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Local football player goes pro
VoluMe VIII ISSue VII
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The
Lance faces tough times
TurN To pAGe 6
Officials recieve pit bull complaints
AprIl 16, 2013
CONVERGEDCITIZEN
Ontario gymnastics competition Border City Brawlers start their season
Photo by Sandy Nho
The Border City Brawlers and London Timber Rollers line up at the jammer line before the whistle at the Forest Glade Arena during their season opener in Windsor on April 6. Sandee Nho Managing Editor
Photo by Marissa DeBortoli
A Rose City Gymnastics competes in the beam event during the 2013 Ontario Artistic Gymnastics championship, held at the St. Denis Centre April 6 -7 Marissa DeBortoli Citizen Staff Reporter The stands at the St. Denis Centre were filled April 6 as Rose City Gymnastics hosted the 2013 Ontario Artistic Gymnastics championships. Over four days, 1,200 athletes between the ages of nine and 18 from 60 clubs across Ontario competed to qualify
for the Canadian Championships. Approximately 25 Windsor athletes will compete in the championships, 15 from Rose City and the rest split between Vista, Winstars and Alpha Academy. A top-eight finish in the national novice division will qualify an athlete for nationals. National level athletes have the possibility of
competing as part of Canada’s Olympic team in Rio de Janeiro. This is the third year Rose City has hosted the championship and the second year boys and girls have competed at the same venue. The 2012 championships in Ottawa marked the first time in almost 20 years both boys and girls See GYMNASTICS pAGe 6
The Border City Brawlers kicked off their season opener last weekend against the London Timber Rollers. Over 600 friends, family and fans gathered April 6 at Forest Glade Arena to watch the Border City Brawlers go up against the London Timber Rollers. This is the second year the BCBs have been competing. The final score of the bout was 216 to 103 in favor of the Timber Rollers. Kim Reaume or derby name Kim BashIngure, member of the BCBs and member of the public relations committee, said despite the NCAA Final Four falling on the same night, the attendance of the season opener was surprising. “I can’t believe how much we’ve grown,” said BashIngure. “This is our official start of our second season.
I just heard I think there were 621 people here and on a night of the NCAA Final Four, I thought that was going to take over because Michigan is playing.” Despite the loss, Valeria Binder or derby name E-Val, member of the BCBs, said the team needs to work on a few things for their next match. “I think we saw a lot of our faults and what we need to work on,” said Val. “We need better pack work, we need to stay together better and we need to be able to break through their walls a little better.” BashIngure said with the team’s growing popularity in Windsor they’re anticipating a large number of new players this year. Anyone who is 18 years and older and interested in being part of the team can attend an informational meeting April 13 at The Manchester at 7 p.m.
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AprIl 16, 2013
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The Lance faces tough times Downtown Mission thanks volunteers
Photo by Maureen Mariampillai
Photo by Sean Previl
Natasha Marar, editor-in-chief of The Lance, speaks to board members of the University of Windsor’s Student Alliance at an emergency board meeting called April 8 at the CAW Student Centre in Windsor. Managing editor Stephen Hargreaves, centre and associate news editor Jon Liedtke were also in attendance along with members of the press and student body. Sean Previl Associate Managing Editor The University of Windsor’s The Lance is going to be able to print one last issue before the future of the newspaper is once more put in the hands of the University of Windsor’s Student Alliance. The UWSA held an emergency meeting of the board of directors April 8 following a decision to stop the print publication of The Lance, the university’s weekly student newspaper. Features and opinions editor and associate news editor Jon Liedtke said shutting down The Lance means students will not know what is happening at their school. “Shutting down this paper will just hinder The Lance’s ability to inform students as to affairs that are going on at the university,” said Liedtke.
Liedtke said support for The Lance has come from not just the local community but also nationwide. “Community leaders, business leaders (and) politicians at the municipal, provincial and federal level (have reached out to us),” said Liedtke. “We’ve had studentsat-large come forward and say this was a hasty decision that was done.” Members of the UWSA board said it wasn’t a hasty decision and was due to a deficit The Lance was facing. “We were presented at our last budget meeting that The Lance was losing a significant amount of money,” said Jamal Mohamud, a member of the board. “It is our responsibility to cover that deficit.” Natasha Marar, editor-inchief of The Lance, said the deficit of $24,000 would decrease to around $7,000
when ad revenue yet to be counted is included. University president Alan Wildeman said he wants to see The Lance continue because of the newspaper’s readership. “I have no doubt that there’s a lot of passion for The Lance and the students are going to want to see it continue,” said Wildeman. Around three hours into the meeting a motion was put forward by board member Sami Habib to allow for continued printing of the April 17 issue and continue through the summer, but the motion was turned down. In a revised version of Habib’s motion by the UWSA, the April 17 issue stipulation was kept but The Lance will be required to present an operations strategy to the new board of directors and general manager by April 30 before they can continue to print.
A volunteer helps wash plates after serving lunch to the members of The Downtown Mission in Windsor April 11. common thread of any volMaureen Mariampillai unteer except for their generCitizen Staff Reporter ous hearts. “They’re the kind of people The Downtown Mission will that think of others and reach be hosting an appreciation out with not only their generdinner on April 16 for its vol- ous hearts but their helping unteers during National hands,” said Kovacs. Volunteer Week. Volunteering at the mission The mission is a non-profit for about 12 years, Jack organization which provides Hillis said he enjoys working services to those who are in with the staff, volunteers and poverty and are struggling members. He started out volwith homelessness. unteering one day a week Celebrating 40 years of serv- and now comes in twice a ice to the Windsor and Essex week. County community, Mary-Joe “I know their stories and Kovacs, coordinator of volun- some of them have come teers, said it’s the help of the across hard times and they volunteers that keeps the mis- don’t really want to be here sion running. … but they have no choice She said because the mission and I’m glad to be able to has such a wide variety of vol- serve them,” said Hillis. unteers coming through their Program director Dino doors the skills they bring to Salvador said the event will events and programs are provide dinner and entertaininvaluable. ment for mission volunteers “We have a very small staff and will provide the memat the Downtown Mission and bers and staff an opportunity we will serve throughout the to recognize and appreciate course of the year, with our the work the volunteers do. various programs, over “The membership realizes 150,000 meals. So the day-to- that there are people in day operations of this are only Windsor and Essex County do-able and achievable with that do care about them and our volunteers.” want to share their own Kovacs said there is no one goods and services.”
Ontario aims to end tanning for minors with new law Kurtis Friesen Citizen Staff Reporter
In the latest chapter of banning tanning for minors, Ontario is looking to pass legislation that would force salons to restrict their services and products to those over the age of 18. In light of the government of Canada’s February proposal for tanning owners to post stricter warning labels, the government of Ontario wants to end commercial tanning for young teenagers altogether. According to the news
release, the legislation would also require owners to ask for personal identification for anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 and for bed operators to post signs about the ban with the health risks listed. The release states that this proposal is in response to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer report. In it they say the risk of cancer increases by 75 per cent when tanning beds are used before the age of 35. The Joint Canadian Tanning
Association said these numbers are misrepresented. Using the data collected from the IARC report, the JCTA has crunched the numbers but separated tanning into three categories: commercial tanning, home unit tanning and photo therapy. According to the JCTA, home unit tanning is what drives the risk percentage up so high, in regards to the correlation between tanning and skin cancer. Statistically, they say the risk of developing skin cancer through unsupervised tanning
is increased by 40 per cent and 96 per cent through medical tanning use versus commercial tanning’s six per cent. “Would you jump into the car with a person with no license?” said the JCTA’s executive director Steve Gilroy. “In a professional tanning salon, you are strictly monitored by a licensed operator.” He also mentioned the “increase in risk” claim is taken out of context due to the advancements in technology. “We diagnose a smaller amount of melanoma today
than we did in the 50s, despite being more educated,” said Gilroy. “In the 50s before the tanning business started, six people in every 100,000 were diagnosed. Now it’s down to 1.4 per 100,000.” He added that indoor workers are at higher risk of getting melanoma than outdoor workers. Ontario isn’t the first province to act upon the IARC report. British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Quebec have all banned tanning for people under the age of 18.
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Overage assets pay dividends for OHL clubs
Photo by Evan Mathias
Windsor Spitfires rookie forward Josh Ho-Sang, left, walks out from behind Plymouth Whalers goalie Matt Mahalak and looks to pass to fellow rookie Ryan Verbeek, bottom, at the WFCU Centre Jan. 24 Evan Mathias Campbell. “I’d love to have son in the OHL.” Sports Editor Campbell said that there is a at least two of my overagers as Quality overage players front-line players, guys who huge transition for rookies have become a rare commodi- are either a number one goalie, coming out of minor hockey ty in the Ontario Hockey top-six forward or a top-four into the OHL. “They (overagers) are critidefenceman.” League. cal in helping your younger Teams are able to carry three Overagers are expected to be leaders to rookies and help in overage players on their roster players adjust to the league,” their development process as so picking the right players to said Campbell. “Overagers comprise your overage spots can really teach them the ins well as be top-line players. and outs of the game and show “Obviously your foremost is never an easy decision. “Rarely are there more than them what it takes to have succoncern is to get a kid that can be a front-line player in your 40 quality overage players (in cess in the league while manlineup, but you want your the OHL),” said Campbell. aging all of the distractions.” Spits rookie forward Josh overagers to be players who “We’re seeing more opportucan lead by example and set a nities for them to explore Ho-Sang found the transition standard on and off the ice,” (such as playing professionly) to the OHL to be a difficult rather than playing a final sea- one. said OHL scout Scott
“Time and space closes down, you’ve got to learn how to adapt to that,” said HoSang. “Guys are a lot better with their sticks and they’re going to take the body on you.” The Windsor Spitfires had four overage players throughout the course of this past season. At the beginning of the year, captain Saverio Posa, Derek Schoenmakers and Emerson Clark were Windsor’s three overage players. As the season progressed Posa was dealt to the Guelph Storm and Schoenmakers was traded away to the Peterborough Petes, much to Ho-Sang’s displeasure. “(Schoenmakers) really helped me,” said Ho-Sang. “He was keeping me in line and trying to help me become a better hockey player. He knew what to do and what not to do. When he got traded it really hurt.” Ho-Sang said his bond with Schoenmakers was unlike his relationships with the other overage players. “Schoenmakers was a guy that I could talk to,” said HoSang. “He was probably my best friend, I had a really good relationship with him. With (Schoenmakers), he was kind of like an older brother. I think that was a one of a kind thing.” When Schoenmakers left, it was the first time Ho-Sang had to deal with a close teammate being traded. “I really didn’t know what to
do. It just sucked,” said HoSang. Before the trade deadline the Spits acquired overage forward Alex Aleardi from the Plymouth Whalers. Aleardi came from a front-runner to the young rebuilding Spitfires. “Coming from Plymouth, we had nine forwards who had all been in the league a couple years,” said Aleardi. “My role changed a lot (coming to Windsor). I became a go-to guy on the power play and the penalty kill and was expected to be a leader on and off the ice.” Aleardi said it isn’t just the rookies who need guidance in the league. “I sat next to (Adam) Bateman, who’s a younger guy, second year in the league. Me and him always talked and he always appreciated everything. I would just help him with little things, off-ice stuff too,” said Aleardi. The ex-Spits overager said he was always around to help the rookies out when they needed it. The right overager can be a valuable asset in any team’s lineup. Picking a quality overage player is something every team strives for. They do so much for a team’s lineup, whether it is playing top-line minutes or being a depth player who helps develop rookies they all have important roles. Quality overage skaters have become a commodity that every team wants in their lineup.
Golf season picks up momentum
Photo by Tom Morrison
Charles Beneteau, assistant golf professional at Roseland Golf and Curling Club, drives a ball April 7. Tom Morrison Chief Copy Editor After a delayed start, golfers
can take comfort in knowing the golf season is beginning to shape up. Many golf courses in
Windsor and Essex County opened March 29 or later, which is considered late for this area. The colder, longer
winter this year is the main reason for the delay. Assistant golf professional at Roseland Golf and Curling Club Charles Beneteau said they usually try to open in the middle of March. “It’s been a slow start. Definitely winter is not comparable to last year where last year we got started and were playing full swing in March so this year it’s been a bit different,” said Beneteau. “We haven’t really seen much action.” Beneteau said the weather has affected the course itself because temperatures need to be above freezing at night in order for the grass to grow. Despite these conditions, Beneteau said this is still a
good time to hit the links. “This is a great way to start getting the exercise, start getting into the swing of things. You don’t necessarily have to be looking for your best rounds out there, but it’s a way to get out of the house,” Beneteau said. Just like Roseland, Fox Glen Golf Course opened March 29 and golf operations manager Kelly Barnet said other than the opening weekend, things have been quiet on the course. “Everybody’s in tune with the weather forecast nowadays to the touch of their fingers from their computers … and if it’s forecasted to be rainy or cold people aren’t going to come out to pay to play,” said Barnet.
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Local football player goes pro Spits ‘burn’ it up
Photo by Ashley Davidson Windsor AKO Fratmen defensive end Derek Hurlock (44) sacks Brampton Bears quarterback Ivor Grijidic in a game at Windsor Stadium August 19, 2012. The Fratmen won 38-7. Hurlock had 34 tackles, Ashley Davidson Citizen Staff Reporter eight sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoverA local football player has ies in his year with the taken the next step to achieve Fratmen. his goal. The combine is a way for Derek Hurlock was invited scouts to look at potential CFL to the Canadian Football prospects. Hurlock said he League Combine on March hopes he made an impression. 22. The six foot four inch tall “It was my first time at the defensive lineman played his combine,” said Hurlock. “It last season with the Windsor was a great experience and I AKO Fratmen where he was thought I matched up well named an all-star. against the competition.”
Throughout the AKO season, head coach Mike LaChance said he knew Hurlock had great potential. LaChance had originally tried to get him out to play for AKO when he left high school. Hurlock chose instead to play for the Okanogan Sun in B.C. for two years, before playing for AKO. LaChance said he has great faith in his player. “I think he has a good chance to make it because of the combination of his versitality, physicality, athletic ability and most importantly, his coach-ability,” said LaChance. “Derek is one of the easiest players to coach that I have ever had. He literally is a coach’s dream.” Hurlock said he hopes he impressed the Hamilton TigerCats, a team who has shown interest in him before. Last spring he was invited to their training camp. “I’m certain though that if the Tiger-Cats give Derek Hurlock an opportunity he will not allow that chance to slip away,” said LaChance. “I am looking forward to watching him play the next decade in the CFL.”
Balancing hockey and school
Photo by Sarah Ryrie
LaSalle Vipers captain Eric Noel scores against Strathroy Rockets goaltender Dalen Kuchmey at the Vollmer Recreational Complex in Lasalle on March 3. Sarah Ryrie ness administration program Citizen Staff Reporter four days a week. “Having a social, school and Some students say multitaskhockey life together all at once ing and organizational skills can be a lot, but I always find make it possible to balance ways to get homework done or school and after-school activistudy for exams before having ties. to go to practice or games,” Eric Noel, University of said Noel. Windsor student and captain The LaSalle Vipers do not of the LaSalle Vipers hockey require a certain grade point team, said he believes it is average but players are possible to balance both after encouraged to do well in school activities and post-secschool. ondary education. Noel plays “The ownership, managehockey four to five times a ment and coaching staff would week including practices, like for us to do our best to games and away games in achieve good grades,” said addition to attending his busi-
Noel. “They always let us know if we need help with anything they’re here.” Noel said some days he’s more tired than others but always has something to do or somewhere to be to keep him going throughout the day. “It’s hard on the body some days if I didn’t get enough sleep but I try to make up for lack of sleep on my days off or on the weekends,” said Noel. Carlysle Bortolotti, a fulltime dental hygienist student at St. Clair College, said organization is the key to balancing school and after school activities. Bortolotti, attends school full time and is as a competitive cheerleader for North Star Cheer, and works at Enzo’s Trattoria 12-16 hours a week. “Everyone has organizational skills, just not everybody uses them. I use my planner for everything. I wouldn’t be able to balance school, work and cheer without it. I would be lost.” Besides her after school activities and job, Bortolotti is on the St. Clair College dean’s list.
Kenton Wolfe Citizen Staff Reporter
The value of a late draft pick cannot be understated. While the spotlight may have been on Ryan Moore, the Windsor Spitfires first selection in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection draft, the Spits also picked up defenceman Andrew Burns in the third round. And though the odds are stacked against him, his minor-Midget coach Duncan Harvey believes he can make an immediate impact. “Andrew will be fine,” said Harvey. “He’s always stepped up for a challenge and has never let me down. He has an amazing work ethic. I don’t just think he can make a step up, but be a threat very soon.” Burns, taken with the 47 selection, tallied 14 goals and 50 points with the Oakville Rangers this past season. Standing at a modest five feet 11 inches while weighing a lean 167 pounds, there has been concern with his ability to handle bigger forwards at the junior level. “He still plays a physical game,” said Harvey. “He’s obviously not six feet six inches or anything, but he plays
tough in front of the net. Andrew can be extremely hard to play against.” Facing charges from the Ontario Hockey League for allegedly using illegal recruitment practices, the Spitfires went into this year’s draft without their own first or second round selection. Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel had to be savvy in order to make use of the picks he had. “Yeah, we’re really excited about the picks,” said Rychel. “We’re really excited about the three defenceman, especially Burns, (Liam) Murray, (Ryan) Markovic, exciting hockey player. All real good hockey players.” One of the Spitfires’ biggest shortcomings last season was turnovers. Harvey believes Burns can use his hockey sense to help the team. “Andrew is an extremely smart player,” said Harvey. “He sees the ice well and is good at finding the open guy with the stretch pass. I don’t know how many times this season he sprung guys, sending them in on a breakaway.” The Spitfires will start their training camp in late April, where Burns will likely attend.
the converged team Managing Editors Mitch Brandner Sandee Nho
Associate Managing Editor Sean Previl
Production Team Chris Mailloux Michael Veres Shaun Garrity
Senior Sports Editor Evan Mathias
Entertainment Editor Chris Mailloux
Chief Copy Photo Editor Copy Editor Sean Previl Ashley Godin 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
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St. Clair celebrates athletics
Photo by Maureen Mariampillai
The 46th annual awards banquet for the varsity and intramural athletes celebrates their achievements at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts in Windsor April 11. Maureen Mariampillai celebrated their achievements Citizen Staff Reporter at the St. Clair College Centre St. Clair College athletes trad- for the Arts April 11. Athletic coordinator Jay ed in their uniforms for suits and dresses for one special Shewfelt said it was an important day for the athletes and night. The 46th annual awards ban- coaches to not only recognize quet for the varsity and intra- their work but the best way to wrap up the year. mural athletes and coaches
Changes are coming to the athletic department such as the opening of the SportsPlex in 2014, which will feature the triple gym with an indoor running track and fitness centre. Shewfelt said they will also be offering every Saints varsity athlete a $1,250 scholarship. “The reason we’re doing it is two-fold. We want to help recruit top athletes but it’s also a way to alleviate some of the pressure on their day to day life,” said Shewfelt. He said one of the big challenges they find with their athletes these days is the ability for the athletes to juggle school, varsity sports, jobs and personal lives. “It seems to be getting more difficult each year. The classes are getting tougher and the hours are getting longer,” said Shewfelt. Nominated for female Athlete of the Year for
Olympic athlete starts boxing class
Outstanding Achievement, Alexa Georgiou is a first-year collaborative nursing student with a part time job and said she would definitely be taking advantage of the scholarship next semester so that she can focus more on school and softball. “At first it was tough, like first semester was really tough, but then I just started to time manage … take out some time from studying or work or softball and just take out time for myself. You know, watch a movie or something,” said Georgiou. While playing for the women’s fastball team, Georgiou said it was a great feeling to be recognized in the community by receiving The Windsor Essex County Sports Person of the Year. “I’ve been playing this sport for almost my whole life so being able to see it pay off was
Spitfires draft recap Mitchell Brandner Managing Editor
Photo by Klay Coyle
Andrew Kooner works with Mary Dawalibi for his BoxFIT class at Lifestyles Family Fitness April 10 in Windsor. Canadian colours and your Dawalibi said she was addictKlay Coyle whole country is watching ed to the class after coming Citizen Staff Reporter back home. It was just pretty once. Kooner is a big inspiraA local Olympic boxer has overwhelming.” tion for Dawalibi and said he started an exercise boxing After all his success in the helps out a lot. class here in Windsor. pro-boxing circuit Kooner “He is always there by your Andrew Singh Kooner is a wanted to give back. He side telling you to push harder, two-time Olympic boxer for decided to start his own box- that you can do it, you’re Canada. He currently holds ing class. Kooner’s class, stronger than your own body the champion title for the called Box FIT, is a cardio and and it really helps,” said Canadian bantamweight divi- boxing class that focuses on Dawalibi. sion. Kooner said he started high intensity workouts. All that is required to particboxing when he was 13 Kooner said he loves to ipate in the Box FIT class is a because he was bullied a lot as interact with his students. a child. Boxing became his “I like the classes I teach membership to Lifestyles passion, keeping him active here at this gym. I try to talk to Family Fitness. There are and healthy. my students and motivate classes Monday to Friday at In the summer of 2000 them with things that motivat 7:30 p.m. For anyone looking to get fit Kooner went to his first ed me when I was growing Olympic games in Sydney, up,” said Kooner. “I kind of Kooner had some words of Australia. use what worked with me, I advice. “I always say, hard work and “It’s the greatest honour,” try to make it work with them, dedication, the two combined, said Kooner, “In Sydney, there and it does.” was like 100,000 fans and you Mary Dawalibi, 22, is a reg- with that you can persevere in walk into the stadium with the ular student at Box FIT. anything you do.”
just a great experience,” said Georgiou, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association bronze medalist. About 315 guests attended the banquet with CTV’s Bob Bellacicco hosting as master of ceremonies. Other special guests attending were St. Clair College president John Stasser and host of TV show Face to Face John Fairley. The event featured a virtual tour of the SportsPlex and a highlight reel of the year. Cross-country runner Andrew deGroot took home the Athlete of the Year award, among others, for his silver medal at the provincial level and gold at national. Shewfelt said deGroot was very sick during the provincial competition, but still won silver. “Then he went from there to nationals and dominated at nationals and won gold,” said Shewfelt.
The Windsor Spitfires made the best of a bad situation. Without a first round pick in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection draft, Windsor Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel was still able to draft a player they had ranked in the first round. American forward Ryan Moore was selected in the second round by the Spitfires. Listed at five feet eight inches, 150 pounds, Moore put up 48 points in 36 games for Detroit Belle Tire. “He’s so fast,” said Rychel. “The way our league is it’s all about skating and hockey sense and I think if he does come he’ll be able to outsmart guys with size. His skating and hockey sense is real good.” After selecting Moore the Spits followed up by drafting two defencemen. Liam Murray put up 31 points in 45 games for Eastern Ontario Wild while Andrew Burns had 50 points in 69 games for the Oakville Rangers. Assistant general manager Terry Doran said he liked their first three picks in the draft. “I believe 100 per cent that all three could play on this team right now,” said Doran. “It’s up to them to come to training camp and prove wor-
thy. I’m not worried about whether or not their skillset is ready to play and I’m not worried about their compete level.” The Spitfires added another defenceman in the sixth round. Ryan Markovic played for the Toronto Red Wings and had 12 points in 32 games. Markovic possesses size as he’s listed at six feet two inches and Rychel said he was happy with the first three defencemen the Spits selected. “We’re really excited about the three defenceman,” said Rychel. “They’re exciting players. They’re all real good hockey players.” In the ninth round Windsor selected Chatham forward Drew Marlatt. Marlatt had 22 points in 27 games this season and Rychel said he was happy they could grab him so late. “We thought we were going to miss out on him,” said Rychel. “He’s a good hardworking, two-way winger from Chatham. He’s a real good player that has a chance to play. I’m excited we got him. I thought he would’ve went earlier but sometimes you get lucky. I think we did.” With plenty of holes on the roster for next season, the Spitfires are hoping some of these players can step up and help the team rebound from a disappointing season.
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Officials get pit bull complaints Challenges of being a student and a parent
Photo by Sarah Ryrie
Jade Underwood and her son Aiden read a magazine together at their home April 1. Sarah Ryrie Citizen Staff Reporter Photo by Shaun Garrity
A local blue nose pit bull is shown in the above photo. Pit bulls have been banned in Ontario since 2005. Shaun Garrity Citizen Staff Reporter Although the pit bull is prohibited in Windsor, the city still receives numerous complaints every year. In 2005 a ban known as Bill 132 was introduced and passed by the provincial legislative assembly. This means that Ontarians are prohibited from owning, breeding, transferring, importing or abandoning pit bulls. Those who already own pit bulls before the ban are allowed to keep them. Manager of compliance and enforcement with the city Ann Kalinowski, said Windsor realizes pit bulls are problematic in the area. “There are 9,000 complaints each year about pit bulls,” said Kalinowski. Kalinowski also said the
Dog Owners Liability Act which revises Bill 132. The law states pit bulls are banned in Ontario, but the breed is showing up in dog pounds. Melanie Coulter, executive director of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, said she sees quite a few pit bulls in the area and there are many of dogs that are mixed breeds people may call a pit bull. “The reality is it is difficult to identify what is a pit bull and what is not,” said Coulter. She said the DOLA leaves it up to the veterinarian to determine whether it is a pit bull. Coulter said there are many dogs people would call a pit bull, but would not be a restricted breed or just a mix. She said the breed should not be prohibited and the government should lift the ban. “If a Labrador bites someone it does not make the news, but
if it’s a pit bull it does,” said Coulter. Bill Tetler, bylaw enforcement officer for the city, said not only pure breeds are restricted, but also any dog that has the physical characteristics of a pit bull. He said if a person is caught with a pit bull they will get a warning and approximately six days to relocate the dog outside the province. When Windsorites fail to comply the second time the Humane Society steps in and the dog will be euthanized. “We charge them, we do not take the dogs,” said Tetler. Kalinowski said the City does not have the equipment to detain dogs and it is the duty of the Humane Society. She said since 2005 the number of complaints has gone down, but she still receives numerous complaints.
There are difficulties in raising a child while attending post-secondary education. Jade Underwood, a 19-yearold mother and University of Windsor student, studies social work and woman’s studies at the university while raising her three-year-old son Aiden. She said the list of difficulties is endless trying to attend school while raising her son. “It’s a matter of being able to find a way to deal and find balance in order to cope, otherwise, you’ll end up losing your mind,” said Underwood.
Underwood pays over $947 a month daycare for five full days a week from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “He has to be in daycare otherwise I wouldn’t have time for homework and assignments,” said Underwood. Underwood said the greatest difficulty raising a child while in school is missing out on certain things and having to watch your friends get to do the things you want to do. “I would love to be able to go away for school, go on exchange and go on vacations when everyone goes away to Mexico for spring break,” said Underwood. “Some classes are only offered at night, so I’m left trying to figure out who is going to watch him and if no one can, I have to miss class.” Iva Hobbs, mother of three children under the age of six, said she is very thankful she finished college before having children. “Attending school, keeping up my grades and working to pay for school was difficult enough, let alone having a child while doing so,” said Hobbs. “I don’t know what I would have done had I got pregnant with my twins during college.”
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shared the same venue for provincial supremacy. “The idea (of combining the championships) is to celebrate and promote the sport of gymnastics,” said executive director of Gymnastics Ontario David Sandford, in an interGymnastics with view Ontario. “It gives the spectators and fans a chance to see both.”
Sabrina Slama is the recreation director for Rose City Gymnastics and helped organize the championship event. “The event’s going really well and we got a lot of people showing up from all over the town and all over province, so it’s been a really good turn out so far,” said Slama. The competition ran April 47.
Jump in eco fees gets a reaction from Ontario Federation
Taylor Desjardins Citizen Staff Reporter Increased eco fees in Ontario have caused a backlash from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture towards the Ontario Tire Stewardship. Brad Anger, vice president of the OFA, said they were not made aware of any coming change and were surprised to see how much the fees have increased. “There will be a huge impact on agriculture, it’s just something else the government is trying to shove down our throat with no valid notifica-
tion,” said Anger. “If you change a tire on a combine, that fee would amount to $1,800 and each tire is $5,000.” Jake Cottingham from Cottingham Tire in Tilbury said the eco-fee price jump cannot be justified and that they were not notified of the change in advance either. “It’s a huge jump and I think if you can recycle a truck tire which has a lot more steel to work out of it for $15, why can’t you recycle a farm tire for the same price,” said
Cottingham. According to a letter distributed by OTS, before the increase eco fees for off-road tires were a flat fee of $15.29 each. Now, the new fees are determined by weight. Large off-road tires such as industrial tires would command an eco-fee of $1,311 along with the price it takes to purchase the actual tire. Andrew Horsman, executive director at Ontario Tire Stewardship, said the government ordered OTS to base the eco fees on what it actually
costs to recycle these tires, so charging by weight was what they saw fit. “This was prompted by a couple of things, the need for us to collect revenue to pay for the recycling of the tires and a new piece of legislation from the government that required us to calculate our fees based on the actual costs,” said Horsman. The OFA has made Ontario Tire Stewardship aware of the wear and tear that these offroad tires go through and are working together to revise the
fees. Negotiations have been taking place and proposals have been made but not released to the public as of yet. OFA still has to act on the proposal made by OTS. “We’ve actually been in discussions with Ontario Federation of Agriculture, intensely for two or three weeks now and I am pleased to say we have made an agreement in principal with them that is going to allow us to revise how we allocate costs to the Agriculture sector,” said Horsman.
AprIl 16, 2013
CONVERGEDCITIZEN
FEATURE
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Band celebrates 15th anniversary More students choose concurrent programs Sarah Ryrie Citizen Staff Reporter
Photo by Jamie Adam Ric Moor conducts the Greater Windsor Concert Band at Banwell Community Church for the band’s 15-year anniversary April 7. Jamie Adam Citizen Staff Reporter Fifteen successful years have gone by for the Greater Windsor Concert Band and they celebrated by doing what they do best, playing a concert. The band played 15 songs to celebrate 15 years, ranging from “The Carnival of the Animals,” to a medley of Simon and Garfunkel songs, to the Pirates of the Caribbean theme. The band was joined by special guests Emily Calongcagong playing the flute and her father Alde Calongcagong on piano. Emily is a Grade 9 student at École secondaire catholique E.J. Lajeunesse.
Music director and conductor Ric Moor said her playing was excellent. “When Emily was playing her flute with the band, I got goosebumps. It was an amazing moment,” said Moor. Moor said the best part about conducting the band is being able to experience how the sum of the band is greater than its parts. “My favourite part is easy,” he said. “It’s impossible to describe the feeling of putting that much effort into a piece of music and to have it come together in a way that is really beyond the capabilities of any of the individuals.” A fan since day one, 64-yearold Peggy Leithead said the band played their best show to date. “They outdid themselves
today,” said Leithead. “Every song was right on and perfect for the occasion and I just thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a long concert but the time went by so fast. It was great.” Angela Manser has been playing the clarinet for over 25 years and she is one of five original members still in the band. She said one of her favourite parts of being in the band is being able to meet interesting people after playing a show. “I like what we do in the community and I like how we raise money for different charities too,” said Manser. “I like that we play a high calibre of music and I love everything about being in the band.” Moor said plans have already begun for the band’s 20th anniversary.
Emotional and financial tolls on military families
Sandy Nho Managing Editor Mandated moves for troops and families in the Canadian Armed Forces can have a negative affect, During their military career some troops are forced to move from their hometown to a posting location. Capt. Konrad Rozenkranz has been in the military for 15 years. With a wife and two daughters, Rosenkranz said financially moving is difficult to deal with. “The financial hit was the hardest to take,” said Rosenkranz. “Unlike myself, every time there is a move, my wife must leave her current employment and hope to get a
new job where we move to.” Rosenkranz has travelled to Meaford, Wainwright, Gagetown and London, Ont. in the short term. Last summer he and his family moved to New Brunswick for a new posting. Military families that are having difficulty coping with mandated moves can find support through the Military Family Resource Centre. Troops can find programs for spouses to find jobs in their new posting placement. Moving from their hometown was a difficult process. However, the internet makes it easier for Rosenkranz keep in touch with their friends and family.
“As for both my wife and I, friendships do not have boundaries,” said Rosenkranz. “Especially with Skype and Facebook.” Despite the obstacles the new move has presented for him, he doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon. “I am proud to wear the uniform and I truly believe in what the Canadian Army does and what it stands for,” said Rosenkranz. “I can easily see myself doing this for at least another decade or more.” Other than the struggles that comes with mandated postings, Rosenkranz said his family has been enjoying the new opportunities in New Brunswick.
More students are choosing concurrent and collaborative programs to open up opportunities for jobs. Jordyn Rafuse is currently enrolled in the concurrent education and early childhood education program. This fiveyear program combines a of Education, Bachelor Bachelor of Arts or Sciences, and an ECE diploma with learning taking place at both St. Clair College and the University of Windsor. Rafuse said she enrolled in this program in hopes of landing a job as an elementary school teacher after graduating. “I chose concurrent because you don’t have to go to teachers college and at the end of it you graduate with two degrees from the university and a diploma from St. Clair,” said Rafuse. Rafuse was at the university from September 2011 to December 2012, started at St. Clair in January and will finish at the U of W. “It’s totally different at the U. All of the classes are put on power points and online where at the college if you miss a day you have professors that
notice and ask why you weren’t there,” said Rafuse. Rafuse said when she graduates from school, if there’s nothing with the school board, she will still have her ECE and can work as a registered early childhood educator . She said when she’s at the university she pays the university tuition and when at St. Clair she pays the St. Clair price. “This semester at the college was $1,677 and at the university it’s about $3,000 for the semester,” said Rafuse. Selena Santia, a future collaborative nursing student, said the collaborative program was the most ideal program for her. “I basically chose the collaborative program versus the four-year program at the university because it was the most ideal choice for a program like nursing,” said Santia. “It gives the best of both worlds in the aspect that I will receive very good practical, hands on experience in my two years at the college and I will receive very good theory knowledge from the university’s two years of school.” Santia said she looks forward to the smaller classes at the college because it’s easier to interact and ask questions to the teachers.
Tree planting: Arbor Week 2013 Taylor Desjardins Citizen Staff Report
Bring your shovel and closed-toe shoes because the City of Windsor Parks and Facilities is bringing tree planting to Windsor and is asking volunteers to come out for Arbor Week 2013. Bill Roesel, manager of forestry and horticulture, said school children, seniors, environmentalists and neighbours are invited to plant more than 200 trees at Lakeshore Woods May 4. The planting will be taking place, rain or shine, at 10 a.m. “Windsor and Essex County lost one million trees to the emerald ash borer,” said Roesel in a press release. “To help regenerate the urban for-
est and to continue to protect the Detroit River, we rely on community volunteers to help plant trees.” Trees Ontario is hosting the event along with CAA South Central Ontario, CAA North & East Ontario and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The day will bring about awareness of the environment, promoting local engagement and activities sponsored by Bezaire and Associates, Union Gas, Essex Region Conservation Authority and Parks and Recreation. Lakeshore Woods is located at Benwell Road and Little River Boulevard. For further information on anything local, call 311.
CONVERGEDCITIZEN AprIl 16, 2013
OPINION
Reflections
James Zimmerman Managing Editor
As we grow older our perception of time changes. As children time seems to crawl as we wait for our chance to be adults. As adults years seem to tick by at the blink of an eye. This year was no exception as we close the doors on another successful edition of The Converged Citizen. As co-managing editor, along with the team, we are filled with a great sense of happiness and accomplishment. Countless hours have been put into the last year here at the MediaPlex and it seems over all too soon. Together we created not just a weekly paper, but weekly live news broadcasts and pioneered a radio show. However, while this day marks the reflection of accom-
plishments, it also highlights the end of a journey and we are filled with a deep sense of sadness and anxiety. The future holds many possibilities. The MediaPlex has become a fraternity, a second home to all of us. It is hard to leave after so little time together. More than happiness, relief, hope, fear or sadness, there is gratitude and a list of people we would like to thank for this incredible year. To John Strasser, Patti France, Lorna McCormack and the rest of administration at St. Clair College, you have provided us with an environment we can thrive in as well as the tools to produce the best content we can. Thank you for opportunities some the schools only dream of. To members of the press and the Windsor community, thank you for dealing with us. While we are all talented we still have much to learn. You provide us the opportunities to make ourselves better while gaining real world experience, experience we cannot find in a traditional classroom. To all of the professors we’ve had the privilege of learning with thank you for your every flowing cup of care. You’ve given us the tools to succeed and the knowledge
that only comes from your own experiences, wisdom and guidance. A very special thank you goes out to you, the reader. Without you there is no point to producing the paper. Your support carries us through on our toughest weeks and as young journalists it’s nice to know complete strangers appreciate our work. Finally, to the editing team, you make up the nucleus of our group. Without you guys, we wouldn’t have a place to showcase our craft. To the remainder of the class, thank you all, both first and second year students, for contributing week in and week out. You’ve helped us build a legacy, a news vehicle that will hopefully one day be on every coffee table in the city. In closing, we would like to leave you with some words of advice. Don’t just get involved, but fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for your seat at the head of the table. Believe in yourselves, dream, try, fall down and make a glorious mess of things. Don’t forget to break something occasionally. Remember that the story is never over. Thank you for an unforgettable year, The Converged Citizen.
Peter Parker finds himself in a sticky situation
Jamie Adam Citizen Staff Reporter The Amazing Spider-Man is an epic action-fantasy movie converted from the classic comic. The story takes place in modern-day New York City. Superhero Spidey is portrayed by Andrew Garfield with his love interest Gwen Stacy being depicted by Emma Stone and Dr. Curt Connors is played by Rhys Ifans. Since his parents’ death, Peter Parker has been living with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. One afternoon, Peter stumbles across a few of his father’s old things and decides he wants to meet with his father’s old laboratory science partner, Dr. Curt Connors. While wandering around the
Oscorp pharmaceutical building, Peter comes across a strange room covered with spider webbing and feels the sting of a spider-bite. He is granted super strength and supernatural climbing abilities, becoming the revered Spider-Man. Peter is then faced with the loss of another father figure – Uncle Ben is shot in the chest while attempting to stop an escaping fugitive. But Spider-Man’s powers will be put to the test with the arrival of The Lizard. After being sought out at his school by the monster, SpiderMan moves the battle to the roof of Oscorp, where the titans clash to decide the fate of New York City. The Amazing Spider-Man takes the style of the classic superhero in a different direction. Appealing to a new generation, the newest SpiderMan film strays from the comic book style to portray a more theatrical and dramatic appearance. With flashier camerawork, more dramatic music and not a whiff of the
essence of comic books anywhere to be found, the new Spider-Man appeals fantastically to a tech-savvy generation. The actors couldn’t have been better chosen, either. Garfield captures the smart, energetic and often witty spirit of Spider-Man. The beautiful and intelligent Stone does a bang-on job of portraying Gwen and audiences will feel the good intentions gone awry in Dr. Curt Connors, thanks to Ifans. The Amazing Spider-Man gets four out of five stars, only because I can conceive of a better film. However, with that said, it’s one of the best movies I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. Thanks to the superb acting and new theatrical style breathing fresh life into the Spider-Man franchise, the movie gets near perfect marks. I recommend this movie to anyone, regardless of age. Now to see if Spidey’s application for the next Avengers movie will be accepted.
REVIEWS
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Save Rock and Roll by Fallout Boy album review
Ashley Godin Photo Editor American pop punk band Fall Out Boy broke into the mainstream music scene in 2005 following the release of their first major label album, From Under The Cork Tree. Twelve years and eight albums of various lengths into their career, Fall Out Boy has debuted their newest album Save Rock and Roll through their YouTube channel, a week before it is set to be available for purchase. This is their first album since the band announced an indefinite hiatus in November 2009. The band gave no hints as to when they would be back, if at all, and left fans in the dark. During their hiatus members of the band continued with solo careers and other projects. The band kept their reunion quiet and denied any comments that suggested anything to the contrary. The band shocked fans by announcing their return on a radio station in Chicago on Feb. 4. They debuted “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark” on the station as well as a music video online. Fall Out Boy announced Save Rock and Roll would be released April 16 along with a U.S. tour starting in May. Fall Out Boy was formed in 2001 by Pete Wentz and Joe Trohman. The pair played alongside each other in various hardcore bands in the Chicago area. Patrick Stump auditioned to drum in the band after meeting Trohman in a bookstore and having a conversation about a mutual music interest. Upon the discovery that Stump had a diverse vocal range, he was chosen for lead vocals. It wasn’t until several lineup changes later that Andy Hurley joined to drum for the band. Prior to their first radio hits the band thrived on the under-
ground music scene in Chicago and Wilmette Ill. They played their first two shows without a name and chose Fall Out Boy after an audience suggestion in reference to a Simpsons’ character. The group released two albums prior to their breakthrough. The first of these albums was a split EP with fellow Chicago band Project Rocket and the second a miniLP that was recorded in two days and released against the group’s wishes on Uprising Records. Save Rock and Roll is being released on the band’s current label Island Records and features various guest appearances. The album starts off with its two recently released singles, “The Phoenix” and “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark.” These songs may not sound like any of Fall Out Boys previous tracks but they boast a very energetic punch. It is apparent that Stump’s vocals have greatly improved since the band’s first album and have taken a more soulful route. In an unexpected turn, the album includes guest vocals from some unlikely artists such as Big Sean, Courtney Love and Elton John. Sean’s and Love’s appearances seem rather pointless and out of place. The tracks themselves could do without but are not ruined by these additions. Stump’s duet with John may seem the most unlikely of all, but rather compliments the song. Save Rock and Roll is arguably the band’s least traditional rock type album, as it contains several dance-like elements. Wentz’s writing style typically boasts obscure lyrics, but this album shows that his style has grown up since the days of Evening Out With Your Girlfriend. Overall the album is filled with the right amount of hand claps and sing-a-long chorus. It is sure to be an album that sounds just as good live as it does through your ear buds. Save Rock and Roll may not be what Fall Out Boy fans expected but it is being well received and is sure to be a hit. In the bands own words, “The songs you grow to like never stick at first.”