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encoreNOW – June 2, 2025

By kawarthaNOW -
encoreNOW for June 2, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) "Fireside Munsch" by M. John Kennedy at Peterborough's Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, Film Access Northumberland's Eye2Eye Film Festival at Cobourg's Concert Hall at Victoria Hall, LeRoy Anderson and Donna Ramsay of "The Tommy Hunter Show" with Whiskey Jack at Peterborough's Air Force Club, Tom Cochrane at Lindsay's Academy Theatre, "Waitress" at Port Hope's Capitol Theatre, and "The Wizard of Oz" at Campbellford's Westben. (kawarthaNOW collage)

encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.

This week, Paul highlights the opening of the Heaslip Foundation Summer Festival at Trent’s Traill College, the Eye2Eye Film Festival at Cobourg’s Victoria Hall, a showcase of CBC TV Country Music Stars at Peterborough’s Air Force Club, Tom Cochrane’s Songs and Stories concert at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre, the Capitol Theatre’s staging of Waitress in Port Hope, and Westben’s summer festival opener in the form of The Wizard of Oz.

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Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre the place to be this summer

VIDEO: “Fireside Munsch” trailer

How do you take something very good and make it even better? By adding another element to what’s already made it very good.

As it returns for its second full season, the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation Summer Festival has partnered with New Stages Theatre to add a theatrical dimension to its shows on Thursdays at the intimate Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Trent University’s Traill College on Dublin Street in Peterborough.

The result is four theatrical performances added to the lineup, including this Thursday (June 5) when Fireside Munsch, featuring stories by Robert Munsch adapted and performed by M. John Kennedy, opens the season.

Performances, both musical and theatrical, will continue most Thursday nights until August 28. Admission is free to each 7:30 p.m. performance but seating is limited. Should Mother Nature not cooperate, performances shift inside to the college’s Bagnani Hall.

Nominated for eight prestigious Dora Mavor Moore Awards, Fireside Munsch is a high-energy retelling of classic Munsch stories, such as “Paperbag Princess” and “Mortimer.” Kennedy has a number of acting credits on his resumé, including The Great Shadow staged by Millbrook’s 4th Line Theatre in July 2022. When he’s not performing or writing, Kennedy mentors as a faculty member at Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto.

Funding for the festival has been provided by the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation. Organized and cheerled by Traill College principal Dr. Michael Eamon, many of the acts scheduled this summer feature Peterborough-based performers, Trent alumni, and some Trent staff and faculty. For the full lineup, visit www.trentu.ca/news/story/42699.

 

Film Access Northumberland’s premier event back in Cobourg

VIDEO: “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” trailer

Film buffs rejoice — Northumberland’s popular Eye2Eye Film Festival is back for a fourth year, offering a full slate of cinematic offerings this Friday to Sunday (June 6 to 8) at Cobourg’s Concert Hall at Victoria Hall.

With the simple but sincere mission of promoting the art of film in the community, Film Access Northumberland (FAN) has done just that, not only through festival screenings, but also by offering audience talks with filmmakers, workshops and award honours for emerging filmmakers. Evidence of the support for this annual initiative can be found in the exceedingly long list of community sponsors.

The festival opens Friday with a 9:30 a.m. screening of the classic 1950 psychological drama Sunset Boulevard, with the 2024 documentary Red Fever, the 2025 documentary The Legend in Me, and the 2019 musical fantasy Rocketman following.

On Saturday at 9:30 a.m., things get underway with the 1977 space opera that started it all, Star Wars: A New Hope, followed by the 2024 drama Thelma, the 2024 drama Falling, and the 2024 mystery A Thousand Cuts. Closing things out film-wise on Sunday are the 2023 documentary The Long Rider at 3:30 p.m. followed by the 2025 drama Home Free.

Also featured is Spotlight, a program featuring talks by guest filmmakers and other creative minds, with Sunday morning dedicated to the Film Newcomer Showcase featuring short films from local high school students, a workshop about directing actors, and the Film Forward Showcase and Awards featuring short films by emerging filmmakers in Ontario.

For the full schedule of films, speakers, and related events, visit www.filmaccessnorthumberland.ca. Admission to individual films costs $12 ($80 for a table of six to eight), with limited $95 weekend passes also available.

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CBC-TV country music stars of yore reunite for local showcase

VIDEO: Maple Sugar / Big John McNeil / St. Anne’s Reel Medley – Whiskey Jack (2015)

For those of a certain age, if you weren’t a fan of The Tommy Hunter Show, you were at least familiar with the long-running signature CBC-TV country music showcase.

Aired weekly from 1965 to 1992, the show’s incredible run introduced a number of emerging Canadian country music stars to a huge audience, and reintroduced an equal number of longtime genre favourites.

Along with the host, regulars included Donna Ramsay and LeRoy Anderson, along with the band Whiskey Jack, which had and still has more Peterborough connections than you shake a slide guitar at. Think Douglas John Cameron and John Hoffman — both members of the band early on and both still very much involved in the business of entertaining.

This Sunday (June 8) at Peterborough’s Air Force Club on King Street, CBC TV Country Music Stars will be nothing short of an entertaining trek down memory lane as Ramsay, Anderson, and Whiskey Jack reunite. Also making an appearance will be Hoffman, best known in these parts — now that’s a country term — for his work organizing and performing at the In From The Cold concert held annually each Christmas season. Hoffman was a co-founder of Whiskey Jack way back when.

Presented by Banjodunc Productions, which is run by Whiskey Jack co-founder Duncan Fremlin, tickets to the 2 p.m. concert are pay what you can at the door, with $35 the suggested price.

 

Life is indeed a highway, and it leads to Lindsay on June 10

VIDEO: “Life Is A Highway” – Tom Cochrane (1991)

If you have to google Lynn Lake, Manitoba to learn its exact location, you’re no doubt not alone. But really all you have to know, for purposes here, it’s the fourth-largest town in that province that gifted Canada, and the world, a musical gem in Tom Cochrane.

Lindsay is a long way from Lynn Lake, for sure, but that hasn’t deterred the eight-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter and Order of Canada recipient from making an appearance at the Academy Theatre next Tuesday (June 10).

“Tom Cochrane: Songs & Stories” will see the musician run through much of his material, written and performed as both the frontman of Red Rider and, later, as a solo artist. Between his two musical lives, Cochrane has recorded and released 21 albums and toured incessantly. His always crowd-pleasing hits number many, and include “Big League,” “No Regrets,” “Sinking Like A Sunset” and, of course, his internationally known calling card “Life Is A Highway.”

As a bonus, and something anyone who has caught him in concert at Peterborough Musicfest or anywhere else well knows, Cochrane is an engaging storyteller, and boy, does he have stories of life on the road, those he has met along the way, and all things in between.

Tickets to the 8 p.m. concert cost $85 and are available at www.flatoacademytheatre.com.

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A pie-in-the-sky dream anchors a fun musical at the Capitol

Real-life couple Sayer Roberts and Kaylee Harwood play the leading roles of Dr. Pomatter and Jenna in the Capitol Theatre's production of the musical "Waitress," which runs for 19 performances from June 13 to 29, 2025 at the historic Port Hope venue. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
Real-life couple Sayer Roberts and Kaylee Harwood play the leading roles of Dr. Pomatter and Jenna in the Capitol Theatre’s production of the musical “Waitress,” which runs for 19 performances from June 13 to 29, 2025 at the historic Port Hope venue. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)

The more I’ve come to be familiar with Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, the more I’ve come to appreciate how fortunate that venue is to have Rob Kempson as its artistic director.

It seems everything Kempson touches turns to stage gold, and there’s no doubt Waitress, which he’s directing, will follow script.

Opening next Friday (June 13), the hit musical is based on the film of the same name by Adrienne Shelly. It relates the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker who sees a way out of her small town, and her rocky marriage, by entering a pie competition. However, when she meets her new doctor, her plan gets complicated to the point where her sugar, butter, and flour creations won’t solve her dilemma on their own.

Directed by Rob Kempson, the play features real-life couple Kaylee Harwood and Sayer Roberts in the leading roles of Jenna and Dr. Pomatter. The ensemble cast includes Malinda Carroll, Michael Cox, Oliver Dennis, Beau Dixon, Taylor Lovelace, Lia Luz, Clea McCaffrey, Caulin Moore, and Margaret Thompson, with a live band led by music director Jonathan Corkal-Astorga with Matt Ray, David Schotzko, and Tami Sorovaiski.

Billed as a “heart-filled and hilarious musical about finding your voice,” Waitress features music and lyrics by Sarah Bareilles and book by Jessie Nelson. However, as it contains mature themes, it is recommended for those 14 years old and up.

Curtain is 7:30 p.m. on June 13 and 14, 19 to 21, and 26 to 28, with 2 p.m. matinee performances June 15, 17 to 19, 21 and 22, 24 to 26, and 28 and 29. The June 13 staging is a preview performance with pay-what-you can admission. Tickets for remaining dates cost $48, $40 for 30 and under, and are available to order at capitoltheatre.com.

 

Westben in Campbellford opens its 44-date summer festival with a classic tale

Rehearsal photos from the Westben production of the musical "The Wizard of Oz," which runs for six performances from June 13 to 22, 2025 at The Barn in Campbellford. (Photos: Westben / Facebook)
Rehearsal photos from the Westben production of the musical “The Wizard of Oz,” which runs for six performances from June 13 to 22, 2025 at The Barn in Campbellford. (Photos: Westben / Facebook)

There’s a reason everyone and their brother has staged The Wizard of Oz — it’s a can’t-miss winner with audiences, both young and old, and everyone in between.

Campbellford’s Westben well knows that and, as such, has chosen to stage a musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved story as its summer festival opener next Friday (June 13) and running until June 22 at The Barn at Westben.

With ruby slippers, the yellow brick road, and the Emerald City, this staging is based on the still-popular original film and features all the songs millions worldwide have come to know and love. Helping things along greatly are the talents and energy of the Westben youth and teen choruses.

The Wizard of Oz is the first of a very ambitious 44 events presented by Westben until September 21, including concerts by the likes of Lighthouse, Susan Aglukark, Colin James, Matt Andersen, and Michael Kaeshammer.

The musical runs for six performances, with 7:30 p.m. stagings on June 13 and 20 and 2 p.m. matinees on June 14 and 15 and 21 and 22. Tickets are $45 for adults, $43 for seniors, $30 for those under 30, and $5 for those under 18. For tickets and the full summer festival lineup, visit westben.ca.

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Encore

  • When does summer truly arrive for you? Different people have different answers but, for me, there are two instances: when the first note resounds at Peterborough Musicfest, and when Millbrook’s 4th Line Theatre invites the media to its Winslow Farm venue to preview the opening production of its two-play summer slate. There’s something invigorating around being at the scenic property that 4th Line calls home. On June 18, I’ll be there to learn more about The Housekeeper and will subsequently share the details with kawarthaNOW readers. This job of mine offers up its fair share of frustrations and related stress, but a morning with Kim Blackwell et al makes any hardship melt away, and reminds me why I love to do what I’m still privileged to do.
  • On July 3, prior to the Lakers’ game at the Memorial Centre, the Kawartha Music Company will perform a four-part harmony version of “O Canada.” To that end, the choral group has put out the call for female voices, aged 12 to 99, to be part of that performance. No experience is necessary, except the ability to carry a tune. The company rehearses on Mondays at 6:45 p.m. at The Village On Argyle at 780 Argyle Street. To learn more, email kmc.ptbo@gmail.com. Elbows up!

Fenelon Falls has its first-ever Pride-coloured crosswalk to kick off Pride Month

By kawarthaNOW -
The first-ever Pride-coloured crosswalk in Fenelon Falls has been installed at the intersection of May and Water streets, an initiative of the City of Kawartha Lakes, the Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, community residents, and local businesses and organizations. (Photo: Julia Taylor / Facebook)

The City of Kawartha Lakes is kicking off Pride Month in June by announcing the installation of the first-ever Pride-coloured crosswalk in Fenelon Falls.

The crosswalk at the intersection of May and Water streets marks “an important step in celebrating inclusivity and diversity across the municipality,” according to a media release from the municipality.

“As a longtime resident, I know firsthand that Kawartha Lakes is a welcoming and inclusive place where diversity is celebrated,” says Mayor Doug Elmslie. “This project in Fenelon Falls is a true reflection of our community values. We’re a place that works hard to make sure everyone feels they belong.”

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Installed on Sunday (June 1), the crosswalk is the first of its kind under the municipality’s newly approved coloured crosswalk policy, which aligns with its public art policy, “recognizing that thoughtful design enriches community life and adds cultural, social and economic value to shared public spaces.”

This project was an initiative of the Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes, which played a central role in planning and delivering the project.

“We’re excited to see this project come to life in Fenelon Falls,” says Donna Goodwin, the municipality’s economic development Officer for arts and culture. “This crosswalk is more than just paint on the road. It’s a visible symbol of the municipality’s commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all.”

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In addition to the municipality and the chamber, the crosswalk was made possible due to the collaborative efforts of community members Julia Taylor and Darcie Kennedy, local businesses Cable Cable, Slices and Scoops, and The Well Body Group, the Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund, and the Community Fund of Fenelon Falls (CFFF).

“The CFFF, administered by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, plays a key role in empowering residents and businesses to create lasting, meaningful change through local projects like this one,” reads the media release.

The City of Kawarthas Lakes will be hosting a Pride flag-raising ceremony at City Hall in Lindsay at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday (June 5). The Pride flag will fly for the month of June, followed by one week in July to honour the local Pride celebrations.

‘Come from Away’ stars bring a one-night-only cabaret to Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon on June 14

By Bruce Head -
Cailin Stadnyk and David Silvestri, who starred in the extended run of the award-winning global sensation "Come From Away" at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre, are bringing their cabaret show "Lights, Love and Lyrics" to Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon for one night only on June 14, 2025. The tribute to the great love songs of movies and musicals is produced by their "Come From Away" co-star Lisa Horner and also features "Come from Away" pianist Richard Evans and bassist Jon Maharaj. (Graphic: Globus Theatre)

Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon has just added a new star-studded show to its 2025 season — a cabaret featuring two of the stars of the award-winning global sensation Come From Away which recently ended an extended run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto.

For one night only at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, Cailin Stadnyk and David Silvestri will star in Lights, Love and Lyrics, a tribute to the great love songs of movies and musicals produced by Lisa Horner, who also performed in Come From Away. Stadnyk and Silvestri will be accompanied by pianist Richard Evans and bassist Jon Maharaj, both performers in the Canadian company for Come From Away.

“When I saw the cabaret that Cailin and David had created, I thought it would be a perfect chance to keep the fun going and also spend time with really dear pals,” Horner explains. “Not to mention our pianist Richard Evans and bassist Jon Maharaj — we’re all, quite simply, a family. I want people to see this beautiful cabaret, performed by the best I’ve ever seen and had the privilege to work with.”

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The Mirvish Productions staging of the Tony award-winning Canadian musical Come From Away, based on the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks when 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport, opened in Toronto last September and was extended twice until May due to popular demand.

In the Toronto production, Stadnyk played the role of pilot Beverley Bass, who was the first female captain of a commercial plane at American Airlines, and Silvestri starred as Claude Elliot, the well-liked mayor of Gander — a role he also performed in the Australian production of Come From Away.

“After Come From Away ended I wanted to keep the joy and everything that show meant to me alive,” Horner says. “It seems unreal that it’s over, but we’re the luckiest performers in Canada as far as I’m concerned having had the gift to perform in the show for so long.”

Cailin Stadnyk as American Airlines pilot Barbara Bass in the Toronto production of "Come From Away" and David Silvestri (holding the fish) as Gander mayor Claude Elliot in the Australia production, a role he also played in the Toronto production. (Photos: Matthew Murphy and Keegan Carroll)
Cailin Stadnyk as American Airlines pilot Barbara Bass in the Toronto production of “Come From Away” and David Silvestri (holding the fish) as Gander mayor Claude Elliot in the Australia production, a role he also played in the Toronto production. (Photos: Matthew Murphy and Keegan Carroll)

A director, teacher, writer, and award-winning actress, Horner starred as Beulah Davis, head of the Gander Legion, in Come From Away. Her other Mirvish Theatre credits include The Wizard of Oz, Kinky Boots, Les Misérables, and the world premiere of My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding.

However, Horner is also no stranger to the Globus Theatre stage, having starred in the 2016 production of Buying the Moose and last year’s season-opening production of The Dating Game, which also starred Globus Theatre’s own artistic director Sarah Quick.

“One of the favourite parts of my job is when I get the opportunity to bring world-class talent to our little rural theatre,” Quick says. “Our patrons love seeing fabulous performers in an intimate setting right here in our community. When Lisa offered Globus this show, I accepted immediately and can’t wait to enjoy the cabaret alongside our audience.”

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Along with her role in Come from Away, Stadnyk is a sought-after leading lady in the world of theatre. A singer, dancer, motion capture performer, and award-winning actress, she is best known for her musical theatre credits including Mamma Mia! (Theatre Aquarius and WCT), Mary Poppins (Persephone Theatre and WCT), Cats (Theatre Calgary), Cabaret (Showcase Festival), Fiddler on the Roof (Vancouver Playhouse), Les Misérables (Chemainus Theatre), and many more.

As for Silvestri, some of his many theatre credits include Kinky Boots (Mirvish), Les Misérables (Mirvish), Sweeney Todd (Theatre Regina), and Death of a Salesman (Centre Stage).

Tickets for Lights, Love and Lyrics, with an optional dinner before the show, go on sale for Globus Theatre STAR Supporters at noon on Tuesday (June 3) and for the general public at noon on Wednesday.

Tickets are $50 for the show only or $100 for dinner and the show (plus tax and a $2 ticketing fee) and can be purchased online at www.globustheatre.com/shows-all/lights-love-lyrics or by calling the box office at 705-738-2037.

"Lights, Love and Lyrics" featuring "Come from Away" stars Cailin Stadnyk and David Silvestri, along with Richard Evans on piano and Jon Maharaj on bass, is presented by "Come from Away" star Lisa Horne (right) for one night only at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon on June 14, 2025. (Graphic: Globus Theatre, with publicity photo)
“Lights, Love and Lyrics” featuring “Come from Away” stars Cailin Stadnyk and David Silvestri, along with Richard Evans on piano and Jon Maharaj on bass, is presented by “Come from Away” star Lisa Horne (right) for one night only at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon on June 14, 2025. (Graphic: Globus Theatre, with publicity photo)

 

This story has been updated to correct a misspelling of David Silvestri’s surname.

Virtuoso harmonica player Carlos del Junco headlining this year’s Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival on July 12

By kawarthaNOW -
Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player Carlos del Junco will be performing with his band The Blue Mongrels as a quartet at the Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival at Isobel Morris Park on July 12, 2025. (Photo via Carlos del Junco website)

Virtuoso harmonica player Carlos del Junco and his band The Blue Mongrels will be headlining this year’s Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival on Saturday, July 12.

Selwyn Township has announced the music lineup of the annual festival, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Isobel Morris Park in Lakefield on the shores of the Otonabee River.

Carlos del Junco is a multiple award-winning Cuban-Canadian harmonica player whose playing blurs the boundaries between blues and jazz. With his band The Blue Mongrels, del Junco performs a fusion of music including swing, Latin, New Orleans, folk roots, and world music.

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Carlos del Junco & The Blue Mongrels will be performing as a quartet at 8:10 p.m to close out the festival. Performances begin at 11 a.m. with the Curtis Cronkwright Quartet, followed by Ernesto Cervini’s Turboprop at 12:50 p.m., Denielle Bassels at 2:40 p.m., Kevin Goss Quintet at 4:30 p.m., and Noah Abrahamse & The Mumbo Jumbo Combo at 6:20 p.m.

Along with the live jazz performances, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the festival features creations from more than 20 artisans and crafters, including jewellery, oil and watercolour paintings, wood carvings, stained glass creations, and more. Food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from local vendors will also be available.

Admission to the festival is $10 at the gate. For more information and updates, visit lakefieldjazzfest.ca, where sponsor and vendor applications are still available.

VIDEO: “Heaven’s Where You’ll Dwell” – Carlos Del Junco & The Blue Mongrels

Peterborough country artists Daryl Scott, Jesse Slack, and Elyse Saunders pick up CMAOntario Awards

By Bruce Head -
Daryl Scott, Jesse Slack, and Owen Riegling received the Songwriter(s) of the Year award at the CMAOntario Awards on June 1, 2025 for their work on Riegling's song "Moonshines," which also won Single of the Year. (Photo via Jesse Slack/Instagram)

While rising country star Owen Riegling from Bruce County dominated the 13th Annual Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) Awards with five wins, three country music artists from the Kawarthas were also recognized — including two Peterborough musicians who helped Riegling write his award-winning single from his award-winning album.

Daryl Scott from Douro and Jesse Slack from Peterborough won the Songwriter(s) of the Year award along with Riegling for their work on “Moonshines,” the lead single from Riegling’s album Bruce County (From the Beginning), at The Music Hall in Hamilton on Sunday night (June 1).

“Moonshines” also won Single of the Year, with Bruce County (From the Beginning) winning Album/EP of the Year and Riegling chosen as Male Artist of the Year and Fans’ Choice.

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Elyse Saunders from Peterborough — who was up for four awards including Female Artist of the Year (which she won in 2024), Single of the Year (for “Never Have I Ever”), Songwriter of the Year (with Jason Blaine for “Never Have I Ever”), and Music Video of the Year (for “Never Have I Ever”) — won for Music Video of the Year. Uxbridge’s Robyn Ottolini picked up the award for Female Artist of the Year.

Two other country music artists in the Kawarthas region who had multiple nominations walked away empty-handed on Sunday night.

Sacha (Sacha Visagie) from Warkworth had received nominations for Single of the Year (“Hey Mom I Made It”), Female Artist of the Year, and Fans’ Choice. Tebey (Tebey Solomon Ottoh) from Peterborough was nominated for Single of the Year (“Blinding Lights (Country Version)”), Songwriter of the Year (with G. Palmer, S. Walker, and D. Dupelle for “Hangover at My Place”), Music Video of the Year (for “Blinding Lights (Country Version)”), and Fans’ Choice.

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The other CMAOntario Award winners are listed below.

  • Group or Duo of the Year – The Redhill Valleys
  • Record Producer of the Year – Adam Newcomb (Sacha, Elyse Saunders, Riley Taylor)
  • Roots Artist or Group of the Year – Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
  • Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Sully Burrows
  • Industry Person of the Year – Samantha Pickard, Strut Entertainment
  • Musician of the Year – Jeff Brown (Kelsi Mayne, Washboard Union, Jason Blaine)
  • Artiste ou Groupe Francophone de l’année/Francophone Artist or Group of the Year – Kristine St-Pierre
  • Compass Award – Josh Ross
  • Holly & Steve Kassay Generous Spirit Award – Laurie Tiggelman
  • The Real Mccoy Award – Jason McCoy
  • Radio Station of the Year (Large Market) – KX94.7 (CHKX-FM, Hamilton)
  • Radio Station of the Year (Medium Market) – Hot Country 93.9 (CFWC-FM, Brantford)
  • Radio Station of the Year (Small Market) – Pure Country 106 (CICX-FM, Orillia)

VIDEO: “Moonshines” – Owen Riegling (written with Daryl Scott and Jesse Slack)

Kawartha Lakes police rescue man who jumped into the Scucog River in Lindsay on Saturday evening

By kawarthaNOW -

Kawartha Lakes police rescued a man who jumped into the Scucog River in Lindsay early Saturday evening (May 31).

At around 6:05 p.m., police received an urgent call for help after a bystander witnessed a man jump off of a bridge on Water Street in Lindsay.

The caller advised police the man was floating downstream and could be heard yelling for help. Officers responded immediately and observed the struggling to stay afloat in the middle of the river.

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Two officers immediately entered into the cold water and swam out to the man with ropes and flotation devices, while assisting officers pulled the man and the rescuing officers back to safety.

Once on shore, officers placed the man in the recovery position to await paramedics, who arrived shortly after and began to treat the man for hypothermia. He was then transported to the Ross Memorial Hospital for further medical treatment.

The rescuing officers were also transported to hospital for treatment and later released.

All fun and games: Apsley residents can support Community Care Peterborough by taking part in June 7 gaming night

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Community Care Peterborough (CCP) invites residents to take part in a gaming night on June 7, 2025 at the North Kawartha Community Centre in Apsley to raise money for CCP supports and services provided by the Apsley office. (Photo: CPP)

Residents and cottagers in North Kawartha Township can enjoy a night of gaming while helping raise funds for Apsley-area seniors and other residents who receive support from Community Care Peterborough (CCP).

CCP’s Apsley office is hosting its fourth annual gaming on Saturday (June 7) at the North Kawartha Community Centre at 340 McFadden Road in Apsley. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the games begin at 7 p.m.

According to a media release, the “community favourite” fundraiser encompasses friendly competition and plenty of community spirit, featuring classic games including Blackjack, Crown and Anchor, and Money Wheel, along with prizes, a 50/50 draw, appetizers catered by The Grape and Wedge, and a cash bar bar operated by the Apsley Lions Club.

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“Gaming night is a tremendous opportunity for us to bring the Apsley community together, strengthen connections, and raise awareness about the support CCP makes available to our local residents,” Katie Bryck, CCP’s community development co-ordinator in Apsley, shared with kawarthaNOW. “It’s a fun night with real impact, and a great way to celebrate community spirit.”

Chris LeBlanc, CCP’s director of donor and public relations, noted last year’s event, “with the help of a generous anonymous matching donor,” raised $14,132 in support of local programs.

“This year, we’re hoping to surpass that total and reach $15,000,” LeBlanc said.

“While fundraising is certainly a big part of the evening, the event is also about more than dollars raised. It’s a chance to bring our community together — to reconnect local and seasonal residents, and to build awareness about the programs and services we offer in the Apsley area.”

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Tickets are $20 per person for admission and an appetizer and are available at CCP’s Apsley office at 126 Burleigh Street (inside the thrift store) and at Kemp’s Garage at 111 Burleigh Street. There are a limited number of tickets available and CCP encourages people to purchase them early to help organizers prepare food quantities.

At the event, attendees can purchase play money ($100 for $20) for use at the tables and wheel games and, when they are finished playing, can exchange their winnings or unused play money for tickets to enter into prize draws of their choice. No real money is paid out from playing the games or by exchanging play money. All prize draws will be held towards the end of the evening.

Proceeds from the event support the subsidy program at CCP’s Apsley location. The program helps provide residents with accessible transportation through the “Caremobile,” supports volunteer rides to medical appointments, and also facilitates regular food bank deliveries.

“While this year’s event is still building buzz, past gaming nights have welcomed 100 to 125 guests, raising vital funds and awareness for local services,” noted the release.

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“We’re proud to host a night that’s both a great time and a great cause,” Bryck told kawarthaNOW. “It connects year-round and seasonal residents, while shining a light on the programs that keep people in our community supported and independent.”

This year, North Kawartha Township mayor Carolyn Amyotte and council members will once again serve as volunteer dealers, and attendees are invited to test their luck and “beat the mayor” at the Blackjack table.

The event has drawn steady support from the community, including local volunteers and long-time champions Debbie and Clark Breuls, who helped launch gaming night in 2022, CCP noted.

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Clark Breuls, of RE/MAX, was the sole table sponsor in the inaugural year and continues to support the event alongside Rockers Landscaping and Ball Real Estate in 2025.

An anonymous donor has pledged to match all funds raised at the event, a tradition which began in 2023.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, call Bryck at 705-656-4589 or email kbryck@commcareptbo.org.

11,000 homes and businesses in Northumberland County to have access to reliable high-speed internet by the end of year

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Representatives of the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, the private sector, and more gathered in Cobourg on May 22, 2025 to announce that construction is underway on a 1,125-kilometre fibre optic network that aims to offer reliable high-speed internet to 11,000 unserved or underserved homes and businesses in Northumberland County by the end of 2025. (Photo: Northumberland County)

By year’s end, 11,000 homes and businesses in rural Northumberland County will have access to reliable high-speed internet.

Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander shared his thoughts about the timeline of a “transformative” new broadband network following the county’s recent announcement that construction of the network is underway. The broadband project has been discussed for a few years now but there will be tangible outcomes soon, the warden said.

“We expect this broadband rollout, which will connect 11,000 homes and businesses, will be completed by the end of this year,” Ostrander told kawarthaNOW.

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Axle Telecom — part of a family of Canadian-owned telecommunications companies owned by Windsor Private Capital’s WPC Infrastructure Fund that also includes EH!tel Networks, Bruce Telecom, and GBTel — is constructing the network.

“As the fibre is installed each neighbourhood will be contacted by Axle Telecom to find out if they want to sign up for fibre-to-the-home connections,” Ostrander said. “When the installers are in a community, the county will be sure to communicate broadly so that residents are aware of the rollout and opportunity to connect.”

Historically, Northumberland’s varied landscape has been noted as making access to reliable high-speed internet a challenge. That is now changing, according to the county.

With final agreements in place between Northumberland County, the federal and provincial governments, and private sector partner Windsor Private Capital, construction has begun on the project anticipated to “close the digital divide in our community, ensuring every municipality, along with Alderville First Nation, has the connectivity needed for work, education, health care, and more,” a media release noted.

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According to the county, crews are steadily installing fibre optic lines and completing the first property connections. Construction will continue throughout 2025, expanding across the county in stages, with the goal of bringing broadband to homes, farms, and businesses across the region.

The project addresses a significant infrastructure gap, with approximately one-third of Northumberland households currently either unserved or underserved by high-speed internet.

Originally announced in 2022 with a $26.6 million investment from the province and an $18.4 million from the federal government through the Universal Broadband Fund, the provincial contribution has since increased to $45.8 million, bringing the combined federal and provincial contribution to $64.2 million.

“This project will be a game-changer for people in Northumberland County,” said Buckley Belanger, federal secretary of state for rural development, in a statement. “Reliable high-speed internet means safer communities and better access to health care, education, and emergency services.”

Northumberland County has also committed $700,000 towards the initiative.

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As part of the project, 1,125 kilometres of fibre optic cable will be installed throughout Northumberland County. Fibre installation is taking place primarily within the existing municipal road allowances, using underground techniques where possible and aerial installation only when necessary. Methods such as directional drilling and plowing are being used to reduce impacts on the environment and existing infrastructure. All disturbed areas will be restored once construction is complete, the release noted.

As Ostrander said, once construction progresses over the coming year, Axle Telecom will contact homeowners and businesses to seek consent for a voluntary, no-cost fibre connection from the roadside network directly to each property.

The first phase of construction is underway in the municipalities of Port Hope and Trent Hills. As each area is completed and network testing is finalized, residents and businesses who are connected to the network will be able to subscribe to service plans offered by Axle Telecom.

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According to Axle Telecom’s website, three options will be available: 150 megabits-per-second upload and download for $64.95 per month, 500 megabits-per-second upload and download for $74.95 per month, and one gigabit-per-second upload and download for $99.95 per month. All packages include unlimited data.

“This partnership represents years of planning and collaboration to bring high-speed internet to every corner of Northumberland,” Ostrander said. “We are now moving quickly into the construction phase, ensuring that no community is left behind.”

For more information about the project, visit northumberland.ca/broadband. To learn more about internet connection plan options, residents and businesses can contact Axle Telecom at 1-844-702-2848 or visit axletelecom.ca.

Port Hope blogger encourages slowing down with a ‘typewriter social’ at Furby House Books

By Megan Gallant -
Port Hope's Furby House Books will be transported back in time on June 22, 2025 during a typewriter social led by Barb Brittain-Marshall. The snail-mail enthusiast will be bringing some of the typewriters in her large collection for participants to experiment with, or to write poems, letters, and songs. The drop-in event will run from 12 to 2 p.m. in celebration of International Typewriter Day on June 23. (Photo courtesy of Barb Brittain-Marshall)

On Sunday, June 22, Port Hope’s Furby House Books will be immersed in the familiar soundtrack of taps, clicks, and dings as the independent bookstore is transported back in time to the age before spellcheck and delete keys.

As an early celebration for International Typewriter Day on June 23, Port Hope blogger Barb Brittain-Marshall will be hosting a drop-in typewriter social where the vintage machines will be set up and available for use.

“It’s a beautiful, magical little indie bookstore and you can come in and give a typewriter a try,” says Brittain-Marshall. “Maybe you’ll write a poem, maybe it’s a song, or maybe you just want to tap on them and have the experience while you browse the books.”

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Brittain-Marshall is accustomed to using some of her more than 20 collected typewriters in public — which she says is a “guaranteed conversation starter” — and uses them to lead bridal showers, birthday parties, museum open houses, team building workshops, and other private events.

“It’s an immersive experience on a typewriter which so many of us — and a few generations — have never had,” she says.

Her passion for the machines began with a love of letter writing and stationery — spelled with an “e,” she points out (the incorrect spelling is a pet peeve of hers).

“I grew up a hoarder who loved papers, envelope, pencils, and pens, and I wrote a lot of letters and postcards as a kid,” she says. “I grew up with that all through adulthood. I grew up in the era — and I’m actually really grateful for it — where iPhones didn’t exist so, for example, when I was dating my husband, we actually wrote letters.”

Having grown up with a love for stationery and snail mail, Barb Brittain-Marshall began the Rite While U Can blog in 2013 while being homesick upon a move to Alberta. The blog has led to many opportunities, including a newfound interest in typewriters. She now runs typewriter socials and private events like bridal showers and birthday parties, where she brings her typewriters and provide letter-writing prompts. (Photo courtesy of Barb Brittain-Marshall)
Having grown up with a love for stationery and snail mail, Barb Brittain-Marshall began the Rite While U Can blog in 2013 while being homesick upon a move to Alberta. The blog has led to many opportunities, including a newfound interest in typewriters. She now runs typewriter socials and private events like bridal showers and birthday parties, where she brings her typewriters and provide letter-writing prompts. (Photo courtesy of Barb Brittain-Marshall)

But it was when she and her family moved to Calgary that letter writing became “a lifeline” as it allowed her to stay in touch with her family and friends back home. In 2013, she used the experience to launch a blog called Rite While U Can, where she continues to document her love for all things snail mail.

“I’ve always been a snail mail girl and what was more meaningful than ever in my life was receiving letters from my family and friends back in Ontario,” she recalls. “I was homesick, and just to go to my mailbox and open it up and there is an envelope with my mom’s handwriting on it, it helps to bring that person closer even though they’re far away.”

While she admits that since moving to Port Hope last year, she hasn’t been maintaining the blog as diligently, more than a decade of running it led her to “many unexpected, surprising, marvellous events.”

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That includes launching MakeItMerry, a non-profit organization that called on the public to write and deliver Christmas cards to unhoused individuals in Calgary for five years. In its first year, the project exceeded the goal of distributing 500 cards, with cards coming from as far as the U.S. and Europe.

“The primary thing it showed me was how meaningful it is for someone to receive a handwritten card,” she says. “We would deliver them to people in the shelters and their hearts were warmed. Sometimes there were tears, sometimes people wanted more than one, sometimes people would keep them and pull it out the next year. It showed them that people cared about them. Even in their current situation, somebody thought to send them a Merry Christmas and it was very, very powerful and meaningful. The whole thing was magical.”

During this time, Brittain-Marshall was gifted a typewriter which she “fell in love with” and led her to host letter-writing socials where she invited those who were as “intrigued and charmed” by typewriters as she was, to enjoy some coffee or a glass of wine while they wrote letters on the typewriters. It led to various work, including leading children’s programs at the library.

For Barb Brittain-Marshall, a resident of Port Hope who leads typewriter socials and private events, alongside the sounds of the machines, her favourite thing about typewriters is seeing how it makes other people slow down and take their time. When she began hosting typewriter events while living in Calgary, she was surprised to have so many young professionals participating and learned it was because they felt their lives were becoming too digitized. (Photo courtesy of Barb Brittain-Marshall)
For Barb Brittain-Marshall, a resident of Port Hope who leads typewriter socials and private events, alongside the sounds of the machines, her favourite thing about typewriters is seeing how it makes other people slow down and take their time. When she began hosting typewriter events while living in Calgary, she was surprised to have so many young professionals participating and learned it was because they felt their lives were becoming too digitized. (Photo courtesy of Barb Brittain-Marshall)

“It’s hugely fun and I absolutely loved it because two things are happening: I’m introducing kids to not only these vintage machines, but I’m introducing them to letter writing and snail mail,” Brittain-Marshall says. “I think, particularly, cursive is important, but also how to address the envelope, and what are stamps. These might sound basic, but they are questions I get all the time.”

“I just love blowing their minds because it does exactly that — blows their mind,” she continues. “They can’t get over how they have to push so hard on the key to make an imprint, and they can’t comprehend there’s no spellcheck and no delete key.”

This fascination is not limited to children. Though Brittain-Marshall anticipated the social events would be full of older nostalgic adults, she was surprised to find it was young professionals who came out to the event — including the first she held at Furby House Books last year. These participants often explain their lives are “too digital,” and she has seen the interest in typewriters continuing to rise as AI has developed.

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“Typewriters slow you down and we do not like, and are not used, to going slow,” Brittain-Marshall says. “We use AI because it’s faster … but the typewriter is the exact opposite. The typewriter actually slows you down physically. If you’re going too fast, you will jam the key. It will stop you in your tracks.”

Brittain-Marshall says that while some people might be resistant at first because of this slowness, which is her favourite part along with the “magical sounds,” once they get accustomed to it and learn to slow down, they “become very charmed.”

“The beauty of the typewriter is it will force you to slow down,” she says. “We might say to ourselves, ‘I’m going to go slow this weekend’ but, if you sit in front of a typewriter, you are absolutely timestamped. You have to be much more thoughtful.”

Barb Brittain-Marshall hosts typewriter gatherings for bridal showers, birthday parties, and other private events where she will bring some of her collection of typewriters for participants to use and provide them with letter-writing prompts. (Photo courtesy of Barb Brittain-Marshall)
Barb Brittain-Marshall hosts typewriter gatherings for bridal showers, birthday parties, and other private events where she will bring some of her collection of typewriters for participants to use and provide them with letter-writing prompts. (Photo courtesy of Barb Brittain-Marshall)

Slowing down will be exactly the goal when she brings the typewriters to Furby House Books on June 22 and encourages people to write some snail mail. She encourages creativity through the process, telling people to write letters to a long-lost teacher, the stranger who makes them coffee every morning, or the spouse who lives with them.

“Some people will come back and say, ‘I got a letter back from this person I wrote’ and it becomes a pen-pal thing,” she says. “Beautiful stories come from it.”

For more information on the typewriter social, visit www.ritewhileucan.com or follow Brittain-Marshall on Instagram.

Fleming College studying the impact of ‘bee hotels’ on native bee species in Kawartha Lakes

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Fleming College students are assisting a research project that is evaluating whether "bee hotels," which are human-constructed structures that offer nesting spaces for solitary native bee species, have a net-positive impact on native bees. Three bee hotel designs are being tested in public parks, community food gardens, and pollinator gardens across the City of Kawartha Lakes. (Photo: Fleming College)

Student researchers will be busy bees this summer as they embark on a new project to study “bee hotels” installed by Fleming College in the City of Kawartha Lakes, as part of an initiative to understand how to better protect native pollinators.

Launched in partnership with Pollinator Partnership Canada and the City of Kawartha Lakes Environmental Advisory Committee, the project explores whether these artificial habitats have a net-positive impact on native bees.

Three designs of bee hotels — cavities in human-made wood and tube structures used for nesting — are being tested across several site types, including public parks, community food gardens, and pollinator gardens.

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Fleming College professor Erin McGauley, who is leading the project, stated in a media release that while bee hotels are often viewed as a feel-good environmental initiative, the research team is taking a closer look to better understand their true impact — specifically, whether they help or harm native bees.

“The best possible outcome of this project is meaningful impact, both in what we learn and how that knowledge is applied,” Fleming College shared with kawarthaNOW in a statement.

“We hope the research will lead to evidence-based practices that truly support native pollinators, while also empowering our students to see the real-world value of their work. It’s an opportunity to contribute to environmental solutions that extend beyond Fleming College.”

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Bee hotels have been installed in the pollinator gardens at Fleming’s Frost campus over the past three years. The structures offer nesting spaces for solitary native bees which play a vital role in pollinating gardens, crops, and fruit trees.

Most of Canada’s 800 native bee species are solitary, meaning they work to build a nest, gather food, and care for their offspring independently of other bees. Because solitary bees are not defending a hive, they tend to be less aggressive.

However, many solitary bee species are under threat — including the bumble bee. Five bumble bee species are listed as species at risk in Ontario, including the American bumble bee, the yellow-banded bumble bee, the gypsy cuckoo bumble bee, the rusty-patched bumble bee, and the Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee — with the first two listed as special concern and the last three listed as endangered.

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For the Fleming College project, student researchers will evaluate the use and occupancy of the bee hotels and characterize the sites based on their floral resources.

They will also monitor for common predators and parasites like ants, spiders, pollen mites, and chalkbrood.

“Few studies have empirically assessed the risks and benefits of bee hotels, especially in urban settings,” the release noted.

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Fleming students have and will continue to play a central role in the work, as student research assistants helped build the bee hotels and will be monitoring them moving forward.

Students also developed field protocols and will identify bees using apps such as iNaturalist. A technologist will provide support over the summer, and students from several academic courses will contribute to or learn from the project throughout the year, the college noted.

Fleming will share research findings with project partners and the wider public through a final report, infographics and outreach events, including Pollinator Week in June and Peterborough’s Monarch Butterly Festival in September. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for the bee hotels at Frost campus and in other local green spaces.

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