The Equinox 10.25.18

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

@KSCEQUINOX

THE EQUINOX The student voice of Keene State College

Vol. 71, Issue #8

Thursday, October 25, 2018

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Deciding KSC’s future

Vaping verboten in dorms AUSTIN COOK

Equinox Staff

LUKE STERGIOU / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

The University System of New Hampshire is set to make a decision next week on whether or not to keep Melinda Treadwell as Keene State College president or to begin a national search.

Board of Trustees to decide on new KSC president next week RACHEL VITELLO

Equinox Staff Keene State College is still in need of a new President. Who is ready to take on the position? A Hiring Committee was created

by The University System of New Hampshire to make recommendations that will go to the Board of Trustees to make the decision.

There were a few different steps to help the Hiring Committee make an informed recommendation. According to an email from Chancellor Todd J. Leach, the process will include multiple candidate presentations and Q&A sessions with the Hiring Committee, direct feedback mechanisms for individual input to the Hiring Committee and a followup listening session with constituency leadership.

The process also included multiple listening sessions for the community of KSC

to hear from current Interim President and candidate for presidency Melinda Treadwell.

Director of Strategic Communications and Community Relations Kelly Ricaurte is a staff member who was present at one of the listening sessions.

“It was informative as an employee,” Ricaurte said.

Melinda Treadwell was appointed as Interim President of KSC in July 2017. According to the email from Leach, the interim arrangement was for a two year contract. It was supposed to serve for the Board of Trustees to have more time to organize the needs of KSC before searching for a new President. Due to feedback from representatives and other constituencies, the Board made the decision to begin the process of deciding whether or not to make Treadwell President, rather than beginning with a national search. If for whatever reason Treadwell is

not chosen as the President, then the Board would move to a broader search.

Treadwell said that it has been strange doing the work of the President of the College, while simultaneously applying for that exact job.

“It’s been difficult because I’m doing the job and then trying to also successfully apply for the position. It felt a little bit tense at times for me personally, but at the end incredibly clarifying. For me to be asked, to answer those questions, that clarified for me that I want to do this sort of job,” Treadwell said.

As for what the decision ends up being, Ricaurte said she hopes it is what’s best for the school, “I just hope the college will be positioned for the best success going forward and for supporting our students.”

The process of how this decision is finally made is a closed process. The vote will be by executive committee on Friday October 26 at

KSC. According to an email sent out by the President’s office and signed by Leach on Monday October 22 to all faculty, staff and students, a Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Monday October 29 “in order to ensure the shortest gap possible between the Board discussion and sharing the outcome,” the email said.

If Treadwell is appointed as President, she will also be required to be present with the Board when the announcement is made.

Treadwell said, “I’m hopeful, I gave it my best. It reaffirmed for me that I’m ready for this work. I hope to continue to be here, working with all of you.”

Commissioner Frank Edelblut did not respond for comment.

Rachel Vitello can be contacted at rvitello@kscequinox.com

Pumpkinfest calls for student volunteers EMILY CARSTENSEN

Equinox Staff The city of Keene is bringing Pumpkinfest back again after the festival was rekindled in 2017. The festival is geared toward younger children with activities such as pumpkin bowling and the children’s costume parade.

Let it Shine Board Member Timothy Zinn, who manages and volunteers at the festival, said volunteers are a big help, “Half or more of our volunteers are from the college and we really appreciate the help that they offer.”

Students who sign up to volunteer can choose from four different shifts to work during the festival: The first shift is from seven a.m. to twelve p.m. and involves setting up the display to showcase the pumpkins and receiving the pump-

kins. The second shift is from ten a.m. to three p.m. and involves setting up the entertainment stations and organizing the last of the pumpkins. The third shift is from two p.m. to seven p.m. and involves working at the entertainment stations, counting pumpkins and setting up candles to go inside those pumpkins. The fourth shift is from six p.m. to ninethirty p.m. and involves cleaning up Central Square, helping to break down the displays, removing candles and getting rid of pumpkins. There is also an All Day Superstar shift that allows students who want to work the festival all day to do so.

The shift runs from seven a.m. to nine-thirty p.m. and volunteers are given a break when partaking this shift.

Zinn said the gesture from KSC students to help out in any way they can at the festival is greatly appreciated by the board.

Top Headlines

Index Section A: News .................1-3 Opinions ...........4-5 A&E ..................6-8 Associated Collegiate Press

Section B: Student Life...1-4 CC....................5 Sports............6-8

A1: Deciding KSC’s future A4: Will Pumpkinfest ever be the same?

A8: Keene brings music to boston B1: Relaxing during midterm week B8: In the record books

“We’re working hard to rebuild the festival and the reputation it holds. I feel like it’s really cool to see the connection between younger students and the older students, because it really shows the community that these new waves of college students have their best intentions in mind. I think KSC’s ‘Wisdom to make a difference’ motto is really fitting for the situation because the past is the past and new students have learned from mistakes made by past students. It’s not a weekend to party, it’s a weekend to share the joy and positivity that the Pumpkinfest brings to Keene,” Zinn said.

Student volunteer Genevieve Joly helped out at last year’s Pumpkinfest, and said she plans to again this year.

“I honestly love helping out and getting to see the differ-

You may think vaping in the dorms doesn’t impact anyone, but when the fire alarm goes off, it’s a hassle for everyone.

During the first week of the 2018 Fall Semester, there were over six alarms triggered in Butler Court that required the fire department to be dispatched and the dorm evacuated. After multiple visits, a frustrated firefighter warned students to stop vaping in the dorms.

Mark Howard, Chief of the Keene Fire Department, explained that the firefighter probably saw evidence of vaping and was warning students that if there was a next time, those students could face criminal charges and fines. Covering a smoke detector in a dorm or disabling a fire alarm is a misdemeanor. The fire department can push for the incident to be treated as a felony level offense, as a dormitory is considered a high hazard educational facility which is also a multiunit apartment building.

“Vaping sets off smoke detectors. This is problematic. Anything that creates smoke or vapor can set off a smoke detector. Not all smoke detectors are created equal, some are more sensitive than others,” stated Kent Drake-Deese, Associate Dean of Student and Director of Residential Life.

“Any time there is a cloud of moisture or dust, it can interfere with the photoelectric sensors of the smoke alarms, causing the alarm to sense smoke and activate,” John Bates, the Fire Prevention Officer for city of Keene, cautioned. He continued, “There are extreme dangers to vapor machines and e-pens. There was a fatality a week ago from an e-cigarette exploding in a person’s face, and there have been numerous fires from e-cigarettes. We have actually had a fire in the city at a restaurant where the battery exploded and shot across the room. We had some minor injuries from that, so they are extremely dangerous.”

Chief Howard remarked that vapes are electrical devices that produce heat and are as much of a fire hazard as a cigarette. Whether it’s a malfunction of the device or that it came in contact with combustibles, they pose fire hazards.

Drake-Deese agreed that vaporizers are not a safer alternative to cigarettes, and pointed out that false alarms are more than an inconvenience. “The rule on vaping in the dorms is more about preventing the logistical difficulties of setting off fire alarms. We are not big on telling people how to live their lives, but when these alarms are set off, it impacts the fire department, the students and resident life department,” Drake-Deese said.

Chief Howard explained, “A response to the college requires the fire department to send no less than one engine with anywhere from three to six people and a shift com-

» SEE PUMPKINFEST A2

Follow Us

facebook.com/kscequinox @kscequinox

» SEE VAPING A3

Contact Us Newsroom: 358-2413 Executive Editor: 358-2414 Advertising/Business: 358-2401 Newsroom: Questions? Contact smehegan@kscequinox.com or cperry@kscequinox.com

Administrative Executive Editor: Sebastien Menehegan | smehegan@kscequinox.com Managing Executive Editor: Caroline Perry | cperry@kscequinox.com

Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

News / A2

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Heat Plant receives vegetable oil ALEX HARVEY

ing it into vegetable oil that can be used as fuel: “We collect the vegetable oil from the dining halls here and thousands of other customers in New England … you On the morning of Wednesday, October 17, a guys like french fries, which are very good, and there’s shipment of vegetable oil arrived on the Keene State some leftover oil in those fryolators and at some point campus from Lifecycle Renewables, a recycling comit goes rancid to a degree beyond what could be considpany based out of Boston, Massachusetts. ered for a food perspective, and you guys dump it into Bill Rymes, Supervisor of Plumbing and Heat Plant a dumpster behind the establishment — whether it be Operations for Keene State College said, “I have a full a restaurant or a kitchen or what have you — and then time boiler operator who reports to me, and he takes our trucks come along on a periodic basis and collect care of the day-to-day operations. I take care of things it from the dumpster with a vacuum truck, and then like working with the fuel selection, negotiating fuel we deliver it to our plant in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, contracts, coordinating large repairs, and the distribuwhere it is converted into a fuel.” tion of the steam out to the campus.”

Diana Duffy, the Director of Sustainability at Keene In 2016, Keene State College became the first college State College, emphasized the importance of renewable or university in the United States to be heated with energy and fuel, as well as green initiatives in general. purified vegetable oil.

“Earth is this closed system, and it’s really quite fragile.

The use of the carbon-neutral biofuel marked a But we’ve been neglecting how it operates for so long. huge step in the college’s mission of achieving sustainAnd now it’s starting to tell us in so many ways that ability. The expense of heating the school with waste there are impacts. And in my lifetime, I’m lucky if I’ve vegetable oil is close to the cost of heating the campus got forty years left. And I actually worry about what is with number 6 fuel oil, which Keene State College had going to happen in the next forty years, let alone the used previously. The vegetable oil is carbon-neutral, next four hundred.” which means that it does not contribute to the school’s “It takes us off of fossil fuel. It meets the college’s carbon footprint. goals for sustainable fuels, and it makes the plant a The vendor of Keene State’s vegetable oil is Lifecy‘green plant’ if you will. So that helps out with all of PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY WILL WROBEL/ MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS cle Renewables, which is on a renewable year contract. our sustainability goals, the energy goals, and it’s one “They take the grease from fryolators on cruise ships, of the few viable options that we were able to pursue,” processing plants, rendering plants, production facili- season we dedicated one boiler, and we ran it as a bit of sumption was vegetable oil. And this year, we got to Bill Rymes said when asked about the importance of ties, and then they filter it into straight vegetable oil and a trial. So one boiler ran on vegetable oil and the other one hundred percent vegetable oil.” alternative energy. deliver it to us, and then we burn it,” Rymes said. “This two stayed on 6 oil. And for the next heating season we Alex Harvey can be contacted at Rory Gaunt, CEO for Lifecycle Renewables, is our third heating season [with vegetable oil]. The first brought on a second boiler, so two-thirds of our con- explained the process of collecting grease and convertaharvey@kscequinox.com

Equinox Staff

STAFF COMMENTARY

Culture of corruption: consequences of college drinking VINCENT MOORE

nEwS Editor About one out of every five college students exhibit symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Learning that fact, coupled with the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health’s finding that 35 percent of college students binge drink, one might wonder what is it about the college drinking culture that takes young people and compels them to engage in self-destructive behavior.

Alcohol Use Disorder is defined by the NIAAA as “a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.”

The last two parts of that definition can respectively describe most Thursday evenings and Friday mornings for many Keene State College students.

The first time I ever heard of “Thirsty Thursday” was during my first semester at KSC, when the professor of my Friday ten a.m. course commented on how zombie-like and moody half the class was. From then on, I continued to learn the extent of control that alcohol had on so many students on this campus.

Some argue that college drinking culture is over exaggerated or a misconception perpetuated by the media. One only has to walk around the streets adjacent to campus on any given Thursday night before the first snowfall to see hordes of KSC students roaming the sidewalks from party to party, stumbling and shouting more and more as the evening grows later, proving that the exaggeration isn’t so blown out of proportion. Even as both the leaves and temperature begin to drop, one can still see students wandering in search of parties, some of them still dressed in the shorts, t-shirts and skirts they wore when it was still summer — which is problematic in and of itself, since alcohol only makes one feel warmer, putting students at risk of hypothermia.

Along with hypothermia, spending

hours retching over a toilet, crashing face first into brick walls while longboarding and getting busted by Campus Safety are just some of the very real consequences that students face whenever they “go out”, a euphemism many use for getting wasted.

Subtler consequences of drinking culture include weight gain, poor academic performance and the slow poisoning the body.

Since all first-year students are required to complete the Alcohol Wise program and should at least understand the dangers of drinking alcohol in excess, one is left to wonder why college drinking culture is the way it is, and why students continue to take part in it.

Those who choose to defend college drinking culture might reply that it’s the way how college students socialize and alcohol is required to “break the ice.” Like most effective lies, there is some truth to that statement; people have enjoyed social drinking as far back as Biblical times. In many European cultures it’s tradition to have wine with dinner or with guests, and it’s even custom in some fields to take colleagues or customers out for drinks when discussing business. Social drinking implies that some sort of intelligent socialization is going on that takes precedence over the drinking; college drinking culture fosters the opposite. Dancing on tables, drinking liquor straight from a bottle, slipping Xanax into a friend’s drink for fun and other drunken antics are enough to convince most parents into sending their children to trade school. Also, if alcohol is an icebreaker, why do these students feel the need to use alcohol as a social lubricant sometimes five days in a row, from Wasted Wednesday to Sloshed Sunday?

College drinking culture doesn’t view alcohol as a means to an end, it views it as an end itself, an end that students believe will relieve stress. Exams, homework, student loan debt, relationships and deadlines are some of the stressors that students find difficult to cope with in college. Western culture has been so infected by consumerism that instead of dealing with their prob-

lems in a constructive, introspective way, some college students would rather look for a solution in a bottle. They see drinking as a convenient liquid that wipes worries and makes things (i.e. the consumer) more fun.

Were the prohibitionists right all along?

Should alcohol be banned entirely like methamphetamine and cocaine? The failure of the 18th Amendment and of the ongoing failed War on Drugs should answer that question. Prohibition will always end in disaster.

One can argue that by having the age to purchase alcohol higher than most of the Western world, America contributes to the problem — because whenever a young person is told not to do something, they’re going to want to do it even more. Contrast this with Quebec, a Canadian province with the minimum age to purchase alcohol at 18. According to educalcool.qc.ca, Quebec is experiencing a decline in alcohol related problems despite 83% of its population above the age of 15 regularly drinking alcohol, and only has nine percent of youth aged between 15 and 24 displaying alcohol dependence or abuse issues.

The government can’t solve the college drinking problem, only college students can do that. Those who believe that college is going to be the peak years of their life can rest assured that they can make the best out of any year in their life through persistence and hard work.

Every student has the potential inside them, all they have to do is find the courage to put down the bottle and start living in the real world. Is it not too late for those under the sway of college drinking to put a stop on their self-destructive behavior, or will the parents continue dumping their children off at college only to have one third of them turned into binge drinkers and drunkards, like how the ancient Canaanites sacrificed their children to the fires of Moloch?

Vincent Moore can be contacted at vmoore@kscequinox.com

‘Open College’ talks young people and politics AMANDA BEVIS

Equinox Staff Professor Michael Welsh, a professor of political science at Keene State, gave a lecture through the Open College series titled “Is Politics for Young People?” Welsh said yes, politics are for young people, clarifying that the topic is especially important for those between the ages of 18 and 29.

“Somebody asked me if I had any lectures that I might give, and I said, ‘Well, this is sort of an interesting topic. We’re going to be close to an election, young people at Keene State, why not?’” Welsh said. “When young people hate politics, they can get taken advantage of by the system.

The system will tax them more, it will place them more burdens on them, it will ask more of them that they don’t agree to. It won’t think their issues are important, like education and the environment. I think that paying attention to poli-

tics means that you will have a say and that your issues will be important, and that’s good for everyone,” he added.

“I don’t keep away from [political bias] entirely, because I think it’s good for people motivated by their own bias. Without bias, you’re not interested. If listening stops, then it’s time to reel it back in, and maybe push a point so that maybe people will listen,” Welsh said.

Lorie Rogers, the Program Coordinator in the Continuing Education Department, was present for the seminar.

“My job is to help promote all of the programs that fall under our umbrella. There are a number of them, and Open College is one of them,” Rogers said.

Before Welsh began the lecture, Rogers said, “There’s going to be a panel conversation following his presentation. That’s a first; we haven’t done that before. It’s always

KSCEQUINOX.COM

a very relaxed format where there’s a lot of give and take, and a lot of questions from the audience, but this time is a different format with a panel discussion afterwards.”

Jonathan Tshibambi, a junior history major with a minor in safety studies, is a student of Welsh’s.

“I do vote. I’ve been interested in politics — not super interested — but I just remember being high school-age and the Obama and McCain presidential election was going on. I was asking my dad a lot about policy, or what they meant by this or that. When I see classes like this, I try to take another politics class. It’s just interesting to me,” Tshibambi said.

Regarding the conversation panel following the lecture, Tshibambi said, “I think that the discussion at the end, about when he was trying to find out about how young people feel about voting, or representation versus empathy, and

things like that was kind of cool.”

There was an attendance of about fifty people, equally ranging from Keene State students to older people in the community.

“The graphs and stuff show that young people just don’t turn out as much as older people for whatever reasons. I think it’s true, but with the discussion, I think it can be changed in the culture. With more older people here, different opinions … I think it’s cool to see what they have to say about what we learn about,” Tshibambi said.

On November 14, the Open College series will end with history professor Dr. Nick Germana’s presentation that will focus on the 100th anniversary of World War I. Amanda Bevis can be contacted at abevis@kscequionox.com

VINCENT MOORE / NEWS EDITOR

PUMPKINFEST cont. from A1

ence I am able to make. Hearing how happy everyone was at the festival last year made me happy that I had a hand in creating it,” Joly said.

Board member Zinn said he encourages students to volunteer, and Joly said the message the volunteers radiate is definitely positive.

“If definitely sends a good message. Because the college and downtown are so close together, it’s important for there to be a good relationship between them.

College students helping out at the festival shows that they care about the community and want to give back,” Joly said.

After the riots at the 2014 Pumpkinfest, the town decided it was best to not bring the festival back for the 2015 fall season. After rekindling the festival in 2017, Coordinator of Community Ser-

vices Jessica Gagne Cloutier said student volunteers being at the festival is vital to making things right with the community. “It’s no surprise that the connection between students and the community was tainted after the 2014 riots. Students now are working towards giving back to the community and Pumpkinfest is a great place to do so.”

Students interested in volunteering can visit www.PumpkinFestival.org to register to volunteer online.

Emily Carstensen can be contacted at ecarsetensen@kscequinox.com

@KSCEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Black

News / A3

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Pie in the face for charity

ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / SENIOR STAFF

On Monday, October 22, 2018 on the Student Center lawn, members of Phi Sigma Sigma and Phi Lambda Chi were pied in the face to raise money for the Special Olympics and their foundation. Students were allowed to pie members in the face for a dollar and five dollars to add chocolate sauce. Many students loved the idea of ‘pieing’ members in the face for a good cause.

VAPING Cont from A1

mander. Each time an engine is dispatched, you are looking a cost of $500-$600. The bigger thing to take home from this is if we are responding to a malicious false alarm, then we are not available for any other emergency. Essentially, we will be delayed getting to a real emergency because someone is vaping or smoking in a building. These vaping alarms are a hassle for the students, it’s a problem for us, and people just need to be aware that it’s not safe to do in buildings.”

Some students are still unaware of the impact of a false alarm and believe vapes present no hazard, as they don’t produce secondhand smoke and there is no direct flame. These students see the only harm done is accidentally setting off a fire alarm. A KSC sophomore that vapes regularly in their dormitory common area said, “Since I’m vaping, I’m only doing damage to myself no one else. I don’t understand why it is such a big deal.” These students seem unaware of the costs and logistics.

Bates offered an alternative to vaping in the dorms. “Students can vape outside. That’s great, but setting off an alarm in the dorm could cause the worst case scenario. That is when someone vapes in their room, sets off the fire alarm, and the truck gets in an accident on the way, and someone is seriously injured or dies from that.

Ultimately, the person who set the alarm off is responsible for everything. So if someone sets the alarm off maliciously and something happens, then that person is responsible for manslaughter. There are huge ramifications for breaking rules. All this could be avoided by just going outside to vape,” Bates said.

“You are putting everyone at risk when [you] vape in the room, cover or disable a smoke detector. Why do that when the obvious answer is to go outside? It is hard to believe this is a big deal, but it’s the same thing with marijuana and cigarettes. Just go outside. Students believe in this mythology that they can get away with vaping in their dorms. It just isn’t worth chancing it,” Drake-Deese said.

Austin Cook can be contacted at acook@kscequinox.com

City College Commission meeting RACHEL VITELLO

equinox stAff On Monday October, 22 the College City Commission held their meeting in the Young Student Center at Keene State College.

According to the City of Keene’s website, this commission serves to facilitate effective collaboration between the City and the College on issues of mutual concern.

Their meeting this week had conversations that ranged from the future renovation of Elliot Hall, to how to attract more students to stay in Keene after graduation.

The meeting began with amending minutes from their last meeting held on August 27. One of the first issues discussed was current Co-Chair of the commission and City Counselor, Bart Sapeta, will be stepping down from his position as Co-Chair. Director of External Relations Steve Fortier will be taking over this role officially on January 1.

“I’ve been on for four years, two years as chair. I’ve loved every minute of it, but it’s time to move on,” Sapeta said.

The 2018-2021 Strategic Plan for KSC was also discussed, as it relates to both College and City issues. According to Interim President Melinda Treadwell, “The commission would review and inform the Keene State College 2018-2021 Bridge Strategic Plan and our capital plan.”

One of the aspects of the plan the commission will be involved with is the renovation of Elliot Hall.

Treadwell said, “Elliot Hall shares a Main Street opportunity for us. What is the aesthetic of upper Main Street, and

how might we create more of a continuity in that feeling between the campus adjoining Main Street and the City’s Main Street?”

Another issue covered was advertising of events (both at KSC and in Keene) generally to the community.

Program Manager for Diversity and Multiculturalism Initiatives Kim Schmidl-Gagne said, “I think students enjoy coming to the events. They’re free, they’re engaging, but we don’t reach a broad enough audience. Unfortunately, some of the costs of Sentinel ads and what not are prohibitive. The other mass media way of doing it is our website, but there’s a difference between pushing out information and hoping people discover what’s there.”

Other issues that were discussed included creating a directory of jobs in Keene so spouses of incoming KSC employees could find employment faster, the importance of student voices to inform how to keep students in Keene after graduating and the importance of the commission’s projects having set deadlines and data to review going forward.

The commission is scheduled to hold their next meeting on Monday November 26 at City Hall.

Rachel Vitello can be contacted at rvitello@kscequinox.com

BRANDON MOULTON / EQUINOX STAFF

STUDENT ASSEMBLY

Interested in writing for news?

SEBASTIEN MEHEGAN

AdministrAtive executive editor

During the assembly the Off Campus Housing Committee, it was reported that eight students were removed from their home because their landlord ignored code violations.

On Tuesday, October 23, there was little to report until the Off Campus Housing Committee representative reported that there was an issue with an off campus house.

Coordinator of Student and Community Relations Robin Picard told the committee that because of faulty smoke detectors and other safety hazards, all residents were required to leave the house until further notice. In response to this issue, Secretary of Student Assembly Victoria Bergstrom suggested a website or Facebook page be made to rate landlords.

During the courtesy section of the assembly, many upcoming events were announced including Take Back the Night on October 7 starting at 7 p.m. For more info on upcoming events go to keene.edu/news/events/2018 or download the Hootie’s Rewards app.

Sebastien Mehegan can be contacted at smehegan@kscequinox.com

KSCEQUINOX.COM

NEWS EDITOR VINCENT MOORE (603) 443-3877

FACEBOOK.COM/KSCEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

PINI NS

THE ART OF WICCA SEE A5

Opinions / A4 Thursday, October 25, 2018

AN EXPLANATION FROM THE SUN, STARS AND MOON SEE A5

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Will Pumpkinfest ever be the same?

What would someone see if they googled Keene State College? The school itself, some students walking on campus, but if one were to keep scrolling there will be pictures from the 2014 Pumpkin Festival riots. Years later, those pictures, our school’s reputation and the community’s fear is still here. Students are treated like history will repeat itself, even though no students currently enrolled were a KSC student when the rioting took place.

Cars were flipped, there were fires in the streets, there were bottles being thrown; people and students were in actual danger. It was appalling. The fact that young adults could do that to their own school’s reputation is frightening.

So who takes the blame? Many of the people involved in the riots did include some KSC students however the Union Leader reported that Former President Ann Huot said,

“Keene State students bore some from outside the city in. Which of the responsibility for the unruly is a blessing and a curse in itself, behavior, but also... some outside because some of those people sunk the community had billed the event the festival to where it is now. ‘as a destination for destructive and The Pumpkin Festival before the raucous behavior.’” riot was crazy. Not talking about People from all over New Hamp- the partying, but the actual event. shire and sometimes even through- It was something to see. According out the U.S. would come to see this to pumpkinfestival.org, in October small city filled with pumpkins. 2013, a Guinness World Record was People of all ages participated in replaced by Keene Pumpkin Festievents throughout the day. It was val with 30,581 lit jack-o’-lanterns. and is so much more than the party- That was then, and now someone ing which everyone now remembers can count the number of pumpkins it by. It was a day for the elementary at the festival on their hands (figuchildren, for bringing the local busi- ritively). nesses and surrounding schools The Pumpkin Festival creeps together, it was a small commu- up as the end of the October starts nity-built tradition that got out of to get closer. What should stuhand. It was fun to bring friends up dents expect? Looking at the past from other schools or invite par- few years will give a better look ents and siblings, but no one would into the future. In the most recent even think to do that anymore. The Keene Pumpkin Festivals there had Keene Pumpkin Festival helped been more Keene Police officers the community by bringing people than pumpkins. There had been more state troopers than community members. And there had been more complaints than students getting involved and enjoying Halloweekend. It’s a sad time for KSC students because they will never get the chance to experience what previous students were able to. The school puts students on lock during the weekend. The new policy is essentiall spelled out as: No friends, no visitors, no anything — or else.

Or else what? How can the community and schools make the festival great again if everyone’s constantly living in fear and treating students like prisoners?

Hopefully, this year students can do their laundry without getting approached by four RAs. Maybe this year the weather will be nicer and more community members will be able to forget the past and look forward to the future. We hope that the nightmare that the school has about history repeating itself goes away. And lastly, we hope that students feel like they can go out to the festival and enjoy their weekend — no matter how hard the authorities CONTRIBUTED BY KSC TV try to prevent the Halloweekend celebration.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

By Lucy Smith Dialogue is a concept most students are introduced to at a young age through stories. They are conversations that humanize characters and bring their thoughts outside the narrators voice and into the external setting. Dialogue as a means of conversation is generally not introduced until later in a student’s life. And, in some cases, it is never discussed as a specific sort of conversation at all, but rather as a synonym for discussion. In today’s political and social climate dialogue is an extremely beneficial tool that

THE EQUINOX

must be utilized by students in order to continue their mission as well rounded students with understanding of current events, topics, and issues.

A successful dialogue has a few key components that provide concrete outcomes of communication and understanding across differing beliefs and spectrums of opinions, regardless of the topic being addressed.

Tips for effective dialogue: Use of “I” statements – Keeping the focus of an opinion on yourself, rather than projecting a negative aspect on an opposing party, allows for a more open and less

To contact the Equinox, e-mail smehegan@kscequinox.com or cperry@kscequinox.com

Caroline Perry Managing Executive Editor Sebastien Mehegen Administrative Executive Editor News Editor

Ads Manager

Vincent Moore

Elizabeth Buckley

Opinions Editor

Business Manager

Kiana Wright

Puja Thapa

A&E Editor

Webmaster

Halie Martineau

Creative Collections

Social Media Director

Multimedia Director

Senior Photographer

Student Life

Copy Editors

Erin McNemar Angelique Inchierca Benajil Rai

Alyssa Wisniewski

Sports Editor Cailla Prisco

Art Director

Laura Romaniello

defensive conversation. This will often lead to collaboration or deeper understanding and acceptance of a differing belief without invalidating another person’s opinion.

Personal responsibility – Being able to take personal responsibility is often combined with a negative connotation. When having a dialogue we can take responsibility for our own opinions in a positive way.

This can be done through evidence or anecdotal support for your opinion. Hold true to your beliefs with an open mind to other’s ideas.

Remember the Third Principle of

Tessa DesMarais Ryan Bloomberg

Senior Staff

Rachel Vitello Angelique Inchierca

respectful relationships with people different from us. We can grow and learn, especially as students, through practicing these techniques throughout our time as problem solvers and students.

If you are looking for interesting events on campus to talk and listen to peers, faculty and community members visit the Cohen Center Facebook page or Cohen Center website at www.keene.edu/academics/cchgs

EQUINOX NEWSROOM

EDITORIAL POLICY

Faculty Advisor

The Equinox is a designated public forum. Student editors have full editorial control over the entire content of the paper.

All articles and opinion pieces are assigned, written and edited by students without censor by administrators, faculty or staff.

The Equinox is published Thursdays during the academic year with dates immediately preceding and following holidays omitted. The advertising deadline is 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to publication. The Equinox reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Advertising is not accepted until it appears in the paper.

Letters to the editor must be written exclusively to The Equinox and are due by noon on the Friday prior to publishing.

All letters must include name and phone number for verification. The Equinox reserves the right to edit for style and length, and refuse any letters to the editor. For clarification and additional information on any above policies call 3582414. The Equinox business office is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Rodger Martin, Journalism faculty (rmartin@kscequinox.com ) Julio Del Sesto, Journalism faculty (jdelsesto@keene.edu) Ads Director: Elizabeth Buckley (203) 892-0506

Equinox Staff: Kai Tippawong, Isabel Tisdale, Eli Felix, Rachel Vitello, Izzy Harris, Emily Carstensen, Iris Pruletti, Haleigh Patch, Amanda Bevis, Alex Harvey, Katie Jensen, Kyle Wilson, Lindsay Gibbons, Julia Hawkins, Lily Ayotte, Kathryn Spadafora, McHale Burgess, Gwen Phillips, Jacqueline Pantano, Alyssa Borenko, Veronica Pamphile, Henry Hobson, Joe Guzman, David Payson, Brandon Moulton, Julia Guidi, Ethan Platt, Alexandria Saurman, Austin Cook, Anna Heindl, Matthew Kahlman, Emily Perry, Adriana Daniel, Jayden Rodgers, Soren Frantz, Nina Kljic, Bree Norton, Luke Sweeny, Jack Cimino, Sam Binigono, Sara Olson, Cal Sylvia and Matthew Barriga.

Adriana Sanchez Luke Stergiou

Kingian Non-Violence – The Third Principle of Kingian Non-violence states, “Non-violence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.“ (thekingcenter.org) This principle reminds us that through dialogue we are choosing to solve issues, and those issues are not people but rather practices and beliefs enforced in our society. Remembering that the people participating in the dialogue are not the problem is a key component to having and maintaining successful dialogues.

The outcomes of successful dialogues do not necessarily mean the ultimate solutions to problems, but rather the creation of

Copyright © 2017: All rights reserved Reproduction of The Equinox in whole or part in any form written, broadcast or electronic without written permission of The Equinox is prohibited.

The Equinox is published each Thursday during the academic year by the editorial board of The Equinox, which is elected every spring by the members of the editorial board and acts as joint publisher of the paper.

The Equinox serves as the voice of the students of Keene State College and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, the staff and/or the administration.

One copy of The Equinox is available free each week. Anyone removing papers in bulk will be prosecuted on theft charges to the fullest extent of the law. Inserting items into printed copies of The Equinox is considered theft of services and will result in prosecution.

MISSION:

CONTACT:

The Equinox exists to promote the free flow of information, to protect the First Amendment, to stimulate high standards in the practice of journalism and to foster excellence among student journalists.

229 Main Street Keene, N.H. 03435 smehegan@kscequinox.com cperry@kscequinox.com Circulation 1,200

FOLLOW US: Newsroom: 603-358-2413 Ads/Bus. Office: 603-358-2401 Executive Editor: 603-358-2414 Fax: 603-358-2407

facebook.com/kscequinox | @kscequinox

Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Opinions / A5

Thursday, October 25, 2018

STAFF COMMENTARY

The art of Wicca TESSA DESMARAIS

Copy Editor Halloween always brings questions of what is insensitive. It is a time to open forums on what is considered offensive and to learn about cultures and histories other than our own. I’d like to take a moment to give an alternate image of witches to the traditional green ones: Wiccans. Wiccans are modern witches, believers in Wicca.

There are some who are afraid of Wiccan casting materials and people who recoil with wide eyes when folks describe themselves as witches. Yes, Wiccans use a pentagram. No, it’s not the same as Satanism. There’s no need to be afraid of Wiccans though, just as with any other religion. The fear of Wicca comes from ignorance. Wicca comes down to three basic things: Firstly, Wiccans believe in balance and respect above all else.

Wiccan faith varies from person to person — just as the image of God does for Christians. All Wiccans share the belief that there is a greater power that keeps balance in the universe. Wiccans seek to find their own balance between the good and bad in their actions, to give as much as they take. This is exemplified by the dual-god or God-Goddess pairing of a MotherFather figure, who is the main deity of Wiccans.

Secondly, Wicca is derived from old-world Paganism and shares the belief that the powers of the universe can be harnessed with enough work. Wiccans observe holidays that follow the cycle of nature (the Equinoxes and Solstices) and often worship or do spellwork during times when nature is at a high or low — full or new moons, low or high tide, the changing of the seasons and so on. Spellcasting can entail the use of herbs and plants, crystals and light energy, Tarot cards and other methods of reading the future or a combination of all. You may even see a pentagram, the ancient symbol for the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and mind/spirit), used in a Wiccan spell for good luck, good health or guidance.

Thirdly, Wiccans don’t have a scripture or a central authority: No Torah or Pope. There is only the Wiccan Rede, a set of guidelines and basic rules, which ends

An explanation from the sun, stars and moon

LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR

with the essence of all Wiccan practices: “An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will.” Wiccans believe that we have free will and we determine our own fates, but that we should seek to be good and not upset the balance of life or nature.

One, balance. Two, Neopaganism. Three, Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will. Being a witch doesn’t sound so scary now, does it?

It’s okay to not understand a different culture or religion; ignorance alone is not indicative of disrespect.

Even those who “understand” the religion often mistreat it — I’ve noticed that Wicca is now a trend.

In Newbury Comics, a display full of witchcraft books detailed minor “spells” and how to start a coven (a group of witches) but didn’t even touch on the Rede, the idea of the God and Goddess or the religion’s roots. The same “spell” for good luck was described a different way in each book, and most of them were

closer to self-actualization habits than rituals. One book was even titled “Bitch Witch,” or something along those lines — anything like that with a different religion would not have been sold at any chain. But should I even worry about it? Is one sign in a dorm, #JustWitchyThings, really so damaging? Is one trope of green witches in hats so bad? Are a hundred movies with witches as horrible hexers truly so awful? Are a few books fraught with misinformation, written to be tabloid versions of a deep and meaningful faith, really so horrible?

I don’t know. In the eyes of the modern person, probably not. Many would argue that Wicca is simply a hippy movement, since it was popularized in America in the 1970s and 80s, and that Wiccans are just being too uppity about labels. Even The New York Times, with all its resources, could only find 134,000 Wiccans who would admit to their practices in 2001 — but many Wic-

cans agree that the hesitation to come forward stems from the fear of judgement.

Wiccans find themselves caught between those who do not understand the faith and choose to fear it, and those who wish to brush Wiccans off as another series of tryhard hipsters who want everyone to go vegan and act like the treehugger movement is back. Wicca is, however, seen as a real religion in the eyes of American law, since 1986. Wicca also undeniably draws its heritage directly back to the oldest and longest surviving religion in the world:, Paganism.

Wiccan tenants aren’t evil; on the contrary, Wiccans align with most monotheistic religions’ scriptures, with the main mantra ringing true: “Don’t Be A Bad Person.”

Tessa DesMarais can be contacted at tdesmarais@kscequinox.com

STAFF COMMENTARY

You get what you give BENAJIL RAI

LAURA ROMANIEL LO / ART DIRECTOR

MultiMEdia dirECtor The word ‘KARMA’ is very popular on social media like Facebook and Instagram these days. I always wonder how. It is used by many pages with motivational quotes. If you type ‘hashtag’ and search word Karma you will find millions of posts and quotes about it. This surprises me because the term ‘Karma’ is a religious ideology. It’s interesting to see that the idea of Karma is being taken less as a religious ideology and more as a self-awakening wisdom about our actions and reactions in today’s culture.

When I searched the word Karma on Instagram I found an interesting post about it. It was posted by an account called inspirationstation365. The post was about nine laws of Karma. The first law was “The Great law.” It means whatever we put into the universe will come back to us. The second law was the “Law of Creation”; which explains that life does not happen by itself, we need to make it happen. The third law called the “Law of Humility; which means one must accept something in order to change it. The fourth law was the “law of Growth”; which says when we change ourselves our lives follow suit and change accordingly. The fifth law which was the “Law of Responsibility” states, “We must take responsibility for what is in our lives”. The sixth law was the “Law of Connection”: “The past, present and the future are all connected.” The seventh law was

STAFF COMMENTARY

the “Law of Focus”; this means we also means the actions of a person’s cannot think of two different things previous life affects his/her present at the same time. The eight “Law life and the actions of a present life of Giving and Hospitality” which affect his/ her next life. Growing up states, “Our behavior should match with my grandmother who is very our thoughts and actions. And the religious and spiritual, I was always ninth law the “Law of Here and told to do Dharma (worship god, Now” meaning, “One cannot be prey, take fast and serve and help present if they are looking back- people) so that I can get good Karma in my future or in my next ward”.

It is interesting how all these life. I was also warned not to lie, laws have similar ideas on how my steal, harm others, and basically not grandmother used to teach me to do any work which is immoral about Dharma (religious and moral that can cause harm to myself and duties of an individual) and Karma others. She always used to say, in my culture. Being born and “How we think and treat others or raised in Nepal which has a large what we do will decide our Karma.” population of Hindu and Buddhist, These beliefs shaped my morals and the idea of Karma was definitely ethical behavior and ways of living associated with the religion. The especial from the laws of Karma word Karma is a Sanskrit word (an mentioned above.

Along with the religious beliefs ancient Indic language of India). In Hinduism and Buddhism, Karma about Karma, I also came across indicates the cycle of cause and many other related taboos. Many effect — each action a person takes people in Nepal believe that if will affect him or her at some time somebody has a poor financial sitin the future. And as both the reli- uation, incurable disease, or are gion believe in recantation, Karma handicapped, they say Karma is

treating them this way because of their bad deeds from their past life.

Similarly, before Nepal became a Federal Democratic Republic country in 2007, we had a Monarchy. Our King was considered as a god and respected and worshipped by all.

So then, my grandmother used to tell me that Kind was born as a king because he did good deeds in his past life. So, Karma is rewarding him with a better life. And when I came to the U.S. it was interesting to know a western perspective on Karma. My roommate said she used the word ‘Karma’ once and one of her family members said to her that she was worshipping a Hindu god, and told her to stop using it. But in my view, the idea of the term ‘Karma’ is more than just a religious ideology; It is a truth about our actions and the reactions.

The idea of Karma, the cause and effect theory is exactly like a proverb, “As you sow, sow shall you reap.” It works in a practical world.

We get what we do in our life. Our life rewards us according to our works. While being practical, if we work hard and do well in exams, we get A as a result, that is Karma.

And the vice versa. So, I think, the whole idea of Karma the rewards or punishment that our life gives based on our works and effort. And I think it is all about encouraging people to become a good human being with compassion, kindness, mindfulness, responsibility, creation, and growth.

Benajil Rai can be contacted at brai@kscequinox.com

EMILY PERRY / EQUINOX STAFF

Personal meanings and truths of your zodiac sign EMMA CONNELLY

Equinox Staff Today many have become jaded and frustrated with the state of the world, making it seem trivial to believe in something such as Astrology in modern society.

But astrology has stood the test of time, providing people with personal insight for 2,000 years. It’s 2018, and I believe astrology is thriving because of our humanistic desire to understand ourselves on a deeper level.

Due to social media, it’s easy to be caught up in what everyone else is doing. While we observe everyone around us, we in turn end up neglecting ourselves.

This is where astrology comes in. Through this ancient craft, we can finally begin to understand our true selves, and the grand realization that your life and spirit are completely yours — wholly. It also leads people to understand that they exist for a reason, and they aren’t just another speck of dust floating through the universe.

I discovered astrology when I was a young kid — around seven or eight years old.

My mom had told me I was a Cancer. Of course, when she said that, my first thought was, ‘do I have to go to the hospital?’ but my mom quickly reassured me it was only my Zodiac sign. She then told me she was an Aries, and how when she was a teenager in the 1980s her favorite section of her magazines were the horoscopes.

I ended up forgetting about it for a while, until one day during

my first year of high school I started really reading into it. It was during a time when I was feeling unsure about myself, and anxious about how I fit in the order of things — everything I read resonated with me deeply. I came to find out it is more than just being a Cancer, Leo, Aries, Taurus, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces or a Gemini. You had a moon sign, a rising sign, and even different asteroid placements that affected you.

The sign you most likely know, based on your date of birth, is your Sun sign.

This is the background of the painting that is you. Your moon sign is what happens within, how you process your emotions on an internalized level. Your rising sign is said to be how you come off to others.

This made me realize that there was so much to my soul and my personality that I had just discovered about myself or had finally been able to put words to. Many say that astrology is incorrect because they don’t relate to their sign, or any of the traits that come with it. If they only explored a little bit past the surface, they’d understand the beauty and soft comfort of it. The world puts too much focus on your life, compared to the life of someone else.

At the end of the day, everyone is on a different path and has different purposes. The world needs to at least give astrology a chance, and put in some research. It’s interesting what you may find out about yourself.

Emma Connelly can be contacted at econnelly@kscequinox.com

@KSCEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT / A6

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Changing her focus

Jacqueline's movie mania

ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / SENIOR STAFF

Summer of '84 JACQUELINE PANTANO

Equinox Staff

ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / SENIOR STAFF

Keene State College senior Logan Symonds pursued her passion for photography by starting her own photography business this past summer.

Logan Symonds' photography journey ERIN MCNEMAR

artS & EntErtainmEnt Editor Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned, but it can lead you in a direction better than you could have imagined.

Senior and studio art major Logan Symonds graduated from Keene High School in 2014 and packed her bags for Jacksonville University in Florida to study nursing.

However, after becoming homesick, Symonds found herself back in her hometown attending Keene State College. It was then that she was out in an eight a.m. drawing class and rediscovered a passion for art she had had as a child.

The following semester, Symonds decided to take a photography class as well as open up her first credit card and buy her own camera.

Symonds began taking pictures on her friend’s farm and putting them on Instagram. After a while, people started asking Symonds if she would take their pictures. “It kind of just came out of nowhere, and then people kept asking,” Symonds said.

After photographing a wedding this past summer, Symonds decided to start her own photography business. “After the wedding, I got a lot of feedback and a lot of new clients,” Symonds said.

Symonds also does senior photos and said she is: “completely booked all of October for sessions and

November.”

Isabella Delong, who had Symonds take her senior pictures, worked in two different sessions. “I decided to ask Logan because I had seen her photography before and I really liked simplicity of her pictures,” Delong continued.”What stood out to me was Logan’s ability to capture a person’s personality in her photography. She is very passionate about her work and it definitely shows,” she said.

Through all her art, Symonds, who was recently accepted in KSC’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program, explained her favorite thing to capture is the human figure.

In terms of photography, she loves lifestyle. “I do a lot of couple and engagement sessions. I love that. I love couples. I’m just very intrigued by human interaction,” she continued. “I’m actually doing my thesis for my bachelor of fine arts on human vulnerability and human connection. It’s just something that fascinates me. I love working with people,” Symonds said.

Lauren Power was one of the many people that experienced Symonds’ capability of capturing human connection. Power said, “She caught the most beautiful moments of my family without us even feeling it.

We were just being us, and she was able to capture us in the most beautiful way. Logan made us feel completely at ease.”

According to Symonds, an important key to photographing humans is putting yourself in their shoes, to

imagine how you would want to be seen in their situation. “When I go back taking photographs, I think of what I would want. If I had a boyfriend and we were being all lovey dovey, how would I want that. Or 'this looks really cool through the bushes,' just unusual things,” Symonds said.

Symonds has already booked two more weddings for this summer, but she doesn’t want to stop there. “I want to do more. I think it would be really cool eventually to be someone who is flown out to go take pictures of a wedding. I hope I can do that,” Symonds said.

Symonds runs majority of her business from her Instagram, LoganElizabeth.jpg, and her website, loganelizabeth-art.com, and she is looking to expand.

“I definitely want to expand my clientele. Before I graduate, I want to have an established LLC [Limited Liability Company] and figure out more of the business side of things. I’m doing it on my own, which is a little tricky, but I’m pretty excited,” Symonds said.

While she may have started her college career as a nursing major in Florida, she is looking to end it as a photographer. “It’s weird to say I have a side business.

Like, I’m 23 and I have my own business, that’s so cool.

If you asked me five years ago if this was my plan; it was not my plan. But it’s so awesome this is happening for me,” Symonds said.

Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com

Brendan Goodwin senior recital

HENRY HOBSON / EQUINOX STAFF

On Sunday, October 21, Keene State College student Brendan Goodwin performed in his senior recital. Goodwin showcased his musical ability on the euphonium and was accompanied by other members of the KSC community. These included KSC students Geoff Edwards on cello and Will Wright on trombone. The performance also featured staff accompanist Vladimir Odinokikh on piano.

The promising Sundance nomination, ‘80s trendy backdrop, group of seemingly endearing protagonist boys and thrilling mystery plot with a dark, frightening villain might portray “Summer of ‘84” as an attractive film for viewers and film enthusiasts alike. Unfortunately, “Summer of ‘84” does not keep its promises. “Summer of ‘84”, directed by Francois Simard, Anouk Whissell and Yoann-Karl Whissell, is a thriller mystery set in the 1980s.

Boys between the age of thirteen and sixteen are being kidnapped and killed in Cape May, Oregon. The police are looking for a middle aged white male. Davey Armstrong, (Graham Verchere) a teenage boy obsessed with conspiracy theories, believes he’s found the killer: His neighbor and town police officer Wayne Mackey (Rich Sommer).

The film promises a dangerous adventure as Davey and his three friends look for proof. The serial killer’s victims are teenage boys. Teenage boys are investigating the killer. The killer’s target is targeting the killer. It sounds thrilling. It is not. Somehow the risk never seems great enough. The killer never seems creepy, dangerous or psychotic enough. He resembles a stricter, more annoying and perhaps more violent version of the teacher from “The Breakfast Club.” He is just a respectable, trustworthy individual to adults, that only teenagers and children seem to hate and avoid. The murderer's motives, modus operandi and signature are never revealed. Davey, the driven investigator, does not seem interested in finding these out. One of the elements that renders almost every crime mystery disturbing is the psyche of the criminal.

This film never tackles that.

The Sundance Film Festival is renowned for choosing character-driven films. If not the thrilling, stomach twisting, creepy elements, the film’s characters could have won over critics and viewers. Again, they did not. The film never dives deep into an exploration of the characters’ lives and personalities. Davey’s obsession with conspiracy theories and murders, his drive to investigate, is never truly explained to the audience. How did this passion develop? How does it define our protagonist? These are questions the film never answers. Two of Davey’s friends, Dale "Woody" Woodworth (Caleb Emery) and Tommy "Eats" Eaton (Judah Lewis), have difficult situations at home. The film never explores the boys’ homes and personal troubles. By the end of the film, almost nothing is revealed about them, their parents, their struggles or their lives. It is impossible to get attached.

As a consequence, the friendship between the boys loses importance or meaning. The audience desires to see a group of friends who care for one another, support one another, form a team against all odds. The idea is Peter Pan’s lost boys, with Davey as Peter Pan. Interestingly enough, we don’t know a lot about Peter Pan or the lost boys. However, the fairytale, by making them mysterious figures with dark pasts, allows the viewer’s imagination to create legendary background stories. The imagination of the viewers shapes the characters, connects them to a relatable human past. They were orphans, brought

by Peter Pan to a better life in Neverland. “Summer of ‘84” manages to drive the viewers to lose interest in the main characters’ past. If the protagonists were not the focus, the villain could have been: Captain Hook instead of Peter Pan. Once more, he was not. The audience never finds out his past. Why is he a serial killer? Why teenage boys? How does he kill them? These are questions the film never answers. If they were answered the film would have had a memorable, fascinating, eerie villain and a disturbing story.

Predictably, the film received a 67% approval rating based on 39 reviews on the site aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, and a score of 57 out of 100 based on 9 reviews on Metacritic. The directing and the acting, specifically Rich Sommer’s (Mr. Mackey) performance, is quite impressive.

However, it does not compensate for the lack of interesting characters and thrilling plot. The audience leaves the theatre without feeling any connection to the protagonists — presumably lovable, charming teenage boys — or fascination for the villain, presumably the quintessential sinister middle aged man. Overall, the film’s various promising elements fail to impact the viewers in any memorable way.

Jacqueline Pantano can be contacted at jpantano@kscequinox.com

KSCEQUINOX.COM Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT / A7

Thursday, October 25, 2018

BRIEF

STAFF COMMENTARY

Discussions at the Thorne

There's a brilliant new doctor in town POLICE

PUBLIC CALL

BOX

ANNA HEINDL / EQUINOX STAFF

Doctor Who's first female doctor KATHRYN SPADAFORA

Equinox Staff

ETHAN

PLATT / EQUINOX STAFF

On Wednesday, October 17, the Thorne Art Gallery held an informal discussion about the gallery's current work, "Paint It Black."

Artist Andy Mister explains his work "Paint It Black" JOE GUZMAN

Equinox Staff On Wednesday, October 17, New Orleans based curator Andy Mister came to have a informal discussion about one of the works in the Thorne, named “Paint it black,” as well as his own life.

The discussion was held at the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery.

Throughout the discussion, he hinted at different musical artists that have influenced him throughout his travels, currently and before he was even an art curator.

Pavement, Smashing Pumpkins and even Ghostface Killah from the iconic hip hop group Wu Tang Clan were a few he mentioned. Most of the bands were within the alternative rock realm/

genre. He also went deeper into how platforms such as Instagram really gave him a boost in notoriety.

In terms of his purely artistic influences, Mister mentioned that, “The artists who have been most ... the largest influence on my own work are Vija Celmins, Ed Ruscha, Llyn Foulkes, and Bruce Conner.”

He said Los Angeles is his favorite place to visit or travel to for art. When asked about new and upcoming artists that he enjoys, he explained, “I really love Erin Riley's recent work, especially the way she uses autobiography and narrative in unexpected and exciting ways. Chris Oh is [also] an amazing painter [...] constantly reinventing what a classical painting can be.”

Lastly, he was asked how curating influenced his taste in art, to which he replied: “Curating

has forced me to look at and enjoy a wider range of art, in an attempt to put together shows that would be interesting to people other than me. It also helped me to meet and get to know a lot of artists, and through them, my ideas of what art is or can be have changed.”

During the actual talk itself, he went more in depth about “Paint it black.” He summed up the talk up by saying, “The Rolling Stones song ‘Paint It Black’ has never really had much significance for me. It is mentioned in the Big Star song ‘Thirteen,’ which is where the title of the show comes from. That song has been — always functioned — as a lens through which I remember my own adolescence.”

Joe Guzman can be contacted at jguzman@kscequinox.com

Poems By Isabel Are you interested in writing for A&E? i want to live where the wild things are dance with the devil and his friends; maybe make a deal or two. i want to run barefoot through morning fog drink with the dead and pray with the living hoping to launch ourselves into a ceaseless unknown. down the rabbit hole and sailing off to neverland learning new love languages and curse words that have never escaped my lips before. fear looks me in my eyes and i scream in her face (NOT FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT).

Arts and Entertainment Editor Erin McNemar (908) 328-9752

KSCEQUINOX.COM

I want to lay with my back on the ground, face towards the stars in a sea of flowers; I welcome their waves to come knock me down.

I see people with kaleidoscope eyes now, fiery and loud, yet meek and mild with no intention of being tamed.

“I’m the Doctor.” These three words strike hope into the hearts of millions worldwide. Premiering on the BBC on November 23, 1963, the television program “Doctor Who” is not only the longest running science fiction show in history, but one of the longest running shows of all time. "Doctor Who" was originally created to educate — the episodes in which the titular character traveled to the future were meant to teach science, and the episodes in which they traveled to the past were meant to teach history. The show follows the adventures of a time traveling, regenerating alien known as the Doctor. Coming from a race known as the Time Lords, who reside on the planet Gallifrey, the Doctor stole a ship for his own — the TARDIS [time and relative dimension in space]. Equipped with the two hearts particular to the Time Lord race and a sonic screwdriver, the Doctor travels all of time and space in his TARDIS, usually with a human companion. Whenever close to death, the Doctor has the ability to regenerate into a new body.

For fifty five years, the structure and gender dynamics of the program have remained the same — the male Doctor travels with his human companion, usually an attractive female. However, on July 16, 2017, a monumental announcement was made. After the Wimbledon’s men’s tennis final, the 13th Doctor was revealed. Walking through a forest, a cloaked Doctor approached the TARDIS, key in hand and ready for adventure. And when the Doctor pulled down their hood, it was none other than Jodie Whittaker, the beloved British actress from the critically acclaimed series “Broadchurch.” For the first time in fifty five years of history and fourteen incarnations of the character, the Doctor was now female. The reveal was nothing short of a worldwide phenomenon. Not only was it the culmination of years of progressive movement and themes in the series since its revival in 2005, but a disturbance to a tradition and established fifty-five year formula.

Uncertainty reigned as fans and non-fans alike awaited the first look of Whittaker’s 13th Doctor.

Would traditional Whovians who want their “Doctor Who” to reflect the white male scholarly Britain (as it did in the 1960s) boycott in outrage? Would modern feminists be interested in picking up the series now that it would star a female heroine? In the end, the venture proved to be a success. Videos and posts alike titled “It’s About Time” were posted, featuring female Whovians praising and crying over having the first female Doctor.

The international event not only swept headlines, but brought fans

together as they waited in nervous anticipation for Whittaker’s debut. On Sunday, October 7, the big day came. At 6:30 GMT, fans sat down for the two hour premiere of the first female Doctor. Ratings for Whittaker’s Premiere were at an all time high since the show’s revival, bringing in over 1.4 million viewers — up 67% from the previous three seasons starring Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor, and 48% from the post-revival seasons as a whole. Reviews were, as a whole, glowingly positive, as well as emotional. Female Whovians recorded their reactions to seeing a female Doctor, some laughing and some crying in excitement.

One review was a tribute to new companion Ryan Sinclair, who has dyspraxia (a disorder that affects motor skills), and what the show’s representation of the rarely-portrayed disorder meant to certain fans. Others complimented companion Yasmine Khan, a woman of Indian descent and the first nonblack companion of color on the show.

Yet, through praise and excitement, there were still those who expressed their concerns regarding the 13th Doctor being female.

Not only did it go against fifty-five years of tradition and establishment of the Doctor as a male lead, the choice seemed to fulfill a political agenda, even showing a glass ceiling shattering in the trailer with, as one critic of the decision put it, “the subtlety of a brick” as a metaphor for the significance of a female Doctor. Others simply want a scientific explanation as to why the Doctor has not yet been female.

However, no matter which side fans sat on, one general consensus was abundantly clear — Whittaker not only looks and performs wonderfully as the Doctor, but embodies the role perfectly. And Whittaker’s high ratings confirm this, as well as the importance of this event that has been half a century in the making. All around the world, fans banded together to say, just like the show itself, it’s about time.

The premiere of Whittaker’s 13th Doctor is undeniably monumental in shaping the future of “Doctor Who,” as well as television itself. Will other male heroes played by multiple actors, such as Sherlock Holmes and James Bond, be given a female twist? What does this challenge on tradition mean for other long-running established programs? These are all questions which, as the season continues, will slowly begin to be answered.

For now, however, there is but one word to describe the new face of “Doctor Who” — the first word and catchphrase of the 13th Doctor herself.

“Brilliant.”

Kathryn Spadafora can be contacted at kspadafora@kscequinox.com

YOUTUBE.COM/USER/THEKEENEEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

ARTS ENTERTAINMENT

A&E / A8

Thursday, October 25, 2018

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Keene brings music to Boston

CONTRIBUTED BY CHOCK FULL O'NOTES

Chock Full O'Notes performs in a competition at Faneuil Hall ERIN MCNEMAR

artS & EntErtainmEnt Editor Singing with instruments is one thing. Becoming the instruments is another.

On Saturday, October 20, the Keene State College A cappella group Chock Full O’Notes [CFON] traveled to Boston to take part in the 22nd annual A cappella competition in front of Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

College students and their A cappella groups come from all over New England to perform in this competition each year.

Coordinators of the event reach out to college A cappella organizations, and groups are able to sign up for time slots. Groups are then asked to prepare two to four songs that are performed in front of an audience and judges. From there, judges will give critiques to the songs and share what they believed was good, and what could have been better.

In the week leading up to the competition, group members felt confident about the event, according to senior and CFON president Morgan Sulham.

“We’re really excited. We took in 11 new members this year and we have 10 that are active. They are such fast learners so we have been able to add a totally new song. We’re feeling pretty good about it,” Sulham said.

Many of the group’s members graduated last year, and CFON was able to let in many new singers this year.

Sulham explained the competition will be beneficial to those that are new to CFON. “I think it’s going to be very good performance practice for people who haven’t performed in an A capella group before, and it’s going to be in a totally different venue for them. It’s going to be a great learning opportunity for us,” Sulham said.

CFON creates many of their own arrangements.

According to senior and treasurer of CFON Zach Howe, the group performs their own arrangements to get feed-

back from the expert panel of judges. “We do our own arrangements. We like to get our stuff out there and get criques on it from the judges about things we can do better,” Howe said.

While CFON goes to the competition to receive feedback, Howe said the group competes manly for fun.

“We usually do it for fun, and to put ourselves out there as well. We are there to represent Keene State, but we don’t do it for the competition. We’re in this group to have fun,” Howe said.

Although Howe did not attend the event, he felt confident in the group's ability to perform well.

“I feel good this year. I’m not worried about them, and I know they are going to do great,” Howe said.

At the competition, CFON performed “Generous”

by Olivia Holt and a mash-up of “Robbers” by The 1975 and “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, or as Sulham referred to it as, “Chasing Robbers.”

After the performance on Saturday, senior and music

director of CFON Brendan Goodwin reflected on how the group did as a whole.

“This was our first official performance this year. It’s always a little difficult to sing at this venue because we’re outside and there’s a ton of traffic and people to drown us out, so we have to listen to each other a lot harder,” Goodwin continued.

“I think we were much more in tune and had better rhythmic intensity throughout the group compared to previous years,” Goodwin said.

Overall Goodwin explained the competition was a good start to the performance season.

“It was a great way to try out a new song and get the new members used to performing in front of an audience,” Goodwin said.

Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com

Mixing culture and music together GWEN PHILLIPS

Equinox Staff On Saturday, October 20, The Berklee India Ensemble performed at Keene State College.

The Berklee India Ensemble, originally formed from a class at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, embarked on their first tour around the East coast. After several performances around New England, they concluded with their final performance at KSC’s Redfern Arts Center.

The group of fourteen musicians shared their musical styles throughout the two hours, with a wide variety of instruments including piano, traditional Indian keblar drums, as well as varying smaller percussive instruments, flute, synthesizer, a drum set, electric guitar and bass.

The group also showcased a handful of talented singers.

With some of the pieces, konnakol was used — a type of scat singing that focuses more on rhythm than pitch.

As noted by a couple who attended the show, “It was very interesting to watch, and [enjoyable] to join in clapping and dancing. I would most definitely pay to see them again.”

During the performance, the audience was able to hear covers of songs, new interpretations and even

a sample of their sixteen original pieces. The Berklee India Ensemble was initially created in 2011 by a group of classmates, and since has welcomed new members as some move on from the group.

The current ensemble includes two members who are currently students at the Berklee College of Music.

While this group has been playing for seven years, this is only their first tour. They perform in Boston most often, and will be performing there in December. Post performance, singer and experienced percussionist Rohith Jayaraman gave some insight to how the group operates, saying that everyone brings something new. “This is our first time on tour, and we can’t wait to tour again. It’s been a great experience and I’m glad to share it with friends. Keene has been amazing, and hopefully we can come back,” said Jayaraman.

According to Jayaraman, each member shares a strong, deeprooted loved for music.

When the group comes together, they seemingly build on each others passion, and thus make a high energy, “dancing like nobody's watching” kind of show.

GWEN PHILLIPS Gwen Phillips can be contacted at gphillips@kscequinox.com On Saturday, October 20, the Redfern Arts Center hosted The Berklee India Ensemble. The group concluded their tour at KSC.

/ EQUINOX STAFF

Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

STUDENT LIFE

Student Life, B1

Thursday, October 25, 2018

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Relaxing during midterm week Keene State College puts on many events to counter high stress levels HALEIGH PATCH

Equinox Staff Midterms week: A time where students are constantly stressed out due to various exams, papers and projects.

According to the National College Health Association, 30 percent of students said stress affects their individual academic performance. Affected academic performance is defined as receiving a lower grade on an exam or project, receiving a lower grade in the class, dropping the course or experiencing disruption.

However, most students are in the same boat, and KSC offers many activities and events to help reduce some of this stress.

For example, there are many group fitness classes held in the gym that fit different needs. There is Cycling, Rip and Ride, Power Yoga, Yogalates, Zumba, Yoga, Butts Guts and More, Hydrorobics, Pound and Self-care and Flexibility. One of the

most calming classes, Self-care and Flexibility, is instructed by senior Faith Pudlo. She said this is her first year teaching it and an average of five to seven people attend. Pudlo said the purpose of this class is to bring awareness to people’s bodies. Pudlo said they start with body weight exercise and stretching, and end with relaxation. She said it is different than yoga, and it helps the immune system when they do inversions, or twists.

“It is important because it gives everybody a minute to relax and to check in with themselves,” Pudlo said. She said everyone seems more relaxed after the class, even her. Self-care and Flexibility is every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. There is a schedule posted in the gym with times and descriptions of all the other classes.

There are other events the college hosts for students to enjoy during this stressful time. Health student educator Tiffany Mathews said Hootie’s Rewards focuses on meeting the needs of students and promoting wellness programs. There are also

wellness programs through Live Well KSC, which focuses on the nine dimensions of wellness.

Mathews said there are two different types of stress: eustress and distress. Eustress is positive stress, short-term and is meant to improve performance, such as studying for an exam. Distress is negative and can affect people physically and emotionally. Mathews said it is important to know what you are feeling and to go talk to someone if you need, because there are different ways to manage stress.

On October 18, a program called Guided Breathing and Relaxation was held in a residence hall. Two interns from the counseling center, Ileana Hernandez and Josef Broder, started the night off with some guided breathing exercises to help de-stress. Students were then welcome to stay to make homemade air fresheners, or color. Freshman Rachel Spear said she felt way more relaxed after the program, and that more students should definitely attend.

Hernandez and Broder said residential life reached out to the counseling center, and together,

they created this program. Mathews said res-life is also responsible for hosting wellness or community development programs in residence halls to meet the needs of the students living there.

There is another program through Live Well KSC called Mindfulness Drop-in Sessions, where students meditate from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the Elliot Center.

“There are so many resources on campus for students to take advantage of,” said Mathews.

Mathews said there are positive methods for coping with stress that you can even do on your own.

Exercising, spending time with family and friends, journaling, breathing techniques, listening to music or meditation are all great ways to manage stress.

Haleigh Patch can be contacted at hpatch@kscequinox.com

“It is important because it gives everybody a minute to relax and to check in with themselves” -Faith Pudlo

KAI TIPPAWONG / EQUINOX STAFF

Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

STUDENT LIFE / B2

Thursday, October 25, 2018

BRIEF

Where in the world is

Hootie?

SEBASTIEN MEHEGAN

AdminiStrAtive executive editor The crowds cheer, a goal is scored or a basket is made, the cheerleading team do their routine, but the Keene State College Owl mascot is nowhere to be seen.

Assistant AD for Sports Information Compliance and Operations Abe Osheyack said he thinks a major reason why they haven’t been able to find a volunteer to be Hootie the Owl is because the Athletics department had to remove it as a paid position from the Work Studies Program. Osheyack said, “It’s not a job opening we chose not to pursue. It’s always been a little difficult to find a consistent Hootie.”

2018 KSC Alumnis Dominique Pascoal was employed as Hootie starting in 2016, her sophomore year and ending when she graduated. Pascoal said, “I didn’t do it for the money...it was just fun.” She said she accepted and enjoyed this position as it gave her the opportunity to do whatever she wanted and practice crazy antics without people knowing it was her.

“It was something I always wanted to do - just a personal endeavor.” Pascoal said.

Osheyack said, “to find a student who has the kind of A. the flexibility to deal with that schedule and B. is not really concerned with a consistent wage sometimes proves a little bit difficult. Combine all of that with what you want someone in the suit to do and that’s even more challenging.”

Osheyack said a lot of students say they want to take the position without considering what it takes to be the Hootie of KSC. “the idea of being a mascot is kind of a romantic one.” Osheyack said.

He added that often times when students come in to talk about becoming the mascot they don’t consider how hot the suit becomes, how heavy it can be, or the complications with schedule conflicts.

Pascoal said, “One day I just showed up and I told Abe ‘I want to be in the suit.’ And he was like ‘Ok awesome, we’ll pay you.’ And I said ‘You’re gonna pay me! Even better.’” Pascoal said this was an opportunity for her to play a character in someone outside a theatrical performance. Osheyack said that anyone who wants to be a mascot can reach out to him.

Sebastien Mehegan can be contacted at smehegan@ kscequinox.com

Owls fly through Fun Run ALYSSA WISNIEWSKI

Student Life editor On Friday, over 80 runners and walkers took part on Keene State College’s fourth annual Owl 5K Fun Run/ Walk hosted by Recreational Sports.

Lynne Andrews, the director of Recreational Sports said, “It’s a fun event for people who like to run or get outside.”

The 5K Run/Walk is intended for anyone who wanted to run and beat their time, or just enjoy walking along the trail.

“It’s a really nice day just to take a stroll if [students] prefer to,” said Andrews.

“Some students like to run for the challenge and others like to run for fun,” Andrews continued.

Andrews also added: “A lot of people like the challenge, they want to see what their time is and beat their friends.”

Paige Gouldthorpe, a first-year student and competitor in the event said, “This was my first 5K, and I really enjoyed it.”

Gouldthorpe also said, “I really liked the spirit of it. There was a lot of people cheering and clapping, which

made it really fun.”

“It was a challenge, but I would definitely do it again,” said Goldthorpe.

Gouldthorpe thought even if the trail was too long or tiring, the outcome and finishing the run was very rewarding. “I don’t run very often, but after today, it was very rewarding to me to be able to complete it,” said Gouldthorpe.

Students, faculty and parents lined up at the Joyce soccer field, where the runners were sent off on a trail ending on Appian Way. “Running is good for exercise and it’s a great time of year to run,” says David Sweeney, the coordinator of Intramural sports and clubs.

Gouldthorpe also said she liked the weather: “I loved running the trail at this time of the year, the colors were so pretty.”

The 5K run is not a race. “It’s called the ‘Fun Run’ so we don’t have prizes, but we do announce their times and meet them at the finish line,” says Sweeney.

Some students like to run and not go to the gym, and the 5K run was perfect for that.

“Some people are strictly runners, so you don’t see them in the gym as much or playing other sports, it’s cool to give

these runners an opportunity to run for fun,” says Sweeney.

Tiffany Matthews, a health educator, was at the Center for Health and Wellness table at the finishing line.

“We like to be here to cheer on the students and hand out a healthy snack once they finish the 5K, ” Says Matthews.

Matthews also connected with students at the end to mention their nutrition coaching program.“For students who want the coaching, they can help with goal setting, give nutritional advice,” added Mathews.

Being outdoors with friends was a common interest a lot of the runners and faculty shared.

“It was a really good way to connect with my colleagues and enjoy the day,” Matthews said.

“It was more [fun] to go out and run, than being in my room all day,” Gouldthorpe added.

“It’s not about the time, the first place prize is a t-shirt that everyone else gets.

It’s really about participating, having fun, and taking on the challenge,” says Matthews.

Alyssa Wisniewski can be contacted at Awisniewski@kscequinox.com

GWEN PHILLIPS / EQUINOX STAFF

Students running through the finish line at the annual Owl 5K Fun Run/Walk.

KSCEQUINOX.COM Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

STUDENT LIFE / B3

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Sororities and fraternities host Pie a Phi ALYSSA WISNIEWSKI

StudEnt LifE Editor On Monday, students in Phi Sigma Sigma and Phi Lambda Chi Set up on the student lawn to be pied in the face while raising money for charity.

“We are raising money for the Special Olympics and the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation,” said Reilly Hankus, a member of Phi Sigma Sigma.

The sorority and fraternity wanted to raise money while having fun at the same time.

“We’re out here having fun while raising money for a great cause,” says Hankus.

Every Fraternity and Sorority on campus has an organization they focus their philanthropy on, but give back to local charities and communities as well.

“We also raise money for the community and any other foundation we come upon,” said Hankus.

Cameron Kershaw, member of Phi Lambda Chi, liked the participation from other students.

“Everyone seems really excited about. Even people who don’t know us at all will stop by and wonder what’s going on,” said Kershaw.

Both groups put on many of these events during the year, but this is the first one this year.

One of Kershaw’s favor-

STAFF COMMENTARY

Homesick in Morocco ALEXANDRIA SAURMAN

Equinox Staff

ite parts of his organization is meeting different people.

“I think the coolest part is meeting a diverse group of people and working together,” said Kershaw.

Most of the students in the organization had a lot of fun being pied in the face.

“I’ve been pied 3 times and I’ve only been here for an hour,” said Kershaw.

To make the event more interesting, they’ve also added chocolate sauce to the pies.

“It’s one dollar to pie one of us in the face, but for five dollars you can add chocolate sauce to the pie,” says Kershaw.

Lynne Andrews, Recreational sports and the advisor of Phi Sigma Sigma for twenty-four years, says that the pie in the face event is a good way to get students

ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / SENIOR STAFF involved.

“I like this one “Just working with them because a lot of people can and seeing the commitget involved. It’s not like ment that they make, not they have to donate a lot of only academically but also money, it’s just for fun and to the society, and the funcgoes towards a good cause,” tions within the sorority,” said Andrews.

Andrews said.

Andrews said that doing Andrews stated that philanthropy like this sororities have opened a shows students that soror- lot of opportunities to get ities and fraternities are more involved on campus more than just about party- if they were not involved in ing.

Greek Life.

“Hopefully it shows other “We have women who students what the sororities work on campus as leaders. and the fraternities do. It’s They are involved in things not just about social party. on campus they may not They’re actually doing a lot have been involved with of good work in the com- they weren’t involved with munity and doing a lot of the sorority,” said Andrews. fundraising for charities,” said Andrews.

Alyssa Wisniewski can be Andrews also said she contacted at likes to watch Phi Sigma awisniewski@kscequinoxSigma working together for com the community.

I’m over 3,700 miles from home with a five-hour time difference. Neither of my parents have access to cellular Internet, and I cannot text numbers outside of Morocco. I walk 20 minutes to class every morning through a neighborhood I’m unfamiliar with and study a language I’ve never attempted before.

Studying abroad is unlike anything I’ve done before, with all new experiences and opportunities Unfortunately, it also begets homesickness, something that’s not easily overcome. How do you deal with being homesick when you’re so far away and for such a long time?

1.

Use Internet and data to your advantage.

Use apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat and Facebook Messenger to stay in contact with friends and family.

Depending on where you travel to, restaurants or cafes may have Wi-Fi available. You can also purchase a SIM card for calling and data purposes. Just don’t be like me and accidently buy 25GB of data that expires in a month.

2.

Keep pictures of family and friends onhand. It never hurts to keep a photo in your wallet or set your phone screen to a picture of your loved ones. Having a picture of them is almost comforting; although you can’t be home with them, they’re still with you. Plus, it acts as a great conversation starter.

3.

Schedule a time to call home. Once a week, I try to get in contact with someone from home, whether it’s by email or phone. It’s not always successful since calls drop, but it works. Before leaving for another country, try setting up a day and time to call home and chat, even if it’s for half an hour. You’ll already be stressed adjusting to a new culture. The last thing you need to stress over is finding a time to call home. Focus your time on other things, like learning the Arabic alphabet a week before your final exam.

4.

Talk about it with others. You’re not the only one feeling homesick. Its normal to miss home, especially when you’re away for so long (in my case, threeand-a-half months). I spent my entire summer with my family, so leaving for Morocco was extremely difficult. When I got here, I was able to find a few close

Humans of KSC

“Do you follow your weekly horoscope?”

Compiled by Angelique Inchierca

“Yes. I love zodiac signs and all that, it’s spot on.”

- Emily Butkus

“Sometimes, I check it now and then but I don’t do it everyday.

- Alexandra Lacy

friends to confide in, which I am extremely grateful for. These are friends you’ll have for years down the road.

5.

Find something that reminds you of home.

During my third week in Morocco, my friends and I talked non-stop about missing junk food, especially Cool Ranch Doritos. On our way to Marrakesh, my classmates and I stopped at a gas station for a quick break. There were a few of us sitting at tables, enjoying the fresh mountain air, and a few inside buying coffee. It was then when one of my friends approached our table holding a bright blue bag.

“Doritos,” I excitedly thought to myself. “Cool Ranch Doritos!” When she turned the beautiful bag around to reveal the Doritos logo, I found myself extremely disappointed. They were Sweet Chili Pepper flavored. Nonetheless, I tried them and, realizing they tasted surprisingly good, purchased a bag. For just a brief moment, they reminded me of home.

6.

Make time for yourself. I cannot stress this enough. Studying abroad involves a lot of changes like dietary adjustments, environmental surroundings, social changes and academic changes. If you don’t take time to relax and reboot, you will drain yourself. Lack of sleep and increase in stress will make you moodier. Relax, sleep, and don’t feel guilty about it.

Alexandria Saurman can be contacted at asaurman@kscequinox.com

T h i s W e e k

“No, unfortunately I don’t pay attention to that kind of stuff.”

- Michael Russillo

“No, not all the time.”

- Jennifer Lewis

KSCEQUINOX.COM

“No [I don’t].”

- Riley Schaeffler

“I do.”

- Brenda Lewis

a t K S C @KSCEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

STUDENT LIFE / B4

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Oct 31, 2018 | Zorn Dining Commons

Stay Connected dineoncampus.com/keene

@keenedining

@keenestatedining

MONDAY

50 PIZZA %

OFF

Bring your family to Ramunto’s over Parent’s Weekend.

Bring home FREE pizza coupons.

(dine-in only)

Limited time only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Good at Keene location only.

Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza of Keene is the perfect place for Keene State College students to entertain family and friends during Parent’s Weekend. We offer sensational food, a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and very affordable prices.

For every $30 spent by your party, you will receive a coupon good for one FREE large cheese pizza for weekday dine-in. The more you spend, the more FREE pizza coupons you receive. It’s our way of thanking you for choosing Ramunto’s.

To qualify for this offer, you must present a valid Keene State College student ID along with a copy of this ad or a handout that will be distributed during Keene State College Day. This promotion is valid from Friday, October 19 thru Sunday, October 21.

FREE Pizza coupons are for dine-in only and redeemable any Monday through Thursday, expiring on December 31, 2018.

These coupons cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid at Keene location only.

ONE SEVENTY SIX MAIN STREET, KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

KSCEQUINOX.COM

357-3555

@KSCEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

CREATIVE C LLECTIONS

Creative Collections / B5 Thursday, October 25, 2018

KSCEQUINOX.COM

SHORT STORY

RECIPE

Life of a Halloween Pumpkin

A Fall Season Apple Pie Cake

ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA

Senior Staff Life started small for me, literally. As a seedling, the world was dark. I was buried beneath roughly patted dirt, never seeing the sun. I became restless.

Stretching my roots to expand and grow, and then I began to feel a faint warmth and see a distant glow. The rough, hard dirt that I was used to had began to soften.

Soon I was peeking through the surface of the barren patch.

At times, it seemed like the trees that guarded us were playing hide and seek by releasing their leaves to cover me and my friends. As I matured, I pushed them aside and stood tall.

The blackness I had stayed in for so long was mundane compared to the vast explosion of colors above. I too had evolved from a small solid substance to a beautiful ivy green, that was just the beginning. If someone had told me then that life was going to be so short, I would have cherished that moment longer. Unfortunately, no one did.

With each passing day, my peers and I grew just a little larger than the day before. And soon I was done with my simple green leaves and had grown a small bud of sorts, as my friend called it. Each of us taking our own shade, the patch soon was filled with orange, yellow and almost red round masses. We were stunning. It was our prime stage, the one we'd all been waiting for. And soon, as history made its way around the cycle again, a large square object holding many little life forms rolled to a stop just passed our precious

guardian trees. Dozens of little beings came rushing out of the large object and into our home.

Sadly, today was not my day to go off and start my new chapter.

As I saw the slight twinges of pain my friends had shown when being removed from our most valuable life source, it was almost as if they were transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. This strange moment of confusion and change was something that all of us had wanted since our first kiss of fall air. I decided I was going to sit and mature and grow bigger, better and irresistible for the next round of small kindlings.

I was beautiful. I was confident that this time I would be brought into a new family. A smaller rolling object appeared with much less beings inside.

They walked around patch, a family of younglings and adoring

LAURA ROMANIELLO / ARTS DIRECTOR

caregivers. The two adult creatures watched their young trip over my friends as they searched for the perfect match, their perfect match. Soon, one had come to scoop me up. Feelings of excitement and waves of nausea had overwhelmed me at the touch of their tiny hands around my plump orange self. Pulling me by the hair of my stem made me wince but laugh at their naivety.

Soon I was placed on a very cold surface and covered up by warm fitted plastic. Change was occurring faster than I could process and soon I was in a giant rolling beast. Moments had turned into minutes and minutes had turned into hours. I listened to their laughter and peculiar changes in tones as they spoke with one another. I was home.

The family abandoned the

beast but I was still lying there.

And now the moments that passed were not as fun or comforting. I was alone in a dark place for much longer than I had anticipated, but soon they came back and just as equally as I had been taken from my past home, I was taken into my new “forever home.” There I sat as the warm heavy air slowly pushed against my softening skin. And after smoke filled the air around us and the lights began to dim, I was placed on top of neatly pressed sheets of paper, I was sure that this was the moment, my rite of passage. Looking back, if I could, I would have never have chosen to leave the small pumpkin patch of mine.

Weeks have passed since then. My beautiful coat has now degraded to a muddy brown. All I can remember after the incident is the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar pastries. I'm sure they meant well. I'm sure the surgery was only meant to bring as much joy as their laughter seemed to show. And now as I shiver in the cold, I'm touching the sweet crumbling dirt beneath me. The same that I had yearned to run away from. That slow moving, tranquil darkness that I longed to run away from, now seems very peaceful. If I could go back to the pumpkin patch and warn my friends I would, but I can't.

For now I will softly end my cycle here as many of those pumpkins before me had. Just another never-ending cycle of the Halloween pumpkin.

Angelique can be contacted at ainchierca@escequinox.com

LAURA ROMANIELLO

artS Directr Who doesn't love a good cake? So fluffy, so moist, so delicious! Now let’s imagine that cake and add some apples and brown sugar to it. Is your mouth watering yet? Today I'm going to show you how to make an apple cake! It's nothing like your traditional apple pie, but it will surely keep you reaching for more.

Here's how to make it: Ingredients: For topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup packed brown sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup butter, cut into small pieces

2. In medium bowl, stir together flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar and the salt until crumbly for the topping.

3. In another medium bowl, gently stir together Apple Mixture ingredients; set aside.

4. In large bowl, beat Cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pan.

For cake: 1 box Betty Crocker yellow cake mix

For apple mixture: 6 apples, peeled, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons lemon juice

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with baking spray.

5. Spread apple mixture evenly over cake batter. Sprinkle Topping evenly over top.

6. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Laura Romaniello can be contacted at lromaniello@kscequinox.com

THIS WEEK'S

The Making of: A campus club ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA

Senior Staff This time last year, I stepped onto the Night Owl Cafe stage and performed a song that opened a door to many great opportunities.

Keene State College’s Aspire program held a karaoke night in the NOC, and a few friends of mine wanted to go. They had a blast performing in their native languages, but I didn’t want to sing.

Instead, I signed each song in American Sign Language in my seat. After catching the eye of KSC senior program support assistant Beth Zinn and other Aspire staff, Beth and I found our common love for sign and Deaf culture and decided we both wanted to make a way to spread Deaf awareness across campus. Our first idea seemed simple, we decided to form the Owl Sign Language Club.

Both Beth and I had never started a club before, so it was a long and complicated process. Before you start your journey, you need to buckle down and get the work done. Here is how you can become the founder and president of your own KSC club!

First, you need an advisor. Finding a staff or faculty member who shares the common interest for your club is important. If you don’t have someone in mind, start asking around. Chances are someone else has the same desire to start a club too!

After finding an advisor, you can email Coordinator of student activities and organizations Britany Galla-

gher, where she will ask you for a typed-out constitution for your club. This may sound intimidating, but it is really just a form for basic rules, guidelines and student requirements. My club’s constitution consists of why the club exists, our goals, who can join the club, officer positions and descriptions, and a few other sections. Beth and I took other clubs’ constitutions as a good reference for our own. Once finished and approved by Britany Gallagher, I presented it to a committee in Student Government to get approved before Beth and I attended the larger Student Assembly meeting to briefly explain our constitution and get approved there.

Congratulations! The hard part is over! Now you need to find a time to meet, a place (the website is 21Live, Student Government gives you step-by-step directions) and start promoting! I created flyers and facebook posts to bombard every official and unofficial class page with my club name, meeting dates and times!

Here is a tip; if you want to make sure you are selecting a good time for people, post a poll on the facebook class pages! That’s how I knew when the majority of students would be able to come to meetings.

Before you can get a budget, your club needs to be running for a full academic school year. For this, you need to maintain a good group of students and have an Executive Board. Once your president and treasurer are voted in, they become the ones to attend P-Card training (for your club budget) and are the main liaisons for the club. While your advisor is there if you need help,

Did you know?

KSC really encourage students to learn and be leaders.

So expect people to ask you to do most of the writing, e-mailing and meetings without your advisor’s assistance.

The process seems long and tedious, but once all the paperwork is done, you can start hanging flyers and get ready for your first meeting! I suggest writing an agenda and creating sign-in sheets (with name, ID number and email) beforehand so you can focus more on connecting with new members and having fun!

Good Luck!

Some animal shelters won’t allow the adoption of black cats around Halloween for fear they’ll be sacrificed.

Angelique inchierca can be contacted at ainchierca@kscequinox.com

I love dressing up for halloween...

I usually don't have enough time to plan though This year I am going to have an amazing costume.

Welll, maybe it's not how much time I have...

Laziness strikes again...

INFORMATION BY HUFFINGTONPOST.COM

END

LAURA ROMANIELLO / ARTS DIRECTOR

CREATIVE COLLECTIONS IS A COMPILATION OF KEENE STATE COLLEGE STUDENTS' WORK. THE MAIN PURPOSE IS TO SHOWCASE THE CREATIVITY OF OUR STUDENTS IN MULTIPLE ART FORMS. ANY ENROLLED KSC STUDENT CAN SUBMIT TO THIS SECTION BY CONTACTING ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA AT [AINCHIERCA@KSCEQUINOX.COM].

Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Sports / B6

Thursday, October 25, 2018

A break-out year

ADRIANA DANIEL / EQUINOX STAFF

Brianna Feldman awarded LEC Rookie Diver of the week after appearing in her first collegiate meet IZZY HARRIS

Equinox Staff Brianna Feldman is making quite a pool of achievements for the 2017-2018 Swim and Dive season.

Feldman was awarded the Little East Conference (LEC) Rookie Diver of the Week. Feldman placed second on the one-meter board with a score of 163.20, and second on the 3-meter board with a score of 133.45 at the Keene State vs. Colby Sawyer meet on October 14.

Head Swim and Dive Coach Chris Wooldridge said Brianna had never even been off of a 3 meter board before college.

“I think the thing I’ve noticed most about her so far is her willingness to try anything and to go for it, even if it’s a painful result,” said Wooldridge.

Likewise, her teammate Molly O’Connor said, “She’s willing to do whatever dive she has to do, she’s fearless,

she’s a team player.”

“I just think of it as an opportunity to try new things.

I just kind of do it and hope for the best. I’m very tough and will work through pain,” said Feldman.

Wooldridge said he would describe Feldman as happy, high energy, able to get along well with her teammates, and that she enjoys both practice and the competition.

Similarly, O’Connor said Feldman is sweet, kind hearted, bubbly, caring and funny. “She’s supportive, she’s hardworking, she’s willing to do what it takes to win,” O’Connor said.

Feldman said she was shocked to see she had been given this award and that she wasn’t expecting it.

“It feels good knowing that I’ve been noticed, [especially] being a freshman,” said Feldman.

Wooldridge said that being the LEC rookie of the week means that, “She out-dove everyone else in the

conference, it’s sort of a virtual comparison.”

O’Connor said that this award means that Feldman has a lot of potential.

“I hope I improve to get my scores up higher and make it regionals,” said Feldman.

Feldman also has a background in gymnastics which O’Connor said brings a different set of skills to the team, rather than someone who is only experienced with diving.

“I think gymnastics has helped my diving ability, but has already given me a sense of what I’m doing. I have a background on how to twist, rotate, and flip my body. Also having a gymnastics background, my body already knows what it’s doing so I don’t have to relearn things,” Feldman said.

“Divers contribute a lot of points and can make or break a meet, so the fact that she’s doing so well already is a really good sign,” O’Connor said.

“She’s willing to do what it takes to contribute to the program,” said Wooldridge.

Wooldridge also said he hopes to see her grow by, “Increasing the difficulty of her dives and challenging herself, which I already know she’s working on.”

O’Connor said that, “I hope that she carries on with the rest of the season doing well, and that she learns a bunch of new dives.”

Feldman started diving two years ago and said, “I feel like I’ve improved so much because of the coaches here.”

“Diving is something fun to do to connect with more people and do something I like,” said Feldman.

Izzy Harris can be contacted at iharris@kscequinox.com

Student managers: Not all heroes wear capes MATTHEW BARRIGA

Equinox Staff Keene State College is home to a variety of sports teams, many of which are made up of unique players that fill important roles.

However, there is one position on these teams that is oftentimes overlooked — the team manager.

According to Assistant Athletic Director Abraham Osheyack, the position of team manager can be a big commitment, no matter the sport.

“Team managers work very closely with our coaches in helping them with a lot of administrative work, whether that be team film, helping to organize meals, cleaning laundry, any of those times ... Some coaches have needs and expectations that are different than others,” said Osheyack.

He also said that there are roughly under a dozen team managers currently on campus.

“If you’re interested in coach-

ing or some of the administrative aspects of collegiate athletics, there are worse ways you can start than being a manager. It gives you real insight into how teams operate and how to work with coaches. It can be a lot of fun, but it’s certainly a lot of work.”

KSC senior Amanda Baldwin has had experience as team manager for the women’s lacrosse team.

Baldwin played on the team her first year of college, and was the team manager her junior year.

She said that her experience that year, on top of all throughout high school, helped her understand the team’s needs so that she could be the best manager possible.

“I switched my majors when I was a sophomore, and I needed more time to focus on my studies and focus on school. Junior year I was going to come back, but ended up being the manager which worked out well for my major.”

Baldwin said she’s majoring in exercise science, a choice that

stemmed from experience she had in high school: “In high school I actually tore my ACL playing lacrosse,” she said. “The recovery process and working with my team being a coach instead of a player made me realize I wanted to work around sports. Moving to exercise science, I can work with teams and get experience for a career instead of just a side job.”

Baldwin said a large part of her job involved going to every practice, helping to run drills, and getting all the gear organized for games.

“It wasn’t a huge commitment because my coach was very flexible and understanding, but I still wanted to be committed and to be part of the team. I did get paid for some of it, which was a big help. If I could do it this year I would, it just didn’t work out with my schedule.”

Panthavey Pradachith is the men’s soccer team manager. A senior here at Keene State, Pradachith has been managing the team for the past four years.

“I love soccer, I did it throughout my whole life. I didn’t do it [in college] because I had a few injuries.”

Pradachith is also an exercise science major, and said that getting experience behind the scenes is great for his major.

“I’m usually there at every practice, and when it comes to game days I set up all the jerseys. I travel with them for away games and do as much as I can.”

Pradachith also said that it’s definitely a time commitment, but nothing that can’t be managed: “I totally recommend it to anyone interested in the sport, or just generally wants to be involved and get to know other people.”

Matthew Barriga can be contacted at mbarriga@kscequinox.com

KSC Student KSC Sports Manager

LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR

@KSCEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

Sports / B7

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Luke’s Kickin’ Column

USMNT draw 1-1 against Peru LUKE STERGIOU

Senior photographer On October 16, the United States Men’s National Team drew 1-1 against the Peru Men’s National Team. Although the U.S. salvaged a draw, the game was not a performance to remember for the USMNT. The first half was abysmal.

Interim head coach Dave Sarachan made 9 total changes to the squad, with the likes of Brad Guzan replacing the injured Zack Steffen in goal, and adding Jonathan Amon, Reggie Cannon and Aaron Long to make their debuts.

The debutantes showed promise, but their actions would ultimately not be enough to give the U.S. the edge against Peru.

The United States was dominated by Peru, despite creating some good attacking chances early on. Peru may have controlled the possession for majority of the first half, but La Blanquirroja were not able to penetrate the U.S. defense, even with 4 of the shots being on target.

The U.S. started off the second half looking rejuvenated, with 18 year old midfielder Josh Sargent nearly scoring after a great pass from Jonathan Amon in the 47th minute.

Sargent would go on to redeem himself two minutes later as Kellyn Acosta would deliver a low lying pass to the young striker, who slotted it past the Peruvian Keeper to make it 1-0 to the United States.

Peru would make a few substitutions shortly after, including Orlando City midfielder Yoshimar Yotun, to help bolster the team’s attack. La Blanquirroja got off to a slow start during the second half, with the team’s first shot on goal coming in the 70th minute.

Peru would continue to press and try to break down the U.S. defense, with their efforts being rewarded in the 86th minute when Edison Flores equalized for Peru.

The game ended 1-1, with the USMNT failing to score a last minute winner against the South American team.

Although I am happy that the U.S. did not lose, as a fan it still feels like the team is lacking. Despite the debutantes showing much potential and promise, the team still feels incomplete. Yes, the omissions of Christian Pulisic, Weston Mckennie and Tyler Adams were very much noticed, as the team is not the same without their creativity and lethal striking ability on top.

Obviously, the team still has a ways to go in terms of creating a solid team for the future, and especially for the World Cup in 2022.

Having the team be built of a lot of young players is fantastic, but the team still lacks depth.

The team needs players who can be flexible, and multiple players for each position that will prove to be vital in the end. Although a tie against Peru on home soil is not the most ideal result, it’s better than losing.

Luke Stergiou can be contacted at lstergiou@kscequinox.com

ADRIANNA DANIEL / EQUINOX STAFF

NEW SEASON CONT. FROM B8

Much like what Cain had said about having short term goals, the team is going to focus on the little things to improve this season.

For this season, the team is going to focus on playing faster and working to prevent fouls.

“It’s such an easy way for the other team to get points,” Cain said. Nichols said they’re going to be more spaced out on the court compared to last year.

The first-years this season are bringing a lot to the court,

Olson said, “With the freshman coming in, they’re a lot more when you watch a team with that type of approach and attiathletic, so there’s a lot we can do. They’re learning quick and tude it makes for a nice product,” said Cain. have a lot of heart.” These tryouts have been different with the amount of freshman that are coming in. Cain said the Adriana Sanchez can be contacted team usually has a higher amount of freshman trying out. at asanchez@kscequinox.com Nichols said despite having eight to ten first years and few returners, the chemistry is strong. “We’re about to go to war with each other so we have to have each other’s back,” said Olson.

“From a coaching standpoint, this is an awesome group of guys. I think it’s a group of guys that if you come to our games, they’ll be enjoyable to watch and interact with. As you see us play, you’ll see a team that really gets along well with one another, that really cares about each other. I think

Making his mark on the field

SOREN FRANTZ / EQUINOX STAFF

Wesley McIntosh featured in the photo, after the men’s soccer team beat Plymouth State in a 3-1 game. McIntosh scored one goal for the KSC Owls.

First year Wesley McIntosh awarded LEC rookie of the week, scoring 7 goals so far in season MATTHEW BARRIGA

equinox Staff Wesley McIntosh is a transfer sophomore here at Keene State College, and was recently awarded the Little East Conference “Rookie of the Week” award for men’s soccer.

McIntosh transferred from NHTI in Concord, New Hampshire. When asked why he transferred, he said: “I knew going into it that I was only going to be there for one or two years. I always wanted soccer to be a part of my college career, and the level of soccer they had wasn’t the level I wanted to play at.

Soccer was a big part of the choice [to come to KSC] for sure.”

“I’d definitely say it was my parents that got me into soccer,” said McIntosh. “Honestly I can’t even remember when I started, I was so young. I’d say I was probably around three years old. I started playing competi-

tively around the age of ten, when I joined a club team called Seacoast United. I played on the academy team, which is supposed to be the best level of soccer you can get besides professional in America. We would play the New England Revolution younger academy teams.”

Given this serious commitment, McIntosh said he didn’t play for his high school until his senior year. He said he left the academy team around this time due to disagreements with his coach. “He just thought that I was a different person and player than I thought I was, so we just didn’t see eye to eye on everything. We were two different types of people with different playing styles. How he wanted me to play versus how I wanted to play — it just didn’t work.”

McIntosh also said that one of his favorite parts of KSC soccer is the team. “I love the team. Honestly, I can’t say there’s

one person I dislike. The coaching staff is awesome, there’s always a good amount of people at the games — it doesn’t feel like a team, it feels like a family.”

When asked if he had any plans to be captain, McIntosh was indifferent. “I’ve always kind of been the non-captain type. If people vote for me and the coach wants me to, I’m sure I could take on that task. But deep down I don’t know if I’m the best fit for that, but you never know — we’ll see.”

According to head coach Rick Scott, McIntosh had a great week: “He played very well. He set up a big goal against Western Connecticut, he actually broke in and brought some defenders with him. It was very selfless of him, and was actually the one goal we scored in the game.” Scott said McIntosh is a well-rounded player, and generally moves him between striker and attacking midfielder. “We knew of Wes his senior

year at Bishop Brady, and when he played for Seacoast Academy. We didn’t think we had a chance at him — he was interested in other schools.”

Team captain Donovan Harris contributed McIntosh’s award to the work he puts in both on and off the field. Harris also said that McIntosh brought a good energy to the team, but still had to get acclimated to KSC soccer.

“The first couple weeks of preseason it was kind of a struggle for him to get used to a new play style. But he brings a lot of attributes to the team that we didn’t have last year. He’s definitely grown as a player this past season.

He’s a funny guy, and very laid back — but he knows that when he steps on the field, it’s game time.”

Matthew Barriga can be contacted at mbarriga@kscequinox.com

@KSCEQUINOX Template 022308 JJP

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

A BREAK-OUT YEAR SEE B6

Sports / B8

Thursday, October 25, 2018

SPORTS

MAKING HIS MARK ON THE FIELD SEE B7

KSCEQUINOX.COM

In the record books

SOREN FRANTZ / EQUINOX STAFF

Riley Bunker playing in the women’s Volleyball game against Rivier University broke the Keene State College school record for all-time dig leader. The team lost 3-1.

Senior Riley Bunker smashes the KSC all-time record for number of digs by any one player CAILLA PRISCO

SportS Editor Senior Riley Bunker has become Keene State College’s new all-time dig leader in the team’s game against Rivier University after smashing the previous record set by Sarah Peterson in 2008.

According to Keene State Athletics, Bunker needed 16 digs to pass Peterson’s set record and wound up doubling that number during the match.

The team played their hardest competitor, UMass Boston, the following Saturday as well as celebrated the team’s Senior Day where Bunker and her three fellow seniors — Kali Sequeira, Kait West and Niamh Dodd — were honored.

Bunker says that breaking the record was, “Really cool and never a set plan.”

She went on to say, “I knew I was close this season, my coach came up to me at the end of the season last semester and said that there was a good chance that I would break it at some point and its really cool to do that. But I’m still just trying to be the best I can be for my team, this is a nice

bonus,” said Bunker.

Head Coach of the volleyball team Bob Weiner said that he is, “really happy for Riley.” Weiner also described Bunker as a “great asset of the team and very hard working, always trying to be the best she can.”

“She is a very interesting cat, the way she motivates herself and the way she moves forward doesn’t change much. She’s already a terrific leader and she’s already our motivating force,” said Weiner.

Weiner said that this year has been very different from previous years: “We are good as we are, but we need to play better as a group.”

After losing many great senior players that played a big role of the team, Weiner said: “We are in such an interesting position, we lost an All American hitter who was thirty four percent of our offense, which is a big piece of the pie, and now we distribute the ball more evenly and we don’t have that one soul in the offense to look to when we are in trouble, so we all have to be good,” said Weiner.

Assistant coach Taylor Bright agreed with

Weiner and said, “We are definitely not in a rebuilding year, we just got something different this year, it’s not the same group but it’s the same volleyball, so we are equally as good. Just a change,” said Bright.

Senior and middle blocker Kali Sequeira said that she was “so proud of Riley.”

“I love Riley and it’s always so awesome to see one of your teammates have an accomplishment like that — especially since we are both seniors and graduating this year, so she got to make her mark at Keene and that makes me really happy,” said Sequeira.

The Owls will be on the road Saturday, October 27 at Rhode Island College with a match starting at 1:30 p.m.

Cailla Prisco can be contacted at cprisco@kscequinox.com

2nd 1st

3rd LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR

The start of a new season

KSC Men’s Basketball practice begins in preparation of this upcoming season ADRIANA SANCHEZ

Social MEdia dirEctor Many teams have different tactics that they use to approach in their upcoming season.

Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball team Ryan Cain has his own philosophy. For starters, he doesn’t appoint team captains. He doesn’t like the idea of having the team lean on a set of players.

“We try to create a culture of leadership on the team and we don’t want to limit it to certain guys. I think leadership is natural in the game and guys that have special strengths will step up in those ways,” said Cain.

Another key factor in Cain’s coaching philosophy is to make sure the team doesn’t set long term goals. He believes the team needs to focus on day-to-day goals.

“We want to keep it at smaller goals and not worry

about what happens at the end of the year, and not worry about what people might perceive to be big games are on the schedule. If you start thinking that way you might not play how you should play on a consistent basis. Our whole goal is to put a system in place so we are consistently playing as well as we can,” Cain said.

Junior Ben Olson agrees with his coach. “Short term goals is what I learned freshman year. You have to maintain that to sustain throughout the whole season.

You have to ask yourself, ‘what do I have to do today?’ and not looking forward the LEC championship, but what’s going to happen today,” said Olson.

Although he has this mindset, he does have teams in mind that he wants to beat. Ty Nichols, a teammate and key player who scored 1500 points last season, agrees.

“As a team we have to get better every day at practice, from last season it’s our home record. We only lost two games at home but we need to improve on our road record, we lost to a couple of teams we weren’t supposed to lose to,” Nichols said.

They both said they want to beat Middlebury, Springfield, MIT and Eastern Connecticut.

Cain believes his team has one of the hardest schedules across the country. “I think the reality is, we play one of the toughest schedules in the entire country,” Cain said.

He added on that the teams they play are high ranked. “Our schedules is that good that you need to play your best every night,” he said. They were ranked seventh in New England at the end of their last season.

Having one of the toughest schedules means players are going to have to step up.

Last season, the team only played two guys who had played for them in the past so everyone else had the opportunity to step up. Cain says it’ll be the same this year. He added on, “I think a lot of those guys that had the opportunity to play last year and used that opportunity to help them grow throughout the off season and the experience they have will be beneficial.”

During their off season, some of the players kept in touch. “At our level, for teams to be really good, it requires a group of players committed to it that have the desire to work on their own without having it to be mandatory — because at our level, it can’t be mandatory,” said Cain. He explained due to the NCAA, the coaching staff can’t obligate their players to do off season practice or leagues, it’s all up to the players.

SEE NEW SEASON ON B7

Template 022308 JJP