New Canadians Centre Book 'Building A Home' Walk To be Hosted At YMCA

The YMCA of Central East Ontario is collaborating with the New Canadians Centre to host the ‘Building a Home’ Book Walk, from May 2 – 16, at the Balsillie Family Branch.

Author Cassandra Lee reads the book at the book launch, September 2021. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Building a Home is a story inspired by the candid accounts and artwork shared by six children from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Pakistan who are now living, playing, and going to school in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough.

The story panels will be displayed outside the YMCA, along the path from the front doors towards Princess Street making the exhibit fully accessible for all members of the community to enjoy.

Building a Home was commissioned by the New Canadians Centre and written and illustrated by Casandra Lee. Casandra Lee is an Asian-American children’s author and illustrator. She moved to Canada in 2019 and now lives in Peterborough.

@ptbo_canada “Building a Home” is based on the real-life accounts of six children from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Pakistan. 🔗 in comments to order! #PTBO #fyp ♬ Home - Edith Whiskers

Building a Home is available in several languages on the New Canadians Centre website.

“We are always honoured to work with our neighbors at the New Canadians Centre. Hosting the book walk is a way to bring this beautiful story to another audience. Diversity and inclusion is the key to a healthy, vibrant community and it is so important to feel represented and for us to listen and to learn from each other. We hope the community will take the time to visit and enjoy it,” said Naman Khandelwal, the Chair of the YMCA of Central East Ontario’s Diversity and Social Inclusion Committee.

Printed copies of Building a Home (in English) are now available for purchase in-store and online at Watson & Lou.

Peterborough Author Collaborates With North Carolina Author To Compile Mail Art From Around The World Documenting COVID-19

Local artist and author Erica Richmond of Open Sky Stories, will release a new book ‘The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19’ on April 20.

Erica Richmond and Shannon Fitzgerald. Photo’s courtesy of Open Sky Stories.

From April 2020 - August 2021, Richmond and Shannon Fitzgerald (Hillsborough, NC, USA) collected 119 pieces of decorated envelopes from a total of 52 people living across 11 countries.

Now compiled together, this book tells the story of individuals experience living within the pandemic.

“In all the stories that were shared, there was an overwhelming cry for connection that often felt met by this simple act of sending mail to complete strangers.” says Richmond.

The youngest participant was 7 years old. Many had never created mail art before, while others were well-experienced, starting their journey through the art form as early as the 1970s.

There are submissions from pen pals (one from Sri Lanka and one from Spain) who met during Covid19 and chose to participate together. There are submissions from a young boy and his Nana who were missing each other. There is a submission from a family who chose to complete this project as a team.

The Mail Art Stories Project will be available for sale on April 20 via Amazon, through openskystories.com or boldmovesstudio.com and can soon be ordered through any bookstore via Ingram Spark.

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Local Author Emulates The Feeling Of Anxiety in Book 'Pixie and the Bees'

Local author and business owner Erika Richmond of Open Sky Stories hosted a book signing for her book ‘Pixie and the Bees’ at the modern Makers Market Shop on Tuesday.

Erika Richmond at Modern Makers Market Shop. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Richmond wrote ‘Pixie and the Bees’ based on her experience living with anxiety.

She says a few years ago she was experiencing health issues, and having a hard time getting diagnosed.

“I was in physical pain, I was nauseous 2/7, this lasted about a year. My doctor was amazing, she saw me weekly, did every test she could, she kept bringing up the possibility of anxiety and I would say no, that’s not it - it’s too physical it can’t be that,” said Richmond.

Eventually Richmond accepted her diagnosis and began writing about her experience, and Pixie was born.

The story of Pixie and the Bees is about a young pixie that one day swallows a swarm of bees, though doctors can’t seem to help her and her friends don’t know what is wrong with her.

“I felt like I had bees swarming and buzzing through my entire body, and that was the only way I could describe it,” she said.

Pixie goes on a journey of learning what can make her feel better like riding her bike or going outside. As she begins to learn more the bees come out one by one.

“To be honest I wasn’t sure how to end it, because I can’t have a full on happy ending - so at the end the bees don’t all go away, she just learns and learns to trust herself again.”

Initially when Richmond wrote this book, because it was about her own experience, she thought it would be a book for adults.

But Richmond teamed up with local artist Brooklin Holbrough to illustrate the book, and that opened it up to be read by all ages.

“I have had so many people reach out to me whos children have read it and love it. It never mentions anxiety, it doesn’t say anything about mental health, it’s just a story and they get it on a very different level than adults do.”

In addition to being an author Richmond founded Open Sky Stories, a community that encourages connection, creativity and collaboration through writing.

Her products, which include collections of writing prompts, fortune cookies and ‘Pixie and the Bees’, can be purchased at Modern Makers Market Shop, Hi Ho Silver, Watson and Lou and online.

For more information about Open Sky Stories visit their website, Instagram or Facebook.

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Local Author David Goyette Launches 'Heading to Happy: Fourty Notes on a Life of Learning'

Local author David Goyette is launching his new book, “Heading to Happy: Forty Notes on a Life of Learning” on Dec. 2.

Photo courtesy of David Goyette.

The free launch event will take place at Showplace Performance Centre. Doors open at 5 p.m. and presentations take place at 5.30 p.m.

Goyette describes the book – his fifth – as a personal prescription for behaviour that opens the door to a happier life.

Originally published in 2011, “Heading to Happy” is a 250-page compilation of the author’s lifetime lessons in the art of living. Those lessons include behaviours affecting issues such as fairness, conflict, consumption, intuition, criticism, forgiveness, labelling, failure and learning.

“On its 10th anniversary, I decided to revise, update and reissue the book. I did so primarily because of the troubling disconnect that the pandemic has had on so many people, and the hope that they might benefit from a sharing of my own life learnings,” said Goyette.

Paul Rellinger is the host for the event. Reading selected passages from the book will be Victoria Pearce, Peterborough Councillor Henry Clarke and Douro Dummer Councillor Heather Watson.

Proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to the Trent Valley Literacy Association.

“Heading to Happy” is available at Happenstance Books and on ebay.

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Selwyn Public Library is Hosting an Online Auction to Support Library Services

The Selwyn Public Library is holding an online silent auction from Nov. 1- Nov. 12, to raise funds toward the Support Our Library Campaign.

Bridgenorth Branch of Selwyn Public Library. Photo courtesy of Selwyn Public Library.

Fundraising revenues support library services such as virtual collections and resources (eBooks and eAudiobooks), adult and children’s programs, and community outreach initiatives including the home library service, pop-up libraries, and our pollinator garden.

These funds have traditionally been raised through the effort of volunteers at the libraries New-to-You stores, along with annual book sales. However, with the required intermittent closures of these stores and the inability to hold our annual book sales due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the library has been exploring new ways to raise these revenues.

This year's goal is to raise $10,000.

Selwyn Public Library’s Auction will be completely online, allowing participants to bid for items from home.

The auction is made possible through generous donations from community members and local businesses. It will feature a wide variety of interesting items including artwork, gift baskets, unique experiences, and gift certificates.

To view items and to bid, visit www.galabid.com/selwynlibrary

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Peterborough Public Library Closed Due to Water Main Closure

The Peterborough Public Library announced on Monday that due to the water main to the building being shut off, the building will be closed until Wednesday.

File Photo.

Library material can still be returned using the return slot on the north side of the building, next to the Library Commons.

Access to digital material is available while the Library is closed by visiting ptbolibrary.ca and clicking on the Browse tab.

Library books can also be borrowed from the Library Kiosk at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

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New Canadians Centre Launches Children's Book Inspired by Newcomers to Peterborough

Author and illustrator Casandra Lee has brought six children’s stories to life in her new book, “Building a Home” during a book launch at the New Canadians Centre (NCC) on Monday.

Jorge Escalera (far right), poses with his family at Monday’s book launch. Escalera is one of six children whose story inspired Building a Home. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The book draws inspiration from children experiencing new cultures for the first time after immigrating to Canada.

Bhisham Ramoutar, NCC communication and engagement specialist, had the idea for a book two years ago when a newly immigrated family was served pizza for the first time.

“We got thinking about all the big things and the small things that children have to face when they come to a new country,” said Ramoutar. “We wanted to find a way to share those unique experiences.”

When Lee began volunteering at the NCC, Ramoutar knew he had found the perfect candidate to bring his idea to life.

Lee met with the six children that were from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Pakistan. They currently live and attend school in Nogojiwanong–Peterborough.

“Writing ‘Building a Home’ was really a dream come true for me,” she said. “Working directly with children and then translating that into a written, illustrated children’s book was really special.”

Casandra Lee reads Building a Home at the launch on Monday. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Over the course of five weeks, Lee met with the children over Zoom. They spoke about shared experiences they were faced with when coming to Peterborough. A recurring theme was their love for their mothers cooking, opposed to new foods they were offered in Canada.

Jorge Escalera, 11, came to Canada from Monterrey, Mexico in 2016 when he was six after his father received a job opportunity at Quaker Oats Peterborough. He was one of the six children that shared his story.

“I was very excited when my mom told me I could participate,” said Escalera. “I was so happy, it felt amazing.”

There are free 400 copies of “Building A Home” available from the David Goyette & Victoria Pearce Arts Fund at the United Way of Peterborough and District. Copies can be ordered here and picked up at the NCC office in Peterborough and Cobourg. A digital copy of the book is available for free online.

Educators are invited to book a reading of “Building a Home” by Lee or other newcomers associated with the New Canadians Centre depending on the timing of the reading. To book a reading email bhisham@nccpeterborough.ca.

“Building a Home” is available in English, Arabic, Bengali, French, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish.

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New Book Highlights Brothers that Brought Demolition Derbies to Peterborough

Peterborough journalist Ed Arnold has released a book about Walt and Bill Williams, who brought Trans Canada Hell Drivers and Demolition Derbies to the Peterborough area.

Photo found in Never say Never, signed by Walt Williams

Identical twins Walt and Bill Williams, from London, Ont., always had a knack for entertaining.

They started their careers playing the ukulele, piano and fiddle for admiring audiences. They then graduated to rollerblading, and performing stunts on trampolines. They took their acts all over North America, but it wasn’t until they got an invitation to perform as Hell Drivers at the New York World’s Fair, that their lives changed forever.

The brothers went home to Canada and formed the Trans Canada Hell Drivers and Demolition Derby, which quickly became the best known auto thrill show in Canada.

“We played all the fairs in Canada, and the Peterborough Exhibition was one of the better fairs in it’s day,” said Walt Williams. “ It was an exciting fair, we brought a lot of excitement there.”

Ed Arnold’s new book, Never Say Never, Walt and Bill Williams Story, highlights the brother’s lives and their travels around the world with the Trans Canada Hell Drivers.

“Our biggest thing was making people happy, and making them laugh at the shows,” he said. “ An entertainer always likes the applause.”

The Williams brothers brought the Trans Canada Hell Drivers and demolition derbies to the Peterborough Exhibition for decades.

“Even today the demolition derby is still the biggest drawing card at fairs,” said Williams. “Every fair has them.”

Williams, in his 80’s, has since retired from performing. While COVID-19 has put a stop to his beloved fairs, he says he enjoys getting out to see a show every once in a while.

To purchase Never Say Never, Walt and Bill Williams Story, click here.

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Book Launch About Basic Income Comes to Local Café

The Basic Income Peterborough Network, KPR Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario and Nourish hosted a launch for “The Case for Basic Income – Freedom, Security, Justice” by Elaine Power and Jamie Swift at The Silver Bean Café, on Wednesday.

Elaine Powers and Jamie Swift sign books on Wednesday. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Swift, a journalist from Kingston, began exploring the idea of a basic income in 2013 while working with the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, a social activism group of Catholic Nuns.

The duo met when Swift moved to Kingston and began teaching at Queen’s University.

Under the leadership of former Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne, Hamilton and Lindsay were both selected as trial sites for the Ontario Basic Income Pilot in 2017.

This program saw 4,000 low-income earners receive $17,000 if they were single and $24,000 if coupled and included a $6,000 top-up for disabled people.

For people working low-wage jobs while participating, their basic income was reduced by 50 cents for every dollar they earned until they hit a cap of $34,000 for singles and about $48,000 for couples.

This pilot program ended a few months after it started when Doug Ford was voted premier.

Swift and Power began interviewing individuals that participated in the pilot program in 2018 and released the book in May 2021.

“I hope that anyone that reads this learns that Canada’s social assistance system is broken and corrupted and cruel. We live in a country that has more than enough to provide everybody with enough,” said Swift. “Basic livable income is one tool to address Canada - one of the richest countries in the world, that has millions of people living in poverty - basic livable income is one way to address Canada’s gnawing and grinding issue.”

Peterborough’s jazz trio, Chester Babcock perform at the Silver Bean on Wednesday. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

“My ultimate hope is that Canada has a basic income for anyone who needs it,” said Power. “I hope that in 50 years we can’t imagine that we ever lived without it. It seems like such a no brainer for me”

At Wednesday’s event, Swift and Power participated in a question-and-answer period and were joined by Peterborough’s jazz trio, Chester Babcock.

For more information about A Case for Basic Income, Freedom, Security, Justice or to buy the book, click here.

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Former PTBOCanada Owner Releases New Motivating Book With StudioPTBO

Former PTBOCanada owner Neil Morton is doing well for himself.

He and Cody May, StudioPTBO C.E.O. have released their new book, “What if you Could? The Mindset and Business Blueprint for Your Life of Purpose” on Monday.

StudioPTBO owner Neil Morton (left) and CEO Cody May (right) celebrate the release of thier new book. May suggested the idea of writing the book to Morton over two years ago. Photo Courtesy of StudioPTBO.

The book gives its readers an energetic blueprint and template to live your best life. It could bring an idea to life, pursue leisurely goals or anything to help maximize your life without bringing negativity according to Morton.

“A lot of us are wired to think we can’t do things when human beings are actually capable of amazing things,” he said. “‘Why can’t you do something?’, if you have that mindset, you can crush anything.”

StudioPTBO was founded in 2015 Neil Morton and Nora Mickee. Cody May joined the partnership in April of 2018. Photo Courtesy of StudioPTBO.

The book was a project on Morton’s bucket list that he wanted to cross off. The timing for the book’s release could not be more perfect since Canada is opening up from the pandemic with no better opportunity to go for it Morton explained.

“One of the big messages of the book is to go get it now and just do it,” he said. “I know it sounds simple but so many people have that mindset now. That we’re not just going to survive but thrive.”

Readers have already received their book pre-orders and gave the authors overwhelming positive reviews.

“So far, the feedback has been phenomenal,” Morton exclaimed. “We’ve been using the hashtag #whatifyoucan. It’s been incredible.”

Cody May (left) and Neil Morton (right) outside StudioPTBO, Morton’s marketing service agency business he focuses on after selling PTBOCanada in March. Photo Courtesy of StudioPTBO.

The former owner of PTBOCanada makes numerous references to Peterborough in the book. He cites his deep local connection with the city and why he moved back home after living in Toronto for many years.

The book is currently available on Amazon for Kindle, Amazon for paperback and Barnes & Noble paperback. The book will soon be available in the Peterborough Public Library and Trent University’s Bata Library, Morton’s alma mater. He is also working to get the book sold by Chapters in Peterborough as well as other local book stores.

Morton had co-founded PTBOCanada with Evan Holt in 2010. It was sold to current owner Kirtus Evoy in March after owning the business for over a decade.

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