Tag: annual

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First annual off-road motorcycle event coming to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo

First annual off-road motorcycle event coming to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo

Richardson Backcountry in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo
“Photo provided by Ride North Moto”

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) has teamed up with Ride North Moto, to deliver their first-ever off-road motorcycle event to the area.

Together, they’re launching “Boreal Royale”, a dual-sport motorcycle adventure taking place June 24-26.

Tyler Cole, Sports & Events Economic Development Officer with FMWBEDT describes it as not being a race, but more of an opportunity to responsibly welcome the motorcycle community to the beautiful backcountry areas of Wood Buffalo.

The event includes four nights of camping at the motocross track and three days of competition that will see competitors use the WANDURO app to find waypoints and collect Quest Points.

The press release describes the event as being similar to geocaching, which is where individuals hunt for hidden objects by using GPS coordinates, but with motorcycles.

“We are working towards this event becoming a staple in the dual-sport and adventure sport motorcycling event calendar going forward,” explained Cole.

McMurray Dirt Riders Association and the WANDURO Adventure Moto Navigation events team from British Columbia will also be hosting Boreal Royale in partnership with the event.

Mike Haberoth, Founder of Ride North Moto says, “We are very excited to see the 1st Annual Boreal Royale come together and to share our passion for motorcycle sport with others in the community. Our local partners have been the key to helping us explore the region’s backcountry and inspiring us all to be proud of the place we call home.”

FMWBEDT stated in a press release that the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation has given permission to the group to allow competitors on their traditional territory in the Richardson backcountry north of Fort McMurray.

An introductory video for the event can be viewed at Boreal Royale – Teaser Video – YouTube.

For more information, you can visit ridenorthmoto.com.

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After Two Years of COVID-19, Americans’ Anxiety Turns to Global Events, Says APA Annual Mental Health Poll

Children’s Mental Health Also a Top Concern

NEW ORLEANS, May 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — According to the annual Healthy Minds Poll from the American Psychiatric Association, adults’ anxiety about COVID-19 is at its recorded lowest, with 50% indicating they’re anxious about it, down from 65% in 2021 and 75% in 2020. Instead, adults say they are somewhat or extremely anxious about current events happening around the world (73%), keeping themselves or their families safe (64%), or their health generally (60%).   

Overall, about a third of Americans (32%) said they were more anxious than last year, 46% said their level of anxiety was about the same, and 18% were less anxious. One-quarter (26%) indicated they had talked with a mental health care professional in the past few years, down from 34% in 2021. Hispanic (36%) and Black (35%) adults were more likely to have done so than white (25%) adults.  

The poll, conducted by Morning Consult between April 23 and 24, 2022, was among a sample of 2,210 adults. The interviews were conducted online, and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, age, race, educational attainment, and region. Results from the full study have a margin of error of +/-2 percentage points.  

“It’s not surprising that recent events, such as the war in Ukraine, racially motivated mass shootings or the impacts of climate change, are weighing heavily on Americans’ minds,” said APA President Vivian Pender, M.D. “COVID-19 in a way has taken a back-seat, but the pandemic and its mental health effects are very much still with us. It’s important that we are cognizant of that and continue to work to ensure people who need psychiatric care, whether the causes are tied to the pandemic or to other issues, can access it.”  

Despite the backdrop of the Surgeon General’s recent advisory, Americans were less concerned about their children’s mental health than last year, with 41% of parents saying their children’s mental state concerned them this year compared to 53% saying so in 2021.  

Meanwhile, 40% of parents reported their children had received help from a mental health professional since the pandemic began. Of that group, 36% reported that they had sought help before the pandemic, and 50% indicated the pandemic had caused problems for their children’s mental health. A third of the group indicated they had encountered difficulties scheduling mental health care appointments for their children.  

“While the overall level of concern has dropped, still four in 10 parents are worried about how their children are doing, and a third are having issues with access to care,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. “This is unacceptable and as a nation, we need to invest in the kind of systems that will ensure any parent who’s worried about their child has access to lifesaving treatment.”  

See other Healthy Minds Poll results on workplace mental health and government support. 

For a copy of the poll results, contact [email protected]. 

American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,000 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.

SOURCE American Psychiatric Association

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Eighth annual Throwdown Series fitness event returns to Penticton – Penticton News

Eighth annual Throwdown Series fitness event returns to Penticton - Penticton News

Come out to Skaha Beach this weekend to see some serious CrossFit competition.

The eighth annual Okanagan Valley Throwdown (OVT) was scheduled to take place at the SOEC in 2020. The event, like many others, was postponed for two years due to the pandemic and the organizers are excited to finally bring it to life.

“We were only a week out from hosting OVT when everything was shutdown for the pandemic. It was a huge hit,” said Lyndie Hill, event organizer from Hoodoo Adventure Company.

“With all the restrictions for indoor events, especially fitness venues, we have had a hard time rescheduling but we wanted to make sure that we could pull through for the athletes who have been waiting for years to compete. We had to make a decision months ago to finalize the venue and decided that, at the time, outside was our safest bet.”

The event has partnered up with Beach City CrossFit at Barefoot Beach Resort, starting the first Skaha Beach Throwdown in the Throwdown Series.

“We now probably have the most unique venue in the history of functional fitness competitions, which we are very excited about,” Hill added.

The competition will host nearly 200 athletes from around Western Canada, with events at both the beach and at Play Winery, where they will compete in a weight lifting workout overlooking the vineyard.

The Competition will take place Saturday and Sunday as follows:

Saturday

  • Event #1 – Barefoot Beach

  • 7-8:30am *Individual Males I 8:30-10am *Individual Females I 10-11:30am *Teams

  • Event #2 – Barefoot Beach

  • 12-1:30pm *Individual Males I 1:30-3pm *Individual Females I 3-4:30pm *Teams

  • Event # 3 – Play Estate Winery

  • 4:30-5:30pm *Individual Males I 5:30-6:30pm *Individual Females I 7:30-8:30pm *Teams


Sunday

  • Event # 4 – Barefoot Beach

  • 8-9:15am *Individual Males I 9:15-10:30am *Individual Females I 10:30am-12pm *Teams

  • Event #5 – Barefoot Beach Finals

  • 12pm-3pm – All will compete in this WOD with lower scores competing first.

  • 2-4pm – Top 8 in each category to compete for top 3 spots.

  • 4:30pm – Award Ceremony


Spectating the event is by donation to the Youth Outdoor Recreation Society and can be done from the winery, the beach or from your own private dock on the lake, run by GEO Docks.

Food and fitness vendors will be onsite.

Gates open at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit the Throwdown Series website here.

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88th Annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival – GlobalNews Events

88th Annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival - GlobalNews Events

The Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival enables everyone to celebrate the Annapolis Valley’s heritage and culture by hosting a multi-day festival, comprised of events that reflect our past, present, and future.

For the past two years, the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival has been postponed due to the impact of COVID-19 on our communities. It is with tremendous excitement that the Board of Directors is moving forward with in-person events for the 88th festival from May 25th – May 30th, 2022.

Visit the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival website for details to plan your visit!

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Annual events make ‘normal’ return

Annual events make ‘normal’ return

ABOVE: From left Kathy Mathiason, Pam Hill, Carol Hazard, Harriet Danielson and Carolyn Thompson engage in conversation while enjoying tasty treats and fresh brewed tea and coffee late Saturday morning on the outside patio of the historic Chubb House in Fairmont.

FAIRMONT– The first full weekend of May was a busy one in Fairmont as several annual events made their return.

On Saturday the historic Orville P. Chubb House, located at 209 Lake Ave. in Fairmont, opened its doors to the public for the annual Spring tea. The Chubb House typically hosts two community events a year, one in the winter and one in the spring. The last event that was held there was in 2019 as 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.

The first event back after a two year hiatus did not disappoint. Mary Don Kislingbury, a Martin County Preservation Association member, estimated that 125 people attend the Spring tea on Saturday. The warm weather also allowed for outdoor seating which was nice given the large crowd and small size of Fairmont’s oldest surviving building. The Chubb House’s loyal volunteers served tea, coffee, fruit, baked goods and a variety of delicacies.

Another event that made its return this weekend was Borchardt Dance Company’s annual recital, which took place Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon at the Performing Arts Center at Fairmont High School.

For more than 50 years, BDC’s recital has taken place over Mother’s Day weekend. However, in 2020 the recital was held in July at Martin Luther High School in Northrop. Last year, the recital also took place over the summer with capacity limits.

To the excitement and relief of many, this year’s recital was held on the traditional dates and in the traditional venue with no capacity limits. Thirty-two different dances took place by dancers from as young as three, all the way to 18-year-old seniors in high school. Several numbers were also done by those in the adult dance class.

The busy weekend was just the start of a busy season and events around Fairmont will continue next weekend with Dancin’ Plus’s recital, which will take place Friday through Sunday at the Fairmont Opera House.

Emmalyne’s Angel Day, an event held by the Forever, Emmalyne organization, will take place Sunday, May 15 at the East Chain Activity Center. The event will include a 5K, activities, music, food and a raffle.

Later that week, from May 19 to the 21st, Kinship of Martin County’s annual industrial auction will be held at the Martin County fairgrounds.

On Saturday, May 21, the Fairmont Lakes Foundation’s bi-annual lake shore clean up will take place. Several other events and activities will take place around town that weekend, including an activity at the Martin County Library in Fairmont, a Boy Scout event at Cedar Point Scout Camp and an event hosted by the Kids Just Want to Have Fun committee at Heritage Acres.

Toward the end of the month, on May 26, there will be an unveiling of Going Hog Wild’s competed hog statues, which will go to more than 30 businesses and organizations around Martin County. The statues were painted by more than a dozen area artists. The event will start at 5 p.m. on Downtown Plaza.

The last weekend of the month will also be a busy one with Fairmont Opera House’s Memorial Day Street Fest, which will take place on Downtown Plaza on Saturday, May 28. The event will consist of live music, various food trucks and activities for children and families.

While many people’s schedules may be quickly filling up leading into summer, it’s probably safe to say it’s a welcome sight after two years of many cancelled events and celebrations.

To learn more about upcoming activities and events, check out the Fairmont Area Community Calendar at fairmontareacalendar.com.



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Cornwall’s second annual Eco Day wraps up Earth Week events

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April 22 marked Earth Day this year, but the City of Cornwall took on a greater initiative, planning an entire Earth Week, culminating with the second annual Eco Day at Lamoureux Park on Saturday.

The sound of acoustic music being played by locals at the Lion’s Club Bandshell enticed a crowd, as members of the public could walk through the park and learn about different environmental organizations and initiatives. Booths were set up with information from the St. Lawrence River Institute, Cornwall’s Youth for Climate Action Working Group, Transition Cornwall+, SDG Butterflyway Project,  Cornwall Transit, and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA).

“Last year’s (Eco Day) was held in August due to lockdowns. But the original intention was to try and do an event close to Earth Day to talk about all of the environmental, climate sustainability initiatives happening in our community,” said Cornwall strategic planning co-ordinator Katherine Wells.

“There’s a lot of community organizations that this is their focus and their passion. We wanted to bring everyone together for a free, family friendly event.”

Jameson and Avery Dwyer painting on an Eco Day mural on Saturday April 23, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network
Jameson and Avery Dwyer painting on an Eco Day mural on Saturday April 23, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Shawna O’Neill /Shawna O’Neill/Standard-Freeholder

Yafa Arts and Crafts was present, hosting a recycling art workshop. Attendees of all ages could contribute to a graffiti art board that is set to make its way throughout the community, whether it be at local schools or future events. The piece will then be displayed somewhere to showcase as a meaningful mural.

“It was a suggestion we got (to have more kid-friendly activities) and we wanted to put a focus on how these steps to help the environment can be taken by people of all ages. We tried to have a few more interactive features, which we were allowed this year (with health guidelines),” said Wells.

Cornwall’s sustainability co-ordinator Angela Parker explained the RRCA was hosting its annual tree giveaway. She also said Cornwall’s Give A Shirt spring initiative was collecting donations. And, attendees could be entered to win a gift card if they learned how to use a bike rack on a Cornwall Transit bus.

“Having everybody together highlights what’s happening with the community… the city has put the environment as a pillar on their strategic plan… and it is just really nice to get out, after the last few years we have had,” said Wells.

Cornwall Councillor Carilyne Hébert at Eco Day, collecting recycling on Saturday April 23, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network
Cornwall Councillor Carilyne Hébert at Eco Day, collecting recycling on Saturday April 23, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Shawna O’Neill /Shawna O’Neill/Standard-Freeholder

Throughout the city’s Earth Week, Give A Shirt donations were collected alongside garbage pickup, David Attenborough’s documentary film A life on our Planet was screened at Cornwall’s Public Library, climate science educator Dr. Heather Short hosted a presentation at Cornwall’s Public Library, and city staff members rolled up their sleeves to clean up litter.

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NNY fire departments open stations for annual RecruitNY events

NNY fire departments open stations for annual RecruitNY events

Several area fire departments opened their doors for the annual statewide RecruitNY program Saturday.

Castorland Fire Company members were at the station early having been called out to a motor vehicle crash on Route 126 at 6 a.m. Operations Chief Gary Ashline said about 14 Castorland firefighters responded along with those from Beaver Falls. The driver had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken by helicopter to a hospital.

During the RecruitNY event, the firefighters demonstrated their newly acquired aerial truck purchased from the Adams Fire Department in October.

Department members also talked about why they joined the fire service.

Austin T. Kottcamp, a five-year member, was inspired to join having been rescued himself.

“They saved me when I was 16,” he said of the rollover accident.

Veteran firefighter Nicholas J. Astafan said he is a member to help the community. He has been with the Castorland department for only a couple of years but has been involved in fire service for more than 40 years. He has served in the New Bremen Fire Department and in EMS.

The West Carthage Fire Department had a presence at both of its stations on Saturday.

Nicholas R. Koepsell, Carthage Area Rescue Squad, was on hand at Station 2 in Champion.

“We are looking for community members who want to help,” he said, noting that it would be ideal to get people from Champion to work out of the station there.

CARS recently renewed its contract with the village of West Carthage to staff the station for another year.

Firefighter Susan R. Cornell, a one-year member of the West Carthage Fire Department, was at the High Street station with her 2-year-old son, Carson S. Covillon.

Wearing a junior firefighter’s plastic helmet, Carson said he wants to be a fireman.

Ms. Cornell said she grew up around firefighting. Her father and grandfather, as well as other family members, were firefighters in the Chaumont and Three Mile Bay departments.

“I wanted to show up, show support and bring my little one to continue the tradition,” she said.

Although there was a slow start to the recruitment weekend, West Carthage Fire Chief Peter Crump Jr. said one person took an application Saturday morning.

Jeremy T. Yawger, owner of Street Eats, was at the event to provide hot dogs from his business and took an application.

“I was a junior firefighter before I joined the military,” Mr. Yawger said. “I’m a member of the (American) Legion and feel being part of the community is important. I want to help out but will probably join the auxiliary — I don’t have time for all the training. I’ll be here to roll hoses, clean equipment, make chow — whatever is needed. They deserve a decent meal after fighting fires and saving lives.”

The Northpole Fire Company, 22334 Route 11 in Watertown, opened its doors at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Throughout the day, visitors toured the station, checked out the equipment and tried on gear. Crews demonstrated firefighting activities and provided information about becoming a member.

“This is an excellent opportunity for people to meet their local volunteer firefighters and learn a bit more about the fire service,” said Joseph Wargo, Northpole fire chief. “We are always looking for new members and it is our hope that after meeting us, more people will be interested in becoming a part of our family.”

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Annual cleanup events start this month in Aspen, Basalt

Annual cleanup events start this month in Aspen, Basalt

The seventh annual Pristine Riders Trash Crush community cleanup and environmental stewardship event is set for May 6 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The group will meet at North Star Nature Preserve’s South Gate parking lot.

The volunteer litter cleanup along Highway 82, the East of Aspen trail and local roadways is a way to give back, recognizing and appreciating our pristine mountain environment. Partnering with CDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program, orange safety vests and trash bags will be provided. The event is hosted by Sun Dog Athletics “Aspen’s Adventure Sports School” and Pristine Riders, a local 501c3 nonprofit combining a passion for cycling and cleaning up the environment.

The first 15 volunteers to sign up at http://www.sundog@sopris.net will receive a complimentary lunch courtesy of Silverpeak Grill. Trashy Awards with special prizes will be presented. Adults ages 18 and older are invited.

Sun protection, long pants, work gloves, water and extra clothing in case of inclement weather are suggested. More information and registration are available by contacting organizer Erik Skarvan at sundog@sopris.net or 970-925-1069 or check out Sun Dog Athletics or Pristine Riders on Facebook.

24th annual Fryingpan Cleanup starts April 18

The Roaring Fork Conservancy will sponsor the 24th annual Fryingpan & Beyond River Cleanup on April 18-23.

Instead of one big cleanup day, this year’s event will follow the model the conservancy followed during the COVID-19 pandemic the past two years. Volunteers will be sought to pick up trash throughout next week in the entire Roaring Fork basin.

Pre-registration is required for anyone wanting to pick up trash on Frying Pan Road and along the Roaring Fork River through Basalt. Trash bags will be provided for those volunteers.

Pre-registration isn’t required to clean up other areas in the watershed. Volunteers in those areas must provide their own trash bags.

Participants are urged to take pictures of their most unusual or newsworthy finds and email photos to christina@roaringfork.org by noon April 26 to be entered into a prize drawing.

Additional details and registration is available at http://www.roaringfork.org/events.

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Eight Boxers Win Events and Facility Record Set at Annual Pacific Lu‘au Track Meet – Pacific University Athletics

Eight Boxers Win Events and Facility Record Set at Annual Pacific Lu‘au Track Meet - Pacific University Athletics

Forest Grove, Ore. – The Boxers hosted their annual Pacific Lū’au Track and Field Meet this Saturday, April 9. Eight Pacific athletes won their respective events, and a new Hanson Stadium Record was set in the women’s hammer throw by Chanell Botsis, who competed unattached. Botsis threw 61.56m, smashing the old record of 58.73 set by Lauren Stuart of Northern Arizona University in 2013. The Boxers also honored their senior class, as is tradition during the Lū’au Track Meet. 

The following Boxers won their events during the meet:

Alexis Lowery, women’s 100m hurdles – 16.30

Angelica Gatica Gomez, women’s 400m – 59.80

Emily Rutkowski, women’s 400m hurdles – 1:08.45

Oliver Joss, men’s 1500m – 4:02.03

Annie Berry, women’s 5k – 18:16.61

Naomi Johnson, women’s discus throw – 40.08m

Sophia Henke, women’s high jump – 1.42m

Andrew Reid, men’s shot put – 13.45m

Women’s 400m relay: Putman, Echiverri, Pilgrim, Rutkowski – 4:21.18

New NWC Qualifiers from this meet:

200m – Angelica Gatica Gomez

1500m – Kara Putman

5k – Cris Brethower, Will Neal

Shot Put – Savannah Ashbaugh

Triple Jump – Tyler Vargas

The annual Pacific Lū’au is a special meet, as it is always held on the morning of Pacific University’s  Nā Haumāna O Hawai’i (NHOH) Club’s Lū’au and Hō’ike. NHOH presents the only completely student-run and student-directed lū’au in the Northwest, and several track and field athletes participate or hold leadership positions within this club. The senior class of the Pacific track team is also honored at this meet every year.

“Our Lū’au meet is always fun, and a special day to celebrate our seniors,” said head track and field coach Ryan Hunter-Simms. “All of us coaches are very thankful for the seniors on this team. They’ve given such great leadership to the program, and have accomplished a lot so far in sports and beyond. We are thankful to have a little more time with them yet this season – we will miss them so much next year!”

The Boxers have one more regular-season meet before the Northwest Conference Championship Track and Field Meet. They will compete this Saturday, April 16 at Lewis and Clark.