RACentreOttawa volume 73 number 3 APRIL 2014

Did You Know? Great People: A Recipe for Fantastic Fun and Success!

The RA is a not-for-profit serving our Did you see the RA Centre on television recently? Your association and facility were featured several times in community for over 70 years. the news, but some of the best coverage occurred in January and February when CTV Morning Live’s Sarah Freemark spent three mornings testing her skills in a number of RA sports. Sarah faired very well and excelled RA Members, Hyacinthe and Lou Howard at the sport activities but what she discovered was that the RA Centre is a community where members “come and Rita and Tom Taylor were featured for the sport and stay for the people.” on CTV in two seperate “Never too Old” From shooting an air pistol for the first time with segments that aired in February and March. Olympian Steve Kelly, to the thrill of being the Click here to view their stories. Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen shooting arrows with 2016 Olympic hopeful, Janice Clark, Sarah was Three RA Junior Squashers had outstanding beginning to get an understanding as to why the RA performances at the Orleans Grand Prix Centre is such an outstanding place. #4 Tournament held in January! Cameron Some of the club professionals have grown up at the nd th Mohr placed 2 , Alex Walsh 6 and Phillipe RA Centre, essentially making it their home away Wallace 8th. Well done! from home or their second home. Sarah discovered what many of us already knew, these professionals Six RA Club members participated enjoyed the activities as children or young adults so in the Ontario Archery Association 10 Ring much that they made it their mission to give back to Provincial Championship in March. the RA community. The RA is hosting a zumba-thon fundraiser Novice to experienced members can play with Pan Am Games winner and Olympian Andrew for colorectal cancer on Saturday, April 12 Dabeka, experience cardio tennis with nationally recognized coach Zhenya Kondratovski, and learn the from 9am-11am. Click here. proper stance from Olympic modern pentathlete Melanie McCann. On average our instructors, pros and mentors have over 30 years of experience and knowledge. Sarah spent time with many of the top Students interested in summer employment professionals in the city during her visits. with the RA Summer Camp Programs can The RA often refers to its members as ‘family’. “It’s a great place to be with friends, find new friends, socialize apply now! Click here. and challenge yourself physically and/or mentally” commented one of the Rideau Tennis Club’s morning members. Each of the segments really drove this point across to the CTV Morning Live audience. During the The ORAPEX 2014 National Stamp Show is Gun Club feature Sarah worked closely with Steve Yik to learn about exciting sport shooting happening on the on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 at lower level of the RA Centre, but also the team work to help build sport skills in this fascinating activity. the RA Centre. Doors open at 10am both With year-round activities for all age groups, days. programming is adapted to all levels of participants whether they be 93 or 3. In order to help develop youngsters’ skills, sports are “sized” to ensure the FUNdamentals are acquired. Sarah spent time playing tennis against phenom Cole, who is 7 years old. Cole provided Sarah a run for her money as they rallied using the “Tennis for Kids” equipment. When Sarah asked Cole why Rafael Nadal is his favourite player he proudly responded “because he’s a lefty like me.” “There’s so much to do at the RA Centre with more then 50 activities to choose from,” shared Sarah live, “the RA offers everything from chess to hockey, The 2014 Spring/Summer Program Guide bridge to ”. is available for pick up at the Member Services desks or download the complete Click here to watch the video clips of the RA Centre activities and here to view the clips for the Rideau Tennis guide (in PDF) including the Summer Camp Club. Information at www.racentre.com.

A publication of the Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive, , ON K1H 7X7 613.733.5100 April 2014 RA News Gentle Path Away from Pain RBC Dominion Securities: Madeleine Bailey broke her heel in the fall of 2013 and after having had several sessions with therapists and treatment for Proudly Supporting the RA Community her foot, she was not satisfied with her healing. Last summer, It is that time of year… we are all tired of winter (especially this year), the temperature might be her daughter, who is a Registered Nurse, suggested that she warming up and Canadians need to drag out all their receipts from 2013 to complete their taxes. try a personal trainer at a gym. The two came to the RA where Those who were on the ball were making contributions to their RRSP, TFSA, and signing their Brenda Hamm arranged a session with Prabhu Durai. Brenda felt children up for camps – while storing their receipts. Yep it is that time of year. But unlike most that his training, experience and personal skill would be a good Canadians, RA members will benefit from access to a talented team of financial specialists. fit for Madeleine Prabhu’s story of how he came to LifeFIT is interesting. He is a landed immigrant in Canada, who left a thriving Physiotherapy career in India to pursue a burning interest in Canadian culture. He developed his interest as a young boy reading, listening and watching documentaries about this great country. Upon arriving in Canada he learned of the complex web of immigration laws related to his field, so he decided not to practice physiotherapy, choosing to enroll in Algonquin College’s Fitness and Health Promotion program. He is now a successful graduate and a certified Personal Trainer. Prabhu’s training methods are far different than the “no pain, no gain” trends that are currently sweeping the industry. Like many Smiles and thumbs up all around for the Mark Ellis’ Wealth Management Team (left to right): Mark Ellis, Vice President, of the RA’s personal trainers on the LifeFIT team, he believes that Rick Baker CEO/General Manager, RA Centre, Pierre Tipple and Christina Ellis. a thriving body comes from perseverance of a healthy and active lifestyle. Prabhu’s client base is growing each day because of his Mark Ellis’ Wealth Management Team at RBC Dominion Securities has joined the RA as a new proven methods of gentle progression and proper repetitive and partner to help members improve their financial wellness. Their comprehensive services are reinforced training techniques. He takes time to diagnose the designed to address members’ multi-faceted financial concerns, simplify lives, and give members underlying issues that cause pain or prevents correct alignment the freedom to pursue other priorities with the confidence that they are on track to achieve their and execution of movement. financial goals. “Our offering will help RA members spend more time in the RA community having fun and developing their physical and mental health and wellness,” shared Pierre Tipple, a key member of the Mark Ellis Wealth Management Team, “Members can sleep well knowing that our team of specialists is ensuring their financial health is being managed properly.” Whether you need assistance managing your family’s wealth, maximizing your investments or planning to save money on taxes, Mark Ellis’ Wealth Management Team brings together the solutions you need in key areas such as investment management, financial planning, business ownership planning, taxation, charitable giving as well as estate and trust services. “The RA is fortunate to have a strong company like Mark Ellis’ Wealth Management Team at RBC Dominion Securities available to support members’ financial health,” Rick Baker, CEO and GM of the RA, “these services are essential to any individual to plan for their future. The members are doing that every day they participate in the community at the RA Centre, Rideau Tennis Club or one of our corporate sites, by planning for a healthy and strong physical and mental future.” Over the coming year the Mark Ellis’ Wealth Management Team at RBC Dominion Securities will be hosting several free workshops for members. The first of these events will be held April 25 and will Prabhu coaching LifeFIT member Annemarie on her tricep curl technique. talk about “Charitable Giving Strategies - Maximize your Charitable Gifts”. This session will help you contribute to the community and save money at the same time! It is win-win for all! “I joined LifeFIT, met with Prabhu and he set up a series of exercises and a fitness program on several machines for me” Further, the Mark Ellis’ Wealth Management Team at RBC Dominion Securities is offering free said Madeleine Bailey, “His knowledge, expertise and inter- comprehensive portfolio reviews for all RA members to ensure they are working towards their personal relations were very evident. He worked with me, financial goals. The team is also offering access to an RA Members only on-line portal with listened to my input and guided me every step of the way.” detailed guides, publications and market updates to help members manage their finances. Visit the Member Benefits page at racentre.com to learn more. Madeleine has been very impressed with Prabhu’s work. The fitness regime that he developed for her has been effective So drag out that shoe box of receipts, dig up your portfolio assessments and contact Pierre Tipple, in helping with her healing. “My husband and I walk daily [email protected] or at (613) 566-4515. Watch for workshop dates and information through and I am now able to walk 45-50 minutes a day, pain free,” the RA’s web site and new social media tools at facebook.com/RACentreOttawa and on Twitter Madeleine proudly boasts. @RACentreOttawa. Prabhu has worked with other clients over the years with similar results. “Sir, I see that your right shoulder is all hunched up, I have had experience with similar problems. Sir, maybe I can help, if you will let me,” is what Lou Howard heard from Prabhu RA Member Seminar Series while working out one day. Lou joined the RA in the 1980’s, so he has been around the RA living a healthy lifestyle longer than Charitable Giving Strategies - Maximize your Charitable Gifts many of the staff have worked here. Friday, April 25, 2014 11:00am - 12:30pm in the Outaouais - RA Centre (continued on page 5)

2 RA News April 2014 Beating a Deadly Disease with Activity and Friendship Along the picturesque Rideau River residents of Ottawa are familiar with the RA’s Rideau Tennis Club. What most residents don’t know is that on the lower level of the Rideau Tennis Club you will find a vibrant GroupFIT program. This GroupFIT program operates out of the LifeFIT site and is home to a group of amazing women who meet regularly to exercise, socialize and support one another as part of Breast Cancer Action’s (BCA) community programming. Recently six “supportive, fun, dynamic, intelligent, creative women” whose lives have been touched by breast cancer gathered in the Rideau’s Member Lounge to share their stories and to laugh. Before moving to the Rideau Tennis Club, BCA held their fitness classes in their storefront in the City’s west end. “It was amazing to go from the floor of an office, where people walked with boots, to come in to a lovely facility and to have the opportunity to not have to leave the building to chat,” says Joan a longtime member of the group,. “The hour of exercise with the hour afterwards turned out to bring many intangible benefits.” Now, on most Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, more than two dozen women actively participate in the BCA Stretch & Strength and Zumba classes and meet for coffee afterwards. LifeFIT Canada instructor, Zara Philips offers these fitness programs specifically tailored to women living with the realities of cancer. “Zara gears it to what we are able to do. There is always another option, there’s a level 1, a level 2 or 3 depending on where we’re at and how well we can move that day. It’s just a great fun time - but we also sweat a lot. It’s what gets me up in the morning and keeps me going during the week” shared Susan. The atmosphere is always welcoming and supportive. “It’s a really nice group that is very understanding of each other. For me that has been the big discovery,” says Lucie, one of the group’s dynamic members, “With Zara it’s the understanding of the woman that is great, and it’s the acceptance of each other that is so beautiful. There’s no judgment.” These women care because they’ve walked in the shoes of the newly diagnosed and keenly understand the stress and the difficulty in learning to cope. “Sometimes you need information. How do I...? Where do I go to...? Other times you just need a hug,” says Susan. “Witnessing first hand survivors is so incredibly important. It gives hope. One of the first things I tell newly diagnosed members is how many years-in I am as a cancer survivor,” adds Jennifer. Gatorade Perform® The Club’s central location has allowed for a continual flow-through with women who have come fuels better Official Partner for a time and then returned to work, and others who have fulfilled their need and have moved of the NHL® on. “The experience of living with cancer or the effects of treatment is a time where exercise is than water. important. When we get new members who have never exercised or haven’t exercised in years, I think we as a group, because we are so diverse, can be an inspiration.” says Susan with a twinkle in her eyes. “What started as a GroupFIT program for BCA has “metastasized” into so much more,” laughs Sheila. They have expanded their interests based on the fundamental principle that together they are stronger and better. “For example, a group now meets monthly in the upper lounge at the Rideau Tennis Club to discuss the latest literary offerings as part of an informal book club” indicated Rosemary. Beyond the fitness program and book club, this BCA community has become part of the Rideau Tennis Club’s larger community, encouraged by Janet Van Bakel, Manager, RA Club Services. Not only have some become members of the LifeFIT Centre, the “Racqueteers” as these girls call themselves fundraise annually through a walk/run and an informal public information booth in the Rideau Tennis Club lobby. As is the case with many RA programs, it is clear that many who first came for their physical wellbeing have stayed for the great people.

Breast Cancer Action is a local, community-based, organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer patients, survivors and their families through practical help, emotional support and education. More information can be found on their website at www.bcaott.ca. Because no one should face it alone. Gatorade Perform® Thirst Quencher is scientifically formulated with sodium, fuel better. potassium and carbohydrates to help fuel athletes in ways water can’t. perform better™.

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PROOF # CLIENT: PEPSICO PRINT PROCESS: WEB OFFSET PREFLIGHT CHECK JOB NUMBER:April PQT GAT WP2328 2014SUPPLIER: STUDIO MAGAZINE/DM RAX SPELL News CHECK X 3 3 AD NUMBER: GAT_WP2328_1 STUDIO ARTIST: GL NEWSPAPER GUIDELINES X OCTOBER 15, 2013 TRIM SIZE: 8" W X 10.75" H APPLICATION: INDESIGN CS6 POP/DIGITAL PDF PREPRESS X MEDIA: SAFETY: 7.5" W X 10.25" H FILE BUILT AT: 100% OF FINAL SIZE RESOLUTION: 300 DPI MECHANICAL SIZE GREY CUP MAGAZINE BLEED: 8.25" W X 11" H COLOURS USED: 4 CMY K IMAGE SIZE: 100% (MAXIMUM 150%) MATERIAL DUE DATE: OCTOBER 9, 2013 LASER OUPUT: 100% TOTAL INK COVERAGE: 300% INSERTION DATE: APPROVALS COPY WRITER: ACCOUNT SERVICES: STUDIO MANAGER: HEADLINE: GATORADE ART DIRECTOR: LEGAL: PRODUCTION MANAGER: PERFORM® CREATIVE DIRECTOR: CLIENT: DATE: FUELS BETTER THAN WATER. RA Event & Conference Services Annual Wedding Open House Easter Love was definitely in the air at the annual Event & Conference Services Wedding Open House held on March 1st. The magic began from the moment the newly engaged couples and their friends and family stepped into the beautifully decorated Clark Hall ballroom. Our décor partner Brunch Dahlia Event Design & Production, provided a glimpse of the latest in linen colours and wedding décor. Executive Chef Darcy Ryman treated the guests to fabulous food and Liane from E&J Gallo Sunday, April 20, 2014 Winery with her effervescent personality was on hand to pour a sumptuous signature cocktail featuring a bit of bubbly. Sophie from Osso Sweet provided lots of eye candy with her gorgeous Clark Hall | RA Centre wedding cakes and desserts. Her sister Francesca, who specializes in styling dessert tables, did a stunning job on the display. Every wedding needs an element of fun and Brian from Quality Seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Entertainment had the guests enjoying the music and sharing lots of laughs by posing at the Photo Booth and spinning the Quality Entertainment Wheel of Fortune. Menu The Event & Conference Services Wedding Coordinators were on hand to answer any weddings Honey Glazed Country Ham, questions that the guests had. Many of the couples then made their way to the Rideau Tennis Club Roast Turkey with a Wild Boar, to view the Maple View room, which had also been given a touch of wedding magic. Sausage & Cranberry Stuffing, The draw for the Let’s Celebrate! couple’s package Penne Primavera, Rice Pilaf, Mixed Vegetables, which included a night at the elegant Les Suites Hotel Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Homefries, was won by Sharon Moodie. Congratulations Sharon Sliced Deli Meats, Assorted Salads, and enjoy! Canadian Cheese, Fresh Fruit Salad, Pastries, Event & Conference Services loves to host wedding! Assorted Desserts, Croissants, Dinner Rolls, Please give us a call at (613) 733-5100 for further Fruit Punch, Coffee and Tea. information.

Adults $ 19.95 Children (3 - 12 years) $ 10.95

Prices do not include taxes. The total cost including tax is $22.54 per adult and $12.37 per child.

Tickets are on sale at the RA Centre’s East Member Services Desk. Monday to Sunday from 8:00am to 9:00pm

4 RA News April 2014 Do you know where YOUR identity is? Gentle Path Away from Pain If someone steals your identity, they (continued from page 2) can take more than just your name- However, on June 15, 2012, Lou they can take control of your life. tripped on one of the stretching Identity thieves can use your personal mats, badly dislocating his right information for a variety of illegal arm, cracking his left knee cap and purposes including opening bank tearing the right rotator cuff. After accounts, controlling your finances, some time he was able to start requesting credit cards and applying physiotherapy and rehabilitation, for loans, just to name a few. but was disappointed by his lack of One of the fastest growing crimes in Canada, identity theft affects thousands of progress. “I had my first session with people and costs millions of dollars each year according to a recent Government him (Parbhu), and his knowledge, of Canada study. To add to the problem, it often takes several months for victims skill and concern were obvious. I to realize their identities have been stolen. Victims of identity theft often go signed him up as a trainer, and I soon through considerable personal expense and time to repair the damage. realized that I was getting a highly Prabhu and LifeFIT member Annemarie share a skilled professional,” shared Lou, laugh during a recent training session To reduce the likelihood of you being a victim of identity theft, protect your personal information from being at risk. “I, presently, see him three times a week for an intensive 15 minute session of exercises and special movements of my arm, but I usually receive at least twenty • Protect your computer by using a firewall, anti-virus software and other security measures. minutes each time. Prabhu has worked with me for about six months. I gave him • Always be suspicious of e-mails from financial institutions, Internet two and a half months off, to get married back in India, and I am delighted with service providers and other organizations asking you to provide personal my progress.” information online. Lou’s progress has continued as he hopes to, “lift my beer stein with my right • Protect your mail. Get into the habit of shredding or destroying pre- arm, and not have to get help from the left arm.” approved credit card, insurance or loan applications, bills, credit card The RA is thrilled to have a trainer with such a prolific background and depth of receipts — anything that contains your personal information — when no knowledge, but most importantly passion for improving the health and wellbeing longer needed. of our members. Prabhu’s special touch of prescribed exercises progressively • Check your credit report on an annual basis — the major credit reporting helps decrease pain and increase joint stability and muscular strength. His bureaus will provide one free report each year. method should be labelled the gentle path away from pain. • Do not give out personal information over the phone, unless you know the person to whom you are speaking, or you initiated the call yourself. If someone calls with an offer that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If, for any reason, you believe or suspect that your personal information may have been compromised, contact the proper authorities (i.e., your bank, credit card issuer, credit reporting bureaus, utility provider, and so on) as soon as possible. Depending on the nature, you should also consider contacting local law Group auto and home Insurance enforcement. Check your home insurance policy or contact your broker to see if you have insurance coverage for identity theft. Not all insurance policies offer Identity theft expense coverage. The good news is identity theft coverage is automatically included on all Talk to us for homeowner, tenant and condominium policies offered by Economical Select under the RA Centre Group Plan at no extra charge. your chance to WIN. The RA Centre’s Group Home and Auto Program offers identity theft expense coverage with up to $10,000 per year to help you restore your identity. The Prizes may not be coverage will reimburse for expenses such as: exactly as shown. • notarizing fraud affidavits or similar documents • certified mail • lost wages up to $500/week to a maximum of $2,000 • loan application fees • legal counsel and • long distance telephone calls $2,500 travel $250 12 tablets 4 certificates 100+ gas cards 3 vehicles Talk to us today at Smith Petrie Carr and Scott Insurance Brokers Ltd. for a no obligation group quote or a review of your insurance policies. For contest details, visit selectsweepstakes.com. Call for a quote. RA Members Group Home & Auto Insurance Plan Call SMITH PETRIE CARR & SCOTT INSURANCE BROKERS LTD. 613-237-2871 for a no-obligation quote today! www.spcs-ins.com Greg Janes, C.A.I.B, C.I.P., Vice President The Economical brand includes the following property and casualty insurance companies: 613-237-2871 (139) [email protected] Economical Mutual Insurance Company, Perth Insurance Company, Waterloo Insurance Company, www.spcs-ins.com The Missisquoi Insurance Company, Federation Insurance Company of Canada. Economical Select® is underwritten by Waterloo Insurance Company. Celebrating over 40 Years!

April 2014 RA News 5 Soccer… It is in her blood! RA Member Keyes wins Gold Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie (best known as the Soo) is an adventure in itself, but Lisa at the Junior Pan Am Fencing Spina has really added to the excitement! Located in Northern Ontario and founded Championships by the Ojibwa native Canadians, the Soo, RA fencers were well represented at the Junior Pan Am connected to Michigan by the International Championships in Guatemala City Feb 23-28. Bridge and located next to the Great Lakes, is Three members of RA fencing attended the event, Alastair where Lisa’s career was launched, leading to Keyes, Jenny Zhao and Aidan Heffernan. The Junior Pan Am soccer success and travels across the country. Championships were the final qualifying event for entry into The young Lisa, with a strong Italian the Cadet and Junior World Fencing Championship in Plovdiv, heritage, started playing soccer at the age Bulgaria. A successful event meant that the fencers would of 6. “It’s been my passion all my life. compete at the World’s, a poor result would have meant the Growing up, friends always saw me with a end of the international competitive season. soccer ball,” says Lisa. After many years of Alastair Keyes and Jenny Zhao finished th5 and Aidan Heffernan development in Sault Ste. Marie, Lisa traveled placed 9th. All three performed well enough to qualify for the to the east coast to play with the Dalhousie Junior World Championships being held April 1-12, 2014. Tigers in Halifax. Following the individual events the top Canadian Juniors “A top highlight for me was playing in the competed in the Pan Am Team championships. RA member CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) Championships with Dalhousie in 2000. It was an amazing Alastair Keyes was selected to the Men’s Foil Team. The experience just to be a part of the field in that tournament, but our team had greater aspirations, Canadian Team had a dramatic come from behind victory in the and we won the national title!” Lisa shared with the RA. Following her Dalhousie career, Lisa last relay versus Brazil in the semi-finals. This victory kept their moved to Ottawa and played for the Algonquin Thunder women’s varsity team in 2005. Now hopes of a second consecutive gold medal alive. In the final she holds an exciting position with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, a non-government, Canada fenced a very strong Venezuelan team. The Canadians national multi-sport organization. trailed the whole match and with 40 seconds left in the match With her competitive career winding down, Lisa has played the team was behind by five points, 41-36. Montreal fencer several seasons in the RA soccer leagues, including on the Francois David made a fabulous comeback and scored eight new turf field with RA partner Coliseum Inc. “I love the brand unanswered hits in 40 seconds! Canada took the lead for the new, state-of-the-art turf field. It is one of the best, if not the first time in the match with 9 seconds left and went on to win best in the city. It is very enjoyable to play on!” Lisa excitedly 44-41. This was Alastair’s second consecutive Pan Am Team said, “Combine the field with the well run high level leagues, gold. top notch and experienced referees, convenient and central The RA will be well represented at the Junior World location, plus free parking, and the RA is a great place to Championships. Along with the three fencers, RA head coach continue playing soccer.” Paul ApSimon will be the Canadian Team coach for the fourth At this stage of her soccer career, Lisa knows where the most important teamwork occurs, ”My consecutive year. ApSimon is aiming for a team podium finish team goes to the Fieldhouse a few times over the course of a season for a well-deserved beverage after narrowly missing it with a fourth place finish at last year’s and snacks after a hard fought victory! It has a great atmosphere and great food!” World Championships in Porec, Croatia. After completing the winter season, Lisa is taking a break from soccer to get married in Italy with Good luck to all, ApSimon and our RA members! her fiancé Nikolay, who also plays in the RA soccer leagues. It is the first break Lisa has had from soccer in many years, but she will definitely be back! “Soccer is a part of who I am. I love it! I will be back to the pitch before you know it and the RA tops my list because it is a very well organized, affordable, competitive, and fun program in a brand new facility. I couldn’t ask for more!”

THE CLEAR BOTTLE WITH A SHADY PAST.

Men’s Foil Gold Medal Team (left to right): Marc-Antoine Brodeur, Francois-Olivier David, Alastair Keyes, Michel Hasting-Grgas (photo courtesy of the Canadian Fencing Federation)

SLE13SL018_OntarionSDR_10.25x7_E5.indd 1 13-08-20 11:08 AM 6 RA News Ontarion Ad Build #: E5April Date: Aug 2014 12, 2013 Docket: SLE13SL018 Production Artist(s): GB Client: Sleeman Art Director: GT ______Type Safety: / Copywriter: DW ______Ad Size: 10.25" x 7" Prod. Manager: ZP ______Bleed: / Account Manager: KI ______Colour(s): 4C Studio Manager: GB ______Publication(s): The Ontarion Due Date: A Lifetime on the Water! With record-breaking cold days in March and the spring forecast not so good... it certainly feels like this winter is never going to end! But for some keen members of the RA’s Canoe Camping Club ...their spring plans have not been derailed. With the fast waters of spring on the horizon paddling season starts within the next two weeks! The RA Canoe Camping Club is the newest of the RA family... however the Club, originally part of the YM- YWCA of Ottawa Carleton has been in existence for over 60 years. As with all clubs at the RA it is not about the club itself but rather the great people. “I joined the Canoe Camping Club in 1978, fresh out of school and just starting my career at Statistics Canada,” said Mike Bankier, Membership Co-ordinator for the Club. “I was raised in Dundas near Hamilton. The hiking was surprisingly good in Dundas because of the Niagara Escarpment. I had always wanted to try canoeing but the opportunities for doing so were quite limited. When I moved to Ottawa and attended my first Canoe Camping Club Open House, they had a slide show with pictures of some of the week long canoe camping trips the Club did. I was totally inspired and could not wait to join and start paddling. The first year, I went on many club trips including a week long one to Killarney Provincial Park. Killarney has some of the most beautiful scenery in Ontario with quartzite hills towering over clear blue water. I was impressed with how the Club quickly taught you the basics of canoeing and then gave you lots of opportunities to practice the sport” Mike’s dedication is undeniable. After two years of being a member, Mike joined the Executive Committee as tripping coordinator. The year after, he became the Club Chairperson. Over the past 30 years, Mike has added flatwater coordinator, family coordinator and membership coordinator to his accomplishments and thousands upon thousands of volunteer hours! His drive is his desire to ensure that the Club offers terrific trips for all members. In 1979, Mike took the club whitewater training. After that, he was out paddling both flatwater and whitewater each week from April to November for a number of years until he and his wife started to have kids in 1986. “I then founded the family program for the Club so my kids could also experience canoe camping. My first child was in a canoe by 5 weeks!“ Mike gleefully shares. In recent years, Mike has stopped whitewater canoeing since his knees suggested that kneeling for hours in a canoe was not a good idea. “I continue to do three week long flatwater canoe trips each summer with some moderate portaging involved,” says Mike. As most RA members have learned, there is a lot to do here, so last year, Mike joined the RA’s Photo Club. The RA Photo Club offers a range of activities, but Mike was attracted by the excellent speakers at weekly meetings and by the opportunity to use the Club’s digital darkroom to digitize a life time of slides and negatives with their excellent scanners. True to character, Mike volunteered to help man the digital darkroom desk at Club’s weekly meetings. Canoeing, be it a day trip to Lac La Pêche, or a one week trip to Killarney, is a great way to enjoy the summer weather. Although Mike has participated in another RA club, his true love is canoeing, “There is something really special about gliding over the surface of a lake or river in a canoe! Canoeing is a sport that can truly be practiced for a life time.”

The RA’s Serving up your perfect post-game social! The SUNdeck (the RA’s fully licensed patio) and the Fieldhouse Bar & Grill (the RA’s full service restaurant) offer nightly food and beverage specials.

A proud partner of the RA Centre.

April 2014 RA News 7 #bRAvoCanada cheering on our athletes! In case you missed the news, the RA recently launched new Twitter and Facebook social networks to better connect with members. To get these communication tools off to a good start and with support from our sponsors and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the RA developed a Facebook & Twitter, community of people promotional campaign to celebrate the great performances occurring in Sochi with our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. In case you missed it… The campaign ran from February 14 until March 16. Members could enter the contest in three ways. the RA has Joined the Social Revolution • Follow @RACentreOttawa on Twitter and tweet a picture of yourself “celebrating” Canada Did you know…that 72% of individuals aged 30 to 49 are with one of the #bRAvoCaanda posters in the background or a simple cheer while using engaged in social media or that 60% of people between 50 to hashtag #bRAvoCanada. 60 years old are active on social media or that 71% of users • Like our Facebook.com/RACentreOttawa page and post a picture of yourself “celebrating” access social media from a mobile device? Canada with one of the #bRAvoCaanda posters in the background or a simple cheer while Social media is so pervasive in society now. Many people using hashtag #bRAvoCanada. live with a device next to them (in fact 25% of smartphone • Get a ballot from the RA’s East or West desks, the Fieldhouse Bar & Grill, any LifeFIT location owners aged 18–44 say they can’t remember the last time and drop off an “offline” tweet to a staff member. their smartphone wasn’t next to them). Mobile computing is The promotion was very well received! Many new people learned about our new social media far outpacing desktop and laptop purchases. The age of social connections and we received hundreds of entries in the contest. Including great tweets like: interaction is here, right? Hey @PKSubban1 and @CP0031, cap this moment off with a triple low five!!! Well RA members have always lived a “social” life. Many #bRAvoCanada #Sochi2014 #WeAreHockey – from @JennPotts members have been a part of programs in the RA or at a Thank you to all of you that entered the contest online or offline. The Olympics (Summer in Rio) corporate location for twenty or thirty years. The “real” social return in two years! Start practicing your #bRAvoCanada messages now! network exists in the RA Centre Club, in the Kinsella Hockey Rink dressing rooms, in the Fieldhouse Bar & Grill and on the courts of the Rideau Tennis Club. Our club is built on a tight family of clubs delivering top notch physical activity, social and sport programming. It is time though to expand that social network to keep up with the world turning outside our walls and understand that communication with new and potential members is changing. Did you know that…Facebook now has over 1.15 billion users, or 23% of Facebook users login at least 5 times daily or that 70% of marketers acquire new customers through Facebook? Many potential members will not even consider joining a club or purchasing services if the organization does not have a Facebook page. Facebook is the most dominate social media tool on the Internet and will continue to be in the near future, despite calls that the younger generation is leaving the platform. This tool is a viable and useful way for the RA to remain connected to members, share great stories and to hear your Here are the winners and their messages: stories. You can find the RA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Tweet winners: RACentreOttawa. Canadian Olympic/Paralympic Team Canada Jersey Canadian Paralympic Mike Barre - Courage #bRAvoCanada Committee Team Canada Did you know…Twitter now has over 550 million registered t-Shirts users and 215 million monthly active users, or between 2012 LifeFIT Canada Membership @JennPotts and @BulkNation and 2014, Twitter achieved a growth rate of 44% and that 34% Janet Couley-Paterson - Going for Gold & Glory! of marketers use Twitter for lead generation? Fieldhouse $50 Gift Certificates nadian athle Twitter is the fastest growing social media platform and it can Marius Leblanc - Go Canada Go Ca tes ur . o Clark Hoffman o seriously impact the growth of the RA member clubs. The 140 - Canada Olympic Gold All The Way! T ! s character platform offers powerful images and video, and quick r Canadian Paralympic Committee Dress Scarves e e information for members. The RA has just launched a new h Jude Erwin - Canada Go #bRAvoCanada C Twitter feed found at @RACentreOttawa. What will you find Lily Gillen -Go Canada Go! there? Lots of quick hits on RA programs and services, such as ! é t Canadian Paralympic Committee Paralympic Hat n interruptions, daily Fieldhouse specials, reminders and media À a n S o .. coverage. The Twitter handle also likes to follow and re-tweet Mumtaz Jaffer - Go Canada! s )s. ath ne lètes ien( lots of local content, physical literacy information and most Canadian Paralympic Committee Winter Scarf canad importantly – our members! Alan Smith - Women inspire So there you have it…the RA has jumped into the digital social Canadian Paralympic Book & Bag Thanks for the support : community. Feel free to like or follow us! We would love to hear Dan McGarrity @BulkNation - 3 medals on day 1. Canadian Paralympic Committee from you and to extend our social community. Go Canada!. #bRAvoCanada Pepsi Bottling Limited LifeFIT Canada Fieldhouse Bar & Grill

8 RA News April 2014