The 2015 PTBOCanada Awesome List
/2015 so rocked again in this city. Because this community so rocks. In no particular order, here are 45 people, places and things that made this year so awesome...
1. The Hunter Street piano, a "community piano" that resided in the alley on Hunter St. across from the Only Cafe, and was the talk of the town—and music to our ears.
2. Teenager Criss Tuck, who stood up to bullies who teased his older autistic brother, Jeffrey.
Criss and his older brother, Jeffrey
3. Jordan Mercier. The music personality with Extra 90.5 and Oldies 96.7 established himself as an influential figure (on and off the airwaves) in the community by showing up at countless events and showcasing all that is good about this city.
Mercier knows what time it is
4. Eileen Kimmett. A HUGE community ambassador, she opened herself up to the community about her battle with depression in a courageous way—helping to further change the conversation and stigma related to mental health.
5. Peterborough Utilities' awesome tribute to Ed Spoelstra at his funeral.
Photo via Olive Cedar Photography Facebook page
6. Faith Dickinson. The Lakefield teenager won a Me to We Youth in Action Award for her humanitarian efforts, and demonstrates again the power of youth in activating real change.
7. Noble Purification, which unveiled its bio-filtration plant this year and its start-of-the-art water purification equipment that can make a difference in municipalities in Canada and beyond.
Andrea Lacerda, co-founder and COO of Noble Purification
8. Baby Meerkats born at the Riverview Park & Zoo. You can never go wrong with baby Meerkats. Or our amazing zoo.
9. Terry Guiel. The executive director of the DBIA has been a terrific public ambassador/advocate for all things downtown, believing in experimenting with new ideas and approaches to the downtown. Oh, and he discovered—and embraced—Twitter this year. Watch out Twitterverse.
10. Citiots. If you have not experienced this improv troupe playing their monthly shows at the Gordon Best Theatre on Hunter Street, you are missing out on a bucket list moment. They are rays of light and their roots are in bringing great joy to all.
11. Odin Birthday. An entire city—and country, and world—rallied around Odin on his birthday. A beautiful day this city will never forget.
12. Brianna Gosselin. The talented artist is also a tireless advocate for missing, injured and stray animals, such as finding a home for PTBO The Cat. This year, for her 28th birthday, she donated all the proceeds from a CommuniKitch to Lakefield Animal Welfare Society.
13. St. Peter's staff dancing in the auditorium after Terry Fox announcement.
14. Maryam Monsef. She became the first Peterborough woman elected to serve in Ottawa—and the first Afghan-Canadian MP—inspiring a generation of females, including toddlers.
15. James and Jennifer Todd, who championed a fundraising campaign for accessible swings at the Riverview Park and Zoo, and raised close to $16,000 and a bunch of in-kind donations. Amazing couple!
16. Peterborough Huskies. The special needs hockey team, which has captured the heart of the city, announced they are hosting the Special Needs Hockey International Tournament in March 2017. Kudos to founders Dave and Cathie Tuck, coach Chris J-Boy Williams and all volunteers involved with this wonderful organization. Momentum.
Photo via @PamReports
17. The horse drawn sleigh that went through the drive-thru at Tim Hortons in Lakefield. Love.
18. The 2015 TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) Conference & AGM showcased Peterborough and the Kawarthas to travel professionals from around the world, and was a major success with tweets being sent out to all parts about how beautiful it is here.
Photo via @jennsmithnelson
19. The city's amazing fundraising and support of the Peterborough Mosque after the fire there showed the power of this community in coming together in times of adversity. It was definitely worthy of being picked up by Upworthy.
20. The owl hanging out at the MNR building in downtown Peterborough. Everyone, and everything, loves downtown Peterborough.
Picture by PTBOCanada's Scott Arnold
21. The Strumbellas performing "Run" at The Mount. A magical performance and video in a beautiful space that has been viewed 10,000+ times. Kudos to Bandwagon team.
22. That Canadian flag painted on the ice at the Lift Lock. You can't get much more Canadian than that, eh?
23. The Rotary Club for installing public libraries around the city! Great idea.
24. @BloodGoal, which uses the power of social media to show the importace of giving blood—and all the amazing donors in the community.
25. The Hootenanny on Hunter, which has established itself as one of the community events in downtown Peterborough.
26. PUC's Twitter account. Informative and funny—and always keeping us up to date when the lights go out.
27. Pete Dalliday. The radio (100.5 Fresh Radio) and sports (play by play guy for Petes and Lakers) personality is a great ambassador to the community, promoting countless causes and organizations.
Cubs Lair Youth Entrepreneur Finals, Gordon Best Theatre
29. Strutt putting scarves around Peterborough for people in need. Their programs for youth foster empowerment and a Me to We attiude.
30. The Warming Room. It provides a safe place for the homeless 7 days a week, and breaks down the barriers by providing a space where volunteers and overnight guests can learn from each other. They also have an excellent blog written by people involved with the organization.
31. Luke Heard. He hosted an Open House for his Halloween haunted house, and raised $1,200 for the Peterborough Huskies special needs team. Heard is testament to the fact that anyone can make a difference big and small in the lives of others.
32. Lansdowne Place hosting events like Silent Santa and Paws & Claus over the Christmas Season! The mall is constantly giving back to the community.
33. Erica Cherney, who has given her time to Peterborough in countless ways, and was so deserving of winning Humanitarian of the Year alumni award at Carleton this year.
Photo by Jessica Melnik
