Peterborough Recognizes October As Latin American Heritage Month

The City of Peterborough officially recognizes October as Latin American Heritage Month, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued the following statement:

“I am honoured to recognize Latin American Heritage Month in the City of Peterborough. This is an opportunity to reflect on the rich history, culture and contributions the Latin American community has made here in Peterborough and across Canada.

Latin Americans have enriched our city with a tapestry of vibrant traditions, arts, music and cuisine. I encourage everyone to learn more about Latin American history and support the local events and businesses showcasing Latin American culture throughout the month.”

According to the Government of Canada, approximately 500,000 Canadians have a Latin American background, with roots in more than 22 countries. The Government of Canada officially recognized Latin American Heritage Month in 2018.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Seeking Nominations For Paul Harris Fellowship

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is seeking nominations for its prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition in honour of the founder of Rotary International in 1905.

Tom Jenkins (third from left) was a recipient last year for his work with Peterborough Bigs for over 20 years. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

According to Rotary, the Fellowship recognizes local individuals for their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area and the world at large. It is considered the highest honour Rotarians can give.

Nominations in the following categories can be completed online with the deadline on Friday.

Categories include:

  • Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community. 

  • International Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution toward to betterment of the communities in other parts of the world, and/or leadership toward work peace and understanding. 

  • Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent wit Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

  • Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions toward to youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

  • Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

  • Club Service: To recognize a Peterborough Rotary Club member for their outstanding service and dedication. 

The recipients will be celebrated at the Club’s Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Nov.18, the location of which will be determined. 

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Local Restaurant Owner Continues Tradition of Giving Free Meals To Anyone In Need For Thanksgiving Sunday

The Original Spaghetti House Pizzeria owner Ilir Sino is continuing his giving spirit tradition as he plans to give our free hot meals for Thanksgiving Sunday to anyone in need.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ILIR SINO.

He typically offers free hot meals during Easter and Christmas but has included Thanksgiving for this year.

Meals will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Spaghetti House, 512 George St. S. They can be picked up or delivered.

Sino announced on his Facebook that on Friday evening, he is inviting Peterborough and the surrounding area to come grab a meal. According to a Facebook comment on his original post, people can also request meals for others.

Sino has a history of philanthropy. In November 2022, he donated $1,500 to Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough. He has also donated to local sports teams and other charities.

He opened his production facility, Sino’s Fine Foods, located at 597 Monaghan Rd. in the summer of 2022. The business produces his sauces, dressings, soups, oven-ready dinners and more.

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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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