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Bobcaygeon, ON K0M 1A0
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TEL.: 705-738-6188
Covering the Kawartha Lakes Area
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Deb Crossen
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The Kawartha Promoter Community News is a local, not for profit newspaper. The opinions and views expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Promoter. Liability for incorrectly displayed or placed advertisements is limited to publishing corrections or providing advertising credit to be applied on subsequent advertisements at the advertiser’s discretion.
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Is it over yet? I don’t mean the Olympics, although they will be over this weekend. I mean this winter of cold, snow and, frankly, unpredictability.
This past week, there were a couple of “yellow warnings” from the prognosticators. Particularly on Wednesday, there were calls for freezing rain and up to 20cm of snow. Local organizations and school bus companies took heed of the warnings and cancelled events and buses. Many of us made sure we had supplies on hand in case the weather socked us in for a couple of days.
I watched out my window for signs of impending doom. I watched all day, and kept checking the weather app on my phone. I looked at the radar of freezing rain and snow coming ... coming ... over us ... still over us ... and gone. What I didn’t see, however, was one snowflake. Or one raindrop. I’m sure they probably got it somewhere but it sure wasn’t here.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we didn’t get the storm. But now, they’re

calling for another one coming through on Friday (that’s today when you read this). Is there a point when the forecasters are like the boy who cried wolf? We don’t want to get complacent, though, because it’s only February.
Even though Wiarton Willie predicted an early spring, there are contradictions from the experts. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, we could have flurries at the end of March with cooler than normal temperatures in April and May. The good news with this, though, is that perhaps the melt will be slow and flooding will be kept to a minimum. I just hope the ice is out by Victoria Day weekend!
As for the Olympics, good on ya, Team Canada! Canadian athletes did their best, and showed up on the world stage in style. Next up is the Summer Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles. That should be interesting ... While we wait for the warmer weather, I hope you get out and enjoy events and activities. Stay well and please be kind.
editor@thepromoter.ca


The City of Kawartha Lakes is reminding residents about recent changes to the waste pickup process.
Residential garbage is collected by Miller Waste on your regular pickup day, while recycling is collected by Emterra. Since two separate companies handle collection, it’s important to keep garbage and recycling clearly separated to prevent anything from being missed or tagged. What to remember
• Garbage bags cannot be placed on top of recycling bins. They need their own container or set out clearly apart from recycling materials.
• Flexible plastics and wrappers should be bagged, tied closed and set out with paper and fibre recycling.
• Everything should be at the curb by 7am (6am in downtown areas) to make sure it’s picked up. New items you can recycle Recycling in Kawartha Lakes is now managed by Circular Materials rather than the municipality, and some items that used to be garbage can now be recycled, including:
• Hot and cold beverage cups
• Styrofoam
• Flexible plastic packaging (chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers, etc.)
• Deodorant, hand cream, and toothpaste tubes
For a full list of accepted items and sorting instructions, visit kawarthalakes.ca.
BGC Kawarthas have opened nominations for the 2026 Youth Awards. The Youth Awards were created to shine a spotlight on the achievements of the young future leaders of Kawartha Lakes. By nominating someone for one (or two) of our various awards, you give them a chance to be known as a winner, which may provide them with job or further education opportunities.
If you are from or have a close connection to the Kawartha Lakes area, and you have someone between the ages of 11 and 24 who, you think, deserves recognition for their hard work, you can submit them for these awards. You can also submit one for yourself if you’re in the 11 to 24 age range.
There are several awards to be handed out:
• Arts Achievements
• Outstanding Youth Worker
• Humanitarian
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
• Leadership
• Resiliency
• Health and Wellness Champion
• BGC Club Spirit
There are also two Scholarships available. The Ron Kennedy Scholarship for a deserving nominee who is transitioning to post-secondary education or training in the next 12 months (as of this form being submitted) and the Marcie Beall Scholarship for an applicant between the ages of 17 and 24 who will use the scholarship to assist in future educational or career advancement (University, College, trade apprenticeship, or other form of training).
After nominations, judging committees read every submitted form and select the finalists, who are then invited, with their family and friends, to the Youth Awards Award Ceremony, where not only are the winners announced, but the audience hears every finalist’s story and achievements. The various stories of the finalists are posted on BCG Kawarthas’ social media, where there are more than 4,000 Facebook followers and 1,200 Instagram followers. The Award Ceremony for 2026 will also include a pre-party, a live band, food, a speaker and swag.
There are three individual forms that need to be completed, including one for the nominee who needs to approve being nominated. You can find out more about the awards and application process at bgckawarthas.com.
The Spring 2026 Kawartha Lakes Community Guide is now available online. If you want to try something new, get ‘moo’ving, or simply get your feet wet... transitioning your mind and body from season to season is a great way forward to a better connection, betterSelf.
This digital publication highlights a variety of programs, events and information, including but not limited to:
• Aquatic, fitness, skating, leisure and youth programs
• March Break happenings
• 2026 Lindsay Milk Run
• Concerts in the Park Series
• June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) events.
• Summer student jobs
• Facility rentals
• Summer day camps and youth memberships

• Lifesaving and leadership programs... and more! Registration starts Tuesday March 10, 2026 at 9am. You can find out more at kawarthalakes.ca.
The Criminal Investigations Branch of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service is looking to identify any additional victims related to an ongoing charitable donations fraud investigation in Lindsay.
A 46-year-old female from Lindsay, employed at a retail store in Lindsay Square Mall, is alleged to have collected charitable donations -- both cash and e-transfer -- between April and December 2025. These donations were reportedly collected for various charitable events but were not forwarded to the intended charities.
If you believe you may have made a donation during this time period or have information that could assist investigators, please contact: D/Cst. Ken Downing at 705-324-5252 ext. 490.
Your information may be important to this investigation.
The Buckhorn & District Lions Club has announced their 2026 schedule of events and activities. Here are the highlights:
• April 4 – Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast –9am to 11am at the BCC
• June 21 – Kids Fishing Derby at Blue Heron Resort – Registration at 9am
• July and August – Tuesday night Music at the Locks from 5:30pm to 8pm
• August 8 – Big Rig & Motorcycle Show – 10am to 3pm at the BCC Upper Parking Lot
• September 19 – Spaghetti Dinner & Loonie Auction – 6pm
• November 14 - 6th Annual Santa Claus Parade –2pm
Follow them on Facebook to keep up with all the events.
Give your child a March Break they’ll never forget! Camp Kawartha is hosting their March Break Nature Camp that invites young explorers from ages 4 to 12 to spend their week outdoors discovering the magic of the natural world.
Guided by experienced environmental educators, campers will learn, play, and grow through immersive activities that spark curiosity and build confidence in the great outdoors.
The camp runs from 8:45am to 4pm from March 16 to 20. The cost is $350 for the week, or you can call them for the single day options available on March 16, 17 and 18 for those aged 7 to 12.
Aftercare is available until 5:15pm daily for an additional $60 for the week or $12 per day.
Email sarah@campkawartha.ca or call 705-6523860 ext. 201 with questions or to learn more.
“At

to 5pm – Free admission • March 7 – Live Music with Joselyn Burford – 2:30pm to 5:30pm – Free admission
• Thursdays – Shuffleboard – 1pm - $2.50 per person • Fridays – Open Darts – 1pm - $2 per person to
Not thinking too far ahead, but summer is coming and with it some great gardens! There’s going to be a Cottage Garden Market on Saturday, March 7 at the Bobcaygeon Legion from 10am to 4pm.
Every guest at the Cottage Garden Market will receive one free door prize ticket to enter for the prize of their choice. With so many amazing prizes generously donated by talented vendors and valued sponsors, there’s truly something for everyone to love. From garden-inspired goodies to unique local finds, you’ll want to browse, enter, and maybe even win.
Clark Curtis Real Estate Team RE/MAX is the sponsor of the event. Thanks to their generosity, the event continues to grow as a welcoming place for the community to connect, shop local and celebrate the joy of gardening.
Since it launched in 1972, Armada Toolworks Ltd has been advancing its design, development and manufacturing skills. Today, this Lindsay based company is a leading supplier of custom made automotive components. They know that having the right tools in the right hands is critical to success.
Support from the Armada Toolworks team for the WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign will help fund

the highest priority investments at Ross Memorial Hospital, ensuring leading-edge technology and tools are available to provide the best possible care in modern facilities.
Armada Toolworks president Chris Van Den Berg recently presented a $25,000 donation to Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. With Armada Toolworks team members Connie Brown, Dan Desousa, Pat Lownsbrough and Richard Hammill, they celebrated the impact this gift will have on patient care in Kawartha Lakes.
The WE ARE THE ROSS campaign supports the hospital’s highest priority projects, funding essential facilities and technology improvements including the expansion of the Emergency Department and ICU, precision diagnostic technology and life-saving bedside equipment.
“The team at Armada recognizes the importance of evolving expertise to ensure the highest quality outcome. The same is true at the Ross,” said Erin Coons. “We’re grateful to have their support for critical investments that are not covered by government funding. As our community grows, it is donors who ensure our services and spaces grow, too.”
For more information about the WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign, visit wearetheross.ca.
The Bobcaygeon Music Council posted their summer lineup for Concerts in the Park on Facebook. Here’s what it looks like:
July 2 5:30 WonderPhil
6:30 VOODOO Pawn shop
July 9 5:30 Stunt ventriloquist
6:30 Turbo Street Funk
July 16 5:30 Campfire Crew
6:30 Tuesday Noon
July 23 5:30 Rhythm and Grace
6:30 Rhythm and Grace
July 30 5:30 Pete and Anna
6:30 Flash Back
Aug. 6 5:30 Dan the Music Man
6:30 Pat Temple and Hilo players
Aug. 13 5:30 Rob Joy
6:30 Jillian Mendez
Aug. 20 5:30 Team T & J
6:30 The Almost Hip
Aug. 27 5:30 James Funnyhat
630 Burrows and Clark
The early concerts are kid-friendly. Follow the group on Facebook for more details as the summer approaches.
In 2025, supporters of Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes came together for an inspiring evening at Handbags for Health -- and thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, donors, and volunteers, more than $6,300 was raised to support essential services. While they are pressing pause on their in-person gathering this year, the heart of Handbags for Health remains the same: luxury items, friendly competition, and meaningful support for local healthcare.
The Handbags for Health Online Auction is officially open, and it’s filled with beautiful finds you won’t want to miss! From stylish everyday purses to eye-catching statement pieces, there are dozens of incredible handbags waiting for your bid. There are also two stunning bags donated by Brittany N’ Bros and a relaxing spa package from Flourish Salon & Medi Spa -- perfect for treating yourself while supporting a great cause.
Every bid helps support local health care in our community, making it easy to shop with purpose. Proceeds will help fund a wide range of Community Care programs that help local seniors and adults live
safely, stay connected, and maintain independence in their own homes.
The auction is open until February 28, so don’t wait too long to place your bids. You can browse and start bidding at handbagsforhealth.ca. You can find out more about Community Care at ccckl.ca.
Submitted by Carissa Ferguson
The Kawartha Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Smeaton as its new Executive Director, effective March 2, 2026.
Eric brings a diverse background in education,

municipal governance, and community leadership. Most recently, he served as an Elementary School Teacher with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) and previously represented Ward 5 as a City Councillor for the City of Kawartha Lakes, where he contributed on numerous boards including the Kawartha Lakes Conservation Authority, Ross Memorial Hospital, and the Lindsay BIA.
A passionate advocate for the arts and youth development, Eric is the founder of Trillium Lakelands Arts Camp (along with his wife Sue and past - School Board Chair Rick Johnson), and has received the Dennis Sweeting Lifetime Achievement for the Arts Award. He has directed local theatre productions, coached school sports teams, and played with the Peterborough Symphony. Eric holds a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University and a Bachelor of Music Performance with a Minor in Economics from McGill University.
“Eric’s leadership, creativity, and deep
commitment to community make him an ideal choice to guide the Kawartha Community Foundation into its next chapter,” said Mark Knoester, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are confident he will continue to strengthen our community impact and build on the strong foundation that has been established.”
“I am honored to join the Kawartha Community Foundation,” said Eric Smeaton. “I look forward to working with our dedicated team, partners, and community members to continue fostering initiatives that strengthen local programs, support vulnerable populations, and enhance quality of life across Kawartha Lakes. The ultimate privilege of serving as a Councillor is the constant learning of how communities really work at a micro level. The Community Foundation was a piece of learning I found fascinating - to be part of the extremely talented Team that continues to share its impact is really very special.
Laurie Dillon-Schalk, outgoing Executive Director, commented, “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this community and lead the Foundation. I am grateful to remain involved during this transition and look forward to supporting key initiatives like Vital Signs, which help guide informed decision-making for the region.” Laurie Dillon-Schalk is stepping down as Executive Director to dedicate more time to support the advancing care needs of her family.
The Buckhorn Community Centre is proud to present their popular Spring Dinner Theatre, featuring a delicious three-course meal and a performance by the Hall’s Bridge Players, the BCC’s troupe of “hobby actors”, in a comedy.
The Spring show for 2026 will be Out Of Sight, Out of Murder by Fred Carmichael. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals.com).
Here’ the premise: Peter Knight is trying to write a murder mystery in an old Vermont mansion where another author was murdered years ago. A weird electrical storm interrupts the cosmic flow of words and his characters come to life. Peter loses control and there is a murder; the intended victim is Peter. Other murders follow, and the culprit is among characters who, having also worked for other authors, know a great deal about the subject. Can Peter find the killer before the killer gets him. (Please note: there are guns and gunshots in one scene of the play.)
Did You Know
Performances will be Friday, April 17; Saturday, April 18; Sunday, April 19; Friday, April 24; Saturday, April 25; and Sunday, April 26. Friday and Saturday doors open at 5:15pm, dinner is at 6pm with the performance starting at 7pm. Sunday doors open at 3:45pm, with dinner at 4:30pm and the performance starting at 5:30pm. You will find more information on the BCC’s website at www.buckhorncommunitycentre. com.
Tickets are $50 per person. They go on sale Monday, March 2, 2026. In-person sales start at 9am (but people begin lining up at 7!) Phone lines open at approximately 11:30am as soon as everyone in person has been served. Please note that the phones get really busy so please be patient with the volunteers! Tickets sell out quickly — come early so you won’t be disappointed.
The Kinmount and District Lions Club is hosting their 3rd annual Euchre Tournament to raise funds for the development of the Children’s Cancer Ward at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
The event takes place Sunday, March 22 at the Kinmount Legion. Registration begins at 9am and play will start at 10am. There will be a variety of prizes, food available and fund for all.
It’s only $20 per person and the sign-up deadline is March 19. Contact Teresa at 705-928-7105.
The 14th year for Women’s Resources signature fundraiser, the Marquee Event is set to get your toes tapping while raising money for this important not-forprofit organization. On Friday March 6, 2026 at the FLATO Academy Theatre, Lindsay, you can hear the multi-platinum country group High Valley.
High Valley have cultivated a loyal following that craves the band’s upbeat messages, anthemic melodies and signature fusion of contemporary country and traditional bluegrass. The musical blend has resonated with fans in the group’s native Canada and the U.S. with a force that propelled High Valley to be the topselling Canadian band in country music history. Led by founder, lead singer/songwriter and 6-time SOCAN Country Music Award Winner Brad Rempel, the group has amassed more than half a billion global streams, notched back-to-back gold singles in the U.S., achieved multiple No. 1 songs in Canada, two gold albums and six platinum singles. High Valley has been nominated for ACM, CMT and JUNO Awards and have earned multiple CCMA Awards, with the group’s hits including “Make You Mine,” “She’s With Me” and “Grew Up On That.” Their 2024 hit “Small Town Somethin’” will get your feet tapping with that feel good vibe.
Standard seats are $110 plus $5 fees, Balcony seating is $80 per person plus $5 fees. You can up your game by getting Premium seats for $150 plus $5 fees. The Premium Seats includes seating in the first





six
and have your photo taken.
You can order your tickets through the Flato Academy Theatre box office at 705-324-9111.
From explorefenelonfalls.com
The Board of Directors of the Fenelon Falls Farmers’ Market is looking for help to fill vital volunteer positions in order for the Fenelon Falls Farmers’ Market to keep being operational.
The market runs from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving weekend every Friday from 9am until 2pm and has grown from six vendors to over 24 vendors at peak season since 2008.
Due to retirement and health issues, they are asking for the community’s help to run the weekly market. These volunteer roles include: Weekly signage setup/teardown Marketing and social media

· Liaisons with CoKL, community and vendors Treasurer
· Secretary.
Candidates need to be efficient, well-organized, community orientated with a willingness to learn and to help grow and strengthen the market.
If you or someone you know is looking to becoming involved in the community, please contact the Fenelon Falls Farmers’ Market through their website at fenelonfallsfarmersmarket.com.

money frugally (6)
pledge (4)
Workout for boxers (4)
Day in and day out (3,3,4)
In ___of (instead of) (4)
Cleans the clothes (8)
It's an up and down experience (3-3)
A winning serve (3)
Precarious perch (5)
Murray's birthplace (4,6)
It's not over (5)
Albert (8)
Bug on a wire (3)
Public square in Italy (6)
One-tenth of a Roman legion or a companion (6)
Slight upper hand (4)
Gyro holder (4)
Rambling story (4)
Pros' counterparts (4)
(9)
TV show you've seen before (5)

Aquarius (Jan. 21 to Feb. 19) Aquarius, it’s time for some creative self-care . . . and we don’t mean spending a bundle at a high-end spa. There is so much in the world that can make you feel better and it’s mostly free: music, dance, crafts, cooking, fashion and art. Please luxuriate in any or all!
Pisces (Feb. 20 to March 20) Stop! Don’t depend on the words of others to make you feel good about yourself, Pisces, and don’t let them create a person you are truly not. To thine own self be true!
Aries (March 21 to April 20) Aries, you’ve probably heard the expression “You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through, So Be Kind”. You may find this zodiac phase to be one in which you will certainly need to remember this.
Taurus (April 21 to May 21) There is no shame or guilt in removing toxic people from your life, Taurus. It can be a loving act to yourself, providing healthier mental and emotional environments. Acknowledging that you deserve better is the first step.
Gemini (May 22 to June 22) Do you find yourself doing the same things day after day, Gemini? Do you long for some spice in your life? Then go for it! Make small changes if that is easier, or go big or go home, as they say. There’s nothing to lose!
Cancer (June 23 to July 23) Sit back and breathe, Cancer. Take time to enjoy small moments. Love a cat or dog or small child. Speak kindly to yourself and love yourself above all. Bask in the warmth of YOU.
Leo (July 24 to Aug. 23) Leo, let music fill every part of your life - it is a comfort and a brain builder! It doesn’t matter what style it is or what time period it comes from, embrace it as your own!
Virgo (Aug. 24 to Sept. 23) Practise humility, Virgo. No one likes a braggart. No one likes arrogance in business or family relations. Modesty is much more appreciated!
Libra (Sept. 24 to Oct. 23) “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” Mahatma Gandhi. Libra, there is much more! See, if during the coming days, you can find out just what that might look like for you.
Scorpio (Oct. 24 to Nov. 22) Begin anywhere! Scorpio, don’t wait for the best, most opportune time to make a decision or strike out on an adventure. There is no time like the present!
Sagittarius (Nov. 23 to Dec. 21) Never forget how important your health is, dear Sag. Do not take it for granted. Look after it like you would do for any loved one and it will treat you kindly.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 20) “When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.”: Minnie Aumonier. Capricorn, if you have a garden of your own, lucky you! You can start planning it now and reap its beauty soon. If not, there are many gardens in parks and around town which you can find and enjoy.









We are proud to support our local businesses and community organizations. The online version of The Kawartha Promoter allows us to provide you, our loyal readers, with news from around the region. Please support local businesses however possible. And give thanks to all the volunteers, medical professionals, and necessary services.

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
54 Bolsover Rd. Bolsover, On. In church Services start at 10:00 a.m.
Sundays
All Welcome and for further information please call 705 426-9382 Bolsover Pines Seniors Club - 50+ 16 Bolsover RD. Community Centre Bolsover NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME. Regular Weekly events unless above noted changes Membership is $10 (good until May 2023) with weekly games for $3 per day.
REGULAR
GAMES: Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. Euchre Wednesday 1:00 p.m. drop in with Darts, Thursday 1:00 p.m. Bridge Tea and Coffee served at half time
except Wednesdays. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
Come and enjoy a fun afternoon with a great bunch and help keep this community centre open.Please check our web page https:// bolsoverseniors.life or on Facebook.
- (SAGES) Thursdays 9:30a.m. Kirkfield Lions Club 973 Portage Rd \hwy 48 (left entrance of building) Kirkfield, Cost $3 per class THURSDAY at 9:30 AM.
Program is geared for older adults and can be done sitting or standing The exercises focus on improving cardiovascular endurance, balance, muscle strength and flexibility. Come join the fun For more info 705-324-7323 ext 186 or info@ccckl.ca
Carpentry, flooring, drywall, painting, eavestrough clearing, dump runs, and demolition. Now booking spring projects. 705-731-9373