Just For The Fun Of It

Yesterday we received a very generous donation to the league from the Bergeron / Clifford law office in memory of Bruce Sheen. Bruce’s wife Shelley works at the office. We want to thank them all for believing in what we do for the children in our community. Please know that we remain committed to helping children learn the joy of playing the game that Bruce loved so much. The smiles he always had will live on in the smiles of the children in our league.

We have been getting a number of inquiries recently about the status of the upcoming season, so we have decided to let you know facts as we know them over the next few weeks.

We have submitted requests to the ALCDSB for gym time at the schools where we play for the upcoming season. At this point no decision has yet been made regarding Community Use of Schools for the upcoming school year.

Registration is planned for Saturday September 11, but that of course is dependant on all of the other factors listed here and could well need to be pushed out. Details of divisions and ages can be found on our web site (www.justforthefunofit.ca) under the EVENTS tab.

Ontario Basketball is currently in Phase 2 of their Return To Play Guidelines which state:
*Outdoor sports training may continue without contact, there is no limit on the number of participants as long as physical distancing can be maintained
*Spectators are permitted at 25% capacity
*Sessions may only be training for team members – No games or scrimmages permitted in Step Two.
*Indoor use closed except for high-performance athletes and day camps or overnight camps
Under these guidelines we would not start playing

We will continue to monitor the Provincial reopening guidelines as we move through the reopening process in the next few weeks.

We will also continue to follow what directions are coming from the KFL&A Health Unit as well to understand special requirements that may need to be in place for a restart of our program.

As an executive, we plan to meet regularly throughout the summer, and we are sure that you can appreciate how “fluid” things will be in the time between now and September. We do want you to know this – we are committed to doing everything we can to operate, and we will always do that in the way that provides the safest environment possible for our players, volunteers and their families. RB

I am sad to report that Bridget Walker-Payne’s mother Hilda has passed away. We will post funeral details as they become available. Hilda was Don Petersen’s big sister and such a very important part of his life. Our condolences to Bridget and her siblings, and of course to Chris, on the loss of his mother in law, and to Carson and Calista on the loss of their grandmother. Last week Bridget posted that her grandparents created two very special people for the world to share when they had Hilda and Don. We could not agree more. Dealing with the loss of a family member is never easy, and even more difficult in the times we are continuing to live in now. May the many happy memories that you have of life with Hilda bring you peace. R

Yesterday we received a donation from the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame in memory of Bruce Sheen. Bruce coached with us when his playing career at St. Lawrence College finished, and he was inducted into the Kingston and District Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. We want to thank the KDSHF for believing in what we do, and we want to assure both the KDSHF Board of Directors and Bruce’s family that the donation will be put to good use teaching the next generation of children to love the game that Bruce loved so much himself.

Our sincere thanks to Chris Ferrall and Tove Steffensen for their VERY generous personal donation to our program. The note in the memo line struck a chord with all of us on the executive. The note said “Build Back Better”, and that is what we are committed to do as soon as we can get permission to resume the league operations. We know how much all of you, our league families, and all of us as volunteers, have missed being on the court and in the gyms together, sharing the joy of being involved with the sport we love, and we continue our preparations to make that a reality for the 2021-22 season. We may look a little different logistically, but the spirit that Don Petersen instills in all of us to give you a safe and affordable place to learn how much fun the game of basketball can be, will be the same. Thanks again Chris and Tove for believing in what we do.

This month Doug Jeffries celebrated 45 years in the broadcast industry in Kingston. From the start of his career at CKLC / CFLY radio through his time at CKWS / Corus Television, Doug has made a point of doing features on local sports that capture the joy of being an athlete or part of organizations that foster that joy in their participants. Much of that focus has been done on his own, seeking out the organizations. He has been host to countless events, and for us, he has been, along with Mark Potter, the MC for countless end of the year banquets and guest scorekeeper on occasion when he has stopped by the gym. For the last 14 months he has added a flashback feature to the CKWS Sports report to remind us all of how important local sports are to the people of our city. He is a humble man, but he plays a vital part in weaving the fabric of the local sports community. Congratulations Doug, and our heartfelt thanks for being a difference maker in our community!

We have been asked to post this by the family of Don Petersen.

“One of the greatest gifts one can give a person is support! Above all things, during these crazy COVID times, we are here to support you while keeping Pete’s dream alive! Apply now for the Pete Petersen Spirit Memorial Award.
Looking for deserving candidates for the Pete Petersen Spirit Memorial Award. It was Pete’s wish to establish an award of $1000.00 annually to be given to a graduating student continuing post- secondary education who has a history with the “Pete” Petersen Basketball league formally known as the Knights of Columbus Basketball League. Candidates must possess accomplishments in community volunteer work, school activities, academics, and have promising career aspirations making a difference in the lives of others as Pete did. All are welcomed to apply now!
What is the Pete Petersen Spirit Memorial Award?
Don “Pete” Petersen Spirit Memorial Award –
This award has been established in memory of the late Donald “Pete” Petersen, founder of the Kingston Knights of Columbus Basketball League. Since 1955 the League has given the youth of Kingston, Ontario and the surrounding area the opportunity to learn the game of basketball under the “Just for the fun of it” atmosphere. Pete was a positive influence for tens of thousands of young people, inspiring many of them to stay with the league as volunteers long after their playing days.
To continue Pete’s lifetime legacy of giving to the community, the family has established an award of $1000.00 annually to be given to a graduating student continuing post-secondary education. This student must meet the criteria of having a history with the Knights of Columbus Basketball League, hold accomplishments in community and volunteer work, involvement in school activities, have high academics, promising career aspirations, and most importantly aspirations to make a difference in the lives of others, as he did!
Eligibility / Award Criteria:
Open to all graduating secondary school students entering college or university who:
• Have applied and been accepted to a recognized post-secondary education institution or an apprenticeship in a trade acceptable to the selection committee.
• Have played/volunteered at least three years with the Knights of Columbus Basketball League.
• Submission of completed application, including applicants high school transcript
• The award will not be released until the successful applicant provides proof of enrollment at the recognized post-secondary education institution, or an apprenticeship in a trade acceptable to the selection committee.
Application Process:
Annual applications will be accepted until the award value is exhausted.
• All applications must be completed in full and submitted by the application deadline in order to be considered by the selection committee.
• Applications can be picked up at Bridget Walker-Payne’s Desjardins Insurance Office at 1335 Princess Street, Kingston, Ontario. Application Info also on Facebook; Don Pete Petersen Spirit Award Website and Twitter @bridgetwpayne
• Your application must be emailed / mailed or dropped off to Bridget Walker-Payne C/O Walker-Payne Insurance @ 1335 Princess Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 3E3, or email bridget.walker-payne@desjardins.com by July 5th, 2021.
• Application Deadline: Monday July 5th, 2021 @ 5:00pmET
• Recipient notification by Email or Mail or Phone July 12th, 2021.
Section A:
Applicant Information
First name:
Last name:
Date of birth:
Current school:
Home address:
City:
Postal code:
Phone number(h) (c):
E-mail address:
Years involved in the Knights of Columbus Basketball League :
Section B:
Leadership and Volunteerism List the community service or school activities in which you have participated. Please attach or Enclose additional pages as required.
Name of organization or school initiative:
Years of involvement (from – to)
Time commitment (e.g. monthly/weekly/hours)
Is this a credited school course?
Yes No Did you receive pay, a wage or financial benefit for this activity?
Yes No
Explain the type of activities involved):
Name of organization or school initiative:
Years of involvement (from – to)
Time commitment (e.g. monthly/weekly/hours)
Is this a credited school course?
Yes No Did you receive pay, a wage or financial benefit for this activity?
Yes No
Explain the type of activities involved):
Section C:
Volunteer Work and Community Service Summary
Summarize all of your community service volunteer work; please tell us about your experiences.
Please be sure to include:
• How and why you became involved with the organization or school initiative;
• Why you felt it was important;
• What sort of impact or contribution you made to your community;
• What impact the community service had on you
Section D:
Applicants Outlook
• The basketball league’s motto is “Just for the Fun of it” what would your motto be?
• How has your involvement with the Knights of Columbus influenced your outlook on Life?
Candidate’s Declaration
By submitting this application by email/mail, I declare and agree that all information that I have provided in my application is true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
I understand and agree that:
• My application information may be subject to verification.
• Application materials will not be returned.
Publication of Applicant Information
I agree to the publication of the name, secondary school, city/town, brief list of scholastic/athletic achievements, photograph and anticipated university/college and course of study of all successful applicants, in publications, websites, newsletters, and press releases to selected Canadian media outlets.
Students Name : ________________ Date: ________
If you have any questions regarding the application please email at bridget.walker-payne@desjardins.com or call 613-544-5445.
Thank You!
Application process can be found at:
https://don-pete.webnode.com/”

Next week is National Volunteer Week, so what better way to celebrate that then by saluting another of the local businesses that have made a difference in the lives of the families that play in our league. East Side Mario’s on Weller Avenue is the restaurant that we are featuring with our Dine and Make a Difference For Them event on Wednesday and Thursday next week, April 21 and 22. Please remember that it this location that has sponsored fund raising events for uus, so this is where our focus should be. There is no eat in option during the current stay at home order, but take out is available and can also be ordered through Skip the Dishes.
As we have said before, we know that the last year plus has been hard on a lot of our league families, but we hope that those of you that can will participate and try to help make a difference for a business that has made a difference for us.

Next week is National Volunteer week and the theme this year is “The Value Of One, The Power of Many” That was the theme in 2001, The Year of The Volunteer. When I saw that I cold not help but reflect back on the many hundreds of volunteers that have come across the threshold of Pete’s gyms to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community. For the generations of volunteers over our 66 year history, our deeply heartfelt thanks. We value each of you as individuals, and just look at the power we have generated together over the years! Over the next week we will be sharing photos of just some of the hundreds of volunteers that have been inspired by the vision of Don Petersen.

Tuesday night nine of our volunteers were recognized for their commitment to the league and the children of our community over the years. Originally nominated for recognition in 2020, the awards ceremonies never happened last year. The province has elected to hold virtual presentations around the province to recognize the many volunteers, and the one for our area kicked off the process tonight. This year province wide 6700 volunteers will be recognized, representing 82,377 YEARS of volunteering. Here are our volunteers that were recognized tonight:

WALTER DACOSTA – Long a steadying force on the league executive, Walter was recognized tonight for his 20 years of volunteering since his return to the city in 2000. Walter has been league President, a referee, co-convenor, coach, and the person you can always turn to for sound council.

RYAN VIVIAN – A former player, Ryan has been an enthusiastic coach and volunteer with us for ten years now, and shows no indication of slowing down, with his son Ashton set to join us next season, and Avery still able to play. Ryan is always willing to do what ever is asked for special events and loves being around the League.

LUCY AND MARTIN HARRIS – We chose not to split up this recognition because any one that has see Lucy and Martin patrolling the sidelines for the Mustangs in the Little Guys Division the last five years knows what a great and enthusiastic pair they are in making their players better and helping them understand how much fun the game can be. Lucy is also a former player, who coached while in high school, and also was a member of our executive for several years. We hope that both of them will be able to stay with us for many more years.

KELLY DAVISON – Kelly is another of our former players that came back to coach and is doing a great job making a difference with her players. She knows the game, and her enthusiasm on the bench translates into passionate play from her players too! We are lucky to have Kelly helping continue to make the league a special place.

COREY YOUNG – The quiet coach and leader of the Slammers in the Little Gals Division, Corey is also a volunteer behind the canteen counter on Wednesday and Thursday nights along with the rest of his family. He is always willing to help out with special events and his “do what needs to be done” approach is invaluable to us.

CALISTA PAYNE – One of our three youth volunteers, Calista has been helping since she was tall enough to see over the scorekeepers desk, and strong enough to turn on the clock. Along with the scorekeeping duties, Calsita also has moved on to be an assistant coach, videographer and music supplier for special events. A mainstay for banquet openings, she plays many roles in the league and we hope she continues to be involved in the years to come.

JULIANA SARGENT– The second of our three youth volunteers, Juliana is also a former player that has come back to volunteer as a coach. referee, timer, scorekeeper and recently has assumed several duties to assist the Girls Division convenors. Julians is enthusiastic and is well liked by her players and fellow coaches on Wednesday night.

GRADY IRWIN – The last of our three youth volunteers, he is by no means the least of them. Grady’s commitment to helping in the Little Guys Division has grown ever since he asked if he could keep score. His talent for doing that has grown into being a referee for the Tuesday night games, and for the last two seasons he has been an assistant coach with Rob O’Grady as well. His passion for basketball is infectious and it is certainly our hope that Grady continues to be a part of what our league has come to represent.

As disappointing as it was to not be able to share this recognition event with all of these volunteers and the many other area volunteers tonight, their contribution to the success of our program is in no way diminished. We are VERY proud to have these nine people be a part of what we are – to be part of the fabric that continues to hold the dream of Don Petersen alive – To provide a safe place where the children of the community can learn the game of basketball in an atmosphere where games are played “Just For The Fun Of It”.

Our thanks to all of you – and our heart felt CONGRATULATIONS!!!