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*Volume XII Issue 16 *April 7, 2017
The Power Of The Future
Inside
Border City Wrestling makes impact at St. Clair Joe Gibel Converged Citizen Staff A sold-out crowd packed the gymnasium for Windsor's Border City Wrestling on Saturday, March 25. BCW took the St. Clair gymnasium by storm this past Saturday night, with an action-packed card featuring former WWE Tag Team Legend Billy Gunn, The Hardcore Icon Shane Douglas, former WWE Superstar Hornswoggle and a roster of talented
SEE BCW PAGE 6
2 News
3 Health & Lifestyle
Photo by Joe Gibel New #1 contender for the BCW heavyweight champion celebrates victory after match at St. Clair College gym.
Budget yourself together Kyle Rose Converged Citizen Staff With the increasing cost of living and the turbulent job market, there is a constant struggle for many to hold their heads above water. Jenna Pierce is a second year business student and plays for the St. Clair Saints women's softball team while also working two jobs. Originally from London, Pierce explains that her biggest challenges are related to living alone.
“It's honestly tough. The scholarship for softball only lasts one semester and I have to make up the rest for the remainder of the school year," said Pierce. " "Working at Griff's on main campus really helps because I'm close to classes and the Sportsplex.” Students might find the school year easier to manage with careful budgeting and financial planning. The student life can be very stressful and part of the over-
whelming concern for most is the ability to earn enough money to offset costs. Pierce pays over $800 a month for a small apartment. “My most concerning costs are rent and tuition. If I could see one thing changed in the government budget, it would be more financial assistance for students. There are not enough jobs and costs are too high for the average student,” said Pierce. Arthur Venizelos is an accountant who has owned his
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own firm in Hamilton for 12 years. “I know it’s not always possible but my best advice to students in school right now is to live at home,” said Venizelos. “The way the economy is right now it would be wise to not put any extra financial burden on yourself.” Venizelos explained with smart strategies and practically budgeting, students can definitely find ways to lighten the load.
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APRIL 7, 2017
ONVERGED CITIZEN
Students benefit from bridge company's blockbusting
Photo by Larissa Veloso Imam Inamur Rahman in the prayer room at the Bait-UlEhsaan mosque
Local mosque aims to clear misconceptions about Islam Larissa Veloso Converged Citizen Staff The Bait-Ul-Ehsaan mosque opens its doors to anyone who wants to talk about the Islamic religion. Since January they have being holding a session every Wednesday called Coffee, Cake and Islam, where the goal is to explain the religion. "The purpose of this program is to come together in a friendly atmosphere, socialize with each other and learn about Islam,” said Aleem Khan, mosque president. “If people have any misconceptions, doubts or questions, we can discuss and share in a civilized way." This idea came from events in cities across the United States, starting in California three years ago. Today, there are sessions being held in Detroit, New York, Seattle and other places. Often called Coffee, Cake and True Islam, the meetings are open to both Muslims and people of other religions. "When we don't know about other people we may have some fear, and we don't know what to think about them,” said Khan. “So to help people learn we do different programs and invite people to come and know who we are and what we do."
So far, four local people have attended the meetings. The concern over past terrorist attacks and their links with Islam has already been a topic of conversation. "Different people have come. Muslims and Christians to ask about our religion, about the jihad and similar topics,” said Inamur Rahman, an imam, a religious leader at the mosque. “One guy came and asked what are we doing to clear the misconception about Islam." Khan and Rahman hope to attract more people to future sessions. They believe that conversations around good food and a cup of hot coffee will help bring a better understanding about what being Islamic means. "In Windsor we have a mixed reaction,” said Khan. “Some people who have Muslim friends are open, but some people who learn only from some TV outlets have a misconception that Islam is a religion of terror made to kill Jews or Christians that oppresses women. These are all misconceptions.” The Bait-Ul-Ehsaan mosque is located at 1957 Head Ave. in Windsor and also holds open house events for those who want to know about the mosque's activities.
Photo by Sreedha Varanasi A boarded-up house on Indian Rd. Sreedha Varanasi Converged Citizen Staff While some residents of the deteriorating Olde Sandwich Towne area are not happy about the Ambassador Bridge Company’s blockbusting of the area, students say it allows them to pay lower rent. The bridge company has shown no intention of backing down on their plans to destroy houses on Indian Rd. and purchasing more properties in the Sandwich area for demolition. This is what many residents of Sandwich Towne are calling “blockbusting.” Despite classaction lawsuits from residents and complaints from businesses, the company insists it needs the area to make arrangements for bridge reparations and the construction of its twin span. According to University of Windsor student and Sandwich resident Tiffany Gyimah, the deterioration of the area because of the bridge company’s actions has resulted in lower rent prices, allowing students to save money on housing. “The prices in this area are so cheap, I know that most students like to find a place here because not only is it closer to the university, it has dirt cheap rent compared to
the rest of Windsor,” said Gyimah. Gyimah claims Sandwich Towne has become an unappealing area to live in. “Unfortunately, the closing of the houses has made the area less desirable to live in, so landlords are forced to offer lower rent prices,” said Gyimah. “No one is going to pay a lot to live next to garbage and rotten, abandoned houses.” While Gyimah and her peers are enjoying cheaper rent in the area, chair of the Olde Sandwich Towne Business Association Mary Ann Cuderman said the area will never go back to the way it was. “This area was prosperous lawyers lived here, doctors lived here. It was beautiful,” said Cuderman. “I don’t think Sandwich will ever be a family town again.” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has confirmed to the Windsor Star that the bridge is owned by a private company, meaning they still have to submit an application to the City of Windsor to demolish the Indian Rd. homes. However, president of the bridge company Dan Stamper testified in court his company has applied for and been denied the right to demolish homes due to “financial con-
flicts of interest” on behalf of the city. Cuderman disagrees, saying that if the company had gone through the correct process, the probability of being granted the right to demolition would rise, and that she does not believe the city is intentionally blocking their requests. “I wish they had been more honest and upfront when they started buying houses in the area in the 90s,” said Cuderman. “They did not go about things correctly. They didn’t even come to city council with a proper proposal of what their intentions with the area were.” Long-term residents and the students living in the area don’t seem like they will be agreeing about the cons of the bridge company’s blockbusting. Students like Gyimah believe they benefit from the lower property value the bridge company has induced in the Sandwich area. However, Cuderman said she and other residents of the area want to see Olde Sandwich Towne, which has seen the likes of Chief Tecumseh, General Isaac Brock of the British Army and former prime minister Alexander Mackenzie, prosper once again.
CONVERGED CITIZEN APRIL 7 2017
“Kids get stressed too” Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Converged Citizen Staff
CMHA launches The Sole Project for mental health Todd Shearon Converged Citizen Staff
It is becoming more important to teach children coping skills to deal with stress, says a mental health educator at the Canadian Mental Health Association. Jenny-Lee Almeida was the mental health educator for the final seminar in a three-part series hosted by the GECDSB and community partners. She spoke on the topic of stress in youth and children, discussing identifying stress in children, defining stress and teaching coping techniques for children, among other issues. “Some of the leading causes of stress in children are going to be the same things you might find that stress adults out,” said Almeida. “Perhaps it is starting a new school or changing schools, relocating… increased conflict at home… bullying, feeling like they don't belong at school.” According to Don Crowder, a counsellor at St. Clair College, “stress has a full range of effects on people psychologically, emotionally and physically.” The reactions defining stress can be translated into a negative or a positive event depending on the individual. However, prolonged stress can be detrimental to the health of an individual. Almeida said research shows 90 per cent of illnesses can be traced back to stress, with chronic stress altering brain development in children. According to the Psychology Foundation of Canada, nine per cent of children aged eight to 12 say they have difficulty handling their stress, and 13 per cent of parents reporting an awareness of change in behaviour and their children’s sleep patterns. Over the past 30 years the rate of stress in children has
Photo by Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Jenny Lee-Almeida is the mental health educator for the Canadian Mental Health Association branch of Windsor and Essex. She spoke about breaking down stress issues and what can be done to help stressed out youth. increased 45 per cent. Almeida said the roles of parents and teachers in identifying stress are important. “Teachers see children on a day to day basis so if they see any changes like decreased participation, school grades, not getting along well with others...these are indicators and it is important that teachers start speaking with these students to provide that support,” said Almeida. “As parents the biggest thing we can do is spend time with our children and youth. Doing things together as a family and exercising.” She also said seminars, such as those held by the GECDSB, are excellent free resources that parents and community members can use. These seminars have been running for five years, providing resources and “tool boxes” for parents. Tracey Rilett is the principal of A. V. Graham Public school and chair of the Mental Health Seminar Series committee. “We are really excited to be in our fifth year of presenting our mental health seminars. We really want to make a positive difference for our children and youth,” said Rilett. “With research showing that mental health issues affect one in five people, the GECDSB
along with our community partners want to share information with families.” The mental health seminars are held to let families know about the available resources in the community and within the schools. Rilett hopes to continue these seminars with the support of the community and interest of parents. “There are lots of resources,” said Bill Magone, a foster parent who has attended all of the seminars. “First off you learned things you didn't know. Just talking to the people afterwards is really helpful.” Magone said the strategies he learned to help his child at home to cope with stress are something he would not have learned otherwise. He also said these seminars provide information about a number of topics and he will continue to attend the seminars in the future. “I like to learn about a number of topics,” said Magone. “Issues with our little guy are ADHD, temper…like tonight's stress, these are great topics. I enjoy the training and I have learned so much.” The final seminar in the three mental health seminar series concluded on March 29 at the Roma Club in Leamington.
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The Canadian Mental Health Association has launched The Sole Project to bring attention to growing mental health concerns. The Sole Project encourages people to “take a stand” for mental health as a collective to further enhance and distribute mental wellness education, awareness and training in the community. Campaign ambassadors include the Windsor Express, Unifor Local 444 and Caesars Windsor. Other supporters includ CTV’s Arms Bumanlang, host of a recent project event at the WFCU Centre. “Without our ambassadors I don’t think we could officially launch Sole Focus Project,” said Jenny-Lee Almeida, mental health educator at the CMHA. “We’ve got Arms, the Spitfires, our Olympian Noelle Montcalm, our CEO Claudia den Boer and the Windsor police. That shows everybody is invested in this and as a community. If we start speaking up and talking about it we are going to be able to increase the education, training, workshops and make a difference in Windsor.” The campaign seeks to raise $500,000 over the next three years in support of mental health awareness, education and training. The Windsor Spitfires, who facilitated the event at the WFCU Centre, recently participated in workshops to educate players about mental illness to help reduce stigmas as part of a league-wide initiative. “The stigma is it’s a weakness or something is wrong with you, but that’s not the case at all,” said Windsor Spitfires General Manager Warren Rychel. “It’s just a sickness like getting a cold,
getting the flu or an injury in hockey. It has to be corrected and rehabilitated and that can happen here with all the knowledge that’s out.” According to statistics, mental illness affects more than six million people across the country. Approximately 11 people die by suicide every day in Canada while another 210 will attempt it daily. “We want people to start communicating and talking about mental health,” said Almeida. “We personally might not understand what is going on with our minds and I think that’s where the education and prevention piece come in.” From 2010-2015 the local rate of emergency room visits because of self-harm among youth increased by 143 per cent. “Getting to our youth at an earlier age and letting them know if they are feeling this way, sometimes it’s a good indication you are feeling sad or maybe you are feeling a little anxious and that’s okay,” said Almeida. CMHA experts say one in five Canadians are personally affected by a mental illness or addiction issues during their lifetime. It has never been more important to take a stand for mental health considering the increased demand for services coupled with limited health care dollars. “We’re trying to make people aware that they can receive help in our local community,” said CMHA Fund Development and Community Relations Coordinator, Ashley Vodareck. “You don’t have to be afraid to ask for that help. Once we stand up and say ‘I do have this struggle’ it makes a huge difference on our lives and we can actually get better. It’s time we start learning that we have to take care of our brains just like we do the rest of our bodies.”
CONVERGED CITIZEN APRIL 7, 2017
Book Review: Cecilia Vinesse’s Seven Days of You I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader’s copy of Seven Days of You by Cecilia Vinesse from Hachette Book Group Canada. It was published March 6, making for a fresh new read.
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5 out of 5 stars _______________________ “Ask me again,” I whispered. He bit his lip and scrunched his eyebrows together. “Ask you what?’ “Ask me what I’ll miss about Tokyo.” He looped the fingers of his other hand around my other sweatshirt tie. “Sophia Wachowski,” he whispered slowly, taking his time with my name, “What will you miss about Tokyo?” I gripped the front of his Tshirt. “You, Jamie. Every time you asked me, I wanted to say you.” In all honesty, I usually don’t jive with the rhythm of romance novels, but I fell in love with Seven Days of You. Ironic... no pun intended? Cecilia Vinesse dutifully caters to readers who are lactose intolerant to all types of cheesiness . The romance aspect is not overpowering, but just the right amount. At 17 years old, Sophia has been moving homes since she can remember. From Tokyo to New Jersey and back again. Her last week in Tokyo becomes tricky when her childhood friend Jamie moves back. Before Jamie’s departure three years ago, he and Sophia ended things on the wrong foot. Though apprehensive, Sophia uses her last seven days in Tokyo to make matters right. Through talks and outings friendship is rekindled, turning into something more.
Photo by Ryan Jones A copy of Seven Days of You by Celilia Vinesse. The book was published on March 6. But as the time ticks away Sophia finds anxiety in missing Jamie. As the old saying goes, what goes up must come down, so it’s only realistic to say what comes together must be taken apart. Or is it? An aspect I greatly admired about this novel was the setting in Tokyo. Vinesse must have done her research as she replicated the city’s culture. In Grade 11 I took a travel and tourism course and naturally we learned about many places, including Japan. Vinesse’s description and details about the city throughout the novel took me back to my Grade 11 days and made me recall facts I had learned. One fact in particular that I recall is that almost every street has a vending machine where you can purchase everything imaginable, from coffee to soup. Quite a fitting choice for a setting. Though it was hard to choose, I have to say my favourite character is Jamie.
I just like him as a person; his style, his personality, his appearance. He has long, brown, curly hair with green eyes and is often shy when speaking to people. I find it adorable, especially when he speaks to Sophia. He pulls on his hair as a nervous gesture. In the novel’s entirety, the writing was excellent which made for a fast read. I’ve never quite enjoyed writing in a romance novel so much before, so bravo Vinesse. I recommend this novel for females aged 13 and up. I’m an 18-year-old female and I still like to read about 17year-old romances, and I’m sure someone who is 30 would as well. Even if romance isn’t your favourite genre I can promise you will find great interest in this novel. I promise you. Just read it. Yours truly, Biblio Virgo
Photo by Kyle Rose Marteen McDaniels and Max Tulcouh at the front desk at Quittenton Hall. Kyle Rose Converged Citizen Staff The newly upgraded facility at Quittenton Hall has come to the attention of many students at St. Clair College. Located on the south campus of St. Clair College in Windsor, Quittenton is one of the best buildings in the city, commercial or residential according to a recent poll among the student body. Quittenton offers a variety of amenities, including game room, mini cinema, backyard patio and student lounges. From September to April it costs roughly $5,600 to live at Quittenton whereas the university residences range from $5,700-$7,500 for the year. Marteen McDaniels is a front desk residence staff member at
Quittenton and says she really enjoys her interaction with the students. “During my time here I can honestly say I’ve learned a lot from these students. It's a true community atmosphere. I've seen most of them grow, from not being able to fold laundry, to being fully responsible in their unit with parents visiting. It's always quite the experience,” said McDaniels. Max Tulcouh is the Residence Life Coordinator at Quittenton and said he has a passion for the community and building. “I always look forward to seeing new students come into rez. It’s a thrill participating with all the staff in rez programs,” said Tulcouh. Quittenton houses about 400 to 500 students yearly.
Scoring an advantage Garrett Fodor Converged Citizen Staff
Canada’s women’s national hockey team is hoping practicing against men will prepare them for their upcoming tournament. Before the team travels to Plymouth for the 2017 edition of the IIHF Women's World Championship, they stopped in Leamington for a week of practices and scrimmages. The women faced off against the Lakeshore Canadiens of the PJHL, a team made up of 16 to 21-year-old men that won the regular season of Jr. C hockey in the West region. For Ruthven's Meghan Agosta, the week was a welcome homecoming, playing where she grew up and staying with family. Many fans of Agosta and the team came out to support the team. The arena
was at capacity for each scrimmage and had hundreds out for each practice. Brianne Jenner, a member of the national team since 2012, said the team benefited from playing against Lakeshore before the tournament. “The guys are so big and their sticks cover so much space so you just have to move the puck really quick,” said Jenner. “I think that will be really good prep for when we play the U.S.” Canada is looking for their first win at the IIHF World Championships since 2012, having earned three straight silver medals. After losing the first scrimmage 8-4, Canada head coach Laura Schuler said the team built off their loss and have to keep their game simple in the tournament. “We’ve got to play like we did Tuesday (4-2 win over Lakeshore), that physical game. We have to make sure we are aggressive especially in the forecheck, backcheck and D zone,” said Schuler. “We have got to play with heart, being willing to block shots and those little things to go with our offensive system.”
Photo by Garrett Fodor Lakeshore's Guy Levesque battles off Canada's Sarah Potomak Tuesday March 28, in the Canada's scrimmage over the Lakeshore Canadiens.
Jenner said the scrimmages were a good opportunity for the four rookies on the team to get the pressure off their backs. The World Championships made headlines, as the U.S. team threatened to boycott the games due to labour wage dispute. The support was raised from the NHLPA and MLBPA to the women who
were invited to form a “back-up” team. It was not until late March 28 that the team received a four-year contract and agreed to play in the tournament starting March 31. “I think we probably have an advantage, but those are good hockey players and they are excited to play Canada. We are excited to play the U.S.” said Jenner.
“We’re not going to take them lightly. Obviously they’ve been through something that's probably bonding them as a group too so they're probably in high spirits.” The tournament begins March 31 as Canada plays the host Americans. All of Canada’s games during the tournament are being aired on TSN.
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sports & fitness
ONVERGED CITIZEN
FROM BCW PAGE 1
Sports round-up NHL The Detroit Red Wings travelled to Amalie Arena on March 30 to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. After an opening period where each team scored once, the Lightning were able to pull away in the second scoring three and allowing one bringing the score to 4-2. One more for each team in the third brought the Lightning to the victory, winning 5-3. The Detroit Red Wings have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, bringing their 25 year playoff streak to an end. The Toronto Maple Leafs played the Nashville Predators March 30. The Leafs took command right off the draw and by the second period had a 2-0 lead. It was not until the third period when the Predators were able to find the twine and break the shutout but the Leafs answered quickly with one more. The final score was 3-1 for the Leafs. As of right now, both teams have secured a playoff spot and the Predators have the second wild card spot in the Western conference. The Leafs are third ranked team in the Atlantic Division.
NBA The Detroit Pistons hosted the Brooklyn Nets on March 30 at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Nets held possession for most of the game but the Pistons were able to capitalize on their few possessions. The two balanced each other out and kept the game close with the biggest lead for the Nets at nine points. The final score was 90-89 for the Pistons. The Toronto Raptors played the Charlotte Hornets at the Air Canada Centre on March 29. The teams were evenly matched for the most part where the Hornets held possession for the first half of the game and the Raptors took over for the second. Despite all of their effort, the Raptors could not overcome the Hornets and ended up losing to them 110106.
Spitfires The Windsor Spitfires host the London Knights at the WFCU Centre in the first round for the Memorial Cup playoffs. The two teams played Game 4 on March 30 where the two teams brought their all tying 2-2 in regulation time. The game went to overtime where the London Knights were able to end the game 3-2. This win puts the Knights ahead 3-1 in the series against the Spitfires. Game 5 is March 31 at Budweiser Gardens where the Spitfires will have to fight to keep their chances alive.
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APRIL 7, 2017
superstars. Highlights from the night included Shane Douglas filling in as referee in the Tag Team Championship match between Brent Banks and Phil Atlas vs Johnny Devine and Jon Bolen. In the six-way match for the number contendership for the BCW Heavyweight Championship, Windsor's own A1 defeated five other wrestlers and earned a shot for the belt at an upcoming BCW event. "It's mind blowing to think I first won the BCW Heavyweight title in 2003, the same year I won the Mr.
Windsor Bodybuilding Championships. Thinking about it now, wow that was 15 years ago," said Alastair "Al" Ralphs, Border City Wrestling star. "I feel I am in the best shape of my life now, I never would have thought. You think you would peak in your 20s. For whatever reason I blossomed now. I am thankful for it because I have a six year old son I can share these memories with." In a surprise to all in attendance, former WWE Superstar Chris Adonis attacked Moose during a match for the Impact Grand Championship. The match was being recorded for the Fight Network, home to Impact Wrestling in Canada and flagship channel for Anthem Entertainment, owners of Impact Wrestling. BCW is co-owned by current Impact Wrestling Vice President of International Development,
Scott D’Amore. "I couldn't believe that Chris came out of nowhere and attacked Moose like that. I didn’t see that coming at all I don’t think anyone really did," said Will Voyvodic, first time BCW attendee and fan. The night ended with 400plus pound Kongo Kong and Scott D'Amore defeating Cody Deaner and Billy Gunn to become the new BCW CanAm Champion. Kongo Kong will face new number one contender A1 at an upcoming BCW show. "I definitely have my work cut out for me. But I know my work ethic is ridiculous. I will train four to six hours a day. People are mind blown by my training regiment," said Ralphs. "I am going to come at him with everything I got. He is going to be in for a war." BCW returns to action in June with a Father's Day show at The WFCU Centre.
Para-Swimming Championships Photo by: Julianna Bonnett Competitors prep for the Canadian ParaSwimming Championships at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre. The Championships run from March 31 to April 2 at the Centre.
SPORTS SHOT OF THE WEEK SPORTS SHOT OF THE WEEK
PJHL (Jr. C) The Essex 73's and the Dorchester Dolphins continue their quarterfinal battle that will put them one step closer to the Schmaltz Cup. The two teams faced-off on March 29 for Game 4 where they took the lead and held it throughout the entire game. The final score was 5-1 and this adds another win for the 73's moving to a 3-1 series lead against the Dolphins. Game 5 will be played on March 31 at the Essex Centre Sports Complex where the 73's will have the opportunity to end the season for the Dolphins.
Photo by Garrett Fodor Members of the Canadian women’s national hockey team line up for their March 28 scrimmage. They won 4-2 against the Lakeshore Canadiens of the PJHL.