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A2 | MACE & CROWN | Wednesday 3.21.2012
Mace & Crown staff David Bakhshaee Editor in Chief editorinchief@maceandcrown.com Justin Brown News Editor news@maceandcrown.com
Norfolk Holds Fourth Annual “Fix-a-Leak” Week
Alyssa Narvell Arts & Entertainment Editor artsandentertainment@maceandcrown.com Matthew McCracken Sports Editor sports@maceandcrown.com Megan Jefferson Senior Design layout@maceandcrown.com LJ Harris Web Designer webmaster@maceandcrown.com Jessica Starr Copy Editor copy@maceandcrown.com Drew Marmo Advertising Director advertising@maceandcrown.com Elaina Ellis Photography Editor photo@maceandcrown.com Derek Page News Assistant Ethan Shaw Arts & Entertainment Assistant Jake Ullrich Sports Assistant Ari Gould Photography Assistant Senior Writers: Ben Decowski RJay Molina Staff Writers: Alexander Rose Brian Jerry Robbie Ciara Allison Terres Steve Knauer Timothy Fulghum Ethan Shaw Janah Stokes Lauren Grant Jessica Scheck Elizabeth Bowry Gianina Thompson Jordan Jones Emma Needham Jessica Piland Megan Stamper Paul Minto MaryAnn Jackson Nour Kheireddine Lateesha Gloston Shawn Minor Siaga Johnson Angel Dodson Sarah Roby Daniel Felarca Andrew Tompkins Staff Photographers: Marlie De Clerck Bruce Foote Rachel Chasin Chris Sampson Jake Zimmerman Binh Dong Lauren Makely General Information: The Mace & Crown is a newspaper published by and written for the students of Old Dominion once a week throughout each semester and once in the summer. Originally founded in 1930 as the The High Hat, the paper became the Mace & Crown in 1961. The Mace & Crown is a primarily self-supporting newspaper,maintaining journalistic independance from the university. All views expressed in this collegiate paper are those of the author, not of the University, Mace & Crown, or the editors. Contact Information: Phone: 757-683-3452 Fax: 757-683-3459 Advertising: 757-683-4773
Norfolk is attempting to conserve water by annually holding Fix-a-Leak Week.
City offers suggestions on water conservation By: Eric Smith Staff writer Spring came early this year and with the change in season, the City of Norfolk is inspecting main water pipes for deficiencies. Pipes can be prone to bursting or leaking due to extreme temperatures. Norfolk will make the necessary repairs and replacements in an effort to conserve water. Not only is the City of Norfolk practicing water conservation, but the Department of Utilities located on Granby Street is asking residents of Norfolk to do the same. Preventative maintenance measures have become the focus of using water wisely. Common household leaks such as a leaky faucet, showerhead, or toilet can waste about 10,000 gallons of water per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This amount is enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. Repairs are simple for homeowners to do. Replacement parts are inexpensive at most hardware stores. In a press release, the City of Norfolk gave suggestions on saving water. Most involved repairing leaks and replacing water fixtures if needed. A way to find out if a toilet is leaking is by placing one drop of food coloring in the tank. Without flushing for 15 minutes, if the color shows in the bowl, then a leak is present. Outside plumbing fixtures also need to be checked before use. Homeowners with in-ground sprinkler systems are being asked to check the pipes for frost damage. In this case, a plumber certified in water efficiency is needed to assess the area for leaks. For homeowners who use garden hoses for irrigation and other activities, repairs and replacement parts are also inexpensive and simple. Ensuring tight connections between the faucets, nozzles and hoses are recommended. The same holds true for indoor plumbing fixtures. Residents have had mixed feelings about Norfolk’s “Fix-A-Leak
Week.” A common thing that they agree on is the need to conserve water and use it wisely. Songwriter and educator Tina Micula first heard of “Fix-A-Leak Week” by viewing ads on ABC. “I think it’s a great idea, water is a limited natural resource,” said Micula. “People think that it will be there forever.” Micula lives in an apartment and has had plumbing problems. “I have had leaks before,” says Micula. “I had a kitchen faucet leaking and a continually running toilet.” Tina has taken steps to reduce her water consumption. “I shut off the water when I brush my teeth, and I keep usage minimal when cleaning,” Micula said. Riley Angel, a fifth year senior at Old Dominion University is another resident who lives in an apartment. “It is nice that the city has made an effort to save water,” Angel said. “I do full loads of dishes and laundry and turn the faucet off all the way if it is leaking.” Long time residents Levi Frost and sophomore David Thomas have also participated in water conservation. Both live in houses in Norfolk. Frost first learned about “Fix-a-Leak Week” two years ago from his father. “It’s a very good idea to give out solutions and advice on how to handle these problems,” Frost said. “I definitely care about the environment.” Thomas agreed with Frost but also added that, “Saving water saves you money in the long run.” Frost has encountered leaks from his showerhead and bathroom faucet. Both have been repaired. Thomas has had leaky pipes under his bathroom sink, which he got his father to help him repair with plumber’s glue. Norfolk is working hard to save water, and the residents are as well. It is an important week and should be taken seriously. As stated before, water is a limited resource and is important to conserve.
continued from “Lavendar” (A1) Hrank argued ODU is engaging in something that is, by its very definition, reverse discrimination by favoring members of a minority or historically disadvantaged group. He said if LGBTQ members can have their own separate living space, then any other group should be allowed to make a proposal for their own living space. He noted that he was not taking a stance against the gay community, or for them. “While I think its commendable that Old Dominion realizes and appreciates the issue that the LGBTQ community often faces, I think the entire Lavender Hall idea is unfortunate,” said senior David Hall. “I realize the school is pushing more towards something like the Gay-Straight alliance rather than just simple orientation. But, are there going to be halls for tea party members or active democrats? Evangeli-
cal -Christian groups or practicing Muslims? I want to work towards a society where I can introduce a boy as my husband without anyone doing a double take.” Some students aren’t so critical. Another senior, Devon Mizelle, said, “Provide people with a space to be comfortable in, and their time here will be more enjoyable. While homophobia isn’t rampant on this campus, this will provide a space for LGBTQ students to come here expecting a community to be a part of. I’m proud that my college has this.” ODU Out President Connor Norton told the Virginian-Pilot that Lavender House “doesn’t encourage discrimination. It encourages respect and community. It makes us allies for each other.” 18 students have signed up to live in Lavender House next fall.