Digital Edition - November 23, 2015 by SPOKENewspaper

Gift giving can be difficult

Retailers share ideas for your significant other. Page 6 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2015

SPOKE

A LEARNING NEWSROOM FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS

CONESTOGA COLLEGE, KITCHENER, ONT.

A-wing next to be renovated BY CHRIS HUSSEY

The Welcome Centre at the Doon campus is normally ripe with activity and energy. After all, it does hold many of the essential college services that students depend on. On most nights after 6 p.m., this energy is long gone until it starts all over again the next business day. But on Nov. 9, just a short walk upstairs, there was a very different kind of energy. Conestoga’s College Board of Governors held a meeting that night in the Welcome Centre, and the board had their eyes set on the future of the institution. One notable topic raised were renovations to the A-wing, the oldest area of the Doon campus and arguably the area most in need. The renovations would come on the heels of the facelift to the C-wing on the main floor, which primarily holds classes in the School of Media and Design. Rusty McLay, the college’s chief administrative officer, said the college is in the preliminary stages of planning the renovations. “As with our other renovations at Doon to date … our focus will be on enhancing the learning environment for students,” he said. He added the exact scope and schedule was still yet to be determined, although the board discussed next summer as a possibility. The board also focused on specific services available for students. Bonnie Lipton-Bos, manager of the Learning Commons, delivered a presentation to the board to provide some insight into the work being done by the department. During this presentation, she discussed some of the plans she is hoping to see take shape in the future, including extending the department’s service beyond 4:30 p.m. “There’s no question there’s more we can do,” she said.

The Learning Commons provides a number of different services to assist students with their academic needs. While they do have a redesigned online website, known as the Virtual Learning Commons, the department doesn’t currently provide inperson assistance beyond 4:30 p.m. Some changes, however, will take effect as soon as next semester. Peter Benninger, president of Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty, served as chair during the meeting, and he said the recreation centre is set to be fully open by early next year. “We’re working towards opening (the athletics and recreation centre) as soon as possible,” he said. These changes are part of a larger expansion that started five years ago. In fact, 40 per cent more space has been added to the college over the past five years, according to college president John Tibbits. The college has explored a variety of partnerships and collaborations as part of this expansion. More recently, Conestoga College partnered with the University of Waterloo and Schlegel Villages to launch The Centre of Excellence and Innovation in Aging on Oct. 30. The new facility is on the university’s north campus, and provides opportunities for students and faculty to work alongside Schlegel staff and residents. Tibbits said it was a great opportunity for the college and a sign of how much the college has evolved over the past few years. “I never would have believed we’d be on that campus,” he said. Tibbits also pointed out that the college wants to make Conestoga even better for students. “What we are trying to do is change the culture,” he said. “We are working harder at helping students succeed.”

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First aid and CPR saves lives

Standard and emergency courses offered at college. Page 3 46TH YEAR — NO. 23

ABORIGINAL SERVICES SERVES UP SOME GOOD EATS

PHOTO BY CHRIS HUSSEY

Lois MacDonald, an administrative support staff member in Aboriginal Services, serves lunch to Mimi Simmonds on Nov. 11. Every Wednesday, MacDonald prepares a free homemade lunch for students and she said she usually has everything ready at 10 a.m. MacDonald said about 40 to 59 students come in each week.

CSI byelection adds new face to board of directors BY MIKE STROMME

A new voice has been added to the Conestoga Students Inc. board of directors as a vacant position on the board was filled last week. Due to CSI’s confidentiality agreement, president Jeff Scherer was unable to comment as to why there was a vacancy on the board. He said that the board could have carried on without filling the opening, however, members decided that because it was still early in the school year they could find a new member. Due to the time constraint of the byelection, students were unable to vote for candidates. Instead, the new member of the board of directors was chosen by a selection committee. The committee consisted of the current board members, three full-time student volunteers and three CSI executives: the vice-president, general manager and assistant general manager. A decision was to have been made by the committee on Nov. 19, after Spoke’s press deadline. Each candidate had to be a

full-time, fee-paying Conestoga student who had accumulated 100 student signatures and obtained the approval of both a faculty member and a program co-ordinator. Scherer said a candidate did not have to come from the Doon campus; students from the Guelph and Cambridge campuses have been members of the board in the past. “We have had directors from satellite campuses in the past. Two years ago, Sarah Bryant was from our Guelph campus and last year, Colin Gaudet was from Cambridge campus and was re-elected for this year as well,” said Scherer. “We encourage students from satellite campuses to run for director positions, as it adds a dynamic to our decision making and gives us insight to students outside of Doon campus.” Once the necessary requirements were met, candidates had to make their case in front of the selection committee from Nov. 17-19. Board of directors members are representatives of the student body, establish policies and procedures and make deci-

sions on major CSI issues. The board has a say on everything from the shuttle service and student health plan, to pub nights and free food Fridays. “Each and every program that Conestoga Students Inc. runs, whether through entertainment, leadership, our shuttle, or any of our other five services, has been brought forward by our board of directors and is continuously reviewed by that same body,” said Scherer. Kenneth Ram is a first-year public relations student at the Doon campus. He is a board of directors candidate who met CSI’s requirements to run in the byelection. He is a member of CSI’s student rep program and jumped at the opportunity to have a chance to sit on the board of directors. “The vacancy was brought up in a student rep meeting,” said Ram. “I found it to be an amazing opportunity to help students.” The selection of the new board member took place on Nov. 19 in The Sanctuary. The winning candidate’s name will be published in the Nov. 30 issue of Spoke.

NEWS

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Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College

Monday, November 23, 2015

FILBERT CARTOONS

Random questions answered by random students

What is something interesting that you’ve learned recently? “Otto the dog recently beat the world record for the longest human tunnel traveled through by a skateboarding dog”

Gage Knox, second-year public relations

“CSI is trying to get fullyear bus passes.”

Allen Bezeau, second-year broadcast journalism

“Learning how to use Avid, coming from Final Cut. The professional program really makes a difference.” Alex Zibaei, first-year broadcast television PHOTO BY EMMIE SIROKY

The Conestoga Career Centre, located in Waterloo, is in partnership with Employment Ontario to help people find a job. The classes are open to the public, not just students. Above, Jennifer Davis and Danielle Prosser are the two staff members who run the Ace the Interview workshops.

“If you get attacked by a crocodile, jab a finger in its eye to make it let go.”

Acing the interview

Kirstin Doerr, second-year advertising and marketing

BY EMMIE SIROKY

“At a leadership conference, I had a revelation that I’m an innate leader and I should use those abilities.” Megan Pries, first-year design foundations

“Owls can’t move their eyes.” Walberto Ramos, second-year advertising and marketing

Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!

There’s lots of things to take into account when trying to find the perfect job. According to Statistics Canada, seven per cent of the Canadian population is unemployed. At the beginning of 2015 the unemployment rate was slightly lower, at 6.7 per cent. The Conestoga Career Centre, located on Weber Street by the Waterloo campus, is trying to help lower that unemployment rate. The centre is in a partnership with Employment Ontario to help people in the KitchenerWaterloo area find jobs. Every month the centre holds a workshop called Ace the Interview. The workshop is open to the public and teaches interview and job skills. “It’s to prepare our clients who are job seekers with interview strategies and skills,”

said Danielle Prosser, the Ace the Interview workshop specialist. “We provide services to the public to help them gain their career goals and employment. We also run these out in Stratford as well as occasionally at the Welcome Centre at Doon campus.”

“

It’s to prepare our clients who are job seekers with interview strategies and skills. — Danielle Prosser

”

The workshop is geared toward those trying to get jobs, but is not limited to the unemployed. Some people come to gain more job skills for their current position and gain knowledge to get a pro-

motion in their company. “I’ve been doing this for 20 year,” said Jennifer Davis, the instructor for Ace the Interview. “I got into this field after my own unemployment and kind of learning from that perspective. “If they have a job it’s important to stay current. If they have a job they probably wouldn’t have time to come out here … but (if they) aren’t happy in their job, it’s important to keep up-to-date in your Linkedin and keep (in touch with) your contacts.” The Conestoga Career Centre is tucked away in a small plaza, but that doesn’t stop people from finding them and seeking out their help. Over 20 people show up to the workshop every week. The Conestoga Career Centre is located at 285 Weber St. in Waterloo and can be reached at 519-885-0300.

NEWS

Monday, November 23, 2015

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Mental health first aid course offered BY MARISSA CUDDY

Last year, Conestoga College was one of the Top 10 first aid and CPR training partners in Ontario and the only college or university to make the list. Adam Leis, a first aid and CPR co-ordinator at Conestoga College, recommends anyone who is interested in taking first aid and CPR training to take the courses at the school. They offer the standard first aid and CPR course and an emergency course. The difference between the two is the length and the information covered. The emergency course is packed into 10 hours and covers how to deal with everyday emergencies, while the standard course is 20 hours, going more indepth about equipment, injuries and procedures. WSIB Ontario states all workplaces must have a first aid person or an employee trained in first aid for every five workers. The emergency course is what most workplaces require employees to take. Leis said most deaths occur while the person is at home, so by taking the course someone may be able to help a family member or friend by knowing

what to do if an emergency occurs. “They get the education to provide them the opportunity to save someone else’s life,” Leis said. Neil Freckleton, the coordinator of the primary care paramedic program at Conestoga College, said it is important to have first aid training because it will give a person the right comfort level to deal with an emergency when it happens. “Everyone should take first aid and CPR training, it is a skill set everyone should have,” he said. Freckleton said people get the knowledge, confidence and understanding of what they can and cannot do by taking the course. “If you understand what is going on you are less likely to be panicked,” he said. November is CPR month nationwide. Courses being offered this month are on Nov. 28 at Conestoga College’s Doon campus, Nov. 24 and 28 at St. John’s Ambulance, Kitchener and Nov. 26 and 28 at First Aid 4U Training & Supply Waterloo. Lutherwood in Waterloo is also offering Mental Health

GETTING THEIR GAME ON IN THE SANCTUARY

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sarah O’Brien and Jane Maksym, first aid and CPR instructors at Conestoga College, demonstrate CPR on a dummy on Nov. 14. First Aid training Nov. 24, which is a course that gives people the knowledge to recognize and deal with a mental health crisis. Conestoga will also be offering the course in January 2016. Robin Bender, the president and instructor at Mega Health at Work, said one in

three people have a mental illness and that is a significant number of people who will benefit from mental health first aid. She wants people to know that the course gives someone the basic skills they would need to support and help someone in a crisis, before passing

them off to a professional. “It teaches people to recognize the symptoms of mental illness, then to help them and guide them to get professional help,” she said. Bender said people who know someone with a mental illness need to know what to do, especially if that person is ever in crisis. “I encourage everyone to take it,” she said. “Just knowing it’s available and out there can benefit many people.” She believes it should be a mandatory course taken by students and the earlier the better. These courses give people the knowledge and skills to deal with emergency situations. For more information on mental health first aid visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca/. To sign up or learn more about the courses at Conestoga visit www.conestogac.on.ca and click on the continuing education tab or fill in the search box at the top right-hand corner of the page. “A family member or friend could benefit by you knowing first aid and CPR,” Leis said.

Jeans for homeless teens BY JENNA BRAUN

PHOTO BY MARISSA CUDDY

Conestoga Students Inc. held a few games of Pictionary in the Sanctuary at Conestoga College on Nov. 14. Above, Laura Brown, a Conestoga respiratory therapy student, draws a picture that put her team in the lead when other players correctly guessed what it was.

Some teenagers, regardless of the school they attend or the smile on their faces, may be struggling to afford the simplest necessities of life. There are homeless teenagers right here in our community. According to Covenant House Toronto, half of all homeless youth come from middle or upper income families. Jeans for Teens is an organization that partners with Aéropostale every year at the end of autumn, collecting thousands of pairs of jeans for homeless teenagers throughout North America. “I think Jeans for Teens is important because it gives us the opportunity to recycle jeans we don’t want anymore and put them towards a good cause,” said Shauna Peters, a Fairview Mall Aéropostale employee. According to dosomething.org, the item homeless teens request most when looking for used clothing is a pair of jeans. Over the past eight years, the organization has collected five million pairs of jeans that were given to youth in need. Last year, 723,188 pairs of jeans were donated with 82,435 volunteers helping out with the drive. Groups of students in elementary schools and high schools throughout North America work together to collect used jeans from students and bring them to their local Aéropostale. Store employees then deliver them to nearby homeless shelters and charities. “These teens can’t afford to buy clothes,” said Carly Thibodeau, a Fairview Mall Aéropostale employee. “For every person who donates, Aéro gives them a 25 per cent off coupon for their next pair of jeans too.” Throughout the years, even celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Kristen Bell and Chloe

PHOTO BY JENNA BRAUN

Carly Thibodeau, a Conestoga pre-health science student and Aéropostale employee, is participating in Jeans for Teens by taking her old, used jeans to her workplace at Fairview Mall. Grace Moretz have gotten involved. As of December 2014, there were 339 people in Waterloo Region experiencing homelessness. According to the Homeless Hub, in 2013 there were 3,492 individuals living in emergency homeless shelters. If interested, anybody can stop by the Aéropostale at Fairview Mall or at Conestoga Mall to donate their jeans.

COMMENTARY

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Monday, November 23, 2015

What does Christmas really mean? BY JESSICA PETT

Christmas is a holiday that was once both a religious holiday and a cherished, family-filled time with memories and tradition. Now it is cursed with the obsessive need to give and receive material items. A once holistic, heart-warming holiday has become commercialized. Consumers of all shapes and sizes pile into shopping malls and stores across the world to find the perfect Christmas gifts for their loved ones. Retailers begin preparing for this hectic time of year months in advance, stocking their shelves full of Christmas décor, gift sets and wrapping as early as October. Christmas music rings over the speakers in every store, Santa Claus awaits the arrival of young children to eagerly read their enormous Christmas lists and shoppers scurry around the mall racing to get what they need before it is gone. It is not that many disagree with the fact that this holiday has become commercialized, it’s that people don’t seem to care that we have lost what this holiday is meant to be about. Retailers have brainwashed consumers into thinking that it is OK that we have changed the meaning of Christmas over time. A 2013 survey conducted by PEW Research Center showed that 69 per cent of Americans attended religious services on Christmas Eve or day during their childhood, but only 54 per cent of those people planned to attend the year they took the survey. Just like the way Valentine’s Day brought on a whole new meaning over time, Christmas too has drifted from its roots. If nothing changes soon, the true meaning could be lost forever. Younger generations may not even understand how Christmas came to be and may only see it as a time to give and receive presents because that is what they have witnessed all their lives. In order to stop this from happening parents need to start teaching their children the true meaning of Christmas. For those who are not religious, this means instilling the values of family, kindness and that it is better to give than receive. Children may have to stop solely believing in the jolly old man with a beard and start believing more in the spirit of Christmas. The views herein represent the position of the newspaper, not necessarily the author.

Letters are welcome Spoke welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be signed and include the name and telephone number of the writer. Writers will be contacted for verification. No unsigned letters will be published. Letters should be no longer

than 500 words. Spoke reserves the right to edit any letter for publication. Address correspondence to: The Editor, Spoke, 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 1C30, Kitchener, Ont., N2G 4M4

Christmas is too expensive whether you’re naughty or nice

Trudeau needs to smarten up How explosive do things need to get before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau changes his mind? Although Trudeau expressed to the G20 gathering that Canada was “profoundly saddened” by the recent events in Paris, I don’t think he believes it’s a valid enough cause to get his hands dirty. Last week, after the terrorist attack in France occurred, leaving more than 100 people dead, the European Union and United States stepped up to offer help in investigating the attack as well as developing an offence. Immediately after the events on Nov. 13, the EU got to work investigating suspects connected to the Paris bombings and shootings and began a search through France, Belgium and Greece. On Nov. 15, logistical coordinates provided by the United States were pounded with 20 bombs from the French Air Force. Yet, Canada, one of France’s greatest allies, is doing next to nothing. I think this is very upsetting, especially

Christel Allison Opinion

considering the fact that just over a year ago, there were two similar lone wolf attacks on our home soil at Parliament Hill. In the attack, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent were killed. The speculations about the growing threat of ISIS are no longer speculations. The terrorist group’s targets are growing. Members are disguising themselves as Syrian refugees who are being given homes as a humanitarian service. No wonder Canadians are worried about radicalized terrorists coming to misinform, train and brew home-grown terror from within our borders. If Trudeau is not ready to take a stand and show Canada will participate in combat, then he is allowing ISIS to continue to grow and become more threatening. He will be responsible if

radicalized terror cells see our nation as a safe haven. Worst of all, he is showing our closest allies in the EU and United States that we only fight wars when we’re being threatened and we don’t stand up for our allies when they’re being attacked. This message will be remembered for generations to come. Yes, after the terrorist attacks, Trudeau said France would have the support of Canada in the weeks and months to come. What exactly does that mean? I see that as a wellconstructed, politically correct statement that is not in any way backed up by his decision to still move forward with his pledge to pull Canada’s CF-18 fighter jets from the U.S.led bombing mission in Syria and Iraq. Instead, he believes increasing the training of fighters in those countries is the better plan of attack. I believe this plan would be better implemented with fighter jets overhead bombing key coordinates. That’s the only way this war on terror is going to end.

SPOKE

IS PUBLISHED AND PRODUCED WEEKLY BY THE JOURNALISM STUDENTS OF CONESTOGA COLLEGE Editor: Paul Boreham Assignment Editors: Leah Morrow, Garrett Burchett Advertising Managers: Sarah Veenstra, Sara Sasila Spoke Online Editors: Kandace Gallant, Joe Weppler, Christel Allison, Matt Linseman

Production Managers: Jessica Hammer, Ashley Nequest, Ethan Kompf Photo Editors (print): Jenna Braun, Marissa Cuddy, Adam Schwartz, Brea Bergen Photo Editors (online): Emmie Siroky, Sean Malinowski, Jason Mota, Jessica Pett

Social Media Editor: Chris Hussey, Mike Stromme, Josh Van Ostrand Circulation Manager: Michelle Maisonville, Taylor Schweitzer Faculty Supervisor and Adviser: Christina Jonas

Spoke’s address is 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 1C30, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4. Phone: 519-748-5220, ext. 3691, 3692, 3693, 3694 Fax: 519-748-3534 Email: spoke@conestogac.on.ca Website: www.spokeonline.com

The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of Conestoga College. Spoke shall not be liable for any damages arising out of errors in advertising beyond the amount paid for the space. Letters to the editor are subject to acceptance or rejection and should be clearly written or typed; a MS Word file would be helpful. Letters must not contain any libellous statements.

NEWS

Monday, November 23, 2015

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Volunteering is good for everybody BY TAYLOR SCHWEITZER

Helping the community starts with one act of kindness. Conestoga College students who have volunteered in the community feel that it’s beneficial to be involved with organizations that they feel are important. “Volunteering can feel like a chore if you don’t see the benefit to what you are doing,” said Billy Eaton, a second-year early childhood education student. “Students should find organizations that they feel will make a difference in the world or that speak to their ideology.” There are a number of volunteer centres in Waterloo Region that offer students different ways to get involved. “Volunteer K-W has over 500 active positions that are updated daily on our site,” said Jane Hennig, executive director at Volunteer Action Centre of K-W and Area. Students can sign up for volunteer opportunities, like gift

wrapping at Fairview Mall and extra Santa Claus Parade participants that best suits their schedule. “Reduced stress is one benefit to volunteering, but, of course there are other benefits related to healthier lifestyles that vary with the individual,” Hennig said. At Conestoga College, the Career Hub can help students with volunteer questions on Doon campus. “I believe that more students should volunteer in the community because it really makes a difference,” said Chelsea Wright, a first-year business marketing student. “Not only do you learn a lot, but you also gain professional experience and grow as a person. It really boosts your self-esteem.” For more information, you can contact Volunteer KW at 519-742-8610 or Conestoga College’s Career Hub by dropping in with questions or contacting staff via email at careercentre@conestogac.on.ca.

CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM 10TH IN NATION

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SCHWEITZER

Zoe McGhie, a part-time receptionist at the Career Hub at Conestoga College, responds to emails on Nov. 11 from students who have questions about on-campus volunteer opportunities.

REWARDING THE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS

PHOTO BY SEAN MALINOWSKI

Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky speaks at the REEP Green Solutions annual awards event on Nov. 12. For the video story on the evening ceremony, visit www.spokeonline.com.

SCHOOL SNACKS TOO PRICEY FOR STUDENTS

PHOTO BY SARAH VEENSTRA

Sisters Karlie (left) and Brianna Dolderman are members of Conestoga College’s varsity cross-country running team, which, after placing second overall at the Provincial Championships, moved on to place 10th overall in the Nationals, which were held in Brockville, Ont. on Nov. 14. For the video story, visit www.spokeonline.com.

PHOTO BY JESSICA HAMMER

Students start the day off with a hot beverage and a snack while a cafeteria worker stocks the shelves. Students think that the prices of the food in the cafeterias at Conestoga are a little high. For the video story, visit www.spokeonline.com.

NEWS

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Monday, November 23, 2015

Great gift ideas to woo him and her BY MATT LINSEMAN

It’s tough coming up with a great gift idea for your boyfriend or girlfriend during the holiday season. However, you can warm her heart and rock his socks off with some of these unique ideas for presents. A couple of seasonal stores at Conestoga Mall are only here for a limited time but have excellent gift ideas for your significant other. Calendar Club is a seasonal retailer that offers a large variety of calendars, games and toys for all ages. “Adult colouring books are really popular this year,” said Brittany Doerbecker, a customer service representative at Calendar Club. “We have some basic abstract ones, but there are all different kinds like Disney cartoons and Harry Potter editions.” She also said there are all sorts of calendars available for the new year and that there’s something for everyone. “There are also lots of different types of games like party games and drinking games for college students,” said Doerbecker. “Personally Incorrect is a great card game. It’s the Canadian version of Cards against Humanity, but is more overtly sexual, but it depends on your sense of humour.”

PHOTO BY MATT LINSEMAN

Kayla Mooney, a key holder at The Handmaiden, shares some great gift ideas for significant others. The Handmaiden is a seasonal store in Conestoga Mall that will only be open until March 2016. She shared the game Quelf, where you have to do all sorts of things like sing, dance and act and you have to make your way around the board by guessing correctly what your team members are portraying. Doerbecker also said if you

like strategic games, Catan’s always a good choice. The premise is that a new land has been discovered and you need to build settlements and gather resources. To progress further, you need a certain number of cards to build a

AS BUSY AS A BEE MAKING WAX PAINTINGS

road or expand a settlement and it’s all about trading. It’s more of a group game, but can be played with even two or three people. The Handmaiden is another seasonal retailer that offers various home decor and

furnishings and is only at Conestoga Mall until March 2016. “We have lots of stuff for couples like photo frames, wine glasses and lots of different types of mugs,” said Kayla Mooney, a key holder at The Handmaiden. “A lot of the items we have are sort of rustic and vintage and some are also sort of country. We have lots of signs and decor with phrases like inspirational quotes and funny quotes and stuff like that.” She also said a lot of them are directed toward certain aspects like cabins, lakes and cottages or even to men declaring that this is their man cave. Mooney said they also have Harley-Davidson stuff for him if he’s into motorcycles, and paintings of horses and signs for her. There’s also a wide selection of candles and candle melts as well as lots of different styles of jewelry and earrings and these would make great gifts for girlfriends. If you’re looking for something for the holiday season, there are also unique ornaments and Christmas decorations available. The Handmaiden also has a variety of socks, scarves and mitts for the winter. Whatever gift idea you come up with, start shopping now because Christmas will be here before you know it.

ANNUAL PYJAMA DRIVE KICKS OFF

PHOTO BY SARA SASILA PHOTO BY LEAH MORROW

Self-taught artist Nancy Yule of Cambridge stands in front of encaustic wax paintings at an art exhibition held by members of the Artist Critique Group. To harden the wax Yule uses beeswax mixed with resin. Paintings of this style have been found in pyramids in Egypt dating back 3,000 years.

It was the second annual pyjama drive for Sleep Tight Waterloo, a volunteer-driven campaign to help raise awareness and gather donated pyjamas for survivors of human trafficking. Megan Coneybeare, founder of Sleep Tight, hosted the event at Kitchener City Hall on Nov. 12. Pyjamas can be dropped off at any of the five Waterloo Regional Police Service stations until Jan. 2. For video story, visit www. spokeonline.com.

NEWS

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Monday, November 23, 2015

Great gift ideas to woo him and her BY MATT LINSEMAN

PHOTO BY MATT LINSEMAN

AS BUSY AS A BEE MAKING WAX PAINTINGS

ANNUAL PYJAMA DRIVE KICKS OFF

PHOTO BY SARA SASILA PHOTO BY LEAH MORROW

Monday, November 23, 2015

NEWS

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SUPPORT PARIS BY DISPLAYING RED, WHITE AND BLUE

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POST-SECONDARY PROGRAM CAN BE DIFFICULT

PHOTO BY KANDACE GALLANT

PHOTO BY CHRISTEL ALLISON

Waterloo Fire Rescue, located at 216 Weber St. N., was lit up with the tricolours of the national flag of France to show support after the Paris attacks by ISIS. On Nov. 13, 129 people were killed in Paris during brazen terrorist attacks.

ALL ABOARD THE DOON HERITAGE EXPRESS

Tao Cruikshank, who works in the Career Hub at Conestoga’s Doon campus, said choosing the right program is one of the most important decisions students have to make. For video story, go to www.spokeonline. com.

TAKE A NICE WALK

IN THE PARK

PHOTO BY ASHLEY NEQUEST PHOTO BY GARRETT BURCHETT

Jonathan, 7, explores the Doon Heritage Village on Nov. 13 as part of activities for kids of all ages held by the Waterloo Region Museum. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.

Kitchener residents, including Kaitlynn Johnstone, were out enjoying a brisk fall morning in Victoria Park on Nov. 15. The weather has been warmer than normal, but that will change this week.

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NEWS

Monday, November 23, 2015

Superbugs are quite nasty BY JOSHUA VAN OSTRAND

PHOTO BY JOSHUA VAN OSTRAND

Brett Barrett, infectious disease specialist at Grand River Hospital, gives a talk as part of a public lecture on antibiotic-resistant bacteria at the University of Waterloo on Nov. 12.

A lecture dedicated to talking about what could mean a very scary future, the superbug, was held at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy on Nov. 12. It’s not a 50-metre-tall cockroach or a spider that spits fire, it’s something much smaller and much more likely to cause us harm. Superbugs are evolving strains of bacteria that are capable of resisting antibiotics, our strongest weapon against their infections. If superbugs become the norm, the forms of medicine we know and love will have to adapt and they may not be able to keep up. “I think superbugs are very dangerous,” said Brett Barrett, infectious disease specialist at Grand River Hospital and one of the speakers. “It’s a bit like global warming. I think that it’s a problem that we underestimate at our peril. There are a million things that we do to keep people healthy and keep them alive that if antimicrobial resistance gets out of control, we will not be able to continue.” According to Dr. Kelly Grindrod, assistant professor of pharmacy at the University of Waterloo, the development of superbugs is a natural part of evolution but it’s created an arms race pitted between medical science and harmful bacteria. Doctors and scientists are fighting tooth and nail to keep ahead but they have to compete harder each year because people are giving the bacteria the tools to evolve faster. It’s easy to forget to take antibiotics that are prescribed. It’s easy to stop taking antibiotics when people start to feel better rather than finishing the prescription. It’s easy to take antibiotics when you are sick with a cold or other virus. It’s easy to do these things but they’re exactly what makes the fight against bacteria harder and they need to stop according to Grindrod. “Do we have (superbugs) in Waterloo? Absolutely, and some of them are quite nasty,” said Barrett. “We don’t have them probably as much as some of the teaching hospitals do. We absolutely don’t have them as much as India or Asia. (However,) I don’t think that we should feel like we’re in a protective bubble.” Treating these resistant strains is a challenge for medical staff. The first and most effective antibiotic that doc-

tors choose to treat a bacteria with is often the first that the bacteria becomes resistant to. This leaves doctors with a difficult challenge in treating the infections. “For most of the bugs we’re talking about, we do have drugs that still work, excluding infections like extensively-resistant tuberculosis. The big problem is that compared to drugs that will work against the non-resistant bacteria, the other drugs won’t work as well. We use them because they’re all that will work but they still don’t work as well as the original ones. The other thing about them is they have a lot more side effects and are much more likely to be harmful and toxic to you. There are a few of those bugs where we have so few options we have to do crazy things like combination therapies that are just unheard of or we have to pull out drugs that we retired in the 1960s because they were so toxic. We’re giving you an antibiotic where the difference between it killing you and killing the bug is really small because we have nothing else that will treat your infection.” It’s not all grim news though. Both Barrett and Grindrod have hopeful outlooks and offer very simple advice to make sure that we stay ahead of the bacteria. “As a professor, if a student emails me and says I’m not going to be in class tomorrow because I’m really sick and I don’t want to make other people around me sick, I’m like ‘stay home!’” said Grindrod. “I absolutely support that. Don’t get an antibiotic if you have a virus, wash your hands and get your vaccines.” Barrett said, “Try and be conscious of the fact that sometimes we think we need an antibiotic when we walk in the door (of the doctor’s office) … with a preconceived notion that you need antibiotics then the doctor has a good chance of giving them to you whether you actually need them or not. That was the biggest eyeopener for me preparing this talk. It never occurred to me that my preconceived notion is going to affect their prescribing.” One of the things that both speakers covered with passion was how important it is to remember to take antibiotics following the prescription to the letter. Always take antibiotics on time and it’s important to make sure that the whole prescription is taken whether people feel better or not.

Monday, November 23, 2015

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FUN & GAMES

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Horoscope

Monday, November 23, 2015

Useless Facts

Oh Cliff!

Week of November 23, 2015

Aries

March 21 April 19 Something big is coming soon. Don’t plan for it, your impatience will make it feel like hitting your head against a metaphorical brick wall. Instead, improvise. It’ll be more exciting.

Taurus April 20 May 20

You’re used to people spilling their guts to you, because of your caring nature. The stress is building, it’s time for you to unload. Go to the zoo and tell the animals your troubles.

Gemini May 21 June 21

The duality of your nature makes you hard for others to read. Complexity is more exciting anyway. Carry flash cards with you, stating your mood. You can pin them to your forehead.

Cancer June 22 July 22

You love your privacy and the comfort of your home, but your friends pressure you to go out to social gatherings which drain your energy. Hook a friend up with an earpiece and hidden camera and hang out with them from the comfort of your own couch.

Leo

July 23 August 22 You’re a natural born leader. You usually know what’s what, which others can find off-putting, but you’re just looking out for them. Take the back seat. When the lives of the people around you fall to shambles, you’ll be there to pick up the pieces.

Virgo

August 23 September 22 You’re an excellent storyteller, but your natural abilities may have led you to become overconfident in your skills. Even professional athletes need practise. This week, read a picture book to an illiterate child.

The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

Libra

Russia has a larger surface area than Pluto.

September 23 October 22

Nintendo was originally a trading card company.

You have excellent intuition. Take advantage of it. Head to the horse races and bet on whatever feels right. When your horse hits the track, yell as loud as you can.

The “pound” key (#) on your keyboard is called an octotroph. The only domestic animal not mentioned in the Bible is the cat.

Scorpio

October 23 November 21 In your past life they referred to you as the “spinner of secrets.” Find a challenge to face. Climb a mountain, win a rap battle or play matchmaker. Use your hidden talents.

There are more stars in space than there are grains of sand on every beach in the world.

Sudoku Puzzle

Sagittarius November 22 December 21

Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box accommodates the digits 1-9, without repeating any.

You like to tackle big tasks. If you’re not sure where your attention should lie this week, try building a fully-functioning submarine out of Lego.

Capricorn December 22 January 19

You’re the Socrates of your group. You enjoy searching for answers and when you tell your friends your ideas, they respond with, “ugh.” Who cares? When you’re studying lore at Miskatonic University you’ll feel superior knowing they’re busy taking selfies.

Aquarius January 20 February 18

You love going against the current, but are also prone to lazy spells. This week, break that laziness and do something unorthodox. For example, attach a rope ladder to your bedroom window and use that. Stairs are for chumps!

Pisces

February 19 March 20 If you were in a role-playing game, you might find that you have a high intelligence score and a lower wisdom score. This week, do some people watching or try hitchhiking across North America.

Word Search

NEWS

Monday, November 23, 2015

Take care of your pets Dog owners know that dogs typically become part of the family. The four-legged pup will cuddle up and watch television with everyone, so naturally walking the dog can become a family activity. However, when taking their dog out for a walk too many owners neglect to keep safety in mind. Regardless of how much a person feels as though their dog is practically human, the pet still has basic animal instincts that take over when they feel threatened. When walking in a public area pets will encounter a variety of other animals as well as humans and typical traffic noise. There is no guarantee that a pet will react in a calm manner during all of this. The best way to keep your dog in control, for his own safety and the safety of others, is to keep him on a leash. Over the summer the path behind my house was paved. While it was gravel there were quite a few locals who used the path, but that

Ashley Nequest

Opinion was about it. Now that it is a paved surface there is a great increase in the number of cyclists, rollerbladers, walkers and skateboarders streaming down the path. With the increase in traffic my family has taken to tying my dog to a rope in the backyard so he can no longer run out on the path to greet the new people approaching his property. The increase in traffic has also resulted in an increase in the number of dogs walking off-leash. Owners cross over University Avenue, reach the path and let their dogs go free. A few weeks ago one of these dogs decided to check out my backyard where my dog was tied to his rope. My dog was probably also

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TEMPERATURES BEGIN TO FALL

barking at this new dog approaching him. This dog began to snarl and eventually locked his jaws around my dog’s neck and pinned him to the ground. My family stepped in to separate the two while the owner of the strange dog was slowly strolling near the yard calling for his dog.

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This dog began to snarl and eventually locked his jaws around my dog’s neck and pinned him to the ground.

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The owner apologized and informed us that his dog never does this. The issue is his dog ventures into my yard almost daily. The lack of concern by this owner has made my home an unsafe place for my dog. When taking your pet out into the world keep everyone safe, keep him on a leash. It is also common courtesy.

UKULELE JAM SESSIONS TAKE PLACE IN CAMBRIDGE

PHOTO BY PAUL BOREHAM

A group of ukulele players strum away at a recent jam session held at the Hespeler Library in Cambridge. The group meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Another group, focusing on instruction, meets at the Queen’s North Library on Tuesday at the same time. For video story, visit www.spokeonline.com.

PHOTO BY JASON MOTA

This week will see below average temperatures with a chance of flurries. Conestoga students, Danny Giang, a first-year food processing technician student, and Karianne Tremain, a second-year graphic design student, are bundling up as the weather gradually gets colder.

PHASE 2 IS WHERE THE BOOKS ARE AT

PHOTO BY JESSICA PETT

The Library Resource Centre completed phase 2 of its renovations, opening the area that houses all the books and other resources on Nov. 16. Rachel Kell (above left), is the staff member who handles circulation and resource material reserve requests.

NEWS

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Monday, November 23, 2015

Zumba celebrating 10th anniversary The dance fitness program began in Colombia by accident BY LEAH MORROW

It is all about moving your feet and having fun. This is what Heather Heath, Zumba instructor for Music and Fitness with Heather, believes is the real meaning behind the dance fitness program. Zumba began by accident. During the 1990s Alberto “Beto” Perez, a dancer and choreographer in Colombia, was asked to teach an aerobics class in place of a friend. When he showed up to the class he realized that he had forgotten his music. He then went out to his car and rummaged through his many Latin CDs. Upon re-entering the classroom, he taught the entire class at the spur of the moment using Latinbased music. It soon became extremely popular there. In 2001, Perez moved to the United States, where he teamed up with cofounder Alberto Perlman and a child-

hood friend, Alberto Aghion. The three men produced a demo reel, which was seen by the company Fitness Quest. They licensed the concept and created a direct marketing campaign and a line of home videos. The name “Zumba” has no actual meaning; rather, it was picked arbitrarily as the brand name. According to Heath, this is where dance met aerobics. “Zumba is celebrating its 10th anniversary in January,” she said. Heath has long considered herself a fitness enthusiast.

She would run during the warmer months of the year and during the winter months moved her exercises to a gym. After a while the treadmill began to bore her; that’s when Heath made the transition into Zumba. She said one minute on a treadmill felt like an hour in Zumba class. “Zumba offers different intervals of low and high, not just a straight on run,” Heath said. “It is more fun getting healthy. Zumba works all of the muscles: upper, lower, the heart and the brain.” Heath now teaches seven classes a week in various loca-

tions throughout Waterloo Region, such as the YMCA. She said anybody can participate in a class. “I had one man attend a Zumba class at LA Fitness without an arm,” she said. “He was told that I was the person to go to by his friends. I told him as long as you are moving, don’t worry about what you can’t do. After the class he thanked me and told me how much fun he had.” This was just one moment during Heath’s career as an instructor that she realized how much of a difference she was making in people’s lives in their search to become healthy and active. For some people the public approach to Zumba can be what is stopping them from attending classes. “I used to attend classes at a YMCA and the one I went to had glass windows,” said Tara McDonald, a third-year science and nursing student at Conestoga College. “So people

who were coming to check in could look through the glass at us.” She said when there are people looking in, because Zumba is a dance aerobics and kind of silly, she feels she holds back a bit. McDonald said she does see the benefits of Zumba. Heath said for people who share similar feelings or for people who simply don’t have time to attend a class, there are ways you can do it at home. “There are instructional DVDs and YouTube videos,” she said. She still encourages attending an actual class to get the full experience. Heath said she offers smaller classes with a more targeted, personal approach. She considers Zumba like a mini vacation, where for an hour a day you can escape real life. For more information on Heath’s Zumba classes visit http://hheath.zumba.com/.

VETERAN READS IN FLANDERS FIELDS

PHOTO BY MICHELLE MAISONVILLE

Arnold Albert, a retired member of the Royal Canadian Navy and member of Conestoga’s Aboriginal Services elder program, attended Conestoga College’s Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11. Albert read the most popular poem of the First World War, In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. The lower atrium was full as Albert began to read “In Flanders fields the poppies blow. Between the crosses, row on row.” For video story, go to www. spokeonline.com.