Peterborough Lakers to Host First-Ever Pride Night This Thursday

Rainbows will decorate the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the Lakers are hosting their first-ever Pride Night against the Cobourg Kodiaks for Thursday’s game, announced on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers.

The team will wear specially designed jerseys for the game and will be auctioned off after. The proceeds support Sport A Rainbow, an organization with the mission of ‘inclusion for all in sport,’ and founded by Lakers’ volunteer Rose Powers.

Jerseys can be bid on until 10 minutes after the game. Bidding sheets are available in the main lobby, east lobby and upstairs. You must be present at the game in order to bid on them.

Sport A Rainbow is a pledge initiative that encourages everyone to stand up against hateful speech and actions in all sports, recognizing that sports are about more than just the game. The Lakers team has taken the pledge and players proudly wear Sport A Rainbow helmet stickers. Learn more at https://sportarainbow.ca. 

The Lakers encourage all fans to wear rainbow-coloured clothing to show their pride.

During the first intermission, over 40 Lakers’ Dance Team members will perform in tribute to Riddick MacHart. He suffered life-ending injuries with his parents (and sister Rowghan was airlifted to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto) in November last year and was often the now-retired team mascot Leo the Lion.

The second intermission features a lacrosse demonstration from the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association girls’ teams on the floor. Kids are allowed to participate and play following the demonstration. 

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GreenUp Kicks Off Inaugural Summer Ride Club With Passport Challenge

Peterborough got a unique biking experience to kick off the inaugural GreenUP’s Summer Ride Club to offer cyclers a ride club passport challenge at Quaker Foods City Square on Thursday.

Going over the bumps proves to be no problem for Marcel Hannah, 9, as he was one of the first kids to trying out the cycling course at the rear of the park. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event marked the beginning of summer vacation for many Peterborough and Kawartha students. The event sent students of all ages cycling into summer challenges with a cycling festival, prize draws, events and more.

A ride club passport was available at the event’s launch that features nine weeks of ride challenges for nine weeks of summer. Throughout the nine weeks, participants will use their passports to plan routes, learn bike safety and explore different avenues of the city.

“It could be a beach, it could be a splash pad, close to your house, far away from your house,” said Ashley Burnie, GreenUp active transportation program coordinator. “The adventure is up to you, This will help encourage you to do fun cycling things all summer long.”

Pop-up events, an online community and submitting the passport at the end of the program give a chance to win prizes. Participants can pick up a passport anytime from GreenUP and B!KE: The Community Bike Shop.

The cycling fun fair featured amenities such as bike checks from B!KE: The Community Bike Shop, Wild Rock and Fontaine, pick up cycling community resources from the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Bicycling Advisory Committee (PBAC) and two interactive bike playgrounds. Entertainment from local theatrics professional Tim Holland, a chance to create bike buttons with the Peterborough Library and sign up for the Summer Ride Club community from GreenUP were present at the event to keep maintain children’s interest in cycling.

“It's always hard to get our kids moving over the summer. It can be easy to fall out of routine,” said Burnie. “Say you've been cycling to school all school year long, it helps maintain that routine so in September, you're ready to go. You've been biking, you have more skills and because of that, you're more confident in cycling.”

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66-Year-Old Peterborough Man Captures First Place In Powerlifting; Qualifies For Provincial Championship

Age is just a number for Peterborough’s Richard Gosselin as the 66-year-old took home first place in his division in the Ontario Powerlifting Association’s Classic AF 2023 at the Anytime Fitness in Woodbridge on Sunday.

Matt Goldsmith, Personal Trainer and Coach (left) with Richard Gosselin (right) shortly after winning his gold medal at Anytime Fitness. Photo courtesy of brianna Gosselin.

The win allowed Gosslein to qualify for the provincial championships in 2024.

Gosslein returned to the gym after retiring from his corporate job two years ago. He often worked out as a young teen and into his adult life. He works out every day since his retirement. He says he encourages people to pursue their passions, to follow their lifelong dreams and never let their age hold them back according to a press release.

He was coached by personal trainer Matt Goldsmith. Richard trains at both Goodlife Fitness locations in Peterborough, Ontario. Both at the Monaghan and Chemong locations.

During his journey, Gosselin says he has met a lovely group of supportive people and thanks them for all their encouragement and motivation.

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New PTBO Strong Restaurant Booklet Launched to Support Mental Health

Peterborough diners can save on local eateries while supporting mental health initiatives as PTBO Strong has launched their fundraising restaurant book, ‘Reversing the Trend.’

The deals cannot be combined with any other offer. Photo courtesy of PTBO Strong.

The booklet has various buy-one-get-one-free deals for over 50 different throughout Peterborough. Some participating restaurants include Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, Curry Mantra, P.J.’s Diner, The Pin, Brothers Pizza and more.

They can be purchased online for $30 and supports mental health initiatives from organizations such as A Right to Heal (that also carries the booklets for purchase), Elizabeth Fry - Ellen House, Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) and Kawartha Food Share (KFS).

“We are happy about that as it helps a little with our fundraising,” said Sheila Nabigon-Howlett of PATH. “I have used the booklet several times and found it great on all occasions. It’s a great deal for the diner also for mental health advocacy in Peterborough and of course for the restaurant owners as well.”

“We are so thankful to be included as the recipients of the Peterborough Strong Restaurant Book,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “It has been an incredibly tough couple of years for our clients and member agencies with the rising cost of food and living. These proceeds will allow us to purchase much-needed food items to keep our food bank shelves well stocked for our community members in need.”

More restaurants will be added to the booklet in the near future according to Tim Burke, PTBO Strong co-founder. They expire in July of next year.

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Ontario Free Fishing Continues From Canada Weekend Until July 9

Canada Day celebrations do not have to stop for anglers as the Ontario government is continuing their week-long free fishing event running until Sunday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CANCAST

“To help families celebrate Canada Day, we’re making it easier to get out on the water and experience the world-class fishing opportunities that exist in Ontario,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Fishing is a fun and affordable way for families to enjoy quality time while connecting with nature.”

Families are encouraged to plan their fishing trip or find a local event by visiting http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/.

ID issued by the provincial or federal government must be carried, showing your name and date of birth during this free period.

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Lakers Swing Deal to Bring Hometown Forward Cam Milligan Home In Trade

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers made a last-minute deal with Cobourg prior to the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) trade deadline, sending Cole Hanrahan and a 2024 third-round draft pick to the Kodiaks in exchange for Peterborough’s Cam Milligan on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The right-handed forward is the second Peterborough player the Lakers have acquired in trades this season alongside defender Colton Armstrong in June. Milligan has yet to play for Cobourg this season as he committed to the Sr. B Oakville Rock who are hosting the President’s Cup in August.

Milligan debuted in the MSL with the Lakers in 2013 as a Junior A call-up and spent parts of two seasons with Peterborough before being traded to Cobourg before the 2019 season. 

Hanrahan was a Huntsville native and is a Trent University grad currently playing with the Ennismore James Gang. He appeared in one game for the Lakers this season. 

Paul Day, Lakers general manager said both Milligan and Hanrahan will remain with their Sr. B clubs but will have the option to play in the MSL.  

“Oakville wants to continue to use Milligan but it helps us because we have two roster spots open,” said Day. 

Milligan is eligible to be in Thursday’s lineup against his former squad, the Cobourg Kodiaks at the Memorial Centre at 8 p.m.

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Canada Day Parade Marches Through Downtown Peterborough On Nation's 156th Anniversary

For a second-straight year, the Peterborough Canada Day Parade marched through George Street with 23 floats going through downtown on Saturday afternoon.

All photos by Samantha Bianco.

The parade began at Confederation Square Park and City Hall and ended at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The parade’s theme was ‘Happy Birthday Canada’ which saw floats from organizations such s the Peterborough Petes, Lions Club. MP Michelle Ferrari, Liberal Party of Canada and more.

There were pre-parade activities at Confederation Square that had a bike decorating contest, activities and giveaways including Canada Day temporary tattoos and flags.

The Peterborough Pop Ensemble performed the national anthem prior to the parade’s beginning.

@ptbo_canada ♬ Limelight

Three judges were present to vote on four different categories of the 23 entered floats to fit the ‘Happy Birthday Canada’ theme. The winners are as follows:

• Best musical entry: Hastings Pipe Band

• Best theme float: Murray Fallaise

• Best overall entry: Revolutions Dance Studio

• Best salute to Canada: Peterborough Petes

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Quaker Canada Day Breakfast Nourishes At Quaker Foods City Square

Quaker Canada hosted a complimentary breakfast at Quaker Foods City Square to help kick off Canada Day in Peterborough on Saturday.

All photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Free Quaker product samples were distributed to Canada Day attendees such as a smoothie, a fruit parfait and bran muffins. Quaker Borough apparel was also available for purchase at the Square.

“Thank you to Quaker Foods for hosting a community breakfast on Canada Day,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Quaker is one of the City’s key longstanding employers and we’re thrilled that they are celebrating their anniversary by bringing our community together.”

The breakfast ran alongside the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market.

This was the first Canada Day Quaker Square has operated at full capacity. The park was still under construction but was temporarily open last year for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the UN Peacekeepers Monument. It cost roughly $100,000 to build.

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Good Samaritan Brings Seven Kittens Found In Costco Parking Lot to Safety at The Peterborough Humane Society

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) posted to social media Thursday that seven kittens were brought in by a concerned citizen who found them abandoned in an oil bucket in the Costco parking lot.

photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society, facebook.

“We have done our Intake on them including vaccinations, deworming and deflea. We will do everything possible for these kittens to get them well and find them furever homes,” says the Peterborough Humane Society.

The seven kittens included two girls and five boys in varying conditions. PHS says they promise to keep the public updated on their progress.

“This post is meant to spread awareness, not blame,” the Humane Society goes on to say. “This is at the core of what we do. This is a reality of what PHS does on a day-to-day basis. Our staff are here to help. These kittens now have a fighting chance to heal.”

Those who would like to donate to their care can do so online.

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Video: Cody Crowley Hosting Inaugural Team55 Tackles Suicide Golf Tournament Fundraiser For July 8

As part of Cody Crowley’s pledge to raise at least $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide initiative, he is hosting his inaugural charity golf tournament at Keystone Links Golf on July 8.

@ptbo_canada ♬ son original - FIGHTER 🥊🔥

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