Twenty close friends gathered for a private dinner to celebrate good food and the fight against neuroblastoma, compliments of a James Fund Golf Classic auction prize donated by Peterborough's Rare Grill House (photo: Nicole Zinn, Glimpse Imaging)

Beautiful food, the best of friends and family, generous hearts, a round of golf on a top-rated course, and hope for the families of dying children converge every summer to offer one of the most memorable events of my year.

I was reminded of this the other day when I saw a couple of photos on Facebook taken a few summers ago that, for me, encompass all that is wonderful about the James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research and the fundraising golf tournament it has hosted for the past six years at the Kawartha Golf and Country Club.

The photos in question were taken months after the annual tournament when 20 people gathered at the home of my close friends, Rhonda and Brad Walst, to indulge in an exquisite feast that every year is the top auction item at the event — courtesy of one of Peterborough’s finest chefs, Brad Watt of Rare Grill House, and his lovely wife, Katie.

In so many ways, the James Fund Golf Classic is vastly different than any other tournament I’ve been to. Even though it takes place at one of the top courses in Ontario, the golf is not the highlight of the day; it’s what happens afterwards that captures the imagination.

I’ve never been to a golf tournament where non-golfers arrive after the round to enjoy drinks, fine food, entertainment, and a silent and live auction for items that are truly memorable, all generously donated by too many people to name.

The Oyster Bar that Roland Hosier of St. Veronus Café and Tap Bar puts on every year is the centerpiece of the cocktail hour. During dinner, I’ve heard Canadian stage star Michael Burgess bring the crowd to tears with his voice as he channelled Les Miserables’ Jean Valjean, I’ve met survivors of the deadly childhood cancer the James Fund is fighting, and I’ve spoken with families who find hope through the annual retreat the tournament supports.

I’ve met others whose children will run and play no more in our world because of this terrible disease, and in their strength and resilience I find inspiration. They carry on, honouring the memory of their children, their brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews; quenching the pain of their loss with a tenacious will to protect others from future sorrow.

It’s sad and it’s beautiful.

The top auction item every year at the James Fund Golf Classic is an exquisite feast courtesy of Brad Watt of Rare Grill House, one of Peterborough's finest chefs (photo: Daniel Partington)

The summer the photos I mention were taken, our group at the tournament was determined to outbid others for the Rare catered dinner. At first, Brad Watt told the crowd we were bidding on a dinner for eight — but that number soon rose to 20.

Fresh PEI lobster would be flown in, Watt promised, wine would be paired to each course, the beef would be the finest of aged cuts, and the freshest local ingredients would spark each bite. He’d spare no effort to create a night worthy of memory.

With assurances of help from others, my brother and his wife kept upping the bid as the ante rose and a few months later, on a beautiful late-summer day, we gathered at Brad and Rhonda’s to share a remarkable evening.

We ate like kings and, for that evening, cares and worries evaporated, though never far from our minds was the vital importance of the cause we were supporting. I’d sat at that table many times before when worry was all there was — the first time I’d ever heard of neuroblastoma was when Brad and Rhonda were struggling with their son’s diagnosis.

My heart broke with theirs as their son, James, went through surgeries and treatments to combat the cancerous cells wrapped around his spine, as did the hearts of the friends gathered around their dinner table that August night.

Today, we share in the joy of each positive visit James has at Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital, and we cherish the beautiful moments in life all the more because we know that, while his treatments have been successful so far, so many neuroblastoma families are unable to say the same.

The 6th annual Nexicom James Fund Golf Classic is about these families and the opportunity to give them hope. It’s a tournament unlike any other, and it kicks off on June 3 this year. Visit www.jamesfund.com/golfclassic for more information.

This is the second in a series of stories by Kristian Partington about the James Fund Golf Classic. Read the first.

Kristian Partington (photo: Nicole Zinn, Glimpse Imaging)

Kristian Partington is a freelance writer based in Norwood, Ontario, who covers a range of subjects, from music and art to health and aging in society.

He can be reached at pwritingstudios@gmail.com or visit kristianpartington.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter @kjpartington.

"End of Daze” by Rebecca Padgett is on display at Gallery in the Attic (photo: Elizabeth Fennell, Gallery in the Attic)

“End of Daze” by Rebecca Padgett and Dale Brownson’s fantastical cityscapes at Gallery in the Attic

Rebecca Padgett’s work is bold and highly abstract, featuring large, dynamic pieces that exude energy. Layers of colour are splashed, flicked and sprayed across surfaces, in orange, black, blue and white.

There is nothing timid about these works. While Padgett’s previous works are more representational, these new pieces are not.

Highly graphic in nature and sometimes erring on the graffiti side of art, these pieces are commercial in look and feel. They wouldn’t be out of place as backdrop for a fashion shoot.

Displayed on and along the warm surrounds of the Brick Room, Gallery In The Attic is the place to see them.

As for Dale Brownson’s show in the Work Room, the mood is definitely conflicted.

His large, wildly energetic pieces are at first dark and distressed. Large crowds of characters are found within various environments. The way he’s able to take the lethagy and dim tone and infuse light is remarkable. Via a palette of oranges, yellows and white, Brownson steals a glimmer of sunshine into what would otherwise be some of the most harrowing visual art I’ve seen in some time.

The work of both artists is on display until June 1 at Gallery in the Attic (140-1/2 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).

Padgett's bold and highly abstract work features large, dynamic pieces that exude energy (photo: Jeff Macklin)

Padgett's works are well-suited to the warm surrounds of the Gallery in the Attic's Brick Room (photo: Jeff Macklin)

Brownson’s wildly energetic pieces feature large crowds of characters (photo: Elizabeth Fennell, Gallery in the Attic)

“Built/Environment” by the Little Red Hen Artists Group at Gallery in the Attic

This collective of more than 40 artists (full disclosure: of which I am a current member) change up most of the disparate work each month. This lends an element of surprise, as members either work to a predetermined theme or strike out on their own with works across a multitude of mediums.

Watch for a lovely and large new piece from Joe Stable, as well as a great selection of new crafts — perfect for gift giving (Mother’s Day approaches).

The show takes place in the Framing Room until June 1 at Gallery in the Attic (140-1/2 Hunter St. W., Peterborough). The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 5 p.m.

“Built/Environment” is an exhibit by the Little Red Hen Artists Group (photo: Jeff Macklin)

The exhibit offers a wide variation of work by artists such as Brianna Gosselin (photo: Jeff Macklin)

With Mother's Day approaching, this is a perfect time to pick up a unique gift of art (photo: Jeff Macklin)

“As Witness: New Works from Zimbabwe” by Brian Nichols at Dreams of Beans

Brian Nichols paints from experience. His paintings are dark memories — coloured with joy. A defined African aesthetic consumes the works hanging at Dreams of Beans (138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).

With vivid colour and even more distinct detail — along with overlayed images, mandalas and other visual nuances — Nichols transports viewers to some harrowing moments in time.

Time is running short, as the exhibit is on only until May 12. If you do miss this show, put Brian Nichols on your wish list — the work is honest, bold and very powerful.

Across Hunter Street at Catalina’s Salon (131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough), you can catch Brian’s other show “Covering Up: Corruption” — works on t-shirts. One hundred percent of sales go to support the communities Brian works with in Zimbabwe.

“As Witness: New Works from Zimbabwe" is on display at Dreams of Beans (photo: Jeff Macklin)

Nichols' work features vivid colour and even more distinct detail (photo: Jeff Macklin)

A defined African aesthetic consumes the works by Brian Nichols (photo: Jeff Macklin)

Ongoing work by Brianna Gosselin at Stickling’s Bakery & Bistro

Local artist Brianna Gosselin, who wears many hats in the arts community (member of the Little Red Hen collective and a teacher at the Art School of Peterborough), always finds time to make lovely visual art.

Often you’ll find her work on the walls of Stickling’s Bistro on Charlotte Street and this month is no different. With the end of the Spark Photo exhibit, Gosselin has taken the opportunity to adorn the walls with fresh work. Always colourful and always playful, Gosselin is branching out — no pun intended. If you know her work, you know she loves trees. This time around, glowing koi and whimsical forest creatures appear, as the tone becomes a little bit more fantastical.

Always lovely work. Make sure to stop by for a peek.

The show is ongoing and new pieces are being added at Stickling’s Bakery & Bistro (191 Charlotte St., Peterborough).

Works by Brianna Gosselin are on display at Sticklings (photo: Jeff Macklin)

Glowing koi and whimsical forest creatures lend a fanastical tone (photo: Jeff Macklin)

Gosselin's work is always colourful and always playful (photo: Jeff Macklin)

Jeff Macklin

Jeff Macklin is a well-known designer, a leader on the local social media scene, and owner of Prevail Media — creating dynamic visuals and helping his clients to be seen and heard. In his spare time, Jeff is an old-school letterpress artisan who uses wood and lead type to create unique cards and artwork. He’s also a fan of modern pop music and an avid local arts supporter and volunteer.

You can follow Jeff on Twitter @jacksoncreek and @prevailmedia, like his Facebook pages for Jackson Creek Press and Prevail Media, visit the Jackson Creek Press and Prevail Media websites, or email him at jeff@jacksoncreekpress.ca or jeff@prevailmedia.ca. You can also browse and buy products from the Jackson Creek Press shop on Etsy.

After three years of treatment, Ethan Howcroft celebrates being cancer-free (photo: Pat Trudeau)

It was Christmas 2009 when my sister Erin Howcroft and brother-in-law Clint Howcroft began to notice something was wrong.

Their son Ethan — my god son — was lethargic and began napping often. He was tired, pale, and generally feeling under the weather.

His condition continued to worsen and, sensing something was wrong, Erin brought Ethan to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) to have him checked out.

A quick blood test showed something was indeed wrong and he was airlifted to Sick Kids in Toronto on February 8, 2010.

The Howcroft family will never forget that date, as later that day doctors diagnosed Ethan with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or ALL for short. Ethan was six years old.

The diagnosis was devastating, but the outlook was positive. The chances of Ethan beating this were strong, but the fight would not be easy. Luckily, the staff at Sick Kids were thorough, determined, and comforting at a time when this family needed it most.

Ethan was kept in Sick Kids for two weeks initially. The first goal was to stabilize his condition with platelet transfusions. Five days after he was admitted into the hospital, they began chemotherapy.

Twice during that first stay, Ethan underwent Bone Marrow Aspirations — a process by which bone marrow fluid and cells are removed from the bone via a large needle. This process is incredibly painful, as you can imagine, but necessary for this type of leukemia that targets the bone marrow and then spreads out to the organs.

The first two weeks were incredibly hard for everyone, but most all for Ethan. He suffered from a severe allergic reaction to a platelet transfusion, fear and uncertainty from the diagnosis, side effects from the chemotherapy, and confusion from being a child in a scary situation. All the while, he kept smiling.

When fighting leukemia in a child you pretty much throw everything but the kitchen sink at it. For Ethan it was intense chemo for the first six months and a handful of drugs to combat the side effects. The steroids caused irregular weight gain and made his face puffy. The chemo gave him rashes and caused his hair to fall out. One of the chemo treatments caused a reaction which lead to massive blood clotting in his head. The clotting lead to him suffering a Sinus Venous Thrombosis, which is a type of stroke. Now, in addition to the chemo, he’d receive a daily injection of blood thinners. All the while, he kept smiling.

Ethan enjoying some well-deserved cake at his Remission Rocks! party at Beavermead Park in Peterborough (photo: Pat Trudeau)

After those first six months, he began daily oral chemo, steroids, antibiotics, and got a monthly chemo injection through a port that doctors had inserted into his chest. By now, Ethan was seven.

Every three months, he would receive lumbar punctures so that they could inject chemo right into his spinal fluid. Another incredibly hard and painful procedure that needed to be done in order to overcome this disease.

Since September of 2010, Ethan would receive his monthly chemo treatments and bi-weekly blood work on the sixth floor of PRHC. Dr. Peter Hughes and nurses Shay and Jodi became regular fixtures in young Ethan’s life.

It was a long, hard-fought battle between this little boy and this awful disease.

He had to watch what he ate and when he ate it. He had to be careful of how he was playing and that he wasn’t pushing it too hard. Every winter since the start of treatment, he fought pneumonia — some times twice! All the while, Ethan kept smiling.

Then, on April 14, 2013, after more than three years, nine-year-old Ethan finished treatment and entered remission.

Local pediatrician Dr. Peter Hughes congratulates Ethan on his success (photo: Pat Trudeau)

A few weeks before Ethan was set to wrap up treatment, his mom asked him what he wanted to do the first day treatment was complete. Ethan’s response was classic and sheds great insight into his impeccable sense of humour.

One of the things Ethan had to be mindful of throughout treatment was that he wasn’t able to eat anything after 7 p.m. Some nights were harder than others, but for three years Ethan stuck to his fasting routine. Without skipping a beat, Ethan answered his mom: “I’m going to eat a giant sandwich RIGHT before bed!”

It had been three years of fighting every day; of taking drugs that would help save his life but beat him up from the inside out while doing so; of being painfully poked and prodded. It had been three years that saw this already-great little boy grow up into an amazingly strong, intelligent, and determined young man.

This past weekend, Ethan’s family threw him a Remission Rocks! party at Beavermead Park in Peterborough. Ethan was surrounded by his family, including his two older sisters Claire and Julia. A better part of Ethan’s school showed up as well to celebrate with their friend as he started the next chapter of his life.

Over three years, this little boy had touched the hearts of so many people. He had fought diligently and had been humourous and “himself” through it all.

Ethan stands on a picnic table to thank his friends and family for supporting him these last three years (photo: Pat Trudeau)

It wasn’t just his family and friends that he had an impact on either, as was evident when Dr. Hughes and Nurse Shay showed up to the party so that they could give Ethan hug and congratulate him on his success.

It’s a funny world we live in. A world filled with false heroes and misaligned priorities. People who can sing, dance, act, or shoot a hockey puck are labeled heroes. We look up to people whose hero status is based on unbelievably mundane skills.

Over the last three years I’ve had one hero. This past Sunday, as Ethan stood on a picnic table to thank his friends and family for supporting him these last three years, I found myself holding back tears for what this little boy had achieved and how humbly he had done so.

This little boy who asked for nothing — but deserved everything.

For those of us grown-ups who feel we deserve more, there’s something we can learn from Ethan Howcroft. Ethan wasn’t given what he wanted. He was handed a life-or-death situation in which his only choice was to fight for what he wanted. If we all fought half as hard, imagine how much better off we’d be.

So whether it’s a singer or a hockey player, you may have your heroes and you may believe that they are as tough as nails. However, I can guarantee — without a shadow of a doubt — that my hero is the toughest, strongest, funniest, and most deserving of hero status because, frankly, he kicked cancer’s ass.

Pat Trudeau

Pat Trudeau is a local photographer, blogger and community observer. He’s a regular contributor to kawarthaNOW.

You can find Pat on Twitter @pattrudeau and at the Trudeau Photography website.

Follow his blog Casual Trudeau and Google+ profile along with Trudeau Photography on Twitter @trudeauphotog.

James Fund Executive Director Diana Birrell is thrilled to welcome Nexicom President Paul Downs as a generous and title sponsor of the Annual Nexicom James Fund Golf Classic (photo: Carol Lawless)

In little more than a month, the Kawartha Golf and Country Club (KGCC) will again be transformed into a generator of hope for neuroblastoma families when the 6th Annual Nexicom James Fund Golf Classic kicks off June 3.

Every year since the tournament’s launch, a diverse range of golfers — along with a generous host of sponsors — have joined to collectively raise tens of thousands of dollars to support neuroblastoma families.

KGCC general manager and chair of the organizing committee Martin Piche says that while it would be hard to top the success of last year’s event, which raised more than $40,000, he has high expectations for this year.

“Last year we had beautiful weather, so many wonderful prizes and nearly every spot on the course was filled,” Piche recalls. “This year we’re fortunate to count Nexicom as our title sponsor and since we’ve managed to grow bigger and better every year, I’m sure we’ll continue to build on our earlier successes.”

This year’s prize list and auction table will once again be filled with items that are all generously donated, which keeps overhead to a minimum and ensures the tournament raises as much money as possible for the James Fund Neuroblastoma Family Retreat.

The Retreat brings together families and caregivers with doctors, health-care workers and researchers in a safe environment filled with support. It’s a place where children can be children and families lean on each other while discovering the latest news related to the battle to fight the deadly childhood disease.

Nexicom president Paul Downs has been a long-time supporter of the James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research and says taking on a new role as title sponsor of the Golf Classic is a wonderful opportunity to expand that support.

“We have always been honoured to be a part of the James Fund Golf Classic,” Downs says. “When the opportunity arose for us to become even more deeply involved in helping families battling neuroblastoma, we didn’t hesitate to say yes.”

“As a long-time partner and friend of the James Fund, I’ve always enjoyed playing in this tournament with my son, Matt,” Downs explains. “There’s an energy of positivity that surrounds the event, people and volunteers connected to it. We’re proud to strengthen our commitment to this wonderful community.”

CHEX TV’s Michelle Ferreri and Canadian stage star Michael Burgess will once again host this year’s post-tournament dinner, where golfers and guests can count on an oyster bar warm-up to a generous feast, live and silent auctions, and a range of entertainment.

The June 3 tournament begins with lunch at 12 p.m. and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at the Kawartha Golf and Country Club. Tickets are also available for the evening program only, starting at 6 p.m.

For more information visit www.jamesfund.com/golfclassic or call Diana Birrell, Executive Director of the James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research, at 705-749-3941.

kawarthaNOW.com, 100.5 Kruz FM, and The Wolf 101.5 FM are the media sponsors for this year's tournament

Kristian Partington (photo: Nicole Zinn, Glimpse Imaging)

Kristian Partington is a freelance writer based in Norwood, Ontario, who covers a range of subjects, from music and art to health and aging in society.

He can be reached at pwritingstudios@gmail.com or visit kristianpartington.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter @kjpartington.

Mike Andrews, owner of Mike's Tattoo at 388 Water Street, is regarded as one of the foremost tattoo artists in the area

Mike Andrews, tattoo artist and owner of Mike’s Tattoo at 388 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, describes himself as the boy in school who was slightly rebellious — the kid some teachers bet would never amount to anything.

“I was busy looking at the pretty girl three rows ahead of me,” Mike says with a smile. “I rarely paid attention. Except when I was in art class.”

Fascinated by symbolism, Mike found himself constantly drawing pictures of skulls and roses at school, in his spare time and virtually whenever he could.

“Tattoo’s are representative of a person’s identity and what’s meaningful to them,” Mike explains. “I suddenly became very aware of the images people chose to adorn their body.”

“By the time I was 14, I knew I wanted to be a tattoo artist,” he recalls. “And I’ve been chasing that dream ever since.”

Regarded as one of the foremost tattoo artists in the area, Mike ranks high with clients because of his talent, his warm and genuine demeanour, and — most of all — his dedication.

“The relationship between the artist and the client is very intimate,” Mike says, pointing to his elaborate and skillfully drawn sketches hanging on the wall of his bright-red studio. “Trust is so important.”

“I work for my customers,” he states firmly. “But when I see the look on their faces when their vision comes to life at my hands, through my work, that gives me instant gratification.”

A big guy with a full beard and tattooed arms, Mike’s physicality is somewhat intimidating. But when he speaks, he is thoughtful and extremely articulate, choosing his words and expressions carefully.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this little enclave on Water Street,” Mike says.

“It’s an eclectic mix of vintage clothing, artisanal food and crafts, and awesome resto’s. Each one of them stands out because they’re independent and dedicated to doing what they do really well.”

When I ask Mike to suggest a tattoo for me, he says "You have to choose something that's meaningful for you."

The Renaissance of Water Street is a special series of articles by kawarthaNOW writers Carol Lawless and Elliott Burton that profiles successful businesses on Water Street in Peterborough.

• The Planet Bakery
• Bloodline Parlour
• Sympathy for the Rebel
• Needles In The Hay
• Mike’s Tattoo

Make sure you also check out our previous stories profiling these two successful Water Street businesses:

• Le Petit Bar
• Chasing The Cheese

Now in its sixth year, Mike’s Tattoo is renowned for employing artists who are not only hard-working but accredited. Mike has a client list that’s booked close to five months in advance.

I ask Mike if I were to get a tattoo, what would he suggest?

“Something that’s meaningful for you,” he replies. “It could be your writing — a pen and a scroll or an old-school typewriter. That would be cool.”

I tell him I’m also a single mother with two girls.

Mike laughs. “Okay, maybe the scroll is more like a grocery list.”

Mike’s Tattoo is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Mike employs only accredited tattoo artists and has a client list that’s booked almost five months in advance

Mike, pictured here with Chelsea Munro, has been at his Water Street location for more than six years

All photos by Carol Lawless.