Photojournalism Program Edition

Vol. 51 · Issue #18 Thursday, March 12, 2020 Loyalist College · Belleville, ON ·

Photo by Caleb Seguin Shelby Lisk, a Loyalist College photojournalism alumni, had her short documentary she made about Manasie Akpaliapik, an Indigenous sculptor, play at Belleville’s DocFest and got to watch it on the big screen at the Empire Theatre. She was won of two winners of the ‘best local film’ at the festival. DocFest showcases stories By Caleb Seguin their own and should be celebrated that critiques they can use going forward in this year for DocFest were Until The Cure, Trenton. way. The countless hours interviewing their profession. The three best films are Tears Mean Love and The Barber. Luiza Anderle directed The Barber, The city of Belleville has set aside three subjects to pull an unscripted narrative featured as a part of the local spotlight at Directed by Udai Singh, Until The Cure which is about a local barbershop owned days every year for the past nine years to out of a simple storyline are only a small DocFest to promote the next generation is about a Phil Howlett, a professor of the by Tiff Pope and how she managed to celebrate documentaries from our region part of creating a documentary. We like of filmmakers. community and justice studies program start her business in a male-dominated and across the world. to think that the people who capture our Holly Dewar, chair of the DocFest at Loyalist, who runs a charity marathon industry. It might not be TIFF, and it might not hearts and minds as subjects in docu- committee, said it is highlight to have the every year in Orlando, Florida, at Disney Shelby Lisk, a Loyalist College pho- be Sundance, but Belleville people came mentary films are just like us -- regular work of Loyalist film at TV production World. tojournalism alumni, had her short out in high numbers to watch amazing folks who just so happen to have cam- students presented. He is 61 years old and still runs every documentary she made about Manasie documentaries at 2020’s DocFest, over eras in front of them for extraordinary “For them to show films in front of a big year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Soci- Akpaliapik, an Indigenous sculptor. She three days in downtown Belleville. The reasons. DocFest audience and get that response is ety to raise money for cancer and cancer was won of two winners of the ‘best lo- festival was organized by the 11-member Belleville downtown DocFest takes the just so amazing and they are telling our research. cal film’ at the festival said “It feels really DocFest committee, plus countless more time to recognize local filmmakers such stories through their documentaries,” said Jessi Odaisky directed Tears Mean wonderful to have the film come home volunteers who helped out throughout as the Loyalist College film and televi- Dewar. Love. The film is about a woman named and play at Belleville’s DocFest and to the weekend. sion production program, which has their “I think that is so important to see Evelyn Wilson, who won the Peter Soum- watch it on the big screen at the Empire DocFest this year showcased over 50 own event for screenings at the school. yourself reflected, especially being from alias Unsung Hero Honour, awarded by Theatre was amazing - my first time see- documentary films and celebrated the di- This allows students to display short Belleville. It’s nice to see positive stories the Canada Walk of Fame for her volun- ing my work in a venue like that. I am re- rectors for the countless time and effort documentaries to the community and to because there was always a feeling that teer work. She devotes much of her time ally honoured that the committee choose they put into their documentaries. a panel of three judges with filmmaking Belleville was a bit of an underdog.” raising money to fight kids cancer, but my film as one of the best local films this Documentary films are in a league of backgrounds and get live feedback and The three student productions selected she also does a lot of volunteering around y e ar.” Women’s Day celebrated at Macaulay House

By Sam Brown were like. We have come a long way in terms of women’s rights and what women can accomplish in their day-to-day lives. Historic Macaulay House in Picton came Men too, for that matter. It’s a very differ- alive on Sunday as the women of the ent world from the 1850s that we repre- household and the community at large, sent here,” Lyons said. Mrs. Charlotte Macaulay and the servant In order to bring Mrs. Charlotte Ma- Jane, hosted visitors in celebration of In- caulay and Jane into the spotlight for In- ternational Women’s Day. ternational Women’s Day, Tammy Lloyd The event featured the ladies of the from Lady Victorian Historical Presen- home: Mrs. Charlotte Macaulay, Rever- tations played the role of Mrs. Charlotte end William Macaulay’s second wife, and Macaulay and Suzanne O’Connor took Jane, a servant woman who lived in the on the role of Jane. They took the time to house with the family for six years, as well dress up in historically accurate costumes as the panache of a local artist and musi- and temporarily adopted the mannerisms cian. in an authentic performance. As visitors “At Macaulay House, the main narra- wandered the house, they had the oppor- tive tends to be about Reverend William tunity talk to these women and gain more Macaulay, who was in many ways con- insights into the history of the house and sidered Picton’s founding father,” Jennifer the roles of females who lived there. Lyons, the head curator for the county “We have a couple of volunteers who museums, explained. have gone to extreme measures to create “We know a little bit about the women wonderfully authentic costumes,” Lyons of the household, whether it’s his wife said. Charlotte or some of the servants who “That just added some of the historical lived and worked here as well. But they context for visitors.” don’t really get front and centre too often.” Indeed, one was given the impression In the spirit of International Women’s of stepping back into the 1850s upon en- Day, the display was meant to highlight tering the cozy kitchen were ‘Jane’ was the dignity of women, and the differences engaging with curious guests while they between the situations for women in the enjoyed snacking on cupcakes and sam- Photo by Sam Brown past compared to the present. pling locally made beverages. “It’s a very clear picture when you look Suzanne O’Connor, playing the role of Jane, a servant of the Macaulays for six years in the 1800’s, talks to Phoebe Lan- at Mrs. Charlotte Macaulay, and her ser- ducci and Hope Schein, both 5, and Misu Burns at the historic Macauley House on International Women’s Day. vant Jane, what their day-to-day lives ...See Women’s Day, page 2 Page 2 · The Pioneer ·March 12, 2020 Picton event focuses on International Women’s Day

By Matthew Syriac Elias were really missing out by not having 50 per cent of the population helping “We used to be angrier,” grins Myrna make decisions. Mather. “Feminism to me is simply about “We had larger groups, and we fo- choice and equity, choosing what you cused on specific changes we wanted. want to do, without discrimination,” Now though, there are many more Mather says, as she continued work things we want to change as a whole,” on her placard for the march later in says Mather, who attended the Picton the day. Women’s Day event organized at the ‘Women and Men Unite for Equity,’ Picton Public Library. The event in- it said in bold letters. cluded sign making in the library, a The day’s event kicked off with a march through downtown, and a meet talk about ‘Women in Politics’ by Pic- up at the Macaulay House for further ton ward member Kate MacNaughton. events. MacNaughton stresses that feminism Mather stood out from most oth- is not something to be afraid of, but is ers at the event because she has been simply a push for equity. actively promoting feminism since the “I look at how young people nowa- ’60s through her work and public ac- days approach feminism, and it is one tivism alike. of my driving forces. The women and “I have realized that a lot of older men today are incredibly self-pos- women, who started this whole thing sessed, and have a different ethos than which has evolved what it is today, what I grew up with, and certainly should be thanked and be grateful for.” what my mother grew up with.” Mather was an employee of the City MacNaughton emphasizes that of Toronto’s council and worked as a persistence and collective influence guidance counsellor, along with active are key factors in ensuring feminine participation in feminist movements equality on all fronts. and its education. Mather says this “Each one of your voices are impor- provided her a first-hand witness of tant,” MacNaughton says, pointing at women’s issues being considered, and women of various ages in the room. suitably responded, with solutions “When are we going to take a risk on and appropriate education. women, who are not a risk? “Education helps change the way “We need to take a risk on women we view history, the books we studied, who are qualified, smart, capable, en- and a way we can envision the future.” ergetic and dogged, and give them a “The city council board was very viable chance.” progressive, helping change the scene MacNaughton says she herself was in Canada,” says Mather, explaining hesitant to run for her ward, and kept how schools started offering women’s pushing others to do it. studies, which helped women become “I finally decided it’s time I put my- more aware and educated. self to it, and just go for it,” she says. “In the ’60s and ’70s, women were “If you’re wearing pants, thank a femi- Photo by Matthew Syriac Elias only beginning to understand that nist.” Melanie Dailey (left) and Carolyn Gummo share a moment as they prepare a sign that says “We March Forward”, dur- they were missing most opportunities. “Well right now I’m wearing a skirt, ing the Picton Women’s Day event organized at the public library, The march, from the library to the cenotaph monu- Job choice, property, seeking promi- happens once a year!” jokes Mac- ment, was attended by over thirty. Photo by Matthew Syriac Elias nent positions to name some. You Naughton. Art show spotlights voices of women Celebrating rights of women should be a responsibility year-round

By Gagandeep Sarangal

Supporting and celebrating women’s rights is a year- round responsibility. But on International Women’s Day, which fell on March 8 this year, it’s even more important to take a stand for women’s equality. With all of the extraordinary female artists featured at the Quinte Arts Council in the heart of downtown Belleville, every day can feel like International Wom- en’s Day. To honour the day, the Quinte Arts Council is hosting the RISE: Because We Are Equal show to celebrate the voices and aesthetics of women artists. to all who identify as women, this show features painting, photography, mixed media, illus- tration, textiles, sculpture, and ceramics. The show opened on Thursday March 5 and will continue to run until March 13. “We believe in equal representation, and that is not a means of putting man down to elevate women up, it’s a question of all of us together and all of us rising together and creating a robust creative community,” said Fiona Campbell of the Quinte Arts Council. The Quinte Arts Council exhibit felt inviting and was supported by a number of strong, thoughtful women of all ages and creeds. They spent the evening bouncing creative ideas off each other and enjoying the solidarity of the event. They are only showing work from artists in the Bay of Quinte region. “Equality is not a women’s issue, it’s a business is- sue,” according to a statement from the the Interna- tional Women’s Day website. It is hoped this year’s theme, #EachforEqual, will inspire others to challenge biases, question stereotypes and celebrate the achieve- ments of women around the world. To see more on the event, click on the video link: https://vimeo.com/loyalistphotoj/rise Photo by Gagandeep Sarangal Fiona Campbell , director of communications & outreach, talks about the the art show RISE: Because we are equal at Quinte Arts Council.

had some wealth before she married Rev- helping the poor people out, she would do their work.” tional Women’s Day seemed to be a great Women’s Day… erend William Macaulay. some correspondence to try and get things In various rooms of the impressive day to do something,” Lyons said. “She actually was a very fortunate wom- going here in the community to help those Georgian home, visitors could also find The house also featured the local mu- Continued from Page 1 an. She was the second wife to Reverend less fortunate. But as a woman of the time, the feminine art installations of historical sician Kashka performing in the dining Macaulay. But she was an educated wom- she was very limited as to what she could women by Picton-based artist SaraLou room. “We often are frustrated by how slow the an, so she could read and write and she do because, of course, everything was done Miller. “Visitors got to see a little bit of the past, changes are, but really we have come a very came from a family of wealth. So when she by men and women had no say at that “The concept for today’s program actu- and they got to see a contemporary artist far way in kind of a short period of time. So came to live in this home with Reverend time. She did the best she could for what ally came from a pop-up art exhibit that we and a contemporary performer,” Lyons I think the reminder of how people used Macaulay, she did some renovations to the she had,” Lloyd said. did here featuring a series of female forms said. to live is important because then we can house to make it her own because she did Lloyd hoped that visitors would leave by SaraLou Miller, a local artist. Several of Between the artists’ contemporary cre- put into perspective as to how much we have her own money up to when they were with a greater sense of the progress of the figures have a historical context: we ative input into the house, as well as the his- have gained. Of course, we still have a lot married,” Lloyd said. women’s issues and understand the his- have Marie Antoinette in the dining room torical pageantry of Lloyd and O’Connor, more to gain in all sorts of different ways “Because, of course, when women mar- torical restraints that have only relatively and Josephine Baker in the parlour,” Lyons Macaulay House offered a rich perspective and issues, but we also have come very far,” ried, their money became their husband’s.” recently been overcome. said. on women from the past to the present. O’Connor said. Mrs. Charlotte Macaulay was consid- “In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t According to Lyons, after seeing the “It just gives us a bit of context, a little While there is not a tremendous amount ered to be an active member of the com- that long ago. I want people to realize that pieces in January, she wanted to do some- fun time travel, an afternoon to celebrate of information on Jane – most of the facts munity, however, because of the male- we’ve come a long way as women, but we thing to integrate them into a larger theme the history of women and the current sta- that have been discovered about her come dominant society, there were limitations to still have a long way to go,” Lloyd said. of the history of women. tion of women and where women will go from correspondence where she is men- what she could do. “It’s amazing to see what the women that “I thought it would be wonderful to do as a result of having an important day to tioned by the Macaulays – Mrs. Charlotte “She was a very generous woman. She came before us accomplished for us. But something to kind of give them a framing recognize their contributions and their es- Macaulay was known to be educated and liked to give to the community. Of course, we just have to keep going and continue around the history of women, so Interna- sence,” Lyons said. Page 3 · The Pioneer ·March 12, 2020

Photo by Jonathan Matthie Karen Wannamaker sits with her cats Jeffy (funny ears) and Chubby, while speaking about her transplant experience and hospital roommate Nancy (in photo), also on the road to recovery after Wan- namaker inspired her to exercise for the energy leading to her own eventual transplant. “Trying to even keep up with my cats is hard, but I do it. It’s easier now that I’m strong. Nancy, my doctors, even my cats, they are all my family, now.” Survivor of double-lung transplant a hero to her family and friends By Jonathan Matthie much she has been through. years old. Ben and his 16-year-old cousin “But the life that I had been living... it disease, but also a testament to how many In early 2000, Wannamaker had a were both hit and killed by a Belleville was not a very good life. I was on oxy- are choosing to be donors. The month of March brings an oppor- right knee replacement. In mid-2011, train while attempting to take a shortcut gen. I was using a walker and sometimes “It’s not a very nice disease, I’ll tell you tunity to mark the contributions of both she was diagnosed with breast cancer, to visit their girlfriends. He would have a scooter. I couldn’t go anywhere signifi- that. But there are nice, life-changing peo- notable and ordinary women, not only received a left modified radical mas- been 33 years old this year. cant unless somebody took me there. I ple out there. They are the real heroes.” through their achievements, but also tectomy, and during chemo and radia- In 2019, a kind doctor finally set in mo- had personal support workers come in Nan has lived in Belleville for over two through the problems they have faced and tion, lost all her hair. It grew back, of tion the steps necessary to help Wanna- just to help me shower and do house- decades, and her other children are still a the important role they continue to play course. But she remained sick, and not maker get placed on a transplant list for work. I had a cleaner also. It was just too big part of her life. “Matt was 12 going on in society. long after, in late 2013, she had to have new lungs. Originally diagnosed for mild hard on my own. I couldn’t breathe, so I 13 when Ben died. I also have a daughter, Karen Wannamaker — lovingly called a breathing tube inserted for COPD, COPD when she was only 40, the disease couldn’t do anything else, either. It was Sarah, my first child. I believe she would Nan by her friends, family and espe- otherwise known as chronic obstructive just keeps progressing over the years. She very exciting when I realized I might re- have been 20-something when we lost cially her grandchildren — is a mother, pulmonary disease. also smoked, so that didn’t help. ally be listed.” Ben.” grandmother, friend to many and, for COPD is connected to emphysema, “When I was born, I had asth- Although it was positive news, because Sarah, who currently lives in Edmon- so many reasons, a survivor, living a life a type of obstructive lung disease that ma and all kinds of allergies. I of all the tests, Nan still waited for about a ton, is raising Nan’s first grandson, while where her main journey and long battle means long-term breathing problems and was also premature, so it prob- year just to get on the transplant list. her son Matt lives in Belleville and helps has predominantly been to find ways to poor airflow for the sufferer. The disease ably all started there. Plus, COPD “The doctors thought I might also have out as much as he can, and has two daugh- mitigate her circumstances, as they have is also progressive, meaning it typically is also hereditary. My grandfather thyroid cancer, so they had to be abso- ters of his own aged five and six. so frequently arrived, all so that she can worsens over time and, short of a lung re- had COPD. My mother also had lutely sure I didn’t, before they could put “My grand-daughters come and visit continue to lend herself to these roles, for placement, is incurable. Intubation meant COPD, and she died of the disease.” me on the list.” me when they’re not in school. They were the ones she loves. a permanent tube needed to be placed The doctor did not understand why she Once she was listed, in October of last so happy to hear Nanny wouldn’t have Nan, characterized by long dirty- through Nan’s mouth and nose, into her was not already on the list. year, the call for transplant surgery came hoses coming out of nose anymore, or blonde hair, brown thick-rimmed glasses, airway, so that she could be placed on a “It all began there, with letters written pretty quickly, in November. In fact, ac- have to carry an oxygen tank around ei- friendly disposition and knowing smile, ventilator to assist with her breathing. to my other doctors in Kingston, and the cording to Nan, there were 240 lung ther. wears a light sky-blue T-shirt that reads: As if all this was not bad enough, before next thing I know, they’re all calling me, transplants just in November alone, pro- “My beautiful grandchildren. I would “Sweat Now, Shine Later”. One might nev- any of it — over 20 years ago, Nan also wanting me to go in for all these tests. vided by the Toronto transplant team that love to live on to see each of them grow er guess, on the surface, just how signifi- lost Ben, the second of her two sons and There were a lot of steps before I was able assisted her. That’s just a small percentage up and get married. I hope that now, I will cant those words are to her, or just how three children — when he was only 11 to get onto the transplant list. of how many are actually sick with the have that chance.” Local donors come up for Loyalist blood clinic By Jonathan Matthie interviewed during the event. Friendly and professional, they focused on the Loyalist College hosted a blood donor blood donor collection process to be fol- clinic in the gymnasium Friday after- lowed that day. noon to assist eligible students, staff, In a brief statement over the phone, alumni and members of the public will- Canadian Blood Services media rep- ing to offer a pint of their life-giving resentative Renee Horton was able to plasma in the service of those in need. happily assure the Loyalist student The blood donor clinic with registered body that strict policies are in place phlebotomist staff from Canadian Blood while coronavirus worries continue to Services ran from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. remain high. She added that the Blood. On Monday, provincial health au- ca website has also been updated this thorities in British Columbia announced month with a full statement regard- Canada’s first novel coronavirus death. ing the organization’s responsibility News about the COVID-19 outbreak to keeping the blood system continues to evolve quickly, and cur- safe, and for delivering an adequate rent information is regularly available supply of blood, plasma, stem cells, or- through sources ranging from the Pub- gan and tissue transplantation prod- lic Health Agency of Canada to CDC, ucts and services to Canadian patients. FDA and World Health Organization. “We are determined that, in the event of Since the virus is familiar but still new, a COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue the CDC in particular has noted that to deliver on this promise, and encour- all agencies continue to learn and un- age new and existing donors to help us derstand how it spreads, along with the meet the needs of Canadians in the com- overall severity of illness it causes. ing months, through this potentially dif- The virus is believed to spread mainly ficult time.” person-to-person, between people in The one-day college donation event relatively close contact with one another, brought together a variety of students, and through respiratory droplets pro- faculty, previous alumni and local mem- pelled outward when an infected person bers of the community, each participat- coughs or sneezes. These are carried in ing with the same goal: to be a vein of the air and can land in nearby mouths Canada’s lifeline. or noses and possibly be inhaled into Student donors included David Horn- the lungs. However, with that in mind, er, and paramedic student Zoe Camp- there are no specific guidelines recom- bell, along with staff member Glen- mendations yet about blood establish- nis Shilton from Enrollment Services. Photo by Jonathan Matthie Mandy Gagne helped Belleville resident ments, and the Canadian Blood Ser- Tim Durkin visited the Loyalist blood donor clinic on Friday, and gets an assist from Canadian Blood Services phle- Melissa Baes give blood with her daugh- vices’ website likewise confirms there botomist Rebecca Pigeon. is no new data or precedent to sug- ter Michaela alongside, and even locally gest any direct impact on blood safety. established radio host and Conservative to donate his share, with assistance from noted how it had never been easier to and help someone in need, visit Loyalist Staff members running the donor clinic politician phlebotomist Rebecca Pigeon. register and update his information on College website, Belleville’s community at the college appeared to be in good Tim Durkin visited the college, Durkin needed to switch arms and the Canadian Blood Services website. website calendar, and especially Blood. spirits, but said they were unable to be dressed down in Blue Jays cap and jeans also chairs during the process, but he For future opportunities to donate blood ca for the most up-to-date information. Page 4 · The Pioneer ·March 12, 2020 Artist creates work for comics By Matthew Syriac Elias working on his comic drawings, approached artists, whom they darkening outlines and filling in co- deemed were skilled. “I’ve worked on Master of Kung-Fu, lours. Listening closely, inside Day’s “If you want to work in the indus- Black Panther, Thor, Iron Man, X- workspace in his attic, you can hear try, we find you.” Men, Avengers, Star Wars, Star Trek, the sound of Day’s ink black dip pen Some of Day’s highlights from his Indiana Jones, Freddy Krueger, Hell- scraping on paper, line by line. work include a new line of Sherlock raiser, Sherlock Holmes.” “I never really wanted to be a Holmes comics and Raver. Day picks “Oh, and also Swamp Thing!” comic book artist. My older brother up a couple of copies of Raver, and exclaims veteran comic book artist did, even my younger brother did. points to their cover. Dan Day. Me though, it was just for fun.” Day “That’s me there, and there and Day has been in the comic book is referring to two of his three broth- here too,” he says, pointing to three scene for over 40 years, and has ers, Gene and David Day. covers. Some of the character Rav- worked on a huge list of characters In between, Day takes his cigar er’s facial features were based on as an artist, writer and sometimes as and blows out a whiff of smoke, Day himself. a stand-in model for character de- which contacts his desk lamp creat- Day says he prefers to go to the sign inspiration. ing a certain cloudy, angelic atmo- smaller comic conventions nowa- “I follow George Lucas’s rule sphere. days. where of, ‘If it doesn’t excite me “I come from the bronze age of “Napanee, Kingston, Belleville, when I’m working on it, how can I comics. Not the gold, not the silver,” Trenton, those are the ones I fre- expect someone to get excited look- says Day. quent now. ing at it?’ ” Day, 63, currently resides Back during the ‘70s and the ‘80s, “I also prefer them more because with his wife in the quiet town of Day says, comic book companies people get to talk to me as long as Marysville, in the midst of spread were more approachable and was they want to, and I like that.” out, windy fields. easy to pitch ideas and storylines https://vimeo.com/loyalistphotoj/ Day spends most of his time to. Most of the time the company danday

(Above) Comic book artist Dan Day uses his ink black dip pen to darken outlines and improve charac- ters expressions, in his comic book art work.

(Right) Dan Day poses for a portrait in his attic workspace, surrounded by his art supplies, books and comic book art. Day’s career has spanned over forty years, working on numerous comic book charac- ters and storylines.

Photos by Matthew Syriac Elias Competitors race for the future

By Caleb Seguin small timeframe that they are given, and I hope they can take the skills and use Cardboard boat racing teams battled them anywhere.” each other at a championship competi- For over 20 years, Skills Ontario has tion at the Quinte Sports and Wellness been hosting Cardboard Boat Races Centre on Friday, March 6. across Ontario, testing the students’ The gym with packed with students ability to build a floating structure that in teams of four, on a total of 13 teams will outperform all others in speed and who have made it to the championship weight challenges. competition, travelling from different Skills Ontario is committed to prepar- schools across Ontario, even from as far ing Ontario’s youth for the highly-skilled away as Thunder Bay, Windsor and Ni- economy of tomorrow. They partner with agara Falls. school boards, colleges, small business, Every team was anxiously waiting with and governments to provide opportu- their sketches and AutoCAD renderings nities for youth to explore and develop at the strike of 10 a.m., so they could start skills for successful careers in the skilled constructing their boats. Teams were pro- trades and technologies. vided all the necessary materials to build At the end of the day, the first place a boat in just two hours. Students had to team finished with a time of 16.4 sec- bring their teamwork and design skills onds from one end of the pool to the to create a sea vessel out of two sheets of other, and a whopping weight of 800 four-foot by eight-foot corrugated card- pounds in the boat, before it submerged board and some duct tape. into the pool. Mitch Waters, who is the competition The day was filled with cheers and co-ordinator with Skills Ontario said, friendly camaraderie among all of the “really hope they take the teamwork as- schools, as all the teams contributed to pect of creating a project as a group and help out the other schools in one way or that whole design process and work- another. ing with a flow. I have four people and To see the video story on this event, effectively taking that plan and mak- click on the link: ing sure that they can execute it in the https://vimeo.com/loyalistphotoj/boat

Photos by Caleb Seguin (Above) Students from schools across Ontario representing their high school had two hours to construct and assemble their cardboard boats in preparation to race them for the 2020 Skills Ontario Cardboard Boat Race championships.

(Right) A high school student paddles a cardboard boat in a race against other high schools teams throughout Ontario at the 2020 Skills Ontario Cardboard Boat Race championships. Page 5 · The Pioneer ·March 12, 2020 Trappers come out for carnival

Photos and Story Sam Brown

The North Kawartha Community Centre was bustling on Saturday, but not everyone was part of the typical minor hockey crowd. Several people came to check out the immersive trapping activities and demonstra- tions at the 44th annual Trappers Carnival, hosted by Kawartha Haliburton Trappers Association. Local and visiting trappers converged on the com- munity centre in Apsley to support their friends and colleagues, take part in a pelt preparation competition and share their knowledge of one of Canada’s oldest and most culturally significant industries with the community. “It’s something that really helped to settle this coun- try. It was one of the first industries. It’s why we see the beaver on the nickel, and it’s why the beaver is such a huge Canadian icon. I think it’s really important that we continue that tradition and make sure people are aware of that heritage,” association volunteer Amber Dragisic said. The carnival afforded trappers the opportunity to come together in the spirit of their shared profession, which for some has been passed along for generations. “My dad did it, my grandpa did it, and even my great-grandfather did it a little bit,” said Eric Bolton, the newly elected president of the association. Kim Dunford, the vice-president of the association, is himself a fifth generation trapper. “I’m teaching my grandkids, so they’re seventh gen- eration,” Dunford said. There were booths set up for sponsors as well as for displaying items from prepared pelts to traps. In the centre of the room, young and old trappers were demonstrating their skills: skinning a range of animals from squirrels to coyotes, then fleshing and boarding their pelts for the culminating competition. Those at- tending, especially youth, were allowed to help in the process and visitors were asking questions while the trappers worked. Crucially, the event was an educational experience, allowing the public to become more informed about Trapper Bill Trudeau displays his stretched beaver pelt that he prepared for the friendly competition at the 44th annual Trappers Carnival. the different aspects of trapping and the role it plays in Canada, especially when it comes to conservation industry built around them is part of the greater con- In addition to controlling the population of certain ask any hunter or trapper and they are very concerned issues. servation efforts in the country. animals, trappers also end up contributing monetarily about the health and well-being of animal populations “As people use the land, they dam up the creeks and “Fur is truly a renewable resource. It renews itself to conservation. of all types. And we are really the eyes and ears for the the rivers for hydro-electricity, and they cut trees down every year,” Dunford said. “Hunters and trappers are some of the biggest con- government to help them make sure animal popula- to build homes. We’ve changed the ecosystem so now “Beaver can become quite a nuisance, so there’re servationists in the world. A lot of the dollars that come tions are healthy,” Dragisic said. we’re kind of obligated to look after it,” Bolton said. some areas of the province where the beaver problem from trapping licences and hunting licenses, that goes While some kids who wandered in before or after a “Part of how we do that is we manage the fur-bearer is so big they have to be culled, they have to be taken. back into conservation efforts for the entire country. hockey game might have been a little grossed-out by populations, especially beaver, and make sure they’re It’s always easy to argue, ‘Leave the animals alone, na- “A lot of groups of people might disagree, they the demonstrations, most visitors seemed more than healthy.” ture will take care of itself,’ but if we don’t take the bea- might say, ‘You aren’t conservationists if you’re har- happy to spend some time learning about a Canadian For the trappers at the carnival, their skills and the ver, they overpopulate.” vesting animals,’ but it’s the complete opposite. You tradition that is as old as the country itself.

Austin Ireland works on fleshing a fox pelt. The process involves clearing any Eric Bolton, a local trapper and president of the Kawartha Haliburton Trappers Association, skins a squirrel with excess fat and tissue from the pelt. seven-year-old Mya from Buckhorn. Having fun with wheelchair basketball By Madison Ladouceur me because I can’t run. And all of a sudden, I was no longer an athlete, All the players, no matter what their and it broke my heart.” After meeting ability, rolled up to Gus Sacrey as he Katherine Kerr, he discovered wheel- walked into the gym at the YMCA in chair basketball, then he found sledge Trenton, Ontario. There were wild hockey where he met everyone he is smiles and happy welcomes as he friends with now, including a young joined them to start the night’s games athlete he continuously mentors now, and fun of wheelchair basketball. Maggie O’Hearne. Sacrey walks with a prosthetic leg. “And all of a sudden, I was coach- So, once he arrived he rushes as fast as ing sledge hockey, and I’m looking at he can to get into his chair to join the players that have spina bifida, and I’m others on the court. He is completely looking at players that have cerebral himself on the court, as he plays with palsy, I’m looking at players that have the people he loves. fetal alcohol syndrome, I’m looking at Sacrey always loved sports, ever players who have surgeries, and when since he was a kid, and fell in love they’re on the ice, they don’t have that. with football after he won the very When they’re on the ice they are hock- first time. He loved the competition ey players.” that sports brought and was hooked Sacrey said Kerr’s vision for the ever since. wheelchair basketball program at the When Sacrey was in his early 30’s, YMCA saved his soul. he had a health problem pop up al- “This program and her vision saved most out of nowhere. my soul. And I don’t say that lightly. “It started as a blister on my right She absolutely did. I don’t know if I’d foot. So, you pop a blister, you drain be here without her.” the blister and you put a Band-Aid Not only have his friends and fam- over it. Everybody’s done this the ily witnessed what he is capable of, world over, and it heals. And mine but his doctors too. His doctor once didn’t. “ said to him that he has more heart The simple blister soon turned into than they’ve ever seen before. They something more serious. It formed on explained it in the best way possible his left foot as well, and because of his for Sacrey. diabetic condition, he lost the leg to a “You have the heart, you just ain’t blood infection after IV therapy and got the parts anymore.” antibiotics weren’t working. One of With that, he never let anything his favourite sports was football. But stop him. He continued his love for after losing his leg, he realized noth- sports, going to the YMCA in Tren- ing would truly be the same. ton every Tuesday to play with the “It never dawned on me that I’d lost people whom he loves and cares so Photo by Madison Ladouceur a leg until I sat in my living room and much about. Gus Sacrey and some of the younger players who participate in wheelchair basketball every week at the YMCA in Tren- the Quinte West touch football league Every time he goes into the gym ton playing a friendly game before drills as they practice for the sixth annual wheelchair basketball tournament. was going to start up. I love football, and plays with all the kids and adults everything about it. So, I signed up in wheelchair basketball the light tournament on Feb.29 at the Trenton ing to coach from there on out to help As Sacrey’s late mother said: He is a for this league, and it dawned on me changes in his face and he is genuinely Y, where Sacrey and his team lost in people practice and work hard for knight, born long after his time, here that very day that nobody would draft happy there. After their basketball the finals by four points, He is hop- something they all love. to protect and care for others. Page 6 · The Pioneer · March 12, 2020 Kingston hosts Canadian Brier

Kevin Koe and his Canada team were not able to defend their title at the in Kingston. The team was eliminated on Saturday morning as they lost 8-3 after eight ends to the Northern Ontario team led by Brad Jacobs.

Photos by Daniel Geleyn

(Above) The Newfoundlanders were out in force at the Lions Centre in Kingston for the Tim Hortons Brier. The supporters included the “Gushue girls” in pink as well as many others waving the Newfoundland flag. These fans were rewarded with the win from their team in the final on Sunday evening.

(Right) Meet Team Canada, formerly known as team Newfoundland and Labrador. and his team defeated the Alberta team on Sunday evening by a score of 7-3 at the final of the Tim Hortons Brier in Kingston to win the Canadian title.

(Left) Matt Dunstone, 24 and the second youngest at the Tim Hortons Brier, brought his team all the way to the semi-final but lost on Sunday afternoon to the Newfoundland and Labrador team by a score of 7-6 in Kingston. The Newfoundland and Labrador team played Alberta for the championship that evening.

(Below) Brad Gushue, one of the most decorated curler in Canada, took his New- foundland and Labrador team to the final at the Tim Hortons Brier in Kingston on Sunday evening against team Alberta after winning the semi-final against team Saskatchewan on Sunday afternoon.