Peterborough Blogs
Trent University Seeking Nominations For 2024 Alumni Association Awards
/Trent University is seeking nominations for their 2024 Alumni Association Awards for any graduate making a difference in their communities.
The following are the categories available for nominations:
Distinguished Alumni Award - presented based on a person's achievement and leadership in business, industry, a profession or in public life.
Spirit of Trent Award - presented to an alum who has made a difference, through contribution to the university, or their community.
Young Leader Award - presented to young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status either in their professional career and/or community, public or humanitarian service and are 35 years of age or younger.
Paul Delaney Award for Outstanding Young Philanthropist - presented to a student or a recent alum whose work sowing seeds of friendship and a spirit of philanthropy makes them an outstanding model for Trent students to emulate.
The David Glassco Prize - recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding generosity of spirit in a range of activities outside the classroom, including music, athletics, or theatre, in the Trent and Peterborough communities.The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance -recognizes an outstanding student leader and underscores the Alumni Association’s high regard for student leadership contribution to the overall mission of Trent University.
The following are the nomination forms:
Alumni Award Forms:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Spirit of Trent Alumni Award
Young Leader Alumni Award
Paul Delaney Award for Outstanding Young PhilanthropistStudent Award Forms:
The David Glassco Prize
The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize
Nomination deadlines end at 11 p.m. on March 7.
Nominees must be Trent University alumni with self-nominations are not accepted. Any Alumni currently sitting in political office are not eligible while in that role.
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Doors Open Peterborough Invites Community For Site Submissions
/Annual event Doors Open Peterborough is introducing a new approach this year by inviting the Peterborough community to ‘submit a site’ to have their property be considered for inclusion in this year’s Doors Open Peterborough program announced on Tuesday.
This annual event provides free access to many city heritage and cultural landmarks that are not usually open to the public to be held on Sept. 14.
Stewart Hamilton, Chair of the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and Chair of the Doors Open Peterborough organizing committee, hopes this new approach will generate new energy and excitement to the program and foster a sense of inclusivity and accessibility.
“To elaborate on our ongoing theme ‘Every Door Has a Story’, we’re hoping to receive submissions of sites not previously featured on Doors Open Peterborough,” he said. “We’re pleased to be offering this opportunity to showcase Peterborough’s many community stories through new places, tours and events not seen before.”
To learn more about Doors Open Peterborough 2024 and access the “Submit a Site” online form everyone can visit peterborough.ca/DoorsOpen2024.
Doors Open Peterborough is funded by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee and is part of Doors Open Ontario which is coordinated by the Ontario Heritage Trust.
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Mayor Jeff Leal to Proclaim February As Black History Month
/Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim February as Black History Month during a Black History Month launch event hosted by Peterborough's Community Race Relations Committee at the Peterborough Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians in our City,” said Leal. “Please join our community as we mark the start of this important month.”
Resgistration is required to attend the launch event.
The Black History Month launch event keynote speaker is Shanique Victoria Edwards, the lead researcher for Black Mental Health Canada and a member of its circle of leaders. Edwards is a psychotherapist who specializes in racial trauma and BIPOC mental health.
Christine Maclin, a local activist and secretary/treasurer for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, will speak on her journey through mental health, self-discovery and healing.
Sahira Q, who is a local activist and artist, will also share a speech and performance during the Black History Month launch event.
For updates from Peterborough's Community Race Relations Committee, follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/racerelationspeterborough.
Peterborough Museum and Archives
Visit the Peterborough Museum and Archives for a children’s craft that recognizes Black History Month and children’s books in the Reading Nook. The activities are self-guided and available at no cost during the museum’s regular hours. Peterborough Museum and Archives admission is by donation.
Instagram Live conversation
Reem Ali, the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisor, will be hosting an Instagram LIVE conversation with Patricia Wilson, the Community Race Relations Committee coordinator and founder of Diverse Nature Collective, starting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 2. Everyone is invited to tune in at instagram.com/cityptbo. An Instagram account is not required.
Peterborough Public Library
Peterborough Public Library includes diverse voices in its regular library programming and collections throughout the year by selecting diverse authors for story times, book club, book displays and other activities. For Black History Month, it is offering:
Feb. 5-17 - Book displays in both the Children’s and Adult areas – “Celebrate Black Voices”
Feb. 10 – Children’s movie: Hair Love and The Princess and the Frog
Feb. 13 – Film & Discussion: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Feb. 15 – Tween Book Club: Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
Feb. – Adult Book Club In Person or Online: Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
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City of Peterborough Hosting Free Family Skate Celebration On Sunday
/The City of Peterborough is hosting a free Family Skate Celebration at Quaker Foods City Square from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
“Bundle up and enjoy the best the season has to offer at this free Family Skate,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “Shake off the January blahs in the fresh outdoor air having fun, getting exercise and connecting with our community.”
The celebration will feature music by DJ Lynz and free hot chocolate for attendees. A limited supply of free toques from Call2Recycle – a not-for-profit organization that provides battery recycling programs – will be handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Skate and helmet rental is available at Runner's Life at 174 Charlotte St. Rental rates and hours of operation can be found at Runner's Life.
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Peterborough County Launches Blankets for People 2024 Campaign
/Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) is launching the second annual 'Blankets for People' campaign from Jan. 8 until March 15 announced on Friday morning.
This initiative supplies essential blankets and sleeping bags to those in need during winter.
The campaign partners with the County of Peterborough, the City of Peterborough, One City Peterborough and Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre.
The County encourages residents in the greater Peterborough area to contribute new or gently used blankets and sleeping bags. Drop-off is available starting on Monday at Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre (655 Parkhill Rd. W.) in Peterborough. Donated items will be professionally cleaned by Windsor’s at no cost and delivered to the Trinity Community Centre at 360 Reid St. in Downtown Peterborough. Donations will be accepted until March 15.
Individuals seeking a blanket or sleeping bag can visit the Trinity Community Centre and approach the helpful staff without formalities. They will receive a clean blanket or sleeping bag without questions. Blankets will be available for pick up until March 15.
New this year is 'pop-up' drop-off and pick-up locations throughout Peterborough County throughout this campaign. Peterborough Paramedics and Peterborough County staff members will attend one Public Skate session in each township, where residents can ‘Fill the Ambulance’ with blanket donations. This 'popup' location will also be a chance for any individual in need to pick up a freshly cleaned blanket.
Township of Cavan Monaghan Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, Jan. 14 from 1 - 2 p.m.
Township of Selwyn Ennismore Community Centre, Jan. 28th from 1 - 2 p.m.
Township of Havelock-Belmont Methuen Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Community Centre, Feb. 4 from 1 - 2 p.m.
Township of North Kawartha North Kawartha Community Centre, Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Township of Douro-Dummer Douro Community Centre, Feb. 11 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan Otonabee Memorial Community Centre, Feb. 18 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Township of Asphodel-Norwood Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. - noon
Municipality of Trent Lakes date and time to be determined
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Peterborough County Accepting Nominations For 2024 Community Recognition Awards
/Nominations are open for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community, announced on Thursday.
The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.
Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.
Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)
Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)
Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered
Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)
Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.
Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:
Developed innovative green technologies or
Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or
Donated conservation lands or easements or
Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or
Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or
Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)
Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)
Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.
Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)
Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.
Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.
Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 1 are requested.
The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.
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David Tuan Bui's Top Five Stories of 2023
/And with that, 2023 is about to be history as another year passes with me as a part of PTBOCanada. Peterborough has a population of just under 84,000 people. Tack on everyone in the Kawarthas and we’re still not bigger than some neighbouring cities like Oshawa, Whitby and beyond.
However, the amount of news, unbelievable stories and iconic people never seems to stop and I have had the pleasure to witness and report on a vast amount of it. I’ve been in this town for over 30 years of my life and I never stop learning more about my city.
These are my top five stories — in no particular order — that I truly enjoyed covering in 2022.
It’s no secret that I’m a hockey fan and only one of two Los Angeles Kings fans (that I know of) in Peterborough.
But to see my hometown Peterborough Petes win the OHL Championship was an unforgettable experience. I have been covering them since I started working for PTBOCanada in March 2021. Countless hours were spent watching games, highlights, conducting interviews and beyond.
I put in a lot of extra time and work during their playoff run, culminating in witnessing history before my eyes and playing a tiny role. I got to be on the ice to do post-game interviews and get immersed in the celebrations. I am certain I did not get home until 1 a.m. that night but it was well worth it.
I could have put a lot of Petes’ stories on this list but I’m going to keep it to one.
I have always been looking for reasons to go golfing ever since I picked it up as a Covid hobby but this was a touching story. So much so that I had to be a part of it as a journalist and a golfer.
The Gardner family had lost their five-year-old son William in a golf cart accident last year and started a memorial tournament in his honour.
The day was filled with fun but a lot of emotion but 155 golfers were out to show their support. I’ve been to several charity golf tournaments in my short golf life but that was a high number for an inaugural event compared to others that I’ve played in.
Sure enough, the above photo also made my top 10 photos story posted earlier this week.
I was selected to be a play-by-play commentator for the North American Invitational (LAXNAI) for a third straight year in Utica, N.Y. from late September to early October. Last year, women’s lacrosse was showcased but this year had the inaugural women’s tournament.
Peterborough’s Erica Evans, Lou Warner and Payton Crough were playing for BP Lawyers and became tournament champions. Evans was also named MVP.
Technically, I was off-duty from PTBOCanada at this point in time but with Peterborough women’s lacrosse making a statement in an international tournament, I could not help but indulge in turning it into a story.
During May, students of Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board learned about Asian heritage. Naka Japanese and Hanoi House owner Susan Tung was invited to perform a food demo for students as part of the school’s Cook Eat Love culinary program.
They made fresh Vietnamese spring rolls which were a common and popular meal of my heritage. It consisted of Vietnamese sausage, vermicelli, lettuce, cucumbers rolled in rice paper. It was dipped in either a fish sauce or peanut sauce.
Of course, I had to jump in there and help the students learn how to prepare them after reporting on the event. I recall even having this meal with my family on the weekend prior to the demo so I was fresh off making them. That was a lucky coincidence.
The Glasbergen family did amazing things with their magnificent displays of Halloween, Easter, Christmas and a dinosaur park with ‘Seasons on Ravenwood.’
However, this was the final year they were doing it, including their large ghost pirate ship, amid several complaints regarding safety. The family also collected non-perishable goods and money to donate to St. Vincent de Paul.
It was an absolute spectacle to see year in and year out that also got national recognition. I am not sure if the holidays will be the same in Peterborough without them. I am glad I got to be a part of it in spreading the community cheer.
I’d also like to recognize PTBOCanada’s newest employee and colleague this year, our graphic designer Mark Dizon. If you have ever seen his work, it is marvellous. We met him at Fleming College as an international student from the Philippines.
He was the winner of a graphic design contest for the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough’s anti-stigma campaign called the ‘Missing Piece.’
We were impresses with his work so much that we hired him shortly after his graduation!
Peterborough and the Kawarthas never seem to stop with wonderful and fascinating stories.
I’ve enjoyed covering our City and County and will continue to do so with pride. I’m eager to see what 2024 has in store especially since I was able to welcome my first child in June, Serenity!
Here’s to a great new year, PTBO! 2024 should be a wonderful time!
David Tuan Bui's Top 10 Photos of 2023
/As I mentioned in last year’s edition, I do not espouse the thought of calling myself one of the best local photographers in Peterborough.
But with each year comes experience, growth and maturity in every skill I honed in my young and short journalism career. We are only taught so much in journalism school and another great way to learn is to go into the world and try.
Again, like last year, my skills and Rome were not built in a day, much like the thoughts and reasoning behind great Roman philosophers I studied at Trent University, such as St. Augustine of Hippo and Cicero (okay, I’m getting a little carried away).
Nonetheless, my quest for knowledge and tenacity to learn has not stopped and rightfully so if I want to continue my journalism career.
However, it is flattering to know that some pictures I took have been used commercially for local organizations such as the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Peterborough Business Social Club and Hospice Peterborough. They are definitely signs of improvement for sure.
Nonetheless, these are my top ten photos that I have taken for PTBOCanada in chronological order:
The 37th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim held by the Rotary Club was back at the YMCA of Central East Ontario, raising money for Easter Seals and various Rotary projects.
This event has fundraised over $1.32 million since February and saw 19 teams try to raise over $50,000 for this year’s event.
A similar picture made my top five list last year with Renee Oake and her father Carl Oake. This year, it was her and her son Oscar Weinstein. You could see the jubilance of the two after Renee’s swim.
Immediately looking at this picture, you could tell Burton Lee, former Peterborough Petes executive director of business operations, had the charisma to capture the attention of the young students.
Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario and their World Choices program had students listen and learn intimately about the day-to-day lives of various careers.
We were also invited as guest speakers for this event too.
We got a good look at ‘Walter’ from this shot as Ben Bumstead caught him just 30 minutes into the derby. He’s also the stepson of Justin Desbarbieux who caught it last year.
Walter is the top prize at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Under the Lock Fishing Derby held every year at the Peterborough Lift Locks.
Peterborough Child & Family Centre marked their 40th anniversary with a new Playscape for their facility and Phoebe (pictured) was enjoying every second of it.
You can tell she’s enjoying the new playground, and all the parents in the background are enjoying watching their children play.
The PlayScape features a repurposed downhill slide, a circular track for walking and biking, a play kitchen, a canopy and other playground equipment. It replaced a tall climber that had occupied the outdoor space for several years.
St. John Catholic Elementary School had a pow-wow to celebrate Indigenous culture in mid-May.
Many students and faculty had Indigenous roots and saw Members of Hiawatha First Nations, Haudenosaunee and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation come together for the sacred event.
Kelli Marshall put her beautiful shawl on display and you could see all the colours and its design with this shot.
The third-annual "Be a Saint" St. Joseph's at Fleming golf tournament raised money to upgrade the facility’s infrastructure.
It turns out that celebrity golf entertainer and instructor Todd Keirstead was at the event performing trick shots and I got a solid shot of what he could do.
@ptbo_canada Editor David helps @PGATOUR golf entertainer Todd Keirstead with a trick shot at the Quarry Golf Club for the third-annual “Be a Stant” St. Joseph’s at Fleming’s golf fundraiser tournament! #ptbo #ptbocanada #fyp #journalism #journalismlife #journalist #journalistlife #peterborough #news #followers➕ #follow #following #golf #golftiktok #golftok #golfer #golflife #sports #sportstiktok #trickshot #trickshots ♬ Golf - Clean Cutt Crew