Say cheese! CHICOPEE WINNING
By BEN STOPPARD
It's time to don your cap and gown, at least if you are going to have a gradua tion photo taken this week. Students must register at mygradphotosconestoga.com. When you arrive for your photos, you will need to bring your student card and $10. Photos are being taken in Room 2A122 at the Doon cam pus, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. “CSI hires a third party for graduation photos, it is Studio Nostalgia,” CSI pres ident Ciara Byrne said. The graduation gown and cap will be provided, but make sure you wear a white collar shirt or blouse, and a tie if you’re a male. After your picture is taken, you will be shown a preview of the pictures. Your proofs will be available on the registration site 48 hours after your appointment, and you will be able to purchase a package up to a month after your sitting. For more information, visit mygradphotosconestoga.com/faq, e-mail grad@studionostalgia.ca or call 1-888-817-2947.
Vikings slay Condors Women’s team battles,but loses in shootout. Page 14
WARM WEATHER BATTLE PHOTO BY DEVON SMITH
The warm winter has created a lot more work for Chicopee Ski Resort staff, who have made more than 20 million gallons of snow so far this season. Despite the balmy temperatures, the Kitchener resort has remained open, and has had excellent condi tions. Left, a snowboarder shreds the gnar. For story and additional photos see Page 8.
SPOKE A LEARNING N E W S R O O M FOR JO U R N A LIS M S TU D E N T S
Arkells rock the tri-cities Rock band leaves fans at nightclub wanting more. Page 15
Safely and Security Services operates 24/7 By ANDREW SOULSBY
College is a sandbox we all have to play in. However, not all of us have read the code of conduct before entering the sandbox, which is one of the reasons why Safety and Security Services exists. Tucked away in her back corner office of the Safety and Security Services department is Barb Eichholz. With a background originating in Conestoga’s own law enforcement and investigation program, Eichholz now oversees day-to-day operations, which includes moni toring activity on any one of approximately 200 cameras on campus. “I love it,” she said, as she navi gated through her computer’s dis play of numerous views throughout the campus. There’s no such thing as a daily routine here, she said, as meetings and appointments are sometimes broken at a moment’s notice when emergencies arise. When they do come up, the first on scene are typically people whose black, long-sleeve shirts have Barber-Collins embroidered PHOTO BY ANDREW SOLUBLY on the chest. The security firm is An emergency safety line in Lot 14 connects stu contracted by the school for terms dents, staff and faculty to Doon’s Safety and of three years. Their employees Security Services which is open 24/7. on campus are mostly past
Conestoga students, said Eichholz. After the dust has settled and an incident needs further investiga tion, the second tier of the depart ment’s workforce steps in. These representatives are distinguished by their white shirts.
In rare cases, students must complete community service. - Mike Dinning
When an investigation has con cluded and a disciplinary action is required, the task moves up and out of Doon’s main building to the office of the vice-president of stu dent affairs, located in the Student and Client Services building. Mike Dinning, who has been the VP of student affairs for the past seven years, is the last person a student will see if his or her con duct has been deemed unaccept able and requires disciplinary action. After a student code of con duct form has been filled out and investigated, Dinning will sit down with the student to hear his or her
side of the story and hopefully agree on an informal resolution. These often include an agreement between the student and Dinning that the inappropriate action will stop and an apology given to the victim. In rare cases, students must com plete community service or rarer still, the student is suspended or expelled from the school. Students are generally nice peo ple, said Dinning, which he sup ported by saying that no one this year has been suspended or expelled. However, students have been removed from school property in the past, according to Don Willis, director of Safety and Security Services. On average, he said, three to four students find them selves barred from the school each year. Even though those decisions can only be made by Dinning, Willis said that on occasion when a stu dent’s safety is being threatened by an individual, he has the authority to suspend a student for a few days until the air clears. Although common sense and respecting one another can go a long way in preventing students from missing class time, Eichholz said every student has a responsi bility to read and know the student code of conduct.
NEWS
Page 2 ♦SPOKE
Now deep thoughts ... with
Conestoga College
Random questions answered by random students
Blackberry or iPhone, and why?
“I like the iPhone because of the touch screen. Way better than keys.”
Robyn Yost, second-year office administration
“IPhone because it's more game-active. More fun.”
Dale Miller, second-year police foundations
“Blackberry because of the BBM functions, which iPhones lack.”
Terry Osmond, first-year police foundations
“iPhone, primarily because RIM and Blackberrys are going downhill.”
Monday, February 27,2012
2013 Winter Classic set to be a ‘classic’ The Detroit Red Wings are set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2013 Winter Classic on a day which is to shatter hockey’s attendance record. The NHL’s Winter Classic has gotten bigger each of its five years. It’s only fitting that the next stop for the Jan. 1 outdoor game will be at Michigan Stadium, known by many as “The Big House.” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman raised the stakes for the affair, predicting it would top the attendance of previ ous years when announcing the event. “These two original six rivals will take the Winter Classic to a new record-set ting level,” he said. The 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic marks the first year that a Canadianbased franchise is taking part in the festivities. That fact has not been lost on Maple Leafs general man ager, Brian Burke, who has already given the game a slo gan that is sure to anger any hockey fan outside of the Greater Toronto Area. “It’s Hockeytown against the centre of the hockey uni verse,” he said. “We’re real excited; two passionate fan bases. I promise you, there will be a lot of blue in the Big House.” The matchup will be great
Andrew Omran
Opinion for the City of Toronto and will set up the first truly meaningful game for the Maple Leafs, who have not made the playoffs since the 2004 lockout. Michigan Stadium, which has the highest capacity in North America, is the perfect venue to play the highly antic ipated game in and may have been the only one that could even handle the interest that this match will generate. “The Big House” seats 115,000 people but it is possi ble that the game will sell out quickly and there won’t be enough tickets available to meet the demand. Given the history of the two teams, which dates back to the days of the original six, it is always a highly anticipated game when they face off The event will also provide the two teams with an oppor tunity to recognize past hock ey legends properly at the Adumni game, which is some thing the Leafs have not had the chance to do. The Philadelphia Flyers did a great job of mending past issues with Eric Lindros at
the 2012 Alumni game and if executed properly, the Leafs may be able to bring back that lost, treasured history to their city that hasnt seen suc cess in years. The current attendance record was set at the Big House on Dec. 11, 2010 dur ing a college hockey game when a crowd of 104,173 showed up to see Michigan beat Michigan State, 5-0, in a game known as the “Big Chill.” If this game beats that num ber, it will set the new record not only for the largest crowd to watch a hockey game, but the largest crowd to watch anything in this stadium Although the Winter Classic is clearly the key event, the City of Detroit has worked with the American Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey League to make the event even bigger with side attractions being held at the Detroit Tigers’ baseball stadi um, Comerica Park. There will be an American League hockey game with the Grand Rapid Griffins facing off against the Toronto Marlies and two Ontario Hockey League games involv ing the four area teams. The events, which will run for the final two weeks of December, are expected to bring more than 250,000 fans to the downtown area.
STIs on the increase
Nathan Dafoe, second-year police foundations
By WILLIAM WITCZAK
“IPhone because Blackberry has been having lots of problems sending and receiving texts.”
Michelle Blondin, third-year accounting
“I prefer iPhone because it has everything I need and everything is easily accessible.”
Keila Macpherson, first-year journalism
Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!
Chances are you listened to a presentation in high school about it and never thought of it again. Or maybe you’ve had the misfortune of con tracting one or have a friend who got one. Whether or not it’s on your mind, if you’re sexually active you should be aware of all issues that you face. Some of you may know them as STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), but the correct term is now STI (sexually transmitted infec tion), as it’s more encompass ing to include infections that may be asymptomatic (show no symptoms). But one thing is for sure, no matter what you call them, you should be aware of them. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 have the most STIs, with infections such as chlamydia, gonor-
rhoea and syphilis being some that are on the rise. “One thing that I’ve noticed over the years is the many common misconceptions among people about STIs,” said Guelph General Hospital nurse Beth Randal.
STI FACTS Which STIs can be cured?
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Chlamydia Gonorrhea Trichomonas LGV Pubic Lice & Scabies Syphilis
“Many people are under the belief these infections can only be contracted if you have vagi nal sex, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.” This speaks volumes as all three of the infections listed above can be obtained through not just vaginal sex, but through oral and anal as well. The thing about many STIs is that they don’t always have
noticeable symptoms, so a person can spread the infec tion to many people without even realizing it. “Talk to your partner about your sexu al histories, as uncomfortable as that may sound. It’s noth ing compared to getting an STI,” said Randal. “Many STIs can be cured or treated, all it takes is for you to come in and get tested. If you have even the slightest idea that you have an STI please go in and get tested, if not for yourself then for your partners you plan on having. The responsibility is on you,” said Randal. When asked if there’s one thing she would recommend to anyone who’s about to have sex, Randal said bluntly, “use a condom, use a condom, use a condom.” For information on STIs check out the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website on STIs at: www.phacaspc.gc.ca/publicat/stdmts/index-eng.php
Monday, February 27,2012
NEWS
SPOKE* Page 3
It’s 175 pounds and counting Fundraiser held to help man see a nutritionist and maintain a healthy lifestyle By MARIANA C. MORALES
PHOTO BY MARIANA C. MORALES
Antonio Vargas, left, who is shown with friends Lydia Torrez and Melvin Avalos, is thankful his family and friends have supported him during his battle to lose weight.
Losing, weight can be expen sive, especially if one needs to lose a certain amount to get surgery. For 23-year-old Antonio Vargas of Kitchener, it has been a rough journey but he continues to lose weight with the support of his friends and family. A fundraiser for Vargas was held at the Moose Lodge in Kitchener on Feb. 11, with pro
ceeds helping him to continue to see a nutritionist and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, he has a prob lem with his hernia and was told in order to operate on it, he has to lose weight. Throughout his life, it’s been a struggle to take pounds off but this time it was different, Vargas said. It started approx imately nine months ago when his cousin wanted them both to look good for his upcoming wedding. Vargas began to work out by himself regularly and was noticed by trainer Serina Sousa. “He was on the treadmill and walking at a slow pace. I mon itored him for about two months making sure he was committed to working out before I approached him and said, I'll train you (for free) if you come into the club.’”
I give a lot (of thanks) to my trainer; she kicks my ass every day. - Antonio Vargas In the beginning of May last year, he weighed 585 pounds and with Sousa’s help, he has managed to lose around 175 pounds. He is very thankful and wants to get healthier. “I want to lose at least another 200 pounds. I want to be able to do things that are easy for everyone else to do,” he said. The fundraiser was organ ized by his family and close friends. There was a $10 cover fee which included a chance to win a door prize. A local band called The Disguises played throughout the event while Chilean food was being sold. Several games such as coin tossing were played by guests with proceeds helping Vargas. So far, he has been progress ing well according to Sousa. “He’s just doing awesome. His breathing is better, his walking is better, his self-confidence; all that stuff has gone up.” Although it is challenging to exercise while his hernia hurts, he continues to work hard and keeps his attitude positive. “I was just approved for sur gery last week,” he said, adding once his hernia is repaired he’s going to work out harder. “I give a lot (of thanks) to my trainer; she kicks my ass every day,” he said.
COMMENTARY
Page 4 ♦SPOKE
Monday, February 27,2012
Hold government accountable By KAREN HAYNES
Getting from A to B at a reasonable cost is a relatable financial goal for many Canadians. While the masses balance their chequebooks and carefully budget their travel expenses, others spend a pretty penny on trans portation, thanks to our national money tree. The Privy Council Office had $2.6 million in travel expenses between 2010 and 2011, according to an article in the Globe and Mail on Feb. 12. These travel costs included transportation, meals and accommodations. Although a $600,000 decrease from the previous year, taxpayers have paid for many expensive trips. The chief of defence staff, Gen. Walter Natynczyk, spent nearly $1.5 million between 2008 and 2011 using a government-owned aircraft, including flights for a per sonal Caribbean holiday, the Globe and Mail article said. In 2011 Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s national security adviser, Stephen Rigby, spent $10,719 for one round-trip flight to Singapore. Defence Minister Peter MacKay used a military search-and-rescue helicopter to airlift him from a per sonal fishing vacation to an airport in Newfoundland. According to an article in Maclean’s magazine in January 2012, that ride cost taxpayers $16,000. According to the Globe and Mail article, appropriate spending guidelines were outlined in an internal govern ment memo in 2009 and included a temporary cap on busi ness-class travel. Three years later a closed-door meeting was called in Ottawa on Feb. 15 to discuss ways MPs can restrain over all spending. At that meeting travel budgets proved to be a hot topic, said Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife. “A lot of them are upset. They don’t want to have fewer flights, they don’t want to lose their business class flights,” Fife said. While many expenditures fly under the radar of most Canadians, it is important to remain aware and educated. Hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent without accounta bility. As a Canadian citizen, take the time to become knowledgeable of our country’s finances. And when you hear of waste and outrageous spending, complain, com plain, complain to your MPP and/or MP.
The views herein represent the position of the newspaper, net 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 contact ed 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 correspon dence to: The Editor, Spoke, 299 Doon Valley Dr., Room 1C30, Kitchener, Ont., N2G4M4
My hometown is where my heart is There is just something about being from a small town. One main street, one high school, one Tim Hortons and one taxi may seem like a terrible place to grow up to a lot of people. Except people that have done just that. Having been raised in the metropolis that is Mount Forest, where the population of 5,000 knows everything about you, and you have a family tree planted some where along Highway 6, is more beneficial than an out sider may believe. “You don’t have a WalMart?” or <fWait, there were only 800 students in your entire high school?” are just a few of the factors people take into account before deciding that people from small towns lead an extreme ly sheltered life. But when you dig a little deeper, there is plenty to be envious about. There is a sense of home wherever you are in most small towns. And while many who live in larger cities get a sense of this while out and about in their
Sarah Shaw
Opinion own neighbourhood, imagine that feeling in an entire com munity. It is almost impossible to walk down the street with out offering a dozen “hellos” or “how are yahs.” And it might not be because you know them (although that’s usually the case), people are just friendlier in a small town. In my younger days we didn’t have snow days. We had snow weeks. When 99 per cent of the school’s demographic arrives by a bus that has to travel every side and country road with in a 30-kilometre radius, not to mention a highway that is closed most of the winter, school gets cancelled a lot. Say you forgot something in the local bakery, or left your coat behind while shopping. Although personal retrieval
and delivery isn’t in most businesses’ job description, I guarantee it will get back to you within the day. Or you’ll have a message waiting on your answering machine when you get home. And the best way to spend your time out of school was n’t at the movies or at some nightclub. Summer nights were spent in fields drinking beer, on long drives down dirt roads, enjoying impromptu swims in ponds and spending late nights with friends at the town’s dive of a bar. Kelly Cutrone, a best-sell ing author and founder of marketing firm People’s Revolution, said “half your life is spent trying to get out of a small town and the other half trying to get back to one.” The best part is being able to look back on it. Whether you’re remembering from your penthouse apartment in Toronto, or your school cam pus in Australia, your memo ries will always be with you. Because the best thing about living in a small town is that it will always be there when you come home.
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COMMENTARY
Monday, February 27,2012
SPOKE ♦ Page 5
Ben Kweller shines brighter than Van Halen In the shadow of the new album releases from Van Halen and Paul McCartney on Feb. 7, was Ben Kweller’s Go Fly a Kate. However, the album proved that it should n’t have been in the shadow, but rather on a pedestal high above the other two as its originality and energy was far beyond any other album to be released so far this year. The dynamic artist, who began his career as a teenag er with Radish in the 1990s, released his sixth solo album which features a library of engaging rock songs. Kweller’s experience shows on the album as it is high lighted with mature song structure and lyrics. The album begins with Mean To Me which features dark harmonies reminiscent
Jake Robinson
Opinion of Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, which Kweller may have picked up while being featured on the group’s Four Winds EP. The song transi tions from raw verses and dynamic chorus before esca lating into a screaming gui tar solo. It also features a tasteful rendition of piano fills which captures an oldschool rock ’n’ roll sound that might be heard from artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis. Kweller continues the album with Jealous Girl
Nuclear fam ilies declining The warmth of their smile and the warmth of their touch should be enough to want to cherish every moment with them. However, I’m not one to judge, because I know every story is different. Nonetheless, I find it hard to deny the fact that single parenting is a challenging job. Balancing work, housework, a child’s activities, visitation schedules, childcare and time with your child, are all signif icant factors single parents have to face each day. According to new census information from Statistic Canada, about one out of every four families with chil dren in the Toronto district is destined to end up with only one parent. This shows a sig nificant decline in the alleged nuclear family. Statistics also show that 83.1 per cent of single parents are mothers, leaving the remaining 16.9 per cent as single fathers. I personally cannot relate to this issue, but a close friend of mine, Miranda Kluka, struggles on a daily basis as a single mother. She attends school full-time in hopes of becoming a personal support worker. She also works at a tanning salon when she can and spends as much time with her little one. She challenges herself to provide her two-year-old with the best possible life “full of love and excitement,” limit ing all the possible stresses that associate themselves with being a single parent. I often ask myself the ques tion, how can someone deny or walk away from a life that they created through such a sacred act? Since the statistics show that there is a much higher percentage of women who are more likely to become the
Tiffany Wilson
Opinion custodial parent, I believe this is ignited by the bond between mother and fetus. We are inherently nurturing creatures who seek compan ionship and love. I am not suggesting men do not want to feel companion ship and love, nor share it with someone else, but I do believe men do not have the same emotional connection with the fetus, making it eas ier for them to detach them selves emotionally and physi cally. In addition, according to a new study done by researcher Kristin M. Swanson, a profes sor of family and child nurs ing at the University Of Washington’s School of Nursing in Seattle, a man does not consider himself a father until he holds the baby in his arms for the first time. In saying this, I will rely on my gut feelings and say that there should be no excuses for either parent to walk away from their child or give up on the possibility of watching their child grow into his or her own person. However, many factors could play a role in a parent’s absence such as divorce, cheating, accidental pregnancy or immaturity. When all is said and done, both parents should make the effort to care and love the child, for it is not their fault they were brought into this world of uncertainty. Take the time to embrace each waking moment of the new life you have created because time flies.
which is a poppy, up-tempo song about him losing a friend to a relationship. The catchy chorus sings, “can’t you let your boyfriend be himself, sweet jealous girl the only one you’re hurting baby is yourself.” Gossip is one of the stronger songs on the album. Its jaunty piano progression and mystical chorus is remi niscent of a tavern atmos phere. Kweller’s influences are prominent throughout the song as his grungy vocal track is similar to that of John Lennon. The song con cludes with a harmony that transitions beautifully into the intro guitar riff of the next song - Free. Free begins with a blues-
based rhythm section before entering the chorus which features a prominent shot from the snare drum. As the album reaches the middle of its duration, it fea tures the modest workings of songs such as Full Circle, The Rainbow and I Miss You. All of the songs outline a message that Kweller seems to be sending which illus trates appreciating the little things in life. He divides those songs up with Justify Me which is a plea to accept himself. Kweller sings rapid vocals over a punk-rock drum beat, quickly strummed guitars and a melodic piano remedy which highlights the double tap of the snare drum.
The album concludes with You Can Count On Me, which is about losing friends. Kweller has picked up the reputation of being a sophis ticated songwriter and resembles artists such as Arlo Guthrie and Tom Petty. The entire album features catchy riffs, dynamic rhythm sections and enchanting vocals. As the album is on the heavier side compared to the majority of his solo work, it comes across as very passionate and emotional. Go Fly A Kite is one of the best albums that Kweller has released and leaves listen ers wondering what’s next for the singer/songwriter.
ENTERTAINMENT
Page 6 ♦SPOKE
Monday, February 27,2012
ORCHESTRATING THE BEATLES By ERIC MCKENZIE
People, young and old, were twisting and shouting along with the music of the Beatles, played by Classical Mystery Tour and the K-W Symphony Orchestra at Centre in the S qua re on Feb. 11. “It’s nice to be able to actual ly hear the songs this t i m e a r o u n d . When I saw them (the Beatles) in the '60s all I could hear were girls scream ing,” said Catherine Wood, 67, of Stratford. The cover band Classical Mystery Tour did an excellent job mimicking every instrument, vocal and musical arrangement to
classics such as Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Yesterday, which plucked at the heart strings of the older, reminiscing crowd. Although the Beatles themselves never got the opportunity to play their studio albums live with an orchestra, the atmosphere was intense. “Another thing the Beatles never did was say ‘check out our website!”’ joked Tony Kishman, the Paul McCartney look-alike and vocalist, bass and piano player of Classical Mystery Tour. The band was rounded out by John Lennon look-alike, vocalist, piano and guitar player Jim Owen, George Harrison stand-in, vocalist and lead guitarist John Brosnan and Chris Camilleri, Ringo Starr look-alike, drummer and vocalist. K-W’s assistant conductor Evan Mitchell led the K-W Symphony Orchestra on the podium that accompanied the electric instruments, which added an incredible sound to songs such as Got to Get You into My Life, with its inspiring and striking trumpet toots, or Eleanor Rigby, with its rhythmic, almost hypnotic violin slashes. If you closed your eyes you could imagine you were listening to the album versions of songs such as All You Need Is Love and A Day in the Life, which fans of the Fab Four will remember explodes in a cacophony of sound in the final climax. The strings and horns of the K-W sym phony played precisely and beautifully. Even songs such as I Am the Walrus, which have small orchestral interludes, benefited greatly from the instrumental accompaniment, helping Classical Mystery Tour create a more genuine experience for the audience. The cover band made an effort to make the
show more of an experience by changing cloth ing from the different Beatles eras, such as the colourful military grab from Magical Mystery Tour, and the suit and ties from the early years. At one point Owen put a long-haired, Lennon-style wig on and purple glasses. If everyone wasn’t halfway down memory lane already the final lineup of songs that ended their two-dozen song set surely took them all the way there. Beginning with Golden Slumbers, with lyrics such as “once there was a way to get back home,” many people were reliving the emotions of youth. Carry That Weight carried on the emotions and sounded extra powerful with the pulsing brass instruments and whipping strings, adding a lot of emphasis to a song with already touching and relatable lyrics. To conclude the concert, they played The End, which featured ripping guitar solos from Owen and Brosnan, played to perfection. One of the most prolific Beatles’ lyrics was delivered soft ly but powerfully to the regaled audience, backed by the orchestra, “And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make.” The Classical Mystery Tour returned to play Hey Jude and Twist and Shout .as an encore to an overjoyed audience that then began to dance. It wasn’t all older people dancing and remi niscing. There were many children, teenagers and young people peppered into the silverhaired crowd. The general consensus though, could be summarized by the chatter at inter mission: “Why are there all these young people here?” and the hushed replies, “Because the Beatles are the best band ever.”
Symphony adds traditional sound to modern classic By BRENDAN DALEY
The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony may know a thing or two about putting on a show. However, this time they took a step back, allowing the Fab Four to step into the spotlight. With the first of two shows on Feb. 10 - the second the following day - at Centre in the Square, the KitchenerWaterloo Symphony performed a set of Beatles songs, com bining gritty rock with age-old sounds. Despite my loathing of the Beatles - the peace and love thing gets old - they pair well with a live orchestra. The orchestrated bits remain subtle enough as to not anger the rock afi cionados, yet maintain a strong enough presence to be noticed and
ensure a unique experience. Musicians will often saturate their songs with unique sounds via an arsenal of unconventional instruments. The Beatles were no different. However, this raises an apparent concern - how to recreate these songs live. Back in 2011, Canadian alt-rock artist Matthew Good told the Waterloo Region Record, “If you gave any musician the ability to just go and create without budg et concerns, you would probably see a lot of them use a lot of instrumentation and doing a lot of different things than just picking up electric guitars.” Unfortunately, many of today’s artists are not fortunate enough to have the income needed to hire an orchestra. However, every once in a while, under unique circumstances, we are given the opportunity to hear live recreations of our favourite tunes - orchestra and all. Eleanor Rigby was a prime example of the power of an orchestra. The symphony, situated at the rear of the stage, remained unnoticed throughout the majority of the song, allowing the four Beatles impersonators to do their thing. However, during the climax - that moment of musical chaos - the beast awoke. Woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion emitted a deep roar. Together, the band and orchestra per formed an outstanding show, sharing the
stage and contributing to a memorable night for those in attendance. It later dawned on me that the strong sense of musicianship is what made this particular show so great. It wasn’t about modern versus traditional - the Beatles versus the K-W Symphony Orchestra. Neither act tried to overpower the other. The humble orchestra played only when necessary, complementing the original songs. Some might argue that a pre-recorded track would do the song a similar justice. Audibly, this is probably true. However, most of us go to a music venue for the visual performance. The ability to see an orchestra makes the experience much more intimate. It’s always interesting to see two very different musicians collaborate. These collaborations can go either way - chaot ic or great. On this occasion, it was suc cessful. As a result, elderly, young and middle-aged all attended the concert. Part of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Pops Series, the symphony will be working to bring similar events to the area in the future. Whether you like the music or not, jump at the opportunity to see a similar show. Not only are they fairly inexpensive, with tickets starting at $15, but they will also give you a new found respect for the orchestra and its potential.
NEWS
Monday, February 27,2012
Toronto
SPOKE ♦ Page 7
Cat Rescue and PetSm art team up for quarterlyn o h t-a p d
By ALYSHA MILLER
Dora and some of her friends are busy exploring their new homes after being adopted during one of Toronto Cat Rescue’s quarterly AdoptA-Thons. Dora, a six-month-old long haired kitten that let kids carry her around the store while she calmly scanned her surroundings, was one of the first to go. There were others too, including Martini, whose curious smile caught the attention of a little boy in a
frog-shaped snowsuit, and Rodriguez, a nervous all black cat that couldn’t decide whether he wanted every one’s attention or to simply escape to a corner to wait out his stay away from his foster home. The event at the PetSmart on Fairway Road South in Kitchener was one of many in the area that offered cats res cued and placed in caring, but temporary foster homes up for adoption by Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR). Animals were being sold for a reduced price
PHOTO BY ALYSHA MILLER
This was one of the cats available for adoption at the Adopt-A-Thon held Feb. 10-12 at the Kitchener PetSmart’s Fairway Road South location. of $100 each during the week volunteer based, all the prof end of Feb. 10 - 1 2 along with its from selling cats to per free supplies including a bag manent homes goes toward of food, some litter and toys t h e preparation the cats have for each animal. to undergo to make them fit Though the majority of peo for sale. “All proceeds go ple at the event were parents towards the vaccinations and with young children looking whatever other medical for a cuddly, low-maintenance needs the cats need, some addition to their families, times broken limbs and ill organizer Jen Cavep pointed nesses.” Volunteers are always need out that college students especially should look into ed to do everything from tak TCR. “We’re foster home- ing in cats as foster parents to based, and college kids are a driving them to vets, events homes, planning great provider of foster and homes. A lot of them want fundraising events, and keep ing the cats company at part pets but the turmoil as far as where they’ll be living keeps nered stores. The organiza them from being able to give tion also accepts donations of everything from money to pets ‘forever homes.’” Since the organization is food and supplies to items
that can be auctioned off and even Canadian Tire money. They try to be as flexible as possible so they can help the growing population of suffer ing strays in any way they can. “Since 1994, TCR has been helping cats escape situa tions of abuse, neglect or euthanasia at a shelter,” is one of the lines in their mis sion statement. This means everything from trying to find homes for abandoned cats to neutering and spay ing feral cats. For further information go to torontocatrescue.ca or check out Facebook under the page name Toronto Cat Rescue.
Here’s how to adopt an animal By ASHLEY WELFORP-COSTELLOE
PHOTOS BY ALYSHA MILLER
Julie Snache, above, was one of the volunteers at the Adopt-AThon at PetSmart. Toronto Cat Rescue gets volunteers from the area to help out in any way they can, including attending events to cuddle with and keep cats company. Below, Janina Gores, a 19-year-old Guelph resident, travelled to PetSmart to look into adopting a cat at the Adopt-A-Thon.
There are few things in life that compare to the wonder ful connection we have with animals. Whether it’s a nice long walk with a dog, curling up with a cat or watching your pet rabbit hop around the room, there is nothing like the unconditional love and companionship given by our animal friends. Many people have pets these days. While some purchase them from a pet store or animal breeder, others choose to adopt an anim al from their local humane society. So how does a person go about adopting an a n im al? Since the e society n a m u h deals with animal cruelty on a daily basis, there are a few steps a person needs to take before the adoption can be approved. Jen Maciel, animal care co-ordinator of the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society, said people can either view the animals on the website or in person. “Once they see an animal they like, animal care will assist them with the adop tions. We have rooms where you can spend some time with the animal before deciding. If
it is a dog you can take it o u t However, this rarely happens. What if an animal has been for a walk. Then you fill out the adoption survey and injured? What kind of care l? im n agreement. The adoption goes into healing an injureda counsellor will look over the -Injured animals, depend survey; to see if you are com patible with the dog. We do ing on the injury, may have to behaviour and personality immediately go to the vet and assessments to match them be treated,” said Maciel. up with the right home. For “Animal care will triage the example, OK with kids or animal before deciding to adult home only. If you meet send it to the vet right away the adoption requirements for or they will have our shelter the dog you have chosen then vet check it when they come the next step is to have all the in. We actually have a kitten family come in and meet the in foster care right now that had a leg amputation. The animal.” Maciel also said that if, for kitten came in missing some example, the person was of its leg. It was seen by a vet adopting a dog and there was and put on medication until another dog in the home, that the time of surgery.” Maciel added that the sur dog would have to come in gery was successful and the and meet the other dog. Animals available for adop kitten is currently recovering tion, other than the obvious in foster care. It will eventu cats and dogs, include; rats, ally be put up for adoption. guinea pigs, rabbits, mice and Adoption fees differ for each animal: cats and kittens are even birds. So what happens to those $175, dogs and puppies are animals nobody wants to $270, small animals are $10, adopt? Maciel said once ani larger animals are $20, bud mals make it into adoption gies are $15, and cockatiels they all find a home. If an ani are $25. For more information on mal has been at the humane society for more than a few animal adoption, check out Kitchener Waterloo months, they will contact the another shelter and have the ( Humane Society website at animal transferred there. w ww.kwhumane.com.
FEATURE
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Monday, February 27,2012
Chicopee fights
uphill battle By DEVON SMITH
"When people don’t see snow on their front yards, they just don’t think of going skiing.” This is the sad truth for Chicopee Ski Resort, spoken by guest services employee, Katie Burgess. Burgess said this is the slowest season she’s seen at the hill and it’s no surprise, considering this year’s winter has been one of the five warmest in the 75 years that weather record-keeping has existed in Ontario. It just so happens that Chicopee has existed just as long, having been founded in 1937. Since its opening, it has become one of the top ski des tinations in the province, bringing in an average of almost 200,000 winter guests every year, according to their website. With temperatures reaching record highs this year, howev er, it’s made for wet and slop py conditions. Due to the warm weather and despite the millions of gallons of snow that were made, Chicopee didn’t even open until Dec. 28, two weeks later than usual. Chicopee member Diane Freeman has made the best of the bad conditions. “I’ve been here every week end since Christmas,” said Freeman. “I’ve been covered in splatter off the rollers on the lifts. Completely covered in mud.” ‘When it rains, the rollers on the chairlifts drop mud. They drop muddy water. So yeah, my yellow ski jacket was black.” Not only is it Freeman’s sec ond season skiing at Chicopee, but it’s her second
season skiing at all, since she just learned last year. And though she wishes the season had started earlier, she does n’t blame the management at Chicopee. “You can’t really make Mother Nature do anything and they sure made tons of snow here. They worked real ly, really hard to get this hill open and you can see that.” Throughout a regular sea son, Chicopee makes about 20 million gallons of snow. This season, they have already reached that mark, and according to their manager of business development, Lori McCrae, there’s no end in sight. “Usually, at this point, we’re not making snow anymore because we’ve got a lot more natural snow,” she said. “I think that we’re going to find that we’ll be making snow longer into the season, to make sure that all the hills are maintained into March break.” Though they have been striving to create favourable conditions on the hill, Chicopee has still seen a drop in business this year. But it’s not just the resort that suffers when Mother Nature doesn’t co-operate. Amanda Trapp is a manager at McMaster Sports, the equipment shop at Chicopee, and has seen the business through the hard times. ‘When there’s nobody out here, then there’s not going to be anyone buying. When Chicopee doesn’t have good traffic, neither do we.” " Julie Lafreniere is an employee at McMaster Sports and isn’t just disappointed in the slow business. “I mean when it’s raining and stuff it’s just not the
right conditions to come out,” she said. “I have a fouryear-old that would be com ing out with me so I’d rather bring her out when it’s great conditions as opposed to crappy conditions. If she comes out in crappy condi tions and she doesn’t enjoy it, then it would make it hard for her to want to come back out.” It’s the same story from many, young or old, and that’s why Chicopee has been pushing events. “What we’re trying to do is make the events better and better,” said McCrae. “So as we run them and learn from them, we’re trying to make them a better experience ... we have youth day, ladies day, family day, men’s day and a number of other events.” During the events, lift tick ets are offered at reduced rates and there are many free products and services avail able, such as ski clinics. All this is in vain, however, if the masses don’t know about it. And the staff at Chicopee has been working hard to get the message out. ‘W e’ve been doing a lot of marketing and advertising to let people know that here is snow on the hill and that the conditions are awesome,” said
PHOTOS BY DEVON SMITH
A lone set of skis adorn the rack at Chicopee.
A snowboarder shreds the gnar in the snowboard park at the resort on Feb. 11.
they’re having a great experience, but it’s just letting everyone know that has been our Lift lines are short even though conditions are good at Chicopee.
FEATURE
Monday, February 27,2012
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uses to tap trees.. Tney now Jared tinhols-fpycuse plastic spiels to go with M the plastic tubing for collecting sap.
By JESSICA MARTIN
Her face has been on the front of maple syrup bottles since 1966 and her sugary syrup has glazed fluffy pan cakes across the world, but for the Martin family, Aunt Jemima’s just doesn’t cut it. Fred Martin, who is presi dent of the WaterlooWellington Maple Syrup Producers Association, has
been producing his own maple syrup under the West Montrose Maple Products label for the past 24 years. Having a sugar shack and readily available syrup yearround, the family reaps the benefits of their labour - so much so that it’s hard to go back to the “fake stuff.” When the Martins dine at a restau rant, a mini bottle of their homemade syrup accompa nies them. According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Canada produces 85 per cent of the world’s maple syrup, valued at over $213 million annually. Ontario, second to Quebec in terms of product value, is home to 2,600 producers with an estimated 1.3 million taps and an annual production of more than one million litres of syrup. About 80 per cent of the province’s maple syrup is pro duced by operations using a plastic tube collection system, with the remaining 20 per cent relying on traditional bucket-tapping procedures. Martin is among the majori ty adopting newer tech niques, including turning to
his Blackberry as a useful resource. When the tempera ture rises at night, the sap begins to flow, and from his bed, Martin receives email alerts, letting him know what’s going on in the bush.
It takes time, precision and hard work. - Fred Martin The Ontarian climate, cold winters with sunny, spring thaws, creates the perfect conditions for making syrup. Producers begin tapping trees when the temperatures hover around 5 C during the day and -5 C at night, and when the long range forecast shows the weather will hold long enough to make tapping worthwhile. However, some years the weather doesn’t co-operate — like this year with the mild winter — and Martin said he doesn’t have high expecta tions. “It’s very rare that you have two exceptional seasons in a row, and last season was exceptional with us producing about 2,400 gallons.” This year, the lack of snow may affect the flow of sap. “You want more snow sitting on top of the ground so that
the frost won’t go as deep. If the frost goes deep it can take longer to come out and you won’t get sap as soon/ he said. “And by the time the sap starts to come, the tree is going to leaf out and you’ll kind of miss your season.” The season is usually at its peak intensity beginning the first week of March and goes for about five to six weeks. Martin said the procedure and method for making the lip-smacking treat is more complicated than most people would imagine. “It’s not just a moonshine, easy and simple process where you hang buckets from trees and magically have syrup,” he said. “It takes time, precision and hard work.” The most complicat ed step in the proce dure is boiling. Martin said it’s a mix of science and art to boil the sap and get it to the exact concentra tion of sugar that is need ed.
T
h
sugar con centration is meas ured in
degrees; Brix (the J sugar con-
Left: There are different grades of syrup. The lighter syrup is sweeter and as it gets darker it starts to get bitter and taste strongly of maple. Right: Last year the Martins produced 2,400 gallons of maple syrup which is an exceptional amount, but Fred said it’s rare to have two exceptional years in a row.
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tent of an aqueous solution). One degree Brix is one gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution. The sap has to reach 66 degrees Brix before it can be called maple syrup. Jared Martin, Fred’s 21year-old son, helps out with the boiling and said he almost enjoys the job as much as his father. “It’s relaxing and I like spending time out in the bush,” he said. “But as for my dad, he’s pretty passionate about it.” Fred said he doesn’t plan on leaving the business anytime soon. ‘This is something I can see doing even in my retirement years,” he I said. “I won’t be involved to the extent that I am now, but I enjoy it too much to quit.”
FEATURE
Page 10 ♦SPOKE
Monday, February 27,2012
Findingthem useofam useum is one of the less than said Reit “M u s ^ just different scale, on a different level and then
By BRADLEY ZORGPRAGER
Though the history of Waterloo Region may no? interest the average college student, you might not be able to read :his article without the region’s contributions. The idea to bring in hydro power from Niagara Falls via overhead wires was born of three Waterloo Region natives. But hydro exhibits aren’t the only interesting thing you’ll find at the Waterloo Region Museum. Tom Reitz, manager and curator, said a museum is a c o lle c t io n o f o b je c t s “It’s one of those things that is innate to being a human being - we all collect things,”
interest different people in different ways. Glen Hahn, a visitor at the museum, used to work for Uniroyal Tires and found a personal connection in the various tires throughout the # od to the region’s historically strong manufacturing sector. “It’s very interesting,” said Hahn of the mu?eum. "Thfere are a lot of things I didn’t Igjiow. Just seeing how the land has developed since ' ; re come up ~ the German people - from Pennsylvania, it’s very interesting ” The museum houses one of the vehicles that brought migrators ' fro % ^ g n n sy lv a n ia . Reit g 01le%; original Conestoga wagon from 1770 j one of the five must-see sites
Other must-see objects are the
Just 100 years after that wagon arrived, Kaufman Footwear opened its Kitchener doors as the
area
n a m e d Professor
Jenkins rode it across the gorge of
As you walk into the What * B M the public felt Makes Us Who We Are exhib it, the First object on the right is a big flywheel, nicknamed “If you actually look at the Hazel, from the Kaufman gizmo that he rode and the plant in downtown Kitchener. way the rope threaded And while electricity would through it, the only way his eventually power such plants, life was in danger was if he it may not have been possible had let go and fallen off without “Beck’s Cirausv” because it was attached to
flatbed truck was outfitted with lights, household appli ances and farm equipment. It toured around to different cities and was hooked up to batteries to demonstrate that hydroelectric power could make lives easier. Strange as the truck may it’s nothing compared to what Reitz called “just a crazy object, literally.” What looks like an upside-down bicycle is suspended from the museums ceiling. In 1869, a daredevil
land An angry Mark Twain o f called Jenkins a sham in a t h e i r newspaper article. ances However, Twain isn’t the only historical figure with a let them look also to the land connection to the museum. of their children.” Hidden within the colourful The quote is a sentiment fagade of the museum’s outer Reitz agrees with. He thinks wall - itself one of Reitz’s everyone can relate to musefavourite sites - is a coded urns. quote from Wilfrid Laurier: “So the reality is, while some “We do not want, that any body might not think that a individuals should forget the museum in itself is important, land of their origin or their my guess is they all have their ancestors. Let them look to the own individual museums; they past, but let them also look to J lfif,p|ghfc;ri& t;:|Mnk of it that the future; let them, look to the
PHOTOS BY BRADLEY ZORGDRAGER
These are some of the top five must-see sites at the Waterloo Region Museum, according to Tom Reitz, museum man ager and curator. Above: “Hazel” is a huge flywheel which came from the Kaufman Footwear plant in downtown Kitchener. Left: Beck’s Circus toured around to dif ferent cities marketing the idea of hydroelectric power to the uninformed. Right: A Waterloo Region native rode this strange looking contraption across Niagara Falls.
Monday, February 27,2012
ENTERTAINMENT SERENADING Ca m b r i d g e
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m a yo r d o u g c r a ig
PHOTO BY JAKE ROBINSON
An opera singer serenades Cambridge’s mayor, Doug Craig, during the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra’s performance at City Hall on Feb. 10. The symphony interacted with the audience and edu cated them about the history of the songs.
STUDENT LIFE
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Monday, Februaiy 27,2012
H o mesweetho m e International student leaves young daughter to study abroad BY NICOLE JOBES
“Where are the scissors mommy, can you help me find them?” Jenny asked her mom. “Can you go get daddy to help you find them baby?” answered her mother. “Mommy can’t find them for you right now.” With a solemn look on her face, Monica Chen watches her daughter via the comput er screen in search for a pair of scissors to cut her craft with. Chen sees her daughter struggle to grip the pair of scissors once she’s found them, and begins to think maybe coming to Canada was not the right choice. “Look it’s done mommy!” exclaimed Jenny with great pride as she held her picture up to the webcam for her mother to see. “That is so beautiful Jenny! Can you hand it to mommy?” “No silly, you are in the computer! You can’t have it until you come home.” Chen’s ear-to-ear smile turned into a heart-wrench ing grin.
When I thought of Canada all I knew was Vancouver and Ontario, and so I chose Ontario to be different... I heard about Conestoga College from friends who lived in Canada, and they only had good things to say. - Monica Chen ‘Y ou’re right I am silly, I love you Jenny.” A 13-hour flight separates Monica Chen from her hus band and four-year-old daughter, Jenny, who remain in China. As if being a stu dent isn’t difficult enough, toss in being a parent and having the responsibility of a family. Now add in the fact that 11,439 kilometres sepa rate you and your family, and you will begin to understand what Chen deals with on a daily basis. It is no secret that she miss es her family constantly; she was homesick during her first two weeks in Canada. Now Skype and long-distance
phone calls are the only con tact she has with her loved ones. Making the decision to come to Canada was not an easy one. However, when it came to choosing a school and pro gram, there was really only one obvious choice: Conestoga College’s post-graduate new media program. Studying abroad was always something Chen and her husband had both wanted to do, but never got the chance after attending uni versity in China. “There are too many Asians in Vancouver,” joked Chen. “When I thought of Canada all I knew was Vancouver and Ontario, and so I chose Ontario to be different ... I heard about Conestoga College from friends who lived in Canada, and they only had good things to say.” So Chen kissed her husband goodbye and gave her daugh ter one last hug and hopped on a plane to Kitchener. As excit ing as all of the changes in her life were, Chen still wasn’t sure about leaving her family. Already a journalist in China, Chen thought she had the upper hand with all of her real-work experience. She would soon come to find out that there would be some major obstacles in her way before she successfully got a handle on the new media pro gram at the college. “It’s hard to be a journalist in a different language,” said Chen. “I worked so hard on my first news story and I did so bad I almost cried.” “It is hard because I can sometimes understand what people are saying, but I do not understand the context,” said Chen. For example, the Chinese political system is set up completely different than Canada’s, and while her classmates were talking about an election and certain candidates, Chen had very lit tle understanding of what her classmates were referring to. It was journalism at Conestoga that helped bring Chen out of her shell, even though it was very difficult for her to grasp the language at first. “It forced me to talk to peo ple and become more social,” said Chen of interviewing people for school projects and stories. “I fell in love with meeting new people and find ing out what special stories they have to tell.”
PHOTO BY NICOLE JOBES
International student, Monica Chen, left her four-year-old daughter Jenny and her husband in China to study at Conestoga College. Even though Chen has faced huge challenges, she remains positive and has injected her self directly into the bloodline of the college, becoming involved with the Respect Campaign. Chen became a Respect leader in hopes of meeting new people and mak ing friends; she never realized her story could be influential and inspirational to other international students. Life in Kitchener is a lot dif ferent than it is in China. The 29-year-old lived with her family in Shenzhen, which is just beside Hong Kong (she equates it to the Waterloo to our Kitchener). While the lower levels of pollution in Kitchener are a huge bonus, according to Chen the main reason she loves it in Canada is that she can actually see the stars at night. “I have not seen them in years,” said Chen. “I was pleasantly surprised.” Soon the semester will be over and her family will be able to visit her in Canada. Chen hopes to get a job here which would mean the family would move here permanently. Until then when Chen is feeling homesick and she can’t call her family, she looks to those in the community around her at school to fill the void. After all, Conestoga College is her home away from home.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Chen with her daughter and her husband on vacation last year in Paris, France.
STUDENT LIFE
Monday, February 27,2012
First Generation By TORIE ROTH
First Generation students are those who are the first in their family, besides siblings, to attend post-secondary edu cation. 4<We don’t limit it to their parents having taken classes in post-secondary,” said Shannon Glachan, project manager of the first-gen ini tiative at Conestoga College. “If they don’t possess a cre dential of any kind — diplo ma, degree or trade — the student is considered first generation. It was something that was touch and go with the ministry, but that is the final definition.” The initiative is designed to help students and their fami lies learn to overcome college pressures, navigate campus activities, adjust to college life and successfully complete their program. All students face chal lenges during their journey through college, however, First Generation students are much more likely to encounter challenges such as having sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, completing all requirements of the college process, discov ering resources or services, juggling school, work and home responsibly and coping with all aspects of life including academic, social, emotional and financial. In the past few months, First Generation students have been provided with bi weekly bulletins that sum marize the workshops for the upcoming weeks, and have one-on-one meetings with students to provide assis tance and direction. They can help deal with a variety of issues. “We support students in any way we can through their highs and lows of school,” said Glachan. “We offer volunteer
opportunities — it looks good on a resume and gives stu dents a chance to practise what they learn in the class room. The First Generation stu dent advisory committee con sists of students who volun teer to be the voice of the First Generation students at Conestoga. “Being able to be involved empowered me. I knew I could help myself and help my fellow students,” said Janet Barrett, a second-year public relations student at Conestoga. “I’ve been on the advisory committee ever since my start here and I do PRrelated things and talk to them about strategy.”
Statistics out there say that FG students have a strong need for financial assistance, more than students who aren’t. - Janet Barrett
To apply, visit the Conestoga website and click on the First Generation tab under Student Services. Send your completed form to Shannon Glachan by email or in person. Her office is located in Room 2A103 in the Learning Commons. Everyone who submits an application will be accepted. The form is just procedure. The First Generation office is now located in the Learning Commons. “I have an open door policy with no appoint ment necessary because I want it to be a friendly and welcoming environment for students,” said Glachan. Forty per cent of students in the database did not identify
PHOTO BY TORIE ROTH
Second-year public relations student, Janet Barret, is shown with First Generation project manager, Shannon Glachan, on Feb. 10, outside Room 2A103 in the Learning Commons. The First Generation office has moved to the new location to make them selves more accessible to students.
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staff are here to help
as First Generation when completing their OCAS forms. Previously, the office was located a few doors down from the Learning Commons, behind two closed doors with no signage. “The fact that the office is now located inside the Learning Commons, it is a better sense of community because a lot of the services that FG redirects a student to are located in this very cen tre,” Barret, said. The project is available on every campus even though they do not have a physical presence; they visit all cam puses especially for workshops related to First Generation
students and can also make contact with any students from those campuses. The First Generation office also administers a bursary for students who are full time during the 2011-2012 aca demic year, have financial need that exceeds the value of the bursary, meet OSAP defined citizenship and resi dency requirements, and pro vide a one-page essay outlin ing his or her experience of being the first in his or her family to participate in post secondary studies and the challenges encountered. Winners will be announced in early March and money will be distributed on March
16. “Statistics out there say that FG students have a strong need for financial assistance, more than stu dents who aren’t,” said Barret. Thirty-four per cent of First Generation students in the database who are cur rently enrolled in studies are considered at risk of not completing their current program. First Generation staff and students on the advisory committee want students to know that they are here to help, regardless of the issue they are facing as a First Generation student.
SPORTS
Page 14 ♦SPOKE
Mon Jay, February 27,2012
Condors lose in shootout By RYAN HORNE
This one stung a bit for Conestoga’s women’s extra mural hockey team. A berth in the finals seemed immi nent for the lady Condors during their extramural hock ey tournament held at the recreation centre on Feb. 10. But, after a late goal and run ning into a hot goalie in the shootout, Conestoga was eliminated. In the dying moments of their semifinal game against the St. Lawrence College Vikings, the Condors main tained a slim 1-0 lead. With their goalie pulled, the Vikings pressed and Joanne Dore managed to slip one past Conestoga’s goalie with just 24 seconds left in the third. The shootout was an exciting affair with players from both teams shooting at the same time as opposed to taking turns. Vikings goalie, Amber Lapierre, stood on her head for St. Lawrence, not letting a single puck past her which sent her team to the champi onship game. She was named MVP of the game. Lapierre displayed her skills once again in the finals as the Vikings shut out Laurier 3-0. Brandon Coyle, fourth-year coach for Conestoga, was dis appointed with the late goal and loss, but was still proud of how his team performed considering the fact that they didn’t have a lot of time to practise prior to the tourna ment. “The girls played well, this
PHOTO BY RYAN HORNE
A double shootout took place at the rec centre on Feb. 10 during the semifinal game between Conestoga and St. Lawrence College. St. Lawrence won the shootout and went on to beat Wilfrid Laurier in the finals. was probably one of our best games we’ve played,” said Coyle. Conestoga defeated Laurier and Fleming earlier in the day and was dominating St. Lawrence for most of the game. Steph Baril got the puck sliding for the Condors in the first period by scoring
the game’s first goal on what some thought was a blatant high stick. The refereeing was a major area of concern for both sides and fans alike. Numerous controversial calls and non-calls plagued the flow of the game. “I was impressed,” said Coyle sarcastically. “It’s hit
COUNSELLOR’S CORNER: Grief You can’t stop crying. You feel angry. You feel numb. These feelings are all normal reactions to loss in our lives - a reaction we call grief. Grief does not only have to be a result of losing a loved one to death. W e grieve any kind of loss: the breakup of a relationship, the loss of good health or even the loss of a dream to reach a certain goal. Although these feelings are natural, it sometimes helps to talk them over with a counsellor as part of the healing process. Writing your thoughts in a journal, reading books about grief, and talking to friends can also help. Most of all, give yourself permission to grieve. Feelings left bottled up will only come out later, delaying the healing process. If you have a friend who is grieving, don’t worry about saying the wrong thing to them. Just be there, be a good listener or remind them how much you care with a card, a hug or some time together. If you are grieving a loss and would like to talk with a counsellor or find out about resources in the community, come to Counselling Services. A Message from Counselling Services.______________
and miss in these tourna ments, some refs really care and some don’t. It’s quite evi dent which ones don’t just by the calls they make.” Coyle named Ali Young, who picked up an assist in the semifinal, the MVP for the Condors. “She’s the leader in the
room, she’s the leader every where,” he said. The annual tournament featured colleges and univer sities from Ontario including W ilfrid Laurier, Mohawk, St. Lawrence and Fleming. This was the final tourna ment of the year for extra mural hockey.
ENTERTAINMENT
Monday, February 27,2012
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L l : 12 W : : .
By NICOLE JOBES
Collectively 30 feet, three inches tall and weighing in at a very rock ’n roll 912 pounds, the members of the Arkells left the tri-cities awestruck with their high-energy stage pres ence and infectiously rousing songs on Feb. 9, at Elements Nightclub jh Kitchener. It is clear from their electrify ing live performance that the Hamilton-based band is averse to disappointing their audience. A band that likes to have fun, the Arkells love to perform and has always made it a priority to engage the crowd at live shows, according to lead singer and guitarist Max Kerman. “We are music fans our selves,” he said. “We appreci ate it when bands we like reach out to the audience at their shows.” It was a very loud and very sweaty night as the Arkells practically shook the walls of the nightclub and warmed up the cold winter air with songs from both their previous album and their new album, Michigan Left. “It means so much that you guys are all singing along,” Kerman said to the audience with a gracious smile and a hand on his heart. There was no question he appreciated the tenacious enthusiasm of their fans. With the October release of their sophomore album, Michigan Left, the band has blown up — figuratively speaking — in the best possi ble way. The story of the Arkells is a rock and roll fairy tale of sorts; a small town group makes it big doing exactly what they love doing, making music exactly the way they want to.
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While their previous album, faces on. Every show that each of their songs. It truly Jackson Square, was inspired cheer may be different, said seemed not a person in the more by 70s music, the band Kerman. On the night of their house was having a bad experimoved up a decade in their Kitchener show, the Arkells ence, except maybe the young influences and drew from the had special guests, The lady who dropped her iPhone ’80s while writing new materi Darcys, perform as their open- in the mosh pit. al. Kerman noted that the ing act; the Toronto-based “Shows close to home have a music they were listening to at band’s drummer, Wes different energy,” said the time they were writing Marksell, joined in the pre- Kerman. “Those fans have strongly influenced their atti show fun with a pump-up been with us for so long, buytudes toward the type of music speech from the movie Cool ing albums first.” and tunes they were produc Runnings: Feel the rhythm! At the end of the night, ing; the ’80s lent freshp£$s W Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its these hometown rock puretheir sound that the whole bobsled time! Cool runnings! breds are not only making a band could appreciate. Some of The energy of the audience name for themselves across these influences included p a s electric and as soon as gui- the country, but internationFleetwood Mac, The National, rist Mike DeAngelis struck ally as well with the Bryan Adams and Michael s first chord, the Arkells American release of Michigan McDonald. infected everyone in the build- Left on April 10. The music the Arkells collec Ing with their fun sound. The The Arkells have tively listen to is based in the j crowd only got more excited as been nornirock category; it was the fbcusf the night matured and cheers nated for j those songs had on melodies, turned into screams as fans two J u jjjl and the idea of songs that are shouted lyrics to Awards “nice to hear” that truly inspired them when writing. Kerman said it was theii goal to make music people wanted to listen to with their headphones on, very personal yet very entertaining and pleasant to listen to, while incorporating catchier melodies “We are a meat and potatoes rock and roll band,” said Kerman. “We want ed to capture the spontaneity and sweat that goes into the live show, with those pretty ele ments too.” Before each show the Steel City band does a “hands in,” as Kerman puts it, and they do a little rah rah cheer to get their musical game
P
PHOTOS BY NICOLE JOBES
Top right, the Arkells’ lead singer and guitarist, Max Kerman, serenades the audience at Elements Night Club in Kitchener on Feb. 9.
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year including Rock Album of the Year and Group of the Year; whilst their music has been recently featured on the TV show 90210. While the band may be making it big and getting the recognition they deserve, they still remain very much Hamiltonians at heart and love nothing more than to put on a good show for their fans. “Cheers Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge,” Kerman hailed as he raised his shot glass. As he tossed back the booze and wiped the instant expression of disgust off his face, the keyboard came in and vocals followed with John Lennon, a favourite from their first album. The audience t joined in and the night was over far too soon.
Page 16 ♦SPOKE
Monday, February 27,2012
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