Find out what you missed while you were gone this summer. Pages 22 - 36

NIAGARATHE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF NIAGARA NEW COLLEGE S FREE Sept. 25, 2009 Vol 40 • Issue 1 We’reWe’re back...back...

With arms raised high, students screamed as they waited to meet USS, one of the many performing bands at the Niagara College Welland campus in the early evening of Sept. 9. The concert was part of Orientation 2009 celebrations. For full coverage, please see pages 18-19. Photo by Rachel Privett 63805870 Page 2 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 ON CAMPUS NIAGARA NEWS Students drive NEC club Music wasn’t the focus of this Green Day at NOTL campus

7 By SYLVIE BERRY Staff Writer Releasing Butterfl iesies Going Green has been a common theme throughout Canada this past decade. INDEX Whether it’s investing in hybrid vehicles or biodegradable prod- 2...... On Campus ucts, this has become a choice for 4...... Editorial quality living. Niagara Environmental Corps 8...... Lifestyles (NEC) hosted its third Annual 9...... Sports Green Day event Sept. 16 at the 13...... Off Campus Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. Although fall was quickly ap- proaching with its chilling breeze and cool sun, the NEC welcomed students and faculty to listen to an afternoon full of educational speeches and the opportunity to visit kiosks promoting environ- mentally friendly lifestyle choices. 9 With more than 30 environmental organizations, such as turtle and wetland preservation projects Albert Cipryk participating in the event, students came and went, while mingling at tables, snacking at the barbecue or sneaking in a quick glance at the Birds of Prey exhibit. “Green Day really helps us launch the NEC into full swing,” says Martin Smith, NEC founder and chair of the Environmental Technician Field and Lab program. 11 Niagara Environmental Corps is a student-led organization dat- Golf Tournament ing back to 2006. Its goal is to bring students together, from all programs, who share common interests in the environment. Smith chose to create opprtunities so stu- dents could volunteer and work on long-term research projects. “It was very low key at fi rst, with One of the most popular exhibits was the Dave Gibson with an owl at the Birds of Prey during Green Day at few members,” adds Smith. the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. In 2007 the club grew into the Photo by Stephanie Couture powerful and passionate group it is 18 - 19 today. Niagara Research Manager, outside the School of Environmen- research project co-ordinator. In Natalee Tokar, was introduced to tal Studies are highly encouraged the coming eight months Kennedy NEC because she is also very inter- to participate and can bring a lot of hopes for “students to take the ini- Orientation ested in generating similar research different skills to the group. ‘She had money. She tiative to move projects forward.” Niagara News is a practical lab for Journalism-Print projects for faculty and students. “Business and marketing stu- was organized. I had the With three years under its belt, program students at Niagara College. Opinions “It was love at fi rst sight,” Smith dents who take part in projects can NEC and its creator, Smith, have expressed in editorials and columns are not those idea and the students.’ of Niagara College management or administration. joked. “She had money. She was help from a promotional stand- gained recognition from the Ni- Columns, identified as such, reflect only the writer’s organized. I had the idea and the point, or Journalism-Print students — Martin Smith agara region. They were awarded opinion. students, so it was a very good can help with writing newsletters,” the Volunteer Award this past June Readers are welcome to respond to columnists marriage right off the bat.” says Tokar. and the Innovation Award from by email at [email protected] With the push of Niagara Re- Second-year Environmental Colleges Ontario. Advertising rules: The advertiser agrees that the search, NEC hit the ground run- Technician Field and Lab co-op to the recession, my volunteer “I think the main reason why the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount ning. That year the club received student, Brooke Davidson, has hours count as my co-op,” said NEC works so well is because it’s a paid for the space actually occupied by the portion $25,000 from the Friends of the been with NEC for two years Davidson. forum for students to work together of the advertisement in which the error occurred. All Green Belt Foundation and Ontario working her way up to senior NEC Besides the new volunteers join- on real projects in the industry,” advertisers are asked to check their advertisements Centres of Excellence. representative. Through her devo- ing NEC this year, new faculty says Tokar. after first insertion. Errors, which do not lessen the value of the advertisement, are not eligible for cor- Although the club is dedicated to tion to NEC, Davidson is working members have been introduced. “It’s more than a club. The rections by a make-good advertisement. Niagara increasing environmental aware- towards her future. Kerry Kennedy, a 2009 gradu- NEC is much more hands-on with News reserves the right to edit, revise, classify or ness, a focus of students in envi- “All of the volunteer work is ate of the Ecosystem Restoration students who are driven,” adds reject any advertisement. ronmental programs, students from helping build my resumé and, due program, has taken on the role of Smith. Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 3 ON CAMPUS

John Gittings, manager of Planning and Development with Facilities Management Services, shows what is happening with the changes coming to the Welland campus. Photo by Rachel Privett $90-million makeover to end in 2011

By RACHEL PRIVETT governments each gave Niagara posed to be awesome.” These plans are being evaluated – the total greenhouse gas emis- Staff Writer College $20 million to help fund “I imagine for people trying to in relation to the housing markets sions caused directly and indirectly Niagara College has 7,587 the new Applied Health Centre. work it [construction] would be in Welland and the surrounding by an individual, organization, students enrolled in this term, of John Gittings, manager of Plan- [inconvenient],” says Megan Dem- areas. event or product – will be as close which 4,200 are in their fi rst year. ning and Development with Fa- ers, a student in the Educational Because the building cost as- to zero per cent as possible, says With plans to expand the college’s cilities Management Services here, Assisrant Special Needs Support sociated with new residences is Gittings. capacity by 2,000 more students, said the real challenge is “building Worker program. high, the administration wants to In addition to the Applied Health it’s clear why the college is in the in the middle of student space.” Hand-in-hand with the facility fi rst determine if students can get a building construction, work is be- midst of a $90-million makeover. “[We] make sure we’re meeting expansion are plans of enlarging better price living off campus, ing done on a new Athletic Centre. Originally the Master Plan bud- an aggressive time schedule to the residences. With $80 million to $85 million The building will be fi ve storeys get was $40 million. minimize the impact on students,” “The way the res in Welland is being invested in the Welland cam- tall, with a gym that will be national Dan Patterson, the president Gittings says. structured, we built in all the in- pus alone, Patterson explains the volleyball regulation size. of Niagara College, explains ad- “The construction is inconve- frastructure, [so it is] built to take “big changes” to the Niagara-on- Since the new Athletic Centre ditional funding came two months nient at times,” says Suzie Rae, a another quad/section. That is in a the-Lake campus are also on track. is being built where the deliveries ago when the federal and provincial second-year student, “but it’s sup- readied state,” says Patterson. “We are building a $ 2.5-million for the cafeteria would normally Wine Education and Visitors Cen- arrive, another challenge has been tre. It’s an important addition. [It fi nding ways to supply power and will] highlight the very successful gas while allowing deliveries, ex- viticulture program.” plains Gittings. There are also plans to expand A new academic building is also the culinary school’s food labs to in the works with “three 70-seat deal with the increased demand for halls and one 240-person lecture the programs. hall that will be ready for Janu- Patterson confi rms that while ary,” says Gittings. This building there is a daycare centre on site for is designed for future expansion as the Welland campus, there are no well. plans to build one at Niagara-on- Another change to the Welland the-Lake. campus will be the Learning Atri- “Our assessment, so far, is that um. The plan is to have the area there is a fair number of daycares be wireless and to create a green in the St. Catharines area that are building with a living wall full of operating.” plants. The administration has plans for When asked about the construc- all of the development of the cam- tion on campus, Hanan Moussa, pus, and has ideas on what to do a fi rst-year student in the Early with the mounds of dirt surround- Childhood Education program, ing the Welland campus. says, “They did construction at my “We are keeping the dirt, and old school, so I’m good.” our goal is to plant 10,000 trees,” “The renovations on the Welland says Gittings. “[We’re] creating a campus are on schedule and on ‘green lung.’” budget,” says Gittings. The foundation for the new Athletic Centre that is being built on the Welland campus. Construction is The Allied Health building will Construction is expected to end expected to be completed in March 2011. be carbon neutral. When this build- by March 2011 at the Welland Photo by Rachel Privett ing is fi nished, its carbon footprint campus. Page 4 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 editorial & opinion

NIAGARA NEWS

Editor: Rachel Privett Associate Editor: Jonathan Krenz Assistant Editor: David Janzen Photo Editor: Ryan Tunks

Publisher: Annette Hemerik Managing Editor: George Duma Associate Managing Editor: Phyllis Barnatt Design/Layout Consultant: Peter Conradi Editorial Consultant: Nancy Geddie, Gary Erb Photography Consultant: Dave Hanuschuk Technology Support: Kevin Romyn

B2, 300 Woodlawn Rd., 2006 WINNER Welland, Ont. L3C 7L3 Telephone: (905) 735-2211 Fax: (905) 736-6003 Editorial email: [email protected] Advertising email: [email protected] Publisher’s email: [email protected]

Welcome back, Illustrated by Madison Samuel - Barclay It’s a small world after all Our world is both a massive is happening in the world, our existence can lead to efforts to at from the sense of human responsibility is least improve their condition. and tiny place. Canadian scholar Marshall heightened. It is very diffi cult to Sometimes, we might have a McLuhan’s “Global Village” watch a television program or bad day for what we think are concept was fi rst brought to Internet video showing starving valid reasons: the bus was late; editor’s desk mainstream attention in the children in a Third World traffi c was bad; there was a long 1960s. country and not feel some level lineup at Tim Hortons. But the Before anything else, we interrupting the class. This concept states that the of human compassion. Without reality is that the majority of the at Niagara News want to say Don’t show up late to development of electronic the electronic technology in world’s population has it much “Welcome back!” class. It’s a bad idea and your technologies and their ability place, the world would remain worse than we do. The campus hallways, lecture classmates are going to stare at to transport vast amounts of vast and relatively unknown to We can learn about this reality halls and classrooms are full of you. In the event you do come information around the world the majority of us. by simply watching a newscast students excited to learn, but late, though, don’t walk past almost instantaneously is Many of the world’s people on TV or reading up about it on more excited to catch up with everyone. Rather, sit in the making the world a smaller live in extreme poverty and the Internet, the modern-day friends they may not have seen back. You should also avoid place. suffer from the devastation of “Global Village.” for months. rummaging through your bag Because we can access a wide famine, war or natural disasters. For some of us it has been a for paper and a pen and avoid variety of sources telling us what Even just the knowledge of their JONATHAN KRENZ long summer and for others a bugging the people next to you. short four-week vacation. It is Just keep a pen in your pocket safe to say, though, we are all and a notebook easily accessible Letters to the Editor starting to get back into the in your bag. swing of campus life. You may believe none of This school year, like many these situations will be part of SAC president encourages vote Orientation committee others, promises to be full of fun, your own college career, but we thanks sponsors adventure and self-discovery. promise you, they will. To the Editor: given an opportunity to have their Since you have been wise If on an exam day you roll out To the Editor: On behalf of the Niagara College voices heard during this vote. Niagara College’s recruitment enough to pick up this copy of of bed hung over and smelling Student Administrative Council This is a very important issue and and admissions team would like to Niagara News and have started of vomit and realize that your (SAC), I would like to welcome we urge you to vote whether or not thank the following sponsors for to skim through it, we would exam started one hour ago, this you all to Niagara College. you support being unionized. This their help in making Orientation like to offer you some start-of- article should immediately pop I feel it is important to let you vote will be your decision to make, 2009 a great success: the- school-year words/thoughts into your head. know that the Ontario Public Ser- not anyone else’s. So please make vice Employees Union (OPSEU) sure you have all of the necessary Seaway Mall of advice. Welcome back to college has fi led an application with the information to make an informed On the off-chance you partied indeed. TD Canada Trust Ontario Labour Relations Board and educated vote. Make sure your SAC too hard with your roommates This year also marks the (OLRB) to unionize all part-time voice is heard. Go Green E-Cycles or your friends, don’t tell your anniversary of the campuses’ support staff workers, including For more information and up- professors. If they fi nd out, they source of news, Niagara News. students. dates, don’t hesitate to visit us in The team is deeply appreciative will talk to you very loudly The college’s newspaper is To date, the OLRB has made the offi ce at either the NOTL Offi ce of everything our sponsors contrib- and they will laugh. This is a celebrating its 40th volume the decision to hold a vote at the (lower ground fl oor) or the Welland uted to the day. Welland campus on Oct. 15 and at Offi ce (SAC building) or visit the Thank you once again. promise. this year, so make sure you the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus College Student Alliance’s (CSA) If your cellphone goes off in stay on the lookout for more on Oct. 19. website, www.collegestudental- Krysten McIntosh-Goodman class, blame it on the person information and exciting stories If you are currently working part liance.ca, as well www.thecouncil. Orientation Co-ordinator next to you. Simply pick up about our 40 years in print. time on campus or planning to ap- on.ca and www.opseu.org. Niagara College your phone, put it in that Once again, welcome back ply for such a position, please take person’s hands and say, “How everyone and have a safe the time to become as educated as Jacquelynn Perzul rude! Have you never heard of and happy school year! And possible. President Please send letters to vibrate?” Your professor will be remember: drinking and By doing this you can better en- Student Administrative the editor to: sure that when the vote takes place Council Inc. impressed with your dedication schooling do not mix. at Niagara College, you have made Niagara College [email protected] and will forever remember an informed vote. SAC is commit- that other person as the one RACHEL PRIVETT ted to ensuring that all students are Sept.25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 5 OPINION Returning students victims of summer brain

RACHEL PRIVETT Columnist

Here’s a simple question: What is 10 + 5 ÷ 3? If you had to pause before you realized the answer is 5, you may suffer from a curable illness. This illness affects the brains of college and university students by creeping up in the dead of summer and infecting unsuspecting students in their natural habitat, the bar. Symptoms of this illness include headache, nausea, a tingling feel- ing in your brain, the ability to no longer fi nish sentences and the feeling that your I.Q. is dropping quickly. While some may laugh this off, this illness is serious business. This is an illness I have dubbed Summer Brain. It is an embarrassing and some- times debilitating illness for stu- dents such as me. Just the other day I was sitting in an editorial meeting with my class- mates and the topic of students Illustration by Madison Samuel-Barclay visiting Africa came up. I decided to write this down, only to fi nd to work your way back to your your way to recovery, my Summer Brain had not released me once-stellar potential. friends. from its toxic grip. When you have accomplished Don’t forget though that if you OPEN I could not remember how to these tasks, the tingling in your need to reach out for help, I en- spell Africa. brain should subside. courage you to do so. Visit us online at Try as I might I could not re- If the tingling stops, your I.Q. You are not alone. 24 member if the “r” was before or should once again rise to its regular Together we can win the war on HOURS after the “f” or if there was an “f” level and you are offi cially on Summer Brain. www.niagara-news.com to begin with. How embarrassing. THANK YOU If this situation sounds familiar to you, have no fear because you THANK YOU are not alone. THANK YOU I am sure there are many of you out there suffering this horrible, THANK YOU traumatic and awkward illness. THANK YOU While recovering from this ill- ness, I myself have discovered that THANK YOU a few sure-fi re ways can help speed THANK YOU supporting your up the process. THANK YOU The fi rst thing you need to do Niagara College is allow your brain some much- THANK YOU needed sobering up time. THANK YOU Community Paper The more alcohol you have in For many years Avondale stores have your system, the more the effects THANK YOU of this illness will be noticeable. THANK YOU generously distributed Once you have allowed yourself THANK YOU 2,400 copies of each Niagara News 24 to 48 hours of sober time, at- issue across the Niagara Region. THANK YOU tempt to read the dictionary. 63597953 If that does not work, I recom- THANK YOU Avondale demonstrates how mend a good gossip website. You STARTING good corporate citizens support may be thinking that the two are September 16/09 THANK YOU student learning. polar opposites, to which I would THANK YOU say, you are correct, but what’s The staff of theNiagara News *Registered trademarks of Boston Pizza Royalties THANK YOU your point? Rome wasn’t built in Limited Partnership, used under license wish to thank Avondale for its *Price subject to change without notice. a day and our road to recovery is *Taxes not included. THANK YOU past, current and future assistance. bound to be rocky, so a little celeb- THANK YOU rity banter can’t hurt. 934 Niagara St., Welland, Ont. Once you have started the read- THANK YOU Please support Avondale Food Stores. 905-714-1647 63808291 ing process again, attempt some THANK YOU For additional sale items, please check: homework. THANK YOU www.avondalestores.com Not a lot, just a little. You have THANK YOU Page 6 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 ON CAMPUS International growth at Niagara

By JONATHAN KRENZ Staff Writer Part one The International Division at of a multi-part Niagara College is experiencing a series. period of growth, and Jos Nolle, 53, chair International Develop- Canadian students once they get to ment, believes this brings a world sit in class with our international of opportunities and experiences to students,” Nolle says. Canadian students. According to Niagara College “Internationalization of post-sec- International, Niagara College’s ondary institutions such as Niagara International Education program College has been on everybody’s is one of the largest in the Ontario minds for the last decade or so,” college system. Nolle explains. The International Division “The employers of today and to- creates opportunities in part by morrow are more and more looking bringing services and programs to for international experience among international markets. their new hires.” These services and programs Dan Patterson, Niagara College are designed to enable cultural un- president, has stated that over the derstanding and to allow staff and past fi ve years the International students to gain experience around Division experienced an increase the world. in international project activities, “We also love to involve stu- record-breaking enrolment levels dents and staff in a variety of our and enabled opportunities for hun- international development projects dreds of students and staff members because it opens the eyes of those to work and study abroad. involved in the complexities of our The International Division in- global community,” Nolle says. tends to increase the diversity of “[This] makes us a very special countries from where students are kind of International Division attracted, a strategy that also ben- compared to most other colleges efi ts Canadian students. in Canada, and we are very proud Jos Nolle, chair International Development, believes in cultural understanding through applied education. The wider the diversity, “the of that as an International Division Photo by Jonathan Krenz richer the experience will be for our team.” LCDs and electro-optics: photonics talk

By DAVID JANZEN while Niagara focuses on, among Staff Writer other disciplines, laser welding Investigating something as in- and machining, thin-fi lm technol- tangible as light may not seem pos- ogy, solid-state lighting and spec- sible, but students in the Photonics troscopy. program do it in every class. Photonics is “electro-optics at Alex McGlashan, program co- its most basic,” says McGlashan, ordinator, recognizes light’s prop- “so that’s electronics and optics erties are rooted in physics: “Sixty integrated together, anything that per cent of the content is theory, is harnessing light and photons for and the other 40 per cent is practi- application.” cal, but then, towards the end, it Lasers comprise a portion of fl ips the other way.” what’s studied, but the fi eld of pho- The great thing about studying tonics is far broader. Students fi nd photonics in a college setting, says all kinds of different and interest- Jay Yatulis, a professor in both the ing careers, says McGlashan. electronic and photonic programs, “What’s really neat is that even is they get to see knowledge in though we’re in an economic action. downturn, I’m still getting phone Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) calls from companies looking to technology has come a long way hire our graduates.” this past decade, and LCD ad- Jason Manson, an honours vances continue to affect home bachelor of science graduate from entertainment, says Yatulis. Brock University in biology and “Eventually we’ll have media physics, is also a graduate of the walls at home. The entire wall will Photonics program. be a display. It’s an exciting time to He’s contributing to various re- get into photonics as the industry is search projects on campus and will continuing to explode.” be working towards his master of McGlashan echoes those senti- science degree in physics this year ments, with one eye on the horizon. at Brock. Alex McGlashan, Photonics program co-ordinator, and photonics students (from left) Rinat Safaraliev and “In Photonics, we’re always “I think the best thing about Jason Manson pose beside their remote-controlled airplane. They will be attaching a sensor to the plane, starting new projects and we’ll be the Photonics program is that I allowing them to record data from the sky as part of a precision agriculture project. hiring on research students. We see was initially attracted to the la- Photo by David Janzen the research side of things growing ser aspect, as all sci-fi geeks are; and often work with an industry them to practical real-world ap- Research to fi nd more effective to give students more real-world however, within the fi rst month partner. plications. ways to identify foreign materials experience.” I realized that photonics is an Mike Hall, employed at Check- Thanks to the well-equipped in oil with lasers and spectroscopy. Niagara College is one of two enormous fi eld of study which fl uid Inc., an oil-diagnostics com- Photonics lab, the students are also “I am impressed by the students’ Ontario colleges offering a Pho- incorporates mechanics, robotics, pany in London, Ont., says work- very knowledgeable about state- creativity and willingness to exper- tonics program. McGlashan says electronics, and optical systems,” ing with students was a positive of-the-art instrumentation and iment with new ideas to fi nd cost- Algonquin College in Ottawa is says Manson. experience. equipment,” says Hall. effective solutions to some of the more “telecommunications cen- Students in their graduating “The students are able to under- Checkfl uid is working with the challenges we have encountered tric” with its Photonics program year take part in a capstone project stand complex theories and apply Photonics department and Niagara along the way,” says Hall. Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 7 ON CAMPUS You can fl y but you cannot hide Monarch Watch Program’s 18th season takes fl ight

By SETH HENNESSY Staff Writer Margaret Pickles tagged fi ve ‘From age fi ve friends last week and never once used Facebook to do so. we know about Standing outside the Welland campus, Pickles and her Science that butterfl y.’ of Nature course students released fi ve Monarch butterfl ies, but the in- – Margaret Pickles timate viewing of the insects taking fl ight was not the most important aspect of the day. Before the release commenced, a tat,” a title she feels encompasses small tag was placed on each but- the course goals. terfl y. The tags all have contact info The Monarch butterfl ies may not for the Monarch Watch Program be the only insect making an ap- (MWP) and a unique six-symbol pearance in the class, but they are code for each butterfl y. Using the important and can relate to certain information gathered by the tagged childhood memories. butterfl ies being found and the data “From age fi ve we know that recorded, the MWP has been able butterfl y,” says Pickles about the to track the Monarchs’ still-elusive Monarchs’ large population in migration patterns. North America. Since the Monarchs have a Not only are the Monarchs easy short life span, the ones that return to fi nd, but the many changes they after winter are the great-great experience in their short lives still -grandchildren of the butterfl ies interest and astound people. that originally left, but every year Pickles’ eyes light up when she hundred of millions of Monarchs describes the roughly 30 days of still migrate to the same locations metamorphosis from egg to larvae, each year. ending with adult butterfl y. Learning about Monarchs and “It seems magical,” she says. Margaret Pickles, course instructor, explains the process of tagging butterfl ies to her Science of Nature other species is an important as- The MWP is a group at the students. It is the Monarch Watch Program’s 18th season of Monarch tagging. pect in Pickles’ class although she University of Kansas in Lawrence, Photo by Seth Hennessy hopes that her students will learn Kansas. more than simple facts. For 18 years the group has been “We want to go one step further tagging the Monarch through the – to see how all species are created help of volunteers around North – so that we are not just under- America. standing but learning to appreciate For any more information on it more.” the Monarch, or the tagging of It’s a win-win situation Through this understanding, Monarchs and how to get involved, Pickles knows that her students www.monarchwatch.org has many will become “stewards of the habi- resources and information. By KATIE MILLER homecoming. Although she will Staff Writer not be attending, she defi nes home- Homecoming With 13,000 graduates contacted coming as being a “great oppor- • G1 & G2 PREP • via email bulletins, the college tunity for some individuals to get Information • SINGLE LESSONS AVAILABLE • hopes the second homecoming contacts and reconnect with friends since the 1980s will be a great and teachers.” DRIVER success. The Alumni Association “The needs of current students # wants to attract a variety of gradu- are more important than homecom- Oct. 1 Ice Dogs – VOTED 1 EDUCATION ates by hosting events including an ing events,” Jason Lovejoy, 19, a 2003 alumni dinner dance, a Niagara Ice New Media Web Design student, $15 includes bus, 2004 Dogs hockey game night, a wine explains. However, Lovejoy would 2005 reception and a multitude of sports attend in the future “because I T-shirt, snack, dis- 2006 tournaments such as basketball, don’t see most of my classmates counts on Ice Dog 2007 hockey and soccer. outside of school, so it [homecom- Steve Cino, the college’s alumni ing] seems like a great way to merchandise: 2008 co-ordinator, explains the Alumni reconnect.” available from the 2009 Association wants to establish a The college experience is “an AAPEX working relationship with gradu- important defi ning moment” in the SAC office AAPEX ates. Alumni should think of “us lives of graduates, Dan Patterson, DRIVING ACADEMY as a partner in their personal and president of Niagara College, ex- professional journey.” Niagara is plains. Oct. 2 Pub Night investing in a “construction and “Graduates are interested in 8 LOCATIONS expansion” process to include networking and reconnecting with Register TO SERVE YOU new programs and better facilities their fellow classmates. Homecom- Oct. 3 Ball Hockey for current and future students. ing is an excellent opportunity for • FONTHILL • WELLAND On Line! • NIAGARA FALLS • ST. CATHARINES Graduates should be proud of their graduates to refl ect and celebrate & view upcoming • PORT COLBORNE • FORT ERIE diplomas and know that Niagara their time at the college.” Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m. course dates

• BEAMSVILLE • GRIMSBY 63805904 College produces “great gradu- Homecoming 2009 runs from Thorold, Dinner ates.” The college is becoming “a Oct. 1 to Oct. 4 with events at key part of the community.” both campuses, and in the local Dance aapexdriving.com Diane Ly, a graduate of the Busi- community. Visit http://www.ni- $30 per person. ness Administration — Operations agaracollege.ca/alumni/homecom- Management Co-op program, was ing_2009.html for information on not aware the college was having events and the alumni association. Page 8 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 ON CAMPUS If you feed them burgers, they will come By JOSH LADOUCEUR Twenty-three year-old Fitness Staff Writer and Health student Jeff Goodale Niagara College’s students heard about the giveaway while started this year off with full stom- shopping in the campus bookstore. achs. The Student Administrative “I overheard people saying they Council (SAC) hosted the annual were giving away free burgers and orientation barbecue Sept. 9 from I got over here,” he said. “I didn’t noon to 2:30 p.m. SAC staff gave even know about the bands. I came away over 300 hamburgers to stu- for the burgers.” dents at the After Hours campus “The burgers aren’t bad,” said pub in Welland. Mellissa Lamarche, 26, a student Students had to provide a valid in the Child and Youth Worker student card to receive their free program. “I didn’t eat breakfast so hamburger. I can’t say no to a free hamburger, The event kicked off around but I came to watch the bands.” noon with live entertainment Opener Marianne Turner and provided by Toronto-based artist her band performed songs from MariAnne Turner and Welland’s their eight-song debut album, Let own Guv’nor Generals. Each of Her Let Go, which was released in Above: Jenny Marasco, Student Centre manager is happily cooking burgers for hungry students. them played 45-minute sets. December 2007. Below: Trevor Pachkowski, of the Guv’nor Generals rocking out on the After Hours stage. In addition to live bands and “This is the fi rst college venue Photos by Josh Ladouceur the free lunch, SAC raffl ed off we’ve played,” said Turner. “We’re several prizes including a radio, a hoping to tour Ontario in the spring, fl ashlight, a cooler-bag chair and a but it costs a lot of money.” horseshoe game. Turner also plans to release a new Students received tickets, album this fall or in early 2010. which were randomly distributed Guv’nor Generals’ frontman and throughout the afternoon, but few guitarist Trevor Pachkowski (stage- recipients actually stuck around for named Charles Horse) described the raffl e. the show as “okay” considering the Student Centre manager Jennifer circumstances. Marasco, 26, called out nearly a “We struggled with sound issues dozen winning ticket numbers that because the acoustics aren’t the left prizes unclaimed. She eventu- best in here,” said Pachkowski. ally allowed students to rush the “We were happy to play and a lot stage and feud over the prizes. of friends came out to show their “The barbecue is usually held support, but, hopefully, they take on the fi rst day of classes during bands into consideration when they orientation, but this year is the fi rst build the new pub.” time we’ve done it at the pub,” said The event fi nished with the Marasco. Guv’nor Generals playing their last Marasco added that although she few songs to a nearly empty pub. is uncertain how many consecutive Whether the poor acoustics was the years the college had held the bar- reason is uncertain, but in the end becue, it has taken place every year students seemed to be interested in of the seven she’s been here. just a free burger. Re-energized logo launched at 2009 orientation By RACHEL PRIVETT “The new logo will be imple- energized to refl ect the college’s Staff Writer mented over the coming months.” momentum.” It’s out with the old and in with While Pentesco did say there Along with the new logo comes the new at Niagara College. was a large fi nancial investment in the new tagline for the college, Ap- Not only are new buildings go- the re-branding of the college, she plied Dreams. ing up, but the college brand has was unsure of the fi nal cost since That is said to refl ect the col- also undergone some changes. some changes are still underway. lege’s vision of “enriching lives The kick-off at Orientation Week In choosing the new logo, Dan and fulfi lling dreams,” part of its saw the launch of the new Niagara Patterson, Niagara College’s presi- mission statement. College Canada brand. dent, said there was “extensive Patterson says he is “really ex- It was thought it was time to re- consultation with students, the cited by the tagline. It is our job to vitalize the Niagara College brand. college community and key stake- help fulfi l dreams.” The old logo, in place for 17 holders within the broader region When shown a picture of the new years, was replaced with a blue of Niagara.” logo, Nancy MacKenzie, a parent circle with lower case letters ‘nc’ “[We] asked them to refl ect on of a second-year student asked, inside. what they [thought] about Niagara “Can the college get its money This goes hand-in-hand with the College.” back?” supporting icon with the phrase Student opinion is a priority. A fi rst-year Niagara College stu- ‘my nc.’ Gord Hunchak, Niagara Col- dent, Alfred Smith, preferred the Dorita Pentesco is the college’s lege’s director of marketing, ex- old logo, but thinks the new logo manager for marketing and new plains the word “Canada” was kept looks “suitable.” media and has been leading the in the logo since it adds a sense “For the fi rst-year students, it is way in developing the new look. of place when combined with the all new to them. It’s different, but “[Orientation day] is the fi rst word Niagara. I think it’s worked out very well. I time students are seeing the new Hunchak adds, “You’ll see the think people will embrace it,” says Submitted images brand,” says Pentesco. colour blue, refreshed and re- Patterson. Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 9 ON CAMPUS Big construction equals big growth

By MICHELLE NUSSEY Samantha Barber, 17, of Whitby, Staff Writer a fi rst-year student in the Acting for Construction at Niagara College Film and Television program, did is necessary to accommodate the not know about the construction rising numbers of students. The until after orientation. When asked construction is also drawing the how the construction affected her attention of students and the com- life in residence, she replied that munity alike. the construction does not “faze” The Niagara College website her as much as she thought it says both applications to programs would. She says the noise from the and the student population have construction cannot be heard from been steadily increasing over the inside the residence and there is last two years. The construction was prompted by the economic little activity at night. Barber adds need for skilled workers and a 10.1 it makes her feel “like there is more per cent increase in total enrolment chance of opportunity.” for the 2008 term. Hayes says the college is “burst- Phil Hayes, associate registrar, ing at the seams.” says, “Students like to see the He said last year there were 39 growth and be part of it.” programs wait-listed compared Hayes says not only does the with 57 this year. construction affect the student pop- Steve Sereda, a fi rst-year Electri- ulation but the community as well. cal Engineering student, lives off Niagara College has been growing campus. He said he can hear the but seeing the buildings rising is noise in class at times, but it will a visual confi rmation of Niagara be well worth it to not have people College’s growth, he adds. without desks in class. When liaison offi cers are recruit- Hayes said the lack of space Workers continue to build the new student learning commons on the Welland Campus. The building ing new students, construction on causes the faculty to fi nd other materials have to be lifted in by crane since there are buildings surrounding the area. campus is a big selling point. It pathways for students through dif- highlights the success of Niagara ferent programs until there is room Photo by Rachel Privett College and “creates excitement,” in the student’s preferred program. he says. Albert Cipryk remembered at Niagara By RACHEL PRIVETT Applied health division Staff Writer On Sep. 16, 2009, the Niagara College Culinary Institute lost one receiving $40-million of its own. Albert Cipryk, a professor at Niagara College for 23 years and government funding a columnist for the St.Catharines Standard, died after a six-month battle with cancer. By BRITTNEY HALL sibility of new staff being hired for “As far as the type of cancer Staff Writer new programs, Spehar says. One Albert had, they were never able Applied health division students of the new programs that might be to tell us what the primary cancer will be closing the deal on their new introduced is Pharmacy Assistant was,” says Mike Cipryk, Albert’s home within the next two years, as a one-year certifi cate. Other brother. thanks to the generosity of the fed- potential programs are Occupa- From Sept. 16, the day Cipryk eral and provincial government. tional Therapist/Physiotherapist died, to Sept. 19, the day of the On May 25, it was announced Assistant, Gerontology, Addictions funeral, fl ags at Niagara College in a joint federal/provincial media Counseling, Mental Health Worker, campuses fl ew at half-mast to conference the federal and provin- Children’s Mental Health Worker, mourn the loss. cial government will be donating and Elder Care Advocate. During his life Cipryk explored $20 million each to help fund The Applied Health Institute will many career paths and fi nally Niagara College’s new Applied be “a replicated hospital situation settled on a career in professional Health Institute. … the area will simulate a setting cooking. The new building, which is part very similar to a hospital,” says Cipryk had a passion for food, of a two-year government stimu- Spehar. Signifi cant space increase, wine and travel, which he was lus, will add 100,000 square feet an intravenous room and compound able to share with students who of new classrooms and lab space drug storage in the new facility will learned from him at Niagara for the applied health programs of help prepare students in a lifelike College. Niagara College, including Para- hospital setting. Dan Patterson, president of medics, Therapeutic Recreation, Although it is a happy time for Niagara College, who knew Cip- Albert Cipryk, teacher and chef at Niagara College, died Sept. 16. Pharmacy Technician, Dental the faculty and students who look ryk through his work at Niagara Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Regis- forward to being able to use to new College, also attended a convo- Submitted photo tered Practical Nurse, and Personal facility, there will be some things cation address that Cipryk gave Support Worker. they will miss in the third fl oor of to a graduating class of culinary reached.” pletely devastated when I heard With talk of the new building the Simcoe building that they are students. Guestbook entries range from of your passing[.] I hope you comes excitement from both fac- leaving behind. “It was a very moving talk with the Niagara Region to Australia. know how much of an impact you ulty and students alike. “I will miss my offi ce,” says sage advice and words of wisdom Patterson was able to explain how were to all of us students[.]We all Naziha Hamde, 24, of Toronto, Spehar. “We like our little piece of that clearly demonstrated Albert’s Cipryk was able to infl uence so miss you terribly, and your spirit is enrolled in the Dental Assisting the world.” In the new building, the love of life and passion for his many lives. lives on in our kitchens and in our program on the Welland campus. offi ces will be more like cubicles students to succeed. Albert will “Albert was a truly remark- hearts!” “I am defi nitely excited because than actual offi ces. truly be missed” able individual who was loved, The college is making donations I’m looking forward to being able Offi ce space isn’t the only aspect A website was created about respected and touched the lives to set up student scholarships in to use the new technology and that will be missed. Cipryk to keep friends and family of so many people. He was an Cipryk’s memory. equipment,” says Hamde. “[I will miss] the Dexters [hu- aware of his condition. extraordinary educator, teacher, Mike says of his brother, “Al- Along with the new building mans who donated their bodies to In the guestbook, Niagara Col- professor who inspired many stu- bert enjoyed all aspects of being comes a higher enrolment on a science]. If they are replaced I will lege alumni Mass Noordeen says, dents in the culinary arts. There at Niagara College. It wasn’t a yearly basis, but that number is not be sad because they are real people, “For the various amount of les- are graduates literally around the job to him but a passion. Every- determined yet, says Mary Spe- or at least, used to be real people,” sons, both school and life, learnt, world who talk about what a dif- thing about him was about the har, co-ordinator of the Pharmacy says Hamde. I thank him. A man of courage, ference Albert made in their lives students.” Technician program. “It’s a gem of a building,” says brilliance, and respect, he will be and how instrumental he was in To send your condolences to The faculty of the current pro- Spehar. “All the other colleges and missed[. N]ot only in the Niagara their career development.” Cipryk’s family please visit, grams will be following their stu- institutions will want to see it. It region, but all across the world, Another student of Cipryk’s, http://www.caringbridge.org/ dents to the building with the pos- will be the standard, I believe.” whereever his teachings have Alex Hicks, posts, “I was com- visit/albertcipryk/guestbook. Page 10 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 ON CAMPUS New grant brings bucks Parking Feds aim to bring more aid to students lot and By TAMARAH NEILL Staff Writer classes More post-secondary students can now benefi t in more ways from a student loan, including the near 3,000 Niagara College students bursting receiving OSAP this year. The federal government has introduced the Canada Student Grants Program (CSGP), effective at seams for the fi rst time in the 2009-2010 By STEVE HENSCHEL academic year. Staff Writer Niagara College Welland campus You don’t have to look much past Financial Aid Adviser, Lana the cars spilling out of the parking Hardwick, says the government lot to notice Niagara College is a acknowledges the need to “fi ll the little more populous this year. gap” and is “moving in the right This is the college’s “biggest direction” when it comes to helping year yet,” according to Associate students fi nancially by replacing Registrar Sandra Huppe. The col- the now-expired, 10-year-running lege has 7,587 fulltime students en- Canada Millennium Scholarship rolled, compared to 7,108 students Foundation with the CSGP. It will in the fall of 2008. receive $350 million in government There are no spare spots avail- investments. able in any programs, says Huppe. Available through the program “Last year we had some seats avail- are grants for students from able but this year we are full.” low- or middle-income families, “It is a problem for part-time stu- students with dependent children dents who have to pick up a class and students with permanent here and there; we have nowhere to disabilities. put them.” Students are required to fi ll out The increase in student numbers one application to be considered has also created parking problems for the new grants, says Hardwick. with cars spilling out over the edge “By fi lling out the OSAP of the parking lot onto the lawns of application, students are also the college. applying for these new grants.” Niagara’s Welland campus Financial Aid department is in the main building. The team, from left, includes Second-year Broadcasting – Ra- Hardwick says all students are Lana Hardwick, Diane Sceppacerqua, Karissa Watts and Marissa Gasbarini. dio, Television and Film student encouraged to apply for OSAP, and Photo by Tamarah Neil Ken Elrick, 20, of Niagara Falls, the CSGP makes it easier for more says the parking situation is “ri- students to apply and access grant ‘A key thing I’ve heard think more people will go back to “It’s like a balancing act. Look diculous.” funding. school,” says Palumbo. at how much you have, how much “It’s great the school is growing, Hardwick says about 30 per from students receiving Having additional funding you need and what you have left but you need to accommodate for cent of the 3,000 or so students student loans is to plan makes it harder for some students over.” drivers,” says Elrick. “More stu- who applied for a student loan are your year in advance, to manage their fi nances properly, Students enrolled for two terms dents means more cars.” benefi ting already. never monthly.’ says Kathleen Batstone, a Credit can apply for OSAP until 90 The city of Welland has yet to She says she feels the program is Counselling of Regional Niagara days before the end of their study start ticketing the cars parked on “defi nitely a good thing.” — Kathleen Batstone representative. period. the lawns, but Elrick says he be- Niagara College Computer “A key thing I’ve heard from To fi nd out more about the CSGP lieves there will be an “outcry” if Programming student John Cutter students receiving student loans is or student loans in general visit tickets are given to students who and Victoria Palumbo, a student students,” says Cutter. to plan your year in advance, never www.canlearn.ca or the fi nancial paid for a parking pass. from the General Arts and Sciences With “something extra there to monthly,” says Batstone, adding aid and scholarships departments Brock University in St. Catha- program, say they agree. help and encourage” people who that budget sheets are a great way at your campus. rines is also expecting increased “I think it’s great to help can’t afford to go to college, “I to get started. enrolment numbers this fall, ac- cording to Juan Xu, manager of Brock’s Institutional Analysis department. Recession fuels college boom “We are projecting enrolment to be slightly up,” says Xu. By JULIA BOUCHER – Hotel and Restaurant program Staff Writer ‘We’ve been rather has seen an increase in enrolment. Layoffs, closures and unem- blessed because there “Last year there were 103 students Niagara News ployment are all words far too are jobs out there for enrolled, and this year there are publishing dates familiar in today’s economy. BABH students.’ 115 students currently enrolled,” Although these words carry Bourque explains. The Niagara News will a negative connotation, — David Berry This isn’t the only hospitality publish 13 papers throughout students across Ontario program seeing an increase in en- the school year. Publishing dates are the following: and, more specifi cally, The Management and Hospital- rolment. at Niagara College ity division of the college, a sector Bachelor of Applied Business Friday, Oct. 9 are starting off with a that some would assume would – Hospitality Operations (BABH) Friday, Oct. 30 positive outlook. only decrease, has also seen an in- has seen an 88 per cent increase in Friday, Nov. 13 According to the crease, explains Vincent Bourque, enrolment this year. Friday, Nov. 27 professor in and co-ordinator of Friday, Dec. 11 Colleges Ontario David Berry, professor in and co- Friday, Jan. 22 website, “Ontario’s the Hospitality Management – Ho- ordinator of the BABH program, Friday, Jan. 29 colleges have expe- tel and Restaurant program at the says, “We’ve been rather blessed Friday, Feb. 5 rienced a signifi cant Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. because there are jobs out there for Friday, Feb. 12 “In 2006 or 2007 there was an Friday, Feb. 19 increase in fi rst-year BABH students.” Friday, Feb. 26 full-time enrolment announcement that the hospitality Some sectors within the job Friday, March 19 with a seven per cent industry would create more jobs in market may seem rather bleak, Friday, April 16 increase in 2009.” Canada by 2010. Then of course but a survey conducted by Statis- This increase has the economy hit, but there is still a tics Canada states, “Employment lot of opportunity in this industry,” You can read the Niagara become evident at the in Ontario increased slightly for News anywhere online at: says Bourque. Illustrated by Madison Samuel - Barclay campuses of Niagara a second consecutive month in www.niagara-news.com. College. The Hospitality Management August.” Working towards a bet- Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 11 SPORTS Golf tourney a swinging success Event raises $32,000 for college students By CHRIS HAWS “We’ve learned a lot since he Staff Writer passed away July 31, this year, al- The community linked on Sept.15 most a month-and-a-half ago, and to support students and honour the so sudden[ly]. Once we all got back memory of a great Niagara College here and [received] tons of out- builder, Donald G. Johnston. pouring of support obviously from The Niagara College Golf Clas- family and friends but [also from] sic, a tournament at Thundering the community as well, learning all Waters Golf Club, Niagara Falls, the stuff that my Dad was involved was organized by the alumni foun- in. We kind of would hear about it, dation to raise funds for students. and I know the college -- he was Allan Magnacca, Alumni Foun- involved with it, with fundraising dation executive committee past- and getting the Niagara-on-the- chair, waiting for his turn at the Lake campus built, and the Golf hole-in-one competition at hole Management program. eight of the course, says, “We’ve “He never stopped promoting got to get the students and keep the college. It was like he was them coming to Niagara. They always representing the college. need funding. They need help, and Dan Patterson, from the college, we have to have the scholarships, was there for the [funeral] service have that resource to be able to say, and he gave ... the eulogy, with my ‘Come to Niagara College, and [if] brother doing another part.” you need help, we can help you.’ “[We] really realized how in- If it’s a scholarship, [we help by] volved he was and still was at recognizing those students who the college, which is remarkably achieve, over-achieve.” impressive.” Lyn Russo, director of develop- Russo emphasizes, “We did re- ment, Niagara College Foundation, ceive memorial donations for him interviewed as she offi ciated hole and we are adding the money from eight, adds the Building Futures Niagara College Golf Classic players representing Donald G. Johnston’s family from left were Brad Johnston, the tournament to that to establish a fund-raising campaign was Darren Johnston, Bartt Porcynelly and Christyn Porcynelly. scholarship, so it will be endowed. launched in November. Photo by Chris Haws It will help students for many, “Our goal is $16.5 million. We we have a talent pool of people in and want to invest in the future by one of our best ambassadors, so many years because we will use the have already raised nearly $12 the region that can take on the new investing in young people.” we are dedicating the tournament interest from that.” million.” economy.” Russo says, “We just lost some- revenue this year to a new scholar- Russo says this event raised Dan Patterson, president of Ni- “Think of all the occupations that one who was very special to us, ship in his name.” $32,000 for student scholarships agara College, at that same hole, are in the backbone of the econo- Donald Johnston, an honorary Darren Johnston, son of the late and bursaries, up 27 per cent from says, “We think we’ve got a com- my. Niagara College students and director [and founder] of the foun- Donald Johnston, participated in last year. This amount will be pelling case from the perspective of graduates are an important part of dation board, who died suddenly in the day with his brother Brad, matched by the Ontario Trust for the economy and helping to re-tool that, so I think people will link the July. [He was a] very, very strong niece Christyn Porcynelly and her Student Support for a total contri- for the future and to make sure that college to economic development supporter of the college, probably husband, Bartt Porcynelly. bution of at least $64,000. Students, faculty link to honour Donald Johnston

By BERNARD COOPER program of instruction and career University in Sudbury, Ont. Staff Writer choice.” He says the Professional Golf Niagara College held its annual Among the 148 golfers were Management program at the col- golf tournament last week on Sept. John Levay, director of Informa- lege “is a great one because [you] 15. It was held in honor of Donald tion Technology Services (ITS), can choose whether [you] want to G. Johnston, who was a former ad- Ryan McNaughton from the Cam- join the business aspect of it, or vocate/ambassador for the college. pus Living Centre and Sean Coote you can be a golf manager, a pro He had a passion for the game of from the International Department. or even food and beverage [man- golf, so much so that it was his Golfers came out to have to have ager].” goal was to play every golf course fun and they certainly did so, with Golfers took the time to chat in Canada. competitions for closest to the bag with Evershed. He also held a Johnston played over 120 of and longest drive, as well as a put- clinic before the tournament to these courses with his friends and ting competition and a hole-in-one show the golfers how to get an ac- family. He had an impressive col- contest. curate swing on the ball and also lection of golf shirts, golf balls and Many businesses with helped to get them warmed up. Evershed, scorecards. Johnston passed away sponsor the event. 60 years, is married to Beck Ever- suddenly on Friday, July 31. One competition all the golfers shed. They have two children: Jill, The tournament was held at were looking forward to was the who operates three golf courses in Thundering Waters golf course, in beat-the-pro hole. The pro was Hamilton, and Adam, an amateur Niagara Falls, the fi rst signature Tony Evershed, a CPGA Master. golfer. golf course in Canada of PGA pro- Evershed is a pro golfer with 38 The winning men’s team includ- fessional John Daly. years of progressive responsibility ed included three representatives Tournament co-ordinator Alison for multi-site operations manage- from architectural fi rm Tillman Burgoyne says, “This tournament ment and large event planning. He Ruth Mocellin (aTRM) – Steve raises much-needed funds for the is a certifi ed Canadian PGA Master Done, Bill Ruth and McMichael student scholarships and bursaries, Professional and he has written his Ruth – and John Gittings of Ni- which are a part of our Building thesis in Golf Course Construc- agara College. Futures Campaign. It gives many tion. He has been involved with Best mixed team was Gina Me- of the college senior administra- the college by lecturing in the Pro nechella, Bev Newton, Ryan Foss tors an opportunity to personally Golf Management Course, and was and Lee Philips, representing the connect with and to thank our sup- invited to this tournament to help Marriot Niagara Fallsview and Spa. porters. It also provides benefi cial raise money for the college. Most honest team was Brian Free- opportunities for our students who “I love helping kids and young man, Michael Post, Kyle McGregor work or volunteer at the event to adults,” says Evershed, who and Ryan McNaughton, represent- CPGA golfer Tony Evershed takes a swing at the Sept. 15 tournament. practice their skills and to learn through the early and late 1990s ing Campus Living Centres. hands-on in real-life situations taught a fourth edition Physical The college raised $32,000 for Photo by Bernard Cooper that would be applicable to their Education program at Laurentian this tournament. Page 12 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 SPORTS Array of sports for Niagara fans By JOSH SOUSA Niagara College Knights Hall of Staff Writer Fame wall in the Mackenzie build- To many people, sports and ing on the Welland campus. sporting events are a crucial part of Playing their games mostly at their day-to-day lives. the Welland campus, the Knights Whether one plays a sport or offer a surplus of entertainment supports a team, society has come throughout the year. Scheduling, to embrace athletes and all the tal- team information and all other ents they bring to our lives for us stats are available at www.niaga- to enjoy. raknights.ca. When people tend to think about A simple bus ride away from sports, certain cities come to mind. Niagara holds the den of the Brock Philadelphia, Manchester, New University Badgers. York, Chicago, Dallas, Boston and A campus of almost 20,000 stu- many other large cities are world- dents and faculty, Brock offers a renowned for the sporting teams huge variety of sports teams played they have. These are home to some in male and female squads. of the most recognizable franchises With 27 national championships in the world. and countless Ontario champi- Here in the Niagara region, onships, Brock prides itself on athletes put forth all their effort academic excellence and athletic to bring the local fans some of the prowess. best quality sports seen. Nationally recognized for men Niagara is home to many and women’s wrestling and row- prominent sporting events. Be it ing, Brock teams excel at all sports the exuberant Niagara College and not simply the basic sports that Knights programs, the nationally come to mind, such as basketball ranked power of the Brock Univer- and rugby. sity Badgers programs, the chill of Offering seasons tickets for any the Niagara Ice Dogs taking to the team at $80 or less, Brock Badgers rink or the major league franchises sporting events are a must-see for Beth Clause, goaltender for the Brock University women’s hockey team, is one local talent that you shouldn’t just an hour away, Niagara has just anyone in the region or anyone miss. Her agile and acrobatic saves thrill the crowds at away games as well as at home games held at the about any type of sport for any type who doesn’t feel like spending Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre. of person in the region or beyond. hundreds of dollars to see a major Photo by Josh Sousa Niagara College offers many league game. for all of Brock University’s teams, Leafs of the National Hockey Although more expensive and sports to the community. From Brock women’s hockey coach visit www.gobadgers.ca. League, the promising Raptors of time consuming, Toronto sporting basketball, soccer and volleyball Todd Erskine, 33, enters his 12th University and collegiate sport- the National Basketball Associa- events offer some of the top athletes to curling and golf, it boasts some year as head coach with this up- ing events, although not as big in tion, the redesigned Argonauts of in the world playing the sport they of the area’s best athletes across coming season. Leading the excit- Canada as they are in the United the Canadian Football League, have known for all of their life. The various fi elds, rinks, courses and ing and ferocious squad to its fi rst States, are entertaining, and like all the sold-out Toronto F.C. of Major passion, pride and fun experienced arenas. Ontario University Athletics Asso- athletes, they thrive on the support League Soccer, the high-fl ying Blue at these games is unlike any other Former women’s soccer de- ciation semi-fi nal this past season, of fans. Thrilling, post-secondary Jays of Major League Baseball sporting experience around. fensemen Lindsay Clarke, 19, of Erskine believes fan support is a sports are not for everyone, though. and, most recently, by the visiting Sports are a valuable part of Newmarket, Ont., is a fi rm believer driving factor for the team’s suc- Some people require the cries of Buffalo Bills of the National Foot- day-to-day life. They keep society in the idea of fan support. cess, spirit and morale. thousands cheering and screaming ball League (NFL). Andrew Major, entertained, enthralled, excited, “It means everything to me. “Fan support feels great because for their favourite team to attain the executive director of marketing for hopeful and proud. When you go out to play and all the our players can feed off it. Having full sporting experience. the Buffalo Bills of the NFL, was Although not everyone is a fan of fans are there supporting you and fans accompany us on road games Living in the area also provides adamant that the environment of every sport, one should challenge the team, it just feels awesome. It during last year’s playoff run dem- great surrounding professional an NFL game, especially in a city oneself to attend a sporting event, makes you want to perform at your onstrates how passionate and sup- and semi-professional teams. Less not used to the events, is unlike any be it to support a team or a special best.” portive they can be, not only to the than one and a half hours north of other sporting experience. player or simply to have a great Niagara College has had many respective sport they were cheering Niagara are some prominent and “Every game is an exciting, time. Sporting events are some of great athletes and teams over the for, but also the greater community world-renowned franchises. must-see event and seemingly im- the most fun and exciting events years and honours a select few ev- it is a part of.” Toronto is home to major fran- portant for the team since there are one can experience in the Niagara ery year by inducting them into the For information and scheduling chises such as the legendary Maple only 16 in a season.” region. X-Men football team battles its way across border By THOMAS ROTELLA of responsibilities. years of high school football and Staff Writer “Some of my jobs include ar- one year with the Niagara Spears. They may not have razor sharp ranging schedules and buses, fi lling That’s why I tried out for the X- claws, telekinetic powers or the out paperwork, registration forms, Men last season. I missed playing ability to shoot laser beams from ordering equipment and jerseys the game, missed the overall chal- their eyes, but these X-Men are and communicating with all of our lenge football puts on your body.” still one powerful team. opponents.” With the task of playing some The Niagara X-Men, a group Arcaro says most of the players of the toughest amateur football in of young football players ages 18 come from our own backyard. Canada, Newlands says sometimes to 23, are the only Canadian team “Seeing as how post-secondary it’s not only a physically demand- that gets the chance to play against schools such as Brock Univer- ing sport, but intimidating as well. American colleges and universi- sity or Niagara College don’t have “It’s a crazy thing, because in the ties. Originally named the Niagara football teams, most of our players States, football is such a high prior- Colts Football Club, the team was come from the two. This season ity, so it was such a surprise hit for founded as a non-profi t organiza- about 80 per cent of our squad us. But at the same time, once the tion in 1997, with the intention of come from Niagara College.” game started we were too excited “It’s really tough for fans, friends for the Niagara X-Men can create bringing football to the Niagara Andrew Newlands, 22, of Ni- to really think about it. It became a or family who want to cheer on their many possibilities down the road. region. At that time, there were no agara Falls, Ont., has had the op- rush.” It can be frustrating for fans team. Most of the games played are “Playing for our team has many organized clubs in the area. portunity to play for the X-Men. who want to be ringside for the located in the States. benefi ts when [you think] about In 2001, the team name was In his second and fi nal year of the X-Men when the gloves come off, Last season all of them were your future. If a player commits changed to the Niagara X-Men, Pharmacy Technician program at but their team doesn’t get to be the played over the border. So two sea- to it, the X-Men helps players to refl ecting their primary sponsor, the Welland campus, Newlands home team too often.Ian Miller, 23, sons ago, when the X-Men played hone their skills to play for either X-Fitness, in Welland. Running a says other than playing for the X- of St. Catharines, Ont., a graduate here in Canada, we all jumped at Canadian or American universities. team, whether it is professional or Men for the one season last year, of the Police Foundations program, the chance to cheer them on. The The No. 1 thing for us is to give amateur, is not an easy job. Team he has had a lot of experience play- has been a team fan for a few years atmosphere was awesome,” says young students the opportunities manager Janice Arcaro, of Port ing the game. now. He says he got to see a game Miller. If the opportunity is taken to advance their careers to the next Colborne, Ont., says she has a lot “Before the X-Men I played four or two a couple of years ago. seriously, Arcaro says, playing level.” Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 13 LIFESTYLES Vegans follow a lifestyle ... By SAMANTHA WAGEMANN her weight loss is largely a result of Staff Writer her “increased metabolism.” Veganism not only involves Sakars says he believes the hu- healthful food choices, but it is also man body spends “less energy and a lifestyle. time breaking down [vegan food] It is making a decision to avoid as opposed to meats.” As a result, any activities or products that “ex- your body has more energy to stay ploit animals to be manufactured,” active. says Denis Kelly, 23. Kelly, a People often mistake veganism vegan for a year and a half, is an as having to obsess over what you active member of the Brock Ani- eat and being able to eat very little. mal Rights Club (BARC) and Ni- “Everyone thinks it’s diffi cult and agara Action For Animals (NAFA). we come off as picky,” says Soul. Both groups raise awareness about Veganism does minimize your animal cruelty through petitions food choices, but there are many and protests. They also promote alternative choices. Sakars enjoys veganism. his version of “green smoothies.” Kimberly Costello, 28, is a He drinks one or two a day. All you BARC board member. She noticed do is throw your “favourite fruits many changes about herself when and green vegetables in a blender she became vegan seven years ago. with ice, water and soy yogurt. You She says she felt “better physical- can’t even taste the greens.” ly” She felt a sense of “well-being” Soul enjoys a lot of food with and was “mentally liberated and at a “hummus base,” such as vegan peace.” pizza, pastas and dips. She also She says, “Things such as a com- eats veggie wraps, stir-frys, veggie mon cold are scarce.” burgers, oatmeal, fruit and tofu. John Sakars, 39, became a vegan “I try to have a diverse diet that 12 years ago “strictly for ethical involves many food groups.” reasons.” Although he says he Veganism is growing more “didn’t try to lose weight, it just popular every day. Many more are happened.” converting their diets from vege- Weight loss is very common tarian (a diet that contains no meat) among vegans. to vegan (no animal bi-products). The most obvious reason is Sakars says he is “optimistic that eating more healthful food. A lot the world will be vegan” in his of fatty foods such as cheese and lifetime. meats are cut out of a vegan diet Costello says, “Veganism isn’t and replaced with nuts, whole perfection and it’s not about ob- grains, soy and tofu. sessing. It is about making the best Jessica Soul, 23, has been a compassionate and healthy choice Jessica Soul, 23, enjoys a wide variety of food at a vegan buff et. vegan for just over a year and feels that you can.” Photo by Samantha Wagemann ... while vegetarians follow a diet

By APRIL STEWART Aubertin-Coutu, who has been a the extra protein that people are Staff Writer vegetarian for 18 years, promotes taking in leaves their bodies, it can- These days it’s diffi cult to keep healthful eating to all her clients. not leave without taking calcium up with a busy lifestyle and man- Protein intake is an important with it, so people are worried about age to eat nutritiously, but it’s very part of staying healthy. Meat isn’t calcium defi ciency, but oftentimes doable. One of the most popular the only source, although it may be its because they are consuming too and potentially healtful diets, es- the easiest. much protein.” pecially with younger generations, “A vegetarian would fi nd protein Randall White, MD, adjunct as- is a vegetarian one. This lifestyle in foods such as tofu, beans, meat sistant professor of human and nat- choice, however, has its negative substitutes such as veggie dogs ural ecology at Emory University, aspects and skeptics. made from soy, or darker veg- in Atlanta, says, “A vegetarian diet “I believe that most vegetarians etables such as spinach,” says Lynn can also be good to your bones. Re- get sick very easily and don’t get Vozza, a vegetarian for 15 years. search fi nds that vegetarians may the protein that they should,” says “These may not sound as ap- run a lower risk of osteoporosis Justene Guressi, a second-year petizing as a chicken burger but than carnivores. Why? They’re less Nutrition student at the Univer- they defi nitely do the trick when it likely to overdue it on protein. sity of Western Ontario. “Meat is comes to protein.” “Excess protein prompts the defi nitely the best way to get it, so In fact, the American Dietetic body to excrete calcium, an impor- I don’t recommend a vegetarian Association fi nds vegetarians usu- tant bone-building material,” he diet if you want to be as healthy as ally meet or exceed requirements explains in his book New Choices possible.” for protein. for Natural Healing. According to Melissa Aubertin- “It always bothered me when A vegetarian diet can be diffi cult Coutu, a registered dietitian at other people, meat-eaters, would to maintain. Alyssa Bucci, a student Suhka Yoga and Nutrition Centre ask me how I got my protein, as and ex-vegetarian, struggled while Here is a colourful arrangement of celery, garlic, cucumbers and various in Welland, “A diet containing if I was searching for gold,” says attempting a vegetarian diet. other vegetables, all found at your local market. meat is defi nitely healthy, as long Vozza. “At fi rst it was really easy for Submitted photo as that diet is also done correctly. She contends the lack of protein me, but then I started getting sick remain healthy. from the meat. Just be prepared to Too much meat, especially red isn’t the problem. “I think that and feeling really tired.” “I didn’t eat enough of the things spend a little more money. meat, can cause many health prob- people are consuming more protein Other aspiring vegetarians need my body needed, so I got sick, and A diet with or without meat can lems including a higher risk of than they need, rather than not hav- to research to learn how do follow the easiest thing for me to do at the be nutritious, as long as each diet is heart attacks, high blood pressure ing enough.” the diet properly. Since the easiest time was go back to meat,” Bucci followed correctly. and colon cancer. I recommend a Vozza had taken a number of nu- source of protein, calcium, iron or says. For more information on nutri- vegetarian diet to many of my cli- trition courses to educate herself. vitamins such as B12, is cut out, There are replacements for the tion and healthy eating visit www. ents as long as I feel it’s a healthy “I learned that one of the downfalls a vegetarian needs to make sure protein, calcium, iron and vitamins sukhayogaandnutrition.com/ choice for them.” to a meat-based diet is that when to replace everything in order to that would have been extracted Sukha_yoga/nutrition.html. Page 14 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 LIFESTYLE When you drink, We Drive

By JASON COSTA If you’re going there to drink, go Staff Writer there to drink. Don’t put your life Why drive when you don’t have in danger.” to? On May 11, 2006, shortly after 3 We Drive, a Niagara region- a.m., Bright found his truck upside based business, is a delivery ser- down against a guardrail. With the vice dedicated to ensuring a safe tires still spinning, Bright pulled ride home for local-area residents himself out of the wreckage to fi nd who have had a little too much to the police waiting to arrest him. drink. We Drive is a service not Jason Vail, a graduate of Brock known to a large population, University, came across an idea he but some feel it should be, believed would be a great service Shawn Sitter, 20, a fi rst-year Busi- to the Niagara region – not to men- ness Administration student at tion a great business venture. Brock, explains. “We are not a cab service. We “I think it’s a really good idea. drive your car for you so you don’t It’s a great way to not leave your drive impaired and so you don’t car unattended overnight. A lot of leave your car overnight.” people drive home drunk because Starting We Drive Dec. 1, 2006, they don’t want to leave their car. Vail has been dedicated to expand- I’d defi nitely use this service in the ing his business on the basis to future.” eliminate – or at least reduce – im- Rides home can be arranged paired driving among all ages, not from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. any day of just students. the week. With anywhere from six “The majority of our customers to 11 drivers working at a time, the are in the upper age bracket, in roads in the Niagara region can be between the ages 35 to 65.” that much safer. Trying to increase the younger demographic, Vail has promoted safe and sober driving for years, especially since May 1, 2009, when If you’re drinking, leave your keys behind and call We Drive. new Ontario legislature tightened Photo by Jason Costa impaired driving laws by decreas- ing the legal blood alcohol limit to alcohol levels – not just the stu- drunk and crash, you’re prob- ing and applying make-up while .05 per cent, meaning more than 50 dents. If you have two beers, you’ll ably stupid enough to crash when driving.” We Drive not only offers residents milligrams of alcohol in every 100 blow over. It’s not that you’re you’re sober.” Marshall explains Mike Bright, 23, a fi rst-year a safe ride home (not to mention a millilitres of blood. unable to control the vehicle but his distaste for the reputation that Popular Culture and Social Media fi ve per cent discount for students) First time offenders face a you’re over the legal limit. It’s just he feels comes with having a few student at Brock, knows the nega- but also a delivery service for over three-day suspension, whereas not worth it.” drinks. tive effects of drinking and driving 40 restaurants in St. Catharines. second- and third-time offenders Andrew Marshall, 23, a second- “I’m not endorsing being com- fi rst-hand. When asked about his Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. may have their licence suspended year Communications student at pletely smashed and driving. I just experience driving under the infl u- to 2 a.m., We Drive will deliver food from seven to 30 days, as well as Brock University, fi nds it hard to don’t think two beers have any im- ence, Bright states, “You have no orders across the city for a fee. Visit being required to attend mandatory understand the strict laws against pact on your level of concentration, reason to drink and drive. If you www.wedriveonline.com for more alcohol education programs. alcohol levels. and if it does, then they should have want to have a glass of wine at information. “A lot of people don’t understand “If you’re stupid enough to drive harsher laws regarding eating, talk- dinner, whatever, take a cab home. Finding your voice Th e search for the best cellphone deals By JOSEPH PARADA unlimited nights and weekends fi ve favourite numbers. Staff Writer between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monica Funk, 19, a sales rep at The college year has started Telus and Rogers Wireless have the Telus store in the Pen Centre in again and many students have similar plans. Telus has two plans St. Catharines says, “The Black- come from out of town. Some of to offer to students. It has one for berry Student 35 plan is probably them may need cellphones. Many $25 a month with a choice of these our best seller. Most students end options and plans are available, but three phones: the LG Keybo, which up getting the Blackberry Curve.” which phone and plan is the right is zero dollars on a three-year term; If you are looking for a Smart- one for you? the LG Dare, which is $49.99 on phone plan, Rogers offers a student Blackberries seem to be popular a three-year term; and the Mo- Smartphone combo for $50, which with for students in university and torola Rival, which is $99.99 on a includes 200 weekday minutes, college. Gianni DiFronzo, 26, the three-year term. This plan includes unlimited evenings and weekends manager of Bell Distribution Inc., unlimited text messaging plus 100 and 500 megabytes of data, which agrees. anytime minutes and unlimited can be upgraded to one gigabyte “Our Blackberry sales have calling to fi ve of your favourite for an additional $5. Also included doubled in the past year. At this numbers. is MY10 program, which consists time last year we had maybe two Telus also offers a Blackberry of unlimited talk and text with 10 out of 10 students buying Black- student plan, which gives you the friends anywhere in Canada. berries. This year it has probably option of a Blackberry Pearl for A mega value student plan pro- doubled to fi ve or six out of 10.” zero dollars, the Blackberry Curve vides 200 anytime minutes and a As for plans that aren’t Black- for $29.99 and the Blackberry bonus 50 minutes. Unlimited nights berries, Bell’s most popular plan Pearl Flip for $29.99. All prices are and weekends are also included in is the Student 35 plan, which under a three-year term. This plan this package. includes 200 local minutes plus has no limits for text messaging “From the last week of August 50 bonus minutes. Also included using Blackberry Messenger, Face- until Sept. 15 is when we sell most is its national Fab 10, which lets book, MySpace and Windows Live of our student plans.” Difronzo With so many choices of cellphones, it’s a question of which one you choose 10 numbers for which Messenger. There are 200 anytime says. These plans are just for a students should pick. you get unlimited text and calling, minutes and unlimited calling to limited time offer. Photo by April Stewart Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 15 LIFESTYLES Shedding locks for the cure By JONATHAN KRENZ Jay Wijesundara, 37, Wal-Mart Staff Writer Front End Manager and Charity On Saturday, Sept. 19, two Team captain. “This is one of Wal- Wal-Mart associates gave up their Mart’s community events that we fl owing locks for charity at their do all the time,” Wijesundara says. store on Vansickle Road in St. “It is important for McMaster Hos- Catharines. pital. They buy medical supplies, “We are cutting our hair for they buy the new scanners – it all the Children’s Miracle Network goes to the Children’s Hospital.” (CMN) and Locks of Love,” says Just before their public shearing, Sean Delaney, 30, Wal-Mart Night the hair donors were in good spir- Associate and Niagara College its. Some customers who donated Broadcasting – Radio, Television cut a braid of Sanders’ hair during and Film alumnus. “All money the event. “I already feel great; raised is going to the CMN, and mine’s almost done,” Sanders says. my hair is being donated to Locks “I had a lot of fun today. The kids of Love for any children who had a great time cutting my braids. need hair for wigs because they I think [they] enjoyed it more than lost it to cancer or any other type the adults did.” of disease.” “I’ve been growing my hair for Lee-Anne Sanders, 33, Wal- four years now,” Delaney says. Mart Toy Department Manager, “It’s going to feel very different, says she has a personal reason for having finally cut it, but it’s go- being involved with the event. “A ing to a good cause so I’m good very good friend of mine [had] with that.” her daughter four months early; “I think that it’s very impor- she weighed 13 ounces,” Sanders tant what Sean did today,” says explains. “When she was born, onlooker Charlene Pastorius, 40, she was at Sick Kids for almost from St. Catharines, “because for fi ve months before she could even him to put somebody else’s interest come to St. Catharines.” and well-being at heart makes him The Children’s Miracle Net- a very special person; a very caring work, a non-profi t charity organi- person.” zation, helps fund more than 170 For more information on this children’s hospitals, including topic visit www.childrensmiracle- Niagara College alumnus Sean Delaney grimaces as Picasso’s Salon Spa employee Amanda McPherson cuts McMaster Children’s Hospital in network.org, www.mcmasterchil- the hair he donated to Locks of Love at the Vansickle Rd. Wal-Mart in St. Catharines. Hamilton. Wal-Mart raised $8.5 drenshospital.ca and www.lockso- Photo by Jonathan Krenz million for the CMN last year, says fl ove.org. Proudly serving the Welland community By HEIDI GRZESINA two community coaches working “We have a new partnership with Staff Writer out of the agency. “We try to build the YWCA for transitional hous- “We are starting to see a lot of that awareness for those who may ing,” says Kemp, “and our literacy faces we have never seen before need it. Clients set their own goals program is underway fi ve days and because of our economic situa- with regard to housing, income or two nights a week.” tion,” says Pat Kemp, the newly any other focus with our support.” Residents in the Welland com- appointed executive director of the In operation since 1974, the munity requiring help are encour- Hope Centre since July. Hope Centre receives 48 per cent aged to apply. Kemp was formerly with Region of its operating costs from govern- Niagara College students, along Niagara in the social assistance of- ment sources with the remaining with more than 80 community fi ce and says her experience there 52 per cent from fundraising. volunteers, renovated the Welland translates into an increased under- Services offered are a 24-hour Hope Centre’s Sprouting Hope standing of her new position. emergency hostel facility; housing Garden, according to the Niagara The Hope Centre, 179 East Main stabilization programs including a College website. St., Welland, offers “much more utilities program, kitchen, pantry, “We are so pleased to have had than charity” according to its pam- literacy and basic skills; adult the help of Niagara College stu- phlet; it is committed “to building drop-in; winter coats for kids; the dents in their initiative of last year, and strengthening the Welland Kacey-Lynn Fund (fi nancial relief called Sprouting Seeds for Hope,” community by attending to the ba- to qualifi ed families with children says Kemp. sic needs of our marginalized citi- with medical and dental needs and “The opportunities for volun- zens … and by advocating change no insurance); Christmas baskets, teers offered at the centre include in existing social structures which in partnership with the Salvation co-ops [for business and social contribute to poverty, homeless- Army; the Jump Start program service program students] and we ness, and compromised health.” (funded through the Canadian Tire have been proud to have students “The most important piece [of Foundation Families for children’s here for their placements.” Providing service to those in need are, from left, Domenic Chininea, this picture] is the awareness for sports and recreational activities); The Hope Centre can be reached community coach, Pat Kemp, executive director, and Curtis Dignard, the individual who needs help,” and volunteer training and leader- at 905-788-0744, 24 hours a day, community coach at the Hope Centre in Welland. says Domenic Chininea, one of ship development programs. seven days a week. Photo by Heidi Grzesina Carrying on the spirit of Terry Fox one stride at a time By CRAIG LEACH ages ran, walked, cycled, or in-line Cyr, who has been helping with as getting some exercise, brought upon in 1980. Fox was forced to Staff Writer skated the 10-km circuit to raise the run for the past seven years, Greg Winters and his girlfriend, stop his attempt outside of Thunder Even 28 years after Canadian funds for cancer research. started volunteering after his wife Mary Strom, to the event. Bay, Ont., after the cancer that took hero Terry Fox’s death, his fi ery The annual event, which has was diagnosed with breast cancer “We think this is a great way his leg spread to his lungs. tenacity is still inspiring people to become a Canadian institution, is a and died from the disease. to raise money and get the heart Martha McClew, the Ontario act in the fi ght against cancer. This great way to carry on the spirit and “After Martha passed, I started pounding,” Strom said. provincial director of the Terry Fox determination was on display at legacy of Canadian icon Terry Fox, to focus a lot of my energy on the The fundraiser takes place every Foundation, said that in St. Catha- Lakeshore Park on Sept. 13 during says volunteer Walt Cyr. run. I get a lot of satisfaction from year on the second Sunday after rines, Niagara Falls and Welland, a the St. Catharines leg of the 29th “We’re all out here to remem- helping out here.” Labour Day. The event continues total of 905 people participated and annual Terry Fox Run. ber Terry and raise money for the The opportunity to help make a the cross-Canada Marathon of $99,450 was raised for the Terry Nearly 500 participants of all [Terry Fox] Foundation.” difference in people’s lives, as well Hope that Terry Fox embarked Fox Foundation. Page 16 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 LIFESTYLE H1N1 prevention important for everyone By CHASE MOUNTNEY that protocol for the reduction and Staff Writer occurrence of fl u transmission is With infl uenza season approach- implemented seriously in all clin- ing quickly, health-care profession- ics, including methadone and other als in Niagara are not only recom- rehabilitation clinics where people mending getting the fl u shot, but are more susceptible because of are stressing the equal importance prior health confl icts. of prevention and virus control. “We educate staff as well as Infl uenza virus A and B occur clients about the routine of proper in Canada every year. Statistics hand washing. We also have a hand Canada reported that 31.7 per cent washing dispenser in every client of Canadians aged 12 or older or staff room with instructions on reported they had received an infl u- how to use it,” says Faber. enza vaccination in 2008, about the “We show staff as well as clients same rate as in 2007. how to sneeze into the arm, rather Health Canada recommends than open mouth sneezing, which yearly immunizations for the fl u in reduces the spread of germs.” order to build antibodies against a Dr. C. Kuhn, clinical physician virus known to mutate yearly. for the NHS, enforces the posting “If you don’t have antibodies of signs on the main entrance of any built up for the fl u, your body has clinic and client rooms asking ques- to not only fi ght the virus off, but tions with reference to shortness of establish its own antibodies at the breath or of a new or worsening same time,” says Helen Kroeker, a cough in the last 24 to 48 hours. nurse practitioner for the Niagara Questions relating to fever, shakes Health System (NHS). “I think of and chills are also addressed. Helen Kroeker, nurse practitioner for the Niagara Health System, stresses the importance of virus prevention antibodies as an army that fi ghts off “We have masks available in during fl u season. the virus.” every client room and ask clients to Photo by Chase Mountney With immunizations being free wear a mask if they present to us for all Canadian citizens, health- with a cough or sneezing. We can care professionals believe there also move clients to other waiting is no reason people should ignore areas so as to not infect others,” Niagara College fi ghts against fl u receiving the shot. says Dr. Kuhn. “It is vital for people to get a Quarantine methods are an fl u shot, but infection control, like important factor in controlling the Posters read: sneeze into your shoulder proper hand washing, using alcohol spread of infl uenza. Health-care By MICHELLE ANDERSON sanitizers and coughing into the professionals understand the risk Staff Writer ‘They are still available sometime in late Oc- arm is important.” of infl uenza transmission amongst Riding out the H1N1 virus by tober. Infl uenza is a respiratory virus clients, patients and those who are barricading yourself in your home working on She stresses students should get and is primarily spread through in below-average health. with a month’s supply of food, the vaccine as soon as it is avail- coughing. Virus control is the Public Health stated that seasonal water and prescriptions is the only developing a able. “There is a large potential key when it comes to minimizing fl u vaccines will be available Oct. 5 way to guarantee you do not come vaccine. They don’t for people to get sick. University the spread and contamination of with clinics set up throughout Ni- in contact with it. This is not pos- and college students will not have the flu. agara and that H1N1 vaccines are sible for most people. How then have one yet.’ immunity for this.” Flu prevention is imperative in expected to be available by mid- can you avoid contracting the vi- Dr. Hopkins urges people to health-care institutions and clinics November. rus being dubbed a “pandemic”? stay home if they are feeling sick. where people are at a higher risk of The college is offering fl u shot Fear of the H1N1 virus has hit – Jean Claude Not only will rest help your body becoming infected. clinics on Oct. 9 and Oct. 20 from the campus. recover from viruses, but staying Fiona Faber, methadone clinic 9 a.m-3 p.m in the boardroom in “It’s been killing a lot of people, H1N1 virus: 1-800-476-9708), away from others will also help co-ordinator for the NHS, states Lundy Wing, Welland campus. everywhere!” Roniel Aperocho, a says, “They are still working on prevent the spread of the virus fi rst-year Graphic Design Produc- developing a vaccine. They don’t from those who are in high risk tion – Art and Design Fundamen- have one as of yet.” groups, such as pregnant women, tals student, says. For those planning to get the fl u people with compromised im- According to Health Canada, shot, Claude reminds everyone, mune systems and the elderly. Looking for something between 10 and 25 per cent of the “The regular vaccine is the fl u and Although it may affect thou- population will contract infl uenza, this [H1N1 virus] is a different sands of Canadians, Dr. Hopkins unique and affordable? the regular flu, each flu season strain.” He says it cannot hurt to puts the situation into perspec- (November to April). Between get both. “We recommend you get tive: “I think we’ve been really 4,000 and 8,000 people die the regular fl u shot and the H1N1 lucky. In 1918 millions of people from complications of the flu virus shot when it is available. died [from infl uenza].” every year. Dr. Jessica Hopkins, of Niagara Only 74 people have died Because of such a high in- Region Public Health, suspects since the initial case of H1N1 FASHION FORWARD cidence of infl uenza infection, the H1N1 virus vaccine will be virus on April 13, 2009. CLOTHING AND Niagara College plans to mitigate ACCESSORIES • American Apparel the effect of the 2009 fl u season • David & Goliath by encouraging students to prac- • Loungefl y tice good hygiene. Hand sanitizers • Big It Up Hats are available at many locations • Harriet Grey around the school, and posters re- mind students to “sneeze into your www.stylecommission.com • Mimi & Marge • Barbie’s Basement shoulder and not your palms.” Students are also practicing their • Clic Klak own safety measures. Construc- • Normal Watches tion Techniques student Marco and more Rodriques will not only be getting

63808660 the infl uenza fl u shot this year, he will also be using plenty of hand sanitizer to stay healthy. Although reports of a H1N1 52 Niagara Street Welland • 905.732.9879 virus vaccine being dangerous to Wednesday-Saturday: 11am to 8pm • Sunday: 12pm to 6pm one’s health have been circulating in the media, there is no H1N1 virus vaccine. Jean Claude, of the general H1N1 virus hotline (a free hotline for Canadians with questions about Photo Illustration by Madison Samuel-Barclay Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 17 ENTERTAINMENT Niagara students chasing VJ dream By STEPHANIE COUTURE Staff Writer MuchMusic is calling on VJs, and Niagara College is answering. Matt Dell, 24, a Broadcast- ing – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) second-year student prone to being in front of the camera, has fi lmed, posted and delivered his application video to MuchMusic. Now he’s waiting to hear if the hard work pays off. “I hope to bring a new, fresh look and sound [to MuchMusic] and I am looking to be on there for the same reasons why I watch Much- Music,” says Dell. Alexandra Tirabassi, 19, a BRTF second-year student, is going head to head with Dell and hopes to secure a spot as MuchMusic’s VJ of 2009. “I am outgoing and determined,” says Tirabassi. “I will not throw in the towel and give up.” She ex- plaines she has a passion for being on camera and loves the feeling she gets when the red record light fl ashes. It has been three years since MuchMusic’s 2006 VJ search, when it set out to fi nd someone with dynamic energy who is enthu- siastic about pop culture music. “[Matt] has the personality and is just so in love with music that it wouldn’t even be work for him. He would be putting his heart and soul Second-year Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film students Matt Dell (left) and Alex Tirabassi hope their dreams become reality with their into it,” says longtime friend AJ applications to be MuchMusic’s next VJ contest winner. Bernard, 24, a second-year BRTF Submitted photos student. port for him. whom she refers to as her personal “Everyone says that they love She adds Dell is someone easy to “Alex has a very different, yet “It is such a wonderful feeling cheerleader. music, which is great, but I do not relate to and with a great personal- amazing sense of humour. She is to see all the support Matt has re- “I think she can do anything she only love it, it is my life. I am not ity, and says that is the reason she able to turn anything into some- ceived already in the early stages puts her heart, soul and mind into,” in love with it; I am obsessed with believes so many people are sup- thing funny, whether it is serious it,” says Dell. porting him. or absolutely ridiculous,” says Liz of this process. I am so proud of says Cindy Bertrand, Tirabassi’s A mutual friend of Tirabassi and Russell, 20, a BRTF student. “The him, and it honestly feels like I’m mother. “With Matt, I have gotten to VJs that are on there now, it seems the one being praised when I hear “I’m here to help her however I Dell has enormous support for the know someone with a strong pas- sion for music and life. I think he they all follow the same mould people giving Matt positive feed- possibly can. I always try to keep both of them. back,” says Jen Deschamps, Dell’s her upbeat for when she gets down “Alex is unique and not your av- is the perfect candidate for the job and lack a sense of humour, unless and MuchMusic would be lucky to it’s scripted. Alex would defi nitely fi ancé. “He is so deserving of it and and discouraged.” erage college student. Her personal- ity shines through in any situation,” have him.” bring life to the station.” it makes me really happy to see his Tirabassi and Dell excel in dif- hard work paying off.” said Elise Forester, 20, second-year For more information on Dell Dell has a large network of sup- ferent aspects of qualifi cations to BRTF student. “Her knowledge of and Tirabassi’s MuchMusic jour- port starting with his fi ancé through As Tirabassi trails behind with be the next VJ, Tirabassi with her pop culture is immense. I have seen ney you can follow them on these to his family and friends. He has a about 200 supporters on her Face- self-proclaimed originality and her show a lot of enthusiasm about Facebook groups: Alex Tirabassi Facebook group of more than 700 book group, she remains positive, Dell’s passion for and fi xation on for MuchMusic VJ and MuchMu- becoming a VJ, and she is devoted people showing their love and sup- with her mother in her corner, music. to winning.” sic VJ Search: Matt Dell. Feed your brain with a voice from a zine Niagara students are sharing their work at college library display By ASHLEY PAOLOZZI and Design Fundamentals student move it somewhere where it could Staff Writer Chantal Lefebvre. get the attention it deserves.” From Sexual Health to Art and Lefebvre has created about 10 The collection of zines has been Politics, the topics discussed in zines, including Stuck in Limbo (1- a work in progress since Lefebvre the self-published zines in the new 2), Ketamine Sunrise, Robot Guts was in high school. She says she Niagara College Zine Library have (1-2.5), Anecdotage and One Shot. has “been getting donations from it all. Her interests in zines were people in the mail from all over the A zine, according to www.art- sparked in Grade 10 after being in- world on a steady basis.” matters.ca, is a “non-commercial, troduced to them by a close friend. Lefebvre enjoys reading and non-professional publication, “I’ve always liked to write and drawing inspiration from other’s kind of like a magazine but with a draw and play with layouts,” she writing. twist.” says, “so it only made sense to be Her favourites include Culture Zines and magazines differ in interested in such a thing.” Slut and Motorcity Kitty, “for dif- their purposes; a magazine is pub- Previous to the collection’s ferent reasons,” she says. She en- lished to make a profi t, and a zine placement in the library, the col- joys these because of the “feminist is published to “to add other, often lection was titled Welland Zine slant, which seems to have become unheard voices into the mix.” Library and was located at Youth my favourite kind of zine.” The Zine Library (pronounced Innovations in the Seaway Mall. Lefebvre highly encourages as- zeen) was set up at the end of this Moving the display became a sen- piring zine creators to “write about summer at the Niagara College sible option when she realized “the what you’re passionate about and Welland campus library by 22-year- audience [had] died within the past there will be people who will ap- The Zine Library features many unique zine designs and ideas. old Graphic Arts Production – Art couple years so [she] wanted to preciate it.” Photo by Brandon Sider Page 18 Niagara News — Sept. 25, 2009 Page 19 Students fl ood campus for memorable orientation

Food, entertainment, fun highlight 2009 event

By RACHEL PRIVETT Screaming girls, loud music and tattoos. This may sound fi lled out] for the draw.” like the rock concert you attended this summer, but in This year’s orientation also gave some students the chance reality it was life at Niagara College’s Welland campus Sept. to go backstage to meet the different performers. 8 and 9 for Orientation 2009. Twenty students were given the chance to talk, take pic- As a different start to the school year, Orientation fes- tures of and get items signed by Ill Scarlet, USS, Stereos tivities were extended to two days and included two con- and Justin Nozuka. certs, a movie night, temporary tattoos of the school’s new Mike Scarlett, a Pre-Media student, thought USS was logo, a vendor’s village and an eco-friendly bag fi lled with “fantastic,” adding, “Concerts are fun.” goodies. Stereos had originally been slotted for a meet-and-greet Elise Auger, a Public Relations graduate certifi cate pro- after their show, but they spent a few minutes backstage gram graduate working at the Alumni Relations booth, says, unwinding and then headed inside the building. “It’s been fun. The interest has been great.” Word was given about 20 minutes later the band had left, Melissa Johnston and David Avolio were also in the vendor without coming back to sign autographs for those fans sur- The band Ill Scarlett stand together before heading on village. rounding the backstage gates. Numerous fans did continue They noticed that “yesterday afternoon [Sept. 8] it was a to wait, hoping the band would return. stage to perform at orientation on Sept. 8. ghost town, but tonight [Sept. 9] is bound to get busier.” As a general impression of the two days, Erin Turgeon Human Kebab, with the band USS, tries to get New to orientation this year was Joe Mogensen’s company said, “It’s very clean and everything was very well done.” the crowd pumped. The other band member, Ashley Photos by Rachel Privett. GoGreen e-cycles, which supplied the electric bicycle that Turgeon also liked that orientation was two nights this Boo-Schultz, is playing his guitar in the background. Brittany Disher won Sept. 9. year and enjoyed the bouncy castle by Niagara Infl atables. Mogensen, who took part in orientation “for exposure to Student Alex Boehnke summed up his impression of the people,” says there was “a lot of interest” in his electric two-day event: “[Orientation] was super, awesomely, fan- bicycle and “about two to three thousand ballots [were tastically wicked.”

Melissa Johnston and David Avolio set up a booth in the vendor village to promote Suntastic Tanning. They James Morabito from Black Magic Movement handed out free tanning oil samples with a two-for-one performs in his home-town of Welland, Ont., during tanning offer. orientation. Page 20 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 21 LIFESTYLES College board member gets second term

By RYAN TUNKS colleagues very proud,” Moscato and then went to Fleming College a part-time employee in the Finan- Staff Writer says. for the Heavy Equipment Operator cial Services division. During her Elected for a second three-year “With a wide range of knowl- program. time in the Payroll Department, she term, Cathy Ashby, a Niagara edge from the manufacturing sec- Miranda is taking the Practical befriended Beg Crumm, payroll College graduate and mother of tor, wine industry, health care and Nursing program here. specialist. three, continues as the support staff police backgrounds, the Board of Ashby attended Notre Dame “Cathy is a bubbly, loyal, open member on the college’s Board of Governors puts the interest of the High School and went on to com- and honest, empathetic and under- Governors. college fi rst,” says Ashby. plete the college’s Dental Typist standing person with an excellent In 2006, she joined the Board At the start of the term on the program in 1979. In 1995, she sense of humour,” Crumm says. Of Governors as the support staff board, she says she was worried completed the Computer Software For the last two years, she has representative. about confl ict of interest in certain Applications program through worked as the enrolment and “I have fi rst-hand interaction situations that arise in the board’s Continuing Education. graduation adviser in the enrolment with the students dealing with discussions. However, the Board Ashby, 50, told Niagara News the and registration services division. scheduling and fi nancial situations of Governors makes it very clear most diffi cult incident she encoun- Dianne Oster, admissions adviser, that helps me relate to what their when a confl ict of interest may tered was when her father Don was says, “A cheerful, calming char- wants and needs are,” says Ashby. occur and deals with the issue in a killed in a car accident in 1982. At acter made it seem like Cathy had Helene Moscato, executive prompt matter, she adds. the age of 22, she says it was hard been part of the registrar’s team for secretary to the board, says she Ashby was born in Welland and Tunks Photo by Ryan coping with that incident. years.” CATHY ASHBY doesn’t remember a board meeting raised by her parents, Don and Marg Before joining Niagara College, The board, consisting of 17 that Ashby was not at since she was Dillon. She has an older brother Miranda, 19. Calvin took several Ashby worked at the Niagara members, meets monthly alternat- elected in 2006. (Terry), a younger sister (Nancy) programs at Niagara College, but Peninsula Conservation Author- ing between the Welland campus “I recall a great deal of input and younger brother (Matt), all of he ultimately ended up going to ity (NPCA) for nine years. There and the Niagara-on-the-Lake cam- from Cathy when the governors whom are Niagara College gradu- Fleming College, in Peterborough, she was secretary to the general pus. The meetings are open to the were developing the college’s new ates. Ont., for the Heavy Equipment Op- manager for seven years and in the public. Strategic Plan at the board’s an- Ashby is married to Dan and erator program. Bryan graduated last two years was the purchasing Log on to www.niagaracollege. nual retreat. Her contribution on together they have three chil- from Niagara College from the accounts and payable clerk. ca/bog for more information re- the board makes her support staff dren: Calvin, 24, Bryan, 22, and Mechanical Techniques program She joined the college in 1991 as garding the board. New college chairs take their seats United Way aims to By DANNY HOUSER Staff Writer Jeff Stewart is the new Chair of we’ve seen at the college, there’s a lot of change,” break tradition Hospitality, Tourism and Adminis- Stewart says. tration at the Niagara-on-the-Lake- When asked what achievement he was most proud campus. of in his professional career, he replied, “This may By VALERIE MOSES Stewart is responsible for just over sound strange but I’m most proud of my wife and Staff Writer 1,000 students, full and part time. kids. It’s diffi cult to balance life and work, and with Not even dark clouds could Over 40 part-time and full-time staff my supportive family I have been able to achieve it.” threaten the spirits that soared at Jeff Stewart and eight technical staff are also un- “The most challenging time in my career was at the 2009 United Way of South Ni- der Stewart’s charge. another institution [because of the] physical space agara kick-off barbecue. When asked what challenges his department faces and outdated lab equipment that wasn’t suitable for The barbecue, on Sept. 16 at in the near future, Stuart says that with Niagara Col- today’s technology.” Club Richelieu in Welland, served lege’s success in attracting high-quality students – and Stewart overcame these challenges with a mix of as a kick-off event to the organiza- a lot of them – the problem has become long waitlists vision, perseverance and patience. You need the vi- tion’s 2009 campaign and a meet- to enter the programs and scheduling issues with sion to see what needed to be done, the perseverance and-greet for its new volunteer rooms. to keep working at the problem until a solution could chair, Paul Leon. “These are good problems for a college to have, be found and the patience to wait, not just days or Leon says it was an easy decision though.” weeks but sometimes years, for these solutions to take for him to join the campaign. “With any situation that has a lot of growth, as place, says Stewart. “United Way is all about com- munity, and that got me on board.” Photo by Ben Burns The new chair of the School of Media the near future, she says. He says he is looking forward to Studies is Annette Hemerik. Her offi ce Hemerik is proud of two aspects of her life: her art “making a difference – it’s a trite ‘Students should is located in Lundy 22. career and her educational career. Hemerik says she is expression, but it’s sincere.” Hemerik is responsible for 820 stu- proud that some of her works have been shown in gal- Leon calls the new approach to volunteer and reap the dents, 29 full-time faculty, 35 part-time leries and are owned in private collections. She is also the organization “exciting” and rewards that come along faculty and six technical staff. proud of fi nalizing her master’s degree. She is eager says he is optimistic about meet- with getting involved in The academic divisions reorganiza- to begin working towards the common goal of student ing its $1.03-million objective for tion is going to cause issues for all satisfaction. 2009. the community.’ Annette Hemerik departments, Hemerik says. New Both the renovations and the development of new “If we can get the individuals in —John Nichol, former positions are being fi lled and it’s causing “a lot of programs, such as the photography program starting in the community to donate a certain United Way president disorganization.” 2010, are going to present problems for the School of amount every week, I believe we Getting organized will be the biggest challenge for Media Studies in the next two years, she says. can meet this goal.” He says he plans to show the He says the United Way will be Holly Catalfamo results of people’s donations in the focusing on programs that improve The new chair of Community Services is Holly “I feel very grateful that I was able to join the col- community. employment, education, housing Catalfamo. She has been with the college for six years, lege as an educator. It is extremely fulfi lling.” “More that 85 per cent of money and community health this year. previously in the School of Business at the Niagara- Catalfamo says she is very proud of her students and that comes into the United Way ”This is the time to step forward on-the-Lake campus. their accomplishments. She says she feels a sense of is put into the community. People and break tradition,” said Papp, in Together with Dean David Veres, Catalfamo works pride when she receives an email or call from students need to know their dollar isn’t go- a speech that started the event. with the following programs: Child and Youth Worker, who share their accomplishments and responsibilities ing into a bureaucracy. It’s meeting Former United Way of South Criminal Justice Studies, Early Childhood Educator, with her. the needs it’s intended to [meet].” Niagara president John Nicol has Early Childhood Educator - Resource Teacher, Edu- Dealing with any crisis that comes up, Catalfamo The United Way of South Ni- advice to offer to those interested cational Assistant - Special Needs, Fitness and Health fi nds that listening to individuals and fi nding out what agara’s Executive Director, Peter in getting involved with any of the Promotion, Recreation and Leisure Studies and Social they need from her to support them has been the best Papp, says he is planning to do the 36 organizations in the commu- Service Worker. approach. same. nity that are funded through United “We want those giving money Way:“Students should volunteer Joanne Bakker ence in students’ lives, to encourage, facilitate and to truly see where their dollar is and reap the rewards that come Joanne Bakker is the new Chair of Liberal Arts and celebrate their success,” Bakker replied, when asked going.” along with getting involved in the Sciences at the Welland campus. Bakker is responsible the achievement she is most proud of. Papp says the United Way is community.” for all of the students in General Education electives, “For each program there will be challenges, but for taking a “neighbourhood-to- “The thing about United Way is as well as those who are in the liberal arts and science the Liberal Arts and Sciences, one of the biggest chal- neighbourhood approach” after that if it hasn’t touched on our lives pathways. She is also responsible for 13 full-time and lenges will be dealing with the increase in enrolment analyzing the region’s 2009 Pros- yet, there’s a good chance that it 15 part-time faculty. this year, but it is too early to say what challenges we perity Project, which outlines at- will, so enrich yourselves and your “I have always had opportunities to make a differ- will be facing in two years.” risk zones in the community. resumé,” said Nicol. Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS

Retirements Summer p.23 • Music p31 • Community Events News p.25 • Construction p.30

The Wine Education and Training Centre has been built to complement Canada’s fi rst Winery and Viticulture Technician program. Photo by Aaron Jankowski Plan improves wine program By AARON JANKOWSKI in the transitioning of Niagara’s “Niagara College is an economic Awards this year and won bronze Enrolment for the Fall 2008 term Staff Writer economy. Our campus plans and success story in Niagara, and our at the Finger Lake International had an increase of 10.1 per cent, the investments are designed to help campus master plan project is an Wine competition. largest increase among all Ontario It has been said that Canada has our region meet the challenges that exciting investment in Niagara’s Niagara College has the only colleges. two seasons, winter and construc- come with a changing economy future,” said Patterson in the press Wine Business program in Canada. The additions and renovations tion. This summer Niagara College and an urgent need for highly release. The building of a Wine Education will create space for more than is following suit. skilled workers,” says Dan Patter- He says he looks forward to and Training Centre will accent 1,000 students, as well as room for The college has begun a $50 mil- son, president of Niagara College, support from all areas of the com- the current program by adding a training, academic upgrading, and lion-redevelopment plan that will in a press release. munity to provide the remaining state-of-the-art wine production apprentice programs. see improvements and additions to The development plan sets out one-third of the costs. lab, viticulture and oenology labs, The Wine and Viticulture pro- the Welland campus and the con- to improve some of the college’s The NOTL campus is already wine classrooms, barrel aging and gram itself will increase from 7,500 struction of a Wine Education and aging facilities. home to Canada’s fi rst Winery an education centre for students square feet to 8,525 square feet. Training Centre at the Niagara-on- Of the $50 million, the province and Viticulture Technician pro- and visitors. The fi nal phase of construction is the-Lake (NOTL) campus. has invested $16.9 million, one- gram that allows students to get “We are very proud of this,” says scheduled to be fi nished in Febru- These developments are all part third of the cost, towards the col- hands-on experience in a working Steve Gill, the manager of Niagara ary 2011, but the Wine Education of Niagara College’s master plan, lege’s redevelopment. environment. College’s winery and vineyard, in and Training Centre will be fi n- which is designed to increase the Despite the fi nancial hardships The program has produced award an interview on wineaccess.ca. ished by the Fall term. capacity of programs that serve a lot of establishments are facing, winning wines, the latest being These redevelopment plans come You can fi nd out more about key industries in Niagara. the college plans on providing one- the 2007 Dean’s List Pinot Noir, partly in response to the college’s the ongoing construction at http:// “Niagara College is a catalyst third of the cost itself. which won fi rst place at the Cuvee increase in growth. buildingfuturescampaign.ca/.

Welcome to the pages of our Summer News The stories, photographs and pagination of these 15 pages were done by the 14 Journalism-Print program January-Start students during June and July. The Summer Edition pages were paginated in late July.

The 14 students started the program in January and completed their first year on July 24. They joined the second-year of the program in September.

The next edition of the Niagara News is Friday, Oct. 9. In total, 14 editions of the Niagara News will be published this school year. The early stages of construction on the Wine Education and Training Centre at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. Photo by David Janzen Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 23 Summer News Goodbye, and good luck By DAVID JANZEN keeping systems worked. Staff Writer In addition to staying on top of First-year students this fall won’t the library systems, Kerr found have the pleasure of receiving their time during her full-time work to library orientations from one of earn herself a bachelor of arts in Niagara College’s most dedicated philosophy in 2000 from Brock librarians. University in St. Catharines. Sandy Kerr, 60, retired in June And what is she going to do now after 39 years of maintaining the that she’s retired? library at the Welland campus, A friend has a great line when helping students fi nd materials for someone asks that question, she their assignments and continually says, it goes: “I don’t know, I’ve educating herself to be more effec- never been retired before.” tive at work. Kerr says she’ll do a lot of read- “The staff have been great — ing, gardening and walking, and in past and present,” she says on one the morning she is “defi nitely look- of her last days on the job in the ing forward to not getting up.” library. Karen McGrath, library services “They [the staff] have been re- manager, says Kerr has “an in- ally supportive over the years. We depth knowledge” of the Integrated really are a team here — we work Library System and is a “great re- as a team.” Prior to coming to Welland, Kerr source.” worked two years in Toronto at She says Kerr “left big shoes to Acres Consulting Engineers, but fi ll” and was a “wonderful right- then started applying to jobs in the hand person.” McGrath added, Niagara Region. “She is so organized. She can do a She was offered two jobs in million things at once.” the same day, librarian at Niagara There won’t be a need for that College or a position at Fleet In- amount of organization now as dustries, which made plane parts in the summer weather has settled in Fort Erie. and Kerr no longer has books to She chose the librarian position. process. Ralph Laird, Niagara-on-the- Jillian Grenier, a second-year Lake campus librarian, says, “She Graphic Design Production – Art was our IT guru.” and Design Fundamentals student, Laird says she took the time and who has worked with Kerr dur- Sandy Kerr’s fi nal days at Niagarara College after 39 years of being with us. put in the effort to always stay up ing the summer says, “I hope she From left: Sandy Kerr, Laureen Ventnor, Irene Masun. to date on keeping the library orga- enjoys being retired, she deserves Submitted photo by Jillian Grenier nized; she knew how all the record- it.” New college cellphone plans in the works By RYAN TUNKS campuses. Levay applied for request for service. minutes is 10 cents; long distance Staff Writer “The students would program proposal to Convergent Telecom But if Bell cannot offer what the within Canada is 10 cents and 15 Faculty, students and staff have their Blackberry’s then go outside to see if the college can obtain college needs, then the college is cents for the United States. the chance to jump aboard the new so they could get a signal,” Levay government pricing. Convergent free to look elsewhere for service. “This will eliminate fi nancial cell phone package being offered at said. Telecom is an affi liate of Bell. “It’s another service offered to burden as the cost is quite low Niagara College. To eliminate the dead zones and Roland Bissell, president of improve student life at Niagara compared to other service plans John Levay, director of infor- provide three bars of service, the Convergent Telecom said, Niagara College,” said Jacquelynn Perzul, and include popular features,” mation technology services at college is allocating $100,000 to Purchasing Committee developed student council president at the Lana Hardwick, fi nancial aid ad- Niagara, has been in contact with each campus for Bell to delete the the deal that is being offered at Welland campus. viser said. Telus, Rogers and Bell to fi nd an drop calls by installing cell repeat- Niagara College. It’s important to save money with For more information or if you affordable cell phone package to be ers and booster antennas at both The college works with Con- the economy in its current position, have questions about the Conver- offered at the school. locations, to produce a better signal vergent Telecom, which is a com- she said. gent Telecom deal log on to www. Bell offered the best plan with a throughout the campuses. mercial partner in the Niagara The $22 a month includes 250 $22 a month deal. The upgrades are taking place Research services at the Niagara- base minutes, unlimited text mes- convergewireless.com/niagaracol- A large number of dead zones over the summer months. on-the-Lake campus. sages, voicemail, and unlimited lege. have become present at the The deal for the college came With Bell, the college had to weekend and evening calling after Convergent Telecom will be on Niagara-on-the-Lake and Welland into existence on June 1. sign a three-year contract for the 6 p.m. The cost for additional site for 2009-2010 orientation.

Cell phone packages compared

Telus Rogers Bell

COST PER MONTH $25 $25 $22

CONTRACT LENGTH month/1/2/3 years month/1/2/3 years 3 year

BASE MINUTES 200 250 250

ADDITIONAL MINUTES $0.30 $0.35 $0.10

EVENING/WEEKEND MINUTES unlimited not included unlimited

LONG DISTANCE PER MINUTE $0.30 $0.35 $0.10 John Levay discusses cell phone plans with Convergent Telecom. TEXT MESSAGES $0.15 $0.15 included Photo by Ryan Tunks Page 24 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 Summer News Tom Skoal looks to expand fan base By ROB MULTARI Staff Writer Trying to make it big can come later for Niagara Falls band Tom Skoal. For now, they are having fun playing shows, writing songs and trying to get their name out there. “This summer we’re kind of just playing as much as possible and writing as much new stuff as we can,” says guitarist and co-singer Kyle Finbow. Tom Skoal consists of Finbow, 19, Kyle’s brother, bassist and co- singer Julian, 17, and drummer Jake Antonio, 19. The three-piece band started two-and-a-half years ago when the three friends decided to enter Westlane Secondary School’s battle of the bands. They haven’t looked back since. In addition to continually playing shows in the Niagara region, they have expanded their boundaries to a wider audience. Some of the more popular venues they’ve played include The Opera House in Toronto; the L3 with Ten Second Epic and S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival with The Arkells. “We’re trying to branch out a Tom Skoal - Kyle Finbow (guitar,) Jake Antonio (drums) and Julian Finbow (bass) - play a show at Optimist Park, Niagara Falls on Canada Day. little bit. We want to try and get a Photo by Rob Multari fan base, so they could follow us around,” says Antonio. playing with the instruments a to try and play them again,” says release show at the Vintage Sports points out. “I think Toronto’s a good place bit, trying to get some good solos Antonio. Bar in Niagara Falls, where they The near future looks good for to get noticed,” adds Kyle, “You’re in there; get some different drum The three members say they sold many copies. Online sites the band that took their name from not going to get noticed playing beats,” says Antonio. complement each other well, shar- such as Facebook also gave the EP a map in which they misread Tom shows in Niagara Falls, you’re go- Kyle says he thinks he and Julian ing the same humour and more exposure. Shoal as Tom Skoal. They are em- ing to get noticed playing shows having similar voices adds to the importantly, being friends. Kyle attends Niagara College in barking on a mini-tour in August in Toronto.” Even though the band depth of their sound. “We’re not just a band, we’re the Broadcasting – Radio, Televi- hitting Buffalo, Detroit, Windsor, has started to expand outside their While Kyle is infl uenced by also best friends,” says Antonio. sion and Film program, while Ju- London, Hamilton, Burlington, hometown, they haven’t forgotten every type of music, Julian says Earlier this year, Tom Skoal re- lian just graduated from Westlane Oakville and Toronto. their roots in the Niagara region. his main inspirations are Matthew leased their fi rst EP entitled Some- and Antonio has a full-time job The band says it’s something “It’s good [playing shows in Good and Our Lady Peace, and times. doing heating and air conditioning. they’ve always wanted to do and Niagara] because we’re playing Antonio says he “just likes the They spent 40 to 50 hours re- The band tried to play as many Julian says, “it’d be a good experi- in front of people we know and style of drumming in general,” cording the three tracks at Sorge shows as possible, though they say ence.” there’s a few good venues here,” though adding that Rush played a Studios in Port Colborne, saying it sometimes work and school get in “A couple of people from dif- says Julian. big part. was a good learning experience. the way. ferent cities will recognize us and Their geographical boundaries The band gets together once a “Our producer was pretty loose “Sometimes it’s hard to manage, hopefully that will get us different aren’t the only thing expanding. week to practice. with things, so it was defi nitely a but we do a lot of weekend gigs be- shows in the future. Then we won’t They’re broadening their musical “We pretty much write a song good place for our fi rst recording,” cause we get weekends off,” says just have a fan base in Niagara horizons too. every practice,” says Antonio. says Julian. Antonio. Falls; we’ll have a fan base in The alternative rock band fi rst “We’ll get the basic idea for a “We wanted to get our EP out The men have played twice at southern Ontario,” says Antonio. started out covering generic songs, song then usually tweak it for a because we wanted people to take Niagara College, including once Because, after all, it’s all about but has created a unique sound, month and then we’ll start to play our music home and listen to it and for battle of the bands. They say doing what you love. borrowing from a lot of different it. We’re actually bringing back also we kind of needed it because they have a good time playing at “Our goal is just to have fun. I styles, that they can call their own. some oldies we haven’t played live some of the venues need to hear the college’s pub. think that’s what it’s all about. If “We’re starting to get pretty because we fi gured they sucked. your music before you play,” says “Whenever there’s people drink- you aren’t having fun you shouldn’t dynamic now. We fi rst started out We’re bringing them back because Antonio. ing it’s a good place to play. Ev- be doing it,” says Kyle. playing generic songs. Now were we reworked them and we’re going The EP was capped off by a CD eryone wants to hear music,” Kyle

For Booking Inquiries: julian_fi [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom- Skoal/7390500627 http://twitter.com/tomskoal tomskoal.com The Sometimes EP is avaliable for $5 at their Kyle Finbow (above) gets into it on Canada Day. The faces of Tom Skoal (right.) shows. Photo by Rob Multari Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 25 Summer News Niagara students go Red and White International students enjoy Canada Day celebrations By FARAH DOMPAS Staff Writer This year, the International De- ‘I witnessed that partment of Niagara College had its own way to celebrate Canada Canadians are so Day with the new International students. proud to be part of The International Department made a day trip to Chippawa Park Canada ...’ and Niagara Falls, Ont.; it gave the new students a chance to be a part —Franklin Sanchez of Canada Day celebrations. Eun Yi Kim, 19, and Jung Hee or just staying at home and hav- Jang, 20, English as a Second lan- ing quality time with family and guage (ESL) students from South friends. Korea, say they were happy the Franklin Sanchez, 23, an Inter- International department made that national student from Venezuela, trip. says he spent his second Canada “We had a picnic at Chippawa Day celebration with his landlord’s Park, there were lots of people with family and friends. their families celebrating the day. “My landlords decorated their The best part of that day would be backyard with Canadian fl ags. We the fi reworks in the falls, they were played volleyball, soccer, and had so beautiful and mesmerized us,” water balloons,” says Sanchez. says Jang. So far this has been the best Can- “Yes. We had a lot of fun. We ada Day celebration for Sanchez. were so excited to see Canada Day. “I witnessed that Canadians are And it was free!” adds Kim. so proud to be part of Canada, they The same goes for Keying Yan, were very enthusiastic; we had a 19, an ESL student from China lot of fun.” who’s been in Welland for more However, Canada Day celebra- than six months. tions might be different than other Yan says she was curious to countries’ Independence Day cel- see how Canadians celebrate their ebration. country’s birthday and wanted to “I don’t think here they have the see it. same kind of celebration like we “I had a great time celebrating have in Jamaica,” says Javougne Canada Day with my friends,” says Rodney, 20, a 2009 Niagara Col- Yan. lege graduate in the graphic design “I saw little girls with red maple and fundamentals program. leaf stickers on their cheeks walk- “There, we have festivals, con- ing around Clifton Hill, couples certs, parties, traditional activities, who wear big Canada hats, and an it’s always been a lot of fun. We old lady with Canada attributes sit- also go to the beach and celebrate ting on a bench in the park.” it with friends and family.” “I can’t wait to see next year’s Rodney says that Canada Day celebration!” says Yan enthusiasti- is more than just an ordinary day. cally. Being an international student he’s Highlighting multiculturalism, students, from left: Cinthya Tapia, Claudia Albuerne, Jung Hee Jang, and There are many ways to celebrate interested in Canadian culture and Laura Yanes, enjoy Canada Day celebrations. Canada Day in Welland. Going for Canada Day gives him the oppor- Photo by Farah Dompas a picnic, a trip to Niagara Falls, tunity to learn more about it. Happy Birthday Canada, land of diversity since 1867

By FARAH DOMPAS “But Canada survived through sures safety to its citizens. my native land but it is the land that says she enjoys Canada Day more Staff writer two world wars and one Great Asked what makes Canada dif- is giving me and my daughter the than Canadians do. In this global economic reces- Depression, and that’s worth re- ferent from her country, Colombia, opportunity to pursue our goals.” “I’m so attached to this country, sion, Canada, one of the world’s membering.” Gomez says, “Safety and free- Gomez thinks opportunities in and I’m proud of it,” says Faris most democratic countries, marks Asked what is a word to describe dom.” Canada are endless for everyone. who became a Canadian citizen in another birthday. Canada, Pasquini says, “Diver- “Freedom of speech and free- Asked what is the least thing she 2000. Canada Day celebrates the events sity.” dom from persecution; The people, likes about Canada, Gomez says, Before living in Canada, Faris that occurred on July 1, 1867, “Canada’s population is now the green landscapes, the tolerance “The winter time.” lived in England, Kuwait, and Cy- when the British North America around 33 million, and 16 per cent and the acceptance by Canadians “I used to live in Miami for many prus. But of all, she loves Canada Act created the Canadian federal of it are immigrants.” of other people, no matter what years, and to be here with cold the most. government. “This country was built by the their background, is what makes weather for almost eight months is “I like the easy life here.” The BNA Act proclaimed “One diversity of people. There were this country different.” something that I don’t quite enjoy “This country gives us safety, Dominion under the name of Cana- native Canadian, Italian, Polish, Gomez came to Canada on July yet. But I don’t feel that bad ‘cause compared to the U.S. where almost da,” consequently the original title Spanish, French and we get along 28, 2005. She decided to move to I know many native Canadians every household has guns; there’s a of the holiday, “Dominion Day.” very well. The diversity was there Canada because she wanted a fresh don’t like it either and we all look big difference here. We don’t even It was offi cially renamed “Canada since the beginning,” says Pas- start to build her daughter’s and forward for that little summer and have to lock our doors and it’s still Day” by an Act of Parliament on quini. her life, and to be able to achieve warm temperatures.” OK.” Oct. 27, 1982. Pasquini says we have to cel- goals and give her daughter a safer Gomez says her decision to come Besides safety, she says Canada Rudy Pasquini, 80, of Welland, ebrate Canada’s remarkable his- environment. She could also obtain to Canada was the best decision she offers excellent health care. says that post Second World War tory and its future, and the fact that an excellent education. ever made. “I think immigrants have greater no one was really celebrating Canada is one of the safest places Gomez has applied for citizen- “I thank God everyday for the appreciation about Canada because Canada Day. to live. ship, and is expecting the an- day we came to Canada, and am they can compare Canada with “We were busy making money, Madeleyne Gomez, 31, an Offi ce nouncement by November. looking forward to becoming a cit- their homeland,” says Faris, who building the economy; we didn’t Administration Executive student “But I already feel part of this izen and celebrating many Canada always gets goose bumps when she celebrate it as much as we do now,” in Niagara College’s International beautiful country. I feel fortunate Days.” hears O Canada, Canada’s national says Pasquini. Department, agreed Canada en- and blessed, and this might not be Angela Faris, 55, of Welland, anthem. Page 26 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 Summer News Eating disorders link to other dangers By HEIDI GRZESINA Staff Writer Fear, guilt and shame consume those affl icted by eating disorders, says an eating disorder support and resource centre in Burlington called Danielle’s Place. Fifty per cent of people affected by eating disorders are also af- fected by substance use problems according to the National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University in New York. A 2003 study by CASA showed that nine per cent of the general population has substance use is- sues while 35 per cent of those with substance use issues also have eating disorders. The Centre for Addiction and Anorexia strikes millions. Mental Health (CAMH) reports commons.wikimedia.org that Canadian statistics are “equally as disturbing.” Helen Buttery, in her article, Bulimics, unlike anorexics, are Wasting away: The double danger aware of their problems with food of eating disorders and substance but feel they have no control, says use, wrote about “Cassandra” (not CAMH. her real name) whose eating dis- Danielle’s Place warns, “not order worsened when she stopped everyone who is of a low weight using alcohol and other drugs. is anorexic; it is important to “I have this empty feeling and recognize that it is the refusal to when I’m using cocaine I get rid maintain a normal weight that is of it. When I don’t have the drugs the key factor.” Their description anymore for it, food is the only of the bulimic is, “ (their) weight way to handle it. My eating dis- can be normal, underweight or order becomes my answer,” says overweight” and therefore, diffi cult Cassandra. to detect. Overeaters are described Anne Elliott, program director at as having “cravings that feel out Sheena’s Place, a support centre in of control and are not satisfi ed by Toronto for those with eating dis- normal eating patterns.” orders, sees a link to child sexual Symptoms of anorexia, accord- abuse also and she would like to ing to CAMH include: Tafadzwa Tavuyanago staying fi t at the Welland campus gym. Photo by Brittney Hall see integration in treatment ap- • constipation proaches to address the issues in a • dehydration more comprehensive manner. • depression Cassandra, an admitted anorexic • dizziness according to Helen Buttery’s • dry, scaly skin article, is not ready to talk about • faintness or weakness Healthy lifestyle sexual abuse but admits she expe- • inability to concentrate rienced both sexual and physical • intolerance to cold abuse while growing up. She says, • irritability “Linking them (eating disorders, • loss of body fat substance abuse and sexual abuse) • low blood pressure would make treatment a lot easier. • missed, or absence of menstrual The longer it goes on, the harder it periods key to success is to let go.” • psychological fears of obesity Anorexia nervosa is a condition and weight gain By BRITTNEY HALL eating breakfast actually helps you body burns 75 to 100 calories a day, in which people intentionally starve • Symptoms of bulimia include: Staff Writer to lose weight and keep it off,” said simply by being there,” said Virtue themselves. Bulimia nervosa is • dehydration Remaining healthy isn’t always Bloom. Hardy, a college student going to compulsive binge eating followed • tooth decay and erosion easy, but studies have shown that Eating breakfast according to George Brown College who hopes by inappropriate ways to get rid of • low blood pressure eating right, getting frequent exer- the Canadian Food Guide isn’t a to become a personal trainer. the food including purging, laxa- • constipation cise and keeping your stress level bad idea either. You will get the “Never exercise daily, make sure tives, enemas and diuretics. Binge • swollen cheek glands low is always a good way to start. right amount of energy to get you to take a break of at least two or eating disorder, often referred to • abnormal hormone levels To begin the day “always eat through your day. And enough en- three days. If you exercise daily that as compulsive overeating, is con- • stomach problems breakfast,” said Mya Bloom, a ergy to last you for hours. can actually disrupt your muscle sumption of larger amounts of food • irregular heartbeat retired dietician. Of course when you think of growth. And aerobics helps your with no purging. Usually beginning Cindy McGlynn, of CAMH, rec- When students eat breakfast it remaining healthy, somewhere heart? It does but by doing regular in adolescence to early adulthood, ommends you “educate yourself” makes it easier for them to concen- in there exercise has to come up exercise, if you just check your but not necessarily, it is believed and “seek support” if you are liv- trate in class. no matter how much you avoid pulse during every break, it should that there are many causes for eat- ing with a family member or friend “It was proven in a study done it. Some of the items included in be around 120, the exact same ing disorders, including genetic who has mental health or substance by Harvard University that stu- the gym are almost hidden; the pulse people attempt to achieve and functional changes in the brain, use issues. She suggests: dents who eat breakfast do better treadmills, for example, are in an with aerobic exercise,” said Hardy. according to CAMH. They report, Don’t let the eating disorder take in subjects such as math and have upstairs room that you wouldn’t He recommends if you don’t “there appears to be a neurological over the kitchen. fewer issues with hyper-activity,” notice until you asked somebody. have the time to actually exercise, relationship between eating behav- Don’t take care of your family said Bloom. “Though that study But there is a YMCA right that you take a jog. iour patterns and the nervous and member or friend yourself. Get was for young kids, college stu- beside the college at the Welland “Some people think walking hormonal systems since hunger, professional help. dents apply.” campus that offers a vast variety helps; it doesn’t really. Jogging, food cravings and feelings of full- Do take the issue seriously. Breakfast is known to help with of work out stations, as well as an light and regular, or running, is an ness are controlled by certain areas For more information, go to: mood control has it prevents irrita- indoor track for walking, running, easy way to get cardio into your of the brain and involve a number bility and tiredness. or jogging, and a swimming pool. daily routine,” he said. of digestive hormones.” www.camh.net “And to you ladies and gents Every kind of exercise is good for By following these basic tips you Body image, weight and eating www.healthyontario.com who believe that skipping break- your body but here are a couple of can be on the road to a healthier and are the preoccupations of anorex- www.daniellesplace.org fast is losing you weight, think fun facts. more nutritious you, and within the ics. They have a distorted body www.hopeplace.com again. Studies have shown that “Each pound of muscle on your radius of the Welland campus. image and a fear of weight gain Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 27 Summer News Niagara Research restores Algonquin Students participate in ecology study to undo logging damage

By DAVID JANZEN good workout.” Staff Writer Test modules include: covering Logging, clear cuts and gravel the gravel with mulch to maintain pits aren’t the typical pictures that moisture, using forest topsoil to come to mind when planning a trip “inoculate” growth, and adding a to Algonquin. slow-release fertilizer. Becky Fitzgerald, Brooke Da- “Because it’s all sand and grav- vidson and Sarah Lepp were in el,” says Lepp, “weeds will come Algonquin Provincial Park from eventually; it’s just a really slow June 14 to June 18 as part of a Ni- process.” agara Research project that aims to The timeline for the project runs determine the most effective way until October, with monthly checks to restore logging roads and gravel to monitor which method produces pits back to their natural state. the best results. By the fall, based Fitzgerald and Davidson are on Niagara Research’s fi ndings, in the Environmental Technician the MNR will make a decision. Field and Laboratory (ETFL) pro- “The biggest problem is you gram at Niagara College. don’t see it,” says Lepp. There are Lepp is a graduate of the same people camping and portaging, she program, but is working for Niagara says, but “logging roads are so cut Research during her summer break off from everything. Nobody gets from her geography and literature to see the extent of the damage.” It studies at Brock University in St. is hard to gauge the extent of the Catharines. damage, she says, aside from what The project came about when the ministry tells them. Martin Smith, ETFL co-ordinator, The team members all agree they was working with the Toronto Zoo had an excellent trip. They saw to re-create snapping turtle nesting moose, beaver, snapping turtles, habitat. loons and a baby bear. “I was speaking with some of Smith says research outside of the Ministry of Natural Resources classroom studies provides students (MNR) people and they expressed a chance to apply their knowledge interest in having some students fi rst hand. come do research in Algonquin,” Front row from left: Martin Smith, Andrea Sinclair. Back row from left: Brooke Davidson, Becky Fitzgerald, “The experience I got doing GIS he says. Sarah Lepp. All were part of a Niagara Research project aimed at restoring logging roads and pits back to (Geographic Information System) A year and an offi cial proposal nature. was fantastic,” says Lepp. to Niagara Research later, the team Submitted photo The Niagara Research opportu- was on its way. treatment that can be done in a areas are spread out over such a square kilometres. We need to fi nd nity “gets them of out of the Ni- Despite the “rustic” conditions at day,” says Davidson. large area, it would be impossible a way to restore the environment agara region to conduct research,” the MNR’s Wildlife Research Sta- As loggers clear trees, they use to set up watering stations to help by means of local materials,” says says Smith. tion, they knew they had a mission the gravel from the cleared area to with the rehabilitation. Smith. “It provides great experience to accomplish. improve the roads leading to the “We couldn’t water more than While setting up the test sites, for the students to add to their re- “We are trying to fi nd a cheap logging sites. Because the logging 100 [gravel] pits in over 1000 Fitzgerald says, they all “got a sumes.” Getting a glimpse of Canada’s ‘nativeness’ By CHRIS HAWS “American Indians born in Canada people get affected, or they say, Staff Writer can cross the U.S. border if they ‘Why should you?’” “Go to a powwow, and then possess documentary proof of at Regarding youth suicide on re- you will know what nativeness is. least 50 per centum of blood of the serves, Alice said, “I think it’s all We invite everybody,” said Bill American Indian race. This status the drugs.” Palmquist, 75, First Nation Cree of does not apply to a spouse or child Asked if native youth on reserves James Bay, Que., now living in the whose membership is created by have a problem with not feeling a Niagara region. adoption unless they have 50 per part of a nation — a greater nation, Interviewed at Niagara Col- cent or more of American Indian Alice said, “Some of them are like lege’s Welland campus, as they blood.” that. But not when I was growing marketed artwork, were Palmquist, American civil rights leader, up. We didn’t feel inadequate or Alice Aubin, 67, First Nation Iro- Martin Luther King Jr., in his “I anything. No, I’ve noticed myself. quois originally from Six Nations Have a Dream” speech on Aug. The kids, they just stick there, eh? near Caledonia and her daughter 28, 1963, expressed a notion that ... they don’t like to go out, to ven- Darlene Aubin, 41, Metis, of St. it would be better if people could ture out.” Catharines. be judged “... not by the colour of She said, when she was growing The interview explored some their skin, but by the content of up, grandfathers played a role in Canadian issues in the context of their character.” child rearing. government policy that indicates King’s dream has not come true Alice said, “My grandfather Bill Palmquist, of the Niagara region, displays a talking feather. biological references are needed explicitly for people holding native especially. He was very strict. Like Photo by Chris Haws to prove native identity and secure status cards. a lot of people they experienced tions Canadians fought against in brown.’ entitlements. Asked if there are only positives discrimination.” the Second World War, Palmquist “I said, ‘Well, wait a minute.’” Documents proving “blood to holding a status card or whether “Maybe I never noticed [dis- laughed heartily. “We got into it. I said, ‘Look. quantum” are being accepted as there is a cost, Darlene said, “Well crimination against me] because I Palmquist said when he worked You start criticizing me — Do you identifi cation by U.S. offi cials at ya, like sometimes when I go to use never bothered.” at Port Weller dry docks, a racist know when you guys were, you border crossings, said a June press it, I get not treated very kindly and Alice laughed. “I am just as good foreman, who happened to be of were not even born at that time, release from Six Nations Council stuff and they will take their time as the next person. My grandfather German descent, verbally abused but you were supposed to be the in Ohsweken. It said American doing it.” used to say, ‘Don’t walk with your him. perfect German. What’s so perfect offi cials will accept Indian and Alice said she had to insist on a head hanging down. You straighten Palmquist said he confronted about you? You are short. You are Northern Affairs Canada status tax exemption because a merchant up and you be proud of who you the abuse, “So I said, ‘Well look.’ supposed to be six feet, and you card as identifi cation for border would not, at fi rst, accept her status are.’” I said, ‘Well, hold, hold, hold it a are about two feet too wide for the crossing. card. Palmquist served in the Canadian minute. What’s wrong with me? height you are and you are run- Instead of this status card, Darlene said, “Sometimes you army in Germany near the Berlin What do you mean?’ ning me down? Please, quit it.’” according to the press release, want to keep it all secret because Wall. Asked about the racist no- “He said, ‘Well you got — you’re Palmquist laughed again. Page 28 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 Summer News River comeback underway Transit to Conservation clubs from the Niagara region are helping to repopulate get better the walleye in the Grand River and the Welland River By RYAN TUNKS eggs are fertilized they are hatched By BRITTNEY HALL Staff Writer within a 16-day period. During Staff Writer Fort Erie, Port Colborne and this time the water temperature is The hours are short, the service Dunnville Conservation Clubs recorded. The temperature ranges is OK, and the customers are not members are giving the walleye from 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 64 completely satisfi ed. But Welland population a helping hand. degrees Fahrenheit, which is being Transit is attempting to better its Since 1997 to the present day, constantly supplied with air. more than 25,000 walleye have services. Then they are transported to the There are 12 buses covering the been placed in the Grand River and man made ponds at Fort Erie, Port city of Welland. Eight of those the Welland River. Colborne and Dunvville locations. buses are local buses. There are The Welland River once had a Walleye become cannibalistic also two community buses that run thriving population of walleye un- when they reach one inch in size. “I til the early 1960s when untreated after the regular bus routes, and remember seeing a small walleye have limited service around the raw sewage was discharged into with a tail of another fi sh sticking the Welland River, Anne Yagi, bi- city. out of his mouth,” Marinelli said. There are two community bus ologist for the Ministry of Natural On July 3, Bursey, wife Neely, routes and there are two out of Resources (MNR) said. son Clinton and daughter Paige, town buses going to Brock Uni- This caused severe oxygen joined with Steve Langeraap and depletion which killed off all of the versity in St. Catharines and the his son Jordan to net the man made other going to Port Colborne. Both walleye and most sport fi sh species pond at the Dunnville Club. such as largemouth bass. Once the of these routes leave from Niagara First pass of the pond turned College’s Welland campus. sewage treatment facility was in up more than 40 walleye that are effect, the water quality gradually About $2.3 million is put into the One of the walleye used to gather eggs in the Welland River. two inch in size. The second pass transit system annually, said Alfred improved and to test this a small Submitted photo turned up more than a 100 fi sh of Stockwell, manager of transit, at walleye restocking project began the same size. Niagara Transit. The $2.3 million in 1997. ally through the MNR Community Once the location is found they “We have to feed the pond not With the increase in walleye Fisheries and Wildlife Improve- put metal rods into the water and is divided between salaries, driv- the fi sh,” said Bursay. population anglers are encour- ment Program. This includes shock the fi sh, so they are stunned. ers, contractors hired by Niagara With the growth of tadpoles, aged to try their luck at catching equipment, repairs, gas to operate Then the fi sh are examined and Transit, and body shops. crawfi sh and other habitants resid- one, Yagi said. The fi sh will need pumps and transporting of the fi sh. analyzed to see how they have “The budget is split mainly be- ing in the pond, the walleye fi ght several more years to be fully self- They do not cover hydro, buildings grown since being put in the wa- tween administration, maintenance, sustaining. or labour, Marinelli said. ters. them for their survival. and operation, those are the big They’re still quite vulnerable to Over 400 Walleye were released The female walleyes that are It is a real learning curve, Neely three,” said Stockwell, “Politicians overharvesting because they taste on June 28, Marinelli said. pregnant help begin the cycle of said. “This is our fi rst time raising control money how much we get so good, everybody wants to eat It all begins with the MNR, when life. The hatchery in Dunnville, at the fi sh then netting them,” she and the different departments.” them, Yagi said. they come down to the rivers in the the Hunters and Anglers Club, sup- said. The main complaint for the users Alfred Marinelli, 73, of Port early spring when they launch their ply the other two branches with the Information regarding the Port of Welland Transit is that there are Colborne has been an active mem- boats into the water and fi nd a loca- eggs. Colborne and District Conserva- not enough service routes or hours ber with the Port Colborne Conser- tion populated with Walleye. The eggs collected from the tion Club can be found at www. to accommodate their needs. The vation Club for the past 55 years. The fi sh are found by a tracking mature walleye are brought back pcdcc.com hours buses go by now have always The average cost to operate device that sweeps the area for the to the club so Jim Bursey, repre- For more information regarding been in effect, said Stockwell, the the hatcheries is $1,000. Each pit tag much like the bar code on sentative of the Dunnville Club, the Dunnville Hunters and Anglers community buses extends those club can claim up to $1,000 annu- your groceries. can fertilize the eggs. Once the call 905-774-1138. hours for those who require later service. “We try to maintain what we have and improve it.” And for students who are ex- pecting a change in service in the Problem gambling in young adults near future, that doesn’t seem very likely. By HEIDI GRZESINA family or friends.” • learn about problem gambling The recession that Canada is in Staff Writer Starting as just a way to spend and share the information with is affecting the tax base of Niagara If you are between 18 and 24, the time with friends, gambling can the person with gambling prob- Transit. There was a two per cent Centre for Addiction and Mental take on a more serious note when lems tax increase for the company, and Health (CAMH) says you are in the factors such as hoping for a big • get support for yourself and be- though that may seem a small num- age group that has the highest rate win, trying to win back lost money, gin to get your family life back ber, the company was forced to let of moderate to severe problems escaping from life’s problems or re- in balance some of its employees go. with gambling, doubling the rate of lieving physical or emotional pain • join a support group for families Though changes to the bus routes adult gambling. enter into the equation. Boredom, affected by problem -gambling and hours may not be expected From lottery and scratch tickets impulsivity, depression, trauma or • avoid arguing—it won’t help.” soo, there are a few other changes to speculating on the stock mar- problems with alcohol or drugs can Stanton Peele, PhD, of The to look forward to such as more kets, gambling can take over your accelerate gambling for pleasure to Lindesmith Center - Drug Policy accessibility for the handicapped, life and even end it. Betting on problem gambling. Foundation, says: “Any powerful a 20-year mandate to ensure that card games, horse races, sports or CAMH recommends seeking experience in which people can all buses meet the standard Canada games of skill such as pool, quali- professional help immediately if lose themselves can become the has set out for bus companies, fi es as gambling. you think you may have a problem object of an addiction. The result automated stop announcement, and On the surface, buying a lottery with gambling. Left untreated, this of this immersion is deterioration Google Transit. Google Transit will ticket is entertaining and seems condition can become so severe of the person’s engagement with be the new trip planner for people harmless. There are levels of gam- that suicidal thoughts may occur. the rest of his or her life, which who are planning a trip via transit. bling and one level is casual gam- If you are a family member or increases the person’s dependence Complete poker set. Members of the public are bling for pleasure. Other levels are friend affected by someone else’s on the addictive object or involve- Submitted photo welcome to attend transit board serious social gamblers and exces- gambling, CAMH says: ment.” meetings which are held bi-weekly sive gamblers. The differences “You can: The Canada Safety Council says, addiction a community safety and during the months of the school between the levels are the degrees • tell the person how gambling af- “Addiction to gambling is linked crime prevention issue.” year and monthly during the sum- to which the activity becomes a fects you to a range of serious personal and “You could be living or working mer. The meetings take place on part of life. CAMH identifi es that • change activities that support social harms such as depression with a compulsive gambler and not Tuesdays at noon. “gambling is a problem when: gambling and suicide, bankruptcy, family know it until the problems are out When people don’t show up • it gets in the way of work, • not help the person who is gam- breakup, domestic abuse, assault, of control,” says Canada Safety council assumes they agree or school or other activities bling avoid responsibility for his fraud, theft, and even homeless- Council president Emile Therien, have no disagreements with their • it harms your mental or physical or her actions ness. These effects can be devastat- “It’s crucial to recognize the plans, and that happens often, said health • make sure the family’s money is ing to the individual as well as their signs and know how to get help. Stockwell. Also Welland Transit • it hurts you fi nancially protected (a legal adviser, fi nan- friends, family, workplace or com- Lives could be at stake.” attempts to stay in touch with the • it damages your reputation cial adviser or problem gambling munity. That is why the Canada For further information, go to Student Administrative Council, • it causes problems with your counsellor can help direct you.) Safety Council considers gambling www.camh.net said Stockwell. Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 29 Summer News Students help themselves to guidance

By CHRIS HAWS ing because we are not academics Staff Writer ... There are about 10 workshops we How to deal with time misman- give through the year. But a course agement: “move it” into problem on self-help, self-management for solving. the college student might be really According to Donna Putman, interesting.” guidance counsellor at Niagara Putman suggested Eff ective College’s Welland campus Student Learner is a “really good” course for Services, too often, people don’t analyzing your own personal learn- take action towards a solution. ing techniques and styles. “We think about it. We feel about Putman can be contacted at it. And then we don’t move it into Welland, 905-735-2211/374- problem solving. We get stuck in 7454/641-2252/563-3254 ext. thinking and feeling.” 7785 or at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Putman and seven other counsel- 905-641-2252/735-2211/374- lors help thousands of Niagara Col- 7454/563-3254 ext. 4167. lege students every year. Putman Jill English, adviser to about 600 said only “a handful” of students in the School of Policing and Secu- come in specifi cally to address rity and another 600 in the School time management issues but most of Liberal Arts and Sciences, splits clients end up dealing with time her time between the campuses of management as part of a solution Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. to other concerns. English said she has been contacted Putman said there are three main about 1,800 times since her position reasons people seek guidance was created Aug. 24, 2008. Not a counselling: academic, career and counsellor, English acts as a general personal. She said about half of the pathfi nder to get and keep students 7,400 students at Niagara College “on-track” by providing strategies visit guidance counsellors. and directing students to services. “Students don’t go through their Jill English has taught Eff ective education alone.” Some people can get counselling from their family, Learner and recommends it as “a friends, or professors. Other people valuable course.” may have family that don’t know English can be contacted at about university or may not know a Welland Campus 905-735-2211 Sharon Moukperian, one of fi ve counsellors, and receptionist Kailey Bodner welcome students at Niagara lot about stress management. ext. 7397. College’s Welland campus. “We get a lot of stress, a lot of Sharon Moukperian, counsel- Photo by Chris Haws anxiety. Those issues are really lor at the Student Success Centre at the Welland campus, expressed big,” Putman said. talk to my prof. and I need them to may be more comfortable talking College looking for tools and strat- Counsellors are independent enthusiasm about the idea of a self- know this. I am too scared to go to someone that is totally objective egies that would prevent problems help, self-management course that of any particular college program there.” and without a confl ict of interests, and Putman said, “... we work with and Putman said this is an absolute would include time-management She said in those cases, students Putman said, “Absolutely.” that.” strategy. She has a motto for her advantage for students. She said “sign a confi dentiality waiver say- Putman said teachers would Typical questions Putman re- students get a confi dentiality agree- clients, “Work hard. Work smart.” ing, for this instance, I can contact probably not judge you differently ceives include: How do I do a Moukperian said students can im- ment that ensures, for example, if this person about this information. or take less of an interest in you, presentation? How do I get better a professor calls and asks about prove awareness by using visual-cue So your information is confi dential if they knew you were uncertain marks on my tests? systems for time management and a student, counsellors would not until you authorize us to do some- about your program. However, she “We tend to do the strategies be- comment. she also recommended Eff ective thing different with it, if you ever said, “ … even your perception that hind things - ‘How do I work and Learner. She said confi dentiality allows authorize it. If you don’t, that’s it would happen makes you un- go to school at the same time?’” students to work out their issues fi ne.” comfortable, so let’s go someplace Given the broad application of Welland campus counsellors, “in a safe place.” “We don’t mark students. You where no one can fail you, no one this type of student service, a course including Moukperian, are available Putman said students use coun- are never gonna fail in this offi ce.” can harm you, nobody can judge in self-help or self-management at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to sellors to communicate with their Asked if students, uncertain or you, right?” Niagara College might have poten- Friday in SE102 at 905-735-2211 teachers because, they say, “I can’t uncomfortable in their program, Keen students come to Niagara tial, Putman said. “That’s interest- ext. 7778. Second chance for those who are unemployed

By HEIDI GRZESINA plications within one calendar year sonal circumstances, some funds start had six SCS students.” more changes than in any other Columnist of the date the worker was laid-off may or may not be repayable. Utter disbelief was my reaction time in history. I can attest to that. There is an exciting second from his or her most recent em- “We have 202 SCS letters of upon hearing “You are going back There was a time when I could eas- chance for older, laid-off workers. ployer. Long-term skills training is intent for September 2009 admis- to college. Pick a fi eld, pick a col- ily choose a position, however, by Second Career Strategy (SCS) is considered to be a period between sions to the college,” said Niagara lege and you could be starting in the time I arrived in Norm Casey’s a program offered by the Ontario six months and two years. College Assistant Registrar Philip January 2009,” from Norm Casey, offi ce, I had been unable to fi nd Ministry of Training, Colleges and An applicant must receive an Hayes. of Casey and Associates, a career employment for nine very long and Universities. employment assessment from a “Returning SCS students total 71 counselling fi rm working with the depressing months. The objective is to help unem- case manager at an employment and 41 are combinations of appli- Simcoe, Ont., Return to Work of- The paperwork being completed ployed individuals who do not have and training service provider prior cations for which letters of intent fi ce. and submitted, I was accepted into the required skills, to obtain skills to applying to the ministry. The are not yet received.” I have been a long distance op- Niagara College’s Journalism-Print for employment, according to the applicant and the case manager A letter of intent is a letter of erator, dance instructor, waitress, program and my funding was ac- ministry’s information package. develop a Return to Work Action verifi cation from the Province of bartender, manager, customer ser- cepted through the SCS program. It is an extension of the Ontario Plan, which is then submitted to Ontario that SCS funding will be vice representative, bookkeeper, Heading into year two of the Skills Development Employment the Ministry of Training, Colleges assigned to an applicant that has offi ce and payroll administrator, Journalism-Print program, I have Benefi t (OSDEB). and Universities, together with the already been approved for entrance and a certifi ed addictions counsel- learned more than I ever antici- Eligibility criteria are addressed application for retraining. by Niagara College. lor. At 57, the last thing I imagined pated and have loved it. to those workers laid-off recently Financial assistance provided by “We had a May start for the fi rst being in my future was further Writing is a passion and my skill and requiring long-term skills this program is included as income time this year,” said Hayes. “ Thir- training. My skill set is such that I set has been enhanced beyond my training for employment in high- for tax purposes and the ministry ty-six of 78 students that started never imagined being without em- imagination already. skill, demand occupations in the recommends checking with the in May were SCS students. The ployment for very long. The times, For more information, call Anita local labour market. Canada Revenue Agency about its January 2009 start had about 60 however, are changing rapidly. We Beaulieu, the College’s SCS ad- The ministry must receive ap- requirements. Depending on per- students and the September 2008 live in times where there have been viser, at 905-735-2211 ext. 7370. Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 30 Summer News New Niagara SAC president has an aggressive agenda

By STEVE HENSCHEL Staff Writer She might not be the most ex- perienced member of the college’s Student Administrative Council (SAC), but our new president is ready to tackle student politics this year at Niagara College. Jacquelynn Perzul, 20, of Ste- vensville, took over duties as the president of SAC this past spring. Usually, the position is fi lled by one of SAC’s executive vice-presi- dents. Perzul, the vice-president of programming, was voted into the presidency by the SAC Board of JACQUELYNN PERZUL Directors this past spring. Photo by Lucas Gillett “The executive VPs defi nitely Construction continues on the Applied Health Institute at Niagara College’s Welland campus. knew a little more about the posi- SAC administration left off. Photo by Steve Henschel tion at the time,” says Perzul. She Important to Perzul will be the carefully examined the duties development of a green initiative. before applying for the position, Perzul says she plans to make the she says. campus more eco-friendly and “I felt like I could do it,” says institute an “aggressive” recycling Massive changes Perzul. “I have great time manage- policy. ment and I’ve learned a lot in the “We are going to drive green past two months.” programs and I think the college According to SAC General will be on board as well.” Manager, Cindy Blanchard, 52, of underway on campus According to Perzul, this year’s Welland, Perzul will be an asset to SAC administration will work on By STEVE HENSCHEL provincial governments accord- Bill Thompson, a 25-year-old the operation of the SAC. “I am a variety of agenda issues. “They Staff Writer ing to a May press release. The Child and Youth Worker program looking forward to working with [the SAC VPs] are just so gung Both the Welland and Niagara- 100,000 square-foot building will student of St. Catharines, says the Jacque this academic year.” ho,” says Perzul. “They all are on-the-Lake (NOTL) campuses of allow the college to provide 1,000 construction is necessary, “but it’s SAC executive vice-president enthusiastic about their programs Niagara College are undergoing more spaces in applied health pro- a pain in the ass.” for the Niagara-on-the-Lake and ideas.” massive changes as students return grams. The projected end date of the campus, Garret Lehman, 20, of In her time away from the this fall. The development plan is in re- campus redevelopment project Grimsby, says he is excited to school, Perzul volunteers for the The construction on both cam- sponse to a 10.1 per cent increase isn’t for another two and a half work with Perzul. Heart and Stroke Foundation as puses is part of the college’s $50 in enrolment in the fall of 2008, years, says Project Manager John “She is a very mature and dedi- well as the Multiple Sclerosis So- million development plan that was according to the press release. The Gittings, 49, of St. Catharines. cated individual,” says Lehman. ciety of Canada. announced in October 2008. expansion is designed to increase According to Gittings, the “I think this year will be one of Currently, Perzul is running a According to a college press the capacity of programs that serve Welland campus’s academic wing the most productive years for the charity volleyball tournament for release, the campus expansion will Niagara industries such as hospital- should be operational by Decem- Niagara College Student Adminis- the Heart and Stroke Foundation include a new academic wing, li- ity, tourism, viticulture and skilled ber. trative Council with Jacque Perzul that will take place at The Plaice brary, learning commons, athletics trades. The library, learning commons, at the helm.” in Fort Erie on July 26. “It eats up centre, student centre, visual arts/ Welland Student Administrative athletic centre and student centre “She’s doing fabulously,” says most of my time,” she says “but design centre and expansion of Council Executive Vice-President are projected to be open for Sep- Tyler Hore, 24, of Welland. Hore it’s fun.” the technology skills centre on the Tyler Hore, 24, of Welland, says tember 2010. The NOTL campus’s is the executive vice-president Sports also keep Perzul busy Welland campus. the renovation and expansion of Wine Education and Training of SAC for the Welland campus. when she is away from school. Also, the NOTL campus will the Welland campus is defi nitely Centre will be the second building “She is picking up the position fast She “loves” to watch football and receive a $4.2 million expansion needed. to become operational, opening in with lots of enthusiasm.” hockey and plays in a baseball to its culinary institute as well as “Welland (campus) is a bit on the September, followed by the open- Perzul was originally inspired to league. a new state-of-the-art wine educa- archaic side, especially when you ing of the Skilled Trades and Tech- pursue the presidency by the pre- Perzul, a recent graduate of the tion centre. look at NOTL. Currently we are nology centre last January. vious SAC president she says. “I General Arts and Sciences Uni- Construction has also begun on grossly behind. The landscaping is “Everything is on budget and on wanted to be a leader of students.” versity Transfer Program, hopes to a $40-million Applied Health In- what’s most interesting, it will cre- time,” says Gittings. “The biggest Perzul says she plans to pursue attend Brock University after her stitute for the Welland campus that ate the third largest green space in challenge is running the college a number of agenda items beyond term as president. is being funded by the federal and Welland on the campus.” while doing all this.” carrying on where the previous Single mom works her way to a better education By VALERIE MOSES year General Arts and Science a family on her own is relying family outings but right now more Staff Writer program, has been out of school for on other people. She says get- things to try and fi t in my schedule Being a single parent while go- more than nine years before com- ting her children to day-care and is the last thing I need.” ing to school is next to impossible. ing back in January. school is diffi cult before making She says she had a hard time with Impossible seems like a more “I was going to take a year off, the 40-minute drive to Welland for the campus child care centre. She suitable term, but it’s people like somehow that turned into nine an 8:30 a.m. class. Schuchard says says she couldn’t get her children Reaganne Schuchard that insist on and a half,” she laughed. She says there has been help along the way in to the day-care on time because the “next to” preceding the seem- it was an easy decision to change to her success. She credits the Fort the waiting list was too long. ingly more appropriate term. programs this fall since she wants Erie Native Friendship Centre’s Aboriginal Prenatal Program Schuchard, 28, of Ridgeway to be an addictions counsellor. Aboriginal Prenatal Program for is available for status, non-status ,is entering her second year this “It really hits home for me, I guiding her in the right direction. and non-native expectant and new September in the Child and Youth know a lot of people that struggled She says she checked out what mothers in the Niagara region. Worker program at Niagara’s with drug abuse.” She says she programs were available for single Contact Kathleen Moses at 905- Welland campus. The petite wants to open a half-way house for mothers at Niagara College prior to 871-8931. blonde happens to be raising two mothers with addictions one day. enrolling and was disappointed in The child care centre accepts Reaganne Schuchard, full time daughters, fi ve-year-old Berlin and “There isn’t much that’s locally the waiting list for the day-care as children ages three months to fi ve student and single mom has alot 16-month-old Blair. available for them to reach out to.” well as the programs offered by the years old. For more information on her plate. Schuchard, who is switching She says the hardest part of going school. contact the manager at 905-735- programs after starting in the two- to school full time while raising Photo by Ben Burns “The program I found offered 2211 ext. 7587. Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 31 Summer News Rockin’ year at S.C.E.N.E. By BEN BURNS Staff Writer There were 178 bands, 19 stages and 14 venues. This years S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival attracted thousands of people to the downtown area of St. Catharines. With main acts arranging from hardcore, rap, rock and punk there was something that everyone could enjoy. Every Time I Die, a hardcore band from Buffalo, was one of the main attractions to come and see this year. “S.C.E.N.E. has to be one of the best times of the year for local music in Niagara, it’s just amaz- ing how many kids come out and watch over 150 bands,” says lead singer of Every Time I Die (ETID) Keith Buckley. ETID has a loyal fan base here in Niagara. When it started to rain, ETID’s set was moved to L3 Night Club and more than 600 young people lined up to see the band. “It’s amazing how true these kids are to the music they listen to, I mean kids were waiting in line in the pouring rain just to see us, that’s crazy,” said Buckley. Moving to a more home base level, Kyle Finbow, a student at Niagara College, was “lucky enough,” to have his band play at this years S.C.E.N.E. fest. “It’s a good time if you want to A crowd awaits the 178 bands to play at this year’s S.C.E.N.E. Musical Festival in downtown St. Catharines. come and showcase your music Submitted by Steve Gircys and get some free beer,” says Fin- bow, guitarist and lead singer of everyone can be apart of,” says says Hunters & Anglers bassist die,” says Rutledge. defi nitely look forward to,” says Tom Skoal. Jordan Rutledge, drummer of local Ross Miller. “S.C.E.N.E. Fest is just some- local cameraman Brent Kore. Finbow and his brother Julian Welland band, Hunters & Anglers. “You know it’s easy to tell people thing that brings all the kids togeth- Rutledge says every year people played S.C.E.N.E. for the fi rst time Rutledge has always “enjoyed” who are in a band for money and er every year. Kids with different crowd the streets to watch these this year. “It’s crazy, it’s just crazy S.C.E.N.E. fest from the fi rst time it’s easy to tell people who are in tastes, kids who are rich and kids bands. Traffi c stops, bars sell cheap that we can play here with all these he attended. a band for fun, you’re supposed to who are poor, there isn’t much else beer, kids from all genres come to- big bands,” said Julian Finbow. “You can always catch him mov- enjoy yourself. You need to have like it. Something that brings out so gether and form as one, it’s really “It’s a gathering of people for a ing to the music, he has never been fun because if you don’t, you die, many bands, good bands and with a beautiful thing and “I am stoked collaboration of music, something one to sit on the side and watch,” no, no that was a lie. You don’t so many genres, it’s something I for next year.” Regional police crack down on beach drinking By BEN BURNS your shoulder for the police. Staff Writer Kilamer says its becoming more Life is a beach. of an inconvenience now, when you Every day hundreds of people go to the beach you want to have crowd to the nearest beach in town no worries, let your family have and enjoy a relaxing, funfi lled day. fun and enjoy your day. Instead, However, do they know what to you’re trying to avoid the drunken bring, what to stay away from and teenagers and the example they put to be aware of? on your own children. Your basic list for a beach bag Fifteen students from the ages would be, towel, plastic water 17-19 were asked three yes or no bottle, sunglasses, baseball cap, questions, while attending the swimsuit, suntan lotion and some beach. spare cash. The results were, 10 out of 15 Not everyone has the same list of students were drinking, most of course. them illegally, 12 out of 15 did not “It’s all about the beer, you can’t Police are patrolling Lake Erie beaches, in eff orts to curb illegal drinking. even have sun screen or any type of have fun unless you’re drunk,” commons.wikimedia.org sun protection. states Dan Ventresca, 19, of Nine out of 15 did not even Welland. one of the busiest beaches during have been drinking, they are al- would never try and fi nd ways know how they were going to get However you must be safe, for the summer. ways loud and staggering around. around the police. Our parents yes, home, and didn’t want to go home the police are cracking down on “I think it’s good that the police It makes people like me not want but the police that’s another thing,” because of their parents knowing drinking at the beach, especially are cracking down, but it’s a bum- to bring my kids to the beach,” said says Kilamer. they were drinking underage. underage drinking. The law is, no mer just because, it lets us not have Jenn Kilamer, 34, mother of two. Ventresca says drinking at the “Everyone has drank illegally. alcohol at the beach. Even being 19, as much fun,” said Patrick Powers, She says there has to be a bound- beach has always been a past time You can’t point the fi nger because it is still illegal to have or consume 18, of Fonthill. ary to set; kids still fi nd ways to for teens. usually the person pointing the fi n- alcohol at the beach. The Niagara Not only students and teens carry alcohol on to the beach, even Many kids come to the beach to ger did the crime themselves. Kids Regional Police have been keeping crowd to the beach, but so do fami- with the police around the corner. have fun, let loose and enjoy a beer will be kids, of course drinking a close eye on everyone who walks lies, with kids of a young age. “They just don’t care. It’s weird or two, but it’s hard to relax when underage is illegal but like I said on Long Beach in Port Colborne, “You can clearly tell when kids because when I was a kid, we you always have to be looking over everyone does it,” said Ventresca. Page 32 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 Summer News

Niagara District Secondary School, the town’s only high school, is a source of education for many local Although Niagara-on-the-Lake is a tourist attraction , it is also a proud Niagara-on-the-Lake teens. home to many. Photos by Steve Henschel Education raises questions in NOTL

By TAMARAH NEILL — along with everything else that tion review included what they saw younger generation to one location is to recruit between 100 and 150 Staff Writer NOTL offers. to be the District School Board of over another. students. Some love it for the wine, and “Even though there are no malls Niagara’s (DSBN) contributions to “Education is a major component “We are also working with Ni- some love it for the war. or movie theatres in town for teens a decline in enrolment at NDSS. in every youth’s life. agara Academy, a private school Others love it for the food, its to entertain themselves with, there The school board was listed as “Time spent being involved in Vineland, that is also looking to farming opportunities or its festival are beautiful parks and beaches responsible for threatening to close with education at a secondary level expand.” theatres. where my friends and I have had NDSS since 1991 for their failure is very large.” The school board’s website lists Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is many fun times.” to maintain and improve the facil- Morrison says families with Canadian schools that offer the one of Canada’s “most signifi cant” The old town of NOTL is re- ity, and for the extent to which they children moving into the area look IBD. examples of our country’s cultural nowned for its beauty and success accommodate over 40 per cent at this component and understand In Ontario, the closest high heritage, and is considered by the as a heritage community. of students attending secondary this. schools offering these education Historic Sites and Monuments Agriculture continues to be a schools outside of the town. He says from what he’s learned, advancements at the moment are in Board of Canada to be a part of the driving force behind the economic Media Relations Offi cer for the these families would much rather the Toronto — Hamilton area. history and heritage that defi ne our wealth surfacing in the region, and District School Board of Niagara, move into a city or community Currently, NDSS has until Oct. country. the youth of the area realize this. Brett Sweeney says school closures with education and activities avail- 31, to “boost” its enrolment to 350 The board and town residents This is also recognized by the are based upon the demographics able close to home, and personally students, says Morrison. have worked hard for a long time Accommodation Review Commit- and the enrolment levels at each would rather buy a home and start At the moment, the high school to protect the heritage, but it’s now tee in the Final ARC Recommen- school facility, and that NDSS has a career somewhere with “more to has about 260 intention sheets. 2009 and NOTL is faced with what dations — Niagara-on-the-Lake had a decline in its enrolment num- offer.” Since Davies is in her fi nal year some of the younger generation Accommodation Review. bers for “some time.” This may be true for some stu- of high school, the closure of NDSS living there consider to be a make- The “best interests of students “With small enrolment, pro- dents, says Sweeney, but there are wouldn’t currently affect her in the or-break situation for the future of and communities” were studied by grams become diffi cult to set up, many local families who already “education aspect” of her life, but the community. members of the committee, and 16 and creating timetables becomes send their children to school fa- it would affect her in the “family The town’s only high school, recommendations were submitted an issue.” cilities outside of NOTL by choice, aspect.” Niagara District Secondary School for the review. In 1969, the DSBN’s student and doing that seems to work well She says it would affect her (NDSS) remains in the spotlight as Five reasons for the recommen- enrolment in public school’s was for them. younger brother and sister in terms one of the many schools provincial dations made were also included in about 75,000. “There are two paths I see which of education, and her in terms of education representatives have the review. According to Sweeney, today can happen in the future, and both where she lives 10 years from threatened to close, but the unique, The fi rst one being “whereas numbers are “just above half” that will affect the levels of a young now. old-style atmosphere and small- Niagara-on-the-Lake is: the fi rst number, reaching about 38,000 generation,” says Morrison. Davies says after considering the town pride to protect the heritage capital of Upper Canada, the home students. “One is a new-level break- amount of time students will spend shared amongst its residents is of the Shaw Festival, the selected He says the Accommodation Re- through for NDSS and NOTL, if bussing to school every morning, resurfacing. venue for the National Arts Centre/ view Committee has been working the DSBN works with the people the amount of money parents will Some of the school’s students — Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s with the school, its students, and of our community to help keep the pay to transport their children to who as the young generation are international music festival, a the town to create “the best oppor- school open,” says Morrison. another city 10 months of the year, a big part of the economic future hotbed of world-class agriculture, tunities available” for the students If NDSS remains open, it has it seems “more convenient” and “a — say they would like to remain viticulture, tourism and culinary and their education. pending programs like International lot more logical” to start over in in NOTL to raise their families and arts, and a host to millions of This is done by committee Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) and “unfamiliar” environments such as become knowledgeable employees visitors, international and national members openly communicating new agriculture program opportu- Niagara Falls or St. Catharines. and homeowners in the area, but if leaders annually,” and the second and supporting the opinions of all nities, and would make NDSS the “Education is an important part the only secondary education facil- being a commonly heard concept- involved, says Sweeney, adding only secondary school in the region of anyone’s life, and wherever I end ity in town closes, their original “whereas Niagara District Second- that “people are passionate about offering these types of programs to up living in the future will have to plans are likely to change. ary School is the only secondary education.” students. be logical in many aspects. A NDSS student and NOTL school in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Bill Morrison, NDSS student He says the town is in the pro- “Education and accommodation native, Brittany Davies, 18, says has strong community support.” council president, says it’s “all cess of recruiting students interna- for my future family will certainly she “loves” the sense of family The committee’s recommenda- about what is available” to attract a tionally for the IBD, and its goal be a deciding factor.” Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 33 Summer News Youth justice remains hot topic By TAMARAH NEILL actually the last to develop.” Staff Writer Wallace says this thinking, ra- Different opinions are a neces- tional part of the brain is truly a sary part of a democracy. work in progress that will not be David Toner, public affairs co- completed until a person is in his ordinator of a growing victim’s or her mid 20s. rights advocate group, Families According to Jones, most crimes Against Crime and Trauma committed at a young age are (F.A.C.T.), who lost a son to violent crimes of “impulse and pressure.” crime, says “serious crime starts as The first priority of the John youth crime,” and people “must” Howard Society of Canada, he consider that when debating the says, is to prevent people from get- accountability of youth crime in ting involved in the justice system their communities. in the first place. Based in British Columbia, Fam- “We do this through youth pro- ilies Against Crime and Trauma grams. One of our biggest efforts has about 200 registered members is to get young people through across Canada, and Toner says the school. “support and concern is growing as If you can get the offender to crime in our country grows.” finish high school, the likelihood But is crime in Canada really of offending or re-offending drops growing? And more importantly, is greatly.” it growing here in Niagara? Often, the family environments Youth Crime Co-ordinator for of these young people contain the Niagara Region, Nadine Wal- violence and substance abuse that lace says that overall, Niagara has result in neglect of that person, a “significantly” total lower crime says Jones. rate than Canada’s national aver- The average person does not age. have enough knowledge from a “Niagara has a total population scientific and logical perspective to of about 430,000 people, and in consider this when considering the 2007-2008 we had less than 1,000 accountability of the youth, adding youth charged.” that this is “usually” how the at- The John Howard Society of Niagara runs several Job Gyms throughout the Niagara region, including a The John Howard Society of titude deeming the Youth Criminal Welland branch at the corner of Niagara and Aqueduct streets. Canada, which according to a Justice System as “too light” is Photo by Steve Henschel mission statement on its website, developed by society. “is an organization of provincial Another “important” factor to time to time politicians like to f—k better the system for the people.” at 620 Niagara St., connected with and territorial societies comprised consider, according to Jones, is that around with it for political gain and The John Howard Society of Job Gym at the intersection of Ni- of and governed by people whose every situation is different. benefit, with no real intention to Canada has an office in Welland agara and Aqueduct streets. goal is to understand and respond “Such youth often drop out of to problems of crime and the school, and often have psychologi- criminal justice system. They are cal conditions.” fiscally responsible for the continu- This includes learning disorders ance of the work and service of the and behavioural disorders such National Office.” as Attention Deficit Hyper-active Many offices for the society of- Disorder. fer restorative approaches that they What is unfortunate for the vic- believe are more effective than tims and their families, according punitive approaches. to Jones, is that the justice system Executive Director of the John is a “blunt instrument” for helping Howard Society, Dr. Craig Jones victims. says it’s important to look at the “It has a completely different family context of a young offender mission, which is to stigmatize and and the context of the crime before punish.” taking action or passing judgment. Advocate groups like F.A.C.T. This is why it’s important to recognize this as well. have a youth justice system sepa- Toner says “very little” in law rate from an adult justice system, supports the victims rights agenda, says Jones. but some progress is being made. Wallace says she agrees with the “The criminal justice system is importance of having a separate more about the criminal than any- justice system, and the idea that a one else, and we are trying to bring “quick trip to custody will scare out a more balanced approach.” kids straight” isn’t true. Representatives from both op- “Jailing kids leads to more reof- posing groups do agree with one fending, not less. It’s the meaning- thing: the federal government isn’t fulness and appropriateness of the recognizing the concerns of the sentence or consequence.” people to a high enough degree Both experts say through scien- when putting together a justice sys- tific research and brain imaging, tem that is suitable for all members the courts have found the moral of society. culpability of young offenders in “When the politicians are con- cause and effect to be impaired and sidering input from advocates, they undeveloped. will naturally filter out the radical The prefrontal cortex is re- element, and tend to respect those sponsible for a person’s ability to who hold the views they them- organize thoughts, think things selves adhere to,” says Toner. through, set priorities, weigh one’s “As Ottawa is the seat of federal options, consider the consequences power, it’s important more people of one’s actions, delay gratification, there speak up to the policy mak- suppress impulses and make sound ers. We in the West often feel that decisions, says Wallace. Ottawa is not listening.” “We know their [the youth] Like Toner, Jones also seems brains aren’t fully developed yet. to feel strongly about the govern- In fact, we know that the most im- ment’s involvement, saying that portant part of their brain for deci- “Overall, Canada’s justice system sion making [prefrontal cortex] is is good, but the problem is from Page 34 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 Summer News NF Review gives youth a refuge

By THOMAS ROTELLA Staff Writer Youth today often feel as though up load they get no respect. In today’s society, this genera- Friday, January 30, 2009 COOL STUFF • WEBSITES • BEST VIDEOS • MUST-HAVE GADGETS • MOVIES • TV • HOTTEST FASHION Page C1 tion’s youth seems to fi nd itself at odds with its elders. They suffer ➤ THIS IS HOT the task of becoming society’s Aaron says: future leaders, and yet often fi nd The Mandarin Bonjour! themselves ignored or counted out Recently opened, The Mandarin at My name is Sarah Mae Dalgleish. I am 17, from Niagara Falls, and I of the picture. Youth today do have the Niagara Square on Macleod Road is the latest and greatest place to sat- am living in the South of France for a year. My village, Figanieres, is in ideas, opinions, and things to say. isfy your hunger for lunch or dinner buffet. Full with traditional Asian and the heart of Provence, a region in France full of beauty and culture. They’re just looking for a place to Canadian cuisine, there’s something I arrived in France Aug. 27 and have enjoyed every moment in this for everyone in the best variety avail- breathtaking region. During my exchange year, I am living with three able: All-you-can-eat! say it. different French host families, going to French high school while learn- That place has come. ing and discovering the language and culture of France. am finally all settled in at different friends’ or families’ Say hello to Upload, a project my second host family! I Sarah Mae houses almost every night. undertaken by the Niagara Falls have two sisters and a Dalgleish Christmas eve night, I went to a brother. My sisters are 17 Christmas mass with my host PETER CONRADI and 9 and my brother is parents and my host grand- Review, the city’s newspaper, that 15. My father is in the mili- On the mother – it was a special gives the youth a chance to speak tary and my mother is a Move Catholic mass in French. Little I fleuriste. I will be staying children were dressed up as with this family for the next angles and sang, which was their mind on issues of their choice. three months and then be mov- enchanting. ing to my third family at the ner. The club members pre- On Christmas day, we ate a Started around September 2008, beginning of April. I am very sented me with two books on Christmas lunch at my host happy with my new family and the south of France, which I will grandparents house. Many Upload was in planning stages for have already become close with treasure. All the Rotarians wrote aunts, uncles and cousins came both my host sisters. I consider me a word in both of the books to celebrate it with us. There six to eight months prior to coming The Killers – Day & Age myself very lucky. as well. It was a good start to my were about 25 people – and they School is still going very well. told me I would meet the other BY AARON BAILEY Christmas holidays. I still have a French class every 2/3 of the family during a huge into effect. Special to The Review All before Christmas, I was Thursday afternoon and I am excited and impatient! I made Christmas dinner Dec. 28. We working on my French pronun- ate some special French dishes Peter Conradi, 50, of St. Catha- The Killers are an alternative rock gingerbread cookies with my ciation with a friend of my new and a dessert called “une band from Las Vegas, Nev., comprised host mom and sister, but they host family every Wednesday buche.” This is a Christmas yule rines, is the managing editor at of percussionist Ronnie Vannucci Jr., didn’t turn out very well! My afternoon. My new French pro- log all French people eat at guitarist and bassist Dave Keuning aunt in Canada mailed me a nunciation teacher is also plan- Christmas. It was delicious. I am The Review. Although he can be and Mark Stoermer, and front man box of her fabulous gingerbread ning on teaching me from going to get a recipe for it so I Brandon Flowers. cookies, which I enjoyed shar- French recipes as well, because can make it in Canada next penned as one of the creators of The group’s music is reminiscent of ing with my host family. I she loves to cook. We work on year! I gave my host grandpar- the post-punk revival, with influence downloaded Christmas music the pronunciation by her read- ents a box of Laura Secord Upload, Conradi says the youth drawn from the synth-laden era of and played it all the time for my ing a page of a novel out loud, chocolate and I sang “Oh Holy the 1980s and ’90s. Since the band’s host sister and she showed me then I read the page out loud. I Night” for them in English indie pop debut album Hot Fuss, to some Christmas songs in writing for it should be given the look forward to this every week. because it is my host Grandfa- the dark, gritty and emotional sounds French, which I love. I cele- ther’s favourite Christmas song of Sam’s Town, The Killers have brated a small Christmas with credit. in French. released four albums in four years, just my host family Dec. 21, Christmas night we ate din- the latest of which is Day & Age, My experience has been made with a present exchange. My “Upload is, in its broadest sense, ner at my host dad’s sisters released in mid-November. host sister gave me a custom- possible by Rotary International, home. There, I met all the fam- After receiving mixed reviews for made T-shirt with a Canadian a youth page. It’s different from ily on my host dads side of the 2006’s slow-burning, yet deeply satis- and a French flag on the front a worldwide service club. family. My parents called me on fying Sam’s Town, the band sought to and my name on the back! It is other stuff you fi nd in the papers. Christmas and I got to speak bounce back with a new evolution to perfect to represent my My sponsoring club is the Rotary with lots of my family including its music, so it returned to the style exchange student year! It is a page controlled totally by my siblings, aunts, uncles and and flair of Hot Fuss and also built Club of Niagara Falls. I learned in the south of cousins. I was very happy to get upon the depth of Sam’s Town. Day France for Christmas we eat LISA RIND the young people who write for it, to speak to all of them! & Age is complete with synthetic three desserts. This is because I am also planning on going On Dec. 27, I went to a bap- upbeat sonatas like Spaceman, Losing the wise men brought three gifts whether they are in high schools, to my Rotary club meeting next tism of the niece of my host Touch and the album’s first single to Jesus. There is usually a yule week to tell my club all about dad. It was a pretty ceremony Human; jazzy, brass-filled adventures log cake, fruit and chocolate. my new family. In the last with lots of young children colleges, or universities. The staff like Joy Ride and mellow, emotional Oysters are also a popular dish month, I had some events with from the family included. tracks like Goodnight, Travel Well. at Christmas time in France. Rotary. I went to the youth con- On Dec. 28, I met the rest of is merely silent partners in this Day & Age showcases the ever-matur- I went up to the north of ference with the exchange stu- my host mom’s family. There ing talents of the four from Las Vegas. France with my host parents dents and saw presentations on were lots of cousins who are the project.” Die-hard Killers fans will find enjoy- and my host brother Augustin. the Interact and Rotaract work- same age as me who I became ment in every track within the It was a 12-hour drive, since we ing in France. I made a presenta- very good friends with. I met Although dominated mostly album, while new listeners will dis- crossed the country from south tion and after all the other another Canadian who is cover graceful musical diversity in to north. The first night, we exchange students said a word engaged to one of my host by Niagara Falls and Fort Erie what I consider to be The Killers’ best stayed at my host mom’s par- too, it was fun. I also went to mom’s nephews – she is from voyage yet. Day & Age is definitely ents house. Her parents are my Rotary Christmas party din- Quebec. They are going to get students/youth, Conradi says they worth a listen for any music lover. lovely – my host grandfa- married in Canada, so I may be My Verdict: ★★★★ (out of five) ther is a funny man who make exceptions, even having a makes lots of jokes. We able to meet them at home! spent a week in the north couple of writers from as far as of France and stayed at please see SARAH MAE, page C2 ➤ WHAT’S IN Grimsby. YOUR LOCKER? “We have an Internet page on Fa- BY SHAYNE STOTHART cebook, where the pages are visible Special to The Review to anyone, anywhere. Currently, we My personal space is equal parts adventure and horror, revealing the have about 12 to 15 regular writers overstuffed contents of leftover lunch, forgotten homework, volun- Background and right, Sarah for Upload, but as far as our Face- teer forms, gloves, scarves, books … Mae visits the Canadian the list goes on. National Vimy Memorial, which book page, we have 149 members, What is most interesting is that overlooks the Douai Plain at my locker acts as a sort of date book Vimy Ridge, about 10 kilometres people who have responded to our for where I was throughout the north of Arras, France. Above, semester: There are Russian fur hats I France is famous for its wines articles as far as Europe.” haven’t got around to bringing home and liqueurs. Left, buildings are from an October project; there are reflected in the window of a bak- AARON BAILEY But Upload wasn’t the fi rst page ranks of forgotten mugs from a two- ery in Figanieres, France. month spree of morning green tea; Special to The Review Submitted photos intended for youth writers. Before ink stains and paint brushes from September, when I decided I had the Upload came along, The Review mind of an artist (I didn’t) The Piano had a long running youth page that “Youth are sometimes disre- express my feelings and opinions For aspiring writers, Bailey of- regular basis. Conradi says wasn’t too success- garded for certain issues. So it’s on certain matters. The recognition fers this piece of advice: “The time we’ve been up so far ful. good to have a fresh copy, a fresh it has gotten me within the com- “First off, continuously write has been successful, but we are al- “It had horrible content. Most of set of eyes from the youth, taking munity is pretty cool too. I always down your thoughts that you think ways looking for more young writ- the stuff written in it was for youth a look at what’s going on around have those random moments where could become articles. And second, ers who are going to stick through from the perspective of parents the region. So contributing to proj- strangers — young and old — rec- clear time for writing, not only is this for the long run. Eventually, or other adults. Students had no ects like Upload is fun, it’s never ognize me from either my headshot it good for your brain, it helps to I’d like to see it turn into blogging, interest in anything in it, so we like work. It’s all towards a more on the page, or from a poster that relieve stress and allows for you to regular columns, and even a stand wanted to change it. We wanted a prominent future.” was around town with my face on vent your annoyances.” alone website would be fantastic. real youth page, one with a twist, Aaron Bailey, 15, of Niagara it.” So what does the future hold for I’d like to see it reach the point an edge.” Falls, hopes to be part of that fu- Crystal Arsenault, 23, of Niagara Upload? where everybody knows about As far as the staff hours put into ture. Currently a student at St. Mi- Falls, is an avid reader of The Re- Conradi says most of it depends it, looks forward to reading it, Upload, Conradi says most of the chael Catholic High School, Bailey view, and a huge supporter of the on the number of young people whether it’s in the paper or online. hours are spent designing the pages says he discovered Upload through opportunity it’s providing for the they can get writing articles on a The possibilities are endless.” for it. his involvement with the Mayor’s youth of the area. Lisa Rind, 43, of Niagara Falls, Youth Advisory Committee. “Personally, being in the youth is the lifestyles and community “During one of the meetings, category myself, it’s a nice thing Contact Info: editor for The Review. She says her Peter Conradi came and did a to have an opportunity to present job for Upload is to fi nd “a picture presentation to the council and our opinions, because nowadays, Email: [email protected] to tell the story.” invited all members to come out to people tend to look right through Website: www.niagarafallsreview.ca “I go over the stories and try to the meeting and write articles. I’ve us, and ignore the potential many get ideas for visuals for the layout. been writing articles ever since.” youth today possess. Upload gives Facebook: visit the group Upload: The youth page of As far as the pictures go, I look for Although being in high school youth the chance to say pretty much the Niagara Falls Review something that says what the story provides a bit of a time manage- anything they deem as important, is about. Once I have that, I start ment challenge, Bailey says Upload and anybody in the area can read Call managing editor Peter Conradi at 905-358-5711, designing around the picture.” will always be a high priority. it. The youth of today are going to ext. 1129 Rind says she signed on to the “I love writing, and I really enjoy be tomorrow’s future, so it’s great Email Peter Conradi at [email protected] project because she wants to see the fact that it Upload provides me to see someone handing out the op- people take youth more seriously. with an outlet through which I can portunity. ” Sept. 25, 2009 NIAGARA NEWS Page 35 Summer News

Kylie Douglas, 28, at Rogers Video in Niagara Falls, can help you make the right pick for your movie night. Photo by Thomas Rotella Nostalgia and the silver screen By THOMAS ROTELLA Shelagh Mackay, 64, of Niagara a reason behind it all. “You just don’t get the same ef- Staff Writer Falls, Ont., says the whole “cin- “I feel that prices are much too fect watching a movie anywhere Landmarks It’s survived two world wars, the ematic experience” has completely high on the food bar, but I know but on the huge screens at the Depression, the Gulf and Vietnam changed from when she was a why in the long run. We tend to theatre,” says Neimanis. “Being wars, and countless recessions. child. lose money on ticket sales, not see- in an environment where you get in the history The fi lm industry seems almost “The fi rst fi lm I ever saw was ing much of a profi t in our theatre, to share it with other moviegoers, indestructible. Cheaper by the Dozen in black so we mark up the prices of food to and experience all the big bangs, Holding the power to invoke and white, when I was 10 years balance it all out.” special effects and surround sound, of cinema every type of emotion from its old. Tickets prices ranged from 25 In these hard times society’s there’s nothing like it. It’s wild.” viewers, fi lms have always been a cents to 50 cents, and even the con- been facing lately, Laronde says he Everyone fi nds a taste for fi lms means to an escape from reality. cession prices were completely dif- still thinks movies are going in a in different ways. Andres says he From the silent fi lm era at the ferent. I remember the only options positive direction. fell in love with movies at a really beginning of the 20th century, to were popcorn, pop, and Eskimo pie “I believe movies have gotten young age. today’s era where special effects ice cream treats, which were only busier. No matter what is happen- “When I was a kid, I loved dino- and sound reign supreme, fi lms 10 cents each.” ing in life, you know that you can saurs. When I heard the movie Ju- Silent comedy: have indeed come a long way. Nowadays, theatre prices have relax and get away from everyday rassic Park was coming to theatres, Charlie Chaplin in defi nitely taken a large stresses by going to the movies, I jumped at the chance to see it. I Making a Living, 1914. climb. Mackay says even if it is only for a few hours.” was completely blown away. How prices now are ri- For those people who aren’t fond someone could make a fi lm and diculous. of theatres or drive-ins, and tend to make it looks like I was looking “Prices are out prefer a night in at home, video at living, breathing dinosaurs, was of this world now. stores are the best way to go. a scary but intense feeling. From Just for a family Kylie Douglas, 28, of Niagara then on I was hooked.” Colour arrives: of four to go the Falls, Ont., is an employee at As for the future of fi lm, the The Wizard of Oz, movies and get Rogers Video in Niagara Falls. opportunities and directions are 1939. a snack, it ends She says that comedies tend to be endless. Andres says he sees big up costing around the biggest “must have” as far as changes coming. $60 for a couple of rentals go, but renting movies in “There’s so many possibilities. hours. If prices were general just seems like the more Movies are always going be popu- lower, people wouldn’t practical choice. lar, and as far as the way they’re have to sneak in food and “In the long run it’s cheaper to made they can only get better. drinks all the time.” rent a movie than to sit in a theatre Eventually we’re probably going Special-FX are born: Lindsay Laronde, or your car at the drive-in. Some- to see all 3-D fi lms, most likely in Star Wars: A New 24, of Niagara times a family will come in and High Defi nition as well. Looking Hope, 1977. Falls, Ont., has rent a handful of movies, one for farther down the road, I’d like to been an em- each member. People just prefer see 4-D movies, where the audi- ployee at Cine- being entertained in the comfort of ence can become involved too. Or plex Odeon in their own home.” somehow being able to awaken Niagara Falls Joey Andres, 19, and Eric Nei- the senses in the audience, like if a for just over manis, 21, both of Niagara Falls, character smells something, the au- T-Rex from a four years now. Ont., are two avid moviegoers, and dience gets to smell it too. There’s mosquito: He agrees how both say they prefer watching a too many things to list, and we’re Steven Spielberg’s expensive movies movie on the big screen than on a going to have to just sit back and Jurassic Park, 1993. are today, but says there’s small television at home. enjoy the ride.” Page 36 NIAGARA NEWS Sept. 25, 2009 Summer News Friendship Festival rocks Fort Erie

By ROB MULTARI one of my heroes and I’ve wanted Staff Writer to see him in concert almost my It’s the annual event that cel- whole life. ... The power genera- ebrates Canada’s companionship tors running out of fuel was a bit with the United States. of an annoyance, but the way they The Fort Erie Friendship Fes- played through it was cool.” tival, a stone’s throw away from Derek Cabana, 20, of Fort Erie, the Peace Bridge, is a week-long said the festival is a good time to festival that started in 1987 and hang out not only with friends, but encompasses both Canada Day and people from the States. Independence Day. “I think the Friendship Festival The festival features rides, is just an excellent gathering of games, street performers, concerts, friends. crafters, re-enactments and many “You get to see people you other fun-fi lled activities for the haven’t seen in a long time, and it’s entire family. a get together with people in the This year’s festival was held community and even with people between July 1 to July 5; however, in the States. Really, it’s a union the main attractions were the free between us and the States.” concerts held on July 3 and July 4. The opening bands for The Trews David Wilcox was headlining July on Independence Day time were 3, while The Trews took the main The Ending and Crash Karma, a stage on July 4. super group consisting of members One of the founders, Ron Wat- from I Mother Earth, Our Lady son, and organizer, Flo Odding, Peace and The Tea Party. managed to boost entertainment The Trews hit the stage at 11 for the fesitval’s 23rd year, despite p.m., and played for almost two having a $200,000 budget as op- hours. posed to the $500,000 back in the They put on an unforgettable late 1980s. live show and they were extremely It was a cool, crisp day in the David Wilcox performs at the Friendship Festival. tight as a band. Seeing them live evening of July 3 just outside the Photo by Rob Multari could transform an average fan to festival. The Niagara River to the a hardcore fan. right shone beautifully leading up They were on tour for their new to Buffalo. album, No Time for Later, and Upon the entrance to the festival, played such tunes from it as Para- off to the left, pylons were setup noid Freak, Can’t Stop Laughing, for Segway rides and a big crowd and Be Love. gathered around magicians playing Like the Wilcox show, the sound with fi re. was unbelievable and their stage To the right, all the vendors were presence was very entertaining, lined up selling various items such especially guitarist John-Angus as Friendship Festival T-shirts, sun- MacDonald, who at one point was glasses, clothes, toys, caricatures, alone on stage and played both the crafts amusing Weekend Rebel American and Canadian anthems. Tattoos. There were also pioneer The Trews played all their re-enactments. normal hits such as Not Ready To People of all ages and ethnicities Go, Yearning, So She’s Leaving with their families fi lled the street; and Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me. kids had big smiles on their faces Tired of Waiting was really special and everyone seemed to be gener- because they broke out into a cover ally enjoying themselves. of You Can’t Always Get What You Further up the street, the food Want by the Rolling Stones mid- vendors took over. These included song. the Silver Bullet Barbecue ribs, They added keyboardist Jeff freshly squeezed lemonade, pitas, Heisholt to relieve vocalist Colin chicken and chips, snow cones MacDonald of keyboard duties, and cotton candy. A $6 lemonade and to add depth to the songs, was refreshing and well worth the which worked well. money. To top off the already remark- The most populated area for kids able show, they played an acoustic was the park area where the rides set, where Heisholt busted out an and games stood. The more popular accordion on the last song. rides seemed to be the ferris wheel, Ken Elrick , a Niagara College student, enjoys the Friendship Festival. Blayne Bozich, 20, of Fort Erie, Starship 2000, The Scrambler, Tilt- Photo by Rob Multari said the concert was great, espe- a-Whirl and the Berry-Go-Round. cially noting the guitarist’s skills. The operator of the Berry-Go- it looked like it was going to be a were singing along as well. played such hits as Riverboat Fan- “It was pretty awesome. The gui- Round, who travels all over with good place for a show. The real entertainment from tasy, Do The Bearcat, Bad Apple tarist made the whole thing come the carnival, said, “The Friendship Acoustic performer Dane Hart- Rides Again was when the drum- and Rockin’ the Boogie. to life for me.” Festival is my favourite place to be. zell, who was the fi rst opening act, mer tried to throw his drumstick to However, near the end of the Christina Chubb, 19, of Niagara I look forward to it every year.” proclaimed “it’s a good friendship a fan upfront, but instead ending show, during Laying Pipe, the Falls, said she enjoyed the whole Beyond all the rides and ven- festival. Give yourself a round of up clocking a lady in the head who microphones suddenly gave out. festival, but the highlight was The dors, was the largest part of the applause.” wasn’t looking. The band extended the song, with Trews. festival— the amphitheatre. “Pat each other on the back and David Wilcox hit the stage at Wilcox giving some cool impro- “I thought the festival was really It was a nice open fi eld, with a say ‘It’s nice to meet you.’” 10:45 p.m.; right after the crowd vised solos, until they had to leave fun and there was lots of interest- VIP patio section at the back and Inside the beer section, they were was pumped up singing the house the stage. It was then announced ing people. I think the best part of the river directly on the right. selling $5 hemp brews in measly, music of Whitesnake’s Here I Go the power generators ran out of the day though was The Trews.” There was a 19-plus section that little cups which were refreshing, Again. propane and the concert was over. The band also announced their took up a large portion of the area, but had a bad aftertaste. Wilcox not only was an unbe- Niagara College student Ken roots to the Niagara region during leaving only a fraction for people The Latency and Rides Again lievable guitar player, but also Elrick, 19, of Peterborough, Ont., the show. under 19. opened; two power-pop punk bands an exceptional entertainer. He’d said he thought the concert was still “We’re originally from Antigon- The stage was a decent size, with that mainly played for screaming often say witty lines or make great, despite it being cut short. ish, N.S., but when we relocated to two large screens on either size. teenage girls outside the 19-plus funny faces during his solos. “I was really happy seeing Da- Ontario, we called Niagara Falls Just by looking at the amphitheatre, section, but some older people The sound was incredible and he vid Wilcox. I mean obviously he’s our home,” said Colin.