City Opera Vancouver’s Board of Directors has announced that the company has been awarded a commissioning grant of $250,000 US from the Annenberg Foundation, in connection with the philanthropic multimedia organization Explore.
This extraordinary sum is believed to be the largest single commissioning grant in Canadian history. The working title: FALLUJAH.

The Annenberg Foundation, a private US-based family foundation, provides funding and support to non-profit organizations around the world. Explore, a signature project of the Annenberg Foundation, developed the concept of the project and presented the commissioning grant to City Opera Vancouver. It is awarded for the creation of a new chamber opera, to be developed over a two-year period. The story is based on the real experiences of US Marine Corps Sergeant Christian Ellis at the Battle of Fallujah in 2004.

The company will oversee the creation of an operatic libretto and score based on Christian Ellis’ story. Ellis was an American Marine in Iraq, but the story is universal. “Our goal is to share a deeper truth about humanity, told through music, and to put a human face to both sides of military conflict.”

Upon their first encounter with Christian Ellis, Explore’s Director and filmmaker Charles Annenberg Weingarten and Executive Producer Tom Pollak were immediately inspired by Christian’s incredible story. “Christian Ellis’ story is representative of thousands of Marines from around the world returning from the horrors of war,” explained Weingarten. “Christian paints a vivid picture of the harrowing realities he and his comrades faced in Iraq. He tells of his experiences with emotional honesty, and with deep compassion and understanding for the opposing side.”

The libretto will be written by noted American-Iraqi playwright Heather Raffo, in consultation with Christian Ellis, and its score by acclaimed Canadian composer Tobin Stokes. Raffo is based in New York City, and Stokes in Vancouver.“City Opera is thrilled that Heather Raffo and Tobin Stokes – impassioned and skillful artists – are central to the creative team for this new chamber work,” said Dr. Charles Barber, the company’s artistic director. “Their expertise makes them deft handlers of this sensitive and extremely relevant subject. Heather wrote 9 Parts of Desire, an award-winning play based on her interviews with women in Iraq who survived the war. Tobin is a versatile composer of opera, theatre music and dance who has always shown a gift for the human voice. They are a perfect team for this project.”

As a key step in the development process, City Opera will mount a series of four workshops in Vancouver, starting in May 2011. Through these sessions, a process of testing and development, the new opera will be taken to a viable and performance-ready level. This new work is slated for completion in June 2012.
About the Annenberg Foundation (www.annenbergfoundation.org)
About Explore (www.explore.org)

City Opera – Fallujah is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

If you own or manage a business, run or volunteer for a non-profit or charity you need to know this stuff and this June 8-9, 2012 you have the opportunity.  Even if you don’t feel comfortable with the idea of Social Media or not sure how much time you want to apply to it, this is an event that will help you gain knowledge so that at least you have an idea of what’s happening out there and as you move forward in this “new” (not really anymore) communication channel, you’ll pick-up skills and time saving advice that’s just what the doctored ordered (trust me, the Doc tweeted about it so it must be true).

People are talking out there no matter whether you decide to listen or not.  Why not learn how and where you should be listening and hear some stories of real successes and real failures. It doesn’t matter whether your a one person organization or a Corporate Giant, social media is the great equalizer. At Accent Inns we think of Social Media as  a comment card on steroids. It gives us the chance to listen to our customers and not yet customers (very important for marketing) and start some real conversations and build real relationships.

Now there’s a lot of folks out there working on and in Social Media. There’s many different software applications and Social Media channels. You’ll also find out that there’s many, many different ideas and opinions out there on how to approach this Brave “New” World. How to “Boldly Go Where No Man”… OK, yes I like Star Trek. My point is Social Media Camp has brought together a whole bunch of folks that really know and live this stuff. They will be speaking not from textbooks but from real life experience. Some of these “presenters” are local Victoria, Vancouver, Pacific Northwest folks and thanks to the organizers, some have been brought in from away, like Erica Ehm. One of the other really cool things about Social Media Camp… you get to meet other folks doing or trying to do the same thing as you. Nuthin better than making friends and contacts who you can relate to, bounce ideas off of, ask questions and start to network with…. “Heh there, what’s your vanity URL” (sounds better if you’re wearing a 1970′s leisure suit)

I’ve personally attended many many seminars and conferences on the subject of Social Media, here in Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, and  elsewhere but I can tell you I’ve really enjoyed and learned from my previous attendance at this event. I’m excited and looking forward to this years Social Media Camp in Victoria and if you live anywhere within a bus, ferry or plane ride away, you really should check it out.  They have lots of price breakdowns, fun events and even an awards banquet!

Hope to see you there!

 John Espley

Business Development Manager

Accent Inns

Social Media Camp is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Here we are in May and thanks to Shaw the challenge facing our friends and neighbours that need a food bank to feed their children is once again top of mind. In 2010 our friends at Shaw raised an incredible 2.6 million pounds of food and this years campaign ending at the end of Hunger Awareness week (May 11) hopes to match or exceed that number.

How can you help? It’s really easy, Monetary donations to local food banks can be made online by visiting www.togetherisamazing.com.

Donations of non-perishable food items are also being accepted at any Shaw, Shaw Direct or Shaw Media location, food banks across the country, at many grocery stores and  your local Accent Inn is happy to collect and forward donations in support of this most needed campaign.

The good folks at Shaw have gone once step further and this year. A Fill the Food Banks video is on Shaw’s YouTube page. For every unique view of this video throughout the campaign, Shaw will donate one dollar and Campbell Canada will donate one pound of food to the 2012 drive, up to a maximum of $250,000 and 250,000 pounds of food.

Further details and a full list of locations where donations can be made will be available at www.togetherisamazing.com.

If you are in Victoria BC Wednesday May 2nd, watch for the Shaw staff with support from Accent Inn team members in front of the Accent Inn Victoria BC Hotel on Blanshard st from 3-5pm. They’ll be waving, hooting and hollering at passing cars drawing attention to the campaign and reminding folks to help “Fill the Food Banks”.  As was said at the beginning, thanks to the staff of Shaw for reminding us that Together really is amazing and working together we can make a difference.

Shaw’s Fill The Food Banks is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Terry Farmer Founder & Chairman, Accent Inns

Below is a reprint of the Victoria Chamber Awards Gala program where Friday April 27, Terry Farmer was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

After all, if he hadn’t offered to lend a hand to help his father and partner build the Chateau Victoria he might never have realized just how much more fun he could have in hospitality rather than a career in banking, property management or construction.

Anyone who knows Terry, knows that he isn’t content to rest on his laurels. Positive change has been a staple of his life. Terry’s advice to the graduates of Royal Roads at their 2007 Convocation, “… as life moves on over the years do not hesitate to change your area of work should opportunities arise. When they do you should do your due diligence and then strike out quickly, especially if you have a chance to get out on your own and become an entrepreneur. I did this 21 years ago and it was the most thrilling and challenging stage of my career (aside from getting married of course).”

Young Terry Farmer with wife Leslie

Even when advocating change, it is clear that Terry knows a good thing when he sees it. Born and raised here in Victoria, just as his parents were before him, Terry is a proud Islander. His first foray off island was to UBC in order to get his degree in Commerce, but he soon returned home to Victoria and began his lifelong efforts to make a difference.

Terry began his career of community activism joining the Greater Victoria Junior Chamber of Commerce in the 60s when he was only 22. He continued his relationship with the Chamber and in 1969 became a Director and Vice-President. By 1972, he was acclaimed as President and became the youngest one for the Chamber since its inception in 1863.

Looking to explore and enjoy a little adventure, Terry once again left the island and took off to Montreal. Not surprisingly, he landed on his feet and shortly after joining Royal Trust, his boss saw his potential and shipped him off to Toronto. But Toronto held no charm for him, and after sampling what other great cities had to offer he returned home here to Victoria.

In 1986 Terry Farmer surveyed the tourism industry and identifying a void in the industry, he opened up a motor inn  in Victoria. A mere 26 years later, Terry is Co-Founder and Chair of Accent Inns Inc., an award-winning, family-owned B.C. hotel chain. The company is very much a family organization with their head office and hotel property in Victoria as well as properties at five other locations in British Columbia including Vancouver, Kelowna and Kamloops.

During their 25th anniversary, Accent Inns celebration, President and daughter, Mandy Farmer commented on what she loved best about working with Terry, “I love my Dad’s passion. He’s got such enthusiasm and energy. It’s very contagious”.

Terry with daughter Mandy - President & CEO

He’s both enthusiastic and hands on. It’s also clear that Terry is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get dirty to achieve results. After his staff raised the most money of any group for the Power to Be Therapy Society, and in conjunction with a program demonstrating the value of each employee’s job, Terry donned overalls and gloves at his various locations to do work like painting and cleaning toilets at his five locations. His good humour and bigger than life personality were more than apparent in the YouTube video documenting him demonstrating his expertise as staff “supervised his efforts”.

Terry’s management style is such that he fosters caring workplaces where employees are treated like family and partners. In an industry where high staff turnover is the norm, Accent Inns is proud to acknowledge that 48 per cent of the hotel’s current employees have been with the company for 10 years or more. Farmer has indicated that it is about mutual respect, but it is also about a sense of pride and having fun.

When looking for new staff, human resources looks for the “sparkle-factor” that indefinable inner quality. That policy has resulted in hiring good staff that might have otherwise been overlooked and then investing the time to train and nurture new staff in their roles. He points out that skills can be taught and experience developed, but if the person doesn’t have enthusiasm or inherent friendliness ingrained, these attributes can’t be changed.

The “sparkle factor” is stoked and encouraged by both a caring management style and a caring attitude. Terry has seen the benefits of volunteering first hand and encourages his staff to experience the personal joys that can bring. His staff rally around a variety of causes such as InnAid and Camp Thunderbird cabins. The management philosophy of Terry, and now Mandy, seems to be working considering that Accent Inns was named by BC Business as one of the top 5 businesses to work for in 2011.

When Terry gets involved in an organization or cause, he doesn’t dally. He provides them with the same thoughtful determination and clear direction that has made him a success with his own business. Terry began giving back to the community even before he established his own business, starting with his membership in the Greater Victoria Jr. Chamber of Commerce in the 60s which led to: 
• Director, Vice-President, President Greater Victoria Chamber of
Commerce (1969 – 1972)
• Director, Vice-President, President – BC Chamber of Commerce
(1991- 1994)
• Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (1994-1996)
THE CHAMBER

• Founding Chair – Pacific Sport National Training Centre (1994)
• Founding Member, Director, Vice- President, President, Chair – Tourism Victoria (1974-1989)
• 1989 Sportsman of the Year recipient
• 1998 Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Tourism and Hospitality (Pacific Region) recipient
• 2002 Queen’s Jubilee Medal recipient
• 2005 Generosity of Spirit Award recipient
• 2007 Rotary Community Leadership Award recipient
• 2007 Honourary Doctor of Laws from Royal Roads University
• Inaugural Life Membership distinction – Tourism Victoria (2011)
• Chair – Belleville Terminal Blue Ribbon Task Force (2007)
• Director, Vice-Chair – Pacifica Housing (2009-2012)

The above only name a few of the worthwhile organizations to which he’s lent his talents or who have recognized his efforts. To fully list the boards and organizations he has volunteered for such as the Commonwealth Games, Patrons Council, Greater Victoria Hospital Society, YM-YWCA and the Community Welfare Council, it would take more pages than we have available. And the benefits he has garnered have been immense.

His work with the Commonwealth Games, beyond the games themselves, left a lasting legacy for Greater Victoria. Translating the $10 million provided by the Federal government into the world-class Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence. Through his efforts at Pacifica Housing there have been 150 to 200 new housing units produced for those otherwise unable to afford housing.

His support of locals extends beyond Accent Inns’ staff, events and organizations to the personal level. Terry has often provided mentoring to young people interested in business. His specialty is providing guidance to those that want to become entrepreneurs. He’s delighted to help them get that gem of an idea off the ground by providing advice and cultivating the raw ambition, brains and enthusiasm that are key to any successful business person. As part of his mentoring process, Terry wants to make sure that the next generation of business leaders is well rounded.

“Our society depends on our young people, but we have to encourage them in their efforts. We also have to encourage our young people to get involved and give back. Join community organizations, give back to our society,” Terry counsels.

Terry & Leslie with son Devlin & daughter Mandy

Speaking of support and encouragement, Terry modestly indicates that he wouldn’t have been able to achieve this on his own. When asked about what he is most proud of, his ever present grin widens and the accomplishments of his daughter Mandy and son Devlin flow. He mentions the incredible support from his wife Leslie and children as they truly grew up in the hotel business. And over the years that support has grown to the point where Mandy has followed in her father’s footsteps and took up the reins as President and CEO of Accent Inns in 2008.

Somehow knowing Terry and his boundless energy, that just means we’ll be seeing more of his efforts around town as he continues to make Victoria an even better place to live.

Terry & Leslie Farmer

“I worked with Terry when we were both in the Junior Chamber of Commerce where the motto was ‘Earth’s great treasure lies in human personality and service to humanity is the best work of life.’ And of no one is that more true than Terry.”   Brian Small

“Jane and I cannot think of a more deserving individual who truly epitomizes what this award is meant to recognize! Thank you for all of your contributions which have led to making Victoria a better place for everyone.”   Dwayne & Jane Peverett

 Terry shared the special evening with his family and many friends and Colleges from the Chamber and business community. An additional fun element is that this years Chair of the Chamber (John Espley) is a long time employee of Accent Inns and speaks fondly of Terry as a key mentor in his life. “How much fun is it to follow in the footsteps of someone that has really made a difference in our community.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Terry Farmer knows the power of helping people is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSBC) is again recruiting experienced anglers to reveal the pleasures of freshwater fishing to friends, family and colleagues during the third annual Fishing Buddies Sweepstakes. Designed to introduce new anglers to sport fishing, Fishing Buddies also rewards anglers for doing what they love and sharing their fishing knowledge. Participation has grown consistently since the program launched in 2010 and significant growth in participation is expected for the third year.

“When it comes to introducing someone new to fishing, who better than experienced anglers who are passionate about it? They can speak directly to the pleasures of going fishing whether it’s half a day at an urban location or a fishing weekend at a more remote lake,” says FFSBC President Don Peterson. “They know the fish and the fishing spots and can help unravel the mysteries of freshwater fishing for the new angler.”

New this year, FFSBC is holding the Fishing Buddies Secret Lake Sweepstakes. Visitors to GoFishBC.com enter the contest by watching a video, which contains a clue to the identity of a secret lake. Contestants enter the identity of the secret lake at GoFishBC.com for a chance to win. Anglers who sign up to be a Fishing Buddy and enter the sweepstakes between April 26^th, 2012 and midnight on July 29^th, 2012 will be entered to win one of three fishing adventures: a guided Kamloops fishing trip with Brian Chan with a two night stay at the Kamloops Accent Inns,  a guided fishing trip on the Fraser River with the BC Sport Fishing Group and two nights stay at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, or a guided fishing trip on Vancouver Island with Island Outfitters and a one night stay at the Islander Rental Cabins. Full prize details are available at GoFishBC.com.

“Offering guided fishing trips is our way of thanking our Fishing Buddies for sharing their time and expertise with others,” says Peterson.

To support anglers at all levels of experience and expertise, the Freshwater Fisheries Society has launched an enhanced GoFishBC.com website, which features an expanded Where to Fish section, easy to use current and historical Fish Stocking Reports and a detailed How to Fish section, including videos, articles and details about programs offered by FFSBC. The site also features easier e-licensing where anglers may purchase a new licence.

In the first year the Fishing Buddies program attracted almost 900 participants who shared their passion for the sport with 4-5 individuals. In the second year the Fishing Buddies Program grew to 30,000 participants, exceeding FFSBC goals and boosting the number of anglers regularly enjoying the sport. FFSBC expects to see the program grow by over 10,000 recruits, to 40,000 Fishing Buddies this year.

The FFSBC is a not-for-profit organization funded directly by anglers through freshwater fishing licence revenues. It provides stocking programs that support 50 per cent of all freshwater sports fishing in B.C. lakes, conservation fish culture services for sturgeon recovery efforts and programs to enhance access to fishing for all British Columbians.

Through these programs, the FFSBC is working to ensure BC has the best freshwater fishing in North America. A 2009 economic analysis found that freshwater fishing in B.C. generates $480 million in economic activity, supports more than 1,000 businesses and creates 7,500 jobs.

Our Vision: The Best Freshwater Fisheries in North America

For more information visit the FFSBC’s website at www.gofishbc.com.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Accent Inns  *  BC Sport Fishing Group  *  Brian Chan  *  Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Island Outfitters  *  Ralph Shaw  *  Sea-Run Fly and Tackle

For more information please contact:

Margot Briggs  Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
Margot.Briggs@gofishbc.com
250-414-4207    Cell 250-893-4207

3rd Annual Fishing Buddies Program Attracts New Anglers is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Mandy Farmer Pres of Accent Inns plants BC Dogwood with help from Bill Turner of the TLC

Yesterday was Earth Day which was a perfect opportunity for me to reflect.

I’m thrilled to congratulate my whole team on achieving and maintaining a rating of 4 Green Keys! Yes, that’s right, all five of the Accent Inns throughout BC are rated as Four Green Key Properties by the Hotel Association of Canada. This is the second highest available rating and one that shows national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through wide ranging policies and practices.

We’ve received this distinction because of hard work and so I’d especially like to thank our team:

• Housekeepers: the in-room recycling, all that sorting and organizing that you have been doing, makes such a difference. And don’t forget the countless lights that you turn off and heaters that you turn down.
• Maintenance: installing energy efficient lighting everywhere and keeping all our appliances running smoothly and efficiently.
• Front Desk: diligent recycling of paper.
• Head office: making the environment a priority with the following decisions: soap dispensers in all the rooms, acquiring sensor AC controls, garbage audits, and calculating our carbon footprint.

In addition to all that we’ve also forged relationships with locally-based environmental groups such as The Land Conservancy and The Sierra Club of BC that are working to bring about long-term environmental change to our region. Our Fish for the Future program is another example of not only how we  support organizations like the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, but also how important it is to draw attention to their great efforts.

Here’s what Michelle Bonner, Climate Smart’s Director of Training says about us: “Accent Inns has demonstrated its leadership and commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through its participation in the Climate Smart program. By conducting a thorough inventory of its greenhouse gas emissions, Accent Inns now has a baseline against which to track the impact of its initiatives. As well as being good for the planet, this is smart business practice.”

How do we stack up to our competition? Well, it’s true that Fairmont properties do have 5 Green Keys and we congratulate them on that. It’s also true that many more of our direct competitors, not that I’m going to mention any names, have only have 3 Green Keys. So our 4 key rating and efforts with our community partners really make us stand out!

Way to go team!!

Mandy

Earth Day – A Great Reminder is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Accent Inn Pink in the Rink team 2012

This week (April 15 –21) is National Volunteer week.

This really touches home for Accent Inns. We are privileged to work with  so many non-profits, associations and groups that are supported either wholly or in part by volunteers.  Even closer to home is how often our very own team members are out there contributing their time, sometimes for an Accent Inn initiative but often just of their own accord.

Group Sales Mgr Donna raising funds for SOS

My guess is that many of us just don’t realize how often we are “touched” by the efforts of a volunteer. It may be through your church or temple, the folks who help you unload at the local food bank, your fire dept., local symphony’s or galleries, your child’s team coach, folks you see at the hospital or hospice, the local playground or theatre may have been funded by efforts of fundraising volunteers, museums and info centers often are partly staffed by volunteers, local animal rescue organizations such as the BC SPCA have great support from volunteers, much of the funds for medical research (cancer, kidney, heart and more) are raised via the efforts of volunteers, camps for children (healthy or ill) are often supported by volunteers, environmental protection and even business organizations such as the Chambers of Commerce are often part or all supported by volunteers.  These are just a few but I know if you take a look you’ll find that there’s not many parts of our lives that some how or in some way are not touched by or supported by volunteers.

*above – Ross Dunn of Stepforth web marketing, Terri Davies of Sociability (left pic) and Robin Holden  of the Source Group (right pic) have volunteered their time (traveled around BC) for several years teaching non-profit groups online and business skills as part of the Accent Inn Charity and Changing Times seminars.

We live in a wonderful society where if you have a passion, I’m sure you can find an group that could use your muscle’s, your experience, your expertise or just someone to hold out that caring hand.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Let’s take time  to say thanks to those that give of their time and to those organizations that allow us to share and give back to others.

Thanks to all Volunteers is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Once again the MC’s for the evening were Mira Laurence and Jordan Cunningham of CTV Vancouver Island. Not only do these two news and sports media folks know their Chargers but I must say….Billy Crystal watch out, they are headed for the Oscars. They had us laughing all night long. But of course the night wasn’t just about laughs and reviewing the past season but to celebrate some of the awe inspiring efforts put in by the the students, the coaches and the teams as a whole. It should be noted that the Chargers have some of the most dedicated and caring  coaches anywhere. I’m glad we also had the chance to applaud the behind the scenes staff. Special thanks from Accent Inns go to  Graham Matthews (Athletic Director) and  Bonita Joe (Marketing & Communications Officer) for being so awesome to work with and for their sincere focus on helping the students achieve their goals. So read below for an excerpt from the Charger blog listing the many award winners and their achievements. 

Your Faithful Supporter,

John Espley (Accent Inns)

GO Chargers!

Student-athletes, coaches and supporters of the Camosun College Chargers gathered at the Harbour Towers Hotel this evening to recognize the achievements of the College’s student-athletes and coaches at the Chargers’ 18th Annual Athletic Awards Ceremony.
Fourth-year wing Caitlin Marshall (St. Albert, AB) from the Chargers women’s basketball team earned the prestigious President’s Cup award for her outstanding achievements in academics and athletics.

2011-12 President’s Cup Recipient, Caitlin Marshall

Ms. Marshall scored a perfect 9.0 grade point average in her Fall 2011 full-time program of studies. Described as an accomplished athlete, a respected leader and a model student, Ms. Marshall earned several awards for her outstanding efforts this season including the Women’s Basketball Team Leadership Award, a PacWest 2nd Team All-Star Award and the SIRC CCAA Academic All-Canadian Award.
“In an ideal world, we would love to see Caitlin continue on with the Chargers and play out her fifth and final year of intercollegiate eligibility, but her focus next year will be strictly academic, as she completes her degree in Camosun’s Centre for Sport and Exercise Education Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy Program,” stated John Boraas, Camosun College Vice President of Education.”
Andy Inglis (Red Deer, AB) from the Chargers men’s volleyball program was the recipient of the Linda Henderson Award for Excellence for demonstrating commitment, strength of character and a high level of proficiency in the sport of volleyball.

The fourth-year 6’5” leftside hitter transferred to Camosun this past Fall from Red Deer College and is enrolled in the College’s Centre for Sport and Exercise Education Bachelor of Sport and Fitness Leadership Degree Program.
“Andy is one of the most dynamic players in the league,” said presenter Linda Henderson who took time off from her duties as Director of Athletics and Recreation at NAIT in Edmonton to present the award in person. “He has a high volleyball IQ and his passion for the game and desire to win and be successful are second to none.”
Sponsored by Accent Inns, the PacWest Academic Excellence Award was presented to six Chargers student-athletes for achieving academic honours over a minimum period of one full academic year and 27 credit hours. Recipients from the women’s basketball team included Rosie Bergen (University Transfer), Haley Carmichael (University Transfer) and Anya Weare (Environmental Technology). From men’s basketball were Jordan Elvedahl (Bachelor of Athletic & Exercise Therapy Degree) and Blake Mansbridge(Associate of Arts Degree) and from men’s volleyball, Stephen Richter (Business Administration).

Eleven individuals were recognized for their outstanding academic and athletic performances at the Provincial and National levels. Sponsored by Wilson’s Transportation, the CCAA and PacWest individual awards were presented to:
James Blandford, Men’s Basketball
PacWest Rookie of the Year
PacWest 2nd Team All-Star
PacWest All-Rookie Team
PacWest Athlete of the Week
Elizabeth Davis, Women’s Volleyball
PacWest 2nd Team All-Star
Jordan Elvedahl, Men’s Basketball
SIRC CCAA Academic All-Canadian
PacWest 2nd Team All-Star
Hilary Graham, Women’s Volleyball
PacWest Athlete of the Week
Carly Hilliard, Women’s Volleyball
PacWest All-Rookie Team
Jared Hundza, Men’s Golf
PacWest Athlete of the Week
Garrett Marcellus, Men’s Volleyball
PacWest 2nd Team All-Star
PacWest Athlete of the Week
Caitlin Marshall, Women’s Basketball
SIRC CCAA Academic All-Canadian
PacWest 2nd Team All-Star
John Randle, Men’s Golf
PacWest Coach of the Year
Alex Sadowski, Men’s Volleyball
PacWest Rookie of the Year
PacWest All-Rookie Team
Trevor Scheurmann, Men’s Basketball

PacWest All-Rookie Team
Five student-athletes were acknowledged for their Team Leadership throughout the year. Among those were Brandon Chan (men’s basketball), Hilary Graham (women’s volleyball), Garrett Marcellus (men’s volleyball), Caitlin Marshall (women’s basketball) and Kevin Walz (men’s golf).
Five additional student-athletes were recognized as Team Rookie. Those included Kelsey Clarke from Seaquam Secondary, Delta (women’s volleyball), Oak Bay grad Drake Downer (men’s basketball), Ella Goldschmid from Mount Doug (women’s basketball), Belmont grad Alex Sadowski (men’s volleyball) and from Vernon Secondary, Brady Stead (men’s golf).
A final group of Camosun athletes were honoured for motivating others through demonstrating outstanding character and a positive attitude. The Team Inspiration award was presented to Taylor Fedosoff (women’s volleyball), Jeremy Finn (men’s volleyball),Jared Hundza (men’s golf), Anya Weare (women’s basketball) and Rulon Schmidt(men’s basketball).
Student-athletes graduating from the Chargers athletics program were also recognized for their valued contributions, included were Denis Boyd, Jon Jorstad and Davis Prochfrom men’s volleyball, Blake Mansbridge and Anya Weare from Chargers basketball and Justin Deol, Jordan Krulicki and Kevin Walz from men’s golf.
“Our student-athletes and coaches worked extremely hard this year and I’m very proud of their achievements,” said Camosun Recreation and Athletics Coordinator Graham Matthews. “We look forward to another great season in 2012-13!”

Camosun Chargers Win Awards is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

Kyle, Whitney, Diane and I headed out for an introductory climbing lesson delivered by a knowledgeable and entertaining instructor named Evan. We listened to Evan’s every word as he gave us instructions on our harnesses, rope tying and belaying. There was quite a bit of nervous laughter as we all knew the end result would be climbing to the top of a wall, balancing our feet and grasping with our fingers to tiny hold shaped like animals and placed at distances that seem way too far apart.

Sometimes we glanced at the 2 climbers sharing our wall as they scrambled up and down. They made it look pretty easy.

When all instruction was complete, Kyle was the first to ascend, with Whitney as his belay partner. Kyle had done some climbing before and was able to quickly ascend the wall. He tested out the belaying skills of his partner by pretending to fall and we all felt a little bit relieved when we saw that Whitney was easily able to keep him from succumbing to the forces of gravity. It looked like a lot of fun.

Whitney had the advantage of height on her side when she started her climb. However height is no help when you look up and down and realize the task you have to complete. After a slight hesitation she continued to the top. However, I’m pretty sure I heard a big sigh of relief when she melted into the floor at the end of her turn.

When my turn came, I soon learned the disadvantage of being a bit on the short side. Those holds always seemed just a little bit out of my reach. However, my awesome team of co-workers assisted with encouragement and advice and after a few false starts, I found myself at the top of the wall, ecstatically ringing the bell to indicate my success. On the way up, I recalled Kimanda Jarzebiak, Director of Operations at The Boulders, telling me how rock climbing is being used as part of stroke rehabilitation as the problem-solving required assists in the re-building of neural pathways. That made perfect sense to me and I found myself having to make decisions as to which hand hold would be best to get me to the next foothold.

Diane acted as my belay partner and I felt totally confident that she would take care of me on my climb. Throughout the lesson she had demonstrated great skill at learning knots and techniques and she easily put them into use as I ascended and descended the wall. I tried to be as efficient as I belayed her on the final climb of our lesson.

Adrenaline was high as we all grinned and congratulated ourselves on our amazing endeavour. The wall had seemed so high.

Evan then took us on a tour of this incredible facility and we realized just how many more challenges were available for anybody who decided to take up this sport. With 1208 m of wall space, The Boulders is one of 2 facilities in North America able to host the World Youth Climbing Championship, which they will do in 2013.

If you get a chance, drop by the gym this weekend to watch the competition. Further information is available on their website The Boulders Climbing Gym. Be sure to watch the video.

Learn about the Boulders and other great things to do in Victoria BC by visiting the link on the Accent Inn Victoria BC hotel webpage.

Karen England

Regional Sales Manager for Accent Inns

The Boulders Climbing Gym is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog

April is Daffodil Month, a time to fight back against cancer and to show your support for those affected by cancer. Make a donation and wear a Daffodil pin throughout the month of April, and celebrate Daffodil Day on Friday April 27th. For more information, visit www.fightback.ca.

Pins are available at every Accent Inn in B.C. as of Thursday April 5th; Victoria, Vancouver Airport (Richmond), Burnaby, Kelowna, Kamloops

On Daffodil Day the Canadian Cancer Society asks Canadians to take a moment to reflect upon the thousands of people who are living with cancer and to remember those who have died. On this important day they encourage Canadians to do something special for those living with cancer or to contribute in some way to the fight against this disease. For example:

• Tell a loved one or friend with cancer that you are thinking of them and let them know about the Society’s information and support programs.
• Do something special for someone you know with cancer (for example, make a meal, do an errand, babysit).
• Contact your provincial or local politicians to voice the importance of fighting back against cancer and tell them how they can join with the Society in this fight.
• Make a presentation in your community to help raise awareness about how Canadians can fight back against cancer.

Events will be taking place in communities across Canada during Daffodil Month and on Daffodil Day. Contact your local community office to find out more.

To help celebrate the 30 days of Daffodil Month, we invite you to explore 30 ways your donations help us support Canadians living with cancer.*

Who will you wear your daffodil for this April?

April is Daffodil Month is a post from: The Accent Inns BC Hotel Blog