Independent Northeastern Illinois University
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
‘A sorority with more tattoos’ Pg. 10
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Vol. 36 Issue 16
Wake me up when September ends Furloughs to continue indefinitely pending budget
Members of the NEIU community rallied in Springfield, Apr. 27, to protest the ongoing budget impasse. NEIU will continue with furloughs through the fiscal year. | Bisma Zafar
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News Furloughs extended to avoid layoffs Students, faculty and staff from Illinois colleges and universities on April 27 rally in front of the state capitol to demand a budget that includes them. | Robin Bridges
Sarahy Lopez NEIU will continue its furlough program after officials in Springfield failed to pass a state budget. This means that administrative, professional and civil service staff will have to take one furlough day each week and student aides will not work on Mondays and Tuesdays. “I wish I were here right now to report the end of furloughs,” said Interim President Helldobler during the Town Hall meeting on May 5. “But we still don’t have any money from the state. "And if we don’t get any additional funding, we need to balance a substantial deficit… The way that we are going to do this is by taking bold, brave, yet difficult steps to rightsize the university.” With no resolutions from Springfield to relieve the university of its 23-month-old impasse, fewer resources, less programs and flexibility in staffing are in NEIU’s immediate future. Areas that are not producing enough results or gaining enough enrollment may be cut due to the school’s budget, which is necessary to save money for the next fiscal year.
The university will suspend the furlough program as soon as it is able to. Vice President Michael Pierick said that the university extended furloughs for administrative and professional employees and for non-union civil service employees
to the end of the fiscal year on June 30. “Negotiations are being conducted with unions on extending furlough days for those employees as well,” said Pierick in an email. However, the State Universities Civil Service System disallows fur-
loughs for civil service employees beyond Sept. 30. According to Pierick, the university planned to save about $1.8 million for the first seven furlough days taken, including the five from spring break and two on April 1112, plus the additional furlough day
Robin Bridges
During the April 27 rally NEIU Senior, Patricia Burchfield, spoke along with University Professionals of Illinois President John Miller, 2018 gubernatorial candidates J.B. Pritzker and Daniel Bliss.
of May 1. From mid-May to the end of June, the university plans to save about $1 million. “About 80 percent of the university’s expenses are for personnel, so it’s impossible to avoid massive budget cuts without eliminating positions,” said Pierick. “The university has for two years conducted a careful review of each position hired, and had a hiring freeze for all but critical positions, so there are a number of vacant positions in the budget. "If there is no funding from the state, it will be impossible to avoid layoffs entirely," he said. About 40 percent of the university’s general operations came from a state budget, before the stalemate. Currently, the Senate Bill 0006 (SB6) was approved by the Senate on May 17. If passed by the Assembly and signed by Governor Rauner, it would provide NEIU with about $17.3 million for the fiscal year of 2017, and an additional $31.4 million for the fiscal year of 2018. The funding would be enough to keep the university open and running without having to rely on more furlough days or possible layoffs.
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Tuesday, May 23, 2017
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NEIU’s Moody rating Police Blotter decreases, now high risk Sarahy Lopez The financial woes continue for NEIU as a major credit agency announced in an April 17 press release that the school’s credit rating has been lowered two levels. Moody’s Investors Service downgraded NEIU from a Ba2 to a B1 rating, placing them in a high credit risk category. The press release reflected on NEIU's “weakened cash flow” mostly caused by the lack of a state budget and declining enrollment. NEIU’s efforts to stay open continue by furloughing employees, initiating hiring freezes and canceling classes. The credit ratings are based on how likely a borrower will pay back bonds and currently NEIU is at what is commonly known as “junk status.” Last year, NEIU was barely just
above junk status with a rating of Baa3, but for almost two years without a budget, the school has been given a negative outlook by the credit score agency. Moody’s Investors Service also placed six other Illinois universities under review, indicating that they might also get a downgrade like NEIU. A downgrade in rating means that it will cost more for the school to borrow money with interest rates increasing since the risk is higher. These schools include the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Eastern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and Governors State University. Dr. Scott Hegerty, a professor for the department of economics, explained in an email that the downgrade means higher risk for investors.
“Borrowers get less money for a bond, with the difference going to higher interest that offsets the higher risk. Ba2 and B1 are both classified as ‘speculative,’ but the new rating is even riskier,” said Hegerty. Interim President Helldobler called the news “very disappointing but not surprising” in a statement to the Chicago Tribune. "The real tragedy here is that after a long history of fiscal responsibility and sound planning, the financial reputations of Northeastern Illinois University and other Illinois public universities are at stake, and this is really a reflection of Springfield's inaction regarding the state's budget," said Helldobler.Officials in Springfield have yet to pass a budget, and the deadline for enacting a state budget for next year is at the end of May.
The credit rating score system for Moody’s Investors Service, also indicating where NEIU lies. | Sarahy Lopez
The following incidents occurred between the dates of April 20 to May 8 at NEIU’s main campus: April 20 - The Nest: A group of non-students inside of a vehicle were verbally harassing Nest residents. Police arrived and told them to leave and they complied. April 21 - Controller’s Office: An investigation is being conducted on a possible check fraud. April 28 - Controller’s Office: An NEIU issued check was stolen and cashed in by the offender. The investigation is still ongoing. May 3 - Library: An unknown offender vandalized the washroom stall by damaging the sensors and paper dispenser. May 6 - J-Building: An unknown offender stole the speaker cables from the dance studio. May 8 - Fine Arts Building: A bomb threat was called to NEIU and the graduation ceremony at UIC. Police did a sweep of both campuses and nothing was found, but it is currently under investigation. The following incident occurred at El Centro on April 26, 2017: April 26 - El Centro: An unknown offender stole a pair of headphones from an unattended office.
Opinions
The Independent Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Brett Starkopf Managing Editor Robin Bridges Production Editor Pablo Medina News Editor Sarahy Lopez Opinions Editor Danny Montesdeoca Sports Editor Megan Couty Arts & Life Editor Bisma Zafar Online Editor Christian Gralak Marketing and Advertising Director Christopher Starnawski Payroll Manager Cheryl Johnson
Independent Staff Writers Spencer Jones Marcin Machnik Grant Spathis Regina M. Torres
The Independent is a public forum for the university and community around Northeastern Illinois University. The Independent is completely student run and receives no prior review of its content by anyone other than its student editors. Views presented do not necesarily represent those of the administration, faculty or students. The Independent is a member of the Illinois College Press Association nd Associated Collegiate Press.
Being Miss USA is a privilege, health care is not Kára McCullough, the 2017 Miss USA, is an emergency preparedness specialist at the NRC. She works in the agency’s Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response, where she reviews emergency plans for both new and operating nuclear facilities, including nuclear power plants | Courtesy of Nuclear Regulatory Commission via Flickr
Robin Bridges Oh here we go, another article about Miss USA. I promise this article is not about the black, nuclear chemist, HBCU alumna from Washington, D.C. who was crowned Miss USA on May 14 and what she said about health care being a privilege for people with jobs. It is, however, about why we got so upset about what she said. When asked, “Do you think affordable health care for all U.S. citizens is a right or a privilege?” As a contestant Kara McCullough responded, “I’m definitely going to say it’s a privilege.” “As a government employee, I am granted health care and I see firsthand that for one have health care you need to have jobs,” She continued. So therefore, we need to continue to cultivate this environment that we’re given the opportunity to have
health care as well as jobs to all the American citizens worldwide.” After her crowning and some backlash from the public, she went on to clarify that she meant that she is privileged to have health care because of her job. Not that only people with jobs can have health care. So, let's start with the question. If someone has to ask you whether health care should be a right or a privilege in your country, the first thing to realize is that it is currently a privilege. If it were a right then everyone would have it and the question would be moot. In other words, health care is treated as a privilege in the most powerful country on the planet. Let that sink in. It is not yours by default. No care for your body. No care for your mind. No care for you. Period. Around the world approximately 58 countries have some form of Universal Health Coverage. Even third
world countries with starving children we see in those sad commercials have it in some form. Countries like Rwanda, Tunisia and Botswana have huge government run free health care for their citizens. And yet, in America we squabble over men having to pay for OB-GYN services or women having to pay for prostate exams. Nonsense. Medicaid and Medicare, health care for the poor and elderly, is not a right for those who need it most. You must apply and risk being denied for one arbitrary reason or another, if you even have the capacity to apply at all. A right by definition is: “something that one may claim as properly due,” according to Merriam-Webster dictionary. Meaning it is yours whether you want or need it. Health care does not fall the category of a right for all citizens in America. This being the case, why were
so many people upset when they thought a nuclear chemist was saying only those with jobs can receive care? That is the system we have. A system from which many benefit, including her. This system prioritizes those with jobs – and money – to more comprehensive care over those who have little or no money. Even those who benefit from Medicaid and Medicare – once they hunt down a doctor who accepts the backlogged, slow paying and generally overwhelmed insurance – tend to receiveless quality care. While this has improved with Obamacare and it's access to more insurance options for more Americans, the fact remains that no one is guaranteed health care. So, why don't we let the new Miss USA off the hook and move on. Health care will be a right when everyone has it, until then it's simply a privilege.
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Crafting a fresh take on Danny Montesdeoca The session beer, a beer with an alcohol content of 5 percent or lower, is a style that’s just now generating some sort of buzz in the American drinking scene. But is it out of place? American culture has a “more is better” mentality. In the beer scene, that refers to alcohol by volume. Compared to our European beer drinking counterparts, the session beer is tradition. In the U.K., porters were the go-to drink of the working class because of its low alcohol content. They were able to slam a couple beers during their lunch break and go back to work without skipping a beat. These porters hovered around 4.5 percent ABV.
In Germany and the Czech Republic, lagers are tradition and tradition is sacred. Lagers are typically brewed to hover at or just under 5 percent ABV. Here in the U.S., we’re fans of Double IPAs, American strong ales, anything barrel-aged and anything with “imperial” in its name – which is only used to describe a high ABV beer. So, are session beers out of place in American drinking culture? It would seem so after a night out in Wrigleyville, but session beers are catching on. Founder’s All Day Session IPA can be found in every liquor store and major supermarket. Chicago’s very own Pipeworks recently released their Mango Guppy Session IPA
which is one of the most flavorful IPA’s I’ve tried so far this year and has become a fridge staple. Sour ales, which have a fruity tartness to them, are a style that’s rapidly gaining popularity. These beers tend to be low in ABV, the only criteria for a session beer. People have started getting over the thought that craft beer is for pretentious, pinky-out hipsters, and are realizing that beer is so much more than what the macro-breweries are putting out.
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session beers A few years back Budweiser launched an ad that took shots at the craft beer scene. The ad said that they brew beer that isn’t meant to be “fussed over” while showing a mustached man sipping beer out of a a glass that is shaped like a tulip but rather it’s brewed for drinking. Much to the dismay of macro-breweries, the craft beer scene has grown since the commercial was aired. According to Fortune.com the US reached a record high 5,000 breweries in 2016,
and that number is still growing. A testament to the demand for more craft beer to be “fussed over.” Hopefully, the same fate awaits session beers. I do see the trend catching on especially since sour ales – a low ABV, fruity and tart beer – are making a rapid comeback. The main reason I see this trend catching is because any style can be a session beer and more people are getting into craft beer. Craft breweries are also starting to make lagers, instead of just IPAs and stouts, in order to get macro-beer drinkers to hop on the craft beer bandwagon. And true to European tradition, these beers typically are low in ABV. There isn’t anything wimpy about the session beer, there is only beer.
Arts & Life
Frog Splash: Diving in with the Frogmen By Marcin Machnik
T
ime was the biggest enemy but Doug Carbol, a 34-yearveteran for the Chicago Fire Department, knew that finding the victim in the dark freezing water of Lake Michigan in a matter of seconds would be a matter of life and death. The Chicago Fire Department Helicopter Dive Team received a call for a car in Lake Michigan. When the rescue helicopter arrived on the scene, there were fishermen pointing 200 yards out from the break wall. Carbol dropped into the water. A member of the "Frogmen," the Chicago FD dive team, jumps into water (above). Doug Carbol (next page), a 34-year-veteran of the dive team, said the team prepares in the water everyday. | Photos courtesy of Chicago FD
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“With four to five inches of visibility in front of me, I started my search. I didn’t have a location, somebody is just pointing,” Carbol said. “I just stopped for a moment and prayed, ‘help me find the car, Lord.’ Something told me to turn to my left and did one kick-bamright into the tire of the car.” Carbol managed to get the woman out and onto shore, where she was revived. For the Divers of the Chicago Fire Department, this is the norm. In order to be prepared for these calls the divers train in the water everyday. All scuba divers are formally trained firefighters of the department. In order to become a part of the scuba team one needs to go through intensive water training and acquire many certifications. Training conditions include polluted water, black water and extreme ice conditions. Carbol was among some of the first instructors, along with his father, Doug Carbol Sr. for the Chicago Fire Department Air-Sea Rescue Team. During the 1970s, Carbol remembered visiting his father at work, and watching the divers train. They typically performed drills along the lakefront. The divers wore a neoprene suit that allows the divers to stay warm for a short amount of time. As technology advanced, the team was introduced to dry suits. These suits allowed the divers to stay warm and dry as well as protected from hazardous water conditions. Full face masks were added to allow underwater communication diver-to-diver, diver-toshore or diver-to-helicopter. Carbol recalls several memorable moments on the job. One of these times was on Christmas Eve. Around 10 p.m., the rescue helicopter was dispatched to Wolf Lake, on Chicago’s southeast side, for a car in the water. Upon arrival, the helicopter made several passes around the area to find the victims. Because of darkness and heavy blizzard conditions the visibility was limited. They spotted a victim waving his hand above his head. Carbol was deployed from the helicopter and was able to get a hold of the victim and put him in a horse collar (a harness used to secure people to be lifted out of the water by a helicopter).
A second victim was spotted and placed on an inflatable raft. Both victims were brought to shore and survived. Dangers on the job are extremely high. Carbol recalled the time he was trapped underwater in a tunnel at the Jardine Water Purification Plant, 1000 East Ohio St., which is one of the largest capacity water filtration plants in the world. “The water was 32 degrees and there was no visibility,” Carbol said. He was in the tunnel for almost 20 minutes. “My first choice of course was to get out and not panic so that I could find my way back through the tunnel,” he added. The dive suit that were used were so contaminated that they had to be thrown out. The logo of the Scuba Team was originally designed by Carbol and his son Tyler, which was later adopted by the the Chicago Fire Department as their official logo. The frog was inspired by the nickname divers were given, “Frogmen”. An American flag and the city skyline were added after 9/11 by Carbol and fellow dive team member Chris Zon. T-shirts with their logo have become very popular and are sold through various firehouses and online. Carbol’s love for the water and helping people inspired him to join the fire department. His advice for anyone interested in joining the dive team is to become an EMT and stay physically active. “It’s a fantastic job” he said, “but one needs to be prepared to see blood, trauma and death.” As far as Carbol is concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
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FREAKY FAST! FREAKY GOOD! ®
A&L
Comics to look forward to this summer Grant Spathis Black Panther Vol. 3, Marvel Comics
WE DELIVER!
Ta-Nehisi Coates (writer) & Brian Stelfreeze (artist)
TO FIND THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM ©2017 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Arguably the best comic book series of the last 10 years, social critic and best-selling author Ta-Nehisi Coates crafted a wonderfully thought out story of revolution, democracy and monarchy in modern culture. Culminating in a truly breathtaking conclusion, “Black Panther Vol. 3” brings this story to a close, setting the stage for coming events that will truly change the truth of Black Panther and his story. If you purchase any one comic book, it should be this one. Available online and at retailers nationwide now
“Bitch Planet” is as vulgar as it sounds but in a way many would not expect. Instead of relying on tired stereotypes of females in comics, DeConnick and company crafted a story centered on a prison planet solely for “non-compliant” women. In a time where misogyny and toxic masculinity are at center stage in American halls of power, this is a vital piece of literature.
Bitch Planet Vol. 2, Image Comics
Kelly Sue DeConnick (writer), Valentine de Landro (artist), & Taki Soma (artist)
Available online and at retailers nationwide on May 31st.
Hawkeye: Kate Bishop Vol. 1, Marvel Comics by
Kelly Thompson (writer) & Leonardo Romero (artist)
A rollicking detective tale with a quietly brilliant social critique, “Hawkeye: Kate Bishop” has seen a truly great start this year. One of the more beloved characters of recent years, Kate Bishop has taken on the mantle of Hawkeye and has done an incredible job at it. Whip-smart, truly hysterical and with some of the most creatively drawn action scenes in years, "Hawkeye: Kate Bishop" is a series to watch as it moves deeper into its run. Available online and at retailers nationwide on June 13th.
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Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Vol. 3, Marvel Comics Amy Reeder (writer), Brandon Monclare (artist), & Natacha Bustos (artist)
Moon Girl, also known as Lunella Lafeyette, is a 9-year-old super genius (and the smartest person in the Marvel Universe). Her best friend is a 30-foot-tall dinosaur transported here by a magic rock. In Vol. 3, Lunella will begin taking on her first major supervillain. A fast paced adventure, with some seriously silly and funny dialogue. This is a series that anyone looking to get into comics should start with! Available online and at retailers nationwide July 11.
Where “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” are the light, “Monstress” is the dark. The tale of a half human, half wolf hybrid, caught in the midst of a brutal civil war. Her power is unparalleled and many wish to use her for it. A deeply unsettling story of power, violence, propaganda and war, “Monstress” tackles big questions and does so with grace. The brutal but beautiful artwork of Sana Takeda is some of the best produced in the last handful of years.
Monstress Vol. 2, Image Comics Marjorie Liu (writer) and Sana Takeda (artist)
Available online and at retailers nationwide on July 11th.
Unstoppable Wasp Vol. 1, Marvel Comics Jeremy Whitley (writer) and Elsa Charretier (artist)
A bright, kid friendly romp, “Unstoppable Wasp” tells the story of Nadia Pym, the secret daughter of Hank Pym a.k.a. Ant-Man. Nadia is pure bubblegum: happy, friendly, and brilliant. While she may be a trained fighter, brilliant scientific mind and superhero capable of shifting her size, Nadia prefers to avoid fighting and instead prefers to talk to the villains she faces. That is just part of the overall positive message Nadia is pushing, as she struggles with her past and future, as a superhero and scientist capable of changing the world. Available online and at retailers nationwide on September 12th
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Sports Regina M. Torres As of Feb. 28, Chicago’s own Windy City Rollers women’s roller derby league has been ranked No. 35 out of 399 member leagues belonging under the umbrella of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. Off to a strong start this year, the Windy City Rollers’ A and B travel teams, the All-Stars and Second Wind respectively, hosted their first home bouts of the season on April 19 at the Broadway Armory Park in the city’s North side neighborhood of Edgewater. Kicking off the action was Second Wind’s match—winning with a final score of 237-199—against the Arbor Bruising Co of the Ann Arbor Derby Dimes. Before moving onto the second bout of the night consisting of the All-Stars versus the Evil Twins travel team of the Twin City Derby Girls , the audience was treated to a halftime performance given by the Comedy Dance Collective. This is when the Independent had the chance to interview 27-yearold All-Stars blocker Ren “Mack Savage” Lahvic. Lahvic went over some roller derby basics and history, as the sport is unique to Chicago in multiple ways. Roller derby actually got started in Chicago in the 1930’s by Leo Sultzer. "Back then, it was all dudes literally skating in a circle for hours, with no hitting either,” Lahvic said. “In the 70’s/80’s, modern derby started with the hitting. It became a more women-empowerment sport.” By 2004, the Windy City Rollers became one of the founding members of the WFTDA, riding the rebirth wave of roller derby. Today, there are about 110 skaters and 30-50 volunteers for the Rollers team.
Windy City Rollers team on a roll (Bottom) Ann Arbor Derby Dime's jammer "Dreamy McTransPants" (second from left) taunts "Isabell Allend-ya" of the Double Crosser's of the Windy City Rollers as the bout begins. | Robin Bridges
However, as the league is not professional yet and many members hold day jobs, Lahvic describes the league as “a sorority with more tattoos.” Lahvic estimates 500-700 skaters have joined the league over the past thirteen years, with many keeping in contact with one another after they leave. Windy City Rollers’ members range in age from 18-50-something and four members play in the Roller Derby World Cup, including Lahvic. “I’m a quarter Korean, so I play for Team Korea. There’s also Team Finland, West Indies and Japan.” The team consists of five players: one jammer, one pivot and the rest are blockers. In Lahvic’s words, “The jammers are like the ball. They score points by passing opposing team members. The blockers help their jammer through while stopping the other team’s jammer. What’s interesting is that both teams play offense and defense at the same time.” Just like the cult following surrounding roller derby games and culture, Lahvic’s enthusiasm for the sport is apparent. “Roller derby is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Before derby, I was a meek human being. Everything scared me! If there are any women out there that have thought of playing, I say do it!” Training camps for those women – and men – interested in being a roller derby badass start up in July. The All-Stars will face off against Alvin, Texas’ Third Coast at the Broadway Armory at 6 pm on June 17. The Broadway Armory is located at 5917 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60660. For more information visit the Windy City Rollers’ website windycityrollers.com.
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Get out the house: Stay active this summer Spencer Jones Summer ‘17 is fast approaching, and if last week’s weather was an indicator for what’s to come, then we should be in for a time to remember. Summertime Chicago is known for the numerous music and food festivals around the city, but there are opportunities to keep yourself in shape while enjoying the scenery. Here’s a few ways to stay active outdoors this summer in Chicago:
If lifting weights is not your thing, then Grant Park in downtown Chicago has something for you. SummerDance has taken off in the past few years, offering a diverse background of music genres for you and your family to get loose to. The four month long event begins in the evening, so if you have a 9 to 5, you’ll still be able to participate. On certain days they offer dancing classes that are followed by music relating to the dance style you just learned. The best part is that it’s all free. Good for couples, families, friends or people who have a tenden-
Lakefront Trail - All year long If you’re interested in sightseeing, but don’t want to pay the absurd amount for a trolley, the Lakefront Trail is just for you. The trail is 22 miles long and it takes you from the Southeast side of the city toward the Evanston area. On any given day, thousands of people could be on the
trail with their rollerblades, bicycles, skateboards or running shoes. While exercising, you’ll come across Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, the Museum of Science and Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center, the Chicago River and a host of Chicago known beaches. One thing to remember is that the warmer the weather, the more likely the trail could be congested with traffic.
Early morning before work is an ideal time for those that are looking to maximize space. Bicycle Tours - All year long, when weather permits Want to do more sightseeing than the Lakeshore Trail permits? Then you need to rent a bike and tour the city. Numerous segway tours like Bike and Roll and Bobby’s Bike Hike Chicago are available for an inexpensive price tag. Each company has different bike routes that feature a tour guide. If you’re looking for more freedom on your bike tour, then grab a Divvy bike and get rolling. Sports at the Park District - All Year long Playing at the Chicago Park Districts is fun year long, but there’s an added incentive to playing in the summer. Playing a pickup basketball game at Rainbow Beach as the sun sets behind you, teaming up with colleagues
for a company softball game, listening to music from the nearby festival and swimming in the pool while fireworks fly above you are all things to look forward to.
If you check the Chicago Park District’s website for their calendar of events, you’ll be able to see the activities offered in your area for you and your family.
Loving couple looking for a young woman for egg donation. Must be between 18-27 years old, Middle-Eastern or Caucasian, brown hair, brown eyes, height 5'2" -5'9". College educated or attending college, healthy and no serious illness in family, smoke and drug free, and a healthy BMI. Must be willing to travel to Naperville or Plainfield on multiple occasions. Please include a photograph with your application. We are working with a reputable doctor, Dr. Randy Morris. This is an anonymous donor program, your health and confidentiality will be respected. Please go to Dr. Morris donor website at www.ivf1match.com to complete your application and use reference code AD2015. Donor compensation is $5000 and will be given to donor when egg retrieval has been completed.
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Dance in the Park - June 23 to Sept. 14
cy to tune everyone out on the dance floor.
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Summertime games heat up the competition at the next BBQ Megan Couty With Memorial Day weekend approaching, summer barbecue season is about to be in full swing. While the burgers are grilling and the drinks are being poured it’s tradition to play some games. Here are a few fun games to try at your next party to get a little friendly competition going.
board but not in the hole you get one point. First team to earn 21 points wins. You can even play with cancellation rules, meaning that if one team gets the bag in the hole and the other team also gets a bag in the hole in the same round, those points cancel out. This game is great to play tournament style or in individual rounds.
Bags Whether you call it bags or cornhole, this game is a summer classic. You split into two teams of two and each team takes turns tossing the beanbags. If you get the bag into the hole you get three points, if it’s on the
Slip ‘N Slide Baseball For those extra hot summer days Slip ‘N Slide baseball is my go to. You will need either four Slip ‘N Slides or four strips of tarp and a wiffle ball set in order to play. Start by setting up the Slip ‘N Slides into a baseball diamond and
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hosing them down. After choosing teams flip a coin to see which team will bat first. When the batter hits the ball they must Slip ‘N Slide into the bases; get tagged and you’re out. Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe Tic-tac-toe has never been so fun. First start out by making a tictac-toe board in the grass; this can be done either by using spray paint, pool noodles, rope, etc. The only other things you will need are 10 Frisbees, which you can find at Walmart or Target. Players must stand 30 feet from the board and try to toss the Frisbees into the tic-tac-toe board. First person to get three in a row wins. You can play individual games or you can play tournament style. Sponge Races This is a great water game for the little ones. The goal of this game is to take your sponge, soak up as much water as you can from one bucket, and deliver it to the other bucket at the finish line. The second bucket should be marked so that the runners know how much they need to fill. You can do this individually or in relay teams, depending on how large the group is. You will need two buckets and one dish sponge per individual or team. Fill one of the buckets with water and place that in front of the racer; the other bucket will go on the opposite side of the yard or wherever the designated finish line is. First runner or team to fill their empty bucket to the marked line wins. These are just a few of the great summer barbecue games out there. What are your favorites?