View
227
Download
2
Category
Tags:
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
Sports are a great way to get outside and enjoy our long summer days, and with this issue we want to convey the sheer joy that comes from being active outside in the warm weather. As VivaCore’s Victoria Poschadel will tell you, fitness is essential to wellness and quality of life. But we also want to show that there is more to Edmonton’s athletic scene than the Oilers and the Esks by focusing on some of the city’s lesser-known sports—boxing, motocross, sailing, and our cover story, roller derby. But for some people, sports are more than just a way of enjoying the warm weather and keeping the love handles at bay. Sports are the basis of business for IronMamaTM entrepreneur Christine Kasturi. For Eskimos chaplain Brent Kassian, sports offer an opportunity to share his faith and mentor athletes who need someone to talk to.
Citation preview
1VOLUME 2 // ISSUE 3 // JULY 2011
EDITOR IN CHIEFSherree Elm
ASSISTING EDITORKristen Wagner
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carrie Mayhew
PHOTOGRAPHYLarissa MackNatalie SemeniukNicole Ashley
WEBCam Linke
FRONT COVERJanice Raves, Tanya Breukel and Shardu Tunm Photo by Sherree Elm
CONTRIBUTORSMegan Sarrazin, Lisa Babiuk, Kristen Wagner, Jen Hardes, Danielle Paradis, Lindsay Holman, Sarah Kmiech, Devon Bryce, Krista D. Ball, Paula Kirman, Vance Ternowski
INQUIRIES & ADVERTISINGselm@mergemag.ca
DISTRIBUTION: 30,000at Safeway, Sobeys, Mac’s, 7-Eleven, Bank of Montreal, Servus, College and University campuses, Trader Corporation, Classified Media, Metro News and in the Classified Media magazine boxes on streets and at bus stops. Edmonton events, business events, and non-profit fundraising events.
PRINTING:Central Web Printing
JOIN US ONwww.facebook.com/MergeMagCawww.twitter.com/mergemagcawww.mergemag.ca
Copyright © 2011 Merge Magazine.All rights reserved.
Welcome to the July issue of Merge Magazine. With summer upon us and
Edmontonians filling parks and pathways, basking in the sunshine (between
rainstorms), it seemed fitting to devote this issue to summer sports and wellness.
Sports are a great way to get outside and enjoy our long summer days, and with
this issue we want to convey the sheer joy that comes from being active outside
in the warm weather. As VivaCore’s Victoria Poschadel will tell you, fitness is
essential to wellness and quality of life. But we also want to show that there is more
to Edmonton’s athletic scene than the Oilers and the Esks by focusing on some
of the city’s lesser-known sports—boxing, motocross, sailing, and our cover story,
roller derby.
But for some people, sports are more than just a way of enjoying the warm
weather and keeping the love handles at bay. Sports are the basis of business for
IronMama™ entrepreneur Christine Kasturi. For Eskimos chaplain Brent Kassian,
sports offer an opportunity to share his faith and mentor athletes who need
someone to talk to.
There is a sport for everyone, and we hope this issue of Merge helps you find
yours. So get off the couch, get active, and enjoy the summer!
Sherree Elm
MERGE EDITOR SHERREE ELM
B U S I N E S S
06 // CROSSFIT
N O W
08 // FROM THE COUCH TO THE
FINISH LINE
F E AT U R E
10 // OIL CITY DERBY GIRLS
14 // PANTHER GYM
16 // TEAM SPIRIT
18 // SUPER'S CROSS TRACK
20 // SPIRITUALITY IN SPORTS
22 // COME SAIL AWAY
26 // GARNEAU TENNIS &
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
27 // THE SOCIAL SIDE
OF SPORTS
N E T W O R K S
28 // VIVACORE
30 // IRONMAMA
A W A R E N E S S
32 // COVENTRY'S HOMES FOR
HOUNDS
34 // SPACE FOR SUCCESS
R E V I E W
36 // SUCCESS SHAKE
39 // ORIGINAL JOE'S
P R O D U C T
40 // GOT GEAR
E V E N T S
42 // ART WALK
43 // SOS FEST
C A L E N D A R
44 // EVENT CALENDAR
2216
34
43
C O N T E N T
10
06
37
6
CROSSFIT LAZARUS GIVES YOU
MORE THAN A FLATTER STOMACH
AND TONED ARMS - IT GIVES
YOU A BODY YOU CAN USE.
STORY: SARAH KMIECH // PHOTO: LARISSA MACK
B U S I N E S S
7
You go to the gym, head to the free weights to work
on your upper body, do some lunges to work on your
lower body, finish it up with some cardio time on the
treadmill, and then do the same routine all over again
the next day. You must be in shape, right? So why is it when
you take part in an impromptu soccer game you end up limping
away with pulled quads and strained tendons?
While it’s great that you are making physical activity a part of
your lifestyle, if you stick to a set workout schedule and run on
that same treadmill day in and day out, you’ll not only become
bored with exercising, you will also put stress on the muscles
you continuously use while neglecting so many others you’re not
even aware of.
It’s time to change it up, and this is where CrossFit Lazarus
can help you out. CrossFit is a different kind of workout. While
more traditional fitness regimes may focus on looking fitter or
developing certain muscles, CrossFit helps to develop functional
fitness that can be applied in the real world.
CrossFit works different muscles in many different ways—one
moment you’re throwing a medicine ball or flipping over a tractor
tire, and the next you’re climbing up a rope. It may all seem like
random exercises, but CrossFit is a carefully planned workout,
resulting in a better overall performance, and a body that won’t
crack and tear.
“CrossFit essentially is a strength and conditioning program that
focuses on creating a broad wealth of fitness—essentially being
fit across all domains,” says Richard Bodnaruk, co-owner and
certified CrossFit trainer at CrossFit Lazarus in Edmonton. “There’s
a purpose behind it, so people aren’t just running around sweating.
What they end up with is something definable—something they can
use to actually accomplish things.”
Bodnaruk says that many traditional gyms and fitness programs
focus on specific muscles in order to make them bigger and stronger.
In contrast, CrossFit uses many variations of gymnastics, weight
lifting and cardio training, and focuses on physical movements like
picking items up and moving them in a safe and effective manner.
Participants are trained to apply these movements outside the gym.
Gymnastics training includes lunges, squats and pulling yourself
over an object. These exercises relate to any real-world movement
in controlling your own body—Bodnaruk uses the example of
getting out of a chair, which is directly related to a lunge movement.
And weight lifting isn’t limited to Olympic heavyweight-style
lifting—CrossFit takes a more practical approach. “Everyone
has to lift something at some point in their life,” says Bodnaruk.
“We just teach you how to do it effectively and safely.”
CrossFit is still somewhat new in the exercise arena, so it’s
understandable that new participants are a little unsure of what
to expect. But Bodnaruk and fellow co-owner and trainer
Peter Li have had years of experience helping people get fit,
and assure potential participants that when it’s someone’s first
CrossFit experience, they go a bit slower, tailoring the workout
and concentrating on technique and form to ensure there are
no injuries.
“It’s really easy for a beginner to start with,” Bodnaruk says.
“Basically everything with CrossFit is scaleable, so the movements
themselves are the pride and glory of the workout … how much
people do within the workout depends on their ability.”
Four and a half years ago both Bodnaruk and Li were reservists
with the military and started CrossFit training in order to prepare
for it. When Bodnaruk went overseas to Afghanistan, he not only
continued his own CrossFit training, but went on to train other
soldiers in his platoon as well.
Bodnaruk and Li have been enjoying their clients’ accomplishments
and growing fitness levels since opening CrossFit Lazarus’ big bay
doors back in December 2010.
“A lot of people will end up with a good physique, they’ll feel
better, and have tons of energy,” Bodnaruk says.
And anyone can start CrossFit, just like anyone can start being
more physically active in any sense says Bodnaruk. They work
with people of all ages, and many who suffer from different
ailments and physical limitations.
“Probably half our clients come in with something severely
debilitating—they were in a car accident, or they have a terrible
back, or torn ligaments in their knee,” Bodnaruk says. “Our
oldest client is 60. He had tons of mobility issues, and I’ve seen
him get better and better.”
If you are new to CrossFit, the first class at CrossFit Lazarus is
free. If you want to continue, the next step is the fundamentals
class, which is a training month teaching specific CrossFit
techniques. The group classes are for people who are more
advanced in their training. CrossFit Lazarus also offers special
deal classes through Groupon and Deal Find.
CrossFit Lazarus is located at 15538 131 Ave. They operate
from Monday to Saturday, with various times and classes. Visit
them online, or call them at 780-455-4441 to find out their gym
hours and services.
This is the summer to ramp up your workout and get your body
in shape with something new, and enjoy those summer games of
soccer and baseball—without the extra aches and pains afterwards.
// www.crossfitlazarus.com
Plan your workouts.The next step is planning your workouts. Just like work or dinner,
scheduling in time to exercise will make you do it more often.
“Even if your schedule is packed, there is always time,” Vigeant
says. “Don’t rule out those few minutes you have. Anything is
always better than nothing.”
On a tight budget? Not a problem! “Being active isn’t about
having a gym membership or state-of-the-art equipment at
home,” says Vigeant. “The most important machine you have
is yourself.” Activities such as walking the dog, going for a run
or playing sports with friends are all affordable options that work.
Start!“There is never a perfect time to begin,” says Vigeant. “Be confident
and start simple.” Find activities that complement your lifestyle. By
doing things you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it. Know what
works best for you. Jumping on trends is never the best solution.
“Your body is unique. Therefore, what you need is likely to be
different from what someone else needs to achieve results.”
Once you begin your routine, go slowly. “Starting too fast and
changing too many things at once will overwhelm you,” says
Vigeant. As the activities become easier to do, that’s when you
can advance. “Aim for progress, not perfection. Otherwise you’ll
mentally and emotionally exhaust yourself.”
Another important element is stretching. Not only will it significantly
decrease the risk of injury, but stretching also improves flexibility and
blood flow and cuts down your recovery time.
What goes nicely with exercise? Proper nutrition. You’ve heard it
before: you are what you eat. That’s why Vigeant recommends
eating as much unprocessed food as possible. “Eat from the
earth,” she says. Another tip is buying food you recognize: “If you
can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it.”
o you sweat when you brush your teeth? Does the trek
from the couch to the fridge leave you winded? If so,
it might be a good time to start exercising. And with
summer upon us, now is the perfect time to get back on track to
a healthier, stronger and happier you.
With the help of certified personal trainer Shara Vigeant, we’ve
compiled some helpful tips to get you from a sedentary lifestyle
to an active one.
Set goals.Vigeant says that the first thing to do is determine your goals.
Be realistic. It could be as simple as drinking more water or walking
an extra 10 minutes. When deciding what you want, think long-
term. “Today, everyone wants fast results, but that doesn’t offer
long-standing value,” Vigeant says.
Determine where you’re at.Once you know your goals, ask yourself where you currently are
in terms of fitness, nutrition and overall health. “Be honest with
yourself,” Vigeant says. “It may be hard, but convincing yourself
you’re in a better spot than you are will hinder your overall success.”
If you have a difficult time answering this question on your
own, don’t be afraid to get help from experts. “Trainers are
great because they have the right tools and education,” states
Vigeant. “We’ll assess your current level of physical fitness, plus
discuss your personal goals, needs and any other issues.”
It’s also important to keep reminding yourself of these goals.
Write them down and post them on the refrigerator if you have
to. “Make it a priority,” she says.
N O W
STORY: LISA BABIUK
8
9
“Being active isn’t about having a
gym membership or state-of-the-
art equipment,The most important
machine you have is yourself.”
With an abundance of products on the market claiming to help
you lose weight, block fat, stop cravings and more, Vigeant can
see why many people are confused. “There are so many fad diets
and magic pills out there,” says Vigeant. “But quick fixes don’t
exist. Stick to a balanced lifestyle of a healthy diet and exercise,
and you’ll see long-term health benefits.”
To assist in your health and fitness goals, Vigeant suggests eating
four or five small meals throughout the day to maintain energy.
Watch your portions and eat only until satisfied. Her advice is
eating foods at an 80-20 ratio—healthy 80 per cent of the time,
but relaxing the rules for the remaining 20 per cent. “Everyone
needs to hang with their buddies and have some wings or unwind
with a glass of wine once in a while,” Vigeant says. “The goal is to
make healthy options more often while still enjoying life. The 80-20
ratio will help you stick to the program longer.”
Exercise and nutrition aside, Vigeant says one of the biggest
factors to success is attitude. “Never say never. Thinking in terms
of ‘I choose not to’ rather than ‘I can’t’ will help you stay positive.”
Getting support from others is another asset, but isn’t strictly
necessary. Remember, you’re doing this for yourself. By
acknowledging your improvements, you’ll be motivated to keep
going. Still, if you need a little support, find a way to get it. “It’s
okay to ask for help,” says Vigeant.
As owner of Shara Vigeant Personal Training on the city’s south
side, Vigeant knows firsth and about the challenges of living a
healthy lifestyle. A former bodybuilder, she suffered her own trials
and tribulations with weight loss. After five years of competing,
dieting and working out several times a day, Vigeant’s body began
to shut down. “I wasn’t healthy,” she says. “I became a prisoner of
the mirror.”
Vigeant quit competing and bodybuilding and changed her
lifestyle. Today, she still works out four or five times a week, but is
more realistic about her goals and her body. “I learned there was a
big difference between looking fit and being fit,” she says.
She passes this outlook on to all her clients. “Being active will help
you in everyday life. The fitter you are, the more productive you will
be in everything you do,” she says. “[Fitness] has to be a priority.”
//www.sharavigeant.com
F E AT U R E
10
ROLLER DERBY IS NOT A SPORT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. IT REQUIRES SPEED, STRATEGY AND A HEALTHY DOSE OF SASS.STORY: DANIELLE PARADIS // PHOTOS:SHERREE ELM
11
12
Roller derby is “an all-consuming sport,” says Trauminatrix, who
has been part of the Derby Girls for six months. “You become a
part of this subculture. And if you say you play roller derby you
will get a gazillion friends on Facebook. It starts out as a hobby,
and it’s exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise.”
Roller derby is a great workout. It uses all of the major muscle
groups, is as aerobically effective as cycling or jogging, and a
skater can burn up to 1200 calories in a practice. The ladies of
derby don’t seem the types to be keeping close track of these
things, though. There are all sizes here, and everyone is welcome.
Wytchy, a six-year veteran of the sport, is a robust and energetic
woman. She still speaks fondly of her first experience as a
ho says girls are confined to figure skating and
ballet? For ladies who like their sports a little
more rough-and-tough, there’s roller derby.
Edmonton boasts two roller derby clubs with
plenty of opportunities to take out some aggression on the track,
one of which is the Oil City Derby Girls. But be warned: this is
not a sport for the faint of heart.
“My shins look like I had rabid dogs chewing on them,” says
one participant says to me. Blood and broken bones aside,
the sport’s violent nature is more than hinted at through the
players’ adopted personas—Honey Crueler, Ginger Rage and
Trauminatrix to name a few.
Flat-track roller derby is an American-invented sport. It’s full
contact, and requires speed, strategy and a healthy dose of
sass. The game was developed in the Great Depression by Leo
Seltzer, and since then the sport has seen its popularity wax and
wane. But derby always comes back—it’s an inexpensive and
accessible sport, and every city has interesting little nooks and
venues that can be turned into practice rinks.
Games are played on an oval track. Two teams of five players
each circle the track. Each team is comprised of one “jammer,”
or the predetermined scoring player, and four “blockers,” or
defensive players. Points are scored when the jammer laps
the other team. The blockers try to ensure that the opposing
team’s jammer doesn’t earn any points. Games almost invariably
become brutal.
There is a heavy theatrical element to roller derby. Each player
adopts a pseudonym, and game attire is far from the standard
shorts-and-t-shirt of many other team sports; it’s not uncommon
for players to sport fishnets and short skirts.
Formed in 2005, the Oil City Derby Girls were one of the first
modern derby leagues in Canada. The modern incarnation of
the sport focuses on athleticism, in contrast to the showmanship
of decades past. In the past six years, derby has caught on like
wildfire across the prairies. There are now over 40 leagues in
Canada, and the sport is still growing.
I’ve strapped on skates and practiced with the freshies at former
practices, but there are no freshies today. From my own past
experience in derby, I can attest that the atmosphere and sport
are addictive. In no time at all I was skating around the rink
(without falling!) and I even mastered a tuck—sliding on one
knee and getting back up on your skates.
Today the more experienced ladies are training for their upcoming
meets. They speak excitedly of an upcoming event, the Fresh
Meet Frolic, where rookies from all over the province come
together for smashup double-header game.
13
freshie; at the urging of Pamtera (of the reffing crew), Wytchy
attended a practice. “I kept falling down and getting up again,
so I knew it was for me,” she recalls.
Derby is fun, but it certainly isn’t risk-free. At her first game
Wytchy smashed her head and suffered a minor concussion.
She didn’t stop playing, although she did sit out three jams
(two-minute periods). She also had a broken ankle. But she
wears these injuries as a badge of honour, because she loves
the game.
Trauminatrix has not been rolling as long as Wytchy, but her love
of the game can be traced back to her experiences watching
roller derby’s heyday in the 1970s. She emailed the Oil City
club, and showed up to practice with her 10-year-old daughter.
Both of them have been hooked on the sport ever since. Her
daughter, who has adopted the adorably fierce moniker Scream
Soda, “loves the game as much as I do, more than I do,”
Trauma says happily. “It’s a great sport for young girls. It shows
them that not everyone is five-foot-10 and skinny. It’s really given
[Scream Soda] and me confidence.”
The women of derby are always recruiting. You can come
any time of year. Your looks and build don’t matter—what’s
important to these ladies is knowing how to bring it!
// www.oilcityderbygirls.ca
ON THE PROWL AT PANTHER GYMSTORY: DEVON BRYCE // PHOTO: NATALIE SEMENIUK
14
15
It’s Hugh McCall’s ninetieth birthday and he just finished
three rounds at Panther Gym. “He talked about stopping
after the second, but we pushed past that, and he made
it through the third. It’s little things like that which set the
tone for the day,” says Benny Swanson, Panther’s owner.
Swanson loves his job, and his excitement shows. “I’ve been
able to turn my passion into a job,” he says. We walk around the
gym as he talks about the changes that have taken place since
he first started working out at Panther two decades ago, from
new equipment to new windows. “People always joke about
the smell in a gym, but when you get a lot of people working
hard and sweating in the summer, it’s nice to be able to open the
windows,” he laughs.
Swanson walked into the gym in 1991, hung over and looking
for a change in his life; he says that it was “boxing that knocked
some sense into me.” In his youth, Swanson partied and fought.
“I’d go into bars and just be on the lookout for guys who were
being jerks, guys who were picking on smaller guys and I’d
bump into them, anything to start a fight,” he says.
“One of my friends was already training at Panther… I needed
somewhere to direct my energy and did I ever find it here!”
He started training to box right away, and despite years of
experience street fighting, he found he had a lot to learn.
Becoming an amateur boxer gave him focus, and turning pro
gave him a sense of who he wanted to be. But it was losing that
career that brought him to where he is today. At the height of his
career, Swanson was involved in a car accident. “[After] losing
my pro career, for a time I just lost myself,” he says. “I went back
to partying and looking for external sources of happiness.”
But his time at the gym set Swanson on the right path yet again.
“It still amazes me how walking down the stairs to this gym just
wipes away all my problems,” he says. “I know what I need to
do to keep myself focused. All fighters have demons, so there’s
no judgment at this gym.”
This policy extends to Panther’s kickboxing and karate classes,
which have mixed ability levels. Full Privilege Members have
access to all these classes, as well as workout equipment.
Swanson stresses that expertise is not required at Panther. “Just
bring your enthusiasm and your energy. We don’t even care if
you can’t bring enthusiasm every day, just keep trying.”
Panther differs from a lot of gyms, Swanson says confidently,
but he makes it clear it isn’t the right gym for everyone. “If you’re
looking for a purely social experience, this isn’t it. There’s a lot of
support here, and we give people a place to work through some
of life’s situations, but we’re here to work.”
Clients don’t sign any contracts at Panther, a feature that allows
people to come and go, and works well for much of the clientele.
“We get everyone in here, from hockey players in the off season,
all the big name boxers who are passing though, and a lot of
actors as well."
The people Swanson talks about with the most pride, however,
are the kids that frequent his gym. “I work with a lot of kids
who just need a place to go” he says, “the ones who might be
hanging out at the mall, getting into trouble.”
Swanson knows from his own life what these kids are facing, and
he’s clear that he’s there for them, regardless of how sporadically
they might show up. “I talk about what I went through growing up
while we’re training, and they might tell me about their lives. What
matters is that they’re here, and they’re learning. They might take
off for a while, but they’ll come back. And we don’t judge them.
We’re all here for the same reason.”
Swanson is able to teach the teens he works with how to box,
how to train, but also how to overcome setbacks and frustration.
“I teach them to stay on track by living well, and I’m always
telling them to go after their dreams, but not to sell yourself for
them,” he explains. “It is all about living consciously.”
// www.panthergym.com
“IT STILL AMAZES ME HOW WALKING DOWN THE STAIRS TO THIS GYM JUST WIPES AWAY ALL MY PROBLEMS.”
16
STORY: LINDSAY HOLMAN // PHOTO: JUSTIN MCMURDO
Cheerleaders have a bad reputation in the world of entertainment.
They’re said to lurk in high school gymnasiums, hallways and
cafeterias, waiting to slam their classmates into lockers and
reduce their more socially awkward peers to tears. While this
stereotype is a staple in teen television shows and movies, it
couldn’t be any farther from the truth when it comes to the
Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team.
“They have the opportunity to make life a little bit more positive
and to support the causes that are crucial to our community,” says
Eskimos cheer coach and choreographer Dianne Greenough.
“They’ve really developed a reputation of being a talented and
community-minded group of athletes.”
The team is composed of 17 dancers, who perform choreographed
dance routines, and 24 stunters, who perform the more acrobatic
elements like aerial flips and twists. Every cheer team member is a
volunteer. “They don’t get paid a penny,” says Greenough. Outside
of performing at football games at home and away, the athletes
spend extensive hours training and perfecting their skills both
individually and as a team, and also attend over 200 charitable and
promotional events throughout the course of the year.
“It’s way more than just cheerleading,” says stunter Lynea Closson.
This is Closson’s third year on the team. As a stunter, Closson is
one of the “girls that you get to see fly in the air.” The experience of
being on the team has been everything that she had expected, and
more. “It’s such an amazing family to become a part of,” she says.
“I met every single one of my best friends while on the team.”
Closson is a prime example of the dedication and commitment
required of each team member—she spent the majority of her
first season as an Eskimos cheerleader driving back and forth
from Red Deer. She says that it was a lot of gas money, but the
experience was totally worth the expense.
The team helps to bring awareness to a variety of causes by
performing and engaging the crowd at events and fundraisers.
From helping charity runners warm up before the big race, to
pouring Ice Caps at Tim Horton’s on “Camp Day,” the team
is constantly being invited out to serve their community in a
variety of ways. “It’s nice to get out and be able to support the
community,” says Closson. “It’s amazing to think that you can
make someone’s day better just by giving them a hug.”
Closson says that one of her favorite events is Kids with Cancer.
“The kids are so amazing,” she says.
“They get a chance to put smiles on [the kids’] faces,” says
Greenough. These smiles are more than worth all of the time and
effort the team puts into preparation and performance.
When she isn’t training, cheering or supporting the community,
Closson works a day job as a personal trainer. She plans to study the
profession at a post-secondary level sometime in the near future.
A substantial portion of the team are already university students.
“It’s one of the things that we are looking for—people that will
really make a difference in the world,” says Greenough. Being on
the Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team not only looks great on a
resume—it molds the individual into becoming a genuinely caring,
socially responsible and community-focused member of society.
Though the “bully” stereotype is non-existent in this cheer team,
the “wow” factor rings true. “I’m really proud that when the whistle
blows, the crowd will get the best entertainment around,” says
Greenough. She says that attending a game and watching the
team perform is a great experience—“I can’t think of a better way
to spend a summer afternoon.”
17
Each team member is an elite athlete, with years of experience
in gymnastics and dance. With their skills and contagious
enthusiasm, they are true crowd pleasers. “They love fans and
the fans love them,” adds Greenough. The team loves performing
just as much as the crowd loves coming to see them dance, flip
and cheer. “The first time that you walk out on the field, and there
are 60,000 people staring at you—it’s just the most unbelievable
feeling,” says Closson.
Performing in front of a crowd and representing your hometown is
a perk in itself. Greenough says that the team members’ undeniable
talent and community spirit makes them fantastic ambassadors for
Edmonton, and for Canada, when performing internationally.
The Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team is inclusive within the
community, as well as in the stadium. At the very first half-time
show of every season, the Eski-Minis, Jr. Esks, and Eski-Ladies
join the team in their routine—that’s 300 bodies flooding the field.
“It really kicks off the season,” says Greenough.
Greenough initiated the three additional teams in 2000. “I did it
first and foremost for kids in the community that wanted to be
Eskimo cheerleaders,” she says. “They were hanging over the
edge at games—they wanted to be a part of it.” The Eski-Minis is
for children aged four to 10, the Jr. Esks are for ages 10 to 17, and
the Eski-Ladies is for women over the age of 17. A lot of the Eski-
Ladies are the mothers of the Eski-Minis. The teams have a great
time and “make connections that last a lifetime,” says Greenough.
The team has a busy summer ahead of them. In late July, they
will be attending the Pro-Action Dance Convention in Las Vegas,
where the dancers can improve their form. The stunters will
also benefit from the National Stunt Camp & Competition in
California. Keep your eyes peeled for the team at the Capital Ex
parade on July 21, and at the Fringe Festival in mid-August. The
team will also continue to make appearances at charitable and
promotional events throughout the summer months.
STORY: VANCE TERNOWSKI
18
19
Wh en I first meet “Super” Dave Dyer, I can't help but
imagine that he must be an accidental millionaire.
He carries himself casually, wearing an old leather
jacket and blue jeans. He's also a little reserved
and quiet. Perhaps he won a lot of money in a contest, or
created a brilliant product that became an instant best seller.
Or perhaps he was at the forefront of the dot-com boom
and now he is simply resting on his laurels. What I don’t
expect him to be is a man who spends a great deal of his time
rolling in dirt.
Super Dave got his first dirt bike in 1976, but it wasn't until
1989 that he began racing motocross. The name “motocross”
is a combination of “motorcycle” and “cross-country”—it’s a
sport for those whose need for speed can’t be confined to city
streets. Motocross riders explore mixed-terrain closed tracks
on motorbikes and ATVs, competing to see who can reach the
finish line the fastest and get the dirtiest in the process. Races
are fast, exciting, and at times cringe-inducing—on occasion
riders can sustain serious injuries, although this risk is part of
the sport’s appeal for the adrenaline junkies it attracts.
The sport has developed several unique branches—freestyle
motocross, in which riders incorporate aerial elements like
flips and twists while riding their bikes; supermoto, which
takes a bike designed to be ridden off-road and racing in
on a track made of both dirt and asphalt; and supercross,
which takes place on indoor tracks with tighter turns than on
traditional outdoor tracks.
During his years of competition, Dyer took great interest in all
aspects of motocross, and soon began helping to maintain
some of the tracks in the area. In his years of involvement in
the sport, he has noticed that the popularity of the sport travels
along some of the same lines as a motocross track, surviving
dips, jumps, and curves; as with any sport, motocross
racing has suffered in the past few years, due to the faltering
economy, but fans of the sport have powered through. “There
are a lot of people that are still die-hard,” Dyer says. “No
matter what happens with the economy, people still like to
have their toys.”
Around 2002, Dyer stopped racing, although he doesn't
consider it retirement. His focus has simply moved elsewhere.
Fast-forward to 2004, and Dyer has just purchased 80 acres
of land to convert into his own motocross track. He found the
perfect place, north of Edmonton, near the town of Opal. “I
talked to the county before I bought the land,” says Dyer. “They
said it would be a good location. There's one neighbour across
the way. He says as long as he can sleep at night and nobody's
bothering him, then he's great with it.”
The isolation is a saving grace for Dyer, as many other local
tracks suffer from the expansion of nearby cities and towns.
“A lot of places are being closed down. I didn't want to do all
this work for someone to decide they didn't like it and have us
shut down.” The track officially opened for business in 2006.
Dyer does the majority of the work on the track by himself,
armed with a small bobcat, a water truck, and an impressive
work ethic. “It's a juggling act to get the work done... because
I want to be open on weekends and a couple of nights during
the week.” He also spends a great deal of time hauling dirt and
sand over from his neighbor's yard, and then packing it into
the various slopes and jumps required for a fully functional
motocross track. Sometimes the magnitude of the operation
shocks even him: “You don't think it takes that much dirt until
you're building it.”
Super Dave's track is unique, because he has been using it as
a place for both new and experienced riders to hone their craft.
“A lot of tracks are restricted on when they can be used, and
they're just for events, but you can't practice there,” he says.
Although it hasn't been used for much beyond a few races
amongst clubs, he's hoping that with a little time and a lot of hard
work he can branch out and start hosting events, but the track is
far from ready for that. “It's still a growing process,” he says.
He has already hosted a few interesting events, however. “I
had a snowman race, where you clear the snow off the tracks
and use studded tires,” says Dyer. “It works almost as good
as in summer, only colder.” He has plans to build a starting
gate, which he says will lead to more events, and ideally, some
sponsors for the track. Shops tend to sponsor events over
individual courses, but that hasn't deterred people from
taking advantage of his track as a training ground.
Motocross has often been considered less of a sport and more
of a pastime, but according to Dyer, riders have to be in top
physical shape. Handling a bike that has so much power at
top speeds for long periods of time requires both physical
strength and mental endurance. “Fifteen years ago, they
were testing motocross riders, and their physical strength
is comparable to that of any other sport.” And unlike other
sports, there are no breaks in motocross.
Misconceptions also extend to how the riders themselves
are perceived. “If it has something to do with motorcycles,
people think it's all the Hell's Angels or something,” says Dyer,
reminding me that very few motocross riders are actually in
biker gangs, and that they're usually quite friendly. “The riders
get along great and they're really helpful. If there's a beginner
there and he's having problems, guys will go up and help him.”
Dyer's track has led to a strong community of motocross
riders, and they all work together to make sure they have a
great riding experience.
// www.superdavesmx.com
20
are at a place where it’s not a priority. That’s okay with me. My
services are volunteered only to those interested, and players
need not share my particular convictions.”
But for players who are interested, Kassian hosts weekly Bible
studies and mentoring opportunities during the football season,
as well as a pre-game chapel. Players attend only if they want to.
Kassian found his place with the Eskimos through Athletes
in Action, an organization which works to bring a spiritual
component to sports, all the way from professional leagues to
kids in sports camp programs. AIA believes in the power that
sports can have over a culture, and hopes to help make athletes
better role models for children. AIA supplies chaplains to the
CFL, as well as many other professional and amateur sports
organizations, and ensures they get the training they need to
consistently improve at what they do. The decision to hire a
chaplain rests with each individual professional sports team,
but currently every team in the CFL has one.
STORY: KRISTEN WAGNER
The spiritual side of professional football is not often considered,
except perhaps when fans are praying for a win in the last
minutes of the Grey Cup final. But for Brent Kassian, chaplain
to the Edmonton Eskimos, not only is spirituality important to
sports, it’s essential to everyday life.
“I’m somewhat biased,” Kassian says, “but I think that having
any individual person, whether they’re players or writers or
doctors or plumbers or electricians, moms at home with kids—
anybody—if you’re on a journey with Jesus Christ, you may
become a better electrician, a better mom, a better football
player on the field.”
But Kassian’s job as chaplain isn’t to push his personal faith on
players. Rather, he offers guidance and support to the team, and
adjusts his approach to fit the faith level of everyone he meets.
“We are all on the same team: the Eskimos,” he says. “For
some players, religion and pro sports don’t go together. Or they
the SPIRITUAL
side of sports.
ESKIMOS CHAPLAIN BRENT KASSIAN
21
When he is not mentoring the Eskimos, Kassian works as a
physiotherapist in the city. It was when he was attending the
University of Alberta earning his degree in physiotherapy that
his interest in spiritual leadership grew. He had been involved
with Christian campus groups at the U of A, and took part in
leadership training with an organization called Power to Change,
of which Athletes in Action is a subset. An athlete himself,
Kassian also ran track for the University team.
In the years since completing his degree, Kassian has enrolled
in a Masters of Divinity program at Taylor Seminary, and
participated in a local pastoral leadership team. Then about
12 years ago, opportunity came barrelling at Kassian like a
220-pound halfback.
“About 12 seasons ago I was asked by Athletes in Action if I would
consider being a chaplain to a pro football team, i.e. the Edmonton
Eskimos,” Kassian recalls. “I said I would have to give that some
thoughtful and prayerful consideration, so I did that, and then
went through a formal application process with them, and some
interviews with the football team and with the existing chaplain.”
“That was 12 seasons ago, and that’s hard to believe. Time just
flies when you’re having fun.”
And Kassian’s time with the Eskimos has indeed been fun. He
says his favourite thing about serving as chaplain has been the
friendships he has developed with the staff and players—who
call him “chappy”—and these friendships are not limited to the
players who participate in the chapel program.
“I’m not around to force things on [the players],” he says. “I’m
there to come alongside and support them, especially with life
issues away from the field. I enjoy some very special friendships
with players who are not into God stuff.”
While spirituality and sports may seem an unexpected combination,
spirituality and friendship go hand in hand, and that relationship is at
the heart of Kassian’s job.
Green shirt: Brent Kassian
The sailing scene is not limited to coastal regions.
For local enthusiasts like Paul Kantor, sailing is
more than just a hobby, it’s a way of life—even in
our land-locked province.
22
STORY: DEVON BRYCE // PHOTO: SHERREE ELM
STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
24
Sherwood Park Toyota is Edmontons newest Scion
Dealer. For more information visit our website at
www.SPToyota.com or Call us at 780.410.2455
25
Lemieux was racing solo when he saw two Singapore sailors
capsize in a nearby race. Breaking away from his own race, he
rescued the injured sailors and waited until they were transferred
into a patrol boat before finishing his race. Because of this delay,
he finished the race in 22nd place. But after taking his heroic
actions into consideration, the governing body for yachting
awarded Lemieux second place in the race, the place he was
in before leaving to help the distressed team. Lemieux also won
the Pierre de Coubertin Medal for Sportsmanship, awarded by
the International Olympic Committee.
Kantor speaks with pride about the sailors who have come
through the Edmonton Yacht Club, and says there are many
funny stories that go with the territory: “You won’t hear many
of them unless you’re in the clubhouse!” One he hinted at
involved a person falling overboard, but not having a ladder to
bring them back onboard, they had to tow them back to shore.
But not all of the stories are that light-hearted.
In 1968, Kantor went sailing in Yugoslavia with a cousin who was
about to be drafted into the Army: “I may have dropped him off
in Italy by mistake,” he says with a sarcastic chuckle. “He spent a
day in jail for entering the country illegally, went to a refugee camp
and by Christmas was in Canada.” But when it comes to mishaps,
Kantor says he hasn’t had any—he has never been shipwrecked,
and has never had an accident with another boat.
For aspiring sailors, the Edmonton Yacht Club offers lessons,
and Kantor also runs the Sindbad School of Sailing. In order to
charter a boat solo, the minimum qualification required is Coastal
Skipper, a rank earned through a week-long course. There are
also classes on coastal navigation and tidal waters, which is a
combination of correspondence work and on-boat experience.
People who take the basic course for sailing on the lake often
come back to Alberta to learn how to sail on the coast. “If you
look at the boats moored in Vancouver, you’ll see many of them
list Edmonton as their home port,” Kantor says. “I did that when
I sailed through the Mediterranean, flying the Canadian flag.”
When it comes to interest in sailing for the younger generations,
Kantor looks to the influence authors like Tania Aebi have had
on young solo sailors. In 1989, Aebi published her first book,
Maiden Voyage, about sailing solo around the world between
the ages of 18 and 21. Despite poor weather and mechanical
failures, she was successful. The voyage was the beginning of
her lifelong passion for sailing, and she continues to write for
several sailing and cruising magazines.
Kantor says he understands the urge to enter adulthood on the
sea, achieving such a monumental goal as a solo sail around
the world. “It’s a matter of being committed,” he explains. “It is
a matter of priorities. What do your want to do? If you really want
to sail, you’ll find a way to do it.”
// www.sindbad.ca // www.edmontonyachtclub.ca
Alberta may not strike you as a place with a thriving
sailing scene, but a quick chat with local yachting
enthusiast Paul Kantor will change your mind. “You
can sail anywhere, even on a pond, if you really want to,” he
jokes. But as he lists off places to sail in the province, from Cold
Lake to the Glenmore Reservoir, you come to realize that while
it may be landlocked, Alberta isn’t the dry prairie province you
once thought.
Kantor started sailing at the age of 14 on Lake Balaton, the
largest fresh water lake in Europe. It’s also known as the
Hungarian Sea. He was born into a sailing family and learned
the skill from an uncle, a high-level competitor. With over 60
years experience on the water, sailing is part of who Kantor is.
“Sailing is always fun,” he says. “Once I get onto a boat, I never
want to come off.”
Kantor came to Canada in 1957 and landed in Montreal. He was
one of a group of 25 students offered a place at the University
of Alberta to pursue their studies in Edmonton. He looked at the
area on a map, saw Cooking Lake and made the move. The
next year, he and a few friends bought a 14-foot International
Dinghy together. While all the members bought their own boats
eventually, Kantor says the original one lasted the group for quite
some time.
As the shared boat illustrates, sailing is more affordable than
many people think. Kantor says you can buy a boat for $5,000
or more than $50,000, depending on what you’re willing to
spend. The popularity of the sport is certainly irrefutable—on a
nice day you can count 100 sailors or more on Lake Wabamun,
the centre for sailing in the area.
In 2005, a derailed CN Rail train spilled over a million litres of oil
into Lake Wabamun, but the spill didn’t affect sailing much in the
long run, Kantor notes. While there were complaints at the time
that CN fixed the train tracks before getting to work on the lake,
Kantor thinks they did a good job of cleanup—he thinks the
water is actually clearer now than it was prior to the spill.
It is fortunate that the lake recovered so well from the spill,
as Wabamun is one of the more popular sailing spots in the
province. It is also home to the Edmonton Yacht Club. The Club
formed in 1923 on Cooking Lake, southeast of Edmonton,
in order to provide support and interaction for local sailing
enthusiasts. Two decades later, the club moved to Seba Beach
on Lake Wabamun, west of the city. Members have access to
facilities and water programs, including classes. Kantor enjoys
teaching through the Club, as it allows him to share his passion
for the sport.
The Edmonton Yacht Club has some famous members as
well. Lawrence Lemieux, an Edmonton native who competed
in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, exemplifies the sportsmanship
Kantor says marks sailors. In the ’88 competition in Seoul,
26
Edmonton’s Garneau Tennis and Beach Volleyball Club
is having one of the best seasons of its 85-year history.
This spring, the club debuted its brand new tennis courts—
the first court replacement since the club opened in 1926.
Tournaments and social events are lined up for the summer
season, and both tennis and beach volleyball players are bringing
enthusiasm to the courts. The club offers a number of services
and opportunities for members and non-members alike, with a
good time outside enjoying Edmonton’s short summer as the
ultimate goal.
“[Garneau] is a great recreation facility that not many people have
discovered,” says manager Cara Patterson. “Every dollar we take
in we want to give back to the members, and more. We’re always
putting on social events and trying to upgrade our facilities and
just trying to give everyone a first-rate athletic experience.”
Garneau employs three tennis professionals, and offers private,
semi-private and group lessons. The club has its own internal
recreational tennis league, called a box league, which allows
members of different skill levels to play together. They also have
a competitive interclub team, which plays against teams from
other tennis clubs in the city.
The club also hosts tournaments sanctioned by Tennis Alberta.
This year, the club Hosted Hackers Challenge in May, and
is looking forward to Senior Provincials July 16-17 and the
Annual Garneau Centennial Clay Court Championships over the
September long weekend.
As for beach volleyball, several competitive and recreational
leagues also operate out of the Garneau, including Friday night
drop-in games throughout the summer. As well, the club hosts
U of A intramurals and participants from the Edmonton Sport
and Social Club.
Thanks to a grant from the Government of Alberta, the club is
sporting a new look—top-of-the-line red clay Nova-Pro tennis
courts. As the home of the only clay tennis courts in Edmonton,
the club wanted to maintain that tradition while providing a
smoother playing surface for members.
“We used Nova-Pro clay courts, and in our opinion those are
the top-line clay courts you can have, especially for the weather
here in Edmonton,” Patterson says. “We’ve got weeping tile
under them—they drain quite quickly, and they’re pretty easy to
maintain, and really give you a great surface for playing tennis on.”
“[Our old courts] were clay, but they were built in 1926. They
would get muddy, there were mushrooms growing under them—
it was horrible to deal with. We upgraded.”
Patterson says the club’s beach volleyball courts were also
renovated about two years ago. “We got completely new sand,
new borders. Right now we’re getting new post-fittings welded
on, as well as new nets and lines and everything. So our facility for
beach volleyball has definitely been upgraded, and it’s excellent.”
With the mud and mushrooms out of the way, the club’s
management is better able to focus on providing social services to
members. “We’re a really social club,” says Patterson. “We often
have a lot of social tournaments we run for members only over
the year.”
Patterson says that in her six years with the club she’s gained
respect and affection for both tennis and volleyball. “When I first
got involved with this club I had no experience with tennis, and
very little experience with beach volleyball, and I’ve grown to love
both sports,” she says. “The game of tennis is a beautiful game;
the history behind it is amazing, and to play it—it’s extremely fun.”
“The satisfaction you get from hitting a good shot—I think it’s
one of the greatest feelings out there.”
// www.garneau-tennis.com
27
The power of sport is most keenly felt this time of year as
Edmontonians gear up to tackle the fields, hit the courts and
soak up the summer heat with some friendly competition.
The Edmonton Sport and Social Club is helping to connect
sports lovers and social butterflies with the activities they adore.
The goal of the club is to “provide players with the best sport
and social experience in the city,” according to ESSC marketing
manager Jason Bridger.
With the enormous success the club has seen over recent years,
it is evident that this goal is being met. The club has seen the club
grow to over 600 teams per season compared to just 32 teams
when the club got started in Edmonton in the summer of 2004.
“We are Edmonton’s fastest-growing co-ed sports league
provider, and are excited to offer Edmontonians an awesome
lineup of leagues, tournaments and parties on a year-round
basis,” says Bridger.
The club, which began in Edmonton after seeing success
in Calgary, has over 14 sports and activities open to all skill
levels—from those looking to add some fun to their daily routine
or those battling it out for serious bragging rights. Participants
can challenge themselves and opponents with anything from
a leisurely game of dodgeball to a hardcore match of beach
volleyball to a team-building game of soccer and even a game
of ultimate Frisbee.
This lineup is what keeps so many members coming back
season after season. But, there are plenty of other reasons why
participants just can’t get enough. “It’s a great way to stay active
and keep social. It’s something that you can look forward to,”
says Bridger. “And it’s actually good for you!”
Over the years, the club has been working to strengthen its
presence in the community. Currently, the Edmonton Sport and
Social Club has eight official sponsor bars, including Hudson’s
Canadian Tap House, Canadian Brewhouse and Jox Sports Bar.
These venues provide participants with a place to meet, eat and
drink after their games. “It’s a great way to wrap up the night with
your team and get to know other club members,” says Bridger.
If the fitness and social aspect isn’t enough to sway you,
perhaps the various freebies and discounts offered at these
bars will. This is just one more way that the club is pleasing the
hundreds of members they serve.
The club no doubt provides benefits to the individuals involved,
but also plays an important role in contributing to the community
at large. With a focus on supporting community-based initiatives,
it donates both funds and equipment to various organizations. It
also sponsors club members in their quests to raise money and,
according to Bridger, is dedicated to giving back to the community.
In past years, the Edmonton Sport and Social Club has filled
shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, stripped down to their
skivvies for the Underwear Affair and grown out their mustaches
in support of Movember.
All adults over the age of 18 are welcome to get involved in the
Edmonton Sport and Social Club leagues. Whether you are young
in body or just young at heart, you have a place within the club.
Although Bridger notes remarkable success over the years,
he ultimately sees the club growing much larger than we see
today, perhaps even branching out and getting involved in more
adventure sports. “I would like to see us get involved in activities
such as white water rafting, rock climbing, camping [and]
canoeing,” says Bridger. As positive word spreads through the
Edmonton area, this expansion seems promising.
By combining fitness with fun, the Edmonton Sport and
Social Club is sure to make its way into the lives of many
Edmontonians who are looking to work hard, play harder
and create lasting friendships and memories in the process.
According to Bridger, “[The club] provide[s] the people of
Edmonton the ideal platform to have fun and stay fit without
breaking the bank!”
Summer registration is already underway with the July 7
deadline coming up fast. The summer season begins July 17.
Register online at the club's website.
// www.edmontonsportsclub.com.
I D E A SN E T W O R K S
LONG HOURS AT THE OFFICE MAKE
WORKERS LESS LIKELY TO LIVE HEALTHY,
ACTIVE LIFESTYLES, AND PRODUCTIVITY
SUFFERS DUE TO ILL HEALTH AND
MISSED WORK. BUT VIVACORE CONSULTING
IS WORKING TO MAKE ALBERTA’S
WORKERS HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER, ONE CONSULTATION AT
A TIME.
STORY: KRISTA D. BALL // PHOTO: LARISSA MACK
28
Statistics Canada estimates $12 billion is lost annually
due to workplace absenteeism. With tight workplace
budgets, employers are doing more work with fewer
resources. Overtime is a reality for many people. And
after eight or 10 hours of staring at a computer, who really wants
to head out to the gym? Unfortunately, overwork and poor habits
like not exercising can lead to illness and missed work.
Victoria Poschadel, founder and president of VivaCore Consulting,
understands the plight of the overworked office worker because
she too felt that way while working in an office environment.
After completing her personal trainer certificate and a Bachelor
of Physical Education degree from the University of Alberta,
Poschadel took a position with the Government of Alberta,
working to reduce obesity rates and encourage better nutrition
in the province.
While there, she realized how difficult healthy living actually is for
office workers. After spending eight hours in front of a screen,
she did not feel like being active either. Poschadel saw a need
in the Edmonton business sector to educate employees and
employers about the links between worker productivity, overall
happiness in the workplace, and health.
So, two years ago she created VivaCore Consulting to promote
active and healthy living among Edmonton businesses.
Studies show that over half of Albertans have little to no
encouragement from their employers to become physically
active, even though countless studies over the last decade have
shown that physical activity (even just taking short walk breaks
during the day) increases productivity, overall health and mood.
When a company first contacts VivaCore Consulting, they get
an initial office needs and wellness evaluation. Depending upon
the needs of the business, all employees can fill out a 10-minute
survey about how they feel in the workplace, or Poschadel can
question a random sampling of employees.
After completing the survey about overall workplace mood,
productivity, needs, wants and general issues, VivaCore
Consulting provides the employer a detailed report showing
the office’s strengths and areas for improvement based on the
direct feedback from employees. This method, says Poschadel,
ensures that each assessment is based directly on the needs of
the employees and ensures an individualized plan, as opposed to
a cookie-cutter approach.
VivaCore’s approach depends on the services required. For
example, if a number of people are physically uncomfortable
at work, Poschadel’s team can do an ergonomic evaluation.
If general education is needed, she can run lunch and learn
sessions on work-life balance, being active, and some quick
tips on healthy eating at work.
Some businesses have evolved a corporate culture of never
taking breaks, while some employees avoid breaks of their own
accord. Poschadel points out that studies show employees who
work all day without taking lunch breaks are less productive
and not as refreshed. Her team can work with these employers
and employees to encourage lunch breaks, in-house exercise
challenges and more active living.
Poschadel says when employees are happy, they work harder
and have a better output. Employees likewise enjoy the extra
help and assistance and feel like their companies are taking care
of their health and needs.
For Poschadel, Edmonton was the perfect location to establish
her business, as she has lived in the city for 12 years and
attended university here. As well, with 75 per cent of working
Albertans lacking access to programs to improve their overall
health, fitness, and/or nutrition at their workplace, Poschadel
hopes to address the growing need for at-work health education.
She enjoys working hands-on with people and seeing changes on
an individual basis. That’s why VivaCore Consulting customizes
each employer’s services depending upon the needs of the
company and its employees. Some of the services VivaCore offers
that directly impact employee performance include:
• wellness programs
• ergonomic analysis and adjustments
• e-learning modules
• lunch and learns
• facility management and referral
• workplace wellness challenges
• wellness retreats
By working with companies to make healthy and active living
an integral part of every workplace, Poschadel and her team
help save companies money through increased morale and
productivity, and reduced absenteeism.
Pricing varies depending upon the services and size of the
business. Also, she offers discounted rates for non-profit groups.
VivaCore Consulting is offering a free initial first visit and evaluation
between June and August 2011.
For more information, contact Victoria at info@VivaCore.ca
// VivaCore.wordpress.com
DID YOU KNOW?
• Taking a couple of short walk breaks during the day
increases productivity.
• Exercise helps employees focus better and manage their time.
• Physically active employees have fewer sick days.
29
STORY: KRISTEN WAGNER // PHOTO: NATALIE SEMENIUK
The transition to motherhood is dramatic, and for many young
moms, it can be difficult.
Christine Kasturi is one such mom. Always a busy and energetic
individual, Kasturi found herself in a different state of mind after the
birth of her first son in 2008. “I had a hard time adjusting, going
from working and being active and doing things I wanted, to being
a stay-at-home mom,” Kasturi says. “Then finally, after [my son]
turned one, I thought, ‘Enough of this sitting around. Maybe I’ll
race again.’”
Kasturi had always been active, competing in running and
swimming events. She began running triathlons with her sister
almost a decade ago, and later began racing solo. But in 2003,
she developed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a disorder that
causes blood clots in the legs, and took the following six years
off from racing.
Realizing she still loved triathlon even after so much time away
from it, Kasturi thought there must be other new moms out there
who also miss competitive sports. Although Kasturi had tried
forms of exercise geared toward moms with babies, such as
strollercize classes, she found neither she nor her son enjoyed it.
“I would rather have had half an hour alone than more time with
the baby that I was already spending 24 hours a day with,” she
says. “So I thought I would start IronMama™ for that exact reason:
moms who want to do the mom-and-baby jogging… people
who want that something else. Not just a workout, but time for
themselves. Time to set goals, maybe be a little bit competitive.”
Goal setting is an important part of being an IronMama™. Each
Mama can set her own goals and achieve them at her own pace.
“Not to say that all moms in the group want to race a triathlon
as their goal,” Kasturi explains, “but even ‘I want to learn how
to swim,’ or ‘I want to have a group to go bike riding with’—
something other than all the mom-and-baby fitness things that
are out there.”
In this way, the purpose of IronMama™ is flexible. It caters to
moms who want to bring strollers and run with their babies, and
also to moms who want time for themselves; it allows moms to
socialize with other moms, and set goals and achieve them.
Giving moms time for themselves is important to Kasturi, as it is
something she didn’t do after the birth of her first son. “That stress
carried over to how I took care of the baby, and how I took care of
myself,” she says. Helping others to avoid the same difficulties is
what IronMama™ is all about.
The IronMama™ brand is part of Kasturi’s company, called NEW
Mama – an acronym for “nutrition, energy and wellness.” “I started
30
doing some nutrition workshops under the name NEW Mama, but
I found, again, it just blended in with everything that was already out
there,” Kasturi explains.
She then began to focus more on the athletic side of wellness
by developing IronMama™. “I found with IronMama™, so many
different kinds of ladies would come. There would be ones that
would be really into fitness, and they’ve run marathons, and they
just want a women’s outlet to be with other women who want
to train the same way. And there would be other moms that just
wanted it for ‘Hey, I want to try this new sport.’ So I found now,
branching into the IronMama™ side of it is something different
and something that isn’t out there already.”
In order to help participants achieve their fitness goals, IronMama™
hosted a triathlon camp in March. Kasturi says the turnout was
eclectic, including moms with teenage or university-age children, as
well as young women with no children. But participants were able
to find common ground in their shared interest in multi-sport—not
just triathlon, but any combination of running, biking and swimming.
“I find it’s a lot of whatever the individual wants it to be,” Kasturi
says. “If the mom just wants to socialize with other moms, that’s
great, but they find things out about themselves from a fitness
perspective as well—‘Hey, I was missing this,’ or ‘I can’t believe I
haven’t done this before.”
The triathlon camp helped hoist participants out of their winter
fitness slumps. It also helped them become more self-sufficient
athletes. Part of the camp saw participants head to United Cycle
where they had a running shoe fitting, and learned how to put a
bike together and fix a flat tire.
More events will be held this summer. On Aug. 14, moms can
enjoy friendly competition by participating in the second annual
IronMama™ 5K Run and Walk, a family-friendly event where
moms can run with their babies and benefit a worthy cause in the
process. The event will also include a 25-metre “Little Kids Run.”
Registration fees from the event go to Action Against Hunger,
an organization that sends volunteers to developing countries to
implement nutrition programs for children.
IronMama™ will be hosting another event, a peak season review
for triathlon participants, on July 16. “A lot of people start [in May]
and they know where their weaknesses are, but I thought to hold
something in the middle of summer then they can really set goals
for the fall, or see that their training is actually paying off,” Kasturi
explains. “At that point, you’ve probably picked one or two races.
You’re halfway through, and people always want to know, ‘Am I
getting better? Am I losing weight? Am I getting faster?’”
For this event Kasturi is partnering with a personal trainer
from Acacia Fitness, who also helped with the training camp.
Participants will complete a fitness component as well as a
nutrition component, in which participants will learn to calculate
what their nutritional requirements are.
Nutrition is an important part of IronMama™ for Kasturi, who
holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition. “After I had my
son I was doing the grab-a-handful-of-crackers because it’s fast
and easy, or I would miss lunch because I was too tired,” she
says. “That was a big realization for me—that if I, someone with
the knowledge [of nutrition], was doing these things, there’s got to
be other moms who are doing the same.”
// www.ironmama.ca
31
32
A WA R E N E S S
STORY: JENNIFER HARDES
It’s a sad fact that man’s best friend is often found in a vulnerable position. Every year, hundreds of stray dogs are turned in to the Edmonton Humane Society for countless reasons, but the common factor is their need for a good home.
Not wanting to neglect the Edmonton community, Coventry Homes, one of Edmonton’s leading home building companies, has extended a helping hand to our furry four-legged friends. Their charity “Homes for Hounds” was founded in 2005 when Coventry became the first building corporation in Edmonton to reach out to the animal community. Coventry’s goal was to create homes not only for people, but for another homeless population as well: canines.
“There are a lot of foundations out there that focus on humans so we wanted to be unique and raise funds and awareness for helpless animals in need, especially since they don’t have a voice,” explains Amanda Horcica, executive sales assistant at Coventry Homes.
Advocating for man’s best friend is something Horcica says is both imperative for the Edmonton community and consistent with the company’s home-building goals. “We found it fitting that we could create an organization that would complement our goal to build great homes for people, while supporting the Edmonton Humane Society as they strive to find forever homes for helpless animals in need,” Horcica says.
She says the most rewarding part of the endeavour is that the organization’s supporters can see the change they make possible. Most recently, the company’s funds were used to help build the new Chappelle Centre for Animal Care, right before the eyes of supporters.
Not only does Coventry Homes generously donate a portion of each individual home sale to the Society, but they also host the famous annual Paws and Claws Gala. All the proceeds
from the Gala go directly to the Humane Society. While last year the Gala raised a whopping $80,000, Coventry Homes says that this year they want to go bigger and better.
By moving the Gala to the Edmonton Expo Centre, Coventry hopes to attract even more animal lovers and supporters to the event. The fourth annual gala, which will be held on Oct.1, will consist of dinner, entertainment, and a silent and live auction, and a live dog fashion show, featuring canines dressed in clothing provided by the Edmonton Humane Society gift shop. Watch out Gisele Bündchen and move over Naomi Campbell!
Coventry Homes is welcoming donations from both individuals and corporations to help continue their work. “In support of this great cause, Coventry Homes would be honoured to provide a donation from you or your company as a raffle item, door prize or silent auction item [at the Gala],” says Horcica. “The silent auction is critical for the Humane Society’s success in providing shelter and speaking for homeless and abused companion animals and your participation plays a key role in [achieving] that goal.”
All donations are greatly appreciated and will be recognized in the program guides at the Gala. Interested parties can contact Horcica at 780-453-5100 to inquire about donating.
The Edmonton Humane Society is thankful to Coventry Homes for its continued support, which helps keeps the not-for-profit organization going. The tail-wagging pooches are grateful too.
// www.coventry-homes.com/about-us/homes-for-hounds
Coventry’s
Homes for Hounds
McDonald suggests that programs are needed to help disabled
individuals to excel at their level in order to increase their
confidence, self worth and chances of success at the sport.
“After being successful in a supportive environment it is more
likely they will feel they have the skills to participate in an
integrated environment, such as recess or a community league
sport,” adds Suzanne Harrison, PSA program coordinator.
“They were taught the skills of how they can be successful in
the sport they learned in an adapted environment.”
But Danielle Peers, disability sport scholar, activist and former
Paralympic bronze medalist, says that her sport, wheelchair
basketball, offers another way of building more accessible
and equitable sports and communities. Wheelchair basketball
allows able-bodied and disabled athletes to compete on equal
ground by placing the able-bodied athletes in wheelchairs. This
practice is called “reverse integration”—rather than requiring
athletes with disabilities to adapt to inaccessible "integrated"
sport systems, reverse integration provides an adapted level
playing field for all participants.
“To ensure that it is of equal playing ground, we take the stand-up
team, put them in sledges or wheelchairs and start the game,”
says McDonald. “The stand-up players are out of their element,
but they know the sport, so it takes them awhile to adjust and
become comfortable with how to maneuver and then the game
is on.”
Anyone involved in martial arts knows the mental and
physical toughness needed to persevere through
the ranking system, and the Paralympic class at
Edmonton’s Tiger Taekwondo Dojang is no exception.
It’s a Wednesday evening at the end of an eight-month course
and the sounds of wood cracking and cries of enjoyment match
those found at any other Taekwondo ceremony…and then
some. Proud parents, and ecstatic children and adults beam
with excitement.
“I like Taekwondo because it builds discipline, confidence and
self esteem,” says Paralympic athlete Clinton Cook. “I have
found there is no better feeling than going up another belt level,
especially with my limitations.”
Disability sporting spaces like these are slowly growing across
Alberta thanks to the hard work of the Paralympic Sports
Association (PSA) of Alberta and its volunteers and athletes. But the
organization requires more support and funding to be sustainable.
Controversy has arisen over the necessity of separating disabled
athletes from the mainstream, but the Paralympic community still
seems to want its own sporting spaces.
Academics argue that these separate spaces reinforce the
divisions that already exist between members of this community
and the able-bodied population. Integration wherever possible is
generally advocated as a solution.
But Kim McDonald, executive director of the PSA, says that
integration does not always set disabled athletes up to succeed.
“These individuals have to compete against their able-bodied
peers, who may overall be stronger, and their fine and large
motor skills have developed to their appropriate age level,”
McDonald says. For disabled children, this is a huge concern.
She adds that this development discrepancy augments the
difficulties disabled children encounter on the playground, as
they must compete at a level at which they can’t succeed. This
disadvantage may discourage the individual from further seeking
out playmates or opportunities to become active.
34
S T O R Y: J E N N I F E R H A R D E S
35
According to McDonald, balancing the playing ground in this
way empowers the disabled individual to see that he can beat
his peers at a sport that he loves. The able-bodied athlete
perceives him differently, seeing what the disabled can do
compared to what they cannot do.
By changing the constraints of sport, the perception of
Paralympic sports is slowly changed.
“I suggest that we should strive to create sporting communities that offer the same range of choices to those who experience disabilities.”
Despite the concern with regulating separate sporting spaces,
Dr. Nancy Spencer Cavalier, disability sport specialist at the
University of Alberta says it’s about personal choice. “From a
personal perspective, I do think there should be a wide array of
opportunities to take part, but we also have a responsibility to
provide a legitimate choice of meaningful participation in all kinds
of spaces,” she says.
She adds that specialized sporting spaces should exist to
meet the needs of the disabled community. They should not be
defaulted to because of unwillingness to make other spaces
accessible for those with disabilities.
And this need for diversified sporting spaces conforms to the
opinions and experiences of the athletes in the program at
the Tiger Taekwondo Dojang. Several students attend both
mainstream and Paralympic classes, gaining different yet positive
experiences from both. The PSA hopes to continue to offer such
possibilities, and is currently hoping for space within Alberta’s
Sport Development policy to secure support for this important
sporting population.
//parasports.net
R E V I E W S
36
As a person who regularly skips breakfast, I can
appreciate foods that accommodate a busy
lifestyle. Whether it’s the temptation of the snooze
button or the lack of groceries in my refrigerator,
I always find myself running out the door on an empty stomach.
I’ve tried meal replacement shakes—you know, the ones that
taste like powdery chocolate or vanilla paste and leave you
hungry 15 minutes later? So when I heard about Vi-Shape, a
delicious and filling nutritional shake as part of the Body by Vi
90-Day Challenge from ViSalus Sciences, I wondered if it really
was as good as people claimed.
Curious, I decided to go straight to the source, and contacted
a couple who had not only tried the shakes, but loved them
so much they decided to start selling them too. I admit I was
skeptical. Was this just some pyramid scheme involving two
people who wanted nothing more than a few extra bucks? But
as soon as I met Kevin Wong and partner (in life and business)
Mel Veroba, I knew these two had to have invested in the
business for more than a profit.
Veroba, a certified personal trainer, discovered the Body by Vi
90-Day Challenge through friends. After trying the shakes and
researching the company, she and Wong decided to promote
the challenge alongside their personal training business. “The
37
shakes just make sense for people on the go” says Veroba. “Not
only do they act as an all-encompassing meal replacement for
almost any lifestyle, but they’re the perfect addition to my clients’
overall health regimes.”
Veroba noticed her clients were seeing positive results. “My clients
are seeing amazing changes in their health and appearance. This
is making them want to continue taking the steps needed for
more change.”
Vi-Shape is a nutritional shake mix that offers a long list of
benefits. “The shakes are lactose- and gluten-free, low sodium,
diabetic-friendly and kosher,” says Veroba. But that’s not all.
The shakes also offer 23 vitamins and minerals, a top-quality
protein blend that helps burn fat, a full serving of patented fibre,
Aminogen (to increase protein absorption), digestive aids and
more. And each serving is only 90 calories and 1g of fat.
“My clients are seeing amazing changes in their health and appearance.”“Vi-Shape is such a versatile product,” says Wong. “It can be
used as an on-the-go meal, a supplement to help add lean
muscle, or as a recovery drink for after a workout. Top MMA
fighters, boxers, CFL players and other elite athletes have all
started taking the Vi-Shape to enhance their performance. So it’s
not just for weight loss.” The shake comes in a smooth sweet
cream flavour, but customers can add in Shape-Up Health
Flavours such as peach, orange, strawberry, chocolate and
banana, which offer additional nutrients. Veroba adds that the
shake is ideal for almost anyone, including athletes, mothers
and busy professionals.
With a product offering so many benefits, one could assume the
setback is its cost. However, at $1.50 per serving, the shake
averages a dollar less than most of its leading competitors,
making it an affordable way for individuals to reach their personal
health goals.
Veroba and Wong promote the 90-Day Challenge the way
ViSalus Health Sciences had intended: through a blend of social
media and word-of-mouth. “Referrals are the most powerful
form of marketing,” Wong states. “Tangible results and powerful
testimonials help motivate others who maybe wouldn’t have
taken the leap of faith through traditional marketing. The 90-Day
Challenge has gone viral.”
Starting in Canada in 2010 (the company officially launches this
fall in Canada), the Body by Vi 90-Day Challenge has helped
ViSalus Sciences become one of the fastest growing companies
in the world. Wong believes this has to do with their products
and messaging. “ViSalus understands the needs of its customers
and the general population,” he says. “It provides you with the
tools needed to succeed, and has created such a strong sense
of community along the way. It has provided a simple and
sustainable solution to an ever-growing health epidemic.”
Vi-Shape can be purchased through a Visalus representative
directly or through their personalized website, with shipping
taking approximately seven business days. For more information
contact Wong and Veroba at firmin90@gmail.com.
// www.firmin90.bodybyvi.com
STORY: PAULA E. KIRMAN
Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar is fast becoming Sherwood
Park’s place to kick back with a beer, great food and a hockey
game. Located at 301 Wye Road, Original Joe’s offers friendly
service, an extensive selection of food and drinks, a southwest-
facing patio and a fun atmosphere.
Greg Bott is part owner of Original Joe’s Sherwood Park. He has
been with the franchise for just over two years.
“We have an amazing team that really works well together,” says
Bott. “We have had an unprecedented level of staff continuity,
which has allowed us to not only form a sense of community
among our team, but has also helped us to deliver a consistent
service offering.”
Original Joe’s offers some incredible staples like gourmet
burgers, pastas and pizza, as well as unique mains like the
famous “double dog.” Most meals come with two side dishes,
chosen from an ample selection including home-cut fries, mango
pasta salad, roasted vegetables, and coleslaw. Ingredients are
fresh and each meal is made to order. Depending on the day
of the week there may be food and drink specials, as well as a
variety of beers on tap, including OJ’s own craft brews.
Beyond the delicious food, there is the comfortable atmosphere—
sports fans can enjoy the game on one of the large-screen
televisions.“Original Joe’s provides a very unique experience
offering,” Bott says. “Our internal culture provides the guest
with a genuine level of comfort and laid-back atmosphere. The
genuine and unscripted level of service, combined with the made-
from-scratch product offering is very unique, and usually surprises
first-time guests.”
Original Joe’s is also a company that cares about its community,
and gives back wherever it can. “All Original Joe’s across western
Canada have been participating in a community give-back
program for over a year. Every few months a brand of beer is
selected to participate, and 50 cents from each pint sold is
donated to a local charity,” Bott explains.
There are also ways in which OJ’s contributes specifically to
the Sherwood Park community. “In Sherwood Park we attempt
to have all of our events and promotions structured around
a charity or community organization. Most recently we have
provided funding and support to numerous organizations
including the Boys and Girls Club, KidSport, the local food
bank, women’s shelter, the Northern Alberta Society for Animal
Protection, and a number of school and sports organizations,”
says Bott.
Staff go above and beyond when it comes to community
service. “Recently a number of staff approached me to take
[community involvement] one step further, and want to volunteer
their time on a monthly basis,” Bott explains. “As an example,
this month a number of staff will be donating blood as a group.”
As well, Original Joe’s is making strides as an inclusive employer.
“We have also recently employed an individual with special
needs. He has been a great addition to our team, and has
helped to enforce our positive culture and sense of community,”
says Bott.
Bott observes that the relationship between a business and its
community works two ways. “Every business should recognize
their relationship with the community as a two-way relationship,”
he says. “The community has been very supportive of our
business, as reflected in our sales growth. We need to make
sure that this support flows back into the community.”
// www.originaljoes.ca/sherwoodpark
Original Joe’s Sherwood Park
Giving Back Every Step of the Way
38
P R O D U C T S
While you’re keeping fit and enjoying the outdoors this summer you want to make sure you’re well equipped. Longboarding, golfing, doing a few sun salutations and everything in between—you want to look good, and you want to have the best equipment available.
We here at Merge have assembled a sampling of some of the finest products on the market, all available at locally owned and operated establishments in the Edmonton area—Solid Skateboard Shop, Key Lime Athletic Wear and De Boer’s Golf Shoppe. So go ahead and shop, knowing that your dollar is helping to support the local economy and keep Edmonton’s retail establishments unique.
For more product information visit
www.soilidskateboardshop.com
www.keylimecanada.com
www.deboersgolf.com
1. Landyachtz Chinook board $137.95 // 2. Vans Half Cab Pro $79.95 // 3. RVCA Artist Network Program Tee $44.95 // 4. Orangatang 75mm Durian Wheeels $74.95 // 5. Pro-Tec Classic Skate Helmet $39.95 // 6. MotoGP HOLBROOK Sunglasses $154.95 // 7. Srixon TriSpeed Tour Yellow Ball $29.00 // 8. FootJoy Street Golf Shoes $99.99 // 9. Tour Edge Exotics XCG-4 Fairway Wood $329.99 // 10. Taylormade R11 Driver $449.99 // 11. Callaway Razr Hawk $449.99 // 12. Recycled Bag $49.00 // 13. Yoga Mat $45.00 // 14. Bamboo Tanks $35.00 - $39.00 // 15. Grip Gloves $21.99 // 16. Camel Bak Better Bottle $22.95 // 17. ToeSox $19.00 // 18. Zipper Board Shorts $52.00
40
41
42
E V E N T S
For three days in July, Whyte Avenue becomes a large outdoor art
studio, gallery, and market. The Whyte Avenue Art Walk features
the work of over 300 artists in a variety of media, including
painting, sculpture, printmaking and drawing. Many of the
artists, both emerging and established, will be working at their
art right there on the sidewalk.
“It’s an original experience, which artists love,” says Kim
Fjordbotten, owner of The Paint Spot, the Art Walk’s primary
sponsor. “In some festivals, visual art is little more than a
backdrop. At the Art Walk, it is the main event. It’s a time to
celebrate all aspects of art-making. Artists are encouraged to
bring their supplies and their ideas to make art right on site.
This provides an exciting opportunity for visitors to become
engaged in many creative processes.”
The sidewalks during the event are packed with people, artists
and art. Many merchants in Old Strathcona also lend a hand by
giving up their store fronts and allowing artists to set up shop.
Art Walk is also a very inclusive event, as it is not juried and there
are few guidelines. “There are so many ways to make art and so
much talent in Alberta. I can’t imagine how many artworks are
hidden in studios, basements and closets,” says Fjordbotten.
“Without events like the Whyte Avenue Art Walk, perhaps no one
would get to see them.”
The idea for the Art Walk started in 1995, when a member of the
Old Strathcona Foundation commented that Whyte Avenue would
look lovely with artists painting out on the sidewalks like they do
on the Left Bank in Paris. The Paint Spot immediately got involved
to help organize the inaugural event, which featured 35 artists and
a few pedestrians. Since then, the event has grown exponentially;
the 2010 Art Walk hosted approximately 320 artists and 30,000
visitors. It took up 17 blocks and two parks.
Due to the overwhelming and continually growing response,
guidelines for artists have become tighter over the years.
Limits have been set on some mediums, such as clothing and
photography. Still, the environment is very welcoming and the Art
Walk is an excellent learning experience for emerging artists and
a networking opportunity for everyone who takes part.
As well, many who attend the Art Walk become art patrons for
the first time. Fjordbotten says that she knows of many people
who purchased their first piece of art at the Art Walk and have
since become collectors. “I feel we are also doing important
work creating new patrons for art in Edmonton,” she says. “I
know that once an individual acquires an original piece of art
they will continue to collect art throughout their lives.”
Another unique aspect of the Art Walk is the interactive nature of
the event. Visitors and artists can talk face to face, and the art is
purchased directly from the artists. Artists have the ability to meet
other artists, grow their contacts, and gain valuable feedback.
The Paint Spot provides not only organization for the event, but
also leadership and professional advice for the artist. “It is rewarding
to convince a hesitant artist to simply share their art. I tell artists to
make what they love and there will be someone out there who ‘gets
it,’” Fjordbotten says. “It’s also good for artists to have an annual
deadline to create new artwork and finish projects.”
The Whyte Avenue Art Walk 2011 takes place July 15 – 17.
// www.art-walk.ca.
STORY & PHOTO: PAULA E. KIRMAN
Old Strathcona Comes Alive for a Day of MusicSTORY: KRISTEN WAGNER // PHOTO: FISH GRIWKOWSKY
Living in a city that’s trapped under a blanket of snow for much
of the year, Edmontonians need to squeeze a lot of life out of the
summer months.
As a result, “We’re glutted with summer festivals,” says Kirby,
co-artistic director of SOS Fest, one of the city’s newest summer
festivals. “I think each one has its own unique flavour, and certainly
in this climate we want to make hay while the sun shines. So
every weekend we can do something [outside] the better.”
SOS Fest will be one such opportunity. This year’s event will be a
one-day celebration of music, downsized from last year’s weekend
affair, but there will be no shortage of talent on the festival’s two
stages. Performers are local, regional and national, and carefully
selected to represent the broadest range of genres possible.
“You really have to consider everything when you’re picking
performers,” Kirby says. “You want to make sure you have a good
Edmonton [component]. You want to make sure you have some
females as well as males, because it’s a male-dominated industry.
You want to make sure you have some name recognition and
there’s some draw, but you also want to have some artists that
are developing that you can expose to a larger audience.”
This year’s lineup of nine performers is a fraction of the size it
was last year, but what the festival may lack in quantity it will
make up for in quality. Admission is free, and the block-party
atmosphere of the festival is not to be beat.
“This year there’s going to be even more happening in terms of
vendors, face painters, lots of stuff for kids, lots of great bands—
local, regional and national,” Kirby says.
Kirby is also very excited about this year’s diverse lineup. “[It’s a
priority] having multi-genre, because we really want to make sure
that there actually, honestly is something for everyone.”
The festival will open with Luke and Tess Pretty on one stage,
and Scenic Route to Alaska on the other. Both are young,
emerging local acts. Electro-poppers Gobble Gobble and rising
folk-rock icons Wool on Wolves also call Edmonton home.
Other notable acts include The Dudes from Calgary—“I think Danny
Vacon from The Dudes is one of the most talented songwriters
in Canada right now,” says Kirby—and The Heartbroken, a new
project from East Coast songstress Damhnait Doyle. “She’s really
on a rootsy, country thing, and I think it’s just the best thing she’s
ever done,” says Kirby of Doyle.
The Old Strathcona Business Association, Responsible Hospitality
Edmonton and the Edmonton Arts Council are all important
supporters of the event, which takes place on July 10, on the
stretch of Whyte Avenue from 103 to 105 Street.
// www.sosfest.ca
44
C A L E N D A R
BUSINESS
ALBERTA WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ROAD MAP FOR SUCCESS JULY 14, 2011 // 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
DON WHEATON YMCA
A workshop for startup entrepreneurs to
help make a business plan.
ADOBE LIGHTROOM BOOT CAMP INTENSIVE WEEKEND
JULY 16 - 17, 2011
PROVIDENCE RENEWAL CENTRE
A workshop tutorial for Adobe Lightroom
with photographer Paul Burwell.
BUSINESS AND ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES: PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUCCESS
JULY 20, 2011 // 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
WORLD TRADE CENTRE EDMONTON
A workshop on how to incorporate
aboriginal people into your business
community.
BOSSY MAMA SUMMER SIZZLEJULY 21, 2011 // 7:00 PM
EYE CARE GROUP
Wine, dessert and networking
with Edmonton's most fabulous
entrepreneurs.
BOONSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL
JUNE 29 - JULY 2 , 2011
GIBBONS, ALBERTA
Alberta’s largest hard rock music
festival.
FREEWILL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL JUNE 30 - JULY 24, 2011
HAWRELAK PARK
Free Will Players present Othello and
Twelfth Night.
DOMINION DAY AT FORT EDMONTON PARKJULY 1, 2011 // 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
FORT EDMONTON PARK
A grand celebration of the Dominion of
Canada then and now.
CANADA DAY JULY 1, 2011 // 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
UKRAINIAN HERITAGE VILLAGE
Celebrate Canada Day with Ukrainian
food, exhibits, a market, musicians and
vintage cars.
OLD STRATHCONA FOUNDATION’S SILLY SUMMER PARADE AND FESTIVAL
JULY 1, 2011 // 12:00 PM
QUEEN ALEXANDRA SCHOOL
A free celebration with Canada Day cake
and a parade through Old Strathcona.
OPTIMIZE YOUR NEWS RELEASES FOR THE WEBJULY 27, 2011 // 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
NORTHERN ALBERTA BUSINESS
INCUBATOR
Learn how to optimize online content
for browsers, bloggers and online
journalists.
IGNITE CHANGE NOW! GLOBAL YOUTH ASSEMBLYJULY 27 - 30, 2011
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
International forum on social change. This
year’s theme is the world’s water supply.
SOCIAL
THE WORKS ART & DESIGN FESTIVAL JUNE 23 - JULY 5, 2011
CHURCHILL SQUARE
Display of innovative and traditional art, as
well as workshops and seminars for artists.
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
JUNE 24 - JULY 3, 2011
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
A celebration of local, national and
international jazz talent.
B U S I N E S S
S O C I A L
F U N D R A I S E R
S P O R T S
HAVE AN AWESOME
UPCOMING EVENT? LET US
KNOW. WE’LL PUBLISH IT IN
PRINT AND IN THE MERGE
ONLINE CALENDAR. FOR
MORE INFORMATION ON THE
FOLLOWING EVENTS GO TO
THE ONLINE CALENDAR AT:
WWW.MERGEMAG.CA
SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
JULY // 2011
31
45
OLD STRATHCONA FARMERS’ MARKETJULY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2011 // 8:30 AM -
3:00 PM
10310 83RD AVE.
Weekly market featuring local produce,
meat, crafts, etc.
GREEN SHOPPER EXPO
JULY 2 - 3, 2011
BONNIE DOON MALL
A shopping event to promote
sustainability in Edmonton.
EDMONTON AND NORTHERN ALBERTA HISTORIC FESTIVAL
JULY 8 - 17, 2011 // 7:00 PM
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Enjoy museums, exhibits and hands-on
pioneer experiences.
EDMONTON STREET PERFORMERS FESTIVALJUNE 8 - 17, 2011
CHURCHILL SQUARE
An international cast of jugglers, sword-
swallowers, dancers, acrobats, musicians
and more.
COUGAR PAINT AND COLLISION CLASSIC CAR SHOW
JULY 9, 2011 // 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
NORTHLANDS PARK
Show off your classic car and see what
other enthusiasts have to offer
MODERN MAMA INFANT AND CHILD CPR EDUCATIONAL SESSION JULY 9, 2011 // 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
CASTLEDOWNS BAPTIST CHURCH
SOCIAL
A workshop covering the basics of child
CPR, choking and prevention.
CELTIC GATHERING
JULY 9 - 10, 2011
// 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
FORT EDMONTON PARK
Northern Alberta’s largest Celtic festival,
with pipe bands, drumming and Highland
athletic events.
SOS FEST
JULY 10, 2011 // 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WHYTE AVE BETWEEN 103 AND 105 ST.
Two blocks of Whyte Ave are closed
to traffic for a street fair and musical
performances.
HANDMADE MAFIA
JULY 15 - 16, 2011
// 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
STRATHCONA BAPTIST CHURCH
Monthly market showcasing the work of
local crafters.
WHYTE AVENUE ART WALK
JULY 15 - 17, 2011
WHYTE AVENUE
Outdoor art display and sale.
RACE WEEK MUSIC FESTIVAL
JULY 16 - 24, 2011
SUTTON PLACE HOTEL
Nightly concerts concurrent with the
Edmonton Indy.
EDMONTON STORY SLAM
JULY 20, 2011 // 7:30 PM
HAVEN SOCIAL CLUB
Opportunity to present a short story to
an audience.
CAPITAL EX PARADE
JULY 21, 2011 // 10:00 AM
DOWNTOWN
Annual parade to kick off Capital Ex.
EDMONTON: THE MUSICAL
JULY 21 - 24, 2011 // 7:00 PM
AVENUE THEATRE
Musical theatre featuring Edmonton’s
local music talent.
A TASTE OF EDMONTON JULY 21 - 30, 2011
// 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
CHURCHILL SQUARE
Festival of food from over 30 Edmonton
restaurants, along with live musical
performances.
CAPITAL EX
JULY 22 - 31, 2011
NORTHLANDS PARK
Annual exhibition featuring a midway,
exhibits, shopping, entertainment and food.
AMA VINTAGE VEHICLE WEEKEND JULY 23 - 24, 2011
// 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
FORT EDMONTON PARK
Unique showcase of antique cars from
across Alberta.
BIG VALLEY JAMBOREE JULY 28 -31, 2011
CAMROSE
Alberta’s biggest country music festival.
BLUEBERRY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
JULY 29 - 31, 2011
HERTIAGE PARK, STONY PLAIN
Family-friendly bluegrass and country
music festival.
HERITAGE FESTIVAL
JULY 30 - AUGUST 1, 2011
HAWRELAK PARK
Showcase of Canada’s vibrant multi-
cultural heritage.
FAIRY BERRY FESTIVAL JULY 30 - AUGUST 1, 2011
PRAIRIE GARDEN
Family-friendly activities and events,
including a corn maze.
FUNDRAISER
PIGEON LAKE PEDAL FOR THE ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION
JULY 2, 2011
PIGEON LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
Pledge-based fundraising cycle tour to
benefit cancer.
PINOT ON THE PATIO
JULY 6, 2011
ROYAL GLENORA CLUB
An evening out including a live and silent
auction, benefiting the Kids With Cancer
Society.
KIDNEY FOUNDATION FAMILY PICNIC JULY 7, 2011 // 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
HAWRELAK PARK
A fun night for victims of kidney disorders
and their families.
46
EASTER SEALS SHUCK AND SUCKJULY 9, 2011 // 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
MURRIETTA’S WEST COAST GRILL
Teams compete to “shuck and suck”
oysters in a round-robin tournament to
benefit Easter Seals
LAP THE TRACK JULY 17, 2011 // 4:00 PM
CITY CENTRE LANDS TRACK
A run/walk/wheel-a-thon to benefit spinal
cord research.
PAWS UNPLUGGED JUNE 23, 2011 // 1:00 PM
MILNER LIBRARY
Benifit concert for the Edmonton Humane
Society.
SPORTS
CANADA DAY PINK RIBBON TRIATHLONJULY 1, 2011
MILLENNIUM PLACE
A triathlon for breast cancer awareness.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS. MAUI NO KOA IKAIKAJULY 1, 2011 // 7:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS. MAUI NO KOA IKAIKA
JULY 2, 2011 // 7:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball
EDMONTON ESKIMOS VS. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
JULY 9, 2011 // 5:00 PM
COMMONWEALTH STADIUM
CFL professional football.
EDMONTON ITU WORLD CUP RACEJULY 10, 2011 // 1:00 PM
HAWRELAK LAKE
Elite triathlon event.
FC EDMONTON VS. CAROLINA RAILHAWKS
JULY 13, 2011 // 7:30 PM
FOOTE FIELD
North American Soccer League
professional soccer.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS. CALGARY VIPERS
JUNE 15, 2011 // 7:00 AM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS. CALGARY VIPERS JULY 16, 2011 // 2:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
EDMONTON ESKIMOS VS. B.C. LIONS JULY 16, 2011 // 5:00 PM
COMMONWEALTH STADIUM
CFL professional football.
IRONMAMA PEAK SEASON REVIEW JULY 16, 2011 // 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
TERWILLEGAR REC CENTRE
(PARKING LOT)
An interactive workshop for multi-sport
athletes, including fitness and nutritional
assessments.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS. CALGARY VIPERS JULY 17, 2011 // 2:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
FC EDMONTON VS. FC TAMPA BAY JULY 17, 2011 // 4:00 PM
FOOTE FIELD
North American Soccer League
professional soccer.
EDMONTON INDY JULY 22 - 24, 2011
CITY CENTRE AIRPORT
Annual stock car racing event.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS. CHICO OUTLAWS JULY 23, 2011 // 7:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
BASKETBALL ALBERTA 3 ON 3 TOURNAMENT JULY 23 - 24, 2011 // 5:00 PM
GO CENTRE
Players of various ages from across the
province compete in this recreational
tournament.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS. CHICO OUTLAWS JULY 24, 2011 // 2:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
TOUR DE L’ALBERTA CYCLE RACE JULY 24, 2011 // 7:00 AM
RAY MCDONALD SPORTS CENTRE,
MORINVILLE
A cycle race through the Alberta
countryside inspired by the Tour de France.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS. CHICO OUTLAWS JULY 26, 2011 // 7:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
5TH ANNUAL WISEST GOLF TOURNAMENT JULY 27, 2011 // 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
THE LINKS AT SPRUCE GROVE
Golf tournament in support of WISEST,
which encourages women in scientific fields.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS.LAKE COUNTY FIELDERS JULY 28, 2011 // 7:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS.LAKE COUNTY FIELDERS JULY 29, 2011 // 7:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
EDMONTON ESKIMOS VS. TORONTO ARGONAUTS JULY 29, 2011 // 7:30 PM
COMMONWEALTH STADIUM
CFL professional football.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS.LAKE COUNTY FIELDERS JULY 30, 2011 // 7:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
EDMONTON CAPITALS VS.LAKE COUNTY FIELDERS JULY 31, 2011 // 2:00 PM
TELUS FIELD
North American professional baseball.
EVENTS CALENDER CONTINUED
Merge Launch Party
On May 27, Merge was officially given back to Edmonton.
To celebrate, we held a launch party at Sherwood Park Toyota.
Hypnotist Wayne Lee hosted, and free food and drinks were plentiful;
the bacon-wrapped figs from Culina were a big hit, and wine from
Barefoot Wine and beer from Yellowhead Brewery flowed freely.
Door prizes and musical performances rounded out the night. Matt
Landry and the Dryland Band and Long Way Down were both
stellar, and lucky party-goers were treated to prizes like tickets to
Boonstock and Utopia music festivals.
Later the party moved to On the Rocks, where revellers were treated
to free cover and a free drink. Thanks to everyone who attended—it
was a great night!
PA S T E V E N T S
Recommended