The Community Edition: September 2017

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 12 • SEPTEMBER 2017

A DAMN FINE CUP OF COFFEE PAGES 8-9

#BESTOFWR NOMINATIONS

TCE FICTION

PAGE 4

PAGE 11

EATING LUNCH IN HARMONY PAGE 12

SEPTEMBER 2017 // @THECOMMUNITYED

IN THIS

ISSUE

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 12

SEPTEMBER 2017

2

FEATURE

8-9 COFFEE COFFEE COFFEE

INSIDE

3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 15

IN BRIEF #BESTOFWR NOMINATIONS LIVIN’ LOCAL WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE MAYFAIR SITE? THE REBIRTH OF KOI TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERS TCE FICTION WE WENT TO HARMONY LUNCH WE’RE DOING A THING WITH THE KPL + TATTOOS IMPACT17 KWLT BRINGS VEGAS TO KW OONA MOON EVENT LISTINGS

COVER PHOTO BY ANDREAS PATSIAOUROS

Volume 5, Issue 12 Next issue: October 4, 2017

General Inquiries info@communityedition.ca

75 University Ave. W Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5 519-884-0710 x3564

WLUSP ADMINISTRATION President Andreas Patsiaouros

All advertising inquiries should be directed to Care Lucas at 519-884-0710 x3560 care.lucas@wlusp.com

Executive Director Lakyn Barton

THE COMMUNITY EDITION TEAM Editor in Chief Megan Nourse megan@communityedition.ca Publisher Lakyn Barton lakyn.barton@wlusp.com Social Media Editor Ramona Leitao Web Manager Care Lucas Photo Editor Nick Stanley

Advertising Manager Care Lucas Treasurer John Pehar

CONTRIBUTORS Cassandra Bangay Josh Barkman Bethany Bowles James Howe Marika Galadza Ramona Leitao Alistair MacLellan Eric Moon Sam Nabi Andreas Patsiaouros Eva Ruckie Dylan Siebert Matt Smith Nick Stanley Cara Vandermey

Vice-Chair Lisa Irimescu Directors Benjamin Cooke Rosalind Horne Alan Li Noa Salamon H.G. Watson Corporate Secretary Noa Salamon

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matter of controversy.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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IN BRIEF

Will the real squirrels be fooled by this tiny statue in Waterloo Park?

Only time will tell.

NICK STANLEY PHOTOS

NEWS

ARTS

URBAN

STABBING IN VICTORIA HILLS

DOORS OPEN ACROSS WR

HOLD THE LINE FESTIVAL COMING

Two men had an altercation outside Mooregate Crescent in the Victoria Hills areas, resulting in the death of one man. The man, 37, was stabbed and later pronounced dead in hospital; a 43-year old was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

The identities of both men are not being released by police until their families have been notified.

On Sept. 16, locals can visit various heritage sites and tech buildings around the region for free tours and perusing as part of Doors Open Waterloo Region. Most sites let you drop in anytime between 10am5pm, but a few, like Google’s office and the Perimeter Institute require you to register for tours. Everything you need to know is at regionofwaterloo.ca.

Celebrate Waterloo Region’s countryside line with music, beer, and biking. Hold the Line is a new, one-day, volunteer-driven festival aimed at bringing awareness to the countryside line, a regional policy protecting rural areas from urban sprawl. The festival will feature three biking routes and a trail running group along with other activities , music, and drinking.

TWO AWARDS FOR WATERLOO

HAVE A MEDIEVAL 7 BUS GOES BACK TIME IN WATERLOO TO ITS ROUTES

The city of Waterloo has received two awards from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The city received both the Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award and the AMO Gas Tax Award. The Innovation Award was given for the city’s creation of PickupHub, a local sports app. The Gas Tax award was for the city’s use of the federal Gast Tax Fund.

Waterloo will be hosting the 20th Royal Medieval Faire in Waterloo Park West, Sept 16.

Known as one of Ontario’s best medieval festivals, the event is interactive, filled with vendors, hands-on displays, food and drink, games, celtic music, and other medieval activities such as swordplay and ceili. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids and $20 families.

Remember a few years ago when King St. was the link between uptown and downtown? With the reopening of King at Victoria St, the GRT is returning the 7 bus line to its original route down King St through midtown — the bus will still detour down Regina while uptown remains under construction. The route change starts on September 4. Be prepared for a lot of stop lights.

BODY FOUND IN GRAND RIVER

CRAFTOBERFEST ROUND TWO

CARSHARE CUTS QUANTUM SERVICE

Waterloo Region Police found a man’s body in the Grand River near Parkhill dam in Cambridge the morning of August 29. The man, Caucasian and estimated to be between 25-40 years old, was found deceased. Police are working with the coroner’s office to determine cause of death.

The man has been identified by police, but his name was not released publicly at time of print.

Hosted by Together We’re Bitter Co-op Brewing, the 2016 Craftoberfest was held in a downtown Kitchener parking lot, offering festers an alternative to the Molson-sponsored Oktoberfest events. This year, Craftoberfest will move into the Kitchener Market building for two evening, ticketed events featuring food, music, art, drinks, and a few surprises. We’ll see you there.

Community Carshare will no longer offer its Quantum car delivery service to regular customers. The program will downsize to serving members living in Elmira and corporate customers. According to the co-operative a sudden loss of a vendor resulted in a decrease of staff members to be able to provide a full service to the region. The co-operative hopes that the scale-back will be temporary.

MAN PROTESTS POT ARREST

NEW ART IN WATERLOO PARK

ROUNDABOUTS OPEN ON OTTAWA

On the last Tuesday in August, a Cambridge man, clad only in green underwear, was seen smoking a bong outside the courthouse in downtown Kitchener protesting what he said was a wrongful arrest for pot possession last October.

The man, Jeffrey Shaver, says he has a medical marijuana card, but was arrested anyway. Police say they are reviewing the claim.

In August, the City of Waterloo unveiled a new public art display in Waterloo Park as part of upgrades to the Father David Bauer Drive frontage of the park.

The display consists of two large tables with seating, one has a squirl perched on it, the other has an acorn. Designed by Ted Fullerton, the piece was selected by a citizen-led public art jury.

New roundabouts on Ottawa Street in Kitchener have partially opened to traffic. While open, commuters are still expected to experience some delays due to the roundabouts being operated as single lanes and with reduced speeds. The construction around these areas is expected to be finished by early October, if the weather permits.

find the voting form and have your say on who in KW is making the best sandwiches, playing the best music, where you can catch the nicest view, and what is the best community event of the year.

Perusing through the shortlist, you might discover something new our region has to offer.

We streamlined a little this year with fewer categories. Our goal was to make the processes a little

less overwhelming. If you’ve got questions, concerns, or ideas for next year’s categories, tweet us @TheCommunityEd. Voting will be open for most of September, we’ll let you know on the Internet before it closes.

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR There is a lot of cool shit happening in Waterloo Region.

A few years ago, we created the #BestofWR poll to let our readers highlight their favourite people. places, and spaces of our community.

After receiving hundreds of nominations, we’ve made our 2017 shortlist, which you can find on page four.

Visit communityedition.ca to

Megan Nourse Editor in Chief

[ BEST OF WATERLOO REGION ] nominations

ICE CREAM

FALAFEL

CAFE

SANDWICH

DONUT

BURGER

BREAKFAST

Four All Ambrosia Pastry Co Scoop du Jour

Shawerma Plus Arabesque iShawarma

Princess Cafe Smile Tiger Seven Shores

Princess Cafe Yeti Vincenzo’s

Debrodnick’s City Cafe Unity Baking

Frat Burger The Works Ethel’s Lounge

Yeti Checkerboard Darlise Cafe

SPECIAL OCCASION

CASUAL RESTAURANT

FOOD TRUCK

BEER SELECTION

UPTOWN RESTAURANT

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT

LOCAL BREWERY

Bhima’s Warung Berlin Public

Ethel’s Lounge Jane Bond Lancaster Smokehouse

Fo’ Cheesy Schmuck Truck West of Seoul

Arabella Park Bent Elbow Beertown

Jane Bond Red House Ethel’s Lounge

The Guanaquita The Berlin Grand Trunk Saloon

TWB Co-op Block 3 Abe Erb

VIEW

TEACHER

PATIO

FILMMAKER

PHOTOGRAPHER

KARAOKE

Mount Trashmore Boathouse Patio Kitchener City Hall

Dan Sullivan

Ethel’s Lounge Boathouse McCabe’s

Becca Redden Torin Langen Duncan Finnigan

Matt Smith Zac Jolliffe Brent Wettlaufer

Chainsaw Corner Pub Jack Burger

Words Worth Books A Second Look Old Goat Books

COMMUNITY EVENT

LIVE MUSIC

OPEN MIC

TATTOO PARLOUR

GALLERY / MUSEUM

LGBTQ+ SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE

Boathouse Smile Tiger Berlin Bicycle Cafeé

Berlin Tora Mom’s

KWAG Open Sesame THEMUSEUM

Jane Bond Plan B Co-Op Queen Street Yoga

Victoria Park KPL Carl Zehr Square

LOCAL WRITER

PERFORMANCE ARTIST

SOCIAL PROFIT

TRIVIA NIGHT

Culture Fancier Carrie Snyder Ellie Anglin

Janice Jo Lee JP Magic Agile Like This

Working Centre KW Humane Society House of Friendship

Princess Cafe Wilf’s Duke of Wellington

MUSIC SHOP Orange Monkey Long & McQuade Encore Records

DOWNTOWN GROCERIES Kitchener Market J&P Legacy Greens

TAKE A DATE Apollo Cinema Jane Bond Public

BUY A GIFT

BOOKSTORE

NIGHT\SHIFT Steel Rails Blues Fest

Boathouse Starlight Maxwell’s

MUSICIAN/ BAND

BUS DRIVER

VISUAL ARTIST

Janice Jo Lee Matt Weidinger

Crystal Switzer Mr. Elliot

Ellie Anglin Jon Johnson nik harron Jonathan Munz Michelle Purchase

SALON / NEW BARBERSHOP RESTAURANT

Voila Open Sesame Spearhead Gifted Charmed Flowers and Gifts Cowboys and Angels Brown Salon

Harmony Lunch Rustico Settlement

THIS IS ONLY THE SHORT LIST. VOTE ONLINE FOR THE WINNERS. COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

SEPTEMBER 2017 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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NEW TUNE REVIEW

We like DTK, but you can live local all across Waterloo Region. MATT SMITH PHOTO

THIS FRESH ECLECTIC SOUL WILL LIVEN UP YOUR DEAD ONE Album: 7th Speaks Obsessed EP Artist: Quinton Barnes Released: July 27, 2017 Link: quintonbarnes.bandcamp.com When I caught him on the phone, Barnes confessed, “I don’t think there was a time when I wanted to be a musician.”

Growing up, it was his dad’s love for Michael Jackson that made Barnes curious about writing songs. He fooled around with digital synths and beats from a young age, and this sense of experimentation seems to continue straight through to the 7th Speaks Obsessed EP. A graduate of Eastwood Collegiate, Kitchener’s arts-focused high school, Barnes now splits his time between Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto.

From track to track, Barnes tries on

different personas. Between Afro-Cuban salsa, 80s pop, R&B, and newschool hip-hop, this is an EP that takes you for a wild ride.

Definitely turn up your headphones for Soft on Water’s opening fuzzy funk guitar riff, which will have you involuntarily dancing in your seat.

The album is full of slick licks that wouldn’t be out of place in a Daft Punk or Ratatat song.

The music is so eclectic that the album almost becomes a pastiche, but it’s clear that Barnes is just having fun. Maybe I should heed the first lines of the opening track: “There ain’t nothing wrong for you to let go / Why don’t you sing it, it’s alright, mama.”

-Sam Nabi

LIVE LOCAL LIVES ON IN KW MEGAN NOURSE EDITOR IN CHIEF Where was your last cup of coffee from? Where do you get your weekly groceries? Which theatre did you choose for your last movie night ? Live Local challenges you to consider purposefully living, eating, and playing local for one week in September.

Founded in 2014 by then KW resident Juliana Gomez, Live Local ran for two consecutive years before going on hiatus in 2016. Now it’s back for another go with a few tweaks but the same philosophy: encouraging community building through supporting local businesses and spaces.

“It’s shining a light on small businesses that make up the uptown and

downtown and midtown corridor,” said Sam Trieu, one of Live Local’s newly-minted coordinators. That’s one of the tweaks — since founding Live Local, Gomez has moved to Colombia, making it a little tough to run a KWbased event. Trieu is one of several people who answered Gomez’ call for people to join a planning committee tasked with pulling off this year’s weeklong event.

“I enjoy doing community events and this was something that struck a lot of enthusiasm with me,” Trieu said on why she joined the Live Local team.

To participate in this year’s Live Local, which takes place September 1723, you can sign up at livelocalkw.com to receive emails from the team about how and where to get involved. Participants will receive a Live Local logo to print off or download on their phone, which can be shown to participating businesses at point of sale to receive a discount or other incentives. Closer to

the event, the Live Local team will let all participants know what incentives each participating business are offering.

“It’s a great way to highlight, in the community, a topic of interest where you can really rally with other people who are doing the exact same thing at the exact same time,” Trieu said of participating.

“This is a great place to live, it’s a great place to start a career, there’s stuff to do after hours and safe streets to do it on...you don’t get that in a lot of places.” One way Trieu says Live Local really benefits our community is by showcasing how much is happening in KW. There are lots of locally-owned businesses, events, great food, and entertainment. Let’s stop looking to Toronto for excitement when so much is happening in our own community.

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WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE MAYFAIR SITE?

THE RECENT SALE OF 48 ONTARIO STREET IN DOWNTOWN KITCHENER BRINGS ATTENTION BACK TO THE UNDECIDED FATE OF THE EMPTY LOT LEFT BEHIND AFTER THE MAYFAIR DEMOLITION IN 2015 demolition. in order to deliver a remarkable Branch 50 for decades assisting and left unoccupied for too long WR AND HOWE by the city. It too had a promising Many of us who fought to save the building. All of which equals time. veterans that returned from serving

JAMES HOWE COLUMNIST While the Mayfair Hotel site in the heart of downtown Kitchener sits empty, the heritage building’s legacy lives on.

Just as the Kitchener Blues Festival kicked off on August 11, the City of Kitchener sold 48 Ontario St. N.— the birthplace of blues in KW. Originally built by Bell Canada when phone service was a disruptive technology, the heritage building housed Royal Canadian Legion

in World War II. After a competition, the city sold the property for $1.5 million to Voisin Capital which plans a $12 million project to preserve the building’s heritage features, build an addition beside it and add a couple more floors.

Yes, the future looks bright for the heritage building that sat empty and unoccupied despite being owned by the city for 15 years.

It helps that Voisin redeveloped a portion of the former Goudies department store on nearby Queen St. into offices for Vidyard and J&P Grocery.

That bright future is due in part to the tragic loss of the Mayfair Hotel — another heritage property owned

future when sold to a developer with a proven track record.

So when a water main broke outside the Mayfair leading to an emergency demolition order, it was clear that 48 Ontario was next to be demolished unless the loss of the Mayfair could highlight the former Legion and the need to act to have it occupied and saved.

The informal group Friends of 48 Ontario formed to achieve that goal. While we’re hopeful of success, we recognize the need to remain vigilant, as demonstrated by fate of the Mayfair.

Meanwhile, the Mayfair property sits empty and unattractive right next to City Hall more than two years after the completion of its

building have been disheartened to see no activity to redevelop the site — not even any announcements.

Even the temporary parkette that promised to replace it failed to materialize.

While there have been rumblings that the city is not doing enough, staff assured me they are actively working with the property owner on its redevelopment and potential short-term uses.

When contacted by email, developer Bernie Nimer replied, “This site poses a number of development challenges ie: location, shape, size, consideration of abutting property and land uses, built forms and designs. Each challenge requires input from a team of professionals

We are cognizant of the ticking timelines for the development charge exemptions, which fall off in March 2019.”

While unfortunately that means that it could be nearly two more years before a building permit is issued, at least there is a financial incentive in place to concentrate efforts to get it done. Nimer added, “When all the ducks are in a row, it will be exciting to share the plans of 1 Young St.” With any luck, in three to five years downtown Kitchener can boast two great sites on Centre Block as the legacy of the Mayfair Hotel. Until then let’s keep the pressure on to see that happens.

The historic Mayfair Hotel was demolished in 2015 after the building was deemed unsafe. Two years later, the lot in the heart of downtown Kitchener still sits empty. MATT SMITH PHOTOS

SEPTEMBER 2017 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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#TBT to the years when KOI took over downtown Kitchener. MATT MITH PHOTO

KOI FESTIVAL AND HARDCORE NOSTALGIA IN KW

APPARENTLY 2007 WAS THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE HARDCORE MUSIC SCENE. THE “REBIRTH” OF KW’S KOI FESTIVAL HOPES TO REIGNITE THAT SPIRIT AND COMMUNITY WITH THEIR 2017 COMEBACK

BETHANY BOWLES CONTRIBUTOR In 2010, Kitchener-Waterloo experienced its first ever KOI Music Festival.

Since then, the festival has changed size and shape every year — starting out as a rather large festival that took over the downtown core, to a smaller show in 2016 in the Centre in the Square’s parking lot.

This year KOI will take place over the course of two days at Maxwell’s Concerts and Events in Waterloo on Sept. 15 and 16.

“KOI Fest stands for Kitchener Ontario Independent Music Festival and we are a music festival dedicated to bringing in the best local and touring alternative music,” Kyle Wappler, co-organizer of the festival said.

Last year, KOI took the form of “KOI Fest at the Parking Lot,” featuring Sam Roberts Band and Tokyo Police Club — artists that are well known, but not necessarily in the “alternative” scene that KOI strives to celebrate.

The theme for this year’s KOI is “Rebirth” which is nonetheless a nod towards getting KOI back to it’s roots.

“This year was kind of a rebirth year — going back to the old format,” Wappler said.

There were several factors that contributed to taking this year’s KOI off the streets of downtown Kitchener and into Maxwell’s. Wappler explained that much of that decision had to do with getting a later start with the planning process. Currently, downtown is in a state of uncertainty, with the LRT construction and various road closures. Wappler said that the process

of bringing KOI back to it’s original roots as an outdoor festival was far too complex. Applying for grants, hiring security and obtaining permits were all roadblocks that contributed to choosing Maxwell’s as this year’s host.

“This is like a ground up festival starting all over again, starting out of our pockets and just doing it because we want it to keep going.”

After last year’s hiccup, the changes made to this year’s KOI appear to be pushing the festival back to where Wappler and his partner, Curt Crossman, envision in to be. The festival’s line-up is more in tune with the “rebirth” theme, with headliners like Silverstein and Cancer Bats, bands that heavily influenced the harcore scene that arguably hit its peak 10 years ago.

“The lineup that we put together, I can say Curt and I are both stoked on it. As much as we are promoters and organizers, we’re fans, too. We like the bands that we’re bringing in. We enjoy seeing them,” Wappler said.

Popular KW based band Kingdoms, who called it a quits in 2010, are also getting back together to perform at this year’s KOI, along with Necrocarcass and Two Liner, two other bands hitting the stage for a reunion show.

Kingdoms played a reunion show at Maxwell’s this past December, which brought together KW’s hardcore scene, a group of people that were once one of the liveliest communities in KW. So, is the “Rebirth” theme trying to bring back what KOI used to be, or is it trying to resurrect an entire community that was alive and well 10 years ago when hardcore music was (arguably) the best it’s ever been?

“The scene bred some people who gave a shit about music and who gave a shit about one another and the

community. Over time, there was this really bizarre transition, especially in metal hardcore and alternative types of music and [KOI] has a great vision for it, and I think that’s an awesome thing, but the real question is, is it sustainable?” Hutton Wierzbicki, frontman of Kingdoms said.

“That’s kind of the reason why we agreed to do it. It was kind of like ‘hey, we want to do this thing, and we want it to be an homage to the way things were.’”

Kingdoms started in 2008, before playing their final show at The Wax in 2010. During those two years, they toured, creating a small fanbase that is still excited to see them now, seven years later. For Wierzbicki, the KOI show is all about nostalgia.

“When [Wappler] came to us, he knows that I have a rose coloured glasses sort of version of how I think the scene should be,” he said.

For Wierzbicki, the KW hardcore scene was about a lot more than just music. For him, and for many other young people in KW, it was about finding a group of likeminded people that you could call your family.

“You go to those shows when you’re 14 and 15, you’re young, you’re super impressionable, and you look up to those guys and you go ‘wow, this is amazing,’” he said.

“I remember Geoff Rickly [of Thursday] on stage being like, ‘If you guys are out there, and you’re looking up here thinking, I could never do that, just do it. Start a fucking band.

Contribute to your scene.’ He went on this five minute diatribe about how important it is to be a part of something, but when you’re 15, that hits you in the chest.”

And that’s when Wierzbicki got into music. He went from being an impressionable audience member to the

frontman of a local band that would make an impact on musicians and fans younger than himself.

“Our bands were shitty, but we started them,” Wierzbicki said.

So what happened? It’s no secret that popular music comes and goes in waves. The rap we listened to in the ‘90s isn’t the same rap that the kids are listening to now. While there are still younger punk bands in KW, like Goldfinch, a Waterloo based band consisting of guys in their early 20’s who will also be playing at KOI, the scene just isn’t what it used to be.

Somewhere along the line, Wierbicki noticed a shift. He believes that going to shows was no longer about assembling a community of likeminded people.

“What happened was, we were always outsiders to that popular norm. It was called alternative music for a reason [and] as we started playing, and as we starting getting more popular, shows really started to change. Going to a hardcore show wasn’t about community or unity anymore, it was about who had the dopest Nike’s on and who had the freshest flat-brimmed cap.”

Wappler, too, is cognizant of the fact that the scene experienced a shift, yet still stands by KOI’s ultimate goal.

“It’s a different climate, for sure. I don’t necessarily know if it was any easier at that time, to quote-on-quote make it, or go far, but there was definitely a lot more people in that community to kind of support it and push it forward. Now it’s a very niche market. But, at the same time, it seems a little more connected. Everyone knows each other now,” Wappler said.

“The community’s still there, I just guess we’re getting older.”

So is KOI’s target audience only directed to people in their early 30s?

The nostalgia vibe appears to be the

main selling point.

“I think [KOI is] going to be largely an older group of people. That show in December was like a big family reunion. I saw people I hadn’t seen in a long time,” Wierzbicki said.

While the idea of a “reunion” is something everyone can support, this still begs the relevance of Wierzbicki’s initial question — is it sustainable? Is it profitable? Will we see KOI back for another year? Do the young people of KW care about this kind of music anymore?

Wappler assured that KOI is looking forward just as much as they are looking backwards.

“This year’s called the “Rebirth.” So, along with that, we’re bringing the rebirth from some bands that were from the past and along with that, we’re bringing a few bands that were favourites from past KOI Festivals, with bands like Silverstein,” he said.

“At the same time, we’re looking forward to the future, so we’re bringing in brand new acts and showing that we’re still adapting. We’ve got newer bands like Gideon, who are just killing it right now.”

Nonetheless, KOI Fest appears to be alive and well. They may no longer have the massive capacity that was downtown Kitchener, but they are still giving a group of people in KW a gathering place. Whether it’s about the music, or friendship, or community, or “dope Nike’s,” KOI will continue for another year, to give the fans what they want.

“I just hope people come out and people are still interested and support it,” Wappler said.

COFFEE WITHOUT

COMPROMISE

Bethany Bowles CONTRIBUTOR Andrew Thom, of Unicorn Brew Bar, really loves coffee. Comparable to how a painter lights up with passion when talking about art, or how a musician can’t be without their instrument, Thom approaches his passion for coffee as a lifestyle as opposed to an occupation.

When I walked into Thom’s apartment, the room off his kitchen was filled with coffee, coffee brewing accessories, and various drinking vessels. As a barista without a cafe, the apartment has become Unicorn Brew Bar’s home base.

“I do pop ups, only,” Thom said.

“My end intention is to open a brick and mortar cafe, which I’m actually in the process of doing right now. So this was a way of me feeling out the community’s response to the caliber of coffee that I wanted to promote and the different roasting styles that I wanted to share.”

When Thom says “pop-ups” he means that he sets up temporary shops in various locations around the region. Unicorn’s first pop up was at the 2016 NIGHT\SHIFT, and since then, he’s been seen brewing imported coffee at Legacy Greens and Unity Baking. Pop-ups allow Thom to start his business at his own pace, while covering the cost of his obsession with coffee.

“This was a way for me to nerd out and practice my skills and kind of become more familiarized with different kinds of coffee, train my palate more. My intention is to be in this industry probably for the rest of my life,” he said.

Thom’s been working with coffee for 13 years; he started at a small

cafe in New Hamburg in his late teens, then took on more roasting jobs when he moved out west. When he returned to KW, he managed Death Valley’s Little Brother and then roasted for Smile Tiger before realizing that to reach his goals, he had to be his own boss.

“I realized I had hit the ceiling, and I couldn’t go any further with what I wanted to do and I knew there was so much more in coffee that can be done and explored and so this was just the only way to do it - to start my own business.”

He wanted to make coffee without making compromises or having any limitations. He also only wanted to source from responsible and ethical roasters. Where the coffee is coming from is vitally important to Thom, and the only way to monitor that was to own his own business.

When I asked Thom what makes a great cup of coffee, his response was much more complex than I had expected. He said, “It’s the whole line.

From farm, to roastery, to cup.”

He explained that most inexpensive coffee is sourced through strip harvesting, which is where the coffee cherries are stripped without any consideration if they are of uniform ripeness. As a result, unripe coffee seeds need to be roasted darker in efforts to mask an unpleasant taste.

“Most people don’t roast light because the grade of coffee you need to roast light and make good is usually a little higher price than they want to spend, so they go for a more dark blended approach to roasting because that covers your trail,” Thom said.

Harvesting isn’t the only aspect that can affect the final product.

Even how the coffee is shipped and stored can affect the final flavour.

“The difference is how they harvest it, the amount of care they put into the drying and processing of it. If you have really carefree people dry-

ing your coffee, it can rot, it can get bugs, and that will affect the flavour,” Thom said.

“The roasters that I bring in, they all source very very selectively. Most of them do direct trade with the farms or are partial owners of the farms and invest in the communities that surround it.”

La Cabra is a coffee roasting company from Denmark, whose coffee Thom imports in and brews at his pop-ups. Thom said that they pay 40 per cent above asking price and approach roasting with ethics that Thom is aligned with.

“There’s a lot of privilege in coffee and if you’re not offsetting that, you’re basically part of the problem: keeping these farmers stuck in poverty, barely breaking even every year.”

Within the next few weeks, Thom’s cafe, Show and Tell, is expected to open on Ontario St. in downtown Kitchener. Alongside his business partner, Chris Tellez, Thom is hoping to continue to provide the region with carefully selected imported coffee and challenge the tastebuds of those he serves.

“There’s no way people just don’t care about this, they just haven’t tasted it yet,” Thom said.

Show and Tell and Unicorn Brew Bar will still remain two separate entities. Show and Tell will be a full service cafe with pour overs, full espresso service, drip coffee and plant based food options. Thom and Tellez hope Show and Tell will act as a common space where people can come together and have conversations about coffee, whereas Unicorn will remain as an elusive pop-up, much like the name suggests.

“I’m still going to keep Unicorn running; I’ve found this is a really good way to explore this region’s response to this sort of coffee.”

PHOTOS BY ANDREAS PATSIAOURUS

SEPTEMBER 2017 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

10

THREE TIPS FOR BEING AN EFFECTIVE VOLUNTEER TWO VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS SHARE A FEW WAYS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE VOLUNTEER MARIKA GALADZA CONTRIBUTOR

points to consider.

CASSANDRA BANGAY CONTRIBUTOR More than 12 million Canadians are volunteering with organizations.

This number doesn’t even reflect the thousands and potentially millions who volunteer informally in their communities or with cultural groups.

As volunteering across Canada grows and expands, the non-profit sector struggles to keep up with new trends in recognition, training, and retention.

We love our volunteers, don’t get us wrong, they are the backbone of many of the social change initiatives across Waterloo Region, but volunteering has ironically become a big business.

With commercialization, comes value and attitude shifts. What was once a goodwill sacrifice of one’s time and energy for a greater cause, has quickly swelled into opportunity for self-aggrandizement or an extra bullet point on the ol’ resume.

As you embark on your next volunteering gig, here are a couple of

1. CHECK YOUR MOTIVATIONS Serving vulnerable populations can instill a sense of power. In the worst case scenarios, a sense of superiority. Don’t confuse the “feel goods” of doing good, with the “feel goods” of moral smugness and control. Although rare, we have interacted with volunteers who treat the newcomer folks they work with as though they were their children.

Paternalism, especially when volunteering with newcomers, is a form of microaggression. Behaviours that express that you know best, stem from the same elitist bullshit that has prolonged euro-centrism, white privilege, and racist anthropology around “primitivism.”

In the refugee context in which we work, it is important to remember that refugees didn’t come here because they did something wrong and language barriers don’t represent a cognitive deficit. These are folks that have lived long and well in other places in the world, and they are

entitled to make their own decisions, take risks, learn from them, grow, thrive, and be treated like adults (unless of course they are children).

Before starting your volunteer gig, ask yourself – am I doing this with them or for them? Am I showing empathy when I reflect on their intent, behaviors, and choices? Am I spending as much time focusing on their gifts and strengths as I am noticing the gaps in their abilities or knowledge?

2. FILL THE GAP, NOT YOUR CV As the job market opens to more global competition, millennials begin to seek volunteer opportunities to gain experience where paid employment is not available. It’s inevitable. But if you are one of these folks, ask yourself whether you are serving the broader goals of the organization or serving your own professional development. If the answer is both – great! You’ve got a win-win and that type of relationship is easy to sustain for both volunteer and non-profit.

But if your particular volunteer interest creates more follow up and

oversight than the non-profit is able to give, you’re essentially treating the volunteer opportunity like an internship. There should be a clear distinction. Make sure you know the difference, or you risk ignoring the needs of the organization in favour of padding your own resume.

That said, if you are using your volunteer experience toward finding paid employment, treat it like paid employment. Show up to shifts on time, give notice if you need to cancel a shift. Even if you aren’t employed after your volunteer service, the skills you gain might make you a great candidate for another workplace.

3. BEND, DON’T BREAK If you have the ability to be flexible, be flexible. Especially around tasks and responsibilities in your volunteer role. “Answer the phones” doesn’t mean that you should literally watch the phone until it rings – nor does it mean you can furtively re-read your favourite Harry Potter book during slow times and call it volunteering.

There are always ways to help that

show that you are not just there to spend the time, but that you’re there to contribute to the mission and work culture. Even helping to maintain a tidy lobby area, or offering to organize stationery supplies is a gesture that shows your commitment to not only the mandate, but the environment in which it is being carried out. On the flip side – if it aint broke, don’t fix it!

Volunteers can also be “too eager” and end up offering advice or support that isn’t within the organizations mandate. If you aren’t sure, leave it to a staff member to decide whether going that extra mile is helpful or even necessary.

Volunteers are essential to any thriving non-profit. We believe that if you are flexible, willing to contribute beyond your own personal gain, and thoughtful about your motivations, you may just change the world.

Cassandra and Marika both work in volunteer management in the nonprofit sector in Kitchener

CONTRIBUTE TO TCE. EMAIL INFO@COMMUNITYEDITION.CA TO FIND OUT HOW.

2018 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

IF STREETS COULD TALK IS A TCE SERIES OF NEIGHBOURHOOD STORIES. SOON IT WILL BE A BOOK.

DEADLINE: Tuesday October 10th, 2017 at 5PM

WE’LL LET YOU KNOW HOW TO GET ONE ONCE WE’VE FIGURED THAT OUT.

SEPTEMBER 2017 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

11

A LONG WAY BACK

TCE FICTION

DYLAN SIEBERT CONTRIBUTOR Grampa and Gramma lived on Francis Street, across from the Tannery, in a house made of red brick. It was an old house, older than Kitchener, in fact, because Kitchener used to be called something else. That was 160 years ago. Ali knew because he had done the math himself in his school notebook.

Mama’s grip tightened on Ali’s hand as she knocked at the door. Uncle Robert smiled as he opened it, but Ali thought he looked tired.

“Splitting wood?” Mama asked, tilting her head toward the carefully stacked wood pile on the porch.

“Nothing better for a man,” said Uncle Robert. “Come on in, I’ll tell him you’re here.”

A lot of people had lived in that house over the years, rebuilding the insides, adding insulation, moving walls and doorways around. Grampa and Gramma lived on the ground floor and another family lived upstairs. The upstairs people had a friendly dog.

Mama and Ali went into the back room quietly, where Grampa was sitting up in bed, looking out the open window. In the afternoon sunlight everything was golden and still.

“Hi Dad,” said Mama. “How are you feeling?”

“Oh, about the same,” Grampa replied, shrugging a little.

“Okay, listen, I brought those bulbs I mentioned to you. It’s early, but I thought I’d get them in the ground today. Ali can keep you company while I’m out back, how does that sound?”

“Sounds wonderful,” said Grampa, and as he smiled his eyes crinkled up.

Mama left, and Ali climbed onto the stool beside the bed. “Hi Grampa,” he said.

“Hello, Ali. What did you do in school today?”

“Literacy, numeracy, naturacy. I got to stir the compost pile. It was full of worms — big, juicy worms, eating mulch and making soil.”

“That sounds like fun. What did you do in the afternoon?”

“Helped Jeddi and Baba in the shop.

It’s okay I guess.”

“In a few years you’ll be old enough to start prenticing somewhere else after school, won’t you. Then you can see how other people work and live.

Maybe at the Tannery, hm? It’s hard work there, but good work.”

“I know,” said Ali. He was still thinking about school. “Today I read a book about John Henry.”

“John Henry? That old story I told you?”

“Mm-hm. Tell me again, Grampa.”

Grampa cleared his throat and folded his hands over his tummy. Through the window Ali could hear Mama digging in the garden and the clear thwack! of Uncle Robert’s axe.

“John Henry lived a long way back, in the old USA,” Grampa began. “He was a railway man. And he was a Black man, too, in the time when Black people were still treated very badly in America.”

“Then there was a Black president.”

Grampa smiled. “Yes, there was. Not right away, though. It took a long time.

I was your age when that happened.

That was before the war.”

“John Henry was big and strong.”

“Yes he was. He was so strong he could throw down a rail spike with one hand and hammer it home with the other, all without breaking his stride.”

“Then they built a Machine,” said Ali solemnly.

“It was a steel-driving machine, a steam drill,” Grampa said, nodding. “It could hammer rail spikes faster than a man could. It was going to put all the railway men out of work.”

“But they forgot about John Henry,” said Ali, squirming a little bit.

“Boy, did they ever. He challenged that machine to a race. And you know what? He won.” Grampa let out a long breath. “But he worked so hard beating the machine that his heart gave out.”

“Your heart’s giving out too, right Grampa?”

“That’s right, Ali.” “Does it hurt?”

“Sometimes. Mostly I just feel tired.

You know, my father, your greatgrandfather, his heart gave out too. He died in a hospital, hooked up to a great big machine.” Grampa looked around the warm, sunlit room and laughed.

“All these years later, I’m glad I can’t afford to die that way!”

Ali didn’t say anything. Outside he could hear the birds chirping, and silence.

Grampa leaned forward and took Ali’s hand. “You know, it’s not a bad thing, that people die. Everyone has to sooner or later, even heroes like John Henry. Even wonderful machines like the steam drill. There was a time when people thought all their problems could be solved by machines… but then the machines started causing more problems than they solved.

After the war a lot of people went back to doing things the old way, partly because so many machines had been wrecked, partly because fuel had gotten scarce, but also because the old way caused fewer problems.”

He leaned back against the pillows.

“I’m no hero, but I’ve worked hard, even when times were hard. I have two wonderful children I’m proud of, and one beautiful grandchild, with more on the way.” He tilted his head toward the window. “Sounds like you’re finished with those bulbs, Marta.”

Mama’s face appeared at the window.

“Bulbs are in. As for the grandchildren, don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched, Dad.” “I’ll count the chickens!” said Ali, springing down from the stool. He loved poking around in Grampa and Gramma’s henhouse. At the bedroom door he stopped and spun back around. “You’ll be okay, right Grampa?”

“Yes, Ali. One of my children’s going to get me through the winter, and the other’s going to make sure I live to see spring again.” He reached up and patted Mother’s hand on the windowsill. She didn’t say anything, just took his hand and squeezed it.

“Okay. See you later, Grampa!” Ali sprinted out the front door and ran straight into the neighbours’ friendly dog. “Ford!” he yelled happily, and the two of them collapsed in a heap on the porch. Just then a bell rang, loud and long, and across the street the doors of the Tannery opened.

Out of the doors came a hundred people, or maybe more, dressed in overalls and carrying lunch boxes.

They were talking and laughing with each other, waving as they dispersed this way and that. Some got onto bicycles and rode away, while others walked in big groups going up Francis Street or down Joseph Street. Ali and Ford watched and waited.

Finally a little old woman came out, waving to someone inside as the doors swung shut. As she clumped across the street in her big work boots, her face beamed. “Hola niño, cómo estás?” she called out.

“Gramma,” said Ali as she sat down beside him.

“That’s Abuela to you, young mister,” she said, rubbing Ford’s fur affectionately. “So, what do you think? Want to come work in the Tannery some day? We make the best quality boots and saddles this side of Montreal, all hand-stitched and riveted on the assembly line.”

She patted her own heavy boots. The stamp on the ankle read “MADE IN KITCHENER, ONTARIO.” Ali shook his head. “When I grow up I want to be a railway man. I want to be big and strong. I want to build railways all across America.”

Gramma looked hard at him. “That’s an excellent dream,” she said at last, nodding. “They’ve been needing strong young men and women to build the railways over again, ever since peace came. It’s been a long way back, you know.”

“I know,” said Ali. “Gramma, what’s for supper?”

“Good question. Let’s go ask your Uncle Roberto.”

“Okay.” Before he went in Ali stopped and looked back at his friend. “Bye, Ford. Don’t count the chickens without me.” The dog gave an affirmative whuff! and lay down to doze in the shade.

12

SEPTEMBER 2017 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

PEACE, LOVE AND HARMONY LUNCH ALISTAIR MACLELLAN CONTRIBUTOR What’s old is new is, well, old. The beat up barn board wall fixture, the boxcar typefaces screen printed on boxes like that restaurant just got off a stage coach in Wyoming circa 1887.

Bars, coffee houses, breweries, and restaurants are over saturated with heritage, vintage, the whole “Est. four years ago but looks 100” aesthetic that screams “We’re authentic! Snapchat here!”

For a long time Harmony Lunch, actually established over 80 years ago, stood as place that wasn’t trendy, that wasn’t trying to be something. It was just a good burger and milkshake for a good price.

Then in October 2016 it closed.

Walking by on that auspicious day you would have seen a lineup outside of old timers, locals, and fans queing to grab one last pork burger before they were

gone, only to be a fat soaked, cheese melted memory recalled at the smell of frying onions. Dramatic? Maybe, but Harmony Lunch was an uptown icon.

As the city changed, it stood still.

So when it was announced that instead of closing for good, new owners would be reopening Harmony, you could colour me skeptical. I could see it like a revelation from the hipster Gods, vintage menus with trendy fonts, Harmony branded lunch boxes ready to hold leftover pork and beans for your break working the docks [insert name of your startup here].

Finally sitting down, in the newly renovated space I was relieved to pickup a basic printed menu. Nothing fancy. Just a list of diner staples with some twists on the restaurant’s previous faire. The onions are still being fried on the flat top griddle and, apart from the prices, a new garage door, and some slight changes in decor the place is pretty much the same. Was this a trick? Was a dude with an ironic mustache going to pop out and wait for us to ask him if we could order, because that’s what they do in Brooklyn now?

No — it was just a nice guy, very eager to please. In fact throughout the meal several staff members checked in with us despite the place being pretty busy.

They’re covering something up.

There’s a catch, I thought. So I put the place to the test. Harmony burger, fries, vanilla milkshake, and coffee.

The milkshake came classic diner style with the leftovers in the metal mixer. The coffee came with refills.

The Harmony burger came with fried onions, melted cheese and a bun that reminded you of the burgers you ate after baseball practice when you were 10.

The only downside is the price increase, which now is comparable to any other pub uptown. Part of the charm of the old place was you could get a burger, fries, and a bottomless coffee for under $10, but I doubt there’s many places left anywhere with that kind of price point. One upside is you can add a classic pork burger to your plate for $5.

Look, it’s not the old Harmony Lunch. It’s the new one, and it’s pretty good.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

A NEW COMMUNITY PROJECT FROM THE KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY EDITION. COMING OCTOBER 2017.

2017

events calendar

Story Exchange Culture Series

DOORS OPEN WATERLOO

VISUAL ART

VISUAL ART

September 16, 2017 Doors Open Waterloo

September 14, 2017 Transend: Meeting Room Celebratory Corn Roast

October 16 - November 24, 2017 Patrick Cruz

The Library has transformed into a 21st century hub of ideas, culture, and interactivity. Visit the Robert Langen Art Gallery, Laurier Archives, WLU Press, outdoor sunken garden, and other re-energized spaces.

■ ■

■

FREE LOCATION: WATERLOO CAMPUS LIBRARY, floors 4-6 TIME: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

MUSIC IN THE LIBRARY

October 6, 2017 & November 17, 2017 Community Music An intimate performance in the beautiful Langen Gallery featuring students from Laurier’s renowned Community Music program.

■ ■ ■

FREE LOCATION: ROBERT LANGEN ART GALLERY TIME: 12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m.

VISUAL ART

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Nick Dinka, ndinka@wlu.ca.

September 1 - October 6, 2017 Transend: Meeting Room Experience a mixed media installation by London, Ontario-based artist and social justice activist Ron Benner.

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laurierculture.ca

FREE LOCATION: ROBERT LANGEN ART GALLERY

■ ■ ■

FREE LOCATION: LIBRARY SUNKEN GARDEN TIME: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

LIFT SERIES

September 1 - August 1, 2018 LIFT Exhibition Series: Unobstructed Beauty Unobstructed Beauty features the work of Lauren Judge, Marion R. Anderson, and Anne Filiatrault.

Each artist shares a narrative that invites viewers to reflect on how we perceive and experience our surrounding environment.

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FREE LOCATION: WATERLOO CAMPUS LIBRARY, floors 4-6

October 18, 2017 LIFT Series: Exhibition Opening ■ ■ ■

FREE LOCATION: ROBERT LANGEN ART GALLERY TIME: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Experience a video installation by renowned Filipino-Canadian artist Patrick Cruz.

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FREE LOCATION: ROBERT LANGEN ART GALLERY

October 18, 2017 Patrick Cruz - Exhibition Opening ■ ■ ■

FREE LOCATION: ROBERT LANGEN ART GALLERY TIME: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

LITERATURE

October 26 & November 23, 2017 Balderdash Reading Series The Balderdash aims to connect our local literary community with the larger Canadian scene.

Readings by emerging and established poets and prose writers. Cash bar.

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FREE LOCATION: ROBERT LANGEN ART GALLERY TIME: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2017 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

14

This is downtown Kitchener. IMPACT17 takes place in nine different downtown locations. MATT SMITH PHOTO

IMPACT17 CREATES CONNECTIONS OF INDIGENEITY

THIS YEAR’S IMPACT FESTIVAL STAGE WILL HIGHLIGHT STORIES ABOUT WOMEN, HEALING, AND RESILIENCE

SAM NABI CONTRIBUTOR This September, Kitchener will play host to the fifth biannual IMPACT theatre festival, taking place in nine different locations around downtown Kitchener.

“This year is the first time that we’re programming work geared specifically toward children and youth,” said Pam Patel, IMPACT’s Conference Coordinator.

To that effect, The MT Space Young Company will host a family pavilion at Schneider Haus, with workshops, performances, and storytelling for the duration of the festival.

“What’s unique about both the young company and the youth conference this year is that we really

pushed to assemble a team of leaders to lead those initiatives who are under 30,” says Patel. “It’s youth-led, done by youth, and so the conference structure and the sessions are all coordinated by this team of five youth.”

“What I really see highlighted on the stage this year are stories by women, stories about healing, and really seeing resilient populations. So we’re moving beyond just hearing stories of the past.

We’re seeing the strength of these communities,” says Patel.

Majdi Bou-Matar, the artistic director of IMPACT 17, has been shepherding this festival since it began in 2009.

In that time he has seen the face of independent theatre change dramatically. “In the past eight years, you see that there are exemplary leaders in Canadian independent theatre that are people of colour, women of colour, indigenous theatre companies.”

IMPACT is also about creating connections of indigeneity across the globe. Bou-Matar met the Okareka

Dance Company, a Maori theatre company from New Zealand, while visiting a festival in Australia. After seeing their production Mana Wahine, he knew he had to bring them to Canada.

“It is a dance theatre piece that was heavily contemporary in its form, but draws all its themes and storyline from traditional Maori teaching. And I thought, this is what IMPACT is about.

Always negotiating that place between our cultures, our heritage, what we carry in our bodies.”

Taane Mete, one of Okareka’s artistic directors, has previously partnered with Six Nations dancer Santee Smith in Bannf and Toronto. This sense of unity through intercultural exchange is reflected when Mete speaks about Mana Wahine: “The production is like a matrix, interwoven with Maori culture, song, dance, prayer, visuals, lighting, spiritual reference, ceremonies, and countless hours of love.”

“We don’t treat our show different if we are in New Zealand or abroad.

We approach the show with the same amount of love and attention that it deserves. If we don’t look after the show, I am certain that our ancestors would let us know that more care is needed.”

For family-oriented programming, two Indigenous-led theatre companies from Calgary will present We are All Treaty People and As Long as the Sun Shines. Quest Theatre and Making Treaty 7 open up a discussion about reconciliation and healing for children as young as three years old.

From Halifax, The Accidental Mechanics’ Let’s Not Beat Each Other to Death opens with a traditional monologue, but slowly breaks down the fourth wall as it asks the audience to consider their role in stopping homophobic violence.

“In a festival of culturally diverse work, they’re opening a space for discussion about queerness as a culture,” says Stewart Legere, one of the company’s co-founders.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS HAPPENS IN KW

KW LITTLE THEATRE’S NEWEST PRODUCTION TAKES VIEWERS TO A VEGAS WEDDING

RAMONA LEITAO CONTRIBUTOR “What happens in Vegas” will no longer be staying in Vegas, thanks to KW Little Theatre’s latest upcoming production. What Happened in Vegas, an original play written and directed

by KW local Rob Card, will be opening in late September.

This latest production is no typical story of a couple trying to elope to Vegas. According to Card, the play depicts what happens when the friends and family of the couple attempt to help out with the wedding.

“Somehow amnesiacs, secret agents, and international smugglers get involved and things go from bad, to worse, to crazy,” Card said. “It’s fun and light and you’ll want to see it a few times to catch all the little things going on.”

While the first draft for What Happened in Vegas was written in

about one week, Card was able to fully perfect it thanks to the help of KWLT’s workshops.

Card, who has also written and directed a variety of plays such as The Interview and The Tailor Made Prince – A Comedy of Heirs, got into writing at a very young age.

“I’ve always been a writer. I started writing when I was 16,” Card said. “Yet it took 20 years of writing before I felt comfortable putting things out to the public, I’ve also always loved theatre, so it was natural to get into playwriting.”

Card first began playwriting by writing little skits, and worked his way up to writing one acts pieces, before starting to write full length shows.

Now having lived in KW for 20 years, Card originally came here for university.

“I stayed here for two main reasons: I met my wife here, and I met the great community that is KWLT,” Card said.

“They are always welcoming and a great place to…play.”

To learn more about What Happened in Vegas or about KWLT, visit their w ebsite at kwlt.org.

IMPACT has a clear sense of purpose when it comes to shining a light on social issues and creating space for underrepresented communities. But Bou-Matar scoffs at the idea of socalled “political art” being in conflict with entertainment.

“I don’t like to separate entertainment from social relevance, because I think they’re inseparable. A piece that’s not socially relevant is not entertaining at all.”

“Theatre becomes a museum piece when it’s only about reproducing the ‘great British canon’ or whatever it is.

For theatre to stay relevant, it needs to speak to the community and to reflect the community that it represents.”

The festival runs from September 26 to October 1. For tickets and more information about IMPACT 17, visit mtspace.ca

WE’RE ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB WWW. COMMUNITYEDITION .CA

SEPTEMBER 2017 // @THECOMMUNITYED

15

ARTS & CULTURE EVENT LISTINGS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 NERDY KARAOKE WATCHTOWER

It’s a known fact that Eric Moon hosts amazing karaoke nights.

There will be 30,000 songs to choose from so you nerds can sing your hearts out all night. Call the Watchtower to reserve your spot and warm up your vocal cords.

Fun • No Cover • 8pm-12am

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 DATA VISUALIZATION FOR BEGINNERS COMMUNITECH DATA HUB

Learn the basics of data visualization and processing with JavaScript, hosted by Ladies Learning Code. This workshop is designed for absolute beginners, so if you don’t know what data visualization means, but are curious to learn, this is the right place for you.

Education • $55 • 10am-4pm

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12* OUTFEST 2017 THE REGISTRY THEATRE

A full week of celebrating LGBTQ+ stories with theatre, dance, and music. The festival has many performances at several locations around town. Get all the details on their Facebook page. *Runs until September 10.

Art • $50 for a festival pass

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 13 LITERARY TRIVIA WATERLOO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Book trivia is the new TV trivia.

Gather your team of readers and get there early to get a good table.

Questions will cover multiple genres.

Fun • Free • 7-8:30pm

BACK TO COOL COMEDY PRINCESS CAFE

The Princess Cafe is pretty good at hosting hilarious comedy nights, so go to this if you like to laugh.

Featuring Nick Flanagan, Megan Pettit, and a couple others. Get there early to snag a seat, space fills up quickly.

Comedy • PWYC ($10 suggested) • 9pm

Z TO THE HEADCASE BECKY’S APARTMENT

3 Nines Compact Cassettes is following their Bruce Willis’ Jog Mixtape release in July with Z to the Headcase’s Uglypop. You can buy cassettes and refurbished Walkmans at the show, which is the ultimate 1995 dream come true Music • No Cover • 10pm

KOI FEST MAXWELL’S

After a hiatus from their usual festival in 2016, KOI is back with a two-day lineup including Cancer Bats and Life in Vacuum. *Runs until September 16.

Music • $80 for a festival pass

B-MOVIE BINGO APOLLO CINEMA

The Stephen King classic, Maximum Overdrive, is screening at the Apollo. In their B-Movie Bingo tradition, watch this amazing/terrible movie while playing along with a B-movie tropes bingo card.

Movie • $8-$11 • 6:45-9pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 HOLD THE LINE WATERLOO ROD AND GUN CLUB This new, one-day festival is blending music, cycling, beer, and community. There will be three cycling routes of varying lengths for attendees to join in on and local musicians taking the stage throughout the day. Visit holdthelinewr.org for details and tickets Community • $20 • All Day

BELMONT VILLAGE BESTIVAL BELMONT VILLAGE Another new music and art festival in KW! We don’t know much about this one, but it’ll have music, food, and art. What else do you need on a Saturday?

Community • Free • 10am-10pm

DAY IN THE DISTRICT GASLIGHT SQUARE CAMBRIDGE The Gaslight District is the name of a new development in Galt.

This is an opportunity to hang out there if you’re curious about it. They’ll have lots of art, food, a market, and family-friendly activities. And maybe someone will try to get you to buy a condo... we’re not sure.

Community • Free • 11am-9pm

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 FOOD TRUCK FAM JAM CIVIC CENTRE PARK Formerly known as the Outlaw Food Truck Picnic, this is a great, family-friendly afternoon with your favourite food trucks. There will be performances, activities, and a licensed area.

Food • Free Admission • 12-7pm

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 NIGHT\SHIFT LINEUP LAUNCH GOUDIES LANE

Halifax’s Walrus are coming to town to help NIGHT\SHIFT announce more than 20 participants of this year’s placehacking festival, taking place November 2-4. Local indie-pop act EDDYEVVY are the opening act. Goudies Lane will be closed to traffic for the evening, so take the opportunity to admire the artwork lining the street created over the summer.

Music • Free • 6:30-9:30pm

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

CASABLANCA PRINCESS CINEMA Celebrate the Princess Cinema’s 32nd birthday with a screening of the classic film Casablanca.

Screening is free for Princess members and students. You can reserve a seat online to avoid eternal disappointment.

Movie • Free for Members • 5:30pm

PET SOUNDS LIVE CENTRE IN THE SQUARE The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds is one of the greatest records ever made.

See it performed live by Brian

Wilson with guests Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. It definitely won’t be the worst trip you’ve ever been on.

Music • $54-$150 • 8pm

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 LIGHT STORIES OPEN SESAME Feminine Harbor brings four women of four different generations to share their life stories along with live music.

They say it’s like The Vagina Monologues meets TED Talks, which sounds cool.

Community • $15-$30 • 7-9pm

FIREFLY TRIVIA WATCHTOWER Our unofficial study found that most men born between 1980 and 1993 are obsessed with the shortlived Joss Whedon show Firefly.

Here’s your chance to put your fandom to comptetative use. Call the Watchtower to reserve a spot ahead of time.

Fun • No Cover • 7-11pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 TRADITIONAL POW WOW WATERLOO PARK This is the 14th annual traditional Pow Wow hosted by the Waterloo Aboriginal Education Centre, in partnership with the City of Waterloo. There will be lots to experience, we recommend making the trip.

Culture • Free Admission • 12-5pm

LOL IN SEPTEMBER OPEN SESAME Ladies and LGBTQ2+ Out Loud is back for another night of hilariously inclusive comedy.

Comedians featured this month are Brandon Ash-Mohammed and Brian Millward with opener Cas Knihnisy. For the first time in LOL history, the evening with start with an open mic, so get your jokes ready.

Comedy • $13 • 8-11pm

CLASSIC FEAST APOLLO CINEMA The John Candy classic, Uncle Buck will be on the big screen and all you can eat pancakes will be served to your seat! Buy tickets in advance on the Internet.

Movie • $22-$25 • 6:45-8:30pm

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26* IMPACT17 MT SPACE Once again, MT Space is bringing the region Indigenous and culturally diverse performance art.

This year the festival will include a family pavilion for productions appropriate for all ages. *Runs until October 1st Performance • $117 for Festival Passes

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 ALYSHA BRILLA STARLIGHT Alysha Brilla will be celebrating her latest album release with help from the Brilltones and Janice Jo Lee. Brilla’s new release is called Rooted. The show is part of Brilla’s international tour.

Music • $30 • Doors Open at 8pm

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AUGUST 2017 // @THECOMMUNITYED

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