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*Volume XI Issue 11 *February 11, 2016
The Power of the Future
Inside
2 News
ELLIS NUMBER RETIRED
5 Health & Lifestyle
Photo by Todd Shearon Ryan Ellis signs an autograph for a fan during a pre-ceremony meet-and-greet at the WFCU Centre.
SEE PAGE 11 Aaron Lombardi Converged Citizen Staff About 50 Syrian refugees are currently living in a hotel in Windsor’s downtown core with more families on their way to the city. Children run through the halls of the Days Inn Hotel on Ouellette Avenue and play with the buttons on the elevator. They laugh as their fathers sit in the lobby talking to one another while wearing new winter coats given to them by Windsorites, their mothers remained in the room. The families arrived in Windsor over the holiday season and will be living at the hotel until they are moved into
Windsor’s new arrivals
Syrian Refugees Housed
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their own housing. Hotel manager Asar Ahmed said he is happy to give the families a place to call home, even for a short period of time. “We want to help whoever we can,” said Ahmed. “We let them use all our facilities and we are accepting that they are different. Anyone who comes from a different country is going to be different.” Ahmed has been the manager at the Days Inn for three years and said he is glad to be helping the newcomers, including opening the hotel
SEE PAGE 5 Weather Thursday, February 11, 2016 High: -5°C Low: -9°C
8 Sports
11 Sports Quote of the Day All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. -J.R.R. Tolkein
Weather provided by The Weather Network
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ONVERGED CITIZEN
Bullying a silent killer “I experienced anxiety, depression even post-traumatic stress disorder that lead to psychological harm and actual Workplace bullying is a physical illness,” said Joshi. silent killer according to a Fass said if workers are getbusiness executive who wrote ting bullied they must speak a book on the topic. up quickly and do not let it Andrew Faas, the author of fester into a life or The Bully’s Trap death decision. was speaking at a Dr. Catherine Lee, a luncheon presentalocal psychologist, tion about worksaid bullying is abuse place bullying. The creating an unhealthy event took place on and psychological Jan 27, at the St. power imbalance Clair College between the bully and Centre for the Arts. their target which can Large numbers of result in psychologipeople attended the cal damage for both event. parties. Faas said work“Bullying causes place bullying is on targets to feel anxthe rise, which not ious, depressed, fearonly reduces proful, develop ductivity but someheadaches and stomtimes leads to suiachaches, creates cide. self-doubt and “Sometimes peoanger,” said Lee. “It ple who are targeted is not a one-time are unaware what event, it’s ongoing they are going abuse that occurs sevthrough is bullySource google.ca eral times a day or ing,” said Faas. “In Andrew Faas, in his book The Bully’s Trap week, becomes more The Bully’s Trap I and more aggressive provides comprehensive insight into the have provided com- impact and costs of bullying in the workplace, over time.” According to Lee prehensive insight and answers how it can be prevented and there should be a into the dynamics, stopped. healthy workplace impacts and costs of bullying in the workplace and forms of gross misbehaviour policy ensuring the workplace answers to how it can be pre- and numerous other offences is free of negativity and by my boss,” said Joshi. “My unprofessional behaviours. It vented and stopped.” According to Faas, bullying boss always tried to humiliate should aim at providing an atmosphere of respect, collabdestroys everything from me in front of everyone.” oration and safety. careers to lives. “There are He said eventually he filed a Faas advised workers who many organizations who not harassment case but the may be the victim of an office only ignore bullying but even encourage it,” he said. “Most human resources department bully to document all incipeople who are targeted or and management did not dents and then take that inforwitness bullying do not report respond seriously to the alle- mation to management or human resources. it for fear of losing their jobs. gations.
Naureen Ahmed Converged Citizen Staff
Photo by Victoria Parent Windsor Fire and Rescue discuss the fire that occurred at the triplex on 820 Dougall Ave. The fire started at 7:30 a.m. in the attic of the residence.
Early morning fire on Dougall Victoria Parent Converged Citizen Staff Windsor Fire and Rescue Services were called to 820 Dougall Ave. Feb. 5 for a fire in a triplex. The fire started in the attic of the triplex at around 7:30 a.m. and was quickly put out by firefighters. There were more than five fire trucks at the scene with Windsor Police Services and Windsor Emergency Medical Service. No injuries were reported.
One resident of the building said the response of Windsor Fire was so quick that, “by the time I put the phone down, I could hear the sirens.” Fire and Rescue put up cautionary tape around the scene because of the Dougall Public Elementary school being right across the street from the residence. After the fire was put out they checked for hotspots and awaited the arrival of the investigator, who will determine the cause and of the fire.
Ankur Joshi, 40, attended the presentation. He said he worked as a cashier at a local retail store for several years. He said he experienced workrelated bullying until he decided to quit his job. “I was accused of various
Windsor food bank shelves become empty around April Felicia Patterson Converged Citizen Staff Windsorites donate more food around the Christmas holidays than any other time of year, according to an employee of the Downtown Mission. The Windsor Essex Food Bank Association is a nonprofit organization made up of 15 food banks offering necessities such as food and clothes to individuals and families in need. Food banks receive donations from many sources including local school can drives and personal contributions. Non-perishable food
items are contributed when there is a can drive, leaving it up to food bank supervisors and staff to come up with ways to cover the cost of fresh dietary essentials. Most food banks in the Windsor Essex County area, including the Downtown Mission, do not receive government funding. Windsor food banks are flooded with donations during the days leading up to Christmas. Some food banks offer extra help during the holiday season and also help to promote toy drives like Sparky's Toy Drive. One food bank supervisor says the
shelves of some food banks become so stocked around the holidays it lasts for months. "Usually we get enough at Christmas that it stocks us up right through February and partially through March," said Laurie Musson, supervisor of the Downtown Mission Food and Clothing Bank. "In April, that's when our shelves are starting to get empty." One Windsor mother said she uses food banks twice a month to help sustain her family. "I utilize food banks because I have a low income and a large family," said Katie
Renaud, who is a stay-athome-mother of six. Most Windsor food banks require identification for all family members and proof of income. Some banks require individuals to provide confirmation of address, as some food banks have set boundaries in which one must live in order to receive food assistance. Various services are offered at food banks depending on the location. The Downtown Mission offers a culinary assistance program in which individuals are taught how to prepare recipes with simple ingredients, most of
which are offered at food banks. "We have cooking lessons that we have once a month where a woman comes in and shows good, healthy ways of cooking with the foods that we provide at the food bank," said Musson. Musson said the staff at the Downtown Mission try to ensure fresh food and baby items are available despite their low budget, because of not receiving government funding. "We try to have fresh pro-
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Student housing: liability or smart investment?
Photo by Sreedha Varanasi Students have another option when choosing homes during their schooling years. Sreedha Varanasi Converged Citizen Staff The growing student population in Windsor has given rise to the lucrative business of student housing. A city of approximately 36,000 post-secondary students, Windsor has a competitive student housing business. Online classifieds such as Off Campus Student Housing, Kijiji and Craigslist make it easy for students to search for homes that meet their needs. However, the same websites make it difficult to establish a competitive edge in such a saturated market. An apartment and family home realtor for over 20 years, Janette Calandra has recently returned to the busi-
ness of student housing which according to her, gave her a start in the real estate business. “I knew of the demand for housing for students,” said Calandra, “but it wasn’t worth the liability that I was carrying in terms of fire hazards and other risks.” The fire department allegedly did not approve of the way in which some Windsor student houses were being altered by landlords. According to Calandra, landlords were putting tiny rooms in every corner of their houses and posting them as six or seven bedroom houses in an effort to demand more rent. For this reason, many student homes are in violation of fire codes. This poses legal risks for landlords getting into the
business of student housing. “I came back to student housing because I was comfortable with the area and the home I purchased was in compliance,” said Calandra. “Once those liabilities were eliminated, I was comfortable renting the property out.” Another issue prevalent in the student housing industry is price and quality of home, according to Kimberlee Brown-Mighty, a 21-year old University of Windsor student who recently rented a home with her friends. “It is important to me that landlords be flexible, willing to work with a limited student budget and easily accessible,” said Mighty. According to Calandra, once you get a group of students on the same page and willing to rent, the first and often biggest hurdle in student housing is broken. Calandra says her competitive edge to entice students is a reduced summer rate and a fully-furnished home. “This is my first year trying a furnished home so I hope the students take care of it,” said Calandra, “It makes the students feel at home, and when they walk in I always get the same excited reaction which tells me not many landlords here do this.” For more information on the student housing business, visit ocshwindsor.com
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ONVERGED CITIZEN Windsor Public Library receives government grant Allanah Wills Converged Citizen Staff The Windsor Public Library is receiving $200,000 in funding from the Ontario government in hopes of making their services more accessible to people living in homelessness and poverty. The funding is part of the Ontario Libraries Capacity Fund, which aims to improve library services for Ontarians. Over the next three years, $10 million will be invested in libraries across the province. The Library Hubs Meeting Community Needs Project is designed to create library tools that will engage Windsorites in new ways and create hub services for the homeless. The hubs will add to community life by providing central gathering points for health and social services and resources as well as providing cultural and recreational information spaces for residents. Windsor is one of 10 libraries across the province currently taking part in the project. “The current system serving these high-risk populations is funded by many different organizations and agencies and is very difficult to navi-
gate,” said WPL CEO Kitty Pope in a press release. “The LHMCN project is an opportunity to streamline the process, eliminate some of the confusion and make it easier to find the information and services required.” According to Pathway to Potential, around 74,000 people in Windsor currently live in poverty. By creating the community hubs anyone living in poverty or on the streets will be able to come in and access food, income and health services they might not normally know how or where to access. Christine Wilson-Furlonger, administrator of Street Help, supports the project but hopes the money is used wisely. “If we’re going to use that money and the library would stay open all night I would say ‘fantastic,’” said WilsonFurlonger “This is a wonderful, heated and safe environment and people could be in there 24 hours a day. We need realistic programs for the homeless so take that $200,000 and make sure that you’re really trying to help those who are worst off.” The project is expected to begin this summer and wrap up at the end of 2017.
Labour council supports Hamilton steelworkers Mayra Lacayo Converged Citizen Staff The Windsor and District Labour Council joined unions across the province of Ontario to protest against U.S. Steel Canada for “failing to support jobs, pension plans and benefits for steelworkers” in Hamilton Jan. 30. The protest took place at Hamilton’s city hall. In 2014, Stelco, a Canadian steel company, filed for protection through the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, which allows financially troubled corporations to restructure their affairs to avoid bankruptcy. It also allows the creditors to receive a payment for the amounts owing by the corporation. U.S Steel bought Stelco for $ 1.1 billion in 2007 and assumed its debt. Workers have been laid off since the company took control and in 2013 U.S Steel
Photo by Mayra Lacayo Men from Windsor-Essex District Labour Council stand with Hamilton steelworkers, at Hamilton City Hall Jan. 30. announced it will stop iron and steel making in Hamilton. Workers have also been denied their pensions and benefits since U.S. Steel claimed CCAA. At city hall, Rolf Gerstenberger, retired president of the United Steelworkers who organized the protest, addressed in his speech that the issue of workers are not getting pensions or
benefits and how the new and old Stelco and now U.S Steel have been asumed to discard the law on pension funding. “The government first passed the 5.1 election, endorsed the CCAA bankruptcy court and U.S. Steel’s special regulation on pensions and subsequently provided yet another CCAA exemption from all pension funding... all three maneuvers to protect the corporation cir-
cumvented the laws, leaving workers, pensioners and the city vulnerable,” said Gerstenberger. Seventy-seven year old Dennis McLaren worked for Stelco for 33 years and retired in 2001. McLaren hopes, with this protest, steelworkers will get some recognition for their hard work. Although McLaren retired he has continued to be involved with the
steelworkers. “Our country should think together and fight for the right of the workers,” said McLaren. Windsor and District Labour Council attended the protest at Hamilton holding up signs to show their support for steelworkers. Windsor District Labour Council member Marvin Roman, 50, who has been a member since 1993, also took part in the protest. Roman said the workers want to show the government that workers all around Canada want them to intervene in favour of the workers. “These workers are the Canadian workers, people who pay for this country,” said Roman. The steelworkers union is still trying to reach an agreement with U.S. Steel Canada for their pension and benefits. The union is also asking the government to help them with this issue.
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Organization promotes helping neighbours Samantha Wigfield Converged Citizen Staff A new Windsor organization is bringing back with old traditions of care with a neighbours helping neighbours initiative. The Windsor Essex Compassionate Community is Windsor’s new non-profit group boasting of completely Photo by Aaron Sanders self-reliant community driven care to neighbours, including Former Toronto mayor John Sewell addresses a crowd at the at Windsor Public health and wellness. Library Central branch in Windsor, Feb. 4. The main targets for the WECC are the aged and those who are nearing death. They are reaching out to neighbours who are in a life crisis, in disAccountable Megahospital However, Sewell said the hos- tress and need lifelong care Aaron Sanders Planning Process, said the pital should be located where and planning. They are also Converged Citizen Staff trying to get young people in support from the former people can access it easily. Windsorites have found Toronto mayor was beneficial “What I think we should all the community more involved another voice opposed to the to their cause. be after is accessible patient with the project. upcoming mega-hospital. Deborah Sattler, the director CAMMP, a local group care,” Sewell said. “So the John Sewell, former mayor against having the mega-hosbest place for the hospital is of the organization, said the of Toronto, visited Windsor to pital located on the south-east WECC is trying to find ways always in the central area. It’s for people to rely on each discuss the problems of build- side of the city, organized the easier for everyone to get to, other instead of having to use ing a mega-hospital in an two day presentations. whether by public transit or by pricey alternatives, such as urban area on Feb. 3 and 4. “I think it’s terrific to see cab. Having a hospital at the psychologists. This is to aid in During those two days, Sewell someone who’s such a high very edge of the city is not providing a culture of neighspoke to crowds at the calibre speaker come here to only difficult for patients and bours helping neighbours University of Windsor and at Windsor and to talk about this staff, it’s difficult for family where it is easy to reach out the public library who are item. We’re really lucky for members as well.” and help each other and also concerned about the hospital Pitman agrees location and to provide informal and prachim to come here and speak plans . Sewell says the city residents matter when it tical help. will have to consider using the about this. I think it really comes to the mega-hospital. “It’s especially for people money on hospital staff than landed some importance and it “Location is very important, who live alone and don’t have shed some light on reviewing the building. especially when we think family around them to help “I think we have to worry the chosen location.” The planned site for the $2 about the environmental and with that practical kind of supabout how much we spend on port,” said Sattler. “We’re also bricks and mortar,” said billion mega-hospital will be social dimensions,” said demonstrating a new care Sewell. “Every cent that we at the corner of County Road Pittman. “That’s providing model. Citizen coaches will spend for bricks and mortar is 42 and Ninth Concession. people (who are providing go out with them (the client) not money we can spend on Recently, there was a lawsuit health care) to access those and work with them on how humans. It seems to me spend- involving Windsor Regional who don’t have a full array of they organize the care they ing $2 billion just on that Hospital and the owner of transportation options.” need that combines informal, Rino Bortolin, Ward 3 self-help, family and any care means we aren’t going to have GEM Properties in which a lot of money left over to some terms were dropped. Councillor, was in the crowd they can get across the county spend on the staffing we Since the partial dropping of during the presentation at the throughout multiple programs need.” the lawsuit, Windsor Regional public library. He said he will and sectors in the communiStephen Pitman, spokesper- Hospital has been set to move bring the concerns to city ty.” The goal is to improve the son for Citizens for an ahead with final plans. council for further discussion.
Is there a doctor?
quality of life for everyone, providing extra care for those who are more vulnerable or nearing the end of life while using every resource the community has to offer in the most diligent way possible. These assets are family, neighbours, friends, technology, social services, agencies, education and distress centres. The WECC is planning a model to help people who are in an early stage of distress but not yet at the crisis point. A coach will then try to figure out what kind of stress they have and what kind of help would be most appreciated. Katrina Borrelli is part of a study looking at trying to get communities to interact and connect with one another. This is called the neighbourhood and care model initiatives. “Care Model is more for those who can’t afford health services,” said Borrelli. “I think our community needs that connection and trust again. Trust is a huge issue nowadays and for that to slowly build, it would make everyone a lot closer.” She also believes it could go province-wide once other cities see results from the WECC. For the past year, more than 120 people have been planning this citizen driven project, using associations that represent 10,000 seniors in eight municipalities. The WECC is expected to launch in the fall. “We do have a responsibility for narrowing the equity gap in terms of the outcomes for people who could be vulnerable, poor or isolated,” said Sattler. “And we will do what it takes to improve equity and improve quality of life.”
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CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 11, 2016
‘OneMatch’ gives a second chance Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Converged Citizen Staff Young males are the most needed stem cell donors but currently make up less than one-quarter of the total registry, according to OneMatch, the national stem cell and marrow network. In 2015 data from OneMatch found male donors ages 17 to 35 represented 17 per cent of the current Canadian donor database. Men are needed more than females because their stem cells are more likely to be compatible with their recipients. Stem cells are the immature cells that have not been assigned a function. They can become red blood cells which carry oxygen, white blood cells which fight infection or platelets which help stop bleeding. This is what is extracted from the donor and can be obtained from the bone marrow which is a rich source of cells. It can also be taken from the circulating blood. These stem cells can be used to treat leukemia, aplastic anemia and inherited immune system and metabolic disorders. OneMatch encourages anyone in “good standing health” and between the ages of 17 and 35 to become part of the donor registry but they are requiring more male donors because of the benefits their stem cells offer. “Male donors are more compatible with their recipients because the cells are more adaptable and heal quicker,” said Joanne Bedard, cofounder of the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association. “There is also less chance of graft-versus-host disease between the donor and the recipient. Graft-versus-host is when the donor's cells attack the recipient's body, which can be caused by women who have a history of pregnancy. Due to this, male matches will be chosen over female matches most times.”
Photo by Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Joanne Bedard (right) tells the story of her daughter Katelyn at the swab event at St. Clair College Jan. 28. She also thanked the participants of the event for becoming part of the registry. Bedard and her husband Bryan founded the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association in July 2005 after their daughter Katelyn, 3, died of leukemia when no match could be found for her. The association’s mission, said Bedard, is to promote awareness and education about bone marrow and stem cell registries, to bring attention to the need of donors and to encourage people to join the registry. She also said their organization aspires to give support to families with a family member in need of a transplant. “Our organization helps to build the registry of donors and sponsor research projects working on stem cell transplants and treatment methods. We also provide support to families who have family members who will be receiving a transplant,” said Bedard. “Donors help to provide a second chance to those who may not get it other ways and being aware is the first step in the donation process.” Donor Tessa Shawman said she gave someone a second chance in November 2014 with her stem cell donation. She became part of the registry in 2011 at a swab event
held at St. Joseph’s High School in Windsor. She said her process to become a donor was shorter than most. The process can take three months but she was prepared and ready for the donation in three weeks. Donations can be taken in two forms -- through peripheral blood stem cell donation or through bone marrow stem cell donation surgically. Shawman donated through the stem cell bone marrow extraction process. Shawman said the extraction method was not too painful but it was uncomfortable. Although it did cause her some discomfort she said she would not change anything about the experience. “My first few days postsurgery were super uncomfortable but not unbearable,” said Shawman. “Although my healing took a little longer than expected, if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't do anything differently.” She also said she believes people should consider registering as a donor because there is little risk for the donor and they could potentially save someone's life. In 2010, Alex Tetreault was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 18 and shortly after
being diagnosed was placed on the recipient transplant list. He went through 11 bone marrow extractions to help find a match but he never received a transplant because the chemotherapy treatments worked. In 2013, Tetreault was told by doctors he was cancer free and has been in remission for the last three years. He became part of the donor registry Jan. 28 and said it is his way of giving back. “People should help other people, and becoming part of the donor registry helps,” said Tereault. “I mean if people don’t volunteer, give blood, or give bone marrow, people like me, wouldn’t be here.”
Bedard said when individuals become part of the Canadian registry they become eligible to donate to the international registry and this is one thing to consider before becoming a donor. Those eligible to donate can become part of the registry at swab events or through Canadian Blood Services. For more information about becoming part of the OneMatch stem cell and marrow network, visit www.onematch.ca.
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FROM PAGE 1 basement so they have a place to conduct their daily prayers and bringing coffee to share with the men in the lobby. Ahmed’s desk clerk, who only wanted to be known as Sandy, spends most of her working day taking care of the families in the building. Each day Sandy opens the basement for the daily prayer and jokingly tells the children to stop running in the hallways. “Sometimes it can be a little intimidating,” said Sandy. “The women stay upstairs and the men normally hang out in the lobby. Keeping an eye on 15 men can be a little bit intimidating, but it has nothing to do with where they come from.” Sandy, who is a mother, said she frequently enjoys playing with the children who roam the hotel’s corridors. Receiving packages of food and clothing daily from Windsorites, she says the community couldn’t be more supportive. “These people were scared. Every day they were seeing buildings getting blown up, people getting hurt,” said Sandy. “They are so glad to be here and people in the community are making them feel very welcome.” The Days Inn has a contract with the federal government to offer accommodations to those who are new to the country before they are moved to permanent residences. Ahmed said they are not responsible for bringing food or clothing to the refugees. “When people think refugee, they think of skinny people in rags but that’s not true,” said Ahmed. “A lot of these people have money, they just want to come to a new country for safety reasons.” Included in the 50 Syrians are 20-25 small children. Once the government provides the families with their permanent residences the hotel will open to a new wave of arrivals.
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health & lifestyle Flowers and gifts don’t come cheap
FEBRUARY 11, 2016
ONVERGED CITIZEN
What’s going on in Windsor - Essex By Allanah Wills Shirley Valentine at Olde Walkerville Theatre Feb. 11, 12 and 13 Little Shop of Horrors at Kordazone Theatre Feb. 11-14 Funny Friday at Rockhead Pub Feb. 12
Photo by Victoria Parent
Valentine’s Dinner Date Night at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards Feb. 12
Victoria's Flowers owner Kathy Molenaar prepares a bouquet of orchids for a customer. A bouquet like this can range into the hundreds of dollars.
Aretha Franklin at Caesars Windsor Feb. 13 at 9 p.m.
Victoria Parent Converged Citizen Staff Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and many struggle as to how much they should or can spend on gifts. The cost of gifts such as flowers and chocolates can make Valentine’s Day a struggle for love-struck shoppers. Retailers around Windsor are trying to make it easier on customers looking to but this Valentine’s Day. Kathy Molenaar is the current owner of Victoria’s Flowers. She’s owned the business for five years but the store has been open for over 32 years. The store sells flowers, jewelry, chocolates and other gifts. Molenaar has been preparing the store for Valentine’s Day and she understands that the economy is a major factor in people purchasing flowers and gifts. “Victoria’s Flowers has been purchased in the last five years by myself, and we have only been able to grow with the economy,” said Molenaar. Besides flowers and plushies, one of the most popular gifts bought on Valentine's Day is chocolate. According to statistics, close to 50 per cent of the gifts bought for Valentine’s Day are chocolates and candies, and baskets and chocolate boxes can range from $5 all the way into the hundreds of dollars. Walker’s Candies is a
Latin Fever at the Capitol Theatre Feb. 13 and 14
Cheese n’ Cheers and Chocolate at Walkerville Brewery Feb. 14
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chocolate and candy store on Howard Avenue. They have been open since 1920 and since 1989 the Obeid family has taken over and continues to make homemade candy. Ray Obeid is the owner of the store and has been preparing different varieties of chocolates for Valentine's day. He said it is the busiest day of the year with over a thousand customers coming in. “I would say the highest amount some people would spend is about 100 bucks… .but mostly we sell the one pound heart which is about $29,” said Obbeid. In the end, whether you want to buy your significant other flowers, chocolates or something else, the best bet is to know your budget, and retailers will be ready to help.
duce, eggs, milk, meat and that type of thing on hand all the time. Meat, we almost always have to purchase. We try to keep things as best we can for good health. We do have quite a few people who donate money every month, but that's for the whole Mission, not just the food program," said Musson. "We have a diaper and formula program here. We fund that totally." The Downtown Mission and some other Windsor food banks are successful in providing good quality food items, as well as quantity. "When they come here they get usually about three to four bags of food. A lot of food. When they come in we know how many children they have. If it's a large family, we will give them a larger portion," said Musson. "Cereal, bread and stuff like that. Milk, if we've got it. Peanut butter. We try to give families with children protein items." Renaud said she appreciates the items she is given from food banks, as every little bit helps. "I think the quality of food is actually pretty helpful. It's not about satisfaction. You can't
Photo by Felicia Patterson Laurie Musson is the supervisor of the Food and Clothing Bank at the Downtown Mission. Behind her a volunteer helps a local woman select food for her family. be greedy when you go to the food bank," said Renaud. "You get what you get. It's helpful either way. It doesn't matter what the quality or quantity it is, it's all helpful." Hundreds of Syrian refugees
have arrived in Windsor and Musson said she has already helped two families. She said she believes the arrival of more Syrians to the area will put a strain on Windsor food banks.
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ONVERGED CITIZEN
Automotive archives
Windsor Public Library CEO Kitty Pope stands outside the Ouellette Avenue branch, Jan. 26.
The Windsor Public Library has officially opened its Automotive Archives on the second floor of the Ouellette Avenue main branch. The archives feature brochures, pamphlets, books and other automotive material dating back to the 1930s. It also has set up retro gas pumps and a sculpture by Peter Solly from MacDonald’s Automotive called “Michelle Michaels.” - All photos by Sean Previl and Taylor Busch
CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 11, 2016
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Express improve to 3-0 at Colosseum Christian Bouchard Converged Citizen Staff The Windsor Express are benefiting from a change of venues which has brought them major success over the years. While the WFCU Centre is home to the Express, on Feb. 3 the Express played host to the National Basketball League of Canada’s top team, the London Lightning at Caesar’s Windsor’s Colosseum. The game was a part of an annual event at the Colosseum which brought in more than 2,000 fans. League commissioner David Magley said the game becomes more of an event due to the large number of spectators and the unique venue. According to Magley it is a chance for the Express to showcase their talent and ultimately get more people to attend their regular season games at the WFCU Centre. “It’s a very exciting time,” said Magley. “Any time you can play in front of such a large crowd, it’s electric and fabulous. This is what
Photo by Christian Bouchard
The Windsor Express’ Brandon Robinson (10) goes up for a layup against the London Lightning in the Clash At The Colosseum on Feb. 3 at Caesar’s Windsor. Robinson led the Express to victory with 34 points to snap the Lightning’s nine game winning streak. Windsor deserves. They’re a two time defending championship team and deserve to have great crowds like this.” The Express fed off the energy of the crowd and would find their shooting
form to defeat the Lightning 114-93 and improve their record to 3-0 in games played at the Colosseum. Brad Bondy, a season ticket holder and avid fan of the Express said the change of
venue was exactly what the Express needed to get back on track for the season. “This venue turned Windsor around,” said Bondy. “They want to play for these fans, they want to impress them and
now they’re playing harder than they’ve ever played this year.” Brandon Robinson led the Express in scoring with 34 points. He said the team owed it to the fans to come out and put on a great performance for them. According to Robinson, the Express built their win around family, which also derives from the support they receive from their fans. “We say family before every huddle,” said Robinson. “Tonight, it really looked like a family. We didn’t argue with each other. We just came out and played Express basketball. When we play like this, I don’t think anyone in the league is going to be able to keep up with us.” The Express will look to build off their success despite another change of scenery as they head to the GTA to meet the Orangeville A’s followed by a tilt against the same London team on Saturday. The team returns home on Feb. 11 when the A’s come to town for a game played at the WFCU Centre.
AKO plans on restoring its home Michael Hugall Converged Citizen Staff
One of Windsor’s oldest venues may get a new facelift thanks to a local organization. The Alpha Kappa Omega Fraternity is progressively moving toward renovating Windsor Stadium, which has housed the AKO Fratmen since the 1940s. Although the stadium is used mostly to host football games, it has served as a multi-purpose facility, housing concerts, festivals and other sporting events. The
impact it had on the community and the fraternity is what prompted AKO chairman Dan Hogan and governor of the board of directors John Zucchet to take action. “The response from the community has been phenomenal,” said Zucchet. “We’re looking to sort of realign that space to make it more amenable to some of the other teams and centralize them all to the Jackson Park area.” There will be multiple phases in completing the entire vision of the restoration project. In the current
stage AKO plans on resurfacing the field to include turf instead of natural grass, renovating the seating structure to fit a capacity of 1,200 fans, providing the stadium with a new scoreboard and finally moving the light posts out of the field of play to ensure proper player safety. Further to the initial plans, the AKO Fraternity is hoping Windsor Stadium and Jackson Park can be used to facilitate a variety of events including concerts, festivals and parades in hopes of bringing back a part of history to the city.
According to Joseph Passa of Passa Architects the estimated cost to complete the entire project will be around $15 million. “We want to bring a lot of colour and life into the front entry,” said Passa. “One of our biggest images we all think about in Windsor is the Big House in Ann Arbour… so if we can grab a hold of that, it’s the idea.” Windsor Stadium has been a place of brotherhood for many years, a brotherhood that has stayed with Windsor native and Dallas Cowboys defensive end, Tyrone
Crawford for a long time. “A football team is a football team, and the players on that team make it a brotherhood,” said Crawford. “It’s different in the NFL but in high school you knew that your teammates were going to be around for a long time.” The Windsor restoration project is attempting to remodel Jackson Park, but first the intention is to bring players back to a field which shares memories generation after generation. As Crawford recalls, it meant more to him than just a game of football.
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Tecumseh council considering new indoor sports complex Danielle Gagnier Converged Citizen Staff Tecumseh town council members are talking about the idea of building a new multiuse SportsPlex in Tecumseh, but the final decision to proceed with the project could take a number of months. The complex was one of mayor Gary McNamara’s platform items when he was running in the 2014 municipal election. He has served as mayor since 2003 and said one of his main priorities has always been his “service to the community.” One of the issues he sees as important from the years 2014-18 is to “support an enhanced indoor sports facility such as an indoor soccer complex and walking track.” Town council held a feasibility study analysis on Jan. 27 at the Tecumseh arena. The study included a survey for residents to fill out asking whether or not they would like to see a new indoor facility built in Tecumseh. It would be built as an add-on to the existing Tecumseh arena in order to reduce operating costs. There is a possibility the new complex would include indoor walking tracks and an indoor turf field, but the purpose of this feasibility study was to determine what Tecumseh residents see as a
Photo by Danielle Gagnier
Mayor Gary McNamara at the feasibility study analysis for the new multi-use SportsPlex at the Tecumseh arena Jan. 27. priority. “I was getting a lot of comments from individuals that there was not enough facilities to add to the quality of life for people of different ages,” said McNamara. “We’re asking the general public what you would consider an important component in a facility.” There has also been a lot of talk about a pool being included in this facility. With so many pools in the immediate vicinity, council members said
it is unlikely there will be enough demand for a pool and it would be underused. Council members want to ensure they create a facility that the town can truly benefit from. The public has been reacting well towards the proposal for a new indoor facility so far. Kevin Mulvey, a Tecumseh soccer coach, said he is excited by the proposal because they are currently using indoor facilities on the west
end of Windsor. While some residents are concerned about funding, McNamara said “the community is in a pretty solid financial footing” and the complex will do nothing but benefit the town. This complex would not only create a place for everyone in the community to go to any time of the year, but it will also create more opportunities to help the town grow and expand in the future. McNamara said the facility
and amenities in the community would add to a business case where the council could bring the idea of possibly building a hotel for people coming from out of town for tournaments. “We could bring all kinds of sports tourism here – tournaments, partnerships with school boards and so forth,” said McNamara. He said he believes Tecumseh should no longer be classified as part of downtown Windsor and wants to look at growth areas for the community to help it thrive. John Alley, the director of the development team, said the earliest possible time the complex will open is three years from now. The director of parks and recreation services for the Town of Tecumseh, Paul Anthony, is looking forward for the complex to be built. “It’s exciting that we’re looking at doing something different than other communities are doing,” he said. “We’re looking to offer amenities that aren’t currently in a number of other municipalities.” Although there are many exciting ideas that have been suggested by not only council members but the general public, the decision will not be made until later this year whether or not the complex will be built.
Harbaugh renews Buckeye-Wolverine rivalry Opinion
Christian Bouchard Sports Columnist
Is it ethical? Would you sleep over at a recruit’s house, climb a tree or throw some footballs to a couple of kids in order to get the top recruit in the entire country to come play football for you? How about getting Kalamazoo native Derek Jeter and former Michigan Wolverine Tom Brady to
come out to a private event to persuade a senior in high school into choosing your school instead of another. Say what you want, but the recruiting efforts of Jim Harbaugh are remarkable. National Signing Day was Feb. 3. For those who are unaware, it is a big deal for college football teams, fans, players and coaches. It’s a day that brings hope and a sense of bragging rights to fans, no matter how well their team performed in the football season. While thousands of high school seniors made a lifechanging decision on National Signing Day, perhaps the most important signing was Rashan Gary, the nation’s top recruit. He decided to go to Michigan. Most of you might think
I’m crazy for saying this, I mean, I’m a fan of THE Ohio State. Buckeye fans are supposed to hate that team up north’s guts and everything about them. Which is exactly why the signing of Gary to the Wolverines should excite fans of the rivalry. It is believed by many the Buckeye-Wolverine rivalry is the greatest in all of sports. It is beyond rivalry, it is stupidity. When these two teams come to play, no matter the sport, all hell breaks loose. Houses divide, friends become enemies and the passion for a team takes over. There are no rules on game day. It is a rivalry that has lasted 119 years. It is not going anywhere. Unfortunately, the days of the 10 Year War when
Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler redefined the true meaning of rivalry are behind us. But it’s making a comeback. The rivalry is great and it is only going to get better. Millions of passionate fans across the globe will continue to cheer for their team. Fights will break out, Heisman poses will be made and the bragging rights will continue to be a tradition that will forever live on. The problem with this rivalry, however, has been the past decade and the dominance of Ohio State. Or more recently, Urban Meyer. Since taking over the reins of the Scarlet and Gray, Meyer has yet to lose to the Wolverines going a perfect 40. He understands the importance of the greatest rivalry in the world and has even said it
does not matter what your record is at the end of the season. What matters is you beat Michigan. In fact, the Buckeyes have been victorious in 11 of the past 12 games between the two schools. While the players, fans, coaches, atmosphere and all other things football will surely allow this heated rivalry to grow, this rivalry would be intensified if Michigan were to win more games. No matter what, both teams are going to put up a fight and no matter the score, the winning team will have year-long bragging rights. With 119 games in the books, the memories still live on. But now it is time to wit-
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Three-on-three a change for the fans Garrett Fodor Converged Citizen Staff Whether hockey fans are for or opposed to it, three-onthree overtime has a statistical benefit compared to the conventional four on four format previously used. Three-on-three overtime was introduced at the NHL level at the start of the regular season in October 2015, after testing it in the preseason and getting rave reviews from fans and general managers. It was also proposed at the time that the league would adopt this new format for the NHL All-Star game which was held Jan. 31 in Nashville, Tenn. The NHL originally tested the idea during the 2014-2015 season in the American Hockey League and received positive results. The AHL saw a 12 per cent drop in games that were decided in a shootout with the introduction of this new format. If the game is still tied after regulation the game goes into
overtime. The three-on-three overtime has three skaters on each side plus the goalie. Teams will play up to five minutes of sudden death in three-on-three. If no one has scored, the teams will proceed to a shootout. In previous years, the league would play five minutes of sudden death, four-on-four. If the game is still tied it would proceed to the shootout. It is now just past the midway point in the NHL regular season schedule. According to NHL Public Relations, as of Feb. 3, 110 out of 172 games that needed extra time were decided by the three-on-three overtime period. Compared to the same point last season, 84 out of 186 games that required extra time were decided by the four on four overtime used. During the 2014-2015 season Windsor native DJ Smith was the head coach of the Oshawa Generals, who would
go on to win the Memorial Cup. In the off-season during the Toronto Maple Leafs organizational overhaul, it was announced now-former Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock would join the team. Joining him in the organization was Smith as an assistant coach, who works with the defence on the team along with the penalty kill. Smith said he believes the changes were done to improve the fan experience. “There’s a lot of skill and it’s exciting for the fans,” said Smith. “I think it’s good for skill, the fans and for development. These changes in all these leagues (Junior ‘A’ through to Junior ‘C’) are fair to everyone. I think when you’re making a line it depends on who you’re playing and where they are in the standings. If you are trying to match them and just survive or trying to move up the standings.”
Bill Bellaire a member of the Quebec Remparts, of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has been scouting free agents for the last five years who have fallen through the cracks. Bellaire said he believes three-on-three does not change the approach scouts have. “Three-on-three is much better than the shootout. When you see a kid three-on-three, it does not matter to me as I prefer to see them five on five. It is a different game then,” said Bellaire. The fans are the winners in the three-on-three. Further, my thoughts for kids
that want to play major junior. it is not the end of the world because that is why I am here and also trust me a lot of the Q scouts are watching. A player never knows who is in the stands watching.” With the NHL adapting to the three-on-three format so have the junior leagues across Canada. With the NHL having success with it’s all-star format, drawing an estimate of over one million viewers in the U.S., according to the National Broadcasting Company Sports Network, fans can expect to see more three-on-three in the future.
Superbowl betting still prohibited in Windsor Christian Bouchard Converged Citizen Staff Windsorites are among many Canadian citizens to lose out on millions of dollars during Super Bowl 50 due to the Senate stalling Bill C-290. The bill, which would allow gamblers across Ontario to bet on single-game sporting events was introduced into the House of Commons on Sept. 28, 2011 by Joe Comartin, retired NDP M.P. for WindsorTecumseh. “We would get a ton of business from Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois and not to mention our local action,” said Joe Carnevale, an employee at Caesars Windsor and advocate for single game sports betting. “We need it in our community. Not just to create jobs but to shore up the jobs we have now.” As it stands, gamblers must wager a minimum of two games and correctly predict the outcome of each in order to win. This is known as a parlay bet and is more difficult to win as the odds of winning decrease with the increase of games that are bet on. Bill C-290 was reintroduced by local M.P. Brian Masse
after being held up at the Senate after it ended up one stage short of Royal Assent by June 2013. The bill came with slight changes which would eliminate the Criminal Code section that prohibits betting on a single race, fight, sporting event or athletic contest. “There would be an elimination of some of the black market gaming that’s taking place right now,” said Masse. “Any wagering would be done in a public accountable way and then if the wager were lost, the money would go to the province for education, health care, gaming addiction and all those different streams of public infrastructure that are necessary.” The Canadian Gaming Association estimates $150 million was wagered illegally in Canada during last year’s Super Bowl. This is compared to the $3 million through legal sports lotteries such as Pro.Line. Carnevale, who runs his own Facebook page promoting the legalization of singlegame sports betting, believes Caesars Windsor would be able to eliminate a vast majority of illegal wagers with Bill C-290 passing through the
Senate. “You can’t even monitor the age of a person online,” said Carnevale. “A kid could go grab his father’s credit card and go online. But when you walk into the casino, they check your ID, you have to be 19 and you get flagged with any suspicious behavior. There’s no place more secure than a casino to gamble.” According to a report by the Canadian Gaming Association, Caesars Windsor would also benefit as an estimated 100 full-time jobs would be implemented if the bill were passed. Masse agrees and said the legalization of single event sports betting will benefit Windsor because it will attract many Americans. “We often have calls from Chicago to Ohio about whether or not the bill has passed,” said Masse. “People want to come down and visit Windsor.” Carnevale said Windsor and the casino are losing out on more than just the Super Bowl. The CGA estimated $26 million in single-event sports betting has been wagered illegally while the Senate has been debating the
Photo by Christian Bouchard Drake Baird celebrates during Super Bowl 50 with his Props ticket. bill. Carnevale said action should be taken soon to legalize the bill in order to capitalize on the $10 billion a year industry. “It’s not just the Super Bowl,” said Carnevale. “It’s the NCAA March Madness, it’s all the college football games and more. People would stay for days on end at our casino. If they came from out of town, they would stay long enough to collect their winnings at least. Our downtown restaurants and hotels would benefit tremendously as
well.” According to the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board $132 million was wagered on this year’s Super Bowl, a slight rise from the previous record-breaking $119.4 million. “I think one of the biggest reasons for the stall in the bill is the reputation that the government says more people will become addicted,” said Carnevale. “People who want to gamble will gamble. They always find ways.”
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A hundred years of the Maple Leafs logo Opinion
Jordan Cashera Sports Columnist
In preparation for their 100th season the Toronto Maple Leafs have unveiled a new logo. Maple Leafs fans are used to change. The team is constantly fluctuating with players coming in and out of the organization but the one thing which has remained the same for the better part of 50 years is about to change. To many, the current sacred blue and white crest is a reminder of a great historical team. It’s the logo I’ve worn on my jersey my entire life, but nothing really special or historic about it. The Leafs have never won a Stanley Cup with this current logo or made a serious run with it – beside the Matts Sundin and Doug Gilmour era of course. The more time goes on with
FROM PAGE 9 ness the greatest years of the rivalry. When it comes to winning and losing, fans hate losing more than they enjoy winning. That is the case every time my Buckeyes play the Wolverines. Since Meyer stepped onto campus, he has captured the trust and faith of the entire state of Ohio. Now it’s time for this rivalry to take a step up. Jim Harbaugh is no joke. He wants to win and he’s not willing to wait. We’ve seen him go to some extreme lengths to get recruits and will continue to see him go to extreme lengths to win football games. I have had heartbreaks, even cried in the shower for an hour following a crushing loss. I’m not afraid to admit that, and not afraid to admit come autumn when football fans get a look at how talented the University of Michigan’s football team is, Buckeye fans will be a tad bit scared in the days leading up to the last
Designed by Jordan Caschera
The new Toronto Maple Leafs logo for the 2016-17 centennial season. this logo, the more it starts to remind me of disappointment and the organization is trying to leave all the negativity behind with this current rebuild. So I say bring on the new logo. Change is a good thing. The end of what was debatably the worst season for the Leafs last year came with a bitter sweet overhaul of upper management. We saw former Detroit Red Wings winger
Saturday in November.
But in those days leading up to Nov. 26, Buckeye fans will be cheering for the Wolverines. More than anything in this world, I love the rivalry. Scratch that. More than anything, I love the feeling I am left with every time the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines. This time around, on Nov. 26, it will be different. The Buckeyes and Wolverines will meet at Ohio Stadium on Senior Day ranked in the Top 10. More than 110,000 fans will flood the horseshoe for a chance to witness one of the greatest rivalries in the world in person. This time around, the energy will be more electric and it will be an instant classic. In such a short period of time, Jim Harbaugh has managed to instill fear into my poor little heart. The rivalry is back. Urban Meyer versus Jim Harbaugh. Get used to it, folks. We are in for the best 10 year war of our lifetime.
Brendan Shanahan, promise fans the beginning of something great after his hiring. He backed his promise up with the signing of now-former Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock to an eightyear $50 million contract. Shanahan then hired former New Jersey Devil Lou Lamoriello, to manage the team. The new regime of the Maple Leafs promised to overhaul
FROM PAGE 1 A former Spitfires captain who won back-to-back Memorial Cups in 2009 and 2010 with Windsor during his junior career has had his number six retired to the rafters. The Canadian Hockey League’s all-time defensive scoring leader Ryan Ellis returned to his old stomping grounds at the W.F.C.U. Centre Saturday night for a ceremony in his honour. “I’m very excited to be here. Windsor is a second home for me,” said Ellis. “I have some connections here and family. It’s nice to see all the coaches and trainers. Obviously the players have changed but the room is the same. It’s nice to be home.” The Nashville Predators’ defenceman who was drafted eleventh overall in the first round of the 2009 NHL draft, scored 73 goals and 241 assists for 314 total points during his four seasons with the Spitfires. The most recent defenceman to win the Canadian Hockey League’s most valuable player award, Ellis said he takes great pride in his junior career.
the team after taking control in the off-season, but nobody expected the transformation of the team logo. The new logo is the beginning of a new-era, the Mike Babcock-era. The Leafs are being rebranded by this new regime and a new look to the team is just one step towards what is supposed to be a fiveyear multi-step process. The Maple Leafs logo has “Everything I did in junior, team achievements and player achievements, was all just a whirlwind really,” said Ellis. “It was so much fun for me to be a part of the teams we had and there are a lot of great players who have come through here. For me to be back is fun and I’m excited. Tonight has been a great time so far.” Ellis, who recently signed a five-year deal worth $12.5 million with the Predators, has fond memories of his days in Windsor. “Honestly, I miss it (Windsor). It’s a great city. It’s a great hockey city,” said Ellis. “It’s great to come back and see some old faces. Tonight the barn will be rockin’.” Ellis said playing for the Spitfires was key in preparing him to play in the NHL. “It was huge. To have some ex-players who played in the league, they truly ran it like an NHL organization. Winning was the ultimate goal but they developed some great family relationships,” said Ellis. “You’d come in and they’d begin as your coaches and
always been one of the most simplistic in the league but not in a good way. The start of the 2016-17 season will change that. The logo has a retro look to it, a look which reminds me of a team that was once great, a team with players like Dave Keon, Tim Horton and Johnny Bower. The logo has meaning now, it’s not just a simple logo with the team name inside of it. The 31 points on the crest represents 1931- when Maple Leafs Gardens was opened, the 13 veins on the top of the logo is symbolic for the number of Stanley Cups the team has won and the 17 veins throughout the logo mark the inaugural season of the franchise in 1917. The next step in the new look process is a whole new re-design of the blue and white jersey, which is rumored to be unveiled during the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, hopefully with the name Auston Matthews on the back. The logo is a reminder of what can be and what once was. The only thing fans want is the Toronto Maple Leafs to win and this new logo is a start. your teammates but as the years went on it was more father figures and the players like brothers. It really became a whole family atmosphere.” Windsor Spitfires president Bob Boughner, who coached Ellis during his tenure in Windsor, returned home from his assistant coaching position with the San Jose Sharks to attend the banner raising. “Ryan Ellis was and always will be a great Windsor Spitfire,” said Boughner. “The Spitfires are proud and grateful to have him as a part of our family and community.” Ellis, who surpassed Chicago Blackhawks’ head coach Joel Quenneville as the Spitfires’ all-time leading scorer among defencemen after scoring 230 points, was welcomed by an electric sellout crowd at the WFCU Centre. “There are some greats up there. (Joel) Quennville, (Adam) Henrique and (Steve) Ott,” said Ellis. “There are a lot of big names and players who have done a lot of good things. I’m sure (Taylor) Hall will be up there soon. Great names. Great players. To be a part of that group is really special.”
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St.Clair College Polar Plunge
Photo 1: A St. Clair College Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training student yells while staring into at his GoPro after being thrown into a pool during the 2016 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario at the college Feb. 4. Photo 2: Sgt. Matthew D’Asti (left) and Const. Andrew Drouillard of the Windsor Police Service dive into a pool during the 2016 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario at St. Clair College Feb. 4. Photo 3: A pair of St. Clair College students perform a dance prior to diving into the water for the second annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario at the college Feb. 4. The two students recreated a scene from the 1997 film Titanic for about 90 seconds before jumping into the water. Photo 4: Two St. Clair College students perform a dance prior to diving into the water during the second-annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario at the college Feb. 4. Photo 5: A pair of St. Clair College students jump into a pool during the 2016 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario at the college Feb. 4. Photo 6: Two St. Clair College students ask for a valentine while jumping into a pool during the second annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario at the college’s main campus Feb. 4.
Photos by Justin Prince.