Hospice Peterborough Is Bringing Back Dove Tradition For Those Grieving a Loved one

Community members who are grieving the death of a loved one are invited to join a special holiday event that involves placing a paper dove, with the name of a loved one, on the Hospice Peterborough fence to help honour the memory of loved ones during a difficult time.

Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

Any community member can print and decorate a dove using this template on Hospice Peterborough’s website, and then hang the dove on the fence outside of our building at 325 London St. Hospice Peterborough has lit the evergreens outside of the building to remind us all that, even in times of grief, there is shared light and peace from the community.

“The holidays can be a time of great sorrow for those who have lost a loved one and our doves honour the special memories that those who have died leave with each of us,” said Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hős. “Hospice welcomes everyone who would like to bring a dove for the fence – this is not just for Hospice clients.”

Hospice Peterborough staff are thinking of all those who are grieving a death whether it was recent or in the past. Grief changes over time but many feel it strongly over the holidays, whether their person died recently or many years ago.

“Grief, like love, is a human emotion that unites us,” said Julie Brown, supportive care counsellor at Hospice Peterborough. “And the trees and doves are Hospice’s way of acknowledging the memories and sharing the peace and light felt throughout this community during the holiday season.”

Anyone seeking further support can watch the Grief and the Holidays 2021 video, call 705-742-4042 or visit hospicepeterborough.org for more information.

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Electric City Football Club Hosts First Public Event With Season Ticket Launch Party

The Electric City Football Club (ECFC) shared its first night with its fans at a season ticket launch party at the Publican House on Tuesday night.

The season tickets include games from the women’s and men’s teams. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Fans were able to purchase vouchers to reserve season tickets for the team’s inaugrual League1 Ontario season next year. Roughly 60 fans were in attendance for the event.

"The city continues to impress every time," said Rob Jenkins, ECFC president. "You send out the word and all of a sudden you've got a good group of people and they're there. They want to be involved and it's been absolutely amazing. I've been floored by the support we've received."

A fan shows off the first season ticket voucher for ECFC. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The season tickets include all home regular-season matches for the Women’s and Men’s teams. The season consists of roughly 20 home matches combined from May to September.

Tickets are limited will be made available Season tickets will start at approximately $200 for the season. Season Tickets will be available for purchase early in 2022 once stadium seating and schedule are confirmed (approximately February) by the league.

Season ticket deposits can be made online or at their shop at 1054 Monaghan Rd., Suite 202.

"We're seeing people wear our patch and we're seeing the jerseys being worn," said Jenkins. "Once you start seeing people just supporting something that we built here, it's a game-changer."

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Peterborough Public Health Releases Guidelines For Safe Holiday Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Public Health encourage residents to continue to follow all Provincial requirements and public health guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Province has eased certain restrictions to allow for more activities, Provincial emergency orders remain in effect and the City of Peterborough remains in an emergency declaration.

Recently, the Province has experienced increasing COVID-19 case counts, which emphasizes the need to follow safe practices during the pandemic.

“Our community is doing extremely well in getting vaccinated against COVID-19. We need to keep up those efforts,” Mayor Diane Therrien said. “Getting vaccinated reduces the chances of severe illness if you get COVID-19; however, vaccination doesn’t remove the need to be safe when socializing and celebrating the holidays during the pandemic.

Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health, reiterated that layering public health measures is the best way to reduce virus transmission.

“It’s the combination of practices such as vaccination, wearing well-made and tightly fitting masks, and distancing that help keep everyone safest,” he said. “It’s also important to recognize that others may have a lower tolerance for risk than you, and to respect their wishes if they prefer to introduce additional precautions.”

When heading out for activities over the holidays, PPH asks that community members remember:

• Events and gatherings are exciting, but close contact with non-household members, large crowds, and travelling can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

• Holiday activities such as parties, parades, and organized gatherings must meet both local and provincial requirements.

• Only participate in holiday activities you know follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, and meet your comfort level.

• Follow capacity limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings/events, masking and distancing a minimum 2 metres from non-household members, considering vaccine status, etc.

• Outdoor settings are safer than indoors, but there is still risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially among unvaccinated or at-risk groups. Virtual is the safest way to celebrate.

• Stay home if you have symptoms and remember to self-screen for COVID-19 before going out.

Guidelines are set out under the Reopening Ontario Act (O.Reg. 364/20) providing direction for safe activities and other public health measures during the pandemic. Under these regulations, there are certain requirements that must be followed if planning holiday celebrations, and recommendations to reduce the risk to yourself and others.

For outdoor gatherings and events (including parades):

• Maximum capacity of 100 people outdoors

• Parade participants should remember:

• If people are not able to maintain 2 metres from non-household members, then you must wear a mask/face covering

Performers in parades should:

• Be fully vaccinated, and performers on floats should wear a face covering if unable to distance from others

• Avoid crowds as much as possible

• If individuals are unvaccinated or from multiple households, consider wearing a mask

Holding an event on City property, including parades on City streets, requires the completion of a special event permit that includes information on safety planning and insurance requirements. Depending on the special event being held, applications are reviewed by police, fire services, and the City’s traffic and public works divisions. Applications are required to be submitted 90 days in advance of an event. Peterborough Public Health would be consulted on public health requirements.

For the City’s Special Event Planning Guide, please visit https://www.peterborough.ca/en/explore-and-play/event-hosting.aspx.

After the Kinsmen Club announced it will not be organizing a Santa Claus parade this year due to the pandemic, the City has not received any applications for holding a Santa Claus parade this year.

Public health requirements and recommendations related to indoor gatherings and events (including private parties):

• The maximum capacity for social gatherings in private residences is 25 people indoors.

• The maximum capacity for other indoor settings (e.g., food service establishment, banquet hall, event space, etc.) can allow 25 people indoors for a social gathering. Depending on the facility, a higher capacity limit may be granted for businesses and organizations if a number of COVID-19 protocols are in place (see below).

• In most instances, proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination (e.g., 2 doses of a 2-dose vaccine plus a 14-day period following the last vaccination) is required for high-risk indoor settings

• Masks are required to be worn inside, with exemptions including when people are eating or drinking

If the celebration is held in a meeting or event space, common room, or venue where facility staff are ‘in charge’ (e.g., food service) staff/guests are required to:

• Provide proof of full vaccine status at the point of entry

• Be actively screened at the point of entry

• Have their contact tracing information kept and stored for 30 days

• Abide by the safety plan requirements of that establishment

• Wear a mask at all times, with limited exceptions including while eating and drinking

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Booster Dose Appointments Available At Pharmacies And Provincial Booking System For Those Turning 50 Or Older

Starting Monday the provincial government will be expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses to all residents turning 50 years of age or older in 2021.

In Peterborough region, this expanded eligibility will allow for an additional 37,289 residents to receive a booster dose. With this eligibility expansion, the following residents can book a COVID-19 booster dose appointment for a date that is at least 168 days (6 months) after a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was received:

• Residents 50 years of age or older (born in 1971 or before)

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members

• Individuals who received two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

• Individuals who received one dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine

• Healthcare workers

Residents can determine the date when they become eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose using this guide.

Residents with certain health conditions, now including individuals receiving dialysis, can receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 56 days (2 months) after their second dose. These residents may walk in to any COVID-19 vaccine clinic for individuals who are 12 years of age or older and will be required to show a physician referral form at the time of appointment.

“As we continue to see COVID-19 cases rise in the province and locally, I strongly encourage every resident who is eligible to get a COVID-19 booster dose,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Booster doses work to remind our immune system about a virus that they have previously been exposed to. Our immune system will quickly create antibodies and keep them circulating in the body and ready to defend if the COVID-19 virus enters.”

Effective December 13, eligible residents who received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 168 days prior, can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Residents can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial vaccine booking system in the following ways:

• Online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ OR

• Over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900

Residents can also book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a local participating pharmacy.

“We are seeing these clinics book up quickly. Peterborough Public Health is holding more vaccine clinics for residents 12 years of age and older at the Healthy Planet Arena and throughout the County of Peterborough,” said Dr. Piggott. “We ask for residents to be patient when booking an appointment. We also encourage residents to reach out to local pharmacies for appointments. Peterborough Region has 24 pharmacy locations that are administering COVID-19 booster doses.”

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, upcoming vaccine clinics, and booking a vaccine appointment, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics.

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Peterborough Petes and Emterra Environmental Collecting Equipment For Try Hockey Equipment Drive

The Peterborough Petes and Emterra Environmental are helping make hockey for everyone with the Try Hockey equipment drive which collects donated hockey gear to make it more accessible announced on Tuesday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The donated equipment is being used for future free hockey initiatives that seek to reduce financial and social barriers to joining the game of hockey. 

The drive will happen on Dec. 17 and 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. where donations are accepted from families at the southeast side of the Peterborough Memorial Centre parking lot.

All COVID-19 protocols will be in place upon equipment collection including mask wearing and physical distancing. 

“The Petes are excited to work alongside Emterra Environmental on this initiative and future Try Hockey programming in order to make the sport we love more accessible to the Peterborough community,” said Shelbi Kilcollins, Petes Director of Marketing and Growth. 

Requested equipment includes skates, elbow pads, shin pads, shoulder pads, helmets, pants, sticks, bags and goalie equipment. There is not a need for undergarments, jerseys, socks, jocks/jills, or neck guards.

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The Boro Announces Wild Rock Outfitters As Holiday Window Contest Winner

The Boro announced on Wednesday that Wild Rock Outfitters placed first in their annual Holiday Window Contest.

Wild Rock Outfitters staff members Bridget Moore (left) and Rachel Dean (right) celebrating their winning window. Photo courtesy of The Boro.

“This holiday season has been all about community, getting outdoors, and supporting each other. Our staff brought their fabulous ideas and talents together to create a beautiful expression of just that, and we're so happy they'll be rewarded for their efforts. We are so grateful to have a team filled with so much enthusiasm, skill, and love,” said Tori Silvera, Wild Rock General Manager. “Thanks Peterborough, and have a wonderful holiday, whatever you're celebrating."

This year’s winners are:

1st place — Wild Rock Outfitters, 169 Charlotte Street

2nd Place — Statement House, 378 Water Street

3rd Place — Green Street, Shop, 237 George Street

The top three winners will be receiving $1,000, $500, and $200 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from November 19 to December 6.

“It feels very festive downtown right now thanks to the creativity of our brilliant shop owners. This year’s theme was Holiday Cheer and our businesses curated wonderfully cheery holiday window displays this season,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “It’s incredible to see the community rally behind our small businesses. Over 2,400 votes were cast throughout the contest, and we are just blown away by the local enthusiasm for this program.”

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Random Acts Of Green Is Hoping For An Eco-Friendly Holiday With Their JollyGreen Holiday Challenge

The JollyGreen Holiday Eco-Challenge hosted by Random Acts of Green is hoping to encourage people to switch to more eco-friendly habits during the holidays this year.

According to Zero Waste Canada, globally during the holiday season, waste levels increase by 25-30 per cent. With all the wrapping paper, packaging, cards, glitter, decorations, and food waste, the planet desperately needs people to rethink these wasteful traditions.

“The holiday season is full of light, joy, and cheer. But it also has a dark environmental side that no one really seems to be talking about,” said Jessica Correa, CEO, Random Acts of Green. “It doesn’t have to be like this, though. We can all act together to change wasteful traditions and rituals in favour of new ones that are less harmful to our shared home.”

Citizens, families, school boards, classrooms, and businesses are being encouraged to take the virtual JollyGreen™ Challenge during the month of December. The challenge builds awareness about things we can do for the planet this holiday season.

The challenge encourages participants to perform tasks like using a reusable mug for Christmas drinks like hot chocolate, shopping locally, and using eco-friendly de-icers when needed.

Pledge to participate in JollyGreen here to receive a pledge badge to share on socials and get green tips along the way.

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Local Author Emulates The Feeling Of Anxiety in Book 'Pixie and the Bees'

Local author and business owner Erika Richmond of Open Sky Stories hosted a book signing for her book ‘Pixie and the Bees’ at the modern Makers Market Shop on Tuesday.

Erika Richmond at Modern Makers Market Shop. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Richmond wrote ‘Pixie and the Bees’ based on her experience living with anxiety.

She says a few years ago she was experiencing health issues, and having a hard time getting diagnosed.

“I was in physical pain, I was nauseous 2/7, this lasted about a year. My doctor was amazing, she saw me weekly, did every test she could, she kept bringing up the possibility of anxiety and I would say no, that’s not it - it’s too physical it can’t be that,” said Richmond.

Eventually Richmond accepted her diagnosis and began writing about her experience, and Pixie was born.

The story of Pixie and the Bees is about a young pixie that one day swallows a swarm of bees, though doctors can’t seem to help her and her friends don’t know what is wrong with her.

“I felt like I had bees swarming and buzzing through my entire body, and that was the only way I could describe it,” she said.

Pixie goes on a journey of learning what can make her feel better like riding her bike or going outside. As she begins to learn more the bees come out one by one.

“To be honest I wasn’t sure how to end it, because I can’t have a full on happy ending - so at the end the bees don’t all go away, she just learns and learns to trust herself again.”

Initially when Richmond wrote this book, because it was about her own experience, she thought it would be a book for adults.

But Richmond teamed up with local artist Brooklin Holbrough to illustrate the book, and that opened it up to be read by all ages.

“I have had so many people reach out to me whos children have read it and love it. It never mentions anxiety, it doesn’t say anything about mental health, it’s just a story and they get it on a very different level than adults do.”

In addition to being an author Richmond founded Open Sky Stories, a community that encourages connection, creativity and collaboration through writing.

Her products, which include collections of writing prompts, fortune cookies and ‘Pixie and the Bees’, can be purchased at Modern Makers Market Shop, Hi Ho Silver, Watson and Lou and online.

For more information about Open Sky Stories visit their website, Instagram or Facebook.

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