Devastating 1916 Quaker Oats fire is the topic of an upcoming presentation
Giving the talk will be the author of ‘Held to the Fire,’ a book that takes a close look at the event
Trent Valley Archives (TVA) is launching its new season of talks, walks and tours with a presentation on a new understanding of the 1916 Quaker Oats fire, by Matthew Flagler, on April 25, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Highland Park Cemetery Visitor Centre, 2510 Bensfort Rd. Admission is free and open to all.
Flagler is author of “Held to the Fire,” a book that takes a close look at the fire. He grew up in East City and his great-grandfather was Dennis O’Brien, whose body was never recovered after the explosion at Quaker Oats on Dec. 11, 1916.
“In this fast-paced, interactive session, Matthew will discuss the challenges of writing about an event that happened over 107 years ago; the impetus for writing ‘Held to the Fire’; do a select reading from the book; and answer questions from the audience,” reads a release for the presentation.
TVA’s annual general meeting follows the presentation. Refreshments will be served and copies of “Held to the Fire” will be available for purchase. For information, contact TVA at 705-745-4404, or by email at admin@trentvalleyarachives.com, or visit trentvalleyarchives.com/events.
Stage volunteers needed
The Trent Valley Archives Theatre committee is looking for volunteers. Specifically, they are looking for a production and a stage manager for their fall cemetery pageant ghost walk. Anyone interested should email Madison More at tvat@trentvalleyarchives.com.
Activity Haven music
Ian Roy will be performing hit songs of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s at Activity Haven on Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Mini pizzas will be available for purchase and there will be a cash bar.
Naturalist Outings
Peterborough Field Naturalists have two spring outings planned for later this month and community members are welcome to register. These outings present a great opportunity to see what the group is all about.
The Sounds of Spring walk takes place Saturday, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Cavan Swamp wetland. Participants will distinguish the different mating songs of various species of frogs and listen to the courtship flights of the American Woodcock (a.k.a. Timberdoodle) and Wilson’s Snipe.
Accessibility is easy, as the walk is along a closed roadway. The session is limited to 20 participants. To register and for information, contact Sue at sueparadisis@hotmail.com or 705-559-2061.
The Lang-Hastings Rail Trail outing (Part 1), with Steve Paul, takes place Sunday, from 8 to 11 a.m. The 2.8-kilometre walk takes place on the Heritage Line to Nelson Road section, which crosses Indian River and runs alongside a pine forest and through meadow habitat.
There will be opportunities to see great views of the countryside and hear returning spring birds, including eastern meadowlarks, killdeer, Wilson’s snipes and maybe local ospreys returning to their nesting platform.
The meeting location is the carpool parking lot kitty-corner to the Country Style coffee shop at the Keene Road/Highway 7 intersection.
Carpooling is encouraged for driving to the trail start location. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather of the day. Accessibility is easy with walking on a flat rail trail.
Register by email to stevepaul70@gmail.com. Further details will be provided when your spot is confirmed. This session is limited to 20 participants.
The Sounds of Spring walk takes place Saturday, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Cavan Swamp wetland
Donations needed
Cameron House Women’s Shelter desperately needs women’s underwear sizes small and medium. Donations can be dropped off at 738 Chemong Rd. Call 705-748-4766 for information.
Trent Film Society
The Trent Film Society continues with Adaptations April, a collection of five films retelling classic stories.
All screenings are free and take place at Sadleir House lecture hall, 751 George St. N., on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
“Ophelia” and “Jojo Rabbit” have been shown. Remaining films include “Kiss Me, Kate” (Tuesday); “Flooding with Love for the Kid” (April 23); and “Dune (1984)” (April 30).