Peterborough Blogs
Santa Claus is Coming to Dr. J's For a Good Cause
/Dr. J’s BBQ and Brew is inviting the community to come say hello and get a picture with Santa Claus, on Dec. 5, and donating the proceeds to Kawartha Food Share.
Saint Nick will be at the restaurant from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. ready to take photos with families by appointment.
Each appointment is five minutes, and requires a minimum donation of $10. Participants must take their own photos, there will be no photographer on scene.
100 per cent of the money raised will be donated to Kawartha Food Share.
“It’s just a great way to give back,” said Addison Brown, owner. “Trying to wait in line at the mall to see Santa Claus can sometimes be a bit of a nightmare, so I thought it would be fun to do something at Dr. J’s while giving back.”
Brown says he always tries to give back this time of year, and is also hosting a fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
On Dec. 17 and 18 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Dr. J’s will be offering Christmas wrapping for a minimum donation of $20.
To book an appointment with Santa click here.
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Peterborough Man Turns $1 Into $100,000 From Encore Lottery Win
/Saying “yes” to ENCORE paid off for Peterborough’s David Anderson as he matched the last six of seven ENCORE numbers exactly to win $100,000 announced Wednesday.
David Anderson purchased his winning ticket at a Circle K on Hunter Street on Nov. 13. Photo Courtesy of OLG.
His draw was made on Nov. 13 through his LOTTARIO ticket that earned him which brought his total winnings to $100,008.
Anderson, a sheet metal worker, says he plays the lottery frequently.
"I enjoy playing LOTTO 6/49, LOTTO MAX and LOTTARIO. I always buy ENCORE," he said.
David was having a coffee before taking his grandchildren out when he decided to check his ticket.
"I called my partner and said, 'I think we won $100,000,’” he exclaimed.
He plans to complete some home renovations and invest his winnings.
"Things in life are going to be a bit easier. It's just hitting me now," said Anderson.
The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Hunter Street in Peterborough.
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Peterborough Local Synthia Kiss Ends Journey on Canada's Drag Race with a Positive Note
/Drag Queen Synthia Kiss, a graduate of PCVS high school, has completed her run on Canada’s Drag Race and although she didn’t win, she is proud of her stint.
Photo courtesy of Canada’s Drag Race.
Kiss was born and raised in Peterborough and took Integrated arts at PCVS.
“I was an introvert at heart. I owe a lot of my confidence and the way I carry myself to those days,” she said. “That was a space where I was understood, I was really accepted at that school and without it I wouldn’t have the same amount of confidence I have now. It was a super special time in my life.”
After graduating from PCVS she moved to Toronto to pursue a degree in Fashion at Ryerson University.
After getting a job in her field she was relocated to Vancouver, and her drag journey began.
“I know now that there’s drag queens everywhere, but growing up it was not as widely accepted,” said Kiss. “Even the way I dressed, my feminine mannerisms were not as well received growing up. It makes me happy to see it evolving everywhere.”
When looking back on her childhood in Peterborough, Kiss hopes that young people living there today know how important it is to express themselves.
“If I was that age what I would need to hear is what you’re doing is valid. Just because there’s people around you doing something different doesn’t mean you’re not doing you right. Don’t let them dim your shine.”
Kiss appeared on season two of Canada’s Drag Race, but was eliminated on episode six, which aired on Nov. 18.
In an Instagram post on Nov. 19 Kiss said she is proud of what she achieved. During her time on the show she won Snatch Game, a celebrity impersonation and improvisational challenge, opened the ‘Rusical’, a musical production on the television series, and became a ‘lip-sync assassin’.
“What I was so happy to see come across on screen was my genuine personality- that’s what I’m like with my closest friends. I’m proud of how open and honest I navigated the whole thing.”
While her journey on Canada’s Drag Race has ended, she says her time there completely reignited her love for drag and she will continue to perform.
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The Verandah Society Presents Back Home for the Holidays
/Showplace Performance Centre will be turning their lights on for this first time since March 2020 to host The Verandah Society; Back Home for the Holidays, on Dec. 11 and 12.
After a summer of performing at the 4th Line Theatre, The Verandah Society will move indoors, and be joined by Irish Millie, Dan Fewings, and the orphans from the upcoming production of Annie with the Peterborough Theatre Guild.
The audience will get to listen to festive songs, stories and camaraderie, while being the first to try out the new seats at showplace.
The show runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.
For tickets visit showplace.org.
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Lakefield Foodland To Provide Those In Need With Turkey For Christmas
/Lakefield Foodland will be brightening Christmas for local families by giving away free turkeys to those in need.
Sarah Blestoe at Lakefield Foodland. Photo courtesy of Lakefield Foodland.
“A lot of people can use a helping hand at this time of year especially now. We want to offer our assistance to the people in Lakefield and area,” said Ross Blestoe, co-owner. “Despite a significant shortage of turkeys available this holiday season, we have worked with our partners to secure enough Frozen Grade A turkeys to give away to those in need. We support a lot of local charities, non-profit organizations and sports groups, but this turkey give-away lets us put our assistance ‘right on the table’ for those who need it most.”
Turkeys will be given away, one per family, on Dec. 15 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. while supplies last.
Recipients are asked to show I.D. with an address.
For further information contact Ross Bletsoe 705-652-3999, rbletsoe@lakefieldfoodland.com or Ian Bletsoe 705-652-8232 Ext. 317, ian@lakefieldfoodland.com.
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PRHC Foundation Receives historic $5 Million Donation From Jim Neill
/PRHC Foundation donor Jim Neill has committed to donating a historic $5 million in support of the future of cardiac care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Dr. Warren Ball, Lesley Heighway, Jim Neill, Dr Peter McLaughlin. Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.
PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway, made the announcement at a private donor event attended by a small number of hospital and PRHC Foundation representatives, sharing that the gift is the largest donation in the PRHC’s Foundation’s history.
“Over the past year and a half, we’ve seen firsthand how vital it is that Peterborough Regional Health Centre has the people and technology needed to provide lifesaving patient care, close to home,” said Heighway. “Our hospital has an exciting vision for the future of cardiac care at PRHC – including the expansion of services and bringing new treatments to our region – but we won’t get there alone.”
Dr. Warren Ball, PRHC Interventional Cardiologist & Head of Division, Cardiology, said the donation will have a transformational impact on patient care now and in the future.
“Jim’s generosity will help us keep our hearts here today by investing in significantly improved technology,” said Dr. Ball, “and when you add state-of-the-art technology to our exceptional patient care, it will also empower us to pursue our vision for tomorrow. While the planning for this exciting opportunity is in the early stages, I can tell you we’re committed to ensuring our patients have access to the finest, most comprehensive cardiac care available, right here at PRHC.”
PRHC and PRHCF reps, Board members, Cardiac team members and Jim Neill. Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.
Neill said he was inspired to make the gift after moving back to the area and seeing how important access to cardiac care close to home is for the hundreds of thousands of potential patients that live and work in our region.
“Where I used to live in Toronto, there were four hospitals within a 15-minute drive of my home – all of which offered lifesaving emergency cardiac care,” said Neill. “As I understand it, it’s essential that we limit the time and distance our loved ones, friends and neighbours need to travel to get to get the same standard of care. I want to be part of that process of providing very timely cardiac care close to home.”
Neill added that he’s honoured to be part of the tradition of philanthropy that has supported the Health Centre from the beginning.
“The new lifesaving treatments coming to PRHC in the near future will once again change the face of cardiac care in our region,” said Neill. “I’m excited to be part of that and I hope that my donation will encourage and inspire others, as the donors who have come before have inspired me.”
Dr. Peter McLaughlin, PRHC President & CEO, told guests that the cardiac program and the overall exceptional standard of care found at PRHC would not be possible without the past support of donors.
“Over the years, many individuals, foundations and corporations have stepped forward to embrace our vision as their own, through donations of all sizes,” said McLaughlin. “Now here we are once again, about to embark on a new era of cardiac care thanks to the support of another visionary leader. That’s the power of philanthropy and we’re grateful for Jim’s and all our donors’ support.”
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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Hires Interim President and CEO
/Campbellford Memorial Hospital announced on Tuesday that Eric Hanna has been hired as the new Interim President and CEO.
CMH is the only hospital located between Peterborough and Belleville and provides a comprehensive array of acute care services, including a 24-hour Emergency Department.
Hanna replaces Dr. Bruce Bain who has been in the position on a temporary basis since October 19th. Dr. Bain will continue in his role as Chief of Staff at CMH.
“We thank Dr. Bain for his exemplary work this past month as the Board searched for a new Interim President and CEO,” said Kevin Huestis, chair of the hospital’s Board of Directors, “Dr. Bain’s continued leadership as Chief of Staff will make for a smooth transition, and Eric brings a wealth of expertise that aligns with our hospital’s imminent challenges and opportunities.”
Hanna recently retired from his position at Arnprior Regional Health where he had served as President and CEO since 2008. While at ARH, Mr. Hanna increased the amount of long-term care beds operated by the hospital by 60% and was instrumental in securing more than $30 million in funding for capital redevelopment projects.
He has also previously worked as a consultant for KPMG and the Ministry of Health and as a senior executive at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Whitby General Hospital in Whitby, Memorial Hospital in Bowmanville and Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible staff and leadership team at Campbellford Memorial Hospital,” said Hanna, “There are many initiatives in the coming months focused upon improving the patient experience at CMH. Small rural hospitals have an integral role in todays healthcare system; ensuring local access to appropriate care will be a priority of mine.”
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Peterborough Petes Player Featured and Tested By TSN's BarDown Squad
/Peterborough Petes goalie Michael Simpson was tested uniquely as TSN’s BarDown team tried to score on him in a featured video released last Wednesday.
Simpson recorded his first win of the OHL season against the Sudbury Wolves on the Petes home opener after teammate and goaltender Tye Austin was injured in the first period on Oct. 14. Photo Courtesy of Ken Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.
The video, “How Good is a 60 Overall Goalie in Real Life?” compared an OHL-level goalie to hockey players with beer/house league-level skills.
The “60 overall” rating is based on the popular NHL 22 video game by Electronic Arts (EA) Sports in the “Hockey Ultimate Team” mode. The rating is considered very low as most of the NHL’s top stars in the game are in the 90s. BarDown wanted to determine if Simpson’s rating should be raised after testing his goalie skills.
Michael Simpson’s "Hockey Ultimate Team” card from the NHL 22 video game. Screenshot.
Corwin McCallum and Jesse Pollock of BarDown competed against Simpson in three different competitions at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. It consisted of both men each taking 10 slot shots and three breakaways. They teamed up in the final event with 10 two-on-nothing attempts.
“You see their videos on Youtube and on TSN watching Sportscentre. You see they're goofballs and see it's a pretty cool experience and definitely something I'll never forget,” said Simpson. "It was pretty funny to have a laugh and be able to compete against them.”
Several Peterborough Petes were on the bench during the filming cheering on both sides. Despite Simpson’s excellent performance in the video, his teammates were quick to remind the goalie of his few mistakes after filming and in the locker room.
"They were giving it to me pretty good for letting in the goals but it was all a good experience and it was all super fun,” said Simpson.
Friends, family and fans messaged the Petes goaltender and blew up his phone and social media after they saw the video.
"A good amount of people have reached out. My family said it was a super cool experience but a lot of people back home, in high school and even elementary school reached out and said it’s such a cool opportunity,” said Simpson. “It was pretty cool to have those people reaching out and letting me know how cool it is."
Simpson was selected 193rd overall in the 10th round in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection Photo Courtesy of Ken Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.
