Join the Peterborough Historical Society (PHS) on Tuesday, April 21 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. for a presentation by John Boyko titled “14th Colony to 51st State: America Coveting Canada,” following the AGM at 7 p.m.

In his presentation, local author and historian Boyko, will discussing how the United States has actively sought to make Canada American throughout history, by buying, bombing or bamboozling us. The many machinations of American leaders — from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump — wanting Canada, will also be explored.

Boyko has written nine books addressing Canadian history and politics including “Blood and Daring: How Canada Fought the American Civil War and Forged a Nation.”

He was born in Hamilton, raised in Peterborough, attended Crestwood Secondary School, and has degrees from Trent, Queen’s, and McMaster Universities. He is a retired educator and administrator, and has served on and chaired many boards. He currently lives in Lakefield and is Selwyn Township’s Lakefield Ward councillor.

This presentation and the PHS AGM take place at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre, located at 347 Burnham St. Members, guests, and the general public are welcome. Admission is free; donations are welcome. For more information, please visit phs-hutchisonhouse.ca, or call 705-740-2600.

There are several PA Day activities for children taking place in the Town Ward on Friday, April 17.

Hutchison House Museum, located at 270 Brock St., is hosting a workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon where children will learn about kaleidoscopes and create their own. This workshop is appropriate for children ages six to 12 and is $25 per child. Registration is required. For more information, or to register a child, please contact the museum at 705-743-9710.

The Peterborough Public Library presents a PA Day Family Film from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees can watch the Disney Nature Documentary Bears (2014, rated G, 78 minutes), which showcases a year in the life of a bear family. Popcorn and drinks will be provided while supplies last. This free event takes place in the FOL Community Room, at the main library branch, 345 Aylmer St. Please visit ptbolibrary.ca or call 705-745-5382 for more information.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP), located at 250 Crescent St., presents a Printmaking workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This workshop is suitable for children ages eight to 12 and participants will explore monotype printing and experiment with layered colour, stencils, and texture tools to create one-of-a-kind prints. Registration fees are $45 or $40.50 for AGP members. For more information, or to register, please visit agp.on.ca or call 705-743-9179.

‘No More Silent Battles’

Mark Street United Church, located at 90 Hunter St. E, presents “No More Silent Battles,” a documentary screening and discussion on Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. The documentary shines a light on the growing crisis of dementia care in Canada and follows the deeply personal journeys of four families as they navigate the home care system. It is sparking conversations across Canada about transforming dementia home care.

Following the film, there will be a question-and-answer session with Dr. Jenny Ingram, director and producer of the film. Ingram is also a specialist in Geriatric Medicine based in Peterborough, and best known for her work in dementia care and for developing the Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN).

Ingram became very concerned during COVID-19, as she watched how well-intentioned policies impacted her patient population. “Pandemic policies isolated people living with dementia from their family caregivers, from sufficient staff, and from basic care, at the doors of hospitals and long-term care — everywhere they turned. That was unacceptable.” The documentary, No More Silent Battles, is the result of that concern.

Admission is free and everyone — family, friends, neighbours, caregivers — are welcome. For more information, please visit nomoresilentbattles.ca and markstreetunited.ca.

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