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Peterborough’s Canada 150 celebrations will extend to July 2

Peterborough is extending its Canada 150 celebrations with a heritage celebration at the Peterborough Museum and Archives and the Peterborough Lift Lock on Sunday, July 2. (Graphic: Peterborough 150)

After three very full days of partying culminating on Canada Day, will Peterborough be willing embrace a hangover of historical proportions?

That’s certainly the hope of Peterborough Museum and Archives administrator Jon Oldham who, with his colleagues at a number of local heritage-related facilities and organizations, has helped organize an ambitious celebration of all things heritage for Sunday, July 2nd atop Armour Hill and near the Liftlock Visitors’ Centre.

The full-day event is the final piece of the Celebrate At Home puzzle — now a four-day celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday featuring a number of music performances, visual art displays, and children’s activities, as well as the annual Peterborough Canada Day Parade and the Multicultural Canada Day event in Del Crary Park.

On Thursday (May 25) at the museum atop Armour Hill off Hunter Street East, Oldham provided an overview of what will be happening July 2nd at both locations, starting at 10 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast provided by the East Peterborough Lions Club.

Until 4 p.m., crafts, games, activities and displays will abound with military re-enactments by members of the drill teams of Norwood District and East Northumberland high schools. As well, representatives of Lang Pioneer Village and Hutchison House, dressed in period costumes, will interact with the public.

And, in keeping with the decidedly musical theme of the entire Celebrate At Home celebration, there will be live performances by Mayhemingways, Dan Fewings, Steafan and Saskia, and The Paddling Puppeteers — Glen Caradus and Phil Stephenson, the latter of whom entertained at Thursday’s announcement, performing Jolly Roving Tor.

VIDEO: Peterborough 150 Heritage Day Announcement

In addition, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides provided by High View Farm Commercial Horses, as well as guided tours in a Voyageur canoes and free cruises to the top of the Peterborough Liftlock for a unique view of Peterborough — courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum and Liftlock Cruise Lines.

Speaking on behalf of museum staff and volunteers, Oldham said “We love here, we live here, we work here. We’re not here because there’s a museum here. We’re here because of Peterborough. Being able to contemplate that and share it is a tremendous privilege.”

The museum, noted Oldham, will open its collection storage area to the public.

“It’s an opportunity to share all of our historical artifacts instead of just the one per cent (of the collection) that is on display at any given time,” he said.

And on July 1st, the museum will open a new exhibition titled “Made In Canada — Really!”

Continuing until October 1, the museum-produced exhibition will feature dozens of artifacts that were made in Canada. Oldham explains:

“There are going to be artifacts that nobody is going to be surprised that are there, from GE and Quaker Oats, but there’s a lot of industries that operated in Peterborough that produced items that we might recognize but didn’t realize were made in Canada let alone in Peterborough. People will learn a few things. You always learn something new at the museum.”

Saying “We’re always blessed by seeing new people”, Oldham is excited over the prospect of the day’s activities bringing a number of first-time visitors to the museum, which, along with Lang Pioneer Village, is celebrating its 50th birthday this year.

“We’re not tourists in our own town as often as we’d like to be until family and friends come visit,” he said.

To make travel between the two sites less stressful, a free shuttle bus service will operate between the museum, the Liftlock Visitors’ Centre and nearby King George Public School at Armour Road and Hunter Street East where additional parking space will be available.

For more information and updates regarding Peterborough’s Canada 150th celebration schedule, visit www.peterborough.ca/ptbo150 or www.facebook.com/PTBO150.

Trent-Severn Waterway only partially open for season on May 26

To ensure boater safety and reduce erosion, Parks Canada is opening the Trent-Severn Waterway in stages. Only locks 28 to 42, between Burleigh Falls and Couchiching, will be open for boat navigation as of Friday, May 26. (Photo: Parks Canada)

The Trent-Severn Waterway will open for the 2017 navigation season on Friday, May 26th — but only part of it.

As of May 26, lock stations between Burleigh Falls (Lock 28) and Couchiching (Lock 42) will be open to boat traffic. All other lock stations will remain closed (except for land-based visitation).

Increased precipitation last weekend coupled with recent rainfall means Parks Canada needs additional time to reduce water levels and flows to ensure safe boating conditions across the system.

Parks Canada will open the remainder of the Trent-Severn Waterway in stages, opening individual lock stations to boat navigation as it is safe to do so.

Parks Canada advises it will provide daily updates on the status of the lock stations. As of May 27, the following lock stations are open and closed:

Status of lock stations on the Trent-Severn Waterway
Status of lock stations on the Trent-Severn Waterway

The staged opening will protect boater safety and help to prevent further shoreline erosion and property damage experienced by local residents and businesses.

Parks Canada encourages all visitors to always exercise caution around water, but especially now with water flows less predictable and stable than during regular navigation season.

To keep up to date on the status of the lock stations, visit the Parks Canada Trent-Severn Waterway website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes to help women and children fleeing abuse

There's still time to register for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, or to pledge your support to an individual participant or team, before the event takes place on Friday, May 26. (Photo: YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)

It’s not too late to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, taking place at noon tomorrow (May 26) at Confederation Park across from Peterborough City Hall.

You can still register as a participant for the annual event, in support of local women and children fleeing abuse, or make a pledge to one of the 218 individual walkers or 38 teams currently registered. To do so, visit www.walkamilepeterborough.com.

Participants will walk in red high heels in a show of support for women and children escaping abuse in our community. As in previous years, the walkers will depart from Confederation Park, travel down George Street to King Street, and then up Water Street to return to Confederation Park.

During the annual fundraiser for YWCA Crossroads Shelter, hundreds of people don red high heels and "walk a mile" through downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
During the annual fundraiser for YWCA Crossroads Shelter, hundreds of people don red high heels and “walk a mile” through downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)

Registration (mandatory for all participants) opens at 11 a.m. on Friday at Confederation Park, with the walk beginning at 12 p.m. Heels will be available for participants following registration on a first-come first-served basis (you can also wear your own heels or, if you unable to wear heels, wear shoes you feel comfortable in).

Immediately following the walk, participants, sponsors, and volunteers are invited to stay for a free lunch supplied by food sponsors Boston Pizza, Primal Cuts, Amusé Coffee Co., and Central Smith Creamery.

All funds raised at Walk a Mile in Her Shoes support YWCA services, like the 10,000 Safe Nights that Crossroads Shelter provides annually. Participants in this year’s walk have raised a minimum of one Safe Night — $45.96 — to take part.

Monika Carmichael and her team at Trent Valley Honda have made a donation equal to 326 Safe Nights at YWCA Crossroads Shelter. (Photo: YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)
Monika Carmichael and her team at Trent Valley Honda have made a donation equal to 326 Safe Nights at YWCA Crossroads Shelter. (Photo: YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)

The lead sponsor for this year’s fundraiser is Trent Valley Honda. Owner Monika Carmichael and her team are making a Walk a Mile in Her Shoes donation equal to 326 Safe Nights at YWCA Crossroads Shelter. Other sponsors include Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre, GM Financial, CIBC, Collins Barrow, and many more.

The YWCA’s fundraising goal for this year is $137,880 — equivalent to 3,000 Safe Nights — and participants have raised a total of $101,710.48 (2,213 Safe Nights) so far.

You can help the YWCA reach its goal by supporting a walker or team at www.walkamilepeterborough.com. You can also make a donation directly to the YWCA at www.ywcapeterborough.org.

VIDEO: My Peterborough – YWCA Walk A Mile in Her Shoes

nightlifeNOW – May 25 to 31

Montreal-based alt-country singer Bobby Dove, whose 2016 debut album "Thunderchild" was produced in Peterborough by James McKenty, performs at The Arlington in Maynooth on Saturday May 27 and at The Garnet in downtown Peterborough (accompanied by Bobby Watson) on Monday, May 29. (Publicity photo)

Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, May 25 to Wednesday, May 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

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

Friday, May 26

10pm - Project Friday

Saturday, May 27

10pm - Big Club Night

Arlington Pub

32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080

Saturday, May 27

9pm - Bobby Dove ($10)

VIDEO: "Welcome to the Real World Again" - Bobby Dove

Coming Soon

Friday, June 2
8pm - Open mic

Saturday, June 3
8pn - Anything Goes Cafe (open mic style cabaret)

Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub

4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450

Tuesdays

7:30pm - Trivia Tuesdays

Coming Soon

Friday, June 2
9pm - Kelly Burrows

Friday, June 16
9pm - Dean James

Black Horse Pub

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

Thursday, May 25

7:30pm - Jazz and Blues Night ft Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, May 26

5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Four Lanes Wide

Saturday, May 27

5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Northern Soul

Sunday, May 28

3pm - The Bucklebusters

Monday, May 29

7pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie

Tuesday, May 30

7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 1
7:30pm - Jazz and Blues Night ft Marsala Lukianchuk and the Rob Phillips Trio

Friday, June 2
5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Dean James

Saturday, June 3
5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - House Brand

Sunday, June 4
3pm - Bluegrass Menagerie

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 Cobourg

38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029

Coming Soon

Friday, June 2
9pm - Urban Rednecks

Catalina's

131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-5972

Saturday, May 27

8-11pm - Girls Rock! Karaoke fundraiser for RC4G Peterborough ($5 or PWYC)

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 3
7:30pm - Deborah Kimmett presents "The Year of the Suddenly" ($25)

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

Friday, May 26

7-11pm - Tami J. Wilde

Saturday, May 27

7-11pm - Wiley Harold

The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse

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

Thursday, May 25

9pm - Patrick Maloney w/ Ray on The Radio

Friday, May 26

9pm - Chris Culgin

Saturday, May 27

9pm - Andy Griffiths

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 10
8:30pm - Comedy Night ft Michael Moses and Eric Johnston ($20)

Dobro Restaurant & Bar

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

Thursday, May 25

10pm - Live music (TBA)

Friday, May 26

10pm - Live music (TBA)

Saturday, May 27

10pm - High Waters Band (no cover)

Wednesdays

Open stage

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Coming Soon

Friday, June 8
7:30pm - Farmer the Band (by donation)

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, May 27

10pm - Jesse Slack

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

Saturday, May 27

8:30pm - White Stevee; 11:30pm - DJ

Sundays

4-8pm - Kid's Karaoke hosted by Nelson Denis

Tuesdays

7pm & 8pm - Salsa Classes beginners & intermediate ($10/lesson)

Wednesdays

8-11pm - Open Mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 3
5pm - 5 Year Anniversary Celebration ft Mike & Hailiah (5pm), Shaun Savoy & The Spirits (8:30pm) and DJ (11:30pm)

Ganaraska Hotel

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

Friday, May 26

10pm - Jimmy Bowskill, Clayton Yates & friends

Saturday, May 27

2-5pm & 10pm - Brave & Crazy

Wednesdays

8pm - Open mic w/ host Marty Hepburn

Coming Soon

Friday, May 26
10pm - Quickshifters

Saturday, May 27
2-5pm & 10pm - Quickshifters

The Garnet

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

Thursday, May 25

10pm - Gentlemen Of The Woods w/ David Turpin from Cellar Door

Friday, May 26

5-7pm - Chester Babcock; 10pm - Sean Conway and Postmodern Cowboys

Saturday, May 27

9pm - The Corporate Life "Chimercury" CD Release & Punk Show w/ Antixx, Pilcro, Cigar Hurt Babies, Wayne Kennedy ($5 / $10 for admission w/ CD)

Monday, May 29

8:30pm - Bobby Dove ft Bobby Watson ($5-10 or PWYC)

VIDEO: "Dovetales" - Bobby Dove

Tuesday, May 30

8-10pm - Jazzmania; 10pm - Moonfruits, Georgian Bay

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 1
10pm - Tarantuela ($10)

Thursday, June 8
9pm - David Essig

Tuesday, June 13
9pm - Black Cloud w/ Olias, Paulabulus ($8-10 or PWYC)

George & Orange Taproom & Kitchen

67 Orange St., Cobourg
(289) 252-0227

Thursdays

8-11pm - Open mic

Golden Wheel Resaturant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Thursday, May 25

8-10pm - Open mic hosted by Freda Burke & Brian Tisdale

Friday, May 26

9pm - Jesse Slack ($7)

Wednesdays

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

Coming Soon

Friday, June 2
9pm - Jade Eagleson Band ($7)

Gordon Best Theatre

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

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 8 - Saturday, June 10
8pm - Art for Awarness presents "Ordinary Days"

Hot Belly Mama's

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

Thursday, May 25

8pm - The Quickshifters (PWYC)

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 1
8pm - The Quickshifters (PWYC)

Junction Nightclub

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

Thursday, May 25

10pm - Weekend Warmup (downstairs pool room) w/ live DJs

Friday, May 26

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

Saturday, May 27

10pm - Pure Saturdays

Kawartha Coffee Co.

49 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500

Saturday, May 27

5:30pm - Pat Maloney; 7pm - Karaoke w/ host Kelly Burrows

The Lounge by Lignum

442 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9463

Friday, May 26

7-9pm - Frederico Pontani and Pete Woolidge

Saturday, May 27

7-9pm - Mike Graham

Wednesdays

8-11pm - Michael Bell

Coming Soon

Friday, June 2
7-9pm - Robert Atyeo

Saturday, June 3
7-9pm - Frederico Pontani and Pete Woolidge

Marley's Bar & Grill

17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545

Friday, May 26

6-9pm - Patrick Maloney

Saturday, May 27

6-9pm - Andrew Vatcher and Adam Tario

Coming Soon

Friday, June 2
6-9pm - Chris Culgin

Saturday, June 3
6-9pm - Kayla Howran and Dylan Ireland

McThirsty's Pint

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

Thursdays

10pm - Jan Schoute

Fridays

10pm - Brian Haddlesey

Saturdays

10pm - Brian Haddlesey

Mondays

10pm - Trivia Night

Tuesdays

9pm - Topper Tuesdays w/ DJ Jake Topper

Wednesdays

9pm - Cody Watkins

Coming Soon

Saturday, June 10
Great Hoppy Bash ft music by Greg Cave (6-10pm) and Brian Haddlesey (10pm-2am)

The Mill Restaurant and Pub

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

Thursday, May 25

7pm - Cindy McCredie & Scott Maybee

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 1
7pm - Lotus Wight

Muddy's Pit BBQ

3247 County Rd. 2, Keene
(705) 295-1255

Sunday, May 28

3-6pm - Mayhemingways

Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio

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

Thursday, May 25

8pm - David Evans Trio

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, May 25

7-10pm - Open Mic

Pastry Peddler

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

Friday, May 26

5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Michael Monis & Kirk Lossell ($45 per person)

Saturday, May 27

5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Michael Monis & Kirk Lossell ($45 per person)

Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue

6675 Highway 35, Coboconk
(705) 454-8100

Coming Soon

Saturday, July 1
9pm - The Tonemasters

Red Dog Tavern

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

Thursday, May 25

CANCELLED (to be rescheduled) - 10pm - Chastity

Friday, May 26

9pm - SeekWhence Fridaze DNB/Jungle ft DJs Taktikill, Dave illeagle, Dirty McQueen, Johnny B Good, DJ Frost, MCS, Blak Majik

Saturday, May 27

10pm - Rainbow Romp ft DJ Mike Lee ($5)

Sunday, May 28

2pm - Sonic Sundays ft Matte Black, Ricky Scatman, Teebs, rhij, Oblique

Coming Soon

Friday, June 2
9pm - Nordia Peterborough Dragon boat Concert Fundraiser ($10 or 2 for $15)

Saturday, June 3
9pm - The Weber Brothers ($20)

Thursday, June 8
10pm - Spencer Burton ($5, available at www.ticketscene.ca/events/18114/)

Friday, June 9
Leeroy Stagger

Saturday, June 10
10pm - Scott Helman ($15, available at /www.ticketscene.ca/events/18070/)

Friday, June 16
The Lazys

Monday, June 19
Dayglo Abortion ($15, available at www.ticketscene.ca/events/18279/)

Sapphire Room

137 Hunter St., Peterborough
(705) 749-0409

Coming Soon

Friday, June 2
8pm - Max's Cabaret

Shots

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

Thursday, May 25

3-6pm: RC4G Rock Block Social Jam; 8pm - Peterborough Poetry Slam

Friday, May 26

9pn - Low Dérive, The Costanzas, Coach Bombay, The Corporate Life, Seyton ($6)

Saturday, May 28

National Drone Day (experimental/ambient music)

Monday, May 29

Jackson Creek Press Book Launch Party

Tuesday, May 30

Jazz w/ Carpe Noctem.

Wednesday, May 31

9pm - Monteith, No Pussyfooting, Onionface.

Coming Soon

Thursday, June 1
Nick Procyshyn & The Bad Milk w/ Junior Felix

Saturday, June 3
9pm - The Woodshed Orchestra & Stacey Green Jumps ($8-10)

Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, July 1
2-5pm - Canada Day ft Garage Dog

The Venue

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

Friday, May 26

A Phantom Returns ft Peter Karre fundraiser for StageCoach Peterborough ($25 or $100 VIP Ticket, available at www.peterkarrieusa.com/peterborough)

Tuesday, May 30

12-1pm - Experience Next Level Entrepreneurs

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

Coming Soon

Tuesday, June 6
7:30pm - Tuned Up Tuesdays ft Mayhemingways (no cover)

Celebrate our local trails on International Trails Day

A group of cyclists gather at the Lakefield Trailhead just outside of Lakefield, after riding from Peterborough along the trail during a recent group tour. International Trails Day offers several opportunities to celebrate our local trails with guided or self-led events on foot or bicycle, on June 2nd and 3rd. (Photo: Jaime Akiyama)

The region we live, work, and play in is rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation and alternative transportation routes.

Saturday, June 3 is International Trails Day, and communities throughout the region are encouraging residents to walk, run, hike, and cycle the well-developed trail systems that Peterborough City and County have to offer.

International Trails Day recognizes that trails connect communities and celebrates the healthy lifestyle they encourage. Trails not only offer endless opportunities for recreation and exercise in nature, they also provide urban routes for those who want to limit their use of motor vehicles but who may not feel fully comfortable cycling on the roads.

There are a variety of trail systems to use within the city, including the Parkway Trail, the Rotary Greenway Trail, the Willowcreek Trail, and the Crawford Rail Trail, which offer paved routes throughout the city. Many city trails are well documented on the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Trails and Bikeways Map.

The Trans Canada Trail, also known as The Great Trail, also runs through the city and beyond, offering a rural route westward towards Lindsay and Omemee, and eastward towards Hastings. Users will pass right through GreenUP Ecology Park while traversing the urban section of the trail.

Recently, the Trans Canada Trail has been extended past Lansdowne and Ashburnham with another 1.8kms of trail that were added to offer a mostly paved trail extending from Lansdowne Street south of Technology Drive, to Old Keene Road.

Rural trails composed of smooth crushed limestone are well maintained and offer routes that extend beyond the city’s borders.

VIDEO: Experience Cycling in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, Ontario, Canada

When you are out on the trails on your bike this season, following a few simple trail safety and etiquette rules will go a long way to making sure the experience on the trails is enjoyable for all trail users.

First, watch your speed. You are sharing the trail with all types of trail users. Some may be taking the dog for a walk, while others are out on their daily run. Families are often out enjoying a stroll after supper. Ensuring that you are traveling at a safe speed for maneuvering and stopping will help all trail users, including yourself, to feel more at ease on the trails.

Next, travel on the right and pass on the left. Newer multi-use paths in the city have a dashed line that indicates which side of the trail to travel on, but it is best practice to use this rule on all trails both in and out of town.

Last, communicate with other trail users. Use your bell to signal to other trail users that you are approaching, and call out, “Passing on your left!” to let others know what you are about to do. Of course, if they don’t appear to hear you, slow right down and try calling out again.)

On Saturday, June 3rd, grab your bike or hikers and meet us on the city trails. GreenUP will be set up on the Rotary Greenway Trail at the Hunter Street East crossing between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to celebrate International Trails Day. Win prizes and test your knowledge of proper trail etiquette, rules, and safety by playing Trail Trivia. You can also grab a copy of Peterborough’s multi-use trails map and help you plan a trip with scenic routes, ice cream stops, or a patio to relax and rehydrate.

There are several more events planned in celebration of our local trails. Otonabee Conservation is leading annual International Trails Day festivities with fun guided and self-led outdoor activities. Lace up your running shoes or hop on your bike to check out a new, or your favourite route in the area!

On Friday, June 2nd, the Selwyn Trails Advisory Committee and Township of Selwyn is hosting a kickoff of the Ennismore Heritage Trail with scavenger hunt, Geocaching, a bonfire, and refreshments. Meet at the Ennismore Waterfront Park at 6 p.m.

Many other activities are planned for Saturday, June 3rd. Beginning at 10 a.m., Otonabee Conservation is offering trail rides, bike demos, and exhibitors at Harold Town Conservation Area. This event promises fun for the entire family.

The Lakefield Trail Committee and Township of Selwyn have also organized a guided spring nature hike along the Lakefield Trail to discover the sights and sounds of nature. Those interested are asked to meet at the Marshlands Centre in Lakefield at 10 a.m.

Likewise, the County of Peterborough is encouraging visitors to walk or cycle along the scenic River Road Trail with other participants between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Meet with the Millbrook Valley Trails Committee for a guided interpretive hike of the new Meadow Trail Extension at 11 a.m.. The hike will commence from the MNR ponds parking lot on 4th Line, just west of the 4th Line Theatre.

Frequenting trails encourages us to consider other ways of spending our leisure time, perhaps taking up a new sport or activity that can be enjoyed on these routes. In doing so, you’ll be able to socialize with other trail users, benefit from spending time in nature, and can knock off some time you might otherwise spend inside a gym by instead, getting your exercise outdoors.

For more information about International Trails Day activities and a full list of events, visit the Otonabee Conservation website at otonabee.com. Happy Trails!

Peterborough tech startup Ribbet is expanding

Ribbet co-founders Sana Virji and Ribat Chowdhury posing with entrepreneur Johnny Earle, founder of Johnny Cupcakes, during Earle's 2016 visit to Peterborough. (Photo: Innovation Cluster)

Local tech startup Ribbet is growing, after receiving a significant amount of angel investment to move to the next phase of development.

The company, founded by recent Trent University graduates Sana Virji and Ribat Chowdhury, has developed a loyalty app that changes the way people discover and interact with local businesses. The free app is available for Android and iOS devices.

Ribbet is expanding after receiving a significant round of angel investment from the Peterborough Region Angel Network, as well as from investors in the Toronto area.

The company has already hired a back end developer and is now seeking a front end developer, a communications and marketing specialist, and a sales team for planned expansion outside of the Peterborough region.

“We are excited to grow Ribbet in Peterborough where the beta version of our app was first launched and tested,” Virji says. “It’s been one and a half years and we can’t wait to expand our team.”

If you are interested in working with Ribbet, email sana@ribbet.ca or ribat@ribbet.ca for more information.

Ribbet is based out of the The Cube in the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough, the business incubator operated by Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas.

The tech sector makes up 6.2 per cent of the jobs in Ontario and was responsible for $117 billion of Canada’s economic output in 2015. Through initiatives like The Cube, Peterborough is taking steps to attract and retain young tech entrepreneurs — and the jobs they create — in the local community.

What’s new from the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism – May 24, 2017

The Lakefield Farmers' Market opens for the season on Thursday, May 25th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be activities including a pinata to break open the new season and cupcakes to celebrate. (Photo: Lakefield Farmers' Market / Facebook)


Chamber Members to Discuss Hiring Tips – Thursday, May 25th

Last chance to register

Join the Chamber on Thursday morning (May 25th) as Matthew Savino of Savino Human Resources Partners speaks with a panel of Chamber members to discuss tips and best practices for human resources and hiring.

Panelists include:

  • Krista Morgan, Beachwood Resort & Frederick’s Restaurant, Discussing the Hospitality Industry
  • Mike Walker, Agilec, Discussing Grants and Employment Resources
  • Scott Wootton, Kawartha Lakes Construction, Discussing Trades Industry

The B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Offering Solutions) workshop is being held at the Lakefield Legion on Thursday, May 25th. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the program runs from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Cost is $15 for members, and $25 for future members. A hot breakfast will be provided. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 705-652-6963.

Register now!.

The next B.O.S.S seminar takes place on May 25 at the Lakefield Legion
The next B.O.S.S seminar takes place on May 25 at the Lakefield Legion

 

Awards of Excellence Gala Committee

Time to begin planning this year’s Awards of Excellence Gala. Interested in helping out? The Committee expects to meet once or twice before summer and two or three times in the fall.

Contact the Chamber office at info@kawarthachamber.ca or 705-652-6963 if you can contribute some time.

The Chamber is looking for help planning this year's Awards of Excellence Gala
The Chamber is looking for help planning this year’s Awards of Excellence Gala

 

Is Rural Education Important to You?

Voice your opinion on Ontario’s Rural Education Strategy. Complete an online short survey or, if you have more time, read the Discussion Paper and submit your answers to the questions throughout the Paper (or other ideas) via email. Closing date for both is Friday, June 9th.

The Survey and Discussion Paper can be accessed here. Scroll down on that page for a link to the email address if you wish to send more in-depth comments.

 

Ontario Helping Businesses Save Time and Money

Province to Introduce Measures to Help Small Businesses and New Legislation to Cut Unnecessary Red Tape

Ontario is working to make it easier for businesses to grow and create more jobs.

These proposed changes support Ontario’s five-year, $650-million Business Growth Initiative that is helping to grow the economy and create jobs by promoting an innovation-based economy, helping small companies scale-up and modernizing regulations for businesses.

Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business said, “Small businesses are critical for vibrant main streets across Ontario. These business owners contribute by creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Supporting these business owners by streamlining their dealings with the province and providing new opportunities for growth will help Ontario prosper.”

Read more.

 

OCC’s Statement Regarding Announcement on Burden Reduction for Small Business

We are very encouraged by the province’s announcement on burden reduction. Cutting red tape for business has been a key component of our advocacy work and we are pleased to see government make meaningful change to reduce the regulatory burden on small business.

The one-window service concept will help save businesses time and money. This approach is something the OCC advocated for in our report Obstacles and Opportunities, which was the culmination of our work during the Small Business Too Big to Ignore campaign. The small business procurement policy is also very encouraging, and we ask the government to consider how they can expand this opportunity for small businesses across the province.

Read more.

 

Make Your Voice Heard! OCC Spring Survey

Complete the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) annual spring survey. This is an easy way to make your voice heard. Your survey responses directly impact the work of the OCC and directly impact what government understands about Ontario’s businesses and economy.

Help the OCC advocate for you, it will only take five minutes! Take the OCC’s Spring Survey at www.occ.ca/surveys

 

5 Minutes for Business: Fast and Furious – Negotiating NAFTA

Now that the Trump administration has notified Congress that it plans to renegotiate NAFTA, Hendrik Brakel, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of Economic, Financial, and Tax Policy, considers what will happen over the 90-day consultation period and whether it’s possible to renegotiate NAFTA within the next 18 months.

Canada, Mexico and the U.S. want NAFTA 2.0 wrapped up right away. Read this edition of 5 Minutes for Business to find out if Hendrik believes politics will get in the way of negotiating a better, modern deal that will benefit Canadian businesses.

 

Marketpalooza Opening Day!

The Lakefield Farmers' Market runs every Thursday until October in the parking lot of the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, next to Isobel Morris Park.
The Lakefield Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday until October in the parking lot of the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, next to Isobel Morris Park.

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market is back for its 7th season on Thursday, May 25th! There will be activities including a pinata to break open the new season and cupcakes to celebrate. Bring the kids, the family, the friends, the dogs. All are welcome!

There will be great meat and produce, food and drink, and handmade products all brought to you by local vendors. Lakefield Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday until October starting May 25th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

 

Tour Savage Arms Canada in Support of United Way

Savage Arms is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Rimfire rifles, delivering innovative products for more than 100 years!

Tours of Savage Arms in Lakefield are taking place on Saturday, June 17th in support of United Way. Tours begin at 8 a.m., and will leave approximately every five minutes, with the final tour beginning at 3 p.m. Tour length is approximately one hour.

Tickets are available at the Kawartha Chamber office, 12 Queen Street in Lakefield, under the town clock. Tickets are $10 each, and available until June 14th. Full names and citizenship required for ITAR compliance.

 

2017 Peterborough County Recognition Award Winners Announced

Peterborough County Council announced the 2017 Recognition Award Recipients at its regular council meeting on Wednesday, May 17th.

Congratulations to the following Chamber members who are award recipients:

Accessibility Recognition (one award county-wide)

  • Savage Arms Canada Inc.

Business Leadership/Entrepreneurial Innovation (one award per municipality)

  • North Kawartha: Woodview General Store – Ron Warburton
  • Selwyn: Young’s Point Personal Training and 24 Hour Gym – Dan and Diane Caldwell
  • Trent Lakes: Style Your Nest – Jamie Stephenson

A Special Award will also be presented to the LDISS’ Open Committee Volunteers. Kawartha Chamber Board, staff, and members were actively involved on this committee. Congratulations!

Awards will be presented on Friday, May 26th at the North Kawartha Community Centre in Apsley. Click here for a full list of Award Recipients.

 

3rd Annual All-Ways Apsley Motorcycle Rendezvous Set For June 3rd

The annual All-Ways Apsley Motorcycle Rendezvous taks place on Saturday, June 3rd
The annual All-Ways Apsley Motorcycle Rendezvous taks place on Saturday, June 3rd

Riders from all over the province come to the All-Ways Apsley Motorcycle Rendezvous to mingle, enjoy great food, and participate in games and contests. The annual event takes place on Saturday, June 3rd at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NHCC) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

A guided tour begins and ends at the NHCC from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. Jason Thorne, free-style motocross rider, will be on hand throughout the day with shows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Open to all ages and admission is free!

 

Upcoming Events

  • Golf Fore Care in support of Community Care on May 27th
  • Selwyn Public Library Book Sale – Ennismore on May 27th
  • Buckhorn Community Centre Annual Golf Tournament on June 1st
  • Lakefield Lobsterfest & Show on June 3rd (for ticket information, contact Nora at 705-652-8242)
  • Gallery on the Lake Opening Reception & Meet the Artists with Sheila Davis & Wendy Bermingham on June 4th
  • Lakefield Fairy & Dragon Festival on June 10th

 

For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.

All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.

Celebrate costume designer Howard Berry’s passion for colour this weekend

A retrospective of the work of Howard Berry, the man behind the costume designs featured in many of the Peterborough Theatre Guild's most successful shows like Cats, is taking place at The Mount Community Centre along with a series of special events from May 26 to May 28, with proceeds going to support The Mount. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)

For almost 40 years, Howard Berry has been one of the most prolific members of the Peterborough Theatre Guild as the man behind the costume designs featured in many of the company’s most successful shows.

With a lifelong love for design and colour, a celebration of Howard’s costume work at the Guild — as well as his work a fashion designer and painter — is being featured at The Mount Community Centre this weekend in a three-day event titled “Howard Berry’s Passion for Colour: A Design Retrospective”.

“Colour has always been my only vital energy of life,” Howard says. “I was just born this crazy creative person. My mother would say that by three years of age, if she went and changed and put something on and came out and I didn’t like something, I’d scream and push. She thought it was the colour. She’d go and change and I’d be fine. By three or four, she’d take me shopping for clothes because it’d save a lot of angst.”

Howard Berry with some of the many costumes he has designed for the Peterborough Theatre Guild. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
Howard Berry with some of the many costumes he has designed for the Peterborough Theatre Guild. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)

Featuring 26 of Howard’s most memorable costumes from the Peterborough Theatre Guild, 22 original paintings, original custom clothes designed privately by Howard, photo displays, Powerpoint presentations and more, Howard Berry’s Passion for Colour is a multimedia display that highlights the many aspects of Howard’s long career in design. Along with special events being held nightly and general viewing during the day, proceeds from the show are going to the Mount.

“Jane Werger called me in April of last year and said that she had considered doing an event,” Howard explains. “She said that the Theatre Guild had just had their 50th anniversary and she didn’t understand why they didn’t do anything to include the costumes I’ve designed for nearly forty years. That was fine by me because it’s not my style. I don’t like going around and tooting any horns. I like to stay quietly in the background and let the stuff I do be out front.

“But finally we agreed to do something, and she and I went to a couple of venues to see about holding something, and they were either not interested or the space was not appropriate. So suddenly The Mount came into our mind, and it was perfect. So I said ‘Why don’t we do a fundraiser for the Mount?’ So this became the project.”

Howard explains his eye for design and fashion started at a very early age.

“All my life I’ve been interested in design,” he says. “My father bought me my first sewing machine at the age of five. It was a little hand-cranked one. By age eight, I had a regular Singer machine and was making clothes for my mother and my sister.”

While Howard Berry has been designing costumes for the Peterborough Theatre Guild for almost 40 years, his passion for fashion design started at a very young age. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
While Howard Berry has been designing costumes for the Peterborough Theatre Guild for almost 40 years, his passion for fashion design started at a very young age. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)

However, when Howard went to pursue fashion design as a student in the mid 1950s, he hit a bizarre stumbling block.

“When I was in high school, the school arranged for me to go to Ryerson to be interviewed to enroll in their design program,” Howard recalls. “When I got there, the woman at Ryerson said ‘Oh, you’re a man! We can’t have a man in the course. There are no men designers.’ I said ‘Who’s Christian Dior?’ She said ‘Well, that’s Europe. We don’t have men designers here.’

“So I had traveled by bus from Huntsville to Toronto all by myself for nothing. But I remembered that there were plenty of designers on Bloor Street. So I walked up to Bloor Street and went into a place owned by a designer named Ritchie Mosher and told him what had happened. Ritchie said ‘Oh, give me a break! You don’t want to go there — what you want to do is go to Galasso.'”

Howard signed up for a three-year course with the prestigious private design school run by Toronto-based designer Galasso, where Howard honed his talents. Howard wasn’t the only man under Galasso’s training, who took in 10 students a year. But upon graduating, Howard had some more choices to make.

“Having graduated, my father gave me a choice,” Howard recalls. “He said he’d send me to Paris to work as an apprentice and pay my way, or he’d set me up in a shop. So when you’re young and think you’re smart, I wondered why I’d need to go to Paris. So we opened a shop in Toronto on Avenue Road and we lasted about three years.

“So that has been my career all my life. All my life, I’ve done custom-made ladies clothing.”

Although Howard as worked at many jobs throughout his life, he has always returned to fashion as his main calling. Not only did he operate a shop in Toronto, but also one in St. Catherines where he was involved in designing costumes for the early days of the Shaw Festival. Upon relocating to Peterborough in the 1970s, Howard quickly found his way to the Peterborough Theatre Guild designing costumes for a production of Oliver!.

“They must have realized I was something crazy,” Howard says. “On opening night of Oliver, they didn’t like one of the costumes from the rehearsal. So I ran up to wardrobe and grabbed something, and then I was downstairs on the floor, cutting the hem and cutting the neck and completely redoing the costume before they went on stage.”

With his costumes spanning decades at the Guild, the costume rooms at the theatre are filled with Howard’s designs. Often the dresses will be recycled and rented for different productions. However, Howard can remember what show each dress was for, and often exactly who wore the costume.

“I love the period shows, like A Doll’s House and The Heiress and shows like that,” Howard says. “I love researching the period and trying to accomplish that. Fabrics that were used then are not the fabrics that are used now. So you need to come up with a fabric that looks right. Sometimes I have to dye the costumes in a laundry tub to get the colour I want.

“But I also must say I love the big crazy musicals. The Mikado was spectacular to do. La Cage aux Folles was a designer’s dream for colour. We have a team of ladies at the Guild who always sew with me when we do a show. We take over the upstairs, and it took ten ladies each one month to make each individual robe for La Cage aux Folles. That was a very exciting time.”

But possibly one of Howard’s most outstanding productions was in 2015 when he took on both costumes and set design for the Guild’s outstanding production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats.

The weekend of events includes a tribute to Cats on Saturday, May 27th, with members of the original cast donning their original costumes designed by Howard Berry.  (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
The weekend of events includes a tribute to Cats on Saturday, May 27th, with members of the original cast donning their original costumes designed by Howard Berry. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)

“Cats was a whole other story,” Howard recalls. “It was a biggie. I did sets and costumes for that. But the thing was that, for Cats, you didn’t just make a costume. A cat’s head matches its body, so I worked with Carol Jones who was in charge of makeup at the time, and we went through catalogues to order wigs that would be the right colour to match the makeup and costume.

“Then I had a friend come in who styled each wig to get the character of each cat. Then when it came to the makeup, we had to match that in the face. So we had to make the costume to match everything else. That was a lot of fun. We had a huge team of workers on that. We had twelve ladies doing costumes, and another eight ladies doing hair and makeup every night.”

All the events for “Howard Berry’s Passion for Colour: A Design Retrospective” take place at The Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough). Tickets for the special events are available online (links provided below) or at Happenstance Books & Yarn (44 Queen St., Lakefield, 705-652-7535), Fabricland (1154 Chemong Rd., Peterborough, 705-748-4985), Grainger’s Cleaners (885 Lansdowne St W., Peterborough, 705-742-3831), and Brant Basics (296 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-2291).

First, on Friday, May 26th, there will be a Wine and Chocolate tasting event featuring musical performances by Warren Chambers and Rick Hiltz. The event takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with five pairings served every 15 minutes. Tickets are $20, available online or at one of the ticket locations listed above.

On Saturday, May 27th, there will be a tribute to Cats in the Mount auditorium with members of the original cast donning their original costumes and wigs and entertaining attendees from 7:30 until 9:30 p.m. The event costs $20 and will have food and drink samples provided by The Publican House and SKH Catering. Tickets are $20, available online or at one of the ticket locations listed above.

On Sunday, May 28th, there will be a “Sweet & Savoury Sunday” in the Mount auditorium from 12 to 2 p.m. featuring chamber music by Hiltz and Company and food donated by The Kawartha Butter Tart Factory, Black Honey, The Magic Rolling Pin, and Chasing the Cheese. Tickets are $15, available online or at one of the ticket locations listed above.

For those that are unable to attend the special events, public viewing of the exhibit is available on Saturday, May 27th from 10 a.m. and noon and from 2 to 4 p.m. and then again on Sunday, May 28th from 2 to 4 p.m. The suggested donation at the door is $5, with all proceeds going to The Mount.

Howard Berry will be at the exhibit to meet guests and talk about his decades in design and the theatre. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
Howard Berry will be at the exhibit to meet guests and talk about his decades in design and the theatre. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)

“What I’m trying to create is an event where people walk in and are amazed,” Howard says. “It’s a passion for colour. I’m staging it so, at the moment they walk into the foyer to buy their ticket, there will be a colour behind the ticket seller. The La Cage cloaks will be hanging on the open doors, and when they walk through I want everything to just be a mass of colour. I want the whole thing to just be over the top.”

I want everything to just be a mass of colour. I want the whole thing to just be over the top.

Howard will be at the exhibit to meet guests and talk about his decades in design and the theatre. Howard is a wonderful storyteller, and his memories are witty and often hilarious. He could fill a book of tales from designing costumes for the Guild alone.

But what is Howard’s next project? That’s a little less clear.

“There was a point where I was doing three or four shows a year, but I’m doing less now,” Howard admits. “You need to be careful because it can become your whole life. It’s fun, until you realize you need something else.

“I don’t know if I would do another big musical. They are a lot of work. I might, if the temptation came and the right one was offered. There are about two I’d like to do. I’d love to do Mamma Mia. I want to design those crazy jumpsuits they wore. I think that’d be fabulous. I’d also love to do Pirates of Penzance. I think that would be a hoot.”

Howard Berry’s Passion for Colour is a tribute to one of the true treasures in our theatre community. For more information, visit www.howardspassionforcolour.com.

Ten people and businesses recognized for improving accessibility in Kawartha Lakes

The recipients of the 2017 City of Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Awareness Awards with Mayor Andy Letham, Councillor Stephen Strangway and Accessibility Coordinator Barb Condie at City Hall on Tuesday, May 23. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)

During a special council meeting earlier today (May 23), City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) Council recognized 10 local people and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to improving accessibility in Kawartha Lakes.

The Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards were awarded to BobFM, Lakeland Funeral and Cremation Centre, United Way CKL, Five Counties Children’s Centre, JW Weitz, Courtney Peeters, Ryan Smith, Globus Theatre, St James Anglican Church Fenelon Falls, and Jim O’Reilly and Dorothy Carroll. More details on the awards are provided below.

“It’s wonderful to once again celebrate the outstanding contributions of these award recipients,” says Barb Condie, Accessibility Coordinator for the City of Kawartha Lakes. “In the 10 years that have passed since the Accessibility Advisory Committee started recognizing Kawartha Lakes residents, our community has become increasingly passionate about improving accessibility and increasing awareness.”

In the past 10 years, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, through City Council, has recognized 57 residents, business owners, and community groups for their efforts to make Kawartha Lakes more accessible. The Accessibility Awareness Award winners have gone above and beyond the expectation in removing barriers and have increased awareness of accessibility issues within the City.

To qualify for the award, nominees must live or work in Kawartha Lakes. Furthermore, they must be involved with accessibility issues, promote “Accessibility for All” in the community, and have demonstrated outstanding contribution within the past year.

The awards presented Tuesday not only recognize the significant contributions from specific individuals and businesses, they encourage continue improvement in the future.

“I’d like to congratulate and thank each Accessibility Awareness Award recipient for their dedication to a more inclusive community,” says Mayor Andy Letham. “Your contributions continue to make Kawartha Lakes a better place to live, work and play and for that, on behalf of Council, I thank you.”

This year’s recipients are as follows:

 

Outstanding Contribution – Business

BobFM

The local radio station was a trailblazer when they hired a legally blind employee approximately 10 years ago. The radio station looked to CNIB and VCCS Employment Centre for assistance to make the workplace meet the employee’s needs. Various recommendations regarding devices and modifications were acted upon to make the workplace more accessible.

Through their efforts, an informational video has been produced with the hopes of encouraging other employers to take a chance and hire persons with disabilities.

Lakeland Funeral and Cremation Centre

Every Kawartha Lakes resident will need the services of a funeral home at some point and Lakeland Funeral and Cremation Centre is working to make the process easier for all. Their facility is completely accessible including the washroom facilities.

The staff members are accommodating of the requirements of visitors and family. Whether it is lowering the guest book or rearranging seating to fit a wheelchair, the changes are made so efficiently and seamless that many would never notice.

This local business recently added a new “employee” to their roster: a therapy dog who helps clients as desired through a very difficult time in their lives.

 

Outstanding Contribution – Community Group

United Way, CKL

While the United Way does many things to make the community better, one specific project — the Community Gardens — broke many barriers. Just last year, 88 gardens were created. Many of these gardens were built at a higher level to allow people with mobility and accessibility issues to access them.

Clients of the Adult Day Centre used these gardens to access fresh tomatoes for their lunches.

Realizing that gardening can be a challenge for some residents, the United Way purchased ergonomic tools that were available for loan to gardeners as well as garden work stools. Staff and volunteers assisted gardeners needing extra help to tend to their gardens.

Five Counties Children’s Centre

Five Counties’ motto is “to make dreams come true” and their goal is to help children needing specialized service reach their potential. For more than 40 years, the Centre has been known for its excellence and high-quality services.

The Centre believes in a family-centered approach that provides quality service in a supportive environment. Through the various services offered for the children, families gain knowledge and confidence needed to advocate for their children.

The Centre brings awareness to issues related to accessibility, and to residents who face them, through their many activities and events.

 

Outstanding Contribution – Adult

JW Weitz

JW Weitz has been involved with Five Counties Children’s Centre for around 20 years. He is a valuable employee as well as a great contributor to Kawartha Lakes through his varied volunteer involvements. JW has been pivotal in inspiring children and families to achieve their goals through his positive attitude, encouragement, and support.

To boost the spirits of a child facing a long recovery and countless hours of therapies, JW donned a Santa costume, delivered a therapy toy, and encouraged the young child. JW’s encouragement helped the child’s recovery immensely.

JW has an amazing talent of being able to adapt equipment and toys to allow children to be children. He has been very involved in planning the centre’s float for the Lindsay Santa Claus Parade to raise awareness of accessibility needs.

Courtney Peeters

Courtney Peeters is a strong advocate for those living with disabilities. As an older sister of someone who lives with multiple exceptionalities, she speaks from experience.

Over the past 10 years, Courtney has helped her family raise more than $70,000 for research through for b.r.a.i.n.child (Brain Tumour Research, Assistance and Information Network) at SickKids. She has spoken on several occasions about the long-term effects of childhood brain tumours and their impact on families, and has advocated for inclusion at a local fair by ensuring the incorporation of a section identifying class categories for special needs in the publicly distributed fair book.

Courtney spearheaded several fundraising efforts for the Lindsay Learning Disabilities Association including yard sales and movie nights.

Courtney understands why accessibility is so important and she is not afraid to step up and speak for it.

 

Outstanding Contribution – City Employee

Ryan Smith

Since joining the City of Kawartha Lakes team, Ryan Smith has been working hard to make the community’s public spaces more accessible.

Ryan is extremely passionate about making Kawartha Lakes playgrounds accessible and ensuring the equipment he purchases installs provides a fun experience for all children, regardless of abilities.

He has had specialized swings installed at parks to allow children who otherwise could not play safely the opportunity to do so. For those with mobility issues, Ryan has designed accessible walkways to access the parks. Accessible showers were installed under his watch at overnight docking facilities.

Ryan demonstrates his commitment every day to breaking down accessibility barriers in public spaces and our City is richer for it.

 

Outstanding Design

Globus Theatre, Bobcaygeon

Globus Theatre eliminated barriers to accessibility at its facility in 2016 with the installation of two accessible washrooms and a push-button automatic door opener. These changes allowed more access and opportunities for people with disabilities to attend the productions.

The re-engineering of the actors’ washrooms allowed dedicated facilities for patrons with disabilities. The door opener allowed easier entrance after using the existing ramp.

Globus Theatre’s changes have allowed more people with disabilities, residents and visitors alike to take in a performance and enjoy the theatre experience.

St James Anglican Church, Fenelon Falls

St James Anglican Church, Fenelon Falls knows accessibility is extremely important. After a visitor was unable to attend a funeral due to the facility’s inaccessible entrance, the congregation decided that no one would ever be unable to enter the doors again.

The doorways were widened, the kitchen and a washroom were renovated and a covered, lit ramp was installed. The first three rows of pews were replaced with removable benches to allow for wheelchair access.

The renovated kitchen is fully accessible and is used by students at the local school for cooking classes as well as a community cooking class. The ramp was built to assist people using wheelchairs, walkers, and canes as well as those who are visually impaired. The entrance is covered and an automatic door opener allows visitors easy access to the church.

Since the renovations were completed, the church has held public meetings, film evenings, concerts and Friday night “jam sessions” open to all residents regardless of ability.

Jim O’Reilly and Dorothy Carroll

Jim O’Reilly and Dorothy Carroll are the owners of the historic Post building at 15 William Street North. Instead of throwing up their arms and resigning themselves to leaving the building as it was built more than a hundred years ago, Jim and Dorothy saw potential and possibility.

They had accessible power doors installed at the front and back entrances, added two large wheelchair-accessible washrooms with full-length transfer bars at the toilets and added an elevator from the first to third floors. Seeing a need for drop-off parking, they added spots close to the doors.

All of these renovations were done to a historic building that maintains its heritage while being accessible to so many more City of Kawartha Lakes’ residents. The Four Counties Brain Injury Program is now housed on the third floor of the building.

The City of Kawartha Lakes recognizes Jim and Dorothy for helping to break down barriers while maintaining historic integrity.

Witty but incendiary drama Disgraced comes to Peterborough’s Market Hall

Raoul Bhaneja, Karen Glave, Michael Rubenfeld, and Birgitte Solem performing in a Toronto production of "Disgraced" in April 2016. With the exception of Rubenfeld, whose role will be performed by Alex Poch-Goldin, the remaining actors are reprising their roles in New Stages Theatre Company's staged reading of the play at Peterborough's Market Hall on May 28. (Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann)

On Sunday, May 28th, Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company wraps up its current season with a staged reading of Ayad Akhtar’s Disgraced at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.

For the final presentation in New Stages’ highly successful The Page on Stage Readings Series, producer Randy Read reunites the cast members of last year’s Toronto production, staged by Mirvish Productions and Hope and Hell Theatre Company, to recreate their original roles in this provocative (although often funny) play about race, religion, cultural appropriation, and Islamophobia.

This is a one-night-only chance for a Peterborough audience to see a play The Globe and Mail described as a “powerful attempt to articulate the experiences of Muslims in the West, post-9/11”. While the play is provocative, the Globe says “Akhtar’s aim is constructive. When we’re done with our outraged gasps, he demands our deeper understanding.”

“It’s a pretty fascinating play,” says Randy, who first saw the production during its original run in New York City. “It’s so funny, but so full of ideas. It’s very timely.”

Written by Pakistani-American playwright Ayad Akhtar, Disgraced was first staged in Chicago in 2012. In 2013, the play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and opened on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre in September 2014, where it was nominated for a Tony award for Best Play. Disgraced also had the unique distinction of being the most produced play in the United States during the 2015-2016 theatrical season.

The Toronto production of Disgraced opened at the Panasonic Theatre in April 2016, receiving positive reviews. Mirvish Productions will be restaging Disgraced later this November at the same theatre.

“Disgraced is about Amir, a Muslim lawyer, who changes his last name to more of an East Indian name to fit in more strongly at his law firm,” Randy explains. “He and his wife have a dinner party and what is a witty evening explodes into a battleground over race, religion, and class in the 21st century.”

Reprising their roles in Disgraced are Raoul Bhaneja as Amir, Birgette Solem as his wife Emily, Gabe Grey as his nephew Abe, and Karen Glave as Amir’s law firm colleague Jory. Also appearing in the drama will be Alex Poch-Goldin in the role of Jory’s art curator husband Issac, stepping in for actor Michael Rubenfeld who is currently touring in Europe. Local audiences will be most familiar with Alex as the writer of 4th Line Theatre’s successful production of The Bad Luck Bank Robbers.

Together, the characters represent four separate segments of society: Muslim, white, African-American, and Jewish.

The staged reading of "Disgrace" takes place at the Market Hall in Peterborough at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 28
The staged reading of “Disgrace” takes place at the Market Hall in Peterborough at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 28

In his directorial notes to Disgraced, Akhtar writes “although Disgraced has many ideas in it … odd as it may seem, the play was written as an entertainment. Something of a situation comedy, that becomes an office thriller, that becomes a comedy of manners, that becomes a play of romantic intrigue, and finally ends in domestic tragedy.”

“I’m always looking for plays that enrich our understanding of the world in a potent way, but plays that are also laced with humour,” Randy says. “If there isn’t humour there, people tune out, they turn off. They need the humour to allow them to think more deeply about the play.”

Although it was first written in 2012 about the problems faced by Muslims living in America after 9/11, Disgraced is even more relevant given the current White House administration’s stance on Muslim peoples. However, as Randy points out, the prejudices are not solely that of Americans: they affect our own community as well.

Raoul Bhaneja as Amir Kapoor, a successful New York corporate lawyer who has repudiated his Pakistani Muslim heritage, with Birgitte Solem as his white artist wife in the Toronto production of "Disgraced". Both actors will be reprising their acclaimed roles at the May 28th staged reading at the Market Hall in Peterborough. (Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann)
Raoul Bhaneja as Amir Kapoor, a successful New York corporate lawyer who has repudiated his Pakistani Muslim heritage, with Birgitte Solem as his white artist wife in the Toronto production of “Disgraced”. Both actors will be reprising their acclaimed roles at the May 28th staged reading at the Market Hall in Peterborough. (Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann)

“Peterborough is becoming more diverse,” Randy says. “I love the idea of people maintaining their culture. People should be able to maintain their identity and we should respect that. But even in Canada, there is still a discommode that people from other nations should just purely become Canadian. Even last year, with the fire at the mosque, obviously that tension still exists.

“As Canadians we’d like to ignore it, but it’s there. I think people need to see Disgraced because they need to see how important it is not to deny who you are, and how easily we judge other people according to labels instead of according to who they are.”

One of the most popular events of the New Stages’ season is the The Page on Stage Readings Series where Randy invites professional performers from across Ontario to do dramatic readings of plays that are chosen to not only entertain, but to often challenge and provoke the audience.

“Audience members become collaborators with the readings,” Randy says. “They become a much more equal part of the experience, as they are collaborating with the actors to create the world of the play. They are not just consumers that come in and say ‘Show me what you’ve got.’ They become more part of the experience.

“There is something pure about the relationship between the actor and the words. It is theatre in its purest form.”

There is much truth to what Randy says. Having attended most of the New Stages readings this season, I can attest to the fact that the readings are very addictive. It is a unique way to experience professional theatre without the time or budget that full productions require.

VIDEO: Trailer for the Toronto production of Disgraced

After the Disgraced staged reading, New Stages will also be revealing its shows and readings for the 2017-2018 season. Although nothing has been revealed yet, a large part of the season will be devoted to the reading series.

“I can’t tell you how many subscribers say to me ‘I love the shows and the cabaret, but I really love the readings’,” Randy concludes.

Disgraced will be performed at the Market Hall on Sunday, May 28th at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $20 or $15 for students and art workers.

Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough), 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).

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