A Peterborough University Student/Aspiring Entrepreneur Stands Out With Epic Plaid Suit & Beard

A Trent University student and aspiring entrepreneur named Matthew Thompson is standing out at events not only because of his engaging personality but because of his epic plaid suit and beard.

We have noticed Thompson's eye popping suit at many networking events around town such as at Innovation Cluster "Fast Start" events and more—the dude is everywhere—and asked him why he chooses to wear the suit (and grizzly beard), and what competitive advantages he feels it gives him.

Matthew Thompson's suit definitely pops

"Today's business world is saturated with new graduates with the same skills and same mindset," Thompson tells PTBOCanada. "These individuals believe that if they keep their heads down, work hard, and get good grades that they will be guaranteed a good job in the world. Unfortunately this is not true anymore."

Thompson, who is the President of the Trent Youth Entrepreneurship Society, tells PTBOCanada he first purchased the plaid suit in late November of last year, and that it has become an excellent initial talking point at events that leads to deeper more meaningful conversation around business, entrepreneurs and learning.

Thompson (at right) pictured with his buddy Christian Schortemeyer, who wore his own excellent suit at Christmas time

Thompson, and his suit, have become fixtures at events around town. So, too, has his beard.

"I have also created an icon that accompanies the suit—my beard, which I have been growing for almost 7 months now," he tells PTBOCanada. "It has become quite the conversation piece at networking events. I take quite good care of my beard through a daily routine—shampoo, conditioner, coconut oil and Walton Wood Farms beard balm are all vital parts of this daily routine."

Fundamentally, Thompson believes he is building his own brand in an important way as he learns to navigate the world of business and networking. He realizes that innovation, ingenuity, originality and brand building comes not just through good grades but flair and real-world networking as well.

"I believe as an entrepreneur you do not only sell a product or service, but you are promoting yourself," he says.

True that.

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This Facebook Clip Of Baby Meerkats Playing At Riverview Park & Zoo Is Going Viral

A short clip of the baby meerkats at the Riverview Zoo playing in the animal health clinic is going viral, with nearly 15,000 views since being uploaded earlier this week to the zoo's Facebook page—even Time.com picked it up.

Watch the adorable clip below...

Meerkat fun.

Here's a short clip of the baby meerkats playing in the animal health clinic.

Posted by Riverview Park & Zoo on Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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Timeless Message From 1928 For Peterborough About Buying Local & Believing In Your City

This historical message about Buying Local below is powerful stuff.

"Someone dropped it off to the Chamber," Stu Harrison, CEO of the Peterborough Chamber, tells PTBOCanada. "It's from the 1928 Peterborough Examiner. Apparently it ran several time during the months of March and April that year. A timeless message, 88 years old."

"I have seen things like this," Peterborough historian Elwood Jones tells PTBOCanada. "There were several Buy Local campaigns in the 1920s and 1930s. It may have been a joint venture with the Chamber of Commerce, downtown businesses and the city. We have a scrapbook at Trent Valley Archives, and I think it is in there too."

So yes, in 1928 supporting the Peterborough business community and the entrepreneurial/community spirit was vital—as it is today. Bring it Team Peterborough. It's in our DNA to collaborate and support each other.

Check this out... A very cool #LoveLocalPTBO message from the 1928 @PtboExaminer! #TeamPtbo pic.twitter.com/d9FT2oVeah

— Peterborough Chamber (@ptbochamber) February 17, 2016

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Healthy Kids Community Challenge Kicks Off with Mayor-Warden Basketball Showdown

Mayor Daryl Bennett and Warden J. Murray Jones squared off on the basketball court of Highland Heights Public School on Thursday morning (February 10th) for a friendly “shoot-off” to officially launch the Healthy Kids Community Challenge for the Peterborough area.

Steph Curry, er, Warden J. Murray Jones with the shot

“We all have a role to play in this community challenge," says Mayor Bennett. "While the program is aimed at the children in our communities, we can all be more active to serve as examples to young people and to encourage them to be more active. That’s why I’m excited to be out here, having fun on the basketball court with these students today. Even a few minutes of play every day can make a big difference over the long term.” 

County Warden J. Murray Jones adds: “Children don’t need to be involved in organized, structured activities to be active. It can be as simple as getting outside and riding a bike or playing a game of road hockey with neighbouring kids. Making it fun will encourage kids to take part.”

Mayor Bennett (far left) and Warden Jones (far right) pictured with Highland Heights students

Peterborough is one of 45 communities in Ontario participating in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.

From now until June 2016, Healthy Kids Community Challenge funding will help support a variety of activities in our community to get kids and families moving more. Children will benefit from more than 20 initiatives planned to date, including:  

· free public skating times in various arenas
· free parent and tot skating
· free swimming passes
· facilitating schools to bring students to local arenas to skate
· expansion of the drowning prevention program Swim to Survive
· expansion of the Car-Free School Days program
· development of a mobile cross country ski program
· expansion of a bike skills training program Pedal Power
· hosting a “Peterborough Gets Active Month” in April
 
To learn more about Healthy Kids Community Challenge activities, click here. 

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Peterborough Baby Is At Sick Kids Hospital With Form Of Skeletal Dysplasia

Peterborough parents Kristen Bate and Adam Godfrey are going through a very difficult time right now as their baby girl Violet was born February 3rd with a form of skeletal dysplasia. She was born unable to breathe fully on her own, and transported to Sick Kids in Toronto.

Kristen and Adam have three other children in Peterborough, and are lacking funds to support their children at home and be able to visit Violet for an extended period of time in Toronto.

Kristen tells PTBOCanada she is the only one in Toronto now while Adam looks after the kids, but they both plan to be with her early next week.

Violet after her CT scan

They have been accepted into Ronald McDonald House, but still have additional costs. A GoFund me page has been set up by the family, and any help is much appreciated to help them during this difficult time.

Kristen and Adam are hoping little Violet can come home to be with her brother and sisters in the next few weeks, and now they are waiting for results from a CT scan done on their baby girl.

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