AC Summer Market
Block off your calendars and get ready for some sizzling summer fun!
At this year’s AC Summer Market on Thursday, July 15, from 10:45am-1:45pm, come connect with your Algonquin College community as we evoke the sights, sounds, and tastes of summer. This virtual market has something for everyone, from learning how to make gelato from the pros at Farinella, to discovering how to create your own glamorous retreat with Ottawa’s pop-up picnic company, Runaway Picnic.
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon where you can build your own schedule based on the sessions that speak to you. Grab yourself a cold beverage, kick back, and learn something new.
Open to all Algonquin College students, employees, and alumni. (Have family at home? Tell them to pull up a chair! They are more than welcome to watch the sessions with you.) Advance registration is required. You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the sessions after you register.
Brought to you by the AC Hub and Corporate Events.
Event Schedule
10:45am-11am • Connect
Welcome to the AC Summer Market
Kick off your AC Summer Market experience with a special welcome! Get the lowdown on today’s sessions, including how the day works. See you there!
11am-11:30am • Summer for the Soul
A Chat with Andrew Szeto on Creating, Woodworking & Skateboarding
Join us for a discussion with Andrew Szeto on burning the midnight oil, woodworking using upcycled skateboards, and Ottawa’s skate culture.
About
Andrew is a Skateboarder and Maker out of Ottawa/Wakefield. He’s been making things for the better part of 10 years, from clothing to woodworking. He built an A Frame cabin in Low, Quebec, which paid for itself in YouTube views (2.3 million!) and he makes things primarily with recycled skateboards.
Connect with Andrew on social media!
Instagram: @szetoszeto
YouTube: Andrew Szeto
Literary Travels
Books can transport us to the four corners of the world, they can take us on a space expedition, and transport us into a different century. If you’re looking to spend some time reading and relaxing this summer, check out this session for your bucket list of books.
About
My name is Jaimee Kettles and I started my small business, Book Bundles by Jaimee, because I love to read! I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember and encouraging others to read is a passion of mine. I worked at a thrift store throughout high school and connecting with other readers and making bundles for my customers is second nature to me (especially after I saw how cherished second-hand books are). I am going into my second year at Carleton University with a major in English, minor in psychology, and a concentration in creative writing, so reading is a huge part of my academic life. It’s my goal to show people that reading doesn’t have to be solely academic though, it can be fun too!
Connect with Jaimee on social media!
Instagram: @bookbundlesbyjaimee
Beer, Bubbles & Buddies
Chat with Ottawa’s favourite makers of all things bubbly – Dominion City Brewing Company and City Seltzer. Learn which beer or non-alcoholic seltzer to pair with local in-season produce while discussing building community through food and drink.
About
Josh McJannett is Co-Founder at Dominion City Brewing Co. in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded with a mission to craft quality, artisanal beer emphasizing a connection with the land and the people who make it possible, Dominion City opened its doors in 2014. Over the last five years, Dominion City has earned a reputation for brewing quality beer, operating as a caring and contributing member of their community and a leading voice in Ontario’s craft beer community.
Before Dominion City, Josh spent a decade in public affairs advising elected officials and providing strategic and regulatory counsel to some of Canada’s largest and most successful companies in a range of industries, including media and telecommunications, financial services, and food and beverage manufacturing.
Josh received a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University.
Connect with Dominion City and City Seltzer on social media!
Dominion City Instagram: @dominioncity
Facebook: facebook.com/dominioncitybrewingco
Twitter: @dominioncitybc
City Seltzer
Instagram: @cityseltzer
Facebook: facebook.com/cityseltzer
Twitter: @seltzer_city
Tablescape with a Pro
You don’t need to catch a flight to transport yourself to a glamorous location! Learn the basics of making a space, big or small, a destination with the experts from Runaway Picnic.
About
Imagine running away from life’s routine and finding yourself in this beautiful luxurious getaway, right here in Ottawa. Runaway Picnic is Ottawa’s first luxury pop-up picnic. Founded by one of Ottawa’s award-winning interior architects (and Algonquin College graduate!), Runaway Picnic aims to transport you to a luxury outdoor dining experience and celebrate life with your loved ones in the form of an intimate picnic setting despite the current COVID-19 restrictions. All you have to do is pick your theme, package, and location and simply show up to your Runaway Picnic experience. Runaway Picnic will show you the beauty of Ottawa and make you appreciate the simple pleasures of life again. More information about Runaway Picnic and bookings can be found on the website.
Connect with Runaway Picnic on social media!
Instagram: @runawaypicnic
Facebook: facebook.com/runawaypicnico
TikTok: @runawaypicnic
YouTube: @Runaway Picnic
11:45am-12:15pm • Sweet Sounds of Summer
Soundtrack to your Summer with Ben Cooper
Enjoy some of the sweet sounds of summers passed as Ben Cooper, from Ottawa’s own Highway Sunrise, plays a set that is sure to take you down memory lane! Kitchen dance party anyone?
About
Ben Cooper is considered one of Ottawa’s finest full-time professional musicians with over 30 years experience based out of Ottawa, Canada. Diverse in original compositions and live music for festivals, fairs, private and corporate events, Ben is also an award-winning artist, which has led him to winning the 2005 Canadian Music Week Songwriting Competition and Best Vocalist in the 2003 Emergenza Music Festival. Ben specializes in customized contemporary popular music, classics and jazz standards for high-end luxury wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and first dances. Ben has garnered widespread recognition for his distinguished performances and impressive repertoire which will leave you and your guests in awe.
12:30pm-1pm • Taste of Summer
BBQ Master Workshop
Join us for a workshop with Ottawa’s favourite BBQ experts and creators of the ultimate comfort foods – Meatings. Learn a few BBQ hacks from the pros, talk spice rubs, and more!
About
My name is Mat Flosse. Meatings was born in 2012 out of a simple tradition. What started as an annual gathering of family, friends, and neighbours turned into an idea for something bigger. After watching my Dad host backyard barbecue parties for years, I decided to carry the torch and pursue my passion for good food and great times. Seeing the appetite for outdoor entertainment grow in my community, I began to realize the need for a company that could provide delicious food for any type of event. I sold my truck, bought my first pig roaster and hit the ground running.
After catering several events, someone from Beau’s Brewery reached out to me to cater their wedding. Not having experience creating a full wedding menu, I turned to family for help. My dad helped me with the meat and my grandparents made the sides and salads. The evening was a hit.
After years of success in the catering business, my natural entrepreneurial spirit told me to seek out more business opportunities. I brought family friend, Carol Hunt, as my business partner and together, our first restaurant opened it’s doors in January 2017. The following year, we expanded to a second location where we had our catering kitchen. We worked hard, catered over 100 events in a single summer, won awards, and fed a lot of our community.
As business continued to grow, we saw the need for further expansion. In 2020, we opened our first retail store, moved our restaurant, catering kitchen and offices all under one roof. Meatings HQ was born!
Since day one, our priority has been to support local and help our community whenever we can. From sponsoring hockey teams, to donating to our local food bank, and supporting local businesses, we pride ourselves in that Meatings is a community driven, family-run business.
Never Buy Salad Dressing Again
We get it, reaching for that old reliable pre-made bottle of Italian dressing is tempting after a long day — but making your own salad dressing can be as simple as combining a few key ingredients! Join Algonquin College’s Executive Chef Russell Weir as he showcases how to make his three favourite simple salad dressings. So good you may never go back to store-bought again.
About
Chef Russell Weir was born and raised in Ottawa; however his passion for Great Canadian Cuisine has taken him to all areas of the country, coast to coast.
His philosophy towards cooking relies on using the highest quality sustainable ingredients sourced locally where possible. He also believes in a simple, honest approach to highlight those ingredients.
Chef Russell worked in hotels, restaurants and resorts before joining Algonquin College in 2011 as Executive Chef Food and Conference Services.
Currently Chef Russell Weir oversees menu planning and production for the campus dining locations serving over 10,000 transactions per day. (You can connect with Campus Services on Instagram at @accampusservices to see some of their mouth-watering creations.)
Gelato 101
Learn the history of gelato in Italy and enjoy a demo on how Farinella Pizzeria and Gelateria makes their famous gelato! This session features Nina Agostini, owner of Farinella. Nina spent years perfecting her craft in Italy and was the head Gelato Maker at Menchetti. You won’t want to miss this session!
Psst…Farinella is looking for new recruits! Check out their job page for details.
About
My name is Nina Agostini. I opened Farinella Pizzeria and Gelateria with my brother Cesare in 2019 after we spent years learning our respective skills in Italy. I worked in Perugia as a head gelato maker at Menchetti and my brother ran the bakery program at Roscioli, one of Rome’s oldest bakeries. Our business focuses on providing high quality, authentic, and simple products.
1:15pm-1:45pm • Discovery Summer
Travel with Your Tastebuds!
Travel with your taste buds this summer! Join us as Melissa Mui, a local content creator for food, family, and tourism, virtually takes us to her top five favourite restaurants in Ottawa. Not sure about menu items? Don’t stress — Melissa will also make menu recommendations!
About
My name is Melissa Mui and I have created an online presence called Mel’s Hangry Table. I am in my late 20s, I have a pet bunny named BaoBao, and graduated as a registered nurse. I have a family Thai restaurant called Sabai Thai Cuisine located in the heart of Kanata. I share everything from food, travel, and my daily life in Ottawa! I am a big supporter for local businesses and I love being on top of all the exciting things happening in Ottawa.
Connect with Melissa on social media!
Instagram: @melshangrytable
Facebook: facebook.com/melshangrytable
TikTok: @melshangrytable
Explore Nature with Girl Gone Good
This summer is your opportunity to be a tourist in your own city! Join us as we chat with Victoria Walsh (known on social media as Girl Gone Good) about the best trails in the Ottawa area to visit for all levels of hiking.
(Like getting outside? This summer, keep an eye on the Student Services Instagram account at @algonquincollegess as we highlight ways to bring mindfulness and joy to your walks, whether they’re on the trails or around your neighbourhood. Look for the AC Outdoors logo on our content!)
About
Victoria Walsh is a military veteran, IT consultant, Algonquin College grad, and future nurse. Admittedly, this sounds like an odd mix of interests, however, adventure, media, and health are the backbone of Girl Gone Good®. Her mission is to promote the prioritization of wellness while exploring nature for all persons, through safe and responsible recreation. Victoria loves sharing local hikes and giving insights for your international travels. Damn good coffee is a must. Taking care of your mental, spiritual, and physical health is paramount. And she’s pretty proud of her daily morning routine. Victoria averages 50+ hikes a year and is slowly learning more about our flora and fauna along the way. In her eyes, connection and experience are everything.
Connect with Victoria on social media!
Instagram: @girlgonegood
Facebook: facebook.com/GirlGoneGood
Outdoor Yoga: Connect with Nature
Release tension in your neck, shoulders, and back while connecting with nature. Join us for this 30-minute yoga class, led by Bronwyn Lefebvre of Simple Yoga. We encourage you to practise outside to feel the sun on your face, the breeze on your skin, and the grass between your toes. Weather permitting, of course! If it happens to rain, set up your mat indoors near a window or a potted plant if you can.
About
At the age of seven, Bronwyn Lefebvre was diagnosed with lupus, an auto-immune disease that left doctors with only a dim prognosis for her. A healthy, yogic lifestyle allowed Bronwyn to become a lupus survivor for over 13 years now. This inspired her to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a yoga teacher.
In 2016, she travelled to the birthplace of yoga to fulfill her dream under the teachings of Yogrishi Vishvketu. For the last three years, Bronwyn has been sharing her knowledge with a diverse selection of yogis including adults, high school groups, and even pre-schoolers!
Bronwyn’s yoga classes link breath with movement, enabling you to connect with your truest self. Join her on the mat (along with her expertise from Rishikesh, India) for a balanced, mental and physical practice.
Connect with Bronwyn on social media!
Instagram: @bronwynle5
Facebook: facebook.com/Bronwyn.L