UNews - Kerry Gellrich

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s popular Play Day returning as in-person Family Day community event

trevor.kenney — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:42:23 +0000

Play Day is officially back — welcome to the jungle!

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will once again host an in-person Play Day community event on Family Day this year, the first time families have been able to gather and enjoy the free festival of play since 2020. Presented by North & Company LLP Law Offices, Play Day takes place Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

Initiated in 2012, Play Day has turned into a Family Day tradition, bringing together families from throughout southern Alberta. In recent years, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has had to hold the event virtually (2021) or cancel it altogether due to public safety measures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme — the jungle!

“When we started this as a pilot project over 10 years ago, I’m not sure anybody knew what to expect,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor, the driving force behind the initial event. “The goal was simple — provide an opportunity for families to get together and just spend time playing. In today’s world, there are so few chances for families to be present with one another and just have some fun. I’m proud we’ve been able to present this to our community over the years.”

In 2019, North & Company jumped on board as a presenting sponsor. With more than half of their partners and associates having graduated from the U of L, they have built their practice in the Lethbridge community, while providing services to branch offices in Blairmore, Bow Island, Claresholm, Coaldale, High River, Milk River, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, Vulcan and Warner.

“This event is a perfect fit for us and one we’re proud to support,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA '06), partner with North & Company LLP Law Offices. “We are a family-oriented legal firm and Play Day is all about celebrating family and the value of community and togetherness. We’re thrilled to be back in person again and can’t wait to play in the jungle!”

The jungle theme will permeate a full slate of activities spread throughout the 1st Choice Savings Centre. These include the massive cardboard fort building area (led by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association), swimming in the Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre, access to the Ascent Climbing Centre’s climbing walls, gym activities like basketball and soccer, a host of scientific discovery areas, face painting stations and $5 meal packs to energize the whole family.

The call for volunteers has also begun, with positions from setup to face painting, food zone support and cleanup all available. Those looking to help with Play Day 2023 can sign up here.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and North & Company LLP readying to present 10th annual Play Day to community

trevor.kenney — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 21:04:59 +0000

Family Day is just around the corner, which means the annual ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Play Day, presented by North & Company LLP, is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

But we can’t have Play Day when we’re shuttered in our houses and unable to gather, can we? That could not be farther from the truth, in fact, the power of play and all its benefits may be more important now than ever.

“For 10 years we’ve been able to provide a venue for families to gather on Family Day and celebrate being together in a play atmosphere,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor. “We obviously can’t supply the venue this year, but the essence of play isn’t confined to a specific place — it’s the act of play that matters, wherever you are.”

Instead of southern Albertans coming to the U of L for Play Day, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is reaching out to the world and instigating a Play Week that will run Monday through Friday, Feb. 15-20, offering play activities, suggestions and resources for families to take part in on their own time and in their own spaces.

“The heart of Play Day has always been about bringing family units together through play,” adds Mahon. “You don’t need to be on campus to do that. We’ll supply some ideas and some fun activities as a starting point and after that, families can take it wherever they want. The big thing is doing something together, remembering how to have fun and laugh — something I think we are all looking for these days.”

Imagination is the theme of the week as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ looks to spark creativity, generate ideas and inspire innovative thought. Through imagination, we learn and grow, and we adapt to changing circumstances.

The week will be comprised of three related elements: a series of interactive play videos aimed at children and families; an online community lecture on play and brain development with neuroscientists Dr. Robbin Gibb (BASc (BSc) ’77, MSc ’01, PhD ’04); and a social media campaign enabling families to share in elements of play and to educate everyone on the benefits of play for brain development and healthy communities.

A full list of activities will soon be available on a dedicated Play Day web page, while a specific Play Week Facebook Event will allow everyone to engage with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ by sharing their activities for a chance to win participatory prizes. The U of L Music Conservatory, Art Gallery, Pronghorn Athletics, Destination Exploration and PACT (Philanthropy, Advancement, Communication and Traditions student club) are all taking part.

“This is our third year supporting Play Day and we’re thrilled we’ve found a way to keep this tradition going despite the restrictions we are facing. This is an important community event and one families look forward to every year,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA '06), Partner, North & Company LLP, who confirms their sponsorship will continue forward. “That Play Day will now encompass a whole week and be available to everyone online means we can reach so many more families and keep engaging people in activities that support togetherness and community wellness.”

Annual Family Day Play Day celebration to highlight agriculture themed activities

trevor.kenney — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 20:36:34 +0000

The family farm will come to life inside the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge hosts its ninth annual Play Day on Family Day, Monday, February 17, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Presented in partnership with North & Company LLP, Play Day is a free day of family fun featuring all the amenities of the 1st Choice Savings Centre. Bring a swimsuit, gym shoes and comfortable clothing to take part in a variety of agriculture themed activities. Were you born in a barn? Maybe not, but you can come out and play in one!

“When we started working on this concept for our first Play Day in 2012, I’m not really sure we knew what to expect,” says Kali McKay, manager, Constituent Engagement. “The idea then, as it remains today, was to create an opportunity for southern Albertans to come together and celebrate being a family by simply playing with one another. It has obviously resonated with our communities and I think there’s been a boost in Family Day activities all across the region as a result. Family matters, and we’re proud to keep the tradition going.”

North and Company LLP is back for its second year as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s presenting partner. North & Company LLP has been providing quality legal services to southern Alberta since it was established in 1973. With more than half of their partners and associates having graduated from the U of L, they have built their practice in the Lethbridge community, while providing services to branch offices in Blairmore, Claresholm, Coaldale, High River, Milk River, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, Vulcan and Warner.

“We’re a family law firm and many of our associates have young families, so for us, Play Day is the perfect kind of community activity with which we want to be associated,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA ’06), partner with North & Company LLP. “Our people and the work they do is about building community and we do that through our families. We’re excited to be part of Play Day again.”

Activities for the agriculture themed event include the classic Free Build cardboard fort building zone, along with a collection of sporting activities such as basketball, floor hockey and swimming. The U of L’s Ascent Climbing Centre is also available for play, while art activities and science-themed educational areas will be spread throughout the facility. And, of course, the ever-popular face painting zones will be as busy as ever.

The best part about Play Day is the fact that it’s free to everyone, including admission and parking. An added bonus for those who attend Play Day 2020 is 15 per cent off identified regular priced Summer Camp registration fees – Horns Recreation, Destination Exploration, Conservatory of Music.

Check out Facebook for event details.

Alumni Honour Society inductees making valuable contributions to society

trevor.kenney — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 21:45:58 +0000

They guide policy at the government level, protect and promote the rights of a diverse population, lay the groundwork for the fight against cancer and inspire future generations through guidance and education.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni make valuable and wide-ranging contributions to society locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association is pleased to recognize those who have made significant impressions by inducting six new members into the Alumni Honour Society.

“This is a very distinguished group representing the breadth of study we have here at the U of L,” says Matthew McHugh, Chair of the ULAA Recognition Committee. “The liberal arts focus of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ really shines through when you see how many facets of society our alumni influence and how they have taken what they have learned through their studies and applied those lessons in such meaningful ways.”

Introduced in honour of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 35th Anniversary in 2002, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association established the Alumni Honour Society to recognize the achievements of a select group of alumni each year. The individuals honoured serve as role models through success in their vocation, outstanding community service or superior accomplishment in their avocation.

Like those before them, the 2019 inductees are outstanding examples of U of L alumni. Each of the individuals used the knowledge they gained at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to achieve their personal and professional goals, and through these achievements has left a lasting impact on the people, organizations and communities with which they are involved.

The group will be inducted into the Alumni Honour Society and celebrated at Let There Be Light Night, on Friday, October 18, 2019.

2019 Alumni Honour Society inductees

Justin Ferbey (BASc ’95)

As the Deputy Minister of Economic Development for the Yukon Government, Justin Ferbey brings a vision and drive that makes a lasting impact on the lives of others. His leadership on the Single Track to Success initiative, which aimed to build biking trails while simultaneously returning First Nations youth to the land, elevated the local economy by transforming Carcross, Yukon into a destination spot for avid mountain bikers. Justin also led the ratification process for the Carcross/Tagish First Nation community, ending 32 years of negotiations when a modern treaty and a self-governing agreement was reached.

Kerry Gellrich (BA ’06)

Kerry Gellrich is an exceptional lawyer and partner at North and Company Law Offices LLP, overseeing the firm’s litigation department. She frequently uses her quick wit, work ethic and empathy to provide counsel to various clients and has appeared at all levels of the Courts in the Province of Alberta. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Kerry served as a board member for the Justica Project, an initiative aimed at breaking barriers and promoting diversity in the private practice of law. Through her commitment to this cause, others are inspired and enabled to pursue rich careers in law.

Roy Golsteyn (BASc (BSc) ’84)

Dr. Roy Golsteyn’s impressive career in molecular biology, natural products and cancer research has generated a lasting impact on the biological sciences worldwide. Golsteyn’s latest work is focused on testing prairie plants for anti-cancer medicines. During his time at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, he has mentored close to 3,000 students, served on various boards and fulfilled multiple volunteer roles. For the last seven years, he has acted as a judge for both regional and Canada-wide science fairs and he frequently visits local high schools to present on the impact of biology as a career choice. Combining a love for science and a passion for inspiring the next generation of biologists, Roy embodies the spirit of leadership.

Russel Orcutt (BSc ’94)

Russel Orcutt is a standout example of how far a strong work ethic and a sense of curiosity can take you. As the Chief Executive Officer of Summit, a company focused on providing organizations and markets with environmental services spanning initial project planning and management to asset retirement, remediation and reclamation, Russel has positioned himself as a leader in the environmental sustainability sector. By pushing boundaries and leading a competent and diverse team, he has grown an exceptional company with a distinct impact. Through consultations with Russel and his team, sectors such as the oil and gas industry are able to plan for the future and incorporate environmental sustainability into their work. The demands of working towards the future health of the planet are complex, but for Russel they are well worth the time and strategic vision to strive towards a more sustainable future.

Jason Schilling (BFA/BEd ’94)

Jason Schilling’s career as a southern Alberta educator is rooted in his commitment to achieving a greater good for students, teachers and communities alike. In his current roles as a teacher at Kate Andrews High School and President of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, he advocates for the value of public education by providing numerous opportunities for people to extend their skillsets. For Schilling, mentorship is a crucial part of his mandate, and he consistently provides professional development opportunities for teachers within his own school as well as others throughout the district. Students are genuinely excited to learn from him, and the example that he sets encourages students to be active in their studies as well as their communities.

Mathew (BA ’97, MA ’00) and Penny Stone (BA/BEd ‘97)

In their respective careers, Mathew and Penny Stone have worked tirelessly to share their talents, expertise and skills to build a better future. As a well-respected educator, Penny instills a sense of civic duty and care in her students. Mathew’s role as a business leader provides him the opportunity to mentor young minds and curate community involvement on a broad scale. Their impact together is perhaps most strongly felt on the U of L campus. Upon learning that many students felt in the dark about career paths for those with humanities degrees, Mathew and Penny, in conjunction with the Department of History, implemented extensive programming highlighting non-conventional opportunities available to students following graduation. The Stones have mentored dozens of students and young professionals, volunteered hundreds of hours and are active donors. From providing feedback on interview skills to helping build strong resumes, their impact on young students has undoubtedly helped build a widespread understanding of the value of a liberal arts education.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ excited to welcome North & Company LLP as supporter of Play Day 2019

trevor.kenney — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 16:37:24 +0000

One of southern Alberta’s most established legal firms and community supporters, North & Company LLP, is on board to help deliver one of the region’s most attended family traditions, the annual ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Play Day.

What began as a pilot project in 2012 has grown into a Family Day mainstay, as the eighth annual Family Day play event will take place Monday, February 18, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.

“We are a family-oriented legal firm with deep ties to both the community and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, so we’re very excited to partner with the U of L to present this wonderful event,” says Kerry Gellrich (BA '06), partner with North & Company LLP. “Play Day is a celebration of family and community and embodies the values of the people in our firm and the work we do here in southern Alberta.”

Play Day 2019 is following a Winter Wonderland theme and while winter is sometimes fleeting in our ever-changing climate, the fun that families will experience while at the U of L is a given.

“It’s hard to believe we are already in our eighth year, it seems as though it was just yesterday when we were dreaming up ideas for the first event,” says U of L President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “That the event has become so popular tells me that southern Albertans understand the importance of family and how simply spending time together and playing together strengthens those bonds. The investment in quality family time is something our community really appreciates.”

Play Day activities for the Winter Wonderland include the classic Free Build cardboard fort building zone, along with a collection of sporting activities such as basketball, floor hockey, swimming and fitastic play. The U of L’s Ascent Climbing Centre is also available for play, while art activities and science-themed educational areas will be spread throughout the facility. And, of course, the ever-popular face painting zones will be as busy as ever.

North & Company LLP has been providing quality legal services to southern Alberta since it was established in 1973. With more than half of their partners and associates having graduated from the U of L, they have built their practice in the Lethbridge community, while providing services to branch offices in Blairmore, Claresholm, Coaldale, High River, Milk River, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, Vulcan and Warner.

“We’re thrilled to welcome North & Company LLP as our new community sponsor,” says Mahon. “Their commitment to the southern Alberta area and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is well established, and their willingness to give back to our community through these types of endeavours is greatly appreciated.”

Perhaps the best aspect of Play Day is that it’s free to everyone. There is no charge for admission or parking and people are encouraged to bring gym shoes, comfortable clothing and a swimsuit to enjoy all the activities. An added bonus for those who attend Play Day is 15 per cent off regular priced Horns Summer Camp registration fees.

Check out Facebook for event details.

UNews - Kerry Gellrich

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