10 Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Dec. 16 - 18
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Photo courtesy of Braden Glasbergen.
Peterborough Blogs
The Lindsay Agriculture Society Presents the Merry and Bright Festival
/The Merry & Bright Festival held at the Lindsay Fairgrounds features almost one kilometre of light displays created by local individuals, businesses and organizations to raise donations and support the community from Thursday to Dec. 23.
Photo courtesy of Shanice Sproule.
The drive-through festival of lights is a joint fundraiser for the Lindsay Agricultural Society, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes, BGC Kawarthas, Kawartha Food Source, Lindsay Lions Club and Heritage Christian School.
Attendees can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride — for Saturday only — and visit Santa at his portable workshop.
In 2020, the Lindsay Agricultural Society hosted the Merry & Bright Festival for the first time as a way to raise money for their partner organizations which missed the opportunity to fundraise at the year’s Lindsay Exhibition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They say the event was very successful in its first year, providing each partner organization with over $5,000 in donations.
The display is at the Lindsay Fairgrounds located at 354 Angeline St. S. in Lindsay. Tickets can be purchased online or by paying cash at the gate.
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Ravenwood Drive Christmas Display Invites Public For "Fill the Sleigh" Food Drive
/Extravagant Christmas displays are back at the Glasbergen’s as they are inviting the public to tour their grounds and support their “Fill the Sleigh” food drive in support of St. Vincent de Paul this Friday.
Photo courtesy of Braden Glasbergen.
Their Christmas display, known as ‘Seasons on Ravenwood’ is one of four larger-than-life exhibits — with Easter, summer and Halloween as the other displays — the family does annually.
Walkways are created to guide visitors through their front lawn to view the display filled with ornaments, lights, signs and more. The family has requested everyone not to touch the decorations because of its fragility. Anyone driving by is also requested to stop and see the display to not disrupt traffic flow and for everyone’s safety.
Jenn (left) and Braden Glasbergen (right) with their Halloween ghost ship as one of thier biggest displays of the year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Visitors are encouraged to take photos of the displays and with Santa who will make an appearance.
“We love expressing the joy of the Christmas season through lights and decorations and getting to experience visitors' faces when they come to visit makes it worthwhile,” said Braden Glasbergen. “Everyone shows their love of the displays in different ways, the excitement that the little ones share when they run towards the lights or point out Santa on the balcony to the seniors who slow down in their cars and smile at the nutcrackers and reindeer.”
The family is collecting non-perishable goods for St. Vincent de Paul and encourages anyone who visits to bring items to their drop-off box.
“Sharing our seasons with the community and having the community share back with their food donations allows the feeling to go full circle, helping others while having some fun,” said Glasbergen.
The Glasbergen’s display is on 1723 Ravenwood Dr. and is open to the public from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.
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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Names Upcoming President, CEO
/Dr. Lynn Mikula has been selected as President and CEO of Peterborough Regional Health Centre, taking on the new position starting March 31 announced in a virtual press conference on Monday.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
She holds an MD CM from McGill University and a surgical residency and fellowship at the University of Toronto. She also has an MSc in cancer genetics from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Management from McGill.
The hospital in a press release says she “brings with her a vast wealth of knowledge, experience and strong personal and professional connections with both the Health Centre and the Peterborough community she calls home.”
During her time at PRHC she has held the roles of Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Executive and Executive Vice President. She lives in Peterborough with her husband and their three children.
“I am thrilled and honoured to have been selected,” says Dr. Mikula. “I am constantly inspired by the people of PRHC, who bring so much dedication, passion and skill to their work every day. The last few years have had their challenges, but working together, I’m confident that we will emerge as a regional hospital that is leading the way with partnership, innovation, and above all, a focus on excellent care. I’d like to thank the Board of Directors for their confidence in my leadership and my vision. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Throughout the recruitment process, the PRHC says they received a number of submissions and conducted interviews with multiple candidates. While the competition was substantial, they say Dr. Mikula ultimately demonstrated herself to be the frontrunner.
“I think what we can say about Dr. Mikula is that her energy, drive and vision for this organization were unmatched during the search process, and that her reputation and track record as a leader are second to none,” says Robert Gibson, chair of PRHC’s board of directors. “She has an in-depth understanding of the current challenges in healthcare and a clear vision for acute healthcare in Peterborough, and she sees a path forward to a vibrant and exciting future for PRHC. We are so pleased to have identified a candidate who embodies all of the qualities we and our stakeholders have been seeking, and to have found those qualities in an individual who has a strong, established history with PRHC and our community.”
Dr. Mikula is taking the role of the current CEO Dr. Laughlin, who is planning his retirement after working at the hospital for 17 years.
The City of Peterborough 2022-2023 Winter Fun Guide Is Now Available
/The City of Peterborough Recreation Services is offering a variety of recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities through there 2022-2023 Winter Fun Guide.
File photo.
This is the online guide to City-run recreational and leisure programs that take place in City facilities, such as the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, community arenas, the Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Museum and Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
Copies of the Winter 2023 Fun Guide are available at the following locations starting on Dec. 7:
City Hall – 500 George St. N.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre – 775 Brealey Dr.
Healthy Planet Arena – 911 Monaghan Rd.
Kinsmen Civic Centre – 1 Kinsmen Way
Peterborough Public Library – 345 Aylmer St. N.
Peterborough Museum and Archives – 300 Hunter St. E.
Art Gallery of Peterborough – 250 Crescent St.
Registration for winter instructional swimming or skating lessons, martial arts, dance, adult fitness and sports takes place on Dec. 14 starting at 7 a.m., or one day earlier for Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members starting on Dec. 13 at 7 a.m.
Registering is fast and easy online at peterborough.ca/register, by phone at 705-742-0050, or in person at the Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
For more information, contact Recreation Services customer service at 705-742-0050.
8 Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Dec. 9 - 11
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Photo courtesy of Farmhill Weddings and Events.
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Get into the holiday spirit with a number of events in Peterborough City and County this weekend.
Have brunch with Santa and Kitchen Farmacy at Farmhill’s ‘Naughty or Nice Santa Brunch’
The event is back for the third year in a row at the Farmhill venue in Keene, in partnership with multiple local businesses.
Start the morning off with a moment with Santa Claus (Santa Brian), captured by Wild Lace Photography, then head in for a buffet-style, farm-to-table country brunch from Kitchen Farmacy.
Afterwards, enjoy a stroll around the farm or join in on a guided alpaca tour and take part in a mess-free kids’ Christmas craft.
Tickets: Available online here.
When: Sun. Dec. 11, 9 a.m.
Where: Farmhill Weddings + Events, 2709 Dillon Rd. Peterborough, ON.
Carole with the Donkeys at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary!
Come to the Donkey Sanctuary to meet the amazing animals and shop calendars and confectioneries. Complimentary refreshments are available. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted (charitable tax receipts available).
When: Sat. Dec. 10, 1 p.m.
Where: Primrose Donkey Sanctuary, 1296 Bowmanton Rd. RR 4 Roseneath, ON.
Join the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Digital Publication Launch
Join the Art Gallery of Peterborough to launch their first digital publication documenting Brad Copping’s 2016 exhibition!
This digital publication offers a dynamic experience with image, video and audio, as well as writing by Spencer J. Harrison and AGP curator Fynn Leitch.
Celebrate the launch with a casual panel discussion about the project while exploring the digital site. Refreshments will be served in the Gallery Shop.
When: Sat. Dec. 10, 2 p.m.
Where: Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St. Peterborough, ON.
Get into the Christmas spirit at Charlea’s Riverside Gardens!
Celebrate the holidays at Charlea’s! There will be Christmas workshops, Christmas trees for sale, a makers market, food trucks and beverages, live music and more.
Food competitions will take place every Saturday, and Santa visits are every Sunday.
When: Sat. and Sun. Dec. 10, Dec. 11, 11 a.m.
Where: Charlea’s Riverside Gardens, 4115 County Rd. 32, Douro, ON.
Enjoy a magical holiday show at Showplace’s 19th annual A Cozy Christmas
The Foley Family and musical friends bring you the 19th annual Christmas concert. You'll hear favourite seasonal songs by Bridget Foley and the Gospel Girls (and guys), Sheila Prophet, Norma Curtis, Theresa Foley, Amelia Foley, Colleen Anthony (Foley), Victoria Yeh, Vera Vandermey, Danny Bronson, Steve Lynch and the Stage Cafe Band, Glen Carradus, Bob Trennum and so many more, all designed to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit.
All proceeds from this concert will be sent to a school in Africa that Foley works with to pay teachers salaries. There will also be a "Christmas Village" set in the Nexicom Studio where you can browse and purchase lovely hand crafted gift items and bid on silent auction items from many small businesses.
Tickets: Available online here.
When: Sun. Dec. 11, 2 p.m.
Where: Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. Peterborough, ON.
Jam out with Ty Wilson & the River Spirits with vanCamp & Caitlin Currie!
Join Ty Wilson & the River Spirits, vanCamp & the Skeleton Crew and Caitlin Currie for some indie, folk and country music at The Gordon Best Christmas show!
Tickets: Available online or $10 at the door.
When: Sat. Dec. 10, 8 p.m.
Where: Gordon Best Theatre, 216 Hunter St. W Peterborough, ON.
Be mystified at the Champions of Magic show!
Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic – an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects. Described by the press as ‘The Avengers of magic’ catch the only team of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Tickets: Available online here.
When: Fri. Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. Peterborough, ON.
Do some Christmas shopping at the Community Christmas Market!
For two days only, the Bridge Youth Centre will be hosting a Community Christmas Market featuring local vendors and artisans to bless our community and create some Christmas cheer! This is a community event and all are welcome.
When: Fri. and Sat. Dec. 9 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: The Bridge Youth Centre, 256 Brock St. Peterborough, ON.
Peterborough Woman Writes Grief Memoir on the Death of Teenaged Friend
/To help cope with her best friend’s tragic death, Patti Kimball wrote and published her book ‘Siren on Repeat: What My Best Friend’s Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief’ describing the story of grief and loss of Aprile McIntosh at the age of 14.
Aprile and Patti in January 1988. Photo courtesy of Patti Kimball.
In 1988, Kimball’s best friend died suddenly from a congenital heart condition.
“Aprile was the most cheerful, outgoing (person),” says Kimball. “The laughter just never stopped when you were around her.”
She says her fondest memories of McIntosh include dance parties at Club 404 in Peterborough, movie nights and shopping trips.
“We would all gather around and we dance a lot, we laughed, those were just really, really fun moments,” recalls Kimball. “We would go to those places and we would dance our hearts out for at least a good four hours.”
Photo courtesy of Patti Kimball.
On the day of her passing in February of 1988, Kimball recalls staying home sick that day and starting to feel better around 5 p.m. She received a phone call around 6:50 p.m. from McIntosh, asking if she wanted to go to the dance club with her and a couple of other friends.
“I told her I was not going to be able to go out, there was no way that my mom and dad were going to allow me to do that after I had been sick all day.”
“‘Are you sure that I can’t see you for just five minutes Pat? That’s all I need,’ and I said ‘Yeah I’m sure,’” Kimball continues. “Then she said ‘Pat? You’re the best, never forget it, and I’ll see you soon.’”
By 7:04 p.m., Kimball says, the ambulance had shot down her street. She lived at the top end of the same street as McIntosh, with her house at the bottom end.
“When the ambulance went by, I just got this really unsettling feeling that I couldn’t really figure out,” she describes.
Kimball recalls shaking off those bad feelings and going to bed. When she woke up in the morning she prepared to call McIntosh after breakfast.
“I went over and I start dialling her number, and I hadn’t even finished when I received a knock on my door from another friend, who came and said ‘Patti, it’s Aprile.’ I said ‘I knew it, I knew there was something wrong. What hospital is she in?’ and she just shook her head and told me it’s worse than the hospital, and at that point I knew exactly what happened,” says Kimball.
McIntosh had a congenital heart condition; she had multiple holes through the chambers of her heart, and had been in and out of hospital for many years according to Kimball.
While walking to catch the bus, she collapsed.
Kimball’s self-published novel ‘Siren on Repeat: What My Best Friends Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief’
Along with her group of loyal friends, McIntosh was survived by a sister, brother and two parents.
“All of us friends showed up to all three (visitations), together. It was about loyalty, and if that was any one of us Aprile would’ve done the exact same thing,” said Kimball. “We weren’t not going to be there for her or her family. We were there for all of it. None of us bailed out on her.”
As the years progressed, Kimball went on to graduate from a Social Service Worker program, working as a practical nurse with a focus on community nursing. She is also an Emotional Health Practitioner, a certified Mindset and Emotional Wellness coach trained in the Emotional Wellness Technique.
“When Aprile died it changed me forever. I became more compassionate and more empathetic,” said Kimball. “I gravitated to the helping professions, which is why I went into nursing and I’m a mindset and emotional wellness coach.”
Kimball’s call to help others, as well as processing her own grief, is what led her to write.
“There is not a right or wrong way to grief. I certainly don’t have all the answers but I wanted to be able to share what my experiences were so that someone else who’s reading it may be able to look at where they’re at in their own grief journey and be able to ‘do’ grief on their own terms,” said Kimball. “I wrote many poems processing my grief during that time period, and each time I sat down and I completed one I felt better. Then a few days later I would get this nudge that would tell me I had a lot more to say.”
This was when Kimball says she began writing Siren on Repeat.
“I wanted to honour her memory, and focus on who she was- and not her illness-, the legacy she left behind and the importance of human connection and what friendship really means. The power of those connections can get us to work through the grief and the pain that we’re feeling,” she continues. “The readers will step into my carefree, adolescent days of friendship, experience the shock and trauma of a grieving teenager and follow along my healing journey, to be able to leave the reader with a sense of inspiration.”
The self-published book was released on Oct. 31.
“Through the years I saw so many young people struggling with grief and loss, and I was one of those kids, so I felt a responsibility to support others through grief and loss because I lived it. I knew by sharing my story it may be exactly what someone else needs to hear,” said Kimball.
‘Siren, On Repeat: What My Best Friend’s Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief’ is a memoir that heals through storytelling, offering hope to the reader and author alike by dissecting her grief and honouring the memory of McIntosh.
Those interested in reading Kimball’s novel can click this link.
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Community Care Peterborough Celebrates International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5
/Community Care Peterborough (CCP) is celebrating the impact its volunteers have in the lives of community members through International Volunteer Day (IVD) for Monday.
Selwyn Volunteer Driver Bill Sova goes the extra mile, decorating his vehicle for the holidays to bring extra joy to transportation clients. Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.
Volunteers deliver Meals on Wheels, drop off groceries, drive clients to appointments, call and visit with them, provide well-being check-ins and more. Most rides take place locally and to neighbouring communities, but transportation to medical appointments outside of the County of Peterborough can be arranged.
With volunteer support, clients are able to live independently at home and out of hospitals and long-term care facilities.
“I am continually amazed and impressed by all that they do, and I know that volunteer contributions have huge impacts on the lives of so many,” said Darci Maude, CCP’s volunteer development coordinator. “We thank our volunteers for their continued support.”
Each day, the efforts of over 650 volunteers make it possible for over 6,200 seniors and adults with physical challenges to receive a wide variety of programs and services.
CCP’s clients say that transportation services help them remain independent and connected with the community.
“The transportation services provided are critical to my ability to lead a fairly normal life. Also, I’ve gained new friendships and have been given opportunities to expand my social connections. Transportation services have been so crucial for my psychological health, too,” said a client who receives drives through CCP’s Transportation Program.
To learn more about CCP’s IVD efforts or to get involved, visit the website.
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8 Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Dec. 2 - 4
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File Photo.
