The Toronto Tempo introduced two new members of the team Tuesday night: Dez the Snapping Turtle and Dot the Arctic Hair, the franchise’s official mascots.

Dez and Dot made their debut at Scotiabank Arena and brought two very different kinds of energy – and a shared sense of rhythm – to the court for the first time.

“From the beginning, we wanted our mascots to feel distinctly Tempo – rooted in who we are as a Canadian team,” said Whitney Bell, Chief Marketing Officer, Toronto Tempo. “Dez and Dot have completely different personalities, but they’re better together. One knows when to slow things down, the other knows when to turn the energy all the way up. That balance felt like such a natural expression of Tempo, and we can’t wait for our fans to get to know them.”

Dez (she/they) is a Borealis Blue Snapping Turtle from Muskoka, Ontario. Their name is inspired by decibel, a nod to their love of music and role as the more measured half of the duo. Dez is calm, clever and always thinking a few steps ahead.

A Taurus who spins the 1s and 2s in their spare time, Dez’s secret talent is snapping – they also have a particular fondness for soft shell tacos.

Dot (she/her) is an Arctic Hare named for Toronto’s longtime nickname, T-Dot. Originally from the Arctic Circle, she brings seemingly endless energy, acrobatics and enthusiasm to everything she does – making her the undisputed hype woman of the pair.

A Gemini whose hobbies can best be described as “hops and hype,” Dot loves cotton candy, Drive to Survive, and any opportunity to get the crowd on its feet.

Their story began much farther apart.

Dot grew up chasing the northern lights across the Arctic, flipping and leaping beneath the aurora. Farther south, Dez could be found moving at her own steady rhythm through the lakes of Muskoka.

When the northern lights stretched south one winter, Dot followed them to Ontario, where she met Dez. The two quickly discovered a shared love of rhythm – even if they approached it very differently. Dez brought patience and timing; Dot brought speed and fearless energy.

Eventually, the pulse of Toronto drew them both to the city.

Together, Dez and Dot offer a new spin on one of the oldest pairings in storytelling: the tortoise and the hare. Instead of slow against fast, they are steady and swift – a reminder that knowing when to change pace can be just as important as the pace itself.

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“A strong national economy is built on strong regional economies, and those  foundations are made up of local businesses and the people who run them. Investments like these help Northern Ontario manufacturers adopt the advanced technology they need to compete and grow, creating good jobs and opportunity right in the communities where people live. When we back local businesses, we are building a stronger, more resilient Canada, one region at a time.”

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor

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Getting new doctors close to home is one way to close this gap, giving local families better access to ongoing and proactive healthcare. As communities across Simcoe Muskoka work to improve access to primary care, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) is helping grow the next generation of family physicians and encouraging more doctors to build their careers in the region

Several new family doctors are expected to begin practicing in Barrie and area this fall after completing their training with the Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU) in Barrie, a collaboration between RVH and the University of Toronto’s Department of Family and Community Medicine.

The Barrie FMTU program provides resident physicians with hands-on training in both community and hospital settings, under the guidance of RVH clinicians, as they complete the final two years of their family medicine residency. This experience equips resident physicians with the skills, experience and community connections needed for their own future practice while helping address the growing need for primary care across the region.

“We know access to primary care is a challenge for many people in our community, and we know RVH can have a role in alleviating that,” says Dr. Jeffrey Tyberg, Chief of Staff and Vice President, Academic & Medical Affairs. “By continuing our collaborative partnership with the University of Toronto, we’re bringing skilled resident physicians to our region and training the next generation of family doctors. It’s important work that we’re proud to be a part of.”

As part of the process to expand its role in medical education and training, RVH helps these residents grow into confident and compassionate physicians while becoming invested in the community along the way.

Of the eight resident physicians graduating from the Barrie FMTU this summer, six are planning to stay and practice locally. Dr. Cezara Ene is one of them.

“I had a very positive experience at RVH and the Barrie FMTU. I’m grateful to all of the preceptors for their time, effort, and support throughout residency,” says Dr. Ene. “I couldn’t have asked for a better residency program and can’t imagine training anywhere else.”

What really stuck out to Dr. Ene was the sense of community and connection she found at RVH.  “The sense of camaraderie was so impactful,” she says. “As we enter independent practice, it’s been very reassuring to know that there is a strong community around us.”

It is this strong connection to the community, along with diverse learning opportunities in real-world care settings that allows RVH’s FMTU continue to attract talented resident physicians from across the province – residents like this year’s incoming Drs. Bayan Khorsandnia, Bhavika Mandi, Chad Turner, Eric Wang, Leah Kogan, M. Shayyan Wasim, Marianne Wauchop, Navah Ball, Pegah Fatemi, and Robert Khatib to the FMTU in Barrie.

“We look forward to working with and growing alongside our incoming residents during their time with us. Our program places top-notch academics and training in the context of genuine community care,” says Dr. Melissa Witty, Staff Physician and Site Director of the Family Medicine Residency Program. “This dynamic creates skilled and well-rounded family doctors ready to provide care close to home. It’s a unique learning environment, and one that improves outcomes for patients in our region.”

RVH extends thanks and congratulations to the graduating residents, Drs. Cezara Ene, Muzna Bano, Rylie Essington, Daniel Friedberg, Chris John, Dhurga Vaikunthan, Noah Yang and Sharon Yang.

Dr. Ene and the five other graduates who plan to practice in Barrie and area this year will help to keep local families healthier, reduce pressures on emergency department services and improve community well-being.

Anyone looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect. The free provincial program is the fastest way to be matched with a primary care provider in the region, and with new providers accepting patients, now is the time to register.

As Simcoe Muskoka continues to grow, RVH is helping build the physician workforce that communities need by training and supporting the next generation of family doctors, creating more opportunities for residents to access care and helping communities thrive for years to come.

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Geordie Sabbagh has announced he’s running for Huntsville Town Council in the combined Huntsville & Chaffey Ward, where residents will elect two councillors this fall.

“Over the past few months, many people in our community, including friends, colleagues and family, have encouraged me to run,” said Sabbagh. “I listened, and decided to step forward. I believe I have something different to contribute.”

Sabbagh, a volunteer firefighter, small-business owner, parent and community volunteer, says Huntsville is at an important moment and needs fresh ideas, fresh faces and different experiences around the council table.

“I will not stand on the sidelines waiting for the next opportunity to serve. There is work to do right here, right now. For me, it will always be about helping the community I love.”

Sabbagh says Huntsville’s growth means the next Council will face some significant choices.

“Huntsville has grown quickly, and some of the decisions that come with that growth can’t be put off any longer. The next few years will be critical. We need to make decisions not just for the next four years, but for the next generation of residents. What matters is that we make those decisions openly, thoughtfully and with Huntsville’s long-term interests in mind.”

His campaign will focus on three pillars: affordability, economic growth and future planning.

“I love what makes Huntsville feel like home — knowing your neighbours, looking out for one another and feeling connected to the place you live. We can hold onto that while still having the ambition to build the housing, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs and opportunities our future needs.”

Sabbagh says he doesn’t believe leadership means having all the answers.

“We have incredible people in this community with knowledge, experience and ideas. I believe my job is to listen, bring the right people together and turn good ideas into action. I want to help build the Huntsville we all believe in.”

More information can be found at https://yourneighbourgeordie.ca

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Join us Tuesday, August 18 for our 10th Anniversary Celebration in Gravenhurst

2 pm to 4 pm

at 1010 Beiers Rd, Gravenhurst

Location: Calloway Storage, Gravenhurst

Cost: Free to attend

Please RSVP by emailing callowaystorageoffice@gmail.com.

Event Page

What to expect

We’ve planned an afternoon filled with activities for the whole community, including:

• Draw prizes – including a Grand Draw Prize! (Check end of blog for more rules around the draw!)
• A special promotional offer for attendees
• Light refreshments
• Tours of the Calloway Storage facility
• Meet the Calloway Storage team
• Learn more about our self-storage, climate storage, and portable storage services

Everyone who attends will automatically be entered into our door prize draw, and every guest will receive our anniversary promotion.

And, a special event…

Calloway Muskoka Storage Wars

Think you have what it takes to win?

As part of the celebration, we’re hosting our own version of Calloway Muskoka Storage Wars!

Here’s how it works:

• Participants receive a bidding paddle after registering for the event.
• You’ll bid on mystery storage containers. (2 in total)
• Winning containers contain prizes valued at up to $300.
• Containers include brand new and gently used products!
• Every donation helps support the GAP.

It’s a fun way to celebrate while giving back to an important cause in our community.

The highest bidder wins the contents of the storage container and must pay the full winning bid amount immediately after the auction. Once payment is received, the contents of the container become the property of the winning bidder and all proceeds raised are to be donated to the GAP (Gravenhurst Against Poverty). Don’t know what to do with your winnings day of? You will have 2 weeks to collect your winnings! Need more time? Talk to our staff about renting the container!

Calloway Muskoka Storage Wars is inspired by the excitement of Storage Wars! All mystery containers have been assembled by Calloway Storage specifically for this event. No customer property included.

*This Article Is Sponsored By Calloway Storage 

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By Dina Kovacevic

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The school is named in recognition of Francis Pegahmagabow, a highly decorated Anishinaabe soldier of the First World War, Chief of Wasauksing First Nation, community leader, and advocate for Indigenous rights. His life was defined by courage, resilience, service, and a deep commitment to his people and community. His legacy continues
to inspire generations across the Parry Sound area and beyond.

The naming honours the life and legacy of Francis Pegahmagabow and recognizes the enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the Parry Sound region. It also provides an opportunity for students, staff, and families to learn about and celebrate the strength, leadership, and cultural heritage of the Anishinaabe people.

“Francis Pegahmagabow remains an important and respected figure within Wasauksing First Nation and beyond,” said Chief Shane Tabobondung of Wasauksing First Nation. “We are grateful to the Pegahmagabow family for their blessing and permission to share his name with this new school. His story will continue to inspire future generations of students.”

Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School will welcome students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 into a modern, inclusive learning environment. Designed to support the needs of young learners, the school will offer learning spaces that encourage curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and student success.

“Naming our new school Francis Pegahmagabow Elementary School is a meaningful way to honour an extraordinary Anishinaabe leader whose legacy continues to inspire us today,” said Jay MacJanet, Director of Education for NNDSB. “As a place of learning, the school will provide opportunities for students to learn about his life, leadership, and contributions while reflecting on the values of courage, perseverance, service, and respect for community that he embodied. We are grateful for the guidance and partnership of Wasauksing First Nation as we celebrate this important milestone.”

“The opening of this new elementary school is an important milestone for students, families and the Parry Sound community,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Naming the school in honour of Francis Pegahmagabow recognizes the remarkable legacy of an Anishinaabe leader and decorated veteran. It will also give students the opportunity to learn about Indigenous history and the lasting contributions of First Nations to Ontario and Canada.”

A ceremony will take place later this fall to celebrate the school’s name and the enduring legacy of Francis Pegahmagabow.

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In the coming weeks, families across Muskoka will begin the familiar work of getting ready for school: replacing outgrown shoes, finding lunch containers, arranging transportation and helping children prepare for a new classroom.

Behind the scenes, educators are preparing too. They are setting up classrooms, reviewing student needs and getting ready to welcome children back into schools that look very different from one community to the next.

That local difference matters as a new round of collective bargaining gets underway.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario has reported that bargaining is currently stalled over which issues will be negotiated provincially and which will remain at local bargaining tables. ETFO maintains that issues with a genuinely local impact should continue to be addressed locally. Disputed items are expected to be referred to the Ontario Labour Relations Board for a decision.

For the Trillium Lakelands Elementary Teacher Local, this is more than a technical disagreement about bargaining rules. It is about whether decisions affecting local schools will continue to include the people who understand those schools best.

Consider the difference between a small school in Bala and a larger school in Bracebridge. In a small school, one staff absence or one unexpected student-support need can affect schedules across the entire building. A larger school may have more staff, but it may also face crowded classrooms, greater enrolment pressures and more complex supervision demands.

A school in Utterson may face another set of challenges altogether, including long travel distances, access to specialized services and the difficulty of attracting occasional teachers or other qualified staff.

A province-wide approach can establish important standards and provide fair funding. It cannot anticipate every local circumstance.

TLETL is not arguing that every education issue should be negotiated locally. Some matters clearly require consistent provincial standards and provincial investment.

But bargaining works best when decisions are made at the level where they can be understood and addressed most effectively. Provincial issues belong at the provincial table. Legitimately local issues should remain open to local discussion.

That balance is especially important in a school board as geographically large and diverse as Trillium Lakelands.

Families should also understand that collective bargaining is not only about salaries. Bargaining affects the conditions under which students learn and educators work, including staffing processes, preparation time, student supports, school safety and the ability to respond to circumstances within individual communities.

Throughout the coming school year, TLETL will provide regular public updates connecting provincial bargaining developments to the schools and communities served by Trillium Lakelands District School Board.

The Local is encouraging the Ministry of Education, school board organizations and education unions to move the process forward respectfully and without unnecessary delay.

Strong public education depends on provincial investment, meaningful dialogue and decisions grounded in the realities of the communities our schools serve.

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