A 35-year tradition Terry Fox Run participants run, walk and bike route. Page 9 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
SPOKE
A LEARNING NEWSROOM FOR JOURNALISM STUDENTS
CONESTOGA COLLEGE, KITCHENER, ONT.
HUNDREDS ATTEND TAKE BACK THE NIGHT MARCH
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PHOTO BY EMMIE SIORKY
Students upset by rec centre renovations BY JESSICA HAMMER
Students will have to deal with the renovations of Conestoga’s athletic and recreation centre for a while longer. Many students are tired of the various construction projects at the college, especially when it affects parking around the recreation centre. Some are also feeling frustrated because of the limited use of the recreation centre. “I was here during the summer for my program and we didn’t have the rec centre at all, and it kind of messed up our gym class so we didn’t get the same training that we should have been getting that semester,” said Calvin Meredith, a second-year police foundations student. Kata Nemeth, a first-year
registered practical nursing student, said, “I had a class there on Thursday and didn’t know how to get there.” Students currently pay a recreation/athletics fee of $68.15 per semester. Matthew Maguire, manager of athletics and recreation, said the facilities that students were able to access last March are still available, including the gymnasium, fitness room and squash courts. “One of the big things is that because this is such a new facility and we have so many offerings it’s really going to take us a little time to make sure that our programming best meets the needs of the students and the pricing reflects that. It’s something that will be reviewed over time.” He added they haven’t increased fees because stu-
dents haven’t been given access to the full space yet. “Once the full space is available that’s when a fee increase will be put into effect,” Maguire said. “We want to make sure that students are not being penalized.” The project was supposed to be completed by the beginning of this month. Now, completion is expected by the end of this semester. Once the 80,000-square-foot recreation centre is finished students will have access to the new and improved fitness centre, a triple gymnasium, a health and wellness centre, a lounge area and a Pita Pit. For construction updates visit the athletics homepage on the Conestoga website or contact the athletic and recreation centre at 519-7483512.
Music brings people together once again. Page 8 46TH YEAR — NO. 15
Bus service frustrating BY SARAH VEENSTRA
Over 500 people took part in this year’s Take Back the Night march and rally on Sept. 17 in Kitchener. For story and more photos, see Page 5.
Music Is My Weapon
Dear Grand River Transit, Conestoga College has students too. After an article published in the Waterloo Region Record in May shed light on the price gap between what local university students pay for transit in comparison to college students, the student body of Conestoga College saw red. The four-month Universal Pass, or the UPass, is offered to Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Waterloo students for $90, a fee which is tacked onto their tuition. Conestoga students are offered a pass for the same four-month term for $227. Ken Ram, a first-year public relations student at the college, was comfortable with the Conestoga pass price but became outraged when he learned of the difference, which was not the only thing he was concerned with. “I live in the Hespeler area and busing is terrible,” Ram said. “I bus an hour to and from school. That’s an hour each way, not in total. If I were to drive here, it would take 20 minutes maximum. If I have an 8 a.m. class and I miss one step, it’ll take even longer and I’ll be late. It’s ridiculous.” Earlier this year, the Region of Waterloo announced they were working on developing plans to increase bus routes around Conestoga College, as well as offering the UPass to college students at the same rate as university students. According to Waterloo Region Coun. Sean Strickland, in order to make this plan a reality, GRT would require 12 additional staff members, 14 new buses and 14,000 new service hours, racking up an annual bill of $6.5 million. “If we would have approved this line item in 2014, it would have been implemented this fall,” he said. “We deferred it to the new GRT business plan that is currently underway.” The business plan is an ongoing annual evaluation to modify or expand current routes or add additional ones
throughout the entire region based on ridership observations and the yearly budget. “There are challenges with respect to Conestoga compared to the universities, and the first is the geography and the lack of existing bus routes in that area.” Isolation isn’t the only issue to be discussed at a meeting taking place later this month between Waterloo Region councillors, GRT management and Conestoga Students Inc. president Jeff Scherer. “What happens when it becomes more affordable is ridership and purchases increase, significantly increase,” said John Cicuttin, manager of transit development for Waterloo Region’s GRT. “That’s something we learned when we offered the UPass to the university students.” In the fall of 2014, Wilfrid Laurier University had 14,182 students with UPasses, and Waterloo had 27,099. Conestoga had 2,525 students purchase passes, a number Cicuttin expects will increase. “We have to make sure we can accommodate the students we sell to, which means adding more lines or increasing staff and we have to make sure it will be worth it for the students, while still making it affordable for them and for the city,” said Cicuttin. Scherer said, “Part of the process of having this program successful at Conestoga will be holding a referendum where students will be able to vote on whether they would like the program to be available or not, and if they approve the addition of the fee onto their tuition.” In the meantime, GRT has reduced its Conestoga pass from $267 to $227 to try and increase ridership. For now, any public and alternative transportation changes are on hold until at least 2016, while decisions, solutions and budget approvals remain up in the air. “We are taking the challenge in providing regular and increased bus service to Conestoga College quite seriously,” Strickland said.
NEWS
Page 2 s SPOKE
Now deep thoughts ... with Conestoga College
Monday, September 28, 2015
FILBERT CARTOONS
Random questions answered by random students
What is your philosophy for living a successful life? “The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all.” Mwenda Ball, first-year public relations
“I try and simplify my life and focus on one thing at a time.” Brian Kim, second-year accounting
“Be positive, no matter what!”
Bitna Won, first-year English for academic studies
“Don’t bow down to pressure – do what you think is right.” Paul Kelly, second-year public relations
Vegans have few choices BY KANDACE GALLANT
When you think of what to have for lunch, you’re probably imagining a nice, big, fat, juicy burger, or perhaps just a ham and Swiss sandwich. But not everyone includes these types of meals into their diet. For the past few years, more people have switched over to being vegetarian or vegan. Even big name celebrities and professional athletes are promoting veganism such as Venus Williams, Mike Tyson, Ellen Degeneres, Scarlett Johansson and Samual L. Jackson, just to name a few. What’s the difference between vegetarian and vegan? Vegetarians, though they do not eat meat, still include dairy into their diet. Vegans, however, do not eat any animal byproducts. A common question people who are vegan are asked is, “Where do you get your protein from?” Any professional athlete who is vegan will tell you he gets his protein from pretty much anything. Soy products like tofu and tempeh are packed with protein, as well as grains like quinoa, brown rice and oatmeal and different kinds of nuts.
All these things are high in calcium and vitamins too. But are foods like this being offered in the cafeteria at Conestoga College for students who have different dietary needs? Are they providing an equal amount of nutrition for everyone? Many students have the option of walking into the cafeteria and being able to grab a hamburger, poutine and salad. But even those salads are not vegan friendly as many of the dressings include animal products like milk or honey. Surprisingly, even a bag of chips may include dairy products. The student body was asked for their opinions as well as what they thought the cafeteria should offer. Kyle MacDonald, a firstyear student in fitness and health promotion, said vegetarians definitely have an advantage over vegans when it comes to food in the cafeteria. “There are things being offered like a vegetarian omelet, but vegans can’t have that.” He added it is definitely a lot harder for vegans to find food but the cafeteria shouldn’t feel obligated to offer them items, since they are in the minority.
Another student said she actually tried both diets. “I tried being vegetarian for a couple weeks and vegan for a few days,” said Heather Caron, a first-year bachelor of business administration student. “It was hard to even find bread that was made without eggs or cheese, or buying a simple microwave meal that didn’t have chicken in it. There would be about three options to choose from.” When asked if the cafeteria should offer different fare for students, she said definitely, particularly more vegan options and maybe different salads that do not have meat in them. As the vegetarian and vegan population grows, so are restaurants and their menus. Many are either offering options for specific diets, or there are some that are just dedicated to vegan foods. Some have even received a top rating on TripAdvisor, a site that rates the top hotels, restaurants, etc., in various cities. For local vegan restaurant options in Waterloo Region, visit www.happycow.net/ north_america/canada/ontario/kitchener_waterloo/
PRICE OF TEXTBOOKS SKY HIGH “You may not need as much as you think to be happy.”
Sarah Kuntz, third-year accounting
“Passion and effort are fundamental to ongoing success.” Derek Lenos, first-year accounting PHOTO BY TAYLOR SCHWEITZER
Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
Alex Cutler, a second-year civil engineering technology student, selects a textbook at the Conestoga College Bookstore on Sept. 18. For a video story on the cost of books, go to www.spokeonline.com.
NEWS
Monday, September 28, 2015
SPOKE s Page 3
Students vent about lack of parking BY SARA SASILA
Parking at Conestoga College is a big headache for students and they aren’t happy about it. The parking lots have become more of a battlefield than anything else. Students aggressively driving around in hopes of finding a spot have become a problem. “I’m usually here an hour earlier than my class starts because I worry that I won’t find a parking spot,” said Aidan Boileau, a secondyear graphic design student. “It usually takes me a halfhour to find one.” However, the school can’t actually do anything about it. There are limited spaces, which means that students aren’t guaranteed a spot. That being said, students are always leaving the parking lot, so it’s just a matter of luck and how good your stalking skills are. “I usually just wait until I see someone and then I follow them to their car,” said Boileau. “You just have to be quick so no one else follows
them as well.” Another student said it’s always a hassle trying to find a parking spot. “I’ve been late to almost all of my classes since I park so far away,” said Alexandra Liliana Berescu, a first-year nursing student. “There’s never any parking spots unless I’m an hour earlier than everyone else.” In the winter, snow banks cover some of the parking spots, which makes finding one even more of a challenge. “It’s always harder in the winter,” said Ryan Borman, a second-year police foundations student. “Snow banks, plus the big section that’s blocked off because of construction in the blue lot, makes it nearly impossible. It’s an inconvenience leaving my house 30 minutes early just to guarantee I get a spot.” When asked, Borman said that it usually takes him 20 minutes to find a spot. “It’s really infuriating. I almost always end up late in the end.” Due to the construction on
the rec centre, a section in the blue lot is blocked off for safety reasons. “It confuses me that we pay $429 when a quarter of the parking lot isn’t accessible because of construction,” said Borman. “It makes sense to reduce the price, so I don’t know why they won’t.” For some students, finding a spot to park isn’t the only issue. “The blue lot is too congested with only two exits,” said Chris Tulloch, a second-year public relations student. “The school needs to make more ways out.” Will Jacobs, a second-year police foundations student, said the biggest problem he faces is trying to leave the blue parking lot. “Between 4 and 6 p.m., it can take upwards of 40 minutes to leave. I’m a second-year student at Conestoga and I’ve never seen an issue as bad as this.” Jacobs said he would like to see Conestoga improve the parking experience for students.
ONE card finally a reality
PHOTO BY SARA SASILA
Students arriving after 9 a.m. often have to drive around to find a spot in the orange lot. “Conestoga should invest in some traffic lights at the first main entrance. It would help solve a great deal of the after-school parking issues,” he said. “Throwing a few security guards out in the parking lot after hours to help direct traffic would also help cut down on the wait time it takes to leave
the school parking lot every day.” Boileau said, “I think that the school needs to make more parking lots. It would benefit the students more. We are already paying a pretty penny for tuition and parking, might as well help out by making more spots available.”
REMEMBERING COLIN DICASTRI
BY ASHLEY NEQUEST
Now that the new school year at Conestoga College is underway, Condors are having their first experiences with the much-anticipated ONE card. Throughout the final months of the 2014-2015 school year, and the subsequent summer, both students and faculty received multiple emails informing them of the coming changes in college identification. Emails contained both important information as well as reminders to upload a headshot to be used as their new form of identification. This card is drastically different from previous student cards, not just in appearance but in functionality. The card will eventually grant students access to Conestoga Students Inc.’s Health Services (a chiropractor and massage therapist), the Athletics and Recreation Centre, the Library Resource Centre (LRC) and printing around campus, as well as discounts with off-campus vendors. “We’ve worked hand-inhand with CSI to make sure this is something that is meant for the students and to add benefits to their daily lives,” said Adam Hustwitt, manager – retail, campus and testing services. The idea behind the ONE card is to connect many of the
PHOTO BY ASHLEY NEQUEST
Adam Hustwitt, manager – retail, campus and testing services, and Andrea Stevenson, manager/ONEcard, helped launch the card. technologies around campus to a single card. According to Hustwitt, in future this should include things beyond the LRC, such as the Welcome Centre, vending machines and potentially bus passes. The addition of a bus pass to a universal student card is something that would have to come through CSI, though, according to Hustwitt, from an administrative perspective, “it is a potential, it has happened in other areas.” Students at Conestoga College who want to use their student card as a bus pass do not have this luxury. Each student must pay over $200 per semester to receive a sticker on their card to allow them to ride a GRT bus without paying. Receiving a ONE card is fairly easy and time efficient. Students may upload their own photo through their student portal, or head into the
ONE card office, located in Room 2E08, to have their photo taken. Their student card will be created right in front of them. For some students who have completed the entire process it took only five minutes. Students must bring a form of government identification and proof of enrolment. Those students who uploaded their photos in time to pick up the new card in September were entered into a draw to win one of five iPad minis. “The giveaway was to encourage the photo upload so we could preprint the cards,” said Andrea Stevenson, manager/ONE card. “We felt we could improve the card pickup experience for the students and make it faster. We felt this was a success as the lines were short and fast.” For more information about the ONE card go to www.conestogac.on.ca/onecard.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Colin DiCastri, 71, a part-time faculty member in Conestoga’s School of Trade and Apprenticeship, teaching in the industrial mechanic millwright program, passed away on Sept. 15. Above, he is shown enjoying one of his favourite pastimes – fishing in the Florida Keys. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
COMMENTARY
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Monday, September 28, 2015
UberX, taxis battle BY JENNA BRAUN
Life isn’t fair. We are constantly told this as children when we are unhappy with a situation, and to a large degree, it is true. However, what we are also taught as children is how to problem solve. Our local taxi drivers and new UberX drivers need to do some problem solving. On the UberX website, it states that to become a driver, the only necessary requirements are to be at least 21 years old, own a personal licence as well as auto insurance and to own any medium- to full-sized fourdoor vehicle in “excellent condition.” The requirements to be a taxi driver are much more intricate. According to Waterloo Region’s website, a police check and driving record check must be carried out, proof of English literacy given and taxi drivers must obtain a sponsorship from an existing company. Afterward they undergo training and must renew their taxi licence annually. Taxi drivers in Ontario are throwing enraged tantrums at the unfair conditions UberX has been operating in. This summer, limousine owners in Toronto filed a lawsuit against UberX, wanting them prohibited from operating in the province and stating they have “created an enormous marketplace for illegal transportation.” Recently, Waterloo Region taxi drivers purchased and placed “Your Legal Taxi” signs on their vehicles in an attempt to discourage passengers from using UberX. The ongoing strife between these transportation drivers isn’t going to be solved simply by making things fair. Cities could force UberX drivers to undergo the same application process as taxi drivers. While this would be reasonable, UberX would still run taxi businesses into the ground. Why? They’re simply easier to use and much more modern. The UberX app allows users to book, track and pay for a ride with their smartphone in seconds. It works well, and passengers love it. However, we do think these new drivers should have to prove they are safe, knowledgeable, fully qualified drivers. It’s a bit alarming that the requirements to be an UberX driver are minimal. In turn, taxi companies really need to refurbish themselves if they want to keep up. 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
This city isn’t big enough for both of us.
Critical thinking in a critical time There’s a worrying trend developing in the world today. In the platform of social media, it spreads, growing and growing until it’s just accepted as a part of life. It causes people to make poor decisions, to limit themselves in ways that may be harmful to their mental health and to make poor decisions that impact the people around them. Entire organizations have sprung up to combat these trends. I am, of course, writing about unsubstantiated information and, particularly, opinions which are passed on as fact. These ideas are often created based off of incomplete or fabricated information. They affect the decisions that we make every day. They have become a cultural norm. Recently, I once again saw a message being passed around Facebook warning women of $100 bills stuck in the handles of their cars. The bills, as the message claims, are coated with a drug that causes people who touch them to fall unconscious where they are at the mercy
Josh Van Ostrand Opinion
of the one who planted the bill. A simple fact check can prove that this is nothing more than nonsense. Organizations like Snopes. com have sprung up as a means to combat these rumours. At first this seems harmless and in a way it is. However, some rumours or non-factual rants have dire consequences. While a Facebook post about $100 bills is harmless, a Facebook post about the supposed connection between vaccines and autism could lead to outbreaks of disease and even death. To decide if a post has any truth to it, all you have to do is weigh the probabilities in your head. How likely is it that a $100 bill in the handle of your car is drugged? You may say 90 per cent. Then compare it to
how many times you’ve seen $100 bills in the handles of cars. As Conestoga students, we see thousands of cars a week. I have never seen one with money in the handle, so zero per cent of cars have been targeted. Then you compare the numbers – 90 per cent multiplied by zero per cent leaves us with zero per cent. If you’ve seen 10 cars with money under the handle out of the last 100, it becomes 10 per cent. The exact numbers are not important, only whether they are large or small matter in most situations. Both zero and 10 are small numbers, indicating you don’t have much to worry about. This is a simplified version of what is known as the Bayesian method, a way of interpreting evidence rationally. It is not a perfect method and, being imperfect people, it will never be applied perfectly but it can help people to weigh information, and to sort through nonsense as a way of learning.
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, September 28, 2015
SPOKE s Page 5
Women unite, take back the night BY EMMIE SIROKY
“Two, four, six, eight, no more date rape!” was the call at this year’s take back the night event in Kitchener. Downtown was flooded with over 500 people for the 32nd annual Take Back the Night march and rally on Sept. 17. The walk was held to raise awareness for women, children and transgender people who aren’t able to walk down the street at night for fear that they may be attacked. Sara Casselman, the public relations manager at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC), said this was one of their biggest years yet. “Sexual violence has been on the radar a lot the past year,” Casselman said. There were over 629 sexual assaults reported in Waterloo Region in 2014. This has touched the community and the local colleges and universities, and was shown by the high attendance of students from Conestoga College, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier. “We’re seeing a lot of increased community support and a lot of colleges engaged,” said Casselman. “It has a lot to do with the province’s sexual violence action plan. A lot is happening on campus to address this topic.” The march itself was a women’s only event, to show that women don’t need to be escorted by a man at night, but inside city hall there was a men’s program put on by the male allies against sexual violence (MAASV). “Violence against women is usually started by men,” said Conestoga College student Vincent Edemoni. “I feel that it’s very important for men to come out to this.” Stephan Scoucie is the program co-ordinator for MAASV, which was launched in 2008 by SASC. The program is designed to show men that feminism isn’t just for women. MAASV does public education workshops for men and boys. “Feminism fights for men too,” said Soucie. “If you want healthy girls you need healthy boys. You can’t do half of the equation and get the results you want.” Whistles and hats were handed out at city hall as a way to show support for the cause. There were many safety precautions in place as well. A mobility van was driven behind walkers in case anyone needed to stop and people wearing green
PHOTOS BY EMMIE SIROKY
Women took to the streets at the annual Take Back the Night march on Sept. 17 in Kitchener. arm bands were available to speak to in case the walk brought forth troubling emotions. The walk was led by the Tri-city Roller Girls, who showed up in full uniform, roller skates and all. As the march began, local shop owners couldn’t help but stop what they were doing and step outside for a look. Local bar goers put down their drinks to head outside and cheer on the women marching. There were also posters in the hands of ever walker. This group of passionate women had a lot to say and wouldn’t be silenced. There were screams and chants throughout the crowd as the women took their 40-minute walk up King Street and back. At city hall there was music being played by the Tala Drumming Group and the musician Jessie Treneer. After the walk there was lots of food and refreshments as well as a photo booth set up. This year included prizes for the largest group, the best dressed and the most creative idea. The Sexual Assault Support Centre’s services are available to anyone who needs support at all times.
Above, even some dogs came out to show their support for the cause. Left, Sharita Henry, a third-year University of Waterloo environment and business student, shows off the sign she made for the event.
The Sexual Assault Support Centre’s 24-hour hotline can be reached at 519-741-8633. www.sascwr.org
NEWS
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COUNSELLING SERVICES HERE FOR YOU
CSI FEST ATTRACTS STUDENTS
PHOTO BY MATT LINSMAN
Students can suffer from loneliness, depression and other troubles during the school year. However, Conestoga’s counselling department offers numerous programs and services that can help. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
GETTING DOWN TO WORK
PHOTO BY BREA BERGEN
Students got right back at it, studying and doing assignments after their return to classes. Above, two students enjoy the quietness of the Atrium at the Doon campus..
Monday, September 28, 2015
PHOTO BY MARISSA CUDDY
Conestoga students attended CSI Fest in the lower atrium at Conestoga College Sept. 16. For video story go to www.spokeonline.com.
SECURITY SERVICES HELPS YOU STAY SAFE
PHOTO BY JOE WEPPLER
Conestoga security guard, Eduardo, who couldn’t give his last name due to Security Services’ policy, is shown beside an emergency response button at Conestoga College’s Doon campus on Sept. 18. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
NEWS
Monday, September 28, 2015
SPOKE s Page 7
The wolf that fights for change
BY JASON MOTA
If you walk into Room 1A103 at Conestoga’s Doon campus, just off of the atrium, chances are high that you’ll come face to face with a wolf. Myeengun Henry is the wise, silver-haired, cultureclad co-ordinator of Aboriginal Services, and when a person as driven as him is put in charge of making change happen, change happens. The Ojibwa native’s very name means wolf – an animal which was deemed a vicious creature when humans first encountered it, and that stigma still lingers today. He connects this to the way the damage caused by residential schools long ago continues to linger like a scar, never truly going away. Henry was born 55 years ago in Detroit to parents who had been stripped of their culture. Both his mother and his father grew up in residential schools, and had been robbed of even the ability to show the love they felt for their family. Residential schools were institutions with a simple purpose; for native children to have their culture, teachings, beliefs and values plucked away and replaced with Christian ones. These institutions were infamous not only for their reason for existence, but also for the nearly endless list of cases of abuse, both physical and sexual, toward the students by the teachers. Students were even taught not to show affection to the ones they loved. Henry’s parents moved to Detroit, away from their culture altogether. He and his five siblings were sent to a “normal” school. His parents sternly discouraged their children from taking interest in their native culture. As Henry grew up, however, he began to wonder more
about his culture. He started to meet and talk to elders, and his interest only grew – much to his father’s displeasure. Throughout his teen years, his relationship with his father became increasingly strained. As Henry’s investment in Ojibwa culture grew deeper, he and his father grew further apart, until they stopped talking altogether. “A couple years ago when my dad was passing away, it was really tough to be in a room with him,” Henry said. “I didn’t know what to say to him because our paths took such a different road.” But his father told him it wasn’t that he didn’t want his son to be involved in their culture; in fact, he was honoured that Henry took the path he did. But the way he had been raised to hate his culture and the pain he had suffered because of it were things he didn’t want his children to have to face. “He hid that his whole life,” Henry said. “So I realized how deep the wounds that residential schools laid on our people were.” Henry’s mother died of a broken heart a year and a half later. His parents loved each other deeply, but they never showed affection to each other, because the residential schools had also taught students not to show affection for their loved ones. Henry grew up without being hugged by his parents or being told that he was loved by them. This was normal to him, and he found it curious how other families were so different. When Henry had his own family, however, he realized how much this had affected him when he found it difficult to show affection to his own children. Even today, Henry said, it feels complete-
ly unnatural for him to hug his daughter. He developed a deeper and deeper interest in helping other native people after knowing of the pain his parents experienced. He saw people in his reserve living in poverty, he saw reserves in northern Ontario where people struggle to get clean drinking water. He saw elementary schools in reserves that are used as stepping stones for beginning teachers who rarely stay longer than a year, with children as young as eight learning tactics to scare away teachers they don’t like. Henry realized that he wanted to make people, both native and otherwise, more aware of aboriginal matters. When he was offered the position of co-ordinator of Conestoga’s Aboriginal Services six years ago, Henry decided that this was an excellent way to work toward his dreams.
Henry’s next goal is to put together a class specifically focused on Aboriginal Studies at Conestoga, because of how little most people seem to know about the matter. And it’s important that people know, Henry said, because of how close it is to us as Canadians. For now, Henry both organizes and takes part in ceremonies and other cultural events through the college, such as a teepee rising, where a teepee is erected on school property, and is left there for students to investigate and experience. The teepee regularly stands for the entire year, withstanding the elements without issue. This year’s teepee was erected on the morning of Sept. 18. Henry chanted a native prayer song as he beat a drum before the work began, asking the wildlife to allow us to borrow a bit of their territory. He told everyone who
was pitching in that a hawk always shows up when the teepee is put up, and it’s a good sign when it does. Sure enough, a few minutes later, a red-tailed hawk flew over the field, circled a couple of times, and then departed as quickly as it came. “It’s like the Earth and sky are connected,” said Jerry Cardinal, a graduate of Conestoga College, as he sat inside the completed teepee looking up through the open smoke flaps. The teepee is sure to last for months. It can be found by the satellite dishes behind the A-wing building for anyone interested in checking it out. So our school’s local wolf may not have razor-sharp canines or fur, and he certainly doesn’t bark or growl. But his spirit is as strong as the wolf is hardy and loyal, and he fights to achieve his goals with as much strength as the wolf when it hunts.
each year, is home to 19 festhallen venues and features 50 different events to attend. According to Dave MacNeil, executive director of K-W Oktoberfest Inc., ticket sales have been brisk this year, with 1,000 more sold than at this time last year. MacNeil urges students to get their tickets soon. “Don’t sit back, go out and get a ticket,” said MacNeil. “Especially if you have a favourite event or fest hall that you want to attend.” The Concordia Club’s ticket sales have also been through the roof this year. “All weekend nights are sold out,” said Ruth Rajna, general manager of the Concordia Club.
“They have been since May.” Tickets range from $13.27 for a one-night pass at Cambridge’s Bavaria Haus to $99 for the Bingemans Wunderbar Pass, which guarantees admittance to any night that the Kool Haus is open. Oktoberfest will also have many exciting events going on downtown. One is the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour, which is kicking off its second year as a part of Oktoberfest from Oct. 9-11. The three-day festival offers free outdoor hockey activities for all ages, and ends on Sunday, Oct. 11 with an outdoor viewing party of an NHL game hosted live by CBC’s Ron MacLean.
The OktoberFEAST Food Truck Event will take place from Oct. 9-11 featuring some of the region’s favourite food truck vendors. If that doesn’t satisfy the taste buds there are 29 restaurants participating in Oktoberlicious, the festival’s newest addition to the Taste of Oktoberfest series. “Restaurants will be creating different spins on Bavarian food,” said MacNeil. “We encouraged them to create at least one specifically Oktoberfest-themed item.” There are many things to do and see at Oktoberfest. These include the 5k Fun Run that raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo
Region, the Tour de Hans that offers a 100k or a 50k route, and, of course, the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year the parade will follow a newly revised route, beginning in downtown Kitchener at the intersection of King and Cedar streets on Monday, Oct. 12 at 8:45 a.m. The official keg tapping will take place Friday, Oct. 16 at 11:30 a.m. outside of Kitchener Civic Square. There will be free transit both weekends of the festival to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time. “We urge people to take the bus on us,” said MacNeil. For more information go to www.oktoberfest.ca
PHOTO BY JASON MOTA
Myeengun Henry, co-ordinator of Conestoga’s Aboriginal Services, sits at his desk in the Aboriginal Services office, with native culture covering the walls around him.
It’s keg-tapping time in the region
BY LEAH MORROW
It’s beer, bratwurst and Bavarian culture time as Kitchener-Waterloo gets ready to celebrate its 47th annual Oktoberfest. The official opening ceremonies will be held Oct. 9 at 11:15 a.m. outside Kitchener Civic Square. The event will be hosted by none other than Onkel Hans, Miss Oktoberfest and the newly inaugurated president of K-W Oktoberfest Inc., Alfred Lorwick. Oktoberfest embodies and celebrates Kitchener-Waterloo’s German roots and the spirit of gemutlichkeit, which means warmth, friendship and good cheer. The festival attracts approximately 700,000 people
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ENTERTAINMENT
Music Is My Weapon
Monday, September 28, 2015
Event raises money for low-income youth BY CHRIS HUSSEY
It was a warm Friday night in downtown Kitchener, and a battle was being fought. But these soldiers used a weapon that might just be more powerful than any gun could ever be. That weapon was music. The community-based initiative Music Is My Weapon held its first annual unplugged concert series at the Registry Theatre in Kitchener. It provides access to music programs for lowincome youth, and the concert featured performances from a number of different artists, including three local youth who took part in the Music Is My Weapon mentorship program. This program, held at Ideas Exchange, gave these youth the chance to develop skills in a variety of areas, including song writing. These youth performers had the chance to each perform original songs they had written at the concert. Sam Soga, 21, was one of the performers, and he was happy with the way they performed. “As a performer, you always go to these things nervous,” he said. “But that felt really good.” Tristan Hopkins, 16, played alongside Soga during the concert, and he praised the event for raising awareness.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS HUSSEY
Tristan Hopkins, Christine Advokat and Sam Sago perform an original song during the Music Is My Weapon: Unplugged Concert Series in Kitchener on Sept. 18. “When there’s (an event) like this, there’s more outreach, more connections being made,” Hopkins said. “And that’s what is really important at this point in the game.”
Rena John and Giovanni John show off some merchandise that was for sale at the event.
Along with the youth musicians, one of the more recognizable performers was genre-defying vocalist Joni NehRita, who earned the love of the crowd early on with her show. She cycled through a variety of different styles throughout her set, at one point even playing reggae. The third performance came from Rufus John, more commonly referred to on stage as simply, “Rufus.”
His performance also earned the crowd’s affection, but his contributions went far beyond just the stage. In fact, Music Is My Weapon was founded by John, a child and youth worker by day and an R&B singer-songwriter by night. A few years ago, he was trying to think of a way to combine these interests and help youth. He started a music program where kids came in, wrote songs, and
then were given the means to turn those songs into professional recordings. After a couple of years doing this, he founded Music Is My Weapon. The name has a personal meaning for John as well. He found that music was the weapon he was able to use as his voice and he wanted to be able to do the same for other people. More specifically, he wanted to give a voice to the youth and to put them under the umbrella of Music Is My Weapon. “I want to show the people where their money is going and how that is impacting the youth,” he said. “Hopefully that will resonate with them a lot more than, ‘I donated but I have no idea where my money went.’” Many people took time to give credit to John for his work in this endeavour. During the final stages of her performance, NehRita made an effort to describe how thankful she was to be able to be a part of something like Music Is My Weapon. As her band continued to play behind her, she acknowledged Rufus and what he had done. Soga also took time to thank John, particularly for the mentoring he received from him. “It’s good to know that someone believes in the talent of the youth,” said Soga. “… so we really appreciate him for that.” After the concert, Hopkins kept it short and sweet. “Rock on!” he said with a wide grin.
Conestoga student Wesley Butler was the event’s communications co-ordinator.
NEWS
Monday, September 28, 2015
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Terry Fox Run another success BY ETHAN KOMPF
Bicycles, rollerblades, wheelchairs and feet were just some of the forms of transportation at this year’s sixth annual Terry Fox Run on Sept. 20 in Kitchener. There were approximately 152 participants and the run raised about $14,460 for cancer research, according to Margaret Dickson, the marketing manager for Sportsworld and the lead organizer of the Kitchener event. Participants of the run met in a parking lot at the corner of King Street and Sportsworld Drive on the warm, sunny morning. The event began with registration and opening ceremonies. Dickson spoke about Terry Fox and his influence, before handing the mike off to Doug Ertel, a cancer survivor and run participant. Ertel was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2011. After surgery, which replaced the bones in his right leg from his hip to his knee, Ertel has been cancer free for a year. According to him, his optimism and willpower was what got him through the ordeal. “The doctor said, ‘hopefully you get out of this walking with a cane,’” Ertel said in his speech. “‘Doc, I don’t think that’s good enough because I’ve jogged horses for 30 years,’ I told him. ‘Within a year I’ll be back jogging horses.’ He looked at me and
didn’t say nothing.” Within the year Ertel was jogging his horses again and despite the limp he walks with now, he managed to walk four kilometres at the event. After Ertel, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic addressed the crowd. “Terry Fox came through this community in my Grade 9 year,” said Vrbanovic. “We were talking about mythological heroes in English class at the time ... and my hero project was actually about Terry Fox.” After the speeches there was a group warm-up and the run began. Police officers helped the long procession of participants cross busy King Street, while Dave FM, which was on scene, fittingly played Run Terry Run by Ray Keating. Most events like this require paid duty officers, but because it was the 35th anniversary of the Canada-wide event, the police volunteered their time, so the money they would have been paid could go toward cancer research. The route began at the corner of King Street and Pioneer Tower Road and continued down to the beginning of the Grand River Trail and back for a total of five kilometres. The make or break moment was at the steep hill beside the Waterloo Pioneers Memorial Tower. It was at the 2.5-kilometre mark and though it was easy to run down, it was a trek to get back up. Bravery won through though, with
PHOTO BY ETHAN KOMPF
Event organizer Margaret Dickson and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic stand at the start line of the sixth annual Terry Fox Run in Kitchener. The event in Canada is in its 35th year. even participants in wheelchairs braving the climb. At the end of the run participants were met with cheers, congratulations, snacks and certificates showing they had completed the challenge. Many teams showed up, often wearing matching costumes.
One was Team Run for Fun, which was aptly named, as Stephen McGibney, a member of the team, said, “because we ain’t professionals.” Run for Fun consisted of seven members of the McGibney and Giangualano families, as well as Shandra
Thompson. Each had felt the effects of cancer, either personally or through a family member. Their passion helped them to raise $800 for the cause. In total, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $700 million for cancer research in its 35 years.
PHOTO BY CHRISTEL ALLISON
The run was held on Sept. 20, beginning at Sportsworld Crossing. Approximately 152 participants raised about $14,460. For video story, go to www.spokeonline.com.
PHOTO BY ETHAN KOMPF
Team Run For Fun consisted of, from left to right, Desmond Giangualano, Stephen McGibney, Amy McGibney, Shandra Thompson, Phoenix Giangualano, Jayne McGibney and Nicole Giangualano.
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Monday, September 28, 2015
NEWS
Monday, September 28, 2015
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Orthotics help relieve aches and pains BY SEAN MALINOWSKI
The hustle and bustle of school can lead to some tough mileage on the body. Students jet around campus, making every step count as they race to their classes or group meetings, or spend a lot of time on their feet as they wait in the Timmy’s line. This busy time of year can lead to students and faculty not focusing on their well-being, which includes their feet. Improper footwear can damage important muscles and tissues over time. The solution is a custom orthotic. They aren’t just for seniors, and they don’t have to be stuck in a bulky, unfashionable clog. A custom orthotic is a device that is designed from your foot shape. It’s inserted into your shoe to stabilize your foot to help prevent areas being overstressed. This helps relieve numerous aches and pains found not only in the foot but the ankle, knee, hip and lower back. Orthotics can be made for various footwear types and sizes – from sneakers to heels, to even hiking shoes. Custommade orthotics are made from a broad selection of materials. This helps with unique needs, such as an individual needing his orthotic to be waterproof for white water rafting, or if someone needed extra support to aid her arthritis. Bob Cromwell, a Conestoga teacher and alumni, along with his wife Jane Cromwell,
operate an orthotics business called Foot by Foot in Kitchener. Bob, an accounting graduate, focuses on sale strategies, while Jane, a Canadian certified pedorthist, deals with the patients. Every patient is assessed, then Jane decides where the issues lie. “Sometimes they just have crappy shoes,” Jane said. “The orthotic is only as good as the shoe it’s in. It’s the whole package.” For individuals who are assessed with alignment issues, or are experiencing unbearable pain, Jane begins the process of making the 3D mould of the orthotic. A patient will place each foot in a foam box, which forges a blueprint of the foot. Each custom orthotic is unique, made specifically for that patient’s personal needs, as well as shoe size. The average lifetime for a custom orthotic is two to four years. Ryan McEwen, a first-year student in the software engineering and technology program at Conestoga, said orthotics are beneficial for those who deal with foot issues. “If you’re suffering from foot pain it can definitely be a help. I know it helps a lot of parts of your body as well.” There are a few common injuries and issues people deal with. The most common issue which can be rehabilitated by orthotics is plantar fasciitis, a fancy name for heel pain developed from
PHOTO BY SEAN MALINOWSKI
Jane Cromwell demonstrates how she makes a mould of a foot prior to making a custom orthotic. inflammation of the tissue that runs on the bottom of the foot. The pain is most intense with the first steps of the day. Metatarsalgia is a fancy word for pain located in the forefoot that can lead to a fallen transverse arch or a dysfunctional big toe. It can give you the sensation of stepping on a wrinkle in your sock. Orthotics can also help with bunions, shin splints and callouses, as well as pain related to health conditions
LIBRARY OPEN DESPITE RENOVATIONS
PHOTO BY JESSICA PETT
First-year software engineering technology student Nicholas Luong studies in the temporary library. For a video story on the library renovations, go to www.spokeonline.com.
like arthritis or diabetes. Jane is aware that most of her customers are dealing with issues already, and aren’t purchasing specifically for personal well-being. “In the past, you only went to the dentist if you had a cavity,” Jane said. “But now, people are becoming more aware of health care and how to look after themselves.” Foot by Foot has several clinics including in Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph.
There is also a new Kitchener clinic located at 690 Belmont Ave. For more information on their business, go to www. footbyfoot.ca. Bob Cromwell, a 1979 graduate, credits Conestoga College for his life successes and opportunities. “I had always wanted to come back to the halls I walked at Conestoga as a student,” Bob said. “It has prepared us well for my wife and I to open our own business.”
FUN & GAMES
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Monday, September 28, 2015
Useless Facts
Oh Cliff!
Horoscope Week of Sept. 28, 2015
Aries
Americans are responsible for about one-fifth of the world’s garbage annually.
Libra
March 21 April 19
Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour.
September 23 October 22
You will meet a like mind this week. Embrace them with all you’ve got, and don’t let go.
In Utah, it is illegal to swear in front of a dead person.
Initiate or join a group and use your skills and ideas to make a difference. You will be rewarded for your efforts.
It’s estimated that at any one time around 0.7 per cent of the world’s population is drunk.
Scorpio
Taurus
If you yelled for eight years, seven months and six days, you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.
October 23 November 21
April 20 May 20
Hold your tongue on an important matter dominating the week. Listen to others for a change, and see where it leads.
Take in all the information you can and get ready for a massive undertaking. You will need energy and focus.
Sudoku Puzzle
Sagittarius
Gemini
November 22 December 21
May 21 June 21
Start moving on an idea that has been brewing in your mind for months. Now is the time to act.
Cancer
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.
Don’t forget about your family. They need to know how you’re feeling. Be honest. They will appreciate that. You’ll become closer.
Capricorn
June 22 July 22
December 22 January 19
Find a secret place in your new surroundings to relax and rejuvenate. A time out will mean the difference between success and failure.
Friends will come to you with their problems. Share your thoughts instead of trying to solve them. You’ll see how well this approach works.
Aquarius
Leo
January 20 February 18
July 23 August 22 An important opportunity will present itself this week. Go for it. You will lead many on a fantastic journey.
Virgo
August 23 September 22 Take a new acquaintance out for a coffee or movie. A long-lasting friendship will develop and become fruitful.
Get yourself off the couch and step outside – you’re getting too lazy. Take a walk on a local trail and the setting will inspire you to do great things.
Pisces
February 19 March 20 Believe in yourself and don’t let others bring you down. You know where your heart lies. Follow it to the end of the rainbow.
Go forth and make all these things happen. It is written in the stars.
Word Search
Monday, September 28, 2015
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Monday, September 28, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
STUDENT LIFE
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CSI’s BBQ Bonanza draws a crowd Conestoga Students Inc. held a welcome back BBQ Bonanza at the Doon, Guelph, Waterloo and Cambridge campuses. At the Doon campus it featured a beer garden, inflatable games, a dunk tank and vendors. Clockwise from right, Brett Rideout, a first-year software engineering technology student, and Emily Langeveld, a design foundation student, try out the inflatable trampoline; Texas King, an alternative rock and soul band from London, Ont., entertains students; an inflatable waving arm welcomes the crowd; CSI president Jeff Scherer talks to Oliveah Friesen, a second-year bachelor of public relations student and CSI staff member, after being dunked; and a long line of students, waiting for a free hotdog or hamburger, snakes around the yard.
PHOTOS BY MATTHEW BENTLEY
SPORTS
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Intramural sports a blast BY MIKE STROMME
What makes intramural sports great? Conestoga students looking to make new friends and stay in shape, all while balancing their course load, should look into playing intramural sports. Starting today, Conestoga College will offer co-ed intramural volleyball, squash, flag football, dodgeball, indoor soccer, ball hockey and ice hockey. All intramural sports leagues, with the exception of ice hockey, will be played on campus. Intramural ice hockey will be hosted at the Activa Sportsplex, located at 135 Lennox Lewis Way, Kitchener. Ice hockey will begin on Oct. 7. Intramural sports have always been a staple to the active campus experience. It may come across as cliche, but the spirit of intramural sports is all about having fun. Winning trophies, receiving accolades or on-court glory isn’t why most students sign up. According to first-year design foundations student Jessica Cook, a successful year for her volleyball team isn’t solely tied to a championship.
“Making new friends and having a good year, winning or losing … I think if you have a good team, you’ll have a good season. Win or lose, it’s all about having fun as a team,” said Cook. For those who have a heavy course load and are busy with other prior commitments, intramural sports are an ideal way to stay in shape. With each sport scheduled once a week, students can maintain balance in their lives while keeping up with their busy schedules. “It’s really great for those of us that have rather busy lives,” Cook said. “I was going to try out for varsity, but with my program workload and working (a part-time job) on top of everything, varsity was not an option. With intramural sports, I can still be active and play the sports I love, but on my own time and when I’m available.” The main reason why people come out to play intramural sports is to run around and play sports in a relaxed environment. These sentiments were echoed by first-year international business management student Ben Ratz, who plans on playing both
dodgeball and ball hockey this fall. “(Intramural sports) are fun and interactive. You can get fit while playing, you can meet new friends,” said Ratz. Part of the fun that comes with participating in intramurals is coming up with a fun, catchy team name. Names such as “The Brolympians” or “The Beta Blockers” have provided inside jokes among teammates in seasons past. According to Ratz, a good team name should consist of something that people will remember. “It (should be) catchy, everyone knows it. Something that’s fun.” Cook, on the other hand, believes that good team names incorporate everyone on the team in some way. “It’s got to be something that incorporates everyone on the team, not just one person. So, it wouldn’t be something like ‘Ben and the squad.’” Volleyball games will be played on Monday nights, squash and flag football games will be held on Tuesdays, dodgeball and indoor soccer on Wednesdays and ball hockey take place on Thursdays.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Sportsplex coming to Conestoga BY ADAM SCHWARTZ
Although opening no time soon, the City of Cambridge and Conestoga Sportsplex project is underway. The $56-million project is set to break ground sometime in 2016, but the project won’t be completed until around 2018. The facility will be 150,000 square feet on 12 hectDinning ares of land leased from Conestoga College for the next 50 years. The project, which will be built on the Cambridge campus, is being initiated with longevity in mind and will have two ice rinks, a swimming pool and a walking track once completed. “We have a few goals in this that are being negotiated,” said Mike Dinning, Conestoga’s vice-president of student affairs. “One clearly is access for our community into the facility. We don’t want something there that the college isn’t engaged in.” The facility could provide
ample opportunities for the students of Conestoga College, like internships and chances for hands-on learning. These, however, are still up in the air and are being negotiated between the college and the City of Cambridge. One opportunity would be a living lab where students could get placements as a part of this project, Dinning said. “Conestoga has architecture students, maybe they could have a hand in the design or in the planning. It’s opportunities like that which could be beneficial for us and the students.” The location is key for the City of Cambridge. “Being by the 401 is fantastic, it’s what sometimes I like to call the main street of Ontario,” said Cambridge Coun. Frank Monteiro. “Cambridge is in a location where you’re only an hour drive from about six million people.” Some other locations were looked at, including on Hespeler Road, but it was found that the parcel of land there was contaminated and a good part of the project’s budget would have gone into cleaning it up.