The Converged Citizen - April 19, 2016

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*Volume XI Issue 18 *April 21, 2016

The Power Of The Future

Inside

Leaving on a Jet Plane Naureen Ahmed Converged Citizen Staff The 26th annual Gourmet Food & Wine Gala took place April, 8 at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts. All proceeds benefit the tourism and travel, hospitality management and culinary programs at St Clair College.

This year's theme was aviation and tourism and was called Leaving on a Jet Plane. There were more than 400 people were in attendance.

John Fairley, vice president of communications and community relations for the college, said the event is about celebrating accomplishments of students.

"Everything is done by the students,” said Fairley. “It is hosted by the students, greeted by the students, they will even serve and entertain you.”

The event featured a music theatre performance and a singing, fashion show hosted by the fashion design department.

“It is a complete package of what we do so well at St Clair College,” said Fairley.

Alycia Tomalty, chief technologist at St Clair College, explained this year's theme. She said it allowed the culinary team and chefs to integrate many different destinations and creativity for the menu.

“We have been given a carte blanche as to what countries we are allowed to feature on the menu,” said Tomalty. “We are going to be exploring cuisines from Denmark, Spain, Italy and

3 News

5 News

Photo by Michael Poirier John Fairley, vice president of communications and community relations for St. Clair College, at the 26th annual Gourmet Food & Wine Gala which took place April 8 at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts.

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6 Health& Lifestyle

City to debate hospital levy City levy Jillian Toman Converged Citizen Staff The plan for a regional hospital is in the works and may come at a price for property owners.

Council officials will discuss a proposed 2.19 per cent increase to contribute to the state-of-the-art facility at the meeting on April 18.

To move beyond the first phase of planning on the mega hospital, Windsor needs to raise its share of approximately $108 million by the time the hospital is set to open in 2026.

Ward 5 councillor Ed Sleiman said the city has done its best to keep the lid on taxes and has done so for more than seven years.

If the council hospital levy is

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approved taxpayers will start to contribute as early as July with Windsor and Essex County contributing 10 per cent towards the estimated $200 billion project.

“One thing to keep in mind is the facility is going to be a regional hospital,” said Sleiman.

The city collects $320 million a year in property taxes.

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Windsor and Essex home owners can expect an average increase of $60 per year or more for 10 years on a house valued at $150,000.

Sleiman said the city will invest the taxpayer collection and if the hospital is not approved, the money collected will be given back to con-

HOSPITAL PAGE 5 Weather

Thursday, April 21, 2016 High: 21°C Low: 12°C Weather provided by The Weather Network

7 Sports Quote of the Day A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.

—John C. Maxwell

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APRIL 21, 2016

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Hook, line and sinker Helping rural communities Julia Poehlman Converged Citizen The Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada are informing others about national and international issues as well as assisting in rural communities .

The organization promotes women, families and communities with its goal to empower women to make a differ-

attention too,” said Phillips.

“It is a worldwide organization, so there are the area meetings and our meetings.”

The Wabash Women’s Institute’s meetings involve having an educational program and help with their charity work. The group has done various things for the community such as donating household items and handmade quilts to Children’s Aid.

“It is a worldwide organization, so there are the area meetings and our meetings.”

--- Shirley Phillips, President of the Wabash branch of the Women’s Institute,

Photo by Fabricio Rivera-Paz Some local fishermen take advantage of a sunny spring morning fishing along the Detroit River April 15. Temperatures reached a high of 20 degrees Celsius that weekend.

Local Polish community commemorates Poland’s roots Abass Wali Converged Citizen Holy Trinity Parish was filled with Windsor’s Polish community on April 9celebrating the establishment of their country 1050 years ago.

The event featured students with a Polish background reciting poems about their history and appreciation for their native country.

Kenata Gallo, a language teacher at Holy Trinity said the country has a rich history.

“1050 years ago, our country became Christianized by our first Polish king, Bolesław I Wielki,” said Gallo. “Today, we would like to celebrate

GALA PAGE 1 Hawaii and land in Canada to finish” Kerstin Schneider, an instructor in St Clair College’s hospitality program, said the event is an annual year-end showcase event mainly for the students of the culinary and

that moment and we would like to show our kids our faith and that we’re still citizens of two countries, Canada and Poland.”

More than 100 people from the Polish community participated in the event. Gallo said they celebrate the event every year.

She said they bring their children with them to the event to teach them about the history of their native country.

She also said it is important for their children to know where their parents came from.

According to Gallo, Poland’s history comes from the immigration of Slavs who estab-

lished Poland in 966 A.D. Now, more than 38 million people reside in Poland.

Daria Jagielski, one of the participants in the poem recital, said she practiced the poem with her parents several times a day over the course of a few weeks.

“The meaning of my poem is to know about our country and that everyone will know my background is Polish. It says how much we like Poland and we’re proud of that,” said Jagielski.

According to the National Household Survey, as of 2011 the Polish community in Windsor stands at 2,635 people and continues to grow.

hospitality programs with the help of the tourism program.

"It is always a tremendous teamwork between the first and the second year students,” said Schneider. “All the programs and departments work together to make this happen," she said.

This event is a fundraiser and

all the proceeds will benefits the tourism and travel, hospitality management and culinary management programs at St. Clair College, said Fairley.

"As an end result, this event is to benefit the students," said Schneider.

ence.

The group was first formed in Stoney Creek, Ont. in 1897 and started when one woman lost her 14 month old son due to drinking contaminated milk. She then started a campaign to educate women in household management.

Since then, they have started a Reaching Ontario Sharing Education program which educates rural women and the community.

President of the Wabash branch of the Women’s Institute, Shirley Phillips has been a member of the group since 2006. She said they are very active in the community.

“Someone who wishes to join the group such as this, they can help in the community, that’s where we focus our

“We did get the speed limit lowered in Wabash. We’ve had a lot of deaths and accidents in Wabash because the trucks and cars speed through,” said Connie Martin, who is the treasurer of the institute. “We’ve also given an award to Lambton Kent Composite School for family studies. We give money to the food bank, to the legion and we’ve sponsored the Scouts in Wabash for over 60 years.”

Martin said they are looking forward to their upcoming chicken barbeque event which most of the people in the community help out with. The money made from this event will go towards their Wabash community hall, charities, Children’s Aid and the community.

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news Payday nightmare

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APRIL 21, 2016

ONVERGED CITIZEN

Dawn Gray and Sreeha Varanasi Converged Citizen Staff Windsor currently has more than 30 institutions that offer payday loans and some Windsorites feel as though the loans offered can easily become a financial trap.

A payday loan is an amount of money lent to a borrower at a high interest rate, to be paid back at the arrival of the borrower’s next paycheque.

Payday loan establishments charge high interest rates, some of them higher than the legal 60 per cent annual interest allowed. This is possible because federal legislation was introduced in 2006 allowing certain provinces to exempt payday loan lenders from the rule in exchange for other regulatory power in the industry.

In Ontario, a one-month payday loan has a maximum fee of $21 per $100 borrowed — that’s an annual interest rate of 240 per cent. If borrowers can’t make their payment or need to re-borrow, the cycle can quickly spiral out of control.

Jeff Castenada, a financial planner, has seen this happen first-hand. Prior to becoming a financial planner, he found himself caught in this cycle after he turned to a Money Mart for an emergency payday loan.

“I’ve done it. I’ve gotten a loan from Money Mart once and it became more than once,” said Castenada. “I got stuck in the cycle. I got trapped.”

He was able to eventually pay off the loan but still wonders how these places are allowed to “get away with it.”

Castenada said the problem is that people continue to live beyond their means knowing these places are available to loan money. He recommends to only go to these lenders when in dire circumstances.

“My job is wealth management. Payday loans are not a strategy to build wealth, it’s a strategy to make you poor,” said Castenada. “They target the poor and the middle class.

People who are not managing their money properly and living beyond their means, that’s who they are targeting.”

Photo by Sean Previl Onorio Colucci sits in his council seat as chief administrative officer during a Windsor city council meeting on April 4.

'Big shoes to fill,' Onorio Colucci takes his seat as CAO Photo by Dawn Grey The Money Mart on Ouellette Avenue and University Avenue is one of more than 30 payday loan insitutions across the city.

According to Castenada, the best way to avoid finding yourself in need of a payday loan is to simply live within your means and never spend more than you make. He said it’s all about habits and tracking your expenses.

“Track one month. You will be surprised how much you spend on shopping, fast food and coffee. People buy a lot of things they don’t need to buy,” said Castenada.

Many payday loan establishments do not require credit checks to determine eligibility for loans. Castenada said it’s telling of the demographic that is targeted by payday loan establishments.

Rob Cameron is a Windsorite who became stuck in the cycle of payday loans.

Cameron said in 2013 he took out two loans. The first was for $2,100. The following month, Cameron needed and was approved for another loan of $1,000. Including the interest, insurance on his loans, and the loan amounts themselves, Cameron said his current payment plan leaves him still owing over $5,000.

“My loan payments will end in December of 2018,” said Cameron “I can’t believe the government hasn’t stepped in.

Once you get into it, you can never get out unless by a miracle.”

It is extremely difficult to get out of the payday loan cycle.

In fact, 93.8 per cent of payday loans are taken by repeat customers, according to the Government of Ontario.

Cameron said to this day he

still has to borrow $600 every month from a payday loan lender and has to pay back $726 every month.

According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, knowing the laws surrounding payday loans will help make an informed decision on borrowing money. In Ontario, $21 is the maximum cost for borrowing $100, and the borrower has two business days to change their mind and cancel the loan.

In Ontario, a payday lender cannot extend or renew a loan, a practice which would cost the borrower more interest and borrowing fees. They also cannot ask customers to sign any forms transferring their wages directly to the lender.

Windsorites who are in debt from payday loans or any other loans can turn to institutions that can help such as the Windsor Family Credit Union. A representative from the WFCU who asked not to be named said that their institution can and has helped people in the past who have suffered from loan debts.

The FCAC urges citizens to consider other options when in need of money, such as opening a line of credit at a financial institution, overdrafts on bank accounts and credit card cash advances, all of which are cheaper alternatives to payday loans.

Various payday lenders such as Cash Money were contacted for comment, but no response was received.

Sean Previl Converged Citizen Staff Windsor has a new chief administrative officer, but he says not much will change in how the city runs.

Former chief financial officer and treasurer Onorio Colucci was named CAO in January. His appointment followed Helga Reidel’s decision in December 2015 to become CEO of Enwin Utilities. He assumed the position April 1.

His first official day in council chambers, however, was a contrast to what he expects the rest of his time in the seat will be.

“It’s a little bit like my first meeting on training wheels,” said Colucci, after a meeting that lasted about 20 minutes.

“I’m sure they’ll be off next meeting.”

The man most often known as “O.C.” worked as a chartered accountant for the accounting firm now known as KPMG before starting work at the city in 1984.

Despite his focus on finance over the past 31 years, he acknowledged his new role has a much wider scope.

“We’re a very diverse corporation and so all the departments have specific issues,” said Colucci, 58.

“Having been here 31 years I’m certainly familiar with most of them and we’ll work closely with the various departments and managers to learn even more.”

Following Reidel’s announcement Dec. 18 of her upcoming departure, Colucci was appointed to the position following a council meeting Jan. 4.

Mayor Drew Dilkens said Colucci’s experience combined with financial knowledge made him the perfect fit.

“Certainly after 31 years he’s the person with the most institutional memory and corpo-

rate knowledge of the City of Windsor, so he’s the right guy at the right time,” said Dilkens.

Ward 8 Coun. Bill Marra has worked with four different CAOs, including Colucci, while on council. He said Colucci “stood to the challenge” as treasurer during the economic crisis in 2008.

He added Colucci will also benefit from his reputation.

“He’s a man who’s deemed to be a very ethical man, very values-based,” said Marra.

“He doesn’t sugar-coat things.

He’s a very candid and honest man, full of integrity.”

Though he wants to continue “what she’s (Reidel) got started,” Colucci said he will still bring his own way of doing things.

“I think the city is in really good shape these days so I don’t foresee dramatic changes,” said Colucci.

“There may be a tweak here or there as things progress but it’s largely status quo for now.

I think we want to continue to provide the best services we can for the residents at the cheapest possible price.”

Dilkens said he has faith Colucci will have little issue bringing his own voice to the table.

“He’ll find ways to be Onorio Colucci that are automatically different than Helga Reidel and he’s got big shoes to fill,” said Dilkens.

“But he’s got a bit of a different personality so you’ll see that come out in certain decision-making and the way he approaches things as well.”

Colucci said he’s looking forward to being involved in upcoming projects during his term, including the new city hall project, but it won’t end there. He said, in his experience, as soon as one project ends, another begins.

“There’s never a dull moment.”

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APRIL 21, 2016

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Small businesses are huge for Windsor Alyssa Horrobin Converged Citizen Staff Windsor is home to thousands of entrepreneurs trying to make a living in a city with chronically high unemployment in Canada.

The City Market in Windsor currently houses about 20 of the 20,000 small businesses in the region and is doing everything they can to help them succeed, according to manager Sherrill Zonjic-Bullis.

Zonjic-Bullis works individually with small business owners to help them get off the ground, from allowing a vendor to try things out for a day to creating a long-term business plan.

Zonjic-Bullis said there is also support between vendors.

“Something like this is nice because you have the support of the other people in the

Photo by Alyssa Horrobin Sherrill Zonjic-Bullis, manager of The City Market in Windsor poses in the market’s new produce section which opened April 2. building,” said Zonjic-Bullis.

“We also advertise for our vendors and we all support each other here. It’s a community effort … there’s always a helping hand in the market if

you need it.”

The City Market is less than a year old and some areas are still under construction. They hope to bring in more small businesses and a restaurant as

Petition to keep high school name Shelbey Hernandez Converged Citizen Staff One Windsor parent has more than 2,000 supporters for her online petition against changing the name of W.F. Herman Secondary School.

According to the Greater Essex County District School Board, Herman will become a kindergarten to Grade 12 school by September. It will be merging with Percy P. McCallum so the board said the name should change.

However, for those with strong ties to the school, the connection goes beyond the building its roots are with the name.

That is why Martha Hradowy created a petition on April 2.

Two days later, her petition had more than 1,300 signatures and the numbers are continuing to rise.

Hradowy said it isn’t the amalgamation that is the problem.

“W.F. Herman is a school in the Windsor area that has a long standing tradition (and) history,” said Hradowy. “The school has made a name for itself not only provincially but nationally and I think to maintain the legacy of the school and the tradition and the person that it was named after, that whatever the new school name is, that still needs to be

incorporated as part of the new name.”

For many who graduated from Herman, the school holds precious memories. One graduate, Ashley Meyers, met her fiancé there.

Meyers told her daughter about Herman for years, knowing that would be the school her daughter would go to. Although her daughter will still go there because of the neighbourhood, Meyers said it won’t be the same.

“Herman’s a well-known name throughout Ontario so why change it?” said Meyers, who graduated in 2009. “The football team’s great, there’s a lot of support there. If they want to make it into a J.K. to Grade 12 school, fine. I just think they should leave the name alone.”

Hradowy and Meyers are two of many people who feel this way about the name, but not everyone shares their view.

“There is the attachment to it, I understand that, but at the end of the day, that’s what it is: your meaning, your history with it but the change of the name doesn’t change that,” said Kenny Keelan who went to Herman until Grade 11 back in the late 90s. “It doesn’t mean that you have to stop associating with that. You can say this school used to be

W.F. Herman and I don’t quite like the name anymore but this is the way it is. It’s just a matter of adapting.”

Keelan also said people should be focused on the merging. He said the merging will affect many students and staff who will have to adapt to a new environment with new people. So if people can handle the merging, then they should be able to handle a new name.

“I think it supports being able to adapt to new things and I think Windsor as a whole needs a new face, more or less, and this is part of that,” said Keelan. “It’s not attaching to this old mentality and this old image that we have, be it good or bad. We have to change with the times and what have you and I think that’s just something we need to do as a whole.”

Hradowy said the petition will be up at change.org for a couple of weeks and then will be sent to the school board trustees. The board has already created an ad hoc committee responsible for deciding on the name.

The committee will also be allowing for public input.

Anyone interested in voicing their thoughts on a new name can go to the board’s website and fill out a W.F. Herman Naming Review Form.

they expand and update the building.

The newest addition to the market is a 650 sq. metre produce section which opened April 2. It takes up about a quarter of the market space and is run by Anthony Elias, who has worked in produce as a small business for more than 20 years.

Elias said he worked for his father who owned Elias Produce and built it up with the help of his brothers into a $100 million business before selling the chain to FreshCo about 10 years ago. He said he learned how to run a business and balance a budget through his years of work experience.

Elias said money can disappear very quickly with the expense of starting up a business, particularly with advertising. He said he believes it

takes some experience to get off the ground.

“A small business owner who wants to just get up and giddy up…it’s really tough.

Windsor’s tough too.”

According to Sabrina DeMarco, executive director of the Small Business Centre for Windsor-Essex, launching a small business is not easy, but being a business owner can be very rewarding.

DeMarco said she has a lot of respect and admiration for small business owners because of their hard work and passion about serving the community with what they offer.

“Small business is the lifeblood of our community,” said DeMarco. “In our region we have many thriving areas that are possible due to the investments made by small business and entrepreneurs.”

Program returns to provide safe place

Photo by Nate Hinkley Bob Williams is the executive director of the Windsor Pride Community Centre.

Another program which just Nate Hinkley started at Pride is counselling Convered Staff Windsor Pride is continuing its support for youth with more programs geared toward improving physical and mental health.

One of its existing programs, School’s Out, begins as the school year winds down.

The program will provide youth in the community with a safe place to go after school ends for the summer, with a particular focus on helping those in the LGBT community.

“It’s a great place for students or anyone to come and be in a safe environment,” said Bob Williams, executive director of the Windsor Pride Community Centre.

on Wednesdays and Thursdays to help youth, students, families and members of the LGBT community. The counselling program is for drug-related issues and advice on how to stay healthy and safe sexually.

They also offer a suicide prevention program and gambling counselling. Some youth use the office as a safe place to go.

“I go all the time to the Windsor Pride office to hang out and talk to different people. It means a lot to me having a place like that to go to,” said one 18-year-old man, who asked that his name not be used.

For support or information call the Windsor Pride office at 519-973-4656.

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APRIL 21, 2016

news ONVERGED CITIZEN New opportunities on the horizon for the Teutonia Club

Taylor Busch Converged Citizen Staff After more than 60 years of meeting at 55 Edinborough St. in Windsor, the Verein Teutonia Club is closing its doors for good and members are anxiously waiting to move to a new hall across town.

As of June 1, the new owners of the well-known "Home of Oktoberfest" will begin renovations on the 10-acre property to transform it into a new medical center for the residents of central Windsor. It is the first time the building will undergo major renovations in nearly 30 years and according to club president Christine Erdmann it will look completely different when it's finished.

"I'm told it's going to have a complete facelift outside and inside so it will be a little sad but at the same time it will be their home," said Erdmann.

For some elder members of the club, this will be a second move since the Teutonia Club was built in the mid 1930s.

In the years between and following the World Wars,

HOSPITAL PAGE 1 tributors. He said the money raised will help move the project forward.

“If the levy were to be turned down, that $2 billion would be rerouted somewhere else like Ottawa,” said Sleiman.

He said a teaching hospital is good for the community and will keep local medical students in Windsor.

“You really have to look at it in terms of priority…if we want to look after our community we need to be healthy,” said Sleiman.

“When we are young we never really think about getting sick, you need a hospital to look after everyone.”

Delegates will discuss the infrastructure dollars for the approved location of the mega hospital on County Road 42.

Vince Mittermeier, owner of Windsor’s downtown Gentlemen’s Choice for more than 45 years, said the tax

Photo by Taylor Busch President Christine Erdmann stands inside the Teutonia Club's celebrated Schauben Hall in windsor on March 31. Erdmann said thousands of great events took place in the hall over the years.

Erdmann says many European families fled to Canada hoping to start new lives but faced any unexpected obstacles when they arrived including language barriers, prejudice and scrutiny. It was not long before they began gathering in homes and churches to help each other through the difficult assimilation process.

She says at its peak the club was a second home to close to hike is going to hurt some people.

“No one likes to have an increase in taxes but if it brings us a new hospital, I’m for it,” said Mittermeier.

“I think the time has come for a regional hospital for the whole of Essex County to benefit from.”

West Windsor homeowner John Devine said the site selection of the hospital may not appeal to everybody, especially for people in the west end. He said the development of the new emergency site would be beneficial.

“I’m on the leading edge of the baby boom and that’s a big consideration…it will put an incredible demand on the hospital care facility. Not just hospitals, but clinics and various provincial services,” said Devine.

The council will meet Monday at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

3,000 members.

"This building was built mostly by our members as more of them came over [from Europe], and therefore it has a lot of meaning to us and still we wish the new owner well in all his endeavors."

Erdmann says it was a nearly unanimous decision from the board and members to merge with the Fogolar Furlan Club across town as they have

maintained great relations over the years. However, not all of the club's groups are able to be accommodated by the new hall.

"As of right now we haven't found [a home] yet and our club's future is uncertain," said Victor Lucier of the Windsor Ping Pong Association. "We are sad because they've been good to us over the years and we've had a good run here and also we have a lot of people that have become used to playing each week."

While Erdmann believes the club's membership numbers and monthly pretzel and cabbage roll sales will not be affected by the move, others are more skeptical.

"I really enjoy working here and now knowing they're closing the doors is really sad, not only for me and the other employees but also the customers that have been coming here so long," said Teutonia bartender and member Karla Beaudoin.

"We're like a real family here and I know if they move it won't be the same."

Erdmann says the Fogolar has been very accommodating so far offering to give Teutonia members chances to go check out their new home and waiving their rental fees through the summer. She also says the manager of the Fogolar is considering flying the German flag out front and has told her there will be space in their hall to display some Teutonia photos, plaques and records permanently.

"We're really not a dying club, we are going to continue on just under the umbrella of the Fogolar Club and they've opened their arms to us and been very accommodating in everything we've asked for and need," said Erdmann.

While some of the Teutonia's treasures and books have been set aside or donated to the Windsor Public Library's downtown campus, many are still to be auctioned off during the club's farewell banquet May 1, starting at noon and open to all. Tickets will be available for purchase at their long time home through April.

Dedication and Commitment Recognized

Photo by Naureen Ahmed Lorna McCormack, chair of the school of media, art and design, speaking at the 2016 Jouralism Networking and Awards Night hosted by the MediaPlex at Place Concorde.The evening is designed to recognize student exellence and offer networking opportunities among area media.

CONVERGED CITIZEN APRIL 21, 2016

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Students are often stressed out Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Converged Citizen Staff Recent studies show students in post-secondary school have been experiencing increased stress and anxiety over the last several years.

The National College Health Assessment found 58.5 per cent of the 16,000 Ontario students surveyed experienced higher than average stress, in a 2013 study.

Oxford Dictionaries defines stress as the mental strain or tension placed on an individual resulting from demanding circumstances which can cause adverse effects on a person’s body.

The NCHA reported 40 per cent of students said stress was affecting their ability to achieve academically. Don Crowder is a counsellor at St. Clair College’s downtown campus. He said certain life events or experiences can trigger stress. These triggers then determine how individuals react to the stress. He said stress is not always debilitating to an individual’s education.

“Stress has a full range of effects on people psychologically, emotionally and physically. It’s unique to each individual,” said Crowder. “It can be translated into a negative or a positive event. Sometimes stress as we know it can in fact be a very motivating, positive thing depending on the outcomes we (students) are look-

Photo by Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Don Crowder is one of the counselors available to students at St. Clair College. Services are available to students from Monday to Friday at all campuses. ing for.”

He also said students often look for a permanent solution to their stress but stress cannot be cured, only managed.

“The school has a lot of services available for the students who need to use them, whether it be tutoring, counseling or the other services offered. Students like myself can use them at anytime,” said Claire Renaud, 19, a student at St.Clair College.

Renaud is a full-time student studying gerontology social work, a baseball player for the college and works at the St. Clair Residence and Conference Centre as an advisor to students. She said she

spends 80 hours a week fitting all of these activities into her schedule while trying to get all of her work done.

Renaud said she experiences constant stress which peaks during finals for her classes.

“Even though I procrastinate sometimes and leave my work until the last minute the stress motivates me to get it done,” she said.

She also said she often keeps it to herself when she is experiencing more than average stress. Sometimes the stress can affect her physically.

Renaud said she has taken advantage of the counseling offered to her by the school

and if she needed to again, she would.

Rodney Boodram, 19, is a first-year student at the University of Windsor and is studying criminology and psychology. He is also on the university’s football team.

Boodram said he experiences stress frequently when trying to fit “work and play” into his schedule.

“What stresses me out is that I made a commitment to the football team and I want to show them that I want to be there… but then it takes away some of the time I have scheduled for classes and homework, and then I struggle to catch up,” said Boodram.

Boodram said there are services similar to those of St. Clair College available at the university. He also said firstyear students on the football team are provided with help in their classes by tutors arranged by their coaches.

“There are hotlines and counselors for students to talk to at all hours of the day.

During midterms and exams my coach gives us breaks because he understands, yes that we are playing football but we are also students,” said Boodram. “On Mondays our coach provides us with workshops to show us how to manage our time for studying and how to take notes in university and Fridays is a study hall so all first-year football students can get help on assignments and studying.”

Crowder said counselling programs and supports are offered in schools to benefit the students and help them with issues like stress and anxiety. He said sometimes the best help councillors can offer students is to be someone to listen and bounce ideas off.

“Sometimes you just need someone to talk to that’s not going to judge you…that’s not going to add to the anxiety and the stress. Sometimes you just need someone who’s going to listen and then help you to work out a solution,” said Crowder.

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CONVERGED CITIZEN APRIL 21, 2016

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Cheering for a winning team Jordan Caschera Converged Citizen Staff The dreadful and embarrassing season of the Toronto Maple Leafs has finally come to an end and it’s time to cheer for a championship caliber team, Toronto Blue Jays.

The Toronto Maple Leafs ended their season with a 2942-11 record, enough to finish last in the NHL and hopefully enough to win the draft lottery. Cheering for a team that wins a mere 29 games out of 82 isn’t fun. In fact, it’s a feeling no sports fan should ever have to endure. It’s a feeling of complete hopelessness, fear and utter sadness.

The season has passed and like everything else, there is a new beginning and this new beginning starts just a few blocks away from the Air

Opinion

Christian Bouchard Sports Columnist

O

ver the past couple years the sports world has seen some of the greatest call it a career. We have been left with fond memories thanks to guys such as Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, Kobe Bryant and Mariano Rivera.

Unfortunately, like all things that are great, there is always an ending. This is the case here at the Converged Citizen.

Canada Centre. The Blue Jays season is what the entire country has been looking forward to since every Canadian NHL team was eliminated from the playoffs. It’s another season Jays fans hope to see a new addition to the ’92 and ’93 World Series championship banners. It’s possibly the season with the most pressure.

After the disappointing, yet successful season last year where the organization lost and gained some familiar faces. These losses and additions didn’t come without scrutiny. After failing to reach a deal with former general manager, Alex Anthopolous, Jays nation sarcastically welcomed new President Mark Shapiro with, let’s say “open arms”.

Shapiro didn’t help his welcoming party when the organ-

ization withheld a contract offer to ace pitcher David Price, allowing Price to shop around and eventually find a spot with division rival Boston Red Sox. Adding to Jays fan’s agony, Anthopolous said he would have offered Price a contract if he had remained with the team, a scenario most Jays fans wanted.

Though change is sometimes hard and in this case inevitable, for the 2016 season, the Blue Jays have key pieces which management obviously thinks will be enough. With arguably the best offensive line-up in all of baseball, the 2016 season is looking to be the year the team dominates in the standings, hopefully. With Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki all starting the sea-

For the past seven months I have had the absolute privilege of being the co-sports editor for arguably one of the best sport sections in the city.

Much like the athletes listed above, the success of this paper was not achieved on our own.

The connection between a shortstop and a second baseman should be flawless in order to turn double plays at the professional level. Derek Jeter has turned 1,408 double plays in his 20-year career with the New York Yankees.

The connection Jeter had with his middle infielders proved to be a large part of his success. My co-sports editor Jordan Caschera has truly been the shortstop needed to help guide the success of this paper. After countless hours of planning events to cover and writing stories on local legends, we have reached our goals. From the bottom of my heart, I look forward to taking the sports world by storm

with you.

To this day, Kobe Bryant credits his coach Phil Jackson for much of his success, stating the fundamentals of the game have consistently been drilled into his mind. Every athlete needs a mentor to help guide them in the right direction. Although they are the ones coaching, they are constantly taught by the players as well. This year I have been honoured to mentor several excellent writers. Todd Shearon is one of many who have taught me how to be an editor, writer and friend.

Despite being the one doing the mentoring, I have realized it has truly been the other way around the entire time. From day one Todd has consistently been helping me grow as a writer and person. Whether he knows it or not, he has been a huge source of inspiration this year. Every time the odds were stacked against me, it was Todd who reminded me “be so good they can’t forget

Photo by Jordan Caschera The Toronto Blue Jays play at the Rogers Centre against the Detroit Tigers August 29, 2015 son in Toronto and hitting in that specific order, the team’s offence has to dominate. Not to mention the defensive aspect with Kevin Pillar, Troy

Tulowitzki, Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin.

The Blue Jays plan this year is the same as last year, score runs, 900 of them.

you.” Thank you Mr. Shearon.

There is also the greatest closing pitcher in baseball history, Mariano Rivera. His level of error was virtually invisible. Every time he was called upon to clean up a mess or preserve a lead, he was the man who got it done. A teacher, professor and mentor.

Veronique Mandal, in many ways, has been the Mariano Rivera of this team. She has taught the importance of always being fair and balanced while staying factual.

For the entirety of my time here at the Converged Citizen, we have strived to make these the most important ingredients of success. Vero, you have always believed in our abilities to grow as journalists. It is because of you the Converged Citizen has become a newspaper I will forever keep close to my heart. Thank you for your greatest gift of all – your time and attention. Words cannot express how thankful we are

to you for believing in us.

Finally, Peyton Manning has thrown for 539 touchdowns in his NFL career. Time after time his teammates would literally and figuratively watch his back and protect him while he did his job. In many ways, the MediaPlex has been my offensive line. The journalists have become a second family whose members have continuously shown me support and have watched over me as I attempt to turn my dreams into reality. I now pass the torch to Garrett Fodor and Ryan Blevins. There is no question in my mind they will continue to improve the Converged Citizen as a whole. With more than 50 students, it is difficult thanking you all individually. But for all the laughter, reassurance, motivation, kindness, respect, courtesy and love, I thank you all.

To my MediaPlex family, I thank you for being my blindside.

C

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APRIL 21, 2016

sports & fitness ONVERGED CITIZEN Wall earning accolades, scholarship Garrett Fodor Converged Citizen Staff A local goalie is earning more than individual accolades and is set to earn an education from a soon to be Division I NCAA school.

Leamington Flyers rookie goalie Tyler Wall took the league by storm as he compiled a 27-2-1 record in the regular season. Wall earned rookie of the year honours, along with top goalie honours in the Western Conference, as he posted a 0.940 save percentage and 1.49 goalsagainst-average. Wall also established a new record, by having the most wins by a rookie goalie. These stat lines and strong performances caught the eyes of NCAA scouts. Wall recieved an offer and has announced his intentions via Twitter, to attend the University of Massachusetts Lowell where Wall plans on studying engineering.

Branden Robitaille, goalie coach for the Flyers, said Wall

Photo by Garrett Fodor

Tyler Wall, of the Leamington Flyers, attempts to save a puck March 17 against the Chatham Maroons. has played well and has exceeded expectations.

“He’s played well, truthfully we didn’t think he’d make the team out of camp,” said Robitaille. “He’s very sound technically and quiet in his movements. He’s a big body and knows the game well.

With his quick movements it helps with his reactions.”

While splitting time with goaltender Michael Barrett, the two put Leamington at the top of the Western Conference. Robitaille said he believes Wall is well equipped considering it’s his first play-

off series.

Flyers Defenceman Zak Parlette said he is confident with either goalie in the net, but likes the way Wall sees the ice and talks in his net to the defence and the team to let them know what is going on.

Wall said the connection he

has with their goalie coach and head recruiter Cameron Ellsworth is great to have.

“It feels pretty good, their goalie coach is actually from Leamington so it’s a nice little connection we have,” said Wall. “My goal these season was just to come in and be the best goalie I could be and whatever happens, I wouldn’t say my plan was to get a commitment.”

UMass is currently transitioning into a Division I school, with their official status coming in 2017. The River Hawks earned a NCAA Frozen Four appearance in 2013 and have graduated players to the NHL like Dwayne Roloson, Ron Hainsey and Connor Hellebuyck.

Wall said he hopes to bring his simplistic style of game and large presence in the net to UMass. He said he is more focused on the task at hand as Leamington is currently trailing the London Nationals 3-2 in their Western Conference finals series.

Valuable goals scored in world tournament Aaron Sanders Converged Citizen Staff An international hockey tournament is scoring more than just goals.

Windsor is playing host to the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association Hockey World Cup from Apr. 3-10.

The tournament features more than 2,500 players from 15 different countries. Games are being played in three arenas around the city ; Tecumseh Arena, the Vollmer Complex and the WFCU Centre.

Fitchburg USA 55 plus goalie Joe Iozzo said despite playing in a different country and city, players like himself felt like they were at home with the sport. Iozzo and his team came from Fitchburg, Massachusetts to participate in the CARHA World Cup. “Coming from the States, hockey is not the most popular sport,” said Iozzo. “But when you come into Canada, you know it’s the most popular sport here and it’s a nice feeling to see how everybody [as

a hockey player] feel like they’re home amongst like minded people.”

The players on the ice were not the only ones enjoying the seven day event. CARHA media relations coordinator Chad Scanlan flew into Windsor from Ottawa to work the World Cup. Scanlan said he enjoyed the turnout the city has received.

“The tournament itself has been fantastic,” Scanlan said.

“The people in Windsor have really been receptive with it and excited that it’s here.

With 2,500 participants from 15 different countries, it’s cool to see everyone walking down the downtown core and everyone is happy that they’re here.”

Iozzo said the friendships made added to his experience in the tournament.

“I think it’s really great because of the camaraderie among hockey players and I think one of the sayings in CARHA is friendship through hockey,” said Iozzo.” It’s really true and although we’re competing against each other,

Photo by Aaron Sanders CARHA Hockey World Cup action between the Calgary Hornets and the Swiss Polar Bears at the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre April 6. we have a bond that happens while we’re here. It’s (a) really unique experience.”

Scanlan also said he will take the camaraderie home

from the World Cup. “On the ice you play hard, battle each other but after the game, it’s about shaking hands and going to the play-

ers’ village,” Scanlan said.

“The hockey is kind of a bonus, but there’s friendships that are made which I’ll take from the tournament.”