PTBOCanada Featured Post: A Look At Premiere Studio Of Dance

With the end of the summer upon us, parents and kids alike are in scramble mode. Gone are the leisurely days, replaced by hectic school schedules and after school activities.

This has many parents looking to get their children involved in something each season to keep them engaged and active. If you’re searching for something new to get your children into, look no further than Premiere Studio of Dance and all it has to offer!

Located at 1046 County Road 19, on the outskirts of Peterborough, the studio offers three beautifully renovated studios with professionally sprung hardwood floors and mirrors to fully enhance your child’s experience.

Opened originally in 2000 by Robyn Carter who is the head instructor, Premiere Studio of Dance is celebrating its 15th and most exciting season yet!

Easily the city’s largest and most prestigious dance school, it is now home to 10 fully certified B.A.T.D. instructors (British Association of Teachers of Dancing) who are continuously learning and updating their qualifications as well.

Offering classes for all ages (toddlers to adults) and skill levels (beginner to competitive), this season Premiere Studio of Dance is offering more classes than ever. The classes you’ll find are:

• Ballet
• Tap
• Hip hop
• Jazz
• Acro
• Modern
• Contemporary
• Musical theatre/Broadway

Whether they are a beginner student who simply wants to have fun and stay active, or a seasoned veteran who is looking to hone their skills and further a future career, each pupil's needs are catered to in order to create an unforgettable experience.

With a proven record of success, Premiere Studio of Dance is second to none. Dancers from the program have gone on to do some pretty incredible things, including being accepted into elite post-secondary arts schools, winning prestigious competitions at high levels, teaching and choreographing as a career, and even going on to a career as a professional dancer!

If a dancer is looking for more of a challenge, Premiere offers a competitive dance program which is the strongest in Eastern Ontario.

The competitive team offers 2 levels based on the amount of classes offered each week. Dancers can participate by taking as few as 3 classes per week.

Competitive dance classes can be quite demanding, but in the end are incredibly rewarding for both the student and parents alike!

At the season's end, there is a final recital which is a celebration of all things learned throughout the year. Each student receives a progress report with important feedback to aid in their growth as a dancer.

1046 County Rd 19

After the regular season comes summer camps and refreshers before another great season commences all over again!

For more info on Premiere Studio Of Dance (1046 County Rd 19), contact:

Email: info@premieredance.ca  
Phone: 705.741.6545
Website: Premieredance.ca  
Facebook: Premiere Studio Of Dance
Twitter: @PremiereDance
Instagram: premierestudioofdance  
YouTube Channel: PSDdance 

Watch this fun Premiere Studio of Dance promo video below for more info...

Your first choice in dance training! Call 705-741-6545 info@premieredance.ca

**If your business/organization is interested in a PTBOCanada Featured Post Advertorial, email our Sales Director Aaron Elliott at aaron@ptbocanada.com for info!

Help Bring Fire Hall Park In Warsaw Back To Life For The Kids

There is a group of community volunteers in Warsaw who are aiming to raise $10,000 to rejuvenate their Fire Hall Park. The money raised will be added to roughly $16,000 that has already been set aside by Douro Dummer Township for the project. The playground is in disrepair: There is a teeter totter structure that has had the teeter totter boards removed due to safety concerns, and a swing set structure with no swings attached. All that really remains is a toddler swing set and a rusty old slide. To help kick off fundraising efforts, volunteers are having a spaghetti dinner this Saturday, June 7th at the Warsaw arena (upstairs). The dinner runs from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is $10 per person. You get a plate of pasta, salad, a roll and some apple pie. Go out for a yummy meal, and a great cause—to bring a park back to life for children. Below are pictures of the park in its current sad state... —Heather Watson

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3 Peterborough Siblings Shave Their Heads To Raise Awareness For Pediatric Cancer Research

So many kids around Peterborough have been having their heads shaved and pony tails cut for a great cause: Pedal For Hope. This takes place each April and May, when members of the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police shed their uniforms during their holidays, hop on a bike and pedal more than 1,000 kilometres as "Cops for Cancer" to visit schools around Central Ontario to raise money for pediatric cancer research and awareness about kids living with cancer. Since the first tour in 2005, the Pedal for Hope team has raised more than $2.4 million for pediatric cancer research.

This year's 10th anniversary tour wraps up Saturday (May 17th) with an event at Adam Scott, but on Friday (May 16th) Pedal For Hope bikers arrived at James Strath Public School in Peterborough, and more children had their heads shaved—including Eileen and Joel Kimmett's three kids, Quinn, 10; Riker Kimmett, 8; and Kedron, 6. "I still can't say enough how amazing the Pedal For Hope Team is," Eileen tells us. Her kids are amazing, too. All the hair cut goes to make wigs for kids struggling with cancer. See pics below of Quinn, Riker and Kedron from today...

Kedron, Quinn and Riker

Emotional @PedalForHopeCa at James Strath this morning, my 3 shaving heads for @CopsForCancer @Ptbo_Canada . pic.twitter.com/VMXSsu6Hyj

— Eileen Kimmett (@EileenKimmett) May 16, 2014

Kedron, Quinn and Riker

Kedron

Kedron

Kedron

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PTBOCanada Pics & Coverage: Walk So Kids Can Talk For Kids Help Phone

On Sunday, May 4th, more than 50 people came to Nicholls Oval to participate in the 2014 Walk So Kids Can Talk in support of Kids Help Phone. This was the fourth year Peterborough hosted a walk site, and walkers raised about $15,000. The event saw representation from several organizations and individuals in the community, such as BMO, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation and Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness. Counsellors at Kids Help Phone are there for youth 24/7/365, when they feel like there is no one else they can turn to. Check out pictures below from this special walk.  —photos & coverage by Beth McClelland

David Pogue of Team 55 and his grandson cut the blue ribbon to mark the official start of the walk and honour his son Mitchell

Adults, kids and pets alike take off for their first kilometer of the walk

Amazing walk for a great cause

 Team 55 gathers by the finish line at the end of the walk

Sharon from Checkers Entertainment Services facepaints two high school walk volunteers

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Kindness Of Stranger Allows Autistic Boy To Ride A Bike Again

Kate and Jason Wells have given PTBOCanada readers a window of what it's like to have an autistic son in a previous post from last year. There are difficult moments on a daily basis, but there are also joyous moments. Like this for example involving Aidan getting a 3-wheel bike. As Kate writes in a Facebook post, "The kindness of people is astounding. This bike (see pictures below) was given to Aidan after they no longer could use it. He used to love riding his bike, but required training wheels which he outgrew a few years ago. He hasn't been on a bike since—something he used to love to do. Because of her generosity, he is able to ride again. Tears of happiness as we watched him go!!!"  Watch him go below...

Aidan with his father Jason

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The Amazing Camp That Gives Hope To Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones

Peterborough's Shelley Hermer is Ontario Program Coordinator for Camp Kerry Society. Here, she gives us an insider look at the impact of Camp Kerry retreats in British Columbia—which use a holistic approach to bereavement care where emphasis is placed on healing both within and between families—and writes about the first Camp Kerry Ontario being established.

Camp Kerry offers family retreats and year-round support programs for children, youth and parents who are grieving the death of a loved one. The camp is named after British Columbian Kerry Kirstiuk, an inspiring mother of two young children, who lost her battle to colon cancer in 2006. Designed and overseen by family bereavement expert Dr. Heather Mohan, Camp Kerry began in 2007 as a pilot project after Kerry's husband Bob requested that donations in her memory be given to Dr. Mohan's program at Lions' Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. 

Shelley Hermer (above left) at Camp Kerry in BC

Dr. Mohan's response was immediate, fulfilling a long-standing dream to run a family bereavement camp. Since then, more than 150 families in British Columbia have benefited from these specialized services. In 2011, Camp Kerry officially separated from Lions Gate Hospital and was incorporated as an independent Canadian charity.

In 2011, I traveled to BC to volunteer at Camp Kerry and since then have been working towards bringing this exceptional and unique program to Ontario. With the approval of the Camp Kerry Society Board of Directors, we have set a goal to bring 10 Ontario families to the first Camp Kerry Ontario retreat in October 2014, held in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands.

Camp Kerry retreat in BC.

Parents often describe their biggest worry is that they—and their children—won’t recover from the loss of their loved one. They talk about the balance of needing to keep old memories alive and creating new ones. Children and parents convey their desire to see their family enjoy life.

Camp Kerry retreat in BC.

At the retreats, so much happens for families. Yes, there are tears—the Saturday evening memory service and Sunday afternoon message balloon release allow families the chance to openly remember their loved ones. Parents and children participate in groups led by professional therapists, providing opportunities to share and receive peer support. Key to the model is the therapeutic use of art, music and adventure challenges in a natural setting. In the words of one parent, "we experienced what we never thought possible."

Camp Kerry retreat in BC.

Fundraising and events to help raise awareness about this Camp Kerry Ontario retreat are in the works, involving support from and collaboration with Peterborough and area community organizations. If you would like to be part of the first Camp Kerry Ontario—either by offering financial support, assisting at events, volunteering your time, or if you simply would like more information—please contact me at shelley@campkerry.org.

—By Shelley Hermer

Here's some more pictures below from Camp Kerry in BC, as well as a YouTube video about the camp...

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YMCA Chairs For Charity Event Is This Saturday

Rusland’s Auctioneers and Appraisers will start the bidding at 7 p.m. Saturday (December 7th) when the YMCA hosts their 2nd Annual Chairs 4 Charity auction. This innovative fundraiser is the brainchild of Emily Gray, who not only finds the chairs but, with the help of volunteers, also refurbishes them to get them auction ready.

When Gray and her team are done refurbishing the chairs, they look totally different and appear brand new; it’s amazing what these creative, talented people can accomplish. This year was extra special as Gray's crew also received help from 21 youth from the New Canadian Centre, who are also one of the event sponsors. Other sponsors include Barbeside Salon, Circus, Gypsy Barn, KMD Community Planning and Consulting INC, Lakeshore Designs, Rainbow Youth Coalition/PARN, Rambling Rose Flowers and The UK Shoppe.

Proceeds from the auction go to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and thanks to the sponsorship of many local businesses, the cost of the chairs and materials is covered. Last year they raised over $2,000, which allowed several children to participate in camps and programs that they otherwise would not be able to afford.

The event will take place inside the YMCA but it’s open to the public so anyone is welcome to attend and place a bid. If you can’t make it there on Saturday, advance bidding is available with a credit card by phoning the YMCA at 705-748-9622. Here are the chairs that are up for auction at the YMCA’s 2nd Annual Chairs 4 Charity event.

For more information, you can check out the YMCA’s Special Events page.

—PTBOCanada's Scott Arnold

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Peterborough Boy Josh Woodward Is On Waiting List For A Kidney & His Family Needs Your Help

Four-year-old Peterborough boy Josh Woodward was supposed to have started Junior Kindergarten this past September at Armour Heights. But that didn't happen. See, Josh, who was born with chronic kidney disease, has had complications from a kidney his father, Jason, donated to him this summer. And Josh is very sick again. On October 25th, the kidney had to be removed as there was a fungus on it. To further complicate matters, another operation had to be performed to ensure that there was not a blockage to his bowel. For a third time in a short period, Josh had to undergo yet another serious operation. There have been numerous blood transfusions and the doctors have to make sure that the fungus is totally out of his body. Eventually, Josh will go on a waiting list for another new kidney but at this point he needs to heal from these three major surgeries. Josh is expected to remain at Sick Kids in Toronto for at least another 6 weeks.

Josh’s parents Josie and Jason have been taking turns staying with him at Sick Kids.  With two other children at home—a brother named Joel, and sister named Jacie—and with both parent’s wages taken a hit recently, it is difficult for them to make ends meet. The cost of the travel back and forth to Toronto, the lost wages and unanticipated additional cost are taking a toll on the family.

Now the family needs you Peterborough. Josie and Jason’s friends and family are organizing a fundraiser for Josh that will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at The Venue from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. This fundraising event will be a family event meant for all ages, that includes games for children, entertainment, light refreshments and drinks available. Organizers are looking for raffle prizes and silent auction items for the fundraiser, as well as bake and craft items in order to raise money for this family.

You can also help the Woodwards by making monetary donations: contributions can be made by visiting any branch of the TD Bank and making a deposit to: Account # 607 5481 Transit # 3431.

For more information on the fundraiser, contact:  
Erin Browne: 705 872 5668
Renee Greaves: 705 741 5784    
Cathy Ducker: 705 768 1124
Charity Hannigan: 705 924 1110
Julie La Rush: 705 639 5068      
Debbie McEachern: 705 939 8853 
Karen Tarkington: 705 808 3057

[Fundraiser for Josh Woodward Facebook page] 

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Best Thing Ever: Peterborough Girl Sarah Edge Celebrating Her 10th Anniversary With New Heart By Hosting Blood Clinic

Sarah Edge was only six weeks old when she first begin experiencing heart problems. By the time she was 15 months, and her health in severe decline, she was placed on a heart transplant waiting list. Her family was afraid Sarah would not make it, and she was down to only 15 pounds. After weeks on the waiting list, Sarah’s mother received the miracle call that the family had been waiting for: A heart had been found!

At 18 months old, Sarah received the heart transplant she so desperately needed. Throughout her treatment, she also needed 66 units of blood products to help beat the odds that were not in her favour.

Ten years later after her miracle heart transplant and the generosity of blood donors, Sarah is giving back. In celebration of her post-transplant anniversary, the 11-year-old from Peterborough hopes that the blood donor clinic she and her family are organizing will bring out donors willing to help save the lives of children like her.

Sarah’s Celebratory Clinic is Tuesday, November 5th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at  Peterborough Blood Donor Clinic (55 George St. at the corner of George and Perry St.). Members of the community are encouraged to come out and support Sarah and other children in need of blood and blood products, as well as organs. Call 1 888 2 Donate (1-888-236-283) or go online to Blood.ca to book an appointment to donate blood. In addition, it takes only minutes to register to be an organ or tissue donor. Visit Beadonor.ca to find out how.

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Renowned Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Stanley Kutcher Speaking At Ontario Shores

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is inviting parents to an evening symposium on Adolescent Mental Health next Wednesday, September 18th. Dr. Stanley Kutcher, leading adolescent psychiatrist, will provide an interactive presentation giving parents important adolescent mental health tools and information. Ontario Shores will also present its amazing adolescent mental health documentary short, Talk to Someone: You’re Not Alone.

Dr. Stanley Kutcher

Both local school boards in Peterborough—PVNCCDSB and KPR—are participating in mental health literacy training with Ontario Shores next week. Dr. Kutcher along with CMHA National Office created the curriculum that the teachers and allied support staff will be trained on in area schools. As part of this, Ontario Shores is offering this free interactive parent night with Dr. Kutcher at Ontario Shores.

The symposium takes place September 18th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Lecture Theatre, Building 5, Level 2 Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, 700 Gordon St., in Whitby, Ontario.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Debbie Lenehan at 905.430.4055 ext. 6135. 

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