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November 8, 2011 highlandernews.net

International Blog Spots Campus Style

By Gia Mazur Reporter

MU is a recent addition to CollegeFashionista.com, a blog site that features street style photos of trends and on college campuses. The site’s Style Gurus, who are real students and fashion experts, spot the trends—and provide the national publicity.

Amy Levin is the founder and creative director of CollegeFashionista and she turned her love of fashion, writing and photography into a business. Levin began blogging about campus fashion while at Indiana University. She would take “street style” photos, featuring fashionable students who she saw walking around on campus. From there, Levin expanded to “trendspotting” at Big 10 schools.

“I felt like this college demographic was so important and they were really determining what trends were,” said Levin. “It’s a unique age because you’re on such a strict budget, but you want to be expressive and you want to show your personal style. I felt like it was such an interesting demographic.”

CollegeFashonista is now represented at more than 200 campuses worldwide, with over 400 Style Gurus. Senior Michele Drago is MU’s resident Guru, and like Levin, she hopes to turn her love of fashion into a career path. Drago became interested in fashion at a young age and she found inspiration from her aunt’s sewing skills and her cousin’s Barbie dolls.

“I wouldn’t even play with the Barbies,” said Drago.

“I would just focus on their wardrobe. And then my aunt actually taught me how to draw figures and clothing because she sews.”

Drago continued her love of fashion through high school, but she really started to become more interested once she came to college and found out about CollegeFashionista through her work-study position. She applied to be a Guru last January, and she was personally selected by Levin.

Drago had to first submit her résumé and cover letter, and once she made it past that level of interviewing, she had to construct a mock-up of her content to prove she was serious about fashion. Drago posts a new trend on the site each Monday,“trendspotting” a fashionable student.

“I usually look for girls and guys that are confident with how they are dressed and have a unique look to them,” said Drago. “They dress very differently and have serious style. That’s hard to find in this area.”

It may be difficult to confidently express yourself through style in the sleepy little town of Dallas, but Levin said accessories are the secret to standing out. She recommends an oversized gold watch or bangles for those students who feel more inhibited.

Those who are more daring, however, tend to be the students who will grab attention. Senior Jill Edwards was recently trendspotted, and she enjoys getting recognized for her fashion and she hopes the site will inspire others.

“Instead of getting looked at funny, for once, it’s like, ‘Oh, that’s a good thing,’” said Edwards. “And then other people are starting to do it more, and I have noticed people are walking around and they’re dressing up more.”

Not only are women getting

MICHELE DRAGO/COLLEGE FASHIONISTA

Above are senior Michele Drago’s street style photos of Misericordia students as featured on CollegeFashionista.com. more dressed up for class, but the men are getting in on the fashion scene, too. Junior Dom Dellos was the most recent “Fashionisto” to be trendspotted by Drago, and he feels looking nice is not only a girl’s responsibility.

“I want to make myself presentable when I go places,” said Dellos. “And face it, people like a clean-cut person who presents himself well. It says a lot about you.”

Levin, Drago and all Fash-

ionistas/Fashionistos agree that college students today are more likely to dress up for class each day. Levin believes it is because of the explosion of blogs and online media.

“The street style blogs, pop culture, and shows like Gossip

Girl and re-runs of Sex and the City, kind of, like, upped the game,” said Levin. “These different influences are inspiring college students to want to focus on what they’re wearing and fashion.”

For students, by students STAYING HEALTHY IN

By Ellen Hoffman Print Editor

Student Government Association (SGA) seeks to provide a voice for the students—but President AJ Heintz said he needs to hear their voices first.

“We have an open door policy. We take anything, big or small, and discuss it and see what we can do.”

SGA members say they are sometimes frustrated because they don’t hear from students and he invites all to stop in to share their opinions.

“Every single person is going to have something going on.

We were elected to take all 1,700 voices and put them into one and unite them to make sure we get what students want,” said Heintz.

The eight elected officers have posted office hours on the SGA office door in Banks Student Life Center. They also hold monthly open meetings, discuss the formation of new clubs and address school administrators with the student body’s concerns.

Members are working to ensure potholes behind the residence halls are patched and they seek to have sidewalks installed between main campus and the townhouses.

“Campus will look even better,” Heintz said.

Also in the works is making the new e-MU portal more ef-

ficient and accessible. Heintz and the executive board are working to create personal announcements in e-mail format instead of only a side bar.

Heintz stresses the importance of student surveys as a way to collect information about students’ satisfaction.

“That’s why our surveys are so important. We’re trying to help you.”

Last year SGA added the curling, library and foreign language clubs to the list of more than 30 official student groups. Sophomore Alyssa Leonard is president of the curling club and has worked closely with members of SGA in the past.

She said students with prospective clubs need to raise the issue first with Darcy Brodmerkel, Director of Student Activities and SGA faculty advisor, and then onto SGA. “The reason I end up seeing them is so that it’s something that’s going to be realistic,” she said. Official clubs must then meet SGA requirements--which include hosting a fundraiser, completing a service project, attending monthly meetings and filling out required paperwork.

If requirements are met, clubs receive a $50 account.

“We had to go through a lot of hoops before we met the

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requirements to maintain our club,” Leonard said.

Brodmerkel oversaw the creation of the curling club, and she notes them for members’ commitment. “They took off like bandits and have been really active and involved.”

Members adopted a highway to fulfill a service requirement and sold T-shirts to meet fundraising needs. “I definitely think it’s a great idea, especially for new clubs,” Leonard said. “It’s a great start up fee and a great way to reward clubs that have been meeting the requirements and making a difference on campus and in the community.”

SGA members would like students to know they are willing to help. “I don’t think students give them enough credit for all that they do,” Brodmerkel said.

Student Government Association Contact Information sgovern@misericordia.edu

(570) 674-6220

AJ Heintz, President

hientza@misericordia.edu

DORMS POSES CHALLENGE

By April Dulsky Web Editor

Autumn is bursting with activities, foods, and celebration.

It is also the beginning of cold and flu season, a time where many students begin sniffling, coughing and unknowingly sharing their illnesses with people they know - and many they don’t.

The campus Health and Wellness Center is a hot spot for students to turn to when they are feeling under the weather. Averaging about 25 to 30 students a day, the center is stocked with antibiotics and advice about health ailments and how to prevent spreading illnesses.

“I think we have seen about 550 students so far, since you’ve came back. And it’s mostly the same things that we’ve been seeing with a few outliers with rashes and stuff but all of it is treating the symptom,” said Angela Evans, Director of Health & Wellness Center.

Evans said living in close quarters—the dorms—increases the spread of germs.

“I do believe that living in close quarters increases your chance of getting sick. When living in close quarters you are sharing many things, and germs is one of them. Room-

Viewfinder Women’s Volleyball Senior Night Recap of 3-0 victory over Manhattanville on October 26, 2011 Page 4

mates touch door knobs, the TV remote, and many other things which leave germs all around the place,” said Laura Kingston, senior.

It’s this germ-sharing, she said, that is the biggest concerns for health professionals who treat ailments.

“The big thing is hand washing. I know that seems silly but if you think about it, the only way you can get sick is if somehow a virus gets into your system. And how it gets into your system is by your eyes, nose, and mouth,” said Evans.

Students say they take proactive measures to prevent germs from getting in their system.

“I love hand sanitizer! I have one where ever I go. I also wash my hands before every meal,” said Kingston.

The Student Health Center also suggests other methods, including the use of a disinfectant such as Lysol wipes.

A flu shot and a good night’s rest can mean the difference between getting sick and making it to class.

“The biggest, biggest thing, even more important than the flu vaccine, that everyone should get, if you are rest-

ing and sleeping eight hours of the night and if you are hydrating and eating good nutrition then you could avoid getting sick,” said Evans.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) explains that the flu season is usually experienced in the early months of the year but can extend from fall to spring as well. There are no set dates for flu season and their best preventative method is the flu shot.

“Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May,” according to the CDC. Students have experienced a wide variety of illness. Senior Amber Gulla is among the suffering students.

“Unfortunately, I am currently sick. I feel like this is a normal thing for me. Over the past four years here, I have managed to get multiple cases of strep throat, sinus infections, sadly the Swine flu,” said Amber Gulla, senior.

She said Lysol wipes and hand sanitizer are no match when other students spread germs at school and work.

Continued on page 6

Let’s Talk Fashion Drago confronts a disease worse than Swine Flu, and it’s lurking in your closet - Page 3

Recipe for Disaster Hoover equates spice cake and tomato soup with the fall season -- but together? - Page 3

2

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News

Club wages ‘Whisker Wars’ Men and women alike are participating in the History Club’s contest that coincides with “No-Shave November.”

By Shawn Kellmer Reporter The month of November marks many celebrations: It is Aviation History Month, Good Nutrition Month, National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, National Novel Writing Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month, among others. The month marks Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, Armistice Day, and Remembrance Day. And Beard Day. The History Club will honor the men (and women) who decide to toss the razor with a contest on Thursday December 1, 2011 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall room 216.

“We were trying to think of creative fundraisers and the topic of Whisker Wars came up,” says Leila Comerford, History Club secretary and chairperson of the club’s Beard Committee.

Whisker Wars is a sevenepisode reality television series that aired this past summer on the Independent Film Channel (IFC). It focuses on Beard Team USA and their travels while competing for the top bearding honors in preparation for the World Championship Competition in Trondhjem, Norway and their determination to upset long time champions, Germany.

The series highlights the world of competitive bearding and members thought it would translate to the college campus. To make things different and to award creativity, they decided to add the campus’ largest community: women.

The hardest sell of a facial hair competition is with women, but the club sought equal opportunity. “While defining categories we joked about things like Beard Supreme and Best Lady Beard,” said Comerford.

Best Lady Beard became Creative Lady Beard upon finalization of the categories to help better define what

they’re looking for.

Above, four varieties of facial hair seen around campus.

What they want is for people to create inventive and artistic beards, and this will allow for the women to compete at a different level. “We’re rewarding for creativity, so we hope no one comes in with a fake beard they bought from a store,” said Comerford.

Junior James Schreffler is the proud owner of a genuine beard. “As far as women go, I think that it would be funny.

They can’t grow a beard, but if they can make one that would be fun. I think it would be funny for the women to compare their beards to the men. They might actually win,” he said.

Junior Kayla Sileo likes the idea but doesn’t think it’s for her. “I’m not that creative, but I think others would partake in it. I think it’s not a bad idea.”

Zito, an undeclared first year, decided to grow a beard just for the contest. “What interests me about the contest is not having to shave and having an excuse for it. I think I can last the month without

MARY BOVE/THE HIGHLANDER

shaving. I can’t guarantee a cool beard will come out of it but I can try.”

“My mustache grows better than my beard. When I was a teenager I had a mustache, but recently haven’t tried to grow any facial hair probably for the last three or four years,” says Zito.

Senior Bill Cooney found out about the contest from a co-worker at the student help desk after it was posted on Facebook. “I was already growing a beard so this contest was just more incentive to keep growing it. I am very proud of my beard. I like to think of my beard as a symbol of macho-ness.”

Zito’s biggest concern is selling his girlfriend on the idea. “I don’t think it will have a negative effect with anyone except with my girlfriend.”

Schreffler, who has been growing a beard for some time, is actually more prone to not shave because of his girlfriend. “She tells me I got a baby face without it.”

“Most of my friends enjoy

my beard. My girlfriend was not a fan at first but recently has mentioned she doesn’t mind it anymore. Her quote was ‘it’s growing on me,’ the part she dislikes the most is the upper lip hair,” said Cooney.

Cooney’s not worried about the competition. “There’s no secret [to growing a beard], it just comes with age and good sense. I think I can win but I’m not concerned about it. I am more about the growing process and getting to be in a contest with other great beards and to appreciate them.”

To round out the competition, the Beard Committee has decided to use categories for judging: Peach Fuzz, Creative Lady Beard, Best Chops, Beard Supreme, Looka-like (Historical), Look-a-like (Other), Longest Beard, Nicest Color, Best Mustache, Best Billy Goat Beard, and Nicest Goatee.

The diversity of categories enables everyone on campus to compete. Not all men prefer full beards so they have separate categories for just about every type. Even men who prefer to shave at least every couple of days have their own grouping with the Peach Fuzz category.

The creativity is not just for the women. Men can compete in a look-a-like category, sporting facial hair in a similar fashion as a favorite historical figure.

Anyone interested in attending as a spectator can do so for a $1. Although the registration fee has not yet been determined, members promise it will be low-cost fun. All proceeds will benefit the History Club. Prizes will be awarded.

For information, visit the “Misericordia Whisker Wars: Sponsored by the MU History Club” event page on Facebook.

Alcohol awareness on overdrive

‘Gleek’ out

November 8, 2011

MU senior follows her dreams and auditions for Oxygen show.

By Amber Gulla Reporter While many people only dream of being on a popular television show, students like senior Danielle Lachall do what they can to make that dream a reality. A relatively new show on the Oxygen channel called “The Glee Project” provides young adults the opportunity to chase such dreams. This nationwide competition allows dreamers, like Lachall, to submit a video of their singing to prove to the judges that they have the vocal chops to be the next big thing, or in this case, the next ‘Gleek’.

Lachall will participate in a supplemental two-day audition in New York. She believes her chances will be substantially greater by doing both auditions. “I think so because of the fact that online, there are so many people that are auditioning that the producers probably don’t get the opportunity to look at every single one. They say they do, but you’re not automatically given the opportunity. In person, I will be able to show my personality and my talent a lot better than just on video.”

Lachall has been using her talent and personality for many years, even before her interest in Glee. “My first show was West Side Story in the sixth grade,” said Lachall.

“Later I realized with the directors I was working with, they just told me, ‘You have a lot of talent. You could actually go somewhere one day.’”

Lachall is pursuing her passions by working at The Media Theatre in Media, Pennsylvania, for which she serves as stage manager. She has also been a part of teen camps. “They cultivated my talent,” said Lachall. “It’s the only professional theatre in Delaware County.”

Lachall has been involved with many plays during the past decade. “In my senior year of high school, I played Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’.

I was Miss Darbus at the professional theatre in ‘High School Musical’. I was Mrs.

Peterson in ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ twice, once with ensemble, and another time with professional actors.”

Lachall is also Vice President of the Class of 2012 and a member of the Misericordia Players. “I came in as a freshman and got a lead in.

With all the things she has to manage throughout her busy day, she is still on top of what is to come next. “This semester, we’re doing Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest.’ I’m actually playing Gonzalo, who was supposed to be a male character, but they made it into a female role.”

MARY SCARPA/THE HIGHLANDER

Lachall is also a member of the all-female a capella performance group Beyond Harmony. “It started when me and Abby Heintzelman came together and decided we wanted to do something other than chamber singers and voice lessons. We wanted to do something that was completely run by students,” said Lachall. “We did auditions and there are now nine of us who put together our own music to do things like perform at the ensemble evening.”

The group has entered numerous musical competitions.

They won a contest with the Straight No Chaser all-male a cappella group last semester in Scranton.

“We got to go to their show and watch their soundtrack, ask them some questions.

They made a video with all of their fans that won the competition and now it is actually up on their You Tube page and we’re actually on one of their videos.”

Members of SAPE are planning different events around campus to teach students the effects of substance abuse.

By Madalyn Payonk Reporter Just this month alone, Substance Abuse Peer Educators (SAPE) have had the state highway department distribute information to students about alcohol and drug abuse.

They also staged a DUI checkpoint and even let students see what a breathalyzer test is like.

Darcy Brodmerkel and Substance Abuse Peer Educators (SAPE) have a huge job: encouraging students to make responsible decisions. The group plays an active role in educating students about the danger of drug and alcohol abuse.

“I want the students to make better choices and succeed,” said Brodmerkel. “I want to see them walk across the stage when they graduate.”

Brodmerkel has two jobs at MU. She is the Director

of Student Activities and handles addiction counseling and prevention. She works with students when they get in trouble for underage drinking. She is also there for any student who feels they need someone to help them with whatever their struggles are.

She includes students’ parents, too, if necessary.

The student members are there to talk to if students don’t feel comfortable meeting with a faculty member, and everything is confidential.

Despite its small membership, the group has left an impression on the campus community.

“SAPE is something I admire,” said Mallory Loughman, sophomore. “I think it’s great they are here to make all of us aware of the effects alcohol can have on us. I think too many people don’t know

the real side effects of it.”

SAPE’s work begins with first year orientation. Members pass out a survey to every first year asking questions, confidentially, about how much they drank in their lives. They also join the Sexual Assault Peer Educators to educate them about substance abuse.

SAPE has panels of current students who are available to incoming first year students to answer any questions they would like to ask without any faculty or staff present.

They even host a substance abuse game show with prizes included.

They also have a number of events planned for the near future. On November 9 at 8 p.m. in Insalaco Hall they are sponsoring a small group of young people who will speak about their alcohol and drug use to educate students on the

negative side effects of substance abuse. SAPE also uses the “Great American Smokeout” to educate young people about the side effects of smoking cigarettes. They are also putting together a campaign for awareness of marijuana.

The SAPE team also changed the Alcohol Awareness Week, in April, into the Alcohol Awareness Month.

During this month there will be programs for students to attend on alcohol abuse education. There will be an opportunity for students to pledge to make responsible choices and in turn they will receive key rings to serve as a reminder of this pledge.

Any student can become a SAPE member. The group meets biweekly.

INTEGRITY

STAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Katlin Bunton - Editor-in-Chief Ellen Hoffman - Print Editor April Dulsky - Web Editor Julia Truax - Content Manager Mary Bove - Photographer Audra Wehner - Business Manager Morgan Harding - Web Master Melissa Sgroi - Advisor

CONTACT US

Dominick Dellos Michele Drago Amber Gulla Hilary Hoover Josh Horton Shawn Kellmer

Misericordia University 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612

The Highlander works to produce up-to-date, clear, accurate reporting. If any information is inaccurate or not covered thoroughly, corrections and information will appear in this area. Opinions and views expressed in The Highlander in no way reflect those of Misericordia University or the Sisters of Mercy. The Highlander Staff welcomes students, faculty and reader response. The Highlander reserves the right to edit submissions for grammatical errors and length. All submissions must be signed. Letters to the Editor and/or materials for publication may be submitted by any reader. Items can be sent via e-mail.

Gabriella Lengyel Gia Mazur Madalyn Payonk Mary Scarpa Devaughn Patterson

570-674-6400 570-674-6737

The Highlander is a free, biweekly publication produced in conjunction with MU Communications Department. Any full-time student is encouraged to join the staff.

We are a member of the American Scholastic Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press and the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

buntonk@misericordia.edu dulskya@misericordia.edu

highland@misericordia.edu msgroi@misericorida.edu

highlandernews.net

CAPS CORNER “Some think it’s holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it’s letting to.”

-Sylvia Robinson

Arts & Entertainment

LET’S

TALK

FASHION

DRUMMING FOR RELAXATION This experience will be offered two times in the coming days: November 15th and December 6th at 4 p.m.

Purpose: To use sound, rhythm, and community presence to allow for the mind, body, and spirit to be grounded and connected enough to relax.

NO DRUMMING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!

To Attend: Please contact Dr. Cindy at 674-6366 or e-mail her at cmarch@misericordia.edu Only 6 students can attend per session so it is first come first serve.

Are you interested in exploring health, happiness, and well-being?

The CAPS Center is running a personal growth group that will run for six consecutive weeks.

The group will be open for 6-8 people, membership will be on a first come, first served basis, and the time of the group will be determined based on the members’ schedules. This group will focus on the needs of the members in relation to increasing health, happiness, and well-being.

Free Online Screenings: Did you miss the CAPS Center screening event? Don’t worry; you can still check your moods! Just go to the CAPS Center’s page at https://emu.misericordia.edu/group/mycampus/caps and click on On-line Screenings. This screening is ANONYMOUS & FREE, and it will help determine whether a professional consultation might be helpful to you.

If you have any further questions, please e-mail Megan ASAP at mtucker@misericordia.edu.

Dealing with Writer’s Block: Tips to Jump the Hurdle

By Gabbie Lengyel Reporter

Step 1: Relax.

Take a deep breath. Writing the paper isn’t going to be as painful as it seems. Stay calm, and don’t get stressed out. One can be overcome with stress, however--so keep reading for some of students’ favorite tips to get over writer’s block.

Step 2: Pick a topic.

Try to think of something that interests you. Whether it revolves around a specific assignment or an article for your school’s paper, make a list of things that appeal to you and your community. Look for things that jump out at you.

Step 3: Research.

Look up information about your topic online. “I always look online for vague ideas to better my knowledge on the concept I am writing about,” said Dan Price, sophomore. Getting general information about your topic will help you wrap your head around a more specific aspect and will make the process a lot less traumatic.

Step 4: Outline the paper.

Use the outline as a guideline to keep you focused and less stressed. “Making an outline helps me keep my thoughts organized,” said Alyssa Stettler, freshman.

Step 5: Take breaks.

Walking away will help clear your head. Taking breaks helps keep your frustration level down. “Whenever I really can’t concentrate, I take a break and play a few games of solitaire or I walk a few laps up and down the hallway,” said Marianna Wright, freshman. Stay off your task for about 20-30 minutes, but don’t distract yourself longer than that or your allotted break will turn into hardcore procrastination.

Step 6: Stay Awake.

If you’re too tired, your mind might start to wander. To prevent this, take a small nap to rest and recharge your brain. You might try the opposite strategy, too. “Do a few jumping jacks or ten push-ups. It always wakes me and gets my blood flowing,” said Ben Torres, freshman. Without a well-rested mind and body, your focus will slowly start to drift, especially with other distractions.

Recipe for Disaster: A Collegiate

y r a n Culi

Column

By MICHELE DRAGO Fashion Columnist

At the CAPS Center, support is available and no concern is too big or too small. Counselors are available to support you in a non-judgmental way using a holistic perspective - attending to mind, body and spirit. Our hope is that through counseling services you are able to create more balance, peace and serenity in your life.

We invite all students to utilize CAPS Center services including individual therapy, group therapy, consultation services, referral services, psycho-educational programs and/or crisis intervention. Services are free and available to all full-time matriculated students. For more information about the CAPS Center and resources visit us on the e-MU tab “Campus Life.”

November 8, 2011 3

As I walked into my biology lab at 8 a.m. my junior year of college, I started to notice a serious epidemic taking over.

You’re probably wondering what I can possibly be talking about. Let me tell you, it’s worse than the flu, sicker than a stomach bug, and more viral than any virus. It has never been reported and you will not find an e-MU announcement on it. As soon as you make contact with someone who has caught the epidemic--you’re next. That epidemic I’m discussing is known for being Pink, grungy and involves words on places where nobody needs to be looking.

The Sweatpants Epidemic is prevalent and getting worse by the second. If you think dressing down on days that end in “Y” is okay, then this column is for you.

The obvious answers and excuses come out every time a student’s grunge out look is questioned. “Oh I have a long day ahead of me and I had an 8 a.m.,” or “Oh I’m an SLP major and always studying so I never have time to get ready,” or even “Oh I wore them to bed last night and decided to stay in them the entire day.” Okay.

I never actually got that last response, but if I did I would be totally grossed out. Believe me, I’ve been there before.

I’ve gone to bed two hours before I had to get up, thrown on sweats and even worn the same mascara two days in a row, but this shouldn’t be a daily occurrence. If it is, either you’re in over your head with school or you have some serious insomnia you need to get checked out. If I just described you…then I’m here to offer up some tips on how to avoid the lazy days and go for glam in a mere five minutes.

First, leave your sweats for the gym. There are other ways to dress comfortably yet still remain chic in little to no time.

If your style is known for baggy sweats and frumpy sweatshirts, expand your wardrobe to get a few staple items: simple black leggings, basic Vnecks, “grandfather” cardigans and oversized scarves will keep you comfy all day. Put down your vintage (and by vintage I mean 90s) elementary school basketball tee away and grab a basic fitted tee. “I added a few basic items to my wardrobe like cute blouses and comfy tees that are very versatile and can be worn with jeans or leggings. Definitely avoiding the sweats days,” said senior Jess Szumski. By the end of the day, you’ll have so many compliments on your style you’ll understand why taking the extra five minutes to complete your look is necessary.

Fashionistas, if you want to add to your outfit in less than five: accessorize. Bangles, big rings, and bright feathers, oh

my! It’s all about the B’s right now. Even though it takes a second to do, accessorizing can give any outfit that extra oomph it sometimes needs - if you’re following my first tip, of course. There’s nothing worse than seeing someone in their Nike Shox and latest basketball hoodie with chandelier earrings on. If you’re wearing leggings with a sweater though, drop earrings look fabulous. Accessories are unique and add some sparkle to your style. The must-have accessory right now is actually an old classic. Friendship bracelets are making a comeback as the hottest accessory of the season.

Whether you’re spending tons on a Juicy Swarovski (I can’t get enough of these) or pennies on your own DIY version, they are the perfect campus cool, go-to accessory that’s subtle and simple yet cute enough for any Fashionista to pull off.

Third, give yourself a manicure and pedicure ---totally relaxing, but polished nails in crazy colors is also a form of accessorizing. Essie nail polishes come in a variety of colors and while they are a more pricey than Wet N’ Wild, the polish lasts longer and looks shinier. Besides giving a better manicure, the names of Essie polishes are as cute as can be. The latest collection features colors called: Bobbing for Baubles, Cocktail Bling, and School of Hard Rocks --- as you can tell, I’m obsessed.

Okay, if you can’t get over the sweatpants fad, then I have a solution on how you can wear yours in a savvy way.

Unbelievably, there is a way to make sweats fashionable and that’s what CollegeFashionista has proven to be true. The site recently launched a campaign partnering with the oh-so-famous yet oh-so-over-worn Victoria’s Secret Pink collection pants to create fashionable college looks that are sure to turn heads. As I gawked over the street styles of Fashionistas pairing the ultimate nerd glasses, cutoff jean vests, and thick scarves with their sweatpants, they created the perfect college looks while still keeping comfort their necessity. “I loved the way girls were able to mix and match things you would never expect to wear with sweat pants,” said Gia Mazur. Spotlighted students were able to create out-of-theordinary outfits, ditching the cliché items students usually pair with sweats.

Sweats are taking over, but I’m hopeful these tips can spread faster than ever to stop the epidemic. If you’re stuck in a sweaty rut, do yourself a favor and cut all ties with your Pink closet. It’s time for an update and a savvier style.

Let’s beat this style no-no one day at a time.

By HILARY HOOVER Culinary Columnist

A cool end of autumn brings ruin all of your hard work if the falling of leaves and chilly you do not spend the time to morning air. During weeks prepare it correctly. I greased like this, my mum would the inside of the pan with make a huge pot of soup and buttery spread, being sure to it would hit the spot after get all the cracks and crevices. playing in the leaves. HowThen, I floured the pan, makever, I’ve found a recipe that ing sure that the sides were attempts to merge that savory covered. This creates a nonmemory with a sweet desstick surface and allows your sert. Will tomato soup spice cake to be removed completely cake rise to the challenge or from the pan, rather than fall flat? Here comes another scraping the sides for pieces of Recipe for Disaster! your confection.

I had two main concerns I poured the red-orange batabout this recipe: The first ter into the pan and popped being the high salt content it in the oven for 45 minutes. in condensed soups. A can of While doing the dishes, I got Wegmans’ a hankering condensed for coconut tomato soup icing- yum. contains 960 Certainly not milligrams a disaster. I of sodium! used my single 1 can condensed Second, serve blender tomato soup tomato soup and whipped is heavy and up my secret I’m not sure recipe for vaif the baking 3 tsp baking powder nilla icing and powder will added coconut be able to oil to make a leaven it - deli1 cup of brown sugar glaze enough. cious.

I preWhen the heated the timer went off, 1/3 cup of applesauce I pulled out a White House oven to 325 relatively flat degrees and cake and let 1/3 cup of buttery began the it cool while I recipe by inspected it. It spread combining was spongythe tomato like cake, but soup and 2 teaspoons of cinna- completely the baking unleavened. mon powder and The smell reletting it set minded me of on the side. a fall scented 1 ½ cups of flour This isn’t candle. As part of the I pondered recipe but I what possible recommend guinea pigs Time: 1 hour sending it as I could use much upliftfor my latest ing karma as possible. Next, creation, in walked one of my I combined the sugar, appleresidents, Gene Touseull. He sauce, cinnamon, and buttery isn’t fond of tomatoes in the spread. Immediately I realleast. Perfect. I served him a ized my need for an electric piece of “spice cake” drizzled mixer. Black Friday is only a in icing and waited for the month away and I’m saving reaction. A few bites in, I let for my KitchenAid in Boysenhim in on the secret ingrediberry. You cannot achieve the ent. The face that I received smooth consistency needed for was priceless. And then he a light and airy cake batter took another bite. “I thought I unless you have one. After could taste something on the hashing it out with my rubber first bite, but I can’t taste any spatula for a solid 3 minutes, tomato now,” Touseull said, I could still feel the grittiness baffled as he took another of the sugar crystals between bite. my fingers.

I sliced myself a piece and I spooned in the tomato waited for my moment of glop, which hadn’t done anytruth. The cake is salty and thing interesting in its resting sweet and the consistency is time, then added the flour in thick and moist. Not altogethparts. The batter was thick er unpleasant, but my icing and my hopes of a rising cake really made the difference. were dashed immediately.

Would I ever make this Perhaps I could invoke the again? The chances are unpowers of the KitchenAid, if I likely. However, I did learn had one. that food can definitely be Feeling adventurous, I disguised to fool even the pulled out my fluted Bundt pickiest of eaters. pan. Any shaped cake pan will

The recipe:

Attention Class of 2015!

Class Elections Debate Tuesday 11/8 at 9p.m.

Fireside in Banks Student Life Center Class Elections Voting Wednesday 11/9 Thursday 11/10 Lunch and Dinner Hours Banks Student Life Center

HILARY HOOVER/THE HIGHLANDER

Above, Hoover’s tomato soup cake creation.

4

highlandernews.net

Sports

Victory on Senior Night: Volleyball The Women’s volleyball team defeated Manhattanville on October 26, during their senior night celebrations.

They swept Manhattanville 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 25-14) in their last game of the regular season in the Anderson Sports and Health Center.

November 8, 2011

BOILING POINTS

With this win, the team improved to 12-12 and finished 3-4 in the Freedom Conference.

By JOSH HORTON Sports Columnist

Left, the starters get ready to begin the first set of the match.

KATLIN BUNTON/THE HIGHLANDER

Above left, freshman Carly Zaklukiewicz gets ready to block a hit from Manhattanville during the senior night game.

Above right, teammates get together before another set begins as coaches and fans look on.

Right, seniors Krystal Burford and Kristin Hoffman hug during the senior recognition before the start of the Cougars’ home game against Manhattanville.

Nobody watches the World Series when the Yankees, Red Sox, or the Phillies aren’t in it right? Wrong.

When the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers took to the diamond at the beginning of this series, hardly anyone outside of Missouri and Texas cared. Well, for the first few games at least. The excitement set in for baseball fans everywhere when it came time for game six.

“I mean game six in particular was probably the best baseball game I’ve ever seen,” Temple University communications student Ryan Bonevitch said. “For the Rangers to be a strike away from being World Champions twice and to end up losing is just incredible.”

Luzerne County Community College student Tommy Hennigan agreed. “I am about as big of a Phillies fan as you can be and I didn’t plan on watching baseball until spring training,” he said. “But the excitement was just so great.

I mean it was just awesome.

I wish I watched the whole series.”

Many argue the longevity of a Major League Baseball season can be strenuous to the average fan. Sophomore physical therapy major Bryant Barhart has his own way of coping with the longevity of the season and has even added a bit of insight on how to make baseball more exciting.

“I love the Mets and I am a baseball fan,” Barhart said. “I don’t think you have to watch every game throughout the season in order to call yourself a fan. I watched a little bit of the World Series, but it wasn’t as exciting to me as it would have been if the Mets were in it. Baseball is one of those sports where you have to have a favorite team in order to be entertained on a daily basis.

Once that team is out, you

seem to lose interest.”

However, the eye test tells us most people throw their allegiance towards three teams: the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees, and the Philadelphia Phillies. All teams are appealing to a fan looking for a winning franchise.

The Red Sox reversed the curse of Babe Ruth when they finally won the long awaited World Series Championship in 2004. The Yankees have the most World Series Championships in baseball history and they are very rich in tradition making them appealing to fans of all generations. And the Philadelphia Phillies have created all sorts of excitement with their offseason acquisitions and their success on the field in recent years.

Unfortunately, some people in the Northeastern area of the country seem to forget about the other teams not in the near area.

This closed-mindedness has led people to believe a World Series between two teams in the middle of the country couldn’t provide excitement.

This was quickly disproved by big names like Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter and World Series MVP David Freese.

If one were to say the 2011 World Series was going to have close to the ratings of the 2004 World Series when the Red Sox won, it would be hard to believe them. According to the Boston Herald, 14.7 percent of people with televisions tuned into the game, which was the highest since 2004.

The moral of the story is there are more than just three teams in Major League Baseball. The sooner people realize this, the better off baseball will be.

By the way, if you love Penn State you will love my next column. I will dissect the historic career of the ageless Joe Paterno.

cordia,” Chandler said. “You have to compete with guys who played Division I from the ACC and conferences like that. People don’t give much of a chance to a guy from a school they never heard of.”

But just making it on CBA team rosters is a testament to Chandler’s hard work and desire to be great.

“I had to earn the respect I got, and I made a lot of friends along my journey,” he said.

That journey came full circle when he got a call from current MU Men’s basketball

head coach Trevor Woodruff, when he was asked to join the coaching staff as an assistant.

“I couldn’t turn it down,” Chandler said. “I love MU, and I love being around basketball and helping kids.”

He is entering his third season as an assistant coach, and is hoping to finally win a championship - this time in a suit and tie on the sidelines.

“People can break my records, but you can’t take away a championship,” he said.

A Look Back at Legends Series: Willie Chandler

By Dominick Dellos Reporter With another season of MU basketball set to begin in a few weeks, it’s fitting to look back on a legend from Cougar Basketball history.

Willie Chandler’s 1999-2003 MU career remains one of the most illustrious and impressive Division III careers of all time.

Walking by the Hall of Fame you may notice his plaque, which hosts a picture of him soaring to the rim in his #33 jersey, not to be denied two of his 2,898 career points - a second ever in Division III history.

Chandler was inducted into the Hall of Fame with four others in the 2009 induction class, along with his teammate Jason Perry.

“I was excited when I found out,” he said. “MU has done

a lot for me, they took me in when I was struggling, and I’ll appreciate it until the day I die.”

The 6’4” shooting guard could do it all. He could post up smaller guards, he could drive on bigger forwards, and he was an assassin from behind the three point arc. Defensively he could block shots, snag rebounds, and match up on the outside with the other teams’ quickest player.

Chandler’s skills were honed in the city of Scranton, where he graduated from Scranton High School and was looking to continue his basketball career.

Originally Chandler went to East Stroudsburg University, but missed home.

“When I visited Misericordia, I fell in love,” Chandler said.

“Coach Dave Martin took me in, and it was just a really good fit. He’s like a second father to me.”

Once a Cougar, Chandler wasted no time in leaving his mark, averaging 26.1 points during his freshman campaign. He won team MVP and player of the year in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.

Unfortunately, the Cougars lost in the conference championship that year, failing to make the NCAA tournament.

That would be a recurring theme for Chandler, who never won a PAC championship despite being a part of

the best scoring duo to ever play Division III basketball.

He and Perry combined for an astronomical 4,523 points over their careers.

Chandler set nine school records and five single game records. He led the nation in scoring twice, was a three time All-American, four time PAC player of the year, and four time Wendy’s Misericordia Athlete of the Year.

“All the individual stats are nice, but I’d trade them all for one championship,” said Chandler. “I’m disappointed I never won at MU.” Following MU, he pursued a professional basketball career, and the subsequent journey took him all over the globe.

He started playing for the Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs of the United States Basketball League (USBL) and was coached by former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Darryl Dawkins.

“It was exciting for me because I was playing with guys like Jamario Moon (currently of the Los Angeles Clippers) and Kareem Reid, guys who were very close to the NBA,” Chandler said. “It was great experience.”

He then spent time playing for teams overseas in Argentina and Portugal, and a team in Portugal offered him a contract, which he refused.

“Playing in Portugal was the best decision I made. If I had

taken the contract I’d still be playing today,” said Chandler. “It’s lonely over there, though.”

When he returned to the U.S., he continued striving for his dream of playing in the NBA, attempting to get noticed by playing in the smaller Continental Basketball Association (CBA), which sent him all over the country to places like North Dakota and Buffalo, New York.

“There are a lot of politics when you come from a small Division III school like Miseri-

DOMINICK DELLOS/THE HIGHLANDER

From left, junior Ethan Eichhorst and sophomore Steve Artzerounian observe the Misericordia Athletics Hall of Fame wall in the Anderson Sports Health Center.

Spicing up resumes with service learning highlandernews.net

November 8, 2011 5

Service learning added to classes give students a leg up when they begin their job search.

By Ellen Hoffman Print Editor

Students find service learning experiences not only grow civic awareness—they provided needed experience on a resume.

“Service-learning has already helped me out so much,” sophomore Tamara Bradley said. “After applying for a summer job, I already know this is the kind of experience employers are looking for and I’m really glad I had a service class my first year.”

Service-learning gave Bradley hands-on experience in her major and already started preparing her for her future work as a nursing professional.

“During an interview, I was asked what kind of experience

I had and when I explained to him about service-learning he seemed really impressed not only with me, but with the program as a whole,” Bradley said.

Director of Service Learning, Linda Ross, believes this program is beneficial to students in any major. “It gives you a chance to develop and learn a little more deeply about what you’re studying.” It helps students focus on what they are learning in class and apply it to life. Ross coordinates all service-learning classes and works with professors and students to register for the program. She also arranges for transportation and speaks

with the community agencies to help organize service logistics.

She said agency representatives often call her with compliments. “Now, what is really cool is that because of the excellent work the students have done, I’m getting agencies contacting me,” she said.

Students have had positive experiences with the agencies as well. Sophomore Marisa Ferenchick tutored children at a daycare in Wilkes-Barre for her cultural awareness class. “I was nervous at first because I didn’t really know what to expect,” she said.

“But after a few sessions I was really glad I got to experience

this because it will definitely help when I start applying for jobs. It looks really good on a resume.”

That is exactly what Ross intends because she feels this is what students are looking for: a hands-on experience before they are thrown into the real world and expected to know what to do. “It’s supposed to be a way to make your learning be more alive so it’s not just discussion and you get to really see and practice and develop some of the skills you’re learning in a classroom.”

She strongly stresses that service learning is different from practicum, internship, clinical and fieldwork. It is a way for students to grow civic responsibility or provide needed service to the community. “I’m really glad Misericordia provides students with this opportunity,” Bradley said. “It’s different than anything else I’ve had to do for classwork.”

Bradley says she’s learned from service-learning and witnessed things she would have never had the opportunity to see. “There were some eye-opening experiences for me,” she said.

One of the days she went to the daycare in Kingston where she provided service, a little girl was crying and telling Bradley that she missed her mommy and wanted to go home. Bradley sympathized with the young girl and told her that she missed her mommy too and sometimes it’s hard to be away, but that she’ll see her again soon.

Ross said service-learning engages students to self-reflect and think critically in difficult situations. “It’s become part of how they want the students to learn and experience learning,” Ross said.

While some majors strongly incorporate this program into their curriculum, like occupational therapy and teacher education, there are some that do not have a single service-learning requirement.

Ferenchick, an education major, is very grateful her major works with service-learning and she is able to have different occasions to work with kids in the community. “I’m glad I have multiple opportunities to work with and tutor kids before I even graduate.

It gives me experience that will help when I apply for jobs.”

While these majors strive in the service learning program, other majors don’t incorporate it at all. “If you want to incorporate it but aren’t sure how, that’s my role – to do whatever a faculty member needs to assist them,” Ross said.

Service-learning is courseembedded, or, in special situations, it can be automatically placed in courses in the curriculum. “The teachers that use it understand the value of service-learning and want to incorporate into classes,” Ross said.

Service-learning demonstrates a significant part of Misericordia’s mission. “We want to create adults in this world who care about their world, people in their community and people who want to give back and the importance and the need to contribute,” Ross said.

Both Bradley and Ferenchick agree that service is an important aspect of this school and understand its value.

“Having these experiences now make me a little less nervous for when I apply for a job or even my first day at a new job,” Ferenchick said.

Increasing Cultural Diversity Multicultural efforts grow this semester with MUME and Diversity Club members’ support.

By Madalyn Payonk Reporter

MARY SCARPA/THE HIGHLANDER

From left, first years Jeff Ditmer, Amanda Cobucci and Erin Zeigler create a friend from the remains of the season’s early first snowfall on Sunday October 30, 2011 outside McHale Hall in Dallas, PA.

Multicultural educational programs are growing with the efforts of the Multicultural Club and the selection of a new outreach coordinator.

Dan Kimbrough, the chairman of MU Multicultural Education (MUME) spoke highly about the school’s programs.

“Multicultural education here on campus is more than just about race and ethnicity,” said Kimbrough. “We also focus on gender, religion and age. We use this type of education to make students more aware of what is going on around them in the real world.”

The Multicultural Education committee is on the hunt for a new staff member and interviews are ongoing for the Multicultural Student Outreach Coordinator position.

This person will be in charge of retention as well as admissions as well as MUME. Christelle Patrice, president of the Multicultural Club,

said members have celebrated International Days 2011, World AIDS Awareness, the Cultural Lens Film Festival 2011, and Access to an Education during October. The club sold red shoelaces to benefit the program “Alicia in Africa,” which raises awareness of the AIDS epidemic in Africa, which is leaving children orphans. Members also sold red “Keep a Child Alive” bracelets to provide monetary support, clothing, food, and access to school. Multicultural Club members also had students purchase Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons.

“I have been attending the multicultural events since I have been coming to this school, I think they are really powerful,” said Gabrielle Giello, junior. “I think it helps us all to know what to expect when we go out into the real world.”

Any student can become

involved. “I was one of those students who was unaware of all of the things that the Multicultural Club does for our school. I didn’t even know we had such a thing since there really isn’t much diversity here,” said Olivia Goble, junior. “Now that I am aware of such things on campus I would really like to attend them as often as I can.”

There are many events planned for the semester, including a leadership conference on Saturday, November 19 with Dr. Scott Richardson.

MUME is also hosting a Kwanzaa dinner celebration in December. This fourth annual dinner celebrating the holiday will be held Tuesday, December 6, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Blacktop Lounge.

For more information on MUME or Multicultural Club events contact Dan Kimbrough at (570) 674 – 6214 or dkimbrou@misericordia.edu.

Nearby community receives bevy of help from campus groups Campus Ministry, students and staff united to help the town of Noxen when they were flooded - now they continue efforts to revive the community still under water.

By April Dulsky and Katlin Bunton Web Editor and Editor-in-chief Debbye Field and her husband own Grassy Ridge Farms in Noxen, where they sell their bushels of apples, pumpkins, gourds and homemade jams at their wooden stand near the entrance to town. The couple’s home, which is set high upon a hill escaped recent flooding--but their farmland didn’t fare as well.

“Some of the crops were affected by just too much water.

The pumpkins aren’t keeping as well. We didn’t have quite as many of them,” she said.

She reported her brother-inlaw, who owns a pumpkin patch on the same road, is also experiencing losses.

“Their strawberry fields got flooded. The bridge got clogged up with trees and water just spilled out over into the town and through his fields.”

The Field’s farmers market is a landmark where surrounding community members witnessed the devastation, but they also understand more obstacles lie beneath the flood debris. A deficit of jobs and an increase in poverty has plagued Noxen for generations, and people are just beginning to address the underlying problems in an effort to bring peace of mind to the wounded community.

MU students visited Noxen

to help clean 20 homes and two churches post-flooding, according to Kristin Samuels, Community Outreach Coordinator. But the group originally planned ther visit to complete other tasks, before Mother Nature changed the priority.

Samuels, along with senior social work major Chelsea Mixon, created a series of programs to help grow social services in Noxen, as well as add some that the community didn’t already have in place, but massive flood clean up put the programs on hold. Now the town is back on its feet, and along with the help of other MU students Mixon is able to implement the services she developed for her social work internship.

The small community 10 miles away from Dallas is finally recovering from the effects of flooding, but is still submerged in the poverty that ails the town.

With household income averaging $35,000 a year, Noxen struggles to keep afloat during the hard economic times.

Samuels says that Campus Ministry and the other organizations involved hope to break down exaggerated stereotypes and lend a hand to the neighboring community.

Noxen is undergoing a

renovation and is coordinating with MU in its efforts to pull through. SISPA, Community Fellows and other organizations at MU have united to aid the town’s food pantry, clothing closet and library.

Community Fellows has also established an afterschool tutoring and mentoring program for children.

AmeriCorps Community Fellows Sarah Munley and Alina Busch began the tutoring and mentoring program at Lake Noxen Elementary School on October 24. Twice a week, MU student volunteers spend almost two hours after school with a group of children at the elementary school working on homework, developing good study habits and mentoring the third through sixth graders.

Mixon said there is a general lack of interest in education in the area, something they are trying to eradicate beginning with the group of young students involved in the tutoring program. “A lot of the kids are not interested in school, they are not engaged and a lot of kids don’t even come to school. So we want to have this program to get kids excited about being there,” said Mixon.

She noted that the most dangerous time for young

KATLIN BUNTON/THE HIGHLANDER

Above, April Dulsky views a piece of Noxen’s history, the old railroad station now under protection by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. children is between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., especially if their parents or guardians work late. The mentoring and tutoring program provides the kids with a safe environment in addition to encouraging their study habits and building selfconfidence, a long-term goal for the program.

Munley, a junior education major, feels she has the opportunity to really influence the children she is mentoring and has high hopes for the results of the program. “I think

they’re so impressionable at that age. The kids are just so willing to learn and willing to take in everything you give them,” she said. “And they have so much potential, and it takes that one person in their life to have them see that they can reach that potential.”

Munley would ideally like to have the children work one-on-one with mentors and said program coordinators are looking for additional volunteers for the current and future semesters. She

and Busch are developing a curriculum for the future weeks, providing the children with practical information like safety awareness and “stranger danger.”

After the kids’ “homework help” hour, they are given an opportunity for guided journal entries. Mentors write notes back to the kids, exchanging positive reinforcement that Munley feels will be key to their ultimate success.

The Noxen Historical Community Center, an old green

6 highlandernews.net

Program celebrates decade of success The Women with Children Program looks back at years of change and future plans.

By Ellen Hoffman Print Editor The Women with Children Program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year in conjunction with the 180th anniversary of the Sisters of Mercy. The program benefits single mothers and their children by providing campus housing while mothers complete their education.

A dinner, originally scheduled for September 10, will be held December 3 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in the Ballroom. This celebration honors the women involved in the program and everyone who has provided support over the years. Proceeds will go toward a scholarship from the Sisters of Mercy to the Women with Children Program.

“We’re hoping for a really, really nice event for people to come out and hear about the Women with Children Program and also celebrate with us,” said Vicki Austin, Director of the Women with Children Program.

There are multiple donors for the special evening, including John Metz of Metz Culinary Management. This means that most monies from tickets and donations will directly contribute to the scholarship. Everyone is invited.

The Program began in 2000 with six families in the Rasmussen House on Lake Street.

The Sisters of Mercy leased the house to the program for just $1 per year. “We essentially used it for free,” Austin said. “It was a really generous thing for them to do and it enabled us to open the program because we had a place for the women.”

The Pauly House, also located on Lake Street, became the

second house. This expanded the opportunity to offer spots to 10 families. Austin is working to open a third house to further increase availability— and meet demand.

Austin said she must turn down applications because of the lack of space. “It’s kind of heart-breaking,” she said.

Four spots will open to new families this year. Interested women must apply and be accepted to the university and then fill out a separate application for the Women with Children Program. Two letters of recommendation are required followed by two days of interviews.

“The reason it’s so extensive is because you’re living in one house, so even though they have their own rooms, they’re still sharing and you have to be the kind of person who can get along with other people but also deal with conflict and figure out how to work things out,” said Austin.

Jennifer Kates is one woman who earned her place in the program four years ago.

She said it was a “great learning experience.”

After having her daughter, Lissenda, in high school she heard about the opportunity from her school nurse. She applied on a whim, she said, and later that year became homeless. “After that happened I kind of relied on it, and hoped and prayed I would get in.” She was homeless for six months before she was accepted.

“It was a blessing.”

Since then things have improved for Kates. She said she has learned from being on campus, whether

it was within the program, in the classroom or taking advice from professionals. She thanks Austin and the members of the Counseling Center for always being there for her.

She admits that living in a community setting can be difficult, especially with people from different backgrounds and with different parenting styles. “There were some rough times, I’m not going to lie,” she said. “You have to learn how to grow and become more independent.”

Kates has seen the program grow and expand over the past four years and thinks it has only become better. Monthly parenting sessions allow months to learn different techniques they can use with their children. Kates learned about rules for bedtime and whining, and she also learned about “special time,” a good way for the parents to bond alone with their children.

“I know I feel guilty doing school work all the time so having special time really helps.”

Kates has become involved with the Kids on Campus program run through Campus Ministry. The two participate in games and activities--and moms get a break to work on school--or just taker a breather. It also helps the families feel like a part of campus because the campus experience helps Lissenda see where her mom goes every day and what she does.

“Now my daughter’s five and already wants to go to college.

[It] can’t get any better than that.”

November 8, 2011

Nearby community receives help, cont’d.

Continued from page 5

and white building reminiscent of a farmhouse, is home to the Schenck Memorial Library. According to Samuels, the library is far behind in terms of technology, with not a single computer. The MU information technology department is donating six computers to the library and will hold workshops to promote computer literacy, teaching any residents who wish to learn how to use the technology.

While there are many reading groups and programs designed for children, Mixon says there is disconnect between the kids in the town and the available activities.

“The woman who runs it has just exhausted all efforts to try to do things like this.

And the kids just won’t come.

She needs some other people to come in and help with it, because she is running out of ideas,” said Mixon.

Nestled in the basement of the Methodist Church, the food bank in the town is open one day a week, from 9 a.m.

to noon. Mixon understands that many in the community work during the day or are elderly, homebound residents that have no way of getting there. The goal for SISPA, working alongside volunteers in the community, is to increase the operational hours of the food bank for the residents and eventually see a new building designated for its sole use.

“They were getting more people in and then they started to not come, it depends on the week. When I was there, there were eight different families but today there were three for the three hours it was open,” said Mixon. “There is also a clothing closet and it is also open only three days a week so it’s not really that accessible either.”

The clothing closet is a place where people who could not afford an outfit could pick one out for little or no money.

Many local groups including a local Girl Scout troop have donated bundles of clothing to the closet so that people in im-

mediate need in the aftermath of flooding destruction can access clothes for free. Mixon, along with SISPA, hope to keep the clothing closet open longer so more residents can take part and benefit.

Campus Ministry carefully selected an individual that would be able to go into the community and help those who need it most. Mixon quickly became the liaison between the town and campus community so others could assist as well.

Mixon has seen everything that Noxen has been through over the past months and still believes there is an unwavering hope in this Wyoming County community.

“I would say they are recovering. They are finally able to take a breath because a lot of the work has been done,” said Mixon. The various social services Mixon and the MU volunteers are providing will continue through the year.

KATLIN BUNTON/THE HIGHLANDER

Above, the Noxen Historical Community Center that houses the Shenck Memorial Library.

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Staying healthy in dorms, cont’d

Continued from page 1

“Things like strep, the flu, or even just the common cold went around the dorm buildings like crazy. So I felt like no matter what you did to prevent getting sick in the dorm, you were still bound to get sick by all of the other students on campus,” said Gulla.

Treating the symptoms is the only method to combating the common illnesses such as a cold and sinusitis. The common cold can take between 10 to 14 days to break up.

“I am just using cough drops, cough medicine, and anything else along those lines to get rid of it as fast as I can,” said Gulla. “Sadly it’s still here, and I am such a procrastinator that I have yet to go to the doctors. If it doesn’t get any better within the next few days, I have a feeling I’ll have to make an appointment.”

Many students, like Kingston, continue to get sick from coming in contact with others who carry illnesses.

“I believe that I got sick from the daycare that I work at. I work with little kids so I am constantly being sneezed

and coughed on. Most of the kids were sick already when I became sick, so I think that one of them got me sick,” said Kingston.

Two cases of mononucleosis and three concussions were treated on campus this year.

Four students have tested positive for scabies this year.

The disease is caused by a microscopic mite that infests the skin.

“One thing I did see a few cases of was scabies, which is a contact, not a STD sort of thing. That is usually seen with close living conditions and skin to skin contact. The scabies don’t live long off the body,” said Evans.

Evans started as Director of Health & Wellness Center at MU on August 1 and she said she is focused on prevention.

“I want to educate the students on how to take better care of their health so that we don’t have to deal with lots of sicknesses. I also want to empower them with the tools so that they know what to do if they do get sick,” said Evans.

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DEVAUGHN PATTERSON/THE HIGHLANDER

Above, new Director of the Health and Wellness Center Angela Evans works in her office in the Anderson Sports-Health Center.