Former NHL-er George Laraque Speaking In Peterborough This Wednesday

The Peterborough Partnership Council on Immigrant Integration (PPCII) has organized a one-day event this Wednesday (March 16th) called “Georges Laraque: My Canadian Story”. Laraque will be sharing his experiences as a second-generation immigrant from Haiti and how it influenced his experiences growing up in Tracy, a small community outside Montreal.

On the ice, he was known as an "enforcer" but off it, he is known for his outgoing and friendly personality. He is committed and passionate about a number of causes, including animal welfare, the relief effort in Haiti, and promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Also, he continues to be involved with numerous charities and wants to serve as a positive role model to young people.

The event takes place this Wednesday, March 16th at 8:00 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre. Tickets are available for free—limited to 4 per person—at the New Canadians Centre Peterborough (205 Sherbrooke St Unit D, across from the Fire Hall, in person only).

For more info, please contact Jason Stabler, Coordinator of the PPCII, at (705) 743-0882 x230 or via email at jason@nccpeterborough.ca.

[Photo via George Laraque Facebook page]

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David Goyette Launches New Book "Heading to Happy" At Splice

David proudly displays his new book. Photo by Evan HoltDavid Goyette, Executive Assistant to Mayor Daryl Bennett, was at Splice last night to launch his new book, Heading to Happy. This is David's second book, and it took him just over three years to write it. Heading to Happy is David's personal collection of 40 learned lessons in the art of living.

Exerpts were read by Betsy McGregor and Tim Rowat, while Jason Chessar gave a personal comentary on how the book influenced him.

David's book consists of 40 notes, but the most important one to him is based on the last line of The Beatles song "The End" on Abbey Road—"The love you take, Is equal to the love you make." That is the most important message David would like to convey.

All proceeds of the evening were donated to Our Space, and graciously accepted by Our Space Executive Director, Ken Whatman.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Lost And Found: The Garage Sale Store

First it was located on Charlotte Street, and then a move took them out to Chemong Road, and after that POOF! No one knew where to look next when having their itch for The Garage Sale store.

It was a trip home from Bobcaygeon when I hit the breaks after I saw the recognizable signs of "The Garage Sale". This little gem of a shoppe is filled with vintage goodies and long lost thrifty finds.

Many locals in the Patch were loyal customers and were puzzled when the store vacated their most recent location on Chemong Road. Maurice LeClair, who currently owns and operates the business, also sells his furniture pieces online and is continuously adding new items.  

The store is now located at 3300 Highway #36 and is open for business Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Maurice can be reached at 705-559-6951 or email him for directions and inquiries.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Peterborough's Carley Stenson Strikes A Deal On "Dragons' Den"

Carley Stenson at SpliceAnother local entrepreneur (there have been many) entered the den on Wednesday night's episode of Dragons' Den to deliver her pitch.

Carley Stenson of Peterborough created the company Anywhere But Here, which is a global fashion house that carries unique and authentic clothing from around the world. One of those products are Siams, a one size fits all Thai fisherman's pant perfect for yoga, the cottage, maternity, or simply lounging at home. 

I discovered these pants myself last summer from her booth at the International Dragon Boat Festival. I knew right away it was a product I would love. Carley was most helpful explaining and demonstrating the product.

In order to promote her company, she held an event at Splice on Wednesday night for the community to come to. A tropical themed event, she had her products on display for purchase, followed by the screening of Dragons' Den. 

Her pitch on developing her Thai fisherman's pant further was the first to be presented on the episode and after four of the Dragon judges turned her down, she struck a deal with the fifth judge, Jim Treliving. Congrats to Carley!

 [Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Update on 2011-03-03 12:41 by PTBOCANADA

After due diligence by Jim Treliving that happened after the deal was made on Dragons' Den (due diligence is done on all deals that are made on each show), the deal fell through with Carley. But the show still provided great exposure for her and her company.

We Take You Inside Dreams of Beans Roasting House

Many of you probably start your morning out with a cup of java to give yourself a kickstart to the day. Recently, I popped into the little Dreams of Beans Roasting House located on George Street. I had always been curious to see the roasting process and how the java in my cup came to be.

I was warmly greeted by owner Johanna Sinclair (pictured below left with her giant roaster) at her roasting house. She was a wealth of information and knowledge, and shared her passion and dedication of all things coffee with me. Johanna has done a lot of travelling around the world to continue to flourish her passion and bring back more expertise and new ideas. 

Her main Dreams of Beans café at 138 Hunter Street has been a thriving place, and Johanna was thrilled about opening the tiny roasting house on George St. a couple of years ago. I was happy to hear from her about how many local merchants and restaurants offer roasts from Dreams of Beans, including Maggie's Eatery and Brio Gusto amongst many others. 

If you ever get the chance to pop by her roasting house on top of your visit to her café, it's definitely worth the trip!

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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PtboPics: Family Day At Ontario Speed Skating Oval In Lakefield

There was a great crowd out today for Family Day at the Oval in Lakefield. Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal was out with his family (see his picture below), and the ice conditions were pretty good considering the warm weather we've had of late, so kudos to the ice crew. People were able to try speed skates which were made available, and there were hot dogs and hot chocolate being served. It was fun in the sun.

[Ontario Speed Skating Oval]

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Video: An Interview With The Mayor's Wife Jewell Bennett

And yes, she is asked about her "signature piece"—her hair.

[chextvDOTcom]

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Jackie DeKnock Creates Culinary Retreat "Gourmet Safari" Near Peterborough

Jackie gets help from Kruz FM's Catherine Hanrahan, who fluffs the rice. Photo: Julie MorrisJackie DeKnock and her husband Dan have set up a culinary retreat just outside of Peterborough in Mount Pleasant called Gourmet Safari. PtboCanada was there yesterday as part of a kind of culinary workshop organized by Kruz FM's Catherine Hanrahan. Jackie's growing business is coming together as a bed and breakfast and kitchen "studio" with hands-on cooking lessons.

The focus is on global cuisine, as Jackie has travelled the world during her last job at British Airways. Cooking and traveling are her two passions, so she took cooking classes and also learned about the importance of nutritional values. 

Jackie started her business by teaching cooking for two little girls, then moved on to men's cooking classes. She then added group classes, a Tapas birthday party and a couple's cooking class (they enjoyed it so much that they want to come back monthly).

There are a few spots left in Jackie's March Break Children's Cooking Camp, where kids explore culinary delights from the likes of Italy, Greece, Thailand, Mexico and Egypt.

Delicious kabobs served by Jackie and Dan. Photo: Evan Holt

For more info, check out Jackie's website. Jackie also appears on Kruz FM with Quick and Delicious Dish recipes every week.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Amazing: Peterborough's Scott Cannata Will Be Running Across Canada For Cancer Research

As part of his "Run to Live" campaign, Trent University student Scott Cannata will be running from coast to coast starting May 1st, 2011 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. His goal: to run 42 kilometres per day for 209 days—a total of 8,778 kilometres. All to raise money for cancer research.

[Camerasacrosscanada.com, Facebook.com/theruntolive, Twitter.com/theruntolive, Youtube.com/theruntolive]

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Girls Rock Out To "You Give Love A Bad Name" And Win The Wolf's Bon Jovi Contest

The winners of The Wolf's BonJovioke video contest are...

To view all the entries, click here.

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