Support Pours In For Millbrook Boy After Eye Doctors Appointment Becomes Emergency Trip To Sick Kids

Jolene Downer took her son Riley to a regular eye doctor appointment on Thursday expecting a usual checkup, but within a few minutes of them being there fluid was found behind his eyes and Jolene was instructed to take him to the emergency department at Sick Kids.

Photo courtesy of the Downer family.

According to family friend Erin Bonnet this news took everyone by surprise. Riley is a healthy kid with no previous issues.

By 10 p.m. that night they arrived at Sick Kids in Toronto.

Friday morning Riley had surgery to complete a biopsy and to have the fluid drained. After an MRI doctors confirmed that the fluid is draining properly so the family is now awaiting biopsy results.

The results are expected to be in in 3 - 5 days, but until then the family doesn’t know how long their hospital stay will be or what type of treatment Riley will need.

Currently, only one parent can stay at the hospital so Jolene will remain in Toronto while her husband Steve will be driving back and fourth and staying with Riley’s younger brother Tristan.

In hopes to help offset the cost of gas for Steve, bills that come with living out of a hospital and from the loss of working, Bonnet set up a GoFundMe for the family.

“I myself have been through a long haul at sick kids and we had a lot of help ourselves,” she said. “You don’t expect it but if you do get it it helps in more ways than just financial. It boosts your spirits knowing people are so willing.”

Bonnet shared the GoFundMe on Saturday and has since raised close to $3,000.

“It feels like people aren’t even thinking twice,” she said. “This is such an outgoing family, so many people are willing to help.”

To donate to the GoFundMe click here.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Warning After Suspected Drug Poisoning In The Area

Peterborough Public Health has issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

File Photo.

On Friday and Saturday (August 12-13), Peterborough Public Health detected a higher than usual number of opioid-related Paramedic Calls for Service. Over these two days, there were a total of 9 drug poisonings that were treated by paramedics and the emergency department. This is presumed to be the result of a product that may contain benzodiazepines. A benzo-related overdose may last for hours and make it hard to wake up an individual.

This high number of paramedic calls for service has prompted Peterborough Public Health to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms to the community. Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances.

Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal. Give Naloxone. This may improve breathing, but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911, and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.

If you use drugs, Peterborough Public Health recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe Street (open 9:30am-8pm, 7 days/week).

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.

• Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.

• Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

• Avoid mixing drugs.

• Test your drug by using a small amount first.

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

• If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.

• Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be accessed by clicking here.

For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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Peterborough County Agricultural Wall Of Fame Committee Will Induct Six Regional Agricultural Members This Month

After a two-year hiatus, the Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame Committee has announced it will be hosting its 2022 induction ceremony on August 28 at 2 p.m. in the Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village.

Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village.

The Wall of Fame recognizes those who have made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry in the region.

This year will see six local inductees.

Dr. Bill Belch (1927-2022) and Mary Belch (1934-)
Dr. Bill and Mary Belch founded the Peterborough Buffalo Farm, which at its peak had 350 head on 1000 acres.

They were known internationally for their breeding stock and developed a market for federally inspected bison meat, selling directly to consumers and local restaurants. Mary was a regular at the Peterborough Farmers Market, selling bison meat for over 20 years. Dr. Belch was a founder of the Canadian Bison Association and became national president in 1991. He was named the Grand Bisoneer of America and they received international recognition for their lifetime dedication and service to the bison industry.

G. Peter English (1943-2019)
Peter English was raised on his family farm, Enghill Holsteins near Hastings and was a Peterborough 4-H member. In 1967, he graduated with an Associate Diploma in Agriculture from the Ontario Agricultural College.

After graduation English became the associate editor of the Holstein Journal. In 1987, he became partner in the Holstein Journal and in 1991 became sole owner and publisher. English was a long-time member of Holstein Canada, receiving its Certificate of Recognition and the Supreme Dairy Show’s International Friend Award.

David P. Nelson (1944-2020)
David Nelson was a lifelong farmer. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Keene and later owned his own adjoining farm. David was a member of the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Peterborough Soil and Crop Association.

In addition to careers in farming and drafting at General Electric, David served in local politics for 44 years. He was a Township Councilor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve. He sat on County Council and served two terms as Peterborough County Warden. His political activities allowed him to provide a farm-informed perspective to federal and provincial ministers on a wide range of issues and concerns.

Roy Sanderson (1904-1981) and Christina Sanderson (1904-2002)
Roy and Christina (Bulmer) Sanderson were both raised on farms in Smith Township and married in 1924. They joined the Sanderson family dairy farm on Chemong Road, which is where Portage Place Mall is now located.

Roy delivered milk and eggs by horse and buggy to customers around Peterborough. When the farm was expropriated in 1951, they purchased a farm in Bailieboro. The farm was unproductive, had been impacted by soil erosion and extensive work was required on outbuildings, but they had a vision for the property. The Sanderson’s transformed their farm of “bog and bulrushes” into a beautiful and productive property. They hosted many tours showcasing new practices. Their contour farming practices with crop rotation were featured in several agriculture publications and textbooks.

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Barnyard Sessions Are Back At 4th Line Theatre This September

After a successful run of sold out shows in 2021, 4th Line Theatre is presenting the second presentation of The Barnyard Sessions: All About the Song, in September.

Ben Kunder will perform on September 22. Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

There will be four musical evenings with some of the region’s most beloved singer-songwriters. The Sessions, produced by local singer-songwriter Kate Suhr, will feature performers such as Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), Terra Lightfoot, Aphrose, The Weber Brothers, Julian Taylor, Sarah MacDougall, Ben Kunder, James McKenty, Rick Fines, Evangeline Gentle, Melissa Payne, Dylan Ireland, Emily Burgess, Kyler Tapscott, Nicholas Campbell and Kate Suhr.

In an intimate setting, and in true “Writers in the Round” tradition, four artists will share the stage, taking turns as they reveal how their original music is imagined, conceptualized, and crafted. As the curtain is pulled up, audience members will bear witness to the powerful role of songwriting and the process behind the lyrics.

The event will run for four performances, showcasing different artists each evening. The concerts will all take place at The Winslow Farm in Millbrook from 7 p.m. -8:30 p.m. on September 22, 23, 29 and 30.

“When I had the idea for The Barnyard Sessions in 2021, I never imagined how well-received it would be. Those four nights in early fall of 2021, in the barnyard at the Winslow farm, were magical and I know everyone who attended, felt it. We want to capture that magical again this year with the second instalment of The Barnyard Sessions. These intimate concerts are extraordinary interplays between musicians, music and audiences.”

Tickets for The Barnyard Sessions are on sale now and are available for purchase through 4th Line Theatre’s box office. The capacity for each performance is 100 seats to ensure an intimate experience. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as shows often sell out.

Concerts takes place at The Winslow Farm located at 779 Zion Line, Millbrook:

· September 22 at 7 p.m. – Sarah MacDougall, Ben Kunder, Julian Taylor and Evangeline Gentle

· September 23 at 7 p.m. – The Weber Brothers, Aphrose, Rick Fines and Nicholas Campbell

· September 29 at 7 p.m. – Greg Keelor, Terra Lightfoot, James McKenty and Melissa Payne

· September 30 at 7 p.m. – Emily Burgess, Kyler Tapscott, Dylan Ireland and Kate Suhr

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Peterborough Century Lakers Release Major Series Lacrosse Final Playoff Schedule

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers’ have released their schedule for the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) final against the Six Nations Chiefs.

File Photo.

The Lakers defeated the Brooklin Lacrosse Club in five games to advance to the MSL finals while the Chiefs swept the Cobourg Kodiaks in four games.

Schedule:

• Game 1: Aug. 16 at 8:00 p.m. at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena

• Game 2: Aug. 18 at 8:00 p.m at Peterborough

• Game 3: Aug. 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena

• Game 4: Aug. 23 at 8:00 p.m. at Peterborough

• Game 5: Aug. 26 at 8:00 p.m. at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena*

• Game 6: Aug. 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Peterborough* 

• Game 7: Aug. 30 at 8:00 p.m. at Iroquois Lacrosse Arena*

*if necessary 

The winner will host the 2022 Mann Cup between the two teams.

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Peterborough Woman $100,000 Richer After ENCORE Win

Carla Guest of Peterborough matched the last six of seven ENCORE numbers in exact order in the July 12 LOTTO MAX draw and won $100,000.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

Guest say she is an occasional lottery player and she typically plays LOTTO MAX but doesn't always add ENCORE.

"This is my first big win," she said.

"It was quite the surprise," she said. "I called my husband to tell him, and he was just as shocked as me."

She plans to pay some bills and invest in her future with her win.

"I'd also like to travel and visit family. It's still entirely unbelievable. This will definitely enhance my life," said Guest.

The winning ticket was purchased at Real Canadian Superstore on Borden Avenue in Peterborough.

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Lakefield Youth Unlimited Celebrates Grand Opening Of 'The Barn' A Safe Space For Anyone To Gather

To celebrate the grand opening of the Lakefield Youth Unlimited (LYU) Barn residents gathered on Thursday evening for some rounds of axe throwing, fair games, bar-b-que and celebrations.

Just under three years ago, LYU purchased the Tribal Voices red roofed building located in the middle of the Lakefield bridge through a no-payment, no-interest loan from one of their partners.

Donations from the community then made it possible to do the needed renovations.

In total, over 50 volunteers put in close to 5,000 hours of work towards demolition, planning, framing, dry-walling, mudding, painting, clean-up, moving offices, decorating and organizing the over 4,000 square foot building.

LYU is a satellite of Kawartha Youth for Christ. Their aim is to facilitate programs in Lakefield that create a true community and offer a safe space for anyone to gather.

They offer programs like ‘Courageous Kids’ to help students overcome fear and anxiety, various after school programs and many more opportunities for youth in Lakefield to spend time with each other in a safe environment.

Throughout the summer, Peterborough Axe Club was set up in the parking lot of the LYU Barn for their summer youth league.

In addition to programs the LYU House works to meet the need of affordable housing in Lakefield for youth and families.

The LYU house is situated along the Trent River and has two individual apartments, offered at an affordable price. Tenants at this house are also offered educational, emotional, physical, and spiritual support if they wish.

Over the 19 years that LYU has been in existence, the opening of the Barn puts LYU in a position to use this facility to develop more programming using resources and people within the Village.

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Ontario 55+ Summer Games Rolling With Casual and Serious Competitors

As the final day closes on the Ontario 55+ Summer Games, many athletes have a laugh while facing fierce competition on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club.

The opening ceremony began on Wednesday with the games running on Wednesday and Thursday. There are 17 events and over 750 competitors around the province participating.

The events are hosted at several venues including Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, Trent University and Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre.

The Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club (PLBC) held both lawn bowling and shuffleboard with both events having no competition shortage.

“They were very competitive,” said Steve Russell, PLBC volunteer. “They played fairly and we had a tie. (It was) Tied right up until the last game. That tells you how skilled they are.”

Russell said he was happy to see how friendly and laidback the bowlers were despite their competitive nature.

“The social aspect of bowling is very important because a lot of people hibernate in their condos or their homes and don't get out and socialize with people,” he said. “So part of it is with the physical exercise, coming in and having a coffee or beer, a conversation and then meet new friends.”

Deb Slocum and Brian Slocum earned gold in the doubles event while Marilyn Pickett, Brenda Wilson and Regina Ko got the gold in the triples.

There were a total of 21 bowlers competing in the event with 12 in the doubles and nine in the triples.

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Ontario Government Bringing High-Speed Internet Access to Peterborough County

The Ontario Government is bringing another expansion of high-speed internet across Peterborough County announced by MPP Dave Smith at the Douro-Dummer Township Fire & Rescue Department Station 4 on Friday morning.

The Ontario government has committed over $950 million to nearly 190 broadband, cellular and satellite projects to date, bringing faster internet access to over 375,000 homes and businesses across the province. Photo by Luke Best.

In attendance with Smith was J. Murray Jones, Warden of Peterborough County and Mayor of Douro-Dummer and Coun. Heather Watson.

Townships affected by the investment include Trent Lakes, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Douro-Dummer, Selwyn and North Kawartha. The Ontario Government wants to connect the entire province by end of 2025.

“We live in an increasingly interconnected and digital world, and we cannot allow our small rural communities fall behind,” said MPP Dave Smith. “Students depend on high-speed internet to learn and our farmers and small businesses need access to reliable service to remain competitive and showcase their products.”

The provincial government estimates around 9,000 remaining homes and businesses without high-speed internet in Peterborough County. Within that number, there are 1,350 in Selwyn, 1,640 in Trent Lakes, 2,380 in Havelock and 1,870 in Douro-Dummer that will benefit from the upgrade according to Smith.

He adds that customers can expect to receive high-speed Internet within 30 to 60 days.

“The infrastructure is almost completely in place now,” Smith explained. “It'll (high-speed internet) be offered to all of those residents, the tower itself has been upgraded and it's ready to go. It's just a matter of those final small pieces of hardware and then making that the offer out to customers.”

Clients will have a choice between Rogers Communications Canada, Xplornet Communications Inc. and Bell Canada to access the high-speed internet. Those companies have signed an agreement with the province to bring high-speed internet access to homes and businesses in the county as stated by Smith.

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GreenUP Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Environmental Sustainability and Growth

GreenUP put its growth on display as it celebrated the 30th anniversary with an all-ages event at the Ecology Park on Thursday evening.

Lillian P. (left) and Ellie T. (right) showing off their butterfly wings at the Children’s Garden at GreenUP Ecology Park. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

GreenUP is an environmental organization meant to inspire and empower environmentally healthy and sustainable action in the community according to its website.

“The resilience it takes to get to 30 years for any organization is really incredible,” said Tegan Moss, GreenUP executive director. “I'm really proud of all the people who've done this work for this long and to be a part of it and continuing it for decades yet to come.”

The event featured guided tours, a beanbag toss, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, a stunt ventriloquist, remarks from GreenUp staff and dinner.

Speeches from the event staff thanked the staff and supporters who have maintained the organization for 30 years.

Funding for GreenUp has come through the city via the Community Service Grant Program, donations, GreenUP store and park services.

“The environment is worth protecting,” said Moss. “We can work together as a community to realize really important reductions in CO2 emissions and the preservation of biodiversity so I'm really excited to engage and empower people in the work that results in those important things happening.”

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