“The Cookie People”; Peterborough Family Deliver Holiday Cheer Through Thousands of Homemade Cookies

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Local family the Hurlingtons spread kindness and cheer through holiday baking, delivering 3,000 cookies in their Tudor Crescent neighbourhood.

They moved to Peterborough 17 years ago and became known as ‘The Cookie People,’ distributing the baked goods as a way to get acquainted with their neighbours in the Beavermead Park area.

Six different cookies were baked for the occasion, such as pumpkin spice shortbread, coconut washboard, wholesome jam thumbprints, mango apricot oatmeal, cocoa butter cookie and chocolate crinkle.

The homemade treats were delivered in 200 hand-decorated boxes.

“We bought plain white boxes in bulk and each took some time to decorate them. My little brother Yzedro especially loved drawing unique designs on the boxes,” said Alvea Hurlington, the eldest child of the family. “I’m recently engaged so this might be the last year we're all together over the Christmas break making cookies so it was a little bittersweet but lots of fun.”

Alvea says that new faces and long-time neighbours always enjoy the cookie delivery, which has been a family tradition since moving to the community.

“They've (neighbours) seen our family grow and they've watched each of us grow up. We're so grateful for the friendship and good energy that they bring to our community,” she said. “Every year we deliver to some new neighbours for the very first time. They always look at us a little funny when the group of us show up at the door and hand them a free box of cookies but they are always excited to see us back the next year!”

Alvea says the tradition brings her family together as they listen to music and dance around the house while baking. Photo courtesy of Alvea Hurlington.

Last year in the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hurlington’s put together flyers, offering various services for their neighbours who were isolating such as picking up groceries, mail, emergency childcare or even a friendly phone call free of charge.

“We want to inspire people in every community to do something kind for their neighbours. Whether it's cookies, cupcakes, bread, a painted rock or just a friendly hello, every little act of kindness or service allows us to be a blessing to each other and make our City a better place to live,” said Alvea.

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Hometown PTBO: Pete Dalliday Recapping the Peterborough Community Members of 2022

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This week on Hometown PTBO, we recap some of the wonderful people that Pete Dalliday has talked to over 2022. Community members, athletes, artists and more are showcased as we wrap up the 2022 edition of Hometown PTBO.

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David Tuan Bui's Top Five Stories of 2022

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Another year has come and gone at PTBOCanada and there have been some fantastic stories I was able to cover in 2022. The impact this community can make is nothing short of remarkable and I feel honoured and privileged to cover some of Peterborough and the Kawartha’s stories.

Bui was hired as the PTBOCanada Editor for Mar. 1, last year. Photo by Autumn Nadeau.

These are my top five stories — in chronological order — that I truly enjoyed covering in 2022.

PERKS HAS MADE APPEARANCES ON OTHER AMERICAN SHOWS SUCH AS ABC’S GOOD MORNING AMERICA AND FOX LOS ANGELES. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL ROZMAN/WARNER BROS.

Eight-year-old Callan Perks (better known as Coach Cal) took his viral motivational speeches to the City of Angels as he made an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in early January.

He gave his own pep talk to DeGeneres on her final season which brought her to tears.

I had the honour of interviewing Coach Cal after his original video went viral and I will always be proud of what he has done with himself since. What a kid!

ASTROM HAS PLAYED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WITH NHL’S VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS INSIDER AND PETERBOROUGH NATIVE GARY LAWLESS. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW ASTROM.

I mentioned when Pete Dalliday first interviewed me live when I had got the job for PTBOCanada that I had a Grade 7 science teacher who nicknamed me “Ziggy Stardust.” It was in reference to my name’s pronunciation being similar to famed rock star David Bowie.

The man who gave me that nickname? Former teacher Andrew Astrom who taught me at Immaculate Conception School and later became my offensive coordinator for the Holy Cross Catholic School football team in their second year. He retired after 30 years of teaching and was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer.

Astrom discovered his cancer on May 4 last year and had surgery on Aug. 5 where his thyroid and several lymph nodes were removed. He has lost most of his voice, has side neck pain and suffers nerve pain when he eats.

He is a realtor now just like his wife Tammie Astrom. He was always a great teacher and coach to me and he’s quite skilled at playing the guitar.

‘Water Bacon’ is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the City of Peterborough’s logo of water waves that resembles blue bacon. Photo by Luke BEst.

Okay, I admit it, this was the first ‘fake news’ story that I had published professionally…

For April Fools Day, I came up with a story that ‘Kevin the Water Bacon’ had become the new mascot of Peterborough. ‘Water bacon’ is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the City’s logo of blue and white horizontal wavy stripes that launched in the spring of 2018.

We saw Kevin had both an Instagram and Tiktok account so we reached out and collaborated on this funny hoax. The hoax was well-received as even the City and Fresh Radio played along with the fun. It’s nice to see that Peterborough also has a humourous side to them.

So… Why ISN’T Kevin the official mascot for The City of Peterborough?

ECFC PLAYERS LUKE GREEN (MIDDLE) AND CONNOR WILSON (RIGHT) CELEBRATING THE TEAM’S FIRST FRANCHISE WIN WITH FANS, SCORING THREE GOALS IN 14 MINUTES. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

If you were at the Electric City Football Club’s (ECFC) men’s home opener, you would understand the amount of hype this night delivered for Peterborough.

It was the team’s inaugural year and the game did not disappoint as ECFC got the franchise’s first win against 3-0 against Windsor TFC on May 7.

The team scored three goals in 14 minutes and clamped down defensively since then. They also broke the League1 Ontario men’s game attendance record with 1,565 fans (the women’s team also did that for their respective league).

Watching this game live and reporting it had me entrenched in the soccer atmosphere and seeing the team hit several high points made it a pleasure to witness.

TUNG AND HER NEWBORN DAUGHTER HUNTER OUTSIDE THE HUNTER STREET LOCATION THAT SOFT OPENED ON VALENTINE’S DAY IN 2020. TUNG’S FAMILY FORMERLY OWNED THE GOLDEN WHEEL CHINESE RESTAURANT LOCATED NEAR SPRINGVILLE. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TUNG.

This one hits home to me as I am of Vietnamese descent.

Susan Tung, owner of Vietnamese restaurant Hanoi House — and a friend of mine — decided to close down her Hunter Street location and consolidated her business into the Lansdowne Street spot.

I’ve eaten at her establishment at least 50 times since she opened on Valentine’s Day in 2020. I helped proofread her initial menu before opening day and was cordially invited to try her pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) and critique it after the grand opening.

Thankfully her business is running and doing quite well and it wasn’t the end of great Vietnamese food outside of my mother’s kitchen. It just means I’ll have to take a longer drive than usual if I wanted to grab a bowl of pho on my lunch break.

2022 is almost over and there was no shortage of great stories to cover in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Old and new faces were seen covering this year’s news and I eagerly await seeing what 2023 has in store for me.

I have to bid farewell to former employees Angela O’Grady and Luke Best who have moved on to other endeavors but that leaves the door of opportunity for new people to join the PTBOCanada family.

I am blessed to be working with Felicia Massey, Samantha Bianco and Brad Wood who are all hired within the same few weeks in early September and eagerly await to see what is in store next year with them!

On a personal note, I will have to push back my wedding to 2024 as my fiancée Autumn and I will be expecting our first child in late June. Big news for the Bui household and I’m sure 2023 is going to be another spectacular year for Peterborough!

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David Tuan Bui's Top Five Photos of 2022

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Photography skills are an ever-growing skill among journalists.

I won’t claim I’m the best at it as journalism school only trains you so much in taking photos compared to professional photographers. However, like any job or career, you hone your skills as you progress. So long as you improve, that’s the important part. It’s as they say, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and nor will my photography skills (but they’re getting better).

Electric City Football Club’s Jordan Brown (left) with David Tuan Bui (right) during the team’s first training camp of their inaugrual season. Photo by Luke Best.

These are my top five photos that I have taken for PTBOCanada in chronological order.

FORMER EASTER SEALS AMBASSADOR MITCHELL MCCOLL (left) AND RENEE OAKE (right) AT the YMCA. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The 36th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim raised more than $50,000 for Easter Seals and Rotary programs in the community back on Feb. 25. The event has raised over $1.3 million to date.

Former Easter Seals Ambassador Mitchell McColl had a bit of Spiderman in him as he shares a moment with Renee Oake — daughter of Carl Oake — shortly after she finished her leg of the YMCA swimming lanes.

McColl was an ambassador in 2012 and has attended every Carl Oake Rotary Swim since.

Alice Cooper (left) with Nita Strauss (right) as Cooper’s band returned to the Peterborogh Memorial Centre in 18 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ‘Godfather of Shock Rock’ came back to Peterborough since Oct. 3, 2004, rocking the Peterborough Memorial Centre as part of his 2022 ‘Monsters of Rock Cruise.’

Special guests Buckcherry with Ace Frehley opened the show but the crowd was there for Alice Cooper as he brought touring guitarist Nita Strauss with him to play old favourites such as School’s Out, No More Mr. Nice Guy, Billion Dollar Babies, Poison, Hey Stoopid and more.

This photo seemed fitting for the occasion as Alice Cooper was back in the Peterborough spotlight and could still rock at 74 years of age.

St. Peter’s Secondary School student Josh Watson, 14, warms up with a putt prior to the tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Peterborough Golf & Country Club celebrated its 125th anniversary with a step-aside scramble tournament that encouraged its golfers to dress in era-appropriate clothing for the time the course had opened.

Baggy pants, ties, long skirts and classy hats were part of the attire that was worn at the event but one person stood out among the rest for me. That was 14-year-old Josh Watson of St. Peter’s Secondary School who sported an ensemble consisting of hiked-up socks over his pants, an Ivy cap and a dapper bowtie to finish off his outfit.

There were not many young golfers at the event but I believe Watson captured the essence perfectly of what a young man would look like golfing in 1897.

THREE-YEAR-OLD MOANA LEWIN ENJOYS TURNER PARK’S NEW SPLASH PAD, TOTALLING SIX WATER PADS IN PETERBOROUGH. THE PAD REPLACES THE FORMER WADING POOL THAT WAS OVER 50 YEARS OLD. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Peterborough opened up its sixth splash pad in Turner Park, located on the corner of Chamberlain Street and High Street on June 23.

It replaced the wading pool that occupied the park for over 50 years and three-year-old Moana Lewin took full advantage of the splash pad on opening day.

It can be tough getting shots of young children at a splash pad considering they’re always moving around and not necessarily attentive to the camera. Luckily, I got Lewin playing underneath the water pole that shoots water like an umbrella and perhaps captured her amazement. I thought the shimmering water was cool.

ARTIST JULII MCMILLAN NEXT TO HER CREATION, “MONARCH MONOLITH” OUTSIDE PETERBOROUGH SQUARE’S COURTYARD. IT TOOK HER AND ASSISTANT SAMANTHA CHIUSOLO THREE AND A HALF DAYS TO COMPLETE. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area unveiled two new large-scale murals to enhance the streetscape experience through public art on Nov. 8.

One was located on the corner of King Street and George Street but the one in the picture was at the Peterborough Square Courtyard. It was created by local artist Julii McMillan and assistant Samanta Chiusolo called ‘Monarch Monolith.’

I credit McMillan and Chiusolo’s work for this photo having a bright spot more than my photography skills as the art piece’s colours blend into the sky so well that let the other colours of the monolith pop.

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A Year In Review By Felicia Massey

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I have the privilege of writing stories each day that showcase the passions, efforts and accomplishments of some very inspiring people in the community.

As the year wraps up and I celebrate three months with PTBOCanada, I want to share my top five favourite stories — in chronological order — that I have enjoyed writing in 2022.

 

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The sixth annual Pulling for Dementia Fire Truck Pull was the first story I had the opportunity of covering “in the field.”

The World Alzheimer’s Day event raised money for programs and services through the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton by challenging teams to pull a 44,000-pound firetruck the fastest as supporters cheered them on at the Peterborough Airport.

At the time of my story the online fundraiser had raised just under $8,000. Today, the fundraiser sits at $9,225 for the Alzheimer Society.

 

Photo by Felicia Massey.

When beloved kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lytle was diagnosed with breast cancer, the Keith Wightman school community rallied in support of her during their annual Terry Fox walk. Staff and students honoured Mrs. Lytle with cheers, high-fives and hand-written notes as she visited with her class.

I am grateful to have felt the tremendous impact that Mrs. Lytle continues to have on her school community.

 

Photo courtesy of The Main Ingredient.

After 43 years, Ken and Deb Fraser decided to retire as owners of The Main Ingredient. The Fraser’s opened the environmentally-conscious bulk health food store in 1979, promoting the use of reusable containers to reduce excess waste.

Former store manager Mike Hall was asked to take over the business in 2021, along with his wife Whitney. The Hall’s spoke optimistically about the future of The Main Ingredient, recognizing that this business endeavour was a lot different than their music promoting.

Seeing a cherished small business continue to flourish with new ownership and perspective was really special.

 

I had the privilege of interviewing psychic medium Theresa Caputo from the TLC series Long Island Medium!

Prior to her Peterborough Memorial Centre appearance, we talked about her podcast Hey Spirit and her 10th anniversary of touring, where she guides audience members through grief and healing at her live shows.

I was then able to meet Theresa and experience the live show with my Mom, which was very surreal.

 

Photo courtesy of Patti Kimball.

Author Patti Kimball spoke with me about her grief memoir ‘Siren on Repeat: What My Best Friend’s Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief.’

After losing one of her best friends at just 14 years old, Patti processed her grief through writing. She outlined to me the importance of preserving Aprile’s memory, as well as teaching readers that everyone’s “grief journey” looks different, and happens on their own terms.

Patti shared a number of stories about her times with Aprile and I feel honoured to have gotten a glimpse into their friendship.

 

Here are a few of my favourite pictures I took of The Neighbourhood Vintage! The vintage clothing store owned by Jacquelyn Craft carries a number of vendors, including her own brand Minty Vintage.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

 

On a personal note…

Since graduating from Trent University and Loyalist College in June, my journalistic endeavours have been nothing short of incredible. My job is a dream and I couldn’t ask for a better City to practice journalism.

I look forward to seeing you around in 2023!

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Applications Now Open for Citizen Appointments to City of Peterborough Advisory Committees

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The City of Peterborough is now accepting applications for positions on a number of advisory committees, offering the opportunity to provide input on the provision of various municipal services and programs in the community announced Wednesday.

File photo.

Citizen appointments are volunteer opportunities, and applicants must be residents of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough “strives to embrace the spirit of accessibility, inclusion and equity, and values diversity in its workplaces, on its Boards and Committees,” according to a press release.

There are vacancies on the following committees:

  • Accessibility Advisory Committee – 3 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Age-Friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee – 1 vacancy (2-year term)

  • Airport Strategic Initiatives Committee – 2 vacancies (2-year term)

  • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – 5 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Citizens’ War Memorial Advisory Committee – 1 vacancy (4-year term)

  • Committee of Adjustment – 5 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee – 8 vacancies (3-year term)

  • Museums and Archives Advisory Committee – 1 vacancy (4-year term)

  • Peterborough Public Library – 6 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Planning Advisory Committee – 4 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Police Services Board - 1 vacancy, (4-year term)

  • Property Standards Committee – 5 vacancies (4-year term)

  • Tree and Woodlands Appeals Committee – 3 vacancies (4-year term)

Applications will be reviewed by the Citizen Appointment Selection Committee, and an interview may be required. The Committee will make recommendations to Council for their consideration.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 13, and are available online at www.peterborough.ca/committees. Hard copies are available at the Clerk’s Office at City Hall (500 George St. N).

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Explore PTBO With Patrick McAuley; Hutchison House Museum

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Explore PTBO With Patrick McAuley; Hutchison House Museum

Sponsored post by Patrick McAuley Group

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City Services Offered With Modified Holiday Hours in Peterborough

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Various City of Peterborough services will be offering modified hours, with some closures, over the holidays from Friday to Jan. 3.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

There are no changes to curbside garbage and recycling collection over the holiday period. For missed recycling collection, please phone Emterra at 705-742-3139. For missed garbage collection, phone Public Works at 705-745-1386.

Essential services, such as emergency services, public works and wastewater treatment, continue uninterrupted. Public Works can be reached for urgent matters at 705-745-1386. This line is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office, Building Services and Planning and the Heritage Preservation Office will be closed starting at noon on Dec. 23, reopening with regular hours on Jan. 3.

While the Social Services administration office is closed over the holiday period, individuals can phone 705-926-0096 at any time for emergency shelter services. City-operated childcare programs will be closed starting at noon on Dec. 23 and reopen with regular hours on Jan. 3.

Most recreation and community services are open with revised hours of operation.

The Quaker Foods City Square outdoor rink is open most days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Dec. 24 the rink is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Unscheduled rink closures may be required due to inclement weather and ice conditions.

There will be holiday adjustments to Transit schedules from Dec. 23 to Jan. 7, including suspended late-night trips, as well as trips ending early on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. There is no Transit service on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. For full details about Transit holiday service and Transit Customer Service hours, please visit www.peterborough.ca/transit or phone 705-745-0525.

Closed from noon on Dec. 23 until 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 3:

  • City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk's Office, Building Services and Planning

  • Social Services office

Regular hours for most City services resume on Jan. 3. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

For the full list of service hours, visit the City of Peterborough website.

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Downtown Youth Space Is Reopening Jan. 10

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Downtown Youth Space Is Reopening Jan. 10

Sponsored post by Downtown Youth Space

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Extended Hours for One Roof Community Centre From Thursday To Sunday

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One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours of service to 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday due to cold temperatures and significant snowfall in the forecast for the Peterborough area.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 99 Brock St., a meal is served between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. while providing warming room services. A full description of meals and other services that One Roof offers is online.

Information about how to protect yourself from extreme cold is on the Peterborough Public Health website.

Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter. If shelter capacity is full, temporary alternative accommodations for overnight stays may be made available. Contact the shelters first for space:

  • YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 705-748-3851, 196 Brock St.

  • Brock Mission men’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 120 Murray St.

  • Cameron House women’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 739 Chemong Rd.

  • Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St., overnight phone 705-761-1875

Emergency After Hours Services related to the emergency shelter is available through Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. Please visit the Social Services website for information regarding the After Hours program.

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