Peterborough Blogs
Dietrich Homes Nominated For Two Awards Including Builder of the Year
/Dietrich Homes is a finalist for the Ontario Home Builders' Association (OHBA)'s 2023 Awards of Distinction for Builder of the Year (Small Volume) and for Low-Rise Amenity announced on Thursday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Dietrich Homes.
The OHBA Awards of Distinction recognizes the creativity, innovation and excellence of land developers, builders, renovators, designers, marketers and service professionals within the Ontario residential construction industry according to a press release.
“Dietrich Homes is thrilled to be announced as a 2023 Builder of the Year (Low Volume) and Low-Rise Amenity finalist,” said Paul Dietrich, Dietrich Homes owner and builder. “We appreciate the recognition from our Industry peers and colleagues of our team efforts and engagement of our Preferred Vendors to deliver an exceptional product with an outstanding client experience.”
The OHBA's 2023 Awards of Distinction ceremony will occur on Sept. 19 in Collingwood, Ontario.
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Peterborough Museum & Archives Tourism Named Award Finalist For Tourism
/The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) is a finalist in the “Tourism” category for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards, organized annually through the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced on Friday.
File Photo.
The Business Excellence Awards promote the advancement of responsible business leadership and prosperity within the community in categories such as: Entrepreneurial Spirit, Local Focus, and Green Initiatives.
The Tourism category recognizes organizations with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in attracting tourists to the Peterborough and Kawarthas area according to The City of Peterborough. Considerations include guest services, marketing and unique promotions, quality of facilities, signage, and staff and volunteer knowledge.
“There are many reasons why the Peterborough Museum & Archives is worthy of this distinction,” says Dustin McIlwain, PMC visitor experience coordinator. “Naturally, tourists to the area might want to learn more about the place they are visiting, and the PMA is a great place to acquire those stories. However, the PMA takes it a step further by offering interesting programming and events, engaging exhibitions and gallery spaces that are welcoming to all.”
The PMA’s current exhibition, “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” has been a significant attraction from a tourism perspective according to McIlwain.
“Extensive work went into creating this important exhibition, including contributions from the six Mississauga Nations, the Royal Collection Trust in England, and the Department of Canadian Heritage to name a few,” he said. “Together, we’re reconnecting a piece of tangible cultural heritage to the descendants of those who created them. It has produced multiple opportunities for learning and relationship-building which will have a positive impact on our community long after the exhibition comes to end. For now, we will continue to welcome visitors from near and far to see these gifts.”
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for Oct. 18 at The Venue.
Admission to the Peterborough Museum & Archives is by donation.
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2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists Announced; Awards Ceremony Held On Oct. 18
/The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have announced the finalists for the 2023 Business Excellence Awards which recognize and honour local businesses and business people that have demonstrated a passion for excellence, announced on Wednesday.
Matt Strano of Charlotte Products LTd. (left) was Business Citizen of the Year for 2022. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce.
The award recipients are being revealed in an awards ceremony at The Venue on Oct. 18. A reception is followed by a ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre. Hosted by Megan Murphy, the event have awards handed out in 22 categories, including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year.
“The Excellence Awards event is the Chamber’s way of shining a spotlight on the outstanding businesses and business leaders in the City and County of Peterborough,” says Sarah Budd, Chamber President and CEO. “We encourage the community to join us in learning more about our business community at our annual celebration.”
The following are the 2023 Business Excellence Awards Finalists (listed alphabetically):
4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem (winners)
Ashley Bonner
Ashley Flynn
Lauren Hunter
Laura Montague
Businesswoman of the Year (winner)
Nicole Truman (Fox Law Professional Corporation)
Business Citizen of the Year
To be announced
Business Student Leadership Prizes (winners):
Emma Olstad (Trent University)
TBA (Fleming College)
Commercial Development or Renovation
Key Design Inc. (Key Design Inc. Studio & Office)
Peterborough Housing Corporation (Hunt Terraces)
Peterborough Humane Society (Peterborough Animal Care Centre)
Customer First
The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge
Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre
The Willow Studio
Employer of the Year
Engage Engineering Ltd.
Gauvreau | Accounting Tax Law Advisory
Hospice Peterborough
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Cheeks Ahoy
Flossophy Ptbo
Y Drive Canada
Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year (Winner)
Todd & Jennifer Payne & Family (Asphodel Sheep Company)
Green Initiatives
Cheeks Ahoy
The Land Canadian Adventures Inc.
Peterborough Folk Festival
Health & Wellness
Euphoria Wellness Spa
The Spa + Clinic at Fleming College
The Willow Studio
Hospitality
Burleigh Falls Inn & Suites
Nostimo By The Original Greek
Taso's Restaurant & Pizzeria
Local Focus
The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge
New Beginnings Building Services
Peterborough GreenUP
Marketing & Promotion
Community Futures Peterborough
INSPIRE: The Women’s Portrait Project
Showplace Performance Centre
Micro Business
OmniWorx Design
Peterborough Currents Media Inc.
Social Kat Media
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year (Winner)
Imad Mahfouz & Hashem Yakan (Levantine Grill)
Not-for-Profit
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region
Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation
Peterborough Humane Society
Stuart Harrison President's Award
To be announced
Professional Services
Engage Engineering Ltd.
Fox Law Professional Corporation
Lett Architects Inc.
Retail
Living Local Marketplace
Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre
Plant Goals
Skilled Trades
Black Rock Developments
Bruce Maly Plumbing & Drain Services Inc.
Van de Bor Paving Ltd.
Tourism
Kawartha Country Wines
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority
Peterborough Museum & Archives
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Trent University Honours Past Graduates With Alumni Awards
/Trent University has distributed its 2023/24 Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) awards to outstanding alumni to acknowledge the impact alumni make in their community, professions or with the University.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
“Congratulations to all of the award winners who chose to study at Trent University because of their desire to create momentous change in the world and have gone on to lead that change in their professional careers and community with vision, commitment, and creativity,” said Sherry Booth, associate vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “The work they do is important, and we are honoured to recognize their remarkable achievements.”
A full list of 2023/24 winners is as follows:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet ’74 (Catharine Parr Traill College), former MP for Hochelga in Montreal who served as NDP whip and housing critic; Dr. Keith Stewart ’86 (Peter Robinson College), senior energy strategist for Greenpeace Canada; and Dr. Gesa Weyhenmeyer ’90 (Peter Robinson College), professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, are recipients of 2023/24 Distinguished Alumni Award. This is the TUAA’s top award that recognizes demonstrated leadership, community involvement and notoriety in their sectors of work.
Spirit of Trent Award
Henry GB Clarke '70 (Catharine Parr Traill College), a former City of Peterborough councillor and deputy mayor who supported hundreds of residents experiencing homelessness; and Alice Olsen Williams '69 (Otonabee College), a renowned Indigenous artist-activist who has supported many Indigenous causes are co-recipients of the Spirit of Trent Award, recognizing their commitment to making a difference in the world by demonstrating values and lessons learned at Trent.
Young Leader Award
The Young Leader Award, recognizing young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status, has been awarded to Jacob Dockstator ’10 (Peter Gzowski College), who has boldly, creatively, and collaboratively promoted economic development for Indigenous communities across northern Ontario.
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Peterborough Folk Festival Announces Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell as 2023 Emerging Artist Award Winners
/The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced that local talents Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell are the winners of the 2023 Emerging Artist Award.
Peterborough Folk Festival believes in investing in young local performers to encourage and support their careers. To that end, PFF created an annual award in 2001 to recognize emerging local talent that we think deserves the attention and support of the community. For the list of previous winners, visit the website.
Applicants may be solo artists, groups or bands and must live in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, including Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations, and be under the age of 30. A committee assesses applicants on skill, dedication and artistic merit.
Irish Millie is a 16-year-old fiddle player who loves to play East Coast, Bluegrass and Contemporary Trad styles – especially driving, up-beat tunes that get the crowd up on their feet. As a youngster, Millie (whose real name is Amelia “Millie” Shadgett) busked every Saturday along with her Dad at the local farmers’ market to gain experience and help pay for music camp.
Millie has already received nominations for two Canadian Folk Music Awards as Young Performer of the Year – in 2022 for her first album, ‘Thirteen’, and in 2023 for her work with The Receivers, a collaboration between Millie and sisters Willow and Fern Marwood. In addition to regularly playing in the Peterborough area, Millie has toured in Denmark and is touring Canada’s east coast of Canada this summer, and toured in Vermont with The Receivers this past spring.
“It is truly an incredible feeling to be recognized for my art in this beautiful city that I call home. I am grateful and honoured to be receiving Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Award alongside the very talented Nicholas Campbell,” said Millie. “I have been very lucky to have the full force of the Peterborough community behind me from a very young age. I can not wait to get up on that stage and make you proud – see you there!”
From slick hot-rod rockabilly to smooth crooning honky tonk, Nicholas Campbell is the real deal. Inspired by some of the last century’s most iconic country sounds, Campbell first picked up the guitar at age 10 and was gigging by 11. Campbell began playing consistently with his band, The Two-Metre Cheaters, during the early months of the pandemic, and the band quickly found their groove as live shows became an option once again. Campbell’s 2021 debut album, ‘Livin’ and Other Western Ideas’, combines elements of rockabilly, western swing, and old-fashioned honky tonk. The band has enjoyed worldwide coverage and airplay since, spanning from western Canada to Spain, Italy and beyond. Nicholas has also played lead guitar for Melissa Payne, Pat Temple, Jane Archer and other artists.
With Campbell’s new singles and the album to come, ‘Gonna Have A Ball Tonight’, the group has embraced a more rock n’ roll-centric sound, adding renewed energy to Campbell’s signature country sensibilities.
“I’m very grateful to be part of such a supportive music scene and I feel very fortunate to be recognized as Emerging Artist,” said Nicholas Campbell. “It’s very humbling to be recognized on a list with so many other great artists.”
Recipients of the Emerging Artist Award are provided showcase performance spots during the festival weekend and a trip to the Folk Music Ontario Conference where they have the opportunity to meet artistic directors, festival organizers, other musicians, agents and publicists. Peterborough Folk Festival would like to thank our Emerging Artist Sponsors: Cambium Consulting and Engineering; Engage Engineering Ltd. & Part Time CFO Services.
Peterborough Folk Festival 2023 kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18 at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by a free-admission weekend of music, food and culture on August 19 and 20 at Nicholls Oval Park. Recent announcement of headliners Broken Social Scene and Loreena McKennitt will be followed soon with the complete line-up of performers.
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Peterborough Pathway of Fame Announces Class of 2023 Inductees
/Pathway of Fame has announced the most recent group of Inductees for the Class of 2023 in Peterborough and District.
photo courtesy of pathway of fame, facebook.
The Pathway of Fame Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization first formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities. The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park in 1998.
Recent inductees include:
John Ambrose (Jack) Doris (Community Builder)
First elected to Peterborough City Council in 1967, John Ambrose (Jack) Doris subsequently represented his Monaghan Ward constituents for 39 years and served another six years as Mayor before stepping back from politics in 2014 – his legacy secure as someone who always had your back, and treated all with equal kindness and compassion.
Courtney Druce (Cultural/Community Betterment)
Before cancer tragically cut short her life at 27, Courtney Druce made it her mission to inspire and provide hope for others fighting their own battles – raising funds for, and bringing awareness to the important work of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name but a few benefactors of her empathy for others. Courtney Druce died April 27, 2016 just shy of her 28th birthday.
Sean Eyre (Cultural/Community Betterment)
From his radio broadcasting heyday as ‘Sunshine Sean’ to his co-founding of Rocklands Entertainment, to his relentless promotion of local artists – Sean Eyre’s love of his community has also encompassed service as a City alderman, not to mention one of the driving forces behind the 1998 founding of the Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame.
Charlie Gregory (Barb Bell Humanity Award Recipient)
Charlie Gregory’s photographic essays of the homeless have not only afforded the viewer a window into the harsh realities of the unhoused, but his images reveal the humanity of those who exist on the fringe. A self-described “watcher of folks who live on the edges of society,” Gregory has made it his selfless mission to both document, and offer support for the marginalized. As part of his advocacy, the proprietor of ‘Lumpy Bikes’ donates refurbished bicycles to those in need. His only ask: “That I take your picture.”
Stephanie and John MacDonald (Cultural/Community Betterment)
This Peterborough couple’s compelling, and vast contributions to the betterment and well-being of their community run the gamut, with the list of organizations having benefitted from their involvement, drive and passion as long, as it is impressive – all while serving as selfless and dedicated lifelong educators who each rose to the position of school principal. John MacDonald passed away at the end of 2022, in his 83rd year.
David McNab (Samaritan)
Having fully earned his status as global citizen, retired Peterborough County OPP constable David McNab continues to play a key role in the settlement and integration of Syrian refugees into the Peterborough community, displaying the same selfless compassion for others that fuelled his long involvement with Cops For Cancer and countless local organizations and initiatives.
Mike Melnik (Media)
As the popular morning host for ‘KRUZ’ AM and FM before his retirement from the airwaves in 2012, Mike Melnik’s welcoming and distinctive voice started the day for thousands of listeners. His passion for the community, and his capacity for instantly putting his guests at ease was a gift that translated into a coveted spotlight for countless events, causes and organizations – Easter Seals, and its annual telethon among them.
Cathy Rowland (Dramatic Arts)
A staunch champion of the Peterborough arts scene and in particular the involvement, and creative works of our community’s youth, Cathy Rowland founded the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS and served as lead writer of the Ontario Applied Design and Arts curriculum – in addition to writing, producing and directing numerous theatrical productions.
Jeannine Taylor (Media)
A self-made entrepreneur of close to 30 years, KawarthaNOW founder, CEO and publisher Jeannine Taylor was first out of the gate locally in terms of recognizing, and acting upon the emergence of the Internet as a media communications platform, having since leveraged her experience and influence to mentor other women in business.
Greg Wells (Entertainment)
As a two-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most sought-after record producers in the world, Los Angeles-based Greg Wells has never forgotten his Peterborough roots – honouring and celebrating the City’s rich musical heritage by devoting his time and considerable skills to the furtherance of homegrown talent.
Inductees are chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by an anonymous committee comprised of community citizens having no current association whatsoever with, or connection to, The Pathway of Fame. The Nominations Chair is tasked with appointing a new Selection Committee each year, the members of which are confidential and never revealed to The Pathway of Fame.
Induction ceremonies are held each September at the Showplace Performance Centre. This years’ induction for the Class of 2023 will return to the main stage Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m. and is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Past inductees are welcome. Admission is free and reservations are not required.
Winning Grandparents Named at 35th Annual Grandparent of the Year Award Ceremony
/Community Care Peterborough (CCP) held its 35th Grandparent of the Year Awards presentation at the Peterborough Public Library on Tuesday.
file photo.
Community Care received almost 200 stories and artwork entries from children this year, telling the organization why their Grandparent should win this award. A panel of volunteer judges chose one winner and two honourable mentions from each group of grades; primary (Grades 2 and 3) and junior (Grades 4, 5, 6).
“After two years of virtual events, it was amazing to return to an in-person awards ceremony hosted by the Peterborough Public Library,” said Alicia Vandine, CCP’s donor relations and communications lead. “There (was) so much pride and happiness felt in the room, a definite ‘Smiles All Around’ event.”
Winners and honourable mentions read their stories and introduced their Grandparent, Elder or special older person to the crowd of about 80 people in attendance. CCP got their story and artwork framed as a gift for the children to present to their grandparents.
Local businesses and organizations also provided prizes for the children and their grandparents, which included Ashburnham Ale House, Boardwalk Board Game Café, Gerri's Arts and Crafts Warehouse, Lakeview Bowl Peterborough, The Little Frozen Yogurt Company, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Peterborough Public Library, Silver Bean Café and Tim Hortons.
Special guest Deputy Warden Sherry Senis presented each of the grandparents the award on behalf of Peterborough County. Local photographer Heather Doughty was onsite for the event, capturing family photos for the winners.
Primary Category – Grades 2 and 3
Primary Winner: Finn Frampton, Grade 3, St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Grandpa Reginald Caley
Primary Honourable Mention: Kylie Beasley, Grade 3, North Shore Public School. Honouring: Grandpa Ken Beasley
Primary Honourable Mention: Launa Hobbs, Grade 2, Monsignor O'Donoghue Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Nana Judy Masters
Junior Category – Grades 4, 5 and 6
Junior Winner: Maya Kubica, Grade 5, École catholique Monseigneur-Jamot. Honouring: Grandad David Peters
Junior Honourable Mention: Molly Cotnam, Grade 6, Apsley Central Public School. Honouring: Grandma Eva Malloy
Junior Honourable Mention: Madeline McBride, Grade 6, St. John Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Grandpa Dan Burke
“We want to thank every child that entered, they have a participation certificate coming to them,” continued Vandine. “Every year we are amazed by the scope of stories we have received, it was not an easy task for our volunteer judges to choose the winners. Congratulations to Finn (honouring Grandpa Reginald Caley) and Maya (honouring Grandpa Dan Burke) for their winning entries.”
For more information about the annual Grandparent of the Year event, visit the website.
Community Care’s 35th Annual Grandparent of the Year Award Ceremony to Take Place June 6
/Community Care Peterborough is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its intergenerational recognition program, ‘Grandparent of the Year,’ which honours children’s relationship with a Grandparent, Elder or special older person in their lives, with this year’s winners and honourable mentions will be announced on June 6.
photo courtesy of community care peterborough.
Over the years, thousands of school children from across the City and County of Peterborough have nominated a loved one for this award. Children are encouraged to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their Grandparent, Elder or special older person, and why they think their nominee should win the award.
This year, Community Care received almost 200 entries and their panel of volunteer judges has chosen: one winner and two honourable mentions from each group of grades; primary and junior. Primary is Grades 2 & 3, and junior is Grades 4, 5, & 6. Submissions were accepted in both English and French.
“We want to thank every child that entered, they have a participation certificate coming to them,” said Alicia Vandine, CCP’s donor relations and communications lead. “Every year we are amazed by the scope of stories we have received, it was not an easy task for our volunteer judges to choose the winners.”
After two years of virtual events, Community Care says they are looking forward to a return to an in-person awards ceremony on June 6 at 6 p.m. at the lower level Community Room in the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N, Peterborough).
For more information about the annual Grandparent of the Year event, visit the website.
Heart of Trent Event Recognizes Outstanding Contributions of Staff, Faculty, Retirees
/The outstanding contributions of Trent faculty, staff and retirees were celebrated Wednesday at the University’s annual Heart of Trent employee appreciation event, hosted this year at Trent’s Durham GTA campus in Oshawa.
photo courtesy of trent UNIVERSITY.
