No Keene Pumpkin Festival this fall due to COVID-19
Popular community event has to be cancelled because of pandemic safety measures
The annual Keene Pumpkin Festival will not take place this year. Instead, a new, safe and fun tradition will be carved out by the Pumpkinfest committee.
So get those pumpkins growing and save the date, Oct. 17, to celebrate.
COVID-19 testing
A one day COVID-19 testing clinic is coming Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Otonabee South Monaghan Community Centre. The testing is for residents without symptoms of the virus and is available without appointment, either as a walk-in or drive through. The clinics are led by the Peterborough Paramedics with support from the County of Peterborough, Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Peterborough Public Health.
Talent auction
An online talent auction takes place between June 21 and June 28. The catalogue can be viewed online after June 14. A paper version can be provided. For more details, contact Ted at 705-2956692 or e-mail treasurerkuc@nexicom.net. Hosted by Keene United Church.
Bottle dropoff
A bottle dropoff is being held Tuesday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Keene Lions Den, or arrange for pickup from your driveway Thursday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. by calling Claude, 705-295-2210 or Ray, 705-2954494. Proceeds go to the OSM Food Cupboard.
Scholarships
Graduating OSM high school students can apply for one of four Keene Lions Club Scholarships. Applications can be found on the website, e-clubhouse.org/ sites/keeneon/.
Diaries of an Otonabee farmer
John Graham Weir was born in Otonabee Township in 1844 and married Lovina
Tennyson in 1867. Their first farm straddled Keene Road where the TransCanada trail crosses now. From there they moved to a new home and farm a little closer to town on the 12th Concession, where the bypass goes by Corrigan Hill.
In 1920 they retired to a house with a large lot on Romaine Street. Weir kept journals from 1880 until his death in July 1925. They were donated to Trent Valley Archives by the Mitchell family of Stoney Creek.
1920 June 17, Thurs.
This forenoon I went up town for bluestone and lime to spray our potatoes to prevent blight. Fair and cool all day.
1920 June 19
I went to the market and bought some strawberries at thirty cents per box, cabbage at 15 cents per lb. and roast of fresh pork at 35 cents per lb.
1925 June 15, Mon.
This morning after breakfast I went to the cemetery and I planted some more choice flowers on Lovina's grave and on my Father and Mothers’ graves. I feel that I have the lot complete now with flowers and the monument.
1925 June 16
This afternoon I went to visit Mrs. Matthew Johnson and Miss Mary Donnelly, her sister. We have been on friendly terms from when we were children. The Donnelly family and my Father’s family were very great friends.
1925 June 17
This forenoon I was weeding in the garden. This afternoon I picked a panful of strawberries and gave them all away. Some to Mrs. Howden, some to Mrs. Richardson and some to Mrs. Leonard Mathews. Quite cool all day and some rain this evening.
1925 June 18
I picked a few strawberries. Heavy rain last night.
1925 June 19
I picked some strawberries for the neighbours and friends. Raining every night, less or more. This forenoon I walked up town and I put an ad in the Examiner about strawberries for sale.
1925 June 20
I had Charley Leary and wife to see me this morning. They came in their car all the way from Los Angeles, California. I have been picking strawberries all day and they were all taken away before dark.