Rowen Fisler – Spoke

Conestoga professor recognized with Scholastic esports awards nomination

Photo by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online Chris Lamarucciola stands near the entrance of Conestoga College’s current esports hub at their John W. Tibbits campus in Waterloo, Ont., on Jan. 17, 2025. Following a successful first year teaching at Conestoga College, Chris Lamarucciola received an award nomination at the inaugural Scholastic Esports Awards, a major collegiate esports event in North America, held in Columbus, OH, from Jan. 11 to 12. The award … Continued

FEATURE: Earning her “sunset” by breathing life back into the community

Photos by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online (Pictured) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Conestoga College instructor Pam Hall stands beside a test patient in her classroom at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus in Kitchener, Ont., on Nov. 14, 2024. Almost 40 years ago, a near family tragedy forever changed the trajectory of Pam Hall’s life. When Hall was in the ninth grade, her cousin was born prematurely at just 28 weeks old. The … Continued

Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football team reflect on a near perfect 2024 season

Photo obtained via Wilfrid Laurier University/Facebook Following a historic undefeated run to the 59th Vanier Cup held in Kingston, Ont., at Richardson Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 23, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks fell short at the finish line, losing 22-17 to Laval University’s Rouge et Or. Despite the loss, the Golden Hawks are looking back on the football season as a success. Golden Hawks starting quarterback (QB) Taylor Elgersma … Continued

FEATURE: From vine to wine: Uncorking day trip to Kacaba Vineyards & Winery

Photos by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online (Pictured left to right) The logo for Kacaba Vineyards & Winery on a gift box in Vineland, Ont., with Charles Gervais holding a bottle of wine from a signature 2022 collection inside the entrance of the winery, on Nov. 15, 2024. For all 6,994 days of my life, I have not been a fan of wine. Whenever I would have sips of it growing up, … Continued

VIDEO: Kitchener’s historic Boathouse officially reopens

Photo by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online Following a five-year hiatus, The Boathouse, a restaurant and live music venue in Kitchener’s Victoria Park, has reopened its doors to locals. Under new leadership, the venue has been transformed through a number of renovations to modernize and maximize the space while maintaining its historic significance to Kitchener. As Spoke Online reporter Rowen Fisler finds out, city officials and The Boathouse’s new owners are hopeful … Continued

Million-dollar boost for Conestoga College’s Women in Skilled Trades program

Photos provided by Suzanne Moyer/Conestoga College Conestoga College has acquired over a million dollars in funding from the government of Ontario for the college’s Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program. The college was one of 25 programs province-wide to receive funding through the Women’s Economic Security Program, an Ontario government initiative created with the purpose of helping provide women with career training opportunities and ensuring a path to a job … Continued

AUDIO: Local student athlete looks to future beyond high school sports

Photo by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online A local high school football player for the Resurrection Phoenix is eyeing a bigger prize than the end zone. Colton Hickey’s goal is to play football at the post-secondary level. More local sports agencies – like Next Level U Sports – are helping athletes like Hickey realize their dreams. As Spoke Online’s Rowen Fisler finds out, it takes a team effort to help athletes succeed.

VIDEO: Ninth Kitchener Comic Con gives local niche communities a place to call home

Photo by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online Following a four year hiatus, Kitchener Comic Con has returned, hoping to give the community the same enjoyment and camaraderie it did before the pandemic. The event, which was held at Kitchener City Hall, gave locals in the community a chance to connect with like-minded people, allowing them to have a place where they could feel safe, welcomed, and appreciated for who they are. The … Continued

FEATURE: From Kamloops to Kitchener: How two best friends found their way to The Rabbid Fox

Photos by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online & @Stay739084/TripAdvisor (Pictured left to right) The Rabbid Fox signage sitting above the main entrance of the tavern, in Kitchener, Ont., with Blair McDonald and Bojan Batricevic standing inside their new kingdom. Ten years ago, Blair McDonald was a teacher in the English department at Thompson River University in Kamloops, B.C. One day, at the Kamloops Tennis Centre, McDonald’s life would slowly begin to change … Continued

FEATURE: Local barbershop brings a new blend of self-care and relaxation to Waterloo Region

Photos by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online (Pictured left to right) Barber Pole & Co. signage sitting above the main entrance of the barbershop, in Cambridge, Ont., with Antoine El Khoury standing outside his own dream business, Barber Pole & Co., on Oct. 26, 2024. Sixteen years ago, Antoine (Tony) El Khoury left his home country of Lebanon for Canada with only $3,000 to his name, looking for an opportunity. Having grown … Continued

New local bike lane plan rolls forward despite provincial pushback

Photo by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online The Region of Waterloo has taken a stride forward in approving several bike lane proposals throughout the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo. This approval comes after criticism from the provincial government who have begun to introduce legislation which will take away existing bike lanes throughout the province, as well as banning future bike lane projects which would take away a lane of traffic. Waterloo Mayor … Continued

VIDEO: Conestoga College’s men’s soccer team prepares to defend OCAA crown following season of change

Photos by: Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online Intro Text: After a nearly undefeated season in 2023, Conestoga College’s men’s soccer team has faced new challenges throughout the 2024 season. From starting the season with a largely new squad, to losing multiple games during the regular season campaign, the Condors have been forced to find new ways to cope with the issues in front of them. Winning five games in a row to … Continued

VIDEO: Fighting for change: Former Olympic boxer paving the way for Women in Skilled Trades in Waterloo Region

Currently, women only make up 8 per cent of the trades workforce, according to Statistics Canada, with industry experts suggesting the number is closer to 5 per cent. Former Olympic boxer Mandy Bujold and fellow industry leaders are finding ways to help the next generation of Women in Skilled Trades in Waterloo Region.

Author: Rowen Fisler