Centennial Place Invites Community to Celebrate Long Term Care Engagement Day

By Scott Arnold

Centennial Place Long Term Care Home is inviting the community to join its residents for an afternoon of carnival-style fun as part of Long Term Care Community Engagement Day.

Centennial Place residents and community members will come together for an afternoon of carnival-style fun during Long Term Care Community Engagement Day on September 18th. (photo via facebook, centennial place long term care home)

The event takes place Friday, September 18th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at Centennial Place.

Guests can enjoy carnival-style games along with cotton candy, ice cream and waffles during the afternoon.

Long Term Care Community Engagement Day is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of community, connection and care, while highlighting the role long-term care homes play as part of the communities they serve.

At Centennial Place, the celebration promises an afternoon of simple summer fun and time spent together.


Scott Arnold
is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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4th Line Theatre Invites Local Seniors to Step Into the Spotlight

By Scott Arnold

A new program at 4th Line Theatre is giving local seniors a chance to explore acting, storytelling and performance in a relaxed, supportive setting.

A new program at 4th Line Theatre is giving local seniors a chance to explore acting, storytelling and performance in a relaxed, supportive setting.

4th Line Theatre is inviting local seniors aged 55 and older to take part in its new Seniors Theatre Program, beginning September 30th. (photo courtesy of 4th line theatre)

There’s no audition, no previous acting experience required and no pressure to commit to the entire program.

Instead, 4th Line Theatre is inviting people aged 55 and older to spend Wednesday mornings exploring what can happen when a group of people gets together to create, play and tell stories.

The new Seniors Theatre Program begins September 30th, with free weekly classes running from 9am to 11am.

Over the course of 20 weeks, participants will work with 4th Line Theatre founder Robert Winslow, Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell and guest instructors. The sessions will include improvisation, theatre games, storytelling and collaborative play, as well as movement, voice, singing, character creation and ensemble work.

Participants don't have to sign up for all 20 weeks, making the program an opportunity to try something new without having to make a long-term commitment.

The experience will eventually move from the classroom to the stage, with the program culminating in a final performance in March 2027. Friends and family will be encouraged to attend and celebrate the participants' achievements.

For Blackwell, however, the value of the program goes well beyond the final performance.

“In a rural community, opportunities for seniors to gather, create and feel meaningfully connected can make an enormous difference,” states Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “Seniors carry an extraordinary wealth of stories, knowledge and lived experience, and we want 4th Line to be a place where those stories are valued and where people continue to feel creative, connected and essential to their community.”

The program is supported by the Government of Ontario through the Seniors Community Grant Program, which helps local not-for-profit organizations deliver projects and resources aimed at helping older adults live independently, stay connected, avoid isolation and build stronger social connections.

4th Line Theatre is also emphasizing that the program is open to community members of all backgrounds.

For anyone interested in taking part, registration closes September 24th at 12pm.

To register or ask questions, contact Celine Gadoury at celine@4thlinetheatre.on.ca or 705-932-4505.


Scott Arnold
is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough County Hubs Program Expands

The Peterborough County Hubs Program is now offering drop-in services in Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

Peterborough county logo

The new drop-in service, which started on Tuesday, gives rural residents access to supports related to health care, mental health, addictions, employment, developmental services, housing, income, senior services and more within their home community.

"The expansion of the Peterborough County Hubs Program is an important step in ensuring that all Peterborough City-County residents, no matter where they live, have easy access to the services and supports they need, said Peterborough city councillor Alex Bierk. “By bringing these services closer to home, we are removing barriers for communities across the region and making sure that residents can get help with everything from health care to employment services.”

The drop-in program has opened new hubs in several locations:

  • Millbrook Hub at Old Millbrook School - open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • Havelock Hub at Havelock Community Care office - open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

  • Apsley Hub at Apsley Community Care office - open first and third Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

  • Norwood Hub at Asphodel-Norwood Township Office - open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The program is a collaboration between the City/County Social Services administered by the City of Peterborough, Canopy Support Services, Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge and Fleming CREW and Academic Upgrading.

A staff person from of the agencies will be at the hubs when the open for drop-in service.

The program builds on the existing Peterborough County Hubs Program that has nine locations across the county in Keene, Warsaw, Douro, Buckhorn, Lakefield, Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

“Last year, I was proud to be at the launch of the eight Peterborough County Hubs which provided bookable space for social service providers to meet with clients,” said warden Bonnie Clark. “Local clients will now have the convenience to drop-in during office hours and not have to book an appointment. This pilot project brings social services access for our rural and small urban communities closer to parity with larger urban centres.”

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Millbrook's Centennial Place Gets 50s Throwback To Celebrate 20th Anniversary

Classic cars, polka dot dresses and Elvis Presley were alive and well in a 50s-themed party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of AON Inc’s long-term care home Centennial Place in Millbrook with an open house on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents and staff got in the 50s spirit by dressing in era-appropriate clothing to celebrate the milestone. Classic car displays, 50s diner-style food (sliders, sparkling wine and floats) and an Elvis Presley impersonator were all part of the 50s throwback planned out by the staff.

“A lot of population here grew up in the 50s so we thought it would be really nice to bring that back for them,” said Courtney Jilesen, Centennial Place administrator. “It lets them experience some old times again.”

Centennial Place has been recognized municipally and internationally for its retirement residence care.

Matthew Graham, Millbrook Mayor was in attendance and personally congratulated Centennial Place and their staff on their milestone.

“On behalf of the residents in the Township of Cavan-Monaghan, it is my pleasure to congratulate all the residents and staff of Centennial Place in celebrating their 20th anniversary in our Township,” he said. “Centennial Place is such an important part of our community and the village of Millbrook and I especially want to thank all of your staff over these past 20 years for all of their hard work and care for the residents of our community.”

The home was awarded a Three-Year Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities Accreditation Award in November as well as a Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Best Practices Spotlight Organization Award last month.

We have great staff and a great supportive community,” said Jilesen. “Without them, I don't know if we would have been able to get through the last three years.”

Centennial Place is located at 2 Centennial Ln. in Millbrook.

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Millbrook Man Wins $100,000 From Lotto 6/49 Encore Draw

One “yes” later and Millbrook’s Jeffrey Williams became $100,000 richer by matching the last six of seven Encore numbers on the March 12 Lotto 6/49 draw.

Photo courtesy of Ontario Lottery Gaming.

The retired automotive industry worker has been playing the lottery since 1993 according to the press release.

"This is my first big win," said Williams.

His ticket was purchased at Morello's Your Independent Grocer.

He discovered his win when his wife checked the ticket.

"She brought her phone over to show me the screen and I had no idea what I was looking at," said Williams. "I quickly went to the store. The clerk was so excited and I was in shock. It didn't feel real."

Williams says he plans to use his win to complete some work around the house, share with his children and treat himself.

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Eclectic New Shop Millbrook Mercantile Opens In Downtown Millbrook

A unique new shop called Millbrook Mercantile recently opened in Millbrook’s beautiful downtown, the location of many film productions.

Store owner Bernadette MacNeil focuses on the sale of locally sourced, artisanal, small batch and hard to find items from the community and around the planet. It has a little bit of everything, from a full deli with 80+ cheeses and numerous cured meats, to locally sourced organic chicken, bison, pork and beef.

Millbrook Mercantile also provides fresh bread from the Hard Winter Bread Co. of Lakefield, local honey from Millbrook and Indian River, maple syrup from Bethany, organic produce from Puddle Duck Farm in Ponty Pool, apple cider from Millbrook, and salts and jams from South Pond Farms in Bethany.

In addition, it offers homemade prepared foods, daily soups, sandwiches and salads, gourmet pizzas from the Vintage Pizza Pie Co. in Cobourg, delicious shortbread cookies from Port Perry, and chocolates from Lakefield.

“My wife Bernadette and I have lived in Millbrook for the past 10 years and she has always wanted to open a store in our village that showcases the amazing local products available in our community,” explains Lance Nachoff.

“She would describe it as a year round farmer's market, with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint by offering many things in one location,” he adds.

Bernadette & Lance

The store also showcases local art from painter Paul Nabuurs, stone sculpture and metal works from Zimart Rice Lake Gallery, as well as hand crafted charcuterie boards from Millbrook and Port Hope.

There are both local and international hand crafted jewelry and fashions, home decor and design, health and wellness, and body and beauty products. Gift baskets and catering are also available.

The store has stayed true to its historical roots with the original shelving from the 1880s, and a classic Parisian boutique exterior look.

Take a drive out to Millbrook soon and check out the shop at 28 King St E.

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Millbrook Gets A Starring Role In New Film Let It Snow Out On Netflix November 8th

The beautiful town of Millbrook, the backdrop for many film productions, is now on display in the new Netflix romantic comedy Let It Snow out November 8th.

Based on the best-selling young adult novel of the same name, the plot revolves around a snowstorm that hits a small town on Christmas Eve, where a group of high school seniors finds their friendships and love lives unexpectedly colliding. Many of the scenes were filmed in Millbrook during production earlier this year.


Watch the official trailer here…

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250 Trees & Shrubs Planted At Millpond & Station Trail In Millbrook For TD Tree Days

On Saturday, September 14th, more than 50 volunteers planted 250 new trees and shrubs along the shoreline of the Millbrook Millpond at Medd’s Mountain and along the Station Trail. This planting was part of TD Tree Days, in partnership with TD Canada Trust.

The native species planted included Eastern White Cedar, Speckled Alder, Dogwood, Elderberry, Nannyberry and Willow, which will support natural diversity and wildlife habitat.

Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation

Otonabee Conservation staff were on-site to provide technical support and share information about the value of trees within the natural environment.

“The planting of trees provides countless benefits from filtering the air we breathe to regulating temperatures and providing shelter to wildlife,” says Meredith Carter, Manager of Watershed Management programs for Otonabee Conservation. “Trees also have a tremendous capacity to capture carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change.”

Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation

“The day was a great success,” adds Erin McLeod, TD Canada Trust Employee and volunteer Site Leader.

"TD and so many community volunteers had a great time and did an amazing job, which speaks well of the commitment of TD staff, their families, and municipal support from the Township of Cavan Monaghan to improving the local environment and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities through TD Tree Days."

Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation

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Millbrook Is Swooning Over Josh Duhamel And He Is Swooning Over Them

Heartthrob actor Josh Duhamel is in Millbrook filming the superhero drama Netflix series Jupiter's Legacy, and he is being incredibly gracious with fans.

“Best day ever, got to meet Josh Duhamel today at work,” says Taylor Froggatt on Facebook of meeting the Transformers star. “Gotta love when they film Netflix movies in Millbrook. So star struck right now.”

Photo by Taylor Froggatt (Facebook)

The Valley Shop in Millbrook posted this pic below to their Facebook page

As well, The Quilter’s Bolt in Millbrook posted this picture to their Facebook page

“Josh was kind enough to stop and take selfies with us Nexicom ladies. Love working in Millbrook,” says Suzanne Tyo-Whiston on Facebook where she posted this selfie picture with him.

Oh, and when he’s not taking photos with adoring fans, he is doing some filming—as evidenced by this photo by Pastry Peddler

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Feature Film Beacon Street Shooting Scenes In Downtown Millbrook

The beautiful town of Millbrook near Peterborough, which is often used for scenes on TV series and movies, has once again been transformed into a set for Beacon Street, a new feature film in production being filmed on location there for several days.

Many of the stores and cafes in town have been transformed for scenes in this Netflix movie, including the local Home Hardware, which is now Rudolph’s Dry Tack & Hardware…

The Millbrook Business Improvement Area posted to their Facebook page video of all the people from the film production supporting business in the community, including the Pastry Peddlar…

Here are a couple more pictures from the set…

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