Three teens residing in the Kawarthas are buzzing with excitement as they train to represent Canada at an international beekeeping competition at the end of the year.

The International Meeting for Young Beekeepers (IMYB) is an annual meeting and the world’s largest gathering of young beekeepers aged 12 to 18 years old. Both a competition and a diverse social and cultural program, the meeting consists of practical and academic testing of knowledge and skills.

Held for the first time outside of Europe, the 13th annual meeting takes place Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from Wednesday, December 18 to Sunday, December 22.

“It’s an opportunity for young people to interact and meet peers and form friendships that last forever,” says John MacFarlane, one of the Team Canada chaperones leading the youth to the event. “It’s a fantastic opportunity and we are thrilled to get invited back and be the only team from North America.”

MacFarlane, who is one of the founders of Kawartha Junior Beekeepers program, will be joined by fellow founder Lenka Petric and Northumberland beekeeper Dana Petrillo as chaperones. This year will mark the third time Team Canada has made an appearance at the event, but the first time each team member hails from the Kawarthas region.

One of the team members who will be representing Canada is Ben Marshall of Trent Hills, who began beekeeping as a way to keep busy during the start of the pandemic and hasn’t stopped since. On top of running his own swimming lesson company and selling freeze-dried food, the 17-year-old serial entrepreneur also sells his own honey.

“It’s always been about the learning for me,” Marshall says. “I love the new information and new ideas that are always shared within the bee community. The theme for Dubai is Beekeeping in Arid Lands, so it’s a really neat perspective I’ve never actually thought about … I’m really looking forward to learning more about it.”

Joining him in Dubai will be 15-year-old Heidi Westbye of Cavan, who has been beekeeping since 2017. Her passion led her to do a project on honeybees which won her third place in the Earth and Environmental Sciences class of the 2024 Peterborough Science Fair. She is already looking forward to pursuing further education for a career in honeybee research.

“I’m really excited for the experiences I’ll have in Dubai and getting to work with so many other people from so many different places,” Westbye says. “Working with kids from Europe and Asia is just really inspiring, because one competition can bring so many people together.”

The third member of Team Canada is Rebecca Wood of Pontypool, whose trip to Dubai will be her first time outside of Ontario. She began beekeeping at 10 years old because she lived on a farm and was afraid of bees. Not only did she get over her fear, but she found a passion in studying pollinators.

Now 17, Wood sits on the Kawartha Pollinator Action Committee and created the Bee Friendly Pollinators and the Seed Library program at her school. She was recently a recipient of a 2023 Kawartha Lakes Environmental Student Hero Award.

“It was the Kawartha Junior Beekeepers that just planted that seed in me and made me want to continue seeking out more information and learning more about pollination in our area,” Wood says. “I always like to say the best way to combat fear is through education and I really think what I was taught by John and Lenka, and what I’ve learned on my own over the years, has helped with that.”

Each of the three young beekeepers learned what they did by joining the Kawartha Junior Beekeepers, a hands-on program for children and youth interested in beekeeping. Following a bee’s year from equipment managing to harvesting, participants aged eight to 12 years old meet monthly to put into practice concepts learned in class and through guest speakers and field trips.

MacFarlane and Petric founded the program years ago because they noticed most beekeepers in the region were of older generations.

“We were looking towards helping to develop or initiate and encourage a new generation of beekeepers, and no one was doing that,” says MacFarlane.

“Beekeeping, for some people, is their first education about pollinators, so they learn about bees and then they also learn about all the other pollinators that are so important to our environment,” adds Petric. “That’s another really important reason for continuing this program, as it’s one way of immersing kids through hands-on learning where they can see about how important pollinators are for our environment.”

The duo notes it’s been very “gratifying” and “rewarding” to watch youth first become engaged and continue their studies, and then pass on their knowledge and passion. All three youth are now mentors for current students of the Kawartha Junior Beekeepers.

“The fact that I still have such like a great memory and a great passion for what I was taught in Kawartha Junior Beekeepers really speaks to how well they’ve crafted this program,” says Wood. “With the impact it had on me and the change that I am trying to make in my community, it just means the world to be attempting to do that for other kids. Honestly, I think everyone should have the opportunity to be in a program like this.”

Over the four-day event in Dubai, there are two days of competition linked to specific tasks where the youth will have to show their knowledge about beekeeper tools, putting a colony together, building hives, the anatomy of a bee, honey tasting, and more. The group will be competing individually and as a team, and there will also be some components wherein the participants are paired with beekeepers from other countries and must work together.

Like the Olympic Games, the meeting is bookended with extravagant opening and closing ceremonies. Throughout the week, there will also be opportunities for excursions, and each team will be required to do a presentation — like a song or dance — to introduce their country.

“The aspects of the whole meeting, the whole get together — they are so far reaching for these kids, and they all come back with something that they can bring back to their community,” says MacFarlane. “For us it’s one of the most important things, and we work on that and that’s one of the main goals other than education.”

While the participants undergo “intense” training in preparation for Dubai, Team Canada is also hosting fundraisers, including a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $12,000. The team is also selling notebooks, gift packs of honey, beeswax candles, and handmade bee kitties. Purchases can be made by emailing kawarthajb@gmail.com.

The teens are also available to lead presentations for local communities and beekeeping clubs to let them know about their trip and the knowledge they will be collecting to bring back to their communities.

“We want to show that this is important — here are three young people from this geographic area who are going to be highly educated in this whole beekeeping process,” says MacFarlane.

“They’re among the best in Canada and they are local … they need the support of our local community as well, because what they’re going to bring back is only going to enhance and create more of an environment for education, and it’s an investment in the future of these communities.”

For her part, Petrillo notes that representing Canada puts the Kawarthas on the map when it comes to beekeeping, and opens opportunities for future local beekeepers.

“I’ve dreamed since I was in grade four of becoming a beekeeper, but it wasn’t accessible until fairly recently,” she says. “That accessibility is now going across Canada and Northumberland and Kawarthas is definitely a hub for that. Really trying to get out there and spreading that message across Canada is huge. These kids are going to have that opportunity, and they’re spreading it out to kids all over, so if we can get more programs starting all across Canada, it’ll be fabulous.”

For more information on the Kawartha Junior Beekeepers, visit jjrbeekeepers.ca. Follow the IMYB Team Canada Facebook group to keep up to date with the team’s preparations for Dubai.

A Grade 8 teacher in Port Hope is facing multiple sexual offence charges as a result of an ongoing police investigation.

On August 21, Port Hope police received a report of a sexual assault involving a youth victim.

Due to the allegations, Port Hope police began an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Kelly-Anne Jennings, a Grade 8 teacher at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Port Hope. On August 29, police arrested Jennings on charges of sexual assault and sexual interference. She was released on a undertaking with a court appearance schedule for October 9.

While conducting an extensive investigation, the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Port Hope Police Service began to identify additional alleged victims who had previously attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School.

After speaking to several witnesses and additional victims, officers applied for and were granted several search warrants for supporting evidence in relation to the offences. These warrants were executed by the Port Hope police with the assistance of the Peterborough Police Service’s Technological Crimes Unit.

Based on the investigation, Jennings was arrested again on Wednesday (September 4) and faces 16 additional sexual offence charges in relation to three additional youth victims identified as her former students.

The additional charges include three counts of distributing sexually explicit material to a person under 16 years of age, seven counts of luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication, two counts of accessing child pornography, two counts of invitation to sexual touching of a person under 16 years of age, and two counts of making, printing, publishing, or possessing child pornography for the purpose of publication.

Jennings is being held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg.

“The Port Hope Police would like to thank all the current victims and witnesses for coming forward as well as the cooperation of their guardians,” reads a media release.

Any further victims or witnesses are encouraged to contact the Port Hope Police Service in person, by phone at 905-885-8123, or by email at phps@phps.on.ca.

A recent concert in Haliburton has garnered a standing ovation for Haliburton County’s Places for People.

Minden-based Places for People (PFP) says its August 31 event at Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve Logging Museum raised $2,500 through ticket sales and raffles in support of local affordable housing efforts.

The fundraiser, featuring the music of Charlie Angus and The Grievous Angels, drew a crowd of 150 for the event that was spearheaded by the Highlands Summer Festival, the Haliburton Speakers Series, and the Haliburton County Folk Society.

Fay Martin, P4P founder and board member, said the evening was a grand success.

“It was a marvellous response,” Martin told kawarthaNOW. “It was much more than I thought we’d make, because that was a six-piece band so the overall cost for the event was pretty high but the community that came out … was a very generous audience.”

The 50/50 draw and toonie auctions were also “very graciously supported,” Martin added.

“It was one of those incredible outflowings of support that are quite common in Haliburton County for issues that people feel strongly about.”

P4P provides affordable housing across Haliburton County and recently purchased 12 additional units allowing all tenants to remain in their homes at an affordable rent. P4P uses fundraising dollars to cover expenses related to its volunteer-run board, maintain its rental units, and pay down capital debt.

Angus, who leads the six-member alt-folk country band Grievous Angels, is also the MP for Timmins-James Bay and champions social issues, including the dire need for affordable housing.

“We were honoured to play for such a great audience in such a great venue,” Angus said in a media release. “We will have really great memories of Haliburton’s hospitality.”

Also on the agenda for the night were the toonie auctions, that featured various items up for grabs including a Haliburton Forest gift certificate, tickets for a “Telling our Stories Speaker Series” event, and tickets for a Haliburton County Folk Society concert.

Founded in 2007, PFP has provided homes for more than 100 people in the community since 2010. Its mission statement is to create and manage quality affordable rental housing in Haliburton County, “fostering an environment in which our tenants can thrive.” P4P has rental units in all four municipalities of Haliburton County.

For more information about Places For People and to volunteer or donate, visit www.placesforpeople.ca.

One might think of reading as a solitary activity but, with the return of the “One Book, One Ptbo” shared community reading experience, the Peterborough Public Library is proving it doesn’t have to be.

This fall, the program is returning for its second year with even more thought-provoking and educational events lined up, all linked together by the emotional 2023 novel The Story of Us by award-winning author and screenwriter Catherine Hernandez.

From book clubs and conversations led by local organizations to workshops and a visit from the author herself, “One Book, One Ptbo” offers no shortage of opportunities to connect with other readers and learn about the issues and themes discussed in the book.

“One Book, One Community” events are held across North America, with the first Peterborough event held last year featuring Anishinaabe writer Waubgeshig Rice’s bestselling novel Moon of the Crusted Snow. Hernandez’s novel was selected by community vote to be this year’s book from a community-chosen shortlist of three finalists that also included Omar El Akkad’s What Strange Things and Zalika Reid-Benta’s River Mumma.

Narrated through the perspective of the protagonist’s baby, The Story of Us follows an overseas Filipino worker named Mary Grace Concepcion who leaves home and her husband to first be a caregiver in Hong Kong before travelling even further to Toronto. After navigating careless employers and unruly children, she then cares for Liz, an elderly transgender woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and the two form a surprising and heartbreaking bond.

“There’s a lot to discuss here about caring for the elderly, about respect and the struggles faced by the trans community, and about overseas workers,” says Karen Bisschop, Community Development Librarian at the Peterborough Public Library. “There are a lot of important and serious discussions in the book, but there’s a little bit of humour in it as well and even recipes. There’s a lot that can be done with a story like this.”

The Story of Us author Catherine Hernandez is a queer woman of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, and Indian descent who married into the Navajo Nation. Having just released her fourth novel Behind You, she is most known for her acclaimed debut novel Scarborough, which was a 2022 Canada Reads finalist and adapted into an award-winning film.

This year’s “One Book, One Ptbo” culminates on Monday, November 4th when Hernandez will be at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre to read from her work and participate in an on-stage interview.

“Hernandez has been getting a lot of attention, so we’re really excited that she’s coming to Peterborough,” notes Bisschop.

With more than 70 copies of The Story of Us available for check out from the Peterborough Public Library, including audio book and e-book formats, there is ample opportunity for interested readers to read the book and participate in the events in advance of the Hernandez’s visit.

“There’s serendipity that happens when you see someone reading the same book that you just read, whether that’s someone you know or a neighbour on the bus, and it encourages opportunities for spontaneous conversation,” says Bisschop.

“One of the things something like this or a book club does is encourages you to read a book that you wouldn’t otherwise. Sometimes you learn something new from it and it can open up worlds.”

Bisschop adds that, having studied the novel in the library’s general book club earlier this spring, she witnessed in-depth conversations surrounding topics of which readers had no previous knowledge.

“These shared reading experiences open a door into further discussion and oftentimes the more we talk about something, the more people are interested to dive deeper and learn more on their own,” she explains.

“It’s the fiction that draws readers in, but the truth behind it will invite them to explore something in more detail, so we’re hoping to see that happen again.”

Those looking to start their own book clubs with friends, neighbours, and co-workers can also check out the “Book Club in a Bag” kit from the library. The sets come complete with copies of the book, a tracking sheet, discussion guides, and other articles and background information.

Alternatively, interested readers who already have their own book clubs can ask Bisschop and other library staff for guidance. Email libraryprograms@peterborough.ca for more information.

“It can be very helpful to have a standard set of questions and draw people into those themes to create conversations that stem from having read the book,” Bisschop says. “And I’m always happy to learn about other book groups in the community as well.”

VIDEO: Catherine Hernandez on CBC’s Q with Tom Power

New this year, the library has started a “One Book, One Ptbo” public Facebook group which anyone can join to share their thoughts, reviews, and questions about The Story of Us. The library is regularly posting quotes from the book along with guiding questions to invite discussion and engagement.

“It gives readers a space to discuss something or interact with others anytime,” Bisschop says. “Not everyone is able to make it out to the events, so the Facebook group lets them still be involved.”

Further encouraging engagement from readers, the Peterborough Public Library will soon be uploading the Beanstack Reading Challenge. The digital platform incentivizes reading by providing “badges” for various reading achievements and for attending the in-person events. The more badges earned, the more chances for readers to win prizes from the library.

Below is the full list of events relating to this year’s One Book, One Ptbo program. Note that most events require advance registration; visit calendar.ptbolibrary.ca to register.

One Book, One Ptbo Book Club – Pride Week Session

Wednesday, September 25 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Main Library

During “One Book, One Ptbo,” the library will be hosting extra book club meetings featuring The Story of Us, with the first held during Peterborough Pride Week with an LGBTQ+ focus. Book club copies are available at the check-out desk on a first come, first served basis.

Advance registration is required.

Aging with Pride

Thursday, September 26, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Main Library

In partnership with Age-Friendly Peterborough, this event during Peterborough Pride Week spotlights current issues older 2SLGBTQIA+ adults face as they age. The discussion will help listeners understand challenges to healthy aging and engage in discussion about promoting mental, physical, and social well-being. A presentation will be followed by a refreshment break and discussion.

Advance registration is required.

Preserving Your Heirlooms

Thursday, October 3, 2 – 3 p.m., Peterborough Museum & Archives

Since The Story of Us features some precious historical items that are stored in a damp and dark basement, the Peterborough Museum & Archives will be teaching participants how to properly preserve family heirlooms. Using examples from its collection, the museum will share the best techniques and practices for protecting important artifacts for years to come. Questions regarding specific heirlooms are welcome.

“We sometimes don’t appreciate the older objects that our family will want to look at and enjoy later, so we thought this was a good twist to bring in more topics of discussion,” says Bisschop.

Registration is not required.

One Book, One Ptbo Book Club – General Session

Saturday, October 5, 2 – 3 p.m., Main Library

During “One Book, One Ptbo,” the library will be hosting extra book club meetings featuring The Story of Us. Book club copies are available at the check-out desk on a first come, first served basis.

Advance registration is required.

Let’s Talk About Dementia

Tuesday, October 15, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Main Library

The Story of Us follows a caregiver who works with a client suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why the library is hosting a general discussion and question-and-answer session led by the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland & Haliburton for guidance and resources to help those affected.

Registration is not required.

Cookbook Club: Lemongrass and Lime

Thursday, October 24, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Main Library

Each month, the Peterborough Public Library picks a cookbook and invites novice and seasoned cooks to pick up a recipe to test out for a community potluck. In October, the club is exploring Filipino and Southeast Asian recipes inspired by foods mentioned in The Story of Us.

Advance registration is required.

Grand Finale featuring author Catherine Hernandez

Monday, November 4, 7 – 9 p.m., Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

The “One Book, One Ptbo” program culminates in a grand finale visit from The Story of Us author Catherine Hernandez. The evening will feature readings, a live interview, book signings, and the opportunity to purchase the book from local independent bookseller Take Cover Books.

“Invited authors read from the work we studied, but they also usually read from their other work as well, so it’s always nice to get that sneak peek,” says Bisschop. “It’s a nice opportunity to hear directly from the author, but also to gather in person with other readers.”

Advance registration is required. Registration will open on Tuesday, October 1 and close when full.

Community Conversation: Exploring Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers Program

Tuesday, November 19, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Main Library

VIDEO: “Becoming Labrador” trailer

The Story of Us highlights the vulnerability of temporary foreign workers in Canada. That’s why the Peterborough Public Library and the New Canadians Centre are inviting readers to explore issues surrounding Canada’s temporary worker permits by viewing the documentary Becoming Labrador, about a group of Filipino workers living in Happy Valley. The screening will be followed by refreshments and a panel discussion and conversation.

“It’s an ongoing topic in Canada, and highly relevant to the book,” explains Bisschop. “We’re hoping people will be interested, wanting to know the rules, the ways people are exploited, and how they can help overseas workers when they’re here.”

Advance registration with New Canadians Centre is required. Registration opens in September.

For more information on “One Book, One Ptbo” and to register for associated events, visit www.ptbolibrary.ca. You can also follow the Peterborough Public Library on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) .

This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Peterborough Public Library. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

Job seekers who think a career in the aerospace sector means flying planes or working as flight attendants or baggage handlers or air traffic control crew will be surprised to learn the extent of employment opportunities that are actually available, some of which don’t even require aviation education or experience.

“We have a full pipeline of work and are looking to employ workers from a diverse set of industries to strengthen our workforce,” explains Kate Ahrens, who manages community and government relations for Flying Colours Corp. “Many of the skills we seek are transferable from other industries, such as the automotive trade, interior decorating, boat fitting, woodworking, and construction fields. For some roles, we are not looking for experience, just willingness to join a dynamic business.”

Flying Colours Corp. is one of the 22 businesses operating out of the Peterborough Airport and specializes in maintaining, refurbishing, and overhauling (MRO) business jets. The magic happens in spacious hangars large enough to house Airbus A220 or Boeing 737 aircraft types. It requires a diverse range of skills, including repairing, restoring and upgrading cabinetry and soft furnishings, cabin installation, and quality paint finishing. For those plying their trade at Flying Colours, no two days are the same.

“The aircraft we work on fly a varied set of passengers,” Ahrens says. “The aircraft are used by captains of industry to keep their businesses growing, music stars and sports celebrities to enable their demanding schedules, and government leaders needing to fulfill complex itineraries in the shortest time possible. Our work contributes to driving the global economy, keeping us entertained, and forging and maintaining international relationships.”

This international influence originates in the variety of jobs available to those seeking work in the aerospace sector. Recent graduates, skilled craftspeople, or those willing to learn new skills in a highly buoyant industry that spans the globe could all be qualified to join Flying Colours.

“We’re aware that too often those seeking work think that aviation employment is limited to pilots, flight attendants, baggage handling, or air traffic control — the complete opposite is true,” Ahrens explains. “If you can think of a career outside of aviation, there will certainly be an equivalent within the sector.”

Ahrens says Flying Colours recruits are well-paid and have the option to follow defined career progression paths. Some roles require specialist knowledge, but an aviation background is not an essential requirement, as the company looks for enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn when recruiting.

“The potential is limitless,” Ahrens says. “We understand that our workforce needs to be stimulated and rewarded, and we aim to promote from within as we develop career trajectories. We think it’s important to encourage career growth and are always willing to support a colleague who is keen to evolve.”

According to Ahrens, evidence of this commitment is demonstrated by the longevity of Flying Colours employees — many of whom have worked at the facility for more than 10 years, with some celebrating more than 30 years of employment.

Ahrens says Flying Colours’ central location in Peterborough was “integral” to the developments and accomplishments of the business. Today, the company’s facility boasts three dedicated paint shops, avionics workshops, four maintenance hangars, a design centre, and dedicated cabinetry and upholstery workshops.

“We’ve evolved in tandem with the airport and work closely together to make it a successful proposition,” Ahrens notes.

As the Peterborough Airport has continued to grow since the launch of the airport development program in 2010, more and more businesses have joined the local aerospace sector, doubling the number of jobs from 251 to more than 500.

“Peterborough is an ideal location for the aerospace sector due to several strategic advantages,” says Kyle Bruce, the Manager of Airport Administration at the Peterborough Airport. “Firstly, its proximity to major urban centres like Toronto and Ottawa makes it accessible, yet removed from the congestion and high operational costs associated with larger airports. This balance provides a more cost-effective and efficient environment for aerospace businesses.”

“For visitors to YPQ, it’s effortless to fly in, have a meeting, and fly back out in a day,” Ahrens says. “There aren’t the same limitations as at busy hub airports, which streamlines our business and makes us more efficient.”

“The presence of a vibrant business hub at the Peterborough Airport stimulates the local economy, encouraging the development of ancillary services,” says Bruce. “This economic growth translates into a broader range of employment opportunities and supports overall career progression across different industries.”

Ahrens points out that Flying Colours provides employment directly to hundreds of residents and, by extension, to suppliers, shops, hotels, real estate, and more.

“It all adds to the local economy,” she adds.

“We started as a family business, and that family culture remains today and has contributed to our success. This is why we value our team so much. They have helped us develop our reputation for high-quality work, an innovative spirit, and a strong collaborative culture.”.

This has not gone unnoticed by the industry. In 2023, the company joined the Flexjet family, one of the world’s leading private aviation companies with more than 2,200 employees worldwide, 12 business divisions, and a fleet of over 250 aircraft that regularly need MRO services. Integrating with Flexjet brings many new opportunities, translating into more jobs in Peterborough while ensuring Flying Colour’s longevity and sustainability.

“We are part of an incredibly exciting sector — aerospace is buzzing right now,” Ahrens says. “Every day brings new opportunities, ideas, and thoughts, which is why we source the best workforce possible to support us and the global business aviation industry. It makes Flying Colours such a dynamic, interesting, and attractive workplace.”

For more information about Flying Colours Corp., visit www.flyingcolourscorp.com.

Explore more employment opportunities at the Peterborough Airport at peterborough.ca/en/doing-business/airport-services.aspx.

This supplied branded editorial is one of a series published in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute in Peterborough is one of 74 schools across Canada that will receive $1 million worth of musical instruments, equipment, and gear under two school funding programs from MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Juno Awards.

Since 1997, the MusiCounts Band Aid Program has been providing under-resourced schools with grants to keep school music programs alive. It funds traditional forms of music education like concert and jazz band, choir, Orff ensembles, guitar and ukulele groups, and more.

For the first time this year, the MusiCounts Slaight Family Innovation Fund is also supporting schools with grants from $5,000 to $20,000 for culturally relevant or technology-forward approaches to music education that exist outside of mainstream practice, as well as contemporary music making.

Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute is one of 32 schools across Canada, including nine in Ontario, receiving a total of $320,000 in funding from the MusiCounts Slaight Family Innovation Fund.

Culturally specific programs supported by the fund can include Indigenous drumming, steel pan percussion, African percussion, Métis fiddling, and more. Technology-forward programs can include music production, digital music creation, hip hop and beat making, and more. Contemporary music making can include rock bands and popular music ensembles.

“MusiCounts is thrilled to welcome students back to school and back to music with the investment of $1 million worth of much-needed instruments and gear,” says MusiCounts president Kristy Fletcher in a media release. “As students return to the music classroom, they’ll not only find guitars, drums, horns, and turntables, they’ll also find a safe space in their school where they can connect with their peers, build their confidence, and find their voice.”

MusiCount’s school music funding programs have provided $14.3 million to 1,439 schools in Canada. Applications are now open for MusiCount’s 2025 programs at https://musicounts.ca/smfp.

Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for much of the northern Kawarthas region for Monday overnight (September 2).

The frost advisory is in effect for northern Peterborough County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.

Ground temperatures are expected to drop to near zero degrees Celsius overnight Monday into early Tuesday morning.

Frost may damage some crops in frost-prone areas.

Cover up plants, especially those in frost-prone areas.

Take preventative measures to protect frost-sensitive plants and trees.