Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for northern Peterborough County including Apsley, northern Kawartha Lakes including Fenelon Falls, and Haliburton including Minden.
These areas can expect up to 15 centimetres of snow, beginning later today (February 3) and continuing tonight and Sunday.
A low pressure centre currently over the Dakotas is forecast to track across Georgian Bay early Sunday and into southern Quebec by evening. Although it is a relatively weak system, it will absorb some moisture from the Great Lakes tonight and Sunday.
A few locales may exceed 15 centimetres of snow, especially near the Bruce Peninsula and to the east of Georgian Bay.
Other areas in the Kawarthas, including Hastings, southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland can expect between 5 and 10 centimetres of snow by Sunday night.
Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destination due to accumulating snow and lower visibility in falling snow.
Environment Canada may issue a snowfall warning if it appears amounts will be appreciably higher than initially forecast.
Some of the 20,000 pills seized by the Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The pills are stamped 'A215', a designation attributed to oxycodone 30mg, but actually contain fentanyl. (Photo: Northumberland OPP)
The Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning residents of Northumberland County that counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl may be in circulation.
The Community Street Crime Unit recently seized 20,000 pills that tested positive as fentanyl. The light blue-coloured pills are stamped ‘A215’, a designation attributed to oxycodone 30mg.
While the investigation is ongoing, the OPP is warning the public that similar pills may be in circulation and not to ingest any medication not prescribed by a physician.
The Northumberland OPP Community Street Crime Unit are warning the public that similar pills containing fentanyl may be in circulation. (Photo: Northumberland OPP)
Fentanyl is a synthetic (man-made) opioid that is more toxic than most other opioids. It is around 20 to 40 times more toxic than heroin and 50 to 100 times more toxic than morphine.
While fentanyl can be prescribed by a physician, it is being increasingly produced in illegal labs to be sold on the streets, often mixed with other drugs.
A detail from a photo posted on Instagram by outdoor photographer Andrew Holden that he took at Warsaw Caves. When we shared Andrew's photo, it received almost 7,000 views from our Instagram followers, making it the most popular photo for January. (Photo: Andrew Holden @andy.holden / Instagram)
If you love Instagram as much as we do, you’ll also love this new monthly feature where we post the nine most popular Kawarthas photos from our Instagram account @kawarthanow.
For the past few years, we’ve been curating and sharing photos from local photographers on Instagram, who generously give us permission to share their images with our followers. We’re aiming to give them more exposure, so please do follow them on Instagram (handles included below).
And follow us too @kawarthanow. Make sure to tag us with #kawarthaNOW to have your Kawarthas area photograph considered.
We share great photos every day, so it’s hard to decide which ones to include! The photos we’ve selected are based on the total views for each photo by our Instagram followers during January.
Barry Killen would rather be at Coon Lake. You might recognize Barry’s name from his recent 15 minutes of fame when he found Randy Bachman’s cell phone and ended up hanging out with him at the Neil Young concert. Follow Barry for his great photos and his shenanigans. Posted January 5, 2018. 6,052 views.
Born and raised in Peterborough, Tracy is a photographer and painter who lives with her husband in Norwood. Tracy is an avid canoeist and regularly posts photos from Algonquin Park. Posted January 14, 2018. 6,039 views.
An early morning fire on February 2, 2018 destroyed Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli in the historic PG Towns and Sons General Store in Douro. (Photo: Harrison Perkins / Facebook)
A fire early this morning (February 2) has destroyed the historic PG Towns and Sons General Store in Douro, which just reopened last year as Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli.
At around 1:30 a.m., a neighbour spotted the building in flames and called 911.
Firefighters battled to save the building, but the structure was destroyed. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and fire crews remain on the scene.
?Douro Dummer township firefighters remain on scene of a structure fire at the former P.G Towns General Store in Douro that broke out earlier this morning.
Fire crews were called around 1:30 a.m.
Check back for more information as it becomes available.
After 125 years as a cornerstone of the Douro community and four generations of the Towns family running the shop, PG Towns and Sons General Store finally closed its doors in September 2016 — the victim of the changing retail landscape of big box superstores.
Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli, operated by Nancy Towns and Bernard and Lise Leahy, reopening in the historic building last year. (Photo: Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli / Facebook)
Nancy Towns, along with Bernard and Lise Leahy, opened a new store — Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli — in the building in May 2017.
The store was the subject of a recent documentary, called Towns End, by local filmmaker Megan Murphy.
Katie Ellement Photography was also located in the building.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
The original PG Towns and Sons General Store in Douro closed in September 2016 after 124 years of operation.
Toronto-based indie folk rock band The Wooden Sky performs at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 25, 2018. (Photo: Norman Wong)
February can be a difficult month for everyone. We’re in the throes of winter and spring still seems far away. I highly recommend heading out to see and hear some fine music this month. Peterborough and the Kawarthas is brimming with great stuff so I will present just a few of the many wonderful concerts happening this month. Throughout February, there are world-class performers, up-and-comers and regular favourites. Mark your calendars and take in some excellent music.
Ron Sexsmith at The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall in Cobourg on Ferbuary 3
One of Canada’s most recognized and talented songwriters, Ron Sexsmith performs in Cobourg on Saturday, February 3rd at The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall (55 King St. W., Cobourg, 905-372-2210).
From his debut in 1995 all the way to the present, Sexsmith has continually released album after album full of well-crafted tunes. He has worked with the likes of Elvis Costello and his tunes have been covered by Feist, Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, and Nick Lowe to name only a few.
The show is in support of The Mill at Piper Creek and costs $45 plus fees, with a start time of 7 p.m.. For information and tickets, call 905-372-2210 or visit www.concerthallatvictoriahall.com.
VIDEO: “Radio” – Rox Sexsmith
Roy Orbison tribute The Lonely at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 8
I don’t usually list tribute shows in this column; however, I am making an exception for a tribute to one of the greats. On Thursday, February 8th, Rock.It Boy Entertainment presents The Lonely celebrating the music of Roy Orbison.
Orbison’s music was pioneering for early rock and roll and bridged several generations and genres, while inspiring youth to pick up instruments.
This show takes place at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) and will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $50.50 and they are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
VIDEO: “Blue Bayou” performed by The Lonely
The Sick Things, Beef Boys, and The Crowleys at the Gordon Best in Peterborough on February 9
For those who need a tonic of various forms of rock and roll, we have a show for you.
On Friday, February 9th, Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. presents a triple header at the Gordon Best Theatre (216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-876-8884). Montreal’s The Sick Things will be joined by local favourites Beef Boys and The Crowleys.
The Sick Things are an Ian Blurton-produced group that features harmonized guitars and a strong drivetrain. The Crowleys play a trippier brand of rock, while Beef Boys verge on punk rock, but with a healthy dose of garage rock intertwined.
The show begins at 9 p.m. and will be $10 or pay what you can at the door.
VIDEO: “Sick Things” – The Sick Things
Little Fire at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 10
Little Fire, a band headed up by former Scratch and Loud Sisters members Sue Nelson and Cindy Moser, will be performing at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Saturday, February 10th from 6 to 8 p.m.
They perform original tunes with a mixed bag of influences. Sometimes poppy and other times ethereal, their music shines with eclectic hints from all over the rock landscape.
You can pay at the door with admission price being $10 or pay what you can.
Cry Wild
John Davis – Lead guitar, Judy Jordan – Banjo, B. Leigh McDonald – back up vocals, Cindy Moser – bass and back-up vocals, Sue Nelson – guitar and lead vocals, Rob Wilkes – tambourine. Written by Sue Nelson (c)2016
Posted by Little Fire on Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Catriona Sturton at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene on February 10 and at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 11
Ottawa blues guitarist, singer, and harmonica player Catriona Sturton returns to the Peterborough area for a pair of shows.
Her first show in the area will be on Saturday, February 10th as part of the Winter Music Series at Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 800-461-1940). The show runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and there’s no cover. The next day she performs at The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 or pay what you can at the door.
Catriona is a talented artist whose music doesn’t just stay within the confines of the blues: elements of folk and story-telling merge with soulful instrumentation. I am lucky enough to join Catriona for both shows on drums. I’m really excited to jam a bit and for folks to hear her excellent musicianship.
Other free concerts at Elmhirst’s Resort in February include Fewings and Son (folk/comedy/family show) on February 3rd, the jug-band stylings of Blues in the Bottle on February 17th, and a duo version of Phoxy Music on February 24th.
VIDEO: “Heavy Weather” – Catriona Sturton
Paper Shakers, Melissa Payne, and Peachykine at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 14
Valentine’s Day can be a day when a song means even more to you than on other days. Head to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Wednesday, February 14th and check out a show that’s aimed at the lovers out there.
Paper Shakers (duo version) perform their slightly pop-tinged roots folk show, and they will be joined by the excellent Melissa Payne and up-and-coming folk act Peachykine. Sweet melodies will fill the room.
The show will be $10, and if you bring a date the cover is half price. This one begins a little earlier than normal at 8 p.m., so head there right after a romantic dinner.
VIDEO: “It Rained All Night” – Paper Shakers
Old Man Luedecke at the Red Dog in Peterborough on February 16
Old Man Luedecke (aka Chris Luedecke) brings his tasty banjo stylings and witty songs with him to The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Friday, February 16th.
This should be another excellent show by the Nova Scotia songster. Chris was joined by multi-Grammy Award winner Tim O’Brien on his last record Domestic Eccentric. His music is a well-crafted combination: it’s simple, expressive and meaningful all in one.
Tickets are $12 in advance (available on Ticketscene or $15 at the door. The show begins at 10 p.m.
VIDEO: “Year of the Dragon” – Old Man Luedecke
The Sadies at The Tweedsmuir in Tweed on February 17
I’m not sure if there’s a mightier band in Canada than The Sadies, who play at The Tweedsmuir Tavern (211 Victoria St., Tweed) on Saturday, February 17th, with more than 20 years of rock-n-roll-meets-surf-meets-a-western-movie-meets-country-punk music.
Their latest record Northern Passages is a brilliant album full of kick-ass tunes by the veteran band. They have collaborated with the likes of Neil Young, Kurt Vile, Neko Case, Andre Williams, and many more, yet their own albums have placed them as a pre-eminent genre-crushing force. The show will feature special guest openers Mayhemingways from Peterborough.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The show begins at 9 p.m.. For ticket info, contact The Tweedsmuir at 613-478-2710 or email thetweedsmuirtavern@hotmail.com.
VIDEO: “Another Season Again” – The Sadies
Kylie Fox at The Garnet in Peterborough on February 20
Admittedly I don’t know much about Kylie Fox, but I do know she hails from Saint John, New Brunswick, and that you should go and see her on Tuesday, February 20th at (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107).
Fox released her Balcony EP in November of last year and is touring around Canada bringing its songs to life. I really dig this EP and you should check her out. Tickets are at the door and the show begins around 9 p.m.
The Wooden Sky at the Market Hall in Peterborough on February 25
Some bands continue to add to their legacy with each passing show, and The Wooden Sky are definitely on of those groups. You can check them out at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Sunday, February 25th.
The Toronto group has an impressive number of records, having released their fifth full-length album late last year. Swimming in Strange Waters has been hailed by music critics all over the place. Their sound drifts through indie rock and roots territory, and regardless of genre they definitely have established their very own style.
Tickets are $18 including fees in advance and $23 plus at the door. the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425). The show begins at 8 p.m.
VIDEO: “Swimming In Strange Waters” – The Wooden Sky
Toronto singer-songwriter Mattie Leon, whos music is a unique fusion of folk, soul, R&B, and pop, is performing at The Garnet in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, February 3rd, along with Lance Issacs and St. Homer. (Photo: Josh Haggarty)
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, February 1 to Wednesday, February 7.
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.
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
Winter Walk Day is Wednesday, February 7th. The grade 6/7 class at St. Anne Catholic Elementary School is hosting Peterborough's event this year, with plans to lead a school walk, winter wear fashion show, an assembly with Cool Captain Climate, and a day that is completely free of cars at their school! Parents across Peterborough are encouraged to help their children get to school without the car on Feb 7th, or any day, to increase daily activity and create a safer school zone. (Photo: GreenUP)
Each year when winter approaches, my family eagerly awaits all the fun activities that will keep us active: skating on the canal, skiing, snowshoeing, hours spent building snowmen and climbing snow banks. Ah, beautiful winter! Unfortunately, when winter actually arrives, more often then not, snow conditions are poor, winter sport activities are minimal, and we are spending more time hibernating.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Jaime Akiyama, GreenUP Transportation & Urban Design Programs Coordinator.
While I love curling up in a cozy blanket to read a book in front of the fire, I am starting to feel like I am not getting enough physical activity. Sometimes it takes a little reminder that even if I can’t get out on my skis, I can add some physical activity into my daily routine by continuing to use active transportation — even in winter.
Winter Walk Day and Winter Bike to Work Day, which take place in the first week of February each year, are ways to motivate and celebrate active transportation for our trips to school and work.
Across Canada, Green Communities Canada’s Active and Safe Routes to School celebrates walking to school on the first Wednesday of February, promoting walking to school or at school for daily physical activity, a healthier environment, safer streets, making friends, and having fun! This year, Winter Walk Day is Wednesday, February 7th.
Locally, Active and Safe Routes to School Peterborough promotes walking, rolling, or busing to school everyday through our Car Free Wednesdays program and emphasize that it is especially important to celebrate walking to school in the winter.
Peterborough’s annual Winter Walk Day celebration takes place at schools as a motivator for all schools to walk in winter because it is good for you, safer for our school zones, and fun too.
Last year, for Winter Walk Day 2017, St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School in Peterborough set a wonderful example for all schools, when the whole school walked the block that day, led by the school’s Ecoclub, local eco-super hero Cool Captain Climate, and members of the Peterborough Petes. The walk was meant to motivate students to enjoy being active in winter and helped to decrease the number of cars in the school zone.
This year, Active and Safe Routes to School Peterborough’s Winter Walk Day event is being hosted by the very enthusiastic grade 6/7 class from St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Various activities are being planned to promote, celebrate, and prepare the school for a day that is car-free.
St. Anne students promise a fabulous Winter Walk Day with plans being made for a group walk, winter wear fashion show, hot chocolate, an assembly with Cool Captain Climate, as well as plenty of build up and preparation for all students with daily walk reminders, trivia, and more.
All schools are encouraged to follow St. Anne’s lead and host their own Winter Walk Day celebration; parents are encouraged to help their kids get to school without the car that day, and any day!
International Winter Bike to Work Day is on Friday, February 9th, 2018. Adults shouldn’t feel left out of the active transportation celebrations this winter. GreenUP’s Jaime Akiyama has recently switched to commuting by bike in winter; she enjoys winter cycling because it adds physical activity into her daily routine and winter fun to each day. (Photo: GreenUP)
Adults shouldn’t feel left out of the active transportation celebrations this winter. International Winter Bike to Work Day this year is on Friday, February 9th.
The day promotes and celebrates travelling to work by bike. Participants can ‘Commit to Ride’ on the winterbiketoworkday.org website and track other riders from around the world.
If enough Peterborough riders commit, we can get our city highlighted on the international standings. Come on Peterborough! Let’s see how many people we can get riding their bikes to work on the 9th.
Commuting by bike in the winter adds physical activity into your daily routine, decreases the number of cars on the road, helps build connections to your community, and is a lot of fun.
The City of Peterborough and B!KE: The Peterborough Community Cycling Hub know riding a bike in the winter is a fun, safe, and reliable way to travel. This year they worked to break down one barrier to winter riding – the fear of slipping – by providing the opportunity for citizens to obtain studded bike tires for their bikes.
The Winter Wheels program has equipped people with studded tires as a way to initiate community conversations and demonstrate strategies to overcome barriers to riding bikes in winter. Follow the Winter Wheels program on Twitter and Instagram for inspiration and tips so you too can get out on your bike this winter.
Embracing the winter means you can enjoy travelling to school or work. You can continue to have physical activity in your daily routines by walking and biking, even when it is cold and snowy. Skip scraping your windshield and don’t bother warming up the car; warm yourself up with a walk or a ride.
Celebrate Winter Walk Day and Winter Bike To Work Day. Your body will thank you, the environment will thank you, and when you get home you can reward yourself by cozying up by the fire.
Mike Taveroff is closing his iconic Moondance store at 425 George Street North in downtown Peterborough after 46 years of operation. The store originally opened at 249 George Street in 1972 -- making it Canada's oldest independent music store. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love? — Van Morrison
Never has one thrown dart proven to mean so much to so many.
Living in Vancouver when the 1970s dawned, a young Mike Taveroff, his passion for popular music off the charts, made the decision to open a record shop with a friend.
Moondance owners Cheryl and Mike Taveroff in 1975, in front of their original Moondance store at 249 George Street just north of Sherbrooke. Cheryl had originally opened Moondance, named after the Van Morrison song, as a clothing store, where Mike began to sell records. (Photo courtesy of Mike Taveroff)
The duo wanted to move east — Taveroff was born in Montreal — but couldn’t decide where to launch their new venture. A map and a random dart throw settled the issue, its tip impaling itself close to Peterborough.
Taveroff’s friend never made it to The Liftlock City but he did, finding work at Stop 222, a downtown record store, before making the jump to Sam The Record Man.
In the meantime, on a whim, he place a bin containing some 250 albums for sale at Moondance, a George Street clothing store owned and operated by his wife Cheryl.
Now, close to five decades after customers lined up to rifle through that bin, Taveroff, 68, is preparing to close Moondance. With its closure, the downtown Peterborough landscape will lose a landmark that’s arguably as beloved as the iconic Market Hall clock tower.
“I never really expected to be around at this point,” says Taveroff. “I was one of those guys, you know, who did the hippie trip. I went to Vancouver and had a good time. When I opened the record store, I figured I would probably do it until I was maybe 60.
“Who wants an old bugger walking around the store who’s almost 70 years old? Well, here I am. So it’s time. That plus Cheryl passed away about a year ago. That kind of slowed me down. You realize that life is short.”
At 68 years old, Mike Taveroff is looking forward to retirement, but it’s been an emotional decision to close his life’s work. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
To walk into Moondance — the store took its name from Van Morrison’s 1970 song of the same name — is to take a trip back in time to when independent record stores were king.
Row upon row of vinyl albums, CDs and DVDs greet customers, lined up neatly in hand-made wooden bins. Then there are the numerous posters, band T-shirts and music industry magazines, all serenaded by a non-stop soundtrack of hit music, new and old.
As such, a visit to Moondance was, and still is to some degree, an escape from life’s daily demands as much as it is a music shopping opportunity.
Moondance sells vinyl records, CDs and DVDs, and cassette tapes. The store was a favourite of music collectors because of its expansive imported music section, as well as owner Mike Taveroff’s uncanny ability to seek and find next-to-impossible-to-get albums and other music-related items for his customers. (Photo courtesy of Moondance)
“Right at the start, I made it very clear to people — ‘Come in, hang out. If you don’t buy anything, it doesn’t matter.’ A lot of the fun of this place was a result of the people that came in and the amazing conversations that took place.”
For a self-described music addict, Moondance has been nothing short of Heaven on earth for Taveroff.
“How could you ask for more? Here’s your love and now it’s your job.”
The spirit of the ’70s is captured in this 1979 drawing by Diane Hiscox of Cheryl and Mike Taveroff in front of their original Moondance store at 249 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. (Moondance postcard)
But as anyone who has opened his or her own business will attest too, passion on its own doesn’t pay the bills. Since day one, Taveroff has consistently worked 10 to 14 hour days, including weekends.
“Anybody starting a store should not say ‘OK, I’ll hire a bunch of people and they can do the work.’ It’s only as good as the person who owns the store. You’ve got to be prepared to put the time in. I loved it. It wasn’t like working but it has become like that.
“(Being downtown) was fantastic when I opened back in 1972. Up until 1985, when the malls started to open, walking downtown was like walking in a mall. That many people were out. Now there’s a stigma about downtown; that it’s not safe. I can honestly tell you, having been here since 1972, downtown is as safe as it ever was but the perception is it isn’t.”
Moondance isn’t just a record store: they also sell music-themed clothing and collectibles as well as smoking paraphernalia and accessories. They are also a cash-only ticket location for concerts at local venues, especially the Market Hall. (Photo courtesy of Moondance)
While business is slower, and has been for some time, a niche carved out by Taveroff — an uncanny ability to seek and find next-to-impossible-to-get albums and other music-related items for his customers — continues to serve him well.
“I think there could be a little bit of a shock in this town when people realize it’s not going to be so easy to find product. That’s kept a lot of people very happy, including me. But it has been a lot of work. It’s a worldwide search. And of course you’ve got to find the best price or people aren’t going to buy it. I’d say I’ve been 99 per cent successful in finding stuff.
“The chain stores were good stores but they couldn’t come up with some of the stuff I could. I was one of the first people to start importing. That really made a difference. Of course, everyone else jumped on the bandwagon soon after, but imports really helped make my store. When I opened, I only had imports.
“The main thing for me has always been being out on the floor and talking music with people. I will definitely miss that, but I’ve already been missing it for the last 10 years. That has been less and less. There aren’t that many collectors left. The kids, they want one song. If they really get into an artist, they will buy an album but generally it goes on their phone for a couple of weeks and then see ya later.”
Mike Taveroff will begin selling off the store’s inventory as of February 1st. He will also sell some of his valuable music collectables, such as the Led Zeppelin balloon hanging from the ceiling. (Photo courtesy of Moondance)
Taveroff opened Moondance with a $3,000 loan from his mom. Business was so good “right off the bat” that he paid that back in 60 days.
“If I had opened in Toronto, I’d be a multi-millionaire. No regrets. I’m very happy I opened here. Moondance is known worldwide. I used to go to a lot of the record shows and conventions and, even over in Europe, people knew about Moondance.”
Starting on Thursday (February 1), a sale of all in-store inventory will begin. Vinyl is 30 per cent off and most other regularly priced merchandise is 40 per cent off, with 20 per cent off on all Zippo lighters and Zippo products. Items already on sale will get an additional 20% off the red sale tag price. Moondance will continue to take special order requests until Saturday, March 31st, with the store closing for good on Saturday, April 28th.
“I’m going to sell some of the collectables. See that Led Zeppelin balloon (hanging from the ceiling)? That’s been online for $1,500. That’s from the 1970s. There’s a U2 Joshua Tree thing hanging up there too. Someone offered me a thousand bucks for it and I said no.”
Moondance has survived through the digital music revolution, but fewer and fewer people are collecting music these days with the rise of streaming music services like Spotify. (Photo courtesy of Moondance)
As the clock ticks towards Moondance’s closing, Taveroff admits to having “a rough time” with it.
“It’s like losing a child. It’s pretty heavy. It has been my whole life. I was 22 when I started. It’s emotional. It’ll hit home when this place starts to empty out. Right now it’s sort of like ‘Is this really happening?'”
Still, while he struggles with his emotions, Taveroff is excited for what’s ahead.
“I’m going to relax. Take it easy. Read books. I’m a great relaxer. I have a beautiful property on a river. I’ll be spending a fair amount of time in my backyard. I have a canoe that will take me all over the place. I’m really looking forward to doing nothing. I’ll do some traveling too. The first place I’ll be going is Vancouver to visit my two girls.”
Mike’s wife Cheryl with the couple’s two daughters in 2016 while she was undergoing treatment for cancer. Cheryl passed away in February 2017 at the age of 69. (Photo courtesy of the Taveroff family)
He’s convinced his late wife Cheryl would be “really happy” he’s finally putting his feet up … for now.
“Down the road, I might end up sitting in front of the computer and putting stuff online. I’m thinking of keeping the Moondance website going. I have a lot of collectables. There’s no reason why I have to close that part of my life. But I’m ready to do nothing first.
“I thank anybody that ever walked through the door, whether they purchased something or not. The whole thing was my life and I thorough enjoyed it. I’m a very lucky guy.”
There's a lot going on during the First Friday Art Crawl in downtown Peterborough on February 2nd, including meeting artist Robert Atyeo at Black Honey and taking in his latest abstract series. (Photo courtesy of Robert Ateyo)
The First Friday Art Crawl is happening on February 2nd! With a lot of participants this month, the streets of downtown Peterborough will be packed with arts enthusiasts on the first Friday of February. From late-night art markets, video art, paper art, and sculpture, to the opening of a new community-oriented art studio, there will be a lot to take in.
This is a good opportunity to see the show currently at Artspace if you haven’t already, since Artspace is participating in the crawl this month. Robert Atyeo will have a reception for his show at Black Honey the same evening, and artist and author Wendy Trusler — as the 2018 artist-in-residence at Trent University’s Traill College — has her Voices At Hand art installation, performance and travelling exhibition at Traill College until February 2nd.
Also happening in the arts: the Art Gallery of Peterborough has a new exhibition lineup and the deadline for applications to the Kawartha Autumn Studio tour is fast approaching on February 7th. You also won’t want to miss the third annual Book & Zine fair coming up at Artspace on the 24th.
Creating Space Community Arts Studio open their doors to the public
Drop by 247 George Street North and check out this new community-oriented space run by Michelle Martin, Marion Little, and Deb Reynolds. This non-profit organisation seeks to engage and better the community by fostering connection and resilience through art-making. This is an inclusive space where all are welcome, regardless of ability. They also host creative arts pop-ups and activities around town on an ongoing basis.
Their grand opening will take place on Friday, February 2nd from 6 to 10 p.m. and will feature the work of artist Kevin T. Gallagher.
Hours of operation are 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. All services are free, though any donations will be gratefully accepted. Find them on Facebook.
Star X presents ‘Art : The Personal Made Public’ by Brian Nichols
Don’t miss this multi-disciplinary show of work by Brian Nichols at Star X gallery. (Photo courtesy of Brian Nichols)
In this exhibition, Brian Nichols presents us with a peek into his private artistic practice. A collection of silk-screened images, linocuts, photo transfer, assemblage, textiles, pastels and acrylic and oil paintings, this collection has never been shown to the public until now. The body of work is based on time Brian spent in Zimbabwe working with sufferers of AIDS, on Change Island, Newfoundland, and in Peterborough.
As a psychotherapist, Brian’s work often involves the arts, and art also leads him to a deeper understanding of his work, which involves dealing with some of the most difficult things in life such as trauma, suffering and death. In short, art is an essential and necessary part of his life, and serves a purpose both as a therapeutic tool and as a personal outlet and means of exploration.
Drop by and see what promises to be an interesting exhibition. The opening reception will be held on Friday, February 2nd, from 6 to 11 p.m. as part of the First Friday Art Crawl. All proceeds from sales will go to charity.
Star X is located at 129-1/2 Hunter St. West, 3rd floor, in downtown Peterborough. Regular hours of operation are Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m
Evans Contemporary presents ‘Overlay’ by Catherine Telford-Keogh
One of the coffee table sculptures by Catherine Telford-Keog from her ‘Overlay’ exhibition. (Photo courtesy of Evans Contemporary)
Toronto-based artist Catherine Telford-Keogh creates art through a process of collecting and re-organising, layering, and adapting objects and cultural ephemera. In doing this, she creates abstract compositions and art-objects that reflect and confront various aspects of culture and environment.
In her recent work she has used the form of the coffee table for inspiration, as it is a site used both for display purposes as well as a place that functions as a repository for all manner of objects from daily life.
Drop by the opening reception on Friday, February 2nd from 6 to 11 p.m. There will be a DJ, dancing, and an outdoor projection of the 1928 film The Passion of Joan of Arc in the courtyard.
Coeur Nouveau presents ‘Look Inside and You Will Find Me: A Five Minute Body Scan’ by Carlos Vela Prado and Catherine Telford-Keogh
A still from ‘Look Inside and You Will Find Me: A Five Minute Body Scan’ by Carlos Vela Prado and Catherine Telford-Keogh. (Photo courtesy of Coeur Nouveau)
In conjunction with Evans Contemporary’s exhibition of work by Catherine Telford-Keogh, Coeur Nouveau will be screening a video entitled “Look Inside and You Will Find Me: A Five Minute Body Scan” involving artist Carlos Vela Prado and Telford-Keogh.
The video shows the two artists ‘pressing their pupils together’ overlaid with audio of a guided meditation in which the viewer is encouraged to mentally scan their own body.
The opening reception will be held Friday, February 2nd from 6 to 11 p.m. as part of the First Friday Art Crawl.
Coeur Nouveau is located on the 2nd floor of the Commerce Building at 129-1/2 Hunter St. West in downtown Peterborough.
Acme Art and Sailboat Company presents works by Elayne Windsor and Joe Stable
One of Joe Stable’s ‘Mexican Drawings’, on display at Acme Art and Sailboat Company. (Photo courtesy of Joe Stable)
Drop by Acme Art and Sailboat Company and see a selection of new works by paper artist Elayne Windsor, as well as series of new work by Joe Stable in the Copper Closet entitled ‘Mexican Drawings’, inspired by a recent trip to Mexico.
The opening will run from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, February 2nd.
Acme Art and Sailboat Company is located at 129-1/2 Hunter Street West, 3rd floor, in downtown Peterborough. Hours of operation are Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Night Market at Watson & Lou
Watson & Lou will be open for business with a “night market” from 6 to 10 p.m. during the First Friday Art Crawl on Friday, February 2nd.
At the market, you will find Lou Brown Vintage in collaboration with McSweeney’s writer Susan Harlan, Catherine Chambers of Honey House Clothing Co., and Nadine McCallen of The Willow’s Bark. If that’s not enough to tempt you, mulled wine will be served!
Watson & Lou are located at 383 Water St. in downtown Peterborough. For more information about membership and upcoming workshops, visit www.watsonandlou.com
Late-Night Craft Market at Meta4 Gallery
Meta4 Gallery will also be open during the First Friday Art Crawl on Friday, February 2nd, with a late-night craft market from 6 to 10 p.m.
META4 Gallery is located at 164 Hunter St. West in Peterborough. For more information, e-mail ptbo@meta4gallery.ca, call 705-874-9444, or visit www.meta4gallery.ca.
Traill College welcomes Wendy Trusler as artist-in-residence and her exhibit ‘Voices at Hand’
Wendy Trusler’s ‘Voices at Hand’ has been mounted in nine venues across Ontario and has reached audiences in 26 countries. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Trusler)
Local artist Wendy Trusler is the 2018 artist-in-residence at Trent University’s Catharine Parr Traill College in downtown Peterborough, and she will perform her award-winning ‘Voices at Hand’ exhibition there until Friday, February 2nd.
‘Voices at Hand’ explores the expressiveness of written correspondence, and Trusler will provide requested readings from nearly 4,000 archived letters spanning 218 years of correspondence. She invites members of the Trent community and the public to contribute their own letters to the engaging exhibit.
An interdisciplinary artist, designer, and writer, Trusler’s site-responsive installations incorporate drawing, painting, text, sculpture, performance, and film. Her recent projects include The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning and ‘Collective Vision – The Fine Art of Health’.
‘Voices at Hand’ has been mounted in nine venues across Ontario and has reached audiences in 26 countries. ‘Voices at Hand’ is in the Senior Common Room in Scott House at Catharine Parr Traill College (310 London St., Peterborough). Trusler will be on hand with her exhibition daily from noon to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. until Friday, February 2nd.
Artspace participates in First Friday Art Crawl and hosts Book & Zine Fest on Feburary 24
If you’re out and about on the evening of Friday, February 2nd, you can stop by Artspace to check out their latest exhibit ‘hochelaga rock’ by Hannah Claus, as they will be open during the Frist Friday Art Crawl.
Coming up later in February, Artspace will be hosting their third annual Book & Zine Fest. Not to be missed, this event will take place on Saturday, February 24th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Artspace is an accessible space located at 378 Aylmer Street in downtown Peterborough. Regular hours of operation are Tuesday to Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Parking is available in the municipal lot on Hunter Street between Aylmer and George. For more information, call 705-748-3883 or visit artspace-arc.org.
New exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Peterborough: Roberta Bondar, Fallon Simard with jes sachse, Celia Neubauer, and ‘Land Dreams’
“Red Maple Leaves” (chromira print, 2008) by Dr. Roberta Bondar from her ‘Light in the Land – The Nature of Canada’ series. (Photo courtesy of The Art Gallery of Peterborough)
The Art Gallery of Peterborough has a new selection of work on display until April 8th.
‘Light in the Land – The Nature of Canada’ in the main gallery space features the photography of Canadian icon Dr. Roberta Bondar, the highly accomplished neurologist, former astronaut, scientist, photographer, and author.
A photographic series that explores the rich Canadian landscape, Bondar’s beautiful images inspire us to appreciate nature and how lucky we are to enjoy so much of it here in this vast country.
Fallon Simard with jes sachse for Been Here So Long, 2018, polyurethane coated aluminum. (Photo courtesy of The Art Gallery of Peterborough)
‘Been Here So Long’, a collaboration between Fallon Simard and jess sache, marks the first time these two artists have worked together. The work brings the aesthetic of industrial signage and the nuance of imagery and poetry together. Simard and sachse present us with words and images that we must interpret, in the form of signs that when encountered in everyday life usually convey a very clear message from the authorities.
Using this aesthetic the work explores strategies for dealing with post traumatic stress disorder and navigating the vagaries of life. To learn more about this series, please attend the upcoming panel discussion on April 8th at 2 p.m.
‘Outlier 007’ a 2016 painting in acrylic and oil by Celia Neubauer. (Photo courtesy of The Art Gallery of Peterborough)
The almost monochromatic works of Celia Neubauer bring together figurative realism and formal abstraction.
Integrating printmaking, Japanese calligraphy and landscape painting, Neubauer creates striking new compositions in her latest series ‘Affect of Gravity’.
A.J. Casson, Kearney Lake, Algonquin Park, 1943, oil on board, gift of the artist, 1981. (Photo courtesy of The Art Gallery of Peterborough)
‘Land Dreams’, a selection of landscapes from the gallery’s permanent collection, features the work of both classic and contemporary artists as they approach and represent the land in various ways. Paintings and prints by members and contemporaries of the Group of Seven hang alongside more modern takes on the Canadian landscape.
The Art Gallery of Peterborough is located at 250 Crescent Street in downtown Peterborough and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. It offers free admission, barrier-free access, and a gallery shop. Parking is available in the Del Crary lot. For more information, call 705-743-9179 or visit agp.on.ca.
Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio presents ‘The Beauty of Stillness’
‘Pumpkin with Glass Jug’ by Keith Thirgood. (Photo courtesy of the artist)
‘The Beauty of Stillness’ is a members’ show currently on display at the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio.
The works in the show focuses on the traditional art of still-life painting in its many forms. Drop in and check it out. The show continues until Sunday, March 4th.
Kawartha Artists’ Gallery and Studio is a not-for-profit artist’s co-operative, located at 420 O’Connell Road in Peterborough.
Hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Deputy Police Chief Tim Farquharson (left) with Lindsay Mitchell, Camille Parent, and Tim Burke of Peterborough Cares at the corner of King and George streets in downtown Peterborough during the night of January 26th. The "Stand With Tim" fundraiser raised more than $10,000 for three Peterborough homeless shelters. (Photo: Matthew Stewart / Instagram)
Excuse Tim Farquharson for humming over and over the tune to a familiar Elton John song, but he’s still standing — and now he’s got great company in the form of cash and goods for three Peterborough homeless shelters.
Peterborough’s deputy police chief, joined by members of his Peterborough Cares support team, announced Wednesday (January 31) that his ‘Stand With Tim’ fundraiser brought in $10,392.45 — $3,464.15 each for Brock Mission, YES Shelter for Youth and Families, and The Warming Room.
On Friday, January 26th at 4 p.m., Farquharson began a 12-hour stay on the southwest corner of King and George streets, not only to raise money for the three shelters but also awareness of their services and, more notably, their need of community support.
Stand With Tim, as the fundraiser was billed, accomplished each of those goals.
“We were hoping to have a few thousand dollars … we had $3,000 when we started,” said Farquharson, clearly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the initiative — support that included performances by a number of Peterborough musicians and the presence of members of The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.
“Having young people, people from the bars, was actually good. I thought it might be a little rougher than it was. They were great. Probably seven out of 10 gave money.
“A lot of people said it would have been nicer if it was minus 25”, Farquharson said, referring to the relatively mild temperature overnight last Friday. “We wouldn’t have got a fraction of the money we did nor the awareness because nobody would have been out.”
While thrilled with the total raised, Farquharson later admitted to not being surprised.
“It’s Peterborough, right? People are just incredible.”
Lindsay Mitchell, who did much of the grunt work on the event alongside Peterborough Cares founder Camille Parent, echoed that sentiment.
“This is a special community. It really is. Everything that even starts as a grassroots event somehow snowballs into something big. The outpouring of community was mind-blowing.”
Representatives of each of the shelter beneficiaries were on hand for the announcement. Along with the cash, they divided a number of donated clothing items among them.
“The awareness piece is really huge; it’s as valuable as the actual cash,” said Bill McNabb, executive director of Brock Mission, noting the shelter has to raise $120,000 a year “to keep the doors open.”
“The funding we get from the City pays for the staffing but we have to pay for everything else…rent, hydro, food, all the necessities. This is a good day.”
Christian Harvey, director of The Warming Room, was equally thrilled.
“Homelessness will only end if we, as a community, work together. A donation like this shows how more and more people care about the issue. The more people are aware, the more change is possible. We need, as a community, as a country, to change our perceptions of homelessness.”
“If someone donates to homelessness, they’re going to tell someone. There’s going to be a conversation that starts around that. The more conversations that happen, the more, in upcoming elections, people will be asking candidates ‘What are you going to do around this?’ That matters.”
The largest single contribution to the final tally came from the Peterborough Police Service in the form of $1,500.
“We (City police) have always been champions of issues around poverty, homelessness, mental health .. .that’s what we do and we’re committed to it,” said Peterborough Police Chief Murray Rodd, crediting Peterborough Cares, and Farquharson in particular, with doing “God’s work.”
Joining Parent was the Peterborough Cares team comprised of Tim Burke, Darcy Bonner, Donna Mackay, and Mitchell. He said the roots of this fundraiser were planted years ago when he sat in on a homelessness-related meeting with Farquharson.
“Tim had a strong passion for the homeless, as I did. I said ‘We need to connect and do something.” I never forgot about that. I gave Tim a call and kind of figured he’d pass the buck to someone else. I didn’t know he would do this. I was just so touched.”
Although not set in stone, the plan is do the fundraiser again, possibly as early as this November.
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