Monarch Ultra Relay Run Inspires Pollinator Protection and Raises Funds for Camp Kawartha

The Monarch Ultra Relay Run kicks off on a 21-day running adventure, raising awareness and funds in support of monarch butterflies and Camp Kawartha in Peterborough on Sept. 19.

Carlotta James and Clay Williams running in Mexico during the 2019 Monarch Ultra Relay Run. Photo Courtesy of Rodney Fuentes.

A launch party is planned in Peterborough at 8:00 a.m. at the DePave Paradise garden, located at the southern end of Water Street. The public is encouraged to join for the send-off celebration which includes a monarch butterfly release, milkweed seed giveaway and an opportunity to meet the Monarch Ultra Team.

The relay run, originally planned to follow the monarch migration from Canada to Mexico as it did in 2019, has been shortened to a 1,800-kilometer run across southern Ontario with COVID-19 protocols in place to keep participants and supporters safe.

From Peterborough, the runners head southwest to Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catherine's and Niagara Falls, before looping back around towards London, Cambridge and Kitchener. It will end in Barrie on Oct. 9. Each morning, two ultra runners will begin a 50-kilometer leg at 8:00 a.m. and finish around 2:00 p.m., depending on their pace. Another two runners will pick up exactly where the first two left off and run a 30-kilometre leg.

“Not only will this be one of Canada's longest relay runs, it will also be an opportunity to connect communities across Ontario on an inspiring journey of hope and resilience that combines ultra-running and environmental conservation,” said Carlotta James, project co-founder.

The team hopes to meet many Canadians who are also passionate about protecting the earth along the route and already have several popups planned to highlight communities involved in conservation actions such as native plant habitats and nectar gardens for pollinators.

This year’s run is raising funds for Camp Kawartha, a non-profit organization that offers nature education programming for youth. Almost $5,000 has been raised for the camp through the Monarch Ultra’s fundraising campaign with a goal of reaching $10,000.

The Monarch Ultra team invites people to come out and cheer on the runners along the way, as well as to dress up in costumes and make signs for the runners who are running extremely long distances in support of monarch butterflies. The relay run takes place along the Trans Canada Trail and Waterfront Trail. The full route can be viewed here.

The team will also be sharing stories on their 21-day journey through their social media sites, follow the Monarch Ultra on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or visit their website to learn more.

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Experience Lang Pioneer Village Museum By Lantern Light this September

Lang Pioneer Village Museum has announced its fall event schedule, the first event this season is Village by Lantern Light taking place September 17 and 18.

A GUIDED TOUR OF THE MUSEUM THAT COMPLIED WITH THE COVID-19 PROTOCOLS IN 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF LANG PIONEER VILLAGE.

From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm each evening, visitors are invited to enjoy the historic village by the soft glow of lantern light.

This event will provide visitors a different twilight-to-nightfall perspective of the historic village. Guests will learn how pioneer families spent their time after dark, exploring themes from entertainment to education to preparing for bed.

Visitors are invited to discover how the Tinsmith influenced nighttime preparations, see demonstrations of various traditional crafts and trades and listen to traditional Indigenous stories told by the fire and learn about stargazing and find out what the moon and stars tell us about harvest time with the Dortwood Observatory.

Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance on the Museum’s online Museum Shop.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths 5-14 years of age and children under 5 years of age are free. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes 2 adults and up to four youths ages 5-14.

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Canadian Mental Health Association Hosts Vigil and Resource Sessions to Honour World Suicide Prevention Day

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is hosting a candle light vigil and community resource sessions to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Events will be hosted in both Peterborough and Lindsay.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

Approximately 4,000 Canadians die by suicide each year and it is the second-most common cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24.

The vigil is a memorial to those who have lost their lives to suicide and offers support to the loved ones of those who have died by suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day raises awareness about suicide, mental health concerns and suicide prevention.

“We want people who have been impacted by suicide or are struggling with thoughts of suicide to know that there is help available, all you need to do is to ask. Everyone is invited to turn out on September 9 and 10,” said Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education with CMHA HKPR.

The event on September 9 will be held at the Silver Bean Café in Peterborough. Community resources will be available from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

On September 10 the event will be held at Labrynth Garden in Lindsay. Community resources are available from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, the vigil will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the Peterborough event contact Kelley Curtis at 705-748- 6687 extension 1016 or email kcurtis@cmhahkpr.ca.

For more information on the Lindsay event contact Jack Veitch at 705-748-6687 extension 1015 or email jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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Peterborough Pride Celebrates Diversity with 'Change Starts Here' Pride Week

Nogojiwanong/Peterborough Pride Week will take place this year from September 17-26. This is the 19th year of Pride in Peterborough.

Peterborough Pride held a T-Shirt design contest this year. The winning design was submitted by Chantel Daniels and Julie Stender. Their design will be featured on t-shirts sold this year, they also received a $100 prize. Photo from PTBOPride.

The theme of the 2021 Pride Week is “Change Starts Here”. The gay or queer rights movement was born out of a need for fundamental change to end the oppression, discrimination, and violence against 2SLGBTQ+* individuals, says Peterborough Pride.

“Over the last 50 or so years we have seen laws change to end the oppression and to provide equal rights,” said Peterborough Pride in a press release. “That said, violence and discrimination against People of Colour and Black, Indigenous, and Queer individuals has continued. We all have to actively make the changes to the culture that perpetuates these injustices.”

Due to COVID-19 there will be no parade, march or large gatherings during Pride Week this year.

Various community run virtual events and gatherings will be announced and can be found here.

Peterborough Pride invites community members to show their Pride and express their feelings by decorating their homes and businesses to signal that they are part of a welcoming community where nobody needs to feel alone or unsafe.

To learn more about Nogojiwanong/Peterborough Pride Week 2021 go to peterboroughpride.ca

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International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event Held At The Silver Bean

A memorial service to honour those lost to drug overdose was held at the Silver Bean Cafe on Tuesday.

White crosses set up at the event to honour those lost to overdose.

The event was hosted by Gail Perry, a member of Moms Stop The Harm, an organization of people impacted by substance use related harm or death.

Perry lost her daughter Jody Smith to complications related to opioid use three years ago.

“I’m not ashamed of how my daughter lost her life,” Parry said. “I’m ashamed of how people pick and choose which life has value.”

Parry says her daughter was mistreated during hospital visits because of her opioid use, which ultimately lead to her death.

“Stigma is deadly,” she said. “It is a killer. It creates dangerous and narrow minded attitudes towards those who need help and understanding. It shames and keeps people silent, alone and in hiding. Stigma interferes with getting the right kind of support and medical attention.”

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A post shared by Peterborough Police Service (@peterboroughpolice)

Tuesdays event hosted members from local harm reduction offices like PARN, The Elizabeth Fry Society and Fourcast.

The Elizabeth Fry Society provided on-site Narcan kits and training.

“Narcan is a way to help preventable deaths,” said Abby from The Elizabeth Fry Society. “It’s a way to practice empathy, it’s a way to help support people that are struggling in our community that are being stigmatized and demonized by societal expectations that we’ve been fed our entire lives.”

A Narcan kit includes two doses of Naloxone, a nasal spray that is used to reverse overdoses in an emergency situation.

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Witchy Ways Hosts Women at Once in a Blue Moon Full Moon Circle

Witchy Ways Peterborough hosted a community of women for a full moon circle last night under the Sturgeon moon. Visitors were invited to tap into Grandmother Moons energy in a safe, authentic space, free of judgement.

Women in attendance were gifted a few crystals as well as flowers from River Bend Bouquets. Photo courtesy of Angela O’Grady

Witchy Ways was founded by Nicole Turco in January 2020 and Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe joined shortly after. Together they encourage individuals to claim their joy, use their gifts and own a life created by themselves.

The focus of Witchy Ways is crystals, healing, moon cycles, ceremonies and rituals, knowledge exchange, empowerment and reconnection with one’s self.

Written on Witchy Ways Instagram is “The word ‘witch’ was a way to demonize women in their power. There is no warts, flying on brooms or devil worship. Just a woman/man who heal with knowledge and wisdom.”

“One of the hardest things to know is that we are in control of our lives,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe.

Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe and Nicole Turco. Photo by Mary Zita Payne Photography.

A moon circle is hosted for women to honour and celebrate the different cycles of the moon, says Shaughnessy-Rowe. A new moon is a time to set intentions for the month ahead and a full moon is when one makes room for those upcoming intentions by releasing any feeling or practices that may be draining one’s energy.

“The moon is a feminine energy and as women our bodies are controlled by the moon, we have cycles,” she said. “That’s the idea behind the moon circle is, it’s all women and it’s a beautiful, safe space to work on yourself.”

The Full Moon Circle started with a tarot reading and introductions by Shaughnessy-Rowe and horoscopes written by her sister, Brooke Shaughnessy. Shelly Hope led the group in mediation before women were asked to write down anything they want to release.

While all of the women in attendance were there for different reasons and coming from different backgrounds, many found that they had written similar words. Lack of confidence, body shaming, fear of failure and the need to forgive ones self were among common themes shared.

“A lot of people feel uncomfortable being vulnerable, and you will be vulnerable but you’re also going to be supported by the women around you,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe before the event.

In small groups, women discussed what they had written and then burned with whispers of ‘and so it is’ around the circle.

To end the night each woman said thank you. Some said a simple thank you to Witchy Ways for hosting the event, and some thanking everyone in attendance for their acceptance and for making a space unlike any they had ever been a part of.

For updates on the next moon circle and re-caps of past moon circles visit Witchy Ways Instagram.

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The Annual Heritage Hunt Contest Has Started

The Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee has launched its annual Heritage Hunt contest.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough

Small groups and individuals are encouraged to test their knowledge of Peterborough’s architecture for a chance to win prizes. The contest consists of identifying 36 architectural details on buildings in a defined area of the city. All details are visible from public areas and both sides of the street are in play.

Booklets are available at the City Hall reception desk, 500 George Street North Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

An online form, including a map of the area where all the architectural details can be found, is available here.

Prizes will be awarded for the correct identification of the most architectural elements on the clue sheet. This year’s prizes will feature gift cards from local businesses.

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11 Festivals and Events in Peterborough and Area Recieve Over $900,000 in Funding

11 festivals and events in Peterborough and the Kawarthas have received over $900,000 in provincial funding through the 2021 Reconnect Festival and Event Program.

MEGAN MURPHY (LEFT) AND KATE SUHR (RIGHT) of 4th line Theatre. 4th Line theatre is receiving $92,842. PHOTO COURTESY OF TRISTAN PEIRCE PHOTOGRAPHY AND 4TH LINE THEATRE.

The Reconnect Festival and Event Program offers non-capital funding for events in Ontario that provide safe experiences virtually or in-person when it is safe to do so.

$43 million was given to 439 festivals and events across Ontario.

11 festivals and cultural organizations hosting events in the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes area are receiving a total of $904,386 in funding.

Among the recipients are Peterborough Music Fest, the 2022 ReFrame Film Festival, 4th Line Theatre and Public Energy’s Pivot 2.0 Series.

For a full list of recipients click here.

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Snoop Dogg Is Coming To Peterborough

9-0-Nickel Entertainment, Energy 99.7 and the Peterborough Memorial Centre are excited to welcome Snoop Dogg to the Peterborough Memorial stage on May 16th.

Snoop Dogg, the legendary record producer, singer and rapper, will be bringing his Snoop Dogg & Friends Tour to the PMC May 16th at 8 p.m. Snoop has amassed 17 Grammy Award nominations in an incredible career.

Also on the bill is Canadian Hip Hop star Peter Jackson, featuring his album which is currently No. 1 on the Canadian charts.

Tickets go on sale April 8 at 10:00 a.m. at memorialcentre.ca, by calling 705.743.3561, or in person at the Baker Tilly Box Office inside the PMC.

Tickets range from $69.99 - $124.99 plus applicable fees and taxes.

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Neil Sanderson Of Three Days Grace Special Guest Speaker At Team 55's 6th Annual Friday Night Lights

On September 21st, all of Peterborough and beyond is invited to Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School for the annual Friday Night Lights, a Team 55 event supporting suicide prevention through the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge. 

While the event has drawn big crowds in the past, organizers hope this year will be even bigger as they embrace the opportunity to showcase the community’s passion for suicide awareness and mental health to the Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Health, who is expected to be in attendance.

From left to right: Dave Pogue from Team 55, Jack Veitch from CMHA and Jeff Challice from TASSS.

“We really need to get as many people to TASSS on Friday night as possible—we want to pack the place,” says Dave Pogue, founder of Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness.

At the opening ceremonies, this year’s special guest will be speaker Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace. The Canadian band, including the Adam Scott alumnus, is about to embark on a European tour before returning for a Canadian tour in late November.

Friday Night Lights begins September 21st at noon with games and a barbeque, and the Open Ceremonies start at 6 p.m. The main event kick-off is at 7 p.m.

For more on Friday Night Lights and Team 55, watch this recent interview we conducted with Dave Pogue on PTBOCanada show…

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