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Love to sing but not sure you are ‘good enough’? Well, Shout Sister thinks you are! In fact, you can join the Shout Sister choir even if you can’t read music and have no musical training.

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Photo source: https://shoutsisterchoir.ca/

The new Peterborough Director, Kim Doolittle, is an accomplished singer/songwriter. She will direct you and the other members in a fun and unorthodox approach to choral singing. Learn everything you need to know to sing with the choir by studying recorded tracks of music including music from pop and Motown, to folk, to a touch of country and blues.

Everyone from those with no singing experience to others who have sung for years enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. After all, singing is a powerful activity that makes you simply feel good.

The first Shout Sister choir was started by Georgette Fry in Kingston in 2002. She opened chapters in Brockville and Picton in 2006. There are now 24 Chapters in Ontario under the direction of 13 Directors.

Georgette’s efforts were rewarded this past year when she was chosen to be a recipient of the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal – Civil Division. The award recognizes Canadians for a “deed or an activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner, or according to a very high standard: often innovative, this deed or activity sets an example for others to follow, improves the quality of life of a community and brings benefit or honour to Canada.”

You can join the ranks of the Shout Sister members to ensure Georgette’s efforts continue – and to have fun! Director Kim Doolittle is accepting new members and would love to meet you on December 18th in Peterborough.

If the 18th does not work for you, you are welcome to attend another practice with no obligation at any time. Joining Shout Sister could be the perfect Christmas gift to yourself!

Details:

Greenwood United Church- Peterborough

737 Donwood Drive, Peterborough ON, K9L 1G6

705-930-3061

Email:members@shoutsisterchoir.ca

Bethany.Ontario.Blog.Shout.Sisters.2Photo Source: https://shoutsisterchoir.ca/

 

 

 

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The next section of Highway 407 East to Taunton Road is set to open in January.

Full Story Here!

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During the holiday season the feeling of getting or giving too much ‘stuff’ is becoming a common concern. What do you give to the person who has everything? Or what do you give to the person who is trying to downsize and de-clutter – at any age?

Why not give a donation on behalf of your favourite charity instead?

A recent article in the local Kawartha news about the great work of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) made me stop to consider all of the needs in our communities.

The PRHC Foundation works with donors of all types including individuals, businesses, event organizers, and a variety of funding bodies to ensure we have the needed equipment and technology that forms the backbone of patient care.

Many people don’t realize just how much the PRHC relies on the generous contributions of the local community. Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO, says that the financial support for leading-edge equipment allows the hospital to continue offering world-class patient care.

“It takes a tremendous amount of technology to operate a state-of-the-art hospital,” Heighway explains. “While the government does provide funding to hospitals, it doesn’t provide the money for the vast majority of PRHC’s equipment needs and it’s equipment that our healthcare professionals can’t do their jobs without .”  

In fact, recent donations have been used for a wide array of pressing needs including updating nine of the twelve operating rooms with minimally invasive surgical tools and technology.

Current campaigns at the PRHC Foundation include raising $1.9 million for investment in mammography technology to continue to tackle breast cancer, and $1.4 in the Maternal Child Program, allowing fewer families with children to stay in the community for treatment rather than travelling outside of the region.

Check out the Foundation’s website to see what options you have to make a meaningful donation today http://www.prhcfoundation.ca/.

If you brainstorm with your family, I’m sure you will come up with a long list of other charities that deserve a financial boost no matter what time of year it is. And there are many ways to give. Consider a gift through your estate, a gift of stock, an endowment, become a monthly donor, attend the charity’s special events, make a memorial donation, or simply make a one-time donation – it all counts!

https://www.mykawartha.com/community-story/7981574-prhc-relies-on-donations-help-our-medical-professionals-ease-pain-restore-health-and-save-lives/

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Friday December 1st, 2017 will be a night that Neil Young fans and the Town of Omemee (12 KM north of Bethany) will remember for a long time.

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Neil played a solo concert for over 90 minutes at Coronation Hall. He brought is own 100+ year old piano with him that he purchased in the 1970’s for $1,500 along with a tree stump that was a gift from the First Nation’s community in Nebraska.

About 200 lucky fans got to watch inside. Hundreds more gathered outside. And the whole thing was streamed world wide on the internet.

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A few years ago I sold a house on Mt. Nebo Road, high up on the hill overlooking Omemee. The owner told me the song Sugar Mountain was about that property.

Thanks Neil for coming home!

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The Toronto Star is reporting the Neil Young concert will happen in Omemee:

https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2017/11/27/neil-youngs-secret-site-for-dec-1-concert-is-omemee-ont-report.html

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You may know The Village of Omemee as a small community of approximately 1,400 residents, located on Highway 7 between Peterborough and Lindsay – a mere 13 km from Bethany. But if you are new to the area, you may not know that Omemee is “the town in Northern Ontario…” from Neil Young’s song “Helpless”. Yes, Neil Young lived in the small town on the Pigeon River from the age of 4 until he was almost 12.

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Source: Google Maps http://www.regionalguidebook.com/travel/kawartha-lakes/omemee.html

So what is all the excitement about December 1st?

“December 1st will be a big day for me. The Visitor (a new 10-song Reprise Records studio album by Young) will be coming to your town. I will be going to my town. You will be able to hear me and see me,” Young wrote on his Facebook page on Nov. 11.

He doesn’t give any further details about where the show will take place.  But there was a time that Omemee was Young’s town!

Billboard Magazine has reported that it will be in a yet-to-be-determined venue that can hold about 200 people.

Young, 72, was born in Toronto and moved to Omemee with his parents – including dad and writer Scott Young.  The family also lived in Winnipeg, Toronto and Pickering – but could those cities be referred to as “my town?”

Neil was in Omemee recently in late September. He was in Ontario to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. At that time he posted a cell phone photo taken in front of the Omemee Hall.

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Photo source: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2017/11/21/neil-young-to-livestream-concert-from-a-canadian-hometown-stage

Photo credit: NEIL YOUNG Twitter photo

The broadcast, a partnership between CTV, Facebook and Shakey Pictures, has been scheduled for Dec. 1 at 8 p.m.

The date marks the release of The Visitor, a new studio album recorded over the past year and backed by his band Promise of the Real. The date also marks the launch of The Neil Young Archives, an online comprehensive chronological collection of Neil Young’s entire recorded music, films, videos and books.

We will have to wait until December 1st to find out if the concert will in fact be broadcast from Omemee – but we’ll all be able to watch it live, for free, regardless.

“Hi there, December 1st will be a big day for me. The Visitor will be coming to your town. I will be going to my town. You will be able to hear me and see me. My archive will open on that same day, a place you can visit and experience every song I have ever released in the highest quality your machine will allow. It’s the way it’s supposed to be. In the beginning, everything is free. Lots of Love, neil”

Source: https://www.facebook.com/NeilYoung/photos/a.10155641820845317.1073741825.21931600316/10159516257540317/?type=3&theater

 

 

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There is no excuse to miss the Santa Claus parade this year. Kawartha Now has prepared a schedule for November and December.

Sunday, November 19

The 62nd Annual Lindsay Santa Claus Parade is taking place on November 19, 2017 at 2 p.m. The theme will be Celebrating Christmas in Canada – 150 Years.

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Photo Credit: Mark Ridout Photography

Photo Source http://lindsayparade.com/

Sunday, November 19

The Community of Lakefield presents Lakefield Santa Claus Parade beginning at 1 p.m. in Lakefield.

Sunday, November 19

The Lions Club of Cobourg and Downtown Cobourg present Cobourg Santa Claus Parade beginning at 2 p.m. in Cobourg.

Saturday, November 25

The Municipality of Port Hope presents Santa Claus Parade beginning at 1 p.m. in Port Hope.

Saturday, November 25

The Campbellford Santa Claus Parade Committee presents 2017 Santa Claus Parade beginning at 3 p.m. in Campbellford.

Saturday, November 25

The Santa Day Organizers present Light Up the Night Santa Claus Parade & Fireworks beginning at 5 p.m. in Fenelon Falls.

Saturday, November 25

The Apsley Lions Club presents Christmas Santa Claus Parade and Christmas Party beginning at 6 p.m. at Apsley Central Public School (238 Burleigh St, North Kawartha, Peterborough County, K0L 1A0).

Friday, December 1

The Warkworth Santa Parade presents 2017 Warkworth Santa Claus Parade from 7 – 8 p.m. in Warkworth.

Saturday, December 2

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough presents Peterborough Santa Claus Parade beginning at 4:45 p.m. in Peterborough.

Saturday, December 9

The Otonabee South Monaghan Township presents Keene Santa Claus Parade beginning at 11 a.m. in Keene.

Saturday, December 9

The Bobcaygeon Kinettes presents Santa Claus Parade beginning at 5 p.m. in Bobcaygeon.

If you want a musical interlude and are in Peterborough on Saturday December 2nd, you have two choices:

Saturday, December 2

In the afternoon you can enjoy live music thanks to the Peterborough Concert Band. They will present the Peterborough Concert Band Festive Concert from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. at Peterborough Square (360 George St. N., Peterborough, K9H).

And in the evening, get ready for “CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING” and yes, that would be Elvis! The show stars Million Dollar Quartet Elvis tribute artist Matt Cage with Gerie & the Koasters fabulous show band, the Springtime Chordaires and Master of Ceremonies Bill Coulter as well as 6 members of the Peterborough Pop Ensemble. Hear seasonal tunes, classic love songs and Gospel greats, in true Elvis style. Tickets are available at the box office.

December 7 

Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Millbrook. The spirit of Christmas will be not be lost if you and your family can visit Millbrook for an old fashioned Christmas December 7 from 5 to 9 pm. Enjoy a carolling parade and tree lighting, horse-drawn wagon rides, entertainment, photos with Santa, dining, shopping, and much more.

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Horse-drawn wagon rides are one of the many activities available during Christmas in the Village in Millbrook on the evening of Thursday, December 7.

Photo: Marjorie McDonald

Photo Source https://kawarthanow.com/2017/11/12/millbrook-christmas-in-the-village/

 

 

 

 

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Yes the clocks have turned back and it is time to get ready for the holidays.

What better way to get into the spirit than visiting the Kawartha Lakes Festival of Trees.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Kawartha Lakes Festival of Trees is taking place this year from November 9th to the 12th, 2017. This is a special 4 day event where you can wander through displays of trees, wreaths, garlands, and other festive items that have been generously donated by a number of community sponsors – businesses within the City of Kawartha Lakes and outlying communities.

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Photo Source http://kawarthalakesfestivaloftrees.org/ 

There are activities to appeal to the whole family, young and old. Here are just a few  highlights:

  • Friday night, November 10th, start off with a great meal – there are two sitting for the famous Roast Beef Dinner. Tickets are only $20 each but there are only 80 seats per sitting, so get your tickets soon.
  • For the first time in 20 years, Santa’s Reindeer will be at the Village on Saturday, November 11th from 12pm-4:30pm.
  • On Saturday, the Twilight Auction features a special Christmas tree to auction off, with proceeds going to a local charity. Register at 7 pm and be ready for the bidding at 7:30.
  • Children can get all their shopping done at Santa’s Secret Shoppe with the help of volunteers.
  • Santa, Mrs Claus, and elves visit the Festival of Trees!  Bring your children to Toyland Showcase on Friday: 6pm-8pm, Saturday: 12pm-8pm or Sunday 12pm-3pm to have them tell Santa what they would like for Christmas.
  • A traditon at the Festival of Trees is the Memorial Tree. Purchase a special ornament to take home for your own tree and a memorial card will be placed on the Festival tree in your loved one’s memory. Ornaments are only $5.00.
  • Parents can do their shopping too at the Christmas Boutique which offers stocking stuffers and unique gift items.

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Photo Source http://kawarthalakesfestivaloftrees.org/

Hours & Admission 

  • Thursday, November 9th: 5pm – 9pm
  • Friday, November 10th: 5pm – 9 pm
  • Saturday, November 11th: 12pm-9pm *Please note later than usual start time – Visit your local cenotaph and pay your respects for Remembrance Day*
  • Sunday, November 12th: 11am-3:30pm

Admission Price

  • Adult Weekend Pass: $10
  • Children aged 12 and under: Free

Complete details of all of the Festival activities can be found at the Festival of Trees Website http://kawarthalakesfestivaloftrees.org/. 

Hope to see you at the Kawartha Settlers’ Village, 85 Dunn St., Bobcaygeon, On. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Every April to October, Ontario’s heritage treasures across the province are open to the public. Free events are showcased to open doors, gates and courtyards of our unique cultural sites – allowing visitors to explore behind the entry ways.

Doors Open Ontario showcases the buildings, natural spaces, infrastructure and cultural landscapes that shape and define our communities. And visitors and residents of the Kawarthas are in for a treat!

In celebration of the Canada’s 150 years, you can take a look at the cultural and religious diversity in the Kawarthas.

Sturgeon Point Church 

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Visit venues that will highlight the rich agricultural traditions stretching back to pre-Confederation times, including many untold stories of cultural and religious diversity.

  • Enjoy a traditional wild rice harvest with the local First Nations peoples.
  • Meet members of the local Mennonite and Amish community and enjoy their hand-crafted goods.
  • Sample mouth-watering aromas in the area’s oldest Chinese restaurant.
  • Rediscover artists; the railway line built by William Mackenzie; religious landmarks; and of course, take time to sample farm fresh produce and baked goods.

Fenelon Falls Museum 

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Doors Open in the Kawarthas includes:

  • Cherry Tree Lodge
  • Christ Church Anglican
  • Derry’s Restaurant
  • Friends (Quaker) Cemetery
  • Kawartha Muslim Religious Association Lindsay Masjid
  • Kinmount Railway Station
  • Martin Farm
  • Maryboro Lodge – The Fenelon Museum
  • Olde Gaol Museum, Lindsay
  • St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
  • St. Luke The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church
  • Sturgeon Point Union Church
  • Wild Rice Harvesting at Gamiing Nature Centre
  • Zehr’s Farm Fresh Produce and Bakery

 

For more information and details including addresses, hours of operation and links to maps visit http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Kawartha-Lakes.aspx.

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Enjoy two days of touring the Kawarthas and entering the many ‘Open Doors’!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Labour Day brings some relief for busy parents – school starts again! But with that relief comes the age old challenge of packing lunches that your kids will enjoy. What better shopping resource for the next two months than your local farmers market?

Take your pick!

  • peaches, apples, pears…
  • leafy greens, crispy carrots, peppers, tomatoes and celery
  • jams and jellies
  • deli meats
  • amazing baked goods
  • a full array of cheeses
  • naturally raised meats, eggs, and fish…

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Nutritionists offer some helpful ideas on how to encourage kids to enjoy the foods that are good for them. The habits they develop at a young age will remain with them long into adulthood.

  1. Set an example – Kids copy what their older siblings and parents are eating.
  2. Make food fun – Broccoli is not too exciting when you’re really hoping for macaroni and cheese. But if he is a dinosaur who needs to eat three small trees in order to outrun a tyrannosaurus rex, suddenly broccoli becomes fun.
  3. Get them involved in the shopping and cooking – Children are more invested in a meal if they help with its preparation.

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  1. Enforce the “one bite rule” – Research shows that children who have initially rejected a food must be exposed to it at least 8-10 times for the food to be accepted. Many parents have had success by requiring the child to try at least one solid mouthful of a rejected food whenever it is served. Eventually the food will be more familiar to the child and usually they begin to actually like it.
  2. Don’t force them to finish – One bite is different from finishing your plate. Fighting and punishments create a negative meal experience, and the child will learn to associate food with the bad feelings.
  3. Reward good behavior – Creating positive food experiences can decrease picky eating tendencies. Try rewarding with stickers for instance if they try a new food.
  4. Understand their knowledge base – Kids don’t understand what all the fuss is about good health. But they do understand getting bigger and stronger.
  5. Offer colorful food – You can expose them to more colors by adding more vegetables to their plates.
  6. Arrange food in patterns on the plate – Children love when their food is designed into patterns and when foods are separated.
  7. Keep at it!

You will survive back to school lunches and busy dinner hours with some help from the farmers in the area.

And help is close by. The Lindsay Farmer’s Market is one of the longest running markets in Ontario, established in 1859. It runs Saturdays until October 31st from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

In addition to the items listed above, over 35 vendors also offer flowers, shrubs, home baking, wood furniture, crafts, fair trade organic coffee, outdoor wooden furniture, soaps, hand made jewelry, and paintings from local artists. You can start some Christmas shopping!

The Lindsay Farmers’ Market is at Victoria St. between Kent St. & Peel St., Lindsay, ON. Find out more from their website at http://lindsayfarmersmarket.ca/

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