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Thursday, February 11, 2016
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Ryan Ellis signs an autograph for a fan during a pre-ceremony meet-and-greet at the WFCU Centre.Photo by Todd Shearon
SEE PAGE 11
About 50 Syrian refugeesare currently living in a hotelin Windsor’s downtowncore with more families ontheir way to the city. Children run through the
halls of the Days Inn Hotelon Ouellette Avenue andplay with the buttons on theelevator. They laugh as theirfathers sit in the lobbytalking to one another whilewearing new winter coatsgiven to them byWindsorites, their mothersremained in the room. Thefamilies arrived in Windsorover the holiday season andwill be living at the hoteluntil they are moved into
their own housing. Hotelmanager Asar Ahmed saidhe is happy to give thefamilies a place to callhome, even for a shortperiod of time. “We want to help
whoever we can,” saidAhmed. “We let them useall our facilities and we areaccepting that they aredifferent. Anyone whocomes from a differentcountry is going to bedifferent.” Ahmed has been the
manager at the Days Innfor three years and said heis glad to be helping thenewcomers, includingopening the hotel
Aaron Lombardi
Converged Citizen Staff
SEE PAGE 5
ELLIS NUMBERRETIRED
ELLIS NUMBERRETIRED
SyrianRefugeesHoused
Windsor’s new arrivals
Inside
The Power of the Future
*Volume XI Issue 11 *February 11, 2016
ONVERGED CITIZENFEBRUARY 11, 2016C2
newsBullying a silent killer
Naureen Ahmed
Converged Citizen Staff
Workplace bullying is asilent killer according to abusiness executive who wrotea book on the topic.
Andrew Faas, the author ofThe Bully’s Trapwas speaking at aluncheon presenta-tion about work-place bullying. Theevent took place onJan 27, at the St.Clair CollegeCentre for the Arts.Large numbers ofpeople attended theevent.
Faas said work-place bullying is onthe rise, which notonly reduces pro-ductivity but some-times leads to sui-cide.
“Sometimes peo-ple who are targetedare unaware whatthey are goingthrough is bully-ing,” said Faas. “InThe Bully’s Trap Ihave provided com-prehensive insightinto the dynamics,impacts and costs ofbullying in the workplace andanswers to how it can be pre-vented and stopped.”
According to Faas, bullyingdestroys everything fromcareers to lives. “There aremany organizations who notonly ignore bullying but evenencourage it,” he said. “Mostpeople who are targeted orwitness bullying do not reportit for fear of losing their jobs.
“I experienced anxiety,depression even post-traumat-ic stress disorder that lead topsychological harm and actualphysical illness,” said Joshi.
Fass said if workers are get-ting bullied they must speakup quickly and do not let it
fester into a life ordeath decision.
Dr. Catherine Lee, alocal psychologist,said bullying is abusecreating an unhealthyand psychologicalpower imbalancebetween the bully andtheir target which canresult in psychologi-cal damage for bothparties.
“Bullying causestargets to feel anx-ious, depressed, fear-ful, developheadaches and stom-achaches, createsself-doubt andanger,” said Lee. “Itis not a one-timeevent, it’s ongoingabuse that occurs sev-eral times a day orweek, becomes moreand more aggressiveover time.”
According to Leethere should be ahealthy workplace
policy ensuring the workplaceis free of negativity andunprofessional behaviours. Itshould aim at providing anatmosphere of respect, collab-oration and safety.
Faas advised workers who
may be the victim of an office
bully to document all inci-
dents and then take that infor-
mation to management or
human resources.
Ankur Joshi, 40, attended the
presentation. He said he
worked as a cashier at a local
retail store for several years.
He said he experienced work-
related bullying until he
decided to quit his job.
“I was accused of various
forms of gross misbehaviour
and numerous other offences
by my boss,” said Joshi. “My
boss always tried to humiliate
me in front of everyone.”
He said eventually he filed a
harassment case but the
human resources department
and management did not
respond seriously to the alle-
gations.
Andrew Faas, in his book The Bully’s Trapprovides comprehensive insight into the
impact and costs of bullying in the workplace,and answers how it can be prevented and
stopped.
Early morning fire on Dougall
Windsor Fire and Rescue discuss the fire that occurred atthe triplex on 820 Dougall Ave. The fire started at 7:30a.m. in the attic of the residence.
Photo by Victoria Parent
Windsor Fire and Rescue
Services were called to 820
Dougall Ave. Feb. 5 for a fire
in a triplex.
The fire started in the attic of
the triplex at around 7:30 a.m.
and was quickly put out by
firefighters. There were more
than five fire trucks at the
scene with Windsor Police
Services and Windsor
Emergency Medical Service.
No injuries were reported.
One resident of the building
said the response of Windsor
Fire was so quick that, “by the
time I put the phone down, I
could hear the sirens.”
Fire and Rescue put up cau-
tionary tape around the scene
because of the Dougall Public
Elementary school being right
across the street from the resi-
dence.
After the fire was put out
they checked for hotspots and
awaited the arrival of the
investigator, who will deter-
mine the cause and of the fire.
Victoria Parent
Converged Citizen Staff
Windsorites donate more
food around the Christmas
holidays than any other time
of year, according to an
employee of the Downtown
Mission.
The Windsor Essex Food
Bank Association is a non-
profit organization made up of
15 food banks offering neces-
sities such as food and clothes
to individuals and families in
need. Food banks receive
donations from many sources
including local school can
drives and personal contribu-
tions. Non-perishable food
Felicia Patterson
Converged Citizen Staff
Windsor food bank shelves become empty around Aprilitems are contributed when
there is a can drive, leaving it
up to food bank supervisors
and staff to come up with
ways to cover the cost of fresh
dietary essentials. Most food
banks in the Windsor Essex
County area, including the
Downtown Mission, do not
receive government funding.
Windsor food banks are
flooded with donations during
the days leading up to
Christmas. Some food banks
offer extra help during the hol-
iday season and also help to
promote toy drives like
Sparky's Toy Drive. One food
bank supervisor says the
shelves of some food banks
become so stocked around the
holidays it lasts for months.
"Usually we get enough at
Christmas that it stocks us up
right through February and
partially through March," said
Laurie Musson, supervisor of
the Downtown Mission Food
and Clothing Bank. "In April,
that's when our shelves are
starting to get empty."
One Windsor mother said
she uses food banks twice a
month to help sustain her fam-
ily.
"I utilize food banks because
I have a low income and a
large family," said Katie
Renaud, who is a stay-at-
home-mother of six.
Most Windsor food banks
require identification for all
family members and proof of
income. Some banks require
individuals to provide confir-
mation of address, as some
food banks have set bound-
aries in which one must live in
order to receive food assis-
tance. Various services are
offered at food banks depend-
ing on the location. The
Downtown Mission offers a
culinary assistance program in
which individuals are taught
how to prepare recipes with
simple ingredients, most of
which are offered at food
banks.
"We have cooking lessons
that we have once a month
where a woman comes in and
shows good, healthy ways of
cooking with the foods that
we provide at the food bank,"
said Musson.
Musson said the staff at the
Downtown Mission try to
ensure fresh food and baby
items are available despite
their low budget, because of
not receiving government
funding.
"We try to have fresh pro-
SEE PAGE 6
Source google.ca
ONVERGED CITIZENFEBRUARY 11, 2016C3
newsWindsor Public Library
receives government grant
The Windsor Public Library
is receiving $200,000 in fund-
ing from the Ontario govern-
ment in hopes of making their
services more accessible to
people living in homelessness
and poverty.
The funding is part of the
Ontario Libraries Capacity
Fund, which aims to improve
library services for Ontarians.
Over the next three years, $10
million will be invested in
libraries across the province.
The Library Hubs Meeting
Community Needs Project is
designed to create library tools
that will engage Windsorites
in new ways and create hub
services for the homeless. The
hubs will add to community
life by providing central gath-
ering points for health and
social services and resources
as well as providing cultural
and recreational information
spaces for residents. Windsor
is one of 10 libraries across
the province currently taking
part in the project.
“The current system serving
these high-risk populations is
funded by many different
organizations and agencies
and is very difficult to navi-
Allanah Wills
Converged Citizen Staff
gate,” said WPL CEO Kitty
Pope in a press release. “The
LHMCN project is an oppor-
tunity to streamline the
process, eliminate some of the
confusion and make it easier
to find the information and
services required.”
According to Pathway to
Potential, around 74,000 peo-
ple in Windsor currently live
in poverty.
By creating the community
hubs anyone living in poverty
or on the streets will be able to
come in and access food,
income and health services
they might not normally know
how or where to access.
Christine Wilson-Furlonger,
administrator of Street Help,
supports the project but hopes
the money is used wisely.
“If we’re going to use that
money and the library would
stay open all night I would say
‘fantastic,’” said Wilson-
Furlonger “This is a wonder-
ful, heated and safe environ-
ment and people could be in
there 24 hours a day. We need
realistic programs for the
homeless so take that
$200,000 and make sure that
you’re really trying to help
those who are worst off.”
The project is expected to
begin this summer and wrap
up at the end of 2017.
Student housing: liability or smart investment?
The growing student popula-
tion in Windsor has given rise
to the lucrative business of
student housing.
A city of approximately
36,000 post-secondary stu-
dents, Windsor has a competi-
tive student housing business.
Online classifieds such as Off
Campus Student Housing,
Kijiji and Craigslist make it
easy for students to search for
homes that meet their needs.
However, the same websites
make it difficult to establish a
competitive edge in such a
saturated market.An apartment and family
home realtor for over 20years, Janette Calandra hasrecently returned to the busi-
ness of student housing whichaccording to her, gave her astart in the real estate busi-ness.
“I knew of the demand for
housing for students,” said
Calandra, “but it wasn’t worth
the liability that I was carry-
ing in terms of fire hazards
and other risks.”
The fire department alleged-
ly did not approve of the way
in which some Windsor stu-
dent houses were being
altered by landlords.
According to Calandra, land-
lords were putting tiny rooms
in every corner of their houses
and posting them as six or
seven bedroom houses in an
effort to demand more rent.
For this reason, many student
homes are in violation of fire
codes. This poses legal risks
for landlords getting into the
business of student housing.“I came back to student
housing because I was com-fortable with the area and thehome I purchased was in com-pliance,” said Calandra.“Once those liabilities wereeliminated, I was comfortablerenting the property out.”
Another issue prevalent inthe student housing industry isprice and quality of home,according to KimberleeBrown-Mighty, a 21-year oldUniversity of Windsor studentwho recently rented a homewith her friends.
“It is important to me thatlandlords be flexible, willingto work with a limited studentbudget and easily accessible,”said Mighty.
According to Calandra, onceyou get a group of students onthe same page and willing torent, the first and often biggesthurdle in student housing isbroken. Calandra says hercompetitive edge to entice stu-dents is a reduced summer rateand a fully-furnished home.
“This is my first year tryinga furnished home so I hope thestudents take care of it,” saidCalandra, “It makes the stu-dents feel at home, and whenthey walk in I always get thesame excited reaction whichtells me not many landlordshere do this.”
For more information on thestudent housing business, visitocshwindsor.com
Photo by Sreedha VaranasiStudents have another option when choosing homes dur-ing their schooling years.
The Windsor and DistrictLabour Council joined unionsacross the province of Ontarioto protest against U.S. SteelCanada for “failing to supportjobs, pension plans and bene-fits for steelworkers” inHamilton Jan. 30. The protesttook place at Hamilton’s cityhall.
In 2014, Stelco, a Canadiansteel company, filed for pro-tection through theCompanies' CreditorsArrangement Act, whichallows financially troubledcorporations to restructuretheir affairs to avoid bankrupt-cy. It also allows the creditorsto receive a payment for theamounts owing by the corpo-ration. U.S Steel boughtStelco for $ 1.1 billion in 2007and assumed its debt.
Workers have been laid offsince the company took con-trol and in 2013 U.S Steel
announced it will stop ironand steel making in Hamilton.Workers have also beendenied their pensions and ben-efits since U.S. Steel claimedCCAA.
At city hall, RolfGerstenberger, retired presi-dent of the UnitedSteelworkers who organizedthe protest, addressed in hisspeech that the issue of work-ers are not getting pensions or
benefits and how the new andold Stelco and now U.S Steelhave been asumed to discardthe law on pension funding.“The government first passed
the 5.1 election, endorsed theCCAA bankruptcy court andU.S. Steel’s special regulationon pensions and subsequentlyprovided yet another CCAAexemption from all pensionfunding... all three maneuversto protect the corporation cir-
cumvented the laws, leavingworkers, pensioners and thecity vulnerable,” saidGerstenberger.
Seventy-seven year oldDennis McLaren worked forStelco for 33 years and retiredin 2001. McLaren hopes, withthis protest, steelworkers willget some recognition for theirhard work. AlthoughMcLaren retired he has con-tinued to be involved with the
steelworkers.“Our country should think
together and fight for the rightof the workers,” saidMcLaren.
Windsor and District LabourCouncil attended the protest atHamilton holding up signs toshow their support for steel-workers.
Windsor District LabourCouncil member MarvinRoman, 50, who has been amember since 1993, also tookpart in the protest. Roman saidthe workers want to show thegovernment that workers allaround Canada want them tointervene in favour of theworkers.
“These workers are theCanadian workers, peoplewho pay for this country,”said Roman.
The steelworkers union isstill trying to reach an agree-ment with U.S. Steel Canadafor their pension and benefits.The union is also asking thegovernment to help them withthis issue.
Labour council supports Hamilton steelworkers
Sreedha Varanasi
Converged Citizen Staff
Mayra Lacayo
Converged Citizen Staff
Photo by Mayra Lacayo
Men from Windsor-Essex District Labour Council stand with Hamilton steelworkers, atHamilton City Hall Jan. 30.
ONVERGED CITIZENFEBRUARY 11, 2016C4
news
Is there a doctor?Aaron Sanders
Converged Citizen Staff
Former Toronto mayor John Sewell addresses a crowd at the at Windsor PublicLibrary Central branch in Windsor, Feb. 4.
Windsorites have found
another voice opposed to the
upcoming mega-hospital.
John Sewell, former mayor
of Toronto, visited Windsor to
discuss the problems of build-
ing a mega-hospital in an
urban area on Feb. 3 and 4.
During those two days, Sewell
spoke to crowds at the
University of Windsor and at
the public library who are
concerned about the hospital
plans . Sewell says the city
will have to consider using the
money on hospital staff than
the building.
“I think we have to worry
about how much we spend on
bricks and mortar,” said
Sewell. “Every cent that we
spend for bricks and mortar is
not money we can spend on
humans. It seems to me spend-
ing $2 billion just on that
means we aren’t going to have
a lot of money left over to
spend on the staffing we
need.”
Stephen Pitman, spokesper-
son for Citizens for an
Accountable Megahospital
Planning Process, said the
support from the former
Toronto mayor was beneficial
to their cause.
CAMMP, a local group
against having the mega-hos-
pital located on the south-east
side of the city, organized the
two day presentations.
“I think it’s terrific to see
someone who’s such a high
calibre speaker come here to
Windsor and to talk about this
item. We’re really lucky for
him to come here and speak
about this. I think it really
landed some importance and it
shed some light on reviewing
the chosen location.”
The planned site for the $2
billion mega-hospital will be
at the corner of County Road
42 and Ninth Concession.
Recently, there was a lawsuit
involving Windsor Regional
Hospital and the owner of
GEM Properties in which
some terms were dropped.
Since the partial dropping of
the lawsuit, Windsor Regional
Hospital has been set to move
ahead with final plans.
However, Sewell said the hos-
pital should be located where
people can access it easily.
“What I think we should all
be after is accessible patient
care,” Sewell said. “So the
best place for the hospital is
always in the central area. It’s
easier for everyone to get to,
whether by public transit or by
cab. Having a hospital at the
very edge of the city is not
only difficult for patients and
staff, it’s difficult for family
members as well.”
Pitman agrees location and
residents matter when it
comes to the mega-hospital.
“Location is very important,
especially when we think
about the environmental and
social dimensions,” said
Pittman. “That’s providing
people (who are providing
health care) to access those
who don’t have a full array of
transportation options.”
Rino Bortolin, Ward 3
Councillor, was in the crowd
during the presentation at the
public library. He said he will
bring the concerns to city
council for further discussion.
Photo by Aaron Sanders
Organization promoteshelping neighbours
Samantha Wigfield
Converged Citizen Staff
A new Windsor organiza-tion is bringing back with oldtraditions of care with a neigh-bours helping neighbours ini-tiative.
The Windsor EssexCompassionate Community isWindsor’s new non-profitgroup boasting of completelyself-reliant community drivencare to neighbours, includinghealth and wellness.
The main targets for theWECC are the aged and thosewho are nearing death. Theyare reaching out to neighbourswho are in a life crisis, in dis-tress and need lifelong careand planning. They are alsotrying to get young people inthe community more involvedwith the project.
Deborah Sattler, the directorof the organization, said theWECC is trying to find waysfor people to rely on eachother instead of having to usepricey alternatives, such aspsychologists. This is to aid inproviding a culture of neigh-bours helping neighbourswhere it is easy to reach outand help each other and alsoto provide informal and prac-tical help.
“It’s especially for peoplewho live alone and don’t havefamily around them to helpwith that practical kind of sup-port,” said Sattler. “We’re alsodemonstrating a new caremodel. Citizen coaches willgo out with them (the client)and work with them on howthey organize the care theyneed that combines informal,self-help, family and any carethey can get across the countythroughout multiple programsand sectors in the communi-ty.”
The goal is to improve the
quality of life for everyone,providing extra care for thosewho are more vulnerable ornearing the end of life whileusing every resource the com-munity has to offer in the mostdiligent way possible. Theseassets are family, neighbours,friends, technology, socialservices, agencies, educationand distress centres.
The WECC is planning amodel to help people who arein an early stage of distressbut not yet at the crisis point.A coach will then try to figureout what kind of stress theyhave and what kind of helpwould be most appreciated.
Katrina Borrelli is part of astudy looking at trying to getcommunities to interact andconnect with one another.This is called the neighbour-hood and care model initia-tives.
“Care Model is more forthose who can’t afford healthservices,” said Borrelli. “Ithink our community needsthat connection and trustagain. Trust is a huge issuenowadays and for that toslowly build, it would makeeveryone a lot closer.”
She also believes it couldgo province-wide once othercities see results from theWECC.
For the past year, morethan 120 people have beenplanning this citizen drivenproject, using associationsthat represent 10,000 seniorsin eight municipalities. TheWECC is expected to launchin the fall.
“We do have a responsibil-ity for narrowing the equitygap in terms of the outcomesfor people who could be vul-nerable, poor or isolated,”said Sattler. “And we will dowhat it takes to improve equi-ty and improve quality oflife.”
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Mark Brown
Caleb Workman
Ashley Ann Mentley
Michael Hugall
Caleb Workman
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Naureen Ahmed
Jeremy James
Stephanie Zografos
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Tyler Boissonneault
Anthony Sheardown
Julia Poehlman
Rhiannon Lotze
Samantha Wigfield
Christian Bouchard
Jordan Caschera Allanah Wills
CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 11, 2016 5
Young males are the most
needed stem cell donors but
currently make up less than
one-quarter of the total reg-
istry, according to OneMatch,
the national stem cell and mar-
row network.
In 2015 data from OneMatch
found male donors ages 17 to
35 represented 17 per cent of
the current Canadian donor
database. Men are needed
more than females because
their stem cells are more like-
ly to be compatible with their
recipients.
Stem cells are the immature
cells that have not been
assigned a function. They can
become red blood cells which
carry oxygen, white blood
cells which fight infection or
platelets which help stop
bleeding. This is what is
extracted from the donor and
can be obtained from the bone
marrow which is a rich source
of cells. It can also be taken
from the circulating blood.
These stem cells can be used
to treat leukemia, aplastic ane-
mia and inherited immune
system and metabolic disor-
ders.
OneMatch encourages any-
one in “good standing health”
and between the ages of 17
and 35 to become part of the
donor registry but they are
requiring more male donors
because of the benefits their
stem cells offer.
“Male donors are more com-
patible with their recipients
because the cells are more
adaptable and heal quicker,”
said Joanne Bedard, co-
founder of the Katelyn Bedard
Bone Marrow Association.
“There is also less chance of
graft-versus-host disease
between the donor and the
recipient. Graft-versus-host is
when the donor's cells attack
the recipient's body, which
can be caused by women who
have a history of pregnancy.
Due to this, male matches will
be chosen over female match-
es most times.”
‘OneMatch’ gives a second chance
Photo by Lyndi-Colleen Morgan
Joanne Bedard (right) tells the story of her daughter Katelyn at the swab event at St. ClairCollege Jan. 28. She also thanked the participants of the event for becoming part of the reg-istry.
Lyndi-Colleen Morgan
Converged Citizen Staff
Bedard and her husband
Bryan founded the Katelyn
Bedard Bone Marrow
Association in July 2005 after
their daughter Katelyn, 3, died
of leukemia when no match
could be found for her.
The association’s mission,
said Bedard, is to promote
awareness and education
about bone marrow and stem
cell registries, to bring atten-
tion to the need of donors and
to encourage people to join
the registry. She also said their
organization aspires to give
support to families with a
family member in need of a
transplant.
“Our organization helps to
build the registry of donors
and sponsor research projects
working on stem cell trans-
plants and treatment methods.
We also provide support to
families who have family
members who will be receiv-
ing a transplant,” said Bedard.
“Donors help to provide a sec-
ond chance to those who may
not get it other ways and being
aware is the first step in the
donation process.”
Donor Tessa Shawman said
she gave someone a second
chance in November 2014
with her stem cell donation.
She became part of the reg-
istry in 2011 at a swab event
held at St. Joseph’s High
School in Windsor.
She said her process to
become a donor was shorter
than most. The process can
take three months but she was
prepared and ready for the
donation in three weeks.
Donations can be taken in two
forms -- through peripheral
blood stem cell donation or
through bone marrow stem
cell donation surgically.
Shawman donated through
the stem cell bone marrow
extraction process.Shawman said the extraction
method was not too painfulbut it was uncomfortable.Although it did cause hersome discomfort she said shewould not change anythingabout the experience.
“My first few days post-surgery were super uncom-fortable but not unbearable,”said Shawman. “Althoughmy healing took a little longerthan expected, if I had to do itall over again, I wouldn't doanything differently.”
She also said she believespeople should consider regis-tering as a donor becausethere is little risk for thedonor and they could poten-tially save someone's life.
In 2010, Alex Tetreault wasdiagnosed with leukemia atthe age of 18 and shortly after
being diagnosed was placedon the recipient transplantlist. He went through 11 bonemarrow extractions to helpfind a match but he neverreceived a transplant becausethe chemotherapy treatmentsworked.
In 2013, Tetreault was told
by doctors he was cancer free
and has been in remission for
the last three years.
He became part of the donor
registry Jan. 28 and said it is
his way of giving back.
“People should help other
people, and becoming part of
the donor registry helps,” said
Tereault. “I mean if people
don’t volunteer, give blood,
or give bone marrow, people
like me, wouldn’t be here.”
Bedard said when individ-uals become part of theCanadian registry theybecome eligible to donate tothe international registryand this is one thing to con-sider before becoming adonor.
Those eligible to donate
can become part of the reg-
istry at swab events or
through Canadian Blood
Services. For more informa-
tion about becoming part of
the OneMatch stem cell and
marrow network, visit
www.onematch.ca.
basement so they have aplace to conduct their dailyprayers and bringing coffeeto share with the men in thelobby. Ahmed’s desk clerk,who only wanted to beknown as Sandy, spendsmost of her working daytaking care of the families inthe building. Each daySandy opens the basementfor the daily prayer andjokingly tells the children tostop running in thehallways. “Sometimes it can be a
little intimidating,” saidSandy. “The women stayupstairs and the mennormally hang out in thelobby. Keeping an eye on 15men can be a little bitintimidating, but it hasnothing to do with wherethey come from.” Sandy, who is a mother,
said she frequently enjoysplaying with the childrenwho roam the hotel’scorridors. Receivingpackages of food andclothing daily fromWindsorites, she says thecommunity couldn’t bemore supportive. “These people were
scared. Every day they wereseeing buildings gettingblown up, people gettinghurt,” said Sandy. “They areso glad to be here andpeople in the community aremaking them feel verywelcome.” The Days Inn has a
contract with the federalgovernment to offeraccommodations to thosewho are new to the countrybefore they are moved topermanent residences.Ahmed said they are notresponsible for bringingfood or clothing to therefugees. “When people think
refugee, they think of skinnypeople in rags but that’s nottrue,” saidAhmed. “A lot of these
people have money, theyjust want to come to a newcountry for safety reasons.” Included in the 50 Syrians
are 20-25 small children.Once the governmentprovides the families withtheir permanent residencesthe hotel will open to a newwave of arrivals.
FROM PAGE 1
ONVERGED CITIZENFEBRUARY 11, 2016C6
health & lifestyleFlowers and gifts don’t
come cheap
Valentine’s Day is fast
approaching and many strug-
gle as to how much they
should or can spend on gifts.
The cost of gifts such as
flowers and chocolates can
make Valentine’s Day a strug-
gle for love-struck shoppers.
Retailers around Windsor are
trying to make it easier on
customers looking to but this
Valentine’s Day.
Kathy Molenaar is the cur-
rent owner of Victoria’s
Flowers. She’s owned the
business for five years but the
store has been open for over
32 years. The store sells flow-
ers, jewelry, chocolates and
other gifts. Molenaar has
been preparing the store for
Valentine’s Day and she
understands that the economy
is a major factor in people
purchasing flowers and gifts.
“Victoria’s Flowers has
been purchased in the last five
years by myself, and we have
only been able to grow with
the economy,” said Molenaar.
Besides flowers and
plushies, one of the most pop-
ular gifts bought on
Valentine's Day is chocolate.
According to statistics, close
to 50 per cent of the gifts
bought for Valentine’s Day
are chocolates and candies,
and baskets and chocolate
boxes can range from $5 all
the way into the hundreds of
dollars.
Walker’s Candies is a
Victoria's Flowers owner Kathy Molenaar prepares abouquet of orchids for a customer. A bouquet like this canrange into the hundreds of dollars.
Victoria Parent
Converged Citizen Staff
chocolate and candy store on
Howard Avenue. They have
been open since 1920 and
since 1989 the Obeid family
has taken over and continues
to make homemade candy.
Ray Obeid is the owner of
the store and has been prepar-
ing different varieties of
chocolates for Valentine's
day. He said it is the busiest
day of the year with over a
thousand customers coming
in.
“I would say the highest
amount some people would
spend is about 100 bucks…
.but mostly we sell the one
pound heart which is about
$29,” said Obbeid.
In the end, whether you
want to buy your significant
other flowers, chocolates or
something else, the best bet is
to know your budget, and
retailers will be ready to help.
By Allanah Wills
Shirley Valentine at Olde Walkerville Theatre
Feb. 11, 12 and 13
Little Shop of Horrors at Kordazone Theatre
Feb. 11-14
Funny Friday at Rockhead Pub
Feb. 12
Valentine’s Dinner Date Night at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards
Feb. 12
Latin Fever at the Capitol Theatre
Feb. 13 and 14
Aretha Franklin at Caesars Windsor
Feb. 13 at 9 p.m.
Cheese n’ Cheers and Chocolate at Walkerville Brewery
Feb. 14
What’s going on inWindsor - Essex
duce, eggs, milk, meat and
that type of thing on hand all
the time. Meat, we almost
always have to purchase. We
try to keep things as best we
can for good health. We do
have quite a few people who
donate money every month,
but that's for the whole
Mission, not just the food pro-
gram," said Musson. "We have
a diaper and formula program
here. We fund that totally."
The Downtown Mission and
some other Windsor food
banks are successful in pro-
viding good quality food
items, as well as quantity.
"When they come here they
get usually about three to four
bags of food. A lot of food.
When they come in we know
how many children they have.
If it's a large family, we will
give them a larger portion,"
said Musson. "Cereal, bread
and stuff like that. Milk, if
we've got it. Peanut butter. We
try to give families with chil-
dren protein items."
Renaud said she appreciates
the items she is given from
food banks, as every little bit
helps.
"I think the quality of food is
actually pretty helpful. It's not
about satisfaction. You can't
FROM PAGE 2
Laurie Musson is the supervisor of the Food and ClothingBank at the Downtown Mission. Behind her a volunteer helpsa local woman select food for her family.
be greedy when you go to the
food bank," said Renaud.
"You get what you get. It's
helpful either way. It doesn't
matter what the quality or
quantity it is, it's all helpful."
Hundreds of Syrian refugees
have arrived in Windsor and
Musson said she has already
helped two families.
She said she believes the
arrival of more Syrians to the
area will put a strain on
Windsor food banks.
Photo by Felicia Patterson
Photo by Victoria Parent
ONVERGED CITIZENFEBRUARY 11, 2016C7
newsAutomotive archives
Windsor Public Library CEO Kitty Pope stands outside theOuellette Avenue branch, Jan. 26.
The Windsor Public Library has officially openedits Automotive Archives on the second floor of theOuellette Avenue main branch. The archives featurebrochures, pamphlets, books and other automotivematerial dating back to the 1930s. It also has set upretro gas pumps and a sculpture by Peter Sollyfrom MacDonald’s Automotive called “MichelleMichaels.”
- All photos by Sean Previl and Taylor Busch
CONVERGED CITIZEN FEBRUARY 11, 2016 8
Express improve to 3-0 at ColosseumChristian Bouchard
Converged Citizen Staff
Photo by Christian Bouchard
The Windsor Express’ Brandon Robinson (10) goes up for a layup against the LondonLightning in the Clash At The Colosseum on Feb. 3 at Caesar’s Windsor. Robinson ledthe Express to victory with 34 points to snap the Lightning’s nine game winning streak.
The Windsor Express are
benefiting from a change of
venues which has brought
them major success over the
years.
While the WFCU Centre is
home to the Express, on Feb. 3
the Express played host to the
National Basketball League of
Canada’s top team, the
London Lightning at Caesar’s
Windsor’s Colosseum. The
game was a part of an annual
event at the Colosseum which
brought in more than 2,000
fans.
League commissioner David
Magley said the game
becomes more of an event due
to the large number of specta-
tors and the unique venue.
According to Magley it is a
chance for the Express to
showcase their talent and ulti-
mately get more people to
attend their regular season
games at the WFCU Centre.
“It’s a very exciting time,”
said Magley. “Any time you
can play in front of such a
large crowd, it’s electric and
fabulous. This is what
Windsor deserves. They’re a
two time defending champi-
onship team and deserve to
have great crowds like this.”
The Express fed off the
energy of the crowd and
would find their shooting
form to defeat the Lightning
114-93 and improve their
record to 3-0 in games played
at the Colosseum.
Brad Bondy, a season ticket
holder and avid fan of the
Express said the change of
venue was exactly what the
Express needed to get back on
track for the season.
“This venue turned Windsor
around,” said Bondy. “They
want to play for these fans,
they want to impress them and
now they’re playing harder
than they’ve ever played this
year.”
Brandon Robinson led the
Express in scoring with 34
points. He said the team owed
it to the fans to come out and
put on a great performance for
them.
According to Robinson, the
Express built their win around
family, which also derives
from the support they receive
from their fans.
“We say family before every
huddle,” said Robinson.
“Tonight, it really looked like
a family. We didn’t argue with
each other. We just came out
and played Express basket-
ball. When we play like this, I
don’t think anyone in the
league is going to be able to
keep up with us.”
The Express will look to
build off their success despite
another change of scenery as
they head to the GTA to meet
the Orangeville A’s followed
by a tilt against the same
London team on Saturday.
The team returns home on
Feb. 11 when the A’s come to
town for a game played at the
WFCU Centre.
AKO plans on restoring its homeMichael Hugall
Converged Citizen Staff
One of Windsor’s oldest
venues may get a new facelift
thanks to a local organiza-
tion.
The Alpha Kappa Omega
Fraternity is progressively
moving toward renovating
Windsor Stadium, which has
housed the AKO Fratmen
since the 1940s.
Although the stadium is
used mostly to host football
games, it has served as a
multi-purpose facility, hous-
ing concerts, festivals and
other sporting events. The
impact it had on the commu-
nity and the fraternity is what
prompted AKO chairman
Dan Hogan and governor of
the board of directors John
Zucchet to take action.
“The response from the
community has been phe-
nomenal,” said Zucchet.
“We’re looking to sort of re-
align that space to make it
more amenable to some of
the other teams and central-
ize them all to the Jackson
Park area.”
There will be multiple
phases in completing the
entire vision of the restora-
tion project. In the current
stage AKO plans on resurfac-
ing the field to include turf
instead of natural grass, reno-
vating the seating structure to
fit a capacity of 1,200 fans,
providing the stadium with a
new scoreboard and finally
moving the light posts out of
the field of play to ensure
proper player safety.
Further to the initial plans,
the AKO Fraternity is hoping
Windsor Stadium and
Jackson Park can be used to
facilitate a variety of events
including concerts, festivals
and parades in hopes of
bringing back a part of histo-
ry to the city.
According to Joseph Passa
of Passa Architects the esti-
mated cost to complete the
entire project will be around
$15 million.
“We want to bring a lot of
colour and life into the front
entry,” said Passa. “One of
our biggest images we all
think about in Windsor is the
Big House in Ann Arbour…
so if we can grab a hold of
that, it’s the idea.”
Windsor Stadium has been a
place of brotherhood for
many years, a brotherhood
that has stayed with Windsor
native and Dallas Cowboys
defensive end, Tyrone
Crawford for a long time.
“A football team is a foot-
ball team, and the players on
that team make it a brother-
hood,” said Crawford. “It’s
different in the NFL but in
high school you knew that
your teammates were going
to be around for a long time.”
The Windsor restoration
project is attempting to
remodel Jackson Park, but
first the intention is to bring
players back to a field which
shares memories generation
after generation.
As Crawford recalls, it
meant more to him than just a
game of football.
ONVERGED CITIZENsports & fitness FEBRUARY 11, 2016C9
Tecumseh council considering new indoor sports complexDanielle Gagnier
Converged Citizen Staff
Tecumseh town council
members are talking about the
idea of building a new multi-
use SportsPlex in Tecumseh,
but the final decision to pro-
ceed with the project could
take a number of months.
The complex was one of
mayor Gary McNamara’s
platform items when he was
running in the 2014 municipal
election. He has served as
mayor since 2003 and said
one of his main priorities has
always been his “service to
the community.” One of the
issues he sees as important
from the years 2014-18 is to
“support an enhanced indoor
sports facility such as an
indoor soccer complex and
walking track.”
Town council held a feasibil-
ity study analysis on Jan. 27 at
the Tecumseh arena. The
study included a survey for
residents to fill out asking
whether or not they would like
to see a new indoor facility
built in Tecumseh. It would be
built as an add-on to the exist-
ing Tecumseh arena in order
to reduce operating costs.
There is a possibility the new
complex would include
indoor walking tracks and an
indoor turf field, but the pur-
pose of this feasibility study
was to determine what
Tecumseh residents see as a
Photo by Danielle Gagnier
Mayor Gary McNamara at the feasibility study analysis for the new multi-useSportsPlex at the Tecumseh arena Jan. 27. priority.
“I was getting a lot of com-
ments from individuals that
there was not enough facilities
to add to the quality of life for
people of different ages,” said
McNamara. “We’re asking the
general public what you
would consider an important
component in a facility.”
There has also been a lot of
talk about a pool being includ-
ed in this facility. With so
many pools in the immediate
vicinity, council members said
it is unlikely there will be
enough demand for a pool and
it would be underused.
Council members want to
ensure they create a facility
that the town can truly benefit
from.
The public has been reacting
well towards the proposal for
a new indoor facility so far.
Kevin Mulvey, a Tecumseh
soccer coach, said he is excit-
ed by the proposal because
they are currently using
indoor facilities on the west
end of Windsor. While some
residents are concerned about
funding, McNamara said “the
community is in a pretty solid
financial footing” and the
complex will do nothing but
benefit the town.
This complex would not only
create a place for everyone in
the community to go to any
time of the year, but it will also
create more opportunities to
help the town grow and
expand in the future.
McNamara said the facility
and amenities in the commu-
nity would add to a business
case where the council could
bring the idea of possibly
building a hotel for people
coming from out of town for
tournaments.
“We could bring all kinds of
sports tourism here – tourna-
ments, partnerships with
school boards and so forth,”
said McNamara. He said he
believes Tecumseh should no
longer be classified as part of
downtown Windsor and wants
to look at growth areas for the
community to help it thrive.
John Alley, the director of
the development team, said
the earliest possible time the
complex will open is three
years from now. The director
of parks and recreation servic-
es for the Town of Tecumseh,
Paul Anthony, is looking for-
ward for the complex to be
built.
“It’s exciting that we’re
looking at doing something
different than other communi-
ties are doing,” he said.
“We’re looking to offer
amenities that aren’t currently
in a number of other munici-
palities.”
Although there are many
exciting ideas that have been
suggested by not only council
members but the general pub-
lic, the decision will not be
made until later this year
whether or not the complex
will be built.
Harbaugh renews Buckeye-Wolverine rivalry
Is it ethical?
Would you sleep over at a
recruit’s house, climb a tree or
throw some footballs to a cou-
ple of kids in order to get the
top recruit in the entire coun-
try to come play football for
you? How about getting
Kalamazoo native Derek Jeter
and former Michigan
Wolverine Tom Brady to
come out to a private event to
persuade a senior in high
school into choosing your
school instead of another.Say what you want, but the
recruiting efforts of JimHarbaugh are remarkable.
National Signing Day wasFeb. 3. For those who areunaware, it is a big deal forcollege football teams, fans,players and coaches. It’s a daythat brings hope and a senseof bragging rights to fans, nomatter how well their teamperformed in the football sea-son.
While thousands of highschool seniors made a life-changing decision onNational Signing Day, per-haps the most important sign-ing was Rashan Gary, thenation’s top recruit. He decid-ed to go to Michigan.
Most of you might think
I’m crazy for saying this, Imean, I’m a fan of THE OhioState. Buckeye fans are sup-posed to hate that team upnorth’s guts and everythingabout them. Which is exactlywhy the signing of Gary to theWolverines should excite fansof the rivalry.
It is believed by many the
Buckeye-Wolverine rivalry is
the greatest in all of sports. It
is beyond rivalry, it is stupidi-
ty. When these two teams
come to play, no matter the
sport, all hell breaks loose.
Houses divide, friends
become enemies and the pas-
sion for a team takes over.
There are no rules on game
day.It is a rivalry that has last-
ed 119 years. It is not goinganywhere. Unfortunately, thedays of the 10 Year War when
Woody Hayes and BoSchembechler redefined thetrue meaning of rivalry arebehind us. But it’s making acomeback.
The rivalry is great and it isonly going to get better.Millions of passionate fansacross the globe will continueto cheer for their team. Fightswill break out, Heisman poseswill be made and the braggingrights will continue to be a tra-dition that will forever live on.
The problem with this rival-ry, however, has been the pastdecade and the dominance ofOhio State. Or more recently,Urban Meyer.
Since taking over the reinsof the Scarlet and Gray, Meyerhas yet to lose to theWolverines going a perfect 4-0. He understands the impor-tance of the greatest rivalry inthe world and has even said it
does not matter what yourrecord is at the end of the sea-son. What matters is you beatMichigan.
In fact, the Buckeyes have
been victorious in 11 of the
past 12 games between the
two schools.
While the players, fans,
coaches, atmosphere and all
other things football will sure-
ly allow this heated rivalry to
grow, this rivalry would be
intensified if Michigan were
to win more games. No matter
what, both teams are going to
put up a fight and no matter
the score, the winning team
will have year-long bragging
rights. With 119 games in the
books, the memories still live
on. But now it is time to wit-
SEE PAGE 11
Opinion
Christian Bouchard
Sports Columnist
ONVERGED CITIZENsports & fitnessFEBRUARY 11, 2016C10
Three-on-three a change for the fansGarrett Fodor
Converged Citizen Staff
Whether hockey fans are for
or opposed to it, three-on-
three overtime has a statistical
benefit compared to the con-
ventional four on four format
previously used.
Three-on-three overtime was
introduced at the NHL level at
the start of the regular season
in October 2015, after testing
it in the preseason and getting
rave reviews from fans and
general managers. It was also
proposed at the time that the
league would adopt this new
format for the NHL All-Star
game which was held Jan. 31
in Nashville, Tenn. The NHL
originally tested the idea dur-
ing the 2014-2015 season in
the American Hockey League
and received positive results.
The AHL saw a 12 per cent
drop in games that were decid-
ed in a shootout with the intro-
duction of this new format.
If the game is still tied after
regulation the game goes into
go on to win the Memorial
Cup. In the off-season during
the Toronto Maple Leafs orga-
nizational overhaul, it was
announced now-former
Detroit Red Wings head coach
Mike Babcock would join the
team. Joining him in the
organization was Smith as an
assistant coach, who works
with the defence on the team
along with the penalty kill.
Smith said he believes the
changes were done to improve
the fan experience.
“There’s a lot of skill and it’s
exciting for the fans,” said
Smith. “I think it’s good for
skill, the fans and for develop-
ment. These changes in all
these leagues (Junior ‘A’
through to Junior ‘C’) are fair
to everyone. I think when
you’re making a line it
depends on who you’re play-
ing and where they are in the
standings. If you are trying to
match them and just survive
or trying to move up the
standings.”
overtime. The three-on-three
overtime has three skaters on
each side plus the goalie.
Teams will play up to five
minutes of sudden death in
three-on-three. If no one has
scored, the teams will proceed
to a shootout. In previous
years, the league would play
five minutes of sudden death,
four-on-four. If the game is
still tied it would proceed to
the shootout.
It is now just past the mid-
way point in the NHL regular
season schedule. According to
NHL Public Relations, as of
Feb. 3, 110 out of 172 games
that needed extra time were
decided by the three-on-three
overtime period. Compared to
the same point last season, 84
out of 186 games that required
extra time were decided by
the four on four overtime
used.
During the 2014-2015 sea-
son Windsor native DJ Smith
was the head coach of the
Oshawa Generals, who would
Superbowl betting still prohibited in WindsorChristian Bouchard
Converged Citizen Staff
Windsorites are among
many Canadian citizens to
lose out on millions of dollars
during Super Bowl 50 due to
the Senate stalling Bill C-290.
The bill, which would allow
gamblers across Ontario to bet
on single-game sporting
events was introduced into the
House of Commons on Sept.
28, 2011 by Joe Comartin,
retired NDP M.P. for Windsor-
Tecumseh.
“We would get a ton of busi-
ness from Michigan, Ohio,
and Illinois and not to mention
our local action,” said Joe
Carnevale, an employee at
Caesars Windsor and advocate
for single game sports betting.
“We need it in our community.
Not just to create jobs but to
shore up the jobs we have
now.”
As it stands, gamblers must
wager a minimum of two
games and correctly predict
the outcome of each in order
to win. This is known as a par-
lay bet and is more difficult to
win as the odds of winning
decrease with the increase of
games that are bet on.Bill C-290 was reintroduced
by local M.P. Brian Masse
after being held up at theSenate after it ended up onestage short of Royal Assent byJune 2013. The bill came withslight changes which wouldeliminate the Criminal Codesection that prohibits bettingon a single race, fight, sport-ing event or athletic contest.
“There would be an elimina-tion of some of the black mar-ket gaming that’s taking placeright now,” said Masse. “Anywagering would be done in apublic accountable way andthen if the wager were lost,the money would go to theprovince for education, healthcare, gaming addiction and allthose different streams ofpublic infrastructure that arenecessary.”
The Canadian GamingAssociation estimates $150million was wagered illegallyin Canada during last year’sSuper Bowl. This is comparedto the $3 million through legalsports lotteries such asPro.Line.
Carnevale, who runs hisown Facebook page promot-ing the legalization of single-game sports betting, believesCaesars Windsor would beable to eliminate a vast major-ity of illegal wagers with BillC-290 passing through the
Senate.“You can’t even monitor the
age of a person online,” saidCarnevale. “A kid could gograb his father’s credit cardand go online. But when youwalk into the casino, theycheck your ID, you have to be19 and you get flagged withany suspicious behavior.There’s no place more securethan a casino to gamble.”
According to a report by theCanadian GamingAssociation, Caesars Windsorwould also benefit as an esti-mated 100 full-time jobswould be implemented if thebill were passed.
Masse agrees and said thelegalization of single eventsports betting will benefitWindsor because it will attractmany Americans.
“We often have calls fromChicago to Ohio aboutwhether or not the bill haspassed,” said Masse. “Peoplewant to come down and visitWindsor.”
Carnevale said Windsor andthe casino are losing out onmore than just the SuperBowl. The CGA estimated$26 million in single-eventsports betting has beenwagered illegally while theSenate has been debating the
Bill Bellaire a member of
the Quebec Remparts, of the
Quebec Major Junior Hockey
League has been scouting free
agents for the last five years
who have fallen through the
cracks. Bellaire said he
believes three-on-three does
not change the approach
scouts have.
“Three-on-three is much
better than the shootout. When
you see a kid three-on-three, it
does not matter to me as I pre-
fer to see them five on five. It
is a different game then,” said
Bellaire. The fans are the win-
ners in the three-on-three.
Further, my thoughts for kids
that want to play major junior.
it is not the end of the world
because that is why I am here
and also trust me a lot of the Q
scouts are watching. A player
never knows who is in the
stands watching.”
With the NHL adapting to
the three-on-three format so
have the junior leagues across
Canada. With the NHL having
success with it’s all-star for-
mat, drawing an estimate of
over one million viewers in
the U.S., according to the
National Broadcasting
Company Sports Network,
fans can expect to see more
three-on-three in the future.
Photo by Christian BouchardDrake Baird celebrates during Super Bowl 50 with hisProps ticket. bill. Carnevale said actionshould be taken soon to legal-ize the bill in order to capital-ize on the $10 billion a yearindustry.
“It’s not just the SuperBowl,” said Carnevale. “It’sthe NCAA March Madness,it’s all the college footballgames and more. Peoplewould stay for days on end atour casino. If they came fromout of town, they would staylong enough to collect theirwinnings at least. Our down-town restaurants and hotelswould benefit tremendously as
well.”
According to the State of
Nevada Gaming Control
Board $132 million was
wagered on this year’s Super
Bowl, a slight rise from the
previous record-breaking
$119.4 million.
“I think one of the biggest
reasons for the stall in the bill
is the reputation that the gov-
ernment says more people
will become addicted,” said
Carnevale. “People who want
to gamble will gamble. They
always find ways.”
A former Spitfires captain
who won back-to-back
Memorial Cups in 2009 and
2010 with Windsor during his
junior career has had his num-
ber six retired to the rafters.
The Canadian Hockey
League’s all-time defensive
scoring leader Ryan Ellis
returned to his old stomping
grounds at the W.F.C.U.
Centre Saturday night for a
ceremony in his honour.
“I’m very excited to be here.
Windsor is a second home for
me,” said Ellis. “I have some
connections here and family.
It’s nice to see all the coaches
and trainers. Obviously the
players have changed but the
room is the same. It’s nice to
be home.”
The Nashville Predators’
defenceman who was drafted
eleventh overall in the first
round of the 2009 NHL draft,
scored 73 goals and 241
assists for 314 total points
during his four seasons with
the Spitfires. The most recent
defenceman to win the
Canadian Hockey League’s
most valuable player award,
Ellis said he takes great pride
in his junior career.
“Everything I did in junior,
team achievements and player
achievements, was all just a
whirlwind really,” said Ellis.
“It was so much fun for me to
be a part of the teams we had
and there are a lot of great
players who have come
through here. For me to be
back is fun and I’m excited.
Tonight has been a great time
so far.”
Ellis, who recently signed
a five-year deal worth $12.5
million with the Predators, has
fond memories of his days in
Windsor.
“Honestly, I miss it
(Windsor). It’s a great city. It’s
a great hockey city,” said
Ellis. “It’s great to come back
and see some old faces.
Tonight the barn will be
rockin’.”
Ellis said playing for the
Spitfires was key in preparing
him to play in the NHL.
“It was huge. To have some
ex-players who played in the
league, they truly ran it like an
NHL organization. Winning
was the ultimate goal but they
developed some great family
relationships,” said Ellis.
“You’d come in and they’d
begin as your coaches and
your teammates but as the
years went on it was more
father figures and the players
like brothers. It really became
a whole family atmosphere.”
Windsor Spitfires president
Bob Boughner, who coached
Ellis during his tenure in
Windsor, returned home from
his assistant coaching position
with the San Jose Sharks to
attend the banner raising.
“Ryan Ellis was and always
will be a great Windsor
Spitfire,” said Boughner. “The
Spitfires are proud and grate-
ful to have him as a part of our
family and community.”
Ellis, who surpassed Chicago
Blackhawks’ head coach Joel
Quenneville as the Spitfires’
all-time leading scorer among
defencemen after scoring 230
points, was welcomed by an
electric sellout crowd at the
WFCU Centre.
“There are some greats up
there. (Joel) Quennville,
(Adam) Henrique and (Steve)
Ott,” said Ellis. “There are a
lot of big names and players
who have done a lot of good
things. I’m sure (Taylor) Hall
will be up there soon. Great
names. Great players. To be a
part of that group is really spe-
cial.”
FROM PAGE 1
ONVERGED CITIZENsports & fitness FEBRUARY 11, 2016C11
A hundred years of the Maple Leafs logo
In preparation for their 100thseason the Toronto MapleLeafs have unveiled a newlogo.
Maple Leafs fans are used tochange. The team is constant-ly fluctuating with playerscoming in and out of theorganization but the one thingwhich has remained the samefor the better part of 50 yearsis about to change.
To many, the current sacredblue and white crest is areminder of a great historicalteam. It’s the logo I’ve wornon my jersey my entire life,but nothing really special orhistoric about it. The Leafshave never won a Stanley Cupwith this current logo or madea serious run with it – besidethe Matts Sundin and DougGilmour era of course.
The more time goes on with
this logo, the more it starts toremind me of disappointmentand the organization is tryingto leave all the negativitybehind with this currentrebuild.
So I say bring on the newlogo. Change is a good thing.
The end of what was debat-ably the worst season for theLeafs last year came with abitter sweet overhaul of uppermanagement. We saw formerDetroit Red Wings winger
Brendan Shanahan, promisefans the beginning of some-thing great after his hiring. Hebacked his promise up withthe signing of now-formerDetroit Red Wings head coachMike Babcock to an eight-year $50 million contract.Shanahan then hired formerNew Jersey Devil LouLamoriello, to manage theteam.The new regime of the Maple
Leafs promised to overhaul
the team after taking controlin the off-season, but nobodyexpected the transformationof the team logo.
The new logo is the begin-
ning of a new-era, the Mike
Babcock-era. The Leafs are
being rebranded by this new
regime and a new look to the
team is just one step towards
what is supposed to be a five-
year multi-step process.The Maple Leafs logo has
always been one of the mostsimplistic in the league butnot in a good way. The startof the 2016-17 season willchange that. The logo has aretro look to it, a look whichreminds me of a team thatwas once great, a team withplayers like Dave Keon, TimHorton and Johnny Bower.
The logo has meaning now,it’s not just a simple logo withthe team name inside of it.The 31 points on the crestrepresents 1931- when MapleLeafs Gardens was opened,the 13 veins on the top of thelogo is symbolic for the num-ber of Stanley Cups the teamhas won and the 17 veinsthroughout the logo mark theinaugural season of the fran-chise in 1917.
The next step in the newlook process is a whole newre-design of the blue andwhite jersey, which isrumored to be unveiled dur-ing the 2016 NHL Entry Draftin Buffalo, hopefully with thename Auston Matthews onthe back.
The logo is a reminder of
what can be and what once
was. The only thing fans want
is the Toronto Maple Leafs to
win and this new logo is a start.
Designed by Jordan Caschera
The new Toronto Maple Leafs logo for the 2016-17 centennial season.
ness the greatest years of the
rivalry.
When it comes to winning
and losing, fans hate losing
more than they enjoy win-
ning. That is the case every
time my Buckeyes play the
Wolverines.
Since Meyer stepped onto
campus, he has captured the
trust and faith of the entire
state of Ohio. Now it’s time
for this rivalry to take a step
up.
Jim Harbaugh is no joke.
He wants to win and he’s not
willing to wait.
We’ve seen him go to some
extreme lengths to get recruits
and will continue to see him
go to extreme lengths to win
football games.
I have had heartbreaks, even
cried in the shower for an
hour following a crushing
loss. I’m not afraid to admit
that, and not afraid to admit
come autumn when football
fans get a look at how talented
the University of Michigan’s
football team is, Buckeye fans
will be a tad bit scared in the
days leading up to the last
Saturday in November.
But in those days leading
up to Nov. 26, Buckeye fans
will be cheering for the
Wolverines. More than any-
thing in this world, I love
the rivalry. Scratch that.
More than anything, I love
the feeling I am left with
every time the Buckeyes
beat the Wolverines.
This time around, on Nov.
26, it will be different. The
Buckeyes and Wolverines
will meet at Ohio Stadium
on Senior Day ranked in the
Top 10. More than 110,000
fans will flood the horse-
shoe for a chance to witness
one of the greatest rivalries
in the world in person. This
time around, the energy will
be more electric and it will
be an instant classic.
In such a short period of
time, Jim Harbaugh has
managed to instill fear into
my poor little heart.
The rivalry is back.
Urban Meyer versus Jim
Harbaugh.
Get used to it, folks. We
are in for the best 10 year
war of our lifetime.
FROM PAGE 9
Opinion
Jordan Cashera
Sports Columnist
ONVERGED CITIZENsports & fitness FEBRUARY 11, 2016C12
St.Clair College Polar Plunge
Photo 1: A St. Clair College Pre-ServiceFirefighter Education and Training studentyells while staring into at his GoPro afterbeing thrown into a pool during the 2016Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontarioat the college Feb. 4.
Photo 2: Sgt. Matthew D’Asti (left) andConst. Andrew Drouillard of the WindsorPolice Service dive into a pool during the2016 Polar Plunge for Special OlympicsOntario at St. Clair College Feb. 4.
Photo 3: A pair of St. Clair College studentsperform a dance prior to diving into thewater for the second annual Polar Plungefor Special Olympics Ontario at the collegeFeb. 4. The two students recreated a scenefrom the 1997 film Titanic for about 90 sec-onds before jumping into the water.
Photo 4: Two St. Clair College students per-form a dance prior to diving into the waterduring the second-annual Polar Plunge forSpecial Olympics Ontario at the collegeFeb. 4.
Photo 5: A pair of St. Clair College studentsjump into a pool during the 2016 PolarPlunge for Special Olympics Ontario at thecollege Feb. 4.
Photo 6: Two St. Clair College students askfor a valentine while jumping into a poolduring the second annual Polar Plunge forSpecial Olympics Ontario at the college’smain campus Feb. 4.
Photos by Justin Prince.