Listen With Love Concerts Invite Peterborough to Rethink What Belonging Looks Like for Children

By Scott Arnold

Two October concerts will use music, storytelling and one local family’s experience to start a conversation about inclusion and what it means for every child to feel like they belong.

Five Counties Children’s Centre is hosting Listen With Love concerts on October 20th and 21st in Peterborough, featuring staff member Hannah Bailey sharing her family’s inclusion journey through music, storytelling and lived experience. (photo provided by Five Counties Children Centre)

Five Counties Children’s Centre is bringing its new Listen With Love initiative to Peterborough this October, with two concerts designed to get families, community members and early childhood educators thinking differently about inclusion.

The concerts will tell the story of Peterborough mom Hannah Bailey, who is raising her son Max, who has a rare genetic condition. Through music and storytelling, Bailey will share her family’s experience navigating Max’s heart condition, rare genetic diagnosis and childhood apraxia of speech, and how that experience changed the way they understood communication, behaviour, regulation and belonging.

There will be two opportunities to take part.

The Tuesday, October 20th concert is open to families and members of the general public who want to learn more about inclusion and Bailey’s journey.

The Wednesday, October 21st concert is aimed at early childhood educators in the Peterborough area. It also falls on Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, making the evening both a celebration of the profession and an opportunity to look at inclusion from the perspectives of a parent and ECE.

Doors open at 5:30pm, with both concerts beginning at 7pm. Pre-registration is encouraged for both events.

The concerts will also introduce Roots of Belonging, a new Five Counties initiative that will begin in early 2027 with a training and learning series for local ECE leaders.

The goal is to help child-care settings build more inclusive environments for children and families, including by looking at policies and practices that may unintentionally create barriers to participation.

Five Counties says the initiative will encourage ECE leaders to consider accessibility and inclusion proactively, rather than waiting until a child with a disability arrives before making changes.

At the heart of Listen With Love is a simple message: creating spaces where children can belong as they are and where adults approach differences with curiosity, connection and understanding.

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

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Ever Wondered What It Takes to Become a Volunteer Firefighter? Selwyn Township Fire Department is Hosting Information Session

By Scott Arnold

The Selwyn Township Fire Department is looking for people interested in becoming volunteer firefighters and is hosting an information session next week.

Selwyn Township Fire Department is inviting anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter to learn more about the role at an upcoming information session in Bridgenorth. (photo courtesy of selwyn township fire department)

The session will give prospective volunteers a chance to learn more about what the role involves, the training required and what they can expect if they join the department.

The information session takes place Friday, October 2nd from 7pm to 9pm at Fire Hall #1 in Bridgenorth, located at 833 Ward Street.

It’s an opportunity for anyone considering becoming a volunteer firefighter to learn more about the commitment and ask questions before taking the next step.

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

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PRHC Warns Patients May See Longer Waits and Different Care Settings as Hospital Pressures Continue

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Regional Health Centre is asking for patience as high patient volumes and increasingly complex needs continue to put pressure on the hospital.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre is reminding the community that patients may experience longer wait times and OTHER CHANGES as the hospital continues to manage high patient volumes. (photo by Scott arnold)

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is dealing with significant pressure as patient volumes remain high and the hospital continues to care for an increasingly complex mix of patients from across the region.

PRHC says the situation has been developing over the past several weeks and is not unique to Peterborough, with hospitals across Ontario experiencing similar pressures.

For patients, that could mean some changes to what a visit to PRHC looks like over the coming days and weeks.

Longer wait times may be experienced as the fall season gets underway, while some patients who need to be admitted could receive care in spaces that have been temporarily converted to accommodate the number of people requiring hospital care.

Despite the pressures, PRHC says its teams are continuing to work to provide patients with the care they need.

The hospital is also reminding the community that its Emergency Department remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should still come to PRHC for care.

For health concerns that are not emergencies, PRHC is encouraging people to consider other care options available in the community.

And if you are planning to visit someone at the hospital, PRHC is asking that you postpone your visit if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.

The hospital is thanking patients, families and the community for their patience, kindness and respect as staff continue to manage the increased demand for care.

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

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Otonabee Conservation Plants 300 Trees and Shrubs In Keene For 2026 TD Tree Days Event

Otonabee Conservation worked with 24 volunteers to plant 300 trees and shrubs at the Otonabee Court Seniors Residence in Keene on Saturday.

In 2026, TD is working with 75 organizations to plant more than 30,000 trees and shrubs. This will contribute to the more than 590,000 trees and shrubs planted by volunteers through TD Tree Days since 2010. Screenshot.

The event was part of TD Canada Trust’s ‘TD Tree Days’ event. The 20 native species of trees and shrubs planted included Eastern Redbud, Ninebark, Tamarack, and Red Osier Dogwood.

According to Otonabee Conservation, planting trees has many benefits, including improving air and water quality, reducing erosion, providing shade and cooling benefits, and supporting climate change adaptation efforts throughout the region.

 “Once again, we’re proud to be part of TD Tree Days and to work alongside dedicated volunteers and TD to strengthen our local environment,” said Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO/Secretary-Treasurer. “Every tree planted helps improve habitat, support biodiversity and build a more resilient watershed for future generations.”

Adam Novotný Set to Give Petes a Big Boost After Being Assigned Back to Peterborough by the Canucks

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Petes fans will get to see Adam Novotný back in the lineup after the Vancouver Canucks assigned the 18-year-old forward to Peterborough on Wednesday.

after gaining some preseason nhl experience, the vancouver canucks have assigned Adam Novotný back to the peterborough petes (photo via X, formerly twitter, @canucks)

Novotný spent the last two weeks in Vancouver, appearing in two Canucks preseason games against the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken. He was held off the scoresheet in both games but looked impressive against some of the league’s top players.

The 2026 first-round pick was selected 24th overall by Vancouver after an impressive rookie season with the Petes, recording 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games.

Novotný finished second on the Petes in scoring last season, behind Kieran Walton, and his return will be a welcome addition to the 0-2 Petes lineup.

During media day a couple of weeks ago, Novotný expressed his excitement and love of Peterborough, emphasizing how much it means to him to be a Pete.

The Petes are back in action on Thursday, September 24th, when they host the Sarnia Sting at 7pm from the PMC.

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

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Peterborough Petes Bringing Back Indigenous Heritage Night to the PMC Thursday

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes will recognize Indigenous heritage and culture Thursday night when they host the Sarnia Sting at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The Peterborough Petes will host their annual Indigenous Heritage Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday, September 24th. (logo created by Kory Parkin)

The Petes’ annual Indigenous Heritage Night takes place on September 24th, with puck drop at 7:05pm.

Fans arriving at the game will have a chance to experience performances from the Smoke Trail Drum and Dance Group from Alderville First Nation, who will perform in the lobby before the game before taking to the ice during the first intermission.

The evening will also include a ceremonial puck drop featuring representatives from Crowe’s Gas, Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation.

The national anthem will take on a special meaning as well, with Curve Lake School performing it in Anishinaabemowin before the game.

The Petes will also once again feature a logo created for Indigenous Heritage Night by Kory Parkin, an Indigenous painter and digital creator from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

The design uses the traditional name for Peterborough, Nogojiwanong, meaning “place at the foot of the rapids,” and incorporates imagery of a canoe and water.

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

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A Special Flag at City Hall Has a Meaningful Message This Week

By Scott Arnold

If you’ve noticed a new flag flying outside Peterborough City Hall today, there’s a reason it’s there.

The Deaf flag flies outside Peterborough City Hall on September 23rd in recognition of International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages. (photo by scott arnold)

The City of Peterborough has raised the Deaf flag in recognition of International Week of Deaf People, which takes place during the last full week of September.

September 23rd is also International Day of Sign Languages, a day established by the United Nations in 2017 to raise awareness of sign languages and strengthen their status around the world.

The date is significant because it marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951.

The flag itself also carries meaning. Designed by French deafblind artist Arnaud Balard, it features two hands, representing sign language, communication and support. Its turquoise blue, yellow and dark blue colours each have their own significance, reflecting the Deaf community, light and life, humanity and the connection to Deaf culture around the world. Together, the colours represent the diversity of people and languages and the place of Deaf people within the broader human community.

International Week of Deaf People brings Deaf communities and others together through activities and events focused on awareness, participation and inclusion. The week also highlights the important role of families, governments, professional sign language interpreters and organizations supporting people with disabilities.

This year also marks 20 years since the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the recognition of national sign languages as full and equal languages.

For the City, the flag is also connected to its broader work around accessibility.

Peterborough says it is committed to creating an inclusive environment across its services, programs, facilities, information, employment and transportation systems, with a focus on dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

The City also notes that people with disabilities can face limited options when navigating public spaces and says it is committed to providing timely information about service disruptions, including what is affected, how long the disruption is expected to last, why it is happening and what alternatives are available.

So, if you’re passing City Hall and spot the Deaf flag flying this week, now you know why it’s there.

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

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A Night of Fashion for a Good Cause: Couture for Kids Returns in October in Support of Five Counties

By Scott Arnold

A Lindsay fashion show is returning next week, giving people a chance to enjoy a night out while helping support treatment services for local kids and youth.

Couture for Kids returns to Lindsay on October 1st, bringing local fashion, fun and fundraising together in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre (photo courtesy of five counties children’s CEntre)

Five Counties Children’s Centre will host its third annual Couture for Kids fundraiser on Thursday, October 1st at Celebrations in Lindsay.

Doors open at 6pm, with the fashion show getting underway at 7pm.

The evening will feature clothing from seven local retailers: Brittany N Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co, Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Homethreads Boutique, Nisbett’s Clothiers and The Lingerie Loft.

Along with the fashion show, guests can take part in raffle prizes and the Pass the Purse activity, with light snacks and a cash bar also available.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or through participating retailers.

The fundraiser was first held in 2024 and has since become an annual fall event in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

More importantly, the money raised goes directly toward treatment services for local children and youth through Five Counties. Last year, 1,471 children and youth in Kawartha Lakes received services from the organization.

The fundraiser also supports efforts to reduce wait times, helping children access the services they need sooner.

Five Counties says the event has grown through support from local retailers, sponsors, volunteers and the community, with this year’s event once again bringing fashion and fundraising together for local kids and families.

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

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St. Paul CES Lakefield Receives $16,000 Grant For Music Program Growth

Students at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Lakefield will have more opportunities to explore, create and learn through music thanks to a $16,000 grant from MusiCounts, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The grant application was developed last year by then-Principal Jennifer DeMaeyer and music teacher Elena Johnson.

The funding was used to purchase a variety of musical instruments and materials, provide safe storage for the equipment and support a music program subscription for the current school year and next year. As a result of the application, St. Paul may also be eligible to apply for a secondary grant in the coming years. 

Jean-Paul St-Amour, St. Paul principal, says the new resources will give students opportunities to explore music through hands-on experiences while introducing them to a wide range of instruments, musical traditions, and creative tools. 

“These tools will provide hands-on experiences that deepen students’ understanding of rhythm, melody, and cultural traditions. Instruments like egg shakers, xylophones, and bells will introduce basic concepts and allow for interactive rhythm exploration,” he said. “Recorders serve as an accessible entry point for wind instruments, while bucket drums make practicing drumming patterns enjoyable. Drumsticks will enable students to explore various percussion techniques and ukuleles will promote collaboration through learning chords and strumming.”

He adds that the investment will help St. Paul CES continue building a music program where students can develop musical skills while experiencing the creativity, collaboration and cultural learning that music can bring to the classroom. 

“Incorporating Indigenous drums will diversify our program and enhance our cultural context. Additionally, integrating music software will foster creativity and composition skills. We would also like to invite Indigenous Music leaders to share their knowledge and lead us in Indigenous music workshops,” explained St-Amour. “Together, these resources will create a vibrant, hands-on music program that would inspire creativity and a lifelong love of music among our students.”

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Schedule Released For Fleming Phoenix's Inaugural Season of Lacrosse Sixes

It is the first year the Fleming Phoenix take the lacrosse field as its Sixes team has released its schedule for its inaugural season starting this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Fleming Phoenix.

The Phoenix, led by Head Coach Dustin Dunn, face three other college teams in this fall's campaign.

The team plays two games on each of the four game-day dates. The first homestand is on Oct. 25 against the Humber Hawks and Durham Lords. The final day is on Nov. 1 at Mohawk College with semifinals followed by the third-place and first-place games.

The following is the 2026 season schedule:

Sept. 27 at Humber (Centennial Park Stadium)

• Durham vs Fleming - noon

• Fleming vs Mohawk - 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Durham (Vaso's Field)

• Fleming vs Humber - noon

• Durham vs Fleming - 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Fleming (Fleming Phoenix Sports Field)

• Fleming vs Mohawk - noon

• Fleming vs Humber - 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Mohawk 

• Semifinal #1 - 11 a.m.

• Semifinal #2 - noon

• Third-place game - 1:30 p.m.

• First-place game - 2:30 p.m.

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