Peterborough Petes Announce Partnership with Get a Shot to Take a Shot Campaign

The Petes and Peterborough Public Health have announced a new partnership today with the ‘Get a Shot to Take a Shot’ campaign. The two-month long initiative is designed to promote vaccine uptake and protect Peterborough and the Peterborough County from COVID-19.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The ‘Get a Shot to Take a Shot’ campaign offers anyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine dose between August 9 and September 30 at a clinic run by Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, or a local pharmacy, a chance to win a pair of tickets to a Petes home game during the 2021-22 season.

“The Petes are excited to team up with Peterborough Public Health for the ‘Get a Shot to Take a Shot,’ campaign,” said Executive Director of Business Operations, Burton Lee. “We understand that the safest and quickest way to return to a hockey season with an arena full of cheering fans is dependent on vaccine uptake. It will be an honour to host hundreds of local fans who have done their part to keep the Peterborough community safe at games next season.”

Those who receive their first or second vaccine dose during this time period will be provided a QR code at their vaccination site to enter the ‘Get a Shot to Take a Shot’ contest.

A virtual draw will take place on September 30 where 250 names will be drawn. A total of 500 tickets will be awarded.

Of the ticket winners, five will be drawn for an opportunity to shoot the puck in the net from centre ice during the first intermission of an upcoming home game. The winner of the shootout will then get to enjoy an additional Petes home game in the Petes Executive Suite.

For more information about the contest visit www.gopetesgo.com. For more information about COVID-19 vaccination and clinic locations visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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Local Teacher Earns NYC Marathon Spot While Outpacing Mental Health

It is an opportunity very few people get but Julie Vallières has been selected as one of six Canadian teachers to run in the New York City Marathon in the fall.

Vallières has been helping her students battle mental health issues since 2015. She serves as the school’s cross-country and track and field coach. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vallières.

She was selected as part of Team Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) who pick 50 North American teachers as representatives.

Vallières submitted her video application to TCS with her story, how running helped her teaching and why she should be picked. She promoted running as a way to help with mental health issues her students were facing at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School.

“I’m glad I get to be with people with the same passion for running,” she said. “It’s nice to gain some mental strength from running long distances.”

TCS supports physical and mental health among children and provided Vallières and other selected teachers with integrated technology education resources for easier teaching.

She learned about Team TCS from Niels Walkau, a local colleague and friend who participated in the marathon two years prior.

Vallières constantly trains, running four to five times a week to prepare for the 26.2 mile-long marathon. She has participated in several running events or marathons as part of her training regime.

The event is not set in stone for Canadians since border travelling is still in limbo from the pandemic. Vallières is hopeful that the world will have enough normalcy to allow her to participate.

“I’m hoping by then, everything will be good,” she explained. “I’m keeping a positive mindset here and we’ll be out of the woods with vaccines and stuff.”

Vallières plans to bring her family to watch her run at the marathon. Her children are eligible to participate in a 5-kilometre run, the day prior to the main event.

Last year, the NYC marathon was postponed but Vallières was able to earn a medal in their digitized version through an app.

“It will be a great experience for all of us,” she said. “It’s about the people that support the community. I know it’s a great experience and I want to be able to share it with my family.”

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Peterborough Businesses Offered Free Rapid Screening COVID-19 Tests

Another step to battle COVID-19 is here as small and medium-sized businesses can access free rapid antigen tests from the Ontario Government.

MPP Dave Smith led the rapid test program for Ontario since March. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The launch of the Peterborough-Kawartha’s rapid testing initiative was announced by MPP Dave Smith with members of the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Improvement Area on July 16.

Businesses with under 150 employees can sign up at the Peterborough Chamber website and can receive the testing kits within 24 hours.

Smith gave a private demonstration just outside his Water Street constituency office Thursday afternoon for PTBOCanada. The test is done with a swab that entered the sinus area through the nose, twisting three times for a sample before being combined in an antigen solution. The liquid is placed onto a testing kit and operates similarly to a pregnancy test.

Results take no more than 15 minutes but typically take three to five minutes according to Smith. He recommends that businesses test twice a week.

“It doesn't show if you are infected with COVID-19, that's what the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test does," said Smith. "What it shows is that you have the COVID-19 virus in your sinuses and you have the opportunity to spread it to someone else when you breathe."

Anyone testing positive or inconclusive must book a lab-based PCR test as soon as possible within 48 hours of the test.

Two test results indicating that the COVID-19 virus is not present in the sinuses. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Being able to test in a parking lot before employees enter businesses is a game-changer according to Smith.

“It could potentially prevent the likelihood of a fourth wave in just a couple of minutes,” he said. “You can find out if someone has COVID-19 before they actually enter the workplace If you stop COVID in the parking lot, if it never goes into the workplace and there's no chance of spread amongst your staff then you have a safe place to work."

“The testing kits can provide a significant level of safety for local employers and their staff. I would encourage all employers to look at the rapid testing program as another tool in their COVID toolbox,” said Stuart Harrison, President and CEO of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses and organizations that register can order a minimum of 25 individual tests by going to https://www.peterboroughchamber.ca/rapid-screening.html.

This portal will enable businesses to order their kits and select a time and date to pick them up from MPP Dave Smith’s Office located on Water Street.

Over 14 million people in Ontario have been tested with the kit so far which is more than any other province in Canada combined with just under one million according to Smith.

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Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament Raises $7,500 for Alzheimer's Awareness

The first annual “Golf for Loved Ones” tournament raised $7,464 for Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton (PKLNH) at The Quarry Golf Club in Ennismore announced Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough.

The tournament hosted 98 golfers on June 26. Lori Banks and her family ran the event in honour of her mother Edna Banks as she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for a decade before passing away in 2017.

“The tournament was about raising money, but also about raising awareness,” said Lori. “I don’t think people realize how many people in our area have dementia.”

The intention was not just to raise money but to raise awareness about the 8,590 people living with dementia in PKLNH. Organizers gave each golfer a purple bracelet and purple ribbon to wear for their round to aid in the campaign.

The event was considered a great success according to both the Banks and Kevin Carter, Quarry Golf Club owner. The event has already been booked for next year.

“Lori and Ron ran a great event,” said Carter. “They were very organized and managed to get a great turnout. The golfers had a great day with excellent weather. Lori and her family raised a lot of money for the Alzheimer Society and the tournament will continue to grow and raise more money down the road. The Quarry was thrilled to be involved with such a great cause.”

“Hopefully we can make it bigger and better. We got a lot of feedback from the golfers saying they would be coming back next year,” said Lori. “We raised a lot of money, but we’d like to double it next time. We’ve already booked the course for next year.”

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Local Teacher Uses Running to Aid In Students' Mental Health Issues

Running not only maintained teacher Julie Vaillères’s physical health but her mental well-being and uses her story to help students with similar issues since 2015.

Vaillères has taught core and French immersion classes at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School. She has also taught drama, religion and science classes with some as part of the immersion program. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Vaillères suffered a major depressive breakdown in 2014 where she believed she could never teach again. During her time off work, her psychiatrist suggested running again, an on-and-off hobby throughout her life.

Since returning to St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School in the fall of 2015 after having time off recovering, the French teacher shared her stories with students. Vaillères’s pupils were inspired to open up about their mental health problems to her as a result.

“I use running to explain how it manages my mental illness,” said Vaillères. “It helps you with self-confidence, energy and how physical health goes hand in hand. It’s my me time and my way of meditating. I love nature and it’s my way of grounding myself.”

The group was unable to run in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but with in-person learning returning in the fall of 2021, the “Change Your M;nd’s” revival is the plan for Vailleres. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Students would confide in Vaillères and then be redirected to professional help from the school board or a social worker for further treatment.

The group became known as “Change Your M;nd” for students to have weekly meetings to open up about their mental issues. They would do collaborations with organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and Peterborough Memorial Centre to raise money for mental health awareness.

Since forming the group back in 2015, Vaillères and students are helping erase the stigma of having mental health issues, creating awareness while promoting healthier choices.

Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Vaillères volunteers her time as the school’s cross-country and track and field coach and shares her story to inspire the student-athletes.

“The students that we get are so strong mentally and the perseverance they show and support that they give to one another is amazing,” she said. “We’re all in this to better ourselves.”

Photo Courtesy of Julie Vailleres.

Vaillères says when she was a child, mental health was highly stigmatized but when she was admitted for treatment, it was a huge relief. It is a message she wants to spread to anyone suffering from any issues.

“There’s a positive story behind painful times,” said Vaillères. “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel when you reach out for help. We shouldn’t be feeling ashamed. Now I feel the need to share my story because if I’m able to help others, it’s the best reward I can get.”

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YMCA is Re-opening Soon

The YMCA of Central East Ontario is set to open earlier than planned on August 23, 2021.

Photo Courtesy of YMCA of Central East Ontario.

Initially the Peterborough branch had planned to re-open to the public on September 13 but with restrictions being lifted and members expressing excitement to come back that date has been moved.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the YMCA like many businesses has faced temporary closure and strict restrictions. They are currently operating their day camp program which will end on August 20.

The YMCA will be open Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be no membership fee withdrawal until September 15, 2021.

They will continue to follow health and safety protocols including COVID-19 screening questions upon arrival and online registration for building access, conditioning/lifestyle centres, fitness classes and the pool.

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Roadmap to Reopen: Highlighted Rules for Step Three

With the province moving to Step Three this Friday beginning at 12:01 a.m., the Ontario Government has released guidelines on their official website last week Friday.

Stock Photo.

The plan is based on the province-wide vaccination rate and if there were significant improvements made in key public health and health care indicators according to the Ontario Government.

Step Three focuses on expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn.

The province wanted 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses to be moved into Step Three.

Ontario will remain in Step Three for at least 21 days and until 80 percent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent have received their second, with no public health unit having less than 70 per cent of their eligible population aged 12 and over fully vaccinated.

Other key public health and health care indicators must also continue to remain stable. Upon meeting these thresholds, the vast majority of public health and workplace safety measures will be lifted.

The following are key highlights of eased restrictions going into Step Three:

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 100 people

• Indoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 25 people

• Indoor dining with no limits to the number of patrons per table

• Retail with capacity limited to ensure physical distancing of two metres

• Indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings with physical distancing up to two metres

• Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities with capacity limits

• Personal care services with capacity limited to ensure physical distancing

• Museums, casinos and bingo halls with capacity limits

• Cinemas, concert, theatres, and other performing arts venues with capacity limits

For a fully comprehensive list, please visit the Ontario Government Website.

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Ontario Accelerates Second-Dose Eligibility for Ages 12-17

As Ontario moves to Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen, the province has accelerated second dose eligibility to anyone aged 12 to 17 beginning Monday according to a press release on Friday.

Stock Photo.

Bookings for the Pfizer vaccine can be done through the provincial booking system, directly through public health units that use their own booking system and through participating pharmacies.

“As the province enters Step Two of our Roadmap, all eligible Ontarians have the opportunity for a two-dose summer,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Vaccines are the best defence against COVID-19 and variants and I encourage everyone to get their first and second shots as soon as possible.”

During the week of June 21, the province administered more than one million doses in four days which has been ahead of schedule of expanding eligibility. To date, the province’s public health units, mass vaccination clinics, hospital sites, pharmacies and primary care providers have administered over 15 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, with more than 77 per cent of adult Ontarians having received their first dose and more than 42 per cent fully immunized.

“Expanding the eligibility for accelerated second doses to include youth aged 12 to 17 is another positive step in the rollout of vaccines across Ontario,” said Sylvia Jones, solicitor general. “With the continued support of our public health partners, we are on track to significantly increase the number of Ontarians who will be fully immunized this summer, helping to protect themselves and their community.”

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Fleming College Requires Student COVID-19 Vaccinations For Residence Living In Fall

Fleming College requires students in residence to have at least their first COVID-19 vaccine for the fall semester stated in a press release on Friday.

File Photo.

The campus mandatory vaccine policy claims it is based on scientific data and supported by Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“The pandemic continues to be an evolving situation, and we have always emphasized that safety is everyone’s responsibility at Fleming,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming President. ”The vaccination requirement for those in residence will provide peace of mind to students and their families.”

The school recommends that residence students get the vaccine two weeks prior to their move-in date. Those unable to receive their first dose before moving in will have 14 days to get vaccinated. Fleming will provide support to students who require first and second doses and is working closely with PPH to coordinate access to vaccines.

The vaccine requirement applies only to the college-owned residences on campus and not the entire campus or to those living off-campus. Alternative off-campus housing is available with assistance and resources through Fleming’s off-campus housing services.

Safety measures such as masking and reduced capacity limits in shared spaces and enhanced cleaning and sanitation of all areas are in addition to the mandatory vaccine policy.

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