Peterborough County Hubs Program Expands

The Peterborough County Hubs Program is now offering drop-in services in Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

Peterborough county logo

The new drop-in service, which started on Tuesday, gives rural residents access to supports related to health care, mental health, addictions, employment, developmental services, housing, income, senior services and more within their home community.

"The expansion of the Peterborough County Hubs Program is an important step in ensuring that all Peterborough City-County residents, no matter where they live, have easy access to the services and supports they need, said Peterborough city councillor Alex Bierk. “By bringing these services closer to home, we are removing barriers for communities across the region and making sure that residents can get help with everything from health care to employment services.”

The drop-in program has opened new hubs in several locations:

• Millbrook Hub at Old Millbrook School - open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Havelock Hub at Havelock Community Care office - open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Apsley Hub at Apsley Community Care office - open first and third Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Norwood Hub at Asphodel-Norwood Township Office - open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The program is a collaboration between the City/County Social Services administered by the City of Peterborough, Canopy Support Services, Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge and Fleming CREW and Academic Upgrading.

A staff person from of the agencies will be at the hubs when the open for drop-in service.

The program builds on the existing Peterborough County Hubs Program that has nine locations across the county in Keene, Warsaw, Douro, Buckhorn, Lakefield, Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

“Last year, I was proud to be at the launch of the eight Peterborough County Hubs which provided bookable space for social service providers to meet with clients,” said warden Bonnie Clark. “Local clients will now have the convenience to drop-in during office hours and not have to book an appointment. This pilot project brings social services access for our rural and small urban communities closer to parity with larger urban centres.”

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Ontario Investing Over $200,000 Into Campbellford and Norwood Curling Clubs

MPP David Piccini announced a combined $200,900 of funding for the Norwood and Campbellford Curling Clubs on Saturday at Norwood Curling Club’s annual Maplefest event.

photo courtesy of the office of mpp piccini.

The grants, funded through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), will replace the roof of the Norwood club and improve accessibility at the Campbellford club.

“This funding is big news for the Trent Hills and Norwood area and will ensure that members of our community have plenty of options to stay active and engaged,” said MPP David Piccini. “Our government will continue to support important projects like these in rural areas as we build a stronger Ontario.”

The Norwood Curling Club received a $86,200 Capital grant from OTF to replace the roof on its century-old facility. The building hosts the annual Norwood Fair and is available to the public for community events. The Norwood Curling Club is run by volunteers and is open to everyone, offering multiple recreational, educational and competitive curling leagues. Additional information is available online.

"This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will allow the Club to replace the roof and thereby significantly extend the life of this vital community building and ensure that it remains available for years to come,” said Denton Curry, President of Norwood Curling Club.   

At the same time as the Norwood Club learned of its grant, the Campbellford Curling and Racquet Club received the good news that it was receiving a $114,700 Capital grant. The Club is making a series of accessibility upgrades to its building, including the addition of new automated, touchless doors, installing a wheelchair lift, widening doors to the locker room areas and squash courts, adding ramps where needed and more, ensuring that the building is even more accessible in the years to come. The Club provides recreational activities for people of all ages living in the Trent Hills community and surrounding areas. It provides a welcoming and accessible space to keep active and stay connected with the community. For more information, visit the website. 

“The Campbellford and District Curling and Racquet Club is truly the hub of our community,” said Carol Currelly-Burnham of the Campbellford Curling and Racquet Club. “We foster a sense of belonging which is a vital component of our community’s overall health. Thanks to the generosity of the Ontario Government and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we are able to make our site truly accessible to all.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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Petes Pre-Season Game Raises Close To $5,000 For Norwood District Minor Sports

The Peterborough Petes clashed with their arch-rival Oshawa Generals in front of a sold out crowd at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre on Sunday afternoon in the first pre-season game of the 2022 season.

All photos by Crystal Post

This year the Petes have partnered with community rinks and minor hockey associations to bring Petes hockey to local communities in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.

Norwood Hornets executives organized the game, raising close to through ticket sales, raffles, and a chuck-a-puck, all in support of Norwood minor sports.

"It was an honour to host the Petes for a celebration of Norwood Hornets hockey at the ANCC," said Norwood District Minor Sports Secretary Jen Stewart. "On top of the money raised that will help grow minor sports in Norwood, it was wonderful to once again see so many of our community members gather together."

Newly acquired Petes forward and Vancouver Canucks prospect Connor Lockhart led the way with 2 goals and an assist, and Jax Dubois also netted two goals en route to the win. Michael Simpson stopped all 16 shots he faced in the first two periods before making space in the Petes net for Liam Sztuska, who stopped 12 of 13 shots in the third period.

The three stars of the game were as follows: third star was forward Jax Dubois, second star was forward Connor Lockhart, and the first star of the game was Norwood native and Norwood minor sports alumnus, Ethan Toms. Toms also participated in the ceremonial puck drop alongside NDMS president Ryan Post and Norwood Hornets players Eddie and Elliott Post.

The Petes will play at the Cavan-Monaghan Community Centre on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. and at the Cobourg Community Centre on Sept. 23. Proceeds from ticket sales and other fundraising initiatives will go towards local minor hockey initiatives.

Tickets for the other 2022 Petes pre-season home games are on sale now, with very limited quantities remaining for each of the off-site match-ups. Click here to learn how to purchase tickets for the pre-season games in Millbrook and Cobourg.

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Stage Will Rock At Norwood Country Jamboree After 2 Years Of Silence

The Norwood Country Jamboree will take place from Thursday - Sunday at the Norwood Fair Grounds, after two years of cancellations due to COVID-19.

Photo courtesy of Norwood Country Jamboree.

The fifth annual Jamboree will feature four days of talent.

Attendees can see the likes of Nicholas Campbell, Bart Lynch, Rod Neiman, Kim Stewart and many more.

Full weekend passes with rough camping can still be purchased at the gate for $100. There are free showers on site. The Norwood Lions Club will be serving breakfast Fri. - Sun.

Day passes for Thurs. - Sat. can be purchased for $25, Sunday pass is $15.

For more information email info@norwoodcountryjamboree.com or call 705-741-6097.

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Norwood Boy Given VIP Treatment When Saying Thanks To Local Fire Department

After a birthday surprise from The Asphodel Norwood Fire Department for Jayden in January, the four year old delivered a thank you card to fire fighters at the station.

For Jayden’s fourth birthday, on Jan. 25, his mom Ashley Fraser arranged a surprise with the Asphodel Norwood Fire Department.

Fire Chief Darryl Payne and firefighter James Jordan arrived at Jayden’s house with a fire truck in tow and blew Fraser away with their kindness, she says.

“James got right down to his eye level, Jayden was just so comfortable with him, it was just amazing that he was so drawn to him and was able to have that connection.”

@ptbo_canada Happy Birthday Jayden! Someone’s day was made and we don’t know if it was Jaydens our ours ❤️ #PTBOCanada #firefighters #firedepartment ♬ today was a good day - ✗

When it came time for Jayden to say thank you on March 18, Fraser arranged to drop off a card to the station.

“We had no intention of getting a tour,” she said. “I thought we were just going to drop it off and say thanks again for everything, as I know they’re busy.”

She says when they arrived the garage door was opened and the fire truck had been pulled out.

Jayden was given a tour, shown the jaws of life and the fire hose, and given the VIP treatment, says Fraser.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for their kindness.”

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Norwood Boy Gets A Birthday Surprise From Local Fire Department

Jayden, a 4-year-old from Norwood, who lives with a rare genetic disorder called Coffin-Siris Syndrome, got a special birthday surprise from the Asphodel Norwood Fire Department (ANFR) on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Fraser.

Ashley Fraser, Jayden’s Mom, says that while he is non-verbal he has always shown an interest in big trucks and lights so she thought he may like firetrucks.

“We noticed when we went to the Santa Clause parade in Norwood and he was just amazed when he saw the firetruck,” she said. “He sits in our window and he loves to watch cars go by and big trucks, that’s his thing - he’s not interested in toys.”

Because of his interest, Jayden’s mom reached out to the local fire department in hopes that they would drive by in their truck on Jayden’s birthday.

ANFR Fire Chief Daryl Payne and firefighter James Jordan arrived with a firetruck in tow to Jayden’s house to celebrate.

“James got right down to his eye level, Jayden was just so comfortable with him, it was just amazing that he was so drawn to him and was able to have that connection.”

Fraser says that the department blew her away with their kindness and how they treated her son.

@ptbo_canada Happy Birthday Jayden! Someone’s day was made and we don’t know if it was Jaydens our ours ❤️ #PTBOCanada #firefighters #firedepartment ♬ today was a good day - ✗

Living with coffin-siris syndrome, Jayden is non-verbal. His mom says his squeals of delight showed her just how happy he was when he saw the fire truck pull up to their home.

“He doesn’t get excited like the average little kid gets excited on birthdays or Christmas, it just doesn’t do it for him like a regular little kid, so it was so awesome to see him enjoy this.”

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Norwood Lights Up The Town For Christmas

The Township of Asphodel Norwood has organized their annual Light Up The Township map and will be hosting their Holiday Night market on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Asphodel Norwood.

The township has compiled a list of houses decorated in the area and mapped them out in an interactive, online map.

Anyone who’s home or business is featured on the map is automatically entered in a random draw.

The first place draw will receive a $250 gift card from The Christmas Corner (2351 County Rd 45). The second prize is a fresh cookie Platter from Florna Sweets, and the third prize is a fresh turkey from Hiltz Butcher Shop.

There is also an opportunity for fans to vote for the best display. The house with the most votes will win a fresh turkey donated by Ralphs Butcher Shop.

Houses can be viewed online, and votes submitted here.

The township is also gearing up for a Holiday Night market, happening on Saturday from 5 - 8 p.m.

County Road 45 will be closed from Hwy. 7 to Alma Street, and transformed into a winter wonderland.

Visitors can enjoy music, Christmas characters and shop with local vendors.

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Making a List and Checking it Twice: Lynn's Flowers and Gifts in Norwood is Getting Ready to Launch Annual Naughty and Nice List

Lynn’s Flowers and Gifts in Norwood is gearing up for another year of fundraising with their annual Naughty and Nice list.

Santa’s helpers Kevin, Megs and Trixie check up on the Naughty and Nice list weekly. Photo courtesy of Lynns Flowers and Gifts.

For the last four years the flower shop has hosted a Naughty and Nice list.

Customers donate a minimum of $5 to get their own name or the name of a friend on their choice of the naughty or nice list - which is posted in the shop. They can either give a reason as to why they have been put on either list or ‘resident elves’ Trixie and Megs will find a reason.

If someone finds a name on a list and they think it’s in the wrong spot, they can match the donation to move it to another list.

“We try to encourage people to come in to either try to get their name off the naughty list, or put someone else there,” said Megan Wilson, daughter of shop owner Lynn Wilson. “It’s kind of like a big game, a big rivalry thing while raising money.”

From Nov. 24 until Dec. 8 Trixie and Megs will post updated videos to Facebook highlighting new additions to the list. Santa’s brother Earl has also been known to make an appearance.

This year all donations will go to the Norwood Food Bank and Hospice Norwood.

“We chose Hospice this year because we’ve been noticing they’ve been unable to do a lot of fundraising because of the pandemic, so we wanted to get them on our list and raise some money for them this year,” said Lynn.

Since it’s beginning in 2018 the Naughty and Nice List has raised over $4,700 for local initiatives. Last year the list raised $1,400 that was split between the Norwood Food Bank and Community Care.

“This community is such a huge thing for us and I honestly do think it would be a little bit different if we weren’t in such a close knit community,” said Megan. “They support our business 24/7 and especially when it comes to Christmas and doing things like this they are hugely the reason why it’s so successful.”

Ballots for the Naughty and Nice list are available at Lynn’s Flowers and Gifts (2353 County Rd 45) and at The Christmas Corner (2351 County Rd 45), both located in Norwood and owned by Wilson. Ballots can be purchased with cash only.

Every $5 donation gets one ballot for the grand prize draw, which will be announced when the fundraiser is over.

One winner will receive two tickets to Come From Away, a production that has been awarded best musical in North America.

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Norwood Pharmacist is Growing his 'Stache for Mens Health and the Community has Got His Back

Local pharmacist Paul Hellier from Norwood Guardian-Centennial Pharmacy is participating in Movember for the first time this year to raise money for prostate cancer research.

Photo courtesy of Norwood Centennial Pharmacy.

Hellier has been a pharmacist in Norwood since 2019. After working in the community for two years and growing to love the area he and his family moved there in 2021.

“I feel I’m part of the community now, I’ve just joined the Lions, I’m trying to be active in the community,” said Hellier. “I see a lot of people suffering with men’s cancers- of which prostate is only one.”

Hellier says that while awareness around prostate cancer and the symptoms that come with it are growing, lots of people still miss important early signs.

“I give support on a daily basis to patients with prostate cancer, and answer questions all the time for people that are concerned about it,” he said. “I definitely think that because I’m a pharmacist - but more so because I’m part of the community - I feel it’s my job to help wherever I can.”

When Hellier announced the fundraiser on the pharmacy’s Facebook page on Nov. 3 his goal was to raise $500. Having already passed that goal he now hopes to raise $1000.

“I was afraid there would be very little response,” he said. “The community talks to each other really well here in Norwood, I love it here, it’s a wonderful place.”

Currently donors are asked to bring their donation to the pharmacy, located at 2375 County Rd 45, Norwood.

Donations above $20 are eligible for a tax receipt by request.

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Norwood-Based Entomo Farms Expanding After Receiving Local Funding & Gaining National Attention For Innovative Product

The Norwood-based, family-owned company Entomo Farms—which produces and sells edible insects—is seeing exponential growth after receiving funding through Community Futures Peterborough and Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII) in order to continue growing through automation, increasing scale and process improvements.

The expansion comes after Entomo Farms started to supply their cricket powder (the edible insects market is growing dramatically) to the Loblaw’s chain under the President’s Choice label, along with over 50 companies in eight countries. This is another sign that food suppliers recognize edible insects are becoming increasingly mainstream in the modern diet.

“Once again, we are incredibly fortunate to have the support of great Peterborough and Ontario organizations to help us grow our business,” says Darren Goldin, co-founder of Entomo Farms.

Darren Goldin from Entomo Farms

“Entomo Farms is an excellent example of the type of client the SOFII Program was designed for,” says Vince Killen, Executive Director, CF Eastern Ontario.

“A company who is in the process of dynamic growth, has developed innovative and/or disruptive technologies, created or expanded into export markets, impacts regional economies and create jobs. Partnerships like this with the Community Futures Peterborough team are the cornerstone of building our innovation ecosystem here in Eastern Ontario. We are proud to provide this funding to Entomo Farms and its team.”

Entomo Farms staff member

As an agriculture technology client with the Innovation Cluster, Entomo Farms have had support from the Peterborough and the Kawarthas community and networks from the start.

“Entomo Farms is a proven example of a modern agtech company that is setting the bar and thriving in the Peterborough area,” says Michael Skinner, President and CEO of the Innovation Cluster. “As North America’s largest supplier of edible insects, the Entomo Farms team have been able to utilize the local organizations available in the region to achieve the company’s highest potential.”

Roasted insects at entomo farms

This expansion will grow Entomo Farms current workforce by 38 percent within the next year.

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