Hurlington Family Bakes 3,000 Cookies To Share With Community

The Hurlington family of Peterborough has been busy baking cookies to distribute to the community, as they do every year at this time.

Photo courtesy of Alvea Hurlington

The family moved to Peterborough in 2005, and out of a desire to do something special to get to know their neighbors, Cookie Day was born.

Each year around Christmas the family has a ‘mega-bake day’ and bakes enough cookies to share with the community.

Now, 16 years later the family is known as ‘The Cookie People’.

This year, the family baked a total of 3,000 cookies in one day including six different flavours. They were able to put together over 200 boxes of cookies for anyone that wants one.

Alvea Hurlington, the oldest sibling, documented ‘cookie day’ on social media.

In one comment she told a friend ‘Anyone can do something fabulous for the people around them no matter how simple’.

The Hurlingtons are no strangers to good deeds. When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in March 2020 the family quickly put together a flyer letting their neighbours know that if they needed help picking up groceries or urgent supplies, temporary childcare or even just a friendly phone call.

“Everything we do, we do it as a crew,” Hurlington said in a past interview with PTBOCanada.

In her social media post, Alvea wrote “With all the craziness going on in our world the Hurlington family would still like to inspire you to do something special for your community.”

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Trent University Student Wins $500 Early Bird Prize With The Boro's Holiday Passport Draw

Trent University student, Jonah Udovc has won the final Holiday Shopping Passport early bird draw of 2021, which is a $500 Boro giftcard.

Jonah Udovc and Terry Guiel, Peterborough DBIA. Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Udovc’s winning Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn on Dec 15 at the Peterborough DBIA.

He collected his stamps after purchasing a coat from Wild Rock Outfitters and a new house plant from Plant Goals.

The $500 gift card can be used at various stores in the downtown core, and Udovc says he will use it to explore places he hasn’t been to.

“Supporting local directly impacts the livelihood of our local shop owners which feels far more impactful than shopping at a big box store. I love the downtown and couldn’t imagine shopping for the holidays anywhere else,” said Udovc.

Holiday Shopping Passports are still available at any one of the 150+ participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, and cafes in downtown Peterborough. Each completed Holiday Shopping Passport increases the chance to win up to $1,500 in Boro gift cards.

The $1,500 grand prize draw will happen on Jan 12, 2022.

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Local Chambers And Rural Businesses Are Asking The Community For Support This Holiday Season

The Hometown Holiday campaign, organized by four local chambers of commerce is underway, and encouraging Peterborough County and the Kawarthas to support local businesses and shops located in the city and surrounding townships.

“I can appreciate that it’s a different experience in smaller communities - in the best way,” said Joel Wiebe, Peterborough Chamber. “When you go into the smaller communities around Peterborough County you experience that quaintness that we love about these communities.”

While Wiebe acknowledges how important local businesses are within the city of Peterborough, he points out how unique small businesses that are located outside the city can be.

“They’re not trying to be a big city, you can be so in touch with the people you’re buying from. It has a whole other level of community feel to it,” he said.

“Now more than ever it is very important that people support the small businesses in their community so the businesses can continue to be there for the community in the future,” said Bernadette MacNeil, owner Millbrook Mercantile.

The Millbrook Mercantile is a mix of both retail and culinary products. They source locally whenever possible, and provide everything from health and beauty to gourmet food.

“Because we don’t have any big box stores out here, I think its super important that the community try to get an mush shopping done locally and then if they need, leave whatever big purchases for your Costco runs - just get as much done here and limit your purchases at the bigger stores.”

“We rely on locals to keep us going, because cottagers come up all summer long and then ts just locals over the winter- we try to keep them happy the best we can and keep the shelves full,” said Lynn Northup, assistant manager at Havelock Home Hardware.

Located about 40 minutes from Peterborough and 15 minutes from Cambellford, small shops in Havelock may be the only option for some residents that are unable to drive.

“We’re surrounded by little towns, but this town has so much to offer so if you don’t drive this is the only place you can get most of your stuff so we try to stock as much as we can so people have that option.”

Located between Lakefield and Peterborough is Garden Style Bridgenorth, an almost 20 year old business that attributes their success to the support of their community.

“The key element of shopping local is that youre supporting someone that lives in your community,” said Michelle Gay, owner. “If people don’t shop in these little stores there just not going to be around anymore - because we need the people in our community to maintain our business.”

Garden Style carries a wide range of décor items, all focusing on being unique.

“Most of the people who shop here are people who live here or the immediate area - so those people rely on the smaller shops bc they don’t want to have to drive into the city. So, if you don’t have those small shops people would have to make that commute to get what they need. We rely on our community to support our business.”

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Norwood Lights Up The Town For Christmas

The Township of Asphodel Norwood has organized their annual Light Up The Township map and will be hosting their Holiday Night market on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Asphodel Norwood.

The township has compiled a list of houses decorated in the area and mapped them out in an interactive, online map.

Anyone who’s home or business is featured on the map is automatically entered in a random draw.

The first place draw will receive a $250 gift card from The Christmas Corner (2351 County Rd 45). The second prize is a fresh cookie Platter from Florna Sweets, and the third prize is a fresh turkey from Hiltz Butcher Shop.

There is also an opportunity for fans to vote for the best display. The house with the most votes will win a fresh turkey donated by Ralphs Butcher Shop.

Houses can be viewed online, and votes submitted here.

The township is also gearing up for a Holiday Night market, happening on Saturday from 5 - 8 p.m.

County Road 45 will be closed from Hwy. 7 to Alma Street, and transformed into a winter wonderland.

Visitors can enjoy music, Christmas characters and shop with local vendors.

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Hospice Peterborough Is Bringing Back Dove Tradition For Those Grieving a Loved one

Community members who are grieving the death of a loved one are invited to join a special holiday event that involves placing a paper dove, with the name of a loved one, on the Hospice Peterborough fence to help honour the memory of loved ones during a difficult time.

Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

Any community member can print and decorate a dove using this template on Hospice Peterborough’s website, and then hang the dove on the fence outside of our building at 325 London St. Hospice Peterborough has lit the evergreens outside of the building to remind us all that, even in times of grief, there is shared light and peace from the community.

“The holidays can be a time of great sorrow for those who have lost a loved one and our doves honour the special memories that those who have died leave with each of us,” said Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hős. “Hospice welcomes everyone who would like to bring a dove for the fence – this is not just for Hospice clients.”

Hospice Peterborough staff are thinking of all those who are grieving a death whether it was recent or in the past. Grief changes over time but many feel it strongly over the holidays, whether their person died recently or many years ago.

“Grief, like love, is a human emotion that unites us,” said Julie Brown, supportive care counsellor at Hospice Peterborough. “And the trees and doves are Hospice’s way of acknowledging the memories and sharing the peace and light felt throughout this community during the holiday season.”

Anyone seeking further support can watch the Grief and the Holidays 2021 video, call 705-742-4042 or visit hospicepeterborough.org for more information.

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Peterborough Public Health Releases Guidelines For Safe Holiday Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Public Health encourage residents to continue to follow all Provincial requirements and public health guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Province has eased certain restrictions to allow for more activities, Provincial emergency orders remain in effect and the City of Peterborough remains in an emergency declaration.

Recently, the Province has experienced increasing COVID-19 case counts, which emphasizes the need to follow safe practices during the pandemic.

“Our community is doing extremely well in getting vaccinated against COVID-19. We need to keep up those efforts,” Mayor Diane Therrien said. “Getting vaccinated reduces the chances of severe illness if you get COVID-19; however, vaccination doesn’t remove the need to be safe when socializing and celebrating the holidays during the pandemic.

Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health, reiterated that layering public health measures is the best way to reduce virus transmission.

“It’s the combination of practices such as vaccination, wearing well-made and tightly fitting masks, and distancing that help keep everyone safest,” he said. “It’s also important to recognize that others may have a lower tolerance for risk than you, and to respect their wishes if they prefer to introduce additional precautions.”

When heading out for activities over the holidays, PPH asks that community members remember:

• Events and gatherings are exciting, but close contact with non-household members, large crowds, and travelling can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

• Holiday activities such as parties, parades, and organized gatherings must meet both local and provincial requirements.

• Only participate in holiday activities you know follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, and meet your comfort level.

• Follow capacity limits for indoor and outdoor gatherings/events, masking and distancing a minimum 2 metres from non-household members, considering vaccine status, etc.

• Outdoor settings are safer than indoors, but there is still risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially among unvaccinated or at-risk groups. Virtual is the safest way to celebrate.

• Stay home if you have symptoms and remember to self-screen for COVID-19 before going out.

Guidelines are set out under the Reopening Ontario Act (O.Reg. 364/20) providing direction for safe activities and other public health measures during the pandemic. Under these regulations, there are certain requirements that must be followed if planning holiday celebrations, and recommendations to reduce the risk to yourself and others.

For outdoor gatherings and events (including parades):

• Maximum capacity of 100 people outdoors

• Parade participants should remember:

• If people are not able to maintain 2 metres from non-household members, then you must wear a mask/face covering

Performers in parades should:

• Be fully vaccinated, and performers on floats should wear a face covering if unable to distance from others

• Avoid crowds as much as possible

• If individuals are unvaccinated or from multiple households, consider wearing a mask

Holding an event on City property, including parades on City streets, requires the completion of a special event permit that includes information on safety planning and insurance requirements. Depending on the special event being held, applications are reviewed by police, fire services, and the City’s traffic and public works divisions. Applications are required to be submitted 90 days in advance of an event. Peterborough Public Health would be consulted on public health requirements.

For the City’s Special Event Planning Guide, please visit https://www.peterborough.ca/en/explore-and-play/event-hosting.aspx.

After the Kinsmen Club announced it will not be organizing a Santa Claus parade this year due to the pandemic, the City has not received any applications for holding a Santa Claus parade this year.

Public health requirements and recommendations related to indoor gatherings and events (including private parties):

• The maximum capacity for social gatherings in private residences is 25 people indoors.

• The maximum capacity for other indoor settings (e.g., food service establishment, banquet hall, event space, etc.) can allow 25 people indoors for a social gathering. Depending on the facility, a higher capacity limit may be granted for businesses and organizations if a number of COVID-19 protocols are in place (see below).

• In most instances, proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination (e.g., 2 doses of a 2-dose vaccine plus a 14-day period following the last vaccination) is required for high-risk indoor settings

• Masks are required to be worn inside, with exemptions including when people are eating or drinking

If the celebration is held in a meeting or event space, common room, or venue where facility staff are ‘in charge’ (e.g., food service) staff/guests are required to:

• Provide proof of full vaccine status at the point of entry

• Be actively screened at the point of entry

• Have their contact tracing information kept and stored for 30 days

• Abide by the safety plan requirements of that establishment

• Wear a mask at all times, with limited exceptions including while eating and drinking

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The Boro Announces Wild Rock Outfitters As Holiday Window Contest Winner

The Boro announced on Wednesday that Wild Rock Outfitters placed first in their annual Holiday Window Contest.

Wild Rock Outfitters staff members Bridget Moore (left) and Rachel Dean (right) celebrating their winning window. Photo courtesy of The Boro.

“This holiday season has been all about community, getting outdoors, and supporting each other. Our staff brought their fabulous ideas and talents together to create a beautiful expression of just that, and we're so happy they'll be rewarded for their efforts. We are so grateful to have a team filled with so much enthusiasm, skill, and love,” said Tori Silvera, Wild Rock General Manager. “Thanks Peterborough, and have a wonderful holiday, whatever you're celebrating."

This year’s winners are:

1st place — Wild Rock Outfitters, 169 Charlotte Street

2nd Place — Statement House, 378 Water Street

3rd Place — Green Street, Shop, 237 George Street

The top three winners will be receiving $1,000, $500, and $200 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from November 19 to December 6.

“It feels very festive downtown right now thanks to the creativity of our brilliant shop owners. This year’s theme was Holiday Cheer and our businesses curated wonderfully cheery holiday window displays this season,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “It’s incredible to see the community rally behind our small businesses. Over 2,400 votes were cast throughout the contest, and we are just blown away by the local enthusiasm for this program.”

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The Boro Opens Holiday Hub Downtown To Spread The Christmas Magic

A new festive pit stop for holiday shoppers has opened downtown Peterborough, to brighten the streetscape along George Street between Simcoe and Hunter.

Elves will wrap gifts at the Holiday hub every Friday. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Located in the former Pensieri Shoe store at 373 George St., the pop-up Holiday Hub will provide complimentary gift-wrapping services for all downtown shoppers.

With two ‘elves’ on scene, any shopper with a gift purchased downtown (receipt required) can get that gift wrapped every Friday from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. until Dec. 17.

The new hub will also host a local toy drive in support of the Salvation Army and The Children’s Foundation. Visitors are also invited to take a selfie with the Grinch of George Street, painted by local artist Tim Wales and colour a picture of their own.

“We wanted placemake this space and turn it into a space where people could gather and enjoy all the magic that is the holidays, while getting some perks for shopping downtown,” said Hillary Flood, Peterborough DBIA. “We also will be turning it into a holiday market where you can enjoy a slew of local art vendors that will be happening on December 11 and 18.”

Initially, the Holiday Hub was initialized by The Boro as a ‘placemaking’ initiative to help animate a section of George Street that was under construction.

While the construction wrapped up sooner than anticipated the Holiday Hub will still act as a place to enjoy the holiday season.

“The idea behind it all is that when you have closed store fronts it can make the downtown feel kind of drab. So this is the first model of a positive intervention where we take over a store front for whatever reason and turn it into something that people want to gather in.”

The space being used for the Holiday Hub was donated to The Boro by Gentry Apparel, who own the building.

The Holiday hub will be open Fridays 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday Dec 11 and 18 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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Adopt a Grandparent Campaign To Bring Christmas Cheer To Rubidge Retirement Residence

Michelle Allen, who’s grandparents live at Rubidge Retirement Residence, is hosting an ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ campaign with her young daughters in hopes to bring the Christmas spirit to residents.

Michelle Allen’s Grandfather Carmelo Grixti. Photo courtesy of Allen.

Allen’s grandparents moved from their home in Toronto to Rubidge Retirement Residence last year to be closer to their daughter that lives in Buckhorn.

“I was there not too long ago and just seeing my grandparents changed completely just made me feel like they need a little bit extra this year,” said Allen. “They were taken from their house that they raised their entire family in, and now they’re in a tiny little room, they don’t go anywhere. Those people did everything for me when I was growing up and now seeing them - it’s hard.”

In hopes to make the holidays feel a bit more comfortable, Allen, her daughters and her daughters classes are making cards and gift bags for residents.

With one donation of $25 supporters will ‘adopt’ a grandparent. With that donation each grandparent will receive a top-of-the-line bottle of foot/hand lotion, a pair of cozy socks, and personalized Christmas card.

Photo courtesy of Allen.

Allan is aiming to have all 142 residents and staff ’adopted’ by the first week of December so her and her daughters have enough time to wrap each gift and hand deliver them.

“It’s instilling in my daughters that the season isn’t about ‘what’s Santa bringing me’ it’s about giving to others and getting joy from that.”

To donate, reach out to Michelle at 647-989-0147 or at mallen88@live.com with any questions, or with an e-transfer.

Anyone that donated will be entered in a draw to win a gift basket.

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Get in the Christmas Spirit With a List of Holiday Markets in the Area

Updated: 1:58 p.m. Nov. 26, 2021.

With Christmas just around the corner holiday craft markets are happening all over Peterborough.

Stock image.

Modern Makers Holiday Market

Nov. 27, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Modern Makers Market (651 Chamberlain St.)

Indoor and outdoor market with vendors, food, Christmas trees and lights.

Holiday Market Open House

Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 617 Golf Course Rd, Douro-Dummer

With artists Thomas Aitken and Kate Hyde (Pottery), Coral Door Studio (Fibre Arts), Christy Haldane (Glass) and Bea Quarrie (Painting)

Pre Christmas Artisan Market

Nov. 27, 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 23 Adelaide St. South, Lindsay

Featured artists include:

Clay Rituals - Sharon Robbins beautiful pottery, including mugs, garlic keepers, bowls and other items.

English Rose Photography - gorgeous greeting cards featuring Julie Walmsley's photography.

Battersbees - Sue Inkersell's honey and bee products

The Sweet Kitchen - Jen Arnold's baking and seasonal treats

Christmas Market and Snowflake Tea

Nov. 27 and 28. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Hutchison House Museum (270 Brock St.)

The Hutchison House volunteers will host their annual Christmas market and Snowflake Tea. The market runs from 10 AM to 12 PM. Please note that there will be no Attic Treasures this year. There is a limit of four people in the sale room at one time.

Winter Creators Market

Nov. 28 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Douro Arena (2893, HWY 28, Douro)

Free admission, advent calendars and hot chocolate with over 30 local vendors.

Peterborough Museum & Archive Pop-Up Gift Shop

Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (270, George St. N)

Shop a unique selection of locally made gifts, as well as accessories and treasures. Free Festive gift wrap available. Cash and credit/debit accepted.

The Havelock Winter Market

Nov. 27, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Havelock-Belmont-Methuen (1 Ottawa St. E.)

A winter farmer and artisan market run by the Havelock Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas Market

Dec. 4, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. All Saints' Anglican Church (235 Rubidge St.)

Highlights include:
Lunchroom*, Bake Table, and Artisan Vendors
*those eating in the Lunchroom will need proof of full vaccination

Also, don't miss the Kids Corner, including a free gift table for children to select a gift for parents or caregivers.

To volunteer or sign up as vendor, email christmasmarket@allsaintspeterborough.org

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