Multiple local music organizations are gathering together to share their talents at a free concert hosted by Aces of Harmony Monday, April 13 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Cephas Church (220 Goodfellow Rd.).

The evening will include a cappella (without instrument accompaniment) performances by quartets and choruses such as Aces of Harmony, Kawartha Music Company, Ganaraska Chordsmen, Couple’s Therapy, Ms4Tune, Oakridge 4 and Constructive Criticism. Refreshments will be served.

The groups will be performing their contest packages ahead of going to upcoming Ontario-wide competitions and would love to have you as their audience, says Fred Rapson, Aces of Harmony member. 

Also, the Aces of Harmony ran a successful Singing Valentine’s event in February that saw four members dressed in tuxedos serenading and surprising loved ones at nine homes from Peterborough to Keene. Money raised goes to Sing Canada, assisting youth in musical development.

A membership drive is now on to recruit new Aces of Harmony singers. The group, which has been part of the Peterborough music community for 58 years, meets Mondays from 7 until 9 p.m. at Cephas Church.

For further information, contact Moe by text or calling 289-600-0653.

Astronomical Association meeting

The Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) meets Friday, April 3 at the Rotary Education Centre Guest Services Building at Riverview Park and Zoo. If you prefer to attend online, the option to do so via Zoom is also available.

A novice astronomy class begins at 6 p.m. and runs for approximately 45 minutes. These classes focus on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy, introducing subjects at a very basic level, but in a logical sequence. Participants do not need to have attended previous classes and are welcome to stay for the meeting that follows, but there is no obligation.

This month’s novice class continues the Solar System Series with a look at the Asteroid Belt. Learn how these ancient space rocks help scientists uncover the history of the solar system and why they may play an important role in humanity’s future in space.

“Asteroids have captured the imagination of astronomers for centuries. Through a telescope, they are tiny points of moving light,” says Rick Stankiewicz, PAA publicity director.

“Most of them orbit quietly in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and preserve clues about how planets formed billions of years ago. They come in all sorts of sizes, from small to gigantic, with some large enough to be worlds of their own. Some occasionally wander close to Earth as near-Earth objects.”

The interactive segment of the class will examine how tenacious life can be and its ability to exploit extreme environments.

The main presentation at 7 p.m. by Peter Curley, PAA’s president, is a redo on controlling your Seestar (smart-scope) with your PC. 

“Smart-scopes like the Seestar are becoming the wave of the future and many of us can learn a lot from any form of hack to make our observing platforms better and easier to use,” explains Stankiewicz.

There will be ample opportunities during the evening to ask any questions you may have. The Sky This Month, a regular meeting feature, will be posted on the club website, listed below, for all to access. 

To participate in the Zoom meeting, register in advance at peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php, where you will receive the password and link to the meeting’s classes and presentations. 

There is no cost and the meeting is open to all ages. The facility is barrier free. For further information, visit peterboroughastronomy.com.

Friends of Jackson Park have organized a litter cleanup at the park Saturday, April 18, starting at 10 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at the end of Monaghan Road. Participants will then break into teams and follow the team leaders to the cleanup sites.

Bags will be provided, but please bring work gloves and your own water and snacks. A few areas need detailed work so if you have a rake or other cleanup tools, they would be helpful. Rain date is April 25.

© Peterborough Examiner