Etownian Issue 10 - December 10, 2009

December 10, 2009 • Volume 106, No. 10

On the Web: www.etownian.com

One Alpha Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298

in the community

Parade of Lights illuminates the streets of Elizabethtown Erin M. Hensel Staff Writer

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oliday spirit, community pride and hundreds of twinkling lights were out in full force Friday night as Elizabethtown residents gathered to watch this year’s Holiday Parade. The annual event marked the official beginning of the holiday season in downtown Elizabethtown, and the community turnout, as well as the parade itself, was larger than ever this year.

Following this year’s theme, “Parade of Lights,” over 50 community businesses and local organizations, including children’s groups and non-profits, decorated cars, trucks, trailers and floats with Christmas lights and other holiday-themed displays.

Cub Scout packs and Girl Scout troops also marched the route; the children dressed up in costume, and some decorated floats according to the themes they chose.

The Holiday Parade is all about the children. Many long-term residents have been coming out for the parade every year, first with their children, and now with their grandchildren.

Cheryl and Tom Beachler, Etown residents for the past 25 years, used to bring their children when they were little. They stopped coming for a while after their children got older, but they returned this year, now with their young granddaughter, Mikaela.

Etown residents Sherri Geyer and Laura Parkins have been regular attendees of the parade for many years, and they know that a integral aspect of the parade is the children and giving them something to celebrate. “I love watching the kids’ faces and seeing their reactions,” Geyer said.

Kids enjoy admiring the different floats and seeing other children dressed up and participating, but most of all, they love when the parade members toss candy to onlookers. Geyer’s 6-year-old son, Cameron, was excited to share his favorite part of the parade, loudly exclaiming one word: “Candy!”

Mikaela had the same response, although she made it very clear that she didn’t like all the noise.

Residents also enjoy the friendly environment of the Holiday Parade. Geyer and Parkins agreed that “it’s nice to have community events like this,” and Cheryl Beachler said she “enjoys the community atmosphere at this event; it’s fun.”

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Geyer and Parkins also mentioned a few other holiday traditions that many Etown residents enjoy: on New Year’s Eve, there is an M&M drop at the town square, and during the Christmas season, children can visit Santa on the square.

This year’s Parade of Lights was true to its name. Girl Scouts and Brownie troops lit up the street in elf costumes and pajamas, pulling carts full of lighted Christmas trees and wrapped presents. One glowing, feathery float contained the angels of yet another Brownie troop.

Snoopy and Charlie Brown must have been exhausted by the end, because they made at least three appearances on various Christmas-themed floats, all decorated with lights and snow. Not to be left out of the holiday excitement, senior citizens from the Elizabethtown Area Senior Center rode the route, piling into a bright red pick-up truck, proclaiming “Ho ho ho!”

As the parade went on, more and more elaborate floats appeared between the company cars and groups of children. Alice and the Cheshire Cat had tea on Shearer Welding’s colorful and imaginative float, entitled “Our Queen of Hearts in Wonderland.” Perhaps one of the most impressive floats was the Masonic Village’s landscape of both live and artificial trees, all wrapped in colored lights that blinked to the tunes of 20 different Christmas carols.

Representing local schools, the Etown Middle School and High School marching bands played holiday medleys as they marched, and members of the color guard twirled their flags and batons in time.

Children were holding out for the most exciting part of the parade, which came at the very end. Santa and Mrs. Claus glided up the street in a red sleigh, pulled by a spirited white horse adorned with red and green ribbons. Besides the candy, this was the all-around favorite part of the Parade of Lights for the children who attended.

The parade stepped off from the corner of College Avenue and South Market Street at 7 p.m., then slowly made its way up to East High Street and came back down along South Spruce Street, finishing the route. The event lasted until shortly after 8 p.m.

One notable difference from previous years that many residents agreed upon was the size of the parade. The Beachlers said that this year’s parade was a lot bigger than

Students share stories from abroad Students report back about their globetrekking from Australia to France. Read all about their memories.

Features, page 4

in previous years ­— “and much warmer,” Cheryl added. Possibly the warmer weather can account for the large turnout; last

-run TV station, set up in Center Square and filmed the parade, announcing each participant as the floats went by. The College also broadcasts the parade on ECTV, making it available to the community for viewing — especially for those who missed the actual event.

Because so many children are involved in the parade, lining up and preparing for the march can be quite an ordeal. Elizabethtown Sporting Goods and Elizabethtown Mennonite Church

year, the parade saw more than 1,000 residents lining the streets, and this year the streets were packed again.

The Holiday Parade tradition began more than 20 years ago, and it is organized each year by the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Office. They accept entrant applications starting in August or September of each year. Sponsors for this year’s Parade of Lights include the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown and Parkside Dentistry.

Because of the ever-growing number of participants, it takes a great deal of work to organize such a large event in the middle of town. According to information from a Chamber representative, the parade has been staged by Keith Hilsher and Craig Dimmig for the past two years. To organize the event, they plan out the parade along College Avenue, give the participants numbers, and then make contact with each participant a week before the parade.

Hilsher and Dimmig explain to each entrant where to go when they line up on parade night, and they organize a team of people who help with this process.

Etown College also plays an important role in making the Holiday Parade a success.

This year, ECTV-40, the College’s student

Classic vs. modern movies How does “Twilight” measure up to “Gone with the Wind”?

See how they compare.

Centerfold, pages 8 & 9

eased the process by providing cookies, hot cocoa and restrooms for the participants on the big night.

Elizabethtown Borough also assisted in preparing for the event. Kenny Dyer, who secured cones so that Santa’s Castle in the town square could be set up without interference. He also made sure the judge’s stand and ECTV were provided with the electricity they required. The police department and the fire police blocked off the necessary streets. The Rotary Club began using a group of members as extra fire police several years ago, and they also help with the parade.

Without the assistance of so many organizations, businesses and members of the Etown community, the 2009 Parade of Lights would never have been possible. The ongoing support of many individuals and groups perpetuate the holiday tradition that Etown residents have enjoyed for decades and will hopefully continue to enjoy for many years to come.

Campo Blotter What snowy shenanigans have been happening lately? Check out the blotter to see!

Campus Life, page 10

MTV teaches?

Music television is the new guide for life’s little dilemmas.

See how they can help solve your problems.

Opinion, page 12

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news

the Etownian

December 10, 2009

on campus

The

Jayd-ed edge

Rachel A. Marsteller News Editor Cow lick A Tennessee man's homeowners insurance apparently doesn't cover "acts of cow."

Jerry Lynn Davis called the Hawkins County Sheriff 's office Thursday, complaining that a neighbor's cows had been licking his house. In the process, Davis says the curious bovines did about $100 worth of damage by ripping off a window screen, cracking the glass and pulling down a gutter.

The Kingsport Times-News reports that Davis' home is just a couple of feet from a fence enclosing the cows' pasture. The animals managed to poke their heads through the fence to lick the house, though a deputy's report did not indicate what made the house so tasty.

Deputy Chris Funk was able to contact the cows' owner, who said he'd take care of the problem.

Food fight A 25-year-old Port St. Lucie, Fla. man was arrested for allegedly rubbing a hamburger on his wife's face during an argument. Police said Daniel Boss and his wife got into the altercation late Thursday night and started calling each other names. At some point, the woman apparently poured soda on Boss' hamburger, causing him to grab the sandwich, rub it in her face and start throwing food.

Boss left, but his wife went to the police station to report the incident.

Officers arrested him three hours later on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge.

Bad breath bandit He could be called the "Bad Breath Bandit."

Police in a Detroit, Mich. suburb are looking for a bank robber who tellers say has crooked yellow teeth and particularly bad breath.

The Detroit Free Press reports that Ferndale police say the man hit the same Charter One branch in October and again last week.

Lt. William Wilson says tellers remember the man as tall, thin and "having very offensive breath and real yellow teeth." Witnesses also claimed that he looks and smells dirty.

Police say he showed bank employees a note that demanded money. He implied he had a gun, but tellers didn't see any weapon.

The suspect escaped with about $1,000 in the latest robbery.

Compiled from http://www.myway.com.

Slow economy affects holiday spending general, people are doing whatever they can not to break their bank accounts.

“I am always up for saving money, so if Wal-Mart and Target have what I want, I will t’s the most wonderful time of the year,” go there first, ” senior Stephanie Dougherty or so the popular Christmas tune tells us.

This year, however, many families are find- said. “If they do not have what I want, it is ing it difficult to fund the holiday season. not a big deal to me. I will just go find it at With the unemployment rate at 10.2 percent another store.”

Not everyone has found it a necessity to this past October (the highest it has been shop at well-known discounted stores. It is since April 1983), finding a extremely easy to reason to celebrate has proven shop for items onarduous in recent months. line, and Amazon According to the Bureau of had items such as Labor Statistics, the number phones and iPods of unemployed adults has on sale for 30 perincreased from 558,000 to cent off during the 15.7 million. Data from the Black Friday shopU.S. Department of Labor Image: dabblestudios.com ping rush. show that since the start of the “Normally, I do recession in December 2007, The downturn in the economy has families feeling the squeeze. my holiday shopthe number of unemployed Many department stores are ping at the mall has risen by 8.2 million and lower prices and families are or other big chain the unemployment rate has seeking alternatives. stores, but this year, grown by 5.3 percent. StaI also bought tickets to concerts from tistics from the Los Angeles Times show employers cut more than 190,000 jobs just Ticketmaster and stuff from Vera Bradley last month and our country’s national debt online,” Dougherty said. “I normally have stands at just over $12 trillion. Due to the a budget, but if I go over a little bit, I think economic crisis, large department stores it is okay because it's Christmas.”

For some, it is merely a convenience issuch as Macy’s and Sears are being forced sue.

Not everyone has time to shop around to lower prices in order to compete with for the best prices at each location. That’s already discounted stores such as Wal-Mart why already discounted stores are a sure-fire and Target.

“Even high-income families are cutting way to get a fairly low price, even if the items back on spending; therefore, high-end stores are not exactly what one wanted. might find it difficult to attract free-spending customers as in years past,” Dr. Sanjay Paul, associate professor of economics and business department chair, said.

With a majority of people paying very close attention to their spending habits this holiday season, the more expensive department stores may be in trouble.

“People have less income to spend so they are going to be more careful,” Paul said. “The appeal of places like Wal-Mart and Target continues to increase.”

Stores such as Target and Wal-Mart present a more reasonable way to shop for less. According to http://www.CNNmoney. com, Target sold coffee makers and toasters for a mere $3 this past Black Friday. Certain clothes and toys were discounted at 50 percent off, and even high definition televisions went for as low as $246. Target also offered a $10 gift card if one spent more than $100 between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Black Friday.

“I usually don’t spend that much in the first place, so my spending habits will not change a whole lot,” first-year Janelle Felegi said. “I always look for sales when shopping, and whatever I do buy is usually on sale. It is rare for me to get something at its normal price.”

With a large amount of people feeling the hardships that accompany the downturn of our economy, holiday shopping this season could quite possibly be cut short.

“I think that my spending will definitely change this year for the holidays,” sophomore Kelsie LeVan said. “I still plan on buying everyone I usually do a gift for Christmas, but I will be more conscious of what I am buying this year and not just spend my money on useless objects.”

It is no secret that money is tight and that people are doing whatever they can to save. Whether it is pocketing a few dollars because of sales or just cutting back in Huntley C. McGowan Assistant Layout Editor

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“The shopping I have done so far has not been at Wal-Mart and Target. If I do get gifts there, it will not be because of their prices, but because that is the best store to get whatever I am looking for,” LeVan said.

“I am not limiting the stores I shop at to Wal-Mart and Target, but they are definitely places I would consider going.”

A few stores have already felt the wrath of the harsh economic downturn this holiday just with Black Friday sales.

The economy has made many aware of their holiday spending habits, and this fact will be in the back of people’s minds when shopping.

While some have just begun to cut back on their expenses this year, others say that they have never really indulged in buying for the holiday before.

“I won't change my spending habits because of the economy,” junior Bethany Dieffenderfer said. “I've never been one to splurge on Christmas presents, and my family has been cutting down the past few years, so I don't think this year will be too different. We spend a moderate amount of money on Christmas presents, and I don't really expect a change.”

According to http://www.consumerreports.org, several fights and oddities occurred on Black Friday nationwide.

However, these reports reassure that “all shoppers and store employees survived the day with no deaths, major injuries or significant property damage.”

news

December 10, 2009

on campus

the Etownian

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CLEP credits accepted by College; few know advantages Alexis L. Morris Staff Writer

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s the price of tuition continues to increase, students are eager for any way to earn credits at a cheaper price. Although many are familiar with AP credits or community college classes, the general knowledge about CLEP credits is limited.

Introduced by the College Board in 1966, CLEP stands for the CollegeLevel Examination Program. According to http://www.collegeboard.com, the program’s goal is to “[give] you the opportunity to receive college credit for what you already know by earning qualifying scores on any of 34 examinations.” Benefits of this exam include saving money, (the exam only costs $72), freeing up one’s schedule for more advanced and creative classes, and graduating on time. CLEP credits are beneficial for adults who are trying to earn a degree in order to advance their careers or for people who are switching jobs.

There are some limitations that the program itself enforces, as well as some placed by Elizabethtown’s academic program. For example, one cannot take the same exam twice within six months. According to Etown’s 20092010 catalog, the College only allows students to transfer 29 CLEP credits, and they “must be completed prior to the achievement of sophomore status (30 or more recorded college credits).”

Also, if a student has already completed a French course at the College or is currently enrolled in one, he or she will not be able to use the French CLEP credits.

According to the American Council on Education, “CLEP examinations [are] worthy of academic credit recommendations.”

Team members continually review the content of the tests, and they flag items that do not meet their standards so that tests based on constantly changing information; such as science and business law, will remain up to date.

Therefore, the American Council on Education fully approves of the exams and feels that students, who pass the

e t a n e S s t e p Snip S

tudent Senate is happy to introduce “Chirp Chat,” a new interactive feature on the Senate Web site. Students will have the opportunity to leave comments on the postz, which consist of particularly important bits of news from Campus Connections.

Senate members conducted a test of a new online housing selection system with Residence Life. After a mock selection of rooms, they were able to provide feedback for the new system, which should debut in the spring of 2010.

This year’s Junior/Senior Formal event will be sponsored by the class of 2011. Information will be available upon students’ return from winter break in January.

A focus group of Senate members and nonSenate students has been working with the Office of Marketing and Communication following student concerns with Campus Connections and the e-mail system. While a few of the group’s suggestions have already been implemented, the discussion will continue over winter break.

Student Senate has been fighting hard for student rights this semester. Check out what’s been done, what works are still in progress, and what goals will be accomplished during the spring semester online at http://www.

EtownSenate.com.

CLEP test, understand the information just as well as those who took the same subject at college.

So why is it that more students do not take advantage of this opportunity?

One reason has to be lack of publicity.

Retired adjunct professor Maynard Merel took an interest in CLEP credits after learning of the expenses of one course at Etown.

He taught accounting to senior bank and brokerage officials at the New York Institute of Finance, and at Fairleigh Dickinson Graduate School, and was rehired for 23 successive semesters at Brooklyn College.

Although Etown accepts CLEP credits, it is much more difficult to have those credits count. The catalog states that students “may be awarded Elizabethtown College credits … with the approval of the Registrar and the appropriate academic department.”

This added obstacle makes it more challenging for students to have opportunities to save money. “As you know,” Merel stated, “too many col-

leges are looking out for their own financial interests and hiding information about CLEP in order not to lose tuition income.” Merel is so adamant about informing Etown students about the benefit of CLEP credits that he is “ready to come to your college with top notch, experienced professors [who] are currently teaching at colleges near yours and give accelerated courses [over weekends] … for half of what the Elizabethtown course costs a student and guarantee they will pass the CLEP exam or we will refund the tuition they paid us.”

Will students start to utilize CLEP credits more often in order to save money? If the push for acceptance of CLEP credits becomes more forceful, maybe the College will ease up on the restrictions.

Classroom experience is very valuable, “ However,” Merel said, “I am aware of how difficult it is for many families to cover college expenses and believe students deserve to be able to get the many benefits CLEP offers if their college claims to be in the program”.

on campus

H1N1 vaccinations available in KÁV Christie A. Caldwell Staff Writer

Allison Bridgeman, director of Residence Life, thinks this is a wonderful opportunity for students to prevent themselves from contracting the virus. She said the College was gh! You roll out of bed for your 8 a.m. class, only originally unsure if it would be able to provide this vaccine.

Bridgeman believes it is a personal decision students to roll right back into it. You’re coughing. Your head is pounding and hot, but you just can’t seem to get warm. have to make as to whether or not they will get the shot.

She notes that prevention will not only help in the dorms On top of it all, you’re running out of tissues.

Could all of this really have been prevented with a little but also at internships and jobs.

According to Bridgeman, even the professional staff prick in the arm? Or even a quick spritz up the nose? members living in dorms have to Today from 9 a.m. to weigh the pros to cons of the vac4 p.m. in the KĀV is your cine and decide whether to get it. last chance to get the H1N1 Darlene Sommers, coordinavaccination here on campus, tor of housing operations, hopes and it’s free on a first-come, the availability of the vaccine on first-serve basis. campus will reduce the number According to Sandy of H1N1 cases in the dorms. “If Spayd, director of stuit takes six weeks [to take effect] dent wellness and campus and we all go on winter break, health, this injection conit could help spring semester be tains thimerosal, which better,” she said. limits anyone who has an Sophomore Jenna Maioallergy to eggs. rella took advantage of the free Spayd signed ElizabethH1N1 vaccination. town College up with the At first, Maiorella didn’t want state health department to to get the shot because she heard be a certified provider for it could make people sick. She the vaccines. The College Image: nursingcrib.com asked her mother for advice, was able to get a supply from Lebanon Valley College H1N1 vaccine is now being offered to students on who told her she didn’t need (LVC), since LVC obtained campus on a first-come, first-served basis. Many the shot, which came as a relief. students have taken advantage of free vaccines However, sitting in class that the vaccine earlier. being offered. same day, Maiorella got a phone “The federal government call from her mom to tell her that she should get the shot provides the vaccines free, and I did not add an administration fee because all the supplies were free to us,” Spayd said. after all, since she is in the highest risk category for H1N1 “The state health [department] provided the paramedics to as a college student.

After class, Maiorella walked to the KĀV with a friend administer the vaccine because we expected high numbers to get the shot. The deciding factor for her to get vaccinated to be getting the shot.”

According to Spayd, 252 vaccines were administered on was not her mother’s encouragement but the fact that it was campus to students, faculty and staff. “I would guess that free and readily available.

“It was like one, two, three. It was really quick,” Maiorella two-thirds were students,” she said.

Since college-age students are in the highest risk category said. Her arm hurt a little and she had a headache for a day for contracting H1N1, Spayd encourages all students to and a half — but she did not get the flu.

Stop by the KĀV today to get your shot. As a college consider getting vaccinated.

“No vaccine has 100 percent protection, but if you do get student, you are at the highest risk of contracting the virus. the shot and contract the virus, your illness will be shorter Nurses will be available to answer any questions students may have about the vaccination. in duration and less severe,” she said.

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profiles • monthly series • campus events

December 10, 2009 town events • facts & figures• business

in the world

Travelers testify: study abroad is a crazy-good time Andrea M. Matz Sarah A. Merusi Guest Writers

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hances are, at some point during your education at Elizabethtown College, someone has advised you to study abroad. It will “broaden your horizons,” they said. A new culture will allow you to think globally. Another reason might be that you just want to escape the pungent smell of cow manure or the day-to-day routine of Etown. Possibly, a study abroad experience may be a requirement of your major. Regardless of these influences, you fill out one of those cards of interest or visit the study abroad fair and receive information on the programs abroad.

Senior Laura Kuserk took advantage of the opportunity to study at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

Kuserk cites her friends as having an effect on her decision to study abroad.

“All of my best friends decided that they wanted to study abroad, so I thought I’d give it a shot, too,” Kuserk said.

Fellow senior Brandon Stolar studied abroad in Germany. “I studied with BCA [Brethren Colleges Abroad] in Marburg, Germany because it was required for my major. I wasn’t overly excited for it at first, but after the first month, which was in Vienna, Austria, I was contemplating staying the whole year,” Stolar said.

Last year, we spent the year studying through BCA in Strasbourg, France. Our readjustment period this semester has allowed us to reflect on the time abroad and figure out ways to inform you about what it’s like to live and study in another country.

The possibility of a language barrier is one thing to consider. Kuserk sees Australia as a good possibility for those worried about this issue, although she admitted, “Sometimes I couldn’t understand the lingo.” Stolar found the adjustment to a different language to be easier than one

might imagine. He said that he picked up German within his first month.

Then there is the dreaded application process. It really isn’t that bad. For instance, BCA provides an online application that allows you to continuously work on it over a period of time. Generally speaking, you will need to provide letters of recommendation and possibly short essays explaining your interest in the program. The Study Abroad Office on the first floor of Nicarry is always a resource should you run into problems.

Preparation After receiving an acceptance letter, First, you need to choose a program depending on the program, there are based upon either your major or personal different questionnaires to fill out to deinterest. Etown allows you to choose from termine your housing roommate preferences, schooling, etc. The next major step a multitude of programs including: is assuring that you will be legal in the -BCA country to which you are traveling (a.k.a.

-AustraLearn getting a passport and visa). This is not -Herstmonceux (Queens University) -The School for Field Studies for Envi something that you want to put off as the deadlines are restrictive and sometimes ronmental Studies -International Education Programs application turnover can be slow.

In the meantime, think of what items (IEP)

Laura Kuserk makes a friend in Australia

you will need for the time abroad. Yes, you will be provided with all sorts of check sheets on how to prepare for this sort of excursion, but the truth is, pack what is only absolutely necessary because in most countries you can easily purchase toiletries, school supplies and basic living

It was fun comparing the two cultures with the people that I met. Even though there were a lot of similarities there were a lot of differences, too,” Kuserk said. “I think my favorite part was getting to see a part of the world that I know I may never get to see again. Also, getting to hold a baby koala and petting kangaroos was fun, too.”

Coming Back

Brandon Stolar leans against a remaining section of the BerlinWall.

Courtesy photos

items, even clothing. In our experience, after a few weeks in the new country we began to prefer their items rather than what we used in the States.

Remember that airlines have suitcase weight requirements, and you will want space for any new purchases and souvenirs when you return. If you are worried about not being able to pack something, such as a winter coat, it is relatively inexpensive to ship these items. Plus, that would ensure you get mail!

Being There

Our return home was met with mixed feelings. Our perspectives had completely changed because of the things we had seen and done while abroad. We were warned that the reverse culture shock would be worse than the initial culture shock in France, and that was the truth.

For us, reverse culture shock was something much more subdued and gradual.

In comparison to spending a significant amount of time in a foreign country, many incidents back home seemed unimportant and mundane.

Regardless of any fears or anxiety that you may have about studying abroad, you will find that even after you return home you will discover new things about yourself because of the exposure you have gained.

“I became more mature and independent while there and learned a lot about the German culture, and improved my language skills drastically. I met many new people with different viewpoints from my own and developed a better understanding of people. Gaining a different perspective of the U.S. is a huge part of studying abroad,” Stolar said.

The way that you reflect on your adventures will continue to develop and change as you acquire new insights. A “multi-cultural perspective changes your opinion on everything,” Stolar said.

We encourage you to explore the options available and to talk to your advisor about the possibility of going abroad. All in all, it is your decision but know that once you put your mind to it, you can make it work. We don’t regret any sacrifices made in the decision to go abroad. “I left a lot at home when I went abroad — family, friends, girlfriend — but I don’t regret a second of it,” Stolar agreed.

In fact, we wish that it lasted longer.

The first few weeks of living in a new country are like a honeymoon — full of new experiences and beautiful scenery.

You think to yourself, “this could be my home forever” and that “nothing can go wrong.” But this phase doesn’t last too long.

Suddenly, classes get difficult, work piles up and you start to hear stories about things happening at home. This is all part of the challenge of homesickness.

Eventually, you will find your niche, and you will begin to feel at home in your new city. Depending on the length of your stay and the time of year, holidays and festivals can only help to enrich your experience and understanding of the new culture.

If you decide to live with a host family, like we did, you will eat meals and share traditions with your new family.

We celebrated birthdays, saw music and theater performances, and even went on vacation with our host families.

The experience is about more than just going to school every day and hanging out with other students that you knew from the States. It’s about meeting new people, traveling around the country and to other countries and, most of all, learning a new way of life.

Andrea Matz strikes a pose in Austria.

“I knew I’d get homesick, but I ended up going and having a lot of fun.

features

December 10, 2009

the Etownian

staff profile

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Devroop donates instruments to South African children Kaitlyn S. Miller Staff Writer

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3rd grade and ends with a Master’s degree. He wasn’t satisfied with this system.

His adviser would occasionally ask him, “Why not go to an Indian University?” Devroop would simply reply, “I want to study in America.”

However, he was denied several times, receiving nothing but nega-

esy

urt

Co to

pho

ould you imagine all of your free expression taken away from you? Or worse, never being allowed to take part in it in the first place?

Imagine not being able to play basketball, perform the lead in your school play or dance in a recital because the government prevented it.

How would you ever acquire passions or gain talent if you could never find what you were good at? What would you dream? The dream sounds near impossible.

Elizabethtown College music education professor Dr. Karendra Devroop faced such obstacles growing up in South Africa. Devroop’s dreams were made possible when he received a Fulbright scholarship 11 years ago to come to the United States and study music, a passion that he held close throughout his life.

Until the time he came to America, Devroop had never picked up any instrument other than a recorder.

“The government did not allow non-whites to play any other instruments ... all other instruments were reserved for white people,” Devroop said.

Devroop had enormous support from both his mother and father. He lost his parents at a young age but gained something from them that was immense. His father was

a self-taught musician, and his mother valued education above anything else.

“When I was a child, I could hear my father’s band practicing in the room next to me. I stayed up and listened. I could not go to sleep until they were finished practicing,” he said.

Since he was going into the music field, his parents wanted him to earn the highest degree possible. However, in South Africa, schooling starts in

tive responses. Throughout high school, he filled out 10 to 15 applications per year.

Devroop applied for a Fulbright scholarship twice. He was denied the first time but accepted the second time.

Devroop first studied at the University of Texas. He commented on how fierce the competition was and how it was a culture shock in many ways.

“Everything really is bigger in Texas. [There were] big cars, big houses and big boats,” he said. “It amazed me how black and white kids sat together in a classroom, and I questioned why my country couldn’t do that. There was so much opportunity available.”

To give back to his South African heritage, Devroop began an instrument drive that is now going into its third year. He receives donations of instruments, music books and stands from people and large music companies.

These instruments are given to children in South Africa. Schools first apply for the program, and when they are accepted, Devroop and other Elizabethtown colleagues travel to South Africa through the program to donate the instruments and teach children how to play them. At the end of the week, the students put on a concert.

The program helps provide children with options to prevent them from getting caught up in violence, gangs, drugs and prostitution. Unfortunately,

some of these kids have even larger problems.

“Many of these children are also infected with HIV and are the head of their households because of deceased parents,” said Devroop. “I know what it’s like to go through the system. I know how challenging it can be.”

To spread awareness about his program and receive more donations, Devroop will hold a free preview concert for his premier CD titled “Reminiscing” today from 8 to 10 p.m. in Musser Auditorium.

The performance will include some of the best musicians from around Pennsylvania. His CD has received much enthusiasm, not just in the U.S. but in Japan and Russia as well. His CD is available in the school store and on iTunes. http://www.SmoothJazz.com says “Reminiscing” has “the maturity and depth attributed to that of a seasoned recording artist” and “the melody is suave and sophisticated.”

The CD is “reminiscent” of Devroop’s own life growing up in South Africa.

When asked if he had an instance where a single child had a big impact on him, he said, “All of the kids are life-changing.

You have immense respect for a child that walks up to two miles to school just to receive a free meal. Poverty is the least of their worries.”

Devroop is doing all he can to provide a happier life for all of these children by enriching their lives with music.

staff lecture

Scheiding gives advice you never knew you needed Kristy N. Castellini Staff Writer

C

alling all seniors! Students who are interested in advice for life after college, must look no further than Dr. Thomas Scheiding, who gave a presentation Tuesday, Dec. 1 in Hoover. Rather than lecture at his audience, Scheiding spoke to them conversationally. It was a very relevant topic for the audience, since we are all college students who will one day have to break free of this carefree world and face real financial responsibilities.

If you have never met Scheiding, you might think he is a student. It especially seemed this way before this when he came in carrying a bottle of Coca-Cola and immediately initiated a conversation with a student. This is Scheiding’s third year here at Elizabethtown College. He previously taught at Saint Louis University. The Milwaukee Wis. Native received his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame. Sheiding does not have any serious hobbies, but he does spend his free time

researching; he conducts research in two areas. One is saving for retirement, and the other is how much spending contributes to economic growth and competitive nature.

Scheiding’s presentation explained the idea of how to save money and how to go about preparing for future emergencies and which types of insurances people should have. The first advice focused on budgeting. He pondered the question of how much one should save. With this, two different categories of saving exist: short term and long term. Short term savings are also known as the emergency fund, which Scheiding mentioned that he did not have, evoking laughter from the audience. He advised that the amount in this fund should be equivalent to the cost of six months of necessities. Then one must consider the long term. This is essentially money for retirement, which should be about 15% of a person’s annual salary.

Scheiding shared that he did not start saving until his late twenties. He also made clear that the most common mistake for a college graduate is to buy a brand new

car. He believes it is not a necessity if you already have a car that gets you from point A to point B, and that, at the end of the day, is what matters. Also, every graduate has only six months to start paying back his or her student loans. Scheiding shared a quote from his father: “Live within your means;” and that is what he does.

The second piece of advice included saving and investing. Scheiding was very comfortable with sharing his own experiences. He told the audience the amount of his college loans that he has just finished paying off. He explained that he had about $16,000 of loans to pay off, which meant he paid $180 per month with 5.7 percent interest that he paid off after ten years.

Also, student loans are non-dischargeable, and no one can never get out of them, not even by filing for bankruptcy. Scheiding offered the students a helpful tip by telling them to consolidate their debts into one, single loan. “[Consolidating your loans] will lock in the lowest interest rate because every July, they reconstruct the interest rates,” Schei-

ding said. In other words, by consolidating loans, one can get the lowest amount of interest, rather than getting bracketed differently every year.

He then went on to explain the 401k plan and the concept of an IRA. Scheiding said with the 401k, you can get your company to match your pension. He estimated savings of about $16,500 in a year.

Then, with the IRA, he gave an example of accumulating $5,000 a year. You could take the money out before you retire with no penalty, and this can act as your short term emergency fund as well as your retirement fund.

Scheiding also brought up topic of social security and described it as insolvent because, by the year 2042, there will be no money left in the national fund, and the new retirement age will be 67.

The last piece of advice that Scheiding gave referred back to the short term savings and it was that everyone should have an online bank account with an interest rate of 1.5 percent and a traditional account with interest of .25 percent.

6

the Etownian

campus life

movies • music • television • humor • travel

December 10, 2009

lifestyles • arts • advice • college issues

holiday season

Hanukkah celebrated in predominantly Christmas world Ross M. Benincasa Assistant Campus Life Editor

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ut on your yarmulke, It’s time for Hanukkah!

Almost everyone knows this catchy Adam Sandler tune, which can be heard among dozens of other holiday songs littered throughout the Blue Bean’s playlist this time of year.

Unfortunately, Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song” is the extent of many students’ knowledge about Hanukkah. For instance, did you know that Hanukkah means “dedication” and refers to the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabees became victorious over the Assyrians?

Most students at Elizabethtown College, which was once affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, think of Hanukkah as simply eight days of constant presents, but, in fact, its religious roots delve much deeper than even those ingrained into Christmas. Most devout Jews will recite the Hanukkah prayer, which signifies the true meaning of the holiday, three times a day throughout the festival.

With all the history behind

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Hanukkah and the reach for diversity the College has taken recently, one would think there would be plenty of celebration around campus to honor the festival.

However, the majority of the college’s holiday festivities center around Christmas, from the decorations hung throughout the buildings to the ceremony held specifically for the holiday tree lighting.

Luckily, there are ways for Jewish students on campus to celebrate their holiday with friends on campus and within the community.

Although the Elizabethtown community is essentially void of Jewish culture, as only one out of ever y 323 residents claims to be Jewish, the town’s close proximity to Lancaster and Harrisburg brings a more culturally-diverse palette to Central Pennsylvania.

In Lancaster, for example, the Lancaster Jewish Community Center (JCC) will be holding a Hanukkah celebration Dec. 13. The celebration includes live musical entertainment and a candle-lighting

ceremony and finishes off with a family-style dinner. Best of all, the Lancaster JCC is open to all, no matter their location or specific Jewish affiliation.

Though the College is bursting with Christmas décor this time of year, the Jewish student group on campus, Hillel, offers several options for students who want to expand their religious experiences this holiday season.

This past Wednesday, Hillel sponsored its annual Hanukkah party, which consisted of plenty of food, traditional celebration and a small candlelighting ceremony.

Additionally, they will participate in a service trip to the Elizabethtown Masonic Village to celebrate Hanukkah with the 17 Jewish residents who live there.

Club members have also taken some of their time and funding to place posters, signs and menorahs in various places around campus.

Just because you may not be able to make it to one of the on- or off-campus events coming up, that doesn’t mean

you can’t celebrate while you are here at school. There are plenty of things you can do in your own dorm room or with your group of friends to bring some Hanukkah spirit onto our Christmas-laden campus.

Senior Alison Cohen, president of the Etown chapter of Hillel said, “Personally, I decorate the Quad here with Hanukkah decorations and try to spread the love, joy and amazement of the Hanukkah season as many friends are preparing to celebrate Christmas.

“Just as my family and friends celebrate each year at home, each night we light candles on the menorah, sing prayers and give gifts,” she said.

There are many ways to celebrate the Jewish traditions during Hanukkah around campus; however, the College and community give Christmas a much higher significance this time of year, and this can upset many Jewish students.

“I think that every campus can do more to emphasize holidays celebrated by others than the majority,” Cohen said.

“ Though the percentage of Jewish community members may not be as high as Muhlenburg or UPenn, Jewish students and faculty deserve to be recognized and appreciated for their familial traditions just as highly as fellow Christian or Muslim students.”

So this year, even if you are not Jewish, take some time to celebrate Hanukkah and respect the traditions that make this holiday so meaningful.

It’s a great time to get together and show your appreciation for the friends and faculty that make Etown so special and is the perfect way to break down many of the religious barriers attending a private school creates for us.

Just because we may have limited access to events doesn’t mean that you can’t create your own celebration on campus. So fight off the Christmas chants and remember Sandler’s inspirational words: Hanukkah is the festival of lights.

Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights!

December 10, 2009

campus life

the Etownian

holiday shopping

7

College Store plays Santa: find the perfect present

Kara M. Luzik Staff Writer

is a great choice. You can even find green T-shirts printed with clovers for your friends and family of proud Irish heritage.

However, not all Blue Jays will be swiping their IDs at ou’ve forgotten your bed and instead have found yourself sleeping on an oversized chair in the the College Store for Etown apparel. “I feel like I could library during its extended hours. Between finals come up with something more original,” first-year Melissa you find time to grab a turkey pretzel melt from the Mandia said. She plans to shop elsewhere for family and Jay’s and scramble back to your room to pack up friends on her list.

If you are looking for a more seasonal gift, the Coleverything you’ll need for your month-long vacalege Store has your back there, too. Take a look at the tion. Christmas songs blast from every music source within earshot, including the Marketplace speakers, Christmas tree ornaments. Of course; few are stamped WWEC 88.3 and your roommate’s iTunes. Yes, it’s with the Etown logo, but there are other options, too. the week before winter break, and that means the Maybe you have someone on your list who likes to sip holidays are quickly approaching. Don’t panic if you hot cocoa or tea in front of the fireplace. The small selecweren’t one of the 180 million Americans fighting tion of Christmas mugs (in addition to the traditional crowds on Black Friday. You still have time to buy Etown mugs) is a great choice.

You may not have heard, but those Christmas gifts, and “poo” is the new “coal” for this you don’t have to go out of Christmas season. The College your way to find them.

Store has a wide selection of 100 The College Store may be percent recycled journals, each small, but it’s packed with many stamped with a promise that it potential gifts for you to wrap is “Made with real poo!” If the and set under the tree for that organic cotton T-shirt isn’t the special someone to open on right fit for your environmentalChristmas morning. ist, maybe a recycled journal with First-year Kelly Farce a smiley face or peace sign on the plans to buy her younger cover will light up his or her face sister something with the on Christmas morning.

College’s name printed on Even walking by the store, the it. “She wants an Etown NaImage: wheatonparkerdistrict.com Kodak picture kiosk is hard to lgene bottle,” Farce said. “It miss. By simply bringing hard makes her feel cool to have Etown stuff.”

If you have some people on your list who are copies of pictures or digital pictures on a USB drive, glad to unwrap Etown items, the College Store has CD or camera card, you can make prints of just about a very wide selection. For the environmentalist on any size you want. This comes in very handy when the your list, check out the 100 percent organic cotton gift you choose is a picture frame. The College Store’s Etown T-shirt. Perhaps you need something retro; selection of picture frames is diverse and includes the white T-shirt displaying tie-dye Etown letters many styles of Etown-themed frames as well as color-

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ful frames displaying the words “dance,” “coach,” “s o c c e r ” a n d “marching band,” among others.

Planning to buy a gift for a sports fanatic who isn’t an avid follower of the Blue Jays? Don’t worry about that, either; the College Store has a surprising seImage: clker.com lection of NFL memorabilia. You could pick up a 3-D magnet, 3-D 12 oz. cup, or salt and pepper shakers displaying his or her favorite team’s logo.

Don’t immediately go running to Spencer’s Gifts if you prefer to hand out gag gifts. You may actually find something right here on campus. In the back corner, the College Store carries a small selection of nontraditional gifts. Funny toilet paper is the first thing that caught my eye. These 200 sheets of three-ply bathroom tissue are each printed with a picture of a stick figure kneeling beside a toilet under the words “Game Over.”

Beside the toilet paper, you will find the Fanny Bank.

This bank is shaped like a person’s exposed tush, and, that’s right, you drop the coins into the crack. It doesn’t stop there. The box promises: “Drop some loot and hear me toot.”

To top off your gift shopping experience, the College Store has you covered with gift wrap, bags, boxes, bows and ribbon also for sale.

Remember, the College Store is having a sale on all clothing, gift and logo items running through Dec. 18.

holiday movies

Nestle up with a classic as old man winter lets it snow Michael D. O’Connell Staff Writer

eral sequels. It has been shown every year since 1964, making it the longest-running Christmas TV special in history. Emphaeasons greetings, everyone! With the sizing such elements as individualism and holidays just around the corner, it comes companionship, “Rudolph the Red Nosed as no surprise to find the typical Elizabeth- Reindeer” has proven to be quite the crowdtown College student almost drowning in work. The end of the semester is quickly approaching, and many professors use this time to push in that last load of projects and tests before our heavenly month-long winter break. So, you’re probably wondering, “With all this work, how will I find time to unwind?”

Since the beginning of time, the icon that is the holiday movie has played a major role in the joyful experience for countless people Image: t4.jordan.k12 all over the world. Whether it’s the tradition of watching “How The Grinch Stole Christ- pleaser and hopefully will remain that way mas” on Christmas Eve right before you go for years to come. to bed, or sipping eggnog while watching “I remember the first time I watched that “A Charlie Brown Christmas” after open- movie; I was about 6 years old,” junior Scott ing presents, movies play a role in almost Bozworth said. “It’s been around for so long, everyone’s holiday experience. and everyone’s seen it. Definitely a classic.”

So, without further ado — sit back in that comfy chair, make yourself a nice, hot cup “Elf” of cocoa and cozy up underneath a blanket “It’s my favorite Christmas comedy. because this is your holiday movie review. This movie was absolutely hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming,” junior Megan “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” Pinckney said of Will Ferrell’s 2003 film This is, without a doubt, one of the “Elf.” “Elf ” is a great holiday movie that most popular holiday movies of all time. will keep you laughing all throughout the “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” is a season. Unlike many of his movies, Ferrell’s long-running Christmas television special performance as “Buddy the Elf” proves to be that first aired Dec. 6, 1964 on NBC but appropriate for almost all ages and reminds has since been made into a DVD with sev- us all that no matter how “grown-up” or

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mature we get, deep down there’s a kid in all of us. Not only was the film a critical success, but it was a financial success as well – “Elf” made over $220 million at the box office. People will be saying, “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” for countless holiday seasons.

“Polar Express” “The Polar Express” is a computeranimated feature film based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The 2004 movie follows a young boy who has serious doubts about the existence of Santa Claus. He wants desperately to believe but is quickly losing his faith. The sudden appearance of a train in his front yard, however, manages to restore his Christmas spirit in abundance and takes him on a visually captivating journey filled with very important life lessons. Not only is the animation spectacular, but the story itself couldn’t be any more engaging.

“I was skeptical about this one, but I’ll admit I was pretty entertained,” junior Kelly Swigert said. “The animation was really impressive. I’d say definitely check it out.”

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Some movie watchers are desperate to find a good laugh around the holiday season. With the stress of getting the tree, putting up the decorations and wrapping all those presents, a movie that can really give up the laugh will often go a long way.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” never fails to deliver. Chevy Chase is absolutely hilarious in this “sight-gag-andone-liner” homage to the many trials and tribulations of a family Christmas.

“It’s an oldie but goodie,” junior Tom Pagut said. “Chevy Chase was funnier than I thought he’d be.”

“8 Crazy Nights” “8 Crazy Nights” is a 2002 musical comedy produced, written and starring Adam Sandler. The story centers around a man named Davey Stone who is known throughout his town to spread holiday misery – a bit of a “scrooge,” if you will. But when a small, elf-like man named Whitey Duvall invites Davey to work with him at the local community center as a basketball referee, Davey accepts the job and learns to rise above his self-destructive habits in hopes of getting back together with his ex-girlfriend. This movie, ironically enough, is animated – but you’d be better off not taking the kids to see this one. While the visuals are solid and the script is bound to make you laugh, its PG-13 rating keeps it from being a family Christmas movie.

“It was all right,” junior Carrie Chase said.

“I didn’t go into it expecting Oscar material, so I wasn’t disappointed. Some parts were actually pretty funny.”

So remember, when the pressure of schoolwork seems overwhelming, Rudolph, Buddy and Davey are always there to replenish your holiday cheer.

10

campus life

the Etownian

December 10, 2009

groundbreaking feature

New Disney princess makes history Victoria K. Kamouh Staff Writer

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he Princess and the Frog” is based on and inspired by the novel “The Frog Princess” and the fairy tale of “The Frog Prince,” but the story is given quite a twist with its Broadway style and New Orleans setting. It takes place in New Orleans’ French Quarter during the Jazz Age. The newest villain on the big screen, Dr. Facilier, is quite the schemer with his fortune-telling and voodoo magic, which he uses to transform 20-year-old, outgoing, funloving Prince Naveen into a frog.

The frog prince then embarks on an adventure to search for his princess to kiss him and change him back into a human. He finds Tiana, a 19-year-old waitress and aspiring chef who dreams of opening her own restaurant. Stunned by Tiana’s beauty, he kisses her to find that she is not the princess he was looking for and, in turn, transforms her into a frog. Join the princess, the frog and the friends they meet along the way — a trumpet-playing alligator and a firefly — through their adventures to become human once again.

“The Princess and the Frog” marks the 49th animated feature in the list of Walt Disney’s Animated Classics.

Ron Clements and John Musker, who also directed “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin” and “Hercules,” were behind this film. It features the voices of Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jim Cummings, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis and Oprah Winfrey, with music by the Academy Award-winning composer Randy Newman.

“I heard that the music is supposed to be great and different from the previous Disney princess movies because it incorporates not only the story but also the culture behind the movie. I can’t wait to put it on my iPod,” junior Kristyn Algieri said.

This film is Disney’s latest attempt to bring back hand-drawn animation.

The last Disney theatrical release that was completely hand-drawn with no computer animation was “Home on the Range,” released April 2, 2004.

After that, Disney decided to move entirely to computer-generated imagery animation, starting with “Chicken Little” in 2005.

Once new leaders took charge after Disney’s purchase of Pixar in mid 2006, they decided it was time to bring back the hand-drawn animation that everyone loved so much. The company now plans to produce one hand-drawn film every two years.

The directors and animators could not be more ecstatic about this decision because they feel it brings back a personal sense of quality. They loved being able to dedicate all of their time and energy to drawing these masterpieces that are brought to life in a motion picture.

What is even more notable is that this is Disney’s first-ever movie featuring a black princess. It has been over a decade since the last Disney Princess was created, with Mulan in 1998. This is historic and monumental because it shows girls everywhere that dreams do come true regardless of their ethnic backgrounds and cultures.

Diane Elliot, director of diversity at Elizabethtown College says, “The media is a very powerful mechanism,

and in many cases is the sole source of information for many regarding what is known about African-Americans, so I hope that Disney got it right with ‘The Princess and the Frog.”

According to the Washington Post, the implied message associated with Tiana marks a national milestone. Her appearance this holiday season, coming on the heels of Michelle Obama’s emergence as the nation’s first lady, the Obama girls in the White House and a new line of Barbie dolls modeled after black women, will crown an extraordinary year of visibility for AfricanAmerican women. But fairy tales and cultural folklore are the stories that children hear about the world around them, and, considering Disney’s pervasive influence with young girls, Princess Tiana might well become the symbol of a culture-changing standard of feminine beauty.

“I don’t really care what color she is, I’m just super excited about the new film,” junior Kaity Snyder said.

“I think it’s great that they’re coming out with a new princess to add to the group.”

Everyone is excited for this new addition to the Disney Princess line.

Children look up to these characters as people they want to strive to be like, with their glamorous clothes and wonderful fairy tale romances. Even in college, students deck-out their dorm rooms and apartments with Disney Princess paraphernalia, like stickers and posters.

This weekend, “The Princess and the Frog” will be coming to theaters near you. Don’t miss it, as this monumental movie will be hitting the big screen for people of all ages to enjoy!

Ross M. Benincasa Asst. Campus Life Editor Compiled by Campus Security • Nu me rous gol f carts were found vandalized near Brown Building and Brown Lot. No student vehicles were reported to be harmed during the incident.

• An accidental injury occurred in Ober Residence Hall two weeks ago. While playfully roughhousing, two students bumped heads and requested medical treatment. Although their wounds will heal, their pride is still questionable.

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Damaged property was reported behind Leffler Chapel. A truck apparently backed up and smashed into a gate, causing the damage.

•

There were several fire alarms set off this week due to burned popcorn within the residence halls. No actual fires were reported.

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Campus Security was called to assist a sick student this week back to her dorm room. It appears the student simply hadn’t eaten properly — possibly too much burned popcorn?

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A car was stopped by Campus Security on Alpha Drive and cited for traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street.

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Vandalism was reported in Royer Residence Hall that led to a follow-up investigation by Campus Security. An Etown student punched his fist through a window in the dormitory and then ripped a sink out of the wall in the bathroom. The damaged sink caused flooding on the second floor of the building.

•

A faculty member’s child pulled a fire alarm in Thompson Gym this past week. It is the third time the same child has been the cause of a pulled fire alarm on campus. No fire or smoke was found in the gym. Also, congratulations to the child for being the youngest member of the campus community to make it into the Campus Security Blotter.

•

Two noise disturbances were reported in the Hackman Apartments over the past week.

One was due to a loud party and the other was thought to be a mechanical issue with the elevator.

•

A girls’ SDLC had their carbon monoxide alarm go off this past week. Apparently, one of the residents confused the carbon monoxide detector with an outlet cover, which in turn set off the alarm system when she pulled it out to plug something else in..

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Campus Security was called outside of Esbenshade because a male and female were thought to be shouting and fighting. The conclusion, however, was that they were just having a very loud conversation.

•

An ambulance was requested at a Gretna music performance. One of the patrons passed out during the show, and Campus Security had EMTs dispatched to the College.

television premiere

‘Jersey Shore’ outrages locals of state Kelly P. McCormick Staff Writer

In order for the show to accurately depict the lives of Jersey Shore inhabitants, MTV should have incorporated more cast members who actually are New Jersey-ites. he new hit TV show “Jersey Shore,” has the nation in “Half of the people [who] live in that house are from an uproar. While many people are fans of this show, New York anyway, so I don’t think it’s an accurate portrayal others, particularly those from New Jersey, are offended. of what the Jersey Shore is really like,” sophomore Sam The show integrates a group of eight cast members, four Wideman, New Jersey native, said. Wideman makes a valid girls and four boys, from the New point that the show does not reveal York, Rhode Island and New Jersey the complete truth of how Jersey areas. They live in a house located in Shore people actually live. While Seaside Heights, NJ. this show leaves many under the Although the show has only aired assumption that New Jersey is its first episode, there have already filled with boys with bottles of gel been fights, excessive drinking and in their hair, and girls who poof relationships sparking. The cast their hair five inches off their head, refers to themselves as “guidos” and this is, frankly, not true. There are “guidettes.” These stereotypical nickmany New Jersey natives on our Image: mtv.com names match their fake tanned skin, own campus who prove this to toned bodies and gelled hair.“There The cast of ‘Jersey Shore’ poses for a be false. are some people in Jersey [who] are photo on the beach.

It is not only the student body just like those on the ‘Jersey Shore’ show, but more so in that enjoys “Jersey Shore;” our faculty appreciates this North Jersey,” junior Amanda Calabrese, Jersey resident, entertaining show as well. In particular, Assistant Professaid. “I really like the show actually; I think it’s entertaining.” sor of Economics Dr. Tom Sheiding is a big fan. “I love Although Calabrese enjoys the amusing aspects of the show,” Sheiding said. “I did not know what a guido it, the show can actually be viewed as controversial was before it.” to New Jersey natives. While these eight people While we now have an inkling of what really goes on at are living on the Jersey Shore, only one of the cast the Jersey Shore, we cannot assume that every person living members is actually from New Jersey, which raises in New Jersey is like the people on the show. However, this the question: How can you base a show on people assumption is becoming common place among non-New living on the Jersey Shore when only one out of the Jersey-ites. Wideman voiced this frustration: “Now everyeight are New Jersey natives? one thinks they know what it’s like to live there.”

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December 10, 2009

opinion

campus controversies • letters to the editor

the Etownian

11

national debate • our take • guest columns

study struggles

Hide and seek in the library; searching for good sources Amy M. Yoder Staff Writer

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t is that time again. Finals are here, and just about everyone has a paper or project due in the next week that they meant to start two months ago but completely forgot about until now.

So where to start? It is time to get those sources and start working. Anyone on this campus who has ever written a research paper has most likely used the different search engines on the High Library Web site to find articles. For the most part, the search engines work wonderfully and offer everything you could possibly need to write a paper. But what about when you get to that high level class with the obscure paper topic that has no articles written about it? Then you are stuck going back to the 20th century way of researching: thumbing through elusive books.

But has anyone on this campus actually attempted to use the catalogue system for the High Library? No matter what you type in, it seems like your search returns next to nothing. Even if it does show available resources, the catalogue

seems to have very little you could possibly use in a paper. You wonder how in the four floors of the library there is not a single book, microfilm, DVD or article that could help you.

Am I the only one who has this problem?

Granted, as an English major I do write more papers than most students, but at the same time doesn’t everyone need the High Library for sources at one time or another? Around this time of finals, last minute projects and papers, I see more people searching through the stacks of books to find something that can work as a source for a paper.

I have found over the years that the catalogue is extremely flawed. It is not nearly as detailed as it needs to be to actually work. The only way I have been able to find anything in that library is to find the shelves that hold books closely related Image: wordpress.com to my topic and search in the indexes of the books on that shelf. But who honestly has time for that kind of nonsense?

I feel like I am playing a giant game of hide and seek with books that are too smart to be found.

on campus

Three dining facilities comprise, define campus culture Marc C. Weber Assistant Business Manager

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et’s face it; as college students, we are constantly in need of money, and, after many strenuous hours of classes and homework, we need a break to enjoy ourselves. Being poor, it is often difficult to find a source of entertainment at a reasonable cost.

But don’t worry; there is hope!

Luckily, most of us have a meal plan which consists of a certain number of meal swipes and “free” money called Jay Bucks. We can spend our meal swipes and Jay Bucks at the Marketplace, Blue Bean Café and the Jay’s Nest, but what do all these places have in common? Yes, each offers a variety of food options, but they are also common social gathering spots for students. No matter what time of the day

it is there are always a handful of students occupying these spots.

The Marketplace is usually the default option when considering where to dine, but sophomore Tiffany McLelland describes the Marketplace as more than just a place to eat. “I think that the Marketplace staff does a really good job with making it feel like home for us. The Christmas decorations invite you in and make you want to stay and catch up with friends [who] you maybe haven’t seen in a couple of weeks,” McLelland said.

Of course, the Marketplace is the most populated social spot on campus; however, the Jay’s Nest is probably the most popular hangout spot among students. With excellent food options ranging from chicken quesadillas to turkey club sandwiches, the

Jay’s Nest is usually students’ top choice of places to meet. “The Jay’s Nest is a great place to sit down with friends and spend an hour and a half talking about things that you didn’t know you actually needed t a l k a b o u t ,” sophomore Andrew Scheid said.

First-year student Paul Whitman has a slightly different perspective: “The Jay’s Nest is a great social spot to catch up with friends, but I also like to bring my laptop and do work because I like to do homework while listening to music.”

Our third spot of interest, the Blue Bean Café, is in essence a small study area in addition to a café. “The Blue Bean Café is a very socially welcoming space,” sophomore Elizabeth Vinciguerra said. “It is easy to meet friends there, and it’s a quiet environment good for both studying and having fun with friends at the same time.”

Our three campus dining facilities are not just places to eat. It is part of Elizabethtown College’s culture to utilize these facilities as places to share some laughs with friends after a long day, finish up a term paper on which you have procrastinated or to grab a snack on the go. The College simplifies the utilization of these facilities by including Jay Bucks in our meal plans and allowing students to freely choose a plan that works for them. Many schools, including rival Messiah College, give students flex money but limit underclassmen to certain plans which are not very flexible. So, I think we owe thanks to E town for allowing us to choose a meal plan that meets our social needs. Most students probably don’t view going to the Marketplace, Blue Bean Café or the Jay’s Nest as contributing to our College’s culture, but next time you are eating a turkey double decker club sandwich and reflecting on old memories with classmates in the Jay’s Nest, take a second to stop and think: “These are the times that I am going to remember for the rest of my life.”

Photos: Samantha T. Phillips

12

opinion

the Etownian

December 10, 2009

lifestyle

d n u

S o Off

What is the wackiest holiday gift you have ever received?

by Melanie R. Giardina

Shannon Brown Class of 2012 “A talking toilet paper roll.”

Nicholas Clemens Class of 2013 “A bag of stick-on mustaches.”

Music television preaches life lessons Samantha R. Wingrove Staff Writer

pringsteen, Madonna, way before Nirvana, there was U2 and Blondie and music still on MTV. Her two kids in high school, they tell her that she’s uncool, ‘Cause she’s still preoccupied with 19, 19, 1985.” These Bowling for Soup lyrics sum up the feelings of millions of music television fans around the globe.

Music television (MTV) lovers everywhere are looking for a way back, back to a time when MTV and VH1 played actual music videos, when their original programming consisted of music video countdowns and interviews with bands.

Now, I understand w here they’re coming from, but my question for them is, “Why not try appreciating the programming MTV has now?” People are so quick to assume that just because our music television network no longer shows music videos as part of their daily scheduling, it means that they have fallen astray.

In reality, MTV has created new programming to expand our minds and teach us about the world.

New shows such as “MTV’s 16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” teach us all about the hazards of having sex as teenagers while putting a nice “whitetrash” spin on it. Instead of leaving the educational programming for networks such as Discovery Health or TLC, MTV takes one for the team and carves several hours out of each day to

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show teens how to exploit their babies and make money off of them.

Other equally inspirational shows include “The Hills” and “My Super Sweet 16,” which both act to remind all of the average teens watching MTV that there really are teenagers who are spoiled beyond belief and get everything they want. So the next time a parent tells his or her teenager that “no one gets everything they want,” the teens of America will know better. Some people do get everything they could ask for and much

show viewers that stars are just like normal people; doesn’t everyone have to host a television show to make friends?

These shows take a realistic look at just how you get to know someone. I know that for every friendship I have ever formed, I have had to compete against at least 10 other opponents in hopes of winning a new friend in the end.

The final segment of MTV shows that make their programming worthwhile are shows such as “Parental Control” and “World’s Strictest Parents.”

These remind viewers that most parents really aren’t as out of the loop as they may seem. Perhaps we should all let our parents pick out our next boyfriend or girlfriend? They do a pretty good job on TV. While MTV does put countless hours of premium reality programming on television, they have not completely lost focus of what they were created to do: put music on TV. Music videos still get a prime spot on MTV. They are shown Monday through Friday from 3 Image: wordpress.com a.m. to 8 a.m. more. Just ask MTV. Overall, although MTV has transformed Within the last few years, MTV has over the years and moved from strictly music developed a third type of program- video programming to mostly reality shows, ming aimed at those lost souls who are they have done a great job with the transiunsure if love or friendship is out there tion. All of the shows currently on MTV for them or not. Shows such as “A Shot have educational value for the viewers, and at Love with Tila Tequila” and “Paris they ensure that viewers understand just Hilton’s My New BFF” help to reassure what reality television is all about. Oh, and viewers that there is someone out there at least MTV makes sure all of their shows for everyone. have really good music in them. counts as This programming also helps to music television, right?

seasonal

Meaningful presents can speak volumes Melanie R. Giardina Assistant Photography Editor

cording to http://www.uwosh.edu, those who celebrate Kwanzaa give gifts with a special meaning to the receiver.

Today, however, I feel that fewer and fewer people know and very year during the Christmas season, you get those few understand why they are receiving presents and focus more on what special people amazingly thoughtful gifts that you know they they are getting. For example, according to http://www.mazornet. will absolutely love. Everyone else on your Christmas list, however, com, the giving of Yiddish money during Hanukkah has been will probably get whatever you can buy inexpensively or that last replaced by giving more modern gifts since the holiday is so close to Christmas. minute gift card.

It seems that the first thing Christian Though I like to children learn today is that on Dec. 25, think that not everyone Santa brings them presents. Then, their is worried about keepfamily comes over to offer more gifts. ing up with the Joneses, It’s been my experience that even during the sad truth is that, in Thanksgiving dinner, discussion of what everyone my experience, most people are just concerned about wants is a prime topic. how expensive their gift is or how jealous their friends From what I’ve seen, people don’t really will be when they see it. think about what to get someone. They either More importantly, it seems that some of us just plainly ask or pick up whatever is around. buy gifts because we feel obligated to get someone Though getting a gift card is great to pay for a something. I mean, who has not felt the embarrassnight out to dinner, did the person who gave it ment of receiving a gift from someone for whom you to you remember it was your favorite restaurant, had no prior plans to purchase anything?

I or did they just grab the first thing they saw on the The holidays used to be a time when people of all mage : Giant gift card rack? races and religions celebrated their beliefs and we all spent word pre The holiday spirit is slowly slipping away. Today, conss. time with our families. Today, from Black Friday until Christmas co m sumerism is taking the place of good-natured gift giving.

Eve, people around the globe spend more time at the mall than A meaningfully thought-out gift says far more than that regifted with their loved ones.

Is it more important to stand in line for five hours to get the most present from last year you dug up because realized you forgot to popular toy out there than to really think about why you’re buying buy your friend something.

This year, I think we should all try to find gifts that mean someit in the first place?

For most religions, gift giving is a big part of the celebration. In thing to the people for whom we are getting them. We can bring Christianity, gifts are distributed to loved ones to remember how the holiday spirit back by appreciating what we are giving and gifts were given to the newborn Jesus. Children receive Yiddish remembering why we are giving in the first place. No matter what money when they correctly answer questions about Judaism. Ac- you believe, all your gifts should come from the heart.

E Emily Deede Class of 2011 “A calendar of outhouses…I loved it.”

Scott Bozworth Class of 2011 “Deodorant from my grandma.”

Make sure to check out the Sound Off poll and the opportunity to comment on articles on our Web site: www.etownian.com

“Today, consumerism is taking the place of good-natured gift giving.”

opinion

December 10, 2009

romance column

the Etownian

the Etownian

The Hell-idays Samantha T. Phillips Assistant Opinion Editor

the board

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hat is it about the holidays that makes everyone so sentimental?

I feel like I’m left out of some massive public joke where people are actually buying into this sappy holiday shite. Is it the decorations from those housewives with too much money for their own good who spend weeks adorning their houses to look like the gingerbread mansion?

Is it the horrible made-for-TV movies that litter daytime television: “This Christmas, all little Mary wanted was for her mother to quit selling her body on the street.” Fa-La-La-La Lifetime? More like Fa-La-La-La Lamest Movies Ever. It must be the commercials. The toolbag brother comes home from weaving ponchos for pregnant women in South Africa, arms full of presents for his infallible whitepicket-fence family and wakes his little sister up with the scent of brewing coffee.

“Oh, Peter, you’re my present this year,” she says, her eyes welling up with innocent tears. Meanwhile, toolbag’s mother wakes up from a restful night’s sleep and whispers excitedly to her husband, “He’s here!” Now, let’s talk reality, people.

We all make the same mistake during the holidays: we build up our expectations for our relationships to fit the stereotypes of the holiday spirit. Jewelry commercials have women all over the country expecting proposals that include rings the size of both their false boobs put together, when they should really be expecting something a little closer to reality: ugly Santa lingerie that is one size too small or a personalized Build-A-Bear with a recording of their boyfriend’s orgasm sounds (according to him, it will be really useful when you’re “feeling lonely”). Then, after the holidays, they have to regretfully inform their girlfriends that, no, he didn’t go to Jared. And women are just as guilty as men. That smile on your guy’s face when he tears open that wrapping paper to find a European saddle bag? It’s fake.

The reason he is moping around for the next month like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders is that his friends have nicknamed him “Man Purse.” Instead of receiving an X-Box, he gets a coupon for three free massages complete with scented body oils. Ladies, he doesn’t want a massage, nor does he want a leopard print Snuggie (even if he can “wear it to all sporting events”).

He wants a free coupon for the chance to have sex and eat a sandwich at the same time.

Let’s stop sugar-coating the holidays and lower our expectations. Instead of pretending it’s a time of joyous celebrations of love, let’s accept the true spirit of Christmas, even with all its uncomfortable family moments and gifts from the aisle of misfit clearance lingerie. Don’t let the holidays force you to forget that your relationship is not a Hallmark Channel movie and you will not find Mr. Perfect sitting naked in a box full of Styrofoam peanuts under your tree this year. And, as for the what-to-get-your-significant-other dilemma, give by himJillorHugus her the gift that keeps on giving: really good sex.

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Image: wordpress.com

common culture

Covering up: the new sexy?

Jonathan S. Gamble Staff Writer

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odesty is the new sexy. A hijab is a head-covering worn in public by some Muslim women. It is a cultural practice with religious roots that stems back to the days of Muhammad.

There are all kinds of hijabs in different styles, colors and designs. Except in Saudi Arabia, women in the Middle East are not required to wear them but choose to do so as a display of modesty or faith.

I think they’re on to something here.

On our last day in Amman, Jordan, when we were walking on t h e e ve n i ng streets and bartering, some American girls decided to disregard all recommendations ag ai nst we aring knee-length skirts. I never knew the definition of eye candy until I saw single Muslim men drop what they were doing (sometimes literally) and just gawk at their so-smooth-youcould-s ee-yourreflection-in-them legs. That district of Amman probably lost some business because in every store these girls frequented, all the men would stop working. It was embarrassing to walk with them because the married men and their wives would look at me – the only guy – as though I were s ome pimp and thus responsible for the

females’ flippant behavior.

The iconoclastic American girls never caught my eyes on their legs. And since I came back, they still don’t. I was intrigued with the Muslim girls walking briskly past me, showing off nothing but their eyes and faces. It was such a foreign concept to me that it still hasn’t gotten old.

You’ve never seen a furtive glance until a pair of dark eyes behind a veil shoots one your way. They were the kind of girls that make guys feel resp e c t tow ard them and great d e te r m i nat i on just to earn a c of fe e d at e .

Their hijabs and sometimes burkas were beautifully woven and styled but did not reveal or outline their bodies.

The modesty meant a mystery. All guys like a myster y, but we like to solve them even more. As a side effect, we adapt and resort to leading with our brains and charm instead of our [fill in the blank] and harm.

T h e re a s on s o many girls complain of feeling like pieces of meat is because that’s how they present themselves. If they do not show respect for their bodies, what makes them think other people will? With things popping out of shirts and corsettight jeans, what is there to talk about? Guys aren’t gifted with giving attention to two things at once, such as your body and

your personality. Make it easier for us and wear suitable clothing, even if we’re bummed at first.

In Egypt, I witnessed an exchange between a Western feminist woman and an Arab womanist.

Womanism, as coined by author Alice Walker, is essentially the reaction to feminism from black women who felt left out of the upper-middle class white woman theory and accounted for s ome of its negative, albeit uninte nd e d, c ons e qu e nc e s , such as treating men as a higher priority.

The feminist was disc ussing or rather, dictating ignorantly to the womanist about the hijab.

The former advocated that it was a symbol of oppression, whereas the latter disagreed. It came to a point where the feminist re a l i z e d he r arg u me nt didn’t know its “other” and said, “You are oppressed; you just don’t know you are oppressed.”

S h e w a s , i ro n i c a l l y, wearing corset-tight jeans and some showy cleavage top, to which the womanist replied, “You are degrading yourself and others, you just don’t know you are degrading.”

When I say that the modesty of hijabs is the new sexy, I am not saying that in a few years, we’ll see girls sporting hijabs alongside their tight jeans and shirts, bumping and grinding at raves to the same old songs and boys. That’s not what the prophet ordered. I am saying that the meaning behind the hijab might make a comeback in America, and we might see more girls slow-dancing their mystery to different songs and boys.

Image: blogspot.com

Editor-in-Chief Jamie L. Bartolino Managing Editor Aimée M. DiMichele Assistant Editor Aidan E. Bauernschmidt News Editor Rachel A. Marsteller Features Editor Peter S. Northrop Campus Life Editor Joelle E. Atkinson Opinion Editor Craig H. Meaney Sports Editor Sara E. Crimmel Copy Editor Emily M. Reigart Photography Editor Matthew P. Butera Layout Editor Matthew A. Wagener Online Editor Zachary T. Johnson Assistant News Editor Allison M. O’Boyle Assistant Features Editor Laura A. Farnish Asst. Campus Life Editor Ross M. Benincasa Assistant Opinion Editor Samantha T. Phillips Assistant Sports Editor Janna M. Richards Assistant Copy Editors Samantha M. Alleman Patricia A. Cangelosi Rachel L. Jesten Leigh N. Ontiveros Asst. Photography Editor Melanie R. Giardina Assistant Layout Editor Huntley C. McGowan Assistant Online Editor Andrew R. Sides Business Manager Brittny E. McLaughlin Asst. Business Manager Marc C. Weber Advertising Manager Katie L. Bornholdt Asst. Advertising Manager Jennifer R. Malik Faculty Adviser Kirsten A. Johnson The Etownian is the student newspaper of Elizabethtown College. All editorial decisions are made by the student editors.

With the exception of editorials, opinions presented here are those of quoted sources or signed authors, not of the Etownian or the College.

The Etownian is published most Thursdays during the academic year by Susquehanna Printing.

Submissions to the Etownian are always welcomed. We will make every effort to print submissions, but we do not promise publication. Submissions may be printed anonymously at the discretion of the editor. Submit letters to EDITOR@etown.edu.

14

sports

the Etownian

December 10, 2009

wrestling

Jays defeat Johns Hopkins, finish sixth at York Invite

Shawn M. Cotton Staff Writer

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he Blue Jays wrestled a 30-9 win from the grip of Johns Hopkins University (JHU) yesterday afternoon, bringing the men to 1-2 overall.

Elizabethtown snagged seven of 10 bouts, including one pin, three major decisions, two decisions and a forfeit. The match opened with 125-pound sophomore Will Bentley securing a 12-5 decision, followed by 133-pound junior Marty Harnish posting a 9-0 major decision.

Senior Eric Rhoads brought the Blue Jays to 10-0 with a 6-2 decision at 141 pounds. JHU took the next bout at 149 pounds, but Etown came back strong when 157-pound first-year Max Barsky won a 14-6 major decision.

First-year Julian Meaney continued the men’s point accumulation with a 13-2 major decision at 174 pounds. Staying strong, senior Jim Gentile managed to pin his Hopkins opponent in 1:49, posting the only pin of the match. The Jays closed the match with a forfeit win by senior Deron Sharp at 285 pounds.

This past Saturday the Blue Jay wrestlers competed at the New Standard Corporation Spartan Invitational, hosted by York College. Ten teams competed, including winners Ithaca College, the College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and Brockport State.

The Jays had a solid showing, placing sixth out of the 10 teams that entered.

Bentley took second place in the 125-pound division, narrowly edged out 7-5 in the finals by Brockport State’s Tyler Marlow. Junior captain Bill Meaney also made it to the finals in his weight class, taking second after a close match with TCNJ’s Adam Koziol. Sophomore Tyler Erdman bounced back from his first loss of the season to take third place in the 125-pound division. Sophomore Kyle Deeds took fifth at 165 pounds, as did Sharp at 285 pounds, while Harnish placed sixth at 133 pounds and Rhoads finished sixth at 141 pounds for the Blue Jays.

In their most recent dual match competition, the Blue Jays faced off against the seventh-ranked Delaware Valley Aggies, as well as the D-II Kutztown Golden Bears. Unfortunately, the Jays fell to the Aggies 24-11 and lost 22-12 to the Golden Bears. Although they were unable to capture a team victory, many members made strong individual showings.

Erdman, ranked fourth in D-III at 125 pounds, picked up two victories for the Jays. Erdman is currently 13-1 for the season and 46-7 over his collegiate career. Julian Meaney made his Blue Jay debut count by picking up two big wins.

“The two wins really meant a lot because I’ve constantly been out of wrestling due to multiple shoulder reconstructions, and after being off the mat for two years, winning my first two college matches had me pretty excited,” Julian

Our team right now is not quite at the level we need to be; we are close but still have a little bit to go.

Tyler Erdman Sophomore All-American

Meaney said. “I was glad to see that the effort I put forth paid off, and I’m glad to have all the support from teammates, helping me stay healthy and keeping my shoulders strong.”

The Jays picked up two more wins over Kutztown, courtesy of first-year Tye Boyer at 149 pounds and Gentile at 184 pounds. Sharp picked up the third win over Delaware Valley with a 4-3 decision in the 285-pound weight class.

“We have had a great season so far,” Erdman said. “The whole lineup features individuals who have performed well at one point or another, and at some weights we have plenty of depth to go around. Our team right now is not quite at the level we need to be; we are close but still have a little bit to go. We are ready to break into the national rankings [top 30 teams] but need that little push. Our team is good, probably the 31st or 32nd team right now, and we are on the bubble.”

Friday, the Blue Jays will travel to Stevens Institute of Technology for a non-conference matchup.

men’s basketball

Blue Jays defeat Messiah, Alvernia in conference play Carrie M. Chase Staff Writer

team said. The Blue Jays were picked to win the Commonwealth Conference, but after a difficult loss to Alvernia, conference games are proving to be more he Blue Jays’ most recent victory was important to the Jays. “Two years ago last night against Wilkes University, we started the season off 10-0, and we where the team won 76-69 with four were ranked 25th in the country. When players scoring double digits. The win conference play started we were 2-8,” leaves the men with a season record of Schlosser said.

6-3 overall.

However, this past weekend’s conferAdditionally, the game marked coach ence game against Messiah showed how Bob Schlosser’s 299th victory as Etown’s much the Blue Jays are looking to be the head men’s basketball coach.

Commonwealth Conference champions.

Senior center Mike Church led the “The Messiah win was huge because it got us back on track. It was our first win at home and was necessary to keep us within the hunt in the conference early on in the season,” senior Josh Houseal said.

The team lost only one senior last year, making the team closer on and off the court this year. “Losing Phil Schaffer was a big blow to us. He was our starting point guard last year, a great defender and a vocal leader. With that said, we have two tremendous point guards to fill the void, Kyle McConnell and Brady Haughney ... we have a lot of upperclassmen [who] were on the team last year and know what it takes to be successful this season,” senior Chris Jones said.

After the Wilkes and Messiah games, the team ihas proved that no matter what the score is at half time, they will not give up. During the Pepsi/ Weis Markets Tip-Off Tournament at Susquehanna University Nov. 20, the Jays came back from a six-point deficit to defeat Wilkes 66-57.

The second day of tournament play at Susquehanna University featured the championship game against Susquehanna University Saturday afternoon. Although the men ended with a 78-89 loss, two Blue Photo: Matthew P. Butera Jays, Flanagan and Church, were named Junior Bryan Harrity goes for an easy layup after getting past a Messiah player. to the All-Tournament Team.

The Blue Jays defeated Messiah 69-64 in overtime.

On Tuesday, Nov. 24, the Jays came

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Blue Jays with 16 points and 7 rebounds.

Also scoring in double digits were juniors Joe Flanagan and Keith Fogel, who scored 14 points and 11 points, respectively.

Junior Bryan Harrity continued his production on the court, scoring a career-high 14 points and connecting on all of his free-throws, after setting his previous career-high of 11 points Saturday against Messiah.

“Most teams would be happy with our current record, but we’re disappointed,” Schlosser, coach of the men’s basketball

out victorious in non-conference play against Delaware Valley College with a score of 71-65. The teams were tied at the half; the Blue Jays were first to break the deadlock with two foul shots from Church. Church, Flanagan, Fogel and Haughney ended out the night with double digits: 19 points, 15 points, 12 points and 10 points respectively.

On Friday, Nov. 30, the Jays had another victorious game against the Neumann Knights. All 16 Blue Jays on the roster saw playing time,14 of whom scored at least one point. At half time the Blue Jays were leading by 10 points with a score of 40-30 and finished with a final score of 79-56.

The league opener game against Alvernia University turned out not to be what the Jays had hoped for. Fogel added 21 points to the board, while Church scored 19 points.

“We wanted to beat Alvernia,” Flanagan said, but the Jays came up short with a final score of 80-88.

When the Blue Jays stepped on the court this past Saturday, they were out for Falcon blood.

“The Messiah win was a huge one. We didn’t want to be 0-2 in conference play,” Jones said. “That win was one that showed us we can win in tough conditions. Being down 16 at half was a big blow to us ... it was a game where everyone contributed. The win didn’t come from just the guys who played in the game, but from the guys on the bench who cheered the team on and stayed in the game.” The Jays proved to be the better team with a final score of 69-64 in overtime.

Schlosser, as well as the rest of his team, is determined to have a successful season. “It’s all about the conference championship. We have a long road ahead of us,” Schlosser said. “We are confident that we will be the conference champs in February.”

sports

December 10, 2009

the Etownian

swimming

15

Jays split with Lebanon Valley, defeat Farleigh Dickinson Brittany L. Kuperavage Staff Writer

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hile most Elizabethtown College students spent this past snowy Saturday morning warm and cozy in their beds, the men and women of the Etown swim teams were up bright and early competing in the Franklin & Marshall College Invitational. The teams traveled to Lancaster for two days of intense competition.

The women’s team placed 12th overall, receiving a total of 56 points, while the men’s team placed 10th overall, earning 60 points in the competition.

Before enjoying their Thanksgiving Day turkeys, the Blue Jays were hard at work against the Dutchmen from Lebanon Valley College (LVC) Tuesday, Nov. 24. The ladies were able to get a win, while the men’s team just missed a victory.

In a Middle Atlantic Conference match, the women’s swim team pulled ahead of the Dutchmen with a 112.5-92.5 win. With this meet the women’s team improved its record to 5-1 this season, and the ladies could not be happier.

“Going into the LVC meet, the women's team knew they had to step it up and swim fast. We did a great job at focusing on our events and accomplishing what we needed to accomplish,” senior captain Lindsay Riley said.

The Lady Jays claimed their third consecutive victory of the season when they won seven of their 11 events against LVC. Helping the ladies to win was senior captain and Etownian Sports Editor Sara Crimmel in the 1,000 freestyle (11:55.94) and 500 freestyle (5:51.92). Riley and junior Courtney Kelly also had two wins each. Kelly won the 200 individual medley (2:27.37) and 100 backstroke (1:09.41), while Riley took firsts in the 50 freestyle (26.76) and 100 freestyle (58.25).

The men’s team put up a tough fight against the swimmers from LVC but just missed a win against the Dutchmen, losing the meet 93-99.

Photo: EtownBlueJays.com

Senior captain Matt Drob won the 100 butterfly against Lebanon Valley Nov. 24. Lebanon Valley defeated the Blue Jays 99-93 in a Middle Atlantic Conference meet.

Individual victories were taken by senior captain Dan Provence in the 200 freestyle (1:55.25) and 100 freestyle (52.45); senior captain Matt Drob in the 50 freestyle (23.01) and 100 butterfly (57.23); first-year Shaun Martin in the 200 individual medley (2:17.87) and 100 breaststroke (1:11.44); and first-year Ryan Hannon in the 100 backstroke (1:01.06). Etown's 200 medley relay team of Hannon, Martin, Drob and Provence took a first-place finish with a time of 1:48.88.

“They had 19 swimmers and we only had six, so we lost, even though we won almost all of the events,” senior Kevin Smedman said.

Just three days before their tough meets at LVC, the men’s and women’s teams both claimed victories over the Devils of FDU-Florham. With the home crowd behind them in the Alumni Pool, the Blue Jays defeated the Devils in MAC swim meets.

The women’s team clearly showcased their talents with a decisive 123-73 win. Riley won both the 100 freestyle (58.47) and 200 freestyle (2:09.45). Crimmel took the 1,000 freestyle (12:11.42); first-year Jennifer Malik won the 50

freestyle (26.86); sophomore Amanda Martin took the 200 butterfly (2:38.23); and Kelly won the 200 backstroke (2:25.58), all contributing to a win for the ladies team. The value of teamwork was also evident in the 400 medley, when the Blue Jays’ foursome of sophomore Julie Strulson, senior captain Danielle Hopkins, Martin and junior Stephanie Hellman finished first with a time of 4:19.93.

The Blue Jay men also claimed a victory in the 400 medley relay during their meet against FDU-Florham, as the team of Hannon, Smedman, Drob and Provence clocked in at 4:23.34. The men just edged the Devils 82-79 in the MAC swim meet.

Double individual winners were Provence in the 200 freestyle (1:59.55) and the 200 backstroke (2:17.89) and Smedman in the 1,000 freestyle (13:25.60) and 200 backstroke (2:17.89). Drob also pitched in a win in the 50 freestyle (23.01) and first-year Chris Nelson picked up the second win of his collegiate career in the 200 butterfly (2:43.63).

Friday, the men’s and women’s swim teams will travel to York College for a non-conference competition.

women’s basketball

B-ball team defeats Brooklyn College, lose four games William J. Blatchley Staff Writer

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uesday, the Lady Jays took on the Red Devils of Dickinson College in a nonconference matchup.

Dickinson junior Carole Dempsey scored a game-high 21 points, leading the Red Devils to a 68-53 win over the Lady Jays.

Senior Ali Jury and junior Kaity Snyder each recorded a double-double for the Lady Jays. Jury posted a career-high 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Snyder added 12 points and a game-high 11

Photo: Matthew P. Butera

Sophomore Teanna Ziegler takes a shot during a game against Alvernia.

The Lady Jays lost to Alvernia 56-62 in overtime.

boards for Etown. Junior Megan Strohman led the Lady Jays with 14 points.

On the afternoon of Dec. 5, the Messiah Falcons flew over to Thompson Gym to take on the Elizabethtown College Blue Jays in a Commonwealth Conference women’s basketball game. While the Lady Jays put up a valiant fight, they were no match for the 24th-ranked Falcons and lost 58-49.

Etown jumped to a quick 9-1 lead in the first half; Messiah could not connect for its first six field goal attempts. However, the Falcons bounced back with nine unanswered points to take the lead. The teams swapped baskets back and forth for the remainder of the half until a 25-foot 3-pointer buzzer beater sent Messiah into the locker room with excitement, leading 27-22.

During the second half, the Lady Jays trailed by nine until senior Courtney Kofeldt hit a pair of 3-pointers on the way to an 11-2 run by Etown. However, these flames were quickly extinguished as Messiah players sparked an 11-0 run of their own and coasted to a win.

Strohman led Etown with 13 points as Kofeldt drilled four 3-pointers. Snyder led the Lady Jays with nine rebounds.

Dec. 2 also proved to be a tough night for the Lady Jays as Alvernia University defeated them in overtime with a score of 62-56 in their Commonwealth Conference opener. Snyder led the Jays with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals, while Strohman added 11 more steals and a career-high nine rebounds. After a back-and-forth first

half with neither team allowing the other a definite lead, Alvernia left the court with a 29-21 lead.

The second half began with the Blue Jays scoring seven straight points to take a 39-37 lead on a 3-pointer by Kofeldt. The would be changed five times throughout the half before Strohman sank a 3-pointer with 18 seconds left to tie the score at 54.

Alvernia left no decision up to fate in overtime as they held on to a strong lead the whole time, expiring time, and claiming victory. Senior Jen Schiefer scored a career-high nine points.

The Lady Jays traveled to Franklin & Marshall College Nov. 21 for the annual Terry Greene Tip-Off Tournament. Along with Brooklyn College, Goucher College and host F&M, the Lady Jays endured two days of intense competition.

In their first game, the Jays met up with the Brooklyn College Bulldogs. Etown snatched an early lead with a 12-0 run as the Lady Jays flew up and down the court.

After the Jays extended their lead to 16, the whistle blew, signaling the end of the half with the score set at 41-26 in Etown’s favor. Snyder led both teams with 12 points in the first half, while Strohman added another 10 for Etown.

The second half was a different story, as Brooklyn came out with a vengeance. After extending their lead by 12 more points, Brooklyn scored 17 of the next 21 points to put them within 15 points with only 3:30 to go. However, the Lady Jays easily held on to their lead, scoring eight of the last 10 points, concluding the game with a strong

83-62 victory. Strohman led the team with 21 points, and Snyder set career highs of 18 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.

After an inspiring win the day before, the women’s basketball team returned to F&M Nov. 22 for the championship game against the host school, who was a 69-40 winner against Goucher College the previous day.

The F&M Diplomats jumped to a 22-13 lead halfway through the first half before the Blue Jays picked up their game.

Strohman sank two back-to-back 3-pointers, and sophomore Stephanie Ellwood added a basket, ending the half at 31-28 F&M. The second half proved to be fierce: Etown took its first lead of the day with 15:32 to go off a Strohman jumper, putting the Jays ahead 34-32. The play was level for the following few minutes, but then a spark ignited in the Diplomats when the Jays held their final lead of the night at 4442. With a little over 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Blue Jays hit a slump and went nearly five minutes without a basket, allowing F&M to take a 52-47 lead with six minutes left. The lead proved solid, and the Diplomats were crowned the tournament champions, beating the Jays 60-53.

Strohman once again headed the Lady Jays in scoring 18 points, eight rebounds and a career high five steals, while Snyder earned a spot on the All-Tournament team after tallying 14 points, four rebounds and five assists.

The Etown women’s basketball team will take on Cabrini College Dec. 11 in Thompson Gymnaisum at 6 p.m.

16

sports

the Etownian

etown athletics • pro sports • ncaa coverage

December 10, 2009 high school football • olympics • analysis

cross country

Runners compete at NCAA Championships Sara E. Crimmel Sports Editor

O

n Saturday, Nov. 21, seven members of the men’s cross country team and one member of the women’s cross country team competed at the NCAA Division III Championship meet in Beachwood, Ohio.

Senior captain Myles Lund, junior captain Chris Heisey and sophomores Eric Reichert, Charlie Larsen, Russell Speiden, Evan DeArmitt and Colby Miller ran for the men’s team, while senior Megan VanDenHengel was the sole representative of the women’s team.

Reichert finished 23rd of 280 runners in 25:59.6. His finish earned Megan VanDenHengel

Eric Reichert

him All-American status, making him the fourth Elizabethtown runner to win the honor.

Larsen finished 184th in 27:23.7; Speiden finished 198th in 27.31.3; Lund finished 200th in 27:32.3; DeArmitt finished 211st in 27:41.1; Miller finished 212nd in 27:42.4 and Heisey finished 242nd in 28:00.7.

The men’s phenomenal times earned them 28th in the team competition, improving from their original ranking of 31st.

VanDenHengel came in 101st of 279 runners, finishing in 23:38.8.

The Etownian congratulates Reichert, Larsen, Speiden, Lund, DeArmitt, Miller, Heisey and VanDenHengel for their successful cross country season and their performance at the NCAA D-III Championship meet!

Charlie Larsen

Russell Speiden

Sports Recap Men’s Basketball (6-3, 1-1) Etown 66, Wilkes 57 Susquehanna 89, Etown 78 Etown 71, Delaware Valley 65 Etown 79, Neumann 56 Alvernia 88, Etown 80 Etown 69, Messiah 64 (OT) Etown 76, Wilkes 69 Women’s Basketball (1-6, 0-2) Etown 83, Brooklyn 62 Franklin & Marshall 60, Etown 53 Alvernia 62, Etown 56 (OT) Messiah 58, Etown 49 Dickinson 68, Etown 53 Men’s Swimming (3-3, 3-3) Etown 82, Farleigh Dickinson 79 Lebanon Valley 99, Etown 93 Franklin & Marshall Invitational 10th of 10 teams (60 points)

MACs: 1st place 23:31.47 Regionals: 8th place 21:59.9 Myles Lund

MACs: 2nd place 27:04.15 Regionals: 4th place 25:12.9 Evan DeArmitt

MACs: 14th place 28:13.08 Regionals: 51st place 26:33.0 Colby Miller

MACs: 11th place 28:10.67 Regionals: 72nd place 26:51.6 Chris Heisey

Women’s Swimming (5-1, 5-1) Etown 123, Farleigh Dickinson 73 Lebanon Valley 112.5, Etown 92.5 Franklin & Marshall Invitational 12th of 13 teams (56 points) Wrestling (1-2, 0-0) Kutztown 22, Etown 12 Delaware Valley 24, Etown 11 York Invitational 6th of 10 teams (90 points) Etown 30, Johns Hopkins 9

Schedule

of Sports

MACs: 6th place 27:35.62 Regionals: 80th place 27:00.3

MACs: 8th place 27:45.62 Regionals: 23rd place 25:54.8

MACs: 4th place 27:22.99 Regionals: 50th place 26:32.7

MACs: 13th place 28:12.75 Regionals: 47th 26:29.5 Photos: EtownBlueJays.com

the etownian’s

Athlete of the Week Dan Provence

Sara E. Crimmel Sports Editor

T

he Etownian is elated to name senior swimmer and captain Dan Provence as Athlete of the Week!

This past weekend, Provence swam in the 200 freestyle relay, the 400 medley relay, the 200 medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay, contributing to all 60 points earned by the men’s swim team.

In the Blue Jays’ six-point l o s s t o L e b an on Va l l e y, Provence won the 200 freestyle in 1:55.25 and the 100 freestyle in 52.45. He was part of the winning 200 medley relay team with first-years

Ryan Hannon, Shaun Martin and fellow senior captain Matt Drob.

In the Blue Jays’ threepoint win over FarleighDickinson, Provence won the 200 freestyle in 1:59.55 and the 100 freestyle in 52.66.

Photo: Jennifer R. Malik

He was part of the winning 400 medley relay team with Hannon, fellow senior Kevin Smedman and Drob.

So far this season, Provence has individually earned seven first-place finishes, one second-place finish and two third-place finishes.

In relays, he has contributed to four first-place finishes, one second-place finish and one third-place finish.

In Middle Atlantic Conference standings, Provence is currently ranked 29th in the 100 freestyle and 19th in the 200 freestyle.

Congratulations to Dan on his success and for being named Athlete of the Week!

Q&A

Favorite Jay’s Nest item: Pepperoni and Cheese Quesadilla Favorite TV show: “Little People, Big World” Favorite movie: “I Know Who Killed Me” Favorite sports team: The Elizabethtown C o l l e g e w o m e n’s swim team In 10 years, I want to be ... wrangling crocodiles in the Outback.

I can’t live without ... eggs. I love eggs.

Men’s Basketball Dec. 12: University of Scranton Dec. 19: @ Gwynedd-Mercy Dec. 20: Muhlenberg Jan. 9: @ Arcadia Jan. 13: Lebanon Valley Jan. 16: @ Albright Jan 20: @ Lycoming Jan 23: Widener Women’s Basketball Dec. 11-12: Blue Jay Classic Jan. 7: @ Immaculata Jan. 9: @ Arcadia Jan. 13: Lebanon Valley Jan. 16: @ Albright Jan. 20: @ Lycoming Jan. 23: Widener Jan. 25: @ Ursinus Men’s Swimming Dec. 11: @ York Jan. 16: Washington College Jan. 19: @ Albright Jan. 23: Widener Jan. 27: McDaniel Women’s Swimming Dec. 11: @ York Jan. 16: Washington College Jan. 19: @ Albright Jan. 23: Widener Jan. 27: McDaniel Wrestling Dec. 11: @ Stevens Jan. 9: Roger Williams & University of Scranton Jan. 12: @ TCNJ & Centenar y College Jan. 16: Millersville & NYU Jan. 17: @ Shorty Hitchcock Open EtownBlueJays .com