Title: CLICK HERE TO ENTER
1CLICK HERE TO ENTER
2by Marcy Demelo
With great volunteers come great
achievements! Our inaugural volunteer
newsletter is certainly an exceptional case in
point.
Over the past several months it has been my
pleasure to work along side a dynamic and
diverse team. Each of you brings a unique
dimension to ROGERS TV! The truth is
without you there is no us. In addition to
skillful camera, audio and inscriber operators
and videographers, we have so many talented
writers, photographers and inspirational
thinkers, it seemed obvious to encourage you to
partake in the creation of your newsletter.
Thank you! It has been a highlight for me to
work with you on this creative endeavour
scheduled to go out 3 times this year July,
September and November. I encourage
our readers to participate in providing feedback
_at_ cue2u_at_rci.rogers.com to help us improve,
modify and transform your volunteer resource to
connect, update and communicate. We took on
a large project to complete in one month
therefore, you will see it evolve with each
issue. Speaking of evolution, we have grown
from 30 active volunteers this winter (not
including our college placement students and
high school co-ops) to more than 120 community
volunteers in the past 5 months!
Many of you are assisting us in
addition to full-time work, raising children and
enjoying leisure,
others are trying to get a jump
start on your schooling for the Fall, and yet
others are honing new
skills and giving back your
extensive, professional experience. Whatever
your story, we are
thrilled to have you. You are
an interesting bunch!
With our new studio and
office renovations underway, and innovative
programming in the works,
rest assured you are definitely in the right
place this Fall with ROGERS TV, Cable 13, London.
Enjoy! This is for you.
.
3By Christine Newton
Escape to Dubai
They make you feel like kings and queens
When Shobhita Sharma thinks of her recent
trip to the United Arab Emirates, two words come
to mind, It was really grand! Shobhita spent
two weeks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the end of
May and this small nation made a big impression
on her. I was so surprised I wanted to hold
my head and scream! she says, recalling her
first impression of Dubais opulent nightlife.
Dubai is known for thinking big it is home to
the worlds tallest building, the worlds largest
shopping mall, the worlds first seven-star
hotel, the worlds largest indoor ski resort and
three massive manmade islands, known as the
Palms. But its not just the architecture
that makes Dubai grand, according to Shobhita,
its the grace and hospitality of the people.
They make you feel like kings and queens, she
says, recalling how shopkeepers would open doors
for her and address her as Maam. Shobhita
ventured outside the city on a desert safari a
chance to go dune bashing in a 4x4 jeep
followed by a tasty Arabic buffet, complete with
henna, Sheesha pipes and belly dancers. While
many parts of the Middle East present significant
dangers to foreigners, Shobhita never felt
unsafe in Dubai, even when out on her own. This
may be one reason Dubai has such a vibrant
community of ex-pats, turning nightlife in the
city into a living cultural mosaic.
Click for more
4 Staying with her uncle on one of the Palms,
Shobhita got a real taste of life in Dubai. True
to her Rogers TV roots, Shobhita toured Dubai
Media City, a global media hub which houses a
number of major television broadcasters as well
as other media outlets.
I would hear so many different languages when I
went out, Shobhita laughs, it was like Canada
only condensed! Shobhita had only one gripe
about Dubai It was really hot. With
temperatures averaging more than 40 degrees
Celsius it felt, according to a local radio
host, like Everything out there is melting.
Because Dubai is a desert climate, everything
from plants to food must be imported, driving the
cost of living sky high. At first, Shobhita
found this manmade environment a little
artificial. But she was quickly overwhelmed by
its beauty and was able to appreciate these feats
of construction, engineering and design for
what they are amazing.
Would Shobhita go back? In a heartbeat.
Its expensive, she admits, particularly if you
want to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.
But as a holiday destination, its just grand.
A
Middle-Eastern traveller amongst us as a
volunteer Who Knew?
If you have a story to tell,
contact us at cue2u_at_rci.rogers.com and you could
be featured next!
5by Tabitha Lavoie
Life Lessons with Teacher Christine
I sent emails to many different schools. I
found volunteer positions posted on
www.goabroad.com and accepted the first school
that got back to me.
A recent university graduate with a steady pay
cheque and a stellar job. That was the life of
Christine Newton in 2004. But sometimes a
steady pay cheque just doesnt fill the need for
life experiences and traveling so Christine set
out to change that.
She was unsure how to fill that hunger to travel,
so she he started with somewhere on the globe
she recognized - Central America. In 2003
Christine had traveled to Dominican Republic for
two weeks with Habitat for Humanity. Ever
since that experience she gained an itch to
travel, especially to Central America. While
travelling is nice, it doesnt pay for itself, so
Christine decided to research the possibility of
teaching while in Central America to pay for her
stay.
Click for more
6It was a Spanish/English private school in the
little town of Puerto Cortes, Honduras. They
were eager for a first grade teacher and
Christine accepted right away.
The school was just excited to have a new
teacher, she says. Because the students were
taught in both Spanish and English, Christine
explains the teaching wasnt like a normal ESL
English as a Second Language experience.
Christine had been teaching her students a
normal, first grade curriculum and although they
were supposed to pick up the English through
conversation, Christine modified the lesson plans
and teaching materials because most of the kids
just didnt pick up English that easily. I had
a teaching assistant for some of my classes who
helped with the extra one-on-one, says
Christine. But for the most part, trying to help
the kids understand a language that wasnt their
own was the biggest challenge, she
says. Although the job had its challenges, the
rewards were just as great when the experience
was viewed as a whole. I would get to a point
where I would say I cant do this! But then
the other teachers would help you cope, and I
realized I could do it. says Christine.
The hardest part was leaving the kids behind.
That experience was so crazy and so amazing I
still have a really special place in my heart for
them.
A Honduran Teacher is
amongst us as a volunteer Who Knew?
If you have a
story to tell contact us at cue2u_at_rci.rogers.com
and you could be featured next!
7London St. Thomas Woodstock
THANK YOU!
Anderson, Alisa Dougall, Allysa Johnson, Ryan Mortensen, Sonia
Anderson, Scott El-Sabawi, Yasmine Ker, John Moussa, Moses
Armsrong, Harley Evans, Chris Kiss, Csaba Nabhani, Ola Schives, Dale
Baig, Fahran Fijal, Pawel Kondrat, Ben Naidu, Renira Sharma, Shobhita
Bendels, Tony Flatley, Tricia Kovach, Mike Nanassy, Dez Sparling, Rod
Boudreau, Chelsea Forbes, Shawn Koval, David Newton, Christine Stankovich, Matt
Brachenbury, Reid Francis, James Kowalek, Mike Nguyen, Tramy Swinn, Nathan
Brady, Jess Friesen, Alyssa Laforet, Trevor O'Leary, Pierce Taal, Kimberly
Brunton, Rebecca Fuller, Nathan Lavoie, Tabitha Orellana, Jose Tadgell, Amanda
Brys, Daria Givens, Jonathon Lawlis-St.Onge, Zack Palach, Rachel Taylor, Dave
Buchanon, Megan Gonzales, Marlene Lowe, Matt Peach, Sterling Taylor, Eunice
Caldwell, Hope Goodine, Richard Machado, Dave Penny, Aleisha Tiffin, Pat
Campbell, Scott Gouldings, Marg Marksteiner, Florin Picard, Shawna Ulch, April
Capson, Lauren Hadland, Dexxter Martinez, Vanessa Presnell, Andrew Van Den Berge, Dylan
Carter, Ariel Haezel, Alexa Masseo, Vic Rancourt, Danielle Viau, Ashley
Chalmers, Matt Hallman, Stephanie McGarry, Rob Raymer, Justin Vyse, Lindsay
Chamberlain, Marg Hartery, Amanda McGhee, Jamie Redford, Jacqueline Walsh, Allie
Cheeseman, Ross Hashem, Nada McNeil, Ian Revington, Adam Waters-Houser, Garrett
Chobotiuk, Kayla Hayes, Justin Mellow, Mike Rojas, Justin White, Lauren
Cook, Cortney Healey, Matt Mercado, Fernando Romero, Manuel Whyte, Garry
Cook, Gary Hill, Andy Miller, Grant Sawlor, Truda Wilkins, Caolin
Dapp, Bailey Horne, Paul Minter, Jordan Scalasi, Stacy Wise, Shannon
Dawson, Shirley Isaza, Camilo Mitchell, Katie Scarrow, Jesse Wolff, Shayla
De Keyser, Patricia Johnson, Dan Mortensen, Kai Scherle, Teresa Wynen, Melissa
8By Kayla Chobotiuk
Each month we bring you topical and relevant
issues to inform, advise and enlighten you!
Check it out
Summer Activities on a Budget Summer is here
and the sun is hot! What better time to get
outside and explore the great outdoors? Plus,
you deserve a break from work and volunteering.
Dont have a car? Lacking in funds? Thats no
problem there are plenty of fun and affordable
activities right here in London, only a short
walk or bus ride away. Escape the
Ordinary Always wanted to go on a road trip but
lacked the time, money or the car? Try this
alternative instead of a long-term, wide scale
excursion, keep it local. If youre feeling
adventurous, throw a dart at a local map and
travel to where it lands. Choose as many
locations as you want, this is your trip! It
doesnt have to be far. Youre guaranteed to
discover something new, whether its a
restaurant, park, a beautiful garden or nature at
its finest. Take the family to a farmers
market. The Covent Garden Market, for example,
offers a variety of vendors with ample selections
of ethnic food, fresh produce, meats, and cheese
from local farmers and artisans. Feeling
creative? The market is also a Mecca for local
artists who gather every Sunday to participate in
a free art show. Anyone is welcome to showcase
their art for free.
Click for more
9By Kayla Chobotiuk
Festival Fun Take time to check out all the free
outdoor activities and festivals that take place
this summer. Festivals usually bring together a
diverse crowd, such as Festa Italiana a
three-day festival that celebrates all that is
Italian with food, music, dancing and more. There
is surely something for everyone. It takes place
August 14-16 at the Covent Garden Market (located
at 130 King Street). Beat the Heat If you need
to escape the heat of the city, Grand Bend is
only a hop, skip, and a bus ride away. With a
weekend shuttle from Norma Jeans (1332 Huron
St.), a day of sun, sand and swimming can cost
you as little as ten dollars (five for children).
Visit www.beachbus.ca for information. If
the beach isnt your scene, free public swimming
is available at pools across London. A schedule
of swim times and locations can be found at any
Tim Hortons. Take a Hike Jog, walk the dog,
rollerblade, bicycle, or take a leisurely walk
along the various pathways and trails throughout
the city. Enjoy the scenery along the Thames
Valley Parkway a 30 km multi-use pathway which
stretches along the Thames River and extends into
neighbourhoods and parks, including Gibbons Park
and Springbank Park. Whether youre with
family, with friends, or on your own, London in
the summertime has an abundance of activities for
everyone. If you have a little time and a lot of
imagination, you can take advantage of the
weather to get out and explore something new.
London is yours to discover!
10By Alyssa Friesen
STUDIO
For every live show aired in the past 12 months,
one volunteer in particular has been in the
studio -- Pawel Fijal. For the smooth days, the
hectic days and sometimes all day, Pawel handles
whatever the producers throw his way.
I think it was on First Local and Marilyn and I
were working together, I was the only volunteer
and I had to do VTR, which I think was probably
stressful and funny for her as I was new, says
Fijal with a chuckle, Im sure she
remembers. A year later he has experienced
every position both in the studio and out on
mobiles. His favorite, regardless of show or
location, is a camera operator. A sports
enthusiast Pawel especially likes being behind
the camera during the OHL playoff games.
All of the producers are great to me. They
each have taught me unique skills and I
appreciate it and want to thank them for their
patience, Pawel says.
Born and raised in Poland, Pawel came to Canada
in 1991 after living in Austria. He studied at
Fanshawe College and attained degrees in
broadcast post-production and multimedia
design, in addition to a certificate in computer
animation. Looking for a job, Pawel stumbled
across the Rogers TV website. He says that he
signed up hoping volunteering would create the
skills and experience required for a future job
in the field. Pawel is a very hard worker.
He is very committed and always a pleasure to
work with. No doubt he will attain his goal.
says Marcy Demelo, Volunteer Services
Coordinator. Be sure to nominate a
Shining Star volunteer at cue2u_at_rci.rogers.com
Click for more
11By Alyssa Friesen
The players hustled onto the ice for the OUA
hockey game at the John Labatt Center in October
2005 and Kai Mortenson stood ready behind his
camera. It was his first production as a
volunteer. A rush of excitement pounded in his
veins, his hands gripped the arms of camera six
this was it.
MOBILES
Three years and eight months later Kai, 17, still
cant get enough of mobiles. The Grade 12
student at Sir George Ross Secondary says his
passion for television production, which was
realized that October day, has motivated him to
explore every volunteer position within Rogers
TV. The audio position for OHL Primetime is his
specialty. I push the limits of that audio
board almost every week and get great results. I
work with a 24 channel Mackie board with every
channel utilized.
Whether it be one of the 15 microphones
strategically placed throughout the JLC, or the
nine line inputs from tape or compressors, I just
love the audio that building produces.
Kais enthusiasm for Rogers TV inspires
those who work with him. He has been noted
to be quick to share his knowledge with new
volunteers, giving tips and answering questions.
His positive presence on mobile
productions and his unnecessary efforts toward
helping with the renovations of the studio
have scored deep appreciation among the staff and
his volunteer friends.
He puts his heart and everything into Rogers
TV, says Allysa Dougall, a fellow volunteer,
he loves it. Be sure to
nominate a Shining Star volunteer at
cue2u_at_rci.rogers.com
12by Rod Sparling
Each month we feature a Rogers TV employee to
help you get to know the staff better. We
thought it natural to start with our Volunteer
Services Coordinator, because without her, there
would be no us!
Meet Marcy..
How did you get your start or find out about the
open position? My girlfriend forwarded me the job
posting saying, This is totally you, you have to
apply. So I did. What is your favourite part of
your job? I love people and I like variety. I am
a creative person by nature and this role allows
me to put a creative spin on everything I do
from interviewing people to organizing to
creating new procedures to recognizing
volunteers. Where did you grow up? Here in
London with a number of summers spent in Europe.
What is your favourite holiday destination? It
has to be REALLY hot, have beaches, great
history, exotic food and cocktails with little
umbrellas. What is your favourite food? I
love Italian food but I will never turn down surf
and turf. Lobster is my favourite. What is the
funniest thing you have ever seen/experienced?
My children. They say and do the funniest
things.
Click for more
13 If you could change one thing about yourself,
what would it be? I would like to appreciate each
day more and not take for granted that I have
tomorrow. It makes you look at life with a
whole new perspective and with gratitude. If you
were stranded on an island, what one item would
you like to have with you? Stranded on an
island?? Id probably die and go to heaven and
you cant take anything there! What vehicle
would you really like to drive/own? Do you?? Id
like a sporty, red vehicle with a convertible top
and a great sound system. I have the red
part. When your new office is built and your
desk is in place, what will be the first item you
place on your desk? My head. What is
your dream job? My dream job would be
part-time, with lots of travel around the world,
meeting people, seeing amazing sites, eating
exotic foods and taking fabulous photos. Sounds
like my favourite vacation! Share a
little-known or surprising fact about yourself.
I started my own jewellery company 7 years ago
and am a designer.
Nominate a staff member you would like to get to
know better _at_ cue2u_at_rci.rogers.com
14James Elsdon, Associate Producer
St. Thomas Prepares for a Fall Line-Up of
Promising Shows! INSIDE ELGIN A half-hour,
lifestyle program that will be airing live,
five-days a week. The set is in, the shots are
blocked, and the lighting is set. FIRST LOCAL
It is tried, tested and true and we look forward
to being able to provide a weekly news source to
our community. HERITAGE MINUTES They highlight
and explore historic landmarks in Elgin
County. HAUNTED PLACES of St. Thomas and Elgin
County A unique look at spooky locations in and
around St. Thomas.
Tony Bendel, A volunteer is working on both of
the latter two productions and had this to say
What was the best story you have covered so
far? It was a service that was held for The
Liberation of Holland. I learned how much these
services mean to the veterans. They just want to
tell their stories and to be remembered. (most of
all to remember their buddies who never came
home). What did you enjoy about it? I
enjoyed hearing two personal, war vet stories and
about the good times that they had overseas. The
appreciation in their faces for covering this
story and for just listening to them was moving.
What is your dream story to cover? To give the
people of St. Thomas hope that a new factory is
going to open up here in town or that a major
employer is going to hire hundreds of people.
Im looking forward to coming back strong. Why
do you do it? I want to continue to learn as much
as possible and become a hired staff member of
Rogers TV. I think of a story that I want to do,
I go out and shoot it, I come back and edit it, I
put it all together and then it goes to air and
people watch it! It is just awesome!
15Joe Brown, Producer
Weve had a great season this year with a number
of dedicated volunteers returning and new faces
joining the team. Woodstock is attracting
talented volunteers and I like it!
- Heres Whats in the News!
- Amanda Hartery and Stacy Scalasi are putting
together a video to promote the volunteer program
in Woodstock. They expect to have it completed
by the end of the summer. - Summer training started July 7th and ran every
Tuesday and Thursday for the month of July. In
August we are doing a week-long training session
Monday to Friday to get ready for the upcoming
fall season. The Workshops are focusing on the
studio production side of television and will
offer training in camera, VTR, audio, graphics
and directing. Sign up is posted on the
volunteer board. - Coming this fall we are adding a new program to
the Oxford County area. Its Talk Local A 1
hour program highlighting hot issues in and
around Oxford County. We will be contacting
volunteers to attend a pre-production meeting to
go over the details of the new program and to
express their thoughts and ideas. - Just want to say a big thank you to everyone
who helped out with Inside Oxford this past
season. The show has been picked up by some of
the other systems. This is a testament to the
dedication and talent of our volunteers who have
helped make it work . and made it look easy! - Thanks again to everyone. We hope to see you out
in the fall. - And to those of you who are moving on to higher
education Good luck! Stay in touch.
16- FOND FAREWELL
- Jayne Simons, our London Administrative
Assistant, will be finished in - her role as of July 30th. We wish her all the
best! Please join us in welcoming - Lynn Farrimond to her new role with Rogers TV.
- CREW CALLS
- Please double check the CREW CALL times for all
upcoming London mobiles for changes. - Just a reminder that we request 48hrs notice for
cancellation of shifts and appreciate a quick - call if you become ill. This allows us time to
fill your position. Thanks. - RENOVATIONS and FALL LINE UP. Thanks for your
patience as we undergo renovations here - in London. Please remember it is unacceptable to
have any food or drink in the studio, - control room or renovation areas. We want to keep
it looking good!! Thank you! - FALL LAUNCH IS SEPTEMBER 21st. HERES YOUR SNEAK
PEAK!
VACATION ALERT Marcy Demelo will be on vacation
July 31st, returning August 10th. Andrew Rosser,
daytime Producer, London, will be assisting in
her absence _at_ andrew.rosser_at_rci.rogers.com
17By Rob McGarry
ITS GOOD JUST TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN
- Did you know .
- That you have a 1 in 649, 739 chance of being
dealt a Royal Straight Flush when you play poker?
Your chance of getting struck by lightning is
actually higher. - Shocking!
- In 1932, when a shortage of cash occurred in
Tenino, Washington, notes were made out of wood
for a brief period. The wood notes came in 1, 5
and 10 values. - Now thats hard cash!
- 80 of millionaires drive second-hand cars.
- Who says being thrifty doesnt pay off?!
- In the 1940s, the FCC in the United
States, assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile
services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for
instance) but did not re-number the other channel
assignments. That is why your TV set has channels
2 and up, but no channel 1. But were
still 1! - No word in the English language rhymes with
month. - Youre gonna try it arent you!?
Click for more
18Tabitha Lavoie
FAVE FOOD Thanks to Yasmine El-Sabawi
for dishing it out.
BASIC CURRY RECIPE
- Caramelize two small, chopped white onions in a
sautee pan. - Add one part biryani seasoning to two parts curry
powder and mix in with the onions. - Add about half a tub of plain yogurt and mix it
in. If you want your curry a little heartier, use
sour cream instead. - Add three tablespoons of tomato paste and stir.
Adjust amount to your preference. The tomato
paste also gives it that nice pumpkin colour.
You can also add a finely chopped tomato if you
like. - Add one cup water. Adjust to your preference if
you want your curry thicker. - Finally, add two cups of chicken broth (or if you
use cubes, just add one). Stir and let it come to
a slight boil, then simmer. Stir again every 4-5
minutes. - Optional add three or four small bay leaves and
a tablespoon of chili powder if you can handle
the heat. - Remember you can always add potatoes, carrots,
chicken or shrimp just as the curry comes to a
boil. - Serve over steamed rice with side salad. Enjoy!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH Thanks to Lauren Capson for
having her say. "Everything successful is a
series of mistakes."
-- Billy Joel Armstrong of Green Day
Got a great recipe or a rock' in quote contact
us _at_ cue2u_at_rci.rogers.com
19Click for more
20(No Transcript)
21 See you next
time! Contact us _at_ cue2u_at_rci.rogers.com to
provide feedback and contributions.