Fleming College Supports Upskilling with Online Learning in Continuing Education

Although online learning has now become an integral part of education, Fleming College's Continuing Education has long been a leader in offering a breadth of exceptional online programming to upskill, retrain and respond to industry trends.

Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

One such trend is the rise in interest in social media courses. Marketing through social media has become a critical tool for business owners faced with reduced capacity, who nevertheless need to stay in touch with and grow their customer base. Fleming's Social Media certificate has seen an increase in enrolment in their eight-week courses, with some completing the whole certificate, while others simply complete the courses they need most. Courses such as How to Start a Small Business and Entrepreneurship have also seen an increase in registrants.

The reality of working from home has had an impact on the types of courses that have become popular over the last year. Certificates that can launch home office careers, such as Small Business Accounting and Business Analyst, are popular choices for those who are looking to retrain, while Leadership Development courses offer managers the skills to lead employees who are now working remotely.

The growth in home renovations has also seen an increase in Continuing Education's Interior Decorating - Residential courses for home renovators and those looking to start a new business venture.

Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

With healthcare at the forefront of daily news, it is unsurprising that related courses have found an increased audience. Certificates in Hospital Nursing Unit Secretary and Medical Office Support Staff are opening up new career opportunities. Courses in Fleming's highly acclaimed Children's Mental Health certificate have been popular with teachers, health care providers, community service workers, parents and even police officers.

Several students are also taking the time to brush up on Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as writing and business communication skills.

The Spring semester starts on May 11, but many courses also offer monthly start dates. Most online courses and certificates are asynchronous, designed for those with busy home and work lives who need ensure that course work can fit into the schedule.

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Trent University Honours Professor With Research Award

Trent University has awarded Dr. Sally Chivers the Distinguished Research Award for her outstanding achievements in research and scholarship announced on Monday.

Dr. Sally Chivers earned her Ph.D. at in English Literature at McGill University in 2000. Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Chivers is a professor of English and gender & women’s studies at Trent. She is renowned across the globe for her outstanding contributions to research in disability and critical aging studies.

“Dr. Chivers’ outstanding contributions to knowledge creation and her innovative approach to examining pressing issues of aging and care have played a major role in shaping research in this field,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, acting vice-president of Research and Innovation. “Professor Chivers is a prolific scholar and worthy recipient of this prestigious award.”

Chivers will be presented with the award at the “Trent’s Celebration of Excellence: Teaching and Research”, a virtual event next Monday.

“Trent is the ideal place to embark on research that cuts across boundaries and makes a difference while remaining creative and engaging,” said Chivers.

Since joining Trent in 2003, Chivers has had a far-reaching impact in the interdisciplinary study of aging and society with work spanning five disciplines: Canadian studies, film, disability, age and women’s studies.

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Local Woman Reeling In the Muskie Fishing Life

Some people use fishing as a way to relax but for Megan Patterson, she seeks the thrill of catching the biggest muskie possible.

Patterson was born in Kingston but moved to Peterborough at an early age. Photo Courtesy of Megan Patterson.

Patterson has fished for over five years and took up the sport after meeting her now-husband who also is an avid fisherman.

Every time she fishes, her goal is to always catch the biggest muskie possible and embrace the thrill that comes along with the catch.

“It’s feeling like the drop of a rollercoaster, there’s a drop in your stomach and so much adrenaline at the same time,” explains Patterson. “It’s an overwhelmingly exciting emotion.”

Patterson works at Trent University as a team member of the Careerspace and Office of the Registrars departments. Photo Courtesy of Megan Patterson.

Patterson fishes at Chemong or Katchewanooka Lake (near Lakefield) during the week but travel out to more faraway places for bigger muskies. Lake St. Clair near Windsor is where she began to fall in love with the sport after having her early fishing experiences there.

Despite Pattersons high angler skill, her goal of catching a 50-inch muskie still eludes her.

“My biggest fish is 49 (inches) and a bit,” she said. “I’ve had so many 48 and 47. I never try to have any expectations when I go to these lakes.”

Despite not meeting her goal, Patterson typically catches at least one muskie a weekend and can have days of catching over 10 in the same timeframe.

Patterson graduated from Trent University with a joint major in business administration and cultural studies in 2015. Photo Courtesy of Megan Patterson.

Patterson is a member of several fishing organizations Muskies Canadaeveral muskie organizations such as Muskies Canada, Canadian Fishing Network and the Ontario Women's Anglers Association.

She also is an ambassador for companies such as Shimano, Musky Maniacs and many more, appearing in trade shows to showcase new fishing products.

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Sign Wars Take Over Local Businesses in Peterborough

UPDATED POST (April 29):

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Day Four: The momentum of #PtboSignWars has not stopped as day four comes to a close on Thursday.

The usual suspects such as Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre, Trent Security and more are going strong but several places including neighbouring townships have got in on the fun.

Great Canadian RV Ltd., McKnight's Flowers Plants Gifts, McThirsty's, Peterborough Public Library, Blue Diamond Window Cleaning, Printhub and Craftworks at the Barn were the newcomers who got in on the action.

Lakefield and Selwyn have started to join on the friendly feuds that have trended in Peterborough. Places like Lakefield Cemetery & Crematorium Inc. St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Selwyn Public Library and Lakefield Animal Welfare Society got into the sign-war spirit.

Day Three: The sign-war bug has not stopped biting other businesses as day three gets more participants as well as past ones keeping up.

100.5 FM Fresh Radio and The Wolf 101.5 FM opened the morning with a huge front-lawn message thanks to Card the Yard.

Trans Canada Nissan and Russelle Toyota have joined in with fellow car dealership Trent Valley Honda.

Several places called out Paris Marine and Dairy Queen but neither has yet to issue a response.

Newcomers include Peterborough Appliances, Franz’s Butcher Shop, Kawartha Lakes Construction, and St. Martin’s Catholic Elementary School have joined in the fun.

Day Two: Day two of the sign wars have got more businesses involved, continuing the trend of poking fun at each other lightheartedly on Tuesday.

Day One: Trent Valley Honda, Whelan’s Flooring and Trent Security Systems Ltd. have joined in on the second day after Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre provoked some of them into the war.

The trend is branching out quickly as participating businesses and organizations are trying to work up others to join. Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre called out the Peterborough Police Service while Trent Security referenced Pete & Dani of 100.5 Fresh Radio. Both callouts have yet to publicly respond with their own signs.

The original friendly feud started on Monday. Anden calling out Friendly Fires and Home Hardware with the latter responding on day two but the former quickly responded to the challenge. All three day-one businesses have participated on day two.

The trend began in Christiansburg, Va. where Jim Bohan, owner of music store Bridge Kaldro put up a sign challenging Super Shoes — the next-door shoe store — to a sign war on April 16 with a message, "Hey Super Shoes! Wanna start a sign war?"

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Local Man Gives Generous Donation to Build Peterborough Animal Care Centre

Glenn Stonehouse has made a generous gift of $300K to the fundraising campaign for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre on Monday.

Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The building is the Peterborough Humane Society’s innovative animal wellness facility designed for our community set to break ground in 2021.

Stonehouse, owner and president of Wildfire Golf Club and One Fine Food, has made a generous gift of $300,000 to the fundraising campaign for the new centre. The local business owner shared that his philanthropic focus always comes back to two key causes, underprivileged children and animals.

“A couple of years back, I had the opportunity to be involved with the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) learning about their goals and development in animal wellness,” said Stonehouse. “Through these discussions, I got a close view of the inner workings of PHS and the great work the organization is doing in our community, which is why I was excited to be a part of this very important build”.

A project of future kennels for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

Growing up on the family farm in Owen Sound, Glenn developed a deep love and respect for animals early on. He always had dogs in his life from working dogs on the farm, show dogs and as companions. Glenn came to the Peterborough area 25 years ago when he bought a cottage on Stony Lake and fell in love with the area.

“We’re simply blown away by Glenn’s generosity. His commitment to the health and wellness of our community and the animals within it is going to make a huge impact on the future of animal wellness,” said Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society’s executive director. “In recognition of Stonehouse’s gift, the Dog Adoption Program at the new Centre will be named the Glenn Allan Stonehouse Dog Adoption Program. Thanks to Stonehouse’s support, while dogs are waiting to find their forever families, they will benefit from top-level care during their time at the Centre.”

Stonehouse walks his dog through his 6,800-yard golf course, the Wildfire Golf Club in Lakefield. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The dog kennels at the new centre will not only be larger but also have indoor/outdoor access, providing the dogs with more space and freedom to enjoy outdoor and indoor spaces as they choose.

The kennels will be grouped in pods to reduce noise and stress upon the dogs. Sliding guillotine doors will allow the kennels to double in size, should the need arise. Beyond improved kennel space, the dogs will benefit from access to greater opportunities for enrichment and socialization.

While Glenn’s generous gift brings PHS closer to its goal, the Peterborough Humane Society still needs support to cross the finish line and build its new Centre. Fundraising for the new centre has raised $7.5 million of the $10 million goal since the donation.

Community members interested in making their own impact on the future of animal wellness and help build the new Animal Care Centre are encouraged to visit ourpetproject.ca and contact Alex Tindale.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Sunfish Cannabis, Sparq Retail, Darling Insurance and The Pizza Factory

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Sunfish Cannabis opened last week at 112 Queen Street in Lakefield, (the plaza containing the Market and Subway). Owner Craig Hamilton submitted the license application eight days before the pandemic struck last year so it’s taken some time but they opened poetically on April 20 at 4:20 p.m.

Sunfish sells pre-rolls, flowers, vaporizers, concentrates, edibles, topicals, beverages and merchandise. Check their official website or on Instagram.

Sparq Retail has opened a second location at 861 Lansdowne Street, next to Chapters. Owner Robert Brunsch says to watch for a third location in the future.

Electric City Physiotherapy will be opening May 3 at 1054 Monaghan Rd. in Peterborough.

They are an interdisciplinary clinic where physiotherapists, rehabilitation/recovery specialists, massage therapists and orthopedic technologists all work together to improve performance and bring individuals back to full capacity. Their practitioners provide treatment for all patients regardless of age, activity level or condition. Visit their official website for details and to book an appointment.

Darling Insurance has found yet another way to give back to the communities where they do business.

They are filling gift baskets with hyper-local products from companies like Kyoto Coffee, The Chocolate Rabbit, Black Honey, Staples Maple Syrup, The Whistle Stop, and the Cork and Bean and handing them out to their clients, dropping them as congratulations, birthdays, thank yous or just to say hello. It’s a great way to spread some cheer, and not just to the recipients!

Congratulations to Peter, Anna and the staff at The Pizza Factory on their 41st anniversary.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Canadian Canoe Museum to Unveil Plans For New Building

The Canadian Canoe Museum will host a virtual meeting to reveal details of its new building on Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy of Canadian Canoe Museum.

The meeting is through Zoom on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. It will reveal the architectural renderings of the proposed new building to be built at the Johnson property located at 2077 Ashburnham Drive near Beavermead Park in Peterborough.

The meeting is part of the necessary rezoning process for the new location. It will feature a short presentation followed by a question and answer session.

Participants are asked to register their attendance at their official website.

“We are thrilled to have advanced our project to this key milestone so early in the year,” said Carolyn Hyslop, Canoe Museum executive director in the press release. “Our new museum design and stewardship approach takes full advantage of its on-water location and nestles seamlessly into the natural surrounding area of the Johnson Property.”

A progress update and design was something the project team was eager to share added Hyslop.

City Council approved the direction to proceed with the sale of the land in January subject to a number of conditions including rezoning as stated in the press release.

Project validation and confirmation of site appropriateness are among the additional conditions that must be met to close the deal.

CCM will pay over $1.5 million for the five acres of land expected to be done this summer.

The project is moving forward at advanced speed to achieve its goal of being shovel-ready come fall of this year confirmed Hyslop.

She reinforced CCM’s gratitude for new donors, in addition to the strong continued support of its existing donors, funders and the local community. Their fundraising campaign seeks to raise up to $10 million to fund the full project.

“CCM is motivated by our expedited project plan and our achievements to date,” said Hyslop.

A replay of the public meeting will be available starting May 3.

Written commentaries can be submitted to the CCM by email.

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Local Man Creates Virtual Fitness Challenge For Mental Health Awareness

Joe Keating of Peterborough has created the 4,000 Reps for Mental Health Awareness virtual fitness challenge to raise mental health awareness on Saturday.

Joe Keating ran the campaign saying working on mental health is as important as physical health. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

Keating will perform 4,000 kettlebell swings on his front lawn (weather pending) live on Messenger Rooms — 1,000 times an hour for four hours — and encourages anyone to join.

The 4,000 reps can be anything so long as participants are physically active. Running 4,000 steps, jumping jacks or jump rope skips as some of many alternative exercises Keating suggests for the challenge.

He was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2015. He struggled and had a hard time with it before reaching out. Keating’s doctor advised him to do more physical activity to help him cope with his illness.

“I’m a certified kettlebell instructor,” he said. “It’s my go-to exercise. If I had a bad day, it’s something I can pick up, swing it and bang out a couple of reps to feel better.”

The pandemic has limited physical activity options and the event is another outlet to exercise according to Joe. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

The campaign’s goal is to help erase the stigma of having a mental illness and open up a conversation about having one without feeling shame.

“I’ve always been very open about it,” said Keating. “Some people still seem to be too afraid to still talk about it and not talking about it can lead down to a dark path like suicide.”

There are approximately 4,000 suicides annually in Canada which is why the event encourages that many reps according to Keating.

Alexis Keating, 11, Joe’s daughter, will participate with her own kettlebell lifts for the event. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

When the event was put on social media, the response was overwhelmingly positive in ways Keating had not anticipated.

“It was way bigger than what I was expecting. “ he said. “I thought it was going to be with family and friends and in my close-knit group. I have people from Vegas, Calgary and a team from Montreal going.”

If the event is successful, it could become an annual challenge that could include fundraising said Keating.

The free event will run on April 24 at 10:00 a.m. Head to the event’s Facebook Page for more details.

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Hometown PTBO: Melissa Payne Talks About Her Music Origins, Music Highlights and #StillHerePTBO

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with local musician Melissa Payne about how she learned music, highlights of her music career, #StillHereptbo​ and finishes out with a song where Pete may or may not backup sing.

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