Features – Spoke

Woven through life: Alisa McRonald’s unique perspective on art

“It’s in my DNA to work with textiles. The medium just always resonated with me, and it feels right,” said Alisa McRonald, an award-winning artist who focuses on yarn, woven, and punch needle pieces. McRonald has been recognised both nationally and internationally for her approach to art. Her work is currently on exhibit at Kitchener City Hall’s Rotunda Gallery. After learning the basics from her mother and her grandmother, McRonald … Continued

Feel the pulse: the beat of live music never dies

The stadium is filled with tens of thousands of strangers. They are shoulder to shoulder, excitement building, and hearts pounding. People of all different ages, genders, races, sexualities, and religions. They are all here for one thing: the art of live music. Suddenly, the lights go out. Screams erupt louder than ever imaginable. Normally, screams of such volume would be cause for chaos. Tonight, they are in joy. The stage … Continued

From passion, to distraction, and eventual fruition: How art moved Trevor Clare

If you asked Trevor Clare six years ago if he could see himself painting nostalgic locations for a living, he probably would have said that’s a “wild” idea. Back then, Clare didn’t see art as a serious hobby, let alone a full-time career. If anything, he saw painting as a way to distract himself from his mental battles. But what Clare didn’t realize was that his digital recreations of iconic … Continued

Black athletes within the Waterloo Region

A basketball on the Huskies logo of the Huron Heights Secondary School’s school basketball court, taken on Monday November 25, 2024. Photo by Anashe Mapuranga/Spoke Online Growing up, Nyasha Mombeshara tried a variety of sports before sticking to basketball. Mombeshara’s hardwood experience first began when her mother Lorraine signed her up for house league basketball in Lowell, Massachusetts in 2005. After that experience, a love for the game that would … Continued

How Aidan Ruston, aka AJ, built a music empire in Waterloo with ‘The Kitchen KW’

Aiden John Rustin, known to many as AJ, lost himself in the rhythm of his own making. Stretching his arms toward the amplifier, a gentle smile tugged at his lips, a quiet acknowledgment of the music’s power to speak what words could not. It was around 10 p.m at The Kitchen KW studio as the scene unfolded. “The location that we’re at, they don’t let us make noise until 5:30 … Continued

From Syria to Waterloo: Ahmad’s journey of building a barbershop empire rooted in quality and integrity

The snipping of scissors and the gentle hum of clippers tell a story of resilience and ambition. Mohamad Al Ahmad, a seasoned barber with over 20 years of experience, has crafted a thriving Waterloo business known as City Style Salon and Barbershop. When Ahmad first opened his barbershop on Hemlock Street, Waterloo, in 2017, he had a simple goal: to bring his years of expertise from Syria to Canada. By … Continued

How Waterloo faces the challenges of balancing urban growth with green space preservation

As urbanization accelerates, cities worldwide face the challenges of balancing urban development with the preservation of green landscapes. The city of Waterloo, Ontario known for its growth in technology and education sectors, is no exception. In this continuous urban transformation, lifelong Waterloo resident, William McFaddin, recalled when a tree was planted every 100 feet along the streets near his home. It was during the road reconstruction when temperatures soared to 32°C … Continued

Un voyage dans le Vieux-Montréal

Un voyage dans le Vieux-Montréal Buildings in Old Montreal, taken on Sept. 1, 2024. Photos by Anashe Mapuranga/Spoke Online. It was my first time visiting Montreal and I had been enjoying the weeklong vacation with my mom and younger sister. We later were joined by a family friend from New York City that my mom has known since before I was even born. It was now Sept 1, and we … 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

Crossing generations through the canvas with ‘The Proclamation’ exhibition at Kitchener City Hall

Featuring eye-catching artworks based on South Sudanese Shilluk peoples, the exhibit brings abstract designs and striking portraits to life. “I’ve gotten comments on the fact that this is sometimes a scary painting because of how real the eyes look as if there really is a soul behind them,” said artist Chudear Oyual. “It’s comforting knowing that in the creation of my art, my ancestors are with me.”

Cambridge council candidate Bobbi Smith is a fresh face looking to make a political splash

Some of Stewart’s campaign issues that she seeks to focus on if elected include the lack of affordable housing, the homelessness crisis, and providing drug addiction support via safe injection sites.

Students teaching abroad share experiences and offer tips

Students looking to teach abroad are in high demand in Asia and some Ontarians have met the call. Kristofer Kravis has just begun his six-month teaching expedition in Thailand while Robert Lawson has recently returned home from teaching in Seoul, South Korea, and Spain. Both of them have advice and tips for students planning to teach abroad. Provided below are some pointers on how to follow Kravis’s route to teaching … Continued

VIDEO: College students who ‘forget all the rules’ about recycling could vastly improve their recycling habits

Waterloo Region has a rich history with the blue box, particularly Kitchener which started the first blue bin program. But the student population seems neither to know nor care about this. Kathleen Barsoum, coordinator of waste management in Waterloo Region, says students need to put more effort into sorting their recycling and garbage. In this video, she speaks about the history of the blue bin and youth involvement in recycling.

Rabbits need a new home for Easter

By Ryan B Chan Rabbits at the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth are looking for new homes after several bunnies were dropped off at the Kitchener Waterloo Animal Centre overnight Sunday, April 3. One of the rabbits was found inside a truck engine on Wednesday evening but was removed and taken to the Humane Society. This adds to the additional surge of rabbits the Humane Society … Continued

Category: Features