Live – Summer 2017

BYTOWNE BEAUTIES TAKE ON CABOT TRAIL!

– Submitted by Trudy Price

‘Anyone interested in a relay run?’ was the question the simple question that started the crazy! Perhaps a little naïve to the reality of this, we all responded with the usual ‘sure! Count me in!’

And with that, our fearless leaders had the ‘Bytowne Beauties’ entered in the Cabot Trail Relay (in beautiful Cape Breton) race lottery. Surprise! In January we were one of just 70 lucky teams offered a spot in what is known as one of Canada’s best relay races! This race attracts very skilled, elite runners from all over …along with the determined recreational kind like us! We trudged (and laughed!) through months of training with frigid stormy runs in February, 5am hill repeat runs in march, and rainy, dark 4am group runs in April! Cross training with xc skiing, hiking, cycling and jut hitting the gym when we could. Anyone that has even driven the Cabot Trail knows this is no leisurely route and no amount of hill training was too much.

The Bytowne Beauties was mix of AC employees and friends. Captains Marg O’Brien (School of Business) and Rebecca Volk (Centre for Organizational Learning) led the pack from beginning to end. The planning and logistics of this type of relay are FAR beyond your regular team ‘race’ planning! The 276 spectacularly scenic kilometers of the Cabot Trail was sectioned into 17 running legs ranging upwards of 20km each. Other AC staff included Sandra Brancatelli (School of Advanced Technology), Melanie Haskins, Erin Sparks, Wendy Threader (all School of Business) and Trudy Price (Academic Development). Still in awe of the magnitude of what we got ourselves into… just to ‘qualify’ to throw your name in the lottery, run pace must 6min/km at the very slowest on a very mountainous highway, taking place over a 27 hour period complete with night runners in fluorescent safety vest and headlamps, our 2am water station, and yes the sound of coyotes!

We all shared some of our goals for the weekend beforehand – ranging from ensuring sore abs from laughing too much, running the best 17k these *slightly-over-40-year-olds can , meet amazing like-minded people from around the globe, inhaling that incredible Maritime air and of course, taking time to snap pics of everything from people and places to sunset and sunrise. We achieved these and so much more. The race finishes with a lobster lunch for over 1000 people in the local arena. Overall, I would describe this whole team adventure as a unique blend of strength, friendship and camaraderie amongst truly incredible people we met along the way – from race volunteers to other competing teams to locals from communities cheering us on! The full CTR story is indescribable in so many ways – another ‘bucket list’ excursion completed that never crossed my mind in the first place… I am learning those are the best kind!

“If it’s both terrifying and amazing then you definitely pursue it.’

PS. a big SHOUT OUT to Kim Hamilton of AC Connections for working with us to create the perfect team shirts!!!

Applauding one of our very own: Vanessa Tran Speaks @ SUMMIT!

By Mariana Pietraru

One of the most amazing programs in our College is SUMMIT: a summer intensive entrepreneurship program. Mentors and experts from within and outside Algonquin College guide the SUMMIT team through workshops, spotlight sessions with seasoned entrepreneurs, off-site (at businesses, such as Shopify) and regular check-ins to keep them moving forward.

As AC President Jensen describes it, “The SUMMIT program is really important to Algonquin because it’s really giving us an opportunity to try out the boot camp on entrepreneurialism. What it really means is building those soft skills in our students. Problem-solving, team work, not just to have a job with a company but to be able to create your own future.”

Wait, wait … don’t stop reading yet!!! At this point, many of you might think my article is only about this incredible and interesting program, but the STAR of my story is the lovely Vanessa Tran, who has been invited more than once to speak at SUMMIT. This year, she was invited to share her journey as a “wellness entrepreneur” with the “soon-to-be… very successful business owners.”

I was incredibly grateful to be her “photographer/videographer/cheerleader” for this year’s recent SUMMIT session, and very proud and happy to share this moment with her and the lucky students chosen.

Vanessa’s wellness workshop was meant to inspire SUMMIT participants to find the best version of themselves and push them to knock even harder on the door of opportunity when it does not open right way. Vanessa shared her life story on how she overcame her health problems, by following different paths and interests, that ALL helped her reach the best destination possible: the PRESENT.

Vanessa calls herself a “Nutritionist. Nature Lover. Smoothie Drinker. Fabulous Shoe Wearer. Most importantly Cat Mom.”

She’s a “wellness entrepreneur,” and as all her studies, actions, and goals are oriented toward her well-being and that of others. Her approach to wellness is unique, as by researching, studying and dedicating her attention and time to multiple ways to enjoy a healthy life, she has managed to make use of all her knowledge (yoga, holistic nutrition, mediation, teaching, etc.) to understand how they complement each other and apply the results in a charismatic and fun-loving style.

Vanessa does have many professional qualifications and it would take me a few pages to write about all of them but, as I strongly believe that we should not identify ourselves with the job we do, diplomas that we earn, cars we drive, or the amount of money we earn, I have to say that, what I absolutely admire in this beautiful friend of mine is the INTENSITY of her actions and her honest wish to help and care about people around her. She radiates amazing energy and you can tell right away that, throughout her life’s journey, which has not always been easy, she has managed to arrive at the moment where she owns the secret of a Happy and Healthy Life.

When you need a therapist or a friend, Vanessa always offers her help and makes you feel very welcomed. She is happy to share with us, her friends and colleagues, advice on a variety of topics, including nutrition, yoga, meditation, fashion, shiny hair, best books, how to hula hoop, make jewelry, love an abandoned cat and how to spice up your selfies. Hmm…actually, I could likely also help you with the last topic

Interesting Conferences at Algonquin College this Summer!

– Contributed by Laura Dimic & Cathy Lee

Here are some of the interesting conferences happening on Algonquin College campus this summer to watch out for, and there are some activities that are open to the public to attend as well.

The Ontario Genealogical Society is holding their annual Conference here June 15-19

Members of all 34 branches and special interest groups of the Ontario Genealogical Society and other family historians from across North America and around the world will meet in Ottawa in June 2017 for three days of inspiring lectures, workshops, displays, and other learning opportunities. This also includes a Marketplace where vendors will display and sell genealogical items such as DNA services, family crests, archive access and more.

All meals are provided by the Professional Catering Services of Algonquin College.

https://conference2017.ogs.ca/2016/07/02/ogs-conference-2017-will-be-an-event-to-remember/

The Canadian Camera Conference is holding their annual Conference here June 26-30

This conference includes photographers from across Canada, on campus & in Ottawa for Canada’s 150^th celebration. Field trips around the surrounding Ottawa are planned. One of the keynote speakers is our own AC grad Michelle Valberg, who recently presented at the AC Kaleidoscope Conference.

• The Canadian Camera Conference event that is open-to-the-public is Friday June 30^th at our Algonquin Commons Theatre.
• The film is Canada Wild, original music and spectacular wildlife images from all regions of Canada.
• Family friendly and a great way to entertain your friends and family on Canada Day weekend.
• For tickets http://www.algonquinsa.ticketfly.com/event/1470641-canada-wild-ottawa/

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is holding their annual Conference here June 30 – July 2nd.

Some of the interesting activities in this star gazing conference are:

• Non-member Guest Full Weekend Registration: $35
• Friday evening BBQ: $25
• Diefenbunker tour and star party: included with your Full Weekend Registration (either member or non-member)
• Bus to downtown attractions on Friday June 30: included with your Full Weekend Registration (either member or non-member)