Local Ice Cream Parlour Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Central Smith Creamery celebrates their 125th anniversary with one-dollar vanilla ice cream cones this Saturday which is considered National Ice Cream Day weekend.

(left to right) Jillian Scates, project manager and co-owners Ian and Jennifer Scates are part of three generations who have been involved with Central Smith Creamery. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The price is a throwback to when the Scates family purchased the business in 1978 and sold ice cream scoops at that price. They chose vanilla as ice cream’s oldest flavour to commemorate the milestone.

"It's a true honour,” said Ian Scates, co-owner of Central Smith. “Sometimes you kind of have to pinch yourself to realize that you've literally been here before cars existed. It's a bit surreal to think that it's been around as long as it has.”

Ian Scates describes working at Central Smith the “longest summer job” of his life. Photo by David Tuan Bui

“Sometimes in life, it's really important to stop and celebrate the milestones,” said Jennifer Scates, co-owner of Central Smith. “The business of life gets us not thinking about the important things and it's important to recognize where we were, where we're going to, celebrate our employees who have helped us along the way and just pause and reflect.”

Central Smith Creamery has over 70 flavours of ice cream where some come in and out of rotation depending on popularity. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The business has had three generations of the Scates working at Central Smith. Ian’s father, James Scates purchased the business back from the Andrews family in 1978 where Ian first helped the business in 1979. Since then, Ian has been working at Central Smith for 42 years.

His daughter, Jillian Scates graduated in business from Dalhousie University in April 2016 and joined the business starting at the bottom. She has worked her way through as a sales analyst and now as a project manager.

“There's a lot of pride in that we've been able to keep going with the legacy,” said Jennifer. “This place is still in the same place 125 years ago.”

Some of creamery’s top flavours are Algonquin Canoe, Lavender Lemonade and Monster Cookie. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

New this year is Central Smith merchandise for sale such as reusable water bottles, caps and t-shirts. A colouring contest to design your own ice cream flavour is part of the milestone celebrations. Customers can pick up a colouring sheet and submit their designs to the store by Aug. 1.

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Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament Raises $7,500 for Alzheimer's Awareness

The first annual “Golf for Loved Ones” tournament raised $7,464 for Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton (PKLNH) at The Quarry Golf Club in Ennismore announced Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough.

The tournament hosted 98 golfers on June 26. Lori Banks and her family ran the event in honour of her mother Edna Banks as she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for a decade before passing away in 2017.

“The tournament was about raising money, but also about raising awareness,” said Lori. “I don’t think people realize how many people in our area have dementia.”

The intention was not just to raise money but to raise awareness about the 8,590 people living with dementia in PKLNH. Organizers gave each golfer a purple bracelet and purple ribbon to wear for their round to aid in the campaign.

The event was considered a great success according to both the Banks and Kevin Carter, Quarry Golf Club owner. The event has already been booked for next year.

“Lori and Ron ran a great event,” said Carter. “They were very organized and managed to get a great turnout. The golfers had a great day with excellent weather. Lori and her family raised a lot of money for the Alzheimer Society and the tournament will continue to grow and raise more money down the road. The Quarry was thrilled to be involved with such a great cause.”

“Hopefully we can make it bigger and better. We got a lot of feedback from the golfers saying they would be coming back next year,” said Lori. “We raised a lot of money, but we’d like to double it next time. We’ve already booked the course for next year.”

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Local Budding Entrepreneurs Pitch For Business Startup Grants In Summer Course

Twelve entrepreneurs were selected for the Summer 2021 Intake of Starter Company Plus offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC).

Photo Courtesy of the BAC.

The program provides a five-week course in business training from business experts across Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

It is funding by the Government of Ontario and has been running through the BAC since 2017. This program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs of all levels in Peterborough County who are launching a business or expanding an existing business (that has been operating for five years or less).

"I am excited to kick off this intake of Starter Company Plus. The group of entrepreneurs and small business owners joining us are varied in backgrounds, experience and have each created a unique business,” explains Hillary Manion, entrepreneurship officer.

Six of the participants will be awarded a grant of $5,000 based on the overall strength of their business plan and pitch.

“When we discussed why they were starting their businesses on the first day of the program, we heard stories of people new to Peterborough and people who are turning their hobbies into a full-time business,” said Manion. “COVID-19 has given people time to think about following their passions.”

All workshops and consultations will be done online with a focus on digital platforms, marketing and communication as well as financial acumen and mental well-being.

"These entrepreneurs are a testament to the strong business community in the City and County of Peterborough,” added Manion. “They are all confident and looking forward to joining their fellow small businesses owners in supporting the residents of Peterborough and the Kawarthas."

An overview of the 12 participants follows and full biographies for each business can be found by visiting peterboroughed.ca/starter.

• April Roy: Shopkwe – a personal shopping business dedicated to helping busy people

• Barry Wiskel: Bearcat Games – developer of original card and board games for all ages

• Chris Carvalho: East City Knife Sharpening – knife sharpening for all types of knives with 24-hour turnaround service

• Emily Nigro: Dead End Lures – a family-owned eco-friendly fishing lure company

• Jeremy Pastic: The Karma Hammer – a natural builder, specializing in the use of healthy, sustainable building materials

• Kelsey Watts: Worthy Truth Wellness – mindful movement yoga classes offering a kind space of compassion and non-judgmental awareness

• Ken Seaboyer: Ask Transport – quality, reliable and on-time transportation service

• Lucas Graham: Countdown Creative – a full-service E-Commerce agency that helps small businesses start selling online

• Mike Mullin: Double M Contracting – a year-round property maintenance and management business

• Sam and Nate White: Nateure’s Plant Based Food Company – producing plant-based meat and cheese alternatives

• Suzanne Schmidt: Suzanne’s Hot Stuff – hand-crafted, small-batch gluten-free hot sauces, pepper jellies, jerk marinade, mango salsa and more

• Tuncay Alkan and Laura Wilson: MEZE – a vegan deli and café serving traditional Turkish food and drink

Anyone eligible is invited to apply when the program reopens in the fall. Eligibility criteria can be found by visiting peterboroughed.ca/starter.

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Douro Local Chases Olympic Rowing Dream

Grace VandenBroek started her rowing career when she was a grade 9 student at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School and she has not stopped since.

Photo Courtesy of Rowing Canada Aviron.

The 20-year-old grew up in Douro and is now temporarily living in British Columbia where she was training for the U23 World Championships.

The event took place in Račice, Czech Republic from July 7-11. VandenBroek and her teammates placed 11th in the quadruple skulls.

“I decided to come back here because I’m able to train with people that have the same mindset and have similar goals as me,” said Vandenbroek. “That will help keep me motivated.”

She will return to Peterborough in September to enter her fourth year of Trent University in the Business Administration program.

While her successes in rowing have taken her all over the world, VandenBroek says she likes coming home to her small town.

VandenBroek takes home Bronze at the 2017 World Rowing Junior Championships with Kieanna Stephens. Photo Courtesy of row2k.com.

“It’s a blessing for me to be from such a small community,” she said. “I feel like the whole community is behind you more so than they would if you were from somewhere big like Toronto.”

Her parents and two older brothers have been by her side since the very beginning explained VandenBroek. She also points out her large extended family offers a huge amount of support.

“It’s cool to come home after having all of these opportunities and going to all these places and still come home and wave an everyone that goes by your house because you know who everyone is,” she said.

VandenBroek will continue training when she comes home and has her eyes set on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

“All of my training is directed towards the 2024 Olympics,” she said. “But there’s a lot of steps I need to take between now and then in order to get there.”

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Local Teacher Uses Running to Aid In Students' Mental Health Issues

Running not only maintained teacher Julie Vaillères’s physical health but her mental well-being and uses her story to help students with similar issues since 2015.

Vaillères has taught core and French immersion classes at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School. She has also taught drama, religion and science classes with some as part of the immersion program. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Vaillères suffered a major depressive breakdown in 2014 where she believed she could never teach again. During her time off work, her psychiatrist suggested running again, an on-and-off hobby throughout her life.

Since returning to St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School in the fall of 2015 after having time off recovering, the French teacher shared her stories with students. Vaillères’s pupils were inspired to open up about their mental health problems to her as a result.

“I use running to explain how it manages my mental illness,” said Vaillères. “It helps you with self-confidence, energy and how physical health goes hand in hand. It’s my me time and my way of meditating. I love nature and it’s my way of grounding myself.”

The group was unable to run in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but with in-person learning returning in the fall of 2021, the “Change Your M;nd’s” revival is the plan for Vailleres. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Students would confide in Vaillères and then be redirected to professional help from the school board or a social worker for further treatment.

The group became known as “Change Your M;nd” for students to have weekly meetings to open up about their mental issues. They would do collaborations with organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and Peterborough Memorial Centre to raise money for mental health awareness.

Since forming the group back in 2015, Vaillères and students are helping erase the stigma of having mental health issues, creating awareness while promoting healthier choices.

Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Vaillères volunteers her time as the school’s cross-country and track and field coach and shares her story to inspire the student-athletes.

“The students that we get are so strong mentally and the perseverance they show and support that they give to one another is amazing,” she said. “We’re all in this to better ourselves.”

Photo Courtesy of Julie Vailleres.

Vaillères says when she was a child, mental health was highly stigmatized but when she was admitted for treatment, it was a huge relief. It is a message she wants to spread to anyone suffering from any issues.

“There’s a positive story behind painful times,” said Vaillères. “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel when you reach out for help. We shouldn’t be feeling ashamed. Now I feel the need to share my story because if I’m able to help others, it’s the best reward I can get.”

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YMCA is Re-opening Soon

The YMCA of Central East Ontario is set to open earlier than planned on August 23, 2021.

Photo Courtesy of YMCA of Central East Ontario.

Initially the Peterborough branch had planned to re-open to the public on September 13 but with restrictions being lifted and members expressing excitement to come back that date has been moved.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the YMCA like many businesses has faced temporary closure and strict restrictions. They are currently operating their day camp program which will end on August 20.

The YMCA will be open Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be no membership fee withdrawal until September 15, 2021.

They will continue to follow health and safety protocols including COVID-19 screening questions upon arrival and online registration for building access, conditioning/lifestyle centres, fitness classes and the pool.

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Showplace Launches New Initiative to Raise Funds for Renovations

Showplace Performance Centre is getting a new look after being open for 25 years.

Linda Kash - Ambassador, Pat Hooper - Champion, Beth McMaster - Champion, Megan Murphy - Ambassador. Photo Courtesy of Showplace.

The Take a Seat for Act II project is underway and aims to replace the tired seats that Showplace reports millions of spectators have sat in.

This initiative is led by Showplace Champions Pat Hooper and Beth McMaster and Ambassadors Linda Kash and Megan Murphy and hopes to allow community members to enjoy a space where music, live theatre and professional presentations will come to life for many years to come.

A donation of $1000 will allow donors to have their name or the name of someone they would like to honour on a seat. Donations will also go towards floor replacement, lighting and electrical work and painting.

Donations and seat purchases can be made by calling the box office at 705-742-7469 or by clicking here.

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Local Family Spreads Kindness to Those in Need

A family in Peterborough is spreading viral kindness in their neighbourhood by offering assistance to those self isolating due to COVID-19.

The Hurlington family. According to Alvea, the most cookies they have ever made and delivered in one day is 8,000. Photo Courtesy of Alvea Hurlington.

The Hurlingtons are known in their neighbourhood as “The Cookie People” after years of distributing homemade cookies to their neighbours in the Marsdale Drive area near Beavermead Park during Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Alvea Hurlington, the oldest sibling, says that ever since the family moved to Peterborough 16 years ago, they have made an effort to get to know their neighbours and delivering cookies has helped them do that.

When COVID hit in March 2020, the Hurlingtons felt that they needed to do something.

The family quickly put together a flyer letting their neighbours know that if they needed help picking up groceries or urgent supplies, temporary childcare or even just a friendly phone call, they would do their best to make that happen.

Alvea Hurlington says the #ViralKindness project was spearheaded by her father. Photo Courtesy of Alvea Hurlington.

Since distributing the flyers, the family has received a few phone calls from seniors living nearby needing assistance and even calls from people that do not need help but who are thanking them for their kindness.

Baking cookies and offering grocery deliveries are not the only things the Hurlingtons do says Alvea.

“We do lots of stuff in the community,“ she explains. “Every Saturday morning through our church organization, Mom and I deliver packages of crafts to young children.”

On Friday evenings the Hurlingtons prepare food for families that are in need of an extra meal.

“Everything we do we do it as a crew,” Hurlington said.

Nobody is more or less deserving of support, she explains. The Hurlingtons hope that through their viral kindness movement they are able to build their community and make some friends while they do so.

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Roadmap to Reopen: Highlighted Rules for Step Three

With the province moving to Step Three this Friday beginning at 12:01 a.m., the Ontario Government has released guidelines on their official website last week Friday.

Stock Photo.

The plan is based on the province-wide vaccination rate and if there were significant improvements made in key public health and health care indicators according to the Ontario Government.

Step Three focuses on expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn.

The province wanted 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses to be moved into Step Three.

Ontario will remain in Step Three for at least 21 days and until 80 percent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent have received their second, with no public health unit having less than 70 per cent of their eligible population aged 12 and over fully vaccinated.

Other key public health and health care indicators must also continue to remain stable. Upon meeting these thresholds, the vast majority of public health and workplace safety measures will be lifted.

The following are key highlights of eased restrictions going into Step Three:

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 100 people

• Indoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 25 people

• Indoor dining with no limits to the number of patrons per table

• Retail with capacity limited to ensure physical distancing of two metres

• Indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings with physical distancing up to two metres

• Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities with capacity limits

• Personal care services with capacity limited to ensure physical distancing

• Museums, casinos and bingo halls with capacity limits

• Cinemas, concert, theatres, and other performing arts venues with capacity limits

For a fully comprehensive list, please visit the Ontario Government Website.

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Fleming Congratulates Students That Completed their Indigenous Perspectives Designation

Fleming College along with members of the Indigenous community hosted a special event to recognize students who completed an Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) on July 9.

Aerial shot of Fleming Sutherland Campus. Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

The IPD gives students the chance to learn about Indigenous perspectives, peoples, cultures, histories, traditions and contributions to our shared society. To graduate with an IPD it is required that they take discipline-specific Indigenous curriculum in each semester, beyond what is already required in the two mandatory Indigenous Studies courses, as well as experiential Indigenous activities.

“Very proud of the IPD graduates and faculty who work hard each year to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy into their learning,” said Elizabeteh Stone, Academic Chair for Indigenous Studies at Fleming. “This is reconcili-action! As described by the Downie Wenjack Foundation: ‘A ReconciliACTION is a meaningful action that moves reconciliation forward. ReconciliACTIONs aim to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together in the spirit of reconciliation to create awareness, share and learn.’ Nishin Graduates.”

The IPD is available to students enrolled in certain programs. For more information click here.

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