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*Volume XII Issue 7 *December 2, 2016
The Power Of The Future
Inside
Winter Fest 3 News
5 Health & Lifestyle
6 Photo by Dawn Gray Santa Claus wrapped up the 5th annual Winter Fest parade while being chauffeured in a Ford Model T Runabout.
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City council funds study on dangerous intersections Torcia Veltuizen Converged Citzen Staff City council has approved spending $20,000 for an independent study of four intersections deemed the most dangerous for cyclists. The four intersections have been identified in a report
released by the City of Windsor based on collision reports over the last five years, the most dangerous being the intersection at and Parkway Lauzon Tecumseh Road East. Council has approved a recommendation for an audit of the areas. Lori Newton, executive
director at Bike Windsor Essex, spoke to city council Nov. 7. She said only 30 per cent of cycling accidents are reported, meaning the number of accidents in Windsor in the past three years is closer to 15,000. Newton suggested a pilot project involving painting the
roads, using research already done on intersections in other municipalities. Councillor Hilary Payne disagreed with the suggestion. “Intersections there will have different characteristics. I just don’t see how you can take conclusions from
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10 Business
11 Sports Quote of the Day
Index
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Journalism keeps you planted in the earth -Ray Bradbury
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Essex teen misses her library
December 2, 2016
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Wayne State University open house
Photo by Alyssa Leonard Left: Paige Jimmerfield, 13, Keith Campeau, Marrim Campeau, 12, Jennifer Campeau and Rebecca Wilson attending the Essex County Council Meeting on Oct. 2. Alyssa Leonard Converged Citizen Staff An Essex teen is missing more than just books from her town library. As the strike approaches its five month mark, Essex resident Paige Jimmerfield, 13, said she misses having a place to go and hang out. “I am not able to spend as much quality time with my cousins as we are not able to meet at the library,” said Jimmerfield. “I would often ride my bike with my cousins Rebecca and Mark and go there and choose books or try and do homework.” Jimmerfield said she has had to go to Chapters and buy books instead of getting them from the library which she feels “can be a bit of a downfall.” “If you decide you don’t like the book and you got it from the library, you can return it without any fee,” said Jimmerfield. “But if you buy the book from Chapters then you just spent money on a book you didn’t like.” Even though the Windsor libraries are still open, it is a challenge for younger county residents to visit when they do not have access to a car. Jennifer Campeau is a resident of Essex and was a delegate speaker at the Oct. 2 Essex council meeting. She said with the libraries closed it has had a significant impact on the number of books she and her daughter read over the summer. “My daughter read 45 books over the summer (of 2015),”
said Campeau. “This year there was no library. She did not read 45 books.” Campeau said her family is also missing out on the community events the library used to host, one example being a free art night. Earlier this month, Essex County Council held one of their biweekly meetings. Other than a brief run through of the proposed contract and a delegate speaker on behalf of the librarians, council members sped through the meeting and quickly left with no indication of moving forward with the strike. Rebecca Wilson, a resident of Belle River and frequent library user, said she thinks the council is ignoring the librarians. She feels the council believes if they ignore them long enough the problem will just go away. One way some residents have been able to keep up on their reading during the strike is through the library’s app known as Overdrive. The app allows members of the library to download and borrow ebooks. However, Campeau said there are people like her niece with cards that expired during the strike who are now unable to use the app until they can renew their cards. “I think that libraries are needed more than ever today,” said Campeau. “There’s so much information available to us through social media and other things that is inaccurate.”
Photo by Maryam Farag Wayne State admissions staff giving students information they need to know about the university. Maryam Farag Converged Citizen Staff Wayne State University recently hosted an open house at St. Clair College for prospective students. Student recruiters from Wayne State University carried out a friendly takeover of the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts on Nov. 17. Academic advisers and admissions staff were on hand for the open house aimed at high school and college transfer students. Wayne State promoted the open house with advertisements in the Windsor Star and online.
FROM COUNCIL PAGE 1 some other municipality and apply them to an intersection here in Windsor,” said Payne, adding that it is an engineering issue. Newton said in a statement to council that while she
The university has held open houses in Windsor before, but never at St. Clair’s Centre for the Arts. Kelly Driscoll, academic services officer in communication arts at Wayne State University, said many of the students who graduated from WSU were hired even before they graduated. “Charlie, one of our stars, was accepted everywhere but he chose Wayne State’s journalism program because he was offered a scholarship,” said Driscoll. Transfer Student Officer John Freed said he has seen a number of people such as heads of corporations, leaders
in the health care fields, leaders in the fine arts and others, come from Wayne State University. “We are a really diverse campus. We got 500 students from Canada alone,” said Freed. “We got students from India, China, Middle East, so students find other students who are like themselves.” Freed said Wayne State has a good reputation. Students gain a lot of practical experience and have a number of good connections in the community. “People find their niche, that’s what is neat about Wayne State,” said Freed. “You don’t have to be a certain type of person to fit in. You will fit in somewhere.”
appreciated the city’s effort to fund a study, she was concerned there were not any implementation dollars allocated to the project. “The recommendation is to spend $20,000 to hire an engineering consultant to make the audits. Once we have that
data, then council will be in a position to start funding the recommendations that come from those reports,” said Mayor Drew Dilkins in response to Newton’s concerns. The studies are expected to be completed by late summer.
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Windsorites tour Howe Bridge plaza request for proposal, which is a document that states ‘this is what has to be constructed,’” said Cautillo. “From that they’re going to give us a construction schedule and a price.” “Despite the rumors being circulated, president-elect
“It’s the largest infrastructure project on the Canada-US border,” said Butler. “To be involved with that from the beginning to where we are today, it’s an exciting career. It’s something to be very proud of.” Butler says the bridge will
“Exciting things are ahead, so just stay tuned.” -Mike Cauillo Photo by Zander Kelly Mark Butler, director of communications for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, gives a tour of the Gordie Howe Bridge plaza. Zander Kelly Converged Citizen Staff Windsor residents were invited to tour the site of the future Gordie Howe Bridge plaza on Nov. 19.
The bridge will connect the Herb Gray Parkway to American interstates 75 and 94. It is estimated the build will cost upwards of $2.2 billion and is expected to be complete by 2020.
Mike Cautillo, president and CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, says an official statement on the completion date will be announced in approximately 18 months. “We have what’s called a
Donald Trump will not be able to halt or interfere with the project once sworn into office,” said Cautillo. “All required papers and forms have been approved and filed.” Mark Butler, director of communications for the Bridge Authority, has been with the project since its inception.
allow “highway to highway access.” Trucks from cities such as Montreal and Toronto will be able to take the 401 highway onto the parkway, and go straight to the American interstates without other interference. “Exciting things are ahead,” said Cautillo. “So just stay tuned.”
Walpole Chief attends parkway opening Aaron Lombardi Converged Citizen Staff Members of Walpole Island council attended the Herb Gray Parkway opening to honour the relationship the council shares with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation. The parkway trail, which officially opened on Nov. 9, stretches 17 km between the municipalities of Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. The project began in early 2004 with Walpole First Nations receiving rights to share history and culture along the path. A turtle made from steel with a large stone resting on its back was unveiled to the public during the ceremony. The Turtle, designed by Walpole artist Teresa Altiman, represents “Turtle Island,” a First Nations term for North America. “You are standing on the back of the turtle,” said Walpole elder Reta Sands. “It is meant to carry the grandfather stone.” The grandfather stone, a
piece of limestone sitting on the back of the turtle, represents homage of safe passage to all those using the path. Totem poles and other Indigenous artwork decorate the walkway which is now accessible to cyclists and joggers. Walpole Chief Dan Miskokomon was in attendance at the unveiling of the turtle sculpture, although elder Sands answered all questions. The relationship shared between the Walpole Island First Nation and the Ministry of Transportation is solely based on the MTO commitment to share the culture of First Nations Peoples in areas highly populated with people, mainly roads and walkways. MTO minister Steven Del Duca is the head of operations for the parkway’s development and said he is proud of the resulting outcome from the construction. “The parkway trail is a continuous path with bridges and tunnels, allowing both pedestrians and cyclists to travel
Photo by Aaron Lombardi Walpole Island Chief Dan Miskokomon speaks at the podium following the opening of the Herb Gray Parkway, with Ministry of Transportation president Steven Del Duca (far left), and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. along the parkway without encountering a vehicle,” said Del Duca. The art along the path has Indigenous themes and are created by Walpole area artists. Altiman designed The Turtle, crediting it to Indigenous mythology. The
Turtle has been well received by the public along with the other artwork that decorates the trail for passersby. “This (the artwork) tells you a lot about First Nations People,” said Altiman. “It’s the spirit of who we are and everything that surrounds us.”
The parkway will also be renaming certain sectors after fallen Windsor police officers such as Const. John Atkinson and Const. Robert Carrick. The MTO’s relationship with the Walpole nation is expected to remain positive in any future prospects.
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Exercise can be inspiring Ryan Jones Converged Citizen Staff Known as a practice that strengthens the mind, body and soul, yoga is becoming a form of exercise used by more than one million Canadians. The 2005 Statistics Canada report on physical activity also reveals more than 70 per cent of people who do yoga are women. According to Yoga Basics, a website which presents the history of yoga, the activity developed 5,000 years ago in Northern India and is still used today. “The physical benefits include increased flexibility, muscle tone, strength and improved respiration,” said Romano Formicuccia, owner of Yoga Loft in Windsor. Formicuccia has taught yoga since 2004 and said because of his career he has become a stronger and healthier person.
Photo by Ryan Jones Romano Formicuccia is the owner and instructor of Yoga Loft in Windsor. “Yoga also relieves stress, helps with anxiety and depression and boosts memory and concentration,” said Formicuccia
Grace Fazekas, a University of Windsor student, finds strength in yoga and incorporates this into her education. “I use yoga as an individual
connection between body and mind,” said Fazekas. “As an acting major, I’m working on developing a connection between my mind and my
muscles. I find yoga is the healthiest way to achieve this goal.” While yoga can aid in physical development, it can also strengthen a person’s mental state. Fran Vangent, a yoga teacher at Bright Yoga in Essex, found solace in yoga after her father died. “I did yoga six times a week to escape my life,” said Vangent. “I noticed things were calmer, more relaxed. The tension in my body was relaxing.” Vangent enjoyed yoga so much she took training classes to be an instructor. “I’m thankful for yoga everyday,” said Vangent. “For my feeling of peace from the moment I get on my mat to the feeling of strength in my body walking away.” Vangent strives to be a kinder person, influenced by the gentle practice of yoga.
Happiness is a good shawarma Maryam Farag Converged Citizen Staff The Arabic dish called shawarma has been winning the love of Canadians for years, especially in Windsor. The Lebanese shawarma is a Levantine Arab meat preparation where chicken, turkey, beef, veal, buffalo meat or mixed meats are placed on a spit and grilled for as long as a day. Shavings are cut off the block of meat for serving and the remainder of the block of meat is kept heated on the rotating spit. Shawarma can be served on a plate with accompaniments such as a sandwich
or in a wrap. It is usually eaten with tabbouleh, fattoush, taboon bread, tomato and cucumber. Toppings include tahini, hummus and pickled turnips. Shawarma is an Arabic rendering of the Turkish cevirme, which is “turning”, and refers to the rotisserie-cooked nature of meat, which turns around an axis. The history of shawarma goes back to Greece and Turkey. It was invented in the 18th or 19th century. Similar naming conventions apply to the Turkish döner and the Greek gyros, both of which reference the turning action of the cooking mechanism.
Shawarma Shack opened in Windsor four and a half years ago on Walker Road. Akeel Moussa, a worker at Shawarma Shack, said people in Windsor love Lebanese food. “They order almost everything on the menu, chicken, shawarma, sheesh tawook, kofta, kebab, kebbe and grape leaves,” said Moussa. Not only do those of Arabic descent eat shawarma, but Canadians too. Moussa estimates approximately 75 per cent of his customers are non-Arab. It is a way of introducing people to middle-eastern dishes they may not be familiar with.
Shawarma is one of the ways that helps non-Arab people to know more about Arab culture. “People here know that we serve middle-eastern food because our sign says Lebanese food,” said Moussa. “We have a lot of takeout orders too.” Erika Sebet, a Canadian customer who frequents Shawarma Shack, said she is familiar with Lebanese food. “I come here weekly, they are my neighbours,” said Sebet. “I always order the fattoush salad and chicken.” Windsor currently has 14 places that serve shawarma.
Photo by Maryam Farag Akeel Moussa, worker at Shawarma Shack, preparing shawarma.
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Buddy benches
Photo by Noah Gecelovsky Photo by Alyssa Leonard
Kyle Rose shows off his Movember facial hair.
No-Shave November Noah Gecelovsky Converged Citizen Staff This November, men are joining the fight against cancer by growing out their facial hair and giving donations to the Movember Foundation and local cancer centres. Movember started in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 with only 30 men and since then has spread around the world. The movement made its way to North America in 2004 and Shaun Dunn, an accounting teacher at Essex District High School, embraced the idea shortly after. "The kids understand the value of giving back to the community," said Dunn. "It's only as good as they make it." He was introduced to the Movember Foundation by his daughter's hockey coach. After doing some research, he got his business leadership class involved with the Movember Foundation and was able to incorporate the rest of the school. "It was a camaraderie builder for the teachers," said Dunn. "The male teachers would receive pledges from the stu-
dents to grow their facial hair and some of the senior students tried to participate too. It was kind of funny to see the facial hair." Essex District High School has been taking part in Movember for about 10 years and in 2011 the school raised their highest donation amount of approximately $2,000 for the foundation. While some people like Dunn came across the idea and saw it as a community builder for a good cause, other people get involved with the foundation after they are personally affected by cancer. Tyler Alexander is part of the Grow On campaign that encourages people to donate to the Windsor Cancer Centre to support cancer patients and their treatment. Two years ago Alexander's father was diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer. Once his father told the family about his diagnosis, he felt moved to participate in the campaign. "Some of the treatments that this program is focused on bringing to Windsor are the same treatments that my dad went out of town to receive,"
said Alexander. "It is disappointing to me that Windsor patients have to go out of town to receive treatment." According to the Windsor Cancer Centre's website, in 2015 the Grow On campaign raised almost $220,000 to buy new tools and equipment so patients like Alexander's father do not have to leave Windsor for treatment. Alexander has set a personal goal of $1,500 in donations and has so far raised $245. "I'm not sure if $1,500 was realistic but it's good to have goals," said Alexander. According to Canadian Cancer Society, 21,600 men in Canada will be diagnosed with prostate in 2016 and 4,000 men will die as a result. Canadian Cancer Society also says that 1,100 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016 and 40 of those men will die due to cancer. Since 2003, the Movember Foundation has raised approximately $759 million around the world and has grown to more than five million participants. They are encouraging more people to join and donate at movember.com.
The St. Angela Catholic Elementary School buddy bench, located near the main office.
Alyssa Leonard Converged Citizen Staff Students at St. Angela Catholic Elementary School never feel alone when sitting on the Buddy Bench. Last spring, St. Angela held a school-wide event to introduce students to the concept of the new Buddy Bench. The bench is a safe place for students to sit who are feeling bullied or lonely. Students and faculty have been taught to approach any student sitting on the bench to ask them what’s wrong. Staff at the school said they are seeing the students use the bench. “The kids love the bench,” said Sherrie McCarthy, a secretary at St. Angela who sees the bench being used every day. “I don’t think it is (used) solely for bullying.” McCarthy said no one feels alone sitting on the bench any more. She said as soon as someone sits down, five or six kids come and join them. The idea for the bench started with the Friendship Bench in Ottawa after Sam Fiorella’s son, 19-year-old Lucas, committed suicide at Carleton University in 2014. Lucas was suffering from depression but had not sought help. Fiorella started the Lucas Fiorella Friendship Bench campaign in his son’s honour after learning how much his son helped others to talk about their mental health issues and encouraged them to seek help — all of this before taking his
own life. “After his death we discovered that Lucas focused his efforts on helping others,” said Fiorella in a YouTube video introducing the campaign. “Lucas saw his peers were feeling suicidal somehow and lent an ear, lent a shoulder and stayed with them until they asked for help.” Fiorella wanted to create a place for people to go when they want someone to talk to or just someone to listen. He said he hopes the bench helps get people to talk more openly about their mental health. Since then, many friendship and buddy benches have been installed at schools all across Canada. But Windsorite Margit Simon wants to see more implemented at schools around Windsor. “(The bench is) very important,” said Simon. “I’m trying to get somebody to talk to me from the school board to start something like that. It’s a very nice project.” Simon learned about the Friendship Bench campaign through her son Jason who had been a friend of Lucas at Carleton University. Jason committed suicide a year after Lucas. He was 20. To request a bench be placed at a local school, a parent could approach a school administrator who could then ask for a buddy bench from Kill It With Kindness or a friendship bench from the Lucas Fiorella Friendship Bench campaign.
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St.Clair College prepares for Christmas Show Felicia Patterson Converged Citizen Staff
Two programs at St.Clair College are preparing to put on their annual Christmas show. The music theatre performance program has been preparing since September to host the 11th annual Christmas show. Students are required to take part in the annual holiday production as part of their curriculum. The storyline, music, characters and elements of the show differ each year. One year, the show took the audience on a cruise aboard a ship invaded by pirates. Last year's show took the crowd on a trip to the North Pole. This year's production will have a rock n' roll theme, titled A Rock n' Roll Christmas. Artistic Director Katherine Kaszas is responsible for launching the music theatre
Photo by Felicia Patterson The music theatre and performance program rehearsed at the main campus of St.Clair College on Friday Nov.18 in preparation for their Christmas Show.
an idea of a theme," said Kaszas. "They choose songs, in this case it was rock songs and make them into Christmas
"This is a joint endeavor. They do backstage work, lighting, sound, sets and pyrotechnics." -Katherine Kaszas
program and is passionate about the development of new Canadian plays and musicals. Kaszas said the students involved in the production differ each year, which makes each show stand apart from the last. "I work with the individual students and we come up with
songs." Third year students work closely with faculty members to create a structure and narrative for each song. One student in the program said third year students are not required to audition and will have their own solos with choral help. "I'm going to be singing a
song called Born to Be Wild," said Alexander Titei, who is a third year starring as Santa Claus. "Some lyrics are going to be changed to be considered Christmas themed." The entertainment technology program is also playing a major role in the Christmas production. "This is a joint endeavour. They do backstage work, lighting, sound, sets and pyrotechnics," said Kaszas. "They are the ones supporting the visuals." The Rock n' Roll Christmas production will begin on Dec. 9. There will be performances at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 15 and 16. There will also be a matinee show on Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts.
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Down with Zwarte Piet ago. “We decided to have Chimney Piets instead of Zwarte Piets. We did not want to embarrass our sponsor who For children who celebrate has members from all walks of Sinterklaas, every holiday life,” said van Denzen. He season is full of excitement. said the children have noticed For some adults it triggers a the Piets no longer have comracial debate. pletely black faces but does Sinterklaas is an annual cel- not think they care. ebration in the Netherlands “I tell them it is because the and the Caribbean. It is also chimneys are much cleaner celebrated by Canadians of because of the use of gas Dutch and other European instead of coal,” said van heritage. Denzen. Much like Christmas, Saint A United Nations committee Nicholas brings well-behav- on the elimination of racial ing children presents. Instead discrimination issued a report of getting coal, if the children last year that said Zwarte Piet misbehave Saint Nicholas’ portrays a negative stereotype companion Zwarte Piet, also of people of African descent known as Black Pete, will as “a vestige of slavery.” take the children, beat them Lennii Razman, a radio host in with a bundle of sticks, put Amsterdam who frequently them in a bag and bring them visits Windsor, grew up in to Spain. Sinterklaas parades Curacao and said he grew up are most notably different believing in Saint Nicholas from the Santa Claus parades and Zwarte Piet. due to the presence of black“I grew up with that as realiface. ty, just as kids here are raised People dressing up as Zwarte with Santa,” said Razman, Piets will traditionally wear who believes the issues have large wigs, red lipstick, hoop been raised by a push from the earrings and paint their faces west and from political parties black. Many people around that have something to gain the world have been advocat- from bringing up the issues of ing for the removal of the Sinterklaas. blackface element and some “There were years that they places in Canada have com- did green faces and blue faces promised by having the Piets but they quickly went back to use ash on their faces to give blackface,” said Razman. “It the appearance of a chimney wasn’t racist until people sweeper. made it racist. Hopefully this “There’s no sense in getting conversation dies in the next anyone upset,” said Martin 10 years.” van Denzen, president of Although the character has Toronto’s Dutch-Canadian been changed in Canada and Association who plays Saint Nicholas in the parties thrown officials are proposing bans in in Toronto. Van Denzen said Europe, many see Zwarte Piet there was backlash in remov- as a part of their tradition and ing the black faces three years are still using blackface in this year’s celebrations.
Torcia Velthuizen Converged Citizen Staff
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Winter Fest Parade
Dawn Gray Converged Citizen Staff The fifth annual Winter Fest parade featured roasted chestnuts, fresh beaver tails and Motown legends Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. The parade was produced by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association and took place Nov. 19. It ran down Ouellette Avenue from Giles Boulevard to Pitt Street. Leading the parade as grand marshal was Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, followed by a number of different marching bands, inflatables and several Windsor businesses and associations, all decked out in holiday décor. Before the parade, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were at the Coffee Exchange to meet fans and sign auto-
graphs. Linda and Terry R a n i w s k y, longtime admirers of Martha Reeves, came to Winter Fest just to see the Motown legends. “I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. I grew up with Motown music and I love Motown music and Martha is the best,” said Terry. “Every year my wife and I get a Christmas card from her -- she’s the best.” It was a cold afternoon, but parade goers kept warm with hot cocoa and beaver tails. Linda Raniwsky said waiting in the long line was well worth it. “I love a fresh beaver tail,” said Linda. “And they just made it, it’s still warm.” After the Santa Claus float, the parade was over in less than an hour and crowds quickly dispersed, just in time to miss the temperature drop to near freezing and the sleet that followed shortly after.
Photos by Dawn Gray
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Photo by Constance Xiong Black Friday specials at Bath and Body Works in the Devonshire Mall.
Photo by Joe Gibel Cory Fields shows off his VHS tapes in his room Nov. 24
Joe Gibel Coverged Citizen Staff Many people are still collecting VHS tapes around the world, years after production has ceased. In the early 1980s, bringing movies home for your pleasure became mainstream for the first time thanks to the invention of the VCR and Beta home systems. It was common to gather with your friends, go to the local movie store and pick out some movies to bring home. This trend would continue well into the early 2000s. Stores got rid of VHS for the more superior DVD format before streaming videos and Netflix almost put an end to rental stores all together. Production on VHS tapes ended in 2006 with A History of Violence made in 2005 by Canada’s own David Cronenberg. It has not stopped some people from either rereleasing old out-of-print films onto new VHS tapes or even new movies receiving limited VHS releases such as 2012’s V/H/S. For some, VHS is still a great format to collect. “I like the art, nostalgia and it is still the only way to see some movies,” said Mark Marion long time VHS tape
collector. “I’m always looking for tapes, I'll never stop collecting.” Collectors young and old still search local thrift stores, vintage shops and conventions regularly hoping to find those tapes still missing from their collections. Some collectors have taken to creating Facebook pages to buy, share and sell tapes to each other. “Selling online opened up a whole new audience for me. I went from selling locally to selling to people from all over the world,” said VHS buyer and seller Tony Salamone. “It's also made me a ton of contacts to get foreign VHS through. It made it so easy to turn around product.” According to theatlantic.com about 58 per cent of North Americans still own their VCR. Gaming people today are still very into the enjoyment a VHS can bring them. “They are getting very rare and I want to show a new generation and my friends good horror movies,” said Cory Fields, 9-year-old VHS collector. If there is still a way to watch VHS tapes they will never be a “dead format.” It would be no surprise if VHS tapes started popping up in chain retail stores such as Cinema 1 and HMV in the future.
Black Friday in Windsor Constance Xiong Converged Citizen Staff It’s a shopper’s paradise in Windsor as retailers slash prices for Black Friday. Devonshire Mall, Windsor’s largest retail centre, has been preparing for Nov. 25 when they will host Black Friday sales. Everywhere you can see eyecatching discount posters. “Black Friday has become a Devonshire tradition over the past few years because of the strong retail offerings,” said, Karen Niforos, marketing director of Devonshire Mall. "The exchange rate on the Canadian dollar certainly has helped Canadian retailers keep shoppers on this side of the border as well." Niforos said this year the first 50 customers in line prior to opening will get a $20 mall gift card. Shoppers could also enjoy 20 per cent off all regular price merchandise, and up to 50 per cent off all sale merchandise, depending on the store. Shoppers can also fill out a ballot (near customer service) for a chance to win one of three $250 gift cards. Free gift wrapping is available for customers at the Essex County Community Living gift wrap booth. “In the last two weeks especially, customers have
been coming in asking about our Black Friday specials,”said Kristy Alexander, Devonshire Mall sales clerk. “They come in, shop, look at prices and then return on Black Friday.” “I shop on Black Friday, but I’m not looking for anything specific. If there is a good price, I will buy it,” said Laura Bray, a customer at Devonshire Mall. Bray is mostly shopping for clothing
and household items. Shelly Thompson, a customer at Devonshire Mall takes Black Friday a little differently. “I have a list. I’m doing Christmas shopping for my family,” said Thompson. “I am shopping for electronics, clothing and more.” Thompson sticks to a budget for each person. The mall is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday.
MEDIAPLEX CONVERGED TEAM Kameron Chausse Kristine Klein Rabiul Biplop
Managing Editors Alyssa Horrobin Todd Shearon
Production Team Dawn Gray Maryam Farag Barry Hazlehurst Joe Gibel Mayra Lacayo
Entertainment Editor
Co-Managing Editors
Production Manager
Dawn Gray Michelle Laramie
Stephanie Zografos
Photo Editors
Sports Editors
Kati Panasiuk Mariah Atherley Fabricio Rivera
Ryan Blevins Garrett Fodor
CP Editors
Distribution Team
Alyssa Horrobin Aaron Lombardi Aaron Lombardi Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Danielle Gagnier
Lyndi-Colleen Morgan
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Unique Windsor lounge expanding Kylie Turner Converged Citizen Staff A local business owner has opened a second location of his upscale lounge hoping it will be as successful as his first location. Wineology is located on Wyandotte Street East in Windsor. The second location, in Tecumseh, had its opening the first weekend of November to celebrate the first location’s anniversary. The first location opened in 2014 and celebrated its second year anniversary the first week of November. Wineology offers many types of wines originating from 15 different locations around the world. The blended and regional red wines on the menu alone come from 11 different countries. Wineology also serves local red and white wine from Essex County.
Photo by Kylie Turnerr A Windsor man looking at Wineology’s first location on Wyandotte Street East.
Emilie Gloor is a student at the University of Windsor and said she is a customer at Wineology. “The service was great and the servers helped out a lot
with the different wines and the tastes we would like,” said Gloor. Food and wine pairing is offered at Wineology and helps customers to select a
wine with a flavour that will compliment their meal. Wineology holds events throughout the year, including piano and complimentary wine tasting, DJs and wine
education courses. Jasmine Nasser, another student at the University of Windsor, has been to Wineology once with some friends. “I heard about it through a friend and have been madly in love with the atmosphere, wine, pizza and chocolate fondue ever since,” said Nasser. The food menu includes tapas, meals, desserts and fondues, along with wood-oven pizza. Their menu has a large variety of items to choose from. “It’s for people who like to have fun, wine lovers, food lovers, for dates … all different types of people,” said owner Jean-Claude Boulos. “We’re very unique and very innovative.” Boulos said he plans on opening more locations, two of them being in Toronto.
Windsor church to host concerts in new location Felicia Patterson Converged Citizen Staff
A Windsor church has hosted a series of annual concerts starring celebrity gospel singers and is planning to continue hosting the events at a new location. Throne of Grace is one of three churches in Windsor
Houghton and New Breed. Throne Of Grace Church has raised money for each of the events. Admission was free each year with the presentation of a ticket. Tickets were given out for free at RCCG churches in the area, Teksavvy Box Office at the WFCU Centre and other locations, including God's World Superstore in Detroit, MI.
"I've opened for artists such as Donnie McClurkin, William McDowell and Tye Tribbett." -Rodney Jones that are part of the international fellowship of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. RCCG's Throne Of Grace has hosted In His Presence concerts for four consecutive years. In 2013 Donnie McClurkin, who has won several Grammys, Stellar awards and many others, participated in the concert. William McDowell and Tye Tribbett were featured in the 2014 concert and In His Presence 2015 featured Israel
"I had the pleasure to be involved in the In His Presence concerts two years ago back to back," said Rodney Jones, a member of the Throne of Grace congregation. "I've opened for artists such as Donnie McClurkin, William McDowell and Tye Tribbett." The 17th anniversary of the church paved the way for the In His Presence concerts. "In His Presence started as a celebration of the church's anniversary in 2013," said
Pastor Grace Ugbuye of Throne of Grace. "The leadership came together to set up In His Presence where people come together from all nations, from all tribes, regardless of your religious background to come together to worship Jesus." The concert has always taken place at the WFCU Centre but the congregation has different plans for the future. "We will be having In His Presence at our new location, 405 Victoria Ave. It will no longer be in WFCU," said Pastor Grace. "We have sown generously to the public for the past four years and now we want to take it home to our church." Throne of Grace is celebrating 17 years of service by moving their congregation to a more spacious location in the former St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 405 Victoria Ave., where In His Presence 2017 will be held. The sanctuary can hold up to 1200 guests. All are welcome to attend next year's concert.
Photo by Felicia Patterson Gospel singer Charles Jenkins ramps up the crowd on Nov.11 at the In His Presence concert at the WFCU Centre.
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Local partnerships creating more business Vanessa Cuevas Converged Citizen Staff Local businesses have been promoting their products and expanding to new crowds by partnering with others. Craft Heads Brewing Company has been in Windsor since February 2015. Coowner Bryan Dactoc said partnering with other businesses has helped grow their brand and has allowed them to introduce more than just beverages to their customers. Craft Heads has partnered with over 20 different businesses and organizations such as Terra Cotta, Cheese Bar, Smashed Apple Catering and
United Way. Dactoc, who started the business out of a shared passion for brewing with his partner Steve Fabischek, said partnering with others allows for a different opportunity for them to showcase each other’s brand. Partnering with other local businesses is important because owners have similar mindsets and are willing to provide advice to other owners. He said the owners are helping each other out by showcasing products or using different ways to advertise their business such as using social media. St. Clair College advertising and marketing teacher Steve
McEachern, said businesses are able to offer new products and build relationships with customers when they partner with others. He said partnerships are becoming more common as each business can benefit from one another and improve sales when they have similar goals. “The best partnerships are always the ones that have a ‘win-win’ attitude,” said McEachern. Moving forward Dactoc said Craft Heads is hoping to partner with more local businesses and organizations to expand their brand. He believes Craft Heads would not be as successful without the help of their partnerships.
Photo by Vanessa Cuevas Ron Roy of Craft Heads Brewery monitors customers.
Cuban cigar making waves Bela Antonio Converged Citizen Staff A local cigar shop has yet to see any changes with regards to the recent adjustments to the US-Cuban trade embargo. La Casa Del Habano sells a wide range of Cuban cigars. Jay Henderson, 45, manager of the shop believes cigar shops became popular back in the 90s. "Cigar stores in the 90s became quite a popular thing. There was a big revival with high-end cigars and all things Cuban," said Henderson. There are different types of cigars such as, Wrapper, Filler and Binder but La Casa Del Habano's top selling cigar is the Cuban cigars. According to Henderson,= the shop also sells pipes, pipe tobacco, lighters and more.
Photo By Bela Antonio Jay Henderson, manager at La Casa Del Habano
"We started getting into men's shaving supplies. Brushers and the straight razors, that sort of thing." said Henderson.
Details of the embargo are still unclear to some cigar venders. According to Henderson, the ban on cigars has not been completely lifted
but has adjusted. "They have lifted the restrictions as far as Americans bringing Cuban cigars into the states, but technically for the
US and Cuba, the embargo is still there since they're not doing business directly with each other," said Henderson. Nina Lucier, a clerk at Ray & Kim's Super Convenience store, sells cigars to many American customers. "I'd say approximately 35 per cent American business comes in,” said Lacier. “It was high back when you didn't have to have a passport to cross the border, but it's less now." Lucier says she has not seen any difference in the amount of American customers seeking Cuban cigars. "I find we still have the same amount of business because, the younger Americans don't know the rules yet. Whether or not they can bring it back so they just want to come here and try," said Lucier.
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Lancers women’s basketball Sports round-up team victorious against Waterloo Warriors Ryan Blevins Converged Citizen Staff
Herman heads to OFSAA The Herman Green Griffins defeated Sarnia St. Patrick’s in the South Western Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association championship Oct. 23 by a score of 41-7. Coming off their most physical game of the year against the Holy Names Knights in the WECSSAA finals, the Griffins rushed for nearly 400 yards in the victory. Running backs Branden McCraney and Dante Lewis each added a score. This will be the Green Griffins fifth consecutive OFSAA appearance.
Photo by Sonia Jacob Windsor Lancers women’s basketball team won against Waterloo Warriors by a 51 point lead in the OUA basketball tournament on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Sonia Jacob Converged Citizen Staff
The 92-41 blowout against the Waterloo Warriors is the fifth win for the University of Windsor Lancers women’s basketball team in the OUA basketball tournament. On Nov. 23, the number 5ranked Lancers started with a strong lead of 25-11 in the first quarter and continued their advance, resulting in a 51point win. “I know it sounds like a big win because it’s a 50-point win, but we are playing a team that is much weaker than us,” said Lancers head coach Chantal Vallée. “As a coach
my job is to see my team is focused. Tonight I felt like we were disinterested by the end and not paying attention to details, so for me that’s not a big win in that sense.” Vallée said she was disappointed her team lost focus in the last quarter, but the game saw a lot of three pointers from the Lancers. “We have to create good habits and not worry about what the score is,” said Vallée. “We shot the threes like crazy. Anybody who participated in making some threes did very well tonight.” Co-captain of the Lancers Caitlyn Longmuir shot five three-pointers and finished with 17 points. Carly Steer added 16 points against the
Warriors. Freshmen Kayah Clarke and Cheyanne Roger scored 14 and 12 points. “We are happy that we won but we are not happy with some of the outcomes,” said Longmuir. “We have personal goals and for us the bigger picture is not Waterloo. Obviously, that’s a stepping stone but the bigger picture is the March CIS finals.” The Lancers will face the Laurier Golden Hawks in Waterloo on Nov. 26 in an afternoon match-up at 2 p.m. Vallée thinks it will be a tough game against the Hawks. “It’s a much stronger team,” said Vallée. “We are going to have to come and shoot the ball really well if we really want to win."
Windsor Express free agent frenzy The Windsor Express have been busy making a flurry of acquisitions over the past few weeks. The Express held four picks in the National Basketball League of Canada entry draft and spent them wisely. The Express took Alex Williams out of Lake Superior State University with their first selection. Mark Gomilla, Elliott Engleman and Kenneth Coates rounded out the Express draft selections. The acquisitions continued with the signings of Brandan Kearney and Lester Prosper as well as the completion of a trade which brought Mitchell Wiggins Jr. to Windsor from Cape Breton. The most notable signing was the re-signing of former Express championship guard Darren Duncan. Lancers hoops grabs a pair of wins The University of Windsor
women’s basketball team remains unbeaten after a 9241 victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Oct. 23. The fifth ranked Lancers cruised to a victory thanks to 17 points from Caitlin Longmuir and 16 points from Carly Steer. Emily Prevost finished with 11 rebounds in the victory. In the second game of a Lancers hoops double-header the men’s team defeated the Waterloo Warriors 94-78. Micqueel Martin led the Lancers with 24 points and freshman Anthony Zrvnar added 17 points. The men’s team improved their record to 3-2 following the win. Lions in first place after Thanksgiving win The Detroit Lions, playing in their 78th Thanksgiving Day game, captured first place in the NFC North Oct. 24. On the back of 232 passing yards from quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 16-13. Kicker Matt Prater nailed a 48-yard field goal to tie the game at 13. With under two minutes remaining, Lions defensive back intercepted Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford. The defensive highlight set up a game winning 40 yard field goal by Prater with no time left on the clock. The Lions are now 7-4 on the season. Spits win with short bench With only 18 players dressed due to injury and suspensions, the Windsor Spitfires found a way to win in overtime. Defenseman Austin McEneny found the back of the net with 1:55 seconds left in the overtime period to give Windsor a 5-4 victory over the Peterborough Petes. Graham Knott, Cole Carter, Julius Nattinen and Cole Purboo all scored for Windsor.
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December 2, 2016
ONVERGED CITIZEN
Detroit Pistons on the move Cody Rusan Converged Citizen Staff The Detroit Pistons will say goodbye to the Palace of Auburn Hills at the conclusion of their season. Detroit basketball has called the Palace home since 1988 and are now set to join the Detroit Red Wings in the Little Caesars Arena which is due to open next September.
Detroit mayor Mike Duggan recently told the Detroit Free Press, “This (Detroit) is the only city with all four teams in the downtown area. You can walk within 10 minutes to all of them.” The move will put all of Detroit’s sports teams within 100 yards of one another. It will also create another $34.5 million in arena expenses for the Pistons locker room area, court and floor seating. The
move will also incur an additional expense of up to $55 million to build the Pistons practice facility and offices. It is still unknown how much the move will benefit local Windsor businesses who sell Pistons apparel and merchandise. “It’s up to the apparel company itself if we receive any Pistons gear,” said Bob Reaume, owner of Bob Reaume Sports. “On court
stuff (official team apparel) is always a problem. We usually only see gear from about six teams with a ton of Toronto Raptors gear.” Adidas, current merchandise supplier of the NBA, will not be the league’s distributor next season. It is still unknown who will take over. The move should spike some company interest to supply Windsor with Pistons gear to cater to the cross-border fans, but it all
comes down to the potential apparel company itself. “We have yet to see anything, no updates, nothing,” said Reaume. With the Pistons a lot closer to Windsor and their home games now accessible through Transit Windsor, will the Pistons attendance numbers grow? Will local Windsor businesses benefit? Only time will tell.