Lady Knights start Students produce with a win award-winning wine Page 13 Page 8 – 9

NIAGARATHE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF NIAGARA NEW COLLEGE S Free November 23, 2007 Vol 38 • Issue 5 YOUNG, IN LOVE AND ENGAGED Going to the chapel

By JORDAN BAKER ing for the nostalgia of her parentʼs year and a half of their engage- our own thing. We knew we had Staff Writer reaction. “She thinks weʼre too ment, theyʼve spent only a each other waiting at home.” For many, marriage is a hum- young,” blurts Mitchell with a third of the time together. The two do not condone engage- drum tradition of outdated gen- smile. “It was hard,” ex- ment or marriage for younger erations, but this engaged young Though the twosome, now 21 plains Mitchell, “but people and feel that it is something couple vows the commitment is (Cudmore) and 20 (Mitchell), still it was good.” that should be taken case by worth it. have yet to set a date, they are well “It was good for case. For Billy Cudmore and Raven ahead of others their age; most are our relationship,” Mitchell says they were Mitchell, the end of high school either getting married at older ages says Cudmore. ready for a large commit- was the time to swear by one an- or not at all. “We did ment as they have a mature other through matrimony. Mitchell asks, “Is it bad to be relationship, “most of the Cudmore, a third-year student in engaged forever?” time. the Broadcasting — Radio, Tele- Cudmore popped the question a “I donʼt think itʼs for vision and Film program, asked week earlier than he had planned, everyone.” his fi ancé to marry him when he originally wanting to ask on her was 19. birthday. She couldnʼt suppress the Mitchell denies wanting to get anticipation of a surprise on her 18th married at all before she met Cud- birthday and, he says, he had to do more, a guy still in tone with chivalry it early. as he offers her his coat before enter- “Oh, you wanted to,” Mitchell ing a chilly night on their walk home jests. from her workplace. Cudmore accepts defeat, She calls marriage a symbol of “Yeah, I wanted to.” their relationship and says it is “I must say you gave me important because it is the biggest a really good birthday commitment one can make. present,” she adds. During our question period, each Two months after the half of the couple directs most an- engagement Mitchell left for six swers to the other. months in China and then British What do their friends think? Columbia and Cudmore “They all think weʼre nuts. Our has been away at Raven Mitchell and Billy friends?” asks Cudmore. school; both are Cudmore share a tender “Yeah, they think weʼre nuts,” from Peter- moment on a warm answers Mitchell. borough. autumn morning. “Mom was happy.” She thinks For the Photo by Jordan Baker back about her engagement, paus- first Meth addiction not worth the trip By JOANNA NOFTALL rines resident, says she was once a problem because of the people she homeless or donʼt have their parents she had a serious problem, I lost Staff Writer meth addict. was hanging out around. in their lives. I had all that. My par- trust in her because sheʼd lie to me “It is not heroin or cocaine that “First came weed. Then after “Everyone I hung out with, includ- ents have been married for just over over and over again. She would makes one an addict; it is the need that, Iʼd do anything for painkill- ing my boyfriend, did it too. There 30 years. I have a great sister and steal my pain medications and to escape from a harsh reality.” ers, especially oxycodone.” was people telling me to stop, but it very close friends who love me.” my money,” says Laura. “It got so – Shirley Chisholm, the fi rst Afri- Tara had “everything,” her sister made me angry, so I did it more.” Laura, 23, of St. Catharines, says bad in my house, my parents and I can-American woman to win a seat Laura says.”A happy home, a suc- Tara was familiar to the dating she watched her sister go through would have to keep locks on all the in the United States Congress. cessful job and she had friends. I scene and had many boyfriends in all the ups and downs. cabinets or hide even Tylenol.” Methamphetamine is a powerful, guess itʼs the bad boyfriends she had her teens and early adult years. She “We have a close-knit relation- Laura knew Tara needed to addictive stimulant that directly that increased her want for meth.” admits she “made mistakes” but ship, and I expected her to come to realize she had a problem before affects the central nervous system. “Itʼs in my past, but sometimes I learned from each one. me, but she didnʼt right away.” she could help her. “I obviously Street names include speed, meth, get overwhelmed and it all comes “Adam is the boyfriend who got Laura and Tara got along most of wanted to shake her and tell her to ice, crystal, crank or glass. The high back to me,” says Tara. She says me to try it,” Tara says. the time except for “normal sister go to treatment, but I had to let her of meth can last up to six or eight she started with marijuana, not “I got addicted very easily and rivalry, which typically means boy- realize it on her own.” hours, says www.narconon.ca. “with the hard stuff.” it was weird. When you think of friends,” says Laura. Tara, a 25-year-old St. Catha- She didnʼt realize she had a an addict, maybe you think theyʼre “In the fi rst part of me realizing Continued on Page 3 INSIDE THIS WEEK Student Finanical Aid Pg. 6 • Economic Summit Pg. 7 • Niagara Noise Pg. 10 –11 • Sports Pg. 12 –13 2 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 23, 2007 Students prepare for road By RACHEL SANDERSON trust him with the skills he has. Staff Writer “Itʼs going to be hard to get Blood, broken bones, gunshot used to. At times you may hate the wounds — theyʼre all in a dayʼs work business,” he adds discussing how for Paramedic program students. he feels about death. This two-year program prepares Almost all of the students are these students for any emergency pre-tested before being admitted situation they may come across. into the program, and marks count. Some of the students are not Of about 1,000 applicants, 56 planning to ride in an ambulance, students get in. however. Not many drop out since 95 per Steve Townsend, 19, of Stratford, cent of students are here because Ont., chose Niagara College, he says, they want to be. The dropout rate because “we have a good reputation is about fi ve per cent. Those who for our Paramedic program.” do leave have a specifi c reason, be “I have seen accidents. Gory it not going to class or for personal movies donʼt bother me at all,” he reasons, Chandler says. adds. He adds the job is exciting. “You Kris Algra, 33, has been to donʼt know what your next job is Niagara College before for going to be. It could be anything. electrical engineering but wanted You have to push emotions aside.” to be a paramedic. He says he was Chandler says students this year always the Boy Scout who would are “better off than the ones from fi x up the scraped knee. “Iʼm sort 10 years ago.” They are no better of an adrenaline junkie.” as paramedics but are more “For the most part,” Algra says, confident going into work. “Iʼm looking forward to getting out He says, “We are harder on them there, but I know Iʼm gonna hurl and they seem to be more confi dent my guts out at least once.” when they come out. They have 540 Rick Chandler, 58, a graduate of hours of working with people who the Paramedic program in 1978, are more qualifi ed. The students has been a professor here since he stay with the same paramedics for graduated and works for Niagara the two years they are here. The EMS about 12 hours a week. He equipment is more sophisticated. says that the other faculty and he A paramedic student shows her teacher what she knows in a test, as she takes care of this student who is They learn it and learn it well.” work “on the road.” He recalls at the role-playing as a gunshot victim. Townsend says when he steps onto beginning he was “deathly afraid of Photo by Rachel Sanderson a scene his “adrenaline would be calls.” He says that fear stops when they think a good paramedic is knowledgeable of the equipment.” teaches the students that death is pumping and you know if you donʼt you know what you can do. “compassionate for people and can The duo says the most impor- real and it “actually does happen.” do anything this guyʼs going to die.” Laura Connolly, 32, a 1997 graduate, work independently.” tant thing students should get out It teaches them about the medical He has always been “into the has been teaching here for two years “We make all the decisions,” of this program is assessment, and legal issues and psychology, emergency kind” of jobs and wants and works 36 hours a week as a says Chandler. “You have to be or how to use the information but, he adds, “You can tell them all to also be a fi refi ghter. paramedic. She says when she intelligent, be able to think. We learned and apply the knowledge you want, but you donʼt know if “It is the kind of job that you graduated she was “ready.” have to make bang-bang decisions. to patient care. they can handle it.” can go home and know you did Chandler and Connolly agree You also have to be organized and Chandler says the program Townsend says he feels proud people something useful.” Province takes lead on environment McGuinty challenges feds to show some leadership

By SHANE BUCKINGHAM would grab peopleʼs attention.” but that date has now been pushed Staff Writer The Smart Meter, which monitors back to 2014 because of power Ontario has to lead the country electricity use, has been installed demands. on climate change, Premier Dalton in 800,000 homes, he said, in an He said his government has McGuinty said last week. attempt to reduce electricity use taken measures to increase clean The federal strategy does not during “rush hours.” Eventually, he energy to replace the coal-fi red fully address the problem, he said, said, people would pay according power plants, but he acknowledged adding Ontario should step up to to their usage. additional power would be needed provide leadership on this “global He said, however, there is no in Ontario. issue.” “differential rate” on smart meters “In an ideal world, the wind The federal government doesnʼt yet, so all Ontarians pay the always blows and the sun always plan to meet the 2012 Kyoto targets same rates. shines, but the wind doesnʼt always until 2025. He said his government has blow and the sun doesnʼt always He scolded the federal government, plans for one of the biggest solar shine.” saying, “We lack federal leadership farms in North America in Sarnia, His government will start nuclear in this regard.” Ont., adding that this environmental power projects to replace Ontarioʼs He told the audience, at the project creates jobs. coal-fi red power plants, he said. Ontario Economic Summit in “There is a way to do it that McGuinty said he and his gov- Niagara-on-the-Lake, the best doesnʼt harm our economy.” ernment want to ensure nuclear way to get the public and businesses Still, Ontarioʼs four coal-fi red power power has “stability and predict- to join the fi ght against climate stations — Nanticoke, Lambton, ability” before projects are started change is create incentives. Thunder Bay and Atikokan — in the province. “A real economic value attached continue to operate. McGuinty Construction could take about 16 to greenhouse gas [reduction] promised to close them by 2007, years, he said. CORRECTIONS In the Nov. 9, 2007, edition of Niagara News on page 1 in the article “Remembering his fallen comrades,” Premier Dalton McGuinty spoke about creating incentives for Brook Mackenzieʼs name was incorrectly spelled. On page 17, the story “Enforcer on and off the ice” had an businesses and individuals to fi ght climate change at the Ontario incorrect sub-head. Derek Long is in his fi rst year for the Welland Jr. Canadians. On page 20, Tym Hrycuskoʼs Economic Summit in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Nov. 14. name was incorrectly spelled. Photo by Shane Buckingham It is the policy of Niagara News to correct errors of fact. Nov. 23, 2007 NIAGARA NEWS 3 Exams coming? Book a relaxing spa By JOE FOWLER “These girls will get state-of- Staff Writer the-art equipment to use. Weʼre Spa — itʼs not just a town in putting in a water therapy treat- Belgium. If you need to relax, ment centre that is a Vichy shower donʼt drink coffee or smoke. Try and steam treatment units. Also, visiting a spa. they learn body treatments, wraps Niagara Collegeʼs new two- and scrubs and relaxation mas- year Esthetician diploma program sage,” says Maurice. began after a feasibility study “Itʼs a great learning experi- by the Continuing Education ence,” says Katie Vye, 20, of Fort Department investigated growth Erie, in her second-year of the in the spa and hospitality market program. to determine if the market needed “I am involved with Premiere this type of training. Spas Ontario and what they are “They ran a few programs looking for, and various [other] through the department again to spa associations, following the see the demand and interest level,” trends in the wellness industry, says Lisa Maurice, program co-or- looking at employers and what dinator. standards they are looking for,” “We had a lot of good feedback says Maurice. and went to some of the local “We make sure students cover spas to see if they needed training all levels, not just skill level or facilities that were local,” says theoretical knowledge, but the Maurice. girls have the attitude, compassion for working with people. So, on all levels, [they need to] be con- “We make sure scientious, give the attention to students cover all detail that makes us unique. Other programs focus on skill but lack levels, not just skill personal appearance mannerisms, their approach, their touch.” level or theoretical “Year 2 this will be an opera- knowledge, but tional spa in September 2008. It wonʼt be a working lab. We will the girls have be booking clients.” “Itʼs great to be in a brand-new the attitude … program with the newest products, for working newest treatments and a great in- A second-year esthetician student applies a facial treatment to a client. structor,” says Katherine Barbisan, with people.” Photo by Joe Fowler 18, of Mississauga, a second-year — Lisa Maurice my own spa and a beauty product from European spas and adheres of dollars,” says Maurice. student. import business. to Ministry of Training, Colleges Besides stress relief, baby Graduates fi nd employment “I have 12 years teaching back- “Iʼm working to set up curricu- and Universities guidelines. boomers are looking to maintain at spas across Ontario, on cruise ground in this industry. I ran an- lum. Itʼs now half spa, half train- “The wellness industry is boom- a level of youth and wellness that ships, at resorts, in retail and sup- other program at another facility ing lab.” ing right now. Leisure, recreation allows them to enjoy their retire- ply companies as demonstrators, for about 12 years, and I owned The program follows techniques and hospitality are generating a lot ment years. or as spa management.

Meth: it’s a kiss of death Every Tuesday Night is Continued from page 1 It was like I wasnʼt me, just a honest and to want to get better, Tara says she wanted to “es- facet.” says Wright. First Step is run on a cape” from reality when her life Healing the broken pieces start- twice-weekly basis, Wright says. got hard. ed with a visit to Segway clinic on “The first appointment in the “Whenever people were out James Street in St. Catharines. week is to talk to your assigned drinking or going to some concert, Segway is a centre where clients doctor. Then the second is a At youʼd fi nd me doing lines. I just fi rst see a doctor who assesses urine test.” wanted a break from life. With them to see which route would Corrina Massicotte, 23, of meth, it allows you to have differ- be most effective. For Tara it was St. Catharines, is a co-worker. ent personalities. I wasnʼt the nerd methadone therapy. Massicotte says, “Tara is defi- Featuring or the goth or punk, and I wasnʼt The rehabilitation is a lot “like nitely meticulous, but we get Niagara’s Located at the Pen Centre the druggie, but I did what I needed a nicotine patch,” says Tara. “It along fine.” Premier Band to do when it needed to be done. weans you off slowly in milli- Massicotte says she didnʼt know in St. Catharines I guess I justifi ed it and that was grams. When I fi rst started, I be- about Taraʼs past addictions. “We wrong.” gan with 25 milligrams, I peaked arenʼt really close. We are basic all the way up to 95 milligrams co-workers and thatʼs it.” and when I quit I was at 15 mil- “If I knew someone I worked And “Even aft er the two ligrams.” This treatment was over with was getting high or drunk years, I still a two-year period. before coming into work or even “Even after the two years, I still at work on breaks, Iʼd feel sorry DJ JAMESCheck NELLAS our website went through went through withdrawals. For a for them fi rst. Then, secondly, DJ ForJAMES more NELLAS month I couldnʼt get out of bed. I Iʼd be mad. I take my work seri- information call us WWW.LONDONARMS.CA withdrawals. For a was throwing up, I had a fever, I ously,” says Massicotte. or month I couldn’t could barely have protein shakes, She is “empathetic” when it “KAHUNAVILLE” ON FACEBOOK and I was always depressed.” comes to addictions and nipping 905-688-0228 get out of bed.” In St. Catharines, First Step them in the bud, she says. ALL MENU ITEMS ARE SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE TAXES — Tara is a methadone clinic. Kourtney “I smoke, so I canʼt really say, Wright, a medical lab technician, ʻHey, stop your addictions.ʼ” “It took two years to get clean,” says the Ontario Health Insur- After the drug and rehab treat- says Tara. “One day I looked in ance Plan pays for all the services ments, the dealing with sensitive the mirror and saw the effects. I available there. memories and trying to get back weighed 90 pounds and it was ruin- When individuals come in, on the right track was “probably ing my entire life. I couldnʼt work, they are fi rst assessed and given the hardest thing Iʼve ever had to (LONDON ARMS) go to school or be around anyone a urine test, and then the patient do,” Tara says. PEN CENTRE, ST. CATHARINES 905-688-0228 who wasnʼt high. I fi nally saw what and doctor discuss the route to “I never want to go there 62763262 my family and friends seen in me. getting clean. It is mandatory to be again.” 4 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 23, 2007 Editorial & Opinion NIAGARA NEWS We welcome your opinion E-mail: [email protected] • Mail: V10, 300 Woodlawn Rd., Welland,Ont. L3C 7L3 In Person: Room V10, Welland campus. • Policy: All letters must be signed and include a day and evening phone contact number for verification purposes. Editor: Andrew Ramos Associate Editor: Amanda Paiement Assistant Editor: Emily Pearson Photo Editor: Ryan Kelpin

Publisher: Leo Tiberi Managing Editor: George Duma Associate Managing Editor: Phyllis Barnatt Design/Layout Consultant: Peter Conradi Editorial Consultant: Nancy Geddie Photography Consultant: Dave Hanuschuk Technology Support: Kevin Romyn

V10, 300 Woodlawn Rd., Welland, Ont., L3C 7L3 Telephone: (905) 735-2211 Fax: (905) 736-6003 Editorial E-mail: [email protected] 2006 WINNER Advertising E-mail: [email protected] Publisherʼs E-mail: [email protected]

Niagara News is a practical lab for Journalism-Print program students studying at Niagara College. Opinions expressed in editorials and columns are not those of Niagara News management or the college administration. Columns, identi- fied as such, reflect only the writerʼs opinion. Readers are welcome to respond to columnists by e-mail at [email protected] Advertising rules: The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occured. This applies whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise. There shall be no liability for non-insertions of any adver- tisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. All advertisers are asked to check their advertisements after first insertion. We accept responsibil- ity for only one incorrect insertion unless notified immediately after publication. A day of rest and fi nancial recuperation Errors, which do not lessen the value of the advertisement, are not eligible for corrections by a make-good advertisement. There shall be no liability for non- insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, revise, classify or reject any advertisement. Time to rest your wallet Media aren’t that bad Canadians also participate. need to join the frenzy to save Buy Nothing Day Canada/U.S. border crossings two dollars or get that Wii at Blame the media. Liberal government. are likely to be backed up the crack of dawn? There seems to be a new adage However, people forget the can reduce stress and with cars stretching to the Apparently I am not the only developing, one that puts blame media also reported on the horizon. one who feels this way. on the media for reporting on federal Liberal ad scandal fi nancial burden this For Canadians, the Vancouver artist Ted Dave someoneʼs wrongdoings. for two years prior, arguably holiday season opportunity to score a came up with Buy Nothing Whether it be focusing helping the Conservatives win deal while our loonie is up Day. It occurs on Black Friday “too much” on John Toryʼs the federal election for the fi rst This newspaper hits the against the U.S. dollar may each year in North America. faith-based school issue last time in 12 years. With the “slush stands today. Nov. 23 may be tempting, but we should Today, it is widely adopted by month or “having it out” for fund scandal” on the horizon, be just a day to you, but to stop to think about what Adbusters of Canada. professional athletes, the itʼs inevitable the media will Americans, it will be the day weʼre doing. Instead of shopping, some media is far too often criticized be criticized for reporting on after Thanksgiving, otherwise Instead of supporting the activities that its followers for informing the public of that, too. known as Black Friday. American economy, we should take part in are “Whirl- events in the world. It doesnʼt make sense why The name was coined when all try to stay home and spend Mart” and “Credit card cut- Earlier in the year, several people are so adamant about accounting records were our money here. up,” according to Adbusterʼs professional athletes stuck hating reporters, whether print written with pen and paper. It is not uncommon for website. by National Football League or broadcast. Typically, red ink showed a Black Friday shoppers to Whirl-Mart involves a large (NFL) pro player Michael Vick If not for the media, would fi nancial loss while black ink see sleeping bags and tents group of people who “silently during his alleged dog-fi ghting citizens have known hundreds indicated a profi t. The popular abandoned along the sides drive … shopping carts around activities, saying the media of thousands of dollars were terms of being “in the red,” of the malls and shopping in a long, inexplicable conga made the coverage a race issue. being mishandled? If not for (losing money) or “in the outlets. line without ever actually Several professional football the media, would NFL Atlanta black” (profi table) stemmed buying anything.” players claimed Vick was Falcons fans know their beloved from this practice. Instead of supporting This line, of course, would innocent, but the media had it quarterback was abusing Black Friday is an unoffi cial the American garner strange looks and a lot out for him because he was a animals? holiday in the United States. of attention. superstar. Itʼs unfair to have such Itʼs when autumn rolls out and economy, we should “Credit card cut-up” is the Vick signed a plea agreement disdain towards a group of the Christmas shopping season all try to stay home act of standing at the entrance and surrendered to begin serving people who are working for the begins. of a big box store offering a jail term three weeks before improvement of communities. Itʼs also when every crazy and spend our money to simply cut up peopleʼs his actual sentence. Without the media, knowledge person with cash in hand here. credit cards. There was also plenty of of the world would be short, and comes out of the woodwork. The-motto of Buy Nothing blame placed on the media for the old adage of “failing to learn People who shop Black Day is Participate by Not focusing on Ontario Progressive from the past leaves us doomed Friday each year often deal The reason is that spending Participating. Conservative Leader Toryʼs to repeat our mistakes” would with frazzled employees, Thanksgiving night outside Itʼs one day a year when we pledge for full funding of be much more common than mile-long lines, traffi c jams a favourite store is not should ignore pressuring ads faith-based schools during last the new belief that the problems and the inevitable pushing uncommon south of the and avoid consumerism. monthʼs provincial election, lie with the media reporting on and shoving that comes with border. Stores open as early Ironically, I am pressuring believing the focus to have led such wrongdoings. slashed retail prices. as 4 a.m. you to take part. to the re-election of a majority ANDREW RAMOS Every year on this day, many Is this necessary? Do we AMANDA PAIEMENT Nov. 23, 2007 NIAGARA NEWS 5 Questions still unanswered election, but it never materialized. Both Tory and Runciman, current Politicians call for leader of the Offi cial Opposition, blame the media for paying too much attention to the faith-based funding issue. “It all got shoved aside,” Runci- police investigation man said. “The media primarily, I By SHANE BUCKINGHAM “My own view is if they donʼt think, have to share some responsi- Staff Writer respond or respond in the negative, bility here. Thatʼs all they focused Progressive Conservative MPP we should formally write to the on. Each press conference, the fi rst Bob Runciman and NDP MPP Pe- commissioner of the OPP,” Runci- question would inevitably be faith- ter Kormos are calling for a police man said. based funding.” investigation into this summerʼs “Forget the OPP. I would have Bromell speculates it was “po- “slush fund scandal.” had the RCMP come in,” said litical correctness” that stopped the The “scandal” is one in which AM640 radioʼs Craig Bromell. opposition parties, however. $32 million in grants was awarded Bromell, the former leader of He says “itʼs possible” that the to more than 100 ethnic and cultural the Toronto Police Union, said this opposition parties were warned to groups in Ontario over the past two “scandal” has to be dealt with to Welland MPP Peter Kormos answers one of many questions from leave the slush fund issue out of years by the Liberal government get to the bottom of it. Not doing Niagara News reporter Shane Buckingham on the night of his election the campaign for fear of their own through a process that “was not so, he says, “sends a bad message” victory. shortcomings being exposed. He open, transparent or accountable,” to the public. Photo by Ryan Kelpin says this tactic is “commonplace” the provincial auditor-general said Traditionally, there is a formal in the political scene. “Thereʼs al- on July 27. ever seen, with virtually no con- “This is the mismanagement ways that going on.” “Thereʼs clearly a whole lot of trols,” said Auditor General Jim of $32 million. Somebody has to He pledges to keep the issue alive questions after the auditor generalʼs “It’s the kind of thing McCarter. do something. [The Liberals] just on his morning radio talk show by report,” Welland MPP Kormos said It took 100 days and 270 ques- asking what others have not. that makes you suspect canʼt say,ʼ ʻWeʼre not going to do it during the recent provincial elec- tions during Question Period again,ʼ especially after the minister “To me I donʼt know whatʼs the tion campaign. that they’re infected with before Premier Dalton McGuinty in question resigns. Thatʼs usually difference between what happened Kormos said he and Runciman would allow McCarter to investi- not the end of it. It shouldnʼt be [in Ontario] and with the ad scam decided there needed to be an in- this type of disease in the gate the funds. the end of it. It should cause more in Ottawa.” vestigation to “clear the air.” Liberal party.” Immediately after the report was questions. Did they mismanage Runciman agreed, saying he sees They wrote a letter to former released, former minister of immi- the money to cover it up? Thatʼs a a lot of parallels with the federal attorney general Michael Bryant —MPP Bob Runciman gration Mike Colle stepped down fraud,” Bromell said. sponsorship scandal, especially in September calling for an OPP with no offi cial explanation. The Liberal governmentʼs since many people from the former investigation but have not received application process through which Niagara News has consistently scandal sparked much outrage federal Liberal government moved a response. year-end grants are given to eligible called Colle, the newly appointed before the election, but soon died to Ontario politics afterwards. “To my knowledge, he hasnʼt even groups that make formal proposals chief government whip, for more once the provincial election started, John Tory indicated at the On- acknowledged receipt of the letter, let to construct new facilities, renovate than two weeks, but has not re- he said. tario Economic Summit in Niagara- alone taken action on our request,” or relocate to existing facilities. ceived a response. Progressive Conservative Leader on-the-Lake last week that he will Runciman, Leeds-Grenville MPP, The government must insure that However, Niagara News did speak John Tory said in July, “This will be staying on as the leader of the told Niagara News on Nov. 9. all money is clearly accounted for with Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor be a major election issue,” and Conservatives, a decision Run- They plan to write another letter in the budget. In this case, that was about the slush fund, but he could not Kormos said it was up to “voters to ciman supports. Tory said he sup- to the newly appointed Attorney not done. offer any information.“I donʼt know decide” the fate of the Liberal party ports Runcimanʼs move because a General Chris Bentley. “It was one of the worst I have anything about it,” Runciman said. with respect to the issue during the “further investigation is war- ranted.”

Enrolled in a Red Seal trade? Apprenti(e) dans un métier Sceau rouge? Then you may qualify for a $1,000 grant. Si oui, vous avez peut-être droit à une subvention de 1 000 $. There are a lot of reasons to pursue an Aux diverses raisons de faire un apprentissage vient s’ajouter une apprenticeship. We’ve added another. The autre : la Subvention incitative aux apprentis. Il s’agit d’une nouvelle Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a new grant that subvention offerte aux apprentis inscrits, après la 1re ou 2e année is available to registered apprentices once they de formation (ou l’équivalent) terminée avec succès dans un métier have successfully completed their first or second Sceau rouge. year (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades. Pour présenter une demande : COMPOSEZ : 1-866-742-3644 / ATS 1-866-909-9757 How to apply: CLIQUEZ : servicecanada.ca CALL: 1-866-742-3644 / TTY 1-866-909-9757 OU VISITEZ : un centre Service Canada CLICK: servicecanada.ca OR VISIT: a Service Canada Centre 6 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 23, 2007 Budgeting for holiday season

Photo illustration by Ryan Kelpin By AMANDA PAIEMENT What do you do? they choose to study full or watch for those,” she says. Staff Writer You cannot escape rent, bill part time.” A scholarship is awarded to stu- Money is hard to make and even payments or tuition. When Hardwick also noted the dents based on academic achieve- BRTF rocks harder to keep. money is tight, the fi rst budget offi ce can provide additional ment and sometimes community All too often we ask ourselves, cut is usually food. However, it OSAP funds to a student in involvement or volunteering. “Where did it all go?” is possible to be on a tight bud- need if the student meets the Many local companies and or- for 24 hours Funding your education can be get, still have enough food and criteria. ganizations, as well as the college, By EMILY PEARSON expensive, but it doesnʼt have to be able to eat nutritiously. One Niagara College also offers a offer them. Staff Writer be scary. One of the most impor- of the easiest ways to do this is number of regularly scheduled Bursaries are based on fi nancial “Itʼs important to give during tant things to do is plan. This may brown bagging your lunch. workshops to provide ways need. They can be provided by the Christmas,” says Adam Liefl , pro- sound obvious, but it can be very With a bottle of water cost- to deal with everything from college, an organization, a person motions director for the Broadcast- easy to forget and assume we have ing over $2 on campus, bring- debt reduction to OSAP. or anonymously. ing – Radio, Television and Film enough for this or can spare extra ing food you already have at Job Gyms, employment Every student who is struggling (BRTF) program here. for that. home can easily save a lot of help and counselling offi ces to pay tuition should be taking The Niagara College radio Lana Hardwick, fi nancial aid ad- money, even over the course of throughout the Niagara region advantage of scholarships and station, 90.1 CRNC FM, invites viser at Niagara Collegeʼs Welland one week. also hold similar workshops bursaries. Many are, yet there are students, faculty and the public to campus, says that many students A more hands-on approach aimed at assisting with job some who still donʼt bother. Rock Around the Clock, a live 24- “struggle with everyday costs.” with fi nancial aid is available searches and debt management. Leo Lachapelle, 27, of Welland, hour broadcasting marathon from “My advice for students would in the halls of Niagara College. Thereʼs another source of has been a sterile supply technician noon on Dec. 6 outside the Fish be to save money and to recognize The Financial Aid offi ce at the fi nancial aid that may seem too at the Port Colborne Hospital for Bowl broadcasting room at the where their money is being spent. Welland campus does more good to be true: free money. three years. Welland campus. Itʼs always a good idea to be pre- than provide students with Hardwick says “many “I did need the extra money, but The fundraiser will benefi t Hope pared and to stick to a budget care- OSAP cheques. Hardwick sources” are available to I fi gure [applying for assistance] is Centre in Welland. It provides food fully.” says that handing out students who need help. a waste of time,” he said. for the homeless from its food bank She adds many students run loans is only a small part “The Student Assis- Lachapelle, a single father of and participates in Koats for Kids, into trouble when unexpected of her job. tance Bursary is of- six-year-old Olivia, graduated a program in which donated winter expenses occur. “[I] meet with fered through the from Algonquin College in Ot- apparel is provided for children Before school begins, students students Financial Aid tawa in 2003 and says he “didnʼt and adults. may fi nd it less stressful if they throughout There’s no reason you have to be a Offi ce and bother applying for any of it” The BRTF students are volun- work out all their expected income the year Scrooge this holiday season. Here are is based because his program was only six teers and will take shifts during the and costs throughout the school who some gift ideas that won’t break the on fi - months long. 24 hours. They will be accepting year and then prepare a budget. come bank. All can cost less than $10: nancial Free money is everywhere; stu- donations of money, food, clothing Keeping all money in the bank into • Quality used books need.” dents just need to look for it. and unused toys for the centre. will make it harder to spend on finan- • Baked goods In Niagara College students can The event, including specialty frivolous items, and putting extra cial • Collage of memorable photos May visit the Financial Aid Offi ce on the shows, will feature prizes and money aside for emergencies could pres- • Board games 2007, Welland campus or the registrarʼs giveaways. prove to be critical. sures • Pre-paid cellphone card the offi ce at the Niagara-on-the-Lake The second- and third-year Many students who work while and • Pajamas de- campus for more information. A list BRTF students invite students and attending school full time may fi nd need • Movie theatre gift certifi cate part- of available scholarships and bur- faculty, as well as members of the it diffi cult to make enough money ad- • Journal ment saries is also on Niagara Collegeʼs local community, to drop by the to survive the school year. Accord- ditional • A favourite classic movie released a website, along with deadlines and Fish Bowl during regular college ing to a sample budget on Niagara funding in • Gourmet coff ee list of schol- applications. hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., to make Collegeʼs website, the average order to con- arships for “The [Financial Aid] offi ce is donations. expenses for a student living off- tinue in school. new and returning pretty much open to anyone who For more information, contact campus during one academic year [I] let students know students on Niagara has a question or concern about fi - Liefl at salesandpromotions_90.1@ will top $12,000. what options they have if Collegeʼs website. “Be sure to nancial assistance,” Hardwick says. hotmail.com. Nov. 23, 2007 NIAGARA NEWS 7 PR students help media pros By JORDAN BAKER granting the students an oppor- Staff Writer tunity to listen in on some of the Itʼs $200 a seat to listen in on speeches. a speech. Itʼs $5,000 to shmooze Clinton gave the Nov. 13 opening with the top dogs of Ontario. These night address at the Shaw Festival four get in for nada. Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Working the media room at this Originally the students were told yearʼs Ontario Economic Summit only three of them could watch the are Public Relations (PR) Graduate speech. Certifi cate students from Niagara Riach recalls the atmosphere be- College. With media cronies galore ing tense, as if a “brawl” was go- to cover such celebrities as former ing to break out over who would U.S. president Bill Clinton and get in. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Mammoliti says, “We donʼt re- the studentsʼ job was to keep the ally get someone of his calibre and press in a light mood and to help prestige to come to the Niagara them any way they could. region too often.” Amy Terrill, director of media re- Thinking back to the upscale lations and communications for the venue from the night before, he event-hosting Ontario Chamber of says, “The money was fl owing last Commerce (OCC), says preventing night.” the mediaʼs experience from being Petznick enjoyed his fi rst expe- “marred” because of a poor setup rience under the spell of Clinton, behind the scenes is a top priority. calling the address a “really, really From left: Dave Mammoliti, Jason Petznick, Erin Riach and Sean Meister enjoy a moment of peace together The four students up to the task great speech.” during a busy day at the Ontario Economic Summit. are Jason Petznick, Erin Riach, With members of the media Photo by Jordan Baker Sean Meister and Dave Mammo- ranging from the Buffalo News liti. They diligently stuff media kits to Reuters in attendance, Meister ners and stretch down hallways Wednesday morning, so the OCC The students were also keen on Wednesday morning before much calls this a “simulated environ- at their posts. They are burly and can compile the information for observing a media scrum with Tory of the media arrive for Progressive ment” of what life will be like in look ready to mess you up if you a report. Some stories are up on to see exactly how it unfolds. Conservative Party Leader John the workforce. look funny — not ha-ha funny but websites, such as The Globe and Len Crispino, president and Toryʼs address. Riach claims even when she sketchy funny. Mail, just minutes following the chief executive offi cer of the OCC With 21 of 27 Ontario cabinet has graduated and is working, she Meister says, at the Clinton ad- speeches. and a member of Niagara Collegeʼs ministers on hand, Meister and probably wonʼt be involved with dress “you could tell who the Secret The students have been able to board of governors, says of the stu- Riach see the opportunity to start an event as high profi le as this until Service were by the gun imprint in pop in and see most of the speech- dents, “Weʼve made a commitment making connections. after years in the industry. their jacket.” es of the big names as well as to use them, and theyʼve done a “I think Iʼd be happy to just talk “Itʼs a great opportunity to actu- As speeches from Tory and McGuintyʼs question-and answer- phenomenal job.” to one person,” says Riach. ally get to see PR in a real-life set- Bank of Canada Deputy Governor session, led by the Business News Meister calls it a good crowd After a busy morning at the ting,” says Mammoliti. Paul Jenkins fi nish, Riach begins Network. Mammoliti says he knew to “shake hands” and “rub shoul- White Oaks Conference Resort Security is incredibly tight all searching the Internet for publica- they wouldnʼt be able to just sit at ders” with. and Spa, Meister says, “This will three days. Big guys in suits and tions that have been covering the a table and watch the whole event “Youʼve got Bill Clinton and get less hectic as the day goes on,” with earpieces stand at all cor- summit, both Tuesday night and though. Paul Jenkins here.” Enough said. Tor y Rising loonie could cause harm encourages By SHANE BUCKINGHAM the federal government to reduce Staff Writer interest rates. mentoring The Canadian economy could “From an Ontario perspective, suffer from the soaring loonie, a we would benefi t from an interest By SHANE BUCKINGHAM senior Bank of Canada (BoC) of- rate reduction — something that Staff Writer fi cial said. makes the Canadian dollar less Colleges and businesses must Although some industries are attractive on the international mar- do a better job of working together doing better because of the loonieʼs ket,” McGuinty told reporters on to solve the coming shortage of value, such as the mining industry, Nov. 8 at Queenʼs Park. workers as baby boomers enter others are suffering, such as the However, Ottawa doesnʼt set retirement age, according to the manufacturing industry, Paul Jen- interest rates; the BoC does. leader of the Offi cial Opposition in kins, senior deputy governor, said Other forces affecting Canada Ontario. on Nov. 14. are the worldʼs emerging econo- “We fool ourselves into thinking “While domestic demand in mies, Jenkins said. we have a strategy that addresses Canada remains robust, if recent He pointed out Canada is the output of colleges match- levels of the Canadian dollar were receiving a “disproportionate ing that up with apprenticeship to persist, the risk is that output share” of the world economic programs and the needs of the and infl ation would be signifi - burden from “global imbalances” economy,” John Tory said, at the cantly lower,” he told the audience created by the depreciation of recent Ontario Economic Summit at the Ontario Economic Summit the American greenback and the in Niagara-on-the-Lake. at White Oaks Resort and Spa in emerging economic super powers Tory, who failed to hold his seat Niagara-on-the-Lake. of India and China. The loonie could take a hit if current monetary levels continue, said in the recent provincial election, Ontarioʼs manufacturing sec- It is crucial that China and India Senior Deputy Governor Paul Jenkins, at the Ontario Economic Summit does not plan to step aside as leader tor has lost about 175,000 jobs adopt more “economic fl exibility” in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Nov. 14. of Ontarioʼs Progressive Conserva- because most of the companies are to manage their growth, he said. Photo by Shane Buckingham tive party. American owned. Because of the In turn, he said this could increase Tory said colleges and businesses rising loonie, American companies the “risk of disorderly global im- should create mentoring programs no longer have an advantage of fected, Canadian companies need The bank can reduce interest balances and create a protectionist that will engage young people and cheaper operating costs. to adjust to the newly appreciated rates, a reduction Premier Dalton sentiment” within countries trading open doors to more jobs in the In his morning speech, Jenkins Canadian dollar, he said. McGuinty has said he would like to on the world market. future. He called for a “coherent said, Ontarioʼs manufacturing sec- “To not adjust is not an option.” see happen to help Ontarioʼs ailing If countries become worried crusade” for businesses to take on tor has declined from six per cent Companies will have to work manufacturing sector. about global recessions, they re- more young people. economic growth during 2002 to a through an environment of a high If the bank were to reduce inter- duce trade, thereby hurting coun- As well, he said, colleges need a negative three per cent loss during Canadian dollar, a slowing U.S. est rates, businesses and individuals tries that rely on trade the most. “coherent capital plan” to increase 2007 because of the rapidly depre- market and increased international alike would benefi t from interest In this environment, Canada funding. ciating American dollar. free trading, he said.“These global savings on mortgages, loans and canʼt push its economy too fast or “Colleges are doing an excellent To insure other areas of the forces at play are not going to dis- other expenses. it could return to the “ ʻ70s boom job, but they can always use more economy are not negatively af- appear any time soon,” he added. McGuinty has been calling on and bust” mentality, he cautioned. money.” 8 NIAGARA NEWS 9 Picking and pressing for pristine production By JOE FOWLER Staff Writer atest At the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus in a small barn L borrowed from the Horticultural Technician pro- Awards gram, some of the best vintages in the region are made. On a rainy Tuesday, the barn is a hive of winery 2006 Canadian Wine Awards activity. *Top Chardonnay Wine – 2004 Warren Classic* Clean-up of the vats is the most important part of the Gold – 2004 Warren Classic job. It took student volunteers two days to fi nish bottling seven wines. 2007 Cuvée Awards “I feel really proud about it, how it went. We had a Tony Aspler Cuvee Award of Excellence space crunch,” said, Karen Vickery, 28, of Montreal. “We Jim Warren – Winemaker had the entire lot of wines in the barrel, so we had to fi lter as we bottled to have it ready for the truck.” Vickery is a 2007 Finger Lakes International second-year Wine and Viniculture Technician student. Wine Competition Fourteen new and expensive oak barrels, some from Silver – 2005 Vidal Icewine France, are piled in rows. They give the wine an elegant Silver – 2005 Meritage taste. Other barrels are from Hungary and add a spicy Bronze – 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon fl avour. Bronze – 2004 Warren Classic Chardonnay The chardonnay is down to 11 bricks from 35 bricks. Bronze – 2005 Pinot Noir Bricks are a measure of sugar content. Small snifters of the cloudy liquid are passed around, and they taste 2007 All Canadian Wine Championships sublime. Best Chardonnay over $20 – 2004 Warren Classic The Niagara College Teaching (NCT) Winery is Cana- Chardonnay daʼs fi rst and only commercial teaching winery. The Nia- Best Meritage over $20 – 2005 Meritage gara-on-the-Lake campus, with three vineyards, is in the Silver – 2005 Vidal Icewine centre of the countryʼs prime wine region. “Itʼs a small operation. We get to do many different things for long hours,” said Ben Surpa, 21, of Hamilton. ine The program is “really a hands-on, well-rounded winery W experience,” said Surpa, adding he feels “confi dent to go (Clockwise from left) Newly designed for Niagara College’s own to any winery and fulfi l any need they have.” wines, this label represents horticulture. Other designs include Facts “We help create that. Thereʼs a sense of ownership in representations of viticulture and culinary arts. that,” said Surpa, a second-year student, about making The wine industry will triple in employees over the (Top) At the Barrel Cellar at Pillitteri Estate Winery, chairs mount- the college wine. next 15 to 20 years. (Wine Council of Ontario Strategic ed to the walls tell the story of the Pillitteri Family. The winery on campus has had production reaching Document). (Right) Melissa Smits, of the Winery and Viticulture program, 5,000 cases per year. Between 1989 and 2001, the number of grape-based pours wine samples for the tasting. “We grew quite considerably,” said, Melissa Smits, 20, wineries in Ontario grew from 18 to 72. Photos by Joe Fowler of Grimsby. “We are very cooperative with other winer- The total value of Ontario wine sales grew (Below) Located beneath the Niagara Escarpment at the ies, festivals and events like the Taste of Summer and the by 64.1% in those same years. Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, 38 acres of vines are pruned year- Ice Wine Festival.” Ontario wines have won hundreds of round by students in order to make the very best in college The college also partners with the Wine Institute at awards in top international competitions. wine. Brock University in St. Catharines and has won several The industry currently attracts 300,000 visitors to Submitted photo by the Marketing Department awards at events like the Canadian Wine Awards. wineries, and it is anticipated to grow to 450,000 visitors in the near future. 10 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 23, 2007 Niagara Noise PTH not about the business By DEIDRA LUNARDON what Kezia was about from fans Noise Staff at shows. Record labels, release dates, “It got really boring and repeti- post-production and concepts tive after a while. I donʼt blame donʼt concern fi ve of Whitbyʼs kids for asking questions, but it hardest rockers. Just ask them. gets tedious and we didnʼt want Jan. 29 will be the release date to get that nerdy with this record. of Fortress, the latest album from We wanted to put out something progressive-metal band Protest that was a little more bad-ass, and The Hero (PTH). though there is a cohesive theme PTHʼs vocalist Rody Walker that runs through most of it, itʼs says itʼs not a worry to the band not as tight. Most people wonʼt the initial Nov. 12 release date even recognize it as a concept of wonʼt be met. any sort.” “Weʼre not about the business The title Fortress “is about the aspect of music; weʼre about the idea of building yourself up with music aspect of music.” some kind of impenetrable wall. Taking a month-and-a-half to Obviously itʼs a bit more complex record at Silo Studios in Hamil- than that when you get right into ton, Ont., and working with pro- it,” explains Walker. ducer Julius Butty (Alexisonfi re, PTH just fi nished fi lming the Ceremonial Snips) for the second fi rst video for the album for the time, PTH has created an album fi rst single Bloodmeat. that will “surprise” its listeners. Clark says working with PTH PTH is Walker, Moe Carlson has been “fabulous. Iʼve watched on drums, Arif Mirabdolbaghi them grow since they were 16 on bass and Tim Millar and Luke and watched their musical ability Hoskin on guitar. grow alongside of them.” Walker says he “canʼt imagine Fortress is a step to becoming going with any other producer” Fortress, the second full-length studio album from Whitby rockers Protest The Hero, is set for release progressive metal, but, Walker than Butty. Jan. 29 on Vagrant Records/Underground Operations. says, the band doesnʼt like to “We didnʼt know him very Submitted photo classify its music or put a genre well and we got to know him on it “because when you classify quite well. [We] realized heʼs the “[It was] boring f***ing rea- complexity of the music is what interested in doing. These days it, itʼs like youʼre putting restric- greatest guy in the world and also sons why it was pushed back. caused the delay. itʼs pretty obvious that the record tions around yourself and you a great producer. He stepped up Thatʼs why we made up that stu- “It took a lot longer to mix than label is dead.” canʼt do certain things. ... Iʼm his game since the last time [on pid bullshit story [on the bandʼs we thought, and no one wanted to “The only thing it really does is sure if we do a Lamb of God tour Kezia, PTHʼs fi rst full-length MySpace page.] Why bother tell- compromise what the record was hurt bands.” weʼd get booed off stage.” studio album.]” ing people the reasons? Nobody capable of just because we had a Fortress isnʼt trying be a Walker says pushing the release cares. I donʼt even care. [It was deadline to meet.” copycat of the previous concept Clark says PTH plans to do a day back helped with post-pro- just] f***ing political bullshit.” Walker says when the band album Kezia, although, Walker southern Ontario tour soon and to duction since PTH couldnʼt meet President of Underground was first going into the U.S., it says, it does include some con- stay tuned for more information. its labelsʼ Vagrant Records (US) Operations Katie Clark says had the option of signing to a cept themes. He says the band You can visit the bandʼs website and Underground Operations Fortress is nothing like anything major label, but declined because tried to steer clear of concepts to view studio blogs and check (Canada) deadline. sheʼs ever heard before, and the “itʼs not something that weʼre after getting a lot of questions on tour dates at protestthehero.com. Th e Fortunate prepares for East Coast tour By DEVON MERON that he has heard “really good Noise Staff things.” There is nothing unfortunate “Every single After this tour, Kissick about listening to or watching the person has some- says, the band plans to return Regina, Sask.-based band The home, “fi nally get some new Fortunate. thing cool about music,” and continue to write Drummer Avery Kissick, bass- and prepare for a second full- ist Miles Driedger and guitarist them to length album. Chris Oakley had been playing for make me want We can expect something a about four years before incorpo- bit faster and a little heavier rating vocalist Jordan Thiele and, to get to know on the new album, as Driedger most recently, guitarist Stephen says the ideas are slowly tak- McGilivray, mutually agreeing to them.” ing shape. He says the goal start taking things more seriously. is to release the album by The band has been together for Spring 2008, but the timing about two years. —Miles Driedger will depend on the pace of With the band members in order, writing and recording. Driedger says they made the move As for the touring experi- You can fi nd the bandʼs mu- ence, Driedger says, “Every to Regina, changed the name of sic video for the song Swing- single person has something the band and recorded a demo in a ing Tactics on Canadian mu- cool about them to make me friendʼs basement. The Fortunate sic television stations Much want to get to know them.” was born. Music and Much Loud. He says one main focus Shortly afterwards, Torque Compared to the fi rst after this tour is progressing Recordings, a local Govan, Sask., time The Fortunate made its as a band, and he affi rms record label, acquired the band rounds through Ontario, Kis- that more solid touring is on and made the decision to release sick says, the bandʼs tour has The Fortunate “lit up” the stage at the The Embassy Hotel on Nov. 11 in London, deck. been awesome. the eight-song full-length album Ont. This was one of many of the band’s upcoming Canadian tour dates. He concluded saying the “Itʼs so different from out Photo by Devon Meron new album is going to be “the entitled Get Up, You Dead. west,” he says. “Itʼs sweet to have a label so “We have made lots of biggest thing” from the band close to home,” says Driedger, sweet friends, and the kids local bands helped.” for some local support. in a while. adding the bandʼs time with are awesome here.” The band hooked up with Blind As for the current tour, The For more information Torque Recordings has been Driedger added, “We didnʼt Witness of Montreal and Straight Fortunate faces the vastness of about upcoming tour dates and “great” and “they have helped the know how people were going to Reads The Line of Stoney Creek the East Coast for the fi rst time, the band, visit www.myspace. band out a lot.” respond, so touring with bigger on its fi rst time through Ontario but Driedger reassured everyone com/the fortunate. Nov. 23, 2007 NIAGARA NEWS 11 Niagara Noise August, September, Octoberman By RYAN KELPIN of recording where I recorded Noise Staff 10 songs live off-the-floor, just It may be almost the end of me and my guitar,” said Mor- November, but it is as good a rissette. time as any to start listening to “We then did seven songs with Octoberman. the band at Mushroom Studios Octoberman is a band for- and did a bunch of overdubs later mulated around the writings on at Jamesʼs [Henderson] home and ideas of one man from studio.” Henderson is a contrib- Vancouver, Marc Morrissette. uting member to the band. He started the project two years Run for Safety has also garnered ago while on a trip through the an award nomination from CBC Middle East. Radio: the “best song to listen to “While Kids These Days [the in the fetal position” award. band he was in at the time] was “Grant Lawrence called me in its early stages, I took a break with the news. I wasnʼt sure if and followed my lady friend to it was a joke or not and I re- Southeast Asia and Turkey for member saying that I was lying four months, where I wrote a down in the fetal position while number of songs on my guitalele talking to him. I realized half- [ukelele-sized guitar],” said Mor- way through the conversation rissette. that we were live on the air,” “When I got back to Vancou- laughed Morrissette. ver, I continued playing and “CBC Radio 3 has done so much touring with Kids These Days, for Octoberman, and we appreciate but I also wanted to record the their support so much.” songs I wrote while travelling. Now Morrissette and his friends Thatʼs where the idea for Octo- are resting after fi nishing a tour berman started.” with Mohawk Lodge, a tour that As for the bandʼs name, Mor- Morrissette describes as “travel- rissette shares an odd story, based ling in a caravan with a big group around a Kitchener apartment. of friends.” “My landlord was really “We joined each other on stage sketchy. He had been shot more a lot, singing and playing on than once by jaded ex-lovers. each otherʼs tunes. By the end, The heat was cranked in the we were doing Pavement and summer and was shut off in the Neil Young covers pretty much winter. I wrote a song about that every night.” period of my life and called it Submitted photo Morrissette plans to tour Japan in October Man. That became the floor and ʻvoila!ʼ” explained acclaim across Canada. The this to one very special night of January and the United Kingdom title of an early Kids These Morrissette. album has a fuller and more recording. in February and to record a new Days EP, and when I was trying Next came a full-length al- complete feeling than the first “We were lucky enough to album soon. to decide what to call my solo bum, Run for Safety, released album, These Trails Are Old take advantage of a last-minute You can listen to Octobermanʼs project, I spotted that CD on the over the summer to critical and New. Morrissette attributes cancellation and got a free night music at myspace.com/octoberman. FYI climbing the ranks By JENNIFER HAYNES he became involved with FYI after Noise Staff he started talking to Charbonneau Sometimes getting a new start about the new material. means making some changes. “Marc asked me my point of For the members of the St. view. I thought they were great Catharines band For Your Informa- tunes. We started jamming, and tion (FYI), this rings true. soon after I joined the band.” Since the bandʼs debut single Into “The level of professionalism is the Outer Place peaked at number different with this band,” he says. 3 on 97.7 HTZ FMʼs Top 9 at 9 in “This band practices a lot more, 2006, FYI members say they have where Flatlined would play show been working hard on continuing after show.” their success while adding new FYI is in the pre-production members to the bandʼs lineup. stage of recording new material, During a telephone interview, says Charbonneau, adding the band singer and guitarist Marc Charbon- members arenʼt sure what they neau says adding Joel Royer on want to do with it yet. bass and Dean Beaudoin on drums “By the time weʼre done, we was inevitable. hope to have about 25 songs. We “When it comes time to practice arenʼt sure if we are going to do a and people canʼt make it, we have full-length album or shop the songs to do whatʼs best for the band. around and get some feedback. Peopleʼs priorities change. Thatʼs “We will eventually put some- just life. Itʼs the only way to keep thing out there. We just want peo- the band going.” ple to listen to the music.” He says with the lineup One year later, Noise fol- changes, the sound has evolved lowed them to Canadian Music “a little bit.” Week, and FYI also appeared “When you work with someone multiple times on Noise on Air, for so long, you want to reinvent a college radio show. FYI won your sound. You donʼt try to do it. Rocksearch 2006 and released It just happens. Itʼs fi tting that we the album A Full Year Story in acquired the new members at the October 2006. same time the sound was changing. FYI will be playing at the Moose Itʼs a fresh start. Itʼs all brand-new and Goose in Thorold on Dec. 20. songs with brand-new members.” You can listen to the new tunes at Beaudoin, former member of the www.myspace.com/foryourinfor- St. Catharines band Flatlined, says mation. 12 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 23, 2007 Sports Planning key for winter activities

By MATT DAY “In the end, what you wear is up day pass ranges from US$44 to Phil Buhler, 19, a Construc- Staff Writer to you.” US$52 depending on the day. tion program student at Fanshawe Oh, the weather outside might be Tightening the screws that mount Kissing Bridge is an hour and a College in London, Ont., says he frightful, but thatʼs the way snow- the bindings to the boot right before half away from Welland. There, an prefers Blue Mountain because it boarders and skiers like it. your fi rst run is something often eight-hour slope ticket costs US$32 is the closest intermediate hill to It is just about time to dig out forgotten. He says people usually and the resort offers 36 slopes. where he lives. He has been snow- the snow shovels, window scrapers tighten them in a warm house, but Andrew Mathes, 20, of Fort Erie, boarding for eight years. and, of course, boards and skis. when they get into the cold air, the says he snowboarded from the “I lent out my skis and they got Before you start running to the screws may become loose. ages of 10 until 14. He says he quit broken, so I bought a snowboard.” hills, creating a quick checklist and Once everything is ready to go, because none of his friends were His gear has cost him around refreshing oneʼs skills are great there are three great places to head doing it anymore but then began $1,100, and a season pass to Blue ideas to get you back into mid-sea- off to. Holiday Valley and Kissing to board again last year with his Mountain costs around $300, he son form. Bridge are just outside Buffalo, girlfriend. says. Devon Watson, 24, who works in N.Y., and with the dollar being so All of his equipment cost him Rachel Seburn, 20, from Fort hard goods full-time at SportChek, strong now, the price of a lift ticket about $500 new, but he recom- Erie, prefers Holiday Valley. says there are many things to do is cheap. mends that starters buy their gear “Itʼs the most practical and only before hitting the slopes. Blue Mountain, in Collingwood, used fi rst. He says he prefers an hour away. Itʼs a great moun- “Get a wax on the board or skis Ont., is about a four-hour drive Kissing Bridge over the other two tain.” and sharpen them,” he says. “Defi - from Welland and has 34 trails and resorts. She got into snowboarding at 14 nitely get fi t up properly. The boots more than 300 professional instruc- “I go there because there are less because, she says, she loves the should be tighter than a shoe so tors. A day pass or a night pass will people with big egos that think they adrenaline rush and the time spent Devon Watson, of SportChek, there is no wiggle room.” cost an adult $54 during its prime own the place.” with family and friends. Before she shows one of his favourite boards He says making sure the board season, from Dec. 13 to March 23. He says that resort is great for goes onto the hill, she waxes her from the store’s selection. or skis are the right size for you is Holiday Valley is planning its beginners because “it is a more board, tightens her bindings and Photo by Matt Day critical. Being comfortable in your opening date for today. With more relaxed atmosphere with the hills waterproofs her boots. gear is another key component. than 50 slopes and 13 lifts, an all- having a less degree of diffi culty.” “I never forget to stretch either.” Men’s Soccer MVP encouraged by season By JESSE DOSTAL province that year. Staff Writer Miedema took a year off after For Matt Miedema, soccer isnʼt high school before coming to just a game, but a war of individual Niagara College this year. battles. Whoever wins more will Miedema says he walked onto become victorious. He leaves the soccer fi eld for the fi rst practice nothing on the pitch. this year not really knowing what Growing up in Burlington, Ont., to expect. Miedema took to soccer at a young Regularly a forward, he age. “As a kid a highlight for me was asked to play defence for was playing rep soccer and winning the Knights and accepted the the Ontario Cup.” challenge. Miedema says this meant his “Itʼs exciting back there,” team was the best in the province says Miedema. “You get to see for the age-group, and the win really everything develop.” inspired his love of the game. He says he wouldnʼt mind Then high school came, and getting back up front next year, Miedema, an undersized Grade 9 though, “to help the teamʼs scoring student, went out for the team. woes.” The coaches will have to Hamilton District Christian feel quite strongly about making High School was a heavily Dutch that switch because Miedema was community that took its soccer a constant problem for opposing seriously. Miedema was one of the teams and won the teamʼs Most only Grade 9s to make the squad. Valuable Player Award. His older brother, Eric, was in The Knights went 2-6 this Grade 11 at the time and a big-time year, but Miedema says he was player on the team. encouraged by the result. “Eric was a big inspiration to “There was not a team in the me. The two of us played so much league that we couldnʼt play with. together.” Sheridan [College of Oakville] Miedemaʼs Grade 11 year was was the top team in our conference one he remembers well. and we nearly came out with a The team went undefeated win against them. ... We lost some through the season, won the heartbreakers.” Hamilton city championships on “The coaches really focused on a Miedema penalty kick against fi tness, which many of us on the a school over three times his team disagreed with. Our team high schoolʼs size, and then went really struggled to score. We on to win the Ontario Federation needed to work on our fi nishing.” of School Athletic Association A fi rst-year Hospitality Manage- (OFSAA) Championships. ment – Hotel and Restaurant “That is my biggest highlight student, Miedema says he plans in soccer: going to Thunder Bay to come back next year, adding he and then having our team score thinks most of this yearʼs team will 28 goals in the tournament and be there with him. allowing none.” Miedema says that in order for Miedema says the team received the team to be on par with other high praise from all who saw them colleges, something must be done play, and some said that although about the teamʼs practice facility. the school had only 600 students “Itʼs a farmerʼs fi eld with and was at “AA” OFSAA, it may grass growing on it – uncut grass, have been the best team in the no lines.” Nov. 23, 2007 NIAGARA NEWS 13 Lady Knights Volleyball Knights defeat Saints in home opener By MICHAEL BRIGHT Duke says the Niagara game Staff Writer is “not so much strategy as it is The Niagara College Knights consistency.” womenʼs volleyball team played The Saints, who took an 8-3 lead, host to the Saints of Windsorʼs St. controlled the second set early. Clair College, winning the game The Knights rallied with a 5-0 run three sets to one on Nov. 10. including three aces by Duke, last The Knightsʼ mostly rookie seasonʼs rookie of the year. The run team showed both ability and helped the Knights take the lead, inexperience in the win. which they would hold to win the Developing ball control as a set 25-18. young inexperienced team is a Jillian Johnson, St. Clair Saints priority at this stage in the season, No. 9, says, “We wanted to come says Kerby Bentley, Niagara out and play our game.” Johnson Knights head coach. admits that during the fi rst two sets, The majority of the lady Knights “we had no communication.” are rookies and, Bentley says, Much like during the second set, getting rid of “fi rst-year nerves” the Saints jumped out to a quick 9- is important for young developing 3 lead. The Knights came close to players. tying St. Clair, rallying to a 13-11 Bentley says it is going to take Saints lead. The Saints regrouped “baby steps” and “a lot of work with and dominated the last half of the The Niagara Knights set up their off ence against St. Clair College. From bottom left clockwise are No. 4 Jaclyn fi rst years” to get his team close to set going 12-6 for a 25-17 win. Jaclyn Van Leerzem, No. 12 Ashley Thomas, No. 3 Nicole Vandermeer and No. 9 Catherine Waines. performing where he wants it. The Knights hoped to sweep the Photo by Michael Bright The fi rst set was a struggle Saints in three sets and although, for both teams, with the score Duke says, “we had no doubt consistently being within three [weʼd win],” overconfi dence and points. The Knights held the lead underestimating gave the Saints an until late in the set when the Saints easy third-set victory. Sault Cougars get caged jumped out to a 22-19 lead. The “Weʼre looking for an up-play,” By MICHAEL BRIGHT play in college.” Finally warmed up, the Cougars momentum shifted back to the says Bentley, who called a timeout Staff Writer In the second set the now came out in the third set determined Knightsʼ court as they went on a 6- late in the frame. Dominating all over the court, the warmed-up Cougars gave a better to shut down the Niagara offence. 0 run to win the set 25-22. A now-humbled Knights team Niagara College Knights womenʼs effort, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. The two teams viciously rallied The Knights were a “little weak” dominated the fourth and fi nal volleyball team hosted the Sault The two teams traded points for back and forth, before a four-point in their passing and consistency, set, rushing to a commanding 11- College Cougars, sweeping the the fi rst half of the set until, tied run by Sault prompted a frustrated admits Duke. 2 lead. The young Knights would game in three sets Nov 17. at 9-9, Niagara found holes in Niagara to call timeout with the The Saints “like to run a hold on for a 25-15 set victory. The young Knights team shook the Sault defence. The Knights score 8-13 for the Cougars. highball offence against us,” says Johnson says that the Saints off some of the fi rst-year jitters controlled the latter part of the set, The timeout gave Bentley time Bentley, who added he wanted his “mentally” were not in the game. shown in the home opener with an winning 25-18. to refocus his team, “to get a team to slow the pace and play “When we were quiet, we didnʼt impressive performance. The Cougarsʼ defence is the momentum swing.” “our game.” play our game.” Knightsʼ No. 1 Leah Duke weakest part of their game, said “Itʼs all up to the girls on the predominantly led the way with Roussell. “We missed a few plays court. When they focus, they can 14 kills through three sets. No. 4 and easy serves.” beat any team in the league.” Niagara loses at home to Jaclyn Vanleerzem, No. 14 Kerissa Roussell added, “We have a Their opponent was now Van Amersfoot and No. 15 Alyssa lot of talent but our play doesnʼt returning plays that had been Runyon each tied with three refl ect that.” working for the Knights. undefeated Humber Hawks kills apiece. Vandermeer in her fi rst set of the By MICHAEL BRIGHT Kerby Bentley, Niagara Knights game, ended the six-point Cougar Staff Writer head coach, said his teamʼs run with a much-needed kill, The Humber Hawks flew into performance was good, but “we making the score 9-16 for Sault. Niagara and delivered the Knights didnʼt play to where we should be With the score 12-19, an ace by their first home loss of the season, playing.” Vandermeer sparked an 8-1 run for Tuesday. “We didnʼt have that killer the Knights. Tied at 20, the Niagara “The girls took a huge step in instinct.” team would gain control of the playing such a mature Humber To the Knights, a game like this scoreboard, thanks to an out-of- with third-, fourth- and fifth-year is “a must-win,” said Bentley. bounds ball by the Cougars. players,” says Kerby Bentley, “We didnʼt know much about A great dig by No. 12 Ashley Niagaraʼs head coach. them coming into the game.” Thomas turned into a kill by Duke, Knightsʼ No.1 Leah Duke, who The young team still showed putting the Knights at match point. had 14 kills in each of the previous the communication and passing Duke was looking for her fi rst ace two home games, was held to only problems that allow opposing of the game, serving match point. nine kills and five stuff blocks. teams to get easy points. Unfortunately, the ball was long, Niagara had offensive produc- “We realize we canʼt win if we giving the Cougars possession and tion from No. 3 Nicole Vander- donʼt start passing,” said Duke. an opportunity to rally from the 12- meer with seven kills, No. 4 Jaclyn “Serving and passing are the 2 run the Knights had. Vanheerzem with six kills and No. weak parts of the Knightsʼ game. Niagara, now on the defensive, 9 Catherine Waines with five kills. Knights’ No. 1 Leah Duke In order to be successful, the team saved the Cougar serve and Van Defensively the Knights had Photo by Michael Bright needs to start passing and be more Amersfoot with a well-timed fake seven digs apiece from Duke and the set 32-30. aggressive.” set, tipped the ball into the Sault No. 14 Kerissa Van Amersfoot, Triple blocking the Hawksʼ The Knights put on a fi rst set court, making the score 25-21 for whose strong game didnʼt translate middles was the Knightsʼ strategy clinic, keeping a seven-point gap the Niagara win. to the game sheet. going into the game, says Duke. between them and the Cougars. Knights’ No. 14 Kerissa Van “We had no choice [to turn the The Knights came out strong, “They are strong in the middle. The Knights won the set easily Amersfoot spikes the ball game around]. All of us realized winning the first set 25-13. The last two games, mentally, we 25-14 helped by an important stuff against Cougars’ defenders, No. we had to focus,” said Duke, of the “It was good to see the girls [win] were not strong enough.” block and two vital digs from Van 6 Amanda Towell (left) and No. 5 13-2 run to fi nish the game. in the first game. We know we can The Knights fell apart in the Amersfoot. Kelly Roussell. Adrenaline, sacrifi cing and compete with the better teams in final sets, losing both 25-15. “Starting off strong” is important Photo by Michael Bright getting the momentum on their the league,” says Bentley. “We knew we had to play hard for the way the Knightsʼ play, More young players took the side were major factors in the Chris Wilkins, Humber Hawksʼ against the Niagara team,” says Van Amersfoot said, although, court for the Knights in the second comeback during the third set, said head coach, says the lopsided score Wilkins. she admits “[our] passing was a set “allowing some of the rookies Van Amersfoot. and technical mistakes in the first Niagara needs to be consistent. little off.” to see action,” said Duke, who had “We thought we could win, but were due to a lack of focus. “We “We can beat the better teams. Kelly Roussell, co-captain of the three kills in the set. Niagara is an intimidating team,” got a bit ahead of ourselves. We We just need to focus,” says Sault Cougars, blames the weak set “If you play hard in practice, said Roussell. didnʼt respect the other side.” Bentley. on not being able “to warm up our thereʼs no reason why you shouldnʼt “That girl Leah is very The second frame was a dog- A lack of experience by the team [because] we only had like 15 get court time,” said Bentley. intimidating. She can be fight. The Knights and the Hawks Knightsʼ players allowed the Hum- minutes.” He said it was important for his intimidating to a rookie team ... We traded points, passing the 30-point ber offence to take advantage, “Itʼs a team full of rookies. A lot young players to “get some playing try to keep them off their feet and mark. The Hawks would win he added. of them are still learning how to experience in.” on ours.” 14 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 23, 2007 Teachers go above and beyond duties By BRITTANY STEWART motivate students and create a fun Staff Writer learning environment, said Engel. These instructors are continually Gates also earned a teaching reaching above and beyond. excellence award. Past and pres- The Niagara College Continu- ent students rave about his ability ing Education (CE) department to provide style critiques in group awarded excellence Friday night settings without embarrassing at its annual teacher recognition anyone. event. The third award was earned by Starting with a mix-and-mingle Barb Matkowski. at the Maid of the Mist campus Walker says she continually ex- in Niagara Falls, CE teachers and hibits excellent customer service personnel enjoyed wine and snacks skills while remaining enthusias- made by Niagara College students. tic. They then heard speeches and She provides encouragement learned about the possible integra- for students in a comfortable and tion of Blackboard into the night humourous environment while programs. maintaining a professional at- The CE staff also recognized titude. three instructors who went above Walker says in this time of and beyond the call of duty. rapid technological advancement, Kim Walker, dean of continuing people have to continually up- education, opened the session by grade and update skills, making recapping the teamʼs accomplish- CE instructors invaluable to their ments. students. “As a result of technol- In a satisfaction survey handed ogy and labour trends, individu- to students enrolled in CE courses, als will be in high demand in the the instructors passed with fl ying Kim Walker, dean of the Continuing Education Division, presents Walley Farrell with his teacher recognition workforce.” colours. award last Friday evening, honouring his commitment to students. The need to update skills is not Walker congratulated the in- Photo by Brittany Stewart limited to students. Carol Rogers, structors on their ability to reach an interest or hobby, upgrade or offi cer in CE, says they came to- stood out above the rest. operations offi cer in CE, spoke the students. “Not only are you advance their knowledge in certain gether to appreciate their efforts Teaching for nine years in a vari- about the possible integration changing peopleʼs lives, but youʼre areas or to fast-track their full-time and honour instructors in courses ety of math courses. of Blackboard into the evening doing it extremely well.” studies. throughout the year. Walley Farrell has the ability to courses. Dr. Joyce Engel, vice-president CE teachers have to respond to “Itʼs a thank-you to them. They make learning manageable and less She briefl y explained how the academic, explained to the instructors people with all lifestyles. Itʼs an go out of their way, above and threatening for students, earning system works, while outlining their task is not an easy one. Out of all opportunity to learn and re-learn,” beyond. him a teaching excellence award, benefi ts of connecting to students teaching groups in the college, CE “has Engel said. “They have a knack for making says Walker. technologically. to work harder” for a “diversity of learn- The evening was about recogniz- learning fun.” Providing exceptional training The motivation to add Black- ers and a diversity of reasons.” ing instructors who continually go Although the survey states all in golf since the spring of 2004 board came from an overwhelming “These students come back to above and beyond to help students. the CE instructors have been doing and expanding the program of- request by full-time students using school because they want to pursue Lucia Szeplaki, development an exceptional job this year, three ferings, Chuck Gates is able to the system in their day classes.

Be Here! th Tuesday, November 27, 2007 for Niagara College’s 13 Annual Student Appreciation Day Event “SNOWBASH” Throughout the College, students will find treats, giveaways, prize draws, food & campus store specials and many other surprises. Back by popular demand It’s our way of saying “thanks” for choosing Niagara College as THE SNOWBALL HUNT your place to study, work, live and play. 150 Snowballs will be hidden Brought to you by the staff of Niagara College throughout the college. who wish to acknowledge, with much appreciation, your contribution to our College community. Find one & win a PRIZE. 62758559 because of you. Celebrating 40 years of excellence from 1967 Nov. 23, 2007 NIAGARA NEWS 15 Fast-track Forget about shears your degree Laser pruning Down Under prevents disease By ALLIE GIAMPRINI By JOE FOWLER Staff Writer Staff Writer A trip Down Under may mean a Plants at the photonics lab are bachelorʼs degree in half the time. dancing the limbo to save their KOM Consultants offers ar- lives. ticulation agreements with Griffi th A new laser pruning application University on the coast of Brisbane, inhibits the spread of disease in Australia, by the beach. plants. Two of Niagara Collegeʼs Matthew Price, 31, of Burling- programs, Photonics Technology ton, Ont., has been working for and Horticulture, are teaming up KOM for four years and says itʼs a for the experiment. quick way to get a degree. “Natalee Tokar and Marti Jur- “Itʼs a cool experience.” main work for the Research and The process is quick and simple. Innovation Department of the Apply within six months of your college to secure funding for our desired departure date. Most pro- projects. Weʼve had numerous grams start in February, which is groups of students working on the the equivalent of our September projects over the course of sev- start date. There is also a July in- eral years,” said Alex McGlashan, take. There is a $70 registration fee co-ordinator of the Photonics with KOM, but all your application Technology program at Niagara fees are waived. Similar agree- Collegeʼs Welland campus. ments have also been made with “With the cutting project, and the the University of Sydney. disease identifi cation project both KOM helps with everything photonics and horticulture program from applying, to counselling, to areas have been involved.” getting visas, transcripts, travel and He dons a pair of protective accommodations. goggles for the experiments with Once in Australia, Griffi th has all laser pruning. The goggles, de- the resources needed for the next signed with an ultraviolet/ infrared steps. The only requirements are an A 100-watt laser slices through a plant sample in the photonics lab at Niagara College Welland campus Nov. absorbing polycarbonate, block ac- average of at least 67 per cent and 21. The width of the beam is 10.6 micrometres, equalling 10,600 nanometres. cidental exposure to the beam. your diploma transcript. If you have Photo by Joe Fowler “Far infra-red light will punch a obtained a three-year diploma, then hole in glass.” McGlashan uses non-diseased ease. Since the beam is not solid, it robots,” says McGlashan. Griffi th will recognize two years The beam is 10.6 micrometres, hydroponic samples from a porta- cannot carry disease as solid plant Jay Yatulis is working with a towards a three-year bachelorʼs equalling 10,600 nanometres at ble in-lab greenhouse. The plants, care tools do. company Matcor to take large degree in the same fi eld of study. the far end of the infrared light chrysanthemums, are supplied by “Pruning shears pick up disease mass-produced video displays and Students coming from a two-year spectrum. Human vision sees 400 Niagara Collegeʼs Horticulture and spread it to other plants.” cut them down into smaller custom program can fi nish their bachelorʼs to 700 nanometres in the blue/red program at the Niagara-on-the- The new method is expected to sizes. Carbon dioxide lasers are degree in a year and a half. spectrum. Lake campus. reduce agricultural loss from dis- also being tested to slice mass LCD A degree from Australia should At 10,600 nanometres, the beam The samples are slid through the ease by hundreds of thousands of display screens to make smaller be recognized just the same as one is invisible. The 100-watt ray is path of the laser. The plant tops are dollars per year. Applications for custom ones, a dramatic improve- from Canada or the U.K., “but itʼs powered by energy equivalent to burned off, leaving the remaining this laser process are numerous. ment over the old and expensive all in the eye of the beholder,” says three car batteries; the old carbon area on the plant cauterized by “From tomatoes, cucumbers to method. Price. One downfall may be that dioxide lasers needed several thou- the beam. Cauterizing protects the high-end roses, harvesting will McGlashan has been teaching most of the programs are three- sand volts. plant from being penetrated by dis- soon be performed by laser and here since 1999. year bachelorʼs degree programs, so when you are applying for post-graduate studies back home or looking for a job, a lot of your competition will have a four-year PR students survey college food honours degree. To live and learn there, it gener- By DEIDRA LUNARDON mosphere and food,” says Meister. ally costs $15,000 per year. There Staff Writer College Marketing and Commu- are 25 scholarships per year for A student survey has a stronger nications Assistant Linda Camus eligible KOM students and some impact on the college than you says it will “help [the planning may qualify for fi nancial aid. might think. committee] with a perception of While attending school full-time in Changes to the cafeteria and when they plan the expansion” of Australia, students may also work food services are the main focus the college. Camus is the instructor up to 20 hours a week and may of a survey by Public Relations of the course. work full-time during breaks. Graduate Certifi cate (PR) students. “I fully expect [the planning Kristen Jacobson, 21, in her sec- It is part of a marketing course committee] will be implementing ond year of Broadcasting – Radio, assignment. these suggestions,” she says. Television and Film, says it is one Students Stephen Boscariol and She adds the survey will help de- of her goals to travel to every con- Sean Meister were conducting termine what people want in hours tinent by the time she is 25. surveys at the collegeʼs Welland of operation right through cafeteria “I can get my bachelorʼs in campus residence on Nov. 5. layout and the menu offerings. one year instead of three and itʼs Boscariol says, “Itʼs to fi nd out Camus says PR students are doing cheaper and after I will get to be what staff, students and the college a real-life survey with real facts. in another country,” says Jacobson, want for service providers.” “Itʼs a chance for students to who is considering going. When food services contracts Karissa Guthrie, left, and Allison Garratt fi ll out a Niagara College Food have a say in what they want. [PR She says she wants to learn the come up for review, the informa- Services survey handed out by Public Relations Graduate Certifi cate students] get to see it through to culture and compare Canadians tion gathered will show “what stu- students. the end, all of the pros and all the to Australians. Jacobson says she dents are happy with, what students Photo by Deidra Lunardon cons to it.” doesnʼt know how different it will arenʼt happy with and what to fi x to the results. store $50 gift certifi cate will be When all facts are compiled and be down there. make it better,” says Meister. Other PR students are surveying given to those who complete the the results analyzed, students will “I donʼt like to make expecta- Boscariol and Meister will com- faculty and staff, students and resi- survey. make a presentation to the Director tions because I enjoy it more when pile data from the Welland and dents at the Welland and Niagara- “Itʼs basic demographic [ques- of Ancillary Services Sandy Fox I donʼt know as much and Iʼm Niagara-on-the-Lake residences. on-the-Lake campuses by e-mail, tions of] where they spend the and Student Administrative Coun- surprised. It makes things more Meister says this project does face-to-face, in class and via a web majority of their time and basic cil President Heather Minow. exciting.” have an impact and is not just for survey, which can be found at www. satisfaction questions; for exam- “Weʼre students trying to fi gure For more information, visit an assignment. “It is in the hands of niagaracollege.ca/features/survey. ple, how satisfi ed they are with the out what students want,” says www.komconsultants.com or call the college” to do something with A ballot to win a Campus Book- cafeteria and pub in terms of at- Meister. 905-318-8200. 16 NIAGARA NEWS Nov. 23, 2007 Quality child care worth the extra dollar By MARYANNE FIRTH really do have to be cautious with integrity,” Irwin says, knowingly. Staff Writer daycares these days.” She happily “They have ways of non-verbally The following is the second ar- confesses she has “seen nothing expressing themselves.” ticle in a three-part series on the but encouragement, reinforce- She describes Trentonʼs diffi cul- Niagara College Child Care Cen- ment, compassion and empathy” ty with developing his language, tre. The third article can be found from the Child Care Centre. admitting heʼs “not quite where he in the Dec. 7 edition of Niagara Irwin reveals she used to look should be,” but his teachers have News. through the observation booths been “very attentive towards that.” Being a student is hard enough, to watch her son and the way the Irwin speaks highly of Trentonʼs never mind raising a child in the teachers and other children inter- teachers, appreciating that although process. act, but she has seen such a posi- With schoolwork, a part-time tive environment, “I donʼt feel like they may not have a background in job and a full class load, Lindsay I have to.” speech therapy, they have retained Irwin has an already more than She recalls the warm and wel- the suggestions and information full plate. However, Irwin, 28, come feeling she received from she has received from the Niagara of St. Catharines, is also a single the teachers in the very beginning, Peninsula Childrenʼs Centre and mother raising her 2 1/2-year-old a feeling that has continued on a tried to put them into practice. son, Trenton, and sheʼs doing it daily basis. Irwin receives funding subsidies with a smile. “Every morning someoneʼs there through Niagaraʼs purchase-of- Irwin, in her second year of the to welcome you, and Trentonʼs service agreement with the centre Educational Assistant — Special teacher is always there to wel- and declares although it is a pricey Needs Support program at the come him and give him a hug fi rst daycare, she “can see why.” Welland campus, is thankful that thing.” she can have her son close by at Irwin believes she can tell that “The process is long,” says all times. her son likes the centre because Irwin about getting subsidies, but Trenton attends the on-campus “he is excited to walk in.” if youʼre “serious about getting a Child Care Centre, which Irwin “Trenton being comfortable spot at the centre” itʼs well worth describes as being “very accom- makes me comfortable.” the extra time and money. modating” with her schedule. Irwin explains her sonʼs previous “You know theyʼre getting She admits the convenience of care experience was at an at-home healthy meals, social interaction being this close allows parents daycare with one other child, but and quality care.” to relax a little. “If something “Trentonʼs such a social child” she She says, “When you know your happens, youʼre close by, and noticed a positive change once he childʼs being taken care of, that ex- that creates a lot of ease. I can be was around more youngsters. tra bit of money doesnʼt matter.” anywhere on campus and be at the “I know he feels secure and safe centre within fi ve minutes.” because he opens up to his teach- As for this proud momʼs full Lindsay Irwin and her son Trenton play together in a classroom at the “Iʼm very overprotective,” Irwin ers,” she says. “Heʼs generally shy plate, Irwin happily accepts it. Niagara College Child Care Centre. chuckled. As her tone turned seri- with adults.” “You do what you have to do for Photo by Maryanne Firth ous again, she emphasized, “You “Kids have a great sense of your future.”