Shwananigans

Ep 15 Durham Region Roller DerbyAndrea attends the home opener of the Durham Region Roller Derby (DRRD). There are 2 matches, Bout 1 is the “Competitive League” of the DRRD vs The Nickel Belt and Bout 2 is the “Select League” of the DRRD vs The Nickel Belt.   All team players had creative names like Code Blue, The Librarian, Glitch, Recklessness, Murphys Law, Hard Korr and also Cory just to name a few. The competition in both bouts was fierce. The event had a Medieval theme and there were cosplay, Concessions and activities. I had a great time.  One of the concessions were from 8-Bit Beans. In editing I was not able to emphasize DRRD member “Glitch” explaining her arcade but it is an arcade with a café where they also sell coffee. Lots of fun!https://www.8bitbeans.com/DRRD Links:https://www.facebook.com/DRrollerderbyhttps://linktr.ee/drrollerderby?fbclid=IwY2xjawRId6JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4bW54elNXTDZlcTlQQ0Zjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgxReZsrcEIvDTY9CmwOkEluzGtADA1fxks7rex80i31yVoJhpogPLLVTsi5_aem_WL1GVSxGSHA3sA2oxz8Llgdrrdmediapr@gmail.comWhat Andrea Is Watching:Paranormal Seekers venture into Wildwood Sanitarium Restoration Project. Again, while they are the “Paranormal Seekers” of Durham Region, their YouTube handle is Par Eh normal. Here is the link.https://www.youtube.com/@ParEhNormalPodcastDestination Oshawa, is presented on the Bell Fibe app. It is a mockumentary about a group of government workers in tourism trying to make Oshawa one of the Top 5 Cities in Canada. At this point they are 4 episodes in and I am enjoying it.Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKGAEYISfmohttps://tv1.bell.ca/fibetv1/shows/destination-oshawa/Where to Watch:On Demand: Bell Fibe customers can find it on Channel 1 or Channel 1000.Fibe TV App: Available for streaming on iOS and Android devices, as well as smart TV platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast.Web Browser: If they are logged into their Bell account, they can watch directly at tv.bell.ca.    

Andrea gets frustrated with life. She decides to get out in the nice sunshine and go for a walk.Places we pass bye include:Brunos Barber Shophttps://www.facebook.com/Brunoshaircut/#The White Apron (TWA)https://www.thewhiteapron.ca/By surprise she gets a free tour of the Bond Street Event Centrehttps://www.bondst.ca/There are incredible treats and eats inside 70 King St. We just did a quick tour but we will go back for more insight on another episode.https://www.marketat70king.com/

On today’s episode Andrea speaks with Oshawa City Councillor Derek Giberson (Ward 4). As a professional musician and politician, we explore music and community.Derek Giberson- Vocals and Keyboards  Councillor Giberson is also the bandleader of popular local Funk band “The Professors Of Funk”.https://www.facebook.com/ProfessorsOfFunk/#Previous Bands:Horshack (Classic Rock)The Julian Taylor BandCollabs:·       Sass Jordan (Canadian Rock)·       Emmanuel Jal (rap, pol. activist)·       Andrea Ramolo (Folk)·       Shakura S’aida (Blues, Folk)·       Trish Robb (Folk Country)Oshawa Tourism Channel on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@oshawatourism7620?app=desktopDTO Websitehttps://www.oshawa.ca/business-development/downtown-oshawa/We also cover life as a city Councillor.https://www.facebook.com/DerekGibersonCommunity/https://www.oshawa.ca/city-hall/city-council/council-members/Today we also say “See you later” to my lovely and beautiful co-host, Shelly.  No drama or nothing serious. Shelly is just very busy with work and family life. Shelly, I will miss you and you have an on-going open invitation to join me back here at Shwananigans.  I wish you all the best and look forward to our off-camera hangs!  Having said that we are open to a new co-host. We have no money, no budget just my phone and a love of fun, community and silliness.   

 Shelly and Andrea visit the Coffin Creek Café. This is a horror themed café full of horror themed nostalgia, frights and tasty delights.  They also sell their coffee online as well as offer a variety of unique gifts. To be honest, the scariest view in this episode was my witchy hair! Also, due to Audio difficulties, we just haaaaad to 😊 go back a second time, talk about a dreadful mistake, but that is why our hair and outfits are different, no weird witchcraft or sorcery or anything to see here folks. Only a great time was had. I give it 2 cold dead thumbs up! A great place for a date, a hang (teehee) or if you need a great cup of coffee. Don’t forget to look for the secret room!https://www.coffincreekcoffee.com/

Shwananigans Ep-11-The Paranormal Seekers Show Description  Shelly and Andrea speak with our local ghost-hunters/historians known as the Paranormal Seekers.  These experts engage in conversation about experiences with spirits. The Paranormal Seekers offer insight into their experiences and how they investigate areas where spirits may be found.  They hold live events where the public may join them.Their work is incredibly interesting and engaging. Please visit their website @http://www.theparanormalseekers.ca/And if you would like to contact them you can just click on the ghost or email:[email protected] are also available on social media.ReferencesSeekers, The paranormal. The Paranormal Seekers-A Haunting Is History Waiting To be Heard. The paranormal Seekers. The Paranormal Seekers. 2025. Logo .    

  Andrea was hoping to have a tour of the Old Simcoe Street United Church. With its Gothic Revival style Andrea set out on a mission to learn more about the Church and its history. What Andrea discovered is that it is now being used by the Back Door Mission.The Back Door Mission offers services and support to those in need.  It joins both social and health care services for those experiencing homelessness.Links:https://www.backdoormission.ca/https://discoverhistoricoshawa.com/listings/simcoe-street-united-church/https://www.insauga.com/as-old-as-canada-oshawas-simcoe-street-united-church-to-hold-final-sermon-april-14/References:Hendry, Glenn. As Old as Canada, Oshawa's Simcoe Street United Church to hold final sermon April 14. 14 March 2024. Images . 25 November 2025.Museum, Oshawa. Heritage Oshawa Places of Warship . 2025. Photos and Document . 25 November 2025.Ontario, Kings Printer for. Ontario Heritage Trust . 2025. Images. 25 November 2025.Poverty, Back Door Mission for the Relief of. Back Door Mission: Who We Are. n.d. Document. 25 Novemeber 2025.

Hosts Shelly and Andrea attend the Merry Market.   There were games and entertainment for all ages. A chance to meet and greet Santa and the Grinch.   While enjoying holiday cheer with fellow Oshwanians.  Thank you, City of Oshawa.https://www.oshawa.ca/explore-play/city-events/bright-and-merry-market/Sam Ninan, Violinisthttps://mahaonam.ca/artist/julia-taylor/The Circus Drummerhttps://www.facebook.com/theCircusDrummer/#The next day is Santa’s Parade of LightsWhat makes Oshawa’s Santa Clause parade so unique is that it is held at night. It is festive and fun with floats, music, dancing and of course some Shwananigans.Unfortunately, this year due to weather conditions the parade was cancelled. We experienced thunderstorm conditions, and the city did not want to take any chances with there being thunder and lightning, so I understand.Luckily here at Shwananigans, we are used to changes in the schedule.I will be reciting one of my favorite stories from the past, while enjoying a nice hot cup of Nescafe coffee. 

Remembrance Day 2025I apologize to listeners regarding the sound there is a muffle setting I am still working on.  The tanks were loud, and the Pipers were amazing.On this day we celebrate 80 years past the end of World War 2.We shall never forget.Here are important Links.Oshawa Remembers 2025 by Rogers TVhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjZeIJcw9B4https://on.legion.ca/branches/oshawa/

Shelly and Andrea visit the Canadian Tank Museum located on Stevenson Road North in Oshawa. Please visit www.tankmuseum.ca for information about events that they hold. Events that showcase their tanks giving a full experience of how they feel and sound.   The Canadian Tank Museum also posts videos on YouTube and other socials.  It’s really incredible to see in person the size and the presence these tanks bring.  It is also important to note that this Remembrance Day, Tuesday November 11th, 2025, at 9 am, a convoy of military tanks will depart the museum and travel to the R.S. McLaughlin Armoury.  They will follow the Parade at 10:10 am that leads to Memorial Park as we remember. https://www.oshawa.ca/explore-play/city-events/remembrance-day-parade-and-ceremony/What a fantastic tour. The volunteers who give up their time to educate us about the tanks are very knowledgeable and friendly. It is a diverse collection where every piece holds a moment from the past. I really enjoyed my time here and I recommend this as a great place to visit in Oshawa.  Shelly and I send our gratitude to Rob who took the time to show us these machines and explain them.  I may have accidentally referred to the tread links around the wheels as a Turret when in fact the Turret is the top part that spins and shoots at things.  Thank goodness I am not in the army 😊. Thank you Rob and thank you Canadian Tank Museum.

Shelly and Andrea visit the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm during the Thanksgiving weekend (Thanksgiving in Canada). We enjoyed visiting and feeding the animals. What a great interactive eperience.

In the best October weather we are talking about Traffic Speed cams. Some people like them some people don't.

Shelly and Andrea drive out to the country to go apple picking on a nice fall day.  It would be a great activity for those who are a bit taller.  In conclusion though we have found that picking your own apples at a local farm is not cost effective. It is still a better bargain to buy your apples at your local grocery store.Here is the link to Watson Farms. Please support Ontario Farmers.https://watsonfarms.ca/

Shelly and Andrea, walk through the Convergence Festival enjoying Art, music, sports and hobbies.Town Breweryhttps://townbrewery.ca/The Black Heart Co.https://www.theblackheartco.com/Nothing Serioushttps://itsnothinserious.bandcamp.com/musicDurham Region Roller Derbyhttps://www.drrd.ca/Nighttime Nicholashttps://www.nighttimenicholas.com/Pro Wrestling Eclipse Oshawahttps://www.facebook.com/people/Pro-Wrestling-Eclipse/100063964871230/Toronto Ghostbustershttps://torontoghostbusters.com/

The conversation revolves around the 'Scenes from a Cemetery' event in Oshawa, which offers a unique historical tour through Union Cemetery. Organizers Lisa Terich and Rick Kerr discuss the interactive nature of the event, where actors portray historical figures from Oshawa's past, allowing attendees to engage with local history in a personal and immersive way. The event aims to raise funds for the Oshawa Museum while fostering community pride and awareness of the city's rich heritage. The discussion also touches on the evolution of the event, community support, and the importance of making history accessible and engaging for all.

Hosts Andrea and Shelly explore the vibrant community of Oshawa, discussing its cultural evolution from a factory town to a hub of art, dining, and local events. They share personal anecdotes, and delve into local concerns, emphasizing the importance of community resources. The episode also highlights upcoming events, fostering a sense of connection and discovery within Oshawa.