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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City of Peterborough Marks 20th Anniversary of the 2004 Flood

The 20th anniversary of the 2004 Flood, which devastated Peterborough, saw the City reflect and recognize the milestone at the Engage Engineering courtyard on Monday morning.

Sylvia Sutherland, Former Peterborough Mayor (left) with Jeff Leal, current Peterborough Mayor (right). Sutherland was the mayor during the flood while Leal was serving as the MPP. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Since the incident, the City of Peterborough has made significant investments in flood mitigation and climate adaptation and discussed its progress at the event according to a press release.

The City has launched an interactive story map online to commemorate the anniversary and provide residents with an engaging way to learn about the 2004 Flood and subsequent investments in flood mitigation infrastructure.  

“I will never forget seeing the widespread damage across the city on July 15, 2004,” said Leal. “As a newly elected MPP I was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of Peterborough residents who were facing incredible adversity.   

On July 14 and 15, 2004, Peterborough received up to 220 mm of rain in nine hours. It consisted of 10 billion litres of rain which is equal to 9,615 filled Lift Locks and the same as two-and-a-half days of flow on the Otonabee River.

The resulting flooding caused substantial damage to municipal infrastructure and ruined basements in homes in town.

“What happened in the following days was inspirational; neighbours helped one another, volunteer organizations converged to help with recovery efforts and all levels of government provided support. The overwhelming support from emergency responders across the province allowed our community to recover faster than expected,” saidd Leal. “The 2004 Flood was a turning point in the City’s investment in flood mitigation infrastructure and today we are much more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”

The 2004 Flood served as a critical turning point in how the City of Peterborough addressed the inherent risks of flooding, putting the City on the pathway of long-term climate adaptation according to a press release.

They released a Flood Reduction Master Plan and identified the Central Area Flood Reduction project as a top priority. The project was completed last year with support from both the provincial and federal governments. 

The City says it used advanced technology to map flood-risk areas and make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, including traditional stormwater infrastructure and natural infrastructure, such as trees, watercourses and wetlands.

The historical development of our City in flood-prone areas, combined with the increasing risk of high-intensity rainfall, means the City’s flood reduction journey is far from complete as stated in a press release.

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Campbellford Memorial Multicare Lodge Celebrates 25 Years of Supportive Housing Services

The Campbellford Memorial Multicare Lodge marked a significant milestone last week as they celebrated 25 years of providing supportive housing services to its resident, announced on Monday.

Tracy Carmen, who worked the first shift of the program 25 years ago, had the honour of cutting the anniversary cake. Photo courtesy of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

"It's incredible to look back and see how far we've come,” said Jessica Clarke, lodge manager. “Our mission has always been to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our residents, and seeing so many familiar faces celebrating with us is a testament to our success.”

The event had weather, live music, dancing and a celebratory BBQ.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking to the future, committed to continuing our support and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of our residents,” said Clarke.

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