Five Counties Children’s Centre’s second annual Spring into Learning event takes place Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the centre, located at 872 Dutton Rd.

This free event will focus of helping attendees to “rethink disability.” It would be of interest, not just to Five Counties families, but to anyone who supports or interacts with someone with disabilities, as well as those who want to learn more about what it is like to live with a disability. 

“We had wonderful response to our first-ever Spring into Learning last year, that focused on seeing the ability, not disability in every person,” said Hayley Hodges, event organizer and Client and Family Engagement Lead at Five Counties. “This year’s theme focuses on how we can rethink disability and see resiliency in individuals who overcome challenges and achieve new things with their different abilities. This year, there will also be special emphasis on the vital role of caregivers and how they can be better supported in their work supporting individuals with a disability.”

Presenters at the event include:

Keynote speaker Alec Denys (a five-time Canadian Paralympian, sports enthusiast and accessibility advocate) sharing his personal story of suffering a life-altering injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down, and how his love of sports helped him discover new abilities.

Workshop facilitator Derek Newman-Still (local author, Trent professor and activist) speaking on the importance of resiliency in their own life to respond and correct presumptions from those who diss their disability.

Workshop facilitator Maureen Pollard (social worker and compassionate bereavement care provider) explaining why caregivers need to care for their own well-being as much as the person they support, realizing self-care is not selfish.

Hodges believes there is great value in attending the 2026 edition of Spring into Learning.

“What I get out of this, and what I hope others will, is a sense that they feel more comfortable interacting with those with disabilities, they understand the role the caregiver has in a person’s life, especially when they have a disability, and just a more positive perspective on disabilities as a whole,” she said.

Lunch and snacks will be provided at the event, along with takeaway resources. Child care is not available.

Registration is now open. Register by visiting fivecounties.on.ca/mt-event/spring-into-learning/ or by contacting Hodges at 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215.

Church at Christ Lutheran Church, 463 Highland Rd., is hosting a Messy Church Monday, April 27 at 5 p.m. Kids of all ages, as well as parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours are invited to attend. 

The event incudes crafts, activities, the lesson, a meal and lots of fun. Those who can’t make it for the crafts and lesson are welcome to attend for the meal starting around 6 p.m. 

This is a free event. For further information email sshea@hotmail.ca.

ReStores summer and tools

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region ReStores have announced extended summer hours. That means more time to shop, donate and volunteer.

Both ReStores are now open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, and closed on Sundays.

The Peterborough ReStore is located at 300 Milroy Dr., and the Lindsay ReStore is located at 55 Angeline St. N., Lindsay.

Also, the Peterborough Tool Library has undergone a name change and is now the Kawartha Tool Library. This change took place because in addition to the Tool Library at the ReStore North, a new Tool Library location is opening within the Lindsay ReStore.

The Tool Library is like a library, but for tools. You can borrow from more than 1,000 tools to assist you with your home, garden, or DIY projects, without having to buy a new tool just for one job. 

The new Lindsay location of the Kawartha Tool Library will have a grand opening Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will include a ribbon cutting, Tool Library tours, raffle prizes, cake and refreshments, and goody bags for the first 30 guests. During the grand opening event there will also be 25 per cent off storewide at the ReStore. And if you sign up in person that day for an annual membership you will get a special discounted rate.

For more details and updates on the Kawartha Tool Library, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

© Peterborough Examiner