DIRECTION - Spring 2018

SPRING 2018 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 3

S A S K AT C H E W A N PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A S S O C I AT I O N

SPRING INTO ACTION!

SPRING 2018 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 3

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President’s Report

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Saskatchewan Trails Association Creates Recreational Opportunities

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Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism - Older Adults Springing into Action

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Women of the Dawn Moshum and Kookum Project

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Canadian National Institute of the Blind - Kid’s Camp

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Recreation Round-up

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Conference Bid to Host 08 Modern Square Dancing - Recreation for the Mind and Body 09

Carrot River Community Square 10 in motion - Getting Communities Thinking Beyond Traditional Solutions to Get Kids Moving More 11 SPRA Fitness Leader Profile - Diane Enge 12 Facilty Profile - Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre 13 SPRA Fitness Leader Profile - Rita Beth 15 DIRECTION is published four times a year (December, March, June and September). The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all communications to: Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5 You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant, at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca.

Articles within this magazine are the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits are shown for the author and the magazine.

Supported by:

President Coralie Bueckert

Director for Villages Taylor Morrison

Director at Large Jody Boulet

Director for Cities Ken Ottenbreit

Director at Large Chrisandra Dezotell

Director at Large Chris Keleher

Director for Towns Jaime Helgason

Director at Large Guylaine Green

Director for the North TJ Biemans

SPRA STAFF MANAGEMENT Chief Executive Officer Todd Shafer Program Manager John Firnesz Field Services Manager Randy Durovick Communications, Information and Research Manager Chantel Doerksen RECREATION CONSULTANTS Information and Research Services Nancy Young Communications Lori Ross Christian Bates-Hardy Human Resources and Funding Lee Anne Balliett Parks and Open Spaces Andrew Exelby Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar Leadership and Evaluation Karen House Recreation Facilities Tim Hanna

Youth Engagement Kelsey Michaluk

FIELD CONSULTANTS/ ADMINISTRATION

Inclusion and Access Audra Isaac

Swift Current Jaclyn Davis Phone: (306) 778-1093

Assistant Consultant Andrew Millard ADMINISTRATION Consultant - Finance Mark Sather Business Administrator (halftime) Linda Arnold Executive Assistant Lois McNaught Administrative Technician Ryan Monks Administrative Assistant II Kayla Lazeski Administrative Assistant I Mary Anne Schuweiler Fitness/Administrative Assistant II Lynn Bradley

Regina Office: Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555

Rosetown/North Battleford Kerry Bailey Phone: (306) 882-6607 Prince Albert Rob Boulding/Shari Morash Phone: (306) 953-0052 Weyburn Dan Gallagher Phone: (306) 848-0274 Yorkton Darren Spelay/Tracy Malayney Phone: (306) 782-1072 Humboldt Clint McConnell Phone: (306) 682-5265 La Ronge Daniel Longman Phone: (306) 425-1910

PRESIDENT’S REPORT With winter slowly coming to an end, it is time to retire the winter boots and jackets and get outside! It’s time to spring into action!

Increases in daily activity can come from small changes made throughout your day, such as walking or cycling instead of using the car, trading sedentary indoor time for outdoor time or walking the children to school.

It is indeed how we look at the situation and the surroundings that determines if we want to be active or not. Do not give anyone a reason not to be active. Create an environment that is walkable and interconnected, that supports, encourages and promotes physical activity. These small changes make being physically active for 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week, an easy, convenient and pleasurable opportunity.

No matter what your size, shape or age, being active not only changes your physical look but contributes to getting a better sleep, having more energy, thinking better and faster, handling stress more effectively, creates an overall healthier life and helps you to live longer.

Follow Fitness Leader, Rita Beth’s advice: “Fitness is more than just a class...it is ‘community building’ and supports and helps people manage transitions in their lives.....such as moving into a new town, retirement or being widowed.” Most people who dance, swim, play tennis or go hiking do these activities because they enjoy them. Having fun is also good for your health. Taking part in an activity that you enjoy will help you relax and lower your stress. It will also help you feel good about yourself, which is good for your mental health.

a park, or teaching your children a game from your childhood.

If the weather isn’t good, think about taking your children and their grandparents to a museum and walk through and listen to your parent’s stories. Physical activity doesn’t have to be hard to be good for your body. If you don’t like going to a gym, enjoy some of Saskatchewan’s many parks and open spaces.

Our job is about creating healthy communities that have safe and convenient choices for people to walk, bike and be physically active on a daily basis. This edition of DIRECTION will showcase how SPRA, individuals, communities and the Provincial Recreation Associations (PRAs) are working to make Saskatchewan more physically active. You will learn more about the mandates, programs and services of these organizations, along with how they motivate and contribute to improved health outcomes and the development of stronger families, healthier communities and a better quality of life for everyone in the province.

For example, utilize Active Saskatchewan’s Community Action Plan and get people thinking beyond the traditional.

Create neighborhoods with a mix of shops and businesses within easy walking distance. Ensure there are pathways and sidewalks to allow people to get to school and work in a safe manner.

We have a majestic province that allows us to want to be active. Capitalize on that wonder and celebrate.

Coralie Bueckert SPRA President

What activity appeals to you? Try to find an activity you enjoy doing by yourself or with others – that way you are more likely to keep doing it. Create activities in your community for people to try new things and learn new skills. Look at trends and talk to your community to see what they are interested in.

Your time is one of the most precious gifts you can give your family. Spend more time outside with your partner and/or children. Enjoy fresh air and space by walking the dog, playing at

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SASKATCHEWAN TRAILS ASSOCIATION

CREATES RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES The Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) has many helpful resources that develop new recreation opportunities through the creation and maintenance of trails. These resources also give people the tools to live a healthy life by taking advantage of the many trails in the province.

For trail builders, we make funding available through our Members Grant Program. Members can access grants up to $1,000 to start a new trail project or help maintain current trails. The STA provides them with valuable information through our Trail Planning Workbook, which guides people through the initial stages of planning a new trail, helping them evaluate their proposed route, delegate tasks, get endorsements/funding and more. We also have an Event Organizer’s Guide for those who want to promote a special event during Saskatchewan Trails Day, which is on the first Saturday of June.

Recently we created the Rails to Trails Manual to assist local community groups and organizations to convert abandoned rail lines into useable trail. It serves as a starting point for potential trail-builders to begin accessing the information and resources to plan, design and build their own rails-to-trails project.

For trail users, we have recently launched the STA Online Trails Directory. It includes maps, GPS coordinates and detailed descriptions of many of Saskatchewan’s trails and their nearby amenities. Many people want to plan a hike or other trail expeditions, but simply don’t know what’s out there. They can now visit our Trail Directory and search for trails based on the Districts for Sport, Culture and Recreation. For example, if you’re interested in visiting the west-central area of the province, you’d click on the Rivers West District for Sport, Culture and Recreation. If you then clicked on a trail such as the Rosetown RoseTrail, you’d learn more about the trail including its length, difficulty, activities, surface and more.

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Through our social media presence (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) we share news, stories, photos and videos from trails across the province. These posts are meant to give people ideas for new trails to explore and inspire them to be physically fit. We encourage people to share their experiences by choosing the most enthusiastic supporters as Trail Ambassadors. These individuals receive a STA t-shirt for contributing to the promotion of our trail network.

The STA is also focused on the long-term development of trails in the province. We have begun working on a State of Saskatchewan Trails Report in collaboration with the Community Research Unit at the University of Regina. The goal of the report is to determine what the current state of trails is in the province, identify existing gaps and develop potential solutions. The research process will include: a survey of STA members, the public, municipalities, resort communities and provincial sport and recreation association; key informant interviews with key stakeholders and a review how our provincial trail association compares with other provincial associations.

The STA is excited to develop more great resources in the future. You can view the current materials we have by visiting www.sasktrails.ca.

Pat Rediger Saskatchewan Trails Association Photo credit: 2017 Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest from Jocelyn Froehlich at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park

SASKATCHEWAN SENIORS MECHANISM

OLDER ADULTS SPRINGING INTO ACTION Picture it – older adults springing into action – what are they doing?

Walking. Working out with weights. Dancing. Running. Cycling. Planting a garden.

Doing Wii fitness in their living room. Playing Pickleball. Riding herd on 3 or 4 active grandchildren.

Are those the pictures that came to your mind? Or did you see older adults knitting, playing bingo, watching TV, reading or some other perfectly fine, but passive activity.

Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) is actively encouraging residents of Saskatchewan to move beyond thinking of adults who are 65+, 75+, 85+, 95+, 100+ as a homogenous group with very few individual differences. Making the assumption that everyone in this age group is physically weak, not competent and not able to contribute is called ‘ageism.’

Unfortunately, their own ageist assumptions may convince seniors that they cannot be active in various ways. A person with a heart condition may fear exercise even though appropriate exercise is the best medicine for almost everything. An older adult with a hearing problem may feel that they cannot take part in groups. A couple with one partner having cognitive difficulties may withdraw from the social relationships that they once valued. The fact is, humans have always been social beings. We have relied on our clan, our family, our community to protect us and support our creativity. Our DNA requires social contact and without it our physical, emotional and spiritual health declines.

Two SSM programs work specifically to combat ageism, bring generations together and promote a better quality of life in communities: ■ Age-Friendly Communities – a movement started by the World Health Organization that expects each Age-Friendly community to assess and plan by “looking through the eyes of older adults”. Actions arising out of these plans invariably benefit not only older adults but all ages.

In fact, aging is a highly individual experience and it is not possible to generalize about the skills and abilities of an older person based on age, any more than it is possible to make assumptions about someone based on any other aspect of their identity. An older adult may have physical or cognitive problems. Even these may not prevent that individual from actively contributing to their community nor may they prevent the person from being as physically active as possible. It certainly helps when their community supports and encourages participation in various activities.

■ Moving Beyond Ageism – as part of a three year project to reduce social isolation for older adults and create a culture of inclusion, the Ageism and Media Committee has produced a report on how older adults are represented in the media. Monitors found that the voices of older adults were often not included. As well, subtle and unconscious ageism even found its way into stories that were intended to be positive and complimentary. The theme of the SSM Conference to be held on May 16 - 17, 2018 is Moving Beyond Ageism – an opportunity to discover the hidden ageism in all of us and to find ways to move into another cultural mindset.

Linda Anderson Ageism & Media Coordinator, Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism 04

WOMEN OF THE DAWN

MOSHUM AND KOOKUM PROJECT For the past few years, Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) has partnered with one of our Member Organizations, Women of the Dawn Moshum and Kookum Project, to help to address the fitness needs of older First Nations and Métis people in Regina.

Older adults often have to deal with an increasing number of health concerns. This can be especially true for Aboriginal seniors. In an article in The Globe and Mail published in November 2013 (updated March 2017), Sheryl Ubelacker states: “First Nations, Metis and Inuit of advancing years often have poorer health than their non-aboriginal counterparts.”

The Health Council of Canada report says “the health of aboriginal seniors can be compromised by poverty, inadequate housing and poor diet. Chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease are more prevalent among aboriginal Canadians, compared with the general population, and those disorders can worsen with age.”

The other reality faced by many older adults is social isolation.

Social Isolation refers to situations in which an older adult is not able to participate in community, civic or social life in the way they wish. Social isolation can occur as a result of physical and mental changes, life changes, lack of transportation, living alone, lack of access to services, or family living at a distance.

The Aboriginal Fitness Project provides passes for 20 Aboriginal seniors to go to the Regina Sportplex (Fieldhouse and Lawson Aquatic Centre). The funding also provides some transportation costs and covers costs for healthy snacks. The project addresses the fitness needs of the participants and it provides opportunities for them to get together and make their fitness time a social outing as well.

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SSM has 18 Member Organizations. We use approximately one half of the funding we receive from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) to provide grants or other specific funding directly to the Member Organizations for projects they are working on. In most cases, this is through grants for which the Member Organizations apply.

However, some of the organizations are very small and don’t have the capacity to readily put in grant applications and manage those grants. The Moshum and Kookum Project is an example. SSM has found that we can make sure this important contribution to fitness and wellbeing of First Nations and Métis seniors happens by making the project a line in our budget and then working with Women of the Dawn to carry out the activities. We then pay the expenses they submit for the project.

As a Provincial Recreation Association, SSM is committed to finding ways to increase the participation of older adults in a variety of recreation activities. The Aboriginal Fitness Project is one example of how we are able to use the funding SPRA provides to increase the health and quality of life for one particular segment of the senior population.

Holly L. Schick Executive Director, Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF THE BLIND

KID’S CAMP Twelve-year-old Kaitlynn Lenius is on a mission to inspire and educate people about her experience as a youth who is partially sighted.

“You can’t just escape the reality of being visually impaired.

You don’t just stop doing what you do. You have got to continue. You have to do what you like and don’t let anyone tell you any differently,” said the Regina resident.

Inspired by her mother, she prefers to look at the bright side of life. “She always taught me to think positive and has helped me so I would like to give people that, if they don’t really have that.”

Kaitlynn was born with optic nerve hypoplasia and has no sight in her left eye and very little sight in her right. Accessing several CNIB rehabilitation services from the age of ten months old, she was one of the youngest children in Saskatchewan to receive a white cane.

Since she was five, Kaitlynn has participated in the CNIB Kid’s Camp. The Camp experience provides children and youth that are blind or partially sighted a chance to enjoy recreational activities with their peers while both enhancing and building life skills. But the other thing that Camp does is it allows children who have sight loss the same normal childhood experiences as their sighted peers.

“I think that the activities are fun. I find it really interesting how many people there are that are actually visually impaired within our community and how diverse the community is."

“For people like me who like learning, you learn a lot. Learning is important.”

Two years ago, she acquired an important skill from her Camp experience. “Through going down the waterslide, I learned to take more risks because I used to be frightened of them because you don’t know whether you are going to go upside down.”

lifestyle. This summer she learned how to ride a tandem bike and now is active weekly with one of her friends who pilots the front while she pedals in the back.

She believes learning to take risks will benefit her in the future especially as she looks for a job. “I am not really sure if they will accept me as a person without sight or allow me to work in the community but I am going to try anyways."

Kaitlynn’s confidence is contagious and her knowledge about accessible technology and Braille are being recognized. One of Kaitlynn’s teachers recommended her as a speaker for this year’s Insight Conference in Regina about how to use Braille.

Moving forward, she wants to continue to speak publicly. Kaitlynn dreams of becoming an inspirational speaker like Molly Burke, a Canadian YouTube personality and AMI correspondent who is blind.

Recently Kaitlynn began training to become Saskatchewan’s first Youth Spokesperson for CNIB and she believes she is going to make a difference.

Kaitlynn follows Casey Neistat on YouTube and said, “Casey Neistat, had “You don’t need sight to have vision’ engraved on Molly Burke’s sunglasses after they did a video together. And I want others to know, you don’t need to have sight to have a vision of how you are going to help the world.”

To view the Casey Nesitat and Molly Burke video visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfqAHfpQkno For more information on CNIB's Kid's Camps or other sports and recreation programs visit www.cnib.ca/en/mb-sk/Pages/ default.aspx or call (306) 525-2571.

One of the Camp counsellors convinced her to conquer her fear and in doing so there have been multiple benefits to her 06

An exciting new format is coming to the annual SPRA Conference being held in Maple Creek and Cypress Hills in October 2018.

mittee felt that it made sense for the 2018 SPRA Conference to explore new ways of defining recreation and examine how recreation, more broadly defined, manifests itself in all facets of community life, including non-traditional recreation activities such as the arts, culture, heritage, tourism and community development.

“In addition to booking dynamic keynote speakers who will fire-up Conference-goers, we also intend to provide breakout sessions that not only challenge the traditional definition of recreation, but that also provide inspiring case studies of Saskatchewan initiatives being successfully implemented in Saskatchewan communities. Our hope is to offer tangible examples that Conference attendees can take away with them and apply in their own home-communities,” says Pettyjohn.

“Our theme for this year’s conference is ‘Recreation RoundUp,’ says Host Committee Chair, Royce Pettyjohn, “and it’s both a nod to the area’s western heritage and to the Conference’s objective of ‘rounding-up’ the broader and more varied forms of recreation that are implied by the new definition of recreation in the National Framework for Recreation in Canada.’

Pettyjohn, who also serves as the Town of Maple Creek’s Economic Development Officer, says that given the new and broader definition of recreation, and that recreation volunteers and professionals are being called upon to play a broader role in their communities than ever before - the Host Com07

However, ground breaking content is only one of the reasons to put the upcoming SPRA Conference on your professional development bucket list. After all, this year’s conference is being hosted in one of Saskatchewan’s premiere tourism destinations!

SPRA CONFERENCE

BID TO HOST Would your Community like to host the upcoming SPRA Conferences and AGM? SPRA is accepting Bid to Host Applications for the years, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

The detailed Bid to Host document, available at www.spra. sk.ca, includes all information required to make an informed decision about all the necessary requirements as well as the type of facility.

Benefits of hosting a Conference include, but are not limited to the following:

The Old Cowtown of Maple Creek, and its award-winning Heritage District, will play host to much of the Conference. In addition, the SPRA Awards Gala will be hosted just minutes away in the lodgepole forests of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, the highest point in Canada between Labrador and the Rocky Mountains. Regular shuttle service between Maple Creek and Cypress Hills will ensure that once you have checked-in, no one will need to drive regardless of whether you chose to stay in one of the well-appointed new accommodations in Maple Creek or out in the beautiful Cypress Hills.

Boasting some of the best dining along the Trans-Canada highway, the traditional Conference ‘Rec-Fest’ has also been reimagined as a special edition of the ‘Old Cowtown Culinary Tour.’ Award winning restaurants and Red Seal Chefs will offer up the Old Cowtown’s culinary best during a four stop night out in the Maple Creek Heritage District!

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Hosting over 200 Conference delegates injects funds into your community (accommodations, food and beverage, pre and post Conference tours, exhibition booth supply and construction, taxis, etc.).

The Host Community/District shall retain 75% of any sur plus remaining at the end of the Conference.

The Conference provides accessible professional development and networking opportunities for recreation volunteers and professionals in your area.

The SPRA Conference is marketed to communities and organizations throughout the province, which provides an excellent opportunity to promote your community and boost local tourism.

Interested in hosting the SPRA Conference and AGM? More information can be received by contacting SPRA by phone at 1-800-563-2555 or by email at thanna@spra.sk.ca.

A beautiful setting, incredible food and innovative presentations all point towards this being a Conference not to miss.

‘Making Memories’ is what the Cypress Hills Destination Area is all about! For more information on the area head to www. visitcypresshills.ca.

The 2018 SPRA Conference brochure will be available in the next edition of DIRECTION, so hold your horses till then!

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MODERN SQUARE DANCING RECREATION FOR THE MIND AND BODY Modern Square Dancing wouldn’t be your first thought when planning an exercise program, but perhaps it should be included!

Saskatchewan Square and Round Dance Federation coordinates clubs in all major urban centers. Round dancing (cued ballroom dance), Clogging (cued line/tap dance) and Square Dancing can provide a variety of exercises. Round dancing is a couple dance, often beginning with two step and waltz.

Other styles have included rumba, cha, jive, tango.

way to relieve stress. In some situations, we are lucky enough to have children join in the dancing and they appear to enjoy it as much as we do.

Square Dancing, my favorite, has changed a great deal over the years. For many, their first contact with Square Dance was probably in grade five, when the teacher insisted you hold hands with a girl/boy.

Flair skirts and big crinolines are gone, it is come as you are to dance. Please join us through any of the dance clubs Square, Round or Clogging. For more information on modern Square Dancing and how to join a local club in your area please visit our website at www.sksquaredance.com.

Modern Square Dance consists of ten levels of complexity using over one hundred moves. Dancers have to listen closely as the caller decides what the next move will be. This provides brain exercise as we try to remember each figure and where to move to next. There is lots of physical exercise with the added benefit of low impact on joints. Many years ago, Mayo Clinic claimed that two hours of Square Dance was equivalent to five miles of walking. Today, you can check that through your fit bit counter. Perhaps the most important exercise is the social fun and laughter we have when someone ‘flubs’ a move or occasionally when all eight break down.

During the seventies, most communities had a dance club.

But with today’s emphasis on children, parents and grandparents have little time for personal hobbies. Dancing can be a very enjoyable activity to provide good exercise and a great

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Dancing is a world-wide activity as round and square are cued/called in English where ever you go.

We would like to recognize Saskatchewan Lotteries and thank SPRA for coordinating the grant funding that helps keep us moving.

Dwayne and Donna Barber Presidents of the Saskatchewan Square and Round Dance Federation Photo credit: Saskatchewan Square and Round Dance Federation - Canadian National Square & Round Dance Festival held in Regina, 2016

CARROT RIVER COMMUNITY SQUARE The Carrot River Community Square was initiated as a catalyst for downtown revitalization. The goal of the square is to employ curb appeal to draw the public to Main Street, create a livelier business and pedestrian centre and offer a visually appealing gathering point that is place for reflection and relaxation, recreation and fitness, arts and culture. Such a venue generates more dollars being spent in the community, thereby increasing revenue for local business and the community as a whole.

Carrot River Economic Development initiated and facilitated the project with endorsement from the Town of Carrot River - who holds land ownership - but it came together due to a strong working relationship with the Town Recreation Department and an incredibly supportive community of volunteers and sponsors. The Community Square is all community.

Cash/cheque donations were given by businesses, organizations and individuals, contractors discounted inventory and labour, benches, lampposts and granite stone pavers were sponsored by businesses, clubs and individuals.

Blueprints for the Square centered on creating a downtown outdoor hub that made efficient use of space, is open and welcoming and easily (wheelchair) accessible and utilized for outdoor recreation, leisure and entertainment. It was also vital that this area have an economical start-up cost and be easy to maintain and adapt over time.

The design of the Square was centred on the idea that simplicity is bliss and less is more. Today it is a grassy, treed area with a pathway stretching and curving from east to west.

Benches and lampposts line the pathway which is bordered with etched granite stone pavers. Picnic tables and tubs of

flowers dot the space. A pavilion/entertainment stage will very soon anchor the back corner and provide a focal point for outdoor entertainment. It has been created to draw you in and bring you back.The development of the Square has grown and is still growing community spirit, pride and ownership of a project built on donations, volunteered time and the physical and emotional realization of a community working together, collaborating on something bigger than themselves.

“I was brought up by two pioneers in this community, pioneers in the sense that they came here to break land, to raise a family, to develop, build and make a difference in their community.

My parents actively participated in fundraising or building many community facilities over the years. The Square is a natural progression of the ethics that my Mom and Dad instilled in me, it is a community facility built on donations and a collaborative vision. I am very honoured to have been able to carry the torch so-to-speak.”

- Kevin Trew, Town Administrator The Community Square is a gathering place, a outdoor facility where the community can do so many things, we choose to celebrate, mourn, share, trade, pray, fundraise, sing, dance, visit, play, watch a movie, and even roast a hotdog over an open fire! If you study any society through history the importance of an open place where a community can come together is evident…whether we are attending a First Nations Pow Wow, a Sunday Church Picnic or an Asian New Year, our Square should provide a time where people celebrate traditional culture, music and dance – a place that is free and safe, and beautiful.

Maggie Doerksen and Miranda Blaber, Town of Carrot River

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GETTING COMMUNITIES THINKING BEYOND TRADITIONAL SOLUTIONS TO GET KIDS MOVING MORE When most of us were kids we walked to school, rode our bikes to a friend’s house and played outside til the streetlights came on. Fast forward a couple of generations and the picture is vastly different.

The five-step process brings a team of experts to your community to work with leaders, organizations and residents to conduct research, develop a specific action plan and link you to resources that help you carry out your plan.

“My generation doesn’t do much of that,” says Sydney Lester, Saskatchewan in motion’s Kid Ambassador. “They say we spend seven to nine hours a day in front of a screen. Hard to believe, but it’s a fact.”

“Schools, communities and families all have a role to play when it comes to getting kids moving more,” says Marnie Sinclair, Manager, Saskatchewan in motion. “We bring everyone together to explore opportunities and come up with some practical, local solutions.”

Less than 15% of Saskatchewan kids are active enough to lead happy, healthy lives.

Saskatchewan in motion wants to work with your community to tackle the issue head on.

It’s a fact Saskatchewan in motion is working on change by bringing community leaders together to create physical activity plans aimed at getting more kids, more active, more often.

Their community action process gets people thinking beyond the traditional – facilities, parks and programs – to things that make it safer and easier for kids and families to be active, including: ■ policies and plans that make a community physical activity friendly ■ safe routes for walking and biking to school and elsewhere ■ infrastructure to support physical activity (bike racks, benches, signage)

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Saskatchewan in motion has piloted the process with 14 communities over the past five years. They’re seeing results that include: ■ more kids walking to school thanks to school travel plans in nine communities ■ official Community Plans that specifically address physical activity ■ schools implementing or reinvigorating daily physical activity policies

What’s in it for you? So why should your community consider signing up for the Community Action Process? Aside from a great plan for getting kids moving more, communities who participate are left with: ■ a research-based physical activity profile ■ new volunteers coming forward through the process ■ a collection of tools for a local physical activity awareness campaign ■ links to regional, provincial and national resources to help bring their community action plan to life

In the words of Sydney, “You’ve got all of this to gain… and nothing to lose.” So what are you waiting for? Our kids are counting on you.

To learn more about how the community action process can help you get kids moving more, email info@saskinmotion.ca or visit saskatchewaninmotion.ca/suma.

SPRA FITNESS LEADER PROFILE

DIANE ENGE

My name is Diana Enge and I am a fitness leader in Invermay, SK. I began my journey as a fitness leader in 2005 and have been a certified leader ever since. I decided to become certified as I had been attending group fitness classes in our small club and found I really enjoyed it. The individual who had been the leader was unable to continue the classes so two of us from the club decided that in order for our fitness club to continue, we had to become certified leaders. The two of us have continued to job share as fitness leaders in our club since 2005. Both of us have taken maternity leaves in that time but we continue to come back to our classes with our enthusiastic bunch!

About 15 years ago, a small group of us established our local club called Invermay Fitness Club. We volunteered and organized our active club that still exists today.

My classes consist of step aerobics, HIIT, interval training, Tabata, cardio, toning and much more. Over the years, I have enjoyed teaching many types of classes but my all time favourite is step aerobics!

My favourite part of being a fitness leader is seeing someone in my class grow and achieve levels in their fitness they didn't know they could. This also includes my own personal goals in fitness. Working in a group inspires us to achieve levels we never thought we could.

SPRA offers SaskFit every year for fitness leaders and others in the industry to develop and learn new skills in the fitness world. I have attended SaskFit every second year and always come back to our club with a new set of fitness classes for us to try!

I thoroughly enjoy being a fitness leader for the Invermay Fitness Club and hope to continue for many years to come.

Diana (in green) is pictured above with members of her fitness group.

"I have been a participant in Diana's classes since she became a fitness leader. Though she has a very busy life she leads a very energetic class with lots of variety. Even with my age and injuries, Diana is able to provide me with alternative exercises so that I am able to have a successful workout. I totally enjoy attending Diana's fitness classes.

We're lucky to have her!" Annella Domeij "In small rural communities it is sometimes difficult to offer a broad range of activities relating to recreation and fitness. Through her dedication to program delivery, Diana Enge has been instrumental to the success of the Invermay Fitness Club by making her fitness classes interesting and enjoyable." Denise Taylor

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FACILITY PROFILE

JONAS ROBERTS MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTRE The facility known as the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC) is named in honour of a former Band councillor from La Ronge who passed away tragically in 1998.

Jonas was one of the youngest persons to have ever been elected into office and was strong advocate of youth, sports and recreation.

The community centre opened in the spring of 2001, just as the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) community of La Ronge was preparing to host Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games later that summer. The facility was very much needed as the local population had grown considerable over the decades and the community facility at the time, Kitsaki Hall, could no longer accommodate large scale events.

Today, JRMCC serves the local tri-community population of the town La Ronge (pop. 2,688), village Air Ronge (pop.

1,106) and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (pop. 3074). Although, it is based on-reserve, the facility and programs are open to everyone in the region.

The LLRIB recreation organization is known as JRMCC Sports & Recreation Department and is a non-government funded program, which means it does not receive funds 13

through the Band’s federal funding agreement. The department rather is funded 100% by LLRIB’s portion of Casino Funds distributed to each reserve through SIGA’s First Nations Trust. The yearly budget approved by the Band council for JRMCC is approximately $1.1 million. The department is also dependent on own-source revenues which go directly to operational costs as part of the budget requirements. Through all the various forms of fundraising done through the year, JRMCC brings in an average of $180,000.00 annually.

Over the years, the department has completed some strategic planning to help form the basis and directions of our recreation program operations, which are as follows: Our Vision is to “develop healthy individuals and promote an active community through sports and recreation programs and services.”

Our Mission is to “organize, administer, promote and support sports, culture and recreation opportunities to the benefit of the community.”

The second phase of development of the facility (Phase II) occurred in 2005, when the construction of the arena was com-

pleted. This new modern arena consisted of an NHL-standard ice surface, change rooms with showers, referee room, skate sharpening room, seating, ice plant, Zamboni room, lobby, concession and office space. The total cost for the arena design and construction was $3.8 million.

Originally, the project included provisions for a running track and a mezzanine. However, these projects were eliminated from the final draft due to budget constraints. In anticipation of future funds, the applicable space was provided to accommodate future development of the Phase III Project which was done in 2013 and included the subsequent development of fitness and youth centres along with two ball diamonds and a mini soccer pitch.

In 2016, Phase IV, also referred to as the JRMCC Expansion & Renovation Project was completed. This initiative included an expansion to the fitness centre, walking/jogging track, charter bus garage, boardroom, new seating, new score clock and a new generator. An important feature of the expansion was the installation of a new generator, which will power the building in the event of power outages, being that the facility serves as both an emergency and evacuation staging centre.

The JRMCC Fitness Centre is a fully-equipped, modern gym which is very well used through paid memberships. An electronic key-swipe system is not only convenient but ensures a safe and hassle-free access for gym users. Over the last five years, we have invested approximately $150,000.00 in equipment to enhance and improve the workout experience of our users.

This expansion project was made possible through a bank loan with CIBC and is a 100% self-financed project at a cost of $3.6 million with annual payments and interest coming from the annual JRMCC departmental budget over a 15-year period.

Currently, JRMCC employs 14 Band members in the areas of management, recreation programming, administration, arena and fitness centre operations, janitorial and security.

Almost all of the capital projects mentioned were done through a project management team of elected Band officials, senior managers, consultants and a project manager. Feasibility studies were also done to provide some options as to what the project management teams were looking at in terms of an expansion. In every instance as well, the project management team has remained consistent and have use the same engineering firm to develop expansion plans.

In the early fall of 2017, JRMCC made another investment in the facility though the installation of rubberized flooring on the walking/running track, a job completed by CMT Contracting.

A couple months later, our 18-hole mini-golf course was completed to add to our family entertainment value. The project had been approved a year earlier but due to time constraints, construction couldn’t start until summer of 2017. This new feature cost approximately $200,000 to design and construct.

Funding for the project came from the Canada 150 Grant and construction was completed by both Precision Greens (Vancouver, BC) and Matt Klassen of High Mark Holdings, a local contracting company.

The next big initiative is the opening of the JRMCC Entertainment Park (consisting of mini golf, golf driving cage, batting cage, beach volleyball court and an outdoor canteen), a rare concept to be witnessed on a First Nations reserve. The department expects to hire four additional part-time staff for this and hopes to be fully operational by early summer of 2018.

Throughout the year JRMCC hosts, organizes and coordinates numerous events. As well, numerous individuals and organizations from the tri-community also coordinate events and activities within the facility throughout the year. Excluding our regular evening programs and sports leagues that go on throughout the year, JRMCC averages 160 events during the calendar year (January to December). Our biggest event we host is the 11-day Lac La Ronge Winter Festival, which is one of the largest events in all of Saskatchewan capped off with our signature event, the King and Queen Trapper competitions, along with the annual hockey and volleyball tournaments and pageants.

Much of the success at JRMCC stems from how they operate as an organization. First, the political leadership puts forth and approves the financial resources to properly operate our recreation program through the allocation of a guaranteed, standalone annual budget. Second, the Chief and council do not micro-manage the operations either. They are very supportive in what we do but also maintain a hand-off approach. Third, when the leadership participates in an event or program, they too pay the applicable rent or fees like any other user. Finally, some even volunteer their time to organize events throughout the year. These areas are some of the keys in what makes us a leader in sports facilities, programs and operations.

Kevin Roberts Lac La Ronge Indian Band

14

SPRA FITNESS LEADER PROFILE

RITA BETH

DIRECTION Magazine requested that I submit some information for this issue ~ so I paused & considered….am I going in the right Direction?! After a brief reflection, I affirmed: Yes, I AM! I looked back over the years and then looked forward, and I am very pleased with what I see!

I have no intention of ‘retiring’ from leading fitness classes.... because, I SO love, what I do!!

This is part of my story with Fitness....

As a Fitness Class participant, I knew that Fitness was “good for me” physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Over the years, I have moved and re-located to 5 provinces and 3 countries…and with each move I made the decision to join Fitness classes! Classes were my opportunity to meet people, to make acquaintances, and to form friendships!

In 1993, I trained to become a Certified Fitness Leader (at the age of 41), when the opportunity presented itself to take training in the very first CALA course (Canadian Aquafitness Leaders Alliance) in Toronto. Over the past 25 years I have added numerous trainings and Certifications…. Group Fitness, PACE (People with Arthritis CAN Exercise) Older Adults, Strength, Yoga, T’ai Chi Chih, Drums Alive, and SPIN! My favourite part of being a Certified Fitness Leader is the connections that I have with my participants! I have now lived in Moose Jaw since 2000, and I am passionately & purposely dedicated to my classes. I truly believe that as a Fitness Instructor, I can create and nurture an environment where participants feel welcomed, encouraged, supported, motivated, included, and safe.

I feel that I contribute to the overall health and well-being of participants (and thereby the community) by providing classes that allow stress relief... with great music & fresh and innovative movements, and with laughter!! My “ladies only” classes are opportunities where women can attend with a sister, niece, or with a new ‘fitness friend’ that they have made at the class! I also encourage and enjoy the participation of men in my Cycle, T’ai Chi Chih, and Yoga classes!!

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My participants are my heroes and role models! Everyone deals with ‘something’....job loss, elderly parents, illness in the family, troubled teen, aging body, and loss and grief.

My participants still ‘suit up, and show up’ and I have been privileged to ‘walk with them’ through the years! I admire the young moms who make child-care arrangements to come to a 20/20/20 class to burn off stress and to have some fun ~ and the 84 year old woman, who attends my Cycle 101 class each week!! All of my participants are important to me, and I know that Group Fitness (and Yoga & T’ai Chi Chih) promotes healthy lifestyles with health benefits that are far reaching

into every area of their lives. We come together, we connect with each other, and we improve our Health in every aspect ~ physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual!!

I am a ‘life- long learner’ and I LOVE to learn, and to teach! I am passionate about Fitness and Healthy Lifestyles! I enjoy attending SPRA Conferences, and I was honoured to Present T’ai Chi Chih!

My Group Fitness classes are still going strong! In my classes, there is the active, “yang” stress relief part....and then, there is always enough time to stretch & relax & to get quiet and “yin” which is necessary and beneficial for our nervous systems....

People enjoy my professionalism and reliability, and the sociability of the classes.... and many friendships are being formed!

The Participants appreciate my encouragement and support!!

And I appreciate their loyal attendance and participation! (I have had Participants who have sent me notes of appreciation).

Fitness is more than just a class...it is ‘community building’ and supports and helps people manage transitions in their lives.....such as moving into a new town, retirement, or being widowed. My Yoga classes are a comfort for those needing a gentle respite from the noisy and hectic world....and/or to help them deal with grief. The attendance at my Yoga classes includes all ages....including a 95 year old lady who attends my Chair Yoga class at the Retirement Home. My T’ai Chi Chih classes have many new, and long time students who find that their physical & emotional balance has improved with the Practice of this ‘Moving Meditation’.

Looking forward...I still see myself leading classes; and, I encourage someone who is ‘considering’ becoming a Certified Fitness Leader to contact SPRA and to sign up to take the Training Courses! I was over 40, when I became certified ...so you are not ‘too old, and it is never ‘too late’!! I applaud the many dedicated Leaders that are currently working hard in their communities and who are making such valuable contributions! Let’s all ‘Spring into Action’....let’s get involved....and make a positive impact in our communities!!

Insights, Favourite Quotes and Beliefs: I am an “Advocate”...and I truly feel that my purpose is the help people.... (to help themselves)!

“We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”!

“To be truly present, is deeply healing” - Judith Hansen Lasater, Relax & Renew (Yoga Teacher Training) “Community is the Guru of the Future” - Thich Nhat Hahn

I believe that Community gives us Connection...which improves our health ....physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually! I have been truly blessed!! Twenty-five wonderful years of leading Classes!!!

Rita was also featured in the Direction Magazine February 2010, Being an Active Role Model, Healthy Lifestyles and Great Life Choices.

Rita Beth was awarded the Provincial Fitness Leadership Award in 2005 to recognize her contributions in motivating and encouraging others to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Rita can be reached at fitnessinmotion@shaw.ca I have been in Rita’s exercise classes for over 10 years! She makes the class interesting, the music is exceptional, and besides working out, we have a lot of FUN!! You get out of the class what you put into it !!

Love it!!

- Brenda Babiuk

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You radiate kindness and care and I truly love how you integrate new things every week to keep it all interesting and fun.

I thank you for making this the best exercise class I have ever attended. - Shelly Garner

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