Melodie McCullough of This Old Flame Beeswax Candles displays decorative and traditional beeswax candles, hand crafted in Peterborough at the 2015 Artisan Show and Sale. McCullough is also participating in this year's fundraiser for Jamaican Self-Help, which takes place November 12 and 13 at Mark Street United Church in Peterborough. (Photo: Jamaican Self-Help)
This weekend (November 12th and 13th), Jamaican Self-Help is hosting its 10th annual Artisan Show and Sale, with proceeds supporting youth and educational projects in Jamaica. Over 20 local artisans will set up their wares at Mark Street United Church in East City in Peterborough, showcasing a diverse selection of quality art and craft.
Participating artisans include Diane Collins (water colours), Dawn Damiany (fused glass jewellery), Val Davidson (gold and silver jewellery), Ruth Dyer (textile and fabric art), Lillian Forester (pottery), David Hickey (metal art), Linda Howes (specialty soaps), H. Macdonald (woodturning), Melodie McCullough (beeswax products), Janet McDougall (pottery), Sandi McNeil (basketry, wire trees), Diane Passmore (weaving), Gina Peers (basketry), Margaret Prescott (necklaces), Bob Root (photography), Liz Sine (pottery), Sue Thomas (felted & stitched items), Paulina Timmermans-Osak (reclaimed lumber items), Matt Vidler (tin art), and Betty Anne Welsh (sewn items).
Artisans will donate 15% of their sales to Jamaican Self-Help (JSH), a Peterborough-based registered charitable organization that relies on Canadian volunteers and donors to support educational and community development projects through its partner organizations in Jamaica.
Twenty artisans are participating in the Artisan Show and Sale, donating 15% of their sales to Jamaican Self-Help
The Artisan Show and Sale fundraiser began 10 years ago, when Kate Johnston hosted the first one in her home on Rogers Street. Kate’s mother, Val Johnston, had encouraged her to host a “house sale” fundraiser. Being a local potter and part of the artisan community in Peterborough for years, Val called on some of her friends to take part in the fundraiser.
“We moved all of our furniture out of the first floor of our house and about 10 artists set up their wares for the weekend, raising close to $1,000 for JSH that first year,” explains Kate. “We held the sale in my house for another year and then moved to Mark Street United Church for a bigger space to accommodate more artisans, but we kept the East City feel.”
Over the decade, the fundraiser has expanded from 10 to 20 participating artisans and continues to feature an impressive variety of hand-crafted items including: pottery, textile and fabric art, specialty soaps, knitted and woven items, beeswax products, metal and wood work, photography and a distinctive jewelry designs. Opening the event up to more artisans has also resulted in increased public attendance and overall profits. Last year’s event raised over $4,000 for JSH projects.
“We are excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary by showcasing a few new artisans and bringing back those who have shared their talents with us for years,” says Liz Sine, Chair of the Artisan Show and Sale Committee. “Our goal is to raise funds for our Jamaican projects and also to support the local artisans who bring beautiful work to our community.”
The event will also include a silent auction featuring items donated by artisans. A variety of fresh baked goods will be for sale. Admission is free but donations at the door are greatly appreciated. Debit, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
The Artisan Show and Sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 13th at Mark Street United Church (90 Hunter St. E., Peterborough). For more information about Jamaican Self-Help, visit www.jshcanada.org.
Fred Eaglesmith performs with Tif Ginn at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough on Saturday, November 12 (publicity photo)
For someone who has travelled and worked as long and hard as southern Ontario songwriter Fred Eaglesmith, it’s no small wonder that he still enjoys being on the road.
Fred Eaglesmith with special guest Tif Ginn
When: Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 8 p.m. Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: $31
Tickets are available at the Showplace box office, by calling 705-742-7469 (toll-free 1-866-444-2154), or online at www.showplace.org.
He knows this continent and beyond like the back of his hand, and yet this time it was a run in often passed-over northern Ontario that wowed Fred and his wife and bandmate Tif Ginn.
“It was great to play these towns in the North that don’t have too much going on,” Fred tells me from his Waterford home. “People were so happy to have music. They were all bringing us food and things.”
People from towns like Schreiber, Bruce Mines, and Gore Bay came out in droves to see Fred play. Stenciled signs lined remote parts of Highway 17 advertising his shows at small town legions and community halls. Fred likes playing these sorts of gigs a lot.
VIDEO: “Lucille” – Fred Eaglesmith and Tif Ginn in Bruce Mines
“There’s something special about a show where you set up the chairs yourself,” he says.
Tif Ginn and Fred Eaglemsith (publicity photo)
When Fred returns to Peterborough on Saturday, November 12th, he will be joined by his wife and bandmate Tif Ginn. The couple will play at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) for the first time.
Though he has not been here a lot recently, Fred’s musical history definitely runs through Peterborough.
“Me and Peterborough go way back,” he says. “I remember I first started coming down there when Reverend Ken and Washboard Hank were still playing together, and of course I used to play shows with your dad.”
My dad (Daniel Fewings) did indeed play shows with Fred. I recall being in The Only Cafe for breakfast with them once and having Fred hand me a two-dollar bill to get change for pinball.
Of course, another of Fred’s connection to the city is the late great songwriter Willie P. Bennett, who lived in Peterborough until he died in the city in 2008. He was a bandmate of Fred’s for over 20 years.
If you’ve seen Fred perform before, you can expect to hear something a little different at his November 12th performance in Peterborough. Fred’s show changed recently from a full-band lineup to a duo, with Tif singing harmonies and accompanying him on multiple instruments including mandolin, accordian, and more.
VIDEO: “49 Tons” – Fred Eaglesmith and Tif Ginn
“We’re finding a place where the two of us land,” Fred explains. “She’s from Texas, so of course she’s got country and roots in her. So we’re finding this place to go and it’s interesting. It’s still a great show.”
When he says “show”, he means something a little more than a concert. Strip away the instrumentation that accompanied Fred for years and you find that at the heart of it all are his really great tunes and a genuinely funny stage presence with a lifetime of great stories from the road.
It’s also a departure from his latest record, 2013’s Tambourine, which has a vintage rock and roll and RnB sound.
In some ways Fred has come full circle in his career.
“I’m digging into some old stuff,” he says. “Playing a little more bluegrass like I used to when I was younger.”
VIDEO: “Kansas” – Fred Eaglesmith & Tif Ginn
That return to his roots has been accompanied by a recent swell in brand new material.
“We’re playing brand new songs,” Fred explains. “We’re probably playing five new songs a night just by accident. Just because people like them and because I have a new record coming out in January. I don’t know how it happened, but all of a sudden these songs are part of the line-up.”
If you have seen Fred Eaglesmith before, then you know he’s a great songwriter and showman. Big acts like Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, and Toby Keith have covered his tunes, and according to Fred more and more singers are picking up his songs.
For those who have yet to see him perform, I suggest you get tickets. When you see him you’re not just seeing a concert — you’re seeing a show full of stories, laughs, and ultimately great songs spanning Fred’s 42-year career.
The Showplace concert on November 12th begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $31 and are available at the Showplace Box Office, by calling 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org.
Peterborough’s own Mayhemingways (Benj Rowland and yours truly) will be playing pre-show and intermission sets at the bar in the Nexicom Studio.
VIDEO: “Wilder Than Her” – Fred Eaglesmith and Tif Ginn
Peterborough's place for entrepreneurs, the Business Advisory Centre at Peterborough Economic Development provides free and confidential services to help you start and grow your small business
While many hold fast to a best-plan-is-no-plan approach, that has never cut it for me. It’s simply not how I roll. So it was that, when I unexpectedly found myself out of a job this past January at age 57, my initial shock and disappointment was short-lived.
It was time to roll up my sleeves and re-invent myself. With a transferrable skill set, I knew that there were opportunities I could explore — but where to begin?
Armed with an elementary idea of what I wanted to do moving forward, I recalled my wife’s experience in 2003 when, burning with a desire to open her own restaurant, she paid a visit to Peterborough Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre. That initial step taken, her dream soon became her reality. So would mine, I determined.
And so I made a call to the Business Advisory Centre.
Billed as “Peterborough’s place for entrepreneurs,” the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) at 210 Wolfe Street in downtown Peterborough is an integral service of Peterborough Economic Development. The centre works on behalf of those looking to start their own business and those eyeing expansion of an existing business.
Sandy Greenberg, Business Advisory Centre Lead, Peterborough Economic Development
“We have a wide gamut of people who come in here,” says BAC Lead Sandy Greenberg, noting all the BAC’s services are provided at no charge and with confidentiality guaranteed.
For new entrepreneurs, the BAC helps develop an idea, build business and marketing plans, establish goals, and refers clients to legal, accounting and other professional service providers.
For existing entrepreneurs, the BAC identifies funding opportunities, provides guidance in accessing new markets, helps improve marketing and social media skills, and identifies new networking opportunities.
“A lot of people are in the process of changing careers or trying to create their own job,” Sandy says. “Some people are afraid; they really don’t know where to start. They have an idea, but they don’t know what it will look like in terms of a business.”
The process for many aspiring entrepreneurs, explains Sandy, begins with Starting Point, a new drop-in workshop geared towards new business start-ups.
“Starting Point allows people to take their ideas and organize the big picture,” Sandy says. “It lets them understand how the different pieces fit together to see if there are any gaps.”
“We created Starting Point because there’s such a high demand for our services. It’s a way for us to serve more people at once for their initial consultation. This is a really good exercise for them. People go away having a better understanding of what’s involved. Once they start the process, they’re invited, at any point, to book a consultation with us.”
The Business Advisory Centre is located at 210 Wolfe Street in downtown Peterborough
For those wanting to grow their existing business or take it in a new direction, the BAC works one-on-one with them.
“They may want help with marketing, they may be looking for more financing, or they may be launching a new product,” Sandy says. “They come in and we get to know them and their business.”
And people are coming in. Peterborough Economic Development projected the BAC would facilitate 450 consultations by the end of this year. At the beginning of the third quarter, the number already sat at 470.
While waiting for my appointment with Peterborough Economic Development’s Business Development Lead Jamey Coughlin, my eyes were drawn to the resource library. From there, I picked out a number of brochures and information sheets that I thought would be helpful, including how to register my business with the Province of Ontario.
During my chat with Jamey, I related how I came to be in his office, detailing my 32-year career as well as my skills of writing, editing, and layout. With a broad plan of applying those same skills to form my own business, Jamey advised me on the possible opportunities out there for my skill set and how I should go about tapping into them.
That was helpful, but the real value of our chat rested in his listening. This was all new to me. For years, I had sold the services of my former employer. Now I had to sell myself.
That would prove challenging but I left his office with two things I hadn’t arrived with: an action plan and increased confidence in my ability to carry it through.
One of the things the BAC does is to help new entrepreneurs appreciate what’s actually involved in turning an idea into a viable business.
“We don’t want to discourage anybody,” says Sandy. “But we also don’t want to see people spend their life savings on something that’s not viable. Many have an idea, but they don’t look at the big picture. They don’t think about how much their expenses are going to be; they don’t think about how much their start-up costs are going to be. We give them the tools to look at their idea in a realistic manner.”
The Business Advisory Centre also offers two programs for young entreprenuers: Starter Company for young people aged 18 to 29 who aren’t in school, and Summer Company for students aged 15 to 28 wanting to run a summer business
Sandy started her job at the BAC this past March. Relatively new to Peterborough, Sandy previously worked as an instructor and business advisor at Centennial College in Scarborough in the Centre for Entrepreneurship.
“One of the things that attracted me to Peterborough was the entrepreneurial ecosystem here,” Sandy recalls. “I was very pleasantly surprised at how many resources are available for people; the caring, the sense of community, and the sense of support for each other as entrepreneurs.”
Sandy is one of three staff in Peterborough Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre, the others being Youth Program Co-ordinator Madeleine Wilson and Summer Company Co-ordinator Kateryna Tepylo.
Youth Program Co-ordinator Madeleine Wilson and Summer Company Co-ordinator Kateryna Tepylo
Madeleine oversees Starter Company, designed specifically for young people aged 18 to 29 who aren’t in school and aren’t planning to return to school in the near future. The program provides one-on-one guidance, mentorship from a successful entrepreneur, access to workshops, training, and online learning resources to develop a business plan, and funding up to $5,000.
Kateryna is responsible for Summer Company. Providing the same benefits as Starter Company, it’s for students aged 15 to 29 looking to develop their business ideas. Kateryna herself is a graduate of the program, having started her own social media consultation business in the summer of 2014.
Ahead for Peterborough Economic Development is a move early next year to VentureNorth, a new entrepreneurial and business start-up hub located in the former Promenade building at King and George streets in downtown Peterborough. And this November, they’ll be developing and facilitating a new self-employment program for the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre.
Nine months in, Rellinger Writing Services remains a work in progress. Shortly after my meeting with Jamey, I applied for and received my business licence, met with an accountant to discuss self-employment income tax considerations, and put my creative son to work developing my business website at www.rellingerwritingservices.com.
While many of the steps I took to get started would have happened as a matter of course, my reaching out to Peterborough Economic Development for guidance did wonders to soothe my sudden job loss anxiety.
Upcoming Business Advisory Centre Workshops
HR Workshop – The Human Connection
When: Wednesday November 23, 2016 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Lakefield Marshland Centre (64 Hague Blvd., Lakefield)
How much: Free (register)
Art of Networking – Holiday Edition
When: Wednesday December 7, 2016 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Board Room (175 George St. N., Peterborough)
How much: Free (register)
Money Management Workshop
When: Wednesday January 18, 2017 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Community Futures Peterborough (351 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
How much: Free (register)
For anyone thinking of starting or expanding their business, the Business Advisory Centre is an invaluable resource.
Not only are their services free — always an important consideration when you’re running your own business on a tight budget — but the diverse skillset of the team is an excellent guide.
“Our team comes from diverse backgrounds and offer different areas of expertise,” Sandy says. “And we care very much about the success our clients experience.”
For more information on Peterborough Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre, including the services and programs offered, visit peterboroughed.ca/small-business/startup/
Wine By You, the exclusive dealer of Winexpert in Peterborough, is under new ownership (photo: Wine By You / Facebook)
Wine By You
After being operated by the Logan family for 20 years, Wine By You is under new ownership. In a true case of try it before you buy it, when Jessica Colton and her husband got married earlier this year, they received so many positive comments about the wine at their wedding that they decided to buy the supplier.
Located at 1091 Chemong Road in Peterborough, Wine By You is open Tuesday through Saturday and offers a simple two-visit process to great wine. For more information, visit www.winebyyouwine.ca or find them on Facebook.
Signature Sandwiches
Signature Sandwiches in Peterborough offers homemade fare and has a drive-thru (photo: Signature Sandwiches / Facebook)
Signature Sandwiches opened earlier this year at 1550 Lansdowne Street, across from Holiday Ford, in Peterborough.
Signature Sandwiches prides itself in offering homemade fare right down to the breadcrumbs. You’ll find lots of sandwiches, soup, eggs Benedict, home style breakfasts, daily specials, and butter tarts from the Butter Tart Factory.
Trent Health in Motion is operated by Lead the Way Rehabilitation Clinics in the Kawarthas (photo: Lead the Way / Twitter)
Located at the Trent Athletic Centre at Trent University, Trent Health in Motion has added two new physiotherapists to its multidisciplinary clinic.
Reanna Montopoli and Michael Williams have advanced training in the management of orthopaedic and sports injuries. One of their primary initiatives is to let the community know that Trent Health in Motion is open to the public as well as Trent students.
Junior Achievement in Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka 2017 Business Hall of Fame
Wine By You, the exclusive dealer of Winexpert in Peterborough, is under new ownership (photo: Wine By You / Facebook)
Junior Achievement in Peterborough, Lakeland, Muskoka is accepting nominations for the 2017 Business Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame is looking for individuals who are inspiring role models and who, through their business endeavours over a lifetime, have been dedicated to enhancing the economic prosperity of the community.
The nomination deadline is November 30, 2016.
A celebratory dinner and induction ceremony will be held on May 25, 2017 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. The dinner is also a culinary showcase and a good opportunity for local vendors to showcase, appetizers, main courses, desserts or beverages.
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Summit takes place from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (graphic: Peterborough Chamber)
And there is still time to register for this Thursday’s Chamber of Commerce Business Summit (November 10).
The full morning agenda features four workshops, two keynote speakers, and the opportunity to meet one on one with local business experts in the speed consulting rooms.
RBC's Kris Keller, Kawartha Chamber board president, with Citizen of the Year Karl Moher (photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
Douro’s Karl Moher was chosen as Citizen of the Year at the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s 17th Annual Awards of Excellence Gala, held last night (November 4th) at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene.
Moher, who is Deputy Mayor of the Township of Douro-Dummer and recently retired from his financial services career, was recognized for his lifelong contributions to the community. The award was presented to Moher by RBC’s Kris Keller, who is also president of the board of the Kawartha Chamber.
Nine awards were handed out at the annual gala celebrating local business (photo: Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism)
The Young Professional award went to Peterborough’s Adam Noble, the young entrepreneur who founded biotech company Noblegen.
The new executive director of Community Futures Peterborough, Jeff Day, presented Adam with the award, which was dedicated to the memory of the late Judy Hefferman.
Elmhirst’s Resort, the host venue for the gala, won the Tourism/Hospitality Excellence award. Owner Peter Elmhirst accepted the award on behalf of the family-owned resort.
The Outstanding Business Achievement award went to Nexicom. John Downs, General Manager at Nexicom and former co-owner (Nexicom was recently sold to Clayton Zekelman of MNSi Telecom), accepted the award on behalf of the Millbrook-based company.
Other winners included Blue Pigeon Resort in Bobcaygeon (Commercial Development or Renovation), Cottage Country Connection (Entrepreneur Innovation), Camp Kawartha (Not-for-Profit Excellence), Sunblockers (Retailer of the Year), and Clearview Cottage Resort (Customer Service Excellence).
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism received more than 80 nominations for the awards. Five anonymous and impartial judges reviewed the nominations to select the finalists and winners.
The awards gala included live and silent auctions, with many items donated by local businesses (photo: Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism)
At the awards ceremony, the Kawartha Chamber also announced the winner of its #WealthofChoice contest to promote the Chamber’s new website. Peter Gallow won a $1,000 gift certificate, which can be used at any of the Chamber’s 350 members or donated to a not-for-profit organization.
The awards ceremony was emceed by Country 105’s Miles Gibney. Live auctions were conducted during dinner by Keith Monk for 10 high-value items, and a large number of silent auction items also available.
Marlon Hazlewood of Hazlewood Images was the official photographer for the event.
Here’s a complete list of finalists and recipients:
Commercial Development or Renovation (Sponsored by Ennismore Automotive Repair)
Blue Pigeon Resort – Recipient
Lakefield College School
Sunblockers
Entrepreneur Innovation (Sponsored by BDC)
Cottage Country Connection – Recipient
Hard Winter Bread Company
Indian River Reptile Zoo
Not-for-Profit Excellence (Sponsored by Darling Insurance)
Apsley & District Lions Club
Camp Kawartha – Recipient
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & District
Lakefield Animal Welfare Society
Morton Community Healthcare Centre
Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by Nexicom)
Celtic Connection
Classy Chassis & Cycles
Discovery Dream Homes
Lakefield Pantry
Sunblockers – Recipient
Tourism/Hospitality Excellence (Sponsored by Peterborough Economic Development)
Beachwood Resort & Frederick’s Restaurant
Clearview Cottage Resort
Elmhirst’s Resort – Recipient
Stoney Lake Market & Grill
Customer Service Excellence (Sponsored by Eastview Property Management)
Accurate Accounting & Tax Services
Clearview Cottage Resort – Recipient
Griffin’s Greenhouses
Logan Tree Experts
Sunblockers
the chocolate rabbit
Outstanding Business Achievement (Sponsored by County of Peterborough)
Discovery Dream Homes
Griffin’s Greenhouses
Nexicom – Recipient
Young Professional (Sponsored by Community Futures Peterborough)
"Eclipsed" tells the story of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries, institutions run by Catholic nuns where 30,000 "fallen" women were enslaved between 1765 and 1996 (photo: Kayleigh Hindman, Peterborough Theatre Guild)
Each year I’m lucky to see a lot of shows in Peterborough and many deserve to be celebrated. But only once or twice a year do I see one that is so powerful that it crawls deep inside and keeps me up at night thinking about it. This year that show is Eclipsed, running from November 4th to 19th at the Peterborough Theatre Guild.
Directors Jennifer Gruer and Patricia Young presents Irish playwright Patricia Burke Brogan’s groundbreaking play, which raised both eyebrows and awareness when it made its debut in 1992 by exposing the long-concealed stories of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries.
When Brogan began writing Eclipsed in the 1980s, the Magdalene Laundries were an Irish institution that still existed but that nobody spoke about. As a young woman, Brogan had first-hand exposure to the women who were chained to the laundries when she was a Catholic novitiate assigned to overlook the women who resided there. Her experiences and observations in the laundries changed her, and she left the Church behind. Instead, she brought the plight of the women of the Magdalene Laundries to the stage in her award-winning and moving play.
Peterborough Theatre Guild presents Eclipsed
When: Thursday, November 10 to Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 8 p.m., Thursday, November 17 to Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 2 p.m. Where: Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St., Peterborough) How much: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $11 students
Written by Patricia Burke Brogan, directed by Jennifer Gruer and Patricia Young, and starring Bethany Heemskerk as Mandy, Sharon Gildea as Nellie, Zoe Baker as Juliet, Stephanie Kraus as Cathy, Lauren Murphy as Brigit, Shelia Charleton as Mother Victoria, and Rachel Nicholls, as Sister Virginia.
Originally produced at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1992, Eclipsed won awards — but Brogan also suffered backlash from members of the public. However, the show would prove timely when, a year later in 1993, a mass grave of former Magdalene Laundry workers was uncovered in Dublin, which not only shocked Ireland but finally forced the nation to examine this dark reality of their society.
Before taking in a performance of Eclipsed, a little research on the history of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries will help a lot. I encourage you to at least read the Wikipedia article before you go.
Established in 1765, the Magdalene Laundries were virtual prisons run by the Catholic Church of Ireland for “fallen women.”
First created as an attempt to control prostitution, these laundries were filled with women who the church deemed to be unfit for society, and who were forced into what has become deemed slave labour.
It wasn’t just prostitutes who kept the laundries running. Over time, orphans, women with mental disabilities, and, most importantly, unwed mothers were forced into manual labour which the church felt was for their spiritual good. Hidden away from the public and forgotten by society, it wasn’t until recently that the women of the Magdalene Laundries finally had their stories told. Eclipsed is one of the early, and most influential, platforms that brought their stories to the surface.
The story takes place in the fictional Irish town of Killmacha, where a young novitiate Sister Virginia (Rachael Nicholls) is put in charge of five women chained to the laundry system, played by Bethany Heemskerk, Sharon Gildea, Zoe Baker, Stephanie Kraus, and Lauren Murphy (photo: Kayleigh Hindman, Peterborough Theatre Guild)
The play takes place in a laundry in the fictional Irish town of Killmacha, where a young novitiate Sister Virginia (Rachael Nicholls) is put in charge of five women chained to the laundry system. For the most part, all of the women are unwed mothers whose babies were taken away from them and taken to the nearby orphanage. While the women toil as prisoners in the laundries, the fathers of their children walk free and unashamed.
The majority of the play simply works as a snapshot of these women as they join together in their own sisterhood, maintaining their sanity in the laundries by finding small moments of joy. Often this comes in the form of letters from their children, moments of fantasy and song, or by finding simple luxuries such as cigarettes or lipstick still in the pockets of the clothes they wash.
Each of the women has a distinct personality, bringing her own story to the production.
Bethany Heemskerk plays Mandy, a loveable dreamer obsessed with Hollywood stars and especially her favorite, Elvis Presley. Sharon Gildea plays the dowdy Nellie Nora, who may be the sweetest of the women, but also the most defeated. Zoe Baker plays the new girl Juliet, who, as a daughter of a former Magdalene Laundries woman, has graduated from the orphanage to the laundries. Never knowing a life outside of the walls, Juliet both fantasizes and fears what lies on the other side.
Stephanie Kraus plays Cathy, who suffers physical illness as well as the memories of the twins she has not been allowed to mother. And finally there is Lauren Murphy as Brigit, who is the strongest willed of the women. Not satisfied with her fate, Brigit fights back, making attempts to escape and openly challenging the authorities around her.
Together these actresses create a strong grouping which the audience quickly falls in love with. Together they find small ways to break out of their sad existence and reveal their loves, their losses, and their tragic reality.
In “Eclipsed”, the women find small ways to break out of their sad existence and reveal their loves, their losses, and their tragic reality (photo: Kayleigh Hindman, Peterborough Theatre Guild)
Eclipsed also features a stand-out performance by Shelia Charleton as Mother Victoria, the head nun in charge of the laundry. Charleton plays Mother Victoria like Nurse Ratched in a habit. Completely unsympathetic to the women she looks over, Mother Victoria truly believes she is saving the women in the laundry from themselves and sees her work as coming from God. She doesn’t see herself as the jailer she is.
But where Mother Victoria doesn’t appear to have a heart, Rachel Nicholls as Sister Virginia certainly does. Recognizing the imprisoned women’s plight, Virginia spends the play questioning her faith and her place within the church as she watches the suffering of the women in the laundries. The connection between Virginia’s role and the playwright is obvious; Rachel bring the heart, as well as the conscience, to the production.
There is little an audience can do to prepare itself for the emotional experience that is Eclipsed. Much of the promotion around the show seems to present it as a show with comedic moments. Don’t be confused by this: Eclipsed is not a comedy and the laughs are few and far between. In fact, the few moments of joy are also the saddest scenes of the night.
Girls and women in an unidentified Magdalene Laundry in Ireland in the early 20th century (photo: Wikipedia)
It is hard to watch these women with nothing who dream of a life they are denied, and who find small moments of happiness in the things everyone else takes for granted. Throughout the entire performance, I had a lump in my throat so large I forgot to breathe a few times. I cried real tears during Eclipsed, and then got into my car afterwards and cried again on my way home just thinking about the performance I just saw. Eclipsed is just that kind of show.
While Eclipsed is not a happy play, it is an important one. It reveals a brutal part of Ireland’s history that needs to be told.
I spent hours last night and again this morning researching the history of the Magdalene Laundries, and watching documentaries and reading confessionals on-line. And don’t think that these laundries were just in Ireland. They existed all over Europe, as well as in Canada and the United States. These are the stories of enslaved women lost in time. Eclipsed allows their suffering to be recognized and their stories to be told.
Well produced and performed, Jennifer Gruer and Patricia Young and their company have the talent and the tenderness to make this show come to life and hit all the right emotional notes. Eclipsed is amongst the best shows I have seen in 2016. Take the time to see this production — and bring along a box of tissues.
Eclipsed runs Thursdays to Saturdays until November 19th at the Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St., Peterborough). Shows start at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee show on Sunday, November 13th. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $11 for students, and can be ordered by visiting the box office from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and one hour before curtain time on days of performances, or by calling the box office at 705-745-4211.
Find out about legendary office parties by Swanky Events, beautiful bathrooms by Peterborough Bath Renovators, solar power from Flanagan and Sun, and easy tips on giving old furniture new life from Style Your Nest
This month we’re featuring incredible office holiday parties by Swanky Events and gorgeous bathrooms created by Peterborough Bath Renovators. Flanagan and Sun helps us to be green and make green with solar power, and Style Your Nest gives us an easy way to make old furniture look fantastic.
Legendary office holiday parties with Swanky Events
Holiday Ford's Christmas party included a big screen Atari game, a candy bar, and vintage toys at every table. (Photo: Swanky Events)
Century 21's Christmas party had an Oscars theme, complete with a red carpet and selfies with this Oscar statue. (Photo: Swanky Events)
The Oscars Christmas party also has a popcorn bar, awards, and a James Bond themed dance performance. (Photo: Swanky Events)
The Peterborough Construction Association held a Christmas Casino party, complete with black jack and roulette. (Photo: Swanky Events)
If you’ve ever been tasked with planning the office Christmas party, you know that it can be a huge responsibility. Rather than diverting staff from the jobs they do best, these Kawartha companies hired a professional to create holiday parties with a serious wow factor.
Sue Swankie of Swanky Events says that a great party should be more than a dinner and a dance. “If you throw in something unexpected it makes people talk about it and say ‘that was a great party’. They remember it.”
A night at the Oscars
For Century 21, Sue created an Oscars-themed party to echo the statue in their logo. There was a red carpet with walk of fame stars down the hallway. The centrepieces were black, red and gold. There was a popcorn bar with toppings, and an Oscar statue to take a selfie with.
Then the attendees sat down to a show beginning with a James Bond themed dance by members of Lindsay Storms’ dance studio and ending with an awards ceremony to honour the staff with their very own Oscars.
Big screen video games and a candy bar
For Holiday Ford, Sue created a party with the theme of reliving your childhood. Each table had bags of vintage toys like tops and spinners. You could also choose to play with a Lite Brite or take a turn on the Atari, which was projected onto a huge screen.
The decor theme was wintery snow and ice, picking up the Holiday Ford blue, and that included a blue-themed candy bar. The Citiots Improv group performed, which Sue says was a big success. “The crowd was doubled over with laughter.”
Both the Holiday Ford and the Century 21 parties were held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club, with Bill Porter as the DJ for the dance.
A Christmas casino
The Peterborough Construction Association obtained Swanky Events’ services for a Christmas casino party. There were a variety of different casino tables including black jack and roulette.
The staff were given tokens at the beginning of the night which could later be cashed in for tickets to win door prizes.
The event included dinner and a dance to what Sue calls “a very lively DJ.”
Celebrating together as a company
Especially if you work in a large company, a party can be an opportunity to get the whole company working together more effectively.
“Especially for a corporate party, there are so many different people and different age groups,” Sue says. “People are at different levels in the business. It’s important to get people to mingle and talk to people they might not know.”
Hiring an event planner can help to ensure that your Christmas party is a memorable evening that brings your staff closer together.
Beautiful bathroom renovations with Peterborough Bath Renovators
A freestanding tub and a beautiful view make this Peterborough Bath Renovators washroom the perfect place to take a nice long bath. (Photo: Peterborough Bath Renovators)
Tight on space? A glass walled shower makes the room feel more spacious and a washer and dryer nook makes the most of every square foot. (Photo: Peterborough Bath Renovators)
The team works hard to make accessibility features like grab bars in this elegant glass walled shower look good with the room's design. (Photo: Peterborough Bath Renovators)
Need more storage in the bathroom? Peterborough Bath Renovators can create a washroom with plenty of cupboard space, like this one. (Photo: Peterborough Bath Renovators)
If your bathroom needs a renovation, it’s hard to ignore. Maybe you’re living in a cramped space that, with a few updates, could feel much more spacious. Maybe it’s time to install some safety features, like a walk-in tub or grab bars. Or maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a bit of luxury, like a freestanding tub or a larger shower.
Peterborough Bath Renovators can do any of these projects. As a whole bathroom renovator, they can offer everything from bathtub chip repairs to large scale renovations. Co-owner Patti Clark says that because they focus exclusively on bathrooms, they have become a one stop shop for almost any upgrade. “Anything our customers need for their bathroom, we can pretty much can do it.”
Full bathroom renovation in one week
The company prides itself on completing most of their projects within a week. After 10 years in the business, they pretty much have this down to a science. “It’s a whole day, every day, until it’s completed,” says Patti.
Delivering that speed of service requires tight scheduling. Owner John Clark, who has been in the business for 30 years, explains that his team does everything except for electrical and plumbing, and they work with plumbers and electricians local to the job who are used to their workflow, which means fewer interruptions to the job. “You’re not waiting for the guy to show up.”
Yes, cleanup is included
That one-week time frame includes cleanup. Operations Manager John Skar, affectionately known as Big John, says that cleaning up is a sign of respect to the customer.
“We always try to leave every property as clean as we would want our own. We remove all the garbage and debris.”
That respect goes beyond the cleanup.
“They communicate with the customer. They’re in there explaining what they’re doing” says Patti. “Our installers are very friendly. We’ve been told that a lot. Many customers have fed them well, they just love our guys.”
Peterborough Bath Renovators has a showroom at 637 The Queensway, Unit 8, in Peterborough. You can call them at 705-745-7694, visit their website at www.peterboroughbathrenovators.com, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Which green are you? Money from on-grid solar or living off grid in the woods with Flanagan and Sun
Sean Flanagan's large straw bale home is powered with a small solar array. Even with modern conveniences like a dishwasher, Sean only uses about 5 kWH per day. (Photo: Eva Fisher)
Passive solar heat from well-insulated windows provides extra warmth. Sean lives off grid in order to have a deeper understanding of what his customers need. (Photo: Eva Fisher)
Looking for a green investment? Look up! The microFIT program pays premium rates for solar power, but to take part you will need to act by the end of 2017. (Photo: Flanagan and Sun)
Flanagan and Sun can help you with regulatory applications. If you're interested in making a green investment, call Flanagan and Sun at 705-875-3132. (Photo: Flanagan and Sun)
Sean Flanagan of Flanagan and Sun began his renewable energy company in 2004 to build a business that would also help the environment. “I’ve always liked the idea of renewable energy. I wanted to do something positive for the world. I saw it as the future.”
Sean has been installing, selling, designing and consulting on solar energy solutions for the past 12 years. I spoke with him about how you can benefit from solar energy, whether you’re on or off the grid.
On the grid
If you currently get your power from the utility company, you may have a green investment waiting for you on your roof.
The microFIT program offers people generating solar power a premium rate per kilowatt hour with a 20-year contract. It will stop offering new contracts at the end of 2017, so now is the time to plan your project.
Residential homes, barns, schools, and churches are among the buildings eligible for the microFIT program. Barns, with their large metal roofs, can be an ideal candidate if the roof is stable and there’s southern exposure. Sean has done a number of installations on barns. “I used to be afraid of heights. I’ve gotten over it over the years.”
Sean is the co-owner of a microFIT system at an outdoor education facility near Lindsay. He’s using his part of the income to plan for the future. “I take my half of the income and put it towards my son’s education fund. That might be something other people might want to consider.” This education savings strategy will help his son, and the green energy will help the environment. It’s a win win.
Off the grid
Not all of Sean’s clients have the option of selling energy back to the grid, and not all of them want to. Off-grid homes are appealing for people who crave self sufficiency, or who want freedom from their power bill. The low cost of real estate without a power hookup can also be a strong incentive.
In order to provide the best service possible, Sean wanted to be able to truly understand what it was like to live off grid — so he built his own off-grid home.
“You can read about it all day, but when you experience it firsthand you know what’s annoying.” He started out using a gas generator as a backup. Fiddling around outside with gas during a typical Buckhorn winter wasn’t fun. Now he knows to recommend propane to his customers.
Although his home includes modern conveniences like a fridge and a dishwasher, Sean only uses about 5 kilowatt hours of power per day, which is provided by a small solar array on a shed by his house.
If you’d like to book a consultation with Flanagan and Sun, you can contact them at 705-875-3132. Learn more about renewable energy on their website at flanaganandsun.com. Flanagan and Sun is located at 2840 County Road 36, Trent Lakes. You can also connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.
DIY painted accents with Style your Nest
Nesting tables painted in tonal shades of grey creates a decor statement. (Photo: Style Your Nest)
Jamie updated this wooden dining set with black paint, creating a high end look. (Photo: Style Your Nest)
The painted knobs look sculptural on this beautifully distressed dining hutch. (Photo: Style Your Nest)
Jamie recommends Country Chic Paint, available on her online store. (Photo: Style Your Nest)
If you have a piece of furniture that is functional, but you’re tired of the way it looks, it’s possible that all it needs is a fresh coat of paint. Jamie Stephenson, owner of Style your Nest, has turned many dated pieces into fresh home accents using paint and a few simple tools.
Here are her tips to create your own hand-painted furniture and home accents.
Picking a colour
When you paint your furniture you have total control over colour, and you should take advantage of that. Jamie says the best way to pick a colour is to just look around the room.
“Look at your wall colour, other accent pieces, your rug and pillows, and find something that works in the room. You can stick with a neutral or add a pop of colour. The choice is yours.”
Picking a furniture piece
Jamie uses a Canada-made line of paint called Country Chic Paint, which works on all surfaces. Keep in mind that laminate furniture can be difficult to paint; it requires more prep work and may not be as durable as other surfaces.
Jamie also pays attention to the hardware of the furniture. “Some of the hardware you find on old furniture pieces, you can’t find hardware like that anymore.” A freshly painted dresser or cupboard can make vintage hardware really stand out.
Paint isn’t just restricted to furniture either. Glass and metal can also be painted such as vases, mirrors, lamp bases, and even mason jars to match your decor.
Don’t stress the distress
Distressing furniture can make it look rustic and can add visual interest. You can distress the piece to allow the colour of the wood to show through, or you can do an undercoat of one colour and then distress the top coat of paint to allow that colour to show through.
To wet distress the paint, you let the paint dry to the touch but not more than a few hours. Then you dampen a lint-free cloth and wipe away the paint to reveal the wood or paint colour underneath. This gives a smoother distressed look.
Another distressing technique is to wait until the paint is completely dry and use sandpaper to distress it. This can be done at any time. Be sure to use an extra fine to fine grit. This will give a rougher distressed look.
If you overdo it, don’t worry. Jamie assures me that “it’s really easy to just paint over those sections and start fresh. Once you do it, it’s not final.”
Finish it
The paints that Jamie carries has a built-in tough coat, but if you’re doing a piece that will be heavily used, you should use a clear protective tough coat on top to make sure it maintains its condition and to ensure it can be cleaned.
For dressers and cabinets, Jamie will often use a wax to give it an antiqued or even pearlescent finish. There are many waxes to choose from.
Style your Nest also offers products that can transfer photos onto wood, antiquing dust, crackle finish, texture powder, and many more.
Painting furniture and accents is an easy and fun DIY project but, if you’re overwhelmed, Jamie also does custom work and offers paint classes.
The new gallery space at Evans Contemporary is located in the Bankers Common, the courtyard of the Commerce Building on Water Street in downtown Peterborough (photo courtesy of Evans Contemporary)
Arts and culture engage communities. Participation in the arts creates opportunities for people to connect with each other and results in stronger more diverse social networks. Basically, an arts scene is a healthy sign.
In the Kawarthas, we see a network of galleries and arts organizations working together to foster a growing arts community. There are new galleries and studios springing up in previously unused or under-used spaces.
For example, the arts community in Peterborough works together to create themed evenings and coordinated arts events, such as the Bernie Martin Festival and the art crawls that happen periodically as galleries schedule openings and events to coincide with one another.
This area boasts many arts organizations and independently maintained spaces for the arts. We are fortunate to have so many motivated individuals and collectives working for the arts. They create and maintain spaces and provide services and opportunities that enable work of artist of local and international standing to be shown to the wider community.
Evans Contemporary unveils new gallery space featuring painter Brian Rideout and participates in Bernie Martin Festival
“The Pergamon” is one of the works by Brian Rideout to be featured by Evans Contemporary in downtown Peterborough as they unveil a new ground-level gallery space (photo courtesy of Evans Contemporary)
Brian Rideout is a contemporary Canadian painter based in Toronto. His paintings, described as bold and thought provoking, draw on art history and contemporary culture and have been exhibited throughout Canada and in the States.
This inaugural opening at Evans Contemporary’s new ground-level gallery space will be held on Friday, November 18th from 6 to 11pm. The opening festivities will feature DJ William Joel Davenport and some delicious mulled cider. Rideout’s work will be on display until Saturday, December 17th.
The new gallery space is located in the courtyard of the Commerce Building, the “Bankers Common”. The entrance to the Bankers Common is on Water Street, through the carriage underpass (Passage des Arts) between Catalina’s and Needles in the Hay.
“Of Another Place”, an exhibit of the late Bernie Martin’s paintings, will be on display at Evans Contemporary until December 17
Evans Contemporary will also be participating in the Bernie Martin festival by featuring “Of Another Place”, a show of Bernie’s paintings co-curated by Jon Lockyer of Artspace and Victoria Mohr-Blakeney. The opening reception for “Of Another Place” also takes place on Friday, November 18th, with a curators’ talk at 8 p.m. The exhibit will be on display in the existing Evans Contemporary gallery until Saturday, December 17th.
Evans Contemporary is located at 129 1/2 Hunter Street West, 3rd Floor, in downtown Peterborough. The gallery is open from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Viewings can also be made by appointment by contacting evanscontemporary@gmail.com.
The Monocle Centre for the Arts, a premium rehearsal/studio space
Vicky Paradisis, owner and operator of The Monocle Centre for the Arts (photo courtesy of The Monocle)
Another arts-friendly space you may not be aware of is The Monocle Centre for the Arts. Owned, operated and kept meticulously tidy and stylish by Vicky Paradisis, this stunning studio space, which is available for rent, features a dance/yoga and photography studio as well as a gallery, performance theatre, and small event venue.
The Monocle also hosts workshops and arts events and is a great example of using a space to the fullest and working hard to create space for the arts to flourish.
The photography studio at the Monocle provides a clean and well-lit space with both white and black backdrops available (photo courtesy of The Monocle)The Monocle’s dance and yoga studio, pictured above, is beautiful, bright and spacious (photo courtesy of The Monocle)
The Monocle is located at 140 Simcoe St. (upper) in downtown Peterborough, and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Studio rentals by appointment only (call 705-875-5442). To find out more or see the schedule of workshops and events, visit themonoclecentreforthearts.com.
Acme Art and Sailboat Co. presents John Boyle and Joe Stable
A sample of the work John Boyle will be displaying at Acme Art and Sailboat Co. opening on November 18th (photo courtesy of Acme Art and Sailboat Co.)
If you are out and about on the evening of Friday, November 18th, don’t forget to visit Joe Stable’s new gallery space, The Acme Art and Sailboat Co., which will feature the Peterborough-inspired drawings and paintings of John Boyle.
John Boyle has been active in the arts since the ’60s. A self-taught artist, he has developed a consistent body of work throughout his career with an emphasis on strong colours and patterns worked into stylized figurative work. His work is represented in the National Gallery of Canada, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Hamilton Art Gallery, the McMichael Canadian Collection, and the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
Joe Stable’s latest work will be on display alongside work by John Boyle in The Copper Closet, the latest addition to the Acme Art Gallery (photo courtesy of Acme Art and Sailboat Co.)
The Acme Art and Sailboat Co. (129 1/2 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) now features two gallery spaces: a main gallery and a smaller adjoining room, The Copper Closet, where Joe’s recent work is frequently on display. They are in the same building and floor as Evans Contemporary, so you can drop in when attending the opening of “Of Another Place” on November 18th.
Christensen Fine Art presents Rebecca Padgett and Christy Haldane
Come out and see this striking piece by painter Rebecca Padgett in person at the opening reception on Saturday, November 5th (photo courtesy of Christensen Fine Art)
Bringing together non-objective painting and modern sculpture, Christensen Fine Art is presenting works by Rebecca Padgett and Christy Haldane. Padgett’s vibrant compositions and Haldane’s sculptural forms of fused glass and stone will be on display in the gallery for the month of November.
Texture, form and the play of light through glass are key elements in Haldane’s work, while Padgett creates striking, compositions in her intuitive and original painting style.
This show emphasizes form and composition, colour and texture, which are key elements in the work of both Haldane and Padgett.
Detail of fused glass and stone sculpture by Christy Haldane; meet the artist and see more of her work at the opening reception on November 5th (photo courtesy of Christensen Fine Art)
The exhibit opens on Saturday, November 5th, with an artists’ reception from 6 to 9 p.m., and continues until Saturday, November 26th.
Christensen Fine Art is located at 432 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit www.christensenfineart.com.
The Art Gallery of Peterborough has a successful fundraiser and focuses gallery gift shop on local artists
Auctioneers Matt Stimpson and Dave Miller take enthusiastic bids on the last work of the evening: a painting by Lakefield resident Peter Rotter (photo courtesy of Matt and Steph)
“It’s All About Art!”, the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s annual fundraiser held on October 22nd at The Venue in Peterborough, was a huge success, grossing $42,000.
With beautiful pieces by both local and international artists, bidding wars were inevitable and many of the works sold for over market value. The Art Gallery of Peterborough is a champion of local artists, and works hard to promote them.
“We launched the entirety of the auction by focusing on local artists,” says curator Fynn Leitch. “Wayne Eardley, Sarah Gibeault, Rebecca Padgett and Patrick Moore have all had solo exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Peterborough this past year. In addition to these and other regional artists, we included special guests from out of town such as Keita Morimoto and Megan Macdonald who drove from Toronto to attend the event and had a spectacular time in Peterborough. A surprise work by Ann Beam was also auctioned drawing attention to the gallery’s current exhibitions and long standing relationship with contemporary Indigenous artists.”
A sample of a few lovely items from the Art Gallery of Peterborough Gift Shop, including a lovely Indaba wholesale napkin, Wendy Trusler’s Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning, pottery by Beth McCubbin, Kate Hyde and Thomas Aitken, and Monica Johnston, and a painting by Leanne Baird (photo courtesy of The Art Gallery of Peterborough)
The Art Gallery of Peterborough is also revitalising its Gift Shop to make more room for local artists and is hosting a “Shop for Joy” event from 2 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 17th.
“This season we’re focusing on shopping local and drawing attention to the range and depth of talented artists in the Kawarthas,” Leitch says. “Once a year we expand our selection to include gourmet treats and specialities bound to please. There will be chocolate tasting from Naked Chocolate and some delicious goodness from Wendy Trusler in the form of mulled wine and baking from the Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning. Come to savour these delights and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.’
Members of the The Art Gallery of Peterborough will receive 20% off during this event.
Throughout the year, the Gift Shop includes a fine selection of artworks by artists from, or closely connected to, the Kawarthas region. “Local Colour” features larger scale works by these artists, celebrating the talent in the community and creating new space designated for artists represented by the gallery shop. All works are for sale and a price list will be available.
The Art Gallery of Peterborough is located at 250 Crescent Street in downtown Peterborough and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. It offers free admission, barrier-free access, and a gallery shop. For more information, call 705-743-9179 or visit agp.on.ca.
Painter JoEllen Brydon gains acclaim and further international representation
A detail from JoEllen Brydon’s award-winning painting “My Grandmother was a Beekeeper” (photo courtesy of JoEllen Brydon)
Speaking of regional artists, JoEllen Brydon’s eye-catching and whimsical paintings have been getting some attention.
JoEllen Brydon’s work is also featured on a poster promoting The Bernie Martin Festival (photo courtesy of Fleshy Thud)
Brydon has been taken on by Chicago’s Michael Laconte Gallery and recently received a award for her painting “My Grandmother was a Beekeeper”. It was chosen as the first place winner in the Acrylic/Oil category at the 2016 Toronto West Art Collective/Canadian National Exhibition Juried Art Show.
JoEllen was born in Toronto and grew up in the farming community of Cavan Township. Her vibrant and engaging paintings tell stories from her day to day life, and of times gone by. Family history has provided JoEllen with inspiration, and informed a lot of her painting. Some of her other historical work, “Lost Histories: The Gypsies of 1909”, was recently referenced in the academic textbook Writing the Roma by Cynthia Levine-Rasky, professor of Sociology at Queen’s University.
JoEllen is currently represented in Canada by Christensen Fine Art in Peterborough, in the U.S. by the Michael Laconte Gallery in Chicago, and in Europe by Black Canvas Gallery in Ireland.
Curated hosts spoon carving workshop on November 19
Finished spoons, a carving knife, and a “spoon blank” ready to be carved. The spoons shown here smaller than the ones that will be carved during the November 19 workshop at Curated. (Photo courtesy of David Fry)
David Fry and Tom Doughty are getting ready to teach the ancient art of spoon carving in their upcoming workshop at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 19th at Curated in downtown Peterborough.
Spoons have been used as utensils for at least 10,000 years, but have you ever made one yourself? Odds are the answer is no. Well, now’s your chance to learn! Perhaps you can make a Christmas present or two. After all, everyone who loves to cook knows the charm of wooden utensils, with the old wooden spoon being a common fixture in many a kitchen. Well, how about a brand new wooden spoon?
Tom Doughty splits birch logs in order to create the blanks (photo courtesy of David Fry)
Part of the work has been done for you; in fact, quite a bit when the splitting of logs and hewing of spoon blanks is taken into consideration. All you will need to bring is yourself and $60 (the cost of the workshop).
Knives will be provided. If you want to bring your own knife, make sure it is a whittling or “sloyd” knife. Pocket knives and fixed-blade knives ranging from 1″ to 3.5″ with a flat ground edge are also acceptable. Some history and safety instructions will be provided.
The workshop will be followed by a soup tasting where participants will try out their new spoons. Space is limited, so register at www.curated-peterborough.ca to reserve your spot.
A bowl of birch “spoon blanks” ready and waiting for the workshop (photo courtesy of David Fry)
Curated is another independently owned and operated arts-friendly space within the city of Peterborough. Owner and operator Melinda Richter hosts workshops and is a certified appraiser with the Canadian Personal Property Appraiser’s Group. Appraisals are available through Curated for insurance, donation, estate sale, or for reference.
Located in the Schandry Building (459 George St. N., Peterborough), Curated’s drop-in hours are Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To book an appointment, call or text 705-917-3630 or e-mail curated.peterborough@gmail.com.
Art School of Peterborough hosts fused glass workshops and The Art of Gifting show and sale
This colourful plate by Susan Stevenson is made of coloured glass that has been fused in a special kiln (photo courtesy of the Art School of Peterborough)
The Art School of Peterborough is now giving workshops on fusing glass, using a special newly acquired kiln for that purpose. The kiln was purchased with funds awarded the school through a grant from the Peterborough foundation.
Susan Stevenson will be leading a workshop on fused glass plates on Sunday, November 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which continues the following Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
She will also be leading a fused glass Christmas decoration workshop on Saturday, November 19th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which continues on November 20th from 10 a.m. to noon.
A pendant made of fused glass, by Susan Stevenson (photo courtesy of the Art School of Peterborough)
On Saturday, November 26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a collection of artists featured in the Art School of Peterborough’s LAUNCH Gallery will be participating in a show and sale. Artists will be in attendance and will be bringing more of their work to display for the day.
This will be a great opportunity to meet some artists from the area, check out the LAUNCH Gallery, and get some early Christmas presents while you’re at it.
The Art School of Peterborough is 174A Charlotte Street in Peterborough and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, visit artschoolptbo.org.
The Art School of Peterborough’s LAUNCH Gallery represents a wide variety of artists. Drop by and see what they have to offer. (Photo courtesy of the Art School of Peterborough)
Bridget Leslie owns My Left Breast in downtown Peterborough. Her store offers fashionable and prosthesis friendly bras, swimwear, and more. (Photo: Eva Fisher)
Last month, in honour of breast cancer awareness month, Bridget Leslie — owner of My Left Breast in downtown Peterborough — and I discussed an element of style that isn’t often spoken about: prosthesis friendly fashion.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, one in nine women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime. While not every woman diagnosed with breast cancer will get a mastectomy, even with so many Canadian women faced with this decision, most major department stores only offer a very limited selection of mastectomy friendly bras.
As a result, many women end up lingerie shopping at medical equipment stores. Not a fun experience.
A bra for everyone
Mastectomy bras don’t have to be boring, as shown by this lacy Amoena bra. (Photo: Eva Fisher)
A prosthesis friendly bra, also known as a mastectomy bra, has a pocket to accommodate a breast form. They are made to be extra comfortable, and Bridget notes you don’t need to have a prosthesis to wear them.
“These bras will work for anybody,” she says, “because they’re very comfortable and they give great support.”
What to look for
This bra by Amoena is pocketed, so it can be worn with or without a prosthesis. (Photo: Eva Fisher)
My Left Breast offers a large selection of prosthesis bras in fashionable designs. Bridget says that when you’re looking for a prosthesis friendly bra, it’s important to choose a store with a large selection.
“You want to go to a place where they have lots of different things to try on, because everybody’s surgery sites are different,” she explains. “Different people might have different pain issues too, so you want to be able to try a few different styles on to make sure it’s comfortable.”
Comfort is very important in a bra when you’ve undergone a mastectomy. Bridget carries a wide selection of Amoena bras, which offer many comfort features. They don’t have underwire, and many don’t have stays — the strip of plastic sometimes found at the side of a bra that can dig in. They are also made of soft fabrics that don’t itch.
This prosthesis friendly bra by Amoena has pinup style and no underwire. (Photo: Eva Fisher)
Another feature of these bras? They are beautiful. Bridget says that this is important.
“Just because you’ve had a breast surgery doesn’t mean that you don’t want feminine lingerie,” she says. “Part of being a woman is feeling pretty. So it’s very important, when people find a bra that they love that is mastectomy friendly, they are just over the moon about it.”
One breast, two breasts, no breasts, or new breasts … My Left Breast offers prostheses and bras for a variety of clients.
That includes people who have had a lumpectomy, and are looking for a prosthesis that will create an even profile and a bra that will provide comfort. Bridget says that it also includes people who have undergone breast reconstruction and are looking for a comfortable bra.
Much more than bras
A prosthesis friendly bra with tassels is pretty and fun. Bra by Amoena. (Photo: Eva Fisher)
My Left Breast also offers prosthesis friendly clothing and swimwear, which can be difficult to find.
Bridget says that finding a swimsuit that fits a prosthesis can be liberating.
“Once we get women in a comfortable bathing suit with a swimform, it means that they can still be active and they don’t have to fret if somebody says ‘let’s go swimming.'”
To learn more about mastectomy bras and prostheses, visit My Left Breast’s website at www.myleftbreast.ca. My Left Breast is located in the Charlotte Mews at 203 Simcoe Street #3 in Peterborough, Ontario. Book your fitting by calling them at 705-876-3333. You can also follow My Left Breast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Michael Moring, Meg O'Sullivan, Robyn Smith, and Naomi Duvall in "Do It Yourself" which, along with "The Disgusting Old Man From Kartoon", are the first two theatrical performances of "A Certain Place: The Bernie Martin Festival". The plays run from November 3 to 5 at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Tonight (November 3) at The Theatre on King (TTOK), the much-anticipated Bernie Martin festival kicks off with a double header of plays written by Martin and presented by some of the Peterborough’s most respected talents.
Andrew Root directs Dan Smith in The Disgusting Old Man From Kartoon, and Amy Cummings brings together Naomi Duvall, Michael Moring, Robyn Smith, and Meg O’Sullivan in Do It Yourself. As TTOK’s artistic director Ryan Kerr points out in his introduction, it’s been as many as 30 years since these productions — dark but quirky with moments of humour — have seen the light of day.
Artist, poet, playwright, and musician, Bernie Martin acted as a mentor to Peterborough’s arts community during his very active artistic career of continuous output. Now, over 20 years after his death in 1995, Peterborough is finally celebrating his legacy with a month-long series of events put on by both those who knew him and by others who recognize the impact of his influence in Peterborough.
The first two performances at TTOK are a powerful jumping-off point to get the festival started.
In The Disgusting Old Man From Kartoon, Dan Smith plays a mortally wounded man spending his final moments battling death, flies, and his lustful memories of a younger woman. Fluctuating between comedy and tragedy, the piece is filled with passages that go from erotic to vile. The result produces a mix of strong emotions.
Dan Smith in “The Disgusting Old Man From Kartoon” by Bernie Martin (Photo: Andy Carroll)
As an actor who does both comedy and drama equally well, Smith is the ideal performer to bring this odd, yet surprisingly touching, short piece to life. Andrew Root and Dan Smith work well together, with Andrew providing the perfectly timed sound effects as Smith pits himself against the flies that buzz around him.
A strong collaboration between two great local performers, The Disgusting Old Man From Kartoon is a perfect start to discovering the disturbing mirth of Bernie Martin.
The second performance of the night, Do It Yourself, is a well-crafted thriller disguised as a comedy. Playing like a local version of the classic Japanese drama Rashomon, Bernie substitutes a drunk and a plumber for the samurai warriors with a downtown bar as their battleground.
Michael Moring and Naomi Duvall play two men in clown noses sitting at a bar. Michael watches as Naomi makes call after call, timed carefully in repeated intervals, to a mystery woman who never answers the phone. As the two men banter, the audience slowly discovers that all the characters present (and not present) are closer than they may think, and that not all that’s told is exactly how it really happened.
Meg O’Sullivan and Robyn Smith perform a series of supporting roles, from wives and lovers and bartenders, and fleshing in the parts beyond that of the two men in the bar. However, it’s when Robyn takes over near the end of the show — in which she reveals the disturbing reality behind what the audience has already watched — that turns the entire production on its head.
Naomi Duvall and Michael Moring in “Do It Yourself” by Bernie Martin (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Naomi Duvall is an odd and bold choice for her role in Do It Yourself. She is cast as a man who is leaving his wife for another woman, but does not play the role in a feminine or masculine way, resulting in a a sexually ambiguous performance. But Naomi’s flawless portrayal of a confused and pathetic man makes the audience forget, or perhaps not even care, what gender she is trying to portray. It just seems to work.
As the audience’s perception of her character continues to change with story revelations, Naomi’s performance becomes continuously more disturbing — but somehow she manages to maintain the audience’s sympathy for her character. It’s an interesting role for an actress who has quickly become one of my favourites in Peterborough.
Both funny and terrifying, Do It Yourself is a well-crafted production by Amy Cummings and her company of players. Do It Yourself is a great script that shouldn’t be lost in time — thank goodness this festival has given Amy the opportunity to bring it back to the Peterborough stage.
The Disgusting Old Man From Kartoon and Do It Yourself comprise the first of two sets of Bernie Martin plays at TTOK, and run from Thursday, November 3rd to Saturday, November 5th. The second set of plays — Meat and Potatoes directed by Sklyer Ough and Life Comes To Resemble Unimaginative Literature: Or, The Moment Of My Death featuring the talents of Brad Brackenridge and Kate Story — runs from Thursday, November 10th to Saturday, November 12th. All performances begin at 8 p.m., with admission $15 or pay what you can.
After falling into the dark mind of Bernie Martin while watching the first two shows, I’m truly looking forward to discovering more of his works in the weeks to come. The Bernie Martin festival is an amazing way to not only rediscover the life and work of one of Peterborough’s truly influential artists, but to come together to celebrate our collective artistic community through the memory of a cherished local performer. The Disgusting Old Man From Kartoon and Do It Yourself are your first stop into the world of Bernie Martin.
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