Conservation Centre Ready For Another Year to Help Injured Turtles

As we get to embrace spring weather, turtles are emerging everywhere and are at risk of being injured.

Dr. Sue Carstairs (pictured) graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife. She completed Ontario Veterinary College in 1987 following her degree. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, a local charity, is getting prepped for another busy season. The Peterborough turtle hospital is the only one in the province and admits approximately 1,000 turtles a year.

If you see an injured turtle in Ontario, you can contact the centre to get the it transported from one of 900 volunteer drivers across the province or bring it in yourself.

When fishing, do not leave behind hooks, especially with bait as it can hurt them according to Carstairs. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

A common injury is from being run over by vehicles, the second biggest threat to turtles after habitat loss. Dr. Sue Carstairs gives tips on how to help turtles cross the road if you encounter them while driving.

“Pull over and put on your flashers,” she said. “Pick it up and move it in the direction it’s heading. Don’t cross unless it’s safe.”

It can take a snapping turtle 60 years to produce enough eggs to be able to replace itself. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

Turtle conservation is important for the environment since they help with wetlands maintenence. They act as a filter for healthy water sources according to Carstairs.

Report dead turtles to the conservation centre since they can still incubate and hatch the eggs through their hatchling program if the mother has any.

Once hatched and ready, the centre will release the newborns roughly one kilometre within the location of where they were found in an appropriate body of water.

Turtles given to the centre stay there for a minimum of 8-12 weeks before being released into the wild. Photo Courtesy Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

There are eight different turtle species in Ontario: Spotted, Blanding’s, Eastern Spiny Softshell, Wood, Eastern Musk, Northern Map, Snapping and Painted.

Carstairs has been given the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour, in February last year.

All donations can be made at the centre’s official website.

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Ontario Government Announces New Restrictions and Shutdown Extension

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet have placed tighter restrictions including a two-week shutdown extension to combat the third wave of COVID-19 announced on Friday.

The decision came after COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and intensive care unit occupancies are at their highest according to Christine Elliott, deputy premier and minister of health.

The stay-at-home order now totalling six weeks will come with tighter restrictions and are effective April 17, at 12:01 a.m.

Limiting mobility, enforcing the rules and getting vaccines are the three ways the curve will be flattened according to Ford.

Doug Ford announced the stay-at-home shutdown at April 1 which originally scheduled for four weeks. Screenshot.

The following restrictions are as follows:

• Outdoor gatherings are limited to your household only, those who live alone can meet with one other household

• Provincial border restriction checkpoints are placed on Manitoba and Quebec with the exception of work, medical care or transportations

• International and air travel are restricted

• All non-essential workplaces and construction will be closed

• All outdoor recreational activities such as golf courses, soccer fields, basketball courts and playgrounds are closed

• Essential retailers permitted for in-store shopping are capped at a 25 per cent capacity

• Religious services, weddings and funerals have a 10-person limit indoors or outdoors

• Drive-in services are permitted

Police and by-law officers will enforce public health measures during the shutdown. Police can ask for your place of residence and why you are not there. You can receive a ticket of $750 for not complying as it is breaking the law according to Sylvia Jones, solicitor general.

Vaccine supplies will increase for hotspots by 25 per cent according to Ford.

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Hometown PTBO: Tracey Kelusky Discusses His Lacrosse Upbringing and Career and How He Calls Peterborough Home

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with former National Lacrosse League number one overall pick Tracey Kelusky. The NLL star talks about his lacrosse career, coming back to Peterborough and his new gig as the head coach of the Panther City Lacrosse Club in Texas.

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Local Restaurant Celebrates Anniversary of Over Four Decades of Business in Peterborough

Maybe it is their famous Caesar dressing but The Pizza Factory is celebrating their 41st anniversary in business.

The restaurant has takeout and delivery available during the lockdowns Peterborough has been under. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The local eatery made the announcement during a heartfelt thank-you post on Facebook, showing gratitude to those who had supported the business during their tenure either as a customer or staff member, past or present.

“We’d like to take the time to thank the city of Peterborough and the surrounding communities for providing us with 41 years of support,” according to the post. “We could not have done any of this without you, and words can’t describe how thankful we are for each and every one of you. We will always strive to give you our best efforts.”

Their Caesar dressing is sold in jars and is available either at the restaurant or select grocery stores in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The restaurant has remained in the same location during its 41-year tenure on the corner of Lansdowne Street and The Parkway.

Founded in April of 1980, owner Peter Bouzinelo opened the restaurant five years after arriving in Peterborough in 1975. He felt welcomed by the community and wanted to give back as much he could according to the post.

Bouzinelo’s brand of olive oil available at his restaurant came from his home village of Koutsi, Greece. He planted some of the trees 50 years ago that made the oil. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Pizza Factory specializes in Greek and Italian food and offers specialties such as pizza, ribs, chicken, panzerotti and souvlaki.

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Peterborough Humane Society Receives Donation for Animals In Need

Several future pets get a boost as the Peterborough Humane Society received a $3,000 donation from DocuPet announced on Monday.

Pet licensing is mandatory and must be renewed annually according to the Humane Society. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

DocuPet, a pet licensing company, has been the official pet licensing partner of the PHS. Pets can get their tags at the animal shelter to help lost animals be returned to their owners faster and easier.

“These funds will help support our mission and provide essential care and services to the thousands of animals we see each year,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “Our goal is to increase pet licensing compliance within the City, and with the support of DocuPet and responsible pet owners in our great City, this generous donation is made possible”.

DocuPet has over 170 unique pet tag styles. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

Twenty per cent of all designer tag sales purchased from DocuPet go towards the Peterborough Humane Society according to the press release.

PHC encourages valid pet tags since those animals spend little to no time at all at the shelter. That opens up valuable time, space and resources for local animals in need and the dedicated staff that serves them.

Sixty per cent of pet shelter funding comes from license sales but that just 13% of pet owners comply with mandatory registration laws according to DocuPet. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The Peterborough Humane Society cares for approximately 2,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year.

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Dragon Boat Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary With Virtual Races

It is dry land for the Dragon Boat Festival this year but organizers have created a virtual event to celebrate the 20th anniversary announced on Monday.

Each year, the Dragon Boat Festival meets at Little Lake off Crescent Street. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

This year’s points-based virtual races will include activities such as 20 minutes of physical activity, a colouring contest, submitting a cheer, dressing up in registrants’ best pink outfits and many more.

Points will be awarded for participation, fundraising and/or submitting videos or photos.

The event is on June 12, with the first day of registration —can only be done online — on Thursday. Signups are free and the first three teams and individuals to register will earn bonus points.

the festival in 2019 donated $241,738.54 to the PRHC Foundation in support of breast cancer treatment and care. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

Proceeds of the fundraising event go towards the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation who supports world-class breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

The money is for a new ultrasound machine for the Peterborough Breast Assessment Centre.

“We realize we have come full circle and we are so proud of the incredible impact that Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival has had since its inception,” said Gina Lee, festival chair. “The pandemic has forced us to rebuild the event and our goal is to match the $84,509.18 donation we made 20 years ago.”

This is the second consecutive year the festival will go virtual. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

The festival has raised over $3.6 million to date.

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Fleming College Offering Free Work and Academic Upgrading Program

Fleming College has introduced a new work and academic upgrading program called “Skills on Demand” to help anyone achieve their educational and career goals.

The free program allows anyone who meets the pre-requisites to join any time where students set their own timetables and schedules. It is well-suited for those who want a refresher course before pursuing post-secondary education or work.

Courses in a variety of subjects —including math, computers, communications and sciences — can help you move forward with goals such as entry into post-secondary, employment, apprenticeship, or refreshing and gaining the essential skills required for today’s in-demand careers.

• Self-paced Learning – in their adult environment, you can set your own deadlines with your student advisor

• Start Anytime – their programs have year-round continuous intake

• Pick Your Schedule – attend full or part-time, day or evening (as available) - schedule around your work and family responsibilities

• Online Learning – some advanced courses are available in an online format

• Targeted Training – ask us about short-term flexible courses that are specifically designed for employment goals

• Fleming’s classrooms are small and provide one-to-one individual attention from instructors

• Study Options - choose a combination of in-class, from home and online study

• With the support of Fleming College's Work and Academic Upgrading team, they can help you create a new path regardless of your challenges or previous barriers

Fleming’s services are available in all their communities such as Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Work and Academic Upgrading courses are free to most residents of Ontario and they can provide financial help for transportation and child-care expenses for those who qualify.

Skills on Demand - Work and Academic Upgrading is a fit if you:

• Are 19 years of age or older

• Didn't finish high school

• Have been out of school for a while and need to refresh your academic skills to prepare for college

• Have your high school diploma but are missing prerequisites that you need for a college program or apprenticeship

• Want to refresh your Math, Communications or Computer skills before re-entering the workforce

• Need your "Grade 12 Equivalency" to improve your career prospects

People learn in different ways and they are committed to working with you to help you reach your goals. Our non-traditional classroom allows for teacher support in a relaxed environment with other adult learners.

In addition to academic assistance, the program provides:

• Career and educational counselling,

• Time management, goal setting and other learning strategies tips

• Help with applications to college and apprenticeship programs when you finish your academic upgrading

• Referrals to community services and resources that can help you move your plans forward

• When you complete your studies in the program, you will be prepared to reach your personal goals: further education, training, or a new career. You will have acquired new confidence, new skills and enhanced learning abilities all that will serve you well wherever you go and in whatever you do.

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Local Photographer Has Nature Come Alive In Spring Wildlife Gallery

A big black bear digging for grubs along the edge of the water. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

A family of young raccoons out explore their new world. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

As soon as the great blue herons return they go to the rookeries and start their nesting season. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

As the loons come back to the north, they are quite hungry and catch whatever fish they can. This one swallowed this fish whole. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Bald Eagles are caring for the young eagles by now. They began nesting earlier in the year. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Beautiful young fox kits are out exploring. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

By late spring, the young eagles have gotten quite large. It will not be long before they are ready for their first flight. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Common mergansers play around as they catch fish under the last of the ice remaining in the coves of the lakes. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Eagles began nesting earlier in the winter but now they are bringing fresh straw to insulate the newly born young ones. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Fritillary butterflies are busy feeding on fresh flowers. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Great horned owls are spectacular raptors that are fiercely protective of their nests. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Great numbers of swans pass through southern Ontario as they head north this time of year. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Mom is returning from a day of hunting and greets her young ones. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

The Ospreys get right to work rebuilding and repairing their nests as soon as they return from the south. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

The young Canada geese are always a beautiful heartwarming sight. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

The young herons grow fast. In a short time they will be ready to leave the nest. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

There are as many as 21 turtles on one log here in the Kawarthas. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Wild turkeys are going into their mating season and the toms are strutting their stuff. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Wood ducks are pairing up and looking for nesting spots. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

Young fox kits playing in the sunshine. Photo Courtesy of Dave Ellis Photography.

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Schools Move to Virtual Learning After Record-Breaking COVID-19 Numbers

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared that all elementary and secondary schools will move to an online format after the April break indefinitely after record-breaking COVID-19 cases and ICU numbers on Monday.

The announcement was made as a preventative measure according to Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.

“Today’s announcement is about prevention and sadly necessary precaution as we tackle the third wave of COVID-19,” he said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford received his COVID-19 vaccine on Friday. Screenshot.

Students with special education needs who are unable to learn virtually will have continued in-person learning.

Child care services for non-school-aged children will remain open and all school activities and activities will be closed accord to Ford.

Free emergency child care will be provided for school-aged children of healthcare and frontline workers. The Government of Ontario is working on a child care plan for parents who cannot work remotely.

Ford encourages that anyone who is eligible to get the vaccine to book an appointment as soon as possible.

Any eligible person who wants to book a vaccine appointment can visit the Government of Ontario website or call 1-888-999-6488.

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