See Vintage, Military And Civilian Aircraft At Peterborough Airport As Part Of Canada 150 Celebrations

Marking Canada’s 150th birthday will be a special occasion this year at Peterborough Airport, as the general public is invited to join them in celebrating the milestone with vintage, military and civil aircraft on display.

The event, called “Flying Fortress Week”, will take place at Peterborough Airport from July 10th to 16th and is sponsored by the Peterborough Destination Association.

Starting on Monday July 10th, a World War II B-17G Flying Fortress bomber named Sentimental Journey will be on display and ground tours will be available for the public for a small donation to the Commemorative Air Force (on-site) during the entire week. 

B-17 photo via PeterboroughAiport.com

Flights on the B-17 will take place on Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, July 16th. TIckets for flights and additional information on the B-17 are available here.

On Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, July 16th, the B-17G bomber will be joined by various vintage, military and civil aircraft for public display.

Hercules photo via PeterboroughAirport.com

Harvard photo via PeterboroughAirport.com

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) will also participate in the event with a “Fly-in”, and their members will have their aircraft on display.

The Loomex Group will have their jet simulator on display. The jet simulator is used for large scale emergency exercises that include airport staff and response agencies.

Scenic flights will be available on Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, July 16th with one of the local flight schools, WM Aeroflight.

For more information, call the Peterborough Airport at 705.743.6708.

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Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site's “Lock’n Paddle” Event In Celebration Of National Canoe Day & Canada 150

The second “Lock’n Paddle” event is preparing to float its way back into Peterborough on Saturday, June 24th.

2016 Lock 'n Paddle

This year, in celebration of Canada 150 and National Canoe Day, the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site of Canada in partnership with The Canadian Canoe Museum and The Land Canadian Adventures will once again ask the question, “How many paddlecraft can you fit in a Lift Lock?"

2016 Lock 'n Paddle

With Canada 150 celebrations in mind, the goal will be to fit 150 paddlecraft into each of the two lock chambers, for a total of 300 paddlecraft. This will smash last year’s record of 138 paddlecraft and will highlight the goal of National Canoe Day to promote recreational paddling for individuals, groups, families, clubs and communities.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 24th, the lockage will begin. Once the lock chambers are at an equal elevation, the Lock Master will halt the lockage and participants and visitors will be invited to raise their paddles and sing both O Canada and Happy Birthday in celebration of 150 years of Confederation.

You don't want to miss this event!

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A Superhero Kid Named Harrison Who Touched So Many Lives Is Now In Heaven

Peterborough's Harrison McKinnon lived a short life but had a huge impact on so many.

The little boy who we wrote about last year during his battle with lymphoma—he and his parents helped raise awareness about the vital need for blood donors—died on Saturday (June 17th) at the age of 2 years old after a brief and unexpected battle with infection.

Harrison

"Our hearts have shattered into a million pieces... after a brief and unexpected battle with an insidious and relentless infection, today we kissed and held our darling Harrison for the last time," his mom Shannon wrote in a Facebook post.

"On June 17, 2017, 2:15pm, at the age of 2 years, 9 months, our beautiful, sensitive, thoughtful, cuddly, funny and infinitely brave firstborn baby boy peacefully gave up his fight and left all his pain and suffering behind. We are left heartbroken that we will never know the amazing person he was destined to become, but so honoured and thankful that he chose us as his parents so we could know how full our hearts and lives could be. Because of him, we know a love we never guessed was possible before he became ours for his short time in this world. 'Mamoo' forever, Little Love"

Harrison pictured last year with his parents Barrett and Shannon

The powerful obituary for Harrison speaks of an "army of people"—family and friends and caregivers and community—that has been so supportive of Harrison and family during his battle, and praying for them. And that included the teams at PRHC in Peterborough and SickKids in Toronto.

"From the beginning of our fight the paediatric team at PRHC have been our number one champions and supporters - doing everything and anything in their power to help make our path a little bit easier to walk and whatever they could do to help make Harrison well... We would like to express our heartfelt and endless thanks to our exceptional medical team at Sick Kids, who treated us with amazing compassion and kindness, and more like family than patients."

Harrison with his baby brother, Jack

"Harrison fought cancer relentlessly for more than half his life, with a remarkably sunny disposition and with an incredible bravery and strength that left us in awe of him in his short time here with us," his parents write in the obit. "In the end, he beat the beast twice, but ultimately lost his fight to a fierce and opportunistic infection that was able to overcome his body as a result of side effects of treatments he received to help him win his battle with cancer."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people consider making donations to The Children's Oncology Group Foundation—an organization that funded the trial of the drug that ultimately helped Harrison beat his disease—donating blood in his name, or registering with the stem cell donor registry to help save a life like Harrison's.

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Portrait Of Peterborough Artist Series Launches Showcasing 40 Local Artists

Peterborough photo artist Mike Taylor has launched an awesome "Peterborough Artists and Artisans Portrait Project" showcasing the tremendous talent in the arts community in Kawarthas.

Jeffrey Macklin, photo by Mike Taylor

Taylor is creating a portrait of 40 select creatives (some of those are featured in this post) as they work, and is hoping to exhibit the entire collection when it's completed at a gallery show (he has four portraits remaining to shoot).

Shannon Taylor, photo by Mike Taylor

"I started this project about 10 years ago, but it was pushed to the side as life got in the way," Taylor tells PTBOCanada of the series. "This past February, I decided that I was ready to pick it up again. So I started researching the local arts community, began sending out email letters and booked my first few portraits."

Megan Ward, photo by Mike Taylor

"The first to shoot was Rob Niezen in his home studio, and the most recent was Lakefield artist Marilyn Goslin," Taylor tells PTBOCanada of his series which is nearing completion.

Rob Niezen, photo by Mike Taylor

"Most of the time, an artist I approach will accept," Taylor says of the series. "I’ve been turned down only twice. A pretty good success ratio I think."

Victoria Wallace, photo by Mike Taylor

"In most cases, the day that I shoot the artist is the first time I meet them," Taylor says. "I go in cold, not knowing what sort of person or environment I will encounter. The challenges are many [he documents some of them here]—and I revel in them all."

John Climenhage, photo by Mike Taylor

"When I moved to Peterborough in 2002, it was very apparent to me this is a very richly artistic community, Taylor tells PTBOCanada. "Being a creative myself, I saw this series as an opportunity to build a body of work that could stretch my skills, while bringing more attention to these talented people. They deserve it. The city deserves it. I’m happy to be part of such a great group of people."

Kate hyde, photo by mike taylor

Recently Taylor started an additional page on the website where he writes about how a few of the portraits were accomplished. "Readers get insight into what is involved in the process, the challenges I deal with, along with what their artist-heros are like while at work," Taylor says.

Paul Nabuurs, photo by Mike Taylor

Taylor's hope is to assemble an exhibition that holds all 40 portraits in addition to a piece of art by each artist. "The idea is that visitors who come to see their favourite artist will be exposed to potentially 39 others that they weren’t familiar with—it’s a win-win scenario," he says.

Peer Christiansen, photo by mike taylor

View more of Mike Taylor's photographs from the series here.

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Peterborough Humane Society PSA About Leaving Pets Unattended In Vehicles

“I left the window down for him.” “I wasn’t going to be gone long.” The Peterborough Humane Society has heard all the excuses, they say in a release. To educate the public on the dangers of leaving pets unattended in vehicles during the summer months, they are launching their 2017 "No Hot Pets" campaign in partnership with the OSPCA, the OPP and the Peterborough Police.

The issue of owners leaving their pets in vehicles during the hot summer months is an ongoing problem across Ontario and puts animals at risk. There is no excuse for leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle and this summer the Peterborough Humane society is seeking the public’s help to share this important message.

 “Leaving your pet unattended in a vehicle is one of the most irresponsible things an owner can do," says Susan Dunkley, Manager of Development and Outreach with the Humane Society. “Leave your pet at home, and if you must take your pet make sure that someone is with it at all times.”

DOGS CAN DIE QUICKLY IN UNATTENDED VEHICLE

Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows slightly open. Dogs have a limited ability to sweat, so even a short time in a hot environment can be life-threatening. A dog's normal body temperature is about 39°C and a temperature of 41°C can be withstood only for a very short time before irreparable brain damage or even death can occur.

If a dog is showing signs of heat stroke—excessive panting and drooling, listlessness or unconsciousness— prompt veterinary medical attention is vital. In the meantime, wet the fur immediately with lukewarm to cool water, not cold water. Bring the pet into the shade and offer drinking water.

The Peterborough Humane Society along with the Peterborough Police, the OSPCA and the OPP, will be on site at Costco on Wednesday, June 21st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. educating people about how quickly it can get hot in a car and how important it is to leave your pet at home. If you would like more information, stop in to see the Humane Society there or at Lansdowne Place Mall on Friday, July 7th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you observe an animal suffering in the heat, call Animal Control at 705-745-4722, ext 656, 310-SPCA (7722), or your local police (911).

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Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre Has Taken In More Than 300 Injured Turtles Already This Year

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre has seen a huge increase in the number of injured turtles it's taken in this year.

"Last year at this time we had taken in 175 injured turtles, and today we are at 315," the Turtle says in a Facebook post as to how overwhelmed they have been.

Injured turtle brought in

"Dr. Sue Carstairs and our wonderful vet techs work diligently to give care to each turtle as it arrives," the Turtle Centre says.

Here's a picture of vet tech Amanda treating an injured snapping turtle in their hospital reception area...

Amanda

The Turtle Centre—which relies so much on the public for continued financial assistance to treat each and every turtle that comes through their doors—are always so happy to hear about people who are helping turtles cross the road and save other injured turtles by bringing them in.

Here are some more of the injured turtles that have been brought in...

"We take in dead turtles too, sometimes there are eggs which we will extract and incubate," adds the Turtle Centre in the Facebook post. "Also, a turtle may appear dead but not actually be. We can make them more comfortable almost instantly."

Kudos to the staff there who are doing hero's work.

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EC3 And Artspace Bring Hunter Street Alive With Canada 150-Themed Video Art Productions

As part of Canada 150th celebrations in Peterborough, Electric City Culture Council (EC3) and Artspace will be turning Hunter St. into a stage for New Visions/Old Land, an art exhibition featuring four media art projects tucked into stores, office fronts, alleyways and tents.

To celebrate Canada’s 150th, EC3 and Artspace asked artists in Peterborough to reimagine what “Canada” means, to offer new visions of what the idea of Canada could or should be. Who are we? What does it mean to be Canadian? What is the role of the land and the landscape in shaping this definition? How can we trace an outline of the future in the fragments of the past? New Visions/Old Land is about recasting the past, inventing alternative futures.

EC3 coordinated the project and Artspace donated the equipment and facilities.

WHEN AND WHERE

On Friday, June 30th, Hunter Street between George and Alymer streets will be open to pedestrians only. Four artists have created original works in film or video that will be presented between George Street and Sam’s Deli running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Filmmaker and Trent University Professor Kelly Egan will curate the show. Each installation will have a live sound/music component.

Interested in making your own film? Come to the camera-less film production table, where you can scratch, paint, stamp, and draw directly on 16mm film.  Once the film is finished (and dried), watch your own creation projected live on Hunter Street. Learn about the history of moving images—and the differences between video and celluloid—through 16mm camera-less filmmaking. Participants of all ages are welcome, including children.

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St. Peter Catholic Secondary School Gave Hero Welcome To Special Olympic Champions

St. Peter's Saints students gave a hero's welcome today to Special Olympics students returning from a school trip competition.

This is pure awesome, and will make your day. Watch the Twitter video below...

Here's how the Saints family welcomes back our Special Olympics CHAMPIONS 🥇#saintspride #onceasaintalwaysasaint #pvncleads @PVNCCDSB pic.twitter.com/vv8FzujGjR

— St. Peter's C.S.S. (@StPeterCSS) June 14, 2017

St. Pete's students and faculty, you rock.

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