The Community Edition: February 2020

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5 • FEBRUARY 2020

TINY LOVE STORIES

PAGES 8-9

LEARNING DIVERSITY ONLINE

LOCAL MOVIE THEATRES IN 1920 AND 2020

SIDE HUSTLE: BARBER & CRAFT

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PAGE 7

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FEBRUARY 2020 // @THECOMMUNITYED

IN THIS

ISSUE

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5

FEBRUARY 2020

THIS ISSUE OF TCE WAS FUELLED BY: MELISSA’S MANY SNACKS, SOUR PATCH KIDS AND CARE’S LAUGHTER AS USUAL, THANK YOU TO OUR MOST RELIABLE COPY EDITORS JESSIE AND KURTIS.

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FEATURE

8-9 TINY LOVE STORIES

EDITOR’S PICK

12 BREAKING UP WITH DIET CULTURE

INSIDE 3

IN BRIEF AND ARTIST PROFILE

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WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT DIVERSITY

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HYPERLOCAL TRAVEL: POCKET ADVENTURES

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519 SCHMECKS: HOW TO CLOSE A RESTAURANT

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EASY BEING GREEN: SUSTAINABILITY AND CHOCOLATE

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NEW TUNE REVIEW: DEATH PARTY PLAYGROUND

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MAGGIE LAURIN: CAPTURING KITCHENER-WATERLOO

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LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES: KW THEATRES 1920-2020

10 REGIONAL RECIPE: VEGAN DUMPLINGS 10 CONESTOGA COLLEGE IN FORMER CAMRIDGE PLANT 11

FROM THE ARCHIVES: ENOUGH ROOM ON THE ROADS?

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SEXPLANATIONS: HAPPINESS & PLEASURE AS YOU AGE

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THE SIDE HUSTLE: BARBER & CRAFT

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THE MOST EXPENSIVE PLACE TO PARK IN KW?

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YOUTH IN POLITICS: ON HOPE AND OUR REGION

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FAMILY FUN AND OUTDOOR LISTICAL

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HARU NOON // EVENT LISTINGS GRAND RIVER ROCKS OPENS NEW LOCATION

COVER BY JULES HALL Volume 8, Issue 5 Next issue: March 4th, 2020 75 University Ave. W. Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5 519-884-0710 x3564 THE COMMUNITY EDITION TEAM Editor in Chief Melissa Embury melissa@communityedition.ca Community Engagement Kristina Lalatovic kristina@communityedition.ca Publisher Lakyn Barton lakyn.barton@wlusp.com Social Media Coordinators Beth Bowles Ramona Leitao Staff Writers Rachael MacIntosh Racheal Walser Staff Photographers Jesse Derry Nick Stanley General Inquiries info@communityedition.ca

CONTRIBUTORS All advertising inquiries should be directed to Kurtis Rideout at 519-884-0710 x3560 kurtis.rideout@wlusp.com

WLUSP ADMINISTRATION President Aaron Waitson Executive Director Lakyn Barton

Jackelyn Gill Jessie Skinner Mariana Bilbao Matt Smith Nirupam Singh Safina Husein Stephen Trim Suzanne Dietrich

Advertising Manager Kurtis Rideout Directors Alyssa Di Sabatino Arshy Mann Emily Crump Kashyap Patel Rosalind Horne

COLUMNISTS Breen Split Cara Vandermey Jenna Aquino Juanita Metzger Kurtis Rideout Nick Benninger Stacey Danckert Stacey Jacobs

The Community Edition is an alternative monthly intended to engage and inform the community.

Started in 2012, the 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 Community Edition are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the Community Edition, WLUSP, WLU or Centra Web. All content appearing in the Community Edition bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent.

The Community Edition is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns.

For additional information or to file a complaint, contact info@ontpress.com or call 416-340-1981.

Preamble to the Community Edition Constitution The Community Edition will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly. The Community Edition 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 Community Edition 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 Community Edition will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on the community of Waterloo Region.

Ultimately, the Community Edition will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate.

The Community Edition 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 Community Edition’s contact with the community. The Community Edition 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.

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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NEWS IN BRIEF

The new Conestoga College campus opened January 2020 in Market Square in downtown Kitchener. Here’s a look inside the campus.

NICK STANLEY PHOTOS

GRT RESUMES SERVICE

CORONAVIRUS VICTIM IN LONDON

FALSE ALARM FOR SKIMMING DEVICES

The Grand River Transit buses are back on the road after a twoweek employee strike, ending with an agreement promising a six-percent pay increase. Riders who purchased a transit pass for January will soon be able to claim a 50 percent refund. Additionally, free weekend service will be provided for all riders throughout February.

Canada’s fourth confirmed case of the deadly coronavirus is a young woman who visited London, ON directly from Wuhan, China. Health officials have confirmed the woman, a student, took immediate action to isolate herself from others upon realizing her condition before seeking appropriate medical attention.

Regional police have determined upgrades to credit card reading machines at local major gas stations are not illegal “skimming” devices, after receiving a number of calls from concerned drivers.

However, they advise the public to remain vigilant in spotting any abnormalities in card readers for signs of tampering with to steal your confidential information.

LOCAL MUSICIAN PASSES AWAY

SCHOOL TEACHER CHARGED

UNPAID PIZZA EMPLOYEES

Acclaimed local Kitchener-based singer-songwriter James Scott Cameron passed away on Jan. 26, after a brief but promising career. Cameron previously led the acclaimed country band Bareback Riders, becoming a familiar presence to music lovers throughout the Region. A tribute concert, with his family, was held at the Schwaben Club on Feb. 1.

A middle school teacher and youth basketball coach has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.

Liam Phipps, 31, who taught at MacGregor Senior Public School in Waterloo, has also been suspended from the KitchenerWaterloo Youth Basketball Association as a result of the allegations.

Three Boston Pizza locations in the Region closed seemingly without warning in the final week of January, leaving employees unsure when final wages would be paid. Franchise owner Brian Haase claims corporate accounts intended for wages have been frozen, while a BP spokesperson countered that payment remains Haase’s legal responsibility.

GUELPH RESIDENCE ROUNDABOUT WHEEL INCIDENT IN EXPLOSION

STRIKES CONTINUE FOR TEACHERS

Investigators are continuing to look into the cause of an explosion on Southcreek Trail in Guelph on Jan. 31. Police say the explosion destroyed a single home, damaged several others, and sent at least one person to hospital.

Neighbours have offered support to the affected homeowners in the form of temporary shelter and donated goods.

After failing to reach an agreement with the Ontario government this month, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario has announced rotating strikes will occur throughout February with a province-wide walkout planned for Feb. 6. Similar actions are being planned by multiple other school unions.

A truck driver has been charged with Operation of an Unsafe Commercial Vehicle after a trailer wheel was found dislodged in a roundabout, in Woolwich. Attending officers discovered more than a halfdozen additional defects to the driver’s vehicle and trailer but determined no injury or property damage had occurred.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

MEET OUR TINY LOVE STORIES ILLUSTRATOR JULES HALL JACKELYN GILL CONTRIBUTOR

32 bit digitalized self portrait JULES HALL

What did you collect when you were a kid? Maybe it was stickers, rocks or action figures.

For local graphic designer Jules Hall, it was business cards.

“It was a big flipbook full of business cards. It had to have 100 business cards in it,” she remembers. “I’m going to guess it started with my dad because he travelled a lot for work and he went to a lot of shows and he would always bring us back

swag.”

So when you ask Hall about why she got into graphic design, she’ll tell you it was always her destiny, given her early love for those small pieces of card stock layered with shiny gold foil or cut into interesting shapes.

Though today she’s a full-time freelance graphic designer, that’s not what she thought she’d be when she grew up. In fact, she first went to university for English.

“I was like 17 and trying to figure out what to do with my

life and that’s not easy,” Hall said. “The other part was I’m very passionate about English.

I’m a reader, and I love literature and poetry.”

It was years later when her husband encouraged her to apply for graphic design at Conestoga College that she rediscovered her passion.

“Logo design is obviously one of my favourites – and I think it’s just about every graphic designer’s favourite – because it’s so exciting and the clients are so enthused and passionate,”

Hall said.

“I also really like working on packaging because it’s got unique challenges that you don’t really encounter in a lot of other projects, like how to fit an enormous amount of mandatory copy on a very small package.”

As for her work on our Tiny Love Stories?

“It’s really exciting because I will see it all over the community and that makes me really thrilled. It makes me really happy to be able to see work I did out in the wild,” Hall said.

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:

ONLINE AND MINDFUL

SELAM DEBS FACILITATES A SIX WEEK COURSE TO TACKLE AND CHALLENGE OPPRESSION

JACKELYN GILL CONTRIBUTER

Salem Debs owner of Juicy Yoga has started an online diversity and inclusion course.

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

“Welcome to the real world, honey.”

Selam Debs was with her boyfriend in Ottawa, on the last bus home. The driver called the police when the pair didn’t sit down on the busy vehicle right away. After being handcuffed and thrown face-down against the hood of a cop car, she heard those words from one of the officers.

“We never talked about it afterwards because it just became such an internalized experience.

We internalize that racism,” she remembered.

That internalized racism is part of Debs’ everyday experience – and it’s something she wants to talk about now, through The Inclusivity & Diversity Online Course, offered at her yoga studio, Juici Yoga.

Running every Wednesday between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. between Jan. 8, and Feb. 12, the six-week course tackles topics from recognizing socialized and unconscious biases, gaining cultural IQ, becoming an informed ally, navigating difficult conversations and creating truly inclusive spaces.

Of the 25 pupils in her course, Debs says about 90 per cent are white. “I think it’s challenging for white people because it’s the first time that they ever have to look at themselves as a race. So a big part of this course is doing your own inner work,” she said. “I would love if people of colour, racialized people, BIPOC [Black, indigenous and people of colour] people will be a part of it more so that they can understand this institution as well and get their

power back.”

The course draws on Deb’s own research and first-hand experiences like her run-in with the police in Ottawa. She adds and incorporates lessons from thought leaders like bell hooks, Toni Morrison, Robin DiAngelo and Reni Eddo-Lodge.

And although Debs runs it through her yoga studio, she isn’t targeting only the mindful and meditative.

“One of the things that I noticed – the most frightening – is that people were leading groups in businesses and corporations and tech companies, and have no literacy in race relations,” she said.

“How can you lead groups of people and not think that you don’t need to understand the nuances around institutionalized racism and all the things that come with that – so that you can better serve your employees – so that your hiring practices are really from a place where people are aware of biases?”

Still, the inspiration for the course reaches back to Debs’ yoga practice, when she noticed that people of colour weren’t attending her classes.

As an Ethiopian-Canadian woman, she felt like could set an example and could empower others.

“I started to realize it’s that internalized racism, it’s like when you don’t see yourself represented, you don’t show up to those places,” she said. “When you’ve been getting the message constantly that you’re inferior, then you live in the world in a way that keeps you segregated and at the peripheral of our society.”

Debs wanted to know why. So she started to read and research.

“I had always kind of been a social activist in a way, and [when] I started researching reading, listening to thought leaders that were really empowering people of colour... I started to understand the system,

and I started to really see clearly what was going on and why these things were happening,” she said.

The final push was after her friends started turning to her as a source of education and information for all things racial. Debs decided she had to start a more formal course.

After all, she said, she isn’t the moral majority who speaks for all people of colour.

“I wasn’t seeing it happen anywhere else, and I am the kind of person that, if I don’t see something, I just create it,” she said. “I finally realized that I had to turn it into a course, and not to be cliché, but you gotta just be the change that you want to see in your community.”

In the first three weeks of the Diversity and Inclusion course, the group has covered a lot of ground, Debs said, including ways in which race becomes socialized within larger systems, and how racism manifests in Canada specifically.

“We do a lot of aversive racism, meaning it’s under the surface,” she said. Implicit biases and recognizing representation in the books we read and the movies we watch.

“And then we understand the institutions more. We start to dissect and understand things like microaggressions [and] understand intersectionality,” she added.

Although this is the first time she’s running the course, she hopes to bring it back about twice a year in hopes that no one ever experiences the same thing she did on that Ottawa bus all those years ago.

“It requires a lot of digging deep and diving deep into these conversations that sometimes are traumatic and can be triggering and can be painful, but in the end, I know it’s what I’m meant to do. And so I will continue to do the work.”

LOCAL POCKET ADVENTURES

WITH CHARLOTTE CLARKE HYPERLOCAL TRAVEL JUANITA METZGER COLUMNIST As the snow piled up on a Saturday afternoon Charlotte Clarke and I parked on Shakespeare Drive, just a few houses west of Coleridge Drive in Waterloo’s Beechwood neighbourhood. Clarke led us straight to a small footbridge tucked in the trees on the south side of the street.

The bridge is visible from the road, but the path beyond is swallowed up, like a portal into an unknown world.

“In the spring or summer, I’ve come to Clair Lake Park to read. I sit right here, over the running water of the creek,” Clarke said while testing the bridge for ice. “But the snow makes everything so quiet, it’s a different kind of peaceful.”

Beyond the bridge, we followed scattered footprints beside Clair Creek leading us to the lake and open green spaces of this 22-acre park and environmental reserve. “Unless you live in this neighbourhood, hardly anyone knows the lake and creek are

here,” Clark said.

Clarke has spent 21 years finding and exploring natural or urban spaces in Kitchener and Waterloo since she moved here from Ottawa in 1998. She studied for a B.A and M.A in Rhetoric and Communications Design at the University of Waterloo and stayed after graduation to work in various freelance, communications and nonprofit sector jobs. She currently works as a communications officer at Wilfrid Laurier University.

“Most of my adventuring is local because I can’t go further, I get anxious,” Clarke said.

Towards the end of high school, Clarke developed agoraphobia after experiencing a series of health issues. Even decades later, the fear of becoming unwell or getting sick (physically or emotionally) and not being able to get to a safe place can cause anxiety and panic for her. As a result, Clarke has often avoided potential anxiety-inducing situations such as large crowds, public transportation or trains, riding in cars and sometimes public spaces.

Travel is a particular challenge.

“My mental health issues have deprived me of a lot of experiences.

I’ve never been overseas, I haven’t been farther than Lake Placid. I haven’t been very far at all and I want

to change that.”

“I’m actively in therapy,” she laughs, “I’m doing it!”

Local explorations by bicycle and long walks to spaces like Clair Lake Park have been part of Clarke’s therapy to work on her anxiety and mental wellness. The added bonus?

She has come to know the city and local community in a way that she might not have otherwise. She jokes, but half-seriously, that she has a growing roster of “weird locations and backdrops that are perfect for video shoots or band photos.”

Recently, Clarke began making short YouTube videos to share her outdoor explorations. So far she has covered Lakeside Park in Kitchener, the community of Bridgeport and a wild natural space near Bechtel Park.

“I want people to be delighted by what they see, then go out and have their own experiences,” Clarke said.

Her YouTube channel is called “Exploring Waterloo Region with Charlotte.”

Clarke’s hyperlocal travels are a testament to being creative about “living with constraints and not being crushed by them.”

“I’ve constructed a life, a full, rich life that occurs within 20 km.”

Charlotte Clarke documents her local travels in a YouTube series.

JUANITA METZGER PHOTO

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Well known uptown Waterloo restaurant closes its doors. LAKYN BARTON PHOTO

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY CLOSE A RESTAURANT

OWNING A RESTAURANT CAN BE VERY EMPOWERING, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT BECOMES CONFIDENCE CRUSHING?

519 SCHMECKS

NICK BENNINGER COLUMIST As it goes this isn’t a skill anyone should want to acquire, but I gotta say we nailed it. I hope I never have to do it again, but it was done with pride and dignity, alongside an unusually dedicated and fiercely hard-working team. I got to enjoy a long goodbye with a few comrades and thousands of strangers and I got to see the place really sing the way we always dreamt it

would in those last few services. Not a really, really bad way to fail?

Restauranting can be like being a drop of water forced down a rapidly moving drain pipe, in so many ways – sights smells and sounds included.

Imagine a workday filled with so many twists and turns, moving so quickly that sometimes you’re not sure if you are driving the force or caught up in it. Either way, it’s tough to react quickly and correctly under constant pressure.

Eventually, enough losses can compile and a line will need to be drawn. It will be crystal clear when it’s time to call a spade a spade and close shop. That moment came for us at one of our restaurants over the last several months. We knew it and announced

the pending closure of our beloved burger joint to staff and the public.

The following two weeks would fly by. So many burgers, so many tearful customers, requests for interviews, requests for memorabilia, emergency pork deliveries, milkshakes and incredibly long shifts at the grill.

There were also words of praise and support and a Facebook page filled with wellwishers and long time haters alike firing one more “it’s not the same” our way. What a time.

It’s weird to own a restaurant.

In one moment it can be the most empowering exhilarating thing, and in another, it can be a confidence crushing monster from the darkest parts of any nightmare. It can leave your mind racing and brimming

with inspired ideas, or it can leave you wrought with doubt and full of insecurities and irrational fears.

Shutting down a local landmark hurts – I have felt pretty rotten about this for some time now. It sucks to close a restaurant, to say goodbye to the customers, to fail the employees, to stop providing a place in the community. There is something to be said about knowing when it’s time and when something needs to be put to rest.

We put our everything into this project and it simply wasn’t enough.

Nothing will ever make me feel anything but proud of our efforts, but at the end of the day, you still lose sometimes.

I got to play Bob’s Burgers in a

restaurant like no other – made legendary long before I picked up the spatula. My family and I, with Natalie leading the charge, got to join the legacy made by three generations of the Marks family. I took my turn at the stoves of perhaps our Region’s most iconic grill, and I cooked its last burger.

Is this what fulfilling your destiny feels like? The answer is no, and I’ll be back at it tomorrow to start writing the next chapter of our story.

Check out communityedition.ca for our infamous pork smash burger recipe!

Nick Benninger is a local chef and restaurant owner.

How sustainable is your chocolate? CREATIVE COMMONS

LIVING WITHIN YOUR OWN MEANS: COMING TO TERMS WITH CHANGING HABITS THAT YOU LOVE

EASY BEING GREEN

STACEY DANCKERT COLUMIST This article is going to hurt. I’m sorry to do it, especially this month when we are hearing so much about the beauty of love and what that can bring to your life. I don’t want to be a downer, but I promise this will hurt me as much as it hurts you. I am going to talk about one of my biggest loves — chocolate.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to bake, and a large portion of what I bake contains chocolate. Despite putting a lot of effort into eating sustainably, focussing largely on organic and local ingredients when I can — I have been burying my head in the sand around

the issue of the sustainability of the chocolate I eat. Of course, I knew it had environmental costs, but tried to avoid learning the extent of it. But I have decided it is finally time to think about it – and it seemed relevant to discuss during the month in which we demonstrate our love with gifts of chocolate.

It turns out that there is a lot to consider when thinking about the sustainability of chocolate.

In researching this article, I discovered that cacao trees are relatively unique in that better quality cocoa beans come from trees that are shaded by other trees. Therefore, that’s how they have traditionally been grown. Because they can only be grown close to the equator, they are primarily grown in the Ivory Coast and Ghana where land is expensive and the trees are ageing.

With the pressures of an $83 Billion global market, however, more recently some farmers have grown them in direct sun – which may result in

higher yields but diminishes their quality. This also leads to greater degradation of soil and decreased biodiversity as well as the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, poor working conditions, youth labour and poor compensation for growers.

It’s not only the way cocoa beans are grown that is problematic – it is important to look at the entire process of getting chocolate into your hands to identify the true environmental cost of chocolate.

For example, chocolate candy is often made with palm oil, soy and milk ingredients, which are all huge drivers of deforestation and water consumption. Another common ingredient is sugar cane, which has the additional effect of the production of heavy smog from pre-harvest field burning. Manufacturing and packaging bear additional environmental costs which are only further accentuated by the large distance all of the components need to be transported. Sadly, all told the

environmental and equity costs of chocolate are quite substantial.

So, you might be asking, do I have to give up eating chocolate altogether?

While I think most of us should eat less, there are ways that you can mitigate the negative effects of chocolate.

For example, eating dark chocolate is not only healthier but also ensures a higher percentage of the profits go to the chocolate growers while limiting milk ingredients (alternatively look for those without milk ingredients). Look for brands who source ingredients ethically and abide by third party evaluation systems such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance or UTZ. Try to find suppliers who work directly with farmers. The good news is that the largest producers are starting to understand that they need to change their practices and increase the sustainability of their products, but unfortunately they are on a slow road to achieving those goals.

Although the taste isn’t exactly

the same, a great, healthy, more sustainable alternative is carob. It comes in all of the forms you find chocolate in including powdered and chips. Unfortunately, carob is more expensive but it does provide additional health benefits. Unlike chocolate, carob is high in calcium, low in fat, high in fibre, and caffeine and tannin free. It’s certainly worth a try!

So perhaps this Valentine’s Day, you could exchange kind gestures with the person you fancy instead of chocolate.

And for my fellow chocoholics – I sincerely apologize for tarnishing the enjoyment you may feel from eating your favourite chocolate and any additional guilt I have caused. I think we knew that making positive changes toward sustainability wouldn’t all be easy.

Stacey Danckert is co-director of Waterloo Region Environment Network (WREN)

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CONTRIBUTED IMAGES

CAPTURING THE REGION WITH MAGGIE LAURIN

LOCAL LANDMARKS MAKE AN IMPACT IN PEOPLE’S LIVES. HERE’S WHY MADE BY MAGGIE STARTED — AND TOOK OFF

RACHEAL MACINTOSH STAFF WRITER Maggie Laurin, the artist and owner of Made by Maggie has been creating illustrations of iconic KitchenerWaterloo locations for the past several years after attending art school at Conestoga College.

“I grew up in Kitchener and love it still — I still live here — and I just started really noticing this trend

of how many different landmarks across the region really meant different things to different people.

And it was kind of cool just how people could resonate with different landmarks in a fun illustration way,” Laurin said.

It all started with custom home illustrations of her parents’ house where she grew up and her husband’s house where he grew up, which they gave to their parents as gifts.

“It just kind of spiralled from there — people were like, “Oh, can you draw my house? Can you draw my pets?” And then, from there it turned into people requesting different landmarks, and then it kind of just

blew up” Laurin said.

Laurin describes her style as whimsical and fun. “It’s pretty loose, it’s not too serious, which I think kind of reflects myself. I don’t take things too seriously, or at least try not to, and I just try to have a lot of fun and lightheartedness,” Laurin said.

She’s noticed how many local landmarks have impacted people’s lives and how illustration can help them remember important points in their lives.

“Victoria Park Pavilion, for example. There’d be people who wanted a print of it because they got engaged there or they had a first date there or their dad used to take

March 5th & 8th at Princess Cinemas

them there as a kid and it brought so many fond memories. I’m a pretty sentimental person myself. I just really love the idea of how Kitchener has such strong roots, and how the roots just keep spreading,” Laurin said.

Laurin has said her favourite KW landmark is the Schneider’s Sign.

“It also happens to be my best seller, I sell out of it constantly.

It’s amazing how much it speaks to people, and how it kind of means the same thing to so many people... I put ‘almost home’ on the neon sign because… you’re almost home, and it means so much to so many people.”

Laurin also does custom illustrations of people’s homes and

cottages which she finds hold a lot of sentimental value for her clients and brings people back to memories of their childhood.

“I have so many different drawings of different homes in the Waterloo Region alone, all the different architectural styles. I love doing the homes as well because I just love how it really brings that warm fuzzy feeling to people. It’s not just a drawing of this or that, it’s something that you can put on your walls and it not only looks kind of cool and unique, but it also has a lot of deep meaning,” Laurin said.

Laurin’s illustrations can be found and purchased on her Etsy shop Made by Maggie.

NEW TUNE REVIEW

www.princesscinemas.com

LUSH ROCK BALLADS ALBUM: “Little Joy” by Death Party Playground LINK: https://deathpartyplayground.bandcamp.com/ Little Joy by Death Party Playground has been a long time coming. I remember hearing early versions of some songs in the final track list about two or three years ago at Becky’s Apartment when they released the Bruce Willis Jog Mixtape #3.

Those familiar with Kyle Taylor and his passion project, Death Party Playground, will instantly recognize the trademark, Springsteen-esque brand of story-time rock and roll that they have been peddling at venues around KW. The recent offering — an independently released full length project supported by a local arts grant — provides fans with a more polished sound.

Fleshed out with a wide range of lush instruments, the album is maximalist when it wants to be and minimal when it needs to be.

What stands out is Taylor’s ability to craft music that isn’t bound by time or space. The album feels nostalgic

in a way that’s hard to pin down; sometimes it’s the vocal harmonies, sometimes it’s a familiar drum pattern.

Little Joy is ultimately the perfect mix of throwback ear-worm tracks and contemporary rock ballads. The album will have you feeling feelings: some of which are familiar and some of which that are totally new.

The emphasis is always on the feeling.

– Kurtis Rideout, local musician, producer and ad manager for WLUSP

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES

MATT SMITH FILE PHOTO

1920 TO 2020 JESSIE SKINNER CONTRIBUTOR When my editors at the Community Edition revealed they were interested in content that contrasted life in the 1920s Kitchener-Waterloo area with 2020, my mind went to the first thing I remember doing upon my first visit in 2007 – catching a movie at the Princess Cinema in uptown Waterloo.

I decided to dig into the history of public film exhibition in KW. Then and now, I found, filmgoers were hungry for an experience that was unique – once for its genuine technological and artistic novelty, now for the increasingly rare social connection it provides. And behind that experience, there has always been a savvy promoter.

By 1920 the dominance of cinema over pop culture was well underway.

Many artists and entertainers from Southern Ontario had already made indelible marks on cinema history.

Like Whitby’s May Irwin, who in 1896 co-starred in the infamous, Thomas Edison-produced short The Kiss, one of the very first commercially successful films. Or Mary Pickford and Florence Lawrence, born in Toronto and Hamilton respectively, who had done their time as stars of the silent era. Beloved, Guelph-born character actor Ned Sparks, who later appeared in classics like 42nd Street and Frank Capra’s Lady for a Day, acted in four features that year.

For audiences of the time who lived in the now-KW area, the chance to see such famous locals on the big screen was owed largely to George Odlum “Pop” Philip.

Pop was a prominent local businessman, an influential stage promoter, and according to a contemporary advert an executive member of something called the Moving Picture Men’s Association of Canada.

One can only imagine what Pop thought of cinema’s value as an art form. But he certainly understood, earlier than most, its potential for financial return and political influence.

In 1896, two decades before Berlin, Ontario was renamed Kitchener in a contentious referendum. Pop had already organized moving picture exhibitions to great interest and financial success.

In 1907 he first opened his Star Theatre on King St. West, originally combining staged and filmed material for audiences. During the First World War, the Star screened propaganda shorts for 10 cents a ticket — with free admission for local militia members — alongside popular entertainment like Otis Turner’s proto-science fiction serial The Black Box. But despite his unique appreciation of cinema’s commercial future, Pop wasn’t without his competition.

The Grand (later Allen) Theatre in downtown Kitchener began showing features as early as 1913. And May of 1921 saw the opening of The Lyric – a theatrical space that would become one of the most prominent in the region.

The history of The Lyric stretches well into the 20th century, and could fill an entire book. Its founding reflected the transition of film exhibition from the hands of traditional impresarios like Pop to those of modern investors with a greater sense of its “larger than life” qualities.

The Lyric’s opening night was, by contemporary accounts, a remarkable affair complete with a live orchestra, a double bill of features, and a full parade celebrating theatre manager Forrest McCutcheon.

Today’s local independent movie theatre operators have much more in common with Pop’s strong sense of audience tastes than McCutheon’s flair for (over)hype and showmanship.

Some, like Princess Cinema owner and manager John Tutt, have steadfastly shepherded their theatres through major market shifts like home video

and cable television.

“I remember (home video) coming in and getting worried, but the distance between the theatrical and home release was so huge,” says Tutt, “I remember Tootsie (1982) with Dustin Hoffman played at the Waterloo Theatre for six months!”

Since the inception of the Princess Cinema in September of 1985, Tutt has relied on an approach to presentation and programming that cuts through the glut of content that home video first provided.

By frequently curating repertoires and lineups around specific themes, and keeping his attention tuned to the particular interests of KW audiences – see the theatre’s annual hosting of the Paddling Film Festival, which is exactly what it sounds like. This is one great example of how the Princess has remained a local institution.

Other present-day proprietors, like Cara Watson, Director of Operations for the Apollo Theatre in downtown Kitchener, are front-line witnesses to the dawn of the streaming age.

In describing the success of the Apollo as an independent cinema and the continued appeal of local film screenings in the age of Netflix, Watson hits on a fundamental social truth: “There will always be people who want to have an experience (in public), versus sitting at home.” The Apollo’s participatory, audiencefriendly amplification of that experience has led Watson to regard it more as an “event theatre”.

That appeal, to those who seek it, has been raised from the dead by the impersonal nature of streaming platforms and the breakdown of decorum common in corporate chain theatres.

“Sometimes, you just want to watch a film surrounded by other people who just want to watch a film,” Watson continues.

That sense of genuine interest may have been a given for audiences in the 1920s. Now, it’s a novelty.

People still want to go out to see a movie, the allure of the theatre lives on.

NICK STANLEY PHOTOS

n o i g e R o o l r e t a W

^

tiny little love stories Former editor Beth Bowles introduced us to tiny love stories last year. And we love a recurring series.

Beth had been following The New York Times’ Modern Love column and due to the vast volume of submissions, they launched Tiny Love Stories — a space for readers to submit their love stories in 100 words or less.

Shamelessly, we copied the idea,

“

asking you, residents and visitors of Waterloo Region, to share with the Community Edition your love stories, using Waterloo Region as a backdrop.

The rules were simple: your tiny love story must take place somewhere in Waterloo Region, it cannot be more than 100 words, you can sign off using your real name, or choose to be anonymous, stories

MY PLANE WAS LATE. I MISSED MY CONNECTION. I WAS ON THE LAST AVAILABLE SEAT OF A LATER FLIGHT BACK HOME – YOU KNOW, THE ONES THAT FACE BACKWARD ON THOSE SMALL TURBOPROP PLANES. AND FACING BACKWARD WITH ME WAS A DASHING TRAVELER FROM GERMANY. THE REST OF THE PASSENGERS WATCHED AS WE SWAPPED STORIES AND LAUGHED TOGETHER LIKE OLD FRIENDS… AND FOR THOSE BRIEF 30 MINUTES, IN THE SKY SOMEWHERE OVER WATERLOO REGION, EVERYTHING THAT HAD GONE WRONG ON MY JOURNEY SOMEHOW FELT RIGHT. I’LL PROBABLY NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN, BUT THOSE MOMENTS WE SHARED WERE INEXPLICABLY BEAUTIFUL. - ANONYMOUS

GRAPHICS BY JULES HALL

told in first person are best and we weren’t going to publish all of them, only the ones that we thought best fit our vision.

Thank you for trusting us with the intimacy and intricacies of your private love stories.

This was the response. Remember to share your own tiny love story next February.

We met downtown at Gilt. I was late because it was hot out and I waited in my car so I wouldn’t be sweaty when I met you. As I walked up to the area on the patio you were sitting at, the first thing I said with a big smile on my face was “I have to go use the washroom real quick, please don’t steal my stuff” and dropped my wallet, keys, and purse in front of you. 4 years later, as we sit watching our baby grow, thank you for not stealing my stuff, when you stole my heart.

- Anonymous

We were friends for more than a decade when love hit. A valentine’s kiss on your birthday. A “first” date in uptown Waterloo. Was I worth the drive from the GTA? We fell in love over tapas and theatre. The restaurant and theatre are both different now, and so are we. Our love is not new, but it is true. Now we both call Waterloo home. I am truly at home when I am with you. For more than a decade now as life partners and parents. And many more decades to come. I love you my funny valentine.

-Lisa

I found myself slowing. I crossed Jubilee and the full flush of greenery in Victoria Park lay ahead.

Behind me, the lawn was a bustle with families, and friends, and first dates. Before me, the sun glinted off the calm waters of the lake, disturbed only by an errant duck. A bike bell chimed, a dog barked, a laugh drifted by on an early autumn breeze. I stopped, and savoured, and realized - I was home.

I remember the moment our eyes met in the crowd. My heart fell into my chest. I was instantly drawn to him. He asked me to see a movie with him at the Princess Twin and said with a smile that if I still liked him after that, maybe we could get a coffee after too. It was a warm summer night in Waterloo park when we professed our love under the gazebo. And now, it’s five years later and I feel just as excited to look into his eyes.

-Elise

-Michael R. Clark

”

Friendship forged in community building, caring in parallel. Caring for my broken divorced heart, friendship evolving as hearts opened to each other.

Moved to Kaufman, adopted and healed the furry Olive, had family. Grew ourselves new identities, grew through pain, grew apart until I tore it up as she lit me up. Still the heart wants to cherish in different ways. Still, I gave my words to her to cut our ties for her sake, cutting you deep. Found pain, found my polyamorous identity, but in January’s cold, found time doesn’t heal all wounds. Found, and lost, pieces of myself.

-AD

It was our first date. After dinner we went to Waterloo Park Zoo. I really wanted to kiss him, but wanted him to do it first. We spotted the llama through the hedges, I finally summoned the courage. Our first kiss, infront of the llama. After, we walked down the boardwalk to the gazebos by the lake. We sat for hours in the late summer chill, watching the spiders through the rafters, the stars glittering on the still lake. We visit the llama now and again, but nothing replaces the spiders in the rafters, nothing replicates that cool summer breeze.

-Anonymous

“

I LOST MY WIFE IN 2012. FOR TWO YEARS, WE LAZED ABOUT VICTORIA PARK LAKE, EATING BREAD FROM PASSERSBY AND TREATS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE. WHEN SHE DIED, I LEANED HARD INTO THE BACHELOR LIFE. EACH WINTER, HUMANS WOULD INTRODUCE ME TO NEW SWANS, BUT NO ONE COULD TAKE HER PLACE. IN FACT, I OFTEN CHASED THEM AWAY. WOULD I BE LONELY FOREVER, I WONDERED? IS MY HEART NOW MADE OF STONE? THEN OPHELIA CAUGHT EYE. EVEN IF WE ARE TAKING THINGS SLOW BEFORE WE START A FAMILY, SHE HAS TAUGHT ME HOW TO LOVE AGAIN. -OTIS

The second boy that I loved with all my heart, I met at Grand River Hospital. It was 3:30 in the morning, I was exhausted and my hair was a mess; he didn’t look his best either. We didn’t say a word to each other, we didn’t have to. I held him close and his heartbeat right next to mine, just like it had for the previous nine months. They say that three is a sacred number and that day in April I couldn’t agree more.

-Erika T

”

I always say Kitchener-Waterloo is the home my heart chose. I moved here for love, leaving my job in another city to live closer to my partner. When that didn’t work out (hey, it happens!) I realized I loved something much bigger: our region and our people. I felt so welcomed each time I attended a local Hackernest, paint night or coworking session.

I felt an energy of authentic community support with each new person I met. You (yes, you) are what I love about waking up here every morning.

-Anonymous

When he asked if it was okay to take my hand as we walked the gravel path into Waterloo Park, I beamed in the dark. Our second chance at a first date was exactly what we needed to stop pretending that this wasn’t a “thing”. Love feels miraculous when you finally let it in.

-Alyssa

Just kids, far from home. A girl in school, a boy in a band. After a short encounter at Phil’s it all happened fast, you headed home for the holidays, I couldn’t get you out of my head. I drove to your mom’s and kissed you when you opened the door.

Shortly after, under the gazebo in Waterloo Park I asked if you’d be my girlfriend. We’re no longer lost, and have found home in each other and in this city we love to discover. People grow together, or apart but over the last 5 years you’ve stolen my heart.

-J.E.S.

I’ve been all over the Waterloo Region with my love, all because we were brought together by an online community - the KWCG Pokemon Go community. Having just moved back (because let’s be real, I was already in love with Kitchener), I joined the server and started going to regular events. It didn’t take long for our connection to grow beyond our hobby, and it remains a significant part of our life together.

-Anonymous

“

SOMETIMES, RELATIONSHIPS COME AS PACKAGE DEALS, JUST AS MY RELATIONSHIP CAME WITH A TINY, BOSSY, OPINIONATED 3-YEAR-OLD. I HAD PRACTICED SELF-PROTECTION AGAINST MEN MY WHOLE LIFE, SO WHEN IT CAME TO HIM, I WAS ARMED WITH CONCRETE WALLS. BUT AGAINST HER, I WAS ABSOLUTELY POWERLESS. IT WAS AT THE INTERSECTION OF BRIDGEPORT AND WEBER, STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THAT SHE TOOK HER SOOTHER OUT OF HER MOUTH AND SAID, “BETH, YOU’RE MY FAMILY.” HER TINY BRAIN DOESN’T UNDERSTAND THE RESISTANCE ADULTS HAVE AGAINST BLURTING OUT EVERY THOUGHT. IN THAT MOMENT SHE TAUGHT ME THAT WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEONE, DON’T GIVE INTO THE RESISTANCE. JUST TELL THEM. - BETH

”

I’ve fallen in love with you all over this city, from Waterloo Park to Carl Zehr Square.

When I look at you I see joy, warmth and relentless devotion.

Your creativity and kindness inspire and amaze me every day, and this city will always be the place we found our home in each other.

-R

DON’T SEE YOUR TINY LOVE STORY HERE? CHECK ONLINE COMMUNITYEDITION.CA FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

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VEGAN DUMPLINGS:

VEGGIE PACKED AND IRRESISTABLE

REGIONAL RECIPE

BREEN SPLITT COLUMNIST Inspired by my friend Peter’s travels to Nepal, these dumplings are packed with a delicious plant-based filling that will surely surprise you with bold aromas.

If you’ve never explored the Asian grocery stores in the KitchenerWaterloo area, this recipe gives you a great opportunity to do so.

T&T on Westmount and New City Supermarket on King St near the Kitchener Market District are amazing local grocery stores where you can find all these ingredients.

The bright flavours of fresh ginger and lemongrass and the earthiness from the bok choy and mushrooms make for a delicious bite. These are also great items to make ahead and freeze for a later date, and can be quickly steamed or pan-fried.

RECIPE NOTES

• Try to chop all ingredients as finely as you can – this allows for more filling per dumpling and an overall better bite.

• Set aside the exterior leaves of your cabbage to use at the base of your steaming pot. This helps to prevent the dumplings from getting stuck on the steaming basket.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED WONTONS: Wonton wrappers Salt 1.5 cups Savoy or Napa cabbage, finely chopped 1.5 cups bok choy, finely chopped 2 cups oyster mushrooms, finely chopped ½ cup of finely chopped onion, shallot or leek ½ cup carrots, finely chopped or minced ½ cup firm tofu, finely chopped 3 bulbs of garlic, minced 1 heaping tablespoon of lemongrass, finely chopped 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 2 tablespoons of green onion, finely chopped ¾ cup of cooked white rice 2 teaspoons of togarashi seasoning 2 teaspoons of tamari or soy DIPPING SAUCE: 3 tablespoons of tamari or soy 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar 3 tablespoons of warm water 1 teaspoon maple syrup Green onion and sesame for garnish

PREPARATION

WONTONS: • Begin by placing finely chopped cabbage and bok choy into a bowl.

Salt heavily (a good few tablespoons) and begin to massage with your hands. Squeeze contents firmly, as to break up any firm pieces. The goal of this step is to remove as much liquid from the cabbage and bok choy as possible so that the liquid does not release inside the dumpling during cooking. Add more salt if needed.

• Once the liquid begins to release, place contents in a fine-mesh colander and squeeze all remaining liquid out.

• Meanwhile, place finely chopped mushrooms and onions into a hot pan. While cooking, add half of your garlic, lemongrass and ginger. Save the other half of your garlic for later in the recipe. Cook until browned.

• Once your cabbage and bok choy are drained, and your mushroom combo is cooled, combine both into a large bowl. Add the other halves of the uncooked garlic, lemongrass and ginger. Add carrot, tofu, green onion, cooked rice, togarashi, and tamari.

Mix all ingredients together until well-combined.

• Place a wonton wrapper in the palm of your hand, and put a dollop (about 2 tsp) of filling in the middle of the wrapper. Dampen one half of the edge of a wonton wrapper with

BRB going to go make some right now. BREEN SPLIT PHOTO water. Fold wrapper into a halfmoon shape by pinching the top and bottom together, then pleat sides to close. These don’t need to be perfect; as long as they stay closed, you’re in safe waters. If you need help in this area – YouTube is a great resource!

• You can use a traditional wooden dumpling steamer, or alternatively place cabbage leaves on a standard metal steaming basket. Steam dumplings for 8-10 minutes, or until

the dumpling wrapper is transparent and soft. If you prefer, you can also steam and then pan fry them for a crunchier texture. Serve hot alongside dipping sauce!

DIPPING SAUCE: • Mix tamari, rice vinegar, warm water, maple syrup, green onion, and sesame seeds together

COLLEGE CAMPUS IN

CAMBRIDGE PLANT

FORMER PLANT TO HOUSE TRADE PROGRAMS

RACHAEL MACINTOSH STAFF WRITER Conestoga College has recently acquired the former Erwin Hymer plant in Cambridge. The college plans to turn the plant into a campus that will house its trade programs.

They’ve seen phenomenal growth over the past 20 years in their trades programs according to their former Executive Dean of Engineering, Technology and Trades Julia Biedermann.

“One of the key reasons for [this move] is really to raise the profile of the skilled trades and get more young people into the trades – to improve the student experience by having one campus that’s modern, open and spacious with natural light,” Biedermann said.

Creating a new campus was an opportunity for the college to consolidate all their trades into a single campus and in turn, free up space at the other campuses for other program areas to grow. The building was chosen due to its large size and the fact that its layout is ideal for this new project.

“What’s really great about it is that it has all kinds of warehouse space.

About 130,000 sq. ft. That’s big open space that’s not compartmentalized into rooms so it’s ideal for a trades campus,” Biedermann said.

The first stage of the new campus is set to open in the fall of 2021, but the college plans to make this a longterm project and estimates it will take 40-50 years to build out fully.

“This is just phase one. Because this is on a very large portion of land, about 40 acres, not all of our trade programs will fit in there at once. I’ve been working with the management, faculty and staff to identify those programs that will go there first and what the needs of the programs are in terms of classroom space and shop space,” Biedermann said.

Conestoga hopes that this new campus will help them bring students into the trades and help change perceptions about these jobs.

“Teachers in schools do not direct their students to go into the trades.

Parents do not direct their kids to go into the trades. It’s all about ‘Go to university! Go to university!’ but, in the skilled trades, the careers are great, the financial remuneration is really good,” Biedermann said.

The decision to open this new campus also addresses the issues of a predicted shortage in the labour supply for the trades, with the average ages of tradespeople being in their 40s and 50s and a need for young people to replace them.

“Most people when they go into the trades they don’t realize how much money they could be making and what great careers they really are – they seem to think of them as dirty and difficult. For example, a woman might think she can’t [work in a trade] because you need physical strength. Though that may be true in some cases, there are certainly ways of getting around physical limitations,” Biedermann said.

Conestoga College’s hope that the new campus will attract a whole new generation of tradespeople.

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

11

CREATIVE COMMONS

Uptown Waterloo streets were already pretty busy in 2013, and this photo is from 2017. We’re jumping all around the years. WILL HUANG FILE PHOTO

FROM THE ARCHIVES: ROOM ON WATERLOO ROADS?

HERE’S A THROWBACK TO AN ARTICLE FROM THE ARCHIVES - WAY BACK TO THE FEBRUARY 2013 EDITION OF THE COMMUNITY EDITION

FROM THE ARCHIVES HG WATSON FORMER EDITOR IN CHIEF

King Street and University Avenue, based on traffic alone, is the most dynamic crossroad in Waterloo Region.

An average of more than 40,000 cars, buses, pedestrians and cyclists make their way through the intersection on a daily basis. The number seven and iXpress buses, amongst other routes, pass through frequently as they ferry students and residents from one end of the city to another. Along University Avenue, you’ll find one of the region’s major bike lanes, taking cyclists west towards the Iron Horse trail, the main local artery for riders. It may not be the busiest place in the city, but it’s where you’ll find every form of transportation available.

While other municipalities squabble about the best options for transit, Waterloo has committed to an aggressive plan that includes putting Light Rail Transit on our streets by 2017. The way we get around is changing quickly.

Waterloo Region likes to boast that it’s attracting a new population of professionals who run the start-ups and incubators that get us noticed

by The New York Times, amongst others. Are these people changing how people move around the region?

It seems in many ways that Waterloo is a car city. Some estimate that over 80 per cent of residents are still consistently using their car to commute.

But a small, yet increasingly vocal, group of people are championing mass transit, cycling and walking as alternatives for our growing city. One of the key issues for them

is prevening accidents that have become too commonplace.

Duncan Clemens is the executive director of TriTAG, a citizen advocacy group for alternative forms of transportation in the region. He says that when it comes to placing the blame on someone, we’ve become used to the idea that a pedestrian or cyclist could be hit and might be at fault. “Cycling in and of itself is not inherently dangerous activity,” said Clemens.

“It’s dangerous because people and infrastructure make it dangerous.

The way roads are designed, the speed of vehicles that are surrounding it; that’s the only reason it’s dangerous.”

Clemens, who continues cycling during the winter, knows that people believe it’s too risky to be on the road. With the right maintenance he thinks it would still be safe for

PRESENTS

anyone to go biking at any time of year. Still, he admits that hopping on his bike in Waterloo takes a certain amount of intestinal fortitude. “It’s the same risk-taking attitude people take towards extreme sports.” But there’s little chance a less-confident biker would feel at home on the roads.

Cycling and walking are only two parts of the transit puzzle. The other is mass transit. Mike Boos is also an advocate with TriTAG. He’s done his own statistical analysis on the number of times GRT busses service certain areas. Some parts of Cambridge and south Waterloo get almost no service on Sundays. “It’s difficult to justify that transit market when you have a system where if you’re living in that part of town, nine times out of ten you own a car,” he said. “You’re not going to get a revenue return from the ridership.“

FRIDAYS + SATURDAYS • MIDNIGHT-3AM 46 KING STREET NORTH, WATERLOO

This is an excerpt from the article.

For the full article including transit infographics, go to our website under ‘Past Issues’ Originally published in the fifth ever issue of the Community Edition – Then called the Cord Community Edition – in February 2013

AS YOU AGE: HAPPINESS AND PLEASURE

SEXPLANATIONS

STACEY JACOBS COLUMNIST

LATE NIGHT GRILLED CHEESE

For Clemens, transit users and drivers can be divided by social class. “Take a look at the ridership on transit now,” he said. “It’s primarily low income and students; people that don’t have a choice. They take transit because they have to take transit.” Clemens wants people to shift to thinking that they don’t have to drive, even if they can.

“Trying to achieve that in smaller municipalities is key.”

February is a month people like to talk about love, dating and sex.

This is fine if you are someone who is into this, annoying if you are not, and can be downright devastating if you are someone who is heartbroken or lonely. When we think about love, dating and sex many of us think of young people, maybe people who are middle age, but what about older adults?

Many of us are ageist. We discriminate and stereotype based on people’s age. Many of us think the idea of older adults having sex is repulsive. We don’t like to think of our parents or grandparents having intimate relationships, and we assume people of a certain age don’t masturbate or have sexual fantasies. If we do imagine older adults in relationships we often think of monogamous, long-term relationships with little sex, and if sex is happening, it is boring and vanilla.

I am here to tell you that older adults have sex. Sometimes better sex and more sex than young people. They have kinky sex and they masturbate. They are involved in poly and open relationships, and sometimes relationships with people half their age. Why are we not happier about this? We are all ageing. Many of us will become “older adults”. Do we not want this for ourselves?

Many people who are older have internalized the ageist and discriminatory norms and values of our society, and believe they

should not have sex or romantic relationships. They may think if a partner dies or they get divorced that relationships and sex are a thing of the past – luckily there are many people who are rejecting these ideas.

People are beginning new relationships – both sexual and romantic – in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. They are online dating and using dating apps. They are getting involved in the kink community and trying new things. Some older adults who previously identified as straight and cisgender are identifying as gay, lesbian, bi, non-binary and trans as they are feeling safe and comfortable for the first time in their lives to do so.

Others who were out when they were young are making the difficult decision to hide their identity as an older adult in order to receive the care they need and deserve in a long term care facility as homophobia and transphobia are still rampant.

Our society values some people over others. Young people are valued, but young people become old people. Older adults are young people but with more experiences, stories, wisdom and time on their hands. Possibly time on their hands to be adventurous with sex and relationships. I am not saying that all older adults want to have sex or be in a relationship, but the choice should be theirs and is it truly a choice if you are made to feel your choice is disgusting or inappropriate.

Everyone deserves companionship, pleasure and happiness, even those of us who are no longer considered “young.” So maybe stop picturing your parents having sex and picture yourself when you are older. This may help you stop those ageist thoughts and respect the happiness of others.

Stacey Jacobs is a local sex educator and advocate.

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

12

CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO

BREAKING UP WITH DIET CULTURE strategy is to make you feel like there is something wrong with your body or your health and that this needs to be fixed before you can live your life.

SUZANNE DIETRICH CONTRIBUTOR This might be one of the hardest relationships you’ll ever need to end – but I can almost guarantee that it’ll make you a much better version of yourself. As a non-diet-dietitian, it’s my job to help people move away from diet culture when that’s their intention.

Diet culture, refers to any factor in our environment that makes us want to change our food/drink, activity, medication or supplement choices in order to change our body shape or size.

Diet culture is rampant everywhere – permeating into our lives from the multi-billion dollar diet industry, the fashion and beauty industry and even through some health care providers. Diet culture messaging targets all ages – be it through my kids’ Berenstain Bears books, weight loss ads targeting teens or 96-year-olds in the dining room at the nursing homes.

Diet culture’s toxic message is “one size must fit all and one diet fits all.” It fails to share that weight is 80 percent determined by our genetics or that 80-95 percent of people on diets regain the weight they’ve lost and often more within three years. It also fails to talk about the dangers of yo-yo dieting or how it is okay (and can be healthy) to not be thin.

HORMONES For most, these diets fight against our bodies’ intricate hormonal system, leaving us with intense cravings, feelings of deprivation and frustration. Whether this means restricting ourselves from food throughout the day and “giving in” at night, opting out of social events to “stay on track,” putting off going clothes shopping or getting a haircut. We may even deny ourselves relationships or the love we deserve.

The diet industry’s marketing

FATPHOBIA Fatphobia is the systemic dislike or fear of being or becoming fat. It is at the root of our societal pressure to be thin. Weight discrimination causes limited access to health care, housing, employment, education and more and is a significant risk factor for depression, low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.

Many of my clients avoid seeing their health care provider for fear that even their non-weight related medical issues will turn into a weight shaming session. Fat people’s health is often assumed to be bad and up for public debate. In reality, all bodies deserve access to fair and non-descriminatory health care.

In diet culture changing your nutrition is all about the goal of being thinner. Good nutrition can be a form of self-care, as long as it does not become unnecessarily strict. Changing your approach from weight loss to healthy eating can have benefits for your stress, mood, digestion and overall health.

BODY AUTONOMY Bodily autonomy is defined as the right to self governance over one’s own body without external influence or coercion. It is generally considered to be a fundamental human right. Check out Sonya Renee Taylor’s work for more on this. So where does this leave us? Firstly, you are welcome to your own body autonomy – know that you can own that.

MENTAL HEALTH If you want to move away from dieting, start to notice how it makes you feel. What does “dieting” mean to you? How did you feel when you were on the diet? How did you feel when the diet didn’t work for you? How has dieting affected you physically, emotionally, socially and psychologically? Did dieting give you a false sense of control? Did it

distract you from other areas of your life?

For some, dieting is a distraction or one of the only areas they feel a sense of control over. Which is fine, but is this coping mechanism working for you or against you?

Try to remove scales, body measurement or diet tools and paraphernalia from your home. Pack away or get rid of clothes that don’t fit. Try to decrease your exposure to diet messaging on your social media feeds and magazines. Change negative dieting thoughts in your head to thoughts of body respect and self-care. Set boundaries with others around diet talk, change the subject, and/or assert that you are not interested in talking about dieting or changing your size anymore.

Eating is about health but also pleasure, satisfaction, satiation, food availability, access, culture and so much more. You need to find what works for you. If eating just doesn’t feel right it may be time to reach out for some help around this – dieting can move very easily into disordered eating and an eating disorder.

Having an intense amount of anxiety about eating can affect other areas of your health.

Check out the work of Jess Baker, Ragen Chastain, Christy Harrison, Jill Andrews and Evelyn Tribole.

INTUITIVE EATING This recently popularized research-based, self-care eating framework which integrates instinct, emotion and rational thought, was developed by dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. This 10 principle approach looks at eating, movement and our bodies with curiosity, rather than judgment.

The approach focuses on an “all foods fit” mentality unless there are allergies or restrictions based on a specific health condition. It’s about letting go of unhelpful rules and allowing restricted foods back onto your plate, as slowly as you need to.

Eventually, these foods become less powerful over you.

Intuitive Eating focuses on learning to recognize and trust

your body’s hunger and fullness cues – but with a side of eating beyond this at times for fun, keeping in mind that illness and stress can alter these cues. Mindful eating is another skill acquired through this.

This approach is also documented as useful in the end stages of eating disorder recovery. If you’re curious you could start with their workbook to give it a try.

Remember it’s a process, and for many, it’s challenging to do on your own. Reach out to a professional who is trained in this approach and uses a weight inclusive framework if you feel you need help because unfortunately this term is also being co-opted by diet culture.

LIFE IS ALL ABOUT BALANCE I like to use Dr. Kristen Neff’s approach on this – be kind to yourself – this is an easy way to soothe yourself. Then recognize you’re not the only one who does this, be mindful of your feelings and don’t be afraid to feel them. Seek out help to work through these feelings if needed.

With nutrition, try to approach it as one of the many aspects that influences your health and wellbeing – not the only one. Do the best to balance your meals with some carbs, fat, protein and veggies – not every meal will look like this, mine oftentimes don’t, and that’s ok. For most people, three meals/day and two to three snacks/day work well to keep blood sugar and moods in a good spot. No need for calculations or tracking.

Breaking up with dieting is hard to do. It’s really an inside job, that moves away from the external noise around eating. It requires reflection and risk. There is no rule book to follow, but an amazing gift of inner wisdom within you that needs to have permission, and sometimes guidance to be let out.

Suzanne Dietrich is a Registered Dietitian and the owner of Gut Instincts Nutrition Counselling in uptown Waterloo.

13

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

PASSIONS OVERLAP WITH BARBER & CRAFT LOCAL BARBER ADAM ZREBIEC CRAFTS SUSTAINABLE LEATHER BY HAND

THE SIDE HUSTLE

JENNA AQUINO COLUMNIST Adam Zrebiec, a local barber at Good Hair Co. and a talented leather-crafter, has seamlessly merged his two livelihoods under one dynamic brand: Barber & Craft.

When he’s not cutting hair, he’s labouring leather materials into backpacks, laptop sleeves, coasters, belts, wallets, and more. Each product is thoughtfully designed and carefully crafted – by hand, no less.

“In university, I took an ‘alternative media’ course and I had to take on a slow-media endeavour for the final project. That’s when I somehow fell upon leatherwork, bought a starter kit online and began teaching myself the trade. I’ve been at it for three or four years since then,” Zrebiec said.

“When I graduated, I didn’t feel inclined to pursue what a lot of people would think of as a traditional career. Instead, I followed my niche interests and over time, I discovered my professional identity as both a barber and a leatherworker.”

Part of what Zrebiec enjoys about these two realms of style is discovering the interesting ways in which his passions overlap.

“These are two crafts that are as old as time. The similarities between them are really apparent in terms

of the method, the tools, and the approach I take to each of them.

Hair and leather are both organic materials that I use steel to cut and different substances to style,” Zrebiec said.

“I definitely have an affinity for intricate work, doing things with my hands. Every element requires full focus. One small error in your cut can ruin the whole piece [or style] you’re working on … you really have to take your time and pay close attention to each one,” he explained.

Zrebiec pointed out that this is especially true for leather goods since the materials are not cheap to replace. And while every piece takes time, some take much longer than others depending on their unique dimensions and detailing. Zrebiec often experiments with different design elements such as broguing, braiding, tooling, and stamping – sometimes imprinting the product with his own illustrations, making it all-the-more unique.

“I’m always testing out new techniques and materials because I still have so much to learn. I often work with chrome leather, but I’ve always been attracted to a nice natural vegetable tan. It’s tanned with natural substances, so it is a lot more receptive to the elements. It wears really beautifully and is easy to press designs into,” Zrebiec said.

Zrebiec’s appreciation for leather stems largely from a place of sentimentality, as well as sustainability.

“These types of products actually get better with age. The daily use

begins to add character from the moment you start breaking it in.

How you use it determines the shape and patina, whether it reflects the outline of your cards or the subtle oils of your skin – it’s all a very natural process,” Zrebiec said.

“My outlook on leather is from an angle that embraces it as a biological substance that once was a living creature. I approach this material with respect and an appreciation of its wonderful applications, which have been utilized by the earliest of civilizations.”

Over the past year, Barber & Craft has appeared at maker’s markets around town including those at Abe Erb and Arabella Park, as well as at Waterloo’s Stitch & Kitch event.

Today, his products are available online at barberandcraft.com, or by request via Instagram @barberandcraft. You can also sneak a peek at his display table inside the shop at Good Hair Co. “I’m always open to chatting with a customer about their vision for a product. It helps me evolve and try new things. For example, right now I’m working on a guitar strap, a glasses case and a leather-strapped plant hanger,” Zrebiec said.

“My next steps are to invest in some industrial machinery to make my process more efficient and to expand my operations. I have endless ideas and I’m eager to be more active with the business – especially in this community,” he added.

Adam Zrebiec of Barber & Craft makes a variety of handmade products.

JESSE DERRY PHOTOS

The parking lot at 55 King Street West in Kitchener costs $80 for the day. JESSE DERRY PHOTO

THE MOST EXPENSIVE PLACE TO PARK IN KW? SAFINA HUSEIN CONTRIBUTOR Back in 2014, news sources in Kitchener-Waterloo reported on a parking lot in Kitchener where rates resembled some of the highest in the world.

If you’re looking to park your car at 55 King St. W for the entire day, this Kitchener lot costs $5 per 30 minutes at a maximum of $80 per day. As well, the lot adds $4 to your total cost if you’re looking to park your car throughout the evening — bringing the grand total to $84 for 24 hours in this parking lot.

“That’s more than the average parking rate in any other city in North America and ranks among the highest parking rates in the world,” The Record reported in 2014 regarding the parking lot.

The 55 King St. W lot was first owned by Dream, a national real estate company, when reports of the high parking rates were first publicized. Europro, a provincial commercial property management company and the current owners of the lot, took over from Dream approximately two to three years ago.

For residents and visitors in Kitchener-Waterloo looking to park without breaking the bank, both the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo offer a number of free options.

As for city owned lots, Paul

McCormick, manager of the City of Kitchener’s parking enterprise, explained that each year parking costs are determined by a number of things, including CPI and cost of living.

In the previous budget year for the City of Kitchener, it was decided that there would be a 1.5 percent increase.

“That helps to pay for the additional operating and capital costs in those facilities,” McCormick said.

Currently, rates for garage parking lots within the City of Kitchener cost $3.30 for the first two hours, the maximum being $15. The City of Waterloo charges $3.50 per hour for garage parking.

“Private companies in downtown Kitchener, they are charging $2 per half hour, that would be $4 per hour

and so we would be the lowest in that group,” McCormick said.

Evidently, municipal lots are largely distinct in price in comparison to the lot located at 55 King St. W. However, this may due to a direct business strategy.

“I believe it was a business decision to help the monthly parkers find spots in the afternoon when they would return to the lot so that was their method of trying to help them,” McCormick speculated.

Although the City of Kitchener offers some free parking options, McCormick explained that as an enterprise, it is their job to remain fiscally sustainable as they run independently and pay operating and capital costs and ultimately do not affect tax levies.

“We also have a number of free options,” McCormick said.

Within the City of Kitchener downtown and hospital areas, there are 343 one-hour free spaces, 307 two-hour free spaces, 28 three-hour free spaces and eight 30-minute free spaces.

There are 1059 surface spots in and around downtown and another 247 surface spots located near the hospital. There are five municipal garages in Kitchener holding 2025 spaces.

“There are 3674 total parking spaces available in and around the downtown and hospital area,” McCormick said.

“Quite an abundance of space for people to choose from as well as all the other private sector spaces as well.”

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

14

YOUTH IN POLITICS:

ON HOPE & OUR REGION

OPINION

STEPHEN TRIM CONTRIBUTOR The political arena can sometimes feel like this greasy, name-calling, finger-pointing, cesspool of a home stadium.

It can be hard to escape the storm – Donald with his 70+ million twitter followers, CNN’s ongoing coverage, and Facebook’s continued mishandling of misinformation.

However, I believe that in Canada, particularly in the Waterloo Region, this arena is filled with far more hope – even if there is just as much finger-pointing at times.

In 2011, I voted for the first time – Conservative. At the time I lived in Toronto and I was following my parents’ steps as small ‘c’ or liberal voters (depending on the year).

Small ‘c’ being leaning financially conservative, but socially liberal.

In 2015, I campaigned with the Liberals. Thankfully we uprooted what was a dangerous Harper government – I got involved in order to atone for my previous vote.

This past year, I did something a

little different – I went Green. Mike Morrice, Kitchener Centre’s Green Party candidate, knocked on my door in early June and the next thing I knew I was his lead communications staffer.

I attended almost every single event with Morris, acting as his handler, as well as shaping his evolving narrative. The debates, both on radio and at events, were meh.

There was the usual name-calling, false information, and occasional fact. But what I took note of and gave rise to my seemingly innocuous misleading title, was the engaged young people I encountered on the campaign.

Throughout the campaign, I attended high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and community centres. It might have seemed as though Morris believed his biggest voting base only gathered at these locations – to me, he was not wrong.

“Young people have the most to lose and gain. They are upset with the hand they were dealt and rightfully so – the window is now. I think it’s pretty inspiring to listen to a young person – have them show adults what they are missing. [Young people] have been on the front line of every social movement there is and I hope that continues,” Morris

CREATIVE COMMONS said.

This resonates with others in politics, including current Liberal MP for Waterloo and Youth Minister, Bardish Chagger. Chagger believes every person deserves to be part of the democratic process.

“We all want to make sure our voices are being heard, it might not always make it into policy, but you do want to be part of the process... I felt that the people I was surrounded by, that I was working with, that lived in my community, weren’t being represented, so I wanted to ensure that the voice of Waterloo was being heard,” Chagger said.

What impresses me about young

people is our ability to engage – despite our occasional overdependency on phones. We engage to think about the environment, to think about economics, and to think about the future. This is particularly important given the fact this might be the first time the future is not going to be better than that of our parents.

I think Greta Thunberg is a great role model. Not only because she is pushing for environmental policy, but because she has re-engaged young people. Every day she is demonstrating the importance of having your voice heard. For many young people, it can feel like the

world is passing by, and there is little they can do to affect meaningful change – but this isn’t an absolute.

If youth can continue to educate themselves, discover their voices and be willing to step up, the world, Canada and Waterloo Region might have a real future. We just also have to listen to them.

Stephen Trim is a content creator and artist. He has an honours degree in Political Science and a Masters of Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology.

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APOLLOCINEMA.CA

OUTDOOR FUN a winter hike and enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the region.

For families looking to tire out the kids or find quieter times exploring their creativity, we’ve got you covered!

WINTER SLEIGH RIDES Take a ride with your little ones that you won’t soon forget. Right by the famous Farmer’s Market, St. Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours lets you experience the scenic countryside like never before. End with a warm cup of apple cider at their rustic sugar shack.

OUTDOOR RINKS It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional skater or an absolute disaster, just get your family and your skates on (or rent some) and hit an outdoor rink. Practice makes perfect!

Our favourites are the ones at Carl Zehr Square and Waterloo Town Square because they have so many options for things to do after, but there are many places to chose from.

SLEDDING Find a nice hill and just go down – on a sled, a garbage can lid, laundry or a piece of cardboard. It doesn’t take much to entertain the little ones, and I’m sure you’ve seen some nice mounds of snow around and sometimes even driveways can do the trick depending on how much snow you get. Our favourite is the one on McLennan Park

NATURE PLAY KITCHENER Our winters wouldn’t be the same without Nature Play. This free community program usually gathers twice a week at Gzowski Park and Kingsdale Park for some guaranteed fun in nature. Children take the lead using their creativity to make nature into their own playground.

ICE CLIMBING You don’t have to go too far this winter to have this truly unique experience. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, try ice climbing in Elora and feel like Jon Snow on the wall. All the necessary safety gear and equipment is included but bring your own outdoor clothing. Be ready to climb a 60-foot frozen waterfall.

It doesn’t seem like an easy task but that’s what’s going to make it more worth it in the end.

MARIANA BILBAO CONTRIBUTOR

CHICOPEE SKI & SUMMER RESORT This mountain is perfect for families to spend the day skiing down the slopes or having their first-time ski experience. It’s a very family-friendly place with lots of space and food available at the resort. Take advantage of their Community Nights, Discovery Mondays, Student Wednesdays or Family Fridays for great discounts.

HIKING ST. JACOBS St Jacobs has great paths and trails that can be enjoyed all year including wintertime and some of them are also part of the Trans Canada Trail. Take

JUST PLAY WITH IT With little to no tools you can have a lot of fun with the snow – your imagination will set the limits! Build a snowman, a snow fort or just have a snowball fight. Adding colour is another option that kids always love.

Get some food colouring or water paint and pretty much anything you can find - a spray bottle, a syringe, kitchen scoops or water guns and colour the snow with them.

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

15

EVENT LISTINGS

WE’VE HAND SELECTED SOME COOL UPCOMING EVENTS AND WRITTEN SOME WITTY COMMENTARY. YOU’RE WELCOME.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

FEMINISTS DO MEDIA FRESH GROUND

LADIES LEARNING CODE WORKHAUS

JOKES AT JANE’S JANE BOND

Learn about the Art of Social Media Activism from internationally curated artist, Shana MacDonald.

Exploring the artistic and research potential of social media platforms and focusing on how digital activist practices offer a communal call.

Okay, there’s more to it than that but my character count is limited.

Are you sitting on the F5 key?

Cause you are refreshing. This beginner level HTML, CSS, CSS3 and CodePen workshop will teach you how to create through code a Valentine’s Day card for the modern person. Think of all the animation potential! Need a cheap date? Bring your Valentine for free!

Headliner Natalie Norman (Just for Laughs, JFL42, Winnipeg Comedy Festival) is joined by Guled Abdi (CBC’s Tallboys), Bee Bertrand (Just for Laughs), Bethany Daniels and Ben McKay for another round of Jokes at Jane’s. We love a good ha ha and possibly an even ha ha ha but we don’t want to go too wild.

Workshop• Free • 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Workshop• By Donation • 6 - 9pm

Comedy • $6-$10 • 8:00pm

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

DANCE MIX 90S VOL. 3 THEMUSEUM

COUNTER POINT TURNS ONE COUNTERPOINT BREWING

MONDAY NIGHT SWING! HEPCAT SWING

Oh baby, baby, how was I supposed to know / That something wasn’t right here?/ Oh baby, baby, I shouldn’t have let you go/ And now you’re out of sight, yeah / Show me how want it to be / Tell me, baby, ‘cause I need to know now, oh because / My loneliness is killing me (and I) I must confess I still believe.

Another birthday! I guess it happens every year or something. But this is their first birthday and if you have any new parents in your life — you know how big that one is. They’ve extended their curfew until 10 P.M. for this occasion. Party with food, live music, a live DJ and a course a pint. Food bank donations collected.

Got inspired in the previous issue of TCE? Want to show off your moves or maybe just learn the few basic ones and hope not to fall?

Hepcat Swing is ready for you! A free introductory lesson begins at 8:30 P.M. and the social dancing portion of the evening (where you’ll apply your new skilles starts at 9 P.M.

Party• $24-$40 • 8:00pm - 1:00am

Party • Free • 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Dance • $6-$10 • 8:30pm - 11:00pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

TWB TURNS FOUR TWB

ART ACCESS: TREE RING PRINT IDEA EXCHANGE

FEAST FOR THE SENSES 11 KWAG

Your friendly neighbourhood cooperative brewery is celebrating it’s fourth birthday. That’s a big deal.

Stop by to celebrate with music, food and giveaways. And don’t forget to have a pint. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear TWB. Happy birthday to you. AND MANY MORE.

Ever wanted to actually count the rings to see how old a tree is? Well make a print of it and do it every day after you hang this print on your wall. This free drop in program will walk you through how to create a detailed wood grain relief print from locally felled logs. Led by artist Marko Barakoski.

Ever love an art piece so much you want to eat it? Well that’s frowned at except in some experimental art exhibitions. But even better, KWAG is bringing in Chef Kyle Rennie of King Street Trio to lead us in a culinary journey of tapas-style food and drink pairings inspired by currently displayed art pieces.

Party • Free • 3:00pm - 10:00pm

Workshop • Free • 11:00am - 2:00pm

Food • $68 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

MARY BERG’S KITCHEN PARTY KITCHENER MARKET

BRING ON THE SUNSHINE KITCHENER CITY HALL

44G ART PARTY 44 GAUKEL

Prepare yourself - the host of Mary’s Kitchen Crush on CTV and the season three winner of MasterChef Canada is coming to the Kitchener Market. There, she will walk us through one of her quick recipes and also be there to sign her new cookbook. You need to register online before though.

This family festival celebrates Africa, Culture, community and family during Black History Month.

All are invited to enjoy the festival filled with a diverse marketplace of artisans, workshops for drumming and dance and a full musical stage line up. Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday.

What exactly is in that mysterious building on Gaukel? It’s time to find out. You’ll get to see the space, meet the tenants, listen to some tunes and see some cool art. Oh and something called an “exquisite corpse” live-painting challenge. It sounds kinda spooky and we’re interested.

Registration required.

Food • $5 • 11:00am - 12:30pm

Festival • Donation • 11:00am - 5:00pm

Party • Free • 6:00pm - 9:00pm

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

KOALA FEST DALLAS NIGHT CLUB

OVERDOSE PREVENTION THE CAUSERIE

STEVEDAVE’S“KURTISRIDEOUTEP” CHAINSAW

Did you know that koala fingerprints are indistinguishable from humans? It was on the internet so it must be true. I’d watch a CSI episode about that. Anyway, Koala Fest is an all ages indoor music festival fundraising for Australia’s Wildlife. That’s a good cause and you should go.

Hosted by Sanguen Health Centre, this overdose prevention training evening only takes an hour to complete. You’ll receive an easy-touse nasal Naloxone kit following the session. People will be admitted on a first come first serve basis until they reach space capacity. Your ticket doesn’t guarantee admission.

Author of the New Tune Review column in this here paper has an album release party going on. It’s on a leap year too, so that’s pretty cool.

So find your favourite thrifted Ralph Lauren clothes and get yourself down to Chainsaw to listen to the new sick sounds of Stevedave. This only happens every four years.

Fundraiser • $20 • 3:00pm - 9pm

Workshop • Free • 6:15pm - 8:15pm

Music • Free • 7:00pm - 11:00pm

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

FIVE YEAR FETE: MAD MAX APOLLO CINEMA

INTO THE RAINBOW QUEEN STREET YOGA

WHOZITS & WHATZITS: DISNEY TRIVIA

Another birthday celebration!

Apollo is bringing back their most well attended movies in their inaugural year. This month? Mad Max: Fury Road. If you haven’t seen it - go ride the Fury Road, shiny and chrome! WITNESS ME (going to watch this for a third time in theatres).

Hosted by tri-Pride, this is a multigenerational Rainbow Community event celebrating Queer Culture.

Exhibitions from local artists and performers, yoga, board games, workshops, contact improv and an elders panel. There’s also going to be an open dance floor and food.

Party on.

Do you know every song from The Lion King? What about how to paint with all the colors of the wind?

We’re covering classic Disney films from 2000 and earlier. So get your Emperor’s New Crew ready and we’ll see you there. Teams of 6 max.

Tickets online. All supporting the Community Edition.

Movie • $5-12 • 9:30pm - 11:30pm

Exhibit • Free / $10 dontation • 4:30 - 10pm

Trivia • $5 • 7 - 9pm

COMMUNITYEDITION.CA @THECOMMUNITYED

CHAINSAW

FEBRUARY 2020 // COMMUNITYEDITION.CA

16

NIRUPAM SINGH PHOTO

ROCK (CLIMB) ON WITH GRAND RIVER ROCKS

WITH A NEW LOCATION IN WATERLOO, GRAND RIVER ROCKS LOOKS BACK ON WHERE THEY STARTED AND WHAT’S NEXT FOR CLIMBING

MELISSA EMBURY EDITOR IN CHIEF When four college friends and seasoned climbers Josh Tuffin, Christoff Leroux, Scott Hamill and Michal Cieplak were throwing out ideas over beers and going to punk rock shows together back in their early 20’s, little did they know that those dreams would one day become a reality with Grand River Rocks.

Back in the day, there wasn’t much around in terms of places to climb in the Region other than the now closed Higher Ground in Kitchener according to Tuffin and Leroux.

“Me and Mike got our first route setting jobs there by accident. The desk staff gave us the keys to the gym.

We were all in there at night drinking beers, and the owner comes in and asks ‘who let you in here? Well, you gotta be gone by morning and can I have a beer’? That was it,” Tuffin said.

They say it was dumb luck that they got the original Grand River Rocks location back in 2011 in an old warehouse. The 8000 square foot facility is a combination of sturdy industrial construction and 38 foot ceilings on Borden Ave in Kitchener which houses their rope climbing and bouldering routes.

“So in all reality that was the best lining up of dumb luck. There was a lot of hard work, but we were in the right place, at the right time with the right situations,” Tuffin said.

Their first obstacle was getting the original location, which already had three backup offers on the building and all of them wanted to turn it into a climbing gym. With a mixture of bank and family loans, they made an offer and GRR began.

According to Leroux, it was a heavy learning curve to make the business work without investors and just make things work as best they could.

“There were multiple talks that, hey, if this goes belly up everybody’s ok with fleeing to Mexico and just moving out of the country and ignoring the debt,” Tuffin joked.

Luckily for them, the Kitchener climbing community was in dire need of a new place to climb as long-time gym Higher Ground had recently closed. The entire member-base was now driving to Guelph for the closest climb.

“When we opened the door – day one we had a lineup. It wasn’t like, crack the door, 20 people come in, it was total bananas. We started to realize there was a bigger community than we thought,” Tuffin said.

Building off the success of GRR Kitchener, their new Waterloo location at 80 Lodge St has been up and running since December and inspiring a whole new generation of climbers.

When asked how other climbing gyms opening recently in the Region, like The Core in Cambridge, have impacted their business Tuffin said, “all it does it make more climbers, so it’s less of a fight over a pie rather than everybody keeps making a bigger pie.”

They thought opening the new location would mean freeing up space at the old location and members

would take advantage of the new routes. What they found instead was that they have new community members joining all the time – a whole new generation of climbers are trying out bouldering for the first time and loving it.

“There is a growing community.

Climbing is becoming more mainstream. I mean Alex Honnold was just on the cover of GQ magazine talking about how everybody boulders.

You’re having an average of seven [climbing] gyms opening in Ontario a year and in very close proximity to each other,” Tuffin said.

Finding their spot for GRR Waterloo was the hardest part of making it happen. Sourcing a building was a difficult process and according to their real estate agent, the Waterloo Region had an occupancy of one percent on industrial buildings. So there were almost no buildings available for them, but they knew if they didn’t do it somebody was going to.

“The nice thing is that this is essentially our fourth time doing this between the original gym, the expansion, Go Bananas [their kids climbing gym], and here. We had a much more concise idea of what works,” Tuffin said.

The new building housing GRR Waterloo is a 12,500-square-foot facility which differs from flagship location in Kitchener as a boulderonly facility.

“We built a lot of this physically ourselves swinging hammers – the changerooms, the cafe, the front desk – that was all of us the four owners building it, and Cornelia our manager is absolutely amazing,” Leroux said.

What they want the public and people who are brand new to climbing, or have never heard of climbing to know is that climbing is for everyone and for all ages. All you need is a set of climbing shoes.

“I think climbing, especially if you are of a certain age has a stigma that it’s an extreme sport. I think that is changing in a lot of ways. It’s a very family-oriented sport nowadays. We have a group of old guys in their late 60’s early 70’s. It’s a life sport. If you can get into it and take your time, it’s not an expensive sport to get into,” Leroux said.

The sport is becoming much more inclusive and less intimidating, especially for women who climb. Rock climbing and bouldering used to be mainly a boys club but GRR is going out of their way to make sure this is a thing of the past.

“We are in a really good era of climbing where it’s a much more inclusive thing. If you got into climbing around 2000 it was a very bro-y, very male, everything was very reachy. It’s now something where when the routes are put up it’s taken into account different body types, different heights, different hand sizes. We also have female setters. On an average busy day, you can’t tell if there’s more men or women climbing,” Tuffin said.

For women who want to try climbing and may feel more comfortable learning from female-identified climbers, they have a women’s climbing group.

“It’s designed to get women who are interested in climbing in a space where they can talk to other women,”

Leroux said.

One of the common things that stop people from trying out climbing is a fear of heights or the concept that it’s dangerous. Their advice is to try bouldering, which is quite safe and many people with fears find easier to tackle than rope climbing.

“With bouldering, the walls are shorter and at this location, we have downclimb jugs, holds peppered in the wall so you are always able to climb down to a distance that you’re comfortable to drop down,” Tuffin said And for technical or more experienced climbers, the newest and biggest draw is the MoonBoard training tool they’ve installed in their weight training/workout area at the Waterloo location.

“It’s a specific set of holds with an LED system on it. Every single one in the world is built identically, so if you are working on something and I’m working on something there’s an online database. 50,000 different climbs on one grid system,” Tuffin said.

The new Waterloo location is a completely bouldering-only gym with a large number of walls and routes that change weekly. They also have a cafe serving Smile Tiger coffee, smoothies and snacks with plans to include co-workings desks to hang out at and work or study from.

“Come and try it. All our staff is really approachable about anything and dying to help people out. It’s a very social community and a great way to meet people. Lots of people come by themselves and get to talking about a climbing problem and they make friends,” Leroux said.