Brainsport Times Feb. 3, 2016

Welcome to February everyone! Hopefully you all have been enjoying the warmer weather — and getting out for some nice runs!

In this week's Times we're speaking to photographer Steve Gibb. Most of you are already familiar with his work, but may not realize it. Steve is responsible for taking the Times' stunning front-page photo. With a keen eye for capturing the beauty of Saskatoon's historic buildings, it's no surprise Brainsport caught his attention. Steve will be posting his photos of the store on his website gibbart.com in the next week or so. In the meantime let's get to know him!

Q&A with Steve Gibb

Tara: Let's start with a little bit of your photography background. Would you mind telling us more about yourself?
 
Steve: I retired in 2010 after 40 years in the newspaper business, with 35 of those in various editing roles, including the last 17 years as editor-in-chief of The StarPhoenix. My first five years in the media business were spent as a reporter and photographer and that's where my love of photography began. Even though I didn't continue as a photographer professionally back then, I have kept at it as a hobby and now that I have left The Star Phoenix, I have much more time to pursue it again. 

Tara: You take beautiful photos of historic buildings throughout the city, which are featured on your website www.gibbart.com. What, in particular, drew you to Brainsport?

Steve: Most of the structures I photograph are historic in nature, usually based on age, style or architectural features, but not all. Some just resonate with me at a personal level. In the case of the Brainsport building, it is a former lumberyard and is one of the city's historic buildings with a quirky feature that has always appealed to me -- the long vertical ridge sign that runs atop the whole building. 


Steve on his photo shoot at Brainsport. 

Tara: Why do think it's important for historic buildings to be restored and preserved? And, how can we do better, as a society, at holding on to these treasures?
 
Steve: Stating the obvious these old buildings are part of our living history and every time one of them disappears, so goes another piece of our past. Invariably, these structures are built in a style, or with certain materials, or with professional craftsmanship no longer available or affordable. What we could do to help preserve these historic buildings is to change our attitudes about them. We need to view them as a part of history and not just a piece of disposable property that can be pulled down and replaced on a whim with something new but not necessarily better.

Tara: Was there anything that surprised, or stood out to you about the Brainsport building?
 
Steve: What stood out was the way the old wooden support beams have been preserved and highlighted, yet utilized in a practical way by having the store's shelving units attached to them but without hiding them. I was also very pleased with the way the floors turned out. Using the recycled hardwood from the Bedford Road Collegiate gymnasium was a colourful and innovative way of renovating Brainsport while at the same time preserving some of Bedford's history that otherwise would have ended up in the dump. 

Tara: Are there any other thoughts you would like to share?
 
Steve: I'd just like to thank all of you at Brainsport for participating in this project, allowing me in to help focus attention on Saskatoon's iconic buildings. Fortunately, we still have many but it's important to keep them in the public eye while we do still have them.

Upcoming Events
 
Brainsport Running Academy

Spring Tune Up with Pat Somerville. This seven-week program is designed to get you ready for the Brainfreeze on March 6. It is best suited to the 10K event, but adjustments can be made to accommodate experienced runners who are preparing for the half marathon distance. $100. This session will not include the Speaker's Series. Tuesday nights at 6, starting on January 19.

Performance Marathon with Jason Warick - Achieve your best marathon performance with the help of one of Canada's top talents. This 18-week course is designed for runners with sub-two hour half-marathon experience. $170. Thursday nights at 7:15, starting on January 28.

Beginner/Recreational Marathon with Tobi Rempel - Looking to gear up for your first Marathon? Come out and join one of Saskatchewan's most experienced endurance athletes. This 18-week course is designed for runners who are new to the Marathon distance. Monday nights at 6, starting on January 27. 

Half-Marathon with Mike McDonald - Both new and experienced half-marathoners alike will get an energy boost from this course. The 14-week course is open to any runner capable of running continuously for 35 minutes. $145. Monday nights at 6, starting on February 22.

10k with Pat Somerville - Build your endurance and unlock new speed with this fun and challenging 10-week course. Runners should be comfortable running 35 min. continuously before taking the course. $120. Tuesday nights at 6, starting on March 22.

To sign up for any of the Running Academy courses go tohttp://www.brainsport.ca/running-academy.htmll or drop by Brainsport.

Rock Your Run contest

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Brainsport Running Club we are excited to announce the Rock Your Run contest. Brooks shoes is sending one lucky run club member to run the Las Vegas Marathon this fall. There are several ways to enter: 1) Every time you lead a group at Run Club you get an entry. 2) All new Run Club members will get an entry. 3) Everyone who came out to the January 20th Run Club gets an entry. 4) Everyone who comes out to our July 13th anniversary Run Club gets and entry. In order to win you must be present for the draw on July 13th. The prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas. Air, hotel and race entry included. Hope to see you at Run Club!


Start2Finish Running & Reading Club

Do you enjoy fitness and literacy? And want to give back to the community? The Start2Finish Running & Reading Club is a dynamic after school program that is currently operating within multiple inner city schools and servicing hundreds of children across Canada. The Running & Reading Clubs provide children with the tools to succeed and helps them to graduate by addressing literacy, physical activity, and self-confidence. The program is comprised of a fitness and health component, which culminates in a 5K Running & Reading Challenge at the conclusion of the program.

Start2Finish is looking caring and enthusiastic people to volunteer at their Running & Reading Club at Vincent Massey Community School. There will be a volunteer session on Tuesday, January 19 from 3:40 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. To sign up to attend the volunteer session contact Michelle Wray at start2finishonline.orgor call 1-888-320-8844 ext. 206. For more information go to www.start2finishonline.org.

Lions Speed Skating Club Free Skate

The Lions Speed Skating Club is organizing a free skate day for new Canadians and anyone else who wants to learn how to skate. They are asking for donations of skates and helmets to help make the day a success. Please drop off your donations at Brainsport. The event is being held on February 5. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Clarence Downey Oval.


Yoga For Runners

Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners.Wednesdays January 20 to March 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the Brainsport Community Room. $112 preregistered. $18/class drop in if there is room. There are just three spots left. To register contact Leanne atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or 306-251-2964.

Happy Body Classes

These classes offer a unique approach to movement, going through simple stretches and exercises that can be performed almost anywhere with minimal equipment. You will also learn basic anatomical and biomechanics concepts to help you make conscious habit changes to improve your body's alignment and improve how you feel. 

Classes will be held on Mondays from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. & Thursdays from 6 - 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 & 7: Alignment Basics
Jan. 11 & 14: Sitting Rehab: Low back, Hips, Knees
Jan. 18 & 21 Computer Rehab: Neck, Shoulders, Wrists 
Jan. 25 & 28: Release and Relax
Feb. 1 & 4: Pelvic floor and Core
Feb. 8 & 11: Movement Nutrients

More information and descriptions of the classes are available at http://saskatoonosteopathy.com/happy-body-aligned/. 

Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. There are various registration options where you can sign up for all six classes, or choose a combination of four classes, or drop into select classes of your choice.​