COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Mystery lovers are invited to step back in time and discover the secrets of Victorian-era Port Perry when local author Jonathan van Bilsen launches his latest novel, The Port Perry Affair, on Saturday, November 14th. The book launch will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Books Galore, 175 Perry Street, Port Perry. Readers will have an opportunity to meet Mr. van Bilsen and celebrate the release of his newest mystery, which brings the town's his

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Local residents, looking to explore new destinations, discover local literary talent, or learn something new, will find plenty of opportunities at the Scugog Public Library, during the first half of November. The library's upcoming schedule features: a travelogue presentation, an author evening, and ongoing opportunities for residents to stay active and connect with their community. Travel enthusiasts

RUTH FALLDING Kawartha Lakes Singers KAWARTHA LAKES: Music and community spirit will come together on Sunday, November 15th, as St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Lindsay welcomes the Kawartha Lakes Singers for a special afternoon concert in support of its Food Pantry. Titled “Echoes of the Past – Songs of Remembrance and Songs We Remember,” the concert will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the church, located at 45 Russell Street West. The performance will feature the Kawartha Lakes Singers

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A new chapter, for the region’s arts and culture scene, will begin, later this month, when the Kawartha Art Gallery officially opens the doors to its new permanent home, in downtown Lindsay. Residents, from across the City of Kawartha Lakes, are invited to celebrate the gallery’s grand opening, on Friday, November 20th, from 1 to 3 p.m., at its new location, at 19 Cambridge Street South. The m

by Lauren Walker As some of you know, I am a local visual artist. I've never really spoken about my other passion... writing! While it may be apparent in my weekly articles, I started writing when I was a kid. My first poem was written in grade five and over the years I've published online and have spent many years writing for the The Standard News. My next adventure allows me to marry two things I love the most. I look forward to sharing my journey to writing and illustratin

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: From wildlife and wildflowers to scenic landscapes which change with the seasons, residents have another opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of their community, through the third annual Scugog Nature Photo Contest. The Scugog Environmental & Climate Change Advisory Committee (SECCAC) is inviting photographers of all ages to submit their best images of the plants, animals, and scenery found thro

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Sunderland this November, as the Sunderland Lions Community Youth Theatre celebrates its 11th season with a wondrous production of The Wizard of Oz. The beloved musical classic will take audiences on a whirlwind adventure, with Dorothy and her little dog Toto, whose lives are turned upside down when a Kansas tornado sweeps them away to the Land of Oz. Hoping to find her

by Robin VanDerVleuten UXBRIDGE: NEARDAWN, an up-and-coming rock band, from Uxbridge, is eager to break into the music industry, with their unique style and musical talent. Meeting at a Voices of Youth Open Mic event, in Uxbridge, in 2024, the original members, Bennett Revesz, Ben Bowen and Liam Dziedzic (shortly joined by Kieran Pratt), recognized what a great dynamic they had on their instruments and merged to create Neardawn. Their band name, NEARDAWN, reflects the inner c

by Stephanie Herrera SCUGOG: Durham Improv is back with their comedy dinner theatre shows at The Jester's Court! "We started our dinner theatre series at Jester's back in 2014, so it seemed fitting to return to our roots," explained Durham Improv founder, Stephanie Herrera, "During covid my work in TV and Film took off and live theatre was dark. But my theatre roots keep calling me back, and I rounded up several of my original cast members to help bring back our signature din

by Lauren Walker Did you know that every painting begins with a rough sketch? A sketch is a quick, loose drawing that provides the foundation for any painting. Just like a foundation, you build upon it to create a finished product. Where do you start? Action Lines In my "Beginner Wildlife Painting for Older Adults" course in October, we will learn about action lines. Think of an action line as a line designed to capture your subject's movement. If you're drawing a bird in fli

by Helen Nicolaou The Blue Jays season is over, as is summer, and now our evenings will be spent scrolling through channels, to fill the void of baseball until next Spring. However, with so many autumn Fairs, you can still enjoy the warm autumn days. There is something for everyone to see: exhibits are on display, showing the talents of local members in the community; live music; and tractor pulls and demolition derby's. The month of September has had very little rain, theref

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Local jazz musician, Lynn MacDonald is inviting the community to an evening of music, friendship and fundraising, in support of families and communities in Cuba. The fundraiser takes place Saturday, September 26th, beginning at 6 p.m., at The Hall (Church of the Ascension), 266 North Street, Port Perry. The evening will feature an outstanding lineup of musicians, including the Cubano Band, with Sean Bellaviti on piano, “Gato” Bill McBirnie o

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Artists across Kawartha Lakes and surrounding communities are being offered a new opportunity to turn creative ideas into reality. The Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC), the official Community Arts Council for the City of Kawartha Lakes, has launched its new Creative Futures Grant Program, providing financial support to artists looking to develop their creative practices, explore new ideas, o

KELLY WHYTE VCST KAWARTHA LAKES: Did you know the Victoria County Studio Tour (City of Kawartha Lakes) is the second oldest studio tour in Ontario? Our tour offers a diverse range of art sure to satisfy visitors from across the province. If you crave a local landscape, created in oils, watercolours or acrylics, we’ve got it! Jewellery designed to dazzle, wood-turned bowls, fabric art creations and pottery that will make your guests green with envy- we have it all! And the bes

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents can celebrate Kawartha Lakes’ 25th anniversary by displaying the municipality’s official flag, at their homes, cottages, businesses and community spaces. A new supply of City flags are now available for purchase, at Municipal Service Centres, in Bobcaygeon, Coboconk, Lindsay and Omemee. The 36-by-72-inch flags cost $45, plus HST, and are made in Barrie, Ontario. Kawartha Lakes adopted its official flag in 2007, following a

by Lauren Walker Complacency is the enemy of creativity. It's no different in my profession as a personal trainer. When I worked in a gym, I used to watch people do the same routine over and over and never get anywhere. They became comfortable, but the problem is they never got any stronger. If you are locked in a predictable routine, then how will you get any stronger as an artist? Shake it Up Many years before becoming an artist, I was locked into a pattern I didn't like. I

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new commemorative $2 circulation coin honouring a century of service, remembrance and support for Canada’s veterans and military community. The Royal Canadian Mint has released the 2026 commemorative coin in recognition of the Legion’s official centennial, which marks 100 years since a special Act of Parliament incorporated the organization on July 17, 1926. The Legion traces its

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: There is still plenty of time for local residents to make the most of the summer, at Scugog Public Library, with reading programs, a new collection of puzzles, community displays, and a chance to win gift cards to some of Port Perry’s local businesses. The library’s Summer Reading Club continues through to August 31st, and more than 500 people have already signed up for the summer program. It is not

SCUGOG: This year The Port Perry Fair will be hosting a ticketed concert, at 7p.m., on the Friday night of the fair. Headlining the concert is the James Barker Band. James Barker Band is proof that big dreams can grow from small-town roots. Made up of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Stephen (drums), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals) and Bobby Martin (bass), their big break came in 2015 at the Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, where t

PAUL PUCKRIN President, Port Perry Agricultural Society PORT PERRY: Amateur bakers will have the chance to earn bragging rights and a share of generous prize money, when the Port Perry Fair's popular Women's Only and Men's Only Baking Contests return, over the Labour Day weekend. Open to bakers of all ages, both competitions offer a grand prize of $1,000 and celebrate the creativity and tradition of home baking. The Men's Only Baking Contest will be held at noon, on Sunday, S