Red River College is pleased to be holding our 4th annual State of Sustainability. This is a great way to check out what mother nature has to offer and get rid of some of those “winter blues.” This annual event is an opportunity for students, staff and the community to celebrate Earth Day, recognize RRC’s sustainability accomplishments, learn a little and have a bit of fun.

Here’s the line-up…

Pipe Ceremony, Mother Earth Teachings & Feast –Tuesday, April 22, 10:00am – 2:00pm, Aboriginal Student Support Centre, F209 (NDC).                                           

RRC Elder May Louise will lead a pipe ceremony and will share her personal experiences and observations on how Mother Earth is changing and its impacts. Participants will be invited to share their experiences too.

This event will help participants to learn how the Aboriginal worldview and sustainability are inextricably linked. All are welcome. **Traditionally, women wear long skirts for ceremonies. ** Times may vary.

E-waste Drop Off (from work and home) Tuesday, April 22 – Thursday April 24, 11:00am – 1:00pm daily, Library Hallway (NDC) & William Building near Print Services (EDC)    

Time for Spring cleaning! Get rid of that broken Nintendo in your basement, the old calculator on your desk, or the old microwave in the lunch room. All materials will be sent to a licensed recycling facility.

Sustainability Office Year-in-Review Wednesday, April 23, 12:05pm – 12:55pm, eTV Studio B, GM33 (live and streamed)

Learn about how we’ve advanced our sustainability journey this year. In addition to the Sustainability Office, hear from Food Services, Applied Research & Commercialization  & the Bookstore.

Lunch will be served. Registration is limited to 40 people, so don’t delay! Read More →

The College’s fourth annual Chili Cup has come and gone, with two rookies from the Athletics and Recreation department (Shane Ray and Cole Skinner) taking the top prize for their “Ring of Fire” chili.

This marks the second time that a Rebels team has won the Cup, as that competitive spirit (honed on the courts) has apparently been translated into the culinary martial arts octagon.

Also making the podium were the Mamasitas, who took second place in the People’s Choice voting for their “Not Your Mama’s Chili”. The Mamasitas were also selected by the President’s Choice committee for their team spirit (and for bringing along some TP to the event).

Rounding out the winners were members of the RRC Students’ Association, with their SA’WEET N’ SA’PICY” Chili. They bravely represented the student body, but came up just shy of top place.

Shane Ray and Cole Skinner accept the Chili Cup from RRC President Stephanie Forsyth.

The event raised $264 for the RRCSA Food Bank, which provides services to RRC students in need.

Next up is the Chili Day in March (Thursday, March 20), where the winning chili will be served up at the Voyageur Cafeteria (NDC).  Chili and a bun can be had for $3.95 and there will be drop off bin for the RRCSA Food Bank on site – so please bring a tin for the bin. The Food Bank typically helps about 120 students and their families from the NDC and EDC campuses every two weeks.

Read More →

Are you looking to burn away those winter blues?  No worries, the fourth annual Chili Cup is set for March 13th at the Notre Dame Campus at the former Prairie Lights location on the mall level.

The event starts at noon – but come early as the event runs until the chili is all gone.

It costs $3 to come as a taster with all proceeds from the event going to the Students’ Association Food Bank.

And your contestants are:

Contestant Name: Tammy Kowerko

Team Name: Tammy Kowerko

Team Name: Tammy’s Totally Awesome Tequilla Chili

Team Name: This is an award winning tantalizing chili that will have you craving for more! “It’s that I just can’t get enough feeling!” Tammy’s chili is made with a hint of heat and a unique combination of spices and secret ingredients that would surprise you!  Give this chili a try — you will be so happy that you did!

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Contestant Name: Shane Ray

Team Name: Ring of Fire

Team Name: Hurt

Team Name: a little of this, a little of that, some stuff we found at the back of the fridge.

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Contestant Name: Leslie Ternowetsky, Lindsay Mullholland & Sue Hayduk

Team Name: Señoras Picantes

Team Name: Vegé Molé Olé!

Team Name: Vegan chili in a Mexican mole style.

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Contestant Name: Counselling and Accessibility Services

Team Name: Bowls of Steel

Team Name: Spicy Beef Chili

Team Name: Meat lovers, get your chili bowls ready, you are going to love our spicy beef concoction.  And we hope you like it HOT! Fiery is the best way to describe the heat – it will sure to melt the winter away for good! But, if hot isn’t your thing, don’t worry, we’ll have toppings to help tone it down so all will enjoy 🙂

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Contestant Name: Norlan Page

Team Name: Internal lnferno

Team Name: Kim Chi Li

Team Name: Korean-inspired chili

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Contestant Name: Red River College Students’ Association

Team Name: SA’ll Good

Team Name: SA’WEET N’ SA’PICY

Team Name: This hearty blend of fresh ingredients will stimulate your taste buds as it awakens your senses with sweet and spicy flavor.

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Contestant Name: Cristina Gomes

Team Name: the Mamasitas

Team Name: Not Your Mama’s Chili

Team Name: If its in your fridge its in the chili.

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Contestant Name: Mike Krywy

Team Name: Dr. Inferno and the Cosmos

Team Name: Alien Beans

Team Name: This cosmically inspired culinary creation will take you to a previously unexplored galaxy of taste, on a trip that will blow your mind and then fuse if back together in ways that have yet to be invented here on Earth.

Are you looking to burn away those winter blues?  No worries, the fourth annual Chili Cup is set for March 13th at the Notre Dame Campus.

If you want the chance to have your name engraved on the Chili Cup you can register using the form at the bottom of the post.  Chefs will cook up a super-sized crock pot of Chili and serve up sample size portions to those in attendance.

Dr.. Inferno offers up some vegetarian chili, filled with “Peas, Love, and Understanding”.

If you don’t want to compete, you can come and sample all the chilis and vote for your favourite. It costs $3 to come as a taster with all proceeds from the event going to the Students’ Association Food Bank – just in time for the holidays!

If you don’t work at the Notre Dame Campus, you’re still eligible to take part – or to host another cook-off at your own campus. Talk to your manager or leave a reply to this post if you’re in that boat.

The competition features two types of prizes: the People’s Choice voted on by all who attend and the President’s Choice that is selected by three adjudicators.  The Chili is usually gobbled up quickly, so plan to be there for the kick off. In the past the event has attracted about 150 staff and students and the Chili is usually gone within a half hour.  Further details will be provided through this blog and the Staff News.

Nursing Instructors Tom Harrigan and Jackie Santiago being awarded the Chili Cup by RRC President Stephanie Forsyth

Last years’ winner were Nursing instructors Tom Harrigan and Jackie Santiago (Team Caliente) who wowed the critics with their blend of a “traditional hearty chili with the heat of India and Mexico infused”. Check out the RRC Flickr account for photos of Chili Cup 2011.

Rules and additional info will be forwarded to entrants after registration closes. For more information, contact Mike Krywy at mkrywy@rrc.ca.

To kick off College Days, the Wellness Committee is hosting a series of events to eat, meet and greet, and move your feet. If you’re an RRC staff member, you can register for all the Wellness events here.

Come out for a free Wellness Breakfast

On the morning of May 30^th staff are invited for a free Wellness Breakfast at the Roblin Centre and the Notre Dame Campus (Voyageur Cafeteria) beginning at 8:00 am and going till 9:30.  The buffet breakfast includes a yogurt parfait bar, oatmeal, turkey bacon, back bacon, eggs, toast and beverages. Wellness Committee members and other helpers will be on hand to take pledges and answer any questions you may have. Please register for the breakfast using the link above.

Help support staff dependents to study at RRC

If you’re participating in the Wellness Walk-a-thon or the Rebel Run, you can drop off your pledge form for the Bursary for Dependents of RRC Employees at the breakfast or the over the lunch hour. If you do not wish to gather pledges we encourage a donation of $10 towards the award. The bursary was started back in 2009 from an endowment fund, which the Walk-a-thon has helped grow to over $20K. For more information about this award  and/or to get an application form, head to the RRC website and look under General Awards.

To date, the award has been given to eight recipients including Taylor Schapf (Business Administration, 2012) daughter of instructor Glenn Schapf.  Taylor shared these words with us:

It is outstanding how Red River College strives to open doors for their students to guarantee their education is being put to use in the real working world. When deciding where to pursue my post-secondary education, it was evident that Red River College was the perfect match for me. I knew that I wanted to receive practical training within a closely-knit student/instructor environment. I also knew that I wanted to receive my diploma in only two years and immediately start getting on-the-job experience after graduating. I can truly say that Red River College has exceeded my expectations and is preparing me for a successful career in the business industry. In receiving the RRC Dependents’ Award, I feel motivated to continue learning and enhance my skills as a future businesswoman.

Glenn and Taylor Schapf

Wellness Walk-a-thon Read More →

Nursing Instructors Tom Harrigan and Jackie Santiago being awarded the Chili Cup by RRC President Stephanie Forsyth

This years winners of the Third Annual Chili Cup are Nursing instructors Tom Harrigan and Jackie Santiago (Team Caliente) who wowed the critics with their blend of a “traditional hearty chili with the heat of India and Mexico infused”. Congratulations! If you missed out on their chow, head to the Voyaguer caferia this Wednesday for a Chili Day in November – where their chili (or something close to it) will be served for $3.99 with a bun.  A drop off bin for the SA Food Bank will also be there – so bring a tin for the bin

Read More →

It’s that time again. The third annual Chili Cup is today (November 14th) at noon in the Selkirk Lounge (NDC Campus).

There are nine competitors vying for this year’s prize in the Culinary Smack Down of the year.

• Tammy Kowerko is back to defend her title, with Tammy’s Smack Down Chili with Attitude. Chef Tammy describes her chili as a sensational blend of color, flavor, & wholesome goodness. At its absolute best the hint of heat explosion will leave you craving for so much more.
• Louise Cure and her Civil Engineering Technology colleagues are making Chile Auténtico in memory of their colleague Gary Giesbrecht who recently passed away. Gary participated in each of the previous Chili Cups, and is greatly missed by those who knew and worked with him.
• Guy Dugas and his Applied Chili Education (ACE) team will be making the Chilitarian Capsheaf –A subtle occidental blend of oriental aromatic herbs, spices, and surprise sweet and savoury ingredients that will leave you exclaiming, “Is this legal?”
• The RRC Students’ Association and their team SA’ll Good is back (with an attitude) serving up their Redneck Chili. Enjoy our legendary chili, filled with lean ground beef, finely chopped green sweet pepper, and hot sauce to kick it up a notch.
• The Lifers are out on a day pass, serving up their chili Be’an Surprised a delectable sweet heat of chili awesomeness.
• Big Bubba and the Chilitas are cooking up Big Bubba’s Chili which is guaranteed to cleanse the competition (as well as congested nasal passages)
• Los Scorpiones is back with Bite of the Scorpion – Our non-traditional looking chili is deceptively innocent in its appearance but with that first taste, you’ll feel like you are in a tropical paradise and feeling the bite of the scorpion!
• Team Caliente is serving the deceptive BRS chili (???) – a blend of traditional hearty chili with the heat of India and Mexico infused.
• And finally, the Mysterious Dr. Inferno is back again with his vegetarian Chili – Make Lava, Not War.  Peace out, and pass the beans.

There you have it – nine fantastic chilis for the low prices of $3 for a sample of each – all proceeds from the event go to the Students’ Association Food Bank – just in time for the holidays! The room gets packed in a hurry – so come out a bit before noon to ensure you can participate.

And if Green Chili is your thing – bring your own “bowl and spoon” and be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Prairie Lights! Think sustainability + Help us cut Waste!

The winning Chili will be served in the Voyageur Cafeteria the following week (21st), in an event we call a Chili Day in November.

It’s that time again. The third annual Chili Cup is set for November 14^th. If you’ve missed the first two competitions, here’s what’s going down at the Culinary Smack Down of the year.

If you want the chance to have your name engraved on the Chili Cup you need to register online.  Chefs will cook up a Mega Crock Pot worth of Chili that they will take to the Selkirk Lounge (NDC) for the cook off.

If you don’t want to compete, you can come and sample all the chilis and vote for your favourite. It costs $3 to come as a taster with all proceeds from the event going to the Students’ Association Food Bank – just in time for the holidays!

If you don’t work at the Notre Dame Campus, you’re still eligible to take part – or to host another cook-off at your own campus. Talk to your manager or leave a reply to this post if you’re in that boat.

Read More →

Encore Documentary Screening

Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride

Monday, June 18, 2012

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Orange Lecture Theatre, Notre Dame Campus, Red River College

Homosexuality remains illegal in roughly 80 countries. In 7 it is punishable by death. It’s time for change. Pride is more than a parade and a party. It is a giant step towards true human equality. Join us for a global tour of Pride celebrations around the world to personally experience the powerful oppression that continues to exist, and the triumphs of celebration…

Please register before June 14 at https://go.rrc.ca/information/Services/StaffLearnDev/default.aspx

Presented by the Red River College LGBTT* Initiative in partnership with Staff Learning and Development.

For more information:

Nora Sobel, Diversity Initiatives Coordinator: nsobel@rrc.ca or 632-2404

College Days are new this year (sort of), going from a week of workshops, festivities, and activites to a month long compilation of events.  Since Wellness activities are spread throughout the calendar, here are a few highlights.

May 31st – Innovation Day – The Wellness Committee will be in the NDC Library hallway with the blog on display as well as a Blender Bike – which combines biking with blendering.  So come by, saddle up, meet some Wellness Committee members, have a smoothie, etc.

June 4th – Wellness Day Breakfast / Walk-a-thon / Commuter Challenge – a chance to forgo the chores of preparing your own brekkie so you can come in and have something healthy at work. This is at the Voyageur Cafeteria (NDC) and the Roblin Centre cafeteria as well. The Walk-a-thon begins at noon and runs till 1:30 – at the NDC and EDC campuses.  A great time to stretch the legs and get out – go here to register.

The Sustainability Office also kicks off the Commuter Challenge this week.

June 8th – Picnic on the Lawnat NDC. New this year, is the picnic on the lawn at the NDC campus. This should be a good time to get outside, meet some co-workers, and hopefully enjoy some sunshine for a change.