Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team Celebrates 25 Years

Sent by Michelle Thorton

Survivors Abreast Peterborough, celebrates its 25-year anniversary this month. The Dragon Boat Team, made up of breast cancer survivors from the Peterborough area, was founded by Meredith Cosburn, who was encouraged by a friend (a member of the Toronto-based Dragons Abreast team) to do what she had done to help with her own breast cancer recovery – join a dragon boat team.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

Breast cancer survivor dragon boat paddling began at the University of British Columbia in 1996. Dr. Don McKenzie a professor in the department of sports medicine and an exercise physiologist, challenged the prevailing medical thinking that woman treated for breast cancer should avoid rigorous upper body exercise for fear of developing lymphoedema, a debilitating and chronic side-effect of treatment. Dr. McKenzie developed a program to determine the impact of exercise on breast cancer survivors, choosing dragon boat paddling as the epitome of strenuous, repetitive upper body exercise. He trained twenty-four breast cancer volunteers in a gym for three months, introduced them to dragon boats and taught them paddling techniques. At the end of the three-month season on the water none of the volunteers had lymphoedema. Not only that, survivors found they were fitter, healthier and happier. They loved the camaraderie and support of their fellow paddlers. They realized dragon boat paddling could become a means of raising breast cancer awareness and show that survivors could lead normal lives. They called themselves “Abreast in a Boat”.

And so, with the help of a newspaper article calling on other breast cancer survivors, Survivors Abreast held it’s very first meeting on Nov. 18, 1999.

By January 2000, the “Peterborough and District Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Team” was 27 members strong and they were excited to learn how to paddle.

The Team soon adopted the name Survivors Abreast Peterborough.

The team still needed a boat and Dr. John Rowsom, then chief of surgery at PRHC, was instrumental in helping them overcome this hurdle. He and three other doctors, Dr. R. Chenoweth, Dr. J. Scott and the late Dr. R. Jaroszonek, each donated $1,000 for a down payment towards a dragon boat.

A story about the team published in the Peterborough Examiner sparked enough interest for Liberty Mutual to provide the rest of the money needed to pay for a dragon boat built by Glenn Fallis of Voyageur Canoe.

The Holiday Inn then donated wharf space and the Chamber of Commerce offered free parking. Lawyer Bill Lockington volunteered free legal counsel to incorporate the team which eventually gained charitable status.

April 30, 2000 was the first time the team actually got in the boat. The community was on board right away and a special dedication was held with a traditional eye-dotting ceremony. Getting the team on the water was truly a community effort. Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team celebrates 25 years as a team! The following year the team announced that dragon boat races would take place on Little Lake as part of the third annual Great Kawartha Canoe-A-Thon. The event was called Liberty Mutual’s Day on the Water and was in support of various charities. Survivors Abreast donated $25,000 to the PRHC Breast Assessment Centre.

In 2002 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival took on a life of its own and hosted its very first official Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival. $84,509.18 was donated to the PRHC Foundation in support of the Breast Assessment Centre. The event has since grown to be one of our communities’ most anticipated events to kick off the summer.

By 2007 the festival had raised over $1 million and the team was awarded a Civic award for community betterment. The new breast assessment centre at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre was completed in 2008 and was named the “Survivors Abreast Breast Assessment Centre”. The team also received a Peterborough This Week Philanthropy Award that year.

In 2005, Survivors Abreast travelled to Vancouver in celebration of the Abreast in a Boat team’s 10 year anniversary and to commemorate Dr Don Mackenzie who founded the breast cancer paddling movement. This festival proved to be the very first international dragon boat festival for breast cancer paddlers. A second one was held in Australia 2 years later. These led to the formation of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC), a commission of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). A formal bidding process was introduced for the 2010 international festival, and Peterborough was chosen over 2 teams from England, 1 from Italy and 1 from New Zealand. 66 teams came from all over Canada, the US, Australia, England, Italy and South Africa. Survivors Abreast was awarded three Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards that year. One for tourism, Health and Wellness and Marketing, and one for Promotions. The International Festival has been held every 4 years since 2010. Survivors Abreast travelled to Sarasota, Florida in 2014, Florence, Italy in 2018, Waikato, New Zealand in 2023 and will be attending the IBCPC festival in France in 2026 to represent the Peterborough region.

In keeping with the team’s mission to improve fitness and develop the paddling skills required for dragon boating while raising awareness and fundraising for breast cancer care in our community, Survivors Abreast Peterborough takes pride in hosting the annual Peterborough’s Dragon boat Festival.

To date, the Festival has raised more than $4.5 million for breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment through the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.

Next year’s event will take place on June 14, 2025. Survivors Abreast has grown over the years and the Festival has evolved. The team has represented Peterborough and the surrounding area at regattas and other events near and far…rain or shine. They continue to raise awareness and give back to the community because it’s always been about Hope, Passion, Dedication, Community, Fun and Making a Difference, One Race at a Time.

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Hometown PTBO: Mike Watt and His Business Flavour Celebrating 25 Years in Downtown Peterborough

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Mike Watt, owner of Flavour Fashion, about the store's 25th anniversary, what they're doing to commemorate the occasion and the importance of keeping it local.

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Peterborough's Feet Stays Comfy As Grady’s Feet Essentials Celebrates 40 Years In Business

It was a huge milestone for Grady’s Feet Essentials as they celebrated their 40th anniversary in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their King Street store on Thursday morning.

Tony (left) and Kelli (second from left) cutting the ribbon as tony’s father Ken Grady Sr. (second from right) and employee Theresa (right) help in the ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“When we think of all the things we survived to get here, all the ups and downs, the drops in the economy and the pandemic, it's just so exciting to have reached this milestone,” said Kelli Grady of Grady’s Feet Essentials.

The municipal, provincial, and federal governments acknowledged the business’s milestone. Mayor Jeff Leal and representatives from MP Michelle Ferreri and MPP Dave Smith were present to congratulate the Gradys and present them with certificates of recognition.

In 1984, Ken Grady Sr. founded Grady’s Orthopedic Service from his home, crafting custom orthotics for local customers. He opened the first Grady’s Shoes storefront in downtown Peterborough a year later.

In 1986, Ken’s son Tony Grady started helping after school each day. He purchased the store with his wife, Kelli, in 1997 and was rebranded as Grady’s Feet Essentials. They opened a kiosk at Lansdowne Place Mall in 2000. This led to further expansion into an entire storefront on the mall’s upper level in 2005 and a major renovation with the help of a retail designer in 2011.

Kelli (left), Luna (front) and Tony (right) together in thie business. Luna is one of the store’s highlights and always hard at work with the Grady’s. Both Kelli and Tony are active members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, each having been recognized as Rotarian of the Year. The store sponsors several local organizations, including the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, Community Care, 4th Line Theatre and New Stages Theatre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In 2018, they purchased the former Angela Mark boutique building at 231 King Street in Peterborough which is their current location. Until the pandemic hit, they were restoring the building and using it for storage and office space. The pandemic forced them to think creatively, establishing a curbside pickup location and a satellite store at King Street. By February 2022, Grady’s Feet Essentials had officially relocated from Lansdowne Place to their newly renovated King Street location.

“Now that we're in this beautiful building which to me is going to be our legacy,” explained Tony. “This building will stand many, many more years and we're quite proud of what we've done here.”

“We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the support of our loyal customers. We are always looking for ways to serve them better and to anticipate their needs,” said Kelli. “We have three or four generations of some families shopping with us, and we’re deeply grateful that they trust us with their footwear needs and recommend us to their family and friends.”

The store carries premium-brand footwear, including Birkenstock sandals and Blundstone boots. It also utilizes state-of-the-art technology, such as a 3D foot scanner, to ensure customers find their perfect fit.

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Five Counties Children’s Centre Asking Public to Share Its Memories For 50th Anniversary

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is asking area residents to share their memories and moments of the Centre in the leadup to its 50th anniversary in 2025, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The Centre, which supports kids and families with physical, communication and developmental needs in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton-Minden, opened its doors in 1975.

To mark its golden anniversary, a year-long celebration is being planned in 2025. Ahead of its 50th festivities, Five Counties is launching its ‘Gimme 5: Your Story is Our Story’ appeal to encourage current and former clients, families, staff, volunteers, board members, donors and community supporters to share any recollections they have of the Centre.

“Five Counties is made up of much more than bricks and mortar. The Centre was truly built on the magical memories and moments of the thousands of children and youth and their families we’ve been able to assist over the years,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “The Five Counties story would be totally incomplete if we are unable to tell and share the many stories from members of our extended Five Counties family.”

To facilitate sharing, people can download and complete the Gimme 5 Story Package, which includes several questions to help prompt discussion and sharing. Anyone who has a story or memento to share can email 50@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200. With approval, Five Counties will share some of the collected stories publicly during its 50th-anniversary celebrations.

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Peterborough County to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Douro Park On Sept. 1

Peterborough County is celebrating Douro Park’s 50th anniversary which marks five decades of preserving natural beauty and providing a space for community engagement on Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. at 205 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer.

Google Maps Screenshot.

Since 1974, the Park has been a cherished destination for residents and visitors as stated in a press release. With 151 acres, Douro Park lines both banks of the beautiful Indian River. It contains baseball diamonds, soccer fields, pickleball courts, tennis courts, a playground and picnic areas and scenic landscapes.

The anniversary event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including:

• Welcome remarks from local officials and park advocates reflecting on the park's history and impact

“Douro Park has been a vital part of our community for 50 years, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone,” said Mayor Heather Watson. “This event is not just about looking back; it’s about looking forward and continuing to protect and enhance this beautiful space for future generations.” "The celebration will also highlight upcoming initiatives aimed at improving park facilities and promoting long-term ecological health." Community members are encouraged to participate and share their memories of Douro Park over the years.

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St. Anne Catholic Elementary School to Celebrate 75th Anniversary On Sept. 19

St. Anne Catholic Elementary School will celebrate a huge milestone, commemorating the institution’s 75th anniversary on Sept. 19.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The event invites current and former members of the school community to share artifacts and memories as part of the celebration.

To mark the occasion, an in-school celebration will occur before the school opens its doors to the community for an open house filled with memories, stories and shared history.

To prepare for the festivities, the school’s anniversary committee is reaching out to the broader community for contributions.

The school would like to hear from former school community members who:

• Have an artifact or piece of history related to the school to loan for the occasion

• Have a special memory or quote to share

For those interested in sharing artifacts and/or memories, applicants can fill out the application online. Contributions may be printed and displayed throughout the school during the celebration.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Expands Partnership to Enhance Patient Care

Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) has announced an expanded partnership with the Toronto Grace Health Centre to provide eligible CMH patients with remote care monitoring and personal support worker (PSW) assistance.

File photo.

This initiative ensures a safe discharge home for patients awaiting long-term care and helps address the hospital’s alternate level of care (ALC) pressures according to a press release.

The fully funded Remote Care Monitoring Plus (RCM+) program — which CMH applied for and received approval for last summer — offers a comprehensive solution for patient care said CMH.

The program equips patients with a pendant that uses geolocating technologies to detect wandering or falls. The program provides extensive PSW support and access to nursing care through Home and Community Care services.

“We are thrilled to offer the RCM+ program to our patients,” said Heather Campbell, VP of Patient Care. “This innovative program has proven to be a safe and effective care option, allowing eligible patients the ability to stay at home while waiting for long term care.”

Patients who meet the program's eligibility criteria benefit from enhanced care, ensuring their safety and well-being while transitioning to long-term care. The RCM+ program exemplifies CMH's commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centred care while addressing the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Ontario.

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Leahy's Farm and Market Goes All Out In 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Leahy family welcomed the public to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Leahy’s Farm and Market in Douro-Dummer on Saturday afternoon.

The second generation of Leahy’s farms saw 11 brothers and sisters. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event welcomed guests to mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a corn maze, a chicken display, a documentary screening of the farm and a special anniversary cake.

“It's a family business that's been passed from my parents to us and our kids are now completely involved in it so it's a great honour and it's amazing how quickly 50 years goes by,” said Doug Leahy. 

The ceremonies began at 2 p.m., where the Leahys addressed the guests with stories and expressed gratitude for the City and County supporting the farm for 50 years.

“To see everyone come out like this, a lot of the time, we're in the field picking corn or picking stuff and we don't always see the customers that come through but they're all showing up today and all we can say is a big thank you to everyone,” said Doug.

During Doug’s speech, he declared one of the gardens to be named ‘Julie’s Garden’ after his mother, Julie Leahy, who started the farm with Frank Leahy in 1974.

Dignitaries on the municipal, provincial and federal levels recognized the farm’s milestone. Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MP gave public speeches and gave certificates of recognition to the Leahy family.

Other dignitaries, such as Sherry Senis, Selwyn Mayor and Heather Watson, Douro-Dummer Mayor were in attendance and spoke at the event.

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Leahy’s Farm and Market Invites Public to Celebrate 50th Anniversary This Saturday

The Leahy family is welcoming the community to their farm to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Leahy’s Farm and Market this Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Leahy’s was started by Frank and Julie Leahy in 1974 as a roadside corn stand. The family-owned and operated farm and market has been ran for for five decades, It is currently run by Frank and Julie’s children and grandchildren. Photo courtesy of Leahy’s Farm and Market.

The celebration will include live music, mingling, delicious hors d’oeuvres and cake. A special ceremony follows at beginning at 2 p.m.

The market offers a variety of fresh produce, Leahy’s-raised beef, chicken and eggs, baked goods, gardening favourites, and local specialties such as jam, honey and maple products. 

“We are grateful to celebrate 50 years and thank our wonderful customers and communities for their unwavering support,” said Doug Leahy. 

“Over the years our farm and market has evolved but our values of family, quality, and trust have never changed,” said Angus Leahy.

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Leahy’s Farm and Market Invites Public to Celebrate 50th Anniversary on July 27

The Leahy family is welcoming the community to their farm to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Leahy’s Farm and Market on July 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Leahy’s was started by Frank and Julie Leahy in 1974 as a roadside corn stand. The family-owned and operated farm and market has been ran for for five decades, It is currently run by Frank and Julie’s children and grandchildren. Photo courtesy of Leahy’s Farm and Market.

The celebration will include live music, mingling, delicious hors d’oeuvres and cake. A special ceremony follows at beginning at 2 p.m.

The market offers a variety of fresh produce, Leahy’s-raised beef, chicken and eggs, baked goods, gardening favourites, and local specialties such as jam, honey and maple products. 

“We are grateful to celebrate 50 years and thank our wonderful customers and communities for their unwavering support,” said Doug Leahy. 

“Over the years our farm and market has evolved but our values of family, quality, and trust have never changed,” said Angus Leahy.

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