Electric City Football Club Announces Partnerships With Five Local Soccer Clubs

Electric City Football Club (ECFC) have announced partnerships with five local youth soccer clubs, Maple Leaf Cavan FC, Peterborough City, Peterborough Youth Soccer Club, Northumberland United and Kawartha Lakes SC.

Photo courtesy of ECFC.

“It was important for us to reach out to the local youth clubs in the region to ensure that we are all united working towards the same goals of bringing professional soccer to the community,” ECFC President Rob Jenkins said, “The clubs have been really supportive of what we are trying to do and it’s been amazing to see them all come together for the cause, despite being competitors on the pitch, which hasn’t always been the case in other markets I have been in.”

“The partnership between clubs is about the future and supporting the soccer dreams and aspirations of young players,” said Maple Leaf Cavan FC president Scott Poser. “Together our clubs are providing a pathway for players to develop and achieve their potential. For some, this will mean playing at the highest level of competition in Ontario.”

Peterborough City Soccer Club President Dan Moore says the partnership will be mutually beneficial.

“Long has this city thirsted for a destination for local soccer talent with a higher level of exposure. It is our hope that this becomes an avenue to even bigger stages for our players. The greater exposure will no doubt create greater interest and investment in our sport, as it brings entertainment and pride to the city.”

Northumberland Soccer Club President Ryan Goodall has spoken about the partnership and how both clubs will benefit.

“There is the opportunity for us to help promote and encourage our membership to go and watch these high-level soccer games close to home. The NSC can benefit from potential fundraising activities, player training camps and technical support. We are looking forward to a long-standing partnership with Electric City FC to help promote soccer in Central Ontario and help grow the love of this sport.”

Electric City FC Head Coach Michael Marcoccia indicated that this project is about much more than just bringing professional soccer to the community.

”Our hope as a professional club is to work with these youth clubs to help develop the talent in the region so that in the future we have a team full of local talent that came through our partner youth clubs,” said Marcoccia.

Photo courtesy of ECFC.

“The KLSC is excited to partner with Electric City FC as they bring top level men's and women's soccer to the Kawarthas,” said Kawartha Lakes Soccer Club President Steve Hayman. “We look forward to cheering on the ECFC teams, as well as working with their players and staff to grow the game and develop local players in this region.”

Peterborough Youth Soccer Club President Shawn Harris says this partnership will bring many opportunities to Peterboroughs entire soccer community.

“PYSC is thrilled about partnering with ECFC. We are excited about the opportunities it brings to the whole soccer community in Peterborough. We look forward to working together for many years to come”.

Electric City Football Club are scheduled to kickoff their Men’s and Women’s League1 Ontario seasons in late April with a final Open Tryout scheduled for April 2 and training camp beginning in early April. Season Ticket deposits and registration for the open tryout are both available at electriccityfc.com.

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Chief Medical Officer Of Ontario Says COVID-19 Situation Is Improving

Health-care indicators suggest a general improvement in the COVID 19 situation in the province. Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said in a press conference on Thursday.

File Photo.

Although the province reported 75 more deaths related to COVID on Thursday, Dr. Moore said that health-care indicators suggest a general improvement in the COVID 19 situation in the province.

The Ministry of Health said Thursday morning that as of Wednesday there were 2,797 people with COVID-19 in the province's hospitals. That's down from 2,939 the day before and 3,645 at the same time last week.

About 56 per cent of those patients were admitted for COVID-related illnesses. 44 per cent were already in hospital, then tested positive for the virus, according to the ministry.

The number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care is also declining. There were 541 patients with COVID-19 who required intensive care, down from 555 the day before and 599 the same time last week.

Roughly 83 per cent of the people with COVID-19 in ICUs were admitted for reasons directly related to the virus.

The additional 75 COVID-19 deaths reported Thursday pushes the province's official toll to 11,651.

Dr. Moore’s announcement came after the province loosened many restrictions on Monday.

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Public Energy Makes A Return To Market Hall With In-Person Shows Beginning February 17

Public Energy Performing Arts is coming back to the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre for in person shows beginning on Feb. 17.

Melika Dez Photography.

After a 23-month period in which Public Energy presented just two events in their busiest venue, they are back with three major presentations over three months.

From Feb. 17 to April. 20 audiences will be able to enjoy cutting edge artists from across Canada with works of dance, theatre and interdisciplinary performance.

Being aware that this is a time of particular financial difficulty for many, and with a goal of eliminating cost as a barrier to attending the performing arts, Public Energy is instituting a pick-your-own-price policy for these three events.

Audiences can pick a price according to their ability to pay, starting at $5 and going up to $30. Tickets available through the Market Hall website: markethall.org or by email to admin@publicenergy.ca or phone 705-745-1788.

On February 17 and 18 is the urban dance company Ebnflōh from Montreal, the hotbed of Canadian dance.

The second show in Public Energy’s Market Hall season is the hard-hitting OUFF from Montreal transdisciplinary artist Alexis O'Hara on March 24. Tackling themes of white privilege, late capitalism and perimenopause with humour and a disconcerting honesty.

The final show in Public Energy’s Market Hall season is Deafy by Edmonton actor and playwright Chris Dodd, being presented April 19 and 20. Deafy is a poignant and humorous storytelling piece blending ASL, the spoken word and surtitles which reflects on the experience of what it is like to be a Deaf person in a hearing world.

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Peterborough Public Health Shares Safety Tips To Prevent Opioid Poisonings

Peterborough Public Health issued a reminder to the public about the importance of overdose prevention and not using drugs alone, on Thursday.

File Photo.

“Over the last 12 months, we have seen an unprecedented amount of opioid-related paramedic calls for service and emergency department visits,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott. “This has prompted us to issue a public reminder in hopes of preventing further harms in the community. If you or a loved one uses drugs, practicing harm reduction, planning ahead, and connecting to available supports can help you and your community stay healthy and as safe as possible.”

Dr. Piggott noted that in 2021, there were on average four opioid overdose drug-related deaths every month in the Peterborough area.

“Based on this average, we are losing one person per week, let alone the countless other impacts this is having within communities across our region.”

Local paramedics saw a doubling of calls for service related to opioid poisonings last year, from 262 calls in 2020 to 540 calls in 2021.

“Provincial funding and more local supports for safe consumption of drugs and other harm reduction services are critically important at this juncture in the ongoing opioid crisis,” said Dr. Piggott.

Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:

o Don’t use drugs alone

o If you use with a friend, do not use at the exact same time

o Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888- 688-6677

o Carry a naloxone kit, keep it visible and close to you

o Avoid mixing drugs

o Test your drug by using a small amount first

o Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated

after naloxone is administered

Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

o Skin is cold and clammy

o Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

o Body is very limp

o Can’t wake the person up

o Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

o Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

o Pupils are very small

If an overdose is witnessed call 911, administer Naloxone and stay with the person until help arrives.

Peterborough Public Health also stressed that under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed will not be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

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Hometown PTBO: Shawn Evans On Reaching His Career Milestone of 800 Assists In the NLL

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Shawn Evans of the NLL's Rochester Knights about reaching a milestone of 800 career assists in professional lacrosse.

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Local Entrepreneur To Open This Weekend's PolarFest With a Bang

As PolarFest begins its three-day event this weekend, Adam Brown, Chemong Lodge owner will have his business kick off the opening ceremonies with a fireworks display on Friday night.

Adam Brown, Chemong Lodge owner (left) with Charlie “Woodchuck” Andolek (right) with one of several ice sculptures. The pictured sculpture is incomplete but is a three-dimensional hockey goalie. Photo by Kirtus Evoy.

The event will run from Fri. to Sun. in several townships such as Selwyn, Lakefield and Bridgenorth. Scheduled events include a candlelight skate, ice sculpture show, pancake breakfast and a spaghetti dinner.

"It's an exciting weekend in the fact in the timing of some restrictions being lifted and that we're able to kick on with PolarFest," said Brown. "It's all the great things we can do outdoors and in our within our community and an opportunity to encourage people to get out."

The Lodge will have free coffee, hot chocolate and some treats available during the opening festivities. The fireworks are done by Supernova Fireworks.

The following is a list of events for PolarFest:

Friday

• 7:30 p.m. - Outdoor Opening Ceremony - Chemong Lodge (764 Hunter St. Bridgenorth) - Kick off PolarFest lakeside with a fireworks show by Supernova Fireworks

• 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Skate (Ticketed Event) - Ontario Speed Skating Oval (3358 Lakefield Rd. Lakefield) - Hundreds of lights will guide your way around the Oval! Register for your time slot by visiting ontariospeedskatingoval.com

Saturday

• All Day - Ice Sculpture Show - Cenotaph Park (Bridge St. and Water St. Lakefield) Cenotaph Park will sparkle with exquisite ice sculptures by talented sculptors.

• All Day - Ice People Ice Sculptures - Heritage Park (804 Ward St. Bridgenorth) Using ice from Chemong Lake, The Ice People will fill the park with ice sculptures.

• 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. - Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast - Causeway Christian Assembly (1307 Yankee Line, Ennismore) - FREE

• Noon to 3:00 p.m. - Nordic Day - Ontario Speed Skating Oval - Stop by Adventure Outfitters (1828 8th Line, Lakefield) to grab your equipment, head to the Oval and enjoy the trail groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

• 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Drive-Thru Spaghetti Dinner - Bridgenorth United Church (832 Charles St. Bridgenorth) - Adults: $12 / Children 7 and under: $7

• 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Candlelight Skate (Ticketed Event) - Hundreds of lights will guide your way around the Oval! Register for your time slot by visiting ontariospeedskatingoval.com.

Sunday

• All Day - Ice People Ice Sculptures - Heritage Park (804 Ward St. Bridgenorth) Using ice from Chemong Lake, The Ice People will fill the park with ice sculptures.

For a full schedule of events and details, click here.

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Nexicom To Double Donations To 4th Line Theatre Emerging VOICES Program Until March

4th Line Theatre announced on Wednesday that Nexicom is doubling donations to the theatres Emerging VOICES Program until March 1.

Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

“Through our Emerging VOICES engagement program, local youth are given the opportunity to gain experience, skills and training that will ultimately help them to achieve their goals, artistic and other,” said Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “What makes the program particularly unique is that local young people work alongside and learn from, professional artist. And the program is completely free of charge.”

This is not the first time Nexicom has donated to 4th Line Theatre.

“This unique program recognizes the importance young people play within our community, and gives voice to their ideas and stories through their participation in the Arts. We greatly encourage anyone looking to support the arts to consider this wonderful program,” said Lance Nachoff, Sales and Marketing manager at Nexicom.

4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually in order to effectively train youth volunteers.

4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually in order to effectively train youth volunteers.

In 2021, 4th Line’s dedication to students did not waiver despite the challenges of the pandemic: partnering with Trent University’s Traill College, they employed a group of young, diverse regional youth in a new initiative, The 2021 Young Company. These young artists worked with industry professionals to produce livestream virtual play readings and performance pieces. 

 Generally, in the summer season, as many as 60 or more youth actors are engaged in productions, each contributing more than 210 hours, while learning to work collaboratively to achieve artistic excellence. The Double Your Impact with Nexicom initiative will ensure the program’s success in the theatre’s upcoming 30th season.

To donate, click here or call the 4th Line Theatre Box Office & Administrative Centre at 705-932-4445 until March 1st to qualify for a matching donation by Nexicom.

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Former Owner Of P.G Towns And Sons Fondly Remembers The Douro Landmark Four Years After It Caught Fire

Four years ago, on Feb. 2, 2018, Douro residents were shocked and saddened to learn that P.G Towns and Sons General Store had burnt to the ground after being a staple in the community for over 125 years.

Gerome Lemoire, Mike Towns and Mark Towns holding a case of 'While Mindin the Store', Mike’s book, recovered from the fire.

On Feb. 2, 2018 around 1 a.m. the building fondly referred to by locals as ‘The Store’ caught fire.

The Store was the hub of the community. Located right in the centre of the Hamlet of Douro, it brought locals together for groceries, farm goods and the latest local news.

Michelle Towns owned and operated the store with her husband Chris Coons for about 12 years, until they shut it down in 2016.

The Store made a come back when Michelle’s sister Nancy Towns, along with her brother Mark and Bernard and Lise Leahy re-opened the building calling it ‘Towns and Leahy Mercantile’.

Below are photos taken by Mike Towns at the opening of Towns and Leahy Mercantile in 2017.

Shortly after it’s re-opening was when The Store caught fire.

Now, four years since it has been gone, former owner Mike Towns enjoys hearing locals fond memories of The Store.

“My mind is pretty busy today,” he said. “Michelle (his daughter) made a post about the anniversary on Facebook and I’ve read some really great comments from people, that helps a lot with grieving. If I can say with humility, we really do hear great things about The Store even now after it’s gone.”

Mike says seeing neighbors stop in the isles to chat is one of his favourite memories from working at The Store.

“There’s no place to stop to say hello to someone in Douro now, it makes quite a difference in the village I feel,” he said. “We lost a way of life that night. And that way of life, it was meaningful to everyone. We had a place to keep in touch with our community.”

Footage from Towns and Leahy Mercantile by Angela O’Grady, 2017.

Mike, who is a photographer, recalls the night his family’s legacy went up in flames as a night he will never forget.

When he heard the news, he and his wife Rosemary jumped in their car right away, Mike with his camera in tow.

“I stopped before I went out the door and I thought am I being selfish taking a picture of this, and I decided no I should take it with me,” he said.

The two pulled into the church parking lot across the road from The Store.

“That was our first full view of it and it was just like the sky had opened up to take the flames. They seemed as high as the building. It was quite emotional. And those photos have more impact than any photo I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Now the empty lot where The Store once stood serves as a gathering place for the Towns family and their friends.

Currently those driving by may spot Chris and Michelle’s children skating on their home made rink which sits on the concrete slab that was once The Store.

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MP Michelle Ferreri Issues Statement Regarding Erin O'Toole's Removal of the Conservative Party

Several hours after the Conservatives voted Erin' O’Toole out as the party leader, Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough Kawartha MP issued a statement thanking him for his service on Wednesday.

Ferreri (left) defeated former Liberal candidate Maryam Monsef in the federal election on Sep. 20 last year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ferreri posted her statement on social media as O’Toole lost the vote 73 to 45 in favour of being removed on Wednesday afternoon. The caucus was held virtually in a secret ballot to determine the former leader’s status.

“I would like to thank Erin O’Toole, his family and his staff for their service and their sacrifices made over the last 18 months,” said Ferreri in the statement. “He has been a strong mentor and a model of commitment for our Conservative team.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle Ferreri (@michelleferrerimp)

A new interim leader will be chosen Wednesday evening and the caucus will choose a new candidate to lead the party.

Whoever is elected cannot become the Conservative leader when a permanent position gets established.

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New Logo Unveiled To Commemorate 150th Anniversary of Peterborough Lacrosse

A commemorative logo has been designed to celebrate 150 years of lacrosse in Peterborough since it was established in 1872 released on Wednesday.

Eleven of Peterborough’s 17 Mann Cup championships were under the Peterborough Lakers. Photo courtesy of Ed Arnold.

The anniversary marks 150 years of lacrosse as the oldest and most successful sport in the city’s history.

The logo was designed by former lacrosse player Jamie Plunkett of apparel company UncommonFit.

The first game began 1872 with the Red Stockings as the first team. Peterborough won its first championship in 1879 and won 29 senior and junior national championships and more than 150 provincial titles. Peterborough also won the Mann Cup 17 times in franchise history.

Tim Barrie, Committee chair has been formed to celebrate the game’s anniversary with a big week of lacrosse being planned for the last week of June ending with the celebration of Canada’s birthday on July 1. No further details have been released.

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