Dieter Wittek Was A Quiet Community Leader With An Absolute Heart Of Gold

Dieter Wittek, owner of Dieter & Darcy's No Frills in downtown Peterborough on George St., has passed way at the age of 61 surrounded by family. Dieter and his wife Darcy have operated the No Frills for many years, and are known for being an incredibly charitable couple.

Dieter has been a quiet, unassuming, generous leader in the community for years—giving back to countless causes in the city, and adored by family, friends, customers and colleagues alike. There has been an outpouring on social media about what a wonderful, remarkable, humble person he was. His impact was felt far and wide on people and organizations on the city.

Dieter pictured with his wife Darcy and two of his five grandchildren Olivia and Elle (photo courtesy Natalie Wittek)

"We learned many things from our Dad, including the importance of giving, commitment and pursuing your passions," his sons Matt and Nick Wittek tell PTBOCanada.com. "But most importantly, he taught us how to be husbands, fathers and good friends."

"He was caring, loving, goofy, silly and more... and we loved him,” adds his 7-year-old granddaughter Serena Wittek on behalf of all 5 granddaughters—Serena, Olivia, Ayla, Maeve and Elle.

The entire No Frills is shutting down this Thursday (August 11th) afternoon so the staff can attend his service and celebrate his life. A notice was posted on the front doors of No Frills notifying customers, many of whom are devastated by his passing...

Photo via @kemi_akapo

As Dieter's obit says, "during his life he played roles including treasured husband, loving father, adored grandfather, beloved son, brother, uncle, loyal friend, fun golf buddy, good boss and mentor."

Dieter will be greatly missed by so many, but his impact will never be forgotten in this community.

Share your memories of Dieter on our Facebook page.

—post by Neil Morton

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6-Year-Old Ryerson Among Thousands That Joined Pokemon Go Party In Downtown Peterborough

Saturday's Pokemon Go party in downtown Peterborough was a hit, with thousands of people heading of all ages heading downtown to play. Among those was Peterborough's Dave Beardmore and his son Ryerson, who just turned 6 and is going into Grade 1.

Ryerson has cerebral palsy and it effects the muscle control on the left side of his body. But that hasn't prevented Ryerson—a member of the well known Peterborough Huskies special needs baseball team—from living a social and active life, including particpating in the Pokemon Go party.

Dave and Ryerson on George St. at Pokemon Go party

"Ryerson enjoyed doing the colouring competition and seeing people dressed up playing the game" Ryerson's dad Dave tells PTBOCanada. "Pokemon Go really is just something we do together."

Ryerson enjoying the colouring fun station at Pokemon Go party

Dave does tell PTBOCanada he wishes, like every video game, that there weren't more options for controls and settings for people with disabilities.

"A lot of functions in the game require the use of two hands and fine motor skills," Dave tells PTBOCanada. "Putting controls away from the centre of the screen and other options to catch the Pokemon would make the game more enjoyable for him."

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Darryl Lloyd Was Just 14 When He Died In Cycling Accident But His Impact Will Last Forever

Darryl Lloyd was a participant in Big Brothers Big Sisters back in July of 2000 when he was matched with Keith Calderwood as his big brother (mentor).  

Keith, a constable with the Peterborough Police Service, would accompany Darryl on regular outings whether it was fishing, baseball, hockey, cycling, or walking Darryl’s dog. Keith and Darryl had just begun to enjoy the sport of golf together as well. Most of their times together finished with a stop at Tim Hortons where Darryl would enjoy an iced cappuccino while talking with Keith about the everyday challenges of being a teenager and of growing up without a dad.

Darryl (middle) pictured with Keith Calderwood (far right)

Tragically, in June of 2003, Darryl died on Chemong Road as a result of a cycling accident. He was just 14 years old. Through the relationship between Keith and Darryl, Big Brothers and Big Sisters introduced two people to one another and started a relationship that will live on in memories forever—and has had a lasting impact. 

Darryl

A memorial golf tournament in Darryl’s name will assist in bringing other “Bigs and Littles” together by raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough. To support the Big Brothers Big Sisters through this important tournament, consider becoming a sponsor or enter a team for a great day of golf at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday, August 18th.

***Register here, call 705.743.1045 or email here for more info.

Learn more about this tournament in Darryl's honour in this video below....

Mark Shuwera on The Darryl Lloyd Memorial Golf Tournament Published on Jul 29, 2016 Mark Shuwera is the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough. Here Mark talks about the Darryl Lloyd Memorial Golf Tournament and what it means to the organization. The tournament is held at the beautiful Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

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Why Missy Knott Is A Great Believer In The Power Of Community & People

For talented singer-songwriter Missy Knott, giving back to others is a huge part of who she is—an essential part of her DNA.

Missy believes deeply in the power of human connections, and much of that comes from loss and anguish she has experienced in her own life. "With how I've been affected by Colon Cancer [in 2009, her father lost his battle with it], suicide, mental health and all of the different walks of life I've grown up exploring, it is very important for me to connect on a personal level with people," she tells PTBOCanada.

Photo by Davey Warren

That Missy does, having lent her time and talent to numerous charitable endeavours over the years—recent examples being the Women For Women YWCA Concert Fundraiser and the Peterborough Huskies special needs team.

"Missy is an incredible, inspiring young woman," Huskies co-founder Cathie Tuck tells PTBOCanada. "She does so much for others in this community. We have been blessed to know her. Missy is writing the Huskies theme song, along with some other amazing people. We cannot wait to hear her sing it. Missy leads with her heart and we are so proud of her. We know she will be a vital part of change in this world."

Missy herself is humble about all she does to give back, but says it's community and people that constantly inspire here:

"Our community has provided myself, my family, my daughter as well as my friends and forever people in my life with such amazing opportunities and experiences," Missy tells PTBOCanada. "I want everyone to succeed and thrive. I've faced enormous challenges and struggles since giving birth to my daughter. I now know the true effects, and why I have had to face them when it comes to disease and death among other things. I will always use my connections, business and personal, to help this community and the people in it who show me love when I most need it."

Photo by Davey Warren

On of the most significant connections Missy has made over the years is with Randy Elliott, who she has forged a deep friendship and bond with. Randy lost his stepdaughter Chloe Leblanc in 2009 to Cystic fibrosis (CF). Chloe died at just age 26. That same year was when Missy's father who raised her, Ralf Warnke, passed away.

"When I met Randy Elliott about 7 years ago, we were both struggling to find our purpose after losing these very important people to us," Missy tells PTBOCanada. "He asked if Sam Ferguson and I, who were playing as a duo at that time, would be interested in helping him by playing for a fundraiser he would put together for Cystic Fibrosis. What started as a Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser in memory of Chloe is now a celebration of life that includes a number of musicians from the community called Randy Rock N' Rolls for CF."

Missy and Randy

The duo have teamed up again this year for Randy Rock N' Rolls for CF, and it takes place Saturday, August 20th at The Tankhouse Pub (295 George St.). This all day Live Music Event begins at noon that day.

The lineup this year features Phoxy Music, Rebecca & Tamara, Jan Schoute, Art Lajambe, Hillary Dumoulin, Lorinda Frudd & Elijah Holt, Tami J Wilde, Brennan Wasson, Cale Crowe, Andrew D'Agostini & The Puck Stoppers, Cadillacs, Man on the Wall and High Waters Band. There will also be prize giveaways and silent auction items. More details can be found on their Facebook event page.

This, like all the community events Missy is involved with, is near and dear to her heart. Please spread the word and attend this great event for a special cause.

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President Obama Gave Amazing Shout-Out To Maryam Monsef In House Of Commons

Obama shaking hands with MP Monsef

It was an amazing and unexpected moment in the House of Commons for Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef Wednesday night.

During a powerful and rousing speech to Parliament by U.S. President Barack Obama, he gave a beautiful and touching shout-out to Monsef, telling the story of how she fled Afghanistan with her mother and siblings after her father was killed by the Taliban. Many on social media said it was the highlight of his talk.

 

VICE News Canada Features Editor Justin Ling tweeted this...

Buzzfeed Canada Politics reporter Emma Loop tweeted this...

He cites her history as a refugee who came from Afghanistan and rose to cabinet.

— Emma Loop (@LoopEmma) June 29, 2016

Speaking of the need to embrace immigrants, Obama said this of Monsef, the Minister of Democratic Institutions, in his speech:

"We see the refugees who feel that they have a special duty to give back, and seize the opportunities of a new life. Like the girl who fled Afghanistan by donkey and camel and jet place and who remembers being greeted in this country by helping hands and the sound of robins singing. And today she serves in this chamber and in the cabinet because Canada is her home."

Monsef was blown away by the remarks, and later tweeted this:

Thank you @POTUS for recognizing my family's journey. More work to do together to support refugees around the world. pic.twitter.com/hR7bUnDQ4s

— Maryam Monsef (@MaryamMonsef) June 29, 2016

A standing ovation for Monsef was given after Obama's remarks in the House of Commons.

Buzzfeed's Emma Loop tweeted this video of Obama shaking hands with Monsef after his speech...

Obama hugs Trudeau, shakes hands w/ Monsef, gets standing ovation after speech. #NALS2016 #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/epYDX98zOj

— Emma Loop (@LoopEmma) June 29, 2016

"It was unexpected," Monsef tells PTBOCanada of Obama's shout-out. "It was humbling and lovely. I immediately thought of my mother, her courage, her pursuit of a better life for her and her kids."

Monsef, who says it was really neat to shake hands with Obama, tells PTBOCanada this of what the moment means to her and her upbringing in Peterborough: "My story is what it is because of Peterborough, which treated my family so well when we came here. It's just another reminder about the people of our community, and their acts of kindness. How these acts of kindness and community are never forgotten."

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