Well-Known Peterborough Family Creates Fundraiser for Hospice Peterborough

/

In honour of the late Jan Paris, the local family who founded and owns Paris Marine in Lakefield has pledged to match donations to the Hospice monthly giving program until the end of February.

At age 73, Jan was a healthy and vibrant Peterborough woman who enjoyed volunteering, painting, taking trips with her husband to their second home in Florida and spending as much time as she could with her beloved grandchildren.

After getting an all-clear from a physical in July 2019, however, she’d learn by the end of the year that she had a rare form of leukemia. The Paris family say they relied on Hospice Peterborough services throughout Jan’s illness and when it was time to grieve.

The Paris family: Jan and Bill Paris with daughters Tracey, Deborah and Julie. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

The Paris family: Jan and Bill Paris with daughters Tracey, Deborah and Julie. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

“I don’t know how we would’ve gotten through this without Hospice Peterborough,” says Bill Paris, her husband of more than 50 years. “It’s the kind of organization that you don’t know much about until the time comes that you need them.”

To honour Jan’s memory, her family has initiated the “For the Love of Jan” fundraiser for Hospice Peterborough and has pledged to match all donations made to the monthly giving program, up to $10,000, until the end of February. To date, more than $6,000 has been received.

Jan and Bill Paris created more than 50 years’ worth of memories together. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

Jan and Bill Paris created more than 50 years’ worth of memories together. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

All donations to “For the Love of Jan” will be directed to programs that support children and teens, an area for which Hospice Peterborough receives no government funding.

The groups support youth in our community who have experienced the death of someone close to them and—often through arts-based activities—help them manage their feelings and behaviours. Through the pandemic, Hospice continues to offer these services virtually either one-on-one or in small groups.

Jan Paris with her granddaughter Kensington. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

Jan Paris with her granddaughter Kensington. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hős thanks the Paris family for sharing their deeply personal story and for giving back to the community in memory of a loved one.

“It is fitting to direct these funds to children and teen groups in honour of a cherished mother and grandmother who devoted herself to her family,” Hős says. “When children in our community can better manage their grief, we all win.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Enforcement Of The Two-Hour Limit For On-Street Parking Resumes

/

To support commercial activity in the downtown with stores re-opening for curbside pickup, enforcement of the two-hour limit for on-street parking will resume on Monday, May 11th in downtown Peterborough.

The two-hour limit for on-street parking helps ensure the spaces are used for short-term parking, which increases the availability of parking for customers. Enforcement of regulations for other parking infractions, such as no stopping zones, no parking areas and commercial loading spaces will also continue to support downtown businesses and promote safety.

image-asset.jpeg

While enforcement activities are resuming, free parking for on-street parking and surface lots in the central area will continue for now as a temporary measure to reduce the potential for spread of COVID-19.

Convenient access to parking is important to restaurants offering take-out and retailers reopening for curbside pickup following the Province of Ontario Orders and associated guidelines.

"The DBIA appreciates the steps taken by the City of Peterborough to provide free parking downtown during this crisis,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. “We believe it important to keep spaces open for our businesses so that they can do quick pick-up and deliveries which are essential for them right now.”

Peterborough Public Health recommends following these guidelines for safe curb-side pickups:

• Only send one person and stay in the car if possible
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after the pickup
• Maintain a 2-meter distance from others
• Wear a face covering, required if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
• Avoid idling your car

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Fleming College Creates Face Shield Parts For Frontline Workers At 3D Makerspace In Innovation Cluster

/

Fleming College has been working out of its downtown 3D Makerspace, located in the Innovation Cluster’s downtown Peterborough incubator, to create headbands and reinforcement pieces for face shields.

These will be given to frontline healthcare workers in the Peterborough region.

HOW THE INITIATIVE STARTED

The initiative began on April 3rd, when Fleming College delivered headbands to the Peterborough PPE Initiative, a group of Peterborough makers who are creating personal protective equipment.

This group, which is led by Fleming College graduate Dylan Radcliffe, have been creating face shields using PETG sheets, plastic brackets, and elastic material, made possible by the Makerspace's 3D printers.

“We are very proud to work with our community partners at Innovation Cluster to support this initiative and produce pieces that create much-needed resources to keep our frontline workers safe,” says Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. 

Fleming College’s School of Trades & Technology faculty Fereydoon Diba, with support from Operations Manager Mary MacLeod and Computer Science Technologist Phillip Chee, supported the group by creating more than 500 bottom reinforcement pieces for face shields in the Makerspace.

The donation was made on April 16th and the Peterborough PPE Initiative will assemble and sanitize the face shields, which will be used at PRHC.

“When Fleming College decided to open the 3D Makerspace in the incubator months ago, we knew the hands-on learning environment would be important but now we know it is essential," says John Gillis, President of the Innovation Cluster. "The incubator has always been home to important technological advancements and we are excited that even though startups are unable to physically complete their work in the space due to COVID-19, it is still being used to create and make a difference.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

United Way of Peterborough & District Announces One Of Largest Concerts In Peterborough History

/

Mic Drop: The United Way of Peterborough & District just announced one of the largest concerts in Peterborough history in order to raise vital funds in the fight against homelessness.

“Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness” takes place at Showplace Performance Centre Thursday, March 5th, and includes the Weber Brothers Band, the Austin Carson Band, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr, Danny Bronson, the Three Martinis, Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, Hillary Dumoulin, James Higgins, Elyse Saunders, Tami J. Wilde, Jacques Graveline, Phil Stephenson, Nick Ferrio, Jake Dudas, and Victoria Pearce with Mike Graham.

The event is generously sponsored by RBC Royal Bank of Canada, and Megan Murphy and Jordan Mercier will serve as masters of ceremony. A silent auction will feature close to 30 items. General seating will accommodate non-stop performances on the David Goyette Stage and in the Nexicom Studio.

All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to United Way-funded agencies that provide housing and shelter to the marginalized. “I am grateful to Campaign Cabinet Member Paul Rellinger for his leadership in bringing this event to life,” says United Way Campaign Chair David Goyette. “We were all disturbed by the emergence of tent city last summer and it crystallized in us a desire to do better in serving people in need. I know that all our performers and sponsors feel the same way.”

“RBC is pleased to support the United Way of Peterborough and District as the presenting sponsor of Peterborough Performs”, adds Scott Mancini, Commercial Vice-President, RBC. “Homelessness is a prevalent issue in the Peterborough area. This concert will raise both awareness and funds in support of the United Way and local agencies doing great work to develop and implement solutions.”

Tickets are available at the Showplace box office, online at showplace.org, by phone at 705-742-7469, and at the United Way office at 277 Stewart Street in Peterborough.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

$88,194.72 Raised At 11th Annual Petes Pink In Rink Game In Front Of Capacity Crowd At Mem Centre

/

The 11th annual Pink in the Rink game took place in front of a sold-out Petes crowd at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday night (February 1st), and the night was a resounding success. Not only did the Petes end a five-game skid with a 4-1 victory over the rival Oshawa Generals, but more important the campaign raised a whopping $88,194.72 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

This brings the eleven-year total to nearly $790,000 with more donations expected in the coming days. Petes players wore special Pink in the Rink fundraising sweaters, which were sold in a post-game live jersey auction. Other fundraising initiatives at the game included a chuck-a-ball, silent auction, and bucket pass, along with T-shirt sales and online fundraiser.

Photo by Jess Van Staalduinen, Peterborough Petes

Petes alumni Mike Martone (1994-98) and Ian Armstrong (1982-85) were the honourary co-chairs of the awesome campaign.

Highlights of Saturday’s fundraiser included Nick Robertson’s game-worn jersey selling for $1,600, and an autographed John Tavares Toronto Maple Leafs jersey raising $600 in the silent auction.

On the ice, Nick Robertson scored twice, extending his goal scoring streak to 11 games. Akil Thomas recorded an assist—lengthening his assist streak to 11 games.

The Petes outshot the Gens 29-22. Peterborough went 2/7 on the power play and 5/5 on the penalty kill.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Enactus Fleming College Wins People’s Choice At World Project Expo In California

/

Enactus Fleming College won the People’s Choice at the World Project Expo at the Enactus World Cup 2019 in San Jose, California.

The Fleming College team presented their Paper Planet Project, which focuses on diverting paper from landfill and recycling, and turning it into products that can later be sold. The Paper Planet Project is a social enterprise that is creating products that are biodegradable and inexpensive while reducing our environmental footprint.

Picture from World Project Expo courtesy Fleming College

“We are so proud of our team, who have invested time and passion into this project and it is an honour to be recognized on the world stage,” says Raymond Yip Choy, Lead Enactus faculty advisor, and professor, Business Studies at Fleming College. “This is validation that our project has value and the potential to grow and change our community.”

Enactus World Cup 2019 showcases entrepreneurial action and social innovation. Every year, a select group of 3,000 students, businesses and academic leaders from around the world gather at Enactus World Cup to showcase the entrepreneurial action and shared innovation that address the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals transforming lives and creating a better future.

To learn more about Enactus at Fleming, go here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Vibrant New Rainbow Crosswalk Installed At Water & King Near Millennium Park

/

The City of Peterborough installed a rainbow crosswalk at Water & King this week to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity in the community.

Photo courtesy DBIA

City of Peterborough Councillor Kemi Akapo tweeted about its impact along with these photos…

The crosswalk has garnered positive reaction from the community.

“I’m so proud of our city for the message this makes. #LoveisLove🌈,” says Kate Wells on a DBIA Facebook thread regarding the new crosswalk.

”This is awesome ... any little step to make everyone feel welcome in this city will help it grow in a positive way,” adds Martin Boruta in the same thread.

Photo via @kemi_akapo

Some commenters mentioned they’d love to see more crosswalks painted in these vibrant colours (there is one other rainbow crosswalk in Peterborough on the campus of Fleming College). Christine Densmore had this to say: “Well don't just color one Crosswalk, color them all in Peterborough! It looks super cute! Happy and bright❤ Creative! 😃”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Temporary Overflow Shelter Beds Added At Peterborough Public Library As Homeless Crisis Grows

/

With the Tent City at Victoria Park (see pictures) growing in numbers—and this area in the midst of a heat wave and possibility of severe thunderstorms—the community is acting.

Youth Emergency Shelter, Brock Mission, Fourcast, United Way of Peterborough and District, and the City of Peterborough are partnering to temporarily open 15 overflow beds at Peterborough Public Library, plus another 15 overflow beds at the Youth Emergency Shelter.

Photo of Tent City by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

COORDINATED APPROACH TO OVERFLOW BEDS

Peterborough Social Services is coordinating intake at the Peterborough Public Library when the overflow bed space opens at 9 p.m. each night. People will be directed to available space at a shelter—Brock Mission, Cameron House, or Youth Emergency Shelter—or to one of the overflow shelter beds at the Library or Youth Emergency Shelter.

People who use the overflow beds will be asked to be out of the space by 8 a.m. each morning.

The coordinated approach to providing overflow beds will also connect people with support services and housing programs. Housing first is the goal rather than having people live in shelters.

In the meantime, the City is working with community partners to secure a longer-term location for the provision of overflow beds.

Photo of Tent City by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

Youth Emergency Shelter has been able to make the space for 15 overflow beds available for individuals of all ages, even though it normally only provides beds for youth and families. The shelter and housing providers have been able to move families into housing and other accommodations, which has opened up space for overflow beds as a temporary service.

Homeless people who are camping at the Tent City and elsewhere should go to the Library at 9 p.m. to speak with staff who will connect them with a shelter or overflow bed. The City is asking people not to camp in public spaces that are not meant for that type of use.

Photo of Tent City by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

The overflow bed service was temporarily shut down on Canada Day when the service provider Warming Room’s lease expired for the former location on Murray Street. On the last night that the service was at the Warming Room, there were 29 people using overflow beds.

Warming Executive Director Christian Harvey told CBC Ontario Morning on Thursday (July 18th) that the Warming Room is still trying to secure a new location after getting a few leads for possible spots.

The City of Peterborough says that shelter bed availability can change each day. Last week, there were as many as about 25 beds available in the shelter system. On July 17th, there were six beds available at Cameron House for women, three beds available at Youth Emergency Shelter for youth, and no beds available at the Brock Mission for men.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Comfort Keepers Peterborough, Harley Farms & More!

/

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Alyssa and Corey Rowe recently opened Comfort Keepers Peterborough. Comfort Keepers provides in-home services such as respite care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, end-of-life care, nursing services, and more. Alyssa has worked for Comfort Keepers Calgary for six years, and is excited to bring a franchise to Peterborough. Her husband Corey is joining her in the business and they would love to welcome your calls or questions, or to join them for their Open House on August 22nd from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Peterborough Business Hub, 398 McDonnel Street. “Like” their page on Facebook here.

Harley Farms continues to grow. Located on Heritage Line near Lang Pioneer Village just north of Keene, the farm checks all the boxes, providing 100% GMO free, grass fed, free range, sustainable, locally raised and environmentally friendly products. The on-farm store features quality meats, and vegetables and is now surrounded by a free to enter Family Fun Farm and Picnic Area which includes a play area and farm animals. Stop in for a visit and watch for the customer appreciation BBQ and Grand Opening on August 3rd.

Harley Farms Family Fun Farm and Picnic Area

Atlas Therapeutic is a new clinic offering float therapy, massage therapy, CBD oil sales, meditations and stress management, mini retreats and acupuncture for treatment of everything from work and sports injuries and tendonitis, to whiplash, headaches, back, neck and shoulder pain. Located at 322 McDonnel Street in Peterborough, Atlas Therapeutic is open 7 days a week. 

PedalBoro is a multi-passenger bike tour company providing a fun way to do a discovery tour of Peterborough’s vibrant food and beverage scene. The unique 15-passenger party bike typically takes you and your group to 3 or 4 local pubs, craft breweries, distilleries and restaurants. Owner Hillary Flood says Peterborough is the 5th city to host this type of cycle tourism in Canada. For more info, click here.

If you’d like your company to be involved in the next Habitat for Humanity Women Build Program, they are always looking for teams and sponsors. To explore a partnership opportunity, contact Sara George at 705.750.1456 or habitatpkr.ca.

”Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Businesses In Downtown Peterborough Responding To Opioid Crisis By Keeping Naloxone Kits On Hand

/

Businesses in downtown Peterborough are responding to the local opioid crisis by keeping Naloxone kits on hand and having staff trained on how to identify and respond to an opioid poisoning or overdose.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area is partnering with Peterborough Public Health and Harm Reduction Works @ PARN to provide Naloxone kits at no-cost to a number of strategically located downtown businesses. Naloxone is a safe lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, buying time for a person to get the necessary medical attention they may need.

Photo of Naloxone kit courtesy DBIA

“We’re in the midst of an opioid crisis in Peterborough,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “We see first-hand people struggling with addiction and sadly, we’ve already lost too many members of our community. If helping local businesses know what to do when they see an opioid poisoning saves one life, it’s worth it.”

“We know that people working downtown are experiencing the impact of the opioid crisis on a daily basis and want to do what they can to help,” adds Kim Dolan, Executive Director at PARN. “This initiative increases our collective response to opioid poisonings in our community and sends a strong message that people in Peterborough are prepared to step up and save lives.”

“This program reflects the caring attitude of the local business community towards people with addictions and the growing awareness that this issue affects us all,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health at Peterborough Public Health. “In some ways, this demonstration of compassion is just as effective as the Naloxone itself because it reduces the terrible stigma faced by people who struggle with addictions.”

Photo of Naloxone kit courtesy DBIA

NALOXONE TRAINING SESSIONS AT VENTURE NORTH

-> Peterborough Public Health and PARN will be providing brief training sessions along with the free kits in the front lobby of Venture North at 270 George Street North on June 27th and 28th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and July 4th and 5th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

**Stickers will be available for any business that would like to display one in their window to let people know they are trained on how to respond to an opioid poisoning.

"Having been in business for 43 years downtown, we see a crisis at the moment with overdoses and addiction and we feel we need to help the community and those in need of help anyway we can,” adds Andrew Damiany, manager of Gentry Apparel.

As well as DBIA members, the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is inviting its members to be trained and equipped with Naloxone kits. The kits are being provided by the DBIA, PARN, Peterborough Public Health and the City of Peterborough

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.