Celebrate Summer Solstice with Right to Heal at Farmhill Weddings

Right to Heal Peterborough invites the community to experience a Summer Solstice event at Farmhill Weddings on June 20– where Heaven and Earth unite on the longest day and shortest night of the year.

photo courtesy of right to heal.

“Summer solstice is a time to honour the sun, and our ancestors celebrated these times in the Wheel of the Year with community gatherings,” explained Liz Shaughnessy, organizer with Right to Heal.  “We planted our seeds of intentions in the spring, and the springtime is a time for action. Summer is the time of nourishment and to take care of the things we planted.”

The fundraising campaign focuses on community healing, with all proceeds going towards funding the Right to Heal organization.

“Right to Heal was born as a way to bring funding to our area to help people who are struggling,” Liz explains. “My mom has been fighting for 20 years for this to happen, so that’s also why we’re doing this fundraiser.”

“It’s a time to reflect on the first half of the year, set your intentions for the summer, and sunset meditation. Then we end the evening by letting go of what no longer serves us during a powerful fire ceremony,” she continued. “That’s why (the event) is happening on the summer solstice, because we’re looking to nourish our community and to get excited about what we’re trying to achieve locally. We are helping the people on the streets, or those that are hiding behind closed doors who people don’t know have an addiction.”

Those interested in this event can celebrate Summer Solstice with Right to Heal at Farmhill Weddings (2709 Dillon Road, Peterborough) from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 21.

The summer solstice is a sober event, and will feature a guest speaker who has been through Right to Heal’s services, as well as raffles from local businesses and a number of outdoor activities including a sunset meditation.

For tickets and more information visit the link.

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Community Leader Receives Trent University Honorary Doctorate For Her Work in Geriatric Medicine

Peterborough’s Dr. Jenny Ingram, a specialist and leader in geriatric medicine, received an honorary doctorate of science from Trent University at Monday’s convocation ceremony.

file photo.

On June 12 at 2 p.m., Dr. Ingram received an honorary doctorate of science in recognition of her contributions to geriatric medicine, dementia care and the study of aging that have impacted healthcare regionally, provincially and nationally.

A few of her efforts and achievements in these areas include:

• Increasing health care capacity to serve complex seniors and those with dementia.

• Working with primary care locations to develop the skills and capacity of family health teams in diagnosing and managing dementia and Alzheimer’s at their medical home.

• Founding the Kawartha Centre – Redefining Healthy Aging, a community-based seniors’ medical clinic and clinical research site.

• Developing, securing funding for, and implementing 12 interdisciplinary Geriatric Assessment and Intervention teams and the Seniors Care Network that regionally serve 6,000 seniors living at home annually, helping them stay home longer

• Mentoring geriatric medicine residents wishing to learn how to develop geriatric programs in under-serviced communities.

As a result of her efforts, the Central East region now has 11 geriatricians, whereas a decade ago there had been only one.

Those who were unable to attend Monday’s convocation can watch the video below for some advice to graduates from Dr. Ingram.

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Photos: Peterborough Cadet Units Celebrate Annual Ceremonial Review at the Peterborough Airport

The local Peterborough Cadet Units (534 Raider, 2672 Hasty P's, 112 Howe) held their Annual Ceremonial Review this past Sunday, June 4 at the Peterborough Airport.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

The parade was attended by this year's reviewing officer, Brigadier-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Formation Commander of the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group.

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PVNC Catholic School Board Celebrates 2023 Catholic Student Leadership Awards

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) honoured 38 students with a Catholic Student Leadership Award during a ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School May 3.

photo courtesy of pvnc.

One student has been selected from each elementary and secondary school and winners were presented with a special medallion. Award recipients were nominated by principals, teachers and in some cases, fellow students. Each demonstrated outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school affairs, involvement in community activities and dedication to a difficult situation or task.

“These award winners are true role models who embody the goals of our Catholic Graduate Expectations,” said Kevin MacKenzie, Chairperson of the Board. “Catholic Education Week affords us a perfect time to pay tribute to the student leaders in our schools and reflect on the importance of faith in our lives, and the role it plays in Catholic education.”

Click here for full release, including hi-res photos and full list of winners in Peterborough, Peterborough County, Clarington, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland.

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Fleming College Recognizes Student Leaders at Annual Awards Ceremony

Fleming College students celebrated some of the school’s top leaders at their annual awards ceremony held in the Steele Centre on Friday.

file photo.

Students, Fleming Student Administrative Council, faculty and staff were on hand to recognize these upstanding individuals.

“With the return to in-person learning it has been a big year for students. We are thrilled to be celebrating these students who have been actively engaged in the Fleming community and the broader Peterborough community,” says Joel Willett, General Manager.

The Student Leaders are as follows:

Student Council Awards

Street Team Awards

Ashleen Finbow, Vanessa Hendren, Lauren McKay, Priyanshi Alpesh Patel, Sharon Saju and Dhwani Maheshbhai Solanki

Awarded to student representatives who have displayed extraordinary involvement in student affairs.

Student Administrative Council President’s Award (dedicated in memory of Bill Johnson) – Faith

Humphrey

Selected by the SAC President and Board, this award is given to a student who exemplifies school spirit.

Iain Steele Leadership Award – Christian Malatesta
Awarded to a student who demonstrates great ambition, is innovative and has a high degree of moral standards and integrity.

Iain Steele Community Service Award – Thanzeel Thayyil
Awarded to a student who demonstrates a commitment to serving the community and has a high degree of integrity.

Renie Steele Award – Brock Stupar
Awarded to a student who displays citizenship, understanding and compassion towards fellow students.

Environmental Stewardship Award – Reshma Suresh
Given to a student who displays a responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

Fleming SAC Advocacy Award – Lesley Hillis
Given to a student who demonstrates advocacy and a strong passion for invoking change.

College Awards

Student Life Volunteer Award - Elara Hyett

Through volunteer contributions, the recipient of this award has demonstrated initiative, leadership and commitment in support of Student Life programs and services.

Diversity & Inclusion Award- Ifeanyi Isiekwena

The recipient of this award has contributed to building a welcoming campus that celebrates diversity, advances equity, and fosters inclusion. They have made a direct contribution through leadership and engagement in student life.

International Student Services Leadership Award- Pavithra Amarasinghe

Presented to a current full-time international student who, through their leadership and initiative, has assisted and supported the successful transition and integration into campus life for their fellow international students.

Indigenous Student Leadership Award- Sarah Woods, Alexander Bowers, Cecelia Holzwarth

This award is given to students who have demonstrated leadership by incorporating the Anishinaabe 7 Grandfather Teachings in their morals, values, and interactions with the Fleming community, Indigenous student Community, and beyond.

Humility, Bravery, Honesty, Wisdom, Truth, Respect, and Love are the 7 Grandfathers and are the foundation of many Indigenous ways of being. We, as Indigenous peoples choose to live by these principles in order to achieve balance; with ourselves, our community, and the land.

Residence Life Leadership Award- Jakey Neill, Shana Dupras

The recipients of the Residence Life Leadership Award are role models within the Residence Life Staff teams at Sutherland Residence Village and Frost Residence Village. They are successful, well-balanced, emphasis community building, and constantly go above and beyond the expectations in their role. They have served as mentors to their fellow colleagues and encourage their peers to work towards greatness in the role and an inclusive residence community.

Residence Life Engagement Award- Amy Lemoine, Jessica Bessey

The recipients of the Residence Life Engagement Award demonstrate a true passion for Residence Life and programming. They go above and beyond to support residents through forming authentic connections during their weekly check-ins, programming initiatives, and day-to-day interactions. The recipients of the Engagement Award implemented countless successful programs at Sutherland Residence Village and Frost Residence Village in 2022-2023 and have directly contributed towards a welcoming residence environment.

Each year Fleming Student Administrative Council works with students to advocate for the enrichment of student life on and off campus. The Student Leadership Awards are an opportunity to recognize students who contribute positively to the overall student environment at Fleming. Awards are given as bursaries in varying monetary values and have been donated by key partners and long-time supporters of student success at Fleming College.

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YMCA of Central East Ontario to Honour Local Peacemaker at Peace Medal Ceremony

On Nov. 24, The YMCA of Central East Ontario is hosting a Peace Medal Ceremony, celebrating a Nogojiwanong community member who has made significant contributions toward peace-building through grassroots efforts.

Photo courtesy of The YMCA of Central East Ontario.

Mkwa Ghiizis (Crystal Hebert) will be honoured at the YMCA Balsillie Family Branch at noon. Mkwa is a 2-spirit water protector, artist and advocate living in the Nogojiwanong community since 2006.

They are the founder of Tweak Easy, a grassroots overdose prevention site. They organize advocacy rallies, vigils and marches, holding events that bring community members and organizations together in finding grassroots solutions to the opioid and homelessness crisis. They focus on low-barrier access to ceremony, medicines and support for those experiencing systemic failures, as well as those engaging in sex work or drug use from an Indigenous Harm Reduction approach.

From Nov. 12 to 19, the YMCA recognizes Peace Week. The YMCA of Central East Ontario, together with other YMCAs across Canada, are celebrating the presence of peace and reflecting on peace-building work that happens through the organization. During YMCA Peace Week they honour those at the forefront of these peace-building efforts.

The YMCA recognizes Mkwa’s work as a voice for those experiencing systemic failures within the community.

“The recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal demonstrates that peace has many dimensions. They show us the importance of building community, where people feel that they belong and are included. Most often their actions started small and grew into something bigger than themselves. That is the power of peace,” says David Allen, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central East Ontario.

To learn more about YMCA Peace Week, click here.

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Fleming College to Host Remembrance Day Ceremony

The community is invited to join Fleming College’s annual Remembrance Day Ceremony on Nov. 11.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ceremony begins at 10:50 a.m. outside the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre, and will feature the laying of wreaths and readings from Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president, and other senior members of the administration.

A moment of silence takes place shortly after 11 a.m.  

Fleming will be live streaming the ceremony on both there Facebook page and YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend in-person.

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Peterborough School Board Communication Services Team Wins National Award

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board won an Award of Distinction for its Everyday Hero Staff Recognition Program during the 2022 BRAVO! Awards Gala hosted by the Canadian Association of Communications in Education (CACE) on Monday.

Communications officer Alyssa Cymbalista (left) and communications manager Galen Eagle (right) celebrate their awards during the CACE gala on Monday. Photo courtesy of PVNC.

CACE recognizes and honours exemplary work in all aspects of school public relations, communications, marketing and engagement through this awards program each year.

“Our communications staff provide effective communication strategies to stakeholders across the district,” said Joan Carragher, PVNC director of education. “This award recognizes their exemplary work. It is a very well-deserved honour for a communications program that highlights our amazing staff and supports our multi-year strategic plan.”

The Everyday Hero Staff Recognition Program was developed as a strategic communication project to acknowledge the efforts of a range of school board staff and to help further the “Valuing Relationships” strategic priority set out in the board’s 2021-2025 strategic plan.

The CACE BRAVO! Awards are the only Canada-wide awards program specifically designed to recognize excellence in school board communications.

“We are thrilled and honoured to receive this national recognition from the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education,” said Galen Eagle, PVNC manager of communications. “We were looking for a creative way to demonstrate to our employees how much they are valued. The Everyday Hero Staff Recognition Program has been a huge success story for us, allowing us to pay tribute to employees who lift-up those around them and go the extra mile for their peers, students and the families we serve.”

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Douro-Dummer 2022 Remembrance Day Ceremony To Be Held In-Person

The Douro-Dummer Remembrance Day Ceremony is returning to an in-person event at the Warsaw Cenotaph after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior memorials were done over Youtube streams that were not in person. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ceremony will take place on Remembrance Day (Nov. 11) at 10:40 a.m. at the Warsaw Cenotaph (895 Water St., Warsaw). The event will take place rain or shine and will also be posted on the Township’s YouTube channel.

Organizers are inviting community members, including local schools and traditional wreath carriers, to join the Remembrance Day Ceremony. Organizers ask that while at the Cenotaph attendees maintain physical distancing and wear a mask if applicable to help slow the spread of contagious illnesses.

Anyone is welcome to place a wreath at the Cenotaph before or after the official ceremony. The single wreath is meant to symbolize the respect and honour traditionally demonstrated by the placement of many wreaths during the ceremony.

The parade and post-ceremony luncheon remains postponed.

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