Posts Tagged ‘City of Kawartha Lakes’
Visit Bethany Village at the Oshawa Home Show This Weekend. Free Ticket!
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, Uncategorized, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Free Ticket, Home Show, Oshawa, Oshawa Home Show on March 2, 2017| Leave a Comment »
What does Lindsay have in common with New York, Paris, Calgary, Vancouver, Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco…?
Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Erin Woodward, Girly Book Club on February 26, 2017| Leave a Comment »
These major cities, a sample list from a total of 30 cities in 9 countries, are all hosts to a one of a kind club for book lovers – The Girly Book Club (GBC).
Lindsay native Erin Woodward is the creator of The Girly Book Club. She had been a member of a book club in Toronto. When she took a job in London England in 2008 she could not find a club that was the fit she was looking for…so she started her own.
After one week she had over 100 requests to join her. Many were expatriates like her, looking for fellowship and friendship with others who wanted to share the joy of reading while away from home.
The monthly club meetings brought together women from all over the world. When members moved back home, Erin began getting emails – members missed the GBC. Although Erin admits she is not a natural entrepreneur, she incorporated the GBC name and began establishing clubs around the world.
The flagship club in London now has over 3,500 members; New York is close behind with over 3,000 members.
The concept is simple. All GBC chapter members read the same book and meet up once a month in local restaurants or bars to discuss the book. Each meeting has a local host and they follow the same format. Members can interact through the website or social media. And if a member is travelling, they can attend a get together in another city… another country.
Erin recently came home and launched a Girly Book Club chapter in Lindsay.
Val Harris has followed the growth of GBC virtually since it started. She now hosts the new Lindsay group. Meetings are held at the Olympia Restaurant at 7 p.m.
Check www.meetup.com/The-Lindsay-Girly-Book-Club for dates – admission is $5 per event.
Read February’s selection and learn more about The Girly Book Club at http://www.girlybookclub.com.
Could you be the Next Country Music Star?
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Dean James Band, Sacha, The Jackson Band, The Next Country Music Star, The Ranch Resort and Conference Centre on February 22, 2017| Leave a Comment »
If you have country music star potential, then you will want to know that the Havelock Country Jamboree, Canada’s Largest Country Music and Camping Festival has partnered with The Ranch Resort Banquet & Conference Center in Bethany Ontario to present The Next Country Music Star Talent Search 2017.
For country music lovers, this is a chance to perform on the twin stages at the Havelock Country Jamboree, a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity.’
The contest will run over a series of Saturday nights at the Ranch Resort from March 4th to April 29th.
One winning contestant from each night will advance to the Semi-Finals. The judges, including votes from the audience, will also select three wild card choices from the first round.
There are only 30 audition spaces available. You can download the full application from the website.
A look at the 2016 line-up and the winners shows the quality of performers and the potential the Jamboree can have on an artist’s career.
The Grand Prize was awarded to Sacha, “A Small Town Girl with a Guitar Full of Dreams.” She was born in Montreal, but grew up in the small town of Warkworth Ontario.
You can see and hear Sacha perform…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AvfSKlSchE
Second place was awarded to The Jackson Band. Jordy Jackson was born and raised in Jones Falls where he spent his time with his guitar, developing his passion for playing music.
You can see his video Links on his website at http://www.jordyjackson.ca/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jordyjacksonband/
Third place was presented to Dean James Band. Dean is from Peterborough and has been singing country music since he was 3 years old. He has travelled to Nashville regularly and has enjoyed appearances at several legendary and historic downtown honky tonks.
See and hear the Dean James band on Facebook and Youtube:
https://www.facebook.com/DeanJamesMusic/videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=DJ+Rowatt
Check out all of the 2017 details, including this year’s line-up and the schedule of events on the Next Country Music Star Website at http://thenextcountrymusicstar.com/ and their Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/The-Next-Country-Music-Star-342064012654780/.
To get audience tickets, just call The Ranch Resort 705-277-1942 or purchase them for $10.00 at the door. But take note, last year’s event was sold out!
There will also be an optional Dinner from 6pm-9pm for $20.00 + HST throughout the series; bar beverages and food will also be available during performances. Reservations are recommended!
The Perfect Valentine’s Celebrations in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough Axe Club, Smithavens Brewing Company, South Pond Farms, Valentine Dinner and Dance on February 12, 2017| Leave a Comment »
The timing of Valentine’s Day is perfect – right in the middle of one of the coldest months of the year, smack in the middle of winter. A great opportunity to forget the cold weather and take your special person to one of the great restaurants or special events happening in the area.
Love Beer? Love Food? Then you might want to make reservations for the Valentines Dinner at Smithavens Brewing Co. Join Kevin McKenna, the Chef and owner of Hunter County Cuisine & Wine Bar for a three course beer pairing meal sure to showcase his amazing menu coupled with the freshest local ingredients.
Tickets are $60 plus tax and are available by calling 705-743-4747.
Dinner and Axe Throwing Anyone? Yes, you read that correctly. For something completely different, you can engage in what the Peterborough Axe Club refers to as, “The world’s greatest pleasures: delicious food and chucking axes!”
This one of a kind event will include a catered, sit down meal, followed by an evening of axe throwing.
The meal is mouth-watering! A Moroccan-styled menu including spiced organic chicken, spicy pork skewers with pomegranate glaze, winter vegetable tagine, traditional scented pilau and a surprise for desert.
And don’t worry! You don’t need any experience as coaches will show you how to throw your axe!
Tickets are $65 and will NOT be available at the door. You can get them at the Club at 280 Perry Street, Unit 1 in Peterborough. Call 707-768-2846 for more information.
Great Food and Jazz. If beer tasting or axe throwing is not for you, how about a lovely evening including a special Valentines dinner menu and a concert featuring the sounds of 4 Up Front.
The special event takes place at South Pond Farms, 1020 Gray Rd Pontypool, ON L0A 1K0. Call 705-277-1649 for more details.
And there is more! Check out The Kawarthas’ website at http://thekawarthas.ca/valentines-day-peterborough-kawarthas/
to find more happenings in the area for Valentine’s Day including afternoon tea, concerts and a special meal just for cheese lovers!
The Good Brothers Valentines Dinner and Show Saturday February 11th at The Ranch Resort.
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, The Ranch Resort and Conference Centre, Valentine Dinner and Dance on February 3, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Visit The Ranch Resort Website or call 705.277.1942 for reservations.
252 Ski Hill Rd, Bethany, ON L0A 1A0
Enjoy Your Wood Stove or Fireplace but Stay Safe
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Fireplace, Wood safety, Wood Stove on January 11, 2017| Leave a Comment »
Most people enjoy sitting around a fire at this time of year. While many have gas fireplaces, quite a few of my friends and neighbours enjoy the warmth and beauty of a real wood fireplace.
Like any other activity, heating with wood can be done well – or it can be done badly. The good news is that hundreds of thousands of responsible home owners know how to burn wood well, helping them to enjoy the beauty and relaxation that a real fire promotes.
Good practices include:
- Harvesting wood sustainably
- Burning it cleanly and efficiently
- Using it to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
I came upon a Canadian group called Wood Heat Organization Inc. (http://www.woodheat.org/), “a nonprofit, nongovernmental agency dedicated to the responsible use of wood as a home heating fuel.”
Here are some of their favourite reasons for heating with wood:
- It’s a renewable energy resource
- Because trees recycle carbon dioxide, wood burning just warms you, not the globe.
- No more freezing in the dark when the power goes out
- Heat from a fire warms you like the rays of the sun
- A fire is romantic
- It’s cheaper to burn wood so you save some money
- You’ll invest in your community if you buy firewood locally and support your neighbours
Unfortunately, Kawartha Lakes Fire Service deals with an increasing number of wood burning related fires during the winter months. Promoting safe fire burning is critical to protect your family and your home.
They want to spread the word on wood burning safety and offer the following advice:
Wood burning stoves
- Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
- All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn such as paper, bedding or furniture at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from heating equipment.
- Install stove, chimney connectors and chimneys following the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
- Start fires with newspaper, kindling or fire starters. Never use a flammable liquid such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline.
- In wood stoves, burn only dry seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry seasoned wood pellets.
- Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.
- Embers in the ashes can remain hot for several days, do not vacuum them or place them in combustible containers. Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from the home and any other nearby buildings. Douse and saturate the ashes with water.
- Supervise children whenever a wood or oil stove or other space heater is being used. Use a sturdy metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are more common than flame burns.
- Have a 1 meter (3 feet) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
Fireplaces
- Have a sturdy metal screen on a fireplace.
- Only dry, seasoned wood should be used in fireplaces. Not only is it cleaner for the environment, it also creates less buildup in the chimney.
- If you use artificial logs use them according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Never burn more than one log at a time.
- Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned at least once a year or as necessary.
I got a chuckle out of this Zen Proverb…
“Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.”
Stay safe with your wood burning stove or fireplace!
Planning A 2017 Wedding In Bethany?
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, Uncategorized, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, Devil's Elbow, Weddings on November 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »
December 3rd is Christmas Tree Day!
Posted in Businesses in Bethany, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, Christmas Trees, City of Kawartha Lakes, Potash Creek Farms on November 20, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Did you know that the first Saturday of December has officially been designated as Christmas Tree Day in Canada?
The Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario and the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association made the declaration in 2012, helping families to have a specific day each year to go out and find the perfect tree for the holidays.
If you love a real Christmas tree you can cut your own, buy one already cut, or a new trend…buy one that is alive!
In the last blog I talked about the “Living Christmas Tree” but that was about an actual production with a choir, music and lights. While researching for that blog, I realized there is also a trend towards ‘living Christmas trees’ which are literally live trees that can be bought. After the holidays are over, the tree can be planted outside.
There is a lot to consider if you are thinking of using a live potted tree. For example, you will have to accommodate a live root ball which can be very heavy… weighing as much as 65 kilograms.
Ten days is the maximum that a live potted tree can be in a warm home. After that, the risk of the tree drying out is too great. The lights are also a consideration – you do not want lights that give off too much heat as this too will take the much needed moisture from the branches.
Be sure to consult with your local tree grower to ensure the type of tree you are considering will do well on your property when it comes time to plant it.
But if you don’t have the space or the inclination to deal with planting a real tree after the holiday season, you might want to plan your family outing to a tree farm in the area.
Potash Creek Farms is just one example. Situated in Omemee, you can enjoy the scenery while you search for the perfect tree.
Neither herbicides nor pesticides are used and during the summer you will see sheep grazing to trim the grass rather than gas powered lawn machinery.
You will find a wide selection of trees:
- Wild Norway spruce in the 10 to 20 foot range
- White spruce and Scots pine in the 6 to 7 foot range
- Pre-cut balsam fir in the 6 to 8 foot range.
You will also find fresh hand-made wreaths, painted gourds as well as other gifts from selected vendors.
Visit them online at http://potashcreekfarms.blogspot.ca/ or in person at:
Potash Creek Farms 400 Grassy Rd. RR1 Omemee, Ontario K0L2W0
No matter where you buy your special tree on Saturday December 3rd – or any other day – keep these tips in mind:
- Although it sounds so obvious, be sure to actually measure the space you have designated for your tree. It is amazing how a tree can appear to be smaller than you think when you are outdoors. You don’t want to end up like National Lampoon’s Griswolds!
- Freshness is key. Run your fingers along the branches to be sure the needles stay on the tree – not in your hand. You should also be able to bend a branch without breaking it (unless the tree is frozen).
- The tree should be a rich green in color and have a rich fragrance.
Happy tree hunting!
Reserve Your Tickets Today for the Living Christmas Tree Production in Lindsay
Posted in Day to Day Life, tagged Bethany, Bethany Village, City of Kawartha Lakes, St. Andrew's Church, The Living Christmas Tree on November 15, 2016| Leave a Comment »
The Living Christmas Tree is an institution at St. Andrew’s Church in Lindsay. In fact, this year marks the 35th year of the event.
“Whatever the production may be – and it is different every year – the wonder and joy of Christmas is experienced anew by all those involved and, we hope, by those who make it a part of their Christmas to attend every year.”
For those who have never witnessed a living Christmas tree production you are in for a truly amazing experience. Close your eyes and imagine a church altar with organ, set decorations to resemble a 70 foot Christmas tree and add in over 60 people of all ages, singing literally within the tree and a light show to compliment the music and theme of each year’s special event.
The photos will help to demonstrate the spectacle, but nothing can compare with seeing the living Christmas tree in person.
The lighting is more than being simply decorative. The lights enhance the message including the words, music and narration of the production.
Each color has a distinct meaning and coincides as specific words are spoken or sung.
The intensity of the colors changes as the music and beat intensifies.
Each color of the lights has a specific meaning:
Green – creation
Blue – sky, night
Gold – royalty, light
Red – richness, royalty, redemption
Cross – Messiah, salvation, redemption
Star – intensity changes when reference to the star is sung
Light – star, icicles, twinkles
Blue and Gold background lights – Bethlehem. The wooden spears behind the top of the tree structure help to demonstrate what Bethlehem might look like.
This year’s production is, “Jesus, Our Joy!”, and will include a compilation of music and narrations from favorite productions – called Cantatas – presented since 1982. A cantata is a piece of music for a choir including parts for solos, duets and a chorus supported by a variety of instruments.
The Lindsay event was initiated in 1982 by long time organist Bob Tompkins and his wife Mary Lou. Their goal was to bring the church choirs Christmas cantata to a broader audience during the holiday season.
Everyone is welcome at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Lindsay) in November and December 2016 to celebrate 35 years of this musical outreach ministry.
Service Dates
Saturday, November 26 at 4:30pm Sunday, November 27 at 4:30pm Monday, November 28 at 7:00pm
Friday, December 2 at 7:00pm Saturday, December 3 at 4:30pm Sunday, December 4 at 4:30pm
To reserve your tickets, telephone the church or reserve your tickets at http://living-christmas-tree.ca/reserve-tickets/
For more information:
Telephone: 705-324-4842
E-mail: standrewstree@hotmail.com
Living Christmas Tree website: http://living-christmas-tree.ca/
Blog: https://standrewstree.wordpress.com/
Learn What the Victoria County Historical Society Offers
Posted in History, tagged Bethany Ontario, City of Kawartha Lakes, Manvers, VCHS, Victoria County, Victoria County Historical Society on November 1, 2016| Leave a Comment »
If you are like a great many people, you may not always realize what treasures are in your own community. The Victoria County Historical Society (VCHS) is one such gem.
The VCHS is focused on the collection, preservation, and exhibition of materials that promote the history of the City of Kawartha Lakes – formerly known as the County of Victoria.
I was actually surprised when I really explored this topic – there is so much to see and do at the museum!
On the first floor you can explore…
The history of the First Nations, with artifacts including Early Iroquois beadwork.
World War One memorabilia and facts. For instance, “Did you know, the offer of a cigarette from a German soldier to a Canadian soldier inspired the Christmas truce?”
And how is this for a turnaround? From the Early Iroquois and World War One to Neil Young – with photos, posters, facts and trivia found in ‘Youngtown’.
The first floor also includes the history of the Victoria County Gaol, pronounced as ‘jail’. The museum is the designated heritage site for the County Gaol, used as the Lindsay Jail and built in 1863.
The second floor includes…
Model Railways. “Did you know the first train arrived at the original Lindsay station at St. Paul and King Streets on the east side of the Scugog River on October 16, 1857?”
The Old Camera Shop, providing a history of Kodak. Did you know they introduced the 110 film format to help simplify loading and unloading a roll of film to respond to customer complaints in 1972?
This is a just a small sample of what has been gathered and displayed by the VCHS. But this is only the beginning of uncovering this community icon. There are always a variety of special events as well.
Keep an eye on the website to learn what is coming in the near future.
http://www.oldegaolmuseum.ca/events.html
Bethany Ontario 