DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Young readers across Kawartha Lakes are invited to make a splash this summer, as Kawartha Lakes Public Library launches its 2026 Summer Reading Club, a season-long program, designed to inspire a love of reading, while keeping children and families engaged through fun activities and community events. This year's theme, “Dive In,” draws inspiration from the lakes, rivers, and waterways which hel

by Lauren Walker So what do you do when your Instagram video takes off? I posted a video on my Instagram page, @theartistwithin86, and it blew up past my wildest expectations. By the time this article gets published, I'll have almost 3 million views. It is overwhelming, to say the least. Uncharted Territory This is uncharted territory for me. I believe these moments are rare and fleeting, so I feel like I'm riding a wave, until it settles back in to the vast social media ocea

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A family-friendly evening of entertainment and community spirit, is set to take place in Sunderland, this week, as residents are invited to a free Community Movie Night, at the Sunderland Town Hall Auditorium. The event, scheduled for Friday, June 19th, will feature a screening of the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie and is open to residents of all ages. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginni

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The Township is updating the way film and television productions operate within the municipality, following Council approval of a revised Film Policy, during its meeting, on the evening of Monday, May 25th. Included in the meeting’s agenda was a staff report, from Lori Bowers, Director of Communications and Strategic Projects, outlining proposed changes, aimed at supporting continued economic opportun

By Lyn Whitham After a chance introduction to The Tragically Hip’s lawyer, Mike Crowe had an intriguing idea. What if the two iconic Canadian institutions struck up a partnership and Mr. Crowe, the Kawartha Dairy’s director of product development and a third-generation member of the Dairy’s founding family, created a new ice cream to celebrate the collaboration. It sure seemed to make sense. Both the Hip and Kawartha Dairy are loyally and passionately Canadian. They both shar

JEFFERY ROSS, Special to The Standard UXBRIDGE: The Uxbridge Youth Centre (UYC) is proud to announce the return of Open Mic Night, following a debut event, in April. The UYC was filled to capacity and showcased eight performers and acts from across the local youth community. Additional seating was required on the night to accommodate the enthusiastic turnout, a clear signal Uxbridge youth and their families are hungry for this kind of programming. The second Open Mic Night wi

by Barb Pratt UXBRIDGE: Every summer for the past 30 years, selected Uxbridge and area residents have opened their gardens to visitors during the Annual Gardens of Uxbridge Tour. This year’s Tour will take place on June 20th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the 30th anniversary, there are some very special additions to the day’s outing. Molly Shannon, of Canadian Succulents, will be on hand to host two workshops at The Historic Leaskdale Church, at 9 a.m. and at 4 p.m. Molly will

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A proposal to expand the stage, at Sunderland Town Hall, is moving ahead for further study, after receiving endorsement in principle at Brock Township’s Monday, April 27th council meeting. The plan, brought forward by the Sunderland Youth Theatre Group, calls for a permanent extension to the historic auditorium stage, an upgrade supporters say would improve safety, enhance performances, and better supp

By Lauren Walker What a lot of work and time spent! For the second year in a row, I helped to organize the Oshawa Artist Association Juried show at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. What is a Juried Art show? For those of you unfamiliar with a Juried Art Show, it is when artists submit their work to a gallery for judging by a selected pair or individual. These judges are reputable and professionals in their field. If your work is selected, it will be included in an exhibition at

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A familiar gathering place, in Oakwood, is set to receive a careful refresh, as restoration work begins, this month, on the community’s historic library building. The Oakwood Library will undergo several months of repairs, as the City of Kawartha Lakes invests in preserving the structure while improving safety and accessibility for residents. Work on the heritage building is expected to begi

Don Gordon , SLMF Public Relations NORTH DURHAM : The 66th edition of the Sunderland Lions Music Festival gets underway on April 8th and 9th at S.A. Cawker Public School in Port Perry, featuring elementary and secondary school bands, followed by piano, vocal and instrumental classes on April 14th through April 23rd at the Sunderland Town Hall auditorium. The festival has been presented annually by the Sunderland Lions Club since 1958, with a three-year hiatus from 2020 to 202

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A popular public art initiative is returning for 2026, offering local artists a chance to transform everyday infrastructure into vibrant community showcases, while also sparking conversation among residents. The 'That’s a Wrap' Traffic Control Box Art Program is once again seeking submissions from visual artists and graphic designers, across Kawartha Lakes. Selected works will be reproduced

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The Kawartha Art Gallery is set to shine a spotlight on the next generation of local talent, with its upcoming Young Musicians Showcase, bringing together students from across the community, for an evening of music and inspiration. The concert, part of the Gallery’s 2025/26 Music Series, will take place on Wednesday, April 15th, at 7 p.m., at Celebrations, in Lindsay, located at 35 Lindsay Str

by Lauren Walker "Whether you are a beginner or seasoned artist, don't make the same mistakes many artists make. It's imperative to keep your skills sharp and know how to value your work. 1) Never Under Value Your Work I start with an hourly rate, and price my work based on that. I take in to account my time, effort, and materials. Your hourly rate should reflect your skill level. Price per hour × hours to complete painting, + materials, + travel time (if required for materia

Lisa Salapatek, Community Media Volunteer SCUGOG: Mark your calendar and come join the fun, on Saturday, April 25th, as the Greenbank stage welcomes the adventurous musical spirit of Danny Michel. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. The Greenbank Folk Music Society offers some of the best folk music in Canada, in a cozy and intimate setting, which connects the audience with talented musicians and storytellers. Danny is known for his thoughtful

Jim Corrigan , Communications Canterbury Commons SCUGOG : The over 600 residents of the Canterbury Common neighbourhood, in Port Perry, are holding an Easter Food Drive, in support of Operation Scugog, on Saturday, March 28th. All Residents are encouraged to drop off their food or financial donation at the Centre, at 127 Waterbury Crescent, on Saturday. The event will be capped off with a sold out concert, starting at 7:30 p.m. The concert, with, singer-songwriter and recordi

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard For Merlyn Bales, a lifetime devoted to gospel music can be traced back to three words, spoken with quiet certainty: never say never . Forged through fear, faith and perseverance, the phrase frames a journey stretching from a terrified child, on a church platform, to more than six decades of singing in churches, concert halls, camp meetings and even a barn. “I want people to see what God can do through the journey,” Mr. Bales said. “He’s there with

By Lisa Salapatek SCUGOG: Folk music fans have something to look forward to on Saturday, March 28th, when singer-songwriter and wilderness guide Kate Weekes takes the stage at Greenbank Centennial Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m., with showtime at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Presented by the Greenbank Folk Music Society, the concert promises an intimate experience connecting audiences with some of Canada’s most talented musicians and storytellers. Weekes will be joined by James Ste

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Families across Kawartha Lakes are invited to make lasting memories this Family Day, on Monday, February 16th, at the Lindsay Recreation Complex. From skating and swimming to yoga and crafts, Parks and Recreation has a full lineup of free and fun activities for families to enjoy together. “Family Day is all about bringing people together,” said, Parks and Recreation Coordinator, Christine Ma

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: On a chilly February morning, the halls of the Scugog Community Recreation Centre will soon be filled with laughter, bright colours, and the excited chatter of children because Family Day Fun is back. Scheduled for Monday, February 16th, the event promises a full day of free activities, where families can craft, play, skate, and make memories together. From crafts and games, to inflatables, balloon m