Live – April 2016
Jab-Cross-Uppercut! Just Another Form of AC Employee Engagement!
By Trudy Price
How do some staff members make it through the dreaded winter months still smiling and feeling healthy? They plead with their colleague Wayne Boucher to… pretty please run lunchtime kickboxing classes! He kindly obliged and spent his Monday and Wednesday lunches bossing us around the gym until we could barely breathe – although somehow we always managed lotsa laughter and kept showing up!
I am fairly certain Wayne didn’t anticipate that his successful kickboxing Kaleidoscope session last year would lead to him giving up his lunch hour to a bunch of fitness craving colleagues of all levels … semester…after…semester! In fact once this semester ends, we think we may have convinced him to run summer lunchtime classes! Among the many benefits of kickboxing is the positive impact on mental health and wellness – as Wayne explains on the MyAC Fitness Kickboxing Group (check it out!),’the kicking and punching moves that are the hallmark of kickboxing can release stress…in addition, you may find that kickboxing improves your confidence level and your feeling of self-esteem.’. Fitness, fun, and friendship (ok and perhaps a little friendly competition!?) …conveniently right here on campus!
Kudos to Wayne Boucher! Looking forward to more lunchtime fun in the summer!
Mountain Bike Trail Races
By Jeff Jackson
I’ve done a handful of one day 100 mile mountain bike trail races, in the 9-12 hour range, and a 3 day ‘stage race’ of 100k a day for 3 days, with cumulative time winning. I came second in the 3 day! Ranging from Pennsylvania, Utah, QC and here in Ontario.
What’s it all about? I enjoy the mental fortitude it requires; going this long goes beyond fatigue and a ‘busy brain’ and turns into just forward motion and an ‘empty brain’. At the end of the day there is obviously exhaustion and pride in accomplishment, but there is also hardly any memories – the whole experience is so very in the moment.
Adventures before AC
By Erin Whyte
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” This was a question often asked of me… and for far longer than I would have expected! Many of us who work at Algonquin, especially those of us who work part-time, have experiences in unique and diverse workplaces that we bring with us into our teaching. For myself, the impact could not be more dramatic.
In my former career, I travelled the world leading adventure travel programs and teaching skills such as whitewater kayaking, canoeing, expedition management, adventure racing, and first aid. My work took me to places as far north as Resolute Bay, Nunavut (74.6973⁰ N, 94.8297⁰ W) and as far south as Ushuaia, Argentina (54.8019⁰ S, 68.3030⁰ W). The only continent I have not worked on is Antarctica… and I haven’t given up hope yet!
For me, adventure has been a way of life and it directly impacts my teaching at here at Algonquin. Adventures are based in experience and I endeavor to bring this experiential focus into the classroom… no matter if the learning space is online, face-to-face, or a blended delivery. My global travels have brought a unique cultural sensitivity to my teaching, which is reflected in the relationships that I strive to build with my students… and it helps that I can speak in three different languages (granted, not as well as I used to be able to!). The experiences I share regarding business practices, ethical decision making, and leadership are relevant to the learning content and so far outside the “norm” that they catch students’ attention… no matter whether they are Outdoor Adventure students, Business students or my Office Administration – Executive students.
These days, my adventures are less global and more likely to involve me flying over the handle bars of my mountain bike than embarking on a major expedition. People have finally stopped asking me what I want to do when I grow up. I suppose that they feel being a professor is a more respectable career. However, my love for adventure has not diminished and there is still Antarctica left to be conquered. Hmm… Perhaps I could develop a new GenEd course for Algonquin that would take me there!
Retirements
Left to right: Sarah Jane Proulx (retiree), Rhonda Beaulieu and Sue Mohns
Sarah Jane Proulx: There are few people who can boast 32 years with one employer and Sarah Jane is one of them! The Waterfront Campus congratulated Sarah Jane on her well-deserved retirement on December 18, 2015.
Left to right: Jane Hebert (retiree), Frank Knaapen, Jaki Melmoth, Erin Whyte and Julie Sylvestre
Jane Hebert: After 33 years of dedication to Algonquin College, the Waterfront Campus said goodbye to our unofficial archivist, friend and colleague on December 18, 2015.
Left to right: Larry Fisher, Karen Davies, Maryanne Mask, Gerry Samson (retiree) and Vicky Faught
Gerry Samson: It was a bitter sweet day at the Waterfront Campus as we wished Gerry Samson a fond farewell as he retires after a long and proud 31-year career at Algonquin College on March 23, 2016.
Liz Hobbs from Physical Resources attended her retirement party on February 19th where colleagues and friends gathered to thank her for many years of service to Algonquin College and to wish her a great retirement!
On 4 March, 2016 colleagues and friends bid farewell wished Barb O’Neil well, after a 38 year career with Algonquin College and also an active and respected member of OPSEU 416
Long time friends and colleagues gathered at a special fundraising dinner to celebrate Gordie Esnard’s 41 years of service to Algonquin College on January 22, 2016.
On January 29th colleagues and friends gathered to thank Justin Antoszek for his many years of dedicated service to Algonquin College and to wish him well in his new endeavour.
Spring Division of Perennials
by Rachel Rhoades, AC Horticulture Technologist
Everyone is always talking about dividing perennials. But what exactly does that mean? And how does one go about it?
Usually when a perennial is first purchased and planted, it is one single plant. As the perennial grows, little offshoots of the plant begin to grow around it. As the offshoots grow over 3-5 years, the mother plant will often die off, leaving a ring of plant instead of a clump.
Other times the plant will get bigger and denser, often taking over a larger portion of the garden than desired. It can also begin to crowd itself out, competing for water, light, and nutrients. When the plant reaches this stage it needs to be divided for better health. If perennials are divided before reaching this stage they are often easier to dig up (smaller) and easier to divide (not as dense), so division can be dome preemptively as as part of regular garden maintenance.
Most perennials can be divided first thing in the spring, either before the bud break, or shortly after (but never while blooming). Try to avoid spring blooming varieties like primulas, anemones, or hellebores. These plants are best divided in the late summer or fall once their bloom time has finished most of its active growth. Any fall or summer blooming plant like hostas, daylilies, asters, etc. are divided quite successfully in the spring.
The most comprehensive method of division involves digging up the entire plant and pulling apart the pieces, then re-planting the one or two pieces intended to be kept. The excess can be moved to a different location in the garden or given to friends and neighbors. When using this method, excavate the entire plant and place the root ball on the ground. Insert the tines of two pitchforks back to back, and using the curve on the back of the forks for a brace, pull the handles towards each other. This gently separates the plants, preserving as much of the root structure as possible. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure multiple times in order to get the plants separated enough to transplant them. You can keep the plants in small clumps, or keep dividing until you are left with only one plantlet.
If the plants are too closely overgrown for this method to work, or speed is desired, once the plants is excavated use a flat edged spade to cut the pieces of the plant into manageable sizes. Note that you will be damaging the roots in this method, which makes it a less desirable method. You may have to use a lot of pressure e.g. jumping onto the spade to make the cut. Make certain you are wearing sturdy work boots if using this method in order to prevent injury to your feet.
The third method to use—and this is for the time strapped gardener—is to simply excavate all of the plant pieces that you don’t want, and leaving a small portion behind undisturbed. The difficulty or ease of this method depends on the type of plant. Something tuberous like daylilies or something dense like ornamental grasses will be difficult to divide this way. More fibrous rooted plants like hostas or asters will be easier. The downside to this method is that the plant gradually moves from its original location in your garden—which may or may not be a concern for you, depending on your gardening style.
Once your plants are divided, it’s time to replant them. Plant at the same depth as they were before. Water them in generously. They shouldn’t need much care beyond a possible second watering if it doesn’t rain. The upside to transplanting in the spring is the low stress on the plants as it’s not yet hot, and the plants aren’t yet leafed out enough to have high water needs.
If you are left with excess plant material, share with a neighbor or friend or compost it. If composting in your home compost, break up the root balls as much as possible to aid in faster breaking done of the material.
Fun Fashion For Spring
by Kim Hamilton, General Merchandise Buyer, Connections The Campus Store
Spring – the actual spring with warm sunny weather – seems to have finally arrived.
And what better time of year to freshen your look and your wardrobe than some fun colourful styles of the latest fashion trends, which can be found at Connections The Campus store. Each month you’ll find new styles and colours direct from Los Angeles, New York and Toronto.
There are gorgeous scarves and pashminas, and we have just introduced the fun new skinny scarf for spring which is hitting stores this month. We have it all, and so much closer to home than a trip to L.A. Have you seen the trendy jumpers and the lace dresses? They need to be seen and tried on to see how cute they are.
And we also have a wonderful line of athletic wear. These are so comfortable and fun that you will want to go to the gym to show them off every day.
Don’t forget the essential accessories like socks. Who knew this trend would be so popular (Larry Cavanaugh knew…he’s been a sock fan for years). The hot new line of “Sock it to me” socks can be found here on campus, full of fun patterns for every taste and style. http://www.sockittome.com/
Bring a friend to check out all of these great spring finds together. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon at the Campus Store to help welcome spring and the warm weather.