Martial Arts Academy Crowns Three New Chess Champions

After a week of thinking and logic, the Ninja Academy has crowned Lyrik Knott, David Connell and Mike Forth as their summer chess tournament winners announced on Monday.

(left to right) All three winners of each division, Mike Forth (Senior champion), David Connell (U13 champion) and Lyrik Knott (U7 champion) Photo Courtesy of Ninja Academy.

The tournament was announced in mid-August held by Ninja Academy during the week of Aug. 30 to Sept. 3. The all-ages event hosted had three separate divisions where Knott won the U7 tournament, Connell for the U13 and Forth as the Senior champion.

“The common attribute amongst the winners of all categories was their courage,” explains David-Gnahoui. “To throw themselves into the tournament, considering everything that is happening in society right now, is a great achievement. They tested their skills with amazing competitors in their own categories and they kept their cool, stayed focused and took their time. I hope they take this accomplishment wherever they go in life, especially Judo.”

Since the tournament’s conclusion, the Academy will refocus on teaching Judo classes at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre as well as launching their new athletic development program for school-aged children.

The Academy says they will hold future chess tournaments and tutoring according to their press release.

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Applications Open For City of Peterborough Youth Council

The City of Peterborough is now accepting applications for the Peterborough Youth Council 2021-2022 term. Young people between the ages of 10 and 21 who live or attend school in Peterborough are invited to apply to become a member of the Peterborough Youth Council.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough

The Peterborough Youth Council is a voice for youth in our community. Members can bring their ideas and energy to organizing and being involved in community events.

The Youth Council ten-month term runs from September to June.

This is a volunteer position, and the volunteer hours can be used towards students’ Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Youth are invited to visit the City’s website to learn more and complete an application. The application deadline is September 3, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

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Local Teacher Earns NYC Marathon Spot While Outpacing Mental Health

It is an opportunity very few people get but Julie Vallières has been selected as one of six Canadian teachers to run in the New York City Marathon in the fall.

Vallières has been helping her students battle mental health issues since 2015. She serves as the school’s cross-country and track and field coach. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vallières.

She was selected as part of Team Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) who pick 50 North American teachers as representatives.

Vallières submitted her video application to TCS with her story, how running helped her teaching and why she should be picked. She promoted running as a way to help with mental health issues her students were facing at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School.

“I’m glad I get to be with people with the same passion for running,” she said. “It’s nice to gain some mental strength from running long distances.”

TCS supports physical and mental health among children and provided Vallières and other selected teachers with integrated technology education resources for easier teaching.

She learned about Team TCS from Niels Walkau, a local colleague and friend who participated in the marathon two years prior.

Vallières constantly trains, running four to five times a week to prepare for the 26.2 mile-long marathon. She has participated in several running events or marathons as part of her training regime.

The event is not set in stone for Canadians since border travelling is still in limbo from the pandemic. Vallières is hopeful that the world will have enough normalcy to allow her to participate.

“I’m hoping by then, everything will be good,” she explained. “I’m keeping a positive mindset here and we’ll be out of the woods with vaccines and stuff.”

Vallières plans to bring her family to watch her run at the marathon. Her children are eligible to participate in a 5-kilometre run, the day prior to the main event.

Last year, the NYC marathon was postponed but Vallières was able to earn a medal in their digitized version through an app.

“It will be a great experience for all of us,” she said. “It’s about the people that support the community. I know it’s a great experience and I want to be able to share it with my family.”

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Otonabee Conservation Opens The Gates To Conservation Areas

Otonabee Conservation fully opens the gates to their Conservation Areas starting Friday (June 26th), after a delay in the season that was caused by COVID-19.

While hiking, walking, and biking have been available at their Conservation Areas during the pandemic, the gates fully open on Friday allowing access to further amenities such as parking facilities, campsites, beaches, picnic shelters, boat launches, and more, with physical distancing measures in place.

New gatehouse at Warsaw Caves (photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

There is a newly built gatehouse at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and a brand new washroom facility at Beavermead Campground, which is owned by the City of Peterborough and operated by Otonabee Conservation.

Both new buildings are fully accessible, offering barrier-free access for visitors. Additionally, Beavermead Campground offers four fully accessible campsites with barrier-free picnic tables, a paved surface pad, and close proximity to the new accessible washroom.

Campers wishing to reserve a campsite at Beavermead Campground and Warsaw Caves can do so online at otonabeeconservation.com. Here, campers are offered the convenience of choosing their campsite, selecting their required check-in and check-out dates, and paying online. Campers are asked to utilize the online reservation system to book their sites ahead of time, in order to minimize face-to-face contact at the gatehouse upon arrival, and to ensure a campsite is available for them.

New washroom facilities at Beavermead Campground (photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

Campground washrooms are open and basic supplies such as firewood and ice are available for sale. Some amenities and services will not be available this year, such as showers, boat rentals, and laundry facilities. Some trails remain closed, such as the Caves Trail at Warsaw Caves, where physical distancing cannot be ensured. All closed amenities will be clearly marked.

“Camping will look a little different this year,” says Jessie James, Otonabee Conservation’s Manager of Conservation Lands. “But it is a safe summer staycation option that is close to home for those living in the Peterborough region. We hope that families will choose to camp with us and enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and all the beauty that our watershed has to offer.”

Selwyn Beach will also open its gates for the season on Friday. Visitors must follow public health guidelines for physical distancing, not gather with more than ten people, and only with those who are from within their social bubble.

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City Splash Pads Open For The Season

The City of Peterborough has announced that Splash Pads in City parks are now open for the season with people encouraged to follow public health guidelines when using the water play structures.

The splash pads open from noon to 7 p.m. each day. They are located at the following locations:

• King Edward Park, 455 George St. S.

• Nicholls Oval, 725 Armour Rd.

• Rogers Cove, 131 Maria St.

• Kinsmen Park, 1 Kinsmen Way (Sherbrooke Street and Clonsilla Avenue)

• Barnardo Park, Barnardo Avenue north of Sunset Boulevard

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

The splash pads were commissioned for the season on Friday, June 19th after discussions with Peterborough Public Health on safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peterborough Public Health reminds everyone that public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 must be followed when attending and using splash pads. Signage is posted at splash pads to provide guidance on the measures. Public Health recommends the following measures:

• Where there are buttons to activate water features, people should use their elbows or feet to push the buttons, depending on the height, instead of their hands. During the state of emergency, splash pads should be considered a "Hands-Free Zone".

• Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres from other people who are not from the same household or designated social circle.

• Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently. Avoid touching your face.

Water play features in the splash pads that require gripping, such as water cannons, have been disabled or removed in order to encourage a hands-free environment.

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DBIA's Popular Open Streets Event Peterborough Pulse Cancelled

Peterborough Pulse has cancelled this year’s Open Streets event in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and the implications it has for large gatherings. 

The Pulse Organizing Committee felt their decision to cancel the July 18th event was a necessary measure in safeguarding the well-being and health of the Peterborough community. 

“Public health must come first—now and always,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement Area and Peterborough Pulse Co-Chair. 

“Just like our community, Pulse is extremely resilient,” adds Hillary Flood, Peterborough Pulse Coordinator. “We look forward to a future when it is safe again to gather in the streets. When Pulse returns it will be with all the colourful community magic one could expect from our hyper-local Open Streets festival!”

While the event may be cancelled this year, Pulse intends to inspire community connection online and will be using its Facebook page to spotlight feel-good community actions that will bring the community safely together, even when apart. 

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The PTBOCanada Boredom Buster List

Need a break from binge-watching the latest Netflix series and a reprieve from social media during this vital “social distancing” phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when you’re at home? Here are some ideas…

Cooking/Baking Since you’re not as rushed during meal times, take the time to make a twist on a normal meal with the kids. Just for fun, we followed this super simple recipe to make Baked French Toast. It turned out crispier and far tastier than the regular pan fried method.

Seeds Get a jump start on the season’s gardening. Even through Seedy Sunday was cancelled, you can still purchase seeds through many local vendors (and check out the seed swap page on Facebook).

Go for a hike Head to Jackson Park (and bring the pooch, if you have one) for some fresh air while still being able to socially distance yourself from everyone. Fresh air and some sunshine will really boost your mood. The Trans Canada Trail isn’t too icy, but grab your YakTracks for the side trails.

Restaurants/cafes Don’t forget to support local. You can purchase gift certificates from them for when they re-open, and many restaurants are still offering take-out/curb-side pickup as well as delivery.

Games Dust off those board games out of the closet for family night or test your memory by turning our Fun Facts About Peterborough into a quiz show.

To-Do List Check one thing off your Spring-To-Do list like finally clean out the garage or basement. You don’t have to go all Marie Kondo on your pantry, but purging is good for the soul.

Watch a locally made movie Check out local filmmaker Adriano Ferreri’s movie E.M.P. 333 Days on Amazon Prime.

What ideas can you add to the list? Go to our Facebook page post, or email us at tips@ptbocanada.com.

—by Evan Holt, PTBOCanada.com

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The Norwood Fair Is Celebrating Its 151st Year

The Norwood Fair has always been a great family tradition at Thanksgiving, going strong since 1868!

This year marks its 151st year, and the theme is “Scarecrows and Fence Rows” for the fair, which runs October 12th, 13th and 14th. Organizers are looking forward to seeing lots of creation “on theme” entries—especially in their Homecraft and School Fair divisions.

So if you're looking for something to do with the kids and in-laws before you get your turkey on, get your herd on with family and friends!

For more information and to get the full schedule of events, click here.

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Expanded Head Of The Trent Regatta For Trent’s 49th Annual Homecoming

Trent University’s 49th Annual Homecoming and Head of the Trent Regatta take place October 4th to 6th. The event features alumni activities, campus tours, varsity sports and a two-day rowing head race—all free to spectators and fans. Free parking is available to all on Trent’s East Bank, via East Bank Drive.

“The annual Homecoming and Head of the Trent Regatta has been running for almost 50 years,” says Lee Hays ’91, director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “This exciting fall tradition has something for everyone to enjoy, during one of the most scenic times of the year. In addition to rowing and varsity games, all Colleges are open and look forward to welcoming their alumni back to campus.”

The annual weekend has grown to feature not only two days of rowing—it includes over 500 boats and more than 2,000 athletes from clubs and universities across Canada and the northern United States—but also a full slate of varsity and alumni games including lacrosse, rugby, soccer and volleyball.

Head of the Trent photo courtesy Trent University

Highlights of the 2019 Homecoming & Head of the Trent Regatta include…

• Campus Tours: Future students are invited to experience the spirit of the Trent campus and community. Tours run hourly from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from the Athletics Centre.

• Alumni: Visit the Alumni welcome tents on the Bata Library podium to pick up your Alumni bracelet for special perks, take part in giveaways, purchase swag, or enjoy live music at the Alumni pub gathering in the Ceilie.

• College Rally & Reunions: Stop by your college between 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., purchase swag and meet the college principals. Reunions culminate in an all-colleges rally at 2 p.m. on the Bata Library podium for a special announcement.

• 1969 Men’s Rugby Team Reunion featuring an alumni exhibition game, coffee and refreshments, as well as recognition of the team during half time of the 5:45 p.m. game between Trent Excalibur Men’s Rugby game as they play the University of Toronto.

• Varsity Games: Stop by the Justin Chiu Stadium and the Athletics Centre, wear your Trent green, cheer on the Excalibur.

• Family Zone: Crafts, games and face painting for the kids at Justin Chiu Stadium.

• Rowing, rowing and more rowing: New this year the Head of the Trent Regatta runs Saturday and Sunday!

• Rower’s Beer Garden: Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., located in Lot G behind Lady Eaton College. Enjoy live music and food, collect this year's Head of the Trent mug and support rowing at Trent and in Peterborough. Alumni can bring their alumni cards to receive a green ID bracelet to access the fast track line.

Click here for a full schedule of events, and here for more details about the regatta. 

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