MPP Jeff Leal and Mayor Daryl Bennett handle the time capsule, a sealed glass jar buried in 1864 at the site of the old Peterborough County Jail.
On Friday, August 19th, officials from the City and County of Peterborough opened a time capsule from 1864 at the site of the old Peterborough County Jail.
The time capsule — a large sealed glass jar — had been buried under the cornerstone of the jail when the foundation was laid.
County staff undertook to find it based on research of the site and assistance from local residents and historians.
Lang Pioneer Village conservator Basia Baklinski examines the contents of the time capsule.
The time capsule contained coins, photos, a copy of The Peterborough Examiner (dated June 9, 1864), a copy of the Peterboro Review, minutes of Peterborough City Council, and other documents.
When the relics were buried, the American Civil War was still raging. On June 9, 1864, nine months of trench warfare began in Petersburg, Virginia in what would become known as the Siege of Petersburg.
Warden J. Murray Jones displays a copy of The Peterborough Examiner, dated June 9, 1864, that was included in the time capsule.
“I am reminded of a quote from Trent University Founding President Dr. Tom Symons,” said Mayor Daryl Bennett. “A community that does not respect its history will not for long respect itself.”
According to Trent Valley Archives archivist Elwood Jones in an August 22 interview with Susan McReynolds of CBC Radio’s Ontario Morning, historians already knew the time capsule was buried at the site from an 1864 story in The Peterborough Examiner.
However, they had some difficulty finding the location because it had been buried at the southeast corner of the inner jail, covered by a 3×3′ cube. That was the first surprise, but there was another one in store.
“The contractors who were involved brought the backhoe and lifted the rock off,” Jones says in the interview. “They then reached in and pulled out what was not a box but actually was a jar.”
From all the descriptions in the newspaper, historians had expected the time capsule to be a box of some kind.
“The jar looks a bit like a Mason jar, except that the lid is glass,” Jones explains. “It’s been handblown because you can see the markings from that, and the lid had ‘Patented 1859’ written on the side of it.”
The time capsule also contained photographs and documents from 1864.
Time capsules generally contain items that give people of the future an idea of what life was like at the time. Jones says including a newspaper of the day was a great idea.
“A newspaper in those days carried all sorts of trivial things. There were no big stories; everything is little stories, about the size of a classified ad.”
The items in the time capsule will be catalogued and researched with the intent to create a display at the Peterborough County Courthouse.
Warden J. Murray Jones said that the County will place a new time capsule at the site in in 2017 “for future generations to learn about our time here”.
All photos courtesy of the County of Peterborough.
Ronnie Hawkins and Kris Kristofferson during the recording of "Me and Bobby McGee" at Hawkstone Manor at Stoney Lake in May 2016. A video of the recording is now available on iTunes. (Photo: Lisa Kristofferson)
As musically gifted as they are in their own right, siblings Ryan and Sam Weber have always been wide-eyed awestruck by the talent of those who came before.
After all, it was their respect for, and adulation of, legendary blues and rock ‘n’ roll musicians of decades past that brought the Maryland natives to these parts some 17 years ago.
There are now a thousand versions of the story but, basically, the teenaged boys rapped on the front door of Ronnie Hawkins’ Stoney Lake home, Hawkstone Manor, and said “Teach us.” That Hawkins did — in exchange for some help with his sprawling property.
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Ryan and Sam were eager sponges, soaking in everything the one-of-a-kind rockabilly trailblazer had to offer. They eventually departed to make their own mark and that they indeed did, while remaining forever appreciative that Hawkins took the time to school them on music, performing, and the ins and outs of a business that is more often cruel than not.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” enthuses Ryan who, with Sam, fronts The Weber Brothers band. The duo has released an impressive 10 independent CDs over a 15-year period, the latest being 2014’s We, and were the subject of Before We Arrive, the documentary by local filmmakers Rob Viscardis and Jeremy Blair Kelly released earlier this year.
“Any time it gets hard or you’ve just spent nine hours in the Suburban, we’re able to remember the times and amazing opportunities we’ve had that other people don’t get. We’ve never taken that for granted.”
Sam and Ryan Weber at Hawkstone Manor (photo: Leah Hawk / Facebook)
So when the 81-year-old Hawkins called the Webers last year and said there was a chance they could be involved in a recording session with Gordon Lightfoot, 77, their response was “Just let us know when.” That led to the recording of a Christmas song as well as Lightfoot’s 1970 song “The Pony Man”.
As surreal as that experience was for Ryan and Sam, the best was yet to come — in the form of a subsequent Hawkstone Manor recording of “Me And Bobby McGee” featuring not only Hawkins and Lightfoot but the song’s writer, Kris Kristofferson, 80, and (later in the process) Willie Nelson, 83.
The “somewhat of a rocking version” of the classic 1969 song — it was the late Janis Joplin’s only #1 single — has Ryan “really excited for people to hear it.”
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According to Ryan, Hawkins met up with his friend Kristofferson in Florida earlier this year and played the recordings done with Lightfoot.
Apparently, Kristofferson had been anxious to reconnect with longtime friends such as Hawkins and Lightfoot following the death of his friend Merle Haggard in early April.
“Me and Bobby McGee” – The Hawkstone Manor version
Vocals: Ronnie Hawkins, Kris Kristofferson, Gordon Lightfoot, Willie Nelson
Acoustic high-tune guitar: James McKenty
Drums: Steve Kendry
Acoustic, electric, and slide guitars: Sam Weber
Bass, piano, percussion: Ryan Weber
Additional background vocals: Robin Hawkins, Leah Hawkins, Ryan Weber, Sam Weber, James McKenty, Travis Good, Greg Keelor
Produced by: James McKenty and Robin Hawkins
Recorded by: James McKenty
Videography by: Lisa Kristofferson
Editing by: Jon Grimson
(Later, when Kristofferson was staying at Hawkstone Manor, Sam Weber had a chance to play Kristofferson’s guitar. When he returned it to its case, he saw a set list Kristofferson had written for a recent concert appearance with Haggard — a quiet but powerful tribute to his friend.)
Hawkins’ Florida meeting with Kristofferson set the wheels in motion for what was to follow.
“Ronnie got back and called,” Ryan recalls. “He said, ‘I don’t know if this is going to happen, baby, but there’s a chance we’ll be recording with Kristofferson … he wants to do Me And Bobby McGee'”.
Both Ryan and Sam were excited, but cautious.
“In this business, you believe things only when they come together — because a lot of things can fall through, especially with guys of this magnitude.”
Things did indeed “come together” in early May, starting with Hawkins getting together with Ryan and Sam as well as Hawkins’ son Robin (who plays regularly at The Dobro in Peterborough) and producer/engineer James McKenty.
VIDEO: “Me and Bobby McGee” – Ronnie Hawkins, Kris Kristofferson, Gordon Lightfoot, Willie Nelson
With so many versions of “Me And Bobby McGee” having been recorded over the past 45 years or so, the goal was simple but challenging: record a unique version of the song.
“It’s going to be special because it has Ronnie and Kris on it, but can we do something else with it?” Ryan says, explaining their thought process.
“James started to just strum straight on his acoustic and that had a good sound. I sort of fell in on bass, then Sam came in, and we had some ideas. Ronnie really liked the feel. He said, ‘Shit, babies, that’s one of the best versions I’ve ever heard.'”
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“We moved the whole operation over to Ronnie’s house the day before Kris got there. We laid it down with drummer Steve Kendry (Spoons) and it just started to sound great.”
“Ronnie always get nervous until he does something. We hit record and on the first take, it was perfect. He nailed it. The next day, Kristofferson came, listened to it and really liked the arrangement. He was really into it, really jazzed. He recorded his vocal part and it was the same kind of thing. Straight away he was just on. I was like ‘Wow, how can this thing get any better?'”
Enter Gordon Lightfoot, who arrived at Hawkins’ home the next day.
Musical generations (front to back) Gordon Lightfoot, Ronnie Hawkins, Kris Kristofferson, Robin Hawkins, Ryan Weber, James McKenty, and Sam Weber (photo: Leah Hawk / Facebook)
“I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone who listens more intently to a recording,” says Ryan.
“Gordon could have said ‘It’s good but I don’t need to be on this.’ He doesn’t say anything, he’s totally absorbed listening to it. Well, he loved it. He loved Ronnie’s verse, he loved Kris’ verse. He was ready to then go and do his. As soon as he started, it was like ‘Oh my God, this is true greatness we’re getting down here.'”
“There was a point where I was sitting with my eyes closed listening to it and the emotion of it was overwhelming. I felt like I was going to cry or something. I was sitting next to Kristofferson and I looked over and he was crying, tears streaming down. That was a pretty special moment.”
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With the vocal tracks of the three legendary singers laid down, McKenty and the Weber brothers went to work mixing the recording.
“There was an idea to try some harmonies on it, so we tried but it just wasn’t getting it. I said maybe if it’s Bob Dylan or Willie Nelson, it makes sense. Lo and behold, Kris was going on tour with Willie. Once James found that out, he had this idea to try and do it … he was going to stop at nothing if there was any possibility. He somehow got in contact with Willie’s management through Kris’ wife and set up a recording on Willie’s bus in Chicago. James drove down there and got that done.”
About “Me And Bobby McGee”
Written by Kris Kristofferson and songwriter/producer Fred Foster; released in July 1969.
First recorded by Roger Miller and released in 1969.
Recorded most famously by the late Janis Joplin, her posthumously released version topping the U.S. singles chart in 1971.
Other notable recordings done by Gordon Lightfoot, Kris Kristofferson, Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, The Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, Melissa Etheridge, Lee Ann Rimes, Ann Murray, and Pink … to name but a few.
In 2004, was ranked #148 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs All Time.
As over-the-top thrilled as Ryan is with the end result — “Everybody who was a part of it really knocked it out of the park” — he remains most moved by what he saw.
“Just witnessing how close they are and how excited they still get for recording, that really blew me away,” says Ryan.
“They still get up like they’re school kids. There’s that much excitement. Maybe it’s the strength of the track itself, but it’s in them and that’s a good sign for us: that these guys can still get this up for it.”
“Wanda (Hawkins’ wife) told Kris to go down to the cottages (on Hawkstone Manor’s shoreline). Because Gordon had written Sundown there, maybe Kris would write a tune. He looked at her and said, ‘Well, Gordon was in his prime at the time; I don’t think that would be quite fair.'”
“Another time, Kris said, ‘Man, can you believe it? We were really there during just the most amazing time, when the best songs were being written, the best movies were coming out, just an amazing time.’ Ronnie says, ‘I know, baby, shoot, I got to witness it’ and Kris says, ‘You didn’t witness it, you ran it.’ Just seeing the way Kris and Gordon really hold Ronnie in such high regard was pretty special.”
VIDEO: “Me And Bobby McGee” – as performed by Gordon Lightfoot (1970)
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It’s not lost on Ryan that with the singers’ advanced ages, an opportunity like this may not come around again.
“The song and the recording are strong enough that it should, one more time, remind people of the incredible greatness they have,” he says.
“These are true greats. I’m hoping that one more time, everyone can hear that and go, ‘OK, this is how you’re supposed to do it.’ I’m really excited for people to hear it.”
As for the song itself, which relates the story of two drifters (the narrator and his girlfriend Bobby McGee) who hitched a ride from a truck driver and sang as they drove through the American south before parting ways in California, Ryan explains it was the perfect catalyst for this project.
VIDEO: “Me And Bobby McGee” as performed by Kris Kristofferson (1970)
“The best songs evoke a feeling and go right to the emotion; you feel good, you feel sad, whatever emotion they go for, they really nail it,” he says.
“It’s one of those tunes that does that right off the bat. Of course, it has great lyrics and, of course, it’s a great story, but the overall feel, as soon as you hear the first word of it, you’re in. It grabs you.”
So enthused is Ryan for this recording that he thinks it has serious Grammy Award potential.
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“I know there’s a category for best collaboration,” Ryan says. “I don’t know how you can find a better collaboration than those four guys.”
“And this recording is a historical one because, as far as I know, there has never been a Willie Nelson and Gordon Lightfoot recording, or Willie Nelson and Ronnie Hawkins recording together, or a Gordon and Ronnie recording for that matter. It’s truly a historical recording — and The Weber Brothers are on there too.”
Ahead for The Weber Brothers is work on a new CD with their band — Emily Burgess (guitar), Rico Browne (keyboards/guitar/percussion), Marcus Browne (drums) and Prufrock Shadowrunner (percussion/turntables) — as well as “something really cool coming out around Christmas.”
In the meantime, reflecting on the “Me And Bobby McGee” recording experience has Ryan him more convinced than ever of one undeniable truth.
“If any one of those guys wanted us to do anything, I would be into it,” he says. “They’ve all given so much.”
“It’s always going to be an opportunity, even just to hang out with them. Anytime Ronnie asks, I’m there.”
The cast of Ain't Misbehavin', which opens on September 30 for four performances at Showplace in Peterborough. Back row (standing): Danny Bronson, Jane Darling, Roy Braun, Gail Rowat, Nate Axcel, Darcy Mundle, Karen Ruth Brown, Esther Warren; front row (sitting): Natalie Dorsett, Tim Jeffries, April Boyce, Tim Rowat, Larry Smoot, Gillian Harknett. (Photo: Wayne Bonner)
This fall marks Showplace Performance Centre’s 20th year as Peterborough’s most prestigious performing space, and Len Lifchus and Pat Hooper are producing a unique musical to celebrate.
The director/producer team who brought Cats to the city is now bringing the 1978 Tony award-winning musical Ain’t Misbehavin’ to the stage for four performances starting September 30th.
A tribute to the music of American jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer Thomas “Fats” Waller, Ain’t Misbehavin’ will not only act as a 20th anniversary celebration for Showplace, but also double as a fundraiser with after-cost proceeds going to support the non-profit organization itself.
“It’s a fundraiser in the sense that probably 95% of the proceeds will go toward Showplace,” says director Len Lifchus. “The only real cost is the royalties. Everybody is volunteering their time and costuming the show from their own closets.”
“Our intent is to celebrate what the community built,” Len says. “Showplace is not a municipal theatre. It’s a community-built theatre.”
Fats Waller performing his 1929 composition Ain’t Misbehavin’ (with lyrics by Andy Razaf) in the 1943 film Stormy Weather
A celebration of the Harlem musical renaissance of the ’20s and ’30s, Ain’t Misbehavin’ made its Broadway debut in 1978. An instant hit with audiences, the original production starred Irene Cara, Nell Carter, Andre DeShields, Amelia McQueen and Ken Page.
Spotlighting the music of Fats Waller, Ain’t Misbehavin’ features a broad selection of the jazz legend’s compositions, from standards like “Honeysuckle Rose” and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter”, to many of his forgotten gems such as “Fat and Greasy” and “If You’re a Viper (The Reefer Song)”, and of course the title song.
“The idea of doing Ain’t Misbehavin’ came during the production of Cats, when I had joked with [Showplace general manager] Ray Marshall that I should grab music director Bill Crane and do another show,” Len reveals.
“The original idea was to do Ain’t Misbehavin’ in the [Nexicom Studio]. But Bill and I met with Ray and chatted about it, and Ray said he wanted Ain’t Misbehavin’ in the main theatre for the 20th anniversary season.”
After bringing Cats to the Peterborough stage, director Len Lifchus and producer Pat Hooper have teamed up again for Ain’t Misbehavin’ (photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
Len and Pat — along with music director Bill Crane — are now busy preparing the show for its September opening. As Showplace’s stage is almost always booked by the performances the theatre brings in, Bill rehearsed the chorus at his home in June until the theatre became available in July for rehearsals.
Len and Pat’s version of Ain’t Misbehavin’ isn’t without some fairly significant changes. The first is that, while the original show had only five cast members, this production will feature 14 performers.
“Bill and I talked about it and we decided that we were going to have more than five characters,” Len says. “So we invited 14 Peterborough talents to appear in it. This cast was by invitation. There were no auditions. It just kind of fell into place.”
The cast rehearsing a tune for Ain’t Misbehavin’ (photo: Wayne Bonner)
Making up the cast is an impressive ensemble of local talent: Nate Axcel, April Boyce, Roy Braun, Danny Bronson, Karen Ruth Brown, Jane Darling, Natalie Dorsett, Gillian Harknett, Tim Jeffries, Darcy Mundle, Gail Rowat, Tim Rowat, Larry Smoot, and Esther Warren.
The most notable change is that, while the original show featured African American performers, Len and Pat’s production has an all-white cast. However, Len doesn’t feel that race should be the focus of the show and is quick to address this change.
“People have asked if we are doing a white version of a black show,” Len admits. “I say that it’s a celebration of the music of Fats Waller. Each of the cast don’t play characters — they play themselves.”
“We really don’t want people to think about colour. We want people to think about the incredible talent of Fats Waller and about what he could do during a time of incredible discrimination.”
Tim Rowat and Gillian Harknett in rehearsal (photo: Wayne Bonner)
Ain’t Misbehavin’ marks Len and Pat’s first return to the theatre since Cats and many of the performers also appeared in that show.
“I generally work with all the same people,” Len says. “My stage managers and actors are the ones that I’ve used in the past, because you build on those relationships.”
“You already know your strengths and weaknesses so you can play off each other,” adds producer Pat Hooper. “If you get someone new, it’s like starting all over again.”
In fact, Len and Pat have known and worked with one another for over 10 years after they met through the United Way. Their long-time association makes them a perfect director/producer team.
“This is the Showplace family coming together to have a party” – director Len Lifchus (photo: Wayne Bonner)
“We work very well together, but I believe that the director is not the producer.” says Len. “There’s a song about reefers in the show and Pat’s challenge is to find us a humongous cigar that’s twice the size that they used in the original show. Pat has her job, and my job is to say ‘Pat, find me herbal cigars’ … and then I go away and they magically appear.”
Showplace presents Ain’t Misbehavin’
When: Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 2 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $28 adults, $15 students
A fundraiser for Showplace Performance Centre. Before September 6th, you can buy tickets online at www.showplace.org. When the physical box office reopens on September 7th, you can also buy tickets by visiting the Showplace box office or by calling 705-742-7469 or toll-free 1-866-444-2154.
“And if he doesn’t back off, I tell him,” Pat adds.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ is already creating a buzz about town. The next big musical to hit the Peterborough stage, the show will fall perfectly in place to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Showplace. As Len states, the show is really a celebration of the people who have come together to make Showplace the hub of Peterborough arts and entertainment for two decades.
“We are using this show as a way to demonstrate the talents of the staff and volunteers at Showplace,” Len concludes. “This is the Showplace family coming together to have a party.”
Ain’t Misbehavin’ runs from September 30th to October 2nd, featuring two 8 p.m. shows on October 30th and September 1st, and 2 p.m. matinees on October 1st and 2nd. Tickets are $28, and $15 for students and are on sale now at www.showplace.org.
Canadian rock band Platinum Blonde, which had a string of hits in the 1980s, comes to Peterborough Musicfest for the first time on August 20 at Del Crary Park (publicity photo)
While video may have killed the radio star, as the late 1970s hit song declared, the medium proved to be the salvation of a number of bands during the decade that followed.
Platinum Blonde frontman Mark Holmes certainly lived that experience.
Peterborough Musicfest presents Platinum Blonde
When: Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: free
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent for $4/chair). VIP seating available for Sponsors and Fest Friends. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighborhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
Formed in 1979 by Holmes as a tribute act to The Police, Platinum Blonde entered the 1980s as a moderately successful bar band. Holmes, wanting to turn things up a notch, ditched his band members and brought guitarist Sergio Galli and drummer Chris Steffler into the fold.
That led to 1983’s debut album Standing In The Dark, and the release of videos for two of the album’s four singles, “Doesn’t Really Matter” and the title track. When the 1984 Juno Awards debuted its new Best Video category, both Platinum Blonde videos were among the five nominations.
But Platinum Blonde’s energetic live performances also played a part in the trio’s meteoric rise. Now, 30-plus years on, Peterborough Musicfest welcomes the 2010-reunited band to Del Crary Park for the first time on Saturday, August 20th at 8 p.m.
“When we walk on stage, at first glance, people get what they expect,” noted Holmes in a 2012 www.c-townweb.ca interview with Scott Ulvstal.
“People pay to see the Platinum Blonde they remember and that is what they will get, glam make-up and all,” Holmes said. “We will mostly play our older music that people are familiar with but we will include three or four songs from our new album.”
Platinum Blonde, whose name was inspired by the 1931 Jean Harlow movie of the same name, originally consisted of Mark Holmes on vocals and bass, Sergio Galli on guitar, and Chris Steffler on drums. Scottish musician Kenny MacLean later joined the group as the bassist. (Publicity photo)
That album, Now & Never, isn’t so new anymore having been released in 2012 along with the single “Beautiful”. Platinum Blonde’s first album of original material since 1987’s Contact, the album heralded the second coming of the band, introducing its driving sound to a new generation of followers while exciting loyal fans who flocked to the cause during Platinum Blonde’s glory years.
“The worst thing a musician can do is grow up by changing the great sound that brought him to where he is,” said Holmes.
“All the great musicians I know today are still the same ‘kids-at-heart’ they were during their glory days. It brings emotion and warmth to the music you’d lose otherwise.”
“Doesn’t Really Matter” – Platinum Blonde
In the 1980s, Holmes et al were kids in reality, following up on the success of Standing In The Dark with 1985’s Alien Shores. The album sold more than 500,000 copies in Canada alone, spawning four hit singles in “Crying Over You”, “Situation Critical”, “Somebody Somewhere”m and “Hungry Eyes”. The album also marked the debut of bassist/keyboardist Kenny MacLean, and featured the talents of Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson on two tracks.
While 1987’s Contact garnered double-platinum status, it was a commercial disappointment. Come the new decade, Platinum Blonde disbanded. There things sat until 2010 when a reunion performance was staged at Toronto’s Mod Club Theatre. Two years later, original members Holmes and Galli, now joined by drummer Dan Todd and bassist Rob Laidlaw — MacLean died suddenly in 2008 — headed back to the studio to record Now & Never, the band’s first recording of new material in 25 years.
“We made a point of not touring until we had new songs … great songs,” noted Holmes.
“We didn’t want to be a bunch of old farts singing old songs. We revere the past and honour it, but it’s not alive anymore. Our new stuff will be alive when people hear it for the first time.”
As for Platinum Blonde’s enduring popularity, Holmes has an answer for that.
“The world is missing real damn rock stars. I’m sick of beards and plaid shirts … enough of boring bands. The lot of them sound like wild howling children. It’s distasteful. Whatever happened to parents being scared of their children listening to devil music?”
“Crying Over You” – Platinum Blonde
“Situation Critical” – Platinum Blonde
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 19 free-admission concerts during its milestone 30th anniversary season, each staged Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert and/or the 2016 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
20-year-old Mohammad Hassan Chaudhary of Markham has been identified as the pilot of the stolen plane that crashed in Peterborough. The RCMP have concluded there was no national security issue involved in the crime. (Photo: Chaudhary family)
The pilot of the stolen plane that crashed in Peterborough on August 12 has been identified as 20-year-old Mohammad Hassan Chaudhary of Markham, in a report today by Global News.
Chaudhary died shortly after the Piper Tomahawk aircraft, stolen from a Markham airport, crashed on Peterborough’s Lansdowne Street near Lansdowne Place mall at around 1:20 a.m.
Global News initially reported the RCMP were treating the investigation as a potential “national security issue”. After Global News published its story, an RCMP spokesperson advised the RCMP has concluded the crime has no national security aspect.
Mohammad was diagnosed with schizophrenia two years ago, according to his father Afzal Chaudhary, and had been treated at the Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Mohammad was known to police, having been charged in 2015 after an alleged armed robbery at a gas station in which he showed the clerk a pellet gun and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. Court documents obtained by Global News showed charges were later stayed.
According to his father, Mohammad had not received a “single minute” of flight training and didn’t even have a driver’s licence. He apparently rode a bicycle to get to the airport.
“I think he went on the bicycle,” Afazl told Global News. “They found the bicycle [at the airport].”
Afazl says his son had “bad mental health” and suspects he may have stolen the plane as an “adventure.”
Afazl also expressed concern that his son was able to freely enter the airport and steal a plane without any intervention from the authorities.
“It’s not national security issue on my son,” he told Global News. “It’s a national security issue for the airport. How come they left the airport like this? He was sick. He had a mental problem.”
On August 19th, the RCMP released a statement about their investigation, advising that the Ontario RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) has no information to indicate a link between the stolen plane and national security.
“The investigation has not revealed the motive for the theft and all indications are that the young man acted alone”, the statement reads in part. “The RCMP have no further details to provide on this investigation.”
Incidents in Canadian airspace always involve federal authorities in the investigation.
“It is very common for the RCMP to work with other police agencies on investigations,” says Superintendent Lise Crouch, Assistant Criminal Operations Officer with INSET. “Law enforcement partnerships are essential to maintain the safety of our communities.”
Wylie Harold and The Patio Daddios are performing at Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth on August 19 (photo courtesy of Wylie Harold)
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, August 18 to Wednesday, August 24.
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.
8pm - Unicorn Headbutt w/ Mangosteen Handbook & Chris Hayward
Saturday, August 20
7pm - North Hastings High School music and arts program fundraiser ft Vacay, Dustin Bird, and student performances ($15)
Coming Soon
Friday, August 26 8pm - Karaoke
Saturday, August 27 9pm - Jane Bunnett ($20, tickets available at Maynooth General Store)
Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub
4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450
Friday, August 19
9pm - Shaune Walt
Saturday, August 20
8pm - Tragically Hip: Live Final Concert Viewing Party (in parking lot beside pub)
Tuesdays
7:30pm - Trivia Tuesdays
Wednesdays
7pm - Jam Night in the York Room
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, August 18
7:30pm - Jazz & Blues w/ Rob Philips & Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, August 19
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Rob Philips Band
Saturday, August 20
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Bobby Watson
Sunday, August 21
4-8pm - 11th anniversary celebration ft Rick & Gailie, House Brand, Water Street Slim and the Unlikely Heroes
Monday, August 22
7pm - Hard Time Mondays w/ Rick & Gailie
Tuesday, August 23
7:30pm - Open Mic w/ Randy Hill
Wednesday, August 24
7:30pm - Mike Lonergan
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 25 7:30pm - Jazz & Blueas w/ Rob Philips & Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, August 26 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Northern Soul
Saturday, August 27 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Briannah Cotton Bank
Sunday, August 28 3pm - Michelle Prin
Brickhouse Craft Burger Grill
123 Simcoe St., Peterborough
(705) 874-7474
Saturday, August 20
8:30pm - Screening of CBC broadcast of The Tragically Hip final concert
Canoe & Paddle
18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111
Saturday, August 20
9pm - Elmer Ferrer ($10)
Sundays (2nd/4th of month)
2-5pm - Live music
Tuesdays
7-10pm - Open jam
Wednesdays
7:30pm - Pub Quiz ($6 per team, max 6 people per team)
The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg
38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029
Friday, August 19
9pm - Live music
Saturday, August 20
8:30pm - The Tragically Hip Farewell Concert
Chemong Lodge
764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435
Friday, August 19
6-10pm - Wiley Harold & The Patio Daddios
Saturday, August 20
7-11pm - Donny Wood Band
Coming Soon
Friday, August 26 7-11pm - Tami J. Wilde
Saturday, August 27 7-11pm - Randy Hill
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001
Thursday, August 18
9pm - Unofficial: Tuborg w/ Ray on the Radio
Friday, August 19
5pm - CDHS Jazz Combo - Squishing Crickets; 9pm - Al Lerman
Saturday, August 20
11:30am - Lawnapalooza Summer '16 (play Washers, Pong, Ladder Ball, $20/team, must be 19 years of age or older to play); 8:30pm - Tragically Hip broadcast party
Mondays
Trivia Monday
Wednesdays
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
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
287-289 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9645
Thursday, August 18
10pm - Robin Hawkins Band (no cover)
Friday, August 19
10pm - Chris Collins Band (no cover)
Saturday, August 20
10pm - Robin Hawkins Band (no cover)
Wednesdays
Open stage
Dolce Vita Resto
413 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-3339
Thursday, August 18
6:30-8:30pm - Jazz Thursdays ft Pete Woolidge (piano) and Craig Paterson (bass). Call to make a reservation.
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 25 6:30-8:30pm - Jazz Thursdays ft Pete Woolidge (piano) and Federico Pontani (guitar). Call to make a reservation.
Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Saturday, August 20
2pm - Kitchen Party Music Jam (free, musicians and fans welcome); 5pm - Serendipity; 8pm - Tragically Hip Farewell Party
Sunday, August 21
2-5pm - "What's Opera Doc!" Highlands Opera Studio 10th Anniversary Celebration
Tuesdays
Tiki Beach Party w/ live music
Frank's Pasta and Grill
426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727
Thursdays
5-8pm - Live music
Fridays
9pm-12am - Karaoke Night
Saturday, August 20
8:30pm - Trainwreckx; 11:30pm - DJ Odeon
Wednesdays
8-11pm - Open Mic
Gabby's on Hunter
211 Hunter St. W, Peterborough
(705) 874-0465
Thursdays
9pm - Open mic
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, August 18
Kurt Chaboyer and The Handsome Ransom
Friday, August 19
5-7pm - Gentle Fridays with Evangeline Gentle; 10:30pm - Cousins, Nick Procyshyn and the Bad Mill, Beef Boys
Saturday, August 20
Peterborough Folk Festival After Party ft Cris Derksen, Selina Martin, Sean Conway
Sunday, August 21
Slow Man Tofu, Weather Weather, Moonriser
Monday, August 22
Ali McCormick
Wednesday, August 24
Emily Burgess Band
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 25 Petunia, The Minimalist Jug Band
Friday, August 26 Carolyn Mark and The New Best Friends
Saturday, August 27 Hillsburn
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Friday, August 19
9pm - The Citiots Improv w/ Adam Martignetti, Danny Bronson, Luke Foster, Ray Henderson, Andrew Root, Daniel Smith ($12 adults, $10 students/seniors)
Coming Soon
Friday, September 7 7pm - Dear Rouge w/ guests (all ages, $17 in advance at thegordonbest.ca, $20 at door)
Tuesday, October 19 7pm - Peterborough Folk Fest presents Jadea Kelly, Sweet Alibi (all ages, $15, tickets at peterboroughfolkfest.com)
Saturday, November 26 7-11pm - Peterborough Folk Fest presents Andy Shauf w/ Chris Cohen (all ages, $20, tickets at www.peterboroughfolkfest.com)
Junction Nightclub
253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550
Saturdays
10pm - Pure Saturdays
Mainstreet Landing Restaurant
1939 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
(705) 657-9094
Saturdays
1-4pm - Live music on the patio
Sundays
1-4pm - Live music on the patio
Marley's Bar & Grill
17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545
Friday, August 19
6:30-9:30pm - Andrew Vatcher
Saturday, August 20
5-8pm - Andrew Vatcher; 8:30pm - Tragically Hip Live on CBC
Coming Soon
Friday, August 26 6:30-9:30pm - Kayla Howran & Dylan Ireland
Saturday, August 27 6:30-9:30pm - Bad Luck Woman
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
Wednesdays
9pm - Cody Watkins
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursdays
7pm - Live music
Muddy's Pit BBQ
3247 County Rd. 2, Keene
(705) 295-1255
Sunday, August 21
3pm - Chris Culgin Band
Coming Soon
Sunday, August 28 3pm - Diamond Dave & The Smoke Eaters
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Wednesdays
6:30pm - Live music
Pastry Peddler (unlicensed)
17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333
Coming Soon
Friday, August 26 5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Kirk Losell, Michael Monis, John Fautley ($40 per person)
Saturday, August 27 5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Lenni Stewart, Michael Monis, Howard Baer ($40 per person)
Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue
6675 Highway 35, Coboconk
(705) 454-8100
Saturday, August 20
8:30pm - Screening of The Tragically Hip final concert
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 27 8pm - The Do Good Badlies
Saturday, September 3 10pm - The Kents ($10 at door)
Sunday, September 4 9pm - The Third Round
Pig's Ear Tavern
144 Brock St., Peterborough
(705) 745-7255
Thursdays
Trivia Night
Fridays
Pingo
Saturday, August 20
10pm - Peterborough Folk Festival After-Party ft Mayhemingways & Steelburner ($3)
Mondays
Pool Night
Tuesdays
Open stage (second Tuesday of each month: 5-7:30pm - Family Friendly Open Mic)
Wednesdays
Humpday Karaoinke
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Fridays
Live music
Saturdays
9pm - Live music
Tuesdays
Live music
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Thursday, August 18
9pm - Casey & Alley's Doe & Doe w/ Madge Enthat, Divalicious, ROBOTEYES, HEAT.WAV ($10 cover w/ proceeds to Casey & Alley)
Friday, August 19
Voice of Addiction
Sundays
3pm - Back Patio Party
Tuesdays
10pm - Open mic w/ Matt Diamond
Coming Soon
Friday, September 2 Robot Eyes
Saturday, September 3 Silver Creek Folk
Riley's Olde Town Pub
257 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 750-1445
Thursdays
Travis Berlinbach
Fridays
Travis Berlinbach
Saturdays
Josh Gontier
Sundays
Josh Gontier
Mondays
Josh Gontier
Tuesdays
Josh Gontier & Cale Gontier
Wednesdays
Guest performers
Riverside Grill & Gazebo - Holiday Inn
150 George St, Peterborough
(705) 743-1144
Friday, August 19
6-10pm - Chris Murphy ft Cheryl Lescom ($10)
Sunday, August 21
2-5pm - Terry Finn & Friends (no cover)
Coming Soon
Friday, August 26 6-10pm - Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar ($10)
Sunday, August 28 2-5pm - Caitlin O'Conner with Rico Browne (no cover)
Shots
379 George Street K9H 3R2, Peterborough
(705) 749-9315
Friday, August 19
10pm - Splice Throwback Party w/ DJ Muddler & Sucho (no cover)
Wednesdays
10pm - DJ Muddler's House Party
Southside Pizzeria
25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120
Fridays
9am-12pm - Open mic ($2); 8pm - Karaoke
Tuesdays
9am-12pm - Open mic (free); 8pm - Karaoke
The Spill
414 George St., Peterborough
(705) 748-6167
Thursday, August 18
8pm - Shotgun, Beyond the Wall, THECanadians (19+, $10)
Friday, August 19
9pm - Anonimous Dysco, Joe D (no cover)
Saturday, August 20
9pm - Crown Lands, Bodhi Jar, Severed Feathers, The Bandicoots
Wednesday, August 24
Lee Dodington Singer Songwriter Night.
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 25 8pm - Peterborough Poetry Slam and open mic ft David Silverberg
Friday, August 26 9pm - Ptarmigan CD release w/ Nick Procyshyn and The Bad Milk ($10 at the door or $20 with your choice of CD or vinyl)
Saturday, August 27 Adler-Yarranton
Sunday, August 28 8pm - Century Palm, Faux Cults, Feel Alright, Mixer ($7 or PWYC)
Tank House
295 George St. N, Peterborough
(705) 743-2717
Thursday, August 18
5:30pm - Cale Crow
Friday, August 19
5:30pm - Bob Taylor Band
Saturday, August 20
8:30pm - Tragically Hip Final Show Patio Party
Sunday, August 21
3pm - Dean James
Tuesday, August 23
5:30pm - Sarah Smith Band
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 25 5:30pm - Nathan Jackson
Friday, August 26 5:30pm - The Cadillacs
Saturday, August 27 3pm - Tami J. Wilde
Sunday, August 28 3pm - 50-60s Band; 8 p.m. - Open mic
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
Saturday, August 20
8pm - Tragically Hip: Live Final Concert Viewing Party (free admission, 19+)
Coming Soon
Saturday, September 24 8pm - Honeymoon Suite (tickets available September 10, 2016)
This rain garden, installed by GreenUP at Wireless Solutions on Landsdowne Street in 2015, has the capacity to divert 200,000 litres of rainwater. The eight rain gardens installed in The Avenues as part of the Rain Ready Peterborough program will have the capacity to divert approximately 320,000 litres of rainwater, roughly the volume of six tanker trucks. (Photo: GreenUP)
With a hot, dry summer like this one, flooding may not be in the forefront of our minds. However, for many residents of Peterborough and the Kawarthas the floods of past years — and the damage that they caused — are never far in our minds.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Dylan Radcliffe, GreenUP Water Programs Coordinator.
Over the past several years, Ontario has seen increased incidences of large storm events causing rivers to spill over their banks. Since the large flood in 2004, Peterborough has experienced a number of storm and snow melt events that have put people’s properties and livelihoods at risk.
To mitigate flooding when the next big storm hits, GreenUP, the City of Peterborough, and local residents — as part of a Green Communities Canada program, Rain Ready Peterborough — will be holding a series of public forums for people to share their opinions, ideas, and knowledge about flooding in their neighbourhoods.
The first Rain Ready Peterborough forum will be held at Prince of Wales Public School on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 6 p.m. We encourage you to come and share your thoughts on how to mitigate flooding in our community.
Local knowledge is critical when it comes to understanding how flooding impacts a neighbourhood and how water flows across the landscape. We can understand how to divert runoff more effectively by understanding what people have experienced during previous storms.
In The Avenues, a low-lying flat neighbourhood in Peterborough, flooding is a risk. GreenUP, in partnership with community members of The Avenues, will be embarking on a quest to re-envision how rainfall is managed there over the next several months.
Mayor Daryl Bennett kicked off the Rain Ready Peterborough program at City Hall on August 16th with program partners GreenUp, Green Communities Canada, and residents of The Avenues Neighbourhood in Peterborough. Mayor Bennett shared his support for the new program by encouraging residents to participate as a way to mitigate climate change in our area. (Photo: GreenUP)
Flood mitigation plans must take into consideration the specific geography of each neighbourhood, along with the voices of residents to ensure that plans are region-specific. For example, a flood mitigation plan for The Avenues may not be the same as a plan for the south end of Peterborough.
Allowing residents to participate in flood mitigation plans will help tailor the strategies to the needs of people in their respective neighbourhoods.
GreenUP will also be partnering with community members to install and maintain eight rain gardens within The Avenues neighbourhood.
Rain gardens are a partnering of new and old ideas to manage rain where it falls.
Instead of channeling rainfall directly into storm sewers, the rain can be diverted into a depression in the ground that is filled with material to dissipate the water and allow it to soak into the ground.
Rain gardens can be populated with species of flowers and plants that are able to withstand the trials of both drought and heavy rain — and they look fantastic! Rain gardens may become a much more common sight in our neighbourhoods as municipalities explore new ways to deal with storm water runoff.
Climate change threatens to bring more rainfall and higher intensity storm events, so now is a crucial time to be discussing the role we all play in managing rainfall.
For more information about public forums, or to ask questions about water, rain, or flood-related issues, please contact Dylan Radcliffe, Water Programs Coordinator, by email at dylan.radcliffe@greenup.on.ca or by phone at 705-745-3238 ext. 217.
The Omemee episode of CBC's comedy series Still Standing will be broadcast on CBC TV on August 23 (photo: CBC)
The town of Omemee in the City of Kawartha Lakes will be featured on the popular CBC Television comedy series Still Standing in an episode to be broadast on Tuesday, August 23rd.
The series stars comedian Jonny Harris, who has been travelling across Canada to explore small towns that are “on the ropes” and meet with the people who, despite economic hard times, remain fiercely proud of their communities.
Omemee’s claim to fame is that it was the childhood home of musician Neil Young, immortalized by the lyrics of the song “Helpless”: There is a town in north Ontario … All my changes were there. Neil’s father, author and sportswriter Scott Young, continued to live in Omemee until shortly before his death in 2004.
Omemee was also the birthplace of Lady Eaton, the wife of Toronto department store president and heir Sir John Craig Eaton.
In the episode of Still Standing, which was filmed in Omemee at Thanksgiving last year, Jonny Harris meets Neil Young’s childhood friend, takes rifle shooting lessons from the town doctor, and goes adventure diving in a swimming pool.
“The airing of this show is a delight to our small town,” says Councillor Mary Ann Martin. “It will put Omemee on the national screen and will tell the stories of some of our long-time residents. Tune in and see why we love Omemee!”
The episode airs at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23rd on CBC Television and, after the broadcast date, you can watch it online.
The town of Omemee in the City of Kawartha Lakes (photo: Wikipedia)
Although the 1,247 residents of Omemee may challenge the assertion the town is “on the ropes”, like many small towns in Ontario established by pioneers, Omemee’s glory days are in its past.
Omemee was originally founded by Irish emigrant William Cottingham in the early 1800s, after the Cottingham family established a grist and saw mill on Pigeon River. A village grew around the mill and, in 1835, was named Williamstown. The village was renamed Metcalf in the 1840s and then Omemee in 1857 — based on a Mississauga word meaning “pigeon”.
Until 2014, Omemee’s King Street was home to the Youngstown Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum. A smaller exhibit is now located at the Olde Gaol Museum in Lindsay (photo: Wikpedia)
The construction of the Port Hope, Lindsay and Beaverton Railway in 1857 (when the town also acquired a post office) fostered the growth of the community, which became a thriving shipping point for timber and grain.
Until the 1860s, Omemee competed with Lindsay as the largest town in Victoria County. At its zenith in the late 1800s, Omemee had a grist mill, two sawmills, a tannery, a foundry, a shingle mill, a cloth mill, three churches, four hotels, an elementary and secondary school, and a newspaper.
As Ontario’s economy shifted away from agriculture and surrounding towns grew, the industrial section of Omemee declined until, 100 years later, only the Regal Stationary Company remained (the factory has since closed). Today, Omemee’s economy is supported by the town’s population as well as seasonal residents and retirement communities in the surrounding area.
Neil Young revisits Omemee – Neil Young Journeys Trailer
Dr. Judith Buys of Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Peterborough has died after being injured in an explosion (photo: Judith Buys / Facebook)
Following the passing of Erica Cherney earlier today, the business community of Peterborough has now suffered a second loss with the death of local businesswoman Dr. Judith Buys.
kawarthaNOW has learned that Dr. Buys, one of the partners of Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Peterborough, died today at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.
On Saturday, August 13th, she was rushed to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay after suffering severe burns following a naphtha lamp gas explosion at a cottage near Burnt River in the City of Kwawartha Lakes. She was later airlifted to Sunnybrook, where she underwent emergency surgery.
Dr. Buys succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday morning. She was 55 years old.
Like Erica Cherney, Dr. Buys was an active member of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. The organization is reeling from learning of the deaths of two of its members in the same day.
Erica Cherney & Dr. Judith Buys: They were amazing women & we're thankful that they both were part of our lives. pic.twitter.com/TidvmDlIO0
Dr. Buys completed her dental education at the University of Western, graduating in 1985, and established her dental practice in 1987 on Reid Street.
She dedicated her time volunteering and donating to the United Way, the Festival of Trees, the Dragon Boat Festival, and Five Counties Children’s Centre.
She leaves behind her husband Dr. Jim McGorman, an emergency room physician at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, and their two sons, Brendan and Connor.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP, and the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario are investigating the explosion that led to Dr. Buys’ death, which also injured two other people.
Visitations for Dr. Buys will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 18th at the chapel at Ashburnham Funeral Home (840 Armour Rd., Peterborough). A private service for the family will be held at a later date.
Dr. Buys’ family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Five Counties Children’s Centre or the YWCA Crossroads shelter. Donations and condolences to the family can be made at www.ashburnhamfuneral.ca or by calling 705-740-0444.
Dr. Verona Sulja, Dr. Judith Buys, and Dr. Koren Bennetts of Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Peterborough (photo: Cornerstone Family Dentistry)
"It's hard to lose such a strong woman" - Terry Guiel, Executive Director of Peterborough DBIA, pictured in happier days with Erica Cherney (photo courtesy Peterborough DBIA)
Those who know Terry Guiel know he is rarely, if ever, lost for words.
On Tuesday (August 16), the executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) struggled to put a simple sentence together as he remembered his friend and longtime DBIA board member Erica Cherney.
Cherney, 84, died hours earlier at her Peterborough home, succumbing to her second battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, including her children Mike, Karen, and Rich.
“Extreme sadness … it’s hard to lose such a strong woman who had battled and come back from this great enemy of cancer,” noted Guiel, alluding, as many have, to the words written on the back of her business card — ‘Never underestimate the power of a pissed off woman.’
Just recently, Guiel was able to visit privately with Cherney at her home. Her passing has made his memory of that sit-down even more poignant.
“She had a classical guitar, so I asked her if she’d like to hear a few songs,” he recalls.
“I played a bunch of songs. I sang Edelweiss and a very naughty song. She thoroughly enjoyed it; she had a smile on her face the whole time. I think it was therapeutic for us both.”
While distressed to receive word of Cherney’s passing, Guiel admits it wasn’t a complete surprise.
“You can see when the body has had enough,” he says.
Former Peterborough mayor Sylvia Sutherland with her friend Erica Cherney at The Black Horse Pub in 2015 at a birthday celebration for Donna Clarke (photo: Jeannine Taylor)
For her part, former Peterborough mayor Sylvia Sutherland, in Huntsville on a work assignment, heard of the passing of her close friend via an email from one of her children.
“I knew I was going to be hearing this news soon,” says Ms Sutherland.
“I saw Erica very briefly Saturday afternoon (August 13) and I realized then that would be last time I would see her. As I left, I said to Ricky (Sutherland’s pet name for Cherney), ‘There’s good news … Trump is losing.’ I got the biggest smile from her and I think a little giggle too.”
Like Guiel, Sutherland praises Cherney’s impact and influence on various sectors of Peterborough.
“Particularly with businesswomen … she was so supportive,” notes Sutherland.
Erica (right) with Dr. Tom Phillips and Shannon Mak of Le Petit Bar promoting a 2013 fundraiser for Peterborough Health Services Foundation (photo: Carol Lawless)
“You always knew where you stood with Ricky. We didn’t always agree on issues but that never interfered with our friendship. The last few years, I had been sending her jokes on short people. She said, ‘I’ve always enjoyed (local economist) Tom Phillips … we literally saw eye to eye.'”
Another warm memory centres around Cherney’s penchant for a good Scotch, Sutherland referencing her friend’s “four o’clock Scotch tea” custom as part and parcel of her unique persona.
A native of Ottawa, Cherney was born Erica Cohen on February 3, 1932 and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University in 1943. Come 1955, she was off to California with her first husband.
Erica joined the Trent University Board of Governors in 1979 and served as the university’s first female chair from 1980 to 1984 (photo: Trent University)
In 1967, her marriage over, Cherney eventually returned to Ottawa with her three children. There she renewed acquaintances with Harry Cherney, a family friend and business associate. In 1971, they married and moved to Peterborough where Harry oversaw a chain of furniture stores.
What followed for Cherney were years of community service at the highest and most impactful levels: chair of Trent University’s board of governors from 1980 to 1984; positions with the boards of the Peterborough Family YMCA, Showplace and the DBIA; and work on behalf of the Greater Peterborough Economic Council and its successor, the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation.
Erica was one of 19 women who posed for “The Age of Beauty”, a calendar that raised funds in the wake of the devastating July 15, 2004 flood (photo: Michael Cullen)
And if there was a cause to be helped, Cherney frequently rolled up her sleeves with gusto. The 2005 Calendar Girls project for flood relief dollars saw her pose by flood-ravaged Jackson Creek, dressed only in a raincoat and rubber boots.
As a savvy businesswoman, Cherney had few peers in Peterborough. After Harry passed in 1984, the Cherney furniture business was sold but his estate retained a number of properties which led to the formation of Cherney Realty. Still in place today, that entity still owns and manages several city buildings. Right up until cancer laid her low for a second time, Cherney was an active in the management of the company.
Accolades that came Cherney’s way number many, including YMCA Woman of the Year (1987), Peterborough Citizen of the Year (1999), an Honourary Doctorate from Trent University (2005), a lifetime achievement award from Homegrown Homes (2011), and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal (2012).
In addition, in 2006, the Community Counselling and Resource Centre started the Erica Cherney Inspiration Fund in recognition of Cherney’s commitment to active citizenship. In 2015, she received Carleton University’s Humanitarian of the Year Alumni Award and, just this past May, Cherney was inducted into the Peterborough Business Hall of Fame.
“There’s another group that has lost someone very, very important to them and that is the Jewish community in Peterborough,” notes Sutherland.
Both Guiel and Sutherland agree that while the term “legacy” doesn’t always fully apply and is often over-the-top, that’s not the case here. In addition, for Sutherland, there remains the memory of her friend’s personal attributes.
Erica’s sense of humour shines through in a 2014 interview for My Peterborough. Watch the video at the end of this story. (photo: Jeremy B. Kelley)
“She had that wonderful smile … she was bright, she was feisty, she was generous, she had a good sense of humour,” notes Sutherland.
Guiel, meanwhile, says there’s “no chance” Cherney won’t be long remembered for her contributions, both personally and professionally.
Erica was a strong supporter of the business community, including the Peterborough DBIA. Here she is as a judge at the 2015 Ribfest, watching as writer Paul Rellinger (not pictured) eat ribs (photo courtesy Peterborough DBIA)
“I think it’s really going to hit me at the next (DBIA) board meeting and we’ll see her empty chair,” says Guiel.
“I’m going to try and find a way that we can honour her memory, her ceaseless dedication to not just the downtown but to the entire community. We’ll talk to her family when things settle down and see what that could be.”
Like Sutherland, Guiel’s memories on this day are of a friend who supported him.
“My fondest memory is playing (music) in a pub at one in the morning and in comes Erica, with Beth McMaster or Ann Farquharson or some of her other friends, or often on her own. She’d grab a Scotch and then she’d pull out this little tiny harmonica. That was just so whimsical.”
“Erica is someone you look at and ask, ‘Who can follow that?'”
Cherney’s public funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17, at the Beth Israel Synagogue, 775 Weller Street, followed by a private family burial at Little Lake Cemetery. A public reception at the synagogue will then be held after the burial.
Shiva will be observed in Toronto at the home of Mike and Shari Cherney at 47 Shallmar Boulevard in Toronto. Visitation hours are 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday August 18th (shiva minyan at 7:30 p.m.), 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday August 19th, 9 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 20th (shiva minyan at 9:15 p.m.), and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 21st (shiva minyan at 7:30 p.m.)
Condolences can be sent care of Mike and Shari Cherney (47 Shallmar Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M6C 2K1). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue, the Israel Scout Federation, or the Peterborough Foundation.
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