A trio of music professors will join a UWindsor grad for a concert and sing-along at Windsor’s All Saints’ Church, Sunday, December 16. The event will raise money for organ donation awareness.

Pianist Gregory Butler and organist David Palmer have been asked for several years to put on a special Christmas performance but have never had time until now.

“Not only have we found the time to do this, but All Saints’ has graciously provided the space,” Dr. Butler posted on the website of sponsor Sport Fest Windsor.

The Butler/Palmer Christmas Wish Concert will feature a compilation of Christmas and seasonal music, and will include a guest appearance by music alumnus Alexander Zonjic (BMA 1975), a flutist. Professor emeritus Richard Householder will lead the audience sing-along.

Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for students and seniors, $10 for children. They may be purchased through the School of Music or at several local businesses, including the Penalty Box Restaurant, Ouellette’s Musical Instruments and Butler Chiropractic.

All Saints’ Anglican Church is located at 330 City Hall Square West. Find more information on the website of the School for Arts and Creative Innovation or Sports Fest Windsor.

— by Jessica Hoffman

The past is the perfect present, says Chris Edwards.

The UWindsor grad (BA 1983, MA 1985) and his life and business partner Elaine Weeks (BA 1985) have already sold 4,000 copies of their nostalgic coffee table book, 500 Ways You Know You’re From Windsor. They will sign copies as a pre-holiday promotion at the University Bookstore kiosk in the CAW Student Centre on Wednesday, December 12, from noon to 2 p.m.

The book takes a fun and interesting approach to the history of Windsor, with hundreds of full-colour photos of everything from Bob-Lo Island amusement park to drive-in movie theatres and suburban shopping centres.

Edwards says the period covered by the book made an interesting change of pace.

“We thought it would be fun to sell books that the baby boomers would be interested in,” he says. “We thought people would relate to it.”

Weeks interjects: “We wanted it to be fun for readers, too.”

The couple established Walkerville Publishing in 1998. Their previous books include Windsor Then: A Pictorial Essay of Windsor Ontario’s Glorious Past; Postcards from the Past: Windsor & the Border Cities; and Best of the Times, a collection of historical pieces drawn from their Times Magazine.

Weeks says she appreciates the continuing support of the campus community, noting that the University Bookstore has stocked each of the company’s books. Wednesday’s signing will offer copies of 500 Ways You Know You’re From Windsor at the price of $30.

Learn more about the book and see a video related to Windsor history on the Walkerville Publishing website.

— by Autumn Tousignant

Whether it crept on without a warning or it couldn’t have come any faster, it’s inevitable—December is in full swing. For many of the students living in UWindsor's six residence halls, the end of final exams will bring more than just a sigh of relief.

Danielle Gunsch, a first-year biology student living in residence, hasn’t been to her home in Kitchener for more than a weekend in over six months.

“One thing I really miss are long daily talks with my mom,” she says. “Right now we only talk every two weeks.”

She is excited for a busy and fun-filled Christmas, but mostly she is looking forward to the simple aspects of life at home.

“I just want to spend time with family,” says Gunsch. “And I can’t wait to walk my dog.”

But for many, travelling home is more difficult. Eleven per cent of the university’s student population is made up of international students from 100 different countries. Many of these students remain in residence for the duration of the break.

International Student Advisor Enrique Chacon attributes this to the fact that about 70 per cent of international students do not celebrate a holiday during this time of year, and therefore have no reason to go home. Cost is also a major factor.

“For many students the trip home is just too expensive,” Chacon says. Additionally, many graduate students remain due to the research-based nature of their studies.

Chacon also knows the struggle many international students face once final exams finish: “Campus is empty. Food services are closed. It gets quiet and lonely.”

Still, there are programs and events on campus to keep the holiday spirit alive. The Green Bean Cafe on Wyandotte Street West will hold a community Christmas dinner on December 25, presenting a perfect opportunity for international students (or anyone!) to experience a traditional, delicious, and free Christmas meal.

In addition, the Host for the Holidays program is gearing up for its fourth year. The program, in which families opens their homes and hearts to an international student for a holiday dinner, provides a sharing of cultures for everyone involved and an understanding that illustrates the true meaning of the holidays.

— by Lauren Farquhar

The Holiday Big Chill is approaching, and catering manager Dean Kissner wants faculty and staff members to know it’s not too late to join the party.

There are still tickets available for the luncheon, Thursday, December 13 in Vanier Hall’s Winclare Room A. The event will take the form of a stand-up reception, with food stations featuring festive fare, and ample opportunity to converse with colleagues in a casual setting.

“Our faculty and staff guests will enjoy a beautiful holiday setting that is sure to put them in the spirit of the season,” Kissner says.

Admission is $10, which includes a complimentary glass of wine. Tickets are available from Catering Services; phone 519-253-3000, ext. 3277 or 3276.

Voluntary donations of canned goods and cash collected at the door will support the Student Food Bank.

The Educational Development Centre will host Winter Orientation for both full-time and part-time students who will be attending the University in the upcoming 2013 winter semester.

The orientation will be held in the Ambassador Auditorium, CAW Student Centre, from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, January 7.

Students who attend Winter Orientation will:

• Receive their student cards;
• Sign up for their University of Windsor webmail accounts;
• Receive student planners;
• Familiarize themselves with the campus, staff members, and all services;
• Meet other new students and hear current students’ experiences.

Students can sign up for the orientation by visiting the website at: www.uwindsor.ca/winterorientation.

If you have any questions about Winter Orientation, please contact student development and support transition services intern Laura Prada at laurap@uwindsor.ca or phone 519-251-3000, ext. 3471.

A student group has signed on to recruit volunteers to help with Winter Fest in downtown Windsor on Saturday, December 15.

Volunteer International Students Assistance is seeking volunteers to help with setting up, marshalling the Santa Claus parade, and cleaning up afterward.

“This would be a great opportunity if you are looking to be a part of an exciting community event while earning volunteer hours and developing work experience,” says Abdulqader Alsobaihi, the club’s coordinator.

Sponsored by the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association, the event promises to attract thousands of revelers to the city centre to enjoy a winter wonderland featuring ice sculptures, lighting displays, horse drawn carriage rides, carolers, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts—as well as the aforementioned parade. Find a full description on the association’s website.

Students interested in volunteering may fill out an application form and e-mail it to grewal17@uwindsor.ca by Wednesday, December 12.