Jacob Baggs Recognized as Peterborough Petes Frontline Worker of the Week

Jacob Baggs, a school custodian and as a food service worker has been named as the winner of this week's Frontline Worker Drop the Puck program.

Photo Courtesy of The Peterborough Petes

Baggs has been working as a custodian at the the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) and as a food service worker at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Jacob has worked extremely hard at the PRHC (Cafeteria) ensuring medical staff are properly fed and hydrated to take care of patients”. said Colleen Condon, one of the many who nominated Baggs. “He also took on another job with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) as a COVID-19 pandemic cleaner ensuring schools are as safe as possible for Students and Staff. Jacob has always put the needs of the community first during this pandemic making sure he provides the best care possible”

The Petes are celebrating frontline workers who have gone above and beyond for their community during these unprecedented times.

Each week, the Petes will recognize and celebrate one local frontline worker for the additional time and effort they have put in during the pandemic to ensure the health, safety, and happiness of those in their community.

The Petes welcome all members of the community to nominate deserving frontline workers by filling out this form.

The frontline workers chosen will be invited to participate in the ceremonial puck drop at the Petes home opener which will take place on October 14 at 7:05 pm against the Sudbury Wolves.

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Transportation Master Plan Consultation Remains Open Until August 20

A survey to receive public input on the new City-wide Transportation Master Plan to develop an integrated, connected, and sustainable transportation system for the City remains open until August 20 2021, at 11:59 p.m.

Photo courtesy of City of Peterborough

The consultation is part of the second phase of the Transportation Master Plan update process. The first phase took place in early 2021.

Comments and information collected through the consultation, along with data that is collected, input from the City, and recommendations from the consultants will help inform the project.

At the end of the Transportation Master Plan update process, a draft plan will be presented to City Council for its consideration and approval.

The survey is available from August 6 to August 20, through the project website at www.connectptbo.ca/moveptbo. Anyone unable to access the online survey can contact the City during office hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-742-7777 ext. 1749 or by email at moveptbo@peterborough.ca for assistance.

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Peterborough Petes Sign First Defenceman From 2021 Priority Selection

The Peterborough Petes have signed James Guo, a fourth-round defenceman to a standard player agreement announced in a press conference on Tuesday.

In 2014-15, Guo played for the Toronto Bulldogs netting three goals and two assists in six games at the Brick Invitational. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The announcement was made by Michael Oke, Petes General Manager at Rawscoe’s Sport Collectibles. Guo was drafted 74th overall in the 2021 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.

The 6’1, 180 lbs right shot defenceman played for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens during the 2019-20 season. In 33 games, he recorded 5 goals, 9 assists, 14 points and 6 penalty minutes. The 2005-born Woodbridge, Ontario native is eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. 

"I’m really excited to get back on the ice and I can’t wait to see all the fans in Peterborough and show them what I can do,” said Guo. 

“We’re excited James has committed to the Petes,” said Oke. “He’s a defenceman who skates incredibly well and is highly intelligent on the ice. He will contribute in a meaningful way across all three zones.” 

The Petes will host the Sudbury Wolves and first overall draft pick Quentin Musty for their home opener on Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m.

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Martial Arts Academy Training Peterborough Chess Minds

Training the mind is just as important as training the body for Ninja Academy as they will host an all-ages summer chess tournament announced on Friday.

Georges David-Gnahoui (top) teaches a chess lesson to a young student. The Ninja Academy was formed in 2015 by founding Sensei Paul Teleki and operates in partnership with the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. Photo Courtesy of Ninja Academy.

Their first tournament will be held during the week of August 30th to September 3rd. Coaching will be provided for participating learners.

Ninja Academy students and parents requested the tournament with coaching from Georges David-Gnahoui.

“Students have been working diligently to test their chess skills and I am happy to see their competitive attitude,” he said.

Students are now eager to expand their skills beyond their peers into the wider community and the tournament is spread out over the week to accommodate safe competitive spaces according to the release.

The Academy has 140+ students, 5 youth Ninja Leaders and apprentices. Photo Courtesy of Ninja Academy.

Depending on the weather, matches may be held at local parks or covered spaces. The academy is providing tutoring opportunities to people who register for the tournament.

Awards will be given to the winners while all competitors will earn a certificate of participation. Every match will be video recorded for review purposes, without the faces of participants and to allow families to watch the match remotely.

“During the lockdowns, chess has become a growing opportunity for our students and this will also help them to compete and grow in other areas as well,” says David-Gnahoui.

The Ninja Academy coaches students towards competitive Judo podiums. They said chess will sharpen the minds of students to support their competitive martial arts.

Registrants will be grouped into their age brackets and competitors will be selected at random to compete.

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Ontario Providing More Support to Communities During COVID-19

The Ontario government is providing $2,300,300 to help the City of Peterborough deliver critical services, create longer-term housing solutions and keep vulnerable people safe announced Monday.

MPP Dave Smith has been part of several food drives in support of Kawartha Food Share. File Photo.

“The third investment in Peterborough as part of our Social Services Relief Funding continues to build on our efforts to support our vulnerable neighbours and build affordable housing across our community,” said MPP Dave Smith. “As of today, we have invested $5,326,143 in critical supports to keep our most vulnerable safe from COVID-19 and address the long-standing housing challenges we face,” MPP Smith added.

The announcement is part of the province’s additional $307 million investment to help municipalities and Indigenous community partners respond to COVID-19.

This investment builds upon the $765 million dollars of Social Services Relief Funding (SSRF) announced in 2020- 2021, for total support to communities of over $1 billion.

“Municipalities have been on the frontlines of Ontario’s pandemic response and vaccine rollout, while continuing to protect our most vulnerable populations, including homeless populations,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Our government is committed to ensuring municipalities have the resources they need to keep their communities safe, and today’s funding will help our local partners deliver critical services, support vulnerable people, and unlock affordable housing in their communities.”

Municipalities and Indigenous community partners can use the funding to protect homeless shelter staff and residents, add to rent banks, build affordable housing and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/or emergencies.

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Lindsay Exhibition Returns to COVID-Friendly In-Person Event

The 2021 Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) will be held in person with COVID-19-friendly protocols this year from Sept. 18–26 announced by the Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) on Sunday.

Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Agricultural Society.

Events, displays and competitions will be part of the attractions this year alongside other favourites such as the WoofJocks, Demolition Derby, midway rides and grandstand entertainment will also be available, restrictions pending.

LEX’s scheduling distributes the competitions across four additional days to reduce the number of people on the grounds and at the barns at any one time to allow for better physical distancing.

Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Agricultural Society.

LAS is confident that all competitive aspects of the LEX will be able to be held in-person using comprehensive protocols that have been designed with the health and safety of competitors, officials, visitors, and volunteers in mind according to the press release.

“We’re confident that we can give exhibitors an opportunity to compete in a safe environment that adheres to all the required COVID-19 safety protocols,” said Lois Batty, LAS president. “The spacious LEX Grounds and our multiple airy buildings work well in this type of situation.”

Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Agricultural Society.

“We’re building on the experience we’ve gained hosting smaller events over the last six months to create a plan that will work safely within the protocols that have been established,” stated Harry Stoddart, LAS general manager.

More information about tickets and the full LEX entertainment schedule will be available in late summer.

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Peterborough Memorial Centre to Host “A Celtic Family Christmas”

The Peterborough Memorial Centre will host “A Celtic Family Christmas” featuring Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy for the PMC announced on Monday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The performance is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 17 for one night only.

MacMaster and Leahy are joined with their seven children for their acts as they will play music, show their unique way of life with Christmas traditions still honoured and celebrated.

This show will feature some traditional and original music with the family, special numbers with their own incredible band as well as a few personal stories and candid moments from the MacMaster/Leahy setting.

“Last year, the Leahy family invited us into their home for a virtual Christmas experience. Fans fell in love with the music and traditions that this exceptional family displayed,” said Jeremy Giles, PMC facility manager. “We are so excited to be able to welcome fans back to the facility this December to experience the love, the family and the magic of the holiday season that only the Leahy’s can provide.”

Tickets for A Celtic Family Christmas at the Peterborough Memorial Centre are on sale Thursday, Aug. 19, in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office inside the PMC, by phone at 705-743-3561 and online at www.memorialcentre.ca.

The exclusive pre-sale for PMC Scoop members happens Monday, Aug 16 at 12:00 p.m. Tickets are $45.00, $65.00 and $75.00 (plus applicable fees).

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Pizza Bodega, White Bear Standing Creative, Lady Mack's Love Shack and Showplace Performance Theatre

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

Sean Crooks recently fired up the ovens at Pizza Bodega. Located to the side of Spanky’s bar on Hunter Street in Peterborough, Sean brings 20 years of chef experience to his new business. Sean specializes in a New York-style pizza, which is a larger pie, with a thin crust.

There are lots of creative menu options with local ingredients in either a red or white sauce. Open Tuesday through Saturday, check it out at pizzabodega.ca or on social media.

Sherry Crawford was given the name White Bear Standing during an indigenous shake tent ceremony many years ago. Her new business, White Bear Standing Creative, pays tribute to her name and her Algonquin heritage. Sherry is offering an indigenous art experience, a series of educational workshops, and a clothing and accessories line. Details are at whitebearstandingcreative.ca.

Carissa McIntyre is an erotica author, public speaker, professional life coach, workshop facilitator and sex ed teacher. Also known as Lady Mack, Carisa has just launched Lady Mack’s Love Shack, an online adult boutique selling Carissa’s novels, workshops, games and erotica toys. Carissa’s own story is very inspiring, escaping a toxic relationship and realizing her dream of becoming a novelist and an entrepreneur. Check it out at ladymackxo.com.

Showplace Performance Centre has obviously been dark due to the pandemic but they are taking advantage of the unscheduled downtime by carrying out an extensive renovation of the space. Called ACT II, the renovation includes a complete floor replacement, new aisle lighting, a new seat configuration to make the theatre safer and more accessible and the replacement of all the seats! The fancy new seats will not only have drink holders, but could also feature your name, or the name of someone that you’d like to honour. To find out how you can support ACT II, visit showplace.org

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