The Canadian Canoe Museum has released a new promotional video produced by Peterborough's BrandHealth
Hockey fans may disagree, but The Canadian Canoe Museum has released a new promotional video that proposes that it is the canoe, rather than hockey, that has defined Canadian culture.
The video, produced by BrandHealth of Peterborough, opens with striking aerial views of the winter landscape and then shows a group of settlers carrying old-fashioned hockey sticks as they walk through a forest.
“Some say it was hockey that defined us,” a narrator says. “But with more kilometres of inland waterway than any other nation on Earth, we explored our land, grew our economy, and connected our people — all by water.
The video ends when the group arrives at the lake, discovering that the ice is out, and begin to smile.
“Hockey? It was just the game we played, waiting for the waterways to open — again.”
Our Lady Peace will headline a free concert at Peterborough Musicfest on Wednesday, August 2nd at Del Crary Park. (Publicity photo)
Alt rockers Our Lady Peace from Toronto will be headlining Peterborough MusciFest at Del Crary Park on Wednesday, August 2nd.
One of Canada’s most popular bands, Our Lady Peace has won five Juno awards and has sold millions of albums worldwide. They also hold the record for the most MuchMusic Video Awards (10) ever won by a single artist.
VIDEO: “Heavyweight” – Our Lady Peace
Indie pop singer-songwriter Coleman Hell from Thunder Bay and new country band River Town Saints from Ottawa will also be performing.
The concert is part of ONtour, a free concert series being held in 23 communities across Ontario this summer, part of the Ontario 150 celebrations.
ONtour kicks off on June 25, with a performance celebrating Alderville First Nation’s 180th anniversary and wraps up in Petawawa on September 17.
Other artists participating in ONtour include the Jim Cuddy Band, Serena Ryder, Kim Mitchell, The Tea Party, Magic!, Tom Cochrane, James Barker Band, Big Wreck, Kardinal Offishall, The Philospher Kings, Barenaked Ladies, Mélanie Brulée, USS, Alx Veliz, Anjulie, Jonathan Roy, Scott Helman, Michelle Treacy, Francesco Yates, DJ Shub, Karl Wolf, Next Generation Leahy, Tyler Shaw, Midnight Shine, Mia Martina, and more.
Enjoy your summer in the Kawarthas by celebrating the 50th anniversary of Lang Pioneer Village in Keene, experiencing fine dining or a casual burger at Viamede Resort, and having peace of mind by insuring your cottage and recreational vehicles with Darling Insurance in Lakefield. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
Can’t-miss events? We’ve got them. Incredible culinary experiences? Of course. Peace of mind while you have the summer of your dreams? We have that too. The Kawarthas are an incredible destination for summer fun. These three businesses will give you a reason to stay home this summer.
All three of the businesses profiled below — Lang Pioneer Village, Viamede Resort, and Darling Insurance — are proud members 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.
Lang Pioneer Village celebrates its 50th anniversary season
Interpreters bring history to life at Lang Pioneer Village, celebrating its 50th anniversary and Canada's 150th this year. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
The Aabnaabin site mimics a settlement era encampment, and features a three sisters garden and a medicinal garden. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
A stroll through Lang Pioneer Village offers the chance to get completely immersed in settlement-era history. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
This Father's Day, watch an authentic 19th century steam engine in action at Lang's 21st Annual Smoke and Steam Sshow. (Photo: Lang Pioneer Village)
Imagine finding yourself in the middle of a Fenian raid, with soldiers firing black powder in front of you. Try experiencing the unforgettable sound and smell of a steam-powered engine. Lang Pioneer Village (104 Lang Rd., Keene, 705-295-6694) is a place where history comes alive all around you, and with this year marking their 50th anniversary and Canada’s 150th, there’s more to do than ever.
Experience a real steam engine
The celebrations will begin on Father’s Day, which marks the beginning of Lang’s summer season. Visitors can enjoy tractor and power equipment displays, but according to General Manager Joe Corrigan, one of the biggest draws is their recently restored Sawyer Massey steam engine.
“There’s nothing more evocative of the 19th century, which is called ‘the age of steam’, than hearing the whistle of a steam engine or a train.”
VIDEO: Lang Pioneeer Village Smoke & Steam Show – June 18, 2017
Get fired up for Canada Day
Why spend Canada Day reenacting the Fenian Raids? According to Joe, they were key to our nation’s formation.
“The Fenian raids are a minor consideration in most history books, but it was a real catalyst for the country coming together and forming Canada in 1867.”
In the 1860s, Irish nationalists known as Fenians attempted to take over Canada and use it as a bargaining chip to gain dominion over Ireland. After being attacked, New Brunswick voted in favour of Confederation in spite of their previous opposition.
“It opened the door for what is now Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick to form Canada in 1867.”
Visitors to Lang can interact with Fenians and Canadian militia throughout the day, and watch an exciting staged battle.
Celebrating Canada 150 … plus
The keystone Canada 150+ event will be a traditional country fair, with a ferris wheel and entertainment sponsored by eight different townships and two First Nations.
The + signifies the many years of indigenous history before European settlement.
“It’s more than just settlers to this area having their story told, it’s also about the impact that had on the First Nations who were living in the area when 2000 Irish settlers came into the territory with the Peter Robinson settlement back in 1825. Canadian history goes way back and the history of the First Nations hasn’t been given the due that it deserves.”
At Lang Pioneer Village, the Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations have been working together with Lang to create the Aabnaabin site. The site mimics a settlement-era encampment and features a three sisters garden and a medicinal garden.
Unveiling the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building
At the 150+ event, Lang Pioneer Village will also unveil the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, an 11,000 square foot building designed in the style of a 1910 vintage barn.
This building will allow Lang Pioneer Village to offer programming year round. There will also be a conservation lab to restore and preserve artifacts, an agricultural wall of fame, kitchen facilities (sure to be appreciated by Lang’s historic food club) and more. Joe says that this will have a huge impact.
“The ribbon cutting will be a major milestone in the development of Lang.”
Top events this summer and all year long at Lang
Here are some can’t-miss events this summer, fall, and winter at Lang Pioneer Village:
21st Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show on Sunday, June 18
Historic Dominion Day on Saturday, July 1
21st Annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show on Sunday, July 9
Applefest on Sunday, September 10
Traditional County Fair Celebrating Canada 150+ on Sunday, September 24
Historic All Hallows’ Eve on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28
Christmas by Candlelight on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3
During summer, from Father’s Day to Labour Day, Lang Pioneer Village is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can find them online at www.langpioneervillage.ca and on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Don’t miss out on Viamede Resort’s unbelievable culinary experiences this summer
Tasting menus at Mount Julian restaurant at Viamede Resort offer a new experience every visit. (Photo: Viamede Resort)
Gather with friends at Viamede for a relaxed meal or one of their spectacular culinary events. (Photo: Viamede Resort)
Sometimes you just want a really good burger. Viamede delivers culinary experiences for every mood. (Photo: Viamede Resort)
The Mount Julian menu at Viamede celebrates each season and often includes foraged ingredients. (Photo: Viamede Resort)
A mixology class using foraged ingredients? Check. Boating in for a quick bite by the water? Check. Beer tasting? Double check.
This summer, Viamede Resort (595 Mt. Julian Viamede Rd., Woodview, 705-654-3344) is presenting culinary experiences you won’t want to miss out on.
New Chef Jay Nutt is building on Viamede’s incredible culinary legacy to create even more showstopping foodie options that can be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.
General Manager Ben Samann says that food is something everyone needs and enjoys, so it’s an opportunity to make people feel special.
“Everybody needs to eat and it’s an easy place to make such a cool experience.”
Here are four of the many foodie experiences you can enjoy at Viamede this summer:
1. The Porch
This new outdoor barbecue is a place where boaters and people enjoying the outdoors can enjoy a quick and delicious bite in July and August. Early menus have included pulled pork sandwiches, grilled vegetable paninis, chicken caesar wraps and ribs, with laid-back sides like pasta salad and potato salad.
Jay looks to food truck culture for inspiration for The Porch.
“We’re sort of trying to create the experience of a food truck without the food truck.”
Don’t expect table service, but do expect a fun and communal dining experience by the water.
2. The Gathering
The Gathering. It evokes a sense of intrigue, and this dinner series won’t disappoint. Imagine an exquisitely prepared feast using foraged and local ingredients, local music, dancing, lively conversations over unforgettable food.
From June 9th to 11th, Viamede is introducing The Gathering weekend. Expect three days of culinary debauchery: lively feasts, cooking classes, and a nine-course dinner. Guests will also be taught to forage ingredients that will be used in a mixology class.
Jay says that he has been fond of foraging since before he became a chef, when he would make tea with labrador tea and pine on camping trips.
“I’m following other chefs that have set the foraging program in place. It’s not new here, but it’s a return for me.”
VIDEO: Ben Samann forages for cattail shoots on the Viamede property
3. Special Events
Keep up to date with Viamede’s event calendar for some of the tastiest events of the season.
There’s an all-day Father’s Day barbecue with beer tasting and a guided fishing tour. There’s a summer solstice weekend event, with al fresco dinner, beer and wine tasting, and an outdoor movie night.
A la carte meals are available at Mount Julian, but the five, seven, and nine course tasting menus offer the most excitement. Chef Jay begins with fresh, local ingredients and asks himself one question:
“What’s the coolest, most fun way I can use these ingredients to create a fine dining experience?”
The result? Sous vide lamb with mushroom confit and blueberry gastrique. Poached Viamede quail egg with beer braised pork shoulder, rhubarb chutney, and pristine soy oil toast. House-smoked rainbow trout with pickles and creme fraiche. Every night at Mount Julian is a new and delicious experience.
Ben knows that different occasions call for different dining experiences.
“I love food. I love dinner experiences like Mount Julian, but I’ve also been in that situation where I’m out in a boat and I’m hungry and I want a burger.”
With three restaurants on site and a host of unique food events, Viamede offers a dining experience for any occasion.
Six ways to “insure’ a great summer with Darling Insurance
Stuart Scott and Jeff Blodgett of Darling Insurance will help you get the coverage you need this summer (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW.com)
Does your cottage policy insure against raccoons and bears? Talk to Darling Insurance to make sure your cottage is covered.
Many people assume that their ATV is covered by their home or cottage policy, but it needs to be insured on an auto policy.
Whether you insure your boat on its own or attach it to a home or cottage policy, it's important that you're properly protected.
Stuart Scott and Jeff Blodgett of Darling Insurance are in the insurance business to assist clients with all their insurance needs. Operating from their Lakefield office (144 Queen St., Lakefield, 705-651-4245), Jeff says that a sense of community is at the heart of what they do.
“We care. We’re part of the community and we like to serve the community.”
Jeff has been working for Darling Insurance for over four years. Although he’s the boss’s son, he started from the bottom as the yard guy. He says that working with his dad has taught him a lot.
“If you’re a good business person and you respect your clients, they’ll respect you too.”
Stuart started working at Darling Insurance a year and a half ago after moving from Toronto. He feels right at home in Lakefield.
“It’s quieter, there are more trees, people are friendlier.”
What tips do Jeff and Stuart have to help you have a safer summer? Read on.
Cottages
Jeff says that cottages are often underinsured. Older cottage policies had limited coverage because you weren’t at the cottage as often.
If you’re currently covered by a limited policy and something happens, you may end up getting less than the value of the damaged property. Have an insurance professional review your policy and your cottage’s rebuilding value.
Darling Insurance can connect you to cottage packages that insure your cottage for many types of occupancies. They have insurance products that extend coverage for pests like raccoons and bears.
Cottage Rental
If you’re one of the many cottage owners who rents their cottage out, you want to make sure that your policy includes the coverage to rent it out.
Often this is term based and you can only rent for a certain number of weeks per year.
Stuart recommends discussing your policy and rental needs with a broker, as there are different options available.
ATVs
Many people assume that their ATV is covered by their home or cottage policy, but this is not the case.
Stuart recommends making sure your ATV is properly insured on an auto policy, even if you are operating it on your own property — and especially if you’re going to take it on the road.
“Even crossing the road requires at least liability coverage provided by an auto policy.”
Boats
Boats can be insured on their own, or attached to a home or cottage policy.
Darling Insurance offers a number of great boat insurance products, naming some unique coverage (for example: agreed value, personal effects, protection and indemnity liability).
You can also covered for wreckage removal, pollution, salvage and recovery, towing, and emergency expense coverage.
RVs and trailers
Think your trailer is covered by your auto policy? While liability is extended from the towing vehicle while on the road, premises liability while the RV or trailer is sitting at a campground requires its own liability.
Darling offers unique products providing physical damage coverage for the trailer, as well as emergency expense coverage for towing.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles can be expensive to insure because you can be seriously hurt in an accident.
Jeff recommends doing a training course for safety tips, and it will provide a discount on your insurance premium.
The coverage provider that’s right for you will depend on your experience level.
Seasonal classic cars
For classic cars, Jeff and Stuart agree that usage is the key. Your policy should depend on how much you use the car.
Darling offers a unique insurance product for your classic car that is quite affordable for an annual term.
For more information about how to make sure you’re protected this summer, visit Darling Insurance at 144 Queen Street in Lakefield. Darling Insurance is also online at darlinginsurance.net, Twitter, and Facebook.
Among other things, local teacher Amy Semple is a breast cancer survivor and the youngest member of Survivors Abreast. She will be paddling in Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival on June 10 in Del Crary Park.
Amy Semple recently shared her story about her experience with breast cancer. Amy is a member of Survivors Abreast and will be paddling in Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday (June 10). Here is Amy’s story, in her own words.
My name is Amy Semple and I am a high school teacher in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. I am also a 35-year-old breast cancer survivor and the youngest member of Survivors Abreast.
I like to think I’m more than that. I exist outside the school as a wife, friend, daughter, granddaughter, nature-lover, bird-nerd, mom to a fur-baby, travel enthusiast, leatherback sea turtle researching woman!
For many years, I had been doing self-checks in memory of a friend who lost her life at 24 years old to breast cancer. One night, just before bed, I found a lump during my check. From there, it took two weeks to obtain the formal diagnosis. I had breast cancer.
Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, at the age of 32. She says the day she received her formal diagnosis was “by far, the worst day of my life.”
After that initial appointment, my husband and I drove home in silence. It was this glorious, bright sunny day. But I couldn’t hear a thing. I managed to make it into the house before I was physically ill. Between calling friends and family, I sobbed on the living room floor. Some family cried, some swore. Friends rallied, but some crumbled. It was by far, the worst day of my life. I was sure I was as good as dead at only 32 years old.
I had a mastectomy to remove that terrible mass of cells that was attempting to take over my body and eventually my life. I did 4 rounds of chemo to ensure no cells remained. Shortly after, I began the process of reconstruction. During that year, my emotions ranged from badass fighter to broken woman. In the confines of my home, there was a point when I said I couldn’t take it anymore. I confided in my husband that I didn’t want to do any more treatment. I did continue with treatment, but this is just an example of how this disease and treatment can break someone.
During that year, I had the support of the Cancer Care Center and Breast Assessment Centre at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. It was second to none! Each person I encountered was better than the last. Even my husband and parents were treated with care and compassion by the staff. I could not have asked for better care.
Amy underwent a mastectomy and four grueling rounds of chemotherapy. During that year, she had the support of the Cancer Care Centre and Breast Assessment Centre at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
When I was feeling well enough, I joined Survivors Abreast. I was beyond nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a group of women who understood me and coaches who were kind and compassionate. I found women who were fit. Women who paddled and laughed and offered advice and experiences. Women who had a true zest for life.
I am genuinely thankful to our captains and paddlers for being part of this festival. You have brought together 20 people to enjoy a day for a common cause. Some people will have no experience, some will have years. All will be at least a little nervous!
So on race day, I hope you push yourself, smile, laugh, and have fun.
Your support brings all of us who have had breast cancer an enhanced love for this community!
Thank you!
There’s still time to sponsor Amy, or another Dragon Boat padder or team: visit www.ptbodragonboat.ca.
Toronto gritty Americana-roots trio The Sinners Choir (Terry Wilkins, Adam Beer-Colacino and Adam Warner) performs at The Ganny in Port Hope on Friday, June 10. (Photo: The Sinners Choir)
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, June 8 to Wednesday, June 14.
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.
7:30pm - Jazz and Blues Night ft Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio
Friday, June 9
5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Four Lanes Wide
Saturday, June 10
5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Pop Machine
Sunday, June 11
3pm - Christine Atrill Band
Monday, June 12
7pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie
Tuesday, June 13
7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill
Coming Soon
Thursday, June 15 7:30pm - Jazz and Blues Night ft Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio
Friday, June 16 5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - The Rob Phillips Band
Saturday, June 17 5pm - Cameron von Criegern; 8:30pm - Live music (TBA)
Sunday, June 18 3pm - Live music (TBA)
Canoe & Paddle
18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111
Thursdays
7:30-10:30pm - Live music
Saturdas
8-11pm - Live music
The Cat & The Fiddle Lindsay
49 William St. N., Lindsay
(705) 878-4312
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 24 8pm - Summer bash ft Harry Peterson Band
Catalina's
131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-5972
Thursday, June 8
8pm - The Tenenbaums, Wine Lips, Beef Boys
Friday, June 9
7-8:30pm - Rainbow Service Organization Annual General Meeting and Social ft burlesque w/ The Kitten Academy
Saturday, June 10
8pm - Beams w/ Chris Culgin
Chemong Lodge
764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435
Saturday, June 10
6-10pm - Paul Hickey
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 17 6-11pm - Donny Woods Band
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001
Thursday, June 8
9pm - Al Lerman w/ Ray on The Radio
Friday, June 9
9pm - Ken Tizzard
Saturday, June 10
9pm - Sean Conway and Joey O'Neil
Mondays
Trivia Monday
Tuesdays
OpinioNation w/ Bill Davenport
Wednesdays
8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Thursdays
10pm - Open Jam w/ Gerald Vanhalteren
Wednesdays
7-11pm - Live music
The Cow & Sow Eatery
38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111
Saturday, June 10
8:30pm - Comedy Night ft Michael Moses and Eric Johnston ($20)
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 17 9pm - Mother Load
Saturday, June 24 9pm - Tungsten
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
287-289 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9645
Thursday, June 8
10pm - Live music (TBA)
Friday, June 9
10pm - High Waters Band (no cover)
Saturday, June 10
10pm - High Waters Band (no cover)
Wednesdays
Open stage
Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Friday, June 9
7:30pm - Farmer the Band (by donation)
Coming Soon
Thursday, July 13 8:30pm - Valdy ($30)
Saturday, July 22 8pm - Ian Reid ($6)
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Saturday, June 10
2-5pm - Doug Horner
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 17 12-6pm - 4th Annual Phil Marshal Birthday Bash ft Rick & Gailie, Victory Boys, Bridget Foley, Fabulous Tonemasters, Quickshifters, Water St. Slim & Unlikely Heroes ($10, all proceeds to Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association)
Frank's Pasta and Grill
426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727
Thursdays
5-8pm - Live music
Fridays
9pm-12am - Karaoke Night Girls Night Out; 12am - DJ Chrome
379 George Street K9H 3R2, Peterborough
(705) 749-9315
Wednesdays
10pm - Wednesday House Party
Southside Pizzeria
25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120
Fridays
9am-12pm - Open mic ($2);
The Spill
414 George St., Peterborough
(705) 748-6167
NOTE
The Spill is temporarily closed; reopening June 20
Saturday, June 10
CANCELLED - 3-6pm - Repair Cafe
Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant
64 John St., Port Hope
(905) 885-7200
Saturday, June 10
10pm - Wingin' It
Coming Soon
Saturday, July 1 2-5pm - Canada Day ft Garage Dog
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
Coming Soon
Friday, June 23 7pm - Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic School Year End Gala w/ GTA Swing Band ($125 family, $50 adult, $20 student, $30 alumni, $125 VIP)
Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort
1045 Settlers Line, Keene
(705) 295-4591
Tuesday, June 13
7:30pm - Tuned Up Tuesdays ft Al Black Trio (no cover)
Coming Soon
Tuesday, June 20 7:30pm - Tuned Up Tuesdays ft Emily Burgess from The Weber Brothers (no cover)
"Sentimental Journey", a B-17G Flying Fortress bomber, will be at the Peterborough Airport from July 10 to 16 during Flying Fortress Week. Flights on the plane are also available, but they start at $425 US per person ($850 if you want to sit in one of the bombardier seats shown above).
“Sentimental Journey”, a B-17G Flying Fortress bomber, will be one of many vintage, military, and civil aircraft on display during Flying Fortress Week from Monday, July 10th to Sunday, July 16th.
Sentimental Journey is one of fewer than 10 B-17Gs around the world still flying today. The first B-17s went into combat in 1941 by the British Royal Air Force. They served in almost every theatre of World War II and dropped over 640,000 tons of bombs. The B-17G was produced in greater numbers than any other B-17 model, with a total of 12,731 aircraft produced by Boeing, Vega, and Douglas.
The heavy bomber will at the airport during Flying Fortress Week and you can buy tickets on-site for ground tours (tickets can be purchased from the B-17 crew at the aircraft). The ground tours are $5 for children, $10 for adults, and $20 for families.
Actual flights on the bomber will take place on Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, July 16th. There are only eight seats on the bomber, and all the seats for available flights have now been booked — at a cost of $425 US per seat, and $850 for each of the two bombardier seats.
Sentimental Journey in flight.
On Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, July 16th, the B-17G bomber will also be joined by various vintage, military and civil aircraft for public display. There is no charge for visiting the aircraft display.
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) will also participate in the event with a “fly-in”. COPA members will have their aircraft on display.
The Loomex Group, which operates the Peterborough Airport, will have their jet simulator on display. The jet simulator is used for large scale emergency exercises that include airport staff and response agencies.
Loomex will conduct an emergency exercise using the jet simulator on Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, July 16th. The times for the exercises will be posted on the Peterborough Airport website at www.peterboroughairport.com.
Coincidentally, the arrival of the Second World War bomber comes during the premiere of 4th Line Theatre’s new play Bombers: Reaping the Whirlwind — which tells the story of Canada’s World War II bomber pilots — runs from Tuesdays to Saturdays from July 4th to July 29th at the Winslow Farm (779 Zion Line, Millbrook), with an additional performance on Monday, July 24th.
Hannah Bailey as Claire, Keely Wilson as Deb, Carl Christensen as Jason, and Josh Butcher as Warren in the Art for Awareness production of Ordinary Days, running June 8 to 10 at the Gorden Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
Popular singer and performer Caitlin Currie makes her directorial debut with Art for Awareness’ latest production Ordinary Days, running from June 8th to 10th at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough.
Starring Joshua Butcher, Keely Wilson, Carl Christensen, and Hannah Bailey, with musical accompaniment by Justin Hiscox, Ordinary Days continues Art for Awareness’ tradition of producing superb quality musical theatre that’s both interesting and emotional. With an incredible cast of some of my favourite musical performers in Peterborough, Ordinary Days is a moving production filled with laughter and tears.
Written by Adam Gwon, Ordinary Days made its New York debut in 2009 in the Black Box Theatre at the Harold and Marion Steinberg Center for Theater where it was deemed a critical success. An extremely modern look at the lives of four New Yorkers, Ordinary Days is a unique play with two separate stories, one dramatic and one comedic, which barely cross over with the exception of one moment — but it’s a moment that impacts the lives of all four characters.
Art for Awareness presents Ordinary Days
When: Thursday, June 8 to Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 2 p.m. Where: Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) How much: $20 ($15 students)
Music and lyrics by Adam Gwon. Directed by Caitlin Currie. Musical direction by Justin Hiscox. Starring Hannah Bailey, Carl Christensen, Keely Wilson, and Joshua Butcher.
Tickets are available in advance at www.artforawareness.net/tickets/ or at the door, with partial proceeds going to Hospice Peterborough.
With two sets of characters who barely interact with the other, it’s an interesting structure that works remarkably well.
The first story features an optimistic but poor and unsuccessful artist named Warren (Josh Butcher) who drifts through the streets of New York passing out flyers with positive slogans on them.
Collecting lost items that he finds on the streets, Warren discovers a book filled with thesis notes belonging to overwhelmed grad student Deb (Keely Wilson), who believes she has lost her notes forever.
Discovering an email address inside the book, Warren contacts Deb and has her meet him at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where, despite their differences, the two strike up an unlikely friendship filled with lessons to be learned.
The second plot features Jason (Carl Christensen) and Claire (Hannah Bailey) who, after dating for a year, have decided to move in with one another. However, as soon as Jason moves in, Claire appears to already have regrets and begins to push him away.
A hopeless romantic who wants things to work out, Jason does everything he can to reclaim the magic of their relationship, but everything he does seems to make matters worse. With their relationship quickly falling apart, eventually it is revealed that Claire has emotional scars from the past preventing her from allowing Jason in her life.
Although Ordinary Days has a terrific script and a great musical score, the success of this production is the delicious cast of performers Caitlin Currie has assembled to make the show come to life. Together, they have created a powerful piece of musical theatre that plays with the audience’s emotions.
Hannah Bailey as Claire and Carl Christensen as Jason. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
It is wonderful to see Carl Christensen again so soon, fresh off of his performance in the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of More Than a Memory, after what seemed to be a long break from the stage. Carl is one of Peterborough’s favourite musical performers and he truly has a golden voice.
In the role of Jason, Carl gives some of the most emotional musical performances of the evening, filled with equal amounts of love and pathos. Through songs such as “Favorite Places” and his solo in “Fine,” Jason searches for why he isn’t able to make his relationship with Claire work, and Carl is able to bring that desire, confusion, and hurt out in his performance. It’s a sensitive and tender role executed expertly by a local treasure.
Furthermore, Carl has a wonderful chemistry with Hannah Bailey, who makes her return to the Peterborough stage after a long absence. One of my favourite performers on the Peterborough stage, I have often felt Hannah is one of the most under-celebrated actresses in our community. She really is among the best at what she does, but in past performances has had to share the stage with so many people that her moments in the spotlight have been limited. In Ordinary Days, Hannah is finally given the centre stage she deserves, flexing her vocal muscles and finallyg getting the full attention of the audience.
Hannah gives a tremendous performance as Claire, which seems as if it was tailor made for her strengths as an actress. Get ready for Hannah’s performance of “I’ll be Here” near the end of the show. This show-stopping number brought the preview audience to tears. You’re in for an emotional roller coaster ride.
Josh Butcher as Warren and Keely Wilson as Deb. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
Although I have seen Josh Butcher in tons of different types of productions, including his recent one-man show The Origin of a Designated Driver — which moved audiences earlier this year at The Theatre on King — this is the first time I can recall Josh ever taking a lead role in a musical. With his usual larger than life stage presence, Josh fills the stage with his warmth and optimism in the role of Warren.
What I didn’t expect was the power of Josh’s singing voice. Although I knew he could act, hidden inside Josh is a musical theatre star who has so far gone unnoticed. Josh is a complete delight, and by playing the quirkiest character in the show, he gets a lot of the laughs. But his quirks come with inspiration, cutting through the heartache and cynicism that often appears within dramas, as well as in our own lives.
Josh is paired with Keely Wilson, who has become one of my new favourite performers in theatre. Each time I see Keely on stage she wins me over just a little more. Ordinary Days is her best performance to date, showcasing not only her talent for musical theatre, but also her spot-on comic timing. Her performance of “Dear Professor Thompson” is comedic gold, and her parts in “Saturday at the Met” (especially once Deb and Warren finally meet) is hilarious.
And nobody orders coffee in song better than Keely. But the role isn’t without its beautiful moments as well. There is just something so endearing about Josh and Keely when they come together, and when they do so in “Rooftop Duet”, stage magic is made.
But Ordinary Days has another character besides the four actors on stage: the music. It’s difficult to describe but, when the different characters perform their solos, the music often seems to answer them. As musical director Justin Hiscox explained when I mentioned this observation to him after the preview, the music also “talks” in the same emotional language of the performers themselves.
As the only musician performing a score from a show that has all songs and no dialogue (as well as no intermission), Justin’s accompaniment is a tremendous task. Once again, Justin proves why he is one of the most valuable perfomers in our community. His musical performance is the shoulders that Ordinary Days stands upon.
Director Caitlin Currie with the cast of Ordinary Days. (photo: Caitlin Currie / Facebook)
Peterborough is a community that loves its musical theatre and I see a lot of musicals over the course of a year. But there are only a few times I can say a musical has brought me joy and truly made me feel some genuine raw emotions. Ordinary Days is one of them. It has become one of my new favourite musicals.
Ordinary Days also proves a good musical doesn’t need large production numbers and a huge cast. While that doesn’t necessarily hurt, sometimes all a show needs is four perfect performers, one talented musician, and a director with the passion and heart to put together something truly special. Caitlin Currie’s directorial debut is a huge success.
Do not miss this one. Shows like Ordinary Days only come along once in a while.
Ordinary Days runs for four performances from Thursday June 8th to Saturday June 10th. Shows start at 8 pm with Saturday matinee at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students) and are available in advance at www.artforawareness.net/tickets/ or at the door, with partial proceeds going to Hospice Peterborough.
Students from Peterborough's St. Paul and Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary Schools working on "Canada Walking Forward", an art exhibit of 150 clay footprints of the students' own feet decorated to answer the question "What does Canada mean to you?". The exhibit is one of four student art exhibits that will be on display during Peterborough's four-day Canada 150 celebration from June 29 to July 2. (Photo: Canada 150th Committee)
Four art exhibits created by local elementary school students will be on public display during Peterborough’s four-day Canada 150 celebrations from Thursday, June 29th to Sunday, July 2nd.
Peterborough’s “Celebrate at Home’ Canada 150th Committee, in partnership with the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, sponsored the Canada-themed art projects at a dozen schools across Peterborough.
“The committee wanted to make sure we engaged students and school communities so that their voices were included in this important celebration of our country in our city,” says Galen Eagle, the Canada 150th Committee Communications Chair. “The art exhibits will be a must-see and should give residents another great reason to celebrate at home.”
The Art School of Peterborough helped develop and facilitate the art projects in local schools over the last several month and students are busy putting the final touches on their work.
The students have already created hundreds of unique artworks that will be shown in local schools, and a selection of the works will from the four public art exhibits that will be display at the Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park, the Charlotte Mews Tunnel, Hunter Street, and on the path and stairs between the Peterborough Museum and Archives and the Peterborough Lift Lock.
In addition to the student art exhibits, the Canada 150th Committee announced a special photography project called “Sparking Memories.” Throughout the four days of Canada 150th celebrations in Peterborough, volunteer photographers from the SPARK Photo Festival will be capturing the sights and sounds for a special 150th exhibit in the future.
Students from St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough have created and colourfully painted 150 clay flowers representing provincial flowers from across Canada. The exhibit is one of four student art exhibits that will be on display during Peterborough’s four-day Canada 150 celebration from June 29 to July 2. (Photo: Canada 150th Committee)
Here are the four student exhibits that will be on public display:
Canada Growing Strong
Students from St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School have created and colourfully painted 150 clay flowers representing provincial flowers from across Canada. Displayed together, the flowers make a powerful statement about the beauty that unites our provinces coast-to-coast.
The exhibit runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from June 29 to July 2 on the west side of the Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park,
Canada-mation
Students from St. Alphonsus Catholic Elementary School, St. Paul Catholic Elementary School Peterborough, and Chemong Public School have created Canada-themed claymation videos.
The videos will be projected on the Charlotte Mews tunnel in downtown Peterborough throughout the four days of celebrations.
Canada Assembled
In this interactive exhibit, students from St. Anne Catholic Elementary School have created large wooden puzzle pieces that can be assembled to create the Canada 150th logo.
The exhibit will be display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 30th on Hunter Street, when the road will be open to pedestrians only as part of downtown Peterborough’s Canada 150 celebrations.
Canada Walking Forward
Students from St. Paul Catholic Elementary School Peterborough and Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School have created and colourfully painted 150 clay footprints. The footprints are imprints of the students’ own feet and have been decorated to answer the question “What does Canada mean to you?”
The exhibit will be on display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 2nd, along the path and stairs that connect the Peterborough Museum and Archives to the Peterborough Lift Lock grounds, as part of the day of heritage-related activities.
Peterborough Public Health has identified the first Lyme disease-positive tick of the season. Blacklegged ticks live in areas of tall grasses and wooded habitat, so protect yourself when walking or hiking in these areas.
Peterborough Public Health has identified the first blacklegged tick of the season carrying Lyme disease.
“The public health lab confirmed this week that a tick submitted recently by a local resident tested positive for Lyme disease,” says Atul Jain, Manager of Environmental Health programs.
Jain notes that the precise origin of the infected tick is not known, but it is believed to have come from either southern Peterborough County or northern Northumberland County.
Peterborough Public Health is closely monitoring for evidence of other infected ticks in the area and encourages residents to submit ticks.
“Ticks can be as small as a sesame seed and their bites are usually painless,” Jain says. “So this serves as a good reminder to be on the lookout for ticks and to bring in any ticks you find on people to Peterborough Public Health for identification.”
When bringing a tick to Peterborough Public Health, only ticks found on humans will be submitted for identification and testing. Any ticks found on pets or other animals should be taken to a veterinarian.
A blacklegged tick (also known as a deer tick) on a straw. The ticks can be as small as a sesame seed and their bites are usually painless, so it’s important to carefully inspect your clothing and skin for ticks after you’ve been in the outdoors.
What to do if you find a tick
If you do locate a tick on your body, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull the tick straight out.
Save the tick in an empty screw-top bottle or zipper-closed bag and take it to Peterborough Public Health at 185 King St Street in downtown Peterborough between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. The tick will then be sent away to a public health laboratory for identification.
When submitting a tick, you will need to provide the following information:
The full name (including middle initial) and date of birth of the person to whom the tick was attached
The location on the body where the tick was found
The approximate length of time the tick was attached
Where the tick was acquired, along with recent travel history
A record of any symptoms experienced by the person to whom the tick was attached
The name and city of practice of the healthcare provider of the person to whom the tick was attached.
Risk areas for Lyme disease in the Kawarthas include parts of Northumberland and Hastings counties. (Map: Public Health Ontario)
Lyme disease is gaining the attention of health officials because cases in Ontario are increasing. In 2016, residents submitted 114 ticks to Peterborough Public Health, and of the three that tested positive for Lyme disease, one of those came from the local area. So far in 2017, 68 ticks have been submitted to Peterborough Public Health for examination, including the one that recently tested positive for Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a potentially serious illness and growing health risk across Ontario. It is caused by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks). While not all blacklegged ticks carry Lyme disease, populations of infected blacklegged ticks are spreading throughout Ontario. Some areas close to the areas served by Peterborough Public Health, are already considered endemic with infected blacklegged ticks.
How to prevent tick bites
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid getting bitten by ticks in areas where they live, such as tall grasses and wooded habitats. Before heading out, wear long, light-coloured clothing and tuck pant legs into socks. Spray an insect repellent containing DEET on your clothes. Check for ticks when you return from the outdoors, and it’s a good idea to shower after to wash off any ticks that may be crawling on your body.
The signs of Lyme disease can be categorized in three stages. However, the first sign is usually a circular rash in the shape of a bull’s eye. Other additional symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.
For more information on tick submission or general inquiries about ticks, contact the Vector-Borne Disease Program at Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 240.
An attendee of the Peterborough Children's Water Festival participates in The Wild Rice Dance-off activity centre where children take turns wearing moccasins and dancing in a large cauldron of wild rice, a traditional practice used to remove the chaff from the grain of rice. (Photo: Karen Halley)
The place we live, Peterborough, is Anishinaabe or Ojibway territory and was originally named Nogojiwanong, which translates to “place at the end of the rapids.” For thousands of years, this region was a gathering spot where First Nations families and leaders shared ideas and knowledge.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Karen Halley, GreenUP Communications & Marketing Specialist.
Last week in Nogojiwanong, over 1,400 elementary school students in grades two to five gathered along the Otonabee River at the Riverview Park & Zoo to attend the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival (PCWF). In Ojibway, “Otonabee” means “the river that beats like a heart”, referring to the bubbling and boiling water of the rapids along the river — a perfect location to gather and learn about water.
The PCWF is a free educational event that brings together water educators, experts, and professionals in an effort to build a more sustainable relationship with water by positively shaping attitudes and behaviours within our community.
Children rotate through 34 activity centres, each linked to the Ontario Ministry of the Education curriculum, to learn a positive message about personal water awareness and respect for the natural environment through active, hands-on learning.
Over the last six years, the festival has integrated more Indigenous Knowledge into activity centres and workshops to help students understand their essential relationship to water and to the earth, through traditional teachings.
The Wild Rice Dance-off activity, led by James Whetung, invites children to lace up a pair of moccasins and to dance in a large cauldron of wild rice, a traditional practice used to remove the chaff from the grain of rice.
Also, the Gchi-Nibi activity centre is lead by TRACKS, Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science Initiative who bring water activities related to science and indigenous knowledge systems, largely Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe.
New this year, Curve Lake First Nation Elder, Dorothy Taylor led Water Festival attendees in a traditional water teaching and water ceremony. The ceremony brought over eighty students together with music and drumming, a sage smudge, story telling, and lessons.
PCWF Coordinator Heather Ray explains:
“In aboriginal culture it is women who are responsible for caring for water, so the PCWF Steering Committee thought it only appropriate to invite Elder Dorothy Taylor, who has been working tirelessly to advocate for water within and between indigenous and non-indigenous communities.”
Taylor shared a segment of the creation story, which includes the four sacred waters; the water of the universe, spirit, world, and our veins. She explained that water is within us, and part of our bodies, helping children to understand that it is part of the lifeblood in all beings on earth.
This year, Water Festival t-shirts featured three languages including Nibiish Bimaadsowin in Ojibway, meaning Water is Life or L’eau eat la vie in French. Over the last six years, the festival has integrated more indigenous knowledge into activity centres and workshops to help students understand their essential relationship to water and to the earth, through traditional teachings. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Taylor continued by drawing a parallel to the land and our own mother by describing the land as mother, “Your mother cares for you and is kind to you. She feeds you and provides for you. How you feel about your mother, is how you feel about the earth, because the earth does the same for you. That is why we call the earth our mother.”
A special teaching followed, with a ceremonial copper bowl filled with water. Taylor led the participants in a group prayer of gratitude for the water, teaching the group to speak in Ojibway, saying together “Miigwech Nibi” meaning, “Thank you, water,” while raising the copper pot and inviting everyone to drink the water from their own hands.
“I want to encourage children to say thank you when they have a glass of water, or juice, or milk,” explains Taylor, “It is all water. If children can form a personal relationship with water, they will see it less as a commodity, as something you just buy in a bottle at the store, and more as a part of themselves. It will become special to them.”
Taylor has been working with the Sacred Water Circle since 2011 and continues to work closely with all levels of government, raising awareness and respect for water. She believes that if these lessons are available now to children, that when they are adults, working as lawyers, politicians, or engineers, that these teachings will be included in their work, and our waterways and groundwater will be cleaner and healthier.
“We are grateful to Curve Lake Elder Dorothy Taylor for attending this year’s festival,” shared Jenn McCallum, Steering Committee member with the PCWF. “Her ceremony was moving and impactful for the children who participated. It is important to the steering committee that indigenous perspectives are presented at the festival to recognize the sacredness of water, and its importance to our health and well-being.”
This year was the 16th Anniversary of the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival, which runs each year at the end of May. For more information about the festival, visit pcwf.net or contact PCWF Coordinator Heather Ray at heather.ray@greenup.on.ca.
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