Young Artists Asked to Help Five Counties Show Gratitude For 50 Years

Children of all ages are being asked to lend their creative art skills to help Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) show its appreciation for 50 years of service with its launch of the 50th Anniversary Thank You Card Contest.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

Coinciding with its golden anniversary in 2025, until April 30, young artists of all ages are encouraged to decorate, colour and create artwork on a selection of 50th anniversary colouring sheets. Centre staff will use all artwork submitted on individual thank you cards shared with donors, volunteers, and supporters to show appreciation for their assistance to Five Counties.

In addition, one winning design will grace the cover of new corporate thank you cards that Five Counties will create in 2025 to mark its 50th anniversary.

Kids who enter the contest can win prizes, including Five Counties’ 50th anniversary T-shirts. Contest rules, entry forms, colouring sheets, and submission information are available online.

“Five Counties has much to be grateful for over its 50-year history, so who better to say thanks than the kids who benefit from our services,” said Maddie Jackson, FCCC Community Engagement Coordinator. “At the core of what Five Counties does is serving and supporting kids of all ages and abilities, so showcasing their artwork on 50th anniversary thank you cards will add extra meaning when we send appreciation to our supporters.”

As part of its 50th festivities, Five Counties is planning family-friendly events at each of its sites, including in Campbellford on May 27, in Cobourg in late June, over the summer in Minden, in Lindsay on Sept. 6, and in Peterborough on Sept. 27. The Centre is also featuring monthly stories from current and former clients, parents, families, staff, volunteers and supporters reflecting on their experiences and successes at Five Counties.

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Nominations Open For Community Care Peterborough's 37th 'Grandparent of the Year'

City and County of Peterborough children in grades 1-6 can honour their elders through Community Care Peterborough’s 37th ‘Grandparent of the Year’ contest.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Community Care Peterborough.

Children are asked to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their grandparent, elder or special older person and why they think their nominee should win the award.

“The Grandparent of the Year Award is a wonderful opportunity to connect generations and affirm the dignity, wisdom, and value of seniors in our community—many of whom are clients or volunteers with Community Care Peterborough,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “The stories we receive each year are a powerful reminder of the impact older adults have on young people, and we encourage all eligible students to take part.”

Nomination packages have been distributed to schools throughout Peterborough County and are also available for download.

Submissions will be accepted in both English and French and a winner and honourable mention will be selected in each language from two grade groups: Primary (Grades 1-3) and Junior (Grades 4-6).

The deadline for submissions is May 6. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on June 4 at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence.

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Registration For Jr. A Lakers Release Full Schedule For 2025 Season

The Peterborough Jr. A Lakers have officially released its Ontario Junior Lacrosse League schedule for the 2025 season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers.

The season starts on the road against the Whitby Warriors on May 20 at 7:30 p.m at Iroquois Park. The team’s home opener is on May 26 at 8 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre against the Oakville Buzz.

“We’re thrilled to get back on the floor at the PMC in front of our incredible fans,” said Robert Hope, Lakers head coach. “Facing Oakville on May 26 is a fantastic way to kick things off at home. Our guys are hungry after last year’s playoff run, and we’re building toward something special this season.”

The following is the complete 2025 schedule:

Home Games:

• May 26, 8 p.m. vs Oakville Buzz

• May 30, 8 p.m. vs Six Nations Arrows

• June 16, 8 p.m. vs Kitchener Waterloo

• June 18, 8 p.m. vs Burlington Blaze

• June 20, 8 p.m. vs Orangeville Northmen

• June 23, 8 p.m. vs Toronto Beaches

• June 27, 8 p.m. vs St Catharines Athletics

• June 30, 8 p.m. vs Mimico Mountaineers

• July 2, 8 p.m. vs Brampton Excelsiors

• July 7, 8 p.m. vs Whitby Warriors

Away Games:

• May 20, 7:30 p.m. at Whitby Warriors (Iroquois Park – Pad 1)

• May 23, 7:30 p.m. at Kitchener Waterloo (Memorial – Aud)

• May 28, 8 p.m. at St Catharines Athletics (Canada Games Park)

• June 2, 8 p.m. at Burlington Blaze (Central Arena)

• June 5, 8 p.m. at Six Nations Arrows (Iroquois Lacrosse Arena – ILA)

• June 10, 8 p.m. at Toronto Beaches (Ted Reeve Arena)

• June 13, 8 p.m. at Mimico Mountaineers (Mimico Arena)

• June 25, 8 p.m. at Oakville Buzz (Toronto Rock Athletic Centre – TRAC)

• July 4, 8 p.m. at Brampton Excelsiors (Memorial Arena)

• July 10, 8 p.m. at Orangeville Northmen (Tony Rose Arena)

The Lakers reached the semifinals before falling to the Mimico Mountaineers last season. This year, Hope says the Lakers are eager to take the next step toward capturing the OJLL title and a shot at the prestigious Minto Cup.

“We’re not just playing for wins; we’re playing to continue building the storied legacy of lacrosse in our city,” he explained. “This season, we’re going to leave everything on the floor and do our best to bring the Minto Cup home to Peterborough, where it belongs.”

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53rd Easter Seals Telethon Looking to Raise $100,000 With Live Event For March 23

The 53rd Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser is aiming to raise $100,000 for children with physical disabilities with their live event broadcasting on March 23 on YourTV and Global Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., announced at Lansdowne Place on Thursday morning.

Stu Harrison, Easter Seals Telethon honest (left), talks to Mitchell McMcoll (middle) and Yvonne McColl about how Easter Seals has benefitted their family. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal was in attendance and proclaimed March to be Easter Seals Month in Peterborough.

Stu Harrison is returning as Telethon host and Graham Hart, former CHEX TV on-air personality, is doing his 51st Telethon.

Easter Seals is its 103rd year with the 53rd as a fundraiser. Proceeds provide support for children and youth with physical disabilities. This includes mobility and accessibility equipment, communication devices and attending summer camps.

“I honestly call the Telethon a legacy event,” said Jenn Bheemsingh, Easter Seals community engagement officer. “Easter Seals is such a signature event, especially in this community. In Ontario, we're doing the Telethons all across the regions but Peterborough, you guys are expecting the Telethon to come, it's a great community-based event. 

The televised event celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families and recognizes donors and sponsors.

“We're going to be showcasing a lot of the Peterborough families that are in the area,” said Bheemsingh. “We've got over 75 families that we serve just to Easter Seals alone so we're hoping to have quite a few of the families come in, share their stories and see their journeys.”

Supporters can donate during the Telethon or at anytime online.

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Registration For Jr. A Lakers Summer Camp Opens This Friday

Kids can pick up their lacrosse sticks and toss the ball around as registration for the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers Summer Camp opens this Friday at 8 a.m.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers

The camp is held at the Peterborough Memorial Centre in a four-week multi-sport camp for athletes ages six-12 and runs through July.

“I’m grateful for the foundation Turner has built and excited to continue delivering an unforgettable experience for our campers,” said Curtis Conley, camp director.

Conley was newly appointed to the role, taking over for Turner Evans. The former is a Trent University Bachelor of Education student with both playing and coaching experience. He is an assistant coach with the Jr. A Lakers, played for the Cobourg Kodiaks in the MSL last summer and has played professionally in the National Lacrosse League with the Albany Firewolves and New York Riptide.

“I’m passionate about teaching and coaching, and I can’t wait to help young athletes grow their skills in a supportive, high-energy environment,” said Conley.

The camp offers a mix of sports and activities, focusing on daily lacrosse instruction led by Jr. A Lakers players and special guest coaches. It is suitable for children of all skill levels.

Camp Details:

• Dates & Fees:

• Week 1: June 30, July 2-4 (four-day week) – $180

• Week 2: July 7-11 – $200

• Week 3: July 14-18 – $200

• Week 4: July 21-25 – $200

• Location: Peterborough Memorial Centre

• Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Ages: 6-12

• Highlights: Multi-sport activities with daily lacrosse training, led by Jr A Lakers players and special guests

Online registration is available or through a link at PtboJrLakers.ca. Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly, so don’t miss out! Whether you’re a returning camper or a new face, the Jr A Lakers Summer Camp is ready to welcome you for a summer of growth, leadership, and fun.

Conley says he’s looking forward to seeing everyone at camp and continuing the tradition of excellence that makes this program so special.

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Send A Kid To Camp This Summer With the AXE-Travaganza Fundraising Event

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCF) are letting kids hack away at fun with their Camp AXE-travaganza fundraising event at the Peterborough Axe Club on May 2, announced on Monday.

(from left to right) Carlo Raponi, Peterborough Axe Club; Carrie Truman, Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation Executive Director and Kevan Herod, Herod Financial Services. Over the past 41 years, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation has sent over 5,600 kids to summer camp. Photo courtesy of Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

“We are so excited for this event. It is our major fundraiser that allows us to provide the summer camp experience to children involved with the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society,” said Carrie Truman, KHCF executive director. “The format of the evening is a family-friendly axe throwing competition, along with food, a photo booth and a silent auction.”

KHCF’s goal is to help 150 children involved with their Aid Society attend camp this summer. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a lane. A third timeslot from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. has been added. Traditional evening sessions are available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. or 8 to 10 p.m.

The event is in partnership with Herod Financial Services and is supported by AON, Kawartha Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (KOMFS) and Kawartha Gymnastics.

Event sponsorship opportunities are available by emailing carrie@k-hchildrensfoundation.com. Online monetary donations for the Summer Camp Program can also be made.

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Media Spell Out First-Ever Victory Over Rotarians To Promote Rotary Club of Peterborough's Kids 11th Annual Spelling Bee On May 3

To promote the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 11th Annual Regional School Spelling Bee for grade-school children, the media got their first win over the Rotarians in a friendly competition at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Monday afternoon.

Tiffany Arcari (right) effortlessly spells a word correctly to help Peterborough media defeat the Rotarians for the first time since it began in 2023. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Since 2023, media —including yours truly— has been pitted against Rotarians in a spelling bee competition, similar to what the kids will deal with.

Representing the local media were the Peterborough Examiner, The Tiffany Show/YourTV, KawarthaNow/Freq 90.5/Oldies 96.7, 100.5 Fresh Radio and PTBOCanada.

Tiffany Arcari of The Tiffany Show and Joelle Kovach of the Peterborough Examiner were the last two competitors standing to give the media their first-ever win against the Rotarians. The latter won in the head-to-head competition between the final contestants.

The kids event is divided into two groups. The Junior Division for Grades 4-6 runs at 9 a.m. and the Senior Division for Grades 7-8 starts at 1 p.m. at Fleming College on May 3.

Prizes for this year’s participants include week-long sessions at Camp Kawartha and Trent Excalibur Camp, Lazer Tag Parties at Zap Attack, gift cards for lessons at the Art School of Peterborough, Bikes and Art Supplies from Crayola.

The Rotary is asking any local schools in the region that want to participate or local businesses to sponsor the event to e-mail Spelling Bee Co-Chairs Mary-Anne Greco and Donna-Marie Fennel at spellingbee@peterboroughrotary.ca.

Editor’s note: I was eliminated in the fourth round last year with “legitimacy.” I was eliminated this year in the second round with “thoroughly.”

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Professional Wrestler Cody Deaner To Guest Speak At Local Elementary Schools Through Kiwanis Club Sponsorship Tour In Feburary

Through a sponsorship by the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, Chris Gray, better known as professional wrestling/speaker Cody Deaner, is doing a fifth tour of several Peterborough schools as a guest speaker, announced on Tuesday.

The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough is celebrating 104 years of service to the Peterborough community. It is part of a global membership of over 550,000 in 80 countries. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Peterborough.

The Total Nonstop Wrestling star will speak at St. Paul’s Catholic Elementary School and Rhema Christian School on Feb. 6 and Monsignor O’Donohue Catholic Elementary School and Prince of Wales Public School on Feb. 7.

“We’re very excited to bring Chris back to Peterborough for another tour”, said Jeff Westlake, Kiwanis past president. “His previous tours have been tremendously popular with both students and staff. This will bring the number of schools we’ve visited to 15.”

“I’m delighted to be returning to Peterborough next month,” said Gray. “The partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has been outstanding these last few years, and I’m eager to inspire area kids with my stories and message of ‘Dare to Dream Big.’”

Gray is a recommended speaker with the Canadian Student Leadership Association. Their mission statement is ‘to support and encourage student leadership in Canada.’

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Photos: U11 Collingwood Blues Win 'Chris Fee Cup' From Host U11 Peterborough Petes to Kick Off 64th Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament

The Chris Fee Cup goes to the Collingwood Jr. Blues U11A, shutting out the host Peterborough Petes U11A team, 3-0 to open the 65th Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday morning.

All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

The cup is a feature opening game against a visiting team against the host Petes team since 1997.

Will Whiteley, Ellis Cox and Benner Leal scored for Collingwood to shut out the Petes 3-0 to capture the 2025 Chris Fee Cup.

The tournament features 64 teams in seven divisions.

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Morton Family Foundation Makes $50,000 Donation to YWCA For the Fifth Consecutive Year

The Morton Family Foundation has donated $50,000 to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for the fifth consecutive year to support the YWCA’s services for women and children in Haliburton County, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

Patricia and David Morton have donated to the YWCA for 12 years and have given $50,000 each year since 2020.

The money will support YWCA’s programs in Haliburton County, which provide rural women experiencing violence and abuse with vital services including safety planning, counselling, and legal assistance.

Patricia, a professor emerita who taught history and women’s studies for 26 years at Trent University, said that their commitment to the YWCA stems from the epidemic of gender-based abuse and violence against women in our country.

“About 44 per cent of Canadian women (6.2 million people) have reported experiencing psychological or physical abuse in an intimate relationship,” she explained. “Gender-based violence has severe ramifications on the health of the victims – including traumatic brain injuries that can result in lasting mental health challenges and even death, as well as lasting traumatic impacts on their children. David and I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute again to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s vital support services and safe shelters for the many women who are endangered by gender-based abuse and too often deadly violence.”

Patricia notes that close to 200 women in Canada were killed by femicide last year with over 60 cases in Ontario. YWCA states that the true numbers are even higher, as many instances of violence and abuse are never reported,and statistics only include those cases ruled as femicide by authorities.

“Clearly femicide must be stopped, and all levels of government must enact legislation that provides protection, safety, support, and affordable housing for the survivors of gender-based abuse and violence,” said Patricia. “Isolated rural women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner abuse and violence and to femicide.

“The Morton Family Foundation has reached a milestone in their tradition of generosity, after five years of leadership giving,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “I am truly grateful every day for Patricia and David’s dedication to supporting so many worthwhile community initiatives. I offer them thanks on behalf of every woman and child we serve in Haliburton County, for providing them with the resources and support they need to feel safe again.”

“I believe it is so important to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton in their effort to protect women who are in very vulnerable situations,” said David. “I urge others to support the YWCA in this effort.”

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