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The Main Ingredient Under New Ownership After 43 Years Of Serving Peterborough
/The Main Ingredient torch has been passed on as longtime owners Ken and Deb Fraser have sold the Peterborough business to couple Mike and Whitney Hall announced in a Facebook post on Friday.
From left to right: Mike Hall, Deb Fraser, Ken Fraser, Whitney Hall and Summer Hall. The Main Ingredient first opened at 326 Charlotte St. and had a now-closed second location called Main Ingredient Too on 111 Hunter St. E. Photo courtesy of The Main Ingredient.
Located at 326 Charlotte St., The Main Ingredient has been selling supplements, ingredients, dried fruits and more since 1979.
The Fraser’s opened the environmentally-conscious, buy-what-you-need, bulk health food store and promoted the use of reusable containers to reduce excess waste. After 43 years they have decided to retire as the owners of The Main Ingredient.
“We will always be thankful for every customer who chose to shop local and step through our doors. We’ve always known that we have the BEST customers and Peterborough is the best place to do business,” wrote Fraser. “There comes a time, however, when one must decide to pass on the baton. Deb and I are retiring. We have a lovely couple that have chosen to take on that baton.”
The Halls are musicians and their band Paper Shakers performed at Peterborough Musicfest in 2019.
Mike began working at The Main Ingredient a year and a half ago. He quickly stepped into a managerial role, as Whitney helped the brand with social media and marketing.
In August 2021, he was approached by Ken to take over the store.
“There were so many qualities I think that Ken saw of himself in Mike, and knowing that we are having our own little family I think he sees him and Deb,” said Whitney.
The new owners are used to being business partners in the music industry but say buying and running The Main Ingredient has been a learning curve.
“We’re used to promoting singles and asking the press to come to a rock show, and now we’re like ‘do you need a cup of flour?’” laughed Mike.
These new owners say they are excited to explore what they can bring to the business and hope to expand the catalogue of kitchenware and kitchen decor items they sell.
“It’s been really fun for me to get to dream a little bit for the both of us, like where we want this to go and how we can best serve our community,” said Whitney. “We would love to turn The Main Ingredient into a foodie community. Somewhere where people love to cook and love to eat, where they can come to find new ingredients and products.”
“We want to create a very fun culture for students, the elderly, everybody. A place to come eat food, talk about food and have a good time,” said Mike.
Peterborough Public Health Issues Alert From Increased Drug Poisonings
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings on Monday afternoon.
File Photo.
On Saturday, PPH detected a higher than usual number of drug-related Emergency Department Visits.
“Peterborough Public Health has detected an increase in opioid-related harms,” said Jocelyn Qualtrough, PPH health promoter. “This is thought to be the result of a product recently sold as fentanyl which may be contaminated with toxic substances of inconsistent or increased potency. We are now reaching out to the public as part of our enhanced response and hope to prevent further harm in the community.”
There were a total of five drug-related poisonings that were treated by the emergency department. PPH suspects to be the result of an opiate product with an increased level of toxicity.
PPH reminds the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Even a small amount of drug can be fatal. In case of exposure to these substances, give Naloxone. This may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. Call 911 and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.
If you use drugs, Peterborough Public Health recommends that you:
Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., days a week.
If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.
Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.
Avoid mixing drugs.
Test your drug by using a small amount first.
Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.
PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in case of one:
Skin is cold and clammy
Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
Body is very limp
Can’t wake the person up
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
Pupils are very small
If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’.
“We hope that this alert will reach widespread audiences,” said Qualtrough. “We encourage members of the public to use the drug reporting tool.”
Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.
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Peterborough Public Health COVID-19 Risk Index Moves to High
/Peterborough Public Health (PHH) has reported that their Local COVID-19 Risk Index has moved from “moderate” to “high” on Wednesday.
File photo.
“We are seeing high rates of COVID-19 circulating in our community,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health. “However, COVID-19 is not the only respiratory illness that has started to circulate. We know that COVID-19 measures can protect us against respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza and it’s important that we get back to the basics to prevent further transmission.”
Public health is detecting an increase in all indicators including wastewater data, PCR test positivity, RAT count, case rate and hospitalizations.
In the last week, four COVID-19 related deaths were reported.
Current PPH guidance under the high level is to wear a mask for interactions with people outside of your household, limit indoor social gatherings and avoid high-risk settings.
Individuals who are at higher risk, such as those not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, older adults (60+) and immunocompromised individuals are especially encouraged to take additional precautions, such as wearing a mask for all interactions with people outside of your household and avoiding indoor social gatherings.
Locally Made Docuseries of Concussion Awareness Released for Rowan's Law Day
/In honour of Rowan’s Law Day to raise concussion awareness, local man Ryan Sutton and project leader Seth Mendelsohn have released a docuseries, ‘Recognize, Remove, Manage, Prevent’ for Peterborough schools and the general public on Wednesday.
Erica Evans, Trent University women’s field lacrosse head coach (pictured) is one of several Peterborough figures featured in the docuseries. Photo courtesy of PACA.
Rowan’s Law Day is named after Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old rugby player who died in May 2013 from sustaining multiple head injuries.
The docuseries was created just under two years ago where the title focuses on four key pillars of a concussion. All Peterborough schools within the Catholic and public school boards are It was created by Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness (PACA).
It is directed toward parents with children in sports, coaches, healthcare providers and anyone associated with youth sports.
The docuseries is focused on the Peterborough area with testimonials from local athletes, coaches and healthcare professionals. However, it is relevant to anyone involved in youth sport.
Mendelsohn and Sutton were former youth athletes. Both had suffered concussions at young ages and had to cope with their injuries growing up.
“We started to learn that although we both sustained concussions, both in high school, both from sports, the way they both presented each other was very different,” said Sutton. “Concussions are all unique to each person who sustains so that’s another thing that we always try and highlight. Just because someone sustained it in one way and maybe they recovered very quick, it doesn’t mean it’s always going to be like that for everybody.”
They created the docuseries roughly two years ago to provide free, accessible educational and awareness resources to understand how to recognize a concussion, what to do if you suspect one has occurred, how to manage its symptoms and ways to prevention.
Sutton has had eight concussions with five before the age of 20 and three in high school.
“As a young person going through the injury, you don’t really understand what’s fully happening,” he explained. “You don’t grasp the full scope of the injury itself and it’s really hard to navigate through social situations when you’re not feeling like yourself, you’re not feeling like being capable of being there even though you look like you’re able to be there.”
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Pfizer Vaccine Now Available to Children Ages Six Months to Five Years Old
/The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available across Ontario for all children aged six months to five years old according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).
Stock photo.
The announcement was by the provincial government made on Sunday. This is a three-dose primary series with recommended intervals of two months (56 days) between each of the three doses according to PPH.
“Health Canada’s approval means that the vaccine is safe, effective, high-quality, and will ensure that these children are also protected from severe illness,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health.
They recommended that no other vaccine, unless urgently required, should be given within 14 days of receiving a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Ontario Government is discouraging the mixing of vaccine brands at this time for this age group.
Any child who receive the Pfizer vaccine must receive all three doses in order to complete their primary series. Parents and caregivers request a vaccine brand at PPH’s clinic but receive whichever vaccine is available.
Dedicated vaccination clinics for these children are offered at the Peterborough Square (lower level of 340 George St N.) clinic.
One-hour underground parking is available for residents attending the clinic. The PPH immunization schedule and clinic calendar are available for updates on eligibility and appointment availability.
Parents and caregivers are can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for children:
Online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ OR
Over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900
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Canada Removing COVID-19 Border and Travel Measures For October 1
/The federal government is removing COVID-19 entry restrictions to anyone entering Canada beginning on Oct. 1, announced on Monday.
File Photo.
Any testing, quarantine and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada are being scrapped.
“We have reached the point where we can safely lift the sanitary measures at the border,” said Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos,
minister of health. “However, we expect COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses will continue to circulate over the cold months so I encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination including booster doses and exercise individual public health measures.”
The government’s decision to lift restrictions was due to several factors including indications of Canada largely passed the peak of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 wave, Canada’s high vaccination rates, lower hospitalization and death rates, high availability and use of vaccine boosters, rapid tests and treatments for COVID-19.
“Canada’s travel measures successfully mitigated the full impact of COVID-19 for travellers and workers in the transportation sector, and helped keep communities safe,” said Hon. Omar Alghabra,
minister of transport.
“Since the start, our Government has taken the necessary steps to keep Canadians safe in the face of a global pandemic,” said Hon. Marco Mendicino, minister of public safety. “COVID-19 border measures were always meant to be temporary and we are making adjustments based on the current situation because that’s what Canadians expect.”
Starting on Oct. 1, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
provide proof of vaccination;
undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving in Canada.
Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements for the date mentioned above as travellers will no longer be required to:
undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
wear masks on planes and trains.
Anyone who entered Canada two weeks prior to Oct. 1 is not required to complete the remainder of their quarantine or isolation or complete their testing requirements.
Despite the lifted masking requirement, The Government of Canada strongly recommended that all travellers wear high-quality and well-fitted masks while travelling.
Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.
The federal government urges anyone to not travel if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you become sick while travelling and are still sick prior to arrival, inform a flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer when entering Canada. A quarantine officer could be referred to and decides whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.
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Peterborough Public Health Reports First Influenza Case of the Season; Flu Shots Available This Fall
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has reported the first confirmed case of influenza in our region announced on Wednesday.
File Photo.
This year’s case comes significantly earlier than those identified prior to the pandemic according to PPH. They reported the first confirmed case of the 2018-19 flu season on Dec. 3 and Nov. 1 in the following year.
“We are seeing a very early start to the season and want to caution our community that a confirmed case typically indicates that influenza is already transmitting,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health. “Following trends from the southern hemisphere, we anticipate that influenza will make a strong resurgence this season. We strongly encourage residents to follow guidance to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19. This includes getting vaccinated with the flu shot when it becomes available this fall and checking the COVID-19 risk index and guidance regularly.”
The flu shot will be available later this fall and is free to all eligible residents. Residents over the age of six months are eligible for the flu shot when available.
“Like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine is very important for preventing severe symptoms related to the viral infection,” said Dr. Piggott. “We are strongly encouraging those with weaker immune systems, those who are pregnant, older adults, young children and caregivers of these individuals to receive their flu shot this fall.”
Residents over five years are reminded by PPH that the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered. There is no specific time interval that is required to wait between doses.
Dr. Piggott says residents that COVID-19 prevention measures are also effective at preventing an influenza infection. PPH encourages residents to,
Get the flu shot when it becomes available
Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 and other routine vaccines
Follow risk guidance measures recommended in the Local COVID-19 Risk Index
Wear a tightly fitting N95/KN95 mask to prevent transmission in higher risk and indoor settings, when the risk index advises
Be mindful of indoor air ventilation, and open windows, run HVAC regularly and otherwise improve indoor air ventilation
Stay home if you are feeling unwell
Wash your hands frequently
Clean and sanitize commonly-used surfaces frequently
Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue and washing hands afterwards
Peterborough’s Local COVID-19 Risk Index is moderate.
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Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Alert After Higher Number Reported Incidents
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings announced on Wednesday afternoon.
File Photo.
PPH detected a higher than usual number of drug-related Emergency Department Visits on Tuesday.
There was a total of five drug-related poisonings that were treated by the emergency department according to PPH. They suspect it as a result of an opiate product with an increased level of toxicity. The number of emergency department visits has prompted PPH to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms to the community.
“Peterborough Public Health has detected an increase in opioid-related harms,” said Joscelyn Qualthrough, PPH health promoter. “this is thought to be a result of a product recently sold as fentanyl which may be contaminated with toxic substances of inconsistent or increased potency.”
PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Even a small amount of drug can be fatal. Give Naloxone if necessary as it may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911, and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.
“If you use substances, do not use drugs alone. Have a plan,” said Qualthrough. “Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-6677. If you use with a friend, do not use it at the exact same time and always carry a Naloxone kit.”
If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:
Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days/week.
If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.
Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.
Avoid mixing drugs.
Test your drug by using a small amount first.
Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.
PPH encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:
Skin is cold and clammy
Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
Body is very limp
Can’t wake the person up
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
Pupils are very small
If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
