First Ever Hackathon Taking Place At Trent University

Trent University is proud to host its first hackathon in Peterborough. Electric City Hacks (ECHacks) will include about 350 student tech leaders from across Canada and beyond who will design, build, demo and make their dreams a reality.

RIM and the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster are major sponsors for the Hackathon, which takes place November 4th to 6th. Electric City Hacks—comprised of a group of computer science students at Trent—partnered with Major League Hacking to do this 36 hour event taking place November 4th to 6th at Gzowski College on Trent’s Symons campus. This Hackathon will challenge student innovators to design, build and demonstrate their developments.

Electric City hack members (computer science students at Trent): Yashar Morabbi Heravi, Waun Broderick, Laura Mann, Matthew Barnes & Dexter Fichuk

ECHacks has invited all post secondary and high school students interested in the development, innovation and progression of technology to apply for this collaborative event, which will demonstrate the best of computer and engineering tech skills.

Creating an environment for students to learn, create and excel, Electric City Hacks will also be a fantastic chance to vie for future employment as many of their sponsors will be sending representative scouts to find student talent in the tech industry. Other sponsors include TD Financial, Fresh Books Cloud Accounting and TribalScale.
 
“We are extremely excited to support the first ever Electric City Hacks at Trent University," says Michael Skinner, President & CEO of the Innovation Cluster. "Hackathons are a fantastic way to expose talent, grow, recruit and bring new innovative companies to Peterborough.”

Over a dozen workshops will be taking place over the course of the weekend, targeting both university students as well as high school students to highlight the possibility of tech. Coding, robotics and a hackathon bootcamp for high school students are just a few examples of the amazing workshops that will be held throughout the 36 hour event.
 
“We decided to hold Electric City Hacks because we saw how many opportunities it brought to the schools that hosted them, and how it completely revolutionized tech industries in each community,” says Dexter Fichuk of ECHacks.
 
The entire event—breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks—will be provided to participants free of charge. The Innovation Cluster will also be hosting the "Chill Zone" with beanbag chairs for the hackers to think creatively and relax.
 
For more info and to apply, click here.

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Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market Closes For Season This Wednesday

It's been another amazing season for the Downtown Farmers' Market, which ends for the year this Wednesday (October 26th).

Head on down to the Louis St. Parking lot and stock up on and enjoy all seasonal produce and all your other favourite local products. Market-goers can get recipe ideas and enjoy samples of Chili, hors d'oeuvre and other treats made with all market ingredients.

Despite soaring temperatures and extreme drought, the Farmers' Market says in a media release that their farmers’ and vendors had a great season, and that they are proud to continue bringing Downtown Peterborough the freshest seasonal and locally made produce and products available in the region.

Visit the final market of the season to enjoy a lunch with friends, thank the vendors and farmers for their hard work this season, and stock up on local groceries.

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Peterborough Couple's Rescue Dog Plays Key Role In Surprise Engagement Proposal At Jackson's Park

Niki Allday and Jesse Guerin have a real love for animals—particularly rescue dogs. "We are both very passionate about animals, and both owners of rescues," Allday says. "Jesse adopted his dog (Tulo, named after Toronto Blue Jay shortstop Troy Tulowitzki) from St Martin through Cavan Hills Vet and mine (Zoey) was rescued north of Bancroft."

Niki and Jesse with their rescue dogs Zoey and Tulo

Given that their first date was at an animal shelter and they have these rescue dogs Tulo and Zoey, it seemed doggone fitting that Jesse would use one of them as a key prop for a surprise wedding proposal he gave Niki on Saturday (October 22nd) at Jackson's Park.

Niki posted about the sweet moment on her Facebook page...

"He definitely took me by surprise and swept me off my feet," Niki tells PTBOCanada of the romantic proposal. "I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. The way he proposed, the ring, shows how he knows me inside and out."

Engagement photo of Jesse and Niki with their rescue dogs taken by Kathy Jones Traynor

Congrats to this awesome couple!

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UPDATED: Help Find Missing Peterborough Father Christopher Callaghan

UPDATE: Great news -> Police report that Christopher Callaghan has been located and has returned home. Police thank the public for their assistance.

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ORIGINAL POST

The Missing Person Investigation is continuing for 44-year-old Peterborough father Christopher Callaghan as friends and family grow increasingly concerned.

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s help in locating Christopher. He was last seen at approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening (October 19th) leaving his residence in the area of Old Norwood Road in his vehicle. His vehicle is a 2011 grey GMC Sierra pick-up, Ontario plates 9151TK.

Callaghan is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 6’1, 230lbs, short brown hair, no facial hair or glasses, no piercings or tattoos, wearing a burgundy casual dress shirt and jeans. 

We continue to ask for your assistance in locating missing person 44yo Christopher Callaghan. Pls call police with info 705-876-1122 -LG pic.twitter.com/IQhdXI2tnC

— Peterborough Police (@PtboPolice) October 21, 2016

->> Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705.876.1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
 

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Help 3-Year-Old Kaleb Get His Beloved Car Back That He Just Received On His Birthday

A 3-year-old Lakefield boy named Kaleb just received an electric car for his birthday three weeks ago. Unfortunately, his beloved white and blue BMW i8 Spyder was stolen last weekend and his mother, Amanda Townsend, is trying to get the word out as best she can to get it back.

Kaleb In His Car

"It's his favourite thing in the world and he will be devastated when he finds out it's stolen," Amanda tells PTBOCanada.

She adds to PTBOCanada: "This car meant the world to my son. He always said he was 'just like daddy' while he drove it around the block. I'm a student, working part-time, and cannot afford to replace the car [it cost around $300] before he finds out. Moms are always trying to protect their children from seeing the bad in the world and I don't want him to find out like this. He's just a kid with a kind heart that has never done wrong to anyone."

Please spread the word on your social media channels.

For more information on Kaleb's stolen vehicle and contact info for Amanda, please see the info sheet she is distributing on social media below...

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A Bunch Of Kenner Students Did Freeze Flash Mob At Lansdowne Place To Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton and United Way of Peterborough & District have joined forces with women’s shelters across Ontario to take part in the annual Wrapped in Courage campaign. This year’s campaign was launched with a powerful Freeze Flash Mob Tuesday morning (October 16th) in the food court at Lansdowne Place.

About 50 Kenner students gathered in the food court along with YWCA and United Way staff, supporters, volunteers and board members, holding up signs to onlookers with alarming stats showing the toll domestic violence takes.

“Wrapped in Courage is an amazing advocacy project that makes a real difference for women and children right here in our community,” says Lynn Zimmer, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “Proceeds from every scarf sold [see info below on how to purchase them] in Peterborough stay local to help women and children in desperate need of shelter and support.”

“The courage of a woman alone is not enough,” says Lisa Smith, Director, Philanthropic Impact with United Way of Peterborough & District. “United Way is proud to stand in solidarity with women who have experienced violence and to partner with the YWCA for the Wrapped in Courage Campaign again this year.”

Together, YWCA and United Way invite everyone to purchase and wear a purple Wrapped in Courage scarf in support of local women and children fleeing violence. Scarves are available for $20 at Lansdowne Place at the customer service desk, and at YWCA and United Way from October 18th to November 18th.

For more info on YWCA, go here.

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Watch This Stunning New Video Of Millbrook

Photographer/videographer Patrick J. Stephen, who produced this beautiful video of downtown Peterborough last year, has now released a stunning video capturing his hometown of Millbrook near Peterborough. 

Still from video

"I was asked to create something by the Millbrook BIA that would show the amazing wealth of community, entertainment and business in Millbrook," Stephens tells PTBOCanada. "I have grown up in the beautiful landscapes and inevitably that is why I have become so interested in landscape photography."

Still from video

Stephen adds: "I have always wanted to create something about this small town and having the opportunity to do so has been somewhat surreal. The experience has given me a fresh and rejuvenated look on where I live and the people who are here."

Still from video

Watch the video below...

Millbrook is not your ordinary small town. There is more than beautiful scenery, there is an amazing community. In the heart of Ontario, Millbrook shows off its amazing food, entertainment, shops and outdoor entertainment. It is truly a place that has it all.

Millbrook has been in the spotlight a lot recently, as High Valley filmed a music video for their song "Every Week's Got A Friday" on the rooftop of the Millbrook Home Hardware in the downtown core. Watch it below (it has nearly 10,000 views already)...

"Every Week's Got A Friday" by High Valley. Album "Dear Life" available everywhere November 18th.

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Anita Blackbourn Was An Amazing, Courageous Mother Who Died Way Too Young

Incredibly sad news: Peterborough's Anita Blackbourn—aka "Neets"—has lost her battle with cancer at the age of 42. Anita, who was fighting the terrible disease right until the end, leaves behind a husband, two young daughters and a community that adored her.

Anita pictured with her daughters

Anita was a huge part of the Pink in the Rink campaign in 2015 with the Canadian Cancer Society and Peterborough Petes, raising awareness about the disease and money to help fight it.

Anita (at far left) pictured at Pink in the Rink game in 2015 with Honourary Co-Chair Dan O'Toole and Anita Record

There has been an outpouring on social media about Anita's death as she touched so many people...

@ShawnSilvestri @MF2Sense @fs1otoole she fought until the very end. So lucky to have her in my life as a friend and sister-in-law

— Marty Silvestri (@marts1977) October 15, 2016

A huge loss for our community. Sending love to your family and friends Anita Blackbourn. Your legacy will always shine bright❤️

— Michelle Ferreri (@MF2Sense) October 15, 2016

@MF2Sense Horrible news. The rink cheered so loud for her that night. pic.twitter.com/6l7xydnJz4

— Dan O'Toole (@fs1otoole) October 15, 2016

Heaven gained another angel! @9neets the strongest & bravest woman I've known. My deepest condolences to the Carey & Blackbourn families. 💕 pic.twitter.com/FQxTXGP4AG

— Tracey Johnston (@TraceyMJohnston) October 15, 2016

Anita was a guest on our podcast PTBOCanada Live With Mike Judson in January 2015 and spoke bravely and eloquently with Mike about her battle with stage 4 breast cancer—and what her family, friends and community meant to her.

Watch her interview with Mike Judson below starting at the 9:38 mark (you won't ever forget it—we won't)...

Read the stuff below. Our guests include: Anita Blackbourn - Twitter: @9neets Pete Dalliday - http://1005hits.ca/ Musical guest: The Lohrwoods - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J-tOYz3uAU The handsome Neil Morton David Koski - Production Assistant, Customer relations (No nugget) Thanks to our sponsors: Riley's Pub - http://rileyspeterborough.com/ Kawartha TV & Stereo - http://www.kawarthatv.com/ Maars Music - http://www.maarsmusic.com/ Theme music by Streetlight Social https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-IiB...

Anita was also writing a story for PTBOCanada about her battle with cancer and what life and this community meant to her, but passed away before she was able to complete it for us.

This was her opening paragraph to a personal, fact-based journal she was keeping about our journey...

This community will never forget her. She was an amazing, gracious person who battled the disease with honesty, dignity, strength, humour and courage.

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