Rotary Club of Peterborough Seeking Nominations For 2026 Paul Harris Fellowship

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is seeking nominations for its prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for 2026 in honour of the founder of Rotary International in 1905.

The 2025 Paul Harris Fellow Recognition recipients of 2025.

(From left to right) (Back Row) Kelli Grady, Betty Halman-Plumley, Margaret Hamilton, Catherine Hanrahan, Wendy Swain, Elwood Jones, Don Watkins, Maureen Crowley, Mary Smith

(Front Row) Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

According to Rotary, the Fellowship recognizes local individuals for their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area and the world at large. It is considered the highest honour Rotarians can give.

Nominations in the following categories can be submitted online with the deadline on Sept. 1. Nominees may be Rotarians or non-Rotarians. On behalf of each recipient, both Rotary Clubs will donate $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation.

Categories include:

• Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community. 

• International Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution toward to betterment of the communities in other parts of the world, and/or leadership toward work peace and understanding. 

• Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent wit Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

• Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions toward to youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

• Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

• Club Service: To recognize a Peterborough Rotary Club member for their outstanding service and dedication. 

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha are celebrating the recipients at a joint Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

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Peterborough Petes Earn OHL Retail Performance Award

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes have been recognized by the Ontario Hockey League for their success off the ice, earning one of the league's top business awards for the 2025-26 season.

joelle wood, manager of marketing & events with the ontario hockey league, presents mark million of the petes store with the ohl’s retail performance award (photo courtesy of peterborough petes)

Ten business awards were presented by the league, with the Petes among the organizations recognized for contributing to the continued growth and success of the Ontario Hockey League both on and off the ice.

The Petes were named recipients of the OHL Retail Performance Award during the league's annual business meetings, where organizations from across the league were honoured for achievements in areas including retail, community engagement, broadcasting and fan experience.

According to the OHL, the award recognizes the Petes' strong merchandise sales, innovative retail initiatives and ongoing efforts to enhance the fan experience.

The league noted that the Petes have established themselves as one of the OHL's leading merchandise operations through a combination of creative approaches and consistent results.

The award also highlights the work of Mark Million, director of merchandise & community growth for the Petes, whose leadership was credited with helping drive merchandise growth in Peterborough while supporting broader league initiatives aimed at strengthening retail operations across the OHL.

While championships are won on the ice, the latest honour shows the Petes are also finding success behind the scenes as they continue to build and engage their fan base.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Petes Exchange Draft Picks With Ottawa 67's

The Peterborough Petes have exchanged draft picks with the Ottawa 67’s, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough acquired a sixth-round pick in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection from the Ottawa 67’s in exchange for the Soo Greyhounds ' sixth-round pick in 2029.

The Petes currently hold the 13th overall pick in this year’s OHL Priority Selection on Friday at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.

Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society Appoints New Executive Director

Amanda Baker-Colacicco has been named the new Executive Director of the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS), effective on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Baker-Colacicco has experience in the position, as she is the Executive Director of Family & Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.

“The most meaningful change comes from working respectfully alongside communities and partners, with a focus on equitable and accessible supports,” said Baker-Colacicco.

Baker-Colacicco is developing a new Strategic Plan as she steps into her new role. She is also responsible for completing the organization’s Deficit Management Plan and Collaborative Operational Review work plans, which have been underway for the past 18 months.

Baker-Colacicco is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She holds a Master of Social Worker degree from Wilfred Laurier University, an Honours BA, Child and Youth Care from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Public Sector Executive Leadership Certificate from Queen’s University Smith School of Business. Baker-Colacicco is a member of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Society Board of Directors.

She takes over Rosaleen Cutler, who served as the interim Executive Director.

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Drop-in Sessions For Glenn Pagett Park and Whitefield Park Run Next Week

The City of Peterborough invites residents to drop-in sessions for Glenn Pagett Park and Whitefield Park to share their ideas and thoughts on improvements to the parks take place next Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Both drop-in sessions take place at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

The drop-in session for Glenn Pagett Park takes place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more about this project and to fill out an online survey , residents can visit the Connect Peterborough project page at connectptbo.ca/pagett.   

The drop-in session for Whitefield Park takes place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. To learn more about Whitefield Park and to fill out an online survey, visit connectptbo.ca/whitefieldpark. 

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Local Actor's First Role Puts Him on Screen with Hollywood Stars and Rush Legends

By Scott Arnold

A local actor is still soaking it all in after making his acting debut in a video that helped launch legendary Canadian rock band Rush's latest tour.

local actor and model david spence made his acting debut with a role in a rush video that will be played at every concert during their fifty something tour (photo by Scott Arnold)

For most actors, sharing the screen with major stars would be a career highlight.

For 21-year-old David Spence, it happened in his very first acting role.

The former Crestwood student appeared in Rush's new tour-opening hype video, which debuted Sunday in Los Angeles as the iconic band kicked off its Fifty Something tour. The nearly eight-minute video featured appearances from well-known actors Paul Rudd and Jason Segel, along with Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.

Spence said he landed the role after his agency, Strutt Central, submitted him for an audition. While details about the project were kept under wraps, he was told it would be a major production that would be shown in front of a large concert audience.

david spence with his co-stars kate and taylor during shooting of rush video (photo provided by david spence)

After submitting a self-tape audition, he was cast without needing a callback.

The surprise didn't stop there.

Spence said he had no idea Rudd and Segel were involved until he saw the finished video. During filming, the production team kept most of the details secret, something he said is typical of Rush projects.

the rush video was the acting debut for local actor and model david spence (photo provided by david spence)

Making the experience even more memorable was the fact that it marked his first acting job.

His first scene involved improvising alongside Lee and Lifeson, with no script and little time to prepare.

"It’s still completely surreal," Spence said. "I don't know if it's fully set in yet."

Spence joined Strutt Central after submitting photos from creative shoots he had organized with friends. He credits the agency with believing in him and helping open the door to opportunities in the industry.

Before pursuing acting and modelling, Spence had originally planned to become a kickboxer. A change in direction eventually led him toward creative projects, photography and, ultimately, acting.

The Rush video will continue to be shown throughout the band's tour, meaning audiences across the world will get to see the local performer on the big screen.

david spence landed the his first acting gig through his agency, strutt central, founded by peterborough’s christina abbott (photo provided by david spence)

Spence is also planning to attend Rush's Toronto shows in August alongside his fellow cast members.

While he can't reveal details about upcoming projects just yet, he says there may be more opportunities on the horizon.

For now, he's enjoying the moment and the experience of seeing his first acting role play out on one of the biggest stages imaginable.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Great Canadian Cheese Festival Hits the Morrow Building This Weekend

The annual Great Canadian Cheese Festival arrives in Peterborough for the first time on both days this weekend at the Morrow Building to celebrate Canada’s finest artisan foods.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough,

With close to 80 vendors - including select producers from the Peterborough & District Farmers’ Market - the festival promises an exceptional culinary experience for visitors of all ages.

Festival hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year’s festival features an impressive lineup of small‑batch Canadian dairy and cheese makers, alongside local wineries, craft breweries, and artisanal food producers offering the perfect pairings for any table. Guests can explore handcrafted cheeses, gourmet accompaniments, specialty beverages and unique pantry items rarely found outside boutique retailers.

This event is being welcomed with enthusiasm and support from the community. Organizers of the Great Canadian Cheese Festival received support through Peterborough Tourism, the City’s tourism service and destination marketing program, including support with marketing and promotion, in-kind City services, and tracking attendance trends.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet producers, learn about their craft, and enjoy samples throughout the weekend. All featured products will be available for purchase, making this a must‑visit event for anyone who appreciates high‑quality, hard‑to‑find foods.

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Free Concussion Webinar Aimed at Helping Parents Navigate Recovery Process

By Scott Arnold

Parents looking for guidance on concussion diagnosis, treatment and recovery are invited to take part in a free educational webinar hosted by Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness.

Dr. Steph Dallaire is general practioner with the peterborough family health team, medical doctor with the peterborough petes, and physician educator for concussion echo (supplied photo from GPHSF)

The Parents Playbook for Concussion webinar takes place today and is designed to help families better understand what to do following a concussion, from the initial injury through a child's return to school, sports and everyday activities.

Hosted by Dr. Steph Dallaire, the session is part of the Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness (PACA) Concussion Masterclass Webinar Series.

Organizers say the webinar will provide practical advice and evidence-informed information for parents who may be supporting a child through concussion recovery or who simply want to be prepared should the need arise.

Topics will include when and where to seek medical care, what to expect during diagnosis, questions to ask healthcare providers, symptom management, baseline testing, follow-up care and school accommodations. The session will also cover return-to-play protocols and safe timelines for returning to sports.

PACA says navigating a concussion can be overwhelming for families, and the goal of the webinar is to provide parents with the knowledge and confidence needed to support their child throughout the recovery process.

The free online session begins at 2 pm and is open to anyone interested in learning more about concussion care and recovery. You can register by clicking HERE.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Lakers Bounce Back With Road Win Over Brooklin

By Scott Arnold

A strong start and standout goaltending helped the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers earn an 8-4 victory over Brooklin on Wednesday night in Whitby.

Drew Hutchison picked up the win or the Peterborough Lakers with 45 saves (photo courtesy of the lakers, via Anna Taylor)

The Lakers responded in a big way after last week's loss to Brooklin, scoring four times in the opening minutes and never looking back in an 8-4 win at Iroquois Park Sports Centre.

Peterborough wasted little time taking control. Rob Hellyer opened the scoring just 27 seconds into the game before Mike Robinson added another 10 seconds later. Colton Armitage scored his first Major Series Lacrosse goal to make it 3-0, and Hellyer struck again shortly after to extend the lead to four.

Brooklin battled back but could not get any closer than three goals the rest of the way.

Hellyer led the Lakers offence with six points, scoring three goals and adding three assists. Robinson finished with four points, while Armitage scored twice and added an assist. Brad McCulley also found the back of the net.

Drew Hutchison was outstanding in goal, turning aside 45 shots as Peterborough delivered its strongest defensive performance of the season. The Lakers held Brooklin scoreless on all four of its power-play opportunities.

DJ Clark also made his season debut for the Lakers and recorded an assist in the victory.

The win improved Peterborough's record after consecutive losses and gave the team a measure of revenge against the same Brooklin squad that defeated them at the Peterborough Memorial Centre the previous week.

The Lakers return to action next Thursday when they visit Brampton, then a stop in Cobourg on Sunday (June 21), before returning home for another game against Brooklin on Thursday, June 25.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Trent University’s Officially Installs Zabeen Hirji As Institution's 13th Chancellor; Ready to Lead Next Wave of Students to Success

Zabeen Hirji has been officially installed as Trent University’s newest chancellor; the 13th in the institution’s history, during a convocation ceremony on Wednesday morning.

Hirji (Right) dances with Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent President and vice-chancellor (Left) and other faculty during one of the convocation ceremonies for the class of 2026. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

She began as a bank teller before assuming prominent roles. She was an executive advisor at Deloitte on the future of work, a member of the Board of the Public Policy Forum and a special advisor to public service leaders. She serves on the Board of Junior Achievement Worldwide, a global youth-serving organization and a top 10 NGO. 

The newly installed chancellor holds a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and an ICD.D (from the Institute of Corporate Directors) and is a fellow of Centennial College.

@ptbo_canada Zabeen Hirji has been officially installed as Trent University’s newest chancellor; the 13th in the institution’s history. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #trentuniversity ♬ Graduation Day - Jhovanmusic

Hirji came to Canada from Tanzania in 1974. She says that, in assuming the role of chancellor, given the challenges she has faced since immigrating, she is ready to help the next wave of students achieve their goals and dreams, as she reached hers when she came to the country.

“When I think about the country that Canada is and the opportunities that people have (and not just regardless of where people come from but because of where we come from), we really value the different perspectives,” explained Hirji. “When I stop to think about it, it's reassuring that this is the Canada I came to and this is the Canada I think we all want for all Canadians so being part of Trent now is really that opportunity for me to support young people to achieve their potential.”

Hirji begins her tenure on July 1 on a three-year term. Serving as Trent’s ceremonial head and chief ambassador, Hirji will preside over convocation ceremonies to confer degrees and help advance the University’s public profile, community engagement and external relationships. She succeeds Stephen Stohn, who held the role since 2019.

“Go outside your comfort zone, push yourself into places you perhaps you don't think you belong, step into it, step into opportunities that are there for work,” Hirji explained. “Judge success by your own standards. There are so many different ways you can achieve success and be guided by your purpose.”

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