4th Line Theatre to Fund Local Playwrights Through Ontario Arts Council Grants

4th Line Theatre is recommending playwrights to receive between $1,000 and $3,000 in funding for future works through the Ontario Arts Council’s (OAC) Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators program announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre, Facebook.

4th Line Theatre is administering the grants with the goal of supporting as many worthy playwriting projects as possible. The outdoor theatre company is also looking for projects that align with its artistic mandate: to preserve Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of regionally-based, environmentally-staged historical dramas, with special consideration for culturally diverse artists/collectives and artists living with disabilities.

Ontario-based professional theatre artists and artists’ collectives are eligible to apply from now until Jan. 13 at 1 p.m.

Funding decisions are based on the artistic interest of the project, the quality of the artistic examples given and the impact of the program on the artist’s development.

A positive funding decision will then be forwarded to the OAC for final recommendation and grant amounts will be determined by the number of approved applicants and the funds available.

“I understand the financial challenges faced by playwrights and the OAC’s Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators is vital to supporting their writing projects,” says Kim Blackwell, 4th Line Theatre managing artistic director.

Application forms can be found on the OAC website and applicants will have to create a NOVA account and follow the instructions for submission. The applications will be reviewed by Blackwell.

If those interested have any questions about the process, contact 4th Line Theatre’s administration at submissions@4thlinetheatre.on.ca or by phone at 705-932-4506.

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Peterborough Exhibition Not Relocating to Kawartha Downs Says Peterborough Agricultural Society

The Peterborough Exhibition is not moving to Kawartha Downs after the Peterborough Agricultural Society (PAS) released a statement saying details have not been confirmed for a move announced on Tuesday.

Kawartha Downs had tractor pulls during thier 50th anniversary weekend on Aug. 5 and 6. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Kawartha Downs had distributed a press release regarding the possible move according to PAS but continued to say they have ‘incorrectly implied’ the exhibition’s relocation.

PAS has released the following statement:

A release that was issued on November 21, 2022 by Kawartha Downs incorrectly implied that the Peterborough Exhibition is relocating to Kawartha Downs. The Peterborough Agricultural Society, organizers of the annual Peterborough Exhibition, has not authorized the use of the name Peterborough Exhibition by Kawartha Downs.

The Peterborough Agricultural Society has held events at Kawartha Downs during the pandemic and have had discussions with Kawartha Downs about the possibility of holding a small selection of events at their facility. Details for the 2023 season are not confirmed. Furthermore, Kawartha Downs is in no way associated with the Peterborough Exhibition or the Peterborough Agricultural Society.

A multi-day monster truck show and multi-day retro concert were some events mentioned by Kawartha Downs in their press release but additional details and details will be announced at a media conference on Dec. 2.

The four-day exhibition took place at Morrow Park annually since 1885 but was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exhibition did not run this year due to an ongoing dispute between the PAS and the City of Peterborough. It involved the construction of the Arena and Aquatics Complex being built on the west side of the park near Park Street.

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Monarch Ultra Members Invited to International Butterfly Festival in Mexico

Members of the conservation and ultra-marathon organization Monarch Ultra have been invited to the International Monarch Butterfly Festival in Zitácuaro, Mexico from Friday to Sunday.

Carlotta James (left), Gunther Schubert (middle) and local environmentalist Gustavo Zaro (right) visiting El Galán Ecotourism Park in Guanajuato, Mexico in 2019. Photo courtesy of Carlotta James.

Zitácuaro is known as the gateway to the butterfly sanctuaries in the Sierra Madre Mountains, where the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is located. Indigenous groups in Zitácuaro have planted over 200,000 trees in the forest sanctuaries to provide additional habitat for the migrating monarch butterflies.

The Canadian delegation will learn more about environmental action in Zitácuaro and how cities in North America can work together to protect monarch butterflies according to a press release.

Rodney Fuentes is also directing a documentary film about the Monarch Ultra Relay Run, and will visit the forest sanctuaries to film millions of monarch butterflies in their overwintering home.

“Participating in the international festival will strengthen our cause for monarch conservation and create new opportunities for collaboration between Peterborough and Zitácuaro,” said Monarch Ultra co-founder Carlotta James. “Thanks to the beloved monarch butterfly, local yet international, delicate yet resilient, monarch butterflies are bringing together two communities on a shared journey towards greater environmental awareness and action.”

James, Fuentes and Gunther Schubert organized the Monarch Ultra Relay Run in 2019. It was a 4,300 km ultra-marathon that followed the migration of monarch butterflies from Peterborough to Macheros, Mexico.

“We want to learn from the Zitácuaro community and how best we can also contribute to protecting monarch butterflies and all pollinators that are crucial to the health of our ecosystem,” said James. “We believe that environmental action at the local and international level is essential to building stronger, more connected communities. Through this festival, I hope we can continue to be a champion for the monarchs so that future generations can witness the beautiful patterned creature of the skies.”

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'The Little Prince' Coming To The Peterborough Theatre Guild in December

‘The Little Prince’ adapted by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar is coming to the Peterborough Theatre Guild, with shows from Dec. 2 to 4 and 6 to 10.

Photo courtesy of The peterborough Theatre Guild.

The production, based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is directed by Jacqueline Barrow and assistant-directed by Caoimhe MacQuarrie.

After an aviator descends from the sky to find himself in the middle of the Sahara Desert he meets the Little Prince, a young hero on an extraordinary adventure. The story depicts Little Prince on his journey as he meets many fascinating characters who help him learn the magic in a sunset and how to follow your heart.

The cast of 26 performers will dance audiences away into this enchanting “multilayered tale that awakens the child tucked inside all of us.”

Matinee performances begin at 1 p.m. and evening performances at 7 p.m. The Dec. 9 show will be reduced-capacity with COVID protocols. Masking is encouraged at all performances.

Tickets are $10 and a full list of shows can be found at the Peterborough Theatre Guild website, or by calling (705) 745-4211.

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Local Clothing Line Launched In Honour of Late Artist George Elliott

PTBO Northern Originals/Flavour has launched a clothing line with the catchphrase “I’d rather be in Peterborough” in collaboration with the children of late artist George Elliott.

Paul (left) and aaron Elliott (right) and sister Andrea was tasked to sell all of George’s art (and still has some art left) through social media after his passing in 2020. Photo courtesy of Aaron Elliott.

The brand sells stickers, hoodies, t-shirts and sweatshirts that contain the signature catchphrase and art of the Peterborough Lift Lock or Market Hall Clock Tower.

“The decision for The George Elliott Collection to collaborate with PTBO Northern Originals was an easy one to make,” said Aaron Elliott, George’s son. “We’ve known Mike and Shelby since they opened Flavour at its original location and later they lived next door to our parents which helped foster a friendship that has lasted for over two decades.“

Photo courtesy of Aaron Elliott.

The phrase came from the mid-70s when the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce made an open call for local artists and marketers to create a new brand statement for the city. 

George’s phrase after being accepted became the moment that launched his art career. Since his passing at the age of 81 in 2020, all of his art were sold by his children on social media through ‘The George Elliott Collection.’

The clothing is available online for purchase or in-store at Flavour located at 383 George St. N.

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City of Peterborough Receives $10,000 Grant For Canadian Women in Local Leadership

The City of Peterborough has received a grant of $10,000 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Canadian Women in Local Leadership Fund for its project, ‘Faces of Leadership’ announced on Monday.

File photo.

Faces of Leadership is a collaboration between the City and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. It supports the development of a more diverse and inclusive understanding of leadership and will empower participants from equity-deserving groups with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity to see themselves as leaders in our community according to the City of Peterborough.

This project focuses on women and gender-diverse individuals who experience barriers to leadership opportunities due to the intersectionality of race, gender, (dis)ability, class, and age, among other social factors as stated in the press release.

The first phase of this project from October to December 2022, identifies current leadership development models in marginalized communities and explores where leadership is learned and what is needed to cultivate leadership skills.

The project will also map the diverse journeys that are taken, particularly by Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color (BIPOC) and members of equity-deserving groups, to arrive at leadership positions.

The second phase for January to June involves the design and delivery of a community-led Leadership Circle – a series of six interactive workshops that will be informed by the findings from the first phase of the project according to the press release.

The Leadership Circle supports participants in confidence-building and leadership skills and connecting with existing and emerging leaders in the community. Participants will be provided with opportunities to intern with a City committee, shadow a local leader, and engage with City staff. An artist rendition of the participants’ experiences and their “faces” of leadership will be revealed at an end-of-project celebration at City Hall.

“Being involved as a leader in the community can be a stepping stone on the path to municipal leadership,” Reem Ali, city diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “We know that this was indeed the case for many of our female municipal, provincial, and federal leaders. This project intends to help participants become more confident in seeing themselves as leaders in our community – in envisioning the feasibility of holding a municipal leadership position as a goal that is achievable and in getting them started on this journey.”

“A large number of women and gender-diverse individuals work in the charitable sector, and yet we see a lack in bodies that support and strengthen leadership for this group, whether at the national or local levels,” Jennifer DeBues, executive director, Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. We seem to also be missing a clear theory of change that speaks to growing this type of leadership. Our project can help reveal some strategies for incorporating such theories and supports at the organizational and community levels. Growing this capacity means growing the path for leadership for people who not only work at these organizations but for those who are also supported by them.”

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Peterborough Petes' Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week

Peterborough Petes’ Michael Simpson is named OHL Goaltender of the Week after posting a 2-0 record last week including his second shutout of the season announced on Monday.

File photo.

Simpson posted a 1.50 goals against average (GAA) and a 0.950 save percentage (SV%) during that span.

The London product earned a 4-0 shutout win over the rival Oshawa Generals with 26 saves on Thursday night. He won on back-to-back nights, stopping 31 of 24 shots in a 7-3 win over the Mississauga Steelheads.

“It’s an honour,” said Simpson. “Lots of goalies had good weekends so to be noticed for the award is definitely awesome. The team made my job easy this weekend.”

This is Simpson’s second time earning the honour and last had it during the week of Nov. 1. Simpson currently leads the league in GAA (2.28), SV% (.925), and shutouts (two) in 16 games.

Simpson has spearheaded Diabetes Night this Thursday against the Sudbury Wolves at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The night is to raise awareness and money in support of Diabetes Canada.

Fans are encouraged to wear blue on game night — as it’s the official colour of Diabetes Month — where the arena will be lit in the same colour in honour of the cause.

The goaltender was diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes when he was three years old.

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‘Indoor-Outdoor’ Public Art for Public Facilities Project Seeking Art Submissions

The City of Peterborough Public Art Program is inviting artists to submit two-dimensional artworks for consideration as new public art installations at municipal facilities and community spaces across the City announced on Monday.

File Photo.

Indoor-Outdoor is a two-stage public art project that will integrate artwork created by local artists into City spaces such as parks, recreation facilities and downtown City Hall. Stage one (Indoor) will be completed early next year and stage two (Outdoor) will be completed later in the year.

The project is being administered through the City of Peterborough Public Art Program, in accordance with a resolution of Council in November 2021 on the funding of public art and is open to professional artists and cultural practitioners living in the City and County of Peterborough, Hiawatha First Nation or Curve Lake First Nation. The commission value for each artwork is $4,500.   

The program seeks new, recent or past original works for indoor facilities. A selection committee will discuss each application and select four artworks; considering artistic merit, relevance and feasibility.

The City’s intentions with this project is to “enrich these spaces and people’s exposure to art by bringing art to places where people frequent,” and allow the art pieces to “speak to the spirit of sport and consider the inherent relationship between beauty and skill,” according to a press release.

The four selected artworks will be installed and displayed for twelve to eighteen months at either City Hall, Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena or the Sport and Wellness Centre, rotating the works between sites at the end of each term.

The Indoor artworks will be mounted on the main foyers of each facility.

Submissions for the Indoor-Outdoor project close on Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. All submissions must be completed online. More information about the project can be found on the City’s Public Art webpage.

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PTBO Strong With Peterborough Petes To Hold "Hockey For Hampers" Food Drive This Saturday

Not-for-profit group PTBO Strong is teaming up with the Peterborough Petes to hold a ‘Hockey for Hampers Food Drive” in support of Kawartha Food Share (KFS) this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Food hampers will be made up to help the beneficiaries of KFS.

Non-perishable items are being accepted either at Greg’s No Frills on 230 George St. N. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at the Peterborough Memorial Centre during game night.

Petes mascot Roger and a few players to be announced will be in attendance for the morning at No Frills to help collect any donated goods during the early hours of pickup.

PTBOStrong was formed in 2019 due to the opioid and homelessness crisis facing the City of Peterborough. Photo courtesy of PTBO Strong.

Tim Burke, PTBO Strong co-founder says his group raises critical funds and awareness for treatment around opioid addictions but wants to help the root of the problems.

“Our town has a lot of rough stuff going on,” said Tim Burke, PTBO Strong co-founder. “We have 13 methadone clinics and we don’t have any detox centres, it’s craziness. They’re all lined up.”

The Peterborough Petes play the Ottawa 67s this Saturday as the final leg of three consecutive days of games.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Refillery, Next Level Mobile, The Classy Closet and Royal Agricultural Fair

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…

Dan Fletcher and Kristie McIndoo recently opened The Refillery in Lakefield.

Located at 58 Queen St. across from the post office, Fletcher and McIndoo offer personal care products such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and skin care, home goods — such as reusables and soaps and a large selection of cosmetics — as well as lots of health conscious and environmentally friendly products to help you reduce your environmental impact. Stop in or check it out online at refilleryonqueen.ca or on Facebook and Instagram.

Next Level Mobile, your one-stop cell shop, recently moved to Lakefield.

Owner Angela Berkman opened at 41 Bridge St., just before you cross the Bridge going into Lakefield. Next Level offers android boxes and IPTV, cell phone and tablet buy, sell and trade, repairs, unlocking, accessories, cases, chargers, SIM and SD cards, Bluetooth and much more. Stop in, or google Next Level Mobile, your one-stop cell shop.

Sue Faris Liczkowski recently launched The Classy Closet by Sue.

Located at 25 Reid St. on the second Floor in Lakefield, behind the Stuff Store, Liczkowski offers upscale consignment clothing, jewellery, shoes, boots, wedding gowns and purses, as well as some men`s items too. The Classy Closet by Sue is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair had lots of winners from our area.

Robert and Jill Staples are making room on the Maple Syrup mantle for son Mark Staples who took first prize for his Maple Sugar, and Granddaughter Emily came home as the Youth Champion for Maple Syrup. Meanwhile, Diane Rogers of Doo Doo’s Bakery was all over the Butter Tart Categories and equestrian Kate Knapp won Reserve Canadian Champion in the Children’s Hunter Division. Congratulations to all!

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