How Serendipity Saved David Whittington

Cora and David Whittington, a couple from Stewart Hall just outside Peterborough, are counting their blessings today. Heroes, angels, serependity, twists of fate—however you choose to look at things, the stars aligned for David Whittington last Tuesday evening (February 24th) after he suffered a heart attack while curling at Keene Curling Arena. 

His wife of nearly 40 years, Cora, explains it best in this truly remarkable post on her Facebook page...

"Last Tuesday evening David was curling at the Keene Curling Arena with his sister and some friends. He threw a rock and felt weak and leaned against the wall. Luckily a retired nurse, Pauline Gillespie took David's pulse. Finding none she told David's sister Mary to call 911. The local firefighters were having a meeting a block away and arrived in minutes. By time the ambulance made it to the hospital the cardiologist has been called and arrived. They took him to the Cath Lab and immediately found a 100% block in a major artery and opened it up with a couple of stints. From onset of the heart attack to the clearing procedure was two hours. For this reason there is minimal damage and David is feeling very well.

Two weeks ago we we were in Costa Rica in some very remote places. Needless to say it would be hard to beat the treatment we received here. David also got stung by a stingray in Costa Rica and needed antibiotics and treatment. It seems minor in comparison to this week smile emoticon

The trip was for our 40th anniversary that will be in June. I am hoping that rest of this year is a little less eventful."

Cora tells PTBOCanada David is now resting comfortably at home. And that they're now planning a special night on the Liftlock Cruise on the Trent Severn to mark their 40th anniversary in June.

[via Cora's Facebook post]

***To learn about the common signs of a heart attack, click here.

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Gord Gibb's New Online Radio Channel Captures Void In Marketplace For Baby Boomers

There is lots of terrific local radio out there for Gen X, Y and Z but not so much for Baby Boomers anymore. So how to reach them? Why, online of course through the power of technology.

Yes, iconic local broadcaster Gord Gibb—who works at Corus's Fresh radio in town—has launched the delightfully retro YourKawarthaOldies.com as a hobby, with oldies streaming 24/7 there, as well as audio archives from the area to keep a unique "local" feel.

Gibb has even started broadcasting a live morning show there from 6 am to 9 am Monday to Friday.

He's also wonderfully self-deprecating about it all on Twitter...

Live and in living colour from http://t.co/RBoURMBxLY this morning from the second-floor oldies bunker (I... http://t.co/CNd6PqS3vq

— Gordon Gibb (@GordoGibbo) March 3, 2015

Gibb has a passion for that music, and identified a major hole amongst those who want to listen to that type of music. "There was a void in the market," Gibb tells PTBOCanada. "I began building the site two years ago as something to launch and play with when I retired, but then decided the need is there now and there was no format overlap or conflict with Corus, so I ran with it."

Beginning regular netcasts today on http://t.co/PxKwvbsTW4, starting in about a half hour... And so it... http://t.co/jMteVo93wC

— Gordon Gibb (@GordoGibbo) March 1, 2015

Gibb says he first started developing the site in March 2013, began streaming it in early 2014 in beta but kept it under the radar until he was ready. He officially launched it February 15th, and the reaction has been terrific—among baby boomers and even a younger crowd that likes to hear the classics once in a while depending on their mood.

Gibb understands where the radio marketplace has gone, and isn't critical of who it caters to now at all. But he recognizes that has opened a huge market to tap into. Opportunity knocks.

"Commercial radio in Peterborough appears now to be focusing exclusively on more recent material for demographics under 50," he says. "I don't quarrel with their decision in this regard. But I also know there is a vast demo in this market 50-plus pining for this stuff."

Gibb adds: "Yes oldies are available online elsewhere and on satellite, but I wanted to create a local channel that will also include, as I can find them, audio archives from the area—radio and television."

Gibb is doing this on his own time, own dime, with his own resources—as a service to the community. He's still not able to track listeners—"I'm supposed to be able to track them, but sorting out some glitches in the tracking client," he tells us—but says the reaction amongst those who have tried it has been extremely positive.

Have a listen for yourself at YourKawarthaOldies.com.

Everything old is new. With technology and creative ingenuity.

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Baked4U Opening In West End

Baked4U is opening today (March 3rd) at 1837 Lansdowne Street West.

"Good food brings us together.  Drop by with a friend for a hot coffee or tea and indulge in a fresh baked treat!  Let us help you celebrate special occasions with a custom cake.  It would be our pleasure to bake for you. 

While you're here, check out our selection of unique gift items and fine loose leaf teas."

Check out their full menu, and stay up to date with Janet and Brian Healey's new business by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

Serving Kyoto coffee at our place. But 9 get the 10th free. Thanks to @kyotoroaster . #bestcoffee pic.twitter.com/cq9e9a17qC

— Baked4U (@Baked4U_Ptbo) February 27, 2015

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Nurses At Peterborough County-City Health Unit In YouTube Awareness Video

Ever wonder all that the nurses at the Peterborough County-City Health unit do for you and the community? Well it's lots... and then some. And they have put together a video to help educate the public.

Scroll down to watch the video below...

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A Porter Airlines Charter To Fly From Peterborough Airport To Chicago

Image via Carlson Wagonlit

Carlson Wagonlit Stewart Travel has announced a Porter Airlines charter from Peterborough Airport to Chicago. Porter Airlines has been contracted to fly from Peterborough Airport to Chicago Midway Airport April 9th. Once again, this is a first for Peterborough and Peterborough Airport, as the popularity of flights to destinations directly from Peterborough’s newly expanded airport has made this new partnership a reality.

CWT/Stewart Travel has chartered a 74 passenger Bombardier Q400 aircraft, enabling passengers to experience Porter's impeccable and innovative service.

“We continue to raise the bar and build upon the foundation of our charter flight and package program directly from Peterborough Airport," says Scott Stewart, President of Carlson Wagonlit Stewart Travel, adding, "The entire Peterborough, Lakeshore and Durham regions have clearly shown that the demand for departures out of Peterborough is necessary."

For additional information about the flight or to book one, contact CWT Stewart Travel at 705.743.8683.

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