This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on July 6th, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

This weekend, runners will meet at Lily Lake for a race that will highlight the city’s green spaces. The Run Through History Celebration of Green Spaces event has set its sights on some of Saint John’s most popular community green spaces and has organized a weekend of environmentally friendly activity.

The Run Through History began in 2004 with the Tri-Fort Run series, and offered runners the opportunity to take in the city’s history and unique scenery on foot.

The idea of offering non-traditional distances served to give runners building up to a 10-kilometre, half-marathon or marathon distance a chance to participate in a race during their training. These distances also allowed race organizers to use new routes highlighting different areas in the city. The Run Through History Celebration of Green Spaces will take place from 2010 to 2012, and highlight the many different and unique green spaces in and around Saint John.

More than 160 people have registered for the event, with runners coming from Nova Scotia, Ontario and across New Brunswick to participate in 2.5-, 9.74- and 16.87-mile races. There is also a corporate relay option – the Stride for Success relay will raise funds for Portage Atlantic’s Recovery Trail project. This event, like the original Run Through History, will award a different medal; all three medals make up an interconnecting scene. This cycle will feature one of the city’s green spaces each year through to 2012.

This event, in turn, also supports other running initiatives in the community. Money earned from one year to the next is used to support other grassroot runs, including the Teen Resource Centre Run for Youth, Rothesay High School’s Walk/Run for ALS, the Rothesay Spring Fling and the Tour de Saint John.

The run will not just encourage runners to appreciate the city’s green spaces, it is also encourages participants to protect them by taking measures to minimize waste.

There is no cost for online registration, and marketing materials – posters, banners, etc. – will be reused over the three-year cycle.

City water in recyclable cups will be used in lieu of bottled water and the race bibs are seeded – runners can plant them after the race. Entertainment during race weekend will be acoustic, requiring no electricity, and Bullfrog Power, a green-power company, will inject green energy into the grid to replace power used during the event upon completion.

The Run Through History Celebration of Green Spaces will take place this Saturday and Sunday at Rockwood Park. Registration is still open for the races, which will be held on Sunday.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.

Planning is well underway for FUSION Saint John’s Harvesting the Arts Festival 2010.

Our weekly column featured this festival in the Telegraph-Journal on June 29th, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

This summer, the Harvesting the Arts Festival organizing committee is hard at work recruiting artists, musicians, volunteers and community organizations for the annual celebration of the city’s arts and culture community.

“We’re thrilled that so many people have expressed interest in participating this year, but we’re always looking for more volunteers and artists,” said Jessica Gozdzierski, FUSION board member and chair of Harvesting the Arts. “We have tons of exciting exhibitors and performers lined up, and we’re hoping to fill King’s Square with the city’s great talent.”

The festival continues to grow in size and stature, and has become one of FUSION’s annual events. The all-ages, free-of-charge event is organized by a team of volunteers, made up of Saint Johners with a shared interest in the arts. “Every year returning participants are joined by new and emerging talent looking for ways to be seen or heard,” says Gozdzierski.

The number of artists, musicians, performers and volunteers who return year after year is a testament to the event’s commitment to being an inclusive cultural event, and showcase for the city’s new and emerging talent and involvement in the arts. The committee is also partnering with the Greater Saint John Community Foundation’s Environment Committee to highlight local organic foods. The growth of this event over the years reflects the huge amount of creativity in Saint John.

“We have a team of wonderful volunteers – people who commit their entire day to ensuring the vendors, performers, and guests have the best possible experience,” says Gozdzierski. “We’re very fortunate that so many of our volunteers are helping out again this year, but we’re also looking for new people interested in being a part of this great event.”

For the artists, musicians and food vendors involved, it’s an opportunity to raise their profile, network and share their work with the public. Volunteers get to take in the event from a very unique vantage point, and spend the day interacting with the artists and performers, as well as the visitors to King’s Square.

The Harvesting the Arts Festival will take place Sept. 4. For more information on volunteering or participating as a vendor or exhibitor, please visit www.fusionsj.com.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca

For more information on Harvesting the Arts Festival 2010, visit the Harvesting the Arts Festival 2010 webpage, or check out the event on Facebook!

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on June 22nd, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

This month, FUSION is partnering with the Union Club to host June’s Party with a Purpose. Party goers will have a chance to learn more about one of the uptown’s oldest institutions, network with current Union Club members, and learn more about the history of the organization and the benefits of membership.

They will also be able to tour the building and services that are available.

The Union Club was formed in 1884 and has been at its current location on Germain Street since 1890. It shares many parallels with FUSION in that it’s a member-run organization formed by local business professionals in the city who wanted to have a place to gather with their peers to discuss and share ideas.

This remains the Club’s main focus, and its membership is made up of individuals from a broad range of professions and industries.

“The membership of the Union Club has been, and continues to be, comprised of ambitious business people and influential Saint John leaders, which is what many of our members aspire to, so it’s very appropriate that we have this opportunity to host an event together,” said Kelly Lawson, chair of FUSION’s Ambassador’s Committee, which organize the Parties with a Purpose. “It’s an exciting opportunity very much in keeping with the original mandate of the Union Club.”

The club is located in one of the uptown’s most stately heritage buildings, and houses two main dining areas – a formal dining room and main lounge that are open in the afternoon for lunch. There are also six private function rooms for meetings or small gatherings.

Members have access to these rooms for meetings or private events.

There is a cost for membership, and in return members are given special benefits in addition to simply having access to the building and its services. They are able to interact with other members at the club’s organized professional and social networking events, which take place throughout the year.

The Union Club is affiliated with more than 40 other private clubs across the country and around the world, in cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, New York, London and Hong Kong. This network gives members access to these affiliate clubs and the services they offer, which in many cases includes accommodations.

June’s Party with a Purpose will take place Friday from 5:30-7:00p.m. at the Union Club. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on June 15th, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

With the Harbour Bridge construction underway and the Harbour Passage closed to pedestrian traffic, commuting has become a hot topic in Saint John. Nobody likes a longer commute, so perhaps it’s timely that we start to examine how we’re getting to where we’re going a little more closely, and asking ourselves if it’s really necessary to get in the car to go somewhere that’s actually accessible via walking, biking or alternative modes of active transportation.

The Public Health Agency of Canada defines active transportation as “any form of human-powered transportation-” from walking, cycling, running to skateboarding, pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair. The benefits of active transportation are well-documented, and include positive health, economic, environmental and societal impacts on the community.

A variety of transportation options is also an important attraction and retention tool. Having routes that are well connected, well maintained and allow easy access to key destinations, whether it’s work or the corner store, add to the appeal of a neighbourhood, and ultimately make a city more attractive to live in.

The temporary closure of Harbour Passage does not reflect the overall direction Saint John is taking because we are a city that is becoming increasingly conducive to active transportation. Last month common council accepted the trails and bikeways strategic plan and referred it to the city manager and Plan SJ for further consideration. The plan identified key recreational and activity transportation corridors, and provided recommendations for the implementation and development of a 183-kilometre trail and bikeway network. Its aim is to promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle by providing opportunities for active lifestyles and mobility options. This comprehensive network includes sidewalks, trails and bike routes. This is in addition to the mountain bike trail project currently underway in Shamrock Park.

The city recognizes the value of active transportation routes – now we just need to make sure we’re using them and that the base of support for active transportation continues to grow. Gone are the days of walking to school, walking to a friend’s house, walking anywhere, really. We are becoming increasingly reliant on our vehicles to get from point A to point B.

With the traffic tie-ups that occur as a result of the summer construction season, there is no better time to consider new ways to get around, whether you’re opting to hop a bus, walk or bike, or even carpool and walk from a central parking lot. Harbour Passage may be closed but that should not act as the deterrent that puts us back behind the wheels of our cars. Sidewalks are still open for business – and with a little time and planning, other routes are readily available and easy to navigate.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on June 8th, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

On Thursday, Saint Johners will celebrate the individuals and organizations that make up our city’s vibrant arts and culture community.

The Originals, the inaugural Saint John Arts Awards, will be hosted at the Imperial Theatre and will highlight the accomplishments of some of the city’s most well-known talent and featuring special performances by nominees and their peers.

“We’ve never honoured artists in a formal way in the city – this will be the first time we bring all these genres together in the same room,” said Judith Mackin, artistic director of the event.

Finalists represent a range of artistic genres including writers, visual artists, musicians, dancers and actors.

Saint Johners were given the opportunity to nominate finalists in 11 categories including: emerging artist, visual arts, literary arts, arts supporter, popular music, classical music, performing arts for dance, performing arts for theatre, arts organization and business for the arts. The Imperial Theatre Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Fred and the late Sheila Ross for their lifelong commitment to, and impact on, the arts in Saint John. Winners will be selected by a jury and will receive awards created by Saint John painter Paul Mathieson.

The Originals was organized by a 17-member committee, with guidance from the Saint John Community Arts Board. It will be co-hosted by Christiane Vaillancourt and CBC radio host Brent Bambury, who will be joined by local familiar faces for a number of special performances.

Many of the artists have worked together on special collaborations to mark this event. One such performance will see local punk band Hospital Grade on stage with the InterAction Children’s Theatre Company for a theatrical interpretation of one of their songs. Hemmings House Pictures has produced film clips on the finalists, which will be interwoven with the performances.

“A lot of people worked really hard to make this event happen,” Mackin said. “It’s a real testament to the dedication of the arts and business community.”

The Originals is sponsored in part by the Saint John 225 celebrations, and it is timely that these individuals are being celebrated since Saint John is also a 2010 Cultural Capital of Canada. The collective effort of all of these artists is what makes the city’s personality so special, and our arts and culture community so well-known in New Brunswick and beyond. It’s important to recognize the contributions of the individuals and groups that add so much to the city as part of the Saint John 225 celebration.

The Originals will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Imperial Theatre. Tickets are $25, $20 for students and seniors, and are available at the Imperial Theatre box office.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on June 1st, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

This weekend, the Saint John YMCA-YWCA will join its Y counterparts across Canada to celebrate the second annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day.

This community event aims to encourage young people and their families to embrace healthy habits and adopt activity and health as a way of life.

Between 2003 and 2006, the rate of obesity for young people in Canada has increased by 35.7 per cent. This is becoming an increasingly significant issue as more and more children are growing up with sedentary lifestyles.

This event will introduce families and youths in particular, to some of the activities they can access in the city.

“Our children’s health is very important to us, and our aim with this event is to show families, children and youth that making healthy choices can be fun and easy,” said Shilo Boucher, chief operating officer at the Saint John Y. “We hope the people who participate in this event will help us spread this message by sharing what they learn with their friends and families.”

This day-long event is being held at the Glenn Carpenter Centre, a 220-acre property located on Ashburn Lake in Saint John that provides summer day-camp opportunities for young people in southern New Brunswick. Attendees will be able to participate in the activities that are available on-site, including archery, water trampoline, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and hiking. Saint John Y staff will be on hand with information on camping and other Y programs. Lifeguards will also be on-site for those who want to participate in water activities. There will also be a barbecue.

For many young people, regular activity and healthy living choices are a foreign concept. Giving them the opportunity to see and experience the different activities that are available to them will serve as motivation to get outside and make the most of their surroundings.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day places special emphasis on teaching children their families about exploring healthy living habits that will make a difference throughout their life. The Saint John YMCA-YWCA will celebrate YMCA Healthy Kids Day Sunday at the Glen Carpenter Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on May 25th, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

This month’s Party with a Purpose will highlight condo living – a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in many urban centres and one that is building momentum in Saint John.

“There is often a misconception as to what condo ownership is,” says listing realtor Bob McVicar, who is sponsoring the event with Sue Cairns McVicar. “A condo is not just a term that describes the style of a property, but is a very specific form of ownership.”

Condominiums vary in terms of size and style, from townhouses, to garden homes, to a standard building complex or tower. It combines the amenities of renting with the benefits of property ownership – owners hold legal titles to their units, the same as if it were an actual home. They also share ownership of the common areas outside of their actual units – lobbies, yards, roofs and parking lots, which are maintained through monthly fees.

“The fact that condo ownership is not that common in the Saint John market has left this option off of the list of potential home ownership options for many people in this market,” McVicar says. “FUSION was the perfect partner for this event because first-time home owners are often the primary purchasers of urban condo units and FUSION represents this demographic in Saint John.”

The party will take place at the condo development at 207 King St. E., in the building’s show suite, a two-bedroom condo apartment that has been fully staged by design expert Judith Mackin. Two other units will also be available for those interested in taking a closer look at the condo options available in this particular building. Bob Kelly, one of Canada’s pioneer experts on condo development and ownership, will be on hand to answer questions, as well as representatives from the mortgage industry and the Kings Court Condominium developers.

Although more and more people are moving to the city centre, there are many renters who are eventually drawn away from the uptown because of a desire to own property. Condo living allows people the opportunity to own their own property while enjoying the uptown lifestyle. Such was the case for Greg Cutler, who has recently moved back into the city from Hampton, having bought the very same unit he had rented before it was converted to a condo. “This is more of a lifestyle. It’s the perfect place if you’re busy, but still want to own your own property – I hope it catches on,” Cutler says.

May’s Party with a Purpose will take place Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 207 King St. E., Unit 2. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on May 19th, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

Over the course of the spring and summer, FUSION will be working with the Population Growth Secretariat to develop a pilot mentorship program for youth and newcomers in the city.

“When the Population Growth Secretariat approached us to work on this program, we quickly realized that this was an initiative that aligns with our mandate to attract and retain people to Greater Saint John,” said project co-ordinator Sarah Craig. “This will be a great opportunity for people who are interested in staying in Saint John to network and receive one-on-one support from an individual who’s already fully integrated in the city.”

The program will be targeted primarily at university and college students and newcomers under 35 years of age who are passionate about effecting positive change in the community, and interested in learning from established community leaders.

Mentors will be drawn from a variety of professional and volunteer organizations so as to provide a broad spectrum of experience and counsel. A similar pilot project is also underway in Bathurst.

This initiative will differ from more traditional career mentorship programs in that it will be largely informal, to allow for those involved to define how and when they meet on their own terms, whether it is on the phone, through email, or over regular face-to-face meetings. Though the program itself will only be six months in duration, it’s intended to foster long-term relationships, so that mentors and proteges alike can continue to learn from one another based on their experiences and insights on career development, volunteer work, civic engagement and other aspects that contribute to Saint John’s quality of life.

“Our hope is that this program will increase retention in both the university and newcomer population, while giving the leaders in our community a better understanding of the challenges this demographic faces,” Craig said. “We’d like to see the mentorship relationship become a source of inspiration for both sides to make the city a place that welcomes young people and provides opportunities for them to be engaged.”

Whether they’ve grown up here, or are completely new to the city, people who are considering putting down roots can draw from a wealth of knowledge by simply being exposed to people who have found success living and working in the city. Conversely, mentors stand to gain from being plugged into the new ideas and fresh perspectives their proteges bring to the table.

Project planning is currently underway, and interested individuals will have an opportunity to apply this summer. The program will launch this fall, and regular updates will be available online at www.fusionsj.com.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on May 11th, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

This Saturday, a group of Saint Johners will volunteer their morning to help spruce up one of the area’s important waterways during the 14th annual Marsh Creek Cleanup.

“This is a popular event – a lot of our volunteers are people and families who come back every year,” says Canaport LNG’s Kate Shannon, whose company has hosted the event in partnership with ACAP Saint John for the last three years. “Getting people involved in cleaning up the community is a great way to increase awareness and environmental stewardship.”

The Marsh Creek Cleanup gives volunteers the opportunity to team up with family, friends and colleagues to make this area a little greener, but it also serves as the catalyst for a conversation on litter, why people leave their debris in areas like Marsh Creek, and ways to prevent litter at its source. The debris collected each year does not get there on its own, and starting the dialogue about who put it there and why, and more appropriate methods for disposal, is an important step in tackling this issue.

“Our hope is that participants will realize how important it is to take care of our community, and think about it next time they need to dispose of waste,” says Shannon. “We want people to be more aware of the waste people create and how they should dispose of it.” Increasing public awareness on the seemingly insignificant action of litter and how it impacts our environment and visual beauty of the city is a good first step toward changing individual behaviour when it comes to waste disposal.

Many of the issues that threaten our environment can seem larger than life, but working together to collect litter is something anyone can do, and if last year’s number is any indication, the result of this collective effort is pretty impressive: more than 210 volunteers collected about five tonnes – 92 shopping cards, 352 bags of garbage, 23 tires and loads of construction debris and other items.

Prizes are awarded to the team that collects the most garbage and the team that finds the most unique item, but all volunteers share the sense of accomplishment that results in seeing not only how much waste can be collected in such a short amount of time, but the difference in how the areas looks and feels because of it.

The 2010 Marsh Creek Cleanup will take place Saturday, 9 a.m. till 12 p.m., rain or shine. Volunteers should register by Friday. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.

This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on May 4th, 2010.

The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:

This Friday, FUSION will celebrate local leaders and FUSION’s role in cultivating leadership in the next generation at the 6th Annual Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION networking dinner.

This year’s theme, Inspiring Leadership, reflects the willingness of many Saint Johners who have taken on leadership roles to bring progress and positive change to the city.

This event will focus on the future leadership capacity that’s necessary to move our community forward and will feature a keynote address from Gemini-winning CBC news anchor Diana Swain.

By “inspiring leadership,” FUSION hopes to help lay the foundation for a culture of mentorship to allow the city’s emerging leaders to grow and eventually take on the new responsibilities that will be required to sustain our current rate of growth.

“Leadership is an important part of FUSION Saint John,” said Shawn Peterson, chairperson of FUSION Saint John. “Our members show leadership every day through their ties to the community, be it involvement on boards, committees, or in organizing events. These are leaders who want to live here and make things happen, which is vital not only to FUSION, but to the entire community.”

With issues associated with the aging population and demands to be a more sustainable society top of mind, FUSION’s focus at this year’s event will be on the future of leadership in our community, and new ways to engage prospective leaders to encourage progress and growth.

“Saint John is a city on the move, and it is because of the leadership that individuals are providing to community initiatives – both big and small,” Peterson said. “If we want to keep moving in this direction, we need to make sure we are inspiring the future leaders in our community. To me, the best way to become inspired is to get into a room with many other established leaders to see what they are doing, and how they are doing it.”

Saint John is a city brimming with potential; fortunately, there exists a large pool of established leaders, individuals who are willing to offer their time, energy and expertise to ensure the next generation is poised to face challenges and move the city in a positive direction. With Faces of FUSION 2010, the organization hopes to create an opportunity for both emerging and established leaders to share thoughts and ideas, and instill a passion for creativity, change and action in the city.

Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION 2010 will take place this Friday at the Saint John Hilton Trade & Convention Centre. Tickets are $60. For more information please visit www.fusionsj.com.

Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.

More information on Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION 2010 can be found on FUSION’s website!