Trent Athletics Launches Esports Allowing Students To Compete & Connect

Trent Athletics has been focusing on new and innovative ways to support Trent students and provide sport, fitness and recreation opportunities both in-person and by remote delivery this Fall.

As Trent’s campus recreation coordinator, Matt Melo is tasked with ensuring students in both Peterborough and Durham have safe access to recreation opportunities in person (such as beach volleyball and badminton) as well as through remote delivery (online wellness programs, online fitness classes, online trivia nights) in the midst of unprecedented circumstances created by the pandemic.

Photo via Ontario Post-Secondary Esports (OPSE) League website.

One new virtual opportunity Melo has identified is Esports, through which Trent students connect to the Ontario Post-Secondary Esports (OPSE) League, competing both recreationally and competitively against teams from other Ontario universities in the games League of Legends, a strategy-based game, and Rocket League, a fast-paced take on soccer that sees cars substituted for players.

“The program promotes both competitive and recreational Esports and gaming opportunities in the Trent community,” says Melo. “This is the most accessible landscape we have worked with. We are able to provide a new recreational opportunity directly to our students without the need for them to leave their homes. During this time of evolving public health restrictions, recreation of this type is a safe and secure way for students to still interact with one another.”

Graphic via Trent University website

Tryouts and team selection took place earlier this fall and competitive play is underway with games broadcast on the OPSE website. According to the OPSE, up to $24,000 in scholarship money is available to be won based on playoff success.

Students interested in becoming part of the growing Esports community with Trent Athletics can contact campusrec@trentu.ca. 

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring HBC Lakefield, Camp Kawartha Forest School & More!

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…

Lakefield is getting a new Home Building Centre! Located in the former Rona Building Centre, behind Foodland in Lakefield, the building has been completely gutted and refurbished. The newest addition to the Kawartha Home Hardware Group of stores, they expect to be open by the end of November, after the finishing touches and stocking the lumber yard and shelves. “Like” them on Facebook here.

New Home Building Centre closer to being completed

Camp Kawartha Forest school is one of the more creative business pivots of the Summer. Completely shuttered by the pandemic, Jacob Rodenburg and staff have created a complete curriculum-linked program taught by professional educators. Located at the main camp on Birchview Road, sessions are running until December and there are still spots available in all their Forest School programs, Kindergarten, Grade 1-3 and Grade 4-6. They have week-long and month-long sessions available. For details, visit campkawartha.ca.

Cindy Lewkawesky-Dowdle has joined the team at Fully Promoted/Signarama. Cindy is a well-known and respected expert in the branded merchandise, promotional products space. Fully Promoted and Signarama are locally owned franchises by Morgan Smith. fullypromoted.ca

The annual Tri-Association Manufacturers Conference goes October 22nd from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. With “Resilience” as this year’s theme, the virtual event will feature a plant tour, workshops, panel discussions, and more. For details visit thekma.com.

And the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce annual Business Excellence Awards is coming up October 21st. Host Megan Murphy will take you through the completely recorded and produced show with lots of laughs and of course lots of trophies. Local businesses will be honored in over 20 categories, including the Business Citizen of the Year, the Business Women of the Year and the Farm Family of the Year. You can watch the show for free on the Chamber YouTube or Facebook channels, and you can purchase a ticket to the pre-show Zoom party and get a $15 Gift Card from Gerti’s, who would have been catering the event, and a donation goes to Showplace as well. All the details are at peterboroughchamber.ca.

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Peterborough Public Health Launches Handy New Local COVID-19 Data Tracker Tool

Peterborough Public Health has launched a new local COVID-19 data tracker available at localcovidtracker.ca.

This interactive online tool is updated by 5:00 p.m. daily, and allows residents to stay on top of all COVID-19 cases, outbreaks and related statistics for the Peterborough area.

Screengrab from localcovidtracker.ca on October 9th, 2020

“This COVID-19 Tracker allows residents to sort local data by different filters, such as time frame and type of outbreak,” says Jane Hoffmeyer, Manager of Foundational Standards, whose team developed the COVID-19 Tracker.

“It also uses charts and other graphics to visualize the data, making it easier to understand how the pandemic is affecting us locally,” adds Hoffmeyer.

Screengrab from localcovidtracker.ca on October 9th, 2020

The COVID-19 Tracker includes local data on:

• New, active and resolved cases

• Sources of exposure

• Hospitalizations

• Outbreak information for long-term care, retirement homes, and schools

Screengrab from localcovidtracker.ca on October 9th, 2020

Hoffmeyer notes that Peterborough Public Health’s current COVID-19 case status webpage sees more than 4,500 unique views daily, and recently spiked at 7,265 views following reports of the first local school-related COVID-19 case.

Screengrab from localcovidtracker.ca on October 9th, 2020

Peterborough Public Health’s COVID-19 Tracker is the community’s central repository for local COVID-19 data. It also includes links to data resources available on provincial and federal websites and from neighbouring public health units.

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Mackey Family Honours Son’s Memory, Raises Money For Hospice through Hike For Hospice Fundraiser

Patrick Mackey was a healthy and vibrant young Peterborough man known for his passion for social justice, his easygoing nature and his work at the YMCA as a beloved camp counsellor with the nickname ‘Toucan.’

After getting terrible headaches and quickly learning he had an aggressive brain cancer, Patrick continued studying at university, painting artwork for his family and being the type of friend who brought a smile to all who knew him.

Nearly two years later, Patrick lost his battle while spending his final days with his loving family at home in palliative care. He was only 20 years old.

Patrick Mackey (Photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

There’s no way to make sense of such a loss but his mother, Christine, says one of the most important ways the family was able to cope was by utilizing the services of Hospice Peterborough.

“After receiving counselling through Hospice, we came away feeling like we could move forward,” says Christine, a retired long-time teacher with the Catholic school board.

The Mackey family honoured Patrick’s memory and raised pledges by participating in this year’s 18th annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser, which was held virtually last month due to the pandemic.

The Mackey family (Photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

The Hike exceeded its goal of $35,000 by raising $56,538, which supports the work of Hospice Peterborough and the 26 programs and services it offers including grief groups, day hospice, groups for children and teens and a 10-bed end-of-life residence.

For many people, like the Mackey family, the Hike is also a meaningful way to remember and honour their lost loved one. Participants shared memories and photos of their loved ones on the Hike for Hospice Facebook page.

The new Hospice Peterborough, located at 325 London Street, is a reflection of a 30-year history of their ongoing commitment to hospice palliative care.

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Peterborough-based Streambed Media Wins Highly Competitive Wyoming Sandcastle Startups Challenge, Advances To Finals In Dubai

Streambed Media, a Peterborough company headed by Trent University alumna Jenna Pilgrim, has won the highly competitive Wyoming Sandcastle Startups challenge.

The company's prize includes $12,500 USD, and a guaranteed spot for the Sandcastle finals in Dubai at the World's Fair next October to compete for up to $250,000.

The competition was led by the Sandcastle Startups Foundation, which aims to advance the discovery of new technology and solutions to humanity’s largest problems through emerging startups. The Prize money for the regionals was sponsored by the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY.

Photo of Streambed Media co-founder Jenna Pilgrim courtesy Innovation Cluster

Streambed is a social media tool that uses a blockchain tracking system to delegate analytics to all parties involved in creating, publishing and distributing a piece of video content (sponsors, talent etc). It immutably links them, their video posts and their interactions by hashing the content metadata to the blockchain, creating richer, more reliable and informative data on that content’s performance.

“We are incredibly excited to have been recognized by the Wyoming Sandcastle Startups Challenge,” says Jenna Pilgrim, CEO and co-founder of Streambed Media. “Amidst a competitive playing field of amazing companies, we are honored to see that blockchain-powered social media tools are a much needed and wanted innovation.” 

Jenna Pilgrim participating in the Sandcastle startup challenge

The Sandcastle Startup Challenge finals will host 16 teams including Streambed in a bracket style cryptocurrency/blockchain startup competition during the opening month of the World’s Fair in Dubai next year. The company will compete for a Grand Prize package valued at over $250,000 and receive a competitor package, complimentary badge, media coverage, flight and airfare, valued at over $35,000.

“We are excited to see this local tech company and Trent graduate reach this milestone, as they are recognized for developing innovation that is essential,” says Michael Skinner, CEO of the Innovation Cluster.

“Streambed is designed to democratize social media, share valuable data back to creators and empower brands to find their authentic audiences,” says Jenna. “In a world where we have even more platforms fielding an explosion of content over the next five years, the time is now to fix and make these platforms work for everyone.” 

Streambed is currently in beta, and is bringing on users slowly. To be one of the first users or be notified when they are live, visit streambedmedia.com/subscribe.

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Tips From Peterborough Public Health On How To Plan A COVID-19 Safe Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, Peterborough Public Health is providing recommendations to help residents plan a safe and healthy holiday.

“With COVID-19 still present in our community and in other provincial hotspots, we strongly recommend celebrating Thanksgiving only with those in your household, and avoid travelling outside the region,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, in a media release. “Connecting with others of course is what this holiday is all about, so for family and friends outside your household, we encourage you to do so virtually or outdoors.”

Photo by Evan Holt, PTBOCanada

Dr. Salvaterra noted it’s helpful to know which activities are lower or moderate risk, and advises the following for a lower risk Thanksgiving:

• Stay home.

• Stay local.

• Plan an indoor celebration with household contacts only.

• If planning to visit with family and friends, keep it outdoors, stay within gathering limits and stay at least 2 metres apart. Add face coverings when moving about, but remember, they are not an excuse to get close! Physical distancing and masks must work together to be effective.

• Connect with family and friends virtually.
  
  
  The following activities are considered moderate risk:

  • If your household will include any students or family members who are not usually part of your bubble, have them practice hand hygiene, wear a face covering indoors and keep at least 2 metres distance, especially while eating or drinking.

  • Ensure food is plated individually by someone who is symptom-free and knowledgeable in safe food handling. Do not share food and beverages buffet or family style.

  • Before anyone comes in your home, check to make sure they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and have not been identified as a close contact of someone who has COVID-19.

  • Do not participate in social gatherings, including religious services, if you are sick, have recently travelled outside of Peterborough to an area with a high rate of transmission, are awaiting testing results, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

Dr. Salvaterra asks those who are travelling from Peterborough to a higher-risk area for Thanksgiving to limit contacts and take precautions including hand hygiene, physical distancing and ensuring face coverings are used indoors.

“When you return to Peterborough, self-monitor for symptoms and limit your number of contacts for 14 days by avoiding gatherings, staying home, and using curbside pickup for shopping. If you become ill, self-isolate immediately and seek testing,” she added.

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Bollards To Be Removed In Downtown Peterborough

Bollards that were installed on some downtown streets to create additional pedestrian space for physical distancing will be removed over the next two weeks to prepare for winter maintenance, according to a City of Peterborough release. 

The installation on Water Street, between Simcoe Street and Hunter Street, will be removed the week of October 13th and the remaining installations on other streets will be removed over a few days starting Wednesday, October 21st.

PTBOCanada file photo

With the removal of the bollards, the sidewalks and streets and parking will revert to their typical spaces. Businesses with agreements with the City are able to have patios in assigned sidewalk spaces until October 20th. 

PTBOCanada file photo

The bollards need to be removed to get ready for winter. Residents and visitors are reminded that public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 remain in effect, including:

• Maintain physical distance of 2 metres from others not in your household

• Wear a face covering in indoor and outdoor settings where physical distancing may be a challenge

• Stay home if you do not feel well

• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently

Restaurants are taking reservations, which helps ensure there are no lineups on sidewalks as a barrier to physical distancing.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Spray-net, Zingha, Kidz Playland & More!

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…

Jason Rutherford is the new Franchise Partner for Spray-net, a product that promises a painted finish that won’t peel by customizing the paint to the surface, the weather and to your unique colour selection. Whether it’s aluminum or vinyl siding, engineered wood, fiber cement, stucco, brick, windows or doors or even kitchen cabinets, Spray-net covers it. Jason will be focused on the kitchen cabinet side of the business for this winter, while he is taking bookings for exterior jobs next year. Details are at spray-net.com or you can give him a call at 705-957-8813.

Zingha is an Afrocentric social business recently launched by Cheryl Edwards and Charmaine Magumbe. Cheryl and Charmaine design and sell Afrocentric images on T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. They also sell Nigerian COVID masks. In addition, they are serving as a community resource for those who wish to increase diversity and inclusiveness. You can visit by appointment at 211 Hunter St East, check out the pop-up shop at Watson and Lou at 383 Water Street, or online at nzingha.ca.

Kidz Playland has re-opened! They offer a 5000 sq ft play ground that includes slides, obstacles, trampolines, ball pits, ball machines, an interactive smart board, and a welcomed mental health break for both kids and parents. They are hosting family or friends within the same social circle, by appointment only, and of course following all safety precautions, thoroughly sanitizing all spaces and equipment after every guest, and more. Details are at kidzplayland.ca.

Russ Sanders has written for various newspapers for over 25 years, a published author and presently a columnist for two local magazines. His new business name is “Let Me Write It”. Russ specializes in writing mini biographies for seniors. The typical scenario involves 3 or 4 interviews which are turned into a 15 – 20-page biography, complete with photos in a loose-leaf book form. A great idea and a wonderful keepsake for children and grandchildren. You can contact Russ Sanders for details at 705-292-7454.

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Opioid Response Hub Created In Downtown Peterborough

Peterborough has a new Opioid Response Hub thanks to the ongoing collaborative efforts of numerous community agencies and organizations.

The former Greyhound bus station at 220 Simcoe Street will be the new home of PARN’s Harm Reduction Works program and the soon-to-be launched Mobile Strategic Overdose Response Team (MSORT). With this location secured, community partners can now submit an application for a Consumption Treatment Services (CTS) site to operate out of this location.

“We are thrilled that we are working with a property owner who understands the importance of harm reduction in Peterborough, especially at a time when the poisoned drug supply is taking so many lives in our community,” says Charles Shamess, Executive Director at PARN.

Photos via PARN Facebook page

Due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, PARN has been temporarily running its harm reduction service out of the One City offices at 541 Water Street.

Funded by Peterborough Public Health, PARN’s Harm Reduction program provides sterile drug-use equipment to prevent the transmission of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hep C and distributes Naloxone to people at-risk for overdose in the community. This program, called Harm Reduction Works, will begin operating out of the new space during the week of October 12th.

“This is a critical step forward in addressing the drug poisoning crisis affecting our residents,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health. “We are proud to be a part of this effective collaboration that brought these services and this site together for the benefit of the community.”

The newly announced MSORT team will also be housed at 220 Simcoe Street. This program will connect people to services when they have experienced an overdose and choose not to go to the hospital.

Click here for more info on the initiative.

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Anyone Can Make A Difference: Peterborough Man Gives 100th Blood Donation

Peterborough’s Mathew Ansara has already given a hundred blood donations at the age of 38. Mathew, who has been told he is super young to have reached the century mark, accomplished the feat on Tuesday (September 29th) at the main donation clinic on Perry St.

“It was October 2012 that I hit my 50th, so it took me 8 years to get another 50 donations,” Ansara tells PTBOCanada. “I just feel that is a way for an ordinary person to actually save a life. People need blood, we all have it. It's a small thing that we all can do that can actually save a life.”

Ansara, who is currently a teacher at Adam Scott high school in Peterborough, encourages people to consider donating: “If someone hasn't donated before, I want them to know that the staff are excellent, the process is pretty painless, and on average less than an hour to do.”

Find a Canadian Blood Services location near you here.

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