Liberty Champion Feb 8 2011

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B6

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Carson to leave Liberty

Volume 28 Issue 14

a joyous occasion

Campus pastor trades post for local church AMANDA SULLIVAN amsullivan3@liberty.edu

A white plate sits on a cherry-colored conference table, filled to the brim with chocolate chip cookies that are decorated with white icing and tiny pink and red heart-shaped sprinkles. A trifolded piece of notebook paper lies across the top of the cookies.

The name scrawled across simply reads: Dwayne.

“Aw, man. I’m going to get sugar diabetes,” he said with a forlorn look on his face, knowing what the note’s CARSON words would say.

He gingerly opened the note and began to read. The note spoke of how much a couple of students would miss Senior Campus Pastor Dwayne Carson once he vacates his position at Liberty University.

“If I’ve read this once, I’ve read it a hundred times,” Carson said of the letter’s contents and the recent onslaught of encouraging notes and baked goods.

Carson’s 22 years at Liberty will soon come to an end as the pastor trades his college student centered post for a position at a local church in Westerville, Ohio. Carson will take on the position of Spiritual Director at Genoa Baptist Church.

Carson’s presence at Liberty will be missed greatly, Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr said.

“Dwayne has played a critical role in making Liberty’s spiritual life programs unique,” Falwell said. “When he told me his decision a few weeks ago, I told him that, while we hate to see him leave, I truly believed that, if he never worked as a full time pastor in a local church, he would always wonder whether he missed part of God’s calling for his life. He agreed.”

See CARSON on A3

Photo Provided

CHANGING THE WORLD — Jonathan Falwell shares in the celebration of a new well in Guatemala.

Working to save lives

Godparent Home mom raises money to build well in Guatemala

CRYSTAL HEAVNER cheavner@liberty.edu

A

small, dark-haired woman scurries efficiently around the large kitchen, tidying everyone’s messes, stirring the sloppy joe mix, offering food, answering questions, calling out short orders and occasionally munching on a fry or two as she boiled them in vegetable oil.

“I usually bake them, but today they didn’t want them baked,” she said with a slight roll of her eyes.

Kay Hall is used to working hard

to please the demanding hormones and appetites of the nearly dozen pregnant women in her care.

Hall lives in Forest with her husband Dick who works at BGF Industrial in Alta Vista. She owns the floral shop Sheer Elegance and has been working in the Liberty Godparent Home as a home mom for eight years. When asked what her duties are she laughs and says, “Everything.”

Hall is cheery and vivacious talking about her work, her family and the girls at the home. However, the second she brings up the name of her grandson Joshua, who died in a

VTAG funding increases

See WELL on A2

civic center

Local businesses to help fund study

JONATHAN PARKER

TAYLOR OVERHULTZ

jparker17@liberty.edu

Virginia residents attending Liberty University and other private colleges are expected to receive a Ruth Bibby boost in tuition assistance.

TIME TO APPLY — Virginia students may receive added VTAG fundGov. Bob McDonnell’s higher ing this year. education initiatives passed two key votes towards becoming law this week. compared to $2,600 currently. the Commonwealth a job-magnet McDonnell’s plan — the Virginia The legislation, which calls for in the years ahead, and that starts Higher Education Opportunity Act $50 million in college-level spend- with ensuring we have a well-eduof 2011 — increases Virginia Tu- ing, garnered unanimous support cated workforce,” McDonnell said ition Assistance Grants (VTAG) from the House of Delegates and in a press release. “Every Virginian by $3 million to state students at- the Senate Finance Committee. deserves the opportunity to access tending private colleges. Students “We are committed to putting higher education and pursue their should receive $2,700 per year, in place the policies that will make dreams.”

See VTAG on A2

Inside the Champion

shooting two years ago, streams of tears pour out of her eyes and her strong voice becomes quiet and cracked.

“I need to see something good from this — something that lives on,” Hall said.

Hall has worked as a Sunday school teacher and AWANA leader for over 20 years. She loves God and knows the Bible, but last February when she went on a mission trip to Guatemala, her way of thinking changed.

News

A1

Opinion

toverhultz@liberty.edu

A study is currently underway in Lynchburg to see if a civic center would be economically feasible for the area.

The study is being partly funded

by Liberty University, one of the major stakeholders for the Region 2000 Economic Development Council. Centra Health, Areva, Babcock and Wilcox are also contributing.

“The initial part of the study will be a feasibility study to see if there is basically enough support for

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Sports B1

a center like this,” said Lee Beaumont, director of auxiliary services said The first phase of the study will take approximately three months. “(The study) will show if one, can we support it and two, where would be the best place for it,” Beaumont said. “There are pros and cons to putting it on undeveloped land and there’s pros and cons to putting it downtown.”

According to Beaumont, the city has had a civic center on its wish list for years.

See CIVIC on A3

Feature B6

NEWS

A2/Liberty Champion

February 8, 2011

90 Words

AROUND LIBERTY

Day of Purity Rally to be held

Liberty’s Student Government Association (SGA) will host a worship service that will include a purity pledge signing held from 8 to 10 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Schilling Center.

The event is open to the public for those who want to sign their name showing their commitment to living a lifestyle of sexual purity until marriage. The service is a part of the celebration of the eighth annual Day of Purity on Valentine’s Day. Corporate worship singing led by Zechariah’s Song and prayer counselors will also be featured at the event.

Photo Provided

REACHING OUT— (Above) Kay and Dick Hall bring hope to the children of Guatemala.

(Below) Children enjoying clean water.

fyi

Missions Emphasis Week

The spring semester’s Missions Emphasis Week will revolve around the theme “Ethnos” as students, faculty and guests explore people groups and cultures of the world. The events will take place Feb. 13-18. Speakers include Steve Saint, Dr. Wess Stafford, and David Platt. Missionaries as well as mission agency representatives will set up camp in the back hallway of DeMoss throughout the week to answer questions or share stories.For more information on MEW, contact light@liberty.edu.

Intellectual Property Law Symposium

u Hall raised $15,000 in two months to build the life giving well in Guatemala.

WELL continued from A1

The School of Law’s Intellectual Property Law Symposium will focus on patents, trademarks and copyrights. The symposium will be held Feb. 13 and include three panels, consisting of nine attorneys, according to Doug Waters, president of the law school’s Intellectual Property and Technology Law Society (IPTech). James Creekmore, president of The Creekmore Law Firm, is moderating the discussion panels and co-sponsoring the event with IPTech. “It should be an excellent educational and networking opportunity,” Waters said. To register in advance, call 888-966-2504.

Holocaust survivor to speak

Irving Roth, Holocaust survivor and director of Holocaust Research Center, will speak during a Genocide Symposium Tuesday, Feb. 15. The School of Law and American Association of Christian Counselors will sponsor the symposium, which will be held from 2 to 7:15 p.m. in the School of Law Supreme Courtroom. “Ghosts of Rwanda,” a documentary, will be shown at 7 p.m. “God has blessed us to live in a free country where we can change our laws to protect human life and has provided us the resources to help the persecuted.

Most people have no idea of the extent of genocide. This genocide symposium will be life-changing,” School of Law Dean Matthew Staver said. For more information, visit law. liberty.edu or email law@liberty.edu.

corrections u The Champion would like to extend an apology for a title published in the sports section of last week’s paper.

The title used was printed in innocence, as the Champion was unaware of its untoward double entendre.

While we will endeavor to be more conscious of these things in the future, we would like to make it known that vulgarity was not the intent of the headline. u Last week’s headline “Liberty Council Lawsuit” should have read “Liberty Counsel Lawsuit.” u The Champion is reprinting this week due to updates in several stories that were not received because of e-mail trouble.

Working among poverty stricken villagers who ate only the beans and rice World Help gave them, lived in shoddy shelters of mud, scrap metal and wood, and drank the same water they bathed in, Hall and her husband were struck by the needs of others.

One day, Hall was boarding the bus after handing out food rations and being followed around by a young mother and her two little girls. Hall’s husband Dick handed her a water that she was to drink to keep from getting heat stroke.

She looked up and saw the trio standing together. One of the little girls was only three years old, and she looked up into Hall’s eyes then down at her water bottle, then back into her eyes.

“She was asking me for the water,” Hall said.

When Hall gave the bottle to the little girl, she cradled the water and her face VTAG continued from A1 Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr., who serves on the governor’s 44-member higher education commission, is pleased with the state’s commitment to VTAG funding.

“Private college presidents in Virginia were hoping to avoid a cut in the amount Virginia students receive through TAG. Because of enrollment growth, $2.2 million in new funding was needed to keep the grant to each Virginia student at $2,600,” Falwell said. “All of the private college presidents were thrilled when the governor announced a $3 million increase in TAG funding. We deeply appreciate the governor’s recognition of the important role played by private colleges in Virginia.”

Falwell said VTAG funding saves the state since it costs $6,600 per year to educate a student at a state college, compared to a $2,600 investment for independent schools.

lit up with a smile “Just like a lifetime movie,” Hall said.

On the bus, the Halls and the rest of those on the trip were quiet and contemplative.

“No one could speak. We just looked at each other.”

When Carlos Vargous, the director of the compound where they worked got on the bus, Hall told him, “I feel so guilty… so bad.”

Hall described his response as straight from God — out of the integrity of his heart.

“Oh no, no! Do not feel guilty. That is not from God. That is from the devil.

You cannot help everyone. Maybe you can help one. Maybe you can help two.

Maybe you can just pray or tell someone who can help,” Carlos said.

Carlos’ words replayed in Hall’s mind, but she felt helpless to tell people.

“I don’t know people with that kind of money. I only know people who work hard every day,” she said.

Despite this, she decided to trust God and just sit down and write her plan of

“Private colleges save the state many millions of dollars each year by educating students less expensively than the state system seems to be able to do,” Falwell, one of eight college presidents on the commission, said.

The governor’s plan incorporates strategies from the commission’s three primary objectives — economic opportunity, reformbased investment and affordable access, according to a press release.

“The governor is facing a tight budget and it would have been very easy for him to justify major cuts in education funding,” Falwell said.

“Instead, he invited many college presidents to serve on the commission and look for ways to improve education and make it affordable and accessible to as many Virginians as possible. He should be commended for his leadership.”

McDonnell has set a goal of graduating 100,000 more degrees in the next 15 years.

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POLICIES & INFO

action in a Christmas card.

The card read: “Our letter this year is different than years before… we would like to help change (a) small village and build a well in our grandson’s name. It would be called ‘Joshua’s Well’ and that would help other children live in memory of Josh. If you could help us with this in any way, even the smallest gift would help bring life to many.”

She only sent it to 150 people. The money was to be sent in to World Help.

When Joshua’s mother, Tammy Cupp, received the card, she called Hall immediately and told her that it was exactly the kind of memorial she was hoping to make to commemorate her son’s life.

“The Holy Spirit just washed over me and I felt such peace about it,” Cupp said.

Joshua’s mother blogged about the idea, and it reached the computer of a Theresa Taylor of Tennessee. Her son, Freddy, was a soldier who had been serving in Haiti for two years. The young man was shot in early December and died on Christmas day of 2010.

He made his mother a beneficiary of his will and told her, “My heart is in Haiti. People in Haiti have no hope.”

His mother wanted to commemorate the life of her son, which he spent helping others, in a special way. She called Sally Huan at World Help to see how much money was needed to finish Joshua’s well. Huan told her there was still $14,000 to be raised.

“I’ll wire you the money,” Taylor said.

In about two months, Kay Hall raised $15,000 to build a life-giving well for an entire village of Guatemalans.

Reflecting over the past few months, Hall said she related closely to Moses when God called him to do something bigger than he believed he could.

“Dick and I prayed, ‘Do above and beyond what I could ever ask or think,’” Hall said. “We are so filled with what God has done.” u HEAVNER is a news writer.

fyi u Gov. McDonnell’s Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011 includes increased funding for VTAG and classroom technology.

“Good jobs come from a good education, and by graduating more degrees, Virginians will be able to better compete for the top jobs and high incomes of our global economy,” McDonnell said in a press release.

The state will focus on strengthening science, technology, engineering and math degree fields through a private-public partnership.

The governor wants the state to place excess revenue in a “rainy day” fund to curb tuition surges and maintain higher education initiatives.

The plan also calls for increased need-based financial grants and low-interest loans for low- and middle-income families.

“Over the past decade, college tuition has doubled, and that is simply not acceptable,” McDonnell said. “The college cost burden has shifted heavily to tuition-paying parents and their families.”

McDonnell plans to use the $50 million investment in several areas, including $13 million for undergraduate financial assistance; $1 million to enhance classroom technology; $3 million to expand online courses; $3 million for VTAG grants; and $30 million to increase enrollment, graduation and retention rates, and math, science, technology and engineering degrees.

The higher education reform legislation awaits a Senate vote. u PARKER is a news writer.

The Champion encourages community members to submit letters to the editor on any subject. Letters should not exceed 400 words and must be typed and signed.

The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Letters and columns that appear are the opinion of the author solely, not the Champion editorial board or Liberty University.

All material submitted becomes property of the Champion. The Champion reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any letter received — according to the Champion stylebook, taste and the Liberty University mission statement.

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NEWS

February 8, 2011

Liberty Champion/A3

CARSON continued from A1 The decision to leave was a difficult one to make.

“I’m having that (bittersweet) emotion right now, maybe kind of the other way,” Carson said. “I’ve got a lot of people right now that are sad that we are leaving, but that’s how I felt all these years when people were leaving.”

The choice to move to Ohio was not made alone, as Carson also had to consider how the decision would impact his family.

“I’ve watched him take this journey slowly, cautiously, seeking the Lord, in order to find out where he can serve God to the fullest,” daughter and Resident Assistant Kristi Carson said. “I’m sad to move to Ohio, I’m sad to come back to Liberty and not have my dad here, but I know that this is an incredible opportunity God has given him so mostly I’m just proud to have a dad who would leave everything he’s known for 22 years to follow Christ. He’s an amazing example to me and my siblings.”

Considering his immediate family in the decision-making process was not an option.

However, Carson also had to reflect on how his absence would impact his “adopted” family members such as Campus Pastors Michael Miller and Chris Deitsch, both of whom he has mentored for several years.

“He is a mentor, a pastor, a role model, a father figure and a friend,” Deitsch said. “I guess you would sum it up like this: Dwayne Carson is the major tool that God has used over the last 11 years of my life to make me the man and pastor I am today.”

Carson’s presence at Liberty has been somewhat of a staple for many students, even those who were not a part of the student leadership team.

“Through my experiences with him in Student Leadership and just seeing him around campus, he always has a smile on his face and asks how I’m doing,” senior and former Spiritual Life Director (SLD) Danielle Cunningham said. “He is very much a father figure for me. He just has something that draws you in and makes you feel safe and secure.”

Carson has received similar comments from many students, expressing their sadness at his leaving.

“I had one student who said, ‘I can’t believe you’re leaving me,’ and I said when do you graduate, and he said ‘In May’,” so I said, “What were you going to do to me?” Carson

fyi u In honor of Campus Pastor Dwayne Carson’s last days, Associate Director of Spiritual Life Directors and Discipleship Pastor Michael Miller created an acrostic describing some of the lessons he learned from Carson. Miller created the acrostic using the words: Dwayne Carson.

Miller’s decision to create the acrostic was derived from Carson’s reputation for using acrostics and acronyms in his church sermons and student leadership lessons — often referred to as “Dwayneisms.”

Joel Coleman | Office

of

Promotional Publications

FAREWELL PRESENT — Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. presented Senior Campus Pastor Dwayne Carson with a rocking chair as a going away gift in Convocation on Monday.

Photo Provided

CARSON FAMILY — Campus Pastor Dwayne Carson (middle) and his wife, Donita (right), with children (from left) Kristi, Kaitlyn, Klayton, and Kirk.

said. “He said, ‘Well, I guess I was leaving you, too.’”

Although, the transition to a new place is a little bittersweet, Carson knows that this move is God’s plan, he said.

Genoa Baptist Church has been actively pursuing Dwayne since 1999 by Senior Pastor Frank Carl.

“Frank Carl asked me to come to Genoa in 1999 to be his associate pastor — ‘to be my Joshua,’ he said.” Carson said. “I told him, I don’t think I’m leaving Liberty anytime soon.”

“In 2003, Frank brings some kids to Liberty for College For A Weekend, and we invite him over to the house for dinner,” Dwayne said. “Sitting on the sofa, he decides that he

CIVIC continued from A1

would be added traffic congestion.

So there’s a lot of value putting it in “Whether it was funding, po- undeveloped areas but then again litical will or competing priorities, it you don’t have some of the ecojust never materialized,” Beaumont nomic spin off.”

The addition of a civic center to said. “We’ve been seriously kicking the area could stimulate economic it around for a year now.”

The study will also show the pros growth and an added appeal to the and cons of where to place the cen- area.

“A center could make companies ter in the City.

“One benefit of having it in a more competitive when they’re downtown area is the economic looking to relocate or trying to spin off,” Beaumont said. “But then attract quality employees,” Beauagain there are a lot of challenges — mont said. “If you’ve got kids and Q1you’re – 2010 – US &events, CDAit makes you’ve got different it costs a lot of money ‘cause demolishing buildings and there (Lynchburg) look more appealing

“Dwayne Carson is the major tool that God has used over the last 11 years of my life to make me the man and pastor I am today.”

— Chris Deitsch will preach a sermon to me on the values of Genoa Baptist Church. He preaches this sermon and says, ‘every head bowed and every eye closed. Alright, Dwayne, I want you to come forward and say you’re coming to Genoa.”

In November 2010, Carl again requested that Carson join his staff at Genoa. Carl begged Dwayne simply to come visit the church and see how the congregation was going, Carson said.

“Frank asked me if I was in a place where I could consider leaving Liberty, and I told him that I would consider,” Carson said.

On Jan. 17, Dwayne called Carl and said, “Frank, we accept your invitation to join your staff.”

to attract talent.”

Liberty could also potentially benefit from a civic center.

According to Beaumont, depending on where the center is built, the school would use the space for events such as convocation, sports and concerts.

“I want to explore all the options before we add seating to Vines.

Vines is a wonderful facility, but parking is limited for basketball games. Many cities in the nation are only able to support a civic center like this by leasing to a major university as an anchor tenant,”

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Carson is mainly known for his influence on the Office of Student of Leadership, where he helped develop the SLD program and further the RA and prayer leader positions. Encouraging students to seek God in all they do as been one of Carson’s main mantras during his time at Liberty, telling the student leaders to pour into the lives of their group members “God purposefully prunes his productive producer in order to be more productive and to reach his or her fullest potential,” Carson told the SLDs in his last meeting.

He also challenged the SLDs to adopt 1 Thessalonians 2 for their lives, leaving them with one final challenge from founder Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. “Pray as if everything depends on God,” Carson said. “Work as if everything depends on you.” u SULLIVAN is a graduate assistant working for the Liberty Champion.

has grown 15.78 percent and is the fifth fastest growing city in Virginia.

“If you look at the latest, there are obviously a lot more people in the area that may make this thing a reality,” Beaumont said.

“Liberty is responsible for most of Lynchburg’s population growth,” said Falwell. “That growth may make the difference especially since the nearest competing civic centers in Roanoke and Salem are more than 40 years old.” u OVERHULTZ is the editor in chief.

STEVEN DIAMOND IMPORTS

W i sh i ng E v eryon e Mu c h L o v e T h i s Va l en t i n e ’s D ay

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C – Coaching A – Availability (why he spends so much time in the dining hall) R – Repetition leads to retention (or results) S – Shepherding (ministry) O – Outlook (he’s a walking calendar) N – Names (his ability to learn and remember names)

Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said.

“Liberty might be that anchor tenant for Lynchburg and it might be less expensive for Liberty to rent than to expand Vines as well. The study will answer all those questions.”

“Once we get that back we will analyze it and if says go forward we will look at the second step,” Beaumont said. “At any point in time it could be that the study finds there’s too many of them (civic centers) and it doesn’t make sense.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the last 10 years, Lynchburg

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Issue: 2010

February 8, 2011

The illusion of liberty in Egypt

Save minutes, save a fine?

ETHAN MASSEY ehmassey@liberty.edu

John Gosslee

Fines for walking, talking ANDREW GULA jagula@liberty.edu

L

istening to music. Catching up with family back home. Texting friends between classes.

All of the above are normal ways to fill the otherwise-boring time spent walking from DeMoss to Campus North, or walking to pick up a car that seems like it is parked three miles away.

But these completely normal pastimes are actually unwise. In fact, pedestrians who participate in such pursuits are unable to properly navigate a street. Clearly, a guy walking down the sidewalk while on the phone with his cousin is clearly a disaster waiting to happen to all nearby pedestrians and vehicles.

This is what New York state Senator Carl Kruger would like to convince Congress. In a proposed bill, Kruger claims that anyone who uses an electronic device while walking is a potential hazard to themselves and anyone else. His planned bill even comes with a punishment for anyone who is wild enough to want to listen to their iPod while walking, a feat that is—he must see as being—as difficult as walking a tightrope: a $100 fine for each offense.

“We’re taught from knee-high to look in both directions, wait, listen and then cross. You can perform none of those functions if you are engaged in some kind of wired activity,” said Kruger in a New York Times article.

Is that so?

At any given time on any given college campus around the world, you can find hundreds if not thousands of students texting, talking to friends, listening to music, eating, AND walking all at the same time. Some people may find that these activities produce a slower-moving pedestrian, but are they really all that dangerous?

Apparently not, because Kruger’s biggest supporter, Arkansas state Senator Jimmy Jeffress, actually withdrew his support from this national campaign due to receiving so many email complaints.

His reason for dropping his own proposal?

“I have had about half a dozen positive hits on it and ten times that many against it.,” said Jeffress in an Arkansas Democrat Gazette article.

The New York Senator was quick to jump to the attack in order to defend such a sacred and infinitely vital bill— even if he apparently did not know anything about what had caused the original bill’s author to withdraw his own proposal.

“Shame on [Sen. Jeffress] ... You also file a bill because it may be a cornerstone for others to use. It is important to press the issue, because it is an issue worthy of the pressure.

There is a definite, demonstrated need for this legislation,” said Kruger in a CBS News article.

Honestly, this is just getting a little ridiculous. As adults, college students should be more than able to decide whether or not they listen to Usher and Jason Mraz while walking to class, or if they can answer the phone when their boss calls to change their work schedule.

If senators really think pedestrians who are, as Kruger said, “engaged in some kind of wired activity,” are actually dangerous, then they should feel free to take a page from the British Health and Safety police. In 2008, this same “problem” was dealt with in London and resulted in the wrapping of iconic East London’s Brick Lane’s lampposts with white, fluffy rugby goalpost cushions.

An eye-sore, yes, and certainly expensive, but it seemed to solve the problem for the Brits. The pads did not last long—as would be expected—but it proved to be an example of what a bad idea it was to the rest of the world.

In fact, it remained the only “safe street” to be built. This is probably because the government felt so silly for ever having considered taking thousands of dollars out of their budget to fill every street with padded lampposts and police officers to stop distracted bypassers.

An absurd solution to an absurd “crime” makes the most sense, in this case. We can only hope that the rest of Congress will see the lack of common sense in Kruger’s bill. u GULA is an opinion writer.

For nearly two weeks all eyes have been on Egypt, many wishing it a new start, but few realizing what that could truly mean.

Public protests broke out late January in Egypt as widespread anger at President Hosni Mubarak and his regime came to a boil. Citizens believed that Mubarak’s nearly 30-year reign of Egypt has been tolerated too long and that the democracy they supposedly have is not working.

Unfortunately, behind the cries of the Egyptian people for a new constitution and real form of democracy are the calculating plans of the Muslim Brotherhood. A political faction founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood’s longtime goal has been the implementation of Shari’ah law, an extremist interpretation of Islamic law, according to a report from the Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT).

“The vast majority of Sunni terrorist groups — including al Qaeda, Egyptian Islamic Jihad, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad — are all derived from the Muslim Brotherhood,” the report said.

Though the group is outlawed in Egypt, it is unofficially tolerated by the current Mubarak’s government and currently has a large following among the Egyptian people, according to the New York Times.

While the Brotherhood has not been overtly active in the recent protests, it is a well-known opposition to Mubarak’s regime and stands posed to take power over Egypt depending on how the people sway.

Should someone overlook the Muslim Brotherhood’s terrorist offspring, they may wonder what the harm would be to leave Egypt in the control of such a well-established political group. To put it simply, this political faction would not simply stop at Egypt.

The Muslim Brotherhood has already vowed to void the 1979 peace treaty with Israel should it come into power, according to the New York Times. This would be the end of Israel’s most important alliance in the Middle Eastern world.

In addition, the Muslim Brotherhood has made it clear that its goals are not simply to take control of Egypt, but to extend itself as far as possible.

“It is the nature of Islam to dominate, not to be dominated, to impose its law on all nations and to extend its power to the entire planet,” Muslim Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna said in “The Broken Crescent.”

While the situation in Egypt seems to be gradually improving with the new steps the government has taken, this is not the time to breathe a sigh of relief. Egypt is far from out of the woods and has little rest in sight until the upcoming September elections. u Massey is the asst. opinion editor.

“Darling, Your wedding band sure does shine. Keep it on always as the girls will know you are already taken and belong to me forever and ever.

I love you, dearest.

Mama” I found this note on the back of an old photo, buried beneath decades of memories on a desk in my grandparent’s house. It was a photo I had never seen, one of a strikingly handsome young man in full Air Force uniform — my grandfather.

My grandparents met while students at the University of Kentucky. My grandmother, Helen Olmstead, was raised in Huntington, W. Va. and was studying commerce. My grandfather, William Overhultz, was a high school basketball star from Lexington, Ky studying business.

In November 1942, my grandfather enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. He piloted 26 missions against Nazi Germany and returned to Lexington in

January of 1946. Helen Olmstead became Helen Overhultz, Sept. 4, 1948.

The time that I spent with my grandparents was usually to celebrate holidays, birthdays and school events. But in that time, I only saw the surface of the life that they had together.

Pictures around their home tell me more.

A photo of them walking down the aisle, hand-in-hand as they are presented for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. William Robert Overhultz shows them on the brink of a new life, uncertain but hopeful for their future together. Another one of them laughing as they sit around the Christmas tree, surrounded by my dad and aunt, represents their love and dedication to raising a godly family together.

My grandmother died Sept. 2, 2008, just two days short of their 60th wedding anniversary. Shortly after, my grandfather was involved in a serious accident while on his way to church.

The accident left him unable to walk.

I was on the phone with my aunt last week and heard my grandfather in the background calling out my grandmother’s name. I hung up in tears, knowing that everyday, he moves further and further away from the life and shared love that he once knew. My grandmother was his best friend, his closest confidant, his lover and his biggest fan. He was her Darling.

Although I may be spending this Valentines Day by myself, I’m OK with it. My prayer is that one-day the Lord will bless me with the lifetime of love and happiness that my grandparents had. Until then, I will wait patiently for my Darling.

Photo Provided

LEGACY OF LOVE — (Below) William ‘Bill’ Overhultz pictured at his home in Kentucky. (Above) On the back of the photo, “Darling, Your wedding band sure does shine. Keep it on always as the girls will know you are already taken and belong to me forever and ever. I love you, dearest. Mama.”

February 8, 2011

NEWS

Liberty Champion/A5

Sgt. Ron Taylor: Paratrooper Missionary OMAR ADAMS oadams@liberty.edu

A

Photo Provided

TWO WARS — Sgt. Ron Taylor with the Army’s prototype XM8 rifle in 2004. Taylor served with the 82nd Airborne, and later the 3rd Infantry Division, in both Gulf Wars.

fter graduating high school in 1988, Ron Taylor joined the Army to serve his country. He signed up with the Army’s 82nd Airborne “All Americans.”

Two years later, Taylor was selected for a rapid deployment force to fly to Saudi Arabia in preparation for Operation Desert Storm.

Taylor was a mechanic during his first deployment, and his unit was to guard against an Iraqi invasion of Saudi Arabia. In all, roughly 10 Army divisions, two Marine Corps divisions and a coalition of NATO forces fought in the Persian Gulf. A decade later, Taylor served with the 3rd Infantry Division as one of only three divisions that would spearhead the invasion of Iraq.

During Taylor’s first deployment, temperatures skyrocketed to 134 degrees during the day. When he deployed to Iraq in 2003 the extreme heat was back, but this time, Taylor, now an infantryman, manned a gun atop his Bradley Fighting Vehicle in desert uniform, chemical warfare gear and a helmet. Even then, other soldiers had it worse.

“We didn’t have (the heat) problem as bad as the dismounted guys — they were out on the sand and pavement all the time,” Taylor said. “We kept giving them our extra boots because the rubber on their boots was melting off.”

Extreme heat was the only similarity Taylor noticed between the first and second Gulf Wars.

“In the first Gulf War, I never encountered any Iraqi people. In the second Gulf War, we were in constant contact with them,” he said.

“It wasn’t only fighting though. We had quite a few opportunities to do some great things

for those people, and I had many opportunities to share Jesus with them. Most were really happy we were there.”

Following his second deployment, Taylor retired to civilian life after 16 years of Army service. He found it hard to assimilate back into civilian life, but he did so with a purpose.

The destruction Taylor witnessed during his second time in the Middle East led him to dream of starting a world-class disaster relief organization.

“When I was in Iraq, I saw lots of destruction,” he said. “I was sitting atop my Bradley one day, and I just felt like the Lord was speaking to my heart, (saying), ‘When (disasters) like this are happening, you just need to help.’”

Taylor eventually enrolled at Liberty University to pursue a degree in intercultural studies. He said that when he joined the paratroopers, he never thought he would become a missionary. His dream is an organization with aircraft, watercraft, medical equipment, engineering equipment, water treatment and expert people to “help the helpless and give hope to the hopeless.”

“If the military is looking to get rid of a C-130, I’d like to be able to buy it and have aviators from this university to fly it,” Taylor said.

He refers to all the times Dr. Towns speaks of Liberty “starting with a dream.” Taylor plans to start with his family and his Suburban and build up to an organization worthy of the name of Christ.

“People in those towns have no hope, so what a great time to bring the hope of Jesus to them through our hands and our feet,” he said. u ADAMS is the copy editor.

NEWS

A6/Liberty Champion

February 8, 2011

Rebuilding Together Lynchburg brings hope TREY SMITH tsmith21@liberty.edu

On ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington takes his crew into the homes of families across America and rebuilds them from the ground up.

Each family has its own story and reason for being chosen for the show. Although Rebuilding Together Lynchburg (RTL) does not have the budget Ty Pennington does, they strive to make a difference in the community by assisting lowincome families with home repairs.

Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization with more than 200 national affiliates, including RTL, which is in its 10th year, according to its website.

RTL works to help those in need, particularly the elderly and disabled, remain in a safe environment.

The organization receives funds from various outlets such as grants, sponsors and local businesses.

In the past 12 months, they have helped revitalize 82 homes in the Lynchburg area.

Executive director of RTL, Sandy Walton, has been with the organization for five years. Walton came to Lynchburg from Birmingham, Ala., and previously volunteered with a Rebuilding Together affiliate there.

“When we lived in Birmingham, I volunteered there,” Walton said.

“When we moved here, I went looking for the group.”

Walton helps find families in the community who could benefit from receiving aid from RTL. “Our mission is to help our lowincome neighbors,” Walton said.

“These are low-income neighbors who have some kind of rehab work that is needed on their home.”

Some examples of rehab work that RTL performs would be repair-

ing leaky faucets, various electrical items and plumbing needs.

RTL will also do home modifications, such as building a ramp and widening doorways for wheelchair bound residents. All rehab work and modifications are free.

Liberty and Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC) have formed a partnership with RTL, according to Darren Wu, Christian/Community Service Coordinator.

“Essentially, it’s a partnership between Rebuilding Together Lynchburg, Thomas Road, who provides Harry Sowers with the oversight and technical expertise and then Liberty students who provide the up and down lifting and actual work and service,” Wu said.

Harry Sowers has served as the head of the TRBC Home Repair Group since 2008 and works directly with volunteers, including Liberty students. Sowers has been retired for almost 10 years and moved to Lynchburg in 2006.

“I was a chemical engineer,” Sowers said. “So I knew about computers and spreadsheets.”

Sowers, as well as others involved with RTL, recently came up with a more structured way of doing things.

During the week, RTL has a core group of volunteers. On the last two Saturdays of every month, there is an open volunteer system where people can come to help that may not have time during the week. This new structure began in September 2010.

“The first time I did this, I expected seven or eight people,” Sowers said. “I had 18.”

On the following Saturday, Sowers had 28 people showed up to volunteer. That weekend, they completed a roof and painted two

Photo Provided

RESTORING HOPE — Students reach out to the community by offering their time and services.

houses.

Lynchburg College and Liberty students are among the volunteers that Sowers works with. Liberty students have the opportunity to gain CSER credit when volunteering with RTL. Sowers said many students go beyond the 20 hours required.

“What I found was that I had people from Liberty that were just showing up, which is fantastic,” Sowers said. “People show up week after week. Megan Kinne showed up for a number of paint jobs.”

For sophomore Megan Kinne, helping others has always been rewarding.

“I like helping people in need in the community and just being an outreach,” Kinne said. “I always enjoyed helping others less fortunate

You get to help others in need. You accomplish something ...

— Kinne

than me and maybe bringing a little joy to someone’s life when things just seem to be going wrong.”

While volunteering with RTL, Kinne helped put on a new roof, paint and do landscaping.

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“It is well worth it,” Kinne said.

“You get to help others in need. You accomplish something and just the joy that you helped someone and just showed them the tiniest light of God is well worth it in itself.”

Volunteers can help with short and long term projects. The bulk of the rebuilding work begins in March.

For more information on RTL, visit rebuildinglynchburg.org. If interested in volunteering with RTL, stop by the Christian/Community Service Office in Religion Hall 101.

Email them at cser@liberty.edu or contact Harry Sowers at hsowers@ aol.com. u SMITH is the asst. feature editor.

February 8, 2011

Gordon shines on roadtrip Flames split away games KELLY MARVEL krmarvel@liberty.edu

Coastal Carolina turned up the heat last Thursday at home, defeating the Flames 77-71.

With the game closely played throughout the first and second half, redshirt junior guard David Minaya put the Flames within five, hitting a 3-pointer with just 23 seconds left.

Coastal’s Desmond Holloway hit one free throw of two, giving the Chanticleers the 67-61 lead. Junior guard Jesse Sanders cut the lead to three with another 3-pointer. Holloway sunk two more free throws, but freshman guard John Caleb Sanders answered with the third 3-pointer in 14 seconds. At nine seconds left, Coastal had the slight 69-67 advantage.

A f t e r Coastal’s Kierre Greenwood went u Flames sit one-for-two at the free at second in throw line, sophomore the Big South guard Evan Gordon atas they enter tempted one more into the last 3-pointer to send the month of play. game into overtime, but the shot landed just to the right of the rim, giving Coastal the 70-67 win.

Gordon led all scorers in points with 17, and John Caleb Sanders finished with a career-high 16 points. Redshirt junior guard John Brown got his eighth double-double of the season with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Coastal Carolina remained undefeated in the Big South Conference, while Liberty fell to 10-2 in the conference.

Liberty traveled to Charleston Southern Saturday and picked up the first win by the away team in the Buccaneer Field House, edging the Bucs 70-69.

The game came down to the last nine seconds of the second half with Liberty up by one. Gordon attempted a 3-pointer, which bounced off the rim into Brown’s hands.

Brown dunked the ball to put Liberty up by three. Charleston Southern’s Jamarco Warren sunk two free throws but could not pull out the win.

Gordon was the high scorer for both teams with 17 points at the end of the night.

Joel Vander Pol, Brown, Minaya and Jesse Sanders all finished with points in the double digits. Brown completed his 12th double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Liberty improved to 11-2 in the conference, and with 11 conference wins, the team surpassed its win total from last season.

Looking ahead, the Flames return home to play Radford Thursday at 7 in the Vines Center. Liberty will also host Iona for the ESPNU BracketBusters on Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

fyi

Sarah Wilson | Photo

by Job

Lim

Slippery Surface Tough games, hard work not enough to win JENNA VANDEN BROOK jvandenbrook@liberty.edu

T

he Lady Flames hockey team started off the month of February with a string of challenging home games at the LaHaye Ice Center against the University of Minnesota and Northeastern University.

Thursday night’s game against Minnesota resulted in a 2-1 loss for Liberty. The Lady Flames faced the Lady Gophers again on Friday night, losing in another close match, 3-2. In a change of competition on Saturday, the Lady Flames played Northeastern University in another testing match. Liberty lost 4-2.

The first game of the weekend proved to be a challenge for the Lady Flames. Less than three minutes into the game, a

scrum broke out in front of Liberty’s goal, with players sprawled on the ice or on each other. Liberty desperately tried to clear the puck away from junior goalie Tierney Murphy, while Minnesota attempted to score.

Limbs blurred with sticks, but Liberty prevailed and cleared the puck away from its goal.

“It was disappointing to walk away without the win, but our team put up a good fight,” junior forward Stacey Christiaans said. “We played aggressively and played well in the offensive zone, unfortunately we came up against sharp goal tending.”

Liberty’s offense dominated the first two periods of Thursday night’s game, but Minnesota’s goalie proved to be a tough opponent. The Lady Flames took shot after shot could not capitalize on their opportunities.

Just over two minutes into the third period, Minnesota scored the first point of the game.

Tension spiked and sticks were flying, literally, as Liberty tried to tie the game.

See WOMEN’S HOCKEY on B3

Super Bowl XLV: America’s Game NATE BROWN nbrown4@liberty.edu

In all the hype building up to the Super Bowl, the only colors I heard about were green, black and yellow.

Black and yellow, black and yellow.

Green and yellow, green and yellow.

But Sunday’s game reminded me of one color that no one mentioned. Blue.

The Green Bay Packers, named so because of Green Bay’s Indian Packing Co.’s contribution of uniforms to the upstart team, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose name was changed from Pirates to Steel-

ers in the 40s to reflect the Pittsburgh community, represent the epitome of America’s blue-collared workers.

Football became on Sunday what football has always been about and has always been for.

The nondescript, John Doe, 2.5 kids and a mortgage middle-class.

The “roll up your sleeves and get it done” crowd. You know. Levi’s commercial kind of stuff.

This Super Bowl, unlike the past couple before it, saw no trick plays, gadget reverses, rabbit-out-of-thehat onsides kicks or tiptoe touchdown catches.

What we did see was two de-

Thursday, Feb. 10 Wrestling vs. George Mason at 5 p.m.

Schilling Center Men’s Basketball vs. Radford at 7 p.m.

Vines Center

fenses that had bleeding elbows, sweating offensive lines and running backs with dirty jerseys.

Football has never been a filet and foie gras game.

No, this is mom’s leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes, extra gravy, please.

Sunday’s game was a game of muscle, grit and every bit of blue collar as one could stuff into it.

Beard included. Brett Kiesel.

Sure, Santonio Holmes’ catch in the last seconds of Super Bowl XLIII was exciting. Sean Peyton’s decision to kick an on-sides kick caught us all off-guard. David Tyree’s famous helmet catch was

Friday, Feb, 11 Track and Field Liberty Quad 3:30 p.m. Indoor Track

unbelievable.

But in Green Bay, Pittsburgh and all of the other blue-collar towns in America, exciting is Clay Matthews forcing a fumble.

Rashard Mendenhall barreling over defenders into the end zone.

Exciting is when the whistle blows.

The workday is over.

Sunday, the game was over. And the Lombardi trophy was home again. Football rose in industrial Midwest mud lots, and now settles again in blue collar Green Bay. u BROWN is the asst. sports editor.

Saturday, Feb. 12 Women’s Basketball vs. GardnerWebb 5 p.m. Vines Center Men’s Basketball vs. High Point 8 p.m.

Vines Center

u MARVEL is the sports editor.

B2/Liberty Champion

SPORTS

February 8, 2011

School announces newest NCAA program KATHERINE LACAZE kelacaze@liberty.edu

Liberty University has answered a strong demand from its female students and added its 21st NCAA Division I program in the form of a women’s field hockey team that will be coached by newly-hired Jodi Murphy.

Murphy will name her roster this week, after holding tryouts last week. The announced team will comprise the first half of the 80th Division I Field Hockey team in the country, according to Murphy.

“We’re going to look to select about 13 or 14 girls for the spring team,” Murphy said.

“We’ve been recruiting a whole bunch since I’ve gotten the job to hopefully bring in about 12 or 13 more for the fall team. So, ideally, it’d be about 24 or 25 girls on our roster.”

In preparation for the team’s NCAA Division I membership to start in the summer and

official season to start in the fall of 2011, Murphy said the team will be training and competing as a club team this spring.

The experience has been a blessing according to Murphy, who most recently served as an assistant coach at Richmond.

“It’s just a completely humbling experience to get to say that you’ve started a Division I program from scratch,” Murphy said. “And I do feel really humbled by it and really excited by it.”

After all the preparation done in her office, she said was ready to feel a whistle around her neck again.

“I’ve been recruiting a whole bunch, and it’s been really nice to get out and interact with the girls,” Murphy said.

It has been no problem finding girls for the team, as the interest from female students has been high since the time Liberty hired her in November, according to Murphy.

“I think there’s a whole bunch of girls on campus who played in their high schools that really wanted to be at a Christian university and, understandably, that took precedent for them,” Murphy said. “It’s just been an answer to prayer for them that the school kind of yielded to the needs of the student body …

It’s been great how quickly and how responsive the girls have been.”

There were 28 girls at the interest meeting and 20 to 24 daily at tryouts, and Murphy said she is already signing on girls who will come in as freshmen next year. Together, these girls will create a team that Murphy is optimistic about, although she said it’s still early.

“I think our defense is really strong with the couple of incoming girls that I’ve recruited,” Murphy said. “I’ve got two All-State girls coming in for defense … And the first couple of years you’ve got to have a strong defense.”

Ann Jefferis, 20, is a transfer student from

Women’s Basketball Gallery

Photos

by

Ruth Bibby

LEFT TO RIGHT — Lady Flames center Avery Warley pulled down 14 rebounds and scored 18 points against High Point.

Guard Dymond Morgan drives the lane on the way to the basket. Chancellor Jerry and Becki Falwell get in on the act as members from the S.O.A.R. dunk team perform at halftime.

the University of Richmond who Murphy recruited and who has solidified a spot as the team’s goalkeeper. She exemplifies the demand that Murphy described. Jefferis transferred to Liberty partly for the nursing program, but the creation of the field hockey team made it a perfect fit, according to Murphy.

“I’m definitely really excited about the team,” Jefferis said. “I’m really excited about what we can do starting up a Division I program, what we can do representing a Christian school and representing that in the Division I athletics.”

The field hockey team has not joined a conference as of yet and information about tournaments and games will be available soon. u LACAZE is a sports writer.

SPORTS

February 8, 2011

Liberty Champion/B3

At the break: NBA and NHL at the halfway point DERRICK BATTLE dbattle2@liberty.edu

As the NBA takes a breath during the upcoming All-Star break, the hype of the “Decision” and South Beach has waned, and new faces in new places have answered and abandoned pre-season questions, like Amare Stouduimire in New York, Blake Griffin in Los Angeles and of course, Kobe and perhaps another ring.

With all the hype surrounding the “Miami Thrice” — Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh — early on during the season the three superstars struggled to find a rhythm, but as the season progressed, James, Wade, Bosh and the rest of the Heat found a chemistry that now has them in second place in the Eastern Conference.

While the cameras focused on the superstars in Miami, teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder are making a splash as they enter the All-Star Break.

The Spurs comfortably lead the NBA

WOMEN’S HOCKEY continued from B1 “The best part of the games we have played so far this weekend is the level of competition we faced,” senior defender and captain Brooke Harris said. “Minnesota is a fast-paced team that plays physical. It is nice for us to play against teams with similar abilities.”

With eight minutes left in Thursday’s game, the Lady Flames scored, but Minnesota answered shortly afterward, finalizing the score of the game.

Liberty did not give up. With one minute remaining in the game, head coach Paul Bloomfield pulled the goalie in favor of an extra attacker for a final effort

in victories with 42 wins, thanks to a solid bench.

Along with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs have finally seen the full potential of backup guard George Hill who is averaging 11 points per game off the bench. Their 42-8 record breaks their record of 40 wins before the All-Star break, and it is eight wins behind their win total of last year.

The Celtics hold a slim Eastern Conference lead with a 37-12 record. The additions of centers Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal help give the Celtics more depth on their front line, something they lacked last year.

Twice this season, the Celtics have beaten the Heat because of team effort, not depending on just their stars to win the game. Glen Davis has been a key component, especially with Kendrick Perkins out due to injury throughout most of the season. Davis has taken advantage of his opportunity of more minutes by scoring a career-high 12 points per game and averaging five rebounds off the bench.

to score.

“Although we lost a tough game on Thursday, our goalie Tierney Murphy stood on her head,” Harris said. “We also used the ice well, passing through the neutral zone and creating opportunities that unfortunately we were unable to capitalize on.”

Though the weekend’s opponents were talented, Liberty held its own and teammates were proud of Murphy’s performance.

“As a goaltender, I can’t ever lose focus,” Murphy said. “Being a goalie to me is a game within the game. Everything I do is unique from what the players do. The players have 45 second shifts, I am on the ice the entire game. I love it though.”

Liberty’s second game against

There has been an abundance of excitement in Los Angeles. The Lakers have a winning record and are third in the Western Conference, but it is the other Staples Center team creating the buzz. The Los Angeles Clippers and the rest of the NBA have finally seen the emergence of Blake Griffin.

Griffin is averaging 23 points and 13 rebounds per game — performance that earned him a spot on the Western Conference All-Star team.

The Clippers are eleven games under .500 and most likely won’t make the playoffs, but the team puts on a show night in and night out. Griffin is making SportsCenter’s top ten plays almost nightly.

HOCKEY Entering into the second half the NHL season, the win margin among the top teams of both the Eastern and Western Conferences is tight.

In the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks hold the conference, as well as the NHL lead with a 34-10-9 record and 77 points, nine points ahead of the Detroit Red

Wings. The Canucks posses a balanced attack led by Daniel Sedin, who leads the team and the NHL in points, and Ryan Kesler, who leads the team in goals.

The Dallas Stars, which are one of the youngest teams in the NHL are third in the Western Conference. The team’s youth can either help or hurt them in the last two months of the season.

The Philadelphia Flyers are on top in the Eastern Conference. With the attack of Claude Giroux, Danny Briere and Mike Richards, the Flyers are going to be difficult to defeat, especially if they get hot in the second half of the season.

Not far behind is the Tampa Bay Lightning, home to the NHL’s goal leader, Steven Stamkos, who is having an MVP-caliber season.

In fourth place, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a five-game winning streak. Throughout most of the season, Sidney Crosby has been solid, leading the Penguins in points, goals and assists. u BATTLE is a sports writer.

Minnesota was another close match, with Minnesota edging Liberty, 3-2. Liberty dropped two consecutive games to North Eastern, 4-2 and 5-4, Feb. 5 and 6.

Feb. 11 and 12 are the final home games of the season for the Lady Flames hockey team.

They will be facing Penn State University. It will also be senior night for the team. u VANDEN BROOK is a sports writer.

FLYING SOLO — Forward Meredith Janzen (right) flies down the ice in a dramatic, fast-paced weekend match.

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FEATURE

B4/Liberty Champion

February 8, 2011

found through the Splash page — to purchase tickets call 434-582-7382.

Feb. 11

Jeremy Camp in concert with John Mark McMillan

Joel Coleman

BLACK HISTORY EVENTS UNDERWAY — Center4ME kicked off its annual Black History Month celebration Feb. 1. Keep up with “Out & About” for upcoming events sponsored by Center4ME.

Feb. 8

Deliberative Dialogue: The State of the Black Family and Church As part of Center4ME’s Black History Month-long events, this deliberative dialogue will feature Merisa Davis, author of “Bill Cosby is Right: But What Should the Church Be Doing About It?” The event will take place in DeMoss Hall 1104 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Feb. 11

“We Are Family” Night

Come enjoy the African-American network classic, The Cosby Show,

from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Center4ME multipurpose room.

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

For more information e-mail Center4ME at Center4ME@liberty. edu or call 434-592-4020.

Feb. 11

“The Civil War — The Musical”

“The Civil War — The Musical” is the second Theatre Arts show this semester. The musical features letters, diaries and firsthand accounts of the Civil War. Shows begin Feb. 11 and conclude on Feb. 26. For information about the show and times, visit the Theatre Arts website which can be

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The concert will be located in TRBC Auditorium and begins at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) For more information, contact student activities at 434-592-3061 or studentactivitiesinfo@liberty.edu.

The cost for Liberty students is $10 in advance and $12 at the door (use code Camp11 for Liberty rate when purchasing in advance).

Feb. 15

Deliberative Dialogue Hip Hop — It’s a Culture Not a Crime

As part of Center4ME’s Black History Month-long events, this deliberative dialogue will feature a discussion on the influence of the Hip Hop culture. The discussion will take place in DeMoss Hall 1104 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Feb. 16

Feb. 19

Liberty Mountain 5k Trail Race

Registration is open for the race.

Forms can be found at liberty.edu/ campusrec/studentactivities under events. For more information, contact student activities at studentactivitiesinfo@liberty.edu or 434-592-3061.

Feb. 26

Hill City Polar Plunge

Take a plunge into Hydaway Lake for a good cause. This year’s Hill City Polar Plunge festivities will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plunge starts at 2 p.m. Funds raised will be donated to Special Olympics Virginia. This year will feature a costume contest, food, music at the second annual Battle of the Bands and the second annual Community Fair. For more information e-mail PRSSA at prssa@ liberty.edu. To register for the plunge go to polarplunge.com/ libertyplunge.

Taste of Nations

The Office of International Student Services will be hosting the Taste of Nations in the Schilling Center beginning at 9 p.m. and ending when the food is gone. Since food is limited, it will be served on a first come, first serve basis. The cost for the event is $2. Contact the Office of International Student Services for more information.

File Photo | Liberty Champion

Feb. 17

The Life of the Rev. John Jasper

The exhibit and lecture is being held in celebration of Black History Month. The exhibit will be shown free of charge (donations are accepted) in the National Civil War Chaplains Museum located beside Doc’s Diner and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The lecture, titled “The Life of Rev. John Jasper: Virginia’s Celebrated Preacher,” is also free and will take place in DeMoss Hall 1113 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Kenny Rowlette at 434-5822087.

Feb. 26

Bliss: A Fine Bridal Affair

Hill City Bride will be hosting its first event, Bliss, A Fine Wedding Affair on Saturday, Feb. 26. The event will take place at Riverviews Artspace located on Jefferson St. in downtown Lynchburg from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with registration beginning at 10 a.m. The cost is $15. The event will feature seminars, workshops, panel discussions and a catered lunch.

Registration for the event is currently open and must be completed by Feb. 20. For more information and to register, visit hillcitybride.com.

FEATURE

February 8, 2011

STAFF REPORTS

college budget in mind.

There is one week left until Valentine’s Day, which means the scramble for gifts and restaurant reservations has already begun for some people, while plenty of college students wait and pray for that lucky and affordable flash of inspiration for the perfect date.

Here is a list of a few restaurants around the city that make great date spots any day of the year.

Most of these restaurants were profiled last semester in “More ‘Burg For Your Buck,” and they were so good that they have made a reappearance for Valentine’s Day, along with a few newcomers.

Sundae Grill Sundae Grill’s vintage soda shop feel makes it a hot spot for students seeking something sweet. The menu leaves no ice cream flavor to the imagination, and the prices are just about as sweet as the desert itself.

THE CLASSICS Neighbor’s Place Neighbor’s Place is the perfect date spot, known or unknown. The food is spectacular, the ambiance is romantic and the background noise is quiet enough to get to know that special someone.

The Drowsy Poet The Drowsy Poet, located in the Candler’s Station shopping center, and the man who runs it, Roy “Smiley” Ellis, are local legends.

This coffee shop and lounge boasts an eclectic and quiet atmosphere where students can study, relax and hang out. Ellis also sets his prices with the restraints of a

China Super Buffet Super is an accurate word to describe the selection this buffet features. Located in Waterlick Plaza on the intersection of Timberlake Road and Waterlick Road, the China Super Buffet is the largest Chinese buffet in the greater Lynchburg area, according the restaurant’s website. China Super Buffet also offers a sushi bar and American classics like macaroni and cheese.

Jade Palace Located just off the Lynchburg Expressway on Timberlake Road, the restaurant certainly lives up to its name. With Chinesestyle architecture and ornate golden dragons flanking its doors, this restaurant invites guests to partake in an authentic experience of Chinese food. Visit jadepalacelynchburg.com for more information.

Robin Alexander Here is a date spot that is actually catering to people looking for a

Liberty Champion/B5

File Photo | Liberty Champion

THE DROWSY POET — Located in Candler’s Mountain Station shopping center, The Drowsy Poet is famous for their Milton Milkshakes.

Valentine’s Day date spot. Robin Alexander, located in the heart of downtown Lynchburg, is hosting three nights of “Sweetheart Specials” on Feb. 11, 12 and 14.

For more information, visit rabistro. com, or e-mail at ra.bistro@gmail. com.

Isabella’s Italian Trattoria Located on Boonesboro Road, Isabella’s offers reservations and a traditional Italian atmosphere that is perfect for a first date. Visit their website at isabellasitalian.com

Vinny’s Italian Grill Located on Timberlake Road, Vinny’s is not far from campus, but not overrun with college students. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, but the true gem of this restaurant is the pizza. Each slice is a piece of homemade pizza paradise.

StikFire Grill StikFire Grill offers interesting cuisine choices in a comfortable, ambient atmosphere for anyone looking for a new place to eat.

StikFire features many types of grilled meat and vegetable skewers, served with a wide variety of sides. Visit their website

at stikfiregrill.com information.

NEW PLACES IN THE ‘BURG

for

more

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u See page B6 for Sweet Frog premium frozen yogurt, another new and great date idea for Valentine’s Day.

Multimedia arts group featured in Roanoke JESSICA STEARNS jstearns@liberty.edu

Local multimedia art group Mediumless will hold its first showcase of the new year on Tuesday, Feb. u For 8 at 6 p.m. in the Howery more informa- Mezzanine oanoke tion about RMain Lithe art brary. show, visit The openmedium ing gala, in collaboraless.net. tion with Roanoke group Emerging Artists, will be presenting “Lynchburg in Roanoke” which will showcase and promote the artwork of three

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members from Mediumless.

Their artwork will be on display in the Roanoke library for the rest of February.

The exhibits will include black and white photographs of gothic, Scottish architecture taken by Mediumless newcomer Rhonda Glicks, digital manipulation of natural and musical scenes by Jake Siner, and 12 pigment sketches on Bristol paper by writer John Gosslee based on his book “12,” a collection of poetry scheduled to be published in the fall, according to Gosslee, the director of Mediumless.

The gala will also include the artistic and musical stylings of Alaska, a band purely focused on rhythm and absolutely no singing. According to Gosslee, their music is “so good it transcends voices.”

To hear their music, visit alaskawaves.bandcamp.com.

Mediumless is a group composed of young visual artists, writers, photographers and filmmakers from Lynchburg, Atlanta and Nashville soon expanding to other cities on the East Coast.

“The purpose of Mediumless is to create multimedia packages, fine arts exhibitions, arts and literary journals or books for fine arts or commercial productions,” Gosslee said.

The members of Mediumless saw a need for artists to have a steady medium to show their work after graduation, according to Gosslee.

Consequently, they created a multifaceted group which would produce, distribute and promote the artwork of such artists.

“Whoever does not go to the group’s show is going to miss out on something spectacular,” Gosslee said.

The Mediumless showcase is a free event open from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For further informa-

tion, visit mediumless.net. u STEARNS is a feature writer.

Reber Thomas Dining Hall Valentine’s Celebration

February 14, 2011 5:00-7:00 P.M. Celebrate the gift of love with all your friends at the Reber Thomas Dining Hall this Valentines Day. Wear red and pink!

• Special Music • Decadent Dessert Station • $2 Roses For Sale: Flames Cash Accepted • Valentine’s Craft Table • Prizes: Find us on Facebook and leave a comment or register that day to be entered to win!

Grand Prize: Dinner at Robin Alexander & Movie for 2 One Dosen Red Roses & Chocolates $10 Gift Certificate to Doc’s Diner For more info, contact us at: libertydining@liberty.edu 434-592-4751