OWL Magazine Spring 2014

SPRING 2014 Elevator to the Stars p.6 A Trailblazer’s Paradise p.14

Kimmie Meissner An Olympian’s Second Act p.10

Spring 2014

ART DIRECTOR Laurise McMillian

CHIEF OF PRODUCTION Stephanie Perkins

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Joshua Eller

EDITORIAL STAFF Georgina Cammayo Nadia Kaczkowski William Martin John Parks

WRITING STAFF Luis Figueroa Ashton Horne Andrew Huenke Becca McLhinney Emily Padgett

SPECIAL TO OWL MAGAZINE Kimmie Meissner

In Her Own Words

10

Bel Air’s Kimmie Meissner looks back on her life after the 2006 Olympics.

PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF Jennifer Lewis John Morin

DESIGN STAFF

Grayson Karr Gabriel Kostadinova Manuel Reyes

DESIGN SPECIALIST Brianna Breece

CHIEF ADVISER Claudia Brown

TECHNICAL ADVISER Philip Roszak

BUSINESS MANAGER Rachel Mitchell

PRINT PUBLISHER

Stockson Printing Company

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHY Rick Babyak Abby Bruns Deborah Feingold Linda Gettier Dennis Glorioso Barry Huneke Ed Slusher

CONTACT US:

Harfowl@harford.edu

JOIN THE STAFF

The Journey is the Reward Do you really know the people around you? What if your coworker is royalty in a town half a world away? That guy in your math class? Maybe he’s a Slovenian rapper.

In this issue, we celebrate the journeys of people such as Goran

Read on to learn more about their journeys, as well as those of others who are featured in this magazine. Perhaps you may find that though every path is different, each one is a life-changing adventure on its own. As distinct as they are from one another, one

“Though every path is different, each one is a life-changing adventure on its own.”

Radulovich, an international student at HCC, American secretary turned African king Peggielene Bartels, previously homeschooled student Emily Padgett, and Olympian Kimmie Meissner.

In spite of going through various phases of uncertainty, each of them eventually learned to embrace their individual trials and develop a positive attitude towards change.

thing is for certain: no journey begins without the initial step.

The beauty of a journey, irrespective of the goal or lack thereof, is that it leads to selfdiscovery. Facing difficult situations, undertaking a new task, or confronting the unexpected all give us the opportunity to grow.

So go ahead, we encourage you to take yours today and make every succeeding step count!

Owl Magazine | TABLE

7 From Home Schooling to Harford

8

14 A Trailblazer’s Paradise

19 Live at HCC

Share a student’s first experience in a public school.

Learn about the unique challenges that the mountains of New Mexico present for outdoor enthusiasts.

4

Take Me out to Ball Park Restaurant

This local eatery’s menu and atmosphere are an out of the park home run.

6

Elevator to the Stars

Can’t climb the Stairway to Heaven? Just wait for the space elevator.

OF CONTENTS

A Campus United

Meet several students who represent the flags flying in the Quad.

Enjoy comedy and fantastic displays of musical talent this semester.

45

King Peggy Shares Her Story

Learn how one woman’s sudden turn from American secretary to African king caused change and inspiration to a town.

12

The Secret World of Adult Skating

No matter what age or skill level, ice skating offers something for everyone.

RESTAURANT REVIEW | Spring 2014

Take Me out to Ball Park Restaurant

By Becca McLhinney | Photography by Grayson Karr | Owl Staff

I spent many of my summers at the Ball Park. Camden Yards is probably the first place that comes to mind, but I mean the Ball Park Restaurant. This cozy restaurant decked out in Orioles memorabilia is located in Street, Maryland on Conowingo Road. If you’re looking for a comfortable, “everybody knows your name” type of atmosphere, then this place is perfect for you.

There’s a wide variety of diner fare you can choose from, such as hot sandwiches, meatloaf, burgers, and subs. They also serve crab cakes, steaks, and even a simple hotdog. The prices of most of their entrees range from $5.75 to $15.75, with the most expensive item being their steak.

At $4.50 per cup, Ball Park’s cream of crab soup is a grand slam.

Although more than satisfied with the

As for the history of Ball Park,

I had the privilege to indulge in their

generous portions of my entrée, I was

the restaurant got its name from the

house specialty, which was cream of crab

determined to investigate the dessert

property on which it was built. From

soup, and a hot meatloaf sandwich with

menu. When asked about what desserts

1920 to 1946, it was once a baseball

mashed potatoes. The cream of crab soup

they had, the waitress named nine differ-

field used by the Susquehanna Semi-

was creamy without overdoing it, with

ent treats: apple pie, pumpkin pie, cherry

Professional Baseball League.

“This cozy restaurant decked out in Orioles memorabilia is located in Street, Maryland...”

The current owner, Joy Frederick, purchased Ball Park Restaurant on July 29, 1989. She decided to “keep the spirit of baseball alive within the restaurant by lining the walls with bits and pieces of baseball memorabilia.”

While I was dining here, I couldn’t

large lumps of crab meat throughout,

pie, pecan pie, apple turnover, cheesecake,

help but notice the restaurant was

topped off with spicy Old Bay.

bread pudding, and ice cream, all ranging

filled with locals. The waitresses knew

from $4.00 to $8.00.

everyone by name and ordered them

As the waitress brought out the hot meatloaf sandwich smothered in gravy, I

I decided to sample the classic apple pie.

could see the steam rising from the plate.

The outside was a flaky, homemade crust,

Each bite was savory and filled with fla-

just like the kind your grandmother would

cooked meal with great service and

vor; the mashed potatoes were whipped

make. The inside was moist and filled with

friendly faces, make sure to stop by Ball

to perfection. The entire thing was a melt-

fresh, juicy apple slices, with a pinch of

Park Restaurant because it surely is a

in-my-mouth favorite.

cinnamon giving it that distinct flavor.

catch.

4

their “usual.”

If you’re looking for a quality, home-

Owl Magazine | BOOK

NOOK

Beyond the Book King Peggy Shares Her Story

By Georgina Cammayo | Owl Staff It was about four in the morning in Silver

strived to become an effective leader

Spring, Maryland, when Peggielene

by finding a balance between modern

Bartels was awakened by an overseas call

politics and ancient traditions. She

from Ghana. “Congratulations!” cried the

used her secretarial skills and strong

voice, “You are the new king of Otuam!”

personality to overturn negative notions

Assuming it was a prank, she almost hung

of her rule, which eventually led to

up on the call that would change her life

her becoming the source of hope in the

forever.

impoverished town.

Bartels soon learned that upon her late

She kept her unwavering faith amidst

uncle’s death, she was chosen to take over

the difficulties and found renewed hope

as king to her ancestral town in Africa.

with the help of generous donors who

Days later, she accepted the role while

aided the town in moving forward.

continuing her work as a secretary in the

Under her leadership, a bank was

“Her two worlds — as an American secretary and an African king — merged into one.”

Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

established in the village, corruption

In seeking to improve the lives of 7,000

declined, women were empowered,

people, her two worlds – as an American

boreholes were built, the royal palace

secretary and an African king – merged

was restored, healthcare and education

into one.

are making progress, and other

Never in the history of Otuam had there been a woman in charge. Bartels took on

improvements are in the works.

By accepting the role of king to a

the title of king instead of queen to be

poor fishing village, Bartels witnessed

taken seriously by a traditional group of

the transformation of a town and of

elders in a male-dominated town.

herself. By restoring hope in her people,

In a recent visit to HCC, Bartels shared

she too, found new meaning to her life.

her incredible journey in the book, King

Substantiated by her personal testimony,

Peggy, which details her struggles and

King Peggy demonstrates the importance

triumphs as king of Otuam.

of fulfilling your roles in society and

Upon agreeing to take over the royal seat in the small fishing village, King

doing your part for the greater good.

In a brief but powerful statement, she

Peggy inherited the town’s problems with

imparted a striking message to her HCC

running water, healthcare, education,

audience: “In this world, we all have a

abuse of women, a run down royal palace,

calling. You may get yours earlier, you

and a council ridden with several corrupt

may get yours late. When it comes…

elders.

receive it because we’re all on this earth

Determined to succeed, King Peggy

for a reason.”

Readers React to King Peggy “I had such an admiration for [King] Peggy that she was willing to take this enormous job…it was stranger than fiction…but it was true.”

-Olivia Bach “I learned that there are people in the world that have nothing and appreciate getting anything at all – we, as Americans, have so much more opportunities.”

-Libby Copes

5

SCIENCE |Spring 2014

Science Fiction to Reality

Space Elevator to the Stars

By Luis Figueroa | Digital Art by Joshua Eller | Owl Staff As you stand on an elevator after putting

idea originates from Fountains of Paradise,

would be tethered to Earth and four to

your luggage on the floor, you hear the

a 1978 science fiction novel by Arthur

six tracks would run up to the station.

bell ding and the elevator begins to move.

C. Clarke, who wrote the famous 2001:

This elevator, however, does not go to

The shuttles would run on

A Space Odyssey. When could the space

electromagnetic currents, which would

a town or a city. It doesn’t go anywhere

elevator become a reality? “Probably

allow them to reach thousands of

on land, but up into the vastness of

about fifty years after everybody quits

kilometers-per-hour in a few seconds.

space. This sounds like something from

laughing,” says Clark.

The tower would be made of carbon

science fiction, but could very well be a

The space elevator would be connected

“We could use the station as a launch bay to send out further shuttles to collect asteroids and space debris for raw materials.”

nanotubes (CNTs). This is a new form of carbon that is lightweight, one hundred times stronger than steel, and holds the tensile strength and hardness of a diamond but will not become brittle and crack like diamonds sometimes can.

Because the CNT is currently being researched, the tower is not feasible today. Smitherman states it may not happen until towards the end of the 21st

possibility with the creation of a space

to a space station that sits at geostationary

elevator.

orbit, essentially so high that it would

We are currently pushing the limits of

circle the Earth. The base tower would

our resources, but we could use this space

stand around fifty kilometers tall; it

elevator as a jumping point to venture

According to David Smitherman of NASA’s Advanced Projects Office, the

century.

further beyond the stars. We could use the station as a launch bay to send out further shuttles to collect asteroids and space debris for raw materials.

It could also be used for space tourism so people can see the galaxy with their own eyes, or to even live in space one day. According to Smitherman, the cost of a ticket to space, taking into account current energy prices, could be around $222 including baggage of 150 kg (around 330 lbs.).

The biggest issue, however, is that this can only be possible if we garner a high enough percentage of people using the elevator. It is therefore imperative that, as we research into CNT or magnetic trains, that we actually have civilians who are willing to go into space, not just as a job The space elevator would allow vehicles to explore space without burning a large amount of their fuel to escape Earth’s atmosphere.

6

but as a place to live.

Owl Magazine | VOICES

From Home Schooling to Harford Community

By Emily Padgett | Photography by John Morin | Owl Staff Do you remember your first day at

the classrooms, and I was worried about

and structure, there are often fears and

HCC? Were you excited to start college?

making friends,” says Tiffanie Ware, a

apprehensions upon starting college. Fear

Scared? Now imagine being a home-

Psychology major. “It was a lot easier

of the unknown can have a crippling

schooler in the same situation. Imagine yourself not having any public or private school background and suddenly finding yourself thrown into a crowded classroom full of strangers and professors who don’t know you or your learning style.

When I walked through the doors on my first day at HCC, I had no idea what to expect. Being home-schooled my whole life, the only classroom settings I experienced had been with other homeschoolers.

I was anxious for the semester ahead.

Would I understand homework assignments and teaching methods? Would I be able to break the “antisocial home schooler” stereotype and make friends?

Upon initially attending college, most

HCC alum Imani Lewis was home-schooled for the majority of her life and is now excelling at the University of Maryland as a Communication major.

home-schoolers that I have known are entering into their first classroom experi-

than I thought. Once I started going to

effect and home school students need

ence. They often have the same fears and

my classes I realized that I had worried

to know how to overcome that anxiety.

apprehensions that I had. Despite the

over absolutely nothing.”

Upon enrolling at HCC, I recommend that

skepticism that home-schoolers are often met with, those whom I have spoken to

General Studies major Garrett Vesly adds, “My personal experience going

home schooled students meet with either Jim Quigg or Bill Elliot at Academic Advising. They are the two advisors who

“[Home-schoolers] tend to thrive in a college setting in ways that public or private schooled students do not ...”

primarily assist such students.

“Just be yourself,” Tiffanie suggests to new students. “Having been homeschooled isn’t a bad thing, so don’t listen to other people if they say something negative to you about it.”

tend to thrive in a college setting in ways

from a home-school setting to a public

that public or private schooled students

school setting was not very difficult

since I started at HCC and I realize that

do not always achieve.

It has now been more than two years

at all… I was just a little nervous,

most of my initial fears were unfounded.

According to a few of the many home

not because of going to a classroom

I miss being home-schooled but I am

schoolers who attend HCC, their college

but more the fact that I was starting

incredibly grateful for the opportunity

experience has been mostly positive.

college.”

that I have to get out of my comfort

“I was really nervous and scared. I was worried about not being able to find

Although these home-school students

zone.

adapted easily to the new environment

7

COMMUNITY | Spring 2014

A Campus United

HCC’s World Flags Are More Than Decorations

By Ashton Horne | Photography by Jennifer Lewis | Owl Staff

Goran Radulovich was a former rapper in Slovenia who found success with his single “Stara Ulica” and earned his Associate’s Degree in Audio Engineering and Massage Therapy back home. You might wonder how he ended up at Harford – his sister lives in Bel Air, which led Goran to start school here about a year ago.

Ben Rushby, a General Studies major, came from Derby in Central England on a scholarship to play for the Fighting Owls soccer team. Head coach Jason Muffoletto contacted College Prospects of America,

President for Campus Operations, says that

a sports marketing service for high

since there are more students represented

school athletes entering college, and

than the flagpoles, he makes “decisions of

found his profile.

what flags to put up based on the country’s

Goran and Ben are just two of many international students who are living the

For international students, the flags

American dream right here at HCC. In

also represent a connection to their home.

celebration of the diversity these students

“Every time I see the German flag, it

bring to HCC, international flags were added

reminds me of one of the best experiences

to the campus in 2001, the brainchild of Dr.

of my life,” says Yasmeen Ali, a Software

Claudia Chiesi, a former HCC president.

Engineering major.

The flags change each year to reflect the

Yasmeen lived in Germany for three

growth of our diverse campus community.

years when she was 12. At 16, she

Currently, 48 banners align from the main

came to Maryland because her dad

entrance of the library all the way to the

was in the military. In Germany,

front doors of the Student Center and along

“everyone was friendly, and the

the academic halls by the quad.

place I lived was very clean. Food

Cameroon, Iran, Belgium, Romania,

8

population.”

was always made fresh and there

Netherlands, Nepal, and Russia are just a

was barely any processed food.

handful of the nations international students

This county was not as diverse as

represent. Gregory Deals, the Associate Vice

where I lived in Germany, but I still

d

Owl Magazine | COMMUNITY

think it’s diverse.”

Arren Gapasin moved to the States in

as much.”

Ben continues, “As far as restaurants

Adds Goran, “I like the flags on campus and what they represent.”

2006 from the Philippines. She says, “At

go, I noticed here there are a lot more

first it was a culture shock; the weather

fast food places you can choose from and

in the school’s international program.

was much colder than in the Philippines.

go to. Back at home while we still have

Her job is to review foreign students

I wasn’t used to the diversity either. Since

fast places such as McDonalds, it’s not

and coordinate campus visits. Gazing at

then, I have adjusted, but I really miss

nearly as much; it’s more of the classier

her world map, she says, “Diversity is

Admission specialist Jenny Lares works

“There may be 48 flags on campus to represent international students, but each flag holds a different story that goes far beyond HCC.” my family, friends, and the food.”

“My experience has been good; I

[dine-in] restaurants to pick.”

Goran Radulovich cites educational

something we shouldn’t celebrate once a week. We should celebrate it every day

have had a lot of help [at HCC],” says

differences between the U.S. and his

and include it in every issue or have it be

Ben Rushby. The biggest difference

home country. “In Slovenia, school was

a part of the development of each issue.”

between the U.S and U.K he has seen

much harder; you had less help from

is the playing style for soccer and the

teachers because most of them had

represent international students, but each

restaurants. “The style of play in the U.K

multiple subjects to teach. Learning

flag holds a unique and special story that

is a lot more physical. Here the officiating

here is much easier. You have more

goes far beyond HCC and truly makes

is strict and you can’t get away with

assistance.”

this a campus united.

There may be 48 flags on campus to

The international flags flying in front of the Student Center were added to Harford’s campus in 2001.

9

An Olympi Bel Air native Kimmie Meissner competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Meissner wrote about her Olympic experience for The Harford Owl in 2010. This article focuses on her life after the Olympic Games.

What is post-Olympic life like? Well, it involves professional skating shows, coaching and school…lots of school. It hasn’t always been this way. I had a challenging transition between top of the world and now, but I’ve found my way. Now a few years down the road, I can look back with the wisdom only time and perspective can bring and for that, I am grateful.

Moving back home from Florida after training and living there for two years was bittersweet. I was ecstatic to be coming home and to reunite with family, friends and community.

But my homecoming also meant a change of course as far as my skating was concerned.

An injury to my knee cut my competition life short and upon my arrival, I lost my aunt to cancer. A few months later we lost a little girl from Cool Kids, my charity, to cancer as well. Suddenly the calm, stable life I had grown used to was completely turned upside down. I lost my outlet of understanding life and working through my stress, throwing me into dark waters that I had never experienced before.

As far as skating was concerned, my passion and love for the sport completely vanished before my eyes. I didn’t want to watch it on television, I didn’t want to talk about it and most troubling of all, I didn’t want to lace my skates up and take to the ice. This self-inflicted exile from the sport that had captured my imagination all those years ago, lasted for about two years.

Then one day I was asked to skate in my friend’s charity show out in California. He knew that I wasn’t skating anymore, but thought maybe, just maybe, I’d consider it. I

ian’s Second Act

By Kimmie Meissner | Special to Owl Magazine | Photography by John Morin | Owl Staff

don’t know why, but I said yes right on

It’s such a gratifying experience to

allows me to move through the emotions.

the spot. Three years from that first show

watch as they discover their potential.

Both are art forms that have captured my

and I am skating again every day. It took a

The joy that comes with landing a new

heart and soul.

shocking amount of hard work to get back

jump or simply skating faster grants them

When I am not performing, coaching,

to the level I am at now, having to relearn

a healthy dose of confidence they can

training or attending classes, I am most

all of my triple jumps and fully develop

carry with them into other aspects of their

likely to be found spending time with

my personal style on the ice.

life. I enjoy facilitating their learning and

those close to me. My charity, Cool Kids

When I skate now I have a new appre-

watching the wonder and exuberance

Campaign, is expanding and I am also

ciation for this sport and my ability to be

burst around them, reminding me of my

involved with a few others in the com-

out there in center ice. It seems insane

early days on the ice.

munity. I am surrounded by a wonderful

to me that there was a time I denied any

Between coaching and performing,

group of friends, but this was also a chal-

connection to figure skating. In 2012, I

I also center most of my time around

lenge during my return from Florida. I

competed in a professional competition in

school. When I had first begun my col-

needed to reconnect with everyone I cared

Japan and performed in multiple shows

lege journey, I attended the University of

about.

and tours. In 2013, I once again skated in

Delaware with the intention of majoring

While most of my close friends were

my friend’s show in California and had a

in exercise science. Training at the on-

around me during my competitive days,

tour in Brazil and Canada, as well as the

campus rink made an easy addition of

we experienced completely different teen-

Disson skating shows that are televised on

school with my skating. Unfortunately,

age years. When all of us get together, the

NBC.

my first semester was also when a coach-

conversation normally centers around

“My passion and love for the sport completely vanished before my eyes.”

It’s a refreshing feeling to look at my

ing change was made and I had to move

different high school experiences, college

schedule and see it filled once again with

to Florida, forsaking my studies. Upon

parties or nights out. I can relate to them

adventures in the realm of figure skat-

my return home, I found myself trying to

with our nights out, but both experiences

ing. Now a different avenue on the show

adjust back to student life.

revolving around school are much differ-

docket, but one that is full of fun, friends and most importantly, the ice.

I needed a new start, a new beginning.

ent. My friends and I work around that

So, after gaining control of my spinning

barrier as much as we can, but it always

I decided to begin coaching about two

life, I transferred to Towson University,

stands just out of sight.

years ago. This has been quite the experi-

changing majors to English with a focus

As you can see, post-Olympic life is

ence since I am now on the opposite side

on writing. That change has been one of

really quite normal. A few times a month

of the boards, supporting younger skaters

the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love

I get to put on my persona and perform

and helping them to fulfill their dreams. I

to read, but I absolutely adore writing.

for thousands before returning back to

coach a multitude of students ranging in

This intimate form of expression acts as

classes, my students, and my family and

ages from 8-17, beginners and senior level

my way to interpret the world I live in,

friends. It is really the ideal life for this

competitors.

alongside the physical act of skating that

24-year-old.

The Secret World of Adult Skating

By Georgina Cammayo | Owl Staff A breakup. That is what ultimately led

instructional lessons in several duty sta-

me to sign up for figure skating lessons

tions throughout his career. “I love the

again at 26.

sport,” he says. “I love just skating out

sport also offers opportunities to per-

on the ice. It’s something to teach my

form. Fine Wine is an adult performance

kids and it’s just overall fun.”

troupe composed of about 15 adults

In my quest to find a positive outlet to keep myself busy and not overly emotional, I rediscovered a hobby I had

frozen pond.”

In addition to recreational skating, the

Another Ice World regular, Alicia

mostly in their 30’s-60’s at Mt. Pleasant

forgotten over the years. Captivated by

Orlando, is a tennis instructor who

Ice Arena in Baltimore. Artistic Director

the sport once more, I began skating fre-

playfully refuses to give away her age

Jeffrey Nolt creates original pieces twice

quently and discovered I was not alone.

other than being over 60. She circles

a year for shows at Mt. Pleasant.

Other adults on the ice inspired me, as

the rink week after week, taking small

they all have stories to tell.

strokes at a time. She remebers skating

because they’re scared of skating in front

Stephen Kavanaugh, 41, is often

“A lot of adults never want to join

on cleared frozen ponds while music

of people,” he says. However, members

seen doing laps in his military uniform

played in the background. “We never

learn to face their fears and insecurities

during public sessions in Ice World,

had rinks when we were growing

regardless of skill level.

Abingdon. He has been skating for over

up,” she shares. “That’s how I met my

twenty years and has taken adult hockey

husband. We were teenagers on a

Heather Piepenburg, Figure Skating Director of Ice World, has been skating since she was seven years old. “I really enjoy it because you feel free,” she says.

“You can just take your mind off everything else…and really enjoy the jumps and the spins and feeling like you’re a kid again.”

She encourages adult participation because “it’s a great way to meet other people. It’s also a great way to motivate yourself because there’s always a goal.

You’re always working towards getting to a higher level and learning new skills.”

Like Heather, Dennis Glorioso’s involvement traces back to childhood.

The 57-year-old was pulled in to the sport early on but was forced to withdraw after suffering hearing loss in his

“The minute my blades touched the ice that first time as an adult, I felt an instant connection that has never weakened,” says Lesley Finn (above), adjunct faculty at Towson University and mother of two.

12

late teens. It wasn’t until 13 years ago, when he got his cochlear implant that

and happy.”

Apart from figure skating, hockey is

he started skating consistently again and

another popular ice skating sport for

began training for adult competitions.

adults. According to Ed Slusher, Ice

“Skating with a hearing problem some-

World’s Hockey Director, adult hockey

times is a challenge” he says. “But I keep

participants include those who engage

working at it because I love it. I like to

in competitive sports, those who play

keep challenging myself to do better and

recreationally, and those who are still

be stronger.”

getting to know the sport through the

For Barclay Gibbs, 32, skating was a childhood dream that she put on hold

adult instructional program.

“I offer most adults the advice of just

until later. “I loved watching skating on

coming out to try skating before get-

TV when I was little,” she says. “But I

ting started with hockey,” Ed says. “For

was really focused on pursuing ballet as

adults that are able to skate already, I

a profession. I was dancing every day, so

offer them an adult instructional option

I didn’t have time to take skating lessons

or a power skating class to brush up on

too.” Now as Artistic Director of Dance

their skating before we involve pucks.”

Conservatory of Maryland, she finds

Various adults come together in the

figure skating offers an exercise that is

rink for a multitude of reasons

“way more fun than going to the gym

because ice skating goes

and running in place for an hour.”

beyond the technical

Suzanne Himmerich, also 32, is a

aspects of the

medical sales representative who began

sport. The

taking lessons at 17. She was 27 years

skating

“I play for the exercise, friendships and fun,“ says Nick Taylor (above) a salesman and hockey coach.

old when she competed – and won gold – in her first Adult Nationals, a competition for skaters 21 and over at a variety of levels.

“I think skating is fun,”

motto “Fall, get up. Fall, get up” teaches

Suzanne says. “It’s a stress reliever. It al-

that a hobby is more than a pastime. It

ways seems that you come here and you

also helps form character and instill a life

skate and you just forget about anything

lesson applicable to a person of any age,

going on in your life. You walk out of

and one that I was lucky to come by at a

here kind of renewed and you feel fresh

time when I needed it.

Getting Started on the Ice Local Rinks Ice World 1300 Governor Ct. Abingdon, MD 21009 (410) 612-1000 www.iceworld.com

Cost Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena 6101 Hillen Rd Baltimore, MD 21239 (443) 984-4075 www.mtpleasanticearena.com

Ice World Public Sessions: $7.50$8.50; $3 skate rental Group Lessons: 6-10 sessions for $105-$120

Mt. Pleasant Ice Arena Public Sessions: $4; $2 skate rental Group Lessons: 7 sessions for $98

13

BEYOND CAMPUS | Spring 2014

Bouldering over a cliff at 10,000 feet can be one of the best, but most challenging moments of the trek.

14

Owl Magazine | BEYOND CAMPUS

Philmont:

A Trailblazer’s Paradise

By Andrew Huneke | Owl Staff Imagine you’re hiking up a vertical slope

(scaling a tree with spiked boots) and log-

105 miles at a time. We went to Pueblano,

so steep that you look up and can’t see

gerball, which is an old-fashioned baseball

up Mount Baldy, Cimmaroncito, and over

more than twenty feet ahead of you. You

game where players run the bases back-

the Tooth of Time. My favorite memory

finally make it up to the top of this slope

wards and throw only underhanded.

was getting to the top of Mount Baldy

and are left standing 12,441 feet above

One of my friends, Phil Outten, liked

with my father, uncle, and cousin. My fa-

the ground. You can spin around and

Pueblano the best. He says, “Pueblano

ther and uncle hadn’t been up together in

gaze at the vast amount of nothingness

was my favorite because of the spar pole

over 20 years, and seeing the joy they had

and space in all directions. There’s even

climbing. I also enjoyed the campfire that

on their faces with us was priceless and a

a thunderstorm brewing below you, but

they put together.”

memory I’ll never forget.

you’re so high up that you’re above it!

The most interesting camp in the mid-

Philmont Scout Ranch is a challenge

dle country is called Cimarroncito, which

Time the final day. “I enjoyed watching

unlike any other – adventurers back-

is a rock climbing camp. You go and boul-

the sunrise from the Tooth of Time. Hav-

packing through the mountains of New

der in the morning and can then return

ing a 360-degree view and seeing the sun

Mexico while choosing a variety of pro-

to camp and show off what you learned

rise was simply amazing,” he says.

grams to do along the way, ranging from

in the rock climbing gym. Nothing quite

Phil enjoyed the view from Tooth of

If you want to go to Philmont, you will

“Having a 360-degree view and seeing the sun rise was simply amazing.”

need to either be a Boy Scout or be in a

black powder rifle shooting to horseback

like the experience of a rock climbing

the area or create a new venturing crew

riding. It is an adventure of a lifetime,

gym in the middle of backcountry!

as long as that new crew registers with

especially for those who have never been

Another infamous attraction is the

venturing crew. It’s much easier to go to Philmont as a venturing crew. Venturing crews are not associated with Boy Scout troops, but they are associated with the Boy Scouts of America.

You can either join an existing crew in

the Boy Scouts of America. Creating one

out west. One of the best parts about

Tooth of Time. It’s a giant rock shaped like

isn’t difficult. Just find friends that would

Philmont is choosing whatever programs

a tooth right in the middle of the Ranch.

be interested and register with the Boy

you want to do, whatever journey you

It provides one of the best views in camp,

Scouts of America. More detail on how

want to take.

with a 360-degree panoramic shot.

to do this can be found online at www.

The main attraction in the North is

The main attraction in the South

scouting.org.

Mount Baldy; standing 12,441 feet, Baldy

Country is Mount Phillips. Phillips is the

is the tallest mountain on the Ranch.

second highest mountain on the Ranch,

would love. There are beautiful views,

Climbing Baldy was the most challenging

standing an estimated 11,700 feet. The

plenty of activities for a crew to do, and

part of Philmont because a crew needs to

trip up isn’t as strenuous but it’s still a

the potential to grow closer together as

learn how to work as a team while you

challenge with a 50-60 pound pack on

friends while backpacking in the marvel-

are carrying up to 60 pounds up 3,000

your back.

ous backcountry of New Mexico. I would

feet in a span of four miles.

One of the highlights of the North

The second time my fellow scouts and

Philmont is everything an outdoor type

encourage everyone to go out there;

I went out, we wanted to do more so we

it’s a rare experience worth considering

Country is a camp called Pueblano. Their

decided to hike an average of ten or more

instead of just going to the beach again

feature attractions are spar pole climbing

miles a day, with our trek equaling almost

this summer.

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