The Conveged Citizen - October 31, 2014.

PAGE 8

PAGE 5

NEWS

CONVERGED CITIZEN FEATURE

THE

PAGE11

VOLUME X ISSUE 5

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

SPORTS

OCTOBER 31, 2014

St. Clair SportsPlex brings on the ring Safety in the Kenneth Bullock Citizen Staff Reporter

The bell rang loudly at the St. Clair College SportsPlex’s first commissioned event.

Border City Wrestling held a two-and-a-half-hour show at the SportsPlex last Saturday.

The bleachers and ringside seats were packed, and several high profile wrestlers contended inside the ring. Notable wrestler appearances included professional Japanese wrestler, Yujiro Kushida and professional wrestler, Scott Steiner. John Fairley, VicePresident of St. Clair College, said he was definitely impressed.

“This was non-stop action,” said Fairley. “When the promoter of BCW came to us, I said ‘we’re looking for something that’s going to create a wow factor.’”

Fairley said St. Clair takes advantage of opportunities like BCW to bring more students to the college. The promoter and host of BCW, Scott D’Amore, said he was pleased with how the entertainment technology students put

city’s core Ashley Ann Mentley CP Editor

Photo By Kenneth Bullock Yujiro Kushida (middle) preparing to slam “Psycho” Mike Rollins (right) and Michael Elgin (left) to the mat during the Border City Wrestling event at the St. Clair College SportsPlex on Oct. 18, together the event. D’amore said BCW has a long relationship with St. Clair College.

“It’s nonstop positive comments from the people who are here about how beautiful the SportsPlex is,” said D’Amore.

One of the biggest hypes at the event was former WWE Superstar, Brett “The Hitman”

Hart. Hart thanked the crowd, the college and BCW for all their hard work and said he was honoured to be there. One of the BCW wrestlers said it was exciting to see Hart.

“I’ve been at this for so long, you don’t really put yourself in a kid’s shoes,” said Tyson Dux, long-time professional wrestler. “Every once in a

while, I have a moment where I’m like ‘oh my god, that’s Brett ‘The Hitman’ Hart,’ I grew up with that.”

The night ended with a “Fatal Fourway” grudgematch, including Kushida, “Psycho” Mike Rollins and Michael Eldin. The wrestlers kept the audience cheering into the end of the night.

Bianchi is back in Windsor Tecumseh MacGuigan Photo Editor The owners of a local bicycle shop are now offering customers unique, world class bikes.

The Italian bicycle manufacturer, F.I.V. Edoardo Bianchi S.p.A, is celebrating 130 years in business. Bianchi bikes are world class racing bikes, having been ridden by Tour De France and Giro D’italia winners throughout history. For their 130 year anniversary, Bianchi is beginning to ship out to several new bike stores

across North America, one of the first being Windsor’s own, City Cyclery.

Enzo Iafrate, a representative from Bianchi who attended the unveiling on October 18, explained why Windsor and City Cyclery were chosen for the expansion project.

“City Cyclery were looking for a brand to bring that would make them a little more unique,” said Iafrate. “There are a lot of Italians in Windsor.

That brings a connection to the brand and so when looking

SEE PAGE 5

Photo By Tecumseh MacGuigan City Cyclery employee Oliver Swainson test rides a Bianchi road bike in Walkerville on Oct. 18.

Despite the recent shooting at Windsor’s Boom Boom Room, a nearby business owner is confident in the safety of the city.

Ljubica Cajan, owner of Tunnel Discount Convenience on Ouellette Avenue, has been working next to the night club since it opened in 2005. She said she worries about robberies and the use of fake money, but overall she still feels safe.

“Downtown on Ouellette is the most safe,” Cajan said.

“There’s always police and there’s always people.”

Cajan and her husband have owned the convenience store since 1999. Though they have never experienced a robbery, it remains her primary concern. This month’s shooting isn’t the first crime to be associated with Boom Boom Room. Less than two years ago, three men were taken to the hospital after a fight broke out inside. Still, working next to the largest club in the city doesn’t worry Cajan.

“It’s a different kind of business,” she said about the relation of her store to Boom Boom Room. “A drunk person can fire [a gun] anywhere.”

The safety of citizens downtown is a growing concern among Windsorites. With the upcoming municipal election, many candidates are voicing their support of a safer core area. At a Ward 3 debate, some candidates even sug-

SEE PAGE 3

CONVERGED CITIZEN2

NEWS

OCTOBER 31, 2014

Conference highlights benefits of LGBT tourism Bobby-Jo Keats Asssociate Managing Editor Visitors are learning about LGBT tourism and its benefits to local businesses at a conference this week.

Travel Gay Canada’s Fifth Annual LGBT Tourism Conference, Travel Without Borders, was held on Oct. 23 to 24 at Ceasars Windsor followed by a guided wine tour on the 25th.

The conference examined ways to increase LGBT tourism locally by examining the latest research on the subject, creating networking opportunities and discussing how to promote in the Canadian market.

“Every year we hold an LGBT tourism conference for members and future members to come and learn about the market, what it is and who it is, said President of Travel Gay Canada, Colin Sines.

“Businesses, hotels, and travel companies come and learn

about it. We partnered with Windsor – Essex Pride Fest, Travel Gay Canada and Ceasars Windsor to see how we could market the region as LGBT friendly.”

The conference examined results of the TGC Third National Research Study, which examines the habits and motivators of the LGBT traveler. They also discussed social media and its advantages in effective campaigning as well as ways to build and keep loyalty of LGBT travelers. Marketing strategies such as a “two-nation vacation” were also addressed, which takes advantage of cross-border travel.

“The market has currently increased from $6.9 billion annually to $8.5 billion. There are not many markets increasing like that,” said Sines.

Sines says the average member takes three to four trips per year and spends an average of $1,100 per trip with 48 per cent of them spending that money within

Canada.

“Windsor-Essex Toursim has been working diligently at developing the market, and getting stakeholders in the area to understand the market and to support their effort for make it an LGBT destination,” he said.

Sponsors for the conference included Ontario Tourism, Via Rail, Tourism Toronto and Delta Airlines.

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Chief Executive Officer Gordon Orr said it’s a good way to make people more aware of the different LGBT friendly establishments in Windsor Essex County.

He also says the conference is about networking, learning from one another and gaining a better understanding of the importance of this market segment to our region.

“The LGBT market is important to this region and it’s our hope to increase our destination share both domestically and internationally.

People travel based on experience and where they feel welcome and they don’t see borders. We want to

Photo by Bobby-Jo Keats Colin Sines, President of Travel Gay Canada poses for a photo give them reason to travel here,” said Orr. Over 147 delegates attended the conference from all over Canada as well as Uruguay and China.

The tourism board from Fort Lauderdale were also in attendance. Cooper Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing and TGC board member said social media plays a big part in tourism, froma simple visual ad to an engaging post.

“What Fort Lauderdale has done

is take LGBT marketing, flip it upside down on its head and become one of the number one destinations for LGBT and we are hoping that Windsor will follow suit, said Smith. “We are very fortunate to have so many speakers at the conference.

These conferences are what get ideas going, because you bring together different people various ideas and when everyone puts their minds together good things happen.”

Citizens to remain ‘vigilant’ when crossing border after attack in Ottawa Windsorites and Canadians alike are being asked to be vigilant and to be safe when crossing the border after a terrorist attack on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Both local and national agencies are warning citizens to be safe after Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, a military reservist from Hamilton, was shot and killed outside of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The memorial, which was erected in 2000 to honour “the more than 116,000 Canadians who died in the honour of peace and freedom” according to Veterans Affairs Canada. The shooter, 32-year-old Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, was then confronted outside the Centre Block’s Reading Room before being shot and killed according to media reports. ZehafBibeau, who is now believed to have acted alone, reportedly had connections to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The RCMP said in a press conference that Zehaf-Bibeau was not part of a list of 93 people who were being monitored for terrorism and extremist connections.

“On behalf of myself and the

constituents of WindsorTecumseh, we express our deepest condolences to the soldier that was killed and the people who were injured,” said Windsor-Tecumseh MP Joe Comartin on Twitter after the events. “As horrific as the events were that surfaced Monday (in Quebec) and then again today, rest assured, as parliamentarians, we are committed to not allow our democracy, values or way of life to be undermined by the actions of individuals or groups who are prepared to use violence to achieve their ends. We will fight them in every way necessary. The Canadian people are strong and they will win this battle.”

Canada’s threat level was raised from low to medium for the first time since 2010 a few days before the attack according to Global News. But despite the heighten security risk and the shooting, Windsor’s border crossings remain open according to both the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge’s websites. And while Windsor Police Services Sgt. Matthew D’Asti said there’s no immediate threat in Windsor-Essex County, the police are “still

monitoring the situation 24/7.”

“In spite of yesterday’s occurrences in our nation’s capital, our vigilance includes our communications with our border patrol (Canadian Border Services Agency) officers at an intelligence level,” said D’Asti. “We’re sharing communications amongst local police agencies as well, not just in Windsor, to ensure

“

The Canadian people are strong and they will win this battle.

- Joe Comartin

“

Justin Prince Citizen Staff Reporter

everyone is sharing information and has all the relevant and permanent information in relation to these latest events.

We know Canada has raised the security threat involving terrorism based on world events. These world events include Canada’s participation in joint force efforts to address the threats posed by ISIS. And that’s why the security level has been raised in Canada.”

According to Statistics Canada, more than 140,000 cars and more than 28,000

trucks cross the U.S.-Canada border daily as of 2010. But in recent years, both the bridge and the tunnel have received bomb threats along with a number of other buildings and offices in Windsor, all of which were found to be false alarms by the WPS. With the shooting in Ottawa, the CBSA is instructing people to stay safe and to be patient while crossing the border.

“The CBSA works closely with its domestic and international security partners to ensure the safety and security of Canada’s borders,” said Line A. Guibert-Wolff, a media spokesperson for the CBSA in an emailed statement. “At this time, CBSA continues to take measures to increase vigilance and maximize the CBSA’s capacity to conduct risk assessments of people and goods before or upon arrival in Canada.

During times of heightened security, travelers may experience an increase in border wait times or increased scrutiny. The CBSA thanks travelers for their cooperation.”

But as the Canadian House of Commons resumed session the morning after the shooting, D’Asti said there is a lot of

work that still needs to be done in terms of safety.

According to media reports, parts of Ottawa are still being secured heavily by both the RCMP and the Ottawa Police Service. Police tape surrounding the monument where the events took place was also not removed until the evening on Oct. 23, about 30 hours after the attack. D’Asti said while the WPS has protocols in place if an attack happened in Windsor, he’s asking citizens to remain safe.

“We are asking our community at this time to be vigilant,” said D’Asti. “If you do know of or hear of or witness suspicious activity, call the local police agency and make them aware of that. I think everyone has a duty and obligation to keeping everybody safe. Obviously our number one mandate is keeping the community safe. It has always been our number one mandate and maintains to be and remains to be our number one mandate.”

CRIME STOPPERS 519-258-8477 www.canadiancrimestoppers.org

CONVERGED CITIZEN3 OCTOBER 31, 2014

FROM PAGE 1

Photo by Kenneth Bullock Aaron Sanders, a second year in the journalism program works on his Mini-Blitz story at the MediaPlex on Oct. 23.

Blitz emulates real journalism Kenneth Bullock Citizen Staff Reporter Many aspects of the St. Clair College Journalism program teach skills essential to the job, but Blitz is a realistic exercise for actual journalism.

The program’s Mini-Blitz is an opportunity for students to complete a story within a short timeframe. In those hours, their written story should be completed and be submitted for edits. Once edits have been completed, the story will be published for the course’s Converged Citizen newspaper and placed on the MediaPlex’s website.

Professionals in the journalism industry recognize how important the skills gained through activities like a MiniBlitz are.

“You have to learn how to cut your teeth,” said Rich Garton, CTV reporter. “News is a perishable commodity, you can’t wait on something for another day, if it’s news, it’s happening now.”

As a reporter for CTV Windsor, Garton does stories for video and online. He also teaches Backpack Journalism and Capstone in the program’s optional third year. Working

on the blitz has its ups and downs. Some students have interviews who cancel suddenly, others have transportation issues, and there are sources who don’t give the correct information for a story.

Unexpected problems during Mini-Blitz are common. A graduate of the Journalism and Media Convergence programs, Hailey Trealout, had these problems too.

“On Mini-Blitz day, two of my contacts backed out last minute, leaving me without any quotes for my story that was due in the afternoon,” said Hailey Trealout, Editor for the LaSalle Post.

Trealout became editor shortly after graduating the Media Convergence Program.

She said being able to work thoroughly and quickly in the moment, with a strict deadline are lessons the Mini-Blitz teaches you.

The Mini-Blitz is an intro to the “Blitz” which is an extended version of the aforementioned. The main differences are all stories will be submitted for a Blitz edition of The Converged Citizen. The Blitz will be held on November, 7 and the Blitz paper will be published the following Thursday, on November, 13.

gested the need for metal detectors at the entrance to all clubs. In response to the recent shooting, Boom Boom Room owner Renaldo Agostino announced that bouncers at the club will begin carrying hand-held metal detectors.

Jagruti Patel, whose family owns and operates Subway on Ouellette Avenue, said she believes downtown Windsor is not safe enough.

“I haven’t had any bad experiences,” Patel said. Still, she is “concerned about the kids and the people leaving the store.”

The Patels have been in business for nine years and their sandwich shop remains open until midnight near the corner of Ouellette and University Avenues. This is one of the busiest intersections down-

Photo by Ashley Ann Mentley Ljubica Cajan, owner of Tunnel Discount Convenience on Ouellette Ave., remains confident in the safety of Windsor’s downtown. town. ‘my son comes home early, Patel said she believes clos- then I can sleep early,’” Patel ing the clubs and bars earlier said, looking towards her son will help avoid violence in the who works at the restaurant downtown area. with her.

The most recent attack hapPatel said she wishes there were pened just outside Boom more police to patrol the downBoom Room at 2:40 a.m. and town areas. A recent report from in the last month, the Windsor the Fraser Institute, however, has Police have reported 33 cases identified Windsor as having the of assault in the downtown least efficient and most overarea. staffed police force in all of “As a mother I’m thinking Canada.

NEWS

CONVERGED CITIZEN4 OCTOBER 31, 2014

Fall season or flu season?

Abass Wali Mohammad Citizen Staff Reporter

Angelica Haggert Citizen Staff Reporter Fall brings something more than autumn colours and falling leaves - influenza.

The Windsor-Essex Health Unit is getting ready for flu season this week as it rolls out the first of its community clinics, and vaccinations hit pharmacies and doctors offices.

The first community clinic takes place today, Oct. 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The health unit has changed who the clinics are targeting this year, says Lynn Lauzon, manager of the Vaccine Preventable Department at the health unit.

“This year the health unit is focusing on clinics for children six months to six years of age. There are 75 pharmacies [in Windsor] who will be administering the vaccine, but a pharmacist can only immunize children five years or older,” said Lauzon.

The under age-six and over 65-age group are considered high risk for influenza, according to wechu.org.

Pregnant women, the obese, and those with chronic or long-term medical conditions are also in the high risk category.

Courtney Meloche, music major at the University of Windsor, gets the flu shot every year. “My parents make

Libraries are still relevant

Photo by Angelica Haggert The Windsor-Essex Health unit prepares for flu season with the first of its community clinics Tuesday Oct. 21.

me get it mostly, but I figure it can’t hurt,” Meloche said.

According to Lauzon, “university students are especially high risk, more susceptible because they don’t take care of themselves or eat properly.

Stress can weaken your immune system. If you’re serious about your studies and want to make sure you’re well before your exams, get immunized.”

Amber Carson, parent of three, doesn’t get the flu vaccine and neither do her children.

“It seems like a crap shoot more than anything. The only time I’ve had the flu was the year I got the shot. Add in being terrified of needles and

I’d rather take the chance,” said Carson.

In regards to misconceptions about vaccinations, Lauzon said people just don’t understand.

“People confuse influenza with gastric flu, which is not the same,” Lauzon says is the main reason that people refuse to get their flu shot. “People are more comfortable taking a pill instead of getting a shot,” but Lauzon assures patients that both a pill and the shot are the same thing.

Pharmacies and doctors will have the vaccine for the general public early next week. The Health Unit has more community clinics scheduled through the end of November.

You might think that the libraries are a thing of the past, but that’s not the case in Windsor.

The central branch offers an assortment of different programs for residents of Windsor and Essex County and hopes to develop more programs in the future.

Adam Peltier, an employee at the central branch, said people can find more services and programs than at other branches.

“The microfiche machine is an example of that.

Microfiche machines can read older newspapers that we collected,“ said Peltier. “So if people are looking for information about news events that happened a number of decades ago they can come here and look at information that they normally wouldn’t have access to. “ At the central branch, material is also available in different languages. Books, CDs, DVDs, movies, video games, newspapers and magazines are just a small part of their collection.

“All of these materials that I mentioned everyone can find something in here in their own language,” said Peltier. “In addition to the materials that I

just mentioned, we have a printing lab down stairs and it’s open for everyone.”

Every week, the library has different program for children of different age ranges from babies to pre-school children.

“We have story time for newborn babies and parents can come here and read a story for their children,” said Peltier. “We also have a program where children can build crafts, participate in events and have a chance to socialize with other children of their age group.”

The Central branch also has a program for new Canadians.

“A group of people, a mix of Canadians and new Canadians get together and practice their conversation skills,” said Peltier. “This is a good program for new Canadians who are learning the English language to have a chance to practice with one another.”

Peltier said this gives them a chance to practice without feeling intimidated by having to speak to people who are fluent in English.

A library card is free, but you have to prove that you are a resident of Windsor or Essex County.

Visit www.windsorpubliclibrary.com for more details.

MEDIAPLEX CONVERGED TEAM

Renovations going as planned for Downtown Mission Allanah Wills Citizen Staff Reporter The $1 million construction project to upgrade the Downtown Mission is underway and going smoothly, according to mission executive director Chandra Dass.

“So far no bumps, nothing that I would say is huge enough we can’t overcome it,” said Dass.

The 14-week project that began in September will bring multiple improvements to the Victoria Street building that was formerly a church. The target date for completion is December 2014 and Dass said that goal will be reached.

“We still have a goal to finish it by Christmas. We’re working very hard to meet

that goal because if we don’t it’s going to present some hardships to those members who have immobility difficulties and would like to take part in different types of Christmas offerings we have here,” said Dass.

Dass said construction is going smoothly with minimal difficulties.

“Any hurdles we have met have been overcome by weekly site meetings with the mission, Archon Architects and TCI Titan Construction. Both of these contractors and all of the sub-trade folks appreciate what we do here and have been very accommodating,” said Ron Dunn, the Mission’s director of development and community relations.

The only issue that has aris-

en is the age of the building, according to a member of the contracting team.

“One of the largest hurdles to date has been the completing of the underground work,” said Setimo Vilardi, an architect for Archon, one of the companies overseeing the project. “Because the existing building is a heritage structure and close to 90 years old, we had to be very careful when excavating the footing and foundations, which ultimately caused some delays.”

Built in 1924, the mission will be getting repairs to the brick, a new heating and ventilation system and its first elevator.

SEE PAGE 5

Managing Editors

Senior Associate Managing Editors Sports Editors Shelbey Hernandez Bobby-Jo Keats

Chelsea Lefler Ryan Turczyniak

Production Manager

Production Team

Entertainment Editor

Justin Thompson

Tecumseh MacGuigan Angelica Haggert Sean Frame

Shelbey Hernandez Kenneth Bullock

Sean Frame Dan Gray

Digital Editor Bobby-Jo Keats

Photo Editor Copy Editor Ashley Ann Mentley Tecumseh MacGuigan Katherine Sokolowski Ryan Brough Taylor Busch Angelica Haggert

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM EMAIL: MEDIA.CONVERGED@THEMEDIAPLEX.COM PHONE: (519) 972-2727 EXT. 4963

NEWS FROM PAGE 1

for places to expand into Windsor seemed like a great fit.”

The store has four models for sale, the Pista, a fixed-gear and single speed track bike coming in at $900, and three carbon fibre road bikes, the Intenso, the Infinito Cv, and the Oltre XR.2. These road models range in price from approximately $2000 to $13,000 depending on components. Any of these four models are available in-store and other model can be ordered from the Bianchi catalogue.

When ordered the bike will be assembled in Italy and shipped to Canada arriving in two to four weeks.

Traditionally, the only way to get a Bianchi bike would be to drive to Toronto or cross the border and buy one in Michigan and face heavy duty fees, but now anyone in the area has the option of purchasing a Bianchi.

“1994 was the last time Bianchi was in Windsor,” said Stephen Hargreaves, coowner of City Cyclery. “We have a lot of European brands already in terms of city bikes and Bianchi being the premiere Italian racing bike it makes sense for us to bring them in. The technology they have is incredible, there is a long heritage in the company but they are also extremely cutting edge. We are excited to be stocking Bianchi.”

To promote the launch of the bicycles, the event allowed anyone to come in to see and test ride the new bicycles.

Eugene Pugliese, a Windsorite who raced both in Canada and internationally for two decades, came to the event to see the bikes.

“Cycling is my passion and once you get into cycling, you’re in it for life,” said Pugliese. “They have come a long way since my time. We used to ride steel bikes, now they have carbon, but the style has never changed, they are incredibly beautiful. Just to have these bikes here and to see them is an honour.”

Road bikes are traditionally made with high top tubes, associated with mens bikes, but with the variety of sizes available as well as the seafoam green “celeste” livery, these bikes work for any gender.

With the addition of Bianchi bikes, Windsor continues to thrive with Italian heritage.

CONVERGED CITIZEN5 OCTOBER 31, 2014

Hadfield makes solo orchestra debut in Windsor

Photo by Justin Prince Retired Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield performs Space Oddity during his first solo orchestra series concert at the Capitol Theatre in Windsor on Oct. 17.

Justin Prince Citizen Staff Reporter Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has always reached for the stars. He continued to do so after making his solo orchestra series debut in front of a capacity crowd in Windsor.

Hadfield, known for his songs such as Space Oddity and In Canada, performed with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in four concerts over three days at the Capitol Theatre from Oct. 17-19. All four performances in the Capitol Theatre’s Pentastar Playhouse were sold out.

According to Shelley Sharpe, the communications manager for the WSO, seats had to be added. The WSO had previously added a fourth performance in March 2014 due to the popular demand to see Hadfield perform.

“It’s always interesting to share an artistic creation,” said Hadfield before the first concert. “You want to show it to somebody you can trust.

You want to show it to some-

FROM PAGE 4 “The physical component that I look most forward to the most is our new elevator. This reliable elevator keeps us a viable option for all who visit us,” said Dunn, According to Dass the accessibility the elevator will bring

body who you know will give you an honest opinion, but not a wicked opinion ...There’s great comfort in bringing your own invention to somebody you can trust.”

Hadfield worked on the performances with WSO Maestro Robert Franz, but it wasn’t their first time working together. Franz, who previously worked as an associate conductor for Musiqa, a contemporary music company in Houston, first heard Hadfield’s music in 2011, when Hadfield was preparing to perform a new song with a group of elementary school students. After Franz agreed to conduct the song, it later made its debut at Symphony in Space, a family concert held by the Houston Symphony as part of the Weatherford Family Concert series in April of 2011. The two would later perform the song twice more, including for one of his YouTube videos from the International Space Station.

According to Franz, he didn’t realize what kind of talent Hadfield really had until he was hired as the music director of the WSO in July 2013.

“One thing I have to say

about Houston is, because it’s the home of a NASA centre (Johnson Space Center), there’s astronauts everywhere.

Astronauts always performed at our concerts all the time. I didn’t know how special Hadfield’s talent was. That he was this really talented musician,” said Franz. “So I called him up after I got the job here and I said ‘listen, it would so increase my ‘Canadian-ness’ if you could maybe come and sing one song with the WSO.’ And he said ‘I wrote all these songs about space and if you could help me orchestrate them, maybe we can do a whole show.’ And immediately we embarked on it.”

Hadfield’s visit meant more than just music in terms of its impact on Windsor-Essex County. Hadfield spoke to more than 6,000 elementary school students over a live broadcast from the Capitol Theatre Oct. 17. Hadfield, who just released his latest book You Are Here: Around the World in 92 Minutes, answered multiple questions about space, from how to eat in space to how insects respond to zero gravity. The Windsor-Detroit region was

is a huge accomplishment for the mission.

“That’s the whole intent behind the construction, to make it more handicap accessible,” Dass said. “I’m looking forward to the ability to accommodate a number of our members who use wheelchairs or have to use walking aids.

For those people who are in

wheelchairs the best we can do right now, because the building has a large number of stairs to navigate, is to provide them with a take away meal.

That also means not allowing them to enjoy the type of companionship that’s a necessary part of human interaction.”

on the cover of the book. He also spoke to students at Canada South Science City four times in the two weeks before the concerts with Dr. Bill Baylis, a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Windsor.

“I wasn’t there the entire day as I was running around a bit (during the webcast session), but there were some really interesting questions,” said Sharpe. “The kids have a unique way of looking at things with this wonder and curiosities that aren’t mitigated by many of the things that come to us as adults ... The kids are just free and open, and they come up with these wonderful and unique questions. The crux of all is this curiosity.”

There were rough patches before the start of the concerts. Sharpe said the show didn’t come together completely until Oct. 16, the night of final rehearsals.

On opening night, Hadfield had to restart his first song due to playing in the wrong key. When asking the audience if he could start again, the crowd cheered him as he restarted the song.

“What is the worst thing that can happen from playing music,” said Hadfield when asked about the worst-case scenario if something went wrong before opening night. “I mean if I’m standing up here, is it probable that I burst into flames? No. Am I going to run out of oxygen? Probably not. Is our stage going to be hit by a meteorite? Maybe, but the odds are really small.

What’s the worst that can happen? Maybe I mess up a word or two or forget the words. These are friendly people.

We’re all Canadian.”

TO DONATE: Visit www.downtownmission.com Call: (519) 973-5573

GALLERY

CONVERGED CITIZEN6 OCTOBER 31, 2014

Public relations market place Students in professor Lori Newton’s Entrepreneurship and Business Public Relations class at St. Clair College take part in a special market place project held at main campus Oct. 22.

The students were given a budget of $10 to start a business. Some of their business ideas included all natural lip butter, hand-made infinity scarves, key chains, Zaatar pies, cheese pies, short bread cookies, college starter kits, a media company, computer consulting business, yoga, home-made dog treats, aroma therapy oils, candy apples, cookies, beaded jewelry and cabbage rolls. The students were wildly successful in their endeavors.

Tamara Piche and her ArmKnit Scarves 'Dainty DIY'

Rose Chapman 9, daughter of Bill chapman a Public Relations student at St. Clair College, and Avery Elyse participate in the Entrepreneurship Ten Dollar Business assignment. Rose is selling rainbow loom bracelets and ghosts, while Avery promotes her college starter kits. Photo by Bill Chapman

Miranda Underwood with her- Creaseless Hair Ties

Devin Hurst with all natural lip balm 'Bee Balm'.

Christie Kluytmans selling Shortbread cookies and sweets

Helen Medel selling Greek cheese pies

Marcus Lucio showing off his perler items

Rafat Abu Al Haija selling delicious zaatar pies

Omar Nizam offering social media consulting

Marissa Goze and her Key Fobs 'Modish'

Denise Pelaccia, Taylor Lucas and their cookies and candy apples.

William Martin providing private yoga sessions.

Savanna Todd displays her essential oils

OPINION CONVERGED CITIZEN 7 True north strong and free OCTOBER 31, 2014

OPINION

Dan Gray Managing Editor Canadians are generally a peace-loving, Kumbayasinging, quiet-by-nature society. We have a carefree attitude that allows us to believe that no one would want to hurt us because who could really hate a Canadian? But now our innocence, our untouchability has been forever tarnished by the acts of a few individuals for reasons yet unknown.

I believe that being Canadian requires us as a nation to have the resilience to pick up and carry on. Being

Canadian means when we have been sucker-punched we get back up, dust ourselves off and show the fortitude to move forward.

I believe the sacrifice that Cpl. Nathan Cirillo made at the foot of a comrade, whose name remains unknown, is yet another rallying call for a nation to gather from coast to coast. An opportunity to prove that no-matter how great the struggle, we will make it through by helping each other because that is what Canadians do.

Inside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, near where Cirillo was gunned down, is known to be the remains of a soldier who was killed at the battle of Vimy Ridge. That battle was the first time Canadians gathered from coast to coast to fight for a single goal. At the end of the day on April 17, 1917, Canadians had taken a ridge that was thought to be impenetrable.

The cost was high, but it is acknowledged that this was a

turning point in the creation of our nation.

Another opportunity to prove our worth as a nation was during D-Day. A still relatively small nation was chosen to secure a beach called Juno in a battle that would change the outcome of World War 2. In completing the task and being the country to move the furthest inland on that fateful day, we again were united as a nation for one goal.

Our nation doesn’t always need a victory on the battlefield to be drawn together for a singular purpose. Our ties to our military are strong, as is the love for hockey that runs in the blood. In 1972, ask any Canadian where they were when Paul Henderson scored the goal that beat the Russians. The same could be said again almost 30 years later when Sydney Crosby scored to win gold in Vancouver against the Americans.

Oct. 22 is now another date our nation’s resolve was test-

ed. It will be a date written in history, a date when a terrorist attacked a soldier and then our centre of government. A date where our nation’s capital was gripped in fear and a nation stopped to watch. What I hope will also be written is what has happening in the few days since and how we have gathered from coast to coast again.

We are collectively confused, angry, sad and full of questions. Yet instead of turning on one another we are stopping to think of the grieving family of the fallen. We don’t ask, “what can we do to get through this?” The Canadian in us asks, “how can we help them?”

Since we don’t know them, can’t call them, text them, Facebook them or go to their home, we do the next best thing. At armouries and cenotaphs across this nation we lay wreaths and flowers in a silent gesture to say, as a nation, “we are here for you, sorry for your loss, you will never be forgotten.” We line the

Highway of Heroes, on the overpasses and on the route to and from, to show the family we support them and we grieve with them. We rely on these moments to strengthen our resolve and move forward towards a single goal: healing.

Our country has suffered a blow. Our quiet-natured, peace-loving society has been shaken by the knowledge that we are not as safe as we thought. We will never be as naive a nation as we were before the actions that occurred this week but we will carry on, because that is what we do. We’ll go to the hockey rinks, the Tim Hortons and do the many things that make us Canadians. Our determination to show tenacity in this moment of terror is founded in part on a singular piece of knowledge – that men and women, comrades of Cirillo and the Unknown Soldier, are out there sacrificing to keep our nation glorious, strong and free. That’s the way I see it.

Pajama day read-a-thon

Photos by: Erik Zarins

Coronation Elementary Public School held a pajama day read-a-thon.

Students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 went straight from their bedrooms to the classrooms and read books all day.

Kindergarten students were treated by a special appearance by Mrs. Wishy-Washy who read to the kids about her story about cleaning and a story about Mr. Dishy-Washy. It was certainly a way to end the week

FEATURE

CONVERGED CITIZEN8 OCTOBER 31, 2014

Mom and hops taking off

Photo by Ryan Brough Healthy Ccreations specialty bakery offers over ten varities of gluten free bread.

Gluten-free diets are becoming trendy Ryan Brough Photo Editor Photo by Justin Thompson Mackenzie Campbell samples an imperial stout brewed by Midtfyns Brewery for the first time in his George Avenue home on Oct. 15.

While bigger breweries are he encounters might never be Justin Thompson mass producing common seen again.

Production Manager lagers and ales microbrewSome craft beers are so eries are not afraid to experi- exclusive that you have to pre“That first smell, that first ment with different flavours. order just to try them. As of sip, you don’t know what to The flavours can range any- recently Ommegang Brewery expect,” said Campbell. “How where from coffee to chilli. has been releasing beer is it going to compare to the Mackenzie Campbell, 22, is inspired by the Home Box last beer of that category you a craft beer enthusiast who has Office television show Game tried? What did they do differ- sampled over 650 different of Thrones. The brewery has ent? What is that unknown kinds. He said he prefers to put out a series: a blonde ale, a factor going in? Is it rare? Is drink craft beer because the black stout and a red ale. The the art cool? Is it something bigger breweries are not will- latest beer was released Oct. 1 you can share with other peo- ing to experiment with new and is a dubbel ale. All only ple?” flavours. Campbell said sam- appearing in stores for a limitBeer is Canada’s most popu- pling new beer is like a hobby ed time. lar alcoholic beverage but for him.

Craft beer is now so widely Statistics Canada reports that In his four years of sampling enjoyed that beer drinkers over the past decade sales different beer types Campbell have taken matters into their have been decreasing. seen a significant change in own hands and are brewing at However, microbreweries are what is available in Ontario. home. on the rise. According to the He said when he first started “I decided to start brewLiquor Distribution Branch in he was sampling pale ale after ing my own beer when I British Columbia, craft beer pale ale because the variety realized that I've been a sales have increased by 38 per wasn’t there. After not being beer lover my entire life cent. able to find new beer to try he and I had no idea how it Craft beer is beer that is not began to go across the border was made,” said Alex made or mass produced by to Detroit to see what he could Lakhoian, 22, a local home one of the mega brewery cor- find. brewer. porations like Anheuser“I still think we are way Home brewing is so comBusch InBev. These brews are behind the curve,” said mon now that you can even created in small independent Campbell. “Take a ten minute find brew kits at your local microbreweries. The product trip over the border to Detroit Chapters book store. Home is typically sold locally and and what you can find over brew kits can also be found now accounts for six per cent there just blows us away. But I on websites such as of the total beer market would say that we’re growing Amazon and the quality according to Statistics Canada. and we're on our way. and price of these kits difA microbrewery produces no Campbell said he uses beer- fer from kit to kit. These more than 250,000 hectolitres advocate.com as a tool to find can include brewing ingreof beer annually as defined by out about different beer types. dients and instructions on the Brewers Association of He uses the website’s rating how to brew. People who Canada. Two kegs of draught system as point of reference are looking to experiment beer equal the same amount as for what he tries. He doesn’t with different flavours a hectolitre. leave the decision entirely up often buy their own ingreWindsor currently has two to ratings though, he is open- dients. microbreweries. The current minded and realizes that The hardest thing about average growth rate for craft someone else’s opinion may brewing beer from home beer across all retail chains is be different from his own. now is waiting through the 10 per cent according to ontarHe said that how rare a beer fermentation and bottling iocraftbrewers.com. is appeals to him. Some that process to drink it.

A gluten free diet is becoming popular with people who aren’t allergic to gluten nor have celiac disease.

As more and more people become aware of gluten products they are searching the internet to find articles about how it can cause inflammation, make you fat and a long list of other things. But a gluten free diet is not for everyone. One side effect from eating gluten free that people might not be aware of is gluten free foods are low in fiber and it is difficult for people on a gluten free diet to find alternatives to wheat based foods.

“There’s a lot of people who like the hype, there is a chunk of the population who are just avoiding it because they heard it could be bad,” said Chris Carpenter.

Carpenter is the general manager at Pure Nature Health & Nutrition Centre and said he sees some people come in who won’t even touch a nutrient pill if it contains gluten.

“There’s a little bit of an obsessive need for gluten free to be right on the label,” said Carpenter.

A local bakery owner has been baking gluten free for over 15 years since her son was diagnosed with celiac disease.

“There seems to be some sort of fad that people are jumping on and trying the gluten free diet,” said Chris Brecka Owner of Healthy Creations Specialty Bakery.

“If you’re someone who doesn’t have a sensitivity from gluten there is no reason why you have to remove gluten from your diet,” said Brecka.

Celiac Disease is an intestinal disorder where the person cannot tolerate gluten. Gluten is a protein found is wheat, barley and rye and when it is consumed the body attacks it and in the process of attacking this gluten protein it destroys the villus in the intestine. The Intestinal Villus are small, finger-looking projections that extend from the epithelial lining of the intestinal wall. This makes it almost impossible to absorb nutrients from their food.

“My oldest son was diagnosed with celiac disease back in 1994 after he had been sick for two and a half years,” said Brecka Her son Derrick was diagnosed when he was three and at first all the foods she was buying were not attractive to him.

“It was really difficult to find back in those days and there were health food stores around and I would purchase a couple items from the stores and everything was really expensive,” said Brecka Brecka experimented with making products in her kitchen at home and at first he wasn’t responding. After a couple of years she started to get a couple of products down that her son would enjoy. By then Brecka found out that her youngest daughter was also affected by celiac disease.

Brecka eventually joined the Windsor Celiac Foundation and she would bring some of her products to their meetings. Everyone enjoyed them so much her business almost started itself. She now had two locations-one in South Windsor and one in London, Ont. Gluten free foods can now be found in most grocery stores and also in locally owned shops around the city. The smaller gluten free bakeries that have been opening are making it more convenient for affordable for people affected by celiac disease.

CONVERGED CITIZEN9

LIFESTYLE

OCTOBER 31, 2014

Arts Collective’s first production ends on a high note Taylor Busch CP Editor The last showing of West Side Story took place last weekend at the Olde Walkerville Theatre in Windsor. It was the first of many performances for Arts Collective Theatre, a new nonprofit organization looking to enhance Windsor-Essex County through theatre.

ACT was started a few years ago by a group of theatre artists, social activists and educators. This group has worked together since then to create and follow through on various dramatic and social justice projects.

Artistic Director Chris Rabideau said one of the main objectives of ACT is to mentor students of all ages in different roles throughout a production. This is why he chose a challenging play like to begin with.

“This show was not easy to direct. It’s one of the hardest shows in the world to direct,” said Rabideau. “It has been a hard road, but a road worth taking and we’ve done a great job.”

Students from St. Clair College and the University of

Photo by Taylor Busch Sean Sennett and Miya Moorris perform as West Side Story’s Tony and Maria at the Olde Walkerville Theatre in Windsor Oct. 19.

Windsor partnered with many high schools around the city played to contribute to the play both on and off the stage.

Maria was played by Grade 10 student Miya Moorris from Vincent Massey Secondary School in Windsor. Moorris, who has never acted before, said she was honoured to be chosen by ACT and hopes to

continue working with the group in the future.

“I’ve never taken a drama class, I’ve never taken acting but I auditioned anyways and now I’m so grateful to Chris Rabideau for this opportunity,” said Moorris.

Theatre owner Mary Lambros also said she is happy to be working with

Anime convention across the river

Photo by Carrie Schrei Sailor Pluto (left) pulls on the hair of Valerie Wallace as Sailor Moon at last year’s Youmacon in the Gaming Room at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, MI. Kenneth Bullock Citizen Staff Reporter Cosplay, panels and all things anime are coming to Detroit early November.

Youmacon 2014 is a yearly anime convention held at Detroit’s Renaissance Center.

People from Canada and America gather there to cosplay as their favourite characters from anime and video games. Special guests are also invited to the convention, like voice actors, Internet celebrities and musical talents, to hold panels where attendees

can ask questions. Amusing events also take place such as a live game of the Japanese adaptation of chess, “Shogi,” where cosplayers act as actual pieces.

An additional live event is a game of “Mario Party” which will again use cosplayers as participants for the game.

“Youmacon is a great experience for someone who’s never attended a con,” said Carrie Shrei, cosplayer and long-time attendant of Youmacon conventions.

“There are no expectations, you have plenty of places to go, people to see, even a wide array of panels to attend.”

Shrei has attended Youmacon for several years and she said it’s a great place to meet new people.

Youmacon 2014 will be ongoing from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 at Detroit’s Renaissance Center.

VISIT www.youmacon.com

ACT. According to her, Walkerville residents are start-

ing to support the arts more because they no longer have to travel downtown to see a good show.

“We had great crowds, we had three sell-out nights and we think there are a lot of new people who came to see the theatre,” said Lambros. “I think going forward, people are going to know you better buy your tickets in advance or you’re going to be standing outside for a long time.”

With more events in the works including a social justice play scheduled for the spring, Rabideau said ACT will need more volunteers to keep going.

Supporters looking to donate their time or money to ACT directly can do so by contacting Arts Collective Theatre or the Olde Walkerville Theatre at their respective websites.

CHECK THE WEB Olde Walkerville Theatre www.oldewalkervilletheatre.com Arts Collective Theatre www.actwindsor.com

Support local at BookFest Windsor Ashley Ann Mentley Citizen Staff Reporter Writers and editors from local magazines and publishing houses educated book lovers and aspiring writers at the Capitol Theatre Thursday night as a kickoff to the 12th annual BookFest Windsor.

Representatives from Windsor’s Cranberry Tree Press, Black Moss Press, Biblioasis, Rampike magazine and Palimpsest Press gathered in the Joy Theatre of the Capitol Theatre in downtown Windsor to showcase their latest writers and talk to an audience about the publishing industry in Canada.

The night’s events were organized

by Karl Jirgens, an English professor at the University of Windsor, editor of Rampike magazine and member of the BookFest steering committee.

“I thought it was about time to bring forward the local publishers because BookFest has

always brought in authors from across Canada, from presses in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and I said ‘well Windsor’s got its own presses, why don’t we showcase them a little bit,’” said Jirgens.

BookFest Windsor has been taking place for 12 years, but this is the first time an event was held specifically for local, small presses.

The purpose was “to get the publishers in the city together to share what they know about publishing to the general public so that any aspiring writers might be able to learn from them,” Jirgens said. “We get an intergenerational audience, so young people, middle aged, older people, students, professionals, aspiring writers, it’s a total mix. It’s a good audience. They’re very appreciative.”

SEE PAGE 10

LIFESTYLE FROM PAGE 9

CONVERGED CITIZEN10 OCTOBER 31, 2014

Drama student promotes theatre

Photo by Caleb Workman Local publishers (left to right) Karl Jirgens, Laurie Smith, Lenore Langs, Aimée Parent Dunn, Dan Wells and Marty Gervais speak to an audience about small press publishing in Canada at the Capitol Theatre on Oct. 23.

Susan Holbrook, a creative writing professor at the University of Windsor, represented Rampike at the event by reading some of her new poetry, due to be released in the spring of 2016.

Her poems The Disney Princesses and Layman’s Terms had audience members laughing out loud.

“It’s really exciting to hear live readings,” Holbrook said.

“You can hear some famous person on the radio but it’s so lovely to have them right in front of you and be able to ask them questions and have them sign your book.”

The best advice for aspiring writers is to get your friends together and publish each other’s work, Holbrook said.

“If you want to be published, make a magazine.”

Dan Wells of Biblioasis and Marty Gervais, Windsor’s first poet laureate and publisher at Black Moss Press, were both members of the panel that addressed the difficulties in getting published today.

You really have to hustle, Gervais said. “If an author isn’t willing to do that, isn’t willing to believe in their book, then it’s really not worth publishing.”

Audience members were encouraged to ask questions of the publishers. In response to one, Wells talking about the idea of books being a thing of the past.

“More physical books are being produced now, and read, than at any time in the history of publishing,” he said, “so the book isn’t dead. Everybody talks about the digital but really, digital reading flat lined three years ago at 13 per cent.

It hasn’t increased at all."

He said he is optimistic about the future of the book and that there are opportunities and benefits to publishing in smaller cities like Windsor that cannot be found in places like Toronto.

Jirgens agreed and said statements about cultural identity are what really reaches an audience and that it all starts in a small press.

“The smaller presses are the ones, such as the ones represented here, that represent a cultural identity,” Jirgens said.

BookFest Windsor will continue throughout the weekend with various events scheduled all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets and more information are available at www.bookfestwindsor.com.

Photo by Vanessa Shields Sean Sennett sings during his West Side Story performance at the Olde Walkerville Theatre on Sunday Oct. 19.

With Sennett’s previous aspect of the play, but it was Caleb Workman experience in theatre he said more fun than a task.

Citizen Staff Reporter “One of the first things Miya he felt ready to take on the When it comes to theatrical challenge of West Side Story’s and I did was not how most people get to know each protégés people around the lead role, Tony.

“One main thing I wanted to other,” said Sennett. “Chris world don’t look to Windsor for big stars. A performer do with Tony was make him Rabideau brought us up my own. I didn’t go on behind the balcony prop and hopes to change that.

Sean Sennett, studying YouTube and search up other had us put blindfolds on, put drama and communication at versions of Tony,” said us on opposite sides of the the University of Windsor, has Sennett. “I wanted to do it room, spun us around then been acting for four years and how I could do it, not how oth- said, ‘Find each other.’”

In this production of West recently starred in Arts ers have done it.”

Sennett said all of the actors Side Story Sennett believed Collective Theatre’s first production West Side Story. stayed in character, at all the that Tony and Maria needed to Sennett said after the experi- times, which helped him fall in love, and because they ence he had with the produc- become the best Tony he could did, the play was believable and enjoyable for the audition, he knows it is his future. be.

“You were the character, you ence.

“This is all I want to do,” “The biggest thing I’ve taken said Sennett. “I just want to weren’t you,” he said. “Chris perform. It’s what I want to do Rabideau, the director, only away from this production is treated us as our character. to never stop dreaming,” said for the rest of my life.”

Sennett said he started to Our real names were non-exis- Sennett. “Six years ago I went to see West Side Story with my take his first steps into the tent.”

Sennett said he has never put aunt and grandma. Now, six drama world in 2010, when his vocal teacher Kathy Costa so much time into a produc- years later, my aunt and grandencouraged him to take part in tion but it was worth it in the ma got to see me as Tony.”

Sennett said he believes some of the plays she was pro- end. He said he spent about 24 ducing. His first performances hours a week doing rehearsals drama can positively influence were in the productions of Into for four months, plus the time everybody’s life, as it did for the Woods, Seussical and he spent at home and with his him.

“Drama brings out the best Oliver. He was also involved co-star.

Miya Morris, a student at in anyone,” said Sennett. in a production of Hairspray to Sennett said he encourages gain more experience in danc- Vincent Massey Secondary School, preformed as Maria in everyone the least bit interesting.

“I have a feeling that he is the play. She said she ed in theatre to get involved. going to find a career as a per- wouldn’t trade her experience He said people involved in the drama community are the former,” said Costa, after see- with Sennett for anything.

“It was truly amazing. We “nicest people.” This positive ing her student in West Side became friends really fast, influence from the community Story.

Last year Sennett took part which made me more com- makes other people better in one of his first serious roles fortable doing our scenes,” from being around them. He in Theatre Alive’s Les said Morris. “It was truly an said approaching and speaking Miserables as Courfeyrac, the honour to be on stage with to people becomes much easier. play’s Casanova. He was also such a talented actor.”

Sennett said Rabideau forced the understudy of Marius Pontmercy, a lead role in the the relationship between Tony and Maria more than any other play.

SEE PAGE 11

SPORTS

CONVERGED CITIZEN11 OCTOBER 31, 2014

Wildcats stung by Hornets

Vipers vs.

Predators

Photo by Ryan Turczyniak The Oakville Hornets celebrate their victory over the Southwest Wildcats at Forest Glade Arena on Oct. 19, Ryan Turczyniak Sports Editor

The Southwest Wildcats were defeated by the Oakville Hornets 4-2 at Forest Glade Arena Oct. 19.

The Hornets are first place in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League. They were a tough match for the Wildcats.

The Hornets knew going into the game that the Wildcats are a tough team, but head coach Bradi Cochrane knew what to expect.

“We were going to have a depleted roster. We really had to make sure the adversity we were facing was coming out

on our favour,” said Cochrane.

The hornets opened up the scoring late in the first period with a low-angle shot from forward Christina Putigina, giving them a 1-0 lead by the end of the period.

The Wildcats retaliated with less than a minute left in the second period after attacking the net and sneaking a goal in by forward Savannah Bouzide.

Third period got underway with the Hornet’s Putigina scoring five minutes in giving them a 2-1 lead. Wildcats quickly tied it up 2-2 a few seconds later after assistant captain Jamie Noseworthy attacked the net.

“I’d say towards the end we kind of panicked,” said Noseworthy. “We wanted to get a goal and we just panicked so that kind of got the best of us.”

The Hornets scored two more goals by forwards Amy Curlew and Lauren Patterson within the final five minutes of the game.

“We definitely worked hard as a team,” said Noseworthy.

“We had good passes, a lot of shots on net so we’ll definitely bring that into our next game.”

The Wildcats are scheduled to play their next game against the Whitby Wolves on Saturday Nov. 1 at Forest Glade Arena, at 4:30 p.m.

Why not Windsor?

Justin Prince Citizen Staff Reporter

The Ford Motor Company has awarded their investment for a new engine program and facility to Mexico instead of Windsor’s two plants.

“We have been informed that we will not be getting the product that we were hoping to land based on the discussions with Ford, ourselves and the government,” said Unifor Local 200 President Chris Taylor.

The union, which represents more than 305,000 private-sector workers, said in a media release they hoped the investment would come to Windsor.

“Disappointing news from Ford this morning that it will produce engines in Mexico instead of Windsor,” said Unifor in a tweet

after the announcement.

“Governments are learning that strong auto industries come with commitment from the government and understanding of the importance and wisdom of investment.

Unifor is committed to working with the government and the industry to secure strategic investments needed to rebuild our manufacturing base.”

According to Taylor, the company had approached the Federal and Ontario governments for more of those incentives. The company had previously received about $320 million from the provincial government for the investment according to previous reports.

According to the contract agreement from 2012, when the government wasn’t able to provide more funding for the program, it made the clause in the agreement null-invoid. Francis said the city itself had

an $8.5 million incentive package set up for the deal which would have resulted from a 10-year tax freeze.

“We still have a number of people on layoff which we’ve been concerned with for quite some time. But investment is sometimes few and far in-between and especially when you’re talking about global companies now,” said Taylor. “Any opportunities a company comes to you and says, ‘Oh hey, by the way, we got some product here potentially looking and placing on your site,’ that means everything. … We weren’t successful in getting this one (investment) based on some things out of our control, but we’re not going to give up and we’re going to hit the ground running again after we meet with our members on Sunday (Oct. 26.)”

Photo by Chelsea Lefler The LaSalle Vipers beat the Lambton Shores Predators 7-3 on Oct. 22, at the Vollmer Recreation Centre, in LaSalle.

Chelsea Lefler Sports Editor The LaSalle Vipers beat the Lambton Shores Predators 7-3 on Oct. 22, at the Vollmer Recreation Centre, in LaSalle.

The Vipers had a rough start to the game finishing off the first period with a score of 2-1 for the Predators. The Vipers also lost one of their players, Nikko Sablone, to a game misconduct after fighting with one of the Predators.

At the end of the second period the Vipers were winning 5-2 and by the time the teams got to the third period the score was 7-3.

The Vipers lost another player, Nicolas Crescenzi, to a game misconduct for fighting.

They also lost two other players with shoulder injuries, Captain Brett Langlois and Daniel Beaudoin.

The

FROM PAGE 10 “I have so many plans for myself and auditions I’ve been invited out to,” said Sennett. “Nothing is set in stone though right now. I’m going to eventually audition for plays at the University of Michigan’s music theatre and I’m going to audition for the University of Windsor’s BFA

Predators goalie was also kicked out of the game midway through third period.

“Our start today was obviously not what we expected… give them credit they played really hard in the first period,” said Bill Bowler, head coach of the Vipers. “I think we got a few breaks to get us back in the game and from there I think we played very well and we got contribution from all of the guys.”

Liam McDougall, 16, is a call-up for the vipers and scored his first Junior B goal in the game.

McDougall has been called up for three games in the season so far. He plays for the Lakeshore Canadians Junior C hockey team.

“I’m happy to get called up and have the opportunity to play for them,” said McDougall program for acting.”

Sennett said his main goal is to get into a place like New York, or Stratford, Ontario.

“I’ll do anything to grab the goal that’s only an extra inch away.”

“This is the best experience I’ve ever had,” said Sennett.

“It’s changed my life and I can’t be more grateful for the opportunity.”