Death, dying, illness, and grief are often taboo topics, but they are the very topics that members of the Hospice Peterborough Book Club like to discuss and relate to their own experiences.

The book club, which started in 2020, meets four times a year on Friday mornings, and is led by volunteers Mary Lou, Mary Ann, and Nancy.

“Book clubs are usually intellectual,” states Mary Lou, who’s been involved with the book club since its inception. “Quite often in our book club we get into the emotional part.”

The discussions offer members a sense of community and connection.

Initially, the group met monthly, but has more recently shifted to a four-times-a-year format. Less frequent meetings meant more people could commit to joining without the pressures of reading a new book each month. Books are selected based on word of mouth and recommendations from other hospice volunteers and a list published by Hospice Palliative Care Ontario.

“If you don’t have time to read [the book], you don’t necessarily have to,” says Mary Lou, noting that if most participants have read the book, you’re still OK to join, listen and participate in the discussion the book inspires, even if you didn’t finish it.

The next meeting of the Hospice Peterborough Book Club takes place Friday April 17 and will focus on the book “After You” by Jojo Moyes. Anyone connected to Hospice is welcome to participate, either in person at Hospice, located at 325 London St., or on Zoom. For more information, or to register, please contact BJ Ross at bross@hospicepeterborough.org or 705-742-4042 ext. 224.

St. James United Church is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Muffin Party on Wednesday, March 18 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Admission is $5 per person at the door. In addition to muffins, the event also includes baked goods and a new-to-you table. St. James Church is located at 221 Romaine St. and is wheelchair accessible with an elevator. For more information, please visit stjamesunitedchurch.ca or call 705-742-2222.

Income Tax Assistance

Do you need assistance with your income taxes? If your 2025 income was less than $40,000 or your family income was less than $55,000, volunteers will do your taxes for free. Tax clinics are running throughout the city until the end of April, including several in the Town Ward.

Volunteers will be at:

One City Peterborough, 360 Reid St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday March 19.

Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St., from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. of Friday April 17.

Peterborough’s Social Services Office, 178 Charlotte St., on Thursday April 9, and Tuesday April 21.

Please call 705-748-8830 to schedule an appointment at the Social Services clinics. Be sure to bring all tax slips, and rental or property tax details. For more information, please email gbuck@cogeco.ca or call 705-745-4303.

All Saints’ Anglican Church, located at 235 Rubidge St., is hosting a free community meal on Friday, March 20 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The meal will be held in the Upper Parish Hall, and everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit allsaintspeterborough.org or call 705-876-1501.

Due to popular demand, Peterborough DBIA is pleased to announce T-shirts featuring The Boro design by local artist Brooklin Stormie, are now available in youth sizing. Purchases help support Peterborough DBIA’s programming and free events, including Movies at the Park and Halloween in the Boro. For more information, or to shop online, please visit theboro.ca. Items can be picked up or purchased in person at the Peterborough DBIA office at Venture North Peterborough, 270 George St., suite 202A. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Delivery options are available by request.

© Peterborough Examiner