Public Energy is Pivoting to Indoor Shows

After being sidelined for 19 months, Public Energy Performing Arts Pivot 2.0 series will welcome audiences back to indoor live theatre announced on Thursday.

Cheri Maracle performing Paddle Song. See Paddle Song on Oct. 8, 5:00 p.m., at Inverlea Park. Photo courtesy of Pubic Energy.

With the conclusion of the Pivot 2.0 outdoor series, Public Energy is marking a safe return to in-theatre programming with two shows at The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and The Theatre On King.

Both venues can only be accessed by fully vaccinated audiences and are following all industry-approved protocols.

‘Sound of Mind and Body’, a collaboration between dancer/choreographer Bill Coleman and musician/sound artist Gordon Monahan on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.

Sound of Mind and Body is an experiment in body sensing technology, in which the dancer’s brain waves are harnessed to control the lights and sound on stage.

It is being co-presented with the Electric Eclectics, a festival of experimental music and sound art based in Meaford, Ont., and will be live-streamed at a later date with Chicago’s Experimental Sound Studio.

Bill Coleman and Gord Monahan performing Sound of Mind and Body. Photo courtesy of Public Energy.

‘Kitten!’ by Victoria Ward is being presented on October 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. at the Theatre On King. ‘Kitten!’ is a collaborative re-imagining of Ward’s 1993 indie theatre hit. Themes of Ward’s show include indoctrination, sexuality during the AIDS pandemic, youth and Catholicism.

The work is being developed through a two-week artist residency for the Precarious3 Festival during which social media will be used as a tool to integrate audiences into an ever-evolving performance text.

Bill Coleman performing Sound of Mind and Body. Photo courtesy of Public Energy.

All Public Energy in-theatre programming is being captured with a multiple camera system to create high-quality recordings that will be live-streamed in the days following each presentation.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Habitat Restore, Baked4U, Petebororough & Kawartha Chamber

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition… 

Habitat Restore recently opened a new clothing-only Thrift Shop in Lansdowne Place Mall! Located on the lower level next to Sport Chek, the shop promises lots of sustainable fashion with recognizable brands for a fraction of the price!

Habitat Restyle is open seven days a week. Please note that donations will not be accepted at the Lansdowne Place location but you can drop off clothing or any other donations at your local Habitat Store.

Friday was a big day for Janet and Brian Healey. It was the last day as owners of Baked4U, the west-end bakery they started six years ago. Oct. 4 is a big day for Sandi Wiggins as she is the new owner.

Baked4U offers tarts and pies, squares, cupcakes, cookies, bread, muffins, gluten-free and lots more. Stop by at 1837 Lansdowne St W. or visit baked4u.ca

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, recently confirmed that they will consolidate their operations at the end of this year.

Following a member vote that demonstrated 97 per cent support for the move, a provisional Board of directors will work throughout next year to ensure a successful transition. The Chamber both operate within the County of Peterborough and provide their members with advocacy, marketing and curated business information.

Both Chambers are putting the finishing touches on their annual business excellence awards. The Chambers asked the community to rally behind our businesses this year and both received a record number of entries.

The Peterborough Chambers virtual event will be held on Oct. 20. Details are at peterboroughchamber.ca The Kawartha Chamber event goes on Oct. 28 with details at kawarthachamber.ca.

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Two Forwards Have Been Released From the Peterborough Petes Roster

Forwards Carson Whitson and Kallaway Mercer have been released from the Peterborough Petes roster announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Whiteson, a 5’8”, 154 lbs rightwinger is 19-years-old and from Uxbridge, Ont. He played 49 games for the Whitby Fury of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in the 2019-20 season.

Mercer, from Port Hope is 5’ 10”, 168 lbs and previously played for the Kingston Frontenacs from 2018-20.

“As we move forward, there may be an opportunity for them to rejoin the roster,” said General Manager Michael Oke “The Petes want to thank each player for their efforts throughout camp.”

The Petes are heading to North Bay to kick off their 65th season on Thursday against the Battalion before heading to Sudbury to face the Wolves on Friday.

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Remy Peters Becomes the Final Petes Frontline Worker of the Week

Remy Peters becomes the final Petes Frontline Worker Drop the Puck winner announced on Friday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Peters is a respiratory nurse who has been splitting his time between the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Sunnybrook Hospital throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Peters was spending most of his time at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital but slowly transitioned to the PRHC due to the increased demand for respiratory nurses in the Peterborough area.

The Petes are celebrating frontline workers who have gone above and beyond for their community during these unprecedented times.

“Both Remy and his wife are frontline workers, and have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic,” said Stephanie Phillips-Nopes, who nominated Peters. “Remy is a kind-hearted man and never complains about his job and has been through a lot during the pandemic. He is a huge Petes fan and deserves a little bit of recognition for his efforts.”

Six frontline workers will take part in the Petes ceremonial puck drop at the maroon and white home opener on Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m. This game will also mark the first time the Petes and Peterborough Memorial Centre reveal the new, state of the art video board to fans.

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Foodie Friday: Berc's Steakhouse with Cathy Zhang Moving to Town and Buying the Restaurant and the Array of Steaks

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We talk with Berc's Steakhouse staff about owner Cathy Zhang and her restaurant take-over in 2007, the restaurant's special features and their wide array of steaks.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Receives $6,000 from "Lids For Kids" Campaign

More smiles on kids’ faces and more heads are covered after the “Lids for Kids” campaign raised $6,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) donated by PTBOCanada on Wednesday.

Members of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough and PTBOCanada at the cheque presentation.

The proceeds support weekly virtual programs to keep children on the waiting list connected to the agency. Examples include weekly trivia games and craft nights, including painting pictures and decorating pots in which they plant seeds.

Each hat purchased had $10 go towards the charity. They were available on PTBOCanada’s shop page in five different styles.

“It was great to have an opportunity to get behind the cause that simultaneously builds community through the PTBOCanada hats but also works for charity, said Thomas Jenkins, Peterborough Bigs board member. "We were absolutely honoured to be the charity choice for this."

"It's amazing to have people that are so supportive both with their time and energy and with their dollars," said Brent Shepard, Peterborough Bigs executive director. "It makes a big difference."

PTBOCanada owner Kirtus Evoy presented the check at their studio in East City to Peterborough Bigs. The campaign originally raised $5,000 from 500 hats sold but Evoy threw in an extra $1,000 totalling $6,000.

The campaign began back in late April with several local celebrities and notables showing their support such as WWE wrestler Bobby Roode, sports broadcaster Dan O’Toole, Peterborough Chamber of Commerce president Stu Harrison and more.

Activities were limited with COVID-19 between the brothers and sisters but with the donated money, the organization is hoping to do more with the mentorship program.

"This is going go a long way to help us pull out of that (COVID-19 pandemic) and build on the good stuff that we've already seen happen in the history of Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough," said Shepard.

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Soroptimist International Peterborough Donates to Five Community Partners on 75th Anniversary

It may be the 75th anniversary of Soroptimist International Peterborough (SIP) but they gave presents out by donating $1,000 cheques each to five organizations on Friday.

Soroptimist International of Peterborough (SIP) was chartered on November 17, 1945. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The donations went towards community partners of SIP to help women’s and girls’ lives through programs leading to economic and social empowerment.

Cameron House (Brock Mission), Elizabeth Fry Society, The Daughter Project Girls’ Home, YWCA Crossroads and Homeward Bound were the recipients of the donations including a commemorative plaque.

Joyce Fee, former SIP president said she was “certainly proud” of the organization to fund the five recipients.

The money acquired was possible through fundraising efforts such as special dinners, fashion shows and an affiliation with the local bingo hall according to Fee.

Mayor Diane Therrien has proclaimed the week of Oct. 3rd as ‘Soroptimist Week’ in Peterborough to acknowledge the 75th Anniversary of SIP and the 100th Anniversary of Soroptimist International.

SIP has over 40 members who work to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in our own community and around the world.

“We are mediators for then for the girls,” said Fee. “We give them tools to achieve their education and career goals. Empower them to break cycles, poverty, violence and abuse.”

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Easter Seals Telethon Triumphs Through Adversity and Raises Over $92,000

After having to postpone this year’s telethon, the Easter Seals Telethon raised over $92,000 on Sept. 26.

Easter Seals Telethon hosts from 2019. Photo courtesy of Easter Seals Peterborough.

Due to COVID-19, this year had hosts standing alone in the studio with pre-recorded visits with the kids.

The event’s hosts included Stu Harrison, Graham Hart, Mike Melnik, Teresa Kazsuba, Catherine Hanrahan and Caley Bedore.

“With a significantly reduced volunteer team, and a handful of hosts, we hosted the 49th Easter Seals Telethon in Peterborough last weekend and it was a huge success,” said Coralie Jacobs, Easter Seals Manager of Development, Eastern Ontario. “Our host team did an amazing job of sharing the stories of our families and Easter Seals kids and making the ask on their behalf, and the phones started ringing and didn’t stop.”

Ryerson Beardmore took the spotlight as the Easter Seals Peterborough ambassador for the second year.

Easter Seals Ontario has received record-high numbers in requests for equipment funding for children with disabilities.

“This has been a difficult 18 plus months for a lot of us, but for children with physical disabilities and their families the challenges have truly been extraordinary,” said Jacobs. “The ongoing lockdowns, restrictions, and delays have meant there are still so many children living at home without the essential equipment that would provide them with greater dignity as well as safety in the home for both the kids and their caregivers.”

To donate to the Easter Seals click here.

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Trent University Honours Local Michi Saagiig on National Truth and Reconciliation Day

To mark the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Trent University unveiled new installations paying tribute to the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg, on Thursday.

Treaty Rock unveiling on Thursday. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The tribute highlights the importance of the original treaties pertaining to the land upon which the two campuses are built and honouring the original signatories of the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg.

“For more than 50 years, Trent has been committed to providing education in Indigenous history, traditions, cultures, and Indigenous knowledges for students and the broader community,” said Julie Davis, Trent University vice-president of External Relations and Development. “As we honour Truth and Reconciliation Day, recognizing the local treaties and the Michi Saagiig people is foundational.”

On the Peterborough campus outside of Bata Library, the University unveiled three limestone boulders bearing the symbols of the dodem (clan totems) carvings of the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig signatories as well as a statement identifying the Symons Campus lands as being situated on Michi Saagiig traditional territory.

At Trent University Durham GTA, a new Treaty Wall has been installed in the front atrium of the campus featuring original signatory documents and a pre-confederation treaty map.

“Curve Lake First Nation and Trent University have a gold-standard relationship,” said Chief Emily Whetung of Curve Lake First Nation. “Trent University prioritizes hearing the teachings of our Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers and ensuring the teachings are respected. We are very pleased to see these installations, developed in a true partnership, come to life. The meaningful acknowledgment of our ancestral lands and the treaty in which Trent University is situated will raise awareness in all who pass through Trent University.”

The University has created a new webpage to advance the goals of education, reflection and action, and is sharing ways our communities can engage meaningfully in reconciliation and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The webpage highlights important resources like the 94 Calls to Action, testimonies of residential school survivors and a list of local Indigenous businesses.

“Here at Trent, on this very important day, as we come together to remember and honour all those who were forced into the Indian residential schools, we are committing ourselves as an institution to engage in the process of reconciliation,” said Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, Trent University director of the First Peoples House of Learning, on Thursday. “As a small but important first step we must acknowledge the truth of our shared history and these installations were designed to educate all those who study, work, or visit our campuses. We give these places of honour to the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg, the original signatories of Treaty 20 and Williams Treaty, as a sign of respect and our commitment to do better and to work together in true partnership as the original treaties intended.”

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Ontario Grants Peterborough $150,000 for Start-Up Visa Program and Commits $5 Million to Rural Economic Development

Peterborough MPP Dave Smith announced that the Start-Up Visa Program will receive $150,000 in funding through Ontario’s Rural Economic Development (RED) program on Thursday.

Dave Smith makes announcement on Thursday with Mike Skinner, CEO of Innovation Cluster. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The Start-Up Visa Program, implemented by the Innovation Cluster, will allow entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada by starting a business, creating jobs and diversifying the community.

“Diversifying and developing our local economy by investing in new ideas and new Canadians will deliver long-term economic growth. this direct investment will foster wider, sustainable growth in the city and county of Peterborough,” said Smith. “Unique programs such as the Start-up Visa program will enable new entrepreneurs to invest in our community and strengthen our economic recovery.”

In addition to the Start-Up Visa program, the Ontario government is committing $5 million in cost-share funding under the next intake of the RED program to help rural communities implement additional economic growth plans to address the economic impacts of COVID-19.

“Supporting local jobs and economic development in rural communities is more important than ever,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “As the economy continues to reopen our investments in the RED program will have a very real impact for communities across rural Ontario.”

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