Jim Watson running again for Mayor = shortened fitness classes | Unpublished
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MaureenKorp's picture
Ottawa, Ontario
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Maureen Korp, PhD is an independent scholar, curator, and writer whose home base is Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Author of many publications, Dr. Korp has lectured at universities in Europe, S.Asia, and North America on the intertwined histories of art and religions. From 2008-10, she was associate professor, history of art, architecture, and design at Beaconhouse National University, Pakistan.

Dr. Korp's research area is land-based art. Her best-known book is Sacred Art of the Earth: Ancient and Contemporary Earthworks (1997).

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Jim Watson running again for Mayor = shortened fitness classes

March 29, 2014

Note that our mayor will run again. After all, he's brought such light and delights to our city. Look again. Another sinkhole. Just last week I cheerfully renewed my annual membership at Jack Purcell Community Centre. I attend classes there two to three times a week, per doctor's orders.

How so? I am one of the increasing numbers of pedestrians in this town who have been hit by motor vehicles while crossing the street. Jack Purcell's aquafitness program provides me with ongoing therapy and chronic pain management.

The Jack Purcell pool closes for its annual cleaning on Monday. When it reopens April 22, all of its 25 scheduled pool fitness classes are to be shortened by 15 minutes. Each of these classes had been an hour. The classes are designed to address differing needs and conditions, including chronic pain, aquatherapy, fitness, low impact, etc. Why this cutback? Staff said the decision was made by "someone at city hall."

One instructor said she will eliminate "stretching" and "cool-down" in order to keep the "cardio" component intact within the 45 minutes now permitted. She hopes our class will do be able to do the our usual "stretching" and "cool down" portions on our own.

On our own? Sure. I note the centres all have defibrillators handy. Will there be more need of them this year? Hope not. Concerns are rising.

Maureen Korp