Elementary School Students Shine at Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 12th Annual Spelling Bee

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There were 120 of the top spellers from Grades 4 to 8 across the Peterborough region that competed in the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 12th annual Spelling Bee at Fleming College on Saturday.

(From left to right) Henry Sharpe, Adam Scott Intermediate; Hudson Inglis, Kawartha Classical Christian School and Tyler Phillips, St. Theresa CES. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The top spellers in the junior division (Grades 4-6) were:

  1. Verna Conlin Hanley, St. Anne CES

  2. Elise Stenko, Westmount PS

  3. Daniel Casado, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES

The top spellers in the intermediate division (Grades 7-8) were:

  1. Henry Sharpe, Adam Scott Intermediate

  2. Hudson Inglis, Kawartha Classical Christian School

  3. Tyler Phillips, St. Theresa CES

(From left to right) Verna Conlin Hanley, St. Anne CES; Elise Stenko, Westmount PS and Daniel Casado, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Earlier in the spring, thousands of students participated in qualifying spelling bees at their schools to compete at the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 12th annual Spelling Bee.

Prizes include a laser tag party at Zap Attack Laser Tag, a 9-day Trent Excalibur Camp, a week at Camp Kawartha Environment Camp, bikes from Canadian Tire on Lansdowne Street and lessons at the Art School of Peterborough.

In addition to prizes, top finishers earned literacy bursaries for their schools, with $1,000 awarded for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. These funds help support literacy initiatives within participating schools according to the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

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Carl Oake Rotary Swim Breaks $1.5 Million Milestone After Raising Over $51,000 At 40th Fundraising Event

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim hit its $1.5 million fundraising milestone by raising $51,286.35, announced at the McDonnell Activity Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From Left to Right) Ken Seim, Former Rotary Club of Peterborough president; Vanessa Oake Hogan, Century 21 United Owner; Jeff Taylor, Baker Tilly Managing Partner; Andrea Peterson, Easter Seals Ontario Development Officer and Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough President. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The goal was to raise $50,000 which was met.

The fundraising Swim was on Feb. 27 at the YMCA of Peterborough, marking its 40th anniversary.

This year’s theme was the 80s, reflecting 1986, when Oake founded the event to celebrate music, fashion and pop culture of the time.

A cheque for $12,000 was presented to Andrea Peterson of Easter Seals Ontario and another for $3,000 was presented to the YMCA for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The remaining funds go towards the Rotary’s community projects.

Two teams of participating swimmers were also awarded prizes. The top fundraising swim team, Team World Barbie, was awarded tickets to see The Century 21 Lakers and the swim team with the best costumes. The Crocodile Dundees won a game-worn Peterborough Petes helmet and game-worn Century 21 Lakers gear.

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Kinsmen Club of Peterborough Donates $6,000 to Riverview Park and Zoo For Accessible Playground

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The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough has donated $6,000 to support the accessible playground project at Riverview Park and Zoo in a cheque presentation on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The proceeds were from the 2025 Father’s Day Classic Car Show and Fundraiser. 

The accessible playground project focuses on improving access, reducing steep slopes and enhancing play opportunities for visitors of all abilities. These upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Peterborough, is raising $1.5 million through Project ROAR, a community-driven campaign to support the development of a fully accessible and inclusive playground. 

“The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough’s contribution is helping advance efforts to improve accessibility and play opportunities at Riverview Park and Zoo,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Through Project ROAR, and with support from community partners and donors, this work is moving forward to create a more accessible playground that better supports residents and visitors. Donations raised through community events like the Father’s Day Classic Car Show hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough continue to play an important role in this progress.” 

Project ROAR is dedicated to transforming the Riverview Park and Zoo playground into an inclusive space for all. Donations can be made online or by visiting the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s website.

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is hosting the Father’s Day Classic Car Show and Fundraiser again on June 21 at Riverview Park and Zoo, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event features live music, a BBQ, a prize table and a 50/50 draw. Admission is by donation. A rain date has been scheduled for June 28. 

Those wishing to participate in the Classic Car Show must register their vehicle. 

Registration can be completed online or by contacting Barry Craft at 705-292-5171 or bcraft@nexicom.net. Advanced online registration is open. The fee to register is $10. Participants can also register vehicles at the gate on the day of the event, beginning at 8 a.m. The registration fee at the gate is $15. 

All vehicle entries must be model year 1999 or older. 

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Donor Wall Design Unveiled For Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park & Zoo's Accessible Playground Project; First Major Donors Honoured

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park & Zoo have unveiled a proposed design for the major donor recognition wall for the Rotary Accessible Playground, which was announced on Wednesday morning.

Rotarians, donors and zoo staff having a blast at the playground in the approximate area of where the accessible playground will be. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several major donors were recognized at the event for their contributions towards the playground. The project costs $1.5 million and was first presented to the Rotary Club of Peterborough in 2024.

“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow – regardless of ability,” said Betty Halman-Plumley, then-president of Rotary. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. Together with the Riverview Park & Zoo, we are building more than just a play space – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive.”

The Club pledged $500,000 and has raised over half of its total, with approximately $288,250 raised, according to Club president Tony Grady.

The following donors were recognized at the event:

Climber Level ($5,000)

  • Grady’s Feet Essentials

  • Darling Insurance

  • AON Inc.

  • Rotarians Jim Coyle and Wendy Hill

  • BWXT

Activators ($10,000)

  • Part Time CFO Services

The proposed donor wall for the accessible playground at Riverview Park & Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Special recognition went to Merrett Home Hardware for building materials donations, Rotarian Mike Evans and his family foundation pledged $40,000 and Paul Hickey announced a contribution of $50,000.

“Our family is honoured to pledge $40,000 in support of this project because we believe everyone - of all ages - should be included and able to enjoy this space within our community,” said Evans.

Barry Craft, representing the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, is hosting the annual Father’s Day car show. The Kinsmen pledged to donate proceeds from their annual Father’s Day Car Show, $6000, to the project.

Last August, the Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park & Zoo first unveiled their preliminary plans for a new, totally redesigned playground at the zoo which would be accessible to people of all ages and all abilities.

Upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Mary Kate Whibbs, Zoo operations and support manager, has invited residents to learn about proposed upgrades to the accessible playground at Riverview Park & Zoo and provide feedback to help shape the project at a public drop-in session set to take place on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Park & Zoo, Rotary Education Centre.

“The level of support we’ve seen so far has been incredibly motivating. It really speaks to the kind of community we have supporting this project, one that values inclusion, accessibility, and spaces where everyone feels welcome,” said Whibbs. “It’s been especially inspiring to see this project bring people together around a shared vision. That momentum is helping us move forward with confidence, and we’re excited to keep building on it as we work toward a space where every child and family can play, connect, and enjoy the playground together.”

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough has unveiled its donor wall design for its accessible playground to be built at the Riverview Park & Zoo! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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City Hosting Public Drop-In Session For Riverview Park and Zoo Accessible Playground

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Residents are invited to learn about proposed upgrades to the accessible playground at Riverview Park and Zoo and provide feedback to help shape the project.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

A public drop-in session will take place on April 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rotary Education Centre in the Riverview Park and Zoo. Project staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback from residents on the proposed accessibility improvements.

A public survey is also available online. Paper copies are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 1.

Accessible playground upgrades are part of a multi-year project focused on reducing steep slopes and improving access to the existing playground.  

Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Peterborough, is working to raise $1.5 million to bring this vision to life. Project ROAR, a community-driven fundraising campaign, will support the development of an accessible, inclusive playground. 

“This project is about making sure every visitor to Riverview Park and Zoo has the opportunity to play, explore and feel included while enjoying the playground,” said Community Services co-chairs Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “We encourage residents to share their ideas to help shape a space that reflects the needs of our community and supports a more accessible and welcoming experience for everyone.” 

Donations to support the Playground Accessibility Project can be made online.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Offering Thousands in Funding for Local Green Startups and Environmental Innovators

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough is rewarding thousands of dollars in funding through the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) to local green startups and environmental innovators.

The following were last year's recipients of REIF: Wildrock Outfitters / Kawartha Land Trust, Woodleigh Farms, Clean Energy Generation, Taproots for Tomorrow and Second Nature Studio. Last year saw 16 applicants for local projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, with the goal of identifying, funding and elevating local environmental innovators whose ideas can make a measurable difference in the region and beyond.

REIF is currently seeking proposals from students, entrepreneurs, community leaders and small businesses developing local solutions to environmental challenges.

Up to $3,000 is available for initiatives that address:

● Climate action and energy efficiency

● Land and water conservation

● Waste reduction and circular economy solutions

● Sustainable food systems and regenerative practices

● Eco-conscious innovation in product and service design

More than $30,000 has been awarded to successful applicants since the fund’s inception in 2023.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the website to download an application form and learn more about this opportunity.

The deadline for applications is April 2 with the winners announced at a reception on May 11. at the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s regular lunch meeting.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough's 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swimathon Fundraiser Hitting Major Milestones

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The 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim aimed to reach major milestones at the YMCA Central East Ontario pool to raise $50,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and Rotary Club of Peterborough projects on Friday morning.

Groups and individuals signed up to do swim lanes, catwalk and cannonball challenges to support Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Hitting the fundraiser’s $50,000 goal would raise $1.5 million overall to mark its 40th anniversary.

“We've seen it for years and it just never seems to let up,” said Vanessa Oake Hogan, event organizer. “Everyone's really supportive of this event. I think it's a legacy event in our community and the Rotary Club works really hard to put it together. For me, it's really special that my father started it.

This is the second swim without event founder Carl Oake, as the family announced his passing in early January last year.

“It was a lot of effort he put in and I don't know if he ever did it for accolades but I think he'd be very proud,” explained Oake Hogan. “I love hearing his name and when you lose someone you love that's very important to you, it's great to keep them alive. You don't want people to forget him.”

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough hosted it’s 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim in support of its projects and Easter Seals! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #fundraising ♬ Swear By It - Chris Alan Lee

Since its inception, the Swimathon has raised over $1.45 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Other recipients of the proceeds include literacy programs, various shelters (Brock Mission, Yes Shelter, and more), Breakfast for Kids, Camp Kawartha, Rotary Trail and more.

Over $7,500 of the $50,000 goal was already raised online at the publication of this article but more funds have yet to be accounted for with a final tally.

Donations can be made at any time online on the Rotary’s website.

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BWXT Donates $5,000 to Rotary Club of Peterborough Towards Accessible Playground Project

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Accessible Playground Project is $5,000 closer to its $1.5 million goal, as BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada (BWXT) donated $5,000 at its facility on Friday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project was launched in August to be developed at Riverview Park & Zoo.

Upgrades for the playground include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough has been donated $5,000 towards their Accessible Playground Project courtesy of BWXT Peterborough! #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #donation ♬ Awards Epic - Celebrity

“The Riverview Park & Zoo has been welcoming generations of families in our community since 1933 and this project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local businesses come together to support our community,” said Betty Halman-Plumley, Chair of the project steering committee.-Truly for the community by the community.”

"At BWXT, we truly value the strength of community. We're excited to support the Rotary Club of Peterborough with a donation for their Rotary Accessible Playground Project,” said Andy Collyer, Vice President, Fuel and Fuel Handling at BWXT Peterborough. “Giving back to the community where our employees live and work means a lot to us, and we're honoured to help create inclusive spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

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Rotary Club of Peterborough's Annual Holiday Lunch Puts Giving Spirit On Display; Donation Amounts and Breakfast Club Awards Announced

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Annual Christmas Lunch had its share of fun and giving at the Northminster United Church on Monday afternoon.

Rotarians and a FCCC representative with the cheque presented to FCCC of $8,500 from the Rotary Club’s “Fore the KIds” golf tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The organization announced a total of $17,000 raised from its Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, held at the Katchiwano Golf Club on Sept. 25. Those funds are split equally ($8,500) between Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Rotary Club for their projects.

“I believe our portion of that is going towards the zoo legacy project, which is making an accessible playground at the (Riverview Park & Zoo) zoo a reality,” explained Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

The Koeslag Cup was awarded to the Breakfast Club team that prepared the most nutritious, delicious, and elaborate breakfast for the children at Prince of Wales Elementary School. The Friday Breakfast Crew captured the cup, with Rotarians Nick Avlonitis and Doug Armstrong, as well as friends of Rotary, Linn Thain, Donna Burley-Chestnut, Jeff Clark, Dale Wilson and Brian Wilson on the team.

The team served the students Nick’s “world-famous” pancakes with chocolate chips, whipped cream, sprinkles, fresh fruit and chocolate milk.

The cup was named last year in honour of its creator, the late Peter Koeslag, a dedicated volunteer of the Prince of Wales Breakfast Club.

Before last year’s school calendar, Prince of Wales School had received two new ovens from the Rotary Club and Leon’s Peterborough. The breakfast program serves over 500 students and has a positive impact on their learning according to Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal.

“We noticed a huge difference in kids having a full belly. They're coming down, and they're ready to learn when they get into class,” he explained. “When kids get into their classrooms without something to eat, we often see them disregulated and it’s hard for them to concentrate.”

Brad Conlin, Prince of Wales vice-principal (left) with Rotarian Nick Avlonitis, being presented with the Koeslag Cup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Club also awarded prizes for the best Christmas Sweaters:

  • Funniest sweater: Bruce Gravel

  • Most creative sweater: Marie Press

  • Best overall sweater: Bruce Clark

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The Rotary Club of Peterborough Name 2025 Paul Harris Fellowship Recipients

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The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha recognized local community members for their leadership and service contributions with the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, presented at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday night.

(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.

Named after Paul Harris, the Rotary International founder, the recognition is for locals who exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self through their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area or the world at large.

”Presenting the Paul Harris recognition together allows our clubs to honour these recipients as part of a wider Rotary family,” said Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough president. “It reinforces that our achievements in service aren’t confined to individual clubs—they’re part of a larger, collective effort to create lasting change.

The following local community members were awarded Paul Harris Fellows:

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

  • Linda Calverley: Having spent the past 25 years shaping the lives of girls through the Girl Guides of Canada. Linda has mentored girls from ages 9 to 17 across multiple units. She’s supported fellow leaders, organized camps and events, and inspired generations of girls to be confident, capable, and compassionate. Linda has lead adventure trips to Scotland and the UK, organizing national camps, and creating experiences that have broadened young minds and built lifelong friendships.

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

  • Ashley Bonner: As the founder of the East City Community Hub, a grassroots network that began by helping vulnerable neighbours with errands and groceries, Ashley has supported local businesses, organized neighbourhood events, and rallied volunteers in times of need. Her signature project the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale, created in honour of her late mother, has grown to over 100 participating homes.

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

  • Lorne M. Hamilton: When the Kawartha Woodturners Guild lost their meeting space at St. Peter’s High School, Lorne reached out to potters, weavers, gourders, and other craftspeople, and together they formed what became The Artisan’s Centre Peterborough. With Lorne’s leadership, they found a home in Peterborough Square, a space that still buzzes today with creativity, learning, and community spirit. From children’s programs to accessible workstations for those in wheelchairs, Lorne’s vision has made art more inclusive and inspiring for everyone.

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

  • Marcus Ferguson: Through his work with YourTV, Marcus has become the unseen historian of Peterborough. From city council meetings and charity fundraisers to sporting events and Rotary gatherings, he’s been there with his video camera, capturing the people and moments that shape who we are. Comparable to the Trent Valley Archives or the Roy Studio Collection, one could say the digital video archive Marcus has built will hold that same importance, telling the story of our community.

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

  • Steve Paul: As the founder of Clean Up Peterborough, a small grassroots effort to keep our parks, trails, and neighbourhoods clean, Steve Paul has grown his endeavour into community-wide movement focused not just on picking up litter, but on rethinking how our city reduces waste, recycles, and reuses materials. Among his many initiatives is organizing the collection of used writing instruments and used pill bottles diverting hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste from our landfills.

Club Service for the Rotary Club of Peterborough: To recognize a member for their outstanding service and dedication, each Rotary Club will select a member from their respective Rotary Club to receive this prestigious recognition.

  • Eric Steinmiller: As the co-chair of the club’s international service committee, Eric is a world traveller and a leader in developing and funding Rotary’s humanitarian projects in Nepal and Honduras.

Club Service the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha: To recognize a member for their outstanding service and dedication, each Rotary Club will select a member from their respective Rotary Club to receive this prestigious recognition.

  • Len Lifchus: A dedicated Rotarian for over 26 years, Len has faithfully served his club in many capacities most notably serving as club Secretary, President, and leading the club’s major funding projects. He has also served on the boards of numerous not-for-profits in the community.

On behalf of each recipient, the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha said they will donate the equivalent of $1,000 USD to the Rotary International Foundation.

The Nine Ships 1825 Inc. project also received a certificate of appreciation for their work and the community engagement created, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Emigration.

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