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Hot off the Presses: The role of early Cobourg newspapers in creating community – speech to Cobourg Historical Society

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Speech Cobourg Historical Society
Jan. 25, 2011

Thank-you. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Strauss, members of the executive and, in particular, Ms. Rostetter-Saunders and ladies and gentlemen, I wish to start by thanking the Cobourg and District Historical Society for this incredible opportunity. This is an organization with a rich history of its own. While the most recent incarnation was formed in 1980, the society dates back to 1901.  When I think about all the people who have stood where I am tonight, I am deeply honoured to be speaking. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Academic, Academic, Community, Hyperlocal Journalism

New report shows violence against women on rise; so what is being done?

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Violence Against Women in Northumberland

Opportunities for strategic alliances exist across the region

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The numbers are not new. For some, they may not even be shocking. Violence Against Women in Northumberland is on the rise. Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, the Cobourg police, and others will tell you the same thing. What makes this report from Thrive Northumberland different is how it brings the situation into a sharp perspective. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Social Justice

The passing of a community figure and a special Christmas for the homeless

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Lydia Smith and Paul Pagnuelo

(On Monday, I was asked by Northumberland 89.7 FM to produce the newscast. These are two local stories I did for the 4 p.m. update.)

The co-founder of the Cobourg Taxpayers Association and a well-known community volunteer died on Christmas Day. Paul Pagnuelo, 73, had been ill for several years. Pagnuelo might best be remembered as a candidate for deputy mayor in the 2014 municipal election. He was defeated by John Henderson, who is the current mayor. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, News, Community, Politics, Social Justice

Perspectives on racism towards Indigenous people from an Alderville elder

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Racism is complicated. That was made really clear during my conversation with this week’s guest, Brian Beaver. He is a band council member for the Alderville Frist Nations. He was born and raised in the community. Then, he went off and worked elsewhere. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Social Justice

Time to sort yourself out around recycling, Phase 2 kicking in

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Show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Putting out garbage can be so frustrating. You go to put out the waste and you don’t have a bag tag. Or, you are lying in bed and suddenly the sound of the screeching brakes from the garbage truck snap you out of a deep sleep. You frantically rush to get stuff out to the curb. The entire time you are cursing under your breath that the truck came by at 10 in the morning last week. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Environment, Politics

Local small business preparing for Christmas shopping season, says councillor

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Show:

The full interview with bonus material:

I don’t know about your neighbourhood, but where I live there are lots of Christmas decorations going up. On my social media, friends are posting pictures of decked-out trees already. If you go to the stores, the Christmas sections are looking pretty decimated. People seem really keen to get ready for the holidays. That is no surprise. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Economy, Politics

Cobourg woman shares a story of abuse, pain and courage

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Quite often, when talking about women who are abused, people will say, “Why don’t they just leave.” But, it is never that simple. On today’s show, Nicole Thompson, a Cobourg resident, will share her story of abuse. It is a story told with conviction and with brutal honesty. More than anything, it is a story about courage. Nicole’s account of her journey away from abuse is like so many others. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Social Justice

Friends rally around woman by forming a new group to fight racism in Cobourg

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Show:

The full interview with bonus material:

When Valerie Gallagher came to Cobourg, she was looking to make a fresh start. She was impressed by the small-town feeling and it looked like a welcoming place for her and her family. But before she even moved into her new home, she was confronted by harassment. From there it grew into a racially motivated conflict involving lawyers and the police. The racism followed her to work, where she was the object of slurs that were both overt and others that were muted. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Social Justice

Diversity initiative launched by town hoping to make Cobourg more inclusive, says councillor

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Show:

The full interview with bonus material

The death of George Floyd ignited an explosion of anti-racism protests around the world, as well as Northumberland County. He was the American man who died at the hands of the Minneapolis Police last spring. Demonstrations were held in Cobourg and Port Hope. There was a flurry of statements by local politicians and community leaders condemning racist behaviour. In September, Cobourg council decided to take it a step further. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Politics, Social Justice