walk, a live feeding, and an informative lecture. Adult admission is $25, and groups and children are $20 per person. You must reserve your place in advance. Call 705-639-1443 to book. Don’t miss this fun event!
Crocs After Dark events are also taking place on Saturday, August 12th and Friday, August 18th.
Gallery on the Lake Presents: The Norval and Christian Morrisseau Exhibit “Father and Son”
Works by First Nations artists Norval and Christian Morrisseau are on display at The Gallery on the Lake in Buckhorn beginning July 29.
The Gallery on the Lake is honoured to present works of Norval and Christian Morrisseau in a new exhibit entitled “Father and Son”. The exhibit opens on Saturday, July 29th and continues to September 1st. The opening reception will be held on July 29th from 1 to 4 p.m.
“Father and Son” is an exhibit with works that exude emotion, power, and spirit. This new exhibit features indigenous art in the Woodland style that the Morrisseaus envisioned, to express their mission as one which would dignify and rejuvenate pride within First Nations communities and the world at large. Vibrant images by this father and son include: animals, landscapes, families, traditions, and legends.
The Gallery on the Lake is proud to feature the works of these iconic and highly renowned First Nations artists.
Warsaw Benefit Cruise Night – August 2nd
Proceeds from this year’s Warsaw Benefit Cruise Night will go to Chad Pearson of Cottesloe, who has serious medical issues.
On Wednesday, August 2nd from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Warsaw Lions Park, the community of Douro-Dummer is coming together for their annual Benefit Cruise Night.
The recipient this year is Chad Pearson of Cottesloe who is dealing with some serious medical issues.
The BALL Real Estate Inc., Brokerage Lakefield office is a drop-off location for donations. Come out and show your support!
STAR Program Supporting LAWS
Lakefield Animal Welfare Society is supported entirely through private donations, relying completely on the community’s generosity.
The STAR Program was initiated a few years ago to support individuals and businesses that support LAWS on a monthly basis. Monthly donations can be made by cheque or credit card, and you can choose any amount to donate monthly.
Cruise Night at Craftworks at the Barn – July 27th
Bridgenorth Farmer’s Market – July 28th
FREE Canoe City Walking Tour – July 29th
Bridgenorth Cruise Night – July 31st
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.
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