Gingerbread houses see page 16 Jr. B hockey see pages 24, 25 International students enjoy gingerbread party Professors reject contract By STEVE FRANCIS their offer,” said Rosen. Staff Writer Management did not wish to com- Niagara College’s full-time teachers ment, saying they did not want to rejected management’s latest contract “interfere” with the negotiation offer in a vote Nov. 29. process. Of the college’s 291 eligible vot- The central issues are workload distri- ers, 167 voted, with 92.73 per cent bution and salary, two key issues from of voters rejecting the offer. the previous round of negotiations. College teachers in Ontario have Workload issues include time been working since Aug. 31 without credit for out-of-class assistance for a contract, and if no agreement is students, which Bob Rae’s 2004 reached a strike vote could be held report on post-secondary education as soon as February, but no later says is lacking. than March 7, 2006. Across the Currently, full-time faculty are province, nearly 96 per cent of fac- required to make themselves avail- ulty rejected the offer. able for students three hours a From left, English for Academic Preparation program students Suk Woo Lee, 23, and Sheri Rosen, president of Ontario week, outside of the regular class Sang-Hyun Lee, 25, both from Korea, are enjoying making a gingerbread house at the Public Service Employees Union hours. The union is pushing for four International Christmas party at the college’s Welland campus cafeteria on Dec. 4. Local 242, says she’s “surprised” that hours, and management wants the Photo by Takahide Eguchi number isn’t higher. hours posted and clearly defined. “There was absolutely nothing in Continued on page 2 Niagara students brave cold for homeless awareness By KAESHA FORAND food for those in need in Welland. Staff Writer Scott Hogendoorn, 18, from Jordan, With her handmade orange knitted volunteers at Out of the Cold in St. scarf wrapped around her neck and Catharines. He says he sees people in glowing rosy cheeks, Sarah McCleary need of warm clothes during the winter. was bundled up to spend a frigid night Hogendoorn said the night had a “posi- outside. tive response” and “a good turnout.” On Dec. 6, Police Foundations stu- This initiative was the first of its dents camped outside the Mackenzie kind, and was implemented by a group building at the Niagara College Welland of Police Foundations students who are campus as a part of their Jackets for the part of the Student Initiative Club. The Cold initiative. About 20 students club’s goal is to create awareness and braved frigid 15-degree Fahrenheit tem- raise funds for local charities. Jackets peratures and carefully sipped Tim Hor- for the Cold is organized in collabora- tons coffee. tion with Pastor Robert Bond who As winter approaches, less fortunate works at the Welland County General and homeless people need warm clothes Hospital and has ties to both organiza- to survive. tions. Students spent the night “to gain a Jesse Edsall, 18, a member of the Stu- perspective of those less fortunate who dent Initiative Club and first-year have to do it on a daily basis and to feel Police Foundations student from Pel- what they [homeless people] feel, go ham, said he plans to continue the through, what it takes to be warm,” said fundraiser next year and extend its James Marshello, 23, of Fort Erie. reach to contributing to the wider com- They promoted awareness of people munity. in need during the winter nights in “I think it’s important that awareness Police Foundations students spent the night outside the Mackenzie Building at the Welland. Students collected sleeping is raised because there are so many Welland campus as a part of their Jackets for the Cold fundraiser. Clockwise from front bags and blankets to be donated to Hope homeless people in the world and I House and clothes will be donated to St. think that people can help out by donat- left are James Marshello, Sarah McCleary, Karen Campagiorni, Jesse Edsall, Vanessa Vincent De Paul. ing old clothing and it helps out a lot, Goldfinch, Tara Bolstad and Nicholas McMillan. All hold blankets and coats that will be Hope House provides refuge and St. every little bit helps,” said Tara Bol- donated to local non-profit organizations. Vincent De Paul provides clothes and stad, 21, of Canfield. Photo by Kaesha Forand Page 2, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 After 24 years Raising donations Bartlett leaves library By ANDY BURT her for 24 years. Staff Writer “The students really liked her,” says Kerr. Niagara College said a quiet goodbye to “Everyone was really upset on her last day.” Sue Bartlett on Nov. 3. Irene Masun, a library technician, says she Bartlett, formerly the library services co- misses Bartlett’s presence and enjoyed ordinator at the Welland campus Learning working with her. Resource Centre (LRC), was with the col- “We got along really well on a profession- lege for 24 years. al and personal level. She created a pleasant “The LRC staff will miss Sue’s warm per- working environment,” says Masun, who sonality, her laughter, her practical and worked with Bartlett since 1997. thoughtful approach to building LRC ser- Another of Bartlett’s long time co-work- vices,” says Trish Labonte, director of teach- ers, Laureen Ventnor, a library technician, ing and learning resources at Niagara Col- worked with Bartlett for 24 years. She said it Police Foundations program students display some of the items that were donat- lege, in a recent e-mail. was a “great experience.” Two things she ed for their Jackets for the Cold fundraiser. The students spent Tuesday night out- Sandy Kerr, a library technician at the says she’ll miss about Bartlett are her smil- side the Mackenzie building at the Welland campus. (See page 1 for story.) Welland campus LRC, says students and ing face and her outgoing personality with staff will miss Bartlett. Kerr worked with the staff and students. Photo by Kaesha Forand Union remains hopeful College remembers Continued from page 1 the faculty would “never go for a four-year In other issues, management wants to agreement.” remove the cap on the number of course sec- The union newsletter says management’s tions. The cap is six, and teachers have to proposal will leave college teachers’ salaries John Muggeridge voluntarily agree to teaching more than the at a lower level than high school teachers’ six sections. salaries. He was one of the most distin- defunct The Idler magazine. The faculty negotiation team proposed a The newsletter also states college faculty guished faulty members ever to have Muggeridge was born on the out- deal with 4.5 per cent increases in salary in salaries are $36,000 lower than their univer- taught at Niagara College. skirts of London, England. He studied each of two years. Rosen said the teachers sity counterparts. John Muggeridge, 72, died last week at Jesus College in Cambridge and would like a deal that keeps them ahead of Faculty and management had previously in Toronto. He is survived his by wife after his graduation he came to Cana- the rate of inflation. agreed to use high school and university fac- and four grown children, John, Charles, da in the mid-1950s, starting a new Management countered with a four-year ulty salaries as the key comparator for Matthew and Roslind. career in Corner Brook, N.L. contract offer, which would see salary wages. Muggeridge taught at Niagara Col- He held a master’s degree in Cana- increases of two per cent in each of the first “If you look at the rate of inflation, what lege from Aug. 18, 1969, to Aug. 30, dian history from the University of two years, increasing to 2.25 and 2.5 per cent high school and university teachers have 1995. He taught English literature and Toronto. He taught history and French in the third and fourth year respectively. gotten, it’s not hard to see what it’s going to composition and Canadian Studies at at Ridley College in St. Catharines in The four-year contract proposal was a take to get an agreement.” the college. the early 1960s and then at Earl Haig break from past negotiations, in which two- Still, Rosen says she remains hopeful for He was the son of British journalist Secondary School in Toronto before and three-year contracts have been the norm. an agreement preventing the need for a strike and author Malcolm Muggeridge. coming to Niagara College. Rosen opposed the four-year offer, saying in February or March 2006. A writer himself, Muggeridge His famous father died in 1990. would frequently contribute book Muggeridge’s life was celebrated at reviews to The Globe and Mail in a Latin mass at St. Vincent de Paul Toronto. He wrote regularly for the Church in Toronto last week.

David Davies David Davies, who retired as vice- ed Kingdom. president academic at Niagara College The Davies immigrated to Canada in in 1996, died on Friday, Dec. 2, in 1967. David enjoyed an extensive career Welland. He was 66. here. Following retirement, he and his He is survived by his wife of 40 years, wife taught overseas, travelled exten- Joan, who was also a Niagara College sively and sailed their boat down the faculty member; his children, Jenny East Coast. (Reed) and Alun Miles; his son-in-law Friends are invited to an open house on Shane; his grandson Thomas; and his Saturday, Dec. 10, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gillian in the Common Room of Lookout Vil- and Bob Shearer and family in the Unit- lage, 190 Regional Rd. 20, in Fonthill. SAC holds ceremony for Remembrance Day veterans By SHERI WEBBER at home to ration gasoline and food and ÞÊȘViÀiÊLiÃÌÊ܈à iÃÊ̜Ê>Ê Staff Writer who now humbly acknowledged the acco- ÃÌÕ`i˜ÌÃÊ>˜`ÊÃÌ>vvÊvœÀÊ>ÊÜ>À“]Ê It was a day for giving recognition where lades. it’s deserved. A number of servicemen and service- Ã>viÊ>˜`Ê«i>VivÕÊ œˆ`>ÞÊÃi>ܘ°Ê The Student Administrative Council at women who attended the Remembrance ʏœœŽÊvœÀÜ>À`Ê̜ÊÃiiˆ˜}ÊޜÕʈ˜Ê the Glendale campus in Niagara-on-the- Day celebration at the Glendale campus Lake, for the first time at Niagara Col- were from Royal Canadian Legion Ì iʘiÜÊÞi>ÀÊÀi‡i˜iÀ}ˆâi`Ê>˜`Ê lege, arranged an on-campus ceremony to branches throughout the Niagara Region, mark Remembrance Day. including Niagara Falls Naval and Nia- Ài>`ÞÊvœÀÊÃÕVViÃð Organizers started planning in mid- gara-on-the-Lake Legion. Among the October for the national day of recogni- attendees were Mina Graham, Clint Page, tion, which was especially meaningful in Christine Draper, Michael Topolinsky, this Year of the Veteran. Jack Bates, Peter Albright and Doug Niagara College President Dan Patter- Shearn. son was among the speakers who In addition, military weaponry was dis- >˜Ê*>ÌÌiÀÜ˜Ê described the appreciation he and many played on the campus grounds through others feel to those who died so young, the efforts of the Lincoln and Welland *ÀiÈ`i˜Ì who supported the troops through efforts Regiment, based in St. Catharines. news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 3 Groundbreaking new addition for Skills Centre

Niagara College broke ground last week automotive, construction, and mechanical on a $2-million addition to its Technology machining program areas. The addition, Skills Centre at the Welland campus, offi- scheduled for completion in September cially launching a project that will bring all 2006, will accommodate the Mechanical of its technology engineering programs onto Engineering Technician and Technologist one campus. programs, as well as the Construction Engi- The 10,500-square-foot addition is an neering Technology-Architecture program. important part of a $3.5-million investment The project will also include the construc- aimed at upgrading facilities and equipment tion of a Laser Machining Lab Programma- to allow for the consolidation of all ble Logic Controller (PLC) Lab. advanced technology programs at the James A. Brown Ltd., of Stevensville, is Welland campus. completing the construction of the Technol- The Niagara College Student Administra- ogy Skills Centre. tive Council (SAC) has committed “The consolidation of all technology pro- $250,000 toward the project. grams at the Welland campus, combined Niagara College President Dan Patterson with upgrades in equipment facilities, will praised the project:”This important invest- allow for cross-disciplinary interaction ment at our Welland campus will strengthen between programs and the shared use of our ability to deliver top-quality technology equipment and technology,” Dr. Christine programs,” Patterson says in a college press Bradaric-Baus, dean of technology, said in a release. “It will move us closer to our goal college press release. “This collaborative of becoming an internationally recognized approach mirrors industry and will help us technology centre of excellence that pro- produce the broadly skilled graduates that duces highly skilled graduates for the man- employers are looking for.” To represent a partnership of efforts, it was shovels in the ground for the expansion ufacturing and technology sectors. Niagara College is seeking to raise $1 of the Technology Skills Centre on Nov. 24 at the college’s Welland campus. On “We are investing in assets that will con- million in private funding as part of the hand for the big dig were, from left, James Brown, president of James A. Brown Ltd., tribute to the workforce and economic $3.5-million investment. who will be the principal contractor; Mike Scott, vice-chair of Niagara College’s board development of Niagara, Ontario and The enhanced facilities and equipment of governors; Niagara College President Dan Patterson; Dr. Christine Bradaric-Baus, beyond.” will allow the college to accommodate a 50 dean of the Technology and Skills Training division; Student Administrative Council The Technology Skills Centre at the per cent increase in enrolment in its tech- President Blake Turner, Welland campus; and Welland Mayor Damian Goulbourne. Welland campus is home to the college’s nology programs to more than 800 students. Photo by Drew Lougheed College student turned teacher OPSEU By NATALIE TOROSIAN Asked about the many challenges he myself.” Staff Writer faces as a young professor, Taylor said In spite of these unexpected issues, The Electronics Engineering Techni- his biggest challenge was getting used the experience has taught him a lot opposes parole cian program has a new professor this to referring to his former teachers as about how much work is put into this year. Josh Taylor is teaching the Test “colleagues” and his friends as program to make the whole educational Equipment course, a year two require- “pupils.” experience worthwhile. transfer ment for graduation. “Also having to mark 15 labs instead The former branch president of the You may recognize the 25-year-old of writing one is more time consuming Institute of Electronic/Electrical Engi- By ELISABETH BAILEY from last year when he attended the col- than I had expected. The more senior neers has passed on the torch to a new Staff Writer lege ... as a student. professors make it look so easy.” He and capable group of students but still The Ontario government is proposing to transfer Having just obtained his diploma in adds he has a newfound respect for his remains involved as much for the con- the Ontario parole system to the federal govern- May 2005, he was asked to teach as a former professors turned co-workers. tacts as for the cheap pizza. ment’s jurisdiction. result of his “excellent student qualifi- “Another problem I have is teaching For now, he says, he is looking for- The move is meant to save the province $3 million cations.” students my age and still coming across ward to gaining more “real-world expe- and prevent redundancy in the parole system. He finished in the top three of his as knowledgeable and experienced rience” outside of the college before The Ontario Public Service Employees Union program last year. when I’m still new to the information continuing his teaching career. (OPSEU) opposes the proposal, saying it would endanger citizens in Ontario communities because the federal system would be lenient on dangerous offenders. Skills Centre opening doors for three students The OPSEU website says the Ontario Parole and Early Release Board refuses 80 per cent of parole By EDMOND YEBOAH framework,” says Sirone. He says Chrysler and Mercedes applicants and the National Parole Board refuses 41 Staff Writer are the companies he would like to work for in the future. per cent of applicants. Students at the Skills Centre at the Welland campus are Abdul Ewais says he would like to open his own shop The new proposal would have the National Parole working hard as the semester comes to an end. For three and be his own boss. Ewais, 23, from St. Catharines, is fin- Board responsible for parole applications and Correc- students, the two-year Motive Power Techniques program ishing his second year. tional Service Canada responsible for the supervision is slowly coming to an end also. “The Motive Power Techniques program is good if you Keith Hodgson, 20, of St. Catharines, is in his second are interested in becoming a mechanic, but it is really laid of parolees. year of the program at Niagara College’s Welland campus. back,” says Ewais. “(I) knew a lot about cars beforehand A rally was held on Oct. 13 at Queen’s Park by Hodgson says the first year was “filled with lots of work,” through books and high school classes, but it is an easy pro- OPSEU. Two of those who attended were Garfield Dun- adding the first year was really helpful. gram.” lop, Progressive Conservative MPP for Simcoe North, “We now understand what we are doing,” says Hodgson, Ewais says he got into the program because his dad and and Peter Kormos, NDP MPP for Niagara Centre. who is now looking to start his apprenticeship. his “old friend” Shams Nasser encouraged him to become Gino Arcaro, co-ordinator of Niagara College’s “General Motors (GM) is my first choice,” says Hodg- a mechanic. He got experience during his co-op placement Police Foundations and Law and Security Adminis- son. He is aware of the recenat announcements of plant in his first year, but, he says, the experience he received had tration programs, says there are two sides to the issue. closings by GM. “nothing to do with my program.” Arcaro says federalizing the Ontario parole system “I am more interested in the dealership work, fixing “[The co-op] mostly involved cleaning up and giving would create more uniformity, but provinces have a newer cars,” he added. He says he has always wanted to people rides,” says Ewais. better ability to relate to the community and public become a mechanic. The experience gained through Nia- Although he enjoys the program, Ewais says it is a “real- gara College’s program should help. ly basic learning experience. The program is lacking equip- safety is generally community-based. “The teachers are very knowledgeable,” says Anthony ment,” he says. “I would rather pay an extra fee in order to “Research is needed to see which system, federal Sirone. “They have been in the field for decades, so they have more updated equipment and tools.” or provincial, is best suited to serve the specific need have lots of experience.” Sirone, 21, of Burlington, is also Among the other things, Ewais says the Skills Centre is of the community.” in his second year. He says he wanted to get away from “lacking girls,” as the programs offered there attract most- Arcaro says of Ontario parole workers, “They are home, making Niagara College his first choice. Sirone says ly male applicants. the experts. They should be heard. Their experience his best memory of first year was taking apart a Mustang. He says he is looking forward to graduating and starting is invaluable.” “I would like to specialize in welding, mainly body and a new job. Page 4, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 SAC hosts auction Firefighters at NC By ROBIN HEALEY dale campus director of student lar prize” is a penalty-free Staff Writer affairs, who is in charge of the extension for late assignments. You could walk away with an food drive. The club wants to raise enough Xbox today, or you could be “If you need the food, come SAC bucks to buy an item at the going to Montreal for New to the office and contact us,” auction for a needy family. Year’s Eve. says Finucan in a telephone “We’re always looking for The video game system and interview. She is a second-year food,” adds Eybel, who is a sec- the trip are two of the many Business Administration – ond-year Tourism Marketing items open for bidding at a Human Resources (Co-op) stu- and Operations (Co-op) student, silent auction being held at Nia- dent and notes SAC arranges from Grimsby. He mentions gara College’s Student Admin- anonymous pickups for stu- that the SAC food bank collects istrative Council (SAC) at the dents who are embarrassed non-perishable food throughout Glendale campus, in Niagara- about using the SAC food bank. the year. on-the-Lake. She says people who give Finucan, from North Augus- The auction, which cele- two items receive one SAC ta, Ont., near Brockville, says brates the end of the SAC buck and get two SAC bucks the food bank collects toiletries Glendale campus food drive, for every dollar donated. Auc- and money too. includes a trip for two to Mon- tion prizes are purchased using Glen Murray, the office treal on New Year’s Eve, an the SAC money. administrator for SAC Glen- Xbox, a printer, an MP3 music Gary Dolch, a Niagara College dale, notes that the money player, a jump drive, and a Construction Engineering Tech- added to the food bank can be DVD board game, says Mike nology – Architecture (CETA) used for supermarket certifi- Eybel, 19, SAC Glendale cam- professor, helps run the Con- cates that allow students to pur- pus director of communica- struction Club. By phone, he chase perishable food items, tions and media. says the club, which includes stu- such as milk and meat. Everyone at SAC has been dents from the CETA program, The food bank needs tuna and involved in the food drive, donated 350 food items and $120 canned vegetables, adds Mur- which began on Nov. 14, says to last year’s food drive. ray. The St. Catharines resident The Welland Fire Department responded with Heather Minow, director of pro- “We’re hoping to surpass that says, “I’ve never seen this much three firefighting vehicles to Niagara College’s gramming and student events at this year,” adds Dolch, 44, from usage.” He says the second term Welland campus on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The fire SAC Glendale campus. Minow, St. Catharines. He says the club is often busier than the first and alarm was sounded after smoke and a burning 22, from Thorold, says, “[The had collected 200 items and $40 stresses the need for continual smell were detected on the third floor of the Sim- food drive] is a way to replenish after the first week of this year’s donations. coe building. Equipment in the mechanical room the food bank.” She is a second- food drive. Murray has a message for had overheated. Students, faculty and staff evacu- year Landscape Technician He says the club provides students who could benefit ated all buildings of the main complex. Students (Co-op) student. incentives to students to donate from the food bank but are too were allowed to retrieve their belongings quickly “It’s for the students,” states food or money by entering them embarrassed to use it: “Don’t be after fire personnel determined there was no fire. Sarah Finucan, 19, SAC Glen- into raffles and the “most popu- shy and don’t be ashamed.” College Connection Photo by Kaesha Forand What’s happening at the In brief college New Year’s powwow By ELIZABETH People attending are asked to You HAWKSWORTH bring a dish to share at a 5 p.m. Staff Writer potluck supper. Get ready to party at the Fort This is a drug and alcohol free KnoW… Glendale Erie Native Friendship Centre’s event sponsored by The Literacy did SAC holds New Year’s Eve gathering. Program Bridging Class. Every- IT’S ONLY The event includes powwow one is welcome at 796 Buffalo WELLAND TRANSIT 5 MINUTES ? auction drumming and dancing and will Rd., in the border town. OPERATES take place on Dec. 31 at noon For more information call TO AND FROM until Jan. 1 at 1 a.m. Leanne Labbe at 905-991-8858. THE SEAWAY MALL EVERY 1/2 HOUR THROUGHOUT ON THE #8 WOODLAWN RD. THE DAY AND New Year’s NC students abuse Zehr’s EVENING! Eve You need a buggy full of gro- Chiki says the store is “willing BUS! powwow ceries to get the free taxi ride to accommodate several students home from Zehr’s on Niagara in one cab if their groceries com- Street in Welland. bined equal a buggy full. The dis- That’s the latest news, actually tance limit is up to First Avenue, a clarification for Niagara Col- in the area between Quaker Road TRANSFERS Students lege students, from the Zehr’s and Woodlawn Road.” ARE VALID FOR WITH TRANSIT manager, says Brigitte Chiki, col- The service began as a good- abuse lege director of Student Services. will gesture by Zehr’s manage- 60 MINUTES! ECONOPASSES Zehr’s It seems some students were ment to curtail community com- SO A QUICK TRIP AND MONTHLY taking advantage of Zehr’s offer to plaints about students taking TO THE MALL PASSES provide free taxi rides for students buggies off the store’s property buying groceries by demanding and “littering” them around the IS ONLY YOU SAVE BIG!! the free ride despite purchasing neighbourhood surrounding Nia- ONE FARE! CHECK THEM OUT NC Culinary only one or two small items. gara College. TODAY! Institute hosts lunch Holiday buffet To celebrate the holiday sea- The buffets are available Tues- son, the Niagara College Culi- day through Friday from Dec. 9 to nary Institute Dining Room at the Dec. 23. The cost is $24.95 plus WELLAND TRANSIT college’s Glendale campus in tax. The cost for children under 12 Columns Niagara-on-the-Lake is again years of age is $12.95, plus tax. 905-732-6844 page 7 offering its annual Holiday Lunch Call 905-735-2211 ext. 4619, Buffet. for reservations. Try Transit…it just makes cents. news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 5 Int’l partnering program News International contracts winding down By TAKAHIDE EGUCHI help from the Niagara College staff sent ferred to Niagara College to complete the Staff Writer to China. seven more courses for the International An international partner program in Although the agreement designed to be Business diploma. Shanghai is at a turning point. a partnership with SCS was supposed to “It is time to move on,” says Casson, The contracts for the college’s two be finished in three years, Casson says the explaining the main objective was to partnering programs in China are ending office extended it by two more years after enable them to offer a similar program to soon, so Niagara College’s International a request from them. The final graduating the Niagara College’s and they have now department is looking for new partnering group of the International Commerce become familiar with the college’s cur- Sue Hunwicks, left, and Kyla opportunities. program will be finishing in spring 2007. riculum. Pennie, international project spe- In 2002, the International department She says the contract with SBS was a She mentions offshore delivery was cialists, pose in their office at the signed an agreement with two affiliated four-year contract with only two intakes, “very difficult” in terms of recruiting Welland campus. schools to offer two programs: one for the so the last group of the Computer Pro- qualified technology and English profes- one-year International Commerce Certifi- grammer program will be graduating in sors to teach in China and she also said Photo by Takahide Eguchi cate program at Shanghai Commercial spring 2006. that two-year diploma programs are Casson says they turned out “well,” School (SCS) and one for two-year Com- There is no difference between the becoming of less interest in China. She adding that for experience and exposure puter Programmer program at the affiliate Computer Programmer program at says the college is being approached to “it has been successful.” Through these Shanghai Business School (SBS), says Shanghai Business School and Niagara work with partners who want their stu- projects, she says she and her colleagues Martha Casson, vice-president, Interna- College, says Sue Hunwicks, internation- dents to take two years of business or hos- have met some “wonderful educators and tional, in her e-mails. al project specialist, International Educa- pitality programs in China and transfer learned from them as well.” She said that both programs resulted tion and Development. She adds that the into Niagara College degree programs. Kyla Pennie, 31, international project from a request that indicated that these International Commerce certificate pro- “The market for us is changing, and we specialist, says, “The International office two schools wanted to offer some Nia- gram is modified from the International need to explore opportunities with new benefited in terms of understanding the gara College programs in information Business program. The former has a partners.” process of managing something so far technology and international business “slightly different curriculum.” “We’re currently exploring partner- away.” since they didn’t have the curriculums Thirty-eight students graduated from ships in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Peru, Colom- Although things are not “always going that the Niagara College had. They asked SBS and received their diplomas and 43 bia, Western Africa and South America.” to turn out like you think that they are,” the college to help them establish a simi- students graduated from SCS and accept- She emphasizes that most relationships she says it helped the office understand lar program in Shanghai, China. These ed their Niagara College certificates in will not involve any long-term overseas the process more clearly. partner programs were launched in Sep- International Commerce and Forum for delivery but short-term assignments to This partnership activity and “winding tember 2002 to help the students in the International Trade Training certificates assist partners to teach the college’s cur- it down are exactly on target with our Shanghai schools to improve their Eng- this June. Two graduates from SCS’s riculum. international development strategy,” says lish and academic subjects, with further International Commerce program trans- Regarding the two current programs, Casson. World projects organized by college By KAESHA FORAND Brazil’s developing economy, tourism potential, indus- and Instituto Del Sur in Peru. It aims to reduce pover- and TAKAHIDE EGUCHI try investments, high unemployment rate, training ty by training disadvantage youngsters to work in the Staff Writers needs and self-employment opportunities. The presen- tourism industry in Arequipa, Peru. Niagara College staff and students have taken part in tation was held in ME104 on Nov. 8. Rapley spoke of Rob Greene and Malcolm Howe, teachers in busi- numerous international projects to help other countries past projects during his numerous working trips. ness administration programs here, spoke about China establish a variety of programs and courses. Jurmain has led an initiative to help develop a on Nov. 9. Greene and Howe taught a four-week course Internationally Speaking seminars were held dur- Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition in Shanghai. ing International Week to “spread the word on the (PLAR) program. Partnered with two institutes in Shanghai, revenue- good works our college is doing around the world,” Jurmain described the PLAR projects as being “a generating programs in International Commerce and said Larissa Strong, international student adviser. large process with a lot of tools.” Computer Programming were created. Seminars about Brazil, South Africa and Mozam- PLAR helps people identify, articulate, document Niagara College President Dan Patterson and Jim bique were held at the Welland campus. Seminars and demonstrate learning for the purpose of gaining Ryan, chair of the Board of Governors, spoke in the Prayer room about Peru, China and Sri Lanka were held in W212 at recognition by educational institutions, workplaces boardroom on Nov. 9 about their 19-day trip to South at Niagara the Glendale campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. or accrediting organizations. Africa and the Sustainable Skills Development (SSD) College Marti Jurmain, director of research and innovation, Entry Points for Tourism Work is a five-year pro- project. The purpose of SSD is to build partnerships in and Doug Rapley, chair of general studies, spoke of ject involving a partnership between Niagara College education, industry, government and train people in South Africa. The project is in the third year of a five-year contract. They talked about different business groups, industries Interfaith prayer room at Glendale and educational partnerships, as well as experiences in South Africa. By ROBIN HEALEY of this semester and asked him why Glendale didn’t have an “I appreciate the opportunity of talk- Staff Writer interfaith prayer room. ing to people who are really interested in International Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Wiccans Allan says the student was a “devout Muslim” who the subject,” said Patterson. – all are invited to use Niagara College’s new interfaith selected Niagara College because he believed it had a projects Ryan said he wished students had by staff and prayer room. prayer room. Although the Welland campus has such a taken time to attend the session. He students Kerry Nicholls expects the project to be completed before room, Glendale does not. added that Canadians tend to think of the start of winter classes on Jan. 9. He is the supervisor of The prayer room at the Welland campus is in a small, “day to day” problems instead of “some- Facilities Management Services (FMS) at Niagara and says unmarked room beside the Hamilton Room. All faiths are times thinking outside.” He said it will construction of the prayer room at the college’s Glendale welcome to use the room, says Chiki, noting that only be a problem if people do not understand campus, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, will begin on Dec. 16. Muslims had expressed an interest in using it until this issues in the world. The college has a variety of cultures and international year, when the Christian Xodus Club asked to use it. Chandi Jayawarenda, a teacher in the students, says Martha Casson, vice-president international Chiki says, “During non-prayer times, individuals and School of Hospitality and Tourism, International for Niagara College and chair of the Advisory College groups can reserve it for meetings,” but, she adds, “All use of spoke on Nov. 10 of his time in Sri development Committee (ACC), from Fonthill. She says in a telephone the room should be meditation or prayer related.” Lanka. He was the first chairman of the interview that building the prayer room has been “on the Allan says the room at the Glendale campus will be car- Hotel and Catering International Man- strategy list” of the college’s top priorities. peted and a section will face southeast, towards Mecca, to agement Association in Sri Lanka. “We wanted it to happen at Glendale for a long time.” facilitate Muslims in their daily prayers. Jos Nolle, now director of the col- Jon Allan, Student Administrative Council (SAC) presi- He says the contractor will remove 40 to 50 lockers from lege’s International Education and dent for Glendale campus, raised the issue at an ACC meet- the lower ground locker area on the west side of the Glendale Development Department, spoke of his ing, on Nov. 4, and met with Brigitte Chiki, director, Stu- campus. The room will make use of an existing door and work with Medecins Sans Frontieres dent Services, Academic and Learner Services division at three walls. The addition of another wall will complete it. An (MSF), in the boardroom on Nov. 10. the college. extendable fabric partition will allow Muslim students to Nolle worked for MSF in Amsterdam Chiki, from Welland, says she hopes the prayer room at divide the room for males and females. The room is also posi- for two years and in Canada for three Glendale “meets students’ needs” and that a prayer room at tioned close to washrooms to assist people of faiths that years. He was a non-medical co-ordina- the Welland campus has been in existence for “five or six require cleansing rituals. tor in Mozambique for two years. MSF years.” “I’m just happy that the school is being productive,” is an independent international humani- Allan, a 24-year-old Business Administration – Marketing adds Allan. tarian medical aid agency committed to (Co-op) student, from St. Catharines, says an international “The status quo is a magnet for non-progress, and the providing medical aid and raising student from Pakistan approached him within the first week school just broke away from that to progress.” awareness for the people it helps. Page 6, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 Editorials

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Opinions expressed in editorials and columns are not those of news@niagara management or the college administration. Columns, identified as such, reflect only the writer’s opinion. Readers are welcome to respond to columnists by e-mail at [email protected] Christmas blues Conditions on killer Christmas is a time full of joy, Try doing a good deed for some- cheer, parties and family functions, one else: volunteer your time, help Karla Homolka had 14 conditions public have a right to know where she but for some it is black hole of sad- an elderly person or do something imposed on her under Section 810.2 of the is living. They were supposed to be in ness and loneliness. nice for a friend or family member. Criminal Code at her release from federal place for one year. Many people suffer from seasonal Doing something good for someone prison on July 4. A judge believed that she She could come to the Niagara region depression and have the blues over else can get rid of bad feelings you still posed a risk to re-offend. and the public wouldn’t know. It’s the merry holiday season. This have about yourself. Homolka is one of Canada’s most doubtful she would try to re-establish a occurs in elderly people especially. If you are strapped for cash, par- notorious killers, convicted of life here, but she might come back to They feel sad over the loss of a loved ticipate in activities that are free. Go manslaughter in the sexual slayings of visit her family, who has supported her one and the fact that their children public skating on free nights with teenagers Lesley Mahaffy and Kristen throughout her 12 years in prison. may not be around. friends, take a drive and look at all French. She received a 12-year sentence The authorities should at least know The holiday blues can be attrib- the Christmas lights or play outside in exchange for her testimony, which was what city and province she lives in. uted to many factors: stress, with younger siblings or cousins. pivotal in convicting her ex-husband Rosie DiManno, a columnist with The fatigue, financial and family prob- To prevent feelings of loneliness, Paul Bernado in the slayings. He is in Toronto Star, summed many people’s lems, and high expectations. Some surround yourself with loved ones. If federal prison under a designation that feelings quite accurately by writing, people also experience this depres- you feel a bout of depression coming likely will keep him there until his death. “Homolka was duplicitous, 12 years sion after the holidays are over, on, call a friend and talk about how It’s appalling that a Québec court ago, when she struck her deal with the when they feel let down and a sense you feel or go for a walk and do judge overturned the conditions on Nov. devil, bargaining her way to an absurdly of sadness. something good for yourself. 30. Some of them were that she not asso- lenient sentence in exchange for testify- Signs of depression include In a time of hectic chaos, reserve ciate with violent offenders, not commu- ing against Bernardo. Never told the weight loss, trouble sleeping or some alone time. Soak up in a hot nicate with Bernardo or their victims’ whole truth then, in a sworn affidavit oversleeping and agitated or ner- bath. Go for a run or just read a families, notify police if she changes her over her signature. Not telling the unvar- vous behaviour. book. Give yourself time to recharge first or last name and notify police if she nished truth now, having crossed the To avoid becoming depressed over during the busy holiday season. plans to leave Quebec. Also, she no threshold to freedom.” what should be a joyous time, keep A big factor is limiting alcohol longer has to take therapy to move Homolka took part in cruel, senseless expectations realistic. Dreaming of a consumption. If you are already feel- beyond her role as a “victim” in the acts. How is it fair that her victims will perfect holiday will only leave room ing depressed, alcohol will only crimes. never be free, but Homolka is free for the for disappointment. Make a list of increase those feelings, so watch These conditions were put in place rest of her life? realistic goals, pace yourself and what you drink and how much. for a reason: because police and the KAESHA FORAND organize your time. AMANDA STREET Letter to the Editor Thank you, Warriors As a breast cancer survivor, five years and running, I was extremely proud of my son, Nicholas McMil- lan, and his colleagues, for taking the initiative in starting a Walk for the Cure at Niagara College. I was the seventh family mem- ber in two generations to be diag- nosed with this life-threatening illness. I joined the “Warriors of Hope” Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Race Team four years ago On behalf of the students of Niagara College and included a picture of Nicholas Journalism-Print and Public Relations (Graduate and me taken at the North Ameri- Certificate) programs, a big Thank You goes Lise McMillan and her son, can Crew Club Championship in out to Abitibi Inc., of Thorold, for the daily Nicholas, at the North American Welland this past August. I wish to extend a sincere delivery 100 newspapers at the Welland cam- Crew Club Championship in “Thank You” on behalf of the pus. The Standard, published by Niagara Welland. Warriors to all students, staff and Newspaper Group, is a subsidiary of Ospery Submitted photo organizers for their unselfish Inc. and the delivery is part of Abitibi’s sponsor- Dear Editor: contribution in helping to find a ship of the Newspapers in Education program, I was provided with a copy of the cure. Nov. 11, 2005, edition of the Lise McMillan and the newspaper is used in class as a teaching news@niagara. Via e-mail. tool. We are extremely grateful for this. news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 7 Ontario government takes you for ride Columns We turn 16, and we write a your licence every five years rage” and says, “I don’t see quality of life first by tackling written test that now gives us at an additional cost of $75. why young drivers are forced gridlock and improving our enough knowledge to operate On the bright side, after the to take test after test. I think transportation system for the a motor vehicle. It’s a written government commits highway the real threat here are the future.” test so easy that if you fail, you robbery it will feel at ease elderly. Two years have passed should have your legs revoked knowing that the highway it Hill also pointed out that since Premier Dalton let alone your right to drive. robbed us blind on is safer for many roads in the rural area he McGuinty appointed Takhar. Once you have written your us all. lives in are below par. “I have I’m taking it progress isn’t John Misiti G1 and have completed your Then you’ve got plates and hit a few potholes on my way Takhar’s middle name? Columnist G1 exit road test, you have stickers at a hefty fee of about to and from work, and I don’t I’m sure “quality of life” is a spent $100. Why stop there? $50. We are now about 20 like it.” thought shaken from Takhar’s The Government of Ontario Insurance company employ- years of age and about $800 I was unable to contact the mind when his limousine is is notorious for waiting for ees have families to feed as poorer. At least I take solace in Minister of Transportation cruising through St. Catharines. you to turn your back so it can well, so they make you take a the fact that my hard-earned take a big bite out of you. driver’s safety course with an tax dollars the government has Well-known for charging average cost of $500. It’s accumulated will go to repair- you tax on a 30-cent stick of worth it, right? ing the roads I frequent. gum and for the ever-popular That $10 refund on our As I take my G2 exit test in monopoly on alcohol and insurance every month can be St. Catharines, the road seems tobacco, the provincial gov- set aside – and with good a little bumpy. All right, I’ll re- ernment has now come up cause because you have to pay phrase that: these roads were What we with another sham so point- $75 to take your G2 exit test to rougher than driving in a Photo by John Misiti think less it pains me to mention it: finally hold the crown of minefield. graduated licensing. If I licences, the G. I was surprised there was Harinder Takhar, but luckily Were the provincial Liberals sound bitter on the issue, The G licence is my any car left at the end of my he had left his ambitious plans always this careless, or is this you’re underestimating my favourite because, after all the exam. Was it because the test- on his website. a result of knowing that elec- hatred. extra time you put into making ing centre, coincidentally, sat “I look forward to working tion wins are almost a sure In 1995 the Ontario govern- our fine province’s roads safer, in the area of the 12th and 18th with transportation and indus- thing as long as Ernie Eves is ment imposed the new Graduat- you can now drink and drive worst roadways in Ontario, try stakeholders along with running against you? ed Licensing system to make with more passengers in your Welland Avenue and Carleton ministry staff to deliver the I think the Liberals need to Ontario roads safer for every- car than there are seatbelts. Street, as voted by Ontarians positive change that our gov- repave the potholes in their one. As we know, nothing in life On your way to the bar to at www.worstroads.ca? ernment has promised. Work- election promises; otherwise, Graduated is free, especially not the safety have a few cold ones, don’t Kyle Hill, 24, of Ottawa, ing with our municipal and the road to a provincial re- of Ontario citizens. forget to swing by and renew Ont., calls the fees an “out- federal partners, we will put election looks bumpy. licensing Future of youth robbed by drugs

As a young person growing up in the active with many but I was also a user, accounts of drugs entering the lives of Niagara region, I found it is almost dope dealers and and that got me in Niagara’s youth. Most will not allow impossible to avoid exposure to alcohol those who consume shit. It almost cost their stories to be published. and drugs of all kinds. their merchandise. me my life. I know of people who have over- When I was in Grade 6 I had Dennis Fleury, 25, “I’ve been put in dosed and lost their families and all friends who smoked cigarettes. Weed of St. Catharines, terrifying violent sit- their possessions, including their home. was soon to follow. I didn’t smoke remembers his heavy uations and have felt I know of girls who have been raped my first joint until Grade 10. drug dealing and terrible effects on my and otherwise violated and some who I attended Westlane Secondary using days. Jeremy LaForty mental and physical have died because of the irresponsible School in Niagara Falls. Drugs were “Living with a sin- ColumnistColumist being. use of chemicals. I know of people rampant. I have witnessed the most gle parent, I would go “When it comes to who have been robbed and have unexpected people do drugs at school to after-hour parties every weekend ecstasy and crystal meth, these drugs robbed in the name of drugs. I know of and at local parties. By the end of and get high to escape reality and a can make you feel like you are on top of children 12 and 13 years of age snort- Grade 9, I knew for a certainty that my stressful home. Weeks and months the world to the point that you may feel ing “yay” cocaine and eating ecstasy area had some problems. soon went by and my father was get- untouchable. Within a period of time, it before entering high school. In one year I had been exposed to ting fed up with my shit.I got kicked will drain your life from your body with- Niagara’s drug underworld may not chronic buds, cocaine, mescaline, ecsta- out. I then moved in with a local “E” out you even realizing it. end anytime soon, so I simply urge all sy, acid, mushrooms and stolen pharma- dealer that I knew from parties and “I’ve been kidnapped. I’ve been to be careful. Impact of ceuticals. found myself struggling between robbed. I’ve been sick. I am still alive Try to think before you do. I’ve I consumed none of the above until working my job at the Hilton and to this day and won’t ever touch that noticed that when people are drunk, drugs years later. I was a young drinker, and it doing drugs that kept me up all night. shit again. The rave scene is very dan- they are much more willing to do was probably alcohol that led to many of “Needless to say I lost my job and gerous if you’re not just there to dance. things they wouldn’t regularly do. This my narcotic experiments. drug dealing was my only option. It The atmosphere can lure a person to can be a trap that could have cost me Whether it’s a lack of productive wasn’t long until I found myself in their death.” my life. The saying “Say no to drugs” activities or just the culture, Niagara is hot water. Not only was I a dealer This is just one of many sad is a good one. Christmas season can drain spirits

Stress is high and emotional Business Administration – Pro- are not the only ones feeling always there when in college. breakdowns may be in order fessional Golf Management the anxiety of pulling in good “Before any big test I get as the Christmas break (Co-op) program, says just grades. stressed.” approaches. before the holidays is the most Mark Scott, 21, is in his first The work is getting more No one said college is easy, stressful time of year for him. year attending London’s Fan- intense and the stress begins but being stressed out this “I have so many responsi- shawe College’s Architectural to rise, but is seems most stu- much can’t be what parents bilities as a student it all Technology program. dents are able to cope. had in mind when sending becomes one big mess and is “Before midterms I was It comes with the territory. their children away. overwhelming. It all seems to really anticipating the tests. I Being a student is hard work The workload always gets to add up and kick you in the ass Jennifer Gibbons wanted to get them done and and benefits seem far away at be too much for many students, all at once.” ColumnistColumist over with. I was the most ner- times. especially close to the Christ- Medlyn continues to say tests and projects on the hori- vous when the actual test was Just when I think my mind’s mas break. that he is somewhat stressed, zon that I know are coming, given to me and the stress about to explode, I have to let Holiday stress Many students are express- but the closer he comes to the and it all ends up being one began to build to get a good myself know that it’s just school ing the strain they feel. end of term the more stressful huge cram towards the end of grade.” and not the end of the world, as TJ Medlyn, 19, in Niagara it becomes. the semester.” He says he is not extremely hard as it may be to believe that College Glendale campus’s “I can start to see all the Niagara College students stressed but that stress is at times. Page 8, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 Toronto dealing with street violence

Toronto, T.O., T-Dot or how- Another random incident involved a man in Scar- city with at least 100 gangs, and guns all over the ever one wishes to call this city borough driving up on to the curb, hitting an old place with shootings as common as in the Land of of 2.5 million can be described woman and then slicing a middle-aged man to death the Shooting Spree, the United States. in many different words: cos- on his own lawn shortly afterwards. Joseph Wilhelm, 24, of Niagara Falls, says he used mopolitan, diverse, multicultur- “This would almost be a normality in Detroit, to spend almost every weekend in Toronto. al, world-class, crime-ridden, where there’s murders that occur just about daily,” “I used to love going there to the clubs and such, unsafe. Yes, you read the last says Adam Johnston, 20, of Windsor. “I never but all the random shooting is happening at those two descriptions correctly. thought it would happen here.” places too” says Wilhelm. It’s clear that every large city Although the overall crime rate has been drop- Recently the Ontario government said it would has its flaw, whether it be a ping over the past decade (1.3 homicides per contribute 50 per cent of the cost of hiring 250 addi- Drew Lougheed downward spiraling economy, 100,000 people) and has been one of the lowest tional police officers to patrol Toronto. I say kudos disease scare or, sadly enough compared to a handful of cities in the U.S. (Chica- to our politicians, but they’re about 150 kilometres ColumnistColumist in Toronto’s case, a rise in vio- go 15.65, Washington D.C. 35.7), 49 of Toronto’s away from the real problem, the border.

Columns lence and, moreover, by way of the gun. murders have been shootings, which at this rate is Should we start tipping off the American guards Although Toronto is deemed one of the safest North double 1999’s total. to search all traffic coming into Canada as well? American cities, some areas such as Rexdale, the Jane Toronto’s murder rate has doubled in six years and Who knows, maybe some thug-life from D.C., and Finch area and parts of Scarborough have been on over 70 per cent of those murders have been from sporting five AKs in his trunk, plans to make a a crutch of hope too long to end the random, hapless gun violence, so does Toronto want to catch up to its special stop in Welland to see someone who has a acts of murder simply by saying most gun victims U.S. counterparts? connection in Hamilton who has a connection in were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s obvious you’d find the gun problem where it Toronto. For example, a chase involving a gun-toting nut all started: America, of course. In Toronto, our gun I don’t want to scare you away from what is still and a group of teenagers through an apartment com- laws are as loose as U.S. President George W. one of the world’s greatest cities. It’s just on hiatus plex in Toronto’s north end ended in tragedy when Bush’s effort to pull the troops out of Iraq while our for the time being. It’s a shame to see Toronto being one of the teens dropped his pack of smokes and laws seem to encourage gun smuggling across a exploited in such a manner. went back to grab them. pretty highly guarded border we share with the U.S. One can only wish for a slight, let alone sharp He never got a chance to enjoy his nicotine fix Insert joke here. drop in this recent spread of violence as we approach because he was gunned down trying to retrieve them. One really can’t kid, however, when referring to a the Christmas season. Helpful hints to deal Owens out of football They thought he mindset of doing and saying what he had changed. He wants when he wants have dimin- was quiet, optimistic ished his reputation as a player and and, most important, as a person. with this week’s stress happy. Then the Do the Eagles really need T.O.? Yes. inevitable happened. There is no doubt the Eagles are a much Terrell Owens, in better team with Owens’s on-field skills. It’s that time of can make you panic. Think about his own mind, That can be proven when you see year again, the time one thing. became bigger than Philadelphia’s inability to throw the ball when students To study for exams, make notes the world. deep downfield or their inability to get scramble over their and try to study with another person Paul Frosina It was a gamble, the first down on third and long. The final projects. or in a small group. Doing so takes Columnist and one that the Eagles needed T.O. on the field doing You were told the pressure off a little and you can Philadelphia Eagles were willing to what he does best. They didn’t need the about them at the help each other understand things, as take. If they succeeded, the positives one that criticizes his quarterback and beginning of the well as test one another. Remember would far outweigh the negatives. picks fights with teammates. academic year, to pick a person you will study well Owens signed a seven-year $49-mil- Is there a team that wants Owens? and with each with, not someone you would end up Cherie Borho lion contract with the National Football Yes. Atlanta, New York Jets, San passing week you goofing off with. League’s Eagles, putting him below the Diego, Jacksonville, Oakland and ColumnistColumist thought that you Lastly, there is the dreaded Christ- standard pay for Pro Bowl receivers, a Denver are some said to be interested. still had lots of time to do them. The mas shopping. Make a list of the sign that Owens wanted to show that he For all those thinking Owens is done due dates just seemed to creep up on people you have to buy gifts for, as could be a team player and that it wasn’t in football, guess again. Don’t expect you, but now you realize you have well as how much you can afford to all about the money. him to get the kind of contract he had little time to complete the projects. spend per person. This gives you a For a while it looked as if the Eagles in Philadelphia, however. Then there are those pesky final better idea of the number of people had made the right decision. Owens was The question that should be asked is exams you have to start to study for. you have to buy for and the amount happy. He was playing the best football whether the Eagles will be able to On top of all the work for school, you can afford to spend. of his career. He had great on-field trade Owens. I believe they can, but Christmas is just around the corner As for what to buy, see if you can chemistry with his “good friend,” quar- they are not going to be getting much and you have yet to start your Christ- think of anything the person may terback Donovan McNabb. It looked as in return. Teams know the Eagles are mas shopping, challenged by the lack want or need. If you have no idea, though there was no stopping the Eagles desperate to unload him and will be of money and ideas for presents. ask. You can ask someone the person from fulfilling their goal of becoming willing to give up only fifth- or sixth- Sound familiar? knows or the person directly. If that Super Bowl champions. Boy, did round draft picks. It does to me. doesn’t work, buy a gift certificate. I Owens mess that up. The other option is for the Eagles to This time of year can be stressful know, they can be impersonal and Why Owens decided to compromise release Owens outright, an option that for students, but there are ways to boring, but at least you won’t rack his team, and a Super Bowl ring, is any- Owens and his agent have demanded. calm yourself. your brain over what to buy, and you body’s guess, but no matter how you The Eagles are not listenings. For projects, don’t think ahead. know the receiver will end up with approach him or how you treat him, Wherever Owens ends up, he will Do the project that is due first and something he or she wants. Owens will always want more. more than likely bring a smile and try not to think about the other ones Take a deep breath. Take it one A player with the on-field skill of say all the right things for a while. that you have yet to start. When that day at a time. It will soon be over Owens would undoubtedly become a Sooner or later, though, the T.O. one is completed, start on the next. and you will have three weeks of Hall of Famer by career end, but his soap opera will return and give the Thinking about all you have to do wonderful freedom. headstrong manner and his constant team he is with headaches. Journalists, including those in the Journalism-Print program at Niagara College, are taught their reporting must be balanced, fair and as objective as possible. That rule must also exist for columns written by reporters. In columns, the feelings and opinions of reporters are welcome, but balance, fairness and objectivity must never be disregarded or treated lightly. Our columns, which are clearly identified as such, do not reflect the opinions or feelings of the Niagara College administration or the management of the news@niagara. Columns reflect the opinion of only one person: the writer. news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 9 AROUNDTHE COLLEGE Ryan ‘honoured’ to be the newest ACAATO serves as voice chair of Niagara College’s of Ontario’s colleges By AMY ZULINIAK of Ontario colleges through meet- Staff Writer ings, workshops, conferences and the Universities are from Mars, and col- its Internet presence. board of governors’ membership leges are from Venus. “ACAATO is the voice of David Lindsay, president of the Ontario’s colleges,” said Lindsay Association of Colleges of Applied during his presentation. He went on By PATRICIA “If the student has the desire Arts and Technology (ACAATO), to say that first impressions are RODRIGUEZ and makes the commitment of spoke to the Public Relations (Gradu- important, so colleges need to make Staff Writer time, money and effort to ate Certificate) students at Niagara a good one on the government. On Sept. 5, Jim Ryan officially improve themselves, we want to College about the importance of advo- “This is a competitive market, and became Niagara College’s new give them a great, not an aver- cacy and communication. ACAATO relies heavily on their chair of the board of governors. age, learning experience.” On Nov. 9 Lindsay met with pro- funding. Only 17 per cent of tuition is Ryan, former vice-chair, has He added that the college’s gram co-ordinator Nancy Geddie, spent on the college; therefore, we served on the board since 2002. management team and board faculty member Darrell Neufeld and need financial assistance from out- His main responsibilities members must maintain Nia- the Dean of Information Media Stud- side sources.” include representing the board gara’s “financial strength” to ies division Leo Tiberi. The meeting “More money means lower tuition, wherever required, having continue on the “path” of mak- was held during a luncheon before and we are fighting to give the students direct involvement with Nia- ing Niagara the “premier col- Lindsay gave a presentation to the a break,” said Lindsay. gara College President Dan Pat- Jim Ryan is the new chair lege in Ontario and a world rec- students. The Canadian government provides terson on behalf of the board, of Niagara College’s board ognized leader.” ACAATO is the advocacy and mar- $6.2 billion in funding; colleges are ensuring the proper execution of governors. “Much has been accom- keting association of Ontario’s 21 col- allotted 30 per cent of that, while uni- of agenda and board meetings, plished thus far,” Ryan said. leges of applied arts and technology versities receive 70 per cent. Lindsay continuing safeguarding the Submitted photo “The short-term goal is to and three college institutes of technol- believes that universities have a “male- quality of the board of gover- ensure that Niagara College is ogy and advanced learning. ACAA- oriented” way of approaching educa- nors and chairing all board and “Mr. Ryan is a highly suc- fairly treated under the rural TO’s goal is to create and advertise a tion and students, while colleges are committee meetings. cessful business executive who assistance grant provided by the strong college system for Ontario. Its more “feminine” in their approach. Ryan, a retired senior exec- brings to the position of chair of Ontario government,” services include advocacy and commu- Universities are bigger and less per- utive, has held positions with the board of governors a great explained Ryan. nications; research and policy develop- sonal while colleges are more special- several Canadian companies deal of strategic insight and He said in addition to the ment; information co-ordination; and ized to students’ specific needs. He in the oil and retail sector, advice,” said Patterson. Technology Centre in professional development. went on to say neither one is better, including Shell Canada Ltd., The first skill to be considered Welland, which is “under Lindsay is a graduate of Queen’s simply different. PetroCanada, and Canadian as new chair, Ryan said via e- development,” the board will University in Kingston, Ont., with a “In the 40 years that colleges have Tire Corporation. He holds mail, will be to understand the be “firming up a long-term bachelor of commerce degree. been around, we’ve come a long way,” numerous corporate director- role of the board including the facilities plan.” Before becoming president of said Lindsay. “A program like post- ships and has served as chair college’s Carver Model of Opera- He explained that the col- ACAATO, Lindsay worked promot- graduate public relations wouldn’t of Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro tion, in which the board provides lege’s “major achievement,” ing the Red Cross and served in a exist a decade ago. We advocate for and Brantford Energy. After “strategic direction or approval” which has been attested by the senior position with the provincial programs like this.” seven years, he continues to of missions, values, operating enrolment numbers and by the government as secretary to the pre- One of the organization’s main sit on Niagara College Foun- plans and financial targets. student satisfaction rating, has mier of Ontario. goals is to make policy decision dation’s board of directors, “Mr. Ryan is a strong team been its recognition domesti- He now heads activities such as makers (most often politicians) and where he was also chair. player and is the ideal person to cally and internationally. He co-ordinating advocacy and commu- those who influence them understand “The chair of the board of gov- be leading a group of senior busi- added that maintaining this nications strategies to increase gov- the value and importance of colleges ernors has a very important role ness industry and community major achievement, by contin- ernment investment in colleges. The to the community and Ontario’s in the stewardship of the college. executives. There are 17 mem- uing working alongside the organization also dedicates time to economy. The chair is responsible for lead- bers on the board of governors “excellent teaching, adminis- publishing newsletters, information Lindsay said, “The recognition and ing discussion on the college and Jim makes a tremendous trative and support staff” with pieces, directories and briefing mate- understanding will result in increased budget and ensuring that its effort in getting all to participate Niagara, is a key element rials to educate the public. The orga- investment and better policy decisions strategic plan becomes a reality,” and provide the best advice to the under his leadership. nization hopes to build the reputation regarding the college system.” said Patterson. college,” said Patterson. “We will continue to assess “I am extremely honoured to Moody, a graduate of Nia- the performance of each of our be the chair,” said Ryan. “I have gara College’s Police Founda- programs on a scheduled basis an excellent board of governors tions program, “will provide and review the recommenda- who have high expectations and a good ideas and innovative tions of both the Niagara Col- tradition of excellence, and what thinking” regarding the lege team and outsiders. We I consider to be the best manage- School of Policing and Public will seek to ensure that transfer- ment team in the college system. Safety and Security, which, ability of learning credentials is I have met many skilled and car- according to Patterson, is an as seamless as possible,” which, ing staff [members] at our college “area of specialization” they Ryan said is “important” to the over the years and had the plea- plan to be involved with. students. sure of shaking the hands of thou- “It’s really helpful and He said Patterson’s initiative sands of graduating students.” encouraging to have a graduate in the Pathway to Prosperity is In addition to Ryan’s appoint- of Niagara College on the board the other area they will be ment, Dean McCann, vice-presi- of governors,” added Patterson. working on this year. dent, finance with Canadian Tire He said McCann, on the “We have a major role to Financial Services and chief other hand, will serve as “char- play in making this happen,” financial officer of Canadian Tire tered accountant” and a key Ryan added. Bank, and Donna Moody, deputy “financial analyst” by assisting The Pathway to Prosperity, chief of the Niagara Regional with the college’s budget co-ordinated by education Police Service, were selected as deliberation. departments, the government external governors. Ashley Hal- Patterson added that Hallett and the industry sector, plans lett, a third-year Business Admin- completes this “stellar” group by to “ensure” Canada’s and istration – Human Resources providing the board with “impor- Canadians’ access to funda- (Co-op) program student, was tant student perspectives.” mental skill training necessary appointed as the internal student “We [the board of governors] for global competition. governor. exist to help each student “Niagara College is a leader Patterson said Ryan’s “busi- achieve their educational in skills training,” said Ryan, David Lindsay, president of the Association of Colleges of Applied Arts ness expertise and strong dreams by ensuring that Nia- adding that there is a need to and Technology of Ontario (ACAATO) left, checks some notes with Dar- gara College has the right beliefs in the importance of col- understand “where the jobs will rell Neufeld, manager of Niagara College’s Corporate Communications, lege education will help” the resources [human, financial and be, what skills are necessary to and Leo Tiberi, dean of the college’s Information and Media Studies divi- college’s administration in infrastructure] to make that fill those jobs and where the “advocating their efforts.” dream come true,” said Ryan. skills can be acquired.” sion. Photo by Amy Zuliniak Page 10, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 Students need information about new year vote By ELISABETH BAILEY vote on Election Day, Jan. 23, if special ballot. Staff Writer they are living away from home Special ballot is a way of vot- Canadians got an early while attending school. ing when voters will not be in Christmas present (or, depend- The first step is finding out their electoral district on Jan. ing on one’s view, a giant lump what your electoral riding is and 23. This is done by faxing a reg- of unwanted coal) from the fed- who the candidates are. This istration form to Elections eral opposition leaders: a feder- can be done on the Elections Canada in Ottawa, along with a al election campaign over the Canada website, copy of proof of identity and Christmas holidays. http://www.elections.ca/, by proof of ordinary residence, like Voters are expected to closely typing in your postal code. a driver’s license. The special follow the platforms and If you have moved from ballot registration form can be promises of each party while another area to attend school downloaded from the Elections planning holiday get-togethers and need to decide which dis- Canada website or obtained in and doing hectic Christmas trict to vote in, you should person, by mail, by telephone or shopping. decide which residence you by fax from Elections Canada in For many first-year students, consider your permanent home. Ottawa or any office of return- this may be the first time they If it is the home you live in to ing officers. A list of returning have been eligible to vote in a go to school, you can register to officers is also on the Elections federal election. For others, this vote in that electoral district. If Canada website. might be the first time they you consider your previous res- After the application is decide to vote despite being eli- idence your permanent home, approved, Elections Canada gible in past elections. There then you can vote in that elec- sends a special ballot to the Bonnie Ross, 19, of Cochrane, Ont., a first-year Office Administration – are also students who are regis- toral district. You can vote there voter. Instructions on casting Executive (Co-op) program student, checks out the Elections Canada tered voters, but may be con- by registering at the polls on the vote and returning it will website in the open access PC lab at the Welland campus. fused about how and where to Election Day or by voting by accompany the ballot. Photo by Elisabeth Bailey Goodwill Niagara breaks down employment barriers with skills training By MIKE LIKONGE upgrade their skills. Goodwill Niagara. “That’s what One of the greatest achieve- is working towards reducing that Staff Writer They provide training skills in makes us unique because we don’t ments for Goodwill Niagara this number. Goodwill Niagara has enhanced customer service, cash register have to depend on the government year was the purchasing of the The facility will also provide lives throughout the community by operation, office procedure, janitor- for funding. You can’t always Stokes Seeds building on Page skills training in construction, providing employability skills to ial services and computer skills. guarantee it’s going to be there.” Street in St. Catharines. The and pre-apprenticeship to new people with barriers to employment. Revenues that support this pro- Streeter, 36, of St. Catharines, 50,000-square-foot facility will be Canadians, youth at risk, work- Their four retail stores serve as gram come from the sale of donat- said she’s been with Goodwill renovated to accommodate hous- ers over 40 and individuals with training sites in the Niagara ed goods and community pro- Niagara for just 10 months and ing for seniors with low incomes disabilities. region. They are in Niagara Falls grams and services. before that ran her own business and people with disabilities. Renovations for the building at 3551 Portage Rd., in St. The annual budget for of selling home accessories. It’s estimated that there are over will begin sometime this year. Catharines at 228 Glendale Ave. 2004/2005 totalled $2,711,706 Streeter said she’s able to balance 500 low-income seniors in St. For more information visit and 525 Welland Ave. and in and 95 per cent of that came her business and work. Catharines and Goodwill Niagara http://www.goodwillniagara.org. Welland at 572 Niagara St. from the proceeds of the sale of She said her Trainees meet one on one with donated goods. job at Goodwill individuals who are physically or “We are basically self-funded,” includes mar- mentally impaired, may be new to said Catharine Streeter, communi- keting and pub- Canada or who just want to ty development assistant for lic relations. New Years Eve Gathering Pow Wow Drumming & Dancing December 31, 2005 – Noon until Jan. 1 at 1am Pot Luck Supper at 5 pm – Please bring a dish to share

EVERYONE WELCOME Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre 796 Buffalo Road, Fort Erie Sponsored by The Literacy Program Bridging Class Wadesk Aboriginal Education Centre For more information please call (905) 991-8858

Catharine Streeter is a community development assistant for Goodwill Niagara, an This is a Drug & Alcohol free event organization that helps people develop job skills. Photo by Mike Likonge news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 11 Happy Holidays

Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh Page 12, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 Over the fields we go, laughing all the way Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree By AMANDA STREET throw a piece of a flaming Yule log over their homes in the Staff Writer belief that it would prevent their home from being con- Every year people string lights, hang ornaments and throw sumed in flames over the next year. tinsel on an evergreen tree as part of a Christmas tradition. This In Quebec children hung stockings beside the tree on activity took place long before Christmas was an actual holiday. Christmas Eve believing the Christ Child would fill them. Legends tell of trees being decorated before the advent of They would have to wait for the rest of their presents until Christianity. Plants that remained green yearlong had a special New Year’s Day. meaning to some cultures. Just as we put up our trees, ancient In Ontario, Christmas was celebrated much as it was in people would hang evergreen boughs from their doorways. Victorian England. With carolers, brightly coloured cards, and Egyptians brought green palm branches into their homes in traditional Christmas dinners. In 1882, the Toronto newspaper December as a symbol of life. Romans decorated evergreens The Globe reported that close to one million Christmas gifts had with trinkets and topped them with an image of their sun god to been sold that year. celebrate Saturnalia. Druids hung apples and lit candles on oaks In the Prairie provinces Christmas dinner was far from to celebrate winter solstice, a celebration held on the longest anything Europeans ate, fish browned in buffalo marrow, day of the year, which fell on either Dec. 21 or Dec. 22. buffalo hump, beaver tail and roast turkey. After dinner people In the middle ages, the feast of Adam and Eve was held on would put on their “steels” and skate on a nearby pond or river. Dec. 24. The symbol for the celebration was called a paradise In British Columbia loggers would come down from tree, a fir tree decorated with red apples. the mountain the week before Christmas where they It is believed the use of an evergreen tree as a symbol of would gather to celebrate the holiday. Christmas began 400 years ago in Germany, and spread Today people have many options to find the perfect tree through Europe during the 19th century. into their homes. Many department stores offer artificial Baron Friederick von Riedesel, a German immigrant, first trees, some looking quite real. Cut-your-own tree farms introduced Canada to the Christmas tree in 1781 in Sorel, are ever popular, and if trekking into the forest and cut- Que. The Baron’s tree was a balsam fir cut from a forest in ting down a tree isn’t your style but you still want that Quebec and was decorated with myriads of candles. fresh cut aroma in your home you can buy pre-cut trees. The next recorded Christmas tree in Canada was in Halifax, The most common Christmas tree types in Canada are Scots Man., in 1846. William Pryor, a local merchant, cut down an pine, white pine, balsam fir blue spruce, and white spruce. evergreen and decorated it with glass ornaments imported from The Christmas tree tradition has been adopted from Germany to please his wife of German descent. The custom many cultures but stands as a symbol of the Christmas The evergreen has stood as a symbol of winter festivities spread quickly as more and more Europeans settled into Canada. season. long before Christmas was celebrated. Today, millions of Christmas was celebrated differently in most provinces For more information on Christmas tree farms in Ontario, during the 19th century. In Newfoundland, people would visit hhtp://www.christmastrees.on.ca. people put up live or artificial evergreens in their homes at Christmas time. Photo by Amanda Street Keeping your Olde Saint Nicholas Christmas traditions By AMANDA REYNOLDS This Dutch-American Saint Nick achieved his Staff Writer fully Americanized form in 1823 in the poem alive for years Many people grow up believing in Santa Claus A Visit from St. Nicholas, more commonly known and anticipating what might be wrapped in fancy as The Night Before Christmas by By AMANDA REYNOLDS home, so celebrating Christmas was wrapping beneath the tree. They wonder if they Clement Clarke Moore. Staff Writer never an option; it was always some- were on Santa’s nice or naughty list and try to be Jesse Free 21, of Kitchener, Ont., says he loved For years my family has thing that I looked forward to not just good all year so they would get presents instead reading the story, adding, “Believing in Santa and celebrated Christmas in because of Santa Claus. of coal. knowing about his legend makes the holiday even probably the most It was the one day of the The legend of Santa Claus goes back to traditional way. When I year that everyone in my more special.” was younger, we would family would be in the same a monk named St. Nicholas, who gave Children naturally wanted to know where have our typical Christ- room and the one day that we away all of his inherited wealth and trav- Santa Claus actually came from. Where did he mas Eve dinner pizza, would celebrate together. eled the countryside helping the poor live when he wasn’t delivering presents? Those ordered from a place This year will be harder and sick. questions gave rise to the legend that Santa down the street, and because many family mem- The Santa Claus that we know soda pop. bers are no longer with us, Claus lived at the North Pole, We would get every- but a lot have also been today with a red suit and black hat Janie Teeple 22, of thing cleaned up and then brought into the world and first emerged when the Dutch set- Kitchener, Ont., says, “I gather around the tree Amanda Reynolds we plan to show them our tra- tlers came to Manhattan on always imagined Santa in when Mom would let us Columnist dition in hopes that they will Christmas Day in 1624. Sin- his workshop with his elves open one gift, usually continue it for years to come. terklaas the good saint in like the most magical place. I wanted to flannel pajamas. Cody Neilson, 23, is a second-year Holland was named the Mom would make up stories about Child and Youth Worker program know so bad what it looked like.” forest animals that celebrated student. She says she opens one pre- patron of their new home. Movies such as The Santa Clause, starring Christmas, then send us off to bed. sent on Christmas Eve, which, she Sinterklass wore a red robe, rode a Tim Allan, gave children something more to Early Christmas morning we would says, is always a pair of pajamas. white horse and carried a bag of gifts imagine by letting them see how each Santa is run downstairs and rip open the piles “My step-mom Susan and her for children. A sinister assistant called chosen and exactly what the North Pole was of presents beneath the tree. mother started this tradition when she Black Pete preceded Santa Claus in the Elma Balihodzic, 22, of Kitchener, was a little girl, and now she does it really like. Ont., says she doesn’t celebrate Christ- with me. Then Susan makes a big Holland tradition to seek out the naughty Teeple says. “I loved watching The Santa mas, but every year goes to her best breakfast Christmas morning. I love boys and girls who would not receive Clause growing up. It was my favourite friend’s house to help him and his fam- the tradition behind it and that I am a gifts. Popular author Washington Irving movie. They couldn’t have picked a ily decorate the Christmas tree and part of it.” gave Americans their first detailed infor- better man to be Santa.” make Christmas dinner. Keeping your Christmas traditions mation about the Dutch version of St. Nicholas. Over the centuries, customs came “I respect my friend and love him so alive for years is important. Think In his history of New York, under the pseudonym much that when every year I am there about the things that you do every together and created what we know today as and do the same thing his family does, year. Now that you’re older, they may Diedrich Knickerbocker, Irving described the Santa Claus, the ageless, timeless, white-bearded I couldn’t ask for more.” still mean something to you. Keep arrival of the saint on horseback accompanied by man who gives out gifts on Christmas and returns I grew up in a Roman Catholic them alive. Black Peter each Eve of Saint Nicholas. to the North Pole. Photo by Takahide Eguchi news@niagara, Dec.9, 2005, Page 13 Bells on bobtails ring, making spirits bright

OLIDAY H TOP TEN

At the Student Administrative Council’s Children’s Christ- mas party last Saturday, youngsters enjoyed face paint- Movies ing and other activities such as sleigh rides and a visit from Santa Claus. Photo by Katherine Griggs 1. Songs Must be Santa – Hal Moore and Bill Christmas came Fredricks 2. Jingle Bell 10 Rock – Bobby Helms 3. Let . Black It Snow! – Sammy Cahn and Jule Christmas early this year Styne 4. Rocking Around the Christ- –1974, Bob Clark mas Tree – Brenda Lee 9. The Nightmare Before 5. Sleigh Ride – Mitchell Parish Christmas –1993, Henry Selick and Leroy Anderson 6. Winter Wonder- 8. Elf – 2003, Jon Favreau with a sleigh land – Dick Smith and Felix Bernard 7. It’s the 7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Eddie Pola and Vacation – 1984, Jeremiah S. Chechik George Wyle 8. Frosty the Snowman – Steve Nelson 6. A Christmas Story – ride from Santa and Jack Rollins 9. Grandma Got Run Over 1983, Bob Clark by a Reindeer – Dr. Elmo 10. Have Yourself a 5. Prancer – 1989, John D. Hancock Merry Little Christmas – Hugh Martin 4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – By KATHERINE GRIGGS By JAYLENE POIRIER 1964, Kizo Nagashima, Larry Roemer Staff Writer Staff Writer 3. Scrooged – 1988, Richard Donner Christmas came early for many children this 2. Home Alone – 1990, Chris Columbus past weekend at the Student Administrative 1. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Council’s (SAC) Children’s Christmas party. –1966, Chuck Jones There was plenty to do at the event in the After By NATALIE VENTRESCA Hours Pub on Niagara College’s Welland Staff Writer campus. SAC members were volunteering their weekend to dress up as Santa’s elves and paint faces. “I love being with kids and drawing, so face painting is perfect for me,” said Jamie Wild- man, 26, a student representative for SAC Top 5 gifts for him or her, Glendale campus. Children were also able to play ring toss, By JOHN MISITI decorate candy canes and eat lots of cookies. for under $100 Staff Writer The highlight of the day, of course, was when Santa arrived. He gave out presents to each child while all basked in being able to see For Him 2. CDs & DVDs. These are a For Her a trench coat. fan favourite. Get your shopping 2. Magazine subscription. Santa in person before the big day. 5. Booze. Let’s be serious. done early and fight piracy at 5. Cosmetics. Looking sexy isn’t Whoa, guys. Don’t go signing Welland SAC President Blake Turner said What man is going to argue the same time. The price of CD as cheap as you think. By the her up to Muscle Magazine or the SAC is happy to be able to give something with a nice 40-ouncer of pre- and DVDs has been reduced looks of it, many women use Maxim just yet. Today’s back to those students with children. mium Canadian rye? That is drastically in the past year. makeup as a major morning sta- woman isn’t going to read just “We’re here for the students,” he said. true if it has something shiny 1. Gift certificates. If there’s one ple. Save them a trip to the store anything. May I recommend a SAC has been doing this event for several like a bottle opener, or some thing guys hate, it’s being told and stock up for them. If you’re subscription to Cosmopolitan years now. poker chips in a limited edi- what they want. Avoid a holiday too scared to purchase makeup or Glamour? Just to play it “It’s come to the point it just runs like clock- tion package. rebellion by letting your man alone, I recommend buying at safe, you’d better raid her work now,” said Turner. 4. Shoes. Sure $100 doesn’t choose what to spend your Wal-Mart. That way you can bal- magazine rack next time He also said, however, it’s sometimes hard to buy much in the line of shoes money on. ance the masculinity of your pur- you’re using her facility. Make get volunteers to help since the party takes these days, but if your man is chase by picking up some motor sure you’re getting her a place on a weekend. anything like me, he goes oil or spark plugs. regular read. The children seemed to love having the through kicks like 4. Perfume. The nose knows. 1. Day at the spa. Being chance to indulge themselves with lots of clean drawers. What woman likes to smell female isn’t easy, so be sensi- goodies and hot chocolate while taking a 3. Video games. bad? Perfume is the most ver- tive for once and get your sleigh-ride through the field behind the pub. With new games satile gift one can purchase. woman pampered like a god- Brook Webber 12, of Niagara Falls, says that being released week- Outlets are a great place to dess. Although this gift will she “had a really fun time” and that she “loved ly, it’s always good to pick up big names for little leave no evidence of a gift decorating cookies.” keep up with the latest coin. Make sure to stock up, when it’s over, it will leave her “This year for Christmas I would like make- titles. For you women because Valentine’s Day is just with the constant reminder of up supplies,” said Webber. Her mom, however, who think your man pays around the corner. just how sweet you are. was not very thrilled with that idea. more attention to his Xbox 3. Jewelry. Bling is a sure thing. Did I mention she’d be out of Stephanie Greenall, 20, director of student than you, be creative, buy a You’d be surprised what you your hair for two hours? Simply affairs for the Welland SAC, says that every- two-player game and join in. can pick up for under $100. Tip: book your appointment during one worked together to make this Kill two birds with one stone. never buy jewelry from a guy in the sports venue of your choice. party possible. Page 14, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 15

You better watch out... Santa Claus You better not cry... You better not pout... is coming I’m telling you why... to town !

Photo by Takahide Eguchi Page 16, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005

What fun it is to ride and sing, a sleighing song tonight What’s Christmas without gingerbread Gingerbread House. I turned to It’s time to laugh, be merry my friend and said, “We are so and make gingerbread. getting this.” Being a 21-year-old doesn’t It may have been a juvenile mean giving up the simple act to most, but it reminded me things you used to love doing of being 10 again and baking in as a kid around Christmas. the kitchen at Christmastime Holiday memories come with my Mom. flooding back, for the smallest When my friend and I got thing can remind you of a sim- home, we put on a movie and pler time. This feeling is one set to work. Jennifer Gibbons of the warmest feelings in the Having no electric beater, we ColumnistColumist world, so why is it that the found trying to make icing older people get, the more they turned out to be a chore. After The finished product of a make-your-own gingerbread house. The house was try to drown this feeling? 15 minutes of stirring, we dis- created by Sabrina Farmer and Jennifer Gibbons. I understand the pressure and stress that comes with covered the hard lump was now Christmas, but they shouldn’t be all consuming. usable. We were ready to build Photo by Jennifer Gibbons This past weekend I was browsing around Wal-Mart the house. through the Christmas displays when I realized there were Putting the house together was again, with icing everywhere. more grumpy people out and about than ever. As I pushed easier than I had anticipated. I just remember looking at the finished product and think- my way past them, I realized I was becoming one of them, We set to work decorating with pinwheels, sprinkles, ing how proud I was. It may have been a small task, but it grumpy myself and hating every minute of this shopping gumballs and jube-jubes. certainly brightened my day. experience. In the end, it may not have been the prettiest house, but it The baking project reminded me Christmas doesn’t have to That’s when my eye caught a glimpse of a big box labeled was ours. For a little while, it was as though we were kids be as hard and materialistic as it is made out to be. Christmas Give the gift of sweets just not the Bittersweet Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Truffles Royale Bars Preparation: one hour Preparation: 30 minutes same now Ready in three hours Ready in 55 minutes By KAYLA RICHARDS 20 minutes Makes 15 bars Staff Writer Makes 24 truffles Ingredients Chocolate Peanut Ingredients Column 1/2 cup butter, cut up Two packages bittersweet Christmas is everything to you when you’re a kid. Butter Snowballs 1-1/4 cups flour chocolate, divided 3 tbsp cold water You look forward to the one day when you open pre- Preparation: 20 minutes 1/4 cup 35% whipping cream sents brought by Santa. Ready in one hour 20 minutes 2 eggs 1 tbsp butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar What happens when you are older though? Makes 36 balls 2 tbsp orange-flavoured liqueur I’ve run into that problem this year. I’m just not look- 1 package (200g) flaked (optional) coconut ing forward to this special day as much as I used to. Ingredients Directions 1/3 cup pure raspberry jam I remember my brother running into my room and 1 package semi-sweet 1. Chop one package of the chocolate waking me up at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day because he chocolate and set aside. Bring the Directions wanted to open presents. We were never allowed to. We 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter cream to a boil in a medium 1 tub Cool Whip topping 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Cut had to wait what seemed like hours until my parents saucepan on medium heat and butter into flour in a large bowl woke up. Instead, we were allowed to check out the remove. Add the chopped chocolate, Directions with a pastry blender or two gifts in our stockings. butter and liqueur and stir until the knives until mixture is in He’s 18 now. He doesn’t run into my room anymore. 1. Microwave chocolate in a chocolate is completely melted. large bowl for two minutes on coarse crumbs.Gradually add I didn’t like it when he did this, but now I miss it. Cover and freeze for one to two the water, stirring with a fork This year we can’t open our presents until late in the medium until chocolate is almost hours or until firm enough to handle. melted. Stir after one minute. until well blended. Press firm- afternoon. My mom is working, and we have to wait for 2. Use a teaspoon to scoop the 2. Stir in the peanut butter until ly into the bottom of an un- my two sisters to come over. It will be a test of pure chocolate mixture into one-inch well blended. Cool to room tem- greased nine-inch square pan. willpower for me not to rip into every one of my pre- balls and place on a wax paper cov- 2. Bake 20 minutes or until perature and stir in one thawed ered baking sheet. Freeze for 20 sents. tub of Cool Whip. Refrigerate for lightly browned. Reduce oven It’s not that I’m greedy. I just don’t like the thought minutes. temperature to 350 F. one hour. 3. Chop the remaining package of of having them right there and not being able to touch 3. Scoop the peanut butter mix- 3. Beat eggs in a large bowl them. chocolate and place in a heatproof with electric mixer on high ture with a teaspoon and shape bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of I don’t have anything to look forward to on Christ- into one-inch balls. speed for one minute. Gradual- mas Eve this year, either. We used to have a Christmas simmering, but not boiling water. Be ly add sugar, beating until 4. Roll the balls in coating and careful to not get any water into the party at my grandma’s every year and my uncle dressed cool in refrigerator. thickened and lemon coloured. up as Santa. When my grandma got sick a few years melting chocolate or it will become Gently stir in the coconut and ago, we stopped having those parties. grainy. Heat until the chocolate is set aside. Spread jam over the Possible coatings: powdered melted. Carefully dip each ball into Sometimes I wish I could go back to being six. It was sugar, finely chopped pecans, crust to within 1/4 inch of always so much easier. I never had to worry about what the chocolate and return to the bak- edges. Carefully spread toasted coconut or grated semi- ing sheet. to buy everyone for Christmas. It was a less hectic time coconut mixture over the jam. sweet chocolate. 4. Dip a knife into any remaining then. Christmas was fun. Continue baking for 25 min- chocolate and drizzle over the balls. utes or until golden brown. Don’t get me wrong. Christmas is still my favourite Compiled by Kate Jefferies Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm. holiday. I just think it’s going to take a lot more to get Cool and cut into 15 bars me into the Christmas spirit this year. news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 17 Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way Holiday movie preview Don’t fall into a holiday season weight-gain trap By NATALIE VENTRESCA By AMANDA STREET them taste so good. a few pounds, but you don’t want to over- Staff Writer Staff Writer “The main thing is to think.” do it during the holiday season then rush Nothing is more a sign that Christmas is approaching than Holiday party appetizers, Christmas Be sure to include a vegetable in to make that dreaded “I will workout out the first snowfall and holiday movie releases. turkey dinner with all the fixings, and your meal and stay away from heavy more and watch what I eat” New Year’s With visions of Christmas vacation and unbearably cold loads of homemade baking make the carbohydrates. resolution. weather dancing in our heads, college students who not holiday season a weight-gain trap. When it comes to choosing an alco- With such a busy schedule over the going to some tropical location might feel as though they Eating too much at a holiday get- holic beverage choose wisely. A glass of holiday season it may be hard to get in a have a lot of time on their hands. together can sabotage any achievements eggnog with a shot of rum contains 450 full workout, but there are other ways that What better way to pass the time than at the movies? Even you’ve made in weight loss. you can burn calories. a certain jolly, bearded, reindeer-loving fellow occasionally The hustle and bustle of the holiday Feel the burn! Winter is filled with fun, and not-so- season leaves many people strapped for fun calorie burning activities. When your takes a break and relaxes with a big-screen adventure. Here are some Bundle up, warm up the car and head out to the nearest time, as there is so much to do. Exercise mom asks you to shovel the driveway, movie theatre because holiday movie season is upon us. can become obsolete during the festivi- activities that can help don’t hesitate. You can burn about 381 With such options as a giant gorilla, Jim Carrey, a political- ties. Planning ahead and making consci- burn some calories. calories in an hour. ly charged thriller and a musical, Christmas has come early entious decisions can help avoid extra Debbie Ellsworth, a team leader at for every movie lover. holiday weight gain. the Welland YMCA, says if you are Before attending a holiday function Tobogganing – 413 calories strapped for time and can’t make it - King Kong (Peter Jackson) – work party, family get-together – Downhill skiing – 381 calories to the gym, go for a quick walk. She Dec. 14 eat a light meal so you will not be as says that there some simple exercis- Everyone is familiar with the story of King Kong. What is Ice skating – 445 calories still to be decided is how successful this three-hour, $207- hungry and eat as much as you may es you can do while standing in the million remake will be at the box office. If the success of otherwise. Once confronted with the Snow shoeing – 508 calories kitchen baking. You can work every director Peter Jackson in his Lord of the Rings trilogy is any delicious calorie-filled goodies, Snowmobiling – 222 calories muscle while doing simple things indication, King Kong will tower over its competition. decide which ones you really love around the house to get ready for and eat only those. Do not eat some- Shoveling snow – 381 calories Christmas. - The Producers (Susan Stroman) thing just because it is there. Snowboarding – 400 calories A small trick to try while you are stand- Dec. 16 Avoid vowing to eat nothing at a ing is to contract your abdominal muscles Meet mouthy Max Bialystock (Nathan Lane) and his Shopping – 146 calories meek partner Leo Bloom (Matthew Broderick). As two function. If you do splurge and con- and hold for 10 seconds, then release and Wrapping presents – 95 calories would-be Broadway tycoons, they find that they can make sume party fare, then you won’t be repeat. Try doing some squats while you more money with a flop than with a hit. Sound funny? It is, laden with the guilt and depression Baking – 159 calories are waiting for something to come out of but possible viewers beware: this is a musical. afterwards. the oven. Pace yourself between snacking and Cleaning – 222 calories Ellsworth advises that you eat Dec. 16 -The Family Stone eat slowly, relishing the tastes of what (calories calculated per hour) something healthy before going to What’s a holiday release without a comedy about a dys- you do consume. This will allow you to any get-togethers. functional family? With a cast that includes Diane Keaton, enjoy the food more and feel satisfied calories. You are better off choosing a “Don’t go to a party on an empty stom- Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams and Luke Wilson, while eating less. lighter mixer such as Diet Coke or club ach.” She says that by limiting portion though, who can resist? Bill Xanthopoulos, 25, of Toronto, an soda. If you simply can’t resist reaching sizes and drinking lots of water you executive chef and food consultant, for a glass of eggnog, limit consumption should be able to maintain your weight. - Fun with Dick and Jane (Dean advises avoiding breads, high-fat items to one glass, and make sure you go for a If you have younger siblings or Dec. 21Parisot) and cookies. He says you should only eat walk or engage in some sort of physical cousins who will be around for the As Dick and Jane, Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni star in this until you feel full. If not, you will overeat activity the next day. holidays, spend some time with comedy about a married couple that become robbers after and that causes weight gain. If you are going to a party at a friend’s them. Build a snowman or go sled- Dick’s company collapses. Although this is a comedy, this As far as Christmas dinner is con- or a family member’s, bring along a plat- ding. Both great ways to burn calo- film is also somewhat a critique as it explores how much cerned, stick to white meat and avoid ter of some low-fat baking. That way you ries and have fun. If you can afford pressure families face and how far they will go to hold on to eating the crispy golden skin, as good can enjoy something sweet and not feel to hit the slopes, skiing and snow- their typical American lifestyle. as it may taste. guilty about it. boarding are both high in physical - Cheaper by the Dozen 2 “The most important thing is to enjoy More than likely you will not con- activity and will burn about 400 Dec. 21 what you are eating. It’s the holidays. tinue your weight loss efforts over calories an hour. Did the world really need a sequel to Cheaper by the This is what you look forward to.” the holidays, but choose the goal of The holiday season brings lots of Dozen? This instalment pits the Baker family against anoth- He says people shouldn’t have the maintaining the weight you have shopping. Park as far away from the er equally large family, whose father is played by Eugene misconception that mashed potatoes now and you will be happier with the store entrance as you can. This way Levy. Will the Baker family outstay their welcome on the big are not high in fat. They are mixed results. you can work in a quick walk. Also screen? Only box-office numbers will tell. with cream and butter, so beware If you worry about every single pound, carrying your presents around the Dec. 23 - The Matador (Richard Shepard) that it isn’t just the potato making you will never enjoy life. It is OK to gain mall will burn some extra calories. The plot (a hitman and a salesman walk into a bar ... ) might sound like one of your dad’s bad jokes, but this com- Marching to a Christmas beat edy/drama/thriller starring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear WhatWhat aa nut!nut! has already received rave reviews. Dec. 23 - Munich (Steven Spielberg) Directed by Steven Spielberg, this sombre film about the aftermath of the assassination of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics has Oscar written all over it. Dec. 23 - The Ringer (Barry W. Blaustein) Johnny Knoxville stars in this comedy about a man pre- tending to be mentally challenged in order to fix the Special Olympics. Yes, you read that right. Dec. 25 -The New World (Terrence Malick) Thanks for the memories, Disney, but this “grown-up” version of the Pocahontas and John Smith story is sure to portray not only their relationship but also the clash between Native Americans and English settlers in the 17th century more accurately. It will be up to the viewers if the talking tree Mr. Peanut stops to pose for a picture during the Welland Santa and musical numbers are missed. Sea and navy cadets from Pickering march in the Niagara Falls Claus parade on Dec. 3. I’ve made you a list. Check it twice. You don’t want to Santa Claus Parade. Photo by Amber Beardwood miss out on any of these holiday releases. Photo by John Misiti Page 18, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way Girl Guides’ float lights up Dunnville By MELISSA MANGELSEN The DDGG has been involved in the Santa Staff Writer Claus parade since it began. Christmas parades are common this time of They used to participate in the Dunnville year. Mudcat Festival, which is held in June, but it Each one is different. was too hard to get members to come out in Dunnville held its first nighttime Santa the summer. Claus parade on Dec 3. “We only do the Christmas float now,” Mel Stirtzinger, a leader for the Dunnville says Herod. District Girl Guides (DDGG), is just one of The DDGG Christmas float has won for four people responsible for constructing the best float two years in a row, in 2002 and 2003. DDGG Christmas float. The theme for this year’s float is a ginger- Stirtzinger became involved with the bread house. DDGG because they needed leaders to join Herod says it gets stressful when it gets The Dunnville District Girl Guides participated in Dunnville’s first nighttime Santa and help with setting up and participating in down to “crunch time” for the float. Claus parade on Dec. 3. The entry, constructed by Mel Stirtzinger and committee, activities with the members. “We enjoy doing it, and the kids love it,” won first prize for best float. Being a leader involves helping Guides says Stirtzinger. Photo by Melissa Mangelsen build their self-esteem, doing community “The kids don’t care if it’s snowing or work with them and thinking of new pro- raining. They just love doing it,” says Herod. they got to be involved and wave to people Churches and stores handed out free hot grams that they can become involved in. Because the parade was at night, safety in the crowd. chocolate to help warm the people up. The age range in the DDGG is between precautions were taken to ensure that no one They sang Christmas carols on the float They have added some new additions to five and 18. was injured. while it travelled along the parade route. the Christmas festivities in Dunnville The float was created by the Float Com- Traditionally, the candy would have been Stirtzinger and Herod say they don’t get to this year. mittee, which includes members Judith thrown from the floats and the children see the parade when they are on the float but After the parade, there was public skating Parker, Shirley Best, Ron Stirtzinger and would collect the candy from the sides of the they get someone to videotape it so they can at the Dunnville arena, free to children. Sandra Herod. roads, but because visibility is reduced at view it later. Santa was also there. Herod says it took about 12 hours to build night, they handed the candy directly to the Dunnville has combined its traditional They plan to add something new every the float. children. Christmas tree light-up night and Santa year to keep the Dunnville Christmas festiv- “We worked on it a couple of hours here The Guides on the float didn’t mind that Claus parade into one night. ities fresh and exciting. and there over the last few weeks, whenever they couldn’t retrieve candy from the side of Local stores lighted the whole parade Larry Stirtzinger pulled the DDGG float we had time.” the road this year since they were excited route. using his vintage Case tractor.

Santa parade celebrates war veterans By NATALIE CLEWLEY Staff Writer Santa Claus, his reindeer and his elves were at East Main Street in Welland last Saturday. This year’s parade theme was Dedicating the Year of Vet- erans, says Rose Smith, chair of the Welland Recreation Pro- jects Association. She says, “It’s a wonderful thing they did giving their lives for us, and this needs to be recognized.” More than 50 decorated and colourful floats hit the streets, including one for Santa, Mrs. Claus and his toy helpers. Smith says that children of all ages get the excitement of seeing Santa every year. It’s the “anticipation that you feel and the excite- ment I remember as a child, the same feel- ing.” Following the parade there was a party at Market Square with hot chocolate, pony rides and a “jump and bounce.” “This is one of Welland’s biggest events during the Christmas season,” says Smith. The parade began at 12:30 p.m. and buses were available for transportation. Frosty the Snowman and friends returned children’s waves from this colourful float outside Welland’s down- For more information on how to be a vol- town Market Square in the Santa Claus parade on Dec. 3. unteer or become involved in the parade, call Photo by Natalie Clewley the association at 905-732-1515. news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 19 Movies Korean remake gets mixed reviews C.S. Lewis fantasy By ANDY BURT job of putting the audience in the film Staff Writer along side Dae-su. It’s a technique Dean Film Review Gillis, a second-year film student in the If you haven’t heard of Oldboy yet, get Broadcasting – Radio, Television and ready for a storm. Film program (BRTF), can admire. Like countless foreign films before it, “I like the fact that the director chooses becomes reality Oldboy is getting the Uncle Sam-Holly- to give the audience the exact knowledge wood makeover. The difference is that that Oh Dae-su has,” says Gillis. “Each By NATALIE VENTRESCA Thanks to today’s extraordinary Oldboy is three years old and is just now piece of the puzzle that he discovers makes Staff Writer advances in motion picture technol- being seen by most of us overseas, us feel like we discovered it as well.” Movie Review ogy, the wonderfully imaginative thanks to a recent DVD release. Oldboy is not without its violent bits, In 1950, scholar, critic and writer C. world of Narnia and its inhabitants A trip to imdb.com shows a 2006 and the cinematography really shines S. Lewis established a modern legend can be fully realized in this, the first release date for the remake. It’s a busy when things get bloody. In perhaps the when he published The Lion, The live-action film for director Andrew year for the director, Justin Lin, as he is most elaborately choreographed, longest Witch and The Wardrobe, the first of Adamson. also helming The Fast and the Furious: uncut fight scene ever filmed, the direc- his seven-volume series, The Chroni- In a press release, Adamson states Tokyo Drift. tor’s skill is on full display. cles of Narnia. that this film has Oldboy is director Chan-wook Park’s Dan Krawchuk, a second-year film On Dec. 9, Walt “taken millions of second entry into a trilogy of revenge- student in the BRTF program, says this Disney Pictures young minds into themed, ultra-violent dramas. The first scene is his favourite. and Walden Media realms of fantasy - entry is Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, “The fight is so realistically brutal,” will bring this so the enormous released in Korea in 2002, and the third, says Krawchuk. “You get sucked right What we modern legend to challenge as a Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, was into it because it’s only one take.” think the big screen. filmmaker was to released in Korea this year. The remake is already generating neg- Set in England try to recreate Oldboy begins when Oh Dae-su, the ative buzz among fans of the original. during the Second those worlds in a movie’s protagonist, disappears from a “I don’t think they’re justified in remak- World War, this way that might street corner after a night out on the ing this film for the simple reason of satis- timeless adventure live up to and even town. The next time we see Dae-su he’s fying illiterate people,” says Krawchuk follows the Peven- exceed people’s in a hotel room groveling for information referring to the subtitled DVD. sie siblings – Lucy, imaginations, that through a tiny slot in a reinforced steel “I’m not expecting it to be very Edmund, Susan could transport door. This hotel room is Dae-su’s prison good,” says Gillis. “An American and Peter – as they you to another for the next 15 years of his life. remake of a very different Korean travel to the world time and place. Dae-su wakes up one morning stuffed movie just spells trouble.” of Narnia through a You couldn’t have in a luggage bag on the rooftop of a sky- To see Oldboy the way it was intended magical wardrobe made this film five scraper. This is when Dae-su’s quest for to be seen, you’ll have to pick up the sub- while playing a years ago.” revenge is set in motion. For the rest of titled DVD. See it and tell your friends game of hide and “Now is the the film you’re at the mercy of Chan- about the good version when the remake seek. right time to be wook Park’s will. He does an amazing comes out. Once in this making this story.” enchanted and If now is the right charming land time to be making Joaquin The White Witch, Jadis (Tilda filled with dwarfs, this movie, then Top 10 movies for relaxing sports fans Phoenix fauns, centaurs, Swinton), puts an icy spell on the Christmas season is By NATALIE VENTRESCA ple put on teenage athletes and walks the giants and talking world of Narnia, cursing it to eter- the best time to be Staff Writer their obsession with football. line beasts, the chil- nal winter in The Chronicles of Nar- releasing it. Sports fans, start your engines. 5. Raging Bull dren discover that nia: The Lion, The Witch and The Touching upon With football playoffs coming and (1980, Martin Scorsese) this world has Wardrobe. Submitted photo such eternal hockey back in action, you’ll be eat- Raging Bull explores the career of become cursed to themes as good ing, sleeping and breathing sports. real-life of boxer Jake LaMotta. eternal winter by the evil white witch and evil, courage, hope and the power When games, Sportscentre highlights Scorsese explores LaMotta’s rage Jadis (Tilda Swinton). of family, The Chronicles of Narnia: and Internet news seem like not enough and violence both inside and out- The children battle to overcome the The Lion, The Witch and The for sport-obsessed fans, you can always side the boxing ring. witch’s powerful control over Narnia Wardrobe will be warming hearts and turn to Hollywood for support. 4. Bull Durham and try to free it from her icy spell. bringing young and old together. Hollywood has been kind to sports (1988, Ron Shelton) fans over the years, producing some of This movie is about two things – the best sport-themed movies. baseball and sex – so it makes sense Ready, set, go: Here are the best 10 that the movie’s tagline reads “It’s sports movies. all about sex and sport. What else is Johnny Cash rendition makes for 10. Rudy (1993, David Anspaugh) there?” Really, what else could a This is one tearjerker of a football male baseball fan ask for? movie about determination and 3. A League of Their Own overcoming the odds. Rudy’s (1992, Penny Marshall) an impressive date movie message is that you’re never too “There’s no crying in baseball.” small to play football. Girls might cry more easily than By PATRICK HALL and the lingering grief over the death of 9. Field of Dreams men, but A League of Their Own Staff Writer his oldest brother. Cash is portrayed as (1989, Phil Alden Robinson) shows that women can do anything, Movie Review an unhappy, drug-addicted husband. As “If you build it, he will come.” If like playing baseball, just as well as Top 10 Walk the Line tells the story of the he rises to fame, it is his friendship with you ever hear voices from a corn- men and maybe even better. best first half of singer/songwriter John- music partner Carter that ultimately field telling you this, proceed to 2. The Mighty Ducks ny Cash’s life from shortly before saves his life in the end. build a baseball field. With any (1992, Stephen Herek) sports the release of his first record until This movie does not centre on a story luck, ghosts of Chicago White It’s a perfect match. He’s never movies his marriage to the woman he would of their love and romance, but more Sox players will show up. Hey, if coached before and they have spend the last 35 years of his life about their mutual respect for one it worked for Ray Kinsella (Kevin never won. Together they become with, June Carter. another and the shared musical bond Costner), it can work for you. The Ducks and show us how pee- Joaquin Phoenix plays Cash, and that brought them together. 8. Slap Shot wee hockey is really supposed to although he does not fit his physical “I was never that much of a fan of (1977, George Roy Hill) be played. stature by any means, he nails the Johnny Cash, but I am definitely Here is a perfect example of an 1. Rocky (1976, John G. Avildsen) voice of the legendary country music intrigued now that I know more inaccurate portrayal of a sport. To Two words: Italian Stallion. Rocky singer. Phoenix does all the singing about him,” says Linda Wilson, 58, some, hockey is considered a vio- rules as the greatest sports movie and guitar playing in the film, as does of Oakville, Ont. “Now I can see lent sport, but this film takes on- because it has heart. A true underdog co-star Reese Witherspoon, who plays why so many people were touched ice violence to a new level, thanks story, Rocky is about determination, Carter. by his music.” to the Hanson brothers. beating the odds and the will to suc- The on-screen chemistry is hard to Overall, Walk the Line takes you on a 7. Bend It Like Beckham ceed. It’s the perfect recipe: mix ignore, and their acting performances journey through Cash’s personal lows (2002, Gurinder Chadha) boxing with heart and add a little are possibly the best of their careers. and numerous career highs. Because I Two things you should know love story. The result is an unforget- “I was shocked when I found out that am a fan of Cash’s musical works, the about this movie: soccer is called table boxing movie. they did all the performing in the scene from his Folsom Prison concert in football, and, (sorry, ladies) it’s However accurate or inaccurate movie,” says Steve Gardner, 26, of 1968 truly blew me away. not about David Beckham. these movies may portray the sport Hamilton, Ont. “I really did not think An avid movie-going Nelson Free- 6. Varsity Blues they feature, they give you an adren- either actor had it in them.” man, 23, says, “Classic music fans are (1999, Brian Robbins) alin rush, make you laugh and even The film begins with a brief look at in for a treat with this film.” Varsity Blues, which takes place have the ability to make you cry. Cash’s unhappy childhood on an I recommend this as the date movie in Texas, where football is a way Whether or not you admit that is Arkansas farm with his abusive father of the year. of life, explores the pressure peo- your own choice. Page 20, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 WHAT IS ‘HEARSAY’? What is your fondest/most memorable holiday memory? Hearsay is your chance to be quoted in Interview and Photos news@niagara about current events or social by Sarah Hirschmann and Amanda Reynolds Julia DiGiorgio Jim Bergman issues. 22 21 This is the first edition to have an entire Social Service Pre-Health page devoted to this concept, and it’s all Worker program Sciences program because of Nov. 25’s news@niagara day Justin Gillap during which reporters and photographers 19 “When I was “I have three sis- from the Journalism-Print program “hit the General Arts and younger and my Science program ters all over the pavement” on the campus and got in your brother and I got GT snow racers world and the family got together face with our topics. “Getting wasted on New Year’s the last Christmas before my last year. It’s nice having a full These are this week’s topics: parents split.” • What is your fondest/most memorable when I turned 19.” house.” holiday memory? • Do we focus too much on gifts and com- Blake Turner 22 mercialism during Christmas? Social Service • Do you feel extra financial pressure Julia Nulis Worker program Kurt Spitzig around Christmas time? How are you dealing 20 19 with this? Fitness and Health “Waiting up and Police Foundations • Are you going to vote in the federal elec- Promotion program in the middle of program tion in the new year? “I was four. We went to go see night, getting a drink, and seeing “Being home from school for Santa and I was so scared that I everything all lit up and seeing the three weeks.”

HEARSAY! peed my pants.” Christmas magic at work.” Do we focus too Do you feel extra Listening to your opinion ... and rewarding you for it much on gifts and financial pressure around commercialism during Christmas time? How are Christmas? you dealing with this? Interview and Photos Interview and Photos by Kate Jefferies and Kaesha Forand by Baillie Adcock and Natalie Ventresca Vanessa Sorrell 18 Early Childhood John Jhulke Education program 19 Police Foundations “Yes, I have no program money and no job. I think I will have to babysit “I think we do focus on it too to make money.” much. I don’t think it overshad- ows family and friends.”

Jenna White All students who provided comments were 19 Ian Downes automatically entered in a contest on Educational Police Foundations Second-year Journalism-Print program stu- news@niagara day. On Dec. 5 the winner Assistant – Special program was drawn and Julia DiGiorgio won the new Needs Support dents Kayla Richards (left) and Sarah program “I’m unemployed but I’m using Hirschmann were taking comments from Family Guy Vol. 3 DVD, two tickets for a Dec. the money I’ve saved up.” students at Welland campus on Nov. 25 as 26 J.A.D.E.D concert, news@niagara and “I’m a Jehovah’s Witness, so I part of news@niagara day, which was a way J.A.D.E.D T-shirts, a J.A.D.E.D musical comi- don’t celebrate Christmas.” lation and news@niagara’s compilation for reporters to introduce themselves and Rick Atkinson their publication to students. noise@niagara. 25 Photo by Drew Lougheed Photo by Kaesha Forand Electronics Engi- Fiona neering Technology Balabyekkubo program 24 Pre-Health Science “I don’t get too stressed out Are you going to vote in the federal program because I do my Christmas shop- election in the new year? “It takes away from the original ping throughout the year.” purpose of Christmas. They don’t Interview and photos think about the reason behind it Nick Hirniak Elisabeth Bailey and Michael McClymont 20 Erin De Foreste and kids forget about the meaning Police Foundations Police Foundation of Christmas.” program program “[Yes,] even though the Patrick DeBernardi “I’m freakin’ Electronic campaigning will be out. I’m going to Engineering Wes Reeves work every day until Christmas.” throughout Christmas. Technology program 26 Photonics I’m not happy about that, but it’s a federal “Probably. Paul Martin’s not that good, but at Engineering Meghan Bissillion election and if I don’t vote then I don’t least he’s better than the Conservatives.” Technician program 19 have a right to complain.” Early Childhood “I think that’s all the holidays are Education program Corey Villneff Graphic Design about anymore. The religious “Tuition is too Production program basis are not really thought of.” high. I told my “I don’t agree with most family that I’m tight for money. It makes me feel Amanda Gallagher Conservative values, Law Clerk (Co-op) program period. And a lot of their bad because they get me presents Mandy Betts and I can’t get them anything.” “I’m not voting because I don’t pay atten- political ideologies. I decided to go NDP.” 20 Early Childhood tion.” Education program Paul Taylor Shalane Metcalfe Scott Vanderlide 25, Electronics Office Administration Engineering Graphic Design program “I love Christmas, the whole idea Production program Technology “I don’t know anything of presents included. My favourite “Well, it’s my right to about politics. I don’t part, though, is being with my “I have no vote, but more so I’m not think I should do it.” family.” money and there in favour of the govern- are too many people to buy for. ment right now. The Liberals seemed to I’ll deal with it by saving money have botched things up too much.” What’s YOUR opinion? E-mail us at [email protected] and not going out as much.” news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 21 Journalism-Print students make ‘Noise’‘Noise’ musicianmusician ‘news@niagara day’ a success BrettBrett FriesenFriesen By DREW LOUGHEED Alan Connelly, 21, of Welland. playedplayed livelive atat Staff Writer He adds that such an event made him consider Second-year students in the Journalism-Print taking journalism as a program next year here. GlendaleGlendale campuscampus forfor program dispersed at the Welland and Glendale campuses during news@niagara day on Nov. 25 asking questions, shooting photos as if it were news@niagaranews@niagara dayday just another day in the media world. Just a few sleeps after the Student Apprecia- tion Day, students at the Glendale and Welland campus pubs were treated to free concerts by bands on the noise@niagara CD: Sleep the Sea- son and The Satellite State at After Hours and Mark Vida along with Brett Friesen at The Armoury. “I remember that noise CD that came out from here. It’s pretty cool that they jump from the disk right onto the stage for a free show,” says Dave Hatter, 19, of Welland. “It’s good to hear some local stuff every now and then to showcase Niagara’s talent.” The Interview Booth was also setup in the cafeteria foyer asking students their opinions on current events (see page 20) in addition to giv- ing them a chance to have their comments pos- sibly being published in the newspaper. “I think it’s pretty cool for a college newspa- per going to good lengths in order to try to reach Photo By Lesley Kerr out to the students and the community” says Mark Vida played at The Armoury Nov. 25. ‘Da Market’ brings it at The Armoury By LESLEY KERR Errol, the promotions manager, says, “I am the Staff Writer entertainment guy. I am the guy who does the Da Market is a hip-hop group spun from the promotions, does the marketing, gets the show, label NATUP Entertainment. The hip-hop group get these guys out there to do their thing, and we covers promotions, producing and rapping – have been doing our thing since way back in ‘95. every aspect of the entertainment market. The name has changed throughout the years, but On Friday, Nov. 25, acoustic musician Brett Friesen performed at “It’s one world in Da Market,” says Errol, a Da Market represents everything they’ve done in The Armoury at the Glendale campus as a part of Journalism- member of Da Market. the entertainment world. Print’s news@niagara day. Friesen normally plays with his band “In the hip-hop world everything is combined “We were the first people to bring in Genuine The Great Lakes but during this performance he played solo. His around the barbershop.” and Kardinal Official. performance was followed by a solo performance by Mark Vida. The barbershop, known as The Style Lab, at “We did shows in the park, in clubs, in the Both musicians appear on the noise@niagara compilation. 237 St. Paul St. in St. Catharines, is where every- shop, in basements and for charity.” Photo by Lesley Kerr one meets, rumours start and music is born. It is The crew agreed they have all been part of the the foundation of the hip-hop world. rap world for most of their lives. They say it’s where they hangout, joke around Bad Nuz, also known as Nu Nu, says he has and talk about music. always written his lyrics and rapped, but Da Market crew was one group performing at freestyling is just something people can do. It’s a The Armoury on Nov. 24 when Collection Day different talent altogether. Horrorpops mixes its music Entertainment hosted a concert with Da Market, He says he can’t remember when he started Reazon, Frank Dukez and DJ Killa. rapping, adding, “I just wanna get on stage.” Five members of Da Market that performed are The group then gave an energetic performance Enjoy at loud volumes known by their show names: Bad Nuz, Fiifi, T- by yelling out to the audience and waving their By JENNIFER GIBBONS who listen. Rex, Khali and Errol. hands to the beat of their lyrics. Staff Writer It was an all-ages crowd that Band Review ranged from 15 to 50 year olds. Hey, hepcats, don’t rattle your Sitting at a table having a Corona, I cage. The ‘50s are back. was amazed to see how many people This is the new spin being put on really lived for this music. music. With a mix of punk, ska and As the band members emerged on rockabilly, the lingo and sounds of the stage, only one word came to my ‘50s are alive. It’s the type of music mind: bizarre. that can only be enjoyed turned all the They were the oddest-looking way up. crew of misfits I had ever seen. Not With looks right out of the Cry only were they dressed in extrava- Baby movie and the ‘50s era, their gant outfits out of the ‘50s beatnik stage show will disappoint no one. era, but they also had gogo girls, The Horrorpops are the new standard gone rotten, dancing on stage. for old music. It wasn’t until the band members Walking into the 2nd Last Call in began their first song did I realize Orillia, Ont., I realized I was not in how talented they are. my usual environment as the audience The lead singer, Patricia, can sing was dressed in their best punk attire. and yell with the best of them, all the I was determined to be fair about while playing a slapping upright bass the music because I was about to bigger than she is. see my first punk show, thanks to The crowd went wild and the my brother. atmosphere was high energy as the Originally based in Copenhagen, moshing began. Being hit from every Denmark, The Horrorpops had some angle didn’t matter because the ener- success with the nightclubs and gy this band bestowed on the crowd decided to expand their following to was contagious. The hip-hop group Da Market performed at Glendale campus in The Armoury pub. The five Canada and the U.S. Because of the band’s creative members, Nu Nu, T-Rex, Errol, Khali and Fiifi, give an energetic rap performance on Thurs- With singles like Cool Flat Top, music and outfits, there is no doubt day, Nov. 24. Misstake and Psychobitches Outta they will be here to stay as the crowd Photo by Lesley Kerr Hell, the band grabs the attention of all did not want to see them leave. Page 22, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 Entertainers perform at Niagara café

By LESLEY KERR and Leanne Huddak to contact the Niagara Art At the café, Jay says he cannot do all his stunts, for Staff Writer Gallery for local artists and send out e-mails offering the restaurant hasn’t enough space for someone to Musicians, magicians, jugglers, belly dancers, live the café as a new place to display art. ride a unicycle while juggling and have it still be con- artists and tarot card readers are usually found at a “The artist can put up as much art as we can hold, sidered safe in a room full of people. circus, but at Café Tu Tu Tango they are the weekly but some only have a few pieces on the wall.” Nowaczyk says the band Anti-Q played on Nov. 27 entertainment. “We have offered an entire wall to the art students at for a Christmas party that was open to all. Café Tu Tu Tango has a live entertainment theme Brock University who want to put their art on the wall. “I listened to their CD and they’re really good, so along with a supported art atmosphere. We’re going to give them the option if they want to do I had them hired but they weren’t too expensive. The walls are covered in paintings, sculptures, a demo in the restaurant. They just want to play and expose their name.” jewelry, canvas and 3D canvases. “It’s up to them, but we’re not going to force them The café is located at 6300 Fallsview Blvd., Unit David Nowaczyk, general manager of the Niagara because of their studies. This is something I would B, Niagara Falls. Falls café, says there are 27 artists who display their offer to the Niagara College students as well. We also To contact Kassia for the belly-dancing classes, art on the restaurant’s walls. They are entitled to do offer a discount in the restaurant to Brock and Niagara call 905-932 4728. so if they put in a minimum number of hours per students.” The tarot card reader can be contacted at month in the restaurant. He says there are three sta- The café opened on June 1. It specializes in appe- [email protected], and Kobbler Jay can be contact- tions, so three artists can simultaneously demonstrate tizers, so everyone can try a bite of everything. ed through e-mail at [email protected]. their artistic skill. On Friday, Nov. 10, starting at 8 p.m. there was a Café Tu Tu Tango offers live entertainment every Nowaczyk says the café hired art directors Steve performance by a live belly dancer, Cassia. She holds day of the week. belly-dancing lessons at the café on Mondays. The performance of Kobbler Jay, The Eccentric Juggler, was on fire; at least his juggling sticks were. A live magician, David Alexander, went to tables around the restaurant to demonstrate tricks, and tarot card reader Lenka Kamenicky sat at a table offering to read the guests’ cards for free or for gratuities. Nowaczyk says the café usually has a live one- or two-person band playing as well. One musician who plays at the café is Nathan Warner. Nowaczyk says he is “really good,” as guests can request songs and he plays them. “He would just break into any song.” Nowaczyk says, “One of my managers, who was my assistant at the time, was in charge of all the entertainment, so he looked in the phone book and started calling entertainers.

Niagara Artists Niagara “They all seem to know each other, so if one of them couldn’t do it, they could recommend someone else.” Kobbler Jay, whose real name is Jason Henderson, started performing at the restaurant in June. A friend who works in the restaurant informed him that the place needed entertainment. Jay says his career as a juggler started about five years ago when he dressed up as a clown for Hal- loween. He was making balloon figures and juggling. He says an agent saw him and suggested he per- form for children’s birthday parties. He said he Café eventually dropped that, but continued juggling as a hobby. Tu Tu After a couple of attempts at school, he went back Kobbler Jay, 22, takes a mouthful of fire during to performing. Nathan Warner sang many of the requested his performance at Café Tu Tu Tango in Niagara He says he has had a “couple of jobs” with busi- songs from his audience at Café Tu Tu Tango in Falls. nesses such as the casino, but he also does street per- Niagara Falls on Nov. 19. Photo by Lesley Kerr formances in the summer. Photo by Lesley Kerr Niagara graduate featured in art gallery By MELISSA MANGELSEN dent loans.” Staff Writer He does canvas work because he lives in an apartment and Sculptures and paintings are an artist’s soul telling a story. space is limited. Michael Hulley, who goes by Mykl, is from Fonthill. His art Mykl’s art focuses on story telling and historical events. will be on display starting Dec. 3 at the Niagara Art Gallery in “I had things to say and found a medium to say them in.” He Fonthill. He will be exhibiting works of sculpture and paint- says, “You can’t turn it off because it’s right in your face.” Art Gallery ings of different mediums. “It is important for artists to have their work seen.” features Mykl Mykl studied the General Arts and Science program at He would like to donate a sculpture either to Brock Universi- Niagara College and graduated two years ago. ty or to an industry if they will place it in a high-traffic area. He has also taken correspondence courses in psychology and Mykl has travelled with the art magazine Smoke and exhibit- a language course in Quebec. ed work in Vancouver and Toronto. Mykl is on the Student Advisory Committee at the college. During his time travelling with Smoke, he spent four months His duties involve meeting twice a year and setting up formats at a time away from home over a two-year period. for different programs. He has also exhibited in 16 American cities and has held He is at Brock University in St. Catharines helping to shows in San Francisco and Toronto. “mould” the programs, which involves coming up with differ- Mykl says sometimes when you have your work displayed ent ideas about the programs. all over the place at the same time it’s not uncommon to “lose” Mykl gave a proposal upon graduation to Niagara College’s some pieces along the way. President Dan Patterson about a piece of art that had to do with He emphasizes he doesn’t have any influences on his work icewine. Mykl says Patterson “enjoyed” the piece, but discus- because he tries to keep a distance from other artists. sions about it have fallen onto the back burner since then. He came upon the Niagara Art Gallery by chance. “Colleges aren’t art based. Not a lot of art is shown.” “About three years ago I was driving by and noticed it.” he Michael Hulley displaying his Mykl has a business called Art Michael Incorporated, which says, noting that it is “a great outlet to be with other artists.” artwork at the Niagara Art he started in May. He installs aluminum railings and vinyl Mykl enjoys having his work in someone’s home. He says it Gallery, in Fonthill on Dec. 3. decks. His motivation for his business is to “pay off some stu- gives him more space to do more when he’s selling his pieces. Submitted photo news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 23

Spanish bestseller Review Book The Devil Wears Prada a hit for ladies now in English By AMY ZULINIAK The New Yorker. She plans for her. The boss Weisberger makes Staff Writer needs to stay at from hell has no other numerous references to By AMANDA ROSKO Book Review this horrible job long face than Miranda everything from Staff Writer “The light hadn’t enough to get a Priestly’s. Jimmy Choo to Book Review even officially turned recommendation from Sachs’ tasks involve Michael Kors, it is no The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, has green at the intersec- the devil herself, bringing expensive wonder unfashionable spent the last two years on the Spanish bestseller list tion of the 17th and Priestly. lattes, picking up people don’t under- before being translated into English. After reading it, I’m Broadway before an The Devil Wears dry cleaning and bar- stand this book. glad it was. army of overconfident Prada is the latest gaining for a copy of It doesn’t have much The story begins with a young boy’s journey to the yellow cabs roared novel from Lauren the not-yet-released of a plot. The extent of Graveyard of Forgotten Books. There, he discovers a past the tiny deathtrap Weisberger. She has Harry Potter book for the story is a high-class book called the Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax. I was attempting to also written Everyone Priestly’s children. bitchy boss from After reading the novel and wishing to find more navigate around the Worth Knowing and There are also a few hell who treats her works from the author, the boy, Daniel, is unable to find city streets.” The Nanny Diaries. chapters in which she employees like trash, anything, except to learn that there is a man with a Andrea Sachs, fresh Weisberger based is confined to her in particular one scarred face tracking down and burning every Julian out of college, lands this book on a job she office and is not employee. Sachs is Carax novel. a job millions of ladies took as assistant to allowed to leave her adorable, though, and Now that Daniel may have the last one, he finds him- would die for. She Anna Wintour, the edi- desk, just in case you fall in love with self coming face to face with this stranger. is hired as assistant tor of Vogue magazine. Priestly calls. her almost immediate- The mystery eventually grows cold, but freshens again to Miranda Priestly, She hints that Win- “I loved it. It was so ly, making you want to when Daniel turns 18. The story of Carax doesn’t become the editor of top tour’s over-the-top entertaining,” said read on. The in-depth important just to Daniel with every revelation, but to fashion magazine behaviour was too Emily Szabo, 20, of description of life in everyone he meets who is connected to it and reminded Runway. much to keep to her- Dundas, Ont. New York for the rich of their involvement with his investigation. She immediately self, hence the novel. This book is enter- and powerful is espe- This is one of those books that you read and remember moves to New York Sachs takes the posi- taining and full of cially fun to read. the rest of your life. The story touches you in ways that and is thrown to the tion thinking she will laughs, but unless It is entertaining most stories never do anymore. wolves. She hates her be in charge of impor- you’re a fashionista or with lots of laughs, but It has everything: forbidden love, sex, murder, torture, job more than any- tant tasks, dealing with at the very least a Sex not for the serious rape, family secrets, corrupt officials, rendezvous and thing, but nothing will big clients and arrang- and the City fan, you type. Ladies, you’ll fighting in abandoned mansions. get in the way of her ing meetings. Howev- have no business read- love it! Don’t take my word for it. Read the reviews from real dream, writing for er, Priestly has other ing this book. Becasue Steven King, The Washington Post, Entertainment Week- ly and many others inside the book before buying. Good reads Newest V.C. Andrews book disappointing Dead as a Doornail delivers By AMANDA STREET different from her as night is Andrews has been dead By AMANDA ROSKO Staff Writer to day. for many years, but her books Staff Writer Book Review April Shadows, the latest have been taken over by ghost Book Review After waiting months for the novel by V.C. Andrews, follows writer Andrew Neiderman, who Dead as a Doornail, by Charlaine Harris, is the fifth of newest book by my favourite a similar style to the rest of her follows notes she left behind. her Sookie Stackhouse series, and now, because of their author, I was greatly disappoint- novels but lacks that page-turn- This time he has strayed too far success, they are appearing worldwide. ed upon reading what was ing suspense I usually feel when from the style I have come Sookie is a psychic who seems to draw the supernatur- between its covers. I am entranced by the world she to love and expect from these al world to her against her will. Her brother, Jason, has April Taylor is an overweight creates. novels. experienced his first full moon as a werepanther, but Andrews’s teenager with a close-knit The story is told through This novel also strays too far embraces the life and finds he enjoys it. This is not to last new book since a sniper is on the loose and is shooting were-crea- family. Her father is a loving the eyes of the heroine, a from reality. The other novels April tures. Jason is the prime suspect, and Sookie has until the and kind man, until one day he perspective Andrews has always are unrealistic in a sense, but Shadows comes home and acts like followed, but the plotlines are this one takes unreality to new next full moon to discover who the real shooter is. Mr. Hyde. Her world is turned weak and unfinished. I was left levels. I stepped in on the fourth book, Dead to the World, upside down by her father’s wondering, what is this girl If you are an Andrews fan and where Sookie comes across the Vampire Eric, running in sudden behaviour change, doing? Although other have yet to read the recent the middle of the road with no memories of who he is. her mother falls into a pit of Andrews’s characters have made instalment, save your money Someone is trying to kill him to obtain his money and his depression and she is left many idiotic choices, April, by and re-read an older novel. business. Sookie is left in charge of hiding him. Eric is with only her sister, who is as far, takes this to the extreme. normally a charmer trying to smooth talk his way into her pants, but since his amnesia, Sookie finds him increasingly hard to resist. Sookie Stackhouse is a southern vampire series that follows its heroine while she tries in vain to live a semi- TUNE in... and TURN it up! normal life with her talents. The good thing about the writing is that although Dead as a Doornail is the fifth book, you don’t need to read the previous four to understand what’s going on. Personally, I will. Kudos to Ladies will Charlaine Harris. love Devil news@niagara Wears Prada GOING WEEKLY

MONDAYS THURSDAYS p m to  p m — Sports  6 p m to  p m — The Retro Show Winter 2006 Semester Call in with your thoughts on any sports The best of the ‘8s and ‘ s Publication Dates  p m to p m — Rockland Wonderland  p m to + p m — The New Music Show Friday, Jan. 20 Rock out with Devin Walters Newest music on the station Friday, Jan. 27 THURSDAYS p m to  p m — Hot Country Friday, Feb. 3 Friday, Feb. 10 + p m to  p m — The M&M Music Mix The latest country from now and then Friday, Feb. 17 The best of rap0 hip1hop and pop  p m to 8 p m — Rock 66 Friday, March 17 FRIDAYS Get schooled in classic and new rock Listen to us live 24/7 Friday, March 24 8 p m to 6 p m — The Chris and Mike Show broadcasting.niagarac.on.ca 4 p m to p m — The Joe Show Friday, April 7 The greatest variety show Every week is a new and different show Friday, April 21 Page 24, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 B-ball Knights return to winning ways By MICHAEL McCLYMONT within two points of the Knights with Staff Writer eight minutes left in the half but Nia- Niagara’s men’s basketball team gara settled down and reasserted itself is back in the win column. The on offence. Before the end of the half, Knights dominated the Redeemer Josh Patus hit back-to-back three- Royals 83-55 here on Nov. 30, and pointers, giving Niagara a 41-26 lead did so without two of their most at the break. consistent performers. Niagara added 10 unanswered points With starters Michael Muir and to begin the second half. St. Valle led Chris Bauslaugh sidelined until after the cavalry with power moves to the Christmas by injuries, Niagara used a hoop and great passing, and the team’s balanced attack to up its league record defence continued to shut down the Sports to 4-1. The loss dropped Redeemer opposition. Niagara led 62-32 with 10 College, of Ancaster, Ont., to 1-5 on minutes to go on the clock. The the season. Their only victory came Knights eventually broke out to a 33- against winless Algoma University point lead, their largest of the game. What’s College of Sault Ste. Marie. Players, staff and fans alike went going on Anderson St. Valle and Brandon home happy as the Knights rolled to a Gracie led the Knights’ charge by scor- 28-point victory. Fares says the win in the ing 20 points apiece. Michael St. Rose was a big “confidence booster.” world of came off the bench and added 15 for Niagara now hits the road, heading the Knights. to New York for back-to-back exhibi- sports “We’re a very deep basketball tion games against Jamestown College team,” says Head Coach Ralph Nero. before heading to Sault Ste. Marie to Evidence of that is the 28 total points Marc Ermers and the Niagara Knights defence blanketed the Redeemer try to sweep their season series against that came from Niagara’s bench. Royals, holding them to 55 points in a 28-point victory. both Algoma University College and Their balanced attack and strong Photo by Michael McClymont Sault College. team defence is what led to the Coach Nero says, “The absolute blowout victory. After recording their the following weekend. The Knights starting because of the team’s injuries. worst we can do is a split,” against the first loss in league play to first-place desperately needed to return to their The Knights raced out to an 11-3 two teams. Men and Fanshawe College in London, Ont., the winning ways. lead less than five minutes into the “We’ve gotta make sure we take care women’s previous week, Niagara also fell by “League (games) means everything. game. Redeemer countered by switch- of business against Algoma and, as basketball two points to the Rochester Tigers, of We’ve gotta make it to the playoffs,” ing to a full-court pressure defence to long as we play intelligently, there’s no blowouts Rochester, N.Y., in an exhibition game said point guard Maher Fares, who is force turnovers. The Royals pulled way we can’t beat Sault too.” Knights get back on track Welland Jrs win in overtime

By LIAM MCPHERSON By JEFF FORAN blue-line and passed the puck to Mike Staff Writer Staff Writer Kusy in the corner, who found Krupa The Niagara Knights women’s bas- Christmas came early for Mike Prib- in front of the net. Welland Jr. ketball team put a choke hold on anich this year. With a little over four minutes Canadians’ Ancaster’s Redeemer Royals with a Before the start of the game between remaining in the second, Rodney Inglis goalie wins crushing 79-49 belting Nov. 30. the Welland Jr. Canadians and the Fort doubled the Meteors’ lead when he player of the The Knights started the game with Erie Meteors Sunday, the Welland fired a hard wrister that went in and out month award an 18-9 lead and never looked back. goalie was awarded the Welland Jr. of the net in the blink of an eye. The They were hot stealing the ball, rack- Canadians player of the month award play continued for a few seconds ing up 22 first-half steals. for November and the Ontario Hockey before the referee called it a goal and Redeemer had a disappointing eight Association’s player of the month became the target of the Welland sup- steals. The Royals had 27 turnovers award for November. porters’ rage. compared with Niagara’s nine. This Pribanich would also help his team Welland responded 30 seconds into led to a number of shot opportunities come from behind to win 5-4 in the third period. for the Knights and a 41-23 advantage overtime. With Fort Erie’s goalie Max Des- Welland at halftime. The first period saw Fort Erie jardins down and out after making a hockey star Leading the Knights at break was put a meagre six shots on goal, save, Welland’s Steve Wong appeared Kaitlyn McKenna with 12 of her 14 while Welland replied with a pal- to shovel the puck over the goal-line promoted to points in the game. Jessica James try five shots. only for the ref to wave it off and AHL pitched in with nine of her 14. Four minutes into the first period receive a lambasting from the now- p. 25 The Royals were led by Jenn Renter and against the run of play, Jr. Canadi- irate Welland crowd. with 14 of her game-high 22 points. an defenceman Thomas Wormald got It took less than three minutes for Teammate Hannah Flemming chipped the best scoring opportunity when he Welland to officially put one on the in with five. joined the rush, finding himself open board. Trevor Willis collected the puck Niagara Head Coach Phil Mosley in front of Fort Erie’s goal. He fanned from a fallen Meteor in the corner and felt confident when he said, “We are his shot, sending it wide to the left. passed to Jason Sardella, who was sit- going to come out after half and put Wormald then threw a highlight reel ting in front of the net and able to slide Welland to them away in the first five minutes. Jamie Fong, of the Niagara Knights bodycheck on Fort Erie’s Troy the puck into the bottom left corner of join Also, were going to press hard and women’s basketball team, dishes a Edwards just after the halfway mark of the goal. Special play hard defence.” pass under a Redeemer College the period, a move that threw the Cameron Sault would draw Welland Olympics? The second half couldn’t have start- player at the Nov. 30 game. underwhelmed fans into a momentary even with a goal, assisted by Josh p. 26 ed any better in fulfilling Mosley’s Photo by Liam McPherson frenzy. McQuade and Brad McKenzie, only to confident boast as the Knights kept With just over a minute to play in the see Fort Erie reclaim the lead minutes stealing the ball. With eight minutes steals in the game compared with the first, the Meteors’ Joe Burns got a later on a Burns’ wrister that hand- into the game they stuck the dagger in Royals’ 22. breakaway after a Welland defender cuffed Pribanich. the Royals’ hopes, eventually taking a Following the game, Jessica James, lost the puck in his feet but was denied Thirty-nine seconds later, Ryan 64-35 lead. of the Knights, said, “We came out and by Pribanich in one of his only shots Joseph fought off a Fort Erie defence- The game worsened for the Royals were disciplined on swinging the ball on goal. man and got off a shot that went off as Niagara’s Jamie Fong took over around to the weak side.” The second period was the polar Desjardins’s left shoulder and in, to with a triple-double. She had 10 points, Fong was looking down the line opposite of the first. Both teams square the game at three. OCAA 11 assists, 10 steals and four rebounds. when she said, “We can be one of the came out to play from the drop of the Welland got a glorious chance to ice That was her best game of the year and best teams in Ontario if we work hard puck, and it was Fort Erie who capi- the game when Sault got a clear break Standings too much for Redeemer to control as and are playing really sharp. We talized first. on goal, only to have his shot stopped p. 26 they could barely make it past the half. played good team defence today, but I Todd Krupa scored on a backhand in the dying seconds of the third. Justine Remple led the Knights with know we can do even better.” shot that found its way through Prib- It was one-way traffic in overtime as a team-high 16 points. The next home game is Jan. 17 anich’s leg on the power-play. It was Welland peppered Fort Erie’s net with The Knights ended up with 40 against Mohawk College, of Hamilton. Dan Coates who drove over Welland’s Continued on page 25 news@niagara, Dec. 9, Page 25 Welland Jr. Canadians take win Local gets promoted Sports over Fort Erie Meteors to AHL, meets Mario Continued from page 2 He said, “It’s not hard to play with a team like six shots. that. I really appreciate the defence.” Only 15 seconds into the extra frame, He was out of the lineup the last two game with Ryan Joseph had a shot deflect off his skate the flu and said that getting only six shots on him and go off the post. in the first made him “battle for the puck.” and Sid the Kid Fort Erie ran into penalty trouble and went “The boys took it took them. They didn’t quit. down two men with Thomas Letwin taking a trip- We all know what we gotta do. As a team we By JEFF FORAN very nice people, she says, ping infraction and Nick Chambers going off for expect a lot.” Staff Writer “very talented.” high-sticking with 13.5 seconds remaining. To get ready for the Jr. Canadians’ next The phone call Yolande “We met Ed Olczyk On the ensuing face-off the Jr. Canadians won game against the Niagara Falls Canucks, he Bissonnette, a professor of [Penguins head coach], possession of the puck and Jesse Bedard became the said he would go home and reflect on the office administration at Nia- the GM [general manag- overtime hero as he potted home a rebound off Des- game, have a post-game analysis with his gara College, received on er] and training staff.” Monday, Nov. 14, from her jardins with a mere 1.9 seconds left on the clock. father before coming to practice on Tuesday The Bissonnettes had After the game, Jr. Canadian goaltender and Wednesday and “work my ass off.” son was unexpected good news. Paul, a defenceman planned to go to Wheeling, Pribanich said he considered his awards to He had another view of the controversial Fort W. Va., this week to see Paul be “team awards.” Erie goal: “Not in.” for the Wheeling Nailers in the East Coast Hockey play, “but he’s not there League (ECHL), had just anymore,” she says with a been promoted to the Amer- laugh and says they will ican Hockey League (AHL) continue to watch his games What’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pen- over the Internet. “We all happening guins, the farm team of the call it the computer huddle.” in the world Pittsburgh Penguins. She jokes that Paul con- of sports He told his mother “life siders himself a good fight- is good” and is ecstatic to er, adding, “I don’t.” be one step away from When Paul was playing in his dream of playing in the Canadian Hockey the National Hockey League’s Top Prospects League (NHL). game, he dropped the gloves The road that he has with Dion Phaneuf, who followed this far has now plays for the Calgary been a lifelong journey Flames. It was the first fight for the Bissonnettes, ever in a Prospect’s game. which began when Paul would win the most Yolande decided she valuable player of that game wanted both her children as well. to learn how to skate and “You meet so many nice put them into can-skate people [in hockey],” she lessons at age six. says. “So many great billets “He’s been playing hock- in Saginaw and North Bay ey since he’s been six. Bless became second family. He him that he has a passion for left home at 16. It was it,” she says. extremely difficult. I cried. “It’s his love. He says he He seemed so young, but he loves the smell of the ice,” was ready for it.” she says with a smile. “I still have my daughter On draft day 2003 in at home,” she adds. Nashville, the Bissonnettes She says in the summer he were all there waiting to cel- trained every day for three ebrate Paul’s first step into hours, spending time the NHL. between the ice and on a The Hockey News predict- bike. “He can’t slack off Welland Jr. Canadians assistant captain Mitch Dumont protects goaltender Mike Pribanich ed [he would be selected] anymore,” she stresses. 54th, second round,” she as he makes a save during Welland’s 4-3 overtime win against the Fort Erie Meteors. “He’s worked hard. It hasn’t recalls fondly. She says their been an easy road.” Photo by Takahide Eguchi mind set was “our son will “He’s had a good life,” Bissonnette get picked the first day.” she says. He’s been all over promoted to The day’s event took an the world to play hockey, the AHL unexpected turn. By the third round, Paul still had from Winnipeg all the way yet to be drafted. Yolande to Slovakia and Russia with says they had a “sinking the under-18 team. feeling he wasn’t going to “He’s still very young, get picked.” he’s travelled a lot and he’s At the end of the day, and only 20.” still undrafted, Paul went “It’s a long road. It’s a out and partied with his lot of work. He’s paid friends who had been select- his dues.” ed in the draft to “celebrate “It’ll be wonderful. You’re so proud for [his] friends’ success.” them. I certainly hope it On the second day of the happens for Paul. He’s draft, the Penguins selected definitely worked hard. Paul in the fourth round. He has the work ethic,” Yolande says Paul was and adds, “I’m sure “so relieved, he was shak- I’ll cry.” ing. He cried.” “His sister is his “There’s nothing like it biggest fan.” when they put on the cap She says Paul told her and jersey,” she says with he would buy her a car obvious joy. when he makes it the At training camp this NHL, although he says Jesse Bedard celebrates his overtime game-winning goal against the Fort Erie Meteors year, Paul met Penguins she’s not a car person. players Mario Lemieux and with Bobby Cass (No. 73). “I just want a deck,” she Sidney Crosby. says. “I’ll let you know.” Photo by Takahide Eguchi Lemieux and Crosby are Page 26, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 Welland going to Special Olympics? By LESLEY KERR the sport labeled on the side chest. She Special Olympics. some publicity will help them. Staff Writer says the baseball shirts are “kind of Taylor says with the games being held “Even a pub night where there is a Welland is going to the Olympics, Mickey Mouse-like.” in St. Catharines this year, they got “a lot donation box would be great.” the Special Olympics that is, but only “When we go to all these tourna- of hype” and they don’t want to “lose “Our fundraising is continuous. What- if you can help. ments, everyone is dressed to the nines.” that hype we gained over the summer. ever money we can get for whatever The athletes with an intellectual dis- Melody Radu, another volunteer, We want to keep the community aware.” would just be great,” Becchetti said. ability have worked hard to get to the says, “Everyone involved does this Becchetti says she held a Halloween The Niagara Regional Police Ser- National Special Olympics in Brandon, voluntarily. No one gets paid.” dance that raised $600. vice (NRP) hosted the 2005 games at Man., in 2006, but they need donations “There are very few people doing the Radu says the fundraising is labour Brock. Those games were particularly to afford the travel expenses. fundraising,” Becchetti says. intensive. important as the Special Olympics The nationals will be followed by the Diana Taylor, a dedicated volunteer “Anything we don’t have to do had just lost a appreciated member of

Sports 2007 World Special Olympics in China. who organizes the fundraising, says directly ourselves would just be great,” their campaign. NRP officer Larry Many athletes participate in a num- they have had “great” sponsors in the Becchetti says. Maracle, Matthew’s father, died in ber of the sports in Welland. Matthew past. The Welland Motorcycle club has Taylor adds tournaments are a “great August 2004. It has been said by Maracle is one of the athletes. Maracle helped by having a race that the ath- way” to raise money. She suggested many that he had a dream to bring the says he plays soccer, baseball, basket- letes and volunteers of the Special Niagara College students could throw a Provincial Special Olympics to the ball and curls and runs track. Olympics organized. They worked the tournament by volunteering their time local region. Heather Becchetti, a volunteer for the gates registration and put out letters to and the gym. She says she could supply During the ceremonies prior to the Special Olympics, says the expenses for businesses to sponsor the event. all the information of how to contact the games, a memorial service was held. A each athlete are about $1,200. She says “All totaled, in the pot, we raised special athletes that play one particular torch was carried by the NRP, then hand- transportation costs $875 including the $20,000 in one day,” Taylor says. sport, such as basketball. Teams from all ed to Matthew, who lit the mounted torch. flight and local transportation. The game She says this year they did a modi- over the province would then come to Becchetti says people who would registrations cost $75, and includes fied version in September 2005 the college to play in the tournament, like to help out by sponsoring, volun- accommodation and food. Team uni- because they just had the Provincial paying a registration fee of about $10 an teering or buying chocolate bars in What’s going forms cost $250. The three uniforms Special Olympics at Brock University athlete. The money then would be order to support the local athletes of on in the needed are for the opening ceremonies, in July 2005 and every one was tired donated to local athletes so they could the Special Olympics may contact her world of the warm-ups and the active competition. from the competition. They still made attend the National Olympics. or Taylor by e-mailing Heather.bec- Becchetti says for $60 they can get a $4,000. She says the club wants to Radu says they’re “not doing so [email protected] or dltay- sports nice black tracksuit that would have hold annual races as a benefit to the good in fundraising,” so they’re hoping [email protected].

UPCOMING GAMES Men’s Volleyball Games Jan. 11 Durham at Georgian, 8 p.m. Seneca at Loyalist, 8 p.m. Niagara at George Brown, 7:30 p.m. Redeemer at St. Clair, 8 p.m. Jan. 12 Canadore at Nipissing, 8 p.m. Fanshawe at Niagara, 8 p.m. Mohawk at Sheridan, 8:30 p.m. Jan. 13 Boreal at Durham, 8 p.m. Men’s Volleyball Men’s Basketball Men’s Basketball Games Team Gp W L GW GL +/- Pts Team Gp W L Pf Pa +/- Pts Dec. 9 Niagara at Algoma, 9 p.m. Central East Central Division Durham    Humber & &     Dec. 10 Niagara at Sault, 3 p.m. Georgian      Sheridan     Jan. 11 Georgian at Humber, 8 p.m. Seneca    George Brown &     Cambrian     Georgian & &    Jan. 13 La Cite at Fleming P, 7 p.m. Boreal     Seneca &    & Algonquin at St. Lawrence K, 7:30 p.m. Central West Division Centennial     & Humber at George Brown, 8 p.m. Mohawk   East Division Sheridan at Seneca, 8 p.m. Nipissing   Algonquin   &    Mohawk at Sault, 8 p.m. Humber    Durham   & &   Niagara at St. Clair, 8 p.m. Canadore  & & &  St/ Lawrence K    &&  Sheridan     Fleming P   & & Jan. 14 La Cite at St. Lawrence K, 2 p.m. East Division Loyalist   &   &  Mohawk at Algoma, 2 p.m. Algonquin  & &  La Cite  &   Redeemer St. Clair, 4 p.m. Loyalist  & & Cambrian  &    & Algonquin at Durham, 4 p.m. Trent     West Division Fleming P at Cambrian, 7 p.m. La Cite  & &  Fanshawe  & & 

Fleming P     St/ Clair  &   & West Division Niagara &    Women’s Basketball Games Fanshawe     Sault     & Dec. 9 Niagara at Algoma, 7 p.m. Niagara  &   Lambton &    St/ Clair     Mohawk&   &    Jan. 10 Fanshawe at Mohawk, 6 p.m. Redeemer &    Redeemer  &  &   & Jan. 11 St. Lawrence K at Humber, 6 p.m. George Brown & & &   Algoma     Special Jan. 13 Algonquin at St. Lawrence K, 5:30 p.m. Olympics Niagara at St. Clair, 6 p.m. fundraiser Women’s Volleyball Women’s Basketball Durham at Seneca, 6 p.m. Team Gp W L GW GL +/- Pts Team Gp W L *Pf Pa +/- Pts Humber at George Brown, 6 p.m. Central East division East Division Jan. 14 Mohawk at Algoma, noon Durham     Seneca      Algonquin at Durham, 1 p.m. Cambrian  &   Algonquin    &  &  Redeemer at St. Clair, 2 p.m. Seneca  &   Humber    & Georgian     Durham    &   Jan. 17 Georgian at George Brown, 6 p.m. Boreal    George Brown      Mohawk at Niagara, 6 p.m. Central West division Georgian    &  Nipissing    St/ Lawrence K&  & Women’s Volleyball Games Humber    Loyalist   &    Fleming P      Mohawk  Dec. 10 Niagara at Sault, 1 p.m. Sheridan  &  &   Canadore     West Division Jan. 11 Durham at Georgian, 6 p.m. East Division Fanshawe & &   Seneca at Loyalist, 6 p.m. Algonquin    Niagara  &    Redeemer at St. Clair, 6 p.m. Trent   St/ Clair &  Loyalist     Sheridan & & &  Jan. 12 Fanshawe at Niagara, 6 p.m. Fleming P  Mohawk& &    Canadore at Nipissing, 6 p.m. La Cite  &   Algoma  & & &  Mohawk at Sheridan, 6:30 p.m. Redeemer & &   & West Division Jan. 13 Boreal at Durham, 6 p.m. Fanshawe    Niagara    Jan. 15 Cambrian at Seneca, 4 p.m. St/ Clair & &  news@niagara publishes Jan. 17 Georgian at Fleming P, 6 p.m. Redeemer    next on Jan. 20, 2006 Sault  &   Lambton   news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005, Page 27 Hairstyling: a cut above the rest By LESLEY KERR Alessandro in St. Catharines. He has worked in the Staff Writer hairstyling field since 1966. His salon also won the Pamper me with social conversations, girl talk, boy World Supreme Champion in 1991, which is a three- talk and dolling up my locks as if it were phase hairdressing competition. prom night. Students from the college have an opportunity to The atmosphere of the Hairstyling Apprenticeship be picked for a local hairstyling competition. If the Lab is a lot like that at Niagara College’s Maid of the student wins the gold, he or she may go to the provin- Mist campus in Niagara Falls. cial competitions and beyond. The students practice everything from cutting to Caruso says in the training sessions there are curling and from highlighting to dyeing each other’s quizzes on a weekly basis, along with assignments hair, while demonstrating the true atmosphere of a and due dates as in any other program. salon with lots of women and lots of conversations. To earn a hairstyling license in Ontario, the stu- At random stations throughout the salon lab, there dents must complete their required number of work were mannequin heads with various types of hair- hours, then pass the provincial exam. Students need a styles and hair colours on which the students practice. total of 480 hours of in-school training and about two It sounds like fun, but it is hard work. and half years working in a salon establishment paid The women and one man gather around their as a trainee. instructor, Alex Fortino, as he demonstrates a short Caruso says about 80 students are in the basic and haircut on one of his willing students while he advanced levels. There are only three male students in explains the styling theory of the cut. the program. This haircut required the student to lose two inches One day a week is spent at the school for 10 of hair. months for both the basic and the advanced level. The Domenic Caruso, co-ordinator, says the students students then spend the rest of their time working in a may be “outrageous” with their hair by experiment- salon establishment for their on-the-job training. ing, but they are not pressured to do so. Students are expected to learn the practical and the- Caruso says it is a pleasant atmosphere. oretical aspects of the hairstyling trade. “Absolutely.” The theory includes education on health, safety, Advanced level student Preeti Berar agreed, say- hair salon function, hair colour and chemicals. The ing, “Everyone totally gets along.” practical training covers haircutting, giving perms, With 24 workstations and eight shampoo stations, highlighting, colouring and styling. Monica Sagddu says, “There is always more than This provides opportunities for employment in Monica Sagddu, a second-year student in the Hairstyling apprenticeship enough space because we work on each other.” cosmetology sales and as colour technicians, hairstyl- program, practices applying curlers on her classmate Preeti Berar. Fortino is the owner of the award-winning Salon ist apprentices and general hairstylists. Photo by Lesley Kerr Food bank to benefit from Dec. 11 n@n charity show A message from our staff By SANDOR LIGETFALVY Entrance fee is $2 if you bring a non-perishable food item or Promotions Staff one of the following: Canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned Although news@niagara is a teaching tool Take the spirit of sharing. Now throw in some rock ‘n’ roll. meat and fish, peanut butter, canned stew, juice boxes for chil- This Sunday night marks news@niagara’s first-ever food dren, snacks for children, diapers (especially size four, five and where some mistakes are made, Niagara drive charity show featuring bands from the noise@niagara six) and personal hygiene products. compilation With no donation, entrance is $4. College’s Journalism-Print program publish- The show, doors opening at 6:30, is being held at Patrick All proceeds go to Community Care of St. Catharines and es in the tradition of honest, fair and objec- Sheehan’s Irish Pub, 101 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. Thorold (Food Bank), 12 North St., St. Catharines 905-685- The event features The Morning Announcements, F.Y.I., The 1349. Noise@niagara is available at http://www.newsatnia- tive journalism. Mute, Shade, Groovy Food and The Strange. gara.com/noise. We appreciate those who have been inter- viewed or photographed this term by our Workshop will help students realize they’re not alone reporter/photographers. By BAILLIE ADCOCK College, says Putman. training began last year for counsel- Staff Writer “Don’t blame yourself for not lors after the college received fund- Suicide is the number 2 killer of hearing it,” says Putman. The work- ing for the project. from students and students in Canada. shop will “teach us to be safer as stu- Putman has a number of goals for HHAAPPPPYY S!! faculty of the Donna Putman, of Niagara College dents, parents, brothers, sisters Counselling Services, but she says HHOOLLIIDDAAYYS Counselling Services, plans to and friends.” she would like to see a committee Journalism-Print program address that issue here hoping stu- Students will be encouraged to formed for suicide prevention. Our next publication date is Jan. 20. Until then, dents will “attempt to organize a col- speak about their concerns with sui- Another hope of Putman’s is to lege initiative around suicide cide to give Niagara College coun- secure funding to have students read us online at http://www.newsatniagara.com awareness.” sellors a better grasp of the matter. trained in suicide prevention. On Jan. 16, Putman, with Niagara The workshop will involve a DVD “There are too many doors to go College counsellor Trina Washing- and discussion period. The DVD is through to get into my office.” Trust Your ton, will hold a suicide awareness of student testimonials only no pro- Students could act as liaisons and Christmas Packages workshop at the Glendale campus in fessionals. Putman says this is a start tackling the elusiveness of to the Shipping Experts! Niagara-on-the-Lake from 1:30 “very powerful” DVD because it’s suicide. Dec. shipping cut-off dates... p.m. to 2:20 p.m. students reaching out to students. More information on the workshop UPS Standard ...... by Dec. 19* With a message of “They were try- Handouts will outline strategies on can be found in the Counselling Ser- UPS Expedited ...... by Dec. 21* ing to tell me and I didn’t know how what to say and how to feel comfort- vices offices in W102 at the Glendale UPS Express ...... by Dec. 22* to hear them,” the workshop will able with people’s pain. The informa- campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake or * send your pkgs by this date to arrive help students see and hear the signs tion is mainly from a Saskatchewan SE102 at the Welland campus. Dec. 23, to addresses within Canada. of suicide with hopes of giving them institute for suicide prevention. Appointments with Washington or Delivery times depend on the destination. the necessary tools to deal with them. “The workshop is one step in a big- Putman at both campuses can be Tel: 788-9993 Food and beverages will be provided. ger initiative,” says Putman. made regarding any concerns about Fax: 788-1947 Though a quiet presence, suicide is The goal is to start a suicide pre- suicide specifically or other topics Email: [email protected] a forceful problem here at Niagara vention team here. Suicide assistance generally. Suicide signs to watch out for Work on Campus-Earn $8.50/hour! • marked personality change • unusual neglect of personal appearance • inability to cope with problems • constant boredom and difficulty concentrating The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is looking for students with and daily activities • frequent complaints about physical symptoms great interpersonal skills to assist with Know the Score, an interactive • strange or grandiose ideas often related to emotions, such as stomach awareness program designed to prevent gambling-related problems • excessive anxieties aches, headaches, fatigue, etc. among young adults. • prolonged depression and apathy • loss of interest in pleasurable activities • marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns • not tolerating praise or rewards. The program will visit Niagara College Campus from January 16 - 19. • extreme highs and lows emotionally If you or someone you know is Students must be available to attend a paid training session on Sunday, • abuse of alcohol or drugs experiencing any of these symptoms call the January 15th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.. • excessive anger, hostility or violent behaviour Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 • withdrawal from friends and family www.mentalhealth.com Apply online before January 13, 2005 at www.knowthescore.ca/jobs.cfm Page 28, news@niagara, Dec. 9, 2005 Organ, tissue Christmas colours donation awareness are blooming By ELISABETH BAILEY fies otherwise. sue donations and have Welland Staff Writer Knowles is part of a new pro- set the example for hundreds of There was a crowd at the Sea- ject called SOS 4000. George other communities to do the way Mall in Welland on Dec. 1, Marcello, advocate for organ same right across the whole but not to do Christmas shopping. and tissue donation, says the country, so right now we’re all Kristopher Knowles, 15, led a name refers to the 4,000 people rallying around Welland. We walk around the Seaway Mall in Canada waiting for organ believe that Welland can pull that day to raise awareness donations. this off. We believe the people about organ and tissue dona- “[Last year Knowles’ walk in Welland will be able to help tion. Knowles has been waiting across Canada] visited 200 out, and we’ll be able to accom- for a liver transplant since he communities, and we brought a plish this and, as a result of was born. lot of awareness and educated a accomplishing this, it’s going to Knowles, as a part of Kristo- lot of people. Unfortunately, have a tremendous ripple effect pher’s Wish, walked across he’s still on the waiting list, and right across the country.” Canada last year to lobby for we couldn’t stop there; so what John Maloney, Liberal MP for implementing a “presumed con- we’re doing is we’re unveiling Welland, participated in the walk. sent” policy for organ donation. our new project, SOS 4000, and “There’s so many young kids Presumed consent is a system Welland is the city where we’re like Kristopher that have so already used in other countries starting it off the campaign. much life to live yet, and we under which it’s assumed one “What we’re aiming to do in would like people to be aware of wants to donate one’s organs Welland is to gather 20,000 that [and] to sign the cards autho- when one dies unless one speci- names to support organ and tis- rizing the transplants,” he said. “It’s just such a tragedy when someone is waiting for an organ donation and doesn’t get one in time.” Knowles’ father, Kelly, said, “My hope for SOS 4000 is for Canada to wake up and become mandatory organ donors. My hope for the future is that every- one in Canada becomes an organ donor.” Kristopher said that he did do a lot for the cause of organ and tis- sue donation, but did not do enough to make the public aware. Beautiful poinsettias are available at the Glendale campus Green- When asked what he wanted house in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The retail facility is open seven people to know about organ and days a week. In addition to potted poinsettias of various colour tissue donation, Knowles said, hues and combinations, there are also specially designed “Please don’t take organs to Kristopher Knowles signed posters after leading a walk planters. Students in the horticulture programs perform all of the heaven; heaven knows we need nurturing and designing tasks. around the Seaway Mall in Welland in support of SOS 4000. them here.” Photo by Elisabeth Bailey Photo by Amanda Street RJ’s owners work long hours at two restaurants By LIAM McPHERSON corner of First Avenue and Woodlawn Road, across from the He said, “Working here is like working with the family, Staff Writer Niagara College campus. They see each other for a half a literally, because at least half the people are related, but I’m Daniel Waldron, 43, of Port Colborne, and his wife, day on Wednesdays. not. It’s a close-knit, comfortable environment to work in. Melanie, are making sacrifices for their RJ’s franchises, but On Friday and Saturday nights they can have up to seven We are a tight, elite group of sub-making machines.” they say it’s worth it. people working six straight hours with no breaks. That’s the Josh Skura, 21, in his first year of the Hospitality Opera- Daniel said, “My wife and I work eight to 12 hours a day dedication they have for their business. tions Management program at the Glendale campus, also normally, and working 16 hours is not uncommon because Melanie said, “If you have a line, then they must like your works at RJ’s. we have lots of new customers every day.” food.” RJ’s has some employees who attend Niagara Col- They may have sub-making machine employees, but Melanie works days running the RJ’s in Port Colborne lege. Christopher Lively, 23, is in his first year of the Pho- Daniel says any people with pizza-making experience are while Daniel works nights running the Welland RJ’s, at the tonics Technician program at the Welland campus. encouraged to bring a resumé in. Disney lights up Niagara Falls The Niagara Parks Commission “Lights Up Your Life” is a part of the 23rd annual Winter Festi- val of Lights at Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls until Jan. 2, 2006. The festival features more than two mil- lion lights, including nearly 100 animated lighting displays fea- turing many Disney characters. Photo by Amber Beardwood