TO HOLD THE GOLD BRIGHT LIGHTS Juno-winning Toronto artist St. Catharines rower illuminates the CAW Hall prepares for Olympic Page 14 push Page 11

T HE COMMUNITY PAPER OF NIAGARA COLLEGE FREE January 20, 2012 Vol 43 • Issue 7 FIDDLER ON ICE TUITION: WINNERS AND LOSERS Liberals pull a bait and switch? Younger students may see a grant to lower their tuition but others are guaranteed a funding loss By SHELBY WALL says Jonathan King, a second-year Staff Writer student in the Acting for Film and Students’ tuition troubles may Television program. King says he be slipping away as Premier Dal- heard about it only recently be- ton McGuinty launched the new cause he receives OSAP (Ontario 30 per cent off Ontario Tuition Student Assistance Program) but Grant at Wilfrid Laurier Univer- isn’t eligible for the grant because sity on Jan. 5. he has been out of high school for Despite this coming as a sur- more than four years. prise, the Liberal government “It kind of sucks. My debt just believes the surprise is “good.” keeps building up, and I have no More than 300,000 university support from my parents.” and college students are eligible. “I haven’t seen or heard about Acting President Steve Hudson it,” says Travis Collier, 21, a third- says 50 per cent of Niagara Col- year New Web Media Design lege students are expected to be program student. Collier says he eligible. thinks students who are under- During the fall election cam- privileged will benefit from this paign the Liberals said five out grant, adding this is a great idea. of six families with students will Alena Whitbread says, “The benefit from the tuition rebates. grant was news to me, but I will Students in a university or col- definitely check it out. If I can lege degree program will save get it, I will.” Whitbread, 21, a $1,600, and those in college second-year student in the Broad- diploma and certificate programs casting – Radio, Television and will receive $730. Film program, graduated less than When the Liberals first intro- four years ago from high school, duced this initiative in the Sep- so she will receive the grant. She With the sun shining and the ice wine corked, acclaimed Canadian fiddler, Ashley MacIssac, braves the cold tember campaign, the eligibility says she thinks the government with fiddle in hand to entertain the Niagara Icewine Festival with music from his latest album crossover and restrictions were “unavailable.” is on the right track. “Something many folk classics. See pages 8 and 9 for story and pictures. “The idea is there, but the ex- helps.” Photo by Dennis Faucher ecution could use some work,” Continued on page 3 Regional woe discussed on the go By SYED ALI graduate of the college’s Public Re- announcement of regional bus enough ridership,” says Sinclair. Local activist Staff Writer lations program, of Niagara Falls, service was a “shining moment in Sinclair, with the help of her Jennifer Sinclair’s ideas was and her husband Jeffrey Sinclair, a the event” because there has been a husband and some friends, decided invites community simple and typically grassroots. Niagara College student in the In- desperate need for it. to start holding a “meeting on the to discuss issues Help the community in two ways: ternational Business program, came “Now that we have it, it came out bus.” which also helps the regional first, by helping Regional Transit up with the idea of having meetings … and then the only news I heard bus system by providing riders. while riding get more riders; and, second, by on the regional bus. about it was the politicians saying “The idea was to start encourag- discussing regional issues. Sinclair said she got to know how much ‘burden’ it has been on ing people to start meeting on regional transit Sinclair, a social innovator and about the service in October. The the system and how we don’t have Continued on page 2 Page 2 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 20, 2012 NEWS College’s peer mentoring program helps international students on and off campus By MERIEM YOUSFI an added bonus that we didn’t even Staff Writer expect would happen.” New Niagara College inter- Some peer mentors were taking national students have countless up these duties for the first time. opportunities to succeed. At the “This is my first time becoming International Department, peer a peer mentor. I like to help oth- mentors help the new students in ers, especially the new people to the classroom, on campus and in Canada,” says Kai bo Shen, 20, a the community. Business Accounting (Academic) “The whole purpose of the peer student from China. “I’m very mentor program and the way that pleased to help them. I will tell we organize it here is to be able them whatever I know, and I feel to assist new students with the really good when I do this. I will first one to maybe three weeks of try my best to lead them to the right social transition to the community places and people to help them and at large, to the college community, of course, I will be a peer mentor to the classroom community and to for the next semesters.” their extended cultural community Harwinder Kaur Dhillon, 29, a in their environment,” says Shaw- Community Mental Health stu- na Luey, international students dent from India, explained that adviser. she likes being a mentor again “I don’t know how I survived because the experience gives without peer mentors in terms of her the chance to know people welcoming the new students, be- from different nationalities and by cause the appropriate link between teaching them, she is learning from a student travelling halfway around them as well. the world to come here for their “I thank the International De- education is a peer mentor [to help partment for giving me this chance the students] to find the food they to be a peer mentor,” says Dhillon. need, to speak a familiar language, “It was a very good opportunity to just to get set up.” help other students because we At the Winter 2012 orientation, have been a student and we faced the peer mentors eagerly helped the cultural shock too.” the new students. “It is nice to be mentoring “This year we had them [peer someone and tell him what we Suraj Patel, Anshul Melville, Kishenkumar Patel, Ankur Bhakta and Vikas Kalra were members of the peer mentors] in beautiful bright green suffered from and guiding them to mentoring group during the Winter 2012 orientation. T-shirts … so the new students help adapt with the different envi- Photo by Meriem Yousfi knew where to find them at any ronment, food and culture.” and I will be so happy doing this Sales and Marketing student from mester.” given time throughout the cam- “It is a quite nice experience every year,” says Raj Deepak, 27, Germany, says, “It is my second The peer mentoring program is pus,” says Luey. “I think that the for me. It was a completely new a Personal Support Worker student time being a peer mentor. It is just offered every semester. Luey will satisfaction is something we didn’t experience. I really enjoyed from India. fun. You get to know new people, post an announcement on Black- even expect that the peer mentors mentoring the new students and Other students were being peer help them get started and make it board for whoever is interested get by helping their juniors be more giving them [information about mentors for a second time. a little bit easier for them. I would in requesting a peer mentor or successful. That’s been just kind of the campus and its various] areas, Steffi Schoch, 31, a Business – do it again, but I’m done this se- becoming one. Research in Embracing Niagara’s preventing suicide By SAM CLIFFORD Staff Writer regional transit On Jan. 10, Federal Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq and Min- Continued from page 1 release, “As a Niagara citizen and ister of Intergovernmental Affairs the bus, and it was just a way to get entrepreneur, I realize how impor- Peter Penashue announced funding variety of different people out on tant it is for all individuals and for an initiative that aims to prevent the bus,” says Sinclair. sectors to embrace and promote suicide. The funding will cover six Three sessions have been open the new Niagara regional transit.” months of research and make the to the public since November. The Sinclair also had some meet- results available to communities. 90.1 The Heat meeting for this month was held on ings with individuals saying they The Canadian Institutes of Health wishes everyone a Monday, Jan. 16. It started at the enjoyed it and have started having Research’s “Evidence on Tap” St. Catharines bus terminal at 6:10 meetings on the bus too. program is carrying out the initia- Happy New Year p.m. and ended at the Welland “It’s growing quite a bit.” tive, which will focus on analyz- terminal. There is also a Tumblr blog ing research evidence of suicide The group has talked about their named “Meeting on the bus” to en- prevention from “across the globe,” Keep updated on all business, transit and the commu- gage more people and it is posted specifically focusing on school- and nity issues in the meetings, but the frequently. community-based approaches. the latest CRNC action. main purpose is to raise awareness Maxine Semple, an International “The aim of this initiative is ulti- about regional transit. Commerce and Global Develop- mately to help save lives by identi- Listen to new specialty shows About 10 people participated in ment program student, joined this fying the most effective approaches run by Niagara College’s the last session. Also, the group meeting. She says in the blog, “I to preventing suicide, particularly very own broadcasting students. engaged other riders in their con- have a car but prefer not to drive, among high-risk groups such as versation. so I thought this would be a won- Aboriginal Youth,” said Aglukkaq, • Celebrity gossip • Sports headlines “Another agenda item for us is derful way for me to lessen the in a statement. to show people how important it is amount I drive while, even more This comes on the heels of a • Wide music variety • Local news to become an active citizens,” Sin- importantly, decreasing my per- similar study conducted just over 10 clair says. She thinks the Niagara sonal carbon footprint.” years ago by a Suicide Prevention Listen online at community is “struggling” with Niagara Regional Bus Service Advisory Group, appointed by Na- broadcasting.niagaracollege.ca. economic issues and recognizes was first started in September to tional Chief Matthew Coon Come that people can’t rely on govern- connect the Niagara community’s and former Minister of Health Allan @901FMTHEHEAT www.facebook.com/901FMTHEHEAT ment for all the solutions. cities within the region. There are Rock. Angela Carter, owner of Angela about eight buses as part of this Full version online at Carter Enterprises, says in a press service. niagara-news.com Jan. 20, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 3 NEWS Election promises come to fruition By SHELBY WALL “The role that government Staff Writer plays in supporting students and “I’ll probably sound more like making education affordable is an a father than a politician, but I tell important one, and the primary everyone that comes into my office focus at Niagara College is on our the most important thing is your students.” education. That is No 1. You can- “A program like this, it’s not a not move forward in this competi- common occurrence, especially tive world without an education.” not in the past few years. However, Kim Craitor stopped by the I was very pleased to hear this ini- college’s Niagara-on-the-Lake tiative proposed during the election (NOTL) campus to speak with stu- but to also see this promise come to dents about Ontario’s new 30 per fruition,” says Costantini. cent off tuition program. “This is a huge win for students “It’s always nice to be back at because there are two major issues Niagara College,” says Craitor, the that students identify with and Member of Provincial Parliament those are affordability and acces- for Niagara Falls, NOTL and Fort sibility, and this program aims to Erie, who was joined by Steve satisfy both.” Hudson, acting president of Niag- Hudson says, “Fifty per cent ara College, and Brian Costantini, of our students based on age are president of the Student Adminis- expected to be eligible for this trative Council. program. So that is over 5,000 stu- “I am really pleased because dents of Niagara College who are of the students who have come likely to be eligible for the program in because of this new announce- for the coming year.” ment. Although it affects the whole Hudson says about 90 per cent province, it will certainly affect of Niagara’s programs are eligible, you in particular as you move and adds, “I really encourage all forward with your education,” says students to take access as expedi- Craitor, as he looked directly to the Niagara MPP Kim Craitor, Student Admistrative Council President Brian Costantini, and Acting President tiously as possible.” students. Steve Hudson announced Ontario’s new 30 per cent tuition credit. Craitor says he is hoping stu- Craitor says he is following up on Photo by Shelby Wall dents get the message out to friends the announcement that was made that are applying and “particularly by Premier Dalton McGuinty. election, and so we are going to government plays a role in that. to continuing working with the On- to the younger students to take ad- “We are going to apply the deliver on that commitment.” “The role of the government is tario government to reduce the bar- vantage of it. tuition reduction that we had said Craitor says the government “how do we make this as accessible riers that students face in pursuing “The tuition program is a great in our platform: 30 per cent off wants to ensure that students go- as we can to the students who want their educational and career goals,” opportunity. Continue with your the cost of tuition. We had made a ing to colleges or universities can to move their education forward?’” adding that Craitor is a long-time education. It’s the best resource commitment in the last provincial afford to and explained how the Hudson says, “We look forward advocate of the college. you can have.” New grant may help Students lobby for free local transit Council weighs pros and cons of U>Pass giving students access to regional buses and hurt By BRITNY KWACZ priority.” “It would be easier to meet up Continued from Page 1 Staff Writer Badawey believes that a regional with classmates when working Niagara College’s Associte Reg- Students might soon have the transit system is long overdue on a group project, explore the istrar, Admissions and Financial opportunity to travel freely around and can be a way to help provide ‘I worry about a Niagara region and learn about the Aid Eric Silvestri says this grant the Niagara region by using their students with more affordable and area, especially for students who “will have a pretty positive effect U>Passes to get onto Niagara Re- convenient transportation. rise in costs to the live outside of Niagara and are on the college.” gion Transit buses. “Regional transit will enable our only in the region for a short period “This opens up many opportuni- The decision whether students students convenient and affordable students.’ of time.” ties, especially for the high school should be allowed to use their access to their classes and places “It would also be easier to attend students who have just applied to U>Passes on region transit has of employment,” Badawey said, — Hagler Chanthilath SAC and college events being held post-secondary school. Students been a tough one for Regional “as well as encourage movement Director of Media, SAC at a campus other than their own.” are now taking this grant into Council to make. Councillors have around the region to contribute to Students from outside the Ni- consideration when applying be- been vocal about why and why not our overall regional economy.” agara region might not be aware re- cause it is a significant amount of students should be allowed onto While Jim Diodati, mayor of “People ranging from seniors gional transit is available to them. money.” these buses without paying the Niagara Falls, has concerns about to single parents rely on transit Chanthilath believes because the Nevertheless, many Niagara usual $5 fee. letting students onto the regional systems on a daily basis,” Dio- U>Pass is a SAC initiative, pro- College students won’t be eligible Council began considering the transit by using their U>Passes, dati said. “These people often have moting the idea of using regional for this grant and will be losing the idea after students complained about he said he does love the idea of fixed incomes and might feel a transit should fall onto SAC. Ontario Textbook and Technology overcrowded municipal buses. a unified student transit system. little discriminated against.” Stopping the overcrowding on Grant, or the Queen Elizabeth II While these full buses would pass “I am concerned because I want to Diodati agreed that something college buses is something that Aiming for the Top Scholarships students by, empty Niagara Region make sure the idea gets examined needs to be done to make getting Chanthilath sees as “unavoidable.” that fund their tuition and textbook buses would also pass them by, un- by transit,” said Diodati. “I don’t to and from school easier for stu- He does, however; see adding costs. However, Silvestri says he able to pick them up because they just want a political opinion on the dents; he doesn’t, however, want to these extra buses as a “first step in doesn’t think students will take do not accept the U>Pass. matter.” have to see students paying more the right direction.” that as a negative. Vance Badawey, the mayor of Diodati is worried that allowing money than they have to. Chanthilath stressed that using “Many mature students are re- Port Colborne, was the regional students to ride on regional tran- Hagler Chanthilath, director of regional transit for free is an “ex- ceiving other grants.” He says it is councillor who brought the motion sit routes may create an overlap, media for the Student Administra- periment” on the part of the mu- hard to comment until those grants forward. resulting in money wasted, espe- tive Council (SAC) at Niagara Col- nicipalities and over the next three are “actually cut off.” Badawey was supportive of the cially potential student money. lege, sees students being allowed months the municipalities will Students who receive OSAP will idea from Day 1 because he sees On the other side of the spectrum on regional transit as a positive evaluate the use by students, nego- be automatically considered, and students as an important segment are the people who have been using thing. tiating a price, if it’s seen as ben- those who do not meet the require- of the community. regional transit since it first became “The most immediate positive eficial for students, based on usage. ments can apply until March 31, “I put forward this motion to available. I see is that students will, hope- “While I’ll be extremely happy 2012, at https://osap.gov.on.ca/ both committee and council to Diodati said it is important to fully, benefit from having an easier for students to have access to OSAPPortal/en/PostsecondaryE- emphasize that Niagara’s students think about what concerns these method to get to class,” Chanthi- regional busses, as a full-time stu- ducation/Tuition/index.htm or on are an important part of our com- people might have when they find lath said. dent myself who works three jobs, Niagara College’s website at www. munity,” Badawey said. “Meeting out students don’t have to pay the Chanthilath says he sees “stu- I worry about a rise in costs to the niagaracollege.ca. the needs of our students will be a regular $5 fee. dent life” benefiting in general. students,” said Chanthilath. Page 4 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 20, 2012 EDITORIAL

T HE COMMUNITY PAPER OF NIAGARA COLLEGE

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2009 WINNER BNC2009 2009 WINNER C ANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

Rob Paulin (left) and Graham Davidson placed first in the Retail Case category at the 2011 Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition, helping Niagara College finish second in the annual event. Say no to snow Submitted photo Beauty doesn’t justify inconvenience Students win second place You hear the select group of when a little shower hits, never people grumbling in the streets, mind some of the snowstorms we at work or at school. “Where’s the have experienced in the past years. in marketing competition snow? I miss the snow. This year Do you miss drivers slamming on is terrible!” they say, shaking their their brakes right in front of you on Marketing students across the and presentation skills in our pro- “Nothing beats the feeling of heads solemnly at the January a snowy day? province gathered at the 2011 grams,” says Terri Champion, a Ni- winning awards for our college af- rainfall. Snowball fights can come again, Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Com- agara College marketing professor ter all the hard work we put into it.” Seriously, are these words being for now use mud. Pond hockey petition, and Niagara College’s and one of seven faculty coaches Davidson also teamed with fellow spoken aloud? can wait; go to an arena. I’m sure team stood out among the best and from the college’s School of Busi- Sales and Marketing student Jessica We understand there are jobs there is a beer league you can join. brightest. Niagara finished second ness and Entrepreneurship. Hore to finish first in the Interna- that depend on the snow, that some And Frosty? Well, Frosty can stay at the competition, the fourth time Graham Davidson and Rob tional Marketing Communications people rely on the fluffy white immortalized in his little song the college has placed second since Paulin, in the Business – Sales and Case category. Paulin and Business flakes to survive, but what about because we don’t care to see him becoming involved with the con- Marketing program, finished first Administration – Marketing student all the others? standing proud in the front lawns test in 2001. in the Retail Case category. Kory Lippert finished second in the Do you honestly miss waking of people’s homes. The team was made up of 15 stu- The contest called for a 15-min- Entrepreneurship Case category. up half an hour early to freeze We say bring on the rain and the dents from the Sales and Market- ute analysis of a retail business “I had a great time and would do your cheeks brushing the snow off warm weather. Global warming? ing and Business Administration case study in front of a panel of it again in a heartbeat,” Paulin said, your car? Or how about shoveling Well, we’ll worry about that later. – Marketing programs. judges. The catch? Contestants “minus the stress, of course.” the end of your driveway after a We’re too busy not screaming out Niagara students garnered two were presented the scenario with Niagara News is very proud of snowplow has come by to clear an f-bomb at 5 a.m. when we go first-place finishes and two second- no prior knowledge. Davidson and the entire team for its performance the road? to start our car and see it’s buried place finishes, along with a third- Paulin were given 30 minutes to at the annual competition. Great We sure don’t. from the night’s storm. and fourth-place finish, in different put their presentation together. job, guys! Traffic is bad enough when Let it snow? Sorry, Sinatra, we’d categories. “We cheered each other on and For more, visit www.niagara- we’re driving through the rain. rather not. “Their success reflects the em- gave a ton of support before and news.com. Most people turn into Mr. Magoo GAVIN CHAPMAN phasis that is placed on analytical after each event,” Paulin said. DAVE SCHWARTZ Fans calling for French coach, not best coach Montreal Canadiens hockey change because they feel French tics should never enter. not, would rarely have to speak to proving that winning is what is fans have been up in arms recently Canada’s only National Hockey It’s a place where fans can for- the players in French because the important, not what language is about their team being coached League team should be coached by get their troubles and focus on the team has only four players from spoken by the coach. by a unilingual English-speaking someone who speaks French. game and the athletes they love Quebec on the roster. When the Canadiens choose man, Randy Cunneyworth. Oh, and I guess English, too. so much. I don’t think many fans cared their next head coach after this Cunneyworth, who has been Canadiens fans seem to care Montreal fans seem to have for- that Dick Irvin Sr., one of the great season is over, they should hire the in the organization since 2010, more about the protection and gotten this concept. coaches in team history, couldn’t person who is most qualified and was given the title of interim promotion of their culture and The head coach’s job is to com- speak much French. who will be able to lead the team head coach after the team fired language than they do about their municate to the players and get He coached the Canadiens, who back to greatness. head coach Jacques Martin in team winning. their best effort out of them. at the time had an abundance of No matter what language that December 2011. A sports arena is a sacred place The coach of the Montreal Cana- French players on the team, to person speaks. Montreal fans are upset with this where language debates and poli- diens, whether French-speaking or three Stanley Cup championships, MATT MCNEVIN Jan. 20, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 5 OPINION Online acts putting end to media sites

CHRIS FUNSTON

Columnist

The freedom and well-being of the Internet are in peril. The U.S. Congress is consider- ing legislation that will change the Internet as we know it. It may silence popular websites such as YouTube, Google, Facebook and Reddit, among many of your other favourites. Internet users worldwide would be affected. If passed, a Canadian- style version of the legislation might be introduced. The Protect IP Act (PIPA) and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) will likely become law if people don’t act. It has the support of big name companies including NBC, FOX, Time Warner and Disney. It would be the worst of the Internet-illiterate 50-something age bracket dictating use while ignorant of the technological ad- Submitted photo vancements being made. Popular social media site Red- dit’s users have swayed many gov- ernment officials and companies to pull support of SOPA and orga- Guantanamo debate still rages nized a boycott of GoDaddy.com, a leading domain name registrar, until it publicly claimed it would Americans are still paying for errors after 10 years no longer support SOPA. In an admirable act of defi- However, Jan. 11 marks the tenth and reports of alleged abuse have the inmate to talk, flushing the ance, Reddit went dark to protest anniversary of Gitmo. Since its destroyed the reputation of the holy book down the toilet, splash- Congress’s plan on Jan. 18 from MERIEM establishment in 2002, 779 people U.S. as a defender of human rights, ing urine on a prisoner and his 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Site co-founder YOUSFI have been in its cells and 171 are democracy and freedom. Qur’an, stepping on and kicking Alexis Ohanian will testify before still there without fair trial or clear The most dangerous criticisms the Qur’an, throwing water on it Congress on behalf of the tech Columnist accusations. concern the interrogators at Gitmo and scratching an obscenity on the community. The U.S. government created a who desecrate the Qur’an to get side cover. Reddit is one group opposing the new name for the prisoners: “The The interrogators’ actions legislation that could potentially unlawful enemy combatant,” to sparked anti-American riots bring an end to the Internet. For- allow the brutal interrogation throughout the Muslim world and tunately, several big websites, such methods such as beating, sleep U.S. President resulted in the killing of many as Facebook, Google, Wikipedia “I had to fight for a decade deprivation, stress positions, ex- Americans. and Twitter, considered a one-day before I got truth, justice and treme temperature and prolonged Barack Obama After 10 years of shameful his- blackout to raise awareness, reach- change.” These are words from one isolation. tory, Americans are still paying for ing a group far larger than Reddit’s. of many detainees at Guantanamo Gitmo detainees are considered described the those egregious errors; however, This action is making news and Bay (Gitmo), and they are very ineligible for the normal legal pro- the U.S. government has to know it’s the biggest tech story yet. strong words for an event that is cess that U.S. prisoners are entitled Guantanamo Bay that the national security and sta- Imagine if rather than for a 24- unmarked in our calendar. to and are not protected by the pris- bility cannot be achieved by terror- hour period, they no longer existed On his second day in office, U.S. oner of war statute of the Geneva Detention Facility izing people and depriving them of at all. Most of society would rather President Barack Obama described Convention by reason of belonging their rights. give up their firstborn child than the Guantanamo Bay Detention Fa- to a foreign terrorist group rather as a sad chapter in Those goals can be achieved see SOPA and PIPA become reality. cility as a sad chapter in America’s than a foreign army. America’s history. only by respecting human rights The protest was 10 hours old at history and order edit shut down in The image of the prisoners in and not interfering in other coun- press time. Check niagara-news. one year. the orange suits and black hoodies tries’ affairs. com for updates. Is the Tim Hortons lineup the biggest concern in the world? students in front of me. to happen, as they always do the 800 spots. Students had camped 50,100, or more prospective I hadn’t anticipated the increase first week of classes, and they half- outside the campus gates for a students stepping over this boy’s SAM in activity, but I should have known annoyed, half-amused me. less-than-eight per cent chance at a mother would go on to study ethics CLIFFORD that very few students skip class in My tone changed on Tuesday. higher education. or social responsibility, but people Columnist the first week. I sat in the Journalism lab on the One hopeful young man was do crazy things in the name of their “Screw it,” I said to myself. “If third-floor of Simcoe for the pro- there with his mother. When the future. I’m late for class, too bad. I need gram’s second storyboard meeting gates opened, students, desperate Sure, this is part of a bigger my coffee.” in two days. As all journalists do, I for future employment, rushed the problem pertaining to unemploy- I shook my head in disbelief as was scouring the news of the day. gates. Shoes flew off, people fell ment in Africa. All of a sudden an exasperated student asked for The University of Johannesburg, down and the young man watched, though, I realized how lucky and I stood in line at the cafeteria’s directions. Even if you’re a first- in Africa, was holding late-admis- crouched beside his mother, as she selfish I could be at the same time. Tim Hortons on my first Monday year student, it’s term two, already. sion, in-person applications. About was trampled to death. A long Tim Hortons line didn’t back to the college, cursing the Little things like this continued 11,000 people were competing for Who knows how many of the seem like the worst place to be. Page 6 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 20, 2012 NEWS Native American tradition and culture as significant now as ever By JOANNE LABELLE First Nation people from across Staff Writer Canada entering a teepee to dance Canadians live in a diverse coun- and do ceremonial smudging and try, populated by people from vari- naming. Burley mentions that non- ous racial backgrounds and ethnic aboriginals would join in this tradi- traditions. While this diversity tion to get the native experience. continues to grow every year, Ca- Bill Talmquist, 77, was born in nadians must not forget the original a “wigwam” (teepee) on the trap- inhabitants: the aboriginals. ping island of Old Factory River, In 1984 the Canadian Constitu- a quarter-mile-long island in James tion officially recognized the Inuit, Bay. He remembers trapping at the First Nations and the Métis as age of seven and eight. Canada’s three indigenous people “I would skin my own muskrat with different spiritual practices, and dry it out then sell it to my cultures, heritages and languages. family who had a trading post,” A recent census shows that in he says. the next 20 years the aboriginal Talmquist says money was never population could reach between used back then. 1.7 million and 2.2 million, second “Your handshake was your word, only to New Zealand’s. and if your word wasn’t good, then As these numbers grow at an your handshake wasn’t good.” annual rate of 1.1 to 2.2 per cent Traditions mean a lot to indige- (compared with the one per cent nous people. It’s a common tie that growth of non-aboriginals), many binds them, even if their traditions Canadians are ignorant about the are different. indigenous people. Métis is a French term given The similarities and differences to a person of mixed blood or a both bind and divide them. half-breed. Originally the term The term First Nations, first was stricter in its origin and was introduced in the 1970s when the given to the children of the French word Indian was thought to be ar- and Scottish fur traders and Cree chaic and offensive, is a term used women. Today, the name is more today when speaking of someone broadly used. Those with mixed who is not Inuit or Métis. The term European ancestry and First Na- is not a synonym for Aboriginal tions can call themselves Métis but Peoples because it doesn’t include not all identify with this. Inuit or Métis. The term First Na- Giselle Legiehn, 53, remembers tions People applies to status and her grandparents having large par- non-status Indians. ties, and relatives would attend Many historians believe First bringing traditional Métis fiddles Nations arrived from Asia over and guitars. Her family would do Top: Inuit children sit on a mound of snow wearing fur-lined mitts, boots and hooded jackets. 30,000 years ago and settled in the jig, a traditional Métis dance, Submitted photo Canada, while others chose to trav- as large boilers of food would cook Bottom Left: The Edmonton Métis Dancers, wearing Métis colours and sashes, do the traditional jig. el further south. Those who lived up the special of the day. Submitted photo on the coasts depended on fishing “My first job was jigging. When Bottom Right: Rod Nettagog, an Ojibway from the Bear Clan, performs at the Jordon Pioneer Village. and hunting, while those who lived we had parties, I would jig for Photo by Dennis Faucher on the prairies followed buffalo quarters. Then my cousins and I herds and hunted them for food, would have competitions on who in both blue and white with the their tourism guide. The Inuit are and fishing skills. They have a clothing and tools. First Nations would make the most quarters,” superimposed infinity symbol be- decendents of whale hunters who close relationship with their land; who lived in central and Eastern says Legiehn. ing white on both colours. migrated from Alaska, Greenland even the modern Inuit base their Canada grew vegetable crops. Legiehn remembers her family Métis never lived on reserves. and the Canadian Arctic. The ma- spirituality on their beliefs in being very musical, a trait many The terms on-reserve and off- jority live around the Arctic Circle animals and human-like spirits, in- ‘My first job was jigging. Métis families share. They would reserve do not apply to them, only as they hunt seals, whales caribou cluding the spirits of their deceased make their own instruments out of to First Nations. and polar bears. family members. They consider this When we had parties, I rubber from old goulashes, nails The Métis played an important Charlotte Qamaniq, 25, an relationship with their spirit and whatever other trinkets that role in the fur trade and developed employee at Ottawa’s Family world and their land to be essential would jig for quarters.’ would make their old rubber boots a distinct culture. Resource and Health Promotion in defining who they are. make a noise. Although all three Aboriginal Centre, says as a child growing Legally, the Inuit have four — Giselle Legiehn Legiehn has memories of her People have distinct cultures, up on the northern end of Igloolik land claims, a complex process in mother riding the Red River cart some aren’t as modernized. Many Island, in the Arctic Circle, she which Inuit and the federal, pro- Lacey Burley, 25, is an Up- in Winnipeg. It was constructed people consider the Inuit a good recalls her family going camping. vincial and territorial governments per Mohawk and belongs to the of wood tied together with leather. example of this lack of moderniza- While she and her mother picked negotiated land claim agreements. Wolf Clan. Her memories of Two shafts attached to the axle tion, but they are mistaken. seagull, geese and duck eggs, These entitled the Inuit to land growing up with the traditions allowed the ponies or oxen to be Of the three indigenous people, her three brothers and father would rights, cash payments, political and of her heritage and culture are strapped in. the Inuit are the most mysterious or go hunting for seals and caribou. economic assurances that will en- largely due to her aunt, Cindy Hill, Legiehn’s mother rode from misunderstood, and this is largely “When they would come sure that these agreements will be who recently died. North Dakota to the Forks at due to geography. The Inuit live home they would skin the ani- fulfilled by the government. “My aunt was very traditional, White River in Winnipeg. This in communities and settlements mals and cut them up,” she says. The Inuit people now have con- and she used to take us to the was the same symbolic route the and have four Inuit land claims “They would always use every trol over their lives. longhouse [a long narrow, bark- Métis took in the 1800s when they covering one-third of Canada: part of the animal: the skin and the Whether you call them covered house], where we would would be hunting whatever game Inuvialuit (Northwest Territories), bones. The bones were tradition- Native American, North American go to the strawberry social where was in season: venison, rabbit or Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Que- ally used for tools, but today we Native, Indigenous, Aboriginal or we would harvest the strawberries moose. (The Red River Métis cart bec) and Labrador. Today the Inuit used them for art and bone games First Peoples, they all have rich and raspberries. We used the ber- was used extensively throughout live mostly in the arctic region of but we also eat the marrow.” cultures and heritages. ries in a traditional way, but the the 1800s to transport goods and Nunavut. Asked if it was still a common There is a common bond among raspberry leaves were used in a furs.) The stereotype has been around practice, Qamaniq responded with these divergent peoples. medicinal form, help[ing] women The Métis flag is an infinity for ages. You can click on many a quick “of course we do.” She Quamaniq says, “The Inuit with labour.” sign symbolizing the coming to- Inuit websites and repeatedly went on to explain this is a still are very proud in tradition and Another First Nation tradition gether of two distinct cultures and see images of the Inuit living in practiced ritual. culture. Language is very strong, – although Burley quickly points outdates the Canada’s Maple Leaf igloos, wearing fur-lined parkas, The Inuit have a rich culture and we do everything we can to out it isn’t a Mohawk tradition – is flag by 150 years. The flag comes floating in kayaks, with bears as largely because of their hunting keep tradition and culture alive.” Jan. 20, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 7 NEWS Surfing Santa hangs 10 for homelessness Anti-poverty advocate brings more than presents to those in need By DENNIS FAUCHER escort across the river. It would Staff Writer be nice to make it into an in- It was a wet holiday for Santa ternational event,” says Fulton. this year, at least for one local Though Fulton may have lost his Santa. You know, the surfing one. battle against Mother Nature on It was a warm and breezy morn- this particular occasion, he still ing on the Niagara River on Dec. helps fight a war. Fulton says the 22, when John Fulton, otherwise real goal of this stunt was never known as Surfing Santa, took to just to cross the river, but to help the waves. raise awareness of homelessness His goal that day was to windsurf worldwide. He urges those who from Fort Erie to the American side can give to make a donation. of the river, landing in Buffalo, N.Y. “You can go to our web- His crossing didn’t go as smoothly site and make a donation or as he had hoped. give to your local food bank.” At about the halfway point, Ful- Every year, on Christmas Day, ton was seen struggling to keep his Fulton helps deliver goods to those mast upright in the high winds. The in need. trip was cut short, violently, when His efforts are to bring a little bit the sail plunged into the frigid of Christmas spirit to those who Niagara waters. Spectators and the need it most in the form of deliver- media later got news that Fulton ing basic necessities to the home- hadn’t simply dropped the mast; it less of our community. had snapped in two. The items range from toiletries “[It] sounded like a gunshot. I and personal hygiene products to just detached it from my board and clothing and bedding, and from let it go down river,” he explains. non-perishable foods to prepaid Matthew Densmore, of the U.S. telephone cards and first aid kits. Border Patrol, says the patrollers “I had about a thousand dol- were aware of the stunt, which Ful- lars worth of necessities this ton does annually, and they were year: toothbrushes, socks, watching as he fell into the icy- gloves, toques, water, and non- cold waters. The patrollers noticed perishables. Socks were the the sail float past first and then took most in demand,” says Fulton. notice of the soggy Santa as he at- This Santa doesn’t travel by sleigh, tempted to paddle back to Canada. but prefers a more practical method “They were gracious enough to of delivery. give me a lift,” says Fulton about “I kept all the supplies loose in the U.S. border guards who legally my cube van and filled each pack had to escort him to the American depending on the size and need.” Customs and Immigrations office Fulton says he is very thankful following the rescue. for the support of the commu- His surfboard was held at the nity that has kept this project afloat Border Patrol’s lockup over the since 1985. holidays, but he was free to return He says the St. Catharines Busi- to Canada once his colleagues ness Club and several members helped him retrieve his documenta- from the club made donations this tion from the Canadian side of the year. He said they were “a real big river. help.” He isn’t upset that the defect In 2002 he was arrested for the in his mast lost him his sail in the same stunt, but this time he says mighty river, nor does he lament border guards were very friendly the failed crossing. and even excited to take photos “It sucks when you don’t make it, with the infamous Surfing Santa. but sometimes those are the years “The guys from the U.S. Bor- when you get the most publicity. der Patrol might be interested in It wasn’t a failure. People notice John Fulton, Surfing Santa, warms up before attempting to cross the Niagara River. getting involved next year as an more when things go wrong.” Photo by Dennis Faucher An evening of fine food and entertainment awaits By MELISSA SMITH The Seafood Gala will be held Niagara College programs – as an Staff Writer at the Grand Hall at the Fallsview educational component of their pro- It may be just a number, but Casino Resort. grams and experience the hands-on $125,000 is the goal for the 23rd “The event includes a lovely practical applications involved Annual Seafood Gala planned by reception, and the dinner is a in creating and executing a large the Niagara College Foundation on spectacular seafood, and more, fundraising event,” said Burgoyne. April 13. buffet. There will be exciting live “I attend the classroom set- The Seafood Gala, the Foun- entertainment. Usually we have tings of the students several times dation’s most successful annual several entertainers at different throughout the term to talk about fundraising event, raised $145,000 times throughout the evening and the event components and familiar- last year for new facilities, scholar- a wonderful silent and live auc- ize them with the event planning ships and bursaries. The gala has tion,” wrote Alison Burgoyne, Ni- processes of the gala.” raised about $2 million over the agara College’s event co-ordinator A special room rate is available past 22 years. in an e-mail. to Niagara College Seafood Gala A portion of 2011’s revenue will With the student volunteers, guests at the Fallsview Casino Re- be matched by the Ontario Trust for the event is not only able to fund sort Hotel and the Hilton Hotel and Student Support program, increas- equipment and learning resources, Suites Niagara Falls. Accommoda- ing the total to $225,000. scholarships and bursaries, but also tions can be reserved until March 13 More than 60 student volunteers to supports student learning and by calling Fallsview Casino Resort help bring together more than 600 success. Hotel at 1-888-325-5788 and Hil- Enthusiastic student volunteers from last year’s Seafood Gala. business, community and educa- “Many of the students volun- ton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls Submitted photo tional leaders. teer — coming from three or four 1-800-339-5023 extension 55130. Page 8 Niagara News - Jan. 20, 2012 Page 9

By DENNIS FAUCHER Staff writer It was a weekend of sunshine, good times and wine. 4 Thousands of oenophiles from near and far flocked to the small village of Jordan this weekend for a taste of Niagara’s best during the Niagara Icewine Festival. The streets were filled with food and wine enthusiasts who were invited to sample wines from Niagara wineries and from cunning culinary corners of the region. JD Pachereva, general manager of the Twenty Valley Tourism Association, says the event drew about 5,000 people over the weekend. NiagaraNiagara Peter Bodnar-Rod, director of marketing and sales at 13th Street Winery, says it is “difficult to tell,” when asked about at- tendance. He says he hasn’t compiled the data yet, but he is certain that there were “lots of very happy people.” “The vibes felt right. Small wineries like 13th Street have to be very careful about how we allocate marketing funds. My gut feeling is that this was an excellent use of our marketing dollars,” says Bodnar-Rod. He says organizers are excited for next year. More than 80 regional VQA wines were open for sampling and gourmet foods, and desserts were offered for a nominal fee. Five local food trucks (el Gastronomo Vagabundo, Blue Donkey, Toasted Tangerine and Gorilla Cheese & Cupcake Diner) were parked along Main Street in the old Jordan Village. Dynasty Limousine offered complimentary shuttle service from IcewineIcewine parking lots. Lack of parking was a common complaint in previous years. “Everything was a lot more accessible this year. Twenty Valley did a great job this year,” says Bodnar-Rod. The list of events kept people entertained throughout the weekend with shows by celebrity chefs, fashion shows featuring Twenty Valley Winemakers, and an evening show from Canadian super star and international fiddling sensation Ashley MacIs- sac. Kary Osmond, host of CBC’s Best Recipes Ever, and Rob Rainford, celebrity chef and author of Born to Grill, taught some recipes to a live audience in the Kitchen Stadium, a heated tent that housed the Niagara Food Festival mobile culinary theatre. Niagara College’s Michael Olson, chef professor at the Niagara Culinary Institute, was also on site this weekend. The Winter Wine Fest rocked through more than just Jordan this weekend, with events taking place in St. Catharines Market FestivalFestival Square on Saturday night. Live bands, VQA wines and more culinary delights filled the marketplace for an evening of celebra- tions.

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1. Peter Bodnar-Rod, of 13th Street Winery, discusses Chardonnay with festival goers. 2. Madeleine Madronich, 10, tries on period costume with Robert Winninger, site administrator of Balls Falls. 3. Ashley MacIssac, 36, of Nova Scotia, entertains wine festival goers. 4. Renee McCallum, of Hernder Estate Wines, pours a sample of icewine. 5. Gavin Coman and Mary Carney enjoysww good wine at the St. Catharines Winterfest in the Square. Photos by Dennis Faucher Page 10 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 20, 2012 SPORTS Gloves and a stick are all you need at BHI By CALI-ANNE SIMPSON BHI ball hockey teams. Staff Writer “I didn’t grow up playing it, so I Ball hockey is becoming more don’t know how to properly do cer- popular and competitive. tain things in ice hockey,” he says. More people are playing ball “I’m way better at ball hockey hockey instead of ice hockey, and than ice hockey.” there are even teams offered for One issue with ball hockey is girls. that there is less protection and a This sport can be either competi- lot of fights. tive or fun. It is more likely both. “Everybody tries to fight me; “Ball hockey is just as com- that’s a con to ball hockey,” says petitive as ice hockey. There is the Gilbert. same amount of tournaments and “You end up with a lot of league games as ice hockey,” says bruises!” explains Smith. “You Sheahan Smith, 19, a second-year also have a better chance of getting Electronic Engineering Technician a stick to the face since you don’t student. wear a helmet.” “It’s just as big as hockey It’s Lindsay Murray of the Niagara College Knights attempts a spike agianst the Redeemer Royals. just you play on shoes, not skates.” Photo by Jordan Aubertin The price of ball hockey is a lot ‘It’s easier to less too. It costs $150 to play ball hockey develop the sense with Ball Hockey International of hockey playing (BHI). You have to pay for a lot of New year, same goal gear with ice hockey, whereas all ball hockey you need for ball hockey are gloves By GAVIN CHAPMAN them in league play. However, that ways wanting to learn. She is one and a stick. because it’s a Staff Writer was in the past. We need to refocus of the best attackers in the league. “It’s an expensive game to play The Niagara Knights women’s and try to do it again.” She has had university experience [ice hockey], and you even have to slower pace.’ volleyball team stands 5-5 after a Over the holidays, the Knights and understands what it takes to be pay more to get to bigger leagues,” loss on the road to the Fanshawe saw the addition of Jenna Bray, successful at this level.” says Smith. — Joey Clarke Falcons Jan. 11. who, Martins says, after one tour- Murray says the team is a family You have to pay to play ball The Knights went 2-3 in their nament is ready to compete and and everyone plays a leadership hockey, but you have to pay a lot Joey Clarke, 20, of the Police last five games before the end of lead the team. role to “push each other to do our more to play ice hockey, especially Foundations program here, says the semester. Over the Christmas “With [Bray] now available to absolute best.” in higher leagues. that he prefers ball hockey. break, head coach Joey Martins play, we have different looks. We “From an individual perspec- Growing up, Smith played AAA- “There’s a more broad range of says the coaches decided “a break have different options now, which tive, I always tell myself to lead league ice hockey in Brantford for players because you don’t need all from volleyball was just what we can only help us,” says Martins. as an example, which has helped seven years, then B-league ball the skills you need for ice hockey.” needed.” Bray believes that her experi- me a lot through the season,” says hockey in Toronto for a year and Anyone can play ball hockey, “At the tail end of our first se- ence with volleyball could be an Murray. “Unfortunately, we lost to BHI in Welland this past season. even if you make your own team. mester, we weren’t playing to our asset to the Knights’ success. Fanshawe, but that won’t stop us The Welland BHI teams play at It’s a lot harder to get on an ice potential,” says Martins. “Some “I’m a first-time athlete at Niag- from working hard and excelling the Niagara’s ball hockey arena, hockey team, and a lot harder to of these girls aren’t used to play- ara College, but not a new athlete in the rest of the games.” but they are not affiliated with the move up in the league. ing volleyball four to five nights a in the world of college volleyball. I Martins says the goal for the college. “With ice hockey, you can see week and at this high of a level. We suppose in a way that gives me an team going into the new year is the Connor Gilbert, 20, second-year the skills of hockey players better felt it was starting to wear on them edge. I have been to the gyms, ex- same as it’s been all year, to keep Police Foundations student, says because they have to be faster and physically and mentally.” perienced the refs and know what above a .500 level. that ball hockey is “along the same on skates. It’s easier to develop He says the team started training to expect when it comes to teams “That way we can make a cross- lines as ice hockey, but there’s a the sense of hockey playing ball sessions the first week of January and expectations. That’s where I over with the chance of making slight difference.” hockey because it’s a slower pace,” to prepare for the Adidas Cup, to can help the girls.” provincials. From there we want Gilbert jokes that he’s “too says Clarke. face the difficult Fanshawe team, Outside hitter Lindsay Murray to win a medal at provincials. Our good” for the ball hockey leagues Another issue with ball hockey and for their first home game after was putting up impressive numbers west division is a tough one, but he plays in. is the weather. the break against Mohawk College before the break, fifth in the league our girls are ready for long battles.” “I always have to drink before “Ball hockey is a weather- of Hamilton. for kills and ninth for points, and, The Knights played Mohawk the game so I can give other people determined sport; there aren’t as “Mohawk is a good team, bet- Martins says, she deserves to be Jan. 18 and host the Nipissing Lak- a chance too!” many facilities as ice hockey, but I ter than what their [2-8] record near the top. ers on Jan. 28. Gilbert grew up just playing still love playing ball hockey, rain, shows,” says Martins. “They work “[Murray] is a tremendous For game action, see niagara- hockey with his friends on a pond, shine or snow!” hard and never give up. We beat player. She works hard and is al- news.ca and this past season played for two Medalists return to IceDogs for strong second half By DANIELLE FLEWELLING ing Day with their first game beat- place in Group B with an unbeat- “To represent your country at the second half.” Staff Writer ing Finland 8-1. able 4-0 record. top level together is pretty special “I’m pretty excited to get every- The Niagara IceDogs sacrificed Their three-point game plan They lost the semi-final gold for us,” said Dougie to Vickers. body back,” he said, prior to their four of their best players to the for success included embracing medal game against Russia with a Team Canada and OHL Oshawa return. Canada World Junior’s team in a checking mindset, 40 shots on score of 6-5. Generals forward Boone Jenner Mark Giroux, first-year Welding the 2011-2012 IIHF World Junior goal per game, and to maintain the They then went on to play Fin- said that putting four players on Technician student, says that the Championship. discipline of four or fewer minors land in the bronze medal game Team Canada is an incredible feat, four players have all demonstrated Niagara IceDogs forward Fred- [penalties] per game. and won with a 4-0 shutout from putting his dislike for the IceDogs great leadership since their return. die Hamilton and defenseman and After their first win, they contin- Visentin. aside, in an interview with Scott “They’ve been leading their brother Dougie Hamilton are the ued their streak against the Czech “Our best player was Mark Fisher, QMI Agency. team to a perfect record so far since first brothers to play for Canada Republic with a win of 5-0, a win Visentin, who played outstanding “We’re awfully proud all four they’ve been back, and it is giving since Randy and Mike Moller in against Denmark with 10-2 and a and made big saves in each pe- of them made it, and we feel real them a good chance of going to the the 1982 tournament. 3-2 win against the United States riod,” said head coach Don Hay in good about it,” said IceDogs coach playoffs.” Goaltender Mark Visentin and on New Year’s Eve. an interview with TSN. and general manager Marty Wil- The men returned to the IceDogs Ryan Strome also left the IceDogs’ The game on Dec. 31 was the In an article with NHL corre- liamson to Fisher. on Jan. 7 with a 4-2 win against the squad on Dec. 10 to join Team most-watched program overall on spondent Aaron Vickers, Freddie The four IceDogs were monitor- Sarnia Sting and a sold-out crowd. Canada in hopes of winning the Canadian television with 2.8 mil- said getting to represent Canada ing their OHL team’s standings on Since the four players have been gold medal. lion viewers. on the international stage was “on the Internet while they were away back, they’ve won all four games The Niagara IceDogs hold the Although their World Junior another level altogether.” trying to bring home the gold. to date against Sarnia, Barrie and record for the most players chosen journey ended earlier than desired, Dougie agreed with him that In an interview with the Cana- Sudbury. from one Canadian junior hockey Team Canada managed to make it playing in the World Juniors for dian Press, Williamson said he They play tonight against against team in a single year. to the semifinals on Jan. 3 at the Canada was the best thing that has thinks that the IceDogs are going the Erie Otters. The puck drops at They started their streak on Box- Saddledome in Calgary in first happened to them in hockey. to be an “awfully good team the 7 p.m. Jan. 20, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 11 SPORTS Local rower quests for 2012 Olympic gold

By SAM CLIFFORD and the first thing the coach says Staff Writer to me is ‘What do you want?’” How does one become a cham- he says. pion? Is one born that way? Is it Needless to say, Berkhout ad- nature or nurture? Fraser Berkhout, mits his first week in Victoria was who will likely row in the 2012 mentally tough, but he gets the last Olympics in London, England, laugh from being unwelcome as a gives Niagara News an insight into newbie. his journey to greatness. “It’s interesting, though,” he Berkhout comes from a family says. “The athletes who showed of athletes, but didn’t always see the least respect for outsiders or himself as one. newcomers were the ones who “I have aunts and uncles on both were most easily forgotten about sides of my family that are Olym- and amounted to the least.” pians,” he says, “including my aunt Berkhout says that training to Jane Tregunno, who won a silver win revolves around one simple medal in [Los Angeles ‘84].” statement. Berkhout’s father was the presi- “The answer is to train to be the dent of the Ridley (College) Grad best,” he says, but offers that there Boat Club, where he attended high are multiple ways to train. school, and he lived with his family “There are many roads to Rome, in Port Dalhousie, where the Royal and I think most people will be Canadian Henley Regatta was held surprised by the lack of common each year. ground between them,” he says. Berkhout says his career in row- “However, the phrase ‘miles make ing began when he was 10 and his champions’ seems to resonate the Dad volunteered him to be a coxie. most. We train three times a day, “I had to carry about 45 pounds six days a week.” of [extra] weight because of Recently Berkhout has been cop- minimum weight restrictions for ing with multiple minor injuries, coxies. I used to struggle with it which he has approached with a so much that, one time, a rower positive attitude. from another crew helped me to “As far as injuries go, I’ve been carry it,” quite fortunate,” he says. “I think it In high school, Berkhout “casu- has a lot to do with the amount of ally” embraced rowing. weights I do in off-seasons.” “At first, I wasn’t very good,” he He credits much of his off-boat Above: Fraser Berkhout (left) says. “I was just way too small and training to the core exercises he’s and teammate Mike Wilkinson skinny, and, to be honest, I have no done with Olympic weightlifter after their Heavy Double race at idea what kept me going.” Jason MacLean in Niagara Falls the Holland-Bekker Regatta in “Most people don’t like doing over the past three seasons. Amsterdam. things they aren’t good at, but then “Experience is important in those nature flicked a switch in me and I moments [when you’re injured] Although Berkhout qualified matured,” he says. because if you have bounced back the boat to race in the Olympics While attending Trent Univer- from three of four injuries in the and has a great chance of racing it, sity in Peterborough, Berkhout past, then you have the confidence there are no guarantees. continued to train during summer. to do it again,” he s ays. “My partner and I qualified the Training only one-quarter as much “My biggest worry during an in- boat, and there remains a selection as his field, he continued to win jury is that after I heal I’ll go back process to make the final deci- competitions. and do the exact same thing, so sion. All seats are open. I’m very Berkhout says he was at his what is there stopping me from do- familiar with the field we will be house in Peterborough while he ing it again?” he says. “Somehow, competing against at the Olym- Fraser Berkhout (left) and Mike Wilkinson racing in the World was watching the 2006 Torino though, my body pulls through.” pics, but countries have a way of Championship in Bled, Slovenia. Their win qualified them for the 2012 Olympics when he stood and said Olympic games. stepping up their game for it. It’s Submitted photos to himself, “That looks amazing. I almost freakish how much faster want to do that.” ‘I want to win, people will get.” I’m amazed at how many people taxpayers. The next day he applied to trans- Berkhout is an experienced are unable to deal with me doing “I received money from the gov- fer to Brock University so he could just like any other rower now, at age 26, and is accus- that,” he says. “One thing that I ernment in 2007 and a boat and car properly train year-round and make tomed to all aspects of preparation. have learned is that instead of say- from my parents. Then I showed the national team in a single boat. athlete out there.’ “The pressure doesn’t affect me ing, ‘We need to get third, so let’s up in Victoria and got it done,” he “I won everything that summer — Fraser Berkhout during the international regattas. I have a great race,’ I say, ‘Let’s just says. “I had to pay to go to the Un- and showed up the following sum- do get nervous, but within reason,” have a great race and we will come der-23 world championship.” mer at the training centre in Victo- he says. “I think it’s funny that I third.’ I think it is the difference Berkhout’s boat broke a week ria, B.C., and went to the Under-23 Berkhout admits that the single feel the most pressure during the between phony confidence and real before the trial, and his boat manu- World Championships. [person boat] is his preference, but smaller regattas where I’m expect- confidence.” facturer offered no assistance. With He became the first Canadian to he finds himself quite comfortable ed to win. The last thing you want Berkhout says one marketing no money and no support. ever make the A-final. in the double as well. is to be a good rower that refuses to professor at Brock would always “I was so hungry and the team Berkhout says that leaving home “I could be in an eight [person enter small development regattas remind his class that “the only manager laughed at me when I was an easy decision. boat] and individually getting just because of how it would look people who are ever really happy asked him for another meal ticket,” “It’s a bit like fixing a leaky slower and slower, but I wouldn’t if you lose.” for your success are your parents.” he recalls. faucet in your house and feeling so know it,” he says. “I find the As for practices, Berkhout fo- And that has stuck with him, add- “So what do I want? I want to proud that the next thing you want double is such a good compromise. cuses on his nay-sayers. ing, “and those that have a stake in win, just like any other athlete out to do is renovate an entire kitchen,” It’s small enough that an individual “I usually find motivation from your success.” there,” he says. “Some also want he says. can still get feedback but there is my negative sources, such as “One thing I have never been the lifestyle of being an athlete. RowOntario granted him $8,000. also still a crew and a teamwork pissing somebody off that I don’t good at is giving other people a Some want the popularity, and so “I felt like they were saying to component, which is most excit- like,” he says. “It’s just my nature, stake in my success, and that is on. But they all want to win.” me, ‘Here is $8,000, now what ing.” I guess, or maybe it is just because probably my largest source of ani- “I want the people to remember are you going to do with it?’ and it He says training between singles there’s such a large supply of it mosity. The truth is, most people the past and what it actually took was up to me to make more use of and doubles is very similar. [negativity].” would never even take partial to get the job done. It’s a great that $8,000 than anyone had previ- “The Men’s Double at the in- As for what keeps him grounded, blame for my failure, so why give indication of their potential in ously,” he says. ternational level commands a lot Berkhout says he tries to stay re- them credit for my success?” the futureThere are two sides to Berkhout drove 48 hours to Vic- of respect from the world rowing alistic. He says everyone, including his every story, but not necessar- toria with only an eight-hour break. community because of its difficulty “I keep all my expectations re- parents, had questioned him when ily all good sides. Some people “A dozen Red Bulls and a couple and competitiveness, so I feel in- alistic. I take success like anyone things weren’t going well, but that just want to make it difficult of pounds of beef jerky later, I’m in credibly proud to about qualifying else, but I try not to rationalize if anyone deserved credit, it would on certain others, and not just Victoria, delirious and exhausted, that boat in particular.” failure just to comfort myself. be his parents and the Canadian in amateur sports.” Page 12 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 20, 2012

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Visit www.sprowt.ca and cut that high interest card in half. Jan. 20, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 13 ENTERTAINMENT Submit your verse Help promote Niagara By RICHARD LARABIE rendition of the Niagara Song Staff Writer chorus. The Niagara Social Project They also have the chance to be (NSP) is holding a contest for those in a remix music video. who are passionate about Niagara The judging will be based on and want to earn a little cash along creativity and quality, and the the way. recommended length of the video The Submit Your Verse contest is not more than four minutes. is about giving the Niagara region Adrian Thiessen, co-founder and one voice to share what everyone president of Fourgrounds Media loves about it. Entry is free. Begun Inc., said, “The trick is always on Dec. 13 the contest runs until getting people motivated.” March 31. PenFinancial Credit “It should be cool to see what Union has contributed a $1,000 Niagara people come up with.” grand prize. Dan Romano, local musician Jeff Chesebrough, chief as both a solo artist and former executive officer of Niagara member of the band Attack in Interactive Media Generator Black and founder of You’ve (nGen), said the contest is not Changed Records, constructed the about the companies, but the musical aspect of the contest. idea‘s to get people engaged and A number of sponsors are part of “to be proud of what we have here” NSP, including Tri-Media, nGen, in Niagara. Niagara Economic Development Although entrants have a chance Corporation, Fourgrounds Media to gain some cash, in the rules and Inc., Canadian Niagara Hotels regulations it states: Inc., Venture Niagara Enterprise “Entries become the prop- Niagara, Walker Industries, The “mane six” characters of the surprisingly popular My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, from left, Rainbow erty of the Niagara Social Project Algoma Central Corporation, Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack and Fluttershy. founding partners … and will not Morro Images Inc., PenFinancial Promotional Image be returned or acknowledged.” Credit Union and Heart of Niagara. Chesebrough said it is for To enter the contest, go to “distribution reasons.” www.contest.niagarasocialproject. Contestants are to include a com, follow the steps and, for your self-written, original verse for the own sake, read the legal disclaimer. Niagara Song, or a creative You can also view some samples. Bronies, unite! By JONATHAN VAN a subtle current of humour clearly reaction she gets is disbelief or Theatre workshop gives EKELENBURG aimed at adults. derision, but she loves when friends Staff Writer “It’s almost a deconstruction who were the biggest doubters of If you’ve ever wondered what on what you expect from a girl’s the show’s quality become fans friendship could be, look no further show,” says Kaitlin Eccles, a who embrace the title of Brony. feedback to local writers than the magic of My Little Pony, 27-year-old Brony. “[In the first “Some of my best friends are By MATT NOWELL and other events. even if you’ve already grown up. episode] the main character is guys who make fun of me for Staff Writer The Wednesday Salon Series It was with a raised eyebrow busy researching the coming watching it, but that just makes it Playwrights and theatre enthu- will help local writers. This year that I, a 26-year-old man, first sat apocalypse, but all anybody will funnier because they react the way siasts in the Niagara region have marks the Series’ eighth year. down to watch an episode of My tell her when she demands help characters in Friendship is Magic an interesting opportunity to get The sessions involve finished and Little Pony (MLP): Friendship is that she should go make some would.” feedback on their written work. unfinished works being read aloud is Magic. After all, this is a show friends. It acknowledges the Stephanie Lalonde, 32, enjoys Every year, Theatre Beyond Words so that the creators can hear their about magical ponies who learn morality stories and lampshades “converting” new fans by telling hosts the Wednesday Salon Series, work from a fresh perspective, giv- special lessons about friendship, them, and people like that sort of them about who brought her into where submitted plays are read ing them the chance to pick up on based on toys remarkable only for self-aware humour.” the fandom. aloud by participating actors and character nuances they might not the fact they come with “real” hair That’s not to say that the surface “My friend Marko introduced writers. have been aware of before. to brush, It’s a show for little girls. stories aren’t enjoyable for adults me. Marko is six foot six inches, Theatre Beyond Words is a After the reading, the writer has I’m so glad I gave it a chance. as well. Tyler Hall, 22, says MLP 300 pounds and a straight Serbian Canadian theatre company best a chance to get feedback from the Somehow, this show has become contains a “nostalgic spark” that man. He said, ‘Just watch it so known for its series of plays titled audience. Constructive criticism is a smash hit online, with an odd reminds him of the cartoons he I won’t be alone anymore.’” “Potato People.” encouraged, as plays go through demographic of 14- to 35-year- grew up with in the ’90s, the same Lalonde sells highball and “The Potato People play is many drafts before being consid- old males and females who shows that I grew up with and that tumbler glasses etched with definitely the best play I’ve ever ered complete. Plays that started have adopted the collective term I was being reminded of as I delved pop culture designs online, and seen,” says Devin Wright, adding at the Wednesday Salon Sessions “Bronies,” a combination of “bro” deeper into the MLP craze. she says her two biggest sellers are he saw it when he was 11 years have been produced at local com- and “pony.” Since the show’s “I believe that people our age Batman and MLP. old, but hasn’t seen anything as panies after going through the pro- launch on the cable network The are addicted to the show because She’s made over $500 in the memorable since. cesses the Salon readings provide. Hub in 2010, fan sites have sprung our spiritual child hungered for last few months on MLP designs Theatre Beyond Words, oper- Tina Yeung-Moore, a co-ordi- up all around the Internet, includ- something as good as the shows we and says her customers are about ating since 1977, specializes in nator for the Salon nights, recom- ing the site Equestria Daily, which grew up with,” says Hall. “Lauren evenly divided between men and non-verbal theatre, using masks mends that writers interested in brings in upward of half a million Faust [the creator of Friendship is women. and physical exaggeration to tell advancing their work submit it for hits a day. Magic] answered our prayers.” There really is a sense of a story. Cast members have toured the sessions. If the show could be embraced Faust’s connection to the show community among the Bronies. As internationally, having visited Ar- “There are usually a fair number by the masses of the Internet so is one of the features that has I watched episode after episode, I gentina, Spain, France, Singapore of submissions every year,” Yeung- thoroughly, surely there had to helped to draw adult audiences in. found myself understanding why and Japan. They were also the first Moore says. “We get a broad range be something more to it than just She is known for her work on The fans would start comparing their Canadian theatre troupe to perform of people, mostly students from magical ponies. Powerpuff Girls and Foster’s friends to the characters in the at the National Theatre of Japan. Brock and the [Niagara] College.” About halfway through the first Home for Imaginary Friends, two show or would want to be more They are mentoring a younger Only submissions from lo- episode, I began to get it. It dawned cartoons that, like Friendship is like Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy. version of their company cal writers are considered. The on me that this show was a lot like Magic, attracted a large adult fan- I found myself tapping my called “Sprouts,” which will be sessions are open to the general some of the amazing cartoons of base with clever writing and subtle toe along to the theme song and re-creating the Potato People. public. Anyone interested in par- my childhood, like Animaniacs, humour. enjoying the fun adventures of a Theatre Beyond Words is com- ticipating or submitting is encour- Gargoyles or the Looney Tunes. Ashley O’Halloran, 19, is bunch of magical ponies, and I’m mitted to creating original works aged to contact company member, On the surface they involve simple another fan that uses Faust’s name proud to be a Brony myself now. of art and theatre plays as well as Katharine Dubois, by email at animal-based characters learning to defend the show when she en- As O’Halloran says, “No matter educating young students and play- [email protected], or life’s lessons and getting into silly counters skeptics. She, like many the mood you’re in, a few ponies wrights through plays, workshops by phone at 905-359-4877. situations, but underneath there’s other fans of MLP, says the first always make it better. Page 14 NIAGARA NEWS Jan. 20, 2012 ENTERTAINMENT A slick, tense thriller entertains audience

By MATT NOWELL work, the role more or less becomes Staff Writer her own. With the international success The biggest criticism for this and acclaim of The Girl with the movie is reserved for the title char- Dragon Tattoo, Hollywood imme- acter. Noomi Rapace of the original diately bought the rights to create Swedish version is the seminal Lis- its version of the Swedish film. beth. This being said, Mara brings The reigns were given to David her own intensity to the character, Fincher, whose latest directing suc- as portrayed for American audienc- cess was with The Social Network. es. She is a type of Gothic punk we Both movie versions were adapted all can understand, over Rapace’s into screenplays from the original version. This is ultimately what will novel by the late Swedish author determine someone’s preference. Stieg Larsson. Rapace has more of a “ready to Not much changed for Fincher’s boil over” portrayal of the character, version of Dragon Tattoo. Mikael while Mara seems more tempered. Blomkvist is a journalist who re- Those who have read the book cently garnered a lot of unwanted would more easily make the choice. media attention for sharing contro- As expected, Fincher produces a versial opinions in his newspaper. slick, tense movie wrought with im- He is commissioned by a mem- agery both disturbing and beautiful. ber of a family of degenerates to The presentation is incredibly uncover the fate of a long-time- atmospheric, while everything you missing girl, Harriet Vanger, who is are watching is shown in a way that LIGHTS entertained the crowd at the CAW Hall in St. Catharines with songs new and old. the niece of Henrik Vanger, the man is always easy to digest. The only Photo by Chris Funston who hires Blomkvist. heavy thinking goes into under- On his search for the truth, standing the plot’s “crime-thriller” Blomkvist eventually teams up layers. with Lisbeth Salander, the incred- Average moviegoers should find LIGHTS rocks CAW Hall ibly intelligent, neurotic, anti-social nothing to complain about with this punk hacker who was also hired by movie (unless they were expecting By CHRIS FUNSTON ened the CAW Hall as if one of the parents chaperoned their children Vanger to do a background check The Girl With The Butterfly Tattoo, Staff Writer stars from the Twilight series had while others, who were of age, on Blomkvist before hiring him. by Nicholas Sparks). Canadian singer and songwriter just walked in the room. seemed somewhat out of place Together, Salander and Blom- Film buffs will have lots more to LIGHTS took over the CAW Hall She opened her set with Ban- and in the minority at the event. kvist delve deeper into the horrific pick apart and analyze, especially in St. Catharines on Saturday ner, followed by other hits such as Petra Caperchione, 19, of truths about Harriet and the Vanger when taking the mixed cultures into night promoting her new album Everybody Breaks a Glass, Toes Welland, is also a huge LIGHTS family. context. Siberia. and Ice. fan. “It was amazing to see her Daniel Craig gives a convincing Swedish films are better known About 200 people showed up As the show went on, signs and live. Her songs sound even bet- performance as the disgraced jour- for getting away with anything for the all-ages show, which was posters from fans found their way ter,” she said. “It would have been nalist Mikael Blomkvist. He brings they want, but Fincher chose to put opened by Matthew Johnston and to the stage for LIGHTS to read to cooler to see her at a bar or club, the right amount of confidence a little extra zest in his version of Nightbox. crowd, mostly saying, “I love you.” but it was okay here. I’d see her needed for the character, but does the movie, most notably with the The primarily young audience Maddison Lockey, 18, of again.” not ruin the audience’s reaction by amount of nudity. chanted “LIGHTS” constantly, an- Welland, says that she loves LIGHTS will be playing in Lon- using his “James Bond vibe.” As it stands, Fincher’s Girl with ticipating her entry on stage while LIGHTS. “She’s one of my favou- don, Ont., Feb 2 and Guelph on The real highlight of the movie the Dragon Tattoo is a remarkable set-up for her performance began. rites. It was so awesome to see her Feb. 3 before continuing her tour is, as most would expect, Lisbeth achievement in American filmmak- As set-up concluded and she live.” to Eastern Canada followed by Salander. Played by Rooney Mara, ing, even when taking its complete finally hit the stage, shrieks from The crowd seemed to suffer parts of the Northern U.S. before who is teaming with Fincher for the lack of originality into account. the teenagers in the crowd deaf- from an identity crisis as many heading to the United Kingdom. second time since The Social Net- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Wahlberg and Ribisi’s chemistry THANK YOU THANK YOU steals the show in Contraband THANK YOU THANK YOU By ATOM GAUTHIER Kate (Kate Beckinsale). Chris of their abilities. Wahlberg carried supporting your Staff Writer makes a deal to get Briggs’ money himself well, and Foster was great, THANK YOU Mark Wahlberg made the audi- back and save his family in the as usual, but especially in the way THANK YOU Niagara College ence “feel the vibrations” in the process. his character changes it will make new crime drama Contraband. Unfortunately for Chris, this every audience’s eyes widen. Ri- THANK YOU Community Paper Over the past years Wahlberg means he must do some smuggling bisi was absolutely the best of any- THANK YOU For many years Avondale stores have has made fans happy and sad with again. Chris and a few associates one in the film. He was the perfect generously distributed his acting role choices. He made hop on a boat to Panama to get the loser crime leader who thought he THANK YOU some bad choices when choosing counterfeit bills they will use to was“all that” until he came against THANK YOU 2,400 copies of each Niagara News to act in The Happening and the smuggle back across the border. Wahlberg. THANK YOU issue across the Niagara Region. remake of Planet of the Apes, but While his wife and family wait at “Ribisi was awesome, the best Avondale demonstrates how made good decisions with The home with his best friend Sebas- part of the movie,” says Perron. THANK YOU Departed and The Fighter. His tian (Ben Foster), it’s a race against Stacy Weaver, 40, says, “I like THANK YOU good corporate citizens support new film should keep smiles on his time, not knowing when Briggs seeing all of Marky Mark’s mov- student learning. THANK YOU fans’ faces. will become impatient and go after ies. This is one where I am not The staff of theNiagara News In Contraband, Wahlberg plays this family. disappointed with him.” THANK YOU Chris Farraday, a former smuggler Contraband is a well-made film Contraband brings a lot of wish to thank Avondale for its THANK YOU turned family man, whose brother- and doesn’t get boring when it goes excellent qualities to the screen: past, current and future assistance. in-law gets into trouble with the from action to drama. fast-paced action, dramatic con- THANK YOU wrong kind of people. Ryan Perron, 22, says. “The frontations and even a few twists. THANK YOU Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi) is movie kept you interested and With an ending that will make you Please support Avondale Food Stores. one of these people, and he wants made you excited to find how they wonder how it was filmed, it just THANK YOU For additional sale items, please check: his money back, by any means were going to smuggle the money.” adds to a good quality film. THANK YOU www.avondalestores.com necessary. Briggs threatens Chris’s All the actors in the movie por- “It was certainly worth the mon- THANK YOU family, which includes his wife trayed their characters to the best ey, a great watch,” says Weaver. Jan. 20, 2012 NIAGARA NEWS Page 15

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(From top right) Leot Hanson from The Sheepdogs; ET Canada’s Cheryl Hickey, who hosted the show with her partner Rick Campinelli; Sam Corbett from The Sheepdogs; Stephanie McIlroy guitartist Jeff Mifflin; The crowd of over 50, 000 watches the show at Victoria park in Niagara Falls. Photos by Dennis Faucher

ET Canada sets viewership records By DENNIS FAUCHER the mud where spectators crowded financially beneficial to the city, and MATT McNEVIN the stage for views of Canadian mentioning “lights are on in all of Staff Writers superstars. the rooms” of the hotels across from Simple Plan, Our Lady Peace and Philip Jahns, 34, travelled from where the bands were performing. The Sheepdogs were among those London/Chatham to see the show, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati who rocked out to ring in the New his first time attending the annual said the economic impact for the Year in Niagara Falls. New Year’s Eve party. Jahns, who city is “immeasurable.” He said The annual event drew tens of came to the Falls by himself, said he he expects that 2.4 million people thousands, with estimates around came because he wanted to see Our watched the show on television the 50,000 mark. Lady Peace perform. throughout the night, though Glob- Global’s ET Canada broke Previous years have pelted regu- al’s ratings suggest that number records in viewership, up over lar visitors with ice, snow and even could be as high as 4.8 million. 600,000 from last year. The live rain. This year, the audience was “All of the hotel rooms are two-hour broadcast of events able to enjoy a rain-free show. filled to capacity, parking lots are scored a peak of 1.9 million viewers “It’s gorgeous, wow,” audi- jammed, restaurants are full. Re- watching the spectacular fireworks ence member Erin Gilbert, 28, of ally it’d be tough to squeeze more display, which once again lit up the Niagara Falls, said. people into the city right now,” said Skylon Tower. This was Gilbert’s fifth year in the mayor. The weather was the warmest in a row spending New Year’s Eve in He says the plans for next year’s years with temperatures hovering the crowd at Queen Victoria Park, show are “bigger and better.” around three degrees Celsius all she said. “We’re proud to be the hosts of night. Layers of straw were scat- Carolynn Ioannoni, a Niagara Canada’s biggest New Year’s Eve tered over the fields to help control Falls councillor, said the event is party.”