The Peterborough Memorial Centre Celebrates a Successful Summer Concert Series

As summer comes to an end the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) is celebrating the success of their PTBOLive Summer Concert Series, hosted at the Enbrige Energy Stage.

Giles says that the Mini Pop Kids concert on August 15 had the highest attendance. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Jeremy Giles, Facility Manager at The Peterborough Memorial Centre said that while restrictions made it difficult to gather, the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it the need to do just that.

“Our whole existence is to be a meeting place for the community and for the city of Peterborough and for the people who live there,” he said. “Our industry is an escape, it’s something for people to do and come together and celebrate and have fun and let loose a little bit.”

Throughout the summer the PMC hosted 18 events with thousands of attendees passing through the venue safely.

Giles said through PTBOLive summer series, the project was able to support ten local businesses.

Companies involved included Porter Sound, That’s A Wrap Catering, Til Death BBQ, Peterburgers, The Entertainment Group, Market Hall, Showplace, Peterborough Museum and Archives, Peterborough MusicFest and Don on the Job.

By collection donations through ticket sales PTBOLive donated $580 to Peterborough Arts Alive Fund, which provides financial assistance to charitable arts organizations.

The PMC is now transitioning back to indoor events as COVID-19 restrictions lift. Giles says he hopes that next summer is business as usual at the PMC, but the success of this summers concert series proved that they can adapt as needed.

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Smile Cookie Campaign Supports Peterborough Regional Health Centre For Mental Health

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign will support mental health care that will leave no frowns for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) announced on Thursday.

Staff and Tim Hortons owners lined up outside the main entrance at PHRC with Smile cookies and signs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Staff and Tim Hortons owners gathered outside the PHRC main entrance to make the announcement during Tim Hortons’ 25th anniversary of the Smile Cookie Campaign.

The annual fundraiser will run from Sept. 13-19 where the "Smile” cookies can be bought for one dollar apiece where all proceeds will go to the PHRC Foundation and mental health care.

You can purchase them in-store or by online pre-order by visiting PRHC’s website, printing the form and dropping it off at a participating Tim Hortons location.

Ryan Graham, Tim Hortons owner says the Smile Cookie campaign is a great way for their stores and customers to give back to their communities.

“Over the past 25 years, the Smile Cookie campaign has raised more than $60 million for charities, hospitals and community programs across the country - with a record-breaking $110 million in 2020, he said. “We believe it’s never been more important to make sure that people in our communities have access to these services close to home.

Melinda Wall (left) has been the director of mental health services since Jan. 2019. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Melinda Wall, PHRC director of mental health services expressed her happiness that mental health is being taken more seriously than it was in years past.

"Ten to 20 years ago, you wouldn't have seen a large campaign of this scale for mental health and addictions,” she said. “I think we have come leaps and bounds and are continuing to progress and just making it more something people can talk about and feel like we can rally behind and support our community."

The money will go towards several projects to help expand mental health services since there has been a spike in mental health patient admissions during the last decade according to Wall.

“One of the projects being key is our Crisis Unit,” she explained. “We are doubled in volume in the last 10 years and the space needs to be expanded. That's our number one campaign and additional outdoor space through our courtyard for our patient unit."

Leslie Heighway has been president and CEO for the PRHC Foundation for almost a decade. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO said she was honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Tim Hortons fundraiser.

"We're just so thrilled. You can see the amount of engagement there is today with all of our team members with mental health services and all of the Tim Hortons owners,” she explained. “We couldn't be happier that we're going to invest these funds in PRHC and mental health in particular."

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Trent University Aims to Make Everyone a Winner With Bingo Scavenger Hunt

Trent University students will get to experience Peterborough with Discover Peterborough Bingo, an interactive scavenger hunt hosted by the University, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (PKT) announced Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

From Sept. 7 and Oct. 22, Trent Students are encouraged to visit various locations around downtown Peterborough to complete a range of fun activities in an effort to complete two rows on their bingo card.

Once two rows are completed, students will be entered in a draw to win one of ten prize packs which include a $200 Downtown Boro gift card as well as prizes from the University, PKT and local businesses.

“Trent University is an integral part of the Peterborough community, and this partnership exemplifies our commitment to supporting local,” said Ruth-Ann Dafoe, Trent Community Relations manager. “We are excited for our returning students to explore and support the many great businesses and restaurants in downtown Peterborough through this initiative and contribute to the region’s prosperity.” 

“Trent students have always been fond of our downtown and its unique stores, services, culture and entertainment and we are certainly most appreciative of the life and vibrancy that they bring to us,” noted Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “Through this partnership, we want to welcome students to our community in a fun and engaging way while also acquainting them with our downtown businesses.” 

The goal of the Discover Peterborough Bingo initiative is for students to explore Peterborough, uncover new favourite shopping and leisure destinations and to support local businesses who have been impacted negatively by the effects of COVID-19 according to the press release. 

“There is so much for students to discover in Peterborough & the Kawarthas,” said Tracie Bertrand, PKT director of tourism. “Students and graduates become some of our greatest local ambassadors. We are excited to welcome these community members back and look forward to them exploring and enjoying this beautiful destination.”

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Dr. Rosana Salvaterra Becomes New Alberta Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health

Retirement did not last long for Dr. Rosana Salvaterra as she was hired by Alberta Health as the new Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health announced Wednesday.

Dr. Rosana Salvaterra during the announcement of $3 million from the Ontario Government going towards COVID-19 relief efforts. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Salvaterra will begin her new role on Oct. 4 as she retires from her position of Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health (PPH) on Sept. 19. She has maintained that role since 2008 from Dr. Garry Humphreys who had retired.

“I am looking forward to providing Dr. Hinshaw with the additional support and assistance she needs to ensure the office of the CMOH (Chief medical officer of Health) fulfills its role and mandate,” said Salvaterra. “I recognize I have a great deal to learn about my new home and new public health system, and I hope I will be able to make a meaningful contribution as a member of the team.”

Dr. Salvaterra holds a Master’s degree in Health Research Methodology, a specialty in Public Health and Preventive Medicine and is an adjunct professor at Queens University. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Salvaterra, 65, revealed that she wanted to move to Edmonton after retirement to be closer to her family last month.

Larry Stinson, PPH director of operations will become the interim CEO after Dr. Salvaterra’s retirement until Dr. Thomas Piggott assumes the role starting on Dec. 1.

“I am so pleased that Dr. Salvaterra has agreed to join our team in the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health.

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Peterborough Chamber Hosts All-Candidates Debate

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce live-streamed an all-candidates debate at the Peterborough Curling Club on Wednesday.

Joy Lachica (NPD), Maryam Monsef (Liberal), Chanté White (Green), Michelle Ferreri (Conservative) speak at Wednesdays debate.

Federal candidates from The Liberal, Conservative, Green and New Democratic Party (NDP) participated.

All other candidates involved but were not in attendance were provided with an opportunity to submit a three-minute video.

Submitted videos are available to watch on Peterborough Chamber’s YouTube channel.

In their opening remarks, NDP candidate Joy Lachica shared that she was delighted to be sharing this platform with three other female candidates while Maryam Monsef, Peterborough’s Liberal incumbent, noted that she was not done giving back.

When touching on vaccine mandates, Michelle Ferreri of the Conservative Party believes in the vaccines but respects giving people a choice. She notes medical exceptions such as some of her friends and family that can not be vaccinated due to medical reasons like chemotherapy treatment.

Chanté White from the Green Party highlighted other public health guidelines like proper handwashing.

"We shouldn't be penalizing people who aren't able to get the vaccine,” she said.

A vaccine passport is "a coordinated, efficient, smart way to mitigate any confusion about vaccination,” said Lachica.

“We all need to get vaccinated and move on with life,” said Monsef.

Candidates also touched on the opioid crisis, Downtown Peterborough, small businesses, climate change and the housing crisis.

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Residents Advised of Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Canoe and Paddle Restaurant in Lakefield

Peterborough Public Health is advising patrons of the Canoe and Paddle Restaurant of a potential exposure to COVID-19 that occurred there from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3.

Photo courtesy of the Canoe and Paddle

The restaurant is located at 18 Bridge St. in Lakefield, Ontario.

Peterborough Public Health considers anyone that dined at the restaurant between Aug. 30 and Sept. 3 to be a high-risk contact and recommends:

• If you are a fully vaccinated individual (at least two weeks has past since your second dose) and: Do not have symptoms*:

Get tested immediately and self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days from the last date you attended the restaurant.

• If you are a fully vaccinated individual (at least two weeks has past since your second dose) and: Do have symptoms*:

Self-isolate and get tested immediately. o If your test is positive you must continue to self-isolate for 10 days; Peterborough Public Health will contact you. o If your test is negative you can discontinue self-isolation once symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms). \

• If you are an unvaccinated or a partially vaccinated individual:

Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 10 days from the last date you attended the restaurant.

Please visit https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/ for testing options in Peterborough.

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Lakefield Chiefs Signs Team Captain For Final Junior Year

William “Keither” Keith of the Lakefield Chiefs in the Provincial Junior Hockey League has signed with the team for his last year of junior and will serve as their captain announced on Wednesday.

Keith has played one game in the Ontario Junior Hockey League for the Cobourg Cougars. Photo Courtesy of Lakefield Chiefs.

Keith will enter his fourth year for the 2021-22 season with the Chiefs according to the team. He scored 25 goals and 13 assists in 37 games during the 2019-2020 regular season.

“Respected by all within the PJHL, we are glad to have him in the final year of his junior career. Big things to come from #77 this year. Welcome back Will,” said the Chiefs in a Twitter post.

📢@Chiefs_JrC are ecstatic to announce (00, F-6'0"-165 lbs) @keithwilliam88 signed & Captain for 2021-22. Entering his 4th season with the #Chiefs, “Keither” is a leader on & off the ice & respected by all within the PJHL. Big things to come from #77 this year. Welcome back Will! pic.twitter.com/PGW9bsGs0l

— Lakefield Chiefs (@Chiefs_JrC) September 8, 2021

In seven playoff games of the 2019-20 season, Keith scored three goals and four assists.

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Survivors Abreast Storage Locker Broken Into With Items Stolen

The Survivors Abreast Dragonboat team is asking for the public’s help in locating items stolen from their storage locker on Thursday at approximately 5:30 p.m.

EACH YEAR, THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL MEETS AT LITTLE LAKE OFF CRESCENT STREET. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETERBOROUGH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Among the stolen items were a dragon head that is placed on their boat, a drum, two wooden drum seats that fasten on the front of the boats, a box of safety kits and a camping tent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Peterborough Police service at 705-876-1122.

For more information, contact Kathryn MacKinnon, Survivors Abreast Vice President, 705-927-3233 or jkmackinnon231@gmail.com

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Experience Lang Pioneer Village Museum By Lantern Light this September

Lang Pioneer Village Museum has announced its fall event schedule, the first event this season is Village by Lantern Light taking place September 17 and 18.

A GUIDED TOUR OF THE MUSEUM THAT COMPLIED WITH THE COVID-19 PROTOCOLS IN 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF LANG PIONEER VILLAGE.

From 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm each evening, visitors are invited to enjoy the historic village by the soft glow of lantern light.

This event will provide visitors a different twilight-to-nightfall perspective of the historic village. Guests will learn how pioneer families spent their time after dark, exploring themes from entertainment to education to preparing for bed.

Visitors are invited to discover how the Tinsmith influenced nighttime preparations, see demonstrations of various traditional crafts and trades and listen to traditional Indigenous stories told by the fire and learn about stargazing and find out what the moon and stars tell us about harvest time with the Dortwood Observatory.

Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance on the Museum’s online Museum Shop.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths 5-14 years of age and children under 5 years of age are free. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes 2 adults and up to four youths ages 5-14.

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Retired Millbrook Couple Keeps Busy With Family-Run Charcuterie Business

Retirement has not slowed down Avril and Steve Greer of Millbrook as their charcuterie catering business Corks & Boards have kept them busy since November of last year.

Steve (left) and Avril Greer (right) showing off their homemade charcuterie boards and a sample of their array of foods that accompany them. Photo By David Tuan Bui

The business sells boxes of charcuterie boards full of ready-to-eat specialty meats, cheeses, chocolate, nuts, jellies, seasonal fruit and crackers to customers. Their products are ideal for parties, showers, sympathies, date nights or social gatherings.

The charcuterie is available for pickup or delivery in the Peterborough County or Durham region from their home-run business.

The couple moved to Millbrook in October last year after Avril and Steve retired as a daycare and an IT worker respectively.

The idea of Corks & Boards came from Avril’s sister since there were plenty of charcuterie businesses in the Niagara area where she lives. The couple wanted to keep busy in a new era of their lives.

"There's not a lot of that (charcuterie) around,” explained Avril. “We were looking, there are cupcakes and cookies but we're not bakers. We want to eat something where we're not making food, that we wanted to prepare food."

Avril (left) with daughter Ashley McGavock (right). Both daughters aid their parents in the social media of the business. Photo Courtesy of Corks & Boards.

While the business started out small, they quickly grew from word of mouth and some social media marketing and found themselves busy in a hurry.

"We thought we'd be selling to friends and family but it quickly got busy around Christmas time and realized we need to do not just Facebook and Instagram but we need to do a website."

The charcuterie comes in several sizes such as a sampler, spicy, gather or grand gathering. Every option aside from spicy has a “plus” option that includes wine jellies. Photo Courtesy of Corks & Boards.

All of their products used for the charcuterie are sourced as local as possible. Steve has the boards delivered to the business before he forms them then coats them with food-safe mineral oil and beeswax.

"I love giving them as gifts to people and love the look on people's faces when we surprise them at the door,” said Avril.

"We like to give people as much value for what they're getting,” said Steve. I think people see that and they appreciate it.“

All orders can be done online at their official website.

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