Volume 22, Issue 4 - December 2022

The Sputnik,We Orbit Around You.

Volume 22, Issue 4 - December 1, 2022

News, pg. 3

Features, pg. 8-9

Arts & Culture, pg. 11

Opinion, pg. 13

SALE OF LUCY MARCO PLACE

NOT GUILTY!

SAY CHEESE

LB Mock Trial’s first time back in court

Introducing Laurier Brantford’s Cheese Enthusiasts

SHOULD WE MASK V-BALL HOME ON CAMPUS? TOURNEY

Laurier’s sale of a Brantford residence finalized

Does Laurier need to bring back campus wide masking?

Sports, pg. 16

Team hosts first tournement on home soil

IT’S COCOA-COLD THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

JEREMY VYN/PHOTGRAPHY EDITOR

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THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

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THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

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THE SPUTNIK · NEWS

CAMPUS

Sale of Lucy Marco Place finalized Former residence building to be used for affordable housing SERENA AUSTIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

On Oct. 31, the City of Brantford’s $7.3 million purchase of Lucy Marco Place from Wilfrid Laurier University was finalized.

Earlier this year, the city approached Laurier to discuss its use of the Lucy Marco Place residence on 36-40 Queen St., one half of a building they co-owned together.

Based on Laurier’s fiveyear analysis, the building was no longer required for residence purposes.

“With the exception of one year, we had about 110 extra beds in our inventory than what we really need to meet the demand for residence on the Brantford campus,” said Dan Dawson, Laurier’s Assistant Vice-President of Student and Ancillary Services.

Dawson said Laurier’s decision to sell was strategic, as they were wanting to generate more capital to be able to invest in other projects, such as the developments in One Market.

SERENA ANAGBE/SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

Lucy Marco Place on Queen St.

Because of the City’s co-ownership of the building,

they had the right to decide to buy Laurier’s half before it could be put on the real estate market.

The City of Brantford’s side of the building, Heritage House, is used as affordable housing and they plan to use Lucy Marco Place in the same way.

“We, like other cities across the province, are experiencing an acute housing crisis,” said Maria Visocchi, the City of Brantford’s director of communication, community engagement and customer service. “We thought it would be a good opportunity to house people who are on our housing wait-list sooner than later.”

Visocchi said city council directed staff to purchase the building with money from their affordable housing reserve in July.

The purchase will add an additional 28 affordable housing units at minimum, but city staff are considering options to renovate the building and expand the number of units. Visocchi said plans for the renovation will likely be shared in January or February 2023.

Laurier is now trying to plan for the years ahead by finding a residence building that’s more “synergistic” with the rest of the Brantford campus, said Dawson.

“One of the things with Lucy Marco Place, it was a little further away from the campus core,” he said.

Students have not lived in Lucy Marco Place since March 2020, when they were sent home at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, the building was used as an emergency isolation shelter for unhoused people.

The city’s half of the building was built in 1912 and was Brantford’s original YMCA before they renovated for affordable housing. Laurier’s half was newly built after the purchase with the intention of being student residences.

“If the sale results in access for people who are on waitlists in the community around us, I think that’s a win-win for everyone,” said Beth Gurney, Laurier’s director of strategic communications and community engagement.

CAMPUS

Contract teaching faculty strike averted Strike averted as Laurier and contract teaching faculty reach agreement ELISHA FELICIAN CONTRIBUTOR

Wilfrid Laurier University and the Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (WLUFA) announced a tentative agreement has been reached on Nov. 16.

The parties have been negotiating the benefits and working conditions of Contract Teaching Faculty at the university since May. On Oct. 6, Contract Teaching Faculty chose a positive strike vote. The deadline for the strike was set to Nov. 18. Contract Teaching Faculty includes professors who are paid on a per-course basis.

About two-thirds of Contract Teaching Faculty derive their entire income from Laurier and they teach approximately 50 per cent of Laurier’s courses.

I n negotiations, WLUFA is hoping for job security, employer-paid benefits and increases in wages and sick days.

“You’ve heard of the recent CUPE situation in Ontario.

The big mantra that came out of that is ‘39K is not enough,’” said Rob Kristofferson, the president of

WLUFA. “Well, at Laurier, 33K is not enough. The median income for our contract faculty is $24,900.”

Kristofferson said one of the main reasons for the lack of equitable compensation is a lack of government funding.

“The Ford government needs to restore funding to universities,” he said. “It’s basically flatlined for years now and in an inflationary environment, that puts universities in a very difficult situation.”

“The Ford government needs to understand, as the government whose mantra is ‘open for business,’ that one of the chief things a government can invest in for an economic return is the world-class university system that we already have,” said Kristofferson.

Sociology Professor and contract faculty member Kimberly Ellis-Hale said a full-time professor can be paid $18,000 with benefits for teaching a course. A contract professor would be paid $8,500

without benefits for teaching the same course. Some professors have been part of contract faculty for over 40 years.

“They really put in a lot of extra effort and they need to be recognized for that,” said Kristofferson. “That’s what we’re asking for at the bargaining table.”

“Laurier says it’s all about equity, that they’re really going to dig down and ensure that there’s equity across campus,” said

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Two people engaged in a handshake

Ellis-Hale. “I’d just like them to include contract faculty in that work.”

Chief human resources and equity officer Pamela Cant said in an email that the parties are in the process of ratifying the agreement. Laurier reported on the results of the ratification this week.

“We’re down to the primary issues of equity and fairness,” said Kristofferson. “It’s not accept-

able in an economy as wealthy as ours for workers to be paid so little.”

On Nov. 29, Laurier announced that the agreement was ratified. The new agreement will be in place until August 2025.

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THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

THE SPUTNIK · NEWS

EVENTS

Brantford’s annual Santa Clause Parade City takes on throwing parade from previous long-time organizers ELISHA FELICIAN CONTRIBUTOR

The City of Brantford held its annual Santa Claus Parade and after-party on Nov. 26. It was the first parade in three years, since the beginning of the pandemic.

The parade kicked off at 6 p.m. on Stanley Street and made its way to Dalhousie Street where the after-party was being held in Harmony Square. Brantford citi-

JEREMY VYN/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

A city bus decorated for the parade

zens lined the streets waiting and watching the various floats passing by.

Elisa Tod, a teacher, was present with her three kids. She said they try to make it a family tradition.

“It exceeded our expec-

tations just because it’s been so long,” she said. “There’s lots of floats, it’s a lot going on so that’s why we came back this time again because it’s a really good parade.”

At the after-party, Mayor Kevin Davis and several councillors of the wards made appear-

ances. They gave short speeches, wishing Brant County a merry Christmas.

At the after-party, there was no shortage of activities and free treats for children to enjoy.

Participants joined the countdown for the lighting of the Christmas Tree with Santa. Toddlers, children and teens lined up for a chance to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Nutcracker on stilts.

Next to Princess Belle’s booth was a miniature ferris wheel for toddlers and small children.

There was hot chocolate donated by Tim Hortons and other treats such as free popcorn and cotton candy provided by Your Neighbourhood Credit Union.

“It was overall amazing,” said Shimaa Matter, a mother of three. “After three years, we get to come back. It was organised, I didn’t have any problems and the free treats for the children was amazing.”

She said the only thing that needed improvement was with the lines for the treats. They were too long for some of the

younger children to wait in.

Becky Joshua was present with her daughter at the after-party.

“For her, the most fun part was sending out the letters to Santa,” she said. “She wanted a Barbie doll, so we put that down.”

Joshua explained that children were encouraged to write letters to Santa asking for something they wanted.

“When Santa arrived, she was really excited,” said Joshua.

Father-son duo Jacob and Darren Dsouza entertained the Christmas lovers with several wellknown Christmas songs and carols on stage in Harmony Square.

“I think it’s cool,” said Madeline Campbell, a University of Toronto student. “I think it’s nice to see the community come together finally after so long.”

Participants also supported the local businesses around Harmony Square, such as Momoko.

CAMPUS

Inflation: How the SU’s Food Bank can help Food Bank committe provides food parcels for students FREDDIE HAWSE CONTRIBUTOR

With the costs of goods steadily increasing, students’ financial struggles only get harder to deal with. Wilfrid Laurier University’s Students’ Union Food Bank offers food parcels which include five to six dinner items, three breakfast items and snacks that can save up to a week’s worth of grocery money.

“It gives you a few meals that you no longer have to worry about,” said Kira Hoskins, an executive at the Students’ Union Food Bank.

Food prices have gone up over 10 per cent in the past year.

The cost of food has been rising at

the fastest rate since 1981.

According to Statistics Canada, more than 20 per cent of Canadians reported using community resources such as food banks to survive these difficult times.

No financial need is required to utilize the food bank, but students are limited to five food parcels per term to ensure all students can use this essential resource. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated for within each parcel.

Students are struggling immensely as inflation gets worse.

Young people have turned to borrowing money, skipping meals

JEREMY VYN/PHOTOGRAPY EDITOR

Lemons and apples

and ignoring their personal needs.

The cost of tuition, textbooks and residence adds up and essentials such as food and hygiene products only add more stress.

Taking advantage of resources like the food bank on campus will help with the cost of living and give students a break from the financial stress they may be experiencing.

The committee also provides hot meals and easy, healthy low-cost recipes so students have a variety of food options.

“We want to get more

students to come out so [the Food Bank] gets bigger and helps more people,” said Hoskins.

A lot of factors impact the cost of food. As of recently, the most notable factors include the invasion of Ukraine, supply issues, extreme weather and higher input costs. The pandemic also impacted the cost of food due to employment shortages and supply disruptions.

According to Statistics Canada, nearly three in four Canadians reported that rising prices are affecting their ability to

meet day-to-day expenses such as transportation, housing, food and clothing.

Anyone can use the food bank, so if you or someone you know is in need of some groceries, the Students’ Union Food Bank will make a great resource.

THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

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THE SPUTNIK · NEWS

EVENTS

JEREMY VYN/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

A trans pride and Canadian flag infront of Carnegie Building

Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Annual vigil returns to raise awareness of anti-trans violence UMAYMAH SUHAIL SENIOR COPYEDITOR

Brantford had a candle lit march, an annual memorial tree and a social for Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20.

The vigil went from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and was organised by Gender Journey Brant, Brantford Pride and The Bridge Brant. The march started in Harmony Square and led to the Transgender Day of Remembrance Tree at the Brantford Public Library. The walk circled back to Hudson Public on 93 Dalhousie St. for a social event.

“It’s that sense of community,” said Ken Giesen, the co-chair of the Brantford Pride Committee.

“Creating that space where people can get together.”

The event aimed to raise awareness for anti-trans violence and the deaths of transgender people across the world over the past year.

There was an overall turnout of around 40 people.

“It’s about visibility,” said Rebecca Roesky, a social justice master’s student at Wilfrid Laurier Univeristy. “Just about people seeing what’s happening and then asking questions.”

The organizers provided the candles for the vigil, along with the

appetizers and beverages served at Hudson Public. They aimed to create a comfortable, safe and accessible space for everyone.

“It’s kind of like time to just be together, acknowledge and memorialize all those that have gone,” said Gwen Howarth, a facilitator of Gender Journey Brant.

Howarth helped created the Trans Day of Remembrance Tree in 2020.

Each leaf on the tree represents one transgender person who died in the past year. During the vigil, these names were read aloud and remembered.

This year, a recorded number of 354 transgender people died due to causes like suicide, Covid-19, murder and a lack of access to healthcare. This is an improvement from last year, where this number was over 400.

are people like that here.”

“There were two people from Canada this year,” said Giesen. “That’s something new.”

“We exist everywhere,” said Mabe Kyle, an expressive arts therapy student at The CREATE Institute in Toronto who also identifies as transgender. “We should be able to be in community wherever we are.”

“I’m just trying my best not to be a leaf on that tree,” said Ania Donachy-Taylor, a Grade 13 student at North Park Collegiate who identifies as transgender. “It’s a lot easier when I’m surrounded by other people who get it and there

“There is something in Brantford,” said Howarth. “It’s something I thought that there wasn’t, so just building on that is our constant goal.”

06

THE SPUTNIK ·

The beauty of change: Autumn leaves and fall vibes NIDA SHANAR PHOTOGRAPHER

Autumn is significant, not only because the fall colours are nice to look at, but because they signify change. The leaves change colours, temperatures get colder, schools start. Everything feels new. Fall shows us that change isn’t a bad thing. It can be beautiful and even necessary to experience other seasons like summer; one needs to experience fall. It’s peaceful too, as everything slows down as the summer months come to a close. It gives me time to reflect back on the year so far, more than the new year does. Autumn has its own charm as it comes and goes in a few months, and reminds me to slow down and look around. Hence the many pictures I end up taking around this time.

· FEATURES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2022 · 07

THE SPUTNIK

08

CAMPUS CLUBS

Mock Trial Club returns to court The club’s first in-person court preceeding since 2020 SERENA AUSTIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF UMAYMAH SUHAIL SENIOR COPYEDITOR

SERENA ANAGBE/SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

The Brantford Superior Court House

· FEATURES After weeks of preparation, Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford Mock Trial Club held a civil and a criminal mock trial at the Brantford Superior Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 25.

Kelly Gallagher-Mackay, an associate professor and the program coordinator for the law and society program, showed her support for the club by volunteering to be the judge for both trials.

The Civil Case: Fadey v. Ketkluane High School In Fadey v. Ketkluane High School, the plaintiff is Marcus Fadey, a senior at Ketkluane High School and former captain of the basketball team. Fadey is suing the school for damages and injuries his legal team argued were the result of an unsafe environment the school had a responsibility to prevent.

After Ketkluane High School’s basketball team won their championship game on March 2, the team, including Fadey, celebrated in the traditional way of dumping a cooler of water over their coach. Half an hour later, while talking on the phone and pacing the gym after it closed to students, Fadey slipped in the puddle, broke his wrist, broke his phone and gave himself a concussion.

Fadey’s team argued that Ketkluane High School did not fulfill

I absolutely love that our executives got in touch with the Brantford Superior Court to get us this beautiful space.

-Jaime Boyington, third-year law & society student

their duty of care because their custodian did not clean up the spilled water in time and did not knock on the change room doors to make sure they were empty before locking the gym and leaving for the night.

The Defence’s key witness, Jamie Thompson, Ketkluane High School’s only custodian, testified that the game had gone on until 7:30 p.m. and she was only scheduled until 6 p.m. Still, she placed a wet floor sign where the cooler had been dumped and began cleaning spilled food near the bleachers after the game ended.

The school gym usually closes at 8 p.m. Thompson testified that at this time, her babysitter called to ask her to come home. She then left.

The jury found that both the plaintiff and defendant were negligent in this case. They decided that the damages Fadey suffered, including the loss of a scholarship opportunity, wages from his construction job, his phone and health, were 80 per cent his own fault.

The Criminal Case: R v. Rogers

DECEMBER 2022 · 09 In R.v. Rogers, the accused, Jamie Rogers, was charged with manslaughter after allegedly committing an assault causing bodily injury, resulting in the death of his closest friend, Nick Pasternak, on Oct. 28, 2017 in Brantford, Ont. Rogers pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Rogers told the police he was hot-headed, impulsive and knowingly made bad decisions. Rogers and Pasternak had been friends for over 20 years. Pasternak also employed Rogers until recently.

Rogers was using alcohol to cope with this, so his memory of the

Just having people in the courtroom, I think, makes it a much more immersive experience.

-Sebastian Corrie, third-year criminology student

night was spotty.

On Halloween weekend, Rogers and Pasternack were in The Bronze bar’s back alley where they were seen having a discussion. Rogers appeared upset, red-faced and aggressive. When the owner of the bar and a long-time friend of both men went to the back alley to take out the trash, he found Pasternak lying unconscious on the ground and called 9-1-1.

Pasternak suffered from blunt force trauma at the back of his head and his pants were muddy.

A piece of yellow cloth was found at the crime scene. The police searched Rogers’ apartment the next morning and found his yellow hoodie covered in both his and Pasternack’s blood. Rogers also had muddy jeans, a black eye and a bloody nose. He was then arrested.

The Crown lawyers said the two men assaulted each other and Pasternack hit the back of his head on the utility metre behind him.

Although this was an accident, Rogers did not call for help. However, the Defence said witnesses could testify that the two men seemed to be resolving a conflict in a non-violent discussion and neither were capable of assaulting each other.

Right before closing statements, the Crown read Rogers’ sworn statement to the jury. The statement said Rogers blacked out after being punched in the face by somebody he didn’t see in the back alley. He said it couldn’t have been Pasternak due to his non-aggressive behaviour throughout their friendship. The Defence said other possible suspects of the death were not investigated, there was no evidence of a fist fight between the two men and there were no witnesses to testify to the assault.

The jury found Rogers not guilty on the first count of the manslaughter of Pasternak. They also found Rogers not guilty on the lesser count of assault causing bodily harm to Pasternak.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Inside an empty courtroom

year law and society student on Ketkluane High School’s Defence team, said this was her first in-person mock trial with the Laurier Brantford Mock Trial Club.

“It’s really nice to be back in

You were assertive, professional, engaed.

You all seemed to know your material quite well.

-Kelly Gallagher-Mackay, law & society professor

a courtroom,” said Boyington. “I absolutely love that our executives got in touch with Brantford Superior Court to get us this beautiful space.”

Mohammed Abu-Rashid, a fourth-year forensic psychology student, has always been interested in being a juror in a criminal trial.

“It was a fantastic experience,” he said. “I wish this was part of my academic activities.”

Abu-Rashid said the mock trial allowed him to use what he’s learned in his program.

“I think we came to a conclusion that a well-educated jury would come to,” he said.

“The verdict, I think, was very fair,” said Sara Sheikh, a Laurier Brantford graduate who was in the Mock Trial Club for four years.

“There were some holes in the case.”

“The first part of the statement really worked in our favour,” said Victoria Blagdon, a first-year criminology student in the law degree program and a Crown lawyer. “But it was towards the end that just completely killed anything and everything we said at the trial.”

Sheikh said the lawyers and witnesses could have used a little more emotion in their opening and closing statements.

“You are directing the narrative to the jury,” said Sheikh.

Sebastian Corrie, a third-year criminology student and the vice-president of administration in the Mock Trial Club, appreciated all the student participation and efforts into the trial.

“It’s an important part of what we do as a club and it’s nice to see people coming out,” said Corrie to the courtroom. “Just having people in the courtroom, I think, makes it a much more immersive experience.”

“You were assertive, professional, engaged,” said Gallagher-Mackay to the students. “You all seemed to know your material quite well.”

Afterthoughts CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Jaime Boyington, a third-year

A judge’s gavel

THE SPUTNIK · A&C

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THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

EVENTS

WCC’s Winter Art Fest

The Woodland Cultural Centre’s first event of its kind MARISA CERASOLI LEAD ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

This past Saturday, Nov. 26, the Woodland Cultural Centre (WCC) hosted its first Winter Artfest. A delightful (and free!) celebration of Indigenous artistry, complete with tasty food and tons of incredible items for sale, such as beadwork and handmade jewellery.

The WCC serves as an art gallery integrated with a museum to celebrate and preserve Indigenous culture, bringing to life the stories of Indigenous leaders, residential school victims and everyone in between.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the main hall was bustling with art-lovers trying out the tasting menu catered by Esha Eats and exploring the displays of purchasable works made by various Indigenous artisans.

One particular highlight of the day was the WCC’s artist-in-residence Cody Houle, working away at his art for the public to watch in the “Moving Forward: The Next 50 Years” exhibit.

Houle did several brilliant live paintings throughout the day much to the delight of those who made their way around the centre’s art gallery, in which the “Moving Forward” exhibit is the final stop on the journey through the artistic and cultural history of Indigenous peoples preserved by the WCC.

Houle is an Anishinaabe artist from northern Ontario currently living and creating his woodland art in Brantford. I had the distinct pleasure of watching him work on a striking abstract piece alongside several other amazed patrons who I could tell all had the same questions as me. How is anyone this talented and how is anyone able to create such beauty under such pressure?

As a first-time visitor to the centre, I was taken aback by how moving it was to walk through the gallery. Like walking through a time portal, seeing hundreds of years of history, art and life all in under an hour.

Most importantly, the centre is highly educational and sparks a great deal of discussion among visitors. I noticed just how much an event like this not only brings people together to have some fun and enjoy art, but also keeps us rooted in the past, keeps us learning and promotes education on these topics that are often overlooked in our school system.

There were also some terrific desserts for the taking at the festival, which is enough to get me just about anywhere.

All in all, the Woodland Cultural Centre is a must visit for anyone living in or around Brantford and the first Winter Artfest was a definite success!

Sudoku

MARISA CERASOLI/ SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

Sandwich boards outside the Winter Art Fest

THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

THE SPUTNIK · A&C

11

EVENTS

LB’s Cheese Enthusiasts

Nacho ordinary club MARYKA VAN WYNGAARDEN ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

ing to source and fund cheese for that many people,” Simonffy said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

An assortment of cheese and grapes on a board.

When co-presidents Nadine Simonffy and Sierra Mihalco set out to start the cheese enthusiasts club this year, they weren’t expecting quite the turn out they received.

“We thought it was just going to be like 10 people enjoying some cheese together,” said Simonffy, a fourth-year social work student. “We did not see the

hype coming, but we’re pretty glad about it.”

Sixty-seven members later, they are the largest club on Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus.

Bailey Arnold, also a fourth-year social work student and the group’s administrative executive, first came up with the idea for a cheese club.

“[Arnold] really had a vision to find a new way to improve the holistic well-being of students at Laurier Brantford,” said Mihalco, a fourth-year forensic psychology major. “And I thought she was really ‘parmesan’ to something.”

The high level of interest in the club has posed some logistical challenges.

“It’s definitely challeng-

But for their first event on Nov. 9, the club found a way around that obstacle by making it a BYOC (bring your own cheese) event. A variety of crackers and juice boxes were provided and attendees could bring their cheese of choice to snack on. The event brought in about 20 people.

Mihalco and Simonffy said they were happy to see some unfamiliar faces in attendance too, as it was a sign the club was helping new connections to form.

“We all got to know each other and it was really, really nice,” said Mihalco.

When all else fails, count on cheese to unite the masses.

“Just thinking about having 67 people in a room eating cheese together, a lot of those people not knowing each other and getting to know each other over that common interest, I think that makes it worth it,” said Simonffy.

These cheese enthusiasts’ favourite cheeses? For Mihalco, it

would have to be goat cheese. And though marble is Simonffy’s go to, Gouda and Brie are neck and neck in terms of what she calls her “treat cheeses.”

The club held their first “Cheese of the Month” meeting on Nov. 30, “Cheese-vember,” as they called it, featuring Gouda.

The next monthly meeting will take place on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Students’ Union Building. Simonffy said a name for that one is still in the works, although Mihalco seemed to like “Cheese-cember.” So far, what it’s up against is Simonffy’s suggestion of “De-cheddar… like cheddar December.”

Students who want to follow along with the fun, hear more cheese puns and join the cheese enthusiast club can reach out through The Nest or direct message the club on Instagram @lb_cheese.

If you ask Mihalco, “the club is all it’s cracked up to Brie.”

That’s one reason why, for Simonffy, “it’s so great to be a Laurier cheesy hawk.”

LITERATURE

Brantford author releases new book Local author, Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch launches new book, Winterkill AYSE ARAS CONTRIBUTOR

Ukrainian-Canadian historical fiction author Marsha Skrypuch launched her 25th novel, Winterkill, at the Brantford Public Library on Nov. 24.

Winterkill is a historical fiction novel that takes place in Ukraine in the 1930s during the famine genocide. This book shows the destruction caused by the Soviet Union to the people in Ukraine when Stalin took control of their farms and led the Ukrainians to starvation.

The book’s main character, Alice, is tricked by the anti-Ukrainian propaganda Soviets were heavily exposed to.

“Alice is infused with a Canadian Communist spirit and thinks she’s doing the right thing,” Skrypuch said.

The other main character, Neil, tries to survive during this conflict. Alice later realizes she was brainwashed and begins to help Neil.

Skrypuch’s novel reminds readers of Ukrainians who suffered in the past due to conflicts between

Ukraine and the Soviet Union.

Skrypuch said she wants to bring awareness to historical events that are scarcely written about because she believes it is a social responsibility to tell the stories of people silenced by dictatorships.

Skrypuch explained that she was inspired to write Winterkill after she could not find stories of Ukrainian heritage anywhere, which is partially because many Ukrainian writers were killed. The killing of these writers was part of the communist propaganda, which aimed to fill the Soviets with as much hate toward Ukrainians as possible.

However, she did not want to follow through with this project in the beginning because it disturbed Skyrpuch to dive into a topic that had vastly traumatized her and her family. This year marking the 90th anniversary of the famine that killed at least four million Ukrainians was one reason Skrypuch pushed past her hesitation.

“As a writer, you have to

go to places you are fearful to go to,” Skrypuch said.

Skrypuch wrote Winterkill and her other novels without sugar-coating or changing real life events.

She aimed for a middle-grade audience because she did not want to “put an overlay of romance” on the story. Instead, Skrypuch wanted her novel to show the reality of the trauma the people of Ukraine faced as accurately as possible.

“I don’t want my reader to get joy out of someone’s suffering,” Skyrpuch said. “I want them to suffer with the character.”

There are certainly parallels between this story and today’s Russia-Ukraine war, but Skyrpuch said the timing of her novel’s publishing was coincidental. Nonetheless, Winterkill is a stark example for readers of how history repeats itself.

AYSE ARAS /SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch at her book launch

THE SPUTNIK · A&C

12

THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

COMMUNITY

Bridge Public Art Project

City invites residents to contribute to TH&B Bridge project MARYKA VAN WYNGAARDEN ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Local artists of all ages, skill-sets and backgrounds spent the last two months painting the panels of the TH&B pedestrian bridge crossing the Grand River just west of campus.

The City of Brantford launched the public art project and sent out an open call for submissions in September.

They received 36 submissions within the month from school classes, community groups and individual artists whose paintings now cover 80 of the 112 panels on the interior of the bridge.

The project guidelines asked participants to draft designs conveying local culture, history, people, events or destinations.

You’ll spot one panel with that signature Laurier golden hawk yellow and purple that reads, “May your path be golden.”

Others depict significant Brantford landmarks or cultural figures: Wayne Gretzky, the Mohawk chapel, and the Grand River from several perspectives.

One artist chose to create a detailed map across two panels showing the parks, greenspaces and waterways in Brantford. École Dufferin contributed a beautiful five-panel long mural of the river filled with colourful animals, plants; and people enjoying outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, biking, playing soccer and sitting by a campfire.

A bilingual banner at the top of the painting reads, in part, “Thank you Grand River, we acknowledge this land.”

Several paintings feature wonderful Indigenous art. Others

convey messages of support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, sexual assault survivors and those struggling with mental health.

“Our goal with a public art initiative like this,” says Laura Almeida, policy and program support analyst for the City, “was [to] provide community members [with] an opportunity to participate in a fun collaborative activity to instill a sense of pride in this important landmark.”

The TH&B crossing bridge is one of three bridges that cross the Grand River within a half-kilometre stretch.

Running parallel to the site of this public art project are the Lorne bridge, which carries traffic from Colborne St. W over the river, and Brant’s crossing bridge, originally designed as a railway crossing but later converted into a pedestrian and cyclist bridge.

Brant’s crossing was closed in 2018 due to severe flooding and an ice jam, making the TH&B crossing the main path for pedestrians and cyclists, who will now be treated to a great display of art on their way.

Since some of the scheduled painting days were cancelled due to rain, the City will be relaunching the program in the spring of 2023. A second call for submissions will be sent out to cover any remaining unpainted panels, so keep an eye out in the new year!

MARYKA VAN WYNGAARDEN/ SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

Art installations at TH&B Bridge

THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

13

THE SPUTNIK · OPINION

HEALTH

Masks on campus: Yay or Nay?

As cold and flu season take off, should we be masking more on campus?

SIENNA BILANCIA CONTRIBUTOR

Masks have been a large part of our everyday lives for almost the last three years now.

While there has been some progress in the case numbers from the pandemic going down, there is still the threat of symptoms and cases worsening again, especially when living in a country with a colder climate.

The rules and mandates that have been in place over the course of the pandemic have been changed and altered as we went through waves of COVID-19.

Having masks on campus in more spaces may be beneficial coming into the holiday season especially. Many people are going to be going home soon for the holidays to spend time with their families. Staying healthy and wearing a mask may be the best option.

Having masks on while in close contact with friends and classmates is so far something that has been a good thing for us.

Canada has its coldest season coming fast. The common cold and the flu are always a part of Canadian culture in this season.

Wearing masks has helped to keep the spreading of Covid-19, why can’t it help with the other illnesses

that come to Canada in the winter weather?

If wearing a mask is going to help me be safe and healthy enough to see my elderly grandparents and baby cousins, I see no reason why we should not wear them. We need to keep ourselves and the Wilfrid Laurier University community safe as well. If everyone is getting sick and the cases of Covid-19 go up, then the school may have to shut down again.

Everyone is, of course, wanting to get life back to normal as fast as possible and no one enjoys wearing masks, especially after running up the stairs to get to class.

Most of us prefer to have classes in-person rather than online…right? It has been better than online school in solitude for everyone’s mental health. Human interaction is something we all need to get through the day. Masks are not as bad as being stuck on Zoom for a three-hour long lecture.

There has been a lot of progress to make things better and get back to normal everyday lives, but Covid-19 is still around.

While we are adults and can make sure we wash our hands and do all

SERENA ANAGBE/SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

of the correct safety procedures, would it not be better to be safe rather than sorry?

A student working on campus while wearing a mask

ENTERTAINMENT

The best holiday movies

5 movies to get you feeling merry and bright VINCE MASSON OPINION LEAD REPORTER

It’s that time of the year! Time to light the fireplace, put on an ugly Christmas sweater, dust off your DVD player and remove the shrink wrap from those totally legally purchased Christmas classics!

1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) This remains the quintessential Christmas classic because it symbolizes what Christmas is really about – wanting to be something,

NIDA SHANAR/SPUTNIK PHOTOGRAPHY

A simulated fireplace on a laptop, ready for movie night

but having to work for a living.

Just kidding. This is a celebration of misfits and outsiders everywhere who can all equally revel in the spirit of Christmas because everyone has a place in the world, no matter how odd they may seem.

Besides, were the misfit toys really misfits? A water gun that shoots jelly is actually amazing and if you smooth the edges of those square wheels on that train, they become regular train wheels. And my major isn’t even engineering, sheesh.

2. Elf (2003) A Christmas movie the late Roger Ebert said “charms the socks right off the mantelpiece.” What can I say? He wasn’t lying. Even my heart, which occasionally feels a size or two too small these days, can’t stay shruken during this delightful Christmas classic. Will Ferrell’s performance as a man raised by elves is obviously iconic, but the

late James Caan’s performance as a book publisher is also fantastic.

3. Batman Returns (1992) Hear me out, a movie that takes place during Christmas is just as much a Christmas movie as one that is about Christmas. Or maybe I’m just trying to look for an excuse to talk about Batman Returns, Tim Burton’s zany, over the top sequel to his original Batman movie. This one takes place during the holidays and has Gotham City, once again, under attack by various goons. If Danny Devito’s performance as the Penguin doesn’t fill you with Christmas cheer, I don’t know what will.

4. Jingle All the Way (1996) It’s Turbo Time! How can you not revisit this Christmas classic where Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a humble all-American suburban dad who just happens to look

like Mister Olympia and carry a heavy Austrian accent? In this flick, Schwarzenegger goes on an antics-filled crusade to get ahold of a Turbo Man doll, the hot new toy that all the kids want for the Holiday season. But, the stores are conveniently in short supply, which is not like any scenario my parents had to deal with when I was a kid. At all. Just kidding, it totally was — every single year.

5. Better Watch Out (2016) This is easily the best Christmas-themed dark comedy, home invasion thriller that’s ever been made (looking at you, Home Alone). Here’s one for the slasher/ horror fans. A babysitter tends to a young boy one evening before Christmas, when a home invader strikes. Simple enough. But then a twist so diabolical follows, it sends the movie sleigh-riding in another direction entirely.

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INFINITUM

THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

THE SPUTNIK · INFINITUM

GAMES & PUZZLES

Winter crossword

Clues Across 2. The condition or period of an animal or plant spending the winter in a dormant state 3. A sport played inside a place with sticks and disks 5. Something you sit on as you ride down a hill 8. Alpine and cross-country are two types 9. Used to decorate the Christmas tree 11. These keep your hands warm in the winter (hint: no fingers) 13. A plant you kiss under 14. A type of shelter built of snow 15. A decorative wreath of flowers, leaves, or other material 18. A Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains 19. Generally has a plaid pattern or print 20. A white animal 21. The opposite of freeze 22. Santa’s helper’s Down 1. Popular Christmas carol with children 4. Popular candy treat at Christmas 6. A motorized vehicle designed for winter travel and recreation on snow 7. Jewish festival, observed by lighting of candles 10. A snowstorm 12. A ball packed with snow 16. ? roasting on an open fire 17. A piece of fabric worn around the neck or head for warmth 19. Friends and ______ 22. Traditional Christmas drink in the Northern Hemisphere

Sudoku answer keys

THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

15

THE SPUTNIK · SPORTS

COMMUNITY

Cross-Country team hosts Kids Fun Run Laurier Brantford’s first homecoming game a success JACKSON RICE SPORTS LEAD REPORTER

Wilfrid Laurier University’s cross-country team hosted their first-ever kids’ fun run fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The event allowed future runners or anyone in the youth community to come out and showcase what they got.

The event took place at W. Ross Macdonald school and the participants had the option to either participate in the 1.5-kilometre or the 3-kilometre race.

The participants were a mixture between boys and girls and they all ran together.

The most common fundraisers used in the past were either bottle drives or Krispy Kreme donuts. Switching it up this year was a big step for the team as it was different for everyone.

“This was a four-week last-minute idea the team came up with for a fundraiser and with our race schedule we were not able to do it until mid-November,” said Cory Currie, the head coach of the Laurier Brantford cross-country

team.

For a last-minute idea, the fundraiser made over $200 and had close to 20 participants show up in cold temperatures.

The cross-country team looks forward to using this fundraiser again in the upcoming future.

“We have done a lot of fundraisers over the past seven years and I feel this one is at the top,” said Currie.

This event showed what it really means to be a Golden Hawk, especially as an athlete. It’s not just showing up and representing the school at games, it’s about how and what you give back to the community.

The Golden Hawks showed true school spirit that day.

They allowed the youth to feel like a Golden Hawk and showed them what it really means to be one as well.

“I thought it was fun being able to compete in a race held

by Laurier Brantford and I look for-

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY CORY CURRIE

Members of the cross-country team with Midas

ward to racing again at this event,” said Kyle Currie, a participant at this year’s kids’ fun run fundraiser.

The Golden Hawks will continue to push for youth community involvement in hopes to

inspire the youth.

WORLD CUP

CANADA SOCCER

Canada’s historic World Cup run

Canadian men’s soccer team after qualifying for World Cup

An overview of Canada’s progress in the World Cup so far MARISA CERASOLI ARTS & CULTURE LEAD REPORTER

Nothing is more exciting to soccer fans everywhere than the quadrennial event that will be gracing our screens until mid-December.

The FIFA World Cup, hosted this year in Qatar, is consistently one of the most-viewed televised events and sees 32 nations vie for the cup over the course of a month. As soccer is the most popular sport in the world, you can imagine the intensity with which the planet tunes in. With fans far and wide cheering for their country and waiting to see who will take

home the title of the world’s best team.

What is particularly exciting about this year’s tournament is that Canada has made its way to Qatar to compete - their first and only appearance at the World Cup since 1986. History was made this past Sunday, Nov. 26, when Canada played Croatia and scored their first-ever goal at the tournament.

Thanks to a beautiful crossing assist from Tajon Buchanan, finished perfectly with an exceptional header from global superstar Alphonso

Davies.

Unfortunately, Canada has been eliminated from continuing on past the group stage after losses to both Belgium and Croatia, but not before proving that they truly belong in a world-class tournament and are able to give these football powerhouse nations a run for their money.

Canada’s upcoming game against Morocco, the fourth nation in their group, could go on to make further headlines. Dec. 1 could mark Canada’s first win at

the World Cup or perhaps their first clean sheet. A top priority for this Canadian team will be to leave the tournament having earned at least one point, which they could achieve either through a win or a draw.

The 2022 World Cup has proven that anything could happen with teams like Saudi Arabia taking the ‘W’ over Lionel Messi’s Argentina national team. Further upsets, like Morocco beating Belgium (the second highest-ranked national team in the world) 2-0, have turned

the group stage on its head - it’s anyone’s game. One thing is for sure though: Canada has made its mark on the game of football and the team will be in full competitive form in 2026 when we’re partial hosts to the world’s greatest sporting event.

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THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2022

THE SPUTNIK · SPORTS

EXTRAMURALS

Volleyball team hosts first home tournament Laurier hosts Humber, Durham and Centennial colleges JACKSON RICE SPORTS LEAD REPORTER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY MEGAN JACKLIN, COORDINATOR, RECREATION & STUDENT LIFE

The volleyball team at their first tournament of the year at Humber College

The volleyball team hosted their first tournament of the year in the Laurier Brantford YMCA on Friday, November 25.

A tough tournament saw Laurier have an early exit, finishing third in the group stage round.

“I think we had pretty high expectations going into the tournament, especially as hosts,” said Maryka Van Wyngaarden, a Laurier co-ed volleyball player.

Their first match up was against Humber College. The two teams battled it out the whole game, going back and forth. Lau-

rier looked for redemption after losing to Humber in the semi-final’s last tournament. A close game between the two saw Humber win both sets 25-24 and 25-23.

After a disappointing, hard fought first game, the Golden Hawks look to bounce back against Centennial College Game 2 was a different story. The Golden Hawks came out strong, taking the first set 25-19 over Centennial College.

Set 2 was a complete domination. Laurier only allowed 9 points to be scored on them and

took set 2, 25-9.

A strong bounce back win gave the Golden Hawks momentum heading into a crucial game 3 against Durham College.

Game 3 was a win and you’re in for Laurier. The nail-biter against Durham College two would see a three-set thriller. Set 1 saw Durham take the early lead after a 25-19 win.

Laurier even upped the match with a 25-23 win in set 2.

Set three was the decisive game.

Durham took the set 12-11 after the game was cut short due to the

time limit.

Humber College eventually would go on to win the tournament, beating Durham College one in the finals.

A disappointing second tournament for the Golden Hawks after making it to the semi-finals at their first tournament.

“I think we’re all looking forward to working on some things in practice and seeing some of these teams again at our next tournament in January,” said Van Wyngaarden.

The Golden Hawks look to bounce back at their next tournament hosted by the University of Toronto Mississauga.