DBIA Featured Post: Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF)

If you live in or around Peterborough and have a pulse, then surely you have dealt with some part of our cities great healthcare team at some time or another. Behind every great team is a great coach and management, which is exactly what the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) can be considered. Located at 150 King St, the foundation formerly known as the St. Joseph’s Care Foundation has been an integral part of our community for almost 30 years now.

In a nutshell, the foundation is a major fundraiser for healthcare equipment, education, research and innovative programs that help the community’s health care team give its patients the best treatment possible.

The foundation consists of a team of tireless workers, including Executive director Hannah Routly, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator Carol Lawless, Board Chair Laura Boden, and physician lead ambassador Dr. Don Harterre to name just a few. On top of these positions are a long list of tremendous volunteers who aid in improving the community based health care system that the GPHSF aims to put forth.

Along with its fundraising efforts, the GPHSF also works behind the scenes in our community in creating and fostering a team like atmosphere with every branch of healthcare. From nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and mental health clinicians, to medical secretaries, dieticians, and family physicians, they help combine the expertise of a team working together to provide you with the right care, when you need it, same day or at a time convenient to you.

This overall team effort has been helping to make things better in our community for years now and the GPHSF is actually the first foundation in Canada to support such a family health care team.

One of the GPHSF's major events held yearly is the Peterborough Speaker Series. This year's event, titled Fire Starters, is taking place on April 16th at Market Hall. Previously the GPHSF has also been a part of the Festival of Trees and the Freedom 55 Financial charity golf tournament.

A few of the initiatives and items that the GPHSF has been a major part in assisting with are the incredible Partners in Pregnancy clinic, which works with many women in our community going through various phases of pregnancy. They have also recently raised money to purchase ophthalmology equipment, 17 automated external defibrillators, 40 pulse oximeters, and 20 patient transport chairs that are all located across the city helping our healthcare team put forth the greatest care possible.

For more information on GPHSF, and to find out about volunteer opportunities, go to:
Website: Gphsf.ca
Twitter: @Gphsf
Facebook: Gphsf
Phone: 705.740.8074

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

The Bears' Lair 2014 Finalists Announced!

The Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition finalists were announced last night (March 27th) at the Peterborough Chamber Young Professionals Group meeting, and again later at the Creative Cocktail. The Final Four are...

• Redpath - The first social network for those affected by mental health & addiction, owned by Peggy Shaughnessy.
• The Land Canadian Adventures - The Land offers 1 to 3 day trips all year long to some of Ontario's best natural areas. Owned by Bretton Clark and Briagh Hoskins-Hasbury
• Unlock Math - After years of teaching in public and private schools in the U.S. and Canada, Alesia Blackwood wants to reach more students than she could in person, to share her love of math and combat the math anxiety that so many have.
• Anywhere But Here - Unique clothing by Carley Stenson

Also pictured on the right hand side are Bears' Lair Co-chairs Amy Simpson, and Sofie Andreou.

Purchase your tickets here for the Bears' Lair finals on April 23rd at Market Hall.

[Related - PTBOCanada Featured Post: Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition]

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Hatch Ptbo

Many of us can work from anywhere nowadays, laptop and cellphone in hand. As with most freedoms, sometimes the flexibility of contemporary work can leave us craving structure and community. While working at home or in a coffee shop can be a delight, other times it is fraught with distractions. That was the experience of Janet Howse, winner of the 2013 Bear’s Lair and owner of The Work of Art, a start-up that markets adaptable art products for people with dementia and their caregivers.

Howse joined Hatch Ptbo, a new coworking space located in St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (120 Murray St.). “Being a small independent start-up can be a lonely business," she says. "I tried working at home but the pull of my domestic life and lack of human interaction impaired my focus. I came to Hatch in June of 2013 to try it out. I have been here nearly full time ever since. Being a one woman show, I have really benefitted from sharing resources and skills. The space is beautiful, full of light with soaring ceilings. I feel good every time I walk through the door.”

Inspired by the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto, Hatch Ptbo is the grassroots creation of many local community builders. Opening its doors on May 31, 2013, Hatch Ptbo is an architectural beauty—a professional office filled with natural light, and a warm and welcoming space. Now a COIN social enterprise, it strives to be a dynamic entrepreneurial community which exists to promote creativity and innovation for the benefit of the community of Peterborough.

The office space is run on a membership basis with various options. Some members keep a permanent nine to five schedule, while others drop in on nights and weekends to enjoy a productive space. Office sizes also vary, with some members taking over entire rooms, and others simply using a desk and a chair; meeting rooms, lounge area, and kitchen are shared. All memberships include access to Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, kitchen, office equipment, and best of all, coworkers.

Current members include for-profit start-ups, small non-profit organizations, and freelancers who do everything from programming, graphic design, and cartography to book writing and organic farming inspections. Jo-Anne Green, Employment Development Officer, is the sole staff member running the Peterborough office of Kagita Mikam, an Aboriginal training and employment non-profit: “I really like the open concept space because I like the commotion of people around me and the chance to network and bounce ideas off others," she says. Previously, Green felt isolated in a rented basement office.

For home-based businesses, budding entrepreneurs starting out, or non-profits with short term projects but no more desk space, Hatch Ptbo is a smart option. Its flexible memberships are affordable and low commitment. Shared space is not just about economizing and maximizing space, but also about becoming part of an inspiring community that allows you to function at a higher level.

For more information on Hatch Ptbo (120 Murray St.), visit:
Website: Hatchptbo.ca
Facebook: HatchPtbo
Twitter: @hatchptbo
Email: info@hatchptbo.ca
Phone: 705.743.0238, ext. 203

If your business/organization is interested in a PTBOCanada Featured Post, email sales@ptbocanada.com!

DBIA Featured Post: Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

When the historical Montreal House closed its doors for a final time in late 2013, Ted and Addison Brown heard opportunity knocking. The father and son partners knew a good thing when they saw it and purchased the property with a specific intent in mind. They loved the history of the building, the ample parking, and its proximity to downtown. After some extensive renovations, on January 15th, Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St) opened its doors for the first time and hit the ground running!

Named after Dr. Alexander and John Harvey who originally built the historical building in 1858, Dr. J’s has kept some of the past, but has brought a new feel to the property. Operating as a restaurant/pub and with owners who have an extensive background in the industry, Dr. J’s brings a distinctly different flavor to the downtown core. Specializing in southern cuisine, and featuring an authentic smoker brought in directly from Alabama, you know exactly what you’re getting as soon as you walk in the door.

Before opening, head chef Eric Hoflick went so far as to travel the southern United States in search of ideas and recipes to bring back to the great white north. His mission to learn was a major success and the menu is where Dr. J’s customers reap the rewards. From chicken and ribs, to brisket and pork shoulder, almost everything is smoked and absolutely nothing is skimped on. The menu features monster main courses, smaller sandwich options, and even vegetable options for those who aren’t meat eaters! A few of the house favorites include the ribs with a signature pineapple chipotle seasoning you won’t find anywhere else, the brisket on rye, and the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw.

Everything is made fresh from scratch in house daily, and local suppliers are supported as much as possible. Being a pub as well, the beer menu can’t be missed with 30 different types available by the bottle and 14 different varieties on tap!

With food available during the day and into the night, Dr. J’s is an environment for everyone. The renovations they’ve done include new flooring, tables, washrooms, booths, and a separate party room for larger groups of up to 24 when needed.

The restaurant also transitions during the night into more of a pub type atmosphere. Keeping with the old tradition of being a great live music setting, Dr. J’s has kept a stage area and have live music every Friday and Saturday night. With televisions set up all around, there is always some type of game on and specials to go along with them, including beer deals during Leafs and Raptors games.

If you’re in the mood for a new food and drink experience, Addison and Ted invite you to come down to a building that everyone already knows. They know you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the changes and you won’t leave disappointed!

For more on Dr. J's BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St), go to:
Facebook: Dr. J's
Twitter: @DRJSBBQnBREWS
Phone: 705.874.5717

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: McThirsty's

Pub culture is one that is well ingrained in today’s society. Whether you’re out for a pint, meeting up with friends to watch the game, or simply out for the pub fair, there is always a great selection of taverns to choose from. Peterborough’s resident Irish style pub, McThirsty’s, located at 166 Charlotte Street in the heart of the downtown, is always one that is at the top of the list.

A mainstay for years and always successful, the pub came under new ownership in late July of 2012 and has gone through an extensive overhaul to create an even better, energized atmosphere. Cam Green and Reg Maranda (who also own Kettle Drums on Hunter Street) along with Tony Best have set out to bring back the oldschool pub feel in both the environment and behind the bar/kitchen.

As any great pub should, McThirsty’s has a wide range of drink options, and is known locally as having one of the best varieties around. With 25 taps available, the pub has a roster that includes 7 regular beers, thus rotating the other 18 on a regular basis. Known as beer trend setters in the area, you’ll find everything from old domestic favourites and Canadian micro-breweries to exotic importants from as far away as Russia and South American to name just a few. On top of this, the liquor selection is second to none.

With new owners who have a background in the local restaurant scene came a new updated menu with incredible choices. As a good pub should have, options such as burgers, chip truck French fries, poutine and what some consider the best wings in town are available. With the kitchen being open until midnight, you’ll now find some other choices to tempt the taste buds such as an incredible blackened catfish and traditional Irish stew which is beyond unique!

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you McThirsty’s has the friendliest staff around. Cam, Reg and Tony are almost always on site working and you can tell that they care about everyone’s experience. One of their goals is to become the Cheers of Peterborough.

Featuring various musical acts from Tuesday through Saturday, trivia nights with Cam on Mondays, and Open Mic on Wednesdays with well known local rocker James Higgins, you’ll always find the pub hopping. With weekly specials and sports always on the numerous TVs, you’re bound to find something to peak your interest.

If you’re looking for a night out and a laid back pub experience, McThirsty’s is the place to be. With their epic St. Patrick’s Day celebration just around the corner, Cam, Reg and Tony invite you to come down and experience what a true pub should be.

For more on McThirsty's (166 Charlotte St.), go to:
Phone: 705.743.2220
Facebook: McThirsty's Pint
Twitter: @McThirstys

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: The Benevolent Stranger

Natalie Williams is the epitome of a small business owner. As the owner of The Benevolent Stranger, located at 212 Hunter St W in the middle of the trendy Café District, she aims to be a unique alternative to big box store culture. The shop is named after how Natalie sees the character Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird. At first, people are hesitant and scared of him, only to realize he’s actually quite the opposite when they finally give him a chance, much like the shop. On top of it all, Boo Radley is also her friendly dog’s name, and you're sure to meet him at the shop!

Catering to an eclectic crowd who don’t want the everyday mall type experience and product, the Benevolent Stranger caries a wide array of products ranging from dresses, tops, pants, hoodies and wool jackets for women, to gifts from around the world such as knapsacks, journals, purses, jewelry, and even household items. Not leaving out the guys, she carries various clothing items for them as well, and the inventory is always changing.

Natalie is always on the lookout for one of a kind items. You’ll find products in her store from countries such as Tibet, Thailand, India, and from large cities such as New York and Montreal. Always wanting to be unique and funky, if she doesn’t find the item to be interesting to her personally then she won’t sell it in her store.

What a lot of people are surprised about when they enter the shop is the wide range of products it carries. Towards the back of the well thought out space, Natalie houses a fully stocked smoke shop, carrying all accessories, and she even has dreadlock products, as well as Rasta and punk accessories.

Natalie loves the Café District area she has been located in for five years now since moving her business to Peterborough from Bomanville previously. The patio neighbourhood with its widened sidewalks and the Only Café with its sub culture following next door suit her personality perfectly, she says. She loves the sense of community the area has with great merchants and the events that are always taking place all around her shop year round.

Natalie invites you to come down to her unique shop to find items you definitely won’t find anywhere else!

For more on The Benevolent Stranger (212 Hunter St W), go to:
Facebook: Benevolent Stranger
Phone: 705.748.0408

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition

Aspiring local entrepreneurs rejoice: the Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition is back, and just around the corner!

Based on the style of the hit CBC show The Dragon’s Den—albeit in a much friendlier setting in front of encouraging judges—the main event showcase takes place April 23rd at Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. The contest is open to potential and existing businesses with a great idea that benefits the local economy, is innovative, is financially viable, and shows that the entrepreneur has both passion and has done their research. It is a chance to make the dream a reality or take the project from the garage into production.

An important date to keep in mind before then is March 14th, which is the submission deadline. To officially enter, prospective contestants must submit both a picture and business description, as well as create a short 2 minute video and 2 page business overview

Created with the goal to encourage small business development and entrepreneurship in and around Peterborough, Bears' Lair is entering its 4th year and has been widely successful. Last year’s winner, Janet Howse, who won with her business The Work of Art Visuals, is back this year as one of four judges for the final.

The main prize will include $20,000 in cash and business services to help the entrepreneur bring their idea to life. The package includes: social media training, a new computer from MicroAge, advertising, website and free office time at Hatch Ptbo. Also, there will be what is called a “Right of Passage” prize valued at $350 for the picture submitted that gets the most “Likes” on Facebook. Contestants are encouraged to use whatever creative means necessary to spread the news to their family and friends and have them vote.

The event is presented by Peterborough Economic Development’s Centre and the Workforce Development Board. In advance of the competition, the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) is serving as a resource to potential entrants to discuss their business idea.

The BAC, in partnership with the Ontario Centres of Excellence, is hosting a boot camp for all entrants to hone their business model and practice their pitch.   

The BAC is located at 210 Wolfe St (phone: 705.743.0777 x2123) and is a free resource for those looking to start or develop a small business, providing business counseling services such as review of plans, development of models and an assessment of financials.

The Bear’s Lair competition concludes with 4 finalists presenting to judges at the Grand Finale, held April 23 at Market Hall.

Tickets for the Grand Finale are $15 in advance and $20 at the door of Market Hall.

Learn more about the competition here, and don't forget to enter by March 14th!

For more on Bears Lair, go to:
Website: Bearslair.ca
Facebook: Bears Lair
Twitter: @Bears_Lair
 

For more info on PTBOCanada Featured Posts, email here. 

Peterborough Entrepreneur's Unique Company Uses Art To Help Those With Dementia

Peterborough start-up company The Work of Art—last year’s winner of the Bears' Lair entrepreneurial contest in Peterborough—breathes new life into those living with Alzheimer disease and dementia.

Its creator, Janet Howse, an artist and Recreation Therapist specializing in art programming for dementia, believes art has the ability to improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer and dementia (there are currently almost 6 million people suffering from dementia in North America, and this number is expected to double by 2030). 

“In 2003 I took a job running art programs on the secure dementia unit in a Long Term Care facility," says Howse. "At the time, I knew little about dementia and had never worked with seniors. I was drawn to the job because of the art aspect but what I discovered was a deep love, passion and commitment to folks living with this debilitating disease.”

For the past 10 years, she has worked in recreation therapy running art studios, one-on-one sessions and professional training for people with dementia and their caregivers. She has seen first-hand what an incredible tool art is for people living with dementia, and believes it is a fantastic aid for caregivers who struggle to find a way to connect with those suffering.

As such, Howse developed all-inclusive painting kits that can be used by anyone but are specifically designed to help bypass the limitations experienced by someone with dementia. She has created an Indiegogo campaign to help raise funds for the production of the first 1,000 demential-specific painting kits, which is her biggest hurdle right now (once the first run has been produced, costs will go down, and the business will be sustainable).

Learn more about her unique painting kits in this video below, and visit her website here.

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DBIA Featured Post: Lakeshore Designs

Lakeshore Designs began as many interior design companies do: a dream, a truck and, of course, a talented and dedicated individual. Angela Jones opened Lakeshore Designs in 2004 as an in-home consultation business. In 10 short years since, she has turned Lakeshore Designs into Peterborough’s premier interior design firm.

After seeing the need for an interior design studio in downtown Peterborough, Angela made the move to her George Street location. Not only a design firm, Lakeshore Designs became a destination spot for cottagers looking for that perfect home décor accent or furniture piece. Since the expansion at its new location, Angela has transformed the business into the design studio that it is today.

With a knowledgeable staff of designers and consultants, Lakeshore Designs serves as an inviting place to meet with both new and returning clients. Lakeshore Designs is proud to have had some celebrities as clients, including Elton John, Mike Fisher, Carrie Underwood  and Marc Savard. They're also chosen designers for the Chex Daily design segment every Tuesday; for numerous Builders’ models; for The Toronto Cottage Life Show model home Spring 2013, Fall 2013 and Spring 2014; and The Princess Margaret Hospital Lottery dream cottage 2014.

They are winner of numerous prestigious awards, including Best Interior Decorating 2013 from the Peterborough & Kawarthas’ Homebuilders Association; The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneural Spirit Award 2012; Best Cover award 2011 from Our Homes Magazine; and The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Micro Business of the Year 2010. The design team’s projects range from choosing paint colours and other finishes, in-home consultations, full kitchen designs and sales, renovations, designing dream homes, cottages, and commercial spaces from the ground up.

If you have design challenges or if you are thinking of building your dream home, give them a call today! 

For more on Lakeshore Designs (427 George Street North), go to:
Phone: 705-748-3875
Website: Lakeshorehd.ca   
Facebook: Lakeshore Designs

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

Two Fifty Café Closes, Sushi Yonge Opens In Its Place

Update: October 23rd, 2014 - Sadly it looks like Sushi Yonge is now closed.

The Two Fifty Café (at 250 Sherbrooke Street) has closed, and Sushi Yonge has opened in its place. They are currently offering 20% off to celebrate their opening.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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