Easter Seals Hits Two Milestones For Upcoming Telethon

On their 100th anniversary, the 50th Easter Seals Telethon kicks off its fundraising campaign to provide support for children and youth with physical disabilities beginning Thursday.

Easter Seals Telethon hosts from 2019. Photo courtesy of Easter Seals Peterborough.

The Telethon will be broadcasted on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on YourTV and Global News but the campaign is currently seeking donations.

Easter Seals will virtually announce their goal on Thursday and check in with past ambassadors and local notables. Guests include Deputy Mayor Kemi Akapo; Kevin Collins, Easter Seals CEO; Stu Harrison; Graham Hart; Mike Melnik; Teresa Kazsuba; Catherine Hanrahan and Caley Bedore.

The raised funds provide financial assistance for mobility equipment, communication devices and summer camp opportunities for youth with physical disabilities.

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Norwood Woman Receives 4-H Ontario’s Most Distinguished Volunteer Award

Cathy Stockdale from Norwood is one of three recipients of the 2022 4-H Ontario Arbor Award, 4-H Ontario’s most distinguished volunteer award.

Cathy with her daughter Rebecca at a 4-H judging clinic . Photo courtesy of Cathy Stockdale.

4-H is a non-profit youth development organization that allows young people to learn about selected topics through fun, hands-on activities and mentorship.

The Peterborough 4-H association has several clubs across the county that teach about life skills.

“I’ve done it all from poultry to outdoors to crafting clubs, quilting, sewing, cooking, gardening, square dancing, even a giant veggie club,” she said.

All clubs are able to operate because of volunteers like Stockdale.

“I am getting close to 30 years of volunteering. It’s something that I did as a kid, then it eventually evolved into a leader position.”

Stockdale says that even though her own children are no longer participating in 4-H clubs, she continues to lead them because of how rewarding it is.

“Teaching kids a new skill and having them grasp that new skill, seeing the light go on when they figure it out is a very big reward. It's like watching the light bulb come on like ‘oh I can do this!’,” she said. “Watching that satisfaction of them completing that task is very rewarding for me as a leader.”

She notes that teaching young people life skills is something that does not seem to happen as often as it did years ago. Looking back to when she was in school she remembers learning basic skills like sewing, cooking and basic car maintenance.

“It's starting to come back - teaching these skills, we lost that for a while. 4-H has picked that up. Where else can you learn how to cook something and then have a meal at the end of the meeting? Or you grow a pumpkin and then see how big you can get them?”

Peterborough County 4-H ‘adopted’ a road in Peterborough County. Stockdale’s son spearheaded this idea. Here a group of members are cleaning up litter. Photo courtesy of Cathy Stockdale.

Recipients of the Arbor Award are nominated by their local Associations, and recipients are chosen by a committee of past recipients.

“Some girls got together and apparently nominated me for this award,” said Stockdale. “They got a bunch of letters together from people that I've worked with and volunteered with, they all wrote beautiful letters and they saved them for me so I could read them afterwards.”

According to the 4-H Ontario website, nominees must have shown significant leadership, initiative and made a positive impact on 4-H at various levels.

“You don’t know your self worth until you hear it from someone else's mouth. I am very blessed.”

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Peterborough Sport And Wellness Centre Launches New Website Ahead Of Summer Camp Registration

Registration for summer camps is now open and instructional sport camps are returning for the 2022 season in The City of Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

“We are excited to work with our community partners to offer instructional sport camps again this summer,” said Jennifer Bell, Sport and Fitness Coordinator.

The City of Peterborough has launched updated webpages for recreation services to provide residents a convenient online location for all recreation programs, activities, events, and facility information. The site features online services to register for programs, request facility rentals, view drop-in schedules, and learn about memberships and upcoming events. Visit the website at www.peterborough.ca/recreation.

Spring programs begin the first week of April, with the aquatics facility at the Sport & Wellness Centre scheduled to re-open.

“We look forward to seeing our members and participants return to swimming lessons and public swimming this Spring”, said Andrea Pade, Aquatics Coordinator.

Registration for spring programming opens online, on March 8, 2022. View program offerings at www.peterborough.ca/recprograms.

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Next Gen Kids Sign One-Day Contract With Peterborough Petes

Kids of the Peterborough Petes Next Gen program have signed one-day contracts as staff members for various positions ahead of a matinee game against the Barrie Colts on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Callan “Coach Cal” Perks, Next Gen General Manager; Michael Oke, Petes General Manager; Chase Savage, Next Gen Head Coach; Khaiden Kidd, Next Gen Radio Broadcaster; Emerson Malloy Next Gen PA Announcer and Ella Perks, Next Gen In-Game Host. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Next Gen game allows children to shadow staffing roles such as general manager, public address announcer, a new role as a radio broadcaster and many others.

“I think this is a type of event that gives everybody an opportunity to be involved,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “Whether you are someone that is a strong player or somebody that doesn't play as all but wants to be a fan and enjoy the various aspects, it gives everybody a chance to be involved and participate.”

The Petes accepted applications and auditions from the public earlier this month for the Family Day game. Essays and/or videos were accepted as entries.

The following is a list of the Petes Next Gen staff:

• Callan Perks, General Manager

• Chase Savage, Head Coach

• Abby Docherty, Assistant Coach (not present)

• Emerson Malloy Next Gen PA Announcer

• Ella Perks, Next Gen In-Game Host

• Khaiden Kidd, Next Gen Radio Broadcaster

Coach Cal went viral in a pre-game speech that went viral in November. His twin sister Ella (far right) was the Next Gen In-Game Host for Feb. 21 game. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Callan “Coach Cal” Perks became a viral sensation with a pre-game speech for the Petes in late November as part of the Next Gen game. Oke says this program is meant to help develop younger generations with several life skills on and off the ice.

“We may be developing future players for the National Hockey League but we're definitely developing future members of our community,” he said. “I think this is a perfect example of an event like this in a special game like this allows us to work with young people and help development for life but not only on the ice but off the ice as well.

@ptbo_canada @coachcalofficial telling the @petesohlhockey to get the W tonight! Be careful @Barrie Colts. #gopetesgo #ohl #petes #coachcal #familyday #gettheW ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The Peterborough Petes defeated the Barrie Colts 4-3. Emmett Sproule, Jax Dubois, Chase Stillman and J. R. Avon were the Petes goal scorers.

Stillman and Spoule were the first and second stars respectively with Declan McDonnell of the Colts as the third.

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Organizations, Parents And Kids Celebrate As Youth Sports Resume In Peterborough

As of Monday youth sports may resume in Ontario, as part of the provinces slow ease in restrictions. Sports have been put on hold since Jan. 5.

Photo courtesy of Time 2 Hoop.

Leagues, studios, teams and coaches in Peterborough are ready to resume for in person play.

“We are thrilled to be able to open our doors to our students again,” said Robyn Carter, owner at Premiere Dance Peterborough. “Youth sports and extra curricular activities are so important to the mental and physical health of all children. At Premiere we go above and beyond the safety measures required, and know we can provide our dance lessons in a safe environment.”

Time 2 Hoop Basketball Academy is excited to be able to train athletes again and believes that their mental health will improve in doing so.

“We are getting back to an environment where children can be active while they are developing competence, confidence and having fun,” said Joshua Williams, founder of Time 2 Hoop. “Learning new skills, getting exercise, interacting with peers and learning to play with others in a team setting. Being involved with sports also helps develop life skills and deal with the challenges that life brings.”

Jef Dueck, president of the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, AAA Peterborough Petes, sayd that although the league has lost about a month of ice time, they are ready now more than ever to skate together.

“We are very happy to be back at the rink and playing the sport we love,” he said. “Physical activity and team play are very important to the physical and mental health of our youth. For kids involved in high-level competitive sports programs like AAA hockey, there’s really no substitute for the intensity that comes with their practices and games. We’ve lost a month, some games and a couple of tournaments. But now that we can skate together again, we won’t waste any time getting back to work and chasing after the Provincial Championships.”

Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach of the U15AA Ice Kats, says the team is buzzing and ready to get back on the ice.

“Now that we know what a month without hockey looks like we’re ready to capitalize on our excitement,” she said. “The team is focused and ready for success.”

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Norwood Boy Gets A Birthday Surprise From Local Fire Department

Jayden, a 4-year-old from Norwood, who lives with a rare genetic disorder called Coffin-Siris Syndrome, got a special birthday surprise from the Asphodel Norwood Fire Department (ANFR) on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Fraser.

Ashley Fraser, Jayden’s Mom, says that while he is non-verbal he has always shown an interest in big trucks and lights so she thought he may like firetrucks.

“We noticed when we went to the Santa Clause parade in Norwood and he was just amazed when he saw the firetruck,” she said. “He sits in our window and he loves to watch cars go by and big trucks, that’s his thing - he’s not interested in toys.”

Because of his interest, Jayden’s mom reached out to the local fire department in hopes that they would drive by in their truck on Jayden’s birthday.

ANFR Fire Chief Daryl Payne and firefighter James Jordan arrived with a firetruck in tow to Jayden’s house to celebrate.

“James got right down to his eye level, Jayden was just so comfortable with him, it was just amazing that he was so drawn to him and was able to have that connection.”

Fraser says that the department blew her away with their kindness and how they treated her son.

@ptbo_canada Happy Birthday Jayden! Someone’s day was made and we don’t know if it was Jaydens our ours ❤️ #PTBOCanada #firefighters #firedepartment ♬ today was a good day - ✗

Living with coffin-siris syndrome, Jayden is non-verbal. His mom says his squeals of delight showed her just how happy he was when he saw the fire truck pull up to their home.

“He doesn’t get excited like the average little kid gets excited on birthdays or Christmas, it just doesn’t do it for him like a regular little kid, so it was so awesome to see him enjoy this.”

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"Coach Cal" Opens Hockey Night in Canada With Pre-Game Speech

Seven-year-old Callan “Coach Cal” Perks gets the spotlight for Hockey Night in Canada as he starred in the opening video on Saturday Night.

The show opened with a clip of Perks with his first viral speech then encouraging kids to remain strong during the temporary closure of hockey.

He previewed all the matchups of all the Canadian teams playing that night including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames and his favourite team, the Edmonton Oilers.

Perks also gave a motivating speech for the hosts of Hockey Night in Canada in Ron MacLean, Kelly Hrudey, Jennifer Botterill, David Amber and Elliotte Friedman.

Perks is a student at Lakefield District Public School. His favourite NHL team is the Edmonton Oilers with Connor McDavid as his favourite player. Photo courtesy of Lara Perks.

Perks first became viral from a pre-game speech with the Peterborough Petes on Nov. 28.

The second-grader has made appearances on other popular shows such as ABC’s Good Morning America, The Ellen Degeneres Show and Fox Los Angeles.

Perks wants to be an NHL player when he gets older. After his playing career, he wants to be a hockey coach or general manager.

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Selwyn Fire Department Makes Four-Year-Old's Birthday Wish Come True

The Selwyn Fire Department paid a special visit to four-year old Lucas Vanderbyl to celebrate his birthday last week.

Photo courtesy of Jess Bushey.

Vanderbyl’s mom, Jess Bushey, wanted to make this birthday a special one, as last years was spent on a ‘failed zoom call’ with friends and family.

“It’s his second pandemic birthday,” said Bushey “We were just trying to think of something that could make it special. We’re not really into car parades, we live on a dead end road and he’s little so he doesn’t really understand that people can’t get out.”

Because of her sons obsession with first responders, Bushey thought she would reach out and see if they could do something to celebrate. She initially took to Twitter and tried to contact any first responder accounts she could, but ultimately her email to the township would make the birthday party happen.

“I sent them an email saying ‘hey I know you guys are super busy and stretched so thin right now, but could we maybe come by the station just to even look at a truck, poke the tire or something, I don’t know’.”

After emailing back and fourth the Selwyn Fire Department suggested that they come to the house, and they did just that.

Photo courtesy of Jess Bushey.

On Vanderbyl’s birthday, two firefighters from Selwyn came with a truck and Selwyn Fire Department branded gifts. They parked in the familys laneway, turned on the sirens, showed Vanderbyl the truck up close.

“It was above and beyond what was expected,” said Bushey “I was so shocked that they were willing to do that, given what’s going on, but they were so kind and so funny.”

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YMCA To Offer Emergency Child Care In Peterborough County

The YMCA of Central East Ontario is once again partnering with provincial and municipal governments to deliver emergency Child Care, opening emergency locations across Belleville, Quinte West, Prince Edward County and Peterborough County.

File Photo.

They are currently offering space in Prince Edward Lennox & Addington County at Massassauga Rednersville Public School, in Hastings County at Harry J Clarke, Susanna Moodie Public School and Prince Charles Trenton Public School and in Peterborough County at Lakefield District Public School with 78 children currently registered.

Emergency Child Care is in addition to the Y’s Child Care for registered infants, toddlers and preschool children, which continue to operate.

Before & After School programs are temporarily paused while in-person school is closed for students across Ontario.

In partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, HEPA filters have been redeployed from schools to ECC rooms and N95 masks have been provided to our Early Childhood Educators.

“The pandemic has shown us the importance of Early Childhood Educators who make it possible for parents to work,” said David Allen, President and CEO of the YMCA of Central East Ontario. “Throughout the closures of the past two years, Early Childhood Educators have played a crucial role in the lives of children and families. We owe them a debt of gratitude for helping our essential services operate during these trying times.”

The Y is the largest provider of licensed not-for-profit Child Care in Ontario. This is the fourth time that the charity has delivered emergency child care for the children of essential workers to support them and local communities during the pandemic.

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Local Boy Crowned Winter Chess Tournament Champion By Ninja Academy

Nolan Middel has been crowned the Winter Chess Tournament Champion held by local dojo Ninja Academy announced Thursday.

MIddel (middle) holding his trophy after becoming champion of the winter chess tournament is seen holding his trophy for the tournament with judoka Georges David-Gnahoui (right) and Sensei Paul Teleki (left). Photo courtesy of Ninja Academy.

“All matches were so captivating to see young minds at work, thinking several moves ahead and strategizing with precision, it was amazing to witness,” exclaimed Paul Teleki.

“The most common attribute amongst the competitors was their courage,” explains David-Gnahoui. “To throw themselves into the tournament, considering everything that is happening in society right now, is a great achievement.”

Middel interests contributed to his success in the tournament according to Teleki including mathematics, creative writing, martial arts, swordsmanship and illustration.

The young champion also hosts a Youtube account called “KingletCrown Tada” that features several videos of the popular game “Minecraft” and other creative building toys.

Registration for the Academy’s Summer Chess Tournament is now open.

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