City of Peterborough Launches New Holiday Display Map

The City of Peterborough has launched a new interactive Holiday Display Map to celebrate the festive season with the community with outdoor lighting displays and decorations on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Community members and visitors are invited to explore neighbourhoods lit up for the holiday season using a guide created by the City’s Geomatics and Mapping program area.

Whatever holiday or celebration you are marking with your display, the City encourages everyone to share their festive spirit with the community.

Residents and businesses can submit their addresses to be included in the 2023 Holiday Lighting Map by uploading at least one photo and associated requested information through an online form.

Displays must be visible from a public location such as the street or sidewalk. Submissions to the map will be accepted until Jan.1.

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United Way Reaches 63 Per Cent of Its $1.45 Million Fundraising Goal

United Way Peterborough & District has reached 63 per cent of its $1.45 million 2023 Community Campaign fundraising goal, announced at Peterborough Public Health (PPH) on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“For 82 years United Way has facilitated a community campaign to meet the current and emerging needs in Peterborough,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “This years campaign builds on that tradition of giving and public goodwill.”

The $1.45 million is a 10 per cent increase from last year’s goal, according to Russell.

“We are happy to update today on the success so far and the need to meet our goal, a goal which is 10 per cent higher than last year’s achievement and a goal that is based on the need in the community,” he said. “We are well on our way to meeting that goal but there is still time to give so that we can invest in building a strong, healthy and inclusive community for us all.”

During the media event, Peterborough Public Health donated $11,756.25 to United Way as part of its 2023 Workplace Campaign.

“The diverse projects served by United Way Peterborough address critical issues affecting the health and wellness of members of our community,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH’s medical officer of health. “It was an honour to support this year’s tremendously successful campaign and my congratulations to all those who participated for the important funds that have been raised for our community.” said Piggott.

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Photos: Grievers Seek Comfort and Reflect at Hospice Peterborough's 'Stars For a Dark Night'

Grievers of lost loved ones could come to reflect and have their stories heard at Hospice Peterborough’s ‘Stars For a Dark Night’ held at Peterborough Square on Tuesday evening.

Sandra Lockwood (left) and Avril Siddle (right) grieving to each other of the important people they have lost. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The event allowed anyone who had lost a loved one to share their story with Hospice staff, volunteers or other grievers (either privately or on an open mic). It also had expressive arts, quiet reflection and a live performance from the Hospice Singers.

Hospice volunteer Sarah Lewis said this event could not have happened at a more perfect time. She had lost her father to cancer in 2021 and felt the holidays last year were not the same without him.

“Because I had lost my father around Christmas time, it was a time of grieving and I wasn't in the Christmas spirit,” she explained. “I think this can be such a difficult time for a lot of people who have lost somebody important to them so having a community gathering where we're allowed to grieve together, not hold that in and share through art, I think, is absolutely beautiful.”

The drop-in event had anyone who stopped by write a name on a star (paper or wooden) of someone they commemorated and remembered. It was placed on a window at Peterborough Square with other stars.

“This is a celebration of honouring and remembering our loved ones, our people who have passed on,” said Lewis. “(It’s nice) Just to gather to share stories, strengthen hope, poetry, art and song together and grieve as a community.”

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YMCA Awards Three Distinguished People For Community Peace-Building

Jason King, Lee-Anne Quinn and Husayn Dharshi were honoured for their community efforts as they received a YMCA of Central East Ontario Peace Medal in a ceremony at their facility on Thursday morning.

Jason King (left) and Maj. Lee-Ann Quinn (right) have been awarded Peace Medals from the YMCA of Central East Ontario for making significant contributions toward peace-building in the community. Also receiving the award was Husayn Dharshi (absent). Coun. Alex Bierk also received the award from 2020 when the pandemic prevented an in-person ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The award celebrates community individuals who have made significant contributions toward peace-building.

“The recipients of the YMCA Peace Medal show us the importance of building communities, locally, nationally or internationally, where people feel that they belong and are included,” said David Allen, YMCA president and CEO. “Most often, their actions started small and grew into something bigger than themselves. That is the power of peace.”

King is fully blind from microphthalmia, a rare condition that makes eyes abnormally small and occurs before birth. He has played significant roles with the Council for Persons with Disabilities and Community Living. King has also volunteered at the Brain Injury Association, Lions Club and Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

“I want to see everyone succeed in life,” said King. “I've been very lucky over the years. I've had family that supported me. My father was huge influence in my life and made sure that I was able to do things like anyone else would be able to do. It's something that I'm passionate about, to make sure that people with disabilities can be recognized as people.”

King was nominated by one of his volunteers for the award and was told he was up for the award in late November.

“It's humbling to have one of my own volunteers put me in for something like this because I considered them my heroes,” explained King.

Major Lee-Anne Quinn spent 26 years in the Canadian Forces and retired from the military in September 2008. Quinn was an honorary Colonel with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment from 2018 to 2022, the first female in 100 years.

She has been deployed in Northern Ontario and the Yukon Territories. Her military service has also had international reach, extending to work in Somalia, Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan.

Since 2015, Quinn has assisted her sponsor team in getting 26 Syrian refugees to Peterborough. In May 2022, Quinn helped open the Borck Primary Care Clinic to provide healthcare for marginalized people. She says she believes helping the community is a moral obligation.

“If I want to see things be better, if I want to see the homeless get a chance to survive, it is my moral obligation to help make that happen,” Quinn explained. “No ifs, and or buts. You can't be a citizen and just show up. You need to be a citizen to show up and make a difference.”

She is a Guinness record holder. In 1993, she and her fellow military personnel did a 270 km non-stop stretcher carry and she was the only woman part of that group.

Outside of the military, she is a Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame inductee for softball and hockey, an Ontario Florence Nightingale Award recipient, was given the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal and has the highest national honour of being bestowed the Order of Canada. Quinn is a nurse practitioner in primary healthcare since returning to Peterborough.

“All you have to do is find a volunteer organization and if you have a morning or afternoon free during the week, you could make a difference,” she explained. “There's so many volunteer positions, honestly, just reach out to them and ask them if you can take a position. It means the absolute world to the citizens of Peterborough to have volunteers.”

Quinn with her peace medal, given by David Allen of the YMCA. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Husayn Dharshi is a support worker at One Roof Community Centre, a dedicated board member for Heads Up for Inclusion and an advocate for the city and public transportation with his software app, theBus.ca. Dharshi was not present during the ceremony but was honoured at the event. Allen noted him to bring a calmness to every space he enters. In a sometimes chaotic setting, his approach to community members is kind, generous, and tranquil, Allen continued.

Coun. Alex Bierk was awarded the Peace Medal in 2020 for his work as an advocate for safe consumption sites. He could not receive the medal then due to the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented in-person events.

Allen noted that Bierk helps give support and connections to anyone working on sobriety and brings awareness to the human face behind the statistics.

Nominations for next year’s awards open roughly in either August of September.

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City of Peterborough Installs 35-Foot Tree In Quaker Foods City Square

A 35-foot-tall tree was installed at the Quaker Foods City Square and put up by the City of Peterborough to add vibrancy to the downtown community space, including winter outdoor skating on Thursday.

free two-hour holiday parking is at all downtown municipal parking spaces including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec. 31. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Sourced from Ennismore, a tree lighting ceremony at the Square is planned for Dec.15 at 5:30 p.m. The City is releasing further information within the next couple of weeks.

“Quaker Foods City Square brought a tremendous amount of energy to the downtown last winter with thousands of people enjoying the new outdoor skating rink,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The tree will add to the festive spirit and vibrancy. I look forward to celebrating the season with the community at the upcoming tree lighting event.”

The square opened in December last year. The City says it provides a year-round space for community events and family-friendly features including a refrigerated outdoor skating rink in the winter. The space is meant to bring the community together, similar to Springer Market Square in Kingston and Mel Lastman Square in Toronto.

The refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to open for the season by mid-December (depending on weather conditions). City staff are preparing the site and monitoring conditions to make and maintain safe ice conditions.

For the first time, Runner’s Life is offering skate rental services for visitors to the Square’s outdoor rink through a sponsorship with the City. Rental skates, helmets and skate sharpening services are available through this service.

“Runner's Life is excited to provide skate rentals and sharpening to downtown Peterborough. Downtown has always been a vibrant place, the heart of the city, and with the addition of Quaker Foods City Square, it’s only become better,” said Dave Dame of Runner’s Life. “The rink was very well received last year and we hope to open the door for more people to try skating and enjoy the dynamic spirit of downtown.”

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Lakefield Foodland Giving Free Turkeys To Those In Need On Dec. 13

Lakefield Foodland is brightening the holidays by giving away free turkeys to local needy families on Dec. 13.

SARAH BLESTOE AT LAKEFIELD FOODLAND AND ROSS GAVE AWAY TURKEYS LAST YEAR TO THOSE IN NEED ON DEC. 14 PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKEFIELD FOODLAND.

Turkeys are given away starting at 11 a.m. until supplies last at 1 Queen St. They are limited to one per family while supplies last.

“A lot of people can use a helping hand at this time of year. We want to offer our assistance to the people in Lakefield and area,” said Ross Bletsoe, Lakefield Foodland owner. “We have purchased frozen turkeys to give away to those in need. We support a lot of local charities, non-profit organizations and sports groups but this turkey giveaway lets us put our assistance right on the table for those who need it most.”

Recipients are asked to provide an address with a postal code of ‘K0L’ and identification prior to receiving a turkey.

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Photos: Seasons On Ravenwood Deploying Pirate Ghost Ship For One More Halloween After Receiving Multiple Complaints

The Seasons on Ravenwood’s famed ghost pirate ship is making one more appearance this Halloween for trick-or-treaters to explore the front-yard exhibit before being permanently retired due to anonymous complaints.

Jenn and Braden Glasbergen entertaining a first-time Halloweener during the ghost pirate ship's last year. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The closure was announced by Jenn and Braden Glasbergen, who run Seasons on Ravenwood.

The couple put out four extravagant seasonal displays a year which include a dinosaur park, Easter, Halloween and Christmas display on their front lawn on 1723 Ravenwood Dr.

The decision to retire the pirate ship came after the Glasbergens received numerous threats and warnings of legal action for the displays allegedly being a safety hazard.

“We've decided that given some of the comments that we received, it's time to move on from the pirate ship,” explained Braden.

While the couple has received overwhelming support for the good the displays have done, the Glasbergens refuse to deal with the negativity affiliated with the display.

“We know that there's not a lot of teeth to it but it's just aggravation that nobody wants to deal so we're decided that the time is appropriate for us to hang it up for the pirate ship,” said Braden.

According to Glasbergens, they received messages claiming their decorations cause traffic hazards since they are a distraction and could result in vehicular accidents.

“We've done all we could with it as safe as possible when people come to visit it but a lot of comments we've been receiving is people on the way to the pirate ship, there are concerns around the traffic on Ravenwood and people might be getting hit,” said Braden.

Signs and flags — including a 15-footer visible from Parkhill Road — have been posted to help notify traffic to slow down. Posters are also plastered throughout the display to ensure safety when visitors are touring through the exhibit.

One of the many safety and rules signs posted throughout the property. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Initially, they decided not to put the pirate ship on display after complaints back in June. Overwhelming support persuaded the family to put up the pirate ship again in a Facebook post in late August. It also gave the community one last chance to take photos, videos and create memories with the ship before it gets permanently sidelined.

“There's been such an outpouring of support for the ship and the community loves it. The people who do love it, love it a lot,” said Braden. “We've talked to our town councillor Matt Crowley, who's been fielding a lot of calls in support of the pirate ship and he's brought those positive reinforcements forward and the neighbours have a great time with it.”

The public is invited to visit the pirate ship until it gets taken down during the first week of November. The family continues collecting food or monetary donations to support St. Vincent de Paul, which they have been doing since running Seasons on Ravenwood four years ago while the ship is on display.

After the ship has run its course, it will change ownership as the Glasbergens have sold it to an out-of-town buyer.

Jenn and Braden say they have loved and appreciated the community’s support over the years and will not forget the positivity given to them over the last four years.

“It's overwhelming, the positive support that we get,” said Braden. The fact that we've reached that many people, that we've touched that many people just because we wanted to put up some seasonal displays and have a little bit of fun. It's been a great outpouring that way.”

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Couple Receives Free Air Conditioner and Furnace Installation Through 'Feel the Love' After Being Nominated As Outstanding Community Member

The community showed gratitude for good Samaritans Ken and Anna Chesher as they received a free air conditioner and furnace through Lennox’s ‘Feel the Love’ program installed at their house on Friday morning.

Ken (left) and ANna Chesher (right) recently celebrated their 50-year marriage anniversary. Ken had previously worked an General Electric for 30 years while Anna was a homemaker. Photo by David TUan Bui.

The continental program encourages anyone to nominate an outstanding community member who is always giving back but needs a helping hand in replacing their HVAC equipment

According to Chesher’s nomination, Ken was known as the perfect neighbour and community member.

“If anyone in the neighbourhood ever needed help shovelling their driveways, cutting their grass or even just bringing in their garbage cans from the curb, Ken was the first one to volunteer,” according to the nomination. “Ken was always the first person the neighbours would call when they needed help with anything. Sometimes, when neighbours would move away, they would even leave Ken’s contact information for the new homeowner in case they ever needed assistance with anything too.”

Ken’s offer to help others was his way of getting to know his community better.

“I always try to meet all of them and we've had very good neighbours,” explained Chesher.

The 74-year-old Ken and Anna had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. However, Ken’s health has deteriorated over the past decade, including an infection and breaking his ankle on three separate occasions. He has been unable to help others with physical labour for the last few years due to his injuries and needs a cane to help him walk.

All the community work has paid off as neighbours are starting to pitch in and help the Chesher household.

“My neighbours are very good. They're cutting my lawn for me and doing snowblowing,” said Ken.

Several of the Peterborough Refrigeration STafF with the Cheslers after a half day’s work to install the furnace and air conditioning. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The installation was done by Peterborough Refrigeration who were collecting nominations in Peterborough and the surrounding area for the program. The company has gathered nominations annually since 2020 and is in its fourth year in the program.

“We started this program as another way to give back to our community,” said Gord Conroy, Peterborough Refrigeration owner. “When I started my business, I named it Peterborough Refrigeration because I knew we wanted to be an important part of this community. This is one of the ways we like to give back to the community who has supported us for so many years.” 

“The reason I enjoy participating in the Feel the Love program through Lennox and Peterborough Refrigeration is because I get to help the community,” said Chris Galachiuk, Peterborough Refrigeration lead installer. “It also allows us to connect and give back to all the wonderful people we come into contact with through our work as well as around the town.” 

Peterborough Refrigeration collected nominations up until the end of August.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; Sept. 8-11

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from Sept. 8-11!

Free Dental Day With Kawartha Dental Clinic

For those in need, Kawartha Dental Clinic is hosting Free Dental Day at their facility this Saturday.

The event is located at their clinic at 250 Reid St. Peterborough and runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no appointment necessary and is available for anyone 18 and over who do not have dental insurance.

Services include:

• Cleaning

• Extraction

• Fillings

When: Sept. 9, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Dental Clinic

Tickets: Free

Live Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

See horses and drivers in the sulkies race around a five-eighths mile track at Kawartha Downs. Bet on your favourite horses and enjoy the dining experience while you see the horses circle the track.

When: Sept. 9, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs

Tickets: Free

Cat Show

Come out and see the world of cat showing at the Morrow Building! Many purebred cats, domestics and rescues will be competing to be the best of the best. Different vendors will be on site selling some amazing products. Come for an hour, or for the day! We will be happy to have you there.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at Eventbrite.

When: Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Morrow Building

Tickets: $6.66 and up

Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope

Cheer on participants on this annual, Canada-wide fundraiser at Nicholls Oval to support those diagnosed with ovarian cancer through increasing awareness, funding research and providing resources and support.

When: Sept. 10, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Nicholls Oval

Tickets: Free

Open House - Peterborough New Horizons Band

Come Play with us! Come find out about the Peterborough New Horizons Bands at our Open House, on Sept.11 from 9 a.m. to noon, at 1 Consumers Place, Peterborough. Whether you’re a beginner, experienced, or haven’t played for years, all are welcome! 

Instrument rental options are available.  The 2023/2024 season starts Sept. 11. To learn more, register to join or donate to this registered charity go to www.nhbpeterborough.com or email pnhb.music@gmail.com.

When: Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: 1 Consumers Place

Tickets: Free

Peterborough Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: Sept. 9, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market

We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.

The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.

As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.

When: Sept. 9, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Quaker Foods City Square