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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U15AA Ice Kats Ready To Defend Number One Ranking In Canada As They Step Back On The Ice

The Peterborough Cavanagh Disposal U15AA Ice Kats are currently ranked number one in the country, and plan on defending that title as they return to the ice.

Photo courtesy of Shelbi Kilcollins.

Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach of the U15 Ice Kats, says the new schedule was sent out to the team on Sunday night and players are rearing to go.

“We’re all in a group chat together and when the schedule was sent out on Sunday - for lack of a better word the girls are absolutely buzzing. We’re on the ice six times this week,” she said.

The team showing off their new jerseys. Photo courtesy of U15 Ice Kats.

The team was ranked number one in the country before they were forced to step off the ice due to provincial mandates.

Now that the girls are back, they are ready to win.

“We certainly aren’t just making the playoffs this year,” said Kilcollins. “These girls want the provincial championship.”

This season will be the last time many of the girls play together, as next year many of them will move on to play in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

Two seasons ago when this group played Pewee, they finished the season ranked number one in Canada and now that they are back together they plan to do it again.

Team members include: head coach Chris Moher, assistant coach Shelbi Kilcollins, assistant coach Tim Degeer, Lacey Clement, Chloe Fife, Kate Bell, Rhaea Flint, Claire Baynham, Sadie Davidson, Chey Degeer, Syd Sawyer, Amy Clements, Soph Harold, Molly Farace, Kylee Strano, Claire Chambers, Ava Moher, Avery Johnston, Clara Williams and Brooke Cavanagh.

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Peterborough Youth Council Application Deadline Extended

The City of Peterborough has extended the deadline for applications to the Peterborough Youth Council for anyone aged 12-21 until Jan 31 at 4:30 p.m. announced Friday.

Stock photo.

Students within the eligible ages in Peterborough are invited to apply to become a member of the Peterborough Youth Council for the 2022 term.

Being a member includes:

• Be a voice for youth

• Get involved with community events

• Plan events for youth

• Attend monthly meetings ( COVID-19 protocols in place)

• Work as a team

• Volunteer hours can be used towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma

In accordance with the City of Peterborough COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, all volunteers are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning their volunteer role.

Visit the City’s website to learn more and complete an application.

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Employers Can Now Apply For Canada Summer Jobs 2022 Funding

Employers in Peterborough and area can now apply for funding from the Canada Summer Jobs 2022 program.

File Photo.

Canada Summer Jobs, a federal grant program, allows employers to hire youth and young adults between 15 and 30 and give them their first summer work experience.

Not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and those private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees can apply for funding until noon on January 25, 2022.

Funding confirmations will be sent to employers beginning in April 2022.

Jobs can start as early as April 25, 2022 and as late as July 24, 2022. The latest someone can work under Canada Summer Jobs is September 3, 2022.

Employers interested in applying for Canada Summer Jobs 2022 funding can submit their applications online here or the Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS).

Applications received by fax or by email will not be considered.

Applications that support local priorities, identified by local Member of Parliament, will receive additional points during Service Canada’s assessment.

Priorities for Peterborough-Kawartha as highlighted by local MPs are:

Projects supporting local and regional tourism development

• Projects supporting environmental protection

• Projects supporting not-for-profit organizations

• Community events

• Projects supporting small businesses

Funds are distributed to successful applicants based on the results of Service Canada’s assessment of applications, and from feedback provided by MPs during their review of the list of projects.

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City Accepting Applications For Peterborough Youth Council

The City of Peterborough is now accepting applications for the Peterborough Youth Council 2022 term.

Stock photo.

Young people between the ages of 12 and 21 who live or attend school in Peterborough are invited to apply to become a member of the Peterborough Youth Council.

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

This is a volunteer position, and the volunteer hours can be used towards students’ Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In accordance with the City of Peterborough - COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, all volunteers are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning their volunteer role.

Visit the City’s website at www.peterborough.ca/youthcouncil to learn more and complete an application.

The application deadline is January 16, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.

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Art Gallery of Peterborough Launches Inaugural Youth Art Mentorship Program

The Art Gallery of Peterborough has launched its inaugural Youth Art Mentorship program, announced on Thursday.

Spencer J. Harrison in his studio. Photo courtesy of the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

This program will give youth entering their final years of high school the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and insights into the arts profession.

Led by artist, activist, and educator, Spencer J. Harrison, students will explore the profession through educational and training workshops, all culminating in a group exhibition at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

This program is comprised of two phases. Free Portfolio Reviews, designed to offer critical feedback to youth. Youth must register for this program by Nov. 24.

Successful applicants in the juried Call for Submissions will work with Artist Mentor (Spencer J. Harrison) and their peers to develop a body of work to present in a group exhibition at the Art Gallery of Peterborough. Applications for this program open on Dec. 1.

This program is open to all youth currently enrolled in Grade 11 and 12, living in the City and County of Peterborough.

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Youth Emergency Shelter Receives $52,900 Through Ontario Grant For Staff Training

The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) has received $52,900 to aid in staff training from the Ontario Trillium Foundation at the Murray St. Baptist Church on Tuesday.

Last year, Ontario Trillium Foundation nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money came from the Resilient Communities Fund grant which was designed to help non-profits rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

The extra funding will be used to help with adding more staff training programs. This included Mental Health First Aid for, Natural Support Connection training provided by A Way Home Canada and the development of an organization-wide well-being strategic plan.

 “The YES Shelter for Youth and Families provides a critical service to young men and women in our community facing unique challenges. I have been proud to support their team as they carry out their diligent and compassionate work,” said MPP Dave Smith. “It’s often said that you should take care of the hands that take care of you. In this case, the mental health support this funding enables will ensure the dynamic, high-quality service offered by the staff at YES can continue as we move forward.”

YES has seen an increase in mental and physical health crises amongst those experiencing homelessness with far fewer supports available since March last year.

There has also been an organizational rise in staff burnout accompanying the additional pressures on front-line positions according to Aimee Le Lagadec, YES interim executive director.

“The onset of COVID-19 significantly increased the mental health needs of youth and families experiencing homelessness in Peterborough,” she said. “The Ontario Trillium Foundation made it possible for us to provide our staff with impactful training that has further equipped our organization to support youth and families during a crisis.”

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Martial Arts Academy Training Peterborough Chess Minds

Training the mind is just as important as training the body for Ninja Academy as they will host an all-ages summer chess tournament announced on Friday.

Georges David-Gnahoui (top) teaches a chess lesson to a young student. The Ninja Academy was formed in 2015 by founding Sensei Paul Teleki and operates in partnership with the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. Photo Courtesy of Ninja Academy.

Their first tournament will be held during the week of August 30th to September 3rd. Coaching will be provided for participating learners.

Ninja Academy students and parents requested the tournament with coaching from Georges David-Gnahoui.

“Students have been working diligently to test their chess skills and I am happy to see their competitive attitude,” he said.

Students are now eager to expand their skills beyond their peers into the wider community and the tournament is spread out over the week to accommodate safe competitive spaces according to the release.

The Academy has 140+ students, 5 youth Ninja Leaders and apprentices. Photo Courtesy of Ninja Academy.

Depending on the weather, matches may be held at local parks or covered spaces. The academy is providing tutoring opportunities to people who register for the tournament.

Awards will be given to the winners while all competitors will earn a certificate of participation. Every match will be video recorded for review purposes, without the faces of participants and to allow families to watch the match remotely.

“During the lockdowns, chess has become a growing opportunity for our students and this will also help them to compete and grow in other areas as well,” says David-Gnahoui.

The Ninja Academy coaches students towards competitive Judo podiums. They said chess will sharpen the minds of students to support their competitive martial arts.

Registrants will be grouped into their age brackets and competitors will be selected at random to compete.

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Six Local Youth Entrepreneurs Launch Summer Businesses

Six local youth entrepreneurs have recently launched their summer business ventures thanks to the Summer Company program offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre (BAC).

(Top row from left to right) Ainsley Dunn, Drew McFadden, Grace Holmquist (Bottom row from left to right_ Owen Gerrard, Timothy Mills, Lawson Hill. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.

The Summer Company Program is the Government of Ontario’s flagship youth entrepreneurship program which helps youth aged 15-29 try their hand at business ownership by connecting them with up to $3,000 in start-up funding, one-on-one guidance from BAC staff, advice and mentorship from local business leaders, access to business workshops, training and resources and business support.

“This year’s group are committed and passionate youth entrepreneurs. Enrolling in a program like Summer Company requires dedication and a desire to learn and improve small business knowledge. Each of the six students has taken their unique skillset and experiences and turned them into marketable and sought-after products and services,” said Suzanne McCrimmon, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Director of Business Development. “We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for their continued support of the Summer Company program. These youth business owners are learning skills that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”

This summer’s group of youth entrepreneurs includes:

Creatively Dunn (Norwood, ON) – Owner Ainsley Dunn is currently taking the Indigenous Bachelor of Education program at Trent University and handcrafts all-natural, sustainable handcrafted wooden toys and playsets for children. Her product line includes anything from themed sets, peg people, playdough stampers, stacking toys and Indigenous education sets.

Drew’s Chicks (Cavan Monaghan, ON) – Sharing his passion and love for chickens, Drew McFadden, founder of Drew’s Chicks provides complete chick kits to young families, teachers, and retirement homes. The kits include an enclosed cage, heat lamp, bedding, food, and water containers as well as two baby chicks that customers foster for two weeks, after which time they return to his farm as egg-laying chickens. In addition to chicks, Drew has expanded his fostering services to include baby quail and ducklings.

She Stitch (Douro-Dummer, ON) – Founder Grace Holmquist, a local high school student from Lakefield is a maker who designs and creates reusable bags for shopping and boating, with a focus on striving to reduce the use of plastic bags and creating beautiful, practical, stylish, and unique designs.

Trent Lakes Property Maintenance (Trent Lakes, ON) – Completing his last year of the paramedic program at Fleming College, Lawson Hill offers property maintenance services including painting, grass cutting, spring cleanups and more, focus on offering week-day services to allow homeowners time to enjoy their cottage properties on the weekends.

OG LawnCare (Lakefield, ON) – Owen Gerrard is a local student, entrepreneur offering affordable lawn care services using 100 per cent eco-friendly electric equipment instead of environmentally harmful gas-powered machines which offers clients an opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint.

3D Casting (Peterborough, ON) – Timothy Mills is a recent University of Guelph Mechanical Engineering grad returning to work on his Master of Applied Science. Leveraging his engineering knowledge and skills to launch a manufacturing start-up, he offers casting designs, prototypes and manufacturing of small plastic and aluminum parts through a combination of 3D printing and investment casting.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, operated by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development has been the proud program provider for the City and County of Peterborough since 2001.

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Young Beekeeper is Buzzing About The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers

Young beekeper Heidi Westbye from Cavan has her eyes set on the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2022.

Heidi working on a hive in her protective gear. Photo courtesy of Charlina Westbye.

Westbye’s interest in beekeeping was sparked when she started visiting her neighbours farm and learning about the hives they had on their property.

“I saw my neighbours working around bees and I thought it was really cool,” Westbye said.

The 12-year-old joined the Kawartha Junior Beekeepers, a program hosted by her neighbours, about four years ago though the program has since been paused due to COVID-19.

In the program participants learn about everything that goes on while beekeeping from equipment preparation to honey harvesting. When not in the classroom students observe and identify bees, split colonies and monitor the progress and health of the hive.

Anyone aged 9 - 14 can participate in the once monthly program.

While the program is temporarily halted Westbye has continued to out her neighbours with work at their apiary.

“My favourite part about working there is when we get to extract the honey,” Westbye explained, highlighting the different tools and picks used.

Westbye notes that the worst part of beekeeping is when the bees get angry and recalls a time she wasn’t wearing her full protective suit and got stung 16 times.

“Over the years if you get stung multiple times you start to build a tolerance,” she said.

Westbye is hoping to go to the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2022 where junior beekeepers from all over the world will learn more about their craft.

Spots to go are limited so Westbye will participate in a series of tests to qualify to go.

The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers is a combination of competitions that will test participants theoretical and working knowledge of bees and beehives as well as a cultural and social program. The aim of the meeting is to connect young people with similar interests and continue the tradition of beekeeping.

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