Peterborough Police Provide Tips For Safe Holiday Shopping

The Peterborough Police Service has provided tips to the public for safe holiday shopping.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Here are a few tips provided from the police:

• If you are out shopping, make sure any purchases or valuables in your vehicle are out of sight.

• Be aware of distraction thefts. This happens when one person distracts you with a question while another takes your valuables such as phones, wallets or gifts. It can occur in a store or even in a parking lot. 

• If packages are being delivered to your house, make sure you have a plan for when they arrive. Perhaps a neighbour will pick them up for you or plan to be home if possible. Or ask that delivery requires a signature. 

• If you have a camera installed, ensure it is in good working order and connected to your phone to notify you of movement on your porch.  

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A Cappella Chorus Group The Aces of Harmony to Serenade Downtown During Late-Night Shopping Event

Local award-winning a cappella chorus group, The Aces of Harmony, is serenading downtown streets from 5 - 7 p.m. during The Boro’s late-night shopping event this Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Aces of Harmony has been part of Peterborough’s music scene for over 50 years. The a cappella chorus sings close harmony in the barbershop style. During the late-night shopping event, they will sing classic holiday tunes to create a cheery atmosphere downtown for seasonal shopping.

“We love Peterborough and really wanted to do something for the downtown business community this holiday season,” said Diane Martin, director of the Aces Harmony. “We’re so excited to partner with the Peterborough DBIA to bring our harmonies (and holiday cheer) into the downtown core and to bring smiles to people’s faces as they enjoy a night out shopping and dining.”  

Over 35 businesses are participating in the late-night shopping events. A map has been created to locate the participating retailers. When purchasing at participating locations, shoppers will receive double the stamps on their holiday shopping passports.

Parking is also free in Downtown Peterborough after 6 p.m. and holiday shopping is free for two hours prior to that time.

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Local Pedorthist Publishes New Book Highlighting Peterborough Petes 67-Year History With 101 Short Stories

Local pedorthist Nick Caravaggio Jr. recalls the Peterborough Petes 67-year history in a new book he published called ‘Petes 101: The Unofficial History of the Peterborough Petes.’

Nick Caravaggio Jr. is a Canadian Certified Pedorthist at the Caravaggio Orthotic Clinic. He took over the business from his late father, Nick Caravaggio Sr., a founding member of orthotic therapy in Canada. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 300-page book contains 101 short chapters throughout the team’s 67-year tenure including the recent 2022-23 OHL Championship title.

“I've always wanted to write a book. It's been on my bucket list for a long time and I've just been a big sports fan my entire life,” explained Caravaggio. “There's a lot of books out there about the Canadiens, the Leafs and whatnot that are similar to this book and I thought it would be cool to try for the Petes.”

The book pays homage to his late father and Petes fan, Nick Caravaggio Sr. Before the father’s passing, Caravaggio Sr. was able to read most of the book. He took Caravaggio Jr. — when he was six at the time— to his first Petes game on Nov. 3, 1990. To commemorate the occasion, Caravaggio Sr. bought his son a puck that bears the book's cover.

The late father ran the Caravaggio Orthotic Clinic and could not spend much time with his son. The Petes game became the foundation for the close bond between both Nicks and they made a concerted to attend games more frequently to spend more time together.

“He's the main reason why we have such a good relationship with the Petes because he took me to my first game,” explained Caravaggio Jr. “We had such a good connection and it just strengthened our whole bond. I have to thank the Petes because they're the reason why my dad and I had such a good relationship.”

The book contains interviews with Petes’ players, coaches, staff and more throughout the team’s 67-year span. Interviews for the book included Don Barrie, Pat Casey, Scotty Bowman, Terry Doyle and several others.

He credits former Petes general manager Jeff Twohey with getting him closer to the world of junior hockey than he ever imagined according to the book. He also mentions local author, journalist, and former editor Ed Arnold for being his mentor and helping him write the book. Caravaggio Jr. only had a few people to talk to for the book but the aforementioned helped establish more connections for interviews.

“It just kind of snowballed,” explained Caravaggio Jr. “This whole community, they're so tight. They're such nice people and very welcoming to me. I'm not a hockey guy, I never played at a high level so they're very welcoming to accept me and actually talk to me.”

The book is available on Amazon, the Petes store (at the Peterborough Memorial Centre) and Caravaggio Orthotic Clinic for $25. Caravaggio Jr. is signing book copies before the Petes game at the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame and Museum at 6 p.m. this Thursday.

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'One in Five Households Struggle to Afford Food' Says Peterborough Public Health

Food security has become an increasing issue as nearly one in five Peterborough City and County residents worry about running out of money for food according to a new report from Peterborough Public Health (PPH) announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 2023 Addressing Food Insecurity in Peterborough Report says that inadequate incomes result in the highest rates of food insecurity our region has ever seen as stated by PPH.  

“It is no secret that the cost of food has gone up,” said Lauren Kennedy, PPH registered dietitian. “Many people are really struggling to afford food, a basic human need. No one should have to choose between shelter or food but this is a reality that is negatively impacting their physical and mental health.”  

Although food prices have increased dramatically over the past year, insufficient income remains the critical issue behind rising food insecurity said Kennedy.

“This report documents the lived experience of too many members of our community,” she said. “It is disturbing that nearly 20 per cent of households worry about running out of money for food. This is the highest level we have ever seen.”

Joan DiFruscia, Peterborough Food Action Network member and Chair of the Otonabee-South Monaghan Food Cupboard, says she has supported emergency food programs for over 40 years.

“Food banks work hard to serve community members in need. But they are meant to be a temporary fix, not the solution,” she said. “They do not address the root cause of food insecurity. Systemic change is urgently needed and increasing income is key.” 

“We encourage everyone in our community to speak up for more money for food,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH Medical Officer of Health. “Raising incomes is the only way to prevent food insecurity. Now is the time to stand up for more money for food.” 

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Winner of First Holiday Shopping Passport Early Bird Draw Announced

Tony Jeffery has won a $500 Boro gift card from the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) first Holiday Shopping Passport early bird draw, announced on Monday.

Holiday Shopping Passport Early Bird winner Tony Jeffery (left) celebrating his win at Gentry Apparel with store owner Andrew Damiany (right). Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Jeffery’s winning passport was drawn at the Peterborough DBIA office on Wednesday.

“I’ve been filling out holiday shopping passports for a long time as I lived and worked downtown for many years. It feels so nice to win after being a long-term stamp collector,” said Jeffery. “Our downtown is so dynamic. It has always had so many unique shops, restaurants, and cafes with new places to discover all the time – not to mention it’s the perfect size for getting around. I’m so excited to win and treat my wife to a nice dinner and cross some more items off my shopping checklist.” 

During the Holiday Passport season, shoppers receive a stamp for every $10 spent participating downtown business. After 20 stamps, passport holders can complete the contact form on it and drop it off at participating businesses to be entered into the draw.

They are available at over 140 participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, and cafes downtown for free. Each completed Holiday Shopping Passport entered them into a ballot to win $1,500 in Boro gift cards.  

The following early bird draw for a $500 Boro gift card occurs on Wednesday.

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Peterborough Petes Struggle to Find the Back of the Net in 2-1 Loss to Ottawa 67's

The Petes did not end the weekend as they wanted by taking a 2-1 loss despite 40 shots on net to the Ottawa 67’s at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ottawa opened the scoring halfway through the first as Caden Kelly entered the zone on a rush. Peterborough had four men back but the 67’s sniped it through Petes goaltender Zach Bowen for a 1-0 lead. The Petes led 17-12 in shots for the period.

Peterborough found the scoreboard just after 11 into the second period as they had a three-on-one opportunity. The Petes cycled the puck perfectly and Quinton Pagé got to cap off the goal to tie things up at 1. Ottawa restored their lead just five minutes later as they had an outnumbered attack in the Petes defensive zone. Cooper Foster was able to beat Bowen via five-hole for the 2-1 lead. Ottawa had 10 shots to Peterborough’s 8 in that stanza.

The final frame saw the Petes pepper 67’s goalie Max Donoso with 15 shots to Ottawa’s six but could not get one past the goal line and the 67’s hung on for a 2-1 win.

The Petes will try to get back in the winning column this Thursday as they host the Kingston Frontenacs for their annual Christmas Game. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Proswing Golf Simulators, Kawartha Golf and Country Club, Premier’s Awards and The Boro

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Dylan Purves recently opened a new business called Proswing Golf Simulators. Located at 401 McDonnel St. in Peterborough.

Purves describes it as a state-of-the-art facility boasting Trackman technology, allowing you to virtually play several world-renowned golf courses including Pebble Beach and Augusta. You can book an hour to come in to improve your game, pull together a foursome and play a round, or host a birthday party or event. For details visit proswing.ca.

Lots of changes coming to Kawartha Golf and Country Club.

Blake Ulrich was recently named as the new Head Professional. Blake was born and raised in Peterborough and was a junior member at Kawartha for 10 years. He replaces Mark Ahrens. Meanwhile, the Clubhouse will be torn down this winter to be replaced with a new 6,000-square-foot clubhouse, opening in Spring 2025. The new building will feature an expanded outdoor terrace, change facilities and lockers, a lounge, dining room, kitchen, a meeting room and administrative offices.

The annual Premier’s Awards recognize exceptionally talented Colleges Grads.

This year there are six Fleming College nominees, including Dylan Trepanier in Business, Heather George in Community Services, Rochelle Byrne, in Creative Arts and Design, Vanessa Raaymakers for Health Sciences, Naman Khandelwal, a recent graduate in Global Business Management and Evan Hall, in Technology.

As you go about your Holiday Shopping this year, remember to check out all of the wonderful local shops and services here in the Kawarthas.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have their annual Hometown Holiday directory, with gift ideas and a new daily deal in their online advent calendar. Pkchamber.ca. Downtown Peterborough has theBoro.ca, and the many towns and villages in the Kawarthas have wonderful locally-owned shops to explore. Remember, you can keep your town in business by keeping your business in town.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Assistance In Location Missing 76-Year-Old Woman

UPDATE: 08/12/23 2:47 p.m.

She has been located safe.

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing 76-year-old woman Norma Nicholls as reported on Friday afternoon.

Nicholls has been missing since 9:30 a.m. Friday from her home in the Royal Drive and Olympus Avenue area. She has dementia and was last seen wearing a red coat, cloth material, running shoes and no hat or mitts.

She is described as:

• White female 

• 5'6" 

• Short white hair with glasses

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225.

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The City's Social Services Office Continues Extended Office Hours

The City of Peterborough’s Social Services office continues to offer extended hours at their location in Charlotte Mews at 178 Charlotte St., announced on Friday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

They are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday as part of a pilot project that began on Oct. 1.

By extending regular office hours, Social Services aims to improve in-person access to services for individuals working, attending school, or having other commitments during traditional business hours, according to the City.

The Social Services office can be contacted during office hours by calling 705-748-8830. Outside of regular business hours, Social Services maintains after-hours emergency services that can be accessed by calling 705-926-0096.

The six-month pilot project to test extended office hours for Social Services will continue until April 1, 2024. Social Services staff will track how well individuals use the extended hours, response times and client feedback, which will be considered when reviewing the effectiveness of extended hours.

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Over 1,800 Donations at Annual Teddy Bear Toss; Petes Lose to Bulldogs, 4-2

The Petes collected 1,800 donations from their annual Teddy Bear Toss game and fell to the Brantford Bulldogs 4-2 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes got an early power play and Peterborough did not have to wait long to get the teddy bears thrown onto the ice.

Captain Donovon McCoy got a juicy rebound from Chase Lefebvre and sunk it home on a wide-open net for a 1-0 lead just 2:06 into the game. The goal stood as the period’s only score.

The teddy bears collected went towards the Move 99.7 and Pure Country 105 Christmas Toy Drive, in support of the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Appeal. 

The Bulldogs got rolling in the second as former Pete Nick Lardis came on the rush on an outnumbered attack. He sniped it past Liam Sztuska and tied it at 1-1. Brantford continued to succeed with long shots as Cedricson Okitundu from outside the faceoff circle also got one past Sztuska late in the period for a 2-1 lead.

Peterborough struck early in the third to tie things up as the team’s newest Pete, Ryder McIntyre, pounced on a rebound and scored on a wide-open net for a 2-2 tie.

With less than two minutes winding down in regulation, Cole Brown scored at the point to give Brantford a late 3-2 lead. They tacked on an empty-netter and left Peterborough with a win.

The Petes will try to snap their losing streak as they head to the nation’s capital to take on the Ottawa 67’s on Saturday.

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