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Possible threat at Assumption Catholic Secondary
The
Volume VIII Issue XVI
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Journalism Awards Night photo feature
Spits players go pro
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aprIl 9, 2013
CONVERGEDCITIZEN
WECEC sponsors Clean Sweep
Military recognized Hailey Trealout Citizen Staff Reporter
Photo by Adam El-Baba Chelsea Masse picks up litter during the Rose City Spring Clean Sweep Month in downtown Windsor April 5. The last time this program was launched was five years before the clean city committee was lost due city budget cut backs. Bottom left: Coun. Fulvio Valentinis speaks to the volunteers in front of the Squirrel Cage in downtown Windsor. Adam El-Baba Citizen Staff Reporter Students and Windsorites gathered at Maiden Lane in downtown Windsor April 5 to kick off the Rose City Spring Clean Sweep Month. Held outside of the Squirrel Cage, the annual cleanup kicked off at 10 a.m. The event was coordinated by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association and sponsored by the WindsorEssex County Environmental Committee. Debi Croucher, acting executive director of DWBIA, said she was really excited about the turnout and support shown from the sponsors. “What’s really exciting is the
number of students we have from the college and university,” said Croucher. “They came on board as soon as it was posted and the student services from both the college and university really helped us spread the word.” The Rose City Spring Clean Sweep campaign happens every April and its purpose is to gather the community to remove litter from sidewalks, vacant lots, school grounds, ditches and alleys. Volunteers were given a coffee and doughnut breakfast courtesy of Tim Hortons at the Squirrel Cage prior to the event and a pizza lunch was available after the cleanup. The City of Windsor provided gloves, bags, collection
services and field maps. Tim Tidridge, waste collection, contract and operations administrator, advised anyone who found sharp objects or needles to mark them on their maps so the city could remove them safely later. Ward 4 Coun. Alan Halberstadt, co-chair of WECEC, said this is the first year WECEC is involved with the campaign. The last time a program like this was launched was five years ago before the clean city committee was lost due to city budget cutbacks. “The message is keep your city clean … and more importantly raise awareness,” said Halberstadt. “Take pride in your city and one of the
sources of pride is that it be clean.” Ward 7 Coun. Percy Hatfield and Coun. Fulvio Valentinis of Ward 3 also attended the cleanup. WECEC environment and sustainability coordinator Averil Parent said they wanted to highlight the downtown area as their starting point for the cleanup. “We encourage other neighbourhoods throughout Windsor to organize their own cleanup events as well,” said Parent. “We definitely want to educate people to not throw litter out of their car or hands in the first place. All the youth now know how to recycle so why do we still have litter in our downtown streets.”
The Southern Ontario Military Muster held a fundraiser March 23 to keep their doors open in order to educate the public about its local history. The SOMM is a non-profit organization that works to preserve, educate and honour those who served in battle. Linda Iler, the secretary for SOMM, helped organize the event and said it’s a great learning experience for younger generations. “The event today is honouring our military,” said Iler. “Once a year we have a big open house fundraiser to raise enough money so we can stay open for the balance of the year. This year when I found out that this was the 60th anniversary of the Korean armistice, I came up with the idea to honour our military this year.” The North Wall Riders Association, Provincial Marines, Canadian Historical Aircraft Association and the Windsor Essex Military Family Support Group all attended with unique displays. Geoff Bottoms, the president and founder of SOMM, said the event gives people hands on opportunities with history through guns, photos and uniforms. “It’s a great event. History in itself is something we should pay more attention to and unfortunately we don’t around here,” said Bottoms. “Today’s kids play all these war games, they get killed, they hit reset and start all over again. In real life, you get killed, you’re dead and there is no reset button. I’m not for war but its very important to talk about them and bring the history out.” The fundraiser raised $1,400 for the SOMM.
CONVERGEDCITIZEN NEWS Possible threat at Assumption Secondary School I Believe in My Community aprIl 9, 2013
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Photo by Chris Richards
Photo by Sean Previl
Students from Assumption Catholic Secondary School in Windsor walk to Century Secondary School after being evacuated following a threat made on the school April 5. Sean Previl Managing Editor Students have been evacuated from Assumption College Catholic High School after a suspected bomb threat was reported April 5. The students were taken to Century Secondary School. Several parents of Assumption students who had arrived at the school to drop students off were unable to leave the park-
ing lot because entrances and exits were blocked. “They came and told us that there’s been a bomb threat,” said Fiona Doyle-Hunt, a mother who was dropping her daughter off at the school after fire trucks had arrived. “They found a note with a bomb threat on it. Now we’re stuck, we can’t get in or out or anything.” Windsor Essex Catholic
District School Board posted a message on their Facebook wall calling the incident “a threat.” The rest of the post reads, “All students and staff are safe and have been moved to Century Secondary School as a precaution.” Sgt. Pam Mizuno of Windsor Police Services confirmed “a threat” was the reason for the evacuation at Assumption.
Captain wins Jubilee Medal Hailey Trealout Citizen Staff Reporter The commanding officer for the army cadet core at Branch 594 has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The Diamond Jubilee Medal was made to commemorate
the 60 year anniversary of the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II and is used to recognize contributions and achievements of commonwealth citizens. Maj. Lloyd Sainsbury presented the medal to Capt. Brad Krewench for his commitment to the cadet movement.
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets is a national organization for youth ages 12 – 18. The program was designed to teach younger generations a sense of citizenship, leadership, discipline, effective speaking and outdoor survival.
Rob Petroni, United Way 2012 campaign chair, addresses the crowd at the fourth annual I Believe in My Community Awards celebration March 28 at Caesars Windsor. Rob Benneian Rob Petroni, 2012 United Managing Editor Way campaign chair, was among those who received An organization which rais- recognition for their contribues money to support critical tions. Petroni is the business services in Windsor and Essex manager for LiUNA Local County took an evening to 625, an international union recognize the accomplish- which won the Labour Award ments of its supporters. of Distinction. United Way/Centraide “United Way helps people Windsor-Essex County held one person at a time … United their fourth I Believe in My Way basically helps out everyCommunity Awards celebra- one in the community, over tion March 28 at Caesars 200,000 this year alone,” Windsor. The awards, present- Petroni said. “Until I actually ed annually, “celebrate the took part in the campaign, I amazing achievements” of had no idea how many people workplaces, unions and indi- are helped and how many viduals, said United Way lives are touched.” director of community impact Goddard said United Way and development Lorraine helps children and adolescents Goddard. United Way divides strengthen their academic their goals for community skills and encourage them to improvement into three sub- be more physically active. She categories: basic needs, kids said United Way plans to use and families and creating the resources at its disposal to thriving neighbourhoods. impact change in the commu“Recognizing all the amaz- nity. ing workplaces (and) wonder“If we all come together, we ful individuals that support can really create a positive United Way and the communi- change and create a really ty is really important,” said vibrant community,” Goddard United Way CEO Penny said. Marrett. “This is one of our United Way/Centraide ways to say ‘thank you’ to Windsor-Essex County has everyone who has supported raised nearly $5 million to us.” date.
Student journalists come to Windsor for ORCUP conference Sean Previl Citizen Staff Reporter
Student journalists across Ontario were given the chance to learn more about the media from industry professionals. Windsor hosted the Ontario Conference for Canadian University Press from March 29 to 31, bringing in journalists who have been in the industry for years to share their experiences. The Lance, the University of Windsor’s student newspaper
hosted the event after putting in a bid for the event to come to the city. “After voting from representatives of 60 or so different Ontario region papers we got to work at organizing the entire thing,” said Stephen Hargreaves, managing editor and art director of The Lance. From the 80 newspapers that are members of the CUP, 35 delegates came to Windsor to attend the events. Hargreaves said he was happy with the turnout.
“We did have representation from all the way from Ottawa and down to of course Windsor,” said Hargreaves. “So it was nice to see the diversity and representation.” Several speakers at the conference provided insights into media unions, news design trends and story telling. “I’m very passionate about getting the message out about telling a story,” said Marty Gervais, former journalist with the Windsor Star, professor at the University and
Windsor poet laureate. “I’m not sure what is being done in a lot of journalism schools today but I think the fundamental success of any journalist is to tell the story.” Fred Sorrell, publisher of Windsor Independent, said it was the creativity that drew him to the conference. “You’re not leeching off each other but (we can) just come together,” said Sorrell. “We’re all working on the same thing, we can all start together by getting these key points together then when we
go off on our own. We’re all going to come up with a totally different aspect from these same roots.” Gervais said one of the most important things the journalists who attended should remember is to take everything they learn, record it and then share it. “We learn so much about our society and our culture and our politics and the way we live and the way we look at life by telling a story,” said Gervais.
CONVERGEDCITIZEN
NEWS Riverside Run for Kids raises funds
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aprIl 9, 2013
Sarah Ryrie Citizen Staff Reporter Students at the University of Windsor raised over $500 for Pediatric Oncology at the Children’s Cancer Centre at Windsor Regional Hospital March 24. University business students Silvano Colarossi, Hassan Kiki, Kyle Perryman, Gilbert Stewart and Adi Sood were assigned a class community development project on management and organizational life. The students named the event Riverside Run for Kids. “We chose pediatric oncology because we’ve all known someone who suffered from cancer and we thought about how hard it would be for parents to go through watching their child face cancer, so we thought this was the perfect foundation to raise money for,” said Colarossi. Over 20 people showed up to
Photo by Sarah Ryrie
University of Windsor business students Hassan Kiki, Kyle Perryman, Silvano Colarossi and Gilbert Stewart hold their $500 cheque April 1. The money will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Centre at Windsor Regional Hospital. the event and raised approximately $500 and students are
still handing in pledges collected following the event.
According to Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation,
there are approximately 10,000 children living in Canada with cancer. Tyler Durocher, 19, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 14 five years ago, and after a three year fight, went in to remission. Durocher said the patients need as much help as they can get and every bit helps them feel more comfortable while going through their treatment. “It’s nice to hear about students taking on projects like this because it’s so rough for all the little children going through this in the hospital,” said Durocher. In Canada, childhood cancer remains responsible for more deaths in one year than any other disease. Cancer causes more deaths than AIDS, diabetes, asthma and cystic fibrosis combined, according to Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation.
Parkway opens new section Coming together for those Marissa DeBortoli Production Manager Since the week of March 25, traffic along Highway 3 has been shifted to a new three kilometre section of the Right Honourable Herb Gray Parkway between Howard Avenue and Huron Church Road. This traffic shift marks a significant achievement in the construction of the parkway as traffic will now travel on several permanent features of the parkway—Bridges 10 (west of St. Clair College) and 11 (west of Howard Avenue), and the southern branch of the Hearthwood Tunnel (T-10B). This shift includes the reopening of the former alignment of Sandwich West Parkway and the opening of Diversion 11 west of Geraedts Drive to accommodate traffic in and
out of St. Clair College. Cindy Prince, communications manager for the Parkway Infrastructure Constructors, outlined the shift plan during a news conference March 25. “We’ll need to set up a closure of the existing lanes of Highway 3 so not only do we have to start traffic on the new part of the road but we have to stop it if you’re travelling on the old part of the road,” said Prince. Shifting traffic onto this section of the parkway provides for the construction of the Geraedts Tunnel, the Cousineau Tunnel and the other side of the Hearthwood Tunnel. In addition, it provides for the construction of the below-grade freeway and associated infrastructure like retaining walls, noise walls, stormwater management and
utilities in this area. This section of the parkway was due to be completed in February but Michael Hatchell, project manager for PIC, said the construction is still on schedule. “We were shooting for February but with the weather and other things, we’ve had some impacts with that,” said Hatchell. “But this should not impact us from the overall schedule. The schedule still shows potential completion as originally scheduled.” The Ontario Provincial Police was on hand during the week to assist with the transition. Once the parkway is completed, this section of road will carry local traffic from Howard Avenue, Highway 3 traffic from Essex County through the roundabout and local traffic exiting Highway 401 east of Howard Avenue.
involved in I-75 crash
Hailey Trealout Citizen Staff Reporter
On March 22 Windsorites came together to support local families who were involved in the accident on I-75 Jan. 31. The three day fundraiser involved a dinner on Friday, a concert on Saturday and a kids day on Sunday. Arms Bumanlag was one of the organizers of the event. He said he thought the event was a testament to what Windsor is all about. “When the news broke in January about what happened on I-75, I knew the family very well and I knew the kids that had passed,” said Bumanlag. “You do it because you want to help and once we
got going on it, it just sort of evolved. It has really become a massive fundraising weekend. There are so many of us, we’re just doing what we can.” The accident involved 30 vehicles during a sudden snowstorm. Two Windsor children, Aidan Hicks, 7, and his stepsister, Gabrielle Greenwood, 9, died in the crash. Hicks’s mother, Kim Barrett is in intensive care. Barrett’s husband, Glen Greenwood and his daughter were released from the hospital in good condition. All of the proceeds raised will be sent to the families. The amount of money raised is yet to be released.
Military families with regiment backgrounds
Hailey Trealout Citizen Staff Reporter Families play a big role in shaping the lives of younger generations. As children grow up they find their role models and use them as an influence towards the choices they make. One of the common family influences on younger generations is a military background in the family.
Windsor Regiment member Officer John Celistino said his father played a big part in his decision to join the military. “My dad used to take me to all the military gatherings with the families that we have at the end of the year,” said Celistino. “I was pretty much raised into the army by my dad. We would always play these games but they would somehow revert back into the
army. My dad was happy for me when I joined the military, I think it’s something that my family always wanted but he never forced it on me.” For some, it’s the younger generations who are the influence for a soldier to join. Cpl. Claude Beaulieu joined nearly five years ago after his son made the decision to join. He said his family has deep roots in the military and the stories
that made it back from war provided inspiration for him and his son. “I think the big influence is when you’re younger,” said Beaulieu. “I was 20 when I first wanted to sign up, and the fact that I never carried through with it was one of my regrets so when I was asked to sign up, it got me going again. The younger you are, the more
influence it is. The older you get its not quite as there. For me it was a second chance, and I took it.” Beaulieu said parents should try to support their child if they decide to join. “Give them a chance,” said Beaulieu. “Have them go through with it when they’re younger and if it’s not for them, they’re not going to stay in, they’ll get out.”
CONVERGEDCITIZEN
aprIl 9, 2013
NEWS
Windsor celebrates World Autism Day
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Windsor-made Routan discontinued by Volkswagen
Photo by Sean Previl
Charlie Huynh, left, plays with Noah Butler at The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism in Windsor April 4. Sean Previl Managing Editor People across the world are raising awareness for autism and Windsor took part in a worldwide celebration to help the cause. Windsor participated by raising the municipal flag in front of city hall to show their support for World Autism Day April 2. “I would say (World Autism Day is so important) because it has garnered global attention,” said Trudy Richards, head of the Windsor and Essex County chapter of Autism Ontario. “If we all have awareness of what autism is and what autism represents and we’re all on the same page and we’re all celebrating on the same day, it means that we’ve come so far with autism and autism awareness.” Richards said creating aware-
ness is what gets the world closer to ending the stigma. “If we make one more person aware of what autism is and what the statistics are then we are that much further ahead with getting rid of all the misunderstandings,” said Richards. Autism affects around one in 100 people in Ontario, according to Dr. Marcia Gragg, associate professor of psychology at the University of Windsor and clinical director at The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism. Gragg said in comparison to other places in Canada and around the world, Windsor has great benefits for autism diagnosis and awareness. “The minimum time it (takes) to get a diagnostic assessment is six months,” said Gragg. “In most places it’s 12 to 24 months just to
wait to get an assessment. Here in Windsor it’s four to six weeks to wait.” Gragg said early diagnosis is beneficial for a child with autism. “Parents want to get that diagnosis as young as possible so their children can have treatment. We know the younger they get treatment, the more progress they make,” said Gragg. Cheryl Huczel, office administrator at Autism Services Inc., said one of the issues with autism is people don’t understand it is a disability with a wide spectrum. “You can go from non-verbal all the way up to the person can function and they can be verbal,” said Huczel. “It’s a very very large spectrum and there’s a lot of people who just do not understand it.”
Spring cleaning blitz Robert Benneian Managing Editor City bylaw enforcement officers will be inspecting properties in the area surrounding the University of Windsor beginning April 8. In order to be compliant with Yard Maintenance By-Law 32600, yards and curbsides must be kept clear of garbage and debris. Ann Kalinowski, manager of bylaw enforcement, said in taking a proactive approach the city hopes to
head off problems before they arise. “With winter weather finally drawing to an end and the school semester soon to follow, we want to ensure students returning home are doing their part and leaving the city as clean as possible,” said Kalinowski. There are officers in each of the 10 wards around the city who work on both a proactive and complaint-driven basis. The residential areas near the university, which house many
students, is specifically targeted with an annual blitz unlike the residences around St. Clair College. “We haven’t noticed in the past that there are issues around the college like there are at the University of Windsor,” said Kalinowski. Property owners found to be in violation of the bylaw will be mailed a compliance order. Kalinowski said no charges were laid last year after their inspection of the University of Windsor’s surrounding area.
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Photo by Sam McEachern
Workers arrive for their shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant April 5. Sam McEachern Citizen Staff Reporter Volkswagen Group has announced it will cease production later this year of its Routan minivan, which shares the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan platform. When Volkswagen Group introduced the Routan minivan in 2008 at the New York Auto Show they hoped to gain a significant share of the minivan market. However, between 2008 and 2013 the Routan sold a lowly 57,650 units. In July 2012, production of all Routan minivans at Windsor’s Chrysler Assembly plant came to a halt due to many unsold vans still sitting in Volkswagen dealer lots. Volkswagen said the halt in production was only temporary while they waited for the remaining Routans taking up space at VW dealerships to be sold. Anthony Faria, professor at the University of Windsor and automotive industry analyst, said the Routan was axed simply because it was not profitable enough. “Production of the Volkswagen Routan was stopped because the vehicle just didn’t sell,” Faria said. “There was no point in continuing production of the product as its sales level was not profitable for VW.” Total U.S. minivan sales last year were 597,118 units, com-
pared to the Routans sales of 10,483 units. Volkswagen was anticipating moving about 29,000 units each year of production. In 2012, nearly 346,000 vehicles were assembled at the Windsor minivan plant and 8,662 were Routans. Jobs at the Windsor Assembly Plant will not be lost due to the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country, Lancia Grand Voyager and Dodge C/V still remaining in production. However, Chrysler is looking to drop its product line down to one minivan for 2015, meaning assembly at the Windsor plant in 2014 may be affected. “They will drop either the Chrysler Town & Country or the Dodge Grand Caravan,” Faria said. “Whichever minivan is dropped, the nameplate will be shifted to a crossover that will take the minivan’s place.” If one of the minivans is replaced with a new crossover, it is entirely possible the new vehicle will not be assembled in Windsor. If Windsor Assembly happens to get the new crossover, there will be no job losses. If they do not the Windsor plant could drop to two shifts and as many as 900 jobs could be lost. “The Routan is a non-issue for the Windsor plant but when Chrysler drops down to one minivan for the 2015 model year, where the new crossover is built is a very big issue for Windsor,” said Faria.
aprIl 9, 2013
CONVERGEDCITIZEN
SPORTS
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Spits players go pro Spits look to fill gaps Evan Mathias Sports Editor
Photo By Evan Mathias
Windsor Spitfires forward Alex Aleardi scores his first of two goals on a breakaway on Erie Otters goalie Devin Williams at the WFCU Centre Feb. 21. Mitchell Brandner Citizen Staff Reporter A couple of Windsor Spitfires have made the jump to professional hockey. Forwards Brady Vail and Alex Aleardi are having success early in their American Hockey League careers. Although the jump from junior hockey to professional hockey is a big step, both players are adjusting well. “Guys are stronger, faster and a little bit bigger,” said Aleardi, who signed with the Springfield Falcons. “Once you practice with some of the guys and go through a game there’s not much adjustment after that. The guys are smarter and more skilled of course.” Vail has joined the last place Hamilton Bulldogs and is get-
ting plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills and learn the pro game. He has two points in six games and is being utilized on special teams. “All the coaches and staff have all been great,” said Vail. “If they see me doing something wrong on the ice it’s not so much a yelling environment. They pull me aside and tell me what I can do to fix it. They’re just trying to help me become a better player overall.” After playing on Windsor’s second line for most of the season and being the team’s shutdown center, Vail has had to adjust to a lesser role in Hamilton. He said it’s about easing in to the professional level. “I’m playing third line cen-
tre,” said Vail. “Not so much a shutdown guy, but just playing straight up against whoever is out there and making sure I don’t make too many mistakes. If we happen to score a goal it’s just a bonus.” Both players had high praises for the Windsor Spitfires organization and are thankful for their time spent in the Ontario Hockey League. “(The Spitfires) treat you just like the pro teams would treat you and it’s a world class organization,” said Aleardi. “Playing for them ramped me up and got me ready for what I’m into now. My adjustment phase was pretty easy.” Vail and Aleardi hope to join the likes of Jason Spezza and Ed Jovanovski as former Spitfires who have had success in the NHL.
The Windsor Spitfires will look to fill some of the gaping holes in their roster April 6 during the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. Due to injuries and suspensions, the Spitfires were forced to play many of their games in the season’s second half short of a full roster. Windsor will have to wait until the third round to make their first selection in the draft as they are without a first and second round pick. “It’s a different kind of draft, without a first and a second (round pick),” said Spits general manager Warren Rychel. “It’s a long wait, so we’re going to make sure our list is nice and tight and take the best player.” Windsor’s surplus of defence leaves them looking to add forwards to their lineup. The OHL draft however might not be the best opportunity for that. “I think it’s fair to say that overall, this crop is probably a bit below average,” said OHL scout Scott Campbell. “The defence are fairly strong in this draft but it seems to lack high-end forwards.” The OHL Cup was held March 12-17 in Mississauga, with the Oakville Rangers defeating the Toronto Marlboros in the championship game. Rychel scouted
players he would like to draft if they are still available once Windsor has the opportunity to pick. “There’s a couple players that had really good OHL Cups that might not be high on other teams lists, so that’s what we’re looking for here,” said Rychel. However, the OHL Cup isn’t the best way to determine a player’s skill. “I’m not a huge advocate of putting much stock into such a short tournament,” said Campbell. “With so much on the line, you see players start to play different styles of game and really elevate their level of play.” Windsor does have two first round picks in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft, which is where Rychel is hoping to bring in talent. “I think were going to obviously take an older European and put him right on the top line,” said Rychel. With so many roster spots to fill before next season Rychel will be looking at more than just the drafts to beef up the Spits lineup. “There’s different ways we could do this, through the OHL draft, the Import Draft, through trades, through free agency and through guys we drafted last year,” said Rychel. “It is going to be a really competitive mini-camp and (main) camp.”
Goaltender Dekort looks onward Kenton Wolfe Citizen Staff Reporter They say when a door closes, a window opens. He may have had a disappointing season, but that hasn’t stopped Windsor Spitfires goaltender Jordan Dekort from staying positive. “It was really disappointing you know, we all had really high expectations,” said Dekort. “We wanted to finish top-4 in our conference, and go on a little playoff run. It was tough, we had a lot of injuries. We lost a lot of players like Seels (Patrick Sieloff)
and (Slater) Koekkoek. The guys were really hurt losing them. It was just a really tough year.” Playing in a limited role, Dekort wasn’t able to showcase his talent as much as he would’ve liked to. “I didn’t get all the games I wanted obviously,” said Dekort. “It was probably better for the team, Pav (Jaroslav Pavelka) had a really good year. It was great to learn from him.” Dekort will take the experience from playing behind Pavelka and try to turn it into motivation for this summer.
With Pavelka possibly being forced out of the crease next season, as the team is limited to just three overagers and two import players, Dekort’s time to shine may be now. “We’ve had a couple weeks off so far,” Dekort said. “We’re starting workouts on April 8, we’ll start that up and it will go in five week (increments) and into the end of August, when training camp starts. I’ll probably get back on the ice with my goalie coach around May or June, then I’ll probably go home for a little bit in July and part of August. Then I can start skating with the guys.”
Being born in 1995, this year’s NHL Entry Draft in Newark, N.J. is Dekort’s first year of eligibility. “I’ll probably talk to my agent and see what the word is out there,” said Dekort. “I’m not expecting to be drafted. If I did it would be great. I had a
little bit of a rough end to the year but you never know. Whatever happens, happens.” Even though his chances look bleak, he remains positive. “If I get drafted, great. If not, even better – I get to prove people wrong next year.”
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CONVERGEDCITIZEN
aprIl 9, 2013
FEATURE
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Sandwich post office closing date announced Dad’s roles are changing
Photo by Adam D’Andrea
Windsor Workers’ Action Centre president Paul Chislett discusses the closing of the Olde Sandwich Towne postal outlet at the Windsor Workers’ Action Centre March 27. Adam D’Andrea Copy Editor After protests, petitions and 107 years of service, the Olde Sandwich Towne postal outlet will be closed at the end of April. Canada Post announced March 26 that operations at the post office would cease April 26. The building that stands at the corner of Sandwich Street and Mill Street was built in 1905. It was opened as a post office in 1906. Windsor West MP Brian Masse and Ward 2 Coun. Ron Jones were both vocal critics of Canada Post’s decision to close the office. At a public demonstration outside the building in January, Jones said
the city was not being consulted during the decision-making process. “Why won’t they come to the city of Windsor and come to some kind of common ground with the citizens? We need to be involved with the discussions,” said Jones. “That is only the right and proper thing to do.” Windsor Workers’ Action Centre president Paul Chislett said he agreed with Masse’s statement that the public has not been given the business case for closing the post office. “One reason why it was kept open after 2008 was because there was evidence that came forward that this place is really doing quite well businesswise,” said Chislett. “This
time though it seems that we’re not being shown that information.” Chislett, who has been involved in campaigns to keep the post office open since 2008, said these kinds of losses are detrimental to Sandwich Towne flourishing as a community. “It can’t all be just about corporate efficiency, it’s got to also be about community. If we’re going to be building community then we have to stop these kinds of corporate cuts because all they do is just undermine the very neighbourhoods where people live,” said Chislett. “There’s not enough going into building the community as a cultural and historical hub of this wider Windsor area.” Local labour activist Ian Clough said he sees the closing of the post office as a jab at the residents of Sandwich Towne. “That post office serves a community that’s often forgotten about when it comes to municipal politics,” said Clough. “It’s just another kick at a population that’s being kicked more and more often.” Clough said he agreed the community and local politicians should have been more involved in the decision of whether or not to keep the post office open. The post office’s two employees will be relocated to other locations. Both employees declined to comment on the closing.
Community comes together for young boy Hailey Trealout Citizen Staff Reporter
It takes a village to raise a child. On Feb. 22, a fire took everything six-year-old Damian Bossom knew, including his father. Martin Bossom, 30, died of his injuries at Windsor Regional Hospital and his girlfriend, Samantha Stanley, was recently released from a hospital in Hamilton. Family and friends gathered at Dirty Jersey’s Sports Grill to raise money for Damian to help contribute to his trust funds and pay for his education. Dawn Weidemann worked with Martin and helped organ-
ize the event. She said she was impressed with how many people came out for the event. “It’s been four weeks in the making and I’m really happy to see the turnout,” said Weidemann. “People told me not to worry, but I was because of our economy and there’s so many people who need people out there right now. The outreach of this community has been amazing.” Damian has been living with his grandmother, Donna LaPlane. She said Damian is doing well despite all he lost. “He’s our rock, he’s what helps us get up in the morning and move on,” said LaPlane. “We’re all pulling together on Damien’s dad’s behalf. This is going to be a memorable thing
for him to know that his dad left this kind of a legacy with people.” The three hour event raised $4,849.50 with walk-in donations and the help of family friends who went door-to-door collecting donations. Christine Donnelly worked with Martin and helped organize the event. She said the reason for the event is to give Damian something to look forward to in the future. “Our goal was to come out and celebrate Martin’s life. Celebrate who he was as a man, a father, a friend, a brother and show him how much we loved him,” said Donnelly. “We want to give his son something that unfortunately Martin can’t give him anymore. We just want to help.”
Shaun Garrity Citizen Staff Reporter Connections Early Years Family Centre is providing programs, courses, classes and activities for fathers and children. In previous years it would usually be the mother and child who took part in such activities. Mom traditionally stayed at home with young children, while dad worked. Today, parenting has changed for some families. Connections has recognized the transformation of parents’ roles by offering various programs. Several of the activities offered are put together by the Dads Group. The Saturday with Dad program offers the opportunity for fathers to bring their children ages 0-6 for fun, food, activities and special guests. Another interactive activity available is called the Super Dads, Super Kids where they meet in the morning with their child and have a snack and discussion among the fathers. Barb Brown, program manager at Connections, has been working for the organization for 24 years. She said they get a wide range of fathers participating “We even get grandparents that come out,” said Brown. The group discusses parenting topics like toilet training, sleeping, eating and discipline with other fathers. The Dads Matter Workshop, one of Connections’ largest events, will take place April 20 at Connections. The event is held once a year and encourages all fathers and their children from the community to participate.
Doug Krystia, a father who has been involved with Connections for many years, started the dads workshop program seven years ago. He said the number of people participating is growing each year. Krystia said last year there were around 100 fathers and children. “It’s not, ‘Here is the material, take it and learn.’ We really foster and encourage a lot of back and forth to the participants,” said Krystia. Anna Sarkadi, a public health sciences researcher from the department of women’s and children’s health at Uppsala University, is with the Father Involvement Research Alliance. Sarkadi said there are positive effects of father involvement on a range of specific outcomes including: enhanced cognitive development during infancy, better than average social functioning in childhood, higher educational attainment, decreased likelihood behavior problems in adolescence, and lower rates of delinquency and criminal behavior. Robert Goulard, a social worker who specializes in addiction, marriage and family therapy will be a speaker at the Dads Matter Workshop. The kids will be singing songs and doing workshops with the caregivers from the centre, while the fathers will take part in a 90-minute presentation. Connections Early Years Family Centre, formerly known as St. Mary’s Family Learning Centre is located at 795 Giles Blvd. E. and there is no cost to participate in its programs.
the converged team Managing Editors Jolene Perron Sean Previl
Senior Associate Managing Editors Sports Editors Mitch Brandner Sandee Nho
Evan Mathias Ashley Davidson
Production Team
Entertainment Editors
Chris Mailloux Michael Veres
Ashley Godin Chris Mailloux
Chief Copy Photo Editor Copy Editor Maureen Mariampillai Chris Richards Editor Tom Morrison www.themediaplex.com email: media.converged@themediaplex.com phone: (519) 972-2727 ext. 4963 Follow us at http://twitter.com/the_mediaplex
CONVERGEDCITIZEN aprIl 9, 2013
FEATURE
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Run for Rocky kicks off
Photo by Adam El-Baba
Rocky Campana's parents, Nancy and Rob, speak to supporters during the Run for Rocky kickoff April 4 at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. support our youth and help Adam El-Baba keep them safe.” Citizen Staff Reporter Gay-straight alliances are The Windsor Pride clubs in high schools that proEducation and Resource vide support when students Centre kicked off their Run for are coming out. They encourRocky campaign April 4 at the age youth to break through isolation, look for support St. Clair Centre for the Arts. Partnered with Rocky from people close to them and Campana’s parents, Rob and help students commit to buildNancy, the event is geared ing bridges between faculty toward raising awareness and and students. The run will be held April 14 funds for gay-straight alliances in high schools from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting across Windsor and Essex at Dieppe Gardens. It will conCounty and to promote youtt sist of a five kilometre run suicide prevention and anti- down to the Ambassador bullying programs. The Bridge followed by a walk to money raised will go toward and from the University of supporting GSAs across Windsor back to Dieppe Gardens. Ontario. “Hopefully in six or seven Ambassador for the Run for Rocky campaign Nancy years we won’t need a Run for Campana said she is excited Rocky anymore because our GSAs will be in place,” said about the feedback so far. “GSAs start at home,” said Campana. “There will be a Campana. “It’s important to program of acceptance and
tolerance and this will just be a second nature. Hopefully this run will spread into the Toronto area.” Teresa Piruzza, minister of children and youth services, said it’s critical all students know they are accepted regardless of where they live, what they look like or what they believe to ensure the success of every students. “There are a lot of supports and a lot of programs available for all youth and I have to say that we provide supports that build opportunity and (help students) know that there is someone listening,” said Piruzza. Rocky died last August at the age of 23. He graduated from the University of Western’s Richard Ivey School of Business graduate program. He was known to work over 30 volunteer hours a week. He volunteered at Pride Library, raised money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and worked with the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. “Rocky was an adamant person that he wanted something done in the schools to help people understand the gay population,” said Rob. “When Rocky was in high school he had difficult times ... he was always a person who wanted to help. Even though he was a part of this problem, he still wanted to help people understand that being different doesn’t mean we can’t treat people the same as everyone else. That was Rocky.”
Hudak visits Windsor Melissa Iarusso Citizen Staff Reporter Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak visited Windsor to share his plans to curb unemployment in the province. Hudak held a press conference at the Vollmer Recreation Complex April 4 in LaSalle to hear from locals about sharing ideas on how Ontario can reclaim its rightful place as the economic engine of Canada. Hudak proposed an action plan on how to steer the province toward less spending and balanced budgets to regain its true potential. “The top priorities for the province are clear – it’s jobs and the economy. Especially being in Windsor the top issue by far is jobs since we have one of the highest unemployment rates in all of Canada
Photo by Alice Hewitt Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak (right) is interviewed at the MediaPlex in downtown Windsor April 5 for the Journalism program’s newscast MediaPlex News Now. happening here. I think we can creation again.” turn this around,” Hudak said. With a rookie premier lead“I am confident Ontario can ing the Liberal party Hudak bounce back and dust our- said there is no better time to selves off and get people jobs win than now. With the legisin their field. We put out a plan lature back in session and the called ‘An Agenda for election clock ticking, Hudak Growth’ that will make said he is prepared to lead Ontario the best place for job Ontario down a better road.
OPINION Post office
page 7
closure: what’s the big deal?
Chris Richards Columnist Well it finally happened. Despite the best efforts of residents and politicians, the Olde Sandwich Towne post office is set to close once and for all. It didn’t go down without a fight though. Rallies were held, a petition was signed and residents bombarded the Canada Post website when it opened the floor to public input about what exactly everyone thought about closing the outlet. But after covering the first rally held right outside the post office’s doorstep, it was difficult to articulate just what everyone was there to protest. There were signs and chants about job loss and union workers waving flags and holding banners. Some spoke to the age of the post office building itself and the historical value of the iconic piece of Sandwich Towne history. Others were infuriated their closest Canada Post outlet was to close and cease to exist. While those are all valid concerns, it seemed most people in attendance thought that should the decision be made to close the branch, a giant black hole would suddenly open to swallow up the entire operation – Canada Post, the historic building, employees and all. The reality of it all is that not a single job is going to be lost from the April 26 closure of the old post office. The two employees stationed at the branch have been transferred to other locations. While no one likes to relocate, maintaining the employment status quo and not firing anyone can’t really be held against the Canadian Crown. When it comes to a loss of service from the removal of a local Canada Post outlet, the truth is there are many remaining locations not too far from the Sandwich branch which are accessible by both foot and public transportation. Our modern lifestyles may scream
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at the thought of having to spend time walking somewhere, but I still recall the old stories about walking uphill both ways barefoot in the snow to get to school and back. Of course Huron Church Road is a busy throughway, but the notion being offered by some that it’s a nearly impossible street to cross on foot is absurd. As for those residents who fear the building will be lost, left to sit in decay or be demolished – take a breath. By law, the building cannot be torn down without city approval and Sandwich Street has been steadily on the rebound for the last decade. Businesses have been cropping up and aside from the Fantastic Sams that closed so abruptly last year, there is not a single vacant building on the block. “They should just make it into a pub,” my mom said as we drove by yesterday. At first I thought it was her cynicism towards Windsor’s bar culture, but in total sincerity she made a valid point. “They seem to do well down here,” she said. “Think about it: ‘I just got out of class. Want to meet at the Post Office,’ or, ‘What are you doing tonight? Want to head over to the Post Office?’” Indeed Sandwich Street is dominated to an extent by the pub scene. But another bar on the block with such a rich history and a unique look would surely have a fighting chance of survival. When you get to the bottom line, even with the post office closing and Canada Post having gone, the building won’t stay vacant for long. It’s not the derelict fire hall or an asbestos-filled hospital that nobody wants to touch, but a maintained and sturdy piece of century-old architecture in the middle of town. With the arrival of HMCS Hunter in the neighbourhood and the jobs that will come along with it, area businesses will be given an economic shot in the arm and prospective business owners will have an even greater reason to set up shop. It’s a time of chance in Windsor and Sandwich Towne is no exception. While there may be some growing pains, it will surely be for the better. The Sandwich Towne post office had a good run, but unless Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun scoops it up for some reason when it hits the market (knock on wood) it has more good to give to the community just yet.
CONVERGEDCITIZEN
aprIl 9, 2013
ENTERTAINMENT
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Journalism Awards Night 2013 On April 4, the journalism students as St. Clair College attended the sixth annual Journalism Awards Night at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts to celebrate the closing of another year of achievements and success at the downtown MediaPlex. The event featured students, teachers, members of the media and special guest speaker Dianne Buckner, host of CBC Television’s Dragon’s Den. The event started with a dinner, and then featured the award ceremony and speeches from members of the faculty, Converged Citizen, staff and students. Some of the awards included CP Editing, Layout and Design, Beat Reporter of the Year, Convergence Technology, Radio Reporting, Sports Reporter of the Year and the Bell Media Journalist of the Year. Finally, Buckner presented a speech on her history, where she spoke of her time in various careers both in and out of journalism. Left: One of the many awards that were presented during Journalism Awards Night Photos by Jill Thompson
Above: Sean Previl, Sarah Ryrie and Shaun Garrity are photographed at the St. Clair Journalism Awards Night April 4.
Above: Courtney Turnbull and Melissa Iarusso attend the St. Clair Journalism Awards Night April 4.
Above: Adam Foran and Melissa Iarusso are photographed at the St. Clair Journalism Awards Night April 4.
Above: On April 4, David Harrison holds the Specialized Training Award that was given to him earlier this year by Crime Stoppers International.
Above Left: Hailey Trealout, Klay Cole and Meagan Deschamps attend the St. Clair College Journalism Awards Night.; Above Right: Jill Thompson (left) and Elvira DiGesu-Iarusso (right) attend St. Clair College Journalism Awards Night April 4.