Local Content Locally Owned Locally Produced

November 2012 Free BrantAdvocate.com

Local Content Locally Owned Locally Produced

November 2012 Free BrantAdvocate.com

Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Moyer. Poem by Belinda Joseph.

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November 2012

Volunteering is supposed to be Fun

Volunteering: Its an unselfish act that most of us do to show support for something we care about. We make time in our already busy schedules to freely provide our work, time, and expertise in order to help. And, in doing so, we have fun. We enjoy the help we provide. That is what volunteering is supposed to be about. Regardless of the organization, regardless of the cause, regardless of the workload, volunteering is supposed to be fun. But, for so many people I know, its not. They dont enjoy the volunteer commitments they make, or at least, they have enough negative to discuss to make them feel the enjoyment has been sucked out of the experience. Sure, many of them have multiple volunteer efforts they enjoy as well, but the one causing them grief is always at the forefront of the conversation. mattered what role I was playing, in an executive capacity or as a general helper, something always went wrong. So what turns people off volunteering? Or for that matter, what is it about some organizations that makes people want to never stop helping and provide more and more of their time to assist? It begins with leadership. In this community, real leadership carries a lot of weight. There are a ton of great people in the community who have provided the leadership that is necessary to successfully run an organization. But in many cases, leadership is also where it ends. All too often people get stuck in leadership positions, on boards and committees, because no one else is willing to step up. In other cases, some in leadership positions dont step down when its time to give that spot up to someone else trying to rise through the ranks. But the great leaders, are the ones who rise to the occasion when asked, and work hard to ensure a succession plan is in place so they are not stuck at the top. They are open to new ideas and new philosophies because they understand that it isnt about them, its about helping the cause. They welcome people from every sector, every belief, every age, every gender, and every skill set. Because people want to help, not be discriminated against. A good leader finds you a role, and works with you to enjoy that role. After leadership comes politics or, more importantly, the lack of politics. Every organization that I have been a part of had politics. Dont get me wrong, Im guilty of providing a chunk of that in each one of my previous volunteer commitments; Im not proud of it, and I never will be. But if people are going to enjoy volunteering, and volunteer leaders are going to enjoy leading, then the politics must be removed. Sure, some organizations are prone to the development of political agendas just because of their nature, but an

by Andrew Macklin Twitter: @AMacklin

effective volunteer leader takes action to eliminate those political actions in order to help ensure the future prosperity of the organization. Politics, in a volunteer setting, are divisive. Varying opinions are always welcome, as they should be, but politics and political agendas have no place.

thing they have to say and you may have other ideas, but the more you listen to what they have to say, the more likely it is they will also listen to you in kind. Its sad to think that people have negative volunteer experiences because, in the end, we are all just trying to help. The most important thing about volunteering to remember is that it is just that, a volunteer commitment. If the role doesnt suit, the leadership style doesnt work, your ideas arent getting heard, or you just dont like whats happening, then WALK AWAY. No one can force you to stay, and you should never feel guilty about leaving. Dont use your precious spare time to do something you dont enjoy. There is always another opportunity waiting for you.

"If people are going to enjoy volunteering, and volunteer leaders are going to enjoy leading, then the politics must be removed."
I can certainly relate. Most, if not all, of the volunteering commitments I have ever taken on have eventually left a bitter taste in my mouth. Sure, I did have a ton of fun at every single one of them, but in the end, the frustration ultimately soured the experience so much that I left unhappy; swallowing that bitter pill, giving up and walking away. And it never

Which brings me to my next point: LISTEN. No matter what position you find yourself in while you are volunteering, you must listen. Leaders, you have to listen to the ideas around the table, no matter how ludicrous you may believe it to be. You dont know everything, you cant know everything, and youre not good at everything. Fresh ideas breathe new air into any organization. Listen to what is said, have a discussion and figure out how viable the idea is. Perhaps that new approach is just what your organization desperately needs to move forward. If youre a member at large, or a volunteer there to provide help and support, you need to listen to your leaders. Chances are theyve seen your role done before, and can provide insight into what you should and shouldnt do. You wont necessarily like every-

"Dont use your precious spare time to do something you dont enjoy. There is always another opportunity waiting for you."
Lastly, I want to end this editorial with an apology. Writing this has made me realize just how crappy I have been to some of the people that Ive volunteered with, or for, in the past. Many of you were there for the right reasons, and didnt deserve to be wronged by someone who was supposed to have your best intentions at heart. It bothers me to no end to know that there are people I have driven away because I failed to be an effective leader or an effective volunteer. To those of you out there you know who you are - I am truly sorry. Hopefully people can learn from my mistakes.

Katimivik: Why it matters to us

Katimavik, a program that's touched millions, enlisted thousands, and changed for the better hundreds of communities across Canada, is officially no more. Its cancellation, and other strong austerity measures like it, reflects a creeping Federal belief that community service, in the grand scheme of things, isn't all that important. Its a bold but unavoidable stance that Brant is already feeling. In this particular case, after 35 years of benefiting from the program, the abrupt cut off has sent shockwaves through the city. The organizations that once utilized the diverse, nationally sponsored Canadian volunteers, ones that the system aggregates to small communities all over Canada for varying lengths of time (six months,or three months), are now feeling the pinch. representatives, and the simple acknowledgement that this year's recruits did a lot of tangible work: placements in retirement homes, fundraisers for local events, and, all in all, the type of grassroots dedication on which this city runs. The magnitude of what we've lost was only further underscored by community organizers themselves, as they recalled what

by Leisha Senko Twitter: @leishasenko

health, ecological protection, language building, and, most importantly, service. Teens and young adults, from all over Canada both learned and demonstrated the importance of community involvement. In the end, we cannot soley look at this cutback as a budgetary concern. Certainly fiscal responsibility is important, but the old adage that a dollar is a dollar simply isn't true. What's the cost of losing Katimavik? I would argue, in a social sense, that it's a very high cost indeed. In a country where every penny supposedly counts, and 15 million sounds like a whole lot to most of us, we've also, as a nation, been lowering corporate income tax rates by approximately .5 per cent each year, dropping from 28 per cent in 1995 to 15 per cent in 2012, losing us 12 billion annually from our 200 biggest corporations. Clearly, there are a lot of very needy social services that could use that money--not just Katimavik, but the point to be made is that if we continue to value commerce over social structure, we're going to lose sight of what's really important. Service and community aren't just buzzwords; they're what make life for citizens like you and me worth living.

The Federal government, by saying Katimavik and the many other social services representing these pillars, don't have value, are really saying that we, the ordinary citizens, the small communities, don't matter. Of course, it is up to us to tell them they're wrong. Through protests, signing petitions, and lobbying our local representatives, it is possible to send the message that community is not only important, but it's powerful, too.

"The Federal government, by saying Katimavik and the many other social services representing these pillars, don't have value, are really saying that we, the ordinary citizens, the small communities, don't matter."
"What's the real cost?" repeats Brant MPP Dave Levac during a humbly sized, but still deeply impassioned march this summer in Brantford's Core. Thousands took part in similar satellite protests across Canada. It's a question that echoed throughout that same afternoon, with letters read from former participants, personal anecdotes told by council

Katimavik meant to them. One described a time when this year's team had their van break down, and having no other means of transportation, left their home two hours early, so they could make it on foot to a scheduled event. However, these personal accounts, some say, aren't enough to justify the approximate 15 million dollar annual budget the program needs. But is this a straw man argument? With the former promise of funding until 2013 being axed, years of downsizing, and program shifts already taking their toll, the proposed approach of restructuring and renegotiating parts of Katimavik is seemingly off the table. The youth oriented government program, thought to be of such importance by Pierre Trudeau that it began on a national platform, aimed to further the cause of

"This year's recruits did a lot of tangible work: placements in retirement homes, fundraisers for local events, and, all in all, the type of grassroots dedication on which this city runs."

Charity Bingo for the Brantford Seniors Resource Centre

$2,000 in cash prizes November 9th, 2012 First Game 7:00 pm Brantford Civic Centre Game Card set: $30:00 Plus two 50/50 games All proceeds support programs of the Brantford Seniors Resource Centre

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Get off your duff and on a board

by Marc Laferriere Twitter: @marclaferriere

In my last column I explored the need for all people, but especially 20 and 30 somethings, to connect with boards, committees, and service clubs. I understand many people have never been on a board of any kind, have never joined a service club or a committee, and I received some wonderful e-mail and Facebook messages from younger members of our community looking to begin that service journey. Some have already called organizations to volunteer. That sort of response is exciting, and part of the entire reason we created this publication. We hope if you were inspired to serve because of something you read in this publication, you consider writing about it. Get more people involved in the community, and aware of the opportunities that exist. For those who have yet to serve or are on the brink of making that sort of commitment, I've compiled some helpful hints from my own board/committee/service club experience to keep in mind, so that you can get the most of your participation. Keep reading, and if you have some ideas to add to the list, send them to us at contact@brantadvocate.com

People will be happy you are there. Most boards don't have an extensive orientation and there will be things to catch up on. Remember, you will have to vote on issues before the board, so make sure you ask questions about anything you don't feel comfortable voting on. Most boards hold a measure of liability, so make informed choices and ask those who have experience to share it with you.

process people but needs more of those folks with hands-on experience? Or, maybe you have lots of project minded people but no one who digs process. Head hunt and find what you are looking for. What is the worst case scenario? Someone says no but are honoured you thought of them. 8. Bring up your concerns and your ideas. As a board member you have a responsibility to do this. Bring up ideas, shake things up, and don't be afraid of conversation either. Just remember, a board is a group who must come to decisions as a group. Don't be so attached to YOUR idea that you aren't flexible enough to accept that even your idea can be improved. Likewise, if someone has a great and well-meaning idea, but you have concerns with it, bring them up! Do it in a respectful way, but do it. No point in biting your lip and letting things boil over later. Get out in front of it. Fight about it if you are passionate, but remember to fight fair.

Most boards hold a measure of liability, so make informed choices and ask those who have experience to share it with you.
4. Avoid making alphabet soup. Warning, a board or committee meeting can sometimes be filled with sentences like this: "We talked with the GBHB and the CCQN about the 147 that we had in 2010 and it is looking like to secure funding we'll have to fill out two separate CQR forms and touch base with the people at NHQ to get approval ahead of LICO season." If you had as much trouble following that as I did, then you are not alone. Sometimes long standing boards can begin to sound like a verbalized alphabet soup when they get on a role. It may feel like you are being annoying asking those who speak this way to explain what the acronyms mean, but it is important. Further, when you know what the acronyms stand for, remember not to use them when newer people than you join up. 5. Get a stopwatch.

one job when we are a teenager that we stay at until retirement? Sometimes it just isn't the right fit and most likely that is no ones fault. The dynamics just sometimes don't work out, the schedule doesn't fit, because of changes in your work or family routine, or maybe the mission of the organization wasn't what you thought it would be. No matter. Keep trying. If you are committed to your community, you'll eventually find something that is the right fit. There are lots of opportunities out there - don't quit when you might just need to try something else. 12. Do a few things well, not many things poorly. I've had to learn this the hard way. Like many, I have a hard time saying no. There was a time when I was on a dozen boards, committees and/or service clubs nationally and locally at once. This, in addition to full time work, teaching opportunities, starting a business, and personal commitments. It was too much and instead of bringing some skills, expertise, and a unique point of view to an organization, I was struggling to keep up, stressing out, and was not able to fulfill my commitments to my own desired standard. It also had an unwanted effect on my personal life - I wasn't seeing my loved ones, wasn't sleeping very much, and gaining weight at an unhealthy rate. My doctor rightly mentioned to me that I needed to get a handle on this and make some adjustments for my health. I kept getting requests to join boards and it killed me to say no, but my partner Rebekah and I talked about the issue. I'll always want to serve and I love doing it - as I suspect you will too if you start - but I've decided that two simultaneous board memberships at any given time is the right balance, so I feel like I'm giving back, but not over committing. I made sure to fulfill the terms of my

9. Be creative. Seek out creative solutions to complex problems. Perhaps insist that your new group shake things up with a warm up activity once in a while. Know a guest speaker you might want to have liven things up? Invite them for a brief chat at the beginning of a meeting (with board approval of course). Don't be afraid to be aspirational - by that I mean have semiregular brainstorming sessions or visioning sessions. Update your mission, vision, values, and look when needed. Why stagnate? 10. Grab a beverage after. Remember that part earlier about side-conversations? Save them for the cafe, the bar, or your favourite Hortons, after the meeting. This is where you make friends, learn more about the people youre volunteering with, have some of your most creative ideas, and unwind. You may not always be able to do something social after, but make an attempt when you can. I've met many folks on boards and service clubs that have become valued personal friends because we spent an hour together shooting the breeze after meetings. When youre not feeling motivated, these opportunities keep you going and participating. If you do this, invariably you will be glad you did. 11. If it isn't the right fit, keep trying. You've put some time in and it just isn't working out. That's ok! It happens. How many of us meet a life partner on our first date ever? How many of us find appointments, close out any projects that I needed to, tried to find replacements, gave proper notice, and waited until an annual general meetings occurred before stepping down, to help with continuity. While I still sit on many committees for work related purposes during work hours, I am currently only volunteering on two boards. Those are the Brantford Arts Block and Rosewood House. It's been great, and I feel like I am able to give a great deal of time, expertise, and experience to these organizations but still balance my other commitments. When my terms are up and I need to move on, I will. Life is long, and there will be many opportunities to try new things. I'm grateful for all the other board and service club experiences I've had though. I've met amazing and interesting people, caring people, and smart people, and learned a great deal along the way. This is all to say, simply, that I hope you try, and I hope your own experience is as enjoyable, educational, and affirming as mine has been.

1. Don't be intimidated. Boards can be intimidating - especially if you are young and new to this kind of volunteering. There will be things you don't understand at first. There will be people who have been there for years. There will be people from all walks of life; some experts in their field, some with many letters behind their names, and a lot of accomplishments behind them. You have something to contribute. You have a point of view and a perspective that perhaps hasn't been heard on the board you have decided to join. You also have a fresh perspective exactly because you are new. Don't underestimate this. Fresh eyes are needed everywhere. 2. Jump in with both feet. This is really the best way to start your commitment. You will learn as you go, and it will help your selfesteem. Take on a project, or offer to do something that has been needed to be done for a while, but has yet to be finished. You are new. Expectations won't be so high yet, and chances are you will motivate other longer serving members to rededicate themselves. Jumping in is contagious and it will help you feel productive early. 3. You might get confused so ask questions, lots of them.

Respect the time of those who are volunteering. If you find that meetings drag on with side conversations, ask or volunteer to be a time keeper. I've done this myself several times on some of the boards I have volunteered on and while it may be an adjustment at first for everyone involved, people do appreciate it. By the third meeting it becomes second nature and by the eighth meeting, it tends to get ignored a bit but stick with it. There is something wonderful about a meeting that ends on time...or even the wonderful and rare Narnia that is Ahead-of-Time-ville. 6. Bring a friend. Bring a friend with similar interests. Just like working out, you are more likely to do this if you commit to doing it with a friend. As a bonus, you'll find that you'll get to spend more time together. I've been really lucky to have had many opportunities in my adult life to have great friends from as far back as high school decide to join boards I've been on. It's a great way to double up community service and quality time with old friends when you have limited time, plus it feels good to volunteer. 7. Seek out others. You've joined the board but you find its missing something or someone. Seek out people in the community that might have the right skill set to fill the hole you see. Maybe your board is filled with

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November 2012

How were not Educating our Children

The education system has failed our young people. Old ways, old curriculums, have never been changed. After all, it worked for most students, right? Did you know that as much as 35 per cent of kids who graduate from grade eight, and pass on to high school are functionally illiterate? This is true. As an educator whos worked with children with labels such as ADD, ADHD, and Dyslexia, Ive found that the grade eights and nines whove been brought to me, couldnt even read Dick and Jane. You remember them right? See Jane jump. Jump Jane Jump The teachers push students through who should be held back, so that theyre with their peer group, but this isnt doing them any good. By grade nine its obvious that they cant read or write. In the first grades they are told, dont worry about how to spell it, just sound it out. Then, in grade four, they are expected to get it right. Here comes grade nine. Teachers ask for written projects and see that the students dont hand them in, or if they do, they are so full of spelling and grammatical errors that the teacher has to try to figure it out, as if it were a new language. And guess what? They each have their own language. A spell checker only works if the word is spelled wrong, but think about it. Many English words are spelled differently and have a different meaning such as there, their, and theyre. How about one and won? These were some of the challenges my students had. The English language is one of the hardest to learn. It requires a great deal of memorizing for context sake. My husband and I created a program that, we believe, works if the student was willing to learn. The students would progress by two or more grade levels in the 24 hours spent with me. We guaranteed money back if the student didnt improve, and each and every one did. We taught adults, who had fallen through the cracks as kids, and they progressed. We tried to introduce it to the school system and got stone walled. Some of the teachers listened, in fact, I had a few in a night class I was teaching about the program. The teachers care, the parents care, they just need to meet on even ground and work together. Did you know that 80 per cent of the prison population is functionally illiterate? Did you know that as much as 40 per cent drop out of school before grade twelve? Did you know that a large percentage of those who do graduate grade twelve still cant read well enough to get a drivers license? I know because I taught them. The answer is simple. Most of these students are smart, smarter than their peers, because they have learned to cope in a world that doesnt work for them. Some dont though. These are the ones that become behavioral, get into trouble, try drugs and alcohol and worse. They could have been helped at ten or twelve but then they get to the point where they believe that they cant learn, or are stupid) or are lazy, or not paying attention. (after all this is often what they are told by adults). This is in no way the teachers fault. They have classes which are way too large. They are not trained to handle the special kids. They have to follow the same curriculum whether they want to or not, because it is mandated by the board. Also, they are not allowed to teach in a different way or add to the already heavy load which is dumped on the students each day. Often these men and women are burned out in a few years, trying their best to help those that they can reach. If I were to drop you into a country where everyone else spoke a different language, what would you do? Adapt if possible, but what if you cant because no one has reached out and offered to help? You would learn the languages fundamentals, learn coping skills to get by or leave. Students cant leave or are not supposed to until age 16. Being suspended or out and out expelled is their way out. Bad behavior gets attention quickly, but often the student doesnt realize that negative attention isnt the way to go until its too late. The parents are frustrated, which can cause conflict and bad feelings all the way around. Because ADD, ADHD, and Dyslexia are hereditary, the parent may have had the same problems in school, are not able to help with homework, or do not understand what the problem is. After all, the reason they send their children to school is to learn. This is up to the teachers, so why are they not doing the job? That isnt the problem. That isnt the answer. For one thing, they schools dont do the testing until the later grades and only a few get tested. The rest just go on and on angry, frustrated, develop low self-esteem, and low confidence. In my capacity as a learning and reading facilitator, with a program created as a result of much research, which allowed myself and my husband to put together the best of all the best, making a process that works. I am not selling anything here. I am saying there is a way to help more kids get through, have a better life, learn and fit in better. One thing all my students said to me collectively was they wanted to be like everyone else, they wanted to have friends, fit in, and not be different anymore. Knowing how they felt, being able to empathize, made me a better instructor, I am sure.

by Belinda Joseph

Those who are having trouble, are for the most part, three dimensional thinkers. This means that they see pictures in their head when they hear a story, listen to a speech, or are given simple instructions. Put this on paper and they are lost. This is because the words dont work. For every word that has a picture attached such as train or track they have a mental picture of these objects. What do you see when you here the; Nothing right? But for those who are linear thinkers, the word works. For the picture thinkers its like a block stopping the train of thought, blocking the pictures. Leonardo Di Vinci, Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Andrew Jackson, Cher, Robin Williams, Jim Carey, the list goes on, all of these people were or are three dimensional thinkers. They see the picture in their minds and go from there. My husband and I are now writing our fourth book Every Kid Can Read! It is our hope that we may be able to get this into the schools and into teachers and parents hands, so that they can help their child or children learn in a way that will allow everyone to have the same start, to be on the same page, to have better self-esteem, better self-worth, and better confidence. Lets help our children, lets give them the lives they deserve. Help them to be everything they are meant to be. Anyone who wishes to get more information about how to help their loved one is welcome to contact me through the Advocate. By the way, I have two college diplomas and am proud to say that I am a three dimensional thinker also known as Dyslexic!

Off Campus: My Degree in Participation

How did I get here? I ask that question as my clothes get drenched in smoke from my third barbeque of the week; watching local politicians converse in front of Market Square, as I serve them burgers. I ask that question as I take pictures of tournament participants while riding around in a golf cart, hanging out with exstreet youth, super rich people, and middle class folks. I ask that question as I stand waving my arms, decked out in white linen and tassels, my face plastered with dark bronzer, as I stand on a scissor lift in the snow, dancing to Bony Ms Marys Boy Child while pretending to be an angel. I ask that question as I sit, wedged between my translator friend and a man trying to sell his chicken in the back of a matatu bus in rural Kenya. I ask that question as I join George Stromboulopolouss studio audience, meet the Mayor, cry over a mentees suicide, interview campus deans, go bowling with homeless men, learn the basics of teen drug culture, attend meetings as the youngest participant by twenty years, lead canoe trips through Algonquin Park, write about my hearts concerns, and become immersed in aspects of the community I never knew existed. University was an incredible time of my life, full of delightfully random adventures and experiences. The five years I spent as a Laurier-Nipissing Brantford student are absolutely precious to me. Opportunities related to my education in Brantford led me to act in Christmas plays, to get involved behind the scenes in dozens of community events and fundraisers, and even to volunteer and do research on the far side of Africa. The anecdotes of my university life are the sources of laugh lines that have appeared prematurely on my face. My stories arent really about classes, or friends, or residence, or sports teams, or the students union, even though all of those things play a role in my university journey. My stories are about how opening myself up to greater understanding and opportunity changed my life and enriched me in powerful ways. There is no way to sufficiently emphasize how getting outside of the classroom and even off campus will broaden your understanding of life and participation as a whole. Even years into university, I struggled when I saw things that werent good enough. Peoples needs werent being met; issues werent being addressed. Sometimes, there was simply nobody stepping up to fix the countless problems evident everywhere I looked. It took immersion in community culture to realize that perhaps I could be someone who stepped up and did something about the problems. The completely overused, completely clich Ghandi quote, Be the change you wish to see in the world, is completely right. Smart guy. It was halfway through my second year that my vision widened and I saw people whose eyes were open to needs. Motivated individuals abandoned indifference and complacency to embrace the somewhat lonely road of doing, knowing they most likely would not be paid, recognized, or appreciated as much as they would be elsewhere. They are

by Becca Vandekemp Facebook: Becca Vandekemp

utterly inspiring. Were all wired differently. Sometimes Im surprised and confused at the kinds of things I am passionate about, compared to the things that dont spark my interest. I could talk about community development all day, but dont even try to ask me about my favourite band because pop culture has never even slightly amused me. In this community, there are people who are passionate about the arts, homelessness, politics, animals, classrooms, architecture, journalism, sports, religion, international aid, marketing and more. I could never do everything, and Im not built to try either, but when it comes to the things I am passionate about, I have learned to DO. University for me was a platform for the expansion of everything that I am. Not only did I learn how to see, understand, and participate, I learned how to do by taking hold of the opportunities around me. How did I get into all of those situations? By saying yes, by choosing to do. In these five years, I may have earned a Bachelors degree, but I will further my education in doing for the rest of my life.

A voice for the stories of Brant; that has always been what the Advocate has striven to find within our community. All cultures, all ages, all walk of life, we have worked to open a discussion about those viewpoints rarely presented as part of our community dialogue. It is that constant effort to find new stories that has led us to an exciting new partnership with The Sputnik, the Wilfrid Laurier University student publication at Laurier Brantford. In each edition of the Advocate, we will feature a page of articles from The Sputniks team. The articles will discuss the issues that are top of mind at Laurier. Those stories will present reflections of life at Laurier Brantford, but also provide a glimpse into how students and professors at the university see the greater community around them.

A Voice for the Students of Laurier Brantford

On behalf of everyone at the Advocate, I want to welcome the team from The Sputnik to our publication. We look forward to learning more about this important part of our community through a new voice; the student voice. ~ Andrew Macklin, Editor in Chief

Adventures in Waterloo as a Laurier Brantford Student

Its different here. The walls are vibrant, filled with Roommate Wanted signs, advertisements for various events, as well as local ads. It feels like a maze with all these staircases, hallways, and doors, ones that could lead anywhere. Its probably best to find a route around here first so I wont get lost, because after all, this is a weird place that I dont know. It seems like Im so far away from home, but I'm not; this is my home. This is my university. This is the difficulty of being a Laurier Brantford student. The minute I step onto the university grounds in Waterloo, usually for a fleeting event, it feels like Ive been transported to a different planet. Its not just the scenery thats changed; its the entire atmosphere of a more typical university campus. Its larger, with more to offer, and even more to see. Though I know this is my university too, it never quite fits. I know that Im a Cinderella here. At midnight my time will run out, and Ill return to the life Im used to back in Brantford. A yellow school bus is my pumpkin, and the fantasy of living here will run out. So I soak in as much as I can, because I know itll all be over soon. I'm here for the homecoming game, one of the only times I ever come here. I came prepared so I dont draw any attention to myself, and feel even more like an outsider. I wear purple and gold like the rest of the campus so I blend into the crowd easily. No one can tell by looking at me that I dont actually attend school here. Its an invisible inferiority I feel, knowing that this isnt my campus. I have been lucky over the years that I can fake my way around. My sister was here for her undergrad and after visiting her during that time I learned my way around. This also proved to be incredibly useful because I know the language of this campus, both verbal and nonverbal. I know what The Terrace is, and that the hawk outside Wilfs, the campus pub, is sacred and should never be stepped on, no matter what. So in this way, Im probably the best person to explain this unnerving feeling to you, since Im not a completely lost Brantford student, but Im also not a native of this campus. Its the worst feeling when someone asks you what program youre in only to have to further explain that the reason theyve never heard of Journalism is because its only offered in Brantford. This usually leads to the next question of where Brantford actually is. Im now able to quickly respond, with the explanation, it's in close proximity to Hamilton. But there is a certain look in peoples eyes when they hear that Im from that other campus." Its not to say that our Waterloo counterparts think of themselves as superior to us, but for most of them they simply dont know anything about us. And why would they? Even though our campuses are connected in many ways, in just as many they are separated. First, we call ourselves Laurier Brantford, which automatically labels us as different. Why not just call us Wilfrid Laurier University like they do in Waterloo? Also, it feels like the only times we ever see any sense of community is at homecoming. While this is all well and good, having a sense of being united doesnt do us any good when it only happens once a year. Yes, we are represented in the Student Union, but our voice isnt likely to be heard over those that represent Waterloos wants and needs. We are the same university, so shouldnt we be seen as the equals? But we arent, so we continue to carry around this hidden feeling of being an outsider every time we visit Waterloo. Well, that plus an enormous amount of campus envy. Personally, the library alone makes me incredibly jealous. A friend of mine commented to me at homecoming that its not just the campus shes jealous of. For her, its the off campus atmosphere that she longs for. The streets and streets of just students having parties bring out the quintessential movie university experience we all grew

by Alicia Saunders Twitter: @AliciaSaun

up watching. Of course its hard to compare the student situation because Waterloo simply has more students than Brantford does. That same friend pointed out something else to me that I had never really thought about before. She mentioned how weve become so accustom to having to wake up early and take a bus for an hour to attend our own homecoming where at most other schools, students simply leave their houses and walk to campus, no long trips required. Though I am glad that they do bring us there, otherwise this divide between the campuses would feel even more extreme. But regardless of the efforts, this divide is still present. Sure, our school has been around since 1911, but the Brantford campus is still new. Its been thirteen years since our campus doors opened and its grown at an amazing rate. So maybe thats a part of my campus inferiority complex, Im comparing apples and oranges. Is it really fair to compare campuses that have an 88year difference? Waterloo has had an obvious head start. Who knows what Brantford will look like ten, twenty or even fifty years down the line?

Commonplace: Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct

On the website Essay Experts Inc., a slick salesman in a YouTube video on the main-page pitches to customers model papers that are completely customized and 100 per cent original, with no plagiarism! A disclaimer at the bottom of the page explains that All works ordered through this site ... remain the property of Essay Experts Inc. Any written works sold by Essay Experts Inc. are intended for research purposes only and may only be used as a reference source by students writing their own essay. Yet when contacted by phone, the customer service representative of the company explained the discrepancy: For the most part our writers at least have a masters degree, so if everything is in detail of what needs to be done you should get a pretty decent mark on your paper, but [we] cant guarantee a mark. The sales representative continued, We have a quality department and the paper has to pass a plagiarism test you can change it as little or as much as you want. When management was contacted by email they preferred not to comment, We are not interested in participating in any articles or talking to anyone. Our website speaks for itself. Another representative of a writerfor-hire website, ca.bestessays.com, chuckled when asked if it was okay to use a customized paper from their site to hand into a professor. Thats usually how the process works, Sir. When the customer orders a paper from the site they hand it into their professor, tutor, instructor. The writers of these writer-by-hire companies are composing original essays. This means that these academic papers are virtually untraceable when professors use plagiarism databases like turnitin.com. Of course, there is the cost factor of buying an authentic essay. (An undergraduate, platinum-level eight-page paper can cost $195.68, with a 10 day timeline.) But business is nevertheless booming. Ca.Bestessays.com main-page traffic boasts over 1,400 orders being currently processed and over 900 active writers. Also, the recent proliferation of dozens of these websites online suggests a trend that is only worsening. An article in the Globe and Mail from 2010 by Kate Hammer looks at this alarming trend in post-secondary institutions. Using data analyzed by the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL), Hammer assessed the rise in academic cheating. Survey data, compiled by Guelph University of 20 000 first-year Canadian university students across the country, found that 73 per cent of students admitted to committing one of the more serious acts of academic dishonesty on past written work. On the CCL site the CEO, Dr. Paul Cappon, was quoted saying: Over the past decade internet and high-tech devices have enabled a virtual explosion of classroom cheating educators, parents and students have to work together in order to properly address what has become a serious and widespread problem. Since 2007, Kathryn Carter, Associate Dean at Laurier Brantford, has been in charge of disciplining students caught committing plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct. Carter, on average, deals with 10 to 30 cases of plagiarism per semester. Only one or two get expelled each year, some years the number is zero, says Carter. The first thing that I do is I see if this is a first time offense, or if it has happened before. We deal with it one way for first time offenses than repeat offenders, says Carter. The severity of the offense is also taken into consideration. Usually a first time offense results in a zero on the assignment, which in many cases results in a failing grade in the course, explains Carter. A repeat offender usually results in expulsion of two years from the university. Were going to have an officer who looks after academic misconduct, and theyve had one forever in Waterloo. This will be the first time that we will have one in Brantford, and it will be Judy [Eaton], says Carter. Judy Eaton, currently an Associate Professor in Psychology at Laurier Brantford, is acutely aware of the challenges the university faces in combating academic misconduct. As universities have cracked down on cheating, students have come up with new, creative, and sophisticated ways to cheat. Youre no longer allowed to wear baseball caps because people were writing on the brims. You cant have water bottles or Coke anymore because students were writing the answers on the inside, says Eaton. Youre not allowed to have your cell phone because its a portal to answers. Eaton has noticed that online assessment allows for rampant cheating. I just posted an online quiz I gave them three days to do it and the students who did it early on, the grades were much lower than the students who are doing it now says Eaton. Its very difficult to know how to deal with it, other than to maybe scrap online quizzes altogether, because you cant really monitor it. Carter has looked at IP addresses in the past, but even with this circumstantial evidence, she has not been able to prove without a doubt that cheating has taken place, because students are doing it in the privacy of their

by Graeme Gordon Twitter: @Sputnik_News

own living quarters. Without any clear evidence, Carter has been unable to discipline suspect offenders of online misconduct. Eaton, who will be filling her new officer position in a couple of months, is interested in finding out the severity of the cheating problem within Laurier Brantford. Sometimes [academic misconduct] happens and it doesnt get to the [on record] stage, so it would be great to develop statistics on whether its increasing. Professors may or may not report it, for whatever reason (too much extra work, too much trouble), so Id like to collect data on the incidence rate that its occurring. How many more times is it happening in a more casual way, says Eaton. The CCL report supports Eatons belief that there are cases of misconduct going unreported. Surveys done by American and Canadian universities found that 41 per cent of faculty had admitted to ignoring incidents of suspected academic misconduct. The survey shows there is not only an increase in the rate of cheating, but that some professors are also turning a blind eye to the problem. These problems, compounded with impenetrable cheating of online quizzes and purchased-essays and there is a real epidemic within post-secondary institutions. Eaton stresses the importance of remaining vigilant for the sake of Laurier Brantfords reputation: It cheapens students degrees we all kind of suffer; its bad for all of us if one person does it. If we allow a culture of cheating, no one is well-served by it. Carter also sees it from an ethical viewpoint: I guess this gets to the larger issue of what do students want to get out of this experience if you are looking to simply get a paper at the end of four years, then I guess it doesnt upset you, whatever means you use to get to that end. If however you want to learn something while youre here and digest what we have to offer, and make these skills your own, then obviously the onus is on the student.

Contact Ditto Today For More Information Or For A Free Quote

dittogts.com 519-304-7704 l 800-813-4886 Brantford, Ontario, Canada

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November 2012

A Dark Life
The child has lived here for an awful long time. I know how old he is; five years going on six soon. He has his whole life ahead of him, and many acquaintances, and friends who love being around him. A very bright child he is, full of life and a sparkle for it. With soft English features, the innocence of an angel surrounds the child, as he marvels at the bees and butterflies fluttering in a field of buttercups. He marvels at sunsets, and wonders where the sun goes at night, as he watches it disappear beneath the fields in the distance. Does the sun enter the earth, and sleep the night, just as he does in his room?

by Herb Harker

One day, he will find himself forever in that darkened room. The victim of a pedophile, and horrid physical and mental abuse from his caregivers, who were the captains of the ship he sailed along the milky way of life; never knowing that his ship would crash amongst the rocks. His caregivers were alcoholics and only cared for their next escape in the seas of change, as they sailed a crooked ship with their charges. When the child was only five, he was set up by his brother with a pedophile. They met in a trail along a river bank, filled with the green growth of small trees, striving for the light of the sun; just as the child was. The evil deed was done quickly to the child, and the child being innocent and alone, did not comprehend what had been done to him at all. With evil intent the pedophile and the brother approached the caregivers with a horrid plan, as they blamed the child for the deed, with laughter. The caregivers beat the child with vicious blows, and horrid stones, and words of hate. The little child was left alone to suffer for a deed so wrong. The guilty pair spread the news that the child was queer, and soon his friends were never allowed to play with him again. In a world gone mad, he strode the road alone and soon became convinced the deed was his to bear. No sun, no bees, and no butterflies became his friend again.

Soon he became lost inside his world, as the child hid inside himself, crying for justice from the hands of man.The trials of life soon hid the child behind the quest for daily bread. All along it cried inside with anger and scorn. His mind was stamped with worthless ego. He wore a veneer of strength and courage for all the world to see. Yes I am tough and mean, and don't you dare come near me with your lies and authority, or I will curse and cut you to the bone. What kind of seed had man been born? the child cried out with hateful scorn. Deep inside, lost alone. Brothers deed, Cain is true,slicing Able through and through.

and grin, said to him, it never did. Twas you who did it, twas not me. As I stand what can I say, of things that happen anyway, so long ago, and yes indeed I remember well such evil deeds. Be off with you and leave alone, the pedophile who has a home, still living in Princeton fair; a retired teacher, leave him their. What can I do? Where can I go? Sisters and my kin don't know, of the evil deed so long ago, that was done to the child inside. Crying for a justice dead, should I bring it to a head? Walking with the pain inside, branded as gay with a lie. I searched for evil deed outside. Analysis is hard indeed, when youre wounded and cannot see. I searched for answers, plain as day, as I walked along the path for days. Brother wont you sing for me, answers from a hidden tree? Seek and you shall find the truth, if the truth is anywhere. The truth did bear, brother was a victim too; hiding in a poison brew, living such a lie indeed. Knowing violence came upon me, and seeking shelter from the cold, he hid inside, lost alone. The sun, it shines upon my brow. Woke at last it shows me how, where to go and what to do, seeking counsel for poison brew, that was poured upon the soul. Seek I shall, with head held high. Courage child, don't let it slide. Character and all is well. In the spirit kingdom you shall dwell.

"One day, he will find himself forever in that darkened room. The victim of a pedophile, and horrid physical and mental abuse from his caregivers, who were the captains of the ship he sailed along the milky way of life; never knowing that his ship would crash amongst the rocks."

"What can I do? Where can I go? Sisters and my kin don't know, of the evil deed so long ago, that was done to the child inside."
While reading news of pedophiles, and hockey players far and wide, it soon became quite clear to the child, that the deeds of evil were not his. All the hate and scorn he spread, were deeds of evil men instead. Approaching with a fear and dread, he asked the brother while still undead, if what he did was good indeed, for stabbing the child inside my head. The brother, with a smirk

Saying Goodbye: A Fathers Take on Marriage

Over the past few months, my son and daughter were married. Weddings are about the Bride and the Groom. It is the moment that they openly chose to declare their love for one another and state their commitment to a life of sharing in all of the challenges that lie ahead. At the same time, weddings are also a rite of passage where children move from the comfort of a home environment which is shared with their parents and family, to an environment in which they assume responsibility for their own decisions as a couple. Most will have children, and over that course of time, experience weddings as a parent. Here are some thoughts based on my own experience as the father of a bride and a groom. process? I think my daughter looks beautiful in anything she wears and I have no experience in fittings. As a father, you just want your daughter to be beautiful on her wedding day! Second, as a father, I was of course invited to participate in decisions around guest lists, seating arrangements, selection of music, and menu. While I gladly contributed where I could, these are and should be, communal decisions that require the input of both families; particularly the bride and groom, who want to share their wedding day with their immediate and past friends. There are only a few moments where the father has a unique opportunity to play a role as the father of the bride or groom. The most obvious is walking your daughter to the wedding altar. That was perhaps one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. In the minute that it took to walk her down the aisle, my thoughts raced from one event in her life to another. For a few seconds, I was sad that my involvement in this phase of her life was about to end. But as we approached the altar and I saw the smile on the face of her awaiting husband, I felt a sense of comfort that is truly hard to explain. I recall thinking that while all brides are beautiful, on this particular day and time, my daughter was truly the most beautiful of all. It is a feeling Im certain every father feels about his daughter on her wedding day. The father and daughter dance provided me with a somewhat different perspective. I remember thinking how few times in my life that I had danced with my daughter. I also recall worrying about stumbling during the dance because Im not a particularly good d a n c e r. P e r haps, however, the most intense thought I focused on is what a wonderful woman my daughter has become. As I looked at her, I could see someone who is intelligent, compassionate, thoughtful and fun. In many ways she reminded me of how my wife looked on our wedding day and how lucky I am. I remember hoping that my daughter feels the same way when her children marry. At both weddings, my wife and I had the opportunity to welcome new members to our family and to say something about our children. In reflection, it strikes me that fathers see sons and daughters differently, though they love them equally. I found that the memories that stood out about my son tended to focus on the physical; sports, summer camp, daring and risk taking adventures, and the typical boyhood challenges that a son experiences while growing up. My daughter, on the other hand, even though she may have had similar experiences as my

by Michael St. Amant Twitter: @MichaelStAmant

son, I saw much more differently. She was the bright, hardworking student. She was the person driven by intellectual curiosity, self-confidence and compassion for those less fortunate. In many respects, she has always served as my social conscience, forcing me to rethink opinions that I may have had a harder edge than I should have. It is not that my son does not also have those qualities, in fact I find him very hard working, intelligent, and kind towards people. I think it is interesting that I perceive them so differently.

"The wedding day, it seems to me, is the culmination of all those efforts, as your child takes on the mantle to share those values with their new partner and eventually instil them in their own children."
First, in neither wedding did I feel excluded, but the role of the father is much different than that of the mother, particularly the mother of the bride. In part, this relates to the maternal bond between mother and child. But, it also relates to the process of the wedding which requires attention to detail and advice that most men either shy away from, or do not have the experience to provide. For example, the selection of a wedding dress requires practical considerations in relation to material, style, and fitting. How much help would I have been in this

"Perhaps, however, the most intense thought I focused on is what a wonderful woman my daughter has become."
Finally, as a parent you wonder how successful you were in fostering family values, work ethic, a sense of compassion and fairness, and a desire to experience the diversity that life offers. You hope that you have done that well. The wedding day, it seems to me, is the culmination of all those efforts as your child takes on the mantle to share those values with their new partner and eventually instill them in their own children. Although I may have felt it previously, the recent wedding days really brought home what an onerous responsibility it is. What is important to remember above all else, is that the wedding day is about the bride and groom. Our son and daughter have married wonderful partners. The wedding is a celebration shared between families, old friends, and new. Despite the wandering thoughts of a bemused and yet happy father, it is a celebration of vows between two people who love one another. And really, it is the beginning of a new phase in how you support your children through life.

Li ghti ngB l i nd s Wa l l p a p erD ra p ery Pa i nt 4 0 5 S t. Pa ul Av enue, B ra ntford .

November 2012

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Page 7

From Africa to Brantford

by Lucas Duguid Twitter: @octopusred
Vibrant, stunning, captivating: when the En-kata Choir from Simanjiro, Tanzania came to Brant Community Church this October, the experience was all of these things and more. The troupe ushered in a night filled with lively music, and energetic movement. It was an event captured by local photographer Paul Smith, owner of Photohouse Studio in Brantford. Snapping shots that evening he managed to capture a glimpse of the passion on film. In traditional clothes, with bright flowing dress, it was truly something to see. The troupe was there however, to raise awareness for a somber cause. Coming from an African nation ravaged by HIV/AIDS, with limited access to education, these social issues were gently woven into the proceedings. Books and crafts were sold, with the sole purpose of providing funding to school building initiatives back in Tanzania. Despite this though, those in attendance left on a high. For me, it was an opportunity to introduce my youngest daughter Sophia to a culture, and a style of music, that she hasnt seen before. Once the music began, she was hooked. She was mesmorized sitting in that pew, listening to the sounds of their voices. She sat silently, deeply focused, inspired by the music. She was completely in awe. After the concert had ended, Sophia, Laura and I stayed until nobody was left in the church pews. Paul got the youngest of the performers to come to the stage for some close up pictures, still donned in the traditional dress that she had performed in. During the shoot, the girl came to Sophia and placed the ceremonial headdress on her head. Its a moment that I know I will never forget, and I doubt she will either. It was an amaing night of music, and an incredible experience for my daughter. A very special thank you from all of us to Lisa Lumax of Brant Community Church for the invitation and the hospitality. To learn more about the En-kata Choir please visit their website www.en-kata.com

Saturday November 10th, 2012. Doors open at 7:00pm. Sophias Bakery & Caf 60 Colborne Street 519.209.5606 sophiasbakery.ca

$20 Cupcake $ S i l $10 F Youth Cupcakes, Refreshments, C k Social 10 For Y k R t Entertainment. E t t i $1

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November 2012

Diary of a PSW
Its cold in this facility today. Not even a sweater makes it comfortable in here. Sometimes I feel like Im going crazy. Sometimes I need a moment to process what Ive heard or seen, because even thought I sometimes think Ive seen it all, I am floored by the things I encounter, still. The first client I see is all snuggled up in his bed; Frank, Ill call him. Hes wet the bed again, probably more than once, because its actually pooled up on the mattress. He greets me with a grunt, because he doesnt want to get up from his wet bed. Im thinking to myself, how can one not be cold and irritated, being soaked to the bone? Obviously they havent done rounds and checked on the heavy wetters, and obviously hes been in it since he went to sleep at 5:30, the night before. Frank doesnt need just a.m. care for 15 minutes, he needs a full bath. I do the best I can and wash him very well, as I know he wont get a bath for another four days. He thanks me after, and I know he feels better in clean product, and clean clothes. He has run out, so I literally have to borrow from someone else, so he isnt in wet clothes all day. The facility is very tight on their products, even though its supposed to be normal to have a full product. I think to myself how sad it is, were expected to be less than we would in our own home. Frank has such blue eyes; theres a sweet sparkle still left. I wonder to myself, how? Id be empty inside.

by Brenda Bondy-Caldicott Facebook: Brenda Bondy-Caldicott

Eight more clients to go. I spent much more than the 15 minutes allotted on Frank, but the need was there. He needed a sponge bath, and he got it on my watch. This is considered a light client load in homecare, but for long term care, they would probably have 20 to get to themselves; bowel routine, a.m. care, and bed making, then breakfast to get ready. Glad I was able to get my 9 clients done in three hours, as I needed to eat my pre-lunch. I know there is no time for eating lunch at noon. My blood sugars are good, and I need to keep them that way to remain healthy, so I can help others. My next client is in 15 minutes. They are two children born with their eyelids fused shut. I am there to provide companionship and childcare. The boy Timmy is eight, and Crystal is ten. They eat their cereal very fast, and amazingly know where everything is on the table. Soon, they literally run outside and into the yard. I was unsure what to expect as the Agency told me little to nothing about them; like its a big private thing, or maybe they dont have good history taking skills, because theres not much on the DX. At times Ive been to other clients, and no care plan is done. To be effective youd figure theyd inform the worker of medical issues in regards to mobility especially. Well its onto my other job at another facility. I cook and do meds and clean up after twelve residents. Our cleaning lady is concerned because one resident is very late for her meal.

We attempt to open the door to her room, but we have no key. Im thinking to myself, oh man, shes a good sleeper. Getting the door open, was to no avail, so we had to do the next best thing; call 911. The officers were so kind. They could see our concern was genuine and that it wasnt a routine call. The one officer has to climb through the window. He saw her first. She passed away in her sleep. Obviously no one had checked on her since bedtime, the night before. But this is a retirement home, not Government run long term care. Its like living at home, with perks like meds, meals, and laundry. The officer is very kind to us and empathetic, and asks if we want some time to say our goodbyes. They do all the arranging for the Coroner, so I can attend to our other residents that are curious. We need to carry on like nothing is amiss, which is very difficult, as we the senior staff are falling apart and need to grieve. Its the worst day I think Ive had on the job in 13 years. Worse yet, the daughter calls and is concerned about getting stuck with the cat, and demands to know where her items are. We have to inform her there is a Power of Attorney and she wasnt it. I dont need this right now, Im thinking. Shouldnt the family maybe have been more involved in their Moms life? Id be sorrowful if my parents passed, whereas this woman didnt have an ounce of regret or sorrow. It was all about what belongings were of value to her. My

next client is with my other job; a palliative lady who needs p.m. care. Her husband is home today. We are there so he can have a break, and get some things done around the house and outside. He thinks she has two weeks left; hes told me flat out. I point out the skin is pitted and that shes cold; her breathing is labored and noisy. To me it was the death rattle, and the pitting is a sign the end is near. Hes in denial. I spend the afternoon holding her hand, giving her a light wash, and making him tea. Little was said, but we agree she looks very peaceful and not in pain, so she doesnt need the nurse to come giver her morphine; however, its a phone call away. My shift is over and I leave 15 minutes late, because it feels like hes afraid to be alone. Im thinking to myself, wheres the family, and the children? I think he knew she wasnt going to last two more weeks. Later that night, the Agency calls and says her file had been closed, because shes passed away. We deal with so much grief, anxiety, mental health, and other syndromes in this line of work. You realize, people dont care about the procedure we use to wash hair, or bathe them; its about validation and assurance, quality, and dignity. This is why we are PSWs, to make a difference every day in someones life, in a big or small way.

The Weigh I see it

Okay, so youve got yourself on a healthy eating plan, youve made positive changes to your diet and youre eating healthy foods, but the scale isnt moving. So, whats next? What is the next obvious choice? Its a no-brainer. You MUST get moving! In order to be successful with weight loss, some form of activity has to be added; diet must be combined with exercise. You cant have one without the other. You cant lose weight effectively by just dieting alone, and you cant lose weight effectively by just exercising alone. They go hand in hand. If youre going to get serious about weight loss, youre going to have to adapt to a healthier lifestyle, which also means you have to be willing to fully commit to some form of physical activity. Whatever mode you choose, you have to get moving, be it walking, zumba, danceffit, aerobics, weight training, hitting the gym, badminton, cycling, jogging, hockey, tennis, ballroom dancing, boot camp, swimming, bowling, chair exercises, volleyball, skating, golf, tennis, racquet or ball sports. You have to do SOMETHING to get your body moving. Any form of movement is better than nothing and it has to be every day for at least thirty minutes. Your daily routine must include some form of physical activity and YES folks, this also includes sex. However, one of the problematic drawbacks with fitness is that so many folks start out with the best intentions, but lose focus and give up too quickly because of boredom or fatigue. Fitness becomes something that takes too much effort. For those of you just starting out on your fitness life enhancement , perhaps hitting a plateau, or in need of some extra inspiration and motivation; here are some simple fitness tips to keep you motivated. Shape Up Tip #1 Remember to keep variety in your fitness plan. You have to have a CORE, or chosen mode of fitness to start off with but always explore new avenues to keep the extra spice in your life. Try some unique alternative modes of exercise. If youve chosen just to go to the gym, enhance your daily routine with running, martial arts, canoeing, jump rope, or even the trampoline. It adds fun and leads to learning new skills. Old routines have to be varied so that the enjoyment remains fresh, allowing the body to continually achieve effective results. Shape Up Tip #2 Be patient. The best way to start a fitness routine is to go at it slowly. It must be that way. Slow and steady wins the race. Take your time. Barrelling into the gym with all guns a blazing can be just as detrimental to your success as not being motivated at all. Take the time to learn the skills necessary, and make sure you are trained adequately in safe techniques so that injuries are prevented. Sadly, injury is often a reason for folks getting disenchanted early. Exercise MUST be done in moderation. Shape Up Tip #3 Exercise has to be part of your day. Make a time that is convenient for your lifestyle and try to do it at the same time every day. Fitness should be as normal to you as eating and breathing. At least 30 minutes every day... do SOMETHING. Even if its three 10 minute bouts of movement of some type. Physical movements should become a habit. Shape Up Tip #4 Take it one day at a time. Come up with a plan and set out realistic, attainable short and long term goals and objectives. For example, your short term goal could be walking every day but your long term objec-

by Joan Minnery Facebook: Joan Minnery

tive is to eventually start running. Thats smart planning. Dont ruin this by starting out running. If youve never run before, you cannot expect to suddenly turn into Ben Johnson and run like an Olympian. Its dangerous and you will be prone to giving up prematurely. Once youve started to run, take it slowly. Run one block, then walk a block. Then run two blocks ,and walk two blocks. When YOU are ready, you can make that transition from walking to running and your body will be conditioned in a safer mode for success. Remember, there is no rule that says you have to transition from walking to running. A good brisk 5km walk is just as beneficial as a run. Do what YOUR body says it can do. Shape Up Tip #5 You have to make your fitness FUN. If you dont enjoy it, exercise will end up being too much like a chore and ultimately the novelty will wane and you will stop. You MUST find something YOU like. Try many activities to find the one that lights you up. Working out with a buddy is always a great motivator and enhances the social aspect. Shape Up Tip #6 Exercise is a great stress reliever, and one of the main benefits of exercise is that it relaxes your mind while allowing your brain to actually take a break. Fitness is intended to enhance stress relief while not thinking for an hour or so. Try to refrain from complicated routines that make it necessary to consult a road map to get through your workout. Less is more. Shape Up Tip #7 To be blunt, if you arent willing to make a serious commitment, do not start until you are. You absolutely must make a commitment to a lifestyle change. In order to be successful, you have to maintain that success. If you are viewing exercise as just a momentary

fix, then its only going to be done on a temporary basis. However, one of the key factors in the motivational process is to be vigilant that you do not deprive yourself of activities or routines that you normally love to do. You dont have to be a rocket scientist to understand that you will begin to resent exercise if it gets in the way of your pastimes. Dont stop doing things that you thoroughly enjoy doing. Fitness should not be a replacement for fond activities in your life, but rather an additional enhancement. Shape Up Tip #8 Keep an ongoing track record of your exercise program and write it down in a fitness journal or on your computer. Dont just rely on your memory. One inexpensive way is to purchase a pedometer to see how far you have travelled, and how many calories you have worked off. Keeping a daily fitness journal is much like maintaining a diet plan. If you start out walking for 20 minutes and doing 30 sit-ups, in just a few months when youre walking for 60 minutes and doing 200 sit-ups, you will want it as tangible proof that you are improving. This is another great motivator. Make sure to congratulate and reward yourself for achieving your goals. These are very simple and basic tips for staying motivated and on track with your fitness routine. Please never forget to look in the mirror for more tangible evidence to see the changes that are happening to your body. They may be subtle, but as time goes on, they will become more obvious such as: clearer skin, healthier complexion, softer hair, whiter teeth, happier disposition, gained confidence, improved stamina, increased sex drive, cognitive awareness, restful sleeping, livelier eyes, looking younger, and an overall improvement in mental and physical health. Remember the ultimate motivator is YOU! Now put down that fork and get moving!

November 2012

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Page 9

Me, My Queen, and the Medal

I've never experienced a day like Saturday, October 6th. That was the day I received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. For a guy who likes to be able to extrapolate from life verbally and on the page, I've found myself without the proper words to describe what receiving it felt like. I honestly don't know where I'll be able to wear this medal, but my Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Information and Wearing Guide seems to indicate that there are "With Decoration" parties that I now qualify to attend. Im not sure what we'll do there, but I bet itll be awesome! Im not alone in receiving this honor; 60,000 Canadians were decorated with this medal as a way to "mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIs accession to the Throne as Queen of Canadaa tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. It also serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians." When I think about what my Grandfather's war medals from the Queen meant to him and the subsequent generations of my family, I know that this token will forever speak to my kids of the value of community service done as unto our God. For most of my years on this planet, I didn't understand the "Royal" thing. I couldn't imagine why our independent nation was hanging on to an "archaic" monarchy setup. It's not that I didn't LIKE the Queen, I just didn't get her. We didn't have much in common. My whole life I've considered most things bunk until proven otherwise. Faith is not my default setting. Often this insistence has proven prophetic; sadly, or maybe thankfully, just as often, if not more often, it's caused me to admit and accept my haste and selfcentered bent when proven wrong. A couple of years ago I began to talk extensively about honoring our leaders. I believe that, even when it's not easy because we don't understand their logic or their rationale, it's still a Godly principle. Give Romans 13 a quick peruse and convince me otherwise. As often happens, truth and principle confronted my current self. I realized that I am a subject of Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of Her other In fact, it was in her name, "to the Glory of God through the service of youth" that my childrens school, Princess Elizabeth, was dedicated. So, quietly and humbly, I internally subjected myself to her majesty. It changed me and freed me. During the Olympics this summer, I actually teared up a bit during God Save the Queen on a Friday night before going to serve food to the poor. I left my home that night wanting to honor my God and Queen, a vast change from years before. The Queen's Annual Christmas addresses have been very moving to me. Last year she encouraged us by saying, "although we are capable of great Realms and Territories: Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. And if I'm called to honor her, I need to honor her.

by Dave Carrol Twitter: @davecarrol

acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves--from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person--neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. On October 6th, I was the youngest person on the stage by about 20 years, which was an incredible honor. My brother, who joined my family and friends in the Sanderson Centre crowd, joked that I've always wanted to be much older than I am, so my dream had finally come true. "You're with your people Dave," he joked. But, to be honest, I did love that part! I loved it because I was sitting with war veterans, philanthropists, and international-impact missionary heroes. These were respectable men and women of distinction who have guided millions in non-profit funding, carved out minor sports pathways, and are fatherly cultural prophets. More than any other thing, my preeminent thought about this medal is that it is "as unto the Lord". Remember in Forrest Gump, when Forrest gave Jenny his medal and said that he only got it because he was doing what Jenny told him to do when he left for Vietnam? That's what this feels like to me. I'm extraordinarily flattered by it all, but I'm just doing what I fundamentally believe a Christian is supposed to be doing. I haven't always been like this; I was a jaded, selfish, verbal bully who didn't want any part of our society--really, really. The difference has been due to nothing less than a spiritual rebirth through Christ--really, really. I wouldn't BS you about something this important for the sake of propagating someone else's agenda. When I made that decision, I knew that life had to be about others, and anything less than that would be selling the mandate of the Christian short. I'll have no part in such a self-centered and ultimately empty charade. The Biblical Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman Empire who gave up greed to follow a distinctly abnormal man who challenged what life was about. He quoted Christ as saying these powerful words, which still hold so much weight in modern life If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Matthew 10:39 There is so much life to live and to share.

The second pressing issue in motor vehicle insurance today is The Minor Injury Guideline. The Minor Injury Guideline is designed to cap a claimant's entitlement to benefits to a maximum of $3,500.00 where their injuries fall within the definition of Minor Injury as set out in the Statutory Accident Benefit schedule. Pursuant to the Accident Benefit schedule "minor injury" means one or more of a sprain, strain, whiplash associated disorder, contusion, abrasion, laceration or subluxation and includes any clinically associated sequelae to such an injury. There is a further provision which states "Despite the $3,500 limit in subsection (1) it shall not apply to an insured person if his or her health practitioner determines and provides compelling evidence that the insured person has a preexisting medical condition that will prevent the insured person from achieving maximal recovery from the minor injury if the insured person is subject to the $3,500 limit or is limited to the good and services authorized under the Minor Injury Guideline. The determination of the applicability of the Minor Injury Guideline is made by treatment providers and or insurance adjusters. Practically this is extremely prejudicial to the injured claimant as due to fee schedule changes that accompanied the implementation of the Minor Injury Guideline there are financial incentives for treatment providers to complete an OCF 23 which will place someone in the Minor Injury Guideline. Further treatment providers may not have access or the qualifications to undertaking the detailed medical review of the claimant's pre-existing health issues to determine if the insured person has a medical condition that will prevent him from achieving maximal recovery if he is subject to the $3,500.00 limit. The obvious question is "What happens if the claimant does not agree that he or she should be in the Minor Injury category?" The onus than shifts to the claimant to provide the insurer with compelling medical evidence at his own expense to justify his removal from the Minor Injury Guideline. The insurer may also arrange a date for an Insurer's Examination and if that examiner agrees the insured person will be removed from the Minor Injury Guideline. (*Note the cost of this examination comes from the medical benefits available to the insured which if the insured's injuries are not catastrophic and not within the Minor Injury Guideline are capped at $50,000.00). If the insurer will not remove the claimant from the Minor Injury Guideline the claimant's best course of action is to issue a claim against the insurer, however this option is time consuming and expensive. There are serious implications to persons injured in motor vehicle collisions if their injuries are categorized as falling within the Minor Injury Guideline which are summarized as follows: 1) The $3,500.00 allotment is quickly used up and will only fund a very limited amount of treatment. 2) Being in the Minor Injury may make it more difficult to find a lawyer who is willing to provide representation. 3) As there is no fast way out of the Minor Injury Guideline recovery may be delayed by an inability to access treatment in a timely fashion. In order to maximize the chances of the insurer voluntarily removing the claimant from the Minor Injury Guideline it is imperative that the claimant work closely with their family doctor who can provide documentation to confirm injuries that may make the Minor Injury Guideline inapplicable and/or confirm that pre-existing health issues which make it unlikely that the claimant can reach maximal medical recovery from the injuries sustained in the collision if treatment expenses are capped at $3,500.00. At this juncture it is significant that the implications of the Minor Injury Guideline remain untested by the courts. Without case law to define the parameters of the Minor Injury Guideline there are no safeguards in place to protect claimants from the Minor Injury Guideline being arbitrarily applied by insurers who are under an obligation to exercise good faith when they are adjusting claims who may face bad faith claims if a court determines their refusal to remove someone from the Minor Injury Guideline based upon compelling medical evidence was unreasonable. This could also ground a claim for punitive damages. *** Picture: Laceration to leg suffered by a 85 year old woman who was a pedestrian using a walker when she was struck by a car in the parking lot of the building where she resides. This injury was characterized as falling within the Minor Injury Guideline which capped her treatment costs at $3,500.00. This case was resolved after we issued a Statement of claim against her insurer. Any reader questions or comments are welcome and can be submitted to legallisa@morellkelly.com or feel free to pop into our Brantford office at 515 Park Road North to make an inquiry.
Lisa Morell Kelly Morell Kelly Personal Injury Law 515 Park Road North Brantford, Ontario N3R 7K8 (519) 720-0110

The Economy of Ideas

In cities and towns across Canada, traditional economic sectors have disappeared. Jobs in manufacturing have decreased, and many experts and economists agree that going forward, Canada will have a creative economy, focused on innovative ideas and knowledge. Todays workers need to be able to adapt to this everchanging economy. Gone are the days when a worker could start a job and expect to be in that same career until retirement. Cities must also be creative in their economic plans. Many of the traditional manufacturing hubs that dotted Southwestern Ontario have redirected their economic energies. Kitchener-Waterloo has seen the development of a tech-based economy. Hamilton has moved from a steel town to a health-care centre. learn and adapt, he will be better able to deal with the challenges life may throw at him. Amanda Joseph went back to school after being away from the classroom for almost 15 years. She celebrated her 30th birthday last year by becoming the first of 14 siblings to get their grade twelve diploma. Since then, Amanda is happy that one of her brothers has followed her example, and is now working to finish his grade twelve. It was really nice to be a leader, to get the ball rolling, she says. Tracey Mwoyoswiyi came to Canada as a refugee more than 10 years ago, and since then has made education one of her main goals. She completed her grade twelve equivalency, a college certificate, a diploma, and has plans to go to university, all while working to fit into a new country, using English as a second language. With an education in social work, Tracey is working to help others. Through her education, her mantra became, no matter what age you are, you can achieve what you want to be in life achieve high. These are just three of the many champions who focused on raising their own education levels, to create a culture of learning in our community. The introduction and growth of post-secondary education means there are many learning and training opportunities in the area. Groups like the Grand Valley Education Society and the Education Works Alliance promote education as a path to prosperity for the community and for the individual.

by Rob Rombouts email: rob@workforceplanningboard.org

without any post-secondary education, and a lower percentage of people with university degrees, compared to the provincial average. Our community needs to bring education levels up if we are going to be successful in the creative economy and have the workers companies seek. Education levels are also a major social determinant of health. People with lower education and literacy rates are more likely to live in low-income households, and more likely to need social assistance. Education, training, and lifelong learning also pay off in many ways. People with higher levels of education improve their chances of finding and keeping jobs. People with higher levels of education generally earn more over their lifetimes, live longer, and have better health as they age, including delaying the onset of dementia and other age-related illnesses. Each person can make a difference. The actions of one person can help inspire others and can spur a great change in the community. Working together, Brantford can be ready for tomorrows economy.

"Raising education levels is one of the most important factors in improving the economic outlook for our community."
Brantford must do the same, and the drive to change must come from individuals. Across Brantford and the surrounding area, there are many who recognize the need for change and the need for education. In February 2012, the Education Works Alliance celebrated a group of Education Champions, outstanding role models who are devoted to education and lifelong learning. They are the people who make continuing education a part of their lives, or who achieve success because of their passion for learning. They are an inspiration to others. Despite the diverse challenges they face, the champions persevere and succeed because of their own drives, and because of the programs and support available to them in the community. Who are the education champions? Bill Isherwood was one of the many people who lost his job in 2008. At 53-years-old, Bill was devastated, but he used Second Career funding to go to Mohawk College, where he obtained his CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) Automated Machining and Design Certificate, pursuing a subject he had enjoyed back in highschool, but had never pursued. Now, Bill remains devoted to lifelong learning, realizing that if he is prepared to

"Bill remains devoted to lifelong learning, realizing that if he is prepared to learn and adapt, he will be better able to deal with the challenges life may throw at him."
Raising education levels is one of the most important factors in improving the economic outlook for our community. Brantford and the surrounding area can be proud it has more people with college degrees, apprenticeships, and trade certificate than the provincial average. In all other areas, however, Brantford lags behind, with a higher percentage of people who have not completed secondary school, people

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November 2012

Commemorating the War of 1812

Despite stereotypes and assumptions that First Nations men are warriors, Haudenosaunee peoples, both men and women, have always wanted to avoid war. During the era of the War of 1812, this choice was not possible. Our ancestors had to decide which people Tiorhonsha:ka (English people in the Mohawk language), or Wahstonhro:nen (Americans, literally, People from Boston)- held our interests the best, and who had the best chances to defend those interests, writes Rick Hill. This complicated decision did not come with a reward, but rather, started a chain reaction of atrocities. It is important to learn about this complicated and untold history to better understand First N a t i o n s c u r rent events. Stereotypes have arisen from recent protests, allowing the general public to make assumptions of their own without knowing the history and need for First Nations people to protect the land . M y h ope an d goal f or the f u tur e is to challenge and erase these stereotypes regarding First Nations peoples. It is important to help educate and foster a better understanding of why there have been protests and land claim issues, and to find these answers we must all reflect upon our history and the wampum belts that tell these stories. Both the British and American allies understood Six Nations land claims, it was a mutual protection of land, the allies made concrete pacts with various Haudenosaunee warriors and other native allies, but did not abide by these contracts. Woodlands current exhibit, War Clubs and Wampum Belts: H o d i nohshoni Experiences in the War of 1812 allows everyone to learn about the untold history of the Haudenosaunee Warriors. The curator Rick Hill, coordinator of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre has thoroughly explored the role of the First Nations Warriors, but in the end argues, If there were any losers, it was our allies on both sides of the Niagara River. They failed to live up to their pledges made as a precondition to our involvement in this war. At first view, this quote can come off quite alarming and disturbing but to reflect upon the history is to thoroughly understand the past and look towards a peaceful future. Rick Hill states, by reflecting upon the War of 1812 through a Haudenosaunee perspective, we can see

by Danielle VanEvery Twitter: @QueenyD16

the real service that our warriors provided, and in appreciation of that alliance, we will build a productive future together as allies in peace. Obtaining a clear perspective never comes through one lens, rather through multiple academic arguments. The conference, the 1812 Whirlwind: The Impact of the War on the Six Nations, explores various academic perspectives on the role and impact of the Haudenosaunee warriors on both sides of the Niagara River. It is important to understand Haudenosaunee warriors were fighting against their brothers and families in the Lewiston and Buffalo areas. Our goal is not political, but rather educational, we want people to hear and learn about these academic perspectives to be able to work towards a peaceful future. Diversifying the audience for this conference allows for new research to occur. We are encouraging historians, librarians, researchers, teachers, and youth and anyone who wishes to broaden their perspective on the history to attend the conference. Once people begin to understand how peaceful Haudenosanee peoples are, it will be easier to work towards a peaceful future together, not necessarily in reconciliation in terms of atonement, but rather working in harmony, to coexist peacefully in order to move forward. The War Clubs and Wampum Belts: Hodinohshoni Experiences in the War of 1812 exhibit is open until December 24th at the Woodland Cultural Centre. Quotes were cited from the War Clubs and Wampum Belts exhibit catalogue written by the curator Rick Hill. The 1812 Whirlwind Conference: The Impact of the War on the Six Nations is November 16-18 at the Six Nations Polytechnic, please note it is a ticketed event. For further information, please contact Danielle VanEvery at the Woodland Cultural Centre, (519-759-2650).

Need Money? Look Further Than Your RRSP Everyone from time to time is carrying excess debt that theyd like to get rid of. A credit card here, car payment there and the interest payments can add up. As Advisors we constantly receive calls from clients who would like to free up some of their debt by using their RRSP savings to pay it off. Our job is always to educate our clients and ensure they make informed decisions. Before using your RRSPs to pay off debt you need to consider the following things: 1) Do my funds or account carry any fees? Your investments may carry a Low Load or DSC (Deferred Sale Charge). In many cases, your Advisor gets paid by the investment firm you purchase your funds from. If you have Low Load or DSC funds then the fees are a way for the fund company to recoup some of those commissions paid. 2) How much tax will I have to pay up front and at the end of the year? Each fund company is mandated to retain tax depending on the amount of your withdrawal. The rules are as follows; i. $0-$5000 = 10% withholding tax ii.$5001-$15,000 = 20% withholding tax iii.$15,001 and up = 30% withholding tax Each dollar you withdraw will increase your income accordingly. If you take enough, you may jump up an income bracket forcing your income tax rate to be higher. 3) How will this withdrawal affect my Future Value? The pot of money you are withdrawing from was designed to fund your retirement. So you must consider how this will affect your retirement p picture. Example: Jane is 30 and needs $5000. Jane plans to retire at age 65. If she assumes a relatively conservative interest rate of 6%, that $5000 will compound into $38,430 by age 65. At 8% it will be close to $74,000. Our recommendations are simple. Review the facts with your Advisor. Consider the pros and cons of funding debt with RRSPs. But most importantly, dont ignore the numbers. In Janes case above, a little withdrawal now could significantly hamper her retirement plans later. Alford & Associates is a family owned and operated financial practice in Brantford, ON. For over 25 years we have helped our clients secure their retirement goals. First and foremost we help you secure your greatest asset Your Family

Photo courtesy of Woodland Cultural Centre.

I Will Be Here Now

I will preface this piece by confessing that I am a sap: sentimental to the core. I get teary-eyed at strangers weddings, have inevitably bawled through Rilla of Ingleside more times than I can count on one hand, and love playing remember that time, with my dearest friends. So, without further ado, I am taking this small white space to pound out some of my closest heart thoughts at the moment.

by Layne Beckner Grime

But I will choose to hope, to live, and to remember thankfulness in the midst of the mess. This month marks my husbands and my one year anniversary. It also holds the one year birthday of my husband starting his own photography business, a lifelong dream of his. And, later this month I am flying to Texas to stand up beside one of my dearest friends as she says I do, to the man of her dreams. These moments matter; I will not let them pass me by. So, as my days quickly fill with the mundane, like running errands, doing laundry, and grocery shopping, I am committed to doing the cheesy things like stopping to smell the proverbial daisies. In the midst of bills, decisions, hard moments, I will stop to seek out the sunsets. I will invest in my community, and look for ways to honor my friends. I will stop and hold my husbands hand for a few moments longer. I will linger in the grey of early morning, and breathe in deep. I will be here now.

These moments matter; I will not let them pass me by.

Life is worth celebrating. I love life-exploring, discovering, dreaming, and documenting moments as I go. I believe in intentionally memorializing the milestones. Remembering, in the busyness of life, to stop and rejoice in the significant, and in all the small moments in between. There is enough in the world to keep me in a constant state of cynicism, doubt, and anger. Injustice makes me so angry I could cry.

The New Face of Leadership

We have all seen them in our neighbourhoods or classrooms; the children who must constantly negotiate to stay up late or extend a deadline; the children who disrupt class with jokes or comments that leave everyone distracted or the bossy playmate who insists on their way. These tendencies are not always behavioral issues, instead they can be indicators of leadership aptitude! Our current system of development would see these kids go through their teen/young adult years without much significant direction and guidance on how to channel their natural leadership skills correctly. These kids will be influencers one way or another, identifying them early helps to ensure they are a positive influence. That's why KidLead is about to change everything! The tween years (Age 10-13) represents an ideal window to teach sound leadership principles. Their cognitive skills have developed enough that they can grasp leadership concepts and principles while their moral compass can still be influenced towards ethical,

by Nicki Straza Twitter: @nickistraza

compassionate leadership. At KidLead our goal is to identify and develop these young leaders by providing a sound strategy for developing their skills, attitudes, character and competency. KidLead represents a new approach to developing leaders. Through active learning and Apprentice style challenges young leaders learn to lead through hands on experiences that explore 16 of the most sought after qualities of a leader. Trained coaches provide Socratic questions to guide young leaders in critical thinking, problem solving and conflict resolution before, during and after the challenges helping them to personally develop as a leader. KidLead is actively looking for organizations, schools, and community groups to partner with to bring this program to as many communities as possible.

November 2012

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Page 11

Fighting Illiteracy with iPads

Brantfords Major Ballachey Public School has recognized that many of their students are coming to kindergarten without early literacy skills. In Brant, 27 per cent of our kids do not graduate from high school. A childs literacy level at grade three is usually indicative of their long term success in school and in adulthood. The school has been working to improve their schools literacy levels and was a pilot program site for the new Ontario Full-Day Kindergarten program. The introduction of full-day kindergarten has helped, but the school has recognized that more needs to be done. One way of improving reading, writing, and math skills, is through the use of technology. Recent research is proving that students using iPads in kindergarten showed improvements in literacy and numeracy. Specifically, kindergarten children improved in handwriting, phonemic awareness, logical problem solving, patterns and puzzles, and spatial reasoning. Based on the current research, the school began a new fundraising project called the Major Ballachey iPad Project. In June, a few iPads were loaned to the kindergarten classroom for a morning, to demonstrate how quickly the children can navigate the technology. Older students were in the classroom to assist the kindergarteners. Within minutes, the children found the educational apps. One little girl was spelling her name in a spelling program, another child was learning her numbers by drawing a picture in Connect the Dots, while a little boy was learning about what mammals and fish belong in the ocean through a science app. The obvious benefit is the fact that they were Major Ballachey strives to meet the educational needs of a diverse range of students. Some of the families whose children attend Major Ballachey have limited resources to support their childs education. The Grand Erie District School Board ranks schools based on family income, family education, and the number of single parent families. The system identified Major Ballachey as serving some of the neediest students in the board area. There are already programs and supports to address the exceptional needs of some students. learning. The sidebar to it, is that they were also working in groups and collaborating to get the answers, and also taking turns.

by Patti Berardi Twitter: @Patti_RogersTV

Programs such as the Daily Snack Program, the Boys and Girls Club of Brantford, the Best Start Early Years and Parenting Centre, the Strong Start Early Literacy Program and many extra supports provided through GEDSB Compensatory Schools Designation, which helps make Major Ballachey a supportive environment for students. In spite of these programs some stu-

sales, and private donations have also come into the program. The goal is to raise 36 thousand, which will allow the school to buy two class sets of iPads. So far they have reached the 10 thousand dollar mark. The iPads will be used in the kindergarten and primary classes to help the students improve their reading, writing, and math skills, but will also be available to improve the education of all students at Major Ballachey for the rest of the day. This program will give about 120 students (over half the school) daily access to the most up to date and effective methods of improving literacy skills that the school is aware of. They are focusing on the kindergarten and primary classes to maximize the long-term benefits of the program. Students who develop better literacy skills at a young age carry those skills, and the confidence gained into higher grades. They stay in school longer, are more likely to graduate high school, and become productive members of society. The school is calling on local businesses, service groups, and community members to make this dream a reality for Major Ballachey. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations.

dents fail to develop effective early literacy skills. This causes cumulative learning problems both in later grades and in adulthood. Since May, the school has managed to secure a donation from the Teachers Credit Union in Brantford, the Rotary Club, and now has a City of Brantford grant. The school has also fundraised for the project through chocolate bar

For more information or to make a donation to the Major Ballachey iPad Project visit www.majorballachey.com You can also follow @friendsofmajorb on Twitter and the school invites you to like their Facebook Page Friends of Major Ballachey.

How to use the Grand River

When I was growing up in Brantford, it seemed like few people were bold enough to publicly divulge their Grand River frolics. Whenever anyone did, it was rarely met with the approval I thought it should be. Why is that? Sure, some parts of the Grand arent exactly a babbling brook of crystal waters, but our distinguished watershed is a lot cleaner than many people think. It can also be a lot of fun. The next time you plan on taking a stroll along the trails, consider kicking your Grand experience up a knotch. Here are seven ways to do it. SWIMMING. SNOWMOBILING ON ITS TRAILS. Swimming in the river is a clandestine but commonly executed pastime. Its a blessing on hot summer days when your pals with a pool arent home. The best access points for swimming are located right off Gilkison St. at Clench Ave, or Tutela Heights road at Davern Rd. Just dont touch the bottom with your bare feet if youre squeamish. FISHING. You can fish just below the Highway 2 Bridge from Paris all the way up to the North boundary of the Brant Conservation area. Ready your barbless hook and artificial lure, though this is a catch and release zone. For many reasons, most people wouldnt dream of making maki out of the Grands slippery suckers, but you actually can eat fish from the river. If youre hungry for some home-grown walleye, the Ministry of Environments Guide to Eating Ontario Sporting fish says its safe to consume up to 8 servings per month. BIKING ON ITS TRAILS. Perhaps the most widely enjoyed pastime along the Grand, biking, is a fun way to put those dusty paths to use. The trail I like best is the one thats part of the Trans Canada Trail Network. This is the worlds longest network of leisure trails in Canada, stretching

by Kait Fowlie Twitter: @kaitfowlie

all the way from Vancouver to Tuktoyaktuk. Hit them with your set of wheels for a bi-coastal experience. Dont forget your brain bucket.

If blazing the trails with a self-propelled device seems like a snore-fest, why not take a snow mobile for a spin? Feel free to rev your engine on any one of the four trails by the Grand; just watch out for cross country skiers. FLOATING. Floating is the generic term I use to suggest the array of boating practices the River can accommodate. You might rent a kayak, a white water raft, or a ten man voyageur canoe. Park your car in Paris, rent a boat, float down the river with or without a guide, and end up in Brantford. Bring a cooler and some portable speakers and you have yourself a joyous afternoon. PICNICKING ON ITS BANKS. Picnicking on one of the Grand Rivers grassy knolls is a treat for the senses, not only because of the many scenic vistas, but also the many intriguing heritage plaques in the area. It is one of the few rivers in Canada with the designation "Heritage River," after all. In any given spot you may decide to park to eat sandwiches, chances are, Paleo-Indian peoples were hunting mastodon and bison some 11,000 years ago. Pour out some lemonade for them on your next picnic.

GEOCHACHING AROUND IT. Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunt that uses the real world as a playing field. The idea is that you have to find cleverly hidden geocaches stashed all over the world by its participants. There are lots down by the Grand. All you need to do is get the coordinates where they're hidden (listed on geocaching.com). Geocaching etiquette requires that you put the cache back where you found it after signing the logbook and replacing the trinkets in the cache with new ones.

EXCAVATION BOBCAT SERVICES HAULAGE

join us for lunch & something sweet. souPs, sandwiches & salads dine-in. take-out. catering. 519.209.5606 www.soPhiasbakery.ca 60 colborne street mon-sat 8am-2Pm