Local Man Holds Soccer Equipment Sale To Support Ukrainian Efforts

It did not take long for Victor Waselenko to aid his home country of Ukraine as he is holding a one-day soccer equipment sale in support of the Red Cross for humanitarian efforts this Saturday.

Waselenko sent 1,300 medical kits earlier this month to his home country of Ukraine. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The cash-only sale is at Hybrid Sports at 1575 Chemong Rd. and runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Waselenko used to own the soccer apparel store “Soccer Plus” located at 139 George St N. — until closing in 2017 — where his leftover jerseys, apparel, footwear and equipment are sold at the one-day event at 50 per cent off.

All proceeds will go towards Ukrainian charity efforts according to Waselenko.

“My goal is to walk out of here with here with empty boxes," he said. "I would love nothing more than if we sold everything that was here but we have an aggressive goal of $10,000 that we'd like to raise."

After the sale, Waselenko says he wants to raise a total of $100,000 for the Red Cross with the help of the community.

@ptbo_canada A Ukranian Fleming College faculty member is selling tons of soccer gear at low prices to help support Urkranian efforts! #ptbo #ptbocanada #ukraine🇺🇦 #ukraine #soccer #futbol #charity #sports #fundrasier #peterborough ♬ Ole! Ole! Soccer! - Music Star

Earlier this month, Waselenko and his family sent 1,300 medical kits to Ukraine with the help of Shoppers Drug Mart and from public donors. There were more than $50,000 in product that was shipped to Ukraine.

Waselenko is a first-generation Ukrainian after his parents moved to Canada shortly after World War II.

"They were still young and they met here (in Canada)," explained Waselenko. "But they left a lot of family members behind because not everybody immigrated."

Waselenko has had a love for soccer since he has played as a kid. He has coached for several teams including his daughters’.

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Peterborough Man and Friend Combine for Lottery Winnings of $100,000

Saying “yes” to ENCORE paid off for Peterborough’s Jesus Jr. Calicdan his friend Eddie Valenzuela of Kamloops, B.C. as they won $100,000 on Lotto 6/49 Encore announced Friday.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

The two matched the last six of seven ENCORE numbers in exact order on the Feb. 23 draw.

The high school friends said they decided to join forces and play the lottery together while discussing their lottery dreams.

"We've been playing for about four months. Eddie lives in British Columbia and plays tickets for the both of us too," said Jr. Calicdan.

Both men decided to celebrate their win by taking a trip back home to the Philippines.

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Norwood Boy Given VIP Treatment When Saying Thanks To Local Fire Department

After a birthday surprise from The Asphodel Norwood Fire Department for Jayden in January, the four year old delivered a thank you card to fire fighters at the station.

For Jayden’s fourth birthday, on Jan. 25, his mom Ashley Fraser arranged a surprise with the Asphodel Norwood Fire Department.

Fire Chief Darryl Payne and firefighter James Jordan arrived at Jayden’s house with a fire truck in tow and blew Fraser away with their kindness, she says.

“James got right down to his eye level, Jayden was just so comfortable with him, it was just amazing that he was so drawn to him and was able to have that connection.”

@ptbo_canada Happy Birthday Jayden! Someone’s day was made and we don’t know if it was Jaydens our ours ❤️ #PTBOCanada #firefighters #firedepartment ♬ today was a good day - ✗

When it came time for Jayden to say thank you on March 18, Fraser arranged to drop off a card to the station.

“We had no intention of getting a tour,” she said. “I thought we were just going to drop it off and say thanks again for everything, as I know they’re busy.”

She says when they arrived the garage door was opened and the fire truck had been pulled out.

Jayden was given a tour, shown the jaws of life and the fire hose, and given the VIP treatment, says Fraser.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for their kindness.”

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Hometown PTBO: Patrick O'Connor On Moving to Peterborough, Boxing Training and the Peterborough Petes

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Peterborough Petes assistant coach Patrick O'Connor about immigrating to Canada from England, his passion for boxing and his role with the team.

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Street Level Advocacy Partners With Starbucks And Second Harvest To Feed Vulnerable Population

Street Level Advocacy, an organization that works with the vulnerable population in Peterborough has partnered with Second Harvest and can now take leftover food from Starbucks.

Scott Couper at ‘The Coldest night of The Year’ event. Photo courtesy of Scott Couper.

Scott Couper from Street Level Advocacy says Kevin the manager at Starbucks on Chemong reached out to him inquiring about the food the coffee shop has to throw out at the end of the day.

Before he could take the food Couper had to register with Second Harvest, a food rescue organization that aims to connect restaurants and organizations to reduce food waste.

Second Harvest ensured Couper had proper food handling training, and provides an app that notifies him when there is food to pick up.

Photo courtesy of Scott Couper.

Couper can often be found handing out warm clothing and food to vulnerable people in Peterborough.

“I’m building trust and a relationship with these people,” he said.

He notes that not only does the Second Harvest program feed hungry people, it also cuts down on food waste that is prominent in the restaurant industry.

While Second Harvest services various restaurants, Couper says for now picking up packaged sandwiches from Starbucks is all his organization can handle.

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Trent University Student-Athletes Honoured in Return to Athletics Awards Banquet

Trent University celebrated its return to athletics with the 53rd annual Athletics Awards held at the Trent Athletics Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Coming together in-person for the 53rd Trent Excalibur Awards gives us an opportunity to celebrate the return to sport this year, highlight the accomplishments of our varsity student-athletes and coaches and recognize all their hard work in representing the Trent Excalibur,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor.

Varsity student-athletes Victoria Clark (women’s lacrosse) and Alex Zajac (men’s rugby) were awarded the Arthur Cup, the University’s most prestigious award for students who demonstrated outstanding contribution, sportsmanship, participation and leadership in athletics programs according to Trent.

Clark spent four seasons with the Trent Excalibur lacrosse team. The Biomedical Science student was a member of two-time OUA champion women’s lacrosse teams in 2019 and 2021 and earned a bronze medal in 2018. She has been named Rookie of the Year, a recipient of two OUA All-Star awards and served as team captain in her final two seasons.

Zajac was named captain in the final year of his rugby tenure. He was the team’s Rookie of the Year in 2018 and played a key role in the men’s 2019 OUA Bronze medal game.

“This year, Trent Athletics has seen the continued dedication, resilience, and unity of the One Excalibur student-athletes, coaches, and staff,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, Trent Athletics and Recreation director. “We are celebrating not only the award recipients and achievements from this past season but we also commemorate the perseverance and growth of the One Excalibur family through this past season.”

Brooke Driscoll of varsity women’s volleyball was awarded the Gary Wolff Leadership award, presented each year to a student-athlete who has demonstrated determination and leadership through balancing sport, community involvement and academic performance.

Driscoll was on the women’s volleyball team for the past five seasons, serving as the co-captain during the 2021-22 season. Brooke’s commitment to the sport was recognized by the OUA this past season, presented with the Award of Merit.

The archaeology student was also awarded the Academic All-Canadian Award in each of their years at Trent and now working on their Masters.

Women’s Rugby student-athlete, Alexa Vanderhorst received the Community Betterment Award. During her four years with the Excalibur, Vanderhorst was the community liaison for Trent Rugby in 2021, Trent Rugby’s fast and female ambassador in 2019, a volunteer firefighter with Asphodel-Norwood Fire Department and a member of Trent University Durham’s PLCW Care Student group (helping those who are less fortunate through food and clothing drives).

She was also named the OUA Russel Division All-Star this season. As a student-athlete, she uses her platform and knowledge of sport to continue to help younger athletes as a volunteer figure skating coach and wrestling coach.

There were 119 Trent Excalibur student-athletes were acknowledged for achieving academic honours by maintaining an 80 per cent or higher average while playing in their respective varsity sport.

The following student-athletes were honoured with the University Athletic Award, presented to students who have demonstrated a significant contribution to the varsity and campus recreation programs:

• Amanda MacCarthy (Women’s Rugby)

• Caleigh McMillan (Women’s Rugby)

• Genna Saunders (Women’s Volleyball)

• Taylor Bryan (Rowing)

• Rosalyn Shepherd (Rowing)

• Sofia Cutulle (Rowing)

• Gabrielle Gillet (Fencing)

• Jacob McPhee (Men’s Soccer)

• Curtis Romanchych (Men’s Lacrosse)

• Emily VanDamme (Women’s Lacrosse)

• Violet Hipkin (Women’s Soccer)

The following varsity student-athletes were also honoured for outstanding commitment and dedication to their respective sports:

Rowing

• Rosalyn Shepherd (Chris Leach Award)

• Tim Leubke & Sofia Cutulle (Rob DeJong Award)

• Michael Caryk (Rob Maryland Award)

Men’s Curling

• Enrique Ascaso (Rookie of the Year)

• Matthew Mayede (Coach’s Award)

• Evan Roitz (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Curling

• Leslie Inglis (Rookie of the Year)

• Paige Ballantyne (Coach’s Award)

• Brooke Ramsay (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Lacrosse

• Jack MacAlpine (Rookie of the Year)

• Mac Rahn (Coach’s Award)

• Curtis Romanchych (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Lacrosse 

• Natalie Fournier (Rookie of the Year)

• Cassidy Assinck (Coach’s Award)

• Emily VanDamme (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Rugby

• Caleb Hickey (Rookie of the Year)

• Grayson Tucker (Coach’s Award)

• Will Hoffmann (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Rugby

• Maddie Reid (Rookie of the Year)

• Jess Malcolm & Amanda MacCarthy (Coach’s Award)

• Caleigh McMillan & Lily Stewart (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Soccer

• Ainsley Bryan (Rookie of the Year)

• Jacob McPhee (Coach’s Award)

• Boluwatife Oluwaseyi (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Soccer

• Madison Walter (Rookie of the Year)

• Violet Hipkin & Eilidh Major (Coach’s Award)

• Alexis Wilson & Alyssa Nikkel (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Volleyball

• Nic Badalato (Rookie of the Year)

• Bryson Meadus (Coach’s Award)

• Ryan Austin (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Volleyball

• Taya Knier (Rookie of the Year)

• Brooke Driscoll (Coach’s Award)

• Genna Saunders (Most Valuable Player)

Men’s Cross Country

• Owen May (Rookie of the Year)

• Eric Samtleben (Coach’s Award)

• Nathan O’Keeffe (Most Valuable Player)

Women’s Cross Country

• Amberle MacDonald (Rookie of the Year)

• Madison Hammel (Coach’s Award)

• Jaime Bullas (Most Valuable Player)

Fencing

• Sydney Lutz (Rookie of the Year)

• Gabriel Gillett (Coach’s Award)

• Bradley Jung (Most Valuable Player) 

Golf 

• Karsen Gunter (Rookie of the Year)

• Mark Clarey (Coach’s Award)

• Joshua Staleri (Most Valuable Player)

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Fleming College Adds A Degree In Zoology Pathway With Hartpury University In United Kingdom

Fleming College is expanding its relationship with Hartpury University in the United Kingdom by establishing a new transfer agreement, allowing students in Fleming’s School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences the opportunity to complete a Zoology degree with just one additional year of study.

Photo courtesy of Hartpury University.

This arrangement provides graduates of Fleming’s Conservation Biology, Fish and Wildlife Technician, and Fish and Wildlife Technology diploma programs a new pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree at Hartpury University in Gloucester, England. The pathway agreement for Fleming’s Fitness and Health Promotion and Recreation and Leisure Services diploma programs remains in place.

Fleming graduates will be able to enter the final year of the BSc (Honours) Zoology program at Hartpury, which offers a broad range of study options. Students can tailor their studies to suit individual interests and aspirations by enrolling in modules in biodiversity, conservation, wildlife management and conservation genetics.

Students also prepare and undertake an independent academic research project. A small range of elective classes cover such topics as epidemiology, advanced animal microbiology and anthrozoology. Upon successfully completing the one-year program, students graduate with their bachelor’s degree. Hartpury also offers a range of complementary master’s degree programs, which can also be completed in an additional, single year.

“We are pleased to build on our long-standing partnership with Hartpury University and expand the breadth of options for Fleming students,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “This is the first pathway from a program in our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences to a degree in Zoology. This innovative effort provides students with an excellent opportunity. Students not only earn valuable credentials in just over three years, but they also gain a rich, international experience while doing so.”

“We are delighted to have extended our relationship with Fleming College,” said Doctor Wanda McCormack, Hartpury University’s Department Head for Animal and Agriculture. “This has been a successful pathway in the areas of sport and health, and we now welcome Fleming graduates into our animal department. Ontario students are attracted by our outstanding learning environment, as well as the opportunity to graduate with an honours degree in a single academic year and, potentially, a master’s degree in two.”

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Two Local Men On A Mission In Europe To Transport Refugees And Deliver Supplies

For John Graham and Dave Black, from Campbellford and Springbrook, donating money to Ukrainian relief efforts was not enough. The two packed up their lives and are currently in Europe, transporting refugees farther west from the Polish/Ukraine border with a rented van, plenty of patience and over 10,000 km of European highways under their belt.

David Black and John Graham before leaving. Photo sourced from their Facebook page.

It started out as a conversation, says Graham.

The two friends were sitting at around a table in Campbellford feeling helpless watching the Russian invasion unfold in Ukraine.

“It was a spur of the moment decision,” said Graham. “I checked how my family would feel about me going and I got medium support.”

Black, who is ex-military and ex-police, says the two are at a point in their life that they have enough freedom to pack up and leave for a long period of time.

Graham arrived in Berlin, Germany on March 14, picked up a rental vehicle and took to Przemysl, Poland to begin the mission. Black met him on March 19.

Their goal is to not only transport refugees, but to pick up much needed medical supplies and bring them back to the Poland/Ukraine border.

“We’ve been staying true to our goal of bringing supplies back,” said Black. “There’s just too many people here and not enough supplies.”

As of Wednesday the two estimate they have driven over 10,000 km, and 27 refugees. They have driven through places like Berlin, Prague, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria.

On Monday the two transported a woman who had been struck by shrapnel in her leg to a nearby hospital.

Because of the influx of people in Przemysl their hospital is at capacity. Black and Graham brought the woman to a hospital in Dresden, Germany to seek treatment.

“I think most are still in a state of shock,” said Graham. “It’s bit of a relief to no longer be in the refugee centre, but I can’t speak for what’s going on in their mind when we’re driving them farther away from their home.”

The group of seven they are currently driving with - including three children - are going to Rotterdam, Prague and Berlin.

On Wednesday their passengers learned that the last bridge in their hometown had been struck, meaning anyone that was still there will have to stay.

“They know people that are still there,” said Graham. “It’s very upsetting.”

Because of the language barrier, the two say their passengers mostly talk amongst themselves and try to keep the children entertained.

“The language isn’t there but the time we get where we’re going these people are very important to me,” said Graham. “We’ve eaten together and slept next to each other for days at a time.”

The two note how much support is flooding into Poland to help.

“John and I noticed the other day about 25 fire trucks in a convoy going across the Polish border to presumably to fight the fires in combat zones,” said Black.

Black has been wearing a ball cap with a Canadian flag on it and says many people are pleasantly surprised to see Canadians helping.

At home, Tobey VanRoon and Bill Davenport have been helping Graham and Black’s mission.

VanRoon has organized a GoFundMe that is being used to purchase medical supplies and pay for gas. Any money remaining will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross's Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

Davenport has been compiling videos sent by Graham and posting updates to a Facebook group.

Before our conversation ended, Graham had a final, specific request.

“One of the big asks - they’re very short on tetanus and thrombosis medication.  They’re doing field amputations here because of shrapnel wounds,” said Graham. “There’s no medication to ensure they don’t get infected. If anyone has any access to that, if you can get it here I can get contacts to hospitals in Ukraine.”

The best way to contact both Graham and Black is through the Facebook group.

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Peterborough Kinsmen Raise $20,000 For YWCA Crossroads Emergency Shelter For Gender-Based Violence

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough donated $20,000 in support of Safe Nights at YWCA Crossroads Shelter this month announced on Thursday.

Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president (left) and Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Executive Director (right).

The emergency shelter is for women and children experiencing gender-based violence.

"The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is very fortunate to be in a position to provide financial assistance to the YWCA Crossroads Safe Nights program,” said Barry Craft, Kinsmen Club of Peterborough president, “This donation is a result of the tremendous community support we have experienced with the Kinsmen Super TV Bingo recently.”

YWCA Crossroads Shelter has remained open throughout the pandemic.

The need for violence against women services has risen by approximately 30 per cent since the onset of the COVID-19 according to the YWCA.

“This wonderful demonstration of support will provide just over 300 Safe Nights for women and children in our community who have no safe place to turn,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Executive Director. “We’re immensely grateful for the Kinsmen’s support and continued dedication to our local community.”

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Family Rallies Around Local Senior Who Fell Victim To $10,000 Scam

After a local senior fell victim to a scam that took $10,000 from him, his family is hoping to fundraise enough to restore his finances.

Photo courtesy of Tania Lamond.

In March, Darrell Lamond, 86, received a phone call from someone pretending to be his grandson crying and asking for money to cover a bails bond of $10,000 cash, according to family members.

Lamond’s grandson Carson was out of town for March break, so he thought he was in trouble and needed his help.

According to Lamond and his family the person on the phone sounded young and upset. The scammers informed him that on the drive the police had pulled them over on the way home and drugs had been found in the car. They said they needed the money to bail the friend out of jail and to keep Carson safe. The thieves convinced him that he was speaking with RCMP officers, and he was directed to go to his bank and get the money in cash and not tell anyone because there was a gag order in place.

A young black male came to Lamond’s residence to pick up the money and told him he would get his money back in a few days. When they did not return Lamond tried to phone them, with no answer.

The police have been notified, though it is believed scammers may have left town.

In hopes to recoup some funds lost during the scam Carson will be selling "I Love My Grandpa" t-shirts for $20 each, with proceeds from the t-shirts to help support his Grandpa Lamond.

To order a shirt email Carson Lamocars@gmail.com the t-shirt size (XS to 2XL), name, phone number and e transfer payment. Deadline for orders is April 9.

The family has also started a GoFundMe to help with funds.

Lamond’s daughter, Tania, notes that since his wife’s recent passing, his mind has been stressed and she believes that played a part in him falling prey.

In addition to the stress an heartache of loosing his wife, Lamond lives on a limited pension, has just paid for funeral expenses and is now out $10,000 in savings.

She hopes that in addition to easing the financial stress her father is going through, this GoFundMe will raise awareness of this scam and others like it, and encourage people to talk to seniors they know about how to protect themselves.

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