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Where to harvest your own Christmas tree in the Kawarthas in 2020

By kawarthaNOW -
Barrett's Tree Farm is located at 3141 Williamson Road North in Cobourg. (Photo: Barrett's Tree Farm)

If harvesting your own fresh local Christmas tree is a holiday tradition for your family, there are a couple of important things you need to know this year.

First, because of the pandemic, all Christmas tree farms have COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place.

Second, unless you want to end up with a Charlie Brown tree, don’t delay in getting your tree this year. With more families staying at home during the holidays during the pandemic, there’s a high demand for trees — and that means shortages are expected.

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There are six tree farms in the Kawarthas where you can harvest your own tree: Potash Creek Farms in Omemee, Barrett’s Tree Farm in Cobourg, J & D Trees in Colborne, Murray Tree Farm in Apsley, Dawson Tree Farm in Millbrook, and Oake Family Tree Farm in Cavan-Monaghan. Kol Tree Farms in Roseneath is permanently closed and Little Lake Christmas Trees in Cramahe doesn’t appear to be open this year.

If you’re willing to drive just outside the Kawarthas, you can also harvest your own tree at Powell’s Trees in Bowmanville and Blackstock Christmas Tree Farm in Blackstock.

Due to the pandemic, there are new COVID-19 health and safety protocols at all tree farms. A limited number of people will be allowed at one time. You’ll need to wear your face mask when paying for your tree. There will be no hot drinks or snacks available, and no hay rides. Customers are encouraged to bring their own hand saw; some farms have limited saws available (usually with a deposit) that will be sanitized after customer use. Check the tree farm’s website for their specific COVID-19 protocols.

Here’s where you can harvest your own Christmas tree in the greater Kawarthas region:

  • Barrett’s Tree Farm (3141 Williamson Rd. N., Cobourg, 905-342-2622)
  • Blackstock Christmas Tree Farm (4060 Mountjoy Rd., Blackstock, 905-439-9253)
  • Dawson Tree Farm (243 Zion Line, Millbrook, 905-261-7415 or 905-243-5136)
  • J & D Trees (13809 Telephone Rd., Colborne, 905-355-3009)
  • Murray Tree Farm (8786 Highway 28, Apsley, 416-438-0879)
  • Oake Family Tree Farm (2474 Sherbrooke St. W., Cavan-Monaghan, 705-740-3393)
  • Potash Creek Farms (400 Grassy Rd., Omemee, 705-879-4489)
  • Powell’s Trees (2945 Regional Rd. 20, Bowmanville, 905-263-2762)

For available tree species, hours, prices, and websites (including the farms’ COVID-19 protocols), check out our map:


View a larger version of this map.

 

Why buy a grown-in-Ontario Christmas tree?

Besides helping the local economy (more than 600 Christmas tree farms in Ontario generate around $12 million), farm-grown natural Christmas tree have other benefits.

Christmas trees are one of the most environmentally friendly crops. It takes up to 10 years to grow each tree and, during this time, the trees remove carbon dioxide and airborn pollutants from the atmosphere (up to 13 tons per acre!) and provide protective havens for a wide variety of birds and mammals. It’s also a sustainable crop — for every tree that’s harvested, at least three seedlings are planted in its place.

Natural Christmas trees are also 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Most municipalities — including those in the Kawarthas — collect discarded natural Christmas trees and chip them for use as mulching materials. Discarded natural trees can also be used as bird feeders, wood products can be made from their stems, or they can be used as wildlife cover in fish ponds and woodlots.

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Common types of Christmas trees

If you do decide to harvest your own tree this year (or buy a pre-cut one), here’s a quick primer on the most common tree species available:

Scots Pine (Scotch Pine) – The most popular Christmas tree in Canada, the Scots Pine is a thick and hardy tree. It resists drying and holds its needles well over the holidays. However, the needles are tough and very pointy.

Balsam Fir – Almost as popular as the Scots Pine, the Balsam Fir holds its dark-green needles well and is a good choice if the decorated tree will be left standing for a longer period of time. Balsam fir branches work well for lighter Christmas ornaments, and the tree has a strong fragrance.

Fraser Fir – A Christmas tree that’s become very popular in recent years, the Fraser Fir is known for holding its attractive dark blue-green needles and its pleasant scent. Fraser Firs are generally more expensive than other trees as the species has a much longer growing cycle.

Norway Spruce – The traditional Christmas tree in Britain, the Norway spruce is attractive but has a tendency to drop its needles, particularly towards the end of the holidays — especially if the tree is not cut fresh and kept properly watered.

White Spruce – The dense foliage and symmetrical proportions of the White Spruce make it a very beautiful Christmas tree. The tree has a strong scent and its strong slender twigs hold ornaments well. However, the White Spruce is very thirsty and must be watered regularly to prevent it from losing its needles.

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Caring for your tree

After you get your tree, here are some tips to keep it fresh and safe:

  1. If you aren’t setting up the tree immediately, store it outdoors. Keep it in a protected area, away from the wind and sun, to help the tree retain its moisture (an unheated garage is ideal, particularly to keep the tree free of snow). If you plan to store it outside for several days, make a straight cut across the butt end of the tree about one inch from the end, place the butt end in a container of water, and store the tree upright.
  2. When you bring the tree into the house for decorating, make another fresh cut across the trunk, about an inch from the original cut.
  3. Trees can drink up to four litres of water per day, so be sure to use a large stand that can hold that much water. Check the water level daily and supply fresh water as needed. Don’t allow the water level to drop below the bottom of the tree, as a seal will form on the bottom and the tree will stop absorbing water (you’ll have to make a new cut).
  4. Use only fresh water. Don’t add sugar, molasses, bleach, honey, floral preservatives, or other substances to the tree’s water. Experts agree that these do nothing to maintain the freshness of the tree.
  5. Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets, and other sources of heat. Turn off the tree lights when you leave and before you retire at night. Under no circumstances should you use lighted candles on a Christmas tree.
  6. A well-maintained tree should normally remain fresh at least three to four weeks before drying to an unacceptable level. Test the dryness of the tree by running your fingers across the needles. If they break easily or fall off in your hand, the tree is dry and should be discarded.

The concerts of Christmas past: ‘In From The Cold’ radio broadcast raises funds for Peterborough’s YES Shelter

By kawarthaNOW -
The Convivio Chorus perforrming at the annual "In From The Cold" Christmas concert at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough in December 2015, raising funds for YES Shelter for Youth and Families. With a live concert not possible this year because of the pandemic, a selection of favourites from the past 20 years of In From The Cold concerts will be broadcast on Trent Radio on December 11 and 12, 2020, and streamed from Trent Radio's website. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)

In From The Cold, Peterborough’s coolest Christmas concert, is back for its 21st year in December — but with an old-fashioned twist because of the pandemic.

In From The Cold At Home

When: Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Where: Trent Radio 92.7 FM and streamed at trentradio.ca
How much: Free, but donations strongly encouraged

Listeners can make a donation to the YES Shelter for Youth and Families via Canada Helps. For more information about YES, visit yesshelter.ca. For more information about In From The Cold, call John Hoffman at 705-748-2126.

“This year, since you can’t come to In From The Cold, we’re going to come to you — on the radio,” says concert organizer John Hoffman.

“I hope people will gather around the radio much like they did back in the 1930s and ’40s, and share our musical memories with us.”

“In From The Cold At Home”, a two-hour concert featuring favourites from 20 years of In From The Cold, will be broadcast on Trent Radio 92.7 FM at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th and streamed at trentradio.ca.

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For the past 20 years, In From The Cold has been a live concert at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough over two nights every December, with each concert recorded for a Christmas Day broadcast on Trent Radio. Thanks to the support of sponsors and with musicians generously donating their time, all ticket proceeds have gone to YES Shelter for Youth and Families. Since it was established in 2000, the fundraising concert has raised almost $140,000 for YES.

Due to health and safety concerns caused by the pandemic, a live concert is not possible this year and tickets can’t be sold to raise funds for YES. Instead, the radio concert will feature the best of Trent Radio’s In From the Cold recordings over the past 20 years.

While the radio concert is of course free of charge, listeners are encouraged to donate directly to the YES Shelter for Youth and Families at canadahelps.org/en/pages/in-from-the-cold-christmas/.

In From The Cold co-founder John Hoffman performing with Carried Away at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in December 2015. With no live concert and ticket sales this year to raise funds for YES Shelter for Youth and Families, Hoffman is encouraging people to listen to the radio broadcast on Trent Radio on December 11 and 12, 2020 and to donate to YES through Canada Helps. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)
In From The Cold co-founder John Hoffman performing with Carried Away at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in December 2015. With no live concert and ticket sales this year to raise funds for YES Shelter for Youth and Families, Hoffman is encouraging people to listen to the radio broadcast on Trent Radio on December 11 and 12, 2020 and to donate to YES through Canada Helps. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)

“We hope that, instead of buying a concert ticket, people will make a donation to YES through our special fundraiser on Canada Helps,” Hoffman says.

In From the Cold is one of Peterborough’s most cherished Christmas concerts, offering an enchanting mix of Celtic-style carols and seasonal songs you won’t hear at other concerts, performed by some of Peterborough’s top folk and roots musicians.

If you’ve never been to In From the Cold, watch the short film below and find out why so many people think of this concert as the real start of the Christmas season.

VIDEO: “In From The Cold” by filmmaker Rodney Fuentes (2018)

This year’s radio concert will feature highlight performances from the In From The Cold songbook, performed by folk/vocal ensemble Carried Away, Enrique “Roy” Claveer (a.k.a. Curtis Driedger), the Convivio Chorus, fingerstyle guitarist Michael Ketemer, and Celtic harpist Tanah Haney.

Hoffman — who founded the concert 20 years ago along with local roots musicians Susan Newman, Rob Fortin, and Curtis Driedger — says not being able to practice and perform this year feels “sad and odd”.

“It’s put a big hole in our autumn,” Hoffman says. “But thanks to the vision of the late John Muir (of Trent Radio), we have 20 years of recordings we can dip into to make a radio show. There are a lot of great performances there, so we’re going to be able to put together a really cool In From The Cold retrospective.”

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Here’s a sampling of what you will hear on this year’s broadcast:

  • Christmas carols and seasonal folk songs from Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Greece and Spain, presented in In From the Cold’s signature Celtic style.
  • The lush harmonies of Carried Away and the Convivio Chorus, featuring original choral arrangements by Susan Newman and John Hoffman.
  • Sweet sounds of instruments rarely heard at Christmas concerts: Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, mandolin, concertina, tin whistle, fiddle, and bouzouki.
  • Favourite performances of Enriqué “Roy” Claveer and his long-lost “cousins”.
  • Lots of In From the Cold classics, including some almost forgotten gems from the early years.

Here’s what a few audience members have said about past From the Cold concerts:

“The two ladies sitting in front of us turned to each other at the end and said ‘Now Christmas can begin!’ In From the Cold has become such a well-loved tradition for so many!”

“Beautiful decorations and lovely, relaxed folksy music start the holiday on the right foot! Such wonderful talent!”

“Had a great time at the In From The Cold concert last night. The music was excellent, and passionately performed.”

“In From the Cold is the start of the real Christmas season.”

In From The Cold founders Rob Fortin (on guitar), Susan Newman (conducting), John Hoffman (on fiddle), and Curtis Driedger (back row right) performing with the Convivio Chorus at In From The Cold at Market Hall in Peterborough in December 2015. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)
In From The Cold founders Rob Fortin (on guitar), Susan Newman (conducting), John Hoffman (on fiddle), and Curtis Driedger (back row right) performing with the Convivio Chorus at In From The Cold at Market Hall in Peterborough in December 2015. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW.com)

Concert Sponsors

In From The Cold and the YES Shelter for Youth and Families are grateful for the continued generous support of businesses and organizations in the Peterborough community. The sponsors for this year’s radio broadcast are:

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

John Hoffman, co-founder and director of In From the Cold, with Meagan Hennekam, executive director of the YES Shelter for Youth and Families, in 2019. Over the past 20 years, the In From the Cold concert has raised over $140,000 in support of YES. With no live concert and ticket sales this year to raise funds for YES Shelter for Youth and Families, Hoffman is encouraging people to listen to the radio broadcast on Trent Radio on December 11 and 12, 2020 and to donate to YES through Canada Helps. (Photo courtesy of John Hoffman)
John Hoffman, co-founder and director of In From the Cold, with Meagan Hennekam, executive director of the YES Shelter for Youth and Families, in 2019. Over the past 20 years, the In From the Cold concert has raised over $140,000 in support of YES. With no live concert and ticket sales this year to raise funds for YES Shelter for Youth and Families, Hoffman is encouraging people to listen to the radio broadcast on Trent Radio on December 11 and 12, 2020 and to donate to YES through Canada Helps. (Photo courtesy of John Hoffman)

Red Sponsors

Green Sponsors

Ontario reports a record 1,589 COVID-19 cases, including 18 in greater Kawarthas region

By kawarthaNOW -

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Today, Ontario is reporting a new record of 1,589 new COVID-19 cases, the highest number of daily cases since the 1,588 reported on November 21. The average number of daily cases over the past seven days has now increased by 14 to 1,429.

Peel again leads the province with 535 new cases reported today, followed by Toronto at 336 cases and York at 205. Both Peel and Toronto entered into lockdown on Monday (November 23).

There were also double-digit increases in Waterloo (83), Hamilton (61), Windsor-Essex (56), Halton (53), Durham (41), Ottawa (40), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (30), Simcoe Muskoka (25), Niagara (24), Thunder Bay (16), Brant County (16), and Middlesex-London (13), with smaller increases in Southwestern Public Health (9), Grey Bruce (7), Middlesex-London (7), Eastern Ontario Health Unit (6), and Haldimand-Norfolk (6).

The remaining 14 health units are reporting 5 or fewer new cases, with 6 health units reporting no new cases at all.

Of today’s cases, 53% are among people under 40 years of age, with the highest number of cases (625) among people ages 20 to 39 followed by 447 cases among people ages 40 to 59. With 1,484 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases has increased by 0.4% to 84.4%. The average positivity rate across Ontario is 4.6%, an increase of 1.0% from November 20, meaning that 46 out of every 1,000 tests performed were positive for COVID-19 on November 20.

Ontario reported 19 new COVID-19 deaths today, including 11 in long-term care facilities. Hospitalizations have decreased by 23 to 507, but this number does not include data from 40 hospitals and is based on 484 hospitalizations reported yesterday, which also did not include data from 40 hospitals; for comparison, the number of hospitalizations reported by all hospitals on November 20 was 518. An additional 9 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to ICUs and 3 additional patients are on ventilators.

A total of 37,471 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has decreased by 12,033 to 18,394.

There are 60 new cases in Ontario schools, an decrease of 27 from November 20, with 51 student cases and 9 staff cases. There are 13 cases in licensed child care settings, a decrease of 1 from November 20, with 7 cases among children and 6 cases among staff.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 18 new cases to report. For both Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, this includes new cases over the weekend as these two health reports only issue reports on weekdays.

There are 3 new cases in Peterborough today, with 6 additional cases resolved and 1 new death after a third resident of Fairhaven long-term care home passed away from COVID-19.

There are 6 new cases in Northumberland, 1 new case in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 new case in Haliburton. An additional 3 cases have been resolved in Kawartha Lakes and 1 additional case has been resolved in Haliburton.

There are 7 new cases to report in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, with an additional 5 cases resolved.

None of the reported new cases in Ontario schools and child care settings are in the greater Kawarthas region.

There are currently 47 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 17 in Peterborough, 17 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 10 in Northumberland, 2 in Haliburton, and 1 in Kawartha Lakes.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 195 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (176 resolved with 5 deaths), 192 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (172 resolved with 32 deaths), 69 in Northumberland County (58 resolved with 1 death), 25 in Haliburton County (23 resolved with no deaths), and 108 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (86 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Peterborough on November 23.

Province-wide, there have been 105,501 confirmed cases, an increase of 1,589 from yesterday, with 88,992 cases resolved (84.4% of all cases), an increase of 1,484 from yesterday. There have been 3,505 deaths, an increase of 19 from yesterday, with 2,224 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 11 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has decreased by 23 to 507, but this number does not include data from 40 hospitals and is based on 484 hospitalizations reported yesterday, which also did not include data from 40 hospitals; for comparison, the number of hospitalizations reported by all hospitals on November 20 was 518. An additional 9 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to an ICUs and 3 additional patients are on ventilators. A total of 5,957,723 tests have been completed, an increase of 37,471 from yesterday, with 18,394 tests under investigation, a decrease of 12,033 from yesterday.

The provincial data in this report is pulled from Ontario’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) at 4 p.m. the previous day. Data from local health units is more current and is usually reflected in the provincial data the following day.

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 195 (increase of 3)
Active cases: 17 (decrease of 4)
Close contacts: 50 (increase of 5)
Deaths: 5 (increase of 1)
Resolved: 176 (increase of 6)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 10 (no change)
Total tests completed: Over 36,150 (increase of 50)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (no change)

 

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. These numbers include November 21, 22, and 23.

Confirmed positive: 286, including 192 in Kawartha Lakes, 69 in Northumberland, 25 in Haliburton (increase of 8, including 1 in Kawartha Lakes, 6 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton)
Active cases: 13, including 1 in Kawartha Lakes, 10 in Northumberland, and 2 in Haliburton (net increase of 4)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 38, including 13 in Kawartha Lakes, 23 in Northumberland, and 2 in Haliburton (net increase of 9)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 16, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 4 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 253, including 172 in Kawartha Lakes, 58 in Northumberland, 23 in Haliburton (increase of 4, including 3 in Kawartha Lakes and 1 in Haliburton)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. These numbers include November 21, 22, and 23.

Confirmed positive: 108 (increase of 7)
Active cases: 17 (increase of 2)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Currently hospitalized: 1 (no change)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU: 0 (no change)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 0 (no change)
Resolved: 86 (increase of 5)
New swabs completed: 3,980 (decrease of 3,099)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 105,501 (increase of 1,589)
Resolved: 88,992 (increase of 1,484, 84.4% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 507 (decrease of 23)*
Hospitalized and in ICU: 156 (increase of 9)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 92 (increase of 3)
Deaths: 3,505 (increase of 19)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,224 (increase of 11)
Total tests completed: 5,957,723 (increase of 37,471)
Tests under investigation: 18,394 (decrease of 12,033)

*Approximately 40 hospitals did not submit data to the daily bed census for November 21. The number of hospitalized patients may increase when reporting compliance increases. The increase of 23 hospitalizations is from the 484 number reported on November 21, which also excluded data from 40 hospitals. For comparison, the number of hospitalizations reported by all hospitals on November 20 was 518.

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 23 - November 22, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 23 – November 22, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 23 - November 22, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 23 – November 22, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

Search for missing Trent University student Brett LeBlanc ends in tragedy

By kawarthaNOW -
The body of missing 24-year-old Trent University student Brett LeBlanc, who was legally blind, was recovered from the Otonabee River in Peterborough on November 23, 2020. (Police-supplied photo)

The search for missing Trent University student Brett LeBlanc has ended in tragedy.

As a result of information received, Peterborough police with the assistance of the Peterborough County OPP conducted a search of the Otonabee River on Monday (November 23).

At around 3:15 p.m. on Monday afternoon, the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit located LeBlanc’s body.

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LeBlanc, who was legally blind, was reported missing on Friday (November 20) after having last been seen on campus late on Tuesday night.

Related story

Public assists in search for missing Trent University student

Police and university security personnel conducted a ground search of Trent University property on Saturday, and a public search of the Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary that included LeBlanc’s friends and family took place on Sunday.

Peterborough police say the Ontario coroner has now assumed investigation of this incident and police will be providing no further information.

Third COVID-positive resident of Fairhaven in Peterborough passes away

By kawarthaNOW -
Fairhaven is a municipal long-term care home facility located at 881 Dutton Road in Peterborough. (Photo: Fairhaven)

A third resident of Fairhaven has passed away because of COVID-19.

Lionel Towns, executive director of the municipally operated long-term care home on Dutton Road in Peterborough, made the announcement on Monday (November 23).

“We are saddened to report that we have experienced the loss of another COVID positive resident,” Towns says. “This is the third death of a person who has contracted the virus at Fairhaven since our outbreak began.”

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“It is very difficult to lose a resident at any time; during a pandemic it is even more difficult for families and staff,” he adds. “I am in awe of the strength that staff have. To hear this news, and then continue to do their work, at such a high level, is remarkable.”

On a less sombre note, Towns reports no additional positive cases have been identified, and seven more residents have fully recovered and will be moved out of the home’s COVID-19 isolation unit by the end of Monday.

This will leave six active COVID-19 cases among residents.

One staff member has also fully recovered and will be returning to work at the home, leaving two active cases among staff.

“Staff are fully aware that the outbreak is not over and are as determined as ever to finish off the virus as soon as possible,” Towns states.

Lindsay ‘porch pirate’ identified using home video surveillance

By kawarthaNOW -
41-year-old Jason David Gerrow of Lindsay has been arrested and charged with theft after home video surveillance captured him allegedly stealing a package from the front porch of a Wellington Street home in Lindsay. (Police-supplied photo)

Some criminals never learn.

For the second time this fall, a 41-year-old Lindsay man has been arrested and charged with theft after being captured on home video surveillance.

At around 4:30 p.m. last Thursday (November 19), a man stole a package from the front porch of a Wellington Street home in Lindsay. A security system installed at the home recorded the theft.

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Using the footage, the investigating officer was able to determine the suspect’s identity and arrested him on Saturday (November 21).

Jason David Gerrow, 41, of Lindsay has been charged with theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and failing to comply with the conditions of his probation order.

He will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, located at 440 Kent Street West in Lindsay, on January 21, 2021.

This is the second time this fall Gerrow has been arrested and charged with theft after being captured on home video surveillance. On October 8th, he was one of two people who allegedly stole a cannabis plant from the backyard of a Lindsay home.

The complainant provided police with video surveillance from his home, which showed a man and woman stealing the plant. Using the video, the investigating officer was able to determine the identity of the couple responsible.

On October 31st, Gerrow was arrested and charged, along with 39-year-old Pamela Shorey, with theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

A recipe for success: Lindsay Little Theatre and Pie Eyed Monk Brewery team up for dinner-theatre fundraiser

By Sarah McNeilly -
On December 11 and 12, 2020, Lindsay Little Theatre will present "A Night of One Act Plays", an evening of COVID-safe dinner theatre at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery in Lindsay. Pictured from front to back and left to right are the cast and crew: Tarina Koty, Reece David, Marion Bays, Kathryn Wooldridge-Condon, Nate Copeland, Logan Gerzymisch, Carolyn Koty, and Will Bowyer. Not pictured: Collin Dusome. (Photo courtesy of Lindsay Little Theatre)

This December, Lindsay audiences will have the opportunity to safely enjoy something that’s become a rarity during the pandemic: live theatre.

Community theatre company Lindsay Little Theatre and popular local eatery Pie Eyed Monk Brewery have teamed up to present “A Night of One Act Plays”, a unique dinner-theatre experience that’s also a fundraiser to help keep the lights on at Lindsay Little Theatre.

For the low price of $50 a ticket, patrons can enjoy an appetizer, dinner, dessert, and two one-act comedies by Canadian playwright Norm Foster in the Pie Eyed Monk’s beautiful and exclusive upper-floor event space.

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Performances take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th, with an additional 12 p.m. matinee on December 12th.

Tickets can be purchased at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery (8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay) seven days a week between 2 and 5 p.m., via email at events@pieeyedmonkbrewery.com, or by calling 705-212-2200 ext. 222.

“There’s an extra level of safety that we can ensure by having Pie Eyed Monk handle all of the bookings,” explains Lindsay Little Theatre director Katheryn Wooldridge-Condon.

Pie Eyed Monk personnel have become experts when it comes to best-practice safety protocols. All summer and autumn, they have been successfully ensuring patron safety for sit-down dining and small events in their spacious upper floor banquet room.

"A Night of One Act Plays" takes place on December 11 and 12, 2020 at the Pie Eyed Monk Brewery at 8 Cambridge Street North in historic downtown Lindsay. (Photo courtesy of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery)
“A Night of One Act Plays” takes place on December 11 and 12, 2020 at the Pie Eyed Monk Brewery at 8 Cambridge Street North in historic downtown Lindsay. (Photo courtesy of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery)

“This is an extremely well-executed experience,” says Pie Eyed Monk’s general manager Erastus Burley. “The safety protocols that are in place will allow guests to have a memorable experience in a very safe environment.”

Burley has painstakingly organized the event above and beyond the current provincial safety standards — right down to the smallest details.

“Arrival times have been staggered so we won’t have all of our guests showing up at the same time,” Burley explains. “We’ve really spent some time figuring out how to get people in and out of the building safely.”

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“Another thing we’re doing is creating markings on the floor, to allow guests to move their chairs during the performance so there’s still great sight lines,” Burley adds. “Because this, of course, is not a theatre, it’s a banquet hall — and that will ensure that people understand where they’re allowed to move inside their table grouping.”

The stunning event space, which is licensed to accommodate a capacity of 163 guests, allows ample room for a small physically distanced audience to enjoy their dinner-theatre experience without any worries.

With Pie Eyed Monk at the helm, offering best-practice operations and their fine foods and beverages that Lindsay and the greater Kawarthas have come to love, Lindsay Little Theatre cast and crew can focus on their art practice.

Lindsay Little Theatre's "A Night of One Act Plays" takes place in Pie Eyed Monk's beautiful and exclusive upper-floor event space, pictured here set up for a pre-pandemic wedding reception. Licensed to accommodate a capacity of 163 guests, the space allows ample room for a small physically distanced audience to enjoy their dinner-theatre experience without any worries. (Photo courtesy of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery)
Lindsay Little Theatre’s “A Night of One Act Plays” takes place in Pie Eyed Monk’s beautiful and exclusive upper-floor event space, pictured here set up for a pre-pandemic wedding reception. Licensed to accommodate a capacity of 163 guests, the space allows ample room for a small physically distanced audience to enjoy their dinner-theatre experience without any worries. (Photo courtesy of Pie Eyed Monk Brewery)

Two one-act plays, My Narrator and The Death of Me — both written by Canadian playwright Norm Foster — will be performed between the three dinner courses, with an intermission to allow staff to accommodate additional beverage service.

My Narrator, a four-hander romantic comedy, details the first and subsequent encounters between two strangers, which are narrated by the characters’ inner monologues played by two other actors on the stage.

The Death of Me is a comedic two-hander that follows a recently deceased man’s encounter with the angel of death, who allows the departed an extra day on earth.

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“We’re presenting two comedies that are both really hilarious and we could all use some laughter right now,” says actor Reece David, who plays Miles in My Narrator and John in The Death of Me.

“We’ve all been pretty isolated for a while and theatre does such a great job of connecting people — both of these stories are very easy to connect to. We’ve all been cooped up for awhile, I think it’s a great opportunity to get out and connect with one another and laugh again.”

“Whether it’s an audience member or a member of Lindsay Little Theatre, we’re all connected to each other in our small town,” adds Nate Copeland, who plays the Angel of Death in The Death of Me.

Lindsay Little Theatre is presenting "A Night of One Act Plays" in partnership with the Pie Eyed Monk Brewery on December 11 and 12, 2020. The $50 ticket includes a three-course meal and a performance of two one-act plays by Norm Foster. (Poster courtesy of Lindsay Little Theatre)
Lindsay Little Theatre is presenting “A Night of One Act Plays” in partnership with the Pie Eyed Monk Brewery on December 11 and 12, 2020. The $50 ticket includes a three-course meal and a performance of two one-act plays by Norm Foster. (Poster courtesy of Lindsay Little Theatre)

Despite interviewing the cast and crew of the two one-acts via Zoom, the energy in the room was palpable. Each artist, in their own way, expressed the same sentiment: they’re thrilled to be creating theatre again.

“I’m just really excited to perform again,” says Carolyn Koty, who plays the female narrator Lacy in My Narrator. “I’ve really missed the interacting with an audience.”

“Having your in-real-life mother playing the person in your head is a whole other take I did not expect to endure throughout the production of this play,” laughs Carolyn’s daughter Tarina Koty, who plays Barb in My Narrator and Cassie in The Death of Me. “But overall it’s been really fun.”

“It’s really fun to be in somebody else’s head,” chuckles Will Bower, who plays Bob in My Narrator and The Doctor in The Death of Me.

“We all need a laugh during this pandemic,” adds Nate Copeland. “And, yes, it did cross my mind that I’m personifying death during a pandemic.”

Laughter is cathartic and, after nearly nine months of these bizarre-o COVID times, we could all use a little catharsis.

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Interviewing this happy and excited band of theatre-makers was a delight, with so much laughter and lightness among the artists. The Lindsay Little Theatre cast and crew were nothing short of jubilant — a testament to the positive effects of the arts.

“It feels like magic,” says director Katheryn Wooldridge-Condon of the troupe’s return to the stage. “When you walk through the door you end up a changed person and you just keep coming back.”

“We really are a theatre family,” says Nate Copeland of his colleagues. “Being away from each other is like being away from your family. This is a very safe place for us — a lot of us don’t necessarily fit in a lot of other places. It’s just so easy to fit in here with our theatre family.”

Recently the small and tight-knit theatre-family that is the Lindsay Little Theatre lost their beloved friend and dedicated long-time board member, Pam Brohm, to cancer.

“She was our heart at Lindsay Little Theatre,” recalls Woolridge-Condon of the actor, director, and past-president of the board of Lindsay Little Theatre. “We’re devastated — she’ll be missed dearly.”

“I considered cancelling rehearsal the day we learned of her passing,” she adds. “But I could hear her voice in my head saying ‘don’t you dare’ and we decided to go on with the show. We are dedicating this show to her.”

"A Night of One Act Plays" is dedicated to the memory of Pam Brohm. The actor, director, and long-time board member and past-president of the board of Lindsay Little Theatre recently passed away from cancer. (Photo courtesy of Lindsay Little Theatre)
“A Night of One Act Plays” is dedicated to the memory of Pam Brohm. The actor, director, and long-time board member and past-president of the board of Lindsay Little Theatre recently passed away from cancer. (Photo courtesy of Lindsay Little Theatre)

The dedication of this show, a gesture of love, demonstrates the incredible impact that Pam Brohm had on her community. It is the touching evidence of her lasting legacy at Lindsay Little Theatre.

Pie Eyed Monk’s meticulous planning and execution (amazing menu notwithstanding) combined with Lindsay Little Theatre’s deep and passionate commitment to their art makes the perfect recipe for a highly successful dinner-theatre event.

At this point, there is only one missing ingredient: thunderous applause from an enthusiastic audience.

A Night of One Act Plays will be performed at Pie Eyed Monk Brewery, located at 8 Cambridge Street North in historic downtown Lindsay, at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 11th and at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 12th.

To purchase tickets, which include a three-course meal and the two one-act plays, email Pie Eyed Monk at events@pieeyedmonkbrewery.com or call 705-212-2200 ext 222.

If you can’t attend a performance but still want to support Lindsay Little Theatre, you can purchase a raffle ticket for the 50/50 draw through Pie Eyed Monk. The draw will take place during the intermission for the December 12th evening performance. All 50/50 ticket-holders, whether they’re in the audience or at home, are eligible to win the draw.

Ontario reports 1,534 new COVID-19 cases with 14 new deaths

By kawarthaNOW -

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Today, Ontario is reporting 1,534 new COVID-19 cases, with the average number of daily cases over the past seven days increasing by 41 to 1,415.

Peel leads the province with 490 new cases reported today, followed by Toronto at 460 cases and York at 130. Both Peel and Toronto will be going into lockdown on Monday (November 23).

There were also double-digit increases in Hamilton (66), Waterloo (54), Durham (50), Halton (48), Ottawa (32), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (30), Windsor-Essex (29), Simcoe Muskoka (24), Niagara (22), Grey Bruce (16), Brant County (12), Thunder Bay (11), and Haldimand-Norfolk (10), with smaller increases in Eastern Ontario Health Unit (7) and Middlesex-London (7).

The remaining 16 health units are reporting 5 or fewer new cases, with 4 health units reporting no new cases at all.

Of today’s cases, 55% are among people under 40 years of age, with the highest number of cases (562) among people ages 20 to 39 followed by 404 cases among people ages 40 to 59. With 1,429 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases has increased by 0.1% to 84.2%. The average positivity rate across Ontario is not available on weekends.

Ontario reported 14 new COVID-19 deaths today, including 7 in long-term care facilities. Hospitalizations have decreased by 29 to 484, but data from around 40 hospitals was not submitted for today’s report so this number is likely inaccurate. One additional patient with COVID-19 was admitted to an ICU and 2 additional patients are on ventilators.

A total of 46,389 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has decreased by 12,620 to 30,427.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there is 1 new case to report today in Peterborough. With 3 additional cases resolved, there are 21 active cases as the Peterborough Public Health region moves into the “yellow-protect” level at 12:01 a.m. on Monday (November 23).

Individual health unit reports are unavailable on weekends for Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, or Hastings and Prince Edward counties. However, the Ontario data indicates there were 4 new cases for Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and 4 new cases for Hastings Prince Edward Public Health on November 21. These numbers, along with those for November 22, will be confirmed in tomorrow’s update.

There are currently 45 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 21 in Peterborough, 15 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 4 in Northumberland, 3 in Kawartha Lakes, and 2 in Haliburton.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 192 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (167 resolved with 4 deaths), 191 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (169 resolved with 32 deaths), 63 in Northumberland County (58 resolved with 1 death), 24 in Haliburton County (22 resolved with no deaths), and 101 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (81 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Peterborough on November 12.

Province-wide, there have been 103,912 confirmed cases, an increase of 1,534 from yesterday, with 87,508 cases resolved (84.2% of all cases), an increase of 1,429 from yesterday. There have been 3,486 deaths, an increase of 14 from yesterday, with 2,213 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 7 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has decreased by 29 to 484, but data from around 40 hospitals was not submitted for today’s report so this number is likely inaccurate. One additional patient with COVID-19 was admitted to an ICU and 2 additional patients are on ventilators. A total of 5,920,252 tests have been completed, an increase of 46,389 from yesterday, with 30,427 tests under investigation, a decrease of 12,620 from yesterday.

The provincial data in this report is pulled from Ontario’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) at 4 p.m. the previous day. Data from local health units is more current and is usually reflected in the provincial data the following day.

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 192 (increase of 1)
Active cases: 21 (decrease of 2)
Close contacts: 45 (decrease of 1)
Deaths: 4 (no change)
Resolved: 167 (increase of 3)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 10 (no change)
Total tests completed: Over 36,100 (increase of 100)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (no change)

 

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. These numbers are from November 20.

Confirmed positive: 278, including 191 in Kawartha Lakes, 63 in Northumberland, 24 in Haliburton (increase of 3, including 2 in Northumberland and 1 in Haliburton)
Active cases: 9, including 3 in Kawartha Lakes, 4 in Northumberland, and 2 in Haliburton (no net change)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 29, including 15 in Kawartha Lakes and 14 in Northumberland (net increase of 1)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 16, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 4 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 249, including 169 in Kawartha Lakes, 58 in Northumberland, 22 in Haliburton (increase of 3, in Northumberland)
Institutional outbreaks: None (decrease of 1)*

*The outbreak at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg was declared over on November 19.

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. These numbers are from November 20.

Confirmed positive: 101 (increase of 1)
Active cases: 15 (decrease of 2)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Hospitalized (total to date): 8 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU (total to date): 2 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 2 (no change)
Resolved: 81 (increase of 3)
Total swabs completed: 7,079 (no change)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 103,912 (increase of 1,534)
Resolved: 87,508 (increase of 1,429, 84.2% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 484 (decrease of 29)*
Hospitalized and in ICU: 147 (increase of 1)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 89 (increase of 2)
Deaths: 3,486 (increase of 14)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,213 (increase of 7)
Total tests completed: 5,920,252 (increase of 46,389)
Tests under investigation: 30,427 (decrease of 12,620)

*Approximately 40 hospitals did not submit data to the daily bed census for November 20. The number of hospitalized patients may increase when reporting compliance increases.

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 22 - November 21, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 22 – November 21, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 22 - November 21, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 22 – November 21, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

Public assists in search for missing Trent University student

By kawarthaNOW -
Brett Michael LeBlanc's mother, Cheryl LeBlanc, in a Facebook video from November 22, 2020 at Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary, where a public search is underway for the missing 24-year-old Trent University student who is legally blind. (Screenshot / Facebook)

Members of the public began searching the trails at Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary on Sunday morning (November 22) for 24-year-old Trent University student Brett Michael LeBlanc.

LeBlanc, who was reported missing on Friday, was last seen on campus late on Tuesday night (November 17).

On Saturday, Peterborough police and university security personnel conducted a ground search of Trent University property but did not find LeBlanc. Police subsequently issued a missing person media release late Saturday afternoon.

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LeBlanc, who is legally blind, is described as white, 5′ 10″ and 169 lbs, with brown medium-length hair and a thin moustache, and wearing white high-top sneakers.

Lucas Charron, a friend of LeBlanc, organized Sunday’s search of Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary through a Facebook event at facebook.com/events/2699433883654773/, with 60 people responding to the request for help.

“Brett is legally blind and if he did decide to walk through the sanctuary or any of the surrounding trails he could have easily gotten disoriented and lost,” Charron wrote on Facebook.

Missing Brett Michael LeBlanc, a 24-year-old Trent University student who is legally blind, was last on campus on the night of November 17, 2020. (Police-supplied photo)
Missing Brett Michael LeBlanc, a 24-year-old Trent University student who is legally blind, was last on campus on the night of November 17, 2020. (Police-supplied photo)

LeBlanc’s mother, Cheryl LeBlanc, posted a video to Facebook on Sunday morning from the wildlife sanctuary, welcoming anyone to help with the search.

LeBlanc typically wears black sunglasses — although, according to LeBlanc’s mother, did not have them with him when he went missing. While the police’s missing persons report states LeBlanc can walk without assistance, LeBlanc’s mother says he uses a cane.

In her Facebook video, LeBlanc’s mother also had a message for her son.

“Brett, if you are seeing this or hearing this, please come home to us,” she says, her voice breaking. “We need you.”

Today is the day we’re bringing you home Brett 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Cheryl Chappell Leblanc

Posted by Dutchess Millz on Sunday, November 22, 2020

 

This story has been updated with information about the public search for LeBlanc, as well as the video posted by his mother.

Peterborough woman dies after being struck by vehicle on Friday

By kawarthaNOW -

A Peterborough woman is dead after being struck by a vehicle on Lansdowne Street between Ashburnham Drive and Television Road on Friday afternoon (November 20).

At 5:25 p.m. on Friday, police responded to a report that a pedestrian had been hit by an eastbound vehicle while walking on Lansdowne Street. Police have not indicated whether the pedestrian was walking on the side of the road or was crossing the road when hit.

The pedestrian was treated at the scene and transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for further medical treatment, but was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

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Police have identified the pedestrian as 38-year-old Nicole Kernohan of Peterborough.

The Peterborough Police Service’s Traffic Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough police at 705-876-1122.

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