Local Realtors Support Sick Kids Foundation Through Third-Annual Lemonade Stand

Local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti took the classic lemonade stand to another level for the third year in a row to raise money for Sick Kids Hospital on Brealey Drive on Friday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The public was invited to the stand to enjoy food, snacks and lemonade while accepting donations for Sick Kids Hospital on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. Photos could also be taken before a large banner hanging on a trailer's side.

Up to roughly 70 people came to the event at a time to support the cause, a significantly higher number than last year’s.

“We are lucky to be in this community and everybody knows Peterborough is one of the most special places on Earth,” explained Dan. “If we can live here, work here and share, that's exactly what we do.”

The brothers have a close family member who has used Sick Kids Hospital’s services but they know several people who have benefitted from it.

“The greatest thing we've been able to do is hear people's Sick Kids stories in this great city,” said Dion. “We're very lucky that people share it and we're very lucky for what that hospital does for our community.”

Dion Gemmiti (left), Taso Hatzianastasiou, owner of Taso's Restaurant and Pizzeria (middle) and Dan Gemmiti (right) sharing ice-cold lemonade and pizza with the hundreds of guests that came in and out of the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

New to this year’s stand was wood-fired pizza made by Taso’s, who wanted to jump in on the action.

“I came to the lemonade stand last year and I said, 'Listen, I want to jump in. How can I help?' explained Taso Hatzianastasiou, owner of Taso's Restaurant and Pizzeria. “It was for Sick Kids and I was all on board because have friends and family that gone there and I'll do it gladly for as much as we can.

The brothers aim to continue the lemonade stand annually for as long as possible.

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International Overdose Awareness Day Held to Reduce Stigma and Mourn Those Lost From Drug Addiction

Moms Stop The Harm Peterborough held an International Overdose Awareness Day memorial service honouring those lost at the Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park on Friday afternoon.

Kelly Whetung looks over her late son Joey who passed away from drug poisoning in Dec. 21, 2017. The event had a photographic mural and white crosses in purple decor to honour those fallen to drug addiction. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The day coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day that is held every year on Aug. 31.

The global event is to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief of families and friends suffering from losing a loved one or a victim of injury as a result of a drug overdose.

During the event, stories of how speakers’ loved ones were lost or affected by drug addiction, claiming that there should not be a stigma for it and no judgment should be passed for those suffering.

Between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2022, Peterborough paramedics responded to 234 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 343 emergency department visits according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“I think the crisis requires a continuum of response and massive investment. We look at how we respond to other societal crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and it requires an all-of-society, massive investment on many interventions and solutions.” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health.

Of that same span last year, there were 182 calls, and 232 ER visits but an increase of 43 deaths.

“We need support to address the toxic supply of drugs on the streets. We need support to prevent substance use in the first place. We know that trauma and social determinants of health are the drivers of why many people end up using drugs or have a substance use disorder,” Piggott continued. “We need access to treatment in this community. People that want treatment still can't get access, that needs to improve. We also need to keep people alive and harm reduction responses are trying to do that. People may not be ready for help today or tomorrow but they need they need help to stay alive.”

PPH offered quick sessions on administering aid with a naloxone kit at the event and gave them out for free. Piggott says that carrying naloxone is even easier than learning basic first aid and CPR and this information can be life-saving.

“In five or ten minutes, we can safely train people on how to administer it,” he said. “I think if you are around people who use drugs, if you are in an area of the city where you may see and find somebody who needs help, this is an easy way to learn a little bit more about how you can save a life so I encourage people to carry naloxone.”

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Hometown PTBO: Ted Higgins Involved In 70 Years of Lacrose and Fundraising For Parkinson's Disease

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Lakers president Ted Higgins about being involved in lacrosse for 70 years, how Peterborough became invested in the sport and his fundraising efforts for the Parkinson SuperWalk Campaign on Sept. 7.

Click here to donate now!

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Police Notify City and County of Anticipated Increased Presence of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs During Labour Day Weekend

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), Peterborough Police Service and OPP Peterborough County Detachment anticipate an increase in outlaw motorcycle gangs’ (OMG) presence travelling through the Peterborough area during the Labour Day long weekend due to a scheduled event.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Outlaw motorcycle gangs are among criminal organizations whose vast array of criminal activity can cause harm and victimization in communities across Ontario according to the OPP.

They continue to state that the majority of motorcycle enthusiasts are law-abiding; however, OMGs are criminal organizations whose activities cause harm and victimization in communities across Ontario. They have been known to participate in illegal, profit-driven activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, extortion, intimidation and murder as stated by the OPP.

“When we became aware that an outlaw motorcycle gang had plans to hold an event on the border with our city, we immediately contacted the OPP and BEU to initiate a coordinated response,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “The Peterborough Police Service is a member agency of the BEU, and we have no tolerance for criminal organizations operating in, or near, our city. Public safety is our priority.”

The presence is expected near Fifes Bay Road and Lily Lake Road in Selwyn Township. To ensure the safety and well-being of community members, the OPP says there will also be an increased police presence in this area

“The OPP Biker Enforcement Unit, OPP Peterborough County Detachment and the Peterborough Police Service have taken measures to maintain safety in our communities this coming Labour Day weekend,” said Mike Stoddart, OPP Acting Chief Superintendent of Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. “You will notice an increased police presence in the area, and we encourage you to contact the OPP Peterborough Detachment or Peterborough Police Service to report any suspicious or criminal activity.”

Anyone with information regarding illegal activity associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (8477) or online.

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Peterborough County Family Recognized For Sports Volunteer Efforts With Commemorative Plaque

Township Council, Staff and community members gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the Wilford Family plaque at the Douglas Sports Centre Ball Diamond in Lakefield on Thursday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

This plaque has been installed to acknowledge the Wilford family (Jim, Yvonne and children Jessica and her husband Shawn, and Jimmy) for contributing to youth sports in our community.

“What stands out about the Wilford family is their deep commitment to the members of our community. They haven’t just supported our sports programs—they’ve helped build them,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor. “Whether through countless volunteer hours, coaching, organizing, or contributing to the construction and maintenance of our ball diamonds, the Wilford’s have poured their hearts into making sure our kids have the opportunities and facilities they need to thrive and play.”

The Township of Selwyn would again like to thank the Wilford family for their commitment to our community.

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Peterborough Petes Reassign 13 Players Following Thursday Scrimmages

The Peterborough Petes has reassigned 13 players following Thursday afternoon’s scrimmages.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The following players were reassigned:

• Jonny Brooks

• Elijah Chavez

• Quinton Kim-Lemay

• Kasra Fathi

• Matthew Crawford

• Calum Hartnell

• Justin Ouellette

• Alexander Smyth

• Owen Cassidy

• Marcus Sulug

• Raiden Doxtator

• Matthew McKenna

• Nicholas Wlodarczyk

“It’s been a very competitive couple of days on the ice,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “It’s obvious that everybody worked hard over the summer and this has led to us having to make some very difficult decisions. We will continue to monitor these players’ progress and development over the coming seasons.”

The annual Maroon vs White game takes place Friday at 4:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The general public are invited to attend the game which will also be streamed live on the Petes Facebook page.

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The Kawartha World Issues Centre To Celebrate 35 Years at Market Hall On Oct. 29

In celebration of their 35th year, Kawartha World Issues Centre, their event and fundraiser ‘Think Global, Act Local: 35 Years of KWIC’ is being held at Market Hall on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha World Issues Centre.

The event will celebrate KWIC’s rich history and look ahead to the future.There is a keynote speech from Larissa Crawford, founder and managing director of Future Ancestors Inc. It will address the importance of youth voices in the fight for social and environmental justice according to a press release.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate KWIC’s amazing work in the Peterborough community,” said Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, Chair of the 35th Anniversary Committee and Vice-Chair of the Board. “Join us to reflect on the work of this remarkable organization that’s been making positive change for the last 35 years.”

This event will also feature a performance by Mimi O’Bonsawin, a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario with mixed French Canadian and Abénaki heritage and a member of Odanak First Nation.

Attendees can also support KWIC’s ongoing fundraising efforts by participating in the silent auction which boasts a number of kindly donated prizes. This includes personal training sessions, a Yankee Candle gift hamper and some exclusive vintage KWIC swag.

KWIC invites all community members to attend Think Global, Act Local and discuss the future of advocacy and the role of young people in creating change.

Tickets can be purchased through Market Hall or by emailing KWIC at development@kwic.info.

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Two Peterborough Archers Awarded Petro-Canada FACE Grant

Archer Amelia Gagné and her coach Jess Ashton have been selected to receive the Petro-Canada FACE (Fuelling Athlete and Coaching Excellence) grant announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Heather Watson.

The duo has been chosen from a group of 55 up-and-coming athletes and hopes to represent Canada at the Olympics.

Archery Canada nominated them and they are the only archery athlete-coach pairs to receive the grant. Each National sports organization across Canada can nominate athletes and coaches based on their pathway toward future Olympic events.

Gagné and Ashton are both from the Peterborough area and train there. The development of the sport of archery in the region has had challenges, starting with the closure of a nearby facility in 2019, leaving competitive archers with limited options to train. They train near Red Head Archery, a new facility in Douro Dummer that opened in 2021. The two have been able to continue to work together through perseverance. They worked together at the 2023 Canada Winter Games and competed in the Youth and Masters Pan American Championships in 2024 in El Salvador. In September, they will be heading to the World Archery Championships in Alberta.

“I am so grateful to have received this funding from Petro-Canada,” said Gagné. “The money will allow me to participate in more international tournaments and assist with equipment upgrades. This will greatly benefit my progression in archery and in achieving my goals as a high performance archer.”

As a woman who has grown up in this sport, as a previous competitive archer myself, I understand the time, dedication and countless hours of work that go behind high performance archery,” said Ashton. “Programs like the Petro-Canada FACE program are invaluable for athlete development as we work towards Amelia’s Olympic goals.”

Potential Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes are awarded a $10,000 FACE grant to help them along their journey. The grants are often used for training, equipment, coach education, and travel expenses for competitions. Since 1988, the fund has provided more than $14 million in support to Canadian athletes and coaches.

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United Way and Cogeco Provide Over 450 'Backpacks for Success' For Back To School

To help kids get a head start in the classroom, the United Way Peterborough & District teamed with Cogeco on Tuesday to supply over 450 bags for their ‘Backpacks for Success’ for children at the Calvary Church.

Since 2003, United Way has provided more than 13,000 backpacks containing grade-appropriate school supplies to local students attending Kindergarten through Grade 12. Photo by Pete Dalliday.

“We're proud to continue our partnership with United Way Peterborough & District for the Backpacks for Success Program. said David Feeler, Cogeco manager. “This initiative is vital for our community, helping families and the next generation by providing the essential school supplies every student needs to kick off the school year ready to succeed."

Two local school boards, Kawartha Pine Ridge and PVNCC, and local service agencies requested the backpacks. According to United Way, the cost to deliver the program for the 2024-25 academic year is almost $14,000. Cogeco Peterborough’s investment of $5,000 provides a huge boost to UWP’s fundraising initiative.

“This program fills such an important gap in service locally and we are proud to have been able to provide it for the past 21 years” said Sara Mountenay, United Way development and communications officer. “We rely solely on the generous support of our community to prepare our students for academic success as this fundraising initiative falls outside of the United Way Community Campaign that is used to support our 20 Partner Agencies.”

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Environmental Artist and Climate Advocate Named 45th Ashley Fellow at Trent University

Subhankar Banerjee, an award-winning photographer, author and conservationist, has been named Trent University’s 45th Ashley Fellow.

The Ashley Fellow is a visiting scholar hosted each year by one of Trent University’s Colleges. The fellowship is funded by a bequest from the late Professor C.A. Ashley, long-time friend of Trent University and an enthusiastic proponent of the role that informal contacts of college life can play in the academic pursuits of the University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The visual artist and environmental storyteller is the founding director of the Center for Environmental Arts & Humanities and a professor of Art & Ecology at the University of New Mexico.

Since 2002, Banerjee has been working with Indigenous elders, scientists, and conservationists in Alaska. He has released several acclaimed publications – including Seasons of Life and Land and Arctic Voices – and is working on four new books, including a collaborative work with Trent History professor Finis Dunaway.

“Drawing from his lived experiences and a distinctive perspective that blends art with humanity, Subhankar perfectly embodies the ideals of the Ashley Fellowship, those of LEC, and the spirit of interdisciplinarity foundational to Trent,” said Dr. Christine Freeman-Roth, Lady Eaton College principal. “We have no doubt that his photographs and reflections around biodiversity, Indigenous rights, global conservation, and other pressing issues of the time will resonate with students, staff, faculty, and community members.”

During his residency on campus from Sept. 26 to Oct. 10, Banerjee will visit classrooms, exchange knowledge with faculty, attend a college dinner and host a public keynote address where he’ll discuss how art and visual culture can reframe our understanding of the biodiversity crisis and help shape a more inclusive and just framework for conservation that honours the rights and needs of Indigenous and other rural peoples.

“Over the past nearly half a century, the Ashley Fellowship brought many Indigenous and other civil society leaders, artists, and scholars from so many different academic disciplines to Trent University, and I’m deeply honoured and humbled to have my name added to such a distinguished list,” said Banerjee. “I’m looking forward to connecting with students and faculty to discuss why visual culture and environmental humanities are essential in apprehending our precarious time – a time in which we are a witness to the intensifying biodiversity and climate crises.”

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