Why Erica Cherney Was The Everything

Peterborough has lost one of its finest citizens ever, as Erica Cherney has died after a lengthy battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully in her Peterborough home on Tuesday morning (August 16th) surrounded by her three children Mike, Karen and Rich.

Cherney was a businesswoman, but first and foremost an amazing community ambassador—an extraordinary person. She had a great personality and sense of humour, and was a huge and feisty champion—cheerleader—of everything Peterborough. Her smile would light up a room, and her passion for the city and people was contagious and inspiring. She was a true humanitarian—Carleton University awarded her a prestigious 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Alumni Award in recognition of her leadership and service to the community.

Photo by Terry Guiel

Erica was vital to Peterborough across all areas—business, community, economic development, the arts, philanthropy.

"Erica was a champion of not only the downtown but Peterborough as a whole," says DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel about his mentor and friend. "I am hard pressed to think of a single person more loved, respected and vital to this community then Erica."

Erica pictured with her good friend Terry Guiel

As the owner and partner of Cherney Realty in Peterborough, Cherney received numerous awards and honours during her lifetime, including:
 
    • Ontario Bicentennial Medal for her volunteer work, 1984
    • YMCA’s Woman of the Year, 1987
    • Citizen of the Year – Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, 1999
    • Honorary Degree from Trent University, 2005
    • Rotary Club of Peterborough Paul Harris Fellow, 2011
    • Lifetime Achievement Award by Homegrown Homes, 2011
    • Woman of the Decade, Peterborough Examiner, 2012
    • Queen’s Jubilee Medal, 2012

Erica inspired so many women, like Maryam Monsef (at left) & Jasher Guiel (at right)

The Community Foundation of Peterborough tweeted out this about her impact...

Incredibly sad to hear of Erica Cherney's passing. Her contribution to #Ptbo will be felt for generations to come. Our deepest condolences.

— Community Foundation (@cfgp_) August 16, 2016

Mayor Bennett said this about her in a tweet...

We have lost one of our grand ladies, a true community builder in many ways. A sad day for all who were touched by Erica Cherney's life.

— Daryl Bennett (@MayorBennett) August 16, 2016

Erica pictured with Paul Rellinger

Erica served in leadership and board member roles for numerous organizations, including the Downtown Business Improvement Association, United Way, Showplace Peterborough, Peterborough Symphony, Peterborough Arts Council, Arbor Theatre Foundation, New Stages Theatre, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Vice-Chair of TVO, United Israel Appeal (earning an honour for her work), Beth Israel Synagogue, Peterborough Utilities Board, Peterborough Civic Hospital and the Ontario Audio Library Board.

Photo by Jessica Melnik

This is an immeasurable loss for our community, but the impact she had on this city will never be forgotten and has inspired generations of people she mentored.

Share your thoughts and memories of Erica with us on our Facebook page.

Watch this amazing interview Megan Murphy did with Erica in March 2015...

After a tough year of sickness, 83 year old, Peterborough Citizen of the Year, Erica Cherney, reflects on what makes her life worth living. A business owner, the chair of many boards and an all round spitfire, Erica reminds us of what's truly important. Advancing age and looming illness make her future endeavours questionable.

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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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