Right to Heal Launches Fundraiser ‘Friendsgiving’ At 100 Acre Brewing Co. On Oct. 20

Right to Heal is hosting a free fundraising event ‘Friendsgiving’ held at 100 Acre Brewing Co. from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 20th.

Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe of Right to Heal (left) and Tim Farquharson, Port Hope Police Chief (right) before a mural with Indigenous roots painted by Brogan O'Rouke, the former's cousin. Shaughnessy-Rowe's former business, The Whistle Stop Café, would often feed those who could not afford meals daily. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event is in collaboration with the brewery and Dream Team concerts. Live music, vendors, food trucks, beer and a corn hole tournament are the attractions slated for the fundraiser.

Acts include SJ Riley, Joslynn Burford, Mike Kidd and Brad Renaud for live music performances.

There is no goal but every dollar counts according to Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe of Right to Heal.

“The universe is the limit on this one so the more the merrier and any amount, we're grateful for,” she said. “We're about to launch sponsorships so the community can sponsor what we're doing monthly instead of just once in a while, donating money.”

Right to Heal receives limited funding. The provincial government provides $275,000 annually, which primarily funds its Redpath program, an outpatient addiction treatment program.

“It's creating community, it's creating connection and something that we all need and something that some of our clients struggle with is connection with others,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe. “They're so disconnected, and they're so lost that these events connect them with the community and make them feel human again.”

All other expenses are not funded so the organization has to be creative in obtaining funds to keep afloat.

Shaughnessy-Rowe also receives help from the Rotary Club of Peterborough, her self-run moon circle events and money from Whitepath Consulting; her mother’s for-profit business that trains frontline workers for Indigenous communities.

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Hometown PTBO: Leslie Yee's Contributions to the Blind/Disabled Communities In Peterborough and the Kawarthas

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Leslie Yee, Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter past chair (and guide dog Akira) about her service to the disabled/blind community, her condition and the significance of spreading disability awareness.

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City of Peterborough Recognizing October As Women's History Month

The City of Peterborough is recognizing October as Women’s History Month with the theme as ‘Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present, and Future.’

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In honour of the occasion, Mayor Jeff Leal has released the following statement:

As we observe Women’s History Month this October, it’s an honour to celebrate the pivotal role that women have played in shaping our workforce and driving economic growth throughout history. This year’s theme, “Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present, and Future,” highlights the significant contributions women have made to our community’s prosperity.

From pioneers in traditional fields to modern innovators, women have been a driving force in our local economy. Today, and every day, we recognize the importance of their leadership, entrepreneurship, and dedication in industries. As we look to the future, we must continue to create inclusive spaces to ensure women are empowered to reach their full potential in every sector.

On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I encourage everyone to take time this month to reflect on the profound impact of women in the workforce, past and present. Let’s celebrate their achievements and commit to fostering a future where all women can thrive.

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Community Care Peterborough Reveals New Video to Rally Support and Volunteers

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has released a new promotional video of its services to attract volunteers and financial support to continue serving seniors, announced at their office in East City on Tuesday morning.

Catherine Pink, CCP director of support services (left) and Chris LeBlanc, CCP director of donor and public relations (right) with the “Life Changes, Community Doesn’t” being presented publicly for the first time. In 2023, Community Care Peterborough volunteers provided nearly 85,000 hours of service. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The video, ‘Life Changes, Community Doesn't,’ tells the story of a former volunteer named Sophie who uses the same services she once helped provide. The video highlights Community Care Peterborough’s programs, such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, wellness programs and support for those returning home from the hospital.

“This video reflects a powerful truth—circumstances may change as we age or face challenges, but our community is always there,” said Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. We want people to know that they play a critical role in sustaining this network of care.”

While all positions for volunteers are needed, Drivers are one of the higher priorities for CCP.

“We’re looking for roughly 30 drivers but extras are always good, explained Catherine Pink, CCP director of support services. “Every just one day a week. Every little bit helps.”

In addition to raising awareness of the organization's services, the video serves as a call to action for community members according to a press release.

Community Care Peterborough is actively seeking new volunteers to help deliver meals, provide rides to medical appointments, and offer companionship through its various wellness programs. The organization is also appealing to donors to help fund these critical services, as demand continues to grow.

“Our volunteers are the heart of what we do,” said Belair. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to reach as many people or provide the level of care our clients deserve. We hope this video inspires others to get involved and help us keep this community strong.”

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Lakefield Farmers' Market Extends 2024 Season Until Oct. 24

The Lakefield Farmers' Market is extending its 2024 season until Oct. 24.

Martin Carbajal, La Mesita Restaurante owner serving sweet and savoury Mexican cuisine from his restaurant. Photo courtesy of Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

While the market traditionally finishes on Thanksgiving weekend, record-breaking attendance and strong community support have allowed the market to extend its season by two more weeks.

The Lakefield Farmers' Market runs every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, in the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre parking lot.

The market sells locally produced items, including fresh produce, baked goods, ready-made lunches, local meats, honey, maple syrup, VQA wines, handcrafted knitting and more.

“It’s been an incredible season, and thanks to our amazing community, we’ve seen record-breaking attendance,” said Market Manager, Stacey Sullivan. “We’re excited to keep the market open a little longer this year and provide a place for our community to gather and support local businesses.”

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Mayor Jeff Leal Issues Statement For Pride Week From Sept. 20 to 29

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued a statement regarding Pride Week during the week of Sept. 20 to 29, on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Leal has made the following statement:

On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I am extremely pleased to recognize and celebrate Pride Week, organized by Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride, from September 20 to 29 this year.

The theme for this year’s Pride Week is “Educate. Activate. Celebrate!”

Peterborough is a city that values diversity and inclusivity. Let’s take time to celebrate our 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their invaluable contributions to the social, cultural and economic life of our city. Let’s take time to learn about the struggles and triumphs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in their ongoing fight for a more inclusive and equitable society – Discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia continue to hurt members of our community. Let’s take action to ensure that everyone is safe, valued, and loved, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Let this week serve as a reminder of the importance of standing together against discrimination and hate. As we attend the events and festivities, let us take the time to listen, learn, and join the voices of those who continue to advocate for a more inclusive and welcoming community. We can all be allies in our daily lives.

The Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week flag-raising will be held at City Hall on Friday, at 12:15 p.m. The Pride Parade will be held on Sept. 28, departing from City Hall at 1:30 p.m. and continuing to Millennium Park.

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Peterborough Police Service to Host Information Session Thursday Evening

The Peterborough Police Service is hosting an open information session at the McDonnel Activity Centre on Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Police are sharing details concerning spent tax dollars and comparing them to other communities nationally, provincially and locally. There is also information regarding local initiatives and their impact on public safety in the City of Peterborough.

There is a Q&A during the session but time is limited.

The Peterborough Police is live-streaming the presentation on its YouTube channel.

Questions and topics can be emailed to chiefofpoliceoffice@peterborough.ca.

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United Way Releases Goal to Raise $1.5 Million For 2024 Campaign

With a party atmosphere compared to years past, the Peterborough & District United Way ceremoniously released its 2024 campaign goal to raise $1,500,000 at the Healthy Planet Arena on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Nearly 200 people attended the event, where United Way Campaign Cabinet and Board members ushered them in with pom-poms, music and bubbles to launch the 83rd Community Campaign for United Way.

This year’s campaign theme is ‘Building Community.’ The $1.5 million goal was an increase from last year’s target of $1.45 million.

“We set this ambitious goal because the community need for services is greater than ever. Achieving this goal will ensure that vulnerable community members have access to the vital supports our Partner Agencies provide when and where they are need them most.” says CEO Jim Russell.

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Back-to-School Traffic Enforcement Numbers Released By Peterborough Police Service

The Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit conducted school zone and community zone traffic enforcement and education during the first week of back-to-school. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers attended several locations throughout the week in all three of their policing areas. These included Bensfort Drive and Collison Avenue; Hilliard Street and Marina Boulevard; Goodfellow Road and St. Mary’s Street in Peterborough; Sherbrooke Street and Longview Drive in the Township of Cavan-Monaghan and several locations in Lakefield.

Officers issued:  

• 35 Provincial Offence Notices

• Nine Warnings

• Two Part Three Summons - These require a court appearance and could result in increased penalties

Peterborough Police want to remind residents that in Peterborough, school zones have been dedicated as community safety zones, with lower speeds and increased penalties. 

Traffic complaints can be made to their Traffic Unit at 705-876-1122 x289 or through the online reporting portal.

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International Overdose Awareness Day Held to Reduce Stigma and Mourn Those Lost From Drug Addiction

Moms Stop The Harm Peterborough held an International Overdose Awareness Day memorial service honouring those lost at the Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park on Friday afternoon.

Kelly Whetung looks over her late son Joey who passed away from drug poisoning in Dec. 21, 2017. The event had a photographic mural and white crosses in purple decor to honour those fallen to drug addiction. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The day coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day that is held every year on Aug. 31.

The global event is to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief of families and friends suffering from losing a loved one or a victim of injury as a result of a drug overdose.

During the event, stories of how speakers’ loved ones were lost or affected by drug addiction, claiming that there should not be a stigma for it and no judgment should be passed for those suffering.

Between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2022, Peterborough paramedics responded to 234 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 343 emergency department visits according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“I think the crisis requires a continuum of response and massive investment. We look at how we respond to other societal crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and it requires an all-of-society, massive investment on many interventions and solutions.” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health.

Of that same span last year, there were 182 calls, and 232 ER visits but an increase of 43 deaths.

“We need support to address the toxic supply of drugs on the streets. We need support to prevent substance use in the first place. We know that trauma and social determinants of health are the drivers of why many people end up using drugs or have a substance use disorder,” Piggott continued. “We need access to treatment in this community. People that want treatment still can't get access, that needs to improve. We also need to keep people alive and harm reduction responses are trying to do that. People may not be ready for help today or tomorrow but they need they need help to stay alive.”

PPH offered quick sessions on administering aid with a naloxone kit at the event and gave them out for free. Piggott says that carrying naloxone is even easier than learning basic first aid and CPR and this information can be life-saving.

“In five or ten minutes, we can safely train people on how to administer it,” he said. “I think if you are around people who use drugs, if you are in an area of the city where you may see and find somebody who needs help, this is an easy way to learn a little bit more about how you can save a life so I encourage people to carry naloxone.”

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