Idle Hands are the Recycler's Playground

Let's get together and make a change!

Jess Nelson and I plan to start a social campaign to promote recycling in Waterloo Region. We have a fantastic system! Let's use it people!!!

We hope to organize a large group of people to film a flash mob video in Victoria Park. All we will need is you and your rubber gloves!

Stay tuned for more updates, details dates and times. Contact me directly for more information or to help out: Walkerbroadcast@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

Cheers,

-Stace

Life's Lessons

My car steadily raced along the 401 as I spoke out loud, preparing myself for my first interview since graduation. Visions of a possible hip and trendy urban life danced in my head as I imagined taking the subway to work, making friends and kicking my heels off in my tiny apartment after a long day at the office. I was nervous and so excited. I felt all those dreams come to a complete halt as my car sputtered and did the same.  

Not only was my car broken down, so were my spirits. After applying to dozens of ‘big girl’ jobs with only one interview booked, I did the only thing there was to do at that moment. I cried.

I was only on the side of the highway for about a minute before a silver minivan pulled up behind me. How relieving, someone was going to take a few minutes out of their busy day to help. In today’s fast paced and self-centered society, even this small gesture seemed too good to be true.

Two young women approached me. I explained the story through my tears, a little embarrassed about my emotional state. I expected nothing but a safe ride off the highway or maybe a little mechanical advice. To my surprise, this busy single mother and her friend actually offered to give me a ride to my interview! I was hesitant to accept, as this was more than a small favour. My interview was on the west side of Toronto and my car had stalled in Guelph. Despite the fact they had no intention of heading to Toronto that day, they insisted on getting me to the interview.

After spending some time with Kelly Gosse, Lori Gallipeau and her young son, through rush hour traffic, it was apparent that this random act of kindness was not unusual for these two. They were bright exuberant young women who dedicate their lives to helping others. How unusual to meet two individuals who put each other and even me, a complete stranger, before themselves.

 I made it to my interview with five minutes to spare. Lori and Kelly drove away, wishing me luck , as I bid them fare well and hoped that against all odds, the 3PM traffic wouldn’t be too bad. It was.

            Lori, a single mother of three, and Kelly, a spiritual healer and all time best friend, asked nothing more from me but to pay it forward. I didn’t get the job that day, but what I did gain was a restored faith in humanity and a couple of new friends, just as I had dreamed of that morning. 

Review: The Jane Bond

A quick review of a hidden gem located in uptown Waterloo.

One quick look around the quaint, warm little room and it could be passed off as your typical university bar. Look twice and there are obvious differences in the crowd.
             You will find scattered 20 somethings sitting in groups having drinks, but the atmosphere is much more subdued, and laid back than one would expect. A young woman sits at a table, alone, nose deep in a thick worn novel. She casually sips on a pink cocktail. She has an aura about her. Her long soft free flowing locks frame her fresh face, and her neutral toned clothing hint at the introverted intellectual, hiding behind a great book in a public place. To her left sits an interesting couple, a shaggy haired man in black rimmed glasses and a velvet blue sports blazer over a mustard shirt, leans in close as an animated girl with long dreads tells him a story with her body, captivating not only his attention, but that of those around her.

            The walls glow a warm orange giving the lounge calm, soothing feel. The beats are funky but relaxed and so is the crowd.
            There is more to this ‘dive’ bar than meets the eye. This bar is a miniature art gallery. Every few weeks a different artist has a chance to exhibit and sell their art. This week, the bar is showing pictures by a young photographer who calls herself Miss Alysha. Her pictures are dark, edgy, full of contrast, and accurately depict the story of an adventurous young life.
            The Jane Bond, located on a narrow side street uptown Waterloo, provides a refreshing alternative for students who shy away from the wild and rowdy bar scene. The bright colours and funky music definitely appeal to a younger crowd. The alternatively dressed wait staff further supports the unique vibe that can be sensed the moment you walk through the door.  This bar can be enjoyed by many age groups but is definitely geared towards a younger crowd. Although, the proud parents of a young artist would not be out of place in this inviting social scene.