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*Volume XI Issue 11 *February 17, 2017
The Power Of The Future
Inside
Second vigil for Quebec victims 2 News
4 News Photo by Maryam Farag Karen Kahelin, Lori Coulter and Elise Carol give a short speech to honour Quebec victims, while holding up a Canadian flag as a symbol of unity.
SEE VIGIL PAGE 3
University sexual assault program Over the past 10 years Senn has taught the risk factors of sexual assault, self-defense and situational danger. This program includes four three-hour sessions focusing on assessments, acknowledgement, action and education. "The thing nobody talks about is there is rarely a bystander present in a sexual assault situation," said Senn. "We need to provide
Chelsea Girard Converged Citizen Staff A sexual assault resistance program is being offered to students at the University of Windsor to ensure student safety both on and off campus. University of Windsor Psychology Professor Charlene Senn developed The Feminist Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act Program to help young women avoid sexual assault.
Photo courtesy to www.YWCACanada.com
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10 Sports Quote of the Day The courage in journalism is sticking up for the unpopular not the popular -Geraldo Rivera
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Daily publications versus weeklys
FEBRUARY 17, 2017
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Ontario tuition on the rise
Photo by Grace Bauer Students at St. Clair College on a lunch break at the Windsor south campus.
Grace Bauer Converged Citizen Staff
Photo by Michelle White Peggy Thompson at the River Town Times office Ryan Jones Converged Citizen Staff While daily newspapers are cutting costs and laying off reporters, weekly papers remain largely unaffected. On Jan.24 Postmedia announced a layoff notice for the Windsor Star cutting six positions, five including editorial. An article on Postmedia’s website stated that a loss in ad revenue due to social media was the cause of the cost cuts that lead to the layoffs. When asked about the situation, Windsor Star’s assistant managing digital editor Donald McArthur had no comment. The functions of daily and weekly newspapers differ. Tina Ongkeko, managing director of Newspapers Canada, said there are more departments and employees at a daily compared to community weekly newspapers. “With the community newspaper you’ve got a smaller staff and you’re covering a lot more at the local level,” said Ongkeko. “At the daily newspaper you’re covering local as well as regional, national and
international.” Compared to daily publications, ad revenues are not as much of an issue for weekly newspapers. According to the Connecting to Canadians with Community Newspapers 2013 study by Newspapers Canada, 73 per cent of Canadians in non-urban centres read a community newspaper. Peggy Thompson, advertising sales representative and publisher for River Town Times in Amherstburg, said weekly papers find strength through the community while daily papers must adjust to cost cuts. “There are many theories on why daily newspapers are struggling and weekly newspapers are thriving,” said Thompson. “Weekly newspapers are much more involved in their communities than daily [papers]. The only newspaper that will give you local stories, [local] news and [local] opinions is your local weekly.” The River Town Times delivers to 9,400 dwellings, free of charge, in Amherstburg, River Canard, McGregor and Colchester.
Ontario colleges may have to cut programs and raise tuition because the number of students enrolling is steadily declining. There has already been a drastic tuition increase in the past 10 years. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says Ontario already has the highest tuition fees in the country and will see an increase of almost $1,000 from 2018 to 2019. The centre analyzed trends in academic finances and fees since 1993. Statistics Canada say, FROM ASSAULT PAGE 1 women with the knowledge and skills to defend themselves in these situations." The EAAA program is specifically designed for university women ages 17 to 24. According to New England Journal of Medicine's website,
“undergraduates in Newfoundland and Labrador ($2,759) and Quebec ($2,851) continued to pay the lowest average tuition fees in Canada. Undergraduate students in Ontario ($8,114) paid the highest average tuition fees in 2016/2017, followed by undergraduates in Nova Scotia ($7,218) and Saskatchewan ($7,177).” James Fast is a second year student at St. Clair College, studying travel and tourism. He said he believes the tuition raise will cause even fewer students to enroll. “I'm seeing a lot of compa-
nies and businesses look more at university degrees instead of diplomas. This could be another reason [fewer students are enrolling]. I'm not quite sure how the province can avoid this,” said Fast. “However, I believe with the consistency of trade job stability college will never be obsolete.” On average, tuition and compulsory fees for Canadian undergraduate students have tripled between 1993-94 and 2015-16 and will continue to rise over the next four years, from $6,971 this fall to an estimated $7,590 in 2018-19.
women who took the EAAA program experienced a 46 per cent reduction in sexual assault and a 63 per cent reduction in attempted sexual assault in the following year, compared to those who did not take the program. Karen Hobden, clinical trail project manager at the University of Windsor, said
the program has progressed into more than a research study. "The program has affected so many young woman and has made them feel safer," said Hobden. "I wish my generation would have had a program like this when I was growing up. I would have felt much safer."
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FROM VIGIL PAGE 1 Maryam Farag Converged Citizen Staff Windsorites continue to support Muslim communities across Canada, attending a vigil on Feb. 3 to honour the victims of the Quebec mosque shooting in January. Nearly 200 people of different faiths and backgrounds attended the vigil at the Windsor Islamic Association, where victims’ lives were commemorated and money was raised for their families. The Muslim community of Windsor thanked Windsorites for the support they have shown since the attack. Windsor West MP, Brian Masse, was also in attendance for the vigil. Masse said Canadians will not be divided by “acts of hate.” "In your schools and in your workplaces, smile and say hello," said Masse. "An act of generosity towards someone else is a direct assault against those who believe in racism, bigotry and sexism." Karen Kahelin, Lori Coulter and Elsie Carol are three Windsor women who rode the bus to Washington to participate in the Women’s March on Washington Jan. 21. They also spoke at the vigil, raising Canada’s flag which was made of different pieces of red and white fabric. “All the little pieces of red fabric are different, and all the little pieces of white fabric are different,” said Carol. “If you look really, really close, all you will see is our differences, but step back and you’ll see our commonalities. We are greater together than we are apart.” “I was sick about what happened in Quebec City and I was sick about this happening in Canada,” said Kahelin, who does not want anyone of any religion to feel unsafe, particularly Muslims right now. She believes differences help people evolve and everyone should learn and be able to debate about other beliefs or faiths. “We can’t allow this to happen, so I will do anything thing I can to fight that, and if it means siting on a bus all night to go and march all day and sit on a bus all the next day to come home, that’s a small price to pay,” said Kahelin.
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Milk closes its New year, new tax doors rate for Windsorites Kaitlyn Kenney Converged Citizen Staff
Photo by Zander Kelly Arsh Bhatia stands in front of Milk Coffee Bar, which recently closed it’s doors. Zander Kelly Converged Citizen Staff A downtown Windsor business has closed its doors after 18 years. Milk was a local coffee bar that regularly hosted local artists’ work and music groups. Milk was taken over by Arsh Bhatia, 24, in January 2016. Bhatia purchased Milk from founder and previous owner Angelo Marignani, with the goal of expanding the business and increasing the variety of products available to customers. “I personally thought it was a good opportunity … for students and to give them somewhere different,” said Bhatia. “Ultimately, I had plans to expand. I wanted to get new espresso machines and make it a place for specialty coffee,” Bhatia wanted French press, vacuum press and other espresso-based brewing methods to help diversify the products available. However, there were problems involving the transition of ownership. “After (Marignani) sold the place I stopped hearing from him. He made me some prom-
ises to be there and help me and he wasn’t,” said Bhatia.” After the closure, Bhatia gave loyal customers an opportunity to come to Milk to take whatever bits of furniture and decor they wanted. The local bar Villains is now in possession of the iconic candle wax covered absinthe bottle that has been a notable decor piece at Milk. Over the years Milk has hosted many music groups such as solo artist Flower Face, rock group The Silence Factory and many more. Natalie Culmone, lead singer of local jazz band the Coffee House Combo, said that she was not a big fan of Bhatia’s ownership. “I liked (Marigani) better to be honest,” said Culmone. “I never really talked to (Bhatia) personally” Bhatia said he hopes the city will work with downtown landlords to support people who would lease businesses. He does not plan to open a new business in Windsor. “I’m gonna take some time off,” said Bhatia. “I ultimately want a restaurant down the road, but not in Windsor.”
Windsor City Council has finalized the 2017 budget. The draft document contains plans including a 1.73 per cent tax increase for the new year to cover the $390-million in property taxes to help maintain services provided by the City of Windsor. According to AM800, for every homeowner with a house worth $150, 000, the property tax will be around $48, more than last year. Chief Executive Officer Kirk Whittal of the Communicating Housing Corporation said the amount they have been allotted is only enough for roof and fire safety to remain intact, and that the tax increase is much needed. Some homeowners say they have grown accustomed to costs rising, much like Windsor homeowner Bobby Walschots. “You get so used to everything going up that you just adjust to it,” said Walschots. She also said she is used to the percentage always fluctuating, but she thinks it is unnecessary. "We have been doing good without a tax increase. It is going to affect everyone in the
long run,” she said. There are others who disagree and believe rising taxes are important for everyday life. Noah Mosco, an 18-year-old graphic design student attending St.Clair College, thinks taxes are important and should be a part of daily life. “Nobody likes to pay taxes and give up some of their hard earned money, but in the grand scheme of things higher taxes means more for the greater good,” said Mosco. “Whether the money is going to health care, unemployment, the fight against climate change or infrastructure, without higher taxes we would not be able to have these programs in place.” He also said he is willing to pay more to get more and furthermore most adult homeowners have careers and can see the value in having higher taxes. “If I had any advice to students struggling with taxes it would be that in the long run, taxes help everybody,” said Mosco. “If it seems like the taxes are too high think about how good we have it. Think about ways to increase your wage or decrease your spending,”
Canadian immigration economically beneficial Kaitlyn Kenney Converged Citizen Staff Canada should welcome refugees and immigrants turned away by the new U.S. executive order. On Jan. 27 U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on immigration restricting citizens from seven Middle Eastern countries Iraq, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Syria, Libya and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days and refugees from Syria for 120 days. The order has caused backlash and protests at a number of airports in the U.S. As a result, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted, “To those fleeing persecution, ter-
ror and war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength.” Trudeau used the h a s h t a g “#WelcometoCanada.” Many Canadians agree that welcoming refugees and immigrants is a good idea. Aaron Sahota, 20-year-old international relations and development student at the University of Windsor is an immigrant from England. He said immigration could have a positive outcome for Canada's economy. “While taxes may rise to support services for refugees, newcomers can be a boon to the economy,” said Sahota.
SEE REFUGEE PAGE 4
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Different Riverside Drive approaches expecting new "makeup" for dealing with Trump CiCi Deng Converged Citizen Staff
Screenshot of Hilary Payne’s Twitter post
David Lefreniere Converged Citizen Staff Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has avoided making negative remarks about U.S. President Donald Trump, but one city councilor has voiced his opinion on Twitter. Voicing a strong opinion about what he believes is Trump’s ambition, councillor Hilary Payne took to Twitter on Sunday. He offered his support for a U.S. judge who has temporarily stopped Trump’s executive order on travel restrictions. “Vladimir Putin is what Donald Trump would like to be – a ruthless dictator with no opposition,” said Payne in a tweet. His approach toward the U.S. president is not one that Payne thinks will work for the Canadian government. He said if Trudeau referred to Trump in the same way he would probably be told to mind his own business. “The word authoritarianism has been used a lot in the States recently,” said Payne. “I’m concerned because we are a neighbouring country. When that kind of thing is happening…it may spill over into this country."
Recognizing the importance of NAFTA, Payne is concerned. He said with Trump it is hard to be sure of what he is going to do or when. “Any changes for NAFTA could have a very significant impact for Canada.” Using the Keystone XL pipeline as an example, Payne said so far the tone toward Canada has been neutral or favourable. A former diplomat agrees dealing with Trump and the U.S. should be measured and neutral. In a special report for the Globe and Mail, Colin Robertson said Canada should take a “Goldilocks” or neutral approach. Robertson has a decades long diplomatic career dealing in trade issues with the U.S. “We need to take Mr. Trump very seriously and often literally. This means planning, not panic; a co-ordinated, all-ofCanada strategy demonstrating that we are a fair-trading partner and reliable ally,” said Robertson in his opinion piece. In a press briefing Wednesday the White House press secretary announced Trudeau will meet with Trump next week. That meeting will take place Feb. 13.
Fences along Riverside Drive should be upgraded to have more curb appeal, according to Coun. Irek Kusmierczyk. Fences alone Riverside Drive should be upgraded in a more pleasing way, according to one Windsor city councillor. Coun. Irek Kusmierczyk thinks the chain link fences on both public and private properties should be upgraded to decorative fencing on the north and south side along Riverside Drive. He made a request to city staff at the Feb. 6 council meeting, asking them to consider changing an existing program to allow property owners to share the cost of replacing the rusted fencing with the city. Currently, there are no specific guidelines on fence design along Riverside Drive, but property owners are encouraged to use low fences, walls, berms and other landscape elements. “Just beautify the community a little bit,” said Ward 7 Coun. Kusmierczyk. “Beautify the neighborhood and elevate the quality on Riverside Drive.” Residential private properties would not require as much upgrading to their fences. According to a city report, the majority of homeowners have already installed a decorative fence or walls with vegetation. “A lot of private property owners, they really do a nice job of taking care of their front yards and putting up nice decorative fence,” said Kusmierczyk. The main issue is industrial and commercial properties, along with some city properties. FROM REFUGEE PAGE 3 Sahota and his family moved to Canada from England in 2009. His parents had to retake their schooling to find employment even though they both had 25 years of experience in their fields. “Any Canadian who believes immigrants are lazy does not understand the lengths immigrants go to for a better life, not just for themselves but for
Photo by Cici Deng City council meeting on Feb. 6 “It is just not a reflection of the quality and standard that we expect from Riverside Drive, which is really a jewel, in terms of our road system,” said Kusmierczyk. The whole upgrading process is ongoing, according to Thom Hunt, the city planner who will gather more data on costs, benefits and more for another report. “So council want us to have a look at the fencing along Riverside Drive and determine whether there are opportunities to make them more attractive,” said Hunt. Kusmierczyk said once council gets the report back, the next step might be implementing. He also said any fencing upgrade process wouldn’t affect residents’ ordinary life. “It would have no impact on residents, pedestrian and cyclist or anybody using the sidewalks,” said Kusmierczyk. “It would simply beautify the existing fence, would upgrade the existing fence, and reflect the fact that it’s a scenic drive.”
On the issue of potential costs, Kusmierczyk pointed to the Sandwich Town Community Improvement Plan as an example. “That actually has a tool, an instrument, in it,” he said. “That allows, for example, the city to partner with commercial and industrial property owners and share the cost of improving the fence that is already exists.” He said this cost-sharing program between the city and commercial industrial owners should be expanded to Riverside Drive as well. Hunt said it is hard to estimate the cost. But, according to one official document, providing decorative fencing for private property is $15 to $20 per linear foot. For public property, it costs about five times that. Windsor resident Patty Soucie agrees there should be a change. “I do agree they can be upgraded,” said Soucie. “I want it can still be see through easily, so the kids can see the water, the fish.”
their families,” said Sahota. Myles Ferber, a farmer from Essex County, also knows that immigrants help the economy. “I think that taking in more immigrants will have a great effect on the economy, possibly bringing more business to smaller communities that become their new homes. This could translate outward into local and small businesses, including specialty shops,” said Ferber. “Canada’s population is almost one third
immigrants, and they are a brick in the foundation of our culture and our economy.” Ferber also said he believes that there are opportunities for Canada to be seen as an even more welcoming place to live. “I think the U.S. is giving Canada the opportunity to shine and rise above racism, sexism, class separation and nationalism and represent our true values of equality, love, acceptance and respect for all,” said Ferber.
CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRAURY 17, 2017
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Roll up the rim is back Aerial yoga for all ages Kyle Rose Converged Citizen Staff North American hot beverage and doughnut juggernaut Tim Hortons is kicking off its annual Roll Up The Rim campaign. The contest starts between the end of January and the beginning of February each year. The campaign usually leads to sales of coffee, tea and other hot beverages skyrocketing at this time. Prizes come in all shapes and sizes, as small as doughnuts and coffee, or vehicles and large cash giveaways. Manon Buckingham is an avid tea drinker and has won plenty of prizes playing roll up the rim to win. “I’ve won doughnuts and coffee. It’s always good luck to give it to someone,” said Buckingham. Throughout the years, doughnuts and coffee are the prizes the majority of people win during this campaign. However, Tamar Robinson got lucky and won a Toshiba laptop in Windsor in 2015. “I’m actually from Etobicoke but I was down in
Photo by Kyle Rose A Tim Horton's cup with contest displayed.
Windsor performing at a concert. I just happened to stop in and buy a coffee and didn’t check the rim until I got back to the hotel,” said Robinson. Robinson was performing at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts and stopped in at the Tim Hortons on University Avenue, which currently has one of the highest numbers of Roll Up the Rim winners in the city. Brooke Campbell is a full time employee at Tim Hortons, said customers really get excited during this time.
“Every year it is like an insane amount of people buying beverages around this time just to see if they will win. Like even regular customers who I recognize that usually just buy soup and sandwiches are now buying a coffee on the side just to see if they would win a prize,” said Campbell. Tim Hortons looks to add to their prize selection as more people seek to participate in the campaign according to employee Brook Campbell.
Prom: behind the scenes Vanessa Cuevas Converged Citizen Staff Every year high school seniors are enthusiastic about prom season but their high expectations can cause stress about making sure everything is ready. For most, prom is the highlight of their high school years – a very anticipated formal event . From dresses to suits, dates to limos, there is a lot of planning done to make sure the night goes smoothly. Dress shopping is a long process and many girls begin looking months in advance.
Finding the perfect one can be a nerve-wracking process. Sue Slieman, owner of Willabee’s ladies clothing store, finds that many girls are worried about body image and compare themselves to others. “Every girl has a dress that's the best for her,” said Slieman. “Everyone is different and finding the best dress depends on the girl.” Herman high school senior Jessica Sanchez said there is a lot to plan to make sure the night is fun and memorable, including making hair and makeup appointments. When
it comes to finding the right dress she is nervous about how she will look. “I definitely feel pressured about looking good,” said Sanchez. Aside from appearances, finding a date can also be stressful. Nowadays people may choose to bring their friend as a date or will go without one. According to a Visa Canada survey done in 2015, Canadians will spend approximately $500 on their prom. James Weldon, a senior student at St. Joseph’s high school said he is preparing for prom by making sure all the costs have been calculated.
Photo by MD Nuruzzaman Bounmy one of the participant practices aerial yoga at Windsor Rock Gym on Jan. 30. MD Nuruzzaman Converged Citizen Staff Windsorites have been introduced to an alternative fitness program that combines rock climbing, pilates and yoga. This is the first time the Windsor Rock Gym and Breath Pilates and Fitness is offering hammock aerial classes for all ages from beginner to advanced levels. There are 25 participants in two classes. They include one male, one child and 23 adult females. Aerial yoga is a new type of yoga that originates from New York and has become popular in several countries. It is a combination of traditional yoga, pilates and dance with the use of a vertical hammock. “Aerial yoga itself a great exercise. It is a great form of yoga,” said Isabelle Kolodziej, an instructor from Breath. “It is a great way to build the strength.” Kolodziej also said there are health benefits – it stretches the body and muscles and gives strength to all the joints. It is also beneficial for spinal decompression, body movement, facial tissue and upper and lower body stability.
Although it is an aerial activity, the gym ensures total safety for the participants. “Aerial can be used for yoga, relaxing and stretching all the way up to a sporty conditioning,” said Kolodziej. The aim of the classes is to make aerial yoga accessible to Windsorites. “Anyone can do it and try it, start playing like a child,” said Lauren Fleming, another instructor from Breath. Bounmy Inthavong, 28, has been taking classes at Breath for about a year. “More people like it because it is something different than average yoga,” said Inthavong, a midwife in Windsor. Carly Del, 25, has also been involved with the program since last year. “It is really good to engage different muscles that we do not get work on daily basis… an alternative way to work out,” said Del. Del also said the activities tone up most parts of the body. The next class session will be held on Feb. 27. Classes cost $20 per session, $15 for members.
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Alyssa Horrobin Converged Citizen Staff
Making history From romantic dinners to beautiful flowers delivered to your front door, Valentine's Day is typically spent showing appreciation for the one you love. But that is not quite how it began. There are a few different theories about the origin of Valentine's Day. One of the most popular sto-
ries involves a man called St. Valentine performing marriage ceremonies for young lovers in secret after they were outlawed by the emperor of Rome. Another story is about a pagan festival of fertility taking place around the same time as the mating season for birds. From these stories developed
the traditions we honour to celebrate love on what we now know to be Valentine's Day. According to the History Channel, a woman named Esther Howland began massproducing hand-made valentines in America in the 1840s made with lace, ribbons and pictures. She became known
as "Mother of the Valentine." Today, Valentines are the second most popular card sent at about one billion every year, according to the Greeting Card Association. An estimated 85 per cent of these cards are purchased by women. So, from a legend dating back to third century Rome until now (more than 1,800 years),
love has been celebrated through various traditions under the name Valentine. Whether this is your first time celebrating this day of romance or your 18 hundredth, this Feb. 14 might be a great day to commemorate history by showing somebody some love.
Fundraising - a new way to show love this Valentine’s Day Lou-Anne Shust has been the patient care coordinator at Fort Malden Dentistry for 10 years and believes it is important to give back to the community. “Dr. Slipchuk has always been a very avid supporter of the Miracle League in all of their fundraisers,” said Shust. “This was just something that
Ryan Jones Converged Citizen Staff Employees at a local dental office are spreading love this Valentine’s Day by fundraising for a special organization. Fort Malden Dentistry, located in Amherstburg with 11 employees and three dentists, is hosting its first Share a Smile fundraiser. All proceeds will go to Amherstburg’s Miracle League, a baseball organization that was designed for individuals with disabilities. The league was created between 2008 and 2010 taking two years to transition from an idea to a built complex. Ann Bondy works in administration and registration for the Miracle League and said the community supports the league. “It’s for individuals that have disabilities or are unable to participate in a structured league, so this is their way of
“It’s for individuals that have disabilities or are unable to participate in a structured league...” -Ann Bondy
Photo by Ryan Jones
Lou-Anne Shust exhibits the “Share a Smile” fundraiser ad and card design. being able to play baseball on a diamond that is inclusive,” said Bondy. “It’s built for their disabilities, whether it’s a
walker or wheelchair or whatever they need.” Share a Smile is open to the public who can buy
Valentine’s Day cards sold in packages of 10 for five dollars with six different designs to choose from.
we took on ourselves and something that no one has done.” Shust said there is no specific goal amount for the fundraiser, but every little bit helps.“This was just one more way for us to give back.”
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health & lifestyle
GMO-free bazaar
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Never getting enough sleep
Photo by Dacotah Erwin Mackenzie Price (22) playing basketball for Sandwich Secondary School Photo courtesy of Tiffany Faubert.
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Dacotah Erwin Converged Citizen Staff Photo By Victoria Parent
Colleen Kosti talks with customers at the BEE My Valentine Local Bazaar on Sat Feb. 4 Kosti is head of Kosti Beauty Institute that sells organic makeup.
Victoria Parent Converged Citizen Staff People who want products free of genetically modified organisms were recently able to buy them at a local bazaar. GMOs are plants or animals created through gene splicing techniques. Most developed nations have restrictions on these products. The U.S. and Canadian governments have approved the use of GMOs. GMO-Free Windsor-Essex is an organization that tries to build awareness about genetically modified food and products. They hold seminars to educate people about the benefits of healthy eating and understanding where food is coming from. “We just try to benefit our communities in different ways through education seminars and through helping the local vendors to network and sell their goods and to know what’s out there,” said Lisa
Doig, one of the three women heading the organization. Doig formed the GMO-Free Windsor-Essex group about four years ago in response to some of the issues that emerged following a local march against Monsanto, an agricultural biotechnology corporation. The bazaar was held at the Ahmadi Muslim Community Centre on Feb. 4 to help promote organic farming, small local business, hand crafted business and people who have family businesses. More than 50 people attended the bazaar. This is the group’s third year doing these bazaars and they do them twice a year. There tends to be no difference in prices between GMO foods and those with none. Organic foods tend to be more expensive but prices have been going down due to more people buying organic. Some foods that contain GMOs include rice, soy, yeast, papayas and bananas.
GMOs make for better taste and a longer shelf life for better shipping. Some of the booths featured at the bazaar sold jewelry, chillies, spices and makeup. One of the booths was Kosti Beauty Institute run by Colleen Kosti. ”More and more people in the community are becoming aware of the importance on what is in your products,” said Kosti. “I am really glad to see a good turnout.” This was Kosti’s first year at the bazaar. She sold organic makeup products including liquid foundations and lipsticks. “[I’m] just hoping they stop using the chemicals on our food because it’s causing a lot of problems with everybody,” said Lisa Marion, a customer at the bazaar. “I hate to see that the government is allowed to get away with putting that stuff into our crops. I’d like to see it stopped.”
Although it is recommended for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 to sleep at least eight hours a night, many students are receiving far less. A study published online in the Journal of Sleep Research found a third of students in Canadian high schools do not meet sleep recommendations. As well, 60 per cent report feeling tired while attending school. It is suggested by the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines that teens get eight to 10 hours of sleep per night. But according to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital website, not all students can and most only sleep around seven hours per night. Students are expected to balance school, sports, homework and work while maintaining a proper sleep schedule. In a typical day Mackenzie Price, a student at Sandwich Secondary School, will attend classes, go to basketball practice, work out, go to work and try to balance homework on top of it. “I get about four hours of sleep and I’m always tired in class,” said Price. “I can’t fall asleep at an early time so get-
ting up in the morning is always hard.” According to Huffington Post sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on the body, leading to mental health issues such as depression, issues with learning and behavior, substance use and a higher risk of obesity. The Keewatin-Patricia District School board has switched start times to as late as 9 a.m. Representatives from the board say the results show both attendance and grades are improving and students are ready and attentive when they get to class. Students who struggle to get the suggested amount of sleep per night could explore the idea of creating a schedule. “Some things students could do to balance all their activities is to first document how many hours they spend each day engaged in their various activities,” said Nancy Mcnevin, an associate kinesiology professor at the University of Windsor. “Adjust the hours spent engaged in each activity according to which ones will help them achieve their long term goals.” There is no single solution, but studies have proven that high school students getting more sleep per night should be the ultimate goal.
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Update before it is too late Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Converged Citizen Staff More than 3,000 local high school students could be facing suspensions if their vaccination records are not updated. On Feb. 1 students across Windsor-Essex County received final notices informing them of the need to update their vaccination records, otherwise they would be faced with a 20-day suspension. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit sent out 3,589 letters notifying students in Grades 11 and 12 about the need to update their immunization records and vaccinations before Feb. 27. Students who have not done so by the deadline will be notified of their suspension from school on Feb. 28. According to the Immunization of Schools Pupil Act students must be vaccinated to protect the “health of children and the community” and to stop the spread of preventable diseases through immunization. Students are required to have immunizations for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease and varicella. “This is new to our community. Other health units have been doing it for years and this is the first year we have done this with the grade 11s and 12s,” said Judy Allen, manager of the Health Schools Department at the WECHU. “Most students at this age will have had their childhood immunizations but we have to have record of all of them.” The first round of letters was sent out to 8,218 students in December 2016. Allen said these vaccines help prevent highly contagious diseases. She said it is important for those who can be vaccinated to do so. This creates what is called herd immunity--protecting those who are very young or the elderly who were
Photo by Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Scott Scantlebury is the public relations officer for the Greater Essex County District School Board. He said the board hopes students and parents take the steps needed to update their records.
born before some of the vaccinations were available. “I think that most people are under the impression that doctors give that information to us, so they will get the notice from us and they will say ‘I know it is up to date so that is all I need to do,’” said Allen. “But they are missing the step where they have to provide that information to us.” Scott Scantlebury, public relations coordinator for the Greater Windsor-Essex County School Board said they support the position taken by the WECHU. “We partner with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit on many projects and one of our biggest priorities obviously is to be responsible for them [students] while they are in our care,” said
Scantlebury. “It is their responsibility and their obligation under the education act to issue these suspension letters and to suspend students if their immunizations aren’t up to date.” The ISPA also gives health units in Ontario and school boards the legal power to suspend students for 20 days when documents are not presented to the health units with an option to re-suspend if the information has still not been provided. “It is not in anyone's best interest, especially the student, to be suspended if it can be helped or if it can be rectified,” said Scantlebury. “We certainly don't want to see students suspended.” Basma Preston, a parent of two students in high school
received the first letters in December and took her children to have their vaccinations updated over the winter break. She said it can be hard to remember to update the vaccination records. “When they are babies you have to take them to the doctors all the time and they remind you,” said Preston. “But after 12 [years of age] everything is done it's just updates.” Preston also said it can be hard for busy parents and sometimes it is just not convenient. An app is available to those living in Canada called CANImmunize “with the ability to manage” a family's vaccinations records. This app helps to manage records, notifies clients about upcoming
vaccinations and provide access to information in seconds. “The app might work, since everything is on the internet now,” said Preston. “It's a good idea to remind the parents, instead of sending them this letter.” Records can be faxed, phoned, electronically sent or delivered in person to the WECHU but only until Feb. 27th. Information about the updates will then be sent to the student's school. After Feb. 27 forms can only be delivered or sent by a physician. The WECHU will be holding clinics for those who still need to update their vaccines, which are available by appointment. For more information visit immune.wechu.org.
"Clash at the Colosseum" showcase a success Jeremy James Fokuoh Converged Citizen Staff
The fourth annual Clash at the Colosseum took place this Wednesday at Caesars Colosseum. The University of Windsor men and women’s basketball teams played against the Laurier Golden Hawks and the Windsor Express played against the KitchenerWaterloo Titans at Caesars Colosseum in front of an estimated crowd of 2,300 people. In partnership with Ontario University Athletics and the National Basketball League of Canada, the event had people young and old enjoy three basketball games from the afternoon to the evening. Windsor Express Corporate Partnerships and Sales Executive Dylan Cullis says the event is huge for basketball, not only in Windsor, but in Canada as well. “Basketball wise, I think it’s great for the city to get more exposure for the sport,” said Cullis. “It’s still a sport growing in Canada and we’re trying to do our part to really grow that locally, across Ontario and the country.” For the Windsor Express,
Photo byJeremy James Fokuoh Maurice Jones (middle) goes up for the layup against the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans at the fourth annual “Clash at the Colosseum” held Feb. 8 at Caesars Windsor. this type of event brings more than just publicity to the sport of. It also brings an in-depth look at the National Basketball League of Canada. NBLC Commissioner David Magley was in attendance for all three games. A frequent guest at the event, Magley says the event is not only for Windsor basketball and the Caesars Windsor hotel. He views it as a huge exposure event for the National Basketball League of Canada.
“I think it’s a great exposure event,” said Magley. “Part of the biggest issues we have as a league is people recognizing how great the product is. When you’re able to play in a venue like this and there are people coming from the U.S. to gamble at the casino and watch a game, or fans who wouldn’t typically go out to the WFCU Centre to see it, it’s a great exposure for our league.” Going on its fourth year, the Colosseum games have
been an annual event since 2013. Windsor Express CEO Dartis Willis says the concept originally started with the Windsor Express looking for a new central location to play their home games. “When we started the team, when I first came to town, we had to look at places that we could play,” said Willis. “We knew we wanted to be downtown, so we looked at all the places in the downtown area to play. We looked at the barn, we
looked at the casino. We knew there were spaces that would fit a court and so we decided that ‘let’s go see if it would fit in a casino.’” The night ended with all of Windsor’s teams coming out victorious in their games, and a half court buzzer beater from Windsor Lancer guard Mike Rocca against the Laurier Golden Hawks. The Windsor Express play their next home game on Sunday Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. at the WFCU Centre vs. the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans.
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sports & & fitness fitness sports
FEBRUARY 17, 2017
ONVERGED CITIZEN
Allin family legacy continues in Windsor Ryan Blevins Converged Citizen Staff
The final member of a legendary Chatham basketball family has found a home in Windsor. Luke Allin graduated from Ursuline College High School in Chatham in 2013. A star basketball player, Allin elected to attend Wilfred Laurier University as a student athlete. For most high school athletes this would seem like a mundane decision, but with an Allin family history of playing at the University of Windsor his choice was unorthodox but not unprecedented. The Allin family is considered one of the most famous sports families in Chatham by local sports fans. The father of eight children, Dave Allin died in
sons, five of whom played basketball at universities in Ontario. The first Allin brother came to Windsor by way of football. Rich Allin was recruited by several schools to play quarterback and settled on the University of Windsor in 2003. A talented basketball player in high school, Rich began practicing with the basketball team following his freshman football season. After making the team, Allin would go on to play five seasons with the team under head coach Chris Oliver. Greg Allin, the oldest Allin brother, enrolled at Windsor during the same season, but was recruited as a basketball player. Greg and Rich were able to play together for five seasons and graduated in 2008. In
“He’s a tremendous offensive player. He just has an ability to score the ball when he’s open.” -Chris Oliver, 2013 from complications with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dave was inducted into the Chatham-Kent Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 as a builder of Chatham sports. He was considered a pioneer in Chatham, starting the city’s first travel basketball program in 1997 and ran the first summer basketball camp in 1981. A physical education teacher for 35 years, Dave won 20 championship trophies as a coach at Indiana Creek Road and Queen Elizabeth II Public Schools. His legacy lives on through his
their second-to-last season playing together the brothers won the Ontario University Athletics championship and made it all the way to the Canadian Interuniversity Sports championships. The team lost in the finals, finishing second in Canada. Greg returned to the school later in life, as an assistant coach in 2012. Greg was in charge of player development and post play. He ended his coaching tenure last season. Also a member of the 2007 championship team was brother Conor Allin. Conor was able to play
with his brothers Greg and Rich for two seasons. A member of the Lancers basketball team from 20062009, Conor played 18 games in the 2007-2008 season. However the Allin family had a rogue member take a different route in 2009. The second youngest member of the Allin family, Max, committed to Wilfred Laurier University after deciding to take his own path in college. “Peter Campbell [head coach of Laurier] really won me over,” said Max Allin. “In my final year [of high school] I think he was at every one of my tournaments.” Max had an illustrious career at Laurier and is regarded as one of the programs best players. In his first season as a Golden Hawk, Allin made the OUA All-Rookie First Team. He would continue receiving OUA honours, making the OUA All-Star Second Team in 2011 and 2012 and the All-Star First Team in 2013 and 2014. His efforts in the 2013 season were regarded as some of the best in Canadian university basketball when he was named to the CIS All-Star Second Team. Max finished his time at Laurier as the school’s all-time leading rebounder and passer, registering more assists than anyone in Laurier history. He also ranked fifth on the all-time OUA scoring list, scoring more than 1,500 points in five seasons. When it was time for the youngest brother Luke to make his decision, both Laurier and Windsor were in play. Luke Allin spent one and a half seasons at Laurier, playing 27 total games and making the OUA All-Rookie First
Photo courtsey of Luke Allin Former Laurier Golden Hawks forward Luke Allin high fives teammates during pregame announcements during his sophomore season before transferring to the University of Windsor later that season. Team just as his brother Max. But Allin was seeking a change of schools and transferred to the University of Windsor in February 2016. “I just wanted to be closer to home. I know the coaching staff here is awesome,” said Allin. He was forced to sit out a full year due to OUA transfer rules. After missing the tail end of his sophomore season and the entire first portion of the 2016 semester, Luke gained eligibility for the 2017 semester. Allin’s head coach, Chris Oliver, says Luke has brought a lot to the team since gaining eligibility in November, 2016. “He’s been through a lot of different situations,” said Oliver. “He’s a tremendous offensive player. He just has an ability to score the ball when he’s open.” Allin is currently a starting forward on the Lancers men’s team. Allin has played in 10 games of the Lancers games this season, dating back to late
November. He is averaging 10.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game this season and has started all but two games. He is currently ranked third on the Lancers in scoring, which is seen as valuable after the Lancers lost their two leading scorers last season. On Feb. 8 Allin took the court against his former team, the Laurier Golden Hawks. The game was part of a basketball triple-header event at Caesars Windsor. Both the University of Windsor Men’s and Women’s basketball teams played the Laurier Golden Hawks before the Windsor Express took on the KitchenerWaterloo Titans as part of their National Basketball League of Canada schedule. For Luke, playing his former school will be in the back of his head. “We just want to get the win no matter who we are playing, but it would be nice to beat the old school, that’s for sure,” said Allin.
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sports & & fitness fitness sports Sports round-up NHL The Detroit Red Wings took on the first place Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center in Washington on Thursday night. The two teams fought hard in the first period keeping the score tied 2-2 going into the second period. The Capitals finished with the lead scoring once in the second and three more times in the third. The Capitals' defence and goaltending was able to keep a grasp on their lead, only letting two goals against in the third, leaving the score 6-3. This win brings the Capitals one game closer to clinching the first place playoff seed. The Toronto Maples Leafs hosted the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre. Right out of the gates the Blues took a 1-0 lead in the first and held on until the Leafs were able to catch up and answer in the second period with one of their own. The third period was a draw where neither team was able to breakout and score, sending the game to overtime. The Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko stepped up to the plate scoring in overtime to end the game 2-1. The St. Louis Blues currently sit at third in the Central Division while the Toronto Maple Leafs sit in the third seat in the Atlantic division. NFL The New England Patriots faced off against the Atlanta Falcons for Superbowl 51 this past Sunday. The Falcons came out like fireworks in the first quarter with a 21-3 lead. Tom Brady and the Patriots refused to give up and found their stride in the fourth quarter, chopping the lead down scoring 19 points and holding Atlanta to zero. This brought the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots to the first overtime in Superbowl history tied 28-28. The Patriots won the coin toss to take possession of the ball in overtime and in one rush for the end-zone they took Superbowl LI with a fury. Tom Brady ended the night completing 43 out of 62 passes for 466 passing yards to claim his fifth Superbowl win, Spitfires The Oshawa Generals were in town to play the Windsor Spitfires at the WFCU Centre on Feb. 9. The Windsor Spitfires were able to put on a show for their fans. Oshawa tallied the first goal to the scoreboard, but the Spitfires kept the red light on scoring four goals in the first period and adding three more in the second. The game ended with a 7-1 victory for the Spitfires. PJHL (Jr. C) The Junior C playoffs have started this week and the Essex 73's faceoff against the Mooretown Flags in the South Division. So far the 73's have seized a 3-0 lead in the series, with goaltender Tyler Ryan earning two straight shutout wins. The Essex and Mooretown will be playing again on Friday Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The Amherstburg Intergrity Admirals set to face the Wheatley Omstead Sharks in the first round. Amherstburg has taken the series 3-1 at this point. The two teams are scheduled to face-off again on Sunday Feb. 12 and Wheatley has to come out with at win to stay alive.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2017
ONVERGED CITIZEN
Admirals sail high over Sharks
Photos by:
Garrett Fodor
Wednesday, Feb. 8 the Wheatley Sharks hosted the Integrity Amherstburg Admerals in Game Three of their Provicial Junior Hockey League quater final matchup. The Admerals left Wheatley with a score of 4 - 1. For Wheatley it was their first game in the series with their starting goaltender, Eric Morneau.