Peterborough Actor Stars in Toronto Production Of Rock of Ages

One of Broadway’s longest running hit musicals Rock of Ages will star Peterborough actor Jonathan Cullen at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto beginning Feb. 23.

photo courtesy of jonathan cullen, facebook.

A concoction of power rock and hilarious comedy, this reimagined version of the iconic 80’s-inspired production promises top tier talent and an unforgettable performance. 

The show, presented by More Entertainment, will hit the stage from Feb. 23 to May 20.

Cullen plays Stacey Jaxx in the production, alongside a rockstar line-up of performers in the cast including AJ Bridel as Sherrie Christian, Trevor Coll as Drew Boley, Kent Sheridan as Dennis Dupree, Louise Camilleri as Justice Charlier and Steffi DiDomenicantonio as Regina Kunz.

“We’re very similar in a lot of ways,” says Cullen about his role in Rock of Ages. “He’s been caught in the underbelly of the rock-n-roll scene in L.A. in the 80’s, so he kind of represents the mountainous highs and the dark, dark lows of super stardom. He’s become lost in that world. There’s a large part of me that can feel compassion and empathy for that as a human.”

Cullen has wowed audiences on stages across North America since 2010. Growing up doing community theatre in Peterborough, he starred in many local productions such as State Fair and The Sound of Music.

“I feel proud to be from Peterborough. I have a very fond place in my heart for where I grew up. There’s such an amazing artistic scene in Peterborough so it’s very nice to be bringing some of that energy to the big City, and on a bigger scale,” he said.

photo courtesy of Strut Entertainment.

He has also toured across Canada with his award-nominated pop/soul group, Silver Lining, and was cast in the Mirvish production of ground-breaking Broadway success Billy Elliot.

Most recently, he played a leading role on the first national tour of the Broadway smash-hit The Book of Mormon.

In Rock of Ages, Cullen says the music will be enjoyed by both a Toronto and Peterborough audience.

“Peterborough has a wonderfully diverse and large artistic scene, the music that comes through our music festivals and the theatre productions by our high schools and community theatres is truly wonderful. The music from the 80’s was such a strong genre and raw musical era, and anyone who enjoys a little bit of rock and a little bit of alternative music would totally dig this show,” said Cullen. “It’s a very music driven show, and I think Peterborough is such a community steeped in music that anyone from (the area) would just love the show.”

For tickets and more information on Jonathan Cullen and Rock of Ages, check out the link.

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Theory of a Deadman Making a Concert Stop At the Peterborough Memorial Centre For April 28

Theory of a Deadman is coming to rock the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on April 28 as part of The Dinosaur Tour announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Theory of a Deadman.

The night will also feature ‘special guests’ to be named at a later date.

Tickets to Theory of a Deadman: The Dinosaur Tour go on sale on Friday at 10:00 a.m. online, by phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office.

PMC SCOOP members’ presale starts on Thursday from noon until 10 p.m. online.

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Belmont Lake's Cameron Spalding Makes First-Career Podium Appearance With Bronze In World Cup Snowboarding

It was the first podium appearance for Belmont Lake’s Cameron Spalding as he finished third place with a bronze medal at the Calgary Snow Rodeo FIS Snowboard World Cup on Sunday.

The 17-year-old scored 77.33 to get the first World Cup medal of his career behind USA’s Dusty Henricksen and Spalding’s teammate Darcy Sharpe (who came first place). Spalding came first in the qualifier event held on Friday.

The Canadians snagged four of the six available medals during the event.

Screenshot.

Earlier this year, Spalding placed 44th in Switzerland and 16th in Mammoth Mountain just north of Los Angeles in World Cup events.

His performance ranks him 10th overall in the World Cup slopestyle standings with 75 points. Spalding also ranks 19th overall (as the top Canadian) in men’s park and pipe event standings with 111 points.

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Kirkfield Man Makes Excel Sheet Data To Help Win $118,000 In Lotto 6/49

Data analysis paid off for Kirkfield’s Rendall Pinnie as he won the second-place prize of $118,002.40 on the Lotto 6/49 Jan. 4 draw.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

“I’ve been playing Lotto 6/49 since it came out,” said Pinnie. “I put together an Excel sheet with all the winning numbers and analyze the data to pick the most common numbers.”

He purchased his winning ticket at Loblaws on Kent Street in Lindsay.

The Kirkfield construction worker was in disbelief when he checked his winning numbers on the OLG app.

“I heard the winning jingle and I didn't believe it,” explained Pinnie. “I showed my partner and her eyes opened wide and she said, ‘No way!’”

Rendall says he’ll use the winnings to pay off some bills and get new furniture for his house.

“I will invest the rest,” he said. “This money (is) going to do so much for me," he said.

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Outdoor Skating - What's Open or Closed for Feb. 15

With temperatures reaching a high of 14 C according to Environment Canada for Wednesday, outdoor skating facilities such as Quaker Foods City Square and the canal are closed announced by The City of Peterborough on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The City notes that mild temperatures and sunny conditions can cause short-term temporary closures to the rink.

Located on Charlotte Street, Quaker Foods City Square operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weather permitting for free casual skating. It is closed for Wednesday.

The canal is also closed due to the warmer temperatures. The City advises residents to check the safety flag to see if skating is safe and open. A safety flag identifies if ice conditions are safe:

• A green flag indicates skating is permitted.

• A red flag indicates skating is not permitted.

The neighbourhood rink program has run in City parks since 1965 with help from volunteers who prepare, flood and maintain ice for skating. Rinks are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. as weather and ice conditions permit. The following are neighbourhood rinks however the conditions are unknown by the City at this time:

• Dixon – 120 Benson Ave.

• Earlwood - 52 Earlwood Dr.

• Farmcrest – Ashburnham Drive across from Ecology Park

• Golfview Heights - 921 Whitefield Dr.

• Hastings – 690 Hastings Ave.

• King Edward – 455 George St. S

• Kiwanis – 234 Middlefield Rd.

• Manor Heights - 700 Victory Cr.

• Nicholls Place - 725 Armour Rd.

• Roper - 1610 Firwood Cr.

• University Heights - 1385 Hetherington Dr.

• Wedgewood - 1535 Fairmount Blvd.

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Voice of Businesss: Businesses Are Optimistic About Themselves But Lack Confidence In the Economy

Coming out of few rocky years and into another year of economic uncertainty, business confidence has dropped to a new low according to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) seventh annual Ontario Economic Report (OER).

“Ontario business confidence has dropped to a record low in 2023. Labour shortages, inflation, health care system vulnerabilities, and forecasts of an economic contraction are dampening confidence in the province’s economic outlook,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, OCC. “Only 16 percent of organizations surveyed have confidence in the economy. This is down from 29 percent last year. Promisingly, most businesses feel confident they can withstand these headwinds and continue to grow in the year ahead.”

The Ontario Economic Report is an interactive report with regional and sector-specific data on business confidence, public policy priorities, regional forecasts, and timely business issues such as employee health and well-being, climate change, succession planning, diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, and remote work.

Key highlights of the report include:

• Business confidence has dropped to a new low, with only 16 per cent of organizations expressing confidence in the outlook of Ontario’s economy in 2023 (down from 29 per cent in 2022).

• Inflation and labour shortages are primary concerns for organizations.

• Despite low confidence in the economy, 53 percent of businesses are optimistic about the outlook and growth prospects of their own organizations, as high employment rates and population growth should prevent a sharp decline in consumer spending.

• Small businesses want governments to prioritize policies and programs that support their immediate financial and operational challenges, while large businesses are more interested in broader workforce development and health care issues.

• Labour shortages are directly impacting most employers and 87 per cent of large businesses. Shortages are especially acute in education, construction and accommodation and food services.

• Businesses appreciate the importance of employee health and well-being, diversity and inclusion, economic reconciliation and climate action – but there are notable gaps in addressing them.

After experiencing two years of employment growth of 2.4 per cent in 2021 and 3.8 per cent in 2022, employment in our region of Muskoka-Kawarthas is forecasted to grow by only 0.2 per cent next year. For our region, 51 per cent of businesses reported feeling confident in their own organization, 32 per cent were neutral and 13 per cent were not confident. These numbers show an increase in confidence in their own organizations over 2021 when 18 per cent reported not being confident. Despite this optimism, local businesses feel less confident in the Ontario economy than the provincial average.

Locally, our top 10 policy priorities are:

• Invest in broadband internet infrastructure – 50 per cent

• Reduce/simplify business taxes – 44 per cent

• Encourage Ontarians to buy/travel locally – 44 per cent

• Invest in workforce development – 35 per cent

• Address health care system capacity – 34 per cent

• Support businesses with energy costs – 32 per cent

• Strengthen local supply chains, industries, and manufacturing – 31 per cent

• Expand/improve access to mental health and addictions programs and services – 27 per cent

• Enhance access to credit/capital – 25 per cent

• • Support businesses with technology adoption – 22 per cent

“This year’s OER makes it clear that leaders in the public and private sectors must invest strategically in productivity, resilience, and long-term growth,” said Claudia Dessanti, Senior Manager, Policy, OCC. “Unsurprisingly, labour shortages continue to dominate as a source of concern directly impacting most employers and 87 percent of large businesses. Shortages are especially acute in specific sectors such as education, construction, and accommodation and food services.”

The seventh annual OER offers unique insights into business perspectives across Ontario. It is informed by data from the annual Business Confidence Survey (BCS) and economic forecasts for the year ahead. The BCS was conducted online from Oct.18 to Nov. 30 last year, attracting responses from 1,912 organizations across Ontario.

Check out the Ontario Economic Report here.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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The Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Is Officially Open

The Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre officially opened its doors to the public on Feb. 10, with the goal of providing multiple streams of innovation and incubation programming for the Peterborough community and beyond.

Pictured above from left to right: Mayor Doug Elmslie, City of Kawartha Lakes; MP Jamie Schmale; Executive Director Vince Killen, KLCFDC and Launch Kawartha; Mark Torrey, KLCFDC Board Chair: Nicole Stephenson, Interim CEO Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas.

The Centre is designed and anchored by the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corp. and funded internally by the Kawartha Lakes Business Community Development Corp. It will provide a space for up to 20 entrepreneurs each year to incubate their businesses alongside the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This will aid in delivering programs and services at Launch Kawartha and fostering the development of new, innovative technologies, products, services and job opportunities in the region.

Vince Killen, executive director of the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corp. and Launch Kawartha, announced that the new facility is set to host approximately 40 events over the coming year. Recent events hosted at the centre include the induction announcements for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and Ministerial roundtables aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs.

Upcoming events were also announced, including the Intellectual Property “Pizza's and Patents,” a fun and interactive workshop and innovation leadership training programs. Additionally, multiple "Fireside Chats" with industry experts are planned and virtual viewing webinars and events are being developed for the public.

“We are deeply committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. That's why we are thrilled to sponsor Launch Kawartha and relentlessly work towards our mission of empowering the next generation of business leaders in our community,” said  Nicole Stephenson, interim CEO of the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

For more information on the Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, visit the website.

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Jason Wilkins and Peterborough Arts Collective Present Canvas Combat Event

The Peterborough Arts Collective (PAC) is hosting their first big event outside of the Jason Wilkins Factory; presenting the head-to-head artist battle ‘Canvas Combat’ on March 11.

Photo courtesy of Jason Wilkins.

From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Farmhill Weddings and Events, 10 artists will battle it out in three 30-minute rounds of live painting.

PAC members and other community artists will also be showing work during the event, displayed on the exposed brick wall next to the combat zone.

“This is a really passion project of mine, and giving artist’s a platform that they can use to promote their work, sell their work and sort of elevate themselves as artists is kind of what the Arts Collective is all about,” says Wilkins. “Events like this really just bring that whole idea to the next level.”

The Peterborough Arts Collective, founded by local illustrator Jason Wilkins, is a group of multi-disciplinary artists from Peterborough working to better themselves and the community through art.  

PAC has gained momentum since it's inception in 2021. With community support, the group of artists continue to come together to make art and collaboration accessible to all.

Photo courtesy of Jason Wilkins.

Wilkins says five of the 10 spots are already spoken for, but those interested in battling or showing off their work can reach out to him via email.

Tickets are $75 dollars each, which includes one drink at the bar (or non-alcoholic beverage) and a personal charcuterie board (or vegan/vegetarian option), as well as travel to and from the venue by Pascal Bus Co., leaving from 188 Hunter St W. at 6:15 p.m. March 11, with two retiring trips downtown at different times throughout the evening. 

All pieces will be up for auction post-battle with 100% of the proceeds going to the artists.

During the rest of the month the collective hosts workshops, First Friday events, artist drop-ins and PAC meetings at the Jason Wilkins Factory. Those interested in learning more can call Jason, or drop in during business hours at Unit #7, 188 Hunter St W).

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Pandemic Exceptions to Expired Driver and Vehicle Licenses Over; Peterborough Police Remind of Fines Being Re-Enforced

The Peterborough Police Services Traffic Unit is notifying residents that driver’s licenses and vehicle license plates that have expired must be renewed announced on Tuesday.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

“These items must be renewed and valid as any exceptions the government had in place through the pandemic have now ended,” says Sergeant Ryan Wilson, Traffic Services Unit, Peterborough Police.  

Those failing to do proper renewals result in fines of the following:

• An expired license plate is a fine of $110

• An expired driver’s license is a fine of $325

Police recommend visiting the Ontario website to learn more about how to renew your license plates and driver’s license. Renewals can be done online.

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