Anonymous donor dedicates zoo bench to Salvaterra

Dr. Rosana Pellizzari Salvaterra, retiring medical officer of health for Peterborough Public Health, was presented with a new bench dedication in her honour at Riverview Park and Zoo on Thursday in recognition of her public service to the community.

“We are thrilled to be able to dedicate this bench in honour of Dr. Salvaterra, ahead of her formal retirement at the end of the month,” said Jim Moloney, Riverview Park and Zoo manager and curator. “The Peterborough community has been truly fortunate to benefit from her collaborative and professional guidance over the past 13 years, and most especially during the last 18 months. We wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Purchase of the bench was supported by a generous anon- ymous donor to honour Salva- terra’s 13 years of service, says Cathy Mitchell, the zoo’s program supervisor.

The bench is located in the heart of the zoo, in front of the otter exhibit and facing the mixed-species exhibit, located by the primate tunnel that houses the red-rumped agouti, iguana and macaws. An inscribed plaque on the bench reads “To honour Rosana Pellizzari Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, for her service to our community, 2008-2021.”

“It is a touching tribute,” said Salvaterra.

The informal presentation was attended by a small group, including Salvaterra, her husband, Sil, Alida Gorizzan, Salvaterra’s executive assistant; and zoo staff members.

The zoo is not fully open to the public at this time, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Small groups of people are allowed for tours by reservation only.

Tours are conducted Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and will continue until Thanksgiving. Presently, there are a few tour spots left in October says Mitchell. Check the website at riverviewparkandzoo.ca for details and to make your reservation.

Ballots, Booze and Bullets

Trent Valley Archives (TVA) presents Ballots, Booze and Bullets, a walking tour in East City on Friday and Saturday, starting at 7 p.m. Find out what was happening in Peterborough during the 1920s and ’30s Prohibition era, during this tour that is led by a costumed actor portraying one of the bootleggers who operated in the area at the time.

You’ll hear tales of a car chase with constables opening fire on a fleeing suspect; a raid on Garret Spencer’s barber shop, tobacco store and pool room; and how illicit spirits got buried in the lawn of an unsuspecting resident, states a release for the tours.

As a bonus to the evening, participants will have the opportunity to visit Black’s Distillery on Hunter Street. Learn how the facility came to be, how it makes its spirits and what part alcohol played in the history of Peterborough.

Please be advised that this tour features mature subject matter and is recommended for those who are 19 or older.

Masks are required and appropriate physical distancing throughout the tour will be maintained. Everyone is welcome, but TVA encourages you to enjoy the tours with members of your circle.

The tour will be limited to 14 people.

The cost is $20 per person and registration and payment in advance are required.

Tickets are available by visiting trentvalleyarchives.com/ events or by reserving with Heather at 705-745-4404 or by emailing admin@trentvalleyarchives.com.

Dumplings

The Seasoned Spoon at Trent University is open (presently for take out only) and workshops have begun.

Learn to Make Dumplings, an in-person, hands-on workshop with the Spoon’s head cook, Codi, happens Monday, Sept. 27 from 5 until 7 p.m.

Learn how to make dumpling dough and a quick dipping sauce, and how to do intricate folding techniques. Please note the dumpling recipe includes gluten.

Everyone is welcome, registration is required, and capacity is limited to eight people. Register at eventbrite.ca. Email spoonvolunteers@gmail.com for more information. Northcrest_column@yahoo.ca