Peterborough Blogs
52nd Easter Seals Telethon Kicks Off With Live Event For March 24; Higher Ambitions With $100,000 Goal Set
/The 52nd Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser has kicked off for March with their live event broadcasting on March 24 on YourTV and Global Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The announcement was made at Lansdowne Place with Deputy Mayor Joy Lachica proclaiming March to be Easter Seals Month in Peterborough.
Telethon host Stu Harrison is returning as well as Graham Hart, celebrating his 50th year volunteering. Actress Linda Kash and Energy Morning Show’s Brian Young are hosting the Wheelchair Challenge where small teams come on the Telethon to contact everyone they know for donations.
”They're calling and reaching out to their contacts list of corporate supporters, family members, employers, that kind of thing and basically drumming more donations for us,” Coralie Jacobs of Easter Seals Ontario “It's sort of a neat and little competitive little edge to the show.”
Easter Seals is its 102nd year with the 52nd and is a fundraiser that provides support for children and youth with physical disabilities. The televised event celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families, recognizes donors and sponsors.
Jacobs credits everyone involved in the event and/or its promotion on why the event has been successful for over a century.
“A lot of that has to do with who's involved with it and they're putting the word out for us,” she explained. “It's really valuable for people to understand and help them understand what it is that we're doing.”
For the 52nd edition of the Telethon, a goal of $100,000 was set, an increase of $80,000 in years prior.
“We've never had that as our goal, it's always been 80,” said Jacobs. “We're very good at exceeding 80 and I'm comfortable with that but this year I thought, 'you know what, let's go for it,' 100 grand, I know this community can do it.”
Also returning to the Telethon is regional ambassador and seven-year-old Sawyer Grace Growden who has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome. She uses a wheelchair and a walker to help with her mobility.
“She loves the attention, loves being on camera,” said Dan Growden, Sawyer’s father. “You can tell by the laughing and giggling that she loves to be here.”
Last year, the family participated in the Easter Seals Family Camp and have already applied to participate for 2024. The camp gives families an opportunity to meet other families, have an accessible family vacation with overnight camping. The camp has a wide range of programs that are geared to various age groups for families to partake in.
“It was an incredible experience to be there as a family, meet other families,” said Dan. “Teddy got to meet siblings of other kids with physical disabilities so it just a great time all around.”
Supporters can donate during the Telethon or at anytime online.
Unknown Events Occuring During Spring at Peterborough Memorial Centre No Longer Proceeding; City Says They Will Arena Users of Facility Availability
/The City of Peterborough has made the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) available for events again from May 20 to June 10 after an undisclosed event running during that timeframe is not happening anymore according to a public statement made on Friday afternoon.
The City’s website said that the event that was expected to be held at the PMC during that period is ‘no longer proceeding.’
The City of Peterborough is reaching out to arena users to inform them of the facility availability which includes organizers of the Lakers Classic lacrosse tournament according to a press release.
The Lakers were previously told to look for an alternate spot to do their home opener for May 20.
The team’s social media account have responded to the City’s statement, saying that it is‘A good day for lacrosse in Peterborough’ from a Facebook post.
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Preliminary Results of Referendum Show Majority of Peterborough County Residents Vote No for the Privatization of Hospitals
/The preliminary numbers show a total of 9,345 citizens from across Peterborough City and County voted NO for the privatization of public hospitals in the cross-Province citizen-led referendum held on May 26 and 27 and online.
“The numbers are great. It was a massive effort that far exceeded our expectations,” said Peterborough Health Coalition co-chair Marion Burton.
Volunteers counted the in-person votes on Sunday, which saw No votes totalling 4,866, and Yes votes totalling 65. These totals include some workplace votes.
Online voting results from Douro Dummer, Keene, Lakefield, Millbrook, Peterborough and Selwyn totalled 4,479 No votes and 35 Yes votes.
At press time, Peterborough’s preliminary total of No votes is 9,345 and 100 Yes votes.
There are still some workplace votes that remain to be counted.
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Peterborough Zoo Constructing Sloped Wheelchair-Accessible Walkway Beginning Monday
/The Riverview Park and Zoo are beginning construction on a sloped wheelchair-accessible walkway connecting the north parking lot to the playground with work scheduled to begin on Monday.
The zoo estimates its completion on May 12 according to a press release.
Access to existing accessible parking spaces is maintained at all times but alternate spaces and detours will be provided during this time. Access to the Electric Charging Stations are not affected but the public will be notified if this changes.
Funding for the project has been supported by Enabling Accessibility Fund, Employment and Social Development Canada.
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Easter Seals Kick Off The 51st Peterborough Telethon; Announcing New Regional Ambassador
/The 51st annual Peterborough Easter Seals Telethon kicked off at the Lansdowne Place Mall on Thursday; announcing Sawyer Grace Growden as the new regional ambassador.
After a couple of virtual years, Easter Seals were able to gather again in-person to launch the 2023 Telethon.
The annual Easter Seals Telethon celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families, recognizes donors and sponsors, and raises funds for children and youth with physical disabilities for the last 51 years. For the past 101 years, Easter Seals has played an important role in providing support for children and youth with physical disabilities.
Easter Seals continues to offer programs to enable kids to experience freedom, independence and a sense of accomplishment. Easter Seals helps by providing financial assistance for mobility equipment, communication devices and summer camp opportunities.
Jeff Richards from Country 105 / Move FM emceed the kick-off event; announcing this year’s goals and sharing updates on past ambassador Ryerson Beardmore. The month of March was also declared Easter Seals Month by Mayor Jeff Leal.
Telethon host Catherine Hanrahan introduced new regional ambassador, 6-year-old Sawyer Grace Growden. Growden has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome.
“She is missing the part of her chromosome that affects all the things we take for granted on a daily basis. Things like walking, eating, and all those self-care things,” said Sawyer’s mom Tara Growden. “She works so hard everyday to overcome all those challenges, she is just such a happy little girl.”
Sawyer uses a wheelchair and a walker to help with her mobility. Her dad, Dan Growden, says that she is learning to use an iPad to help communicate.
The Growden’s mentioned that they are looking to attend the Easter Seals Family Camp.
“(We’re excited) to go to a place and be around people who get it, and to not have to worry about accessibility for a hot minute,” said Tara.
This year the Easter Seals will be visiting with familiar faces, past ambassadors, and local celebrities of the past 51 telethons as part of the March 26 fundraiser.
The 2023 Easter Seals Telethon will be broadcasting live on March 26 on YourTV and Global Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Supporters can donate online and local residents are encouraged to select the Peterborough webpage.
Extended Hours for One Roof Community Centre From Thursday To Sunday
/One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours of service to 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday due to cold temperatures and significant snowfall in the forecast for the Peterborough area.
Located at 99 Brock St., a meal is served between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. while providing warming room services. A full description of meals and other services that One Roof offers is online.
Information about how to protect yourself from extreme cold is on the Peterborough Public Health website.
Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter. If shelter capacity is full, temporary alternative accommodations for overnight stays may be made available. Contact the shelters first for space:
YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 705-748-3851, 196 Brock St.
Brock Mission men’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 120 Murray St.
Cameron House women’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 739 Chemong Rd.
Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St., overnight phone 705-761-1875
Emergency After Hours Services related to the emergency shelter is available through Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. Please visit the Social Services website for information regarding the After Hours program.
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Five Counties Children's Centre Offers Holiday Preparation Tips
/Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is offering holiday tips for families to make the holidays merry and light.
“Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, the holiday season comes with high expectations, changes in routine and extra stimulation that can be overwhelming for some kids,” says Ashley Parsons, FCCC occupational therapist. “As parents and families, it’s important to reduce the stress and anxiety created by the holidays to make it a more enjoyable time for everyone.”
According to FCCC staff, it is not just children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues who can be impacted by the holidays.
“The pandemic has disrupted large gatherings and in-person celebrations, creating a situation where many kids aren’t equipped or don’t know how to socialize or engage in play with others outside their immediate families,” Parsons says.
Preparation involves a plan for success, says FCCC. They suggest the use of calendars to mark events and count down the days and photos/maps/videos as visuals to share with younger family members or children who have communication challenges to help prepare them for who/where you’re visiting.
FCCC also offers the following tips to help prepare your family for the holidays:
Decorate less or do it gradually. While holiday decorations make the season brighter, they can also be disruptive for some kids. Pulling out pictures from previous holiday seasons can help children adjust to what’s planned (if you don’t have photos, take some this year). Having kids involved in decorating can ease the process, as can taking a step-by-step approach to decorating. For instance, set up the tree one day, but wait until the next day before starting to decorate. Once decorations are up, set clear rules about what can and can’t be touched.
Give gifts the right way. Most children get excited over holiday gifts, but for some kids, it can be overwhelming. If a child starts to obsess over a desired gift, find ways to manage their interest. For example, try a ‘five-for-five swap.’ Give your child five stickers that can be exchanged for being able to talk about the gift for a five-minute interval. To help manage holiday gift expectations, make a list with your child of realistic items he or she wants for the holidays. This list can then be shared with family members and friends who can register to purchase one of the desired gifts.
Change for the better isn’t always better. Many children thrive on routine, and the holidays can throw off schedules. Having familiar items on hand can help calm stressful situations. If you are travelling for the holidays, make sure you have a child’s favourite books, toys, games and activities. Rehearse in advance what will happen or what can be expected to also ease children through any change or disruption of routine.
Here’s food for thought. Enjoying a holiday meal with friends or family may not be enjoyable for all kids, especially if they are picky eaters or unlikely to enjoy unfamiliar food that’s on the menu. Some kids may also have allergies or require special diets. Have some of your child’s favourite or familiar foods on hand for dinner, either by bringing it yourself or ensuring some will be served during the holiday meal. If needed, identify a quiet area where your child can go to eat on their own if mealtime with others is too much.
Take a break. Have a plan in case holiday visits or festivities become too overwhelming. Develop a signal that you child can use to say they need a break or want to be on their own. Work with your host to find a pre-determined quiet space for your child to de-stress. Have headphones with songs or stories that your child can wear to calm themselves and drown out surrounding noises.
Dress for success. Ensure your child wears clothing that is familiar and will not cause discomfort if going to a special holiday dinner or event.
Prepare others for what to expect. The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, so help them to understand your child. Be open and honest. Offer strategies on how they can help reduce anxiety or stress with your child. Help them see that your child may prefer not to be hugged. Share potential triggers that could cause your child to become upset. Stress to loved ones the importance of remaining calm and neutral to avoid outbursts.
“You know your child best, so look to what has worked for your family in situations or holidays past,” said Parsons. “With a bit of planning and preparation, you and your child can enjoy a wonderful holiday season that is merry and a bit light!”
Five Counties Shares Tips For A More Inclusive Halloween For All Kids
/With Halloween around the corner, Peterborough-area residents are being asked to help break down barriers to trick-or-treating by following the Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat for Kids of All Ages and Abilities from Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).
They are urging the community to consider the following when taking part in Halloween festivities:
Set up a trick-or-treating station that is accessible and barrier-free for every child to enjoy. For homes with stairs, consider setting up an accessible treat station on the front lawn, driveway or garage. If all else fails, be creative and use your vehicle’s trunk to hand out candy.
Clear the path for trick-or-treaters. Remove potential obstacles and ensure the way to your treat station is wide open and well lit, especially for trick-or-treaters with mobility challenges. Consider parking on the street or in the garage to create even more space.
Decorate for Halloween with care. While scary and spooky decorations are appealing, they can be frightening for some trick-or-treaters. Bright flashing lights and loud or frightening noises can cause problems for children with sensory processing issues, autism or epilepsy. Be thoughtful and tactful in how you decorate so more children can take part in trick-or-treating.
Communication counts. Some children may say “trick or treat” differently. Some may use sign language, assistive technology, speak slowly or be non-verbal. Be respectful whatever the circumstances. A smile and wave can say so much!
Seeing blue? That’s OK. Blue pumpkins have been informally adopted by some families as a way to indicate children have unique ways of behaving and communicating. If you see a trick-or-treater carrying a blue pumpkin, be understanding and adjust your interactions as needed.
Use some “show and tell” to hand out treats. If you encounter children with visual or hearing problems, describe or hold up the treat before placing it in the bag so they are aware of what they are receiving.
A sign of the times. If you want to make an even stronger statement, put up a sign on your front lawn indicating you are an accessible/inclusive trick-or-treating stop.