Since 1981, the Peterborough, Haliburton & District Branch of the Canadian Red Cross has been located at 565 Water Street. The physical office will close effective April 30, although the Canadian Red Cross will continue to provide services to the area. (Photo: Google)
The Peterborough office of the Canadian Red Cross at 565 Water Street is closing effective Sunday, April 30th — a move prompted by the agency’s desire to respond to changing times.
“It’s not a cost-savings measure,” says Helena McKeag, Red Cross’s director of regional services for Eastern Ontario. “It’s because we’re delivering our services differently.
“The current services that we have in the Peterborough area — First Aid and CPR training, offered through our training partners as of March 31 — will continue to be there. Disaster Management with the emergency 24/7 line and the Disaster Management team will still be there with the same contact people. Those will be remaining, just offered in a different manner.”
McKeag explains the changing nature of how the Canadian Red Cross delivers services means a physical location in Peterborough is no longer necessary.
“We don’t need the physical presence of the building to offer those. You don’t need bricks and mortar to do the work. Our delivery model, the way we deliver our services, has changed over the years. Disaster Management is now mobile. It will still be there but they don’t need to work out of the Peterborough office to deliver services.”
Services offered by the Canadian Red Cross from its Peterborough office have included disaster management, First Aid, CPR, swimming instruction, refugee services, bullying and abuse prevention programs, health equipment, winter clothing items, and more. The Red Cross says local services will continue to be available, but will no longer be delivered from the physical office in Peterborough.
McKeag adds all Red Cross services will remain accessible to the public with the current phone number of 705-745-8222 remaining active. As well, local services can be accessed at www.redcross.ca.
“While we will no longer will have a physical branch (in Peterborough), we will continue to provide services to the community based on need, as we do now in other locations where branches do not exist,” says McKeag.
The Canadian Red Cross closed its Renfrew County and District Branch office last year, as well as its branch in Quinte. This year, it’s also closing a branch in Keewatin near Kenora in northern Ontario effective June 30th, and there are reports of other offices in southern Ontario closing as well this year.
“The way the public has been interacting with us over the years has changed dramatically, along with the way we deliver some of our programs and services,” McKeag explains. “We’re looking at transforming the way we do our business, the way we deliver our services. If you have a mobile unit that’s going to be more responsive to disaster management and emergencies, why would you time them to a building? We’re just responding to the times and changing with the times.”
Along with First Aid/CPR training and Disaster Management services, other programs offered by the Peterborough branch have included: swimming instruction and lifeguard certification; manual wheelchair recycling; health equipment loans; “First Contact” for refugees facing challenges in adjusting to their new home; violence, bullying and abuse prevention programs; and “Winter Warmth”, which provides knitted items for those without access to winter wear.
What has been the home of the Canadian Red Cross, the building at 565 Water Street, was designated a heritage structure in 1982 by the City of Peterborough.
Built in 1889 at the northwest corner of Water and London streets, it is known as Harstone House — a tribute to Phoebe and Robert Harstone who acquired the property in 1907 and later left it to their son Colonel John A. Harstone, who lived there until his death in 1981 after which the Canadian Red Cross acquired the property.
Built in Queen Anne-style, the brick dwelling was originally designed by architect William Blackwell for John B. McWilliams, a businessman and politician. It was also the family home of his son Roland, who became mayor of Peterborough in 1906 and, in 1940, lieutenant governor of Manitoba.
The Lakefield Horticultural Society is seeking community support to beautify the Village of Lakefield with flower baskets for Canada 150th celebrations
Last Call! B.O.S.S. Business Owners Sharing Solutions – March 30th
On March 30, kawarthaNOW publisher Jeannine Taylor will moderate a panel of four Chamber members on how businesses can use digital platforms
Moderator Jeannine Taylor of kawarthaNOW.com will speak with a panel of Chamber Members who will share practical tips and strategies for websites and effectively using social media for business. A light breakfast will be served.
Thanks to Chamber Professional Development Sponsor Lynn Woodcroft, Sales Representative, Royal LePage Frank Real Estate Brokerage.
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Two-time cancer survivor Tessa Smith is the guest speaker at the Chamber Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast (photo: Nick Lee)
The guest speaker for this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast is Tessa Smith of Omemee.
Tessa is a published journalist, motivational speaker, model and poet.
At only 18 years of age, she is a two-time cancer survivor, which has resulted in the loss of her right eye and left leg. Tessa was named the Canadian Terry Fox Foundation Ambassador for 2016 and continues to inspire others daily.
The Volunteer Breakfast is being held at Beachwood Resort.
Thanks to Chamber Networking Sponsor Blue Diamond Siding & Window Cleaning.
5 Minutes for Business: Budget 2017 – Let’s Not “Wait & See”
In this edition of 5 Minutes for Business, Hendrik Brakel, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director, Economic, Financial and Tax Policy, addresses all the hype — or lack thereof — surrounding the release of the 2017 Federal Budget. It seems all the buildup fostered by the Liberals did not exceed our expectations and if anything, the lackluster document did very little to address the innovation agenda.
Read 5 Minutes for Business to find out why the “wait and see” approach we’ve taken to the U.S. tax reform won’t improve Canadian competitiveness and why we must take action now.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce releases 5 Minutes for Business, a publication written by Hendrik Brakel, the Senior Director of Enconomic, Financial and Tax Policy. In these publication, Hendrik briefly describes current issues that affect the Canadian economy and provides insight on what it will mean for Canadians today and the future.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Budget 2017 A Time For Caution
The government’s first budget centred on campaign promises: the middle class, growth, climate change. But, a lot of the critical details were put off to later: the infrastructure plan with “export corridors,” the innovation agenda, health spending, the tax expenditure review. Of course, the government had only been in office for 100 days, and it needed to consult on many of these items.
Budget 2017 is completely different-big deficits and economic uncertainty mean there is not much money for new programs or big announcements. But, there is far more detail around previously announced policies and programs.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) welcomes the Government of Canada’s decision to focus on skills and innovation, announced in the 2017 Federal Budget.
Overall, with the budget delivering underwhelming implications for Ontario’s business community, the OCC is calling on the federal government to enhance investment in trade-enabling infrastructure.
The Workforce Development Board is asking area employers to complete an online survey (photo: WDB)
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) – Local Employment Planning Council (LEPC) wants to continue to strengthen the local labour market but they can’t do it alone!
WDB is asking you, the heroes of our communities, to tell them what you need. Just complete this survey.
WDB-LEPC is a not-for-profit organization based in Peterborough and serving Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. The WDB-LEPC provides labour market information, coordinates employment and training services, and engages employer communities. For more information visit wdb.ca.
County of Peterborough 2017 Bursary Awards
The County of Peterborough annually recognizes eligible students residing in the County of Peterborough (excluding the City of Peterborough) who have successfully completed Grade 12 and are continuing with post-secondary education. Bursaries are awarded to eligible students who meet the criteria based on the weighted ranking as established by County Council being the relative financial need of the individual, the grade point average of the applicant, and the amount of other bursaries received. Read more.
Peterborough Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre is now accepting applications to the Summer Company program for 2017.
Summer Company is a youth entrepreneurship program that connects youth ages 15-29 with training, mentorship and funding to start a summer business. This year, 13 grants up to $3,000 are available for students between the ages of 15-29 from the City and County of Peterborough. Read more.
The deadline for applications is May 6, 2017. This highly sought-after program is first-come, first-served and spaces fill quickly. Visit www.peterboroughed.ca/summer for details.
Support Lakefield Horticultural Society for Canada 150 Beautification
As we celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary, we anticipate even more visitors to the area.
With the cancellation of the Annual Antique Sale and Flower show, a major fundraiser for the Lakefield Horticultural Society, the organization has a limited budget for the quality and quantity of baskets that add so much to the village streetscape.
The Horticultural Society would be most grateful for any contributions you can make toward the efforts to beautify the village. To make a contribution or for more information, please contact Emma Murphy at 705-740-4676 or email puffin12@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events
Free Income Tax Clinic at Community Care, Lakefield – April 6th
Douro & District Optimist Club Annual Euchre Tournament – April 8th
Taste of Canada at the Buckhorn Community Centre – April 8th
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
The Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA) has produced a new short film that shows off the beauty and vibrancy of Millbrook. The BIA is hosting an official launch party for the video on the March 29 at Madison's Place in downtown Millbrook. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
With its rolling hills and historic buildings, Millbrook has become a favourite location for film and television shoots — including Anne, CBC Television’s revival of Lucy Maude Montgomery’s classic children’s novel, which premiered on March 19th.
On Wednesday, March 29th, the Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA) officially launched a film of its own: a two-minute short by videographer Patrick Stephen. The film captures the beauty of the village, not dressed for a film set, but just as it is.
VIDEO: Experience Millbrook – It’s Closer Than You Think!
Brigid Ayotte, Economic and Community Development Co-ordinator with the Township of Cavan Monaghan, says that the BIA decided to make the film after it was suggested by John Fizzle at Primerica.
“The idea of being able to package what is so great and beautiful about this community visually and succinctly attracted the BIA to this,” Brigid says.
The film showcases Millbrook’s beautiful countryside; we get a sense of space and freedom in the farms and hills. We watch the Pastry Peddler open with fresh baking as the main street awakens.
We see the beautiful trails, the 4th Line Theatre, the farmers’ market, the community garden, tempting food, and bustling streets. We see the Millbrook Fair at day and at night, glowing against the evening sky.
But still, there is so much about Millbrook that you don’t see in the film. Firm in my belief that the best way to experience a town is to speak with the people who know it best, I spoke with BIA members about Millbrook beyond the film.
The food
Deanna Bell-Hall of The Pastry Peddler with staffer Taylor Luecke. In addition to delicious baked goods, the Pastry Peddler is open for breakfast and lunch. Their menu includes butter chicken nachos. They also host live music and jazz nights. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
I ask Brigid about her favourite downtown attraction.
“The food,” she replies. “You have a whole range of food: eclectic at the Pastry Peddler, more traditional fare at Madison’s Place. If you want something quick you’ve got Bewdley Pizza or Subway.”
Having different options makes it easy for visitors downtown to spend the day.
Brigid also pointed out that many of these restaurants use local ingredients. “Millbrook and the Township of Cavan Monaghan have always had a very strong agricultural background.”
The Pastry Peddler serves local meat, maple syrup honey, and produce. They work with farms including Circle Organic, Puddleduck Farm, and French’s Beef.
Kate Deklerk, owner of the Quilter’s Bolt (30 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-2120) recommends that foodies check out the Millbrook Farmers’ Market.
“This is an adorable little market with fruits, veggies, plants, gourmet lunch options, and live music,” Kate says. “It feels like a meeting place for locals and draws some pretty impressive crowds.”
The market is held on the 4th Sunday of each month from May through October.
The shopping
Kate Deklerk owns the Quilter’s Bolt in downtown Millbrook, a quilting supply shop with exposed original bricks, 13-foot ceilings, and sunshine all day long. Kate offers classes throughout the week and also sells handmade gifts made by local makers. (Photo: The Quilter’s Bolt)
Millbrook’s downtown is home to a variety of shops: clothing, gifts, decor, hardware, groceries, and quilt supplies can all be sourced within a stone’s throw.
Because these are independent shops, they offer a shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else. That’s why Brigid shops locally.
“If you go to Oasis Boutiques, you know that when you purchase something not everybody and their brother is going to have it,” Brigid explains. “It’s the same with Bear Essentials: there are a lot of unique gift ideas and products to use in your own home.”
Bonnie McQuarrie of Bethany Hills Interiors (12 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-1600) carries a colourful selection of linens and artwork, many of which are sourced nearby.
“We buy local as much as we can, and Canadian made as much as we can,” Bonnie says.
The history
Millbrook’s historic charm is one of the main reasons it has become so popular for film sets. The village has 45 historically designated buildings, the most per capita anywhere in Ontario. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
Millbrook’s historic charm is one of the main reasons it has become so popular for film sets, and the locals are very passionate about protecting its historic feel.
Millbrook has 45 historically designated buildings — the most per capita anywhere in Ontario.
Deanna Bell-Hall of the Pastry Peddler (17 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-7333) says that visitors often comment about the sense of history.
“A lot of people comment that it’s such a cute little town and it’s so charming, and it really is. You go back in time almost.”
Millbrook residents care about their history. The community group Save the Dam Mill Pond, in partnership with the Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society, raised $90,000 in the summer of 2015 to save Needler’s Mill, a mill originally built by Adam Scott in 1830 and moved to its current location in 1909.
The trails
There’s a reason why The Pastry Peddler has its name: Millbrook’s beautiful trails are a popular destination for both bikers and hikers. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
Whether you enjoy hiking or biking, Millbrook’s trails are a popular destination.
Kate of the Quilter’s Bolt says that when she hikes the trails, she often meets her friends and neighbours.
“I can honestly say, I don’t think we have ever hiked those trails and not been joined by friends we have unexpectedly come across.
“The nature, the beauty and the proximity all makes it so accessible, and such a wonderful thing to enjoy over and over again.”
The arts
Bonnie McQuarrie of Bethany Hills Interiors stands in front of a wall of etchings by Millbrook-based artist George Raab. Bonnie provides interior design services customized to her clients. “I love helping clients pull together a look that works with their budget, their colours, and their way of thinking.” (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
The 4th Line Theatre calls Millbrook home, but the town is also a hotbed for visual artists, musicians, authors, and crafters.
Bonnie of Bethany Hills Interiors represents some of those artists in her shop, including George Raab and Debra Jackson. She also carries books by local illustrators Bill Slavin and Esperanca Melo.
While Millbrook’s most famous homegrown musician is superstar Serena Ryder, she isn’t the only musician from Millbrook. The Pastry Peddler hosts regular live music nights featuring local talent.
There are also classes for aspiring artists and quilters four to five nights each week at The Quilter’s Bolt, which offers the chance to learn more about quilting, bag making, and more.
The events
The Millbrook Fair is one of a wide variety of community events in Millbrook that attract both residents and visitors alike. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Millbrook BIA)
Millbrook’s events are another reason to visit, according to Kate of the Quilter’s Bolt.
“Attending the wide variety of community events is another thing that I think makes Millbrook spectacular.”
Ladies Night, Zucchini Fest, and Christmas in the Village are Kate’s top picks.
This April 1st and 2nd, you can go to ‘Maple in the Township’, a tour of local maple producers.
The community
Michelle Horner of Millbrook Farm and Pet Supplies with her dog Jersey. The store sells pet food, toys, and farm equipment, including golf carts. All of the plants sold at the store are potted in organic soil. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
The thing that I heard about over and over again from BIA Members was Millbrook’s incredible sense of community.
Bonnie of Bethany Hills Interiors says that you can see the care that residents bring to their community as soon as you drive into town.
“There’s a pride in the village: a sense of belonging, a sense of caring. I think that’s illustrated so well with our decorating committee. So many people tell me when they come to Millbrook and they see those decorations, it shows that people care here. We really try to make it a nice place to come to.”
Michelle Horner, a customer service representative at Millbrook Farm and Pet Supplies (13 Tupper St, Millbrook, 705-932-2888) says that the small-town atmosphere is what makes Millbrook such a great place to be.
Didi Calhoun of Calhoun’s Foodland is herself a fixture of Millbrook’s downtown, having been in the grocery business for 43 years. “When it’s time for me to hang up my shingles and say my best before date is showing, it will be the end of an era.” (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
“Everybody’s friendly and courteous and most people know most other people. You have that family connection.”
Didi Calhoun, owner of Calhoun’s Foodland (6 Century Blvd, Millbrook, 705-932-2179) agrees.
“There are small towns everywhere, but it’s that sense of community when you’re here. That’s what keeps us here, and I think that’s what’s the draw. It’s a small piece of Utopia.”
Didi adds that it’s a great place to raise a family.
Kate of the Quilter’s Bolt also appreciates the family-friendly atmosphere.
“My family and I moved to Millbrook seven years ago. And I have to say I cannot imagine raising my girls anywhere else. The sense of community in this village is amazing.”
Just 15 minutes from Peterborough, Millbrook is a great place to visit. And, if you stay long enough, you just might want to move there.
There are more than 50 exhibits in this year's SPARK Photo Festival taking place during April in the Kawarthas. Pictured is a photo from Gary Mulcahery's exhibit "Farmer: Portraits of Family Farms in Northumberland County" which will be on display at the Arts and Heritage Centre of Warkworth (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
When it comes to photography in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, poet T.S. Elliot’s famous line “April is the cruellest month” certainly doesn’t apply.
That’s because April brings the fifth annual SPARK Photo Festival, the volunteer-run festival highlighting the best in local photography. The festival is both a celebration of photography and of the artists, dreamers, innovators, storytellers, professionals, and enthusiasts behind the camera lens.
This year’s festival includes more than 50 exhibits at different venues in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Keene, Douro, Campbellford, Warkworth, and Port Hope.
Below are some of the highlights of this year’s SPARK Photo Festival. We’ve also included a section at the end of this story with all the receptions for the exhibits by date, along with a list of exhibits that don’t have receptions.
This photo by Raneem is one of several in the Newcomer Children’s Photography Project (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
The Newcomer Children’s Photography Project, which began in July 2016, wraps with a community exhibit hosted by SPARK and the New Canadians Centre.
The project was designed to inspire young people to explore and connect with Canadian culture, language, and the environment through hands-on photographic instruction and activity. Each child was loaned a camera to record their activities, friends and family, or any other subject they are interested in documenting.
Zienah with one of her photographs that will be display at the Newcomer Children’s Photography Project exhibit (photo courtesy of New Canadians Centre)
The children and their parents received instruction in camera operation, basic photographic principles and composition, and visual literacy by SPARK volunteers during a four-week summer camp. After the summer, the group met once a month to review the most recent photos they had taken.
Photographs from Amjad, Ghaith, Ibrahim, Raneem, Sami, and Zeinah will be on display during April on the second floor of Brant Basics (296 George S. N., Peterborough). An opening reception takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 1st.
Juried Exhibit – “Framed”
“Watching” by Doug Johnson won First Place in the 2016 SPARK Juried Exhibit (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
The SPARK Photo Festival officially launches on Saturday, April 1st, from 5 to 8 p.m. with this year’s Juried Exhibit, called “Framed”, at Lett Architects (138 Simcoe St., Peterborough).
In the juried exhibit, 30 individual works will be chosen from all works submitted by a panel of qualified and experienced judges using a blind judging process. The judges know neither the name of the photographer or the title of the photograph. Student registrants will be judged alongside their adult peers.
Each selected work will be prepared by the SPARK juried exhibit curators to be an exhibit-ready work. This is to insure consistent print quality and consistent print size. Standardizing the image size, as well as the presentation materials, is meant to ensure images are judged on their inherent quality rather than on any other factor. Exhibit curators will not be involved in the judging other than as facilitators for the judging process.
At the official launch, awards will be presented to exhibiting photographers for Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, with prizes for each award.
The Juried Exhibit will continue to be on display at Lett Architects for the month of April.
Showcase Exhibit: “The Loss of Innocence, The Birth of A Nation: Remembering 1917 and the Great War 1914 – 1918”
Women with The Red Cross packing supplies during World War I, one of the historical photographs on display at SPARK’s Showcase Exhibit (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
This year’s SPARK Showplace Exhibit, “The Loss of Innocence, The Birth of A Nation: Remembering 1917 and the Great War 1914 – 1918”, recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9 – 12, 1917) and the Battle of Passchendaele (July 31 – November 10, 1917). While Canadian leadership and tenacity in World War I played a key role right through to the November 11, 1918 armistice and beyond, it was success at Vimy in 1917 that marked a coming-of-age in terms both of Canadian self-awareness and the respect it earned from others.
The Showcase Exhibit seeks to pay tribute to the many thousands of innocent Canadians soldiers, nurses, and others on the home front, as well as those abroad. The exhibit draws heavily on materials of the Peterborough Museum and Archives, especially the Balsillie Collection of Roy Studio Images. The museum’s archivist Mary Charles located and arranged for the scanning of Roy Studio glass-plate negatives. Some of the 100-year old images have held up better than others, but all are a window into the past and into the world of the WW1 participants.
To provide the broader context, the exhibit uses official war photographs from Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian War Museum, and Veterans Affairs Canada, which are now in the public domain. Other materials come, for example, from the Trent Valley Archives as well as other sources. Generally the contextual photos are smaller in size, so that the portraits are placed in a framework but not overshadowed.
The Showcase Exhibit will be on display at Peterborough Public Library (Peterborough Square, Lower Level, 360 George St N., Peterborough) during the month of April, except for the Easter Weekend when the library is closed.
A reception will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 9th. The reception follows the Vimy Ridge Memorial Service that takes place at the Peterborough Cenotaph from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Emerging Curator/Photographer(s) Exhibit
A detail of a photograph by Patrick Stephen, one of the emerging photographers featured at SPARK (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
Curated by Erin Burke, currently studying visual arts at the University of Victoria, the SPARK Emerging Curator/Photographer(s) will feature a group of photographers with roots in the Peterborough community: PCVS alumni who attended the historic downtown school and those who studied at the new location of the Arts Program at Thomas A. Stewart.
Featured photographers are Patrick Stephen, Julie Douglas, and Kate Fearnall. The exhibit will showcase photography that has piqued their interest since high school, whether film, digital, career-based, or strictly recreational.
This year’s exhibit aims to recognize local student graduates, their continued interest in the medium, and the lasting influence and inspiration of the teachers of this area’s Integrated Arts Program.
The exhibit will be on display at Peterborough Alternative & Continuing Education (PACE) at Peterborough Collegiate (201 McDonnel St., Peterborough) during the month of April. A reception will be held form 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 7th at PACE.
The reception will also include the Overexposed Exhibit, featuring current photography from city-wide secondary school students.
A Way Home Peterborough Community Exhibit
This photograph of a young person outside a shelter is part of the A Way Home Peterborough exhibit about youth homelessness (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
Through YES Shelter for Youth and Families, “A Way Home Peterborough” is a community collaboration strategizing to end youth homelessness. The experts in this work are youth experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Unfortunately, their voice is rarely given a forum or listened to. Too often they are on the other side of society’s lens and are judged, ignored, or exploited.
This “Photo Voice” project aimed to create a meeting place for youth to use the common language of photography to express their different experiences of homelessness. Youth were given cameras and a mission to show Peterborough what homelessness means to them. The photos they shot were then reviewed and selected by their peers for inclusion in this exhibit.
This exhibit honours the resiliency of youth who are homeless or precariously housed and explores their diversity of experience. The broader aim is to start a community conversation and inspire action to end youth homelessness in Peterborough.
The exhibit will be on display during April at Pappas Billiards (407 George St. N., Peterborough), with a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 29th.
SPARK SPiN Routes
Five self-guided cycling routes are available that will take you to SPARK exhibits in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Douro, Campbellford, and Warkworth (graphic: SPARK Photo Festival)
New in 2017, SPARK Photo Festival has joined forces with Wild Rock, GreenUP, and B!KE to provide festival goers with five self-guided cycling routes that will take you to exhibits in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Douro, Campbellford, and Warkworth.
Each SPARK SpiN route has been mapped using Strava, a free on-line and mobile route tracking tool. You can print the maps, or access on them on your mobile with the free Strava app. A printable PDF has also been provided for each route with detailed information about each SPARK Photo Festival location along the route.
Photography by Bill Lockington will be on display at Ashburnham Ale House in Peterborough’s East City during SPARK (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
Kawartha Artists Gallery – Kawartha Artists Gallery & Studio (420 O’Connell Rd., Peterborough) – 1 to 4 p.m.
Bill Lockington – Ashburnham Ale House (128 Hunter St. E., Peterborough) – 3 to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4
Nancy Westaway – Pammett’s Flowers (208 Charlotte St., Peterborough) – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
SPARK Showcase – Peterborough Public Library (Peterborough Square, Lower Level, 360 George St. N., Peterborough) – 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 11
Margaret Hamilton – Elmhirst’s Resort (1045 Settler Line, Keene) – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 12
Robert Laycock – Capers Restaurant (28 Bridge St., Campbellford) – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 15
Christopher Thorpe – Camp Ho-Ba-Chee (18 Main St., Warkworth) – 11 am to 4 p.m.
Lise Varrette – Our Lucky Stars Café (16 Main St., Warkworth) – 11 am to 4 p.m.
Mike Towns – P.G. Towns Business Building (297 County Road 8, Douro) – 11 am to noon
Sunday, April 16
This photograph by Judith Bain is one in the exhibit by the Peterborough Photographic Society on display during SPARK at the YMCA of Central East Ontario (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
Linda Cardona – Empress Gardens (131 Charlotte St., Peterborough) – 4 to 6 p.m.
Pat Jilesen – Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews (282 Aylmer St., Peterborough) – 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 29
SPARK Photo Festival Co-Chair Robert Boudreau’s own work will be on display at Hunter Street Books in Peterborough during SPARK (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
Greg Burke – Peterborough Farmers’ Market (Morrow Building, 136 Lansdowne St., Peterborough) – Starts at 10:30 am
Robert Boudreau – Hunter Street Books (164 Hunter St. W., Unit 3, Peterborough) – 3 to 5 p.m.
Exhibits without receptions
Also make sure to check out the following exhibits that do not have receptions. Click on a link for more details about the exhibit on the SPARK website.
This photograph by naturalist Drew Monkman is part of the Making the Invisible Visible exhibit on display on “The Pollinators Pathway” during SPARK (photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
The walls for the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, built by Mortlock Construction Inc. and Fleming College carpentry students, are ready to be raised at Lang Pioneer Village on April 2 and the entire community is invited to the barn raising (photo: County of Peterborough)
After almost two years of planning, the walls for the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building are about to go up — and the entire community is invited to attend an “old-fashioned barn raising” on Sunday, April 2nd at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene.
Since February, carpentry students and faculty at Fleming College — under the guidance of Mortlock Construction Inc. of Peterborough — have been hard at work constructing the frame for the new building, according to a design by Lett Architect.
The completed walls are now ready to raised, and Peterborough County is hosting a celebratory barn-raising event on Sunday at Lang Pioneer Village (104 Lang Rd., Keene).
The public is invited to Lang Pioneer Village Museum on Sunday, April 2 to watch the raising of the walls of the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (graphic: County of Peterborough)
The gates will open at 11 a.m., with welcoming remarks at 12 p.m. The family-friendly event, which wraps up at 2 p.m., also features live music and local food created by Chef Michael Sterpin, Chef Brad Watt, and Chef Kevin McKenna (working alongside Fleming College culinary students).
Admission is free (although donations to the project will be accepted), but you must register in advance. When you register, your name will be included in a draw for one of five spots in a VIP Sneak Peek tour of the building before its grand opening.
The event takes place outside and is rain of shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Although the County of Peterborough has encouraged CBC’s Rick Mercer to attend the event by producing a YouTube video, there’s no word yet on whether he will be there.
The organzing team for the April 2nd barn-raising event on site at Lang Pioneer Village Musuem, with the foundation for the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building in the background (photo: County of Peterborough)
Peterborough County first announced plans for the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, along with a “Raise the Barn” fundraising campaign, in June 2015.
In addition to funds raised through the campaign, the federal government provided $970,000 to the project in November 2016. Earlier in March, TD Bank, East Central District Soil & Crop Improvement, and the Hamilton Township Mutual Insurance Company each donated $30,000 towards the project.
The new building, which will be built in a historically authentic barn style, will include an agricultural “wall of fame”, displays of agricultural implements and equipment, a restoration workshop, and more.
The idea for the new building came on the heels of the 2006 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Keene. The event, hosted by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, was attended by an estimated 100,000 people and brought around $25 million in economic benefits to the region.
Concept illustration of the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (graphic: Lett Architect)
Following the success of the plowing match, a legacy fund was endowed to the County of Peterborough to continue local education on the impact and importance of the area’s agriculture heritage.
The county expects that the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building will increase tourism to the area, appeal to local farm families, and help educate city and urban dwellers on the important of agriculture to the local economy.
To find out more about the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, how to sponsor or donate to the project, and to register for the barn-raising event, visit www.raisethebarnlpv.com. You can also follow @RaiseTheBarnLPV and like the Facebook page.
VIDEO: Inviting Rick Mercer to help Raise the Barn
An aerial view of the Morrow Building at George and Brock streets in downtown Peterborough, with the two adjoining buildings housing the Black Horse Pub and the Pig's Ear Tavern. While the Morrow Building itself was designated as a heritage building in 1995, Peterborough City Council has decided not to approve heritage designation for the adjoining buildings, allowing them to be redeveloped by Parkview Homes. (Photo: Google)
Peterborough city council won’t stand in the way of downtown development even in the face of major structural changes to, or possible outright demolition of, two historic structures.
Meeting on Monday night (March 27) at City Hall as Committee of the Whole, council sided with a motion by Councillor Dan McWilliams to receive as information only a City staff report calling for a deferral of heritage designations being placed on the buildings at 144 Brock Street and 450 George Street North — home to The Pig’s Ear Tavern and The Black Horse Pub respectively.
The former has been purchased by Parkview Homes while the latter is subject of a conditional offer to purchase, also involving Parkview Homes.
As well, staff’s recommendation called for the exploration of “viable alternatives” to demolition in consultation with Parkview Homes.
Letter from Ray Kapoor
On March 29, 2017, Ray Kapoor, owner of the Black Horse Pub, issued a letter in which he expresses his support for the development of the building housing the pub.
In part, the letter reads “I encourage you to ask your councillors to allow this developer the opportunity to enrich the downtown community of Peterborough.”
Councillors Dave Haacke and Dean Pappas declared a conflict and did not vote on the matter — Coun. Haacke noting Parkview Homes is a client of his real estate business and Coun. Pappas saying his downtown business is located in close proximity to both properties.
Coun. McWilliams’ motion also recommends that City staff work with Parkview Homes owner/president Paul Dietrich, who has demolition permits in hand for both structures, to come up with a design for both that fits in with the design of the neighbouring Morrow Building at the northeast corner of George and Brock streets.
“This development is ready to go,” noted Coun. McWilliams.
“At the 11th hour, we’re now trying to impede the progress of a developer in our community. That doesn’t make any sense. I think it (heritage designation) stops and prohibits the moving of economic development in our community and I’m suggesting that’s not something we should be doing. Give it back to staff and let staff deal with the people who are going to be doing the construction.
“The developer is not an unknown commodity. Paul Dietrich is a gentleman who knows his stuff. He’s not going to put a glass tower up there. It’s important that staff work with the developer and come up with something that’s in keeping with the neighbourhood.”
The building at 144 Brock Street, currently housing The Pig’s Ear Tavern and attached to the historically designated Morrow Building. Peterborough City Council has declined a recommendation from Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 144 Brock Street as a heritage building. (Photo: Google)
On March 2nd, the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) voted to recommend to city council that both buildings be granted heritage designation, which would prevent their demolition and restrict what modifications can be made to them. That followed Parkview Homes’ securing of City-granted demolition permits for both structures — a situation Dietrich defined as “challenging” in an earlier kawarthaNOW.com article.
Peterborough CAO Allan Seabrooke clarified during the discussion that Dietrich sought and secured those permits with the required consent of the buildings’ owners.
In rebuttal to Coun. McWilliams’ motion, Community Services Director Ken Doherty urged council to approve the recommendation to defer PACAC’s heritage designation request for both buildings and give staff time to work with Parkview Homes on their design.
His report noted the buildings “have strong associations with the community, are integral parts of the 19th century streetscape and display a high order of architectural design.”
“The intent behind the Heritage Act is to balance heritage preservation with economic development,” noted Doherty. “Our recommendations aren’t ignoring PACAC’s recommendations. Our recommendation says defer a decision on heritage designation and give us an opportunity to meet and discuss, at more length, what options are available.
“There are many examples where we have worked with developers to try and balance heritage preservation with economic development. That’s all we’re asking for here.”
For his part, Councillor Henry Clarke, while agreeing with Coun. McWilliams’ call for fewer roadblocks to downtown development, also saw merit in staff’s desire to work with Parkview Homes on the buildings’ design.
“I think Mr. Doherty is right. Pass the recommendation as is and ask to very quickly work with the developer,” said Coun. Clarke.
“I think we’re all well aware that getting more people living in the downtown, working in the downtown, is extremely important to the economy. I want to see it move ahead expeditiously, but I am concerned that some of the heritage (of the buildings) does need to be preserved.”
The building at 450 George Street North, currently housing The Black Horse Pub and attached to the historically designated Morrow Building. Peterborough City Council has declined a recommendation from Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 144 Brock Street as a heritage building. (Photo: Google)
Meanwhile, Councillor Gary Baldwin left no question as to where he stands on the matter.
“I’d like to see the properties designated as heritage properties,” he said, speaking against the staff recommendation and Coun. McWilliams’ motion while siding with PACAC’s request.
“Certainly we want to improve buildings in the community but there’s an architecture there to maintain. We preserved Cox Terrace on Rubidge Street. There are a number of other buildings in the city that if we just allow developers to come in with absolutely no deterrent at all; they can in fact demolish buildings.
“I don’t think we should downplay the role of our advisory committees. If you’re not going to take their input, I really don’t see why we have advisory committees.”
But Councillor Lesley Parnell countered that, saying “People living downtown makes for a more diverse, livable, safe, vibrant downtown. We want more people living downtown.
“We also want them living in buildings that we know are not just up to accessibility standards but fire standards with new insulation, safe plumbing, safe electricity, everything. What he (Dietrich) is proposing is brand new, safe buildings, more than up to code, but bringing in some of the heritage to the new buildings.”
In the earlier kawarthaNOW.com article, Dietrich expressed a desire to not only work with City staff to come up with a suitable design for both structures but also to preserve some of their history in some form, whether that be preserving part of the buildings’ facades in some form or incorporating photos of the structures as the centerpiece of a interior display.
“The Pig’s Ear and The Black Horse have history in Peterborough and we, as developers/builders, would recognize the same in any redevelopment by incorporating some of the hard structure (building) and some of the soft structure (memories) in a new development that would enhance downtown Peterborough,” he wrote in an email.
Coun. McWilliams’ motion will now head to city council April 3 for ratification.
You can enjoy a guided tour of the Maple Valley sap-collecting route during Maple Syrup Day at the Ganaraska Forest Centre (photo courtesy of GRCA)
As the 2017 maple syrup season winds down, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) is hosting its annual Maple Syrup Day on Saturday, April 1st.
The family-oriented event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.
You can learn all about the tradition of maple syrup production through site tours, demonstrations, stories, and games. Children will have a blast creating crafts and having their faces painted, while you can enjoy live music in the Great Hall before settling in for a pancake feast. Maple syrup and other sweet treats will be available on site from Ferguson Farms.
Learn all about the tradition of maple syrup production at Ganaraska Forest Centre on April 1 (photo courtesy of GRCA)
Admission to Maple Syrup Day is $15 per adult and $10 per child (16 and under). Registration is not required; just purchase your tickets at the Gatehouse upon entry to Ganaraska Forest Centre.
If your family want to put those maple syrup calories to good use, you can also visit Treetop Trekking Ganaraska, Ontario’s original zip line aerial park experience, which opens for the season on April 1st. They will be offering a special try-it 90-minute zipline and aerial game trek.
Spots are limited, so call them at 905-797-2000 for reservations and pricing (make sure to mention Maple Syrup Day).
Treetop Trekking Ganaraska opens for the season on April 1 and has a special try-it session available for Maple Syrup Day attendees (photo: Treetop Trekking Ganaraska)
Ken Kirkby, General Manager of Super 8 Peterborough, has been a board member of Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) since 2011. Becoming a board member is a great way to have your say in the future of tourism in our region. RTO8 is currently seeking 10 volunteer board members from across the Kawarthas Northumberland region. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
Do you want to help shape the future of tourism in our region? Kawarthas Northumberland, also known as Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8), is currently looking for tourism professionals to join their Board of Directors.
RTO8 is a volunteer not-for-profit organization led by members of the tourism industry. They are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to support a competitive and sustainable tourism industry, attract visitors, generate economic activity, and create jobs within Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County.
Ken Kirkby, General Manager of Super 8 Peterborough and an RTO8 board member since 2011, welcomes many travelers to Peterborough. His hotel features amenities that cater to a variety of travelers: bunk beds and gaming consoles for families with kids, executive suites for those traveling on business, and a hot tub “kept at a perfect 104 degrees” for those who are looking to relax.
Ken says that the ingredients that create an enjoyable visit go beyond these amenities, beyond the walls of the Super 8. Ken says that it comes down to one question.
“What can we do to make visitors think that this is the best place in the world? Not only the best hotel experience but the best city experience.”
Those in the tourism industry know that it’s by its nature cooperative: great destinations aren’t about just one attraction. They’re about the whole region coming together to create an unforgettable experience.
Board members shaping the future of tourism in Kawarthas Northumberland at RTO8’s 2016 Annual General Meeting at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene (photo: RTO8)
RTO8 Board members are people in the industry working together to create this experience. They take part in strategic planning to shape the future of tourism in Kawarthas Northumberland, and they oversee the allocation of funding.
Being a member of the Board of Directors is also a great opportunity to collaborate with other tourism professionals. Ken says that that is part of what makes being a board member so rewarding.
“The board is a very interesting cross section of local stakeholders from all walks of life: theatre, roofed accommodators, and attractions.”
These connections have worked to Ken’s advantage.
“It’s a great opportunity to network, expand knowledge of the area, and work on symbiotic relationships where we can both further the goals of our individual businesses.”
Board members enjoying one of the benefits of living in Kawarthas Northumberland at RTO8’s 2016 Annual General Meeting at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene (photo: RTO8)
Recently Ken has seen an idea he helped to champion come into action: the regional tourism ambassador program. The program trains staff working in the industry to look beyond their own businesses to create a great visitor experience.
“We need to make that seamless. For a service station attendant to be able to recommend a great restaurant for lunch, or a great activity for them to do with their kids who are going crazy in the back seat.”
Ambassadors learn about a wide variety of tourism experiences available in our region so that great experiences in Kawarthas Northumberland become more accessible.
“The value of that professionalism and that knowledge is something you can’t really quantify in terms of elevating the experience of Kawarthas Northumberland as a tourism destination.”
Ken says that serving as a board member is a great way to expand your horizons.
“If you’re looking for something different, to go beyond your day-to-day routine, it’s a great opportunity.”
As well as helping shape tourism in Kawarthas Northumberland, becoming a board member provides opportunities to connect and develop relationships with others in the industry (photo: RTO8)
After years of working in the private sector, acting as a board member allowed Ken to develop new skills and experiences. It’s also a great way to give back.
“You want to give back to the community that supports your business, and this is a great conduit through which you can do that. As a board member you have the opportunity to make a direct impact within your community.”
Creating a more vibrant tourism experience has impact that extends well beyond the industry. It enhances our local economy and our quality of life. Looking back on his six years of service, Ken is happy with his contribution to the community.
“I can say now with great confidence as I hit the twilight of my board work that I have achieved great results.”
RTO8 is currently seeking to fill volunteer positions on its board from the following areas:
Kawartha Lakes – 3 positions available
City of Peterborough – 3 positions available
Northumberland County – 2 positions available
Peterborough County – 2 positions available
Prospective board members must be Canadian citizens of at least 18 years of age. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Elections will be held at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 14th. To apply, or for more information, visit rto8.com/call-nominations-board-directors-rto8/.
Star Marina on Chemong Lake in Bridgenorth is now Great Outdoors Landing and under new ownership (photo: Great Outdoors Landing)
Great Outdoors Landing
Ryan Matthews and Gerry Young of Cycle Salvage/Cat Shack are ready to hit the water this year with the purchase of Star Marina on Chemong Lake in Bridgenorth.
They’ve spent the winter doing a full makeover, including boaters’ washrooms with showers, a brand new boardwalk and new docks with hydro and free WIFI for 65 boats, personal water craft (PWC) lockable lifts in the water, and offsite trailer storage.
Kawartha Adventure Rentals will be on site with PWC, fishing boat, stand-up paddle board and kayak rentals, as well as a store geared to boaters.
Plus they’ve renamed Star Marina to Great Outdoors Landing. Check out www.greatoutdoors.life
Cycle Salvage/Cat Shack
Cycle Salvage/Cat Shack in Fraserville is now an Argo dealer (photo: Cycle Salvage/Cat Shack)
Meanwhile, back at Cycle Salvage/Cat Shack on Highway 7 in Fraserville, Ryan and Gerry are excited to be a new local Argo dealer.
Argo has led the amphibious market for 50 years and is a great addition to their existing Arctic Cat dealership and the full-service motorcycle and ATV Shop.
M&M Food Market’s Lansdowne Street location in Peterborough was recently renovated and revitalized (supplied photo)
Congratulations to the Doyle family on the recent renovation and reopening of their M&M Food Market location.
M&M Food Market is a new name and a reinvention of the famous chain, with a newly renovated and revitalized store concept that includes opening up the counters to create a more interactive shopping experience for their over 400 products.
Check out the new look at 1080 Lansdowne Street in Peterborough.
The Loomex Group and the Innovation Cluster
The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster has rebranded as Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (supplied graphic)
Congratulations go out this week to The Loomex Group who recently launched a Western Division office in Calgary.
And Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is the new name of the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster. Check out the new look at www.innovationcluster.ca.
Writer and director Jen Nugent speaks to the cast of Peterborough-area high school students during a rehearsal of "Everybody Loves Archie", an original Enter Stage Right production running April 26 to 29 (photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
This April, local theatre company Enter Stage Right is bringing the world of Archie Comics to the Peterborough stage in their new original musical Everybody Loves Archie.
Written and directed by Jen Nugent, this is not the dark and twisted version of Archie in the Riverdale TV series currently being shown on The CW network. Instead, it’s the Riverdale we remember from the comic books we read when we were kids, where Archie Andrews couldn’t decide between Betty and Veronica, Moose was trying to keep Reggie away from his girl Midge, and Jughead could be found hiding from Big Ethel at Pop Tate’s Choklit Shoppe eating hamburger after hamburger.
“I’ve been toying of writing an Archie show for a while,” Jen says. “Aesthetically, I love the way Archie looks. It’s colourful and super exciting. I just love to see that on stage. I’ve talked to the cast about Riverdale a lot. The decade is an anomaly. Are they in the ’50s? Are they in 2017? It doesn’t matter really, because when you come to Riverdale everybody is happy.
“In a lot of Archie comics, they cover a lot of serious issues. But at the end of the day, you read Archie comics because there’s something about the people that live there: they are kind and happy. They are dancing at the soda shop. They are pranking a principal in some goofy way. It may seem old hat, but we don’t have a lot of that any more, and it’s okay to be corny sometimes.”
For the past four years, sister and brother duo Jen and Greg Nugent of Enter Stage Right have been providing high school students with extracurricular opportunities to get involved in theatre (supplied photo)
In their fourth year of production, Enter Stage Right was founded by sister and brother duo Jen and Greg Nugent as an alternative for Peterborough-area high school students to have an opportunity to work in musical productions from the ground up.
Enter Stage Right presents Everybody Loves Archie
When: Wednesday, April 26 to Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 7 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m.) Where: PCVS Auditorium (201 McDonnel St., Peterborough) How much: $15 at the door ($10 for students and seniors)
Written and directed by Jen Nugent. Stage manager Medihah Merchant. Featuring (in alphabetical order): Colton Beal, Thomas Bodrug, Alivia Buchan, Gabby Byzenko, Matt Campbell, Jaidan Charters, Sarah Daye, Amy Daye, Jordan de Groot, Ben Greene, Jacob Howran, Antje Kroes, Isaac Martin, Aiden McDonald, Robert McEwen, Samantha Pickard, Nicole Quinlan, Lindsay Rudkins, and Lauren Wilson.
“I had been working at Kenner and had been doing some theatre there,” explains Jen. “But there wasn’t a spot for me the following year, and a lot of my former theatre kids wanted something.
“In doing some investigation, unless you are in a musical theatre class, there isn’t much in the public school board, and there’s not as much theatre geared explicitly towards high school kids. The few things available are shows where you’ll be surrounded by adults and you’ll probably be a very minor character.”
This year, Jen says that they have a nearly equal representation of students from Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute, Crestwood Secondary School, Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute, and Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.
“I don’t want to suggest there aren’t thriving and incredible arts programs at all of the high schools,” Jen clarifies. “There are, and all of the schools are doing what they can to push the arts and get kids involved. I really respect that.
“I just think that, as a teacher, we are busy, there is always something going on, and there are only so many of us. More and more, there are cutbacks to the schools and you can only do so much. You can’t run the musical, and run Sears Drama Festival, and run the art club, and run the choir.
“In being a position where I’ve been bounced around to different schools, I always see kids who want to do stuff. By no fault of their own, there are not always enough hands to make what they want happen. Greg and I thought something like this — where we can train kids, give them a chance to do something they haven’t done before, help them improve in what they are passionate about, and bring all sorts of kids together in that collaborate environment — could help give those kids a chance that they might not be getting elsewhere.”
In Everybody Loves Archie, Jen and Greg have assembled 18 local high school students to make up the world of Riverdale High, as well as additional students to create the technical aspects of the show. However, as Jen explains, it’s not as easy as just coming out to get a part in the show.
“You have to audition so we can determine who gets what spot,” Jen says. “We take pride in everyone having a fair shot. If you were the lead last year, you aren’t necessarily the lead this year. We want people to have the experience of earning their role. But if we see potential and a positive attitude, we’ll try to find you something on stage.”
Enter Stage Right’s production “Everbody Loves Archie” is based on the iconic comic book series about the lives of teens Archie, Betty, Veronica, Reggie, Jughead, Moose, and many more (graphic: Archie Comic Publications, Inc.)
Greg backs up this sentiment when telling a story about the company’s youngest cast member: 13-year-old Jordan de Groot, who plays the role of Cricket O’Dell.
“We have one girl who is in grade eight and saw our ad in the paper and contacted us,” Greg says. “She misread the ad and didn’t realize we were a high school company. But she was so enthusiastic that we let her come out and we cast her in the show. It takes a lot of guts to audition for people you don’t know at that age. So it was very cool that she and some of her friends were interested in this.”
Having just celebrated its 75th year in publication, Archie Comics has become more prevalent in the media lately with the popularity of the new television series Riverdale, which gives the characters a dark and gritty makeover. However, the original Archie comics resonated with some members of the cast. As Jen explains, when she announced last year that they were going to produce an Archie show, the students were excited.
“Immediately kids were saying ‘I really want to audition for Betty!’ or ‘I really want to be Veronica!’. They knew the characters. They are iconic characters, but not so iconic that we can’t play with them and create our own storylines.”
“I auditioned for Betty,” says Samantha Pickard, who plays Betty Cooper. “I had my heart set on her. I’ve always loved Betty because I feel like I’m a lot like her. I’m the girl-next-door type. I feel like if I were to identify with any of the characters, it would definitely be Betty.”
In the role of Archie Andrews is Kenner student Jacob Howran, who only took the role on a month ago after the production lost its original Archie. Although the rest of the company has had six months to learn the show, Jacob will have only two months to figure out what it is to become Archie.
“I’m imagining Archie as being this player, but he’s so oblivious that he’s a player,” Jacob says. “He just rolls with it. There’s no starting, there’s no stopping. He’s just keeps on going. He’s not paying attention to anyone or anything. The girls like him because he’s so oblivious.”
In the role of Archie’s best friend Jughead is Adam Scott student Thomas Bodrug. Tall and dark haired, Thomas becomes the living embodiment of Jughead Jones — from the trademark crown on his head to the voice he has manufactured that is reminiscent of the Archie cartoon series from the 1960s.
“On the first day I came in I tried different voices to see which one fit,” Tom recalls. “I did that voice and Jen said ‘That’s the one!’.
“I picture Jughead as this very lazy guy. Which might not be nice to say, but he is a very lazy guy. He doesn’t slack off in school, but he gets tired easily. He eats a lot of burgers. He’d say ‘I’m so tired from work, but if I had a hamburger I’d be set!’ I also admire that he can eat so many burgers at once.”
As I watched the company during a rehearsal, it was easy to see the enthusiasm the ensemble has for the production. During my visits with the cast, I really came to love this group of performers. Filled with charisma and energy, the cast of Everybody Loves Archie is a great group of kids who have formed their own little family.
“Last year there was a play at my school that I was in that got cancelled,” Samantha says. “From that experience to this one, it’s been completely different. Coming in and not knowing anyone has been really surreal for me. I’ve met so many people. It just feels really different from having the negative experience in the past, to coming into this group where we all get along.”
Alivia Buchan as Veronica Lodge, Jacob Howran as Archie Andrews, and Samantha Pickard as Betty Cooper (photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
Robert McEwen, who plays the role of Mr. Weatherbee, sees Jen at the centre of the success of the production.
“I love Jen,” Rob says. “I love her so much. Jen does it all. She wrote this whole script herself. I think that’s a lot of dedication. I don’t know if I could do that.”
“On top of that she’s a teacher,” adds Tom. “And she’s the one who helped my group perform at the Sears Drama Festival. And then she dedicates time to her family, and she teaches dance to other people, and she does yearbook at our school, and then she has to mark all these lessons. Her passion is to teach teenagers what she knows, and she’s doing a good job of it.”
A show filled with comedy and music, Everybody Loves Archie will reunite audiences with the Archie characters they grew up with.
Will Archie ever get to pick between Betty and Veronica? I asked Jacob for his opinion on the classic love triangle..
“I’m going to go with Betty,” Jacob says after some thought. “She has her bitchy side sometimes, but she does what she does because her heart is open. Veronica is more focused on putting everybody else down so that she is the only choice for Archie. So I’d definitely go with Betty.”
And does Betty love Archie back? Well, maybe not so much.
“I love Jughead,” Samantha reveals. “I have to say I absolutely love Jughead.”
Everybody Loves Archie opens on April 26th and runs until April 29th in the PCVS Auditorium. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students and seniors and are available at the door.
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