Peterborough Police Undergoing Training Exercise In Lakefield; Areas to be Closed During This Time

There is a heavier Peterborough Police presence in Lakefield at the former Ridpath School due to a training exercise underway.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Emergency services personnel including the Emergency Response Team, will be in the Ermatinger Street and Edward Street area at the closed public school for a training exercise.

Police training signs will be placed as a perimeter, loud noises may be heard and neighbours may see officers with weapons drawn.

Public notification will be made after the exercise.

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Volunteer Peterborough Receives $3,250 Donation From RTOERO to Help Spread Volunteer Opportunities Through New Welcome Brochures

District 36 Peterborough of Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTOERO) has donated $3,250 to Volunteer Peterborough to help connect residents with meaningful volunteer opportunities in a cheque presentation at the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce on Monday morning.

(From left to right) Kathryn Reynolds, Pat Smith, Annette Thomson, Hilda Jolley and Lois Tuffin. District 36 has about 1,300 members, serving the City of Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funds will be used to design, print and launch welcome brochures for new residents in the region.

“As soon as people arrive in Peterborough, they're going to be handed a piece of paper that shows, 'here's how you can get introduced to your community and here's how you can contribute,’” said Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough founder. “It just saves everybody a lot of time and it's also going to help a lot of non-profits get new blood and new talent so we can do more as a community.”

The welcome brochure initiative will kick off with a launch event for realtors and other professionals who frequently engage with newcomers. The idea is to ensure the brochures effectively reach those most benefit from community involvement.

District 36 funding is part of RTOERO's annual community grants program. Since 1968, the organization has been comprised of teachers, school and board administrators, educational support staff, and college and university faculty in retirement.

“We find throughout the community what needs to happen and sometimes it's through word of mouth,” said Kathryn Reynolds, RTOERO president, District 36 Peterborough.

Districts apply for grants each year to support community projects. In 2024, RTOERO funded 31 projects for a total of $122,252.

Reynolds says that retirees and seniors often have extra time on their hands and volunteering both helps the community and keeps everyone busy.

“Many seniors have the time and inclination to volunteer, but don't know where they can contribute, especially if they're new to the community,” she explained. “Our grant will help Volunteer Peterborough raise awareness. Ultimately, this will strengthen community connections and well-being.”

Each year, a RTOERO member committee assesses each grant submission's merits. Projects touch on everything from environmental sustainability to healthy and accessible communities according to a press release. Since the inception of the community grants program 24 years ago, almost $2.1 million has been donated to more than 600 programs and projects.

“Our non-profits are vital lifelines for so many services in this community. It's hard to even fathom how many meals get delivered, how many people who are lonely get visited and arts programs thrive,” explained Tuffin. “Volunteers are the lifeblood behind all of that and they add a huge capacity to our community.”

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Hits Halfway Mark of the Season After Week Four Games

The Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) passed the halfway mark of its season with its Week Four round of games on Sautrday.

The Senior Roughriders and Argos in head-to-head action during a play. Photo courtesy of KMFL.

The Senior RedBlacks and TiCats kicked off the action with the former winning in a 55-18 rout. Brody Munings had four touchdowns, while Levi Paige and Charlie Sims also got in the endzone for the RedBlacks. Paige and Munnings each added a convert, as did Brock Hendren and Mason Desrocher. Scoring touchdowns for the Ticats were Mike Bevan, Leighton Shaw and Keaton Anchor.

The Junior RedBlacks defeated the TiCats 18-0. Lucas Harrington was the lone scorer for the RedBlacks, scoring three touchdowns.

The second Junior game saw the Roughriders defeating the Argonauts 58-34. Jackson Buck reached the endzone four times while Mason Earnshaw added three touchdowns. Jacob Cahorn was perfect on the day, kicking seven converts.

In the final game, the Senior Roughriders defeating the Argos 48-19. Hayden Phair scored four touchdowns for the Roughriders. Michael Porter added two scores and Foster James added a single. Kaden Curtis kicked three converts. Scoring for the Argos were Parker Vivian with two touchdowns and James Lavoie added a single. Max Ytsma added a kicked convert.

Week Five is this Saturday with the RedBlacks taking on the Argos and the Roughriders facing the TiCats at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.

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Local Restaurant Owner Continues Tradition of Giving Free Meals To Anyone In Need For Thanksgiving Sunday

The Original Spaghetti House Pizzeria owner Ilir Sino is continuing his giving spirit tradition as he plans to give our free hot meals for Thanksgiving Sunday to anyone in need.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ILIR SINO.

He typically offers free hot meals during Easter and Christmas but has included Thanksgiving for this year.

Meals will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spaghetti House, 512 George St. S. They can be picked up or delivered.

Sino announced on his Facebook that on Friday evening, he is inviting Peterborough and the surrounding area to come grab a meal. According to a Facebook comment on his original post, people can also request meals for others.

Sino has a history of philanthropy. In November 2022, he donated $1,500 to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough. He has also donated to local sports teams and other charities.

He opened his production facility, Sino’s Fine Foods, located at 597 Monaghan Rd. in the summer of 2022. The business produces his sauces, dressings, soups, oven-ready dinners and more.

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Five Counties Children's Centre Hosting 'All-o-ween' For Inclusive Trick-or-Treating Experience

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is inviting families to help make trick-or-treating more accessible and less scary for kids with its first-ever All-o-ween event.

Christian (left) and Gabriel (right) are among the FCCC families who are looking forward to All-o-ween. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

It is designed as an accessible, inclusive, and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience for FCCC kids and their families — both those currently receiving treatment at the Centre and those on a waitlist for services. Siblings of Five Counties kids are also welcome.

All-o-ween runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and will take place as follows:

• Oct. 28, at Five Counties (872 Dutton Road) in Peterborough

• Oct. 29, at Five Counties (800 Division St., Unit 2) in Cobourg

• Oct. 30 at Five Counties (9 Russell St. E.) in Lindsay.

Pre-registration is required to attend All-o-ween. Families can call the Centre at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215 or register online to save a spot.

“Ask any child, and they will tell you Halloween ranks right up there as one of the best days of the year,” said Hayley Hodges, FCCC client and family experience lead. “Unfortunately, for some children who are disabled or neurodiverse, getting into the fall festivities can be a challenge.”

Each All-o-ween event in Cobourg, Peterborough and Lindsay includes an accessible and sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience. Food, kids’ crafts and a storyteller sharing a fall festive tale will also be available. Kids can dress up in costume, wear orange and black, or come just as they are.

Providing an inclusive opportunity like All-o-ween benefits kids of all ages and abilities according to Hodges.

“In our everyday work at Five Counties, we support children and youth with physical, developmental and communications needs with the aim of enriching their independence and quality of life every day,” she said. “Halloween is one of those days or festivities that children of every ability should have the chance to experience and enjoy. And by organizing All-o-ween, we want to ensure everyone participates and no one gets left behind.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lakefield and District Lions Club, Prince of Wales, Peterborough County and Dietrich Homes

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

Lakefield and District Lions Club have kicked off a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to support the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, Kawartha Food Share and Community Care Peterborough.

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation supports investments in equipment and technology to bring lifesaving services to the region. Kawartha Food Share assists more than 12,000 men, women and children every month in our community. Community Care programs support more than 6,000 seniors and adults in our community with disabilities, helping to keep them healthy and safe in their own homes. Get your tickets at lakefieldlions5050.ca. The raffle runs until Nov. 15.

Leon’s Furniture in Peterborough has partnered with The Rotary Club of Peterborough to help Prince of Wales Public School breakfast program with new appliances.

The Rotary Club and friends have been providing nutritious breakfasts to students for nearly 30 years at the school, but the appliances were having issues. A call from Rotarian Catherine Hanrahan to Tom Reburn at Leon’s lead to a donation of a new suite of appliances to keep the breakfasts coming. 

Peterborough County has unveiled its new economic development leadership team.

The team includes Rhonda Keenan, formerly of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development as the new General Manager of Economic Development. Sarah Budd is departing from the Chamber of Commerce to be the County’s Manager of Community Development. The two join Tracie Bertrand, General Manager of Tourism and Communications. The team’s efforts will focus on fostering collaboration across the region, ensuring that local businesses have the resources they need to thrive, and attracting new opportunities to the area.

Dietrich Homes have won the Award of Distinction for Production Build Home, two storeys up to 2,500 sq ft from the Ontario Home Builders Association.

Ontario’s top homebuilders were recognized at a ceremony at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls in late September. The Production Built Home Award celebrates architectural design, use of space, and unique craftsmanship. Congratulations to the team at Dietrich Homes!

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Right to Heal Launches Fundraiser ‘Friendsgiving’ At 100 Acre Brewing Co. On Oct. 20

Right to Heal is hosting a free fundraising event ‘Friendsgiving’ held at 100 Acre Brewing Co. from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 20th.

Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe of Right to Heal (left) and Tim Farquharson, Port Hope Police Chief (right) before a mural with Indigenous roots painted by Brogan O'Rouke, the former's cousin. Shaughnessy-Rowe's former business, The Whistle Stop Café, would often feed those who could not afford meals daily. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event is in collaboration with the brewery and Dream Team concerts. Live music, vendors, food trucks, beer and a corn hole tournament are the attractions slated for the fundraiser.

Acts include SJ Riley, Joslynn Burford, Mike Kidd and Brad Renaud for live music performances.

There is no goal but every dollar counts according to Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe of Right to Heal.

“The universe is the limit on this one so the more the merrier and any amount, we're grateful for,” she said. “We're about to launch sponsorships so the community can sponsor what we're doing monthly instead of just once in a while, donating money.”

Right to Heal receives limited funding. The provincial government provides $275,000 annually, which primarily funds its Redpath program, an outpatient addiction treatment program.

“It's creating community, it's creating connection and something that we all need and something that some of our clients struggle with is connection with others,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe. “They're so disconnected, and they're so lost that these events connect them with the community and make them feel human again.”

All other expenses are not funded so the organization has to be creative in obtaining funds to keep afloat.

Shaughnessy-Rowe also receives help from the Rotary Club of Peterborough, her self-run moon circle events and money from Whitepath Consulting; her mother’s for-profit business that trains frontline workers for Indigenous communities.

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Peterborough Police Urge Head of the Trent Attendees to Celebrate Safely; Heightened Police Presence During Weekend Festivities

With Head of the Trent homecoming running this weekend from Friday until Sunday, first responders are urging the community to celebrate safely during Trent University’s festivities.

Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant (left) and Julie Davis Trent Vice-President, External Relations & Development (right) addressing the media of having a safe homecoming during the weekend’s festiviites. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The first responders include the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Emergency Management, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough City-County Paramedics, Trent University, and the City of Peterborough.

The Peterborough Police have developed a coordinated response to help navigate the weekend over the coming months. As a result, a heightened police presence will be present throughout the city and additional police officers will be hired to patrol the campus.

“During large events, we often see an influx of 911 calls,” explained Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant. If you are seeing things in the community that pose a risk or a danger, we're asking people to call in so that we're aware of it and can respond appropriately. Ultimately with people's safety and well-being our primary concern.”

He continues to state that during these events, Police typically receive calls regarding noise, disturbances, mischief, damage to property and impaired driving.

While the Police say they have an all-hands-on-deck situation for the weekend, it will not affect any day-to-day calls that are not affiliated with the homecoming weekend.

Police are asking the community to be safe while celebrating, ensure everyone gets home safely and be good neighbors and community members. 

“We know that this is a time of celebration and we would like to see a positive and safe experience for all,” said Ressor.

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Hometown PTBO: Leslie Yee's Contributions to the Blind/Disabled Communities In Peterborough and the Kawarthas

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Leslie Yee, Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter past chair (and guide dog Akira) about her service to the disabled/blind community, her condition and the significance of spreading disability awareness.

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United Way Launches 'Double your Difference' Donation Match Challenge

United Way Peterborough & District has announced a ‘Double Your Difference’ donation match challenge from their 2024-25 Community Campaign.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a press release, an anonymous donor has made the donation match challenge possible.

All local donations made by individuals are eligible. United Way states that the parameters around this donation match challenge are determined based on whether you gave to last year’s Campaign (donations placed between April 1. 2023 and March 31st, 2024).

If you did not donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24: Donations of any amount made by community members who did not donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24 will be 100 per cent matched.

“We are inviting community members who have not previously donated to United Way Peterborough & District to give back to their community in a big way,” said Shirley Turner, United Way Campaign Chair. “New donors can ‘Double Your Difference’ by giving any amount that is within their means. No donation is too small, and through this matching challenge your support will be twice as impactful.”

If you did donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24: Community members who donated to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24 can participate in the donation matching challenge as well. Anyone who increases their donation by at least 10 per cent from last year will have the increased amount matched. For example, if someone gave $1,200 last year and increases their gift to $1,320, the additional $120 will be matched.

“Inflation has been hitting us all over the last few years. Rising costs have especially impacted the agencies that we fund and the vulnerable clients that they serve,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Our campaign goal was set at 10 per cent higher than last year, so we are asking our current supporters to increase their donation by at least 10 per cent to help us achieve our $1.5 million goal and continue to meet the need for services in our community.”

United Way Peterborough & District’s 2024-25 Campaign is currently underway. Several large workplace campaigns, such as Trent University and GM Financial, launched in late September. In addition to workplace launches, community initiatives, such as LCBO's give-at-the-till program, are also underway for a limited time. United Way will provide the community with an update on campaign progress later this month.

Donations are accepted online or at the United Way Peterborough & District office at 277 Stewart St.

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