The Beloved Zoo Camel Gobi Has Passed Away

UPDATE (March 25th): People are leaving signs at the camel exhibit in honour of Gobi at the zoo. “We live in a wonderful community,” Zoo Manager & Curator Jim Moloney tells PTBOCanada. Here are some below (with Gobi’s mate Baika pictured in the background)…

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ORIGINAL POST (March 25th)

It is with great sadness that the staff of Riverview Park and Zoo have announced the death of their 10-year-old male Bactrian camel, Gobi.

Gobi came to the Park and Zoo from the Elmvale Zoo in the summer of 2009. With his large size, expressive face, and inquisitive and engaging nature, Gobi was a favourite with many of the zoo’s visitors.  

Gobi

Gobi had been in good health and his death was both sudden and unexpected. He was found to be very ill when Animal Care Staff arrived on Saturday morning.

The Park and Zoo’s Consulting Veterinarian and Animal Health Team provided treatment and care throughout the day but unfortunately Gobi died overnight Saturday night. His sudden death was an especially difficult loss for staff.

His remains have been sent to the Animal Health Laboratory at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph for determination of the cause of death.

The zoo would like thank their staff, staff from the Water Treatment Plant, and Dr. John Sallaway for their assistance in responding to Gobi’s sudden illness.

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A Beautiful Soul, The Soundtrack Of Your Life: R.I.P. Jonny Trash

He was an innovator, a vinyl legend/lover, an audiophile, an artist, an entrepreneur, a risk-taker, a community builder, a raconteur, a shit-disturber, a funny dude, a kind, gentle and humble soul.

His name was Jonathan Hall, aka “Jonny” and “Jonny Trash”, and his impact and legacy will be felt—and heard—for generations to come in this community.

Photo by Marlon Hazelwood

Jonny died Friday night (March 22nd) at the age of 44. “Jonathan you were the DJ for the soundtrack of my life for so many years,” one woman posted to his Facebook page. “Grumpy, sarcastic but still soft on the inside and always willing to give great big hugs. You will be missed and there is a hole that can’t be filled. Peterborough has lost a leader/innovator.”

”He was an amazing man,” his friend and former co-owner of Spanky’s David Koski tells PTBOCanada. “He was full of joy, full of life. He was my best friend. I am at a loss for words right now.”

Jonny’s music CV in Peterborough is one for the history books and one you could write a book about or do a documentary on.

He ran the iconic Trasheteria at the corner of Simcoe and Water, an alternative bar that had an 18-year run in town until it closed in 2012. He played music there that no one played and brought in bands (live gigs there brought goosebumps) and DJs that no one else did. He took chances on staff when no one else would. Relationships were formed there that lead to marriage and babies.

”He took a chance on me at the Trash on bar and gave me my start bartending,” his friend Kevin Stairs tells PTBOCanada. “It changed my life forever. I respected him as a human immensely.”

When the Trash closed, Jonny wrote, “A million or so of you have been through our doors over the past 18 years and danced the night away, done some patio schmoozing, checked out a band and escaped the mundane. Thank You.”

After the Trash, Jonathan co-founded Spanky’s on Hunter Street, whose tagline is “definitely maybe the best bar on planet earth.”

Being at Spanky’s watching Jonny spin was one of the bucket list things to do in Peterborough. Jonny spinning tunes was pure magic, as was the signature little bow he’d give you. He’d put you in a trance where you’d be glued to just watching him. People would come from far and wide to see Jonny spin. It was mesmerizing. It was soul.

Photo at Spanky’s by Eric Kelso Mckibbon

Photo by Rosalea Terry, Spanky’s, Halloween 2014

Jonny was also instrumental in creating The Hootenanny on Hunter Street, a music/community festival that has become one of the summer go-to events in town.

The street would close, the bands would play, and it was this moment that you were there. And would never forget. And Jonny would be standing off to the side like he did, out of the limelight, smoking a butt, admiring and loving and hugging.

Hootenanny on Hunter

When he left Spanky’s, he wasn’t done there. He opened The Twisted Wheel on Water Street with Mike Judson, which has vinyl DJs, live music, movie nights, bazaars and more.

It is an eclectic, eccentric bar—just what Peterborough needed. Indeed, Jonny was always opening bars that this city needed, pushing things, challenging stereotypes and convention about who we are as a city. This ain’t no backward town.

His latest labour of love was Nostalgic Journey, a lovely antique, vintage and collectables store that he and his girlfriend Kayley Duggan just took ownership of in early March.

Jonny was incredibly excited about this chapter of his life—and there were so many—of running this business. He just had this passion for life, and the journey.

Jonathan Hall at Nostalgic Journey, Saturday, March 16th, 2019 (photo by Neil Morton)

There is no easy way to sum up Jonathan Hall, and the impact he has had on people. Everyone in their tears will have different memories of him, different moments they will remember and share. But music was his light, his beacon. Music inspired Jonny to no end, and the music he played brought people together and gave them hope and happiness and escape in this dance of life.

Jonny was, quite simply, a living legend. Perhaps his friend Rosalea Terry puts it best, saying “He was one of the best people I have ever met. So kind and creative. The entire city is going to feel this one.”

Or perhaps Jonny himself put it best in his poetic goodbye note he wrote to the patrons of the Trasheteria in 2012, when he finished with this:

“Keep on being beautifully weird and different, funky and cool, wild and courageous… Be safe out there and perhaps we’ll see you down that winding road. Much love, Retro Rules, Bye for now.”

Bye for now Jonny. We will see you down the winding road.

—By Neil Morton

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Hundreds Form Human Chain Around Peterborough Mosque In Act Of Solidarity & Peace

In a symbolic act of protection for the Muslim community, hundreds of people formed a human chain around the mosque in Peterborough, Canada during prayer on Friday (March 22nd).

This comes one week to the day after a gunman opened fire on two mosques in New Zealand during Friday prayer, killing 50 people.

It was incredibly moving to see people there showing their support for the local Muslim association and those around the world.

Mayor Diane Therrien and MP Maryam Monsef (see pictures and video below) were both there to show their community support. “It’s important for me to be here with so many members of the community to show our love and solidarity with our Muslim community here in Peterborough,” Mayor Therrien tells PTBOCanada. “It speaks volumes about who we are as a community that we always come out to support each other when we need it.”

After the tragedy in New Zealand, Peterborough's Masjid Al-Salaam mosque—and others everywhere—are taking safety and security very seriously. The Peterborough Police Service service are keeping a close watch on the premises for protection.

Watch the footage below our video team captured…

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100 Women Peterborough Raises $10,200 In Under One Hour For Brock Mission Cameron House

At their first meeting of the year on March 19th, the 100 Women Peterborough group raised more than $10,200 in under one hour for Brock Mission Cameron House.

Brock Mission Cameron House, which has been open since the fall of 1996, is a short-term, emergency shelter for women with 12 beds. They have since added eight bachelor units to the site allowing for women to pay a modest rent and customize the program to suit the individual’s needs. The Life Skills program provides education and training for independent living in the future.

Bill McNabb, Executive Director of Brock Mission Cameron House, accepting the cheque from 100 Women Co-Founders Catia Skinner, Alyssa Stewart and Rosalea Terry,

The contribution from 100 Women Peterborough will help to fund a new laundry room as well as much needed upgrades to their current facilities.

"What an incredible experience to see 100 Women Peterborough at work,” says Bill McNabb, Executive Director of Brock Mission. “We are encouraged, inspired and grateful for their generous support in getting some much needed repairs and improvements for our shelter facility.”

Brock Mission provides crisis shelter, food, clothing and support to those in the Peterborough community who find themselves in need. They also provide links with existing community services.

HOW 100 WOMEN WORKS

100 Women members commit to donate $100 at each of the four events hosted throughout the year. The aim is to help women learn about the multitude of different causes in the community, help people in need, and join other like-minded women to empower and multiply the impact of their contributions.

One hundred percent of the funds raised by the membership will be donated to four non-profit organizations determined by the membership throughout the year.

Women that are interested in joining the group—it has quickly grown due to word of mouth—are encouraged to reach out via the website here.

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Inspire Women’s Portrait Project Showcasing Women Of Peterborough Police Service

Inspire: The Women’s Portrait Project is delighted to announce that 10 women from the Peterborough Police Service will be highlighted in their exhibit at the 7th Annual SPARK Photo Festival taking place from April 1st through to April 30th at the VentureNorth building in Peterborough.

“I shot 10 incredible police women—with my lens, of course!” laughs Heather Doughty, original founder of the Inspire Project. “Some were 30 years of service in. They were truly amazing—it was a most enjoyable session.” 

Photo by Heather Doughty

The 10 female police officers will have their stories told through the camera lens and through personal bios as a special segment of the Inspire: The Women’s Portrait Project exhibit on display during the SPARK Photo Festival (VentureNorth Building, 270 George Street North).

In addition, INSPIRE is honoured to be sharing exhibit portraits as part of the Women in Policing Symposium being held March 23rd at Fleming College. The symposium is a passion project of Detective Lindsey Leonard, who is one of the featured INSPIRE women. The symposium provides an opportunity for women interested in a policing career to meet local female officers and explore the profession at a hands-on and interactive venue.  

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Trent University Crushes Its United Way Goal For Second Year In A Row

Trent University blew past its United Way goal for a second year in a row. The target was $100,000, and they raised a whopping $114,328.

United Way’s Cabinet member Michael Nasello—the Education Director for the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board—was on hand at the United Way office (see picture below) to receive the oversized cheque from Trent University’s Julie Davis, Vice President of External Relations and Advancement, and Trent’s internal United Way committee.

Michael Nasello (far left) And Julie Davis (far right) with Trent’s internal United Way Committee (Photo courtesy United Way)

“This is humbling and speaks to the quality of educators and educational institutions in Peterborough and their commitment to the community,” says Nasello.

Since 1991, employees at Trent University have given more than $1.6 million to United Way of Peterborough and that is definitely something to celebrate.

“We really challenged our faculty, staff and retirees by setting a $100,000 goal for the 2018 campaign—our highest ever,” adds Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Advancement. “Trent University’s annual campaign is the largest corporate campaign in the community and it’s an important way for us to give back and support the Peterborough region.”

Photo courtesy United Way

“Trent University is setting the standard for leadership and employee engagement in the annual Campaign,” adds United Way CEO Jim Russell. “Not only have they raised the most money this year, they maintain their unofficial title of best damn burgers during campaign.”

United Way Peterborough will be celebrating its 2018 campaign wrap-up on Wednesday, March 27th from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre.

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How Central Smith Ice Cream Saved The Day For McLean Berry Farm At Maplefest

Kind gestures speak volumes about the power of collaboration and community, and there is no better recent example of that then how Central Smith came to the rescue of McLean Berry Farm over the weekend during their popular Maplefest weekend at the farm.

Maplefest photo via McLean Berry Farm Facebook page

The family-owned business McLean Berry Farm wrote this in a Facebook post about how Central Smith—owned by the Scates family—stepped up bigtime for them…

“Thanks to the amazing folks at Central Smith Creamery - toffee on snow at maplefest was and is saved!

Our regular go to for food grade popsicle sticks discountinued selling them and we were in a panic last week trying to figure out what to do! Luckily our friends at Central Smith went above and beyond and sold us a giant case of popsicle sticks that they use!

We love this family so much already - they've done countless things to help our farm and family over the years (and even let us borrow daughters of theirs to work on the farm at various times!) - whether it was creating family memories as kids for a pit stop for ice cream, Spanish translations, raising hard workers or saving toffee on snow demonstrations - we're so grateful for them and their kind, loving, community focused, supportive business ❤️”

Photos of toffee on snow and Central Smith via McLean Berry Farm Facebook page

Central Smith shared the post on their own Facebook page, where they had to this to say:

“We are so lucky to work in such an amazing community, where hardwork and kindness goes a long way! Thank you McLean Berry Farm for the kind words. Here's to a great Maple Syrup Season!”

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Peterborough Petes Face Oshawa Generals In First Round Of Playoffs, Team Encourages Fan Mail

The Peterborough Petes, who finished sixth in the Eastern Conference and third in the East Division, will play the East Division’s second ranked Oshawa Generals in the first round of the playoffs.

Peterborough had a 2-5-1-0 record against Oshawa during the 2018-19 regular season but are ready to crush it in the playoffs. The division rivals last met in the first round four years ago, with the Generals taking the series 4-1 on route to winning the 2015 MasterCard Memorial Cup. The long-time rivals have met in the post-season 14 times dating back to 1973.

The full schedule is as follows…

-> Game 1: Friday, March 22nd at 7:35 p.m. – Tribute Communities Centre

-> Game 2: Sunday, March 24th at 6:05 p.m. – Tribute Communities Centre

-> Game 3: Tuesday, March 26th at 7:05 p.m. – Peterborough Memorial Centre

-> Game 4: Thursday, March 28th at 7:05 p.m. – Peterborough Memorial Centre

-> Game 5: Saturday, March 30th at 7:05 p.m. – Tribute Communities Centre (if necessary)

-> Game 6: Sunday, March 31st at 7:05 p.m. – Peterborough Memorial Centre (if necessary)

-> Game 7: Tuesday, April 2nd at 7:05 p.m. – Tribute Communities Centre (if necessary)

Playoff tickets are on sale now and are available through the Baker Tilly Box Office in person, over the phone at (705) 743-3561, and online. 

Fan mail

Have words of motivation or support for your Petes ahead of the playoffs? Send the team your personalized fan mail here and they’ll post your messages for the lads, both on the road and once they get back home.

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Jonathan Hall & Kayley Duggan New Owners Of Nostalgic Journey

Nostalgic Journey, a sprawling 6,000-square-foot multi-vendor antique, vintage and collectables store established in 2003, has been taken over by couple Jonathan Hall (also co-proprietor of The Twisted Wheel lounge in downtown Peterborough) and Kayley Duggan.

Owners Kayley Duggan and Jonathan Hall

Located at 1118 Trans-Canada Highway 7, just a stone’s throw away from the end of the 115 outside of Peterborough, it is a treasure trove for antique and vintage finds.

Nostalgic Journey is located at 1118 Trans-Canada Highway 7

Hall has been going to Nostalgic Journey for years, and, in fact, many of his finds are housed in his chic Twisted Wheel bar on Water Street he operates with Mike Judson.

When he and Duggan found out this electic store was available from Gail, the former owner, they jumped at the chance to take it on. They just took ownership March 1st, and it has quickly become a labour of love.

Hall, also a talented graphic designer, tells PTBOCanada they don’t plan to reinvent the wheel, though there will be some tweaks here and there which will be reflected with his love of vinyl in a section he and Kayley are developing.

Hall in “his office”, as he calls it, at Nostalgic Journey

Nostalgic Journey has many of the same vendors—there are more than 30—that have been there for years, but Hall says new ones are coming on as well as word of mouth travels quickly about the couple’s venture.

Hall’s logo design for Nostalgic Journey

There was a constant flow of customers young and old on a Saturday we visited the location, and there is plenty of parking.

Indeed, it’s a perfect place to go on a date, with friends, or bring your folks/in-laws. The nostalgia all around you makes for great conversation points, buys and photos. You can get lost in there for hours.

Speaking of photography, the couple is utilizing social media to build awareness about Nostalgic Journey—the unique collectables and antiques there are very Instagram worthy.

You can find Nostalgic Journey on Instagram here and Facebook here. They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday, with the plan to eventually open then as well.

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