Community Project Working with Seniors

It’s not every day that you have the chance to talk to someone that lived in Britain during the second world war, knows three languages, and has traveled the world with her African husband.

This Saturday I had the opportunity to reach outside my comfort zone and take part in this month’s community project at Embassy West Senior Living. I was a little nervous about how to act around the seniors and not sure what to expect from the whole experience.

When we arrived, we were lead to a games room and greeted by member of HelpAge Canada, a not-for-profit organization committed to bettering the lives of seniors across Canada. One of its’ goals is to create more opportunities for youth and seniors to spend time together, and that is where this month’s community project comes in.

So we were given a list of questions that could be used as talking points to get the conversation started. I decided to start doing a puzzle with three other students and we were quickly joined by one of the residents, Mary. She helped with the puzzle and was happy to share some of her life experiences.  It was really great to hear all her stories and just talk to someone completely different. I was not the only student enjoying the afternoon, when I looked around the room all the students and seniors were enjoying themselves. Everyone was playing card games, learning how to knit, solving puzzles, and meeting new people.

I think this was a great chance to step outside my comfort zone, meet new people, not just seniors but also students in other programs. I love the time I spent solving the puzzle on Saturday, and I met some great people and learned more than I thought I would. In the end I had a great afternoon, talked to some interesting people and had a great character building experience that I can add to my resume. Not bad for a Saturday afternoon. 

There are different community projects every month with the SAO to get students involved in city events. Don’t miss your chance to give back and add unique experiences to your resume. 

- SAO blogger Sarah Raphael

Nothing says welcome back like Dirty Bingo!

Me & Krystal

I was excited to go back for my second round at Dirty Bingo. No longer being a Dirty Bingo virgin I knew what to expect and couldn’t wait for all the sexual banter and innuendos. Even though it was my second time going I still laughed the first time they called “nipple 37”, or “balls 24”. I had almost forgotten what to do when they call “orgasm 69”! But have no fear for all the new faces in the crowd, and those that just forget like me, Krystal and Zelda review the rules before you start.

I did get a chance to talk to a few some people in the crowd and turns out they were enjoying the experience as much as I was. Alisha was there celebrating her 19^th birthday and losing her Dirty Bingo virginity. “I wanted to do something fun and different for my birthday. This is a one of a kind Algonquin College experience that everyone should try!”

Almost a winner.

I also talked to two girls sitting at the back. They came to Dirty Bingo for a girl’s night out. They said that even though they were embarrassed Krystal tried to set them up with dates, they were having a great night out.

I was surprised to learn that this was Zelda’s one year Dirty Bingo anniversary and Krystal’s seven month anniversary in drag. I really can’t imagine what this event would be like without them. They make the night different, exciting, and funny every time. So congratulations to both of them for meeting this mile stone and I hope they have many more to come.  I had no idea there were so many dirty words that start with the letters B I N G O!

Students playing Dirty Bingo.

It really is a great fun atmosphere to experience. I was a little disappointed that this time there were no tie breakers. I left another night empty handed but this is only the first Dirty Bingo of the year. Maybe February will be my winning month!

- Sarah Raphael SAO blogger

Good Luck Algonquin!

Women's Self Defense

So this was another first for me. I shamefully have never been in the Impact Zone or taken a self defense class. I was really happy to find out I was not the only one. There was a great turn out for the event with about 35 students in attendance.  

Sarah trying to get instructor Ben Windsor
in a choke hold. 

Ben Windsor was our instructor for the class and he was great! I really liked the flow of the class. He would demo a move and then we practiced on a partner while he observed and assisted if necessary. No one was singled out or forced to preform moves that they were not comfortable with.  It was a great learning environment and he even made a few jokes here and there.

All the movements that we learned are from Krav Maga. It’s a martial art that is focused around everyday situations giving you the most realistic self defense training. After this class I’m definitely looking into taking more.  Maybe this is just me but it’s great to hit something every now and then, plus I’m sure the regular classes offer a great workout.  

For any one interested Ben Windsor teaches Krav Maga Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm in the Impact Zone.

I was surprised how much we were able to cover in one hour. We looked at how to send a warning, get out of a chocking situation from the front and behind, and how to get out of a bear hug from behind. I am still far from being an expert but a least now I feel comfortable waiting for the bus and walking to my car at night.

- Sarah - SAO Blogger

New Music New Places!

Before

I had a great time at New Music New Places last night with Tim Chaisson and Poor Young Things! I had not heard of the bands before the show so I did some quick YouTubing to know what I was getting into. I found some great singles that they played last night and had fun singing along to 'slipping away' with the live band.

After

I love that the show was in a part of campus that I have not explored yet. The SA and SAO did a great job transforming this bright bland study area into a comfy relaxing acoustic set. The whole show was very intimate and cozy. The chairs and lighting in the Student Commons really helped create a great atmosphere. I'm very interested to see what spaces are transformed next semester. 

Oh and I almost left out a key element, the show was free! So me and the other students that attended saw an intimate acoustic show with local bands, after class, for free! What a great way to see a show on a budget!

I love this event because I am constantly looking for new local bands to support. These bands offer a great change from the usual top 40 hits you hear on the radio.

All in all I had a great time, discovered some new music, and found a new study zone for exam time!

- Sarah - SAO Blogger

Dirty Bingo

Krystal and the first winner of the night.

If you are looking for a fun, unique college event, Dirty Bingo is what you want! I loved every minute of it. The hosts Zelda and Krystal are awesome. They interact with the crowd in such a fun way you can’t help but laugh when they call "Nipple 41". 

There are lots of prizes for everyone. That means there is no excuse for the fellas to miss out! It was so funny watching Krystal interact with all the different groups of students last night!

This is Bingo with a dirty twist using sexual words in the place of bingo letters, creative tie breakers with condoms, and sexy prizes that can be enjoyed by all. 

The tie breaker last night was to put a condom on a water bottle.

You’ll just have to go to know what happens when the number 69 is called. I don’t want to give away all the fun! 

I didn’t win anything this time, so I’ll try again at the next Dirty Bingo night in January!

- Sarah - SAO Blogger

keep in the loop!

Fall 2012 Orientation Host and Keynote, Jessi Cruickshank!

The SAO office is working hard on Fall Orientation 2012.

Here are the latest developments:


• The new orientation site is launched and ready for your viewing! orientation.algonquincollege.com Register today!

• Jessi Cruickshank, Host of ‘Oh Sit!’ eTalk Daily Correspondent & Previous MTV Host will be our 2012 Fall Orientation Host & Keynote! http://vimeo.com/14472452

• Blackboard training sessions start next week. Get connected before you start classes. http://orientation.algonquincollege.com/blackboard/

• Orientation presenters have been booked. Meet the President of the College Kent MacDonald, The Students' Association and Student Affairs and Orientation. Learn about events, services, volunteer opportunities and the college community.

• The SAO student leaders will give you a customize tour of the college. You will learn where everything is before the first day of classes!

• Your professors are eager to meet you!!

Stay tuned for more updates! Our September events will be posted soon!!!
...this is going to ge a good year!