Five Counties Children's Centre Offers Holiday Preparation Tips

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is offering holiday tips for families to make the holidays merry and light.

Photo courtesy of Five counties Children’s centre.

“Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, the holiday season comes with high expectations, changes in routine and extra stimulation that can be overwhelming for some kids,” says Ashley Parsons, FCCC occupational therapist. “As parents and families, it’s important to reduce the stress and anxiety created by the holidays to make it a more enjoyable time for everyone.”

According to FCCC staff, it is not just children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues who can be impacted by the holidays.

“The pandemic has disrupted large gatherings and in-person celebrations, creating a situation where many kids aren’t equipped or don’t know how to socialize or engage in play with others outside their immediate families,” Parsons says.

Preparation involves a plan for success, says FCCC. They suggest the use of calendars to mark events and count down the days and photos/maps/videos as visuals to share with younger family members or children who have communication challenges to help prepare them for who/where you’re visiting.

FCCC also offers the following tips to help prepare your family for the holidays:

• Decorate less or do it gradually. While holiday decorations make the season brighter, they can also be disruptive for some kids. Pulling out pictures from previous holiday seasons can help children adjust to what’s planned (if you don’t have photos, take some this year). Having kids involved in decorating can ease the process, as can taking a step-by-step approach to decorating. For instance, set up the tree one day, but wait until the next day before starting to decorate. Once decorations are up, set clear rules about what can and can’t be touched.

• Give gifts the right way. Most children get excited over holiday gifts, but for some kids, it can be overwhelming. If a child starts to obsess over a desired gift, find ways to manage their interest. For example, try a ‘five-for-five swap.’ Give your child five stickers that can be exchanged for being able to talk about the gift for a five-minute interval. To help manage holiday gift expectations, make a list with your child of realistic items he or she wants for the holidays. This list can then be shared with family members and friends who can register to purchase one of the desired gifts.

• Change for the better isn’t always better. Many children thrive on routine, and the holidays can throw off schedules. Having familiar items on hand can help calm stressful situations. If you are travelling for the holidays, make sure you have a child’s favourite books, toys, games and activities. Rehearse in advance what will happen or what can be expected to also ease children through any change or disruption of routine.

• Here’s food for thought. Enjoying a holiday meal with friends or family may not be enjoyable for all kids, especially if they are picky eaters or unlikely to enjoy unfamiliar food that’s on the menu. Some kids may also have allergies or require special diets. Have some of your child’s favourite or familiar foods on hand for dinner, either by bringing it yourself or ensuring some will be served during the holiday meal. If needed, identify a quiet area where your child can go to eat on their own if mealtime with others is too much.

• Take a break. Have a plan in case holiday visits or festivities become too overwhelming. Develop a signal that you child can use to say they need a break or want to be on their own. Work with your host to find a pre-determined quiet space for your child to de-stress. Have headphones with songs or stories that your child can wear to calm themselves and drown out surrounding noises. 

• Dress for success. Ensure your child wears clothing that is familiar and will not cause discomfort if going to a special holiday dinner or event.

• Prepare others for what to expect. The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, so help them to understand your child. Be open and honest. Offer strategies on how they can help reduce anxiety or stress with your child. Help them see that your child may prefer not to be hugged. Share potential triggers that could cause your child to become upset. Stress to loved ones the importance of remaining calm and neutral to avoid outbursts.

“You know your child best, so look to what has worked for your family in situations or holidays past,” said Parsons. “With a bit of planning and preparation, you and your child can enjoy a wonderful holiday season that is merry and a bit light!”

Five Counties Shares Tips For A More Inclusive Halloween For All Kids

With Halloween around the corner, Peterborough-area residents are being asked to help break down barriers to trick-or-treating by following the Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat for Kids of All Ages and Abilities from Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

File photo.

They are urging the community to consider the following when taking part in Halloween festivities:

1. Set up a trick-or-treating station that is accessible and barrier-free for every child to enjoy. For homes with stairs, consider setting up an accessible treat station on the front lawn, driveway or garage. If all else fails, be creative and use your vehicle’s trunk to hand out candy.

2. Clear the path for trick-or-treaters. Remove potential obstacles and ensure the way to your treat station is wide open and well lit, especially for trick-or-treaters with mobility challenges. Consider parking on the street or in the garage to create even more space.

3. Decorate for Halloween with care. While scary and spooky decorations are appealing, they can be frightening for some trick-or-treaters. Bright flashing lights and loud or frightening noises can cause problems for children with sensory processing issues, autism or epilepsy. Be thoughtful and tactful in how you decorate so more children can take part in trick-or-treating.

4. Communication counts. Some children may say “trick or treat” differently. Some may use sign language, assistive technology, speak slowly or be non-verbal. Be respectful whatever the circumstances. A smile and wave can say so much!

5. Seeing blue? That’s OK. Blue pumpkins have been informally adopted by some families as a way to indicate children have unique ways of behaving and communicating. If you see a trick-or-treater carrying a blue pumpkin, be understanding and adjust your interactions as needed.

6. Use some “show and tell” to hand out treats. If you encounter children with visual or hearing problems, describe or hold up the treat before placing it in the bag so they are aware of what they are receiving.

7. A sign of the times. If you want to make an even stronger statement, put up a sign on your front lawn indicating you are an accessible/inclusive trick-or-treating stop.

Five Counties is echoing the message of Treat Accessibly, a grassroots movement formed in 2017. Treat Accessibly promotes inclusivity and accessibility around trick-or-treating.

According to the Treat Accessibly organization, more than 400,000 children in Canada identify as having one or more disabilities which can prevent them from enjoying trick-or-treating with other children.

“Ask any child, and he or she will tell you Halloween ranks right up there as one of the best days of the year. We’re encouraging people to consider children of all ages and abilities this Halloween,” says Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Halloween is one of those days or festivities that children of every ability should have the chance to experience and enjoy.”

To learn more visit https://www.fivecounties.on.ca.

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Hospice Peterborough Speaks On Medical Assistance in Dying

When the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation was introduced in Canada in 2016, Hospice Peterborough formed a committee made up of clients, Board of Directors members, community palliative program staff and palliative physicians to support the service.

File photo.

They determined that Hospice Peterborough will not stigmatize those who choose MAiD, and that staff will follow the professional health colleges’ guidelines which allow health professionals to talk about MAiD if the client introduced the topic and asked for help in accessing more information.

In 2019 Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) developed a program to support people who were at the end of their life in exploring the decision to enact MAiD. Hospice works with PRHC to provide Peterborough access to MAiD, and impartially support those who are considering this by answering questions and helping to navigate the choice.

“The Board of Hospice Peterborough respects and supports a person’s choice for medical assistance in dying. Therefore, the Board requests the creation of an operational plan for medical assistance in dying at Hospice Peterborough,” said Hospice Peterborough Board of Directors in a statement.

The 2021-2025 Hospice Peterborough Strategic Plan was developed last year to reinvestigate and redefine Hospice Peterborough’s position on MAiD in their ten-bed hospice residence. A working group was formed and an internal process was launched to review MAiD.

This process included staff, board education groups and focus groups while considering feedback from the community. Review of provincial and national standards from palliative care organizations including the Ontario Palliative Care Network, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

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Accessible Advance Voting Location to Run at City Hall for Municipal Election

An advanced voting location with enhanced accessibility features for the 2022 Municipal Election will run at City Hall on Monday to Oct. 21 announced on Thursday.

File photo.

Voters from any ward are welcome to vote at the accessible location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City boardroom of City Hall, located at 500 George St. N.

Accessibility features include an audio and tactile voting tabulator equipped with special equipment to allow any elector to independently cast a ballot.

The second of three in-person advance voting days are on Saturday with voting locations open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final day for advance voting is Oct. 22.

Election Day is on Oct. 24, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be 16 designated voting locations throughout the City, and residents can choose the location within their ward that is most convenient.

Find a map of all the voting locations here.

Voters are reminded to bring their Voter Notification Card and abide by the City of Peterborough’s COVID-19 guidelines.

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International Week of Deaf People Addresses Inclusion Through American Sign Language

DeafBlind Ontario Services is celebrating International Week of Deaf People from Sept. 19-25.

Sara Quick and her American Sign Language book. Photo courtesy of DeafBlind Ontario Services.

This year’s International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) theme is ‘Building Inclusive Communities for All’ which addresses the need to eliminate barriers to inclusion for deaf people.

DeafBlind Ontario Services provides customized services to deaf, hard of hearing, non-verbal and deaf-blind individuals which accommodate their various methods of communication, unique needs and goals to enrich their lives.

Peterborough’s Sara Quick teaches American Sign Language (ASL) through the book of signs she’s created.

ASL is a visual language with the same linguistic properties as spoken languages but different grammar than English. It is one of 200 different sign languages used around the world.

Being born profoundly deaf, 34-year-old Quick strives to eliminate the barriers deaf people face through teaching and advocating for the use of ASL.

Though ASL is her first language, Quick communicates with hearing individuals through written English.

“Learning sign is really fun. You use facial expressions, body posture and gestures,” she said. “A great place to start is with your ASL alphabet. Taking steps to learn ASL is an important way to connect hearing and deaf people.”

Quick teaches her Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and friends American Sign Language.

“She is amazing at teaching sign, I’ve learned so much from her,” said DSP with DeafBlind Ontario Services April Ferguson. “We started with the ABCs and built on them with a new sign everyday.

For more information on DeafBlind Ontario Services and IWDP contact senior coordinator of communications Samantha Marren at s.marren@deafblindontario.com or 1-855-340-3267 ext. 224.

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Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week Will Celebrate Joy And Resistance This September

Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week will take place this year from Sept. 16 - 25. This marks the 20th year of Pride in Peterborough.

Community outreach booth, 2019. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Pride.

“Joy & Resistance” is the theme of Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week 2022.

The theme is a nod to the origins of ‘Pride’, which started as a riot, an act of resistance against police violence, racism and transphobia.

“Many of us have gained the ability to unapologetically and joyfully be ourselves, without the fear of violence or criminalization,” Peterborough Pride stated in a release. “This isn’t true for everyone and many do not have this luxury. We invite everyone to embrace the theme of Pride Week, take action and make it your own.”

Plans are in the works for over 20 community run virtual and in-person gatherings that folks can participate in safely. Out of an abundance of caution, organizers encourage participants to wear masks at events to help protect themselves and others.

Pride Week events will continue to provide space for participants to gather, share ideas, speak their minds, support each other, and have fun in a safe and accepting environment.

The Pride Parade will be on Sept. 24 starting at 2 p.m. from City Hall. A road closure will be in effect along the parade route, with George St. from McDonnell to Murray closed at 12 p.m. and rolling closures from 2 -3 p.m. southbound on George St. to King Street and east over to Millennium Park.

There will be no parking on George Street between McDonnel and Murray Streets from noon to 2:30 p.m. and south along the parade route from 1- 3 p.m.

Everyone is invited to show their Pride and express their feelings by decorating their homes and businesses to signal that they are part of a welcoming community where nobody needs to feel alone or unsafe.

To learn more about Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week 2022 visit peterboroughpride.ca or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Changes To Peterborough Transit Will Be Effective On Sunday To Serve Increased Fall Ridership

Peterborough Transit is making seasonal adjustments to some routes starting Sunday to serve increased ridership for the fall.

Photo by Luke Best.

Changes include increased frequency during peak commute hours, the return of extended evening hours on some routes, and trip time adjustments to improve connections for riders who make transfers between routes, as well as shifts to on-demand services on Saturday evenings.

Updated routes are posted online at www.peterborough.ca/TransitRoutes or by phone at 705-745-0525.

 Saturday Evening Changes

Peterborough Transit’s on-demand service called PTBOnDemand will be expanded to operate across the entire transit system area on Saturday evenings between 8 p.m. and 11:45 p.m., using ride-share technology to provide a direct ride without the need to transfer. To increase efficiency, the on-demand service will replace traditional route service on Route 2 Chemong, Route 3 Park, Route 4 Weller, Route 7 Lansdowne, Route 8 Monaghan and Route 9 Parkhill, which will end at 8 p.m. On-demand buses will serve Trent University along the Bata (west) side of the campus.

In addition to the on-demand service, regular service will continue to operate Saturday evenings on Route 5 The Parkway and Route 6 Sherbrooke with trips operating every 30/60 minutes between Trent Bata, Peterborough Terminal, and Fleming College.

How to use PtboOnDemand

Riders can download the PTBOnDemand app and create an account or call Peterborough Transit at 705-745-5801 to book a same day trip.

When the rider requests a trip, system will look for the next trip available based on the rider’s trip pick-up and drop-off locations and number of people travelling together.

Riders who book their trip using the PTBOnDemand app are able to track the real-time location of the vehicle including information on when they will be picked up and dropped off.

Standard fares and payment options apply.

Please visit the Peterborough Transit website www.peterborough.ca/OnDemand for additional details about PTBOnDemand.

Route 2 Chemong

• Weekday 20-minute service will start one hour earlier at 11:15 a.m.

Route 3 Park

• Weekday 30-minute morning rush service returns.

• Weekday midday and afternoon rush time improves to 30-minute frequency.

• Trips will be adjusted to operate 5 minutes earlier than currently scheduled to improve reliability with connections at the terminal.

Route 5 The Parkway

• Weekday 30-minute midday service returns.

• Late evening service returns.

Route 6 Sherbrooke

• Most eastbound trips during the daytime will depart from Fleming College 5 minutes earlier through to Peterborough Terminal to improve reliability with connections at the terminal.

• Late evening service returns.

Route 7 Lansdowne

• Weekday 30-minute service returns for the morning and afternoon rush periods between Willowcreek Plaza and Trent Gzowski (Route 7A).

• Weekday westbound trips from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. will operate 5 minutes earlier from Fleming to Trent Gzowski to improve reliability.

• A new morning and afternoon Route 7B Willowcreek Plaza trips have been added to resolve overcrowding.

Route 9 Parkhill

• Weekday 30-minute service returns for the morning and afternoon rush periods.

• New short-turn extra trips between Parkhill at Hedonics and Trent Gzowski (Route 9A) have been added weekday mornings and afternoons to resolve overcrowding.

• The first morning weekday westbound trip will operate 5 minutes earlier from Trent Gzowski to Fleming to improve the transfer with Route 8 trip.

Route 10 Technology Drive

• On-demand Pink Community Bus zone will be expanded to include the Technology Drive and Neal Drive areas.

• More travel options are available with new midday, later weekday afternoon rush and new weekends options

• Weekdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Early afternoon rush hour trips are cancelled and will be served by the on-demand service. There are no changes to weekday morning rush service.

Route 11 Water

• Weekday service returns:

• Route 11 – Peterborough Terminal will operate every 15-minutes during peak periods and every 20-minutes during midday and evenings.

• Route 11A – Traill College will operate every 20-minutes during peak periods and midday, and every 30-minutes in the evenings.

There will be no changes to the Community Bus schedules.

Customers with questions on the route schedules can contact Peterborough Transit directly by phone at 705-745-0525 or by email at transitoperations@peterborough.ca.

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Labour Day Brings A Few Changes To City Services

Many City facilities will be closed or offering modified service on Labour Day Monday.

Photo by Luke Best.

City Hall

City Hall offices, including Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office, will be closed. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

Arenas Division

Healthy Planet Arena will be open from noon until 10 p.m. on Monday.

The Peterborough Memorial Centre and Kinsmen Arena will be closed.

The Arenas Division office will be closed.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Monday.

To stay up-to-date with what's happening at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, please visit www.agp.on.ca, or visit their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Garbage, recycling and green waste

There will be no change to curbside collection of garbage, recycling and green waste.

The Household Hazardous Waste Depot and the Peterborough County and City Waste Management Facility (landfill) will be closed on Monday.

The Pido Road Recycling Depot remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives and gift shop are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library will be closed on Monday.

Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca.

Peterborough Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. Please visit the website www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525 for detailed schedules.

Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will be open Monday from 6 a.m to 2 p.m.

To contact the Recreation Division or Wellness Centre, please phone 705-742-0050 or email rec@peterborough.ca

Marina

The Peterborough Marina office will be open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

To contact the Marina, please phone 705-745-8787 or email marina@peterborough.ca.

City splash pads

City splash pads will be operational on Monday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Provincial Offences office

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Monday. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.

Social Services office

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed. Emergency shelter services remain open: call 705-926-0096 after hours, during weekends and on holidays.

Child care centres

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Monday.

Public Works

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Community Living And Five Counties Children's Centre Provide Youth With Complex Medical Needs A Space To Be Kids And Have Fun

Community Living Trent Highlands ( Community and Family Services) in partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre, hosted an accessible camp for youth in the area living with complex medical needs.

This camp was meant to provide an opportunity for youth living with complex medical needs to experience the fun of summer camp, while still having access to important medical resources they need.

“The facilities here are absolutely perfect,” said Shawna Belcourt, Outcomes Facilitator at Community Living. “The lift, the air conditioning, these are just things that are super important but wouldn’t be available anywhere else.”

Belcourt noted that the facilities at Five Counties helped participants with mobility devices and their supporters get around the building, the air conditioning was important to provide relief to campers with low blood sugar and, while much of their time was spent outside, being able to come inside to cool off or take a break was a bonus.

The two day camp welcomed four young people, who have aged out of most summer camps that accept participants up to 12 years old, and their supporters.

They had a packed schedule with visits from a music therapist from Soundspeaks Music Therapy, a performance by Peterborough Circus, participated in Art Therapy, Adapted Sports (bowling, hockey, and curling) and made lots of furry friends from Critter Visits.

Liam, a camper, and his supporter he refers to as ‘Nanny Beth’ had fun bowling in the gym.

Beth says Liam is always busy spending time with her or with his family, but the opportunity provided by Community Living and Five Counties was special.

“He’s not different here,” she said. “He fits right in. There’s no stares, no questions, he’s just like all of the other kids and he has just had so much fun.”

Belcourt says that this camp has been in the works for a long time, and now, as COVID restrictions are easing she hopes it becomes yearly.

She says that because of the complex medical needs these young people and their families deal with and nursing shortages, some of them were unable to attend school for many months because they couldn’t risk contracting COVID.

The closure and postponement of other accessible events and activities in the city has also disrupted routines and offered little support or interaction for these youth.

“This has been a labour of love,” said Belcourt. “We couldn’t have done it without Five Counties and without all of the behind the scenes support from our manager Penny Wood, the Recreation Therapists Colleen (Ristok) and Caitlin (Ivany) here at Five Counties, volunteers here and so many others. It was a huge success.”

This years camp was a pilot project, but with the success of it and feedback from participants, Community Living and Five Counties hope to be able to offer this program for years to come.

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