​We’re going to do something a bit different this week. Some great community organizations have held various awards and recognition events in recent weeks and we’re going to highlight some of the people who go above and beyond.
 
First up, the Electric City Culture Council recently hosted their Celebration of the Arts event. Peterborough has a vibrant arts scene, which doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a lot of hard work and EC3 recently recognized a few of our outstanding arts champions: Lynda Todd, Olivia Whetung, Syd Birrell, Sarah DeCarlo, David Goyette, and Chad Hogan. Thanks for all that you do! Our arts and culture sector plays a crucial role for many local businesses.
 
Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario held their 10th annual Business Hall of Fame, inducting Darrell Junkin, Diane Richard, Tony and Kelli Grady, Grant Seabrooke, Matt Holmes, Michael Riseley, Donnell Leahy, Natalie McMaster, Julia Leahy, Margo and Paul Hudson, Nancy Wiskel, Martin and Kelly Carbajal, Drew Merrett, Raj Patel, and the Eatson family. Thank you all for your leadership and enormous contributions to our local business community. Junior Achievement is an organization that promotes getting young people prepared for the workforce and entrepreneurship.
 
We have a lot of progressive businesses who are leading the way in sustainability and environmental action. Green Economy Peterborough, a part of GreenUP, held their annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards. This year’s recipients include Morton Medical Centre, Woodleigh Farms, Wild Rock Outfitters, Unity Design Studio, and Kelly Jamieson of Charlotte Products. Well done all of you. You’re not only making our community a better place – you’re leading by example, showing us who we can build stronger and more sustainable businesses.
 
We have one more group of esteemed community builders being honoured, this time through recognition in the Pathway of Fame. The class of 2025 is Jerry Allen, Julie Fallis, Ted Dawes, Bob Trennum, Peggy Shaughnessy, Dr. Garry Humphreys, Ray Caft, and Susan Dunkley.
 
Thanks to all of you for being an inspiration and volunteering countless hours to building a stronger community. If you want to find out more about these amazing people’s contributions, check out the organizations honouring them for the complete writeups on everyone mentioned here.

June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day and the New Canadians Centre are putting on their fourth annual Canadian Multiculturalism Festival from 2 to 6 pm. The block party includes a talent show, multicultural crafts, henna, face painting, a bouncy castle, and delicious food. Check out the Cultural Fair to learn about some of Peterborough’s multicultural and faith-based groups and their programming. You will have an opportunity to get festival-branded t-shirts and tote bags. Come out and support the New Canadian Centre, an organization that served more than 2,000 clients from more than 99 countries in the last year.
 
The Chocolate Rabbit just opened a new location at 749 Erskine Avenue in Peterborough. This is a move from their previous location in East City. It’s great to see a local business like this continue to grow. They also have stores at 11 Queen Street in Lakefield and 16 Bridge Street West in Bancroft. They are a family-owned and operated handcrafted Swiss chocolate factory making their own unique confections. The Chocolate Rabbit is your place for delectable treats, from rich chocolates, to creamy truffles, to mouthwatering fudge. Drop by any of their three locations and get some high-quality artisan chocolate as a gift or to treat yourself.
 
2024 Starter Company graduate Elena Thomas is opening a new culinary destination in Lakefield. On Point Kitchen and Catering is now open at 15 Charlotte Street. On Point brings a fresh take on locally prepared meals with a focus on private chef and catering services, gourmet frozen meals, a vibrant lunch counter, and fusion-style sandwiches. Drop by for a quick bite or relaxing meal. The bakery offers a selection of sweets. On Point Kitchen and Catering serves the Lakefield, Peterborough, and surrounding communities with tailored meal options to match your event, diet, and schedule.
 
The Kawartha Wellness Summit is coming up July 6 at Kawartha Downs. Kawartha Downs will be transformed into a vibrant hub for connection, creativity, and community empowerment that redefines what self-care and wellness can look like. The full-day summit will feature nearly 20 vendors, 10 workshops, and 10 speakers that will explore health, wellness, self-care, and fitness.

​The Kawartha Manufacturers Association are holding their Annual General Meeting on June 19 at 3:30pm at Jesse’s Tap and Grill in Ennismore. Their guest speaker is renowned supply chain expert Bob Armstrong. Bob is the President at Atlas and brings 50 years of experience in global supply chain management, international trade, and cross-border logistics. Even if you’re not in the manufacturing industry, it’s well worth going to the KMA AGM and hearing from one of Canada’s top experts North American trade. Go to thekma.com to get your tickets.

There’s a new business dedicated to pet comfort. Farm Dog Boarding is a small, intimate kennel that believes in quality not quantity, boarding only four to six pups at a time. They are located on a beautiful farm where dogs can relax and enjoy time outdoors. The kennel includes a four-acre fenced off-leash area where your dog can run and play freely. There is a separate area for smaller dogs to ensure they can play in a safe environment. There are also scenic walking trails to explore. You can find them online at farmdogboarding.com or drop by their location at 1594 Keene Road, just south of Peterborough.

A big shout out to Mario Zambonin who was recently recognized for 15 years working with Habitat for Humanity. He’s worked with Habitat in Prince Edward Island, 1000 Islands, and of course, here in Peterborough. He has been volunteering with Habitat for 23 years. Mario, we appreciate your dedication to helping people attain affordable home ownership. 

There’s a Lakefield Business Social coming up June 25 from 5 to 6:30pm at Kawartha Lakes Construction at 3359 Lakefield Road. Hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature games, door prizes, food, and more. It’s the kick-off to summer networking event you don’t want to miss. Have something you would like to promote to local businesses? Bring a door prize to add to the giveaways. Register at pkchamber.ca. 

Speaking of events you don’t want to miss, make sure you come out to the annual Living Well Seniors Showcase this Wednesday, June 18 from 9am to 4pm at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.