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*Volume XI Issue 7 *October 6, 2016
The Power Of The Future
Quilts of Valour
Inside
News
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Health & Lifestyle
Traffic ticket blitz Photo by Kati Panasiuk (Left to Right) Pauline Gaudette stands with retired veteran, Jeffery Artale, in Essex at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201). They hold the Quilt of Valour that Gaudette gifted to Artale for his service in the Canadian Armed Forces. QUILTS PAGE 2
Alyssa Horrobin Converged Citizen Staff
The City of Windsor has recently implemented a new zero tolerance policy for the violation of stopping and parking bylaws in every school area in Windsor. The blitz starting with giving out 35 tickets at Vincent Massey Secondary School. This crackdown is being done through a ticket blitz at
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each school involving the City of Windsor Parking Enforcement, Windsor Police Service and the Windsor Fire Department if there are fire routes involved in the area. "We're adapting a new zero tolerance policy which means no warnings, no 'hey move along' type of thing," said Bill Kralovensky, supervisor of parking enforcement for the city. "If you're in contravention of
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the City of Windsor parking bylaw, you will get a ticket." Kralovensky said the idea for a blitz was sparked by complaints from people in the neighbourhood around Massey about blocked driveways and safety issues. Neighbourhood resident and student at Massey, Wendy Wang, said she feels safety is an issue for herself and everyone in the area when traffic bylaws are being violated.
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"Not only do students of the school have to get to school safely without being worried that cars will randomly go in the wrong lane and hit them,” said Wang. “Also there's many other residents and children who go to the elementary schools who need to safely go to school during rush hours and not be worried about all this chaos."
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Weather
Thursday, October 6, 2016 High: 26°C Low: 17°C
Weather provided by The Weather Network
Entertainment
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Quote of the Day
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We relish news of our heroes, forgetting that we are extraordinary to somebody too. -Helen Hayes
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news
Aaron Lombardi Converged Citizen Staff
Indigenous people across Canada are wearing orange on Sept. 30 to commemorate the memory of those lost in residential schools. The year was 1973 when sixyear-old Phyllis Webstad of the Dog Creek Reserve in Manitoba picked out the orange shirt she was to wear for the first day of school. Webstad was excited and feeling bright and vibrant on her way to the residential school off her reserve. Within minutes of walking through the door, the orange shirt, along with the rest of her clothes were stripped off of her body never to be seen again. Webstad was one of the thousands of indigenous victims stripped of their clothes and their culture in residential schools between the 1930s and late 1990s. “The purpose was to assimilate and kill the Indian in the
Wang said she has still noticed traffic clogging in the area, but not as much as before the blitz. According to Scott Scantlebury, public relations officer for the Greater Essex County District School Board and Rob Peto, vice principal at Massey, student safety is the number one concern. "One accident is too many," said Scantlebury. "None are acceptable." Peto said there was not a lot of advanced warning about the blitz but that the No Stopping signs have been there for years. Kralovensky said the few
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Today we Wear Orange
child,” said Renae Hill, executive director of the Can-Am Friendship Center in Windsor. The friendship centre is a non-profit organization pushing for the independence and education of indigenous people throughout Ontario. After the closure of the final residential school in 1996, many indigenous cultures were lost due to the change in education. According to statistics, over 6,000 young children were reported to have died in residential schools during the time they were open, along with reports of malnorishment, sexual abuse and disease. “Imagine being pulled away from your parents, and you're starved,” said Hill. “When you speak your own language you are whipped or sexually abused.”
Photo by Alyssa Horrobin Parents of students at Vincent Massey Secondary School stopped in a No Stopping zone just outside the school at 3:44 p.m.
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October 6, 2016
days notice and information pamphlets they handed out were enough. He also said they put out as much warning as possible through news outlets and social media. "There was plenty of advanced notice," said Kralovensky. "We're not in the business of sneaking up on people." Kralovensky said his team plans to do a blitz at every school in the area. Massey and St. John Vianney Catholic Elementary School have been blitzed so far. The next ticket blitzes will take place next week at Walkerville Collegiate Institute and St. Anne Catholic High School.
Some residential school survivors were driven to addiction and alcoholism after the time they spent in the residential school system. Following the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, many indigenous peoples were served with reparations and investigations regarding the many unanswered deaths. Since the closing of the last residential school 20 years ago, it is believed that the Native culture was never the same. “It was the genocide of a culture,” said Maxine Nahdee, the First Nations, Inuit and Meti counselor at St. Clair College. “They didn't want First Nations people or their culture in this country, but this is the First Nations people’s country.”
Nahdee, whose mother was a residential school survivor, believes there is a lack of culture in the First Nations community following the schools. Languages, traditions and morals stay with the older generation of First Nations people only to be lost with the young. With the ability to only speak her language in broken tongues, Nahdee remembers most school survivors who would have been fluent in the language only remembering French and English. “Our native language is unlike English, our language is a visual and spiritual language much like reading a storybook, and we are missing the language and what it actu-
ally means,” said Nahdee. With the first year of Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada, curriculums addressing the acceptance of the Indigenous people and learning of their history have begun provinces such as in Manitoba. With indigenous professors instructing the course, Nahdee hopes that the original culture of the indigenous people will return to its roots. “Our elders are going fast and we need to capture their cultural significance, we need a research center to teach people,” said Nahdee. After the decades of residential schools in Canada, followed by the many apologies, reparations and attempts to restore faith, Nahdee wonders whether or not the effort is worth trying. “We have lost so much and I hope it's not too late.”
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quilt goal by 2018, local military chaplains and military support groups deliver the quilts to soldiers. Many are still recovering from physical and psychological effects from their service overseas. The last ceremony took place at the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201). Three local veterans were recognized and thanked with a quilted hug from the ladies of QOVC. Quilts were presented to Maidstone’s Joe McLeod, Ed Caza from Essex and Tecumseh's Jeffery Artale on Sept. 8. Artale has served five tours, one peacekeeping mission in Haiti and four Afghanistan tours. He was injured during service as a Canadian Special Operations Regiment Operator in Afghanistan. He has returned home with five medals including being awarded the Sacrifice Medal of Canada. "It is really nice to feel appreciated," said Artale. "I really want to thank the ladies of Quilt of Valour. It really is an honour that they are given out to us wounded
vets. "It is nice to return home and feel the love and support of the people around you. It reminds me that my sacrifices are not wasted. That they meant something to people at home. That makes all of it worth the pain I endured overseas." Pauline Gaudette quilted all three quilts at the last ceremony in Essex. Being a volunteer, she said her father was a WWII veteran who died in 2001. She said her father is her inspiration. "I really love meeting the veterans," said Gaudette. "They have amazing stories to tell." Veterans can be nominated by other CAF service members. Each quilt is made to show the appreciation for the soldier’s commitment to Canada and the citizens within it. Each one is to let Canadian veterans know that their country thanks them for their years devoted to protecting each citizen at home. These quilts are not a badge of honour. They are a hug of comfort during their recovery.
Showing appreciation does not come as warmly as it does from a quilted hug of support. The ladies of Quilts of Valour Canada come together every month to volunteer their time and give quilts to wounded veterans across the country. Janet Bergeron is the regional representative for QOVC and has made 13 quilts since she began in late May. "Our goal is to get as many WWII Veterans as we can while they are still with us," Bergeron said. "Then we will focus on the Korean War and Afghanistan, active and retired. Our focus is on any Canadian Armed Forces, as they all deserve quilted hugs." Lezley Zwaal started the program in 2006 when she made and delivered three quilts to wounded soldiers in an Edmonton Hospital. It made such an impression, the QOVC officially became a registered charity in 2009. Since then, quilters have made and presented 7,500 quilts to veterans across Canada. Hoping to reach their 10,000
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news
Stabbing update Alyssa Horrobin Converged Citzen Staff
An 83-year-old woman was stabbed in the face multiple times by a male attacker in the 1300 block of Ottawa Street. shortly before 11 a.m. on Wed, 28. Sept "I saw the blood, and then they cleaned it all up," said a store owner who witnessed the crime. The witness has asked to remain anonymous out of concern for his safety. According to a media release from Windsor Police Service, the assailant, 28-year-old Richard Pillar, was found and arrested by officers of the Emergency Service Unit at approximately 4:45 p.m. on the same day in the area of Devonshire and Wyandotte Street East. Pillar has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and two counts of breach of probation for being in possession of a weapon. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Windsor police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS), online at www.catchcrooks.com or submit a tip to the WPS Facebook page.
Potential explosions no longer a concern October 6, 2016
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Michelle Laramie Converged Citizen Staff
One Windsor Samsung Note user is not concerned after the recent recall and is still looking to upgrade to the Note 7. Approximately 22,000 Galaxy Note 7 phones were recalled due to the risk of exploding batteries, according to Health Canada. Lynda McCrae is a loyal Samsung Note user. “I love the Note phones. The size and convenience they offer is great,” said McCrae. She has owned the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Note 4 and currently the Note 5. She has never had any problems with any of these phones. “My battery life is fantastic. I have never had any overheating problems at all,” said McCrae. Samsung Electronics Canada has implemented an exchange program for the affected Samsung users in response to reports of exploding batteries in the Note 7s. “Samsung holds safety and
Photo by Michelle Laramie Lynda McCrae is photographed using her Samsung Galaxy Note 5.
Erie street accident
consumer satisfaction as a top
priority,” said Paul Brannen,
executive vice president of mobile solutions for Samsung Electronics Canada. According to Samsung.com, there have been only a small number of reported incidents around the world but they have identified the batteries involved and stopped sales of those phones. “While there have been no confirmed incidents in Canada, Samsung is taking a proactive approach,” said Brannen. The website promises that any customers who have a Note 7 can receive a new one. McCrae said she will be upgrading her Samsung Note 5 as soon as the Note 7 is available again. “I have always been satisfied with Samsung products. I am pretty sure they have already fixed the battery issue,” she said. According to one user, the exploding battery problem is not a concern. If you own a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 be sure to check Samsung.com for more information.
Photos by Victoria Parent
( Right) A Chevrolet Silverado truck crashed headfirst into a recycle truck on Wed, Sept. 28 at 7:55 am. The truck was coming down Erie Street West at about 60-70km. No one was hurt in the accident, but the truck driver was taken away to be later charged. (Left) Windsor police discuss the events of the accident with a driver of the recycle truck. A Chevrolet Silverado crashed headfirst into the recycle truck on Wed, Sept. 28 at 7:55 am. The car was a rental
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Rain wreaks havoc
October 6, 2016
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Danielle Gagnier Converged Citizen Staff
Mayors in Windsor and Tecumseh declared a State of Emergency on Thursday after an unexpect measure of rainfall. Both Mayor Gary McNamara and Mayor Drew Dilkens made their declarations in the afternoon on Sept. 29 after close to 200 millimetres of rain fell in their communities. Windsor received over 1000 flood-related calls to its 311 centre during this time.
The streets of Windsor and Tecumseh were flooded for hours, causing extensive damage to basements and roofs of homes in the area. The Weather Network’s Kevin Yarde said his hopes and prayers go out to the people in the area. “We have been talking to homeowners who are more or less devastated,” he said. “The last time we saw this much rain I believe was back in 1981.” According to Environment Canada, the average amount
Photos By Kati Panasiuk
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across Windsor - Essex October 6, 2016
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of rainfall in Windsor for the month of September is 94 millimetres, a number which was almost doubled in just one day, but Yarde says the rain is not over just yet. “The rain is unfortunately going to continue for the next several days,” he said. “But not as much rain as what we saw Wednesday night into Thursday.” The flood warning will remain in effect throughout the day on Friday, as another 70 millimetres of rain is expected throughout the day.
On Thurs, Sept. 29 excessive rainfall caused major flooding in Windsor and Essex County. Many people are continuing to have problems with their basements and vehicles. The town of Tecumseh urged people to stay home while hydro companies also warned citizens of electric shock with wires that may be submerged and advised them to take caution. Tecumseh and Windsor have declared a State of Emergency.
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Bike racks sought for cross boarder busses
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Octover 6, 2016
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School policies being taken advantage of
Sreedha Varanasi Converegd Citizen Staff
A lone bicycle sits outside Transit Windsor on Sept. 27. Dawn Gray Converged Citizen Staff
To local cyclists are hoping have more ground to cover as plans are underway to allow bicycles on bike racks to be transported by the Transit Windsor tunnel bus. According to Patrick Delmore, executive director of Transit Windsor, bike racks are currently on all but two city buses. However, they are not currently allowed to use the racks on the tunnel buses without a permit from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. “The implementation for tunnel bus use is based on receiving the permit,” said Delmore. “We will still have to have operating procedures with regards to the clearance of bikes. But at this time, they have raised no concerns.” To apply for the permit, the plan must first receive final approval by city council, and it is likely to occur at the Oct. 3 city council meeting. The next step is to create a clearance system with Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Currently, bikes are only allowed on the tunnel bus if they are collapsible and if the bus driver determines there is sufficient space. Lori Newton, the executive
director of Bike Windsor Essex, said this move by Transit Windsor is long overdue. She said although the plan does have its restrictions, such as a two bike limit, she believes this will be “a bit of a game changer.” “Cycling is the biggest opportunity that we have in this region to connect with our friends across the river,” said Newton. “They are knocking down our door to come over here.” She believes as border protection has tightened people have lost the connection with our American neighbors. She said Michigan cyclists want to explore our city and this is the opportunity to brand Windsor as the gateway to Canada. Newton, along with Bike Windsor Essex, are also working to further expand and connect all bike trails in the region and even beyond. “We have a long way to go, but we are starting to see positive change and Bike Windsor Essex is here to advocate,” said Newton. “We’re fighting for good and protected East, West, North and South bike lanes to connect all of our city neighborhoods.” Bike Windsor Essex along
Photo by Dawn Gray with cyclists groups in Detroit are working to advocate for a bike lane on the new bridge crossing. At the same time they are pushing to have a ferryboat that will transport cyclists and pedestrians across the Detroit River. They are working with partners in Detroit and Michigan to encourage people to grab their bikes and explore both sides of the Detroit River. “We have a ‘vision map’ which covers Ontario, Quebec, Michigan and Ohio. We hope that it will allow people to discover our entire region on a bike,” said Newton. “However, there are pieces missing such as a crossing at the Detroit River. Filling in these pieces will allow us to extend existing regional bike trails. There is a huge demand. We want this to happen.” Newton said the planned tunnel bus bike racks are an indicator of the interest that exists, and may draw recognition to how important cycling is to the tourism sector. “It is a good first step towards the great possibilities for cycling in this region. It’s long overdue.” Transit Windsor will seek final approval for the bike racks in the city council meeting on Monday, Oct. 3.
It is commonly known among post-secondary students in Windsor that receiving a doctor’s note will allow them to extend exam and assignment due dates. According to some students, many are using this policy in their favour. Universities and colleges across Canada have differing policies when missed exams or assignments are in question. Carleton University has no school-wide policy on deferrals for sick students, while the University of Windsor requires that students show documentation to prove any extenuating circumstances that are claimed. The University of Windsor includes a form on their website that doctors must fill out, outlining the illness and the time-frame of the illness. Director of Carleton University’s Health and Counselling Services, Maureen Murdock, told the post-secondary based news site University Affairs earlier this year that many school administrators across North
America are moving towards a policy that would not require a note, but a self-declaration form instead. She also said the group of physicians who provide medical services at Carleton wrote 2,350 sick notes in total during the 12-month period of 2013-14. Aaron Case is in his first year at University of Windsor and has already noticed students taking advantage of the noterequired policy. “People really do try to find a way out of their exams, but I know a lot of people who actually do get sick just from stress and weather issues around exam time, said Case.” Another student, who has asked not to be named, said it is extremely easy to get doctor’s notes, and even with just a slight cold, she’s received a note for excused absence. University professors prove information about protocol to be followed in extenuating circumstances as they pertain to scheduled exams and assignments. According to Case, even professors have come to expect more doctor’s notes during exam periods.
Prosthetic innovation benefits all ages
CONVERGED CITIZEN OCTOBER 6, 2016
Lyndi-Colleen Morgan Converged Citizen Staff
five-year-old When Caydence Lee plays sports and takes part in activities she is just like any other little girl, but with one thing that sets her apart - a prosthetic arm. Candyce Lee was 25 weeks pregnant when she discovered her daughter Lee would be born without the lower half of her right arm. The first thought to cross her mind was worrying about the things her daughter would not be able to do. "I spent the rest of my pregnancy worrying about the things he or she would not be able to do. I would go through every possible scenario where you would need two hands and I grieved for her already," said Candyce. An amputee is an individual who has lost one or more of their limbs, including those born as congenital amputees. According to the Canadian Disability Tax website, there are 200,000 registered amputees in Canada, with the majority using assistive and recreational devices in their daily lives. Advancements in technology have allowed people to be able to customize their prosthesis to suit any activity to give them independence. Anne Mclachlan, psychologist, says the use of these prosthesis can improve the quality of life for an individual. Often missing a limb not only causes physical trauma to the body, but it can cause mental trauma. Receiving a prosthetic gives them the opportunity to get some aspect of their previous life back. “Their quality of life usually improves, because there is a period of time when they are dependent on being in a wheelchair, for example," said Mclachlan. “So then they
Photo courtesy of Candyce Lee
Caydence Lee is photographed wearing her myoelectric arm. This arm is one of her three current ones which also includes her recreational and swimming arms. are able to get around with the use of this prosthetic. They have more mobility.” She also said they are able to achieve independence and be able to rely on themselves. Each prosthesis can be specialized to complete a specific number of tasks depending on what the individual is looking for. Brock Loewen, founder of Loewen Prosthetics Services Ltd. in Windsor said technologies and materials used to build custom prosthesis, has advanced so that prosthetics are more durable, light weight and health conscious. Whereas wood, leather and common metals were used to manufac-
ture pieces at earlier points in time, carbon fibers, thermoplastics and other metals are used to create modern prosthesis. He also said the addition of microprocessors has changed the way individual components move on a prosthetic. “The upper extremity prosthetics with microprocessors is one of the biggest steps in technology and prosthetic fitting,” said Loewen. “When they started to develop and perfect a hand, where the joints and the fingers articulate… they can do all these things, whereas they couldn’t do them before with older style myoelectric prosthesis.” Government and third party
groups offer assistance programs for amputees, which help cover part of the cost of their prosthetics. Prosthetics can become very expensive, and range in cost depending on complexity. Upper body prosthesis can cost between $3,000 and $30,000 while lower body prosthetics can cost from $5,000 to $50,000. The cost is split into procedure and componentry costs, which are approved by the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program. Candyce said Lee has had eight arms over the past five years, each with its own task. As she continues to grow she will need to be fitted with new
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prosthetics. Currently Lee has three arms: a recreational, a swimming arm, and a myoelectric arm. The recreational device has several different attachments, allowing for diversity among the arm. Candyce said the cost of the myoelectric arm was $13,000, the swimming and recreational devices were $6,500. The attachments for the recreational device were $500 a piece on average. She also said the cost of the myoelectric arm was primarily covered by the government, with the War Amps and Child Amputee Program stepping in to pay the remainder of the cost. “Caydence not only receives help financially for her arms, War Amps does so much more. They also provide us with a constant listening ear. Any questions or concerns we have are always met with answers,” she said. Samuel Giberson is the communications assistant for the War Amps office in Ottawa. Giberson has been working with the War Amps since August. Before working with them he was part of the organization for the past 21 years as a congenital amputee. He also said although he doesn’t personally use a prosthetic, he has seen what they can mean to the individuals who have received them. “The War Amp’s biggest role in the innovation of prosthetics is bringing awareness about prosthetics and amputation, and through that we have been able to encourage others to go out and ask questions, and ask their prosthetists what is available to them,” said Giiberson We don’t deal directly with the innovations of the prosthetics, but we are more than happy to help give information, and encourage communication between people to discuss the topic.”
ComicCon returns to Windsor CONVERGED CITIZEN OCTOBER 6, 2016
Fabricio Rivera Converged Citizen Staff
ComiCon is coming back to Caesars Windsor. This is the second time the celebration of nerd culture will be hosted at the casino. It will feature several different forms of nerd culture such as comic books, movies, video games and other assorted media. Many different vendors will be there. One of these vendors will be Rogues Gallery Comics that was also at last year’s ComiCon. The vendor saw huge success at the last event, having one of the most popular stands at the convention. They sell various comic book titles for a dollar and even sets of comics for more. They stock all the fan favorites. Owner Shawn Cousineau said he sees much greater diversity in the crowds attending.
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“When I opened the doors I didn’t expect to have such a diverse crowd, but we do. We have gay, straight, transgender, every colour of the rainbow and pretty much every
religion,” said Cousineau. Much like last year’s event it will have several hundred fans appearing in full costumes. Costume contests will be part of the event and some celebri-
ties who originally filled those costumes will also be there. The stars will be signing autographs and taking photos, with the fans which gives them a great opportunity to connect
with their heroes and experience ComiCon. Fans range from young to old. For some it will be a return to ComiCon and for others it will be their first time. One of these fans is Cassy Sutton, a long-time fan of the comic book genre who is looking forward to her first time attending the event. “It brings people together. You get to meet famous people and make friends,” said Sutton. “You get to dress up and make your own costumes and have fun.” The event will take place between Oct. 15 and 16 in the Caesars Colosseum. Several notable names will be going including, the Lord of the Rings actor Sean Astin and comic book artist Johnny D. Tickets are available online ranging between $20 to $59. Visit the website WindsorComiCon.com for more information.
passion to get back into rapping,” said Bellmore. “He kind of set my mind and changed it to think out of the box instead of being stuck. He enlightened me." Knight and Bellmore have invested in equipment and now run a recording studio out of Knight's residence. Knight grew up listening to artists such as 2PAC and Biggie Smalls who he says were influential. Growing up, he sang in the church choir, played a number of musical instruments and performed in elementary school talent shows. Knight said he knew his artistic abilities were more than average in the third grade when he was disqualified
from the talent show for being too young, but his teacher convinced other school officials to let him perform anyway. Knight said he is willing to collaborate with other artists in the city but is focusing on the promotion of Validated Entertainment first. "Windsor hip hop is about unity. We're focused on self because it’s hard to rely on other people," said Knight. Growing up, Bellmore was influenced by the hip hop culture of that era, especially artists like Bone Thugz N' Harmony. It wasn't until age 17 that he started writing and rapping. He plans on taking his career to the next level by
expanding his fan base to Detroit and Toronto. "I've always been passionate about music,” said Bellmore. Knight has executive skills and big plans for his company's future. Validated Entertainment also has another branch called Cash Dat Kush Entertainment. "I'm the producer in Validated Entertainment. I'm the one recording everybody, edits the songs, puts effects on everything and I play keyboard," said Knight. "I'm trying to recruit singers and stuff, but it's not really my focus. My focus is to get Village Grove known out there under Validated Entertainment. Other company goals include
developing a clothing line and hosting events. The duo have performed at a number of local venues including Players Sports Club and the Walkerville Theatre. Bellmore says he has performed around 20 times at different venues in Windsor, London and Detroit. "Sometimes we make a profit on ticket sales. We're looking more into getting grants so that we can make money off the shows that we do," said Knight. Validated Entertainment has released many songs and music videos available on YouTube, Bandcamp and Soundcloud.
Photo by Fabricio Rivera
Shawn Cousineau shows off his collection of comic books at Rogues Gallery Comic book store in Windsor.
A small windsor record label has big plans for the future Felicia Patterson Converged Citizen Staff
A group of Windsor music artists have created a record label and are working to promote and expand their company. A record label called Validated Entertainment was founded by Dewey Knight, 26, in 2007. He received a business license in 2015, making the company legitimate. Knight and his cousin Dalton Bellmore, 25, formed their own group called Validated Entertainment. Knight and Bellmore call themselves Black Kryptik Knight and Bmore. "I sparked him up, I gave him
Student athletes try to keep pace
CONVERGED CITIZEN OCTOBER 6, 2016
Garrett Fodor Converged Citizen Staff
With school back in session, student athletes are busy working out in the gym and in the classroom. For many college students sports are a way to unwind from the stress of life and school. For some it is also a way to have part or all of their tuition paid. To perform at high levels is hard to do so while maintaining your grades is a challenge. Luke Husbands, 22, is in the Border Services program and his second season on the St. Clair College men's soccer team. Husbands said he believes the college supports the team and the rest of the athletes. “For every practice and home game I travel 45 min-
utes from home and we practice Monday to Thursday from September to November,” said Husbands. “I spend around five hours a week traveling to and from practice and potentially more if we play away.” The team and the college support with the offering of scholarships every semester and other additional bursaries. “With away games they cover food expenses, overall help quite a lot with supporting myself also the rest of the team,” said Husbands. Some students part take in different sports each semester , while others, like Matthew Rosati, have their sport run year round for balance. Rosati, 20, is a business student at the University of Windsor and a defenceman in
his fourth season with the Essex 73’s of the Provincial Junior Hockey League. He said he believes you always have to focus on the future, even though you are having fun in the present. “They understand that schooling is our first priority,” said Rosati. They actually have a board in the coach's office where you can put down dates of your exams/tests or even days you need to study and they will give you the night off, no questions asked. While school or even life can get stressful at times, you can jump on the ice and just clear your mind and have some fun. Truthfully come playoff time with the long road trips I have left a handful of classes early so I don't have to rush to the bus, but I make sure nothing has to
Photo by Garrett Fodor Matthew Rosati controls the puck at the Essex Centre Sports Complex, Nov. 3, 2015. be handed in that day and get any missed information from my peers.” Although they may not be in
Spitfires open with four point week
Todd Shearon
Converged Citizen Staff The Windsor Spitfires opened their 2017 Memorial Cup hosting season at the WFCU Centre last week with a 4-1 win over the Erie Otters. With a lacklustre roster missing several key players while they attend NHL training camps, the Spitfires head coach Rocky Thompson gave several younger players a chance to make their Ontario Hockey League debut. “It was a lot of coaching on the bench in the first game, more than you would like to do, but we’re definitely proud of our guys,” said Thompson. “Without a doubt, we were short staffed. We had three players basically fly in today and they were able to produce.” Windsor headed to Sault Ste. Marie the following day to steal the first game 5-2 in a home-and-home series against the Greyhounds. The Soo returned the favour Sept. 29 shooting down the
Spits by a final score of 3-1. Spitfires’ goaltender Mike DiPietro made 25 saves on 27 shots while forward Cole Purboo scored the lone Windsor goal, his third of the season. “We got off to a slow start, we can’t keep doing that. We haven’t started with a lead this year,” said Purboo. “We had a couple chances to tie it in the end, but it wasn’t a full 60 minute effort and it showed.” Logan Brown returned to Windsor Thursday on game day from the Ottawa Senators camp and tallied an assist on the Purboo goal. The Spitfires hit the road in hopes of earning four points over the weekend facing off against the Mississauga Steelheads on Friday at 7p.m. and the Oshawa Generals on Sunday with puck drop at 6:05 p.m. “(Mississauga) is a well-built team. We’re going to have to manage the puck and play a smart game,” said Thompson.
Photo by Todd Shearon Windsor - Centre ice of the WFCU Centre from the rafters before the Windsor Spitfires home opener Sept. 22. “We’re going to have to be disciplined and when we get opportunities that power play
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is going to have to be better. We have to be smart and take advantage of special teams.”
the classroom, student athletes say they do learn important life skills on the field, the ice or the court.
Sports Roundup
University Hockey The University of Windsor men’s ice hockey team will be traveling to the U.S. this weekend in preparation for their regular season which begins Oct. 7. With their last coming in 20132014 season. To prepare, they will be going to Bowling Green, OhiotoplaytheirteamSaturday, October 1, then Sunday they will be inAnnArbor playing the University of Michigan Wolverines. College Baseball The St. Clair College men's baseball team extended their winning streak to 41 games as they swept George Brown College in a doubleheader Sept. 24 and Sept. 25. Saints outscored George Brown 31-0. Junior Hockey TheWallaceburg Lakers tied the BlenheimBladesOct.27topick up their first point of the season, while the Essex 73’s traveled to Lakeshore to face the Canadiens for a battle of first place in the Provincial Junior Hockey League.
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Events ONVERGED CITIZEN MediaPlex Photo contest winners... 10
Photo by Chelsea Girad Windsor - Carl Harris practicing basic photography skills at the MediaPlex Sept. 21.
October 6, 2016
Photo by Todd Shearon Windsor – Lightning strikes down over the eastbound tracks at Benjamin Ave. and Tecumseh Rd. in Windsor.
Windsor caught on camera
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Photo by
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Many Windsorites browse through items for sale on the open streets during the Open Street event.