Two Weekend Benefits Being Held To Save Sherbrooke Street PJ's Diner From Closing Down; GiveSendGo Created To Help Raise Money

The community is rallying behind PJ’s Diner’s owners Sheri Cunliffe and Adam Jackson as two benefit fundraising events have been created to prevent the restaurant from closing its doors.

A GiveSendGo has been created by Cuncliffe to help keep the business afloat.

Jackson (left) and Cuncliffe (right) purchased the dner four years ago. Facebook Photo.

The diner is struggling to keep up with maintenance costs since the pandemic when the couple purchased the business four years ago.

“We fought to keep this place going knowing it was not going to stop the rent and bills, not to mention this was what our family had to make our home bills,” said Cunliffe in the GiveSendGo.

The Sherbrooke Street diner must come up with $9,000 by Monday or will be evicted according to a GiveSendGo update from April 18. Only $390 raised since this article’s publication.

A breakfast fundraiser is being held at the Sherbrooke PJ’s Diner on Saturday at 9 a.m., encouraging the community to eat there and leave large tips. The second event is at the Red Dog at 1 p.m. Raffles and prizes will be at the benefit gigs according to both Facebook event pages.

Singer and musician Joslynn Burford will be performing live at both events.

“We have given our all to this place and we don’t want to lose it,” said Cuncliffe.

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Photos: The Circus Makes a Stop at The Royal Gardens Retirement Residence

Residents at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence enjoyed an aerial arts circus show from the Peterborough Academy for Circus Arts Wednesday afternoon.

Photos by Felicia Massey.

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New Adaptive Children's Swim Program Launched By YMCA

After receiving a grant from the Peterborough Foundation, the YMCA of Central East Ontario has launched an adaptive swim pilot program for children, especially with disabilities announced on Thursday.

File photo.

The program welcomes children of all abilities, including those with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, as well as those with autism, ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions according to a press release.

“Swimming is an essential life skill, and we have seen there is a need for affordable, adaptive lessons,” said Shannon Hunter, YMCA regional supervisor of aquatics and camp. “Parents are fearful that their children will get left behind without the skills they need to stay safe this summer.”

The program is designed with guidance from Heads Up for Inclusion and Five Counties Children’s Centre. It was developed after all three organizations received multiple requests from parents for a water safety program.

“We recognize that every child is unique and we are committed to providing individualized instruction that caters to each child's specific needs and goals,” said Hunter. “With the help of Five Counties Children’s Centre, our team of experienced and certified swim instructors has received training in adaptive teaching techniques to ensure that every child feels comfortable and supported.”

Registration for the pilot program is full but you can be put on a waitlist or get more information placed on a waitlist by contacting Shannon Hunter at shannon.hunter@ceo.ymca.ca.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; April 28 - 30

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre, facebook.

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from April 28 to 30!

OFAH Fishing Derby

The 34th annual OFAH Fishing Derby is back at the Lift Lock!

The youth derby begins on Saturday, for children 15 and under and includes 500 tagged Trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. The big fish prize - $1,000 cash - will go to whoever catches Walter, a rainbow trout estimated to weigh between 8 and 10 pounds.

The all-ages derby, meanwhile, runs from April 29 to May 7 and for the second year. It will include tagged fish with cash prizes sponsored by local businesses.

When: April 29 - May 7

Where: Peterborough Lift Lock

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at ofah.org/underthelock or in person at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations. 

Blues for Ukraine

An afternoon of blues presented by Al Black and Friends featuring Dennis O'Toole, Dave Mowat with The Steady Band and Nicholas Campbell and The Two Meter Cheaters.

A Special video/slide presentation by Chloe Black on her 3 Humanitarian/ Dog Rescue Tours of Ukraine with a Q &A.

Chloe is a Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame Inductee who has turned her other passion, for animal welfare, into a commitment that few will sign up for. She went to Ukraine shortly after the war began to help build shelter in neighboring Romania for dogs and family pets evacuated from the war zone and soon after returned twice to deliver humanitarian aid to both animal shelters, civilians and front line defenders. She will share stories of her time with different groups helping and the day to day lives of ordinary people suffering this criminal invasion. There will be a question and answer. All profits from the show will support Chloe Black's expenses for pet evacuations and Ukraine Patriot (the group she volunteers with).

When: April 30, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N, Peterborough)

Tickets: $30

Something Rotten!

Set in 1595, the story follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, who struggle to find success in the theatrical world as they compete with the wild popularity of their contemporary William Shakespeare. By Karey Kirkpatrick & John O’Farrell.

When: April 28-30 (matinee), 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. (m)

Where: The Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St, Peterborough)

Tickets: $15-$25

The Great Benjamins Circus

John Davenport is a third-generation circus performer along with his brother Jairo have created the “Great Benjamins Circus”.

A traditional circus that offers amazing acts of international quality. Join our circus family for 90 minutes of entertainment, energy, beauty, and excitement. We offer a rich and sincere circus experience. Much more than an entertainment organization, we present ourselves as being a symbol of respect and education towards all cultures. We are an ambassador of multiculturalism and have a great appreciation for performance art.

You’ll see Clowns, Acrobats, Aerialists, and Daredevils from North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Our show will entertain and thrill children and adults alike.

When: April 29, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St W, Peterborough)

Tickets: $17.52 to $45 plus applicable fees and taxes

Leave the Kids at Home Comedy Show

An evening of hilarious stand up comedy with TWO HEADLINERS and special guests! These two comedian dads are leaving the kids at home and heading out to bring the laughs to anyone and everyone who could just use the break. Come on out for a great night of jokes, laughs and a chance to remember what’s important. Enjoying yourself a bit.

CHUCK BYRN has been a touring national headliner for over 25 years. He’s played every festival, every club and almost all the community centres and legions. BEN MINER has been a stand-up comedian for over half his life. He’s toured coast to coast and across the UK, Radio host, Touring comedian and new dad.

Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Charcuterie boards available for order until show begins at 8 p.m.

When: April 28, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

Where: Farmhill Weddings + Events (2709 Dillon Rd, Keene)

Tickets: $28

Check out the Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares.

When: April 28, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Square

The Traveling Wilburys: George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne and Bob Dylan

Don’t miss this spectacular salute to the super group of all super groups; The Traveling Wilburys: George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne and Bob Dylan.

The Traveling Milburys deliver the goods in an evening filled with thrilling lights, sound, video and audience participation. An authentic recreation of The Traveling Wilburys right down to the outfits and the instruments. Enjoy all the hits of The Wilburys PLUS classics from each individual artist.

Opening chords to final encore of this energy-packed and hit-filled performance, here’s your chance to experience The World’s Greatest Tribute To The Traveling Wilburys LIVE and in concert.

When: April 29, 8 p.m.

Where: The Historic Market Hall (140 Charlotte St, Peterborough)

Theory of a Deadman: The Dinosaur Tour

Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman is coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre Friday, April 28th as part of The Dinosaur Tour. The night will feature special guest Saint Asonia.

With sky-high hooks, riffs as thick as a 2x4, rumbling grooves, and a razor-sharp sense of humor, Theory of a Deadman have quietly persisted as an unapologetic, unbreakable, and undeniable hard rock force with major multiplatinum hits and countless sold out shows in each of the past two decades.

When: April 28, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre (151 Lansdowne St W, Peterborough)

Tickets: $39-$65 (prices are subject to applicable fees and taxes.)

Haven Brewery Game Day

Whether your idea of a game day is sports on the television, videogames on the television or board/card games we have them all available every Sunday from 1-6pm. Come join for a fun, chill, all around good time afternoon.

When: April 30, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Haven Brewing Company (687 Rye St.)

Peterborough Petes Draft Nathan Leek and Josh Hutton In 2023 U18 Priority Selection

The Peterborough Petes have drafted Nathan Leek and Josh Hutton in the 2023 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“We’re excited about the talent that we were able to add today,” said Michael Oaky, Petes general manager. “We’ve had a lot of success with the U18 draft with picks like Sam Mayer, Dustin Hutton and Jaden Reyes who all played for the Petes. We believe the players we selected today have the potential to make an impact in the Ontario Hockey League and we’re looking forward to participating in their development.” 

Leek was a first-round pick, 11th overall. He’s a 2005-born forward from Alliston, Ont. Leek spent last season with the Barrie Colts U18 where he scored 30 goals and added 34 assists for 64 points in 35 games played.

Hutton was the Petes’s second-round pick, 31st overall from Midland, Ont. He spent last season with the Toronto Red Wings U18 and was teammates with Petes’ goaltending prospect Carter Frost.

The Petes start game one of the Eastern Conference Final against the North Bay Battalion on the road on Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Fans can attend the official watch party for game one at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews.

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City of Peterborough to Operate a Community Bio-Blitz Starting Friday

Peterborough is taking part in a community bio-blitz from Friday to Monday as part of the City Nature Challenge competition, announced by The City of Peterborough on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City describes a bio-blitz as a ‘survey that identifies wildlife with the goal to understand the biodiversity of a location,’ according to a press release. Nature observations made are uploaded using the iNaturalist app and posted to the Peterborough event page. All natural areas in the city are eligible for nature sightings.

At the end of the bio-blitz, wildlife observations will be tallied to determine the winning communities in Canada.

On Saturday, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Field Naturalists will host a bio-blitz at Jackson Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It features family-friendly nature walks for residents to learn how to make nature observations while exploring the park. Walks will be approximately one hour, with the first tour at 9 a.m. and the last at 2 p.m., with a break at noon. Guided tours start at the event base camp booth located near the Jackson Park pond and Pagoda Bridge. Residents can also participate in wildlife surveys throughout the park.   

A tree will be planted in Jackson Park to celebrate the event as part of the City of Peterborough’s Urban Forestry program.

More information is at peterborough.ca/bioblitz.

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'Walter' Released Into Canal Ahead of the 34th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby

The first school of fish arrived at the Peterborough Lift Lock as top prize rainbow trout ‘Walter’ was released into the water on Wednesday afternoon to help kick off the 34th Annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY co-CHAIR toses one of 30 trout that went into the Lift Lock canal on WEdnesday afternoon. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Walter is a rainbow trout weighing roughly eight to 10 lbs. at a length of 20-24 inches. Anyone who catches him gets the grand prize of $1,000. There are 500 tagged trout for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes. Instant prizes include fishing nets, tackle boxes, fishing rods and other fishing gear.

This is the second consecutive year the derby has run since the COVID-19 pandemic. It took a two-year hiatus prior to its return last year.

“Fishing season for trout opened last weekend so we're near the beginning of the season and for me, it's my psychological rehabilitation over a long cold winter,” laughed Gordon Bowley, OFAH fishing derby co-chair.

Walter returns as the top prize fish earning the angler who catches him $1,000. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The derby begins this Saturday with the youth event — for children 15 and under — at 9 a.m. and the all-ages kicking off Sunday at 9 a.m. and runs until May 7. It includes 25 tagged fish, each with a $200 cash prize sponsored by local businesses.

Registration is required for all participants, just $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings and $25 for adults.  

Tickets can be purchased online at ofah.org/underthelock or in person at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations. 

“This is a great opportunity to be outside,” said Bowley. “It's a great year to be doing it and we're so glad to do it again for our second year after the pandemic.

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Trent Valley Archives Presents the Cathedral Precinct Architectural Tour

Trent Valley Archives (TVA) announces the ‘Cathedral Precinct Tour’ on Thursday, May 11 and June 1– with a focus on the area bounded by Park & Stewart Streets and Murray & Hunter Streets.

photo courtesy of trent valley archives.

At 1:30 p.m. on both Thursdays, the block between Rubidge and Reid will receive special consideration because of its three churches and the intertwined history of the nearby buildings for the first and brand-new walking tour of the 2023 season.

There are numerous area houses which will be profiled on the tour. Fine vintage stone dwellings such as Hutchison House, the Eastland House and the Ridley House will be described as are the Queen Anne-style house on Stewart St. and the Second Empire duplex with its mansard roof which sits across the street. Of particular interest will be the Strickland House on Hunter and Downie Streets.

The ‘Cathedral Precinct’ tour will begin and end at the Eastland House, at Hunter and Stewart. Elwood Jones, TVA’s archivist will lead the tour assisted by Don Willcock, noted historian and raconteur.

TVA takes the safety of attendees and volunteer guides very seriously by adhering to appropriate physical distancing throughout the tour. While everyone is welcome, they encourage those interested to enjoy the tours with members of your circle. This tour runs rain or shine.

Tickets for $20/person are available on the website by reserving with Heather at 705-745-4404, or by emailing admin@trentvalleyarchives.com. Registration and payment in advance is required.

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Call For Expressions of Interest; The Road Mural Mentorship Program

Expressions of interest for the City of Peterborough Public Art Program peer mentorship program are due by May 1.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

The Road Mural Mentorship Program seeks applications from local professional artists interested in gaining hands-on experience in planning and developing a large-scale public artwork. Ten artist mentees will be selected and work directly with mentors on the 2023 road murals. This is a paid mentorship opportunity.

Applications from artists and cultural practitioners living in Peterborough City, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation, and Curve Lake First Nation are welcome.

The application deadline is May 1 at 4 p.m. All applications must be submitted online.

The call for expressions of interest for the program and more information about the program parameters with tips about the application process are on the City’s Public Art webpage.

The Renaissance on Hunter public art projects are administered and funded through the City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program and presented in partnership with the Downtown Business Improvement Area and GreenUP.

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