Bring on the New Year!

Christmas is behind us and it was a good one, I had the great pleasure of spending quality time with the people I love the most. Three complete uninterrupted days with my children and my husband, what more could someone ask for?

The time preceding the big day was spent in preparation, alot of that time here in the store interacting with our awesome customers. There are so many of you that we see regularly and this time of the year also brings with it many new customers some of whom will now frequent the store and become friends.

Our walls are covered in bright green papers announcing our sale: 15% off everything in the store. We want to show you, our customers, that we appreciate your loyalty.

I often tell people this is the best job I have ever had, not only do I interact with interesting people day in and day out but I am also blessed to be educating, while being educated on issues that truly matter. I am passionate about the P’lovers mission statement and really feel I can make a difference each and every day.

Every person who walks through the doors makes this possible for me and for that and much more I thank you and look forward to a New Year filled with many blessings.

Earth Hour!

Earth hour 2008 was a great success here in Port Perry as well as in Canada! We can all join with WWF in 2009 by turning off our lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28th from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.!

Earth hour is a global lights out phenomenon that will bring together millions of people from all around the world to support action on climate change.

Hundreds of cities in more than 70 countries have pledged to support Earth Hour, including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax.

Last year millions of people in more than 35 countries participated and we have already surpassed that number for 2009. We are well on the way of meeting WWF’s goal of one billion participants.

Add to that a special significance; Earth Hour will also provide a global call to action to world leaders who are meeting in Copenhagen in December 2009 to strike a new global deal on climate change.

A new agreement is pivotal because in 2012 the Kyoto Accord will expire.

So, please, turn off your lights, how about a beeswax candle to light your way.

This is one way we can all be heard, actions speak oh so loudly. And don’t stop at turning off the lights. Think about what else can be done to reduce your footprint; like taking transit, unplugging unused electrical appliances and washing your clothes in cold water. The list is endless and your action will make a big difference. 

Zero Waste Information Session

A group of Durham Region citizens have organized an information event planned for Thursday, November 27 in Courtice. The garbage / incinerator issue is one that impacts everyone and this session will definitely be worth your while.

-Steve

“INTRODUCING ZERO WASTE” INFORMATION SESSION

Thursday, November 27th, 2008, 7pm
Faith United Church
1778 Nash Rd, Courtice (east of Courtice Road)

Durham and York Regions are trying to solve our garbage challenges with plans to build a waste incinerator in Clarington. We are a group of residents advocating for a healthier, more sustainable and financially prudent approach.

We invite you to an information session where we will introduce you to the Zero Waste concept and update you about the proposed incinerator. Zero Waste is gaining recognition around the world and close to home. The Ontario Minister of the Environment has recently released the discussion paper “Toward A Zero Waste Future: Review Of Ontario’s Waste Diversion Act, 2002″. The Town of Markham is actively working to implement this vision. Our session will include a panel of speakers to address the move toward Zero Waste, as well as the health, environmental and financial implications of incineration.

Keynote Speakers:

Erin Shapero, Markham Ward 2 Councillor, and Claudia Marsales, Manager Waste Management, Town of Markham
“Zero Waste in Action: Markham Walks the Talk”

Dr. Sean Godfrey, Chief of Pediatrics, Lakeridge Health, Oshawa
“Incineration and Health Concerns …where there’s smoke, there’s always fire!”

Time will be set aside for questions and comments from the audience. The goal of this evening is to provide information and to encourage community involvement.

www.ZeroWaste4ZeroBurning.ca

Christmas Crawl

…Can’t wait till Christmas comes to Port Perry, it will arrive on the 20th of November with the Christmas Crawl, Twilight On Queen! There will be live music in the street, carriage rides and, of course, loads of in-store specials! We have been planning for this event for weeks now and have some good surprises up our fur lined sleeves.

All of your senses will be awakened, your eyes will take in all the products and decorations, as well as the staff in all of our finery! Your sense of smell will be piqued by the wonderful, natural soaps and candles, and teased by the Queen of Beans, as she expertly whips up lattes and cappuccinos. You will also be invited to enjoy some of her well loved tasty treats, savour the new taste sensations. Your hearing will be gently touched by the talents of a local musician, Mark Kett, as he plays guitar for us. Finally, we invite you to wander the store and touch our bamboo clothing, towels and sheets, we are sure you will fall in love with the soft, smooth textures.

You can look forward to great specials in P’lovers, with each purchase we will offer a wee gift to show our thanks to you, our loyal customers. With a purchase of Soap Works you will partake in a special promotion and receive a bar of soap free. Also, with every purchase your name will be entered in a draw to win a bottle of local wine or a beautiful basket of products to be enjoyed over this season of peace and joy.

We are looking forward to starting the holiday season off with a bang and are anticipating welcoming you into our warm, friendly eco-environment as you begin your shopping. As was stated in a previous blog, I love every little thing about the Christmas season, so this really is exciting for me to invite you to celebrate with us.

There will be something for everyone throughout the weekend so make it a point to visit Port Perry and Queen Street Commons.

-Jude

Nature Festival in Thickson’s Woods

One of my favourite events of the year is happening tomorrow in Thickson Woods in Whitby — the annual Birds, Beavers, & Butterflies Nature Festival.

For anyone of any age who appreciates nature in all it’s glory, this is a must attend event.

A few years ago, we celebrated our son’s birthday at the Nature Festival and we all had a blast. (editor’s note: while the festival was amazing, the angst of transporting several high-energy boys to the party still lingers, but that is a story for another time.)

The festival is a full-day affair and has a number of fantastic activities planned for the whole family:

• Bugs & Botany identification
• Bird Banding
• Guided Nature Walks
• Beehive Demonstration
• Magic Show
• Muskoka Wildlife
• Insect Safari
• …and loads more!

Plus, there will be food (courtesy of Lick’s and The Cookie Shop), a bake sale, and silent auction (where you will see a few items from P’lovers).

Event Details

• When? Saturday, September 20, 2008
• Time? 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Where? Thickson’s Woods, Whitby
• Cost? Adults $5, Kids $2, Family $10 (All proceeds support the Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve.)

About Thickson’s Woods

Thickson’s Woods is the last remnant of old-growth white pines on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Once reserved for masts of sailing ships of the British Royal Navy, the towering pines provide a vital resting place for countless migrating songbirds each spring and fall. Galvanized into action when the woods was threatened with logging in 1983, a handful of naturalists formed a non-profit corporation and purchased the woods. Donations from hundreds of caring people, from as far away as England and Japan, raised $150,000 to pay off the mortgage. Thickson’s Woods became the first natural area to be listed in the Ontario Nature Trust Alliance registry. Today we face a greater challenge: protecting this tiny natural jewel from encroaching development. (www.ThicksonsWoods.com)

See you there?

-Steve