COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Celebrating 50 years, Homestead Furniture and Appliances credits its longevity to community support, dedicated staff, and a unique approach to business. Founded in 1976, by Ralph Ballard and Richard “Chic” Carnegie, the store began as a small, locally rooted partnership between two families with deep ties to Port Perry. Over the years, the business changed and expanded, in various points offering everything from TVs, VCR’s and movie rental

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A roadmap for the future of local fire protection is now in place, after Council gave the green light to a comprehensive new Fire Master Plan, aimed at guiding service delivery over the next decade. The plan, prepared by Emergency Management Group Inc., was first presented to the General Purpose and Administration Committee, on March 2nd, following months of research, consultation, and analysis. It

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: For 18-year-old Port Perry curler Ryne Fisher, years of dedication to the sport have led to a national championship moment he will not soon forget. Mr. Fisher was part of Team Ontario #1 which capt ured g old at the 2026 New Holland Canadian Under-20 Men’s Curling Championship, held March 28th to April 4th at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex in Sudbury. Having started curling at just six years old, Mr. Fisher has spent more tha

by Janet Van Camp The Van Camp, Rudkin, and Bisschop families recently celebrated the baptism and first birthday of Archer Michael Dale Van Camp at the Blackstock Nestleton United Church. What a lucky boy to have had great-grandparents (Jake and Barb Bisschop), grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, great-aunts and uncles, and a great-great-aunt (Aileen Van Camp) in attendance. Lots of visiting took place in the afternoon. The Blackstock Agricultural Society has started its an

by Faye Ashton April fools day has come and gone before I realized it was the April full moon (pink) on that very day. Most days have been cloudy, windy, and wet, except for the most beautiful and warm Good Friday. As most friends who attended the Good Friday Breakfast know, it was warmer on the steps than in the church. Thank you to everyone who didn’t complain about the situation we found ourselves in and came to support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank Breakfast and fellowship

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Motorists in Port Perry can expect smoother drives ahead, as Scugog Township moves forward with a targeted plan to repair several high-traffic roads, following a punishing winter season. At its meeting, on Monday, March 23rd, council approved a recommendation, from the Public Works and Recreation Department, to use unallocated Roads Levy Reserve funds to rehabilitate key stretches of roadway in the Port Perry

BRANDON CLARK The Standard NORTH DURHAM: On Tuesday, March 24th, the North Durham Chamber of Commerce gathered at Blackstock Recreation Complex for its Annual General Meeting, running from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by several organizations, including TD, Durham College, and Elevation Accounting. Lunch was served by Mary's Country Kitchen. Following the welcome remarks from emcee Jonathan van Bilsen and Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten, the meeting continued with an update

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard BLACKSTOCK: Residents and businesses in the Hamlet of Blackstock are being asked to limit water use as the Regional Municipality of Durham implements temporary conservation measures in support of ongoing infrastructure work. The advisory applies to all municipal water users in Blackstock, located in the Township of Scugog, from March 27th through April 27th, though officials note that unfavourable weather conditions could affect the project timelin

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A milestone celebration is on the horizon in Port Perry, as the Scugog Arena prepares to mark 50 years at the heart of the community. Residents, past and present, are invited to take part in a full day of festivities, on Saturday, September 19th, honouring five decades of memories, milestones, and community spirit built within the arena’s walls. For 50 years, the Scugog Arena has served as a gatheri

William Woodstock , Vets Around the Corner SCUGOG: Vets Around the Corner (VAC), a 100 percent independently and privately owned, locally rooted veterinary organization, is proud to announce the soft launch of its new Emergency Department, VAC-ED, beginning April 3rd, at 8 a.m. This new small animal service has been developed in direct response to a growing need for accessible, high-quality veterinary emergency care within the community. VAC-ED will initially operate on a wee

by Faye Ashton It feels like Spring just to see the snowdrops blooming. We may have to make believe for a while, but this winter, which seemed like it wasn’t going to end, will soon be over. The ground needs to warm up slowly. Our community was saddened to hear that Clifford Boyington passed away recently. Clifford attended Epsom Public School and Uxbridge Secondary School. Many of his classmates will remember him and his family when they lived on the 8th concession. Please j

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

by Helen Nicolaou At last, it's official, Spring arrived, as of Friday, March 20th. Quickly, our minds begin to make notes, prioritizing garden duties. Carefully assessing the yard will help to decide which areas need attention. The melted snow reminds us of the unfinished jobs, such as the fallen leaves which had been covered by the early snowfall, last November. Just a reminder, it's good to wait and leave the fallen leaves as cover for the sleeping pollinators until they a

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

By Faye Ashton The end of March is approaching, and Spring temperatures are still eluding us. It will take a while for the snow piles in our area to melt. At this time in 2012, Rob’s records show he had the fields worked. What a difference a few years make. Please plan to attend the potluck breakfast to support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank Project at Epsom United Church on Good Friday. Come for a visitation at 9 a.m., with breakfast at 9:30 a.m. This year is Epsom United Chur