Purple Flag Raised at City Hall to Acknowledge Gender Based Violence in Canada

The YWCA along with Mayor Diane Therrien raised a purple flag at City Hall on Thursday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, with the Wrapped in Courage campaign.

Representatives from the YWCA and City Hall hold the purple flag wrapped in courage. Those wanting to show support are encouraged to wear a Purple Scarf and use the hashtag #WrappedInCourage on social media.

This is the ninth year the Wrapped in Courage campaign is encouraging Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters to remind their communities that now more than ever violence continues to be the greatest gender inequality rights issue for women and girls.

The Wrapped in Courage Campaign was started by women’s shelters in Ontario to celebrate the strength of women who experience gender-based violence, the 16 days will go through Dec. 6, the anniversary of the massacre at Universite du Montreal's Ecole polytechnique, during which 14 women were killed in an act of femicide.

“We’ve been seeing so many women especially in positions of leadership being slagged or subjected to gaslighting from many people - being called out for being a woman with a strong voice,” said Kim Dolan, executive director, YWCA Peterborough Halliburton. “That’s part of the undercurrent that perpetuates more dramatic forms of violence against women that also leads to women’s deaths.“

On Thursday the YWCA received the 2020/21 Intimate Femicide Report from the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses and found that while last year there were a reported 39 women murdered, this year that number exceeded 50.

“Women are continuing to be murdered, we’re continuing to be victimized by male violence, so wrapped in courage is our opportunity to stand up and start conversations with one another about the violence that we experience in our lives now or the violence that we’ve experienced in the past - it effects all of us,” she said.

Mayor Diane Therrien read a Proclamation during the flag raising signaling a commitment to ending gender-based violence in the community, and ensuring survivors that they are not alone.

“We’re very grateful to the YWCA and all the community partners that do work on this front, we know that it’s something that’s not just today or the next couple weeks, it’s every day,” said Therrien. “It’s not just us it’s the men too, we need to raise awareness and let women out there know that they’re not alone and there is help out there available.”

Therrien noted that while it’s important for men to lead by example, it is just as important to have women in leadership roles.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton provides safe shelter, resources and support to help women safely escape violent situations, build upon their existing strength, and move forward in their lives. As a member of YWCA Canada, they are part of a global movement dedicated to ending gender-based violence in all its forms.

YWCA Crossroads Shelter, Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS), and 24 Hour Support & Crisis Line are essential services and remain open at all times. Confidential support, resources, safety planning and information continues to be available to women, as well as the people who love and support them: Call 1-800-461-7656 Text 705-991-0110.

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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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Annual Friday Night Lights Fundraiser For Suicide Awareness Running for a Touchdown

The ninth annual “Friday Night Lights” football fundraiser for suicide awareness with Team55 will take the spotlight at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School on Friday.

Photo Courtesy of Team55.

The “Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness” campaign will feature a double-header of football games with opening ceremonies beginning at 6:00 p.m. and girls’ rugby games in the afternoon.

• 7:00 p.m. - Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute vs. Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School

• 9:00 p.m. Holy Cross Secondary School vs Crestwood Secondary School

The games will be broadcasted by YourTV Cogeco where spectators will be tightly limited to avoid large gatherings.

This year’s slogan is “What do you do for you?” to encourage mental health, especially among youth.

Last year’s message was, “Who would you talk to in your time of crisis?” Photo Courtesy of Team55.

Team55 was founded by Dave Pogue, Peterborough Petes president, after losing his son Mitchell to suicide. The number 55 was the latter’s jersey number when he played football for the Adam Scott Collegiate.

The game was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic however the fundraising efforts were still made.

“We’re thrilled to have the live football back, no questions,” said Pogue Mainly for the kids that missed out on participating in sports.”

A goal of $15,000 has been set for the event. Last year raised just under $25,000 with over $17,000 raised in the silent auction alone.

Fundraising efforts are through donations online, their Facebook page “Team55 Tackles Suicide Awareness” or sending a cheque to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offices at 415 Water St.

An online silent auction will run until Saturday evening with over 110 donated products. Big-ticket items include Blue Jays tickets, a Carrie Underwood-autographed acoustic guitar, Petes Centre Ice Suite tickets and more.

“Local businesses and people who are interested have donated these items,” said Pogue. “They just keep coming back to help. There’s a real camaraderie behind this community to help in mental health.”

Proceeds go to the CMHA’s Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention (AOSP) program that seeks help and resources for attempted suicide victims.

Tara Slone, Juno nominee and Canadian Football League alumnus and Peterborough’s Brad Sinopoli will guest star in the games’ opening ceremonies.

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What You Can Do To Honour Truth and Reconciliation Day

Canada will mark the first ever National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Thursday. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

Curve Lake First Nations Pow Wow, 2014. File Photo.

The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament on June 3, 2021.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day was formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, which was established in 2013 to raise awareness about the damaging effects the residential school system had on Indigenous communities.

Canadians are encouraged to purchase their orange shirts through Indigenous-owned organizations, and from designers whose proceeds contribute to Indigenous resources.

There are local events happening on Thursday to honour the day.

Curve Lake First Nation:

• Storytelling Gathering 6:30 p.m. at Lance Wood Park, 2251 Birch Island Rd, Lakefield.

Members of the community are invited to gather under the Pow Wow arbour to to share their songs, stories, poems and drum beats. It is an open mic style event with everyone welcome to participate.

Their sacred fire will be burning from sunrise until the end of the event.

• Every Child Matters Walk 12 p.m. Curve Lake First Nation Community Centre

  In recognition and remembrance of those lost, and those that survived residential schools. The walk will start and end at the community centre Please wear an orange shirt.

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, 580 Cameron St.:

• Sacred fire and book reading 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

  There will be two readings of Phyillis Webstad's book: The Orange Shirt Story at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. There will also be a canvas banner that can be signed to commemorate relatives.

  This event is open to all but due to COVID-19, please respect social distance guidelines and masks are mandatory. The centre can only host 20 people including staff in the backyard, so it is asked that you limit your time and reserve a space with Rebekah wellness@nogofc.ca

Hiawatha First Nation, 431, Hiawatha Line:

• Community gathering 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

  This free event is open to Hiawatha First Nations Citizens on and off territory, residents of Hiawatha, Hiawatha First Nations staff, their family and household. The evening will include an opening prayer and smudging, remarks from Chief Carr, a barbeque and more.

  To register to attend or to volunteer to help contact Jill Stevens at 705-295-4421 or ecdev@hiawathafn.ca

  This is an outdoor event, COVID protocols are in place. Those attending are encouraged to wear their regalia or an orange shirt.

Trent University:

• Treaty Rock unveiling at Trent Peterborough Campus, Bata Bus Loop from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

• Gzowski College Three Sisters Community Lunch at 12:00 p.m. while supplies last

• First Peoples House of Learning Orange Shirt event at the traditional arena from 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sacred fire will be burning from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

National Centre for Truth and Reconcilliation, Online:

• 11:30 a.m.Beyond Orange Shirt Day reading by Phyllis Webstad

• 1:00 PM Being William (French) (VR Experience) by Jason Brennan

Live Videos will be played on the NCTR YouTube Channel

For more online resources visit the links below.

The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

The National Student Memorial Register, created to remember and honour the children who never returned home from residential schools.

University of Alberta Indigenous Canada course is a free, 12-lesson, online course that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.

CBC Music will be dedicating it’s programming from 6 a.m. to midnight to Indigenous music.

This is only a small list of online resources available to learn about Truth and Reconciliation day and the residential school system.

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Alzheimer Society of Peterborough asks Community to Help a Neighbour on World Alzheimer Day

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton is honouring World Alzheimer’s Day by inviting community members to reach out to family and friends that are living with dementia and offer support.

Photo courtesy of the Alzheimers Society of Peterbororough Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton.

More than 8,000 people suffer from dementia in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

“For World Alzheimer’s Day, our goal is to increase the number of people in our community who know that we provide support services—counselling, education, recreational programming—to people living with dementia,” Alzheimer Society Executive Director, Andrea Cant. “Though we try to reach as many people as we can, there are many more that we haven’t connected with. They are trying to manage on their own and could really benefit from our help.”

The Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging community members to become monthly donors. Ten dollars a month provides services like counselling, support groups or an educational workshop for someone in the Peterborough region living with dementia as stated by the organization.

Twenty dollars a month provides access to an eight-week ‘Minds in Motion’ social and recreational program.

Those who sign up to be monthly donors in September will have their donations matched for a year by the Booth family from Woodstock, in memory of their father Walter Booth who was diagnosed with dementia after their mother passed away.

Clients do not need an official diagnosis to access resources offered by the Alzheimer’s Society.

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Residents Advised of Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Canoe and Paddle Restaurant in Lakefield

Peterborough Public Health is advising patrons of the Canoe and Paddle Restaurant of a potential exposure to COVID-19 that occurred there from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3.

Photo courtesy of the Canoe and Paddle

The restaurant is located at 18 Bridge St. in Lakefield, Ontario.

Peterborough Public Health considers anyone that dined at the restaurant between Aug. 30 and Sept. 3 to be a high-risk contact and recommends:

• If you are a fully vaccinated individual (at least two weeks has past since your second dose) and: Do not have symptoms*:

Get tested immediately and self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days from the last date you attended the restaurant.

• If you are a fully vaccinated individual (at least two weeks has past since your second dose) and: Do have symptoms*:

Self-isolate and get tested immediately. o If your test is positive you must continue to self-isolate for 10 days; Peterborough Public Health will contact you. o If your test is negative you can discontinue self-isolation once symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms). \

• If you are an unvaccinated or a partially vaccinated individual:

Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 10 days from the last date you attended the restaurant.

Please visit https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/ for testing options in Peterborough.

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International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event Held At The Silver Bean

A memorial service to honour those lost to drug overdose was held at the Silver Bean Cafe on Tuesday.

White crosses set up at the event to honour those lost to overdose.

The event was hosted by Gail Perry, a member of Moms Stop The Harm, an organization of people impacted by substance use related harm or death.

Perry lost her daughter Jody Smith to complications related to opioid use three years ago.

“I’m not ashamed of how my daughter lost her life,” Parry said. “I’m ashamed of how people pick and choose which life has value.”

Parry says her daughter was mistreated during hospital visits because of her opioid use, which ultimately lead to her death.

“Stigma is deadly,” she said. “It is a killer. It creates dangerous and narrow minded attitudes towards those who need help and understanding. It shames and keeps people silent, alone and in hiding. Stigma interferes with getting the right kind of support and medical attention.”

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A post shared by Peterborough Police Service (@peterboroughpolice)

Tuesdays event hosted members from local harm reduction offices like PARN, The Elizabeth Fry Society and Fourcast.

The Elizabeth Fry Society provided on-site Narcan kits and training.

“Narcan is a way to help preventable deaths,” said Abby from The Elizabeth Fry Society. “It’s a way to practice empathy, it’s a way to help support people that are struggling in our community that are being stigmatized and demonized by societal expectations that we’ve been fed our entire lives.”

A Narcan kit includes two doses of Naloxone, a nasal spray that is used to reverse overdoses in an emergency situation.

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Peterborough Fire Services Reminds Residents Open-Air Burning Not Permitted

Due to a recent increase in burning complaints, Peterborough Fire Services is reminding residents that open-air burning is not permitted within the City of Peterborough as per the Ontario Fire Code in a press release issued Friday.

Peterborough Fire Trucks at the ready. Photo Courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Fire bowls, fire-pit tables and barbeques that burn propane or natural gas are examples of permitted appliances as long as they are Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) approved. Chimineas and other wood-burning devices are not approved appliances for open-air fires.

For more information click here.

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Celebrate the Planet and Dance for Declaration in September

For Our Grandchildren (4RG), a local climate group will hit the streets dancing in September to celebrate the planet.

For Our Grandchildren selects a different action each month and directs people towards resources highlighted steps one can take towards climate action. Photo courtesy of For Our Grandchildren.

September 20, 2021 marks the second anniversary of Peterborough’s declaration of a Climate Emergency.

To celebrate and raise awareness 4RG will be hosting an evening of song and dance free for anyone to attend.

The evening will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a ‘Dance for the Planet’ at Millennium Park. Local entertainers The Weber Brothers and Irish Millie will be performing.

The group will walk to Confederation Park at 6:00 p.m. where they hope to have enough attendees to encircle City Hall - symbolizing that we all need to work together to succeed.

There will be speeches explaining what the City of Peterborough has implemented to help the climate emergency in the difficult time of the pandemic as well as what steps can be taken immediately to help. Speakers have not yet been announced.

For more information on this event click here.

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Local Man Creates Virtual Fitness Challenge For Mental Health Awareness

Joe Keating of Peterborough has created the 4,000 Reps for Mental Health Awareness virtual fitness challenge to raise mental health awareness on Saturday.

Joe Keating ran the campaign saying working on mental health is as important as physical health. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

Keating will perform 4,000 kettlebell swings on his front lawn (weather pending) live on Messenger Rooms — 1,000 times an hour for four hours — and encourages anyone to join.

The 4,000 reps can be anything so long as participants are physically active. Running 4,000 steps, jumping jacks or jump rope skips as some of many alternative exercises Keating suggests for the challenge.

He was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2015. He struggled and had a hard time with it before reaching out. Keating’s doctor advised him to do more physical activity to help him cope with his illness.

“I’m a certified kettlebell instructor,” he said. “It’s my go-to exercise. If I had a bad day, it’s something I can pick up, swing it and bang out a couple of reps to feel better.”

The pandemic has limited physical activity options and the event is another outlet to exercise according to Joe. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

The campaign’s goal is to help erase the stigma of having a mental illness and open up a conversation about having one without feeling shame.

“I’ve always been very open about it,” said Keating. “Some people still seem to be too afraid to still talk about it and not talking about it can lead down to a dark path like suicide.”

There are approximately 4,000 suicides annually in Canada which is why the event encourages that many reps according to Keating.

Alexis Keating, 11, Joe’s daughter, will participate with her own kettlebell lifts for the event. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

When the event was put on social media, the response was overwhelmingly positive in ways Keating had not anticipated.

“It was way bigger than what I was expecting. “ he said. “I thought it was going to be with family and friends and in my close-knit group. I have people from Vegas, Calgary and a team from Montreal going.”

If the event is successful, it could become an annual challenge that could include fundraising said Keating.

The free event will run on April 24 at 10:00 a.m. Head to the event’s Facebook Page for more details.

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