Cord Community Edition: June 2013

#10ideas

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

ORD COMMUNITY

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9

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COMMUNITY.THECORD.CA

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THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

JUNE 2013

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

3 News Minding the gap of social services, uncovering fraud in Waterloo Region and BBM goes global

9 Civic Space What will it take to get region residents civically engaged?

11 Features K-W Summer Guide 2013: Patios, fashion and road trips, oh my! It’s our 2013 summer guide

18 Urban Exploring A walk in Waterloo Park and a journey to Kitchener of yesteryear

Volume 1, Issue #9 Next issue: July 5, 2013 Advertising All advertising inquiries should be directed to Angela Endicott at 519-884-0710 x3560 angela.taylor@wlusp.com CONTRIBUTORS Editor-in-Chief H.G. Watson hwatson@thecord.ca

Photography Manager Ryan Hueglin rhueglin@thecord.ca

Publisher Bryn Ossington Bryn.ossington@wlusp.com

Photography Manager Heather Davidson hdavidson@thecord.ca

Cord Editor-in-Chief Justin Smirlies jsmirlies@thecord.ca

Copy Editor Erin O’Neil

Graphic Designer Lena Yang lyang@thecord.ca Amanda Chang Kevin Delaney Ashley Denuzzo Bob Egan Scott Glaysher Sara Hanafi Tanishka Kundu Allison Leonard Adele Palmquist WLUSP ADMINISTRATION President Executive Director Advertising Manager Treasurer Vice-Chair Director Director Corporate Secretary Distribution Manager Web Manager

19 Community Conversations With Cycle Waterloo

20 Arts and Culture Gold & Youth on Mad Max and Cory Crossman on the business of music

22 Reviews

Mark Shiffer Kate Turner Jody Waardenburg

Allison Leonard Bryn Ossington Angela Endicott Tom Paddock Luke Schulz Shelby Blackley Kate Turner Alexandra Abbiento Angela Endicott Adam Lazzarato

The Cord Community Edition is the monthly magazine version of the Cord, the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community.

Started in 2012, The Cord Community Edition is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors.

Opinions expressed within The Cord Community Edition are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in The Cord Community Edition bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent.

23 Monthly Events

The Cord Community Edition is created using Macintosh computers running Mac OS X 10.5 using Adobe Creative Suite 4. Canon cameras are used for principal photography.

MESSAGE BOARD Editor’s note A party on a train in K-W...

We’re busy here getting ready for Steel Rail Sessions 2013. Got yourself a ticket yet?

There’s just a few left. Go to community.thecord.ca/steelrails.

We’ll see you at Waterloo Central Station at 7 p.m. on June 21.

Notes Corrections In the May 2013 article, “10 Ideas to change Waterloo,”Cheryl-Ann Webster was misidentified as Carolyn Webster.

In the May 2013 article, “10 Ideas to change Waterloo,” Ronald Chui’s name was spelled incorrectly.

The CCE is always looking for talented writers, artists, designers and photographers. If you’d like to get involved, email us at communityeditor@thecord.ca

-H.G. Watson

Got something on your mind?

Want to talk about one of this month’s articles? Submit your letter to the editor to communityeditor@thecord.ca

The Cord Community Edition has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2012. Any unsatisfied complaints can be sent to the council at info@ontpress.com.

The Cord Community Edition circulates monthly. Normal circulation is 33,000 and enjoys a readership of over 60,000.

Cord Community Edition subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada.

Campus Plus is The Cord’s national advertising agency.

PREAMBLE TO THE CORD CONSTITUTION The Cord Community Edition will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy.

The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly. When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to reply at the earliest time possible. Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff.

The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on the community of Kitchener-Waterloo. Ultimately, The Cord Community Edition will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate.

The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the community.

The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of community press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our magazine.

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

JUNE 2013

NEWS NEWS LINE

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This month we’re talking about...

Moving on to bigger things

UFOs in Elmira?

It was announced in late May that Sustainable Waterloo founder, Mike Morrice, is stepping down from his position as executive director this fall to begin work on a new environment awareness and sustainable organization at the national level. The structure of the new organization will be similar to the one that currently exists in Waterloo, but on a much larger scale. Sustainable Waterloo, which was launched in 2009, assists businesses in the area to help reduce their emissions.

The year 2012 illustrated a spike in unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings, with one of them being reported close to Waterloo Region.

On Feb. 28 of 2012, two individuals reported seeing two “guitar pick” shaped objects heading east at about 5 p.m. in the afternoon in Elmira, apparently about 61 metres high. The number of UFO sightings doubled in 2012 from 2011.

Sharrows come to Kitchener Bike sharrows were painted onto the streets of downtown Kitchener in late May, giving drivers a friendly reminder that those roads are shared with cyclists as well. The sharrows span about 11 blocks in downtown Kitchener, from Francis Street to Pandora Street. The recommendation for sharrows comes from the city’s 2010 cycling master plan, with new bike racks also being installed throughout the downtown core.

Kitchener gets cheesy Waterloo late-night snack vendor, Cheeses Murphy, which is run out of the Princess Cafe on weekends, is expanding to Kitchener to open a permanent location.

The gourmet grilled cheese shop will be located at 8 Duke Street in Kitchener and will have day hours as opposed to late -night ones at the original location. The Waterloo stand will still be in operation.

Flying high in Waterloo Region

From June 1 to 2, the Waterloo Air Show once again showcased a number of pilots — and their advanced flying machines — from around the country. The air show was hosted by the Region of Waterloo International Airport, and featured not only dazzling displays by planes, but also a number booths from community groups and food trucks. The 2013 Canadian Aviation Expo was held in conjunction to the Waterloo Air show. This was the fifth show in the Region.

IN FOCUS

Cameron Dearlove gives a presentation about The Family Centre at Cord Community Editon’s ‘10 Ideas to Change Waterloo’ party on May 29. • Jody Waardenburg CCE CONTRIBUTOR

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JUNE 2013

NEWS

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

BUILDING THEM UP

Local athlete Lucas Rowe plans on giving back to the community through the sport of boxing

Local boxer Lucas Rowe plans on competing at the World Boxing Council’s National Championship, and he needs the community’s help to get there. • COURTESY LUCAS ROWE

H.G. WATSON CCE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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fter 13 months away from the ring, Lucas Rowe found his nerves getting the best of him. At stake was the provincial championships, and the match was against an opponent who had beaten him twice before.

But Rowe, a seasoned boxer with many accolades under his belt, found strength in an unconventional strategy.

“My biggest thing is having a good time,” said Rowe. “You have to keep that mentality in the ring. I had a smile on my face the whole time.” That strategy helped him win.

Now, Rowe is gearing up for a run at the World Boxing Council’s National Championship and he’s counting on the support of the

community to get him there. He’s starting an aggressive campaign seeking donations, not unlike the popular concept of crowdfunding, to pay for the high costs of competing at an elite level.

Rowe plans on paying back his supporters by becoming not just a boxing champion, but also a champion for the community.

“The idea is that I use the platform that I create in the community to transition into public awareness for all the social initiatives and not-for-profit stuff I do,” he added.

Fighting in a national or international championship can cost around $10,000. The cost is complicated by the fact Rowe can’t work while he trains. “I have to train for two months without working,” said Rowe. “It’s about 35 hours a week.”

Rowe believes his plan to raise funds by giving back to the community will be

effective given his own background. When he moved to the region from Ottawa, he was, as he puts it, “a less than model citizen.” The support of mentors, including his boxing coach Syd Vanderpool, helped put him on a better path. “[They] created a mental position for me to get the most out of my opportunities.”

Since then, he has worked as a boxing coach mentoring youth like himself, has taught himself business and has become involved in various local charities like TEDxYouth and Leadership Waterloo Region.

It was while he was boxing that he had an epiphany of sorts. “Why am I spending all of my time developing and learning how to knock people down when I’m actually all about building people up?”he asked himself.

“From that I thought I could use [my career] as a platform to create more growth in the

community.”

Rowe plans on giving back by going on a speaking tour targeted at youth. Getting teens involved in the community is a passion of his, and he believes his experience can help make that happen. He and a friend are already creating a youth engagement organization.

Mentoring is something Rowe values immensely.

“Succeeding in front [of the boxers I coach] is important,” he said. “Showing them how to do it respectfully…it’s far more important than actually winning.”

ThoseinterestedinsupportingRowecanvisit lucas-rowe.com

SEX TRADE AN ISSUE IN THE REGION ASHLEY DENUZZO CCE CONTRIBUTOR

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iving in one of the most developed nations in the world, it is hard to believe that crimes against humanity happen within our borders.

However, on a different scale of human right violations, activist Jacqui Linder revealed that sex trafficking not only occurs on Canadian soil, but also within our communities.

“I was working at the sexual assault centre in Edmonton where I had a client who was a victim of human trafficking and who had never received treatment,”Linder explained.

“She’s the one who told me:‘well, who would I tell? I’m not going to tell a Square John what I do for a living and have them laugh at me and tell me it was my own fault.”

That was the moment when Linder realized that there was another population living deep within Canadian society that desperately needed help.

On May 9, Linder spoke at the eighth

annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month event hosted by the Sexual Assault Support Center (SASC) of Waterloo Region.

Her speech focused on understanding survivors of human sex trafficking and the psychologicalturmoilthatoftengoesunnoticed.

“We have an event each year and bring in a keynote speaker that’s speaking on a topic relevant to the community”, said Sara Casselman, the public relations and operations manager at the SASC. “Jacqui Linder comes highly recommended as a public speaker … She’s probably the number one speaker on this issue in Canada,” Casselman added.

Linder is the CEO of a trauma centre in Edmonton and the founder and Executive/ Clinical Director of the Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network.

She has worked with male offenders, war rape survivors, survivors of human trafficking, commercial sex workers, former gang members,survivorsofsexualabuseandadult sexual assault.

Although Linder’s practice is based in

Edmonton, she also emphasized that the issue of sexual assault is prevalent in all Canadian communities.Waterloo Regional Police reported that in 2011 there were 550 sexual harassment cases in the Kitchener/Waterloo area.

“In our community we’ve really just started to mobilize on the issue of human sex trafficking and a group of us in criminal justice and social services are starting to look at some of the services [available] in our community, how we can meet the needs of our survivors, and how we can create a map of services so when a survivor ends up at the police we know where the resources are in the community,” Casselman explained.

“Human sex trafficking is not something that’s new but the awareness about the issue is starting to grow,” she added.

Linderemphasizedtheaftermatheffectsof an individual who has been involved in human trafficking are reflective of their sense of self, boundaries, stability and learned values.

Above all, she called upon the importance of community listening, action and basic

human kindness.

“Yes, there are people who go into the sex industry willingly,” Linder admitted. “But they don’t seem to follow the psychological injury that people who are there involuntarily do. My advice is that basic human kindness goes a long way.”

Waterloo Mayor, Brenda Halloran, was also in attendance at Thursday’s event.

“I’m hearing a lot of things that are happening in the community,” Halloran explained to the entire room. “I think we need to do what we do best in the Waterloo Region and that’s collaborate and really form a strong, cohesive group to deal with this issue.”

Halloran urged the community to take a stand against sexual assault and human trafficking. “The subject matter is very heavy but I sense that there’s a lot of hope,” she said.

“We have addressed it, we are talking about it, and I feel as sense of purpose. And we are going to step up as a community, I promise you that.”

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

NEWS

JUNE 2013

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BBM EXPANDING TO COMPETITORS JUSTIN SMIRLIES CORD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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lackberry — the company previously known as Research in Motion — will be releasing their mobile messaging software, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), later this summer for other smartphone operating systems, they announced at their annual convention in May. This decision comes just months after the Waterloo-based company and product manufacturer released their new set of smartphones, the Z10 and the Q10. BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins made the announcement at the BlackBerry Live event in Orlando following other announcements including the expected release of a cheaper smartphone, the Q5, and a potential tablet.

“When you look at BBM, this is a very active, engaged community [with] 60 million active users sending and receiving over 10 billion messages a day, half of which are read within 20 seconds,” explained Andrew Bocking, executive vice president of softwareproductmanagementandecosystemat BlackBerry.

“We have a very active base there. Our users themselves, through all the research that we’ve done over the years, have been asking for this. They have been asking for the ability to connect with all of their friends regardless of what mobile device they’re using.”

BBM has been one of the flagship features of the BlackBerry brand since the late 2000s.

Sincethen,however,ithasfacedconsiderable competition from Apple and Samsung.

Bocking noted that this was the “right time” to expand BBM to different operating systems.

“The simple way to put it is, BBM is a great experience and by having that available now to a wider set of smartphone users in the world, it will give everyone a taste of BlackBerry and what you get with the overall BlackBerry experience,” continued Bocking.

He noted that BBM on Apple and Android phones will have similar features.

But Bocking asserted that BlackBerry isn’t abandoning the focus on their smartphones.

They hope that with BBM they could lure people into making the move to a Z10 or a Q10.

“No other smartphone [operating system] out there has the same concept [as

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), the flagship program for the Waterloo-based company, is moving to iPhone and Android. • FILE PHOTO

BlackBerry 10] so what we see is a natural opportunity to give everybody a case to the BlackBerry experience with BBM,” Bocking said. “We’ve committed to future parity and other platforms, but not all platforms have thesamefocusonproductivityonmessaging than what we have with BlackBerry 10.”

Bocking said BBM will flourish on other platforms because it approaches messaging different than other applications. He said that its ability to be more “private and intimate” is what distances it from other messaging applications.

He also mentioned the use of “BBM Channels” which is a media service where users can connect to wider audience based on interests including career industry.

When asked if BlackBerry faced any

challenges by moving their messaging system over to competitor smartphones, Bocking responded by saying, “any decision, especially one of this magnitude, always get reviewed with vigor and this was no different than that.”

Bocking also added that the expansion of BBM has received “very positive” feedback.

Although the application is slated for a summer release, BlackBerry still needs to get the approval from Apple and Android from those smartphone users to download it, but Bocking anticipates that shouldn’t be an issue.

“We’re going to try and make it available, andweexpect,hopeandanticipatethatthere are no problems with the approval,” Bocking said.

“We’re going to try and make it available, and we expect, hope and anticipate that there are no problems with the approval.”

—AndrewBocking,EVPofsoftwareproduct managementandecosystematBlackBerry

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NEWS

JUNE 2013

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A MILLION LITTLE PIECES The effect of a fraudster on Kitchener-Waterloo H.G. WATSON CCE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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ecent revelations that a local volunteer and former national executive director of national charity 5 Days for the Homeless had been convicted on fraud charges has left a community grasping for answers.

Robb Farago is well-known inWaterloo for volunteering for a seemingly endless list of charities and community initiatives, including Movember, Ignite Waterloo, KW Polar Plunge and the aforementioned 5 Days. He pled guilty to two counts of criminal charges related to fraud in early 2012, while he was continuing to volunteer.

The Waterloo Region Record broke the story on May 24, releasing the information thatFaragohadfraudulentlywrittencheques totaling $4,273.63 from the KW Polar Plunge to himself. The Record reported he was caughtafterhebouncedacertifiedchequehe had also written to himself from 5 Days for the Homeless, totaling $5,800. He was sentenced on Sept. 5, 2012 to 12 months probation and 40 hours community service.

In the months after his sentencing, he continued to go to classes at KW Engage, a local community engagement seminar, and volunteered as a MoBro for the popular Movember charity. Yet rumours — some going back to 2011 — swirled in the community that Farago was involved in some wrongdoing. As they became more rampant, the man in question retreated from the public eye. It was only after a blog post that people began to talk publically about what happened.Why is it that it took so long for Farago’s situation to be made public?

Jane Barkley, a social media manager and popular blogger, considered Farago a friend.

Both were active on social media so naturally they crossed paths via Twitter. “It was just in that standard way that you become aware of peoplebecausethey’reveryvocalandactive,” she said, referring to Farago’s large social media presence.

The two were in the same social circle of Waterloovianswhospend a great deal of time doing charity work. Farago even procured tickets to a sold out Waterloo Ignite event for Barkley after she expressed disappointment online that she wasn’t able to get one.

It was in the fall of 2012 that Barkley began to hear rumours that Farago may have had improper dealings with some local charities. “There wasn’t any solid information,” she said. “When I first heard about it, the rumour was that a significant sum of money was taken from [some organizations].” It became clear that there was some truth to the rumours just as she began to loose contact with Farago.

Barkley wasn’t the only person to be affected by the rumours. Karl Allen-Muncey is the founder of Cutegecko and the co-committee chair for Movember in the region. He came to know Farago as an active volunteer for Movember.

Farago captained his own Movember team the McMoBros, which raised $2,445 last November according to their MoSpace page, and organized two fundraising events at Maxwell’s Music House, one in 2011 and in 2012. He also volunteered at the Movember Ball, the capstone event for Movember in the region. Allen-Muncey even trusted him enough to handle money at the door of that event.

As early as November 2011, Allen-Muncey was warned that Farago may have been involved in some improper dealings regarding fundraising. “Because there was nothing necessarily concrete I obviously wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt,” said Allen-Muncey.

But a year later, the rumours had only grown stronger and more frequent.“Interest-

call to action. She took to her blog and wrote a post directed at Farago, whom she dubbed “Mr. Nice Guy.” In it, she wrote, “Mr. Nice Guy looked at people who were hopeful, who were working to see the best in others, who shared this crazy notion they could help make the world a better place, and used it to extort money for personal gain. I doubt very much his redemption will come through an email, copied and pasted.” At press time, the post has 35 comments, most anonymous, many expressing their shock and feelings of betrayal because of Farago’s actions.

Barkley was motivated to write her blog post because she was concerned that nobody in the community was talking publically about Farago’s actions. “I don’t have any hatred in my heart towards Robb in any way,” she said. “I feel it’s important to talk

“I feel it’s important to talk more openly because so many people know what’s happened and so many more individuals were impacted.”

—JaneBarkley,localblogger&socialmediamanageronwhyshespokeoutaboutRobb Farago’s actions ingly, the people that you would hear it from were people you genuinely respect and admire within this community,” Allen-Muncey said. “I think there was an awareness a lot earlier from figureheads in the community… of this activity taking place.” In November 2012, Farago resigned from the Movember committee.

Because Movember funds go directly to Movember Canada, the national organization, Allen-Muncey could not confirm whether funds Farago had raised personally were received by the organization, nor could he about any other Movember volunteer in Waterloo.

Matt Matheson, who works at Movember Canada, confirmed that they had received funds from Farago from the 2011 Maxwell’s event, as well as his pledge money from 2012.

They had no record of him hosting an event in 2012, but Matheson noted that is not uncommon, as not all Movember teams will register events that benefit the charity.“We’d have to take him at his word in this case given that funds had been submitted in the past for the event as well,”said Matheson in an email.

After months of silence, Barkley and Allen-Muncey finally heard from Farago on May 1 when he sent a letter to both apologizing for his past behaviour. The letter starts, “As I am sure you’ve heard, I was involved in fraudulent activity over this past year involving community groups. It was wrong and outright disgusting and I am full of nothing but guilt and remorse for my actions.” Many other community members also reportedly received the letter.

For Barkley, the letter from Farago was a

more openly because so many people know what’s happened and so many more individuals were impacted.”She noted that many of the young professionals who work with local non-profits might feel the obligation to be nice rather than say something that could damage their own reputation.

Muncey-Allen expressed concern that Farago’sactionscoulddamagethereputation of other charities in the area. “This is such an incredible community,” he said, noting that people rally for causes. “When somebody starts jeopardizing that, there’s a real risk to the entire eco-system.”

Unfortunately, Farago’s actions are not an isolated incident. Jane Hennig is the executive director at the Volunteer Action Centre, a local non-profit that assists other nonprofits with recruiting volunteers.With more than ten years of experience working with non-profits, she has seen people take advantage of charities before. “[It’s] not a once in a lifetime experience,” she said.

Hennig couldn’t speak directly to the events surrounding Farago. However, she’s not entirely surprised people are concerned about the impact his actions have had on the community. “In the past, I wouldn’t say in this community as much as in other communities, where there is a negative story like this it does effect confidence.” It’s not necessarily that people no longer trust charities, but simply, as Henning puts it, that there is a “tension”surrounding the philanthropy that propels the entire sector.

So what should one do when fraud or inappropriate behaviour is suspected? “As soon as you have proof or even a concern is

the time to raise [it],” said Hennig. That can mean involving the police, or in some cases simply removing the volunteer in question from a position where they could do damage.

Hennig was also emphatic that risk management can save non-profits a lot of headaches.

In the wake of these revelations, some local non-profits are making changes to how they handle their finances. “In the long run, we’re already thinking about next year,‘how can we handle our funds so it’s transparent and accountable?’” said Jim Tigwell, the organizer of Waterloo’s chapter of Headshots from the Heart — another charity Farago volunteeredfor,thoughhehadnoresponsibility for finances there.“Really it’s something that we should have been doing before.”

One of the hardest hit organizations was Wilfrid Laurier University’s 5 Days for the Homeless. Laiya Carayannopoulos is the current director of 5 Days for the Homeless Laurier. She wasn’t volunteering for the organization when Farago was involved with the campaign in 2011. It was during Farago’s time there that he wrote himself a cheque for over $5,000; an action that eventually led to his conviction.

Carayannopoulos dealt with the aftermath of Farago’s actions as a volunteer in 2013. “Because of that incident, the way we deal with the money changed,” she said, noting that Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union now holds the money until it is sent out to the receiving charities. She also remains vigilant when handling donations, which this year, she estimates, reached somewhere between $12,000 and $13,000.

Farago, meanwhile, has laid low since his history has become public. After the publication of Barkley’s blog post, he deleted all of his social media accounts, including his Twitter and LinkedIn. He also purged his blog, robbfarago.ca, and declined the CCE’s request for an interview.

A few posts from his blog hint that all was not well for Farago. On Sep. 6, 2012 — the day after Farago received his sentence stemming from fraud charges — he wrote, “over the past year there has been a lot weighing on my mind and it’s caused more its own share of issues. But yesterday, like some magic spell, everything that has been holding me back, keeping me preoccupied, finally came to a head. My family has been struggling with some heavy things, and yesterday, we received some very good news and Life [sic] can move forward. I am elated and ready to take on the world again!”

We can’t speculate what Farago is feeling today. But the confusion and betrayal expressedbymanyofthepeoplecertainlyshow that this is a community still coming to terms with controversy born from a person many once called a friend.

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JUNE 2013

NEWS

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

MIND THE GAP

ALLISON LEONARD & BRYN OSSINGTON HOSTS - UNFINISHED ARCHIVE

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randon Morton sits with one hand behind his ear, fiddling with his already askew glasses.The other hand clutches a vibrant, green package of YuGiOh cards on his lap. Brandon whips his hand forward from behind his ear, stopping in the middle of his forehead with his index finger in a point — he’s decided on a new joke.

“Bob, Steve and Fred all open their lunches while sitting on a construction site beam,”he begins, leading into the improbable fate of three construction workers.

“Brandon loves puns,” says his father, Mark Morton.“Right after he was diagnosed, he said to his papa, ‘I have aspergers, can I have fries with that?’” At 17 and a half, one wouldn’t expect Brandon or his parents to address their son’s developmental disability with such good humour.

In six months, the Province of Ontario will no longer consider Brandon a child.

His funding from Special Services at Home (SSAH) will be halted, replaced by an application for funding from a new program, numerous assessment appointments and a waiting list. This funding gap — a side effect of the switch from SSAH to the new Passport program — has created undue stress for an estimated 30,000 families.

John Milloy, local Liberal MPP and previous Minister of Community and Social Services, was a keystone in sparking the Passport program. He explains the initial purpose for the revised funding process.

“We had a patchwork of services across the province...what we’ve put in place is very clear, very transparent, and is making sure there are common standards across the board,” says Milloy.

The Passport program is the provincial government’s solution for support funding for individuals over 18. Families and individuals with developmental disabilities will use the funds provided through the program to help provide support and opportunities to helpovercomevarioushurdlesresultingfrom their disabilities. With this switch individuals turning 18 who receive SSAH will be cut off and will have to apply for the new program to provide the same services. This switch however has proven less than seamless and many individuals have found themselves without funding and on waiting lists instead.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services notes that the waiting list for Passport funding hosts approximately 4,500 individuals. This staggering number is causing outrage and anxiety amongst families.

Financial aid for individuals with developmental disabilities goes toward funding therapy, personal support work, medication, andothergroupsorcommunityinvolvement; a list that, without government funding and a strong benefits plan, can quickly become costly.

“95 per cent of the prescription drugs for Brandon are paid for. If we had to pay for that

out of pocket it would be probably $12,000 a year,” Mark explains.

Complicating the issues with the Passport program is that those who remain in school will not be eligible for funding despite being 18 or older. “A lot of these individuals will be staying in high school until the age of 21,” explains Cameron Dearlove, a Coordinator at The Family Centre and previous NDP candidate for Kitchener Centre. Because public high schools provide some support for their students, individuals with disabilities are less likely to be able to access services under the Passport program. “The problem is that you’re not switching from one to another, but switching to a waiting list. It’s not streamlined, it’s a gap,” Dearlove adds.

“Eligible applicants will then have their service and support needs assessed, and will be prioritized based on the level of need of everyone waiting for services, and balanced

against available resources,” says Ted McMeekin, Minister of Community and Social Services.

‘Available resources’ are often little more than extended test writing time, a scribe and the shared support of an educational assistant. Despite the intent to offer equitable funding, an attention-grabbing gap is created by the wait between 18 and 21, as well as a possible three-year wait upon finishing school. In this case the so-called gap becomes more of a gorge.

For Brandon, life would become much more complicated without the financial support he receives from the Ontario government.

“I would probably have food on my face all the time. I wouldn’t be speaking too well,”he starts, fiddling with his still askew glasses.

Behind the lenses, Brandon’s eyes blink rapidly, as he mouths the words, trying to find

the right one for his sentence. “I wouldn’t be aware of where my body is.”

Therapy and support expenses are the Mortons’primary concern for Brandon’s lifestyle after 18.

“It’s upsetting at this point for me to just wonder what he is going to be doing in three years. We don’t want him to be sitting in his bedroom here at home doing nothing,”Mark begins.“I’m just about 50, I’m not going to be around forever.”

Like any 17 year old, Brandon craves steps of independence. Resembling a university student, wrinkled button up shirt and all, he dreams of moving to the bachelor suite, attached to the rear unit of his parents’ home.

He hopes to go school for horticulture, or maybe for making websites.

“Apparently I’m too able. It is kind of a compliment, but it is kind of discouraging that I won’t be able to own my own house or

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

NEWS

JUNE 2013

9

Provincial legislation meant to ease the burden on social welfare is leaving individuals with developmental disabilities in limbo

• KATE TURNER CORD VISUAL DIRECTOR

pay bills,” says Brandon, acknowledging the challenges in attaining the independence.

“Hardly pay rent maybe. Not be able to get groceries, or as much groceries. It is kind of like being in university or college.” He compares his situation with students who struggle to get by on student loans.

Few options exist for a parent supporting a child with a developmental disability. Depending on the severity of the individual’s condition, full time care can be required.

“I don’t think many people can do that: quit their job, go into debt or sell their home [to take care of a child],” says The Family Centre’s Dearlove. “And most families are so overwhelmed, they’re not going to be able to engage in advocacy after their child goes to bed.”

Dearlove and Subeer Bhandari, a group home worker, step into positions of advocacy where families cannot. Most recently, they

have initiated a petition requesting that the waiting list for Passport funding hopefuls be eliminated and that those currently transitioning are grandfathered into the process.

Dearlove and Bhandari’s petition is largely based on a UN Convention, signed by Canada regarding the right to supports for the disabled on an equal basis. McMeekin argues that the Province of Ontario is upholding this agreement.

“Now, the same eligibility and application process applies to everyone applying for any form of adult developmental service. Everyone is assessed in the same way.”

The petition has reached over 4,000 signatures. Upon reaching 5,000, Dearlove and Bhandari hope to trek to Queen’s Park to present the petition alongside the families being affected.

Engagement and advocacy on a family level is second to sorting

through the perceived increase in bureaucracy attached to Passport funding.

“The paper work is just mind boggling,” says Melanie Morton, Brandon’s mother.

“Having to demonstrate that the funding went towards this service — on top of looking after 4 kids — that kind of administration gets really challenging.”

It has fallen to locally based agencies and support workers to help people deal with the switch from SSAH to Passport. However, it can still be a very confusing process for Ontario families.

The provincial government has tried to create a cushion for transitioning individuals.

McMeekin explains:“We wanted to allow individuals and families time to plan and prepare, so we allowed a transitional period of one year in which adults formerly in receipt of SSAH transitioned directly into Passport.”

A series of letters and information

packages, beginning in 2011, were sent to families during the transition process. It was not specified whether individuals turning 18 in the second and third round of transition to Passport received the same notice.

“When there are people on the other end who you feel are rooting for [Brandon], that is really rewarding,” says Melanie, reflecting on her own experience interacting with Brandon’s support services. “Dealing with an adjudication office in Toronto where you can’t meet the person, it doesn’t feel like we’ve got someone who is part of the team.”

Many are skeptical of a pass-or-fail system that applies to individual, complex cases. “[The Province] functions in a very different way: ‘Here is our funding protocol, here is the assessment structure, either you fit or you don’t fit.’ It is not a flexible system,” says Melanie.

Flipping through the now open package of YuGiOh cards, Brandon reclines in the deep sofa, adjacent to his father. He moves his hand to the back of his head, and his eyes scroll to the ceiling, as he often does in conversation. He is still processing the possibilities of his future.

“It might be a little difficult because I won’t be able to have support in college or university, they let you do your own thing— like if you pass you pass, if you fail, you fail,” says Brandon, snapping a YuGiOh card of choice back between its peers before shutting the fluorescent case.

The Mortons expect that due to the new assessments, Brandon will not qualify for Passport funding. Furthermore, his highfunctioning label makes it likely that he will be ineligible for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) funding as an adult. Unlike SSAH and Passport, ODSP provides funds to support people with disabilities who cannot work as a result of their disability for basic living expenses such as housing and food.

“At this point in Brandon’s life, I don’t think there is any type of support or therapy that we wouldn’t pursue because of lack of funding,” says Mark. “What it does mean is that further down the road we may not have the savings that we would have otherwise.”

Approximately 30, 000 individuals, including Brandon, received letters notifying them of the changes to funding. Knowing of the challenge ahead, this army of near-18-yearolds emerged on the ledge of the impending gap. Fifteen thousand breached the hurdle and are now receiving funding. Still walking the thin and swaying bridge that spans the gap, 4, 500 find themselves on a waiting list.

Roughly 10, 500 are unaccounted for.

Mind the gap, please.

For more on this story, listen to:

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THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

JUNE 2013

civic space

The level engagement within the Waterloo community, such as during recent federal, provincial and municipal elections, appears to be lower . • NICK LACHANCE FILE PHOTO

IS THERE A LACK OF ENGAGMENT?

With the casino debate as an example, civic input appears to be low MARK SHIFFER CCE CONTRIBUTOR

K

itchener city council recently asked citizens to submit their opinions on approving a potential casino. This was done through a voluntary online survey and 2,326 responded out of a population of more than 200,000 people.

Between Kitchener, Waterloo and Woolwich Township, only 5,309 people gave their opinion on this pending political decision.

Why was input so low? Is this part of a larger problemofagenerallackofcivicengagement in the community?

The apparent case of apathy is nothing new. The percentage of voters in general elections is down across the country. Voter turnout in municipal elections is always significantly below 50 per cent.

There are several factors that might be contributing to a lack of participation. Only

people who are most interested and passionate about a topic will likely take the time to submit their ideas. They are motivated to respond. The majority may not have strong opinions either way and wouldn’t bother to contribute.

Besides, most of us are busy with our own lives. As the pace of society continues to increase, there may be a sense that there is less time to contribute to public debate.

The online access makes it easier but is still competing with email and social media for our distracted attention.

Perhaps it’s the layers of local government that contribute to citizen lethargy. In Waterloo Region, there are two tiers of local government, resulting in over-governance and confusion.

It can be difficult to tell where the rule of the cities and townships ends and the region begins. That is certainly a factor in the casino

debate. Individual cities can decide who wants a casino or not, but everyone is affected as part of the greater Region of Waterloo.

At which level of government would the debate be best focused?

Discussion often turns to what should be done, if anything, to correct this lack of civic participation.

Rand Strauss is the president and CEO of peoplecount.org, an American website that promotescivicengagementandactivism.He suggests a variety of actions individuals can take to become more engaged citizens.

One of his suggestions is to self-educate.

Learn about issues affecting your community. To participate effectively in society, you need to know what you are talking about and where you stand.

Strauss suggests that you then talk to others and find groups that support your position. Using social media, contacting elected

officials and organizing in public are various strategies that can help you to promote a cause.

The process of being an engaged citizen doesn’t just involve political activity. It can take the form of volunteering for the benefit of others.

Helping at a food bank or working with children is part of being active in the community. There are many ways to be actively involved.

We should not take the opportunities to participate in civic life for granted. We are fortunate to have the option to give our input into what we want for our communities. If we say nothing, then the decisions are taken out of our hands.

Whatever the outcome of the casino debate, I hope there will be increased discussion and participation.

Yes, because you should.

No, I see them [politicians] as all the same, whoever is leading does the same thing...it doesn’t matter.

Yes, I have the right to vote and it’s a good thing to have.

Vocal Cord Did you vote in the last municipal election? Why or why not?

Lezah Ducey Stay-at-home mom

Matt Fraser Customer service at TD Bank

Susan Rodgers Stay-at-home mom

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

JUNE 2013

FEATURE

K-W SUMMER GUIDE 2013 The song goes,“summertime and the living’s easy.”We don’t know about that, but it sure is nice to be able to sit on a patio and break out the shorts after a long snowy winter.

This is your ultimate guide to a K-W summer. Think of it as your staycation plan especially if, like us, you don’t exactly have the funds to get away to Muskoka in August.

Luckily we are blessed with an over abundance of fun things to see and do. On page 15 we have your complete guide to summer festivals and events throughout the region.

There is something for everyone — love yoga and dancing and movies in the park? You’re practically going to be able to do those things every night of the week.

Of course, if you are headed out to summer events you’re going to need a summer wardrobe. We’re a big fan of two things — shopping local and shopping inexpensively.

That’s why we hooked up with White Tiger Vintage and StylFrugal to create our style cheat sheet for any event you might have to go to this summer, whether it be when you get up early in the morning or when you come home early in the morning. (Page 12) It wouldn’t be summer if you didn’t debate about what patio you want to hang out on for an extended lunch break. We’ve also gathered together some of our favourites, including all the important information you’ll need to know like what beer they have on tap and who you’ll meet there. (Page 13) If you absolutely must get away this summer, we’ve got you covered too. Our road trip guide will show you how to take three off the beaten path trips that are fun and wholly affordable. (Page 14) So break out the shades and SPF 30 — summer is here K-W. Words by H.G. Watson and Erin O’Neil Photos by Ryan Hugelin Road trip illustrations by Adele Palmquist Cover illustrations by Lena Yang

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THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

THRIFTSTAR

This summer, find your wardrobe the thrifty way Brunch @ Cambridge Mill < Red cat eye sunglasses add a touch of colour ($12, White Tiger)

Art market @ Downtown Kitchener Mix and match texture and pattern for a unique look (Top, price on request, White Tiger; Necklace, $30, White Tiger; Shorts, $20, StylFrugal) >

Fun, yet conservative this polka dot dress is great for daytime ($40, StylFrugal) >

Concert @ Waterloo Park It takes a confident man to wear rainbow print.

Pair it with a chambray shirt for maximum versatility (Rainbow shirt, $20, White Tiger; Chambray shirt, $30, White Tiger) >

Maxi dresses are as popular as ever this summer. Accentuate yours with a bold statement necklace (Dress, $25, StylFrugal; Necklace, $10, StylFrugal) > We wear our sunglasses at night here at the CCE. (Sunglasses, $12, White Tiger)>

These Guess platform wedge sandals are almost as good as new — plus they’re pretty darn comfy for being so tall ($44, StylFrugal) v

With summer comes something terribly exciting brand new wardrobe options.

But finding the right mix of clothes can be tough.Wewantedtofindfashionableclothes for all at the right price, which is why we went to StylFrugal and White Tiger Vintage.

StylFrugal, just off King St. in downtown Kitchener, is a consignment clothing store owned by Helena Kwiecinski. Her store is stocked with great finds that other people have passed up as their closets change. Here you can find TopShop dresses mixed in with unique vintage pieces like a Montreal Expos warm-up jacket.

For those in the market for an even more vintage look, White Tiger Vintage offers a beautifully curated collection of vintage wears. With its pretty picture window and bright yellow interior, this downtown Kitchener shop owned by Miranda Campbell is a fun destination for unique fashion finds.

Flirty dresses colour the store with bright fabrics and floral prints next to men’s striped shirts with vintage tailoring.

Shorts and pants are on display in a mix of styles and fabrics, including high waists and bold patterns. Slouchy woven shoes and a plethora of classic purses, antique-inspired jewellery and retro sunglasses are there to complete your look.

We used both stores to create looks that will take you from a.m. to p.m. This summer is all about being bold, especially when it comes to patterns and colours. For conservative events, consider our polka dot dress or colourful sunglasses. During late night, you can get a little more adventurous.

With a wide variety of sizes and styles, you’ll find everything you need, local and inexpensive to boot.

WhiteTigerVintage, at 248 King St. E., is celebratingtwoyearsofbusinessonSaturday,June 8withatrunksale.Thestorewillbeopenfrom11 a.m.to7p.m.witha25percentsaleoneverything in stock.

StylFrugal,at30OntarioSt.Nacceptsclothes onconsignment.Youcanvisittheirwebsiteatstylfrugal.com

< Summer is time to break out the jean jacket, whether you’re a guy or gal. Paired with a stripe shirt it’s a great, classic look (Jacket, $25, StylFrugal; Shirt, $15, StylFrugal) While hot summer nights require little more than a tank and shorts, we love the pop of pattern this light vest provides.

Pair with these cute Western booties to keep your feet out of the dust that accumulates at summer festivals (Red Shirt, $18; Vest, $20; Shorts, price available on request; Boots, $60, all White Tiger)

^This men’s navy blue Mexx top is a wardrobe staple and a steal at under $20 ($18, StylFrugal)

We love it when the gentlemen embrace some colour in their wardrobe ($40, StylFrugal)

Not all men’s shorts have to be of the cargo variety. These Jones New York pair are a slightly more stylish option ($20, StylFrugal) >

^We like this purse because it’s see through without being too see through (Price on request, StylFrugal)

SUMMER GUIDE 2013

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

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13

PATIOBOUND

Eight of our favourite places to sit outside and enjoy the summer BARLEY WORKS 59 King St N, Waterloo Food $$$ Drink $$$

SHOELESS JOE’S 253 King St N, Waterloo Food $$$ Drink $$$$

Best beer on tap: We’re a fan of the honeybrown ale, brewed on site along with over 10 other beers.

You can also drink: Beer is kind of the main event at this microbrewery. That said, the Raspberry lager is a fun alternative for beer adverse folks.

You’ll mostly find there: A mix of students and workers from Uptown after their shifts are done.

Best beer on tap: Truth time: The beer selection is standard for any sports bar.

We’re here for the view right down King.

You can also drink: The Coronita Margarita. It’s your regular marg with the added fun of a bottle of Corona.

You’ll mostly find there: The last hopeful Blue Jays fans nursing a drink between innings.

ETHEL’S LOUNGE 114 King St N, Waterloo Food $$ Drink $$

MARBLES 8 William St E, Waterloo Food $$ Drink $$

Best beer on tap: You can’t beat a Grasshopper on a boiling hot day.

You can also drink: Ethel’s is home to one of the best Caesar’s in the entire city.

Good to start the night or the morning.

You’ll mostly find there: Ethel’s is great for people watching thanks to an eclectic mix of regulars and bemused visitors. Ask nicely and you may even get a bumper sticker to commemorate your visit.

Best beer on tap: The Mill St Tankhouse ale has become one of the most popular Ontario microbrews — for good reason.

You can also drink: Sangria, both red and white.

You’ll mostly find there: City of Waterloo and Region of Waterloo employees on their lunch break - and dinner break.

BEERTOWN 75 King St S, Waterloo Food $$$$ Drink $$$$

MCCABE’S IRISH PUB 352 King St W, Kitchener Food $$$ Drink $$

Best beer on tap: Delirium Tremens is the Belgian beer with the pink elephant on the label — you might be seeing a few after drinking this 8.5% beer.

You can also drink: The Fruli Colada, a beer cocktail made with the superb Belgian strawberry ale.

You’ll mostly find there: The tech sector and their kids on their night off.

Best beer on tap: It’s an Irish pub, so naturally we have to go with an Irish drink.

It’s a bit too warm for Guiness — Harp goes down much better during the warm months.

You can also drink: Lager and lime — that’s a Harp with lime in it.

You’ll mostly find there: Kitchener urban dwellers knocking down a pint or two.

JANE BOND 5 Princess St W, Waterloo Food $$ Drink $$$

THE BOATHOUSE 57 Jubilee Drive, Kitchener Food $$ Drink $$

Best beer on tap: The hipster beer of choice: Rolling Rock.

You can also drink: The bar’s namesake cocktail, the Sweet Jane.

You’ll mostly find there: A chill young crowd who enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the back patio.

Best beer on tap: Boathouse is another bar that carries a wide range of the fantastic Mill St products.

You can also drink: Anything - it’s worth it to enjoy this beautiful patio right on the lake in Victoria Park.

You’ll mostly find there: Music fans mingle here with joggers and cyclists taking a break after getting off the Iron Horse Trail.

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THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

ROADTRIP

An adventure is under four hours away

SMALL TOWN CHARM Fergus, Ontario

NATURE TRAIL Tobermory, Ontario

URBAN ODYSSEY Detroit, Michigan

Driving time:46 minutes

Driving time: 3 hours and 37 minutes

Driving time: 3 hours and 5 minutes

Fergus is tricky to get to on public transportation. Some private bus companies do however offer busses from Guelph to both Fergus and Elora. However it is both cheaper and faster to bribe one of your friends with lunch to drive you there.

Driving is certainly the easiest way to get into Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula. However, you can take a Greyhound (greyhound.ca) into Owen Sound and from there either rent a car or take regional transportation.

See: The Fergus Highland Games and Scottish Festival

See: The Grotto

Detroit is a straight shot west down the 401. It’s also the best served by public transit. You can catch a Greyhound bus (greyhound.ca) from the Charles StreetTerminal in Kitchener and travel via London straight through to Detroit. Alternatively, you could also take VIA Rail (viarail.ca) to Windsor, and then take the Tunnel Bus shuttle that’s offered by Windsor Public Transit ($10 return).

If there was ever a time to go to Fergus it’s during the second weekend in August when the town goes full“kilt”for the weekend to celebrate their Scottish roots — as if the name wasn’t a dead give away. Activities include bagpipe playing, highland dancing, heavy competitions (that’s where they lift a tree trunk straight up) and a lot of scotch drinking and haggis eating - we hope at least. (fergusscottishfestival.com)

The Grotto is a place that truly needs to be seen to be believed. Deep in Bruce Peninsula National Park, the waves of Lake Huron cut a cave formation out of the rocks. The result is a stunning pool of water, completely blue and clear and sheltered by beautiful white cliff face. It looks like something that belongs in Jamaica rather than northern Ontario. Word of warning: the water is cold, and weak swimmers will want to be careful on some of the less calm days. But it’s worth the hike just to see one of the most stunning hidden gems in Ontario.

Eat: Fergus General Store and Market The Fergus General Store and Market isn’t just a market and general store. It’s cafe and a visual riot for the eyes — the store is filled with every possible thing you could think of, from vintage toys to candy to vegan soaps. But what of the food? We’re happy to report it is excellent. What the market does well is amazing comfort food. The mac and cheese is as close to your mom’s as it will ever get, and the sweet mashed potatoes are light, fluffy and perfect. The Market also serves lighter fare (like an amazing taco salad) along with a great coffee bar. (227 St Andrew St W).

Drink: Brewhouse on the Ground We’re suckers for drinking where there’s a good view. It’s a hard to find a better one than right over the Grand River. The Brewhouse also offers a variety of ales and draughts, and also does monthly tastings. It also boast some amazing food deals, including cheap wing night on Tuesdays and even cheaper fish and chips on Friday nights. (brewhouseonthegrand.ca)

Play: The Glass Bottom Boat Tobermory has earned a reputation as a scuba divers paradise. The water is amazingly clear and thanks to rough waters where Georgian Bay opens up into Lake Huron, full of shipwrecks. If you want to a chance to see the wrecks, not to mention the marine life of the lake without strapping on SCUBA gear, you can take a glass bottomed boat tour around the area (blueheronco.com). After disembarking the boat, check out some of the great restaurants around the ferry dock which unsurpisingly have some great fish options on the menu.

Stay: Bruce Peninsula National Park There’s no point in going out in nature if you’re not going to enjoy it! Bruce Peninsula National Park is a truly beautiful place, and thanks to its relative remoteness, one where you’ll get to see nature’s beauty on full display.There are also plenty of activities, including hiking the Bruce Trail, going to the aforementioned Grotto, bouldering and just sitting around the campfire eating s’mores. For the less adventurous — yes, there are plenty of motels in the Bruce Peninsula. (pc.gc.ca/ eng/pn-np/on/bruce/index.aspx)

See: The Motown Museum Detroit’s music roots are long and storied. Most notably, the city is the home of the Motown sound, catchy pop tunes made primarily by African-Americans in the early sixties.

Hitsville U.S.A. was where Berry Gordy set up shop and made records with Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and the Jackson 5 among others. The studio has since been turned into a museum dedicated to one of the most important era’s in music history (motownmuseum.org). Consider it a jumping off point for your musical tour of Detroit, the place that also birthed electronic music, Eminem and much more (detroitsoundconservancy.wordpress.com for more info.)

Eat: Bastone Brewery Technically in Royal Oak rather than Detroit proper, this amazing restaurant is worth the trek out of Detroit’s core. It takes its name from a Belgian town and the menu - and beer selection - is entirely inspired by our Belgian friends. All the beer is brewed on site and stands toe to toe with the best European beers you can drink. The food is just as good. Standouts include the chicken and waffles plate, which will easily feed you and a friend. (bastone.net) Stay: Honor and Folly Tucked into the historic Corktown area, this charming little hotel is small but warm and cozy. We hear their owners are proud Detroiters, willing to tell you everything you need to know about the city. A huge benefit of this hotel? It sits on top of Slows BBQ, arguably the best BBQ joint in all of Motown. It’s also conveniently placed to explore the nearby Heidelberg Project art installation, a whole neighbourhood that has been transformed into an urban art space, and the Cass Corridor, which is slowly revitalizing after decades of disrepair and misuse. (honorandfolly.com)

SUMMER GUIDE 2013

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

JUNE 2013

15

SUMMEREVENTS

Get your calendar out — this summer is chock full of fun times

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

ON-GOING

Drumming for Dreams Saturday June 8 5:30pm —9:45pm Waterloo Uptown Square

Canada Day in Kitchener Headline performance by Dragonette Fireworks at 11pm Monday July 1 Kitchener Civic Square, City Hall

Generations Folk Festival Saturday August 3 Kitchener

Drum Circle Sunday 7pm –9pm Waterloo Uptown Square

Hop To It Local DJs June 11 - every other Tuesday till September Waterloo Uptown Square Earthborn Waterloo Potters’ Workshop Annual Juried Show Tuesday June 12-September 20 City of Waterloo Museum

Canada Day Celebrations Headline performance by Hollerado Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Monday July 1 Columbia Lake Fields

Kitchener Blues Festival Thursday August 8 – Sunday August 11 Downtown Kitchener Zumba-a-Thon Saturday August 17 10am—1pm Waterloo Uptown Square

BlackBerry Community Event Sunday July 7 9:30am—10pm Waterloo Uptown Square

Hot Summer Papusas Festival Saturday August 17 Kitchener Civic Square, City Hall

Chicken Coop Tour Saturday June 15 11am—3pm Waterloo Uptown Square

Latin Fest Friday July 12 - Saturday July 13 Waterloo Uptown Square

Open Streets Uptown Waterloo Sunday August 18 1pm-4pm

Father’s Day BBQ Saturday June 15 9am-Noon Kitchener Market

Cruising on King St Classic Car Parade, Show and Shine July 12 Kitchener

Kidspark Sunday August 18 Victoria Park

Open Streets Uptown Waterloo Sunday June 16 1pm-4pm

Bicycle Opera Thursday July 18 7pm—9:30 pm Waterloo Uptown Square

King Street Art Market King Street, between Young & Ontario Artisans, Vendors & Performers June 19 Noon-8pm Kitchener Steel Rail Sessions Friday June 21 7pm Waterloo Central Station Summer Solstice Friday June 21 7pm –10pm Waterloo Uptown Square Body, Mind, & Spirit Muisic, Yoga , and Fashion Show event Saturday June 22 2pm—11pm Waterloo Uptown Square Multicultural Festival Saturday June 22 & Sunday June 23 Victoria Park

Sun Life Financial UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival Friday July 19 - Sunday July 21 Waterloo Uptown Square

Sun Life Financial Waterloo Busker Carnival Thursday August 22 to Sunday August 25 Waterloo Uptown Square Link Picnic Saturday August 24 & Sunday August 25 Victoria Park

Tai Chi Tuesday 7:30am—8:15am 7:45- -8:15pm Waterloo Uptown Square Hula Hoop & Hop-To-It Tuesday 7pm—9:30pm Waterloo Uptown Square Downtown Live Tuesday Noon Vogelsang Green DrumFit Wednesday 6:40pm— 7:30pm Waterloo Uptown Square Story Telling Wednesday 10:30 am—11:15am Waterloo Uptown Square Yoga in the Park Thursday Noon Victoria Park

Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show Friday July 19-Sunday July 21 Victoria Park

Uptown Waterloo Farmers Market Thursday 3pm –7pm Waterloo Uptown Square

Open Streets Uptown Waterloo Saturday July 20 5pm-9pm

Food Truck Thursday 11:30am-2pm Kitchener Civic Square

Music and Movies Thursday 6:30pm—11pm July 25—August 22nd Waterloo Park Afro Fest Saturday July 27 12pm –9pm Waterloo Park Rock and Rumble Concert & Motorcycle Show Sunday July 28 Kitchener

Indie Hour Friday Noon—1pm Waterloo Uptown Square Ballroom Dancing Friday 8:30pm –10:30pm Waterloo Uptown Square

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THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

JUNE 2013

URBAN EXPLORING

•GRAPHIC BY ADELE PALMQUIST

Walking in Waterloo Park In our new feature, we walk to get to know a new neighbourhood TANISHKA KUNDU CCE CONTRIBUTOR

J

oanna Rickert Hall is a professor by trade. She is a historian who became interested in theWaterloo Region while researching her own lineage.The names and incidents started to overlap and she decided to specialize in the local history of Waterloo. We are here in Waterloo Park, which is home to the Eby Farmhouse and the Log School House and now has a designation as a heritage site, largely thanks to Joanna’s petition to the city vouncil.

As we walk around the Log School House, the first school in Waterloo, she points out the stones lying in front of it. They are apparently First Nations grindstones. Jacob Stroh, a local archaeologist, donated them to the park: one was found north of Waterloo near the town of Conestoga, the other was found in Manheim, in the south end of Kitchener. “Both were Aboriginal grindstones. Some of the wear patterns [were created as it was used] to thresh grain or prepare hides for leather,” Hall tells me.

The 1820s log house has five windows, set high off the ground. I have to jump multiple times to overcome the limitations of my height to peek in.There are five rows of benches. In the front of the room, there is a long desk.The desk was the property of the teacher.The students would study their lessons on a slate, using graphite tools. They studied arithmetic, German, history and geography.They used the Bible as a textbook.They studied in school up to grade eight and then went on to farm the land or learn to manage the house. The stairs leading up to the front door and the newly put-up heritage plaque, I learn, were a later addition.

The school stood level to the ground. It was shifted three times. Originally, it stood on King and Central, then it was moved closer to Berlin (now Kitchener) before finally shifting to Waterloo Park. At one point in history, there was a chimney on its roof.

And it served as more than a school house. An ex-slave, Levi Carroll lived in the house with his family in the mid to late nineteenth century. Records show that he would regularly have tenants in the house with him, which was an efficient way to handle costs of living. Levi, like many other ex-slaves, had settled here in the Waterloo region with the peaceful Mennonites who often hired ex-slaves to work in the fields. Levi had three wives, all of whom he outlived.

His descendants are quite famous, I am told. In fact, his step-great-great -granddaughter is the musician Diana Braithwaite, who will be performing here in KW this summer.

Waterloo Park used to be farmlands. It belonged to Jacob Eby before it was sold to the Council of Waterloo. There would have been orchards then, full of cherries, apples and other crops. When he died, Eby’s wife sold the property to the City. In those days, it was easier for a single woman to sell her husband’s land than pay someone to cultivate and maintain the land.

The farmhouse still stands. We walk over to it. There is a sign reading “Waterloo Potters Workshop.”They rent some of the space inside the Eby Farm house; the rest is lying empty. We trot off to the back, where the porch seems to be in a state of renovation. A few hundred years ago there would have been people on this porch: laughing, talking, maybe dusting carpets and hanging up clothes to dry.

Next, we come to the picnic area. The wind is getting stronger, but the sturdy benches sit evenly on the grass. When the Council decided to turn the farm into a park, they added picnic areas and the little zoo we all love.

It’s not what it once was, but the park has become home to a new generation of locals who still use it as a gathering place, a central point in the community and a reminder of our heritage.

A party on a train in K-W...

June 21 at 7 p.m. the train leaves Waterloo Central Station for parts unknown

Tickets still available $45, 19+

Tickets and more information can be found at community.thecord.ca/steelrails

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

URBAN EXPLORING

JUNE 2013

17

The man who sold smells Michael Fritsch’s perfume store brings back memories of a Kitchener gone by

Michael Fritsch in the perfume store he has worked in his entire life. • TANISHKA KUNDU CCE CONTRIBUOR

TANISHKA KUNDU CCE CONTRIBUTOR

T

here was little delivery boy who worked at Fahrner’s Drugstore in Downtown Kitchener in the 1940s. He worked there all through high school until he had to go to Toronto in search of an education. He graduated a pharmacist and came back to Kitchener to work in another drugstore, but Fahrner’s needed him. Finally, in 1959, the little delivery boy, now a man, bought the business and property, turning it to Fritsch Pharmacy and then, in 1988, Fritsch Fragrances.

Michael Fritsch, the man in question, is currently at the counter talking to a couple from Cambridge. I overhear them saying how they couldn’t find this perfume anywhere else. If you can’t find a particular fragrance anywhere, chances are, you haven’t yet set foot in Michael Fritsch’s store.

Business is slow. “We spent about a million bucks on the street here. They made the sidewalks wider and the roads narrower; if you want people to shop you need room for cars, and they took a lot of the parking away,” Fritsch tells me. “I’m lucky if I get ten [people] a week. All the big companies — Sears, the Bay — get all the advertising and promotion and that’s where most people will go.”

Two rows of shelves and counters hold bottle after bottle of perfumes. Near the counter, I spy old lipsticks and eye-shadows from long ago, some of them gone bad and rancid, now boughtfortheirpackagingbycollectors.Ipokeatthesoapsbeneaththecheckout,wrappedup in dainty origami. They smell good. There’s a sign stuck behind the glass in one of the shelves: “If you are not sure of what you want, don’t buy it!”

The store stocks fragrances that department stores don’t stock. From behind the counter, Fritsch says, “I’d like to think that 10 percent of the population doesn’t want to smell like everyone else, who want something unique.”

A few decades ago, department stores sold clothes and furniture, but not cosmetics.When the pharmacy started to sell make-up and perfumes, customers came in flocks to buy what they couldn’t really find anywhere else. Then the big sharks started to get in on the action.

A few years ago, gave a certificate to the store marking its fiftieth anniversary, but it doesn’t help the trade. Even though the shop is smack outside the city hall, right next to a major bus stop and a two-minute walk away from the Charles St. Terminal, it is deserted. At this point, the property is getting much more interest than the business.

During our interview, Fritsch says:“In Toronto, they kept the old city hall and built the new city hall right beside it. We tore ours down.”

I fear that something similar will happen to this wonderful store, with its vintage decor, messy back end, and pretty glass cases. But I am reassured by Fritsch’s passion. This is a man who really loves what he does. No matter how many department stores decide to go head to head with him or how many people want to buy the store, Fritsch Fragrances will continue to struggle against the times.

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JUNE 2013

URBAN EXPLORING

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS with Cycle Waterloo

The CCE’S Amanda Chang sat down with Cycle Waterloo’s Malcolm Stevens to chat about the upcoming race, including a few changes for 2013 and ways you can get involved on June 23 Cycle Waterloo will be hosting their fourth annual Tour de Waterloo cycling event on June 23, 2013.

Slower cyclists need not worry; the event is chip timed but co-organizer Malcolm Steven encourages both racers and recreational road cyclists to attend.

“It’s really for everyone who has a road bike,” Steven said.

The Tour de Waterloo has three distinct races: a 40 km race, a 70 km race and a 130 km race, all of which are open for registration. Online registration for the event is open until June 20 at noon. Early bird registration for Tour de Waterloo closes on June 9. Riders who sign up during the early bird registration pay a reduced rate and get their names put in a draw for a chance to win an overnight stay at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in St. Jacobs and dinner for two at McCabe’s in Kitchener.

Some items included in the registration fees are: a continental breakfast of coffee and bagels served from 7 to 8 a.m., first-aid services, rest stop support with refreshments and snacks, an awards ceremony and a post-race meal provided by McCabe’s Catering.

“We’ve got pulled pork sandwiches, salads, a vegetarian lasagne and butter chicken. So you get a really great meal at the end,” Steven said.

New this year to the Tour de Waterloo is a paracycling division in the 40 km race with an award to be presented to the top three male and female hand-cyclists.

“We are kind of excited because we have got a Paralympian coming who will be racing in the 40 km as well, so that’s really unique this year for the Tour de Waterloo,” Steven added.

He hopes the Tour de Waterloo will attract 750 riders to participate in the event this year, topping last year’s number of 520 riders.

“Even if we could get 500 people again this year, like we had last year, then that is going to raise $30,000 in registration fees. If we can get 750 [riders], it is $60 [a person], then we can raise $45,000. That would be just fabulous,” Steven said.

Riders may also choose to set up their own donation page to raise money for either the Grand River Hospital Foundation or KW Counselling Services. A prize of a Blackberry Z10 Smartphone will be awarded to the top fundraiser for both charitable partners.

Riders who participate in Tour de Waterloo may choose to ride individually or in a team of five. To form a team, five participants must register under a team name of their choice. Prizes will go out to the top three teams with the shortest combined race time from the 130 km race.

If you are not one for cycling but would still like to help out, Tour de Waterloo is looking for volunteers to set up barricades, act as route marshals and help out around the venue. If you would like to volunteer, visit the Cycle Waterloo website and complete the volunteer sign-up under contacts.

The event starts at David Johnston Resource & Technology Park with a Gran Fondo Mass start at 8:30 a.m. Tour de Waterloo is an Ontario Cycling Association sanctioned event and is sponsored by Blackberry, Conestoga-Rovers & Associates, Adventure Guide and the Courtyard Marriott Hotel.

Proceeds from Tour de Waterloo go to supporting cancer programs at the Grand River Hospital Foundation and the Walk In Clinic at KW Counselling Services.

FormoreinformationonTourdeWaterlooyoucancontactMalcolmStevenatinfo@cyclewaterloo. com or visit the Cycle Waterloo website www.cyclewaterloo.com.

If you work for a local non-profit organization that has an event or initiative to promote, consider submitting a Community Conversation to the Cord Community Edition.

Submissions no longer than 500 words can be submitted to the editor at communityeditor@thecord.ca

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

ARTS AND CULTURE

JUNE 2013

ARTS AND CULTURE

19

PRECIOUS METAL

Vancouver’s Gold & Youth take a break from tearing up airwaves to play Starlight Lounge June 12 KEVIN DELANEY CCE CONTRIBUTOR

V

ancouver band Gold & Youth have been drumming up a lot of attention, both at home and abroad.With their debut album, BeyondWilderness, officially released last month, you can bet you’ll be hearing a lot more about this electro-quartet. Signed to Arts & Crafts, Gold &Youth draw their sound from the best of the 80’s, painting cinematic landscapes that are equal parts industrial synth hooks and haunting vocal harmonies. If you liked the soundtrack to Drive, this band is for you.They’re playing the Starlight June 12 and we recently had the chance to catch up with bass player and vocalist Louise Burns.

Kevin Delaney: So, you’ve only recently joined up with Gold & Youth? Did you know the guys beforehand?

Louise Burns: Yeah, I joined about a year and a half ago. I used to play with Jeff [Mitchelmore] and Murray [Mckenzie] in a band called the Blue Violets a few years ago. They also sometimes back my solo project up so I’ve been playing with those two for a long time. I’ve known Matt [Lyall] forever so we were all very close friends before I joined. I used to sub on bass for them before they had me as their official bass player.

KD: So Gold & Youth is something they had started before?

LB: Yeah, they were originally called The Raccoons and after a few sound changes after they signed with the label, they decided to change their whole sound and project and call it Gold & Youth. They invited me to come sing back ups on the record. So I didn’t join the band right away but I did contribute vocals to most of the record before I actually joined. Most of the record was finished when I joined the band but I contributed by writing “Jewel” with Matt and Jeff and Murray and a song called “Come to Admire”.

KD: The singles that were released before the album, “Time to Kill”, “City of Quartz” and “Jewel”, received a lot of positive attention from the media, including industry heavy weights like NME. Did that put a lot of pressure on Beyond WIlderness?

LB: In a way, but I think that we were just so happy to get it out we didn’t really think about it. We just wanted to release the record for the people who had been following us for so long. We’re not trying to become the next biggest band in the world, we just want to make sure the people that like our music are getting a quality product. We’re just happy to get it out there really.

KD: Shades of Depeche Mode seem to be a pretty evident in your sound. Are you guys all on the same page when it comes to musical influences?

LB: Totally, yeah. We all have very diverse musical influences but we all love the same kind of music. The stuff we mostly bring to this band is a shared influence of soundtrack music, ‘80s industrial music and early ‘70s pioneered synth sounds. Stuff like John Fox, and evenThe Cure. Especially for bass for me, I’m a really big fan of [Cure bassist] Simon Gallup. And Kate Bush for vocal delivery. [But] there are a lot of different influences, it’s not just Depeche Mode. Matt is a huge Constantines fan, and they played a pretty big part in what we’re doing in our music. We share the things that we like.

KD: I heard Buck 65 helped name the band? Can you elaborate?

LB: [Laughs] Yeah, I wasn’t in the band at the time but from what I gather the guys were searching for a name and Buck 65 is managed by the same manager that we are, so our manager Nick Blasko put the word out that we were looking for a name. Buck wrote a bunch of names down. Gold &Youth was taken from a character from Mad Max and really stood out to us.

CatchGold&YouthatTheStarlightSocialClubWednesday June12withfellowlabelmatesStillLifeStillaswellasImaginary Cities. Tickets are $12. Doors are at 8.

Gold & Youth have gotten great buzz for their Depeche Mode like sound. • PHOTO COURTESY RONNIE LEE HILL/ ARTS & CRAFTS

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JUNE 2013

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

ARTS AND CULTURE

KOI MANIA Bob Egan on how hometown boy Cory Crossman is revitalizing K-W’s music scene

Panelists including Bob Egan (right) speak at Crossman’s KOI Conference in mid-May.. • JODY WAARDENBURG CCE CONTRIBUTOR

BOB EGAN CCE CONTRIBUTOR

G

rowing up in Kitchener, Cory Crossman felt like a lot of adolescents feel: “All I wanted to do was get out of town as a kid. I needed to be in a place where live music was thriving; I needed a scene.”

Fortunately for us, Cory didn’t leave. He decided to stay right here and create his own live music scene.

Fast-forward ten years and the result is the fourth annual KOI Festival this September 13 and 14, featuring more than 150 bands playing at eleven local venues. Several thousand people gathering for a weekend of music is, by anyone’s definition, a pretty good scene.

How does a disaffected, teenage punk rock musician become a promoter, civic booster and local economic engine? For Cory, it all started by working with his older brother Curt’s street wear clothing company, Arc Cloathing (not Clothing). “I was 18 and in charge of ‘marketing.’ We figured the best

way to get our clothes in front of our target audience was to put on live music events.”

It worked. Not only did Arc thrive, but Cory’s talent in music and marketing also took him on the holy grail of youth-oriented rock music tours — The Warped Tour.

Entering his 20’s, Cory’s thoughts about Kitchener continued to evolve. “Curt and I got tired of people knocking Kitchener and complaining about the live music scene. We were raised here and I love this place, so we realized we had to do something.”

That “something” was the first KOI Music Festival, four years ago. “It was a crazy idea but we had 130 bands play in 10 venues and 1 outside stage in 12 hours!” This crazy idea resonated with city hall and local business and soon Curt and Cory had solid partners for their annual festival.

“KOI Fest would not be happening without the support of the city, the venues, the fans and most of all the local bands. The downtown Kitchener BIA has been an especially valuable partner and supporter.” This

support was instrumental in the latest successful venture, the first annual KOI Music Conference, dubbed as KOI CON. Held in mid-May, this conference brought hundreds of musicians and music industry people together at Kitchener’s City Hall for a day of presentations, panel discussions and one-on-one mentoring. The evening showcased their passion of live music at local venues.

The secret to Crossman’s success lies in his ability to straddle both sides of the fence.

On one side is his punk rock, DIY ethos — he didn’t ask for approval of his vision, he forged ahead against the odds and made it happen.

On the other side is his ability to work within the system — he joined civic organizations, rallied local businesses and worked tirelessly to align his vision with the goals of local government.

The KOI Music Festival and Conference standastestamenttoourcommunitycoming together to transform a young man’s dream into a reality that benefits us all. KW is a

better place to live because of the Crossman brothers’ passion.

Formoreinformationortovolunteervisit:Koimusicfestival.com and youtube.com/koimf

The secret to Crossman’s success lies in his ability to straddle both sides of the fence... he forged ahead against the odds and made it happen.

—Bob Egan on KOI Music Fest organizer Cory

Crossman.EganspokeatCrossmna’srecentmusic industryconferenceindowntownKitchener.

Would people call your music taste ‘esoteric’? Do you spend every night at Princess Cinemas? Blow your allowance at independent bookstores? Do you dance?* Can you string a sentence together? Do you know what ‘esoteric’ means?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions, you could be an arts writer for the Cord Community Edition. Email communityeditor@thecord.ca for more information *Dancing is not required for this position.

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

ARTS AND CULTURE

HOTEL AVANT GARDE

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Janet Morton’s sculpture hangs over the historic Eleanor Roosevelt Terrace at the Walper Hotel.

• RYAN HUGELIN PHOTOGRAPHY MANAGER

H.G. WATSON CCE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

On the outside, the Walper hotel is a fairly unassuming building. But the inside holds more history then you would believe. On the third floor, for example, is a small courtyard named the Eleanor Roosevelt Terrace — so named because the famous former first lady of the United States dined there.

“As soon as I stepped into the terrace, it felt out of time and out of place,” said Janet Morton, one of the artists currently taking over the Walper Hotel as part of Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener and Area (CAFKA) exhibition, running through August 11.“When you step through those doors you are leaving Kitchener and entering this dreamy other space.”

The exhibition brings eight artists from across Canada to the Walper to create installations that play with the notion of public space. “This [exhibit] just lets us work in a public space in a totally different way,” said Sarah Kernohan one of the curators working at CAFKA. Morton’s installation dangles several feet above the terrace. A large tree branch is decorated with hundreds of tiny mirrors, creating a kind of disco tree over the space.

When the sunlight hits at a certain angle,

light is sprayed across the terrace and into the rooms.

“The idea was inspired by this space,” explained Morton. “Anybody who is sitting ourthere would be affected by it.” Morton is constantly looking for ways to integrate natureintocityspacessopeoplecanexperience it differently.

Kernohan noted that having an art exhibit in a hotel may not have been that unusual once upon a time. Hotels were once the place to see and be seen, and the Walper was no different. Over time however hotels became more private. CAFKA’s exhibit encourages peopletoenterthehotelwhenevertheywant to enjoy their installations.

“With theWalper working to redefine itself as a cultural hub, why not make it so it functions as an art hub?” asked Kernohan.

Working in a hotel also allowed the artists to play with the hotel as a palette. “I’m a big fan of site specific work,” said Morton. “I think a context is bound to influence your experience of the work.”In the hallowed halls of theWalper, the work feels surprising and, like the Eleanor Roosevelt Terrace, out of time and place.

CAFKA@TheWalperHotelrunstillAugust11.

Admissionisfree.Formoreinformationvisitcafka. org

JUNE 2013

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JUNE 2013

ARTS AND CULTURE

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

REVIEWS

MAKE IT A BLOCKBUSTER NIGHT

Henry Cavill’s Superman runs into some trouble with the law in Man of Steel, out June 14. • PHOTO COURTESY WARNER BROTHERS

WhatdoTopGun,DieHard,BacktotheFuture and The Dark Knight all have in common?

Other than being great action packed movies, they are all some of the most successful summer blockbusters of all time.

Since the very first summer movie smash hit, Jaws, was released in 1975, studios have been trying to save their biggest and most profitable movies for the summer in order to dominate the silver screen.

This summer has a few flicks that are sure to deliver some big numbers at the box office but the real question is which ones will really be worth going to see. Luckily, I can help take out the guess work and enlighten you on which ones will deserve your

$11.95 ticket admission.

Star Trek: Into Darkness – May 17: From the brilliant mind of director/producer J.J. Abrams, the second installment in the newly remade Star Trek series is sure to wow audiences with its large scale intergalactic action sequences. Verdict: Must see.

Fast & Furious 6 – May 24: This series was done after they took it to the streets of Tokyo. That was about seven years ago.

The Fast & Furious series has really tried to extend their relevance and has noticeably exhausted all their fresh plot ideas. I can imagine that this next installment will be filled with fast car burnouts and lots of Vin Diesel muscle flexing. Verdict: Waste

of time.

The Hangover 3 – May 24: With the infamous Wolf Pack hitting the road again for the final chapter in the Hangover series, we can expect to see a disappointing conclusion. The original movie was considerably funnier and fresher than the second one and I can only imagine what the third one is going to be like. Sometimes tigers, babies, missing teeth and Zack Galifianakis’ awkward humor can get old quick. Verdict: Waste of time.

Man of Steel – June 14: Clark Kent is back at it this summer and it is sure not to disappoint. Starring British actor Henry Cavill as the man of steel himself, this 2013 remake

of the comic book classic will include something for everyone. An emotional story followed with superior visual effects and great acting will fly the man of steel to great bock office heights. Verdict: Must see.

World War Z – June 21: Brad Pitt’s latest flick about a global zombie apocalypse will be this summer’s most surprising blockbuster. With little marketing and promo, World War Z will still deliver a tasteful yet thrilling zombie movie that can appeal to the masses. With a star-studded cast and flawless production team, this summer blockbusterwillattractzombiefanaticsand Brad Pitt admirers alike. Verdict: Must see.

-Scott Glaysher

Why wait another month?

Keep up with The Cord Community Edition whenever you want by checking us out online TROUBLE WILL FIND ME The National The latest album from moody musiciansThe National can only be described as reliable and predictable.

The band’s fan base has grown significantly in their 14-year career, despite being well known for sounding melancholic and bleak.

The National has a sound that is definitely an acquired taste. Their new album, Trouble Will Find Me, stays in line with the vibe expected to come from singer and songwriter, Matt Berninger.

There are a few songs that deserve a listen.

“Don’t Swallow the Cap,” the first single, is arguably the best song off the album. It has a more pop-like beat and Berninger’s vocals are smooth and calm.

There are also too many songs that are forgettable and simply okay. There isn’t anything new or exciting about them.

Fans of the band will most likely enjoy Trouble,butmoreexperimentationfromthem would be appreciated.

-Sara Hanafi

MODERN VAMPIRES OF THE CITY Vampire Weekend

SCRAPBOOK VOLUME 3 Boxenstein

TheboysfromVampireWeekendhavegrown up. Their third album, Modern Vampires of the City, features a more mature sound, suggesting the band has realized adulthood is looming. This might sound like a recipe for a group suffering from a third-album funk, but the follow-up is anything but that.They have graduated from their Ivy League pop vibes and replaced them with deeper and more meaningful lyrics.

In “Step”, the third song off the album, Singer Ezra Koenig, now 29, sings, “Wisdom’s a gift/But you trade it for youth/Age is an honour/It’s still not the truth.” Another honourable mention off ModernVampires is “DianeYoung”which is an upbeat, rockabilly song about an Irish girl who sets a Saab on fire. This song is a prominent sign that Koenig has moved on from his post-collegiate self as the band continues in amazing and funky new directions.

-Sara Hanafi

This is indeed a scrapbook — of sounds.

Various sounds have been cut, pasted and morphed in this album. The artist plays around with audio from the street, jazz, and literalpotbanging.Therearesomepurposely added‘noise’sounds as well as various other embellishments. Some obvious metal influences and well as shreds of audio from other inspirations appear on the album. The third installmentoftheScrapbookseriesbyBoxenstein, the album does not fail in its attempt to play with your brain. The clips have been stretched and mashed together to create a mix that constantly keeps you on your toes.

Not for the sedate listener, the tracklist is widely composed of tunes that oddly make one think of Radiohead on electronic meth.

-Tanishka Kundu

community.thecord.ca Or, follow us on social media @cordcommunity

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ARTS AND CULTURE

THE CORD COMMUNITY EDITION

JUNE 2013

MONTHLY EVENTS THIS MONTH WE’RE GOING TO....

MUSIC Grand Porch Party You don’t need a large concert hall or an expensive night club to enjoy some really good music. Really, all you need is a porch, some friends and good weather.That’s what the folks behind the Grand Porch Party are trying to do. This year’s lineup features Ten Years Gone, Ian Bell, Onion Honey, The Ragged Bankers and much more. The event will also feature a “poetry tree” where attendees can take a poem or leave one that they wrote.The organizers just recently won the Denney for 2012 New Festival or Event at the Waterloo Region Arts Awards Gala.

UptownWaterlooWest,betweenDawson,Euclid, Roslin and Alexandra, free June 9 @ 2 p.m.

ARTS MindBody Fest Waterloo

The Uptown Waterloo Public Square is going to be celebrating health and wellness later this June, as Moksha Yoga Waterloo and ROOF host the MindBody Fest to raise money for ROOF. ROOF is a Waterloo-based organization that provides safety and support for homeless and at-risk of homlessness individuals aged 12 to 25. In addition to yoga sessions, the event will also feature drumming,music,dancing and food. Brenda McMorrow will be headlining the event at 8:30 p.m. Moksha Yoga is planning on raising $5000 for ROOF on June 22.

Uptown Waterloo Public Square June 22 @ 2 p.m.

MUSIC JUNE 7 Kirk McDonald Quartet The Jazz Room, $18, 8:30 p.m.

JUNE 8 Monsoon (Super Edition) The Jazz Room, $20, 8:30 p.m.

Caxaj Latin Ensemble The Jazz Room, $20, 8:30 p.m.

Caribbean Dreams Concert 100 Rittenhouse Road, $5, 7 p.m.

Beethoven Piano Concerto 4 and Schumann Symphony 4 Knox Presbyterian Church 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo, $12, 7:30

JUNE 9

Rock the Bear 2 featuring Tom Cochrane and The Red Rider Whistle Bear Golf Course, $52.95, 8:30 p.m.

Grand Porch Party 2013 Uptown Waterloo West , between Dawson, Euclid, Roslin and Alexandra, 2 p.m.

JUNE 12

Gold & Youth wsg. Still Life Still & Imaginary Cities Starlight, $12, 8p.m.

Hawkeyes, Shooting Guns Maxwell’s Music House, 8:30 p.m.

JUNE 14

Arrows into Ocean CD Release Concert Maxwell’s Music House, $10, $15 w/ CD, 8:30

KW Multicultural Festival Every year the KW Multicultural Festival attracts thousands, and there’s a reason why so many people go back every year. There’s no better way to share KW’s growing multiculturalism than the KW Multicultural festival, with various forms of cuisine, crafts, art, culture and performances being showcased at the event. For more than 40 years, the diverse population of Kitchener and Waterloo gather in Victoria Park, and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Numerous community organizations will involved as well as the community comes together to promote more diversity within KW. Victoria Park June 22-23, all day

–Compiled by Justin Smirlies

p.m.

Pram Trio The Jazz Room, $12, 8:30 p.m.

Indie Hour Waterloo Public Square, 1 p.m.

All Systems Go!, Keep The Change The Gentlemen Thieves Maxwell’s Music House, $10, 7:30 p.m.

JUNE 15

Brian O’Kane/ Steve McDade Quintet The Jazz Room, $18, 8:30 p.m.

JamSchool Programs: Classic Rock JAM/ Performance (Reg Req’d) The Museum, pre-register by emailing Jam@JamSchool.com, 1 p.m.

JUNE 20

Sound Remedy Night School, $10, 9:00 p.m.

JUNE 21

David Murray Big Band Featuring Macy Gray Centre in the Square, see centre-square.com for ticket pricing, 8 p.m.

Rebecca Binnendyk Quintet The Jazz Room, $18, 8:30 p.m.

JUNE 22

JUNE 23

Roger Hodgson, Voice of Supertramp, with his Band Centre in the Square, see centre-square.com for ticket pricing, 8 p.m.

JUNE 25

Danny Michel with The Garifuna Collective Starlight, $25, 7 p.m.

JUNE 27

Lee Field and the Expressions wsg. DJ Larry Werd Starlight, $22, 8 p.m.

JUNE 28

Brad Turner Quartet The Jazz Room, $20, 8:30p.m.

JUNE 29

Cronically Ill Presents: Ill Life wsg. Klue, Alex Price, Pocket City, & more Maxwell’s Music House, 10 p.m.

JULY 1

Hollerado with Spirit of the West Columbia Lake fields at University of Waterloo, 7:00 p.m.

Noah Preminger – Ben Mondor Duo The Jazz Room, $16, 8:30 p.m.

Battle of the Bands The Museum, $15, 7 p.m.

JULY 3

“Around the World” Wilfrid Laurier Theatre Auditorium, 1 p.m.

Film Screening: RasTa: A Soul’s Journey The Museum, $17, 7 p.m.

JUNE 15

JUNE 22

Chris Isaak Centre in the Square, see centre-square.com for ticket pricing, 8 p.m.

ARTS JUNE 7

COMMUNITY

23

A.P.P Industry Nights Wax Nightclub, 125 King St. W, $5, 7 p.m.

The Artist Alley of Uptown Waterloo 25 Regina Street South, Waterloo,

JUNE 8

Element Dance Arts Year End Recital 2013 -

Experimenting with Knitting KWAG, $45, 12 p.m.

MindBody Fest Waterloo Uptown Waterloo Public Square, 2 p.m.

JUNE 20

COMMUNITY JUNE 8

Tri-City Outlaws Senior Football Game University of Waterloo Warrior Field, 7 p.m.

Summer Shovin: A Roller Derby Double Header Wilmot Community Centre, $8 advance, $10 at the door, 6 p.m.

Robin in the Hood Medieval Festival Gibson Park (Elmira), $5, 10 a.m.

JUNE 9

Walk to Fight Arthritis Bingemans, sign up at www.walktofightarthritis.ca, 8:30a.m.

5th Annual 5K 10K Race for TEENS ATRISK Coronation Park, 8 a.m.

JUNE 15

JUNE 10

JUNE 22-23

Show and Shine Classic Car Mondays The Shops @ Highland & Westmount, 6p.m.

JUNE 11

First Time Buyer Seminar Bennett Financial/Mortgage Intelligence, 7p.m.

Fresh Ayr Festival Victoria Park, Ayr, 9 a.m.

KW Multicultural Festival Victoria park , all day.

JUNE 24

Show and Shine Classic Car Mondays The Shops @ Highland & Westmount, 525 Highland Rd. W, 6 p.m.

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MAY 2013

#10ideas

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