Three Curve Lake Players Selected to Represent Team Ontario In 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

Mikayla Williams, Emerson Taylor and Sidney Wakely of Curve Lake are headed to Winnipeg to represent Team Ontario in the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships held from Sunday to May 13.

Williams (left), Taylor (middle) and Wakely (right) are all from the same bloodline from Curve Lake. Photos courtesy of Mike Williams.

Williams is the lone Curve Lake representative for the Ontario female roster as a defenseman. She played 30 games and three playoff games with the U18 Okanagan Hockey Academy Female Prep of the U18 Canadian Sport School Hockey League. She logged one assist and two penalty minutes for the season.

Taylor played left wing for the Mississauga Reps U16 AAA in 26 games this season in the U16 AAA Greater Toronto Hockey League. He had one assist and four penalty minutes during that span. He makes the team as an alternate.

Wakely played 43 games for the Port Hope Panthers of the Provincial Junior Hockey League this season. He had six goals and 13 assists, tying the team for fourth in the latter category. He had two goals and six assists in 19 playoff games. He also played for the U15 AAA Peterborough Petes in the 2019-20 season.

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PVNC Catholic School Board Celebrates 2023 Catholic Student Leadership Awards

Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) honoured 38 students with a Catholic Student Leadership Award during a ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School May 3.

photo courtesy of pvnc.

One student has been selected from each elementary and secondary school and winners were presented with a special medallion. Award recipients were nominated by principals, teachers and in some cases, fellow students. Each demonstrated outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school affairs, involvement in community activities and dedication to a difficult situation or task.

“These award winners are true role models who embody the goals of our Catholic Graduate Expectations,” said Kevin MacKenzie, Chairperson of the Board. “Catholic Education Week affords us a perfect time to pay tribute to the student leaders in our schools and reflect on the importance of faith in our lives, and the role it plays in Catholic education.”

Click here for full release, including hi-res photos and full list of winners in Peterborough, Peterborough County, Clarington, Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland.

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Enter To Win Your Way in to Backyard Summer Social with Five Counties

Socializing online could be the ticket to socializing in-person at Five Counties Children’s Centre’s Backyard Summer Social.

photo courtesy of five counties.

Five Counties Children’s Centre is launching its #LetsBeSocial contest from May 4-17 across its various social media sites. Two tickets are available to be won to the Backyard Summer Social set for June 24 in the outdoor backyard space at Five Counties in Peterborough. Now in its second year, the Backyard Summer Social is the Centre’s signature fundraising event that features music, food, entertainment, fun activities and more.

Entering the #LetsBeSocial Backyard Summer Social contest is easy. Simply like and share the Backyard Summer Social contest post on Five Counties’ Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn sites between May 4-17, then tag the person you’d bring in the Comments section of the post. You will then be entered into a draw for two tickets to the Backyard Summer Social.

“The Backyard Summer Social will see our outdoor backyard space transformed into an adults-only gala event that celebrates the arrival of summer, lets you be like a kid again, and allows you to swap out the tux, gown and heels for T-shirt, shorts and sandals all the while supporting a great cause,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties.

People attending the Backyard Summer Social on June 24 can look forward to:

• Fantastic food/fare catered by La Mesita and SKH Catering.

• Sweet treats from Central Smith and Flossophy.

• Drinks from Rolling Grape and Brock Street Brewery.

• Musical performances by Irish Millie and the Boogie Time Ramblers.

• Live auction and door prizes.

• Axe throwing, lacrosse shootout, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more.

• Behind-the-scenes tour of Five Counties’ Peterborough location.

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social can also be purchased for $125 apiece. Tickets are available online or through Five Counties (email development@fivecounties.on.ca or call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300). Along with a $75 charitable tax receipt, each ticket purchased to the Backyard Summer Social includes all food, a drink ticket, live music, access to all activities, and a chance to win door prizes.

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Local Girl Earns Gold Medal In U16 Female Judo Tournament in Brampton; Ninja Academy Brings Home Seven Medals

Avery Fam of Peterborough’s Ninja Academy captured gold at the Tora Judo Tournament in Brampton in the Gold in U16 Female Division on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Ninja Academy.

“Our athletes have been training up to five days every week over the past several months and the results can be seen in their accomplishments,” said Paul Teleki, Ninja Academy instructor. “Avery’s successful results are owing to her dedication, commitment and perseverance, we are all proud and inspired by her achievements.”

Fam’s teammates Alexa Hendriks, Orion Teleki, and Liam Brown brought home silver while Benjamin O’Bomsawin and Hunter Lawson earned bronze medals in the tournament. Teleki joined the club with a bronze medal in the 73 kg. Masters division.

Photo courtesy of Ninja Academy.

“When we all focus on the success of our athletes as our end goal, the results become evident,” said Teleki.

Ninja Academy has launched its adult Judo programs on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.

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Peterborough Petes Sign First-Round Pick to Standard Player Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed 2023 first-round OHL Priority Selection pick Carson Cameron to a standard player agreement, announced on Thursday.

Cameron was introduced to the public at a press conference at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on April 22. Photo by David Bui.

Cameron was selected 13th overall in the first round by the Petes. The 6’0”, 171 lbs defenceman captained the Central Ontario Wolves U16 AAA last season, where he recorded 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points in 29 games played. His team defeated the AAA U16 Peterborough Petes in the Steve Richey Tournament final in January. Cameron also played a big role as a member of the gold medal-winning Team Ontario in the Canada Winter Games, picking up five points in six games played.

“It’s all pretty surreal,” said Cameron. “It really is a dream come true. I can’t wait to put on the jersey and get to work.”

“We’re really excited to welcome Carson to our team," said Michael Oke, Petes general manager Michael Oke. "He is a talented young defenceman who has a bright future ahead of him. We know Petes’ fans are going to really enjoy watching him play.”

The Petes play Game Five on the road in North Bay on Friday as the series has turned into a best-of-three. Tickets for Game Six go on sale starting at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.

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Voice of Business: Policy Debate Takes Local Business Issues to the Provincial Level

Advocacy through policy is at the heart of what a chamber of commerce does.

As is tradition, chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across Ontario gathered Saturday for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce AGM and Convention to push forward a new round of policy resolutions for the Government of Ontario.

Though the debate is one day, the whole process takes months. Chambers work with their policy teams, committees, boards, and members to lay out and prioritize local business issues that the provincial government can help address. We reach out to businesses in specific sectors, industry groups, and fellow chambers for input and support. Once drafted, the policy resolutions go through a rigorous review by our fellow chambers and the OCC’s Policy and Advocacy Committee. It all culminates in a one-day policy debate where 200 chamber and board of trade delegates present, debate, and vote on the resolutions. All approved resolutions become part of the OCC advocacy efforts at Queen’s Park and beyond for the next three years.

Often, these policy resolutions start with a business talking with its chamber about a particular barrier they are dealing with and offering some solutions that the government should consider. It’s about as grassroots as advocacy gets. This year’s compendium of resolutions covered a wide range of issues, including property tax fairness, rural transit, mining development, alcohol regulation, procurement, local detox centres, workforce needs, and broadband internet expansion.

We submitted four of the 43 resolutions up for debate and all four were approved by the membership:

• Accounting for economic outcomes in regional collaboration projects

Issue: Jobs created during collaborative regional economic development projects are only attributed to the municipality in which they are geographically located.

Recommendation:

Develop a mechanism that allows for multiple municipalities who have invested in a regionally significant project to account for jobs created proportional to financial contribution when reporting to the government.

• Diversifying healthcare to ease the burden on Emergency Rooms and family doctors

Issue: Our hospitals are in crisis, struggling to fulfill all the healthcare needs we are asking of them. At the same time, many people in Ontario are without access to a family doctor. Lack of access to healthcare is leading to greater lost time and limiting workforce mobility. While our hospital and family physician services are in need of investment, there are other healthcare professionals in our communities that are underutilized and can help fill in the gaps when it comes to primary and non-urgent healthcare needs.

Recommendations:

1. Provide more funding for Nurse Practitioner-led clinics, and fund additional Nurse Practitioner seats at Ontario's universities.

2. Expand funding for community paramedicine programs.

3. Support Community Health Centres as a means of addressing healthcare needs for those with barriers and needs that fall outside the scope of traditional healthcare systems.

4. Ensure communities have access to walk-in clinics.

5. Invest in mobile clinics to meet non-urgent healthcare needs in rural communities.

6. Make medical schools more financially accessible to students interested in entering the medical field.

7. Work with the federal government to Improve the mobility of physicians within Canada by broadening the national licensure program.

8. Continue to improve recognition of equivalent qualifications held by international medical graduates to integrate them into the Canadian medical field and meet fast-growing demand.

9. Increase admission capacity for different types of health care professionals.

10. Expand programs to offer incentives for healthcare professionals — including physicians, nurses, specialists, and technicians — to locate in rural and northern regions experiencing higher levels of healthcare workforce shortages.

11. Ensure that communities across Canada possess the digital infrastructure necessary for enhanced and integrated telehealth programs that bring physician teams and patients closer together.

• Invest in Workforce Planning Boards

Issue: Workforce challenges are one of the biggest barriers to economic growth in Ontario. It is essential that businesses, non-profits and charities have access to as many workforce resources and tools as possible. After years of funding cuts and precarious one-year funding agreements, now is the time to re-invest in all 26 Workforce Planning Boards across the province of Ontario with increased funding and three-year contracts.

Recommendations:

1. Increase the funding for each Workforce Planning Board to cover the cost of LMI Help Desk Services, the Local Jobs Hub, and website maintenance and updates.

2. Increase the length of funding agreements with Workforce Planning Boards to three years.

• Tax Rebates for Home Care

Issue: Receiving healthcare at home is the preferred route for most people where feasible, saving both them and the government money, compared to staying in institutions. However, upfront capital costs are a major barrier to home care. Lack of access to a hospital bed and patient lift limits peoples’ access to home care.

Recommendations:

1. Create a one-time refundable $10,000 tax credit toward special medical equipment and renovations, including hospital beds and patient lifts, for people of all ages requiring home care services.

2. Expand funding for virtual home monitoring programs through Ontario Health Teams and other health care providers, to help seniors live safely in their homes and reduce the burden on the hospital system.

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

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Trent University Recognizes Nine Distinguished Research and Symons Teaching Award Winners

In a return to an in-person ceremony, Trent University has announced the recipients of the 2023 teaching and research awards at Stohn Hall at the University’s Student Centre on Wednesday afternoon.

“Each year, the teaching and research awards provide us an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of some of our amazing faculty members – and the ways that they shape Trent as an institution that is known for critical thought, engaging dialogue and interdisciplinarity,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor.

The following is a full list of recipients:

Distinguished Research Award: Dr. Hugh Elton, Ancient Greek and Roman Studies

Celebrating a full career of internationally recognized intellectual contributions, the Distinguished Research Award is the highest honour conferred by the University for research and scholarly activity.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Elton is an internationally renowned scholar in Roman military history and the political and cultural history of the Late Roman Empire. With research focused on the Eastern Frontier (cultural and political boundary covering a large part of Central Asia), Prof. Elton has contributed extensively to our knowledge of the development and impact of the Empire Frontier in the area we now know as Türkiye.

Over his career, Prof. Elton has published three monographs and five co-edited collections with highly regarded scholars in his field, as well as over 60 refereed articles. Since 2020 his publication record continues to flourish with eight published refereed articles, seven more in press and another monograph.

One nominator highlighted, “Whether measured by volume, by quality, or by the impact he has had on other scholars, Prof. Elton’s research contributions are extraordinary.”

The impact of Prof. Elton’s work is simultaneously precise and wide-ranging. His influence spans time as well as place. Recognition for his work was buoyed by many letters from colleagues around the world. As an active lecturer since 1993 and a member of the Ancient Greek & Roman Studies program at Trent since 2006, he has also significantly contributed to the training of highly qualified personnel through mentorship and research guidance, leading his students to many and varied successful careers.

Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Elizabeth Russell, Psychology

The Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, named in honour of Trent’s founding president Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, recognizes faculty and staff members who encourage learning, offer unique experiences to their students, challenge them to do their best work, and inspire them to learn.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Professor Russell is well known for demonstrating a passion for teaching and for her dedication to mentorship, inspiring students to do their best work.

One nominator highlighted, “Never in my academic career have I seen such a commitment, on a professor’s part, to ensuring their students have everything they need to succeed.”

Professor Russell incorporates active learning strategies, authentic assessment forms, and interactive experiential learning into all her courses. Through her role as director of the Trent Centre for Aging and Society, Dr. Russell has led the creation of the TCAS Knowledge Mobilization Hub, a platform to share academic, aging-based research with non-academic audiences, and also the Master’s in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies, a new graduate program which, in true Trent fashion, brings together academic research with hands-on, experiential learning.

She makes a point of getting to know each student by name and maintains a focus on student wellness.

According to another nominator: “Dr. Russell’s concern for students should be the standard by which all others operate.”

Early Career Researcher Awards

Recognizes promising, early-career Trent University researchers and is designed to help accelerate early-stage career faculty in building strong research programs of consequence.          

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dr. Jenn Cole, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and Gender & Social Justice: Professor Cole’s impressive program of research—supported by external grants from the Ontario Arts Council and Social Science and Humanities Research Council—is focused on Indigenous performance and gender and community engagement. Her work has led to a unique combination of artistic expression and academic outputs. Her already extensive publication record includes a peer-reviewed monograph, peer-reviewed journal articles, and a list of widely accessible articles and creative works crafted for the community.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dr. Kimberly Ritchie, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing: The strength of Professor Ritchie’s research program stems from her blend of expertise in mental health, trauma, aging, and healthcare work. With a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, she is supporting trauma-informed organizational practices for healthcare workers. She is also the principal investigator on a project studying the mental health and well-being of veterans. Prof. Ritchie is also affiliated with McMaster University's Trauma and Recovery Unit, further demonstrating considerable involvement in advancing both knowledge and practice in public mental health and trauma.

Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation

Recognizes faculty and staff who make a distinctive impact through their educational leadership and innovation in teaching and learning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dr. Jennifer Newton, Anthropology: As an assistant professor with the department of Anthropology, Professor Newton is known for her extraordinary innovation at the course and department levels. Dr. Newton has worked diligently to create innovative and equitable learning experiences for anthropology students across both campuses, developing unique opportunities and teaching materials for the Durham lab.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dr. Kirk Hillsley, Biology: An assistant professor in the department of Biology, Professor Hillsley is recognized for his pedagogical innovations at the course and department levels. Prof. Hillsley led efforts to create an introductory course for non-science majors and has also been a leader in the development of best practices for online courses within the biology department.

Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance

Recognizes teaching assistants who excel at encouraging learning in workshop, tutorial, seminar, laboratory, or field settings.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

William Kim, Environmental and Life Sciences: Kim, a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental and Life Sciences and a teaching assistant in biology, is championed for his exceptional support for students’ learning. Both students and faculty recognize how Kim goes above and beyond to foster student success.

Award for Excellence in Online Teaching

Recognizes instructors who have demonstrated a passion for, and commitment to, online teaching and who have implemented effective approaches to fostering active learning and student involvement.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dr. Erick Laming, Sociology: An assistant professor of Criminology in the department of Sociology, Laming supports student learning by using a variety of teaching materials to foster multiple modes of student engagement. Professor Laming makes accessibility a priority in his pedagogical approach. 

CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching

Recognizes contract faculty who have a strong, positive impact on students’ learning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dr. Mary-Claire Buell, Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences: As a course instructor in Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences and soon-to-be assistant professor in the Trent School of the Environment and Forensic Science, Professor Buell encourages and supports students’ curiosity and responds quickly and actively to students’ needs. Concepts of equity are successfully built into her course design and materials.

“At Trent University, researchers continue to demonstrate an exceptional level of research activity and a keen commitment to their work, which is truly inspiring,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice president of Research & Innovation. “The range and depth of scholarly activity has garnered global attention, making a profound impact on our understanding of the world and one another. The Trent community extends heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients on these well-deserved recognitions of achievement.”

"This year's award recipients exemplify not only excellence and innovation in their teaching but they also reveal a capacity to inspire students not only to succeed, but to extend their learning beyond the classroom," said Dr. Fergal O'Hagan, associate dean of Teaching and Learning at Trent. "We are humbled by their tireless efforts, and celebrate their dedication to student learning, their lasting impact, and the value teaching holds within the institution."

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Four Days of French Fry Goodness Returns to Morrow Park With Peterborough Poutine Feast

Over 25 poutines have returned to Morrow Park as Peterborough Poutine Feast kicks off a four-day event from Thursday to Sunday.

David Conway, Poutine Feast emcee (left) and Bailey McGlennon, Cornelia Corn Dogs operator (right) featuring a classic and award-winning bacon-double cheeseburger poutine as two of over 25 featured kinds at Peterborough Poutine Feast. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

The poutines came from four different vendors such as Fat Le’s Chip Stand, Groovy Gravy, Jr’s The Upper Deck Express and The Tragically Chip.

Other vendors such as Ms. Ellie’s Lemonade, Mrs. Mini Donuts, Cornelia Corn Dogs and more were other food and drink options available at the event.

Peterborough was one of the original locations of Poutine Feast’s tour before the tour expanded. The travelling food group is hitting 20 cities with Peterborough as the second leg of its tour.

@ptbo_canada Peterborough Poutine Feast is back at Morrow Park from May 4-7! Try out some of their awesome award-winning poutines this weekend! #ptbo #fyp #peterborough #poutine #food #foodtiktok #foodie #fries #frenchfries #cheese #gravy #ptbocanada #delicious #deliciousfood ♬ Levitating (feat. DaBaby) - Dua Lipa

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Hometown PTBO: The Memory of Gordon Lightfoot Told By Musicians The Weber Brothers and James McKenty

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with musicians The Weber Brothers and James McKenty about Gordon Lightfoot's recent passing and their memories of working and being with him.

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Local Students Mentored In World of Choices Program To Explore Future Career Options

Over 200 local students learned from over 25 mentors at the Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) World of Choices program about career paths at Living Hope Church on Thursday.

Ja-NEO held a similar event in early March with the Peterborough Petes at the Peterbrorough Memorial Centre. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

Students ranged from grades 8 to 10 from schools such as St. Martin’s, Adam Scott, Monsignor O’Donoghue and more. Each student listened to five different mentors to gain first-hand insight into career options, benefits and career challenges. Peterborough Fire Department, Peterboro Matboards and RBC were some of the many mentors present.

WOC is a career exploration event aimed at helping students discover new career choices and learn from local industry professionals. Students had the opportunity to get familiar with potential educational paths and grasp a better understanding of the day-to-day duties of several careers.

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