‘The Meaning of Home’ National Student Writing Contest Returns in Support of Local Habitat for Humanity Organizations

Local elementary students Grades 4, 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to share what home means to them in ‘The Meaning of Home’ national writing contest to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

Founded by Sagen, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2 million to help local Habitats across Canada build decent and affordable housing since 2007.

Three grand prize winners will each receive a $30,000 grant to help a local Habitat for Humanity build a place to call home for a family in need of affordable housing. In addition, nine runners up will receive a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity. Winners will be announced by June.

As housing continues to be an important concern for all Canadians, it is children especially who understand how housing can provide their family with a place to study, pursue their dreams and build a better life. Every student who enters the contest will help Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region build safe and affordable homes, because every entry earns a $10 donation towards their local Habitat for Humanity.

“It is so wonderful to see the enthusiastic response each year from parents, teachers and especially the children who enter this contest and share what home means to them in their own words,” say Habitat for Humanity Canada president and CEO Julia Deans. “We know that having a safe and affordable place to call home helps people build better lives and stronger communities.”

Last year over 13,000 entries were received, the largest number of submissions Habitat Canada has ever received for this contest and raised over $311,000. From entries in 2020 and 2021, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region had 3 runner-up winners in grades 5 and 6 which lead to $30,000 in grants towards the 41-unit condo project on Leahy’s Lane in the City of Peterborough, along with a class pizza party and a tablet for the student winners.

“The Meaning of Home contest provides an opportunity to engage youth in discussions around the current state of housing, and to feel inspired about our next generation of leaders,” says Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region communications & donor services manager Jenn MacDonald. “Not only do students have a greater sense of appreciation for home, but they actively participate in giving back to their community. It’s truly a win-win!”

Submissions for this years contest are being accepted by mail or online from Jan. 9 until Feb. 24.

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Peterborough DBIA Announces Holiday Shopping Passport Grand Prize Draw Winner

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) announces Noah Sloan as the grand prize draw Holiday Shopping Passport winner on Tuesday.

photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Sloan’s completed Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn at the El (P) restaurant on George Street in downtown Peterborough on Jan. 11.

The winning passport came from Iceman Video Games, where Sloan purchased a new gaming console. The $1,500 Boro gift card grand prize was awarded by Iceman Video Games Store Manager Holly Butler on Jan. 14.

“I still can’t believe I won, it’s surreal. I think now more than ever, it’s important to support small businesses with the economy the way it is,” said Sloan. “I really appreciate our downtown and love that I can bring my dog along while shopping the stores. I’m still wrapping my head around winning and look forward to exploring all the new shops and restaurants with my gift card.”

The Holiday Shopping Passports ran from Nov. 14 to Jan. 11.

Throughout the program shoppers were rewarded with a passport stamp for every $10 they spent at a participating location. Each completed passport, or 20 stamps, was entered into a draw, including three early bird draws of $500 in Boro gift cards.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program generated just over 2.3 million dollars in local spending.

“What I love about this program is anyone can win when they shop downtown. Some past winners filled out dozens of passports while others complete just one,” says executive director of the Peterborough DBIA Terry Guiel.

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Nominations Open For Kraft Hockeyville To Win $250,000 In Arena Upgrades

The annual Kraft Hockeyville contest nominations are open to anyone to select their city and arena to win $250,000 and host an NHL pre-season game announced on Sunday.

File Photo.

Last year, Douro-Dummer reached the final four to get upgrades for the Douro Community Centre. While they did not succeed in winning, they did win $25,000 for arena upgrades. Last year, Sydney, N.S. won the top prize, beating our Douro-Dummer; Princeton, B.C. and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

The cooling plant at the community centre located in Warsaw failed last year so the Douro Dukes Hockey Association — comprising 19 teams — operated out of one arena and four dressing rooms during that time.

The alternative dressing rooms often used for girls playing on mostly boys’ teams, we inadequate, practically considered closets according to Kerri Riel, Douro Minor Hockey Association (DMHA) secretary in a prior PTBOCanada interview.

The Kraft Hockeyville competition begins with the ‘Nominate and Rally’ phase, where community members take actions like sharing on social media and submitting photos’ on the Hockeyville site to earn points.

Nominated communities can earn ‘Rally Points’ in order to help qualify for the top four and ultimate winner. They account for 20 per cent of the community’s score.

• Submit a nomination story - 10 points

• Share on Twitter using the share button - Five points

• Add photos of your arena - Three points

• Add a note - One point

• React with emojis to nominated stories and photos - One point

Nominations can be done at Kraft Hockeyville’s official website with the deadline at Feb. 19 at midnight. The grand prize winner is being announced on Apr. 1.

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The Art School of Peterborough Earns First-Place Honours in DBIA's Holiday Window Contest

The Art School of Peterborough has earned the title of first place for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) annual Downtown Holiday Window Contest announced on Wednesday.

This year’s theme was ‘Winter Wonderland’ that was launched on Nov. 14 in conjunction with DBIA’s Holiday Shopping Passports.

Raine Knudsen, The Art School of Peterborough receptionist released the following statement after being declared the winner:

"The Art School of Peterborough is humbled to win 1st place in the 2022 Holiday Window Contest! Thank you so much to everyone who has shown their support; to our students, our instructors and coworkers, our neighbours, and our local Peterborough community.

This year, we were inspired to create a woodland scene, with our favourite lovable forest creatures all joyfully hand-drawn with care. Just like a snowflake, the Peterborough community is extraordinary in every way, you are one of a kind, a fantastic individual, an exceptional find.

In celebration of the season, all visitors who happen to stop by the Art School will be treated to a hand-made ceramic snowflake ornament crafted by our talented art students. 

Thanks Peterborough, for all the support and love you’ve shown us, and so many other local businesses and non-profits this holiday season. The Art School wishes everyone a bright and beautiful winter holiday and happy new year!” 

This year’s winners are: 

• 1st place — The Art School of Peterborough, 174A Charlotte St.

• 2nd Place — Fork It, 288 Charlotte St.

• 3rd Place — The Capital PTBO 370 George St.

The top three winners received $1,000, $500 and $300 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from Nov. 14 to Dec. 5.  

“We love seeing our shop owners put their own creative spin on the holidays with our Holiday Window Contest. It really sets the tone of the season and brings a lot of charm into our historic downtown shopping district,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “It’s incredible to see the community support our small businesses throughout the competition. This season we saw a record-breaking number of votes through our online voting portal with over 3000 votes cast.” 

To view this year's window display entries, locals can go online to theBoro.ca

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Norwood Agricultural Society Names Fair Ambassador Ahead Of Annual Norwood Fair

Emma Harding has been crowned the 2022 Norwood Fair Ambassador, after the Ambassador Competition hosted on Sunday at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre.

Photo by Megan Wilson.

Harding competed in a group of six young women from the Norwood area.

On Sunday, each competitor was interviewed by a panel of three judges, delivered a speech about the fair and answered an impromptu question in front of an audience.

Harding is a student at Norwood District High School and works as an Administrative Assistant at McCloskeys International. She is sponsored by The Norwood Legion, Branch 300.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Norwood Fair Ambassador program. When it began, the winner was crowned Norwood Fair Queen, though as years went by the name was changed.

Marcia Warr was the first Norwood Fair Queen in 1947.

This year, Harding will receive the crown from Ashley Vanderhorst who was crowned during the 2019-2020 season. Because of COVID-19 there was no competition for 2020-2022.

As Ambassador, Harding will assist in various tasks during the fair weekend like helping at the School Fair and Homecraft Buildings, handing out ribbons at various competitions throughout the weekend, riding on the Ambassador float in the parade on Saturday , attending the Opening Ceremonies and representing her sponsor throughout the fair grounds.

Before and after the fair weekend, the Ambassador will also represent the Norwood Fair at community event like the Santa Claus parade.

Harding will also attend the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) Convention held in Toronto in February and compete in the Canadian National Exhibition Ambassador of the Fairs Competition in Toronto in August.

The Norwood Fair will take place October 8 - 10, 2022.

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Fleming College Students Bring Home Multiple Medals From Province-Wide Trades Competition

Three Fleming College Students have brought home three gold medals at the Skills Ontario Competition earlier this month, with two others winning silver and one bronze.

Mai Dong, Culinary Management, Bailey Wodzak, Carpentry and Renovation and Luc Trottier, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician were all awarded gold medals for their efforts in the competition.

Dong and Wodzak will now advance to the Skills Canada National Competition in Vancouver from May 25 - 28.

Carpentry student, Maclaren Zbieranek and Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician student, Jersey Phin were each awarded silver medals. Welding and Fabrication Technician student, Jack Banister won a bronze medal.

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Fleming College Arboriculture Students To Compete In 24th Annual Tree Climbing Competition

Fleming College Arboriculture students will participate in the 24th annual Tree Climbing competition on April 19.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Each year students enrolled in the Arboriculture program compete against each other in five key events.

Events featured are Tree Rescue, Throw Line, Belayed Speed Climb, Secured Footlock and Work Climb.

The competition gives students a chance to win prizes, with awards going to men’s and women’s division championships. Prizes are donated by community members and members of the Arboriculture industry.

Many students go on to compete at a provincial and national level with the International Society of Arboriculture’s Tree Climbing Championships.

During the Tree Rescue event, a climber must ascend a tree and rescue a, 200 lb. ‘dummy.’ The student rescuer must adhere to a set of protocols based on a specified emergency. This is a time-based event, with points awarded or deducted according to the protocol and emergency.

The Throw Line event is timed and tests the contestant’s ability to accurately place a throw line and a climbing line into the tree at heights between 12 and 20 metres.

During the Belayed Speed Climb Event each contestant is timed climbing up a tree from the ground to a height of approximately 15 metres where they will ring a finishing bell.

Contestants in the Secured Footlock Event must vertically ascend 13 metres in a tree by using the footlock technique. This is a timed event.

The Work Climd event tests the contestant’s ability to move quickly and efficiently in the tree and perform various tasks. At each station the contestant rings a bell. Bonus and penalty points are awarded based on safety, performance and competence.

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Douro Boy Wins Ontario Wide Contest Held By Ontario Association Of Fire Chiefs

Douro boy, Emmet, became the grand prize winner of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) home escape plan contest.

Photo courtesy of the Douro Dummer Fire Service.

The contest challenged entrants to find two ways out of every room of their home and to know where to meet outside in the event of an emergency.

Douro-Dummer Fire Services (DDFS) personnel distributed the OAFC contest entry sheets to eligible students at Warsaw Public School and St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School during Fire Prevention Week in October.

A winner was selected by the OAFC from all the entries in Ontario.

DDFS personnel met Emmet and his family to present his prizes. Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen presented Emmet with a framed copy of his entry, complete with a first-prize ribbon.

“We are grateful for all the children that took the time to prepare a plan to ensure they know two ways out of their home in the event of a fire,” said Fire Chief Pedersen. “We are so proud of Emmet who submitted a great picture, showing just that, and won first place in the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs’ contest.”

Photo courtesy of the Douro Dummer Fire Service.

Emmet received a fire safety gift pack, a $500 cash prize from the OAFC and a gift certificate from the Douro-Dummer Firefighters’ Association to use at the Kawartha Buttertart Factory.

Emmet, sister Mya Lynn and aunt Andrea also got to take a ride in a fire truck with their favourite firefighter, Wayne Greystock.

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