Making a List and Checking it Twice: Lynn's Flowers and Gifts in Norwood is Getting Ready to Launch Annual Naughty and Nice List

Lynn’s Flowers and Gifts in Norwood is gearing up for another year of fundraising with their annual Naughty and Nice list.

Santa’s helpers Kevin, Megs and Trixie check up on the Naughty and Nice list weekly. Photo courtesy of Lynns Flowers and Gifts.

For the last four years the flower shop has hosted a Naughty and Nice list.

Customers donate a minimum of $5 to get their own name or the name of a friend on their choice of the naughty or nice list - which is posted in the shop. They can either give a reason as to why they have been put on either list or ‘resident elves’ Trixie and Megs will find a reason.

If someone finds a name on a list and they think it’s in the wrong spot, they can match the donation to move it to another list.

“We try to encourage people to come in to either try to get their name off the naughty list, or put someone else there,” said Megan Wilson, daughter of shop owner Lynn Wilson. “It’s kind of like a big game, a big rivalry thing while raising money.”

From Nov. 24 until Dec. 8 Trixie and Megs will post updated videos to Facebook highlighting new additions to the list. Santa’s brother Earl has also been known to make an appearance.

This year all donations will go to the Norwood Food Bank and Hospice Norwood.

“We chose Hospice this year because we’ve been noticing they’ve been unable to do a lot of fundraising because of the pandemic, so we wanted to get them on our list and raise some money for them this year,” said Lynn.

Since it’s beginning in 2018 the Naughty and Nice List has raised over $4,700 for local initiatives. Last year the list raised $1,400 that was split between the Norwood Food Bank and Community Care.

“This community is such a huge thing for us and I honestly do think it would be a little bit different if we weren’t in such a close knit community,” said Megan. “They support our business 24/7 and especially when it comes to Christmas and doing things like this they are hugely the reason why it’s so successful.”

Ballots for the Naughty and Nice list are available at Lynn’s Flowers and Gifts (2353 County Rd 45) and at The Christmas Corner (2351 County Rd 45), both located in Norwood and owned by Wilson. Ballots can be purchased with cash only.

Every $5 donation gets one ballot for the grand prize draw, which will be announced when the fundraiser is over.

One winner will receive two tickets to Come From Away, a production that has been awarded best musical in North America.

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Hometown PTBO: Brian Miller On His 20th Season With the Peterborough Petes

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Peterborough Petes head trainer Brian Miller on spending the last 20 years working with the club.

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YWCA Raising the Flag to End Gender-Based Violence Across Ontario

UPDATE (2:40 p.m., Nov. 19, 2021): The flag-raising event has been changed from 1:00 p.m. to noon.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is going to new heights for Women Abuse Prevention Month in a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall announced on Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

The ceremony will occur at City Hall on Thursday at noon The event is meant to help raise awareness and to end gender-based violence according to the YWCA.

“International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” and the first day of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a Wrapped in Courage” flag will be raised in our community at Peterborough City Hall and a Proclamation will be declared by Mayor Diane Therrien as stated in the press release.

This Proclamation and flag-raising signal a commitment to ending gender-based violence in our community and to ensuring survivors know they are not alone. 

For the ninth year, the “Wrapped in Courage” campaign is mobilizing Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters across Ontario since violence continues to be the greatest gender inequality rights issue for women and girls according to the press release.

The YWCA is requesting that purple scarves be worn to show support for gender-based violence survivors who suffered from their homes, communities and workplaces. The purple scarf is a symbol of the courage it takes to seek support and safety from violence.

Suggested ways to address gender-based violence in a meaningful way by the YWCA:

• Talking with those close to you about how shelters in your communities play an essential role for survivor safety through their programs and services and continue to have services available throughout the pandemic.

• Contact your municipal, provincial and federal politicians to let them know you want them to take action to end gender-based violence through commitments and planning at all levels of government. 

• Visiting ywcapeterborough.org or calling 705-743-3526 to learn more about how you can support local services for women experiencing gender-based violence and their children.

• Posting and sharing photos and videos of Wrapped in Courage flags across Ontario.

• Wearing or displaying a Purple Scarf in Support of Survivors of Gender-Based Violence and post with the hashtag #WrappedinCourage to your social media accounts.

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City of Peterborough Releases Workplace Vaccination Policy Results

As of Nov. 12, 97.4 per cent of City employees were compliant with the City’s COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, the City announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

Under the City’s COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, employees are required to submit proof of vaccination, submit proof of medical exemption, or regularly submit COVID-19 testing at their own expense and on their own time if their position is eligible for that option.

Out of 1,049 active City employees, 94.57 per cent have submitted proof of vaccination.

There are currently three employees who are on unpaid leave due to the COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy.

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In From the Cold Christmas Concert to be Livestreamed This Year

The 22nd Annual In From the Cold Christmas concert will be livestreamed from St. James United Church on Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.

File Photo.

The annual concert has been a mainstay of the Peterborough Christmas season since its inception in 2000, having raised over $150,000 for the YES Shelter of Peterborough over the years.

Last year’s audio retrospective, broadcast on Trent Radio, raised a record total of almost $13,000.00 through an online Canada Helps fundraiser.

“A year ago I never would have guessed that, this year, we would not be back at the Market Hall performing to a full house, once again,” said concert organizer, John Hoffman. “But, although things are much better with the pandemic, there were still some uncertainties around safety when we had to make decisions about staging the concert.”

Given the livestreaming possibilities that were developed by the St. James Players over the past 20 months, Hoffman and his colleagues decided to take the show online for this year. Performers will be playing live at the church, and people can watch the concert on the internet by going to stjamesplayers.ca/live

In From the Cold 2021 will feature a mix of traditional, Celtic and contemporary Christmas and winter songs performed by perennial In From the Cold hosted folk band Carried Away and their musical friend Curtis Driedger. What’s different this year that, for the first time, the Convivio Chorus will not be part of the show.

“We just couldn’t be certain enough about everyone’s safety and comfort,” explains Hoffman.

Driedger will not be appearing as Enrique “Roy” Claveer, but rather as a member of The McDonnel St. Gospel Quartet, who will render some Christmas songs in spirited country gospel style.

“This concert creates a warm and supported feeling for all of us at the YES Shelter for Youth and Families,” said Brooke Erickson, Development Lead at YES. “People experiencing homelessness in Peterborough can sometimes feel forgotten by their community. In From the Cold is an annual reminder that Peterborough is a city that comes together in support of their neighbours that are profoundly struggling.”

Tickets will not be sold for this event. The livestream is available free-of-charge but viewers and supporters are encouraged to donate to the In From the Cold fundraiser for YES at the following link when they enjoy the show.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/in-from-the-cold-peterborough-2021/

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Buckhorn Festival of Trees Brings the Christmas Spirit to the Community Centre

The Buckhorn Community Centre is hosting their annual Festival of Trees, starting on Sunday and invites visitors to get in the Christmas spirit in multiple ways.

The annual festival beginning on Sunday features 35 - 40 trees displayed inside the community centre. Trees have been sponsored by local families and businesses.

Tea and Tree days invite guests to admire the display while enjoying some tea and treats. These days will happen on Nov. 22, Nov. 29, Dec. 1 and Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Seating is limited to four people per table. This event requires pre registration and costs $10 per person.

Wine and Tree days are on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m.

This event allows eight people per table and costs $18 per person. Charcuterie snacks will be served, drinks will be extra.

Tickets to both events must be purchased in advance by calling the BCC at 705-657-8833.

Tree Days are on Sunday , Nov. 28 and Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no admission fee.

At all three events gusts can purchase tickets for a chance to win Christmas décor.

The draw for the décor will take place on Dec. 13 with refreshments served from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The draw will take place at 1:30 p.m.

In the spirit of Christmas the BCC is also hosting a wreath making workshop.

Participants will join professionals in making unique Christmas wreaths out of recycled window frames. Workshops are Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Cost is $15 and covers all materials. Space is limited. To register call 705-657-8833.

The BCC is also hosting an outdoor Country Christmas Party Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Register by Dec 1. 705-657-8833

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ReFrame Film Festival Brings Virtual Festival to National Audience

Peterborough’s ReFrame Film Festival is back and this year will be available online across Canada.

Photo courtesy of ReFrame Film Festival.

The 18th edition of the doc fest will be primarily virtual, with limited special in-person screenings

ReFrame will give audiences a full nine days to stream films from January 27 to February 4, 2022. ReFrame will offer on-demand viewing of over 50 films.

ReFrame is dedicated to presenting the year’s most important, thought-provoking, and inspiring documentary films rooted in social and environmental justice

The virtual platform brings back many benefits that ReFrame patrons loved last year, such as watching from the comfort of their homes, and not having to choose between screenings that overlap.

The virtual festival will be available on-demand for the entire nine days.

"We heard our audiences say they found the online experience safe, convenient and accessible. We're excited to expand our platform and bring this community-minded event to homes from coast to coast,” said ReFrame Creative Director, Amy Siegel.

A limited number of Early Bird Virtual Passes go on sale Thursday at www.reframefilmfestival.ca. Early Bird Virtual Passes are $55 while supplies last which will let you stream all virtual festival films.

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Local Tiktok Star Making Live Stage Debut As a Motivational Comedian

You may have heard “Good Morning, Assholes!” on TikTok from Wayne Hannah and now is taking his message live and in person as a motivational comedian in a live show in January.

Hannah has been deployed in Bosnia and parts of Africa in 2000 and 2009 respectively during his military career. Photo Courtesy of Wayne Hannah.

“Vulnerable AF: An Evening With Wayne Hannah” is being held at Farmhill Weddings, south of Peterborough, on Jan. 21.

Kickflip Pictures Inc., a Peterborough-based production company, will film the live performance for a project based on Hannah and his story directed by the company’s founder Tyler Boyco.

Hannah is a veteran and firefighter who has been diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD. After spending the majority of his adult life self-sabotaging and making excuses for a negative mindset, he made a conscious decision to change his ways.

“Almost a year ago, I contemplated suicide because I couldn’t get out of that place,” reflected Hannah. “I started using TikTok as a way to share my new mindset and mission. It was also a way to hold myself accountable to the changes I was making for myself.”

The 41-year-old began sharing his “Good Morning, Assholes!” videos regularly on social media in the spring of this year. With over 210,000 followers on social media, Hannah has established an online community of like-minded individuals and those looking for encouragement through his messages.

“When we began planning my first live show, there was no other city discussed. Peterborough was our only option as it’s my home.” explained Hannah. "I wanted to do it locally because of the support everyone in Peterborough has shown me.”

@goodmorningassholes

Please Share this with all of the Humans🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

♬ Get You The Moon - Kina

Hannah’s takeaway from his upcoming show is to help people suffering from mental health realize they are not alone. He will be sharing his story; from military service, divorce, fatherhood and being happily medicated to being true to yourself, living unapologetically and looking in the mirror every day saying “I decide."

“I want to present my message live and in person. I want to show people that you can be strong and heal but also be ‘Vulnerable AF,’” he said. “Speaking in this way has been something I’ve wanted to do my entire life.”

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Fleming College Alumnus Named Amongst Olympians as a Runner to Follow on TikTok

Fleming alumnus and current Fleming Knights Cross Country Coach Brendan Carpenter has been recognized by Canadian Running Magazine as a Canadian runner to follow on TikTok.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The list, published on Oct. 21, featured seven runners. Two of which were Canadian Olympians Andre De Grasse and Sage Watson.

Carpenter started running when he was a student at Fleming College and has since lost over 160 lbs.

He is now a marathon runner, a coach, a Saucony Athlete and has a following of over 138,000 on TikTok.

“It's an honor to be on a list with some of Canada's best athletes and something that I would have never expected,” Carpenter said to Fleming College. “I got my start running at the Wellness Centre when I went to Fleming as a student. The facilities that Fleming provided was the catalyst to changing my life and kick starting my weight loss journey to where I am today. I never knew that stepping on that treadmill would lead me to being featured on a list with Olympians. Life will take you some pretty amazing places if do the things that scare you most.”

To view the full list of runners click here.

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