Wonder Woman's Dad Lives In Peterborough Because Why Wouldn't He?

Michelle Ferreri was in getting her car serviced at Trans Canada Nissan in Peterborough this week when she met a superhero's Dad. Yes, Colby Carter—father of Wonder Woman (aka Lynda Carter) lives right here in Peterborough with his wife (Lynda's stepmother), Lorraine.

Ferreri with Wonder Woman's Dad at Trans Canada Nissan

"He was adorable and it was awesome to meet him," Michelle tells PTBOCanada of the random encounter. "He was witty and charismatic. Just like Kevin Bacon, this goes to show there is always six degrees of separation to Peterborough, Canada!"

Ferreri asked Colby, "How do you raise a Wonder Woman?" His answer: "Be gentle and kind, and encourage her all the time."

Watch the fun interview below Ferreri did with Colby...

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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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Capture The Flag Pick-Up Games At Nicholls Oval Is Awesome Idea

There is a weekly pick-up game of Capture The Flag held at Nicholls Oval (725 Armour Road) and everyone is welcome to join in!

The rules are simple and even if you have never played before, the friendly group will walk you through them when you arrive.

Head to Nicholls Oval at 2:30 on Sundays to try it out at the soccer field, or more info head over to this Facebook page.

—post by Evan Holt

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UPDATED: A Small Plane Crashed At The Intersection Of Lansdowne & High Street Early This Morning

UPDATE: Police say that the small plane that crashed onto Lansdowne St. Friday morning was stolen from a rural airport in York Region. Police confirm the pilot—a man in his twenties—was the only person on board. The police do not know if the pilot had any previous flying experience, nor what caused the crash—though it was clear the pilot was trying to land the plane on the street. The deceased male has been identified—he is from the GTA—and police are notifying next of kin.

-------------

ORIGINAL POST (August 12th)

A small plane crashed at the intersection of Lansdowne St. and High St. at 1:20 a.m. Friday morning.

Photo by Scott Arnold

EMS responded and the pilot of the Piper aircraft was found deceased upon arrival. The pilot's name has not been identified. Police say it would appear only one person is involved in the crash, and that the incident is being investigated as a crime.

Photo by Scott Arnold

Photo by Scott Arnold

The Transportation Safety Board was notified and are on scene assisting in determining the cause of the plane crash.

Plane being loaded onto trailer this morning. (Photo by Evan Holt)

Police will continue to provide updates throughout the day...

We will keep you posted throughout the day into the investigation involving the small aircraft crash on Lansdowne Street. -LG

— Peterborough Police (@PtboPolice) August 12, 2016

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates and follow @Ptbo_Canada on Twitter.

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The Town Of Cobourg Installed An Awesome Accessibility Mat At Their Victoria Beach

People are raving about The Town of Cobourg's decision to install an accessibility mat at Victoria Beach.

The accessibility mat will make the beach universally accessible and has been installed from the midpoint of the Victoria Beach boardwalk at the gazebo and runs right near the water’s edge on Lake Ontario.

Accessibility mat in Cobourg

As the Town of Cobourg says on their Facebook page, "The mat provides a stable ground so that the beach and water’s edge can be accessible for people using wheelchairs, strollers and walkers."

REC & CULTURE: The Town is pleased to announce that an accessibility
mat has been installed at Victoria Beach! pic.twitter.com/2plPvvNU28

— Town of Cobourg (@TownofCobourg) August 10, 2016

The accessible beach mat will support the existing accessible Landeeze wheelchair that the Town of Cobourg acquired from the Rick Hanson Foundation.

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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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A Total Fire Ban Has Been Implemented In The Township Of Selwyn

Due to the increasingly dry conditions during this heat spell—we have had virtually zilch precipitation this summer—the Township of Selwyn has issued a total fire ban effective immediately.

They tweeted about the fire ban this afternoon...

**Total Fire Ban in Effect**
Effective immediately, a total fire ban has been implemented for @SelwynTownship. pic.twitter.com/NdkjvW6U2n

— Selwyn Township (@SelwynTownship) August 9, 2016

All open air burning (including campfires) is now prohibited and all fire permits that have been issued are now void until the fire ban is lifted. Residents will be notified when the fire ban has been lifted.

Water restrictions also remain in place and you can learn more about those regulations here.

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