Tuesday, December 4, 2012

What's Late?

As the semester winds down and the homework slowly starts to pile up on some students's desks, Late @ Lane employees still work very hard in ensuring that students have a safe alternative to drinking on a Saturday night. The latest Late @ Lane theme was "The Last Hoorah". Dedicated employee, Brittany Gossard, noted that it was supposed to be related to the supposed "end of the world" that the Mayans predicted, but they weren't allowed to say that directly. Not as many students attended as did during the first few Late @ Lane events, but the attractions were just as entertaining.

One main feature included an Illusionist, Jason Bishop. During his first show that began at 10:30 p.m., many were amazed by the things happening on stage. Bishop performed illusions that included a disappearing co-host, an empty can that mysteriously refilled itself, and a one dollar bill that turned into a $100 bill which he then gave to a random student. Bishop also performed an illusion which entailed him being tied by several knots into a cloth bag which was then put in a wooden box that was padlocked on three sides. He had three volunteers come up to the stage to make sure the box and bag had no hidden tricks inside that the rest of the audience couldn't see. They all confirmed there was none. After a couple of seconds, Bishop was actually outside of the box with his co-host inside. They crowd was speechless. When speaking to senior Lauree Holland about the tricks that she had just seen she stated, "I've never seen something like that! I was pretty amazed." After attending the first show, I returned for the 12:30 a.m. showing to see if I could figure out any of the illusions by watching different parts of the stage during the act. Much to my dismay, I could not figure out even one trick. After speaking to senior Anysa Taipow about what she thought pertaining to the show, she exclaimed, "I think there was black magic in that! Haha! That couldn't have just been an illusion. Some of the things I saw were just unreal." In contrast from the first audience, the second audience invested more interest in Bishop's illusions. The crowd got loud when it was confusing and asked a lot of questions. Obviously, Bishop didn't answer these and kept the mystery alive as the audience left the room with puzzled faces.

As the event wound down and the attractions were packing up, many employees looked relieved to have come to their "last hoorah"...well for the semester anyway.

November Event Coverage


On Saturday, December 1st, a wonderful event took place.  The UVUGD gospel choir of Frostburg University, along with the Silent Praisers and Heavens Angels dance ministry proved to be an inspiration to many individuals after singing at their annual Fall concert in the armor at the Lane Center.  The armor was lit warmly, with a beautiful banner on the stage, with numerous musicians warming up to play for the event.  Soon, a nearly packed house gathered to hear the harmonies of a very united and joyous organization.  There were two MC’s that were in charge of telling the audience the order of the program, Aaron Webb and Kavon Pearce.  They offered light hearted jokes and comments to comfort the audience before introducing all the acts.  First the UVUGD praise team took the stage to perform a few selections to get the audience pumped and on their feet.  After they warmed up the audience, The Heavens Angels dance ministry moved the audience with their beautiful dance selection.  After they left, it was time for the UVUGD gospel choir to take the stage!


The first three selections the choir sung were He Reigns by J.J.  Hairston & Youthful Praise, Testimony by Patrick Riddick and D’vyne Worship and After This, by J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise.  The choir was full of energy and made the crowd stand to their feet and rejoice.  Smiles were spread across the audience as the choir danced and sang about God.  The next two songs, Hallelujah is the Highest Praise and Be Still and Know were slower and more somber. One of the slower songs were joined by the Heavens Angels dance ministry.  Some members of the audience were crying and felt the lyrics being sung by the choir.  It was a beautiful experience.

After the choir’s selections, it was time for special presentations for the seniors of the choir. Gifts were given out to Dana Harrison, Shannah Bateman, Jimmese Hill and O’Dellshae Wiles.  This was one of the most beautiful moments of the program.

After the presentations, the Silent Praise ministry took the stage and did a mime selection.  Everyone was inspired by the brilliance of the performance.

The program closed out with a joyous special selection entitled Jesus Will by Anita Wilson.  The soloist of this selection was Robert Brown, who also happens to be the director of the choir. He encouraged the audience to sing along with him, and soon, the audience and the whole choir were singing together! This was an excellent closing to the wonderful and moving concert.
After the concert, Tony Williams, a sophomore at Frostburg University enthused about how he enjoyed the concert.  “When the praise team got up to sing, and the soloist blessed with her voice, it was very inspiring.  

It was one of the most inspiring moments of the concert”.  Tony also talked about his favorite part of the concert.  “My favorite part of the concert was when the seniors were acknowledged for what they did for the choir.”  He boasted.  “Also, having prayer within the concert was very cool.  Not a lot of concerts have that.  It was kind of like a church service for me!”

November Event: Leaving it all on the Gridiron


It is one of the best rivalries in all of sports. The Baltimore Ravens against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This AFC North rivalry brings out the best in the players and the coaches. It also brings out a ton of hatred and animosity between the fans. This year’s games had a different yet similar flare about it. To start, the two teams played each other twice in three weeks. This made each game much more important in deciding who would win the division crown, which has been the case the past couple of seasons. They met each on November 18th at Heinz Field and again on December 2nd at M&T Bank Stadium. The visiting Ravens enjoyed a narrow victory in the first meeting with a final score of 13-10. However, the Steelers would exact revenge and win 23-20 during the second meeting. 

 Also, each team had their fair share of injuries to key starters. The Ravens lost cornerback Lardarius Webb and middle linebacker Ray Lewis. Starting in place of Lardarius Webb was Cary Williams and stepping in for Ray Lewis was Danelle Ellerbe. For the Steelers, quarterback Ben Roethlisburger did not play in either of the games, safety Troy Polamalu missed the first meeting, and corner back Ike Taylor sat out the second game. Starting in place of Troy Polamalu was Will Allen, starting in place of “Big Ben” was veteran Charlie Batch, and Ike Taylor was replaced by Cortez Allen.  Each of these injuries limited what the teams like to accomplish on both sides of the football. 
  
These two teams have hatred for each other that transcends the field and into each side’s fans.  That same hatred can also be felt here in Frostburg, where fans of the two teams are well represented.

Although most of the students were busy working on projects to finish out the semester, these football games were considered a much watch. Alex Baldwin, a junior at Frostburg State and a die-hard Ravens fan, enjoyed this year’s games a lot. “The first game, the Ravens set the pace from the beginning. The second game, they lost it. The Steelers didn’t do anything to win that game. The Ravens made a couple of mistakes that lost them the game,” said Baldwin. He brings up a good point if you take a look at the time of possession from the first game compared to the second. The first game the Steelers had the ball longer, but the Ravens still won which suggests that Baltimore controlled the tempo to their liking. The second game, the Steeler won held the ball longer and ended up on top.  Junior Brenden Williams, also a Ravens fan, blames the loss on Cam Cameron saying, “His playcalls on offense are allowing our opponents to stay in the game. We need to run the ball more. We have one of the best running backs in the league and he is not touching the football enough.” Running back Ray Rice did not touch the football in the entire fourth quarter in the December 2nd loss to the Steelers.  Senior CJ Eng, was estactic about the way his Steelers played saying, "We weren't supposed to win either of those games. I thought our season was pretty much done when Big Ben got hurt, but we manned up and put our big boy pants on to get the win." Baltimore still hold a two game lead over the Steelers in the division, but the Steelers are in control of one of two wild-card spots in the AFC. 



Monday, December 3, 2012

November Event - Get Familiar Mixer


On Wednesday November 28th, the Students for Women's issues group held an event called the “Get Familiar Mixer.” The members of SWI labeled this event as a mock party when they first advertized it to the student body. When you first walked into the glass dining room area to the right of Java City, no one had any idea what to expect. Members gave out a white note card with a small shape in red on the upper right hand corner and prompted students to take a seat anywhere. When everyone was settled in their seats, SWI Vice President Jazmyn Jones made introductions about the group and then gave instructions about what everyone was going to do. Participants were to get up and introduce themselves to people they didn't know and they were to trade the shapes that they had written on their card. For example if Joe had an 'X' shape and Jane had a 'Star' shape, Joe would write a 'Star' on his note card and Jane would write an 'X' on hers. Everyone mingled and traded shapes for 15 minutes, talking happily, shaking hands, and briefly getting to know each other. When everyone was settled in their seats again, the SWI members lined up in front of the room with large note cards.

“Raise your hand if you have a smiley face...” Erin Hickey, Treasurer, asked the group. When hands went up she said “Well you all now have AIDS.” Everyone in the room laughed but Hickey went on, “The reality of the exercise we just did is that STDS like AIDS or HIV can spread easily from person to person and can be undetected.” Each member of SWI read off a piece of information that had polls taken on campus involving safe sex, STD awareness, and pregnancy/STD prevention services that are available on campus. “96% of students said that they do not use a condom every time they have sex, while the remaining 4% said they use a condom every time,” explained Senior, Tajah Gloster.. Like this piece of information, the results from every single poll was jaw dropping. “We hold events like this to show the Frostburg community how uneducated and careless people can be when it comes to sex,” exclaimed SWI President Jenaee McWhirter, “We want to share this information so that the next time you attend a party or any kind of social gathering, you will thing before you act.”

The event was short, only going from 8 to 8:30, but many students with with a different outlook on their decision making process. Thanks to SWI, the small group of people who attended this event are a little more educated than they were before and they may go on to educate others.

November Event Coverage


A Non-Traditional Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of year that many people consider to be a time to spend with your family and friends. Most people would consider Thanksgiving to be a time of thanks. That is exactly what Nicole Sisler believes. “Thanksgiving is time that people should be thankful of what they have, and open to sharing with others so that they have that type belief around Thanksgiving too,” says Sisler. This Thanksgiving, instead of spending it with her family and friends, Sisler spent it with one of her grandfather’s friends. Tyler Master is 84 years old and has no extended family. This year Sisler was proud to be considered his family during thanksgiving. When asked how Master’s felt about spending thanksgiving with Sisler, he responded “I have never felt such a sense of home. Nicole has done so much for me and others, and I know that it is truly from her heart.” Sisler spent the Thanksgiving weekend with Masters. Sisler states “He has had so many experiences that relate to my life. He is so insightful about everything that I am interested in.” Sisler was raised by her grandfather from age 4 to 18. When Sisler’s grandfather passed away when she was 18, she decided to start going to counseling. During her time with counseling she thought that she would reach out to people who don’t have families to be with on Thanksgiving and spend some of her time with them.

This is the third year that Sisler has dedicated her time on Thanksgiving to others. This year she decided to hold an event at her home in Berkley Springs, WV.  The event was open to the public and it consisted of a Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. This year there was six people who showed up for the complimentary dinner at her house. When asked if she was happy with the amount of people who showed to the dinner, she responded “I am so happy. I couldn’t be happier with the turn out. My point of this dinner is not to have a lot of people show up, but more focused on giving someone a feeling of family on a day that family is needed the most.”

One of the six people who showed up to the dinner was Jon Greenstone. Greenstone has a family of many. However this year, similar to Sisler, he wanted to give some thanks back to the community. Greenstone states “Sisler’s idea is great. It’s bringing the older community together more than ever, especially when this community usually would spend the holiday alone. What Sisler did was inspiring and I hope that this tradition can continue.”

Sisler hopes that within the next couple years this event can continue and grow. “All I want is to give people hope and a chance to be happy during the holidays. Sisler hopes that next year she can have the event at a public building so that she can have more room and better access to cooking utilities. Sisler has plans to talk to her local churches in Berkley Springs and hopes to get support from them.

Above: Nicole Sisler speaking to one of her local churches about expanding her annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Dancing for The Future: The Davonne Walker Story

On a warm afternoon at Frostburg State University, there's the usual activity.  Students playing outside, others in the game lounge, some watching college football, still others are preparing for Finals. The sun is bright at midday, and many are enjoying a healthy meal at Chesapeake Cafeteria. It's only been a week since everyone has returned from Thanksgiving Break, and many are still energized from their slight break. With so much constantly happening around campus, it's common that we forget the little things in life, like calling home, hanging with good friends, or our religious faith. As a reminder, Frostburg's own UVUGD Ministry hosts its annual Winter Concert as a reminder to be thankful, and give praise during the holidays. With acts that range from liturgical dancing, to a choir group, the concert also provides a stage for students to showcase their talents. In a sense, the focus of the Winter Concert, and much of their other events, is theses students and their abilities.
 
For Sophomore, Davonne Walker, dance is her imperative and the ministry gives her an outlet. "I've been dancing since I was 2 years old, it's my life" claims the spunky dancer. It also gives her an opportunity to be exposed to several different nationalities and peoples of all kinds. Her Heaven's Angels collective performs several styles of dance from liturgical to hip hop. "We practice a mixture of liturgical, modern, hip hop, and ballet twice a week," with young Davonne as the leader. The groups performance at the Winter Concert on Saturday warranted a standing ovation from many of the elders in the audience. Her solo to "Press in Your Presence"  alone was enough to get many standing before the end. "It was just about letting go of all your dirty ways" she said in reference to the concert. 

Dance may be her primary focus, but she has bigger plans than just dancing for the rest of her life. With so many different interests beyond just dancing, one may be curious as to precisely what Davonne wants to do with her life. When asked about her academic plans, she claimed to be a "major in Mass Communication, and a minor in Dance." Majoring in Mass Communication is just the first step for her. once she graduates, she wants to become a representative for a leading dance company. "If I can become representative for a dance company, I can learn the business, and save some money to eventually have my own dance studio that specializes in different styles of dance from african to clogging."

As it is for most students, everyday is a grind. Davonne's plans are what keep her motivated to work hard to reach her goals. The future looks bright for this young lady whose plans require a strong body and mind. Only time will tell if Davonne, like all other college students, will eventually be successful at her craft. For now, her plans are well on their way to fruition.

Storybook Holiday

By Autumn Vanous

ENGL 336.002

The sun was shining, but there was a chill to the air as the City of Frostburg kicked off their Ninth Annual Storybook Holiday Saturday, Dec. 01, 2012. The event is organized and supported by: Children’s Literature Centre at Frostburg State University, Frostburg First, City of Frostburg, Frostburg Parks and Recreation, and Main Street Books. Families eagerly formed a line down Mechanic Street to enter City Place, which was transformed into the Elves’ Secret Workshop. One of the many events Storybook Holiday has to offer during the daylong festivities. While waiting for their turn people enjoyed the smell of fresh popped kettle corn and the sounds of Christmas carols drifting through the streets; as well as, a guest appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Clause for the 11:30 a.m. opening.

Upon first entering City Place guests had the chance warm up and grab a snack while perusing local crafts that were available for purchase as handmade Christmas gifts for their loved ones. When entering the winter wonderland children are happily greeted by joyous elves who explain all the wonderful things they can do while visiting. The children then get tickets to the elves secret workshop, a picture frame for their free picture with the elves, and vote for their favorite elf. Adults have the opportunity to make donations and are shown the lines for each the activities. The crowd thickened and the lines seemly never moved, but the burden of the wait was eased by the many volunteer entertainers making Christmas magic for the impatient children.

First stop, tables where children write letters to Santa Clause and deposit them directly in the North Pole Mail Box. Friendly elves await shy children that need a bit of help. Cookie Dough and Stocking help 4 -yr-old Taven Washington, a preschooler from Cresaptown, M.D., with his letter to Santa. Cookie Dough, Cathy Close and Stocking, Ashley Logsdon, both FSU juniors majoring in Early Childhood Education are volunteering for the first time this year. Logsdon said, “The best part of volunteering is that I get to kick off the holiday season with the kids.” Logsdon writes down young Washington’s requests for Santa, “A Batman, Batman Lego, soccer ball and a Lego truck.” Generally speaking most of the children are sweet and they ask Santa for normal things. Logsdon shared her strangest request, “A boy asked for violent toys. He wanted a real crossbow and a real gun.” Baffled as to why such a young boy would want these things he explained to her that he needs them to go hunting with his father. Logsdon said, “I was relieved, though he seemed young to go hunting.”

The day is as long for the elves as the lines are for the parents. Logsdon plans to leave the event and work a three to 10 shift at Sheetz. Close started her day in the morning parade as a candy elf, still bubbly and energetic, she explains, “I love it, running down the street throwing candy and high fiving kids. It’s a Blast! ” Two more lines, accumulating to over an hour wait, one for photos with elves and the other for the secret workshop were well worth the wait for young Washington. He apprehensively entered the secret workshop guided by an elf through a miniature green door. No adults are allowed inside that’s the secret of the workshop. They are directed to claim the children on the other end at another miniature green door marked exit. A few minutes later the children proudly pop out the other end with self made Christmas ornaments in hand. The crowds and lines are a small price for parents to pay when they see the pride and joy on their child’s face at storybook holiday.