A Peterborough Man Uses Unique Homeboni For His Backyard Rink

When it comes to backyard rinks, everyone has their own DIY way of building and keeping that ice nice and smooth during Canadian winters.

Peterborough’s Sion Hughes has been making homemade backyard rinks for eight years now for his family to enjoy. “I just buy the liner each year, and I do my best to repurpose the liner to minimize waste,” he tells PTBOCanada. “My backyard is sloped, so I build it up with a platform made of steel and pallets to reduce the amount of water needed and ease the pressure on the boards.”

Sion Hughes working his Homeboni in his Peterborough backyard rink

Family fun on Hughes rink of dreams

To keep that ice bump-free, there are all kinds of homemade Zamboni-type designs and contraptions rink builders MacGyver. In Sion’s case, he rigs up what he calls a “Homeboni”—which almost resembles a giant Swiffer on ice or something.

Photo of Sion’s Homeboni

Sion says the Homeboni is a hose attachment, welded to copper pipe, which has a series of small holes. It is then strapped to a squeegee which he wraps with a towel.

”Full disclosure, this is not my invention,” Sion tells PTBOCanada. “A family friend actually found it in a garbage in Toronto a couple years ago and saved it for me. It works wonders.”

Photo of Sion’s Homeboni

Photo of Sion’s Homeboni

Watch the video below of how Sion works his Homeboni magic on the Hughes ice (and speaking of magic, maybe the Leafs will work some this year—”I was 4 years old when they last won the Cup,” Sion, a Leafs fan, tells us)…

#Peterborough @Ptbo_Canada @DarrenDreger @backyrdicerinks @TheBackyardRink All kinds of “Homeboni” designs out there. Soooo satisfying! pic.twitter.com/SdadxnjHAt

— sion hughes (@swannysion) December 15, 2020

Do you have a backyard rink and unique Homeboni of your own in Peterborough and the Kawarthas? Email us pics to tips@ptbocanada.com or tag us on Twitter @ptbo_canada.

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100 Women Peterborough Raises Vital Funds For Community Counselling & Resource Centre

The 100 Women Peterborough group came together for their last virtual meeting of 2020 on Tuesday (December 15th) to raise funds for an organization in need.

Community Counselling and Resource Centre (CCRC) was chosen by majority vote to receive the funds, and 100 Women Peterborough is anticipating the total donation to be upwards of $5,000 based on feedback from the membership. 

During COVID-19, the Community Counselling and Resource Centre, like so many businesses and charities, quickly pivoted to ensure the safety of clients and staff. In March, the organization moved to providing services virtually while preparing to re-open for limited in-person appointments for those who need them. They now provide a blend of in-person and virtual supports and expect this to continue throughout the coming months.

Photo of 100 Women Peterborough Zoom meet courtesy 100 Women Peterborough

“No one expects to end up in a situation they can’t solve,” says Kirsten Armbrust, Executive Director of CCRC. “Job losses, trauma, grief, family or health problems can happen to anyone and sometimes you need help to navigate that. CCRC offers counselling for personal issues and also support around housing and personal finance to get through those difficult times and find a better way forward.”

“There have been many costs associated with providing safe, confidential services during COVID, both virtually and in-person,” says Armbrust. “These costs were not anticipated and while we have been lucky to have received some funding from other sources to off-set these in the short term, we have been concerned with the ongoing costs as the pandemic continues. The money from the 100 Women will go a long way in helping us continue to provide these services on an ongoing basis.”

Also presenting to the group on the call were Community Living and PRHC Foundation. “Many charities are unable to pursue their traditional fundraising efforts and campaigns because of COVID-19,” says Alyssa Stewart of 100 Women Peterborough. “It is so important for us to support them right now so that they can continue to support our community.” 

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Petes Very Merry Christmas Brought Joy To Thousands Across Peterborough

The Petes Very Merry Christmas drive-by presented by Subway delivered countless smiles on faces across the City of Peterborough on Saturday, December 12th.

Santa Claus, Roger, the Petes business and hockey operations staff, and volunteers took part in spreading cheer in the drive-by during these unprecedented times we’re in. 

The Petes Very Merry Christmas floats, powered by Merrett Home Hardware Building Centre and the Very Merry team, departed the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) at 1 p.m. to an escort by the Peterborough Police Service.

Photo courtesy Peterborough Petes

The route included a variety of residential areas across the city such as the north end, south end, east city, the west city, and downtown before concluding at the PMC at 10 p.m. 

Over the nine hour drive-by, thousands of Peterborough citizens had the opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind, maroon and white hockey themed float, a float donned in Peterborough Petes alumni banners, and a Christmas decorated float featuring Santa Claus and the Petes Mascot, Roger.  

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Brand New Rental Apartments In East City Available At Old St.Josephs Hospital Site

Developer/property manager The TVM GROUP has announced the completion of its latest luxury rental apartment building, located at 365 Armour Road in East City at the old St.Josephs Hospital site.

Project-named 365 Armour Road, it features 27 brand new luxury suites ranging in size from 776 square feet to 1190 square feet in one and two bedroom configurations.

Photo courtesy TVM Group

Residents at 365 Armour Road can enjoy the following: high ceilings, spacious layouts, stainless steel appliances, engineered hardwood flooring, individually controlled climate control, in-suite laundry, high-speed internet, and a premium security system.

Photo courtesy TVM Group

365 Armour Road is the 4th Phase of TVM Group’s master-planned residential redevelopment. Suites at 365 Armour Road are available for reservation now, with occupancy starting in early 2021. One, 2, or 3-year lease terms are available.

For more info on available units, click here.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Hive, The Crepes Of Wrath & 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…

The Hive is a new Tattoo Studio in Downtown Peterborough. Three talented tattoo artists, owner Bree Fitzgerald, and Tasha Sinton and Karamina Stewartl have created a vintage feel in a beautiful space at 442 George Street beside Blue Streak Records. All three artists love to consult with their clients and come up with a custom piece of art, applied in a private and relaxed studio. Follow The Hive on Instagram.

Baxter Creek Golf Club has added three new simulators in their clubhouse. For just $35 an hour, you and your friends or family can golf some of the greatest golf courses in the world. For details and tee times, visit baxtercreekgolf.com.

The Crepes of Wrath recently opened at 170 Hunter Street. Owner Brian Goeckel has lots of fun with his menu, with choices like Full Metal Jackfruit, Bay O Pigs, Roast Beast and Classical Gas. Stop in, on Hunter, just West of George, next to META4, or find Crepes of Wrath Ptbo on Facebook or Instagram.

Not everyone caters their own wedding and then turns it into a business… but that’s what happened to Shannon and Joy Brown. The couple, capitalizing on how the business started by naming it Till Death BBQ, have been building the business steady for a couple of years. They had over 40 weddings booked this year, and then, like so many businesses had to scramble. They have been doing delivery and take out and added a food truck. This summer they gave away well over a thousand pulled pork sandwiches, corn bread muffins, brownies and more, by simply pulling up to the hospital and handing it out to front line workers. Find Till Death BBQ on Facebook.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Watch: Fleming College Holiday Music Video Wonderful World Featuring Greg Keelor & Other Local Artists

Fleming College has released a beautiful holiday music video dedicated to all of the students, staff, frontline workers, and many local heroes who have made an untenable situation a moment of pride and reflection on the power of coming together.

The video is a collaborative project by local artists, dedicating their time and talent and most importantly, their heart. Featuring Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo and other musicians from the Kawartha region, the song is a cover of the classic song “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Directed and produced by Michael Hurcomb, other producers include James McKenty, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr.

Beau Dixon, Melissa Payne and Greg Keelor among the musicians covering “What A Wonderful World”

“These musicians are very special people and our community is blessed to have such passionate talent,” says Maureen Adamson, Fleming College President. “I could not be more proud of how we have led and navigated through the events of this year with safety as our guiding principle.”

Fleming College thanks all those involved in this musical gift for the holidays, including Greg Keelor, Jimmy Bowskill, Beau Dixon, Whitney Hall, James McKenty, Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr and Maureen Adamson. There are also special appearances by: Tania Clerac, Sandra Dupret, Brett Goodwin, Chandra Gupta, Blake Morris, Angela Pind, Linda Poirier, Neil Price, Elizabeth Stone, Drew Van Parys and Scott Walling.

Watch the video below…

Fleming College releases holiday music video #WonderfulWorld in support of students and local communityPeterborough ON - (December 11, 2020) - Fleming Colleg...

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Hydro One & GlobalMedic Deliver 500+ Critical Aid Kits To Curve Lake First Nation

Hydro One and GlobalMedic—a registered Canadian charity specializing in disaster relief—have announced the delivery of more than 500 critical aid kits of food and safety supplies to Curve Lake First Nation to support those in need.

Photo courtesy Hydro One

A total of 13,500 kits made up of staple food items, reusable face masks and soap will be provided to Indigenous communities across the province.

Curve Lake First Nation will be distributing the kits at their physically distant Celebration of Sharing event on December 17th, where community members can access additional supports including meals for the holidays.

Kits of critical aid packed by Hydro One volunteers and GlobalMedic. (photo courtesy Hydro One)

“Given the unprecedented nature of this pandemic, we are grateful to have the support of community partners such as Hydro One and GlobalMedic,” says Chief Emily Whetung, Curve Lake First Nation.

“With the higher rates of complicating health factors in First Nation communities, every little bit of support we can provide goes a long way,” she adds. “Distributing these kits at the start of the holiday season will help create a sense of security and support the health and wellbeing of our residents.”

Photo courtesy Hydro One

"We are grateful to work with Indigenous communities during this challenging time," says Penny Favel, Vice President Indigenous Relations, Hydro One.

"Extending our partnership with GlobalMedic is one way we are able to support Indigenous communities and families, including Curve Lake First Nation, to help meet immediate needs.”

Photo courtesy Hydro One

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Fleming College Partners With Kenjgewin Teg To Offer Practical Nursing Program On Manitoulin Island

Fleming College is partnering with Kenjgewin Teg to offer Practical Nursing training to Indigenous learners on Manitoulin Island, Ont. (Mnidoo Mnising). The two institutions recently signed a five-year agreement to offer Fleming’s Practical Nursing program through Kenjgewin Teg, an educational institute on Mnidoo Mnising that provides Indigenous culturally relevant learning.

“Fleming College is committed to Truth and Reconciliation and as a post-secondary institution, we have an opportunity and an obligation to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into our curriculum,” says Maureen Adamson, Fleming College President. “Fleming College is honoured to partner with Kenjgewin Teg and support the principles of Truth and Reconciliation that will create positive change in healthcare.”

Kenjgewin Teg will act as the service provider to offer Fleming’s Practical Nursing program, tentatively scheduled to start in Spring 2021. Theory curriculum will be delivered virtually, while clinical learning will be on-site at other key local partner locations including the Manitoulin Health Centre, St. Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake, Mnaamodzawin Health Services Inc. and Noojmowin Teg Health Centre. 

Maureen Adamson, Fleming College President

“Going forward, our local Mnidoo Mnising and surrounding communities will continue to see more opportunities in health and wellness programs at Kenjgewin Teg as we continue working together with valued partners like Fleming College and other Indigenous institutes who support culturally relevant training and education hosted closer to home,” says Stephanie Roy, President of Kenjgewin Teg.

“Manitoulin Health Centre is excited to support a locally grown Practical Nursing program,” adds Paula Fields, Vice President Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Officer at the Manitoulin Health Centre.

“Recently, due to COVID-19 and additional opportunities for nurses, we have found a shortage of local nursing staff,” Fields says. “It is beneficial to offer a program locally as graduates will have ties to the Island and be aware of the unique diversity of the patients that we serve, resulting in positive outcomes for patients. It is really a win-win for the students and our Manitoulin Island communities.”

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New Gift Card Can Be Used In Downtown Peterborough

There’s a new gift card that can be used at more than 65 shops, restaurants, and services in Downtown Peterborough.

Downtown Dollars are now available as a prepaid credit card for shopping local on-line or in-store this holiday season. This Downtown Business Improvement Area program can be used with participating downtown retailers, restaurants, pubs, bars, salons, and galleries.

Downtown Dollars are available for purchase at TheBoro.ca or directly at the Downtown Business Improvement Area office at 313 Water Street. For inquiries, call 705-748-4774 or email theboro@downtownptbo.ca.

Shopper Deanna Henry holds up one of the new Downtown Dollars gift cards now available for shopping in-store and on-line in Downtown Peterborough. (photo courtesy DBIA)

“Our Downtown Dollars have long been a popular gift route,” says Terry “Mr. Downtown” Guiel, Executive Director of the DBIA. “Being able to load them onto a card really takes this program to the next level and will make for a better customer experience, which will work out to more local spending.”

The program is expected to help increase spending at local downtown businesses. Consumers spend an average of 65% more than the value of a gift card when making a purchase.

The card that the DBIA will be using for the Downtown Dollars program is made of 50% recycled material. When your card is depleted, drop it off at participating retailers or the DBIA office to be sent away for recycling.

For every $100 spent locally, up to $48 stays in our community, as compared to $14 when you shop at a box store.

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