AFP Speakers Bureau

Please find below a listing of speakers and topics that are able to present to seniors groups in our region.

Elder Abuse and Staying Safe in your Community

Covers Air, Brakes, Chain/Crank as a pre-ride safety check. 30 min presentation, 15 min Q&A.
Contact: Jean Greig
B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop
jean@communitybikeshop.org

How to identify and help older adults at risk, what you can do to keep yourself safe from abuse and what to do when abuse or neglect happen.
Speaker: Catherine Pink
Community Care
cpink@commcareptbo.org

Tips for fire prevention and review what to do in a fire emergency. Please note this session is for the City of Peterborough only.  Please contact sabass@peterborough.ca for contact information for other areas of the region.
Speaker: Amanda Dears
Public Education Officer
Peterborough Fire Services
ALNichols@peterborough.ca

In this presentation, you will learn how to identify and protect yourself of your loved ones from scams and financial abuse by learning tactics currently used by scammers and important steps you can take to protect and report frauds and scams. For those in the areas covered by the OPP.
Speaker: Daniel Gay
OPP
daniel.gay@opp.ca

A 30 min - 1 hr presentation on fraud protection, prevention and awareness. Peterborough Police Service covers Peterborough, the Village of Lakefield and Cavan-Monaghan
Speakers: Ryan Black & Michael Tisdale
Peterborough Police Service
272@peterborough.ca
202@peterborough.ca

Peterborough Police Service Auxiliary Unit will conduct a personalized Home Guard Safety Audit or conduct group presentations on how to better protect yourself from break-ins and theft of personal property. Please note this session is for residents of the City of Peterborough, Lakefield and Cavan Monaghan township.
Contact: Don Parnell
Auxiliary Staff Sgt. Peterborough Police Services
mopar.don@sympatico.ca

In this presentation, we will discuss the often ignored but common pitfalls in our homes which can often lead to accidents and hospital admissions. For many seniors, there is no place like home. Maximizing wellbeing and independence requires awareness about our living spaces as we recognize some of the physical realities that accompany aging. All participants will be provided with their own safety audit package which will be your road map to auditing all areas of your home and recording changes that may be required to ensure you age successfully in your own home.
Speaker: Glen Robson
Home Instead Seniors Care
glen.robson@homeinstead.com

This presentation will provide information on how to prepare for emergencies with tips to develop a personal emergency plan and emergency kit.  It will also highlight important considerations to plan for in advance. This presentation is for those in the City of Peterborough.
Contact: Brea Keeling
City of Peterborough Emergency & Risk Management
BKeeling@peterborough.ca

Covers proper equipment, Rights and Responsibilities in the Highway Traffic Act, local by-laws, tips and tricks. 30 min presentation, 15 min Q&A.
Contact: Jean Greig
B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop
jean@communitybikeshop.org

This presentation will cover safe winter driving tips, and is for those areas in the County of Peterborough within the OPP's jurisdiction.
Speaker: Daniel Gay
Ontario Provincial Police
Daniel.gay@opp.ca

Health Care Topics

There are a wide variety of topics under the term of Health care - please any of the topics below for further details on the content of the presentation and the contact information for the respective speakers.

A way to help you and your substitute decision-maker prepare for your future health care needs, discuss your health issues, values and priorities to make it easier for them to make decisions with your wishes in mind. Hospice Peterborough also offers workshops customized to meet your groups needs. For custom workshops - please complete the form here:  Request a Speaker - Hospice Peterborough
Speaker: Carolee
Hospice Peterborough
705-742-4042 ext 351
intake@hospicepeterborough.org

As we age, our eyes naturally begin to strain and deteriorate. Canadians over 65 are more likely to contract serious vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. Many of these conditions have no symptoms until treatment is no longe ran option, which is shy getting an eye exam is so important, particularly if you notice any changes in your vision.
Speaker: Suzanne Broadhurst
Registered Optician
suzanne.broadhurst@fyidoctors.com

General information on Cannabis, terminology, how to shop, what to stay away from and regulations. Note - must be 19+ to attend.
Speaker: Aren Arkarakas
aren@kasakana.com

Learn about arthritis and why physical activity is so important - session is virtual and led by a Physiotherapist of Occupational Therapist. Includes a question and answer with the total session being one hour in length. 
Speaker: Irene Cohen Ackerman
Arthritis Society Canada
chohenil1@arthritis.ca

Bone Health 101 - What you need to know about your bone health. This presentation provides a general overview of Osteoporosis and the impact of nutrition and physical activity.
Speaker: Cathy Pearcy
Osteoporosis Canada
cpearcy@osteoporosis.ca

Accessible dance classes and artistic experiences that offer people living with Parkinson's disease opportunities to create connections, mitigate the effects of social isolation, and remain active through creative self-expression. Virtual online classes are available daily - Click here for those. 

A series of in person classes can also be arranged.
Contact: info@dancingwithparkinsons.com

This free 1.5 hour, interactive workshop, focusses on what to do before, during and after an appointment and uses action planning to optimize people's health. A variety of learning resources are used including information sharing, videos, tools and a resource manual that supports the individual with integrating the skills into their next appointment. This workshop prepares and empowers individuals to communicate more effectively with their health care provider. Ultimately, patients are the most important members o ftheir healthcare team.
Speaker: Melissa McNamara
Central East Self-Management Program (Ontario Health atHome)
Melissa.McNamara@ontariohealthathome.ca

Free 1.5 hour interactive health education workshop sessions to help you better manage your health. Sign up for the sessions that interest you! Topics include: Understanding Food Labels, Blood Pressure, Joint & Back Pain, Digestion, Stress & Sleep.
Speaker: Melissa McNamara
Central East Self-Management Program (Ontario Health atHome)
Melissa.McNamara@ontariohealthathome.ca

Hearing health is part of healthy aging. Through our Hearing Care Counselling Program, learn valuable information about: signs of hearing loss, practical advice on hearing aids adn other assistive technology, hearing loss and dementia, coping with difficult communication situations, as well as our free in-home support program through Canadian Hearing Services.
Speaker: Anna McIntosh
Canadian Hearing Services
amcintosh@chs.ca

In this free 1-hour session, caregivers will explore some of the signs and sources of their stress, understand the consequences of neglecting stress and learn effective stress-reducing actions. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about eh 6-Week Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop and experience some of the stress reducing activities first-hand.
Speaker: Melissa McNamara
Central East Self-Management Program (Ontario Health atHome)
Melissa.McNamara@ontariohealthathome.ca

Presentations are customized to fit the needs of the group.  Choose from a wide variety of mental health topics including but not limited to: Isolation and loneliness, anxiety, depression, caregiving, grief etc.
Speaker: Laura Geffert
CCRC (Community Counselling and Resource Centre)
lgeffert@ccrc-ptbo.com

 

Get to know your local hospital and available supports, while gainign knowledge on how to navigate the healthcare journey from home-hospital and hospital-home.
Speaker: Sarah Grasley
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
sgrasley@prhc.on.ca

Tools and resources on a variety of topics related to Caregiving including but not limited to: Preparing for the Unexpected: Building Emergency and Contingency Plans, Managing Caregiver Stress and Burnout, Helpful Communication Tips for Caregivers, Balancing Work and Care and more. Please contact to discuss the workshop offerings and determine what is best to suit your groups needs.
Speaker: Anne-Marie Bouithillette
Ontario Caregiver Organization
Anne-marieb@ontariocaregiver.ca

This presentation covers the range of coordination services that are offered through Ontario Health atHome including in-home and community-based care for patients across the province.
Sessions arranged by contacting: Heather Flindall
Provincial Events and Presentations
communityevents@ontariohealthathome.ca

 

 

Able to present on a variety of medical conditions, providing information about the conditions and the current treatments available, along with an overview of additional or enhanced services now available from Pharmacists. 
Speaker: Mark Scanlon
Mather & Bell Pharmacy
scanlonmatherbell@gmail.com

This workshop is all about preventing hospitalization and if there is a stay, how to transition home. Discover steps for a successful transition to home, learn the risk factors for hospitalization, understand five important ways to keep seniors out of the hospital, and receive resources that can help keep seniors safe and healthy at home. 
Speaker: Glen Robson
Home Instead Senior Care
glen.robson@homeinstead.com

Learn about arthritis and strategies to manage hand, hip, and knee arthritis - session is virtual and led by a Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist. Includes a question and answer with the total session being one hour in length.
Speaker: Ilene Cohen Ackerman
Arthritis Society Canada
cohenil1@arthritis.ca

Housing Topics

There are a number of housing options available in our area.  For a listing of housing options, please see the Information Guide and Directory

The following are workshops on various topics related to housing.

Exploring Condominiums and Garden Homes as a housing opiton for seniors living in teh Peterborough area.
Speaker: Sylvia James
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage Frank Real Estate
sylviajames@hotmail.com

This workshop offers practical tips to help Seniors thoughtfully organize their belongings - deciding what to keep, share, donate, or let go - while honouring what matters most to them. Participants will learn key considerations for downsizing or moving, and gain clear, supportive strategies to plan ahead and feel more confident during life transitions.
Speaker: Sandra Brown
Brown's Classic Design
Sandra@brownsclassicdesign.ca

This session explains the importance of planning ahead when downsizing so it feels positive, not stressful, what to do now to prepare, the importance of exploring your next home options early, tips to maximize your home sale, and connecting with trusted professionals to make the process manageable.
Speaker: Cindy Reid
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Stoneguide Realty Ltd
info@cindyreid.ca

This engaging and practical workshop is designed to help seniors prepare for their next chapter by downsizing with confidence and ease. This session offers expert guidance and proven strategies for streamlining your belongings while preserving your cherished memories. Ideal for seniors considering a move or family members supporting loved ones in the transition.
Speaker: Susan Dunkley
Suzi Home Maker
info@suzihomemaker.ca

There are challenges to staying in your home as you age. You might be wondering, 'should I stay in my home or is this the time to move into a space for seniors?'. Our decision tool will help you think about the right place for you, what support is available to help you age in place, and some different housing model options available to you.
Contact: Sarah Bass
Age-friendly Coordinator
sabass@peterborough.ca 

People can save a lot of money on rent if they live together. Plus they can live more safely when living together. This workshop will discuss the importance of compatibility and how to determine and create it. Plus, we will focus some time on how to create a binding house rules agreement and why this is so important.
Speaker: Pat Dunn
Seniors Women Living Together
pat@swlt.ca

Exploring the different models and what they can offer for people who are looking at moving into an apartment or unit that can better accommodate their needs as they age.
Speaker: Emily Keevill
ekeevill@leliving.com

General information and services related to aging

Growing older forces change. And that change often impacts areas of life such as living choices, driving, relationships and dating, financial choices, health, and end of life. An Action Plan for Successful Aging helps you and your loved ones start the necessary conversations about the future and put your plan into action. The workshop can be one-hour sessions which can be taken in a series or as stand-alone workshops. Each participant will be provided with a workbook.
Speaker: Glen Robson
Glen.robson@homeinstead.com

Age-friendly Peterborough connects older adults to local programs and services. Learn about supports for healthy aging, housing, transportation, and staying connected in the community. Join our workshop to find helpful information and resources near you!
Speaker: Sarah Bass
sabass@peterborough.ca

Community Care provides a wide range of programs and services such as meal and grocery delivery, transportation, foot care, and exercise classes. Learn about how they can support you.
Speaker: Andrea Dunkley
adunkley@commcareptbo.org

A dementia friendly community is a place where people living with dementia are understood, respected, and supported. It's an environment where they feel confident in their abilities to contribute to community life; they're included in conversations, and they have autonomy in their day-to-day choices and activities. As more people are diagnosed with dementia every year, including our neighbours and friends, we need to determine how we can best support them to continue to live well. We hop you will join us to learn how together we can create a dementia friendly community and show your support for people living with dementia and their care partners.
Speaker: Kris Van Louven
Alzheimer Society Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland & Haliburton
kris@alzheimerjourney.ca

Discover the indispensable role and benefits of Personal Support Workers (PSC's) and how PSW support can be key for seniors and individuals living with disabilities to stay in their homes safely. Explore qualities to seek the right PSW and home care company for your individual needs. Be empowered to live independently through PSW support and proactive home care.
Speaker: Danielle Turpin
danielle@homecareworkers.coop

Finances and Estate Planning

Tailored to your group
Speaker: Karalee Murray
RBC
Karalee.murray@rbc.com

Tailored to your group
Speaker: Karalee Murray
RBC
Karalee.murray@rbc.com

What are the steps as a trustee and process to sell an estate, things to consider, steps to make this process easier.
Speaker: Jessica Hill
Century 21 United Realty Inc.
Jesshill.realtor@gmail.com

Contributing to the community is central to who the people of Sullivan Law are and how they practice Law. If there is a topic that might interest your group, you're welcome to reach out.
Speaker: Martha Sullivan
Sullivan Law
martha@sullivanlawptbo.ca

Tailored to your group
Speaker: Karalee Murray
RBC
Karalee.murray@rbc.com

This workshop is designed ot help you understand government income sources, such as CPP, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement and to explain programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan. 
Speaker: Christine Hayter
Service Canada
christine.hayter@servicecanada.gc.ca

An overview of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and tips to make the administration of your estate easier. We'll also discuss the importance of planning, and how you can take control of your future healthcare decisions.
Speakers: Martha Sullivan & Melissa Kenny
Sullivan Law
martha@sullivanlawptbo.ca
melissa@sullivanlawptbo.ca

Learning and Volunteering

Active Together is a free program for persons with a visible or invisible disability, that provides social interaction through physical and recreational activities. This talk, using real life experiences, highlights how people come out of their social isolation to engage with others and the community.
Speaker: Lynda Todd
Council for Persons with Disabilities
Lynda.todd@pcpd.ca

Arnold Taylor, a residential school and 60's scoop survivor, is now a First Nations Councilor. Arnold will share his journey, how he addressed his life challenges and is now protecting First Nations children in his community.
Speaker: Arnold Taylor
Curve Lake First Nation
ArnoldT@curvelake.ca

Learn how to explore our services and collections from anywhere! We'll explore digital collections, online learning and hybrid events in addition to updating you on our physical collections and services. We'll also explore accessible collections and our Visiting Library Service. 
Contact: Karen Bisschop
Peterborough Public Library
kbisschop@peterborough.ca

Simple habits that reduce everyday tech stress. Learn how to feel more confident managing passwords, recognize common scams without living in fear, and discover how small tech moments like a phone update or tools like AI and ChatGPT can bring ease and benjoyment to everyday life. Practical ways technology can increase connection and confidence.
Speaker: Jen Gerynowicz
Techie Nesters
jenn@techienesters.com

TIMS (Time In My Shoes) is an educational and experiential program that empowers people with disabilities to share their lived experiences through storytelling and interactive activities. Its is designed for schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations to foster understanding, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Speaker: Jason King
Council for Persons with Disabilities
Jason.king@pcpd.ca

Learn how to get more involved in volunteering close to home, thanks to an online match-making portal specific to Peterborough. Volunteering also makes people and the community healthier.
Contact: Lois Tuffin
Volunteer Peterborough
volunteer@volunteerpeterborough.ca

Brittany is an Anishnaabe woman, artist and educator from Curve Lake First Nation. She is able to speak on a variety of topics about Reconciliation, connection, cultural safety, creating environments that honour Indigenous presence, experience, and more.  Please contact for more information.
Speaker: Brittany Taylor
647-802-0647

Contact Us

City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9

Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
Email Us