Feed the Planet

They're almost open!

Planet Organic is moving into 170 Lakeshore Rd. E. in the location of that other healthy supermarket that we all miss. The "soft" opening date is Valentines Day but a grand opening is planned for March 4th.

According to the website Planet Organic was founded and began selling natural & organic food for three reasons:

-to contribute to the personal well being of our customers;
-to protect the health of the Earth;
-and to make eating a robust and joyful event.

Look for me on Valentines Day in the line-up!

Planet Organic details:

Phone: (905) 271-0785Fax: (905) 271-9433
Open 7 days a week with lots of free parking!

Monday - Friday: 9 am to 9 pmSaturday & Sunday: 9 am to 7 pm

Can't say no to Natty's!

I had resolved to stay hunkered down this weekend to catch up on some much needed rest and attempt to get over a lingering cold and I did spend most of the weekend doing two of my favourite things - surfing the web and knitting. I've learned I can do both at the same time!

My resolve was broken by an invitation from friends to join them at Natty's Bar and Grill (Lakeshore and Mississauga Road intersection) for a bite to eat. I just couldn't resist the thought of the homestyle cooking and laid-back atmosphere of the place. I indulged in the Saturday night special - 1/2 rack of ribs, wings and fries at only $10.00. Pure comfort food!

Bartender, Jack (I think he might be Natty's brother?) was very attentive and took good care of us. The guys enjoyed watching the game on a GIANT screen TV while my gal pal and I chatted about everything. Natty's is a great place for family dining and welcomes kids. The food is great, the price is very right and Natty is a fantastic lady. (Gorgeous too!) Check it out.

Chantal Kreviazuk coming to Port Credit!

You are one of the first to know......................I just had a very excited phone call from Pat Anderson, the Chair of the Mississauga Waterfront Festival with the best news!

Chantal Kreviazuk, Canadian recording star, has confirmed her appearance on Saturday, June 16th on the Festival's main stage. Can't wait!

Crystal Power

Love attraction, negative influence protection, clear mind thinking, and more. These are all features you can benefit from by possessing Crystals.

I attended the first in a series of "Learn Something New" nights at Ladybug Harbor, 189 Lakeshore Rd. E. Owner Martha Sheppard shared her insights with a group of us who's knowledge ranged from "next to nothing" (me) to very, very well-versed. It was a fun, interesting evening, sipping herbal tea and absorbing all kinds of new ideas about these beautiful natural objects. A perfect way to spend a cold, Port Credit evening.

Martha plans to run monthly educational evenings with local experts on all manner of topics. Contact Martha for more info if you'd like to join us. martha@ladybugharbor.com

Picture Perfect Port Credit

I'm a bit buried under work today to do much blogging.............but this link to a photo group on flickr showed up on my Goggle Alerts for Port Credit that's worth having a look at. Why not put the series on a slide show and challenge yourself to identify where each photo was taken. (I haven't had time to do the whole file but did try a couple of loops).

www.flickr.com/groups/port_credit/pool/

We have some very talented photographers in the community!

Back from Niagara Falls

Well, I've been away the last two days participating in the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association board meeting. I met with BIA staff and business owners from across the province in Niagara Falls. Represented were BIA's including Ottawa, Chatham, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, St. Catharines, North Bay, Oakville, Toronto, Collingwood and of course Port Credit.

We were well taken care of by the Niagara BIA's and given a tour of the town including a trip up the Skylon to view the City at night, fantastic accomodation at the Fallsview Hilton and great food. Dinner on our own was at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant (almost as good as Port Credit's restaurants) and I even won $11.00 at the Fallsview Casino.

It was a great opportunity to share ideas with my counterparts across the province, and as always, do a little comparing of notes. One of the areas up for discussion was the lack of clear statistics about how much a BIA impacts the neighbourhood property values. I think in the case of Port Credit, the streetscape and improvements, along with the sense of community created by the events and happenings have definitely factored into the high property values both residentially and commercially. Hopefully our residents who benefit will support their local merchants. I always say no one wants their yard backing onto a big box store but everyone wants to live in the village. Think globally, shop locally!

Euchre at The Regency

It was fun and games on Saturday the 20th at The Regency Retirement Residence (RRR) when staff opened the doors to the community for a charity card night. Over 70 of us joined in for a great evening of camaraderie and competition to raise money for Lakeshore Corridor Community Team.

Although I haven't played much Euchre these last few years, my rotating partners and table mates didn't seem to mind. I got a chance to meet Joni Cursio the new General Manager of the RRR on Mississauga Road. Joni was delighted to have so many visitors and has offered the use of the facility to community groups looking for a meeting place. Thanks Joni!

Catch the Fever at Harbourlicious!

From February 1st to March 17th Port Credit is hot with special events and savings at our local eateries and pubs. We boast that Port Credit really is Mississauga's Dining and Entertainment District and we've got the action to back up that claim.

During the 61/2 weeks of Harbourlicious many of our best restaurants will be offering a 3-course Fixed Price Menu. But there's more..................................

Every Monday:
Ten Restaurant & Wine Bar offers "Corkless Mondays" and pays the corkage.

Every Wednesday:
Jawbone "The Delta Daredevils" featuring Kelly Davies on guitar, 8-11pm at Pump House Grille.
Sizzling Steak Night featuring live acoustic entertainment at ten Restaurant & Wine Bar.
Live Comedy Central at Lake Affects Patio Bar and Grill.

Every Thursday:
Comfy Cosy Night at Ridgetown, hot wine, cheese fondues and the Blues and Jazz tunes of Chuck Jackson.

Every Friday:
Live entertainment at Snug Harbour.

Every Saturday:
Live entertainment at Ridgetown and Snug Harbour.
Maple Leaf hockey tickets to be won at the Crooked Cue.

Feb. 1:
Australian Wine & Dine at Breakwater Restaurant.

Feb 3:
Caribbean Night at Snug Harbour.

Feb. 10:
Saturday Night Fever featuring Disco Inferno 70's Show Band. Show, DJ and Dancing at the Port Credit Legion. Ticket price only $20.00. Partial proceeds to Lakeshore Corridor Community Team - call 905.601.3518 for tickets.

Feb 14:
Love is definitely in the air in Port Credit. Book your valentine reservations, buy your flowers, chocolates and lingerie only in the village! Why not stay overnight at The Waterside Inn? From the 10th to the 17th there will be special valentine menus at all restaurants.

Feb 18:
VON Chocolate Lovers Brunch at The Waterside Inn.

Feb 23 - 24:
Mardi Gras at The Brogue Inn, The Crooked Cue and Lake Affect Patio Bar & Grill

March 10:
Catch the Fever Finale - Enjoy the best of the 60's, 70's & 80's at each of the participating restaurants.

March 17:
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations at selected restaurants.

And apparently this is just a small selection of the number of events happening! All of the details will be appearing shortly on http://www.discoverportcredit.com/. Special thanks to FRAM Building Group. Slokker Real Estate Group and Brenda Gilligan from ReMax Realty Enterprises for sponsoring this great line-up of events.

Who says there's nothing to do in the winter?

Port Credit's Kevin Wallace receives Ontario Medal of Good Citizenship

"Kevin Wallace has been awarded the Ontario Medal of Good Citizenship. The nomination process is extremely lengthy and they receive hundreds of applications. Personal information was collected under the authority of the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture and a decision was made based on this information. He will be awarded the medal at Queen’s Park on Thursday, January 25th at 10:30 am in the main lobby of the Legislative Building. The Honourable James Bartleman will be there to award the medals."

I received this good news in an email from local realtor, Rosemarie Wallace who also happens to be Kevin's wife. I've worked on a committee with Rosemarie and she's just as dedicated to the community as her good husband who began the Gears 24 Hour Spin Event that has raised enough money to build the Betty Wallace Health Centre.

Rosemarie went on to tell me, "The centre was opened in memory of Kevin Wallace’s mom Betty, a mother who lived courageously with breast cancer and passed away 12 years ago. It is because of her and many other amazing moms that we were instilled with our moral fabric and ability to care. We are forever in debt to give back for everything our mom’s have provided us. The idea of the centre is to create a place where the females in our lives no longer have to feel lost, confused or scared, waiting for appointments, and results, over an extended period of time, when they are diagnosed with Breast Cancer".

The 24 Hour Spin event will be taking place at the Hershey Centre. The kick off is at 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16th and goes till 10:00pm on Sat. 17th. All monies raised goes directly to the Trillium Hospital, specifically the Betty Wallace Womens Health Centre. From personal experience I can tell you that participating in this incredible event can be life-changing.

Complete details can be gained via Gears Bike Shop or at http://gearsbikeshop.com/24hrspin

Civic Recognition

Last night at City Hall, Mississauga citizens were recognized for their volunteer efforts on behalf of City Hall. Along with citizen members of many committees including Heritage, Adjustments, Cycling and others, the out-going board of the Port Credit Business Association received their recognition. Now this just means a certificate and a photo with the Mayor but it's really important to recognize the hard-working individuals who give up their "down time" unselfishly to make our home a better place to live, work and play.

The BIA board spends over 500 collective hours at board meetings. Additionally the special committees clock in about 300 hours. The Chair, Marion Klinnert, dedicates approximately 100 hours interacting with staff, 10 hours answering inquiries from the community and 25 hours meeting with suppliers, ad execs and the like. The Beautification Chair, Lydia Ordonez-Niles probably spends close to 75 hours dealing with contractors, reading tenders and reports and personally inspecting the Lakeshore. And there are more committees adding in many more hours.

BTW, those certificates are proudly displayed in their places of business so next time you see one - say "Thanks".

Hmmmmmm...Burrito Boyz

I have just finished a delicous lunch at my desk. A cheese and bean burrito from Port Credit's newest eatery, Burrito Boyz. The third location and the first one in Mississauga - Burrito Boyz has taken up shop at 9 Stavebank Road North. Owner Robin Dooley has been busy since she opened the doors in November and the neighbours have been buzzing about it. My office sidekick, Beatrice and I finally experienced the offerings and we're giving the place four thumbs up! Burrito Boyz does take-out and catering and you can reach Robin and her staff at 905.891.2699.

Balance

January is a very busy time at the Lighthouse - meetings with every media partner with ideas for our advertising strategy; pitches from all the groups sponsored by the BIA for more financial support; budget planning; preparation for the City's audit and so on. We also have to make sure our data base is 100% correct since the new Port Credit Directory is going to print imminently. It can get quite hectic!

I took a little time out for some "me time" though. Thursday night I had a fantastic massage with Certified Natural Health Practitioner, Mieke Bosscher. Mieke's treatments feel like a combination of physical therapy and relaxation massage. She devotes herself to finding out what needs attention whether it's a tight spot or a congested head. Mieke practices at The Lakeside Natural Health Centre on Elmwood Avenue along with a number of Natural Health Practioners and Therapists. Thanks Mieke!

Community Journalism

Anita Albanese, one of my contacts at the Mississauga News passed along this great opportunity to get your story "out there":

The Mississauga News has a great new feature called "My community, my Space" that is part of the People section in The Mississauga News and published 3 times per week. Here it how it works - a businessowner and/or resident can write a story (no longer than 500 words) about something that is special to them (their business, a special family member, friend, charitable work, why they love their community etc) and send a long a photo. The story and photo have a very good chance of being published in The News.

Please send your submission to:
Judy Imerson, Editor
email: jimerson@istar.ca

Thanks, Anita. What a great opportunity..........now what shall I write about?

Join the Port Credit Work Force

Long Legs Fashions is actively seeking part time help for daytime hours. Interested? You can find all the information online at www.longlegs.ca under the Careers section.

I Stand Corrected

It's great to know that someone is reading my blog. Days back I commented on a few new vacancies in the area and that the retail industry is bit soft. Well, thanks to Craig Dick, the fabulous owner of hannah b footwear & accessory I now know that his business was up, way up in sales from last year. Congratulations, Craig - you certainly have all the right ingredients for success. A cool shop filled with very fashionable merchandise. A great attitude, exceptional customer service and always a big supporter of everything that goes on in Port Credit.

Craig and his staff get "right into" every event that takes place in the village. In fact, during the Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival, Craig played music by Blood, Sweat and Tears to coincide with David Clayton Thomas headlining the festival. Creative, very creative. If you haven't checked out hannah b, you are really missing something.

White Light Contest Winners

The following is the report I receive each year from our esteemed White Lights contest judge, Brenda McGarrell of Brett Creative Planning. Brenda takes on the time-consuming task of viewing all the window displays in the Port Credit, looking for the best of the best. The only criteria for the merchants who partipate is that they must use white mini lights. Here's what Brenda had to say:

"I was happy to read I had until December 30th to complete my selections. It allowed me to revisit the 'strip' many times thru the season to monitor how the windows were 'lighting' up. There was no running theme this year....each participant in the White Lights Contest had a very individual approach. I enjoyed the uniqueness of each display which made my decision difficult.

This year some new names come to the forefront....Ric's Recollections -Records & CD's proved that even a small window can be very effective using hanging star lights adorned with ribbon trims & a lighted garland around the window; Glow Salon & Skincare - using a white lighted single Christmas tree centred in the front of the window proved very effective. Forever Young Aesthetics using gauze drapes hung as if in a Living Room with 2 large white lit wreaths hung in front. Pearl Bridal House using the simplicity of perimeter white lit garlands with large hanging silver balls surrounding a single white shimmering gown.
This time as well I observed stores who consistently changed their annual contribution which I congratulate them for taking that extra effort.... Gitta's Needlepoint this year using large wide green ribbons trailed with ribbon lights down the sides using hanging lights in front of this backdrop for a festive display. Stavebank Florist this year using a long mirror on the side wall to reflect the image of the white lit Christmas tree which added depth & drama to their display. Private Moments Lingerie - a dramatic display using white gauze garland lit up with white lights, a 'snow covered' effect on the floor with large white boxes wrapped in red ribbons. Tumi Crafts using green white lit garlands and red bows.

Special mention and Thank you to The Fram Group and St. Lawrence Square for their spectacular extensive use of exterior white and coloured lit trees; a most enjoyable addition to 'dress up' our Town for the Season.

So, now the drum role for the winners..........
1st place belongs to: Modern Hairstyling - this year using green garland with white lights around the perimeter, using twinkling lights across the lower window all of which encircling the most spectacular red lit wreath hanging in the centre of the display adorned with a white lit bow. Very dramatic in its simplicity.
2nd place belongs to: Hickcox Fine Jewellery - this year using 3 cylindrical shimmering cones backdropped with silvery wide bands of gauze ribbon hung with stars and lit garland & using silver & red accessories - stunning (Not to forget as well, their 2 exterior planters with white lit trees in each)
3rd place belongs to: Impressionable Gifts using different garlands with white gauze in the background and sparkle lit green garland in the foreground, hanging lit snowflakes and accessories and effective use of white spot lights for a very White Light window display.

Rare and Special Guests on the River

I received an email today from local life coach and soulpreneur, Janet Auty-Carlisle letting me know that she's spotted some special guests in Port Credit. Janet says:

"On my daily walks I have made a great discovery. The harbour harbours five important visitors! Piqued your interest yet? Check it out. There are two pair of trumpeter swans and a young one that hang out with the rest of the gang at the river. I don't know if you know this but trumpeter swans are an endangered species and they are pretty rare to see. This is not their usual habitat. Three of the four are tagged and you can get more info from the Wye Marsh conservation site if you wish! We are most definitely a destination point for rare and special guests! AND on another note, I go by the lighthouse almost everyday. Don't know if you even see passersby but I always look over and smile just in case :) Stay well. Much love, Jan"

I'll be keeping my eyes open for these special guests as well as Janet on her morning walks!

Trifle matters and not-so-trifle news!

The Brogue's Inn trifle contest was really fun. I think there were about 8 delicious entries causing the judges much hardship as they tasted and tested each one, some several times. The trifles ranged from boozey, to creamy and in my case chocolatey. I didn't even get an honourable mention but those judges seemed to be enjoying my "Death by Chocolate" and even asked for the recipe. Here goes:

Death by Chocolate

Layer a glass dish (if possible for the best effect) with
1. chocolate cake (bottom layer)
2. chocolate pudding layer (middle layer)
3. Now here's the secret ingredient - a layer of cool whip with Score bars cushed up and mixed in.

That's it. It's the best, yummiest dessert and the easiest by far!

I enjoyed a wonderful working lunch today at The Ridgetown Pub located at 170 Lakeshore Rd. E. next to Elmwood Meat Market. I met with Mississauga Waterfront Festival Chair, Pat Anderson to discuss some of the new components of this year's event. The festival will be back in Port Credit Memorial Park after the fantastic redevelopment which promises to be the ideal venue for our summer events. I did learn that Jim Cuddy, of Blue Rodeo fame will be taking the stage on Sunday! By the way, the food at the Ridgetown Pub is fantastic and the decor is very nautical and very, very Port Credit. If you haven't experienced it - do check it out. Chuck Jackson plays there on Thursday evenings - Comfy Cozy Thursdays.

I popped in to see Lydia Ordonez-Niles of Impressionable Gifts who sits on the Port Credit Business Association board as Beautification Chair. Lydia has been reading through the landscape tenders from contractors wishing to be awarded the job of planting and maintaining the gardens and hanging baskets along the Lakeshore. It's a tough job to select the winning tender but Lydia has to make a decision soon since the landscaper has to begin to plant and prepare the hanging baskets. A decision will be made this week.

I also met with Meredith Galbraith recently from the Mississauga Marathon who updated me on some of the changes to this year's event which includes a 9-minute clearing. This means that roads will be completely open to traffic 9 minutes after the last runner has been through the intersection. Walkers will be directed to continue on the sidewalk. Good news for the community who find it hard to get around that day. Which, by the way, is May 12th. The organizers expect more than 12,000 runners and walkers to participate!

Changes on the Lakeshore, Doctors, yarn and trifle!

There have been a few visible changes to our storefronts as of year-end. Growing pains as the Village evolves. Sadly, the high-cost of Port Credit real estate has driven up some rents and combined with the "soft" retail industry, some retailers decided to leave. There is always a bit of turnover in our community and no one seems to notice but this time people are wondering why.

Ben Darouee of Windemere Gallery has left his location but is diligently looking for an new spot. He is determined to find a home for his artisan gallery and gift shop in the Village but plans to make sure he finds "just the perfect place" to relocate. Lynda Barr of Antique Chic is likewise looking for a new location but wants to purchase a building. We will welcome them back - the sooner the better!

On a good note, a new MD is moving into Credit Landing Shopping Centre and will be taking new patients - Dr. Rasha Wahba can be contacted at the Credit Landing Clinic, 905.271.6455.

While running errands today, the window of our LYS (local yarn shop) beckonned to me. Dropping in to Linda's Craftique is like popping in to visit your friend. Whether owner Linda Benne or her wonderful staffer, Margaret is on duty, you always feel right at home. I picked up some sock yarn and needles and will be joining up with Linda's Stitich'n'Bitch group this Tuesday at Great Canadian Pizza. They get together at 6pm to knit and share ideas.

I also ran into Lavilla Bakery to pick up a plain chocolate layer cake to use in my trifle for The Brogue Inn's Trifle Contest. I will be making my famous "Death by Chocolate", it will be the "alternative" trifle entry I'm sure. The contest starts at 7pm and judges include writer, Gay Peppin and foodie, Wayne Anderson, owner of Westaire Heating and Air Conditioning. Should be fun.

Business Development Breakfast a great success!

You never know with an early date in the New Year but attendance at this morning's networking event was great! Many of the "regulars" were missing but a lot of new people came out. Editor, Kristi Elik of the Booster with her colleagues, Brian Downey in Advertising Sales and Dan, from Design, shared a lot of great information with the group.

Kristi was wonderful inviting everyone to feel free to send her news and ideas for articles in upcoming editions.

Among the new folks present - Paula Mercuri, a local artist with a great concept for a new wine and art event. We'll be talking soon, Cathy Griggs, another local artist soon to be opening a new business in the village; the well known Mary Ann Matthews, handwriting analysis expert; Sephera Giron, Energy Worker joining the Life Management Center and Brenda Gilligan, local ReMax realtor.

Karen Duffy announced her new business Wellness Direct is launching in February. Pat Anderson, Chair of the Mississauga Waterfront Festival announced that Tom Cochrane will be headlining on Saturday, June 16th at the Festival.

Business Development Breakfast Tomorrow

The once monthy Business Development Breakfast takes place the first Thursday of each month at the Brogue Inn, 136 Lakeshore Rd. E. (NW corner of Lakeshore and Hurontario. Tomorrow Kristi Elik, Editor of the Booster Newspaper will be sharing information about publicity and advertising. The Breakfast Meeting starts at 8am. It's a great opportunity to "network before work". The cost is $5 at the door and everyone is welcome.

Happy New Year from Port Credit

Well, 2006 has finally moved on and we're into a new and exciting year ahead.