SPOKEMonday, august 25, 2014 Conestoga College, KitChener, ont. www.sPoKeonline.CoM 45th year — no. 15

there are places for you to eat in the K-w area.Page 12

Are you a vegan?

a l e a r n i n g n e w s r o o M f o r j o u r n a l i s M s t u d e n t s

our tips will help you get it faster.Page 2

A jolt of java

On Monday, Sept. 22the second print edition of Spoke

will be coming to a rack or box near you, and then every Monday thereafter!

Or check us out online at www.spokeonline.com where you can also install our web app.

Welcome to the 2014-2015 academic year. Whether you’re returning to Conestoga to resume your studies, or joining us for the first time, I hope that you will find your experience here to be positive and rewarding.

You will notice many chang-es over the next few months as the college continues to grow and improve to meet the needs of our students and our community. A new Welcome Centre at Doon provides a front door to Conestoga programs and services.

Construction on a new r e c r e a t i o n centre is now u n d e r w a y , with a sched-uled comple-tion date of fall 2015.

M o r e expansion plans are currently in development. There will also be significant growth in programming, with more career-focused degrees and pathway opportunities for stu-dents to access the education

and training that will open doors to meaningful careers and successful futures.

Growth and change are important for institutions: they’re important for individu-als as well, as you strive to be the best that you can be and prepare for an exciting future.

During 2014-15, I encour-age you to commit to personal achievement. Your ability to learn, to develop new skills, and to embrace new challenges will be the keys to your success in our rapidly changing world.

Get involved with our col-

lege community through the many activities and events provided through Conestoga Students Inc., Student Life, on-campus clubs and groups, and the professional asso-ciations linked to many Conestoga programs. These opportunities will enrich your formal learning, lead to life-long friendships and connec-tions, and help sustain our vibrant community.

Your success matters. If you have questions, or need some support as you progress through your academic jour-

ney, there are many services available to meet your needs.

On behalf of Conestoga, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2014-15 academic year. Work hard to achieve your goals, make the most of your time here, and enjoy the many benefits a college edu-cation provides.

Success awaits you. Best wishes for a great year.

Sincerely,

John TibbitsPresident, Conestoga College

Tibbits

Get involved with the college communityPresident’s Message

Paul Osborne, Conestoga’s associate vice-president of marketing, enrolment management and athletics, holds an artist’s rendering of what the new recreation centre will look like after a $16-million renovation. It is expected to be completed by September 2015.

Conestoga’s recreation cen-tre will soon be one of the premier athletic facilities in Ontario, thanks to a $16-mil-lion upgrade.

The new centre will include a triple gym, larger fitness facilities and multi-purpose space, a 200-metre indoor run-ning track and a lounge area where students can socialize.

One casualty of the proj-ect is the ice rink, which is being removed because less than two per cent of the stu-dent population used it and it required extensive repairs.

Paul Osborne, Conestoga’s associate vice-president of marketing, enrolment man-agement and athletics, said the centre opened in 1980 when the college had 2,500 students and now it has more than 11,000.

“It was time for a refresh,” he said. “It’s disappointing to have to close the rink but if we kept it, it was going to cost between $3 million and $7 million in upgrades.”

Rec centre getting $16m makeover

Continued on Page 3

Page 2 s SPOKE Monday, August 25, 2014NEWs

Now deep thoughts... with Conestoga College

Random questions answered by random studentsWhat advice would you give

first-year students?

“Always attend class.”

David sej,graduate of

general arts and science

“Manage your beer money.”

Bobbi Ellins,second-year

community and criminal justice

“Don’t procrastinate.”

Emily Arnold,second-year

community and criminal justice

“Always try and manage your money and don’t go on a spending spree.”

Jessica Heartwell,second-year

broadcast - television

“Manage your time and manage your groups that you go into for class projects.”

Hendrik Hobbelink,second-year

police foundations

“Manage your time and get into a work habit.”

Norbert Giron-Godoy,second-year

recreation and leisure

Smile Conestoga, you could be our next respondent!

Start the year off right.

Get your vital information now

at a

Heart Rate, Blood Pressure,

Weight ClinicFriday, Sept. 5, 2014

7:30 am – NoonCollege Rec. Centre

No booking required. No waiting.

Just come right in!

BY KATRINA EDLEFsEN

Well, it’s official, you are now a college student. Do you know what you deserve? How about your first sip of stu-dents’ energy drink of choice, a Tim Hortons’ coffee.

However, if you plan on enjoying your Tim’s time here at Conestoga, there are a few things you need to learn.

Currently the school has only one Tim Hortons located in the B-wing as soon as you enter the school from Door 6. That’s right. One Tims for the whole Doon campus and most students, such as sec-ond-year graphic design stu-dent Brandon Taylor, believe that one is just not enough for the school’s coffee-crazed masses.

“We really need another one,” Taylor said. “Having one makes the lines way too long!”

Ah yes, the lines. On a good day the lineup remains inside Timmies but on a bad day, or any regular lunch hour, the line stretches right to Door 6.

But what if you need that Tim’s fix and have only a

five-minute break? Then what do you do? Well, according to second-year graphic design student Misha Sgro, you need to learn when to go and when to not even bother.

“I find that the best time to go is on the half-hour or so, avoiding the hours between 9:45 and 12:45,” Sgro said. “Also having the camera is very good too, especially if you have computers at your desk.”

What was that comment –something about a camera?

If you go onto the Conestoga homepage and type ‘Timmy’s cam’ in the search box you will be taken to the school’s worst kept secret – a cam-era placed strategically right

in front of the Tim Horton’s entrance so you can see how long the line is.

However, according to third-year computer programmer/analyst student Steve Nagel, the camera is kind of a dou-ble-edge sword.

“It’s reliable. The only prob-lem is that it doesn’t show you how big the lineup around the corner is.”

For students with cars, like third-year software engineer-ing technology student Sean Jellicoe, sometimes it’s best to just skip the camera and the lines and take a quick drive.

“If you have a car it’s usu-ally faster to just go and drive to the one across the highway and back in the morning,” Jellicoe said.

However, for some students, like recent graduate of the accounting, audit and infor-mation technology program Josh Peters, when it comes to their coffee they don’t care how long the lineup is.

“I always go when I’m hun-gry, thirsty or in need of cof-fee,” Peters said. “Regardless of the time.”

These Timmies tips will help you avoid lineups

Monday, August 25, 2014 SPOKE s Page 3NEWs

Osborne said the metal arch-es have to be sandblasted and repainted and the wood is all rotted and needs replacing.

“We had to ask ourselves, should we do a major renova-tion of the existing facility or are we better to put that money into new facilities that will be used more by the stu-dents.”

Conestoga Students Inc., the association that represents students at all campuses, is funding the entire project. An initial, one-time donation of $500,000 will be paid from a $945,000 budget surplus that was accrued over previous years, and then a $55.60 per semester student development fee that was first put in place to pay for the new Student Life Centre will be redirected to pay for the rec centre.

According to Osborne, the Student Life Centre is pretty close to being paid for.

“It (the fee) will go up 8 per cent over time to about $62 to pay for the mortgage on the rec centre.”

In addition, CSI will pay to furnish the centre with all new equipment and furniture and will set money aside to replace these items as needed.

Jeff Scherer, CSI president, said he is excited about the project.

“The space inside was con-cerning. We needed more gym space, a larger fitness space and general use space as well,” he said. “This project is more than meeting those needs.

“Plus, the rec centre is the first thing everyone sees when coming to the campus. Having a new building pres-ents a good image.”

Scherer said a few students have told him they aren’t happy that the ice rink is being removed, but it is a small price to pay for the addition of three gyms.

“Results from two student surveys we did tell us we are making the right move. It looks spectacular. I can’t wait for construction to start so we can see the finished product.”

Twenty-two architect firms bid on the project, with MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects being the unani-mous choice. Osborne said the company is one of the leading firms for sports facilities.

In addition to going from two gyms to five, the new rec centre will have a state-of-the-art, 8,500-square-foot fitness/workout facility, more than doubling the size of the cur-rent 3,500-square-foot facil-ity, and a 5,000-square-foot multi-purpose room which will be able to accommodate 250 people. Movable walls are being installed so the large room can be sectioned off into smaller ones.

As well, the centre will fea-ture a 4,500-square-foot well-ness area with offices for the massage therapist and chi-ropractor who are currently located in the Student Life Centre, and for the athlet-ic therapist who works with Conestoga’s varsity athletes.

The triple gym will have a hardwood sprung floor instead of the rubber multi-purpose floor in the double gym, which, according to Osborne, is safer and enhanc-es athletic performance.

More gym space was one of the main goals of the project, as students pay a recreation/athletics fee of $66.60 per semester but currently have limited access to the gyms.

“Students in the fire, para-medic and police programs use the gyms as part of their academics from approxi-mately 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, and then varsity prac-tices take place after that,” Osborne said. “So, with just two gyms currently, there is not a lot of time for intramu-rals and our varsity teams practise half as much as other colleges.

“By adding three gyms, one gym will always be open for drop-in, and intramurals can be offered earlier in the day. And, once construction is com-plete, a fitness elective may be offered which students in all programs could take. The course would have classes on proper diet and fitness as well

as a gym component.”In addition, basketball will

be added to the varsity pro-gram, although it will take several years to get it up and running. Osborne predicted women’s and men’s teams will be playing games in 2016 but won’t be official OCAA teams until 2017.

Construction on the project began this summer, with parts of the rink and an overhead walkway from the E-wing to the rec centre being removed. The bulk of the work gets underway in the next few weeks, with the rink’s interior being stripped to the girders. All that will remain are the cement floor which was found to be in good shape, and the arches because the two sets support and architecturally complement each other, and they are unique in their design.

The project, which is expected to be completed by September 2015, will also fea-ture a large glass wall facing Homer Watson Boulevard, allowing natural light to stream in, and a similar wall

on the opposite side, behind which will be the fitness facil-ity.

The main entrance will be moved so it faces the E-wing instead of Homer Watson, and a covered walkway will extend out from the main campus building to the road in front of the rec centre.

During construction the old gym and fitness centre will

remain open. However, the rec centre doors facing the E-wing will be closed, forcing students to walk around the building to gain access.

“It will be a little bit of a pain but the outcome will be pretty spectacular,” Osborne said. “It will be a beautiful social space – bright and airy. It will be one of the nicest places on campus.”

Gym and fitness centre remain open CONTINUED FrOM PAGE 1

A new triple gym, shown in this rendering, will feature a hardwood sprung floor. After renovations are complete, basketball will be added to the varsity program.

The main entrance will be moved so it faces the E-wing instead of Homer Watson Boulevard, and a covered walkway will extend from the campus building to the road.

FAsT FACTs

� The bridge from E-wing to the rec centre was knocked down earlier this summer.

� Getting into the centre will become much easier, thanks to a card swipe system.

� Locker rooms will double in size. � The second floor will be social space for students and will

feature a food vendor offering healthy choices. � The centre will not feature a pub nor alcohol. � The two squash courts are staying. � Once the new fitness centre opens, the old one will be used

by the School of Health and Life Sciences and Community Services. Initial plans are to use the space as a classroom with fitness equipment in it.

� No sports fields will be impacted by the project. � Future plans include a retrofit of the old gym.

NEWSPage 4 SPOKE Monday, August 25, 2014

The co-curricular record (CCR) is set to launch in September 2014. The CCR connects students to on-cam-pus opportunities through an online search engine, and also records and recognizes students for their involve-ment in approved co-cur-ricular experiences (i.e. on-campus volunteer positions, workshops, clubs, teams, training modules and com-mittees, etc.).

Upon completion of the experience, students have the opportunity to reflect on the learning achieved through their participa-tion. This reflection is use-ful to showcase their skills to potential employers. As the CCR will complement students’ academic tran-scripts, it makes for a valu-able addition to résumés and portfolios.

“I really didn’t know how well volunteer experiences could be utilized on a résu-mé or in an interview,” said Steve Frangakis, a second-year public relations student. “It makes sense that employ-ers would want to know how

those experiences taught you something that would make you a better employee.”

Research has shown that employers value not just what students learn inside the classroom, but outside of it as well.

“We know that employ-ers are looking to hire well-rounded people who have strong leadership skills; at Conestoga, we’re provid-ing students with the abil-ity to become just that,” said Michael Dinning, vice-presi-dent of Student Affairs.

“The CCR provides students with the ability to find and participate in activities that relate to their interests and provide them with learning that builds their skills. We value student-centred learn-ing, and we see co-curricular experiences as an important part of holistic student devel-opment.”

Conestoga has long recog-nized the value of co-curricu-lar experiences, and the CCR helps students in linking their experiences with learn-ing and skills. Amy Baird of the Student Life department

is the lead administrator for the CCR, and is excited about its launch.

“The purpose of the CCR is to provide an intentional and guided process for a student

to become connected in mean-ingful co-curricular experi-ences,” she said.

Students can access the co-curricular record by log-ging into the Student Portal

and clicking on “CCR” under the Services tab. For more information, they can contact Amy Baird in the Student Life department at abaird@conestogac.on.ca.

Co-curricular record launches at Conestoga New initiative changes the way students get involved on campus

The Student Life Team of Janina Robinson, right to left, Ian Kearney, Kaylee Taylor, Amy Baird, Laura Black, Jenni Bauer and Matthew Maguire, is excited about the launch of the co-curricular record.

Monday, August 25, 2014 SPOKE s Page 5

Page 6 s SPOKE Monday, August 25, 2014

Monday, August 25, 2014 SPOKE s Page 7

Page 8 s SPOKE Monday, August 25, 2014

Monday, August 25, 2014 SPOKE Page 9NEWS

BY TASHA LUNNY

Your assignment is due in an hour and you need to find a computer lab on campus to work on it. You have no idea where to find that information and your deadline is quickly approach-ing. To help you out, Conestoga has produced a new mobile app dedicated to a problem just like this. “Conestoga Lab Search” helps students find available computer space on all campuses using only their phone.

Andrew McGivery, who works in Conestoga College’s systems integration and innovation department, said the app aims to make it as easy as possible to not only find open computer space, but also certain software packages and locations.

“It allows them to search through different ways, like you can say that you want to search for computers specifi-cally on Doon campus, or you can say specific software pack-ages like Photoshop,” McGivery said.

The app also allows students to distinctly choose common landmarks on campus such as the bookstore or Tim Hortons to help them pinpoint comput-

ers close to their location. This is helpful for any student who may not be familiar with the school.

The app was created after the department received student feedback that said finding avail-able computer lab space was a common problem. McGivery said multiple parties identified that the college needed to do more IT work to make life easi-er for students.

“… So we kind of try and have a focus on projects like that.”

Conestoga Lab Search may just be the beginning of tech improvements for the Conestoga student body. The department is currently researching other ways to help make students time on campus as stress-free as possible.

“I think pretty much every student goes through the expe-rience of being brand new and not knowing where their class-es are, how to get to them, if they need to work on homework what labs they can go to or if they are even allowed to go in certain labs,” McGivery said. “There are all kinds of issues that we are looking at how to solve and make things easier for students.”

App helps students find available computers BY DEVON HAYES

It’s that time of year again – summer is com-ing to an end and Conestoga College is getting ready to welcome their next batch of students, all of whom are excited to make new friends and maybe even live away from home.

When students start at colleges and uni-versities, work experience and long-term future plans may not always be on their minds, even though they should be.

Conestoga’s Co-op and Career Services is available to students throughout the school year to help them find work, whether it be for co-op or for work after graduation.

The most important aspect in finding employment, however, is experience. Not just in the classroom, but hands-on, place-ment experience.

Many programs, from accounting to mechanical engineering, have co-op compo-nents, which are a great tool for students to get their foot in the employment door.

“We have about 52 co-op programs cur-rently,” Craig Black said. Black, who is the marketing and events co-ordinator for Co-op and Career Services, said students are generally in better shape for moulding their future because they know what they want to do, and know what to expect in their future career.

“If you take a general stream marketing student into the work world, they get a pic-ture of the gamut of possibilities available,” Black said, “whereas a co-op student will learn so much, and they go out and they apply it. They get a chance to see some of the specializations.

“They’re exposed to that networking and

really looking ahead to the work world when they graduate, and are a little bit more fine-tuned as far as what’s out there and where they want to be.”

Black said he finds students graduate with unrealistic expectations of entry level jobs, adding finding management positions as an entry-level employee is not likely.

Co-op and Career Services provides many opportunities for students including visits to job and career fairs, one-on-one appointments with advisers and attending workshops.

Students also have access to the MyCareer website, which can be accessed from the Conestoga College website as well as from their student portal account.

Co-op and Career Services is located in the Student and Client Services Building at the Doon campus.

Get career planning help

PHOTO BY DEVON HAYESCo-op and Career Services has a wide variety of resources available to help students with career- and employment-related research and planning.

Page 10 s SPOKE Monday, August 25, 2014NEWS

When a school’s popula-tion goes from apathetic to engaged, there are bound to be some growing pains.

That’s exactly what hap-pened last year at Conestoga College. While the 2012-2013 academic year was one of passive non-participation, 2013-2014 saw a record num-ber of candidates and voters for all Conestoga Students Inc. elections and selection processes.

The board of directors elec-tion is probably the best example. Last year, there were 15 candidates running for the eight positions. Competition was close — the final seat on the board was won by one vote. A record number of stu-dents cast ballots.

Despite the record-breaking numbers, the election had issues. Some eligible voters didn’t get the e-mail to vote ini-tially, or received it at a college work email account. Given how close the race was, this was an issue. One vote could literally have made a difference.

But the year before that, there weren’t even enough candidates to form a board, and CSI was forced to recruit additional directors in order to have enough to satisfy their own bylaws. As a result, no students could cast a ballot.

Regardless of the bugs, I’d rather have the former than the latter.

The progress that students have made this year is impor-tant, and that’s why I’m urg-ing everyone at the school to continue it. When students are politically engaged, they reap the benefits directly.

The board of directors is largely responsible for deter-mining how the budget will be spent, so students can

elect the directors who repre-sent their interests to affect the budget indirectly.

But beyond voting, stu-dents can bring their issues directly to CSI at any of their board meetings, which are open to the public. Last year, they were held on the last Wednesday of every month.

One general arts and sci-ences student, Zoey Ross, did just that last year when he presented a proposal to get honey back as a condiment option in the Doon campus cafeterias. Some might argue that’s a minor issue, but Ross got results for students by bringing it to CSI’s attention. Honey is now available at the Doon campus’s Sanctuary cafe.

Finally, following politics has one other positive side-effect: it keeps those who wield power honest.

CSI has a multimillion-dol-lar budget that is paid for by students, and there needs to be interest in how it is spent.

In addition, bringing atten-tion to the internal workings of CSI can only make the whole operation more trans-parent. When discussing an organization that had pro-jected expenditures of over $6 million last year, transpar-ency is important.

Not only that, but many of the board members elected for this year included transparen-cy as part of their platforms. It’s not unreasonable to hold them to that standard.

Stay engaged, Conestoga

Political activity makes sure student voices are heard

PHOTO BY jOSH BurYHoney returned to the CSI Sanctuary cafe as a result, in part, of the actions of student Zoey Ross.

Hungry or need some new clothes? Head to the on-campus bookstore

BY BraNdON HOmmEl

When you think of the word, bookstore, the smell of gro-tesque old books comes to mind, or the slightly over-priced, crisp spines of novels at the retailers Chapters or Coles. Conestoga’s Bookstore isn’t musty not does it sell just books.

Of course, all of the books and materials students need for their program can be pur-chased there.

At the Doon campus it is located in the A-Wing, just inside Door 1.

Getting there early is essen-tial if you want to avoid the sometimes massive line near the end of the school day. Also, knowing what you’re looking for will help you in the long run.

Don’t know what you’re get-ting yet? That’s fine. On the first day of classes your profes-sors will tell you what books you will need.

Already know what books are required and want to get ahead? You’re in luck. By log-ging into the student portal with your college ID number and password, all of the books you need for your program can be ordered online. They

can be shipped to your house, residence, and even back to the bookstore.

Can’t find the book you’re looking for? You can ask one of the many bookstore employees to help you find it and maybe even hear about a listing of second-hand books for sale.

While there, you can check

out the tons of other products that will help your school year cruise by. These include lap-tops, tech accessories (head-phones, computer mice, styli and even speakers), candies and snacks, postage stamps, Grand River bus tickets and official Conestoga College crested clothing and gifts.

“The Bookstore helped me a lot actually,” said second-year business administration student, Anastasia Dao. “The employees showed me where my books were and how to properly find them for next time. During my first cou-ple of weeks at Conestoga, I used to always come to the Bookstore to buy something small to eat in class.”

Nathan Bowern a second-year business foundations student, said, “It was prob-ably one of the easiest rooms to find in the college, for me anyway. There are so many cool things to buy there too like a laptop, which is crazy.”

The Bookstore is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.

For further information, contact the Bookstore at 519-748-5220, ext. 3241.

PHOTO BY BraNdON HOmmElVi Friend, a Conestoga book-store clerk, stands with new dorm pyjama pants, just one of the many different items they sell.

Josh Bury Opinion

BY TONY MCLELLAN

For a first-year student arriving at Conestoga College, the experience as a whole can be quite daunting. College is a big leap from high school or the working world, and the college mindset is one that takes time to properly acquire. From homework to classes to the massive facility, arrival at Conestoga College is slightly overwhelming for some, and terrifying for others.

To make the transfer to post-secondary education easier, first-year students should try to integrate themselves into the social fabric that makes up the gigantic human-made quilt that is Conestoga. One of the best possible ways to do this is to join one of the many clubs and societies that Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) plays host to.

Or, you can start your own. As a CSI club or society, you will receive start-up funds, fundraising support, website promotion and a poster print-ing account.

Without looking too far, chances are good that you will find a club, or multiple clubs, that pique your interest. Currently, there are around 27 clubs spread between the Guelph, Cambridge and Doon campuses, each specializing in a unique and interesting area. From the Conestoga College Accounting Association to the DJ Club, there is something

for everyone. The following are three particularly inter-esting clubs.

The Conestoga Gamers Club is one of the longest continu-ously running clubs at Doon campus, having been started over three years ago.

“Our main focus is essen-tially to provide a place where people can come to relax and talk about gaming,” Shawn Olson, the club’s leader, said.

“It’s also a competitive envi-ronment for those wanting to get better at games, or to find something new to try.”

The club is quite large by normal club standards, with over 55 regular members. More have joined via the club’s Facebook page, “Conestoga Gamers.” Members meet daily at 4 p.m. in The Den, the upstairs portion of the college’s Sanctuary cafeteria.

As with most clubs, the Conestoga Gamers Club sometimes hosts special events involving prizes. The Gamers Club does this through 24-hour-long LAN parties. These events involve linking up multiple gaming consoles for maximum player capacity, increasing the fun that can be had by the stu-dents attending.

“We normally hold these events after final exams or mid-terms,” Olson said. “All the money we make goes to charity, so we really try and promote the events when they happen.”

The Magic Club is another interesting club, which has 15 individuals dedicated to trading, meeting and play-ing as fans of the Magic: The Gathering card game. The group is sponsored by Wizards of the Coast, one of the largest card game publishing compa-nies in North America, which provides prizes for the win-

ners of the tri-weekly tourna-ments the club hosts.

“If you play Magic or are interested in learning how to, this is the club for you,” said Nathan Cerone, leader of the club. “We have a bunch of friendly, experienced players who can teach you the game or help you improve your existing skills.”

The club currently meets every Thursday in Room 3A505 at 5:30 p.m., although the location may change from time to time. Cerone suggests that potential members join the Conestoga College MTG Club, the group’s Facebook page, for exact details.

Another interesting club is the Conestoga College Photographer’s Club. It was founded last October and is made up of a small, dedicated group of students who love the art of photography. The club has a very open, relaxed structure to it, allowing mem-bers to designate their own meeting times, places and

styles, as many of the mem-bers within the club have rather hectic school sched-ules. The experienced pho-tographers within the group are more than willing to give potential photographers a helping hand.

“As long as you are dedicat-ed to what you do in the world of photography, we want you,” said Shayne Noel, one of the club’s founding members. “If you want to have your work presented anywhere, or you want to make crucial connec-tions with the professional world, this club is for you.”

You can contact them via their Facebook group, Conestoga College Photographer’s Club.

The complete list of clubs that Conestoga has to offer can be found on the CSI website at www.conestogastudents.com. A list of guidelines can also be found for students wishing to create their own clubs. You can also call CSI at 519-748-5131 for more information.

Monday, August 25, 2014 SPOKE Page 11FEATURE

Clubs for one, clubs for all

PHOTO BY TONY MCLELLANShayne Noel is the president of the Conestoga Photographer’s Club. He invites all students with an interest in photography to join.

Page 12 SPOKE Monday, August 25, 2014NEWS

BY LAURIE SNELL

There’s a rare breed of stu-dents out there who will avoid the $2 pizza at the Sanctuary, cringe at the burgers in the caf-eteria and be constantly craving something healthy. But vegans rejoice. There are options.

While Conestoga College doesn’t have a lot of choices – there certainly are a few on campus and around the city.

Before jumping into the 5W’s of what’s good for healthy eat-ing, it’s important to remem-ber that the Freshman 15 can hit hard. Eating everything in moderation and slowing down on the booze will keep your mind, wallet and waistline happy.

It’s tricky being a vegan in this city. Reading the labels in the store, asking servers or chefs to rack their brains for ingredients that seem insignificant, or asking the employee at a sandwich shop to change their gloves because they’ve just handled meat and cheese, are all behaviour veg-ans are used to, but carni-vores are not. The good news is that there are plant-based, hidden gems where staff don’t mind any of this.

The restaurant Jane Bond on King Street in Waterloo is not strictly vegan, but they are well known for having great soups and sandwiches.

That city is also home to sever-al vegetarian or vegan options. Holy Guacamole on University Avenue and Raintree Café on King Street have many veg-etarian options – give or take holding the cheese.

However, for some students Waterloo is a bit too far for a quick bite to eat. In the heart of downtown Kitchener (and more accessible for pub-lic transit users) is the Duke Street Muse as well as Café Pyrus – a mostly vegan café with cool beats, a laid-back vibe and fresh, fun local food concoctions every day. With sweets and hot eats, coffee and sandwiches, this place is a favourite of vegans.

“I love this place because

there isn’t anything quite like it anywhere,” Kitchener resi-dent Kevin Price said. “They really try to keep things fresh – and I don’t just mean food. While it’s a cool place to eat, they have live music a few times per month and they are always shaking things up.”

The other strictly vegan option in the city is Thrive Juice Bar – which actually offers a full service menu – and is just below the Bauer Lofts area on King Street in Waterloo. With handcrafted falafel, salads, green juices and a raw vegan pad Thai, Thrive is a bit more expensive and caters to a more sophisti-cated crowd. But don’t count them out just yet. Save up a little bit and try Thrive when you’re feeling particularly in need of a good veggie burger or homemade soup.

If you are bothered by the idea of a food preparer handling animal products and then your vegan meal, Subway, Pita Factories, Chinese food restaurants or even Shwarma restaurants have many options available.

Recent Conestoga College graduate Amary Nicolau has been vegan for five years and prepares food at home to snack on during the long days at school. “In the Kitchener-Waterloo area there is not too many options of vegan restau-rants. My favourite is Thrive Juice bar. They have a nice menu of vegan and raw food (and it) is really delicious. (But) unfortunately it is not open for dinner. Beside the fact that there is very good food, I like this place because I can eat without worrying if my food got in contact with milk, eggs or meat. It’s all vegan. I don’t buy food on campus,” she said.

While the cafeteria has few options, Nicolau warns, “People are careless. For example, they might cut my vegan sandwich with the same knife they used to cut a meat sandwich and I don’t want my food in contact with meat, eggs or milk.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LAURIE SNELLBeing a vegan in the K-W area is difficult, but doable.

Vegan options available