A Day of Music at 100 Acre Brewing Will Support Men’s Mental Health Programs

By Scott Arnold

An all-day fundraiser on September 26th will bring music, food and community together while raising money for programs supporting veterans, military members and first responders.

shawn brennan is one of the organizers for brewfest which is happening at 100 acre brewing company on ashburnham drive from 1-8pm on saturday, september 26th. (photo by scott arnold)

There will be plenty happening at 100 Acre Brewing on Saturday, September 26th, but the reason behind the day goes much deeper than a concert.

The brewery will host an all-day fundraising event supporting Grounded Warriors and FNV Ranch, two organizations providing mental health programs for veterans, military members and first responders.

The event runs from 1-8pm and will feature live performances from Ty Wilson, Brad Renaud, Jeanne Truax, Gunslingers, Spectre Gunship and Four on the Floor, along with raffle tables, food, a cornhole tournament and plenty of time for people to simply get together.

The cornhole tournament gets underway at 3pm, with a $1,000 prize. Anyone looking to take part must pre-register by emailing dreamteamconcerts@gmail.com.

For organizer Shawn Brennan, however, the day is about something much more important than the entertainment.

Brennan has been organizing fundraising efforts supporting mental health programs for veterans and first responders for about eight years. What started with events such as the Rock and Dive eventually grew to include an annual golf tournament at Highlands Military Base in Ottawa, and this year's event came together with Port Hope Police Chief Tim Farquharson and Brian Coones.

Brennan's involvement in the cause began with a deeply personal experience.

His father was a first responder in Peterborough and, like many responders of his generation, had his own methods of coping.

"My dad was a responder here in Peterborough and like the responders of that era, they had their methods of coping," Brennan said. "Unfortunately, that method took him. The body couldn't hold up to it."

Then several friends who had gone into service also passed away.

"One of them, you know, two weeks out from sitting with him behind my house at a fire, that's when I thought, how do we address this?" Brennan said. "Hey, I had no clue, no experience, but eight years later, here we are."

Since then, the fundraising efforts have helped give more than 150 responders an opportunity to take part in different programs.

"We're making some form of impact," Brennan said. "We're getting the messaging out. We're able to raise some money to help some organizations operate."

The need for programs that support those dealing with operational stress injuries and PTSD has been made particularly clear in recent weeks.

Three Canadian police officers died by suicide within days of one another in August, including members of Hamilton Police and Durham Regional Police on August 11th and August 12th, followed by an RCMP officer in Alberta on August 13th.

For Brennan, those losses reinforced why the work continues.

"Losing one is too many, but 357, the daily rate is still holding pretty strong," he said.

He believes encouraging access to mental health programs is important, but so is something much simpler.

"I think that we need to encourage programs and encourage accessibility of these programs," Brennan said. "But the biggest thing is encourage checking on each other every day, regardless of your environment, your day, that little bit of extra, like, 'Hey, how you doing today?' can mean a lot."

That message will be part of the event, which will begin with a mindfulness exercise before moving into the music and activities planned throughout the afternoon.

One of the organizations benefiting from the fundraiser is FNV Ranch, which offers a 10-day horseback PTSD program in the Rocky Mountains for veterans, military members and first responders. The program takes participants into a remote setting and is led by an experienced former operator and a psychologist.

The other is Grounded Warriors, which offers a two-day, off-grid mindfulness program in Marmora that includes hot and cold therapy and exercises designed to help participants reset their nervous system.

Brennan said the goal is to split the funds raised between the two organizations after the costs of putting on the event and paying the performers are covered.

The music lineup will include artists from different backgrounds, including Spectre Gunship, a band made up entirely of former Canadian special forces members.

There will also be plenty happening away from the stage, with raffle tables, food and the 3pm cornhole tournament.

Brennan hopes families will come out, enjoy the day and take in the message behind it without the event feeling overly formal.

"We want to see families in here," he said. "You know, they can understand the messaging that's here, participate in the day and socialize. It's going to be great food. I think all together it'll be a great day."

For those who cannot attend, Brennan says the organizations involved also accept donations throughout the year.

He points out that the organizations are volunteer-run, meaning the money raised helps cover the costs associated with getting people into these programs.

"These are truly volunteer organizations where 100% of the revenue is utilized to take individuals out," he said. "The unfortunate side of doing this stuff is there is a cost associated with it. And that's what we're trying to mitigate for them."

For everyone coming to 100 Acre Brewing on September 26th, though, the day is also an opportunity to simply be together.

"People see people, friends see friends," Brennan said. "Let's just catch up and have a good day."

And underneath all of it is a simple goal: helping make sure the people who spend their lives looking after others have somewhere to turn when they need help themselves.

The fundraising concert takes place Saturday, September 26th from 1-8pm at 100 Acre Brewing.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Cormack Chiropractic Care, United Way Peterborough & District, The Vine and ONWARD

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…

Cormack Chiropractic Care has expanded its services with the addition of physiotherapy, welcoming experienced physiotherapist Marienelle to its team full-time on Sept.1.

She offers direct billing and works with WSIB and motor vehicle accident claims. As a new member of the Peterborough community, Marienelle is looking forward to building connections both through her practice and by getting involved in the local community. For more information you can visit: https://www.cormackchiropracticcare.com/

United Way Peterborough & District is celebrating a major milestone this year as it marks 85 years of supporting the local community.

The organization will kick off its 2026 campaign on Sept. 17, with a launch event at Healthy Planet Arena. The event will offer a look at this year’s campaign and an opportunity to recognize the community of donors, volunteers and supporters who have helped United Way make a difference over the past 85 years. The campaign launch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Healthy Planet Arena. For more information, go to: https://www.uwpeterborough.ca/

After several months away from regular service, The Vine is getting ready to reopen its doors with a grand re-opening on Sept. 15 and dine-in service will resume Sept. 16, with reservations required as the restaurant eases back into regular operations.

After so much adversity, their return to business is a heartwarming example of the strength in our community. For more information, you can visit: https://www.thevineptbo.com/

ONWARD is bringing women together this month for a conversation about financial security and navigating uncertain economic times.

The Women & Money: Economic Security in Uncertain Times event takes place Tuesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Market Hall in Peterborough. For more information and to register, go to: www.pkchamber.ca

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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2026 Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week Runs Sept. 18 to 27

Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week returns Sept. 18 to 27 with events, activities and celebrations taking place throughout the community in recognition of the region’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City of Peterborough will help mark the beginning of Pride Week with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, 500 George St. N., on Friday at 12:15 p.m.

“Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Week is an opportunity to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This year’s theme, ‘Woven Together,’ speaks to the connections we share and the importance of supporting one another. Pride Week is also a reminder that discrimination, including homophobia and transphobia, continues to affect people in our community. By working together, we can make Peterborough a place where everyone is treated with respect and acceptance.” 

The annual Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride Parade will take place on Sept. 26. The parade will begin at approximately 1 p.m., departing from City Hall and travelling down George Street to Millennium Park, 130 King St., where Pride in the Park will continue until 5:30 p.m. 

Events at City facilities include: 

• PTBO-NOGO Pride Special Family Sunday, Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., Sunday, September 20, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate Pride through colour, creativity and community with free, drop-in art-making activities suitable for all ages. No registration is required. 
   

• ReFrame PRIDE Screening at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., Friday, September 18 at 7 p.m. The event features screenings of two films: The Queen and I Like Girls, followed by a Q&A with Sahira the Djinn. Admission is pay-what-you-can. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

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Federal Government Invests Over $3.9 Million For Selwyn's Water and Wastewater Systems

The Federal Government has invested more than $3.9 million in water and wastewater systems in Selwyn, announced on Monday.

(From left to right) John Boyko, Lakefield Ward Councillor; Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP, Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor; Mary Coulas, Ennismore Ward Councillor and Ron Black, Selwyn Township Deputy Mayor. Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

This project will upgrade two sections of sewer infrastructure and install a twin force main beneath the Otonabee River in the Lakefield South Development Area. These improvements will support sustainable growth by maintaining reliable wastewater services, reducing overflow risk, enhancing fire protection and meeting growing capacity demands as the population grows.

“This funding will help us make the critical water and wastewater upgrades needed for the Lakefield South Development Area, while ensuring our systems can reliably serve existing and future residents,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn mayor. “These upgrades will not only enable new homes but also support the creation of a stronger, more sustainable Lakefield for generations to come.”

The investment is through the Build Communities Strong Fund, which is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.

“The Build Communities Strong Fund is building the infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “Today’s investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in the Township of Selwyn will help ensure that critical infrastructure keeps pace with development, supporting a safe, healthy, and resilient community for years to come.

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Countdown to the Peterborough Petes Home Opener: Francis Parish Brings Grit and Personality to the Petes

By Scott Arnold

An 11th-round pick in 2023, Francis Parish has worked his way into his third season with the Petes and has become a player who brings plenty of energy both on and off the ice.

after the Peterborough Petes selected him in the 11th round of the 2023 OHL Draft, hard work has helped francis parish turn that opportunity into a third season in the ohl (photo by scott arnold).

Parish was selected 213th overall by Peterborough in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, but earning a spot in the lineup was never going to be handed to him.

The 19-year-old forward has now played 102 regular-season games with the Petes over the past two seasons, along with six playoff games, and he knows exactly what he wants to bring heading into his third year.

“What I’m looking to work on throughout the year is just get my physical presence there, like make sure teams know I’m on the ice. I don’t want them to be comfortable with the puck and I bring a lot of grit to the table and work hard.”

That work ethic is a big part of Parish’s game, and he isn’t afraid to put himself in uncomfortable situations.

“If I get hit, I get right back up. Doesn’t matter if I get hit or not. Just keep going.”

Away from the ice, Parish has also embraced a role that can be just as important to a team over the course of a long season. He likes keeping the mood light around the dressing room, whether that means a joke, a prank or, on media day, turning his stick into an extra microphone.

“You know, it’s important that you can’t always be serious. It’s not healthy for you. Sometimes a good joke is but brings the team spirit alive and keeps us going.”

Parish spent part of his summer working at MTR Refing in three-on-three hockey while also finding plenty of time to relax and catch up on some television.

He got into superhero shows including Green Arrow and Smallville, and when asked what superhero he would be, Parish had a pretty simple answer.

“All the superhero powers are already taken so all I can really wish to be a Superman.”

Now, he’s ready to get back on the ice and experience the atmosphere at the Memorial Centre again.

“Can’t wait to see the crowd be electric when we step out on the ice, really. It’s just an electric fan base and just excited to get out there.”

After working his way from an 11th-round selection to his third OHL season, Parish knows the role he wants to play. He wants to bring grit, physicality, energy and a little personality to the Petes every time he steps on the ice.

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Petes Sign American-Born Forward to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed American-born forward Mason Minsky to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join such a great organization,” said Minsky. “The guys here are great and I can’t wait to go to battle with them this year.”

The 2007-forward is from Libertyville, Illi. and played in 53 games for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) last season. The right-handed shot scored 16 goals and added 19 assists for 35 points, finishing fifth in team scoring. Before joining Janesville, Minsky played for Avon Old Farms School and is a product of the Chicago Reapers AAA program. Standing at 5’10” and 175 lbs, he committed to play hockey at Miami University (Ohio) following his time in the OHL. Minsky attended Petes Training Camp this season as a free agent invitee.

“Mason is an extremely competitive forward who skates well,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He had a productive first season of junior last year with Janesville and showed very well at training camp and in preseason. He will be a solid addition to our forward group.”

The Petes kick off their 2026 OHL season at home on Thursday to they host the Kingston Frontenacs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Community Mourns the Passing of 4th Line Theatre Founder Robert Winslow

By Scott Arnold

The community is mourning the loss of a true local theatre pioneer, Robert Winslow, whose vision and passion helped make 4th Line Theatre a cultural landmark in the region.

Robert Winslow founded 4th Line Theatre in 1992 on his family's 100-acre farm just south of Millbrook, creating an outdoor theatre that would become known for bringing the history and stories of the region to the stage. (photo courtesy of 4th Line theatre)

Winslow, who co-founded 4th Line Theatre with Jerome Ackhurst in 1992, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 12th, in Peterborough.

For more than four decades, Winslow was involved in Canadian theatre as an actor, playwright, director and artistic leader.

His theatre journey began in Peterborough, where his first production was as a prompter with the Peterborough Theatre Guild. He went on to perform in productions at Trent University and Magic Circus Theatre before moving west in 1982 and becoming a professional actor based in Edmonton.

Winslow returned to Peterborough in the late 1980s, where he founded East City Productions, an improvisational theatre company, and became one of the founding members of the Union Theatre Collective.

In 1992, Winslow co-founded 4th Line Theatre with Jerome Ackhurst on his family’s 100-acre farm just south of Millbrook.

The company would go on to become a distinctive part of the local arts community, presenting original plays connected to the people, history and stories of the region.

The first play presented at 4th Line Theatre was Winslow’s The Cavan Blazers, which explored tensions between Catholic and Protestant Irish settlers in the region and was inspired by actual events in Cavan Township in the 1850s.

According to his 4th Line Theatre biography, Winslow wrote or co-wrote 18 plays for the company and also directed and acted in several productions.

His work with 4th Line Theatre helped create opportunities for actors, writers and other theatre professionals while bringing audiences to the farm in Millbrook for performances unlike those found in a traditional theatre setting.

Winslow’s longtime collaboration with playwright Ian McLachlan also produced a number of plays for 4th Line Theatre, including Dr. Barnardo’s Children, which told the story of British Home Children who were brought to Canada from England.

“Robert was the driving force behind 4th Line Theatre for decades,” said Board Chair Ally Pyle. “His vision for collecting and creating local stories set the benchmark for everything the theatre has become. His loss is immeasurable.”

Although Winslow eventually passed the artistic director role to Kim Blackwell, his connection to 4th Line Theatre continued.

In fact, Blackwell says Winslow remained deeply involved in the work right up until his death.

“Robert was still actively researching and writing plays right up until the day before his death,” Blackwell said. “He was always excited to be gathering stories and bringing the history of Millbrook and area to life. He was my mentor and artistic collaborator for 34 years. Our loss is Canadian theatre’s loss as well.”

Winslow was born in Peterborough and raised in Millbrook. Throughout his career, he worked as an actor, director and writer across Canada and the United States before returning to the area and eventually inheriting his family’s farm.

He was also an instructor in Trent University’s Cultural Studies Department for more than two decades and was part of the groups that formed City Stage and the Union Theatre in Peterborough.

His impact on the local theatre community will be remembered through the company he helped create and the many productions that grew from his vision.

Winslow is survived by his wife, Janette Froncz Winslow, as well as many cousins, nephews, a niece and other beloved family members.

Details regarding a celebration of Winslow’s life will be announced at a later date.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Local Hockey Families Take Their Game to Europe for an Unforgettable Adventure

By Scott Arnold

For more than 50 local hockey families, what started as an idea around a kitchen table turned into a 10-day European adventure they won't soon forget.

Local hockey players take in the sights and enjoy some downtime together during their 10-day European adventure. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany Marchant)

Rob Carleton, the founder of On the Pond Canada, recently returned from Finland and Sweden after taking three teams, two 2013 teams and a U18 team, overseas to compete in the Lions Cup in Helsinki.

And while there was plenty of hockey involved, the trip became about much more than what happened on the ice.

“So we got two 2013 teams and a U18 team,” Carleton explained. “It started with the one 2013 team, which is my son’s age, my younger son (Eason). So a bunch of us got together. I have a contact over in Finland from a guy I played with at Carleton University. So he runs the tournament, all the tournaments around there in Prague as well.”

Before any of that could happen, though, there was a lot of work to do.

“We started the process probably 18 months out,” Carleton said. “That's when the idea came to mind and we got to my, we actually met, came to my place and a few of the dads and said, listen, I think I can do this. If you guys want to jump on board, On the Pond can do this with my contact over there. I can make this experience unbelievable for everybody here.”

Eighteen months later, the families were finally on their way.

“I remember we were flying there on the plane with, I don't know, 35 families were on the flight we were on,” Carleton said. “And we're all like, we're here. We're finally here. Eighteen months. I'm holding my head. I hope it's as good as I think it's going to be. And I think we went above and beyond.”

The group flew into Helsinki, where the tournament was held, and spent about six days there before continuing on to Stockholm.

Away from the rink, the players had plenty of opportunities to explore, spend time together and take in the sights during their trip. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany Marchant)

There was plenty of hockey, but the itinerary also included sightseeing and a trip to Estonia. The group then boarded a ferry for a 16-hour overnight trip from Helsinki to Stockholm.

“We did sightseeing, went to Estonia, the oldest country in the world, on a ferry ship that was massive,” Carleton said. “Kids loved it. It was unbelievable.”

The ferry to Stockholm became another memorable part of the trip.

“We took another ferry cruise ship, which was a 16-hour one that we slept on from Helsinki to Stockholm,” he said. “It was unbelievable. The cruise ship had the casino on it. There's so much to do for the kids to do.”

Once they reached Stockholm, the group continued exploring the city.

“We get to Stockholm and we went sightseeing there. It's so beautiful over there,” Carleton said. “The kids get on scooters and just go around Stockholm and Helsinki. Very clean cities and very safe.”

On the ice, the competition was strong.

The teams faced opponents from Finland, Sweden, Scotland and the United States, with the U18 team making it to the bronze-medal game.

“We played Scotland the first game, beat them. And then we played the Americans in the bronze,” Carleton said. “And with what's going on with the States and Canada, it was crazy. The arena was packed, Canadian flags, American flags, and we won the shootout. So the place went crazy.”

There was an added local flavour to the atmosphere.

“It was interesting because all the Finnish fans and Swedish fans were cheering for Canada,” Carleton said.

The other local teams also had strong tournaments, with Canadian teams bringing home silver and bronze medals while Swedish teams captured gold in both divisions.

2013 Team White: Eli Wright, Dillon King, Lincoln Gillespie, Lucas Trofimov, Kye Adamson, Hunter Jessup, Reid Bailey, Jayden Taylor, Eason Carleton, Nolan Walker, Rylan Robertson, Canaan Carter, Hank Murtha, Spencer D'Amico-Davies, Jase MacDonell, Clayteon Briscoe and Jaxson Godward. (photo courtesy of tiffany marchant)

2013 Team Red: Ethan Pais, Lochlan Pherrill, Talin Hawkins, Josh Russelle, Harley Cameron, Jimmy Marchant, Emery Warrick, Griffin Larmer, Archer Scott, Dylan Baker, Carter Collins, Roman McDonald, Xander McKay, Kolton Adamson, Lucas Woollacott and Hunter Jankowski. (photo courtesy of tiffany marchant)

2013 Team White: Eli Wright, Dillon King, Lincoln Gillespie, Lucas Trofimov, Kye Adamson, Hunter Jessup, Reid Bailey, Jayden Taylor, Eason Carleton, Nolan Walker, Rylan Robertson, Canaan Carter, Hank Murtha, Spencer D'Amico-Davies, Jase MacDonell, Clayteon Briscoe and Jaxson Godward. (photo courtesy of tiffany marchant)

But some of the most memorable parts of the trip happened away from the rink.

Carleton said one of the unexpected highlights was the group of university students who served as their tour guides.

“I thought would be like little old ladies on the bus with us with the tour guides and stuff and nice and stuff,” he said. “But we get there and it's university students and they all connected with the kids.”

The guides stayed at the same hotel, travelled with the families and joined them on the ferry to Stockholm.

“They became the babysitters, the parents, because they'd tell the parents what's going on, the itinerary every single day,” Carleton said. “They travelled on the ferry ship over to Stockholm with us and they became our family.”

That connection was something Carleton said the group didn't expect when they left Peterborough.

“So we became this one big European family,” he said. “Now we see everyone around here and it's like, Finland, Finland, Finland.”

From hockey games to sightseeing, the players had plenty of opportunities to enjoy the experience together throughout their European adventure. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany Marchant)

Tiffany Marchant, whose son Jimmy was playing in tournament, experienced the trip from a different perspective.

While Carleton was busy coaching all three teams and working long days, Marchant was able to take in the experience as a hockey mom.

“I just got to be a hockey mom and cheer on the kids,” Marchant said. “It was a great time. I definitely was looking at it through a different lens than Rob because I'm out having a good time, enjoying myself, I think a little bit more.”

What surprised her most was how much the adults enjoyed the experience too.

“I was surprised actually how fun it was for all of the parents,” she said. “I knew it would be great for the kids, or I was hoping it would be, which it was. But I think all of the parents were pleasantly surprised when we were there as well, like how much we truly enjoyed ourselves.”

Marchant said there was some uncertainty about what 10 days of travelling with a large group of hockey families would be like.

“Jumping on a team bus with all these kids is kind of like, ‘Oh, I wonder if I'm going to last 10 days and be as excited as I am on the first day, on the last day,’” she said.

The answer came pretty quickly.

“And it was, we had a great time,” Marchant said. “We looked forward to it every day.”

For Marchant, the opportunity to give the players that kind of experience was an easy decision.

“I never experienced anything like that when I was younger,” she said. “My big trip, I played rugby. I went to B.C. with my rugby team. And honestly, core memory for me, like even just going to B.C. with my team.”

That made the chance to create a similar memory for the young hockey players especially meaningful.

“So I thought, you know, if this can happen for the kids and they can do something they're so passionate about, like, why not?” Marchant said. “And I'll go. Happily.”

The trip was about more than just hockey, with the players getting plenty of time to explore and enjoy the experience together. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany Marchant)

For Carleton, the trip was another step in the evolution of On the Pond, which has been part of his life for nearly 20 years.

It began around 2007 when Carleton was working as a marketing manager for Boston Pizza in Gravenhurst and came up with the idea of a pond hockey tournament to help bring business to the area during the winter.

“We had like six rinks, I think it was, and it had like 18 teams,” Carleton said.

Today, that tournament has grown to 25 rinks and 150 teams, with teams travelling from across North America.

After moving to Peterborough, Carleton brought the same philosophy to local hockey through PA Day and holiday tournaments.

“It was more geared around for every level,” he said. “The tournaments that went from house league right up to AAA. So they're in the same dressing rooms, they get to interact with each other, and the house league kids are just thinking it's awesome to sit beside a AAA kid.”

The players don't compete against one another across skill levels. Instead, the games are structured so they can share the experience while playing against appropriately matched opponents.

“They don't play against each other though,” Carleton said. “It's evened out on the ice and it's timed lines by buzzers. So they get to interact with each other and have a great time and no pressure.”

That focus on the people involved carried over to the European teams.

When it came time to select the players, Carleton said hockey ability was only part of the equation.

“What I really found, and I'm glad I did this, was it wasn't just based on skill that we took,” he said. “It was based on the player, the culture, the kind of family that we were going to spend 10 days with.”

Carleton started with a core group of players and families he already knew, then had them help build the teams by bringing in friends and relatives.

“We had kids from Ottawa that were relatives of families that went,” he said. “So everyone was interacting with each other. They're all connected and everyone was wonderful.”

The result was exactly what he had hoped for.

“I couldn't have picked better players or families for the culture,” Carleton said.

And the next opportunities are already taking shape.

On the Pond is planning a similar trip to Nashville next May, with four or five teams expected to take part. Rather than simply attending a tournament and staying in a hotel, Carleton and Marchant are building an itinerary around the entire experience.

“We decided, Tiffany and I decided to put together an itinerary almost the same as Finland that no one's ever done,” Carleton said. “So everything's included. We have stuff going on every single day there.”

The Nashville trip will include NCAA players as tour guides, along with help from one of Carleton's former university teammates, who now works with the Nashville Predators and is heavily involved in youth hockey.

There are also plans for another U18 team and a 2014 team to head to Europe next year, with recruiting already underway.

For the families who made the trip to Finland and Sweden, the experience has already left them looking forward to what comes next.

And for Carleton, it is a pretty remarkable evolution from where On the Pond began nearly two decades ago.

What started with a pond hockey tournament has grown into local tournaments, international travel and opportunities for young players and their families to experience hockey in places they may never have otherwise visited.

Now, with Nashville on the horizon and another European trip being planned, the work continues to create those experiences for more local hockey families.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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City of Peterborough and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 636 Reach Tentative Agreement

The City of Peterborough and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 636 have reached a tentative agreement, announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the City, they are pleased to have reached an agreement that represents the best interests of employees and residents.  

City Council will consider the agreement during a closed session of General Committee on Sept. 21, as a labour relations matter.

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A Young Peterborough Band Stole the Show at the DBIA’s Sidewalk Sale

By Scott Arnold

A local band formed by four young musicians at St. Anne’s Elementary School brought a soundtrack of classic hits to downtown Peterborough, and the internet took notice.

as Pressure Point performs on Charlotte Street during the DBIA’s Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale, with Murphy on keys, Lochlan on drums and vocals, Emerson on guitar and vocals and Jack on bass guitar (Photo by Scott Arnold)

When the DBIA’s Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale took over downtown Peterborough on Saturday, there was plenty happening along the streets.

But on Charlotte Street, Pressure Point was making some noise of its own.

The local band had asked the DBIA if they could provide the music for the day.

The answer was, of course, yes.

So Emerson, Lochlan, Jack and Murphy set up on Charlotte Street and got to work.

Emerson handles guitar and vocals, Lochlan is on drums and vocals, Jack plays bass guitar and Murphy plays keys.

And their setlist wasn’t exactly your typical sidewalk-sale soundtrack.

The young band played classic hits from bands including Weezer, Green Day and Nirvana, showing off their musical chops for people enjoying the event downtown.

One song in particular caught the attention of a whole lot of people online.

A video of Pressure Point performing “Territorial Pissings” from Nirvana’s Nevermind album was posted to Instagram, and within less than 24 hours it had been viewed more than 25,000 times, with hundreds of shares and plenty of comments from people cheering the youngsters on.

Among those comments came one from someone who knows a thing or two about being in a young band from Peterborough.

Adam Gontier, the internationally renowned Peterborough musician and lead singer of Three Days Grace, wrote:“Reminds me of another young band from Ptbo when they were just young lads”

That comment alone was pretty cool recognition for four kids who had simply decided they wanted to play some music downtown.

Other local comments were just as enthusiastic.

Local artist Lotsy wrote, “well this is wholesome and adorable,” while local fitness trainer Kate Ward celebrated the young band, writing, “yassss rise of the garage bands!! Bring real music back! Way to go boys!”

And Carly Reid pointed out just how young the members of Pressure Point actually are, writing, “YAAAAAAAS!! These boys are so great! And dedicated! And awesome! They're going places. I mean come on - they're all under 14. It's wild!!”

That might be one of the most impressive parts of the whole thing.

They’re young, they’re already playing together and they’re comfortable enough to set up in the middle of downtown Peterborough and play songs from some pretty legendary bands.

And apparently, people noticed.

It’s a pretty good reminder that sometimes the best part of a community event is the thing you didn’t necessarily expect to find there.

In this case, it was four young musicians playing some classic hits that got a lot of people talking.

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Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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