Latest news with #Conestoga
CBC
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Conestoga chef and hospitality students put to the test at provincial competition: Jasmine Mangalaseril
Social Sharing With capstone projects top of mind, end-of-term can be busy and stressful for college students completing their diploma programs. For Dux Donyll Menil, Sanskruti Patil and Emilie Duffin, it also means extra hours in training so they can represent Conestoga College's School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at the Skills Ontario competition in early May. With more than 2,400 secondary and post secondary students vying for medals, it's Canada's largest skilled trades competition. While good marks are important, intangible qualities also play a part in selecting competitors. "There's always the gifted one in class where you can see the ideas are very different, interesting," explained chef Sergio Shidomi, one of Conestoga's culinary instructors. "Who's standing out from the group. It's not easy to do…it's a lot to absorb, so they have to be a very calm person, too." Restaurant Service Dux Donyll Menil's attention to detail and problem-solving skills were important factors in being selected for the Restaurant Service competition. "So much of service is about personality and problem solving in the moment. Dux, our competitor, already he's a great server," said Darryl Haus, hospitality instructor and maître d' at Conestoga's Bloom Restaurant. "You can tell he really, truly is a professional because he knows how to read the guests. He knows how to meet and exceed their expectations." Menil arrived at Conestoga having studied hospitality and hotel management in the Philippines. Here, he knits together academics and work from both sides of the globe. "Working in a restaurant as the server, you think that is a simple thing, but if you're going to put yourself in our shoes, we have a hard time to shift your mood while you're here in the restaurant," said Menil. "We're not only serving food. We're giving you an experience." The Restaurant Service competition will test Menil's bartending skills and ability to identify wine varietals. He will also be expected to serve a four-course meal for four and prepare a unique non-alcoholic cocktail from a list of provided ingredients. Haus and Conestoga instructors, Sam Prout (bartending) and Nikki Does (wines) oversee his training. Baking Competition Over the course of their diplomas, Sanskruti Patil and Emilie Duffin displayed a strong understanding of flavours. Shidomi also mentioned Patil's clean presentations at in-school competitions, while Duffin's forte is thinking outside the box. Their coaches are chefs Sabine Heinrich-Kumar and Tim Simpson with Shidomi providing guidance when and as he can. "I get to learn new chefs are so good they calm us down. They run down the process to us and then it's really great," said Patil. As the students' training progresses, their confidence grows. "They've been giving me great feedback on the flavours and the designs," said Duffin. "It's been really helpful everything." In Toronto, Patil and Duffin will compete as individuals, creating bonbons, macarons, and a sculptural chocolate centrepiece. Each submission will need to meet specific weights and measurements and the recipes they're currently developing must use ingredients from a list provided by contest organizers. Attracting young people to skilled trades According to Employment and Social Development Canada, more than 700,000 tradespeople in Canada are expected to retire within five years, which means these competitions are important in highlighting career possibilities for the next generation. These events help colleges attract students, and the students benefit too. Apart from testing their skills outside their school environment, participants make connections and build their professional networks. And while competition training is a lot of extra work, it also allows them to excel beyond their usual schoolwork. "At the end of the day, this as an opportunity for the student to push themselves. So often in the industry, we push ourselves to be better and to learn better," said Haus. "And this is an opportunity for them to grow."
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Conestoga chef and hospitality students put to the test at provincial competition: Jasmine Mangalaseril
With capstone projects top of mind, end-of-term can be busy and stressful for college students completing their diploma programs. For Dux Donyll Menil, Sanskruti Patil and Emilie Duffin, it also means extra hours in training so they can represent Conestoga College's School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at the Skills Ontario competition in early May. With more than 2,400 secondary and post secondary students vying for medals, it's Canada's largest skilled trades competition. While good marks are important, intangible qualities also play a part in selecting competitors. "There's always the gifted one in class where you can see the ideas are very different, interesting," explained chef Sergio Shidomi, one of Conestoga's culinary instructors. "Who's standing out from the group. It's not easy to do…it's a lot to absorb, so they have to be a very calm person, too." Dux Donyll Menil's attention to detail and problem-solving skills were important factors in being selected for the Restaurant Service competition. "So much of service is about personality and problem solving in the moment. Dux, our competitor, already he's a great server," said Darryl Haus, hospitality instructor and maître d' at Conestoga's Bloom Restaurant. "You can tell he really, truly is a professional because he knows how to read the guests. He knows how to meet and exceed their expectations." "He knows how to meet and exceed their expectations" says hospitality instructor Darryl Haus (left) of student Dux Donyll Menil (right) who will be taking part in the restaurant service portion of the competition. (Jasmine Mangalaseril/CBC) Menil arrived at Conestoga having studied hospitality and hotel management in the Philippines. Here, he knits together academics and work from both sides of the globe. "Working in a restaurant as the server, you think that is a simple thing, but if you're going to put yourself in our shoes, we have a hard time to shift your mood while you're here in the restaurant," said Menil. "We're not only serving food. We're giving you an experience." The Restaurant Service competition will test Menil's bartending skills and ability to identify wine varietals. He will also be expected to serve a four-course meal for four and prepare a unique non-alcoholic cocktail from a list of provided ingredients. Haus and Conestoga instructors, Sam Prout (bartending) and Nikki Does (wines) oversee his training. Over the course of their diplomas, Sanskruti Patil and Emilie Duffin displayed a strong understanding of flavours. Shidomi also mentioned Patil's clean presentations at in-school competitions, while Duffin's forte is thinking outside the box. Their coaches are chefs Sabine Heinrich-Kumar and Tim Simpson with Shidomi providing guidance when and as he can. Student Sanskruti Patil will compete against classmate Emilie Duffin in the baking portion of the competition. (Jasmine Mangalaseril/CBC) "I get to learn new chefs are so good they calm us down. They run down the process to us and then it's really great," said Patil. As the students' training progresses, their confidence grows. "They've been giving me great feedback on the flavours and the designs," said Duffin. "It's been really helpful everything." In Toronto, Patil and Duffin will compete as individuals, creating bonbons, macarons, and a sculptural chocolate centrepiece. Each submission will need to meet specific weights and measurements and the recipes they're currently developing must use ingredients from a list provided by contest organizers. According to Employment and Social Development Canada, more than 700,000 tradespeople in Canada are expected to retire within five years, which means these competitions are important in highlighting career possibilities for the next generation. Emilie Duffin will compete in the baking portion of the Skills Ontario competition. (Jasmine Mangalaseril/CBC) These events help colleges attract students, and the students benefit too. Apart from testing their skills outside their school environment, participants make connections and build their professional networks. And while competition training is a lot of extra work, it also allows them to excel beyond their usual schoolwork. "At the end of the day, this as an opportunity for the student to push themselves. So often in the industry, we push ourselves to be better and to learn better," said Haus. "And this is an opportunity for them to grow."
CBC
17-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
Conestoga College to vacate buidlings in Kitchener and Brantford as leases expire
Students and faculty at two downtown Conestoga College campuses in Kitchener and Brantford are moving in the coming months. Conestoga College announced the leases at their locations at 274 Colborne St. in Brantford and 49 Frederick St. in Kitchener are expiring. A statement from the college to CBC News says the programs offered at those locations will move to a new spot. "In downtown Kitchener, academic-related operations will transition to 1 Young St.," the statement said. "In Brantford, operations will move to 50 Wellington St.." The Brantford move takes effect May 1 while the Kitchener move to Young Street will happen in September. Student housing and other locations Across from the Frederick Street campus in Kitchener, the college is in the process of renovating a former office building for student housing. The college says the redevelopment of that 12-story vacant office building at 22 Frederick St. will continue. Colleges in Ontario have undergone a number of changes this year due to international student caps. Conestoga saw their intake of students cut by 50 per cent. Support staff at Conestoga College were told at the beginning of April they can expect layoffs in the near future. Vikki Poirier, president of OPSEU Local 238 which represents support staff at the college, said at the time they had been holding information sessions for employees knowing other colleges were cutting jobs. Conestoga has also announced other relocations and partnership programs: The college says it will also welcome students to its new location in Stratford this fall. Phase 2 of the Conestoga Skilled trade campus in Cambridge is scheduled to welcome students in the fall of 2026. The school has also partnered with the Grand Erie District School Board to form a new program with the board called the College-Within-a-School Program. It's the first one in the province. There's no word on the future of the buildings at Frederick Street in Kitchener or Colborne Street in Brantford.
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Forbes
The Top 10 Glamping Campsites In The U.S. According To The Dyrt
Cozy Heron Glamping in North Carolina: Conestoga wagons with king-size beds The Dyrt, the popular camping app listing all public and private campgrounds, RV parks, and free camping locations in the United States, has announced the winners of the 2025 Glampy Awards. Now in its fourth year, the Glampys recognize and honor the country's most unique and innovative glamping destinations. Outdoor lovers will find a glampsite worth booking in this year's selection of winners, including Utah's Zion Glamping Adventures, with its luxurious bell tents set against an iconically Western backdrop, which takes top honors this year. 'When we first started the Glampy Awards, its purpose was to shine a light on some of the rare finds across the country, glampgrounds offering something extraordinary and unique,' says The Dyrt founder Sarah Smith. 'Here we are three years later, and glamping has become more integrated into traditional campgrounds. It's more common to see campgrounds offer glamping sites among many camping experiences, leading to widespread innovation and creativity in glamping.' Each of these properties has plenty of extras that make a campsite into a glampsite and are all located in beautiful places offering numerous activities. Among the favorites are an Appalachian cabin with a hot tub, a geodesic star-viewing station, and a luxury Conestoga wagon compound. According to The Dyrt, winners were selected by the camping community and awarded on a subjective basis. The winning glampgrounds were chosen for overall glampiness, originality of design, immersion in nature and the surrounding beauty. With so many amazing glampgrounds across the U.S., previous Glampy Award winners were not eligible. Zion Glamping Adventures is located in southern Utah, near Zion National Park This setting couldn't be more perfect, with one of the most iconic destinations in America nearby. With 24 bell tents in a quiet cove in Hildale, Utah, this site is surrounded by the Canaan Mountain Wilderness, giving guests the best outdoor location and ultimate privacy. Offering more than simply a nice tent and a comfortable mattress, the campsite provides family-friendly excursions, including side-by-side tours, guided hikes, horse trail rides, biking, and others. North Haven Campground This well-kept 40-site spot is a great base for birdwatchers. It is located close to the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Selkirk Loop, offering many opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic drives. The famous Selkirk Loop crosses into Canada but even driving just a portion of it will make you appreciate the stunning beauty of the Idaho Panhandle. Nearby trails for hikers include the trek to Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge. After your day trips, you have a range of lodgings to relax in. Luxury log cabins sleep four or eight and offer full kitchens, dining and living areas, heated floors, A/C, flat-screen TVs with DirecTV, and queen-size sleeper sofas. There are also two new Conestoga glamping wagons, king-size beds and twin bunks, electricity, heat and A/C, fridge and microwave, outdoor grill area, and access to a private bathhouse with towels and toiletries. A camp store sells ice, firewood, drinks, candy, and souvenirs. Twin Falls Glamping Tents With only four sites, Twin Falls Ranch makes a luxurious base for exploring the nearby Guadalupe River State Park and the many vineyards and wine-tasting rooms in the area. Stroll the town of Fredricksburg, explore the fascinating Cascade Caverns nearby, and then relax in your large, light-filled tent nestled among shade trees. Hiking trails are nearby and on the grounds themselves. The resort's family-friendly adventure tents are spacious, with several configurations of beds and bedroom furniture, cozy fire pits, heaters, and big front porches that invite hangouts. A central building in the common area holds restrooms, a kitchen, and a dining area. Untamed Honey Glampsites Untamed Honey is an ideal combination of camping pleasures with six unique Luna Bell Tents nestled on the shores of Clarks Hill Lake. Each glamping tent has king or queen beds and well-curated décor. A central bathhouse has private shower rooms and flush toilets. The property has self-check-in so you can go straight to your tent on arrival. Nearby, the quaint town of Lincolnton offers boutique shopping and restaurants. You can rent boats at a local marina, play golf at two public courses, hike or bike at several state parks, and visit Soap Creek Public Beach, a sandy beach within walking distance with Kayaks and SUPs available to rent. Scruffy Buffalo Ranch You can have the best hiking or climbing adventure at the famous City of Rocks National Reserve and then relax in a cool glamping dome while stargazing from the comfort of your bed. The five glamping geodomes here let you fully immerse yourself in nature. In addition to 12 new bell tents for the 2025 season, the property also offers a range of activities suited to all ages, including guided horseback trail riding and nature hikes. Rock Wren Hideaway This escape offers only three luxury bell tents close to the City of Rocks National Reserve in the Albion Mountains. It is an excellent base camp for climbers, hikers, and mountain bikers, with an emphasis on being family-friendly. It's near the Snake River, where you can rent kayaks to explore from the riverbank. Also nearby is Castle Rocks State Park, another rock-climbing hotspot, where Native American pictographs and historic trails give visitors a sense of the area's importance over time. Each tent is equipped with comfortable queen-size beds, spacious patios, and deck chairs. The tents are tucked away in the trees with views of the surrounding mountain ridge, and there's a shared restroom a short walk away. Cozy Heron Glamping covered wagon Conveniently located in Lillington, right along the bank of the upper Cape Fear River, this property offers accommodations in covered wagons. Each of their five handmade wooden Conestoga wagons has comfortable furnishings, including a king-size bed, two bunks, a table, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, heat and A/C, and a collection of board games. A central fire pit on a stone patio and a bathhouse with toiletries are also provided. The property is next door to a river outfitter where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, go tubing, or take SUP yoga classes. Raven Rock State Park, with tons of hiking trails, is a 15-minute drive away. Timberline Glamping at Amicalola Falls Located at the far end of Amicalola Falls State Park, these four enormous safari tents are set up for groups or big families. Each tent has a king bed and two bunk beds, plus extras like hammocks, chairs, picnic tables, a mini fridge and coffee maker, lamps, chargers, heating, and air conditioning. There's even a double safari tent with two queen-size beds and all the other furnishings. The location is family-friendly, with games and hikes geared toward younger campers. A short walk away from the tents is a bathhouse with restrooms and showers. Local activities include a zip line, archery range, winery and distillery tours, Atlanta Motorsports Park, and a section of the storied Appalachian Trail. The park's namesake, nearby Amicalola Falls, is one of the highlights of the North Georgia Mountains. Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse This is a large, well-established 70-site campground near Summersville Lake, an ideal spot for kayaking and fishing. The real draw for glampers here is the five beautiful, hand-built, comfortably furnished cabins. The larger cabins are chalet-style and individually decorated. They are built from local Appalachian hemlock and equipped with a refrigerator, oven, microwave, coffee station, cookware, and utensils. Outside each secluded cabin is a fire pit, picnic table, gas grill, and hot tub. Other options include a tiny house cabin decorated with a theme — earth, air, fire, or water — plus the barn and farmhouse and two vintage RVs. There's a playground for the kids that contains a model pirate ship, a game room, a fancy dog park, and the namesake lighthouse, which you can climb up for impressive views of the lake and surrounding hills. Roaring River Hills Campground & Cabins This large, family-friendly property is near the popular Roaring River State Park entrance in the southwest Ozark hills. It offers 11 deluxe tents and cabins beside a river. The main campground is beloved for its excellent trout fishing and easy access to hiking trails. The glamping site offers heated mattresses on the king, queen, or twin-size beds, woodstoves or space heaters indoors, covered patio spaces, firewood delivered each night, and a store stocked with hot chocolate and other goodies. The shared modern bathhouses with hot showers are kept spotless. The 2025 Glampy Awards were presented by the New 2025 Ford Bronco Sport®. glamping
CBC
03-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
'A lot of fear, there's a lot of anxiety' for staff at Conestoga College as layoffs loom, union reps say
Social Sharing Support staff at Conestoga College have been told they can expect layoffs in the near future, causing a lot of fear and anxiety, union representatives say. Vikki Poirier, president of OPSEU Local 238 which represents support staff at the college, says they've been holding information sessions for employees knowing other colleges are cutting jobs. Colleges across the province say they have to lay off staff due to international student caps, which are cutting into their budgets. Conestoga College, for instance, saw their intake of international students cut by 50 per cent. On Friday, two OPSEU locals received notice from Conestoga College that it intended to reduce the number of support staff. On Monday, an internal memo went out to staff. "There's a lot of fear, there's a lot of anxiety, a lot of uncertainty," Poirier said in an interview on CBC K-W's The Morning Edition with host Craig Norris. Now, they've now entered a confidential process with the college, and Poirier says they're doing their best to reassure and help workers. "We're educating members so they're aware of the process. There's misconceptions and misunderstandings. So I don't want to provide inaccurate or unrealistic expectations to them," she said. Leopold Koff is president of OPSEU Local 237 which represents faculty, counselors and librarians and which also received notice from the college of the intention to reduce staff. He says this is a time when colleges in Ontario should be investing in what they do, not cutting staff. "With the Trump tariff wars about to happen and underway, the colleges are in a unique position to be able to give the flexibility and diversity of training and retraining to make our economy and the people and the workers and the employers more flexible and resilient to these tariff wars," he said. "What the college is doing now is the reverse in terms of reduction of qualified, experienced faculty and administrators and not utilizing the hundreds of millions of dollars they have in cash reserves to maintain the stable basis of the colleges and especially Conestoga." Conestoga College's spokesperson Brenda Bereczki said the internal memo sent on Monday "stated that discussions with the support staff union over the coming weeks are confidential as outlined in the collective agreement." More information is expected to be shared in the next few weeks, she said. The news of layoffs comes as the college continues plans to expand in Stratford and Guelph and after the province's Sunshine List, released last week, showed Conestoga president John Tibbits was paid $640,005 in 2024, up from $494,716 in 2023. Poirier says she hopes the college remembers that the support staff her local represents are needed by Conestoga. They are the "foundation of the college that keeps the college going, keeps the programs going so the faculty can work and that the managers can manage them," she said. And Koff says the provincial government could do more to save jobs at the colleges. "I believe that this is an opportunity for the premier to step up and invest in our colleges," Koff said. "The colleges can turn and pivot. They can provide training and retraining to quote provide to the industry that and our businesses in Canada, Ontario, so that we can compete and be independent and flexible and compete with the world and act independent from the U.S. going forward. The colleges are the secret weapon we have. We should utilize it."
