S The Silhouette
Thursday, September 13, 2018
INSIDE>>
NEWS: Westdale break-ins, the story so far // PAGE 3 ARTS & CULTURE: More than just a bar, get your art on // PAGE 17 FEATURE: How supported are international students at Mac // PAGE 6-7
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Volume 89, Issue 5
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MCMASTER THESIL
Thursday, September 13, 2018 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper
LOOKING BACK
EDITORIAL BOARD
September 1955 September 23, 27, 1957
editor-in-chief | thesil@thesil.ca Emily O’Rourke @emily_oro digital media specialist | dms@msu.mcmaster.ca Aaron de Jesus managing editor | managing@thesil.ca Sasha Dhesi @SashaDhesi production editor | production@thesil.ca Hamza Furmli online editor | online@thesil.ca Yvonne Lu sections
Cassidy Bereskin news reporter Ryan Forrest Tse news@thesil.ca news editor
features reporter
Hannah Walters Vida
features@thesil.ca opinion editor
TBA
opinion@thesil.ca
Justin Parker Jessica Carmichael sports@thesil.ca
sports editor sports reporter
arts arts
& culture editor Razan Samara & culture reporter Rya Buckley aandc@thesil.ca media
Kyle West Catherine Goce production coordinator Sukaina Imam production coordinator Sabrina Lin production@thesil.ca photo editor
photo reporter
Sasha Roshan social media coordinator Martin Burwell online@thesil.ca video editor
COVER PHOTO [CATHERINE GOCE]
CONTACT
LEGAL
MUSC, Room B110 McMaster University 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4S4
The Silhouette welcomes letters to the editor in person at MUSC B110, or by email at thesil@thesil.ca. Please include name, address and telephone number for verification only. Letters should be 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters and opinion articles. Opinions and editorials expressed in the Silhouette are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the publishers, the McMaster Students Union or the University. The Silhouette is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the McMaster Students Union. The Silhouette Board of Publications acts as an intermediary between the editorial board, the McMaster community and the McMaster Students Union. Grievances regarding the Silhouette may be forwarded in writing to: McMaster Students Union, McMaster University Student Centre, Room 201, L8S 4S4, Attn: The Silhouette Board of Publications. The Board will consider all submissions and make recommendations accordingly.
Editor-in-Chief (905) 525-9140, ext 22052 Main Office (905) 525-9140, ext 27117 Advertising ccpc@mcmaster.ca 8,000 circulation published by the
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In 1957, over 80 McMaster students were hit by the flu within a week. Gross.
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The Silhouette
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News Westdale crime continues to spike At least eight incidents have targeted female students
Westdale neighbourhood where the assaults took place. MADELINE NEUMANN / CONTRIBUTOR Daniella Mikanovsky Contributor
CONTENT WARNING: sexual assault Over the last few weeks, approximately 12 prowling incidents have occurred in the Westdale student neighborhood. In at least eight of the 12 cases, female students were directly targeted.
As soon as she screamed, the intruder ran down the stairs and out the front door. In the early hours of Aug. 3, fourth-year Integrated Science student Connor MacLean awoke to his roommate’s screams. An intruder entered their Sterling Street student house through a second story window, sexually assaulting MacLean’s roommate in her sleep. The intruder quickly escaped, marking the first incident in a series of break-ins
and prowlers that have shaken Westdale since. The following evening, just a few blocks away, McMaster alumna Nicole Clarke was relaxing in her basement room after a shower when she heard rustling in the hallway. She called out believing it was her mother. When the person ran up the stairs and out of their Haddon Avenue North family home, however, Clarke realized that that was not the case. In both incidents, valuables were in clear sight, but nothing was stolen. At MacLean’s student house, the intruder reached over a laptop on the bed in order to assault the student. At Clarke’s home, the intruder walked past a television on his way to the basement. The incidents did not stop there. Three weeks passed quietly, but on Aug. 28, a 21-year-old student woke up and saw a person standing in her bedroom. As soon as she screamed, the intruder ran down the stairs and out the front door. Classes began. With them, another incident. On Sept. 4, a man attempted to enter a house
at Paisley Avenue North and Haddon Avenue North. The girl living inside the house caught him prying a screen window off. She called the police. The Hamilton Police have increased their presence in the area since. Nevertheless, as of yet, nobody has been caught in connection to the crimes, and it is too early for them to be connected. On Sept. 7, McMaster Daily News released a statement reminding students to take precautions to protect themselves. “McMaster University has shared alerts about some recent concerning incidents in Hamilton’s Westdale neigbourhood. As Hamilton Police Services continue their investigation, the McMaster community is reminded of some steps to take for safety and security, as well as some available support services and resources,” read part of the statement. It should be noted that all the break-ins occurred through unlocked windows or doors. “I think it is very important that students stay vigilant and look out for each other. When
we come home, we lock all of our doors as soon as we get in. Lock all your windows. You can get pieces of wood and put them in the sliding track of your window so that even if it is un-
Students living in the Westdale area should report any suspicious activity to the Hamilton Police and McMaster Security. locked, they can’t open it from the outside,” said MacLean. On campus, there are a number of resources available to students who feel unsafe or at risk. For instance, the McMaster Students’ Union Student Walk Home Attendant Team is available every night of the week from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sowmya Karthikeyan, SWHAT Coordinator, suggests that students should utilize the
service whenever they need it. “If you’re here with a couple of your friends, we can definitely walk in groups and drop people off individually,” said Karthikeyan. “In one walk we can drop all those people off, at that time we’re connected directly to McMaster Security.” Using SWHAT’s service in groups allows student volunteers to help more students reach their homes safely in shorter periods of time. The university also has several support systems in place. In particular, students who have been affected by sexual violence or are worried for their safety during this time are encouraged to contact Meaghan Ross, the sexual violence response coordinator at the Equity and Inclusion Office. Students living in the Westdale area should report any suspicious activity to the Hamilton Police and McMaster Security. They can provide anonymous information with Crime Stoppers Hamilton. In the cases of emergency, students should contact 911. @theSilhouette
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NEWS
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 | www.thesil.ca
New residence building coming, not only for Mac Columbia International College recently received city approval to move forward with a twotower student residence in Westdale
Community concerns are being raised about both Columbia International College and McMaster residence proposals. SILHOUETTE PHOTO ARCHIVES
Ryan Tse News Reporter
On Sept. 4, the City of Hamilton Planning Committee approved a zoning amendment application for a new two-storey Columbia International College student residence. This is the latest development in a project that stretches back four years. The residence will be built on the corner of Main Street West and Longwood Road and consists of an 18-storey tower and a 16-storey tower building connected by a four-story podium. It will mainly serve as a residence, though it will have other commercial and recreational uses as well. The developer, John Lecluse, is optimistic about the project going forward. “We’re hoping to have quite a bit of ground moved a year from now,” said Lecluse. The primary barrier to the project was a possible erosion hazard that could affect the Chedoke Creek valley system. However, the Hamilton Conservation Authority board gave their approval on the grounds that certain conditions are met.
The project parallels McMaster’s plans for a new residence on Main Street West, which began last year and is still in the planning stages. That building is planned to stand between Dalewood Avenue and Forsyth Avenue. Some community concerns with the CIC project, such as increased car and foot traffic, increased noise, and the shadowing effect of tall buildings, have also been raised in light of McMaster’s proposal. However, according to Ainslie Wood/Westdale Community Association president Ira Rosen, one of the key differences between the projects is that, unlike the McMaster building, which will stand over houses on Traymore Avenue, the CIC building is not directly next to homes. “There are no houses that are going to be affected by those [CIC] buildings because it’s right at the corner of [Main Street West] and [Longwood Road S],” said Rosen. “The closest permanents live just across the street. It’s not the same as the location the university is planning. The university location is literally on a side street
where there are houses.” Gord Arbeau, McMaster director of communications, said that McMaster has recently amended the building design to try and address some issues with the previous design, including parking, available amenities activities and the
The challenge for these plans will be to develop in a sustainable, responsible way that considers the perspectives of neighbouring communities. increased flow of pedestrians. It is worth noting that the current design has 90 per-cent of the building at ten stories, lower than the originally proposed thirteen stories. “We’re seeking more feedback,” said Arbeau. “We’ll be presenting the plan to the city and the city planners and
we look to finalize and fine-tune that design in the next month or so, and then we would envision submitting another application to the city sometime thereafter.” The university is hoping to begin construction next year and have the building open for August 2021. The AWWCA will meet to discuss the latest changes to the McMaster proposal at their annual general meeting on Sept. 17. Rosen said they are hoping to find a middle ground with the university and are open to development as long as both parties can work together. Those involved with the McMaster project plan to continue their consultations with community groups such as the AWWCA and attend regular meetings help by the president’s advisory committee on community relations. While McMaster has no affiliation with CIC, Arbeau noted that, in both cases, there is increased development along Main Street West. “I think what we’re seeing in Hamilton, especially with the [light rail transit], is a desire for the city to intensify develop-
ment along lanes especially on Main Street, which is where the LRT will run,” said Arbeau. As explained by Arbeau, both housing projects are being planned for with the potential construction of LRT in mind. LRT not only impacts the construction of new buildings because of the potential widening of Main Street West, but also represents a potentially more convenient way to commute across the city, especially for those close to Main Street West. Both McMaster and CIC are hoping to alleviate student housing shortages by constructing large buildings along Main Street West, a trend that will likely continue across the city. The challenge for these plans will be to develop in a sustainable, responsible way that considers the perspectives of neighbouring communities. @theSilhouette
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
The Silhouette
Nolunchmoney partners with SUSTAIN 3S03 The online initiative is tackling sustainability challenges and looking for a designated space on campus Donna Nadeem Contributor
In recent years, attention to food security issues has been growing, with more consideration being given to access to adequate food, the high cost of food in communities, the recent rise in food prices and concerns about the safety and sustainability of the food supply. Against the backdrop of this movement, Frank Chen, a fourth-year health sciences student at McMaster, decided to start Nolunchmoney, an online initiative that aims to increase student awareness about free food opportunities going on around campus. Nolunchmoney is an online initiative focused mostly on food recovery and sustainable practices at McMaster. For over three years, Nolunchmoney has been running programs through its blog and Facebook page. The team uses their social media to constantly keep students updated on free food events. They recently implemented a texting service so that students who are not as active on social media also have a way to be notified about all the events. “Our platform is basically all marketing based on teaching students about food opportunities on campus and then we primarily use social media as a tool to show students about these events,” said Sai R. Garlapatia, co-president of Nolunchmoney. Nolunchmoney markets McMaster Students Union club events so that even more students can be informed of these
Yo I didn’t bring lunch with me today.. yikes
C/O NOLUNCHMONEY
opportunities and further food wastage is prevented. “We are connecting services that are already there to the people. We are like the middleman,” said Garlapati. Last year, the team started planning a new program called the Second Course and solidified a collaboration with Paradise Catering, which agreed to donate leftover baked goods that would otherwise be thrown out. Nolunchmoney’s future goals include expanding their program by finding a designated space for the initiative on campus that is increasingly accessible to students. “We are trying to expand in the way that, by securing funding, we can improve our marketing techniques and have a designated space on campus to always host our events with the food,” Garlapati explained. In August, Nolunchmoney announced its partnership with SUSTAIN 3S03, a third-year undergraduate course open to students across all faculties at McMaster. Sixty per cent of the course grade comes from an experiential project that students to work on in groups. The partnership between Nolunchmoney and SUSTAIN 3S03 was established in an effort to work to combat two campus-related sustainability challenges. The first challenge, called “Enhancing the Process to Recover and Share Free Food on Campus,” hopes to make free food more accessible on campus. The second, called “Enhancing Student Participation on Campus,” seeks to de-stigmatize free
food initiatives and increase Nolunchmoney’s brand awareness and reach at the university. “Another executive member and I are taking the SUSTAIN 3S03 course and one of our projects is improving the Nolunchmoney service, so it is an academic component and now students can help Nolunchmoney grow and get academic credit for it,” said Garlapati. Students can also get involved by becoming a scout for Nolunchmoney, a job that entails seeking out free food events on campus and getting these posted about on the online initiative’s Facebook page.
“Our platform is basically all marketing based on teaching students about food opportunities on campus and then we primarily use social media as a tool to show students about these events,” Sai R. Garlapatia, Co-president of Nolunchmoney
@theSilhouette
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FEATURE FEATURE
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 | www.thesil.ca
The
INTERNATIONAL
experience
SUKAINA IMAM / PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
How well-supported are international students at McMaster? Hannah Walters-Vida Features Reporter
This fall, more than 1,500 new international students set foot on McMaster University’s campus. In the coming years, the university plans to further increase international student enrolment. As more international students are accepted to McMaster, student and university-led groups are working to
identify and address key issues that they face. McMaster’s 2017-2020 Strategic Mandate identifies international enrolment as a strategic priority. In 2017-2018, there were 2,589 international students studying at McMaster, a 25 per cent increase from the year prior. The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development does not limit the number of international students that a
post-secondary institution can admit. The ministry estimates that by 2020, international students will make up 20 per cent of all post-secondary enrolments in Ontario. International students choose to study in Canada for a wide variety of reasons, including the high quality of the Canadian education, the perception of Canada as a tolerant and non-discriminatory country and Canada’s reputation as a
safe country. However, many international students face significant barriers upon arrival, which can lead to problems with mental health, housing, finances and work.
The ministry estimates that by 2020, international students will make up 20 per cent of all postsecondary enrolments in Ontario.
FEATURE
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
Tuition One of the most commonly cited issues for international students across the province is tuition. According to the Ontario Undergraduate Student Association’s 2015 Ontario Post Secondary Student Survey,
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49 per cent of international students stated that they had difficulty meeting their annual tuition payments. At McMaster, a first-year domestic computer science student would pay $8,886 in the 2018-2019 academic year. However, an international student registered in the same program could pay between $25, 514 and $31, 658 per year, depending on their year of enrolment. Universities across the province rely on international students’ high tuition to offset their operating costs. According to a 2016 Global Affairs Canada study, international students account for 11 per cent of the Ontario undergraduate popula-
tion but generate 28 per cent of total tuition revenue. The 2018-2019 McMaster consolidated budget states, “to increase undergraduate enrolment and ensure our budget remains balanced, we need to shift our efforts to recruit additional international students, up from the current 10 per cent of undergraduate enrolment.” This is possible because international student tuition rates are unregulated, meaning that there is no limit on how much they can increase year to year. As a result, international students face the burden of sharp, and often unpredictable, increases in tuition rates. In addition to being an
issue on its own, high tuition can also cause other problems for international students. Paula Daidone, a McMaster alumna, remarked that high tuition can put international students in vulnerable housing situations, as they are more likely to be willing to sacrifice quality in exchange for low rent. Additionally, international students may have limited English skills, and might be searching for accommodations while living outside of Canada. Overall, these factors mean that international students are more likely than domestic students to face predatory landlords or end up in unsafe living situations. Anant Jain, a second-year
computer science student from India, also noted that high tuition means that international students often face a great deal pressure to succeed in school. International students may also face increased mental health issues due to the pressure to meet high tuition payments, problems with housing and academic stress.
Campus Life
them,” Jain stated. However, not all international students have trouble integrating to campus life. Jain’s outgoing nature and desire to participate in campus events helped him was integrate easily into the McMaster community. “I think, if you really want to talk to people, people will talk to you anytime,” he said. “And people are really welcoming here.” Jain also benefitted from mentorship programs and social events offered through International Student Services. Last year, McMaster Student Affairs conducted focus groups to help identify the needs of the university’s growing international student population. Outcomes
from this included a pre-orientation program for international students called Ignite, as well as investment in iCent, an app to provide new international students with information about their move to McMaster. Other plans for this year include the recruitment of a Student Success Coach and an Immigration consultant. According to Gina Robinson, director of the Student Success Centre and assistant dean, these changes will come in addition to existing programs relating to “life on campus, building connections, getting to know our Hamilton community, and celebrating culture and educating students on life in Canada.” Additionally, the McMaster
International and Exchange Club is a student run-initiative that connects incoming and outgoing international and exchange students. For Tom Johnston, an exchange student from Australia, MIX was a good way to get involved, meet people, and become a part of student life.
While these programs are helpful to some, other international students experience additional barriers that can prevent them from accessing the support available. Daidone, a McMaster alum from Brazil, emphasizes that mental health issues can make it difficult to get involved and seek out support. Daidone points out that international students lose their support systems when they come to Canada. “People come here from another country, by themselves. […], at home, you have more support, or family support, and more actual resources,” she said. The 2017 OUSA Policy Recommendations notes that the rise of mental health issues is of particular concern for international students due to issues with integration and adjustment. Additionally, while international students are automatically
enrolled into the University Health Insurance Plan, they cannot enroll into the Ontario Health Insurance zPlan. While OHIP covers psychiatric care, UHIP does not, meaning that international students have to pay out of pocket in order to access coverage. The OUSA Policy Recommendations emphasize the importance of providing “high-quality mental health supports that are culturally appropriate and sensitive to the needs of international students”. Currently, the Student Wellness Centre does not offer mental health support specifically catered to international students. The experiences of international students can vary drastically. Coming to McMaster can be an exciting way to meet new people, gain new experiences and seek new opportunities. However, many international
students still face problems due to immigration policy, tuition deregulation, social prejudice and language limitations. In the years to come, it remains to be seen how provincial government policy, university administrative decisions, and support services will work together to influence the experiences of the steadily growing in-
International students can find it difficult to participate in campus life, due in large part to prejudice and racism from other students, cultural differences and language barriers. Jain noted that some international students are nervous about initiating conversations. “When they don’t talk to people, when they don’t interact with people, they obviously have a close community feeling, they feel like people are not accepting
Mental Health
@theSilhouette
PRESIDENT’S PAGE
STEPHANIE BERTOLO Vice President (Education) vped@msu.mcmaster.ca 905.525.9140 x24017
From September 10 to 21, the McMaster Students Union is running the #TextbookBroke campaign with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance and McMaster’s Campus Store. The campaign aims to highlight the rising cost of textbooks and supplementary learning materials and raise awareness to a more cost-effective alternative, Open Educational Resources (OERs). The goal of the campaign is to encourage faculty, institutions, and governments to fund, adopt, and adapt OERs in place of high-cost textbooks. OERs are teaching and learning resources that are open for public use or are under the open copyright license that allows them to be used for free and repurposed by others. While most of the discussion is around open textbooks, OERs also includes other course materials, modules, videos, and even full courses. They can be reformatted and customized, giving professors greater flexibility over their course material while providing students with more applicable learning resources.
September 13, 2018 | thesil.ca
In 2017, the provincial government made a $1 million investment to support the development of OERs for post-secondary institutions in Ontario. There was a particular focus placed on the development of textbooks for high enrolment first and second year courses. These textbooks can be easily generalized and have the potential to save countless students hundreds of dollars each year. Currently, there are 264 open textbooks in the eCampus Ontario’s Open Textbook Library. It is estimated that the eCampus library saved Ontario students $1.7 million in one year alone.
“Adopting OERs ensures all students have access to the learning materials necessary to excel in their educational endeavours.” The use of OERs is not limited to saving students a few dollars each term, but can also play a significant role in allowing students from lower socio-economic backgrounds to excel in post-secondary institutions. Students who lack financial resources may choose not to buy textbooks for their courses, in order to have enough money for tuition, rent, and food. However, students with the learning materials are more likely to perform better in their courses. Adopting OERs ensures all students have access to the learning materials necessary to excel in their educational endeavours. While there is not currently a suitable OER for every course offered at McMaster, there are certainly a number of courses that could replace high-cost textbooks with OERs. For professors, it can be challenging to be one of the first to adopt an OER. However, we only need to look to British Columbia to see how successful these resources can be –
The President’s Page is a space sponsored and used by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors (BoD) to communicate with the student body. It functions to highlight the Board’s projects, goals, and agenda for the year, as well as the general happenings of the MSU.
over one-third of professors have used open textbooks in their classrooms. If professors slowly start to adopt OERs in Ontario, it can start a movement whereby it is common practice to choose or create an OER rather than resorting to expensive textbooks. OERs will be seen as a public good that contributes to a
high-quality, affordable education at McMaster. The MSU encourages students to tweet a picture of their textbook purchase receipt using #TextbookBroke and #McSU to share the impact of textbook costs. Those using the hashtag could win a $50 TwelvEighty gift card.
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
EDITORIAL
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Editorial Social issues and you Why you should care that our city is being left out of the provincial government’s plans
Emily O’Rourke Editor-in-Chief
Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative Party’s attacks on social services have been leaving a resounding effect on our city with every cut, threat or announcement that comes to. From announcing their plan to reduce planned increases in rates from the province’s largest social programs or cancelling Ontario’s basic income pilot project, which was meant to provide money to 4,000 low-income people in three cities, including Hamilton, a majority of social programs that have been cut have a direct impact on Hamilton’s population. Compared to Ontario, a significantly higher portion of Hamilton’s population live below the low income cut-off. As of December 2017, there were
20,291 households receiving assistance in Hamilton. That’s up from 18,719 in December 2014. This city deserves a hell of a lot better than this. Turning a blind eye on a city that relies heavily on social services and assistance from its government is incredibly irresponsible on a provincial level. There is work being done. Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger and other Ontario mayors are asking the federal government to assumew oversight of the basic income pilot and city council has voted in favour of officially denouncing the decision to cancel the pilot project, but there is still so much more work left to do. McMaster is a great safety net. It lets you experience Hamilton from a moderate distance while keeping you in a closely knit bubble. Unless you’re active
within the community, you may not necessarily have to engage with the unique issues that the city of Hamilton is facing. At the end of the day, however, this is still your city. Regardless of whether you’ll be here for the next four to six years or the next thirty, your city is suffering at the hands of our provincial government. It’s worth considering how your neighbour’s livelihood is being affected by these cuts, even if yours isn’t. @emily_oro
to Grandpa Kitchen to football being back to city boy to farm girl to upper years sounding like geniuses in first year classes
to Clubsfest on production day to our lack of games (sorry, very sad student) to Sriracha not fixing my undercooked meal to finding maggots in your house
to sleeping in
to indecisive weather
to longboarding in the cold
to wearing shorts in 10C weather and bragging about it
to coming to the office late
to wet hair
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10 |
HUMANS
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 | www.thesil.ca
Catherine Goce Photo Reporter
Tell me about the work you do here at McMaster. I’m a professor in the School of the Arts and I’ve been teaching here for 35 years. I’ve seen the department go through a number of evolutions right from the early years when there wasn’t a lot of regard for health and safety. There was not really any consciousness about the environment, what went down the drain, what was hazardous waste, to where we are now which is significantly in a different place. How has McMaster’s environment changed since you’ve worked here? Myself and Graham Todd, who is no longer a faculty member here who passed away a few years ago, both started at the same time. I think we were sort of the instigators of change. Incrementally, we started changing things in terms of health and safety protocols and working in this office and taking training ourselves to upgrade and get the place up to environmental standards. It was only maybe eight years ago that the faculty sat down and we were looking at where our budget went and you know how much we were struggling with managing chemical use and hazardous waste and protocols and Graham jokingly said “let’s just go green” and we all went away and we came back the next day and we went ‘wait a minute maybe we really do need to dramatically shift our attitudes about what we do’. So that was the start of it and we incrementally started phasing out hazardous materials, hazardous processes and finding viable alternatives for them. There’s no solvent use in the studios anymore, the acid use is gone, except for chloride which is really a salt. I think every area of the department is on alert to it and actively involved and the best thing is that students are engaged in it and they come to us with ideas all the time. What’s a lesson that you always try to convey to your students? Just to question everything, we’re creatures of habit and I know from growing up in an art school where health and
Judy Major-Girardin facebook.com/HumansOfMcMaster
safety and what went down the drain was not even on the radar. It’s very hard to change habits, you have to really question everything. Read labels, inform yourself, we have to be actively engaged in everything that we do. It will never be a finished project because there’s always going to be something new and something better. So it takes a continuous commitment
“It’s very hard to change habits, you have to really question everything. Read labels, inform yourself, we have to be actively engaged in everything that we do.” Jude Major-Girardin Professor, School of the Arts and mindspace that says we’re always going to be changing for the better. Where does your passion for the environment and sustainability come from? Well, it probably comes from growing up on a farm for one thing. I grew up on a farm in
the southernmost part of Ontario near Point Pelee National Park. It’s one of the largest wetland areas in Ontario and it’s a national park and I sort of took that for granted. All of my “big wow” experiences in life for things that I saw in the natural environment and so many things that are very rare which I never even realised at the time because of just the locale in which I grew up in. I always sketched and drew from nature and then I moved away from it when I was in school a little bit, but I found I was always returning there for inspiration. And so then I started thinking more about how can I align my practice with that background. I could have easily gone into biology because I’ve always loved the sciences as well as the arts so I’ve made a lot of connections with people in the university here that taught me a lot about what’s going on. My art might not look blatantly environmentally responsible but I’m choosing all these products and materials and processes that have the least impact or have no impact. That’s the goal. And I’m looking at wetlands specifically because I think wetlands are really the perfect model of sustainability, they filter out toxins, they do flood control, increase in oxygen, there’s so many things that a wetland does naturally that we’re struggling with things to do these things that the world already knows how to do. So I would like the
Professor, School of the Arts
imagery in my work to raise awareness for these beautiful spaces. I reference that imagery not in a way that I’m sending a direct political message but I’m trying to make people think about water and think about natural solutions that’s where our answers are I believe. I know for myself when I’m stressed I go out for a walk. It’s a calming thing. There’s lots of research that links it with education says it increases focus, concentration, memory, attention, all things which are are perfectly in line with educaiton and yet we put students in classrooms and we shut the window. It’s crazy that we don’t learn from that. So that’s a part of what I’m trying to do is get students out into natural spaces and think about those spaces and how they can be connected to what we’re learning. Or just go for a walk before an exam. Tell me about the Socrates Project. So the Socrates project that I’m involved in is called Paradise Revisited and that whole project is about getting faculty, staff, students and the community out into the natural space of McMaster and the surrounding areas. So there are events planned all fall that get people out;w canoeing, hiking, tours, lectures, exhibitions. It’s all on the Socrates Website. Free and open to the public and the first 200 people to be involved get a
“If everybody writes, why doesn’t everybody draw? You don’t have to be an artist. I’m not a writer but I write, I’m not a singer but I sing!” Jude Major-Girardin Professor, School of the Arts free sketchbook. The sketchbooks are not just for art students, they’re for everybody. If everybody writes why doesn’t everybody draw? You don’t have to be an artist. I’m not a writer but I write, I’m not a singer but I sing! It’s about making yourself broader and more informed.
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OPINION
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 | www.thesil.ca
Opinion Pride for whom, exactly? Rainbow sidewalks mean very little without material support from institutions Lilian Obeng Contributor
Over the course of the summer, city council voted in favour of paying public tribute to Hamilton’s LGBTQ+ community. The intersections in front of city hall and McMaster University, Summers Lane at Main Street West and Sterling Street respectively, now don brightly coloured trans and pride flags. The decision was met with praise across the board. McMaster University specifically seized on the opportunity to integrate the new crosswalks into their overall public-relations strategy — tweets, Facebook posts and even an Instagram post. A bright, simple and public display of support for a marginalized community, such as this, is unlikely to encounter many challenges. But as a queer student who has been on this campus for upwards of three years, these crosswalks are only a bleak reminder of the actual priorities of the university’s administration. Symbolic gestures, such as these crosswalks, can be important political statements. Given the current political climate, I would be remiss if I did not highlight the need to remain firm and resolute in our solidarity with the marginalized. However, what purpose do rainbow crosswalks serve when the university fails to ensure the safety of its LGBTQ+ community? This was best illustrated by Jordan Peterson’s visit to our campus, and the university’s
[What] purpose do rainbow crosswalks serve when the university fails to ensure the safety of its LGBTQ+ community?
C/O GRANT HOLT
dismal response to staff, student and faculty outcry. In March 2017, a McMaster Students Union ratified club invited Peterson to campus to speak on ‘political correctness.’ Needless to say, the visit was marred with controversy from its planning stages all the way through to Peterson’s arrival. Peterson rose to prominence for refusing to use his trans students correct pronouns at the University of Toronto, citing the mere act of respecting students as compelled speech and infringing on his own rights. He has since gone on to accrue a host of misogynistic and racist views. Peterson’s bigoted diatribes have earned him legions of right-wing and white supremacist support as well as personal wealth. Needless to say, all of this
information was presented multiple times to multiple levels of the university. The President’s Advisory Council on Building and Inclusive Community brought students, staff and faculty together to lucidly explain the potential threat Peterson’s visit could pose to already vulnerable people. Our concern was met with silence, and in these times, silence is complicity. Peterson supporters — supporters that had absolutely no affiliation with McMaster or the broader Hamilton community, physically assaulted student protesters. Members of PACBIC faced weeks of harassment both in-person and online from Peterson’s fans. The university has made little to no attempt to ameliorate this situation. The only action that has
been taken were the creation of guidelines for event planners — guidelines that demonstrate that the university’s understanding of the free speech debate is informed entirely by right-wing propaganda and not the social realities that are present on our campus. The fact remains that if our struggles cannot be moulded or integrated into the existing public relations strategy of the university, our legitimate concerns fall by the wayside. Our pointed policy solutions, our calm consultations, and even our protests are either tokenized, such as with these crosswalks, or minimized and placed aside. The LGBTQ+ community deserves more than this spectacle. @theSilhouette
Our pointed policy solutions, our calm consultations, and even our protests are either tokenized, such as with these crosswalks, or minimized and placed aside. The LGBTQ+ community deserves more than this spectacle.
OPINION
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
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What Welcome Week taught me Welcome Week’s high energy events built up a network of relationships ,support systems and advice for first years to heed as the school year goes on Kian Yousefi Kousha Contributor
All through summer, I was thinking about my transition to McMaster University. I thought about meeting people, finding friends, learning lessons and getting advice. Welcome Week painted all of my thoughts with a colour of reality. It started with hearing customized chants in the move-in day and it ended with jumping up and down at Majid Jordan’s concert. Between the start and the end, there was lots of middle, which were filled with valuable lessons. With that said, Welcome Week would not be alive without its empathetic, energetic and earnest representatives who were the authors of those valuable lessons. For instance, most of them highlighted the significance of getting involved with the McMaster community.
On the other hand, I was told that being a student should always be my first priority during my time at university. The sessions held by the Student Success Centre taught me that asking for help does not signify weakness. It was alsomentioned that students ought to use all the resources available so that they can get the most out of their time at McMaster University. To name a few, I was introduced to the Student Wellness Centre and the Student Health Education Centre, which their main purpose is to become an oasis for students during any physical or mental illnesses. Equally important, I believe that Welcome Week was the most successful in helping students like me to feel less homesick. As an only child, I could never imagine that I would feel welcome in any other place
except my own home. Nevertheless, Welcome Week taught me and all of its participants that home is not a place. It is a feeling that stems from love, friendship and respect. This happened through a myriad of icebreaker events such as Mac Connector and Faculty Fusion, which created a sense of belonging between the first years as they felt a part of the 2022 family. Classes have now started and all first years have officially become a Marauder. The events of Welcome Week have most certainly prepared students for their first year and eased their transition from their high school or home country to McMaster University. Now it is the time for the students to utilize their learned lessons as a means to success so that we all can proudly say: one, we are from Mac,
two, a little bit louder, three, I still can’t hear you, four more more more.
SILHOUETTE PHOTO ARCHIVES
@theSilhouette
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Debunking Career Fair Myths
With over 115 employers, Fall Career Fair is one of the largest recruitment events at McMaster. For many students, it’s an opportunity to connect with employers and diverse opportunities. Tanya Kett and Elizabeth DiEmanuele
Fall Career Fair has also become a debated topic among some of our students. At the Student Success Centre, we’re familiar with why students decide not to attend. We would like to debunk some of these reasons. Here’s why students should consider attending this year.
1. Organizations aren’t hiring my Faculty This is the Career Fair Catch-22: every year, there are students who say they cannot find organizations hiring for their program, and every year, employers notice their absence. This is especially common among students who do not have co-op built into their
program. Consider an organization beyond their name and industry. Larger organizations have many opportunities. Research the organizations in advance so that when you attend, you can ask about opportunities related to your interests. Even if they are not recruiting at the Fall Career Fair, there may be opportunities in the future.
2. The Fair is too crowded We completely understand that this prevents some students from attending, which is why we have introduced Career Fair Access Hour. This is a unique opportunity for students to have more one-onone time with employers who have strong diversity hiring programs within their organizations and who have chosen to
develop those deeper connections. The Access Hour can also ease some of the discomfort of wading through crowds of people. For more information, please email careeraccess@ mcmaster.ca.
3. I’ve attended before and they just say to apply online While this may be true, employers want you to attend so they can get a sense of who you are as a person. If you make a strong impression, employers will remember when they go through online applications. Sure, they may tell you to apply online, but that personal connection makes a big difference when they select candidates for an interview.
4. I’m not job searching right now
But you will be someday, right? Use Fall Career Fair to make connections. Do some research, talk to people, and learn about future career paths. The earlier you start making connections, the more you will build along the way. Plus, it is much easier to do this work when there is less pressure to find a job. If you are still in doubt, consider stopping by for even a few minutes to get the feel for these types of events. Fall Career Fair is a great way to build your confidence because these are employers interested in McMaster students. The Fair could lead to your next opportunity. Learn more: bit.ly/maccareerfair.
FALL CAREER FAIR is on
Thursday, September 20, 2018. Sponsored by:
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Arts & Culture Cut, paste and chill Unleash your creativity while collaging at Sous Bas Razan Samara A&C Editor
As darkness claims the end of the first Wednesday of the month, Main Street East settles into a quiet rhythm against the background humming of nearby traffic. Red florescent lights spelling out ‘Sous Bas’ invite passersby down a flight of stairs and into the warm atmosphere of the candlelit space known for long nights of dancing. At the far end of the room DJ Camron rehearses his set. The chanted vocals of Afrobeat mixed with funk and jazz tracks will catalyze carefree dance moves during Afrowave, but tonight’s unofficial audience is rather preoccupied with issues of National Geographic from the early 2000s, scissors and glue sticks. Magazines and journals from the worlds of fashion, business, travel, lifestyle, art, music and photography are scattered along the bar’s island. A few comics, colouring pages and prints from the past can also be found among the dozens of publications that fill plastic storage bins on the ground. Whether you came with a plan to spend the night collag-
ing or stumbled in for a drink and decided to stay for the paper-based craft, Sous Bas owner Erika McMeekin and visual artist Stylo Starr have created the perfect environment to cut, paste and chill. “It’s been a really great experience breaking down the stigma that collage is just a cut and paste kindergarten activity, it’s so much more…the major drive behind it was that we saw that there was a pull towards collage and the appeal was there but the response was always ‘oh I can’t do that, I’m not an artist’,” explained Starr. When McMeekin was approached with the idea of hosting the Collage Coven’s Assemblage events at Sous Bas, she thought it was a perfect fit. The nightclub is not only a popular scene for a night out in Hamilton, it’s also deeply intertwined with the community by providing a welcoming space for meetings, R&B and disco pilates sessions and now an art space. “People like to meet and drink but don’t really do anything… So I want to see what could happen [in spaces]… where you go hangout with your friends but also make
something,” said Starr. “I think that would be really beneficial because you’re being productive in a group and that group think and group creativity is actually really cool, the synergy that’s there is insane.” Collage makers tap into their creativity in clusters around tables, in booths, on couches and even sitting crosslegged on the floor buried in paper. Some of the attendees at last Wednesday’s event include artists, friends collaging together for the first time and two DeGroote alumni, one of whom flew in from Ireland to celebrate his birthday and ended up catching up with his friend over beers and collages. “I love being able to provide that space for people where they could just unleash their creativity. It’s a power that not a lot of people realize they have within themselves…when they say things like ‘I’m not creative’ it’s like shoving that down in a box and I’m here to rip that
shit open and let them revel in it and see what comes out of it,” explained Starr. Aside from being a form of creativity and self-expression, collaging is also therapeutic. Attendees can learn more about themselves and feel good through partaking in the activity. Many of Starr’s own pieces were created during emotional moments, helping her sort through her thoughts, like a visual diary. Anyone can get started with collaging. Start by collecting images that catch your eye in magazines or digital media, rip, cut, clip words, graphics, photographs or even patterns. Starr encourages collecting anything that strikes you and putting it aside for when you desire to make art or try something new. The Collage Coven’s monthly collage parties take place on the first Wednesday
of the month from 7 to 10 pm at Sous Bas. The event is open to all, pay what you can and an abundance of materials are provided. @theSilhouette
RAZAN SAMARA / A&C EDITOR
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Café thrives from small beginnings The Mustard Seed Co-operative Grocery expands to include new café Drew Simpson Contributor
The Mustard Seed Co-operative’s new café is just shy of two weeks old. The café fits in a perfect hub on the left upon entering the grocery store. The warm string lights, wooden details and contrasting black backdrop displaying the café menu set a welcoming tone for the Mustard Seed Co-op. At one end of the space lays the café, inside the store yet out of the way of potential shopping. At the other end of the store and directly opposite the café counter is a cozy area with tan round wooden tables, earthtoned chairs and an L-shaped wood bench. It feels like the perfect progression: ordering a coffee, walking across the store to take a seat or walking around the aisles to shop for local food. Although the grocery store is a co-operative, there is no membership needed to shop or to enjoy the café’s fair trade coffee, tea, espressos, lattes and Italian sodas with house-made syrups. However, after seeing the harmony between the café counter and the community space all within this grocery store, one can imagine it would be worthwhile to be a part of the community that birthed and built the Mustard Seed café. Stacey Allen-Cillis, the
“The Mustard Seed community is all very likeminded. We are all connected… so either you’re growing your own, you go to a community garden, you utilize farmer’s markets, you’re passionate in some way about food, community and beyond. It’s all intertwined,” Allen-Cillis Founder of Mustard Seed Co-op
operations team lead and a founder of Mustard Seed Co-op already knew the importance of local eating due to her own backyard garden started by her two kids. She started by selling produce from her own backyard and gave all the proceeds to youth at risk. The people behind the Mustard Seed Co-op are not the only ones interested in urban farming and local eating. Passersby will come across houses selling backyard farm produce on walks through the neighbouring streets and boulevards. “The Mustard Seed community is all very like-minded. We are all connected…so either you’re growing your own, you go to a community garden, you utilize farmer’s markets, you’re passionate in some way about food, community and beyond. It’s all intertwined,” explained Allen-Cillis. When the community expressed a need for the café, the co-op board agreed. The fated café became a reality through cooperation between staff, committees and even volunteer ‘worker bees’ that built the space. It is only natural for the café space, which includes an indoor and outdoor section, to double as a community space. Adding another medium for Mustard Seed Co-op to connect with the community. The intention is also for everyone in the neighbourhood to have access to a space that is their own, especially with a lack of cafés within a kilometre radius. The Co-op will also utilize the space to continually educate its shoppers and members about the importance of local eating. With the café honouring the five-year anniversary of the business, it also symbolized that the Mustard Seed Co-op is fulfilling its prophecy as ‘the mustard seed is an ancient metaphor for great things coming of small beginnings,’ as mentioned in the membership passport. Additionally, it is the only Co-op grocery store in Hamilton. Allen-Cillis foresees either opening another location in Hamilton or encouraging the sprouting of another Co-op by sharing the Mustard Seed Coop’s success. Allen-Cillis always stresses that everything accomplished is through the cooper-
ation of the Co-op’s members, staff and community. The Mustard Seed Co-op’s members are able to attend general assembly meetings where they can vote and take part in specific committees, like the sourcing committee, which focuses on where local food is coming from, or committees
like the one that made the café a reality. Walking through the grocery aisles, café and community space seems like the perfect intersection between conscious eating and supporting the community. For the health conscious shopper who loves to give back by purchasing locally
sourced produce, the Mustard Seed Co-op is a great grocery store and now, a great café with a community space you can call your own
@theSilhouette
The Mustard Seed café has a selection of fair trade coffee, tea, espressos and lattes. KYLE WEST / PHOTO EDITOR
A&C
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13 2018
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Concerts are held monthy at the store. C/O INTO THE ABYSS
Feeling the power of music Intimate concerts at Into the Abyss bring the community together in a powerful way
Rya Buckley A&C Reporter
Approximately once a month from last October through to June, Into the Abyss, a record store on Locke Street South, hosted concerts in its small but cheery space. With autumn back on the horizon, the store is starting up the Shopshows Series once again on Sept. 29. Storeowner Brad Germain had been thinking of the idea long before the record store opened last year. He believes being able to enjoy music with music makers and other music lovers in a close environment is a special experience. As a friend of musicians and a musician himself, he wanted to provide a unique venue where artists would want to play. The closeness of the shop setting delivers the sort of heightened experience that he knows artists are looking for. “[A]ny time you can break
down the barrier between audience and creator, I think it always makes for better art and always makes for a better experience… I think that it’s so much easier to make a connection with the audience and the audience with you when you’re all on the same level and… close to one another and able to feel each other’s energy,” he explained. At the same time, he also enjoys the fact that he is able to support hardworking and heartfelt artists by inviting them to play at the shop. The shows last year often included local Hamilton artists, such as improvised noise duet Eschaton and the band, Human Nun, known at the time as Poorage. Like the music sold at the store, the artists that have played Into the Abyss come from many different places. Last year, there were shows featuring Canadian artists such as Montreal folk singer Corey Gulkin, and Winnipeg-based band Tunic. Internationally known artists, such as British folk act This Is The Kit, also came to play the shop. Germain is looking forward to bringing some more internationally renowned artists into the store this year, giving his audiences a unique chance to see these larger artists in a smaller venue. The intimacy of the space
was not the only motivator behind Germain’s decision to start the shows. He also liked the idea of providing an alternate small space venue outside of the bar scene, something the Locke Street community didn’t have prior to Into the Abyss. “I think a lot of music now… is tied to [having] a seat in a bar and then you have to drink. You have to… go out late at night and you know people tend to drink a lot and then it turns into this… party thing where the music becomes a secondary… part of the puzzle,” he explained. “I felt that it was important to have another space in Hamilton [where] people could have access to live music and connect with it in a very quiet, intimate, small setting where the music is the focus… [It’s about] bringing people together… [and wanting] another space in town where people could go to see music without all that other type of pressure.” Last year’s Shopshows series included kid-friendly shows and start times as early as four in the afternoon. Distancing the music viewing experience from the party experience gave Shopshows audiences a chance to truly enjoy and interact with the music they came to see. For Germain, the music is
the most important aspect. He loves working in music because he believes in the power that it has to change lives and foster community. “Well, you know, the power of music is crazy, the power of what music can do to a human being and the effect it has. The effect that music has on plants, the effect that music has on animals…I get…so excited about music when I talk about it... because it changes your life,” he said. “When you think about all the moments in your life where music impacted you in profound ways and it’s like, you know, speech has the power to do that as well, but sometimes tones arranged in the right way, performed by the right person and you listening to them at the right time is…transformative… [I]t’s so vital to the human experience.” The audiences that come out to the shows are able to feel that transformation. The small space breaks down the distance that exists between strangers and allows individuals to feel part of the larger community. By plugging into the music and to each other, the Shopshows give people a chance to @theSilhouette
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Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 | www.thesil.ca
Silhouette
N A I S R E P Putting
food on the map of Westdale
The new Nannaa Persian Eatery combines atmosphere with delicious food for a complete experience
Rya Buckley A&C Reporter
If you’ve been to Kuma’s Candy at some point this year, you probably found your feet slowing down outside its new neighbour next door. One glance at the bright yellow door and big windows of Nannaa Persian Eatery could make almost anyone want to step inside. The décor is a special element of the experience at the eatery. The modern, youthful vibe will surely attract hungry students and elements that celebrate Westdale will appeal to the community at large. Along one wall, there is artwork purchased from the Westdale Cinema’s fundraiser to get the theatre reopened. Restaurant owner, Mohammad Emami, wants Nannaa Eatery to become a part of the community. He grew up in
nearby Dundas and has several friends and family members who attended McMaster University. “We wanted to be very close to McMaster. This is a fast-causal concept… so it’s people who want good quality food, but not necessarily have a full sit-down meal and have to wait for service. And you know with students, with the hospital being there, with the movie theater being next door… Being here really fit,” he explained. The most eye-catching details of the restaurant are those that reflect Persian culture. Along one wall, there is artwork from a Persian comedian, based off the work of famous Persian poet, Rumi. At the back of the restaurant, there is a graphic of a deconstructed Persian rug hanging from the wall to the floor.
The most eyecatching details of the restaurant are those that reflect Persian culture. However, some of the most impressive pieces are right when you walk
into the restaurant. Along one wall, a series of plates are hanging and, on the other wall, there is a huge mural of an ancient Persian marketplace. “Persians are very artistic. [These are] all hand-hammered plates that come from a city in Iran called Isfahan, where a lot of…creativity comes [from]. You have people in a marketplace that will hammer it in front of you. So we definitely wanted to have that authentic element in here,” explained Emami. The culture is not only represented with the art, but also with the music and the staff uniform. The restaurant’s playlist will feature a variety of Persian music for
customers to enjoy, alongside some English-language music. Phrases like “nooshe jan” are featured on the staff t-shirts, with the translation ‘bon appétit’ underneath. All of this is simply the backdrop to the restaurant’s mission: to put Persian food on the map. Emami wants to see Persian food become more widely consumed. “You’ll see other types of Middle Eastern food, you’ll see Chinese food, Indian food has grown. We are one of two or three Persian restaurants west
A&C The Silhouette
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
of Toronto. So we want that exposure to happen. I think it’s about time,” he said. Customers from all backgrounds will be able to find something that they enjoy on the menu. A section of the menu is dedicated to twists combining Persian with non-Persian dishes, such as the koobideh poutine, olvieh baguette and pulled lamb tacos. There are also more traditional Persian menu items, such as bademjoon stew and dahl addas, a curry-like potato, cauliflower and lentil stew. Sev-
eral gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available.
Customers from all backgrounds will be able to find something that they enjoy on the menu. Emami’s passion for food stems from his mother’s cooking. It inspired him to open Burlington restaurant, Rayhoon Persian Eatery and
now Nannaa. He realized when he was growing up that you don’t have to be Persian to enjoy Persian food. “I was born in Iran, but I didn’t grow up in Iran. So one of the major connections I have with Iran is the food because it was consistent in my life with my mom’s cooking. [T]hen my friends who were non-Persian would come over, have the food, and they loved it.” Emami’s mission also includes a desire for people to learn something about Persian culture. He believes that connecting through good food is one of the best ways to do that. “[I]f you go to Iran to visit on vacation, everyone is very welcoming. You
can’t walk into a house where they won’t offer you food constantly – you can’t say no, it’s rude to say no. So it’s not only about the food, it’s about the culture, it’s about the hospitality as well,” he explained.
Emami’s mission also includes a desire for people to learn something about Persian culture. Whether you’ve grown up with Persian food or want to try it for the first time, Nannaa Persian Eatery has opened its doors to welcome all of Westdale and beyond.
@theSilhouette
CATHERINE GOCE / PHOTO REPORTER
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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
Sports Lyons Takes The Lead Fourth-year running back Jordan Lyons leads a young McMaster football team Jessica Carmichael Sports Reporter
If you have been paying attention to McMaster football over the last year, the name Jordan Lyons surely rings a bell. The fourth-year running back first started playing football fairly young when he saw his twin brother Justin play. The two grew up and continued to play the sport all the way to the university level until Justin suffered from a back injury two years ago. At first, having to play without his brother was a weird adjustment for the running back. “We were literally hip to hip all the way through elementary school, high school and even university, so that was a little bit of a change,” Jordan said. “But he’s doing his own thing now. He’s actually into modeling.” As one Lyons brother chose the runway, the other continued to perfect his game on the field. It was during last
year’s Homecoming where he brought in one touchdown with an impressive 186 yards on 25 carries for the Marauders in a triumphant 32-2 win over the York University Lions. This was the second time in Lyons’ career that he had broken 100 rushing yards, and at the time was a career high. During the Ontario University Athletics quarter-finals last year, Lyons fell just short of setting a new Marauders team record for yards in a game, 344, set by Jesse Lumsden in 2004. He carried the ball 39 times for 319 yards which helped the Marauders advance to the semifinal game. Though after losing to the Wilfred Laurier University Golden Hawks, Lyons and the Marauders suffered more than just a playoff loss: they lost several key veteran players. Their absence is definitely noticeable as the Marauders now sit 1-2 after a crushing 44-6 loss against the University of Western Ontario Mustangs. Lyons, on the other hand, has been a light in the darkness.
Against the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, he ran for 168 yards on 24 carries and had two receptions for 22 yards, for a total of 190 yards, which made up more than half of Mac’s total yardage. While he was unable to find much room to run against the Mustangs’ all-star defence, as he was only unable to gain 21 yards on 10 carries, he did find success as the Marauders’ leading receiver with four catches for 65 yards. For Lyons, this was not always the case. Like most freshman, he had to wait his turn as a fellow Burlington running back finished what he came to Mac to do. Lyons had watched Chris Pezzetta develop as a player and learned from him for several years in Burlington and then continued to do so at Mac until he graduated. “Coming in with [Chris Pezzetta] leaving was just a big opportunity that I tried to take advantage of,” said Lyons. And that he did, immediately making an impact and breaking records to prove it, the
running back still did not crack under the pressure. “I didn’t see it as pressure. I just see it as coming out and playing my hardest and hopefully we can win,” said Lyons. “It’s really about the team and winning and that’s all I care about. The records come with whatever happens in the game, but what happens on the field, if we win or lose, is the most important thing.” With his eyes on his lifelong dream of making it to the Canadian Football League, winning is part of the reason he chose McMaster. “I knew a lot of people at the Mac program have done well here and in the CFL,” said Lyons. Like he does on the field, Lyons does not allow the pressure of ‘making it’ to have too much of a toll on him. “Whenever it comes, it comes,” Lyons said. “That’s just my dream so if it happens it happens, and if it doesn’t it doesn’t.” Beyond football, the labour
studies student hopes to take the team atmosphere that he learned as a Marauder and that into the business and/or the human resources world. Although Lyons may have what it takes, the rest of the Marauders’ offence continues to struggle against tough competition at the beginning of the 2018 season. Looking forward to an early Homecoming to draw as much support as possible to break the losing streak. Lyons pointed out that earlier Homecoming makes it easier for McMaster students to come out and support. “I think when you see the fans very enthusiastic about the game it definitely helps out with the atmosphere,” said Lyons. “Before the actual game, guys are just so excited about Homecoming because it’s just a fun game to play in.” With Lyon’s leading the way, a fun game it should be. @theSilhouette
@theSilhouette
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
SPORTS | 21
“It’s really about the team and winning and that’s all I care about. The records come with whatever happens in the game, but what happens on the field, if we win or lose, is the most important thing.” Jordan Lyons Running back McMaster Football Team
CATHERINE GOCE / PHOTO REPORTER
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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
Here for one reason
With nationals in sight, fifth-year Cassidy Calvert explains how the women’s rugby team is poised for another huge season
The Marauders will look to medal again following a 2017 OUA Bronze SILHOUETTE PHOTO ARCHIVES Graham West Contributor
After an impressive performance against the York Lions, Cassidy Calvert is one of a few upper-year players looking ready to lead McMaster’s women’s rugby team to an incredibly successful season. Calvert was named Pita Pit Athlete of the Week because of her game against York where the fifth-year hooker had two tries and a very strong on-field presence in which she helped lead the team to victory. “It’s really nice when you work your butt off for something and you get rewarded for it,” Calvert said. “It’s really nice when people notice when you’re working really hard.” The team is led by a legion of veterans who know that leadership has to be present on the field in addition to in the locker room, as three of the veterans each scored a pair of tries in the game against the Lions. Yet not all leaders see themselves taking on that role until it is time. “I’ve always said I’m not really someone who has wanted to be in a captain role,” said Calvert. “A leader role is something that’s so broad I’d rather
someone hear my name or see me on the field and go, ‘that’s what I wanna do, that’s someone I want to look up to’.”
“It’s really nice when you work your butt off for something and you get rewarded for it. It’s really nice when people notice when you’re working really hard,” Cassidy Calvert Fifth-year hooker Women’s rugby team It is clear that Calvert and the other veterans intend to lead by example, which is especially important this year as the roster boasts a larger number of firstyear players than usual. Even with a fairly new roster with more new recruits than they have seen in a long time, Calvert still says chemistry is strong. Calvert added that the team has the mentality of cooperating and just putting their
heads down for the purpose of winning. Currently ranked fifth nationally, expectations are high for the Marauders, a feeling shared by the team. Calvert said the rankings are positive but not something the team focuses on. She added that the team is more focused on performing and playing well week in and week out than paying attention to the rankings. After their huge 57-12 victory against York at the end of August, the women’s rugby team is off to a hot start. They will look to carry this momentum back home when they play Queen’s University on Homecoming weekend. The Gaels fell to two spots lower than Mac on the national rankings, but the Marauders are aware that they are a good team who will pose a tough test. When asked about their upcoming game Calvert said there is no reason they should not be able to perform the way they did against York in this contest or any game for the remainder of the season. With sights set on the national championship, the team is reaching for the stars, although Calvert says they need to focus on the
“We do have a lot of fifth-years this year so I know this is our last hoorah, so it’s something we really want. I know it will be a fight no matter what and I think everyone’s taking it very seriously which is good,” Cassidy Calvert Fifth-year hooker Women’s rugby team process first. “Right now it’s winning [Ontario University Athletics] because you have to win that before,” Calvert said. “You can come second but we don’t want that. You have to win one before you get to the other. We do have a lot of fifth-years this year so I know this is our last hoorah, so it’s something we really want. I know it will be a fight no matter what and I think everyone’s taking it very seriously which is
good.” Calvert shared that the team keeps a phrase in mind throughout the entire season as a motivator: ‘Here for one reason’. That one reason is to win rugby games. Calvert said head coach Tim Doucette uses it as motivation to make sure everyone is giving it their all. It is especially important to veteran players such as Calvert as this is their last year playing university rugby and intend on giving their all to the season ahead. They will next be representing the maroon and grey against Queen’s on Sept. 15, Homecoming weekend. The women’s rugby team is definitely one of the teams to watch this upcoming athletic season at Mac, with one of their biggest rosters yet, packed full of talent and they definitely have the potential to win it all.
@theSilhouette
SPORTS | 23
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
A united front
After a disappointing end to their 2017 campaign, the men’s soccer team is clicking and ready to take on the best of the OUA Justin Parker Sports Editor
The 2017 Ontario University Athletics Final Four did not go as the Marauders had planned. Ending the season at second place in the OUA West division, the team looked like they had a strong chance at moving on to the national championships. Unfortunately, the trip was never meant to be as McMaster struggled in their playoff matches, falling short of bringing home any hardware. The end to the season felt undeserved, but those tough-to-accept losses are far behind the 2018 team as they face the challenges of this young season. This season appeared to be a tough test right from the start for the Marauders as a significant number of upper-year players were put on a team suspension and were forced to sit out the first four games of the season. This left a hole in leadership, calling for younger players to step up. One such player is Antonio Sereno, a third-year winger who started six of the 13 games he played in last season. This season he had to step up and be one of the players to lead by example. “I got to be more of a leader on the field this year because most of the guys were suspended,” Sereno said. “I was one of the older guys, so you kind of have to lead the way, show the rookies and set an example.” That is something that Sereno accomplished on the field during Mac’s Aug. 31 game against the Western Mustangs, when the third-year notched a goal in the eightieth minute. It was his first goal of the season and gave the Mac men their third straight win to start the year. Sereno points to the culture of the team, a united front of rookies and veterans, as a key reason why the Marauders were able to remain successful despite some holes in the roster. “Everybody’s on the same page,” Sereno said. “We just really clicked. It’s like we’ve been playing for a while, but realistically, it’s been three, four weeks and yet everybody’s just on the
Marauders’ Antonio Sereno looks to make a play against York on Sept. 7 C/O MCMASTER ATHLETICS
“Everybody wants to be there. We celebrate every goal as a team. It’s like we’ve won a championship. Even here at Mac, you got to go over the stands but we just jump up. I love it,” Antonio Sereno Third-year winger Men’s soccer team same page.” “Everybody wants to be there,” Sereno added. “We celebrate every goal as a team. It’s like we’ve won a championship. Even here at Mac, you got to go
over the stands but we just jump up. I love it. Like even at Western, guys are running across the field. It’s amazing.” Throughout their six games, Mac has mostly played in close contests, boasting a goal differential of +4. This is in line with Mac’s style as Sereno described the Marauders as a team that excels on the counter-attack. “We do our job defensively everybody works hard, and then on the counter we just we just click,” Sereno said. “I don’t think we’re more of an offensive team, we just work hard defensively and then when we get that chance we go.” However, the counter-attack was missing over the weekend as the Marauders had a tough time on the pitch, scoring one goal in two games against York and Guelph. They will need to work hard to get that counter-attack back on track and luckily head
coach Dino Perri has been able to keep the team competitive while training. “Like [coach Perri] says, nobody has a guaranteed spot on the team, anybody could come in,” Sereno said. “Rookies could come in and fill in spots without any problem and it’s just the hard work people are putting in. Everybody’s working hard, even in training. I love to see it. It’s amazing.” After a Sept. 14 match against Brock, Mac will get a little break over Homecoming weekend, where they can use that hard work and grit to prepare for the last part of the season. Sereno believes that this team can end this season with a better result than last year, but to do so they will need to put the work in. “I just hope things go our way,” Sereno said. “There’s a lot of potential on our team and,
like [coach Perri] said, if we work and we want to get to that next step I think Nationals is possible for us. That’s how much talent and potential we have, we just got to put our mind to it and work.” Six games into the season, coach Perri and the Marauders are on the right track to amass another successful season on the pitch. With a long road still ahead to the end of the regular season, the team will need to continue to work hard if they want to pull ahead in a division full of tough teams.
@writingparker
WILL HSR INCREASE SER VICE THIS WEEKEND FOR BOTH HOCO AND SUPERCRAWL? NO. C12
THURSDAY
THE
HAMILTON SPECULATOR WISHING I WAS STILL IN MY UNDERGRAD SINCE 1934
September 13, 2018
NOTSPEC.COM
Meet your 2018-2019 Board of Protectors Who’s going to save us from City Hall???
Do you think the BoD will be mad at me for this? More to come
HILDA O’HOOLIHAN If I had a superpower it would be crying
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the McMaster Student Union Board of Protectors! As new bodies fill the narrow halls of the student centre, stopping abruptly in the middle of your path, this year’s Board of Protectors are saving you from a bigger, more evil threat: our municipal government. Vice president (Strength), vice president (Telepathy) and vice president (Invisibility) are fighting city councillors day and night to ensure that your voice is heard at city hall.
Expensive housing? KAPOW! Your rent is now affordable. No job opportunities? BAM! You’re now employable. Proper public transportation? Hopefully that will be coming soon. “It’s not an easy job, but someone’s gotta do it,” said vice president (Invisibility). “With great power comes great responsibility.” The Board of Protectors are paid for 35 hours per week from your tuition money, but that’s a low price to pay considering the dangers they’re protecting us from. Could you imagine a whole board of city councillors who have unprecedented power
POLL: WHAT’S YOUR FAVE KIND OF SUPERPOWER? X-Ray vision
20/20 vision
Talking to people of authority
Meeting deadlines
Flying
Super speed
Laserbeams
The power that Wolverine had idk
with no match? No thanks. They also get a sick benefits package that comes with pretty extreme medical coverage. Saving the city from evil ain’t easy, but it does come with some pretty clutch job security. Their sidekicks are also doing the work to rid this city from harm. Assistant vice president (Invisibility) has been working alongside vice president (Invisibility) on a campaign to ensure that City Hall is more transparent with its constituents. “City hall is no match for us,” said vice president (Strength) as she pumped some
iron during the interview. Kinda weird. “We’ve been training throughout our entire undergrad for this.” The Board of Protectors have set up an extensive list of goals to achieve before May, from making sure students have the right to vote to promising that HoCo is lit. The responsibility will then fall unto next year’s BoP. Until then, however, make sure you tell them how proud you are of them.
- Troy, Class of 2005
EMAIL SPORTS@THESIL.CA TO TELL JUSTIN TO STOP WEARING SHORTS. IT’S COLD OUT A4 SEXT: I CAN’T SO NO TO NEW RESPONSIBILITIES B4 I ONLY CELEBRATED HOCO ONCE AND THAT WAS TOO MUCH FOR ME C1 DOES ANYONE HAVE AN EXTRA BUS PASS FOR ME? D3 WHEN BEING THE COOL CHILL BOSS GOES WRONG E4 CAMPUS MEDIA FRAZZLED OVER CHOOSING WHAT COVER THIS WEEKEND F5
Tweets to the Editor HOCO PARTY AT DALEWOOD THIS WEEKEND $50 COVER
INSIDE
How are we supposed to cover two of the biggest events in the city happening at the same time??? - Campus Media
Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Do you really think super powers are real? Who do you think you are?
PER ISSUE: Mac Balls from 1280, delivered to 1280 Main St W. MUSC B110 to Emily O’Rourke, Editor-in-Chief of the McMaster Silhouette.