Former Peterborough Sports Anchor Dan O'Toole Appointed Grand Marshall For 2023 St. Patrick's Day Parade

Former sports broadcaster and Peterborough’s Dan O’Toole has been named the Grand Marshall for the 20th Annual Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade announced at One Eighty on Wednesday.

Tim Burke, St. Patrick’s Day organizer (left) with former sports anchor Dan O’Toole (right). The parade has not run for the last three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by organizer Tim Burke who wanted to make the 20th edition of the parade memorable after coming off a three-year hiatus.

“I wanted to make sure that his parade is bigger and better,” he explained. “Adding Dan has just been awesome. His character, who he is will really help the parade this year and get people involved.”

There are a record number of floats and entries into the upcoming parade according to Burke saying ‘it’s the highest it’s ever been.’

O’Toole is of Irish heritage and his family has been a part of the parade for many years.

“My other side of the family, the Crough’s, we’re in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade every year,” he explained. “We have one of the largest contingents, we have around 200 that show up to be in the parade so the fact that I get to lead the charge, that I get asked to lead the contingent, not just my family but all of Irish in Peterborough is a dream come true.”

The parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Mar. 12 with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

To register to be in the parade, visit the parade’s website to apply. For more information, contact Tim Burke at (705) 875-2542.

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough Spelling Bee Returns

The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Rotary Spelling Bee returns for local elementary students at the Whetung Theatre at Fleming College on May 13.

Photo courtesy of the rotary club of peterborough.

This spelling bee, streamed on YourTV, is set to be an exciting opportunity for students grades 4 through 8 to hone their spelling skills and win prizes.

With two divisions, a junior division for grades 4, 5, and 6 and a senior division for grades 7 and 8, the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Literacy Committee aims to foster a love of reading and writing in young people in the community.

There is no participation fee, and the funds raised through corporate sponsorships will help the Rotary Club provide young people with materials and opportunities to develop their reading, writing and communication skills.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities or having your child participate in this year’s spelling bee, reach out to Rotarian Catherine Legault via email.

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Announces 2023 Business Hall of Fame Nominees

The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) announced the JA Business Hall of Fame (BHF) nominees at the Venture North Building on Wednesday.

All nominees and BHF Chancellor Sanjeev Sukumaran shortly after each nomination was announced. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The hall of fame recognizes Peterborough’s exceptional business leaders. These inductees strengthen the economy and community through their exemplary accomplishments of vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence in business over a lifetime according to a press release.

“JA-NEO is excited to unveil the 8th annual class of inductees to join our ever-growing Business Hall of Fame,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “These exceptional business leaders are helping to inspire and show local youth that starting your own business can be rewarding and last multiple generations much like the business leaders being honoured today.”

The inductees were announced by BHF Chancellor Sanjeev Sukumaran of The Ear Company.

The following are the 2023 JA BHF inductees:

• Allan and Gerald Bolton – Formerly Trentway Bus Lines

• Peter, Anne and Greg Elmhirst – Elmhirst’s Resort

• Bill Lett and Michael Gallant – Lett Architects Inc.

• Craig Mortlock – Mortlock Construction

• Neil Morton – Co-founder CORMOR & Co. and ECFC, formerly Studio PTBO

• Effy Peel – Jim’s Pizzeria & Pasta

• Peter Robinson – Formerly Weed Man Lawn Care

• Jaime Stringer – Formerly FCI Windows

• Scott Murison, Kieran Andrews, and Jonathan Moreno – Wild Rock Outfitters

The inductees are formally inducted at the 8th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame, set for May 25 at The Venue.

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Peterborough Petes Defenceman Brian Zanetti Signs With Professional Swiss Hockey Team on Two-Year Deal

Peterborough Petes defenceman Brian Zanetti has signed with the SCL Tigers of the Swiss National League club on a two-year deal and joins the club next season until 2025 announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

"My goal is still the NHL and I see the best option for my next step in development being with the SCL Tigers, as it is an ambitious training club," said Zanetti. "Lengthy discussions with all those responsible for the club convinced me that this was the best option for me.”

Zanetti,was born in Lugano, Switzerland,and was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the fourth round, 110th overall, in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The Petes drafted him in the first round of the 2020 CHL Import Draft.

In 83 games as a Pete, he scored six goals and 25 assists for 31 points. Zanetti recently returned to Peterborough after playing for Switzerland at the 2023 World Junior Championships, where he recorded one assist in five games.

“We want to congratulate Brian on this accomplishment as he works to continue his hockey journey next season and beyond,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “We look forward to continuing to assist in Brian’s development this season, with the ultimate goal of playing in the NHL.”

The SCL Tigers are a professional hockey team from Langnau im Emmental, Switzerland. Former Petes forward Jonathan Ang is also in the league with the EHC Kloten. He currently is 10th in league scoring with 34 points in 37 games.

"It is an important and strong sign for the Tigers organization that such a young and ambitious talent has chosen us,” said Pascal Müller, SCL Tigers Head of Sport.

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Waawaate Fobister Brings 'Omaagomaan' to Market Hall

Experience the artistry of Dora-award winning contemporary dance artist Waawaate Fobister with Omaagomaan at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

photo courtesy of Public Energy.

Omaagomaan, created and performed by Waawaate Fobister, is described as a multi-genre exploration of ways to stitch a fractured landscape back together through the effects of mercury poisoning and clearcutting. The show is presented by Public Energy Performing Arts, and is set to take audiences on a journey of dance, storytelling, spectacle, surprise and a unique blend of original soundscapes and musical composition supported by a seasoned group of artists and designers.

Fobister embodies Omaagomaan, a two-spirit being, and a manifestation of the earth and man-made poisons that have seeped into the earth’s crust. A shape-shifter inspired by Anishinaabe cosmology, Omaagomaan forces audiences to reckon with the ways the maanaadizi (ugly) and the onizhishi (beautiful) collide.

First performed in 2019, Omaagomaan has now been remounted following the pandemic shutdown, beginning with performances in Munich, Germany, in Nov. and coming to Peterborough in Feb.

photo courtesy of Public Energy.

Waawaate Fobister is a proud Anishnaaben artist from Grassy Narrows First Nation. Waawaate trained and studied Theatre Arts Performance at Humber College, Indigenous Dance at Banff Centre for the Arts, Summer School Intensives at Toronto Dance Theatre, Intensives at Centre for Indigenous Theatre and Kahawi Dance Theatre.

The dancer currently resides in Shoal Lake, and most recently organized the establishment of Canada’s first ever 2SLGBTQ+ Council for an Indigenous governing body at Grand Council Treaty #3.

Tickets for Waawaate’s performance of Omaagomaan are pay-what-you-can between $5 and $30. For more information visit the Public Energy Performing Arts website.

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Voice of Business: Pharmacies Treating Common Ailments

Pharmacists can now help treat some common ailments, saving you a trip to your doctor’s office. The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce helped make this happen.

The province announced a new healthcare initiative, expanding the role pharmacists play in patient care. The growing portfolio of pharmacists is something the Chamber of Commerce has been lobbying toward for some time.

In 2008, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber developed a Policy Resolution titled “Addressing Access Bottlenecks to Primary Health Care.” While the document suggested several strategies, the first outcome was the Provincial Government approving Pharmacists to administer flu shots in 2012. Now, Ontario pharmacists can renew prescriptions for most medications and offer prescriptions for common illnesses and conditions.

Last month, they began prescribing the COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid.

Pharmacists can now offer prescriptions for:

• hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

• oral thrush (candidal stomatitis)

• pink eye (conjunctivitis; bacterial, allergic and viral)

• dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact)

• menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

• acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD))

• hemorrhoids

• cold sores (herpes labialis)

• impetigo

• insect bites and hives

• tick bites (post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease)

• sprains and strains (musculoskeletal)

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)

A recent study from the University of Waterloo stated, “more than one-third (34.8%) of avoidable visits could potentially be managed by a pharmacist.”

The Peterborough Examiner reported in 2021 that 11,000 people in Peterborough were without a family doctor and an additional 22 doctors were expected to retire over the next few years.

This expanded role could cut down on clinic and emergency room visits. With an alternative healthcare option for those in need with smaller ailments, this could cause offer some relief to the medical industry.

However, because of the time needed to deliver this service, some of the smaller independent pharmacies in Ontario with limited staff might find this challenging. Patient assessments take time and are not something all locations are equipped to deal with. With growing responsibilities and a worldwide drug shortage on the tail end of the pandemic, many pharmacists have reported staff shortages and burnout. To address this, each location can decide on how they will implement this service. Either a delayed start or on an ailment-by-ailment basis.

This service is free for Ontarians with a health card.

For the full news release from the Premier’s office, visit https://bit.ly/ONrelease

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Welcomes New Internal Medicine Specialist

After a near-year-long search, Dr. Daanish Chippa has become the new internist and hospitalist for Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) announced on Monday.

Dr. Chippa completed an internal medicine residency at Detroit Medical Center and a geriatric medicine fellowship at the University of Buffalo. Before starting with CMH. He worked in internal and hospital medicine at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, New Hampshire. Photo courtesy of the Campbellford Memorial Centre.

“Physician recruitment has been a key priority for CMH, and we are delighted to have Dr. Chippa join our physician team,” said Eric Hanna, CEH CEO and interim president. “Dr. Chippa brings internal medicine and hospitalist experience coupled with a patient-focused approach that is an excellent complement to the team and a great win for our patients and community.”

Dr. Chippa left his hometown Toronto in 2011 to start becoming a physician. He completed medical school at the Medical University of the Americas and moved throughout the United States for his training rotations, residency, fellowship, and staff positions.

“It was a challenge to be away from home, and after a long, hard journey, I am so pleased to be back in Canada and to have the opportunity to work with the Campbellford Memorial Hospital team,” shared Dr. Chippa, who started at CMH in December 2022. “The team has been welcoming and helpful, and I’m impressed with the collaborative approach to providing patient-centred care.”

Dr. Chippa is one of CMH’s hospitalists providing direct care to the admitted patients in the Inpatient Unit and offers internal medicine consultations to other CMH physicians when required according to a press release. He also is leading a new Discharge Clinic at CMH that will provide follow-up care and assessments for patients after they are discharged from the Inpatient Unit (mainly focusing on older adults who may not have a primary care provider).

“Part of my interest in CMH is that it’s a smaller hospital serving many geriatric patients. This allows me to cover all areas of medicine while also leveraging my internal medicine specialty and building on my geriatric medicine experience – I knew it would be a good fit,” said Dr. Chippa.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Chippa to CMH. These are the rewarding moments in physician recruitment, from initial contact to assisting with the licensing process to welcoming him on-site,” said Michele Haddow, CMH medical affairs coordinator. “Dr. Chippa will be an asset to our staff and the community, and I am thrilled that our hard work has now come together.”

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Peterborough Humane Society Packs Its Bags To Move Into the New Peterborough Animal Care Centre

It’s moving day for the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) as they have begun shifting their operations from their Lansdowne Street location into the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) on Tuesday.

Shawn Morey, PHS executive director visits Dunkaroo, a hound in his brand new kennel at the PACC. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Roughly 100 animals were moved to the new location but the space is not yet open to the public. The Peterborough Humane Society closed its Lansdowne Street operation as of Saturday. It served as a holding facility for the animals. The new PACC features an animal adoption and education centre, a spay-and-neuter clinic and a dog rehabilitation centre.

It has already been funded by almost $10 million in community donations but requires another $2.5 million to complete all projects and construction according to Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

“We're just doing some final finishes and final touching that need to be done to get us prepared for occupancy and allow the public to come on-site,” he said. “Staff can get into the space because a lot of them haven't been in this space yet, get to know the facility and experience it. We can test out all the bugs and make sure that it's ready to rock when we can open to the public.”

Individuals, organizations and groups have helped fund the animal care centre and Morey is grateful for the outreach and support of the new building.

“It just shows the pride that Peterborough has for their animals,” he said.

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Humane Society has moved into the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre in Technology Drive! The new facility features an animal, adoption and education centre, a spay-and-neuter clinic and a dog rehabilitation centre! ##fyp##ptbo##ptbocanada##humanesociety##peterbroroughhumanesociety##journalism##journalismlife##journalist##journalistlife##animals##animal##animaltok##animaltiktok##animalwelfare##animalshelter ♬ Best background music for corporate CM, company description videos, etc. - harryfaoki

Services that were available at the Peterborough Humane Society are still provided during the move such as licensing (new or renewals) and appointment-only viewings and adoptions are available.

A soft opening is projected for mid-February with a grand opening planned in the spring.

Tuesday also marks ‘Betty White Day’ as she was renowned for her passion for animals and her acting career. The day was created shortly after her passing prior to New Year’s Day of 2022 and was an initiative to encourage the world to contribute to animal welfare. Last year, roughly $20,000 was raised for the PACC in honour of the late beloved actress. A count has not yet been released since the PHS is still awaiting a final count.

Donations can be made throughout the week and can be done online.

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