StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Blossom Home Care, Wild Collective, Billyard Insurance and PRHC Foundation

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… 

Janet Nicholls has been working with seniors in the health care field for almost thirty years. After completing her Personal Care Assistant Certificate this summer she recently launched her own home care services business. Blossom Home Care Services will provide in-home care in Peterborough and the surrounding area.

Services include companionship, meal prep, light housecleaning, assistance with activities of daily living, post-op assistance, medication reminders and more. blossomhomecare.ca or call/text 705-761-8332.

The Wild Collective Peterborough is a women's group-health program that was developed by a naturopathic doctor and run out of the Peterborough Centre of Naturopathic Medicine.

Facilitator and nutritionist Rebecca Kerrivan says the program includes 10 group sessions - discussing topics such as: hormonal health, sleep, stress, thyroid health, blood sugar, mental health and more. It includes boot camps with a relationship expert, and a mindset coach, and a strategy session with Rebecca.  Details at pcnm.ca

Local Peterburger Steve Nicholls recently launched Billyard Insurance Group. Steve offers home, auto, business, life and travel insurance. Billyard Insurance group, also known as BIG, has over 50 locations across Ontario.

Check out their new and innovative space at 1600 Lansdowne, Mon. to Fri. from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit thebig.ca/peterborough or on Instagram @thebig.peterborough.

The PRHC Foundation recently announced its own online 50/50 Lottery in support of world-class patient care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

The grand prize winner will be announced on October 28, plus there are bonus prizes, early-bird draws and more. Tickets start at $10 for ten tickets and are available online only at prhcfoundation5050.com

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New Book Highlights Brothers that Brought Demolition Derbies to Peterborough

Peterborough journalist Ed Arnold has released a book about Walt and Bill Williams, who brought Trans Canada Hell Drivers and Demolition Derbies to the Peterborough area.

Photo found in Never say Never, signed by Walt Williams

Identical twins Walt and Bill Williams, from London, Ont., always had a knack for entertaining.

They started their careers playing the ukulele, piano and fiddle for admiring audiences. They then graduated to rollerblading, and performing stunts on trampolines. They took their acts all over North America, but it wasn’t until they got an invitation to perform as Hell Drivers at the New York World’s Fair, that their lives changed forever.

The brothers went home to Canada and formed the Trans Canada Hell Drivers and Demolition Derby, which quickly became the best known auto thrill show in Canada.

“We played all the fairs in Canada, and the Peterborough Exhibition was one of the better fairs in it’s day,” said Walt Williams. “ It was an exciting fair, we brought a lot of excitement there.”

Ed Arnold’s new book, Never Say Never, Walt and Bill Williams Story, highlights the brother’s lives and their travels around the world with the Trans Canada Hell Drivers.

“Our biggest thing was making people happy, and making them laugh at the shows,” he said. “ An entertainer always likes the applause.”

The Williams brothers brought the Trans Canada Hell Drivers and demolition derbies to the Peterborough Exhibition for decades.

“Even today the demolition derby is still the biggest drawing card at fairs,” said Williams. “Every fair has them.”

Williams, in his 80’s, has since retired from performing. While COVID-19 has put a stop to his beloved fairs, he says he enjoys getting out to see a show every once in a while.

To purchase Never Say Never, Walt and Bill Williams Story, click here.

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100 Women Peterborough Donates $7,000 to Youth Orchestra

100 Women Peterborough announced on Wednesday that the Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) was chosen to receive a $7,000 donation at their meeting on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Youth Orchestra.

100 Women Peterborough heard from three local charities making pitches for their quarterly donation in their third virtual meeting of the year.

Kawartha Youth Orchestra, Habitat for Humanity and Trent University’s Fisheries Research Program were selected as the three finalists. They were chosen randomly from a list of nominations made by members of 100 Women Peterborough.

Kawartha Youth Orchestra is a community music and orchestra-training organization serving elementary through post-secondary-aged youth in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The funds recieved will go directly to KYO’s barrier-free, after-school music program UPBEAT! Downtown serving children in the City of Peterborough according to a Facebook post.

The after-school music program is geared towards children living in Peterborough with an interest in music but face barriers accessing music education.

It is a fully subsidized program that provides children with an after-school snack, the opportunity to be a part of a team, play violin, percussion instruments, sing and participate in musical games and listening activities.

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Foodie Friday: Riley's Pub on Their Building Origins, Their Famous Wings and Riley's Sauce

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We talk with Riley’s Pub owner Jim Kakuorus about what Riley’s building was before the restaurant, their famous wings and what is behind the renowned Riley’s Sauce.

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British Music Tribute Becomes Theme For Crime Stoppers Benefit Concert

Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers will host a benefit tribute concert on Feb. 5, 2022 at the Stonehouse Hall-Peterborough Curling Club announced on Thursday.

Crime Stoppers has been serving the community since 1987. Photo Courtesy of Crime Stoppers.

The show is called “The British Legends”, featuring tributes to David Bowie, Rod Stewart and Adele.

This event is presented in partnership with Connect Marketing and will benefit Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers.

Tickets are available at the door while they last for $38. Discounts available in advance. Advance tickets are available at www.BenefitShow.net or by calling or Event & Ticket Line 1-800-516-5810

Crime Stoppers’ mandate is to assist the police in solving crimes. The program encourages members of the community to call anonymously with information that assists in solving or preventing crimes.

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Dragon Boat Festival Raises Over $90,000 For PRHC Breast Assessment Centre

The fight against breast cancer takes another step forward as Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival members donated $91,853.20 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation at Peterborough Square on Thursday.

To date, the festival has raised more than $3.7 million for cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment through the PRHC Foundation. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is towards a diagnostic ultrasound machine for the Breast Assessment Centre at the PRHC which Dragon Boat Festival had raised money for in their first-ever campaign. It will aid in cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

The target goal was $84,509.18, a specific figure that was quickly addressed by Gina Lee, 2021 festival chair.

“We also realized that we have come full circle and to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we decided our goal would be to match the $84,509.18 donation we made to the PRHC Foundation 20 years ago when we were first starting out,” she said.

Volunteers from Survivors Abreast, the Dragon Boat Festival organizing committee, PRHC reps and sponsors were in attendance to unveil the final amount raised.

This year’s event was run virtually where teams were challenged to hold virtual races online. Points were awarded to individuals and teams for participation, fundraising and video or photo submissions.

The number of cancer treatment patients from Peterborough and the surrounding area is trending upward every year. 

“The hospital’s mission to provide world-class cancer care, close to home, remains as important as ever. So the support of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival and our community is vital,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC President and CEO. “This state-of-the-art equipment will provide better quality images so radiologists can detect smaller, difficult-to-see breast abnormalities quickly and accurately. This will help save lives.”

Survivors Abreast is the festival host team and is overjoyed of the Festival’s impact on the PRHC.

“Our goals remain the same,” said Marg Walsh, Survivors Abreast President. “To raise funds for the best cancer care in our community, to raise awareness about breast cancer and to encourage participation in the festival. None of this would be possible without the generous spirit of giving in our community and the joint efforts of our sponsors, volunteers, enthusiastic paddlers and donors.”

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Significant Rainfall Causes Temporary Partial Bypass at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

UPDATE: The temporary partial bypass is over as of 3:25 p.m. Anyone using water from the Otonabee river downstream of the City of Peterborough Wasterwater Treatment Plant should exercise caution for the next 24 hours.

The City of Peterborough issued a statement saying significant rainfall has caused a temporary partial bypass at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday has caused a significantly increased volume of water to enter the Wastewater Treatment Plant. As a result of the current conditions, the City of Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant has had to start a temporary, partial bypass.

This means that some partially treated sewage is being discharged to the Otonabee River.

Residents downstream of the City of Peterborough who draw water from the river are advised to take necessary precautions and boil water. The boil water advisory does not affect the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough asks residents to reduce water consumption to help alleviate the volume of water flowing through the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. Residents can reduce their water consumption by taking short showers instead of baths, limiting or delaying loads of laundry and turning off taps while brushing teeth and doing dishes.

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Petes Sign Stevie Leskovar to Standard Player Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed defenceman Stevie Leskovar to a standard player agreement with the team on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Leskovar, a 6’3”, 183 lbs, left-shot defenseman was selected by the team in the fifth round, 95th overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection.

“Growing up in Ontario, it’s been a dream of mine to sign with the OHL,” exclaimed Leskovar. “ The Petes are an amazing organization, I couldn’t ask for much more.”

The Cambridge, Ontario native registered four goals, 21 assists, 25 points and 37 penalty minutes in 31 games with the Cambridge Hawks 2019-2020 season.

In the postseason, Leskovar tallied one goal and five assists for six points in eight games.

“We’re excited to have Steve committed to the Petes,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He’s a hard-working defenceman that brings size, and strength to the lineup, and is well-linked by teammates and opponents.”

Leskovar will wear number three on his jersey.

The Petes will welcome the Sudbury Wolves to their home opener on Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m.

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City of Peterborough Announces 2022 Community Grant Program

Peterborough City Council that the application process for the 2022 Community Grant Program will open in October announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough

The Community Grants program provides financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services or activities that enhance the quality of life for Peterborough residents in the areas of social services and health, arts, culture, heritage, recreation or the environment.

Each year Peterborough City Council dedicates funds to be allocated to various community groups within the City. All grants are subject to evaluation and final approval by Council.

There are three streams of grants available.

The Community Project Grant offers $250 - $1,000 and is intended to be used to kickstart a project or special event.

The Community Investment Grant offers $1,000 - $15,000 to support larger projects or special events, specific programs of larger organizations, or operating budgets.

The Community Service Grant is not available through the application process. Eligible organizations will be identified by City staff and approved by Council. They will be required to enter into a Service Contract with the City in order to receive the funding. This grant will offer support for municipally mandated services for which the requested amount is more than $15,000.

For more information contact the Community Services department at 705-742-7777 ext. 1822 or email communitygrants@peterborough.ca

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Hometown PTBO: Andrew Verner About the Past and Present of the Petes and His Kidney Transplant

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Peterborough Petes assistant coach Andrew Verner about the Petes history, their future and a heartwarming story about his kidney transplant.

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