Join us on Saturday, June 23, for the official kickoff of the TDSRC. On that day children can register for the TD Summer Reading Club at their local branch. There will also be a special performance of the play The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate, by the Thousand Islands Playhouse Young Company, at the Isabel Turner Branch. Shows are at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and require free tickets.

If your family cannot make it to the kickoff, you can still sign up for the club in person at any KFPL branch starting Friday, June 1, until Saturday, September 1.

All kids participating in the club will receive:  a special bilingual notebook to track their progress; a web access code for the virtual club on the TDSRC website; stickers; and the chance to win prizes. Kids can participate in the TDSRC anytime, anywhere — at the library, at home, online, on the road — wherever their summer takes them.  KFPL also provides materials in alternative formats, such as audio or Braille.

Why join the TD Summer Reading Club?  For school-aged children, summer can mean regression in their reading skills. Active participation in the TDSRC helps reduce this “summer slide” by providing access to books and literacy-based programming while making reading fun.

In addition to the club, KFPL branches across the city will offer programming and performances throughout the summer. This year’s lineup includes a LEGO Club, Puppet Show Extravaganza Tours, Stories in the Park, and of course, the very popular “Live @ the Library” series. “Live” performers include musicians, artists, live animals, and magicians! Including “Live @ the Library” shows, the Library will be offering over 200 free programs and events for children during June, July and August across the city and in Sydenham and Sharbot Lake.  For more information about Live at the Library performers and other events, pick up the summer events flyer, call your local branch, or visit the Programs and Events section of the Library’s website at www.kfpl.ca.

The Salvation Army will be holding a food drive on June 23, 2018 to help individuals and families in need. This is a great chance to help make a difference in our community. The Salvation Army provides food at no cost for low-income families and individuals in need through our Emergency Food Bank.

We are encouraging those participating to leave any non-perishable food items  on your front porch in the bag provided. The bags will be picked up on Saturday June 23 between 9:00 a.m.  12:00 p.m. (noon), or you may bring any non-perishable items you wish to donate to The Salvation Army Community & Family Services at 400 Niagara Street, St. Catharines.

Our food bank is open Tuesday-Thursday from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. All items donated will help feed those in need. We encourage you to join us in our efforts to help individuals and families in need of food this upcoming summer.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our request, and God bless.

Residents in Harrow Centre and beyond can have their say on the upcoming streetscape project during an Open House on Thursday, June 28.

The event, which will be hosted from 7:00 to 8:30pm at the Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre, will give community members the chance to learn about, and provide feedback on, the planned streetscape project.

The project aims to revamp the physical characteristics of sidewalks and public rights of way on King and parts of Queen and McAfee Streets in Harrow Centre. The project will also include a comprehensive theme which reflects the community’s past, present, and future.

“This event is the perfect chance for residents to have a say in how their downtown and community look for years to come,” explained Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer. “We want the streetscape project to reflect all that Harrow Centre has to offer, and there’s no better way to achieve that goal than through the ideas and experiences of the people who live there.”

The effort is being led by Stempski Kelly Associates Inc., the consulting firm which completed the Essex Centre streetscape plan in 2014.

The firm will work closely with the community, a steering committee of locally active business representatives, and Town of Essex staff to prepare a phasing and costing plan, as well as set priorities for the project.

“This is the start of a long-term project which will have an impact on the community for decades to come,” Silveira added. “We’re excited to hear from our residents and hope they will join us throughout the process.”

The Chatham-Kent Film Group is presenting the acclaimed film “Lucky” starring Harry Dean Stanton on Monday, July 9, at the Capitol Theatre. Shows will be at 4:00 and 7:00. $10 cash at the door. New season subscriptions at $50 will be accepted. 519-359-8455.

Literacy Nipissing is offering a GED (grade 12 equivalent) preparation class starting on July 9, 2018.  This 20 week course (2 afternoons) will prepare individuals to write the GED tests at the end of November.  For more information call Maureen at 705-494-9416.  Don't miss the opportunity to strike something off your bucket list and get your GED now!!

Literacy Nipissing is looking for volunteers to serve on our Board of Directors or to tutor adults in reading, writing and/or math.  Please contact Maureen at 705-494-9416 if you are interested.  Literacy Nipissing is celebrating 40 years of service to the citizens of North Bay.