Riverview Park and Zoo’s Nine-Year-Old Sichuan Takin, Yao Ming, Passes Away

The Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) Sichuan Takin, Yao Ming has passed away, announced on Friday.

Photocourtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo.

The nine-year-old Sichuan Takin experiencing a decline in his overall health and body condition over the last few months and passed away overnight according to the Zoo.

His remains have been sent to the Guelph University Animal Health Laboratory in Kempsville for determination of the cause of death.

“We would like to especially thank our consulting veterinarian Dr. John Sallaway and his team of health experts and specialists who offered their knowledge and support in the diagnosis and treatment of the beloved takin. As well, we extend our gratitude and condolences to the caring zookeepers who had given extra attention to Yao Ming’s special needs and health over his lifetime at Riverview Park and Zoo. His loss will be significantly felt in the community, and he will be sorely missed by his RPZ team,” according to a statement made by the Zoo.

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Five Counties Children's Centre Brings the Fun With Annual Backyard Summer Social On June 22

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is bringing the heat for its Backyard Summer Social fundraising event which will take place on June 22 from 1 to 4 p.m., as announced on Monday.

Five Counties Children’s Centre staff members Linsey Kampf (left) and Maddie Jackson (right) encourage people to come out to the third annual Backyard Summer Social on June 22. In each of its first two years, the Backyard Summer Social has raised more than $40,000 annually. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The summer fun is at FCCC’s backyard space on 872 Dutton Rd. in Peterborough.

The funds go to FCCC’s Building Abilities For Life Campaign which funds priority, high-demand services like speech therapy and occupational therapy in an effort to reduce long waiting times for kids to receive these critical services according to a press release.

Activities at the Social are a petting zoo, alpacas, axe-throwing, circus performers, inflatable jousting, classic picnic games, live music, drinks, treats and foods from local vendors.

“The Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only event that lets you be a kid again, at least for an afternoon,” said Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development. “No tux, gown, or heels are required — instead, sun dresses, T-shirts, shorts, or sandals are how to make a fashion statement here.”

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are $125 each and available online, through email at 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 from various local vendors, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities and games and a chance to win prizes.

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Comedian Chris D’Elia Brings "Straight Outta The Multiverse Tour" to Peterborough Memorial Centre Sept. 13

Comedian Chris D’Elia is making the Peterborough Memorial Centre a stop from his ‘Straight Outta The Multiverse Tour’ on Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.

D'Elia is also a father to sons, Calvin, born in 2020 and William, born in 2023. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The stand-up comedian has toured the US and Canada and has three comedy specials available on Netflix: No Pain, Man on Fire and Incorrigible. He was chosen as one of four comics to represent the US in Netflix's 2019 Series ‘Comedians of the World’ which features 47 comedians from 13 regions in eight different languages. His first special, ‘White Male, Black Comic’ debuted on Comedy Central in 2013 and he can be seen on Comedy Central's Roast of Justin Bieber.

The comedian is also known for his podcast ‘Congrautlations with Chris D’Elia’ since its debut in February 2017. He is also a co-star on The Golden Hour with Brendan Schaub and Erik Griffin.

The venue pre-sale begins Wednesday at noon and the public sale is on Thursday at noon.

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Peterborough Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Items From a Parked Car

A 34-year-old Peterborough man is facing theft charges from a parked vehicle after an incident early Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:30 a.m., Police received a report of an unknown man entering a vehicle in the Firwood Crescent and Weller Street area. They located a man matching the description given and took him into custody.

During a search after arrest, officers located a hammer, a box cutter, along with multiple cards belonging to another person. 

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada

  • Theft Under $5,000 from a Motor Vehicle

  • Trespassing at Night

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court Monday.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kawartha Barbershop, Bargain Binz, New Canadians Centre and Habitat For Humanity

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

After six years working in Canada as a barber, Shiar Mourad opened his own barber shop five months ago.

Located at 245 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough, Kawartha Barbershop offers stylish cuts with excellent service and attention to detail at reasonable rates. Customers rave about their experiences. Drop by the new shop or get in touch online to book an appointment.

Bargain Binz has a new Peterborough location at 1135 Lansdowne St. W., Unit 25, in Peterborough.

They have an everything must go business model. Each week they receive truckloads of overstocked and customer returned items from large online retailers across Canada. The sales begin Saturday with prices dropping every day until they hit rock bottom on Fridays. Then it’s cleared out and new merchandise is available Saturdays. The inventory is always changing. Drop by and see what interesting deals you might find.

The New Canadians Centre is celebrating 45 years in our community by holding a block party on June 28 from 2 to 6 pm.

It’s going to be a fun-filled afternoon that includes a talent show, multicultural crafts, henna, face painting, a bouncy castle, and delicious food. There will be a cultural fair to learn about some of Peterborough’s multicultural and faith-based groups and their programing. It’s planned for outdoors with a rain backup inside their building. It all takes place in and around 221 Romaine St.

Habitat for Humanity has a new location opening in Lakefield.

The new store is planned this summer at 3001 Lakefield Road in the former Overstock Liquidation building at corner of Buckhorn Road. Habitat is currently winding down operations at its south end location on Braidwood Avenue and will continue operating its north end and Lindsay locations. The new location will be more than 10,000 square feet. The Restore is a non-profit home improvement and building supply store that accepts and resells donations of gentry used items that include building materials, décor, appliances, furniture, and tools.

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Trent Excalibur Names Jocelyne Lemay As New Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse

Former world champion Jocelyne Lemay has been selected as the new Head Coach of the Trent Excalibur Women’s Lacrosse program, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Lemay played lacrosse for four years from 2015-2019 at Central Michigan University, graduating with a science degree before completing her Education degree at Trent.

She competed as a student-athlete with the Excalibur for two seasons from 2020 to 202) before joining the program as an assistant coach for the past two years. In 2019, Lemay was part of Team Canada’s World Championship squad that captured the Women’s Field Lacrosse title.

“I am thrilled to have Jocelyne lead our Women’s Lacrosse program going forward,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent director of athletics and recreation. “Her NCAA experience as a student-athlete, coaching philosophy and clear vision for our program aligned seamlessly with our new standard of success and belief in community involvement. As a former world champion with Team Canada’s field lacrosse team, she brings elite-level experience with a championship pedigree. Having played on, and been an assistant coach with our team, she has a strong sense of pride in the Excalibur and shares our values in developing holistic student-athletes.”

Lemay has an OUA gold medal under her belt from her 2021 season as a student-athlete and both a silver and bronze medal from her time as an assistant coach from 2022-2023.

“I'm very excited to step into this new role as the Trent Women's Lacrosse Head Coach,” said Lemay. “My time as a student-athlete is something that I cherish and my goal is to provide the same opportunities and experiences to our current and future players. I'm committed to working with each student-athlete to ensure they are successful on the field, in the classroom and amongst our community.”

Training camp for the 2024-25 season begins in August with the season kicking off in September.

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Petes AA Assistant Captain Named Recipient of H.O.P.E. Bursary 2024 Steve Montador Bursary

Peterborough Petes AA assistant captain Jack Crawford has been named the recipient of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) and Helping Others Participate Equally’s (HOPE) 2024 Steve Montador Bursary.

(From left to right) Vince Bierworth (GPHSF), Amanda McInnes (St. Peter’s Secondary), Laura Kennedy (H.O.P.E.) Jack Crawford and Dave Crawford. Photo courtesy of Susan Owen and GPHSF.

The H.O.P.E. Bursary, in honour of Steve Montador, was established to support students transitioning from high school to college/university who suffer the long-term effects of a sports-related concussion and require a reduced academic course load due to injury.

Crawford has been suffering long-term ramifications of a concussion but he has remained a positive influence in his community according to his coach, Scott Hartwick.

“(Jack) was always willing to help when asked and who tried his best with everything he did. He is an extremely dependable and trustworthy individual and was made assistant captain of the team on numerous occasions.”

Crawford is graduating from St. Peters Catholic Secondary School this year and has been accepted to attend the University of Guelph in the fall.

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Community Care Peterborough's "Grandparent of the Year" Winners Announced

Elders were honoured at Community Care Peterborough’s 36th-annual Grandparent of the Year awards ceremony as the winners were announced at the Peterborough Public Library on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Community Care Peterborough.

The event encouraged children from across the region of Peterborough to recognize a Grandparent, Elder or a special older person in their life.

Nearly 200 nominations from students in grades one to six were submitted including a hand-drawn picture of them with their loved ones.

This year, nominations from children in grade one were accepted; previously, it was open to grades two to six. Several dozen French applications were also received, allowing children to practice their French language skills.

“Each year we are so touched by the array of heartwarming stories we receive from across the City and County of Peterborough,” said Danielle Belair Community Care CEO.

The awards ceremony is referred to as a ‘Smiles All Around’ event.

This year, Community Care presented eight awards, with four winners and four honourable mentions awarded across two categories: Primary (grades 1 – 3) and Junior (grades 4 – 6).

Winners and Honourable Mentions by category:

In the Primary Category (English language):

  • Winner – Levi Kloosterman, Grade 3, St. Teresa Catholic Elementary School – nominated his Grandpa Frank Drumm (nicknamed “Bubba”)

  • Honourable Mention – Keira M, Grade 2, Edmison Heights Public School – nominated her Great Grandpa Giuseppe

In the Primary Category (French language):

  • Winner – Ari Singh, Grade 2, Edmison Heights Public School – nominated his Grandma Suriakala

  • Honourable Mention – Makayla Anokye, Grade 2, Edmison Heights Public School – nominated her Grandma Thy Oeun

In the Junior Category (English language):

  • Winner – Kimberly Chambers, Grade 4, St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School – nominated her Nana Darlene Damiani

  • Honourable Mention – Charlee Dawson, Grade 6, St. Paul Catholic Elementary School – nominated her Grandma Laraine Langley

In the Junior Category (French language):

  • Winner – Owen Anderson, Grade 5, Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated his Grandma Jane Anderson

  • Honourable Mention – Madi McKeiver, Grade 6, Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Grandma Cathy McKeiver

“Congratulations to all the winners, nominees and participants,” said Anna Graham said The Gardens of Peterborough sales and marketing coordinator. “The Gardens of Peterborough is proud to be the Title Sponsor for Grandparent of the Year Award.”

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Joe Resetarits Lifts Peterborough Lakers Past Brampton Excelsiors With Four-Goal Performance

The Peterborough Lakers get their first win of the season led by a four-goal performance from Joe Resetarits to defeat the Brampton Excelsior 12-6 at the Brampton Memorial Arena on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

It was an evenly matched first period as both teams racked up three goals apiece. Taite Cattoni, Dylan Hutchinson and Resetarits scored for the Lakers.

The second frame was all Peterborough. Resetarits scored as fast as the period started for his second goal of the game. Holden Cattoni tacked on another for the Lakers to give a 5-3 lead for Peterborough.

While the Excelsior had a chance to get back in theg ame with a power play, the Lakers flipped the momentum as Resetarits scoreed a hat trick shorthanded to continue Peterborough’s run.

Three more Lakers goals from Austin Hasen, Holden and Taylor Jensen got on the board while shutting out the Excelsiors in the second period and Peterborough had a 9-3 lead heading into the final frame.

Lakers goaltender Doug Buchan stood strong and kept Brampton scoreless for 30:42.

Brampton finally found some footing to open the third, getting two straight goals thanks to Pent Eistrat and Holden Patterson but the Lakers matched them goal-for-goal. Resetarits and Mitch Ogilvie scored back-to-back to negate Brampton’s goals. One more goal apiece on each side ended the game with newly-acquired Rob Hellyer getting the last goal for the Lakers and walk off with a 12-6 win.

“It’s fun being on the right side against those guys for once and being on that bench,” said Hellyer. “I’ve played against a lot of the Lakers for a long time so being on the same side is a lot of fun. There’s always some growing pains, the first period was a little bit like that, but at the end of the day it’s lacrosse, so it was fairly seamless.”

The Lakers come back to Peterborough for their home opener against the Brooklin Lacrosse Club on Thursday at 8 p.m.

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Peterborough Faces Several Assault Charges After Allegedly Choking a Woman In Domestic Disturbance

A 40-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges following a domestic incident Thursday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 11:20 p.m., officers were called to a residence about a disturbance. They learned that the suspect had allegedly choked, pushed and verbally threatened a woman. He then shoved, kicked and verbally threatened a male member of the family who tried to intervene before leaving the area. The suspect returned to the residence a short time later and was taken into custody.

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Assault – Spousal

  • Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm-Spousal

  • Assault Cause Bodily Harm - Choke – Spousal

  • Assault

  • Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court Friday.

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