Porch Pirates for Good are Making Hunger Walk The Plank with Food Drive for Kawartha Food Share

The Porch Pirates for Good are setting sail to collect donations for the Kawartha Food Share and make food insecurity walk the plank on Oct. 30.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) SUSAN DUNKLEY, LOIS TUFFIN, ASHLEE AITKEN AND MEGAN MURPHY at the Porch Pirates Food Drive in April. File Photo.

Volunteers from “Porch Pirates for Good” will once again hold a city-wide food drive to restock the dwindling shelves at Kawartha Food Share.

On Saturday October 30, 2021, anyone who is not ill or in self-isolation is being asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on their front porch.

Beginning at 9 a.m., volunteers will drive around the city and collect the items and deliver them to the Kawartha Food Share warehouse.

“It’s such an easy way for people to donate,” said Ashlee Aitkin, general manager, Kawartha Food Share. “You don’t have to leave your house, there are so many people that want to donate that have mobility issues or don’t drive. This is such an great way to give back to the community.”

Aitkin says the entire collection process takes around three hours, and the event usually completely fills the Kawartha Food Share warehouse.

“We have over 300 volunteers,” she said. “They’re amazing and we really couldn’t do this without them.”

Monetary donations can be made at http://www.kawarthafoodshare.com/donations.html. For every dollar donated, Kawartha Food Share leverages $6 of food purchasing power.

Participants are invited to dawn their best pirate costumes to greet volunteers on Oct. 30. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Food Share.

Aitkin says that while the Kawartha Food Share accepts any donations their most needed items currently are tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, soup, stew, apple sauce, nut-free granola bars and mac and cheese.

The goal for this years food drive is to collect 50,000 lbs of food.

“50,000 lbs sounds like a lot of food but when you feed 9,000 clients a month it’s actually not that much,” said Aitkin. “We distribute over 200,000 lbs of food every month, which is pretty crazy for a city our size.”

Businesses are also invited to participate in the Porch Pirates Food Drive. To take part, businesses must register by emailing susan@suzihomemaker.ca or calling 705-768-7894. A volunteer will pick up donations on Oct. 29.

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PRHC Foundation President & CEO Receives Prestigious Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Designation

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation announced on Thursday that President and CEO Lesley Heighway has been awarded the designation of Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy in recognition of her fundraising leadership on behalf of Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.

The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) is an international professional organization dedicated to healthcare philanthropy. The Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (FAHP) is a designation bestowed on AHP members who have made significant contributions to the profession.

Candidates must meet rigorous criteria including career success that has had a transformative effect on the organizations they’ve supported, demonstrated leadership, mentorship and community service and a comprehensive knowledge of healthcare governance and philanthropy.

Of AHP's 4,500 members at more than 2,200 healthcare facilities around the world, only 2 per cent of AHP members have received the FAHP designation, with Heighway one of three selected in 2021.

“In Lesley’s ten years as President & CEO, she’s worked tirelessly with donors from across the region to fund the equipment and technology that form the foundation of world-class care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre,” said Linda Skilton, chair, PRHC Foundation Board of Directors. “Her success is fueled by a passion for healthcare that has inspired $30 million in donations in the past five years alone.”

Dr. Peter McLaughlin, PRHC President & CEO, has worked closely with Lesley during her tenure at the Foundation and says she is a trusted leader, recognized by the sector and community as an authority on best practices in philanthropy.

“Lesley is highly-regarded by the Foundation and PRHC boards, hospital staff and leadership, and our donors,” said McLaughlin. “Her record of fundraising success and the impact our Foundation's donors have had and continue to have on patient care at PRHC speak volumes about her performance, integrity and professionalism.”

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Tonic Karaoke Searches for New Owner to Carry on Legacy

Tonic Karaoke, a popular karaoke bar on George Street, is looking to pass the mic on to a new owner and Jason Gravel is hoping he will be the one to take over.

Jason Gravel and his daughter Emilia. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Tonic Karaoke, Peterborough’s only private-room karaoke bar, has been in operation for over ten years. They offer eight private rooms for parties as well as a lounge area and bar for guests.

“Unlike a lot of bars there’s a major therapeutic part to Tonic - there’s research on it. The act of going up and singing a song that speaks to you, and putting emotion behind it - it’s extremely cathartic. For some people this is more than just a bar it is a form of therapy.”

Gravel says that he, along with the other patrons, hopes that the bar will stay in ‘the family’ of dedicated regulars.

“It’s a very accepting group,” he said. “They’re all accepted equally because we love the music and the atmosphere. There’s no judgement on age, race, sexuality, everyone’s welcome as long as you’re respectful, it’s always been a safe space for any one of any type.”

Owners Greg and Mira McClenaghan went public with the sale of Tonic Karaoke earlier this month, after government restrictions enforced on their establishment encouraged them to pursue other ventures.

“When we get ready to go back to normal what’s going to be left?,” said Gravel. “We’ve lost the Twisted Wheel we’ve lost Hot Belly Mama’s and Old Stone, Pete’s is gone. What is really left of downtown at this point?”

To donate to the ‘Keep Tonic in the Family’ click here.

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Peterborough Launches Survey to Collect Information on Flooding

The City of Peterborough has launched a survey to confirm where flooding has been observed, which will help to to evaluate and improve the stormwater system.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough

The City is developing an advanced computer model to evaluate its stormwater system that consists of both storm sewers and natural watercourses. With partial funding provided by the Federal Government’s National Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP), this work will identify areas of flooding and develop mapping applications to easily convey information.

To assist in developing this model, the City is asking residents or business owners to complete a short survey at www.peterborough.ca/floodsurvey. People who do not have access to the internet are invited to call 705-742-7777 ext.1504 to provide input.

This survey will help confirm where flooding has been observed and how it affects the community. The information collected will be used to validate flood predictions. With improved data and analytics, the City can make strategic investments in sewer upgrades and flood reductions works, while developing enhanced emergency response plans.

By understanding where and how flooding has impacted residents in the past the City can plan to reduce future flood damages. Any information provided will be critical to the success of this project and will only be used in the context of this work.

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Peterborough Regional Farmers Market is Heading Indoors for the Season

The Peterborough Regional Farmers Market (PRFM) is folding it’s tables and moving inside for their winter market on Saturday.

The market will be inside Peterborough Square from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday until spring.

The indoor market will feature both new and returning vendors.

“Most of our indoor vendors are people who are also outdoor vendors,” said Emily Shapiera, market administrator. “It’s still busy inside, there’s a lot of crossover.”

Shapiera points out that many farmers who sell fresh produce at the outdoor market don’t have much product to sell during the winter months, though some shift to sell produce and other products that are in season.

The winter market features vendors selling things like potatoes, apples and root vegetables as well as farmers selling meat, eggs honey and maple syrup.

The PRFM is one of the only farmers markets in Ontario that did not have to shut down throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been really amazing to continue to be open during COVID,” Shapiera said. “There’s all these local businesses that have been really struggling with what’s going on. The market is great because it’s this venue for local businesses to come and sell and it’s an easy way for the people of Peterborough to come and support local. You’re giving your money to someone in the community and it’s going back into the community - it’s a great cycle and I think it’s more important than ever these days.”

COVID-19 protocols will be followed at the indoor market.

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Seven Fleming College Alumni Nominated for Prestigious Premier’s Awards

Fleming College announced on Thursday that seven Fleming alumni have been nominated for the 2021 Premier’s Awards among 125 Ontario college graduates.

Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson. File Photo.

The annual event, presented by Colleges Ontario, honours the important social and economic contributions that graduates make in the province and throughout the world. Colleges can nominate their alumni in seven categories: Apprenticeship, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate, and Technology.

The 2021 Premier’s Awards nominees representing Fleming College include:

APPRENTICESHIP
Tyler Scott, Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship, Culinary, 2011
Tyler Scott is the owner and executive chef of Rare Restaurant located in Peterborough, Ontario. During a time that has been especially challenging for the restaurant industry due to the pandemic, Tyler and his team have defied the odds. They have found success by pivoting the restaurant’s take-out offerings, creating a ready-to-eat freezer meal program and recreating the parking lot into a whimsical European backlot patio. Tyler’s dedication to local ingredients in creating a hyper local menu is setting Rare apart while building a collaborative community in the region.

BUSINESS
Fred Clifford, Business Administration – Accounting, 1981
Fred Clifford recently retired from his role as Senior Partner with Ernst & Young LLP after 33 years. He is a Chartered Accountant, a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner. During his career, Fred focused on employee success and promoting a welcoming environment. Fred demonstrates community commitment, serving as the Rouge Valley Health System’s Foundation Board Chair and Chair of the hospital’s Board of Governors. As a Fleming graduate, Fred’s current role as Chair of Fleming’s Board of Governors is most satisfying for him, as he takes pride in the positive changes that have transpired, while preserving the warm and welcoming culture at Fleming.

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson, Law & Security Administration – Police Education, 1984
A member of the Peterborough Police Service with 35 years of experience, Deputy Chief Farquharson is a leader, community builder and advocate for marginalized communities. His passion for opioid response reforms and community-first strategies has supported the proposed Consumption and Treatment Services site and creation of the Peterborough Drug Strategy. Tim was recognized as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Services, a highly prestigious award presented by the Governor General, for his role in creating the Peterborough Drug Strategy Task Force and for his tireless support for the most vulnerable in our community.

CREATIVE ARTS & DESIGN
Mark Campbell, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Tool and Die, 1975
Mark Campbell is the Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Design for Global Furniture Group, one of Canada’s largest manufacturers, distributors and marketers of workplace, education and healthcare furnishings. With over 3,500 employees globally, Mark oversees the direction of new product development, branding and communication strategies. As a designer, Mark has been awarded and published internationally, including in Graphis, ID Magazine and AZURE. He was recognized by the Government of Canada as a National Design Council Scholar. Mark was also an associate professor at Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University where he taught for 35 years.

HEALTH SCIENCES
Leah Levesque, Nursing, 1984
Leah Levesque is the Chief Executive Officer for Arnprior Regional Health and previously was the Vice President Patient Care and Chief Nursing Executive at the Queensway Carleton Hospital. In the VP role, Leah provided professional leadership to over 1,400 nurses and other regulated health professionals across the organization and oversaw seven hospital units, including the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit. Leah’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was crucial to the region’s ability to handle rising cases and stress on hospitals. She worked with community partners to develop ground-breaking initiatives, including setting up a 56-bed inpatient transitional care unit and a Covid care and assessment centre.

RECENT GRADUATE
Ryan Tidman, Environmental Visual Communication, 2018
Ryan Tidman is a conservation photojournalist, videographer, filmmaker and biologist who is passionate about storytelling though photography. He is currently working on projects with Netflix, Disney+ and National Geographic. He has worked with world-renowned photographers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier for their ocean conservation non-profit SeaLegacy, where he photographed whale sharks in Mexico and navigated through untouched islands. With a large online presence and social media following, Ryan’s work focuses on environmental issues and highlighting the conservation efforts needed to restore the planet for future generations. He was recently accepted as an Associate Fellow to the International League of Conservation Photographers, a global community made up of top-tier photographers and filmmakers using solution-based media as a catalyst for conservation efforts.

TECHNOLOGY
Lynn Cooke, Business Administration – Accounting, 1985
As a Certified Public Accountant, Certified General Accountant and a Certified Management Consultant, Lynn Cooke has achieved extensive career success working in the male-dominated technology sector. Lynn is the President of 360 Visibility Inc., which was founded to provide technology solutions to mid-sized companies, while offering the big company service that clients expect. Lynn was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs (W100) by Profit Magazine, now Canadian Business magazine, for six years. Ranked based on the annual revenue of their firms, Profit W100 profiles the country’s most successful female business owners.

The Premier’s Award nominees will be recognized and winners announced at a virtual gala event on November 18, 2021. To nominate a deserving Fleming graduate for a 2022 Premier’s Award, please contact the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at 705-749-5530 ext. 1390 or e-mail alumni@flemingcollege.ca.

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Louis Street Urban Park Project Expected to be Complete July 2022

The Louis Street Urban Park that is under construction near the intersection of Charlotte and Aylmer Streets downtown is expected to be completed in July 2022, the City of Peterborough announced on Friday.

Charlotte Street view mockup. File Photo.

This new park will create a new multi-purpose space for community gatherings, activities such as a farmers’ market and an outdoor skating rink in the winter.

Construction on the urban park and refrigerated outdoor skating rink started in early 2021.

Due to the need for some underground servicing location work, some construction will need to be done in the spring before the project can be completed.

The creation of an urban park, along with the renewal of Charlotte Street, are key strategies in the City’s Central Area Master Plan. Consultation, planning and design work on the project started in late 2016.

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Hit the Road and Celebrate the Harvest Season with Norwood's Scarecrow Roadshow

The Township of Asphodel-Norwood is celebrating Thanksgiving with their third annual Scarecrow Roadshow, from Friday - Tuesday.

One of many displays on the Scarecrow Roadshow. Photo courtesy of Barry Walsh.

About 25 community members in Norwood and surrounding areas have decorated their lawns and properties with scarecrows to celebrate Thanksgiving.

“It’s been very well received, people have had a lot of fun creating their displays,” said Prudence Cameron-Jordan. “There’s lots of people that are eager to get out on the road and see all of the displays.”

The township has compiled an interactive map that invites those interested to tour the town and enjoy the 2021 Scarecrow Roadshow.

There is also a virtual version of the Scarecrow Roadshow, where visitors can click on each location and view the display.

The Scarecrow show was started in 2019 by the Asphodel Cultural and Heritage Committee, but the interactive map charting locations of displays was introduced in 2020, after the Norwood Fair was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Having at least something fall-themed for residents to take part in was very very important to us,” said Asphodel-Norwood CAO Candice White.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Asphodel-Norwood.

The Norwood Fair has been in operation for over 150 years, and draws in tens of thousands of visitors each year, according to White.

The only other time the Norwood Fair was cancelled was in 1939, when World War II began— it returned eight years later in 1947.

Those that have a registered display in the 2021 Scarecrow Roadshow will be entered win a Thanksgiving themed goodie platter and gift card from Sweetheart's Bakery, a new bakery located in Norwood. The draw will take place on Tuesday.

For more information and to view the map click here.

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List of City Services Open on Thanksgiving

The City of Peterborough has released a list of the many City facilities that will be closed or offering modified services on Thanksgiving Monday, October 11.

File Photo.

City Hall 

City Hall, including Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office, will be closed. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca. 

Public Works 

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Arenas Division 

The Arenas Division office will be closed. 

The Peterborough Memorial Centre and Kinsmen Arena will be closed. 

The Healthy Planet Arena will be open for user groups from noon to 10 p.m. for scheduled ice time.  

The Healthy Planet Arena will host a walk-in vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday, October 11. 

Art Gallery of Peterborough 

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Monday, October 11. 

For information about gallery exhibitions, programs and how to book a visit, please visit www.agp.on.ca.

Downtown Youth Space 

The Downtown Youth Space at 201 McDonnel St. will be closed. To learn more about free, drop-in programs for youth aged 13 to 18, visit www.peterborough.ca/DYS. 

Garbage, recycling and green waste 

There will be no change to curbside collection of garbage, recycling and green waste. 

The Peterborough County and City Waste Management Facility (landfill) and the Household Hazardous Waste Depot will be closed on Monday, October 11. 

The Pido Road Recycling Depot remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

For more details, please call the City of Peterborough Waste Management Division at 705-742-7777 ext. 1657. 

Marina 

The Marina will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 11. This is the final day of Marina operations for the 2021 season. To contact the Marina, please phone 705-745-8787 or email marina@peterborough.ca. 

Peterborough Museum and Archives 

The Peterborough Museum and Archives and gift shop are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, October 11. 

Information about current exhibitions, programs and COVID-19 protocols for visitors is available online at www.peterborough.ca/museum. 

Peterborough Public Library 

The Peterborough Public Library will be closed on Thanksgiving Monday. Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca. 

Provincial Offences office 

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on October 11. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA. 

Social Services office 

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed.  

Child care centres 

City-operated child care centres will be closed on October 11. 

Emergency shelter services 

Emergency shelter services remain open: call 705-926-0096 after hours, during weekends and on holidays. 

Sport and Wellness Centre 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will be closed. Visit www.peterborough.ca/pswc for information about schedules and programs at the Wellness Centre.

Transit 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on October 11. 

The Customer Service desk at 190 Simcoe St. will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for pass sales and inquiries only.  

Visit the website www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525 for detailed schedules. 

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One Hairy Fundraiser to Donate to Three Local Organizations

Local entrepreneur, Husayn Dharshi, is organizing ‘One Hairy Fundraiser’ for three local initiatives and has pledged to offer his long hair to an organization that may need it once he reaches his goal of $1,500.

Funds donated to ‘One Hairy Fundraiser’ will be evenly split between Kawartha FoodShare, Peterborough's Safe Consumption and Treatment Site and The Home Program under One City Peterborough.

When he reaches his $1,500 goal Dharshi will cut his long hair and donate it to a charity that will put it to use. He has not yet decided which charity.

“The focus of this campaign is to raise awareness of all the great organizations that are doing so much in the community right now,” said Dharshi. “They fit into the brackets of people living with food insecurity, underhoused people and people with mental health challenges and addictions - which are things we need so much more support for.”

Dharshi is a local website and web application developer, and the Founder of TransitOne Canada, a local start up dedicated to creating better access to local communities through better transit. When the COVID-19 pandemic began his business took a hit, and he found himself in need of work.

He began working full-time as a social services worker at One Roof Community Centre, where he has been volunteering since 2018.

“They have been so gracious with me and so kind to me, this is just a small token of my gratitude to them,” said Dharshi.

To donate to One Hairy Fundraiser click here.

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