Nominations Open For United Way Peterborough & District 2024 Scholfield Award of Community Distinction
/The United Way Peterborough & District invites nominations for the 2024 Scholfield Award of Community Distinction.
Photo courtesy of United Way.
Peterborough Blogs
Fleming College Honours First Athletic Season of Student-Athletes As Phoenix With Awards Banquet
/Fleming College had a night of celebration and recognition of their Phoenix athletes during the annual varsity athletic award banquet on Friday night.
Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
During the College’s 51st athletic banquet, it was the first as the Fleming teams and student-athletes were recognized, marking the end of the first season for the newly branded Phoenix that was introduced.
More than 125 Fleming students participated in seven varsity sports, including soccer, volleyball, loggersports, curling, men’s basketball, cross country running and women’s rugby sevens.
In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 30 student-athletes were also recognized for their academic successes after achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while competing.
The following awards were presented:
Erin O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment and dedication.
Montana Rank – Women’s Volleyball
Scott Morris – Men’s Volleyball
Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.
Sarah D’Hondt – Loggersports
Ben Perreault – Men’s Volleyball
Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship and dedication on the field.
Chloe Bender – Women’s Rugby Sevens
Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.
Blake Fellman – Loggersports: Kris Starr Award
Rory Lauckner – Loggersports: Adam Evans Award
All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.
Suzanne Mooser – Loggersports
Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.
· Jordan Ross – Men’s Volleyball
OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.
Hollie Phillips – Women’s Rugby
Team Awards: The following athletes were recognized by their individual teams as either the most valuable player (MVP) or rookie of the year.
Hollie Phillips – MVP, Women’s Rugby
Sydney Hudson – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Rugby
Brook Parcels – MVP, Mixed Curling
Miranda Jensen – Rookie of the Year, Mixed Curling
Alexander Clark – MVP, Cross-Country
Jessica Lehman – Rookie of the Year, Cross-Country
Gabriel Nadeau – MVP, Men’s Soccer
Tobias Hartley – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Soccer
Emma Twohey – MVP, Women’s Soccer
Jordyn Brown – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Soccer
Kaden Bulmer – MVP, Men’s Loggersports
Thomas Switzer – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Loggersports
Sarah D’Hondt – MVP, Women’s Loggersports
Darian Carpenter – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Loggersports
Jesean Wilson – MVP, Men’s Basketball
Paul Molay – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Basketball
Sam Deschenes – MVP, Men’s Volleyball
Justin Van Luit – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Volleyball
Kristen Hacker and Taylor Penny – MVP, Women’s Volleyball
Kendra Keyes – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Volleyball
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2023 Civic Awards Nominations Remain Open Until April 5
/Nominations for the City of Peterborough 2023 Civic Awards will be open until April 5 at 4:30 p.m., announced on Thursday.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.
The annual Civic Awards recognize and honour local volunteers and achievers in sports, arts, and culture who had outstanding achievements in 2023.
Nominations are being accepted for the following categories:
Community Betterment
Cultural Betterment
Environmental Stewardship
Holnbeck Award
Adult Athlete of the Year
Athletic Award of Merit
Junior Athlete of the Year
Senior Athlete of the Year
Mayor's Youth Award
Volunteer of the Year
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Nomination packages are available using the interactive form online and paper copies are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N.
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Trent University Celebrates Its Student-Athletes In 55th Annual Athletics Awards
/In celebration of Trent University student-athletes, the campus celebrated the 55th annual Athletics Awards to recognize Excalibur student-athletes for their hard work and sportsmanship throughout the year at the Trent Athletics Centre on Thursday night.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
The event held a special tribute to outgoing Trent president and vice-chancellor Dr. Leo Groarke.
“Throughout his tenure, President Groarke has been a champion for Excalibur student-athletes,” said Nathan Mcfadden, Trent director of athletics and recreation. “His vision and dedication have been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and inclusivity that defines our Trent Excalibur community.”
McFadden also mentioned Trent Board chair Debra Cooper Burger's donation to the Excalibur Fund to support varsity athletics. President Groarke and Dr. Cathy Bruce, president-designate and current vice president of Research & Innovation at Trent, matched the gift.
“This collaborative effort between the university’s top leadership members exemplifies their dedication and commitment to enriching the student-athlete experience and fostering a culture of success and excellence,” said McFadden. “Excalibur student-athletes aren’t just competitors; they are ambassadors of our character and values here at Trent University and the embodiment of the Excalibur spirit. This funding will allow them to continue to foster the Excalibur culture of excellence and we are so appreciative of this significant donation and the support that we receive from these three exceptional leaders.”
Recipients of Trent’s 2023/24 Athletics Awards, including the inaugural Rookie of the Year and Athlete of the Year awards, are as follows:
Arthur Cup
Varsity student-athletes Jocelyn Whent (women’s lacrosse) and Grayson Tucker (men’s rugby) were honoured as the recipients of the Arthur Cup, the University’s most prestigious award for students in the final undergraduate year who have made significant contributions, sportsmanship, participation, and leadership in athletics programs.
Jocelyn Whent (Gzowski), a Kinesiology student with the women’s lacrosse team, has had an outstanding career as an Excalibur. During her four seasons with women’s lacrosse, Jocelyn earned two OUA gold medals, a silver and a bronze medal. As a key part of the team’s strong offence, she contributed significantly to their success in the OUA Championships. As a senior on the team, Jocelyn acts as a mentor for incoming members of the team, demonstrating leadership and grit on the field. Off the field, she has been a member of the 1EX Council for two years, helping organize varsity events for fellow athletes. Jocelyn has been a dedicated staff member with the Athletics Department during her time as an Excalibur. Holding positions like varsity event staff, game day lead, Excalibur Camp counsellor, and most recently varsity student administrator.
Grayson Tucker (Champlain), an Environmental & Resource Science Studies student on the men’s rugby team, has been an integral member of the Excalibur varsity program since his first season. Grayson was voted onto the team's leadership in his second season with a positive presence on the pitch that was made obvious early in his career as an Excalibur. In the following years, he was named the team’s most valuable forward for three consecutive years and received the coach’s and men’s rugby Garth Vader awards. Grayson was named team captain in his fourth and fifth seasons and OUA second-team all-star in 2022. As both a teammate and a captain, he demonstrated heart, commitment and passion on and off the pitch. Grayson also volunteers as a coach for the U18 Pagans boy’s rugby team and volunteers at Excalibur recruitment days and open houses for the men’s rugby team. A strong advocate for men’s health, Grayson has raised over $4,000 for the Movember Fund Charity over his five years at Trent. He is actively involved as a volunteer at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School with their suicide prevention awareness events.
Gary Wolff Leadership Award
The Gary Wolff Leadership Award was presented to Jacey Mabee (women’s rowing) and Daniel Austin (men’s volleyball), recognizing their courage, determination, and leadership in sport.
Jacey Mabee (Champlain), a biomedical sciences student, is a respected leader in the rowing program. Jacey’s teammates note that she can always be trusted to give her all during practice and race time. She carries her dedication and commitment off the water, acting as president of the Trent University Rowing Club and overseeing all the club's inner workings. Jacey was an integral part of organizing fundraisers for the team, like the Head of the Trent Regatta beer garden, as well as fundraisers for local charities, including a car wash for the Alzheimer Society, a Firetruck Pull for the Alzheimer Society, and a Movember fundraiser.
Daniel Austin (Gzowski) has been an active leader on and off the court during his five years as an Excalibur. As the men’s volleyball team captain for the past three seasons, Daniel helped introduce a new culture to the team, giving Trent a very positive reputation of respect and decorum in the league. He works in Admissions at Trent, providing tours and helping incoming students with inquiries about Trent. As a member of the 1EX Council, Daniel has taken the lead on outreach programs, engaging local schools often running elementary and high school tournaments.
Community Betterment Award
Rianna Rogers (women’s rugby) and Holden Lowes (men’s lacrosse) are the 2023-24 Community Betterment Award recipients.
Rianna Rogers (Otonabee) has been deeply involved in multiple initiatives at Trent and in the Peterborough Community during her time as an Excalibur student-athlete. Rogers is passionate about rugby and has been serving as an assistant coach at Crestwood Secondary School and with the U18 Peterborough Pagans. She dedicates significant time to teaching youth through rugby, notably with the 'Play Like a Girl' program. Additionally, she actively engages in various community service projects, including volunteering at the YES Shelter and the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, organizing clothing drives, and contributing to the 1EX Council's efforts to organize events for varsity student-athletes.
Holden Lowes (Lady Eaton) is a fifth-year Master’s student who has impacted the men’s lacrosse program and the Peterborough community during his time at Trent. Holden is studying cardiopulmonary exercise testing in heart failure patients to determine its predictive value for patient prognosis and eligibility for advanced therapies such as heart transplants. In his spare time, Holden maximizes his community involvement by working for Community Care, volunteering at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and sitting on the board at the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. At Trent, Holden is a Trent Graduate Student Association member and sits on the Trent University Research Ethics Boards.
Rookie of the Year
The inaugural recipients of the Rookie of the Year award are Tyler McDonald (women’s lacrosse) and Leo Frans (men’s soccer).
Tyler McDonald (Gzowski) had an exceptional rookie season with the Women’s Lacrosse program. The midfielder lead the team with an astounding seven goals in the OUA bronze medal game. She was named an OUA All-Star and was the OUA Rookie of the Year.
Leo Frans (Champlain) was an instant offensive threat in his first season with the Excalibur. Frans was second in the OUA for rookie scoring with seven team-leading goals, earning him OUA Second Team All-Star in his first season with the Excalibur. Leo’s offensive mindset and ability to find the back of the net has been a massive asset to the Excalibur and their success this season.
Athlete of the Year
The inaugural Athlete of the Year recipients are Kieran Gerow (women’s lacrosse) and Curtis Conley (men’s lacrosse).
Kieran Gerow (Trail), women’s lacrosse goalie, is the last line of defence, and the team has complete confidence in her. She is a calming and confident presence in the net, making big saves in big moments. She is a strong leader on the field and helps elevate the players around here on the defensive end of the field. Kieran’s solid defensive efforts in the net helped lead her team to an OUA bronze medal this season. Kieran was also named OUA Defensive Player of the Year and an OUA All-Star.
Curtis Conley (Champlain) is a four-time Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Defender of the Year, four-time CUFLA All-Canadian, four-year team captain, Baggataway Cup National Champion and All-Baggataway Cup team. He has a 40-6 record during his time at Trent.
This past season, Curtis played through a chronic injury but was the cornerstone of Trent’s defense earning them a tying spot on top of the East Division during regular season play. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury towards the end of the season and could not play at the Baggataway Cup. Throughout his time with the Excalibur, Curtis has solidified himself with one of the most successful athletic careers at Trent University.
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Deadline For Peterborough County 2024 Community Recognition Awards Nominations Extended to March 8
/Nominations for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards have been extended from March 1 to the 8, announced by Peterborough County on Monday Morning.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.
The awards are for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community.
“Peterborough County is an exceptional place, with extraordinary people and an outstanding business community,” said Bonnie Clark, County Warden. “Every two years we showcase models of true excellence among us through our Peterborough County awards ceremony. I encourage you to nominate a deserving friend, neighbour or business for the Community Recognition Awards.”
The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.
Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.
Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)
Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)
Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered
Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)
Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.
Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:
Developed innovative green technologies or
Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or
Donated conservation lands or easements or
Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or
Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or
Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)
Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)
Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.
Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)
Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.
Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.
Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 8 are requested.
The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.
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Hello Farm Awarded Second-Annual Peterborough Agricultural Innovation Award Implementing Japanese Farming Techniques
/The ingenuity of Ava Richardson and Kiyotami ‘Zenryu’ Owatari of Hello Farm from Havelock has paid off as they were awarded the Peterborough Agricultural Innovation Award which included $500 and a plaque presented at Sunderland Co-operative on Thursday afternoon.
(From left to right) Bonnie Clark, Peterborough Country Warden; Jim Martin, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Mayor, Kiyotami ‘Zenryu’ Owatari, Hello Farms; Ava Richardson, Hello Farms; Gath Stoner, Sunderland Co-op retail division manager and Elmer Buchanan, of Farmers Market Havelock. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The award is in its second year and was created by the Peterborough Agricultural Roundtable. Hello Farms is based out of Havelock growing organic herloom vegetables from their market garden.
“We're new still to the Peterborough area and have been here for three years now and farming for two,” explained Richardson. “We just came from just Japan, we were farming there for a decade so to be chosen for such an award is quite an honour.”
Richardson and Owatari adapted a Japanese farming technique of growing crops using a biochar chimney to improve their soil fertility, moisture retention and tilth to grow their garden.
The mix traditionally uses rice husks and bran but the farm substituted it with a unique blend of spelt husks and wheat bran. The result was a doubling in their overall crop yields and income.
Richardson is originally from the Oshawa area and moved to Japan for elementary school teaching and spent 14 years there (with 10 of them farming). She met Owatari as his native land, where the latter was a Buddhist monk and chef for over 20 years.
They lived close to Fukushima, known for the nuclear accident due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. It created less-than-ideal farming conditions that made the pair health-conscious when growing their own produce.
“We're quite motivated to have access to healthy and safe food because there was nuclear fallout,” explained Richardson. ‘‘We weren't sure what was safe to eat so that's a big motivator to always be growing healthy, safe and delicious food.”
The duo wanted to implement the same Japanese quality techniques in Canada with that same mindset.
“Knowing we were coming back to Canada, let's continue that philosophy,” said Richardson. “There's not a ton of Asian vegetables available locally but we happen to know uniquely Japanese heirloom varieties.”
“There's limited vegetables available here so I'm happy to introduce these tasty vegetables here,” said Kiyotami. “The people know that we grow Japanese cucumbers and they can get only from us so that's a good start. I like to develop that kind of stuff.”
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2023 Civic Awards Open For Nominations
/Nominations for the City of Peterborough 2023 Civic Awards are now open that recognize and honour local volunteers and achievers in sports, arts and culture who had outstanding achievements last year.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
“It’s the people of Peterborough that make our City special,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “If you know someone who had outstanding accomplishments in 2023 through sport or volunteerism in community, culture or environmental stewardship, let’s make sure they get recognized. Nominate them for a City of Peterborough Civic Award.”
Nominations are being accepted for the following categories:
Community Betterment
Cultural Betterment
Environmental Stewardship
Holnbeck Award
Adult Athlete of the Year
Athletic Award of Merit
Junior Athlete of the Year
Senior Athlete of the Year
Mayor's Youth Award
Volunteer of the Year
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Nomination packages can be submitted using the interactive form online or paper copies can be obtained at City Hall, 500 George St. N.
Nominations will be open until April 5 at 4:30 p.m. Awards will be presented publicly in June.
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JA-NEO Unveil Kawartha Lakes Class of 2024 Business Hall of Fame Inductees
/Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has revealed this year’s Kawartha Lakes exceptional business leaders into the class of 2024 second-annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame (BHF), announced at the Launch Kawartha in Lindsay on Wednesday morning.
Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.
The nominees are being inducted at an event at Mackey Celebrations in Lindsay on May 9. Each year, JA-NEO highlights nominees and their contributions that have significantly impacted the local business landscape, according to a press release.
“We are thrilled to unveil the distinguished class of inductees for the second consecutive year,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO CEO and president. These outstanding business leaders exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, demonstrating to local youth that building a successful business is both attainable and rewarding, with the potential to span generations.”
2024 JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame Inductees:
Brad Bird: Birdhouse Realty
John Fox: Boston Pizza Lindsay
Kyle Hussey: Waste Logix Inc
Linden Mackey: Mackey Funeral Home Inc. and Mackey Celebrations
Marlene Morrison Nicholls: Stewart Morrison Insurance
Anthony and Carlo Polito: Polito Ford Lincoln & Kawartha Lakes Honda
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Otonabee Conservation AGM Introduces Chair, Vice Chair and Announces Environmental Excellence Awards
/During Otonabee Conservation's first Annual General Meeting since the pandemic, a new chair and vice-chair were appointed and Environmental Excellence Awards were awarded.
Otonabee Conservation CAO, Janette Loveys Smith (left), award winner, Cathy Dueck (middle) and Board of Directors Chair, Michael Metcalf (right). Photo courtest of Otonoabee Conservation.
Deputy Mayor Michael Metcalf from the Municipality of Trent Hills steps up from his role as Vice Chair into the role of Chair; stepping down after filling the role since 2022, is Deputy Mayor from the Township of Cavan-Monaghan Ryan Huntley. For 2024, the role of Vice Chair will be held by Councillor Kevin Duguay from the City of Peterborough.
“We have accomplished a lot together under Ryan Huntley’s leadership and guidance. He has inspired us to continue our good work with Otonabee Conservation,” said Metcalf, “I look forward to working together with the board and staff in 2024 to address issues and challenges across the Otonabee Region watershed.”
“A sincere thank you to Deputy Mayor Huntley, who has been a great leader for the board of directors over the last two years,” said Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO. “I have enjoyed working with him and have appreciated his guidance. I am pleased to see Deputy Mayor Metcalf and Councillor Duguay step up in the Chair and Vice Chair roles and look forward to continuing to work with our eight member municipalities.”
Each year at the AGM, Otonabee Conservation honours four watershed champions with the annual Environmental Excellence Awards. These awards recognize the outstanding people and groups within our watershed who have demonstrated the advancement of watershed health through projects on the landscape and actions that contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.
This year’s recipients of the Environmental Excellence Awards are:
Individual Conservationist Award: Awarded to Cathey Dueck
Recognizing outstanding people who have undertaken projects, demonstrated leadership, and inspired others to create a healthier watershed.Environmental Stewardship Award: Awarded to Peterborough Humane Society
Recognizing community or organized groups that have successfully undertaken projects that contribute to a healthier watershed.Conservation Partnership Award: Awarded to Brad Appleby
Recognizing a municipal partner or agency who has made a significant, positive contribution to furthering the objectives of Otonabee Conservation in one or more areas of the Authority's operations.Business Award: Awarded to nefAB Canada Recognizing a business that has made a significant contribution to projects or programs at Otonabee Conservation, advancing our vision of a healthy watershed.
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Trent Professor Earns National Teaching Award
/Trent University professor David Newhouse and his work advancing Indigenous Studies has been named the recipient of the Lee Lorch Award – the highest honour presented by the Council of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT), announced on Monday.
Professor David Newhouse was one of Canada’s most outstanding university educators and winner of one of ten 3M Teaching Fellowships in May of 2022. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
