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*February 28, 2018
The Power Of The Future
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Spitfires Festival 3 Family Day
4 Lent celebration
6 Photo by Julianna Bonnett
ActionCon
Loyal Spitfires fans enjoy an event full of fun activities.
Kurlis Mati Converged Citizen Staff Many loyal fans enjoyed a fun afternoon of activities and autograph signing at the annual Spitfires Festival. On Feb. 17, Spitfires fans with season tickets were able
to meet their favourite players and enjoy face painting, bouncy castles, a photobooth, Zoo2you shows and much more at the WFCU Centre. The annual event brought together fans of all ages. Fan Jim Williams said the event is a nice bonus for the season ticket holders.
“It gives us a little something extra we get that nobody else will,” said Williams. “We get to come in, meet the players, get some autographs and see the stuff they have.” Fans were also able to shoot on the ice for a chance to win $600 off of their season tickets next year.
Dick Tracy, a fan known by many as the “Spitfires Flag Man,” said he was the first one to be able to go into the dressing room and get autographs. Tracy called it “awesome.”
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Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. -Martin Luther King Jr.
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Students explore studying abroad Kyle Rose Converged Citizen Staff The study abroad tour, sponsored by KOM, took place at St. Clair College this past week in the Student Life Centre and The Hanger. KOM Consultants are the official Canadian information and application centre for University transfer options throughout Ireland, UK and Australia. Martin Kelly, KOM representative, said St. Clair College students have a unique opportunity with this program because they will receive more transfer credit than most Ontario universities grant. “Many of these schools are taking students right into the final year of their honour
degree. One year and you get your bachelor of honours in all types of studies,” said Kelly. For students thinking of going abroad, it is a big step. Finances were often a question brought up throughout the tour. Adullah Almahdi, a second year student at St. Clair College, said he found the tour to be helpful. “I was really interested about the information he gave us. It's related to my program and I was looking to go into a university and he gave me the details that caught my interest,” said Almahdi. KOM Consultants for the Canadian Application Centre are partnered with 25 universities throughout Europe. They deal with questions regarding programs, entry requirements, application pro-
Photo by Kyle Rose The KOM study abroad tour poster at the main campus at St. Clair College with Martin Kelly. cedures, finances costs, scholarships, student loans, lifestyle and housing.
The KOM study abroad tour comes through Ontario colleges once every semester.
The last tour came to St. Clair in October of 2017.
Blood drive a success Torcia Velthuizen Converged Citizen Staff Have you ever thought of giving the gift of life? Canadian Blood Services hosted a blood drive at St. Clair College on Feb. 15 with a goal of at least 100 donations from students. Chelsea Derenoski, a student at St. Clair College, donated for the first time at the event. “I decided to donate blood because I wanted to save a life. I actually learned today I saved three,” said Derenoski. “If I were in that position I would want donations. So I thought I would do my part and put my donation out there.” Marisa Gatfield, territory manager for Canadian Blood Services, said they met their goal. “We had 106 students attend the blood drive at St. Clair College. We collected 102 per cent of our collection objective,” said Gatfield. Derenoski was not the only
first time donor. Gatfield said there were 34 first time donors out of the students who attended. According to Canadian Blood Services, in 2017 about 100,000 new blood donors were needed to replace aging donors and maintain the current blood supply. Blood Services also called for type O negative blood as it is used for patients with compromised immune systems and trauma victims. “When seconds count, someone’s life is on the line, and there’s no time to check blood type, hospital patients in an emergency situation can all receive O negative blood,” said Canadian Blood Services in a press release prior to the event. Blood Services will return to St. Clair College on March 29. Canadian Blood Services has set a goal of 77 units of blood. For more information on how to donate, visit www.blood.ca
Courtesy of Canadian Blood Services.
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Family Day: power off and play Maryam Farag Converged Citizen Staff Many activities took place throughout Windsor to help families celebrate Family Day. Healthy Kids Community Challenge partnered with Windsor-Essex Communities in motion and the City of Windsor to encourage people to power off and play and get off their screens. The project focuses on minimizing children's recreational and sedentary screen time, to create a balanced day. Adventure Bay Family Water Park was open Family Day from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. and children 12 and under had a chance to win free admission. There were 44 tickets for children to win. Free public skating was held at Lanspeary Lions Rink from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Charles Clark Square from 8:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. Trese McNeil, coordinator
physical activity. Today in particular we are promoting ‘power off and play’,” said McNeil. “We are trying to advise our youth of the importance of being physically active and staying off of screens especially today.” Stephanie De Franceschi attended the public skating at Lanspeary. She said it was the first time her and her family attended the event and they would like to attend again next year. “It was fantastic to be outdoors instead of inside, and Photo by Maryam Farag the fact that it is covered and not having to worry about the Trese McNeil giving Stephanie De Franceschi and her daughter a gift card at the pubweather elements outside lic skating event at Lanspeary Lion Rink on Family Day. because my daughter and son love skating,” said De of community sports services “One of our main goals is to promote the Franceschi. of recreation and culture, said There is no federally estabshe would recommend public importance of physical activity. Today in lished Family Day. This holiskating to families who want particular we are promoting ‘power off and day was first observed in to get together, do something Alberta in 1990, followed by play’,” fun and cherish the memories. Saskatchewan in 2007 and “One of our main goals is to -Trese McNeil Ontario in 2008. promote the importance of
Photo by Maryam Farag Children being entertained at Adventure Bay Water Park on Family Day.
Photo by Maryam Farag Children pulling out a ball for a chance to win free admission at Adventure Bay Water Park on Family Day.
CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 28, 2018
Catholic Central celebrates Lent
Health roundup By Torcia Velthuizen Recalls A variety of Iron Vegan Sprouted Protein bars have been recalled due to the possible presence of metal pieces. A full list of what flavours should be returned or thrown out can be found on Health Canada’s website. Due to a burn hazard, Whirlpool Corporation has recalled its KitchenAid Electric Kettle. The plastic handle can loosen and seperate from the metal body of the kettle and cause the contents to spill. The product can be identified by the model and serial numbers listed on Health Canada’s website. So far, there have been 19 reported incidents of handle detachment and one reported burn incident. No Name brand meat lasagna has been recalled due to the presence of rubber in the food. The product was sold nationally from Loblaw Companies Limited and was pulled from the shelves on Feb. 20. The product can be identified with the UPC code 0 60383 89870 0.
Photo by Bela Antonio Catholic Central Campus Minister Jeff Gendron applies ash during the Lent/Ash Wednesday mass celebration Bela Antonio Converged Citizen Staff At Catholic Central High are encouraged to celebrate Lent and explore more of their faith. Lent is a religious fasting that lasts for six weeks, and begins on Ash Wednesday. Many Christians choose something they use daily and try to give that up. Some people take the opportunity to start a healthier lifestyle. Lent began on the same day as Valentine’s Day this year, which has not happened since 1945. "I fast to give thanks to God and to remind myself of the many things that others do not have," said Yousif Shaker, a Grade 12 student from Catholic Central. Fasting is when you stop eating or drinking for a small period of time, usually for reli-
"I fast to give thanks to God and to remind myself of the many things that others do not have," -Yousif Shaker gious purposes. On Feb. 14 Catholic Central held a service to observe Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The student body came together to pay respect to God. Catholic Central Campus Minister Jeff Gendron hosted the service where he and other staff members applied ashes to students’ foreheads. According to Gendron, he tries to participate in the fasting as much as he can for his own health. “For myself as a campus minister I don't usually give up things, but I try to improve the
life of my students and myself," said Gendron. “Prayer helps me grow in my relationship with God. You can pretty much pray anywhere and I really feel that prayer gives me a sense of calm and peace,” said Megan Morrison, a Grade 9 student from Catholic Central. With Easter approaching, Catholic Central will be holding their annual Stations of the Cross starting next Wednesday. Stations of the Cross is the story in that follows Jesus Christ on his way to crucifixion.
New drug for multiple sclerosis patients Roche Canada released the news that Health Canada has approved the use of the drug OCREVUS® for patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Dr. Karen Lee, Vice-President of Research at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, said in a release, “There have been no disease modifying therapies for people living with progressive MS. The approval of Ocrevus is a much-needed treatment for the PPMS community because, for some people living with PPMS, Ocrevus may help control, and even slow disease progression.” The progression of PPMS can result in difficulty walking as well as shrinking of the brain or spinal cord. According to the MS Society of Canada, Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world, with an estimated 100,000 people living with the disease.
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Battle RoyElle celebrates free speech Justin Crouch Converged Citizen Staff Students at the University of Windsor in the Free Speech Association group held an event called “Battle RoyElle: A Discussion on Feminism” at the Vanier Hall campus. On Feb. 16, the event was managed by group president Mark Dumaine and moderator Dee Cober. “As moderator my job is to keep the conversation going and to hit as many topics as possible. I don’t want to leave any stone unturned,“ said Cober. The event was opened to a
live audience as well as viewers from home via livestream who could afterwards participate with a question and answer period. Small papers were available to drop in a comment box for discussion, while comments via Facebook were submitted by livestream viewers. During the event, five guest speakers presented and discussed their opinions with each other. Many topics were presented, from personal perspectives on various issues to hard-hitting topics like abortion and their discussions were civil.
“As moderator, my job is to keep the conversation going and to hit as many topics as possible. I don’t want to leave any stone unturned,” -Dee Cober Dumaine believed the feminist views expressed would be more in tone with the audience than the opposing views, according to what he refers to as ‘the state of society today.’ Dumaine said he was pleased with the variety of perspectives from the panel. “We have an Islamic feminist who will be here, another
who is more of your modern day feminist,” Dumaine said. “We have more of a ‘classic’ feminist from the first and second wave who is pro-life. Feminism is seen to be prochoice today so we’re having a pro-life feminist on there.” A speaker at the event, Tasha Riley, said she considers herself a womanist. She
volunteered to voice woman’s issues and give her opinion to those who may not agree. “My intentions are so that everyone can take a piece away. I’m interested in the other views as well, particularly the ones that contrast mine so I’m looking forward to it,” said Riley. The UWindsor Free Speech Association holds weekly gatherings at predetermined campus locations. To keep track of upcoming events, check out their Facebook page; The UWindsor Free Speech Association.
Hell’s a hot spot for travellers David Lafreniere Converged Citizen Staff Hell has already frozen over several times this winter and its businesses have had guests from all over the country come to see what chance a snowball has there. Windsor-Essex travelers looking for a day trip can go to Hell, Mich., which is about 30 minutes northwest of Ann Arbor and an hour from downtown Windsor. People can stop in at Screams from Hell and enjoy rocky road at the ice creamatory and souvenir shop, enjoy a meal at the local Hell Hole restaurant or grab a drink at Hell’s Saloon. “A lot of people come in over the holidays or when school is on break,” said Kim Jahn, the manager of Screams from Hell. “People come here all the time for lots of different reasons.” Once past the gates of Hell
there is a small wedding chapel operated by Screams from Hell. “We do about 70-90 weddings a year,” said Jahn. “We always give them the second one for free. They always say when you get married in Hell there is no place to go but up.” About 14 weddings were performed on Valentine’s Day and there are six or eight couples already slated for Halloween weddings, according to Jahn. If guests in Hell are not ready for marriage they can become the mayor, but the job is hell and impeachment is guaranteed. Bradley Wester has heard all the clichés about Hell. He has been in and out of Hell most of his life and his aunt used to own Hell’s party store. “It’s kind of interesting coming out here,” said Wester. “There is really not a whole lot in Hell, but it’s a really cool place. They do the
Photo by David Lafreniere Kim Jahn, stands outside Screams from Hell, an ice creamatory and souvenir shop, in Hell, Mich. Hearse Fest once a year, where they come out and have hearses from all around the world.” Open to all makes and models of hearses as long as they were once in service or are
currently used as a hearse, Hearse Fest takes place every September. Despite its light-hearted, dark theme, Hell is a naturelover’s paradise. You can kayak through the
Huron River Chain of Lakes or enjoy time hiking, skiing or doing countless other outdoor activities in the nearby Pinckney State Recreation Area.
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ActionCon a hit with pop culture fans Alyssa Leonard Converged Citizen Staff Hundreds of comic book fans and families from Windsor-Essex spent a day immersed in comic books, cosplay, videogames, horror, panels, artists and merchandise. Action Windsor, a local pop culture event, was held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on Feb. 18. Jolie Inthavong has been running pop culture events in Windsor for four years now. She said it makes her happy to see everyone enjoying what they love. “I love the way it makes people feel. Comics, horror, just being in a room celebrating all the things that we guiltily or unabashedly love and being in a room all together doing it,” said Inthavong. “You can feel the energy in the room and that is something
that I really feed on and it makes me super happy.” Among the guests was Tony Isabella, the artist and creator of Black Lightning, DC Comics’ first black superhero. “He came all the way from Ohio to meet his Canadian fans,” said Inthavong. “Unbeknownst to me, he hasn’t been out of his country in 30 years. With the success of Black Lightning on the CW, he’s starting to realize that he has fans outside of the United States and that they all want to meet him.” Cosplaying, or costume play, is a big part of these events, with fans of all ages joining in. James Boulter grew up with an interest in special effects and monster costumes and his love of cosplay bloomed from there. He said he has been to conventions all over Ontario and even works as the cosplay director for London Comiccon.
Boulter came dressed in his Deadpool costume. He said his favourite part about Action Windsor was getting pictures with people. “It’s great when the kids run up and they’re like ‘Deadpool!’ It’s just great being a hero to little kids,” said Boulter. Inthavong said she hopes Action Windsor will be able to return in 2019, but until then fans can catch more of the action on the Comic Book Syndicate TV show online or weekly on YourTV cable 11. It has never been a better time to be a nerd. With major film releases like Wonder Woman and Black Panther, and the continuing popularity of television's The Big Bang Theory, the whole family is getting in on the fun. Action Windsor organizers say a record number of family passes were sold this year and they look forward to attracting all ages at future events.
Photo by Tamas Miko
Photo by Ryan Percy Cosplayers Ben Grondin (Wolverine), and George Desrosiers (Rocket Raccoon), having fun at Action Windsor.
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Rocking for charity Chelsea Girard Converged Citizen Staff Disaster Strike took the title of Rock for Dimes 2018 Champions at the annual fundraiser hosted by March of Dimes at Average Joes on Feb. 16. Rock for Dimes is the March of Dimes national fundraiser and benefits programs and advocacy services across the province. Rock for Dimes is hosted in 13 cities across Canada, including Windsor, Vancouver and Edmonton. Matt Scalzo, bass player for Disaster Strike, said this opportunity has allowed the band to perform some of their new music and support a great cause at the same time. “I’ve been playing in this band for about four years now and March for Dimes has really given us the opportunity to showcase our talents,” said Scalzo. “We worked hard for this and love playing for live
audiences.” This battle of the bands style fundraiser is dedicated to local musicians competing in a friendly fundraiser in front of a roster of Canadian music industry professionals. The event hosted local bands from Windsor-Essex including Disaster Strike, Midnight Metro, Band Rock of Ages, Rock Avenue Ticket, Zephur and The Trudys. Zephur, The Trudys and Disaster Strike battled for the trophy, but Disaster Strike ultimately took the top prize. Rock for Dimes hopes to match last year’s goal and raise another $10,000 towards MODC’s programs and services. To date, Rock for Dimes Windsor has raised over $27,000. Casie Chaplin, bassist for The Trudys, said it is events like these that bring the community together. “I love events where you are able to be yourself while working towards a greater
Photo by Chelsea Girard Tyler Hillman and Matt Scalzo play at the Windsor Rock for Dimes event. community,” said Chaplin. “We see people with disabilities but we never do anything about it, but it’s events like these where we can make a
difference.” Rock for Dimes has raised over $1.5 million nationally to support March of Dimes
Canada’s various programs and services for children and adults with physical disabilities.
First and worst film fest Amos Johnson Converged Citizen Staff Many aspiring filmmakers may find their first short movie is usually not their best work. However even being bad can be good, maybe even so bad it’s good. Film students at the University of Windsor held a fundraiser to showcase early work from their professors and fellow classmates on Feb. 15 in their studio. The event, known as the First and Worst Film Fest, screened a total of 14 short films with the theme being ‘so bad it’s good.’ “You can actually laugh at people’s work and they’ll have a good time, no hard feelings,” said Gemma Cunial, a third year UWindsor film student and one of the organizers for the event. “We get to sit and enjoy one
of your first films and see how far you’ve come.” This is their second First and Worst film screening and this year offers audience choice awards such as Best Worst Film, Second Best Worst Film and Most Improved Filmmaker. Marcus Pasceri is a fourth year UWindsor film student and won the award for Second Best Worst Film. “I don’t normally like getting laughed at, but this is a very different experience,” said Pasceri. Pasceri’s film The Good, The Bad, and The Dirge was created when he was 16 and was his attempt at making an action horror movie. Over time it turned into what Pasceri calls “a terrible film noir parody” and said his latest projects have been an improvement.
Photo By Amos Johnson. Marcus Pasceri shows his Second Best Worst Film Award at the First and Worst Film Fest on Thursday, Feb. 15 at the University of Windsor. Whether you think a movie is good or bad, you can still find enjoyment out of it as
long as you apply the right mindset. Other film events from the UWindsor students
are set to continue at the beginning of March and the middle of April this year.
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Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones I would have cried if I had any sorrow left. I would have shouted if anger still burned within me. But there was nothing, nothing but hope and despair, and despair was winning. Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones was a disappointing read. I am not a fantasy fan but this did not influence my review. It was just not a good book. I have read Rick Riordon’s Percy Jackson series, I have read the Inheritance Cycle, Inkhart and Spiderwick, all of which are fantasy. They lived up to expectations. When it was released last year, many book bloggers had broadcast their love for this book, so I thought I would give it a go. I learned my lesson. The hype is not all it is cracked up to be. — The main characters are Liesl and the Goblin King. The storyline revolves around
an ancient fairytale where the Goblin King needs to wed a Goblin Queen. The Queen is then forced to live in the Underground and if she leaves without the Goblin King’s consent, the world of the Above will forever remain winter and changelings will be able to live on earth with humans again. Throughout her time with the Goblin King, Liesl discovers herself as a person and once she has found who she truly is she is reunited with her family.
not make sense. It felt like word vomit. A typical story pyramid has a definite beginning, a buildup to the climax, tapers to falling action which leads to an end. The entirety of Wintersong was a plateau. There was one twist in the beginning but the rest of the book contained redundant phrases and words. The scenes would jump from one focal point to the next in the middle of a paragraph, lacking transition, which was confusing.
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I liked the general idea of the storyline but the compilation and format did not work for me. The writing was decent and there were a few good quotes I jotted down. But the way Jae-Jones placed her words and sentences did
Despite my negative experience with this novel, it does not mean you should not read it.
Give it a read if you like fantasy. Maybe you will like it more than I did. — BV
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A Saints first Jordan Ferris Converged Citizen A St. Clair College Esports player has won the school’s first major Esports championship. Zander Paine, a first year student in the culinary program, won the Hearthstone grand final in Montreal onFeb. 11. Hearthstone is an online card collecting video game. Paine was one of the school’s three Hearthstone players and the only one to make it into the final 10. Esports is when a multiplayer video game is played competitively for spectators much like hockey or basketball would be. Saints Hearthstone coach Ryan Brook was one of the original people who helped with the creation of the gaming team. He has also been working with Paine since the beginning of the season.
FROM PAGE 1 “You go into the dressing room and see where the boys train and where the actual workout area is,” said Tracy. “I have nine jerseys and five flags that are autographed by the Memorial Cup teams.” Nathan Sellon, manager of fan development for the Windsor Spitfires, said the event was important for their fans. “This is the day where we give back to our most loyal fans,” said Sellon. “It is not only a fun day for the fans, but also a fun day for us as well, to talk and shake hands with them” Season tickets for the Spitfires range from around $400 to $700 a year, depending on a person's seating and age. For more information visit windsorspitfires.com
Brook said going into the weekend they never had to worry about Paine’s mental state because they knew he could handle himself. “He is a very level-headed player so he kept himself calm. As soon as he realized that he had what it takes to beat the players that are there, it wasn’t so much as pressure on him, but keeping a calm head,” said Brook. Paine was the only Saints player to reach a final in the LAN ETS tournament in Montreal. In winning the tournament, Paine also received a cheque for $1,500. Despite the fact he was able to keep such a calm head throughout, Paine said he was overcome with emotion upon winning. “It was an out of body experience. It was weird to win against those type of players and be in a tournament that big and do so well,” said Paine.
Paine has been playing Hearthstone for about six years, ever since the game’s beta version was released, but has been playing in a competitive manner for a couple of years. A beta is when a testing version of the game is released before the full release. Paine said he was successful at the competitive level before joining the Saints team. “I have won a LAN of the Dead tournament before, got second at Saints Gaming and placed 13th on a summer Tespa series so I’ve been placing,” said Paine. “I won first place at a LAN but that was more of a casual tournament.” Tespa is an organization supported by video game company Blizzard that makes games like Hearthstone, Overwatch, and StarCraft. They run collegiate tournaments and leagues for all colleges around North America.
Looking back at his previous accomplishments, Paine said his experience helped him get a spot on the Saints team in the first place. “I knew the coach personally outside of school and was playing Hearthstone for Tespa with the University of Windsor,” said Paine. “It was natural to go to Saints Gaming and at least play the tournament, and I got second at Saints Gaming Live so I was offered the registration.” By the time Paine’s finals match was underway, every other Saints player had finished their games and were watching Paine. When Paine finally won the match his team was there to congratulate him and celebrate. Brook said he felt it was a team bonding moment. “To have him win with all of our crew standing behind him was such a crowning moment,” said Brook.
Teammate Luca Acchione, 26, is in his second second year at St. Clair and is currently studying computer networking. Acchione said it was fun being in Montreal for such a big tournament. He also said the win was big for Paine but there was more to it. “I was really happy for what he [Paine] did for the program,” said Acchione. “It brings a lot of validation to the program.” Paine said he is hopeful this strong ending is just the beginning to something much larger. “More finishes hopefully, maybe get us more well known in the community,” said Paine. “I know we were getting more Twitter followers and more activity from other teams in Montreal. So hopefully more like that.” The Saints are currently in the beginning of their second season and hold a record of 1-1.