Peterborough Regional Health Centre Introduces First Baby of 2025

Loretta Shaughnessy and Ryan Heise welcomed their baby boy Maverick Raymond Heise into the world on Wednesday at 2:04 a.m. as the first baby of 2025 delivered at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Maverick weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. Both he and his mother are doing well after the pregnancy. Maverick will have Florence, his older sister to look forward to.

“We can’t say enough about the incredible care we received from the nurses and doctors here,” said Loretta about delivering Maverick at PRHC. 

Her sister — a Labour and Delivery nurse at PRHC — was off-duty and able to attend during the birth as a support person.

Maverick’s middle name is from Loretta’s grandfather, Ray Lowery, who passed away shortly after the couple found out they were expecting. 

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'Olivia' and 'Noah' #1 Baby Names For 2023 In Ontario In Top 10 List

Once again, the top baby names were Olivia and Noah in Ontario for 2023, according to the provincial government.

Serenity Bui (pictured) is the daughter of PTBOCanada Editor’s David Bui. Photo by Sarah Hiltz Photography.

Olivia has clinched the number-one spot as Ontario's top baby girl name for 15 consecutive years. Charlotte also continued as a favourable choice, becoming the second-most popular name for girls.

Noah took the top spot as the most popular name for boys for the fifth-straight year, with Liam following closely behind.

Mila and Henry were new baby names that cracked 2023.

The top 10 names for girls and boys in 2023 were:

Girls

1. Olivia

2. Charlotte

3. Amelia

4. Emma

5. Sophia

6. Mia

7. Sofia

8. Ava

9. Mila

10. Isla

Boys

1. Noah

2. Liam

3. Theodore

4. Oliver

5. Jack

6. Lucas

7. Benjamin

8. William

9. Leo

10. Henry

“Welcoming a new baby and choosing a name is one of life’s most meaningful milestones, and our government is dedicated to helping new parents focus on these special moments rather than paperwork,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “With ServiceOntario’s 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle, we’ve made it easier for Ontario parents to register their newborns and apply for essential documents like birth certificates and Social Insurance Numbers—all from the comfort of their home.”

The Ontario government says that parents should register their child's birth within 30 days of welcoming their newborn.

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26 Kids Get Holiday Shopping Spree With Peterborough Police Service's 18th Annual CopShop This Thursday

The holidays are coming a little early for 26 local children as the Peterborough Police Services is hosting its 18th annual CopShop at Lansdowne Place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Twenty-six deserving children will enjoy a limo ride from school and be partnered with a Peterborough Police Officer. The officers will serve as personal shoppers for the kids and each will receive a $200 Gift Card to shop around.

“We are very excited that this program is returning as it’s always been an event our officers look forward to,” says Mike Peckham, Detective Constable, Peterborough Police Service. “This year we have about two dozen officers and civilian members volunteering their time to build positive relationships and spend time with our young people in a fun way.”

“It’s impossible not to be inspired by these incredible kids” says Helen Edwards, Property Manager for Lansdowne Place. “I still remember the very first time we hosted CopShop, it was magical and continues to be our favourite day of the year.”

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Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation Launch 2024 Santa's Sleigh to Fulfill Kids' Christmas Wishlists

For the past 35 years, Children’s Christmas wishes are getting fulfilled through the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCAS) 2024 Santa’s Sleigh Program launched at the Chemong Road Walmart on Thursday.

Ivana Braithwaite, 4, gets a Merry Christmas and holiday cheer from Santa as Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation launches its Santa’s Sleigh program for 2025. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Our community is so generous,” said Carrie Truman, KHCAS executive director. People have given for many years and we're hoping they're going to give in the same way again this year.”

The program is in conjunction with the Central Lakes Association of Realtors, East Peterborough Lions Club, 101.5 The Wolf, Global Peterborough and 100.5 Fresh Radio.

Roughly 900 children are involved in the foundation, with gift requests written on tags and placed on a Christmas tree in Walmart. Shoppers can grab a tag, fulfill it, and put it in a drop-in sleigh at the store. The program runs until Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.

“We are inviting the community to choose a child’s gift suggestion from our tree at Walmart, and then shop for that gift in order to fulfill the child’s holiday wish” said Truman. “The gifts will go directly to children in our community, so that together we can put smiles on the faces of local children this holiday season.”

Presents, gift cards, and monetary donations are accepted during the program. Donated money purchases gifts and gift cards for children and youth involved with the KHCAS.

Donors can make online monetary donations on the foundation’s website.

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JA NEO Launches 'When I Grow Up' Campaign to Aid Youth With Tools For Their Future Careers

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO) has launched its ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign to inspire and empower youth with the tools and knowledge to explore and pursue their future careers, announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday.

John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO making the announcement at the Venture North Building. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign promotes financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship among young people, helping them envision and achieve their full potential according to John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO.

“The ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign is designed to address the root causes of systemic poverty, homelessness, youth unemployment and underemployment by equipping students with practical skills and experiences,” he said. “Through interactive workshops, mentorship programs and real-world career exploration opportunities, JA NEO is dedicated to preparing a financially informed generation for success, shielding them from systemic poverty and homelessness.”

JA NEO’s programs teach financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to youth in grades 3 to 12.

JA NEO also introduced its Holiday Matching Gift Initiative, where every dollar donated until Dec. 31 will be tripled (up to $40,000). This was possible by matching donors such as Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc., Peterborough Truss & Floor Ltd., and Peterborough & Distinct Construction Association.

Anyone can donate to the cause by clicking the link.

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St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Unveils New Accessible Playground

It’s been a long time coming for everyone at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Douro but they finally have a new accessible playground to play, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

Construction began in the late summer for the playground. It was made possible after years of fundraising, securing grants and community support to secure its costs for $154,000, according to Sarah Bass, St. Joesph’s School Council parent and member.

“In 2021, after our existing structures started having age-related safety concerns, the children at the school implored the staff at the school and their parents to look at options for replacement,” she said. “Our parents, local businesses and people who call Douro home, raised funds through a community yard sale, sponsorships, Fresh from Farm, quilt raffles and Christmas craft sales.”

There was $8,000 raised from a community yard sale as well as sponsorships from local businesses. The project also received a federal grant for enabling accessibility totaling $70,000 and $10,000 from the AgriSpirit Fund.

“The excitement was palpable when construction began in August, and the joy is still on full display at recess and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supported this project,” said Bass.

The playground can be enjoyed year round.

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Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society’s Board of Directors Tender Resignation

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society’s entire Board of Directors resigned on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.

According to a press release, the resignations are effective Oct. 23rd. They follow the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ decision to install a supervisor.

The following is the full statement:

It is with profound sadness that all Members of the Board of Directors for the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society have tendered their resignation, effective October 23, 2024.

We were notified on October 22nd that the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services intended to install a Supervisor on October 23rd, as provided for in legislation (Child, Youth and Family Services Act). Board Members can no longer meet their fiduciary duty when this happens.

The Board worked diligently to avert this from happening; however, the difficulties we experienced are echoed across the sector and were not repairable within the structures and guidelines we must work within.

Although there will be difficult days ahead, we know that the staff and leadership team at Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society will continue to provide excellent care and service to the children, youth and families in our communities.

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Hometown PTBO: Heidi Westbye Competing At the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in Dubai and Raising Funds For Her Trip

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with 15-year-old Heidi Westbye about being selected to compete in the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in Dubai this December for Team Canada, how she got into beekeeping and how she is raising money to fund her trip.

To donate to Heidi and her team's cause, follow the link.

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Oct. 25 Is Dress Purple Day to Raise Child Welfare Awareness

Oct. 25 marks Dress Purple Day, a campaign to raise awareness about the important role individuals play in supporting children, youth, and families facing challenges.

Photo courtesy of ONtario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) is collaborating with children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being agencies across the province in partnership with government and community-based organizations for the campaign.

On Dress Purple Day, KHCAS invites the community to wear purple to show their commitment to child welfare and spread the message that help is available to the children and youth in our communities. Wearing purple stresses the importance of community support in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and youth in our communities.

“Dress Purple Day offers an opportunity to raise awareness of the important role we all play in supporting vulnerable children, youth and families and that the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society works together with many community organizations to help children, youth, and families facing challenges.” says Jennifer McLauchlan, Executive Director of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society. “We are wearing purple today to show children, youth, and families that we care and are here to help.”

The goals of Dress Purple Day for the KHCAS are:

• To highlight how the KHCAS works in partnership with local community-based organizations and service providers to support vulnerable children, youth and families.

• To continue to work collectively with the Ontario government regarding the need to invest in social infrastructure so children, youth and families can access the right care, at the right time, close to home.

• To raise awareness that every child and youth has a right to safety and well-being in all spaces and that the community plays a role in protecting those rights.

• For KHCAS to strengthen relationships with local community-based organizations and service providers supporting children, youth and families.

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Organization Raising Funds For Inclusive Playground to Be Built In Ennismore

To remove barriers for children to be able to play together equally, Accessible Playgrounds Ontario (APO) is raising $250,000 to build an inclusive playground at the Ennismore Waterfront Park in Ennismore.

Grant (left) pushing her son Jude (right) on a swing. According to Grant, 38 per cent of Canadian children with a disability almost never get physical exercise outside of school. Photo courtesy of APO.

Julie Grant of APO is spearheading the project, ‘Jude's Joy,’ named after her three-year-old son Jude, who was born with cerebral palsy.

According to Grant, there are no accessible playgrounds in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

“The closest fully accessible/inclusive playground to Selwyn is 64 km away in Port Hope and the second closest is Port Perry,” she explained.

Jude cannot independently walk and requires a walker to travel. Grant says several playground features are not as accessibility-friendly as they seem.

Most accessible playgrounds have rubber surfacing and intentionally designed play elements such as ramps. Roughly half of the money raised goes towards that surfacing, and Grant attributes the wood chips as a cheaper alternative.

“The most common barrier at playgrounds is the surfacing choice, which is often wood chips, which limits Jude's ability at two to three years old to use his walker independently,” she explained. “Secondly, the absence of ground-level play elements does not permit the learning opportunities that fully abled people can experience. Therefore, potential learning is lost.”

The other half of the funds raised have already been deliberated on, as Grant explained how else the money will be spent.

“Considerations include a ramp onto the main play structure, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, an accessible swing with a harness, various music elements at ground level, and a play-tot structure for younger children from 18-plus months.”

So far, $55,000 has been raised for the initiative. Grant is seeking more from the community to get closer to the goal.

“Our journey began with an initial donation and partnership with the Ennismore Optimist Club. We are currently reaching out to all of the local service clubs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to inform these organizations of our initiative and build relationships to support this venture,” she explained. “We recognize this playground will draw from our entire region. We also are using our donor packages to introduce our project to surrounding businesses and organizations.”

Donations can be made through the Township of Selwyn in person or by mail via debit, cheque, or cash; Canada Helps; or by cheque to the Optimist Club of Ennismore.

“This provides the opportunity for the entire family, with members of varying abilities, to share in the play experience,” explained Grant. “It is inclusive, not exclusive.”

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