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191.2 | OCTOBER 2021

P6 &7

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

P8 &9

LGBT History Month: Student profiles

P 22 & 23

Mental health in sports

OCT 2021

FANDOM LIVES IN GUELPH.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS 3.

Liberals win snap election with minority government

4.

ON the Radar

5.

Vaccine certificates now required to access non-essential settings in Ontario

ARTS & CULTURE 6.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation arrives amid ongoing calls for action and justice

7.

Local Indigenous-owned business encourages respect and care for plants

8 & 9.

Queer students reflect on their identities for LGBT History Month

10.

The Card Counter is a bold account of one man’s reckoning with atonement

11.

Making outdoor spaces “a little richer”

12.

Tips for taking photos of your pets

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14 & 15. How do students feel about the U of G's

fall COVID-19 plan?

The Ontarion Inc.

OPINION 13.

How the pandemic has shaped my interest in fashion

SPORTS & HEALTH

University Centre Room 264 University of Guelph 50 Stone Road East Guelph ON, Canada N1G 2W1 ontarion@uoguelph.ca

OFFICE STAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Executive Director Aaron Jacklin

Anchitaa Ghag Rachel Fioret Alyssa Marks Rachel Gaynor Lara Carleton Jessie Davis Renee Alkass Prabhjot Bains

Business Coordinator Lorrie Taylor

Phone 519-824-4120 Editorial: x 58250 Advertising: x 58267 Accounts: x 53534

Marketing Manager Patrick Sutherland

Four easy Chinese recipes to try in residence

EDITORIAL STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

19.

Getting wasps to buzz off

Editor-in-Chief Ellyse McGarr

21.

Dissociation: A place away from reality

16.

Ways to practice gratefulness this Thanksgiving

17.

Five recipes to cultivate gratitude

18.

22 & 23. Mental health challenges faced by

athletes require specialized care,

say U of G community members

FUN STUFF 24.

October To-Do List

25 & 26. Fun Pages

Staff Reporter Eleni Kopsaftis

Circulation Director Salvador Moran

President Alex Lefebvre Chair of the Board Miguel Mabalay Vice President Finance Anne O’Keefe

PRODUCTION STAFF Multimedia Content Creator Nicolas Buck Graphic Designer Brubey Hu

Vice President Communications OPEN POSITION Staff Representative Nicolas Buck

DIRECTORS Tasha Falconer Josh Szweras Taelor Reid

The Ontarion is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Since The Ontarion undertakes the publishing of student work, the opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Ontarion staff and Board of Directors. The Ontarion reserves the right to edit or refuse all material deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for publication as determined by the Editor-in-Chief.

Material of any form appearing in this newspaper is copyrighted 2020 and cannot be reprinted without the approval of the Editor-in-Chief. The Ontarion retains the right of first publication on all material. In the event that an advertiser is not satisfied with an advertisement in the newspaper, they must notify The Ontarion within four working days of publication. The Ontarion will not be held responsible for advertising mistakes beyond the cost of advertisement. The Ontarion is printed by Hamilton Web Printing.

THEONTARION.COM

NEWS

4 | ON THE RADAR

3

5 | ONT. VACCINE CERTIFICATE

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to media after the swearing-in ceremony of the 29th Canadian Ministry in Ottawa, Ont. on Nov. 20, 2019.

CREDIT: ADAM SCOTTI / OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

Liberals win snap election with minority government Election sees liberals take home the win, lower voter turnout in Guelph, and several hundred U of G students casting their ballots ELENI KOPSAFTIS

F

ollowing 36 days of campaigning, Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party won the Sept. 20, 2021 snap federal election with a minority government.

According to the National Post, the Conservative party briefly seemed on track to win by popular vote as they gathered 34 per cent support compared to the Liberal party’s 32 per cent. However, urban and suburban areas have more seats, and voters in these regions were more supportive of the Liberals.

The Liberals now hold 159 seats out of the 338 in the House

of Commons. The Conservatives hold 119, the Bloc Québécois hold 33, the New Democratic Party (NDP) holds 25, and the Greens hold two. The People’s Party and all “Others” didn’t win any seats.

Despite Trudeau’s hopes of winning with a majority government, these results have largely kept the state of parliament the same as before the election was called.

“You are sending us back to work with a clear mandate to get Canada through this pandemic and to the brighter days ahead,” said Trudeau. “What we’ve seen tonight is that millions of Canadians have chosen a progressive plan.”

In Guelph, local Liberal Candidate Lloyd Longfield was re-elected for a third term when he won roughly 42 per cent of the vote.

Conservative Candidate Ashish Sacha came in at 24 per cent, NDP candidate Aisha Jahangir recieved 21 per cent, Green Party Candidate Michelle Bowman received 7.5 per cent, and People's Party of Canada Candidate Josh Leier received approximately five per cent.

According to GuelphToday, voter turnout in Guelph was 10 per cent lower than the last federal election, a significant drop as only 65,625 out of 105,863 eligible electors cast their ballot.

This data only includes 246 polls out of 247 and does not include voters who registered on election day.

Particularly of note, hundreds of people who were not pre-registered got held up in line at the Delta Hotel and Confer-

ence Centre Guelph past the 9:30 p.m. voting deadline. Individuals mostly consisted of University of Guelph students.

Those who arrived before the deadline were still allowed to wait and vote.

In past years, polling stations were set up at over 100 post-secondary institutions through Elections Canada’s Vote on Campus program. However, due to the pandemic, no such polling stations were organized on campuses this year, including at the U of G. Some have criticized the decision since it would have facilitated a speedier voting process for students.

Nevertheless, locals took to social media to praise students for taking the time to cast their vote.

ICONS BY ICONFINDER

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OCT ISSUE | OCT 202 1

THE ONTARION

ON THE RADAR MASSIVE PARTIES AT U OF G RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, TICKETS, ARRESTS Between Sept. 10 and Sept. 17, a combined total of approximately 1,750 students attended outdoor parties at the University of Guelph, leading to intervention by campus safety officers and damage to a residence drainpipe.

At least 19 tickets were issued due to non-academic misconduct and open alcohol. In addition, two non-students were arrested.

Investigations regarding the Sept.

10 party, which took place outside a residence building, and the Sept. 17 party, which happened on Johnston Green, are ongoing, and campus safety officers are reviewing security camera footage.

“The university has protocols, policies and standards that those on campus must abide by including the provincial and university's COVID-19 protocols and the university’s policy on non-academic misconduct,” said U of G Communications Coordinator Deirdre Healey to GuelphToday. “Students living in residence must also abide by the residence community living standards.”

By failing to do so, students may face a number of penalties including but not limited to fines, suspension, and eviction.

Public safety warnings were also issued by the U of G’s Campus Safety Office (CSO) following Sept. 17 when students reported feeling unwell after unknown substances were reportedly placed in their drinks during an off-campus party.

The investigation on these substances is also ongoing.

Healey encourages anyone with information on the gathering to contact Crime Stoppers or U of G’s campus safety office, and students are urged to be vigilant and contact the CSO at (519) 8405000 ext. 2000 if they have any information regarding the unknown substances.

STUDENTS WALK OUT OF CLASS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE AFFECTED

BY GENDER AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

On Sept. 23, hundreds of U of G students walked out of classes and marched across campus to raise awareness of gender and sexual violence.

GuelphToday states the event was held following reports of female students at the U of G having unknown substances placed in their drinks, as well as the recent reports of sexual assault and ensuing walkout at Western University.

On Sept. 17, Western University saw thousands of students walk out in protest of sexual violence after four students issued formal complaints of assault after frosh week and other allegations began to arise on social media.

Public Educator at Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis Jensen Williams spoke at U of G’s demonstration, stating “sexual violence should never be a part of the student university experience” and that converstation on consent need to happy before students arrive on campus.

U of G’s Interim Vice-Provost of Student Affairs Irene Thompson called the demonstration “a movement by the students in support of making sure that we have a sexual violence-free campus.” She also acknowledged that not all those who experience sexual violence feel comfortable coming forward.

The Guelph Police are still investigating the reports.

The university also released a statement in support of students’ rights to participate in such demonstrations, explaining that sexual violence is a problem that is not limited to campuses and must be combatted with “communal, collaborative action.”

gatherings happening in Guelph, an open letter expressing concern for public health was also published by Yates, the Mayor of Guelph, and the medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph.

a new contract with the City of Guelph, pricing the UPass at $151 per semester with an annual increase capped at two per cent each year.

Unlike the last contract, which was limited to a five-year term, the new contract is indefinite unless the annual increase exceeds two per cent, in which case another referendum must be held.

The referendum asks students if they support the UPass fee for all U of G stuSTUDENT REFERENDUM TO dents. If the majority of votes are for ‘yes’, the new UPass contract will be made efBE HELD FOR UNIVERSAL fective as of Jan. 1, 2022.

BUS PASS

An electronic ballot will be sent to U Between Oct. 4 and 8, The Central of G students’ email accounts on Oct. 4.

Students Association (CSA) and Graduate Students Association (GSA) will be holding a referendum on the UPass, the Guelph bus pass for students at the U of G. The UPass, or Universal Bus Pass, is an affordable bus pass offered to all U of G students via their tuition fees. The last UPass contract was priced at $150 per semester, making it cheaper than other #ONTHE R ADAR Guelph Transit passes. The contract ex@ T H E O N TA R I O N pired on April 30, 2021.

The CSA and GSA have negotiated

Music. Smiles. Hot Dogs.

HOMECOMING WEEKEND RESULTS IN LARGE UNSANCTIONED GATHERING

Following a large unsanctioned gathering at Chancellor’s Way on Sept. 25, the U of G released a statement expressing disappointment and thanking local police and fire services for their services during the gathering.

Although the U of G did not host its annual Homecoming football game this year, thousands of students took to the streets to party anyway.

The Guelph Police Service and U of G’s campus safety office issued “numerous” fines and tickets throughout the weekend for various violations, including trespassing and alcohol consumption.

As a result, police presence has increased on Chancellor’s Way and nearby areas.

“It is unfortunate that the actions of some people distract us from the many wonderful and important contributions the University and our students make to the life and energy of this city,” said President Charlotte Yates in the release.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with the City of Guelph, students, neighbourhood associations and other community partners to find effective solutions to the serious concerns associated with unsanctioned street gatherings.”

In light of the many unsanctioned

For 23 years, Bob has made it his mission to serve up good food and good times to U of G students. Whether you're in need of a quick meal or a just friendly face, come say hi to Bob at his hot dog stand just east of Branion Plaza.

WE H AV VEGA E OPTIO N NS!

BOB’S DOGS Come see for yourself why Bob's Dogs is a U of G Tradition

ISSUE 191 . 2 | NEWS

THEONTARION.COM

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Vaccine certificates now required to access nonessential settings in Ontario Certain businesses will ask you to show a proof-ofvaccination document along with government-issued I.D. THE ONTARION

A

fter months of pressure from scientists and medical officers, the Ontario government has officially begun requiring vaccine certificates for several indoor public settings.

Ontario residents now need to provide proof of full vaccination and government-issued identification with their full name and date of birth to access restaurants and bars, nightclubs, meeting and event spaces, gyms, concerts and music festivals, cinemas and theatres, sporting events and racing venues, casinos and gaming establishments, strip clubs, and bathhouses.

To get their proof of vaccination, residents must first ensure

they have received two doses of a Health Canada approved vaccine (Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD or Janssen/Johnson & Johnson).

Two weeks after their second dose they must visit the government of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination webpage and follow the steps to download their vaccination certificate. They will require their OHIP card to do so.

The certificate may be printed or stored on a phone to show businesses.

On Oct. 22 the provincial government plans to update the certificate system to a “QR codebased application for residents and business operators to use

in order for scans,” according to Global News. Documents containing a unique QR code will be issued and will display the person’s name and vaccination status.

Children under the age of 12 will not be required to provide documentation as they are not currently eligible for the vaccine.

Those with a doctor-approved medical exemption (i.e. a doctor’s note on official letterhead) will also be exempt.

Some venues have exceptions to when a certificate is required.

For example, people may enter the indoor area of a restaurant or bar without a certificate only to get takeout, to pay, or to use a washroom. Those who are attend-

The provincial government plans to update its vaccine passport system in late October to include scannable QR codes.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

ing a wedding ceremony or funeral service may also do so without a certificate.

However, this exception doesn’t apply to receptions or social gatherings before or after the service. Up until Oct. 13, a non-vaccinated person may attend these functions only if they produce a negative COVID-19 test

administered within the previous 48 hours.

As of Sept. 29, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reports that the City of Guelph has reached a 92.1 per cent first dose vaccination rate and an 87.8 per cent second dose rate among its eligible population.

WE’RE HIRING! We are now hiring for 6 work study positions!

Editorial Assistants • Web Developer Marketing Assistant • Administrative Assistant

Email patrick@theontarion.com to learn more or apply!

ARTS & CULTURE

6

10 | MOVIE REVIEW

8 & 9 | LGBT PROFILES

12 | PET PHOTOGRAPHY

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation arrives amid ongoing calls for action and justice The significance of Sept. 30 and how to authentically participate in reconciliation ALYSSA MARKS

E

arlier this year, the House of Commons recognized Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and approved it as a statutory holiday for federal employees on Sept. 30.

This day is an opportunity for Canadians to reflect, educate, and recognize the history of residential schools and colonialism in Canada.

The federal holiday was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 80th Call to Action, which states: We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was designed to investigate the history and effects of residential schools on Indigenous peoples. It provided an opportunity for those directly and indirectly affected by residential schools to share their perspectives and create a comprehensive reconciliation plan and historical report.

The TRC published a document outlining 94 Calls to Action for the Canadian government and other implicated parties to further reconcile their relationship with Indigenous peoples. These Calls to Action address issues such as child welfare, education, language and culture, health, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, justice, the legal system, church apologies and reconciliation, and more.

Of the 94 Calls to Action, CBC News reports that as of Sept.

27, 2021, 13 have been completed, 29 are in progress with projects

currently underway, 32 are in progress with projects proposed, and 20 have not yet been started.

Throughout the year, provinces and territories have announced whether they would participate in this statutory holiday.

CBC News reports that British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories have chosen to mandate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory day. Meanwhile, the remaining provinces and territories are either undecided or will not recognize this day as a provincial holiday.

The Ontario government announced on Sept. 9 that it will not designate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a provincial statutory holiday.

Curtis Lindsay, press secretary for the Office of Indigenous Affairs Ontario, told Global News that, “Ontario is working in collaboration with Indigenous partners, survivors and affected families to ensure the respectful commemoration of this day within the province, similar to Remembrance Day.” Over the years, people throughout Canada have marked Sept. 30 as Orange Shirt Day, a day to wear orange in commemoration of the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools and never returned, as well as the survivors, families, and affected communities.

The federal legislation for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was passed in the wake of over 1,300 unmarked graves discovered at former residential schools across Canada.

Some First Nations leaders have expressed disappointment in Ontario’s decision.

Chief Adrian Chrisjohn of Oneida Nation of the Thames told CBC News, “as a First Nations community and a leader, I have talked to some of my staff members and I think the initial reaction was shock and disappoint-

This past year, many have gathered outside churches to mourn and reflect on the unmarked graves found at former residential school sites throughout Canada.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

ment ... It's surprising, in this day and age of the residential school systems that were in the news, and Canada actually making a move on making this a national recognized holiday.”

Chrisjohn went on to say that First Nations issues are often treated as a “flavour of the week or flavour of the month” before being brushed to the side.

In light of this sentiment, it is important to note the responsibility of non-Indigenous peoples to participate in active and persistent allyship.

Being an ally refers to using one's own privilege to foster an environment where marginalized individuals and groups can liberate themselves. Being an ally is less of an identity marker and more of an ongoing process of ed-

ucation and self-reflection.

One of the first steps you can take towards being an ally is by learning about the realities and historical contexts of Indigenous people. Try reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, and learn the correct terminology relating to the identities of Indigenous peoples. It is also a good practice to question one’s own motivations for being an ally.

Allyship is a life-long process that requires reflection and action.

Non-Indigenous people can also use their voice to communicate with political representatives and demand that our government follow a comprehensive reconciliation plan. You can also offer support in the decolonization process by volunteering or donating to national organizations

such as Reconciliation Canada, the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Indspire, or local-based groups like Anishnabeg Outreach, White Owl Native Ancestry Association, and The Healing of the Seven Generations.

If you are interested in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, there will be a ceremony on Sept. 30 at 12:00 p.m. at the University of Guelph where students, faculty, staff, and community members plan to commemorate the children who attended residential schools and their affected families. The event will be hosted by elders Dan and Mary Lou Smoke and organized by the Indigenous Student Centre, Indigenous Initiatives, and the Indigenous Student Society.

ISSUE 191 . 2 | ARTS & CULTURE

THEONTARION.COM

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Local Indigenous-owned business encourages respect and care for plants “Humans, plants, and animals are all inhabited by a spirit and we’re all alive in the same way,” says Jessica McClure ELENI KOPSAFTIS

I

f you’re a new student, you’ve probably settled into your new Guelph home by now. Your furniture is organized the way you want it, and you’ve gotten into a consistent routine. Odds are though, your space might still be looking a bit bland.

There are lots of local shops and virtual stores to find decorative items, but since we’re coming up on Orange Shirt Day and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, why not support a local Indigenous-owned business?

Jessica McClure is of mixed and Indigenous descent, and she’s the sole owner and operator of cultivate.guelph. There, McClure sells houseplants grown out of her own two-bedroom apartment.

“Born of a desire to bring

more begonias and snake plants to the market, cultivate.guelph has since expanded to offer gift and home decor items,” reads McClure’s website. Her goal is to offer high quality plants and gift items alongside outstanding customer service.

Cultivate.guelph has been in operation since the spring of 2020, but the addition of household decorations was a recent one. McClure hopes to eventually expand her stock to include various gift and self-care items. The focus of the business remains on plantlife, though.

“As a kid, I can remember my mom instilling a sense of respect and wonder in me when it came to my interactions with nature, even if that took the form of

a potted plant in our living room,” McClure told The Ontarion.

“I was enrolled in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway language) courses in elementary school. One of the fundamental lessons you’re taught is that humans, plants, and animals are all inhabited by a spirit and we’re all alive in the same way. I think that this gave me a good foundation to work with plants even though I don’t have any formal schooling in that area.”

McClure graduated from the University of Guelph in 2012 with a degree in psychology and initially worked in that field, but she explains that her disability imposed limitations.

“I have fibromyalgia and as a result, I really struggle to work for

Jessica McClure sells plants that she grows in her own home.

CREDIT: JESSICA MCCLURE

someone else on their schedule …

Cultivate.guelph allows me to do work that is fulfilling to me and kind to my body all while working on my own schedule.”

In addition to personal struggles, owners of small businesses also faced challenges because of COVID-19 and its restrictions on their stores.

But rather than being setback by the pandemic, the houseplant industry boomed since people were spending so much time indoors and choosing to bring nature inside. McClure recalls having trouble keeping plants in stock because they were being purchased so quickly.

For McClure though, it's not just about the profits.

“I care so much about the plants that I grow that I’m constantly researching them and how to best care for them,” she said.

“Some people who sell plants care about selling you a plant and that’s where it ends. I genuinely care about these plants’ long-term health and am invested in seeing them do well in your home.

I make myself available to chat about plant care whenever you need it and am grateful to be a part of your plant journey.”

Cultivate.guelph is primarily operated online, and purchased items are available for contactless pickup in downtown Guelph. Delivery is also available throughout southern Ontario, and the Plantrunz delivery service also helps ship items across the province.

To browse or buy items from McClure’s store, visit cultivateguelph.com.

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THE ONTARION

Queer students reflect on their identities for LGBT History Month Three students chat about their life experiences and offer advice to any queer individuals who may be struggling RACHEL GAYNOR

O

ctober is here and with it comes LGBT History Month.

LGBT History Month is the annual observance of LGBTcommunity and civil rights movements. It exists to highlight and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people’s history of accomplishments.

Since 2006, 31 LGBT icons are designated each year as exemplary role models worthy of commemoration in their communities. There is one icon per day, for the whole month.

The official history month was originally founded in 1994

by Rodney Wilson, a high-school teacher in Missouri. In 1995, a resolution was passed in the National Education Association in America that included LGBT history as a commemorative month.

October was chosen because it coincides with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 and the anniversary of the first march in Washington for gay and lesbian rights.

Over the years, LGBT History Month has shifted from primarily being a call to action, to being a recognition of the progress already made, and the people who made it possible.

To learn more about the community, we asked three LGBTQ+ students on-campus some questions about their identities:

Shannon Boss (they/them), a PhD candidate in philosophy entering their fifth year of study; Emily Brown (she/they), a fifth year theatre studies student; and Heather Counts (she/her), a fourth year marine freshwater and biology student.

best with pansexual. In terms of gender, I am still trying to figure that out, but I’m still okay with female-leaning terms to describe myself.

H.C.: I identify as a cis gay woman. Gay is an easier umbrella term, but lesbian is also accurate, just longer.

1) What labels do you use for your sexuality and gender?

3) How has being queer impacted you throughout your life?

S.B.: I’m bisexual and genderqueer. I’m also practicing non-monogamy, but am still figuring out what sort of non-monogamous relationships I want and am capable of being in.

E.B.: For my sexuality, I like to use the label queer but I align

2) When did you figure out you were queer?

S.B.: I always had some sense that I was queer, just sort of not feeling like I fit in with prescribed gender norms and sexual desires, but I didn’t fully realize [or] embrace my queerness until summer of 2020. I had shaved off all my hair and had an awakening of sorts. I had been going to protests for George Floyd’s murder while I was in the states, and being around other very queer and punk folks gave me the inspiration and courage to embrace my queer side.

E.B.: In terms of sexuality, I remember having thoughts about being queer in middle school.

I had a crush on my best friend and thought that meant I was a lesbian. In high school, I started to come out as bisexual. Thinking about my gender has been more recent of a realization.

H.C.: I think I always knew because I would want to be around certain friends more than others.

But it wasn’t until I was in middle school I really figured out what the LGBTQ community was and Grade 9 is when I started coming to terms with my sexuality.

S.B.: The biggest way being queer has impacted me has been in my romantic relationships, specifically the difficultly of knowing I’m queer but feeling the pressure to participate in compulsory het-

erosexuality. While that hasn’t been the only reason I’ve had bad relationships, feelings of gender dysphoria and biphobia have definitely made having healthy relationships difficult, at least in the past. I’ve more recently started practicing non-monogamy and that has been a lot more difficult for people in my life to understand and accept. Because I have other privileges, I’ve felt that my sexuality and even gender have mostly been accepted in the places I frequent. With non-monogamy though, I now often have to explain and justify myself to people and that’s really taxing.

E.B.: Being queer has impacted my life in both positive and not-so-positive ways. Of course I’ve struggled with getting acceptance from people around me and from myself as well as [coming] to terms with being queer, but I think that I’m quite privileged in my experience as a queer person.

H.C.: In short, quite a bit. Growing up in California first and then Texas, I was exposed to two different sides of acceptance for homosexuality. Being gay is what has had me biting my tongue and looking over my shoulder for many years now, but it also has taught me how to stand tall and be braver.

4) How has being queer impacted you during your research/studies?

S.B.: I think my queerness has made me more open to confronting and challenging my own and other people's views, which obviously helps my ability to hold and critique all sorts of positions.

It can be uncomfortable to examine your unchallenged views, but I think because being queer is made to be an uncomfortable experience [because] of all the norms you go against, you get more comfortable in that discomfort.

E.B.: I am also lucky enough to say that being queer has largely affected me positively over the course of my studies. I am so grateful to be able to be in a program with a lot of other queer stu-

dents and staff, and over my last four years at Guelph, seeing so many queer people in these spaces has helped me to accept myself and feel proud in my queerness.

H.C.: I think in my latter years of study, I haven't been impacted as much as before. But when I was younger, coming to terms with my sexuality also meant being distracted a lot due to having a million thoughts that weren’t school-related running through my mind, like fear of the future.

5) Have there been any resources or support systems that helped you in relation to your sexuality and/or gender? If so, what were they?

S.B.: The thing that comes to mind most vividly for me is Jessica Fern’s book Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Non-Monogamy (2020). It’s a great resource for non-monog folks, but I also think monogamous folks will gain something from reading it too.

E.B.: Not particularly. Mostly having other queer individuals around when I need them [has helped]. Most of my friends and many of my peers are also queer and that has helped tremendously in times of need.

H.C.: For me, it was social media which became LGBTQ positive through algorithms. Also, having friends giving me reassurances that it was okay to be me [helped], even if some people found that different or weird.

6) What message do you have for queer students who are not out or who are struggling with their sexuality and/or gender?

S.B.: I’d like to tell those folks that you are loved and you are worthy and that you are queer enough.

E.B.: It’ll be okay! I know that’s a hard thing to hear when you’re going through hard times, but it’s true, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how far. In first year, I was very alone and I never thought that I would have people that really understood me.

I never thought that I’d be able to fully be myself and that I’d always have to hide a part of myself to be accepted, but that’s not true at all.

I found my people eventually and I couldn’t be more proud of who I am. You will find your people and your community even if it doesn’t feel like it right now!

H.C.: Take your time. It feels like the whole world will stop and be turned upside down if you come out, and maybe it will, but it also might not. Don’t be afraid to make LGBTQ friends because friends can become an amazing support system.

ICONS BY FLATICON

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ISSUE 191 . 2 | ARTS & CULTURE

If you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, there is support and community to be found in the university and in the city. Here are three resources at the University of Guelph.

Reach out if you need support or want to meet others.

• •

•

Guelph Queer Equality is a team dedicated to fighting oppression and promoting diversity on campus and in the region.

Email: info@grcged.com The Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED) offers peer support and one-on-one assistance for students.

It also offers a safe space on campus (UC 107) for individuals to chat or relax in.

OUTline provides peer support and information services on issues relating to sexual orientation and gender diversity. It also offers an online chat where individuals may speak with a trained LGBTQ2IA+ volunteer.

Phone: 519-836-4550

Shannon Boss (they/them) is a PhD candidate in philosophy entering their fifth year of study.

Heather Counts (she/her) is in her fourth year of marine freshwater and biology.

Emily Brown (she/they) is in their fifth year of theatre studies.

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Don’t let The Card Counter’s fun title fool you. This stunning work of cinematography delves into the horrors of war and revenge.

CREDIT: FOCUS FEATURES

The Card Counter is a bold account of one man’s reckoning with atonement Paul Schrader forces us to grapple with America’s wartime legacies and the bleak nature of atonement PRABHJOT BAINS

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ooner or later, we all encounter a forceful rush of guilt that reminds us of a bad choice we made.

It’s a stark and harrowing feeling coming to terms with the mistakes we’ve made during our lives and pondering the eternal question of “what if.” There are people who walk among us everyday harbouring the painful memory of committing something truly horrible. But how do you atone for a sin that is utterly unforgivable? That is the central question that The Card Counter seeks to address.

With that kind of title, it’s hard to blame the average theatregoer for believing they’re in for a fun romp, focusing on the escapades of a sly but charming gambler. But, being directed by 75-year-old virtuoso Paul Schrader, who is known for making challenging, cold, and nihilistic cinema, they can expect the opposite.

After penning one of the greatest scripts of all time, Taxi Driver (1976), and one of the best films of the last decade, First Reformed (2018), Schrader brings us another dire, contemplative, and captivating character study. This time around, he creates an experience that is not only focused on

the character at hand, but also a reflection on the legacies of America’s “War on Terror” which began 20 years ago this month with the 9/11 attacks.

The Card Counter follows William Tell (Oscar Isaac), a professional gambler who learned to count cards during a 10-year stint in prison. Tell is a man of conviction who follows his routine religiously. He travels the country playing blackjack at various casinos, always winning, but not winning big, as he understands that casinos will catch on if his pile of chips gets too large. However, the most significant part of his routine is when he checks into his nightly motel and wraps his entire room in vast amounts of white canvas, echoing an interrogation room. But who is the suspect? Well, it’s Tell, as he opens up a bottle of whiskey and spills his thoughts into a notebook in an almost too-perfect cursive script.

It is through these confessionals that we see the world through his intimidating and weary eyes, learning that he was a military interrogator at Abu Ghraib, abusing Iraqi nationals accused of terror activities in the most heinous ways imaginable.

Tell paid for the crimes he

committed with the prison sentence he served, but he can’t find a way to atone for them personally as he proclaims “nothing, nothing can justify what we did.” So, he plays cards to pass the time and to avoid the day he finally decides to take his own life. During his travels he meets La Linda (Tiffany Hadish) who hopes to back him in a poker tournament and who he ultimately falls in love with.

However, he eventually meets Cirk (Tye Sheridan) who is the son of a fellow soldier who was at Abu Ghraib with Tell and committed suicide after struggling to cope with his war time actions.

Cirk wants revenge on a Major, John Gordo (Willem Dafoe), who led much of the interrogation effort but saw none of the punishment that Cirk’s father and Tell endured.

While this dual narrative of high-stakes poker and revenge could easily collapse on itself, Schrader weaves them seamlessly in such a way that they both serve each other, building up to a climax that is utterly fitting as it rewards us with further ideas to ruminate on. The experience is one that is undoubtedly not for everyone as it’s a slow burn, typical of a Schrader film, and one that leans into the misery inherent in the characters’ thoughts and motivations. Furthermore, it forces us to come to terms with the legacy America created during its ill-fated “War on Terror.” Yet this is a reality we must live with, and finding the ability to atone for the past defines what it is to be human.

Schrader’s direction and screenplay are impeccable, leading us to believe The Card Counter is a tale that only filmmaking could bring to life, and that is what great cinema accomplishes.

It presents a narrative that no other medium could deliver in such a visually striking way, and it makes this critic remember why he loves the cinematic form, especially amid this lingering pandemic.

While Schrader’s direction and writing are a delight, Alexander Dynan’s cinematography cements this film as one of the year’s best. He constructs poker scenes in a way that is utterly

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 2/2 DIRECTION: 2/2 SCREENPLAY: 2/2 PERFORMANCES: 1.5/2 ENTERTAINMENT FACTOR: 1.5/2 TOTAL: 9/10

engaging and fascinating. Every card flick and clatter of chips is made enrapturing with his detailed staging as his slowly crawling close-ups and pans build up the existential dread and trauma of the story. The photography, paired with Schrader’s powerful dialogue, makes every scene that much more poignant. This great synergy of cinematography and writing is a testament to the film’s staying power as it will have you thinking about it for days on end.

The performances serve the story well, but the greatest one comes from Isaac, whose stoic posture, weary eyes, and confident narration help paint a greater picture of not only Tell’s existential quandary, but the film’s thematic ambitions as well. This will go down as one of Isaac’s greatest performances of his career, and it serves a film that is hell-bent on probing not only its viewers, but also America’s wartime legacy. It’s a timely film that is only made better by Isaac’s confident and arresting portrayal of atonement and redemption.

On the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, The Card Counter makes it even more clear that the sins of our enemies cannot be quelled with sin in return.

ISSUE 191 . 2 | ARTS & CULTURE

THEONTARION.COM

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 “South Front … a little richer.”

“South Front … a little richer.”

 SELECTIONS FROM ARCHIVAL AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Making outdoor spaces “a little richer” Take note from landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who loved rich plant life

Of his greatest successes was Sheringham Hall, commissioned in 1812. This project is most notable for its proximity to where Repton once lived, as well as its astounding scenic location. As praised by Repton in his Sheringham Hall Red Book, “there is none that can be compared with the scenery of Sheringham … the combination of hill to valley – wood and sea views.”

In order to revitalize the property for new owners, Repton’s top priority was to ensure that its views were showcased – similar to today’s curb appeal – as seen in the photo on the bottom left.

Repton’s designs demonstrated his preference for adding more natural elements than other landscape gardeners of the time. This is evident in the watercolour sketch of Sheringham Hall (to the left) which he even captioned as being “a little richer” by proposing to plant greater amounts of bushes, flowers, and trees around the property.

Repton is primarily remembered for his ʻRed Booksʼ, titled for their Moroccan red leather bindings. The books contained project notes and watercolour sketches of his ideas to present to his clients. Some of the sketches throughout each book contain overlays where a watercolour of the current landscape can be flipped up to reveal a painting of his vision underneath. The example (see below) provides the same opportunity to visualize a project’s potential as Repton’s clients once had.

The Red Books of Humphry Repton are enjoyable to browse for the interaction they provide and their vibrant colour. You can view copies of some of Repton’s Red Books, as well as other books he authored on landscape gardening, in Archival & Special Collections in the McLaughlin Library.

Images courtesy of the Rare Book Collection, Archival & Special Collections, University of Guelph Library. s0018b04.

 Overlays

LARA CARLETON | ARCHIVES CLERK

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hroughout the pandemic, many have taken solace in spending more time outdoors, especially in their own backyards. Some backyard enthusiasts have personalized herb and vegetable gardens, while others have beautified their own outdoor sanctuaries with fancy flowers or updated patios. Such projects remind me of work by landscape gardener Humphry Repton (1752-1818).

A British elite with little passion for the work expected of him in commerce, Repton pursued his love of painting watercolours and designing multi-functional outdoor spaces. Despite not being formally

trained, Repton was skilled at landscape gardening (a term he created) and is responsible for over 400 projects spanning three decades.

Today, Repton’s work is recognized as landscape architecture, and many of his projects have been maintained by the National Trust throughout England.

 Sheringham Hall

“View from the Spot where the hill requires to be cut away to ease the Road.”

“View from the proposed SITE looking towards the East,” Overlay Down.

“View from the proposed SITE looking towards the East,” Overlay Up.

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Nick's Dog

OCT ISSUE | OCT 202 1

THE ONTARION

Tips for taking photos of your pets Don’t just bring Fido and his ball outside — bring your camera too!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLAS BUCK

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hroughout the pandemic, we’ve been cooped up inside without much social interaction. But, if you have a pet at home, consider yourself lucky! Sure they’re not human, but they’re there for you to cuddle, pet, or bring a smile to your face. So, if you’re feeling bored or lonely, why not take some photos of your little (or big) buddy? Not only is taking photos of your pets a fun hobby, but it's also a way to preserve memories that will last a lifetime. Photos of your pets can be hung in your home, kept in your wallet, or arranged in a scrapbook. Here are a few different kinds of shots to take of your pets as well as a tip on lighting.

Experiment with POV to get all sorts of different shots of your pet.

  Change your perspective

Get some unique photos by snapping shots from a different point of view.

1. Go down to your pet’s level and see the world from their eyes.

2. You can also try taking the photo from directly above them to get an aerial

shot of your pet.

3. Experiment with composition — try placing your pet in other areas of the frame when shooting instead of always having them in the centre.

Make the photoshoot fun for your pet by getting them moving. The result will be a fun action shot.

Run Lilo run!

 Action Shots (catch them in motion) Action shots are photos that capture your pet in motion, whether they’re catching a ball or doing a trick for a treat.

Getting an action shot of your pet can be challenging, but it's worth it for a fun and unique memory.

1. Make sure your camera is ready with a fast shutter speed to capture the mo-

ment and avoid a blurry image.

2. Begin a play session with your pet.

This could be in your backyard while you throw toys for them to catch.

3. In your pictures, be sure to include space around your pet to show off the setting and make the photo less claustrophobic.

Because of the angle this shot was taken, we get a serious, portrait style photo of Lilo.

 Lighting (outdoors and soft)

Lighting is always important for when you’re capturing an image as it creates a sense of subtle emotion. For example, darker photos appear more dramatic and moody.

1. Take photos outside for soft, natural light that can create a sense of happiness within the photo.

2. Have your pet face you so you can capture the light within their eyes.

Soft, natural lighting helps capture all the cute features of your pet.

GRAPHIC BY PIXABAY

There are many different techniques to taking photos of your pets, but if you want to keep it simple, these basic tips can help you achieve the best results. Above all, have fun and cherish the memories you make with your furry (or scaly, slimey, feathery, etc.) friend!

OPINION

THEONTARION.COM

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How the pandemic has shaped my interest in fashion “When I look at the styles in my closet, they are reminiscent of a different version of myself.”

RACHEL FIORET

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Our environment is a significant factor in the ways our sense of self changes.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

he best word to summarize the past 18 months is ʻchangeʼ.

We’ve experienced change in our work and school experiences as they’ve shifted from in-person to online. There’s been noticeable changes in shopping as essential services have adapted to new conditions and many other stores have closed their locations to sell online only. With these social and lifestyle changes, our fashion choices have also been affected by the pandemic.

COVID-19 was officially announced as a global pandemic on my 19th birthday. I remember feeling extremely upset that day as I quickly scrambled with my friends in South Residence to

pack up our dorms and go home, and that’s also when I made my first noticeable fashion change — switching out of my jeans and into pajama pants.

It never occurred to me until later that I felt no desire to wear stylish clothing unless I had a place to be. I used to love getting dressed up and getting my hair and makeup done until I was spending all my time in my bedroom where I felt there was no purpose to put the effort in to do these things.

I packed away my stylish clothes, for what turned out to be a long time, and only pulled out a nice shirt on the rare occasion I showed my face in a Zoom call.

Daily messages from friends and family taught me that I wasn’t the only one doing this. As the world around us was changing, our lifestyles were impacted in ways that we might have never even thought were that significant before. Like with our fashion choices.

Style used to be an important part of my identity. I felt that if I could keep up with the latest fashion trends (such as wearing Carhartt beanies in 2019) I would feel validated by my peers. It was such an important form of expression, and retail therapy was my go-to activity on a bad day. I also enjoyed expressing my personal style — having a selection of different washes of jeans and multiple flo-

ral print blouses was how I felt good about myself.

After the past year and a half, I no longer feel this way when I sift through my clothes, because I noticed during lockdown that shopping and having a huge selection of trendy clothes is not what made me happy.

As I re-enter campus life, I’m conflicted about what to wear each day because when I look at the styles in my closet, they are reminiscent of a different version of myself. Before the pandemic, I was quite stressed over the minor details of how I looked before coming to campus. Now I feel that there are more important things to value, like finding more gen-

uine interests and spending time with people. My mornings now consist of playing with my cat, reading a book, or talking to my roommates instead of perfecting my makeup and putting together the perfect outfit.

For me it’s important to recognize this change as something unique that has risen out of life during a pandemic. My advice for anyone grappling with a sense of identity change is that they should go easy on themselves.

Our environment can force us to change or adapt our way of life, and it's not necessarily a bad thing. Try to think of the positive side of each change you might be experiencing.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE ONTARION The Ontarion is always looking for passionate and creative volunteers to join our team of reporters, copyeditors, photographers, and illustrators!

For more information visit www.ontarion.com/volunteer

THEONTARION.COM @THEONTARION #THEONTARION

HOW DO T STUDENTS FEEL ABOUT THE U OF G’S FALL COVID-19 PLAN?

atiana Fisher, who is a student as well as a staff member at the Bullring, provided an inside look as to how the university’s fall plans have affected an on-campus business. She explained that the new health protocols have brought different challenges to the Bullring (which is also known as the U of G’s on-campus living room), but that she is otherwise happy with the way things have been progressing.

“We initially were worried about [the fall COVID-19 plan] impacting the amount of students we would expect on campus daily,” said Fisher. “With the vaccine mandate, we were unsure about how many people would be coming to in-person classes and coming to the Bullring.”

Students weigh in on how the new health measures implemented on campus have affected their student experience so far Renee Alkass

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s the University of Guelph welcomed their students back to campus this fall, a safety and education plan including a campus-wide vaccine mandate was put into effect to provide optimal safety against COVID-19. As of Sept. 7, all those coming to campus have had to provide a proof of vaccination receipt or an approved exemption to access U of G spaces.

In working to protect the health and wellness of its community, the university has also implemented a number of safety protocols which include: mask wearing, physical distancing, improved classroom ventilation, enhanced cleaning protocols, and testing of wastewater from campus residences. As an added precautionary measure, the U of G has also reduced density in

classrooms by ensuring classes do not exceed 250 students. To stay proactive about the ongoing pandemic, the university is requiring students to also complete a daily screening form which will either give students approval or deny access to campus.

After conducting an Instagram poll, The Ontarion discovered that 80 per cent of respondents were excited at the prospect of returning to campus regardless of the new health measures implemented this fall, and 87% of respondents were happy that a campus-wide vaccine mandate was enforced as soon as classes began.

To get an understanding of students’ perspectives on the alternative environment that COVID-19 has brought to the university, we took the time to speak with a number of them about the U of G’s fall semester plan.

Tatiana Fisher

Fourth-year child, youth and family major

Fisher notes that the team at the Bullring was stunned by the unexpected amount of students coming to support the business once classes began on Sept. 9. Although the management team was able to adjust to the “slam of students,” Fisher feels that the new health protocols implemented throughout campus have affected the Bullring’s previously fun and laid-back vibe.

Specifically, the Bullring can no longer allow outside food, customers can only stay for a limited amount of time, and the couches have been removed. Events like open mic nights are also no longer hosted.

Despite these changes to the Bullring, and to her courses, Fisher ultimately feels thankful to have the opportunity to return to a campus that has always felt like a community to her. She told The Ontarion that should things stay

sive space for her team members to bond.

“We spend every day with each other. Whether it's in the facility or not in the facility, I think we should have access to [our team room].”

Despite this, she appreciates having the opportunity to be reunited with her rugby team.

“We’re frustrated and not happy, but we're grateful and thankful that we’re given as much rope as we’re given.”

O

Seema Abouchacra

Fourth-year sociology major, criminal justice and public policy (CJPP) minor the way they are now, she would consider that a “great fourth year.”

If anything, Fisher only wishes that information on the U of G’s vaccine mandate was provided earlier in the summer as she felt that the announcement that came right before the semester started was sudden. However, she notes that she doesn’t understand the challenges of running a university.

Overall, Fisher feels happy about returning to campus as it brings a sense of normalcy to her life. She especially appreciates the professors who are “trying their best to make the student experience great” and offer a sense of organization to her in-person and remote courses.

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or students who are involved in athletics at the university, the new health measures have impacted their experiences within their teams. Seema Abouchacra has played on the U of G rugby team for four years and says the fall COVID-19 plan has brought some challenges to their team. Namely, she and her team have mixed responses about the vaccine mandate on campus.

“I get it from a safety point of view. I feel much more comfortable with my team and knowing you can walk through campus,” she told The Ontarion. However, Abouchacra feels the mandate may have negative social repercussions.

“This is the time to unite with people,” she explains. “In a time where we shouldn’t be dividing, we are dividing. And that’s the only reason why I didn’t like the mandate.”

Abouchacra also says that the capacity limitations placed on their games have impacted her sense of team spirit. As she is part of such a high-level contact sport, she and her 45 team members have been forced to navigate different aspects of the new health mandates.

“Even if it's a home game, the only people who can be on the bench [are] the 25 dressers and the coaches, where historically it's all of us there like a mosh pit, high-fiving each other. It’s so different. I feel like it's creating separation and exclusion when we're trying so hard to include everyone.”

Abouchacra is also upset that access to their rugby team room has been denied because of the COVID-19 guidelines. She describes this place as an inclu-

ther students at the university have also been feeling appreciative for an opportunity to return to campus regardless of the new health measures this fall. Hayden Phillips is excited to be back on campus for in-person learning.

“The experience of walking to a class — even if it's smaller and with masks — is so different for your mind, and I find that it is so much more beneficial,” he said.

Phillips notes that he and his classmates aren’t taking anything for granted as they return to campus this fall.

“Nobody enjoyed not seeing each other, so I think that there is a mutual understanding that if one person suffers, all of us will suffer. It’s not that just one person gets removed from the production, one person drops out and it puts a strain on every other aspect of it.”

Phillips is the media producer in the upcoming children's theatre production that has hopeful plans to be performed live mid-way through November. He notes that the uncertainty around COVID-19 does pose a bit of a

The experience of walking to a class — even if it's smaller and with masks — is so different for your mind, and I find that it is so much more beneficial.

— Hayden Phillips

challenge for his production team, as the show could potentially need to be performed online.

“Everything has to be improvised, as well as adaptable,” Phillips explains. “We can’t really have anything too concrete because things are always set to change. At least we’ve got our foot in the door.”

He places emphasis on the community he has built within the theatre studies program, saying that it’s part of what the program is.

“You don’t just build your own skills, you build a relationship as a cast, as a team, as a group, and you can never gain that fully if you don’t see the other person.”

As difficult as it might be to organize a production amidst

new health measures on campus, Phillips is grateful for the faculty within the theatre studies department who have spoken with students in advance, consistently send them messages, and remind them to be safe.

As Phillips moves into his final year of undergrad, he is certain that the new health measures have already begun to make his experience better. He is appreciative of the campus wide vaccine mandate, and remains thankful to be back on campus.

“It’s bittersweet. But I am optimistic, I am excited for it to happen and I’m ready to embrace it.”

As the fall 2021 semester progresses, students remain thankful for the opportunity to return to their U of G community, despite the challenges they face.

Hayden Phillips Fourth-year theatre studies major

SPORTS & HEALTH 21 | DISSOCIATION

19 | WASP SAFETY

22 & 23 | SPORTS & MENTAL HEALTH

Ways to practice gratefulness this Thanksgiving Take some time out of your day to talk about, write down, and reflect on what you are grateful for JESSIE DAVIS

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hanksgiving is a wonderful time of year that often involves eating tasty food and spending time with family. An important part of the holiday is giving thanks and showing appreciation for the things you value in your life.

Psychologists have defined gratitude as a positive emotional response that we perceive on giving or receiving a benefit from someone. When we practice and express gratitude, feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are released in our brains and can act as a natural antidepressant, according to meditation expert Emily Fletcher. These hormones elicit feelings of happiness and joy. The more we practice gratitude, the stronger these neural pathways get, and this can ultimately lead to a happier mindset.

Furthermore, practicing gratitude also promotes stress regulation. According to The Appreciative Heart (2002) by Rollin McCraty and colleagues, there was a significant reduction in cortisol levels, the stress hormone, in participants who felt grateful. This could mean that practicing gratitude could be your tool to a less stressful life.

1. Express your gratitude verbally Whether you are expressing gratitude to a friend, a family member or to yourself, there is a strong correlation between expressing gratitude and improved, stronger relationships, according to a UC Berkeley report.

You can express gratitude in many ways. Make a phone call, write a letter or email, or send a text message to someone you want to thank and show appreciation for. You could also write a letter to yourself, thanking your body and mind for the amazing things they do for you!

2. Start a gratitude journal

After waking up in the morning, write down three things you are grateful for. Beginning your day by focusing on the positive things in your life can help set the tone for the rest of the day.

These positive things can include people in your life, experiences you’ve had, or goals you’ve accomplished, no matter how big.

They can also be as simple as your morning cup of coffee, your comfy bed, or even the 10 minutes of rest you have between meetings at work.

For about a year now, I have been doing this exercise and it has had a positive impact on my happiness and my outlook on life. My gratitude journal has also helped me practice mindfulness throughout the day. Even on my bad days, I can reflect on the three things I was grateful for that day and shift my focus to the positive.

3. Listen to The Gratitude Podcast

4. Practice meditation

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your attention on your breath and observing your thoughts. The practice of meditation takes patience. Try and concentrate your attention on your breaths in and out, pay attention to your thoughts, and bring your focus back to your breathing whenever you notice that your mind is wandering. Meditation creates a space in your life to focus on yourself and your needs.

Mindful.org is a great website to learn about how to meditate and the many benefits meditation has to offer you. There are also many short YouTube videos on guided meditation to help you practice. Some channels I recommend are The Mindful Movement and Great Meditation.

The Mindful Movement channel provides many great videos for all levels of experience in meditation, along with great tips and techniques. I have

Start off your day with some grateful intentions. Jot down what you’re thankful for in a journal and stay mindful of it for the rest of the day.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

learned a lot about the practice of meditation through this channel and have grown my knowledge in mindfulness and my own inner peace.

Great Meditation offers tons of different guided meditation videos. You can choose your guided meditation based on the length, the voice of the instructor, and the focus of the meditation.

Some examples of the different topics include meditations for sleep, meditations for releasing anxiety and stress, and 10 minute meditations, for the days you may not have a lot of time.

After practicing gratitude

for a few months, I have noticed huge changes in my life like being more productive with my work, seeing improvements in my physical and mental health, and an increase in happiness in my relationships. I highly encourage you to have an open mind and give the practice of gratitude a try.

Georgian Benta is an entrepreneur and podcaster who has an inspiring and uplifting podcast called The Gratitude Podcast.

Speaking from his own experience, Benta helps people learn about the practice of gratitude and how it can help them to live a happier life.

Through his own personal experiences and thoughts, as well as interviews with other successful people who have discovered the practice of gratitude, Benta can help you discover how gratefulness can change your life. There are over 700 free episodes to listen to. Put one on as you head to class, go for a walk, or relax on your bed.

ICONS BY FLATICON

Slowly breath in and out during meditation, and consider following some guided lessons to channel your thankfulness.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

ISSUE 191 . 2 | SPORTS & HEALTH

THEONTARION.COM

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Five recipes to cultivate gratitude Whether you live in residence and lack heavy kitchen equipment or are a student living on a tight budget off campus, enjoy Thanksgiving with five easy, cost-effective recipes ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY ANCHITAA GHAG “Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone.”

— Gertrude Stein, an early 20th century author and playwright.

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ratitude comes in many forms. It can be a word spoken to a stranger, a reflective journal entry, or it can even involve food. The act of preparing and sharing food serves as a gentle thank-you to friends and family alike for their companionship and support. It can also be an opportunity to appreciate seasonal produce such as pumpkins, brussel sprouts, carrots, and potatoes, which are all in-season this time of the year. The recipes featured here use these classic ingredients and have been simplified for novice and beginner cooks.

PUMPKIN PIE IN A CUP

Adapted from “Microwave Mug Pumpkin Pie” by Gemma Stafford at biggerbolderbaking.com Serves one

Ingredients: •

2 tbsp. crumbled graham crackers or digestive biscuits • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon • 1 egg • ⅓ cup pumpkin puree • 1 tbsp. milk • 2 tbsp. brown sugar • ½ tsp. vanilla extract Optional: • Whipped cream

TURKEY & CRANBERRY CIABATTA

Adapted from “Chicken, cranberry and cream cheese ciabatta” by Jan Bilton at nzherald.com Anchitaa's take on the Turkey & Cranberry Ciabatta. Delicious!

Serves one

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tbsp. mayonnaise • 1 medium ciabatta roll • 4 roasted turkey breast slices • 1-2 tbsp. cranberry sauce • Approx. ½ cup arugula leaves Optional: • Cream cheese, lemon juice, tomato slices, cucumber slices, and various kinds of cheese slices

Steps:

1. Slice the ciabatta bun in half.

Toast both sides using a pan, skillet, or toaster.

2. Spread cranberry sauce on the top slice of the bread.

3. Spread mayonnaise on the bottom slice of bread.

4. Top bottom slice with arugula leaves, turkey slices, and other toppings of choice, and serve.

GARLIC ASIAGO MASHED POTATOES

Adapted from “Garlic Asiago Mashed Potatoes” by Roxie Kelley in Goodness Gracious (2007) Serves six to eight

Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

6 medium potatoes ¾ cup hot milk ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup butter, softened ½ tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 garlic clove (minced) 1/3 cup shredded asiago or swiss cheese

1. Peel and cube the potatoes into one inch pieces.

BACON-WRAPPED BRUSSEL SPROUTS

Adapted from “Bacon-Wrapped Brussel Sprouts” by Julia at savorytooth.com Ingredients:

MAPLE-GLAZED CARROTS

Adapted from “Maple-Glazed Carrots” by Christine Gallary at finecooking.com Serves four

Ingredients: • • • • •

½ tsp. salt 3 ½ cup carrots, peeled and sliced thick 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 2 tbsp. maple syrup 1 tbsp. lemon juice

Steps:

Enjoy this quick and easy Pumpkin Pie in a Cup recipe.

3. Add the boiled carrots to the pan and cook for two to three minutes.

4. Remember to stir occasionally as the glaze thickens and coats the carrots. Serve hot.

Serves four

Steps:

Steps:

1. Add the crumbled graham crackers to the bottom of a microwave safe mug or ramekin. Set aside.

2. In a bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, egg, milk, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. Ensure there are no lumps.

3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into your mug or ramekin.

4. Microwave for approximately one and a half to two minutes.

5. Remove from microwave, let cool, and serve with whipped cream.

2. Cook potatoes in boiling water for approx. 15 minutes or until tender.

3. Drain and mash the potatoes.

4. Put potatoes in a bowl and stir in the milk, sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until blended.

5. Fold in the shredded cheese and serve hot.

1. Boil and drain the carrots in a medium saucepan until just tender (approximately six to seven minutes). Set aside.

2. In a medium saucepan or skillet, heat the butter, maple syrup, lemon juice, and salt until the butter is melted and all the ingredients have combined.

• • •

12 slices of bacon 12 brussel sprout pieces 12 toothpicks

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Wrap a slice of bacon around a brussel sprout piece and secure with a toothpick.

3. Repeat the process until all brussel sprouts are wrapped.

4. Place on baking sheet in a single layer.

5. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until bacon is crispy and brussel sprouts are tender. Serve hot.

ICONS BY FLATICON

18

OCT ISSUE | OCT 202 1

THE ONTARION

Four easy Chinese recipes to try in residence All you need is a microwave and simple kitchen tools to create these sweet and savory dishes BRUBEY HU Dry noodles, or Ban Mian, are an easy recipe with just a bit of a kick.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

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went for my undergraduate studies in a city without much great Chinese food. I missed that taste of home terribly during my first year. While I faced limitations to cooking fancy dishes in my dorm, I learned a few quick and easy Chinese recipes that are just as delicious as their takeout counterparts. They can be made in residence, even without a stove, and don’t require a lot of cooking utensils either — all you need is a cutting board, a knife, and a microwave. You can get all the ingredients from an Asian market, although most of them are available at big supermarkets too.

Steps:

1. Put the cucumber(s) into a clean plastic bag and smash with a cleaver until broken.

This is the secret to the Chinese cucumber salad, because it gives a coarse texture and allows the cucumber to hold more sauce.

2. Cut the cucumber(s) into pieces. Cutting it diagonally increases the surface area in order to absorb more sauce.

3. Mix the garlic and green onion (and ginger) with the cucumber.

4. Pour all sauces and oils onto the cucumber. Mix well.

5. Add peanuts and cilantro.

DRY NOODLES (BAN MIAN)

CUCUMBER SALAD

This is my favourite appetizer of all time. My grandma used to make it for me. It is refreshing and nutritious, and only takes five minutes to prepare.

Ingredients: •

1 long cucumber or 6 mini cucumbers • 3 cloves of garlic (minced) • 1 green onion (minced) • 1 tsp. of sesame oil • 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil • Chili oil (as much as needed) • 2 tbsp. of soy sauce • 3 tbsp. of black vinegar • Dash of black pepper Optional: • Peanuts • Ginger (minced) • Cilantro (chopped)

Eating by yourself and don’t know what to cook? Try this simple yet savory dish! The kick of Laoganma chili sauce complements the smoothness of the peanut butter, and together they elevate the plain noodles.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

1 serving of long noodles Cooked sausage or ham Edible raw vegetables of your choice (e.g. cucumber, arugula, carrot) 2 tbsp. of peanut butter (or any other nut butter) 2 tbsp. of soy sauce Dash of salt Dash of sugar Laoganma chili sauce (as much as needed)

For something light with a little bit of spice, try the cucumber salad recipe.

CREDIT: BRUBEY HU

Optional: • Green onion (chopped)

Steps:

1. Pour hot, boiled water onto the uncooked noodles. Keep in mind they don't have to be fully cooked.

2. Cut the vegetables into pieces and microwave them for four minutes to dehydrate.

3. Add all sauce and chopped sausage/ham on drained noodles.

4. Add a bit of the water to the bowl and microwave for seven minutes. You have to add some water here otherwise the noodles will be very dry.

5. Mix the noodles with chopped raw vegetables. Add green onion for garnish.

MICROWAVE CHICKEN WINGS Chicken wings are delicious, but the cooking process can be tedious and complicated if using an oven. However, by using a microwave, this recipe reduces the cooking time, is no fuss, and makes some finger-lickin’ good chicken!

• Dash of black pepper • Dash of sugar • Dash of salt • Honey Optional: • Green onion • White sesame • BBQ sauce (as an alternative to all the sauce listed)

Steps:

1. Marinate the chicken wings with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, and cooking wine in a microwavable bowl. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes for the wings to absorb the sauce.

2. Microwave the wings at high power for five minutes.

3. Flip the wings over and microwave at high power for five more minutes.

4. Brush a layer of honey on top, then microwave for one and a half minutes.

5. Add chopped green onion and white sesame on top.

Ingredients: • • • •

12 chicken wings 1 tbsp. of oyster sauce 3 tbsp. of light soy sauce 3 tbsp. of cooking wine

ICON BY FLATICON

MICROWAVE GRILLED EGGPLANTS

I never used to be a big fan of eggplants, but this dish totally changed my view. If you don’t have much time for cooking but crave a tasty grilled eggplant, you must try this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 fat eggplant • 3 cloves of garlic (minced) • 1 tbsp. oyster sauce • 1 tbsp. light soy sauce • 1/2 tsp. sugar • 1 tsp. chili powder • 1 tsp. cumin powder • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil Optional: • Cheese

Steps:

1. Microwave the eggplant as a whole for five minutes at high power.

2. Take the eggplant out of the microwave and cut it in half.

3. Mix all other ingredients together in a bowl. Add two tbsps of water. Spread it evenly on the eggplant.

4. Microwave for another five minutes. Take out and add some cheese on top if you so desire. Enjoy!

Want some protein but have limited cooking options in residence? These microwave chicken wings have you covered.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

ISSUE 191 . 2 | SPORTS & HEALTH

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moving it during winter months when the nest has been completely abandoned. For large or problematic nests, contact a pest control service.

Repel them

If you’re willing to put a bit of extra effort in, there are some pretty effective ways of dissuading wasps from approaching you.

The scent of peppermint is too extreme for most bugs to handle. Sprinkle a drop or two of peppermint essential oil on your wrists to keep wasps far from you.

Alternatively, you can soak some cotton pads with the oil and leave them around the house or yard.

To keep wasps out of your garden, consider planting some citronella, thyme, or spearmint. Yet again, the smell will deter wasps and possibly even other insects.

If you plan on spending some

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time outside, you can also leave a bowl of sugar water somewhere away — at least 25 feet — from the area you’re spending time in.

This will keep the wasps busy for a while.

Still got stung?

Despite your best efforts, sometimes they just aren't enough.

Wasp stings can happen and they’re painful, but they’re also usually completely harmless. If you get stung by a wasp, mitigate any pain by applying an ice pack to the affected area. If you know you’re severely allergic, keep your EpiPen on you at all times.

If at any point after getting stung you begin to experience hives, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, have someone take you to the ER or contact emergency services immediately.

Keep those pesky wasps off of you this season by avoiding florals and perfumes.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Getting wasps to buzz off It’s wasp season, and anybody hoping to spend time outdoors may benefit from this list of tips for avoiding these painful critters ELENI KOPSAFTIS

I

t's back to school time at the university, and, if you are a bus-taking student, you may have noticed the wasps that like to hang around the university bus loop and sometimes accompany riders into the bus itself.

It's not fun, but what are you to do? It is wasp season after all!

In Ontario, wasp colonies are the most numerous in late summer and early fall. Unlike the gentle bumblebee, who is round and fuzzy, the wasp is large, pointed, and infamously aggressive. It is also capable of stinging its target multiple times.

As you navigate the outdoors this season, use these tips to avoid and mitigate wasp stings.

Cut the sweets

Wasps love sweet things. Save the snacks and soda for the indoors whenever possible to avoid attracting any unwanted visitors.

If you must bring food and drinks

outside, keep them covered. Use containers or good quality plastic wrap to do so, and also make sure to seal (or stay away from) any waste bins.

If your yard has fruit trees, harvest the fruit as soon as they’re ripe and pick up any that have fallen from their branches.

Think this is enough? Food and drink aren’t the only sweet things wasps like.

Ease off on the cologne and perfumes for a while. Wasps are attracted to strong smells and will be drawn right to you.

Be wary of florals

The wasp’s attraction to sweet things is primarily motivated by its search for flowers.

Got a garden? Be especially cautious when you’re tending to it. You’ll also want to walk on the far end of the sidewalk if your route passes several flower beds.

With that said, wasps will assume anything bright is a flow-

er. You might be eager to sport that new yellow tank top or a lovely floral sundress before the cold sets in, but maybe save it for the indoors.

Just walk away

As tempting as it might be to shoo wasps away, you might end up doing more harm than good.

According to a Canadian research team out of Simon Fraser University, swatting at or squashing wasps will cause them to release pheromones that attract nearby wasps. If this happens, that pesky bug will turn into a small group of them. Plus, a failed attempt to kill a wasp will aggravate it. After that, you’re almost guaranteed a sting.

Instead, try calmly walking away from them. Hopefully, they’ll have left the area by the time you return to whatever you were doing.

If you find a wasp nest, leave it alone. Only consider re-

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com

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Dissociation: A place away from reality Dissociation happens when your brain chooses to separate itself from reality ELENI KOPSAFTIS

G

rades and deadlines are bound to give students stress, and when we factor in the additional struggles of an ever-present pandemic, it becomes easy to neglect our mental health. But, with World Mental Health Day approaching on Oct. 10, we are reminded that with the right tools and resources, mental health challenges can become a bit more bearable.

One such challenge students may face is dissociation, which is a sense of disconnection from thoughts, feelings, memories, and surroundings.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this state can be separated into two different categories: depersonalization and derealization.

These disorders can be experienced separately or at the same time.

Depersonalization is a feeling of disconnection from yourself. Those who experience it might look in the mirror and feel like their body isn’t theirs. Meanwhile, derealization is a feeling of disconnection from the surrounding world. The world might feel odd or unreal to those experiencing it.

Symptoms can be triggered by trauma, certain mental illnesses, hypnosis, meditation, and some drugs and alcohol.

Younger students may want to keep an eye on any dissociative episodes since “half of all mental health disorders over the life course [occur] first between the ages of 7 years and 24 years,” states a Cambridge University review.

Dissociation is not dissimilar to daydreaming in that you are mentally placing yourself else-

where — voluntarily or otherwise — and possibly becoming disoriented when leaving that state.

They’re both ways that the brain handles an unfavourable reality.

This can range anywhere from boredom to traumatic events.

The problem with dissociation lies in its severity on the affected person. WebMD states that symptoms can include having an out-of-body experience, a pounding heartbeat and lightheadedness, feeling like a different person, being emotionally numb or detached, and feeling little to no pain.

Those having a dissociative episode may also experience an altered sense of time and memory, tunnel vision, immobility, and even become absorbed in flashbacks or a fantasy world.

It’s possible to experience

Find yourself losing track of time, feeling emotionally numb, and spacing out of reality? It might be dissociation.

CREDIT: UNSPLASH

dissociation and not know it.

Some other less obvious signs that you might be having dissociative episodes can include rapid mood swings, trouble remembering personal details, behaviours or abilities that change, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, substance abuse, or failed treatements for mood disorders.

If you think you might be experiencing dissociation, seek out a diagnosis from a psychiatrist,

psychologist, or psychiatric social worker. Treatment is possible via counselling and/or medication.

For mental health resources at the U of G, contact Health Services at 519-824-4120 ext. 52131 or the Here 24/7 hotline at 1-844437-3247.

Brisson, Leis & Associates

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22

OCT ISSUE | OCT 202 1

THE ONTARION

Simone Biles pictured at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Biles withdrew from the 2021 Olympics women's gymnastics team final for mental health reasons.

CREDIT: AGÊNCIA BRASIL FOTOGRAFIAS/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS LICENSED UNDER CC BY 4.0

Mental health challenges faced by athletes require specialized care, say U of G community members Gymnast Simone Biles’ recent step away from the Olympics prompts worldwide conversations on just how much support athletes need ELENI KOPSAFTIS Trigger warning: This article contains mention of eating disorders.

A

t the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, American Gymnast and World Champion Simone Biles performed what looked like an incredible vault during her gymnastics team’s finals. She left the stage, returned with her trainer … and then withdrew from the competition.

Biles later explained she suffered from “the twisties” during her vault, a dangerous state in which gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness while in the air.

The twisties can be greatly exacerbated by stress, according to the New York Post. Biles’ withdrawal from the competition was a result of her needing to focus on her mental health and subse-

quently prevent herself from getting injured.

While the global pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health, the sports scene is often one that encourages athletes to ‘tough it out’ and focus squarely on physical performance. Even Biles faced harsh criticism from public figures for backing out of the competition, such as Broadcaster Piers Morgan calling her mental health concerns “a joke.”

With mental health already so stigmatized, these additional struggles can cause athletic communities to suffer.

Peter Disera is a Canadian mountain biker who finished 26th during the Tokyo Olympics.

At the 2019 UCI World Champi-

onships, he finished 5th in the relay. What’s more, he is a 2018 graduate from the University of Guelph.

Although he doesn’t identify as ever chronically struggling with mental health, Disera told The Ontarion that athletic cyclists — especially women — are more likely to suffer from eating disorders due to the balance between power and weight.

He remarks having a friend and teammate who was very underweight but was fortunately able to achieve a healthier weight after listening to doctors, although “his relationship with food will always be tainted with the [idea] that food and fueling makes you slower.”

Cycling has the added men-

tal health benefit of spending lots of time outdoors, but Disera states that “cycling and other weight based sports do provide an enablement and intensifies [eating disorders and illnesses].”

In cycling, this is partly due to lighter individuals being able to go uphill faster.

ICON BY FLATICON

Some cyclists, such as Disera, will ‘lean out’ — or get their body fat percentage as low as possible — before a race. The safe way to do this is under the direction and watchful eye of a registered dietician and nutritionist, however, some athletes will continue or intensify the practice outside the recommendations. This is when eating disorders can emerge.

These illnesses are as prevalent in other sports as they are in cycling.

Former U of G athlete Samantha Beattie recalls running next to teammates who had fractured bones, anorexia, or bulimia while practicing for track and field. She even ran through colds, anemia, and allergic reactions herself.

ISSUE 191 . 2 | SPORTS & HEALTH

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According to an article Beattie wrote for HuffPost, these unhealthy behaviours were encouraged by a “toxic running culture” at the university as well as pressure from a disgraced former U of G coach.

Beattie was never connected to sports psychologists or dietitians. Instead, she and her teammates were encouraged by a sports physiologist to lose weight and slim out their thighs. In hindsight, Beattie “[couldn’t] believe how thin [she] was” despite remembering her worries over being larger than other runners.

“Mental health needs to be an integral part of any training plan,” said Beattie. “Eating disorders need to be thought of as more than an unfortunate symptom of the sport … Female athletes need to be listened to. We aren’t disposable. Every part of us needs to be respected — our bodies, our emotions, our passions, our vulnerabilities.”

A 2017 Canadian clinical journal authored by Dr. Krista Van Slingerland and 10 other researchers sought to investigate mental health care service provisions for competitive and high-performance athletes and identify any gaps in care. A group consisting of mental health care practitioners, sports medicine physicians, coaches, support staff,

and several other members of various disciplines consulted on the issue.

Together, they observed an increased susceptibility to mental health challenges and disorders in athletes. Further, they determined that athletes are best served by a specialized interdisciplinary mental health care team.

Subsequently, the group concluded that sports organizations and coaches have a duty to protect and foster the mental health of their athletes.

At U of G, general mental health resources (including individual and group counselling) are open to anyone, such as through Student Accessibility Services, Student Wellness, and peer support through the Student Support Network. However, as shown by the cycling and track team’s experiences, athletes need specialized sports psychologists and dietitians.

Varsity athletes at U of G are currently offered several different mental health resources.

For example, there is the Athletes in Action program, a faith-based organization that supports varsity student athletes on campus. It is led through a Christian lens, though anyone with a spiritual or religious background is welcome.

They also have access to the Student Athlete Mentors (SAM),

a group of upper-year student athletes assigned to first-year athletes to check in with their academic and emotional needs.

Some of these mentors are also connected to a broader organization called the Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative, a Canada-wide peer support network that provides mental health tools and workshops for student athletes.

SAMs are given mental health training through the university’s Wellness Centre, and the assignment of a SAM to a firstyear athlete is “mandatory,” says Carrie Charles, who is the coordinator for mental health and varsity athletes at the university.

A registered psychotherapist and point person for mental health for varsity athletes, Charles has been working at the U of G for 12 years, and she and other social workers and psychotherapists have been doing group and individual therapy as well as crisis work for students.

As of October, Charles will be leading a new six-week confidential therapy group for managing stress and anxiety in varsity sport. Participants will be given cognitive behavioural therapy tools to better deal with those specific emotional barriers.

The group will be the first of its kind at U of G, and it is based on a survey conducted by

Charles in the spring of 2021 to gauge what varsity athletes at the U of G wanted out of their mental health supports. Dealing with stress and anxiety were ranked highly by those who participated in the survey.

The survey also examined any barriers between varsity athletes and mental health resources at the U of G, including a lack of anonymity in existing services and students not knowing about said resources, though Charles acknowledges that these barriers may have changed since the survey was given.

Other mental health concerns these athletes had were coping with injuries, having an identity outside of sports, dealing with depression, disordered eating, and substance abuse.

As this is the group’s first year running, stress and anxiety are currently the only themes from the survey being explored.

With athletes like Biles setting public examples to prioritize mental health over sport, local athletic leaders and organizations must follow suit and actively encourage their athletes’ wellbeing, and take preventative measures against mental health challenges and the negative stigma associated with them.

“Everyone is the master of their own wellbeing, and if re-

23

moving yourself from competition is part of that, then great … only the individual can be the judge,” says Disera.

Carrie Charles’ therapy group for managing stress and anxiety in varsity sport will run from Oct. 13, 2021, until Nov. 17, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each week. Those who are interested can sign up by calling the front desk of the U of G’s Counselling Services at (519) 824-4120 ext.

53244.

For other mental health resources, students can contact Health Services at 519-824-4120 ext.

52131.

For crisis lines and after-hours support: Good2Talk for confidential support services for post-secondary students at 1-866-925-3247 Here 24/7 for addictions, mental health & crisis services at 1-844437-3247 Care and Treatment Centre for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence at 519-837-6440 Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis 24-Hour Crisis Line at 519836-5710

Everyone is the master of their own wellbeing, and if removing yourself from competition is part of that, then great … only the individual can be the judge.

— Peter Disera

After graduating from the U of G in 2018, Peter Disera competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He values mental health and has seen his fair share of mental health challenges in fellow athletes.

CREDIT: NICOLA WENN

FUN STUFF

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THE ONTARION

25 & 26 | FUN PAGES

OCT. TO-DO LIST Disclaimer: The events listed are happening and abide by regional COVID-19 restrictions as of Sept. 29, 2021.

OCT 4

OCT 1, 9, 15, 24

Music & Me: A Music Therapy Group for 18+ By: Wellington Music Therapy Services Led by a Credentialed Music Therapist (MTA) this group will build community among participants aged 18+, and provide opportunities for the development and maintenance of self awareness, confidence, and social empathy. Musical activities such as singing, dancing, playing instruments and creating songs will be at the centre of this play oriented therapy group.

9:00 a.m./ Register through wellingtonmusictherapyservices@ gmail.com/ $25 per class

Guelph Storm Hockey Game By: Guelph Storm Head to the Sleeman Centre to watch the Guelph Storm face off against competing teams on home ice.

Various times / Sleeman Centre in Guelph, purchase tickets at tickets.guelphstorm.com or call the storm office at 519-837-9690 / Ticket prices vary

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OCT 10, 24 Strom's Harvest Fun By: Strom’s Farm & Bakery Weekend activities include mazes, human foosball, pedal carts, pumpkin chucking, wagon rides, and more!

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m./ Strom’s Farm and Bakery in Guelph/ $15.50 per ticket

OCT 2 The Guelph Ripper By: Cluedupp Games Think you have what it takes to catch a serial killer? CluedUpp is an exciting, outdoor detective adventure — and it’s coming to Guelph.

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / Purchase tickets at cluedupp.com / $52

Online Meditation Class: Freedom From Painful Emotions By: Meditation and Modern Buddhism in Guelph and Meditation and Modern Buddhism in Stratford If we are to find happiness, an understanding of our mind is essential. Through learning how our mind works, we can begin to bring our mind under control, and thereby improve the quality of our life, both now and in the future.

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m./ Purchase tickets on eventbrite.com / $12

OCT 13 In Conversation with Susan Aglukark in Guelph By: River Run Centre River Run Centre’s Miijidaa Life Stories series features renowned artists discussing their craft in a conversation format with series host Cameron Smillie. Each evening includes two 40-minute interview sets, a live music component and post-show meet and greet. Susan Aglukark provides a window into the culture of Canada’s Northern communities through her one-of-a-kind blend of traditional Inuit folk music with country and pop.

8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m./ Purchase tickets at riverrun.ca / $35 for adults

The Stampeders concert By: Shantero Productions, River Run Centre and The Stampeders No seventies group represented Canada's musical identity to the world like The Stampeders.

A quick look at Canada's music scene from 1971 until 1976 confirms The Stampeders were truly the country's international musical ambassadors, touring more extensively in Canada and overseas than any other Canadian group during that time.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m./ Purchase tickets at riverrun.ca / $66.50

OCT 16

OCT 23

Wisdom of Impermanence By: Meditation and Modern Buddhism in Guelph In reality, everything is impermanent. Rather than connecting with reality, we hold onto a belief that everything, including ourselves, remains the same — perhaps only changing very gradually over time. Buddha taught that nothing exists in this way. The reality is that everything that we see or perceive is momentary.

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m./ Register at eventbrite.com / $45

Guelph's Favourite Fall Market By: Savvy Events Canada From snacks and sweets, to apparel and accessories, support local businesses at the Fall Market!

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m./ Holiday Inn Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre / Free admission

OCT 20

ICONS BY FLATICON & ICONFINDER

Pranayama: Joy of Breathing By: Soul Dimension Experience the powerful benefits of the Joy of Breathing transformational breathwork. The breathing technique works to quickly and effectively allow you to access a deeper, more conscious connection with the body, mind, heart and spirit .

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m./ Register on eventbrite.com / Free

OCT 27 Writing a book, from initial concept to publishing By: LaunchIt Minto and Business Centre Guelph Wellington More and more people have been declaring that they know they have a book in them… the challenge is what to write about, how to get started, and what to do when your book is done – how do you get it published? In this session, Anne will walk you through the publishing process, help you identify the focus of your book, and discuss your options once your book is written.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / Register on eventbrite.com / Free

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THEONTARION.COM

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Down 1–Money-related: Abbr.

2–To ___ (perfectly) 3–___ never work!

4–Damage done 5–Person who fishes 6–Bog 7–Observer 8–Page 9–Weakness 10–To-do list 11–Manitoba Indigenous People 12–Abner's adjective 13–FedEx rival 21–Manipulator 22–Vegas line 25–Put together 26–Hawaiian state birds 27–Narc's org.

28–All, musically 29–Singer Garfunkel 30–Main impact 31–Guarded 32–Vogue rival 33–Toronto paper 37–Stand in opposition 38–CIA forerunner 39–Agnus ___ 41–___ d'etat 42–High level of satisfaction 44–Meditate 45–Firefly, e.g.

46–Truly 49–River to the Ubangi 50–Ticklish doll 51–First son of Adam and Eve 52–Immediately following 53–Skater Lipinski 54–Coup d'___ 55–24 hour periods 56–Apt. divisions 57–Fair-hiring abbr.

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48–Chemical ending 49–Unparalleled 56–Oboe, e.g.

58–Winged 59–I could ___ horse!

60–Yard tunneler 61–Beam 62–Radiograph 63–Clairvoyant 64–In shape 65–Uses a shuttle

Across 1–___ accompli 5–Low life?

10–Legal rights org.

14–What's ___ you?

15–"The Highwayman" poet 16–Clench 17–Hawk 18–Welcome 19–Electric fish 20–Portable communicator 23–Paris possessive 24–Hall or Byrnes 25–Comprehensible 33–Scoff 34–"Trinity" author 35–Fam. member 36–Singer Turner

Bob’s Dogs Crossword Contest For your chance to win two Bob's Dogs and two pops, just complete an EASY crossword, snap a picture, and send it to puzzles@theontarion.com by Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. Winners and anyone else who fills in the crossword correctly are announced in each issue. Winners can arrange a physically distanced pickup of their voucher by emailing the same address.

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Last issue's winning puzzle was submitted by

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easy CROSSWORD

Fill in the empty squares so that each of the digits 1 through 9 appear once in each row, column, and 3-by-3 block.

4 6 8

ISSUE 191 . 2 | FUN STUFF

1

S

14

2

T

3

HARD

4

5

O R

I

A

N

I

O N

Y

E

U

S

A

L

24

30

E

38

31

R

32

T

T

E

P

A

T

27

53

39

U

44

S

48

S

A

E

18

E

D

16

I

A

E

T

19

12

R

13

T

U

I N

R

B

E

R

I

D

C O M

I

N G

R

N

A

A

S

O

33

B

34

28

29

40

T

P O

T

U

L

P

L

S

A

A

S

T

O

P

E

A

R

P

O

S

A

Y

63

54

E

E 46

T

49

E

41

42

35

P

T A

50

M E

R

55

T

I

A L

E

N

D

S

A

L

N G M

L

37

R

T

A

L

S

A

47

N

O

36

E

S M E

H

60

T

70

T

E M E

59

A

67

26

23

O H G O D

O O

C

45

V

69

R

11

A

I

66

R

10

N

N G

62

O H

9

A

A

E

8

G

H

A

7

P

22

C

58

A

E

S

A

52

T

S

S

51

25

R

M

43

21

B

15

I

B

20

6

O R M

T

17

Lukasz Padiasek.

64

R

61

65

A

56

A

57

N

S

E

E

N

T

A

A

R

I

O

T

P

E

A

R

S

68

71

1

L

14

A

2

E

A

4

A

P O U

R

P

S

20

27

I 28

O N

32

A

H

A

I

K

51

M

56

52

A

53

44

E

48

C

I

T

R

S

39

40

E

A

P

E

N

I

E

L

I

A

25

E

30

S

C

8

N A

C I

31

A

I S

N

S

E

63

57

E

H

E

I

R

54

E

64

55

R

A

S

E

L A

S

N

S

I

P

26

N 50

S

23

E E

34

N

41

E

P

H

I

E

D

E

S

37

I

N

C O M E

A

E

I

T

42

36

T

C

E

E

R

47

T

T

35

R

T

T

A

O

E

N O

46

A

L

70

13

Y

A

67

12

A M S

A

19

N

58

11

L

T

P

E

D

16

G H W A

H O

A

49

10

I

H

22

R

45

9

O N

M O R

I

L

33

E

T

R

69

I

A

N

66

O

R O U

E

62

S E

T

L

A

I

E

A T

R

Y

7

I

T

21

E

A

43

S

18

S

E

6

O M

15

D

R

38

24

L

29

5

P

G

17

L

3

65

N 59

L

60

L

61

E

V

I

E

S

E

T

E

S

H

E

R O

68

71

CROSSWORD ANSWERS FROM ISSUE 191.1

26

FUN PAGE

FUN STUFF | O CT 202 1

THE ONTARION

MEDIUM CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

14

6

7

8

9

15

17

18

20

21

23

10

1–Predict 2–Full of speech 3–Discredit 4–Maui memento 5–Metamorphic rock 6–House coat 7–Start of a counting rhyme 8–Chang's twin 9–Erode 10–Fragmented 11–Drill a hole 12–Chows down 13–Rapping Dr. 18–More cunning 22–Silt deposit 24–In excess of 25–Unit of volume 27–Nose bone 28–Wide-eyed 29–Arizona city 31–Japanese-American 33–Levi's rival 35–Subfusc 36–554, in stone 38–Envelope 39–Licoricelike flavor 41–Current measure 42–Decorative band 44–It beats rock 45–Fright 46–Spherical bacteria 47–Klondike territory 48–Slovenly person 49–Trompe l'___ 50–Res ___ loquitur 52–Hearst kidnap grp.

53–Intent 54–___ alai

22 25 27

30

28

31

34

29

32

35

33

36

38

39

41

42

43 48

Down

13

19

26

40

12

16

24

37

11

44

49

45

50 53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

1–Frustrate 5–Graf ___ 9–Receded 14–Writer Sarah ___ Jewett 15–Normandy city 16–Bellowing 17–Extremely beautiful 19–Rich cake 20–7th letter of the Greek alphabet 21–Ruled 22–Finds pleasing 23–One playing alone 25–Isolated 26–Evergreen shrub 27–Country in SE Asia 30–Sea duck 31–Au contraire!

32–Mousse alternative

47

51

52

Across

46

34–Rent-___ 35–Small change 36–Prescribed amount 37–Krazy ___ 38–Smarter 39–Aquarium buildup 40–Apprentice 42–Ms. DiFranco 43–Wise men 44–Seclusion 48–Mawkish 50–Alpo alternative 51–Bud's bud 52–Shuteye 53–Cider brandy 55–French wine valley 56–Aha! 57–Sacramento's ___ Arena 58–More competent 59–Trading center 60–Poker declaration

CONNECT WITH US   @TheOntarion

 TheOntarion.com

 @Ontarion

Special thanks to Brian Bobak, retired software architect and Guelph community member, who spotted and reported the zero and the second two in the second column in our last issue’s EASY sudoku, which made the puzzle impossible to solve.

The Ontarion regrets the errors.

9 6 3 2 4 7 1 5 8

2 4 1 5 8 3 6 7 9

7 5 8 9 6 1 2 4 3

3 1 4 7 5 9 8 2 6

6 8 9 1 2 4 7 3 5

5 2 7 6 3 8 9 1 4

1 3 6 8 7 5 4 9 2

8 9 5 4 1 2 3 6 7

4 7 2 3 9 6 5 8 1

© 2013 KrazyDad.com

SUDOKU ANSWERS FROM ISSUE 191.1

hard CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

24 29

30

10

32

33

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45 48

57

58

26

27

28

53

54

55

46 49

50 56

13

34

35

47

12

23 25

31

11

51 59

52 60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

Across

Down

1–Sacramento's ___ Arena 5–Old Spanish coin 9–Puzzle in pictures 14–Jump 15–Roman road 16–Elevate 17–Ho Chi ___ City 18–Have to have 19–Madame de ___ 20–"Peer Gynt Suite" dancer 22–Cruise ship 24–Part of HRH 25–Ballerina Makarova 29–Durango dwellings 32–James of "The Godfather" 34–Basic monetary unit of Ghana 35–Hurler Hershiser 36–Legal wrongs 37–Brings into play 38–Paper quantity 39–Shaw of swing 40–100 dinars 41–___ contendere 42–Soup utensil 43–Mechanical learning 44–Carrier to Ben-Gurion 45–In a bit 46–Queues 47–Worker 49–Short time 50–Hood-shaped anatomical part 52–Dishevel 56–Flight of steps 59–Would ___ to you?

61–Tale teller 62–___ and Sensibility 63–Side 64–Score after deuce 65–Put on cloud nine 66–Itches 67–Overhaul

1–Mater preceder 2–Check 3–Child's plea 4–Eye doctor 5–Kuwaiti currency 6–Salt Lake City player 7–Film unit 8–Arrangement 9–Do-over button 10–Like afterschool activities 11–Sheepish comment 12–Diminutive suffix 13–NL cap monogram 21–Legal matter 23–Norwegian arctic explorer 26–Wound 27–Think 28–Bridal paths 29–Dogwood 30–Ring of color 31–Aquanaut's base 32–Materiality 33–Threepio's buddy 36–Pendent ornament 46–Regulus's constellation 48–Street show 49–Wineglass features 51–Sailor's direction 53–Pro or con 54–Placed down 55–Rubik of cube fame 56–Reverse of NNW 57–___ Aviv 58–Gasteyer of "SNL" 60–Fleming who created Bond

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