Members of the Canadian Forces during the 2015 "Maple Resolve" military training exercise in Alberta. You may spot military vehicles and soldiers wearing camouflage in the Kawarthas from November 24 to 26 for the "Worthy Charge" training exercise. (Photo: Sgt Dan Shouinard, Maple Resolve 15, LF2015-0025-033)
If you see military vehicles and soldiers carrying weapons on rural roads this weekend in the Kawarthas, don’t be concerned — it’s just a training exercise.
The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces has advised it will be conducting military training between Peterborough and Port Hope from Friday, November 24th to Sunday, November 26th.
Called “Worthy Charge”, the training exercise will involve members of the Ontario Regiment, the Queen’s York Rangers, and the Governor General’s Horse Guards. The training area may include Welcome, Cavan Monaghan, Garden Hill, Campbellcroft, Bewdley, Fraserville, Millbrook, and Bailieboro.
Members of the Canadian Forces during the 2015 “Maple Resolve” military training exercise in Alberta. While soldiers may be carrying weapons during the “Worthy Charge” training exercise in the Kawarthas from November 24 to 26, no live or blank ammuniction will be used. (Photo: Sgt Dan Shouinard, Maple Resolve 15, LF2015-0025-033)
On roads in these areas, you may encounter green military vehicles and soldiers wearing military camouflage and carrying weapons. The exercise will also include civilian vehicles (including minivans) and some soldiers dressed as enemy forces, wearing civilian clothing or camouflage.
The training exercise will not use any live or blank ammunition, explosives, or pyrotechnics.
For safety reasons, the military is asking members of the public to drive slowly when passing any military vehicles or personnel.
From December 14 through January 5 each year, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in the Christmas Bird Count. Wildlife organizations use data collected in this long-running census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. In the Kawarthas, there are counts taking place in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Hastings. (Photo: Camilla Cerea / Audubon)
Even if you’re not an avid bird watcher, you have likely heard of an annual tradition called the Christmas Bird Count.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Karen Halley, GreenUP Communications & Marketing Specialist.
The Christmas Bird Count started over a century ago, with 27 birders in 25 locales from Toronto to Pacific Grove in California. The initiative was led by ornithologist Frank Chapman, who proposed a conservation-oriented alternative to the traditional ‘side hunt,’ which was a Christmas Day competition to hunt the most birds and small mammals.
This alternative initiative to identify, count, and record all the birds found on Christmas Day in 1900 has turned into one of North America’s longest-running wildlife monitoring programs.
Another Christmas Bird Count season is just around the corner. Between December 14, 2017 and January 5, 2018, tens of thousands of bird and winter enthusiasts will rally together to count millions of birds across the continent as part of the 118th year of this long-running wildlife survey.
Members of the Peterborough Field Naturalists enjoy a chilly but rewarding day watching and counting waterfowl. Many species of birds can be seen throughout the winter season, including during the Christmas Bird Count that is happening in Peterborough on December 16th. All experience levels of birdwatchers are welcome to join in Peterborough County’s largest and longest running citizen science project. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Green UP)
Participants in Peterborough will take part in this fun winter tradition on Sunday, December 16th, many rising before dawn and counting birds until sunset.
Each year, Bird Studies Canada and the National Audubon Society help coordinate and support the efforts of more than 2500 counts throughout the Western Hemisphere. Christmas Bird Counts are run across Canada and the United States, as well as in Latin America, the Caribbean, and some Pacific Islands.
What are tens of thousands of bird watchers actually looking for during these counts? Data collected during each count includes details on the number of birds of each species seen or heard that day. Count areas are delineated in each locale by a 24-kilometre diameter circle. Surveying this same circle year after year contributes valuable long-term information about how winter birds are faring, both in each area and across the country.
Peterborough participants count birds in a 24-kilometre circular area centered on the intersection of Chemong Road and Sunset Boulevard. The count area is divided into 10 smaller areas and a team of participants is assigned to each area.
The Christmas Bird Count, which began in 1900 as an conservation-oriented alternative to a Christmas day hunting tradition, is the world’s longest-running citizen science project. (Photo; Audubon)
The Christmas Bird Count is a long-standing bird-watching tradition in Peterborough and long-term citizen science project facilitated locally by the Peterborough Field Naturalists. Our local Christmas Bird Count is now in its 66th year and is the longest running wildlife survey in Peterborough County.
Do you love bird watching? If you are interested in participating, there is still time to register.
“Organization of the Peterborough count is coming together,” says Martin Parker, Peterborough Field Naturalist member and local Christmas Bird Count compiler. “Many Peterborough Field Naturalist members and friends have registered to participate. There is still room for more birders with ten areas within the Peterborough count circle, each of which will be covered by a specific group of participants.”
Not quite sure if your bird identification skills are refined enough to participate? Novice or experienced, the Christmas Bird Count is for everyone.
Bird Studies Canada’s Christmas Bird Count Coordinator Liz Purves assures interested bird watchers and enthusiasts: “Every Christmas Bird Count participant is an important part of this valuable project for birds.”
Whether you like exploring forests, fields, and waters in search of lingering migrants, or prefer counting feeder birds from your window with a warm mug in hand, the Christmas Bird Count offers diverse opportunities for participation.
No matter how you contribute, all Christmas Bird Count observations are used to study the health of winter bird populations over time and guide conservation strategies to help birds and their habitats.
“Whether you participate for bird conservation, for some friendly birding competition, or for an excuse to get outside in the winter, your efforts are meaningful for birds,” Purves says.
The skill and dedication of thousands of volunteer Citizen Scientists harnessed during the Christmas Bird Count achieve incredible results that professional scientists and wildlife biologists could never accomplish alone.
VIDEO: The Christmas Bird Count narrated by late American ornithologist Chandler Robbins
Join one of the world’s largest citizen science projects this holiday season. During last year’s count in Canada, 14,000 participants in 447 counts across the country counted over three million birds of 278 species. Counts were conducted across diverse habitat types in each of Canada’s provinces and territories.
To register for the Peterborough Christmas Bird Count, you can contact Martin Parker by phone 705-745-4750 or by e-mail at mparker19@cogeco.ca.
There is also a Christmas Bird Count being conducted a bit further north in the Peterborough region: the 32nd annual Petroglyphs Christmas Bird Count will be held on Wednesday, December 27th. This count samples the bird life in an area that stretches from the north shore of Stoney Lake northward towards Aspley to Jack Lake. If you would like to participate in this count, please contact Colin Jones at colin.jones@ontario.ca.
Other counts in the area include the Fenelon Falls Christmas Bird Count, organized by Kawartha Field Naturalists, and the Rice Lake Plain Christmas Bird Count on the south shore of Rice Lake. Editor’s note: there are also counts in Cobourg and Bancroft.
For additional information and to register for these counts, visit the Bird Studies Canada website at www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc/.
A 45-year-old Peterborough man is facing even more charges in an ongoing fraud investigation into a student housing rental scam.
On Monday (November 20), Peterborough police had arrested the man and charged him with seven counts of fraud under $5,000 and seven counts of obtaining by false pretences.
Police allege the accused man had placed an online advertisement for a rental home in Peterborough and collected first and last month’s rent from post-secondary students, while knowing the home was either being sold or foreclosed. When a group of students returned to their rental home in late September 2017 and found a foreclosure notice on the door, they reported the incident to police.
On Tuesday (November 21), police received additional information that the accused man had accepted first and last month’s rent from two further victims for a room at a King Street residence with a move-in date of November 1, 2017. The two victims were never able to move into the residence.
Police allege the accused man knew he would be unable to have the building permits completed and the property signed off by the Peterborough Fire Department and other agencies by November 1, 2017. As a result of the investigation, the accused man is facing two additional counts of fraud under $5,000 and two counts of obtaining by false pretences.
The accused man remains in custody and is scheduled to appear again in court on November 22. The new charges will be read at this appearance.
Also on November 21, a Fire Prevention Officer from the Peterborough Fire Services attended the residence and as a result numerous charges were laid under the Fire Code. The accused man was advised that the property was not to be occupied as a rooming house.
On September 14, the accused man was fined a total of $20,000 for failing to comply with orders from the city fire department over fire safety issues, as a result of fire safety inspections at rooming houses owned by the accused man on Water Street, King Street, and Royal Drive.
The current investigation is ongoing. Police believe there may still be other victims and are encouraging anyone with similar concerns or experience to come forward and call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122.
Santa Claus and his reindeer return to Village Dental Centre in Lakefield on Friday, November 24th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to have a free photo taken with Santa while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. (Photo: Village Dental Centre / Facebook)
Christmas Social BAH at Kawartha Lakes Construction – December 13th
Kawartha Lakes Construction (KLC) will host the Chamber’s Annual Christmas Social once again this year, on Wednesday, December 13th from 5 to 8 p.m.
Join KLC’s staff, clients, and suppliers at their location at 3359 Lakefield Road, which will be beautifully decorated for the festive season. Mingle by the fireplace, check out the showroom, and enjoy holiday refreshments.
Kawartha Lakes Construction will be collecting toys for the Lakefield Lioness Club’s Toy Drive and donations for the Lakefield Community Food Bank. Once again this year, KLC will be running their employee DIY Christmas Tree challenge and will be asking guests to help pick the winner.
Peterborough County Sign By-Law – Extension of Public Comment Period
The Chamber would like to hear from any businesses impacted by the proposed change to the County Sign By-Law. Please send your thoughts to generalmanager@kawarthachamber.ca.
At its November 15th meeting, Peterborough County Council extended the public consultation period for review of the Sign By-Law 2007-55 and are seeking input into the new sign by-law for the County.
The intent is to address the proliferation of signs along County roadsides (particularly in Bush Country areas in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, Township of North Kawartha and the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen) that are not visually appealing in these natural areas. Read more.
Information related to Sign By-Law 2007-55, Bush Country Signs and the consultation process completed to date is available on the County website.
County Council has extended the public consultation period so that they can receive additional written submissions (email, letter) from any party interested. Please direct written submissions to pwinfo@ptbocounty.ca or via regular mail to: Bush Country Sign Consultation, County of Peterborough, County Court House, 470 Water Street, Peterborough, ON, K9H 3M3. Submissions are due by Friday, January 5, 2018 at 2 p.m.
RTO8 Experiential Training – January 22nd – 25th
Are you tired of the typical classroom or conference-type training? IGNITE Kawarthas Northumberland is different.
The program, taking place from January 22nd to 24th, 2018, involves a combination of physical activity, cultural interaction, and engaging with companies who are well known and respected in the Explorer’s Edge region of Ontario.
This learning opportunity at beautiful Northern Edge Algonquin in Algonquin Park received rave reviews from those who attended last March.
Santa Claus & Live Reindeer at Village Dental Centre – November 24th
Santa Claus and his live reindeer will be at Village Dental Centre (57 Queen St., Lakefield) on Friday, November 24th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to have a free photo taken with Santa while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. There will also be a prize raffle to enter.
Don’t forget to bring your letters for Santa!
Santa Claus Parades in Apsley and Warsaw – November 25th
The Apsley Lions Club is hosting the annual Santa Claus Parade and Christmas Party on Saturday, November 25th. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at the Apsley Public School, continues along Burleigh Street to Wellington, then along Jack Lake Road to the North Kawartha Community Centre, where the festivities ensue. Inside the North Kawartha Community Centre, refreshments are served along with “Loot” bags for kids 10 and under.
Also on November 25th, the Township of Douro-Dummer will be hosting the annual Santa Claus parade in the hamlet of Warsaw. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at the Warsaw Public Works garage and continue through the village. The theme this year is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Following the parade, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony held in the gazebo next to the Town Hall in Warsaw.
Holiday Home Tour in Buckhorn – November 26th
The 7th Annual Holiday Home Tour on Sunday, November 26th features five beautiful homes decorated for the Christmas season.
The Buckhorn Community Centre presents the 7th Annual Holiday Home Tour on Sunday, November 26th.
Tour five beautiful homes decorated for the Christmas season. Included in the tour of homes is the Princess Margaret Lottery home, and four lake front properties.
Limited tickets are on sale for $20, which includes a tour of five homes and a complimentary tea room with homemade goodies.
PolarFest Announces Commercial Press & Design as a Community Sponsor
PolarFest is very pleased to announce that Commercial Press & Design will be supporting the festival in 2018 as a community sponsor.
PolarFest will be taking place on February 2nd to 4th. For more information, visit www.polarfest.ca.
Selwyn Township Open House Strategic Plan and Recreation Services Plan – November 23rd
Members of the public are invited to provide their feedback on the Township of Selwyn Strategic Plan and Recreation Services Plan updates.
Drop in to Township of Selwyn Council Chambers, 1310 Centre Line, on Thursday, November 23rd between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Selwyn Township Seeking Members for Economic Development & Business Committee
Are you or someone you know interested in economic development and business expansion?
The Township of Selwyn is looking for a member to join its Economic Development & Business Committee. Selwyn ratepayers and business owners are invited to apply no later than 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 30th.
Read more information regarding the Committee, application requirements and how to submit your application.
Selwyn Township Economic Development Survey for Residents & Business Owners
The Township of Selwyn is on a mission to ensure local businesses thrive to increase employment opportunities and wants to hear what you have to say about the local economy.
As a thank you, each person who completes the survey before December 15th will be entered to win a $250 gift card to be used at a Selwyn business. Click here to take the survey.
PKT Launches New Website to Inspire Visitors to Experience Region’s Unique Offerings
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism has launched a new and improved website that aims to attract visitors with powerful, emotive storytelling and uniquely curated experiences that set the region apart from other destinations.
The revamped thekawarthas.ca is now live in beta version and will continue to be a key component of the destination marketing organization’s robust marketing and communications effort to increase awareness of the region and enhance visitor experiences while they are here. Learn more.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Magic Weekend at the Buckhorn Community Centre – November 25th & 26th
Christmas by Candlelight – December 2nd & 3rd
Holly Tea & Loonie Auction Harvey Community Care – December 6th
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
According to organizers of the November 19th benefit for Rick Young at The Venue, around 500 tickets were sold. With sponsors, musicians and volunteers donating the space, their talents and their time, every penny of the $25 cost will go to the Youngs as Rick continues his battle against non-Hodgkin lymphoma. (Photo: Barry Duff / Facebook)
Timing, they say, is everything.
While Sunday’s benefit for Rick Young raised some serious cash for the cancer-diagnosed singer and musician, it also raised high the spirits of a close-knit community of musicians and live music followers still reeling from the recent sudden loss of singer and guitarist Jan Schoute.
“It’s been a hell of a couple of weeks emotionally,” says Gailie Young, Rick’s wife and longtime musical partner in the aftermath of the “I Get By With A Little Help From Friends” benefit held on November 19th at The Venue.
“The benefit was the release of positivity. Everybody just wanted to be happy and have a great time. The room was so full of love.”
And full of people. According to event organizers, some 500 tickets were sold, with every penny of the $25 cost assisting the Youngs as Rick continues his battle against non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Combine that with the $10,335 raised to date via a GoFundMe campaign, along with raffle and 50-50 draw proceeds brought in at the event, and you get the picture.
A total of 10 acts (Jackson Delta Electric, Bobby Watson and Kate Kelly with The Crown Royals, The Fabulous Tonemasters, Al Black and The Steady Band, The Rob Phillips Band, House Brand, Max Mouse and The Gorillas, Groove Authority, The Quickshifters, and Dennis and Michael O’Toole) took to the stage, each performing for free. (Photo: Steph Meleady / Facebook)
With music performance the sole source of the couple’s income, the proceeds will go a long way in easing their burden.
Also playing a huge role in the event’s success were sponsors The Venue, kawarthaNOW.com, Kawartha TV and Stereo, Long and McQuade, Signarama, and Porter Sound. And artist John Climenhage donated his talents, creating two paintings live at the event that were then raffled off.
Meanwhile, a small army of volunteers took on various roles, including Andy Pryde who technically managed the stage for each act.
Rick Young was unable to attend the benefit, but watched the nine-hour event at home via a live stream feed set up by Sean Daniels. Attendees showed their support for Rick by taking photos with a cut-out of the much-loved musician. (Photo: Mark Beatty / Facebook)
And as is often the case at such events, spontaneous acts of kindness abounded, including the donation of $120 by Washboard Hank and Catfish Willie — the contents of their tip jar from their Sunday afternoon gig at The Black Horse.
While Rick couldn’t be at the benefit — he’s resting in anticipation of his third round of chemotherapy in early December at PRHC — he watched the nine-hour event at home via a live stream feed set up by Sean Daniels. Gailie’s mother, Beatrice McLaren, also watched from her home.
“Gailie and I are used to doing benefits for other people,” Rick says, a reference to their stepping up big time at previous benefits for Bobby Watson, Buzz Thompson and Lydia Black, the granddaughter of drummer and singer Al Black.
“When it’s turned around and it’s all aimed at you, well, I felt like I was being a bother. It took me awhile to accept the love and generosity … to learn how to do that. That was something new.”
Musicians performing a rousing rendition of “With A Little Help From My Friends” (the Joe Cocker version) at the benefit. (Photo: Catherine Bailie McGrath / Facebook)
What wasn’t new was the outpouring of support Peterborough’s music community showed one of their own.
A total of 10 acts — Jackson Delta Electric, Bobby Watson and Kate Kelly with The Crown Royals, The Fabulous Tonemasters, Al Black and The Steady Band, The Rob Phillips Band, House Brand, Max Mouse and The Gorillas, Groove Authority, The Quickshifters, and Dennis and Michael O’Toole — took to the stage, each performing for free. Like Rick and Gailie, all have called The Black Horse Pub home at various times over the years.
VIDEO by Steph Meleady
“We would go out and do our gigs but we had no idea the impact of that until Sunday … people came out of the woodwork,” says Gailie, who’s performing Monday nights at The Black Horse with several musical friends stepping in to fill the void created by Rick’s absence.
“This has really lifted Rick’s spirits,” says Gailie, noting he has lost 35 pounds off his already lean 190 pounds.
“Like anybody who has an illness, he was pretty down. But he has seen the messages on Facebook. He knows he’s got so much love behind him. There are days when he’s okay and bopping around. Other days, he feels really tired and weak from the chemo but, overall, the man is so optimistic, it’s amazing. He still has his hair … he still has the white mane.”
“I have to do everything in slow motion” is Rick’s self-assessment.
Following his fourth and final chemotherapy session in early January, Rick will be assessed to determine what course of action, if any, will be required moving forward.
“I hope to return to the (music) scene some time in February or March … it was nice having a little break for awhile after playing every weekend for 12 years but I miss it,” says Rick.
Rick Young holds a copy of “The Lost Album”, Rick and Gailie’s first record containing 16 original songs written by Rick. The CD was released at the benefit concert but can also be purchased online and may soon be available at Moondance in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: SLAB Productions)
Meanwhile, Sunday’s benefit also saw the official release of The Lost Album, Rick and Gailie’s first CD. Comprised of 16 original songs penned by Rick, it was produced by Pryde and finished in time to be ready for the benefit.
“We’re starting to get some really nice reviews,” says an elated Gailie.
“You never know. You do the work, a labour of love, and you put it out there and then you sit there with your hand over your mouth going ‘Oh my God, what have I done?'”
The Lost Album is available for purchase for $20 on Rick and Gailie’s new website at therickgailieband.bandzoogle.com/music and, according to Gailie, possibly soon at Moondance Music.
Peterborough-born Gailie met Toronto-born Rick at a house party in 1971 and struck up a close friendship.
In 1992, her marriage at an end, Gailie reconnected with Rick, who moved with her back to Peterborough to live with Gailie and her young daughter Stephanie. They married in 2003.
It was at Historic Red Dog, at the urging of singer Charlotte Melby, that the duo first performed at open mic events. That marked the start of a four-year Wednesday evening gig at the Hunter Street West pub.
A fixture at The Black Horse Pub since it opened 12 years ago this past August, Rick and Gailie are known for their uniquely harmonized covers of Beatles music as well as hits by other 1960s British Invasion bands such Herman’s Hermits and Gerry and The Pacemakers.
Musician Neil Young driving by Coronation Hall in Omemee, Ontario during filming of the 2011 documentary "Journeys" directed by Jonathan Demme. It's looking more and more likely that the "Somewhere In Canada" concert will take place on December 1, 2017 at Coronation Hall in Omemee, where Young spent his formative childhood years. (Photo: Sony Pictures)
Canadian-born music icon Neil Young will be performing a 90-minute live streaming concert on Friday, December 1st — and there are rumours it may take place in his childhood hometown of Omemee.
According to Billboard, the concert called “Somewhere In Canada” will take place at a venue with a capacity of about 200. Reportedly, there are holds on a number of venues across Canada.
The concert coincides with the December 1st release of Young’s latest record The Visitor, as well as the opening of the Neil Young Archives — a comprehensive chronological collection of Young’s entire catalog of recorded music, films, videos and books, with free audio streaming (at least initially).
So why the speculation the concert will take place in Omemee? On his Facebook page on November 11th, Young — who now lives in northern California — wrote:
“December 1st will be a big day for me. The Visitor will be coming to your town. I will be going to my town. You will be able to hear me and see me. My archive will open on that same day, a place you can visit and experience every song I have ever released in the highest quality your machine will allow. It’s the way it’s supposed to be. In the beginning, everything is free.”
It’s the line “I will be going to my town” that has prompted rumours the concert will take place in Omemee, the small town near Peterborough where Young spend his formative childhood years and is referenced in the song “Helpless”.
Young most recently visited Omemee this past September (he was also spotted at several locations in Peterborough along with his girlfriend, actress Daryl Hannah).
However, before you get too excited by the possibility, it should be noted Young also grew up in Toronto and Pickering as well as Winnipeg.
“Somewhere In Canada” is being produced by Bell Media in partnership with his Shakey Pictures and will be directed by Hannah.
The concert will be live streamed on Friday, December 1st at 8 p.m. EST in Canada exclusively on CTV.ca (or by using the free CTV GO app) and on iHeartRadio.ca. Note: the concert will not be broadcast on CTV on cable or over the air, it’s available online only.
For people living outside of Canada, the concert will be live streamed on Facebook (the Facebook stream will not be available to Canadian residents) — visit www.facebook.com/ctv for details.
Young teases secret location
After the concert announcement, Young himself has continued to tease his fans on social media about where the concert may be staged.
First, on November 22nd, he posted a photo of himself beside a train with a tumbleweed and wrote “enounter with a tumbleweed heading north”. He was wearing a Winnipeg, Canada t-shirt, implying he is travelling to Winnipeg.
Then, on November 24th, Young posted a video of him riding on what appears to be train while playing guitar and wrote “pickerin’ and a grinnin / see you soon” — modifying the common bluegrass idiom to imply that he is heading to Pickering.
If this is another clever misdirection by Young, then the remaining option of Omemee seems most likely.
kawarthaNOW has also received a third-hand report from a source claiming the concert will be held at Omemee’s Coronation Hall and that advance tickets are already being distributed to selected people.
However, despite requests to several people in the know, we have been unable to confirm the report.
Neil Young. (Photo: Christopher Wahl)
This story will be updated as more details become available.
When Dr. Wagdy Rayes retired at the end of June and closed his practice at Apsley Medical Centre, residents of the town of Apsley were left without a family doctor.
While the search for a new family doctor for Apsley continues, the Peterborough Family Health Team (PFHT) has been exploring temporary solutions since Dr. Rayes announced his retirement. There are around 1,000 residents of Apsley who currently do not have a family doctor.
“It is Peterborough Family Health Team’s responsibility to ensure all residents of the City and Country of Peterborough have access to adequate primary health care services,” says PFHT Executive Director Lori Richey.
“We continue to search for a permanent family doctor to take over the primary care for patients, but in the meantime we need a solution. People cannot go without access to care.”
One of the temporary solutions is a telemedicine clinic, where patients could consult with a “virtual” family doctor.
VIDEO: Telemedicine puts a doctor virtually at your bedside
Telemedicine uses telecommunication and information technology to provide clinical health care from a distance. The doctor and the patient communicate through a computer, with a registered practical nurse present to conduct any physical examination required, to take blood pressure, administer medications, etc.
Through the use of technology, the virtual doctor is able to see the patient’s vital signs in real time. The virtual doctor can also provide prescriptions.
This temporary clinic would also enroll patients and then, once a new family dcotor is recruited and is running a practice, smoothly transition them to the new family doctor.
“The Peterborough Family Health Team has supported our community in terms of providing basic primary care to our residents,” says Mayor Rick Woodcock of North Kawartha Township. “I have no doubt that once the pieces are aligned for the telemedicine service, our town will once again have access to the care we require.”
While PFHT works on implementing the telemedicine approach, Apsley residents who require care have the following options:
Visit the Lakefield VON Nurse Practitioner Clinic at 150 Strickland Street in Lakefield. The clinic is open Wednesdays and Thursdays. Residents are encouraged to book an appointment in advance by calling 705-651-4866.
Visit Peterborough Regional Health Centre at 1 Hospital Drive in Peterborough if you urgently require health care services.
While there is a Nurse Practitioner Hub at 183 Burleigh Street in Apsley, that service is currently at full capacity and can only provide care to patients who are already enrolled. When a new family doctor has been recruited, the nurse practitioner and all enrolled patients will be transferred to the new family practice.
Aidan Wilson as Baloo, Asha Hall-Smith as Mowgli, and Dan Smith as Shere Khan in Arbor Theatre's upcoming holiday production of "The Jungle Book" at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough on December 7th and 8th. (Photo: Arbor Theatre)
For 22 years, Arbor Theatre has celebrated the winter holiday season by presenting a theatrical adaptation of a classic fairy tale or a literary classic. This year, Arbor Theatre and Showplace Performance Centre are presenting The Jungle Book at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 7th and Friday, December 8th.
The Jungle Book is a collection of stories written in 1894 by English author Rudyard Kipling. The collection has been adapted many times for theatre, television, and film, most famously by Disney as an animated film in 1967 and again as a live action film in 2017.
Arbor Theatre’s production, written by Arbor Theatre’s Artistic Director Ray Henderson and co-directed by Ray and Brianna Hill, is a humorous take the entire family can enjoy.
“This is a zany high-energy show with some big dance numbers and the usual Arbor twists on this classic tale,” Ray says. “There are some characters from the original book that weren’t in the movie, along with comedy that will appeal to all ages.”
The Arbor Theatre production features an original score by Beau Dixon and choreography by Lakefield College student Madison Sheward along with Rachel Froggot and Kate Bemrose. The show has a cast of 51 actors ranging in age from three to 70 years old, with Asha Hall-Smith in the role of Mowgli, Aidan Wilson as Baloo, and Dan Smith as Shere Khan.
The cast and crew for “The Jungle Book” hamming it up during a rehearsal. (Photo: Arbor Theatre)
At the Thursday evening show, a silent auction will be held before the performance and during intermission, with items donated by local businesses and organizations. Funds raised will go to support Arbor Theatre’s programs.
All performances have been supported through funding from the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Foundation, the Pilkington-Henniger Charitable Trust, and the Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $8 for children under 12 years old. Tickets are available in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough), by calling 705-742-7469, or online at www.showplace.org. Quantities of four or more tickets are available for $10 each (not available online).
In addition to the public performances on December 7th and 8th, some tickets are still available for performances for local schools taking place from December 5th to 8th at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. The cost is $8 per student, and free for teachers and one parent chaperone for every seven kids ($8 for additional parent chaperones).
Bookings for school performances are available by calling 705-295-7046 or 705-741-8763 or by emailing arbortheatre@gmail.com.
The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age and is especially important for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and anyone who takes care of people in these groups
In case there was any doubt flu season is upon us, Peterborough Public Health today (November 20) reported the first confirmed case of seasonal influenza in the area.
The timing is not unusual, as last year’s first confirmed case was reported by Peterborough Public Health on November 17, 2016, but it’s a reminder of the importance of getting vaccinated for the flu.
“The case is lab-confirmed for influenza, and we now know that seasonal influenza is circulating in our community,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Usually there are more cases of influenza in the community than are reported by the lab, so we strongly encourage residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others as it’s still early in the season.”
It’s important to get your flu shot early in the season, as it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age, but is especially important for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and anyone who takes care of people in these groups.
Flu shots are widely available at many local pharmacies, from physician offices, and local walk-in clinics. To find out where free flu shots are available in the community, visit the flu clinic locator on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
Peterborough Public Health is also offering a free flu vaccine clinic in Millbrook, on Monday, December 4th from 6 to 8 p.m. The clinic takes place at the Cavan Monaghan Township Office Gymnasium (988 County Road 10, Millbrook). No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are welcome.
Since October 11th, Peterborough Public Health has distributed over 29,000 doses of the flu vaccine locally. This does not include flu shots provided by pharmacies.
In addition to getting the flu shot, Peterborough Public Health recommends taking the following precautions to reduce the spread of infection:
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 a tissue and wash your hands afterwards.
Commercial signs in "Bush Country". (Photo: Peterborough County)
The public has additional time to provide feedback on Peterborough County’s proposed new sign by-law, which would prohibit commercial advertising along county roadsides.
At the November 15th meeting, Peterborough County Council extended the public consultation period for review of Sign By-Law 2007-55 until 2 p.m. on January 5, 2018.
The proposed new by-law is intended to address the proliferation of signs along county roadsides (particularly in bush country areas in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, the Township of North Kawartha, and the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen). It would prohibit any third-party commercial or business advertising-related signage along county roadways, and any existing signs would be removed.
The proposed new sign by-law would affect the entire county, but is intended to address the problem of commercial signs along bush country roads in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, the Township of North Kawartha, and the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen. (Map: Peterborough County)
Under the proposed new by-law, only the following commercial signage would be allowed:
Signage installed on private property adjacent to the county road allowance (subject to municipal regulation)
Directional signage for wayfinding purposes, designed to Ontario Traffic Manual (Brown & White) design standard, and
Business kiosk signage as part of the Tourism Wayfinding Signage program of Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED).
Signage on privately owned properties would not be affected by the new by-law.
PKED, the City and County of Peterborough, the eight townships in the county, and Curve Lake First Nation are working on a Tourism Wayfinding Toolkit that will address kiosk-style business signage.
This type of signage could include a local or regional map, regional tourism highlights, site-specific information, listings of local businesses, and advertising, and could be installed at natural stopping place, parking lots, along cycling routes, at gas stations, and in public spaces.
To address tourism-related signage needs, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development, the City and County of Peterborough, local townships, and Curve Lake First Nation are working on a Tourism Wayfinding Signage program that will allow business kiosk signage. (Photo: Peterborough County)
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