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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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Introduces First Baby of 2025

Loretta Shaughnessy and Ryan Heise welcomed their baby boy Maverick Raymond Heise into the world on Wednesday at 2:04 a.m. as the first baby of 2025 delivered at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Maverick weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. Both he and his mother are doing well after the pregnancy. Maverick will have Florence, his older sister to look forward to.

“We can’t say enough about the incredible care we received from the nurses and doctors here,” said Loretta about delivering Maverick at PRHC. 

Her sister — a Labour and Delivery nurse at PRHC — was off-duty and able to attend during the birth as a support person.

Maverick’s middle name is from Loretta’s grandfather, Ray Lowery, who passed away shortly after the couple found out they were expecting. 

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'Olivia' and 'Noah' #1 Baby Names For 2023 In Ontario In Top 10 List

Once again, the top baby names were Olivia and Noah in Ontario for 2023, according to the provincial government.

Serenity Bui (pictured) is the daughter of PTBOCanada Editor’s David Bui. Photo by Sarah Hiltz Photography.

Olivia has clinched the number-one spot as Ontario's top baby girl name for 15 consecutive years. Charlotte also continued as a favourable choice, becoming the second-most popular name for girls.

Noah took the top spot as the most popular name for boys for the fifth-straight year, with Liam following closely behind.

Mila and Henry were new baby names that cracked 2023.

The top 10 names for girls and boys in 2023 were:

Girls

1. Olivia

2. Charlotte

3. Amelia

4. Emma

5. Sophia

6. Mia

7. Sofia

8. Ava

9. Mila

10. Isla

Boys

1. Noah

2. Liam

3. Theodore

4. Oliver

5. Jack

6. Lucas

7. Benjamin

8. William

9. Leo

10. Henry

“Welcoming a new baby and choosing a name is one of life’s most meaningful milestones, and our government is dedicated to helping new parents focus on these special moments rather than paperwork,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “With ServiceOntario’s 5-in-1 Newborn Bundle, we’ve made it easier for Ontario parents to register their newborns and apply for essential documents like birth certificates and Social Insurance Numbers—all from the comfort of their home.”

The Ontario government says that parents should register their child's birth within 30 days of welcoming their newborn.

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26 Kids Get Holiday Shopping Spree With Peterborough Police Service's 18th Annual CopShop This Thursday

The holidays are coming a little early for 26 local children as the Peterborough Police Services is hosting its 18th annual CopShop at Lansdowne Place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Twenty-six deserving children will enjoy a limo ride from school and be partnered with a Peterborough Police Officer. The officers will serve as personal shoppers for the kids and each will receive a $200 Gift Card to shop around.

“We are very excited that this program is returning as it’s always been an event our officers look forward to,” says Mike Peckham, Detective Constable, Peterborough Police Service. “This year we have about two dozen officers and civilian members volunteering their time to build positive relationships and spend time with our young people in a fun way.”

“It’s impossible not to be inspired by these incredible kids” says Helen Edwards, Property Manager for Lansdowne Place. “I still remember the very first time we hosted CopShop, it was magical and continues to be our favourite day of the year.”

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Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation Launch 2024 Santa's Sleigh to Fulfill Kids' Christmas Wishlists

For the past 35 years, Children’s Christmas wishes are getting fulfilled through the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCAS) 2024 Santa’s Sleigh Program launched at the Chemong Road Walmart on Thursday.

Ivana Braithwaite, 4, gets a Merry Christmas and holiday cheer from Santa as Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation launches its Santa’s Sleigh program for 2025. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Our community is so generous,” said Carrie Truman, KHCAS executive director. People have given for many years and we're hoping they're going to give in the same way again this year.”

The program is in conjunction with the Central Lakes Association of Realtors, East Peterborough Lions Club, 101.5 The Wolf, Global Peterborough and 100.5 Fresh Radio.

Roughly 900 children are involved in the foundation, with gift requests written on tags and placed on a Christmas tree in Walmart. Shoppers can grab a tag, fulfill it, and put it in a drop-in sleigh at the store. The program runs until Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.

“We are inviting the community to choose a child’s gift suggestion from our tree at Walmart, and then shop for that gift in order to fulfill the child’s holiday wish” said Truman. “The gifts will go directly to children in our community, so that together we can put smiles on the faces of local children this holiday season.”

Presents, gift cards, and monetary donations are accepted during the program. Donated money purchases gifts and gift cards for children and youth involved with the KHCAS.

Donors can make online monetary donations on the foundation’s website.

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JA NEO Launches 'When I Grow Up' Campaign to Aid Youth With Tools For Their Future Careers

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO) has launched its ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign to inspire and empower youth with the tools and knowledge to explore and pursue their future careers, announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday.

John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO making the announcement at the Venture North Building. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign promotes financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship among young people, helping them envision and achieve their full potential according to John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO.

“The ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign is designed to address the root causes of systemic poverty, homelessness, youth unemployment and underemployment by equipping students with practical skills and experiences,” he said. “Through interactive workshops, mentorship programs and real-world career exploration opportunities, JA NEO is dedicated to preparing a financially informed generation for success, shielding them from systemic poverty and homelessness.”

JA NEO’s programs teach financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to youth in grades 3 to 12.

JA NEO also introduced its Holiday Matching Gift Initiative, where every dollar donated until Dec. 31 will be tripled (up to $40,000). This was possible by matching donors such as Alf Curtis Home Improvements Inc., Peterborough Truss & Floor Ltd., and Peterborough & Distinct Construction Association.

Anyone can donate to the cause by clicking the link.

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St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Unveils New Accessible Playground

It’s been a long time coming for everyone at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Douro but they finally have a new accessible playground to play, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

Construction began in the late summer for the playground. It was made possible after years of fundraising, securing grants and community support to secure its costs for $154,000, according to Sarah Bass, St. Joesph’s School Council parent and member.

“In 2021, after our existing structures started having age-related safety concerns, the children at the school implored the staff at the school and their parents to look at options for replacement,” she said. “Our parents, local businesses and people who call Douro home, raised funds through a community yard sale, sponsorships, Fresh from Farm, quilt raffles and Christmas craft sales.”

There was $8,000 raised from a community yard sale as well as sponsorships from local businesses. The project also received a federal grant for enabling accessibility totaling $70,000 and $10,000 from the AgriSpirit Fund.

“The excitement was palpable when construction began in August, and the joy is still on full display at recess and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supported this project,” said Bass.

The playground can be enjoyed year round.

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