Fifty Years of Wellness and Community at Jo Anne's Place Health Foods

By Scott Arnold

A business that began in a family home in Lindsay has grown into a multi-generational success story, celebrating 50 years of serving customers in Lindsay and Peterborough.

margo hudson and her husband paul took of the business when her mother, jo anne fallaise, retired in 2003 (photo by scott arnold)

Jo Anne's Place Health Foods marked a major milestone Friday as the family-owned health and wellness business celebrated its 50th anniversary with special recognition ceremonies at both its Peterborough and Lindsay locations.

At the Peterborough store on Lansdowne Street West, representatives from the City of Peterborough and the provincial government presented certificates recognizing the company's five decades of service to the community. City councillor Joy Lachica attended on behalf of the city, while Mary Babcock presented recognition on behalf of Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith.

councillor joy lachica presented margo hudson with certificate from the city of peterborough to recognize 50 years of business for jo anne’s place (photo by scott arnold)

For owner Margo Hudson, the celebration was also a chance to reflect on the legacy of her mother, founder Jo Anne Fallaise, who passed away in January.

The story of Jo Anne's Place began in 1976 inside the family's century home on Kent Street in Lindsay. What started in a pair of small front rooms was inspired by a personal search for better health.

jo anne fallaise started the business inside the family home (photo provided by jo anne’s place)

Hudson said her father and one of her brothers suffered from severe asthma, and after traditional treatments failed to provide the results her mother hoped for, she began researching the connection between food and health.

"She decided that there had to be a different way," Hudson said.

Jo Anne removed processed foods from the family's diet, focused on natural ingredients and started making many foods herself. When she struggled to find stores selling the products she needed, her father offered a simple suggestion: open a store.

That's exactly what she did.

Back then, health food stores were far from common. Hudson said the early years brought challenges as natural health products were unfamiliar to many people. Word spread largely through conversations and recommendations from customers.

People were also drawn by Jo Anne herself.

Hudson said her mother loved helping people and sharing what she had learned. Curious customers often stopped in to learn more about healthy living and to see products they couldn't find elsewhere, including the fresh-ground peanut butter that became a signature item and remains popular today.

Hudson was there from the beginning.

"I was always in there like a dirty shirt," she laughed.

From working the cash register to helping wherever needed, she grew up alongside the business, learning directly from her mother. When the time came to choose her own path, Hudson decided to stay close to home, study business and health, and continue building on the foundation her mother created.

In 2003, Jo Anne retired and passed ownership of the business to Margo and her husband, Paul.

Over the years, Jo Anne's Place expanded beyond Lindsay, opening in Peterborough and growing into the wellness-focused business customers know today. Despite the changes, Hudson said the company's core values have never shifted.

"I'm most proud that we've stayed true to the course," she said.

She pointed to the importance of integrity, authenticity and excellence, values she believes have guided the company through changing trends, economic shifts and decades of growth.

jo anne’s place peterborough location at 1260 lansdowne st w (photo by scott arnold)

Hudson credits much of the business's success to the customers who have supported Jo Anne's Place across generations.

Many families who shopped there decades ago now have children and grandchildren who continue to visit the stores.

"If it wasn't for the customers coming back every week and telling their friends and family, we wouldn't be here," Hudson said.

Jo Anne’s place is known for many healthy foods, including their always fresh produce (photo by Scott Arnold)

She also praised the staff members who have helped shape the business over the years, noting that many employees have stayed for long periods because of the supportive workplace culture.

As Jo Anne's Place enters its next chapter, Hudson said what continues to motivate her is the opportunity to connect with people.

"People really don't change that much," she said. "Their situations change and our economy changes and so many things change, but people are still the same."

Fifty years after Jo Anne Fallaise opened a small health food store in her family home, that commitment to helping people remains at the heart of the business she built.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Museum and Archives Presents An Exhibition on Lost Liberties Starting June 20

The Peterborough Museum and Archives is bringing ‘Lost Liberties – The War Measures Act,’ a travelling exhibition from the Canadian Museum of History that invites visitors to reflect on the difficult balance between national security and individual liberties in times of crisis.

File Photo.

The exhibit runs from June 20 to Sept. 13.

It explores the fears, racism and crises that drove the suspension of civil liberties in Canada during the First World War, the Second World War, and the 1970 October Crisis. In each crisis, the federal government applied the War Measures Act, which had serious impacts on the civil liberties of many individuals, groups and communities in Canada. 

Lost Liberties examines, notably, the internment of Canadians of Ukrainian origin and other nationalities during the First World War, the internment of Italian Canadians and the internment and forced relocation of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War, and the arrest of hundreds of people in Quebec during the 1970 October Crisis. 

“The exhibition sheds new light on the enduring impact of this act on Canada and its people, and allows the public to learn more about these difficult chapters in Canadian history,” said Dr Xavier Gélinas, curator, political history of the Canadian Museum of History and co-curator of the exhibition.  

“Lost Liberties not only places these crises in their historical context, but it also examines them through multiple perspectives and, above all, presents poignant first-hand accounts from the men, women and children who lived through them,” said Dr Mélanie Morin-Pelletier, historian war and society of the Canadian War Museum and co-curator of the exhibition. 

Developed by the Canadian Museum of History and generously supported by a grant from the Endowment Council of the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund.

The Peterborough Museum and Archives, 300 Hunter St. E., is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and most holidays. 

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The 31st Annual Peterborough Greek Festival Hits Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church This Sunday

The Peterborough Greek Festival is back for its 31st year, happening at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church from noon until 5 p.m. this Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Typically held on the second Sunday in June, the event is expected to take place rain or shine.

Food options at the event include souvlaki, lamb, salad, desserts and beverages.

Entertainment is provided with Greek dancers from Oshawa and live music by Chris Papas. Activities for children is also at the festival.

Event organizers remind attendees that accessible parking spots are only available at the church parking lot.

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Cobourg Teenager Charged With Impaired Driving After Being Discovered Passed Out At the Wheel

A 17-year-old Cobourg female is facing an impaired charge after being discovered passed out while operating a vehicle on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 10 a.m., officers were called to a parking lot in the Lansdowne Street and Willowcreek Boulevard area by concerned motorists regarding a woman who was spotted passed out at the wheel. Officers located the vehicle and upon speaking with the driver, noticed signs of impairment.

The teen was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on July 27.

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New Peterborough Visitor Centre to Open at the Lift Lock On June 26

Peterborough Tourism with the City of Peterborough is preparing to open the doors of the Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock on June 26.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The Visitor Centre location will be an information hub where visitors and locals can access information about attractions, experiences and local businesses in Peterborough.

“This new Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock represents an exciting step forward in how we welcome people to Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The Peterborough Lift Lock is one of our most iconic attractions and a celebrated National Historic Site of Canada. As the largest urban centre along the waterway, our connection to the water is central to both our community identity and visitor experience. This new space strengthens that connection and invites exploration year-round.”

Located at 353 Hunter St. E. at the base of the Lift Lock, the Visitor Centre is accessible to those travelling by boat, car, bike or on foot.

As of June 26, the Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock will be open year-round. Here, visitors and residents can access the tools and inspiration to explore the city and surrounding region.

In the coming months, programming will be developed that celebrates the area’s culture, heritage, and natural environment, including Indigenous perspectives, with opportunities to amplify diverse voices and stories.

“It’s so wonderful to see a space that makes it easier for people to connect with Peterborough and one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “The Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock will once again be a welcoming, accessible hub where visitors and community members can come together, explore, and experience all that our vibrant region has to offer. By reopening the doors to more inclusive and engaging ways to discover the Trent–Severn Waterway, this initiative helps bring people closer to the stories, culture, and connections that make Peterborough so special. It’s also great to see the centre being run by people who know it best, bringing local knowledge and passion to the experience.”

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PRHC Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Stroke Care

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Regional Health Centre has once again been recognized as a national leader in stroke care after receiving Stroke Distinction from Accreditation Canada for the third consecutive time.

PRHC’s Stroke Program has been awarded Stroke Distinction by Accreditation Canada (photo via prhc)

Peterborough Regional Health Centre announced Thursday that its Stroke Program has been awarded Stroke Distinction by Accreditation Canada, a designation that recognizes hospitals demonstrating excellence in stroke treatment and patient care.

Developed in partnership with Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the program evaluates hospitals against national standards, best practices and specialized performance measures related to stroke care.

As the designated District Stroke Centre for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge region through the Central East Stroke Network, PRHC provides coordinated stroke services while working with community partners to improve care, education and patient outcomes.

During a site visit in May, Accreditation Canada surveyors highlighted several areas of strength within the program. Among them was PRHC's early adoption of Tenecteplase, a clot-busting medication used in the treatment of acute stroke.

Surveyors also praised an innovative stroke education initiative developed in partnership with second-year nursing students from Trent University. Introduced during the 2025-26 year, the program delivers targeted stroke education to long-term care homes across the region.

Hospital officials credited the achievement to the collaborative efforts of staff across multiple departments, including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, rehabilitation and outpatient services.

The latest designation reinforces PRHC's role as a regional leader in stroke care and highlights the hospital's continued focus on delivering specialized treatment and support closer to home for patients and families throughout the region.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Ennismore Community Centre Ice Surface Replacement Project Moves Forward

By Scott Arnold

Work is continuing on the ice surface replacement project at the Ennismore Community Centre, with crews completing another key stage of construction.

renovations well underway at the ennismore community centre (photo via facebook @SelwynTownship)

Selwyn Township says the existing concrete ice surface has now been removed as part of the ongoing upgrades at the Ennismore Community Centre.

With the concrete excavation complete, the next phase of the project will involve levelling the sand base and installing insulation for the refrigeration lines that will support the new ice surface.

Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is supporting the upgrade costs at the ennismore community centre (photo via facebook @Selwyntownship)

The project is receiving support through Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which helps communities improve and modernize recreation facilities.

Township officials note that while construction is underway, the auditorium at the community centre remains available for rentals. Visitors should be aware that construction-related noise may be heard during working hours.

Selwyn Township says it will continue providing updates as work progresses on the project, which is expected to enhance the facility for local residents, user groups and visitors.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Seeking Nominations For 2026 Paul Harris Fellowship

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is seeking nominations for its prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for 2026 in honour of the founder of Rotary International in 1905.

The 2025 Paul Harris Fellow Recognition recipients of 2025.

(From left to right) (Back Row) Kelli Grady, Betty Halman-Plumley, Margaret Hamilton, Catherine Hanrahan, Wendy Swain, Elwood Jones, Don Watkins, Maureen Crowley, Mary Smith

(Front Row) Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

According to Rotary, the Fellowship recognizes local individuals for their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area and the world at large. It is considered the highest honour Rotarians can give.

Nominations in the following categories can be submitted online with the deadline on Sept. 1. Nominees may be Rotarians or non-Rotarians. On behalf of each recipient, both Rotary Clubs will donate $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation.

Categories include:

• Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community. 

• International Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution toward to betterment of the communities in other parts of the world, and/or leadership toward work peace and understanding. 

• Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent wit Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

• Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions toward to youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

• Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

• Club Service: To recognize a Peterborough Rotary Club member for their outstanding service and dedication. 

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha are celebrating the recipients at a joint Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

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Peterborough Petes Earn OHL Retail Performance Award

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes have been recognized by the Ontario Hockey League for their success off the ice, earning one of the league's top business awards for the 2025-26 season.

joelle wood, manager of marketing & events with the ontario hockey league, presents mark million of the petes store with the ohl’s retail performance award (photo courtesy of peterborough petes)

Ten business awards were presented by the league, with the Petes among the organizations recognized for contributing to the continued growth and success of the Ontario Hockey League both on and off the ice.

The Petes were named recipients of the OHL Retail Performance Award during the league's annual business meetings, where organizations from across the league were honoured for achievements in areas including retail, community engagement, broadcasting and fan experience.

According to the OHL, the award recognizes the Petes' strong merchandise sales, innovative retail initiatives and ongoing efforts to enhance the fan experience.

The league noted that the Petes have established themselves as one of the OHL's leading merchandise operations through a combination of creative approaches and consistent results.

The award also highlights the work of Mark Million, director of merchandise & community growth for the Petes, whose leadership was credited with helping drive merchandise growth in Peterborough while supporting broader league initiatives aimed at strengthening retail operations across the OHL.

While championships are won on the ice, the latest honour shows the Petes are also finding success behind the scenes as they continue to build and engage their fan base.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Petes Exchange Draft Picks With Ottawa 67's

The Peterborough Petes have exchanged draft picks with the Ottawa 67’s, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough acquired a sixth-round pick in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection from the Ottawa 67’s in exchange for the Soo Greyhounds ' sixth-round pick in 2029.

The Petes currently hold the 13th overall pick in this year’s OHL Priority Selection on Friday at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.