LESS SMOKE, MORE COFFEE Learn how to kick the Need a bigger hit? habit and win $1,000. Try 710 ml. Page 2 Page 8

THE COMMUNITY PAPER OF NIAGARA COLLEGE FREE January 27, 2012 Vol 43 • Issue 8 All About Options: Expo ‘one- stop shop’ for grads By DAVE SCHWARTZ Staff Writer If you’re nearing the end of your program but you’re unsure of what to do next, you’ll want to check out the All About Options employment and grad expo on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2. “The goal of the expo is to pres- ent a ‘one-stop shop’ experience for students, where they can consider various options,” says Monique Morin, a graduate consultant with Niagara’s Co-op Education and Graduate Employment Services department. “For some, it will be to work immediately after graduation. For others, it might be to go on to uni- versity or post-grad studies.” “By combining both those things into one, we provide a more com- plete experience for the students.” NHL Alumni Association President and former Montreal Canadien Mark Napier signs a bottle of the association’s new Hat Trick wine. Morin is part of the planning com- Photo by Dennis Faucher mittee for the All About Options event, taking place Feb. 1 at the Welland campus and Feb. 2 at the Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) campus. Both events will run from 10 He shoots, he pours a.m. to 2 p.m. The Welland campus will see 27 educational booths and 22 employ- NHL Alumni and Diamond Estates team up to make wine er booths, while NOTL has one By MATT MCNEVIN in part from the hockey term hat 25 different grape growers, so it’s “Hat Trick? It’s a blend of three association, 30 educational booths Staff Writer trick (indicating a player has scored grapes from here,” Dixon says. different grapes, and Ludzy loves and 35 employer booths. What do you get when you three goals in a game) and from the Niagara Falls resident Steve it. Nectar of the gods right here. It’s This is the first year Niagara has combine a former pro hockey play- fact the wine is made up of three Ludzik, a former NHL player and very good.” run one large combined event. Ac- ers, a local winery and fermented different grape varieties. coach, and one of the alumni mem- The wine, which comes in a red cording to Morin, there is typically grapes? A Hat Trick! “It’s all VQA product, so 100 bers who attended the event, says cabernet and a white chardonnay, a Hospitality Fair, Policing Fair The National Hockey League per cent of the grapes are grown he enjoys the wine and he hopes costs $12.95 a bottle with 50 cents and a Business Networking and (NHL) Alumni Association and in Niagara. We source from about everyone buys it. from each bottle going toward the Technology Networking event. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s (NOTL) association. “We’re running an event at each Diamond Estates have teamed Dixon says the 50 cents from campus so that each event on those up to create a wine appropriately ‘Nectar of the each bottle will help out some of programs and students,” Morin named Hat Trick. the charities the association is in- says. “Otherwise, students would A pre-release event for the wine gods right here. volved with. have to travel to one campus or the was held this past weekend at the “It also supports a lot of players other.” winery in NOTL, which included who played a couple of years in the Morin says they’ve had up to a chance for visitors to skate with It’s very good.’ NHL and are really trying to adjust 1,000 students at events in the past. alumni members, including Steve — Niagara resident and to life after the NHL, especially the There is no cost to students for Ludzik, Mark Napier, Lou France- former NHLer old-times guys who didn’t really attending. To register, visit MyCa- schetti and Dennis Maruk. Steve Ludzik have a great pension back then.” reer.NiagaraCollege.ca. Matt Dixon, the brand manager To see a list of employers at Diamond, says the name comes Continued on Page 9 attending the event, see Page 3. Page 2 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 27, 2012 NEWS Stay smoke-free and win Ontario-based organization giving students a chance to quit, cut down or stay smoke free and win cash prizes By SYED ALI Staff Writer How hard is it to quit smoking? Is it harder than earning $1,000? For those who don’t know, in On- tario $1,000 means more than 100 hours of work at minimum wage. Quit smoking and win $1,000. Last week was National Non- smoking Week (NNSW) in Can- ada. The purpose of that week is to raise people’s awareness of the health hazards of smoking and to get more people to quit. Introduced about 30 years ago, it is one of the longest-running and most important events in Canada’s ongoing public health education efforts, according to the website. Leave The Pack Behind (LTPB) is an Ontario-based, student-run organization working in universi- ties and colleges. It has the same purpose as NNSW but has activi- ties throughout the year. It is fund- ed by the provincial government and Public Health Department of Region Niagara. Jennifer O’Brien, a graduate of community health from Brock and a dental assistant student at Ni- Krista King, a student in the Personal Support Worker program, signed up to quit for good to win $1,000 during the non-smoking week. agara College, is the co-ordinator Photo by Syed Ali of LTPB here. ery day because it was registration $500. Social smokers can register himself for keep the count. He said to stop smoking so she didn’t reg- “Eighteen to 24 – that’s our tar- week. for the $250 prize by quitting, and he smokes about half a pack a day. ister. get age group … because typically Students could register in four people who don’t smoke can reg- “Money is great but I also want “I am too stressed with school when you come to college you are categories: quit for good, keep the ister with the commitment of not to cut my cigarettes down.” and stuff right now.” within that age.” count, party without the smoke and starting to smoke and win $100. Tests were also being done at the LTPB also provides students re- LTPB has been operating at don’t start and win. “We had people pulled from booth at the Welland campus. The sources to help them quit smoking, Niagara College for almost three These four categories were for Niagara College last year to be test indicates how much someone including books, nicotine gums, years and has been helping stu- people who smoke regularly or just eligible for these prizes,” said smokes. patches and help from experts. dents quit smoking. LTPB staff and socially and even for people who O’Brien. There are also prizes just Krystal Brown, 21, a Pre-Com- According to O’Brien, this pro- volunteers are staffing a booth once don’t smoke. for Niagara College students. munity Services student who has gram has been very effective. a week at various locations on the By quitting smoking, students Ross Wilmen, a first-year Law been smoking since she was 13, “Last year we reached about 50 campus. During this anti-smoking can register for the $1,000 draw and Security student who started took the test. She said her level is per cent of the population on both week, LTPK had its booth out ev- and by cutting down try to win smoking six months ago, registered “really bad” but she doesn’t want campuses.” Second Decadence Gala bringing more treats By MELISSA SMITH in several categories: chocolate wine at 6 p.m. Chef professors Staff Writer showpiece, individual pastries, and students of the Canadian Food Decadence has various defini- cake and chocolates. and Wine Institute will prepare tions around the world. The Oxford The Decadence Chocolate The- food that can be sampled. At the Dictionary defines it as “a luxuri- atre showcases to visitors from 10 college’s Teaching Winery, the ous self-indulgence.” a.m. to 4 p.m. the talents of college Brewmaster program students will Whether you are or aren’t a choc- chefs and chocolate experts across be serving chocolate and icewine olate and icewine lover, students, Canada. There, visitors can enjoy beers. The cost is $70 per person. staff and community members are tastings of food and drinks while Last year being the first year for welcome to join Niagara College’s learning the history of the “food of the Decadence Gala, more than 2012 Decadence Gala on Feb. 18 gods.” The tastings and demonstra- 100 student volunteers from 15 for “a celebration of chocolate and tions cost $5 per learning session different academic programs were icewine.” or $20 per person for a day pass. involved in the planning. The turn- Decadence will be held at the Even if you are not a chocolate out for the sit-down portion was Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) or icewine fanatic, you can partici- about 150 people. campus Benchmark Restaurant, pate in the Family Day weekend’s “It was a great turnout. All of where families and friends are en- Decadence Gala in the Birds of the kids camps were full, and we couraged spend their Family Day Prey showcase, which will offer added more kids classes this year. weekend. live ice carving, a barbeque and They are split into junior and se- “It is a wonderful event for fami- Inniskillin Icewine from the 2011 Decadence Gala. arts and crafts. nior now,” said Cotte. lies and is reasonably priced for a Submitted photo The college’s spa students are For more information on 2012 night of chocolate and icewine,” the one-hour class offered by the class, and all classes are listed on supplying visitors with the pam- Decadence and to order tickets, said Johanna Cotte, who works in college’s chefs Al Hollo and Tony the website,” said Cotte. pering of chocolate manicures. All e-mail decadence@niagaracollege. the Hospitality and Tourism de- de Luca, where they will learn and The National Student Pastry of the activities are free except for ca or call 905-641-2252 exten- partment. work with chocolate. The cost is Competition brings top pastry the costs of the barbeque. sion 4619. To reserve a seat in the Kids will be strapping on Deca- $10 per child. students together from Canada The evening will be a sit-down Chocolate Theatre call the exten- dence souvenier aprons and hats at “The kids camp has 16 spots per and the United States to compete indulgence of chocolate and ice- sion provided. Jan. 27, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 3 NEWS Life full of opportunities for Sendzik Always ready to learn something new, something more

By JONATHAN important to the future develop- in the community look at the col- VAN EKELENBURG ment of our economy.” lege as an opportunity to learn and Staff Writer One of Sendzik’s goals for his grow, not just businesses. “Life is a continuous opportunity Board of governors’ tenure is “We’re lucky to have the Culi- to learn.” to foster a stronger connection nary Institute, the wine program Serving as the chief executive between the college and Brock, a and the horticultural program. officer (CEO) of the St. Catharines- move he says would help strength- They’re not just teaching the next Thorold Chamber of Commerce, en businesses in the community as generation of oenophiles, wine sitting on the boards of Niagara well. The college and university makers and horticulturalists; College, the LCBO and the Hotel provide assets for local businesses, they’re also providing the oppor- Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabili- tunity for people to continue to tation Centre and raising two chil- learn throughout their lives, to go dren with his wife, Melanie, Walter to culinary school not to become Sendzik doesn’t have a lot of free ‘I think there’s a world-renowned chef but just to time in his life, but is determined to a lot of room to teach themselves some different treat each day as a learning experi- techniques.” ence. grow those areas Sendzik has taken two French He sees his position as one of courses at the college, though he the new governors of the college and a lot of says with a laugh that his French as an opportunity to help bring the is “still terrible,” and he plans to go educational opportunities here to potential that through the culinary program when the wider Niagara community. his life “frees itself up.” The for- “When you have a college in would benefit the mer publisher of Vines magazine, your community, it affords a won- a successful wine magazine, that derful opportunity to just go and student body.’ he sold to Osprey Media Group in learn,” he says. “That’s a message 2003, Sendzik says he still loves I’d like to get out to the broader — Walter Sendzik wine and cooking and makes time community.” to indulge in them despite his many As CEO of the largest chamber he says, between the “applied ex- responsibilities and long-distance of commerce in the Niagara re- perience” gained at the college and running. gion, Sendzik says it’s important to the “research component” of the “I spent an evening last Decem- foster strong connections between university. ber, a wonderful evening, just mak- the community and the two major “I think there’s a better un- ing perogies with Michael Olson, a post-secondary educational institu- derstanding of the relationship chef and professor in the college’s tions in the region, Niagara College between colleges and universities culinary program,” he says. “They and Brock University, particularly emerging today that wasn’t there were almost as good as my grand- from a business standpoint. when I went to university 15 years mother’s. I’m obligated to say “It would be intimidating to ago,” he says. “I think there’s a lot ‘almost.’ see what our community would of room to grow those areas and a “Those are the moments I mean look like without the college and lot of potential that would benefit that I want to see others in our Brock. They’re great assets, great the student body.” community have. It’s what the WALTER SENDZIK economic contributors, and very Sendzik wants to see individuals college can give us.” Who’s coming to the job fair

WELLAND CAMPUS Employers Altus Group Marriott Hotels Bosch Rexroth Canada Niagara Parks Commission Canada Border Services Niagara Regional Police Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Nurses Education Inc. Royal Canadian Navy OPS Ambassadors Program Conmed Health Ontario Provincial Police Enercon Peller Estates Winery Halton Regional Police RCMP Hamilton Police Ride to Conquer Cancer - Enbridge Hillebrand Winery Vincor International HOCO Entertainment York Regional Police

NOTL Employers Canadian Forces Vintage Hotels Royal Canadian Navy White Oaks Clublink Hillebrand Winery Coast Hotels/Tekarra Lodge Peller Estates Winery Enercon The Delawana Inn Enterprise Holdings Whirlpool Jet Tours G.B. Catering Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants Great Wolf Lodge Taboo Resort Heart of Niagara Hotels Vineland Estates HOCE Entertainment and Resorts Marriott Hotels JW Marriott Ministry of Tourism Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club Clintar Landscape Management Niagara Parks Commission CWD Prince of Wales-Glacier Park Inc. Sherwin Williams Sherkston Shores York Regional Police Skylon Tower Vincor International OPS Ambassador Program Page 4 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 27, 2012 EDITORIAL

THE COMMUNITY PAPER OF NIAGARA COLLEGE Getting the Grant

Editor: Matt McNevin Associate Editor: Richard Larabie Assistant Editor: Matt Nowell Photo Editor: Todd Marriott

Publisher: Ben Cecil Program Co-ordinator: Paul Dayboll Managing Editor: Charlie Kopun Associate Managing Editor: Phyllis Barnatt Editorial Consultant: Nancy Geddie, Gary Erb, Peter Conradi Photography Consultant: Dave Hanuschuk Technology Support: Kevin Romyn

S302A, 300 Woodlawn Rd., Welland, Ont. L3C 7L3 Telephone: (905) 735-2211 Ext. 7750 Fax: (905) 736-6005 Editorial email: [email protected] Advertising email: [email protected]

2009 WINNER BNC2009 2009 WINNER CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011 An education Every Ontario student losing some provincial funding for couch surfing and only a select few getting anything in return A good lawyer always tells you cial aid for many future students, Yes, that was quite a mouthful to Are you as terrified as we are? be in debt for the next 10 years, to read the fine print, but what if but what about mature students. get out. Not for the proclamation of 2012 we hear doctors are in demand. there isn’t any until after you’ve The students who don’t receive Even if you do meet all the and the impending doomsday, but But what if at the end of those signed on the dotted line? What if it OSAP because they work two requirements but do not receive for the future of your career? years of committed studying, is like that TV ad for a bank where part-time jobs and go to school full OSAP. you must apply online to We won’t mention the faltering doctors are no longer in demand. “Would you like a pony?” gives time? receive the grant. economy and the government’s Uh oh. Now you’re in debt and one little girl a plastic toy while the What about all the eligible stu- promise of jobs, or the fact there have no way to pay it back because other gets the real, live, breathing dents who do not even know about is a swarm of equally or more there are other doctors who went to animal? The province’s 30 per cent With every grant, this grant and will never receive impressive candidates waiting in a bit better school or are a bit more off Ontario tuition grant leaves me any money because they didn’t line with you for a job opportunity. skilled. feeling that way. credit, or new funding apply? Well, maybe we will mention them Students change their minds all It seems that was the provincial program the govern- “Luckily” for the other 5,000 a little. the time and switch courses and Liberal government’s thought pro- students who do not meet the re- To the government’s credit, since programs. cess when it introduced a new plan ment creates to lower quirements and were not automati- 2009, unemployment has fallen Wouldn’t you be furious for this January. student education cally enrolled, the OSAP website about 1.5 per cent. That’s about handing over thousands of dollars A fortunate but select few Ni- says you can apply online until 200,000 people. Is that noticed in in tuition, just to still be unsure agara College students will see an costs, it also creates March 31. the local market though? about your future? increase of $365 in their personal I hate being negative, but with Some would say no one is hiring, Another depressing fact about chequing accounts this winter the hoops we must every grant, credit or new funding so handing in your resumé will just the job market is this: getting a job term, while the majority of us will jump through program the government creates add to the growing stack of papers is more about who it is you know, be left with zero. to lower student education costs, that will probably be shredded in a not necessarily how well you can While the government waits for it also creates the hoops we must secret back room. do the job. a round of applause from students I am biting the hand that feeds jump through to access it. Are there jobs out there? Or is the problem that you don’t for graciously handing out “free me — as I require OSAP to at- As a student I think we can all We all hear there are jobs down have enough experience? No di- money” from taxpayers, the stu- tend school, but am also a mature agree we deserve equal opportuni- east – Nova Scotia, New Bruns- ploma? No car? dents who don’t meet the eligibil- student — but only half of Niagara ty, whether for a new government wick — or maybe they are out Can’t move? You’re screwed. ity requirements or required other College’s students are eligible for tuition grant or even attending west – British Columbia. No wait, Unless you work in a big city like government-funded grants, like the this grant. They are receiving it, post-secondary school. they are overseas – Europe, Asia. Toronto, chances are you are not Textbook and Technology Grant but are eligible. That means out of The grant is a step in the right On second thought, maybe jobs are going to make it big in your busi- that will be cut as of September the 10,000 students we have at col- direction for a better student- hiding. ness. 2012, are left to dig themselves out lege, 5,000 may be eligible and still government relationship, but only You could always sign on the Maybe the answer can be found of debt. won’t see a dime. a step. dotted line while the devil laughs, in the old adage: You have to spend The student population at Ni- The grant applies only to Ontario Through trial and error, I believe “Ha, ha, ha, now I have your soul!” money to make money. agara consists of different ages, residents who are full-time under- this grant will open the doors to a No one wants to be that desperate, We know this raises more ques- income levels and educational graduates and college students in more accessible post-secondary but it happens all the time. Take tions than answers, but we need to backgrounds. Did the government first-entry programs who are from career for students. telemarketing, arguably the most think whether we are going to work draw the requirements from a hat families that make under $160,000 https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAP- hated profession by both employee for this country or if this country is at random? How is it that so many per year and have been out of Portal/en/PostsecondaryEduca- and potential customer. going to work us. students’ needs were forgotten? high school for four years or less tion/Tuition/index.htm Of course, if you would like to RICHARD LARABIE Yes, the grant will provide finan- and in good academic standing. SHELBY WALL Jan, 27, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 5 OPINION Today’s forecast? Who knows ...

RIChARd LARAbIE Columnist

How about this weather? That’s Nickelback band members, from left: Chad Kroeger (lead vocals), Daniel Adair (drums), Ryan Peake (lead guitar) and Mike Kroeger (bass). a phrase that not only begins small Submitted photo talk universally, but indicates global concern. The weather influences every- thing, whether you stay in or go out and what activities you do, be it soccer or chess. You love to hate them I for one have taken then weather for granted. The definition of weather is the But Nickelback is more successful than ever state of the atmosphere with re- spect to wind, temperature, cloudi- from Hanna, Alta., is one of the rock.” Urban Dictionary defines lasting power and ability to create ness, moisture, pressure, etc. most divisive musical acts in the corporate rock as music that “lacks hit songs, of which it has clearly However, average people don’t MAtt world. You either love them or hate creativity or invention, and estab- had many. know about barometric pressures. MCNEvIN them … and chances are you hate lishes broad appeal as a result of Nickelback is set to go on tour Only meteorologists on the weath- Columnist them. heavy marketing and media satura- this April to promote a new album, er network do, and the weather How can a band with such com- tion.” here And Now, with an April 22 network is useless. Predicting the mercial success be so universally Does this describe Nickelback? performance date in Toronto at the weather must be hard, but come on. hated? Of course it does – no one would Air Canada Centre (ACC). Ticket If I see it’s snowing on the weather Although the band has released dispute that – but it doesn’t mean prices range from $70 to $115 on channel and there are clear skies only seven albums to date, Nickel- the members aren’t good musi- ticketmaster.ca. outside, someone is messing up. If we had a nickel for every time back has sold upwards of 50 mil- cians with catchy songs. Is anyone going to pay $115 Are they getting paid for guessing? we heard how terrible Nickelback lion albums worldwide. In the past 12 years, Nickel- to see Nickelback? We’re guess- I would like to get signed up for is, we might have enough money Even though the members have back has had 17 Top 10 hits on ing all 19,800 seats at the ACC that, thanks. to buy a ticket to one of the band’s found success through their CD Billboard’s Hot Mainstream Rock will be filled with people who love I do prefer the fall more than any concerts. sales, they are bashed by critics, Tracks, including seven No. 1 hits. the band’s music, no matter what other season. It is not too cold and Nickelback, a hard-rock band usually being labeled as “corporate This is a testament to the band’s the critics say. not too hot. Recently, the seasons seem to be playing musical chairs. On a serious note, weather has ruined people’s lives. Hurricane Katrina killed almost 2,000 people and left many more homeless and/ or injured. Even more natural di- Some unhealthy choices sasters are happening around the world. health care: more funding, more It’s “up to the provinces to find provinces to open the door to pri- It’s scary. Locally, we had that hospitals, more clinics, more doc- the ‘solutions’ to a better health vate health-care delivery, which is wind storm that caused a lot of JAREd tors. system,” Harper said in a Decem- more expensive and inefficient,” damage to homes in St. Catharines ANdERSoN Health-care funding has taken a ber 2011 CTV News interview. said Hurley. and Welland. Columnist beating in the past, especially in In that same month, the federal Hurley also pointed out Cana- Now, I’m not one of those people the 1990s under the Liberal gov- government announced a health- da’s aging population, which needs who think “Oh my God, the wind ernment of former prime minister care transfer payment with the public access to health care more is getting stronger … we’re all go- Jean Chretien and former finance provinces that is non-negotiable. than ever. ing to die!” minister Paul Martin, when the Making the provinces primarily re- What should be done about But I do think though, we as health-care budget was significant- sponsible for health care will help health care? All provincial pre- human beings should stop for a Public health care as we know it ly cut. Twenty per cent in public erode public health-care services. miers in Canada recently met second and think about what the is under threat in Canada. spending was cut. Provinces may not have enough in Victoria, B.C. to discuss the hell is going on. For as long as it has existed, it has That, coupled with former money to maintain public health issue without the federal govern- Either I have been ignorant been under attack. The very idea Ontario premier Mike Harris’ insurance, and it will be easier ment. about the weather and what’s been that an essential service like health cutbacks at the provincial level for provincial governments to use The Canadian Union of Public happening around me for the first care should be free of charge, not- with hospital closures and laid-off this lack of money as an excuse to Employees (CUPE), Canada’s 15 years of my life, or there has for-profit and accessible to all has staff, dealt health care in Ontario expand private health-care services largest union, which represents been drastic changes going on in never sat well with Canada’s elite a major blow. Public spending and to violate the Canada Health most health-care staff, has called the Niagara Region alone. and their propagandists. was reduced and public services Act, the piece of federal legislation on the provinces to “reject further This month, we have gone from “We need two-tier health care.” were privatized, ruining the lives that’s supposed to protect Canada’s privatization of services – that sun to rain to snow to sun to rain “We need more private clinics.” of working people, but there was health care system. would increase costs, reduce ac- to ice to confusion about whether “Public health care is broken.” enough money for corporations, “We’re really disappointed with cessibility, and worsen wait times winter is going to make up its mind. All of these statements are lies, who received billions in corporate the six per cent funding commit- in the public system,” and to Last year, Welland had snow… lies intent on opening the door to tax cuts. ment,” says Michael Hurley, Presi- “enforce the Canada Health in April. Isn’t the old adage: April for-profit health care and eroding Under Prime Minister Stephen dent of Ontario Council of Hospital Act, including the ban on user showers bring May flowers? I the public system. Harper and his majority govern- Unions, of Harper’s current annual fees” and to promote “public sector guess we need to change it to: April We do not need two-tier health ment, health-care funding is a health-care funding. solutions to shorten wait times.” snow brings May woe. care. What we need is more public whole new ball game. “Harper is manipulating the Such measures are elementary. Page 6 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 27. 2012 NEWS John Howard Society gets $139,200 grant

By HEATHER DILTS-BAIANO outside help,” says Carrie Kirkpat- Staff Writer rick, the project co-ordinator for For many youth, this is the first Project REWIND. time they had a listening ear. “We give them a safe place to “It’s huge. The success rate is take their problems.” 90 to 95 per cent,” says Caroline The system begins with a Graham, youth services supervisor restorative conference. A pro- of the John Howard Society. gram mediator meets with the The John Howard Society of offender and asks questions Niagara was awarded $139,200 by designed to see if the person is the Ontario Trillium Foundation taking responsibility for his or her (OTF) for Project REWIND. actions. The mediator then meets Restoring Events With Integrity with the victim and asks that per- Negotiation and Dignity got the son questions as well. boost during a news conference “We ask them, ‘What do you hosted by the Niagara Regional need to make things better for Police Service on Jan. 17. you?’” Graham says. St. Catharines MPP Jim Brad- After both meetings, and if the ley, OTF volunteer John Storm victim feels secure, a meeting is and members of the Niagara area set to bring both parties together to school boards were in attendance see if the situation can be resolved. to accept the funds. A program This gives the offender the chance Helen McGregor, superintendant of DSBN, speaks with Jay Gemmell, director of Programs at the John co-ordinator for Project REWIND to see how his or her actions have Howard Society during a press release at Niagara Regional Police Headquarters in St. Catharines. was hired and will recruit and train affected the victim. Photo by Caroline Graham volunteers over two years for the “It helps kids put the shoe on the made and copies are given to the directly to jail. French-speaking individuals. bilingual restorative justice pro- other foot,” says Graham. school, police and family. It could Kirkpatrick spends most of her The volunteers go into the gram. If the offender doesn’t want to be as simple as an apology, a letter time training and being an example schools for mediation. Many The John Howard Society take responsibility, the mediator or an essay or just avoiding each to REWIND volunteers. volunteers come from Niagara receives referrals from the wouldn’t be able to proceed with other. A follow-up at the school is Graham says, “There would be College programs such as Police police, school principals and the program. arranged. no way to do this without the dedi- Foundations, Social Services, people from other outlets. The Graham says, “The police would REWIND is one of the extra cated volunteers.” Community Justice and Child and program has been around since then have to take a different ap- judicial measures that, under the There is a great need for vol- Youth Worker. 2007 and resolves issues like bul- proach.” Justice Act, can be used by police. unteers, especially those who are To volunteer for REWIND, send lying and assaults of verbal, physi- The whole process is to help the The police are allowed to choose bilingual. a resumé and cover letter to Kirk- cal and racial natures. youth most affected by the incident one that is suited to the offences, Joanne Bovine, SNAP (Stop patrick at www.jhs-niagara.com or “We’re not police officers; we’re move forward. An agreement is instead of sending an individual Now And Plan) supervisor handles call 905-682-2657 ext. 258. Jan. 27, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 7 NEWS Helping hand for Ontario manufacturers By DAVID W. KEEN Staff Writer The federal government will give almost $19 million to create a new grant program in the hopes that Canadian manufacturers can become more productive, more efficient and, ultimately, more competitive. Justice Minister and Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson and Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West- Glanbrook, announced on behalf of the federal government, funding of up to $18.9 million for the Cana- dian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME.) “We’re all too familiar with the economic challenges that Niagara has faced over the last few years, and we know that these will con- tinue,” said Nicholson, “but we as a government are committed to keeping jobs [in the area] and eco- nomic growth – making sure that is key priority.” The CME, an industrial lobby group, will use the funding to create a productivity program that will allow manufacturers in Southern Ontario who are directly or indirectly involved in exporting to apply for funding to help cover the costs of productivity assess- ments and to begin other projects designed to increase the company’s Justice Minister and Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson announced funding of almost $19 million to benefit Southern Ontario’s manufacturers. productivity. Photo by David W. Keen Jayson Myers, president of CME, said he felt the program could help definitely going to be able to put struggling with staying on top of its that without the CME program we agara College receives $2.2 million the bottom line of manufacturers this $18.9 million to good use.” inventory – and struggling to cope would not have been able to do for its internship program – the all over Southern Ontario. Leigh Coulter, owner of GGS with the growth in business because what we did, in as short a timeframe Prosperity Initiative is designed to “In order to be globally competi- Inc., which manufactures green- of it. Coulter used government as we did it,” said Coulter. encourage businesses, not-for-prof- tive today, you can’t just do what houses and other pre-fabricated funding to overhaul the company’s According to a statement re- it organizations and post-secondary everyone else is doing,” he said structures, spoke about her com- inventory systems and, according leased by the Federal Economic institutions to undertake projects at the ceremony held at Growers pany’s experience with a similar to her, the company has reaped the Development Agency for Southern that will result in a more produc- Greenhouse Supplies (GGS) Inc. program. In 2010, after buying two benefits because of it. Ontario (FedDev Ontario) – the tive, diversified and competitive in Jordan Station, Ont. “We are smaller companies, GGS Inc. was “There is no question in my mind same agency through which Ni- economy. Have a drink, celebrate Scotland’s favourite son By DAVID W. KEEN from Scotland, or scotches, and Staff Writer those from the rest of the world). Every January, Scots from ‘Everywhere Andrew Counsell, manager of around the world, both authentic the Wee Scottish Loft, a Scottish and honorary, take time out of their Scots have specialty shop in Niagara-on-the- lives to celebrate the life of Scot- Lake, says every year around this land’s favourite son, Robert Burns. settled at one time, the shop sees a real surge in According to the 2009 census, business because of Burns suppers. those of Scottish descent are Can- time or another, “Definitely. Especially things ada’s third-largest ethnic group, so like tinned haggis and Burns chances are good that you know you’re sure to napkins and accessories,” said someone who will be celebrating have a Burns Counsell. Robbie Burns Day. “[Burns suppers] are a growing Robbie Burns was a famous night of some trend, for sure, but mostly in the and beloved writer and poet born big cities. All the big ones from in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1759. kind held there.’ around here, the organizers are get- Probably most famous for his ting older and older – it’s time for song Auld Lang Syne, which is – Andrew Counsell a younger generation to take over.” sung all over the world on New You don’t need to have been Year’s Day, Burns is Scotland’s born in Scotland to celebrate. national poet. According to a 2006 A traditional one has a few nec- According to Bennett Fischer of survey, despite Burns having died essary ingredients, but none more robertburns.org, Burns suppers more than 200 years ago, Scots important than haggis and whisky. are held in countries as far away still regard him as the greatest Haggis is a traditional Scottish culturally from Scotland as China Scot of all time. dish, made of a sheep’s “pluck” and Taiwan. Burns days, Burns nights, or (heart, liver and lungs) minced “Everywhere Scots have settled Burns suppers as they are known, with onion, oatmeal, suet (the hard at one time or another, you’re sure began when a group of his friends fat found around the loins and kid- to have a Burns night of some kind began gathering on the anniversary neys), spices and salt, mixed with held there,” he said. of his death. Eventually, this was stock, and is traditionally sim- When Jan. 25 rolled around, you changed to his birthday, Jan. 25, mered in the animal’s stomach for could have bought a couple tins of and soon the practice began to approximately three hours. Sounds haggis, splurged on a nice bottle of spread worldwide via Scottish emi- delicious, doesn’t it? Surprisingly, scotch and invited your friends grants. The format of a Burns sup- it is. And whisky (not whiskey – over to celebrate Scotland’s favou- Statue of Robbie Burns. per has changed very little since. the spelling differentiates those rite son. Submited photo Page 8 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 27, 2012 NEWS ig Enough? By RICHARD LARABIE Dave Silver- B Staff Writer thorn, professor of Tim Hortons is a way of life for most Canadi- electronics, photonics ans. Recently that way of life has been changed. and renewable energies, has gone to Tim Hortons It is a small change, but the introduction of the “religiously” for his coffee for 25 years. He adds new 710-millilitre extra-large cup has already he isn’t sold on the new size. caused confusion. Customers are not sure whether “I can appreciate people wanting it,” but “I they want a medium or large now. wouldn’t drink it.” Alicia Vieira, a second-year broadcasting stu- Mimi McCombs, an Aramark employee at the dent, says, “I have to get used to saying medium” Tim Hortons outlet at the Welland campus, says, when she gets her coffee. She describes the new “A lot of people like them [the new sizes], so it cup as a Big Gulp of coffee.” must be a good thing.” Victoria Cairns, Continuing Education Baking Some people say Tim Hortons is becoming Certificate student, says, “I don’t see the sense Americanized because of the increased sizing. in having it that big because you probably can’t “Americans want so much bigger than Canadi- finish it before it gets cold.” ans,” says Craig Cockburn, a General Arts and Chris Fisher, a first-year Welding Technician Science student. student, says Tim Hortons should have stayed In related news, the ATMs at the Welland with the regular-sized extra-large. He describes campus will have a break because Tim Hortons the new size as “24 ounces of addiction.” now accepts debit.

Photos by Dennis Faucher

Extra Large - 710 ml (24oz) Extra Small - 237 ml (8 oz) Medium - 414 ml (14 oz) Large - 592 ml (20 oz) Small - 296 ml (10 oz) Year of the dragon celebrated at The Core By JONATHAN BETHEL interactive games such as musical accordion solo.” The solo was a Staff Writer chairs and charades. There were favourite of most of those attend- Thanks to students’ efforts on also male and female solo perfor- ing. Jan. 20, Niagara College hosted a mances from students in Chinese, Maya Eremeeva, a student from party to celebrate the 2012 Lunar which everyone in the crowd en- Russia who performed the solo, Chinese New Year. joyed. said, “It’s pretty cool. It was a About 120 students and faculty Ryan Cheng said, “They sang new experience. I’ve never done members gathered in The Core, at songs in Chinese, which was anything like this before. It’s been the Welland campus, for a three- my favourite part, as well as the a pleasure to do something for hour celebration. the school, and everyone was so Each Chinese year represents friendly. I played for the Christ- an animal; this is the year of the “Most people born mas party. Then Joy Jia saw me dragon. and asked me if I wanted to play The dragon is traditionally the in the dragon for the Chinese New Year and I symbol of the Chinese emperor, said, ‘Sure, why not?’” representing supreme spiritual year are natural One of the main organizers of power. It also symbolizes celestial the night was Jia. and terrestrial power, as well as leaders, and out “As a back-up organizer, I wisdom and strength. gave them directions, but it was One of many Chinese New Years celebrated around the world. The New Year’s celebration had of all 12 animals, organized by the students. We Submitted photo a traditional Chinese dinner menu, gave gifts to each person that many cultures to participate and signed up.” Sichuan cuisine and decorations. the dragon is the participated in the games or ac- celebrate with us, but I guess the Jia also elaborated on the It was a bilingual affair, but the tivities during the celebration. We advertisement isn’t going out as dragon year saying, “Most people main dialect used was Chinese. best.” had eight performances tonight, much as we would like. We posted born in the dragon year are natural During the celebration there — Joy Jia some in Chinese, Korean and it on Blackboard, trying to recruit leaders, and out of all 12 animals, were various performances and English. We’re trying to invite as every, but one foreign volunteer the dragon is the best.” Jan. 27, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 9 NEWS Ice and wine are a great mix Continued from page 1 opening of an outdoor rink at Dia- Mark Napier, a former Montreal mond Estates, 1067 Niagara Stone Canadiens player and president of Rd., NOTL. The rink, which will the alumni association, says they be open every Friday, Saturday and approached Diamond a year ago Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., is with the idea for the wine. free for anyone to skate on. “They not only make great wine, The official launch of the wine but they also get it. They know will be at the Hockey Hall of Fame how to market and they know what (HHOF) on Jan. 30. it takes to sell celebrity wine. They “So we are now the official wine do the Dan Aykroyd wine, so it was of the HHOF. A lot of the guys we an easy decision for us and so far worked with on this project are it’s worked out fabulous.” actually in the hall, so what better Dixon says the main reason they way to officially launch it than at held the event was to launch the the HHOF?” Dixon says.

NHL Alumni members Steve Ludzik, left, and Mark Napier, right, skating last weekend at the Diamond Estates rink. Photo by Dennis Faucher New term brings new international students By MERIEM YOUSFI students face challenges and others 24 hours. Rotimi, 26, a Human Resources “I haven’t had any difficulties Staff Writer settle easily. Other students’ issues are with Management student from Nigeria. since I came to Canada,” says Bar- Four hundred and seventeen in- “My problem was with my the public transportation. “They helped me to find a room, inder Singh, 24, a Palliative Care ternational students joined Niagara room,” says Ikhifa Akhenebiri, “The transportation is a big prob- and they informed me about the – Multidiscipline program student College during the Winter 2012 40, a Human Resources Manage- lem. I have to take three buses to public transportation and how to from India. “My friends helped me semester. Most of the new students ment student from Nigeria. “It [the go to school,” says Hyun Lee, 26, get to school or what bus I should first, then the International Depart- are from India, Pakistan, China, room] was in the basement, and a Culinary Management student take to do my groceries.” ment and then the peer mentors.” Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. to go out I had to walk through from Korea. “I take the first bus Rotimi noted that the interna- The International Department They enrolled in programs such the laundry room. Also there is no from my house to the bus terminal, tional Department gave him help- staff understands the students’ dif- as Palliative Care – Multidiscipline, privacy in the house. I don’t lock the second from the terminal to the ful advice and tips about Canadian ficulties. Hospitality Management – Hotel my room’s door when I go out. I Pen Centre and the third from the culture. “One of the main difficulties is and Restaurant, Business Admin- don’t even have the key for it. I Pen Centre to Niagara-on-the-Lake The combined work of the staff to find their own culture’s food,” istration - Accounting, Community have only the main door key.” campus.” of the International Department, explains Yujuan (Joy) Jia, an Inter- Mental Health Multidiscipline, Akhenebiri complained to the A number of international stu- the peer mentors and the new stu- national receptionist. “Most of the Human Resources Management International Department and ex- dents have settled effortlessly with dents’ friends was the reason for new students have other different and Business – Sales and Market- plained how they were “amazing” their friends’ help. the success of the new students’ challenges because of the language ing. While settling into their new in solving the issue by responding “I had friends who helped me transition to the college and the barriers and the new western environment, some international to his emails and phone calls within when I first came,” says Hassan community. culture.” Page 10 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 27, 2012 NEWS Thank-you just a click away Education Ministry website now taking your nominations for the 2012 Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence

BY HEATHER DILTS-BAIANO Staff Writer It’s time to say thank-you to that ‘I would be special teacher. Nominations for the 2012 Pre- surprised that mier’s Awards for Teaching Excel- lence are open. someone took an The awards recognize and cel- ebrate the dedicated, talented and effort to recognize caring educators and staff who work with Ontario’s young chil- what I do every dren and students. “I would be surprised to be day in an average nominated, that someone took an effort to recognize what I do every day in an average day in an average day in an aver- age way,” Stephanie Rutherford, way.’ 24, an educational interpreter from — Stephanie Rutherford Orono, Ont., says. The Premier’s Awards for Premier Dalton McGuinty (centre) stands among winners of the Premier’s Awards of Teaching Excellence Teaching Excellence (PATE) have from 2011. added two new categories this year, Submitted photo bringing the total to eight. The can, do, and those who can’t, categories are Teacher of the Year, teach,’” says Rutherford, “but I New Teacher of the Year, Early at Niagara College. She says the port staff member and a teacher. tions co-ordinator at the Ontario think it’s more our desire to help Childhood Educator of the Year, best thing about teaching is “hav- The sixth member chairs the panel, Ministry of Education. “Over 80 other people that drives us to teach Excellent Support Staff, Excellence ing the ability to shape the stu- guaranteeing everyone is involved educators and support staff have rather than focus on our own suc- in Leadership, Team of the Year, dent’s life and career, just through and a decision is made. been recognized.” cess and accomplishments.” Full-Day Kindergarten Team of the that one class.” “Since the awards were launched Everyone is invited to nominate For more information go to Year and Lifetime Achievement. A selection panel of six members in 2006, more than 3,600 nomina- the person who has inspired and http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/teachin- Karen Martens teaches in the evaluates the nominations: a par- tions have been received, “ says enriched the lives of youth. gawards/. Continuing Education department ent, a principal, a student, a sup- Gary Wheeler, senior media rela- “It’s often said that ‘those who Nominations close Feb. 6. Future of some Niagara schools uncertain

BY HEATHER DILTS- board in deciding schools’ futures. BAIANO The community is encouraged to Staff Writer be involved and is an important The future of local education is part of the review. in the community’s hands. Sweeny says, “The accom- Selected elementary schools modation review process ensures in Fort Erie, and high schools that funding is spent on enrich- in St. Catharines and Thorold ing the educational opportunities may be closing their doors after for students, rather than maintain- years of service. For elemen- ing older buildings with empty tary schools, Rose Seaton, Gen- spaces.” eral Vanier, Garrison Road and As the reviews continue, the Fort Erie Elementary (FEES) are public will be informed about being reviewed. For high schools, and invited to attend meetings to Kernahan Park, Sir Winston contribute their ideas to the board Churchill, St. Catharines Col- of trustees, as well as hearing de- legiate, West Park and Thorold liberations. Secondary are under review. The last elementary school About 4,000 students will be public input meeting is scheduled affected. for Feb. 8. Secondary school input “Having fewer students to meetings are set for Feb. 2 and educate but the same demands to March 1. Feb. 16 (for secondary maintain and operate buildings, it schools) and Jan. 25 (elementary) becomes more challenging to of- are set aside for working commit- fer quality educational programs,” tee meetings. says Brett Sweeny, communica- The public and media can go tions officer at the District School to the working meetings, but no Garrison Road School has been a part of Fort Erie for 130 years. It is one of the elementary schools being Board of Niagara. feedback is taken. considered in the accommodation reviews. Accommodation reviews ad- Even as the reviews continue, Photo by Heather Dilts-Baiano dress issues of declining enrol- memories are still strong among Mr. Lavelle was the principal. I I was in when we watched the Rose Seaton.” ment and aging facilities. Possible former students. remember helping the Grade 1 Challenger explode and even felt The final decision about the outcomes are building new, con- “My mom taught at Rose Seaton class one year, got called to the an ‘earthquake’ while there,” says schools’ futures will be made this solidating, renovating or closing for several years,” Kristen Duever, principal’s office thinking I was Melissa Swayze, 36, of Niagara spring. schools. 34, from London, says. in trouble and I actually ended up Falls, “I’ll never forget when Mr. View http://www.dsbn.org/arc/ An accommodation review Heather Oliver, 35, Fort Erie, going to watch the Barnum and Robinson (was that his name… default.aspx?id=12163 to see tasks a committee of teachers, par- says, “I went from Grades 3 to 8 Bailey Circus.” the principal?) caught his tie on more information on the accom- ents, students and other commu- at Fort Erie Elementary School. I “I went to Rose Seaton and fire during a barbeque. I think it’s modation reviews or to follow the nity members to assist the school have a lot of good memories there. loved it! I know exactly what class horrible they may be closing down process. Jan. 27. 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 11

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Visit www.sprowt.ca and subtract Debit and ATM fees from your life. Page 12 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 27, 2012 SPORTS Outdoor Classic sets record First AHL outdoor game in Canada brings in 20,565 to Ivor Wynne, Hamilton

By DANIELLE FLEWELLING Staff Writer The first open air American Hockey League (AHL) game played in Canada was at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton on Jan. 21. The Outdoor Classic is an an- nual winter event. This year the “Steeltown Showdown” faced-off the Hamilton Bulldogs and the To- ronto Marlies to bring an unforget- table hockey event to the city. With 20,565 people at the game, Ivor Wynne Stadium set a record for the most attendance at an AHL outdoor classic. The Marlies dominated over the game with a 7-2 win in the -4 C temperature. Buying a ticket included admis- sion to the Friday night event, the PepsiCo AHL Outdoor Classic Alumni Celebrity Game featuring the Montreal Canadiens Alumni and the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni. Retired National Hockey League players, such as Doug Gilmour, Curtis Joseph and Guy Carbon- neau, resurrected their on-ice magic. Not only did the Outdoor Clas- The spectator’s view of the 2012 Outdoor Classic at the Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton. sic provide exposure for the AHL Submitted photo players, whose games aren’t aired on North American television, but the way of a Canadian, and it’s a Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) nomic impact into the community. mind off the cold. it also provided a lot of perks for way for everyone to enjoy hockey teamed up with the Hamilton Bull- “Economic impact-wise, it Munday, who works for the City Hamilton. the way we grew up playing the dogs Hockey Club to provide free brings businesses into the commu- of Hamilton and has attended some In an interview with Kate Lane game out on the frozen ponds and transportation to the event. nity and is great for the Hamilton Canadian Football League Ti-Cat from Inside City of Hamilton, Bob outdoor rinks.” The fan shuttle allowed ticket- bulldogs.” games, said that to see the field set McNamara, president of the Ham- Ian Moore, a Niagara College holders to hop onto any regular Austin Munday, a second-year up with a rink in the middle of it ilton Bulldogs hockey association, second-year electrical engineering HSR bus for free for three hours Broadcasting – Radio, Television was “pretty cool.” said that hosting the outdoor clas- student, attended the game with prior to Friday’s game and three and Film student who attended the “An outdoor game takes the sic was a way for the community to his friends and said it was a good hours after Saturday’s game. game with Moore, said, “For some, game back to its roots, so to see share in the great sport of hockey atmosphere. Sue Monarch, manager of Tour- getting bundled up to sit outside a live event of that calibre and on with the Bulldogs and with the city “The crowd was pretty much ism Hamilton, said to Lane that the for three hours wouldn’t be a great such a big scale was something of Hamilton. 50/50 for the Marlies’ and Bull Outdoor Classic benefits Tourism time, but to myself and the friends I pretty special.” “The rink is staying up for a Dogs’ fans,” says Moore. Hamilton because it generates went with, it was a lot of fun.” The Bulldogs are in third place week after the game for community “I was expecting it to be a close revenue. He said that although the weath- in the North Division with 18 wins and public skates to make it avail- game going into it.” There were 10,000 out-of-town er was “really cold at times,” the and 16 losses. They’ve won five of able for the city,” said McNamara. Moore said his favourite part tickets, and Monarch was expect- atmosphere and game itself were their last seven games and are six “It’s a way for everybody to share were all the fights that broke out. ing $500,000 in revenue for eco- distracting enough to keep his points behind the Marlies. Winter weather not up to par in Niagara

By DANIELLE FLEWELLING rain that has changed into snow. running. running until the end of the season. Staff Writer This weather activity has made it In December, Glen Eden had The outdoor rink is open to the Although winter has hit the Ni- hard for people to understand what ‘If I were to go about five out of its 14 runs open public until the end of February. agara region, its absence in the past kind of outdoor activities they to the public. In an interview with Don Fraser few months has affected winter should be playing this time of year. sledding in that Eric Kovacs, a second-year from the Welland Tribune, Drew sports in the community. The Niagara area was hit with a Broadcasting — Radio, Television Hutchison, co-owner of Tree Ami- Activities such as pond hockey, heavy winter blizzard on Jan. 13, weather, I would and Film student, is concerned that gos Landscaping, said that even by snowboarding, skiing and even but residents have been unsure if his new snowboard gear won’t get Jan. 10, they hadn’t done any actual sledding at the neighborhood hill this sudden change of weather is get soaked. ’ any use this winter. snow plowing in St. Catharines. haven’t happened because of warm here to stay since conditions have — Amy Cooney “I’m not sure if I should bring A long-term Environment Can- temperatures and absent snow. changed almost every other day my winter gear up to school or not ada is calling for average winter People have even resorted to golf- since. Cooney. because by next week the snow weather conditions from Jan. 15 to ing in January and playing ball The snow was here for a few “And any time you go to a ski might be all gone again.” Feb 15. hockey in their driveways. days but boosted back up to above hill, there’s only one or two runs The community may be able to Winter being halfway over has Certain golf clubs in Niagara- zero degrees temperature on Jan. open.” have pond hockey rinks available made this a boring season for peo- on-the-Lake have had their courses 16, when the snow began to melt Cooney says she feels it’s not a for a few days before the warm ple who enjoy their active lifestyle open through the beginning of and turn into slush. real winter because of the constant weather hits the area again and outside in the community. January with a hundred people on Amy Cooney, a first-year Gen- weather rollercoaster. “I don’t feel melts it all. Certain people have been enjoy- the course, and it wasn’t the snow eral Arts student, says it’s hard to like I live in Canada.” The Niagara Falls TD Rink at ing the lack of snowfall and em- that brought play to a halt, but rain. do any winter sports because the Nearby ski hills such as Glen the Brink is an open outdoor skat- bracing the warm weather, while The city has been under the pat- snow melts so quickly. Eden in Hamilton may have been ing rink that is looked after by the others are now excited for the tern of warm weather changing to “If I was to go sledding in that open every day but haven’t been community, making it one of the sudden change Mother Nature has rain and then changing to freezing weather, I would get soaked,” says able to have all ski hills up and only rinks that will be constantly decided to make. Jan. 27, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 13 ENTERTAINMENT New restaurant is hatched By ATOM GAUTHIER haven’t really been any difficulties. Staff Writer “It’s been going pretty smoothly.” A new Welland business is try- “We’ve been getting lots of busi- ing its luck in an unlucky building. ness on a daily basis,” says Kumar. For anyone who’s ever been to or Breakfast restaurants are a fa- who lives in Welland, there’s been vourite for all ages, and Kumar a common theme when it comes to says he accommodates to that in the building at 51 Niagara St. For some ways. more than 10 years, it has seemed “We have a 13 per cent discount when any entrepreneur tried to for seniors and students who come open a restaurant there, they would to the Big Bird.” all run into bad luck and end up “I haven’t seen a lot of students closing. yet, mainly families. I hope when Ryan Chadwick, 21, who has they hear about the discount, more lived in Welland all his life, says, students will start to come.” “I can remember at least three The Big Bird seems to be on different restaurants that were in the right track, and this could be that building. Crabby Joe’s was in changing the norm that the build- there for a while, and then all of ing once knew. a sudden it just closed. After that “We have a wide variety of no business has lasted more than meals and dishes. Everyone seems a year.” to like everything. You can even “I think the problem is unless ask them yourself,” says Kumar. you’re a ‘chain’ restaurant busi- From left: Jeff Carusetta, kitchen manager, Rajinder Kumar, owner, and Andrew Claus, line cook. Wendy Morningstar, 57, who ness, you’re not gonna survive in Photo by Atom Gauthier has patronized The Big Bird two this town. To me, the only places pretty much his whole life. change.” “I was definitely worried about times, says, “I ordered the Hungry I see getting a lot of customers are “I went from working in Mc- Kumar says he then sold his To- choosing this spot. It was a mess Bird Breakfast Meal and I loved it. the breakfast places,” says Chad- Donald’s to then owning my ronto-based business and moved when I first bought it. You couldn’t [I] like their bacon a lot too. wick. own restaurant in Toronto,” says to Welland to start a new one, even step inside,” says Kumar. “The service was quick too. I A breakfast-style place is just Kumar. which would soon become the Big Obviously there is a difference got my food in 10 minutes and my what the Big Bird is. “I wanted to get out of the big Bird. He decided to buy the empty from working in a restaurant in waitress was really nice.” Rajinder Kumar, the owner, has city though. I lived in Toronto building at 51 Niagara St., know- Toronto than working in one in The Big Bird is open seven days been in the restaurant business for a long time and wanted a new ing of its bad history. Welland. Kumar says so far there a week 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Even an ‘arrow to the knee’ won’t stop gamers By MATT NOWELL Real-time strategy games like four hours to beat, on average. tation. Donkey Kong didn’t offer antly unpredictable. Staff Writer Diablo, WarCraft and StarCraft, You can always save your game these things.” Of course, addiction can be a Video games like World of all made by the company Blizzard, and come back later, but real-time People who otherwise didn’t play bad thing, but it always starts with WarCraft and StarCraft have been have become notorious for being strategists know that taking a break or enjoy video games are now being a choice and usually ends with a considered a potential source of ad- addictive to the point of causing is not the preferred method for beat- drawn in by the expanding promi- choice. All games come to an end diction.With the November release health concerns. There have been ing a mission. Once you get a string nence Skyrim now has in modern eventually, even if it is 230 hours af- of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a new incidents of people in Korea dying of choices going, it’s hard to get pop culture. The game has hundreds ter the start of it. When approached wave of gaming enthusiasm has at their computers playing Star- back into the same mindset if you of hours of game play to offer, this by a wide-eyed Skyrim addict, erupted, tagging Skyrim as another Craft, because they refused to leave refrain from finishing the game for a being apparent from the start by someone who’d had enough and game with extremely addictive for food or a bathroom break. It’s day or so. those who are used to these kind called it quits would still most likely qualities. this type of negligence that ranks Skyrim is a completely different of games. To those that don’t play say: “I used to be an adventurer like Every video game has the poten- video games as a threat along the type of game from the real-time much, it is initially overwhelming, you. Then I took an arrow in the tial to be addictive. It mostly de- lines of gambling. strategies. It is a first-person per- making the game even more pleas- knee.” pends on the player’s preferences, Real-time strategy games are spective (though you can play in taste and how well the game deliv- usually time consuming as it is. the third-person) role-playing game THANK YOU ers gratification while still pulling Levels can take hours to complete. that lets you control the destiny of THANK YOU the player in for more. In the case of StarCraft, a space the character you customize at the THANK YOU “The fact that the game is always warfare game, you must build your beginning. in constant motion provides mul- base of operations before you can The game, in its architecture, is THANK YOU tiple ways to keep the interest of the even think about exploring the map much like the Lord of the Rings THANK YOU gamer,” says 21-year-old Heather to locate and destroy the enemy. universe. There are orcs and elves, Allen, a novice gamer and new- Sometimes being attacked when noblemen and knights. You fight THANK YOU comer to the Elder Scrolls series. you aren’t prepared can set you trolls, vampires, giants and, of THANK YOU supporting your “The game itself allows the player back drastically. course, dragons. The field map’s THANK YOU to believe they are quite needed.” Some of the later levels can take topography is rather varied and is Niagara College filled with lush visuals. Exploring THANK YOU the fields and mountains is prob- THANK YOU Community Paper ably one of the biggest assets the game has to offer. Levelling up THANK YOU For many years Avondale stores have your skills as a warrior, mage and THANK YOU generously distributed thief is gratifying, as are all the ac- THANK YOU 2,400 copies of each Niagara News tions those skills allow you to do. issue across the Niagara Region. Completing quests and discovering THANK YOU strange new people and places are THANK YOU Avondale demonstrates how simply marvellous. The little twists THANK YOU good corporate citizens support and turns in the self-contained plots student learning. rarely disappoint. THANK YOU Will Kummer, a Brock Univer- THANK YOU The staff of theNiagara News sity student studying English and wish to thank Avondale for its Creative Writing, gave his insight THANK YOU past, current and future assistance. on the game’s mechanics. THANK YOU “Games like Skyrim are alluring because they mirror life in a way THANK YOU Please support Avondale Food Stores. Skyrim continues to attract newcomers and embed itself into modern earlier games didn’t,” says Kum- THANK YOU For additional sale items, please check: pop culture. mer. “You earn money, learn skills through repeated use, earn a repu- THANK YOU www.avondalestores.com Submitted Photo THANK YOU Page 14 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 27, 2012 NEWS Blackout of websites draws attention to Your voice new Internet laws MATTERS!

By CHRIS FUNSTON to revisit the approach on how best to address Staff Writer the problem of foreign thieves that steal and The Internet wins the battle, but the war sell American inventions and products.” has just begun. Senator Harry Reid announced he was The Internet blackout saw popular sites delaying a vote on the Protect IP Act. Smith such as Wikipedia, Craigslist and Reddit followed suit and announced he would be de- and about 115,000 other small websites shut laying consideration of the legislation “until down or alter their sites in protest of SOPA there is wider agreement on a solution.” and PIPA. The one day of organized protest swung SOPA’s sponsor in the U.S. House of the members of the U.S. Congress for and Representatives, Chairman Lamar Smith, against SOPA and PIPA from 80 for and 30 said Wikipedia’s blackout was a publicity against to a whopping 65 for and 102 against. stunt. “It is ironic that a website dedicated Three days later, on Jan. 21, the numbers to providing information is spreading misin- rose to 62 for and 131 against the acts. formation about the Stop Online Piracy Act,” In a statement on Jan. 20, U.S. Representa- Smith said. tive Darrell Issa said, “Supporters of the In- SOPA is a U.S. bill introduced by Smith ternet deserve credit for pressing advocates that would expand the ability of U.S. law en- of SOPA and PIPA to back away from an forcement to fight online trafficking of copy- effort to ram through controversial legisla- righted property. The law would expand ex- tion.” isting criminal laws to include unauthorized Despite what appears to be a victory for streaming of copyright material, imposing a the Internet, the threat of Internet censorship maximum penalty of five years in prison. legislation isn’t over. PIPA would give U.S. corporations and “Postponing the Senate vote on PIPA re- the government the right to seek legal action moves the imminent threat to the Internet, against any website that they see as enabling but it’s not over yet,” Issa said. “Copyright BEGINNING FEBRUARY 6th, students will copyright infringement whether of U.S. ori- infringement remains a serious problem and gin or not. any solution must be targeted, effective, and have the chance to complete the Ontario On Jan. 20 Smith issued a statement with consistent with how the Internet works.” his reaction to the fate of SOPA and its Sen- Smith said consideration of the bill is College Student Satisfaction Survey — a survey ate counterpart, PIPA. postponed for now. He called the problem “I have heard from the critics, and I take of online piracy “too big to ignore” and said that the Ontario government asks each college seriously their concerns regarding proposed his committee would continue working with legislation to address the problem of online copyright holders and Internet outfits on to conduct. piracy,” Smith said. “It is clear that we need ways to fight it. The survey results are very important to NC and to its students. It is one of fi ve annual Research in Motion gets College key performance indicators mandated new CEO following the by the province. The survey results help us fi netune and improve resignation of co-founders our programs and services, and realize our goal of ensuring greater student success. By CHRIS FUNSTON Balsillie will retain his role as a member Staff Writer of the board. Research In Motion (RIM) will see a new “I agree this is the right time to pass the The in-class survey will be administered top executive because co-founders Jim Bal- baton to new leadership, and I have complete sillie and Mike Lazardis suddenly resigned confidence in Thorsten, the management between February 6 and February 17. as CEOs. team and the company,” Balsillie says in a RIM has announced that Thorsten Heins press release. “I remain a significant share- will take over as chief executive officer holder and a director and, of course, they Please plan to participate, and make sure your (CEO) and said during a conference call with will have my full support.” financial analysts that he wants the company RIM was once Canada’s most valuable voice is heard. to focus more on the consumer market. company, most recently in 2008, when its Lazaridis, the former co-chair and co- stock reached as high as $148, but after a Thank you! CEO, has become vice chair of RIM’s board series of missteps, mostly the company’s and chair of the board’s new innovation inability to compete with rivals Apple and committee. Google, it has seen its share of the smart Investors seemed underwhelmed with the phone market drop substantially. decision as shares for the company dropped Heins said that RIM has a strong founda- more than seven per cent. tion on which to build. On a company release, Lazaridis says, “We have a strong balance sheet with ap- Student “There comes a time in the growth of ev- proximately $1.5 billion in cash at the end ery successful company when the founders of the last quarter and negligible debt,” says Satisfaction recognize the need to pass the baton to new Heins. “We reported revenue of $5.2 billion leadership. With BlackBerry 7 now out, in our last quarter, up 24 per cent from the PlayBook 2.0 shipping in February and prior quarter, and a 35per cent year-to-year Survey BlackBerry 10 expected to ship later this increase in the BlackBerry subscriber base, year, the company is entering a new phase, which is now over 75 million.” and we felt it was time for a new leader to The share price closed on Jan. 20 at Feb. 6 – 17 take it through that phase and beyond.” $17.24.

NiagaraNews account# 5485-8311-0000-000 1/2 page vertical ad 5 1/8 x 14 inches $225.00 +gst Jan. 27, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 15 NEWS How to choose the right high school By HEATHER DILTS-BAIANO “I’m glad she has chosen to go Staff Writer there [Centennial] as well. It’s on It’s a new grade, new school and the bus route from our house and it a fresh start. has the programs that interest her.” Grade 8 students from around Student volunteers were on hand the region attended high school open houses from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19. ‘It gives them Jessica Schmitt, 34, of Ridge- way, likes the idea of having open [students] the houses. “It gives them [students] the ability to choose.’ ability to choose.” — Jessica Schmitt Her son starts high school in September and chose Ridgeway- Crystal Beach High School be- to organize newcomers and give cause of the smaller size and the tours. “amazing Communications Tech- High school students were given nology” program. the option to help during the Open “I have been to several open Houses; for helping out, students houses, and it’s just another op- will receive community hours. portunity for socializing and time “I was bored. I didn’t even know away from school,” says Monique [about the community hours],” Lamothe, a drama and music says Justin Crysler, a Grade 11 stu- teacher in Alberta. “From what dent, from Centennial High School I’ve seen, most students already in Welland. know where they will be going to Nick Braun, another Grade 11 high school either because there is Elizabeth Ferguson, 14, a Grade 8 student at Princess Elizabeth School, speaks with Nick Braun and Justin student there, remembers his Grade no choice or because that’s where Crysler, both Grade 11 students at Centennial High School, during the open house on Jan. 17. 8 year and choosing a secondary their family traditionally goes. Photo by Heather Dilts-Baiano school. Schmitt says some students pick “I was going to go to [E.L.] high schools as they would col- closest school.” “I’m really into music and they schools do not have.” Crossley [in Fonthill], but my dad leges, based on merits and course “I’m picking Centennial based have a good music program there. Her mother Roxanne Ferguson, teaches here and kept talking about availability,“But most just go on the programs there.” says Eliza- Plus they have guitar in Grade 33, is happy with her daughter’s how great this school was, so I where their friends are going or the beth Ferguson, 14, of Welland. 10 and singing, which other high choice. came here.” Métis seek claim to land Alzheimer Society Court dates for sides to meet still not set looks for awareness

By JOANNE LABELLE By JEREMY MEYERINK forget people’s names. Sufferers Staff Writer Staff Writer of Alzheimer’s, however, will rou- When the Manitoba Act of 1870 Another year has passed, so as tinely place their important items was created, Métis leader Louis we head into 2012, we look back at in strange and unusual places like Riel and Sir John A. Macdonald all that has happened in 2011. For keys in a dishwasher or a wallet in agreed 1.4 million acres would be some, those memories are becom- the fridge. kept for the children of the Métis ing foggy. They may forget names but they people. January is Alzheimer Awareness will also forget the names of com- This agreement is now being Month and awareness is the focus mon objects and will substitute heard in front of the Supreme Court of the Alzheimer Society. incorrect names for ones they have of Canada. This is the first time in Its goal is to raise $2.5 million forgotten. Métis history a land claim case has through fund raisers by the end of Other symptoms are an inabil- reached this level. the month. ity to follow simple instructions, What caused 142 years of noth- Sir John A. Macdonald Louis Riel According to a survey recently dressing inappropriately for the ing exchanging hands? According released by the Alzheimer Society, weather, experiencing mood to the provincial governments, the Canadians are ignoring many of swings and losing interest in what Métis don’t fall under the category the symptoms of dementia and was once a favourite activity. of being “Indian” because they are ‘Show the proof they [the government] attributing them to “just old age.” For more information on making of mixed ancestry. Of the Canadians diagnosed in the an early diagnosis, visit alzheimer- Both federal and provincial bought the land ... they can’t, cause recent past, close to 50 per cent ig- letsfaceit.ca. governments argue the Métis do nored their symptoms and suffered Dementia can occur in people as not possess Aboriginal and treaty they never did.’ for over a year while 16 per cent young as 40 years old. There are rights, for the same argument. — Stephen Quesnelle waited more than two years to seek over 8,200 people suffering from According to www.cbc.ca, a doctor. dementia in the Niagara region. Crown documents say it’s too late Francine Lemire, a doctor in the Events are being held throughout to go back to try to understand College of Family Physicians of Niagara to raise awareness for de- Riel’s and Macdonald’s intent. ter the settlers came and took over “Show the proof they [the Canada, says “Dementia is a com- mentia and instruct people on how Gary Lipinski, The Métis Nation their land. government] bought the land ... plex disease, but a diagnosis can to deal with it. of Ontario (MNO) president, says, To the Métis, becoming land- they can’t, cause they never did,” be reassuring for both the person On Jan. 25 there was a public “We are just looking for our way of less minorities seemed like a better Quesnelle says. exhibiting the symptoms as well as forum called Home Sense: Adapta- life to be protected.” option. And the constant struggle In December 2011, the Supreme the family.” tion Strategies in the Home of the In 1981, the Manitoba Métis of being recognized in the eyes of Court heard arguments on both Symptoms of Alzheimer’s dis- Person with Dementia at the Lin- Foundation started a case saying the government as an indigenous sides and will go over all submitted ease are often dismissed as the haven Auditorium at 403 Ontario Canada did not fulfil its constitu- people who had land and land documents. results of old age, but there are dif- St., in St. Catharines. tional obligation and on Dec.13 it rights like the Indian and Inuits No date has been set on when ferences that should be looked for. The Alzheimer Walk for Memo- is being seen at the Supreme Court was another battle that caused re- both sides will meet again in court. “Symptoms of dementia are dif- ries will be taking place on Sunday, level. cent delays in the courts. Editor’s Note: A historical report ferent from normal aging,” says Jan. 29. Walkers should arrive at 9 Lipinski says there have been Stephen Quesnelle, president on the Métis in Canada ran in the Naguib Gouda, chief executive a.m. for registration, and the walk some “obvious delays” with this of Welland’s branch of the MNO, Dec. 2, 2011, edition of Niagara officer of the Alzheimer Society of begins at 10 a.m. Jan. 29. case coming to court. Examples of is more direct with his feelings. News. Canada. To donate to the Alzheimer So- earlier delays occurred when the Quesnelle says the courts have to It is available at www.niagara- Old age can cause people to ciety or to register to walk, visit Métis started fleeing Manitoba af- give the land to the Métis. news.com. misplace objects on occasion or www.walkformemories.ca. Page 16 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 27, 2012 NEWS International students benefit from workshop

By MERIEM YOUSFI a passport, study permit and work Staff Writer permit are related: if the first two To be eligible to work in Canada, expire, everything expires. She international students must apply also acquaints students with the for a work permit. Since Citizen- consequences of being illegal and ship and Immigration Canada takes the possibility of losing future op- more than two months to process portunities. co-op work permits, the Interna- Elena Ramos Martin, 30, a Cu- tional Department organized a linary Management student from workshop at the beginning of the Mexico, says, “It is really interest- winter semester to help the interna- ing. I got really useful information tional students apply for their co- about immigration rules that I ops so they can get them on time. didn’t know.” “If students don’t have a co-op The International Department work permit, they can’t work and organized the workshops to avoid obviously they don’t graduate,” doing the applications individu- says Laura Fakla, international ally and to explain to students the student adviser. “I try to organize processing so they can help their the workshops during the campus friends. hour so all students can attend it.” “It is more convenient for us to The International Department do it together to help each other,” organized three co-op workshops: says You Qu, 19, Hospitality Man- Monday, Jan.16, and Monday, Jan. agement - Hotel and Restaurant 23, and Monday, Jan. 30. at 1:30 student from Japan. “If I don’t get p.m. in room E206 at the Niagara- help here, I can’t do it by myself.” on-the-Lake campus. The process of getting a co-op Fakla explained to the students work permit doesn’t end when how to fill out the application, what students receive it because they papers should they include and still have to get a social insurance how to send the package to Citizen number. and Immigration Canada. “I needed someone to show me “The most important informa- the steps to fill the application and tion that I needed was what paper what are the steps after getting it,” I need to submit with the applica- says Ana Gomez, 23, a Tourism David Pastirik stands on his property beside some of the trees he has planted over the years. tion,” says In Jung Park, 32, a Management student from Mexico. Photo by Dennis Faucher Hospitality Management – Hotel “Because it is my first time to apply and Restaurant student from South for a work permit, I didn’t know all Korea. “Without attending this the steps.” workshop, I don’t think I could do The International Department it,” is organizing an off-campus work He’s barking up Fakla also explained the impor- permit workshop in March and tance of having legal and valid one for getting a U.S. visa in the right tree immigration documents and how February. College professor gets back to his roots By MATT MCNEVIN Steels in Welland for 27 years. “seems to really love to teach,” as Staff Writer Pastirik, who had been working well as pass on what he knows to “I love trees, I love planting here part-time since 1995, left the his students. trees … eventually my property firm in 2004 for his current post. “He always [says], ‘You have to will have a forest on it.” He says he enjoys teaching and try your best. Don’t give up.’” David Pastirik says he is a “fairly “loves being with the students.” She says that sometimes, after laidback, positive” person. One of “Students don’t know this, but I he’s finished with work, he plants the ways he stays that way is by go- learn as much from them as I hope a tree. ing out on his property and plant- they learn from me.” “It’s a grounding, spiritual thing ing a tree, or a few dozen. Pastirik’s colleague Dawit Eshe- for him.” He plants between 300 and 400 tu, who teaches International Mar- Eshetu says Pastirik is “very on his 30-acre property each year. keting at NOTL, says he is “one of informed about trees. He is Over the 21 years he’s lived there, the best faculty members” and he’s passionate about gardening.” he has planted “thousands” of trees. “very helpful” to his students. Pastirik says one of the rea- Pastirik is the co-ordinator of, “He really bends backwards to sons he plants trees is because in and a professor in, the Business help students,” Eshetu says. the future the tree will be able to Administration – International Fangxin Liu, an international clean the air and be of use to Business program at the Niagara- student from China who is one of people. on-the-Lake (NOTL) campus, as Pastirik’s students, says he is “a “It’s a great feeling that if I look well as the faculty representative very good teacher.” after it, it’ll become a big tree. on the college’s board of gover- “He always helped me out, gave It won’t need me to look after it nors. me links to help get me a co-op. anymore … kind of like a student. He studied metallurgical engi- He is always there to help you out, “There comes a point where neering (the study of metals) at always there to give you good sug- I can’t help the students anymore; Laura Felka explains steps of filling out an application to Elena Ramos McMaster University in Hamilton gestions.” they go off and do their own Martin during the work pemit workshop. before working at Atlas Specialty Pastirik’s wife, Yole, says he thing.” Photo by Meriem Yousfi