Peterborough Regional Health Centre Introduces First Baby of 2025

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Loretta Shaughnessy and Ryan Heise welcomed their baby boy Maverick Raymond Heise into the world on Wednesday at 2:04 a.m. as the first baby of 2025 delivered at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Maverick weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. Both he and his mother are doing well after the pregnancy. Maverick will have Florence, his older sister to look forward to.

“We can’t say enough about the incredible care we received from the nurses and doctors here,” said Loretta about delivering Maverick at PRHC. 

Her sister — a Labour and Delivery nurse at PRHC — was off-duty and able to attend during the birth as a support person.

Maverick’s middle name is from Loretta’s grandfather, Ray Lowery, who passed away shortly after the couple found out they were expecting. 

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David Tuan Bui


Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Person From New Year's Eve

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UPDATE: The missing person has been found.

The Peterborough Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 25-year-old Mason Edwards, who was reported missing on Thursday.

Edwards was last seen in the area of the Charlotte Mews at roughly 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Edwards is described as:

  • Caucasian

  • Male

  • 5’8”

  • 140lbs

  • Brown hair

  • Brown moustache

  • May also be driving a 2006 Black Chevrolet Silverado with Ontario Licence #BV82000.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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David Tuan Bui's Top 10 Photos of 2024

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Every time I do this yearly article, I always say I’m not the best photographer in town but I always grow with every year.

But what can I say differently about this year?

It’s not a hobby that I pursue but I have started to take it a little more seriously as the years go on and I even have that approach when I take personal photos.

Again, this craft can take years to master and with my lived experiences as my only teacher for now, I have to make do with my ability and let it flourish over time.

It is nice to see that more professional organizations are using my photos for commercial, professional or social media use like Kawartha Food Share and Rotary Club of Peterborough, to name a few.

There could have been plenty of other photos that could have made the list; I took a ton, so I’m bound to have missed what would have been a great one for the list.

Here are my top ten photos that I have taken for PTBOCanada in no particular order:

Vanessa Oake Hogan (left) with her sister Renée Oake shortly after the latter did 146 laps in the swimming lane. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Somehow, the Carl Oake Rotary Swim always seems to crack the top 10.

The 38th edition held by the Rotary Club continues to be at the YMCA of Central East Ontario, raising money for Easter Seals and various Rotary projects.

Typically, like any professional photographer, you take multiple shots and then take the best one. Somehow, for this shot, I was preoccupied with something else at the event and rushed to sneak in one quick picture. Thankfully, that one shot was all I needed.

director Celeste Scopelites marvels at the piece, “Comfort, Eyes That Speak” by Don Kwan. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

To celebrate the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s 50th anniversary, they have launched their event lineup to commemorate the gallery’s founding in 1974.

Celeste Scopelites, AGP director had this really intriguing expression as she was looking at Don Kwan’s piece, ‘Comfort, Eyes That Speak.”

Art always some underlying tones, meanings or messages and I thought this picture kind of captures the mystery and marvel behind the piece.

(From left to right) The Growdens Tara, Teddy, Dan and Ambassador Sawyer sharing a moment as the 52nd Easter Seals Telethon Kicks Off. Sawyer is returning as a regional ambassador after being announced as a new one last year. She was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Growden family have always been ambassadors for the Easter Seals Telethon. Sawyer Grace Growden has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome. She uses a wheelchair and a walker to help with her mobility.

With the launch of the 52nd year, it’s no secret that the program has helped benefit families like the Growdens and the event is a reminder of how much of an impact the Telethon makes every year.

(From left to right) Easton Howard, 12; Savannah Amos, 12; Mona Abokhashref, 12 and Zoey Tremblay, 12 were one of 180 Kenner students crunching into apples at Kenner’s auditorium. As one trivia question asked at the assembly, Macintosh is Canada’s national apple. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Grade 7 and 8 students from Kenner Intermediate School students and staff crunched into apples in sync at the ‘Great Big Crunch’ to highlight the need for sustainably funded school food programs across Canada.

I could hear the snap and crunch of every apple as I took this shot of these Kenner students. The students had fun with the event (or were happy to be out of class), and the smiling faces of the crunch were there.

Down With Webster guitarist Patrick Gillett (left) with vocalist Cameron Hunter (right) pumping up the Peterborough Musicfest crowd with "One In a Million." All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Toronto-based band Down With Webster brought their rap-rock musical stylings to a packed Del Crary Park for Peterborough Musicfest, keeping the crowd riled up throughout the concert.

This concert was definitely more high-energy than your typical Peterborough Musicfest event. There was a long of jumping, loud sing-alongs and Down With Webster knew how to keep the audience flowing with energy.

I credit the lighting on the stage to make this shot look way cooler than it should have been.

Samantha Hernandez with her children Micah (left) and Isaiah (right) enjoying the facilities of Peterborough child and family centre. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The Peterborough Child and Family Centres got a technological infrastructure upgrade after an Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund of $23,800.

However, the photo shows the happiness of Samantha Hernandez and her two children. I used this facility several times when my daughter was just a newborn so I understand how vital this facility is to Peterborough.

Daxton Whitmore, 8, Havelock Hawks left winger gets a signature from Petes forward Quinn Binnie during the team’s last practice before their last home game. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

What was an up-and-down season for the Peterborough Petes, they had their final practice before their final home game of the season in Havelock.

The kids certainly had fun as the Petes skated with the Havelock Hawks after the practice. Hawks left winger Daxton Whitmore looked like he was having a surreal moment when then-Pete Quinn Binnie signed a stick for him. That expression says it all!

(From left to right) Carrie Truman, Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation executive director; Tammy Thompson, Case Worker at Peterborough Bigs; Ava McQuade, 9, Little Sister and Robert Gauvreau of Gauvreau CPA. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Gauvreau CPA, for three straight years, has provided backpacks for children as they head back to school.

The children receiving the backpacks are affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs) and Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation.

This picture always makes me smile; seeing kids get a head start, the community rallying for a good cause, and just being caught in a sea of backpacks looks cool for the camera. Every time I cover this story, it seems to be my angle of choice.

Nick Pellerin tosses a netful of trout into the Lift Lock to prepare for the fishing derby. Photo by David Tuan bui.

One event we are always invited to witness is the fish being thrown into the Canal to kick off the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Under the Lock Fishing Derby.

Just seeing a ton of fish fly through the air before they hit the water is always a cool sight to see and capturing a shot of them mid-air is quite the spectacle.

We have been assured that the fish are not harmed when thrown into the water in this matter.

Ivana Braithwaite, 4, gets a Merry Christmas and holiday cheer from Santa as Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation launches its Santa’s Sleigh program for 2025. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

I always have a soft spot for children. I became a father a year and a half ago so whatever I can to benefit my daughter and to make her smile, I’m all for it.

With that said, the joy of four-year-old Ivana Braithwaite hugging Santa during the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation 2024 Santa’s Sleigh Program really tugged a few heartstrings for me.

The program has the community take a child’s Christmas gift wish from a tree, purchase the gift and then drop it off in Santa’s Sleigh.

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'Olivia' and 'Noah' #1 Baby Names For 2023 In Ontario In Top 10 List

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Once again, the top baby names were Olivia and Noah in Ontario for 2023, according to the provincial government.

Serenity Bui (pictured) is the daughter of PTBOCanada Editor’s David Bui. Photo by Sarah Hiltz Photography.

Olivia has clinched the number-one spot as Ontario's top baby girl name for 15 consecutive years. Charlotte also continued as a favourable choice, becoming the second-most popular name for girls.

Noah took the top spot as the most popular name for boys for the fifth-straight year, with Liam following closely behind.

Mila and Henry were new baby names that cracked 2023.

The top 10 names for girls and boys in 2023 were:

Girls

  1. Olivia

  2. Charlotte

  3. Amelia

  4. Emma

  5. Sophia

  6. Mia

  7. Sofia

  8. Ava

  9. Mila

  10. Isla

Boys

  1. Noah

  2. Liam

  3. Theodore

  4. Oliver

  5. Jack

  6. Lucas

  7. Benjamin

  8. William

  9. Leo

  10. Henry

“Welcoming a new baby and choosing a name is one of life’s most meaningful milestones, and our government is dedicated to helping new parents focus on these special moments rather than paperwork,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “With ServiceOntario’s 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle, we’ve made it easier for Ontario parents to register their newborns and apply for essential documents like birth certificates and Social Insurance Numbers—all from the comfort of their home.”

The Ontario government says that parents should register their child's birth within 30 days of welcoming their newborn.

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David Tuan Bui


Community Care Peterborough Exceeds Meals On Wheels Donation Goal On 60th Anniversary

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Community Care Peterborough has exceeded its goal of 600 donated meals for Meals on Wheels clients in December during the program’s 60th anniversary, announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Community Care says there were 634 meals donated.

“Our community’s generosity never ceases to amaze us,” said Chris LeBlanc, Community Care director of donors and public relations. “These meals ensure that our clients feel cared for and supported during the holiday season, a time that can be challenging for so many.”

The Meals on Wheels program provides nutritious meals and vital connections to seniors and adults living with physical challenges throughout Peterborough and surrounding areas.

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Give Recognition With Miskin Law Community Complex Arena "Have a Seat" Nameplate Donation

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Give Recognition With Miskin Law Community Complex Arena "Have a Seat" Nameplate Donation

Sponsored post by The City of Peterborough

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Trent University Alumnus Appointed Officer to the Order of Canada

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Trent alumnus Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell (Traill College ‘83) has received the nation’s highest honour by being appointed an officer to the Order of Canada.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

McDonnell is a professor of hydrology and associate director of the Global Institute for Water Security. His award-winning research has had a seminal scientific impact on the field, including advancing water security and deepening the world’s understanding of the water cycle according to Trent.

“On behalf of the Trent University community, I congratulate Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell on his achievements that exemplify Trent’s values of excellence, innovation, and leadership in water research,” said Naomi Handley, Trent director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “Dr. McDonnel’s remarkable contributions to hydrology not only advance scientific understanding but also serve as a profound source of inspiration for our students who, like him, are poised to lead in environmental sciences and shape the future of water research.” 

McDonnel’s appointment was announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Trent’s seventh chancellor.

“Trent is where it all started for me,” said McDonnell. “My professors and peers all shaped me, and Trent provided the launching pad for my research career.” 

He has served as President of the American Geophysical Union’s Hydrology Section and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences International Commission on Tracers while also being named a member of the Royal Society of Canada and a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Royal Geographical Society.  

According to Trent, McDonnell’s research has led to new techniques for measuring and understanding how rainfall moves through landscapes while improving our understanding of how watersheds store and release water.

“Understanding these issues is critical to solving some of the world’s biggest water challenges,” he says.

McDonnell’s accolades include the 2016 International Hydrology Prize from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization and prizes from the European Geosciences Union, American Institute of Hydrology, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

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Kawartha Rotary Ribfest Cancelled Indefinitely

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The Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is not making an appearance in 2025 and beyond.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a Facebook post by Kawartha Rotary Ribfest, they said the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha had advised that the event for 2025 and forward is cancelled.

The post cites that the event has ‘severely outgrown’ Millennium Park.

“Apologies to everyone to enjoyed and supported Kawartha Rotary RibFest,” in a statement made from the social media post.

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Peterborough Petes Allow Goal In Dying Seconds to Fall 5-4 to Ottawa 67's

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The Peterborough Petes were step-for-step with the Ottawa 67’s but allowed a goal in the final 11 seconds in regulation to fall 5-4 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

This was Peterborough’s first game in nine days due to the holiday break.

The Petes conceded the first goal early, 2:31 in but responded quickly. Just over two minutes later, Peterborough scored two goals from Caden Taylor and Francis Parish (with the former goal on the powerplay) to make it 2-1.

The goals did not stop there as Ottawa rang off two goals to take back the lead, 3-2. Peterborough got the equalizer on the power play as Taylor wristed it in the top corner for a 3-3 tie after a goal-filled first period.

The Petes scored the second period’s only goal. The Petes forced a turnover in their defensive zone and on the rush, Adam Levac wristed one through for a 4-3 lead.

As Ottawa trailed in the third, they made up ground on the power play with less than eight minutes in regulation. Will Gerrior one-timed it through Zach Bowen for a 4-4 tie. In the dying seconds of the game, Ottawa took a shot from the point. The puck was loose in front of Bowen, and after a scramble for the puck, Gerrior buried it for a 5-4 with 11 seconds left to give Ottawa the win.

The Petes have a New Year’s Eve date in St. Catharines to take on the Niagara IceDogs on Tuesday night at the Meridian Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 26-Year-Old Woman

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UPDATE: Amber-Leigh has been found, according to Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing person, 26-year-old Amber-Leigh Armstrong, as reported on Monday.

Armstrong is described as:

  • White

  • Female

  • 26 years old

  • 5’3’’

  • Small build

  • Red hair

  • Blue eyes

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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