Best Thing Ever: Peterborough Girl Sarah Edge Celebrating Her 10th Anniversary With New Heart By Hosting Blood Clinic

Sarah Edge was only six weeks old when she first begin experiencing heart problems. By the time she was 15 months, and her health in severe decline, she was placed on a heart transplant waiting list. Her family was afraid Sarah would not make it, and she was down to only 15 pounds. After weeks on the waiting list, Sarah’s mother received the miracle call that the family had been waiting for: A heart had been found!

At 18 months old, Sarah received the heart transplant she so desperately needed. Throughout her treatment, she also needed 66 units of blood products to help beat the odds that were not in her favour.

Ten years later after her miracle heart transplant and the generosity of blood donors, Sarah is giving back. In celebration of her post-transplant anniversary, the 11-year-old from Peterborough hopes that the blood donor clinic she and her family are organizing will bring out donors willing to help save the lives of children like her.

Sarah’s Celebratory Clinic is Tuesday, November 5th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at  Peterborough Blood Donor Clinic (55 George St. at the corner of George and Perry St.). Members of the community are encouraged to come out and support Sarah and other children in need of blood and blood products, as well as organs. Call 1 888 2 Donate (1-888-236-283) or go online to Blood.ca to book an appointment to donate blood. In addition, it takes only minutes to register to be an organ or tissue donor. Visit Beadonor.ca to find out how.

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8 Local People, Animals & Ideas To Dress Up As For Halloween

1. Petes player. This should be easy in our sports mad city! If you don’t own one already, borrow someone’s jersey and throw it over some sweaty old equipment. Skip the skates! That might be awkward. (Alternatively, dress up as a Peterborough Laker!)

2. Porsche and Ferrari, the Peterborough sloths. This is a tandem gig, and will make for a really slow night if you go trick or treating in true character.

3. Mike Judson. Try on one of dad’s big suits to make yourself look taller. Extra points if you add the famous Judson facial hair, and bring a green screen background. Better for taller kids!

4. Bobby Roode. If you have spandex and a wrestling championship belt, then you’ve got yourself a costume. It might be a cold night though! Borrow your mom's bathrobe and be-dazzle it for the full effect.

5. David Koski. Four words. Spanky's co-owner. Zach Galifianakis.

Koski

Koski, er, Zach

6. Lift Lock. If you can pull this one off with functioning hydraulics, you win! But if it malfunctions, it might go viral!

7. Catherine Hanrahan & Pete Dalliday. For Pete, you’ll want some glasses, spiked hair, an “I’d Rather be in Peterborough” tee and a microphone. For Catherine, you have to be shorter! And have bangs!

8. The Douro Elk. A brown shirt, brown pair of pants, and a couple of fallen sticks from your tree makes this a pretty easy and currently trending costume! Extra points if you bring along a couple people dressed as cows.

 —by PTBOCanada's Aaron Elliott

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Hero: Peterborough Man Pulls Woman From Burning Vehicle

Luke Heard pulled a woman from a burning van this morning. He gave a recount of the dramatic rescue to Dani Stover and Brian Ellis in this amazing interview on The Wolf Morning Show this morning. Listen below on Soundcloud...

Lucas Heard of Ptbo saves a woman from a smoke filled van before it's engulfed in flames (at Burnham and Hunter just east of the bridge)

[The Wolf] 

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The Story Behind Jeff Macklin's New Book "Neighbourhoods - An Anthology of Words and Visual Art"

Peterborough artisan Jeff Macklin has created a wonderful new analog chapbook Neighbourhoods - An Anthology of Words and Visual Art. This limited edition was produced in downtown Peterborough, with full colour plates throughout and letterpress printed two colour covers, and insert with a hand-sewn binding. An Artsweek Peterborough 2013 project, it features a range of fiction, short anecdotes, photography, paintings and prose about and for the people who live in the neighbourhoods of Peterborough. "Local artists and writers have very little formal voice outside of the internet where they have have their works published," Macklin tells us, adding, "This chapbook represents a love for the printed page, which is undervalued overall, but still has a place in our culture—especially our local culture." Below are some of the pages from the book, which you can purchase here.

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Best Tweet Ever: Trent Nursing Student Emma Rockburn Helped Save A Man's Life Today

A Trent University fourth-year nursing student named Emma Rockburn—along with two PRHC nurses who came to her assistance—helped save a man's life today (September 27th) after witnessing a head-on crash near Lansdowne Place mall. The man was without vital signs, and Rockburn started chest compressions to help revive him until the PRHC nurses and EMS arrived. As she tweeted shortly after the accident, "just restarted a mans heart after a car crash."

just restarted a mans heart after a car crash... #casual

— EM (@emmarockburn) September 27, 2013

feeling extremely blessed and loved right now. 💕

— EM (@emmarockburn) September 27, 2013

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Terry Guiel New Executive Director Of DBIA

Terry Guiel speaking at DBIA meet after being announced as new ED 

It was announced this morning (September 18th) at the Fall DBIA meeting that Terry Guiel is the new Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement Area. Terry succeeds Executive Director Paul Raino, who is retiring. Terry is a professional entertainer with extensive event organizing experience. He has been employed as a law clerk at a downtown law firm the past 5 years. A former Peterborough city councillor, he has broad knowledge of city departments and procedures as well as extensive experience serving on numerous boards and committees. Of note, he organized the 2004 Flood Relief Concert featuring Gordon Lightfoot and Ronnie Hawkins, which raised $1.5 million for flood victims. 

"I feel honoured and privileged to be selected for this remarkable role and I can't wait to get started," says Guiel.  

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Best Thing Ever: This Marriage Proposal At The Peterborough Lift Lock Is Awesome

Geoff proposed to Jessica in the most epic way, by arranging to have a ginormous "JESSICA, MARRY ME!" banner hanging from the world famous Lift Lock. Watch how it came together and the unveil in this video... 

 [YouTube via @TrentSevernNHS]

[Peterborough Lift Lock] 

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The PTBOCanada Interview: Theresa Longo

Twenty-six-year-old Theresa Longo is Peterborough born and raised. She has been a professional model for over 10 years with international modeling experience. After high school in Peterborough, she attended Trent University, where she received a 4 year Honors Degree (B.B.A). Her downtown Toronto office now acts as a home base for her ever expanding international business centred upon "the public image and likeness of 'Theresa Longo'", with her business primarily focused around corporate representation, public appearances, modeling and acting. Here's an interview we conducted with Theresa taking us into her career and what Peterborough means to her...

PTBOCANADA: You were discovered at 16 at Lansdowne Place, which kickstarted your career as an international model. Tell us about being discovered at the mall, joining Peterborough's Strutt Central modelling agency and where it's lead you.

Longo: When I was discovered at 16, I was elated. I began to gain considerable experience in front of the camera. I practiced posing through dozens of photo shoots while also styling several different scenes and looks. I began going around to local bridal shops, clothing stores and hair salons in Peterborough to let them know I was available to model for them. I got a lot of call backs! I loved modeling in fashion shows, bridal shows and spring fundraisers. With a lot of exposure, I was introduced to a photographer who set me up with a job working at Wakestock. I was recognized by Monster Energy Drink and brought on the team to be a Canadian Monster Model. I shot for the Toronto Sun for a feature as a Monster Energy Model Sunshine Girl commemorating the AMA Supercross. I was asked by the Sun to pose for their yearly calendar in 2010 (and swimsuit edition in 2012!), and shortly thereafter I was crowned Miss Budweiser Honda Indy! I was featured again (twice) nationally in Sun paper. Gaining considerable national exposure, I was acquired by Strutt Central Modelling Agency in 2011. Strutt invited me to be a part of a beauty pageant for women of Italian heritage, where I was crowned Miss Italy North America! I went to Italy for a month to represent North America on the world stage at Miss Italy of the World. My relationship with Strutt Central has been pivotal to my career; in 2013, Strutt has sent me to film several music videos, as well as the opportunity to land an MTV VMA commercial which aired across Canada!

PTBOCANADA: You attended Holy Cross Secondary School and graduated from Trent University with an honours degree in business. Tell us what it means to your career to have that business degree, and how you use it to run your marketing and promotions business, and be an entrepreneur. 

Longo: Without a doubt, my education has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and tools to run a successful business. Taking business at Trent was the best career choice I made; every single day, I employ a part of my academic experience. Several fourth year classes were highly impressionable for me and will remain forever useful: Communications, Strategic Planning, Online Business, and Business Ethics. I fully plan on pursuing my education further to complete a Master's Degree, however for right now I enjoy the experience that travel and entrepreneurship provides.

PTBOCANADA: How many events do you model at per year? Any particular recent highlights/anecdotes you can share?
 
Longo: I model at hundreds of events each year. Recent highlights include modelling over $100,000 worth of DiamondTsar Diamonds at an Investment Exchange trade show. I wore a diamond necklace worth over $60,000 retail!

PTBOCANADA: Do you find you're getting recognized more and more when you travel? What does that mean to you?
 
Longo: Yes. It is unreal! People have recognized me on the street and in other countries! It is incredibly amazing, humbling and yet fulfilling to see the result of strong brand development.

PTBOCANADA: What do you call home now? Do you get back to Peterborough much?
 
Longo: Toronto is home. I travel a lot. I visit Peterborough several times a year!

Theresa with Strutt models.  

PTBOCANADA: You recently finished teaching aspiring models and actresses at Strutt Central in Peterborough. Tell us what it means to you to come home and teach these girls, and empower them. What life lessons are you providing?
 
Longo: It means the world to me to return to Peterborough to positively influence aspiring talent. I think to my own experiences starting out as a model, and I would have loved to have a mentor in the entertainment industry to look up to. Some of the lessons include teaching the positive relationship between practising good leadership and achieving goals. Throughout the class, students will think about career paths, choosing wisely, and how to set yourself up for success. We also go over public relations tips, how to properly pose for the camera, and tips on fitness and staying healthy.

PTBOCANADA: Speaking of empowerment, there is this perception among many about a model's IQ. You work hard to combat that by the way you lead your life and your business savvy. Give us your take on the misconceptions that arise about models, and how they shouldn't be judged by their looks alone.

Longo: There are misconceptions and there are truths about models/the industry. I always look for the truth. Truth is sewn into everything; it becomes plain to see the truth of things with thoughtful intent. Personally, I carefully study, watch and listen to everything and everyone before I formulate an opinion. There are many smart, successful people of the world employing this truth seeking strategy who quickly pick up on personality and intelligence. I am quite confident in my ability to completely dismiss anyone's "perception of a model's IQ" in the way I carry myself and through the words I speak.

PTBOCANADA: What is your view on on women and beauty, and how they are projected in media (e.g. photoshopped covers of magazines)? Are young girls having to live up to unrealistic ideals? How do you teach them to be positive about themselves, have good self-esteem, live a healthy life? 
 
Longo: There is a lot of pressure. There is also a lot of photoshop. I definitely think there is tremendous pressure for young girls to try to live up to unrealistic ideals. I teach ladies to be positive through the creation of a solid foundation of confidence and good self esteem. I love to show them unretouched photos. I teach young ladies beauty tips and tricks for healthy skin, teeth and hair—many of which my nanny taught me as a young girl. I also encourage young ladies to get involved in fitness/gymnastics/sports. I teach ladies to put themselves first, and to stay in school. Living a healthy, rewarding life comes first overall.

PTBOCANADA: You travel all around the world and get to see exotic places. But tell us what Peterborough means to you. Growing up here and coming home.
 
Longo: Peterborough is truly home for me. It is special to me in many ways because of the close friendships, experiences, business relationships and academic successes. I love our city. I am proud to say I grew up here.

PTBOCANADA: Tell us about your take on social media. You are on Twitter @theresalongo and tweet quite a bit. You have more than 23,000 followers. What does social media mean to your "brand"? How do you use it? How has it helped you? Do you interact closely with followers?

Longo: Social media is essential in brand development. I regularly use social media to connect with fans, share news and update followers. Using social media has opened many doors for me and allowed me to connect with other successful professionals in my industry. I try to interact closely with followers. I am trying to gain more followers to my official Facebook page.

PTBOCANADA: What is your next step(s)/goal(s) in your career? What's on your bucket list? Aspiring actress?
 
Longo: My next steps include additional acting roles and a continued focus on fitness and modeling. Currently in the works: I am writing and recording new, original music—as a child I took guitar lessons with John for several years at Bud Monahan Music in Peterborough! Creating, recording and performing an album is most definitely on my bucket list.

PTBOCANADA:  Anything we missed you want to cover?

Longo: Readers can check out my blog at Theresalongo.com, where I regularly blog about fitness, travel tips, concert and event coverage and more!

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Match Me Peterborough

Match Me owner Rebecca Cooper

With years of experience matching people up in the community on a casual basis, and with a great downtown business on the go—she owned Tango at the time—Rebecca Cooper knew she was at a crossroads. She was doing two things she absolutely loved, but knew that she had to make a tough choice between them. In 2009, she finally made the choice—selling Tango—and diving head first into the Match Making business. It was then Match Me Peterborough was born!

Rebecca begins the huge process of matchmaking by screening potential applicants to find out more about them than what is shown on the outside. Indeed, her goal isn't just in finding a simple physical attraction like most online dating sites do, but in helping to facilitate longterm meaningful relationships.

After the screening process, she helps out her client by working with a life coach and image consultant to help them, if that's what they desire.

After this is completed, she gets to work in looking for a desired match. She even goes so far as to arrange the first date. So there is no pressure on either party; they simply have to show up and enjoy a great date! The entire process is effortless and is completely confidential and discreet.

While Rebecca has worked with people in various age groups to provide assistance, she specifically tries to look for single career professionals who are 40-plus. (Clientele are mostly 40 to 65, but there are clients starting as young as 27 years old.)

Although she has moved back to Toronto to help establish part of her business there, Rebecca keeps coming back to Peterborough! Whether it be meeting with new clients, screening singles, or simply to enjoy what the city has to offer, she loves every excuse to come back. She loves the energy and charisma of downtown Peterborough, and always uses it as a focal point on the first dates she sets up between clients.

What Match Me Peterborough does is take the work out of finding a compatible partner for someone who is really searching. Match Me Peterborough is a service that requires a year long membership, but is money very well spent! Rebecca absolutely loves the challenging and rewarding career she has chosen in match making.

She is the only business in Peterborough who provides these services and has been extremely successful. Her success has lead to expanding to Toronto, London, Kingston, and many other Ontario cities while linking up with 7 other agencies to assist and draw from. If you are single and a career professional who has been meaning to put themselves out there but haven't been able to find the time or any luck in finding your mate, we suggest you contact Rebecca! She will do all of the hard work for you!

For more on Match Me Peterborough, go to:
Web: MatchMePeterborough.com
Twitter: @MatchMePtbo

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Peterborough Gets Its Own Batman On Twitter @Ptbo_Batman

Every city needs its heroes—real and imagined. Well, Peterborough has a new superhero on Twitter: Batman. He says in his Twitter bio he is "Watching over the great city of Peterborough... the Dark Knight of Peterpatch" He has tweeted from various destinations in Peterborough (see pics below). Follow Batman Peterborough on Twitter @Ptbo_Batman. Fun stuff.

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