Peterborough Public Health Reminding At-Risk Residents To Book for MPox Vaccine

/

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reminding those who are at risk of contracting Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to complete their two-dose vaccination series of Imvamune announced on Tuesday.

File Photo.

“We are cautioning residents that the risk of contracting Mpox is a bit higher after a recent outbreak in Toronto this past month,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health. “While our region has not seen a case since July 2022, we want to ensure residents who are at higher risk of contracting Mpox are vaccinated to provide themselves with the best protection.”

Mpox is a virus spread by close and prolonged contact with a person or animal who has it or with contaminated materials (e.g., clothing, bedding) according to PPH. Mpox has spread mostly between people who have had close/intimate or sexual contact with a person who has the virus.

PPH urges anyone part of the at-risk population is asked to remain vigilant for symptoms and take precautions to prevent infection. The Imvamune vaccine is available as pre and post-exposure prophylaxis.

Residents who are eligible for the 2-dose vaccine series as a pre-exposure prophylaxis include:

  • Two-spirit, non-binary, transgender, cisgender, intersex or gender-queer individuals (18+) who self-identify or have sexual partners who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, pansexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) community AND at least one of the following:

    • Had a confirmed sexually transmitted infection within the last year

    • Have or are planning to have two or more sexual partners or are in a relationship where at least one of the partners may have other sexual partners

    • Have attended venues for sexual contact (i.e., bathhouses, sex clubs) recently or may be planning to, or who work/volunteer in these settings

    • Have had anonymous sex (e.g., using hookup apps) recently or may be planning to

    • Are a sexual contact of an individual who engages in sex work

  • Individuals who self-identify as engaging in sex work or are planning to, regardless of self-identified sex or gender.

  • Household and/or sexual contacts of people who are eligible for pre-exposure vaccination– listed above AND who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or pregnant.

Eligible residents can book an appointment for the Imvamune vaccine by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 331

Anyone with symptoms or who believe they have been exposed should reach out to their healthcare provider. The vaccine is available to some residents who present with symptoms following the recommendation of their healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear within five to 21 days after exposure and include,

  • A rash or blisters (lesions)

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Fever and chills

  • Muscle aches

  • Headaches

  • Exhaustion

For more information about MPOX and booking a vaccine appointment please visit online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre Seeking New Board of Director Members

/

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is seeking individuals to become members of the Board of Directors announced on their website on Monday.

File Photo.

The Board Members are seeking members who are the following:

  • reside in one of the four counties of Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes

  • reflect the diversity of their changing community

  • can bring volunteer Board experience and business/professional skills to our governance processes.

Duties of Board Members include:

  • Governing the affairs of PRHC in line with best practices in the sector

  • Advancing PRHC’s vision, mission and values

  • Valuing and embracing anti-oppression, anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion practices and principles within its governance processes

  • Committing to continuously building a truly inclusive and safe organization at every level

  • Supporting the implementation of the 2024-2027 Strategic plan and ensuring that all decisions are made in accordance with the Plan

  • Reviewing and approving PRHC’s Annual Operating Plan

  • Provide oversight to quality of care

  • Fosters regional relationships needed for seamless care

All applications are welcome, particularly from anyone with a background in clinical (professional staff and allied health included), human resources, patient/family experience, construction/facility management and quality of care according to the PRHC.

Applications and resumes are due by Feb. 17 and can be sent to the Chair, Nominating Sub-Committee, c/o Margaret Clark, Senior Executive Assistant, Administration, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, One Hospital Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7C6 or email mclark@prhc.on.ca

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Petes Ball Hockey Program Launches at St. Paul Elementary School

/

St. Paul Catholic Elementary School welcomed Petes’ business staff and current players J.R. Avon, Konnor Smith and Donovan McCoy for a launch assembly of the Petes Ball Hockey program on Monday.

The program will provide 2,000 students and 11 schools in Peterborough and the Kawarthas with equipment, training and support required for the sport for free. All students grades 4 to 6 regardless of their hockey experience or physical or cognitive abilities can participate in the program. The Petes Ball Hockey program is meant to help the grassroots development of hockey in Peterborough, and aid in eliminating barriers when it comes to participating in the sport.

St. Paul’s students had the opportunity to play ball hockey, meet Petes players and even get an official Petes hockey photo taken after the assembly.

The first phase of the program starts with the following local schools:

  • St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, Peterborough

  • St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, Lakefield

  • Kaawaate East City Public School

  • Terry Fox Public School

  • Burnham Public School

  • St. Anne Catholic Elementary School

  • Edmison Heights Public School

  • Bobcaygeon Public School

  • CR Gummow Public School

  • Alexandra Public School

  • Rhema Christian School

Students also received an official Petes t-shirt, equipment bag, ball hockey rule guide and a letter from Peterborough-born Petes right-winger Chase Stillman.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Wild Rock Outfitters and Kawartha Nordic Ski-Relay Raises Over $16,000 For CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project

/

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announces that the Ski-Relay hosted by Wild Rock Outfitters, Kawartha Nordic and Ashburnham Ale House has raised $16,800 for CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project.

photo courtesy of cmha hkpr.

The Ski-Relay, which took place on Jan. 22 at Kawartha Nordic Ski Club, included 11 teams and 40 skiers and donors. The funds from the relay will go towards supporting CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project through the Supportive Housing program. The Garden Homes project aims to support vulnerable individuals who are at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.

Through the project, CMHA HKPR will be creating small, custom-built housing for individuals or small families within Peterborough. This project is one of the first of its kind in the region and CMHA HKPR says they hope to pave the way for similar projects and more affordable housing in the future.

“The funds raised through the Ski-Relay will go a long way in helping us launch the Garden Homes Project,” says Mark Graham, chief executive officer at CMHA HKPR. “Thanks to this fundraiser, we have now reached our fundraising target and are able to purchase the first Garden Home.”

For more information on CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project, check out the website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Pink in the Rink Game Brings in Record Crowd as Petes Raise Over $60,000 For Cancer Care

/

The Peterborough Petes welcomed the Oshawa Generals to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for the 14th annual Pink in the Rink game this past Saturday.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes. photo by kenneth anderson photography.

Although the Generals would ultimately take the game with a final score of 7-5, the Petes had many successes that night, including drawing in an all-time record attendance of 3,912 hockey fans.

The large crowd also broke a Pete’s record for 50/50 draw prize total, awarding $9,360 to one lucky fan.

The Petes note that this year’s campaign raised a preliminary fundraising total of $62,600.

Five local hockey moms, Jennie Ireland, Dara Gosselin, Elke Rye, Karen Tarkington and Dana Thorn were named ambassadors for the 2023 Pink in the rink campaign. They joined Physician Ambassador Dr. Neera Jeyabalan and PRHC Foundation President and CEO Leslie Heighway on the ice before the game for a ceremony recognizing each of their cancer journeys.

This year’s Pink in the Rink Fundraising efforts were highlighted by amounts raised in several categories, including the Hockey Mom Ambassadors fundraising pages, a game-worn jersey auction, chuck-a-puck and t-shirt sales.

The highest single bid was $3,000 for Brennan Othmann’s jersey.

In Saturday’s game, Tommy Purdeller led the way for the Petes with two goals, while Jonathan Melee added a goal and two assists. Owen Beck had two assists, and J.R. Avon and Sam Mayer each had a goal. Brian Zanetti, Gavin White, Chase Stillman and Jax Dubois each had an assist in the loss.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Photos: Rotary Club Rides Armour Hill In Half a Canoe to Promote 37th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim

/

The Rotary Club of Peterborough are continuing their daredevil antics as former president Wayne Harding went down Armour Hill in half a canoe to promote the 37th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim on Saturday.

Harding has helped promote the event with past stunts such as being pushed in a shopping cart off a dock into Clear Lake and paddling the Lift Lock while firefighters sprayed him with fire hoses. Last year, Harding went down Armour Hill in a kiddie pool filled with water. Harding immediately agreed with half a canoe for this year’s stunt.

“One of our rotary club members Graham Wilkins owns Paluski canoes,” he explained. “He basically said 'I have half a canoe that I think that would be a great thing for you to go down the hill' and I did it with no thought.”

The annual Swimathon is on March 3 at 7 a.m. at the YMCA of Peterborough. The public is encouraged to participate in the event or perform a virtual swim or splash at home while raising funds and sharing it on social media tagging the fundraising’s Facebook page.

Participants can register as an individual or as a team online where they will be assigned a fundraising page. The public can also make a donation directly via the website and receive an instant tax receipt.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Riverside Massage Studio, Natural Way Woods, Women's Day and Business Hall of Fame

/

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Claire Voigt opened her own massage therapy studio last week in Lakefield.

She was on the Canadian National Fencing Team, competing at an international level, so she understands biomechanics, kinesiology, and the importance of therapy. A Registered Massage Therapist, Voigt can treat anything from rehabilitation after an accident, to helping to deal with neurological conditions, palliative care, HIV, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, pain, migraines and sports injuries. You’ll find riversidemassagestudio on Instagram or call 705-977-5222.

Natural Way Woods is a local family-run business making beautiful wooden products, from décor to toys.

The Doughty’s utilize local hardwoods and high-quality paint to create custom signs, letters and numbers, puzzles, bowls and vessels and everything can be customized for a special gift or occasion. Just look for Natural Way Woods on Instagram.

INSPIRE: The Women's Portrait Project will be hosting its inaugural International Women’s Day Event in March.

The day should be amazing with award-winning Inuk Singer-Songwriter Susan Aglukark and local indigenous leader Ashley Lamothe providing empowering talks, as well as six workshops facilitated by inspiring female community leaders. An Artisan’s Market featuring the works of 25 local makers will be set up, and everything will be hosted by the talented Megan Murphy. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn and you can grab tickets at the early bird price of $60 until Feb. 18 at inspirethewomensportraitproject.com

Congratulations to all of this year’s inductees into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.

The impressive list includes Allan and Gerald Bolton, Peter, Anne, and Greg Elmhirst, Bill Lett and Michael Gallant, Craig Mortlock, Neil Morton, Effy Peel, Peter Robinson, Jaime Stringer, and Scott Murison, Kieran Andrews and Jonathan Moreno – Wild Rock Outfitters.

The formal induction ceremony takes place at the 8th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame, May 25, at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. Tickets are at ja-neo.org

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Couple Serving Up Schnitzel and Shawarma In Peterborough's West End

/

Husband and wife Siddiqullah Ronnie and Mansura Shikder are serving Peterborough a unique menu including shawarma and their signature schnitzel at their restaurant Casper in Peterborough’s west end.

Ronnie serving a chicken schnitzel plate as one of five signature schitzels that include veal, turkey, pork, chicken and croque schnitzel. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 901 Lansdowne St. W., Casper also serves Indian food, pasta, burgers, sandwiches and salads on their regular menu. They opened last summer with all their food made in-house and are his own recipes.

“It's a multicultural city here,” explained Ronnie. “I don't want anyone to walk into my restaurant and go out buying nothing.”  

availible sides with the schnitzel are basmati rice, onion rings, french fries or mashed potato. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

He was involved in The Schnitzel House in the same location in a partnership but reopened as Casper as a solo entrepreneur. He was not in Peterborough during its operation.

Ronnie wanted to specialize in schnitzel because it was a popular dish in the Middle East that he enjoyed and he wanted to add something new to an already diverse food market in Peterborough.

“Schnitzel, there’s not too much (in Peterborough),” he explained. “You can find everything like shawarma, burgers and pizza everywhere but schnitzel but maybe once in a while.”

The couple opened the business because they wanted to be their own bosses, settle down in Peterborough and spend more time together as a family.

“It was our dream to give our own business somewhere in Canada so that we can both work together in the same place and spend more time,” explained Shikder.

Ronnie (left) and Shikder (right) have two children together and moved to Peterborough less than a year ago. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ronnie started his professional cooking career in his home country of Kuwait in 1999. He worked in a small but popular restaurant chain throughout the Middle East and Africa called Casper & Gambini as a kitchen staff and eventually a kitchen manager/head chef. His restaurant is named after the restaurant as Ronnie considers it a lucky name.

Ronnie came to Canada in 2014 and worked at Montana's BBQ & Bar in Richmond Hill. He became a kitchen manager and head chef during his eight-year tenure with the restaurant prior to opening Casper in Peterborough.

His years of experience in the culinary world gave him the confidence and knowledge to open Casper.

“There is no compromise on the quality of food,” said Ronnie. “That's what I learned from Casper and Gambini. Always quality, quality, quality.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Tickets Are Now On Sale for YWCA Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser

/

Tickets are now on sale for the 19th annual YWCA Empty Bowls fundraising event at The Venue on Feb. 25.

photo courtesy of Ywca.

YWCA Empty Bowls ticket holders will visit The Venue (286 George St. N) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will have 30 minutes to browse and select a hand-crafted bowl. These bowls were generously donated by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild.

Each $50 ticket also includes a local restaurant coupon card featuring discounts from various partnering restaurants and businesses, redeemable for six months.

“In Peterborough, 1-in-7 households are experiencing food-insecurity,” says YWCA manager of nourish Joëlle Favreau. “Every ticket for YWCA Empty Bowls helps individuals and families most at risk of experiencing food insecurity put fresh, local, affordable food on their tables, while also supporting the systemic changes required to end food insecurity and poverty.”

All proceeds from the event directly support YWCA Nourish Food programs throughout Peterborough City and County.

“We’re extremely grateful for the continued support of our community and our sponsors, including Kawartha Cardiology Clinic, Cornerstone Family Dentistry and The Venue, who truly understand that food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence,” says YWCA executive director Kim Dolan.

Purchase you tickets online or by calling YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. For more information, contact Ria Nicholson at 705-743-3526 x113 or via email.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Trent University Seeking Nominations For 2023 Alumni Association Awards

/

Trent University is seeking nominations for their 2023 Alumni Association Awards for any graduate making a difference in their communities.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Nomination deadlines end at 4 p.m. on March 7 by emailing alumni@trentu.ca.

The following are the categories available for nominations:

  • Distinguished Alumni Award - presented based on a person's achievement and leadership in business, industry, a profession or in public life.

  • Spirit of Trent Award - presented to an alum who has made a difference, through contribution to the university, or their community.

  • Young Leader Award - presented to young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status either in their professional career and/or community, public or humanitarian service and are 35 years of age or younger.

  • Paul Delaney Award for Outstanding Young Philanthropist - presented to a student or a recent alum whose work sowing seeds of friendship and a spirit of philanthropy makes them an outstanding model for Trent students to emulate.

    The David Glassco Prize - recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding generosity of spirit in a range of activities outside the classroom, including music, athletics, or theatre, in the Trent and Peterborough communities.

  • The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance -recognizes an outstanding student leader and underscores the Alumni Association’s high regard for student leadership contribution to the overall mission of Trent University. 

The following are the nomination forms

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.