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Community Futures funding helped Lakefield bakery expand

By Paula Kehoe -
Hard Winter Bread Company, a wood-fired sourdough bakery in Lakefield owned by Jessica Arsenault and Graham Thoem, found demand for their handmade baked goods, including their popular Montreal-style bagels, grew quickly beyond their expectations. They applied for and received matching funding through the Community Futures Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) to help them hire additional staff and build a new wood-fired oven. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)

For many entrepreneurs, accessing capital is one of the most challenging aspects of a startup or expansion. Understanding how to find and shake the “money tree” is critical for future growth and development.

Jessica Arsenault and Graham Thoem, owners of Hard Winter Bread Company, a wood-fired sourdough bakery in Lakefield, understand the challenges and hurdles that businesses can face on their way to reaching their goals.

A year and a half into their venture, which the couple started in 2014, demand for their handmade baked goods — including their popular sourdough breads, pastries, and Montreal-style bagels — grew quickly beyond their expectations.

Hard Winter Bread Company's products are sold at farmers' markets and selected restaurants and specialty food shops in the Kawarthas year-round. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)
Hard Winter Bread Company’s products are sold at farmers’ markets and selected restaurants and specialty food shops in the Kawarthas year-round. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)

Their products are not sold to the public from their bakery, but at farmers’ markets and selected restaurants and specialty food shops in the Kawarthas year-round.

“It kind of organically happened,” says Arsenault of the bakery’s popularity. “We were quite happy to see that we were growing, but we weren’t prepared for it. The demand kept getting bigger and bigger and we thought, we’re going to need some help and hire someone.”

Arsenault and Thoem also wanted to increase the supply of wood-fired bagels, but realized that their home-based bakery kitchen didn’t have the capacity to meet that demand.

“Of all the products we rotated through, our bagels were the most popular,” Arsenault says. “We wanted to be able to have them at the farmers’ market for our customers, but we knew at that point that it would be quite the project.”

Graham Thoem and Jessica Arsenault, owners of Hard Winter Bread Company in Lakefield, with their son Remy who was born in August 2015. Since this photo was taken, Jessica and Graham have welcomed their second son, Lucian, who was born in November 2017. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)
Graham Thoem and Jessica Arsenault, owners of Hard Winter Bread Company in Lakefield, with their son Remy who was born in August 2015. Since this photo was taken, Jessica and Graham have welcomed their second son, Lucian, who was born in November 2017. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)

Their time spent living in Montreal is when they truly discovered the makings of a perfect bagel: they need to be handmade and wood-fired.

A wood-fired oven — specifically designed for baking at an ultra-high heat — makes all the difference, she explains.

“In order to have people work for us and have this enormous homemade oven, we needed financial help. So, we started looking at what was available to us in the community to help us grow our business.”

When Hard Winter Bread Company owners Graham Thoem and Jessica Arsenault discovered Montreal-style bagels when they living in the Montreal. Unlike New York-style bagels, Montreal-style bagels are smaller, thinner, sweeter and denser, with a larger hole, and are always baked in a wood-fired oven. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)
When Hard Winter Bread Company owners Graham Thoem and Jessica Arsenault discovered Montreal-style bagels when they living in the Montreal. Unlike New York-style bagels, Montreal-style bagels are smaller, thinner, sweeter and denser, with a larger hole, and are always baked in a wood-fired oven. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)

With a handful of business challenges in tow, they reached out to Community Futures Peterborough (CFP), a source for financing new business startups and expanding small businesses. They applied for funding through the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP).

Pat Peeling, Community Futures Peterborough’s Client Services Coordinator and EODP program administrator, says she often sees local businesses and organizations seek support from CFP to expand geographically or economically.

“The aim of the EODP is to support rural Eastern Ontario communities,” Peeling says. “The program is effective for community economic development. It’s helping businesses create jobs. We want to keep skilled workers here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.”

The criteria? Applicants should be in business for a few years and working towards completion of a specific project. The project can’t involve daily operating expenses and must enhance the business (or not-for-profit) in a specific way that translates into an increase in sales or employment. Applicants must also provide 50 per cent of matching cash funds.

Eligible recipients are not-for-profit organizations, commercial enterprises, Aboriginal organizations, and post-secondary institutions.

Managed by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and delivered by 15 Community Futures Development Corporations in Eastern Ontario, EODP funding is non-repayable contribution, so accountability on the part of recipients is a key component of the program.

“It’s not free money,” notes Peeling. She says the recipient is required to deliver on what they committed to do and report, including signing a contribution and partnership agreement, reporting monthly financials, and acknowledging Community Futures and the Federal Economic Development Agency of Ontario.

Community Futures Peterborough board members and clients at a celebration of funds allocated and work done in the community. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)
Community Futures Peterborough board members and clients at a celebration of funds allocated and work done in the community. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)

Having loaned $28 million to more than 700 businesses since its inception in 1985, CFP uses the $500,000 they get each year through the EODP to help companies or organizations with innovation projects, expansions or job creation. While that alone is outstanding, the program has invested $6.7 million in the region through 557 initiatives over the past 14 years.

As of 2017, more than $80 million has been invested in more than 7,600 businesses and community development projects in eastern Ontario.

For Hard Winter Bread Company, the funding through EODP has had a large impact on its business.

Arsenault and Thoem put the money towards a solid business plan created by a professional, to ensure increasing bagel production and hiring additional staff was financially viable. Funds also went towards half the cost of building a super unconventional oven which took three local tradespeople to complete.

Hard Winter Bread Company co-owner Graham Thoem with the bakery's custom-made wood-fired bagel oven, which is mobile so they can take it to local farmers' markets and bake fresh bagels on site. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)
Hard Winter Bread Company co-owner Graham Thoem with the bakery’s custom-made wood-fired bagel oven, which is mobile so they can take it to local farmers’ markets and bake fresh bagels on site. (Photo courtesy Hard Winter Bread Company)

As for the application process, Arsenault says it was straightforward.

“Community Futures was behind our business idea and very helpful with answering our questions and offering us assistance,” she says, praising their support. “We were able to show them that with the money they gave us, we were able to hire more staff. We have some temporary workers and a permanent full-time employee. All of that is possible because we could build that oven.”

“These programs are more accessible than people think. It’s just many entrepreneurs don’t know it’s available to them. If you’re a business owner and your project qualifies for funding, or you’re looking to expand or grow, it absolutely makes sense to apply.”

Community Futures Peterborough is currently accepting applications for business development or community innovation projects between April 1, 2018 and October 31, 2018.

The EODP is scheduled to end on December 31, 2018.

All program guidelines and the application are available for download on the Community Futures website. Are you an entrepreneur looking to access funding to grow your business? For more information about how the Community Futures EODP program can help you, visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca/eodp.

Community Futures Peterborough is located at 351 Charlotte Street in Peterborough. For more information, please call 705-745-5434 or email info@cfpeterborough.ca. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) funding is managed by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and delivered by 15 Community Futures Development Corporations in Eastern Ontario.
Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) funding is managed by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and delivered by 15 Community Futures Development Corporations in Eastern Ontario.

 

Eastern Ontario Development Program Quick Facts

Eligible recipients:

  • Not-for-profit organizations including municipalities and municipal organizations, corporations, community economic development organizations
  • Commercial enterprises including individuals, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or trusts
  • Aboriginal organizations
  • Post-secondary institutions

Maximum contributions:

  • Funding contributions to all eligible project recipients, either for-profit or not-for-profit, will be non-repayable contributions, up to 50 percent of total eligible costs, of the approved funding amount, to a maximum of $100,000 per eligible project recipient.
  • A cash contribution of 50 percent is mandatory for all projects.

Eligible costs may include:

  • Labour: salaries, wages and employer expenses
  • Expertise: consultant and other professional services. Consultants must operate at arm’s length of the eligible recipient and should be experienced, professional and recognized as providing high-quality work
  • Non-capital expenses
  • Capital expenses, such as equipment

Insurance company crowns Lindsay as Ontario’s kindest town

By kawarthaNOW -
During Common Kindness Day on January 10, 2018, customers of Boiling Over's Coffee Vault in Lindsay paid forward a total of $337.72 for free coffees, and handed out roughly 140 free coffees. (Photo: Boiling Over's Coffee Vault)

The results are in from the second annual Common Kindness Day, and The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group has crowned Lindsay as the kindest town.

On January 10th, customers of Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault (148 Kent St. W., Lindsay) paid forward a total of $337.72 for free coffees, and handed out roughly 140 free coffees.

Related story

Get a free coffee in Lindsay and Peterborough on January 10 and pay it forward

The Commonwell created Common Kindness Day in 2017 to encourage Ontarians to appreciate acts of kindness and to inspire others to good deeds. The insurance company sponsored 10 independent cafes across Ontario to give out hundreds of free coffees with one request: that patrons consider paying the act of kindness forward.

Each customer was given a card suggesting they “show some neighbourly love” and asking them to help The Commonwell with the launch of the company’s annual Create a Ripple Effect (C.A.R.E) program donations.

Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault edged out cafes in Ottawa, Peterborough, and Whitby.

“We created Common Kindness Day because we believe in the kindness of strangers and the importance of creating strong community bonds,” says Commonwell president and CEO Tim Shauf.

“The citizens of Lindsay showed an exceptional sense of community and willingness to pay it forward this year. We’re proud to be part of a community that shares the same values and social commitment as The Commonwell”.

For more information about The Commonwell’s C.A.R.E. program, visit thecommonwell.ca/c-a-r-e/.

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault is located in downtown Lindsay. (Photo: Boiling Over's Coffee Vault)
Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault is located in downtown Lindsay. (Photo: Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault)

businessNOW – January 29, 2018

By kawarthaNOW -
Long & McQuade in Peterborough has raised $3,175 from its customers for music activities at Five Counties Children's Centre. (Photo: Long & McQuade Peterborough / Facebook)

This week we feature Long & McQuade in Peterborough raising funds for Five Counties Children’s Centre, Aclarus helping Cobourg become the first city in Canada to use ozone to treat wastewater, Ship Shape Service opening a new cafe in Buckhorn, a Workforce Development Board employer survey on newcomer recruitment and hiring, and upcoming regional business events.

Long & McQuade Peterborough raises $3,175 for Five Counties Children’s Centre

Long & McQuade Peterborough has raised $3,175 for Five Counties Children’s Centre.

The musical instrument retailer held a fundraising drive at its store at 129 Aylmer Street during November and December, when customers were encouraged to add a donation when they made a purchase.

Long & McQuade supports music therapy at hospital and programs across the country.

The funds will be used to provide music activities to children who receive life-changing services at Five Counties Children’s Centre, a children’s treatment centre serving Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland and Haliburton counties.

For more information on Long & McQuade Peterborough, visit www.long-mcquade.com/location/Ontario/Peterborough/.

 

Peterborough-based company Aclarus helps Cobourg become the first city in Canada to use ozone to treat wastewater

Adam Doran of Aclarus spoke at the Innovation Cluster's Power Breakfast on January 26, 2018 about Cobourg's wastewater treatment plant, which is the first in Canada to switch from chlorine to ozone. (Photo: Peterborough Economic Development / Twitter)
Adam Doran of Aclarus spoke at the Innovation Cluster’s Power Breakfast on January 26, 2018 about Cobourg’s wastewater treatment plant, which is the first in Canada to switch from chlorine to ozone. (Photo: Peterborough Economic Development / Twitter)

Peterborough-based company Aclarus Inc. continues to grow, having installed its innovative ozone system at Cobourg’s wastewater treatment plant in 2017 — making Cobourg the very first city in Canada to switch from chlorine to ozone for a safer and more sustainable solution.

Cousins Michael and Adam Doran co-founded Aclarus in 2012 with local investors to design and build advanced ozone systems for multiple markets. As of 2017, Aclarus has installed more than 600 systems in Canada and 10 other countries. Aclarus’ proprietary process treats water using ozone, which is 3000 times faster and 300 times stronger than chlorine, breaks down to oxygen, preserves healthy water minerals, and has no consumables.

Bill Peeples, the Manager of Environmental Services for the Town of Cobourg, says employees of the plant find the new automated ozone system more time-efficient and don’t need to worry about a chlorine leak or any health concerns while working.

“People are just looking for a reason to get rid of chlorine,” says Bill Peeples, Manager of Environmental Services for the Town of Cobourg. “Money is the main impediment for most cities and why they haven’t switched. The Aclarus system however, has improved the ozone solubility, so it’s a more efficient use of ozone. It also has a higher oxygen to ozone conversion rate, so it uses less electricity than traditional ozone units as well.”

Other communities are also exploring opportunities with Aclarus for both drinking and wastewater treatment, while Montreal is planning to install one of the largest ozone waste treatment plants in the world.

Alcarus is also working with First Nations communities, which often suffer from water quality issues. Currently in Ontario, 65 long-term drinking advisories for First Nation reserves are in effect and many are regularly under boil water advisories, as they require new or upgraded treatment systems and equipment. Seven reserves remain under do not consume advisories, with one being affected since 2006.

In 2017, Aclarus installed ozone systems at Wabauskang and North Spirit Lake First Nation Communities in northwestern Ontario with a partner company, and there are several more slated for this year.

 

Ship Shape Service opening new cafe in Buckhorn in May and is hiring

Ship Shape Service, a dockside interior boat cleaning service located in Buckhorn, is opening the new Lock Stop Cafe in Buckhorn on the May 24th long weekend.

Onwer Kelli Coon is hiring staff for the new cafe, as well as for the 2018 boating season. Her company is seeking an assistant manager/barista, a part-time kitchen preparation person, and two part-time cleaners and yard workers for boats and cottages.

If you’re interested, bring your resume to a hiring event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 3rd at 1919 Lakehurst Road in Buckhorn, where you can also learn more about the new cafe.

For more information, email coonscottagecare@yahoo.ca.

Ship Shape Service, a division of Coon’s Cottage Care, was one of the entrants of the 2017 Bears’ Lair entrepreneurial contest.

VIDEO: Ship Shape Service – 2017 Bears’ Lair Finalist (Goods & Services)

 

Survey seeks input from local employers on newcomer recruitment and hiring

Workforce Development Board

The Workforce Development Board / Local Employment Planning Council is sponsoring a research project on newcomer employment that will produce locally relevant information to shape future programming in the city and county of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.

Local for-profit and non-profit employers of any size are being asked to complete a brief anonymous survey before Monday, February 5th. The questions ask about employer recruitment and hiring experiences and needs. The survey can be completed at
www.surveymonkey.com/r/EmployersNewcomerProject.

“Newcomer employment integration is important to the economic success of our region,” says Jennifer Lamantia, CEO of the Workforce Development Board. “”The goal of this project is to document the successes and gaps in order to build the best possible system of supports for both employers and newcomers.”

There is also a separate survey of local newcomers, focused on their job search and employment experiences. Local communications firm Laridae is conducting the research project in consultation with employment services agencies, business organizations, and the New Canadians Centre, among others. The final report on the research project will be available later in 2018.

Workforce Development Board is a not-for-profit organization located in Peterborough and serving Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. Founded in 1996, WDB is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development to provide labour market information, coordinate employment and training services, and engage employer communities.

 

Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting on January 30

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 111th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, January 30th at 6 p.m. at The Woodlawn Inn (420 Division Street, Cobourg).

Members are invited to attend and hear an overview of the Chamber’s activities for the past year, including presentation of the Chamber’s audited year-end financial report. The 2018 Executive will be introduced, and elections will be held to fill the available seats on the Board of Directors.

Immediately following the AGM, there will be “The Chair’s Dinner”, featuring a four-course meal with wines to accompany each dish.

For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at nccofc.ca.

 

Coffee and conversation with Fleming College president Tony Tilly on January 30

Fleming College President Tony Tilly is retiring after 14 years in the position. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)
Fleming College President Tony Tilly is retiring after 14 years in the position. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event called “Coffee and Conversation with the President” on Tuesday, January 30th at Fleming College’s Frost Campus (200 Albert St. S., Lindsay).

The event, which takes place from 8 to 9 a.m., features Dr. Tony Tilly, the retiring president of Fleming College, and Chamber president Mike Perry.

Dr. Tilly will be speaking on the topic of local skills and workforce development.

For more information and to register, visit www.lindsaychamber.com.

 

Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce open house on January 31

The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an open house to kick off 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31st at the Chamber office (180 Kent St. W., Lindsay).

The celebration with the Chamber board and staff will include networking and refreshments in the Chamber’s refurbished office space. Members are encouraged to bring their most recent brochures or business cards to display.

For more information and to RSVP, visit www.lindsaychamber.com.

 

Upcoming business seminars at Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland: January 31, February 7, March 6

The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland is hosting three upcoming seminars as part of its Advanced Seminar Series.

On Wednesday, January 31st from noon to 1:30 p.m., Peter Thomas will present a social media seminar. He will speak about developing a social media marketing plan, understanding your buyer persona, and tools for social media with a focus on business Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

On Wednesday, February 7th from 1:30 to 3 p.m., professional photographer Mike Gaudaur will present a product and business photography workshop. He will discuss set up and lighting for your product photos, how to make your photos effective for your online marketing, and taking professional-quality photos of yourself and your staff.

On Tuesday, March 6th from noon to 2 p.m., Peter Thomas will present a seminar on today’s online marketing environment. He will speak about what makes a good website, search engine optimation, content marketing, digital marketing plans, and more.

The cost is $10 for members of the Port Hope and Trent Hill chambers and $15 for non-members (cash only at the door). Advance registration is required to secure a space. Email bizhelp@northumberlandcounty.ca or call 905-372-9279.

 

Launch & Learn at Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre in Cobourg on February 7

Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre is offering a "Launch & Learn" session about corporate and wellness day retreats offered at the farm on February 7. (Photo: Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre / Instagram)
Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre is offering a “Launch & Learn” session about corporate and wellness day retreats offered at the farm on February 7. (Photo: Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre / Instagram)

Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre (3517 Rowe Rd, Cobourg) is hosting a “Launch & Learn” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7th.

Owners Linda and Tony Armstrong are inviting representatives from organizations to find out more about corporate and wellness day retreats offered at the farm, which is located 10 minutes north of Highway 401 between Port Hope and Cobourg.

The preview includes a sampling of Headwaters’ food and mocktails, a tour of their activity and meeting facilities, a presentation about what the centre has to offer, and a choice of three sample workshops.

To reserve your complimentary spot, email info@headwatersfarm.ca by Wednesday, January 31st.

 

Nomination deadline for Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce 12th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards – February 15

Nominations for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s 12th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards are open until 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 15th.

Award categories are Business Achievement, Customer First, Business, Customer First, Employee, Entrepreneur of the Year, Innovation & Creativity, New Business (1-3 years), Young Professional of the Year, Not-for-Profit of the Year, Skilled Trades & Industry, Tourism & Hospitality, and Highlander of the Year.

The awards gala will be held on Saturday, March 17th at Pinestone Resort (4252 Haliburton County Rd 21, Haliburton).

For more information and to download a nomination form, visit www.haliburtonchamber.com.

 

Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Annual General Meeting on February 21

The 2017 Chamber AGM at The Village Inn in Lakefield. This year's AGM also takes place at The Village Inn on February 21.
The 2017 Chamber AGM at The Village Inn in Lakefield. This year’s AGM also takes place at The Village Inn on February 21.

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 21st, at The Village Inn (39 Queen St, Lakefield).

The meeting will include highlights from the past year, and the nominating committee will present the slate of directors for the coming year.

Networking and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The meeting will run from approximately 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit www.kawarthachamber.ca.

 

Peterborough Chamber “Power Hour” evening with elected officials returns on February 21

MP Maryam Monsef, County Warden Joe Taylor, Mayor Daryl Bennett, and MPP Jeaf Leal listen to a question from moderator Sandra Dueck at the "Power Hour" event hosted by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce on January 25, 2017. (photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
MP Maryam Monsef, County Warden Joe Taylor, Mayor Daryl Bennett, and MPP Jeaf Leal listen to a question from moderator Sandra Dueck at the “Power Hour” event hosted by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce on January 25, 2017. (photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
Related story

Peterborough politicians answer questions on trade, hydro, 407, downtown growth, and VIA Rail

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Power Hour” — an evening with Peterborough’s elected officials — returns on Wednesday, February 21st.

The event takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.

There will be a full hour of questions and answers with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, MPP Peterborough Jeff Leal, County of Peterborough Warden Joe Taylor, and City of Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett.

Tickets cost $65 for Chamber members and $75 for non-members (or $450 for a table of seven for members and $525 for non-members). HST will be added to the ticket price. Register here.

 

“Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop for employers on March 7

The City and County of Peterborough Social Services, along with Agilec, Employment Ontario, Employment Planning & Counselling, Fleming Crew Employment Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, are hosting a free workshop for employers on “Bridges out of Poverty”.

The Bridges out of Poverty fraemwork, which originated in the U.S. and has been adopted by other communities in Canada, aims to help people who grew up in poverty and educate the agencies who assist them. The workshop will provide information on the framework as well as the variety of financial incentives available for employers in the community. It will also provide information on understanding and retaining employees.

The free workshop takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th at Agilec Peterborough office (Brookdale Plaza, 863 Chemong Rd, Unit 20-A). Refreshments will be served.

Space is limited. Register at bridgesforemployers.eventbrite.ca.

Trent University also receiving mysterious, anonymous Amazon packages

By kawarthaNOW -
Ryerson University’s independent student newspaper "The Eyeopener" broke the story on anonymous Amazon packages being delivered to the Ryerson Student Union. Since then, at least seven other university student unions across Canada have reported receiving the anonymous packages. (Photo: Alanna Rizza / The EyeOpener)

Is it a marketing ploy? A publicity stunt? A prankster with lots of money to throw around? A benefactor with bizarre tastes? Or something else?

Whatever it is, university student unions across Canada are perplexed by the anonymous Amazon-delivered packages they have been receiving over the past few months.

That includes the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) at Trent University in Peterborough, which tells kawarthaNOW they have been receiving the packages from the online retailer since last November.

“This past week we’ve gotten packages every single day,” the TCSA says via Facebook message. “We receive several packages each week. Sometimes one item a day, sometimes multiple.”

CBC News first reported on Saturday (January 27) that several university student unions have been receiving the packages, including Ryerson in Toronto, the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Dalhousie in Halifax, St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia, Wilfrid Laurier in Waterloo, Royal Roads in Victoria, and the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

The items arrive in Amazon packaging, but without any indication who sent them. Some of the products include sex toys such as vibrators, digital scales, smart phone and tablet cases, charging cords, wireless earbuds, turntables, and more.

The TCSA says they have also received similar items, as well as “dog toys, essential oil diffusers, a beading kit, and a watch.”

Ryerson University’s independent student newspaper The Eyeopener first reported the packages in a story from January 16th. According to the story by Alanna Rizza, the student union at Ryerson began receiving the packages in September, shortly after orientation week.

Some of the other university student unions have contacted Amazon to find out who is sending the packages, but Amazon has been unwilling to share customer information for privacy reasons. However, the company did confirm that some of the items were purchased using gift cards, which are untraceable.

CBC News has also contacted Amazon about the mystery packages, which requested photos of some of the shipping labels. CBC says Amazon is still investigating.

Dianne Lister to chair exhibition design committee for new Canadian Canoe Museum

By kawarthaNOW -
One of Canada's top executives in the charitable sector, Dianne Lister will be chairing the committee overseeing the design and development of exhibition spaces at The Canadian Canoe Museum's planned new facility beside the Peterborough Lift Lock. In addition to her charitable work, she was vice-president of external relations at Trent University from 2006 to 2011. (Photo: Trent University)

Bobcaygeon resident and Trent University alumna Dianne Lister will be leading The Canadian Canoe Museum’s exhibit design committee for the new museum.

Lister, who has been a member of the museum’s board of directors for four years, will chair the committee overseeing the design and development of the new museum’s exhibition spaces for the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft.

The museum has already announced that GSM Project, one of the world’s leading exhibit design firm, will be helping to create exhibits and one-of-a-kind visitor experiences at the new facility. The exhibit design committee, consisting of stakeholders and subject matter experts, will be working with GSM Project along with museum staff.

“The new museum project brings with it once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to examine and interpret this world-class collection and national cultural asset,” Lister says. “I am honoured to take on this new role. I look forward to working with experts, thought leaders and community members from coast to coast to coast to ensure that this extraordinary collection is experienced to its fullest in the new museum.”

The new museum, to be located beside the Peterborough Lift Lock, will include 21,000 square feet of exhibition space to feature 10 to 12 galleries, as well as 28,000 square feet of storate space to display 500 full-sized watercraft and other canoe-related artifacts.

Related story

One of the world’s leading exhibit design firms to work on new Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough

Montreal-based GSM Project has designed exhibitions and visitor experiences for museums, science centres, and more both in Canada and around the world. In Canada, the company was the lead designer of the new 40,000-square-foot Canadian History Hall at the Canadian Museum of History — the largest exhibition about Canadian history ever developed.

Internationally, the company’s projects include The Alaska Gallery at the Anchorage Museum in Alaska, and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Indian Heritage Centre, both in Singapore.

Dianne Lister ia a member of The Canadian Canoe Museum board of directors, chair of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council, and a trustee of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. She was named one of Canada's 25 most influential women in 2011. (Photo: Dianne Lister / Twitter)
Dianne Lister ia a member of The Canadian Canoe Museum board of directors, chair of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council, and a trustee of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. She was named one of Canada’s 25 most influential women in 2011. (Photo: Dianne Lister / Twitter)

As well as being a member of the museum’s board of directors, Lister is currently the chair of the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council, and a trustee of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. She was a founding director of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and previously served as president and executive director of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) board of governors from 2011 to 2014, vice-president of external relations at Trent University from 2006 to 2011, and president and CEO of Sick Kids Foundation from 1991 to 2003.

After obtaining her undergraduate degree in English from Trent University in 1976, Lister went on to obtain a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. A member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Canadian and Ontario Bar Associations, she practiced as a social justice lawyer.

In 2011, she was named one of Canada’s 25 most influential women by Women of Influence Inc.

Lister is an author, an accomplished photographer who has exhibited across Ontario (including CONTACT in Toronto and the SPARK Photo Festival in Peterborough), and an amateur kayaker. She is a sessional instructor with the University of Victoria, teaching a degree credit course she designed entitled “Fundraising for Cultural Organizations”.

“We are very fortunate as a museum and as an exhibit design committee to be the beneficiaries of Dianne’s varied arts and culture experience,” says Canadian Canoe Museum curator Jeremy Ward. “She is building a dynamic team whose members are moved by their interest in working to interpret our world-class collection.”

Police investigating double homicide in Haliburton

By kawarthaNOW -

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is now investigating a double homicide, after responding to a report last Sunday (January 21) of human remains found in the area of Glamor Lake Road in Highlands East Township, near Gooderham.

Police have confirmed the identify of the remains as those of 35-year-old Deidra Ann Smith and 34-year-old Ghislain (Justin) Robichaud, both of St. Catharines, Ontario.

The Haliburton Highlands Crime Unit of the OPP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, under the direction of OPP Detective Inspector Jim Gorry of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

The investigation is ongoing and further information will be released when it becomes available.

VIDEO: Human remains found in Haliburton – CTV

The OPP has established a Tip Line for this investigation. Anyone having information on this incident is asked to contact the tip line at 1-844-677-5010, or the Haliburton Highlands OPP at 705-286-1431. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.khcs.ca.

Although police have not released any information about the two victims, a Ghislain Robichaud of St. Catharines was arrested in 2010 in connection with six break and enters in the area. He was identified as being 26 years old at the time. A Ghislain Robichaud was also arrested in 2011 during a drug raid in St. Catharines.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

How to watch the ‘Super Blood Blue Moon’ in the Kawarthas

By kawarthaNOW -
The "super blue blood moon" on January 31, 2018 is special for three reasons: it's a "supermoon" (when the moon is closer to earth in its orbit and about 14% brighter than normal), it's a "blue moon" (the second full moon of the month), and it's a "blood moon" (a total solar eclipse). (Photo: NASA)

On Wednesday, January 31st, there will be a rare event that NASA is calling the “Super Blood Blue Moon”. While it sounds like it could be band name, it’s actually a confluence of three things: a supermoon, a blue moon, and a blood moon (a total lunar eclipse).

A “supermoon” is the popular term for a perigee full moon — a full moon that happens when the moon is at its perigee (closest to the earth in its monthly orbit). A supermoon can be 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than a regular full moon. Supermoons by themselves aren’t that rare — about a quarter of all full moons are supermoons.

A “blue moon” is a second full moon that occurs in a single month. Although a blue moon is simply an artifact of our calendar rather than an astronomical event, they only occur once every two-and-a-half years — the source of the saying “once in a blue moon” to describe an uncommon event.

Finally, a “blood moon” is another popular term to describe a total lunar eclipse, when the earth comes between the sun and the moon and the earth’s shadow completely obscures the moon.

It’s called a blood moon because the moon will appear red — a result of sunlight refracted through the earth’s shadow, which scatters blue light and leaves only red (similar to what happens during a sunrise or sunset). Lunar eclipses happen at least twice a year, but total lunar eclipses only happen every two to three years.

VIDEO: Jan. 31, 2018 Super Blue Blood Moon and Lunar Eclipse

So how rare is a super blood blue moon? The last time this combination happened globally was in 1982, but it’s the first time it’s been visible in North America since 1866.

But if you remove the blue moon element, which is just an effect of how we’ve structured our calendar, “Super Blood Moons” aren’t all that rare. They happen every few years, and we’ll see another one on January 21st, 2019, which will be visible over all of North and South America.

In Canada, the best location to view the January 31st super blood blue moon will be the west coast.

Here in the Kawarthas, we’ll only see a partial lunar eclipse. The earth’s shadow will start falling on the moon at 5:51 a.m. and the moon will only start to appear red at 6:48 a.m., when the moon is close to the horizon.

By 7:28 a.m., the earth’s shadow will obscure just over half of the moon, and it will appear at its reddest — this is the best time to view the eclipse. By 7:31 a.m., the moon will have set under the horizon and will no longer be visible.

Because the partial lunar eclipse will occur when the moon is very close to the horizon, if you want to see it you’ll need to find high ground or find an area with an unobstructed view of the west-northwest horizon.

Of course, seeing the moon at all depends on the weather. The forecast for January 31st as of the date of this story is cloudy with flurries, although that may change.

However, NASA will be offering a live feed of the total solar eclipse beginning at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31st. You can watch it on NASA TV or follow @NASAMoon on Twitter.

A global map showing areas of the world that will experience (weather permitting) the January 31, 2018 "super blue blood moon." The eclipse will be visible before sunrise on January 31 for those in North America. (Graphic: NASA)
A global map showing areas of the world that will experience (weather permitting) the January 31, 2018 “super blue blood moon.” The eclipse will be visible before sunrise on January 31 for those in North America. (Graphic: NASA)

Musicians, are you up for the RPM Challenge?

By Bruce Head -
For the second year, Trent Radio is hosting a local Record Production Month (RPM) Challenge. Originally launched in 2015 in the U.S., the RPM Challenge invites musicians to create a full-length album of original material during the month of February. (Drawing: Brazil Gaffney-Knox)

You probably have heard of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) where, every November, writers are challenged to create a 50,000-word novel in 30 days.

The annual Record Production Month (RPM) Challenge is a similar idea, but for musicians instead of writers. Originally launched in the U.S. in 2005, the RPM Challenge invites musicians to create an entire album of music — 10 songs or 35 minutes — in 28 days during February.

For the second year in a row, Trent Radio (the station at 92.7 CFFF FM that’s operated by the students of Trent University) is hosting a local RPM Challenge for Peterborough and area residents.

The RPM Challenge isn’t a competition or contest, and there is no winner. Its sole purpose is to give musicians that extra push to finish original material and to help them achieve a sense of creative satisfaction.

A stack of CDs submitted during the 2010 international RPM Challenge. (Photo: RPM Challenge)
A stack of CDs submitted during the 2010 international RPM Challenge. (Photo: RPM Challenge)

The challenge is open to all participants of every musical genre and style. The completed albums are made available for streaming and sharing via an online jukebox and an in-person listening party is held at the end of February.

The rules for the RPM Challenge are simple:

  • 10 songs or 35 minutes of recorded material
  • Only original compositions (no covers of other artists)
  • Recording can only be done during the month of February (no pre-recorded material)
  • Compositions can be written during February or prior to February, but they must be previously unreleased.

It doesn’t matter how you record your songs, whether in your home studio or in a professional studio or even on your cell phone. Production values aren’t as important as getting your songs written and recorded during February.

For the local RPM Challenge, Trent Radio is asking musicians to submit their albums no later than midnight on Wednesday, February 28th. The material can be submitted digitally (email hraymond@trentradio.ca for more information) or dropped off in the Trent Radio mailbox or in person during business hours (physical copies should be marked “RPM Challenge”). Trent Radio is located at 715 George Street North at the corner of George and Parkhill, just down the street from Sadleir House.

Halfway through the month, on Thursday, February 15th, Trent Radio will be hosting an RPM Social at Sadleir House (751 George St N, Peterborough). The event begins with a mixing workshop at 8 p.m., a performance by Hurricane Charlie (Patrick Walsh and Jill Stavely) at 9 p.m., and a “live off the floor” RPM Compilation Album performance and recording (if you want to participate in the RPM Challenge but can’t finish a record, you can perform your original song at the social).

And, every Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon until April 15th, Trent Radio will be playing tunes from the local RPM Challenge and talking about the experiences of making an entire album in month.

At the end of February, Trent Radio will be hosting a listening party (location to be determined). For updates, follow the Trent Radio RPM Challenge on Facebook.

If you’re feeling especially ambitious, as well as submitting your completed record to Trent Radio you can submit it to the official international RPM Challenge website at www.rpmchallenge.com.

A listening party in 2010 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the home of the original RPM Challenge. (Photo: Scott Yates)
A listening party in 2010 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the home of the original RPM Challenge. (Photo: Scott Yates)

The RPM Challenge was launched in 2005 by Dave Karlotski and Karen Marzloff, former co-owners of the now-defunct alternative newspaper The Wire in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The inaugural challenge was open to Portsmouth residents only, but by February 1, 2005 more than 200 musicians had signed up. Since Portsmouth only has 20,000 residents, Karlotski and Marzloff realized musicians from across the country were submitting their records, and they opened up the challenge to everyone.

By 2007, several well-known websites and media outlets picked up the story, and participation increased to over 2,400 musicians and bands from locations around the world, including Tokyo, Auckland, Montreal, and Oslo. Participants represented every continent. More than 850 completed albums were submitted by the 2007 deadline.

Since then, each installment of the RPM Challenge has resulted in hundreds of new records from around the world. Musicians have created more than 50,000 songs for the RPM Challenge since 2015. Some musicians have participated only once and some have done it every year.

“There are as many reasons for doing the RPM Challenge as there are people participating,” says Marzloff. “It often starts with the idea of having a deadline. But once you sign up, and you’re doing the work, new ideas emerge. It opens up the creative process for musicians around the world.”

nightlifeNOW – January 25 to 31

By kawarthaNOW -
Northern Ontario singer-songwriter Rose-Erin Stokes will be performing at The Garnet in downtown Peterborough on Wednesday, January 31. She just released her debut full-length album "Wherever I Go". (Photo: Liz Lott Photography)

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, January 25 to Wednesday, January 31.

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.

ARIA
Arlington Pub
Arthur's Pub
Black Horse Pub
Boathouse Cafe at Golden Beach Resort
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
Canoe & Paddle
The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)
Chemong Lodge
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
Coach & Horses Pub
The Cow & Sow Eatery
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
Frank's Pasta and Grill
Ganaraska Hotel
The Garnet
Golden Wheel Restaurant
Gordon Best Theatre
Hastings House Restaurant & Bar
Hot Belly Mama's
Junction Nightclub
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
McThirsty's Pint
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
Oasis Bar & Grill
Pappas Billiards
Pastry Peddler
Publican House Brewery
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
Red Dog Tavern
Riley's
The Social
Southside Pizzeria
Sticks Sports Pub
The Trend
Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant
The Venue
White House Hotel
Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort

ARIA

331 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0333

Friday, January 26

10pm - Little Black Dress

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 10
10pm - Young Bombs

Arlington Pub

32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080

Saturday, January 27

9pm - Pete Eastmure ($10)

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 3
9pm - Silver Lining

Arthur's Pub

930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105

Thursday, January 25

5pm - Robbie Burns Night w/ live music by DC Guitarman Cann

Friday, January 26

8pm - Brian McNamara

Saturday, January 27

8pm - Brian McNamara

Sunday, January 28

Celtic Afternoon w/ Tom Leighton & Rick Bauer

Monday, January 29

6pm - Rob Phillips

Tuesday, January 30

7:30pm - Beatles Tribute w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman

Wednesday, January 31

8pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 10
8-10pm - Celtic Saturday ft Madman's Window

Friday, March 16
8pm - Madman's Window

Saturday, March 17
12-4pm - Tom Leighton and Rick Bauer; 4-8pm - Greg Dowey; 8pm-12am - DC Guitarman

Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, January 25

5-6:45pm - Robbie Burns Celebration ft. Reverend Ken w/ Haggis Dinner; 7:30pm - Jazz and Blues w/ Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, January 26

5-8pm - Tonya Bosch; 8:30pm - Rob Phillips Band

Saturday, January 27

5-8pm - Sam Weber & Brent Bailey; 8:30pm - Four Lanes Wide

Sunday, January 28

3-6pm - Ken Deschamp & Doug Horner

Monday, January 29

7pm - Crash and Burn w/ special guests

Tuesday, January 30

7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill

Wednesday, January 31

7pm - Nicholas Campbell

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 1
7:30-11pm - Jazz and Blues w/ Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, February 2
8:30pm - Parkside Drive

Saturday, February 3
8:30pm - Parkside Drive

Sunday, February 4
3-6pm - Bluegrass Menagerie

Boathouse Cafe at Golden Beach Resort

7100 County Rd.18, Roseneath
(905) 342-5366

Saturday, January 27

6-9pm - Mike Kelly

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 17
6-9pm - Derrick Zuber

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault

148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884

Coming Soon

Friday, February 2
7pm - Gerald Van Halteren

Friday, February 9
6:30-9pm - Fingerstyle Guitar Showcase ft Kyle Pullan and Joel Saunders

Friday, February 16
7-9pm - Open mic

Friday, February 23
7pm - Adam Crossman

Canoe & Paddle

18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111

Thursday, January 25

7pm - Robbie Burns' Night ft local piper Helen Batten and dancers from Collins School of Dance

Coming Soon

Tuesday, March 6
7pm - Shred Kelly

The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)

1600 West Bank Dr., Peterborough
(705) 748-1011

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 1
8-11pm - Dub Trinity w/ Ace & The Kid and Chet Singh (all ages, $5 or PWYC)

Chemong Lodge

764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435

Thursdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Fridays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse

26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001

Thursday, January 25

8pm - Open mic

Friday, January 26

9pm - Steve Stacey & The Stump Splitters

Saturday, January 27

9pm - Sheldon Renouf

Monday, January 29

Trivial Pursuit

Tuesday, January 30

OpinioNation w/ Bill Davenport

Wednesday, January 31

8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard

Coach & Horses Pub

16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006

Thursdays

10pm - Open Mic w/ Gerald Vanhalteren

Fridays

9:30pm - Karaoke Night w/ DJ. Ross

Wednesdays

7-11pm - Live music

The Cow & Sow Eatery

38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 17
8:30pm - Live on the Line (no cover)

Dobro Restaurant & Bar

287-289 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9645

NOTE

Closed until Tuesday, January 30

Wednesday, January 31

Open stage

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717

Coming Soon

Friday, February 2
9pm - Austin Carson Band w/ Ace and The Kid ($10)

Saturday, March 17
9pm - Northern Soul

Frank's Pasta and Grill

426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727

Fridays

9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ

Saturday, January 27

8pm - Breezeway Band; 11:30pm - DJ McPimpin

Wednesdays

8-11pm - Open Mic

Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Friday, January 26

10pm - DJ Loco Joe

Saturday, January 27

2pm & 10pm - The Wilderness

Wednesday, January 31

8pm - Open mic w/ Rob Foreman and Clayton Yates

Coming Soon

Friday, February 2
10pm - DJ Loco Joe

Saturday, February 3
2pm & 10pm - Marty and the Mojos

The Garnet

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107

Thursday, January 25

5pm - Pints N Politics; 9pm - My Father's Son, Mary-Kate Edwards

Friday, January 26

5pm - Forselli Fridays ft Jill StavelEy

Saturday, January 27

9pm - Belly Flop

Sunday, January 28

8pm - STPS: Keyboards by Justin Million

Tuesday, January 30

8pm - Jazzmania

Wednesday, January 31

8pm - Rose-Erin Stokes ($10)

VIDEO: "Always On My Mind" - Rose-Erin Stokes

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 3
9pm - Matte Leon

Wednesday, February 7
9pm - Evrytt Willow, Little Rapids, Evangeline Gentle ($10 or PWYC0

Golden Wheel Restaurant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Thursday, January 25

7-9pm - Pop Country Line Dancing Lessons w/ Tina O'Rourke (beginner plus to intermediate, $7)

Wednesday, January 31

7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene Maskell ($7 per person, all levels welcome)

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 10
8pm - Rye Street $5 after 8pm, dinner is sold out)

Saturday, March 17
8pm - St. Patrick's Day Party ft House Brand ($20 for dinner at 7pm and music)

Gordon Best Theatre

216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884

Coming Soon

Friday, February 9
9pm - The Sick Things, The Crowleys, The Beef Boys ($10 or PWYC)

Hastings House Restaurant & Bar

27 Front St. W., Hastings
(705) 696-3301

Friday, January 26

8pm - Live Band and Open Mic

Hot Belly Mama's

378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544

Thursday, January 25

8pm - The Quickshifters (PWYC)

Saturday, January 27

1-3pm - Jazz ft Mike Graham on guitar, Christopher Parnis on bass, and Aaron Blewett on drums

Coming Soon

Sunday, February 11
1-4pm - Monthly Jazz Jam hosted by Standard Time Trio (Pete Woolidge, John Climenhage, Craig Paterson)

Junction Nightclub

253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550

Friday, January 26

10pm - Country Night w/ DJ Bill Porter ($5 cover)

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 3
10pm - DJ Snails ($10)

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600

Friday, January 26

8pm - Cale Crowe

Coming Soon

Wednesday, February 7
7-10:30pm - Open mic w/ Tyler Koke

Thursday, February 8
7-11pm - Karaoke w/ Jefrey Danger

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Thursdays

9pm - Live music with Tony Silvestri

Fridays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Saturdays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Sundays

8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon

Mondays

9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green

Tuesdays

9pm - Topper Tuesdays w/ DJ Jake Topper

Wednesdays

9pm - Live music with Kevin Foster

The Mill Restaurant and Pub

990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177

Thursday, January 25

7pm - Don Owen

Coming Soon

Thursday, February 1
7pm - Pop Up Choir

Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio

3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100

Thursday, January 25

Yuk Yuk's Comedy Night

Oasis Bar & Grill

31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634

Thursdays

6:30pm - Live music

Sundays

5:30pm - PHLO

Wednesdays

6:30pm - Live music

Pappas Billiards

407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010

Thursday, January 25

7-10pm - Open Mic

Pastry Peddler

17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333

Friday, January 26

5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Lenni Stewart, Michael Monis & Howard Baer ($45 per person)

Saturday, January 27

5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Lenni Stewart, Michael Monis & Howard Baer ($45 per person)

Publican House Brewery

300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743

Friday, January 26

8-10pm - Danny Bronson

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078

Friday, January 26

9pm - Open mic hosted by Andy McDonald and friends

Saturday, January 27

9pm - Chris Culgin

Red Dog Tavern

189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400

Thursday, January 25

9pm - Hip Hop show ft Kachinga W/ Koto, Koty Kolter and Forest Gumption

Friday, January 26

8pm - Rainbow Romp ft DJ Jeffary Fudge ($5 with all proceeds to RSO)

Tuesday, January 30

10pm - Open mic w/ Matt Diamond

Coming Soon

Friday, February 9
9pm - Jagged & My Affected Reality w/ Present Tense ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20245/)

Saturday, February 10
3-6pm - Max Mouse & the Gorillas Valentines Dance benefit for LAWS ($10 in advance at Moondance, Hank To Hendix, LAWS; $12 at door); 9pm - All Man Brothers Blues Band

Friday, February 16
10pm - Old Man Luedecke ($12 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20184/ or $15 at door)

Saturday, February 17
9pm - Silver Hearts ($10)

Friday, March 9
10pm - My Son the Hurricane w/ Broken Harmony ($10, available at www.ticketscene.ca/events/20198/)

Riley's

257 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 750-1445

Thursdays

Travis Berlinbach

Fridays

Travis Berlinbach

Saturdays

Josh Gontier

Sundays

Josh Gontier

Mondays

Josh Gontier

Tuesdays

Josh Gontier & Cale Gontier

Wednesdays

Guest performers

The Social

295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724

Friday, January 26

Nashville Night hosted by Missy Knott w/ Dean James

Saturday, January 27

Saturday Night Live

Southside Pizzeria

25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120

Fridays

9am-12pm - Open mic ($2);

Sticks Sports Pub

500 George St. S., Peterborough
(705) 775-7845

Friday, January 26

6-10pm - Ace & The Kid

The Trend

110 London St., Peterborough
(705) 750-1265

Thursday, January 25

8-11pm - Trent University Music Society Open Mic

Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant

64 John St., Port Hope
(905) 885-7200

Saturday, January 27

10pm - DownBeat

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 3
9:30pm - Head Case w/ Honey Soul

Saturday, February 17
10pm - Joker

The Venue

286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 24
6pm - Peterborough Humane Society Cat N Canine Cabaret 5th Annual Fur Ball Gala ($100 until December 31, $150 after)

White House Hotel

173 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 741-2444

Friday, January 26

5-9pm - High Waters Band

Saturday, January 27

5-9pm - High Waters Band

Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort

1045 Settlers Line, Keene
(705) 295-4591

Saturday, January 27

3-5pm - Melissa Payne (no cover)

Coming Soon

Saturday, February 3
3-5pm - Fewings and Son (no cover)

Documentary about famous musicians from Peterborough area premieres February 3

By Sam Tweedle -
"The Radius Project", a new music documentary by Michael Hurcomb and Ryan Lalonde, explores the wealth of talent from the radius around Peterborough that went on to national and international fame. The film premieres at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, February 3, 2018.

Everyone who has spent a significant amount of time either in or around the Peterborough music scene has a story about knowing or seeing a famous musician.

Mexican Cheesus presents
The Radius Project

When: Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 8 p.m.
Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
How much: $20 general admission

A second screening of the film! Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.

From watching a young Serena Ryder play guitar in a downtown coffee shop, to that time Neil Young bought a guitar at Ed’s Music, to those people who talk about going to high school with Sebastian Bach — these kind of stories are so common in Peterborough that we don’t really think about it.

For a small city the size of Peterborough, an outstanding number of successful musicians come from the area. This is the inspiration for Michael Hurcomb and Ryan Lalonde’s feature-length film The Radius Project, which makes its debut on Saturday, February 3rd at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough.

As the creative team behind the popular web series “Bandwagon”, Michael and Ryan are shining a spotlight on Peterborough’s incredible success at producing world-famous musicians by painting an intimate portrait of our community’s musical history.

“When we’ve grown up we’ve always had these stories,” Michael says. “We all just knew about them. It’s something we’ve taken for granted in Peterborough because we have all these rock stars walking around. We’ve always had that.”

The Radius Project's producer and audio engineer Ryan Lalonde and producer and director Michael Hurcomb taking a break. (Photo courtesy of Michael Hurcomb)
The Radius Project’s producer and audio engineer Ryan Lalonde and producer and director Michael Hurcomb taking a break. (Photo courtesy of Michael Hurcomb)

Although people who live here are aware of Peterborough’s vibrant music and arts scene, for some reason it seems to slip under the radar of people outside of the Kawarthas. As Michael explains, the origins of The Radius Project came from telling a Toronto-based colleague about Peterborough’s cultural contributions.

“I was coming back from the Bonnaroo Festival and I was with a photographer from Toronto who had heard of Peterborough, but didn’t know anything about it,” he says. “She asked who would she know who came from there, and I started naming off musicians and athletes and actors.

“When I was finished she said ‘You’re kidding, there’s no way that this is true that this many people come from Peterborough.’ She was blown away and said ‘You should get the word out about Peterborough.’ So that morphed into a documentary.”

Successfully crowdfunded in 2015, The Radius Project has been an ongoing passion project for Michael and Ryan. They were able to collect interviews and stories from an impressive group of notable musicians, including Threes Day Grace, Thousand Foot Crutch, The Strumbellas, Royal Wood, Serena Ryder, Hawksley Workman, The Lonely Parade, The Silver Hearts, Ronnie Hawkins, Cross Dog, The Spades, and more.

Peterborough native Greg Wells is a multiple Grammy-nominated musician, songwriter, and record producer based in Los Angeles. He has produced and written with Adele, Keith Urban, Rufus Wainwright, Katy Perry, Weezer, Aerosmith, Burt Bacharach, Celine Dion, Elton John, and many more. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)
Peterborough native Greg Wells is a multiple Grammy-nominated musician, songwriter, and record producer based in Los Angeles. He has produced and written with Adele, Keith Urban, Rufus Wainwright, Katy Perry, Weezer, Aerosmith, Burt Bacharach, Celine Dion, Elton John, and many more. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)

The film also includes interviews with Los Angeles music producer Greg Wells, who has worked with an incredible array of artists including Adele, Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Elton John and Aerosmith, as well as Canadian television personality George Stroumboulopoulos.

“Greg Wells was one of the first people I interviewed,” says Michael. “We thought we had all the answers, but I went to LA and sat down with Greg and then I saw that it was far more.

“We have George Stroumboulopoulos in the film because I wanted to interview someone who knew something about all of these bands. I interviewed George backstage at the Juno Awards and we had fifteen minutes. I probably used fourteen minutes of him talking. He knew so much about these bands and their influence.”

VIDEO: “The Radius Project” Trailer

Michael says one of the difficult things about The Radius Project was just who to include, and which artists to cut from the narrative.

“Ryan and I sent out requests to everybody we could think of, but you can only do interviews with people who respond back to you,” he says. “One of the faults of the documentary is that we can’t fit everyone in.

“At first that seemed like a struggle, but I actually love that about it. By using the people who have had great success, maybe it’ll make people in Peterborough support their music scene even more, or make someone from Victoria BC say ‘I need to go to this town and check it out and see what’s going on’.

“In The Radius Project we use fame as a lamp post to draw attention to Peterborough. I wanted people in Peterborough to know the history of some of these musicians who went on to national success, and that these same people went to the same public schools, and high schools, and ate at the same cafeteria. It makes success accessible. They don’t need to be from New York or LA.”

Norwood native Matt Walst founded My Darkest Days in 2005 while his older brother Brad was the bassist for Three Days Grace, also founded in Norwood in 1997. Matt joined Three Days Grace in 2013 to replace the departing Adam Gontier. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)
Norwood native Matt Walst founded My Darkest Days in 2005 while his older brother Brad was the bassist for Three Days Grace, also founded in Norwood in 1997. Matt joined Three Days Grace in 2013 to replace the departing Adam Gontier. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)

One of the popular questions often thrown out amongst local artists is just what is it about Peterborough that creates this thriving and successful arts community, which seems to go unrecognized by the rest of the world.

“We had hoped to figure that out but we didn’t,” Michael says. “I think it’s better we didn’t figure that out. People keep saying there must be something in the water, or because of it being a university town, or the economy. But there are so many different things about Peterborough. What I think it might be is that we let people try things. We let people succeed and fail and we support them.

“Peterborough is close to Toronto, but we are far enough away not to be affected by it. We’re in a bubble. We’re a lot like Seattle, or some of those other cities with major music scenes like Winnipeg and Edmonton. Cities that can try different things, and see what works and create their own sound individually.”

Trevor McNevan is lead singer/songwriter of Thousand Foot Krutch, a band he founded in Peterborough in 1997. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)
Trevor McNevan is lead singer/songwriter of Thousand Foot Krutch, a band he founded in Peterborough in 1997. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)

“But the interesting thing about Peterborough is that it doesn’t have its own sound,” Michael adds. “We’ve had a lot of success from a lot of different musicians in a lot of different genres at different times, but most of the time they haven’t sounded the same.”

Another interesting phenomenon explored in The Radius Project is that some of these musicians came from outside of Peterborough, but once here they made this area their home base.

“It interests me that people are drawn here,” Michael says. “We have Jason Parsons from USS and Simon Ward from The Strumbellas, we’ve got The Spades and some of The Silver Hearts — people who were drawn here or came for school, people who came here and saw the music scene and they wanted to stay here.”

Ronnie Hawkins, who recently sold his Stoney Lake estate, is a Canadian music icon and his son Robin is a well-known local musician who performs regularly in the Peterborough area. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)
Ronnie Hawkins, who recently sold his Stoney Lake estate, is a Canadian music icon and his son Robin is a well-known local musician who performs regularly in the Peterborough area. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)

Michael looks to legendary musician Ronnie Hawkins, who despite being originally from the United States made his home on Stoney Lake, as an example of this phenomenon.

“Ronnie Hawkins had an influence because he brought people here and he performed here,” Michael points out. “He brought The Band together here, and he had The Hawks and Buzz Thomason and Barry Haggerty playing with him, and then they went on. Then he brought The Weber Brothers here. He’s been a beacon because he attracts people here, and he still lives here.

“I find it interesting, such as in the case of A Thousand Foot Crutch and Three Days Grace, that they live in or around Peterborough. They probably could live anywhere in the world, but their roots are here.”

With a few exceptions, such as Millbrook native Serena Ryder who has become an international superstar, the film is dominated by male musicians. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)
With a few exceptions, such as Millbrook native Serena Ryder who has become an international superstar, the film is dominated by male musicians. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)

One thing Michael says has bothered him about the film is that, with few notable exceptions, the musicians featured in The Radius Project are all male.

“When you look at these bands, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they are predominately male,” he says. “You need to look at it as how it was, but it still bothers me a lot.

“What gives me great joy is that the future is female. You can name more female artists now that are pushing the boundaries in Peterborough. If I made this documentary in ten years as a sequel, I believe that it would be predominately female.”

One of the most important parts of Peterborough’s musical history is its legendary venues, which make up an important part of the narrative of The Radius Project. The music venues, both the ones that are still operational and those long closed, become characters in themselves and are as beloved to Peterborough residents as the musicians who played on their stages.

"The Radius Project" also features some of the music venues in Peterborough, some still operational and some now closed, where now-famous musicians once performed. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)
“The Radius Project” also features some of the music venues in Peterborough, some still operational and some now closed, where now-famous musicians once performed. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)

“We need to draw attention to the venues,” Michael says. “It’s a hard business. We have a section where people talk about the venues they played at and where they remember seeing bands. Not many of the venues on that list are still running.

“People will play no matter what, but we need to focus on those incubators and really just support that scene, because great things happen from it.”

With the premiere of The Radius Project drawing near, I ask Michael what his hopes are for the film once it is presented to an audience, both locally and beyond Peterborough.

“It’s an inspiring story I think,” Michael says. “If kids see this film and say ‘I can do this’, if people playing now see it and realize there is a pathway here, or if it gets out in a way where people get to see it and it attracts them to Peterborough, then that’s great.”

A film that celebrates our city, our music and our success stories, The Radius Project premieres on Saturday, February 3rd at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough.

The documentary is a production of Mexican Cheesus, Michael Hurcomb's video and multimedia production company best known for the "Bandwagon" musician series, which since 2011 has produced more than 60 episodes. Here Ryan Lalonde and Michael Hurcomb film Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond, and Junkhouse. (Photo courtesy of Michael Hurcomb)
The documentary is a production of Mexican Cheesus, Michael Hurcomb’s video and multimedia production company best known for the “Bandwagon” musician series, which since 2011 has produced more than 60 episodes. Here Ryan Lalonde and Michael Hurcomb film Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Lee Harvey Osmond, and Junkhouse. (Photo courtesy of Michael Hurcomb)

The 94-minute film screens at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20 (including fees), available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).

Born in a Storm, a short film produced by Caleb Pedosiuk for The Land Canadian Adventures, will be screened first. The film includes a spoken word perspective by The Land owner Bretton Clarke about his organization’s perspective on the multicultural heritage of the land and the significance of the canoe to connecting with ourselves, with others, and with nature.

AUDIO: CBC Radio Ontario Morning interview with Michael Hurcomb

Michael Hurcomb on CBC Radio Ontario Morning – February 2, 2018

Peterborough filmmaker Michael Hurcomb was interviewed by Wei Chen this morning on CBC Radio Ontario Morning about his and Ryan Lalonde's music documentary "The Radius Project", which premieres on Saturday (February 3) at 8pm at the Market Hall in Peterborough. Listen to the interview below, and read our story at https://kawarthanow.com/2018/01/25/the-radius-project/ Tickets are $20 general admission, available in advance at http://markethall.org or at the door.

Posted by kawarthaNOW.com on Friday, February 2, 2018

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