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

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

by Jonathan van Bilsen In the very early nineties, I had an opportunity to emcee an event in Orlando, Florida. I introduced the headlining act, who was none other than the famous country star, Dolly Parton, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago. Being quite nervous, my first task was to stand on a stage, in front of 2,000 people, all members of a large corporation, and welcome them. Surprisingly, it was easier than I expected. My days in radio had prepared me, somewhat, for p

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

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

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 UXBRIDGE: Two Uxbridge family physicians are inviting readers behind the scenes of medicine, with their new book, Family Rooms, a collection of stories exploring the humour, heartbreak, privilege and challenges of family medicine. Written by Dr. Carlye Jensen and Dr. Jennifer Wilson, the book takes readers into clinics, emergency departments, hospital wards, patients’ homes and other unexpected settings where doctors make decisions in real time and

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A centuries-old craft, with deep roots in Canadian history, is now taking centre stage at City Hall, where residents can explore a colourful new exhibition, celebrating both local artistry and the City of Kawartha Lakes' 25th anniversary. The latest installment of the City's Art in the Halls program features the work of the Lindsay and District Rug Hookers, whose handcrafted creations are on d

LILY PETTIT Community Services - Events SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog is thrilled to announce the return of Movie Nights in the park! Join us at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22nd, at Palmer Park, Port Perry, for a movie night under the stars. This year, we will be screening the live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie! This PG-rated, action-packed adventure follows the story of young Viking Hiccup, who forms an unlikely friendship with a feared dragon named Toothless. Toge

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

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 BROCK: Growing demand for remote viewing of local hockey games and arena activities has prompted Brock Council to approve a new partnership, bringing LiveBarn streaming services to all three municipal arenas. During its meeting, on Monday, May 25th, Council authorized staff to enter into an agreement with LiveBarn, a subscription-based streaming platform, widely used in arenas across North America. The servic

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

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

Jamie Steel, Senior Lead of Community Relations, AMP KAWARTHA LAKES: Surrounded by leaders in science, technology, engineering, art and math, as well as their peers, community supporters and educators, participants of the first-ever inSTEAM event on March 25th spent the day connecting, learning, sharing and exploring what life in STEAM could look and feel like. The event, a partnership between the Women Changemakers Fund of Kawartha Lakes, Ampere Canada, and community partn

by Geoffrey Carpentier A few years ago, a cloud was just that, a cloud. Now it seems it’s actually a remote computer which mysteriously stores any information I wish to entrust to it. While we may not understand it, if you’ve ever saved a photo to ‘the cloud,’ streamed a movie on Netflix, or backed up your phone, you’ve used the ‘cloud.’ The term sounds nebulous and abstract, as if your data floats somewhere above the Earth, but in reality, the cloud is firmly grounded in bui

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The dream of a national title came to an end for Blackstock, on Saturday night, but the pride and momentum built, through the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville campaign, will carry on, long after the final votes counted. During the live broadcast, on the evening of Saturday, March 21st, it was announced, Taber and Tumbler Ridge had been selected as the Top two communities in this year’s competition, leaving Blac

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