Getting It All Down on "Paper"

Virtual paper that is.

I did say that things were picking up - and they did. A week and a half ago things really started moving. It all began with the start of the Laker's Lacrosse season and didnt slow down enough for me to put my (virtual) pen to paper.

Peterborough Lakers Lacrosse

I have never been a "sports" person but there is just something about being at a live game that grabs you. It all started with Pete's hockey - and then last year we covered a few lacrosse games. This year, when the option came up to crew for lacrosse - I just couldn't miss out.

It is such a fast moving sport. I still have to read up on the rules and penalties, but even without knowing any of that info - its still a rush. Just watching the movement of the ball is challenging. I lose its location frequently. It looks like they're passing forward and it silently passes backward. There's a rush on a particular player - and he doesn't have the ball ...

Last year for the first game we were trying to cover the game on gray cement. Thank goodness for the contrast of the green carpet or I'd never know where the ball was.

Peterborough's Lakers have won 3 home games so far and they were edge of the seat games. Last Thursday was the third game against the KW Kodiaks. I was afraid to blink at one point as the goals were being score one right after another.

I look forward to my Thursday evenings! Come on out and cheer them on - but if you can't make it down to the Mem Centre, you can catch it on TVCogeco Cable Channel 10!

http://www.peterboroughlakers.ca/

Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre

That same week I got a chance to cover my first lone shoot. Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre was releasing Buttercup back into the wild. A wonderful woman named Caren rescued her last year. The young snapping turtle had been injured, probably by a car and a couple of kids were kicking her when Caren happened to pass by. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers at the Trauma Centre - Buttercup was mended and healed nicely over the winter and is now back home, helping to keep the waterway clean.

To find out more / volunteer - visit: http://www.kawarthaturtle.org/

Healthier Eating - It all starts with opening the mind to new possibilities

I met two wonderful ladies from ECO Transitions (Louise and Kamlesh) at the Green Expo a few weeks ago. They were there promoting their healthy eating workshops and information sessions for parents, caregivers and kids.

We talked for a bit about how we ate as children vs kids today, and how it has affected the current generation. I felt my kids were lucky as they grew up with a massive vegetable garden, but I didn't get overly adventurous on my vegetable choices. My friend Muriel kept trying to introduce Kale and other greens to me. I tried to prepare it once and failed badly, so I stuck to the choices I knew the kids would eat. Thankfully, my kids were not picky eaters so they did get a variety.

Louise challenged me to try Kale again. She even emailed me a salad recipe that I havent tried yet. I needed an ingredient and was waiting for the new Joanne's location to open (it opened last Tuesday!). I have prepared it twice though as a side dish. two different ways, and both times there were no leftovers. Amazing!!! I imagine with a bit more training I might find a whole new range of vegetables we'd love to enjoy.

http://www.ecotransitions.ca/

Things are picking up!

A blog is a great thing if you have something to say - something going on. This past few weeks have been lacking - so why bore you all as well!

Just thought I'd let you know I hadn't forgotten my committment to blog. Coming up in another week is the new season for Paterborough Laker's Lacrosse and I'll be there with bells on!

See you there! First game - Thurs. May 28th vs. Brooklin (8 p.m.) at the Memorial Centre!

http://www.peterboroughlakers.ca/

Peterborough YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Although the weather reports were a pointing to rain, we were blessed with fair skies and a breeze for the event.

The breeze played havoc with the registration tents and I hope that there weren't too many injuries when the tent took to the trees.

Originally, the organizers had thought they might have about 120 participants and thought that 150 pairs of shoes would suffice. To their great pleasure, there were over 200 registrants and this left the organizers seeking out additional footwear.

The men had a chance to do a bit of supportive networking before the event and a bit of stretching to help ensure that they got a safe send off.

Now picture this - over 200 men (most in high heels) walking down the center of town. What do you think the pace would be? I was (and am still amazed) at how well they walked - and how fast! (Now I was running along side with the TV camera - so I didn't get any still shots, but my friend Kerry Halme sent me these shots to share with you.)

I very seldom wear high heels, and seriously doubt I could have made that mile. These wonderful men walked at a pace that had me running just to keep up with them! Some company teams had a coach cheering them on and there was lots of support from the onlookers. I think the walk time from start to finish was something like a half hour - truly amazing.

The Holiday Inn hosted an after walk event to help them all recover and we left them eating and celebrating the end of a very successful event. It was hoped that the event would bring in at least $10,000. I just hear on the radio that the event raised over $50,000.

Congratulations to ALL of the dedicated volunteers, sponsors and participants of the event. You've all done yourselves proud.

Read more about the YWCA Crossroads Safe Haven Campaign here: http://www.ywcapeterborough.org/capital-campaign.html

Peterborough Green Expo 2009 and CNIB Tech Fair

At the end of a broadcast season, you might think we don't have much going on. To be honest, I was starting to think it was going to be a bit quiet for me, but lo and behold - there's plenty to keep me occupied!

This past weekend we visited the Green Expo and saw some really different exhibits. We saw much of what you would expect - green lawn care, services and products for a greener home and workplace and local city/county initiatives. I picked up brochures and business cards for many products that I'll have to follow-up on.

Peterborough Green-Up was there with several displays. Today (April 30, 2009) is the launch for this year's Peterborough Moves program. Information was available at the Expo, but you can find out more about this program at http://www.peterboroughmoves.com/.

Some of the exhibits I wasn't expecting though. Once such display was Leading Lady Image Consultants (http://www.theleadinglady.ca/) with their green line of Rocia cosmetics and skincare.

There was representation from local farmers and By The Bushel Community Food Co-operative (http://www.bythebushel.ca/). I didn't get too much time to find out all I wanted to know about this organization, so I will follow up soon. They did have some literature available but I would have loved to see a "sample weekly basket". I know it would very depending on the season and availability what the basket held, but it would be helpful.

Kawartha Country Winery (http://www.kawarthacountrywines.ca/) had a lovely display of their products and I know we'll take a road trip this year to their winery. I have tasted their wines at Fiesta Buckhorn (http://www.fiestabuckhorn.com/), a local food and wine festival a couple of years ago and still remember their Black Currant wine being my favourite. There was no surprise when she told me that it was an award winner!

The other display that I was excited to see was Green St. e-bikes (http://www.green705.com/). I have been talking about getting an electric assist bike ever since we moved to Peterborough. Over the past few years I haven't seen anything that really got me seriously thinking about it until last weekend. At present you dont need insurance or a license - but the Ontario government's trial period on this is due to end in October, so things may change. I'll be watching http://ebikernetwork.org/ and the links posted to find out more. We'll have to wait and see if this is the year I get the bike of my dreams!

The students from Fleming culinary programs and Kenner Collegiate were hard at work in and out of the kitchen with their lunch of local flavours. We were speaking with the chefs before things got rolling and the kitchen at that time was quite warm. I didn't get a chance to eat as we had to tape and run, but I did see lots of people enjoying their tasty lunches.

Today we visited the CNIB Tech Fair held here in Peterborough and got a chance to see some of the amazing technology available - both low and high. From hand magnifiers and stand cameras that can scan pages as fast as you can turn pages to talking GPS systems, Bluetooth Braille keyboards, we got a chance to see it all. One of the most amazing items was a simple USB drive called a "System Access Key. Simply by plugging it into a USB drive on computer makes that system "Accessible" without software or hardware installation, Amazing!

Compassionate Men Where Red High Heels

Yes - compassionate ... and brave! Over 150 wonderful men will participate in Peterborough YWCA's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event at noon on Friday, May 1st, 2009. They'll be walking down George St in red high heels in support of YWCA's Crossroads Safe Haven Campaign for the new shelter. Pictured here are some on the participants and sponsors. Please dont miss the chance to support & cheer them on. We'll see you downtown next Friday!

http://www.ywcapeterborough.org/capital-campaign.html

Celebrating National Volunteer Week April 19-25th 2009

Volunteering at TVCogeco has been one of the most rewarding projects I have been involved with. I love a challenge and there is always something new to learn. It continues to be a fabulous way to get to know my new home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Si1hVuCZo