Peterborough Child and Family Services Gets a Technological Update After a $23,800 Provincial Grant

The Peterborough Child and Family Centres (PCFC) get ‘plugged in’ with technological infrastructure upgrades after an Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund of $23,800 announced on Friday morning.

Peterborough Child and Family Services serves roughly 3,000 people and 1,600 families each year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding allowed the Centre to purchase laptops for staff, an upgraded phone system and an Owl Labs Meeting Camera. The camera allows staff conferences and offers hybrid workshops for in-person and virtual meetings for serviced families.

The Centre says these items are essential for their ongoing operation of programs and services. It helps to better connect with the families it serves, volunteers and staff and adapt to the community's evolving needs without disrupting services.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support in bringing our technology infrastructure to where it needs to be to ensure a thriving future for the organization,” said Nicola Lyle, PCFC CEO. “This grant will significantly enhance our ability to connect with families, provide versatility in our service provision, and support our staff and organization for years to come.”

“I cannot say enough about the work that the Peterborough Child and Family Centre does for our area,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “To now have the ability to offer these services remotely means that more families have access to programs that benefit the development and growth of our future generation.”

The money was given incrementally since last April. During that time, the Centre had gradually upgraded its technology infrastructure.

For over 40 years, PCFC has helped families with young children and/or is expecting to provide tools, resources and knowledge to support the growth and development of children aged zero to six.

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Women's Business Network to Host Holiday Gala In Support of YWCA and Gender-Based Violence

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Peterborough is hosting its annual Holiday Gala and Auction to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s programs, supporting women experiencing gender-based violence on Dec. 6 at the Peterborough Holiday Inn.

Photo courtesy of Women's Business Network of Peterborough.

The online auction runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 7 using the Nonprofit Bidding platform.

Their $15,000 goal is to help women and children in the community who are escaping abuse and violence. By 2012, the WBN had raised over $220,000 for the YWCA and to date, the WBN has raised over $340,000 in support of this imperative cause, according to a press release.

The WBN is asking the community for donations for its auction, such as gift certificates, tickets, memberships or items valued at $25 or more. Donors will have their company name/logo appear with the donated item and will receive extensive exposure through the reach of the Nonprofit Bidding platform, as stated in a press release. In addition, the donor logo will be displayed on our social media platforms and during the event. 

Anyone willing to support this can complete the Online Auction Donation Form by Nov. 15 and include their logo.

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Children’s Aid Society Creating Family Awareness With Dress Purple Day

Kawartha Haliburton Children's Aid Society (and others across Ontario) is raising awareness about the important role that individuals and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth and families through the provincial Dress Purple Day campaign on Friday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KAWARTHA-HALIBURTON CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY.

“Dress Purple Day offers an opportunity to raise awareness that the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society works together with many community organizations to help children, youth, and families facing challenges.” says Jennifer McLauchlan, Kawartha- Haliburton Children’s Aid Society executive director. “We are wearing purple today to show children, youth, and families that we care and are here to help.”

Dress Purple Day also reminds young people that they have rights to safety and well-being which goes beyond what we often think of when we use those words according to a press release.

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Winning Grandparents Named at 35th Annual Grandparent of the Year Award Ceremony

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) held its 35th Grandparent of the Year Awards presentation at the Peterborough Public Library on Tuesday.

file photo.

Community Care received almost 200 stories and artwork entries from children this year, telling the organization why their Grandparent should win this award. A panel of volunteer judges chose one winner and two honourable mentions from each group of grades; primary (Grades 2 and 3) and junior (Grades 4, 5, 6).

“After two years of virtual events, it was amazing to return to an in-person awards ceremony hosted by the Peterborough Public Library,” said Alicia Vandine, CCP’s donor relations and communications lead. “There (was) so much pride and happiness felt in the room, a definite ‘Smiles All Around’ event.”

Winners and honourable mentions read their stories and introduced their Grandparent, Elder or special older person to the crowd of about 80 people in attendance. CCP got their story and artwork framed as a gift for the children to present to their grandparents.

Local businesses and organizations also provided prizes for the children and their grandparents, which included Ashburnham Ale House, Boardwalk Board Game Café, Gerri's Arts and Crafts Warehouse, Lakeview Bowl Peterborough, The Little Frozen Yogurt Company, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Peterborough Public Library, Silver Bean Café and Tim Hortons.

Special guest Deputy Warden Sherry Senis presented each of the grandparents the award on behalf of Peterborough County. Local photographer Heather Doughty was onsite for the event, capturing family photos for the winners.

Primary Category – Grades 2 and 3

Primary Winner: Finn Frampton, Grade 3, St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Grandpa Reginald Caley

Primary Honourable Mention: Kylie Beasley, Grade 3, North Shore Public School. Honouring: Grandpa Ken Beasley

Primary Honourable Mention: Launa Hobbs, Grade 2, Monsignor O'Donoghue Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Nana Judy Masters

Junior Category – Grades 4, 5 and 6

Junior Winner: Maya Kubica, Grade 5, École catholique Monseigneur-Jamot. Honouring: Grandad David Peters

Junior Honourable Mention: Molly Cotnam, Grade 6, Apsley Central Public School. Honouring: Grandma Eva Malloy

Junior Honourable Mention: Madeline McBride, Grade 6, St. John Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Grandpa Dan Burke

“We want to thank every child that entered, they have a participation certificate coming to them,” continued Vandine. “Every year we are amazed by the scope of stories we have received, it was not an easy task for our volunteer judges to choose the winners. Congratulations to Finn (honouring Grandpa Reginald Caley) and Maya (honouring Grandpa Dan Burke) for their winning entries.”

For more information about the annual Grandparent of the Year event, visit the website.

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City Services; What's Open and Closed on Family Day 2023

Many City of Peterborough services will be offering modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Family Day on Monday, Feb. 20.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

City Hall

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed. Online services are available.

Garbage and recycling

There will be no changes to garbage and recycling on Monday, Feb. 20.

The Recycling Depot at 390 Pido Rd. remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed.

The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed.

Public Works

Public Works can be reached by phone 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Arenas Division

Quaker Foods City Square will be open, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit the website for updates.

Arenas will be available to user groups for scheduled ice time.

Healthy Planet Arena will be open from noon to 10 p.m. The Snofest Family Skate with Snofest Pete takes place from 1:10 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Leon’s Ice Pad. $5 per skater. Skaters can Register now to guarantee your spot. 

Kinsmen Civic Centre will be closed.

Facility booking inquiries for the Arenas Division are not available on Feb. 20.

Peterborough Memorial Centre will be open as the Peterborough Petes host the Sudbury Wolves at 2:05 p.m. Memorial Centre event tickets are available for purchase online.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Feb. 20.

For information about gallery exhibitions and programs visit www.agp.on.ca. 

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives exhibitions and gift shop are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 20. Information about current exhibitions is available online at www.peterborough.ca/museum.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library will be closed on Feb. 20. Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca/.

Provincial Offences office

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.

Social Services office

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed.

Emergency shelter services

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

Municipal child care centres

City-operated child care centres Pearson Day Care and Peterborough Day Care will be closed on Feb. 20.

Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.peterborough.ca/recreation for information about schedules and programs at the Wellness Centre.

Downtown Youth Space

The Downtown Youth Space at 201 McDonnel St. will be closed. To learn more about free, drop-in programs for youth aged 13 to 18, visit www.peterborough.ca/dys.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on the holiday service schedule on Feb. 20.

Please visit the website for adjustments to schedules as on demand service has expanded www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525.

Peterborough Airport

The Peterborough Airport is open Feb. 20, with airport staff on-site for regular winter hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Emergency and after-hours callouts for airport staff are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 705-743-6708.

Snofest offers four fun-filled days of winter-themed activities for all ages during the Family Day long weekend. Visit peterborough.ca/Snofest for the full schedule of events and contests. Highlights include Snowsuit Story Time, a Fun Swim with Snofest Pete, a winter party at Quaker Foods City Square on Saturday, Feb. 18 and the Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast with the East Peterborough Lions Club on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Sport and Wellness Centre.

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Cornish Family Named Peterborough's 2022 Farm Family of the Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced the Cornish family as this year’s Farm Family of the Year on Tuesday.

The Cornish family. Photo courtesy of The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

This award recognizes a farming family that has demonstrated good farming practices, an interest in the farming community and interest/participation by in their farm’s operation.

The family is made up of Kevin Cornish, Janet Dawson and their two sons Liam and Lucas. They operate Indian River Acres, located at 2275 Indian River Line in Indian River.

This 93-acre farm is where the Cornish’s grow and sell vegetables and fall decor items. They operate on a 12-month sustainable farming cycle that includes crop rotations, cover crops and selecting varieties that minimize pests and disease.

Every year, they grow 12 acres of sweet corn, five acres of pumpkins, squash and gourds, approximately 15,000 garlic bulbs and 1.5 acres of other tender vegetables (pickling cucumbers, field cucumbers, beans, asparagus, beets, lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini). They also sell eggs from their 99 free-range egg layers, offering them to customers who sign up for weekly pick-up.

The award will be presented at the Business Excellence Awards event at the Showplace Performance Centre on Oct. 19.

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Local Organization Promotes Dress Purple Day Family Support Awareness

The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies is running the Dress Purple Day campaign encouraging anyone to wear purple to raise awareness for support availability for Ontario families this Wednesday.

Brynn Clarke, communications specialist and provincial lead for the 2021 Dress Purple Day campaign. Screenshot.

Every October, Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario raise awareness about the role that people and communities play in supporting vulnerable children, youth and families through the campaign.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional stressors for families with some cases having increased risk for the well-being and safety of children and youth according to Children’s Aid Societies.

“Help is available to anyone facing challenges,” said Brynn Clarke, Children’s Aid Societies communications specialist and provincial lead. “We are shifting our campaign message to really focus to making sure families across our province have access to the resources, information and support they need.”

The event initially had roots in child abuse prevention month. Photo Courtesy of Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.

The organization is encouraging anyone to make a video explaining why they will wear purple Wednesday and how they help children, youth, and families facing challenges. All videos are asked to have the hashtag #IDressPurpleBecause when posting to social media.

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board is a participating school board in Peterborough that is partaking in the event.

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Bridgenorth Family's Spooky Display is Gathering Donations for Food Bank

The Mitchell family from Bridgenorth has invited the community to tour their spooky Halloween display and drop off donations for the Bridgenorth Food Bank during their visit.

The Mitchell Family hopes to fill the trailer by Halloween, Crystal says donations have already been pouring in from community members. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Crystal Mitchell, her husband and their five children moved to Bridgenorth from Gamebridge this August.

“Last year we did food bank donations in Gamebridge and did really well,” she said. “So we figured we’d continue what we used to do there.”

The Halloween display stretches across the Mitchell’s 350 foot front lawn, located at 1058 Ward St, Bridgenorth.

Located in the middle of the display is an enclosed trailer, which the Mitchell’s hope will be filled with donations for the Bridgenorth Food Bank by Halloween.

“We love Halloween, the kids love Halloween, it’s our favourite holiday,” said Mitchell. “We just want to share our love of it with everyone and what better way to do that than to help to food bank while we’re at it.”

The display features spiderwebs, ghosts, aliens and a hard-to-miss 12 foot tall skeleton.

Donations can be dropped off at anytime, but the animatronic decorations, lights and effects will only be on from about 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. every Saturday until Halloween.

The Bridgenorth Food Bank runs out of Bridgenorth United Church at 832 Charles St. Clients can pick up food once a month.

While it may seem far away, Mitchell says that when the Halloween decorations come down the Christmas decorations go up.

“We did so well with the Halloween food bank donations last so we thought we’d do it for Christmas too,” she said.

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Retired Millbrook Couple Keeps Busy With Family-Run Charcuterie Business

Retirement has not slowed down Avril and Steve Greer of Millbrook as their charcuterie catering business Corks & Boards have kept them busy since November of last year.

Steve (left) and Avril Greer (right) showing off their homemade charcuterie boards and a sample of their array of foods that accompany them. Photo By David Tuan Bui

The business sells boxes of charcuterie boards full of ready-to-eat specialty meats, cheeses, chocolate, nuts, jellies, seasonal fruit and crackers to customers. Their products are ideal for parties, showers, sympathies, date nights or social gatherings.

The charcuterie is available for pickup or delivery in the Peterborough County or Durham region from their home-run business.

The couple moved to Millbrook in October last year after Avril and Steve retired as a daycare and an IT worker respectively.

The idea of Corks & Boards came from Avril’s sister since there were plenty of charcuterie businesses in the Niagara area where she lives. The couple wanted to keep busy in a new era of their lives.

"There's not a lot of that (charcuterie) around,” explained Avril. “We were looking, there are cupcakes and cookies but we're not bakers. We want to eat something where we're not making food, that we wanted to prepare food."

Avril (left) with daughter Ashley McGavock (right). Both daughters aid their parents in the social media of the business. Photo Courtesy of Corks & Boards.

While the business started out small, they quickly grew from word of mouth and some social media marketing and found themselves busy in a hurry.

"We thought we'd be selling to friends and family but it quickly got busy around Christmas time and realized we need to do not just Facebook and Instagram but we need to do a website."

The charcuterie comes in several sizes such as a sampler, spicy, gather or grand gathering. Every option aside from spicy has a “plus” option that includes wine jellies. Photo Courtesy of Corks & Boards.

All of their products used for the charcuterie are sourced as local as possible. Steve has the boards delivered to the business before he forms them then coats them with food-safe mineral oil and beeswax.

"I love giving them as gifts to people and love the look on people's faces when we surprise them at the door,” said Avril.

"We like to give people as much value for what they're getting,” said Steve. I think people see that and they appreciate it.“

All orders can be done online at their official website.

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Local Woman Celebrates Motherhood for National Single Parent Day

“Me” time and self-care are a luxury for single mother Lisa Sedgwick but being devoted to her kids is what she lives for.

Lisa Sedgwick (left) describes her son Rowan Sedgwick (right) like artist Elton John because he is always wearing stylish glasses. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Lisa had her first son Ebin Sedgwick, 8, at 31 years old. His biological father left upon knowing about the pregnancy. Her second son Rowan Sedgwick, 21 months, was born through at-home insemination.

Lisa tried to conceive a child through intrauterine insemination (IUI) in between the two kids but unfortunately miscarried.

One benefit as a single parent is having all the moments with the children to themselves according to Lisa.

“You get all the cuddles to yourself, you get the love to yourself you guys get to celebrate together by yourself,” she remarked. “There's a different kind of bond there than there is with the grandparents or if they had father figures in their lives.”

Rowan (left) was met with negative reviews from Ebin (right) at first since the older son initially wanted a younger sister. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite not having a father in the boys’ lives, it takes a community to help raise a child according to Lisa. She has major support from her family and friends to help child-rear the boys.

“Every person, family or friend is a vital puzzle piece for the development of children,” she said.

Being a single parent is not without its challenges and especially with COVID-19.

Lisa works as a personal support worker and only has her mother babysit the kids. She rarely can have others watch them in fear of spreading the virus around.

“To have that moment you can feel like yourself, I won't get it for a while,” she said. “I wish some days when it's super hard and it's just me, I can have some time for myself. I know right now, it's not going to happen for a while. I have to be okay with that.”

Ebin enjoys playing video games such as Minecraft and Among Us. He wants to learn how to play the guitar as he gets older. Photo by David Tuan Bui

Lisa willingly knew that almost all her time would be for her two sons when she had them but claims the rewards outweigh the hardships.

“When you have your child, you've now chosen for a number of years especially when they're little, to be in the service of your children,” she said. “You're basically doing everything for your kids.”

Lisa loves her two boys and says they were the best thing to ever happen to her. She believes you can raise kids as a single parent but you have to understand the responsibilities.

“A child is for life,” said Lisa. You have to be a teacher, you have to be a doctor, nurse and financial supporter. No family is ideal, no family is perfect. You have to make it perfect.”

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