To Thy Own Self Be True

November Event Coverage: To Thy Own Self Be True

By Ashley Mariah

Frostburg State University held the ASA Annual Mr. and Miss. ASA Pageant: To Thy Own Self Be True November 30^th, 2012 in the Lane Center hosted by the African Student Alliance. Following the Pageant was the Annual ASA Ball where students, dressed to the nines in club attire and traditional African- inspired outfits, shook what their mamas gave them to popular hip hop music and hits from their hometowns. The evening was both educational and eventful as students at FSU were educated about Africa and its culture while laughing out loud and having a good time. The dimly lit, colorful Manicur Hall in Lane was packed with around 150 students and teachers observing a display of well- practiced lines and routines as members of the ASA acted as contestants in an African themed Pageant Style.

The African Student Association or ASA is a Student Organization at FSU that brings awareness to Africa and problems its people have overcome. Awareness of Africa is maintained by students through educational and social events such as Pageants, Dances or Balls, Showcases, and Fashion Shows. In addition, money is raised throughout the year and sent to Africa in efforts to aid its people and preserve the land.

The Mr. and Miss ASA Pageant works as a typical pageant with showcases from participants in three segments: Introduction segment, Talent Segment, Quiz segment. Contestants then win points in each category from appointed judges and the guy and gal with the highest tallies win Mr. and Miss ASA for the year, which comes with its fair share of responsibilities and notoriety of the Association.

The Introduction segment went smoothly as contestants introduced themselves and showcased something unique about themselves along with their “Shoeboxes” in which they are told to decorate in ways that describe themselves. Although difficult for the audience to see, the boxes were elaborately decorated and explained. Contestants were dressed in colorful African clothing and the audience “OOhhh-ed and AAhhh-ed” as they model walked the stage and showcased themselves.

The talent portion of the Pageant got an incredible rise out of the audience as there were performances not only from the contestants but also by a couple fraternities. Sophmore at FSU, Beverly Ndubueze, noted her favorite performance “It was fun. This boy Hassan killed it!” For his talent portion, Hassan recited a poem to a girl that he pulled up from the audience. “Is he really singing that to her? I wonder if they are together, that’s sweet” exclaimed Junior at FSU, Jackie Bishop. The poem was about him seeing her and instantly being attracted to her beauty. From the audiences point of view it seemed so real, later we found out it was for show. Nonetheless, the audience loved it. Another notable performance came from Justin Shields and a group of his friends. The boys did this really funny dance segment where they took people over the world through dance. The first stop in his routine was PG county, so he and some friends danced to go-go (which is the type of music that is listened to mostly in DC and PG counties). He then took the audience to his hometown of Baltimore where he danced to Baltimore Club Music (which is also very unique). The last stop was Africa where he danced to Nigerian music (which is laden in smooth drum beats and heavy rhythms). The audience thought his performance was hilarious and erupted with laughter and applause!

The Quiz segment was the conclusion of the Pageant asking questions to see how contestants would solve different day to day issues (poverty, hunger). Contestants promptly answered as they had been answering pageant questions for years and the evening concluded with the crowning of Mr. and Miss ASA followed by the packed Ball that jammed on into the next morning. “I have never seen that many students packed together before! Who knew FSU had poppin’ events to go to? And I learned a lot about Africa!” concluded Sophomore at Frostburg State University Conor Burns while walking out drained and culture shocked from the evening. 

The Eagles, "People Helping People"

Many private organizations in the Cumberland area do community work for national and local charities, but the Fraternal Order of Eagles may be one of the best kept secrets in charitable work.  People hear the name “The Eagles” and think of a social club offering good times, but they might not realize that the organization has raised $25 million for diabetes research for the University of Iowa. Members spend some weekends at dinners and picnics and many other days raising money for the Lou Reed Spinal Cord Foundation. For those who have family in the military, those relatives may have received one of the care packages the Cresaptown Eagles sends every three months, or perhaps they belong to the Vietnam Veterans of America that received $5,000 from the Eagles this past weekend at their Mid Atlantic Regional Conference last weekend.

The primary focus of the conference was on ways to gain new members and retain current ones. Nationally, membership is down in the Eagles. This is a problem that many social clubs have been facing due to the economic downturn of the country in recent years. “What we’re losing is slowing up,” says Vince Kinman, Grand Aerie Membership Director. “Hopefully, two to three years from now, we can talk about being even or even start going up.” Membership is important to Mr. Kinman and the organization, because the members give their time and energy to all of the charities in which the Eagles participate.

Apart from the national programs the Eagles give to, they also support local causes. The women’s Auxiliary is currently working on a quilt raffle give away to benefit local rescue missions and the local food bank. Recently they have also given over $600 to the cancer wing of the hospital. “We try to give the money we raise locally,” said Chris O’Brien, President of the Cresaptown Ladies Auxiliary. Not limited to just raising money locally, the Auxiliary also puts together “Soldier Boxes” care packages sent out to military units serving over seas.

The Fraternal Order of the Eagles, tries to follow their motto of “People Helping People” as often as they can.

A Remarkable Experience

A Remarkable Experience
By: Brandi Jorden, ENGL 336.001

Miss and Mr ASA 2012

In the late evening on November 30, 2012 the African Student Alliance, an on campus organization at Frostburg State University, held one of the most remarkable fashion show of 2012. The fashion show was held in the ARMAH located in the Lane University Center building, which is known as the hub of the university. There was a mixture of African culture combined with bright, and fashionable patterns. Each student on stage wore traditional attire from his or her country in Africa. After each student walked onto the runway they did their traditional tribal dance which is associated with their attire, and country. The entire audience was entranced by the performance. Rebecca Neal, a senior law and society major at Frostburg State University stated, “This show has had some amazing twist. They truly out did themselves this year. I love how they changed it up from last year and incorporated more history into the show.” The show engaged the audience by reaching a variety of different cultures in Africa.

 During intermission the African American on-campus Greek organizations participated in a five-segment step show and related it back to the African American culture. Following the last segment of the step show the five potential kings and queens of the African Student Alliance fashion show were brought onto the stage. All constants were asked to sit down facing the audience and then were instructed to do an introduction of their selves. The host of the show helped introduce three women and two men contestants. Following the introductions all contestants were asked to show a talent to the audience. The talents truly engaged the audience and according to Ed*, a senior at Frostburg State University, “It was a wonderful celebration and informational segment of African culture. I think it was very informational as well because some people do not really understand our true culture.” Many other students shared the same feeling about the show. Another student, Taylor Grotz, a senior psychology major stated, “I got to see all of the different cultures come together and it was an amazing experience to see so many different cultures produce such an amazing show. The difference between cultures was very apparent and for anyone who was not aware of the different cultures, well they were educated tonight!”

After the talent portion of the show all contestants were asked to dress in their formal attire and then come back on stage. The gowns and suits worn by the contestants were all rich colors. One contestant’s gown had a trail that had a glamorous glimmer to it. Finally the judges picked by the African Student Alliance picked the queen and king of the show. The host announced the winners with brilliant charisma, “The Miss/Queen “ASA” is Nina Brown and the King/Mr “ASA” is Justin. The crowd was ecstatic; they immediately stood up and, cheered, hooped, and hollered for the victors of the show. Nina Capuano, a senior political science major stated, “The crowning of Mr. and Miss. ASA was such a heartfelt experience because of all of the performances and entertainment that led up to the moment. I have never seen such a fashion show so packed with history.

The Last Hoorah

 Late at Lane is a new addition given to the school by Frostburg State University. This event is sponsored by our very own Student Government Association, and it was created by the students, for the students. Late at Lane started out as an idea that turned into an initiative in which students could find a fun alternative on the weekends. Each event is partnered with a theme and the last event of the semester, fittingly tilted “The Last Hoorah” sent students home satisfied,  giving peers an opportunity to spend some quality time with one another before going home for the holidays. Students put their mind at ease before finals and engaged in games, enjoyed delicious food, and won amazing prizes.  The event lasted from 10 pm to 2 am. Some of the activities included at Late at Lane were a black ops tournament, where students engaged in some friendly competition with their classmates, meanwhile increasing their scores and reaching higher levels. There was also an interactive jeopardy-like game show, featuring actual Frostburg students. The winner of the game show received a 200 dollar cash prize. For fans of American Idol, there was a Live Band Karaoke stand for promising singers and hopefuls to enjoy. Students also experienced cutting edge illusionist Jason Bishop for the night. Also featured, was a “Capture the Moment Stand” which produced photo mugs, and caricatures. Some of the prizes to win this time were the Ipad 2, TVs, and also a GPS navigation system.

Another exciting feature of Late at Lane, is that each event plays a popular movie matching different genres. The movie of choice at this event, "The Last Hoorah" was Bourne Legacy, starring Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz and directed by Tony Gillroy. The movie premiered in August of 2012. The most important thing about Late at Lane is that each event is diverse. It gives plenty of options that almost anyone is sure to love.  Student responses were very positive. Aryn Brown, a psychology major states “These events are just really fun. I like that the campus offers something for students to do on the weekends instead of just sitting at home." Essence Moseley,  a biology major states “I like that each event has a theme, and there are different types of foods you can try and different prizes each time, it makes it different and not boring.” Deidra Harris, an early childhood education major, also enjoys the atmosphere of the events. She states “They are just a lot of fun. I always enjoy going with my friends and just hanging out.”  There has said to be even more innovative surprises in store next year for Late at Lane.  So whether students stop by for a quick night of fun, or just to enjoy what each sponsored event brings, Late at Lane is there to provide some new fresh and exciting games and prizes.

For information about Late at Lane, visit the Late at Lane homepage at the following link http://www.lateatlanefsu.com/.

Three Lane Center photos by Jamie Freedman

Above: Joseph Salgado grabs a bite before class.

Above: Kenny Pratt rejuvenates with coffee.

Above: Trey Davis rings up a customer.

A Civil War Christmas

                A Civil War Christmas is a play about Christmas Eve, 1864. A play about the distresses that not only Lincoln, but people around him, dealt with at that time; that touches up the story of recently freed slaves and white people alike. A Civil War Christmas was shockingly brilliant, as creator Paula Vogel intended it to be. The room darkens as the play begins, and there is a silence that falls over the crowd. I sit amongst them and patiently await the seasonal themed production. As the opening song pans out, the audience sees the entire cast and gets a grasp on the concept this play is demonstrating by the diversity that lay in front of them.

                Not only does this creation involve the brilliant actors and actresses that play their parts, but also the people above and behind, in the top boxes. They work on projections, lighting, and cues, which are all just as important as the people telling the story. One such team member, Julia Steven, spoke to me of her job on the set. “I love being behind the scenes and working (projection). It’s like I’m a part of the play but I don’t have to be where people can see me; it’s awesome.” Steven, a transfer sophomore here at Frostburg, is a theatre major, and loves being behind the scenes. “It was hard work for the entire tech week when we were rehearsing and stuff; they had to keep stopping to do lines over and over again and I couldn’t even eat anything!” Julia (and other members of the tech crew) worked hard, but in the end it all paid off.

                Kai White, a senior, and also the proud player of Mrs. Keckley in A Civil War Christmas, says, “I’m very proud of my work and the work of the cast. Race is a sensitive subject and I feel as if the department handled it with class. The cast works very well together and we are under great direction. I’m very sad to see this show end.” The subject of race is a big part in A Civil War Christmas, but according to Kai, and as the audience could see very plainly, the people involved with the theatre department on all ends were supportive on this touchy subject. Kai herself played a dynamic character, and gave a dramatic, explosive performance matched by no one.

                Victoria Miller’s impression of this piece was definitely positive. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” she tells me. “It’s like a whole different side of what the Civil War was about; it got way more personal than I expected it to be.” Miller is a freshman at Frostburg and agrees that this show will leave an imprint on people’s judgments and perceptions of color and class.

Altogether, this performance was a fantastic experience for those involved: from the actors to the directors, the tech crew to the audience, it certainly was a dedicated involvement from those tangled in the web of A Civil War Christmas.

The Student Government Association Meeting

On Thursday November 15, 2012 the senators of the Student Government Association, members of the student body, faculty and staff gathered in the Atkinson Room. The meeting was spearheaded by the Student Government Association president, Jerica Bennett. The meeting was conducted in parliamentary procedure. After taking attendance and discussing old and new business, the floor was waved to April Baer, Project Coordinator of the Wellness Program here at Frostburg State University.

The Student Government Association Senate 2012-2013

 Ms. Baer reported on the impact the smoke-free campus initiative and discussed the result of several surveys taken by the student body. “Results show that fewer students actually smoke than the perceived image” said Ms. Baer. She also discussed the positive attention Frostburg State University has received since enforcing the smoke-free campus initiative. “Frostburg has received state wide recognition for our smoke free efforts” said Ms. Bauer. She then stated that President Gibralter supports this initiative fully and is happy with the results. She discussed the unlikelihood of on-campus smoke facilities, “It would be like taking a major step back and weaken our initiative.” Ms. Baer also clarified the consequences of smoking on-campus. She stated that the first offense results in a warning. The second offense results in a $70 fine and smoke-free related courses. And the third offense could result in possible expulsion from Frostburg State University.

Students from various organizations such as the African Student Association, Alpha Phi Omega and the Frostburg State University cheerleading team were in attendance to request funding for their upcoming events. The African Student Association requested funding for their 3^rd annual Mr. and Mrs. ASA pageant. Senator Whitney Turner asked “how this event would benefit the student body?” A member of the African Student Alliance responded, “It is a way to showcase the talents of the students, educate the general body of the African culture and build new leaders” said Haja Wotorson. Their funding packet was approved and their event took place on Friday, December 1, 2012. It was deemed a successful event according to students, faculty and staff. Up next was the member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. Members of this organization were requesting funding for their convention. This convention takes place every four years. The brothers of Alpha Phi Omega meet and generate new ideas to better their chapter and discuss their accomplishments. The Frostburg chapter has been awarded numerous times for their active chapter accomplishments. Their funding packet was approved as well. The final but most energetic organization was the Frostburg State University cheerleading team. They requested funding to attend their annual competition held in Disney World. They spoke of their priceless opportunity to interact with larger schools such as Florida State University, Rutgers and Penn State. There packet was also approved and the senate as well as student body wished them the best of luck. The meeting concluded shortly after with a bang from President Bennett’s gravel. It was a wonderful experience witnessing the interaction between the students and the senate concerning the allocation of the student activity fees.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

During this time of year we celebrate in many ways. One way people celebrate is by putting Christmas decorations up. The most widely known decoration is the Christmas tree. For everyone the meaning of a Christmas tree is different. It can symbolize something as simple as what the Christmas presents sit under, to the lights symbolizing the hope and happiness that this time of year brings. For our area, the Christmas tree is a symbol of the community coming together.

For one individual in particular the service was more than just lighting up a tree. Jamie O’Brian, who is a 21-year old junior at Allegany College, explained her reasons for what makes the service so special are a little more personal. “For me the tree is a symbol of happiness and hope, everyone is always in such a caring and cheerful mood this time of year.” She continued by speaking about some of her childhood. “Growing up as a kid we didn’t always have a lot of money to spend on gifts but we always had a pretty tree to look at. Really for us it’s always been about family and cherishing the time together with people we care about.”

            This happy attitude and general joy in the atmosphere was exemplified during the tree lighting ceremony that took place on November 23^rd Jordon Kline, a 19-year-old male who is a junior here at Frostburg, commented on the over all atmosphere saying, “the atmosphere was great, there were a lot of people there.” Besides the tree lighting, there were other events and activities that took place. John Goss, a 20-year-old male who is also a FSU student, named some of these activities saying there were “free carriage rides, free trolley rides, and the train was there.”  So what does a Christmas tree mean to you? Is it just a tree with lights and garland or is there a more sentimental? 

Photos!

 Above: Juniors Jackie Lukasewicz, Business major, and Dylan Hinther, Law and Society major enjoying their time at Late @ Lane.

Above: Juniors Jen Kleponis, Biology major, and Ryan Whitesel, Parks and Recreation major coming out of the late showing of Jason Bishop's illusion act.

Above: Juinors Whitley Burns and Gabi Fish getting ready to ride on the Mickey and Minnie Mouse float in the Storybook Holiday Parade on Main Street in Frostburg.

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 1^st, 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 18^th at Heinz Field and again on December 2^nd 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 2^nd 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. 

November Event - Get Familiar Mixer

On Wednesday November 28^th, 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.

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.