by Lauren Walker What is a resolution? According to Google, “A firm decision to do or not do something.” It got me thinking about the reality of resolutions and why people wait for a New Year to start. If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll know who said this, “Do or do not. There is no try.” A resolution really means nothing if you’re not following through. More Than Words The word itself reminds me of other words I dislike such as, “diet” which I never ever use. It is a buzzword

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: With winter settling in, along the shores of Lake Scugog, a favourite seasonal attraction is once again welcoming skaters of all ages. Lakefront Skate, in Port Perry, is officially open, offering free outdoor skating seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Joe Fowler North Diamond, located next to Palmer Park. The rink, part of the Lakefront Skate and Market area, is designed to be a fun, inc

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A community-led vision, for the future of the Blackstock Arena, was brought before Township of Scugog council recently, as a delegation called on the municipality to partner with residents, to revitalize the aging facility and secure its long-term future. Kirk Swain, Mike Blakey and Rob Harvey addressed council, at their meeting on Monday, December 9th, on behalf of the newly formed Blackstock Arena Planning and

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A new shade structure is one step closer to becoming a reality in MacLeod Park, after Brock Township Council approved the proposed location for a donated gazebo, during its Monday, December 8th meeting. The structure is expected to be installed near the skate park, with construction anticipated to begin in spring of 2026. The decision followed a report from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilitie

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES/NORTH DURHAM: As the holiday season approaches, communities across the City of Kawartha Lakes are gearing up to welcome Santa Claus, with festive parades and family-friendly events. From Fenelon Falls to Sunderland, towns and villages are alive with the holiday spirit, offering something for everyone to enjoy. These celebrations kicked off, on Saturday, November 29th, with Fenelon Falls Santa

By Lauren Walker Most of my clients are over 65. What do you think their biggest challenge is? The fear of falling is very real, but I’ve learned over the years the fear isn’t the fall itself. The fear is not being able to get back up. Let me share with you how I help my clients. Facing the Fear I’ve worked with this client for several years, and one of her biggest fears is not being able to get up after a fall. My client was very anxious about it, I admit, but I told her to

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Programming at Blackstock Arena was briefly disrupted last week after a small fire broke out, on the exterior of the Church Street facility, on Monday, November 17th. At approximately 5 p.m., Scugog Fire, supported by Uxbridge Fire and Durham Regional Police, responded to reports of a fire on the building's outside wall. The blaze was quickly brought under control. Early assessments indicated while t

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Recreation and Leisure Coordinator, Alicia Bagshaw, presented the Annual Camp Summary to Brock Township Council this month, outlining the successes, challenges, and financial outcomes of the 2025 camp season. Following the report, Council directed staff to move ahead with planning the 2026 March Break Camp, scheduled for March 9th to 13th. and the 2026 Summer Day Camp, running from June 29th to Augus

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The wonder of the holiday season will light up Ken Reid Conservation Area, near Lindsay, once again, as The Illuminated Forest returns for its fourth year. From Friday, December 12th to Sunday, December 28th, visitors can wander through trails adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a winter wonderland for the whole family. Since it first opened in 2022, The Illuminated Forest has

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Long-standing concerns, over the future of the Blackstock Arena, were back before Scugog councillors, on Monday, November 10th, as the General Purpose and Administration Committee reviewed a detailed follow-up report, outlining five potential remediation options for the facility’s failing refrigeration plant. After extensive and, at times, tense discussion, councillors ultimately defeated a recommend

by Lauren Walker Have aches and pains beyond normal? Do you find it hard to sleep? Maybe you have stomach pain and have trouble going to the bathroom. No, you’re not facing some life-altering health issue, but there is something going on. What is it? STRESS. People tend to search for physical reasons for why these physical symptoms are occurring. At the top of my list of causes, stress is number one. It has such a distinct effect on both your physical and mental well-being, y

Red Plaid Productions is bringing Canada's Celtic Rock Warriors Mudmen back to The Town Hall 1872 in Port Perry, Ontario, on Friday, January 2nd, 2026. Mudmen are looking forward to their annual stop at the Grand Old Theatre. The Mudmen are no strangers to the area, playing shows with Johnny Reid at the GM Centre, with Deane Brody at the Havelock Country Jamboree, performing at the Uxbridge Highland Games, and with numerous sold-out shows in Peterborough, Oshawa, and, of cour

by Lauren Walker A frustrating part of aging for my clients is their short-term memory. While their body are in good condition, it becomes a struggle to remember basic things. It’s quite frankly, a downer for a lot of my older clients. While age-related memory loss is normal, what can I do as a personal trainer to help? The Benefits of Exercise Increases blood flow to the Brain by improving circulation Releases hormones that lower inflammation and insulin resistance, protecti

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Early ice will arrive at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre, in Cannington, beginning with the 2026–2027 season, following a decision by Brock Council at its October 27th meeting. The move comes after months of discussion and consultation with local sports organizations, agricultural societies, and community groups, about how to balance ice availability with long-standing fall fair tradition

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Plans to breathe new life into Cannington’s MacLeod Park took another step forward this week, as Brock Township Council received an update on the long-discussed revision plan, at their October 14th meeting. Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward presented the latest concept, explaining, the refreshed plan brings together feedback from residents, user groups, and regional officials w

KIM COULTER RMH Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: Since 2002, the Dragon Flies Breast Cancer Survivor Group has been strengthening its sisterhood of support and enhancing the ways in which it assists women and men, following a breast cancer diagnosis. These include: wellness and exercise activities, access to resources, dragon boating, and events featuring special guest speakers. The Dragon Flies annual Diva Night event, on October 23rd, featured a local Radiologist, whose job as

by Helen Nicolaou SCUGOG: Surprisingly, the maple trees did not disappoint, as the leaves gave a striking show of fiery reds, oranges and yellows. Breathing in the cool scents of fallen leaves, at this lovely time of year, provides a sense of quieter days ahead, bringing another gardening season to an end. Mild temperatures still allow for last minute planting of spring blooming bulbs, and if you want to save summer bulbs, then once a hard frost damages the stems, dig up sum

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: From pickleball players, hoping for more courts, to families, seeking accessible playgrounds, residents of Kawartha Lakes have made their priorities clear: they want recreation spaces which are flexible, inclusive, and designed for the community. Their voices helped shape the draft Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, a bold new vision which looks ahead to 2040. Presented by Jenn Johnson, Dir

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A long-time community greenspace in Beaverton will now be preserved for generations to come, after the Township accepted the donation of Fox Park from the Beaverton & District Conservation Club. The matter was discussed at the October 14th council meeting, when, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward presented a report recommending the Township assume ownership and maintenance respon

William McGinn, BGC Kawarthas KAWARTHA LAKES: Fenelon Falls officially has a brand new youth after-school centre, at 30 Colborne St., called The Loft. It's operated by BGC Kawarthas (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes), where teens aged 12-17 will be able to meet after school. There is no cost for attending drop-in, and youth can register for the after-school program on their first visit. The new centre had its opening on Tuesday, October 7th. I’m really excited