JA Northern and Eastern Ontario Recognizes Community Members At Hall Of Fame Event

JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated and recognized local students, a teacher, and a volunteer for their outstanding efforts and contributions, last week.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO

JA-NEO offers financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness education to students across Northern and Eastern Ontario.

The awards were presented at the annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame event held at the Loomex Group Hangar at the Peterborough Airport.

This year’s special recognitions included:

• Student of the Year - Kayla Scroggins

• Outstanding Contribution to Education - Sarah Taylor

• Lifetime Volunteer Recognition Award - Tania-Joy Bartlett

“We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s awards winners and recognize how their dedication, involvement, and achievements help to inspire others to become involved in JA,” said John McNutt, President and CEO, JA-NEO. “I want to congratulate each of the award winners on their success, and we look forward to your continued success.”

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Local Dance Champion Has Fundraiser Set Up To Perform at Disneyland

It is an opportunity of a lifetime for 17-year-old Rhiannon King as her family set up a GoFundMe to send her to Disneyland in Anaheim, Ca. to dance with the Lightning Elite Disney Performance Team.

Melissa King (left), Rhiannon King (middle) and Jason King (right) gazing at Rhiannon’s first-place medals and scholarship certificates after winning the senior solos at Star Beat Dance Champions in Niagara Falls. Melissa is a paraplegic and Jason is blind. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

King received the opportunity after she placed first at the Star Beat Dance Champions in Niagara Falls in the senior solo division on the May 12-15 weekend. The win also earned her a $1,000 scholarship toward the trip to California.

"I was so shocked," said King. "I was crying, I started jumping up and down and my teammates were really happy for me too.”

The GoFundMe is requesting $7,000 which pays for the flight, insurance, dance equipment and food. It was set up on May 15 shortly after King had received the opportunity.

The seven-day trip allows King the chance to meet with top industry professionals and work with dancers around the world according to the King family.

"It's her foot in the door," said Jason King, Rhiannon's father. "For many dancers, they don't those opportunities and the fact that this opportunity has come virtually at the end of her novice career per se, it's a dream come true for everyone."

Rhiannon has been dancing since she was three and danced competitively roughly when she was six. She has danced in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, musical theatre, tap and more throughout her life.

She has aspirations to attend York University for dance. Rhiannon wants to make dance her career by performing in her mid-20s and eventually opening a dance studio.

"I'm really proud of her for what she's accomplished and I know she'll succeed with whatever she decides to do,” said Melissa King, Rhiannon’s mother. “She has a natural talent for dancing I noticed that (in) the first year."

To donate to Rhiannon’s GoFundMe, click here.

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PVNC Presents Students With Annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards

As part of Catholic Education Week, which runs May 1 to 6, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) honoured 38 students with a Catholic Student Leadership Award during a ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.

One student was selected from each elementary and secondary school and winners were presented with a special medallion.

Award recipients were nominated by principals, teachers and in some cases, fellow students. Each demonstrated outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school affairs, involvement in community activities and dedication to a difficult situation or task.

“These award winners are true role models who embody the goals of our Catholic Graduate Expectations,” said Braden Leal, Chairperson of the Board. “Catholic Education Week affords us a perfect time to pay tribute to the student leaders in our schools and reflect on the importance of faith in our lives, and the role it plays in Catholic education.”

A full list of recipients is below:

Faith Griffiths, St. Mary CES, Lindsay

Niamh Walsh, STA Virtual Elementary School

James Gouin, STA Virtual Secondary School

Jayden Hopkins, St. John CES, Peterborough

Ruby Briand, Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough

William White, St. Peter CSS, Peterborough

Quinten Fowler, St. Paul CES, Peterborough

Makenzie Nichols, Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice

Chase Hudson, St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville

Lola Bittner, St. Catherine CES, Peterborough

Avery Pick, St. Patrick CES, Peterborough

Michel Gagné, St. Michael CES, Cobourg

Liam Cook, Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough

Anna Golobic, St. Francis of Assisi CES, Newcastle

Alena Vuong, Holy Family CES, Bowmanville

Elizabeth Payne, St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville

Katie Payne, St. Paul CES, Norwood

Matteo Crimi, Notre Dame CES, Cobourg

Cheyenne Hudson, St. Elizabeth CES, Bownmanville

Rees Tewsley, St. Anne CES, Peterborough

Keira deLaPlante, St. Joseph CES, Douro

Emma MacDonald, Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice

Chloe McMahon, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough

Sydney MacLellan, St. Paul CES, Lakefield

Janey King, St. Mary CES, Campbellford

Eva Winn, St. Luke CES, Downeyville

Hunter Young, St. Teresa CES, Peterborough

Connor James, St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice

Emma Smith, St. Mary CES, Grafton

Daniel Zito, Good Shepherd CES, Courtice

Jessica Harris, St. Mary CSS, Cobourg

Alisha Byrne, St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay

Addison Gerelus, St. Martin CES, Ennismore

Madison Mohr, St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay

Raina Willson, St. Dominic CES, Lindsay

Ayaji Antolin, St. Joseph CES, Cobourg

Donny Drake, St. Anthony CES, Port Hope

Josiah McMahon, St. Alphonsus CES

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YES Shelter Receives $50,000 From Rotary Clubs Towards Two Housing Units

The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) can help their two new housing units after receiving $50,000 from Peterborough Rotary Club and Kawartha Rotary in a cheque presentation outside the shelter on Wednesday afternoon.

(from left to right) Atul Swarup, Peterborough Rotary volunteer; Marie Press, Peterborough rotary director of service; Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director; Melissa Free, YES transitional housing manager; Brian O’Toole, Kawartha Rotary Club director and Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club director of service. YES has been providing emergency shelter and transitional supports to youth and families in Peterborough City and County since 2000. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The two new housing units are part of YES’ RISE Youth Housing Program. The money will build the units, as well as renovate an existing 12-plex building to allow for the additional capacity. This funding is a part of Rotary’s Centennial Celebrations, helping the community in their 100th year.

The funding is part of a $100,000 pledge with Peterborough Rotary Club committing $75,000 and $25,000 from Kawartha Rotary.

“Many of our members feel very strongly about housing in Peterborough,” said Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

“This is a natural fit.” Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club President stated “We are proud of our community involvement with this project and pleased to work with the Peterborough Club to make this important project happen”

“Right now, the homelessness rate in Peterborough is far too high and housing has not become more available or affordable through the pandemic,” said Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director. “We also know that transitional housing is typically required for young people and families exiting homelessness.”

The project will begin this spring and will be completed by the summer of 2023.

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March Declared "Easter Seals Month" In Celebration Of Peterborough Telethon's 50th Anniversary

Ahead of the 50th Peterborough Easter Seals Telethon, March has been declared “Easter Seals Month” in a virtual media conference held on Thursday morning.

Kevin Collins, Easter Seals president and CEO on the virtual meeting telling his experiences of having cerebral palsy and using a walker to navigate. Screenshot.

The declaration was made by Coun. and deputy mayor Kemi Akapo shortly after the meeting had opened.

The Telethon will be broadcasted on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on YourTV and Global News but the campaign is currently seeking donations with a goal of $80,000.

They can be made online, phoning in on the Telethon or by emailing Coralie Jacobs, Easter Seals manager of development at cjacobs@easterseals.org.

The raised funds from the telethon provide financial assistance for communication devices, mobility equipment and summer camp opportunities for youth with physical disabilities.

Easter Seals will virtually announce their goal on Thursday and check in with past ambassadors and local notables.

Guests include Akapo; Kevin Collins, Easter Seals president and CEO; Stu Harrison; Graham Hart; Mike Melnik; Teresa Kazsuba; Catherine Hanrahan and Caley Bedore.

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Local Country Star's Sixth Annual Charity Golf Tournament For Youth Mental Health a Go

Country star Tebey is back with his sixth annual Tebey Golf Classic in support of youth mental health announced on Tuesday.

Last year’s event was on June 24 at the Black Diamond Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

Over $125,000 has been raised over the past five years towards youth mental health that includes: 

• Covid-19 Response Drop In Centre - YES Youth Emergency Shelter for Youth and Families

• YES Homelessness Prevention Program partnership with Peterborough Youth *Services and YES Year one and Year two Funding

• 211 Awareness Campaign – Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter

• Ongoing education for Mental Health Clinicians of the Peterborough Family Health Team to support free patient mindfulness programming

Funds raised through the event will go towards Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter For Youth and Families.

“It’s going to be great to be back this year raising money for Peterborough Youth Services and the YES Shelter,” said Tebey. “They have provided so much support to those struggling and have had a huge impact on the lives of youth and families in the Peterborough area.”

The tournament is scheduled for June 2 at Wildfire Golf & Country Club with a shotgun tee-off at 1 p.m. An outdoor acoustic performance will happen at 7 p.m.

Foursome tickets are available on Eventbrite for $1,000 where a $200 tax receipt will be provided to each group. The tournament includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, acoustic performance from him and special guests (to be announced), activities, contests, meals, prizes and professional photos of your group.

“All of us at PYS (Peterborough Youth Services) are so grateful to the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation and Tebey for their joint fundraising efforts to improve youth mental health, said Heather Holland, PYS executive director. “Community donations are integral to expanding our reach and impact as an agency and every dollar will be directed to reducing wait times and providing more timely access to service.”

“What we are seeing at the tail end of the pandemic is young people and families left with fewer community supports and available housing options more than ever,” Aimeé Le Lagadec, YES Shelter executive director. “Participating in the Tebey Golf Classic is an incredible and fun way to help YES continue helping young people and families in Peterborough out of homelessness."

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Easter Seals Hits Two Milestones For Upcoming Telethon

On their 100th anniversary, the 50th Easter Seals Telethon kicks off its fundraising campaign to provide support for children and youth with physical disabilities beginning Thursday.

Easter Seals Telethon hosts from 2019. Photo courtesy of Easter Seals Peterborough.

The Telethon will be broadcasted on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. on YourTV and Global News but the campaign is currently seeking donations.

Easter Seals will virtually announce their goal on Thursday and check in with past ambassadors and local notables. Guests include Deputy Mayor Kemi Akapo; Kevin Collins, Easter Seals CEO; Stu Harrison; Graham Hart; Mike Melnik; Teresa Kazsuba; Catherine Hanrahan and Caley Bedore.

The raised funds provide financial assistance for mobility equipment, communication devices and summer camp opportunities for youth with physical disabilities.

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Petes Open Applications For Next Generation Game

The Peterborough Petes are providing ten young fans the opportunity to join the Petes hockey operations and entertainment staff at the Petes upcoming Family Day Game on Feb. 21 against the Barrie Colts.

Callan “Coach Cal” Perks went viral in his pre-game speech during the Next Gen Game in late November last year. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes are looking for a top-notch squad of kids between the ages of 5-12 years old to shadow the following roles on the Monday kid-centric matinee. The following positions are available to be filled:

• General Manager

• Head Coach

• Assistant Coach

• Associate Coach

• Public Address Announcer

• In-Game Host

• Two Scouts

• TV Broadcast

• Radio Broadcast

Kids can apply for the various positions by completing the Petes Next Gen application online form.

For the position of Head Coach, Assistant Coach or Associate Coach kids are asked to send in a video of a pre-game speech that they would deliver to the Petes ahead of a big game. The video must remain under two minutes and be filmed landscape (horizontal).

For the position of Public Address or In-Game Host, children are asked to upload a video that includes them reading the following script: "Here is the starting line up for your Peterborough Petes presented by Chemong Home Building Centre! Starting in goal Tye Austin, on defence Donovan McCoy and Artem Guryev, at forward: Joe Carroll, and Tucker Robertson, and J.R. Avon! And here are the remainder of your Peterborough Petes."

For the position of General Manager or Scout, young Petes fans are asked to complete the Next Gen scouting report for any current Peterborough Petes player.

New to the Next Gen staff is the opportunity to call the game with Scott Arnold and Pete Dalliday of the YourTV broadcast booth or Stew Kernan and Katrina Squazzin of Freq 90.5. Those who wish to call the Next Gen game are asked to send in a video that includes what three questions they would ask a Peterborough Pete during a rink-side interview in the second intermission.

The application to become a member of the Next Gen squad is due Feb. 17 at 11:59 p.m. All parents or guardians of the Next Gen applicants will be contacted Feb. 18.

Those selected to be a part of the Petes Next Gen squad will have the opportunity to receive a behind the scenes tour of the Memorial Centre ahead of puck drop on Sunday afternoon, catch on-ice warm up from the Petes bench, enjoy a meal in the media/scout room and meet members of the Petes hockey operations staff.

Off the ice, families can enjoy kid-friendly entertainment throughout the lobbies including a meet and greet with mascots, a scavenger hunt around the PMC, and throwback videos and photos of their favourite Petes from their minor hockey years.

The Next Gen game will take place Feb. 21 against the Barrie Colts, in the Petes first home game of the new year where 50 per cent capacity is permitted.

For information on season tickets, private suites, or groups contact Mike Kosciesza at mkosciesza@gopetesgo.com.

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Nexicom To Double Donations To 4th Line Theatre Emerging VOICES Program Until March

4th Line Theatre announced on Wednesday that Nexicom is doubling donations to the theatres Emerging VOICES Program until March 1.

Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

“Through our Emerging VOICES engagement program, local youth are given the opportunity to gain experience, skills and training that will ultimately help them to achieve their goals, artistic and other,” said Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “What makes the program particularly unique is that local young people work alongside and learn from, professional artist. And the program is completely free of charge.”

This is not the first time Nexicom has donated to 4th Line Theatre.

“This unique program recognizes the importance young people play within our community, and gives voice to their ideas and stories through their participation in the Arts. We greatly encourage anyone looking to support the arts to consider this wonderful program,” said Lance Nachoff, Sales and Marketing manager at Nexicom.

4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually in order to effectively train youth volunteers.

4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually in order to effectively train youth volunteers.

In 2021, 4th Line’s dedication to students did not waiver despite the challenges of the pandemic: partnering with Trent University’s Traill College, they employed a group of young, diverse regional youth in a new initiative, The 2021 Young Company. These young artists worked with industry professionals to produce livestream virtual play readings and performance pieces. 

 Generally, in the summer season, as many as 60 or more youth actors are engaged in productions, each contributing more than 210 hours, while learning to work collaboratively to achieve artistic excellence. The Double Your Impact with Nexicom initiative will ensure the program’s success in the theatre’s upcoming 30th season.

To donate, click here or call the 4th Line Theatre Box Office & Administrative Centre at 705-932-4445 until March 1st to qualify for a matching donation by Nexicom.

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Organizations, Parents And Kids Celebrate As Youth Sports Resume In Peterborough

As of Monday youth sports may resume in Ontario, as part of the provinces slow ease in restrictions. Sports have been put on hold since Jan. 5.

Photo courtesy of Time 2 Hoop.

Leagues, studios, teams and coaches in Peterborough are ready to resume for in person play.

“We are thrilled to be able to open our doors to our students again,” said Robyn Carter, owner at Premiere Dance Peterborough. “Youth sports and extra curricular activities are so important to the mental and physical health of all children. At Premiere we go above and beyond the safety measures required, and know we can provide our dance lessons in a safe environment.”

Time 2 Hoop Basketball Academy is excited to be able to train athletes again and believes that their mental health will improve in doing so.

“We are getting back to an environment where children can be active while they are developing competence, confidence and having fun,” said Joshua Williams, founder of Time 2 Hoop. “Learning new skills, getting exercise, interacting with peers and learning to play with others in a team setting. Being involved with sports also helps develop life skills and deal with the challenges that life brings.”

Jef Dueck, president of the Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, AAA Peterborough Petes, sayd that although the league has lost about a month of ice time, they are ready now more than ever to skate together.

“We are very happy to be back at the rink and playing the sport we love,” he said. “Physical activity and team play are very important to the physical and mental health of our youth. For kids involved in high-level competitive sports programs like AAA hockey, there’s really no substitute for the intensity that comes with their practices and games. We’ve lost a month, some games and a couple of tournaments. But now that we can skate together again, we won’t waste any time getting back to work and chasing after the Provincial Championships.”

Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach of the U15AA Ice Kats, says the team is buzzing and ready to get back on the ice.

“Now that we know what a month without hockey looks like we’re ready to capitalize on our excitement,” she said. “The team is focused and ready for success.”

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