Rotary Club of Peterborough Seeking Nominations For 2025 Paul Harris Fellowship

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is seeking nominations for its prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for 2025 in honour of the founder of Rotary International in 1905.

All of the Paul Harris recipients from last year’s event. Vocational Service: Dr. Douglas Chenoweth; Youth Services: Don Barrie; Environmental Service: Mike Henry; Community Service: Gordon Bowley & Sandra (Sam) Whitmore; International Service: Laurie Heigh and Club Service: Wayne Harding Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

According to Rotary, the Fellowship recognizes local individuals for their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area and the world at large. It is considered the highest honour Rotarians can give.

Nominations in the following categories can be completed online with the deadline next Wednesday.

Categories include:

• Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community. 

• International Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution toward to betterment of the communities in other parts of the world, and/or leadership toward work peace and understanding. 

• Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent wit Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

• Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions toward to youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

• Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

• Club Service: To recognize a Peterborough Rotary Club member for their outstanding service and dedication. 

For the first time, the Rotary Club of Peterborough and Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha will celebrate the recipients at a joint Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Nov. 20 at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

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Grady's Feet Essentials to Change Hands But Keeps Business In the Family

With over 40 years in Peterborough, Tony and Kelli Grady of Grady’s Feet Essentials are passing the business on to family, Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh, effective Sept. 1 next year.

(From left to right) Tony Grady, Kelli Grady, Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh. Photo courtesy of Grady’s Feet Essentials.

The announcement was made on the business's Facebook page in a post. Thibadeau is Tony’s cousin, with Walsh as her husband. Thibadeau has been working at the store for the past 12 years, serving as manager in the last three.

“Theresa brings exceptional customer service skills and strong accounting experience,” explained Kelli. “She knows what makes Grady's special and is passionate about carrying that forward as she takes over ownership along with her husband Mark.”

In 1984, Ken Grady Sr. founded Grady’s Orthopedic Service from his home, crafting custom orthotics for local customers. He opened the first Grady’s Shoes storefront in downtown Peterborough a year later.

Two yeas later, Tony started helping after school each day. He purchased the store with his wife, Kelli, in 1997 and was rebranded as Grady’s Feet Essentials. They opened a kiosk at Lansdowne Place Mall in 2000. This led to further expansion into an entire storefront on the mall’s upper level in 2005 and a major renovation with the help of a retail designer in 2011.

In 2018, they purchased the former Angela Mark boutique building at 231 King Street in Peterborough which is their current location. Until the pandemic hit, they were restoring the building and using it for storage and office space. The pandemic forced them to think creatively, establishing a curbside pickup location and a satellite store at King Street. By February 2022, Grady’s Feet Essentials had officially relocated from Lansdowne Place to their newly renovated King Street location.

With next year being Tony’s 40th year involved in the business, it marked a great way to cap off a career, according to Kelli.

“That felt like the right milestone to pass the torch and explore new adventures,” she explained. “With our daughters pursuing careers outside the footwear world, we looked for someone who could carry on the Grady's legacy - and we're thrilled to have found that with Theresa and Mark.”

Tony and Kelli are remaining in the community as they are both members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough. Kelli serves as the director of membership and club service while Tony was appointed the new president in July. There are no concrete plans on what the couple plans to do after Grady’s Feet but are ready to take on what life brings them.

“We're keeping ourselves open to new possibilities - it will be fun to try new things and see where our interests and skills take us next,” said Kelli.

During the final year under the Grady’s, they are helping Thibadeau and Walsh with the transition of ownership, who will take over in September of next year.

“We are deeply grateful to the Peterborough community for supporting our store over the years,” said Kelli. “Grady's Feet Essentials has always been more than just a store - it's been about the relationships, conversations and trust we've built with our customers. As we step into a new chapter, we're excited to see the Grady's tradition continue with Theresa and Mark. This isn't goodbye - you'll still see us around the community and cheering on Grady's.”

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha Seeking Local Projects to Support

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha invites local organizations and groups to submit project proposals for funding and support.

The Club has been involved in the Splash Pad at Nicholls Oval, the Outdoor Gym at Beavermead Park, Musical Instruments at Riverview Park and Zoo and has provided funding for Hospice Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha.

Priority is given to initiatives that include a ‘hands-on’ component, allowing the club to contribute not just financially but also through volunteer efforts.

Any organization with a project can complete the Local Funding Request Form located under the ‘Documents’ section.

The deadline for submissions is Nov. 15, 2025.

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United Way Announces Ambitious Goal to Raise $1.6 Million For 2025 Campaign

The bar keeps being raised for United Way of Peterborough & District which unveiled its 2025 campaign goal to raise $1.6 million, announced at the Healthy Planet Arena on Thursday afternoon.

Last year’s goal was $1.5 million while 2023 was $1.45 million. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 84th Community Campaign for United Way’s goal is a $1 million increase from last year’s $1.5 million. Jim Russell, United Way CEO said that it is positive that the goal gets raised every year.

“As our campaign chair (Paul Rellinger) said this morning, it's aspirational. We hit 1.55 (million) last year and nobody wants to be a part of doing less than what happened the year before,” he explained. “What you want in a campaign chair is some hunger, some animation and you don't want people to set the bar. I think it's appropriate that the goal is ahead of last year's number. 

However, Russell wants to reiterate that the increased goal is not just for the sake of picking a number but rather, it is adapting to the increasing need of the United Way’s services to the community.

“The sad truth is that even the need in the community is pretty great,” he explained. “Waiting lists are longer for our services that our partners provide and so the need is there. It's picking a number for money needs to be invested in the right services in our community and we want to make sure that happens.”

@ptbo_canada The bar keeps being raised for Peterborough & District United Way which unveiled its 2025 campaign goal to raise $1.6 million. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #unitedway ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

New this year are two new fundraiser initiatives for United Way. The first is a monthly 50/50 online draw. The other is the United Way Ultimate Burger Battle taking place from Nov. 1 to 30 which would get local restaurants involved in the fundraising campaign in a creative and fun way.

“It was an initiative that some United Ways started a couple of years ago with local restaurants, creating a burger for the United Way with proceeds from the sale of that burger,” explained Russell. “It happens throughout the month of November so we're in the midst of trying to get restaurants on board with the campaign. It's been really quite successful in other communities ironically enough so we're happy to add that element to the mix.”

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George Street Getting Commemorative Crosswalk Installed This Fall to Honour Canadian Veterans

A commemorative crosswalk to honour Canadian veterans will be installed at the intersection of George and McDonnel streets this fall. 

Google Maps Screenshot.

“The installation of this commemorative crosswalk is a powerful symbol of respect and remembrance,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It reflects the pride Peterborough has in its veterans and the importance of keeping their legacy alive. This project is a wonderful collaboration with the Royal Canadian Legion, and I look forward to residents and visitors alike pausing to reflect as they pass through this meaningful space.”

The crosswalk was designed in collaboration with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 Peterborough. It will feature red and white stripes, the silhouette of a soldier, and the words ‘Lest We Forget.’

“This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II, making this a very special tribute to all the men and women from Peterborough City and County who gave the ultimate sacrifice in both World Wars, the Korean War, Afghanistan and the numerous Peacekeeping Operations around the world in order for us to live free in this great country we call Canada,” said Robert Lloyd, President Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 Peterborough. 

The crosswalk will be installed while asphalt work at the intersection of George and McDonnel streets is underway. 

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Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc. Founder Passes Away At 93

Alf Curtis, founder of Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc., has passed away at the age of 93, as announced on his business’s social media on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc.

He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday.

Visitation is at the Ashburnham Funeral Home at the following times:

• Thursday: 2 to 4 p.m. & 6 to 8 p.m.

• Friday: 10 to 11 a.m. (one hour prior to service)

The funeral service will take place this Friday at 11 a.m., followed by a reception and interment at Rosemount Memorial Gardens.

At the family’s request, guests are encouraged to dress casually.

All three of our store locations are closed on Friday in honour of Curtis and to allow their staff to attend the funeral service.

The family has requested that any donations be made to the Fairhaven Long Term Care Foundation or the Alzheimer Society.

In 1975, Alf Curtis founded the business, initially employing two people: himself and his wife, June Curtis. During the first year of operations, it expanded to include two new employees, including Alf's son, Larry Curtis.

The business initially began as a supply and installation company of aluminum products, including sidings, soffits, eavestroughs, storm doors, storm windows, awnings, and railings. Alf already had years of experience in installing these products before forming his own company.

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Riley's Pub Owner and Operator Passes Away From Battle With Cancer

Jim Kakouros, Riley’s Pub owner and primary operator, has passed away after battling cancer, as announced on a Facebook post on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of Riley’s Pub.

According to the post, Kakouros battled cancer for two years before his passing. Details regarding his funeral are to detailed at a later time according to the business.

Kakouros lived to be 54 years old.

It is asked that his family be given some distance at this time as they deal with the loss.

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Peterborough Police Service Launch Interactive Community Safety Map

To share more information on community safety and security, the Peterborough Police Service has launched a new interactive community safety map, which went live on Tuesday.

Screenshot, Youtube.

Available online, it is designed to improve community awareness of police activity and engage citizens in crime prevention strategies as a partnership method to build safer communities accroding to Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.

“The Community Safety Map is a way the Peterborough Police Service can further engage with our communities,” he explained. “It is about information sharing and providing certain data that is relevant to understanding the picture of safety that exists in our communities. In our current Strategic Plan we have committed to developing new proactive policing initiatives and messaging around public safety and crime prevention – this is one of those initiatives. We hope residents and visitors will find the information useful.”

The Community Safety Map shows the following types of calls for service:

• Assault 

• Break & Enter - Business/Residence

• Drug Offences

• Fraud

• Impaired/Over 80

• Mischief

• Robbery

• Shoplifting

• Stolen Vehicle

• Theft

• Weapons

The incidents are not plotted to exact addresses but to larger intersections. The Peterborough Police cautions against using this call-for-service data to conclude the safety or crime levels for an area. The data is a snapshot in time and is subject to change. The map includes 365 days of data from the day a person views it.

If anyone has information about an incident, they can connect to the online reporting portal and Crime Stoppers through links on the map.

On the website, available is information on how to use the Community Safety Map, privacy information, and information about the types of crimes that are on the map.  

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Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park and Zoo’s Launch New Accessible Playground Fundraising Campaign to Raise $1.5 Million

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park and Zoo have teamed up for Project ROAR, a $1.5 million fundraising campaign for an accessible playground, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Project Roar Committee unveiled its plans for a completely redesigned Rotary Accessible Playground at Riverview Park and Zoo to allow anyone of all abilities and all ages to enjoy the space.

Upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, relaxing shady spaces with great sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Rotarian Betty Halman-Plumley was the president of the Rotary Club during the 2023-2024 term. During that time, the Club conducted extensive community outreach and local needs assessments in the lead up to deciding on the club’s next big Legacy Project said Halman-Plumley.

“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow – regardless of ability,” she said. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. Together with the Riverview Park & Zoo we are building more than just a play space – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive.”

Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO, first presented the concept for this project to the Rotary Club in 2024.

“We are thrilled to work with the energy and magnetism of the Rotary Club of Peterborough through their Legacy Project to bring these remarkable plans off the shelf and to fruition,” she said. “Established in 2018 through community consultation, these engineered playground plans were created to address the diverse needs of our community, bringing all ages and all abilities together for outdoor recreation and play. Thanks to Rotary and this Legacy commitment, we are able to move forward, remove barriers, and make it happen.”

The event paid tribute to the late Rotarian Ross Dobbin who founded the Riverview Park and Zoo in 1933. Some of his family members were present to honour his name on his behalf.

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City of Peterborough Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day On Aug. 31

The City of Peterborough joins communities across the world in remembering the thousands of lives lost to drug overdose on International Overdose Awareness Day, which takes place on Aug. 31.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, reduce stigma and remember the friends, family, and community members we’ve lost,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The overdose crisis doesn’t just shatter families; it fractures our entire community.”

Moms Stop the Harm and Peterborough Aids Resource Network will hold a flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at City Hall. A purple flag will be raised in memory of those lost to drug poisoning and in recognition of the grief carried by their loved ones.

A Community Memorial and Awareness Event will be held at Confederation Square, across the street from City Hall, on Aug. 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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