STSCO CAO Joel Sloggett Announces Retirement After 18 Years of Busing Consortium

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After serving an 18-year tenure as Chief Administrative Officer for the Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), Joel Sloggett is retiring from the position, announced by the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

STSCO is responsible for planning school bus routes for Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, PVNC and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir schools. He is retiring from his position in early May.

“I have appreciated working with many bus and taxi company managers over the years and interacting with several thousand drivers. I always enjoyed being challenged with issues and problems which require careful analysis,” said Sloggett. “Supporting the education of children by getting them to school ready to learn and home after an enjoyable day has been a big motivator over these many years.”

Sloggett started at PVNC in 1996 as a supervisor of planning and assessment. He was promoted to the Board’s Manager of Planning and Transportation role, which he held from 1996 to 2005 when STSCO was established and he was hired as CAO to oversee transportation planning for all three local school boards.

Sloggett served as President of the Ontario Association of School Business Officials Association (OASBO) in 2009-10 and was awarded the International Association of School Business Officials Pinnacle Award in 2010 for business operations leadership, recognizing STSCO’s innovative bus company performance monitoring system.

Sloggett plans to travel internationally and perform home renovations upon his retirement. 

“Every day has been a fast-paced, action-packed one in school busing and I will miss that,” said Sloggett.

An announcement introducing the new STSCO CAO will be released next week.

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Voice of Business: SME Institute

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As a chamber of commerce, our main objective is to help the businesses in our area thrive. We do this by offering promotion, professional development, connections within our community and assistance with issues at all four levels of government. As a local chamber, we are also able to offer our members services provided by our big sisters, the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.

One of these services is the SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) Institute by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC).

The SME Institute promotes itself as a “one-stop shop for services and resources, we are a community of partners, mentors and peers who are committed to the collective success of SMEs.”

So, what does this mean for local businesses?

As a Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce member, you can access training, consulting, networking, SME-focused tools and resources, and tips on the SME website.

The training programs are run by the CCC partner and trusted experts, to bring relevant and up-to-date content to help your business grow.

“Learn how to recruit, retain and train talent; find and attract investors; use technology to grow your business; and boost your business performance through diversity and sustainability.”

Their consulting page has a list of “trusted experts and connections to get the support you need to help you reach your goals.” Experts from Grant Thornton LLP, M2M Business Solutions, Cat-Tec Inc., Goodman Sustainability Group and Mentor Works - A Ryan Company are included as advisors – with packages and services available for any member ready to access them.

The SME Institute also has a Marketplace page, with extra tools available to help businesses become more efficient. As an example, Canadian Government Funding Application Writing Services by Mentor Works, “a leading government funding firm dedicated to streamlining the funding and grant application process for businesses across Canada. Through Ryan ULC, an award-winning global tax services, consultancy and software provider, Mentor Works can offer a 360 Funding Experience and a grants discovery and screening platform that helps match businesses with government funding opportunities.”

The SME Institute’s Founding Sponsor, our friends at RBC, also offer some services. First, the RBC Insight Edge “helps you uncover actionable insights for your business without the need to sort through mountains of data. Using anonymized credit and debit card transactions along with demographic and location data, RBC Insight Edge offers real-time intelligence through an easy-to-use dashboard.”

The second is the RBC PayEdge. “RBC PayEdge is an innovative accounts payable platform that automates payments to suppliers by integrating with your accounting system. It enables you to easily access funds from any Canadian bank account and most credit cards to pay suppliers globally. Businesses of all sizes can save time and money using RBC PayEdge — whether they’re an existing RBC banking client or not.”

As the world changes, including the way businesses operate and how customers interact with them, all organizations can use the resources available to them to stay competitive. As your local Chamber, we can help on a local, provincial, and national level.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Peterborough Petes Score Late For 3-2 Win; Hold 2-1 Series Lead Over Ottawa 67's

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The Peterborough Petes crowd was excited and loud with a ‘white out’ as the team had a 3-2 win over the Ottawa 67’s thanks to a late third-period goal to lead the series 2-1 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday night.

The Petes had their first lead of game three with 1:15 left in teh third period. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Both teams had to feel each other out exchanging chances but Ottawa drew first blood with 1:49 left in the period. Brad Gardiner snared the puck out of the air and deked around Petes goaltender Michael Simpson. The former was able to make a cross-crease pass behind Simpson’s pads and Cameron Tolnai cleaned up on a wide-open net for a 1-0 lead after the first period.

Peterborough started to put their offensive prowess on display, getting 19 shots on goal for the period. The Petes tied it up when Avery Hayes saw a puck trickle out from a board battle behind the net. He slapped a one-timer past 67’s goaltender Max Donoso to tie the game at 1-1. The tie was short-lived as Luca Pinella forced an errant pass from Brian Zanetti to allow Cooper Foster score in the slot, uncontested just 10 seconds after the prior goal. Peterborough quickly retaliated 24 seconds later as J.R. Avon ripped a shot just after an offensive-zone faceoff and Jax Dubois pounced on the rebound to make it 2-2 going into the thrid.

The third period saw an impressive sequence for the Petes just under two minutes left in the game. Tolnai had a breakaway chance to possibly get a late lead but Konnor Smith made a diving play to poke the puck into the corner and prevent the scoring chance. Ottawa was forced to bring the pack back into the neutral zone but a mishandled pass by Ottawa allowed Brennan Othmann get a breakaway of his own. He tucked a backhand through Donoso’s five-hole to give the Petes a 3-2 lead with a minute remaining and the Petes held on for a 3-2 win.

Othmann, Dubois and Hayes were named the three stars of the game and hold a 2-1 series lead over the OHL regular-season champions.

The Petes are back in action for game four on Thursday to try and take a commanding 3-1 series over the Ottawa 67’s. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Paying Tribute To Booster Club Founding Member Who Passed Away On March 31

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The spirit and memory of Peterborough Petes Booster Club founding member Betty Nelson is being honoured by the team and the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council (PMHC) during game four of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Nelson passed away on March 31, the same day the Petes took a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference quarterfinal against the Sudbury Wolves. 

She was a founding member of the Petes Booster Club and volunteered to sell 50/50 tickets at almost every home game at the Memorial Centre from 1967 until retiring in 2019. She was revered, especially at the Gibson’s Finest Club Section, forming bonds with several fans over the years.

The PMHC, who operates the 50/50 draws, is donating a portion of the proceeds to a fund in Nelson’s name, which will be used to support members of the Petes community. Tickets can be purchased beginning on Wednesday until the end of the second intermission on Thursday night. The largest ever guaranteed 50/50 jackpot has a minimum of $5,000 to be won.

The Petes are paying tribute to the Bosoter Club founding member in a special presentation during the first-period TV timeout on Thursday. Fans are encouraged to show their support and appreciation of Nelson at that time. 

“Having the opportunity to pay tribute to Betty during a playoff game is very special, as she was one of our most passionate supporters throughout all of Petes history and would have been so excited to take part in this playoff run,” said Burton Lee, Petes executive director of business operations. “You could always count on Betty, game-in and game-out and her persistence and commitment serves as a model for so many volunteers that help our team thrive. She will forever hold a prominent place in the hearts of Petes players, staff and fans.” 

The Petes are back in action for game four on Thursday to try and take a commanding 3-1 series over the Ottawa 67’s. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

Click here to purchase 50/50 tickets.

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Former Fleming College Athlete Inducted Into Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame

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Former Fleming College Knight Darl Sutherland has been inducted in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Hall of Fame.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

The CCAA announced his induction April 6 along with 10 other athletes and coaches.  

Sutherland ran cross country for the Fleming Knights from 2000-2006. An Educational Support program student, Sutherland was a mainstay on the Knights’ successful cross country program in the early 2000s. The team, as well as Sutherland, racked up many accolades over five years on both the Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) and the CCAA levels.  

Sutherland excelled at the CCAA level, placing third at the 2002 and 2004 CCAA championships, the same years he was recognized as an All-Canadian Athlete. In 2002 his team earned a men's silver medal along with the OCAA conference. In 2004 Sutherland earned the same accolade again when he earned silver medals for the Knights Team and OCAA conference. The following year, his last, he won a team bronze at Nationals. 

The 2023 CCAA Hall of Fame Banquet takes place June 13 in Niagara Falls.

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Indigenous Gifts to Prince of Wales Being On Display For Peterborough Museum & Archives Exbibit Beginning Friday

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Indigenous birch bark baskets are returning to ancestral lands of Michi Saagiig territory as a new temporary exhibit being featured at Peterborough Museum & Archives announced on Tuesday morning.

From left to right) Rachel Peat, Laurie Beavis, Laura Peers and Laurie Carr. The quilled wiigwaasii makakoons must remain in a crate for 48 hours prior to being displayed in order to properly climatize them. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The 13 birch bark baskets, also known as quilled wiigwaasii makakoons (weeg-wah-see mah-ka-coons) go on display to the public beginning Saturday to Nov. 19.

They were made by Michi Saagiig women and gifted to Prince of Wales on Sep. 7, 1860 when he stopped at Rice Lake village (Hiawatha First Nation) as part of a cross-Canada Royal tour.

The exhibition is called “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860,” and explores the cultural knowledge, love, respect and diplomacy that went into the makakoons.

“Hiawatha First Nation and the Mississauga Nation communities are coming together to welcome these Ancestors home for a visit,” said Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation. “We know that the makakoons have the names of women makers attached and there are descendants of these women in our First Nations.

Since 1860, the makakoons have been part of the Royal Trust Collection and housed at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. They are on loan for exhibition by His Majesty King Charles III. The “To Honour and Respect” curators and the Planning Committee have worked closely with the Royal Collection Trust to facilitate the unique loan.

“Royal Collection Trust is delighted to exhibit this group of gifts presented to the future King Edward VII during the landmark first royal meeting with the Michi Saagiig in 1860,” said Rachel Peat, Royal Collection Trust Curator of Decorative Arts. “Since then, these outstanding works of art have been displayed within the royal residences as a symbol of relations between Mississauga Nation communities and the Crown. Today, this project offers an important opportunity to reconnect with Michi Saagiig knowledge holders and affirm links with this community.”

During the visit of the makakoons, there will be associated programming including workshops on quillwork, provided by Hiawatha First Nation artist Sandra Moore, and on Michi Saagiig language, provided by Curve Lake member Jonathan Taylor.

“While the Ancestors are with us on Michi Saagiig Territory, the PMA will create space for everyone to visit, and we will share knowledge about this art through viewing, workshops and language classes,” said Carr. “We will sit with the Ancestors and acknowledge their spirits and what they have to teach us. Each of the makakoons will add to our cultural knowledge and strength as Michi Saagiig Peoples.”

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Total Fire Ban Remains in Effect for Selwyn Township

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A total fire ban from April 11 remains in effect for the Township of Selwyn.

photo courtesy of selwyn township, facebook.

The Total Burn Ban came into effect on April 11 because of the dry conditions and forecasted warm weather.

All open air burning (including campfires) is prohibited and all fire permits that have been issued are now void until the fire ban is lifted. Residents will be notified by public service announcements, on the Township website, social media and electronic sign boards when the fire ban has been lifted.

For more information, contact the Township of Selwyn Fire Department at (705) 292-7282.

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Limited Tickets Released For Game Three of Peterborough Petes Home Playoff Matchup

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A very limited number of Peterborough Petes tickets have been released for Tuesday’s game three of the Eastern Conference Semi-Final against the Ottawa 67s at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) announced Tuesday morning.

The Petes split a 1-1 road series against Ottawa, losing the first game 4-2 and winning the econd, 2-1. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Tickets can be purchased for Tuesday and Thursday’s games by clicking going online or by contacting the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office in person or at (705) 743-3561. Box office hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and on game day until the second period. 

Fans attending Tuesday’s game are encouraged to wear white for the game for a ‘white out’ with exclusive playoff rally towels provided. The move is to show encouragement for the home team during the playoffs. The tradition began in 1987 by the Winnipeg Jets as a form of intimidation while displaying home team support.

Limited Edition Playoff Rally Towels are being given out at Tuesday night’s Game to all fans in attendance.

The following is the remaining schedule for the second round against the Ottawa 67s:

  • Game 3: Tuesday, April 18 @ 7:05 p.m. – Ottawa @ Peterborough

  • Game 4: Thursday, April 20 @ 7:05 p.m. – Ottawa @ Peterborough

  • Game 5: Saturday, April 22 @ 4:00 p.m. – Peterborough @ Ottawa

  • Game 6: Monday, April 24 @ 7:05 p.m. – Ottawa @ Peterborough*

  • Game 7: Tuesday, April 25 @ 7:00 p.m. – Peterborough @ Ottawa*

*if necessary

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Community Care Peterborough Recipient of 2023 Smile Cookie Campaign Beginning In May

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Community Care Peterborough (CCP) is the beneficiary of this year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign proceeds as they were selected by the café owners of Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Curve Lake stores this May announced on Wednesday.

(from left to right) Erika Howe–Gallagher, Ryan Graham, Donna Annett, Mary and Greg Blair with last year’s results of $92,608.26. Photo courtesy of Community Care PEterborough.

Typically held in September, Tim Hortons across the County is now running the annual campaign in May.  It begins on May 1 and runs until May 7.  All proceeds from chocolate chunk Smile Cookie for $1.50 (plus applicable taxes) go towards CCP’s Give a Meal, Give a Drive initiative and its other community support programs.

“Although we have many clients who do not struggle, we have an increasing number who do,” said Alicia Vandine, donor relations and communications lead. “Many more seniors and adults with disabilities are making difficult choices about cutting food costs or missing medical appointments to reduce travel costs in order to remain in their home.’

Last year, Tim Hortons locally raised a record-breaking $92,608.26 while $15 million was sold over Canada.

“We are so honoured to be selected again this year and our staff and volunteers teams will be working alongside the Tim Hortons teams to help with production again this year, icing cookies and answering questions in restaurants about Community Care,” said Vandine. “We encourage the public to visit their local Tim Hortons during the new campaign week of May 1st to May 7th to purchase a Smile Cookie and maybe, we can even break last year’s record and sell 100,000 cookies.”

Members of the public can also pre-order a box of 12 cookies by visiting CCP’s website to download a pre-order form that you can drop off at your local Tim Hortons restaurant.

Participating locations:

In Peterborough

  • 721 Ashburnham Dr.

  • 1527 Water St.

  • 1200 Lansdowne St. W.

  • 336 Lansdowne St. E.

  • 871 - 875 Chemong Rd.

  • 157 George St. N.

  • 645 Lansdowne St.W.

  • 55 Park St. N.

  • 81 Hunter St. E.

  • 898 Monaghan Rd.

  • 1781 Lansdowne St.

  • 1420 Crawford Dr.

  • 1901 Lansdowne St. W.

  • 949 Highway 7 E.

  • 110 Chandler Cres.

In Lakefield

  • 139 Queen St.

In Bridgenorth

  • 758 Ward St. N.

In Curve Lake

  • 1420 Mississauga St.

The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 as a way to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital in Ontario and has grown to become a major fundraising event at Tim Hortons Restaurants. 

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‘Get Your Art On’ at Mount Community Centre’s Art and Craft Exhibition and Sale

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Join the Mount Community Centre for the 7th annual ‘Get Your Art On’ exhibition and sale of local arts and crafts at Austin Doran Hall at The Mount Community Centre May 12 to 14.

photo courtesy of the mount community centre, facebook.

Paintings, photography, pottery, sculpturing, woodworking and more will be on display and for sale.

“There are numerous artists and crafts people coming to display and sell their works,” says Hartley Stephenson, local artist and event organizer. “The items are unique and specially designed to please the buyer. Attendees are bound to find something that will interest them and be a perfect gift for Mother’s Day celebrations.”

The Mother’s Day Weekend exhibition and sale will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 14 at the Mount Community Centre (1545 Monaghan Rd.)

This event is free admission, and 10 per cent of all profits will go to The Mount Community Centre’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing and food security.

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