niagara-news.com TEAM CANADA PARALYMPIANS FIND WARM WELCOME IN PORT COLBORNE NN PAGES 6,7 NIAGARA NEWS FEB.16, 2018 • VOL. 49 ISSUE 8 Looking Cost of for updated strike at complaint KITCHEN PREP Niagara College culinary syoung chefs ready to take $4 million: numbers on the world in two different competitions College By IRYNA RYBCHAK By IRYNA RYBCHAK Staff Writer Staff Writer

While more attention Niagara College was left - cial ledgers, following a thansecondary ever is campuses being paid across to with black ink in its finan sexualNorth America,violence onNiagara post- Col- Niagara News has learned lege lacks up-to-date statis- five-week strike last fall. tics on how many students million during the strike, the college saved $4.27 haveAccording made complaints to Hafsah in while paying out just over recentShaikh, years. the college’s student $4That million means in strike-related the college rights and responsibilities expenses. to the Ministry of Training, benefitedLast week, to theMichael tune ofAudi- officer, amendments made aboutbert, co-ordinator $230,000. for the Act requires post-second- Collegesary institutions and Universities to report “this number includes the “information about sexual Board of Governors, said, -

salary/compensationmillion) minus the tuition sav violence to the Minister of ingsrefunds from and the other strike strike- ($4.27 Advancedas to report Education on the support and related expenses and lost Skills Development as well - available to students who revenuechael Wales, ($4.04 senior million).” commu- experience sexual violence.” In the Jan. 26 edition, Mi However, “At this time, Niagara we (the College College, couldn’t detail the has nothing to make public. nications officer at Niagara statistics and are awaiting college) do not have recent amountHe said of at money the time, saved “in and spentterms onof athe surplus, strike. applica- ministry clarifications on tions for the fund will be reportingWhen asked requirements,” why the col- said Shaikh. it’s too early to predict how statistics, Shaikh respond- accepted until April 27, so legeed: “At does the not moment, have recent I don’t A spokesman for the much will be paid out.” Employees Union (OPSEU) haveShaikh the statisticsand the Campus reported Ontario Public Service - withinSafety, Healththe last Wellness three years.” and Leanne Breukelman (left) and Rafael Quintana (center), second-year Culinary Management students, plate Localexpenditures 242, declined related com to the appetizers with program co-ordinator Chef Olaf Mertens (right). Story on Page 2. ment about the savings and AccessibilityContinued Services on Page is the 2 PHOTO BY DANIELA VILANOVA Continued on Page 2 first to speak to if you strike. Tory leadership race makes pitstop in Niagara Doug Ford and Caroline Mulroney attended local rallies this week, seeking support to take over leadership of the Ontario PC party following the resignation of former leader Patrick Brown after allegations of sexual misconduct. See stories and photos by Beth Audet and Lisa Brown on Pages 8, 9. Caroline Mulroney. PHOTO BY BETH AUDET Doug Ford. PHOTO BY BETH AUDET Page 2 NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 NEWS Five chefs try to make the cut By DANIELA VILANOVA are from, everybody’s idea and eggplant, garnished Staff writer of an empanada is different. with a savoury thyme “Is it baked or is it fried?” cracker.” Five chefs. asked Mertens. “Fried is The second competition Two competitions. always better,” he added. One heck of a learning op- To avoid confusion, they For this competition portunity. morphed the idea of the isMertens Skills Canada. has selected Quen- Chef Olaf Mertens, empanada into a fried hand tin Petkovich, a second-year co-ordinator for Niagara pie, “about the size of a Culinary Management pro- College’s Culinary Manage- small eggroll,” said Mertens. gram student, Robbie Ag- ment program, is currently “Everything needs to be garwal, a former Culinary Management student at the students to compete in two preparingdifferent competitions. five culinary biggot ducka beautiful flavour. pastry,” So, we said - Mertens said he be- gotMertens, the big adding duck filling,that they we collegement student. and Hunter Each Spice,of these a alter the pastry recipe by first-yearstudents has Culinary an amazing Manage competitions bring to the adding duck fat. past in the culinary world. lievesstudents. in the benefits these “Because (it’s a) duck The goal for this com- “One, they are applying (competition) we need to petition is to show as the knowledge that they are many skills in one plate as learning at school. Two, this possible. To prove that “I is becoming like a real-life getthey as put much a duck duck made flavour from have so many skills and I situation.” asthe possible.” same hand To pie finish dough it up, don’t need a machine,” said - on top. Mertens. tions is the Great Amazing Mertens thinks about all But this competition DuckThe Race, first oftaking the competi place on is tricky, since the par- April 7, sponsored by the his team can incorporate ticipants don’t really know King Cole companies. theinto flavours the appetizers. that he Theand what to expect when they Mertens selected Leanne sweet, the sour, the salt, the arrive at the competition. Breukelman and Rafael acidic - the way colours are The scope for this year, Quentin Petkovich, second-year student at the Culinary Management program, Quintana, both second-year equally important for the according to Mertens, is coating meat with ashes. PHOTO BY DANIELA VILANOVA Culinary Management stu- presentation. competitors must use 180 dents, for this competition. The main course is some- grams of deer meat. It must are going to work with this they will go and be part of cue competition. Also, they thing Quintana and Breuke- be cooked between 140 and with “two people that lman had more freedom to 145 F, they must include to take a modern look at a where the best of each of from 6 a.m. til noon. Heinteract wanted really to fit well. the And recipe at play with. buckwheat, they must make scope,lemon whilemerengue Spice’s pie. task is the Team150 trades Canada go ofto Skills,partici - getAfter together the competition, every Saturday the same if they could use Breukelman explained two sauces, one of which “This (year) is World pate in Moscow in 2020. he takes the best eight sort of their feeling or their “Perfectly Duckie,” the main they need to make extra. Qualifying Year,” said competitors, who then will heritage as well.” course. They must have edible Mertens. Meaning that can participate in compe- compete live on June 11 For the appetizers, they “It consists in a perfectly garnishes, and they are go- if any of the students titionsSince like not these,all the every students outside the college. This had the idea of an “empa- seared duck breast, sweet ing to be given two mystery November, Mertens selects second part of the competi- nada,” inspired by Quin- potato medallions, apricot vegetables the day of the competence win the best two groups of 24 students tion is divided into three tana’s Venezuelan heritage. compote, pomegranate lime competition. participatingin Ontario and in later the Skillthey - 48 in total - who can come groups, the students, the Depending on where you gastrique, sautéed peppers Petkovich and Aggarwal back on June 9 for a barbe- win best Skill in Canada, “foodies”‘We believe and the firemen. 650,000 student voices on sexual violence that any Continued from page 1 the incident to police, - experience any form of but usually, “the survivor thermore, sexual violence savings sexual violence. The meet- will retain control of how trainingShe continued, is provided “Fur to ing can be confidential or their experience will be students and staff at should go take place in the presence dealt with by the college,” Niagara College. Lastly, of a friend or a family the free Niagara College back to the member. “During the meeting, according to Shaikh. - members of the college students’ they (the students) will saultAfter policy, signing the the college Sexual Mobilecommunity Safety to Appfile aallows sexual Continued from page 1 have the option of pro- Violenceintroduced and the Sexual “Con -As violence complaint, con- “Our position would have ceeding with an informal sent is Key” campaign to be no comment on the or formal complaint,” said to educate students and Assault Centre and the - - prevent sexual violence tact the Niagara Sexual ment, as we haven’t seen mal complaints or dis- on campus. Control Centre.” college’sthe numbers financial that theystate (the Shaikh.closures “Typically, are made wheninfor “The ‘Consent is Key’ NiagaraAlso, Niagara College College Security college) are relying upon to students wish to access website has been cre- will participate in one formulate that statement,” on-campus or off-campus ated to make it easier for of the largest surveys on said Ravi Ramkissoonsingh, services including accom- students and staff to file sexual violence among modations.” a complaint, access the post-secondary institu- As for a suggestion as The investigation will tions, organized by CCI vice-presidentto what should ofbe OPSEU. done start after the formal Violence policy, access on- Research Inc. and the with the $230,000 surplus, complaint will be made by Sexualcampus Assault and off-campus and Sexual Ministry of Advanced Edu- PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BETH AUDET Ramkissoonsingh had this resources as well as to - to say: “We believe that any - learn about the steps to ment. ing as many as 650,000 propriate sexual behav- savings should go back to studentssault policy, under which the wasSexual take if you have witnessed cation and Skills Develop Ontario students the iours. The survey will take the students in the form Violencesigned by and Niagara Sexual College As an assault or if someone opportunity to share their place in two circles: the - in March 2015. has disclosed a sexual as- “The Student Voices on experiences, beliefs and first will be held in 2018 ulty work to get students SexualMarch 5Violence to April Online 2, giv- statements about inap- and the second in 2021. ofsuccessfully financial aid, through as fac our Survey” takes place from courses and programs. If Students can also report sault to you,” said Shaikh. students can receive the

they require, that allows By RICHA BHOSALE in a 10-ounce cup. “It’s all about raising ing that we care about you They may come here and try financialthem to focus assistance more onthat their Staff Writer awareness about the Shack so come and see us,” says our coffee and a lot of times studies.” year we did this. This year that yes, we are here and Easterbrook. customers realize that our The strike by 24 Ontario being“Last our year second was our year, first we we are doing something The Shack has some funds coffee is way better,” says colleges ran from Oct. 24 cafe at Welland campus, is are twice as busy as we for students,” says Jessica saved out of other things in Clarke. until Nov. 20, 2017. RollgivingThe Shack,a free small theup student hot beverthe - usually rim are,” says, and Shelagh lose,Easterbrook, ango employee to at theorder to balance Shack the loss that andAccording win to Clarke, age on loosing Roll up the Clarke, Shack supervisor. the Shack and a second-year they incur giving out free some students don’t know to apply to receive up to Rim to Win tabs from Tim Clarke says, if you think Nursing student at Niagara coffee. $500Students for unexpected are still able costs Hortons. This offer will be double the people are here, College. “We hope to make it back until April 27. This includes we are making nothing out “Doing something like up in gaining new custom- thatCouncil. the Shack is run by incremental travel costs and March 9. of them being here so, we are this, obviously we make zero ers, customers who have the“When Student they Administrative go to Tim’s living expenses, including availableThat hot at beverage the Shack includes until paying for half of the things profit off anything if we lose never visited us before, who and lose they come here food, housing, transporta- coffee, tea or a hot chocolate we are selling today. a bunch, but it’s just show- strictly go to Tim Hortons. and win,” says Clarke. tion and child care. NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 Page 3 FEATURE Follow the North Star The St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre commemorated Black History Month with guided tours of its award-winning exhibit. Story and photos by Beth Audet

ebruary is Black History Month in Canada and the U.S., but is Niagara honouring it? The St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre is offering guided tours of its FollowF the North Star exhibit, which uses video, audio black people to escape slavery and arrive in Canada. andCassandra visual displays Belasco, to whoillustrate works the in historytalent develop- of the first ment, was impressed with the truthfulness of the ex- hibit, saying a lot of people don’t know we had slaves in Canada. “I think that there’s sort of been a collective ‘well, we’re better than the U.S.,’” she says. And while that may be true – we had fewer slaves and no plantations – she says it’s important we not detract from the facts so we can learn from our history. “People did come here and they were free, but they were not equal,” she says. “They experienced severe discrimination, severe racism.” Belasco, who was born in Toronto and now lives in Stoney Creek with her family, says they found Niagara to be “really devoid” of events celebrating black his- tory or places to go and learn more. she appreciates that the display is permanent because “itShe is Canadian was happy history to find and the not museum’s just black exhibit, Canadian saying history.” Des Corran, the museum’s docent, says the museum has always incorporated some connection to black his- tory, but they’ve “upped the ante” in recent years with the Follow the North Star exhibit. “It’s really just the story of people that came here because they wanted to be free,” he says. Corran, who lives in St. Catharines and has been volunteering at the museum for 11 years, focuses on three stories during the tour – St. Catharines’ original families and their slaves, Chloe Cooley’s journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad and Solo- mon Moseby’s escape from imprisonment. the Civil War and emancipation from slavery, but they happenedHe says theselocally, stories which fit “brings into the it here”“bigger and mosaic” “you can of relate to.” The tour relied heavily on audience participation, a strategy Corran says he uses to liven up the experience so people will remember what they’ve learned. “History, itself, can be a total bore, if you don’t bring some kind of life to it,” he says. “As a docent, my success is if somebody goes away and remembers something.”

People did come here and they “ were free, but they were not equal. ” – CASSANDRA BELASCO According to the government of Canada’s website:

Black History Month in 1976 to acknowledge African canada.ca,American achievements the U.S. officially and appointed increase Black February history education. observing Black History Month in February. ItBelasco wasn’t says until she 1995 knows that manyCanada Canadians began officially who still aren’t aware of black history and the contributions of black people because they never learned about it in school. “If you have that knowledge and you share it, that’s great and people are surprised, but it’s certainly not part of the school curriculum, which I think is a big mistake and I think that needs to change,” she says. Corran, who believes telling people’s stories is a far greater way of sharing history than simply “rambling Top: Cassandra Belasco and her family listen to a on about stats,” remains passionate about keeping recording of Chloe Cooley describing her journey Canadian history alive. to freedom through the Underground Railroad. “If we don’t tell the story, if it doesn’t exist, it’s lost,” he says, adding that at the St. Catharines Museum: “we Middle: (Left to right) Ameedah Hypolite along won’t let this be lost.” with her son, Deston Joaquin, and mother, Hazel Guided tours of the award-winning Follow the North Hypolite, and Joy Reid along with her daughter, Star exhibit will continue on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Lao, and son, Cole, learn about the painful history through February, with an additional tour on Saturday, of St. Catharines’ original slaves. Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. Left: A quote from Harriet Tubman is permanently the museum and can be explored any day of the year displayed as part of the Follow the North Star betweenBut the 9 exhibit, a.m. and itself, 5 p.m. is a permanent fixture within exhibit at the St. Catharines museum. Page 4 NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 EDITORIAL

Editor: Jer Houghton Publisher: Linda Roote Associate Editor: Melissa Burton Managing Editor: Charles Kopun Assistant Editor: Beth Audet Associate Editor: John Robbins C ANADIAN 2009 WINNER BNC2009 2009 WINNER COMMUNITY Photo Editor: Richa Bhosale Production Editor: Paul Dayboll NEWSPAPER NN Online Production: Susan Pedler AWARD 2011 Patience, the forgotten virtue The need for immediacy. and class time combined, we don’t want to do. We It’s not just millennials, it’s you will graduate with over don’t have the patience for everybody. And for stu- 2,000 hours of applied waiting because we never dents, it’s a dilemma. learning experience, more put in the hours to learn Over the last two genera- how to delay or channel tions, people have become Gladwell’s requirement in what we want. accustomed to having what thanbecoming one-fifth an expert of meeting in any The result? We frus- they went, when they want skill or trade. trate more easily when it. What started with fast How then do we get on feeling forced to focus on food now has everything at Gladwell’s road to success? something like meeting - an assignment deadline or Convenience is a good preparing for a test. ourthing. fingertips. It keeps our lives ef- timeAs students,for assignments it’s very and diffi do- What’s interesting is we - ingcult them to be rightefficient when in wefinding are are getting the wrong kind titled to have all our wishes constantly being interrupted of emotion. ficient,come true? but are we now en by these impulsive ideas and What we should be doing Our clothing needs to be is fear doing less than we’re delivered to our doorstep With this comes “dreamy” capable of, but instead overnight, our taste in thingsprocrastination, we want fulfilled. to imagine we’re irritated at being music and video needs to be obtaining these wishes for forced to do what is asked recommended on the spot ourselves and getting no of us in what we deem and our travel needs to be where in the process. “unfair.” The college experience We will always have routes… the list of possibili- makes us want to be a part impulses but if we don’t guidedties goes by on. the best traffic of everything, if not every- We respond to our thing. So we focus on calm- proud in taking the time impulses with, “I want it, I ing the “FOMO,” the fear of control ourselves – and be must have it.” And we de- missing out by checking our not be getting the most out mand it, because we can. social media as to be a part outof our to do2,000-hour things – wecollege may Consider the Stanford SUBMITTED PHOTO of what’s going on in and education. University “Marshmallow outside of the classroom. All good things come to Test,” a classic psychologi- marshmallows right away. Consider Malcolm If a college diploma offers Obviously, technol- those who wait. Learn to cal experiment on delayed Those who could wait, the Gladwell and his approximately 20 hours of ogy augments the social ride the wave of frustration study showed, had better “10,000-Hour-Rule.” In his classes per week and we demand of student life and it just may pay off. children are offered a small performance in school and book, Outliers, he claims it spend roughly 17 hours thus playing into the whole Patience is a virtue, pro- gratificationportion of marshmallows. in which If greater success in general. takes around 10,000 hours a week on top of classes “FOMO” phenomenon. But they wait for the person to So how can we delay grati- to learn something and be doing readings and assign- underneath that is our not everything happens in return to the room, they will ments (according to the inability to control these ficiencyan instant. is in the delay, and be rewarded with a much must do to complete what only way to achieve such National Survey of Student impulses. Would you like a marsh- larger portion. ficationis asked tofrom focus us onand what not getwe proficientexpertise isin in it doing– and itthe the Engagement), this means This comes back to our mallow now or later? Many children down the frustrated in the process? “correct” way. that with the homework reluctance to do anything JER HOUGHTON Justice for Canada’s Indigenous people When mentioning the top- “Indigenous people across - ic of racism and abuse in the this country are angry, ees and civilian personnel police force, which country they’re heartbroken. And I officers,of both genders.” guards, detain do you think of? know Indigenous and non- Duckchief was given a Is it Canada? Well, maybe Indigenous Canadians alike pair of underwear while it should be. know that we have to do in a cell, then taken to the While it’s easy to get better.” hospital where he received distracted by headlines of This tragedy has not only surgery for his broken nose police brutality coming out brought up the under rep- and eye socket. He is now of the United States, that resentation of Indigenous distraction has almost made people in the justice system, Attorney General of Canada it easier for Canadians to but also the systemic rac- suingclaiming the he officers suffers and from the turn a blind eye to the deep- ism in police forces across “PTSD, sporadic memory ly-rooted toxic relationship the country that targets loss, a deterioration of between Indigenous com- and mistreats members of cognitive function and has munities and police. Indigenous communities. trouble sleeping.” The acquittal of Gerald On April 1, 2016, Chris- The family also claims Stanley on Feb. 9, by an all- tian Duckchief and his wife, white jury, in the shooting Chantel Stonechild were the incident with the RCMP Citizens outside Nathan Phillips Square protesting Indigenous genocide in Canada. SUBMITTED PHOTO death of Colten Boushie has asleep in their home on the theylast year, filed but a complaint heard nothing. about sparked outrage nationwide Siksika First Nation reserve The treatment of Canada’s in Regina, Saskatoon and “Lack of accountability also to not only be more aware and accusations of racism in Alberta, when they claim Indigenous peoples has more rural communities exacerbates long-standing this toxic relationship, within the judicial system. at approximately 6 a.m. also received international in northern and central tensions between police but become educated and During the jury selection attention. In June 2017, Hu- Saskatchewan. and Indigenous communi- proactive. process, Stanley’s lawyers their way into the home, man Rights Watch submit- “It’s scary being me,” ties. Despite law and policy It’s time to realize Canada rejected several Indigenous twowithout RCMP a warrant, officers forcedand ted a report outlining its stated Sara F. in the report. reform, in some jurisdic- is not and has never been potential jurors by way of forcibly removed Duckchief - “They (the police) could tions allegations of serious immune to the systemic peremptory challenges, naked from his bed. After actions with Indigenous make me disappear if they police misconduct may still racism it points to in other which gives them the right being physically assaulted, “findingswomen in on Saskatchewan police inter wanted to.” result only in police investi- countries. to dismiss potential jurors Duckchief was handcuffed based on six weeks of fact- The report details racial gating police.” By shedding more and without cause. and brought into the station With the Indigenous more light on these issues, “We have come to this completely naked “where January to July 2016.” intimidation and sexual population of Canada it will simultaneously be point as a country too many he was humiliated by being findingThe researchers carried out con- from profiling,misconduct excessive and abuse force, by having, understandably, casting a shadow of shame. times,” said Prime Minister marched nude through the ducted private interviews police, particularly towards so little trust in the police Is Canada ready? Justin Trudeau, in an inter- police station, in front of with 64 Indigenous women Indigenous women. force and justice system, the view after the verdict. everyone there, including and social service providers The report also states: rest of the country needs MELISSA BURTON NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 Page 5 OPINION

MTV’s The Challenge more than ‘reality show’ It’s much more than a heavily based on competi- of the house to compete rines or Flying Squirrel in And fun fact, Republican reality show. Those two tion. The winners receive in the elimination) get a Hamilton and have had a Congressman Sean Duffy LISA words don’t do it justice extrinsic monetary incen- “grenade” that they could fantastic time, imagine that was on The Real World: Bos- BROWN and tend to have a negative tives, and each season there use to cripple other play- times a hundred and add ton where he met his wife connotation. Although it are continuous twists and ers or advance their game. remarkable landscapes, for- Rachel. Wow MTV. Columnist has its typical reality show unexpected turns. It gets Unexpected turn. eign locations and water. The Challenge Vendet- perks – arguments, cursing better and bigger every sea- - That’s what the chal- tas airs on MTV Canada and hookups – there’s zero son. Trust me that it’s worth ally involves travelling to a lenges are like. It’s an adult at 9 p.m., or if you’re a MTV’s The Challenge has - your down time. differentThe final location competition (remote, usu playground. My second student like me without aired for nearly 20 years ing. If you lay your hands Dirty 30, the last season temperate or tropical), favourite would be the cable and a TV, you could toleranceon any other for challenger,physical fight based in Columbia, had a staying awake for at least a eating challenges or the watch it on your laptop on on June 1, 1998. The current you’re immediately re- separate house for those day and sometimes requires challenge that involves Wednesdays. There’s also with31st season,the first The episode Challenge airing moved from the “Challenge beat out of the game, and standing in one position jumping from transport a spinoff show called The Vendettas, is based in Spain house,” transported to a these challengers would for hours on end (and truck to another transport Challenge: Champs vs. Stars and has contestants from hotel, and nine times out of compete to re-enter the competing before and after truck while moving. where teams compete to MTV’s Are You The One, 10, sent home the following main house. Contenders in this standing challenge), The mental game is nearly raise money for charities. Big Brother (U.S.), MTV’s morning (depending on the the main house had no idea climbing a mountain with as important as the physi- Challengers include former Geordie Shore (the British circumstance). it existed. Plot twist. This cal game. “Politicking” the Olympians, NFL players, as version of Jersey Shore) I’ve tried to watch a vari- and so on and so forth. challengers call it. Johnny well as hip-hop artists and MTV’s The Real World and ety of reality TV (although history, there will be only difficultOne of terrain, my favourite skydiving, com- “Bananas” Devenanzio is rappers, to name a few. MTV’s Ex on the Beach (a I’ve never watched Keeping season,one winner for the in the first end: time a in petitions is also show host great at this. “It’s the longest running British reality TV). Up With The Kardashi- female or a male contender, and American BMX rider He’s been on 16 seasons, soap opera on TV,” says Co- According to a Jan. 18 ans, which is a collective which is huge. T.J. Lavin’s favourite: trivia. won six challenges and has creator Jonathon McMurray. Rolling Stone article, its The other new factor in Players are usually elevated claimed over $685,000. That’s what the show is ratings exceed those of to watch reality shows that the game is winners of the above water and thrown He’s a likely winner for this because viewers have been Sportscenter in the U.S., and favourite),are solely based but it’s off difficult cursing, loser’s challenge (whoever into the water when they current season too, having - shows like Survivor have loses the main challenge get three answers wrong. been in power positions ties of each player’s life and copied The Challenge’s idea The Challenge is consid- competes against a person For all adults who’ve been two to three times already therefor many through years the of theirdifficul life, to have themed seasons. fightingered a reality and sex. game show who was chosen by the rest to Sky Zone in St. Catha- in the season. says McMurray. A new view of mental illness You can thrive . . . with a little help SARAH SCHANDAL from your friends who have been with me Columnist throughout this. RICHA My parents always told me to make wonderful Advocating for mental BHOSALE memories from this time illnesses has become a Columnist and about how much they passion for me. As I was miss their school days. researching statistics for Slowly, I am getting the another piece I wrote, I It’s the time of my life same feeling. came across some alarming There was a time when facts about mental illnesses where I know that I won’t be able to live these mo- missing school used to be and employment rates. fun but now I try not to According to the Centre ments (school life) again. Within a couple of weeks miss any of the last days of for Addiction and Mental my school life and wish I Health (CAMH), people with I will be stepping forward into a new phase of my life. could extend this time. severe mental illnesses have Some people worry about unemployment rates as high One thing that doesn’t make me nervous is to their internship, or work- as 70 to 90 per cent. SUBMITTED PHOTO ILLUSTRATION know that I am not alone. ing in a real-life industry, or That means approximate- CAMH also says 64 per I worry about everything, best of my ability. whether they will get a job ly 175,000 full-time work- I have all my friends with cent of Ontario workers but I also have impeccable My grades speak for or not. ers are absent from work me on the same boat. would be concerned about critical thinking, problem- themselves, so I don’t think I think that is what the due to mental illnesses. But, are we ready to how their jobs would be solving and time manage- that my mental illness holds end of the school reminds So why is this demo- enter this new world out affected if their co-worker ment skills because of my me back from obtaining the us about: where we started graphic facing such high there? suffered from mental ill- “illness.” same or higher grades than and where we are now. unemployment rates? When I had completed nesses. People with mental ill- my classmates who don’t six months in Canada, I had My school didn’t just Well, it could have some- But mental illness nesses may have a harder suffer from mental illnesses. educate me academically thing to do with stigma. shouldn’t be seen as a weak- time with certain aspects of Society needs to become but rather it has taught Perhaps people with men- nervously, with all and ness in the workplace. their jobs but they shouldn’t more accepting of people needed helping hands to me how to deal with real- tal illnesses aren’t getting written my first column, I think many people are be regarded as any less than who struggle from illnesses correct me. life problems and situa- jobs because they are too afraid to tell their bosses their co-workers. that they cannot control, Today, here I am writing tions. afraid to speak up about the and co-workers about their I’ll admit that anxiety gets and support them instead another one but with all To all my friends who issues they face, and while illnesses because they know in the way of a lot of tasks of turning their heads when are getting ready to society is becoming a bit that they will be treated dif- I have in school, but at the people are brave enough correct myself. graduate soon, take a more accepting of mental ferently or seen as weak. end of the day I still come to talk about the struggles confidenceIn all this, and I would ready like to deep breath because at illnesses, we still have a I suffer from anxiety, out with my assignments in they face in their work to thank all my professors, the end, everything’s go- long way to go. which makes me very shy. on time and polished to the places and daily lives. my parents and friends

ing to be fine. Page 6 NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 Page 7 NATIONAL TEAM SLIDES INTO PORT COLBORNE

SmithBy MICHAEL HANEMAAYERfulfilling childhoodence gave him the opportunity dream to Special to the News see some of the skills they used and apply them in his plays today. afterCorbyn Smith, making 19, one of the it toSome final of those same roster men are his youngest players on the Canadian teammates today. sledge hockey team, started play- Smith’s coach, Ken Babey, says Smith is a promising young player years old. that the development team found. ingHe’s sledge now hockey one of thein 2003 players at whofive As a rookie player on the team, will be competing at the 2018 Para- Smith had a very good first year. lympic Games in Pyeongchang. Babey went on to say that Smith Smith had neuroblastoma on his is smart, executes good plays and spine when he was two years old, sets up passes well, and though which left him with very limited he’s shy, Smith would “do anything feeling in his leg. This made it for his teammates.” While Smith had some health could play. concerns earlier in the season, difficultIn 2003, to afind group a sport of friends that Smith in- his coach says that he has made a troduced Smith and his parents to strong recovery. sledge hockey. Babey says, “He’s a great addition “Growing up in the town I grew to our team, and we think that he up in, hockey was a big part of has a very bright future.” everything so, I mean, my parents The 19-year-old who went to just kind of dedicated themselves watch the Paralympics in 2010 will make the dream of compet- says Smith. ing in the Paralympics a reality by toSmith finding says a sport that thatgoing I couldto the play,” being one of the 17 sledge hockey - players to represent Canada in ment of a childhood dream. “I don’t Pyeongchang. Paralympicknow how old games I was, will it wasbe the in fulfill2010, “I kind of push my message and and my make-a-wish was actually that’s to, you know, never give up to go and watch the Paralympics in and to keep on keeping on, whatever Vancouver,” says Smith. “It means a you want to do; you know, follow lot to me.” your dream,” says Smith who thinks Members of the Canadian sledge hockey team watch their teammates practise at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre, in Port Colborne. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HANEMAAYER Smith says the experience was that its awesome that kids that see Corbyn Smith, 19, is one of the youngest “awesome” and that while he him may one day end up playing candidates to go with team Canada to the wasn’t very good at the time, sledge hockey. 2018 Paralympics. PHOTO BY MICHAEL watching the guys playing back “Find your passion and don’t give HANEMAAYER then was great, and the experi- up on it.” City ‘thrilled’ to host team’s training camp Sledge Hockey: A very brief history By LINDSAY TARRINGTON Special to the News

Canada’s National Sledge Hockey team has chosen Port By GUNCE AKPINAR There is a maximum length. They can only be Gunce Akpinar, Colborne as the home of their pre-Paralympic Games train- Special to the News one metre long,” says Dixon. left, learns what ing camp this winter. The stick’s angle against the ice is much it’s like to play Marshall Starkman, manager of sledge hockey with Hock- In 1961, a group of old hockey players in Swe- smaller than stand-up hockey sticks. sledge hockey ey Canada, says the team was looking for a location where den invented sledge hockey because they wanted There are picks on the bottom of the sticks to from Team Canada they could have a home and home series with Team USA. to continue playing hockey despite their lower dig into the ice. Players plug in the picks to sticks defenseman Adam body disabilities. by themselves. Firstly, they need to open two Dixon, right, in you’ve got this great new facility that’s sledge accessible, Each sledge-hockey player has a special sledge holes at the bottom of the stick, then they heat Port Colborne on that’s“The excited geographic to have fit uswas here great,” and says it gives Starkman. us a chance “Then to which accommodates his or her physical condi- it up to make it stronger. Before putting the Wednesday, Feb. introduce a new community to the sport.” tions. The sledge hockey player sits on a bucket, picks through there, they put the glue inside it. 7, 2018. PHOTO Team Canada’s practices have been taking place at the Vale and this bucket has two skate blades under it. The player, who uses the sled, has to use his BY LINDSAY Health and Wellness Centre. For beginner level players, these blades or her whole body. The balance and directions TARRINGTON Bryan Theal, events and sports co-ordinator at the centre, have a wider space between them, but are created by the bucket. They use sticks says some of the dressing rooms have accommodations with for professional players, the sled’s to be fast and to hit the puck. There is no wider showers and stalls for wheelchairs, clear panels that blades are closer to each other; in fact, break on the sled. The player has to use go along the boards so the players can still see the game they are almost one blade. the sticks to make a sharp turn or to stop. The length of the sled’s frame can be put down in the bench area. changes by player as well. There is while“We’ve on thebeen bench, thrilled benches to host are Team removable Canada andfor thisartificial train- ice a little plastic piece under the ing camp,” says Theal. “It’s been amazing, so we’re certainly foot rest. This little piece of proud to have them here.” plastic protects the feet from Port Colborne residents are also thrilled to be part of this the ice. experience. Local resident Linda Haakman has been to two The material the sticks of the team’s practices. Haakman recalls thinking sledge hockey was “really im- which makes them remark- pressive” when she came across it on television, and saying, areably made light. of is carbon fibre, “Oh my god, we have to go there!” when she saw it in the “The big difference be- paper on Tuesday. tween stand-up sticks and

a game against Team USA on Feb. 10. is we have two of them,” TeamMayor Canada John Maloney finished said training having camp the teamin Port in ColbornePort with sledgesays Dave sticks, Dixon, first Canadian thing Colborne is a plus for the city and its residents. sledge hockey team player. “It’s exciting and fun, and it will now receive world expo- The second difference is sure with the Paralympic teams,” says Maloney. “And we will the length of the sticks. have been right in the middle of it as we proceed into these “Obviously they’re shorter. games in Pyeongchang.” Members of the Canadian sledge hockey team watching their teammates practice at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre in Port Colborne. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HANEMAAYER Page 8 NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 NEWS Ford on ‘team of the people’ By BETH AUDET sign right on the border Staff Writer saying ‘Ontario is open for business.’” Doug Ford addressed a The rally came to be after standing-room-only crowd Bill Marr, owner of Gar- at Welland’s Royal Canadian rison Automotive in Fort Legion Branch 4 on Feb. 13, Erie, met Ford at a meet- to campaign for leadership and-greet in Hamilton last of Ontario’s Progressive Thursday. Ford handed over Conservative party. his cell phone number and In his 32-minute speech, returned the call, himself, he reprimanded Premier when Marr left a message Kathleen Wynne’s govern- asking him to come to ment for its high taxes, Welland. over-spending and billion- “I think Doug’s got a great dollar scandals, saying direction,” said Marr. “He’s 300,000 manufacturing jobs working for the regular were lost under “the Liberal person, the regular man and regime.” that’s what we need.” “We are suffocating in Joe Aubertin, a sales rep- debt, suffocating on taxes resentative for Century 21, and job-killing policies,” he said he supports Ford and said, adding many people believes there is a consen- are “making a choice be- sus among the crowd that tween heating and eating.” they need to “get Wynne Conversely, Ford prom- out.” ised to take care of front- Dave Wismer, owner of a line workers by lowering security company, said he taxes, decreasing spending, came to the rally to support providing “customer service Ford because: “He’s a man excellence” and “empower- of the people,” just like his ing the people instead of the late brother, Rob. government.” Ford spoke lovingly of his Amid hoots and hollers, father and his brother, both Ford told the crowd he’s on of whom have passed away. the “team of the people” and He said his dad grew up that Ontario’s work force during the depression and is great enough to compete “understood what it meant against anyone if given the to have nothing,” so he right environment. instilled a “hard work ethic” “Government doesn’t in him and Rob. create jobs, they create the “Public service was every- environment that creates thing to Rob,” said Ford, re- Ontario PC leader hopeful jobs,” he said. vealing that his brother was Doug Ford takes the still returning calls from his podium and addresses unexpected party race after constituents from the hospi- a standing-room-only formerFord findsPC leader himself Patrick in the tal before he passed. crowd at Welland’s Royal Brown resigned in Janu- “I’m sure he’s looking Canadian Legion Branch 4 ary because of two sexual down on us saying, ‘go give on Tuesday, Feb. 13. misconduct accusations. ‘em hell.’” PHOTO BY BETH AUDET Brown continues to deny He promised the Welland the claims. crowd he’ll come back to Acknowledging the visit once he’s premier, add- scandal, he said Ontario’s ing that “you never forget government is an “absolute your roots.” disaster” right now and Ford stuck around long people are “fed up.” He after his speech concluded, vowed to be the leader they to talk to and meet “the real need and to unite the PC folks” who came out. Ges- party to get Wynne out of turing to the rally’s impres- power. sive turnout, he said he feels Once they achieve that, he great about his chances. said he will “put a big neon “It’s all about the people.” NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 Page 9 NEWS ‘Ontario is in a hole and we need to stop digging’

Lisa Brown STAFF WRITER est (for) what’s in the best for all Ontario parties. interest of Ontarians today Two elaborated visions and for the future. she and the PC party have Ontario’s fiscal “mess” “Certain policy files aren’t are to produce better health needs to be cleaned up. easy, but we’re going to care by decreasing wait And Caroline Mulroney, have to work hard to undo times and reduce the strain daughter of former prime the mess that they’ve made. on emergency rooms. minister Brian Mulroney, is “But I come to it with She plans to allocate $1.9 hoping to be the one to lead private-sector experience.”- billion into a mental health the effort. - This experience comes care system. As a lawyer, Mulroney, a Progressive from working with differ she says she has seen first- Conservative party leader ent levels of government hand the difficulties with ship candidate and hopeful in Ontario and Michigan, mental health in the justice for Ontario premier, held and possessing a broad system. an event for her campaign background in economics They plan for 15,000 at Johnny Rocco’s Italian through financial, legal and long-term beds in the first restaurant in St. Catharines, charitable work. five years and 30,000 and Wednesday afternoon. - Mulroney spoke of a the first 10 years. One purpose for the “modern province” and “a “I think Doug Ford is the “Lunch with Caroline Mul generational change for best of the three, he just - roney” was to gain new PC Ontario.” happens to be a guy,” says - party members since only According to her website,- George Appleton of Beams two days remain to join Mulroney states that she ville regarding Ford’s likeli the party membership in will fight for young Ontar hood of winning against order to vote for the new PC ians. two female competitors leader on March 24. When asked what she including Christine Elliot. “Life is becoming more specifically plans to do Appleton said he believes and more unaffordable,” - for young Ontarians, she - Mulroney should run at a Mulroney said she heard responded: federal level instead of a from residents across On “We need to start train provincial level because of tario during house-to-house ing young people today for her experience through her visits. those jobs, so they’re able father. “Ontario is in a hole and to build the kind of future “I was never a fan of Brian we need to stop digging. that they want and not be Mulroney, but she seems People are hurting and too left without opportunity in genuine,” Appleton adds. - many are not getting the a few years.” - He says Ford is more help that they deserve,” says She says her goal is to “competent” with a “flaw Mulroney. make sure there are avail less” ability to speak to Ontario’s debt has able jobs today. the public and answer doubled. There’s $12 billion These kinds of jobs unfiltered questions in fine in annual interest expense, should pay good, living detail. - but Ontario taxpayers only wages so people can afford The only slight reference pay more for education and- their daily expenses. made to the sexual miscon healthcare. These jobs also should be duct claims of former PC Mulroney has been criti in the area where a person leader Patrick Brown was cized for her lack of political wants to live. part of Mulroney’s speech. experience, and so took an She added the jobs young “…Despite the chaos of the expected jab at Premier Ontarians have likely won’t last few weeks, we know Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal- be available in the future, so- that the election is crucial government for possessing an important conversation - to the future of Ontario,” too much political experi must be held between lead Mulroney said. ence. ers of business and technol “It doesn’t matter what “That’s why we’re in the ogy to understand whatGlobe the any man does, it’s going to mess that we’re in,” says economyand Mail will look like. be misconstrued if he says it Mulroney. Margaret Wente, a the wrong way. - When asked about the writer, wrote in a It’s not that I don’t believe criticism she has received column that Mulroney has a lot of women were sexual over her lack of political no vision for Ontario. ly assaulted in some places, experience and without Mulroney said during her but I also think they were bashing the opposition as a brief eight-minute speech- willing participants who response, she responded:- that she and the PC party when the outcome wasn’t “I’m going to bring a plan to spend taxing pay what they wanted then it’s completely different ap ing dollars better, reduce sexual assault,” says Niagara- proach to making policy.- taxes, offer more hospital Falls Reverend Lois Dix. I was working in a nice care, work with educational- A 30-year PC party mem job and raising my fam professionals and schools to ber, Dorothy Christie, said ily, and I couldn’t stand by meet current needs and bet she believes the PC leader while this government… - ter results as well as offer candidates need to attract was implementing policy in affordable child care. the GTA and dump Brown’s their short-term best inter Things we’ve heard before platform. “She has to start telling us what she wants and how she’s going to do it,” says Christie. About 150 people were in attendance with an -even ratio between women and men. The audience ap peared to be people 55 years or older. Some audience members said they believe it was hard to get a sense of what she’s about with such a short speech and no question- and-answer opportunity, opposite of what Ford did the night before, but some Ontario PC leadership candidate Caroline Mulroney think a woman may be the addressed a crowded ballroom at Johnny Rocco’s in necessary route for the -PC St. Catharines, on Wednesday, Feb. 14. party. PHOTO BY BETH AUDET Mulroney says she be lieves people should have the freedom to make their own choices and live their own lives. Page 10 NIAGARA NEWS • Feb.16, 2018 FEATURE Gardening 101: From pot to plate Some helpful tips to create your own small vegetable garden in pots, raised beds or in your backyard

By LISA BROWN Staff Writer - LOCATION

The first day of spring – March 20 – is less than five weeks away, so it’s an appropriate time to begin planning a veg etable garden. Seed planting in indoor pots for outside gardens should begin about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. The last frost date in St. Catharines ranges between May 11 to 30. • Crops need a minimum of six hours of sunlight. The Depending on your preference, different crops have different needs, and it’s important to pair crops that have similar more exposure the crops get the better because they will necessities. Also, if you’re a one or two-person family, consider planting vegetables in pots or a raised bed. grow to be bigger, tastier and in abundance. There’s mounting evidence on the benefits of horticulture therapy. Maintaining a garden reduces anxiety and stress, helps you sleep better, keeps your mind sharp and keeps you happy, decreases risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity, and may cut your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 50 per cent, just to name a few benefits. “The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul,” said English poet Alfred Austin. No occupation is so delightful to me “ as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. - FORMER” U.S. PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON

ENVIRONMENT

• Plant in a safe, stable environment far from where drought, flooding or high winds could factor in. Access to pollinating insects is crucial, too. • Weed continuously so your crops aren’t competing for resources with annoying weeds. This will also allow you to see problem areas when they start, so you can nip them in the bud (pun intended). • Insects don’t like chives, garlic and onions, so plant these vegetables among others.

SOIL SIZE

• You will need a mixture of compost, fertilizer, manure and soil. Pay attention to what type of soil you’re working • Start small! You don’t want to overproduce and have with on your property. Clay soils in the Niagara region too much on your plate too soon (pun intended… again).- will retain much more water and likely drown the crops. A 16x10 feet outside garden will feed a family of four for • A lot of a vegetable’s root activity occurs within the an entire summer with some produce left over for can first six inches of soil. Radishes, cabbage, broccoli, leafy ning or freezing. Starting in pots could be beneficial for a greens, onions, potatoes are considered shallow-rooted trial and error basis as an amateur gardener. vegetables that could occupy soil space for up to 18 inches. • It’s recommended that most potted vegetables have a minimum of 12 inches of soil.

LAYOUT

• To take advantage of sun exposure, rows should run north and south. • Don’t plant crops too close together because they will compete for nutrition, sunlight and water. • Keep a small pathway in between plants. • Set up wooden fencing around the garden.

VEGETABLES

• Crops that may yield more include beans, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, radishes, spinach. Peppers and tomatoes are also household favourites! - • High quality seeds make all the difference. WATERING • Some vegetables make good companions. A few pair ing choices to consider are beans and carrots, tomatoes - and onions, and cucumber and radishes. • Number of seeds to plant for crops per person: 15 • Don’t overwater but be wary of dry spells and tor seeds for carrots, seven seeds for radishes, four seeds for rential downpours in the hot summer months: July and sweet peppers, four seeds for tomatoes. Seed packages August. Continuously cultivate the soil in vegetable pots likely will tell you how much to plant. and gardens, alternating from top soil to about five to six • Remember that you want variety not necessarily inches below to ensure deep-root penetration. quantity. • Experts recommend about one to two inches of water • Stagger planting so you can enjoy the produce instead each week (unless there’s been heavy rain). of having an overabundance at once. • Water your plants in the morning to avoid cultivation. NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 Page 11 SPORTS IceDogs newcomer thriving By ALEX LUPUL Staff Writer - other guys.” With the end of the season,Miletic his had thir beend with impres the 2017-2018 OHL season sive for the Knights this within sight, the Niagara team that drafted him in the final round of the 2013 IceDogs find themselves draft, scoring 54 points in holding onto second place 35 games. in the competitive Central - As a result, Niagara had Division. tosending pay a significantthree second- price to Primed for another play acquire Miletic’s services,- off run with a roster full of - dynamic scorers leaves fans round picks (Peterbor with thoughts of playoff ough’s in 2018 and Ni hockey. But with plenty of agara’s in 2024 and 2025) gamesFor the left IceDogs, to play, nothingthe along with a third-round is guaranteed. pick in 2022 to London. inMiletic his new needed surroundings, little time perfect test arrived at the to become comfortable Meridian Centre on Feb. 8, as the Sault Ste. Marie scoring three points in his Greyhounds rolled into first game with the IceDogs. town.the OHL standings with Miletic entered the Sitting comfortably atop IceDogs’ game against the Greyhounds with a six- 89 points, and a playoff game point streak, which spot already guaranteed he extended to seven - is a reason for any team to games with a goal scored feel like coasting into the on Sault Ste. Marie’s Mat playoffs. Apparently, the The Niagara IceDogs celebrate a goal during a game versus the Soo Greyhounds, coming up short, losing 4-3. thew Villalta. In 13 games Greyhounds didn’t get the PHOTO BY ALEX LUPUL with his new team, he has memo. scored 12 goals and 20 Over the course of the points. first 41 minutes of play- the LondonWith 73 Knights points and this the Greyhounds dominated that seemed non-existent victory in reach as they hounds. since the team acquired season split between the play, scoring four unan duringThe IceDogs the first scored two periods three entered the final minute of While the loss wasn’t the him from the London swered goals, giving the of the game. play. result the team was looking Knights on Jan. 9. Niagara IceDogs, Miletic sits appearance of an easy win- - The game’s final whistle for, there was still plenty- to “We weren’t actively fourth in league scoring. for the OHL league-leaders. unanswered goals of their signaled the end of the - be excited about. trying to trade Sam,” said The Niagara IceDogs’ next But during the remain own from the sticks of Wil- game, and the end of the Miletic, scorer of Ni London General Manager hometakes ongame the will Owen be Soundheld ing 19 minutes of the final liam Lochead, Sam Miletic IceDogs’ hope for a come- agara’s second goal of the Rob Simpson, “(but) it’s a on Feb. 16, when the team period the IceDogs showed and Kirill Maksimov, put back. The final score was game, has been a bright chance for Sam to push and a renewed sense of urgency ting a come-from-behind 4-3 in favour of the Grey spot on the IceDogs’ roster to win like some of these Attack.

TYLER turning it over five times -a end, and this allows them O’BRIEN night.ages are off the charts to shut teams down and duringTheir this shooting recent percent stretch winthe offence ‘ugly’ games is running that they Columnist haven’t in the past. When - as well, with a slash line of smoothly, the Raptors can - 55/45/96, they are torch rely on their stout defence Raptors looking for playoffing the oppositions success defence. this season, something that The Toronto Raptors cur Teams have to gameplan to bodes well come playoff rently sit in first place in the control Derozan and Lowry, time, when the games get Eastern conference, a half and in the past slowing more physical and the refs of a game ahead of Kyrie those two down has been- putLooking their whistles Forward: away, Irving’s Boston Celtics. From enough to beat the Raptors, calling less fouls. opening night of this NBA but this season is differ season, the Raptors have ent. The bench doesn’t just The Raptors now have been reaping the benefits of maintain leads, they extend the ingredients to be a real a subtle culture change that leads and essentially give contender to come out of took place this off-season. theDefence: opposition no chance to the Eastern Conference has had great success in For the second straight For the past two seasons, Demar Derozan has spearheaded the Raptors culture change that has led to more get back into a game. and compete with the the isolation-heavy offence wins and hopefully more playoff success than in the past. SUBMITTED PHOTO Golden State Warriors in - the NBA championship. All the regular season, but was year, the Raptors are the- they have to do is maintain never consistent enough for only team in the Associa this style of play, and not post-season success. Demar major reasons this season - Looking at the latest strongBench: play in recent big tion to boast a top 10 of fall back into Derozan and Derozan has spearheaded may end with the Raptors blow-outs of the other games. fence and a top 10 defence. Lowry trying to shoulder the change in philosophy playingAll-Stars in the Trusting NBA champi Team- top-tier teams in the East, it Second in the league the scoring load when which sees the Raptors shoot mates:onship: wasn’t Derozan and Lowry Fred Van Vleet, Delon with 6.0 blocks a game, to games get close down the more three-point attempts, leading the charge. During- Wright, CJ Miles, Pascal go along with 8.3 steals a stretch. and pass the ball more. the Raptors 133-99 win Siakam and Jakob Poeltl game, the Raptors force A team-oriented game This season, the number Demar Derozan and Kyle over the Cleveland Cava have been exceptional as a the other team to turn the has pushed this team over of three-point shots the Lowry are the straw that liers, Fred Van Vleet led the 5-man unit of late, allowing ball over a bunch. With the hump, winning games Raptors attempt has jumped stirsare deferring the drink to for their this run- team, team in scoring with 20 the Raptors to rest their a turnover differential of- in a variety of ways this- to 33 per game, 10 more but unlike the past, they points, while three other starters more, something -1.8, they’re second in the season,ing their something rise through that the attempts per game than last bench players scored in that should pay off going league in turnover differ has not happened dur season. They also average ningshots mates, this season trusting and them it has double figures. forward into the playoffs. ential. four more assists per game to take, and make, the big The same can be shown The Raptors have won Jakob Poeltl, Pascal NBA. Gone are the days of this season compared to last.- during the Raptors 111-91 their last five, and the bench Siakam and Serge Ibaka - Demar Derozan willing his This system change has been paying off. win over the Celtics, where is the main reason for have shut down the paint, team to victory, and now them looking like real con The Raptors have eleven three bench players scored the latest winning streak. while newcomers OG An the Raptors, as a whole, tenders, having blown out players averaging six points- in double figures, including Over the last five games, nouby and CJ Miles have are dismantling anyone in Boston and Cleveland, the or more, which will be a CJ Miles scoring 20. the bench has averaged added two more quality their path. Now it is time perennial favourites of the NBA record for most play The Raptors’ two stars are 56 points a game, over perimeter defenders to - to stay together and trust Eastern Conference, in the ers on one team averaging trusting their teammates, 14 assists, and nearly 20 go along with Kyle Lowry. their new system en route past month. six or more points for a full something those bench rebounds. They also take They are focused and dis to what appears to be a The following are some season. players deserve with their care of the basketball, only ciplined on the defensive deep playoff run. Page 12 NIAGARA NEWS • Feb. 16, 2018 Page 13 THE ULTIMATE SKATING MOM From the ICU to the podium: With the support of her mother, figure skater Kirsten Moore-Towers is The Mark McMorris story representing Canada at the Olympics pics. Anyone who looks at what he BY APRIL HOUNSOME get off the ice and they’re happy help but be inspired. Staff Writer with what they put out there then AUSTIN BROAD accomplishedHe may not havein Pyeongchang won the gold can’t medal, he may not have been the we’re happy for them.” Columnist There’s no love like the kind you But the journey the last few years get from your mother. Sherry Tow- hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. ers is the mom of Kirsten Moore- While living in Montreal to train, highest-rankedsilver medal) but Canadian McMorris, in thein my Towers, the 25-year-old Olympic Kirsten suffered a stage 3 concus- event (Max Parrot took home the sion in August 2016, which kept Mark McMorris is more than Olympics. her off the ice for four months and an amazing snowboarder. He is a view,He shouldis the Canadian be praised hero for ofwhat the he figureSouth Koreaskater tofrom support St. Catharines, her daugh- suffering symptoms for eight. accomplished and in my opinion he andter this she’s year. flown to Pyeongchang, “It doesn’t matter how old your McMorris is an Olympian, the “My husband and I, we went to children are,” says Sherry. “(As a Canadianformer bronze icon. medallist (2014) the closing ceremonies. Sochi four years ago,” says Sherry. mother) you are always worried has won numerous medals at the shouldIn March be Canada’s of 2017 flagMcMorris bearer suf- at “Of course, it’s incredibly expen- about their health, their safety, X-Games, and can add another fered a fractured jaw, left arm, ribs sive to do these kinds of things their future, about all aspects. It olympic medal to his trophy case. and pelvis on top of a ruptured and we said it was our once in a affected me that way, just with a McMorris took third place in the spleen and collapsed left lung, and lifetime trip.” lot of worry and the uncertainty of Men’s Slopestyle snowboarding managed to recover and qualify for But when Kirsten and her part- how I could help Kirsten to come event at the 2018 Winter Olympics. the Olympics less than a year later. ner Michael Marinaro were named to terms with what she was going The 24-year-old almost died in Only special athletes can win through, because her future in March of 2017 after crashing into medals at the Olympics. called her husband. skating was uncertain.” a tree. And it takes an amazing athlete to“When Team Canada we talked in January, about it Sherrywe There were good days and bad He spent time in the Vancouver decided, you know what, we would days, which occasionally mixed intensive care unit recovering. world, and McMorris did just that. make it happen no matter what we when Kirsten would push her- Now less than a year later he is to finish among the best in the had to do.” self too hard. Though Sherry felt an Olympic medallist, and a role means to be an amazing athlete. And they’ve made it, with the trip powerless to help, she says Kirsten But McMorris redefined what it mostly covered by a GoFundMe pushed through and came back inspiration from. to the Olympic podium in under a page for the Towers family. with a “deeper love of the sport.” model who all Canadians can draw year, He no went one from else ain Vancouver his sport can ICU Sherry, who was overwhelmed Sherry described the months as a the faces of snowboarding, rivalling say that. by the generosity of the donors, “growing opportunity” in Kirsten’s AmericanThe Canadian superstar has becomeShaun White one of - her husband Mark and daughter career. for one of the most famous athletes dian story of the Olympics, he is the Katie landed in South Korea not “We’ve always had a very close in the sport. storyMcMorris of the entireis not only2018 the Olympic Cana relationship,” Sherry says. “I always - games regardless of what happens to cheer Kirsten on at her second say to her, before she competes, an story of the 2018 Winter Olym- between now and Feb. 25. longOlympic after Games. the start of Pyeongchang ‘Gunpowder and lead. Show ‘em McMorris is the greatest Canadi “She knew when she went to what you got. Leave it all out there the last Olympics that she really on the ice.’” Snowboarder Mark McMorris won the bronze medal in Men’s needed to go back,” says Sherry. Sherry further described their Slopestyle at the 2018 Winter Olympics SUBMITTED PHOTO relationship as a close connection this year that it would be set in in which they often think and say stone.It wouldn’t be until January of the same things at the same time. “At around midnight they got the Kirsten previously competed in Sochi 2014 with former partner the next morning that it was a sure Dylan Moscovitch. officialthing. By call. that I didn’t point findit was out kind until of They won silver in the Team Career Medals anticlimactic because we kind of knew the day before.” in the free skate of the pairs divi- The moment was still extra- Event after competing for Canada special, because there’d been no - guarantee Kirsten and Michael sion.da’s overall They finished score. second and Olympics earned nine points toward Cana “The way we’ve approached her with 65.68 points in the short pro- Gold: 0 wouldcareer makeis that it whatever to Pyeongchang. happens gramKirsten on Feb. and 13 Michael and 11 finished in the free 13 we are there to support her,” says skate with a total of 198.11 points Sherry Towers has always told her daughter Kirsten Moore-Towers that she supports her with her career. SUBMITTED PHOTO Sherry. “When she and her partner Silver: 0 on Feb. 14 at Pyeongchang 2018. Figure skating the gateway sport to loving winter Olympics Bronze: 2 their partners in the air. I couldn’t World Championships SARAH help but to gasp loudly in a weird royal blue went with her com- combination of awe and horror. Oh byplexion France’s perfectly Vanessa and James. the glittery That SCHANDL my god, is he going to drop her? Is detailing going down the side was Gold: 0 Columnist she going to land it properly? eye-catching in the best way. She In March of 2017 McMorris was in the Intensive Care Unit with near I found myself on the edge of my looked stunning. In a sport where life-threatening injuries. SUBMITTED PHOTO seat, my face inches away from the the costume counts, this one was Silver: 1 livestream playing on the laptop in “on point” in the best way possible. I have a confession to make - front of me. I was mainly looking out for until last night I’ve never paid any My stomach dropped whenever Bronze: 0 attention to the winter Olympics. a competitor lost their balance, or Moore-Towers and her partner I don’t have a sporty bone in my they couldn’t get their landings just St.Michael Catharines Marinaro. native And Kirsten they did body. I’ve never watched or played right. not disappoint. Well, except for sports, so I’ve managed to avoid I sat there with April for the when Michael fell. Other than that, anything Olympic-related my entire whole duration of the live stream, their routine was fabulous. I found life. only getting up to take bathroom myself yelling at the computer X Games But everything changed as I sat at breaks, or to grab a freshly made with every jump and throw. It was my kitchen table with my room- piece of chocolate cake from the Gold: 7 mate, April Hounsome, wrapped in guy who lives upstairs. were also on point - a simple red a blanket eating cookie dough ice April is a huge fan of the Olym- prettydress for exciting. her and FYI: black Their for outfits him. cream while watching the world’s pics overall and she knows a lot They looked elegant and classy – Silver: 6 their short programs. I fell in love. questions: How does the scoring - bestI was pairs captivated figure skating by the teams grace do aboutwork? figureDo they skating. get paid I had to doa lot this? of urehow skating Canadian. just might be my gate- Bronze: 3 and elegance of the skaters. They How long have those two been wayThe drug pairs to shortthe winter program Olympics. for fig I skating together? I had to know the rink, so poised and so passion- more. This sport is incredible. I’m all ready to go. Valentine’s Day French figure skater Vanessa James and her partner Morgan Cipres skate at the 2018 Winter Olympics lookedate. like they were floating over I was also fascinated by the can’tcupcakes, wait tocookie tune doughin for theice finals.cream, McMorris has 19 career medals in international competition. SUBMITTED PHOTO When the men started throwing costumes. My favourite was worn blankets and all. SUBMITTED PHOTO Total Career Medals: 19 Page 14 NIAGARA NEWS • Feb.16, 2018 FEATURE Toronto hosts Fashion Week Toronto’s Yorkville Village welcomes designers, as Fashion Week arrives

BY STEFANIA CAMPANA signs,” said McQuade, who Staff Writer wore a navy trench coat, a light-brown sweater and a Toronto’s much antici- red beret in his walk down pated Fashion Week kicked the runway. off on Feb. 5 in Yorkville Founded in 1999 by the Village, Toronto’s fashion Fashion Design Council of destination. Canada, Toronto Fashion The event ran from Feb. Week quickly became a 5 to Feb. 7, and saw 15 Ca- place for Canadian design- nadian designers showcase ers to have an opportunity their fall fashion looks. to have their designs show- Yorkville Village was cased for the public to see. transformed into a centre Since then, Toronto for fashion welcoming Fashion week has been designers, makeup artists, partnering with multiple hairstylists and admirers corporations to make the from all over Canada. event as notable as New This year all the clothing York Fashion Week. that was being showcased Unfortunately, Toronto’s was already available for Fashion Week has not purchase in stores. always had an easy run. The Cameron McQuade a issue of funding has always 21-year old model, from seemed to follow this event, Niagara Falls who walked in for the event in previous the MAYER MAN show said, years has lacked local sup- “you’ve got hair and make- port. up going, you’ve got people Every year new Canadian trying on clothes behind the designers are sought out scenes, before the shows and chosen to showcase even started, everyone’s just their work. Fashion week is doing their thing. It’s very not only about the clothes positive, everyone’s excited, but about, music, culture everyone’s ready to show and art as well. It is a plat- up because everyone has an form for all Canadian artists important job, and everyone to shine. that’s attributing their work Designers featured at this will be shown.” year’s fashion week were: This year’s trend among Andrew Coimbra, Chris- the designers was “street topher Bates, Eleventy, style,” a more laid-back Hayley Elsaesser , HEN- Top left: Cameron McQuade modeling for Mayer Man, take on fashion. Street style DRIXROE, Hilary MacMillan Top right: Mani Jassal and models. has taken over the fashion , Mani Jassal, MAYER MAN, Bottom left: Tara Rivas and models world in recent years. Narces, Nonie, PEDRAM Bottom right: Models walking for Hendrixroe. This look allows comfort KARMI , Triarchy, UNTTLD SUBMITTED PHOTOS with high fashion. This , WILSTUDIOS and WRK- DEPT. For more information on includes“I feel like less the fitted theme clothes was the designers and Toronto and looser fitted clothing. Fashion Week go to toron- European style and de- tofashionweek.to. very highly influenced from Junos nominees cause confusion and concern BY APRIL HOUNSOME proceeded to give a stun- entitled “…Ready for It?” to hint of an upcoming album. Staff Writer ning speech at the end. excited fans. Post Malone’s A better choice would be International Album of someone like Liam Payne, the Year however, is made single, but “Fall Apart” is the Niall Horan, Harry Styles the general range for the up of albums from 2016- “Whitesong that’s Iverson” still making is the first the or Louis Tomlinson. The for- nominees’First things releases first – from why is 17. Between ÷ (Divide) rounds. Lamar’s “Humble” mer members of One Direc- 1980 to the present? This by Ed Sheeran (2017), is the song everyone knows, tion have released singles gap seems a little wide. reputation by Taylor Swift and for good reason. Mars’ and/or albums in the last The Juno’s released their (2017), Stoney by Post songs “Versace on the year. Those who’ve released nominee list last Tuesday, Malone (2016), DAMN. by Floor” and “What I Like” albums (Payne and Tomlin- which revealed artists that Kendrick Lamar (2017) quickly became popular, son) are set to release their were considered some of and 24K Magic by Bruno with the latter becoming albums this year. the best and the ones who Mars (2016), it’s going to Kevin Pillar’s, the Toronto Our Canadian pride were overlooked. be a hard decision to pick a should beam with this next In the Single of the Year choice for when he walks up category, which spans from released hit singles that Blueto the Jays’ plate. outfielder, song of for Group of the Year. The 1980 to the present, one cleartopped winner. the charts. All five artists Why is Justin Bieber oneband – releasedHedley is their nominated album of the key nominees not Sheeran released “Shape nominated for the Fan Cageless with their song mentioned is Logic. The of You”, “Castle on the Choice award? The singer “Love Again” paving the rapper absolutely domi- Hill” and “Perfect”, which hasn’t been on the radar way. They haven’t been nated in 2017, starting with he made several versions lately, though he was in the mentioned a lot, but their the release of his hit song of, including a duet with remix for “Despacito” which second song has made the “1-800-273-8255” which Beyoncé. Swift shocked was the summer song of rounds on the radio waves. features Alessia Cara. The everyone with “Look What 2017. His last album Pur- The Juno Awards week is two performed the song at You Made Me Do” and then pose released in November happening March 19-25, in Canadian band Hedley. SUBMITTED PHOTO the MTV VMAs, where Logic released her follow up 2015, and there’s been no Vancouver.