Spoke – Page 2 – A News Portal for Conestoga College's Journalism Program

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

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

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

Yankee Anthony Volpe’s potential new leaf

Much has been made about New York Yankee shortstop Anthony Volpe’s struggles on offence to begin his MLB career. Since entering the league in 2023, the former top 10 prospect has been a below average 84 weight runs created plus hitter (wRC+). This metric estimates a player’s total contribution on offence to a lineup and includes factors like a hitter’s ability to get on base and hit for extra bases, … Continued

The leadership and perceptive knowledge of Scott Miller

Scott Miller in his WCDSB office, located on 51 Ardelt Ave, Kitchener. Photo by WRDSB. When Scott Miller decided he’d pursue a career in education, he did so believing it to be a good opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youths and students. Miller wanted to find ways for students to “encounter success and be successful with the belief that once you find success and once you’re … Continued

A hardwood experience with Austin Ernst-Finnie

Austin Ernst-Finnie standing in the Huron Heights Secondary School basketball gym, taken on Nov 25, 2024. Photos by Anashe Mapuranga/Spoke Online Despite playing basketball since he was 14 years-old, Austin Ernst-Finnie didn’t ever see himself becoming a basketball coach. “In the beginning I couldn’t shoot. But it wasn’t until I realized that I was working on shooting for seven years of my life that I could probably end up coaching, … Continued

It’s moving day with the most Elite Services

Hilton Nyamayaro while on the job Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Anashe Mapuranga/Spoke Online When Hilton Nyamayaro founded his company Elite Moving Services Inc., he saw it as an opportunity to have time for himself, his family and travel. “I figured the best way to do this was to have a business that can run by itself and be able to fund my adventures and my lifestyle. And give … 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.