.

Melanie Mullen

Ever wonder what really happens at the UN Climate Change Conferences? Would you like to know the definition of “green” from someone who even has the word green in their email address? Ever thought about retrofitting your home or apartment? Curious about the Green Party? Looking for some Green tips? If so, then this podcast is for you!

*   *   *   *   *

In this podcast I have a chat with Melanie Mullen, ‘green warrior’ extraordinaire. Melanie currently runs her own eco-imagineering consulting company (re)cover inc., and has had significant involvement in the green movement over the years (since the age of 10!) where she has established a strong profile for herself.

In recent years she has attended three global UN Climate Change Conferences, worked in Ottawa as an Innovation and Development Co-ordinator for the United Nations Association of Canada, and on the political front, in 2008 she was nominated and voted in as the Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Ontario and a Candidate in the Provincial elections….and she’s not yet 30 years of age!

I hope you enjoy this 2 part, approx. 30 minute interview with the ever-fascinating and inspiring Melanie Mullen. I have a feeling you’ll want to be more green after listening, which would make her happy.

In PART 1 Melanie talks about what she’s up to in San Diego (hint Grammy Awards!), she defines “green” for us, talks about attending the recent Cancun, Mexico Climage Change Conference, ‘Hopenhagan’ and Bali conferences, and she discusses Canada’s involvement and (lack of) leadership…

In PART 2 Melanie discusses her reasons for running for the Green Party in 2008, she tells us about her company (re)cover inc. where she uniquely combines her Environmental Engineering degree and green passions, and she ends off the interview with some green tips…leaving us wanting to learn more.

Special THANKS to Melanie for taking the time to chat with me! If you have any comments or questions please post them below, or contact myself or Melanie directly.

Enjoy!

.

For more information on Melanie please visit her website:

www.melaniemullen.com

.

With these wonderful words David Gibson, our Valedictorian, began his infamous graduation speech….a speech that made us laugh, made us proud, and helped us put our High School experience and “the rest of our lives” into perspective.

I’m pleased to inform you that David Gibson, MBSS’s orator extraordinaire, is the subject of this interview!

* * * * * * *

If there are any of you still undecided if you’ll come, or if you’re still thinking about skipping that shift or work day to come to the reunion, just do it!

Look forward to seeing a bunch of you all on Friday and Saturday THIS week!

Cheers,

Paxton & The Organizing Committee

* * * * * * *

INTERVIEW WITH DAVID GIBSON:

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Yeah Megan Simon and Tyler Twerdun said they’d disown me if I don’t show, plus now that I know Mitch won’t be there and Dave Cunning will, added bonus ☺

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
Freezing in Calgary, just killing time working for a bit until I move to San Diego. I did 4 years of college and 4 years of grad school, got a masters degree and found out I hated astrophysics so I quit my Phd in my 3rd year. So now I spend most of my time hanging out with my girlfriend and going on trips where I seem to get volunteered to do the bloody activities at the resort quite often. I’m the current champion of the “spin around a bat 10 times, drink 3 beers, swim across the pool, do 10 push ups and slam 2 more beers” game in Jamaica. Accepting all challengers haha.

MARRIED? KIDS?
Hahahahaha….hahaha….ha….no and hell no.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU READ OVER YOUR VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH? PROBABLY BEEN AWHILE, RIGHT? IF YOU DON’T MIND, COULD YOU FIND IT AND GIVE US ONE QUOTE YOU STILL AGREE WITH AND ONE THAT YOU DON’T.
See here’s the kicker, I had brain surgery right after high school, so I legitimately remember next to nothing about the events of high school, including giving this speech. I CAN answer according to what people told me about it after the fact though.

AGREE WITH: We need to make a positive contribution to society.

DISAGREE WITH: Treadgold’s lectures took forever, I’ve seen much worse in grad school.

HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Well, besides the receding hairline and ever-inflating waistline, I’m a little less outspoken and a little less high strung than I used to be. I had a pretty nasty temper back in the day but I’ve cooled off a bit over the years….but just a bit haha

ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
I really do have some of the best friends from high school so it made sense to keep in touch with them. I’ve known Tyler Twerdun, Jon Rowe and Dan Pinese since kindergarten. We continue to be close friends despite folks moving to various locations around the world. Greg Mackintosh was a close friend in high school but we became much closer after the fact. Megan Simon just wouldn’t leave me alone so yeah I’ve seen her lots too haha. Can never forget Dave Cunning either, he was always game to chase drunken me around Kelowna during my various vacations…..good times man haha. There’s been plenty of other folks I’ve spent time with here and there, they know who they are, but these guys have been around the most by far.

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Simplicity of life. I found it much more enjoyable to think about the future and enjoy the various activities of my teen years than going through the various trials and tribulations of aging. I miss when the dream of being “a knight in shining armor” was still tangible.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
I should have joined drama and choir when I had the chance. It was the only time in my life it was actually available to try and I fear I may have missed that boat. Oh, and cooking, cause I’ve had to live most of my 20s being able to only cook mac and cheese and peanut butter sandwiches. I may be absent from our 25 year reunion if I can’t change that hahaha.

IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A lot of things worked out exactly as planned coming out of high school, but there were a lot of ideas I had about my future that never transpired. Obviously, not a professional baseball player haha but more than that, not married, no kids, not in the city I thought I’d be in. But hey, that’s what our 30s are for right ☺

WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Don’t try and force something on yourself. I found out that what I was studying in school didn’t give me any satisfaction and should have switched to something else much sooner than I did. After I quit my PhD (oh yeah, btw I went for a PhD and quit haha), I discovered there were a lot of things I was trying to force myself into, instead of accepting the fact that certain things weren’t going to work for me.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING AND/OR WATCHING LATELY?
School killed recreational reading for me, so outside of quick glances at newspapers and various news websites, I stay out of reading. I’m a pretty hardcore tv/movie junkie, I watch a plethora of shows and enjoy watching a lot of movies. Lost (weak ending btw), CSI, Law and Order, Survivor, etc etc etc…it’s a pretty long list. Just recently saw Toy Story 3 as well, it was bloody awesome, definitely go see that ☺

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO ACCOMPLISHING IN THE FUTURE?
Living up to my own expectations. Out of high school I thought I knew what I wanted, but I found out later on in life I wanted something different, now I get to go get it ☺

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
I just want to thank all those ex classmates that I’ve ran into over the last 10 years. It was always educational and sometimes destructive (like the fact that I’ve run into Paul Atkin about 100 times since high school and I still have a hard time remembering what it is we did during those times….thanks for the drinks man lol).

Lara Soukoreff

Hey MBSS BEARS,

The Reunion is now ONE week away! I personally can’t wait to come to K-Town for this once in a lifetime experience!

We’ve got a couple last interviews for you before the big day. This one is with Lara Soukoreff. There’s an updated photo of Lara poster on the event wall. Thanks Lara for sharing!

* * * * *

The 10 Year Reunion Organizing Committee has been putting a lot of work into ‘organizing’ this thing, and we’re so happy that there’s a bunch of you already rsvp’d.

If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, but want to attend…we’ll still let you. But RSVP TODAY as time is running out…don’t miss out on the fun!

If for some reason you’re in the Kelowna area but can’t make the Saturday events, then consider joining a group of us for the Friday ( July 2) optional event. We’ll be meeting in the MBSS parking lot at 10:00 am to caravan down to the Penticton canal to float the day away, everyone is invited. We are hoping people will be able to bring their own rafts, we’ll tie together, and float in the sun.

Cheers,

Paxton & The Organizing Committee

P.S. Stay tuned for a few more messages with final event details, etc.

* * * * *

INTERVIEW WITH LARA:

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
That’s a really good question… I’m trying to make it happen, but the whole “running a summer camp” complicates the matter!

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
I’m currently working on the Sunshine Coast… For the rest of the year, I’m living in Calgs where I just finished my teaching degree. So, come fall, here’s hoping that I’m subbing some Jr High somewhere!

MARRIED? KIDS?
Some day… By 40. Maybe.

HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Most definitely! I was pretty shy back in the day! I’ve definitely “come out of my shell” and worry less about how others see me. I’m pretty confident voicing my opinions, leading large group activities and taking charge!

ARE YOU STILL IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
Yup! Kirsten (Rosberg) and I are still pretty tight… But that’s been in the works since grade 2! I also keep in touch with Kraft, Mayeda, Manda Kovatch (Carter), Jen Bonar (Sanger) and a handful of others.

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
To be honest, I don’t miss high school. Those 5 years hold a special place in my heart… And I’ve moved on!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
A couple of things… Like most of us, I stayed within my core group of friends. I wish that I took the time to get to know others outside of that group, and more importantly, felt comfortable doing so! I took a lot of science classes… Loved them to pieces! Heck, I even went to the Physics Olympics and Cardboard Boat Building Contest! In hindsight, I would have taken more art classes… Like photography or art.

IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
To be honest no. I thought I was going to be a Kines with my own clinic, treating figure skating injuries. Turns out, I’m much better suited to running summer camps, teaching tweens and being outdoors!

WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
That it’s okay to say “no”. I spent a lot of time doing what was expected or asked of me… Turns out that doesn’t always make me happy! At risk of sounding flaky, it’s about finding balance and not necessarily trying to be Super Girl in terms of getting things done!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Questions like this drive me bonkers! I’ve accumulated a lot of random “accomplishments” like being able to drive a small bus, working to get children and youth with diabetes active and outdoors, completing my teaching degree. More importantly, I’ve kept my independence, taken chances, made a few interesting decisions and figured out who I am and what I want to do.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING / LISTENING TO LATELY?
Being at summer camp, my book choices are rather embarrassing… Vampire Diaries anyone?! And currently we’re watching a movie called Grizzly, which is a forest version of Jaws set in the ‘70s! Current faves on my iPod include: Matt Barber, Bon Iver, Dan Mangan, Make Your Exit, Metric and the Arkells.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
I’m excited to see what where I end up next and what adventures I may find along the way!

To kick of this week we’ve got another exclusive Grad interview and it’s with Mitch Pollock. Check it out below!

* * * * *

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Can’t make the reunion as I’m doing a gulf islands camping trip. Will send Dave Cunning in my stead. Consider yourself committed to show up now Dave. (he really has no excuse)

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
I’ve been living for 6 years in the west end in downtown Vancouver. Moved here after graduating from UVic with my BFA in theatre and have been a professional/struggling actor/musician ever since.

Took a couple lengthy backpacking adventures through Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore which I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Right now I’m busy saving money for a second trip back to school, this time I’m going to BCIT for Broadcast Journalism, hopefully you’ll see me pestering some politician/hockey player in the near future. I also play Bass in the band Prisoners with fellow MBSS grad Neil Corbett and older alumni Tim Gunderson.

MARRIED? KIDS?
I fear the ultimate commitment and have no children that I know of, but I do have a lovely girlfriend.

HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
I hit puberty and grew about a foot immediately upon graduation, I am barely recognizable. I would like to think I’ve matured as one does, but I’m still an overzealous Flames fan.

ARE YOU STILL IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
I’m neighbors with Ben Dixon and still keep in touch with my friend (and future reunion attendee) Dave Cunning, and, as mentioned above, play in a rock band with Neil.

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
The sweet sweet feeling of immortality.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
Probably drop all the time I spent going to “Young Life” and maybe use that time to study Biology and Physics.

IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I thought that I’d have a family by now, but was right on with imagining myself living in a big city, acting and playing music.

WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
I’m not always right. It’s a lesson that took a while to learn and still needs to be reiterated sometimes.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Graduating University and doing professional theatre in Vancouver and all over British Columbia. I’ve recorded 4 albums with different groups, played with Prisoners, Like A Martyr, Colette Trudeau, Making Mischief and of course Never Ever More.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING LATELY?
I just finished “Hitch-22″ Christopher Hitchen’s Memoir, am in the middle of an ever cheery book on the Holocaust “The Years of Extermination” by Saul Friedlander. I’m very addicted to live music of any kind and just returned from my 4th year at the Sasquatch Music Festival @ the Gorge, the greatest place on earth.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
Very excited to begin my career in Journalism and continue on with my current band Prisoners. Might be doing a show in Kelowna this summer so look out for facebook updates if you want to come check us out there or here in Vancouver! Also starting up a new website www.mitchellblack.com which should be up and running in the next month, will be full of live music reviews, Vancouver arts stories and various ranting and raving.

* * * * *

Lesia Payne & Husband Chris

Hey Reunioners,

All the best,

Paxton

* * * * * *

INTERVIEW:

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
I’m very sad to say that no, I won’t be attending. My uterus has other plans, unfortunately, like birthing…. Sigh. I’m 8 months pregnant and due on July 14th

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
Saskatoon, SK, if you can believe it! After 9 years in Vancouver my husband, Chris, and I decided to move to Saskatoon last year so we could afford an actual home (not just a 500 square foot condo!) and raise a family. I have been successfully running my own web and software design and usability business (Lesia Design) since 2005 and am mostly working on the interaction design for iPhone applications this year. It’s great as I can work in my PJs and don’t have to deal with annoying co-workers!

MARRIED? KIDS?
Yes! Married for 2 years in July and kids, well no I guess not yet because medically I still have only a “fetus”. Though, when I’m playing whack-a-mole with his arms and legs poking out of my belly the word “fetus” doesn’t seem to do the strong little guy justice! 1 month to go and he officially becomes a real person! hah.

HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Hmm. That would best be answered by one of my friends…. but… I think I’ve learned to “let go” of always over-achieving a little bit more than in High School. Maybe 10% decrease ;P I would also like to think I’m a better friend and girlfriend/wife as I’ve learned a lot about myself and relationships.

ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
I’m only regularly in touch with Amanda Kraft. I mentor her as her elder (inside joke as I’m 2 days older). Also, I keep in touch with some others via Facebook!

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Choir. And, having a large group of friends. I’m happy now with smaller groups of closer friends but there’s something to be said about those awesome 30 person birthday parties I had with sooo many good friends.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
I would have beaten Dan Hoy in Grade 11 Honours Physics AND hired a lawyer or something about my one C+ in gym class that cost me my “gold cord award”. Lol OK no in all seriousness …… I would have not been so self-conscious in grade 8 and 9.

IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Yes. I always wanted to be married some day and doing computer related multimedia. Though I thought I would have already been a millionaire but other than that ..

WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Always be open minded about what you think you might want and what’s actually best for you regarding life choices and relationships with people. And along the same lines of thinking, never be afraid to take risks and be passionate.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Graduating University with honours … being successful being my own boss… being good enough at what I do to be flown to San Francisco and put up in a sweet apartment. But on a less materialistic and more important note: finding that someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with; this brought so much peace, comfort, and sense of accomplishment

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING LATELY?
The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth ….. tons of other baby related books…….. and watching the final season of 24 this year as well as House, and Glee .. etc.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
Watching my son grow and the new kind of love and selflessness that I’m going to find in myself.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
I’d love to hear from you guys and can’t wait to see pictures of the reunion. You can always get ahold of me too if you want at www.lesiadesign.com I’d love to hear from you!!!

I got a message from Evan Hill recently on my facebook wall saying “hey nig nog do a mbss interview with me”…So here it is!

My favourite part about this interview is the Back to the Future Reference. Check it below. Stay tuned for more interviews coming soon!

* * * * * *

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
i dont know if im attending the reunion my excuse is does anyone have 50 bucks for me?

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
im living in ft mcmurray

MARRIED? KIDS?
not married no kids

HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
in high school i didnt attend sh*t in trade school i got 0 f***en hrs missed so thats a big change

ARE YOU STILL IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
i talk to my good friends from high school u know who u are

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
wat would anyone do differently u cant change wat u are or wat u done so dont dwell on dumb shit

WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
u make ur own path so do wat u want and wat happens happens

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR TOP PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
i can plumb like a mother f***er

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING / WATCHING / LISTENING TO LATELY?
i read biographies and tech manuals and cant spell sh*t

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?
who the hell knows im not micheal j fox

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
id like to share that i dont know punctuation or cant spell im plumber wat do u expect and apperantly im suppose to know trig and how to control a rig see ya f***ers later

Joni Frei & her husband

Continuing the Exclusive Grad Interviews leading up to my 10 year High School reunion, my 2nd interview is with Joni Frei.

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Not quite sure yet. I’m going to try. I have company coming in from out of town and also a softball tournament that weekend….but I’m going to try….Luckily there’s facebook to keep up with everyone and get updates from if needed

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
Recently moved back to Canada after living in the States for the last 10 years. After high school I moved to Georgia and went to university on a softball scholarship. Played 4 years in university and upon graduation with my undergrad I moved to Europe to play professionally. Met my husband while I was playing (he played baseball for the same club that I played softball for) Moved back to the States and coached at a Division I University while getting my Masters Degree. Took a position at another Division I University to teach in Health Sciences and coach varsity softball. Moved to Europe for a season to coach the Austrian National Softball Team. Recently moved back to Canada after my brother passed away. Loving being back in Kelowna. I forgot how much I love Canada. The weather and scenery are absolutely amazing! Kelowna is a little small for my liking (compared to Atlanta, Georgia) but it’s a nice change. I work at The Next Level Athlete Development Center. Which is a huge multi-purpose facility out by the airport. In addition I contract with Softball Canada and Softball B.C. as a coaching facilitator. All in all life is good.

MARRIED? KIDS?
Married. No kids.

DID YOU DO ANY POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION?
Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Teacher Education Certification….Masters Degree in Political Science with a Discipline in Public Administration

HAVE YOU CHANGED MUCH SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
Yes and no. I think I still have the same personality but I’m definitely more open-minded now.

ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
Actually yep, still best friends with Ashley Martinuk and still talk to a bunch of them thanks to facebook. I definitely enjoy catching up with old friends though.

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
I don’t really “miss” high school…but I fondly remember high school sports and the teams I was a part of.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
Nothing. Well actually, maybe I wouldn’t have driven my truck down that huge hill at Grad Campout and gotten stuck….Other than that, nothing

IN HIGH SCHOOL, COULD YOU HAVE IMAGINED YOURSELF DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW?
Absolutely! I live my dream job.

WHAT’S A SIGNIFICANT LIFE LESSON THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL?
To do full justice in answering this question would require a series of books I think….but simply put….hard work pays off, life is fragile—enjoy today because tomorrow is not promised, everyone has something to offer, having a passion for life is essential to happiness…passion, independence, open-mindedness, empathy and confidence breed success….

ANY INTERESTING BOOKS THAT YOU’VE READ LATELY OR MOVIES THAT YOU’VE WATCHED?
Between The White Lines (Softball Documentary)

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO ACCOMPLISHING IN THE FUTURE?
Mentoring and significantly impacting the lives of the athletes/students that I work with in a positive fashion. Making a difference.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
If you’ve read this far, thanks! I’d love to hear from you!

You can reach Joni via http://www.thenextlevelcamps.com/

From Joni’s email signature:

Joni Frei
MPA, B.Kin, TSCC-BRONZE, NCCP L2
Softball Canada CANpitch Regional Pitching Instructor
Softball B.C. Learning Facilitator
Director of Softball Operations
Twist Strength & Conditioning Coach

“A Mind That is Stretched By A New Experience Can Never Go Back To Its Old Dimensions” -Peter Twist

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

* * * * * *

Stay tuned for the next interview! And more importantly, don’t forget to RSVP! Oh, and feel free to say hello on the facebook event wall. do it!

Cheers,

Paxton

Justin Bourne & his bride-to-be, Brianna Gillies

I’m trying to do a few interviews with Grads leading up to my BIG 10 Year Reunion on July 3rd, and I’m pleased to announce that my first Q & A is with Justin Bourne – an old hockey and golf team mate of mine. I had heard through the grapevine that he was doing some professional hockey writing and I’m happy that he was willing to do this!

WILL YOU BE ATTENDING THE REUNION? IF NOT, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?
Unfortunately, I won’t be attending the reunion for a couple reasons. 1) Time: A good friend is getting married in Minneapolis the same weekend. 2) No sidekick: Without Casey Fodor or Carly Burke, I’m afraid no one will recognize me.

WHERE ARE YOU LIVING AND WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THESE DAYS?
I’m living in Phoenix, and writing about sports (mostly hockey). I played up to the AHL, then busted my face and started writing while I healed up. It caught on, and I switched careers. Now I contribute to USA Today, The Hockey News, Yahoo’s “Puck Daddy” and run a blog at www.jtbourne.com

MARRIED? KIDS?
Engaged. My lovely bride-to-be, Brianna Gillies, was my next door neighbor in NY from 0-6 years old (our Dad’s played on the Islanders together). We re-met in 2005 when my Dad was inducted into the Isles Hall-of-Fame, and we’re living together in Arizona. She’s an Occupational Therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Barrow Neurological Institute)

DID YOU DO ANY POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION?
I did. I spent four years in Alaska on a hockey scholarship, getting my degree in psychology.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LOOKED AT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK?
Ha, no idea. High school? I made awful hair decisions.

ARE YOU STILL TOUCH WITH ANYONE FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
Yep, I’d say I’m closest with Dave Cunning and Neil Corbett from my days at Mt. Boucherie. And Mr. Treadgold. We hang out all the time.

WHAT WOULD YOU DIFFERENTLY IN HIGH SCHOOL IF YOU COULD DO IT AGAIN?
Drink. I would drink like a fish and not get hungover.

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU MISS ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
In class, I’d say being at the back of Mrs. Heymen’s English class (look Mrs. H, I’m a writer!). Out of class, I’d say sitting in Paul Hampson’s basement and playing NHL ’00 on Playstation.

ANY FAVOURITE GOOD (OR BAD) MEMORIES THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DAYS?
No, but I have a question: do they still let you skip an absurd amount of class and never really ask many questions? How was that ever possible?

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE 20 YEAR REUNION?
I’d like to have a kid, have a much higher paid writing/tv analyst gig, and not be absurdly fat. My metabolism is slower than Mr. Fowler was in Grade Nine Social Studies.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY / SHARE?
Yeah, if you haven’t read any of my work, give it a go – I’d start with the stuff at Yahoo’s Puck Daddy or my blog. Also, sorry I couldn’t make it. Would’ve been nice to see everyone.

BONUS QUESTION: Who’s gonna win the Stanley Cup this year?
I think Chicago wins the first road game of the series in Philly to win it in six!

You can reach Justin at: jtbourne@gmail.com
His blog site is: www.jtbourne.com

ABOUT JUSTIN BOURNE (From Justin’s Blog)
I’m a hockey player turned writer. After playing for Alaska Anchorage in the WCHA (NCAA), I carried on with a NHL tryout (New York Islanders in 2007) before spending a couple seasons in the AHL/ECHL. My father, Bob Bourne, won four Stanley Cups with the Islanders in the ’80′s, as did my fiancee’s dad, Clark Gillies. I’m now a columnist for USA Today, The Hockey News and Hockey Primetime.com.

Snapshots from Kate's Adventure

My friend Kate Westrate was recently in Haiti to help out with disaster relief. Kate was there to offer her nursing care expertise, as well as her caring heart. It’s so neat to actually know someone who was able to go and help!

Kate’s been kind enough to answer a few questions for me below and share a few of her photos.

WHEN AND FOR HOW LONG DID YOU GO TO HAITI?

I was in Haiti from March 19-31. This was about 2 months after the earthquake. We flew into Port-au-Prince and then flew over to Jeremie, Haiti.

WHO DID YOU GO WITH, AND WHY DID YOU GO?

I went with an organization called Haiti Needs You (www.haitineedsyou.com)

I have always wanted to go and do some sort of disaster relief, and when the earthquake happened, I knew this was it. I checked in with a number of different agencies and the type of work they would be doing, and Haiti Needs You was a perfect fit for me. They had been established in Haiti (because in a disaster in-country contacts are so important) and would be focusing more on the people that were migrating out of Port-au-Prince to other parts of the country. The outlying cities are over run with displaced citizens and their access to health care has always been minimal. I’m not a surgical nurse, so felt much more qualified to be able to tackle post-trauma/primary care issues. God really just opened all the right doors and led me to this group.

HOW IS THE SITUATION IN HAITI NOW?

I wish I could have seen Haiti before the earthquake, but from what I hear it was struggling then. No amount of words or pictures will ever clearly describe the devastation seen in Port-au-Prince on this trip. A couple of the people I traveled with had been to Haiti immediately after the earthquake and they said that not a whole lot had been done since then. Two months after the earthquake the city is still completely filled with rubble. People are getting medical care, but their living conditions are unreal. They are trying to go about their lives but their city lies in ruins and they don’t have the means to rebuild it or even start cleaning it up.

Almost everyone I met in Port-au-Prince is living in tents. Even if their houses have been deemed structurally sound, they will not sleep inside, as they are too scared of being crushed as many of their family and friends were.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST DURING YOUR TRIP?

The people– always the people!! They’re amazing and beautiful! Everywhere we went we were greeted with smiles and loving hearts. They understand they need help and are so grateful for any help that is offered.

The Haitians are very proud people. I don’t mean this in a negative way at all. Everywhere I went, I saw people making the best of situations they were in and they were always well-dressed and clean. Most were living in make-shift shelters or tents, but they would come to our clinic or work (as we used local interpreters) in nice clothes–cleaned and pressed. They have so little but they use what are given in the best way possible.

One other thing that amazed me is, in Jeremie where were working, over 200,000 had migrated to this small city. The mission we stayed at had expected to have to open up the school to be used for lodging. However, the local families opened up their small homes/huts and every last person was taken in! There were sometimes 20+ people living in some homes, and some were complete strangers! Their hospitality and eagerness to help astounded me!

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR TRIP?

I was so humbled and would often feel so guilty for my discontent in life after meeting the Haitian people. Here in North America we live in a materialistic society and take SO much for granted. Just something simple as complaining that I am “SO HUNGRY” if we get to dinner a little late, puts me to shame. Most of the people I encountered would often only be able to provide 1 meal/day for their families. I felt a little sick to my stomach on my first trip to the grocery store when I got back to the States. How is it that we SO much?

I think the biggest thing I will walk away from this trip learning is to pray to be more content in any situation that I am, but also that I don’t NEED some of the things I think I need in life.

WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAITI?

The media coverage has died down tremendously, but Haiti is still in desperate need for help. They don’t need us to come down there and fix it all for them, what they need is for experienced builders, engineers, economists, etc to go down there and either hire or teach the Haitians how to rebuild their own city. There are so many looking and eager to work, they just don’t have the means/skill sets to do so.

I also met many very educated Haitians, many who were educated in the States, but cannot find jobs. They often work on a volunteer basis in the hospitals and clinics, but have no way of supporting their families that way. One Haitian doctor described it to me as, “We have very over-educated people for the type of economy we have.” They have the people– they just don’t have the jobs, and so they wallow in poverty.

WILL YOU GO AGAIN?

ABSOLUTELY! I left a little bit of my heart in Haiti, I think. There’s talk of another trip later this fall, but for me it will depend on my work schedule. It’s hard to find that balance of being involved and carrying on your life here at home.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO TELL PEOPLE?

Please consider helping down in Haiti in some way or another. If you can’t personally make a trip, consider helping fund an reputable organization that is working in Haiti. The government in Haiti is so corrupt and lost, but the people are wonderful to the core! They are asking for help and I hope the world continues to answer their cries.

Kate and I met during University when we were both volunteering as youth leaders for an organization called Young Life. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but loves making a trip up north every once in awhile to visit friends in Canada when she can.

A photo video made by Kate:

Feel free to leave a comment here >>