Digital Edition - April 04, 2005 by SPOKENewspaper

Going

squirrelly for the outdoors

Custodians make a clean sweep Housekeeping company that keeps

Get out and learn

how

the wilderness.

Conestoga program will show you how. Feature

Conestoga clean wins

Spoke

to survive in

quality award.

News 3 Exercise for a good cause Rec centre’s aerobics classes to help family of

a one-year-old who has cancer.

News Monday,

2005

April 4,

Conestoga College, Kitchener

pi& -

•i*',

& ||j

...

Spring weather springina our

wav at

be a busy bee ing service areas with the residence such as the recreation centre,

Imagine an environment where your learning experience is more

and your potential can be reached and celebrated more easily. Conestoga College is striving to do just that for students. fillfilling

The

first

step in achieving this

goal will be to hire a student

life

co-ordinator.

Four students from Conestoga

won second

Carol Gregoiy, Conestoga’s stu-

can be given more opportunities for involvement within the college.

“The students need a well-rounded college experience, so they don’t pass through with only a diploma or degree,” said Gregory.

“My

hope

when each

student

completes his or her college career, he or she will leave with a positive stepping stone in his or her life.” The student life co-ordinator will

be responsible for developing and implementing a long-term strategic plan for student life at the college, while also co-ordinating student activities within the college. The co-ordinator will collaborate with a

committee, which includes college students, Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI), service areas, faculty and alumni to help implement key initiatives within the strategic plan.

Gregoiy said the new co-ordinator

will

also

create

orientation

The position entitles the co-ordinator to recruit, hire and activities.

train orientation assistants for the

orientation process in the

fall.

or she will also plan and

implement

activities

that

link

prize in a sec-

Student Services, health services

and career services.

hard to

Gregory said the co-ordinator will also create a model that helps recognize and celebrate student success at the college.

“We have ebrate

dent development director, said the position is being created so students

DAWN HASSON

ond annual engineering competition. The four young men who represented Conestoga College worked

and we want to cel-

them and

get their

names out

in the college

community,” she said. Another of the student life co-

ordinator’s duties will include developing and monitoring student web pages that highlight student leadership and sendees while promoting an integrated student life,

make

wooden

catapult for

competition put on by the Wood Council. They took home a prize of $ 1 ,000 as well as two textbooks from the council. the

They competed

against 14 other

teams, all from Canadian colleges and universities. They drove to Ottawa and worked to hit a minimum target of 20 metres with a two-pound ball. “They put a lot of work into it and did extremely well,” said Mark

have

Bramer, the co-ordinator for the woodworking program. “We’re very proud of their efforts and their results.”

the responsibility to research stu-

Last year, Conestoga College’s

experience

at the college.

The co-ordinator dent

will also

programming and

life

Waterl00 Walter Bean was

’

activi-

Greg Saunders and Pat McIntosh on their work terms right now and could not be reached for com-

worth

college’s

team came

other educational institutions so he or she can bring the best prac-

in fourth place.

it,”

said Durward.

The

catapult took them approximately eight weeks to put together and they had to make it without

ment, but fellow second-year wood-, working students Bruce Durward and Craig Laaksonen said they were

using wood-plastic composites or concrete or steel structural mem-

surprised when they learned they received second prize at the awards

non-elastic

ceremony.

nails,

Canadian

students accomplishing

incredible things

R M Park

are

College

By JON YANEFF

“We

weren’t expecting second

place, especially after

team

we saw

the

(which did really well),” said Laaksonen. The Conestoga team of four had to shoot the two-pound ball and “keep that started

nailing

a certain point.” The top was based on distance, with a $1,500 reward and three textbooks. Conestoga provided the students with most of the wood to make the catapult, which cost approximately $50. The team guesses they spent about $100 for the other materials. Their catapult is in Whitby with one of the team members. “It was a long drive but it was prize

bers.

They were allowed metal

ropes,

use

screws,

bolts, washers, nuts, steel connector plates or braces, shear plates, split rings, hinges and glue.

The catapult could have a mass of no more than 70 kilograms. Three one-square metre targets were installed vertically at ground level and placed at 20 metres, 30 metres and 40 metres. The objective of the competition was to hit the targets directly as

many

times,

as possible within a period of 30

minutes using the two-pound ball. Three points were awarded for a 20 metre target hit, five points were

awarded for a 30 metre target hit and 10 points were awarded for a 40 metre target hit.

ties at

back to Conestoga College. Gregory said the co-ordinator will help with the communication process so the students are aware of what is happening within the college. “Conestoga has a lot of good elements within the college and they

Conestoga residence looking

tices

have to be pulled together,” she said.

“The student

will

create

process to

make

The student

life

co-ordinator

systems and the

the

this possible.”

affairs

hopes to hire the student

department life

co-ordi-

nator within the next two months.

The co-ordinator

the things Conestoga

and the college

Conestoga’s Residence and Conference Centre with the col-

part-time

lege. This will include co-ordinat-

are

new is

ALEXANDRA MASTRONARDI

who can be hard-working and who

are looking for people leaders, are

If you like to save money and meet new friends while gaining

tion to residence

experience, then a residence advis-

“The best RAs

(RA) job may be for you. The Conestoga Residence and

Conference Centre is hiring RAs for the 2005-2006 school year. Resident advisers are students

want

dents

make

a positive contribu-

can be a friend to everyone,” said Avery, who is also the residence life co-ordinator.

Maita Taruvinga, a current RA,

R A gives you

a voice.

dence, ensuring the rules of the building are being followed, and

show your weaknesses through leadership,”

who

she said.

working on more ideas that

accessible for students.

patrol

the

hallways

resi-

organize fun activities for stu-

dents.

They

are also students

who

“It’s really a great

opportunity to strengths and your

enjoy helping others and provide

not too time-consuming and you have nothing to lose by trying

assistance to other residents.

it.”

Candice Avery, assistant general

manager of the residence,

said they

“It’s

$2,500. social

also looking for

orientation

staff for

These students arc volunteers who receive free early move-in in August and help set up the residence for the new school year. year.

They also sit on the social fund committee and have a say as to where the money is directed within the residence.

There are currently seven posiRAs and 5 social

tions available for

orientation staff positions.

Anyone

interested can contact the residence

Resident advisers arc paid and students usually

fall

The residence

are outgoing stu-

who

said being an

to hire

cost of the residence fees, which works out to be approximately

life.

degree completion agreements and

who

one of doing to

student centre

employment

residence advisers for the

just

enhance the learning experience for students. CSI and the college are building a

Students take home second in engineering competition

life

co-ordinator will

‘

(Photo by Tim Murphy)

a Waterloo business^nd community teaderThobeteved" hromributing to the Grand River. The is s,i„ u „der construe**, When co.ptete, i, wii,

New student

||||

|jj

make back

half the

(519)

895-2272.

applications

April

Deadline for 1 1

Page 2

— SPOKE,

April 4,

News

2005

Now deep thoughts Conestoga College

...with

questions answered by

Random

What

random

students

the craziest prank

you’ve ever pulled? “We covered my buddy’s Jeep in snow and melted

mmrnWmmm

and ruined the Derek Murphy,

interior.” (Photo by Steph Baulk) If

first-year firefighter

exams

the weight of

too much, students should check out the stress-free zone on

April 20.

Stressed out students “When my potty training

brother I

get a chance to relax

was

put plastic

By STEPH BAULK

wrap on the seat so the pee would bounce back and hit him.”

“Exam week

Michelle Wheatcroft, first-year

up too

ple stay

time when peo-

late,

don’t eat, don’t

have any fun and do all sorts of things that can result in burnout and actually make them do poorly on tests,” said Joan Magazine, a

accounting

counsellor in

This

“We

put maggots

why

Student Services.

the department pro-

vides the stress-free zone. in

zone is a workbe held on April 20 in shop Room 1B26, giving students a short break from textbooks and stress-free

'Flie

friend’s sleeping

bag.”

John Yungblut, second-year

that will

study notes. said the stress-free zone held for several different reasons. “It’s there to create a fun and

Magazine

engineering

relaxing activity for students dur-

ing a stressful time, and we also teach them how to relax and how to

take care of themselves,” she said. “I

zone is an open door service, where students can just walk in and take advantage of

The

put green food colouring in

the

and red food the back tank

toilet

colouring

rid

of the green,

Kevin Davison, first-year electronic

daughter’s dad but just put New Kids on the

massage students

up to the event early is

a sign-up

it.”

Sabrina Paradis, first-year nursing

said during the work-

shop there are usually about 100 students who have a massage or other service while others

who

The workshop

guy passed out and we shaved his eyebrows and his hair.” Rachel Thomson, third-year mechanical engineering

pass

through just pick up some information or have a snack because they can’t wait for a massage. being held one

ALEXANDRA MASTRONARD1

Ask

the Library

new

virtual

reference service that offers online help to students and faculty at the college.

depends on the time of

week and how

flexible the stu-

dents are with their schedule,” she

“But usually

said.

can get a stu-

a chance to get the hands-on work.” If you don’t have a chance to get a massage or other service, the

dent in within the same week.” Some students are so busy with exams they are often letting other

qualities that

important things go, and that’s when Student Services gets more emergency or panic appointments.

workshop has other

make

worthwhile.

Student Services provides handyou walk by about

Magazine

outs in the hall as

how

to study

Magazine

and manage said

there

Conestoga

stress. is

also

stress questionnaire for students to

out while they’re waiting for a

fill

massage

as well as stress balls

sometimes

said

it’s

the semesters.

“We

online from

Monday

a.m.

p.m.

to Friday.

Students can contact a library staff person over the Internet and

help you do research, said Cathy Potvin. who works in Conestoga’s learning

person

will

have had no problems

beneficial

for

filling

slot that those professionals

The

students

seem

to appreci-

SIGNS OF STRESS Headaches ’

the heat in your hand, are

who

•

stop 'in to check out the workshop.

Student Services

water and some

also

healthy

provides

•

snacks

•

such as popcorn and apples for students who may be skipping meals in order to squeeze in an extra half-

•

hour of studying. However, if you are feeling

•

Excessive sadness

Back pain Overeating Loss of appetite

Depression Loss of energy

Emotional Insomnia Stomach problems Constantly worrying

seri-

because rather then sending us an email and having to wait for a response, ately,

we can respond immedican chat with students and

give them websites that will help answer their questions," she said.

A is

log of all questions and answers recorded for future reference by

students

number of college librarians in Ontario decided they wanted to offer a

more resources to students. As the service expands

students

be able to receive help from librarians at other colleges allowing

may

for longer hours of operation.

"The service

starting out small,

few hours per day. but we’ll probably expand to other colleges

other students.

only a

After logging on. students will have access to a chat screen where they can communicate with the

and hopefully longer hours,” she

Live voice chat is also available for students with compatilibrarian.

ble equipment.

resource centre. “It’s

have.

Biodots, which indicate your stress level

hard to get people

out to events, but the stress-free zone has gained a reputation over

and

have veils of lavender

service has a college librarian

The

that

Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!

and they would, don’t have

“It really

the

Library for help online

Ask the “At a party a

that time,

also a fun activity for students

list.

Block on

where they could set up their stuff and leave it there. “That means 25 per cent less time, and therefore, people who could fill

can come to Student Services and meet with a counsellor at their convenience. telling students they

mind.”

Magazine for

year because

this

they couldn’t find a classroom that was available for two days in a row

hands-on massage.”

often brings a student in

and two registered mas-

should show

made a CD

reduced hours

sage therapists,” she said. “So students can actually get a mini

who

because there

“I

from Student Services. Magazine said there are signs around the room in the workshop

Magazine said the event has

py there. We and rosemary,” she said. “Lavender is for relaxation and rosemary' is for stimulation or sharpening your

being offered.

In order to get a

engineering

two hours over a two-day period.

ate the opportunity,” she said.

actually get both a reflexol-

training,

turned grey.”

only provides a little relief, you may want to consider a one-on-one appointment with a counsellor

up every

“We

ously stressed and the workshop

from 10:30 a.m.-l :30 p.m. Student years previous In Sendees has held the workshop for

this

toys to play with while you wait. “We also have some aromathera-

ogist,

get

stress-free

whatever

so when they flushed to

year for three hours

day only

Potvin said the service began after

said.

The

virtual reference, offered

Conestoga, Centennial and Georgian can be accessed at colleges, www.concstogac.on.ca/lrc.

News

SPOKE,

company

College’s custodial

2005

April 4,

— Page 3

receives award

By CHANTELLE TIMPERLEY

The housekeeping company dedicated to keeping Conestoga College squeaky clean has been rewarded for their excellent service.

The

London

Commerce

Chamber

of Martin

presented

Building Maintenance Inc. with the

award

in London on March 2 for being the top company for quality.

The company, received a plaque as well as automatic entry into the

national competition.

The award

given out every

Those nominated fill out a questionnaire based on criteria year.

such as leadership, planning, people focus and overall business performance.

The Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge branch of Martin Building Maintenance, which does

housekeeping at Conestoga College, and the London branch were both nominated, but it was the

(rriuio

From left to right, Sharon Sprague are all custodial Chris Hinsperger

right,

the

London branch Either way,

won

that

the award.

Conestoga’s Martin

Building Maintenance resident manager said it's a win for everyone.

“A

of us from this area contribute to the success that we have with some of our sites down there lot

as well," said Chris Hinsperger. “It really is an overall achievement for

the entire company.”

staff

who work

the resident

They take pride

work,

their

anything.

things, but

Their job

also

not

something anyone can do. Hinsperger said acknowledging them is a very important element in his company. think that

“I

something

have always tried to do, as far as handing out the pats on the back,

day to recognize that fact.” Martin Building Maintenance

50 best-managed companies. Hinsperger has been with the corporation for more than 10 years, and said it is a great company to work for because of the stability and dedication of its staff.

also offers various incentives like

son the company has gained such a exceptional attitudes of the workers.

far

ers are appreciated.

from not

positive reputation is thanks to the

at the college.

manager from Martin

they want to do a good job and they do not have to be asked twice to do

Corporation, has also been nominated this year as one of Canada’s

explained that part of the rea-

Building Maintenance.

Martin Building Maintenance’s parent company, the Hurley

uy t^nameue nmperle

Caissie and Bryan

St. Cyr, Phyllis

giving credit where credit’s due,”

“We

said.

try to

make

sure every

enjoy the support that just the

from

receive

company

side of

the college,” he

said. “They are quite aware of dayto-day challenges and I think a lot of our customers and other college

staff appreciate that it,

and recognize because they deal with a lot of

the

same

things in their

own

depart-

Those challenges include dealing with complaints, supervising daily and educating customers

activities

the bravo program,

nates workers for

gets

of their hard work.

He enjoys serving the Conestoga community because he said he feels like he and the work-

like his or her

needs are important. Secondly, he identifies how to

ments.’.’

on how things work. Hinsperger demonstrated one way Martin Building Maintenance

which nomiemployee of the month. Employees have a chance to win cash prizes as well as see their names posted in recognition

(

its

positive reputation in excel-

lent service

handle

by explaining how

difficult situations.

school’s custodians, said she likes the people she meets on a daily

helps in getting to the core of the

concern and makes the customer feel

dents from another culture.

On March “Students helping students”

what

and students of be given a chance

faculty, staff

the college will to celebrate the

This week

week of April

4-8.

dedicated to the

hard-working peer helpers, which includes peer tutors and peer hosts, who are part of a group dedicated to helping others in need.

Melissa Turner, peer services administrator, said the purpose of peer appreciation week

make

students aware of the opportunities for students who want to get

involved and be a peer tutor or host, or if students need help, to make

them aware of

the services.

“It’s a week where we recognize and celebrate the peer helpers’ efforts from the fall and winter terms, and it’s also a week where

we’re looking to recruit students for the

coming

fall,”

she said.

hosting an open house at the

campus

experiencing difficulty with their subject material.

Turner said the evening gives them a chance to recognize the efforts of their peer hosts by presenting certificates

Students,

welcome

with

course work.

Peer services also offers peer hosts,

who

are students

who

are

matched one-on-one with another student. They also provide inclass conversation groups to stu-

our annual

and

faculty

are

staff

come anytime between

4:30 and 6 p.m., where they can mingle, snack on some food and refreshments and pick up their cer-

and gifts. She said throughout

number of programs

to ensure students

receive

who need

help

agement for

someone “It’s

in the

same program.”

a week where

rec-

ognize and celebrate the

peer helpers’ the

fall

know

efforts

from

and winter terms

...”

Melissa Turner,

peer se/yices administrator

things

bulletin

Tim

the

“Requests vary by program,” she

will feature all of

and volunteer opportunities that are available, and we will be recruiting that whole week for people who want to be services, job

involved for the coming

fall,”

she

“So people can stop by out more information and

they are interested they can an application form."

to if

“The largest demand for tutoring comes from the business and technology programs.” said.

Turner said peer services does a

year, you have to have a 75 per cent program average and an 80 per cent average in the course you would

of being a

like to tutor.

tutor.

“So we keep the website updated and we also post all of our group tutorials and our learning groups on the website as well,” she said. If you would like to request a peer tutor, you can go to the peer services office and fill out a form

You also have to possess good communication skills, interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills. If you meet the criteria you have to drop off a completed application form at the peer services office.

requesting a tutor.

then be held, which would be done before you leave the campus for the

peer services staff

“Typically

matched

in a

and

in-class presentations

where we go

not

little

bit

longer.

we know

help

mak-

can sometimes be a

courses that are

have

it’s

“If we’re having difficulty

ning of the school year,

can get somebody

usually a long wait," said Turner. ing the match

When in

high

there arc

demand

a lot of students need

in that area,

offer learning

into the class and make students aware of the services. It’s part of

groups, and that’s what we’ve done

and winter terms, there arc about 150 students working as tutors, learning group

orientation,” she said.

There are about eight program areas they run learning groups in, and those are courses where they

leaders or peer hosts.

do class

Currently, for the

fill

out

fall

Turner said they have tutors and

“When we

run learning groups

for a particular program,

into

the

where class and

visits

also

the tutor goes lets

students

this year.”

know help.

Turner said an interview would

member will

day or two, so

number of things to raise awareness. “What we try to do, at the beginis

becoming

what it is about, how you can apply and the benefits

tutor.

main

are interested in

information about the peer tutoring

tutor each year.

the

you

services, as far as

main corridor of

get-

session,

a peer tutor for the next school

peer services will have a display set in the

somebody

own one-on-one

also has a lot of

then meet with you to review your request and get you matched with a

building of the college.

in addition to

available to help,” said Turner.

Hortons.

“Our website

us.”

they could go weekly to the learning group where there is a tutor

put

Turner also said they typically have about 450 students request a

the

“So

board and

use the overhead by the

week

ting their

run ads in Spoke,

said I

just saying thank you.”

a service offered to them,

up on our

here and

Maintenance and its staff. “Everybody wants to be recognized for doing a good job,” he said. “It’s nice that we can do that, sometimes in formal procedures, but for the most part it’s everyday

she said.

A week

it is

Hinsperger said a simple thankyou is a great way of showing appreciation to the Martin Building

basis and enjoys working for Martin Building Maintenance. “They’re good to their people.

“We

it.

“With our tutors, we hire students where there are senior levels in the programs, so a second or third year,” she said. “However, the peer hosts come from all across the college, and don’t have to be matched with

tificates

find

struggling

of appreciation. present

recognized,” said Turner.

learning groups to help' other stuare

gifts

also

award of excellence for peer hosting at that event, so it’s a chance for faculty, staff and students who work in our area to come and be

said.

who

and

“We

There are also peer positions where the students run weekly dents

Doon

for peer helpers.

“The display

Peer tutors are students who are hired to help students who are

hosts from a

30, peer services is

to everybody,”

come

work, so whether they got the award or not I would have kept doing what 1 do. It’s just an encour-

Celebrate ‘students helping students’ this By STEPH BAULK

iviastronarai)

employees one on one and talking to the customer about the scope of responsibilities the workers have. However, his biggest success secret is to treat people the wav he wants to be treated. Phyllis Caissie, one of the

investigates a complaint

good

they’re

Caissie. “I

resolve the problem and takes into consideration the need to meet with

and puts major emphasis on addressing customers face-to-face because it

first

rnuLu uy fvexarwra

Steve Rommelaere has been working in Conestoga’s housekeeping department for nine months. He says he enjoys listening to KoolFM while he works.

a lot of students will ask for

summer or during “We also get a

large

vide us with a

the

summer.

number of recommendations from the program,” said Turner. “So in May or in early June, the program will prostudents

who

list

recommended

have achieved good

grades and also would

make

good

tutor.

“We

then send out our recruitment

to the students who have been recommended and interview them for fall positions,” she said.

packages

someone

successful

becoming a tutor they would then have to go through a full day of training, which generally happens in August or early September before the

fall

semester

starts.

Page 4

— SPOKE,

Commentary

2005

April 4,

Help stop the bloodshed Violence. Murder. Terrorism.

These topics are trumpeted across media headlines on a daily basis.

March 23 was no Jeff Weise

exception.

The day

before, Minnesota teen

killed his grandparents, drove to school

and murdered

seven others before turning his gun on himself in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. On March 6, Alnoor Amarsi threw his five-year-old daughter off the Don Mills Road overpass onto Highway 401 before

plunging to his

own

death.

And, on March 3, heavily armed criminal James Roszko ambushed and murdered four Mounties near Edmonton before taking his It

own

life.

often seems

are inundated with nightmarish stories of

bloodshed from around the world. As a result, some people have become indifferent to the

terror.

However, those who turn a blind eye to the latest suicide bomber in the Middle East must presumably take notice when

Love

such violence occurs in their own backyards. But what can be done to prevent needless tragedies close to

home? Sure, there were warning signs in

all

of the above mentioned

It is

who admired

alleged that Weise,

Hitler

and nicknamed

himself the Angel of Death in German, had threatened to pull a Columbine in Red Lake.

misleading young

One example

movies where a couple in love, reaches

some

falls

to society,

walk

Laws, procedures and protocols will cially that of a mentally

tail;

the

human mind - espe-

deranged murderer - is not easy to predict.

Despite the implementation of measures to prevent horrific crimes, offenders will slip through the system’s penetrable cracks. Moreover, the police and other agencies charged with protect-

superhero

who

is faster than a speeding bullet

and more

powerful than a locomotive cannot be relied upon to leap over tall buildings in a single bound and to save mankind from itself. Instead, it is the duty of every citizen to accept responsibility

and be

vigilant.

Alert the police if you suspect threat to society.

make

swoon

someone you know might be a

Continue to press authorities

until

your voice

lot

of time and

effort,

good com-

you can’t love yourself or you don’t have enough selfrespect, how can you expect someone else to love you?

like the Backstreet

McGraw. Sorry, but while

ally

buy

I like

Men

it.

that stuff, I

don’t gener-

bear their feelings or declare

their love for you or wait quietly on the sidelines for you. Yes, I know,

negative and

it’s

But

let’s

maybe a little bias. Anyone

you kiss the man of your dreams, there will be no music and absolutely

When

you’re at

ship must

a Canada Day

of work, and there are

obsta-

On TV,

You have

ment industry portrays, no one else is going to do that for you. Loving yourself

very important, espe-

young age where you’re

cially at a

trying to figure yourself out and what you’re going to do with the rest

of your

life.

easy to get caught up in the

It’s

before us,

women

there are ridiculous soap

music and absolutely no fireworks,

the characters have

Day

almost always end in divorce and

While

their lives.

wonder, does set

all this

young

girls

disappointment?

sappy

up for

way

too

many

this

married and some

secondary education and financial issues are coming first. You should

various love affairs; the marriages

unless you’re at a Canada

and have children.

don’t even bother. Post-

that

first.

Decide what

it is

you want, and don’t let the hype affect you. The harsh truth is, it’s

fake.

find

would drive

ness

experiences

generations

women were expected to

put yourself

earth-shattering

ideas.

tale

fairy

operas in which the characters have

cel-

to protect your-

Despite what the entertain-

self.

some couples won’t ever rise above. When you kiss the man of your dreams, there will be no

cles that

know

as well as various other

life

matters.

until they get

celebration.

that they are a lot

some

Now, people are waiting longer

any kind of relation-

know

your

get married

fireworks, unless

face reality here.

romance only

But why take the chance?

self. If

Boys, N’Sync, and country music artists like Gary Allan and Tim

You may be wrong.

should

munication and a strong sense of

ebration.

heard.

girls

You have

deep down what you like, what you hate, what you want to do with

taught is that relationships require

background.

who’s been

ing society do not provide an infallible safety net.

What young

There are endless love songs where men bear their feelings and

just can’t

free.

within yourself.

and, sometimes, there’s fireworks in the

from love

Opinion

while romantic music plays

kiss,

True happiness does not come affairs. It comes from

Hasson

madly

together sealed with a passionate

Amarsi’s actions the day he hurled his daughter off the bridge were premeditated. He left two suicide notes. And, subsequent to Roszko’s killing spree, witnesses have come forward claiming he said he planned to shoot a police officer. Roszko’s own brother, John, places blame on the justice system that let James, a convicted child molester and known threat

again.

Dawn

sort of obsta-

comic books depicting macabre scenes. Shamsha Hassam, Amarsi’s wife, had warned authorities she feared her suicidal and debt-ridden husband, with whom she was in the middle of an acrimonious child custody battle, may

have steamy sex with and

everything’s right in the world

the “chick flick”

This troubled boy, whose father had committed suicide, used

harm her or their daughter.

man

girls.

cle and miraculously gets back

his free time to create

fairy tale

Perhaps I’m overly pessimistic, but I really think the entertainment industry

cases.

not

Find something

real,

and

within yourself. True happi-

does

us normal people to therapy or perhaps to an institution, the soap

Hollywood

opera characters just find another

enjoy

not '-portray

some

depiction of a fantasy

that will likely never happen, so life in

your

own

way.

Spoke Letters are

welcome

Is published and produced weekly by the Journalism students Editor:

Spoke welcomes

letters to the

should be signed and include the name and telephone number of the writer. Writers will be

editor. Letters

contacted

No unsigned

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Battler

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Address correspondence to; Spoke, 299 Doon Valley Room 4B14, Kitchener, Ont.,

Editor,

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News

Rec centre classes raise money for tot

SPOKE,

Some words When

best

But, on that day, I remained speechless despite my inner rage. I cannot explain my passive response.

Conestoga College’s Doon campus,

often overhear students’ con-

versations.

By CHANTELLE TIMPERLEY

benefit

for her son.

be held on Saturday, April 9 in Conestoga’s recreation centre’s multipurpose

room

will

to offer,” she .said. “Hopefully that

change and continget better and better for chil-

ue to dren in the future nosed with this.”

Aerobics classes focusing on abs, legs and cardio will be held at noon and 1 p.m.

One-year-old Liam

Holmes

Robertson

who

are diag-

Some programs

supporters

with

neuroblastoma, one of the most common tumours found in

the

rec

fundraising initiatives.

coverage, doesn’t cover the fact that mom stays

the

home and

Colleen Holmes, a fitness and equipment technician, said the rec

staff

and an

she said. “I talked to

supervisor

Duane and he was right in there.” Holmes lost her four-year-old son Danny to neuroblastoma in 1997, and said she understands what

it’s

go through the struggles. “Childhood cancer, even though we do have OHlP coverage, doeslike to

cover the fact that mom stays home and takes care of the child, often losing her job,” Holmes said. “I know so much about it because I n’t

classmate’s placement, such as an “old people’s home.”

and equipment

was that person.” Holmes also said treatments now are better and have more to offer than the ones that were available

and

him

to use

I take solace in the posoffender might read this article and reconsider his sugges-

aisles to the back of a bus while certain Caucasians at the front sneered and called them

tion.

as they passed by.

Perhaps he will be inspired to pick up a copy of the dictionary

Such derogatory labels should be washed from everyone’s mouth.

and leam that the word “retard” describes a delay in progress or

names

offensive

Although

student’s remark,

also

disgusted by the will admit. 1 am

development; only in offensive slang does it refer to a person who

somewhat disappointed

And,

place

high value on self expression and have never been shy about speaking my mind. I

mentally challenged.

myself. a

to the charitable organiza-

tion that unwittingly accepts either

student

a volunteer, please deepest condolences.

CORRECTION March

In the

21 edition of Spoke, the incorrect date for the s Basketball Tournament’s National Championship

NCAA

One Men

Division

game was given. The championship game is today (April 4). Also, Gerry McNamara’s name was accidentally omitted from the list of leturning

seniors

Spoke apologizes

from Syracuse's National Championship team. for the errors.

slightly foolish, but laughable

retards,”

VOTING FOR THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

DOON CAMPUS ACADEMIC CONSTITUENCY

There was a moment of silence that was broken when the other young

man

countered

would be much

simpler to just doctor the forms. If those students had spouted off vulgar profanities for the entire five minutes they walked behind me, instead of uttering the word

as being a cheerful

ANNE CHARLES FRAN GREGORY JEANETTE LINTON

“retard” once, it would have sounded like sweet music to my ears. Forget about being politically

be given to Liam’s family they see

thought

correct

fit.

that word, in

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sibility the

narrow

said the friend nonchalantly.

his parents.

how

point,

Then it happened. “You could work with

Anyone attending is asked to donate a minimum of $2 to the Liam Fund. Proceeds from the benefit will

this

ashamed. However,

nevertheless.

little boy who always has a smile, but that the disease has put a lot of

strain

until

these scheming students were lazy

She said the college’s firefighters are especially working hard on their own to raise money for Liam. Liam continues to go through chemotherapy treatments to shrink the size of the tumour so it can be surgically removed. An information sheet on Liam describes

Regardless of the excuse,

The scene conjured up images in my mind of African-Americans in the 1950s making their way down

His friend responded tricky to do without

After a moment, the friend suggested different options for his

alarm

went off and I thought, ‘I’m going to do this,”’

they were

Opinion

getting caught.

technician

just a thought process,

voices,

Could it be my week-long battle with the flu had taken some of the tiger out of me? Or, was I in a state of shock?

Ormston

would be

that

Colleen Holmes, fitness

and approached Holmes.

was

takes care of

job.”

members knows Liam’s moth-

“It

teer duties.

the child, often losing her

centre picks a child or a cause to help support every year. One of the

booming

complaining about the 24 hours of charity work they were required to perform in order to complete their program. The one student said he wished he could falsify the necessary documents, thereby shirking his volun-

“Childhood cancer, even though we do have OH IP

develops most often in the abdomen, attacking the adrenal glands on the kidneys. The disease It

pace close behind.

centre’s

babies or young children.

A couple of weeks ago, I was headed down a hall while two young men, who were walking in the same direction, matched my

with fitness cours-

mind.

es, such as firefighting, paramedics and police foundations, are big

abdomen while bathing him. He was shortly after diagnosed his

attaches itself to nerve tissue, and

thing that has remained fixed in

word is being spread and word of mouth.

said

through flyers

was four months old when his mother Helen noticed a lump on

tumors can also be found chest, neck or pelvis.

Even if I tried. I could not recall any of these superficial exchanges. However, I recently heard some-

will continue to

for a toddler with cancer.

Jennifer

They generally chatter about such trivial topics as homework, lunch and the weather.

“The treatment my son had was not as advanced as what Liam’s has

— Page 5

unsaid

left

through the halls of

I stroll

2005

April 4,

(Inside

Door #4)

AND 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.

MAIN FOYER

(Inside

Door #4)

Please be prepared to produce your College ID card or Driver's License as Identification

— SPOKE,

Page 6

News

2005

April 4,

Aspiring nurses teach students STDs and

Healthy eating,

thing or

among

other infectious diseases

two

topics covered

By STEPH BAULK fair held

The health

and 24 by the

on March 22

year bachelor of

first

science in nursing students gave other students a chance to get educated on things like eating healthy,

STDs and

dis-

other infectious

eases.

The health fair was step three of a four-step assignment they’ve been doing said Heidi Holmes, a clinical tutor for the bachelor of science in nursing program.

“It’s

someone coming

not

from outside the

college with what they

important for the

feel is

students to know,

it’s

what the students actually said they wanted to know

about.”

Heidi Holmes, clinical tutor

went

“First the students

to the

student population and did a needs assessment related to health,” she

“(They wanted

said.

know)

things like what the health needs of the students are, what they would like to learn

they

more about and where

need to improve from a health point of

they

feel

their lives

and Khojasta Babury, students on March 22 in the Blue Room.

Leslie Sweet, Kristina Ondrias

information on fad diets

interacted with other students using

view.”

teaching and learning theories, like

The nursing students surveyed from across the college

how do people

students

learn best,

what

are

different learning styles, etc.

and got the information they needed and then came up with a teaching plan, which was the second

the bachelor of science

Then

the stu-

running the booths

would

draw the students dents

in.

involve the visitors by playing games, awarding prizes and hand-

•The fourth and final step of the assignment is a reflection on the

ing out different things like con-

step.

whole process.

The third step of the assignment was the health fair, where students

mainly a poster presentation to

About 20 to 30 booths were set up from 12-3 p.m. around the college in the E-wing on the second level, as well as by the Tim Hortons

Holmes

said the health fair

was

doms

and

at the

in the

Holmes

STD

initiative for the

get

them out

outside the college with what they feel is important for the students to

and get them interacting with

know,

clients.

ly said they

the general students’ per-

tion is

it’s

a great opportunity to

have some of their peers who are in a professional program, but still in their age group, who can relate to them and provide some informa-

on what they perceive

their

needs to be based on the assessments they did,” she said.

a great

nursing students to

into their

is the college, and see what the health needs of the students are

“From

Blue Room. said the process

nursing program, displayed and distributed

which

spective,

stand.

community,

“It’s

not

COUNSELLOR’S CORNER:

someone coming

Final

from

it’s

what the students actualwanted to know more

about.”

The nursing students did everyfrom buying the poster boards, going out into the commuthing

and informapackages and putting up all the information by themselves. “It’s a very self-directed program,” said Holmes. “And they’ve been very good with that.”

nity to get resources tion

Exams

sulk or to study. Whether to become the dark, hoping for the best. How you use your time up to you and will determine your level of success or failure.

Whether to panic or to prepare. Whether to enlightened or to remain

and energy

To go into the exam period with your eyes wide open, you need • how many exams you have and in which subjects; • when, where and for how long they are scheduled; •

b8M

to Bod

It's

•

not trno."

• My

mother

disease

that

Its

dying from Huniingion

an inherited brain disorder

slowly chipping away

mind

her body

children face those same

may it

disease

take 10, 15

fifty-fifty

odds.

gilt

life.

mother,

What have

wanted 1

to give

done instead?

- even 25 - years

finally kills her.

may

Just like

the

before

And even

then, the

But there

hope. Recent research

breakthroughs have brought us closer

not go to the grave with her.

than ever to finding a cure

You

sec,

once you develop

disease, there's a

luntington

50 percent chance you

will pass the gene

responsible for

Huntington’s along to your children.

And

With your support, we disease onre. and for

all.

will beat this

Please call the

Huntington Society of Canada today.

W 8 need your help

oQv

itinglon Society of

know:

what material will be covered with emphasis on which areas; what format the exam will have (multiple choice, essay, short answer); what percentage of your final mark the exam covers.

they develop the disease, then thetr

her

her soul

Canada

HUNTINGTON Canada

About three weeks before exams start, mark the times and locations of each exam on a calendar. For each course, list what you need to study and the sources you will use (textbook, class notes, lab. assignments). Estimate the amount of study time you will need and indicate study periods on the calendar. By planning ahead, you know you will have time for each subject.

Use all sources of help available to you: old exams, classmates, study groups, class review time, text notes or highlighted sections, text summaries and chapter questions. Ask your faculty for help and information about the exam. Avoid common mistakes: • over-studying for the first exam and running out of time and energy for the others; • working hard for the course(s) you like and neglecting others; • not starting early enough, leaving too little time during exam week. If

you would

Services

assistance

preparing for

final

exams, come

to the

office.

SocWte Huntington du

A Message from Student Visit Clurlublr Rr^lMiJlIcn Numhrr

6 RR0001

Sen/ices our website httoV/www. conestoaac. on. ca/isp/stserv/index.js£>

Student

A Feature

SPOKE,

Wilderness survival important By CHANTELLE TIMPERLEY

Camping season

just around

no better

the corner, and there’s

way to learn about bonfires and outdoor safety then by attending a wilderness survival program. David Arama has been running Wilderness Survival School Inc. for the past 25 years, and has been at

Conestoga teaching the programs for the last five or six.

He speculates

Conestoga students are unaware that his programs even exist. “What we’ve found is we get very few people that are actually from the campus that have even ever heard of the program existing,” he said. “When they do

A basic

learning the best things to do to

everyone

for

outdoor certificate can be

outside school.

provides an atmos-

for

— Page 7

April 4,

2005

know

somebody and found

find

them

alive,

that the person

was

increase your chance of being found if you do get lost, learning how to create a survival kit and how to use maps and compasses.

achieved with five courses, and an

phere of team building, personal

and

advanced one with 10. Arama said most people just take something of interest, but that some programs

growth and according to Arama, builds strength and character. “For some people it might be

utterly negligent, they could very

Arama

may

something different, to step outside the boundary of their normal comfort zone and just try something

also said the skills learned

from the five-week programs can be applied to any ecosystem. “We have a motto,” he said. “You are biodegradable. Don’t become one with nature.” include an programs The overnight weekend survival simulation near Parry Sound and Georgian Bay where groups are dropped in the woods without tents,

anyone the outdoors, or even to

would be

working

beneficial to

challenging,”

teachers.

Arama

the survivor expert of the

well end up paying the cost of the search,” he said.

Arama

becoming woods or

environmental-related dangers,

stop

stay put

construct shelter and fire

find water

where and cold.

think, observe, plan)

never been

the unexpected changes, referred to

(sit,

difficult part

properly trained for the outdoors

something like that.” Dressing properly can also be a big part of being outdoors. It is good to do this because weather can take unexpected turns, and you would not want to be stuck some-

David Arama’s Survival Tips:

most

who have

said the

people

for

“Maybe

said.

they’re not interested in

YOU BECOME LOST

sleeping bags or supplies.

way

allow a general interest credit.

it is

such as thunderstorms and snowstorms, heat waves and hypothermia. Getting away on camping trips

some peace of mind and

allows for

reconnects people with their natu-

you away from

ral-instincts. It takes

modem

and shows you challenges that teach you how to be civilization

signal for help

protect themselves, such as build-

think positively

they’re like ‘well, that’s pretty cool,

ing fires apd shelters.

keep busy

year wool and fleece, because they

dence when you know you have

might just take a course.’” He has a degree in environmental studies and diplomas and certifi-

also

wait for help

both work well

and There is

stay

conserve calories

when they’re wet and they dry quickly.” Armada explained. “Anyone in the back country, who’s dressed all in cotton

succeeded.

taught

cates

business

administration,

outdoor recreation and wilderness

emergency leges

care.

across

including

teaches at col-

southern

Humber and

Ontario,

Niagara.

Arama’s love for the outdoors was the main reason he started up the school. However, the school also community fills a need in the because so many people do not have the skills needed in the wilderness. “It can be a place of great adventure, but on the other hand, it can be a place of great danger

you're not

prepared,” he stressed. “They’ just

pack something up and head out and find out the hard way when they’re on a class three rapids that

know

Their challenge

Arama said how to

which

to find a

students

are

signal for help

plants are edible.

even a course dedicated to teaching people how to deal with mosqui-

which repeluse and the pros and cons

boy scouts or

girl guides.

could be a

of angles,” he said.

of using them.

Arama

said

more than

each program

whether

half of

spent outdoors,

means backpacking,

ings. All together there is a

20-hour

are

how

to avoid getting lost,

“It’s

lot

atmosphere

He a

said

it’s

good

recommend

for any time of the

and

find you.

don't vote each other off the

island. I’d just like to stress that."

Arama

people

the dangers of

being in the wilderness, and hopes his programs can be of some help -

to spare

hopes

become aware of

be familiar

other people the cost of trying to

full-time

teaches you a lot about, not

Amara

Another reason

with outdoor survival

“We

pectedly.”

social

boosts confi-

also

and about getting back to the basics, which I think we’ve gotten away from in today’s world,” he said.

can be in some serious trouble if they have to spend the night unex-

might also be taken as for

“It

just survival, but about life itself

very fine synthetics that are great for when you’re on the move,

too.”

specialization

self-reliant.

“There

for general interest

the challenge, but

canoeing, hiking or even day out-

nearing

especially

said an average

spring

time,

included in the program fee, which

you are interested you should check with your program co-ordinator.

$30,000 a day, and helicopters can cost up to $5,000 per hour. Often

when people start to get back into camping. He has some concluding words of wisdom to sum up the

can range from $75 to $208. The programs are available yearround and people can sign up any

Being outdoors does not hurt a resume either. It gives people the chance to network and can lead to

when

most important

by calling Conestoga’s recreation centre or by

students clustering together for trips

wilderness component to each pro-

gram. The price for

time.

They can

all

trips

contacting continuing education.

grams

good for leaderanyone involved with it is

lents to

There are no prerequisites other than being an adult over 18, maintaining reasonable health and hav-

said students learn from his pro-

Arama

said

ship skills for

a jay stroke

important to

calm

toes and black flies,

or pack a canoe a certain way.” Some of the basic things Arama

it’s

“1

diploma, but

and

rescue

the Ontario Provincial Police

“Hope

finds people, the people have noth-

ing on them for protection.

“Increasingly now.

worst

the

point.

for the best, prepare for

and

take

whatever

comes.”

they search

ing a good attitude.

Any Conestoga Student is eligible to enter, mate or female Compete by weight class, so there is no unfair advantages Trophies(1st, 2nd, 3rd) for every division (19 trophies total!) Overall winner will receive the prestigious Conestoga Cup Compete individually, competition runs over the course of a day, ssults will be tabulated and announced, so you wont have to deaf with All

proceeds

c?o to

Cost: $5 dollars

crowds watching new equipment

buying

for the rec center!!

»•*«-*<

Date:

For more information and to sign up