Peterborough Video Game Studio Announces Release Of One-of-a-Kind Senior Rom-Com Dating Game

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Local, independent game studio Bloom Digital Media has announced its highly-anticipated rom-com game Later Daters will be released on April 16th.

The quirky, one-of-a-kind game, created by Bloom Digital Media founder Miriam Verburg, follows romance in a retirement community and will be released on Steam, Itch.io and the Nintendo Switch.

Founder Miriam Verburg

As a visual novel set to span several episodes, Later Daters allows users to play as a senior and interact with eight characters in the community.

Players can customize the character’s look, name, romance history, and gender from the pet companion who will accompany them on romantic adventures to the avatar and dating history. 

The company is putting the finishing touches on the first three episodes, showing how love can bloom late for the game’s seniors. The second series of episodes of Later Daters will be released later this year.   

The Innovation Cluster startup released the award-winning LongStory game in 2014, and since then has had more than one million downloads combined on mobile and Nintendo Switch.

Visit the Later Daters website here, and watch the trailer below…

In Later Daters, play as octogenarian so you don't die alone, or just get your kicks in while the getting is good. Remember, if the chairs are rockin' don't come knockin'. Coming to Switch, Itch.io and Steam April 16, 2020. Wishlist on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1040390/Later_Daters/ Later Daters theme by: Veda Hille.

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PTBO Game Jam 05 Takes Place March 14th & 15h At Fleming College With Opportunities For People Of All Ages

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PTBO Game Jam 05 will take place Saturday, March 14th to Sunday, March 15th in a fan-favorite conference space at Fleming College’s Kawartha Trades & Technology Centre (559 Brealey Drive).

Powered by the Peterborough-based game development studio dotBunny, the Fleming Computer Club, the Pinnguaq Association and Fleming College’s School of Trades and Technology, PTBO Game Jam 05 is a weekend-long hackathon-style video game development event. The jam will see video game programmers, designers, artists and more gather to plan, design and create video games in a 32-hour marathon.

PTBO Game Jam is three events in one, with opportunities for people of any age and skill level to explore the world of video game development. It includes:

-> the Pinnguaq Association’s Youth Educational Block, which specially focuses on introducing youth under the age of 16 to making video games with free technology geared directly to them.

-> an Adult Educational Block geared at people aged 16 and over. The’ll take attendees from zero to hero with industry standard development toolsets to create a quick simple video game that can be expanded on at the game jam itself.

-> those blocks build up to the star of the show the Jam itself, which starts Saturday, March 14th at 9 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m. Sunday, March 15th.

Admission to PTBO Game Jam 05 is free. Pre-registration is required here and click the Register button there to join. Prior registration is required for each event you plan to participate in!

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Innovation Cluster And City Of Kawartha Lakes Open Incubator In Lindsay

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The City of Kawartha Lakes and Innovation Cluster, with the support of the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO), have opened an incubator for high-growth entrepreneurs in Lindsay. 

An official launch for the incubator took place on Tuesday (February 11th) in Lindsay. Partners supporters and the public joined together for speeches, a ribbon cutting, and a tour of the space. Speakers included Mayor Andy Letham, John Gillis, President of the Innovation Cluster, MPP Laurie Scott, MP Jamie Schmale and Jil Quast, Chair CFDC.

John Gillis, President of the Innovation Cluster, speaking at the announcement

The Innovation Cluster has successfully accelerated hundreds of startups for over a decade, supporting companies in the agriculture technology, clean technology, digital and healthcare technology sectors.

Launching its 10,000 sq.ft. incubator in the heart of downtown Peterborough in 2017, the not-for-profit organization has coached, mentored, and provided a space for more than 80 startups to find their best path to market.

Throughout 2018, the Innovation Cluster supported eight CKWL companies, which created an economic impact of $2,355,633 and the creation of 22 jobs for CKWL. With this success and a clear need for more robust support and programming for entrepreneurs creating innovative new startups, the Innovation Cluster is looking forward to bringing its services on-site.

Ribbon cutting in Lindsay

“We are excited to launch our incubator in the heart of Lindsay to give current and future startup clients the opportunity to access our resources closer to home,” says President and CEO of the Innovation Cluster, John Gillis.

“The Innovation Cluster has been supporting clients in the Kawartha Lakes for a number of years remotely,” adds Gillis, “and many of those clients have been driving into Peterborough to work in our world class incubator. They have been waiting for us to make this expansion happen.”

Left to right: Innovation Cluster CEO Michael Skinner, President John Gillis & ICPK Board Chair John Desbien

The Innovation Cluster will now provide a creative incubation space for new ideas to blossom with entrepreneurs working side-by-side in Lindsay’s first full-service incubator in CKWL.


Some of the entrepreneurs moving in tweeted out about it…

Through this partnership, startups working in more remote areas throughout the Kawarthas will have easier access to dynamic programming, network connections, funding, investment and business opportunities, as well as marketing and commercialization support. 

The opening of this incubator is another sign of the times as an increasing amount of people are looking to run a successful startup outside of large cities, to ensure a better quality of life.

Incubators in smaller communities that provide an abundance of professional resources at one site allows those entrepreneurs to achieve their goals without having to move.

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MP Maryam Monsef Announces $6 Million To Build Composting Facility In Peterborough

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On Tuesday (February 11th), Maryam Monsef announced up to $6 million in funding to support a City of Peterborough climate change initiative that is equivalent to removing 25,000 cars from the road annually.

The funding will support the development of a Centralized Composting Centre that will divert food and waste to a new, modern facility. It is projected that to prevent approximately 32,000 tonnes of organic debris from entering the landfill each year and will support local job creation.

Mayor Diane Therrien and MP Maryam Monsef pictured at announcement at Beavermead Park

“Peterborough has been piloting a composting program for years,” says Monsef. “Our Government sees Peterborough as a leader in environmentalism and climate action. Today’s investment of $6 million to expand Peterborough’s composting program is a vote of confidence in our community.”

The funding comes from the Partnerships stream of our Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund, which invests in projects that reduce carbon pollution, save money, and create good jobs.

Announcement at Beavermead Park

Monsef reflects on the impact of this announcement in this video posted to her Twitter account…

The City of Peterborough has been running a small, successful pilot Green Bin program for a number of years. This funding will support the expansion of this program city-wide.

"We are excited about a city-wide organic waste collection and composting program,” says Mayor Therrien. “It will reduce both greenhouse gas emissions as well as our reliance on landfill. It’s a service that our residents have long been asking for that we’re pleased to be able to deliver with support from the federal government’s Low Carbon Economy Fund."

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Peterborough Ninja's Crush It At Ajax Judo Tournament, Academy Continues To Grow In Popularity

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Ninja Academy student’s grit and determination was tested on Sunday, February 9th in Ajax to bring home medals from the Shiai (tournament) that hosted young judoka from all across Ontario.

Logan Dunbar won all his matches to secure a Gold in his division, Luis Sperling demonstrated three beautiful throws to get Silver in his division, and Elijah Falls fought diligently to secure his Bronze medal finish with an excellent demonstration of ukemi. Orion Teleki competed in the Ukemi Competition and secured a Gold medal finish with thanks to Sensei Tomoyoshi Hino.

Photo courtesy Ninja Academy

“All Judoka are being celebrated for their courage to compete and commitment to self- improvement,” says Sensei Paul Teleki, pictured above with the students. “They always show up focused and determined to improve themselves and others around them, and it is because of their dedication that all students in the academy will also benefit from their experience and knowledge when they return and train together.”

Because the Ninja Academy is a young club, all students competed against judoka who were of higher rank and age, so the feat of competing in this tournament came with an increased challenge.

Photo courtesy Ninja Academy

The Ninja Academy was formed in 2015 by founding Sensei Paul Teleki and operates in partnership with the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. It instills values of confidence and respect, all the while promoting fitness and physical awareness.

The academy is growing in popularity quickly, and now has 135+ students, 5 youth Ninja Leaders and apprentices. Residents of all ages—classes are offered from 16 months old to adults—are invited to visit the Ninja Academy on Fridays at 7:15 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre in room MPR-A.

Visit ninjaacademy.ca, call 705.868.8683 or email here to learn more about the Ninja Academy.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring De.Kor & More!

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PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

De.Kor is Karen LaRiviere’s new business. Described as a specialty shop with a focus on lighting, Karen also offers decorative furniture accessories, area carpets, throws and more, Karen brings a strong background in the local home décor business, as well as a strong design background. De.Kor is located in East City at the corner of Hunter and Mark streets, across from Mark Street Church. Stop in Monday through Saturday, or find them on Facebook here.

Lots of people are checking out a new restaurant in Lakefield. Called Shakers Diner (98 Queen St.), owner Rebecca Shakespear and her mother Lynne recently moved their business from Bobcaygeon to Lakefield, where Rebecca grew up. Located in the former Debbies Restaurant location, the building was virtually rebuilt over the last several months to create a fresh, bright new space for Shakers to serve their homestyle cooking. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll find classic family dishes such as meatloaf, mac and cheese, soup and sandwich specials, omelettes and more. You can find them on Facebook here.

Jane Bischoff’s company is called Nutritionistjane. A holistic nutritionist since 2005, Jane moved her company from Toronto to Peterborough. Jane can help with ulcerative colitis, crohns, and other digestive issues, and specializes in helping those on the autism spectrum. Jane can come to your home for an appointment or you can visit her home office in the North End of Peterborough. So whether it’s dealing with a specific diagnosis, or you simply want to lose a few extra pounds, you can find Jane Bischoff on Facebook, call 705.740.5092, or at her website nutritionistjane.com.  

If you are looking for some office or clinic space for your business or practice, Dr. Jeff Lustig has some space available for rent within his Active Chiropractic and Wellness Centre at 401 McDonnel Street. You can reach Jeff by calling 705.743.1661.

And if you are a military veteran or a first responder, local veteran Ron LaChapelle is putting together a series of special evenings at the Branch 52 Legion on Lansdowne Street. Mark February 25th and March 31st on your calendar if you want to meet some like-minded people, and maybe even win some Leaf’s tickets. There is no charge, just show up at the Legion anytime after 7 p.m.

”Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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The Amazing Impact Five Counties Children's Centre Has Had On 4 Kids Participating With Peterborough Petes On Family Day

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Seven-year-old Daniel’s training at Five Counties Children’s Centre has honed his skills to the point where he has been drafted to skate with the Peterborough Petes on Family Day this year.

As the Petes’ Canadian Tire Seventh Skater, Daniel will represent Five Counties Children’s Centre, which is benefitting from partial ticket proceeds and several activities at the Peterborough Memorial Centre at their game against the Sudbury Wolves.

Left to right: Lois Tuffin (Five Counties Children’s Centre), Mitchell M., Mitchell F, Daniel (shooting ball) Peterborough Petes' group sales co-ordinator Drew Nascimento and Elliot. (Photo courtesy Five Counties Children’s Centre)

“Five Counties has made a huge impact on Daniel’s life,” says his mother Tina. “He went from being an observer in social settings, to confidently becoming a participant.”

When Daniel first came in for treatment at age 2, he was choking on his food and could only say a few words. His therapists helped him learn to eat and identified his apraxia (disconnection) of speech. Now he is an active, healthy child who communicates more clearly and plays hockey for the Ennismore Eagles.

 “As his therapist said at the beginning of our journey it was, and still is, like preparing for the Olympics,” his mom adds. “Although we did not see huge changes following each session, the growth has been steady. After many appointments, and perseverance from Daniel, he is able to express his thoughts and ideas through speaking.”

Photo courtesy Five Counties Children’s Centre

Daniel and his teammates will have additional coaching help on Family Day from Mitchell and Mitchell, two hockey-loving teenagers who are also clients at Five Counties.

Mitchell F., 16, started coming for treatment as a baby, but needed more intensive and varied therapies after having a stroke at 18 months. “Mitchell, defying the odds, learned to walk at three-and-a-half years of age,” his mother Anita says. “Despite being told he may never walk or talk, he is a confident and kind 16-year-old, credit earning, Grade 10 student.”

Mitchell is active in two school clubs and volunteered with the football and baseball teams. He has been playing sledge hockey for the past seven years and won the award for Most Dedicated Player for three of those years.

Meanwhile, Mitchell M., 18, began treatments at Five Counties at age one and has tapped into services for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy—not to mention support from therapeutic recreation, social work and Augmentative Communication Services.

 “They have been on this great journey of developing his speech, encouraging activities of daily living, and assisting with appropriate mobility devices,” his mother Yvonne says. “Five Counties has been an integral part of Mitchell’s quality of life by participating in the increase of his skill level and his mobility.”

The staff have helped him try sledge hockey, borrow an accessible bicycle and try out walkers and wheelchairs until he found the right fit.

Up in the announcer’s box, Elliot, 8, will show how he has found his voice, thanks to his treatments at Five Counties. He will shadow announcer Gord Gibb in announcing the game’s opening lineup.

Born with Weidemann Steiner Syndrome, he initially came in for treatments to get him to crawling to walking just in time to start kindergarten. Due to his autism and intellectual delay, he also needed help to find the proper words to describe items and his feelings.

 “Now, it is almost inconceivable to think that at one time Elliot wasn’t able to express his dissatisfaction or happiness about situations, properly through his speech,” his father Ben says. “The speech sessions help kick-start Elliot’s ability to express himself in a way that the people around him will understand what he is trying to say.”

On Family Day, the game begins at 2:05 p.m. with activities in the lobby for the hour beforehand. Petes’ fans can get their faces painted, play tabletop hockey and build with giant Lego blocks. All proceeds from these activities, plus Chuck a Puck at a Truck, will help more children like Daniel, Mitchell, Mitchell and Elliot to get life-changing therapies at Five Counties Children’s Centre. 

Tickets are available at the reception desk at the Five Counties Children’s Centre at 872 Dutton Road in Peterborough or by contacting Fund Development Co-ordinator Lois Tuffin at 705.748.2337, ext. 380 or by email here.  

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6th Annual Great Canadian Family Day To Take Place At The Canadian Canoe Museum

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With hands-on festival fun for the entire family, The Canadian Canoe Museum is hosting its 6th Annual Great Canadian Family Day on February 17th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

This event offers a chance for local families to come together for one-of-a-kind experiences in the museum’s galleries. With more than 15 stations featuring interactive activities and high-quality take home crafts, children of all ages will be entertained and engaged.

Back by popular demand, children can craft their own clothes-pin paddlers and then watch them fly through the galleries on the voyageur canoe zip line.

Kids can also create their own shadow puppets and scratch art, just like on some of the museum’s birch bark canoes.

photo courtesy canadian canoe museum

In addition, a pop-up Canoe Café will offer families the opportunity to relax and refresh with hot drinks and snacks while watching short animated films before heading back into the galleries. 

photo courtesy canadian canoe museum

Admission is priced per family at $30, but is free with the purchase of a Family Membership—specially priced at $40. Among other benefits, a Family Membership includes free admission year-round!

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$88,194.72 Raised At 11th Annual Petes Pink In Rink Game In Front Of Capacity Crowd At Mem Centre

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The 11th annual Pink in the Rink game took place in front of a sold-out Petes crowd at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday night (February 1st), and the night was a resounding success. Not only did the Petes end a five-game skid with a 4-1 victory over the rival Oshawa Generals, but more important the campaign raised a whopping $88,194.72 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

This brings the eleven-year total to nearly $790,000 with more donations expected in the coming days. Petes players wore special Pink in the Rink fundraising sweaters, which were sold in a post-game live jersey auction. Other fundraising initiatives at the game included a chuck-a-ball, silent auction, and bucket pass, along with T-shirt sales and online fundraiser.

Photo by Jess Van Staalduinen, Peterborough Petes

Petes alumni Mike Martone (1994-98) and Ian Armstrong (1982-85) were the honourary co-chairs of the awesome campaign.

Highlights of Saturday’s fundraiser included Nick Robertson’s game-worn jersey selling for $1,600, and an autographed John Tavares Toronto Maple Leafs jersey raising $600 in the silent auction.

On the ice, Nick Robertson scored twice, extending his goal scoring streak to 11 games. Akil Thomas recorded an assist—lengthening his assist streak to 11 games.

The Petes outshot the Gens 29-22. Peterborough went 2/7 on the power play and 5/5 on the penalty kill.

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75-Year-Old Retired Widow From Peterborough Wins $100,000 With The Big Spin Instant

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Peterborough’s Dorothy McAdam has won $100,000 with THE BIG SPIN INSTANT game. 

"It was a shock," says Dorothy, a 75-year-old retired widow, while at the OLG Prize Center in Toronto to pick up her cheque. "I was in disbelief. I couldn't wait to call my sisters and share the good news! This is amazing and still feels unreal.”

Dorothy plans to pay off some bills and purchase new glasses and boots. "I look forward to celebrating over dinner with all my sisters," she adds.

The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Highway 7 East in Peterborough.

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