Photos: BBQ and Open House at Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence

Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence (1414 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough) hosted a barbecue and Open House event on Saturday.

The afternoon consisted of live music, dancing and singing as attendees toured the residences at Canterbury. A barbecue lunch was served alongside some fresh salads and cold drinks.

Those interested in learning more about Canterbury Gardens can watch the video below:

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Celebrate Summer Solstice with Right to Heal at Farmhill Weddings

Right to Heal Peterborough invites the community to experience a Summer Solstice event at Farmhill Weddings on June 20– where Heaven and Earth unite on the longest day and shortest night of the year.

photo courtesy of right to heal.

“Summer solstice is a time to honour the sun, and our ancestors celebrated these times in the Wheel of the Year with community gatherings,” explained Liz Shaughnessy, organizer with Right to Heal.  “We planted our seeds of intentions in the spring, and the springtime is a time for action. Summer is the time of nourishment and to take care of the things we planted.”

The fundraising campaign focuses on community healing, with all proceeds going towards funding the Right to Heal organization.

“Right to Heal was born as a way to bring funding to our area to help people who are struggling,” Liz explains. “My mom has been fighting for 20 years for this to happen, so that’s also why we’re doing this fundraiser.”

“It’s a time to reflect on the first half of the year, set your intentions for the summer, and sunset meditation. Then we end the evening by letting go of what no longer serves us during a powerful fire ceremony,” she continued. “That’s why (the event) is happening on the summer solstice, because we’re looking to nourish our community and to get excited about what we’re trying to achieve locally. We are helping the people on the streets, or those that are hiding behind closed doors who people don’t know have an addiction.”

Those interested in this event can celebrate Summer Solstice with Right to Heal at Farmhill Weddings (2709 Dillon Road, Peterborough) from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 21.

The summer solstice is a sober event, and will feature a guest speaker who has been through Right to Heal’s services, as well as raffles from local businesses and a number of outdoor activities including a sunset meditation.

For tickets and more information visit the link.

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Public Art Project Renaissance On Hunter 2023 Is Underway

The 2023 Renaissance on Hunter public art projects are underway, with the installation of a series of road murals and poetry gardens on Hunter Street between George and Aylmer.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough

Now in its third year, Renaissance on Hunter is a public art initiative that is coordinated through the City of Peterborough public art program with support from the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and GreenUP.

The Poetry Gardens Project

Designed and installed by GreenUP, the gardens were planted in late May, with prairie grasses and native flowering plants. The meandering wildflower meadow will serve as a backdrop for a rotation of poetry from June to September. This month the gardens feature works by the 2023 Poet Laureate, Ziysah von Bieberstein, and Peterborough’s first Poet Laureate, Sarah Lewis. The names of the nine poets whose work will be featured over the summer will be announced at the end of the month.

The Road Mural Project

The 2023 road murals are being installed through a mentorship program. Ten artists were selected to be mentored under the artists who created the 2022 road murals. The teams will work together to refresh the 2022 murals and incorporate elements designed by the mentees. Road murals are expected to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.

Artist teams by site

Site 1: Odoonabii II by mentor Aaron Robitaille, with mentees Kelly King, Em Farquhar Barrie, and Holly Edwards.

Site 2: Glacial Formation II by mentor Josh Morley, with mentees Sarah St. Pierre and Bethany Davis.

Site 3: Flight of the Pollinators II by mentor Brooklin Holbrough, with mentees Justine- Marie Williams and Deanna Henry.

Site 4: Nothing Out of Reach II by mentor Nuin-Tara Morin, with mentees Aryan Bhagat and Cassandra Shaw.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; June 16 - 18

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from June 16 - 18!

 

Kawartha Downs and Impact Motor Sports Kawartha Smackdown Demo Derby

Together with Kawartha Downs Events we will bring an action-packed show which includes, figure 8 racing, stock trucks, windshield compacts and two man teams full-size V8. Watch as these stock, from the factory, compact cars smash and crash into each other until the final car is crowned the winner. The stock trucks put on a show seeing them bend and twist to look like bananas!

The two-man team V8 cars will manoeuvre and jockey for position to come out on top and take home the championship. Figure 8 racing will thrill you with their daring dash through the centre to complete their laps in record time!

There are activities for all ages, power wheels competition for kids 4-9, a pit party to meet the drivers and live music to entertain the audience.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Kawartha Downs Events for the Kawartha Smackdown.

When: June 17, noon - 5 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: $12.60 - $30.50

 

Live Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

See horses and drivers in the sulkies race around a five-eighths mile track at Kawartha Downs. Bet on your favourite horses and enjoy the dining experience while you see the horses circle the track.

When: June 17, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

 

Live Music at Kawartha Downs

Stick around Kawartha downs as live music is happening right after the Kawartha Smackdown Demolition Derby.

When: June 17, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

 

26th Annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show At Lang Pioneer Village

Enjoy the Kawarthas’ original tractor show featuring power equipment displays, tractor games, vintage farm trucks, tractor and wagon rides, a tractor parade through the Village and more.

When: June 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets: Free for children five and under, $7 children, $10 students and seniors and $15 for adults, $40 family pass (two adults and up to four children and youth)

 

Monster Spectacular at the Peterborough Memorial Centre

Monster Spectacular, Canada’s sports and entertainment spectacle - mixing the thrills and spills of motorsports, showmanship and the ultimate fan experience into incredible, action-packed live shows roars into the Peterborough Memorial Centre on June 18th, 2023.

Excited in anticipation of sold-out shows across the country, fans will get the opportunity to see some of the biggest, baddest monster trucks on the circuit. The adrenaline will be pumping as the drivers compete in high octane side-by-side racing, freestyle competitions and unique driver skill contests.

Monster Spectacular electrifies fans with breathtaking stunts and the awesome power of the world’s most popular monster trucks, including Overkill Evolution, Black Stallion and more!

Joining this year’s lineup of monster trucks will also be fast, family-friendly events such as lawnmower races. Plus the heart-pumping excitement of a Motocross backflip.

When: June 18, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Memorial Centre

Tickets: $36.30 for children (12 and under) and $44.30 for adults

 

Peterborough Police Community Open House

The Peterborough Police Service is hosting a Community Open House at their headquarters.

Visitors can tour the station, watch demonstrations from various units including K9, ERT (rappel team), RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) and see many of the police vehicles. 

The Emergency Command Centre can teacher residents about policing as a career and enjoy ‘Coffee with a Cop.’  

GreenUP Peterborough will be in attendance to teach about bike safety.  

Station tours will run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the back lot.  

When: June 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Police Station

Tickets: Free

 

Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: June 17, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

 

Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market

We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.

The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.

As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.

When: June 17, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Quaker Foods City Square

 

30 Craft Market at the Peterborough Public Library

Come see what local artisans have to offer at the Peterborough Public Library.

When: June 17, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Public Library

Tickets: Free

Peterborough Pathway of Fame Announces Class of 2023 Inductees

Pathway of Fame has announced the most recent group of Inductees for the Class of 2023 in Peterborough and District.

photo courtesy of pathway of fame, facebook.

The Pathway of Fame Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization first formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities. The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park in 1998.

Recent inductees include:

John Ambrose (Jack) Doris (Community Builder)

First elected to Peterborough City Council in 1967, John Ambrose (Jack) Doris subsequently represented his Monaghan Ward constituents for 39 years and served another six years as Mayor before stepping back from politics in 2014 – his legacy secure as someone who always had your back, and treated all with equal kindness and compassion.

Courtney Druce (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Before cancer tragically cut short her life at 27, Courtney Druce made it her mission to inspire and provide hope for others fighting their own battles – raising funds for, and bringing awareness to the important work of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name but a few benefactors of her empathy for others. Courtney Druce died April 27, 2016 just shy of her 28th birthday.

Sean Eyre (Cultural/Community Betterment)

From his radio broadcasting heyday as ‘Sunshine Sean’ to his co-founding of Rocklands Entertainment, to his relentless promotion of local artists – Sean Eyre’s love of his community has also encompassed service as a City alderman, not to mention one of the driving forces behind the 1998 founding of the Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame.    

Charlie Gregory (Barb Bell Humanity Award Recipient)

Charlie Gregory’s photographic essays of the homeless have not only afforded the viewer a window into the harsh realities of the unhoused, but his images reveal the humanity of those who exist on the fringe. A self-described “watcher of folks who live on the edges of society,” Gregory has made it his selfless mission to both document, and offer support for the marginalized. As part of his advocacy, the proprietor of ‘Lumpy Bikes’ donates refurbished bicycles to those in need. His only ask: “That I take your picture.”

Stephanie and John MacDonald (Cultural/Community Betterment)

This Peterborough couple’s compelling, and vast contributions to the betterment and well-being of their community run the gamut, with the list of organizations having benefitted from their involvement, drive and passion as long, as it is impressive – all while serving as selfless and dedicated lifelong educators who each rose to the position of school principal. John MacDonald passed away at the end of 2022, in his 83rd year.

David McNab (Samaritan)

Having fully earned his status as global citizen, retired Peterborough County OPP constable David McNab continues to play a key role in the settlement and integration of Syrian refugees into the Peterborough community, displaying the same selfless compassion for others that fuelled his long involvement with Cops For Cancer and countless local organizations and initiatives.

Mike Melnik (Media)

As the popular morning host for ‘KRUZ’ AM and FM before his retirement from the airwaves in 2012, Mike Melnik’s welcoming and distinctive voice started the day for thousands of listeners. His passion for the community, and his capacity for instantly putting his guests at ease was a gift that translated into a coveted spotlight for countless events, causes and organizations – Easter Seals, and its annual telethon among them.

Cathy Rowland (Dramatic Arts)

A staunch champion of the Peterborough arts scene and in particular the involvement, and creative works of our community’s youth, Cathy Rowland founded the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS and served as lead writer of the Ontario Applied Design and Arts curriculum – in addition to writing, producing and directing numerous theatrical productions.

Jeannine Taylor (Media)

A self-made entrepreneur of close to 30 years, KawarthaNOW founder, CEO and publisher Jeannine Taylor was first out of the gate locally in terms of recognizing, and acting upon the emergence of the Internet as a media communications platform, having since leveraged her experience and influence to mentor other women in business.   

Greg Wells (Entertainment)

As a two-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most sought-after record producers in the world, Los Angeles-based Greg Wells has never forgotten his Peterborough roots – honouring and celebrating the City’s rich musical heritage by devoting his time and considerable skills to the furtherance of homegrown talent.

Inductees are chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by an anonymous committee comprised of community citizens having no current association whatsoever with, or connection to, The Pathway of Fame. The Nominations Chair is tasked with appointing a new Selection Committee each year, the members of which are confidential and never revealed to The Pathway of Fame.

Induction ceremonies are held each September at the Showplace Performance Centre. This years’ induction for the Class of 2023 will return to the main stage Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m. and is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Past inductees are welcome. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

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Children's Performers Splash 'N Boots To Perform At 34th Annual Peterborough Folk Festival

Juno Award-winning children’s performers Splash’N Boots are making their way to the 34th annual Peterborough Folk Festival at Nicholls Oval Park for Aug. 20, announced on Tuesday.

Each year, Peterborough Folk Festival welcomes more than 12,000 people to Peterborough and the surrounding region. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Folk Festival.

“The much-loved Children's Village is one of the most popular aspects of Peterborough Folk Festival, with family-friendly activities like crafts, face-painting and children's performers all weekend long on the dedicated Children’s Stage,” sayid Rob Davis, Folk Festival chair. “We can't wait to see the Yellow and Blue Crew kids parade from the Children's Village to enjoy Splash'N Boots on the Main Stage.”

The Festival is a four-day celebration of music, culture and community. It kicks off at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on August 17th and various downtown venues on August 18. Nicholls Oval Park weekend events have free admission.

“It’s a collective experience for us and the audience. Our goal is always connection – bringing kids closer to their families and also to each other,” explains Boots.

“Our hope is that our music will connect and also inspire kids to stand up tall in who they are and know that they are always loved,” said Splash. “Unique and inventive, they constantly strive to create opportunities for parents and children to share moments.

For more information, how to get involved as an artist, volunteer or vendor or to donate, visit www.peterboroughfolkfest.com.

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Peterborough Police To Host a Community Open House This Saturday

The Peterborough Police Service is hosting a Community Open House this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their headquarters, announced on Tuesday.

Visitors can tour the station, watch demonstrations from various units including K9, ERT (rappel team), RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) and see many of the police vehicles. 

The Emergency Command Centre can teacher residents about policing as a career and enjoy ‘Coffee with a Cop.’  

GreenUP Peterborough will be in attendance to teach about bike safety.  

Station tours will run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the back lot.  

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Photos: Opa! Greek Festival Booms After Three-Year Hiatus With Dance and Traditional Cuisine

Over 2,000 people came and went at the return of the Greek Festival from a three-year hiatus, held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Sunday. Traditional Greek favourite meals such as souvlaki, gyros, baklava and Greek salad were served at the event. Dancing, a kids’ fun zone and live entertainment were the amenities offered during the festival.

Homeless Man Recovers Missing Barbeque For Local Restaurant; Business Owner Asks Public For Essentials To Donate

Homeless man Mike Noble selflessly recovered a missing barbecue for Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria and owner Taso Hatzianastasiou is asking the public to donate essentials to help the good Samaritan in a Facebook post created Thursday.

Noble beside the previously missing catering barbeque stored in the back of Taso’s. Facebook photo.

Hatzianastasiou had discovered his barbecue was missing last weekend and often uses it for catering. He says Noble discovered it at a ‘tent city,’ got into a fight and dragged it back to the restaurant for him according to a Facebook post.

This was not the first time that Noble has aided Taso’s. He often helps the restaurant on a regular basis according to Hatzianastasiou.

“Mike always helps me in the mornings with anything I need, cleaning, unloading my truck,” explained in the Facebook post. “He never asks for money, just food and clothes. I try to help him in any way that I can.”

Hatzianastasiou is asking that the public to donate items such as clothing (medium or large for shirts) rubber boots, running shoes (size 12), a tent, a sleeping bag and a pillow but reminds everyone that Noble does not have a lot of storage space available.

During Hatzianastasiou's public outreach, he wanted to help destigmatize any negativity toward homeless people, especially toward Noble. The latter has struggled with mental health issues and has been homeless for a few years said Hatzianastasiou.

“He’s a very good guy and gets approached by people in the wrong way because of his mental breakdowns,” he explained. “He’s a kind man. Polite and always trying to bring you up.”

All donations can be given to Taso’s which is located at 287 George St. N.

“My ultimate goal is to find this man a place he can live,” concluded Hatzianastasiou.

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City of Peterborough Community Activities for National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month 2023

Activities are being held throughout the community, including at City of Peterborough facilities, for residents to take part in National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month in June.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Highlights from the activities at City of Peterborough facilities:

Art Gallery of Peterborough

250 Crescent St.

  • Exhibition: Special Project: Tea with the Queens, June 7 to June 29, 2023

  • Opening reception for new exhibitions, June 7, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Afternoon Tea with the Queens, June 11 and 14, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and June 11, 13, and 22, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  • Indigenous Day Celebrations at Hiawatha First Nation: Art Gallery of Peterborough tent; June 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Peterborough Public Library

345 Aylmer St. N.

  • PA Day Family Movie: Indigenous Cinema Shorts for Children, June 9, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

  • Crafternoon: Beaded Rings with Malinda Gray, June 10, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Teen Book Club: Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, June 13, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Sunset Story Time with Betty Baker, June 16, 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Non-fiction Book Club: Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance by Jesse Wente, June 20, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Summer Solstice Story Time, National Indigenous Peoples Day at Millennium Park, 130 King St., June 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

  • 10 Indigenous Titles You Should Read this Month featured at the Seniors Showcase, Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., June 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

  • Tween Book Club: Barren Grounds by David Robertson, June 22, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

  • Friday Film & Discussion: Voices Across the Water, June 23, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Adult Book Club: A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt, June 27, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space, open during library hours

Peterborough Museum and Archives

300 Hunter St. E.

  • ‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales’ exhibit, open during museum hours until mid-November

  • Quillwork Workshops, June 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., registration required

  • Pride Flag Scavenger Hunt, during open hours all through June

  • Pride Craft based on the book ‘My Rainbow’ and Stories station, during open hours all through June

  • Indigenous Day Kids Crafts, June 21, during open hours

  • Interpretive tours of the ‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales’ exhibit, available June 21, watch for details on the Museum website and social media

The City of Peterborough’ s Public Art Program invites you to visit The Nogojiwanong Project

The Nogojiwanong Project, located at the south end of Millennium Park, was a collaboration undertaken in the spirit of kinship between local First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and the City of Peterborough in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. Through the collaboration, this gathering space was created to encourage learning and reflection with a series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. The “Gathering” provides the focal point for the space.

Michael Belmore’s, entitled “Gathering,” complements the panels and anchors the space. It consists of a grouping of glacial erratic boulders, carved, lined with copper, and fitted so that they sit slightly apart and seemingly radiate heat. The stones are embellished with the Treaty 20 Clan Totems or Dodems as they are called in Anishinaabemowin.

Nogojiwanong is an Anishinaabe word meaning “place at the foot of the rapids” and the name given to the gathering place, at the bottom of a turbulent stretch of the Otonabee River, renamed Peterborough by European settlers.

Millennium Park forms the present-day landfall and eddy along the western shoreline. It is also the site of the trailhead to the Chemong Portage – a six- or seven-mile historic footpath between the Otonabee River and Chemong Lake.

The Nogojiwanong Project location acknowledges these ancestral lands and the thousands of years the Michi Saagiig navigated this route between their winter camps and traditional fishing grounds at the mouth of the Ganaraska River on Lake Ontario.

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