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