Peterborough Petes Alumnus Emmett Sproule Commits to University of New Brunswick

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Peterborough Petes’s Emmett Sproule is taking his talents to the out east as he has committed to the University of New Brunswick (USC), joining the REDs.

Sproule holds the longest point streak in modern Petes' history with 20 games (nine goals, 22 Assists and 31 points). Photo courtesy of the OHL.

The 21-year-old signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and has joined the REDS for the remainder of the 2022-23 Atlantic University Sport season and beyond on Thursday.

“Emmett had a breakout season as a 20-year-old and was among the top, dynamic players in the OHL,” said Gardiner MacDougall, REDS head coach. “He has the ability to make high-quality plays off the rush, has great offensive instincts and a real passion for the game and for getting better.”

Sproule finished his OHL career with the Peterborough Petes for the 2021-22 season and spend 2017-21 with the Erie Otters. He played over 250 regular-season games during that span.

Last season, Sproule had career-highs with the Petes, scoring 30 goals and 56 assists. He was among some of the OHL’s scoring leaders.

“I’m a positive person who can bring a good level of offence,” said Sproule. “I have an ability to see my teammates, good vision on the ice and I think I have a nose to find the back of the net. Last year, in Peterborough, we had great chemistry on our power-play and I learned lots on the penalty kill.”

He attended the Buffalo Sabres’ NHL training camp and AHL-affiliate Rochester Americans earlier this year following his OHL tenure. Sproule then joined the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, with three assists in four games.

“After those four games, I decided that wasn’t for me,” he said. “I think it’s better for me to develop here at UNB and advance my game from here.”

“It gets tougher to score in the AUS in the second half and we believe Emmett can provide a boost to that part of the game for us,” said Coach MacDougall. “He has a great deal of energy on the ice and our fans will enjoy the plays he makes and his positive contribution to our continued success.”

Sproule is expected to make his REDS debut on the Jan 6-7 weekend. He will study Business while attending UNB.

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City of Peterborough to Collect Christmas Trees During Regular Garbage Collection For January

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The City of Peterborough has started to accept natural Christmas trees as part of regular garbage collection pending weather conditions announced Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City is reminding residents to do the following before having their trees collected for compost:

  • Remove all tree decorations

  • Place it at the curb in a clear and visible location

  • Not place their trees in bags

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David Tuan Bui's Top Five Stories of 2022

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Another year has come and gone at PTBOCanada and there have been some fantastic stories I was able to cover in 2022. The impact this community can make is nothing short of remarkable and I feel honoured and privileged to cover some of Peterborough and the Kawartha’s stories.

Bui was hired as the PTBOCanada Editor for Mar. 1, last year. Photo by Autumn Nadeau.

These are my top five stories — in chronological order — that I truly enjoyed covering in 2022.

PERKS HAS MADE APPEARANCES ON OTHER AMERICAN SHOWS SUCH AS ABC’S GOOD MORNING AMERICA AND FOX LOS ANGELES. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL ROZMAN/WARNER BROS.

Eight-year-old Callan Perks (better known as Coach Cal) took his viral motivational speeches to the City of Angels as he made an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in early January.

He gave his own pep talk to DeGeneres on her final season which brought her to tears.

I had the honour of interviewing Coach Cal after his original video went viral and I will always be proud of what he has done with himself since. What a kid!

ASTROM HAS PLAYED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WITH NHL’S VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS INSIDER AND PETERBOROUGH NATIVE GARY LAWLESS. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW ASTROM.

I mentioned when Pete Dalliday first interviewed me live when I had got the job for PTBOCanada that I had a Grade 7 science teacher who nicknamed me “Ziggy Stardust.” It was in reference to my name’s pronunciation being similar to famed rock star David Bowie.

The man who gave me that nickname? Former teacher Andrew Astrom who taught me at Immaculate Conception School and later became my offensive coordinator for the Holy Cross Catholic School football team in their second year. He retired after 30 years of teaching and was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer.

Astrom discovered his cancer on May 4 last year and had surgery on Aug. 5 where his thyroid and several lymph nodes were removed. He has lost most of his voice, has side neck pain and suffers nerve pain when he eats.

He is a realtor now just like his wife Tammie Astrom. He was always a great teacher and coach to me and he’s quite skilled at playing the guitar.

‘Water Bacon’ is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the City of Peterborough’s logo of water waves that resembles blue bacon. Photo by Luke BEst.

Okay, I admit it, this was the first ‘fake news’ story that I had published professionally…

For April Fools Day, I came up with a story that ‘Kevin the Water Bacon’ had become the new mascot of Peterborough. ‘Water bacon’ is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the City’s logo of blue and white horizontal wavy stripes that launched in the spring of 2018.

We saw Kevin had both an Instagram and Tiktok account so we reached out and collaborated on this funny hoax. The hoax was well-received as even the City and Fresh Radio played along with the fun. It’s nice to see that Peterborough also has a humourous side to them.

So… Why ISN’T Kevin the official mascot for The City of Peterborough?

ECFC PLAYERS LUKE GREEN (MIDDLE) AND CONNOR WILSON (RIGHT) CELEBRATING THE TEAM’S FIRST FRANCHISE WIN WITH FANS, SCORING THREE GOALS IN 14 MINUTES. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

If you were at the Electric City Football Club’s (ECFC) men’s home opener, you would understand the amount of hype this night delivered for Peterborough.

It was the team’s inaugural year and the game did not disappoint as ECFC got the franchise’s first win against 3-0 against Windsor TFC on May 7.

The team scored three goals in 14 minutes and clamped down defensively since then. They also broke the League1 Ontario men’s game attendance record with 1,565 fans (the women’s team also did that for their respective league).

Watching this game live and reporting it had me entrenched in the soccer atmosphere and seeing the team hit several high points made it a pleasure to witness.

TUNG AND HER NEWBORN DAUGHTER HUNTER OUTSIDE THE HUNTER STREET LOCATION THAT SOFT OPENED ON VALENTINE’S DAY IN 2020. TUNG’S FAMILY FORMERLY OWNED THE GOLDEN WHEEL CHINESE RESTAURANT LOCATED NEAR SPRINGVILLE. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TUNG.

This one hits home to me as I am of Vietnamese descent.

Susan Tung, owner of Vietnamese restaurant Hanoi House — and a friend of mine — decided to close down her Hunter Street location and consolidated her business into the Lansdowne Street spot.

I’ve eaten at her establishment at least 50 times since she opened on Valentine’s Day in 2020. I helped proofread her initial menu before opening day and was cordially invited to try her pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) and critique it after the grand opening.

Thankfully her business is running and doing quite well and it wasn’t the end of great Vietnamese food outside of my mother’s kitchen. It just means I’ll have to take a longer drive than usual if I wanted to grab a bowl of pho on my lunch break.

2022 is almost over and there was no shortage of great stories to cover in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Old and new faces were seen covering this year’s news and I eagerly await seeing what 2023 has in store for me.

I have to bid farewell to former employees Angela O’Grady and Luke Best who have moved on to other endeavors but that leaves the door of opportunity for new people to join the PTBOCanada family.

I am blessed to be working with Felicia Massey, Samantha Bianco and Brad Wood who are all hired within the same few weeks in early September and eagerly await to see what is in store next year with them!

On a personal note, I will have to push back my wedding to 2024 as my fiancée Autumn and I will be expecting our first child in late June. Big news for the Bui household and I’m sure 2023 is going to be another spectacular year for Peterborough!

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David Tuan Bui's Top Five Photos of 2022

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Photography skills are an ever-growing skill among journalists.

I won’t claim I’m the best at it as journalism school only trains you so much in taking photos compared to professional photographers. However, like any job or career, you hone your skills as you progress. So long as you improve, that’s the important part. It’s as they say, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ and nor will my photography skills (but they’re getting better).

Electric City Football Club’s Jordan Brown (left) with David Tuan Bui (right) during the team’s first training camp of their inaugrual season. Photo by Luke Best.

These are my top five photos that I have taken for PTBOCanada in chronological order.

FORMER EASTER SEALS AMBASSADOR MITCHELL MCCOLL (left) AND RENEE OAKE (right) AT the YMCA. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The 36th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim raised more than $50,000 for Easter Seals and Rotary programs in the community back on Feb. 25. The event has raised over $1.3 million to date.

Former Easter Seals Ambassador Mitchell McColl had a bit of Spiderman in him as he shares a moment with Renee Oake — daughter of Carl Oake — shortly after she finished her leg of the YMCA swimming lanes.

McColl was an ambassador in 2012 and has attended every Carl Oake Rotary Swim since.

Alice Cooper (left) with Nita Strauss (right) as Cooper’s band returned to the Peterborogh Memorial Centre in 18 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ‘Godfather of Shock Rock’ came back to Peterborough since Oct. 3, 2004, rocking the Peterborough Memorial Centre as part of his 2022 ‘Monsters of Rock Cruise.’

Special guests Buckcherry with Ace Frehley opened the show but the crowd was there for Alice Cooper as he brought touring guitarist Nita Strauss with him to play old favourites such as School’s Out, No More Mr. Nice Guy, Billion Dollar Babies, Poison, Hey Stoopid and more.

This photo seemed fitting for the occasion as Alice Cooper was back in the Peterborough spotlight and could still rock at 74 years of age.

St. Peter’s Secondary School student Josh Watson, 14, warms up with a putt prior to the tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Peterborough Golf & Country Club celebrated its 125th anniversary with a step-aside scramble tournament that encouraged its golfers to dress in era-appropriate clothing for the time the course had opened.

Baggy pants, ties, long skirts and classy hats were part of the attire that was worn at the event but one person stood out among the rest for me. That was 14-year-old Josh Watson of St. Peter’s Secondary School who sported an ensemble consisting of hiked-up socks over his pants, an Ivy cap and a dapper bowtie to finish off his outfit.

There were not many young golfers at the event but I believe Watson captured the essence perfectly of what a young man would look like golfing in 1897.

THREE-YEAR-OLD MOANA LEWIN ENJOYS TURNER PARK’S NEW SPLASH PAD, TOTALLING SIX WATER PADS IN PETERBOROUGH. THE PAD REPLACES THE FORMER WADING POOL THAT WAS OVER 50 YEARS OLD. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Peterborough opened up its sixth splash pad in Turner Park, located on the corner of Chamberlain Street and High Street on June 23.

It replaced the wading pool that occupied the park for over 50 years and three-year-old Moana Lewin took full advantage of the splash pad on opening day.

It can be tough getting shots of young children at a splash pad considering they’re always moving around and not necessarily attentive to the camera. Luckily, I got Lewin playing underneath the water pole that shoots water like an umbrella and perhaps captured her amazement. I thought the shimmering water was cool.

ARTIST JULII MCMILLAN NEXT TO HER CREATION, “MONARCH MONOLITH” OUTSIDE PETERBOROUGH SQUARE’S COURTYARD. IT TOOK HER AND ASSISTANT SAMANTHA CHIUSOLO THREE AND A HALF DAYS TO COMPLETE. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area unveiled two new large-scale murals to enhance the streetscape experience through public art on Nov. 8.

One was located on the corner of King Street and George Street but the one in the picture was at the Peterborough Square Courtyard. It was created by local artist Julii McMillan and assistant Samanta Chiusolo called ‘Monarch Monolith.’

I credit McMillan and Chiusolo’s work for this photo having a bright spot more than my photography skills as the art piece’s colours blend into the sky so well that let the other colours of the monolith pop.

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A Year In Review By Felicia Massey

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I have the privilege of writing stories each day that showcase the passions, efforts and accomplishments of some very inspiring people in the community.

As the year wraps up and I celebrate three months with PTBOCanada, I want to share my top five favourite stories — in chronological order — that I have enjoyed writing in 2022.

 

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The sixth annual Pulling for Dementia Fire Truck Pull was the first story I had the opportunity of covering “in the field.”

The World Alzheimer’s Day event raised money for programs and services through the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton by challenging teams to pull a 44,000-pound firetruck the fastest as supporters cheered them on at the Peterborough Airport.

At the time of my story the online fundraiser had raised just under $8,000. Today, the fundraiser sits at $9,225 for the Alzheimer Society.

 

Photo by Felicia Massey.

When beloved kindergarten teacher Mrs. Lytle was diagnosed with breast cancer, the Keith Wightman school community rallied in support of her during their annual Terry Fox walk. Staff and students honoured Mrs. Lytle with cheers, high-fives and hand-written notes as she visited with her class.

I am grateful to have felt the tremendous impact that Mrs. Lytle continues to have on her school community.

 

Photo courtesy of The Main Ingredient.

After 43 years, Ken and Deb Fraser decided to retire as owners of The Main Ingredient. The Fraser’s opened the environmentally-conscious bulk health food store in 1979, promoting the use of reusable containers to reduce excess waste.

Former store manager Mike Hall was asked to take over the business in 2021, along with his wife Whitney. The Hall’s spoke optimistically about the future of The Main Ingredient, recognizing that this business endeavour was a lot different than their music promoting.

Seeing a cherished small business continue to flourish with new ownership and perspective was really special.

 

I had the privilege of interviewing psychic medium Theresa Caputo from the TLC series Long Island Medium!

Prior to her Peterborough Memorial Centre appearance, we talked about her podcast Hey Spirit and her 10th anniversary of touring, where she guides audience members through grief and healing at her live shows.

I was then able to meet Theresa and experience the live show with my Mom, which was very surreal.

 

Photo courtesy of Patti Kimball.

Author Patti Kimball spoke with me about her grief memoir ‘Siren on Repeat: What My Best Friend’s Death Taught Me About Hope and Grief.’

After losing one of her best friends at just 14 years old, Patti processed her grief through writing. She outlined to me the importance of preserving Aprile’s memory, as well as teaching readers that everyone’s “grief journey” looks different, and happens on their own terms.

Patti shared a number of stories about her times with Aprile and I feel honoured to have gotten a glimpse into their friendship.

 

Here are a few of my favourite pictures I took of The Neighbourhood Vintage! The vintage clothing store owned by Jacquelyn Craft carries a number of vendors, including her own brand Minty Vintage.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

 

On a personal note…

Since graduating from Trent University and Loyalist College in June, my journalistic endeavours have been nothing short of incredible. My job is a dream and I couldn’t ask for a better City to practice journalism.

I look forward to seeing you around in 2023!

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Reopened After Being Temporarily Closed From Staff Shortages

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The Emergency Department at Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) which was closed on Christmas due to a nursing staff shortage has now reopened announced on Monday.

File Photo.

The hospital has stated that it is operating well beyond its capacity and closures of this nature put additional strain on an already strained system.

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GoFundMe Created To Help Young Girl Diagnosed With B-Cell Leukemia Days After Fourth Birthday

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It may not be the best present for four-year-old Ellie Bell as she was diagnosed with B-Cell leukemia shortly after her fourth birthday but a GoFundMe was set up to aid the family.

Bell after meeting Santa Clause at Lansdowne Place Mall while she got her face painted. Photo courtesy of Natalie Campbell.

Bell received the diagnosis four days after her fourth birthday (Dec. 12). She was release from the hospital after spending 10 days according to a Facebook post from her mother.

It began as what the family thought was a high fever and Bell was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. She was eventually taken to SickKids Hospital on the same day for several tests including blood work, x-rays and ultrasounds.

The second day, Bell had to be put on a feeding tube while already on five days with no food or fluids according to the GoFundMe page. It was revealed that she respiratory syncytial virus, urinary tract infection and rhinovirus resulting in a a prescription of heavy antibiotics and receiving a blood transfusion (which gradually helped her condition).

On Bell’s 10th and final day at the hospital — which was her birthday — she received a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy because her cell line numbers were still low as stated in the GoFundMe. She was released from the hospital that day. During that time, Bell’s mother had openly asked friends and family to send videos wishing her a happy birthday.

Bell was readmitted on Thursday for a lumbar puncture and her first round of chemotherapy. I was administrated directly into her spine to prevent the cells from travelling to her spinal fluid and brain. A second round of chemotherapy on the same day.

On Friday, Bell will ‘receive a port line inserted in her chest to prevent two years worth of needle pokes’ according to Natalie Campbell, Bell’s great aunt.

Bell began junior kindergarten however her treatment will take roughly two to three years and is unable to return to class until the following school year. The parents have taken time off work to care for her during the recovery process.

“Our top priority is making sure Ellie has the love and support she needs to stay strong, as well as getting more answers in the coming weeks to further determine her prognosis,” said Campbell.

The GoFundMe was created by Campbell on Thursday that has already seen short of $5,000 of the $10,000 goal.

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Peterborough Transit Adjusting Services For the Holidays and January

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Peterborough Transit has made service adjustments for all routes for the holiday season from Saturday until Jan. 7, announced on Friday.

All Route 11 and 11A Water trips will be suspended from Christmas Eve until Jan. 8, with regular weekday service resuming on Jan. 9.

On Saturday, all routes end early, with the last trip departing no later than 7:15 p.m. (7:33 p.m. on Route 3 Park). Evening PTBOnDemand service will not be available.

There will be no service on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

On Boxing Day, a Holiday/Sunday service schedule will be in place, with the last trip departing no later than 7:15 p.m. (or 7:33 p.m. on Route 3 Park). Evening PTBOnDemand service will not be available.

On all routes, late evening trips departing after 11:32 p.m. are suspended between the period of Friday 23 until Jan 7. (please note: late evening trips information was updated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday)

On Dec. 31 all routes end early with the last trip departing no later than 7:15 p.m. (7:33 p.m. on Route 3 Park). Evening OnDemand service will not be available. Extended New Year’s Eve service will not be offered this year.

Transit Customer Service desk

The Customer Service desk at the Simcoe Street Terminal will operate with adjusted hours for the holiday period.

  • Saturday, Dec. 24: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Sunday, Dec. 25: closed

  • Monday, Dec. 26: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Tuesday, Dec. 27 to Friday, Dec. 30: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Saturday, Dec. 31: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Sunday, Jan. 1: closed

Regular hours resume at the Simcoe Street Bus Terminal on Monday, January 2, 2022.

For questions about Transit service, please call Transit Operations at 705-745-0525 or by email at transitoperations@peterborough.ca.

Service changes to Routes 3, 4 effective Jan. 2, 2023

Starting on Jan. 2, weekday service on Route 3 Park will operate hourly after 9 a.m. and Route 4 Weller will be reduced to operate hourly as Peterborough Transit continues to work towards providing more stable service for our customers during staffing challenges.

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City of Peterborough Closing Early or Modifying Friday Services Due to Winter Storm

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Due to the major winter storm, the City of Peterborough programs and facilities is closing or altering services as of noon on Friday for the safety of employees and customers.

File Photo.

The Peterborough Public Library, arenas, Morrow Building, the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, the Art Gallery of Peterborough and the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) Box Office will be closing early starting at noon on Friday.

Quaker Foods City Square skating rink is temporarily closed due to the weather causing unsafe ice conditions. When weather conditions allow the rink to be re-opened, an update will be posted on peterborough.ca.

The City of Peterborough had previously provided the holiday schedules for programs and facilities for the period between Christmas and the new year, with some facilities operating under different schedules. Due to the storm, some facilities are closing earlier than scheduled.

The Peterborough Public Library will return to regular operating hours on Wednesday, opening at 10 a.m.

The Healthy Planet Arena returns to normal holiday operations as of 11 a.m. on Monday. The PMC returns to normal operations on Tuesday while the Kinsmen Civic Centre will remain closed until Monday.

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will return to normal operations as of 6 a.m. on Tuesday as previously scheduled for the holidays.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will resume regular operating hours starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

The PMC Box Office offers online services at memorialcentre.ca. It will reopen for regular in-person operating hours starting 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

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Peterborough Police Investigating Incident Resulting In Two Children With Serious Injuries Following Armour Road Collision

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Two children have been transported to a Toronto hospital following a two-vehicle collision near Armour Road and Dufferin Street that occurred on Thursday evening as Peterborough Police continue to investigate.

File Photo.

The collision occurred at roughly 6 p.m. The Peterborough Police Service Traffic Reconstruction Unit was on scene Thursday night and the investigation is still pending. No charges have been laid at this point. 

Witnesses are asked to contact the Police Traffic unit at 705-876-1122 ext. 289.

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